Forgemaster (Book 1 in the Spirit Guide Saga)

Forgemaster (Book 1 in the Spirit Guide Saga) Page 14

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

Chapter 13

  Kanade sat on the floor of their living room playing with Blossom when Ethan exited the bathroom and had changed into a brown leather jacket over a green t-shirt and had the front zipped half way. Matching leather pants hugged his hips. Ethan felt odd wearing the firm yet supple leather, but Kanade and Ethan both knew the leather served as more than light armor, around the cuffs, seams and all around it were very tiny runes wrapped around and were created by her very hand. It was a surprise gift a month ago where Kanade said she’d been secretly enchanting them for a month earlier all for him. He knew the words to activate the protection in the event danger was present and the gift was a treasure. He hooked the headset to his ear and didn’t turn it on just yet. Ethan turned just as Floa landed on his shoulder and grabbed his dark auburn hair for stability. “All set?” he glanced down without turning his head too quickly.

  “Yep yep!” Floa grinned at the gray eyeball.

  “Ethan?” he turned as she stood, carrying the young Pixie in the curve of her slender arm as she towered over her mate and tiny perched friend. Ethan smiled to lessen the terror she expressed in her sorrowful gaze. “Promise you’ll come home soon.”

  “As soon as possible, Angel.” He vowed.

  “Floa, you’ll stay close to him won’t you?”

  The Pixie sighed loudly. “Girl, will you quit worrying your pretty little head. We have the strongest warrior leading us and none on the team are slouches. Everything will be under more control in Italy than here with my daughter. You forget, I’ve been at this far longer than all of you, Girlfriend. I’ll go where I’m needed and get everyone out safely.” Then she waved. “Blossom, you be good for your auntie and your father and I will take you somewhere fun.”

  The young girl threw her chubby arms up going “Yea! Yea! Auntie Kanna I beee a good girl, right?”

  Enchantress Kanade smiled adoringly at the young one before locking her golden gaze with grey and leaning down for a tender kiss. It hinted at more upon return. “Be safe, Ethan. I love you.”

  “Love you too.” He then tickled Blossom’s exposed pea green ribs. “You too little scoundrel.” The Pixie child giggled and burrowed for safety beneath Kanade’s shirt. Blossom’s head soon peeked out from between Kanade’s bosom after writhing inside for a moment. A bright grin plastered her adorable face.

  “Let’s go out.” Floa tugged on Ethan’s hair and pointed outside. She couldn’t teleport so long as the privacy runes were in effect and with both Ethan and Kanade inside, they are always activate when together.

  Outside they spotted Storm-shadow in full, warhorse armor. The stallion was armored by Ethan before he carried him home to get ready. Storm-shadow’s armor wasn’t made of polished and ostentatious silver or gold, but painted a non-reflective, tactical black like his coat. It wasn’t the first time Ethan strapped on the armor, but it was their first actual combat mission together. The front of Storm-shadow’s breast, ribs, underbelly and flanks were protected by thick yet exceptionally light plates and a horse’s helmet guarded his face. The body armor was made in sixteen connected plates the Pegasai simply stepped into and Ethan simply had to secure heavy duty leather straps which snugly hugged the stallion. The only unprotected areas were the armpits and wings.

  Storm-shadow was a truly menacing and inspiring figure.

  Down the steps Ethan went till he and his partner met and quickly mounted. Floa said “This will be quicker, Boys.” And clapped.

  Instantly they were transported to the designated meeting area just south of the castle’s main road. They weren’t the first to arrive as Nell sat comfortably on Magnus’ broad shoulders, her ankles crossed over his chest as if she weighed nothing and for once the Nymph wore more than the absolute bare minimum to be publically seen. Nell wore silver chainmail over her torso with her new Dragon’s Horn bow secured across her back with a full quiver of white feather fletched arrows. She wore cotton pants and strapped to her thighs were an assortment of throwing knives. Magnus though was dangerously imposing as he too wore a full set of armor like a knight, but like Storm-shadow, it is non-reflective black and the helm also had a place for his seven inch long ivory horn to protrude. At his side was the heavy metal club, Zaxis.

  Approaching together came Blake and Ellen, also armored, but wearing thick and maneuverable leather like Ethan. Blake still kept his three swords, but Ellen had more than her two claymores this time as she also carried a bow and quiver.

  Quickly, almost running, was Kira. She and Floa were the only ones without any armor, but the Witch wore form fitting jeans, running shoes and a red sweatshirt. Around her waist was a pouch hiding potions and hanging from her shoulder was a purse likely filled with more Witchcraft materials. Out of everyone, Kira seemed the most casual and normal. They met up and she said “Sorry for being late, lads! Had to make sure we all are prepared to face two greater demons.”

  “Don’t worry. You are right on time.” Nell greeted and lightly dropped off her husband’s wide, armor-plated shoulders. “Kira, right?”

  “Aye?” the Witch said.

  “Did you make sure to bring some Siren plugs? Are you ready to fight a demon horde. Who knows how deep this plot goes and how many have assisted the two demons.” Nell flicked her long green hair over her slender shoulder, making her pointy ears peek out and Ethan held Storm-shadow’s reins loosely while remaining seated.

  “I assure you I have spent all morning and lunch preparing. While you all were working together I was readying for what might possibly await.” Kira then pulled the zipper at her purse and extracted a tiny vial with a yellow tint and a stopper. “This will be more effective than Siren plugs. One drop in each ear will last two days and no Siren magic can lull one to sleep or shatter our ear drums will happen. But be sure to kill it quick for close range will liquefy our brains. And as an added bonus, the drops won’t hinder hearing like plugs do.”

  “Really?” Nell shrugged and stepped closer to tilt her head. “Do me then.”

  Kira dropped a single droplet down the Nymph’s ears, but passed it around after. Ethan followed Ellen and also did Storm-shadow, from the saddle. There was a momentary sense of burning, but then it went away and Kira explained the potion was simply protecting the inner ear by coating the eardrum. Floa had to grow to take her drops and returned the still mostly full solution back to Kira.

  Ethan though said “But what if the Kitsune has the Mallatiatherium Sword? We know the objects are separated, but how will we contend if it’s in its hands?”

  “A gamble.” Blake said and he rolled a shoulder and tightened a strap on his spiked forearm bracer. “The information is sketchy to be sure, but Kitsune aren’t naturally swordsman and Sirens do like sharp things. It is just a guess, but if the Kitsune has the demon sword there is no potion I’m aware of to truly neutralize their powers over nature and illusion… Unless I’m mistaken?” Blake’s eyes tuned to the Witch.

  “Not that I’m aware of either.” Kira said. “I can fight the illusions somewhat, but, Ethan, if it attacks with plants it’ll be up to you.”

  “Got it. We all set?” Ethan asked and watched as Blake, Ellen, Kira and Nell all took out a nearly identical device that he wore. The only one that was most modified was Blake’s since he didn’t have an ear to support the limb and eye piece, but he fixed that with a strap that wrapped around his head. Then Ethan took a closer look at Magnus’ helmet to see just behind the left eyelet was a screen also. “Wait, you all have one too?”

  “Of course.” Ellen said. “It helps with communication and we can link them together so we all know where the other is.”

  “That’s why I was late.” Kira said. “I just received mine a few minutes ago so I don’t know all its functions.” Nell pat Kira’s shoulder and promised to give a quick rundown.

  “Well this makes things easier. Everyone turn yours on.” They said the activation sequence. “My dearest angel.” Was Ethan’s unique start up phrase and the screen instantly flashed and calculated targets
, distances and oriented to finish procedures in two short seconds. “Activate and link to all devices within twenty feet, priority leader, mine.” It beeped and five sequenced numbers activated. The numbers signified the others in range. “One: Blake. Priority; Second in command, Two: Kira, Three: Nell, Four: Magnus, Five: Nell. Save as primary priority contact as ‘Team Link’.” Another beep confirmed order’s success. “Blake One!” The image on the lens shifted to Blake’s point of view along with sound that came from the other point of view and Ethan cycled through the remaining four to say “Good. Is everyone alright with that?” Everyone’s screens automatically were bound to his with him being number one and Blake as his second.

  Magnus said “Simple and effective. You’re the leader now. Blake is the appropriate choice as second. Wise decision.”

  All eyes turned to him and he nodded. “Kira, as soon as Floa transfers us you’ll need to give us an exact position on the sword. I couldn’t link my set to even the general area and I’ve never been to Venice…”

  “I know the area.” Storm-shadow said. “Ethan and I will stay aerial to keep an eye on everyone.”

  “Agreed.” Ellen said. “You will see traps before we do. Kira, stay near Nell. It was decided as our best solution from training this morning.”

  “Everyone set?” Floa asked from Ethan’s shoulder and when no objections came she brought her small hands forward and clapped.

  The sun shifted immediately and no longer was there a beautiful castle or an amazing landscape, for Floa transferred them to a dark, dank alley in a maintained section of the city. The usual clean fragrance of an open environment Ethan was so used to was fouled in the next breath by city pollution, sounds of crowds and minimal nature. Ethan was used to city life, but in the last four months he preferred his new home. Storm-shadow’s hooves loudly clopped on concrete and brick.

  Before any so much as spoke, Storm-shadow charged down the wide alley and spread his wings to run and fly above the buildings. Ethan was ready as it was the plan and held on, ready for an ambush that could have been waiting. Thankfully there wasn’t so much as a hairy Goblin within sight. The winged stallion soon charged over the city, going ever higher and higher. Floa held onto Ethan’s hair and stayed close. It being the only way the stallion could fly with another passenger. Floa’s idea worked, but if she touched any part of the mount they’d begin falling. The nearby crowded streets had some people looking up, but none paid Storm-shadow any mind since nearly all humans were unable to glimpse what was truly around.

  Smelling Floa, some demonic bugs stupidly followed and she calmly spoke in Ethan’s right ear. He saw six large dragonfly-like bugs with six wings and a stinger at the end of a tail that is normally harmless and causes mild confusion except to their natural enemy, Pixies who were like nectar to bees. They were following relentlessly. A simple thought and a smile had the stupid insects ablaze and fell like smoking cinders. Two weren’t corporeal and completely vanished without a trace. Floa thanked him with a pat to a cheek.

  Nell had drawn her bow and readied three arrows, notching one, while Kira’s right index finger was already alight and writing a complex spell that lingered as if she were writing on paper. Only the most complex and powerful spells could retain light and shape in the empty air. Her features were set in deep concentration while all heard Blake unsheathing his two long bladed katanas. Their off-golden sheen was also forged by the Forgemaster herself and long runes were written down the flat sides of the identically curved blades. Ellen could be heard activating the spells on her hooves to go silent for her namesake, Quiethoof, while drawling her own bow and arrows. Blake readied Zaxis and stood protectively around the Witch and his beloved. They held still and set a small perimeter around Kira as she created more than a paragraph of runes that glowed a soft azure. Then she snapped her fingers and the runes coalesced into a ball of pure light no larger than a marble and harmlessly glided to her forehead to pass the flesh without resistance. Her green eyes snapped open and she said “Ethan, can you hear me?”

  “Loud and clear. What do you have for us?” His deep voice came from the earpieces they all wore.

  “Both items are definitely within a hundred miles of us.” She stated directly. “But I can see why no one could give us clear points of reference. The sword and mirror are being magically obscured from normal means. My spell is picking up the mirror from over a hundred areas. Kitsune magic, more powerful than any I’ve ever felt before. It’s like it is split up yet whole… just like Cook. I cannot distinguish real from fake or any traps it laid.” She made the analogy which he acknowledged with an audible grunt that was picked up clearly. The wind created by flight wasn’t translated over the link. Kira continued as she turned her head around and stopped as she looked at a wall. “The sword is different… I can barely feel its demonic origins, Boyo. It’s being heavily dampened somehow. All I can tell you it is…” her eye looked at the screen’s compass for a bearing. “Northwest of us. How far is uncertain. A common Caster would surely be overwhelmed.”

  “So the Siren very likely has the sword, why else would the Kitsune use its power otherwise?” Nell said. “Thankfully we’re not assuming wrongly and going after the bigger threat first.”

  “Blake, your nose and tongue is keenest.” Ethan said after relaying to Storm-shadow who spun almost completely around and flew in the spoken direction. “The mirror won’t work in daylight. Can you tell how bad it is down there?”

  “Bad.” The Naga said as he sniffed and licked the air like a snake. “The wind carries the scent of blood and fresh young demons. The ancient sword is already being used to create an army… Though the distance seems far from our position. What are your orders?”

  Though the morning lessons were short, much was accomplished. Ethan said “We go with Nell’s plan.” He remembered the different scenarios. “Fill Kira in along the way. Storm, Floa and I will keep an eye out for sentries and anything out of the ordinary. So long as a dragon doesn’t join the party we can handle any flyers.”

  Magnus nodded to the group and ran for the exit, keeping Zaxis at the ready. His heavy armor was loud, but didn’t slow him. He might have been large and weighted down, but he nimbly ran through the crowd in search of nearby transportation alone. He soon located a busy street, glad they weren’t near the waterways and would be heading away from Laguna Veneta’s influence. Behind his faceplate he smiled as he located a street sign saying Via Bissoula. Immediately his eyes landed on parked vehicles and that of an approaching Ghoul following around an old man in a wheelchair and a young woman pushing him around. The Ogre could see the man wasn’t long for the world and the Ghoul was waiting for his next meal, chatting with the young woman as if he were human, likely she thought him a man who would be there in the final moments and not a demon who would eat the old man’s soon to be dead body. The ghoul was hunched in the back, hairless with a gray parlor, thick yellow teeth and wore large pants that were bulged due to thick and powerful legs.

  The Ghoul immediately noticed Magnus in full battle armor, made some excuse to the young woman and leapt like a frog. The woman merely continued on her way while the Ogre chuckled at the fleeing lesser demon. Both knew a lone Ghoul was no match for even an unarmed Ogre.

  When the demon disappeared Magnus took a casual walk so as to not make the humans curious and found what he was in search of. He made sure the camera locked onto a large, parked semi-truck and asked “Ellen, will you be comfortable?”

  The Centaur had been half watching from her post at the corner building Magnus had vacated. She checked the display his headset transmitted and said “It will make for a perfect disguise. I can use the open trailer well. Commandeer it and pick us up.”

  “On it, Lass.” Magnus moved to the driver’s door, found it locked and pressed his club’s narrow end and spoke the activation sequence imbued, gave a twist as if it were a real key and it unlocked. He jumped inside, closed the door and hotwired it. The truck roared to life and he drove back
to the alley where the rest of the team waited safely. Everyone piled in, but it was Kira and Nell who rode in the cab so if any demon also paying attention would just see two women inside and Nell’s youthful appearance would make her seem like another woman with dyed hair.

  Soon they were on their way.

  Up in the sky where it would be nearly impossible to spot flew Storm-shadow. He listened to Ethan’s continual reports from Kira and was an asset for as she drove she narrowed down the many places to watch. Ethan had his tiny camera on zoom so he could keep an eye on the trailer and any dangers following or laying ahead. Floa vigilantly scanned the skies, but the bugs no longer flew so high and other flying creatures kept their distance. Once she saw a dragon, but it flew in a different direction so she didn’t bring it to anyone’s attention. They worked together, as a unit. But they didn’t fly so high as to fear airplanes. Then came the Scottish Witch’s report “Lads, the sword is somewhere within three miles of us. I’ve been circling this part of the city for an hour, but I cannot get a closer read.”

  “Kira, hold on. I just saw something.” Stated Nell. Everyone tensed as Kira applied the brakes slowly and came to a stop on the street’s mostly empty shoulder. The Nymph said “Rewind twenty seconds, transmit to team.” Everyone’s screens went white for a brief flash and replayed the last moments. “Pause!” She ordered and the image paused. The horror in Nell voice was clear. “How sickening. Blake, what are they?”

  The image was of a misshapen body that seemed to be covered in molasses and snot. It had three fingers a foot long and bulging muscles able to tear things apart with minimal effort. It didn’t seem to have a face aside from ears and a mouth, and the image’s legs seemed short and stocky. Draped over an arm was a man which looked dead, but that wasn’t certain.

  “A human turned by the Mallatiatherium Sword. It’s been long since I’ve seen it, but that slime will harden, turning the mucus black. By the color, it was recently cut. Ethan locate it now. It will lead us…”

  “Found him!” Ethan said and everyone changed their view to what he saw. “Storm, turn left a bit… There! Your wing was in the way.” Storm-shadow then began to glide slowly. The image showed the former human had a loping gait that no human could ever sustain for more than a minute. The man draped over its arm bounced around, but didn’t rouse. It moved through alleyways and passed another snot monster that no longer resembled a human. Another down the street was hiding in shadows, that one was too late to save for it was charcoal black and no longer dripped. Then he turned the screen to infrared and heard several of the team curse at the same time. “Not good. Blake you were right.”

  “Wish I wasn’t.” The Naga hissed.

  “I count sixty nine heat signatures acting as look outs. The new demons are bringing in more people to turn like ants to a nest… Blake, I have an odd question.”

  Everyone could hear the change in tone and sounded like hope. “What is it?”

  “I’m not alright with slaughtering innocents under control of another, even the completely black ones, but if these things were once people, will they still respond to let’s say… Passing out from heatstroke?”

  Silence is all that came. No one even had considered that idea. Then Blake said “You can try. I know not if it will work, but if their body has any human properties it may do the trick. If you can target the sentries… we can sneak in without an alarm being raised. Does anyone else deny it can’t be done?” None voiced concern.

  “Ok, We’re going in. Storm take us down. Be careful, they have sentries watching the skies too. I’ll guide you to the area where they are sloppily placed.” Storm-shadow pitched forward and Ethan growled low and deep at what this demon was doing to helpless people. Turning them to monsters! Ethan felt no sympathy for the thing behind the plot.

  Ethan used the reigns to guide Storm-shadow towards the furthest creature that stood still as a statue, as if commanded to not move at all unless it spotted a threat. It stood in the shadow of a tree and building where no others could keep an eye. In its long fingers was a flare gun, crude but highly effective as a warning signal. Storm-shadow was silent as he landed in a section of trees. He then slowly stepped forward till Ethan touched his thick neck. They were so close that any noise would draw it’s attention.

  Very gently, Ethan held out his hand and warmed the blood beneath all the ooze. Not too hot. He warned himself. Everyone was watching what he was doing, but then the creature got too warm and dropped to its knee before falling face first into the sidewalk. “Let me check it out.” Ethan dismounted, summoning a fireball in his hand and crossed the road. None were around and he rushed over. “Yuck.” He grumbled as he touched the neck and all the sticky gel. There remained an erratic pulse. “It’s alive.”

  “We’re on our way. Make sure it doesn’t wake.” Kira said as she hit the accelerator. In five minutes they arrived and quickly exited the truck and trailer.

  Blake bound the once human securely while saying “Marvelous idea, Ethan. I didn’t know you could do that.”

  “Well I figured it would work. I do it often at the forge. I have to sometimes heat a small area inside metal. I just applied it, but I have to be within a hundred feet or else my control would have been unstable and burned it from the inside out… But would this Siren know the condition of its thralls?”

  “Unknown.” The Naga said as he finished and stood. “Doubtful though because it’s been minutes without an alarm.”

  “Many of the buildings are too short and easy to spot Storm-shadow.” Kira stated as she pulled out several vials. “And too exposed to do this again. How do you plan on taking out all the sentries?”

  “He cannot ride any longer.” Storm-shadow answered. “I am useless on this battlefield, but I will fly just out of range and crush any outside sentries if all fails. But I would suggest someone go to the roof and aid me should you be spotted.” He looked at Ethan. “And infiltrate using the least watched route.”

  “Sounds good.” Ethan said as it held fewer risks at harming others. “Kira, I want you and Nell teamed up where the best height vantage lays. And only as a last resort will you kill anything. Clear?” they nodded in understanding. “The rest of us need a short and safe route…”

  “Already chose one.” Ellen said confidently in a way only a Centaur could. “It won’t be short, but I’ve been studying your recordings. I’ve selected a route that will be observed by only eleven turned demons and can get as close as you need.”

  “Take the lead then. I’ll be right behind with Blake and Magnus. Floa will extract us if we fail.” The Pixie held on as she nodded.

  The group followed Ellen while Storm-shadow disappeared into the trees to take to the sky soon. Kira said “Where should we take cover? I cannot make us invisible with what I have.”

  Nell looked around and then grinned. “That tree is taller than these structures and will hide us well.”

  “Glad I didn’t choose a dress for this.” Kira said and followed the Nymph over to a tall tree, but wasn’t so adept in climbing as a Nymph. They left the bound prisoner where it lay, but in sight should it awaken and have them be forced to put it down.

  They moved carefully and as Ellen had strategized in so short a time, incapacitated eleven watchers without being spotted. The blackened ones were harder to drop, but they too succumbed to Ethan’s power.

  The most fortified building was little more of an abandoned two story office. Walking its roof was five turned beings, they moved with mindless direction. They had to hide once as another creature passed and carried an unconscious middle aged woman. When it passed they sighed. Using the timed pattern to an advantage they all ran for the back door and stuck close to the windowless walls without those on the roof taking notice. Without clear line of sight Ethan couldn’t use his power even though the infrared scan showed that a tall monster stood just feet from the door. Ellen exchanged her bow for her claymores, unsheathing silently.

  Inside they heard the screaming of
intense pain from people turning and it chilled them all, but they didn’t let it affect them. In a whisper Magnus said “I will go first.” None halted him as he grabbed the door. They all tensed as one and Magnus jerked the door open and leapt inside, swinging his club. There was a ‘Thwack’ and then a tumble of wood like falling potatoes. Ethan followed Blake to find a pale sheen of a newly turned person. It retained some human characteristics, but was well under way to a completed grotesque form. Ellen came in last, the roof ceiling just high enough for her not needing to duck.

  They moved to an empty hall and building scans showed more than the dozen people writhing and screaming just beyond the next door.

  Suddenly a door opened and out came another recent victim. It had a blank stare up close, but as it opened its mouth to sound warning Blake made an inhuman leap forward and spun, decapitating the poor person. Ethan felt sick as black blood shot to the roof before the being collapsed. Magnus grabbed the falling body as a sword speared the head so no noise was generated. Ellen grabbed the soul that separated from the body. Blake then peeked inside before shutting the door. He made hand signals that said he saw the sword and the Siren together. They couldn’t talk for the true demon had keen hearing.

  This is it. Ethan thought. Time to end it. As he moved forward he heard the voice of a woman who sobbed “Please no! Don’t hurt me…hee!”

  In a singsong voice came a soft and obviously male influence. “No fear. You safe.” The woman quieted at the Siren’s spell and was submissive. There was a slurping sound beneath all the screaming and then the woman joined the morbid choir of torture. The Siren laughed. “Another for my ranks.”

  A growl exploded from Ethan as he kicked the door in with a cold hate fueled rage that destroyed it.

  The Siren, as it turned out, was average height and humanoid and startled at the roar and destruction of the door. It had a fishlike color like Abe from Hellboy, blues and dark grays. His hands were webbed by thin membranes, but it had barely visible gills on the neck. Slanted black eyes showed no white as it widened and pointed ears stuck out from the side of its smooth head while it seem to have a dorsal Mohawk like the spine of a fish, but on his head and crept back to its shoulders. It wore just a pair swim shorts. It’s large chest swelled in a gasp, but at so close a range it could be released to killing effect.

  “Time for a fish FRY!” Ethan bellowed as he threw his fist forward and angry fire shot instantly, slamming into the Siren’s face. It screamed straight up, dropping the sword. The sound was unlike anything Ethan ever heard and was so powerful the ceiling above began to crack and explode upwards. The pain made the shriek last a lone second, but as it inhaled all it got was a lungful of two thousand degree fire. It collapsed and writhed. Fire consumed all the oxygen in the Siren, making it unable to yell again. “Blake!”

  The Naga wasn’t a moment slow as he leapt into the room unarmed and dodged fifteen demon enhanced humans. They were fast, but not Nagai fast. The fire Ethan shot ended. In just an instant reptilian claws located the Mallatiatherium Sword and snatched it. “Halt!” the surrounding demons stopped instantly as Blake became the sword’s new master. And as he was the only one of Order who could handle its power, he was the heart of the mission.

  All along the ground were dozens of people in total agony. The Naga didn’t waste time making them suffer and flipped the blade around. He twisted the pommel off and inside the grip was a foul smelling yellow liquid that looked more like infected puss, quite like those turned. Blake and Ethan gagged on the odor. It had a tiny notch and he knelt beside one young boy and offered a single drop when Ethan came over and forcibly held him down. The moment the liquid was swallowed the child stopped thrashing and a deep stomach wound knitted instantly together as the sword’s power was washed away. “Thank goodness.” Blake sighed as the child slept in his own sweat.

  “Blake, order all those fully bound to the sword to come outside and give the treatment to them first, especially those who are blackened. They need it first. Worst first.”

  Blake agreed completely though thoughts to end the screams seemed more ideal. The Naga had full command over them and ordered all return and gather outside. The slaves instantly and mindlessly obeyed.

  Ethan looked at the Mallatiatherium Sword closely. It was more like a long dagger really, but made of obsidian, strong volcanic glass. It was just fourteen inches long from a simple wooden guard, but it’s creation made it razor sharp. It was two inches wide, but not too straight as metal would be. It seemed to suck light from it as it didn’t have any sheen. The hollow grip was made of wood as well with the removed pommel.

  Magnus though entered and made sure the Siren wouldn’t rise again with a lone blow from his club that splattered the charred skull like a watermelon.

  Gore splattered everywhere.

  In two minutes all the victims stood outside where there was more room. Over seventy stood like statues, awaiting an order. It was a grotesque sight and a sad one. “Open your mouths.” Blake said as he was flanked just in the event of an attack. They silently obeyed and Blake first went to the darkest one first. One drop later he stepped back. The victim didn’t blink or show any change. After a minute of nothing sorrowful reptilian eyes met grey. “The legend of the sword is true. It is too late for this one. The change is complete. It takes a full day for this to happen. If you want I will…”

  “No,” Ethan said quietly. “I’ll take responsibility and end its torment mercifully. They will feel nothing. Do what you can though and keep trying to heal them.” Blake nodded, feeling pride grow even further for his former pupil. The Naga went to the next one, used a drop, but this one instantly collapsed without sound. It went deathly still, but the features were already returning to natural. Three fingers separated slowly into five, muscles shrunk and the thing returned into a young woman in roughly one minute.

  Ethan targeted the brain of those who were too far gone and heated the mind beyond recovery. It collapsed without pain or sound. Did you have a family? He asked sadly when it was clear a soul wouldn’t rise from the corpses. It was a demon and demons didn’t have a soul. This fate wasn’t right, but it’s over now.

  Floa patted Ethan’s cheek. “It never gets easier no matter how old you get. It does help to think they aren’t in pain anymore.”

  “I know, but it makes me mad their soul was destroyed.” He replied and killed two more that were beyond hope. None said anything to that.

  Storm-shadow landed as Nell and Kira came in with pensive expressions at what they saw with their own eyes up close. Ethan had to kill sixteen grotesquely transformed people who were beyond all hope of recovery, but Blake saved all others. They gathered together after he capped the deadly sword and looked to the squad leader. “Floa, please send Blake home so the sword can be secured and returned safely to Spirit World where it can never be used again. And Blake, make sure this place is secured and the survivors sent home when you tell the Cleaners what they’ll be in for. The rest of us will try and locate the mirror meanwhile. We won’t do anything without you.”

  The Naga smiled as he held the wrapped sword close. “I now see why you were granted a position as a squad leader. You take well to lead others.”

  “Only because I can trust all of you.” He admitted bashfully. “Four months ago I wouldn’t have been good at much of anything.”

  “I will return as soon as I can. Floa?” The Pixie obliged and clapped, sending him back to the castle to return the dangerous sword.

  “Kira, it’s up to you now… Wait, what happened?” Ethan stopped cold as he noticed her expression go stunned. He scanned for threats, as did the others who instantly spun while drawling weapons.

  “The Kitsune…” Kira said slowly as she was too focused on what she felt to notice the others. “It has made many more illusions… I now feel more than two hundred areas it could be… and it’s made another just now, but none seem to be moving. Another Crescent Mirror just seemed to pop up.” Her inner reflection made way
to outer as weapons were put away. “While we were so focused it made more. Our problems just doubled. I doubt it’s done making our task harder.”

  “We need to hurry!” Ellen stomped her front left hoof on the concrete. “If the Kitsune can create new places without moving then we need to narrow down its likely hideouts before every place in Venice makes it’s impossible to locate. Two hundred is already difficult to search thoroughly and we have until tomorrow night to locate the mirror before it’s fully active to grant a perfect wish at full power.”

  “I’ll stay and watch over these people till the Cleaners arrive to sort everything out.” Magnus said as he removed his black helmet. “Kira, it’s up to you to mark every location and disregard any new points.”

  “But what if the Kitsune is working with an Elf? If it just pops up it would seem like it was another trick. It would be like it didn’t move when in fact it did.” Nell spoke up while fingering one of the knives hanging from her hip. “Without more knowledge on the Kitsune’s plan we cannot disregard any new additions, but we must be swift. Love, take care here and when Blake returns you can catch up.” He nodded quickly.

  “Can any of you hotwire a private plane?” Ethan suddenly asked.

  “I can and I am an experienced pilot.” Magnus said. Then it dawned on him what Ethan was getting to. “Great idea! But we won’t need to steal one. Everyone stay here, but Floa I need your assistance for a few minutes.” Plans changed.

  The Pixie launched herself off Ethan’s shoulder and said “What do you need?”

  Magnus placed the helmet back over his head to say “We need to return to the First House. I’ll tell you more when we arrive.”

  A quick clap from her tiny hands and they vanished.

  Ethan swung himself back into the saddle to say “We’ll recon the area and make sure there are no more surprises.” Storm-shadow agreed and galloped away till he found an area where he could fully extend his wings and take off.

  Two minutes later Magnus and Floa reappeared on a nearby empty street, the same one where the borrowed truck was parked, and brought along a small, two person ultralight plane. A large kite of white cloth acted as wings was securely held above a lone propeller operated by a stick and petals and powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell. He sat in the operator’s seat while the propeller slowly spun and idled loudly. Over the team’s communication link he said “Kira, come out and join me. We’ll fly the city and mark positions.”

  “Coming!” The Witch said as she jogged down the alley, found the armored Ogre in the plane and didn’t hesitate to jump in and buckle up. “Good timing, Magnus. Three more have popped up. This is a great idea. We can target every place much faster this way.”

  Magnus hit the accelerator till the propellers became less than a blur and hummed the entire plane. It moved steadily faster till it picked up enough speed for lift. Wind grew stronger in their face till Kira cast a spell to block most of the cooler winds. They took off and soon flew over treetops and spotted Storm-shadow and Ethan circling the area. When the Pegasai came over Floa crossed the gap and took her place back on Ethan’s shoulder. “Good luck!” the squad leader told them as they swept the city.

  Another pair of minutes passed till Blake reappeared with Order’s Cleaners, a group who’s duty is returning people safely to their families, erasing memories, planting false ones, cleaning all traces of demonic involvement and burying those who died or have them seem to have been killed in a plausible way. Blake moved over to Nell and Ellen to give the Cleaners room to do their task while saying for the whole team’s benefit “I’ve returned. An Enforcer was standing by at the First House and has taken the Mallatiatherium Sword into his possession and is returning to Spirit World as we speak and all we can hope is it never sees the light of day again. What have I missed?” He was quickly informed. “What now?”

  “Rest.” Ethan said. “Kira is marking every location with Magnus from an aerial point. You guys have more experience with Kitsune so it’ll be up to you for where it could be likely hiding and where we should start looking first. This is going to be more difficult than expected.”

  Kira pointed over the railing towards another large building and targeted it with her headset, adding another reference point where she sensed the powerful mystical object. Two buildings down was another point, then a hospital. A mile south was a school, cathedral and vehicle repair shop.

  Ellen crossed her arms to say “I cannot see any patterns of where to even begin. We’ll need more aid to hit each place simultaneously. This is too much for a squad of eight to handle.” She watched further from her eyepiece as Magnus began crossing a river and followed Kira’s direction. “This Kitsune is too tricky and likely has laid deadly traps to give itself enough time to use the mirror.”

  “You may be right.” Blake agreed. “A nine tailed Kitsune is too dangerous to blindly search for. Even the highest classes of demons pause against a Kitsune. Worse yet is we’ve not seen any altered plants that would protect it. It is hiding within the city too well. If only we knew what it wanted.”

  “Blake, what would a Kitsune wish for?” Ethan asked as Storm-shadow followed Kira and Magnus from higher in the sky, keeping a close watch on them.

  “I don’t understand.” The Naga was being truthful.

  “Well…” Ethan scratched his bearded chin. “I’m confused. If this Kitsune is as deadly as I have no doubt you’d underestimate, why would it want a wish from the mirror? With its power it can have whatever it desires or could steal it. It obviously isn’t after souls as it would be easy for something so powerful. So I asked myself, what would a Kitsune want that could be wished for? As a demon, its immortal, it could make all the money in the world or steal it. That’s why I’m so confused as to why it would break into Spirit World, steal the Crescent Mirror specifically, create hundreds of distractions and do all this.”

  “Point taken.” Blake leaned against a wall and rubbed his jaw’s smooth scales. “I now see your conundrum. Quite the puzzle you proposed. It has plenty of power to cause mass destruction and doesn’t need money or fame… it must want something money cannot buy and beyond the power it doesn’t have or even others. Something only the mirror’s wish can do…” The Naga shook his head. “I see your confusion, Ethan. It was overlooked by everyone… With your permission I’ll begin to make a list of the buildings which will least likely house the fox and look for areas that not even a demon can use.”

  “Go right ahead.” Came the authorization in the earpiece.

  “Nell, Ellen, I’ll need your help on this.” Blake said.

  “Then let us leave the area for privacy.” Nell said and grimaced as two female Ogres wrapped one of the seventeen dead humans in a burial white cloth. “We can’t be distracted or distract the Cleaners.”

  “We can use the trailer to isolate ourselves and focus.” Ellen said and led the way back to the parked semi.

  Kira and Magnus spent the remainder of the day and half the night flying all over Venice, cataloging every place the mirror was felt to be and it totaled three hundred and seventeen before no more sprang up. Ethan had to call it a day and gathered everyone back to where Ellen, Blake and Nell stayed. Once together Floa sent everyone home. Ethan dismounted and said “We’re all tired and in need of sleep. I’ll go speak to Odin about the situation and what we’ve come up with. We’re not ready to fight in our current condition.” At that, half of them yawned. “See if Cook will whip something up for you guys too. We’ll meet up for breakfast.”

  “Good night.” Floa yawned again. Then she clapped and disappeared to go get Blossom.

  Ethan moved quickly through the castle and only Princess Chillie sat at the main dining table the leaders sat at. She waved at Ethan who returned the gesture with a smile before taking the elevators to the top floor where the Ogre secretary still sat, typing on her computer, but by the sounds the speakers made, told she was playing a game. The ever bikini clad Ogress smiled pleasantly and asked “What may I do for you
?”

  “I need to speak directly to Odin or if he isn’t available, Tattoo.”

  “Is this a serious matter?”

  “Most definitely.” She could hear the truth in Ethan’s words, even if he hadn’t said anything, his expression told it all.

  “Tattoo is out currently on a hunt for harpy, but Odin is in the tribunal room with Queen Gra. I will send a message to them. Just wait here in the lounge till I get a reply. You look in need of refreshments. There is a snack bar through the door behind me.”

  “Thanks.” Ethan walked around and through the door. A large kitchenette, fridge, microwave and oven was in the room. He found a large turkey sandwich, a single serving bag of nacho chips and a large glass of ice water and began chowing down as he returned to the lounge beside the Ogress.

  He finished the sandwich and was about to open the bag when the secretary’s computer beeped and she said “Lord Odin will see you now.”

  Ethan was soon opening the tribunal door and spotted the one eyed warrior smiling over a small stack of papers while the Amazon queen lounged in her chair with her boots crossed atop the table. “Welcome, Lad!” Odin called out. “Good work on retrieving the Mallatiatherium Sword. How goes it with the mirror?”

  “Not good I’m afraid.” Ethan came straight up to the desk. “Mind if I borrow your computer?”

  Odin simply spun the computer in front of him around. Ethan took off his headset with a sigh, feeling relief on his ear and said “Download layout targets of Venice, subject title: Mirror locations via list created by Blake.” And the headset began download to the nearest computer wirelessly, Odin’s. In a second it transferred the data and Ethan spun the computer back around to say “Odin, I don’t know what team has priority, but…”

  “Lad,” A firm blue eye fixed on Ethan. “this theft from Spirit World is of the highest priority. By these numbers I’m assuming you’re requesting this case bumped to legion mobilization?” Ethan nodded. “The demon sword has been returned, but if you need aid, I’ll make sure you get it. Just tell me what you require.”

  “Well, I need lots of help. And with so many targets, this is all S Class material. This Kitsune has made three hundred and seventeen possible places a target. Blake, Nell and Ellen worked hard to stockpile this list from the most likely places to the least. We’ll need to hit all of them simultaneously. Just so you know, Blake and I tried to see the least likely target of where Kira pointed us and we were bound in vines that cocooned us instantly. If not for my fire burning us out, we would still be wrapped. We checked the home thoroughly and was set with traps at each entrance, even windows. It can be assumed every building on this list will be likewise rigged, if not more so. What Blake and I did learn was the vines weren’t lethal. This Kitsune could have rigged it with more deadly plants.”

  Gra stood and looked at the computer screen. “This mirror must be collected before it’s used. If we need to coordinate a simultaneous attack on three hundred and sixteen places, not including the one you tested, we will need to ask other Houses for aid, especially the Druids who can also manipulate plant life. A nine tailed Kitsune will require our best warriors. This information will go a long ways.” Gra’s hazel eyes turned to Ethan. “How would you propose it be done?”

  “My team believes it should happen around noon-ish. The Kitsune is obviously in hiding and won’t show itself till the full moon rises. If we act too early it’ll just disappear and next time it’ll do something else.”

  “Smart plan.” Odin nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll contact the other House heads for A and S Class warrior reinforcement and inform them of this. The mirror must be reclaimed in all haste. For you to be here means it wasn’t used tonight correct?” Ethan nodded. “Alright, Lad, after breakfast I want you and your team to visit the table I and the other leaders occupy. We’ll let you know the outcome. Be sure to download the entire mission when you get home and get plenty of rest. My bones are telling me it will be a difficult day and the Kitsune won’t be happy.”

  “I had to bring this to your attention. Well now I’m going to get some rest. Till tomorrow.”

  “Rest well, Lad.” Odin said.

  Outside the large double doors awaited a most welcome surprise. Kanade leaned against the wall with a warm smile that washed his weariness away. Her magnificent wings shook slightly as she pushed herself off the wall and walked over with a ‘click click’ from her high heels on marble. A smile spread as he heard her delicate twang “Welcome home. I’m glad to see you safe. Floa just picked up Blossom. How did the hunt go?” His expression dropped at recent memories and she didn’t miss it. The doors shut behind him and she lifted his chin. “What happened, Darlin’?”

  “Can we walk home? I could use it.”

  “Of course.” Then she bent down and took her stilettos off. “Now I won’t break an ankle when we reach the dirt trail.” Kanade held the straps in one hand and claimed his with her free one. They moved together, Ethan lost in thought and Kanade worried of her mate’s inner turmoil she could feel. Going down the elevators she asked “Ethan, do you mind if I see your memories?”

  “They’re not pretty? Have you ever seen what the sword does to a person?” She shook her head. “Well the worst part is I had to kill sixteen people because of it and I’m sick to my stomach. If you wish to see my memories, better make sure your stomach is empty first.” He warned.

  “I haven’t eaten since lunch.” She promised and pushed her power deep into her mate’s mind and the first thought she heard of his was “I’m so glad I have Kanade. She makes me feel better by just standing there. She’s my feel good drug.” She would have smiled if not for how sad his thoughts were. But then she dove deeper into his mind and gasped as she relived every moment since he left before the elevator chimed. Then she pulled out.

  They walked through the Ogre’s hall without saying a word. When they reached outside she stopped them and enfolded him in a hug and cried on his head. “Those poor people. Oh, Ethan, I feel as you do. Sixteen innocents lost their soul.” She felt his arms wrap around her back and caress her wings. “That is such a sad fate to have been taken.”

  “What’s done is done. Let’s go home and get some sleep.”

  ‘Row?’ they heard suddenly and pulled apart.

  “What was that?” Kanade asked as she looked around. Ethan ignited a fist as there came a mewling sound and a purr. Kanade then jumped with a yelp, flapping her wings. She looked down and saw something small shoot into the darkness. “Somethin’ touched my leg!”

  “Think it was a cat.” Ethan said and watched as Kanade landed on the balls of her feet and folded her wings.

  Ever so slowly they heard a ‘Meow’ and out from the darkness came a small pair of glowing sky blue eyes. Kanade knelt slowly and said on a soft, quiet, warm voice “Don’t be afraid, Kitty. You just scared me. Come on.” Ethan held still and was curious despite the fact he felt so sad over the ones who died recently and Kanade’s change from crying to coaxing. What he loved most was her hip hugging pants didn’t cover a lacy black thong that took his mind off everything for a moment. He knew what he wanted to do to forget the past few hours and knew she was always willing to oblige since her sex drive was equal, if not more, than his. “Come on.” She coaxed again and his attention returned, but he saw a minor shudder in her wings that happens only when she too was aroused.

  Out from the shadows appeared a full sized black cat, sleek like a miniature panther and soft of fur. Ethan then noticed Kanade’s finger in the sand drawling absently the runes for Peace, Calmness and Acceptance and sent the spells to the black cat in a subtle way. Its ears twitched before it sat down and scratched with its paws absently. “What are you doing?” he whispered.

  “Showin’ we’re friends.” She replied and held out her hands. “Awe, you poor critter! I see your ribs. If you come closer I’ll feed you.” This almost made Ethan laugh for the sound of food made the cat stop and purr in pleasure. It got up and warily padded closer with
dilated, yellow eyes. When it came within reach Kanade didn’t immediately pick it up as she was tempted. She pat the feline slowly, whispering soft words of encouragement. When it got used to her she gently scooped it up and it went ‘ReeR’ in surprise, but didn’t attack. Kanade stood and held the cat to her chest with a bright smile. “Ethan, can we keep him? He’s too tame to be feral.”

  “Wait, what?!” He was understandably surprised. “You want a pet? He isn’t ours? He must belong to someone. You know as well as I that the entire area is surrounded by the wall and nothing can just sneak in without the patrol finding it. Kanade, he… it is a he right?”

  “The equipment is clearly male.” She giggled after checking. “Awe, please! Look, he’s hungry and hasn’t been fed in awhile. I always wanted a pet.” His expression wasn’t so sure, but knew full well that she adored cute things and the black cat wasn’t homely in the slightest. “Can we keep him if I cannot find his owner? He doesn’t have a collar so it might take me awhile.”

  Those golden eyes of hers was his undoing. “Fine, but be careful Celestia doesn’t see him. She eats small animals once a day.”

  Kanade squealed like a little girl and held the cat out to look at it staring back at her with discontent the way only a cat could. “I’ll call you Panther!” she decided. “You look like a panther.”

  “You plucked that from my head, didn’t you?”

  She nodded quickly with a mischievous smile. “That… and the images of what you want to do to me when we get home. Can’t help it. Your imagination gives me shivers of delight… Since you said yes to Panther, you can have you way.” One blue eyebrow arched. “Interesting, I want to try that one first, but after we all eat.”

  “Deal.” Ethan laughed and came closer. “I’m so sorry, Panther. Looks like Kanade has an eye for you.” He went to pet it as she pulled him to her breast lovingly. The Panther swiped a paw with claws extended and four long scratches tore into Ethan’s skin. “OW!” he jerked his hand back instinctively. Already blood started flowing from the four lines, but it wasn’t too deep and stung. “Well this is why men like dogs.” He glared at the cat as its whiskers twitched.

  “Don’t be mad at Panther.” Kanade defended her new pet. “Perhaps he just doesn’t like men or has had bad experiences. He didn’t hiss when he scratched you. I think he was playin’. He is still a kitten by how soft his fur is. An old cat would feel coarse. He feels softer than silk.” She looked down and said “Panther, be nice to Daddy. Ethan, try again. I think he’ll be nice this time.”

  “If he scratches me once more I’ll make sure he doesn’t do it again.” Slowly he reached and this time Panther’s hands were soft and clawless as he played and nuzzled affectionately. Panther secretively licked a drop of blood with his rough tongue. Somewhere deep inside, Ethan felt suddenly aware that Panther would never harm him again. Then the feeling vanished and he felt the purr increase.

  “Isn’t that better?” Kanade crooned. “His motor is so strong his whole body vibrates. He purrs almost like you do in bed Ethan.”

  “So long as he doesn’t replace me I’ll be fine, but I need to clean the wounds. A scratch could get infected easily. And we need to make sure he doesn’t belong to anyone before you get your hopes up.” Ethan had to be realistic.

  “Alright, but he’d never replace you. You know that.” She bumped Ethan with a hip teasingly as he picked up her shoes.

  It wasn’t too long till they returned home and he downloaded the entire recording of the mission. Celestia was still working relentlessly at the forge, but knew he wouldn’t be available for awhile. Kanade didn’t let Panther go and he seemed content in her embrace, purring a never ending vibration as she stroked his chest and belly. Inside, Ethan went to the bathroom and took off his leather jacket before scraping off the already forming scabs from the scratch, hopping in the shower and washing the stinging wounds out and applying a thin coat of ointment to the site.

  By the time he came out wearing only a towel and a bandage to the top of his hand he found Kanade on the sofa with Panther greedily drinking from a saucer of milk and had already munched on a strip of liver. On the coffee table was a large covered plate of food she had also taken out of the microwave.

  Panther didn’t regard Ethan as he sat down and ate with Kanade, also sharing the bag of chips she partook of. “He really was hungry.”

  “Told you!” Kanade tickled Ethan’s bare ribs and took a bite of a hotdog with just ketchup and mustard. “Isn’t he cute?”

  “Men don’t say ‘cute’ and to refer to any male as cute is an insult.” He joked.

  “Oh? You’re my cute teddy. Is that an insult?”

  “You bet it is?” He grinned.

  “And how do you plan on punishing me?” She challenged.

  “Like this!” He jumped up and threw her over his shoulder. She squealed and was thrown onto the bed. She stopped moving as he threw her a heated look, her wings splayed like her hair as she looked into his hungry eyes and heard him growl so deep it could be felt, a sound made from deep in his chest rather than his throat. It sent her nerves afire as he threw the towel that covered him to the safety area and burst into flames as his desire for her always did when he got excited. Much of his flesh vanished beneath bright yellow fire till getting up close. Kanade reacted to his need with her own as she jerked her pants and underwear off, but in her haste with inhuman strength she ripped her backless long sleeves to shreds along with her bra. Another set ruined. She thought absently, but she managed to save her lower garments a split second before he drove to the hilt and took her to ecstasy over and over again till her own name was forgotten.

  Morning arrived and Ethan’s biological clock shed blissful sleep, but he was surprised to find his true love laying atop him. Her full breasts rubbed with each deep breath as her hair lay wild over his neck. His manhood reacted as fire sprung to life with vigor and the sensation of rigidness and the swirling fire inside her love channel awoke Kanade and she nuzzled his neck and crooned happily. The gold choker around her neck was warm against his jaw as she rubbed him the way she knew he loved it, making sure her scent was tantalizing his senses. Lazily she said “Mornin’.” And as she woke and felt they were still connected her eyes fully widened. “What a way to wake me, My Angel. Let me take care of that.” Even in the darkness where the fireplace was little more than embers she began to move, taking control of his need with her own till they shuddered and cried out together. Her hips were majestic in how they lifted and dropped with force of animalistic love and power. His roar erupted as she clenched tight and felt his hot seed fill her and gift her womb with his love only she had claim over. She collapsed with shivers and laughing while she rolled off to pant and fan her flushed face. “I will never tire of these feelings!” They remained joined since his cock couldn’t leave during her lock-down.

  “Nor will I. Are you in pain? Sleeping like that must be sore.”

  “Not as much as you’d think.” Kanade hugged him close. “If we weren’t so important I do not think we would ever leave the bed. I still cannot believe how wondrous it is to find my true mate. Ethan, no other woman can feel as you make me.”

  “Kind of biased. Still I feel the luckiest man alive.”

  “And don’t you forget it.” Then a sudden thought filtered into her thinking. “Panther!” Kanade’s vagina loosened enough to release its hold, jumped from bed and made way to the light switch to turn it on. “Oh please no. I forgot how dangerous our lovemakin’ is for others.” Ethan was also up and looking. There was a tiny sound and they hurried over to find the black feline contently curled up on the sofa. Kanade sighed a great heave of relief and sat down on the cool leather and pat him. “Panther, I forgot all about you. You were lucky that my sofa is protected from Ethan’s fire. I was afraid our lovemakin’ had killed you.” Panther just purred at her touch and the sound became louder as she scratched behind an ear. “One lucky puss.”

  “Sure is.” Ethan scratched Panther be
hind the ear. “Kanade, we should shower and get ready.”

  “Shower like usual?” She arched a hopeful eyebrow.

  “I’m already ready.” And the stiffness in front of her face had her licking her lips.

  Her eyes wandered up his manly chest till she saw he wasn’t lying even slightly and jumped from the leather seat. Her slick and bare backside made a sticking sound only genuine leather does as she exited and ran straight to the shower and barely got it started till he was already there and ravishing her from behind. She soared to heights not even her wings could take her.

  They soon exited flushed and wore content, lazy smiles as they dressed. Ethan wore more light leather armor like yesterday since it was the deadline to take back the mirror. Kanade dressed in stunning silver pants and long sleeves while this time choosing to wear heeled boots that hugged all the way to her knee and were custom made for few women were eight feet tall to begin with. Ethan also added another light application to his scratched hand, but no infection had set in.

  As he sat to strap on his boots and tie the laces Panther surprised him. Kanade laughed as the soft black cat agilely leapt on his shoulder and curled around the back of his neck and purred loudly while rubbing his furry head affectionately against his beard. Kanade giggled “Seems you have a new accessory.”

  “Great.” Ethan gave a scratch that the cat enjoyed. “Panther, you’re incorrigible, but a cat does what he wants… and I don’t get a say I suppose anymore do I?”

  “Nope!” His angel added and stroked the feline draped like a scarf over her mate’s neck. “He’s a lover for sure. Aren’t you, Panther?” she cooed lovingly.

  Panther purred to her ministrations.

  “We have twenty minutes to kill. Want to play Halo?” Kanade proposed mischievously. “I’ll kick your ass again.”

  “Sounds good.” Panther was content to lounge as his new master got up, grabbed the controllers and played for a few minutes.

  “KITTY!!!” Blossom gushed when she saw her Aunt Kanna remove the feline from around her slender, glittery neck. The young Pixie ran across the table and barely contained her overexcitement as she stroked him. “Soft.” The toddler said in delight.

  “His name is Panther.” Kanade said. “Hey Y’all. Be calm, Blossom. You’ll scare him. Oh, Nell, you can let Vina pet him too. He’s surprisingly mild tempered.”

  “Okay!” the mother Nymph smiled as she brought her young seedling over to the newest member of the table and Vina eagerly squealed delightedly as Panther pawed the baby Nymph without claws.

  “Adorable!” Reevy sighed as she placed her chin on her scaly hands. “Where did he come from, Kanade?”

  The Enchantress shrugged. “Just showed up last night out of nowhere. I promised Ethan I’d look for his owner, but I hope he doesn’t have one.”

  “Why haven’t you used…” Kira went silent as Kanade glared.

  But it was too late for Ethan saw the exchange. “Used what? Wait, Kanade you could have used magic to find his owner couldn’t you?”

  The winged woman deflated as she met his gaze. “Yes.”

  “Isn’t it inconsiderate to make his owner worry. Angel, you need to do what’s right.” He laid a hand over hers. “Come on.”

  “Fine!” she said in disappointment as her finger began to brightly glow with power and trace practiced lines in the air for a moment before laying her other hand on Panther’s back. A soft blue orb no larger than a marble appeared in her palm and drifted directly above Ethan’s head and held position.

  “Uh, does this mean…” He started.

  Kira finished. “Panther believes you are his master. The magic leads the target to his master or one to whom he belongs to most. He is yours now, Boyo. Either his owner died or has shunned him. The spell was done perfectly.”

  Kanade brightened considerably and picked up the feline and said “Yea! I can keep you!” she heard a groan and stuck her tongue childishly at Ethan.

  “I take it you’re not a cat fan?” Storm-shadow grinned with perfect teeth only a horse has.

  “Doesn’t bother me all that much. I grew up with a few dogs and cats, but I groaned because I’ll have to tell Celestia that Panther is our new pet and not dinner. She is still a bird of prey.” The table erupted in laughter for they could all imagine how that conversation will go. Ethan would have his work cut out for him.

  A nearby TV flashed on the wall and the hall quieted as what happens many mornings before Cook shows up to make breakfast. This time the screen flashed red and shifted in many languages when it got to English it read ‘Priority Alert’ and the hall silenced to an almost deathly murmur. When the red words faded it shifted to a visual of Odin with all the leaders of the castle. The All Father was impressive as ever and made even Ogres feel small, fitting for he and Pegasus were a perfect match. “Listen up!” the Viking’s voice carried through the speakers. “We have a priority mission direct from Spirit World. Yesterday the Mallatiatherium Sword was recovered by the newest squad leader, none other than Ethan Volorum our Fire Elemental and his team. Seventeen lives and souls were lost, but eighty nine were saved. Unfortunately the Crescent Mirror will be more difficult to recover. Those who don’t already know, listen carefully. A nine tailed Kitsune is in possession of the celestial artifact and tonight it will be used. This will be a priority mission.” Odin let murmurs spread for a few moments till his powerful voice reclaimed the room. “All squad leaders B and up of this House will be briefed and sent to retrieve the mirror at all costs before a wish can be made. We won’t be going alone. The Fifth House will be partnering with us to strike three hundred and sixteen locations simultaneously. The leader of this mission will be my eldest son.”

  Odin stepped aside as Thor came out from behind the massive throne of his father. The half Naga stood in full leather armor covered with runes much like What Ethan wore. Thor’s voice was deep and as powerful as his father, with a minor hiss as his tongue had a mild fork from his mother, but not as prominent as a pure Naga. Thor was a unique being, the only one of his kind. Other Naga/human couplings have either offspring, but Thor was the only mixed one in existence. “My House’s finest squads will arrive here in three hours. I’ll need to have a conference with all squad leaders after the morning meal. All battle Wizards and Witches will be needed in this endeavor. A Kitsune is too powerful to take lightly. We will succeed and end this threat as surely as if we faced a full war. All it will take is one wish and all of Order could be destroyed. That is how powerful this item is. And once we get it back, don’t wish for anything. It must be returned to Spirit World immediately. Once we have it and the threat eliminated an Enforcer will return it. All warriors assigned to a squad will be needed. Eat and be ready. We will leave at noon, not a second later.” Thor’s elliptical blue eyes shifted. “I will return soon, Father.”

  Odin nodded before Thor suddenly vanished as Chillie clapped her hands. “That is all. The rest of us must make ready for the aftermath and hope the worst doesn’t happen.” The screen turned black and shifted to a news station somewhere in China.

  Eyes turned to Ethan who said “Glad I’m not leading everyone, but Odin will want our whole team. Thor will likely have us fully explain the situation since it was our mission. Blake, can I ask, if it comes to that, you to speak for us? I’ll mess it up.”

  Blake nodded. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’ll do it though since you asked.”

  Cook popped up in her usual green manner and made a gut stuffing meal as tasty as ever, even making Panther a strip of grilled fish and a bowl of milk the cat eagerly partook of. Few words at the table were exchanged, but Ethan and the rest felt eyes from other tables fall on them. The one cheerful comment came from Reevy who hugged her mate and said “Finally we can have a hunt together. Maybe our squads can coordinate to be near?”

  Ellen pat her old reptilian friend on the back before saying “I’m finished. Looks like the rest of us are to. I say we get going.”

  “Seconde
d.” Storm-shadow spoke.

  “Alright alright.” Ethan stood, grabbed his empty plate and drinks of his and his equestrian companion. He bent over and kissed Kanade’s cheek. “I’ll likely be busy and won’t be home till late.” The Enchantress hummed pleasantly.

  She scooped up Panther who lay in her lap. “As will I. Our new little friend here will need a few things at home. I never had a pet before for myself and he won’t be neglected ever again. Just come home safely… all of ya.” She added to the rest of the table.

  “Thanks, Girlfriend.” Floa returned. “Mind your auntie, Blossom. You were a good girl yesterday. Be good today too.”

  “Love Yooou, Mama!” The child Pixie shrunk in an instant and fluttered to give her mother a kiss on the cheek.

  “Oh, this will be quicker.” Floa suddenly said to her teammates. “Pile all the dirty dishes together.” They did so and she clapped to instantly send them to the washing area.

  “And just why haven’t you told us you can do that? You could have saved so much time.” Ethan teased. “It’s good having you around, Floa. You get thing done in a snap.” The raven haired pixie grinned with a full set of pointed teeth and shook her head while rolling her eyes. “I’ve never asked, but do you get tired transporting things and opening gateways?”

  “Not really.” Floa shrugged and walked around the table, taking hold of Blossom and putting her down on Kanade’s collarbone for safety. Panther looked closely and tried to playfully paw at the shrunken child till Kanade acted more quickly than the mother. Floa sighed. At the size Blossom took, she would be a light snack for the cat. Nell passed Vina to her nearby sister and hurried back. Returning to the topic while she walked with the group down the hall she said “What I do is actually called Translocation.” She emphasized. “I can move things around all day, open gateways to different realms and worlds. I’ll get winded if I must Translocate huge numbers of more than three thousand humanoids like yourself all at once. Six to seven thousand will make me pass out. Souls I can do all day long since they have no physical matter. Thankfully there are thousands of my kind here so even if there is a mass transfer I won’t be burdened with doing it alone. Still, I love this ability and desire no other.”

  “It is clearly more dangerous than mine.” Ethan said and she agreed wholeheartedly. He knew if she wanted to, she could send her enemies to the bottom of the ocean or the heart of a volcano. Or forever lost in the vacuum of space.

  Seeing their team gathered and moving as a unit, other squad leaders who were done quickly finished and hurried to follow. One squad leader, a large, four foot tall and long limbed Gargoyle landed beside Ethan and asked “Fire-thrower, I’m Braxas. Good work on retrieving the sword. I was once cut by it long ago and saved. Believe me when I say that what you and this team did saved many from endless torture.”

  “How is it you were cut?” Ethan asked. “Your skin is…”

  “Tough as stone?” Braxas nodded. “It is, but the demon blade is sharper than most understand. It nicked my ear and my teammate” the doglike ear in question twitched. “managed to wrestle the blade and give me the treatment before it was reclaimed by Chaos’ minions.”

  “So how did you see our mission?”

  “Magnus was kind enough to send me a link of his recording. Not everyone has gotten to see what went down.” Magnus wasn’t paying attention to anyone but Nell as she chatted away while stroking his arm with the tips of her fingers.

  First it was a half dozen, then a dozen squad leaders followed Ethan and his team. Then two, three and four quickly surrounded or followed towards the heart of the castle. Ethan felt mildly claustrophobic being surrounded by everyone who had centuries more experience. Out of all the squad leaders he could see only three others were human and didn’t belong to the caster category. Less than nine percent in all of Earth’s Order were special humans. Ethan knew the three had a special ability. One could manipulate shadows into an endless arsenal of weapons, one could walk through any physical object and the last could make you see an illusion so lifelike you couldn’t tell the difference.

  The leaders of the castle stood when the large group approached and in the half hour spent eating, Thor had returned and stood beside his companion. Ethan had to blink and shake his head, but Storm-shadow said “You are not mistaken. Have you forgotten already? That is my younger twin brother Shadow-storm.”

  “Sorry. I did.” Ethan admitted as he looked at Thor’s mount, the identical twin of his own. “You’ll forgive me if I can’t remember all of your seven thousand and some odd siblings.”

  “Brother!” Shadow-storm whinnied when the sibling found the other and butted heads like a ram. “About time you found a companion!” The teams’ approached and most of the other squad leaders dispersed to wait for orders on what to do next.

  “So how is your reign as king of Fifth House? Any new foals you sired?” Storm-shadow asked his twin when they lightly butted heads in camaraderie again.

  “Not recently, Brother. You?”

  “Star-bolt and I have decided we sired enough for now.” And smiled.

  “Ho, Ethan!”

  His head turned as the powerful Thor approached and gripped his shoulder. “Good to see you again, Thor. I didn’t get a chance last time, but you sure surprised me by growing over a hundred feet tall. I almost wet myself.”

  The half Naga old Norse god of thunder and lightning grinned. “Well met! Glad I made such an impression, Lad. I almost wet myself from laughing when Father spoke to me last night and I watch your skirmish with the Siren. Fish fry! I loved it. I look forward to fighting at your side.”

  “Never in my life would I have guessed I’d one day hear those words from Thor. By the way, the Avengers movie and graphic novels do you no justice other than breaking glass and yelling ‘Another!’ when you want more beer.” The hammer wielding man laughed and slapped Ethan’s back much like Odin does.

  Thinking of that Viking almost made him magically appear near them with Gungnir the barbed spear to say “Lads, We are prepared to enter the tribunal hall to discuss the plan.”

  “My best squad leaders will be arriving soon as well while their teams prepare to come here for the battle.” Thor said, mostly for the benefit of the others rather than his father.

  The large elevators were packed as they went up, taking more than one trip for most, but in less than a half hour the tribunal room was packed with over three hundred battle hardened warriors. Most wore Tattoo’s headset since it was an invaluable tool with many advantages. Thor got the ball rolling and the room silenced, but it was Blake who was Ethan’s best friend as he directly gave a short and clear overview of the mission. Like his brutal training method, Blake gave a detailed, if shortened, report that got down to the point and all that was done yesterday. “And that is what we faced.” Blake ended and returned to his seat between Kira and Ethan.

  Thor stood and returned to the heart of the room, his very presence was just as calm and commanding as his father. One hand rested on the foot long hilt of Mjolnir, the famous war hammer of legend. In the early morning light it glinted thanks to a smooth and polished off-golden hue. Either end of the hammer was squared and five inches by five inches with a flat top length of twelve. It was a perfect rectangular weapon of war and only Thor knew all its secrets. But one thing Ethan remembered was Mjolnir grew in size, much like its wielder. The famous being said “As it stands, we must act decisively before the Kitsune can react. For those who’ve never faced one with nine tails, listen up. I have fought two before and nearly died each time, but I killed just one. Make no mistake in its appearance. Mine and my father’s best advisors have decided where each of our teams will be located for the mission. At my command we will all simultaneously attack the predetermined locations brought by Ethan Volorum’s team. Whoever finds the Kitsune first must radio their position and wait for reinforcements or take it out if there is an opportunity. There doesn’t seem a pattern, but we’ll be spread out all over the city. Have
your team’s Pixie near at all times so we can transfer and overwhelm our enemy before it’s too late. As it is, I will lead the quest, but should I and Shadow-storm fall you will take command from my second, Perrilian.” A giant of an Ogre stood in bright silver and gold armor. “And if we fail I’ll entrust you to figure out what to do on your own as squad leaders. That is all. Link your eyewear to learn your targeted area. Meet outside at noon and be ready.”

  Ethan took out his headset, turned it on with the usual activation phrase ‘My dearest angel.’ and spoke “Download mission.” In seconds it was finished and blinked in confusion as hundreds of numbers appeared and heard Thor’s voice come through the ear piece like everyone else’s. “Link established. Get started.” Ethan looked over to see Thor had also hooked one over his scaly, humanlike ear. Then the hundreds of numbers shifted to a small corner and were filed away, leaving only the coordinates 45 27 13N, 12 27 14E.

  Ellen handed her set to Floa who looked and nodded since she would be their transporter and she knew the exact location to take them.

  Ethan, Magnus and Blake sat outside meditating for the past three hours while everyone prepared for the difficult scenario. Kira and the girls showed up ten minutes before noon with Storm-shadow bringing up the rear. The stallion said “Everyone is readying for departure.”

  Filling much of the area were close to four thousand powerful warriors. Many squad leaders were already mounted on Pegesai if they couldn’t already fly. Despite the crowd, it wasn’t very loud. There was an expectance and hunger in the air Ethan couldn’t quite place. None showed an ounce of fear that he felt filling him. Still, he was able to mask it and watched Storm-shadow touch his ruby and the battle saddle appeared beneath the armor Ethan put on. The Elemental grabbed the horn and mounted, hooking his feet in the stirrups, tying the belt to the soft seat and hooking himself in properly. From the new vantage he saw the crowd also finalizing themselves and over by the moat was Jormungandr’s head sticking out and talking with his best friend Thor.

  Their group spoke quietly amongst themselves over the best tactics to implement should the worst occur. Floa was the most silent as she stuck close to Ethan, holding his hair like a rope while standing on his shoulder.

  Over the radio in many ears came Thor’s voice as he walked away from the moat. Jormungandr settled back in the water. “Everyone is now present and accounted for.” The whole area silenced to listen. “Form up and prepare to ship out. You know your orders. Get to it!”

  Nell, Ellen, Magnus, Blake and Kira all huddled closer to Storm-shadow and prepared themselves. Blake drew his katanas, Ellen her claymores, Nell her bow and arrow and Kira pulled out a potion and drank it, making her already flawless skin shine for a moment. She then began air-writing and over a dozen bluish needles of magic appeared around her wrists. She didn’t stop and then behind the needles were a half dozen blue orbs slightly larger than marbles and she stopped when she held a ball of blue fire in her left hand.

  All around the area Wizards and the rare battle Witches prepared magic and weapons were drawn. Every weapon other than bows seemed to be enchanted as their wielders spoke the activation sequence and made them glow either blue or off white. It’s really that bad. He thought and controlled his rising trepidation by breathing slowly. We’re going into battle against a greater demon.

  “GO!!!” Came Thor’s order.

  Every Pixie teammate heard it and brought their hands together.

  Floa Translocated her group to the nearest open space nearest the coordinates in Venice, Italy. They found themselves in a backyard and Kira instantly surrounded them in magic that would make them appear invisible to outsiders for a short time, just in the event the target attacked. Not a second after she finished and cast the runes Thor’s voice said “Transfer complete! Everyone is accounted. Best of luck to you all.”

  Blake and Ellen sped east with Storm-shadow and Ethan following fast behind. The Witch and Nymph took rear point. They came upon Via Concordia, at the southwestern bend in the road and looked upon a large Grey building. Kira immediately said “Top floor, north wing!” as she felt the nearest location.

  Their group crossed the street and Storm-shadow took to the air. The Elemental and Pegasus climbed till aiming for the roof. As soon as Storm-shadow’s hooves landed it triggered a trap.

  Green vines as thick as rope shot from every conceivable crack in the roof and wrapped around Storm-shadow’s hooves like a whip. In an instant the vegetation grew, but before it had even a chance to bind them Ethan surrounded himself and his mount in fire that burned the ropes before they could do anything.

  Down below, Blake charged through the front door while Ellen circled to the north and activated a set of spells in her shoes that allowed her to gallop over vertical surfaces so long as it could support her weight. More vines tried entangling her, sprouting from window seals, but her silver glowing swords hacked them away and didn’t slow her.

  Through the front door Blake was a blur of motion as his curved weapons sliced effortlessly through the falling net of greenery.

  All knew the traps were pitiful, but were triggered by Spirit Energy, not of the untapped human variety.

  There was a nearby skylight in the shape of a pyramid and Storm-shadow approached it. Down below was a white form and just before he could say anything there was a shout “Target sighted. Islan…” “Found him! Northeast section of…” “Located at riverside home…” dozens reported finding the Kitsune with more claiming to see it by the moment. Thor took command of the communications. “Illusions! Kitsune trickery! Beware your eyes and only speak if it is real.”

  Outside the northern window Ellen peeked inside, telling her team “Located, sitting in chair reading the paper.”

  Blake and Kira were soon standing at the door when Ethan said “Take him out!” Blake kicked the door open and moved away as Kira blasted the light needles, blue fireball and orbs into the room. The demon didn’t budge while holding the mirror. The magic passed straight through it to spear the wall with needles before blowing the wall completely out with fire and explosive orbs and she said “Wrong place. It’s a trick.”

  Over the radio it happened more and more. After three minutes Thor said “Relay all failures!”

  Ethan said “Failed.” and all the numbers in his eyepiece began turning red. All but one after another minute passed.

  Thor commanded “Squad number one oh seven, report.” Nothing came over the silent radio. “I repeat, squad number one hundred and seven, report!” Still nothing. Immediately Thor said “That is the place. Translocate to that spot!”

  Floa clapped before all others at the command for her ninety fourth daughter was in that team and fear drove her to immediate action. But in her haste she forgot everyone other than Ethan and Storm-shadow.

  Just as they shifted location to a parking lot of a large hospital they watched as a green sphere suddenly enclosed the area. It was a huge, translucent barrier and at the edge of it appeared almost in an instant that all teams appeared just outside it.

  Thor felt the smooth barrier, like glass, gripped Mjolnir tightly and called a tempest of storms in seconds so great was the hammer’s magic that fed off his power. Bolts of lightning struck the upraised mighty weapon, charging it with immense power. Everyone ran away as the mythological god of storms began to grow to his giant form of over a hundred feet, the hammer growing in proportion. Then Thor gave a mighty war cry that was louder than lightning and brought Mjolnir over his head with a mighty blow that could level mountains. Lightning shot from the hammer’s collision with the green barrier, attacking seemingly everywhere at once.

  It was so blindingly bright and loud that everyone was affected.

  Those inside the hospital merely thought it was a late and powerful thunderstorm, not realizing what just happened.

  Then to the astonishment of everyone, when they could see again, the barrier remained strong. Thor though saw someone had made it inside before the barrier was erected
. His booming voice sounded muted, but Ethan heard “…o inside. Till we bring this down you’re our only hope. Hurry!”

  The elemental shook his head to clear it after the power of that blast. “Do what I can!” the giant being could only nod. He then began issuing orders and every Caster began trying to crack the shield and every weapon hacked relentlessly.

  “Elaine!” Floa shouted as she recovered.

  She went to take off till a large hand enclosed around her. She struggled till she heard Ethan growl “No! There is no way you’re going off alone. If you haven’t already forgotten, our backup can’t get in. Right now we are alone. We need caution since you left the rest of our team behind.”

  His hearing sharpened as Thor said “Don’t worry about them. I’ll send someone to pick them up.”

  “He’s right.” Blake’s voice drifted calmly from the room they were left behind in. “Do what you have to. We’ll do what we can from outside… Wait, Ethan, look at the roof! I saw something from your camera.”

  Ethan’s head jerked to the hospital’s roof as thick vines larger than ancient redwoods began growing and weaving together like some form of nest that encompassed the entire roof. Huge spikes began to jut from the seams like a giant rose. “Well, we know where he is now.” Ethan said over the dead silent radio. In less than a minute the entire roof was fortified and blocked from visual sight. Then a second green bubble surrounded it. “Three layers of protection. If Thor couldn’t break it I bet that smaller one is stronger if condensed.”

  “Best I stay here.” Storm-shadow decided. “Ethan, you go inside. Human’s seem free to still go about their business.” He gestured with his snout as a car passed through the barrier as if it didn’t exist. “I will stay and if it tries escaping I’ll be waiting to attack in this confined space.”

  “I don’t like it, but we have few choices.” Came the response. “I’ll end this as quickly as I can.”

  Ethan dismounted while Floa flitted around in panic for her child. “Floa, stay close to me, preferably behind. Storm, keep an eye out for trouble. If I must I’ll jump out one of those windows. Stick to the east side. I’ll use it if Floa can’t get us out.” The stallion tossed his head in a nod.

  No further words were needed as Ethan’s hands turned an angry red like his face, but he didn’t burst into flames since he didn’t need to harm anyone. He crossed the parking lot and followed a young family of four through automatic doors.

  Sensing active Spirit Energy, a net of vines dropped from the ceiling, but were turned to ash before they could be used. Along the ground was more vines being swept by a janitor mumbling about strange trimmings. Floa stayed back as ordered. People inside merely fanned their face at the brief flash of heat, but didn’t see his fire. Acting casually he strolled up to the desk and asked “A friend of mine is staying at the top floor. Could you tell me which elevators will reach it?”

  The old woman smiled and said “Your Italian is perfect for an American. You are fluent… oh, sorry. It was rude of me.” She blushed some in embarrassment. “Elevators I’m afraid are all suddenly out of order. It is strange, but they will be operational soon. But the stairs are just down that hall. A big strapping young man like yourself will find it easy… Oh, what a beautiful butterfly!” the old woman said as Floa landed on the desk. As the woman wet to catch her, Floa took off again.

  “Thank you, Ma’am.” She blinked, already forgetting all about seeing a butterfly. The woman waved kindly as he left.

  Stairs arrived soon enough and very carefully ascended them. Peering up through the middle of the winding stairs Ethan and Floa found writhing vines up high and steadily climbed.

  As they reached the ninth story Floa gasped and Ethan’s hands ignited. Around the bend they saw a multitude of tendrils cocooning eight individuals. Checking the area first and seeing it was clear he came forward. Floa shot to a tiny knot and exclaimed “Alive!” and exploded to her larger size to grasp the wad. “I’ll get you out baby doll! Hold on, Elaine.” her fingers couldn’t pull any off. It was like trying to rip steel open.

  “Everyone, hold still!” Ethan said when he didn’t need to be told how to get them out. Struggling ceased a moment before he activate his power to burn off their bindings. The tendrils couldn’t take the impressive heat and burned away.

  Two female Naga, an Amazon, two witches, two Ogress’ and a Pixie exploded to their feet. He canceled the flames and had them back away. Floa grabbed her tiny daughter and held her close to her heart and cried. Then her daughter grew and they fully embraced.

  None of this makes sense. Ethan thought suddenly as all the women looked at him. He asked “What happened?”

  One of the female Ogres, the squad leader, hefted her baseball bat-like club and said “Kitsune trapped us before we could call for help. It gagged us and even prevented Elaine from Translocating us by binding her hands. It happened so quickly we couldn’t react.”

  “Yes, but why aren’t you all dead?” He demanded calmly. “For all people have said of the fox, it should have killed you.”

  “We don’t have an answer.” She said. “I’m surprised too. It could have done so with no trouble at all. The real question is what we need to do next.”

  “We? Unh-unh.” He shook his head. “You ladies are all heading down and getting away to regroup with Storm-shadow outside. I am going up.” The silence was momentary as all of them aside for the Pixies shouted objections. He put an end to it by bursting into flames and they backpedaled till they were flush against the wall. He then stopped and said in a calm voice “I’m going up alone. Not only am I more powerful than all of you combined, you will get in my way. Right now you all are leaving. If I happen to fail it will be up to you to help Thor and the others outside get in and take care of business. The Kitsune’s plants are useless against me if you haven’t noticed and I don’t require saying words, writing or clapping to activate them. So long as I’m conscious I’m his worst enemy. No more debate or you’ll all end up here in the burn ward. Am I clear.”

  The Ogress saw the wisdom and confidence in him to say “Very well.” Her companions went to reject, but she forestalled them with a hand. “Fire against plant. We’ll do what we can, Kid. You just come back safely. Let’s go, Girls. Elaine, you and your mother come too. He needs to focus and we are a distraction.” The group of nine women came to understand fully of the situation, like the Ogress and proceeded downstairs. Floa smiled in gratitude before taking her child’s hand and leaving.

  Alone and silence helped Ethan think. The vegetation writhed slowly along the stairs leading up with some dangling. It was a trap and likely any other passage to the roof was likewise blocked, but as he contemplated he noticed that the vines didn’t grow any further down and there were no thorns.

  When Ethan made up his mind he cloaked every part of himself in flames and slowly walked up the steps. They reacted by trying to bind him, but he was so hot they burned off in an instant. Unfortunately the resulting smoke activated fire alarms for ten seconds till he heard a ‘whoosh’ of air and realized the witches he saved were magically taking care of all the smoke. The intercom of the hospital said “False Alarm.” And he didn’t stop. Nothing stopped him.

  He reached the fourteenth floor without breathing hard from all the exercise he underwent and saw the green barrier was actually a sphere that blocked the upper roof access and was surprised to find that his unlit hand could pass through, but his jacket couldn’t. He realized that Kanade’s runes were Spirit Energy infused. Making a heavy risked decision, Ethan took off his jacket and pants. He stood in a white t-shirt and his blue boxers. He then worried about his bracelets, but they passed so long as he didn’t talk or hear anything that needed translating.

  He leapt through the barrier and was instantly tangled, but he turned up the heat again and was released. Then he felt the side of his head as the headset was ripped away as he passed. He knew it had some magic, but forgot. The lens could record the supernatural, but if a hu
man not permitted tries it on it’ll self destruct.

  Unable to go back because he had to keep the fire burning, he burned his way to the roof door and when all was charred he stopped and opened the door.

  The roof was entirely blocked of all daylight. A slightly sweet scent permeated the air like roses. The roof was littered with gravel, but completely surrounded by giant stalks so tight not a sliver of sunlight passed through. Most surprising of all were the gigantic flowers in full bloom facing inside. They glowed softly and were beyond beautiful, not even the smallest petals had a fifteen foot diameter. Never before had Ethan seen the like.

  Sitting in the center of the roof was what Ethan first thought a man in white sitting on a bed of pillows. Only they weren’t. They were large fluffy, snow white tails. The man wasn’t a man at all. What he mistook for a white coat was a body of snow white hair. Long pointed ears tipped black twitched at the sound of the door opening and then came a sad voice that was beyond unexpected. “Have you come to kill me, Fire man?”

  Then the Kitsune stood up on two legs, its nine tails spreading like a fan. It wore just a pair of pants and stood on large paws rather than feet and the odd joints were lithely disguising incredible running power. Then it turned and Ethan knew it was a beautiful being, not grotesque or hideous as he assumed. The Kitsune looked much larger with his tails spread, but he was thin like a runner. In deep pools of silver were eyes that had seen many ages come and pass, held immense power and tremendous sadness. It truly looked like a man and snow fox had become one rather than the picture he once saw of a werewolf. In his hands that had claws, he held the silver chain that hung the Crescent Mirror. Just as the name sounded, it looked much like a six inch crescent moon.

  Standing before the demon in nothing but his boots, boxers and a shirt Ethan said “Actually before I answer that I would like to ask you why you have done all this. The only reason you aren’t ash right now is because up until now you have not killed a single person. Tell me why.”

  The Kitsune’s liquid silver eyes widened, but he made no move in aggression. “The answer lies four floors beneath our feet. My mother is going to die tomorrow morning and I intend to see she does not.”

  Of all the possibilities Ethan planned on hearing, it certainly wasn’t that.

 

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