A terrible coughing fit propelled Anton into his second awakening. It only lasted for a few moments but it was enough for his hand to grip onto the thick fur bed covers, the other thumping his chest. The sharp scales now decorating his hands caused a slight pain with every strike. As he opened his eyes another set grabbed it and pulled it away, these were covered in hard pads with tiny tufts of soft fur emerging from between.

“Kal?” Anton coughed his last cough, forcing his eyes open. “Ugh. Sorry. Felt like I couldn’t breathe for a moment… You’re already awake?”

Kal was sitting by his side, fully dressed in her winter clothes. The room was relatively warm, even considering they didn’t have any fires burning, but as a Beast-kin, one with some fur, she was much better equipped to deal with it. She left her forearms exposed but that was all. Her swelling stomach pushed against her already tight shirt.

“We woke early.” Kal sighed as she placed her tail on his chest. He began to gently stroke the fan end, soft even underneath his scaled fingers. “We were going to sleep in, maybe cuddle for a little bit, but Zuhura put a halt to that.”

“I really doubted she has an issue with married couples… Even one’s as strange as us. But that’s not right, is it?”

Kal chuckled. “Of course not. No, she arrived early to begin work. Said that she wanted to discuss a few things about last night. The announcements, things like that. Rasha was already awake, so she got us. You didn’t wake up, so we just wanted to give you a little bit longer. I decided to stay. Didn’t want you to think we’d just abandoned you because you’ve got a few more scales on you.”

Kal took his other hand and placed it on her stomach. It was incredibly warm, like the rest of her. “Anton. I… I still want-”

“We’re going to rescue Lucia today.” Anton pulled himself up. Kal took his hand and moved it to her breast. It had grown significantly since her pregnancy, almost as large as Verona before hers, and was extremely soft. “No matter what. So there’s no need for encouragement.”

“Do you really think I’m that…” Kal rolled her other hand. “I can’t think of the right word. But that. Do you think I’m that?”

Anton silenced her with a kiss. It was gentle but one they both eagerly shared. It had been less than a day since he’d held her but it felt too long. Kal wrapped her arms around his neck and scratched the back of his head, pushing and rubbing her body against his. Kal made a soft whimpering noise when he finally pulled back, pouting that it had to stop.

“We can’t just do that all day.” Anton gave her another quick kiss. “Even though that was the original idea for the next week.”

“True.” Kal placed her forehead against his. Her other hand dragged against his stomach and brushed against his groin. “Little bit worried about when this little guy gets going. Well, not so little any more thanks to Longinious.”

Anton looked down. He was glad his bodily functions were still functioning properly. His heart wanted nothing more than to push her down, to feel her body against his while her claws tried to ravage his back. However he knew he couldn’t, at least not yet. Not until he knew whether or not such excitement and exertion would hurt him. Or her. Not to mention if his blood or other fluids could be harmful.

“I know.” Kal smiled. “I can see it on your face. Are you sure that I can’t do something?” Kal drew even closer, her breath hot against his ears as she nipped at them. She began to rub her hand against his stomach, the other pulled up her shirt. “You wouldn’t even have to do anything. You could just leave it all to me…My hands are very warm, so it won’t be a shock to anything important… I promise.”

Anton had almost given in when a knock on the door stopped him. They sighed together as Kal hopped from the bed, her clawed feet clacked on the wooden floor.

“Are you awake yet?” The door creaked open, Cetina’s head peered through. The swordswoman warm smile brought one to his own. “I know that you might have actually been sleeping.”

“It’s fine.” Anton waved her in. “Quite odd that I’m the last to wake up.”

“We all agreed to give you some extra sleep. You sounded like you were having an important dream. At least that’s what Kal said.”

“I guess you could say that I was.” Anton threw the covers of. Cetina’s eye flicked down, only looking up when Anton began to dress himself. “Had a meeting with the Old Gods. Even a new one.”

“I see…” Cetina frowned. “Verona said she’d had one herself. With… What was her name?”

“Jira.” Kal leant against the wall with one leg up. “The Goddess of Blood.”

“Right. Well, she was a little odd this morning. You’d probably be best to speak with her.” Cetina smiled. “None of the rest of us have much experience with them. I’ll tell them you’ll be out in a bit.”

Cetina gave a final wave before shutting the door.

“She’s been a little bit nervous since she woke up.” Kal passed Anton a shirt, one that was quite tight now. “But I’m sure she’ll calm down once you talk to her.”

Kal chuckled. “Quite unusual for her, of all people, to be nervous about anything.”

“Yeah… She’s never really shied away from anything.” Anton pulled Kal close, giving her rear a gentle squeeze. "Fighting on the frontlines, traveling the world or even dealing with the Dark Elf Elders and King Harold."

"What a mess that was." Kal tapped his chest. "Thankfully you didn't end up like that."

"I'll definitely make sure she's alright. Tell Jira off if that's what’s necessary."

Kal gave him another kiss and helped him into his other clothes, not that he actually needed it. He decided to keep his new hands and feet free. Just so they wouldn’t cramp up too early.

“Kal?" Anton flexed his sharp toes, Kal smirked and scratched his with her own. "Has anyone had any sign of receiving a new Glyph? Seems that Fliodher’s sending us some extra help, quite quickly by the sounds of it, though she said I’d know it when I saw it.”

“No pains. No aches. No… Well, I can’t say that.” Kal rotated and massaged her shoulder. “Especially Verona and Rasha. But nothing like that. Do you think it’ll be Rasha or Cetina this time?”

“Rasha's a little too big to ride a wolf." They both chuckled. "Kinda’ don’t want to see them whimpering with their legs splayed out. But we’ll keep an ear out.”

Once outside the bedroom he heard the sounds of breakfast being prepared; a faint murmur of excited voices, chopping of hard vegetables and the simmering of pots.

“Verona’s definitely not going to be missing this.”

Anton’s words elicited a faint chuckle from Kal.

As their combined claws struck the wooden floor Rasha craned her head backwards out the door. She wore the basic pieces of her armor, the complete set was near impossible for her to safely equip on her own and quite noisy to move.

“Morning.” Anton said happily. “What’s Zuhura got ready for us?”

“A simple selection.” Zuhura shouted out, in tone but not volume. Anton realized he hadn’t heard her even raise her voice since the Sana Vākara cultist incident. “Cooked ham, cheese, buttered bread and baked potatoes.”

“I wonder who that last one’s for.” Anton mused.

Inside the kitchen Verona and Cetina sat at the table, Rasha hovered around Zuhura while Longinious waited in the corner, her long body coiled on top of itself to minimize space. A small stack of papers lay on the corner with what appeared to be Zuhura’s handwriting, next to where Rasha sat opposite to Cetina in an otherwise open seat.

"Good morning everyone." Anton received a kiss from Verona and Cetina when he took his seat. "I didn't think you would be awake so early, Zuhura. Nor so diligent."

"I always woke early when I worked for Sultan Hazm." Zuhura said without looking back. Rasha remained at her side, but she was more interested in the bright blue headscarf scarf laying loose around her neck than even the food. A rare occurrence. "Even for someone like me there was much to do, even on the rare days of his absence. It is extremely difficult to change such ingrained habits."

Zuhura passed several plates to Rasha, who served the steaming breakfast. Anton only realized just how hungry he was when the smell struck him. The full plate didn't seem like it would be enough.

"I heard you coughing before." Zuhura took her own plate, a little smaller than the others, and sat at the table, taking the position next to Verona. "Even over all this noise. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine now. Just a little difficulty in the morning. It's happened before. But I wonder if it has anything to do with these changes of mine.”

Anton glanced to Longinious, still waiting in the corner. There wasn’t a place left for her, not without taking another. Not to mention she didn’t need to eat. Or sleep.

“I am unsure of what you’re asking.” Longinious’s voice crackled. Both sets of hands lay gently clasped in front of her, her head crest low against her head. “I did not sleep, although there is something that I would like to ask. Before you leave for Danafra. Though I did not visit your so-called Old Gods, I suffered a… I’m unsure how to properly put it. A desynchronization?”

“What’s that?” Rasha spoke with a mouth full of a cheese covered baked potato, even though no one else was eating yet.

“I lost focus. But to an extreme degree. It was not for long, but I wasn’t entirely present in this world.” Longinious sighed. “It made it extremely difficult to catalog and decipher Anton’s memories for clues of the technical aspects of Earth technology.”

“Maybe you should start at the beginning.” Verona tapped his hand. “We had this problem with Mezot and Frindal. Remember?”

Verona wore thicker clothing than Kal, but it was still straining against her increasing proportions. Even though she wasn’t due until well after winter her chest in particular had noticeably grown. Though she hadn’t said anything it was clearly causing her some pain when she stood for long periods of time.

Anton motioned for Longinious to move towards the corner of the table between Rasha and Cetina, one she happily accepted. Cetina chuckled at how her fins twitched happily, if it could be called such a thing. Over breakfast he explained everything that had transpired; the Old Gods and their peculiarities, Fliodher’s knowledge of their imminent excursion and the golden wisp that followed him. Once finished no one said anything. Not even the clinking of their simple metal cutlery to fill the void.

“It sounds plausible.” Longinious softly broke the silence. "Though difficult to explain the sensation it did feel like I was trying to stop something."

"Didn't think that you were trying to seduce a God." Verona snickered. "I remember Fliodher. A bit like Kal, though a lot softer."

Kal threw Anton a look.

“But very good with a bow. Well, we don’t know that exactly.” Verona glanced at Kal. “Are you going to take that back up once you’ve given birth?”

“Of course. Though I will be a mother I have no intention of ceasing my travels with Anton. Of course traveling with our children will be slow and difficult. Thanks to those portals it won’t be a problem. Keep them here and safe, while we explore the world.”

Verona snickered. “Don’t want Anton to get any ideas of recruiting a God. I wonder if they’re good kissers?”

"Are you worried I'll bring Jira back here?"

Anton received a kick to his shin. Verona cursed under her breath, leaning down to rub her foot. She cursed again when a fork brushed against her breast which lay squashed on the table.

"Those damned sharp bits on those new feet of yours make you difficult to kick." Verona murmured before sitting upright, flicking away the fork. "Yeah… But I’ll throw both you and her out if you were to do something so stupid."

Verona flexed her hand. "It would be so much easier if she hadn't been such a bitch when I met her the first time."

Rasha's chair groaned as she stood up, to get another batch of potatoes and fresh cut carrots.

"I guess Kal told you what happened?"

"She did." Anton was slightly relieved that neither were glaring at one another. "Said you were a bit rattled by what happened."

"Rattled?" Verona smiled at Kal, who kept her face flat and calm. "Yeah. Yeah, I guess you could say that."

Verona flexed her hands. She stabbed a piece of meat and held it in front of her face, slowly rotating and scrutinizing it. "I guess I've been acting a little strange. You haven't seen Jira's little Realm. Fliodher’s was much nicer. So much nicer. Blood and meat everywhere, and I was expected to just walk through it. Vile, to start with."

"I'm glad I don't have that." Cetina ripped a piece of meat apart like a rabid dog. "Guess I have that Demon to thank. But… But I will admit that your blood powers are extremely useful."

She nodded to her sword resting in the corner of the room, opposite to where Longinious had been initially waiting.

"And I've still got my sword until Anton's new weapons are ready."

I didn't think you'd be jealous of Jira's… no. That's not right. That's not it at all.

"I could try and make a weapon similar to the Marble Spear." Longinious smiled and lent forward slightly. "The type that Anton made well before rediscovering me. In addition I could ensure it had an energy edge like my Spear Form so it'll cut through anything. Once I get to proper laboratory and workshop it shouldn't take too long."

"That would be nice…" Cetina frowned slightly. “There’s also those special weapons that Shawn and Jocelyn made. The ones that smashed armour and cut through flesh incredibly easy. Any chance of doing that?”

“It’s certainly possible.” Longinious smiled, patting down one of her hip fins. “Though… Though I would require some time to learn how to forge weapons. Anton lacks the knowledge of the intricacies of working metal but it should not be too difficult. I can only imagine what such a weapon would be capable of.”

“That would be incredible, if it’s really possible and it’s not too difficult…” Cetina trailed off as she looked at Verona.

Verona was picking at her food, dismissively playing with it, with a slightly pained expression.

"Jira wants me to slay an Ice Dragon." Verona sighed. "By myself."

Stunned silence filled the room. Kal's ears pricked up as high as they could, even Cetina looked shocked. Rasha, Zuhura and Longinious shared silent looks.

"I…" Anton composed himself. He realized his expression probably wasn't the best, judging by Verona’s. "That's… That's what Jira wants you to do?"

“Yeah.” Verona forced a smile. “Don’t worry, she said that it needs to be done by the beginning of next winter if I want these damned tattoo’s to go away. So thankfully she’s going to allow me to have these children.” Verona slapped her stomach. “Isn’t she just so generous? I didn’t mind them too much when they first turned up.” She held up her hand. “But this is just excessive.”

“How far do they extend?” Zuhura asked. Of everyone present she had not seen Verona’s naked body, nor shared Anton’s memories.

Verona responded by leaning forward and parting her hair. Zuhura made a faint murmur and cast her eyes at her mostly eaten plate. Rasha returned to her chair when Verona adjusted her hair.

“It’s fine, Zuhura. One of the reasons that I like long clothes. I did before but… I might want to buy some of your style of clothes, see what can be made from them. They can be both pretty and cover these red markings.”

Rasha’s long ears flicked back but she said nothing.

Anton sighed and shook his head. “After all she’s said and done, and after saying they were permanent-”

“I wouldn’t have so much of a problem with her if she wasn’t such a bitch about it!” Verona threw her hands into the air before letting them loudly drop against her sides. “But she said that if I did this, and a little something else, then she’d make it so that I’d have less than when I first got this Glyph. Said I wasn’t doing enough for her.” Verona stuck out her tongue at Anton. “Kept comparing me to you, wouldn’t let me get a word in. So I just had to sit there and listen to her crap. Even though I’ve killed a lot of monsters, and quite a few people too.”

Verona shrugged. “I would have offered her a prayer or too if she’d just been a bit nicer from the start, you know? Even could have just told me it was an effect of getting her Glyph.” Verona shrugged again. “But she’s promised that if I actually listened to her then everything would go, except the tattoos on my back. Which would be nice.”

Verona cupped her breasts high. “I’d like to have these to not be half red.”

“So she lied before?” Kal raised an aqua brow. “Just to irritate you? A shame we can’t use a Truth Prayer on the Gods.”

Longinious clearly forced herself to hold her tongue.

“And this little extra thing?”

“A spot in that temple they want you to make.” Verona lazily pointed her meat laden fork at Anton, the piece threatening to slip off. “Even though she wasn’t there she knew about it. You think Nithroel does too?”

Anton shrugged. “Either way it doesn’t concern her. It wasn’t a part of our agreement, and it’s pretty clear she has no interest in upholding it. So…” Anton held her hand. Verona did not flinch, entwining hers within his. “What do you want to do, Verona?”

He nodded towards Longinious. “I’m sure that we could work something out over the next year to remove it. But…”

Verona gripped his hand hard. “Both. I want you two to do both.”

“Both?” Longinious asked. Her head crest rose slightly.

“I’ll do what Jira asks.” Verona smiled and ripped the meat from her fork. “And if she messes with me again I’ll have it ripped from my body and defile every statue and shrine of hers that I can find.” She folded her arms and looked to the ceiling. “I hope you heard that, Jira. I’m not going to have my body wrecked any more by you. You hear me?”

Verona seemed rather pleased with herself. She gave a triumphant humph and looked back down.

“But that's enough about me." She smiled and stabbed the last piece of meat on her plate. "So, how was everyone else's night?”

—[]---

While the rest of their breakfast was not as eventful or dramatic there were several decisions made for the upcoming mission. Firstly, only a small group could go. Danafra was the largest Seocurian city and the epicenter of their oppressive rule. Not to mention it was heavily guarded as the revolt that allowed Kal to escape had originated there. Cetina would ask Calo and Sheso to assist them as they could more easily blend in and were agile enough to slip through the Danfran defenses. At least Anton hoped so. They would also be assisted by the invisibility-inducing clothes worn by the Mist Walkers Shadow Hunters. Even in direct sunlight they were near impossible to see, Verona could attest to that. In the worst case scenario they could infiltrate while they caused a distraction, likely a massive firestorm through the mostly wooden city. He also trusted the pair not to sell or abscond with such valuables, though he planned to have them back the moment they were done.

While they would be crucial to the plan Longinious had an interesting thought. In the event of an accident or disturbance Anton, nor someone like Mezot, could use their magic in the city without being discovered. Of course they might be able to cause enough havoc to escape it would undoubtedly lead to the discovery of the portal, not to mention the strength of Seocurian Principle Mages were unknown. Longinious’s plan was to utilize Anton’s Ancient Summons to serve as a distraction. No one could possibly know what they are and, at least according to her, they would be strong enough to kill dozens of armored Seocurian soldiers and even resist many magical attacks even at their weakest level. But first he needed to actually create one.

“So that's why we’re out here?” Anton asked. For the first time in ages snow wasn’t falling on Atros, giving people time to clear the streets and simply walk around without heavy cloaks and cowls. “In the snow while everyone else gets their gear ready? I need to do the same, you know.”

“Of course.” Longinious circled over the white snow. She stopped and pointed towards a large depression, one she had caused but the other day. “But preparing additional forces to rescue this Lucia will take time, far longer than getting a few cloaks. Forces that won’t link our raid to Atros or any of your potential Seocurian allies. Even if their loyalty is questionable… Doesn’t matter.”

"Qinos and his house are in financial ruin. They need us to even survive, let alone even think of reclaiming their prestige and position." Anton took a deep breath, to take in the cold crisp air, but it still barely phased him. "So these Ancient Summons?"

Behind them Rasha grunted as she tried to make herself comfortable on a snow covered stone wall. She followed as their escort as she was not traveling with them to Danafra. As a very tall Beast-kin she had no hope of infiltrating a Seocurian city, let alone their capital. And Anton refused to have her in chains and rags again to look the part, doubly so he didn’t want her to behave like a beaten and fearful slave. Thankfully it was not something she put forward, and no one had asked.

Beside her was Mezot and Axia, wearing their bright Frindal colored winter clothes. They had been picked up traveling to Anton’s house. Both were delighted to see him awake and moving, though their minds were far more interested in breakfast. Once they explained what they were planning Mezot was adamant they had to follow. She even had a fresh stack of papers in her bag, Anton was certain they had been liberated from his study. It also helped, as two gifted Principle Mages, they would know if Seocurian Mages could detect them being created or when they attacked. The last thing Anton wanted was to fiddle about with Ancient Magic just to bring down the entire Danafran guard upon them.

Longinious clapped her hands. “It is extremely similar to how you would summon creatures through Glyph Magic. It requires a series of concentric rings rotating around a central sphere to work. Which…” Longinious frowned at Mezot. “Mezot? Do you wish to record this? Since you’re here I thought…”

Mezot nodded furiously as Longinious trailed off. Axia helped her ready a type of clipboard, a crudely manufactured one but an effective one nonetheless. Mezot readied herself, hand hovering over the paper, and stared at Longinious with her usual enthusiastic intensity.

Longinious smirked. “Very well. Summoning Ancient Summons is extremely similar to Glyph and Principle summoning, at least I presume it is. I presume that it was used before the other two…"

Mezot hanged on her words but said nothing.

Longinious cleared her throat. "Regardless, unlike the other two their forms and abilities are not set. At least not yet. For Anton they have never been brought into being before, so they will be quite malleable. Within limits. There's simply no possibility of bringing something like me for a level one summon, that's for sure."

Longinious flicked her tail at the snow, flicking up a small plume of soft snow.

"I would ask how you know that…" Anton received an apologetic shrug from Longinious. "I know what I'm going to get. So… Anything I need to be aware of? I recall that allowing the rotating ring to touch the center was a very bad idea."

"Very bad." Mezot muttered. "I remember many students and even a few teachers that had that unfortunate accident happen to them. Very bad."

I wonder what they would have done to help you?

"Indeed. But a level one summon is relatively simple and easy to create. Of course it will also be relatively weak, especially compared to myself, but I trust that Anton will think of a way to more than adequately compensate for those potential deficiencies."

"Well," Anton crossed his arms and held his chin, thankfully he didn't need to worry about a snow stained glove melting on his face. "Given what I've learned from Earth, and even here, long ranged combat is preferable. I know Cetina might disagree, well, she’s interested in my Rifles. Anyway, it’s best to keep your foes at a distance. For many reasons.”

“Quite right.”

“And I think I’ll be using you as the basis for the Ancient Creatures.”

“Me?” Longinious raised a hairless brow but still looked very happy.

“Blasts of light would be ideal. The Lightning Crows are capable of something similar, so I think it would be a good place to start.”

Longinious seemed happy with his words.

“And I’ll try to keep it themed.” Anton cracked a smile. “Don’t want anyone to think that you're the odd one out, right?"

Longinious managed a smile. "Firstly, it cannot be made inside yourself like Glyph Magic. You must take form it outside, as you did in the Fire Elf Cavern."

Anton held out his hand and created a sphere of Black Lightning, which appeared to be slightly more calm than usual. With some effort the sphere turned solid. He murmured in discontent while forcing a piece off around the center to form a ring. Much to his delight it remained in place.

“There we go.” Anton clicked his tongue. “Something’s telling me I can only use this to create a Summoned Creature. I presume that’s normal…”

Mezot let out a faint noise. “I have never heard of such preformed Mana being used for anything else.”

Anton turned his attention back to the white sphere.

Okay. What to make? Something simple to start with. Obviously. But what? Longinious is all but certain that I worked in some sort of aquarium instead of an office...No. Don’t think too hard about it. No idea what being distracted will do to this.

Anton took a quick breath, Longinious gingerly touched his shoulder.

A sea creature? Atros barely has any connection to the sea. Barely have a stream running through the city now. But the sea… Like a crab? Fish? Crab? That’ll definitely be something later for melee. Maybe…

“Once you have the image in your head, be sure to keep a tight hold of it.” Longinious softly warned. “I’m sure that there will be some serious issues if you let it slip.”

Anton nodded, not taking his eyes from the sphere. The ring of Formed Essence began to spin at his command. Immediately he felt the object begin to destabilize, trying to fall apart while the ring tried to leave its spinning axis. It took considerable effort to simply maintain it. Longinious’s fingers gripped tighter onto his shoulder, only causing a distraction at best. He managed to keep the structure together until it completed its ten rotations. The moment the ring touched its original position it disintegrated into tiny white cubes then into nothing. Large golden lines ran along the exterior of the sphere and cracked loudly, an egg being broken.

“What is that?” Mezot tilted her head. “I remember seeing something like this in a Boreana restaurant once. Or… Or maybe it was one of my early lessons?”

Anton managed a slight frown as Rasha and Axia left their seat.

Simply put, the creature now hovering above his hand was a Nautilus. A large shelled sea creature that Anton recalled was always floating through the blue waters. This example was more ornate than those of Earth. Rough purple and gold lines adorned its spiral shell, the armored hood above its small tentacles, only a few inches long, was covered in a pale purple with golden spots. It lacked normal eyes, rather small bright orange dots inside of a small disk that sat either side of its head beneath the armored head and behind the small tentacles. It lacked the ability to see directly ahead, instead having good peripheral vision.

“I do not believe you wish to eat this.” Longinious smiled. “I’m sure that if you cracked its shell it would simply disintegrate, not that it would be tasty either way. But thank you, Anton. I’m extremely honored that you would consider me whilst designing them. Even though…"

Longinious quietly trailed off. Anton perfectly understood why, but he had no desire to continue.

"Did you detect any of that?" Anton asked. The Nautilus pivoted so one of its small orange eyes could focus on him. "It's very important that we know. Otherwise we're going to have to rethink a bit of this plan."

Anton looked to the east, to where Danafra lay.

"Considering the rotation of this world the sun should only just be rising in Danafra." Longinious only now relinquished her hold on his shoulder. "According to Kal, Rasha and Marion, should my, or rather your memory serve, the working slaves will be departing. But Lucia was not one of them. Qinos should have more information on the cities activity schedule."

"I wonder how he's going to feel when we swing on by." Anton mused. "Mezot? Axia? Anything?"

The two hovered their Charms close to the Nautilus. It tried to reach out to the metal disks with its short tentacles but couldn't quite reach, the frustration was clear not on its face but the overly dramatic way it dropped its tentacles.

"Nothing. Not a single thing.” Axia sighed, running a hand through her hair to mimic her mothers, though only for a moment. “Nothing. Just like it was down there. Just nothing.”

“Marvelous.” Longinious clapped both sets of hands. “We won’t be detected when they begin to cause distractions or infiltration. I believe it is a good idea to use these to loot Seocurian Slaver’s homes and estates, but I’m sure that you’ll get Zuhura to come around to it.”

“She doesn’t have a problem with it being used as a supplement, only if we become dependent on it.” Anton said.

Axia chuckled. “Big fancy words from you, isn’t it?”

“They make me sound smarter.” Anton ruffled her hair with his free hand.

The Nautilus raised its tentacles towards his hand. Anton somewhat reluctantly allowed the creature to touch his gloved hand. Its grip was unimaginably strong, easily able to snap a finger, yet it did not desire to do so. It relinquished its hold, looking very pleased with itself.

"A bit more of a personality than normal." Anton said. "Though it sounds like they get better the higher the level…"

"Fascinating." Mezot murmured as she scribbled notes.

"Okay little guy. What can you do?" Anton realized he sounded like he was speaking with a child, not that the Nautilus appeared to mind. "We're going to be going against some quite nasty and heavily armed people. So, what have you got?"

"Light attacks." Longinious spoke calmly. "But a level one summon isn't going to be smart enough to figure out what you want on its own."

The Nautilus continued to stare blankly at him.

"I… Mezot? Do you think you could have one of your level one summons come out? I’d like to see how strong they are compared to this.”

“I could.” Mezot gripped her staff tight. “Axia? Have you been continuing your studies? You should be ready for a level one fire summon.”

“Maybe not this time.” Axia smiled up at her mother. “I was practicing rather late last night, so I haven’t completely recovered yet.”

Mezot closed her eyes, chanted softly under her breath as the gemstone at the center of her Charm glowed bright. A small blue circle emerged on the snow and a Water Sprite emerged. The water coalesced into a vaguely humanoid blob and waited at her feet. The edges that touched the snow did not absorb the snowflakes, rather crushing them underneath its mass.

“Interesting.” Longinious softly murmured.

“Wait.” Mezot tapped her staff again. “I have another one…”

This time a white glowing disk emerged in the air. When it faded away a giant snowflake remained, as large as a fist with an icicle piercing through the center.

“I haven’t shown you this, have I?” Mezot almost sounded whimsical. “A Snowflake. It’s quite strong for its level, but very fragile. Perhaps…” Mezot tentatively held his hand. “Perhaps, after finishing your time in Danafra, you could visit me? I would like to talk to you about magic, if that is possible.”

“Of course.” Anton gave her a quick kiss. Axia stuck out her tongue in feigned disgust, though her face had taken on a reddish tinge. “It’s been a while since I’ve received a proper lesson. I’m sure you’ve got quite a lot to show me, like how that icicle urchin you created for the Royal Academy was actually useful.”

Mezot’s face beamed with happiness and pride, even though Anton knew his last words could be interpreted somewhat poorly. “So what did you want me to do?”

“See how effective they are in combat in comparison… What’s wrong, Axia?”

Axia’s embarrassment had completely disappeared, now replaced by a worried frown as her eyes moved between her Charm and the Nautilus.

“Do you not feel that, mother?” Axia spoke very softly. “There is something coming from the… What did you call it?”

“A Nautilus.” Longinious looked at Anton with a vague sense of annoyance. It disappeared when she turned to Axia. “What is it? I cannot use Principle Magic…”

“It’s like there’s a void near the Nautilus.” Axia waved her Charm near the creature. It waved its short tentacles at the Charm. “I couldn’t tell it was there before, but now there’s other Summons there I can.”

Mezot slipped from Anton’s grasp, murmuring a faint apology to Anton, and copying her daughter. Her brows furrowed to the same degree as her daughter.

“Yes, there is. It’s very faint.” Mezot looked at Anton with an almost sheepish look. “I was a little excited… It is noticeable but only at very short distance. A few paces and it’s gone.”

“I would imagine with more powerful Ancient Summons it will be more noticeable.” Anton gave the top of the Nautilus’s shell a pat, one it appeared to dislike immensely. “Or just a dozen of these things. But it’s best to discover now, unlike what happened in Frindal.”

Longinious and Axia solemnly nodded, Rasha vaguely nodded while Mezot looked more than a little confused.

Does she not remember or can't put the dots together?

"Regardless, I would like to see how yours perform." Anton gestured towards the snow covered depression. "I'm sure it'll be worthy of recording."

Mezot gripped her staff and quietly ordered her Summons to attack the snow. The Water Sprite moved first. The humanoid water shape shuffled forward with surprising speed, creating and extending legs of water to propel it forward. It stopped before the edge and threw a water arm at the bottom. Although thin it struck with considerable force, sending up small plumes of snow and dirt. The strikes were very fast when it began to alternate between arms. It abruptly stopped and backed away as the Snowflake took its position. A small needle-like icicle emerged above and below the Snowflake. They twitched and flew forth. This time there was no plumes but dug deep into the snow and dirt. It took some time for the Snowflake to ready another set.

"Very dangerous." Longinious smiled. "Aren't you glad that you have Mezot on your side?"

"More than just her." Anton held Rasha's hand. "No one can compare to my Oni."

"Honestly…" Rasha tried to hide her smile, along with her rapidly swaying tail.

Mezot passed her Charm to Axia and brought out her rudimentary clip board. She smiled at Anton.

"I do not believe there were any records of how destructive attacks from summoned creatures." Mezot pointed at the Nautilus with her pencil. "And certainly not that summon."

“Alright. Give it a go.” Anton patted the Nautilus again.

The Nautilus moved to the same position as the Water Sprite and the Snowflake. It angled its body downward, its tentacles quivered just before a massive blast of light shot out. While being near identical to Longinious’s it was nowhere near as powerful, though certainly not unimpressive. The charred hole, dripping with melting snow, was large enough to put his boot in. After ten seconds the Nautilus fired again with the same intensity. Anton called it back, it didn’t appear to respond to his thoughts, and it returned to hovering just before him.

“Granted,” Longinious quickly shifted behind the Nautilus, holding it with her lower set of arms. “Its poor rate of fire can be compensated by having multiple Nautili. You barely mentioned how much Essence it required.”

“Less than a scale.” Anton ran a hand along his tail. “Don’t have time to swing by Jaka, do we?”

“Not if you wish to take a Chirok.” Longinious said. “Poor beasts wouldn’t be able to take your weight.”

“Yes. Damn shame. Now, Nautilus, it’s time for you to return to… Wherever it is you all go back to.”

The Nautilus pouted, with its tentacles, but complied nonetheless. Its body disintegrated into the ubiquitous tiny white cubes and completely disappeared. Mezot ordered the same for her Summons, they disappeared in much the same way as they were summoned.

“Unless we have a Principle Mage right on us there’s no way they’ll detect them until it’s too late.” Anton smiled. “And even if they do, who’s going to know that they belong to us?”

“I suppose that’s a good thing.” Axia said softly. She shrugged and began to tap on her staff. “Yes. Undoubtedly. What were you talking about before with Zuhura? Robbing people?” Her tapping stopped. “Did I hear that right?”

“Only the Seocurian Empire, not the ones we have here.” Anton gave her head another gentle ruffle. “Though I’m sure most of the Beast-kin won’t see it that way. Anyway… Longinious? How much do you think they could carry?”

Longinious smiled. “Quite a bit I’m sure. You didn’t see me but I pushed down on the Nautilus quite hard, each should be able to carry several kilos of Seocurian gold and gemstones.”

"Anton."

Anton nearly jumped at Verona's voice echoing through his head. His hand gripped the ring on his finger, miraculously undamaged during any of his transformations.

"We're all done here, Verona. The Ancient Summons will be a fantastic help, or distraction at worst. Everything ready to go?"

"Calo and Sheso are going to join you guys. They can blend in with the Seocurians. Well, they can do better than me, that's for sure. Kal said she's coming too. But-"

"There is absolutely no way that I'm going to just sit this one out." Kal's voice was calm and soft, a tone she only took when she wanted to be taken seriously. "She's been there so long and I won't have her there any longer."

"-But," Verona sounded only marginally annoyed from being interrupted. "She agreed that she won't do any of the fighting. But that’s all I could get-"

Verona’s weak yelp caused Anton to jump.

“Kal! That hurts. Anton, she’s pinching my bum with her fingers.”

“I’m sure she’s in the right.” Anton found himself smiling. “And it’s certainly your fault.”

Verona whimpered, but as it was coming through the communication rings he knew it was fine. Hopefully.

"Longinious? It’s time for us to depart."

Longinious nodded once. "Using your wedding rings to communicate? I'm afraid I don't have a way of listening in. At least not until I get my laboratory."

"You can build a radio with… When we get back."

"We'll ask Qinos when we arrive in Danafra." Anton said. Longinious used her tail body to throw snow over the few marks in the depression. Rasha and Axia looked very confused. "We're paying him good money for info. So let's put that to use."

"Good idea." Cetina's voice now echoed through his head. "We should try and get a decent return for our investment."

Anton briefly wondered what it was like for someone observing a silent but important shared expression. Likely Zuhura or Calo and Sheso were quite befuddled.

“Also see how useful they are at gathering Beast-kin.” Kal continued. “I’m sure Ulyaa will be glad to not being the sole source of Arachnid Silk.”

“I’m sure she will. We’ll be back in just a moment.”

“A shame that those rings don’t have the same utility as an electronic radio.” Longinious floated beside him, her human torso almost lazily tilted away. “Except you can’t use too many, otherwise you’ll deplete all the Earth Mana and cause Trellos’s Creations to run completely wild. And there’s a lot more of them than us. Still, very impressive.”

“Yes…” Anton looked towards the west. “Speaking of impressive… That map you drew.”

Longinious straightened her back. "I understand that it's not as detailed as you would like. It's essentially little more than a glorified outline than a true map. I can draw it again, if you would like, and incorporate the other more detailed maps into it."

“It wasn’t that bad.” Axia softly murmured.

"Not that." Anton gently waved her down. “The other parts. The parts not on the map. Have you… Rather, have I ever heard anyone talking about lands to the east? It appeared massive, and a shorter distance than here to the Dwarven Isles.”

“No.” Longinious’s hairless brows furrowed. “No I do not. Seems odd, does it not? Mezot? Axia?”

“I didn’t know much about Bornea.” Axia shrugged. "Spent my whole life within its walls. Until you lot came along… Well, Anton’s the only one present that was also there. But no. Mother might know more."

"I grew up in a fishing village." Mezot looked towards the west, her expression not entirely vacant but difficult to read. "But I never heard of anything further west. Not from the trading ships, the whaling ships… Nothing. I’m sure the pirates and smugglers would know something… But I never spoke with them.”

“Same.” Rasha said, shrugging lightly. “Barely left Danafra, but the Seocurians never said anything about it.”

Wilford would have said something. That man has a lot of contacts…

Anton glanced at Mezot.

Maybe he didn’t tell us because we didn’t ask? Although, given its size I’m sure we’d have heard of trade. What’s there…

“Qinos may know more.” Anton tried to lead the way back but Rasha moved to the front, holding her halberd readiness, a new sword hanging from her waist. It was more like a dagger for her, though certainly no less deadly. “About Lucia and the wider world. Being an older house they’re likely to have contacts, even if they have to smooth things over with copious amounts of silver… Is that…”

Anton pointed towards a pair of heavily cloaked people returning towards the main gate. Their faces were exposed, a Human and a Beast-kin, with the human woman tenderly caressing her stomach with the other holding the Beast-kin’s.

“Berus and Aligi.” Longinious smiled. “The couple Fliodher spoke of are taking care of the Chiroks. It’s unusual to see them out here. There’s nothing out here but frozen fields and leafless trees.”

Hardly any privacy for rutting.

Anton wanted to talk with the pair, to see what one of the few Human and Beast-kin pairings had to say about Atros, but decided to leave them be. Even if they had problems there was a very good chance they’d simply lie.

“Perhaps they just wanted some time together, away from the Chiroks.” Anton smiled. “I know I’d love a few weeks completely off…”

“She’s walking with a very careful gait.” Longinious muttered. “Holding a hand over her stomach. I imagine it’s extremely difficult for a woman to not know she’s missed a period or two.”

“Perhaps the first Half Breed born in Atros?” Anton chuckled. “Come on everyone. We need to get some eight legged Beast-kin and Kal’s friend. Plus I want to see how those creatures compare to a Seocurian Soldier. They’re pretty heavily armed, you know.”

“Indeed, Anton.” Longinious smiled at Mezot and Axia. “I look forward to it as well. Happy Beast-kin are some of the most beautiful things in the world.”

Rasha smiled and shook her head. Her posture relaxed as she fell alongside Anton. “Especially when she knows she’s finally free. Free to live in Atros. Wouldn’t, wouldn’t that make Kal’s day?”