{[When I first met her, her eyes were deeper than the lowest drop of water in the endless sea. Her smile was lost and forgotten, all she desired was death… My death.]}

Risa's ears wiggled up and down. Her people were astute when it came to their sense of hearing.

They often used their natural talents in battle. But like all other demi's. Their numbers didn't come close to humanity.

A few days had passed since she left Sanctuary. Now she was relying on nature to find food and water. She leaned against a tree and waited. The footsteps were getting closer to her, snapping dry twigs and disturbing uneven rocks.

She lessened her breathing and matched the creature's steps. Revealing herself.

The monster was large and apelike in appearance. Chains wrapped around its arms, cutting deep into its flesh. And its footsteps were heavy with its weight. After Risa showed her face, the monster whiffed the air twice.

Risa wasn't going to wait. She pulled her strings and rushed forward. Stabbing her sword deep into its eye. The monster panicked and grabbed her cloak, throwing her away from him.

The demi-cat tumbled and rolled but regained her composer as the ape fell to its knees.

“That makes thirty-nine." Risa casually walked up to the monster as its body turned to smoke and left behind a small pile of gold and a few mythril coins. "These monsters weren't native to this part of the world… They're migrating south… In time, Sanctuary will be surrounded by them…"

Risa sighed as she sheathed her sword. “We can’t fight off an army of the abyss… Sanctuary doesn’t have the strength…” Risa’s ears jolted up with a yelp.

She put her cloak on and dashed across the woods towards the noise. That wasn't a roar monsters made.

It was the cry of a child.

The warrior stopped close to her target. Four humans with ten demi-dogs. Their ears were pointed up, unlike Alex’s that were larger and came down. Their fur varied from white to black and even brown with spots. They were all young boys and girls.

“Even in these times…” Risa gritted her teeth. Her hands went to her sword. She caught that they didn’t have slave crests on their chests.

The humans were reckless with their steps. They were crushing branches under their feet and boasting over their prey.

Risa pulled her strings, lunging forward. Beheading one, using that same momentum, her sword dug deep into another's chest. She stopped there as the other two panicked. Her power needed a few seconds to recover. Seconds the slavers took advantage of.

They dropped the chains holding the demi’s and rushed Risa.

Slim fingers gripped her sidearm. Risa drew it and pulled the trigger twice. Killing both the men. In the distance, birds and wild animals scattered away from her.

The teenagers and kids fell to their knees. The echo of a gunshot was something foreign to them.

Risa holstered her weapon and pulled her sword out of the dying man. Jerking it quickly to remove some of the blood running down its blade.

“Humans always give out an abundance of XP. I doubt anyone will care that I killed these assholes.” She cleaned her sword on the clothes of one of her victims. “They’re close to Sanctuary… Too close…”

One of the captives stumbled backward, her body wrapped around with a red light, she was locked in place, and her slave crest burned red.

“Damn it!" Risa rushed towards the girl. Sure enough, she had a slave crest on her chest. And Risa had just killed her master. "I'm sorry."

The slave said nothing, and her eyes moved around wildly. She was abandoned to either be killed by a wandering animal, monster, or starve. Risa returned to her duffle bag and pulled out a collapsible litter. The girl was locked away, but as long as she was fed and given water, she wouldn't die. But the curse wasn't going to fade away. "I'm so sorry…" Risa had condemned the girl to a cruel fate. Had she taken a few more seconds inspecting the other demi's, she would've caught the slave mark on her chest.

“Demi-cat.” One of the children spoke up. She was one of the older kids. Close to adulthood but still a teenager. “Why did you save us?”

“Why?” Risa’s eyebrow lifted up until she recalled the reality of their war. Demi’s were only out for themselves. The demi’s were just as scared of her as the humans that had captured and dragged them around the forest. Risa undid their chains. “Because… I wanted to help you… Follow me. I'll take you somewhere safe… Bring her too…”

Four of the teens grabbed a corner of the litter, carrying the girl who was locked away inside her own body. The demi's were cautious of her, but they followed.

“What weapon did you use?” The same demi girl asked. She had pitch black fur and was skinny and frail. “That wasn’t magic…”

“It’s not magic?”

“It's called a gun," Risa responded quickly, leading the group. They were a few hours away from Sanctuary, and she didn't want to leave the kids alone in the woods. "A weapon given to me by my master.”

“Master?” The girl stopped. “Are you going to make us his slaves?”

Risa glanced at them. They were still scared.

A reflection of her past self, when she was the last survivor of her clan. Not much time had passed since they died, but sometimes days passed without her pondering over them.

“No.” Risa turned towards them. “My master created a world for us demi. Far away from evil humans who want to enslave us.”

“But humans are the enemy.” The girl insisted.

Risa shook her head. "Not these humans… Now stay silent. This forest is filled with monsters… I'm surprised you didn't encounter any… Were those humans a part of a scouting party?”

“Yes, the adults in our clan ordered us to run when they were attacked… But we were captured anyway… Humans are the enemy.” The girl tried reassuring Risa.

The demi-cat studied the demi-dogs. They were scared of the unknown.

“The old me wouldn’t have helped you…” Risa admitted as she started walking again. “Humans aren't our enemies… Lack of kindness, forced domination, and loss of empathy are…"

Risa was exhausted and wanted a bath more than anything. Unaware of what Sanctuary was doing without Ashner. But she trusted the others to resolve whatever problems arose there. Negotiating wasn't her specialty. Risa accepted that she was a follower long ago. She followed her people until they were all killed, and now she followed Ashner. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t make her own choices.

The kids gasped as the landscape changed. After a few hours of walking, they studied the change. The forest was alive, filled with bugs, leaves, grass, and wildflowers. Even the air was sweet. They scattered ahead of Risa, and some started grabbing fruits from a nearby tree. Risa studied the fruit. It was a pear, something from Ashner's world.

“Why are these fruits so large?” One of them asked happily as she munched down on her food.

“Look, flowers!" Another girl caressed one with a smile.

“They were right…” Risa smiled. “Maybe we can take our world back…”

“What's that!" One of the demi's pointed ahead towards a meadow where some demi's and humans were doing maintenance on a radio tower. Then above them, a drone rushed down and stopped at eye level with Risa.

The demi’s scattered and hid behind trees.

“Risa.” The drone had a few radio batteries attached to it. She grabbed one battery and strapped her spent ones on the drone. Once she did that, the drone flew directly up and back towards Sanctuary.

“What was that?” One of the kids asked.

“That's our security. They make sure all our scouting parties have working radios and alert our guards if a monster appears." The kids were shocked. But Risa ignored them and pressed the button on her radio. "Black Cat to Paradise. Radio check."

The radio came to life. “Paradise to Black Cat. We have eyes and now ears on you. What’s your sit-rep?”

“I encountered four human slavers and eradicated them a few miles north… We're going to need a light demi to cleanse their bodies… I also have ten demi-dogs they captured as slaves, and one has been abandoned… I need you to prepare for them.”

“Paradise acknowledges, we'll send a scouting party north once you return and give us more details of your exact location. But, for now, return to Paradise and rest up. Doctor is enforcing a new protocol, anyone in the field longer than a week must take a mandatory two-day rest."

Risa sighed, she was tired of the wilderness, but she had a purpose. She pressed the radio button as the kids leered at her in amazement. "What's the situation with Broken?" Risa held her breath and waited.

“No change. Paradise Out.”

Risa sighed heavily. “Maybe Wong was wrong about Ashner’s XP… But this is all I can do…”

“Demi-cat.” The same girl asked cautiously. “Why do you talk so weird? And what is that.”

“This is a radio… And this is how we're supposed to talk. It's to prevent any spies from getting exact details… Come on, let’s go home…”

*******

Ashner and Lilith returned to the void of space. Two souls drifting across infinity.

“Why destroy everything?” Ashner asked the Goddess.

She clasped her chin and debated it silently for a few seconds. “Why do all things desire comfort and love? Why was your first instinct fear when I caressed you? Ashner, I am balance… Life requires death… I am an instrument of creation… Even if all things fear and hate me…”

“I’m hated as well…” Ashner admitted.

“Your loneliness faded thanks to those around you… As you can see… I’m alone… Now and for all infinity…”

“Where’s my dad?”

“He's a part of my beloved now… Thanks to his sacrifice, the First's Power lies within you… Fueled by the lives of those you take…"

“The First? Who was he?”

“The creator of humanity… And the one who took planets floating across the cosmos and gave them life… His power lies within you… At a smaller scale…”

“You gave me this power?” Ashner asked as Lilith’s gaze returned to the abyss.

“I only helped transfer the power to you… And that power is to serve a purpose… His purpose…”

“What do you want me to do?" Ashner regretted asking if she gave him that power. Who's to say she can't take it away?

“Far north in Desteria, find a temple dedicated to her. By now, it’s just a relic of the Victory Era… She almost won our war, but those around her twisted her mind, and she brought a curse upon the world. To aid the children of the First… A curse of servitude… As long as Eden holds life, the curse of servitude must exist in it…”

“Eden?”

“That’s the name she gave this world.”

“I thought you created the slave curse.” Ashner was conflicted.

“No…” Her eyes became heavy as her mind took her back to better days. "She was my friend, but when the First died… We fought for control…"

“Goddess vs. Goddess?"

“The Innovative Goddess… My precious friend…” Lilith’s eyes watered, like the galaxy itself was in agony. “I want you to fulfill Lucian’s promise… Find her… Deep in the tombs, you'll find a dungeon… Conquer it, and in its treasure room, the Key will open her prison… The hero must free her from her shackles… Let sunlight touch her flesh so her madness will fade…”

“I don't have the Key, nor do I know who this hero is," Ashner asked, trying to gather more information.

“From a soul that's forgotten, and a love that's forbidden, a hero will rise," Lilith repeated her words. "The hero will bring about hope as the world decays… And blossoms anew…”

The two stopped floating across the infinite span of space. They floated above Eden.

“Become my champion… It’s in my nature to kill everything… But you have the choice… Take her place and fight my creations… Take back Eden, reclaim the horizon of a world entrusted to you… Because the desires of a Goddess are unquenched and unending…”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying… One world won’t be enough for me… I desire your world… And all others… I am the balance… The bringer of death… But no one brings life…”

“Can’t you stop?”

“No… I also brought about fear, despair, and loneliness… A gift I regret giving all creatures… Every tear… Every scream… Every scar in their souls… That's my fault… I can't bring the paradise she wanted… Instead, I'll kill everything… Then I'll fade away and meet my beloved…"

“So what if we cry? Or if we scream? So what if the world is so harsh it’s hard to get out of bed and breathe!” Ashner’s eyes sharpened. “WE’RE ALIVE! WE DESERVE A CHANCE TO DECIDE FOR OURSELVES!”

Lilith wrapped her arms around Ashner’s chest, her grip was frail, but Ashner's heart raced with fear. "Let you decide? Every world destroys itself… Only one thing can change Eden…"

“What’s that?”

“The Broken must lead them… You have to become the man they expect you to be... You'll be the one who will decide my fate… Their fate… And how the world will blossom anew…"

“I’m just one man.”

“You were chosen to correct the course of failed deities… It's not fair for a mortal to carry all that burden alone… So before you go, I will give you one wish… Anything you desire…"

“A wish?”

“You’re serving a Goddess… So it's only appropriate that I offer you something in return since this was pushed on you… Anything you desire… But I will not rob anyone of their lives… Nor will I bring the dead back…” Lilith caressed Ashner. Flesh against flesh was delightful to her. “I can erase the minds of everyone in your world so you won’t live as a pariah… I can place you back on your father’s seat to follow in his footsteps… Or if you desire more lovers, more friends, more money, or more power… I will fulfill whatever your heart desires…”

Ashner debated it for a few seconds. Then he gazed deeply into Lilith’s eyes.

“I do have one wish…”

*******

“Everything is in place.” Wong wore a green cloak over his body, and on his ears, he wore fake elven ears. He was tall and attractive. Needless to say, the style fits him. Clinging to his body was a compound bow and a full quiver. Around his face was a green cloth. He signaled three fingers, than he made a fist.

Warriors moved in the shadows.

It was early in the night, and the cold was settling a little harsher than he cared to admit. After ten days of searching and gathering information, he was anxious to act.

Wong entered a small tavern. The inside was typically basic. Wooden chairs and tables, even the mugs were made of badly hammered metal. Nothing was from Wong’s world. A dozen or so demi’s were drinking and eating.

Wong took his seat alone, next to the wooden barrels of mead. Only one demi was out of place. A young demi-flamingo with short pink hair. He held a troubled gaze.

“Haven’t seen you around here, Innovative kin.” The bartender was a dwarf with a black beard that thinned the further down it got. “Do you want some mead? Or perhaps meat?”

Wong studied the dwarf and pointed at the mead barrels, dropping five pieces of gold on the counter.

“That’s a nasty scar across your face.” The dwarf commented. “You’re lucky you didn’t lose your eye.”

Wong caressed the scar across his forehead. Ashner had healed his eye, but the scars around his face didn't heal. They remained. "War caused this."

“War against humanity has taken so many demi lives.” The short dwarf handed him a metal mug full of mead. “And now we share a kingdom with them… Pretending our scars have healed…”

“Humans caused this…" Wong grabbed the mug, but before he took a sip, the dwarf leaned against the table. What he said wasn't a lie. Humans from his world had caused that scar.

“That’s why no humans are allowed in my tavern… Only the sons of daughters of the Innovative Goddess deserve happiness… Humanity is an illness to our world… The fastest to reproduce… We shouldn’t consider them our allies…”

“Those words are dangerous… After the Black Wedding, every leader is hunting those responsible…” Wong undid his cloth around his face and took a sip of the mead.

“You look familiar…” The dwarf leered at Wong.

“Do all elves look the same to dwarfs?” Wong raised his eyebrow. “My kin and humans are the most similar in appearance… That’s not something I admit easily…”

Wong took a sip of his drink.

“Demi’s should rule this city… Not those humans… Don’t you agree?”

Wong nodded slowly. “It’s a shame we can’t do anything about it.”

“But you can…" The dwarf knocked four times on his table, and some patrons stood up and started excusing some of the demi's, asking them to leave the bar. Once they left, they locked the door behind them. Leaving Wong with the dwarf, an elf, and two demi-bunnies, including the teenager who glanced away from the conversation.

“What is this?” Wong asked as his eyes went to every demi.

“We’re starting something.” The dwarf confessed. “You look capable in a fight.”

“What you’re speaking of is treason…” Wong calmly sipped on his drink. “If we lose…”

“We won't lose. As of now, we have forty-three demi's who are dedicated to the cause. The son of a duke backs us." Wong slammed his drink. "We're going to attack soon. The Broken is unconscious, but with only a dozen or so guards, we can easily overwhelm them."

“You kill the Broken, then what? All his supplies disappear, and we're forced to fend for ourselves.” Wong’s tone was calm, almost intrigued by their offer.

“We have plenty from their world. Seeds, supplies, and animals. We don't need them." He handed Wong another cup of mead.

“What if the other demi’s fight us? Forty of us won’t stand a chance.”

“I don’t want to harm them, but if they side with the slavers… Then they too have to die.”

“Can I ask you something?” Wong studied the group and smirked. “Are you determined to die for this?”

The dwarf nodded. “We need to fight for our futures.”

“I understand…” Wong glanced at the bar. “It’s time I sober up.” He spoke loud enough for anyone outside to tune into.

The sign to attack.

“After just one?-” The bartender was interrupted by dozens of demi’s rushing into the tavern. Smashing through the windows and the front and rear doors.

Demi’s carrying semi-automatic weapons stopped a few feet away from the demi’s. One of them was Alex, carrying an APC9K. His weapon was the only one loaded.

“What is this?” The dwarf shook. “You’re using their weapons.”

“This." Wong removed his hood and pulled away from his fake ears. "Is the kingdom fighting back… As of now, you're under arrest… Or you can fight back… It'll give us an excuse to kill you…"

One of the demi bunnies reached for a hidden dagger in her sleeve. She rushed towards Wong only to get parried away by Violet's bastard sword.

The blades rattled as Violet spun her weapon, beheading her subject.

“Anyone else!” Violet roared as the demi’s body tumbled to the wooden floor. The other demi’s quickly submitted cautiously and slowly dropped their weapons.

“You’re making a mistake, Violet. You’re siding with humans instead of your own kin.” The other demi-bunny glared at her leader. “If your pussy wasn't addicted to that man's cock, then."

Violet swung her weapon, aiming at the last demi-bunny’s head.

Wong caught her arm and wrist before the blade connected.

“What are you doing?" Violet’s eyes were violent. She desired blood.

“She's unarmed… I made a promise to Gio… We won't kill unless we have to… Please…"

Violet's eyes shifted… That was the first time Wong had ever asked her for something… He even said please. She returned her sword to its sheath.

“He saved your life…” Violet kneed her subject’s stomach, knocking her to the ground. “If it were up to me… I’d slaughter every one of you here!”

Violet spat out her words, then took a few steps back as some demi's arrested the traitors using modern-day handcuffs to hold them in place. The demi’s with assault rifles stayed a few feet back with their weapons on their targets.

They were all handcuffed and dragged away in the middle of the night. Before they stepped outside, Alex's illusions took shape, concealing the captured rebels from any wandering eyes.

“Mission complete.” Wong sighed heavily.

“You surprised me.” Violet studied Wong. “You’re not the kind of man that shows mercy to his enemies.”

“I don’t… But we’re in a delicate position… I’ll find a way to get them killed without pissing off our allies… Don’t you feel anything after killing one of your own?”

Violet scoffed. “I’m in charge because I killed my way to the top… If any girl wants my position, then they're welcome to challenge me… I’ve killed more of my own kind than I care to admit…”

“Me too… We’re both a little violent.”

“Violence brings about peace… Especially if our own people threaten that peace.” Violet glanced at the corpse. “My world has a saying… Only fools desire violence… And that very violence silences those fools.”

“So was she a fool?” Wong glanced at the cadaver.

“Yes… But had she killed us… We would’ve been the fools…”

*******

“I’m sorry.” A young demi-flamingo shivered in fear. "I just couldn't say no… If I did, they would've killed me."

“Slow down." Gio's voice was calm and collected. "What's your name, kid?"

“Flint…”

“So they’re using fear to recruit people?” Gio sat in front of the trembling demi inside a makeshift interrogation room. It was closed off, with no windows and just a metal chair and table for decoration.

“That’s why I’m opening up to you now…” Flint was barely an adult. His pink hair was cut short, and his lip trembled. "I don't hate humans."

“You don’t have to be afraid of me.” Gio smiled. “I’m doing what I can to keep everyone safe…”

“It still feels wrong… Humans are scary, but you've been there for us… Ashner cured my mom of her nightmares…"

“Nightmares?” Gio raised his eyebrow.

“We hid from humanity and the monsters for years. But sometimes we ran into some… A Jetta killed my father. He let it rip him to pieces while the rest of us ran… He gave his life so we could live…”

“He did his duty." Gio smiled. "There is no better death than giving your life so those you love can keep living…"

“Please." The boy's eyebrows went down. He wasn't convinced. "If you can, save them.”

“I'll do what I can." Gio wasn't lying. Death wasn't a punishment. It was the end. The large man preferred criminals losing their days in prison. Wasting their lives away with no hope, no respect, and with only one end, death of old age. A life behind bars was a punishment. Wong's view was simple, yet Gio wasn't sure which punishment was crueler. "We'll do our best to not kill them. We're going to arrest them and then give them a fair trial."

“No… I’m not referring to the demi’s… They kidnapped a few humans…”

Gio’s smile broke. “What?”

“They have three girls…" The boy's eyes watered. "They're treating them the way humans treat our captured… I was in the room with them… They closed the door… I was supposed to do whatever I wanted with them… But, instead, I fell to my knees and cried… And that girl… She touched my face, and she told me something…"

“What did she say?”

“She told me to wipe my tears, or they'll kill me… Even in her position… She cared about me… That’s why I decided to come to you… Because I’m a coward… If I was stronger, I could’ve freed those girls…”

“You’re not weak.” Gio gripped Flint’s shoulder. “In fact, when we save those girls. You’ll be the reason why…”

The boy nodded and gave him more names and where they were staying.

*******

“Risa?” Helena, the massive demi-bunny with a war-hammer almost as long as the demi-cat bumped into Risa and the kids she found.

“Helena, you're back earlier than usual." The kids hid behind Risa, afraid of the massive and buff woman. "I found them. Slavers have been entering our territory. We need to extend our search and find the human camp."

“That's not all… Monsters from the abyss are coming from the north." Helena shook her coin-filled duffle bag, which clung to one of her arms, to her that was practically a backpack. "Any news on the Broken?"

Risa shook her head. “He’s still asleep… Maybe we were wrong about gathering XP for him.” Her ears came down.

“Don't lose hope, little one." Helena placed her hammer down, it crumbled a few loose branches. "I owe him. He cured my sister… And so many others…"

“And demi’s still tried to kill him.” Risa bit her lip.

“They're misguided… My kin stayed hidden when our numbers dropped in the war… I shed human blood. It's hard to forget that some of them are not our enemies."

“Most of the other humans in Sanctuary have been hiding away and sticking to themselves. They don’t trust us anymore.”

“We just have to earn their trust again." The large woman glanced at the forest of fear. Beyond that was Sanctuary. "Even if it means we have to kill our own kin for mankind.”

*******

“Ten?” Akemi counted the demi-dogs. “And an abandoned… How unfortunate for her…”

“I apologize.” Risa bowed to the demi-fox. “It’s my fault… I killed her owner… And now the curse trapped her within her body…”

“Don’t blame yourself for that… You saved most of the demi’s… That’s a victory…”

The orphanage was created in a rush, but it was beautifully crafted. Surrounded by large bricks and a metal wall, and pillars to welcome all visitors. When different demi's unite to create a place their art styles mix into something completely new.

"Kabu, Violet, and Wilson's kin built it. I think they feel guilty about what happened with Ashner. We have plenty of rooms, beds, and even education materials for the children."

Risa walked deeper into the orphanage with the children, who were each greeted by demi-bunnies and even some dwarven women. The entrance of the orphanage dawned the emblems of each race. Elegantly carved with love and care. With space for more emblems.

The demi-cat's eyes glanced up. In the corridor were flags, each with the same emblems stitched together with vibrant colors.

“What are those for?” Risa asked curiously.

“In the Victory era, every demi had a flag. Even the black demi-cats had one."

“They did?" Risa's people didn't carry any flags or emblems. They only carried the bare essentials. It had been that way for as long as she recalled. "How do you know this?"

“My great grandparents were scholars in the Victory era. But when the war broke out, and races started fading from existence, they felt demi's needed to remember their past… So they taught my grandparents, and they taught my parents and lastly, me… Sadly all sea demi's were murdered by the abyss, so I asked Ashner to allow me to re-create the history we used to have… Even these flags… He funded my project and gave me more than enough materials for it…”

“What makes the flags special?”

“Every flag was infused with magic. If anyone shed blood in the building with those flags, they were cursed with blindness for a few weeks… It was to prevent infighting between royals and served its purpose against demi invasions and coups… Only two places were allowed to have these flags in the Victory Era… Kingdoms and orphanages… Yes, our ancestors valued the lives of children more than any royal… If a child lost both parents, they were brought to orphanages where they were taught basic education, and once they were young adults, they decided what they wanted to do with their lives… Every kingdom ensured those children achieved their goals… A beautiful sentiment… Lost in time…”

“I never knew…” Risa glanced at the stones with the emblems. She grazed one with a bow, another with a hammer. One was a lotus flower and another a claw. Then she stopped at one with a crescent moon. “Is this one mine?”

“Yes, the black demi-cats were fierce wind elementals, skilled in close combat and scouting…” Akemi explained happily.

“But I’m the last one…”

“As long as you live… The black demi-cats will never be forgotten…”

Risa bowed once more. “Thank you…”

“It's the least I can do… Demi-foxes have never been warriors… We have always been scholars, artists, and musicians… My kin survived by the grace of the Innovative God.” She sighed and smiled at the children as they were fed fresh fruits and water. “We were also the caretakers of orphanages… I’m grateful that I can fulfill the duties my ancestors had.”

“How many demi's subclasses existed?" Risa dared to ask.

“Thousands… Most of them are gone forever…”

*******

Risa paced towards Ashner. Her heart was wounded. One of her loves was powerless and vulnerable. As she passed the citizens of Sanctuary, some stopped and bowed at her. Some had done that before, but now it was just about everyone.

“Lady Risa.” A brash voice caught her attention. She turned towards a dwarf and a demi-bunny. They were carrying a basket of fruit. “Any word on the Broken?”

“He’s still asleep.” Risa glanced down. “Why did you refer to me as a Lady? That’s a title for royalty.”

“You’re one of his lovers… And he is the Broken.” The dwarf crossed his arms. “Most of us don’t know how to address you. We don’t wish to disrespect you or Ashner.”

“You won't. The last thing either of us cares about is titles."

“Here." The demi handed Risa a few apples. With magic, the trees had grown in a matter of weeks and were now bearing fruit. "We support Ashner… Please, let him know we're on his side…"

“I will." Risa bowed. The other two bowed, and she took her leave before more demi's tried giving her more food and gifts, wishing for Ashner's recovery.

*******

The gibbous moon shined down on Eden. Warriors readied themselves.

Some carried bows, swords, axes, and others carried assault rifles.

“My girls are ready." Violet's face was painted purple with spots of green around her eyebrows and chin. "Fifty of my strongest girls, just give the order, and we'll storm the main entrance."

Wong, Lina, Elana, Gio, Kabu, Wilson, Devlin, Flint, and Violet stood around a table. They had paid off the demi's living in that home to use it as they planned how to advance.

“My dwarfs are ready too." Kabu was eager and angry. In his hands, he carried a battle-ax larger than his body. His men were sitting on chairs behind him. Each demi brought about fifty warriors for the operation.

“Don't be too eager," Wong warned. He turned the screen of his laptop towards the leaders. He had a drone floating over the house, with thermal sights. This made the other's eyebrows raise. Some armed demi's were on guard, surveying the streets, and some were on the roof with bows and arrows. "We need to scout out the area from above first."

“That’s amazing.” Elana grazed the corner of the laptop. “We don’t have to risk our lives to give direction to our troops.”

“With this, Lina can use her foresight to direct our battle, but we don't have cameras inside the building. So she'll only lead until we secure the outside of the building, but once we're inside, we only have each other to rely on." Wong studied Flint. "Are you certain this is the right building? We only get one chance to get them by surprise."

“Yes, it's three stories high, and it has a basement… The girls are down in the lowest level." Flint added, awkward with where he should keep his gaze. The leaders of all the demi’s were in front of him.

“Aren’t we over-prepared for this?” Devlin raised his eyebrow and glanced at the warriors around them. His demi-flamingo's were slim, but they were muscular. Even so, they didn't compare to the other demi's.

“No, we’ll overwhelm them with superior numbers.” Gio urged the group. “And one more thing. We’re there to arrest them, not kill them… If they fight back, and you have no choice, then end them… But the ideal scenario is them surrendering as soon as they notice they’re heavily outnumbered.”

The leaders nodded.

“Then let’s begin.”

*******

Demi-bats flew across the sky, their wings were silent when they flapped. The moonlight revealed their location, but at the moment, clouds covered their movements.

“Secure the outside now.” Lina’s voice echoed in their headpieces.

The warriors descended down, snatching the demi’s away from their positions and dragging them into the dark of the world. Like banshee's stealing lost travelers.

“All teams, move in.” Lina gave her last order.

Kabu, Violet, Wong, and Gio rushed in with most of their force through the main door, breaking inside and scattering like ants seeking sugar.

From the corner of Wong's eye, two dwarfs tackled down a demi lazing around on a seat, and another who quickly surrendered.

Demi-bat's carrying demi-flamingos and demi-bunnies smashed their allies through the windows on the higher floors from the outside.

Some of the demi's carried assault rifles. They kept their sights on demi's who quickly grasped what that weapon was. They almost all surrendered immediately. Little did the demi's surmise that none of the assault rifles had magazines in them.

Wong and Gio agreed. Demi's were not ready to use them.

“To the basement!” Gio ordered as the lower windows shattered with more reinforcements. They captured everyone in the building. Quickly handcuffing them and restraining the ones who fought back.

Hiding behind a door, a demi-bunny held her sword. Footsteps drew closer, so she swiftly rushed and lunged forward with the blade between her arms.

Her blade jerked towards Gio’s throat. Another blade interfered.

Violet parried the attack then jerked closer. Headbutting the other demi's nose, shattering it, and forcing blood down her face.

She readied her sword for a kill, but Wong held her wrist before it came down. "Don't kill her," Wong advised as three demi-bunnies pinned the bloodied demi and quickly restrained her arms and legs.

“The basement!" Devlin found a door and pried it open with his sword. The group rushed down the steps.

Every other step, a candle illuminated their paces. Until they reached the bottom, the echoes of flesh smacking against each other along with timid weeps echoed.

Devlin’s eyes widened with disgust and anger. “Russ…” The demi’s eyes sharped with rage.

Five demi's were caught red-handed. Naked and shocked.

The attack on the home only lasted a few seconds, and they didn't have the time to pull their pants up.

“I heard a rumor that a noble was involved… After everything we've seen and been through… Why do this? My oldest son…" Devlin took a step back. He was shaking with rage. "We're supposed to be better than this!"

“Dad?" The boy's eyes were shaken.

Gio grabbed the closest demi and tossed him halfway across the room. That's where Kabu pinned him.

The group took down their targets, and all that remained was a disappointed father and his son.

“What possessed you to do this!” Devlin’s hand was on his rapier. It shook violently. "Give me a reason not to strike you down!"

“We… They…" The boy's resolve returned. "Why the fuck not? They're humans. They deserve this."

Devlin took two steps forward, with every intent to kill his firstborn. Both Gio and Wong held him back.

“Let me go! I brought him into the world! I have every right to take him out of it!" Despite his small frame, Devlin gave both the men a fight.

“He's still your son." Gio bear-hugged Devlin, lifting him up off the ground.

“Yes… He is…” Devlin dropped his sword.

*******

“We caught every member.” Devlin rubbed his bloodied knuckles. He needed to vent his rage, so he personally interrogated some of his clan caught in the attack, excluding his son that was kept far away from him. “It didn’t take much for them to break.”

“That's because they're not soldiers." Wong sighed. "They're scum, nonetheless."

“Those women… I don’t have the words to…” Wilson gritted his teeth. “Some of my kin were involved… I don’t get why they would do that.”

“You're under the impression that your own people aren't capable of committing atrocities… From your own history. You should know how far hate and abuse goes… It doesn't matter if you have different ears or a tail… In the end, three women were tortured… And the men and women who did it, they diluted themselves into believing they had the right."

“What do we do with them?” Wilson asked as Violet and Kabu arrived, dawn was breaking, and the leaders were all exhausted since most of them didn't get any sleep.

“We give them a fair trial, but if it were up to me… Killing them would be appropriate…" Wong glanced at his sidearm. "But Gio is deeply against it… And I don't know what Ashner would want in this case…"

“This shakes my heart since he's my blood. But, I trust your judgment."

“I’m brilliant when it comes to medicine, science, and math… But not when it comes to people… Logic isn’t always the best choice when it comes to dealing with situations like these…”

“Then what will we do?” Wilson stretched his wings. “We’ve never had to deal with something like this.”

“We'll give them a trial. With randomly selected demi’s as the jury." Gio interrupted as he walked into the room. He was accompanied by Elana. "We'll let them tell us their stories, why they did what they did. Then we'll have the three women speak and tell us what they experienced, along with testimonies from the demi's that assaulted the building… Then afterward, the members from the trial will decide their outcome."

“Or… We can just kill them and end this now." Wong urged, but Gio's resolve was unshaken.

“Flint was involved, but he didn't do anything to those girls… Let's find out every detail." Gio wasn't angry, but he was direct. Wong sighed, then nodded.

*******

Elana served as the head judge. Below them were forty-one demi's. All of them had two armed guards over them, and they had their hands and legs handcuffed.

The victims were the first to speak. Both human and demi guards protected them. But none of their aggressors so much as made a peep.

"Point out the ones who forced themselves on you. Tell us everything." Elana spoke to the girls. One by one, they described every detail. Some of the demi's forced themselves on them, others took pleasure in physically abusing them, and as Gio suspected. Some of them pretended to hurt them. But they didn't lay a finger on them. Those individuals were separated from the rest of the group.

"Twelve of you have a conscience." Elana glanced down at the demi's, who the girls vouched for. "That doesn't mean you're off the hook… You will all be punished accordingly… But we will hear all of you out."

Every demi leader bore witness to their excuses, and at times some of the demi's pleaded or insulted their leaders. Not that it mattered since they were in chains.

Wong glanced at the Jury. Most of them were enraged. At times, Elana had to calm them down after the demi's below insulted their leaders or humanity. Wong smirked, grasping that this was the best way to ensure something like this wouldn't happen again. He deliberately instructed the Jury to tell everyone what they witnessed. That way, attacking humans or any other demi race for their self-gratification would be taboo.

Russ was the next to speak. Devlin moved around in his seat, ashamed and degraded.

“From the other's testimonies, you were the one who led this rebellion. And you're the one who suggested kidnapping human women… And you were caught red-handed… So now you're in front of us, tell us why you did what you did…"

Russ stayed silent.

“Give us a reason not to kill you.” Devlin barked. “Russ! Actions create legacies… So explain yourself!”

Russ studied the demi's and the jury. He was shocked at how easily they were captured. He had underestimated humanity and his own kin. Even so, his resolve was firm.

“You don’t see the big picture! These new humans don't have magic. They can’t control us… We can rebuild the Victory Era!” Russ pleaded to the jury like he was trying to recruit them. “Humanity will serve us! Just like the days of old! Can’t you see how easy it is for us to rule them without the slave curse!”

Disgust was the only emotion the jury had. Their gazes gave that much away. Some of their upper lips shivered, and their eyebrows were raised in disbelief.

“You’ve forgotten the pain all our ancestors carry! Humanity only protected itself against our overwhelming rule! And now these humans, who have done nothing to us, are the victims of your selfish ambitions!" Devlin roared enough to spit a little. “I never believed my father when he told me… All wars have traitors… Not until now… You’re a disappointment to all demi’s… I’m deeply ashamed to call you my son…”

“Ignorant old man! We all want REVENGE!”

“REVENGE DOESN'T MEAN WE BECOME THE VERY THING THEY ARE!" Devlin stood from his seat. "IT JUST PROVES WE'RE NO BETTER THAN THEM!"

Russ held his tongue. His eyes pivoted from person to person. Deep down, he accepted the truth. He was wrong.

“Is that why you attacked me? For revenge?" A familiar voice interrupted the court session. The group glanced towards the echo. Ashner's eyes were open, Risa and Melissa were partially carrying him. His guards were still protecting him, keeping their hands on their weapons.

“Ashner!” Lina jumped out of her seat and hugged him too tightly. He gasped for air. "You're awake."

“Yes… What is all this?"

“These are the demi’s responsible for the attempt on your life… They were also responsible for the kidnapping of three human females… It’s only appropriate that you decided to wake up from your beauty nap mid-trial."

“I wasn't really sleeping…" Ashner grasped that he had gotten a little thinner, and he was dehydrated. "I was somewhere else."

Gio paced towards Ashner and shook his shoulder, grasping that he wasn’t back to one hundred percent. Ashner’s eyes were tired, and his body was sluggish.

Elana and the other demi leaders stood and bowed in unison.

Ashner's gaze went down to the demi's who were on trial. Most of them glanced away when his eyes met theirs. Russ was the only one whose eyes sharpened with rage once their eyes met.

Ashner glanced at the windows. Caitlin was running late. Ashner pushed his body towards the corner of the judges, next to Gio and Violet. "I'm here… I'm alive… Instead of trying to kill me… Why don't you tell me how you really feel about me."

Now that he was face to face with them, the rebels were mute.

“I hate you," Russ spoke up. "I HATE EVERYTHING YOU REPRESENT! WE USED TO RULE MANKIND, AND NOW WE RELY ON YOU JUST TO GET BY!"

Russ stood up, rattling his chains with his words. The two demi-flamingos with spears readied themselves to attack him if he tried to resist.

“I'D RATHER GO BACK TO THE SWAMPS AND LIVE AMONG THE BUGS THAN SERVE UNDER YOU!" Russ spat his words out. He bore his teeth and gave an arrogant scream. "MANKIND MADE US SLAVES! WE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO DOMINATE YOUR RACE!"

“Mankind didn't create the slave crest… That was a decision made by a demi… Humanity only took advantage of it when they were forced to obey under the threat of violence… Had I come here during that era, I would've gladly killed demi's to liberate humanity… The difference between you and me." Ashner walked towards Russ, who quickly jerked back. The air around Ashner was dark, like death itself wrapped around his soul. "I don't see a difference between humans and demi's… I only see the abusers and the abused…”

Russ hesitated and slid backward.

“Neither of us are responsible for what happened years ago… We’re only responsible for what happens now… So… I’ll be the shield for every beaten soul. And the sword for those shivering and terrified in the darkness…”

Russ fell to his knees. Half expecting Ashner to kill him on the spot. None of the guards would’ve stopped him had he decided to attack.

“Humanity will not decide the fate of these demi's," Ashner assured them.

“We won’t?” Wong raised one eyebrow. “We have every right to decide what happens to these demi’s.”

“No, we don't." Ashner shook his head. "Even if those women were the victims. I won't dis-balance the power among the leaders… Every royal and leader will decide the fate of their subjects… Humanity will have no part in their decisions.”

Wong debated it but then smirked. Ashner did have a mind for politics, even if he didn't catch it himself.

Elana spoke first. “On behalf of all wood elves… Excluding the three that refused to harm the three humans… I will decide your fate.” The elven woman cleared her throat as the other demi’s studied her.

“This world is filled with enough violence and hate… Monsters of the abyss, slavers, and looters fill our world with fear… This kingdom doesn’t need more of it… My verdict… Death… Unless the jury disagrees?”

The jury said nothing. They stayed silent and allowed their leaders to mediate the outcome of the demi’s below them.

The elves below shook with fear, and their ears dropped down.

“I will follow your example.” Wilson agreed. “Death to those who abused the girls.”

Once again, the jury did nothing to stop them.

“Ahi.” Kabu agreed. “Except for the four that didn’t touch the girls… Death to my kin as well.”

“Same.” Violet nodded.

“Death to all of my kin involved.” Devlin glared at all of them. The only one who hadn’t harassed the girls was Flint, and he wasn't on trial. "Devlin was disappointed in his son, and his decision weighed heavily on his heart and consciousness. But he refused to allow their poison to spread.

The guards over the demi's quickly cut them down. Ending their lives speedily and as painless as possible. Only twelve demi's remained. They were shaking and terrified. Gio glanced away, digging his fingers into his palms. Wong smirked. He was satisfied with this ending.

“My son… Rot away…” Devlin forced himself to not cry. “I have failed you…”

"As for the remaining demi's… You were given the opportunity to take advantage of innocent women. But each one of you decided not to harm those girls… You're alive because those girls defended your actions… That proves to me that all of you can be redeemed in this lifetime." Elana studied the other demi leaders. They all nodded, allowing her to make the decision. "You will all be subjected to living in prison, every one of you will work hard labor for no pay, this will be your life for the next six months… Unless your leaders decide to add more to this punishment?"

None of the demi leaders added or removed her punishment.

“This is the first time my kin were forced to kill their own… Justice falls on us… It’s a heavy weight… But that comes with ruling… Lina, send their bodies and souls away… Don’t allow them to be devoured.”

Lina nodded but before she went down to cast her power on the dead, Ashner took the stage.

“Ashner?”

Ashner was struggling to keep his body up. Melissa held on to his side and helped him stand up high.

Mana flowed through Ashner. A radiant green and yellow light spun around his hands, creating words forgotten in time. "I spoke with the Goddess of Death… Lilith… She gave me a gift.”

The demi's slid back on their chairs. The magic that surrounded Ashner was intoxicating, like an alluring flower hidden within thorns. The very essence of peace escaped fiddled between his fingers. Elana and Kabu found their eyes watering with joy, unaware of why that was.

“I am bound to her, and it was against my will… But I have to fulfill the promise I made her… But in exchange, she offered me anything I desired… Power… Wealth… Even a chance to rewrite my past… Instead… I asked for something else… A power this world needs…"

Caitlin flew into the room holding the demi-dog, the one whose body was locked away… Awaiting death. She placed her gently on the table intended for Ashner during the trial.

The demi’s studied the girl. She was bound for death now that her master was dead. They can keep feeding her mashed-up food and water, but she would never walk, talk or move. She was entombed within her own body.

Ashner’s power rushed around him and danced like the aurora lights in the north pole. His hand nudged the slave crest on the girl’s chest.

“Release.”

Her slave chest shifted and over the red markings now lay a new one. Green and yellow. Like a scratch from an eagle.

The demi-dog shot up, gasping for air.

Nobody said a word.

“I can move…” The girl’s eyes watered. “I’m no longer a slave…”

“My wish was to create a spell that'll ensure the end of all forced slavery… At the same time, if humans have this spell cast on them, they can't enslave demi's anymore… Here’s the thing. This spell will only manifest on a human if they don't desire to enslave demi's… It'll help weed out the worst humans in this world… While at the same time, we'll keep the good ones, and they'll ultimately join us.”

“You want humans from this world to join us?” Violet raised her eyebrow.

Ashner nodded and continued.

“Lilith is driven to destroy this world… As things are now, we will all perish… Unless we stand together, not as demi’s and humans. But as equals… The power Lilith gave me isn’t just mine. I can give it to anyone who chooses to follow me…” Ashner's eyes landed on the jury and the leaders. “Make no mistake, Lilith is our enemy… The Goddess of Death will rip through this world, erasing the remaining demi’s, then she’ll send her armies south and destroy all humanity…”

Everyone kept their tongue behind their teeth. Witnessing the curse that destroyed society was awe-inspiring.

“If the monsters in the north push down, we won’t survive…” Wilson brought his hands to his head. “We don’t have the strength to hold them back…”

“Together, we will create a new Victory Era! One where every race fights side by side! A world where we won't live hidden away! One where our children will live a life free of fear! An era of brothers and sisters in arms! Every dungeon will be conquered! Every monster will be eradicated! Lilith is expecting us to fight with swords and bows… But we won't use those weapons… Instead, we'll use the weapons from my world…” Ashner continued. “We’ll find the strength together… Our whispers will become roars. But it will take everyone… I need your help…”

Gio stood up first. “Do you even need to ask me to follow you?”

Wong stood up next. "You two wouldn't get far without me." He smirked, then crossed his arms.

“Wherever you go… I’ll follow.” Risa bowed with Lina. Next to her, Melissa smiled.

Next to them was the demi-dog, who was recently freed. She bowed with a huge smile on her face. And to her right was Caitlin, who bowed with a troubled gaze.

“The wood elves stand with you," Elana spoke first. Her words echoed. "We need your strength, knowledge, and leadership to survive… As of now, every elf is yours to command…"

“I stand with you too!” Wilson bowed, his eyes filled with tears. “You erased the mistakes of my ancestor… The curse that made my race a pariah… Words cannot express how grateful I am… We are yours to command!”

“As are the demi-bunnies!” Violet was hopping with joy. Eager to celebrate and popping her knuckles. “This is our world… We will gladly fight to reclaim it! With you leading us… We actually have a chance of winning.”

“The dwarfs stand with you, Ashner," Kabu smirked. "We haven't forgotten that you're the one who brought us out into the sunlight."

Devlin’s fingers ran across his pink mustache. Then he stood up and bowed, lowering himself to his knees. “My son was responsible for what transpired here… I will bear that shame… My kin are not strong warriors, but they will follow your every command… So consider this my amendment for the actions of my son…”

Ashner studied everyone around him. They all scoped at him for guidance. "Wong, I want you to create a medical division consisting of doctors, surgeons, combat medics, and anything else you can think of that will benefit us."

“About time." Wong smiled. He wasn't referring to Ashner making him create a medical division. Instead, he was relieved Ashner finally resolved himself to take charge.

“Gio, you'll be in charge of creating and training a modern-day militia with firearms. We're going to need scouts, snipers, light and heavy machine gunners, riflemen, engineers…"

“I’m all over it.” Gio smiled.

“Menu, show XP.”

Ashner’s menu popped up.

0:XP

“I still need slaves to continue the development of my power. And this kingdom still needs time to become fully rebuilt… But we can't stand back and let other demi's suffer… So my first order… Once were well trained." Ashner glanced down at the demi-dog girl. Risa had informed him of her situation. "We're going to save the demi-dogs…"

*******

Ashner sat down on a leather seat. In front of him was one of the most dangerous men in the world. Wanted for dozens of crimes in different parts of the world. Someone Ashner didn’t trust. Crow wore a suit and tie, along with a Fedora. He was well built, and Ashner didn't suspect any of his men would so much as insult him for that. On his feet, he wore black crocs, and on his side, he was strapped with a .44 Magnum.

That wasn’t the weirdest part.

Ashner, Wong, and Lina were present. Crow had pushed for an audience with Ashner. But it was unnerving being underground, surrounded by his men. Crow smiled. In his hands, he held two leashes. They were collars that went to two different girls.

The girl on his right was a blonde wearing a full-body gimp outfit that revealed her eyes, mouth, and two long blond pigtails that ran straight up then down her sides. And the girl to his left was the complete opposite. She wore a dominatrix outfit. Her eyes were deep blue, and her hair jet black. Since they had sat down, that girl had only looked down on Ashner and his group.

“Should we talk about the girls around you?” Ashner asked curiously. Crows guards shook their hands and heads from the corner of his eyes, urging him not to ask.

"They're my dolls," Crow admitted as he tugged both the girls towards him. The submissive one moaned loudly, and the dominatrix smacked his thigh with her thin flogger. "I’ve learned that I need a submissive woman to encourage me to move forward.”

Crow pulled on the blonde's hair and kissed her lips. "And I need a hard woman to keep me humble when I get out of line." Crow smiled at the brunette, and she shot him a glare which only made him smile.

"Enough about me. Ashner, the broken." Crow smiled. "I like that. When people think of me, they think of a bird. And when they think of the Black Knights, they think of men armored up from head to toe, but do you know the purpose of a knight?"

"To serve a king," Ashner replied quickly.

"Yes, but their duty was also to supervise those below them in times of peace. Despise what the world sees. We're always at war. The Black Knights don't serve a king. They don't serve me. Their duty is to serve the weak and destroy all despicable men and women from this world… My purpose is to keep my eyes open and keep them safe… Like a crow… Huh, I guess my name does fit me… But I'm sure you have an idea of why I asked Eugene and Evaristo to bring you to me?"

“They told you about Eden?”

“Eden, the other world. One filled with beast-men and women, magic and monsters… It’s almost like a dungeons and dragons session… I would very much love to see it with my own two eyes.”

"That can be arranged." Ashner kept his gaze on Crow, the whole time they were talking, the man was fidgeting and glancing at his girls. "But you want more than just a trip to another world.”

"Perceptive." Crow smiled a deep grin. "My war is against White Water, and despite our first real battle and our first true victory. It's hard training an army without catching the attention of the major powers, especially now since they're all after us… It's only a matter of time before my men are found and captured… If we're disorganized and arrested, then we won't have another chance to strike at the enemy… So I need a place to train my men, somewhere… Out… Of… This… World… Get it?"

"Eden has its own problems… It's filled with monsters itching to kill at every chance they get… Most of its citizens have faced them time and time again just to stay alive, but they use swords and bows… If you bring your men into Sanctuary, then I want them to help train the demi's, as well as providing protection."

"If they're killing monsters, then killing humans will be a breeze. I don't see a downfall for that… But I also want demi's fighting on our side." Crow glanced at Lina. "You're the reason we survived the battle in Russia. Your power to see the future and predict the best outcome will be an amazing weapon to use…"

"Lina is not up for negotiation," Ashner warned. "She's the girl that keeps me from losing my mind."

Lina glanced down and smiled.

"She won't be in danger. All she needs to do is watch the battle and give commands. She can do that from miles away… I get how you feel, and it pains me to ask you this… But her worth is unfathomable…"

“Like I said.” Ashner bit his lip.

"I'll do it," Lina spoke quickly, catching Ashner off guard.

“Lina?”

“We’re all involved in this war… If he’s willing to give us soldiers and weapons… At the cost of me leading his soldiers in a location that I’m guaranteed to be safe… It’s an amazing deal… Please, Ashner… Let me help…”

"… Okay… As long as she's safe…" Ashner was against it. His tone let it out.

“I’ll make sure she has thirty of my best men protecting her at all times… She’s essential… And if she’s to you, what my two pets are for me.” Crow wrapped the leashes around his arms. “Then I give you my word, and no harm will come to her under my watch.”

“I can’t bring a lot of demi's into this world. My power consumes too much XP to bring more than a few with me… And when your men jump into Eden, I need to use my power so they can talk the language of the locals."

“Interesting…”

“We also need people with specific skills to join Sanctuary permanently.” Wong urged. “Mechanics, electricians, doctors.”

“I have a few hundred people who are currently in safe houses and isolated and hidden from White Water… If we allow those people to join, I can't guarantee Eden will remain a secret for long… You will become a target…"

“The secret wasn't going to last long," Ashner admitted. "We both have things we need. You need a place to train your soldiers and keep your non-combatants out of White Water's cross-hair… And we need more technology, manpower, and skills brought into Eden…"

“I did some digging into your past, Ashner." Crow studied Ashner, who grunted once he caught his comment. "You were a soldier, then a criminal… But Evaristo insisted that you are an innocent man… And judging by the oddity of your case… I believe it…"

Ashner stayed silent.

“Big names came up in your case. Iris, Ensley, Mike… Powerful men and women… And something else… The Key.”

Ashner’s eyes shook and he dropped his jaw a tad.

Crow clasped his hands. "Now tell me about this sword. Your expression when I mentioned it concerns me."

Ashner glanced at Wong and Lina. They were both already informed.

“The Key is a weapon and a way to free a Goddess trapped in Eden… Without it, Eden will be destroyed."

“The enemy is a step ahead…” Crow growled. “How is Iris so well informed?”

“Lilith gave me a power." Ashner lifted his hand, and mana flowed between his fingers. Similar to the aurora lights. "She also gave Iris one… But I don't have a clue what it is… But since it was a gift intended for the purpose of killing her… It's not something we should take lightly."

“Hold up. The Goddess of Death wants to be killed?"

“She either wants to be killed, or to kill everything… She's driven to kill but can't kill herself… But one thing is for certain… She’s powerful… How did you learn all that?”

“I have my sources of information."

“What do you mean?” Ashner asked with his eyebrow up.

“If you view someone as your tool, and if you let them know their minuscule worth to you, then over time that person becomes the very thing you tell them they are… Iris only views people as a means to her ends… But that also makes her drop her guard… If you want a spy, a good spy, find people who are meek, silent, and above all, hold hate for those controlling them… I know about Iris. Her ambitions have stretched around the world, she's made dozens of deals with White Water… And I know about your past with her…"

Crow glanced at the digital clock on the wall. It was in the shape of a Gundam.

He then placed his phone on a speaker and hummed a happy tune.

Until the phone rang.

“Right on time.”

Crow answered the phone and put his spy on speaker. “What does the crow do?” Crow asked cautiously.

“It steals all that glitters.” Ashner’s eyes widened once he recognized the voice of the spy.

“What’s your weekly report?” Crow asked as he took in every detail in Ashner’s face.

"Jorge?" Ashner recalled his childhood friend. The one that Iris had manipulated and used. She essentially just used him as a full-time nanny, even though her child wasn't his.

"Ashner?" Jorge broke his composure but cleared his throat and continued. "As of now, Iris has bought off, legally stolen, or blackmailed her way into your company, Ashner… She's in control of a little over forty percent… She's also made deals with White Water, making them her primary security force…"

“What about the sword?” Crow asked.

"Iris was obsessed with it… But to my surprise, she actually found it, in the ocean no less… She calls it the Key."

Ananias’ eyes shook with fear.

“She had it shipped to Transylvania, and it's currently in a White Water base built inside a castle." Jorge was quick with his words. "As for her medical records… I found something odd. She never gave birth to a baby… Yet she keeps a watchful eye on little Adam…"

“It had to be there.” Crow’s eyes sharpened at the mention of Transylvania. “Iris is in the business of helping mercenaries, finding swords, and stealing babies… She’s an odd one…”

“That’s it for my weekly report… Oh, and Ashner… I know it’s long overdue… But I’m sorry… Sincerely…”

Jorge hung up.

“How did you get him to work for you?” Ashner asked.

“You may have magic and might, but my power is influence and organization… Ashner, we need each other…”

“We do… Why do you hate White Water so much?”

Crow hesitated. He fiddled with his toes inside his crocs. After a few seconds of awkwardness, he answered. "The base in Transylvania will answer that question for you… But never tell a soul what you find…”

“Alright.”

“To win this war, we're going to need the support of the public. Despite the repulsive nature of politics, some of them have a moral compass, and most of those good men and women are my spies. White Water and everyone involved with their affairs will be forced to face the consequences of their actions… I've been setting up the foundations for more than just mindless slaughter… Wars don't end unless a conclusion is met, so… For helping me…" Crow smirked. "I will give you something you desperately want… I’ll clear your name… And prove to the world that you’re not a rapist…”

*******

Lilith manifested herself in a half mist, half physical form. Her footsteps killed the vegetation beneath her feet.

Her breath decayed the very air. Her eyes were still black with millions of stars to give it life. The world was cold around her. This far up north in Eden was hers, and hers alone. Any further, and you would only find snow.

Her hands tenderly ran across the scales of one of her monsters. The baby dragon glanced up at Lilith. In the distance, an animal similar to both a hippo and a rhino readied his five horns on its head. Marking the baby dragon as its prey.

The dragon didn't have two tails like the rest of the monsters in Eden. It jerked itself up and growled at the animal. Its eyes glowed deep green, and the animal stepped back.

Inhaling, the dragon’s lungs exhaled flames a stone throw from the animal.

The animal galloped away from the dragon in fear.

“This is how all nature should be… Only the strongest, wisest, and smartest survive… No hate between creatures… An ability to grasp between right and wrong should only be reserved for Gods…” Lilith caressed the dragon that clearly enjoyed the head scratches. “You are my child… So when our children killed each other, we stepped in to protect them… Then one by one we killed each other… Now what remains of us are scattered across the endless cosmos… And our creations were left to fend for themselves… All our hate, all our sorrows, every ounce of pain a soul can endure is our fault… Even if death is painful… No mortal should suffer on our behalf…”

The young dragon curled around Lilith.

“Yet, all sentient life desires more than anything to survive… Even with the pain we gave them… The pain I fought so desperately to prevent… Even if she disagreed with me… After she betrayed me… I never hated her… When the other Gods betrayed her… I hunted them all down… Slaughtered them as they pleaded for their lives… That’s where I earned my name… The Goddess of Death…”

Lilith smiled with her creation.

“I’ll let them fight for their lives… I even gave them the tools to kill me… A life without Eve isn’t a life worth living… But only one can free her… And when those chains are gone… I’m certain you’re going to be enraged… And more than likely kill everything…” She licked her lips, savoring a long-forgotten relish. “Ashner… The only mortal bound to me… Maybe he’ll prove me wrong… Or maybe he'll die trying… Both of us are broken. We were cast away and betrayed… And I hope you don't end up alone… Like me…"