Azura looked at Onyx as he rattled about in chains behind bars. His eyes were those of a ravenous beast ready to kill at a moment’s notice. There was no doubt in her mind that if she set him free he would try to kill them. There was only one thing left for her to do now, and that was to take Onyx to the Yukingawari like Baphomet said.

“What do we do now?” Asked Embry.

“We take him and go to the Yukingawari. We’ve got no other options at this point. They might know how to fix him.”

“What about the others?”

“You let me deal with them. Pack your gear, and be ready to move when I give the order.”

Azura had an idea of what she had to do. She would have to steal the sky sailor, smuggle Onyx onboard, kidnap Baphomet, given his knowledge of the Yukingawari, and… Pray that it all works out in the end. It was not an ideal situation, but ever since they entered the country it had all spiraled out of control. Her first order of business would be to see to the sky sailor. As soon as she was about to exit the makeshift jail she was caught by Y’noch who stood outside in wait.

“I understand if it’s too hard for you. Let me be the one to end his suffering.” He said.

There was the wrench in all her plans. Y’noch would undoubtedly report that she had committed insubordination. She would have to kill him.

“Thanks for the offer, but I can manage.” She answered as she calmly walked away.

“You aren’t doing him any favors by letting him live. It’d be easier to just kill him.”

Azura stopped dead in her tracks. “You’re probably right…”

Azura remembered when Onyx cut himself back in Albion, and even on their way to Berwick he jumped off a cliff. Even if they cured him of his condition would he even have a reason to keep going? Would he keep living in spite of it?

“You know… He told me that… As his mother it was my duty to kill him. Because of what they did to him in Albion.” She could still see him covered in blood. “I couldn’t save him then, but I can save him now.”

“Can you really save him?”

“I don’t know… But because he is my son I’ll do it anyways.”

“I see.” Y’noch then walked towards her. “It would be for the best if my report stated that all six of you survived, and accomplished your mission. Do what you have to do.” With that final statement Y’noch left Azura to her own devices.

Embry

Embry stuffed as many medical supplies as she could into her backpack, in another backpack she carried rations, the other ammunition for the rifle and pistol, and the last one for the automatic crossbow. Four backpacks altogether for their trip to the Ruh’ Wani Ice Lands. Embry heard footsteps behind her and saw Tigris, Lyo, and Tykal walking in.

“Figures you guys would try something like this.” Said Tigris.

“Doesn’t surprise me at all. It’s typical of them at this point.” Added Tykal.

“So then what’s to become of the three of us if you two leave?” Asked Lyo.

“I don’t like it anymore than you do, but we have to do this.”

“Bullshit!” Tykal began. “Just put a bullet between his eyes, and be done with it. There’s no guarantees that he’ll even snap out of it. Besides… With everything that he’s gone through do seriously think that he wants to keep on living?”

“For his sake at least. I have to try.”

“His sake or yours?” Asked Tykal.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Retorted Embry.

“Fuck you Embry! You know exactly what I mean. You can’t bear the thought of losing him. Well guess what… We’re legionnaires! Dying is what we’re good at.”

“Then I’ll die with him.” Answered Embry.

“I hope I live to see the day you regret saving his ass.” Grunted Tykal.

Azura then walked in. “What’s with all the racket?”

“You’re choosing him over us again.” Said Lyo.

“Yeah… I’am. I have to do this. Embry we have to get Baphomet too. He might prove useful.”

“On it.” Embry left the four of them.

Azura

As soon as Embry left Azura turned to look at the trio. “If any of you try to stop me know that I will not hesitate to end your life. So then… Who’s first?”

Tykal was about to draw her pistol when Azura tackled her to the ground. Azura placed one hand on Tykal’s neck as Lyo was about to assist her. Then Azura pulled out her pistol and aimed it at Lyo as she was about to draw her knife.

“And you Tigris? You’ve been atypically quiet. Are you gonna attack? Or will you stay on the sidelines?” Asked Azura.

“Well I for one never imagined that Tykal was a bottom. Although the fact that she’s always on the ground when she’s lining up her shots…”

“Fuck you!” Retorted Tykal.

“Right now Azura’s fucking you… Up. In any case… I guess it doesn’t matter. Take the other two backpacks, and load them up.”

“You’re serious!?” Asked Lyo in bewilderment.

“Yep. They’re gonna go whether we like it or not. You let me handle my brother. Otherwise you’ll end up shooting your way out.”

“Can you really do it? He can’t stand you.”

“And yet here I’am. So just go before I change my mind.”

Azura lat go of Tykal and stood up. She picked up the two backpacks, and was ready to head out. She turned to look at the trio again. Then she left without saying another word.

Embry

Embry had just left the bags on the sky sailor when she made her way towards Baphomet’s home. Would the old goat even come willingly? It was hard to say as he was not all there. Nonetheless, Embry knew that he was the only one who had any knowledge of the Yukingawari, and of Onyx’s condition. Even if it was a sliver of information it was all that they needed.

Embry barely placed her hand on the door knob when it suddenly opened. Baphomet’s snout peeked out the entrance.

“Baphomet!” Exclaimed Embry.

“Oh are you gonna help me get furs?”

“Uh…”

“Well don’t just stand there. Lead on. It’s mighty cold, and my bones can’t take it. Some ugthallu fur would be nice… And it’s soft too!”

“Uh… Yeah? I mean… Sure come on we have something that’ll make the trip easier on you.”

“I hope it’s not a wagon. The rattling is unbearable. The roads here are total shit they’re full of holes and rocks.”

“It’s a… Well it can fly.” Explained Embry.

“Is it a dragon? I’ll give you a pair of cow testicles if it’s a dragon.”

“Why would I need cow testicles?”

“Well a single lady like yourself… If you hang a pair of cow testicles around your neck… The aroma captivates men… Aphrodisiac I think is what they call it.”

“Is that true?”

“Of course! That’s how I met my first wife. Now then on we go.”

Tigris

“You can’t be serious!?” Yelled Dawon in frustration.

“Look it’s gonna happen whether you like it or not so just learn to live with it okay. I’ve been dealing with their shit for three years. I got more experience dealing with them than you.” Explained Tigris.

“That thing out there has provided us with key opportunities. The ability to sneak undetected… By air mind you.”

“Yes I know that. I flew over here on the damn thing. But it’s also ours so unless you want to start a war with Karash too… I suggest you let this one go.”

“I knew I should’ve killed you when you crawled back here.”

“Correction I flew here… Well flew then walked here, but the point is that you won’t beat her in a fight. Not when Onyx’s life is at stake. There’s a reason why she’s called the Ice Demon in Karash.”

“Well now I guess we’ll put it to the test.”

“Ah shit.” Muttered Tigris under her breath.

“Fucking bitch thinks she can just walk in here and do whatever she wants… Well then I’ll show her.” Dawon walked outside to where the sky sailor was docked. He saw Azura, Embry, and… Baphomet? “Now they’re kidnapping my people too! Hey! What the fuck do you think you’re doing!?” Shouted Dawon as a large crowd gathered around them. “To go get ugthallu furs.” Answered Baphomet. “Baphomet they’re going to the Ruh’ Wani Ice Lands you dipshit!” “We are?” He asked then turned to look at Embry. “Yeah… Sorry.” “Hmm… In that case let me go get something from my house.” With that Baphomet left immediately for his house. “He’s… Coming back right?” Asked Azura. “He did say he needed to get something from his house so… Yeah?” “Don’t ignore me.” Dawon pulled out a knife and threw it at Azura. The knife’s handle hit Azura’s leg. “Really?” Asked Azura as she picked up the knife. “That’s just fucking great.” Muttered Dawon. “You’re not going anywhere. Did you forget that the boy is still in my custody?” “I know what you’re doing… And you’re going to regret it.” “That so? Why don’t you come here and show me then.” “Fine then. Hand to hand combat only. I’ll even let you transform to make it fair.” Dawon growled as he transformed and charged at her. Azura then threw the knife at his leg. Dawon stumbled and fell as he grabbed his leg. Azura walked over to him, pulled out her pistol, and aimed it at his temple. At that point every animalist transformed ready to pounce on her. “Here’s how it’s gonna go. I’m gonna get on this thing with my son, go to the Ice Lands, and heal him. Then we’ll come back and take over Amani. Now then how much is your life worth? Because I will kill you if I have to. If Onyx and I die here and now then that’s it. You on the other hand… Are you ready to make that sacrifice? Is one legionnaire worth that much to you?” “Legionnaires don’t have families.” Spat Dawon. “This one does.” Answered Azura plainly. “Excuse me. Pardon me. I’m trying to get through.” Said Baphomet as he walked through the crowd with a small box on hand. “So be it. Give her the boy. He’s their problem now.” “Embry tend to his wound.” “On it.” Answered Embry as she walked towards Dawon. Embry pulled out the knife, but made sure to make it hurt. “Agh! Do you even know what you’re doing?” Growled Dawon. “Yes.” Answered Embry as she applied an antibiotic on Dawon’s leg. She then proceeded to stitch the wound followed by wrapping it in bandages. “You’ll live.” Sasha Sasha saw the sky sailor soar through the sky. “Now we wait and see.” Said the boy. “If they really do this then…” Sasha began. “Yeah. I know. It’s a tough choice for either of them. In the end they’ll all get more than what they bargained for.” “That is the core of human nature.” Said another voice. Both of them turned to see the One Eye crouched behind them with a wide grin on his face. “Guess so. However, love is a powerful force of nature.” “I suppose that out of the three of us you’d be more experienced in that field.” The boy smiled. “So then… The stage is almost set.” “But not quite yet. Not all the players have met. He has yet to meet the one here, and the one in Dol-Sur. Then the real play begins.” “We’ll see who comes out the winner then.” The One Eye then vanished.