CHAPTER 1 - Prologue + Chapter 1 - Wonderful New Way To Live

“Heeeey..! Hey!” A voice called out to him. 

Lysony was in the cafeteria sleeping before slowly raising his head up.

“Earth to sleepy. Get the hell up already class is gonna start!”

(“This is Zudo, my brother. He is kind of ignorant but he is surprisingly intelligent when situations come.”)

“Did you just wake me up just to skip class yourself?” Lysony asked.

“Duh, I can’t stand to listen to that elephant speak. Cya.” Zudo said as he left the cafeteria.

(“I don’t skip this class because the teacher is hot.”) Lysony thought.

(“If you know me from the previous world then I need no introduction. This world you see many beastmen of all shapes and sizes.”)

Lysony looked at an eerie painting beside him before smiling before heading to class, sitting at a desk.

(“The new world we know now is so much different. Yet feels so natural. People openly denounce cult activity and Cocytus is a part of our universe now.”)

(“I can’t explain everything all at once but basically our world has been terrorized by cult activity since the dawn of time. Unleashing a calamity that left the previous world at their mercy.”)

(“Cocytus is or was apart of a different universe before it was ripped to our universe. Slowly deteriorating before me and my friends stopped it.”)

(“Cocytans are the true victims of the people of the old world’s actions. But thanks to us, we took the first step into making amends with them.”)

(“If this is your first journey with me, that’s ok. Because, It’s a brand new start for me too.”)

(“But, I’m going to take the backseat for a while. I’m going to leave it all to my best friend Kayn Amirson.”) Lysony thought.


------------ Chapter 1 - Wonderful New Way to Live ----------------------------

Blackwater, Cocytus -

Kayn laid in his bed inside of his birth home, contemplating in silence before he heard a knock on his door.

“Go away.” Kayn said.

“But- my lord, I brought you Eusi Cake. I just thought it would make you feel better.” A voice said behind his door.

Kayn snapped his fingers as his door unlocked swung open as another Infernal wolf in a long gown holding a very expensive cup with a very fancy looking pastry on top of it.

The wolf set it down next to Kayn’s counter table.

“Thank you, Vinver.” Kayn said.

(“Vinver is one of the Sewagrihasth or Grihasth here in blackwater, he along with the others maintains the Manor Temple or Prasada whenever the Amirsons are not around.”)

“If I may ask I know you always had a temper but you seem a little too..calm angry today.” Vinver said.

“I hate being home is why.” Kayn said.

“Why is that?” Vinver asked.

The two of them heard a loud crash downstairs.

“That is why.” Kayn said.

Kayn and Vinver melded into the floor before reappearing downstairs to see another infernal wolf lord terrorizing the Grihasth with his new invention.

Kayn appeared before his younger brother and grabbed the weapon by its end before squeezing and breaking it.

Kayn grabbed his younger brother by his hair.

“Ow!  Ow ow! Let go of me Kayn!”  Kayzu said. 

“Why should I? Weren’t you the one that stabbed me not too long ago?” Kayn said, pulling out switchblade and holding it up to Kayzu’s neck.

“You thought I forgot huh?” Kayn said.

(“This is Kayzu, Kayn’s youngest brother and a huge trouble maker. He has a knack for making high tech scientific inventions.”)

“Ooooh, are you bullying Kayzu? Can I join?” Another Infernal wolf lord said above the stairs. He is identical to Kayn but instead he had a shorter bang and green hair/beard bands.

(“This is Kayno, Kayn’s other triplet brother.”)

Kayn dropped Kayzu. “No, I’m not getting blamed for the both of you.” Kayn said.

{“Dick.”} Kayzu uttered.

“Damn. When did you become the mature one? You’re always up for bullying Kayzu!” Kayno said.

“Hey screw you! I’m gonna make a new toy. Vinnie, Ollie. Clean this mess up.” Kayzu said, snapping his fingers

“Clean it yourself!” Kayn and Kayno said together.

“Vinver, Ollie, Minney. Let Kayzu clean his own mess. If he doesn’t, tell father.” Kayn said.

Kayno threw Kayzu a broom. “Yeah, get to sweeping. Bahehe.” Kayno said.

Kayzu hissed at the two of them as he made the broom float and sweep.

“I’m leaving. I have things to do anyway so I’m not going to stick around here.” Kayn said.

“Ah, sad to see you go so soon. But I will respect your wish.” Vinver said.
“And do not forget your Eusi Cake my Lord.” Vinver said.

Kayn went back to his room to get his things. When he got an email on his COMP which the summoning program ceased functions.

(Kayn keeps his comp because phones do not have service in Cocytus but since it runs on its own server with other connected comps, its other functions still work.)

(“Before I go on. My name is Kayn, Son of Amir or Amirson. I am an Infernal Wolf one of the five major clans that govern Cocytus. Previously I was a Tribune in the Legion of Execution before I left my duty.”)

(“My father, Amir is the clan head or the Lord Primus Imperator. He governs this entire existence which is my birth-home named Blackwater.)

(“By proxy, my siblings and I are called “Demi-Lords.” Because we have partial authority over this place. Second to only Amir.”)

(“I left my duty previously to have freedom but for some reason in this new world I kept my rank as Tribune instead of being a Gunny{Grunt}.”) 

(“Speaking of the new world. A lot has changed from the old world, Cocytus now acts as a purgatory for Lysony’s world for souls that need to be handled before they either pass on or reincarnate.”)

(“Previously in the old world before Armageddon. Cocytus was part of another universe before the calamity struck. Now It seems like we have our original jobs back. But the problem is that it does not eliminate the past completely. Just because the effects of Armageddon are gone. Doesn’t mean the calamity didn’t happen.)

(“But progress is progress. Now all we need to do is keep the peace we have. Starting with getting rid of those who would ruin it.”) Kayn thought.

Kayn opened his comp and went to the mail function which had old messages and one new one.

Kayn decided to go through them one by one again.

{From Cid: Hey! I don’t know if I taught you the email function or how to type but I hope you are doing great! I decided to go home for a while and hone my skills in engineering. I kinda miss everyone yaknow.”}

{Reply Kayn: Me too.}

{From Gelbe: Gelbe sorry Gelbe cannot follow you back to Cocytus. Gelbe needed at home and have no place there.}

{Reply Kayn: Don’t be sorry.}

{From Mari: Hey if you ever need anything in the real world just call me! LOL TTYS.} 

{Reply Kayn: What is lol ttys?}

{New message from Vespertilo: Hello, no leads on Krieger yet. I’m  pretty sure he is in the real world because it would make sense why he would avoid Cocytus like the plague. Still, I’m roaming around just grasping at straws.}

{New Reply Kayn: I’ll come find you. Keep looking.}

{New message from Lysony: Hey, once my last semester is over I’ll come find you. I think about you ALOT. I hope you are happy right now.}

Kayn clutched his chest as he felt something odd as he slightly turned red.

{New reply from Kayn: Don’t come to my house without permission! Yes, I am very happy now.}

(“I’m in no rush to find Krieger, honestly he would slip up before we need to look for him.”) Kayn thought.

“I need to get out of the house…”  Kayn said.

{New reply from Lysony: Hey, I mean class is almost over. You can come to me if you aren’t busy.}

{New Reply Kayn: Ok.}

Kayn realized his tail was wagging uncontrollably. 

“Stop that.” Kayn said.

Kayn got his things, leaving his cake behind as he went through the back entrance of the prasada, putting his cloak over his head as he traveled far to a very secret lake with an inconspicuous cave opening. 

Kayn walked on the water before waving his hand as the earth shifted and opened up before closing behind him.

His secret lair where he keeps his most prized possessions and his secret infernal gate embedded into the earth behind his desk.

{An infernal gate is a one-way portal to cross between the layers of Cocytus. Usually you would need authorization to cross over from one layer to another. But crossing over to the real world is dubious by infernal laws.}

{Kayn can only travel between gates he has made or if he wants to go to a location without a gate he cannot come back the way he came if he is traveling to the real world. Because it is outside of his domain with the Akashic Record.}

{But things are different now.}

But Kayn let out a smirk as he looked at a painting before channeling his Karma into it with the Ace of Spades card.

The rim of the painting turned silver before he jumped in.

As Kayn came to he was in a very sizable library filled with books he has read previously.

{This is the Silver Library. The secret hub of operations for his team called Dire Swath.}

{The Silver Library is also connected to the Silver Lounge, which is the base of opperations for the Lysony’s group called Paradise.}

Kayn opened the door to the Silver Lounge where nobody was there. Still, he exited the lounge to the outside where he was in the green beastman city of Senmaru.

Kayn sat on a bench and waited, opening his comp to see any new messages but there was none.

After five minutes of waiting he saw crowds of students exiting the building, scanning them for his friend before someone covered his eyes with their hands.

“Guess who?” Lysony said.

“Hah, very funny.” Kayn said.

Lysony walked around and stood in front of Kayn. “Heyy! What’s good man? It’s been a while!” Lysony asked.

“I’m- hm…” Kayn said as he started to get lost in thought. 

“I guess…nothing really. I went home for a little bit. That’s it. A lot has changed in Cocytus it feels kind of like how it was before the calamity. Which is a weird feeling to me.” Kayn said.

“Things are changing here too. I don’t know if you follow beastman news but people have been casually talking about Cocytus as if it’s another continent instead of pretending like it doesn’t exist. I even heard talks from the Sorcerer Association about talks with being allies with Cocytan leaders.” Lysony explained.

“Sorcerer Association?” Kayn asked.

“Oh, yeah it’s the new magic council in this world. Apparently all the corrupt leaders got put on trial and instead we have a chairman for each continent in the real world.” Lysony explained.

“What happened to the corrupt leaders?” Kayn asked.

“They are still waiting for the trial. It’s going to be massive. Especially with the case our principal made from what we told him.” Lysony explained.

“Our group really is trying to lay low for a bit though. At least till the trial is over and our world finally is on good terms with all of Cocytus.” Lysony explained.

Kayn pat Lysony on the head. “I understand. You just focus on what you need to do. Leave everything else to me.” Kayn said.

“Yeah, I’m going to have a major degree in Supernatural Studies and a minor degree in Mythological Lore in a few months!” Lysony said.

“Wow, look at you. I think it suits you perfectly.” Kayn said.

“I never went to school. At least...not for education since, all the information I need I was just born with.” Kayn said.

“Still I find learning interesting. Which is why I love to read in my spare time.” Kayn said.

“…All I really can do at home.” Kayn said.

“I wanted to ask about that. How are the Infernal Wolves with the peace treaty?” Lysony asked.

Kayn’s eyes darted back and forth. “Not as good as I hoped. Don’t get me wrong. Father is on board with the peace treaty but we have a big problem.” Kayn explained.

“A decent amount of infernal wolves don’t agree with peace….and I think tensions tipped over and now we have groups of Infernal Rebels doing whatever they can do disrupt the peace between Cocytus and Earth.” Kayn said.

“We had infernal rebels before but now it’s becoming a real problem.” Kayn explained.

“Anything I can do to help?” Lysony asked.

“No. This is my team’s business. It’s best if Cocytans deal with this from the inside.” Kayn said.

Kayn then smiled. “You done enough. So leave everything else to me.” Kayn said.

“But yeah. That all we can do on our side but hey things are looking way better for us now! Haha!” Lysony said

(“Lysony is so happy now. I never seen him with so much optimism. Good for him.”) Kayn thought.

Lysony took Kayn’s hand startling him. “Well now that’s out of the way. Let’s go hang out, it will be fun!” Lysony said.

Kayn felt that same constricted feeling in his chest as he started to blush as Lysony pulled him from where he stood.

Lysony took Kayn to a familiar café.

“I remember this place.” Kayn said.

“Yeah! Told you I practically come here every day after class. Though I rarely go here with other people.” Lysony said.

The two of them went inside surprisingly there were a few people inside enjoying their treats or working on laptops on the cafe wi-fi.

“It’s never this busy. Though this is the first time I came here in the new world. But why would that change?” Lysony said.

“It’s because of the last thing you said. Maybe you changed the lives of every mortal person that you know. Now once a quiet establishment is now well off because that is the store owner’s dream.” Kayn said.

“Hey there, I never knew you were such a coffee liker.” A male badger with dreadlocs approached the two of them.

“Oh hey, Jin! Nah, I don’t like coffee. I usually come here for strawberry sorbet.” Lysony said.

Jin smiled.

“Oh so *you’re* the guy Goji was talking about. I only really come here for coffee jelly sundays. But I never tried sorbet at all because I come in and out in a rush.” Jin said.

“I’m not much of a strawberry person though. I’m probably gonna try lime.” Jin said.

“Suit yourself.” Lysony said.

“Hah, duh. Also is this your friend you told me about? I gotta say I need to know your workout routine man.” Jin said to Kayn.

“A-me?! I-uh.” Kayn said stumbling over his words.

“Don’t worry. Jin is one of the people that knows about us.” Lysony said.

“Yeah, I’m a fan honestly. I always wanted to meet Kayn in person.” Jin said.

“Well it’s nice to meet more of Lysony’s friends. I’m…not really good with meeting new people.” Kayn said.

“I’m the same, see? My hand is trembling.” Jin said stretching his hand to Kayn. 

Kayn shook his hand in which Jin was surprised by Kayn’s titanium grip.

“-Wow, honestly I’m envious. But kinda inspired. I’m gonna go hit the gym with my friend cya.” Jin said before dapping Lysony and leaving.

“I like that guy.” Kayn said.

“Right?! Jin is really cool. I don’t know him too well outside of school but he is fun to hang with.” Lysony said.

Kayn nodded. “Also, what’s a lime?” Kayn asked.

“It’s a fruit. Kinda like a lemon but it’s more bitter than sour.” Lysony explained.

Kayn didn’t say anything as he was imagining different colored lemons.

“You know what a lemon is right?” Lysony asked. 

“Do they come in other colors?” Kayn asked. 

“I mean, kinda? There are a lot of citrus fruit out there like oranges and grapefruit too. But I don’t want to bore you with all the details.” Lysony said.

“No, I like listening to you when you talk.” Kayn said.

“Well let’s start by ordering you something instead of standing around.” Lysony said.

Lysony got Kayn and himself their deserts with Kayn having a lime flavored sorbet instead.

The two of them sat down on the roof of the building while they ate.

“You sure this is a large cup?” Kayn said, examining it in his large hand.

Kayn opened his mouth and took a large lick, his eyes widening as you can tell all his taste receptors firing off all at once.

Kayn started vigorously licking the treat, making a funny face which made Lysony bust out laughing.

“What?!” Kayn said.

“Pfft, nothing- I guess you like it right?” Lysony asked

“You should have told me about this sooner..! I love this flavor!” Kayn said.

“I’ll keep it in mind. Kayn loves lime-flavored things. Hah.” Lysony said.

Kayn bit the rest before he cringed. “Ah, damn..! My face hurt.” 

“That’s brain freeze. I don’t blame you though I bite mine too.” Lysony said.

“Ah..this is what I like. Just hanging around with friends. This is the best time I ever had in a long while.” Lysony said.

“I’m happy for you. I just…” Kayn paused as if he was thinking deeply about something.

“What?” Lysony asked.

“Do you remember the last thing I said to you in the old world?” Kayn asked

“That you said you wanted to crush my spine?” Lysony asked.

“You’re soooo funny.” Kayn said in a slightly annoyed tone.

Kayn moved closer to Lysony. “I really meant what I said. It took me so long because I didn’t think it was appropriate at the time.” Kayn said.

Lysony looked down at the ground. “I don’t know how I really feel.” Lysony said.

“…oh, I’m sorry-! I didn’t know you weren’t interested in men.” Kayn said, raising his hands up.

“No, what?! That’s not what I meant!” Lysony said.

Lysony inched closer to Kayn. “I’ve dated a guy before but…It didn’t end well. We are still cool but I just don’t think I’m good enough.” Lysony said.

“To tell you the truth. I never had a relationship that ended well. My father tried forcing me into relationships after Armageddon…I was in a dark place because I thought my brother was gone.” Kayn explained.

“All my previous “partners” were just there for status and thats it. There was no “romance.” I didn’t even know what that even felt like.” Kayn explained.

“But after meeting you, I felt something. I thought It was just an unreasonable obsession. But it just grew to a longing.” Kayn said.

“It’s just- complicated for me to put it into words. But I guess thats what love is… I never heard what you thought about me.” Kayn said.

“…I feel the same way about you. You were there for me at my worst and you never gave up on me. I’m…just afraid that I’ll screw up something for you…” Lysony said.

“That would not bother me. Your problem is that you push others away too much. It’s ok to mess up. Just make that known to other people.” Kayn said.

“I know… For you, your problem is that you don’t know how to process your emotions so you result to anger too quickly because you have an inflated sense of self.” Lysony said.

“Hmmm.” Kayn said.

Kayn grabbed Lysony by the collar and lifted him off the ground.

“How dare you talk about my faults and issues and how dare you be right about it?!” Kayn shouted.

Lysony hit Kayn on the head repeatedly. 

“You did it first with me! You can’t get mad just because you got a taste of your own medicine!” Lysony shouted.

Kayn let Lysony down. “But despite everything. I still just want to make it work.” Kayn said.

“I’ll try to be more open about my feelings at least to you first.” Lysony said.

Lysony took Kayn’s hand. “Will you be my boyfriend?” Lysony asked.

Kayn covered his face. “Ack- I was supposed to say that!!”

“Too late, I asked first.” Lysony said kissing Kayn’s hand.

Kayn’s comp got a message, a few messages actually.

“Ah, fuck….” Kayn said, opening it.

{New Message from Vesper: 
“Kayn, you need to meet up with me ASAP at [Coordinates] I tracked down Krieger.”}

“I gotta go. It’s the person we been chasing.” Kayn said, getting up.

Lysony stood up. “Let me help..!” 

Kayn held Lysony in his arms, kissing him on the lips.

“No, you sit back and let us handle it. You done enough. It’s our turn now.” Kayn said.

“Fine..whatever. Just don’t take too long ok?” Lysony said, hugging Kayn, barely able to get his arms to his back.

“Don’t worry, I’ll put a bullet in Krieger’s head then be done with it.” Kayn said.

“Love you~” Lysony said.
“I love you too.” Kayn said.

CHAPTER 2 - I Got A Fire In My Soul

Kayn traveled very far, making a one-way gate from the Silver Library to the Sesperan city of Zo.

He traveled very far northeast to the coordinates given to him, taking 2 hours on foot.

{“Hey! Don’t walk any further!”} a voice called out to him. 

Kayn drew one of his pistols as he turned to where the voice was coming from. 

It was a large figure, since Vespertilo is not at all tall, Kayn pointed his gun at them.

“You got a lot of nerve telling me what to do.” Kayn said.

{“Hey! Hey! It’s just me!”} they said, putting their hands up. 

It was a large bearded brown bear in explorers gear and a cowboy hat. 

“Silas?!” Kayn said.

Kayn lowered his weapon as Silas bear hugged Kayn. 

“Hey thar! Its nice to meet ya again!” Silas said.

“What- are you doing here?” Kayn asked.

“Brother, I’m an explorer! I was looking for rare items in a hidden cave west of here.” Silas explained.

Kayn squinted his eye as he was trying to make sense of why Vespertilo isn’t here.

“Vespertilo told me to be here because he found a lead on Krieger.” Kayn said.

“Really now? I ain’t get no message of the sort.” Silas said.

“It would be easy to locate him if we had our curses… but I guess I’ll just start my way.” Kayn said as he started to look around.

“Well you don’t gotta look much. Look over ther.” Silas said, pointing out a large metal facility just barely out of view from the thick brush.

“Bingo.” Kayn said, cracking his knuckles.

Kayn jumped down, sliding on the dirt as Silas followed him.

“Vesper probably went ahead so it’s probably best to bust down the front door.” Kayn said.

“You sure about this?” Silas said.

“I don’t see no back entrance.” Kayn said.

Kayn looked around, to be fair the building looked weird as there was a large garage door instead, no cameras either.

Kayn lifted the large garage door before he was met with a bunch of sentry turrets that fired a barrage of bullets at him to which Silas got behind him, using Kayn as a cocytan shield as the bullets bounced off his skin.

Kayn retaliated by firing lasers from his eyes at the sentries, cutting them in half before they fell to the ground, destroyed.

“Thanks for the help.” Kayn said.

“Ah- listen! I’m not bullet proof like you!” Silas said.

Kayn examined the room which, was filled with tools and crates but nothing out of the ordinary really.

“Well, less work fo’ us. I never seen a Krieger lab on the inside.” Silas said.

“Well let’s keep moving and find Vespertilo or Krieger then blow this place sky high.” Kayn said.

Kayn walked through the double doors as Silas followed behind him.
“Wait, let’s not be hasty-! What if we find somethin’ important?” Silas said.

“We steal it. *Then* blow up the place.” Kayn said.

“You just love destruction don’t cha?” Silas said.

“Mhm.” Kayn replied.

Kayn got an uneasy feeling as his fur stood up before arriving into a large lab with dozens upon dozens of pods connecting to a central machine.

“What…the…fuck….” Kayn said.

“What the hell…?” Silas said.

The two of them walked further into the room as they wiped one of the larger pods to see a large 8 tailed fox trapped inside as he was hooked up to dozens of nodes that were extracting glowing blue liquid from them.

“Isn’t this guy the one Abbi was talking about? What the hell is Krieger doing to him? To all these people.” Kayn asked.

“It’s like he’s milkin’ em. For their Animus.” Silas said.

“*Anima.* But for what? This is just creepy.” Kayn said.

Kayn shook his head. “Ok, new plan. We just need to get everybody out of here right now.” Kayn said.

“Ah, ah, ah. No can do my arch-nemesis. You’re next. As your Anima will be utilized in my next project.” Krieger said as he came suspiciously alone.

“I’m not going anywhere. You’re not seeing the light of day.” Kayn said, drawing his two pistols.

Krieger took out his own modified COMP as the machine in the middle started to activate.

The fox next to Kayn and Silas started to yell as the nodes sucked out large quantities of Anima from him as Krieger summoned mysterious creatures in front of them.

“Perfection. Such incredible ability.” Krieger said.

“What are these things?!” Silas asked as he drew his crossbow, shooting one in the head but it barely got stuck in the monster’s skin before falling off.

Kayn fired five bullets from his guns into the monster in front of him, barely making a dent before dodging a club swing.
One of the other monsters put Kayn in an armlock, retraining him as the other gave him a gut punch that actually made him want to vomit.

“There is no way these things are this strong..!” Kayn said.

“Haha! Yes! Capture them both! Their anima will be used well!” Krieger said.

There was suddenly a large explosion that knocked Krieger away.

“Are you guys stupid? Why didn’t you tell me you were going to the back entrance I would have already been inside!” Vespertilo shouted.

“Back entrance…? I followed your coordinates! ” Kayn said.

“The opposite ones I gave you! Maybe if you weren’t horrible with technology and idiot two didn’t even ask to see your comp!” Vespertilo shouted.

“Hey! I didn’t know he was that bad ok?!” Silas shouted.

“Agh..seize him too!” Krieger shouted.

“Ah, no you fuckin’ don’t you’re not getting away this time old captain!” Vespertilo shouted, opening his grimoire and preparing a spell.

“Ignadion!” Vespertilo chanted at Krieger who used robotic arms to push himself off the ground to dodge a large firey explosion coming from a magic circle below him.

“Careful! There are people in these pods!” Kayn shouted.

"Yeah, I know that! Ignado!" Vespertilo said, casting smaller blasts of fire at Krieger

Krieger summoned a pixie in front of him who unleashed an ice spell to counter Vesper’s Ignado.

“By Amir’s beard, what are these things?” Vespertilo asked.

(“Honestly, I don’t know either, what can I-) Kayn’s thoughts stopped abruptly as he heard a voice in his head.

{“Have you forgotten?”} the voice said.

Inside Kayn’s mind he saw a scale with a feather and bleeding heart as he fell down into a black ocean before something reached out to him, pulling him out.

Memories started pouring back into their minds as all three of them held their heads in a brief agonizing experience.

“Ngh…Aberrations…here?” Kayn said.

“Yeah…I remember now. We can fight these things..!” Silas said.

“I almost forgot too. These things are nothing!” Vespertilo said.

“Hey baldy. You’re dead HAAAAAAA!!!” Kayn shouted as he erupted in his cursed aura as he ripped off the arms of the aberration behind him. Before punching through the aberration with his fist.

“Phantom Curse: Sinful Kaizer!!! Kayn shouted as he unleashed a powerful blast of his cursed aura through the aberration’s back, making it explode into a blue goop.

“Ew...!” Vespertilo said.

“Quant Curse: Elephant Impact!” 

Silas made his hammer bigger and heavier before slamming it down on the aberration in front of him destroying it in one hit leaving only a large splat of blue goop left.

Krieger summoned more aberrations in his lab which surrounded the three of them. 

“This is not gonna end well. Any Ideas?” Vespertilo asked.

Kayn punched through the mechanism holding the fox behind them, opening the pod before Kayn yanked him out.

“At least we can stop more of them from coming but still this is too much for the three of us!” Vespertilo said.

“Make that four!” Another familiar voice said as a black wolf in a dark hoodie leapt from the shadows, drawing her shortbow.

Abbi leap from the entrance and fired three arrows coated in aura at the central machine, causing a large explosion behind them. Which caused all the aberrations to melt into a blue goop.

“What?! No! Destroying that is going to cause a chain reaction throughout the lab!” Krieger shouted.

“Dammit! We were going to blow it up after we got the people out!” Kayn shouted.

“Well I didn’t know!” Abbi said.

“Just keep a mental note that if Kayn didn’t destroy something. It means it’s probably something more important going on.” Vespertilo shouted.

Abbi then noticed the kitsune on the lab floor letting out a large gasp.

“Yamato!!” Abbi shouted, covering her mouth.

They all ducked their heads as several explosions started to go off.

Krieger used the last remaining supply of Yamato’s anima to open a portal out of the lab. 

“Krieger!!” Abbi shouted as he aimed her bow and fired a black arrow out of Cursed Aura at Krieger who scurried off quickly before it closed.

“We need to get out of here, before we go down with this place.” Vespertilo said.

“And what about everyone else that is trapped here?!” Silas said.

“There is too many. No time!” Kayn said.

“No, he can! Cmon, Yamato wake up!” 
Abbi shook Yamato who woke up screaming. 

“AAAAH!!! Oh hello! Oh Abbi! You came to rescue me!!!” Yamato said.

“Yeah, I did. Just like you did for me. You need to get everyone out of here!” Abbi shouted.

“I’m kinda naked right now. But oookay.” Yamato said.

Vespertilo covered his eyes as Yamato stood up to full height, putting his hands together and, spreading his eight tails as he caused ripples of psychic energy throughout the lab, stopping everything inorganic as he phased living things out the lab.

“Nope, just me. I’m special you see. I can feel the waves of everything with my brain and send out my own.” Yamato explained.

“You’re not special. You’re just a Curse User.” Kayn said.

“Whaaaaaat?! How do you know?!” Yamato asked.

“Let’s just get these people back home. You included, Yamato.” Abbi said.

Yamato shook his head frantically. “No! I never want to go back!”

“Honestly, I don’t care where he goes. Krieger got away again and it seems like he reverse engineered the summoning program.” Vespertilo said.

“Yeah…that…honestly I’m worried about our curses coming back. I feel like it’s a bad omen.” Kayn said.

“I don’t think so. If something bad was happening wouldn’t we have awakened...earlier?” Vespertilo asked.

“When I came into the building I remembered how to use mine after confronting an aberration outside.” Abbi explained.

“Maybe in the presence of aberrations we kind of just- “Reawaken.” Vespertilo said.

Vespertilo’s eyes lit up.
“Is Curse Power unrelated to calamities?! I mean it’s not that far of a stretch. The only reason why we didn’t have ours was because we awakened after Armageddon!” Vespertilo said.

“That’s kind of creepy. Then again, Krieger seemed to be a super smart genius still. Naoya too.” Silas said.

“Well at least this isn’t a warning for something huge. So we can rest easy.” Kayn said.

“Still I have so many questions….ah whatever. I still don’t feel all that strong even with my curse back.” Vespertilo said.

“I remember all my skills but the muscle memory isn’t there. It’s gonna be awkward to fight with Cursed Aura.” Kayn said.

“Maybe because we never used our curses in this world. So again, we start from zero.” Abbi said.

CHAPTER 3 - Be Everything I want to be

The Dire Swath Crew finished returning people to their homes with the exception of Yamato who still refuses.

“Whew, It’s a good day to do good things amirite?” Silas said.

“Yeah, I can get behind that. What are we gonna do about him?” Vespertilo gestured to Yamato.

“He, goes HOME. Just like we said.” Abbi said.

Yamato stuck his blue tongue and pulled his eyelid. “You can’t make me, pppbpbbpffpf! Fohohohohoho!”

“What are we gonna do Kayn? I mean, we could just leave him and find more leads on Krieger.” Vespertilo said.

“Try to convince him to go home. Kitsunes are targets for a lot of Cocytans even if they are very elusive.” Kayn said.

“I’ve only ever been caught once and that was only because of the people at home…That is why I always travel constantly….” Yamato said.

Yamato the changed the tone of his voice. “Because traveling loads of foxy fun Fohohohohohoh!” Yamato said.

“We are taking you home and thats final.” Kayn said.

Yamato’s ears darted back. “Awwoh….” 

“I dunno, maybe things changed. Where do Kitsunes live anyways?” Vesper asked.

“I thought they were the nomadic type like my clan o’ bears.” Silas said.

“No actually. We only travel if we feel threatened. But we closed ourselves off from Cocytus since Armageddon.” Yamato explained.

“So you lived in ZO the entire time?!” Vespertilo said with a vein appearing on his face.

Yamato nodded. “Yes. I do. A-” 

Vespertilo threw his grimoire at Yamato, hitting him in the face while causing him to spin in place.

“So you made us go in circles on purpose!” Vespertilo shouted.

Yamato hit a pose. “You can’t get with these moves..!”

“Don’t you know anything about Kitsunes Kayn?” Abbi asked.

“No, they are outside of Infernal jurisdiction. I don’t know a thing about them other than being extremely secluded.” Kayn explained.

Kayn shook his head. “I don’t think he lives in the city though. Kitsunes don’t mesh with other cultures that well. We would probably want to search around the forest.” Kayn said.

“But he just said he lived in Zo.” Silas said.

“He lied.” Kayn said.

“Whaaat no waaaayyyy.” Yamato said.

“Dorntra.” Vespertilo chanted as Yamato’s hands were suddenly stuck together. 

“H-hey!” Yamato said.

“Whether you like it or not you gotta come with us. Then we can chase Krieger.” Vespertilo said.

“You’ll never catch me otherwise!” Yamato said as he sprinted off into the forest with speed that surprised everyone.

“A-hey! Come back here!” Abbi shouted.

“Man, if you are gonna bind something like an animal do the legs first.” Silas said.

“I didn’t think he would RUN off!” Vespertilo said.

“Well now he is runnin’ off, in his underwear. In the middle o’ nowhere.” Silas said.

“Well? Let’s catch him come on!” Abbi said.

The four of them started running after Yamato in the forest who still was a great distance ahead of the group. 

“Ya’ll remember how blur works? Use your aura at your feet to move fast in short bursts!” Abbi explained.

Black sparks of aura appeared at her feet as she started to appear as a mirage for a brief moment as she gained some distance ahead of the group.

“This isn’t a tutorial! Of course we know!” Vespertilo shouted. 

“Oh wait, I didn’t know that! Thanks!” Yamato shouted as black sparks appeared at his feet as he started to disappear, speeding up as he gained a ton of distance from the group.

“Dammit, well pick up the pace then!” Abbi said.

Black sparks appear at their feet as they sprinted after Yamato, dodging trees and various foliage before they came across a large gap of water which Yamato started to run across.

“Follow me!” Silas shouted as he jumped up and swung across a vine before sliding off a large branch, catching up to Yamato to which the others did the same.

Silas took out a lasso and whipped it around in the air before catching one of Yamato’s tails as he planted his feet in the ground as Yamato fell forward.

Silas went to tie Yamato up but he kicked Silas in the face and bounded off him before sprinting away.

“Ow..! The fucker is elusive!” Silas said, rubbing his face.

“Here, I can help a little bit.” Vespertilo said.

“Iso.” Vespertilo chanted as he raised his hand causing a blue sparkle of magic on Silas’s face. 

“Still hurts like hell. Your healing kinda sucks.” Silas said.

“WELL ITS THE BEST I CAN DO! SHUT UP!” Vespertilo shouted.

“We should be more careful. None of us can heal or heal good so its wraps if any of us get injured.” Abbi said.

“Cmon, before Yamato gets away.” Abbi said as Silas followed.

“Guess I should stick to what I’m good at…” Vespertilo said, looking at the floor.

“What’s that?” Kayn asked.

“You know- hurting other people magic…” Vesper said.

Vesper paused before he continued. “Don’t worry about me, let’s just go.” Vesper said.

“Yamatoooo!” Silas yelled as the two caught up to him.

“Abbi went up ahead. But this place is starting to give me the creeps.” Silas said.

“What? We seen scary stuff before no way you are scared of the dark.” Vespertilo said.

“I’m not- just something is telling me that it’s dangerous here. I dunno.” Silas said.

“I feel it too. There is something supernatural going on.” Kayn said.

“Ghosts aren’t real you guys…” Vespertilo said.

Kayn looked behind Vespertilo as he saw a pale floating figure. 

“Are you sure? There is one right behind you.” Kayn said.

Silas also noticed it as his fur stood up. “Uh- V I don’t think Kayn is joking…!”

“Nice try asshole. I’m not-” The figure floated in front of Vesper making him let out a bloodcurdling scream that caused crows in the distance to fly away.

“Perararara~” The ghost muttered with an eerie laughter.

“You think thats funny?!” Vespertilo said, drawing his weapon.

“Vazna!” Vespertilo chanted as magical circles appeared around the ghost, striking it with lightning but it had no effect on it.

“It’s a ghost, you can’t hurt it.” Kayn said.

“Well at least it’s harmless. The little bugger probably was just prankin’ ya.” Silas said.

“Ugh, whatever! Let’s just find the other two and get out of here. Now I’m feeling my fur stand up….” Vespertilo said, walking forward with the ghost following behind him. 

“Stop following me!” Vespertilo yelled at the ghost.

“Peraperaperapera~!” The ghost laughed.

The group followed the rough footsteps until they came across an abandoned looking temple where Yamato went through stepping forward but they were forcefully dragged in as they hit a distortion in space, changing the landscape and the building into a creepy looking castle. 

“What the heck was that?!” Silas said…

“Now this is getting really creepy.” Kayn said.

“I thought we got rid of the paradigm shift!? What gives?!” Vespertilo said.

“We did. But think about it. Just because Anima Mundi isn’t active anymore. Does not mean it doesn’t exist.” Kayn said.

Vespertilo’s eyes widened.
“Ah, you’re right. Technically anybody with a strong enough willpower can bring forth Anima Mundi. At least we aren’t mindless husks so that worked out very well.” Vespertilo said.

“Paradigm Distortion…I’ve done it once. But that was in the old world. It doesn’t explain how whoever this one belongs to could activate it.” Kayn said.

“At least we know Paradigm Shifts don’t exist anymore. That was a big scare.” Vespertilo said, letting out a sigh of relief.

“Some rules definitely are different. But at least we know one method that always works.” Vespertilo said with determination. 

“We knock them out.” Kayn and Silas said.

The group entered the castle which two large armors standing at the entrance swung their axes at them, coming to life.

The party drew their weapons. 

Kayn and Silas smashed the two armors, making them collapse in one hit.

Suddenly the armors rattled, their parts being drawn back together as they took up arms again. 

“Animated Armors huh?” Kayn said.

“We can’t brute force every battle if you can bind them somehow or let me dispel the animation hex on it we can get through this easily.” Vespertilo said.

“Or we could just beat them up till the spell doesn’t work anymore.” Silas said.

“That can work but all that extra effort..?” Vespertilo said.

Vespertilo put his hands together as a magic circle appeared below him, preparing a spell.

Silas took out his whip instead of his axe and lashed it at the armor’s axe handle, preventing it from swinging at Vespertilo.

Kayn simply grabbed the head of the Armor’s axe and shoved it a few feet away from him.

“Bhisagarja!!” Vespertilo chanted, as magical circles appeared under the armors, making them collapse.

The three of them all posed for victory.

“See, told you that was easier. I can be useful in other ways too.” Vespertilo said.

“Don’t worry, I never doubted you.” Kayn said.

Vespertilo nodded. “Thanks, I’ll remember that.” Vespertilo said, looking more confident in himself.

As they continued on, the ghost that was following them took interest in a wall before phasing through.

“Finally it went away!” Vespertilo said.

Suddenly the castle started to shake as the wall erected from behind Kayn, splitting him off from his teammates.

“Hey! What gives!” Silas said. 

“The castle changed structure but there has to be a way around. Kayn you can take care of yourself right? Just find the others.” Vespertilo said.

Kayn looked around before walking through a new path that opened up before he heard faint crying and sniffling behind a door.

Kayn pulled the door open and there was Yamato crying on the floor in a pile of clothes.

“Hey-” Kayn said before Yamato grabbed him by the waist and cried into him.

“*I- I wasrunningandandthen scary g-ghostswerechasingmeandiwassoscared~!*” Yamato said.

“Alright..! You can let go of me now. Where is Abbi?” Kayn asked.

Yamato stood up as his demeanor changed. “Oh we got separated not too long ago. She was dealing with all the evil creatures.” Yamato said.

“Well let’s find her, shes the only one alone right now.” Kayn said.

“AND GO BACK OUTSIDE WHERE ALL THE MONSTERS ARE?! Noooo thank you.” Yamato said.

“Have you tried…fighting back? You know we can just beat them up.” Kayn said.

Yamato pointed at himself. “WE?!” 

“*Yes* WE can beat them up or just immobilize them and move on.” Kayn said.

“B-but I don’t have a weapon. My Katana is back home and I don’t think I’m getting that back.” Yamato said.

Kayn exited the closet for a while and took a large Katana off a rack he saw earlier before returning to Yamato and handing it to him. 

“Ooohoho~ Shinyyy” Yamato said as he slightly unsheathed it.

Kayn and Yamato exited the closet moving on through the castle through a corridor of mirrors in which Yamato let out a loud shriek. 
“AHHH A MONSTER!!! Oh- it’s just my reflection.” Yamato said.

Kayn turned around and slapped Yamato as Kayn was holding his ear that was ringing.

“I’m sorry. I am quite scared of the unknown you see.” Yamato said.

“You can be scared but don’t let fear consume you mold it to something else.” Kayn said.

Yamato nodded. “I will! Thanks!”

Yamato seemed fearless as the continued on. 

Two of the mirrors started to budge and out came a glass orbs that were blocking their way.

The two of them drew their weapons. 

“Don’t think too hard about what you want to do. Just do it.” Kayn said.

“Okay!” Yamato said, slashing the glass orb but the damage was reflected back at him.  

“Ow..! Hey what gives?!” Yamato said.

“Ok, maybe think about what you want to do first. If the enemy can reflect physical attacks back at you what do you do?” Kayn said.

“Don’t use physical attacks?” Yamato said.

“Yes that’s how it goes.” Kayn said.

“Magic or Curses, whatever you can do just use everything to the best of your ability.” Kayn said.

“Oh! Yes! I remember I can cast spells too!” Yamato said.

(“You just remembered?”) Kayn thought.

“Veil!” Yamato chanted as he made an Illusion that turned himself Invisible. 

“Now they can’t see me! Tehee!” Yamato said. 

Kayn guarded against two lightning spells from the glass orbs. 

“*Ok* do *something* else please..!” Kayn said.

“Isogia!” Yamato chanted as he healed Kayn. 

“Ok, getting closer but I don’t *need healing* right now.” Kayn said, defending against an Ice attack.

Kayn dodged a lightning strike aimed at him. 

Yamato stroked his beard. “Hmmm…oh! I got it!”

Yamato clapped his hands together as a magical circle appeared below him. 

“Angola!” Yamato chanted as a ghostly rift appeared behind one of the orbs and bit down on it, causing it to shatter.

“Phantom Curse: Crescent Burn!"
Kayn spun his scythe before unleashing a ghostly slash of Curse Aura at the other orb causing a spectral shockwave on impact that made the orb explode.

The two of them posed for victory.

“Wooww my first battle I learned a lot. That move you did was so cool!” Yamato said.

“Really? Honestly that was a new one I came up with.” Kayn said.

“You should do it again!” Yamato said.

“Not now, let’s go.” Kayn said.

Kayn and Yamato came across a door which was locked as Kayn tried to pull it open with all his might.

“No good. Can’t bust the door down.” Kayn said.

“Go! go! Crescent Burn!” Yamato cheered.

“We would need a key of some sort. But our friends come first.” Kayn said.

Yamato followed Kayn through a narrow hallway as they heard the clanking of metals in the next room. 

“Another enemy?” Kayn muttered as they entered a large room where a giant animated armor was trading blows with an injured Abbi. 

“Just- die already!!” Abbi shouted.

“Abbi!! We have to help her!” Yamato said running forward but another animated armor nearly cut him but he was faster.

“Yeow! Hey watch it!!” Yamato shouted. 

Yamato’s tails ignited on fire as he gathered psychic energy in his mouth.

“Wave Curse: Esoteric FoxCluster!” Yamato shouted as he unleashed a psychic blast of cursed aura forcefully pushing back the armor before flames ignited into thousands of slashes, leaving it on the ground, perpetually burning.

(“He could have just done *that*…!”) Kayn thought.

(“The armor isn’t getting up from Yamato’s attack.”)

“Abbi are you alright?” Yamato asked as he got in front of her.

“MOVE!” Abbi said, kicking Yamato back to avoid him getting cut into two by the armor.

Kayn took out his gun and shot at the armor to draw its attention.

“Eyes up! We are taking this thing down!” Kayn shouted.

“That’s the thing! I already took it down twice!” Abbi said.

“The hex on this one must be stronger than the regular armors It won’t go down by simply tearing it apart!” Kayn said.

Kayn parried the armor’s axe with his scythe.

“Thats why we need Yamato to take it down, for some reason they don’t get up from his attacks!” Kayn said.

The three of them drew their weapons.

Abbi touched her head as she was bleeding from wound prior. 

“But- me?! B-but Abbi needs help what do I do!?” Yamato shouted.

“Focus on healing Abbi first! I can take a lot more hits than the both of you!” Kayn shouted.

(“If you don’t know I can regenerate almost all mortal wounds, even if my head is cut off I can still survive.  So, I am not the priority.”)

Kayn fired two more bullets from his guns, drawing the attention of the armor away from the other two.

“Yeah, over here! I got something for ya!” Kayn said, switching to his scythe.

Yamato slowly inched over to Abbi while Kayn blocked an over-headed strike from the armor.

“Hang on, I can fix the pain.” Yamato said as he prepared a spell. 

Abbi’s large gash started to close up as the blood started to regress back into the wound. 

“Isogia!” Yamato chanted as he healed Abbi.

“Not so loud..!” Abbi said under her breath.

The armor suddenly turned its attention to Yamato as it whirled around with it’s axe, scrapping the ground and causing debris to fly at the two of them who split apart to dodge.

“Phantom Curse: Crescent Burn!” Kayn shouted as he unleashed a slash of tormenting aura at the head of the armor.

“Eyes over here!” Kayn said

Kayn opened his mouth as tormenting aura gathered in a ball. “Phantom Curse: Infernal Sinfire!” Kayn shouted as he unleashed a red blast of tormenting aura which exploded on impact, knocking the armor on its knees.

“Now! Yamato! Do that attack on it!” Kayn shouted.

Yamato got on all fours as the tips of his tails lit up in flames, gathering psychic aura in his mouth. Wave Curse: Esoteric Foxcluster!” Yamato shouted as he fired a large blast of psychic aura at the armor, which ignited into thousands of slashes that burned the armor away.

The armor finally went down with a loud thud as Kayn and Yamato posed for victory.

“Finally this thing went down! Gosh. Thanks you guys I didn’t think anyone would come.” Abbi said.

Yamato spun around. “Did you like the move I did? It was a real FOXY one right?! Fohohohohoho!” Yamato laughed.

Abbi seemed unamused. “Yeah sure….”

Yamato pouted. “You’re just mad you’re not as *foxy* as me. Because I’m a fox, fohohohoho!” Yamato laughed.

“Can I die now?” Abbi said.

“Later, we need to regroup with Vesper and Silas. Thankfully, they are together.”

“That’s fine. I also found this before that stupid thing attacked me.” Abbi said, reaching in her pocket and handing Kayn half of a GAOL Key. 

(“Interesting, I’ll keep this in mind.”) Kayn thought.

“Ooh! Maybe we can open that door we saw!” Yamato said.

Abbi joined the party as they exited the armory, going back to the large door as Kayn tried the key.

“Nope. Key is too small. Maybe it opens something else…?” Abbi said.

“It looks broken too, on purpose. Maybe if we can find the other half of it.” Kayn said.

Kayn continued to the other side of the corridor before entering a small room with three statues that had discs on it’s heads.

Upon closer inspection only one of them had water inside the disc. 

“These are called Kappa, they are Yokai that gain power from the water in their heads. Without it they get tired and cant move.” Yamato said.

“So we need water, I don’t know where we can get that. Unless someone knows a spell.” Abbi said.

“I don’t know any water spells..!” Yamato pouted.

“Maybe we can find someone who does.” Yamato said.

Kayn shook his head before leaving the room as he saw the ghost from before going into another hallway.

“It’s that thing again. Maybe it can lead us to Vespertilo.” Kayn said.

The three of them followed the ghost to a large ballroom where Silas and Vespertilo seemingly finished fighting. 

“Hey! You guys came back!” Silas said. 

Suddenly a large metal gate slammed down behind the three of them, trapping the five of them inside.

“Hey!! What gives?!” Yamato said.

From the ground a number of the ghosts from before rose from the ground, surrounding the five of them.

“Peraperapera~” They all said as they danced around.

“They aren’t going to let us leave are they?” Abbi said.

“But what do we do? Our attacks don’t do anything.” Vespertilo said.

Yamato started to boogie with the ghosts which made some of the ghosts laugh and clap as the gate raised some.

“What are you doing?” Vespertilo said, annoyed.

“What?” Yamato said, as he stopped dancing.

The gate lowered itself shut.

“If I’m going to be stuck here I might as well have fun!” Yamato said.

Yamato started to dance again which raised the gate slightly.

(“Yamato might be on to something, maybe we can negotiate with the ghosts by doing what they want.”) Kayn thought.

Kayn started to do an ancient dance which made more ghosts laugh and clap.

The gate rose more, slightly.

“Peraperapera!” The ghosts laughed.

“I see now, the ghosts are getting distracted so we can sneak out..!” Silas said. 

“This is getting stupid though…why is Yamato and I the only ones dancing?!” Kayn said.

“Well…I don’t know how to dance. I kinda-” Vesper said

“JUST MOVE IT!  LIFT YOUR FEET UP!!” Kayn said as he danced in front of the team. 

Vespertilo was forced to learn negotiation by dancing!

“I really don’t wanna…” Abbi said.

“Yeah thats it! You two better start shaking!” Kayn yelled.

Silas and Abbi learned how to negotiate by dancing even though they didn’t want to!

The five of them danced around with the ghosts in a circle, making the gate open completely before disappearing. 

Everybody posed with the ghosts for victory.

The ghosts gathered together and formed a large object that fell on the ground before they dispersed.
Kayn picked up the object and it was a comedically large bedroom key which he put away.

“This definitely will open that large door we saw.” Abbi said.

She pursed her lips before looking away. {“If not we can always pick the lock.”}  Abbi uttered.

Vespertilo and Silas joined back with the group as they left the ballroom.

Going back to the main door, Kayn returned to the room with the kappa statues.

“Whats this about?” Vespertilo said.

“We need water to fill the Kappa statues but I don’t know any water spells.” Yamato explained.

“I know *ice* spells but I don’t know if that will work.” Vespertilo said.

“Ain’t ice just water but really cold?” Silas said.

“I mean even then we probably don’t want to disrespect the statues. We seen enough ghosts as it is.” Vespertilo said.

“Just heat up the ice.” Kayn said.

“I was getting to that.” Vespertilo said.

Vespertilo made ice crystals over the kappa’s heads before igniting a fire over it, melting the ice into the empty kappa discs.

There was an audible click as a tiny door opened up revealing a tiny GAOL key!

“That’s an interesting looking key. Does it lead somewhere?” Vespertilo asked.

There was nothing else of interest so the group left and followed Kayn downstairs to a creepy looking GAOL door in which they heard a voice.

“Hey! I can help you with a secret if you can help me with this game!” The voice said.

“Ooh! I love games!” Yamato said.

“We don’t have the time for games!” Vespertilo shouted.

Kayn put the two GAOL keys together fitting perfectly.

“There is no way we are falling for this right?” Abbi said.

Kayn put the key in before turning it, swinging the door right open.

“I mean, who knows maybe he can tell us something important.” Silas said.

The group entered the liminal space which was a circular room with a black red and white design.

In front of them was a cloaked figure with his hands up.

“So what game are we playing? Is it really fun?” Yamato asked.

“Yes of course it’s fun! Really easy too!” The voice said.

The cloaked figure started to juggle five balls before throwing them all up in the air.

Gigantic knives appeared above them before raining down at the five of them who moved out of the way.

“The ones who drop dead first lose!” The figure said, taking off his cloak revealing himself to be a jester-like aberration.

“So it’s that kind of game huh? I gotta warn you though.” Abbi said.

The five of them drew their weapons.

“You’re a fish out of water.” Abbi said.

The aberration laughed maniacally. “I SEE I SEE, I am Dolos and once I win. I’ll be free!”  Dolos said.

Dolos took a large breath before opening its mouth, shooting card projectiles at the five of them who split up out of the way.

Kayn’s Ace of Spades card was reacting to Dolos as he fired a silver beam from it, immobilizing Dolos.

Silas lashed at Dolos with his whip before flipping and enlarging his hammer, flattening the aberration briefly before it sprang back to life.

Abbi aimed her bow from behind Dolos.
“Gloom Curse: Black Arrow!!” she shouted as she fired a pure black arrow of shadows at Dolos who teleported away, spinning two daggers on his fingers before flinging them at Abbi who cartwheeled out of the way.

Dolos was struck by Abbi’s arrow from behind as it redirected itself.

“Kryja!” Vespertilo chanted as a magical circle appeared above Dolos unleashing a localized blizzard that froze the aberration in place.

Purple dots appeared on the aberration’s skin eating away at the aberration slowly. 

“It will only get much worse as time progresses. But don’t worry you wont last much longer.” Vespertilo said, snapping his fingers.

Blades of Cursed Aura erupted from Dolos as the aberration flew at Vespertilo, drawing two knives out.

“Quant Curse: Rhino Lash!” Silas said, imbuing his whip with his cursed aura and whipping Dolos with the weight of a Rhino.

“Esoteric Foxwave!” Yamato shouted as he slashed a psychic wave with his katana, striking Dolos from behind before unleashing a dozen of delayed cuts.

“Crescent Burn!” Kayn shouted, unleashing a slash of tormenting aura, hitting Dolos from behind.

“You won’t believe your eyes!” Dolos said, disappearing before multiple copies of him turned into giant card themed balls, bouncing off the walls and the ceiling, and striking everybody from all directions.

“Dammit. I don’t know which one is which…!” Abbi said.

Kayn used the Ace of Spades card, shining a bright light around the room which caused one of the balls to yell out and react to the card.

“That one!” Vespertilo shouted.

“Gren!” Silas chanted as a small magic circle caused a stone spike to rise from the ground, popping the ball and revealing Dolos again.

“Duplici.” Vespertilo chanted as two magical circles appeared below him briefly as he was preparing a big spell.

Silas whipped Dolos again, wrapping his whip around the aberration before it could fly away.

Dolos opened his mouth shooting knives at Silas but Kayn got in front of him, spinning his scythe to deflect them all.

“Gloom Fang!” Abbi shouted as shadow aura encased her daggers before sending two miniature slashes of aura from behind Dolos.

“Here comes my curtain call!” Dolos said, as he raised his free hand, causing large joker card to slowly come crashing down.

“Ignadion!” Vespertilo chanted as he casted two large pillars of fire under Dolos burning the aberration.

Dolos stood frozen for a brief moment before the aberration started twitching. “Ah- ahahahahaha! I lost this time, I had tons of fun fun fun!” Dolos said.

The secret is to cut away the ties of reality with your will. Create from the chaos of imagination!” Dolos said.

Dolos burst into purple dust, leaving behind a joker card and a mysterious object.

“What was that about?” Abbi asked.

“Hmm. “The Chaos of imagination.” A rather morbid phrase coming from an aberration.” Vespertilo said.

“Whatever, we won! Fohohoho!” Yamato said.

The five of them posed together.

Kayn picked up the joker card which disappeared in his hand. Then, picking up the mysterious object which turned out to be one of the daggers Dolos wielded.

Kayn handed the dagger over to Abbi.

“Oh, neat knife! But now my blades don’t match..” Abbi said.

There was nothing else left down here so the group left, heading back upstairs to the main door at the central hallway.

“This is it…! We can finally find out what is going on with this distortion. Proceed with caution…!” Vespertilo said.

Kayn inserted the key inside the door before turning it disappeared after he turned it.

He then pushed the door but it was really hard to move, even for him. 

“Screw it.” Kayn said as his scythe appeared in his hands.

“Crescent Burn!!” Kayn shouted as he unleashed a slash of tormenting aura, blasting the door wide open.

Suddenly all the ghosts from before flew inside the large bedroom. 
“Peraperaperapera~!” A woman’s voice was heard. 

On the large pink bed was a goat woman with an umbrella on the edge of the bed.

“You all have a lot of nerve coming here…but that’s fine.” The goat said.

“Who are you? How did you make this space?” Vespertilo said.

“I don’t have to tell you anything. Especially YOU…! Mr. Amirson.” She said.

Kayn rolled his eyes. “Oh brother….look I’m not with the infernal legion anymore. So we can just-”

“Ghost Curse: Haunting Hollow!”

Ghostly aura came from her fingertips as she sent a ghost at Kayn, going right through him.

Kayn fell to his knees, surprising everyone. 

“I’m a failure, just throw me away like the trash I am…” Kayn said. 

“Hey! What the hell did you do?!” Abbi shouted.

“Hah! That’s how you should be! The rest of you are next!” The goat said.

“Don’t let those ghosts touch you!” Vespertilo said.

“But- It’s not like we can fight back?!” Abbi said.

“Hey, you got a lotta nerve lil misssy-” Silas was cut off by one of the ghosts going through him before he fell to his knees.

“Why was I ever born….” Silas said.

“Not you too!!” Vespertilo said.

“Kryja!” Vespertilo chanted as he casted a localized blizzard at the goat who opened her umbrella to float away. 

“Haha! Missed me!” 
The goat said, firing a ghost through Vespertilo.

“Aaaah! I- huh?” Vespertilo said.

Vespertilo patted himself down as nothing happened to him. 

“Huh?” The goat said.

There was a brief awkward silence before Vespertilo closed his grimoire.

“I already think negatively about myself!! Your powers don’t work on me!!” Vespertilo shouted.

“HUHHHHUHUH?! WHAT?!?!?” The goat bleeted loudly.

Vespertilo’s aura emited from his finger. “Lets see how you like this..! Bane Curse: Vertigo Bane!!” Vespertilo shouted as he drew a number 1 at the goat.

Suddenly she held her stomach and covered her mouth as she suddenly felt intense nausea and dizzyness.

“It’s only going to get worse as time progresses. Unless you give up I won’t release my ability.” Vespertilo said.

“…A little stomach ache won’t bother me- I can throw up later to lose weight.” The goat said.

She raised her hand as dark magic circles appeared above the five of them.

“Ah crap, dodge this! Dark spells are really lethal!” Vespertilo shouted.

“But what about Kayn and Silas?! They’ll die if we just let them take beatings!!” Abbi shouted.

“Yeah…I know…! I won’t let that happen!!” Vespertilo said, preparing a new spell. 

“I’ve never been good at healing but I’ll try my hardest to support everyone my own way..!” Vespertilo shouted.

“Excegen En Mass!!” Vespeetilo chanted as he erected a large magical dome over everyone as dark bolts rained down, hitting only the barrier above them.

“Whooooa..!” Yamato said.

“That’s fine, I can just do it again-” The goat said before Abbi teleported behind her, pressing her dagger at her neck. 

“Checkmate.” Abbi said.

“Hey..! The goat said.

“Dijarma.” Vespertilo casted, pointing at the goat and causing her to fall asleep.

Vespertilo fell on his knees. “…By Amir’s beard I’m…tired.

“Hey but you were really really great. I didn’t do much...but I didn’t want to hurt the poor girl.” Yamato said.

“Speaking of-what are we gonna do with her?” Abbi said, dragging her body off the bed.

“…Let Kayn deal with that. Him and Silas should be fine now that the lady is unconscious.” Vespertilo said.

Kayn and Silas got up off the ground after a moment to collect themselves. 

Kayn pointed at Abbi and Yamato. “You both saw and heard nothing. Understand?” Kayn said in a very stern tone. 

“Yes sir.” Abbi said, saluting Kayn.

“Oh! Y-yeah w-what thing?! I didn’t see anything! My hair was in the way!” Yamato said as his fur was standing up.

“Wait…something is wrong. Shes knocked out but the distortion in space is still here.” Kayn said.

“…I thought as such.” Vespertilo said, standing up. 

“Which means this distortion in space must not belong to her. Or, is something else entirely.” Vespertilo explained.

“I’d like to think the latter. Something is off…when we first entered was there any specific rule we had to follow?” Vespertilo asked.

“No, not really.” Kayn said, stroking his beard.

“Exactly. Which means this distortion acts like a dream space. A remnant of the collective conscious.” Vespertilo said.

“So what do we do? What will happen if normal people get trapped in here?” Abbi asked.

We close it.” Kayn said. 

“I agree. If a dreamspace can open up. There has to be a way to close it or stop reality from being distorted here…but I don’t know how.” Vespertilo said.

(“There has to be a source right? What if it’s like the Karma Towers…maybe..”) Kayn thought.

Kayn closed his eyes and raised his hands as the power of the Ace of Spades card emmited from him with a growing silver light that blinded the entire area.

As the light faded they were inside an abandoned shrine as normal. The distortion of space was gone.

CHAPTER 4 - Take This Brand New Start

“Amazing…what can’t you do Kayn?” Yamato said.

“Kayn is the Silver Spade, it’s an old legend that they pop up to preserve the world from corruption.” Vespertilo explained.

“I knew about that, I just didn’t think I would see one any time soon! I thought it was only a myth.” Yamato said.

“That’s taken care of but what about the lady here? What do we do about her?” Silas asked.

“Let’s leave her. What, you want us to take her back to Cocytus?” Abbi said.

“I mean…I would like to question her about the Dreamspace but since it wasn’t her distortion she didn’t do any crime.” Vespertilo said.

“Plus, I’m sorry to say but- we wasted a lot of time and Krieger is still out there with a working summoning program…!” Vespertilo said with a pained face.

“I’ll track him down by myself. But you guys have to take Yamato home. Abbi said.

“Yeah, that was the plan but we got into that mess because of YOU!” Kayn shouted.

Yamato looked at everyone staring daggers at him, his expression couldn’t be seen but the tone of his voice changed.

“…Ok, I’ll go.” Yamato said in a monotone voice.

“Good, we can’t get side tracked. I’ll see you guys later.” Abbi said, disappearing into shadows, leaving the party.

“You heard the lady. Lead the way.” Silas said.

Yamato got on all fours but Silas grabbed on to one of his tails. 

“Ah! You not running away again!” Silas said. 

“I’m not running, unhand me please.” Yamato said in a monotone voice.

{“Jeez what’s gotten into him?”} Silas whispered to the other two as he let go.

Yamato’s tails lit up in blue flames on its ends, letting out a loud shriek that caused the feral crows to fly away as a hole in space opened up in front of the group. 

“A gate?” Vespertilo said.

(“I only know one other person that can make gate without any assistance or a medium. I wonder how he’s doing.”) Kayn thought 

Yamato walked inside as the group followed him to an obscure sanctuary with beautiful sakura trees everywhere.

“Wow…very pretty.” Silas said as they walked through.

Two more foxes with multiple tails stopped the group with their naginatas.

“Halt!” The two of them said.

“Oh boy.” Kayn said.

“Outsiders are not allowed here.” The guard on the left said.

“We are under no jurisdiction from Cocytus lord Amirson while we cannot stop you from entering we only ask that you do not cause any trouble.” The guard on the left said.

“It’s fine. I’m just here to make sure Yamato comes home. Because of the treaty sparked some rebel activity.” Kayn said.

“Proceed.” The two guards said.

“You guys just stay here I’ll be in and out.” Kayn said.

“Yeah whatever, Mr. Bigshot.” Vespertilo said.

Yamato followed Kayn inside as the guards crossed their spears, blocking Vespertilo and Silas.

Yamato was quiet the entire time as they entered the sanctuary as all the kitsune started giving them weird looks as they whispered to each other.

(“Why did he bring the ruiner here?”) Kayn heard faintly.

(“This is not good, is a calamity going to strike us again?”) Kayn overheard.

(“The ruinbringer must have done something this time.”) Kayn heard again.

The two of them followed the central path until they were stopped by a large kitsune with a small entourage of followers.

“Good day Lord Amirson.” The Kitsune said.

“Kitsune lord Masamune.” Kayn said.

“I will be frank, what is your business on these sacred grounds? Especially bringing…. *him*. “ Masamune said.

“I’ve only come on the grounds to return him home. Because of the treaty between us and the beastmen. I want all the kitsune to be safe from being victims of hate crimes.” Kayn said.

Masamune raised an eyebrow. “Since when does the Infernal Wolves put their resources to do such a task. I’m curious.” 

“I do not represent the Infernal Wolves while I am a lord. I have started my own independent party called Dire Swathe which is currently our mission to protect the peace between Beastmen and Cocytans until the beastmen sort out their issues in their trial.” Kayn said.

“I understand. I just would never expect this from an Infernal. Maybe things will change for the better.” Masamune said.

Kayn nodded. “This may be underrated but- why is Yamato called the ruinb-” 

Kayn was cut off by a loud explosion that was heard near the entrance of the sanctuary sending all the kitsune into a mass panic. 

“What the?!” Kayn said.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Masamune said.

“I- don’t know, but Vespertilo and Silas are over there I need to regroup with them as soon as possible.” Kayn said.

“I will accompany you. I need to check on the barrier at the edge of the sanctuary.” Masamune said.

The two of them sprinted and left Yamato in the middle of town square. 

Arriving at the entrance Vespertilo, Silas and a bunch of Kitsune samurai were engaging in battle with other Cocytans trying to raid the sanctuary.

“By Amir’s beard they are everywhere…!” Vespertilo said. 

“What’s happening?!” Kayn said.

“We were just waiting and all of a sudden these guys showed up shouting; “kill all the traitors.” Or something like that.” Silas shouted.

The invisible barrier holding the veil of the sanctuary started to take damage from spells from the outside.

“I’ll have to maintain the barrier, if it goes down our sanctuary will be compromised for good..!” Masamune said.

“Don’t worry we will deal with them on the outside! Vesper, Silas lets go!” Kayn said.

The three of them moved together, taking out the spell casters attacking the veil first to minimize it’s damage first.

“Oh shiiii, it’s Mr. Amirson. Now this is gonna be trouble.” Another Cocytan wolf said, coming out of the woods.

He was a brown Infernal wolf with short dreadlocs with the exception of the two in the front. He also was wearing expensive clothing and multiple rings on his fingers.

“Who the hell are you?” Vespertilo said.

“Hey, hey now. I ain’t gonna give my name that ain’t cool. But if you wanna know, my code name Brooks.” Brooks said.

“I’m make this clear and straight with ya, I ain’t supposed to playin’ around with the big shots.” Brooks said, as he equipped two hook swords and spun them in his hands. 

Brooks let loose a wicked grin. “But who gonn’ stop ME?!” Brooks said, lunging at Vespertilo but Kayn blocked Brooks’ swords with his guns but he slashed off the muzzles off Pain and Misery before leaping back to a tree, stabbing his blade into the bark as he stood on the handle.

Kayn looked at his destroyed guns before he threw them away.

“What’s the matter? They just guns playa.” Brooks said.

“I’m going to kill you.” Kayn said.

“Damn man that bad? Try me.” Brooks said.

“I don’t think we can hold back on these guys. Violence the only language they understand.” Silas said.

The three of them readied themselves as Brooks shook his head and shrugged.

“Aye, it’s 3 on one man. Or is it?” Brooks said, whistling with his fingers calling four more infernal rebels.

“Focus your attacks on Brooks. That way these wimps can turn tail and run.” Silas said.

“Duplici, Ignado!” Vespertilo chanted as he casted two large fireblasts in the shape of a star at Brooks

“Owalo, En mass!” Brooks chanted as he casted a large whirlpool of water in a line at the group. 

“Boil Curse: Therma Nova!” Brooks said, clenching his hands as the whirlpool expanded and blew up with such force that the surrounding trees caught on fire as viciously hot water rained down on the three of them.

“Yeowch! *That’s your power?!* Silas shouted.

“Yeah. I can make shit heat up and boil motherfuckers till they blow up.” Brooks said.

“Him knowing water spells is a dangerous combination. He’s good.” Vespertilo said.

“Phantom Curse: Infernal Sinfire!!” Kayn shouted, firing a wide scale barrage of fireballs from his mouth at all enemies in a cone in front of him, lighting all the trees and bushes on fire.

Brooks blocked some of them, taking some damage but brushed off  the charred cinders.

“Wow that’s hot!” Brooks said.

{ Meanwhile back at the sanctuary… }

“This is all your fault!” One of the Kitsune yelled out at Yamato.

“You fiendish wretch! All you do is sing songs of curses!” More kitsune yelled at Yamato, pointing fingers at him.

Some kitsune threw bricks or other large objects at Yamato, hitting him and injuring him badly.

(“I’ve always felt different from others. I never understood why we  close ourselves off from others.”) Yamato thought.
(“I never understood how to read others emotions so I my best to make everyone smile.”)  Yamato thought.
(“But they never smile back.”) Yamato thought.

(“Whenever I leave on my own I get lots of warm smiles sometimes even money but I never take it.”) Yamato thought.
(“It’s like I don’t belong. I never belonged here. But I don’t understand I don’t understand I don’t understand I don’t understand I don’t understand I don’t understand-”)

(“*Why….”)

(“I can’t take it anymore.”)
(“You all deserve this. You never understood- thats why I’m glad misfortune fall upon you all.)

{“That’s why we need Yamato to take it down!”} Kayn’s voice echoed in his mind.

Yamato shifted his position as if he awoke from a trance.

{“That’s why we need Yamato.”} Kayn’s voiced echoed again.

{“We need Yamato.”}

(“But- Do I even belong with you?”) Yamato thought.

Yamato took a step forward.

(“They don’t belong here, but still went out of their way to help. I should…help.”) 

(“This is, a new feeling. One I can understand.”) Yamato thought as he sprinted towards the gate of the sanctuary.

-- {Back at the sanctuary gate it was an intense battle as the forest fires spread wildly.} --

“Rhino Impact…!” Silas shouted as he hit a burning tree at Brooks with his hammer, hitting the Wolf and knocking him into another tree. 

Brooks started to bleed from the mouth as he got up. 

“Damn! That the best you got?! Cuz ima start to get wicked!” Brooks shouted as he darted at Silas who backed up lashed his whip at Brooks in the face but Brooks ignored it and slashed Silas on the arm before Silas hit him with his Hammer again.

“Vaz!” Vespertilo chanted as he shocked Brooks in the back with lightning.

“Agghhgaaa, it hurts soooo goood!” Brooks said while getting electrocuted.

Kayn swung at brooks with his scythe but he dodged before realizing it was a feint as Kayn instead punched him, sending him flying as he hit his back on a tree.

Kayn clapped his hands as purple flames leaked between his fingertips, forming into an arrow as he pulled back.

“Wait! Wait! Wait! Kayn don’t!” Vespertilo shouted.

“What?! I had a perfect shot!” Kayn said.

“I know how powerful that attack is. But if you use it the fires will get way worse.” Vespertilo said.

“Huuuh?! Don’t be a bitch! Hit me with it! Cmon cmon!!” Brooks said.

“Besides, something about this guy is off. He just won’t go down.” Silas said.

A few infernal rebels came behind Brooks

“Sir! Sir! We need to retreat!!” One of the infernal rebels said.

“Huuuh!? Can’t you see I’m in the middle of somethin?” Brooks said.

“Our forces have been severely crippled sir.” The other rebel said.

“Zawg. By WHO?!” Brooks said.

“A massive bear. Sir.”

“Zawg you trippin, ain’t no way one bear has yall laid out like that-”

There was a loud rumbling as if something massive was coming as a very large black bear with silver dreadlocks appeared behind the infernal rebels.

“Ooooh…shi-” Brooks said before the bear pummeled him and the rebels with one massive swipe, sending them crashing through the forest hundreds of feet away.

The Dire Swath Crew was left stunned.

“Guys…, I don’t think that’s a bear.” Silas said.

“It’s Gelbe! He came to help us!” Vespertilo said, relieved.

Gelbe raised his paw at the group and slammed down as they all dodged. 

“Hey! It’s us man!” Silas said.

Gelbe de-transformed as he glared at the group, the angriest they have ever seen him.

“Gelbe not help. Gelbe make you pay for destroying Gelbe home. You betray Gelbe!!” Gelbe yelled.

“Wait- wait, you got it all wrong! We were fighting the infernal rebels!” Vespertilo shouted.

“Vesper cause fires. Gelbe going to crush Vesper head in like watermelon..!” Gelbe shouted pointing at Vespertilo.

Vespertilo made an audible gulp.
Gelbe’s cursed aura started to surge around him as he let loose a deafening roar.

“Defend yourselves!” Kayn shouted.

The three of them drew their weapons.

“I’m getting Deja Vu from last time…but this time Gelbe actually wants to kill us..!” Vespertilo said.

“Mass Mojo, Juju, Mojo Juju.” Gelbe chanted.

“I don’t understand that language…Gelbe’s spells are different from what I know. But he is casting something big!” Vespertilo said.

“Excegen!!” Vespertilo chanted, casting a large magical veil around the group. 

Gelbe’s eyes glowed as he planted his staff in the ground, beckoning something from above. 

“Mojo Star!!” Gelbe chanted as he called down a large meteorite on the group that blasted through the barrier hitting all three of them.

“Ow, ok I’m gonna feel that one!” Silas said.

Kayn’s scythe surged with his aura before he stopped his attack, choosing not to attack Gelbe.

“Are you serious? Are we just gonna take whatever Gelbe throws at us?!” Vespertilo said.

“Mojo Juju! Phiola!” Gelbe chanted as orbs of light pelted Kayn, causing him to fall to his knees

“D-damn..!” Kayn uttered.

“Ugh, dammit..! Excegen!” Vespertilo chanted, putting up another veil around the group. 

“At least hold something back Gelbe..! We are not trying to hurt you!” Silas said.

“Mass Mojo, Juju Thunderstorm!”  Gelbe chanted as multiple stormclouds rained down lightning on the three of them, making Vespertilo and Silas also fall to their knees.

(“We can’t…take it any more…but we-”) Kayn thought but suddenly the pain went away the three of them were able to stand again.

(“Huh? Is Gelbe showing us mercy?”) Kayn thought.

“Heyy you guys!! Fohohohoho! Isogia! Isogia!” Yamato shouted as he was casting Isogia on the three of them.

“Yamato!? You came to help us?!” Kayn said.

“I sure did! Was that a right time to heal?!” Yamato asked.

Kayn cracked a smile. “Yeah, many thanks. Otherwise we would have been dust by now.” Kayn said.

“But our friend here is mad at us for causing the fires because we were fighting the Infernal Rebels.” Silas said.

“You guys are funny. If he is mad about the fires then why don’t you put them out?! Fohohohoho! You have to understand why he’s mad. Because actions matteeer!” Yamato said.

“You really think that would work, you know if we run Gelbe wont stop till we are all piles of dust on the ground.” Vespertilo said.

“Gelbe is after you, so be bait.” Kayn said.

“ME?!” Vespertilo said.

“Get on my back, he won’t be able to catch up to me.” Yamato said.

“True, the bugger’s is very fast.” Silas said.

Gelbe casted lightning clouds above them as they moved out of the way.

Yamato grabbed Vespertilo and sprinted away as Gelbe turned into a mountain lion and sprinted after them.

“WHAT?! HE CAN TURN INTO OTHER THINGS TOO?!” Yamato shouted.

“Yeah you idiot! Don’t look back! Just keep going!” Vespertilo said as he rode Yamato who was sprinting on all fours.

“Ok, now I can make it rain in a controlled area-” Vespertilo said as Ice arrows rained down everywhere, mainly to extinguish the fires but some got in their way.

“Ah! What is that?!” Yamato said.

“That’s Kayn’s move! He must be preventing the fires from spreading..! Which means-!” Vespertilo said, opening his Grimoire.

“En Mass, Arnaso, Kry!”  Vespertilo chanted as he casted ice and wind together at the sky, causing a large snow front, washing over the closed off fires.

“It’s working!!” Yamato shouted.

“Good, now all we need to do is clean up and regroup.” Vespertilo said.

“One big problem, there is nowhere else to run!” Yamato shouted, coming to a halt as ice was blocking their path.

Gelbe stood behind them, de-transforming and rising to his full height.

“H-hey-! Listen we got rid of the fires so uh-” Vespertilo said.

“ You shouldn’t be angry anymore!” Yamato said.

Gelbe grabbed the both of them and started dragging them back into the forest.

Gelbe took the two of them back to Kayn and Silas and raised them up.

“Gelbe thinks these two are yours.” Gelbe said, dropping Vespertilo and Yamato like trash.

Gelbe crossed his arms, tapping his foot on the ground. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you lived here.” Kayn said.

Gelbe crouched down to Kayn and slapped him across the face.

“Ow.” Kayn said.

“You should treat every forest as if it was Gelbe’s home. Even if you were fighting. What is the point if everything is gone?” Gelbe explained.

(“We should be more aware of the environment in battles now that Gelbe reminded us.”) Kayn thought.

“I understand.” Kayn said.

Gelbe let out a loud sigh. 

“But- it’s good to see you again! And hoohooo, have you grown WIDER!” Silas said.

Vespertilo hit Silas in the neck with his book. 

“But I agree, it’s good to see a familiar face. Even if it was not friendly terms. Still we pushed back the infernal rebels so it’s a win for us.” Vespertilo said.

The four of them sprung up and posed for victory.

“We should see how the Kitsune are doing. Would be kinda rude without saying something.” Silas said.

“I agree, then we need to plan our next move. I don’t think we are gonna see the last of the infernal rebellion.” Vespertilo said.

The four of them and Gelbe returned to the Kitsune Sanctuary where a bunch of male maids bowed to them and led them to the central temple where Masamune greeted them.

“We are in a great debt to you, Kayn of the Dire Swath. You have my highest thanks for keeping my people safe.” Masamune said.

(“Honestly it was really all Gelbe. I should do something nice for him later.”) Kayn thought.

“If you ever need anything, we will come running at a moments notice. I just hope we can maintain peace between the New Worlders and Cocytans.” Kayn said.

“Of course, I fully support your efforts. We will just need to relocate our sanctuary. Since our whereabouts is compromised. But that is an easy task for myself.” Masamune said.

Masamune turned as he and his subordinates returned to the central temple.

The kitsune all returned to glaring at Yamato, whispering to each other.

One of the kitsune came up to Kayn and gestured him to follow away from the group.

“Why do they all do that when Yamato is around? What did he do?” Kayn asked.

“Nothing. They think he was the one who caused the great calamity years ago. So they treat him like an outcast because he would often help outsiders and sing to them.” The kitsune said.

“I think it’s foolish. We have rules where we do not interact with outsiders no matter what. But all Yamato wanted to do was to put smiles on everyone’s faces.” The kitsune said.
“I couldn’t imagine how torn up he is inside. But all he does is smile through it. Nobody should be shunned by their own.” The kitsune said.

“It’s hard to speak up or speak out. But what can I do to mend a broken heart?” The kitsune said.
“You already did, by speaking to me.” Kayn said.

“Huh?” She said.

Kayn turned around. “Thanks, uh.” 

“Kotone.” Kotone said.

“Thanks again, now I know what to do.” Kayn said.

Kayn returned to the group who were in the middle of a discussion.

“Oh whoops, I was just explaining to Gelbe what happened before we came here. But I’m ready to go.” Vespertilo said.

“So, I guess this is goodbye huh?” Yamato said in a monotone voice.

“About that. How about instead you join us and I mean permanently.” Kayn said, stretching out his hand.

“W-what?! Me?! But…” Yamato said.

Yamato lowered his head. “What good am I even? All I do is bring misery to everyone I know. Why would you want that?!” Yamato said, as his voice was shaking.

“Honestly, I thought the same thing. Before everything I was a simple butler but one man turned an entire town against me because they thought I cursed them all.” Vespertilo said.

“Since I joined I thought I would bring that curse to everyone here. But apparently we are all the same way….haha.” Vespertilo said.

“But I learned that I’m not a curse just because people say so! Because my friends can see past my faults and rough edges! That’s what keeps me going!” Vespertilo said.

Vespertilo looked away. “…So don’t- think of yourself as a curse ok?” Vespertilo said.

Under Yamato’s afro tears could be seen leaking from his beard. “…O-ok..!” Yamato said, wiping his face from his hands.

“Still, join my crew. Or I’ll just kidnap you.” Kayn said.

“Y-yes sir! I’ll do what I can!” Yamato said.

“It’s good to have a new face! I just hope Abbi is gonn’ be ok with this.” Silas said.

“I mean he’s with us anyway. So if anyone messes with Yamato they mess with us.” Silas said.

“Yes, I will never leave you guys alone!” Yamato said.

CHAPTER 5 - There Is A Love I Want To Give

The five of them left the Kitsune sanctuary as a mysterious veil made it disappear invisible to anyone who comes across it.
 

Kayn who was lost in thought had the silence broken by Yamato.

“So what are we gonna do next?! Where are we going?!” Yamato said.

 “Quiet down we just left!” Vespertilo said.

“Well first things. I want to go to Zo. Because that bastard destroyed my guns.” Kayn said.

Kayn’s snout crinked as his teeth were showing under his beard.

“So the next time I see him I’m going to put two bullets in his head.” Kayn said.

“We need to be careful though if they are as strong as us we can’t blindly pick fights especially with only five of us.” Vespertilo said.

“Oh right, Gelbe are you coming with us?” Kayn asked.

“No.” Gelbe said.

“W-what?! Why?!” Vespertilo said.

Gelbe crossed his arms. “Gelbe needs babysitter. Gelbe will not bring children with unless you thinks Gelbe insane.” Gelbe said.

“What, you were fine when the world was at stake! What gives now?!” Kayn said.

“Gelbe does not have phone on Gelbe. Can’t call babysitter…” Gelbe said.

“We could put them in the Silver Lounge, there you can always come back to take care of them.” Kayn said.

“But Gelbe can do that at home.” Gelbe said.

“I have an Idea actually.” Kayn said.

“How far is Zo from here?” Kayn asked.

“Far.” Gelbe said.

“Ooh! Ooh! I know where Zo is! I can take you there!” Yamato said.

(“Oh right, that slipped my mind. Yamato can make unrestricted gates like Lysony used to.”) Kayn thought.

“Take us there.” Kayn said.

“You got it!” Yamato said, turning around before unleashing a psychic wave through space, opening a brightly colored portal to a city.

“See! Told you!” Yamato said.

(“Yamato’s ability is a little scary about how accurate it is. He must have a photographic memory.”) Kayn thought.

That group entered the portal as it closed behind them as they were in an alley before walking into the streets of Zo.

“It feels weird to be back here.” Kayn said.

“Why so?” Vespertilo asked.

“You could say I started my journey here, twice. This was the first city where I had interactions with beastmen people. *Actual conversations*.” Kayn said.

“I dunno. I just always feel…like I can come back here and not think too hard you know.” Kayn said.

Kayn took the group to an familiar Inn as they walked inside a few familiar servants looked wide eyed at Kayn.

“Oh hello Mr. Kayn!! It’s good to see you!” One of them said.

“I- what?” Kayn said, surprised.

“Oh I can remember that beard anywhere! You’re Cid’s friend!” Another innkeeper said.

“Speaking of, where is Cid anyway?” Kayn asked.

“You guys just passed me!” Cid said as he was behind the group.

The group turned around as Gelbe moved out of the way, revealing Cid behind them.

“How did we not see you, I mean he is kinda short so I guess with Gelbe being behind us we didn’t notice.

“W-what are you talking about?! Im six foot!” Cid said.
“Only?” Silas said.
“What do you mean “only”?!” Cid said.

“I’m not freakishly tall like you guys.” Cid said.

“The average height for a Cocytan is 6 foot 3. But-it’s ok Cid.” Vespertilo said.

Vespertilo hanged his head low. “…I’m short too.”
“Ok, side tracked. We need a favor from your guys to babysit Gelbe’s kids.” Kayn said.

“Oh that’s nothing they can handle it just fine!” Cid said.

“Ok good…because now we have a little bit of a problem and I don’t think we can get by with just the four-five of us. Abbi went after Krieger but now we have to watch out for the Infernal Rebellion.” Vespertilo said.

“We really lack support right now. With Gelbe we don’t need to worry too much about getting hurt.” Kayn said.

“I’m sorry what. I’m not following. Infernal Rebellion?” Cid asked.

“We seen them before remember. Last year before I fought my brother.” Kayn said.

“Doesn’t your brother lead the rebellion? Can’t you do something about that?” Cid asked.

“Not anymore. Kay only wanted to take out corrupt leaders in the old council. But now there is a new system being made.” Kayn said.

“Which as always causes a conflict of interest. Most if not all infernal rebels do not agree with peace between us and beastmen.” Kayn said.

Kayn then shrugged before having an evil smile. “Well, It doesn’t matter in the long run because we are just gonna kill them on sight when I get my guns back. Haha.” Kayn chuckled.

“Wh-what happened to pain and misery?” Cid said.

“Oh.” Kayn said.

Kayn sucked in his bottom lip before scratching the back of his neck. “They kind of…got cut into pieces…I was kind of hoping that I can get new and stronger ones.” Kayn said.

Cid looked mortified as he fell to his knees. “Those were…the strongest ones I ever made…cut in half.” Cid said.

“I’m sorry.” Kayn said.

“Maybe we can make one like an Anima Arma so they can’t get destroyed..? Like with did with the sword and shield.” Kayn asked.

“Cid can’t make one like that he is a beastman remember… why can’t you do it?” Vespertilo asked.

“I can’t make complex machinery inside me you know how hard is it to make something like a gun?!” Kayn said.

“We are gonna have to postpone that at the least. Abbi texted me, and she said she scored a big lab south west of here.” Vespertilo said.

“Well let’s go, we can’t let Krieger slip away this time.” Kayn said.

Yamato’s fur stood up on it’s ends.
“W-what if he tries milking me again?!” Yamato said.

“What- why are you saying it like that?” Vespertilo said.

“I mean he is right. Krieger did milk him. He was milking a lot of people.” Silas said.

“Stop saying “milked!” Vespertilo said.

“The only one Krieger is really after is me. So stop milking this joke- AH! Fucking kill me.” Kayn shouted.

Silas burst out into laughter.

“Alright who is coming?” Kayn asked.

“Not Gelbe, will take children here.” Gelbe said.

“…Fuck. We still gotta be careful.” Silas said.

“I’ll come. You guys need the technological expertise.” Cid said.

Cid waved his hands. “No offense! I just mean I can get through his security.”

“Good, I need my beast friend with me.” Kayn said.

“Aww, thats so nice.” Cid said.

Cid joined the party as the five of them left, being led by Vespertilo to the coordinates Abbi sent on the COMP.

“Honestly, We should….invest In a car. Do you guys walk this much? My legs are killing me.” Cid said.

“I don’t have a license.” Vespertilo said.

“I don’t even know how to operate a car.” Kayn said.

“I can drive but who is gonna pay for a car? Not I.” Silas said.

“Honestly we would need something heavy duty like a truck to fit everyone.” Cid said.

“What if we put a painting inside the truck so that we can carry the library with us?” Vespertilo asked.

“Library?” Yamato asked.

“Oh right, the library is kind of like our secret hub from the outside world. Only the Silver Spade can make entryways to it. Such as Kayn and our other friend." Cid explained.

“It’s really handy when we are trying to plan something without outsiders listening in.” Vespertilo said.

“Wow you guys are REALLYYY cool. I wanna see the library!” Yamato said.

“Why is he still here? And why are you making so much noise?!” Abbi said, appearing out of the shadows.

“Oh hey Abbi.” Yamato said

“Change of plans. Yamato is with us now permanently.” Kayn explained.

“W-what?!” Abbi said.

“Honestly, his family are kind of assholes.” Silas said.

“And it’s kind of a good thing. He’s actually really helpful.” (“When he’s not being an moron.”) Vespertilo said.

“It’s dangerous for him though!” Abbi said.

“I don't want to hear it.” Kayn said putting his finger over his muzzle.

“Yamato already proved himself capable. While you can complain about it, we have bigger problems on our hands. So if anyone has a problem with Yamato, you defend him got it?” Kayn said.

Abbi gritted her teeth as she joined the party.

“You know I hate it when none of us have a say with what we do!” Abbi said.

“We did have a say, but I think you are stepping a little out of line here. Kayn isn’t just our friend he’s our leader.” Vespertilo said.

“While we can disagree stuff whatever he says goes for a reason.” Silas said.

“And why is that?!” Abbi said.

“It’s responsibility. We follow Kayn because he personally is responsible for all of our actions. Not only does that put a big target on his back. But also a lot of pressure.” Cid said.

“Remember in Anima Mundi? We all nearly fell apart and almost went at each other’s throats because of little disagreements with each other.” Cid said.

“That was Naoya’s fault!” Abbi shouted.

“It was everyone’s fault! It’s because we keep letting our personal feelings take over what really mattered!” Cid shouted.

A bunch of aberrations creeped up to the group, surrounding them.

“Oh great. I didn’t even mean to yell. I’m not even a loud guy.”  Cid said.

“Yeah incase you haven’t noticed aberrations LOVE LOUD SOUNDS. SO THANKS FOR THAT ABBI!” Kayn shouted.

“Yeah attract more while you are at it. Good luck.” Abbi said, disappearing.

“Hey why are you-! Oh…” Yamato said, hanging his head low.

“Let the bitch go. We gotta get rid of these guys before we get overrun.” Silas said.

“You didn’t have to call her that.” Vespertilo said.

“I’ve already got into a run with these things before so you don’t need to worry about me.” Cid said.

“Still, feels weird though. I have my memories back but I’m not as strong as I was in the old world so these guys are really tough.” Cid said.

“We have your back.” Kayn said.

“Yeah! Let’s give these guys a good swathing!” Yamato said.

Yamato took out a guitar and started playing a tune. “Let’s get this show on the road!” Yamato shouted as psychic notes channeled into every one of his teammates, empowering them. 

Kayn jogged in place as he felt lighter and stronger before taking his scythe doing a wide swing to three aberrations in front of him. 

“Enignadion!” Vespertilo chanted, as he followed up with three flame strikes turning them to ash.

“Flux Curse: Magnet Impulse!” Cid shouted as he fired a blast of aura from his gun, causing four aberrations to violently stick together.

“My turn!” Silas shouted as he leapt in the air enlarging his hammer.

“Quant Curse: Elephant Impact!” Silas shouted as he crashed down turning the grouped aberrations into a large purple splat on the ground.

“One enemy left!” Cid shouted.

“Lets see what you got.” Kayn said as he high-fived Cid.

“You can count on it!” Cid said.

Cid plugged a special round into his gun as the mechanism rotated with all the stored up kinetic energy. 

“V Cannon!” Cid shouted as he pressed the trigger, firing off a concussive laser blast at the aberration, turning it into dust.

The five of them posed for victory as the short skirmish came to an end.

“Oh hey look. Is that the evil lab we are looking for?” Cid said pointing off into a small divot where a bunker was residing in.

“Looks like it. Well, let’s get a move on.” Vespertilo said.

“Before youknowwho gets in trouble.” Silas said, sighing.

The group slid down into the divot at the bunker entrance. 

“What’s the move Kayn?” Vespertilo asked.

Kayn fired lasers from his eyes, cutting open a large hole through the entrance. 

“I keep forgetting you can do that. Just- don’t look my way.” Vespertilo said.

“Does that hurt your eyes when you do that?” Cid asked as they walked inside.

“No.” Kayn said.

The group searched around the lab which was different this time as there were no hostages being held anywhere but a lot of screens running various lines of code.

“I don’t think he is here.” Cid said.

“How do you know?” Vespertilo asked.

“Every machine here is running on autopilot. Which means whatever project here was either scrapped or put on hold temporarily.” Cid said.

“So which one is this?” Kayn asked.

“If Krieger wanted to scrap something this facility would probably be inactive. See if you can find any data records worth looking into.” Cid said.

The four of them split up, checking computers and terminals except Kayn.

“Oh my bad. Here you can look at this real quick.” Cid said, pulling up a log of records.

“Entry Rcd Lab 00077 - Termination Protocol Activated. Did he terminate one of his labs recently?” Cid asked.

“Yeah that was us.” Kayn said.

“What is Krieger even up to? It’s like he upped his security recently.” Cid said.

“Krieger was one of the head researchers of the infernal legion until he started using other Cocytans as anima lab rats which led to him going rogue and now he is probably one of the most wanted Infernals out there.” Kayn said.

“That makes sense. Him being super smart doesn’t help either.” Cid said.

“He is insane but very cunning. That is why nobody should be careless when it comes to him.” Kayn said.

“I just hope Abbi is ok. I don’t think she is here because none of the entry logs say so.” Cid said.

“Matter of fact. Let’s see if Krieger has any projects up and running here.” Cid said, pulling up a map of the bunker. 

“Hm, the only other lab here is the sub lab downstairs. We can go check it out.” Cid said.

Cid unplugged his watch from the computer before leading Kayn to the downstairs sub lab. 

As the lights turned on the two of them were stunned in horror as there was a dissected head and body in a vat of blue fluid.

“…W-what the hell..?” Cid said with his voice trembling.

“No way…I thought he was dead…” Kayn said.

“Who- who is that..?” Cid said.

Cid wiped the label of the vat which read “CHIMERA 000#00”

“His name is or was Granvil he was a good friend of mine before Armageddon but he looks…different….what the fuck did Krieger do to you?!” Kayn said.

Cid checked the computer, getting through its security system.

“He’s alive…? But just inactive it seems…I think the fluid is some kind of otherworldly bonding agent so we can put him back together at least. I don’t know if he will survive afterwards….” Cid explained.

“If he dies anyway it’s better than leaving him like this, do it..!” Kayn said.

“Ok, starting.” Cid said as he activated the revival program.

Mechanical arms and needles put Granvil’s limbs and head to his body, putting screws into his face and stitching his body together as the fluid bonded his flesh together.

“I think he is ready. I’m releasing him now.” Cid said.

Cid entered the release program as mechanical arms grabbed Granvil’s limbs as another device attached to his head and started to siphon a white fluid from his body. 

“What the fuck is it doing?” Kayn asked.

“I think it’s a defense system he must have put it in place to weaken him..!” Cid said.

“Well? Stop it?!” Kayn said.

“I’m trying to!” Cid said.

The two were startled as Granvil broke free of his restraints and yanked the device off his head before head-butting the glass with his horns, making it crack and shatter as he fell out on the floor, cutting himself on the glass.

“Granvil! Hey!” Kayn said.

“Baaaah! Get away from me! I won’t be your lab rat!” Granvil said, scurrying to a lab table and reaching for a blaster but his legs gave out before he could reach.

Kayn grabbed Granvil and held him down.

“Stop!!” Granvil shouted.

“Hey! Granvil look at me! Its me!” Kayn shouted.

Granvil opened his non-mechanical eye. “You…Kayn?! You’re old…” Granvil uttered.

“Shut up, I’m just a lot more hairy.” Kayn said.

Granvil hugged Kayn. “I-i lived in terror for so long. H-he tortured me. Took me apart again and again and again. I didn’t think anyone could recognize me.” Granvil said.

“Cmon, let’s just get you outta here and… get clothes.” Kayn said.

The three of them heard commotion upstairs as Cid and Kayn were dragging Granvil upstairs. 

“What’s going on? Did an alarm trip off?” Kayn asked.

“No, I disabled everything. Nothing should even be able to turn on.” Cid said.

As they made it upstairs Vespertilo, Silas and Yamato were fighting a medium sized mech that was going haywire. 

“Oh no, it’s Peter..!” Granvil said.

“Explain?” Cid said.

“PETER stands for Personal Expert Transition Ergonomic Recliner. It’s what I used to travel long distances because of…reasons.” Granvil said.

“It must have gone haywire because my link chip is malfunctioning. It thinks everything in the bunker is an enemy.” Granvil explained.

“Well we can’t let it just run loose. We gotta disable it.” Cid said.

“You can’t, I would have to be unconscious or dead to disable the auto function. I need to repair the chip in my head.” Granvil said.

“I’ll help. Just do what you can to disable the mech. Or just stall it.” Cid said.

Kayn drew his weapon and joined the battle. 

“Oh you’re back. This thing just won’t go down.” Vespertilo said.

“We just have to stall it so that Granvil can deactivate it.” Kayn said.

“Who?!” Silas and Yamato said.

The two of them ducked as PETER fired a spray of bullets at them.

“Dorntra!” Vespertilo chanted as magical circles bound the mech’s arms together.

The mech turned around and opened up unleashing a high pitched screeching sound making the four of them disoriented. 

“Fuck! Ah! It’s like a drill in one ear and needles in the other!” Silas shouted.

Yamato unleashed a psionic wave that made a silent dome around them that canceled out all noise.

(“Wave Curse: Mute Tune!”) Yamato shouted in his head.

Silas took out a pistol and aimed at the mech which suddenly deactivated.

Cid helped put the repaired chip back in the slot of Granvil’s mechanical eye.

“All done!” Cid said.

Granvil screwed back in the small cover on his face with new screws.

“Good job holding it down there guys!” Cid said with a thumbs up.

“What?!” They all said loudly, nearly deaf from the mech.

After a few minutes of recovering themselves Granvil and Cid gathered as much data from the lab as they could. 

“Now to terminate the lab. I don’t want him to have any of this information.” Granvil said.

Granvil took out the drive before activating the termination program.

The alarms sounded as a countdown began. 

{LAB TERMINATION ACTIVE 5.00 MINUTES.} The computer said.

“Now let’s run!” Granvil shouted. 

“We have that covered. Yamato?” Kayn said.

Yamato screeched, opening a large portal through space back to the inn. “All Aboard!” Yamato shouted.

Kayn and Silas carried Granvil through as the mech followed behind. The rest of them following behind before Yamato jumped through and closed the opening like a curtain before a loud blast was faintly heard.

“Oh dear. What an unexpected welcome.” Sid said.

“My bad. But hey it was getting kinda boring around here.” Cid said.

“No, no it’s alright! Kayn and his friends are all welcome here! Hoho!” Sid said.

“Also he needs clothes like right now, here you can take my spare work clothes since we are built kind of the same.” Sid said, taking overalls off a rack and handing them to Granvil.

“Just put your underwear on. Let Gelbe examine him first to see if he is stable first.” Cid said.

“Where is the big man anyway?” Silas asked.

“Oh he and his little kids have been a big help. Did you know that guy has multiple degrees in medicine?” Sid said.

“..No?!” Vespertilo said.

“I thought Gelbe wasn’t that bright.” Silas said.

“What?! It must be the way he talks because he knows his stuff very well!” Sid said.

Silas and Kayn took Granvil upstairs where they were greeted by two small white haired wolves blocking their way. “Halt! Ona said nobody enters this room right now.” The one with the braided hair said.

The other one with a puffy afro nodded.

“No yelling. It’s fine.” Gelbe said, grabbing the two of them by the head.

“Oh good, can you examine this guy for us?” Silas said.

“Gelbe heard from upstairs. Lay him out.” Gelbe said.

The two of them laid Granvil on  his back to be examined. 

“And who are these two little nuggets? They look just like you!” Silas said, patting them on the head.

“Those are Gelbe’s babies. This one is Ditri and this one is Zyon.” Gelbe said pointing to the one with the braids and the one with the afro respectively.

“You smell.” Zyon said to Silas.

A vein appeared on Silas’ forehead. “Listen here you little shit. We just got back from fightin’ so if im reeking up a musk it’s not my fault..!” Silas said under his teeth.

“It’s because you smoke and mask it with cheap cologne.” Vespertilo said.

“I don’t even want to know how often you shower. Just because we don’t have smells to Beastmen doesn’t mean we don’t smell to other Cocytans.” Vespertilo said.

“What?! I shower!” Silas said.

“Doesn’t smell like it.” Vespertilo said.

Gelbe handed a paper to Kayn which was written report of Granvil’s vitals. 

“He is stable but, there is problem.” Gelbe said.

“What is the problem?” 

“He has issue with his anima signals they are responding very weakly over time. It won’t happen now but he may not be able to walk anymore permanently.” Gelbe explained.

“Yeah, being dismembered over and over again I can’t imagine how he would even come out alive.” Kayn said.

“It’s a miracle that he is stable. But his condition…I don’t know if I can cure that. I can give him infusion to stop it but he is disabled.” Gelbe said.

“It’s up to him.” Kayn said.

“I can hear you know.” Granvil said.

“Sorry.” Gelbe said.

“What’s even the point in trying to fix me. I don’t even know what I am anymore.” Granvil said.

Granvil looked at his hands. “I remember it all. Being torn apart, put back together. Having my head sit in a jar for years and years….who am I..? What am I now? A machine? Or an experiment gone wrong?” Granvil said.

“Hey, look at me. We can get that bastard and make him pay for what he did to you.” Kayn said.

“If anything at least you are still yourself. I can’t judge you if you just want to end it and be reborn as someone else. But I still accept you either way.” Kayn said.

“Hey, Kayn a little bit of a problem here kind of urgent.” Cid said.

“I’ll take care of him. Hold still.” Gelbe said, jabbing his nails into Granvil’s temples.

“Ow-ow!” Granvil shouted in the background.

Kayn met up with Cid who was looking worried at his comp.

“Hey, look at this. Abbi’s comp detected a few aberrations before the signal went dark.” Cid said.

“I mean, maybe it ran out of juice. There is no way she got taken out by a few aberrations.” Cid said.

“Unless they were from a distortion but then the comp signal wouldn’t get picked up at all. I tried.” Vespertilo said.

“Do you think shes in trouble or do you think she turned off her comp on purpose?” Kayn asked.

“No. If it was on purpose there wouldn’t be large spikes on the graph here.” Cid said.

“Everyone, get your shit and lets go right now!” Kayn shouted.

{{ Previously an hour before }}

Abbi strolled through the forest alone away from the bunker.

“What do they know? Kayn has to say this, Kayn has to do this so that we can all fucking screw ourselves and never care about what anyone thinks but Kayn.” Abbi muttered to herself.

“I’m better off alone. I’ll end Krieger myself. That will show them.” Abbi said.

“Alone you say? Those are pretty bold words for a young lady like yourself!” A voice said behind Abbi.

Abbi bounded forward swiftly before turning around and drawing her bow.

“Who the hell are you!?” Abbi said.

Out of the darkness a tall and lanky Hyena with long wavy black hair stepped forward.

“Heeey lil lady we don’t go by names here but you can call me Staten.” Staten said.

“You’re one of them. The Infernal rebels.” Abbi said.

“So what If I am? I just came to talk. I’m not a fighter you know.” Staten said.

Staten tried taking a step forward but a black arrow of aura appeared, readied in Abbi’s bow.

Abbi kept her bow raised. “Don’t try anything funny.” Abbi said.

Staten raised his hands up. “Hey..! Lookie see I’m unarmed ok?! I just came to ask why you split off from your buddies.” Staten said.

“What’s it to you?” Abbi said.

“You don’t have to be the one to always fall short and forgotten. That’s what a lot of Cocytans do. Just ignore and forget problems till it punches them in the back.” Staten said.

“You could always join us. We listen to what everyone has to say so nobody is treated any lesser than others.” Staten said.

“No thanks. You guys can kiss the underside of Amir’s tail.” Abbi said.

“That’s alright. I don’t judge you for wanting to be alone yaknow. But I can’t let you go since you declined.” Staten said.

Something appeared behind Abbi and struck her very hard to her side, causing her to cough up blood and sent her crashing into a tree.

Abbi got up as she was face to face with a large golem-like aberration and another equally big and menacing ogre-like aberration.

(“No way, these ones are- so strong. Abnormally strong.”) Abbi thought.

Staten took out an electric guitar and started playing as his aura started to amp up the two aberrations in front of him.

I see, so that just means I can take you out..!” Abbi shouted as she zipped between the two aberrations with her Daggers drawn to stab Staten in the neck but the Ogre somehow was able to keep up and parry her strike before the golem bashed her to the ground.

Abbi slashed the heels of the ogre, crippling it as she sprung through its legs with the golem nearly bashing her face in with its foot.

Abbi pulled back on her bow before firing three arrows at Staten but instead the ogre took the hit instead as the Golem rushed Abbi and grazed her head as she was able to dodge.

Abbi slashed the Golem’s arm but it proved to be ineffective before the golem casted an earth spell at Abbi, causing large spikes of rock to jet out from the ground, piercing her in many non-vital areas as she was able to save herself by galvanizing her body.

Abbi pulled out her comp but there was a large hole in it from one of the spikes.

“Can’t call for help? I apologize that is unfortunate. I will make it quick.” Staten said.

(“I messed up. Again. I hated being bossed around now I’m not even the boss of my own death.”) Abbi thought.

(“Everywhere, I go It’s always an argument of Ideals and reasons with people, always ending in chaos.”) Abbi thought.

(“I never felt like I belonged anywhere and I see why. Maybe I’m just prone to sparking arguments from even something as simple as cutting my hair.”) Abbi thought.

Abbi’s cursed aura started to erupt from her as she gripped her daggers, causing dark apples to sprout from the ground, emitting her aura from them.

Suddenly the two aberrations locked eyes and swung at each other in a crazed frenzy as Abbi darted straight for Staten, slashing him on his arm as he galvanized it, but something burst from the ground as it was another ogre with an axe that slashed Abbi in the midsection before kicking her and sending her flying.

Abbi fell on the ground as blood pooled from her as she started to slowly disintegrate and glitch out.

(“Maybe I was destined to be alone.”) Abbi thought.

“Gave me a good scare right there. I probably won’t be able to play for a while.” Staten said. 

(“What the hell was that ability?”) Staten thought.

Staten raised his hand. (“Honestly I’m so glad I was able to defeat her now, since her power seems underdeveloped. Could be a big problem later.”) Staten thought.

A bullet pierced through Staten’s hand as he was only able to notice it by the blood leaking on his hair.

“Hey dick. Step Away from the girlie.” Silas said, cocking back the hammer of his revolver.

Staten was surrounded by the Dire Swath crew who all had their weapons drawn at him with murderous looks on their faces.

“Abbi is one of us. So now we are gonna murder you.” Kayn said, taking the safety off his rifle.

Staten raised his hands and smiled. 

“I see, but you can’t defeat me and save your comrade at the same time can you?” Staten said.

Large icicles formed over Staten, aiming at him.

“Or we can just do both. Depends on how much you value your life.” Vespertilo said.

“I’ll leave then. Either way you can’t tail me.” Staten said, retreating into the forest as his golem carried him.

The other two aberrations digitized away and disappeared.

“Abbi! Abbi!” Yamato screamed as he was healing her. 

Kayn rushed over to Abbi and started drawing a symbol on her. 

“We won’t let you die…! Just hang on..!” Kayn said.

“K-kah-!” Abbi said, coughing up blood.” 

“Yamato, open a portal back to the inn. She won’t die as long as we get her somewhere stable!” Kayn ordered.

Vespertilo conjured up a magical platform for Kayn and Silas to lay her flat on as Yamato opened up a portal again bleeding from his nose as he did so.

“This is the last time today I can do this..! But I will do this a thousand times as long as Abbi is safe!” Yamato shouted.

“I got her comp. Thankfully I can repair or replace it. But that comes later.” Cid said.

Kayn’s eyes narrowed. “This is war now.”

CHAPTER 6 - I Got A Storm That’s Blowin’

The inn was quiet before Gelbe came downstairs. 

“Hey is-” Yamato said.

Gelbe raised his hand to silence him. “Abbi stable. Gelbe stitched her but she need rest.” Gelbe said.

Granvil came downstairs, walking with a large cane.

“You’re not supposed to be up.” Gelbe said.

“I’m fine. I’m in a hell of a lot better condition than that girl right now.” Granvil said.

“Dammit..! If only she didn’t go off. Ugh, if only I didn’t say anything..!” Cid said.

“Let’s not blame ourselves. We need to focus on the real issue here and honestly, I won’t let the infernal rebellion get away with this.” Vespertilo said.

“Only problem. There is still too little of us and if they are half as strong as that Brooks guy we are going to end up like Abbi or worse, dead.” Vespertilo said.

“Yeah, I was gonna say that too. We need the others.” Silas said.

Cid’s eyes widened. “Wait, wouldn’t the others also be targeted by the infernal rebellion too?”

“We just need one more.” Kayn said.

“Well who exactly? I mean- we can get Naoya I’m sure he is easy to track down.” Cid said.

“No thanks.” Vespertilo said.
“No.” Gelbe said.
“Damn.” Silas said.

“What did Naoya do?” Yamato said.

“Just don’t worry about it. Honestly, Id rather not explain you will see him later.” Vespertilo said.

“That leaves Mari and Darius… I dunno where Darius is, we need the manpower regardless.” Silas said. 

“Mari should be easier to track down…but hard to get to cuz shes kinda famous you know.” Cid said.

“Gelbe can check social media on phone.” Gelbe said, taking his phone out.

“Ooh! I never knew you had social media! No wonder I couldn’t find you, your account is private!” Silas said.

“Yes…?” Gelbe said.

“Is it an AD account? Do you post nudes there?” Silas asked.

Gelbe raised his eyebrow.

“What the fuck?” Vespertilo said.

“Gelbe does not “post nude.”” Gelbe said.

“Oh damn you should try it. A lot of people love it when I post.” Silas said.

“Honestly I kinda want to see. But I never made a social media before.” Yamato said.

“I’ll help, you should make one too Kayn.” Silas said.

“….Are you really wanting me to use social media to post nudes?” Kayn asked.

Kayn put his hands in his hips with a disappointed look.

“Please…?” Silas said, putting his hands together.

“What about you Cid? Wanna join in? My @ is smokiroundbear.” Silas said.

“Um, I don’t mind but I only really use social media for like answers for technical stuff. The only people here I follow is Naoya and Kayn because they don’t post often.” Cid explained.

“I promise I won’t spam post. (Anymore)” Silas said putting his hands together.

“Fine.” (“I’ll just mute you anyway.”) Cid said.

“Oh…oh woooow.” Yamato said, turning red as he looked through Silas’ page.

“You are actually a man slut..! Why do you follow so many AD accounts..?” Vespertilo said.

“What does AD mean?” Kayn asked.

“AD meaning “After Dark” or “Not Safe For Work” Stuff like nudes are considered that. Thats why a lot of accounts have “18+” in their bio, meaning  account biography. The little description there.” Cid explained.

“Damn Kayn you need to get in tune with the interwebs.” Silas said.

“Aww, this is cute. Look at him and Lysony. I love that boy, I’ma take him out for a dinner sometime.” Silas said.

“And no thanks. He would not want that with you.” Kayn said, pushing Silas’ phone down.

“Whaaat? It’s not like hes dating anybody so it’s ok.” Silas said.

Kayn started to blush as he looked at the floor.

“Oooh, by Karnimata’s tail! No way you two got hitched?!” Silas shouted.

Kayn covered his face with his hands. “Please…shut up.” 

“No way! You ain’t tell any of us this is news!” Silas said.

“Honestly I’m surprised too. I never thought you were the romantic type.” Vespertilo said.

Kayn groaned in his hands. As he started to cloak himself involuntarily, periodically going invisible and back.

“C’mon tell me, did you do the deed yet?” Silas said, elbowing Kayn.

“Gelbe found Mari, she is at Unity Island.” Gelbe said.

Kayn slapped Silas’ arm off. 
“Ok good. We can go through the Silver Lounge and pick her up from there.” Kayn said.

“Finally, we can all go as a group now.” Cid said.

“Yes, Gelbe can accompany now.” Gelbe said.

“I’m also going, I’m forever grateful that you rescued me and I wish to return the favor.” Granvil said.

“Plus, you mentioned before that you wanted stronger gun arms. While I am a soldier I am also an engineer and a gunsmith.” Granvil said.

“Well I can’t refuse now. I’m glad to have you aboard.” Kayn said.

“Yaaayy! I’m not the newbie anymore!” Yamato said, hugging Granvil.

“That makes a total of 11 of us now. Honestly we are looking kinda unstoppable now haha!” Cid said.

“Yer, I agree and these two are really cute too.” Silas said.

“W-what..?!” Granvil said, as he started to turn red.

“Mind finding me a painting Cid? Preferably a large one?”  

“Um…does it have to be a painting? I don’t think we have one big enough.” Cid said.

“Damn!” Kayn said.

“How about a mirror? I mean it’s like a painting just with glass.” Cid said, dragging a large old mirror.

“Would that work? I mean they say mirrors are windows to the soul but should we take that literally?” Vespertilo said.

Kayn used the Ace of Spade’s card on the mirror emitting a Silver flash before he, Vespertilo and Cid were transported inside. 

As suggested they were in the Silver Library inside a new room with the mirror floating behind them.

“Whoa, it worked.” Cid said.

“Why were we sucked in?” Vespertilo said.

“Probably because we were standing next to Kayn when that happened. Could be something else but I’m not a Silver Spade expert.” Cid said.

Cid touched the mirror, his hand going through it as if he were touching water. 

“Looks like it’s a two-way so we can always come back if we need to.” Cid said.

Vespertilo opened the door to Senmaru City.

“Ah it’s night time. I forgot timezones are a thing here.” Vespertilo said.

“Cocytus doesn’t have timezones?” Cid asked.

“We don’t have time in the same way how your world works. For us, it’s stale but we now have cycles since we have been connected to your world.” Vespertilo said.

“It’s complicated to say the least.” Kayn said.

“Well while we are killing time I guess I can set up a mini work station here.” Cid said.

“Honestly it’s probably for the best that we call it a night. We have been active for two days straight and everyone is still a little bit on edge.” Vespertilo said.

“What? Are we just gonna stand around for 8 hours?” Kayn said.

“Have you considered…sleeping?” Vespertilo asked.

“I don’t need to sleep.” Kayn said.

“You see that is why you always look like you are in a bad mood. Try actually resting for a bit and give your brain time to not be stressed out all the time.” Vespertilo said.

“When I sleep I feel sharper and more alert because my mind is actually clear. But go ahead, do what you want.” Vespertilo said, going back into the mirror.

“I mean he is right. You never know, sleep could be good for you!” Cid said.

“Ok…I get it. I do that later. There is something I wanna do first.” Kayn said, leaving the library to the connected lounge which was empty.

Kayn took out his phone, figuring out the icons on the screen to the text messages sending one text to Lysony.

Ten minutes passed by where Kayn was killing time by trying out tea which didn’t taste like much to him. But it did relax him a little bit.

Kayn laid on the long couch, staring off into nowhere. (“Everyone always tells me to relax but don’t tell me *how* to relax.”) 

He started fidgeting and twitching his hands.

The door to the Silver Lounge opened as Lysony came in.

“Hey! Scared the crap outta me! How you been? You look terrible.” Lysony said.

Kayn took some time to explain  the events prior.

“All that in three days huh? Compared to the three days I had It’s been much more boring.” Lysony said.

“But I don’t envy you, it’s been nice being a normal person for once!” Lysony said.

“Don’t get me wrong though. I kinda miss the thrill of adventure. (Without the world being at stake)” Lysony said.

Kayn closed his eyes as he started to blush.

(“It’s good that he is enjoying his life. I need to keep it that way. To keep that smile going.”) Kayn thought.

“On thing that’s on my mind is that trial…thats the only thing bugging me. I mean every beastman in the world is going to be watching on national television.” Lysony said.

“I’m also going to be there physically to represent St.Emlin with a few classmates…thankfully. I have to see it through.” Lysony said.

“What about your friends?” Kayn asked.

“Nah, everyone went home for winter break. I just been inside most of the day, I hate the cold.” Lysony said.

Kayn put his arm over Lysony’s shoulder. 
“Well have some wine with me, that’ll warm you up.” Kayn said.

“Thanks, but I don’t drink.” Lysony said.

“That is so cute.” Kayn said.

(“No wonder I couldn’t find any alcohol bottles here.”) Kayn thought.

“But hey at least we can go out now.” Kayn said.

“It’s two in the morning…everywhere is closed. I just came to see you while I was going to sleep. (Or trying to hah.)” Lysony said.

“We could hang out later after the trial in two days if you have time. Not like ima be busy after that. If you can find the time to of course.” Lysony said.

“I’ll *make* time.” Kayn said.

“Aww, really? Thanks.”  Lysony said, reaching up to Kayn’s face and into his beard, scratching his chin.

Kayn made a low grumble noise from the base of his throat as he started to ease himself up and relax.

“I never felt this before, to actually feel…cool? With somebody. Like I can just say anything do anything around you and its just…fine?” Kayn said.

“Yeah! You get it. You’re learning- ” Lysony said before Kayn embraced him, very tightly, *Really* tightly.

“*Thank you. I love you soo much*” Kayn said.

“Ooow- Yeah me too- a little softer? Actually *alot* softer..!” Lysony said.

Kayn lifted up Lysony effortlessly, kissing him on the lips. “It seems you need to put more weight on you to survive my hug of gratuitous love. Also I noticed you have grown quite a bit of facial hair.” Kayn said.

“Well that’s what happens when you get older…I guess?” Lysony said.

“I DON’T WANT YOU TO GET OLD I WANT YOUR FACE TO STAY CUTE.” 
Kayn shouted, shaking Lysony around.

“Everybody- gets- older aren’t you like 40?”

“I was forty like…300 years ago. Im four…hundred and two.” Kayn said.

“Wow you’re like suuper old.” Lysony said.

“I’m not! I’m middle aged! We grow in stages!” Kayn said.

“I didn’t say it was a baaaad thing. I like it.” Lysony said.

Kayn closed his eyes as he was blushing. “Well if you really like it then it’s fine.” Kayn said.

Lysony yawned. “Alright, I’m actually gonna go sleep now.” Lysony said.

“What am I gonna do for 7 hours?” Kayn said.

“Do you…not sleep?” Lysony asked.

“Everyone tells me to sleep but not *how*.” Kayn said.

“The beds over here are big enough. Wanna…sleep together?” Lysony said with a grin.

Lysony led Kayn to a room in the lounge with a large bed. Where he took off his uniform and jumped on the bed.

“Ah~! I forgot how much better these ones are!” Lysony said.

Kayn took off his coat and his pants, folding them up very neatly. Before setting them down.

Lysony down to see bandages wrapped all over his feet and ankles.

“What happened there?” Lysony asked.

 “What? No, I’m not injured at all. These are just for decoration but I’m not taking them off.” Kayn said.

“Oh, ok. Come on jump in!” Lysony said.

Kayn stood up and jumped on the bed with his full weight, sending Lysony flying and hitting the ceiling before falling back down on the bed.

“This bed is way too…soft compared to mine.” Kayn said.

(“Do you sleep on concrete?!”) Lysony thought.

“I’m sinking.” Kayn said as he was imprinted in the mattress.

“That’s the point, now just close your eyes and just…uh, I dunno…count sheep?” Lysony said.

Kayn rolled over from side to side before turning to Lysony. 
“Not working.” Kayn said.

“Just stay still.” Lysony said.

Kayn laid on his stomach, putting his hand out next to him.

Lysony put his hand on top of Kayn’s but Kayn pulled his hand out and put it on top of Lysony’s

Lysony repeated it again which annoyed Kayn as he put his hand on top of Lysony’s again.

Kayn’s eyes started to get heavy before he started snoring very loudly.

Kayn woke up later with a note on his face as Lysony was gone.

“I tried waking you up but you were sound asleep. You should probably check your phone.” Lysony’s note said.

Kayn turned his phone on as it was now- 

(“NOON?! I slept longer than I wanted to…”) Kayn thought.

Kayn looked around as he frantically put his clothes on.

(“I probably shouldn’t steal from Lysony. That’s “not cool” To do that to my boyfriend.”) Kayn thought.

Kayn bit his lower lip as he made a sinister face. (“But he could have good shit around here though…! Eh..never mind, let me just get back to my crew.”)

Kayn opened the door to the Silver Library from the Silver Lounge where everybody was discussing on their own before turning to the door where Kayn stood.

“Where were you?!” Vespertilo shouted

“I took your advice, I slept.” Kayn said.

Vespertilo pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “…Know what, that’s on me. I should have specified.” Vespertilo said.

“We are going to meet up with Mari at the LaneN’game place.” Vespertilo said.

“What’s that?” Kayn said.

“It’s a place where you can place various sorts of games and activities and such like rock climbing and trampolines, jungle gyms and other stuff.” Cid explained.

“That sounds like fun. I always wanted to play but…I never was allowed to.” Yamato said.

“We aren’t going to play games…we are just going there to plan our next moves with Mari and keep her up to date.” Vespertilo said.

“I mean….” Silas said.

{One trip later}

“Wheee!!” Yamato said, jumping into the cube pit.

“Oh yeah, you messed up now!” Silas shouted.

“Nah watch this!” Cid shouted as the two of them were playing a VR arcade game.

“Heey there friends…*hic* hows it goin’?” Mari said, putting her arm over Vespertilo. 
“Really…? How much did you drink?” Vespertilo said.

“I uhh…dunno.” Mari said, leaning on Vesper.

Kayn took the can of beer from Mari that she dropped and drank the rest of it before crushing the can.

“Gelbe, can you do something about this?” Vespertilo asked.

Gelbe put his hand on his beard lost in thought.

“Magic can cure intoxication?” Granvil asked.

Gelbe nodded.

“Bhisajya!” Gelbe casted as a bright blue magic circle appeared below Mari, making her almost instantly sober.

“Huh- heeey! I liked being drunk!” Mari said.

“Gelbe didn’t know if that would work. Gelbe write that down.” Gelbe said, taking out a note book and writing inside it.

“But back on topic. We brought most of the group back together because something happened when we were going after Krieger and Abbi got severely injured.” Vespertilo explained.

“Whoa, that’s nuts. What are we doing then? going after Krieger right?” Mari said.

“Thats the thing, we needed more of us because if the Infernal Rebellion can take Abbi down, we are at a disadvantage if we got separated, least till we get stronger.” Vespertilo said.

Mari took a bottle of wine but Vespertilo took it away before Kayn drank it.

“My only problem is why the infernal rebellion-” Vespertilo was cut off by Yamato who was standing behind him, putting his two fingers together.

“*What?*” Vespertilo said, turning around.

“V-Vesper can I borrow s-seven gold coins?” Yamato said

Vespertilo made a blank stare. “*Why?*” he asked.

Yamato pointed at the stuffed elephant at the prize counter.

“No.” Vespertilo said.

Yamato started to sniffle as he was about to cry.

“By Amir’s beard…ughh…” Vespertilo said, going to his coin purse and giving Yamato ten gold coins.

“Yayy! You’re the best!” Yamato said, before zipping off to the prize counter.

Vespertilo hanged his head low. “I already paid for the gamepass and everything…why me…”

“Gelbe thinks that was sweet of Vespertilo being nice to Yamato.” Gelbe said, smiling.

Vespertilo started to blush as he sprung up instantly. “Y-yes! Of course I’m always glad to give to my friends!” Vespertilo said.

“But back on topic, Lysony told me something about the trial that it’s going to be broadcasted worldwide.” Kayn said.

“Yeah, that’s common knowledge. Honestly it’s all I see on the news. I’m no beastman but it’s nerve-wracking to see such a big change going on.” Vespertilo said.

Vespertilo changed the TV to the news which they were unsurprised about the Sorcerer’s association speaking about the trial.

“Wow, who’s that man? He’s kind of, eh I dunno.” Mari said, pointing out to the tiger in a suit that is currently speaking.

“That’s First Chairman Chi Qiul of the Sorc Association. He is a very very good speaker and a kind hearted man.” Vespertilo said.

“Gelbe think’s he is very dashing.” Gelbe said.

“From what I researched about him he grew up poor but developed a keen magical ability after his home was destroyed by cultists. So he devoted his life to gather like-minded people for his cause. Honestly, it’s poetic.” Vespertilo said.

(“At least I know Lysony will be in good hands.”) Kayn thought.

“But back to the infernal rebellion, I wonder what they are up to. They don’t seem to be making any big moves against beastmen people. Just other Cocytans…” Vespertilo said.

“Auuuyghh, I think my mind is all fuzzy with all the thinking. I’m gonna find something NON-alcoholic to drink.” Vespertilo said.

Gelbe followed behind Vespertilo as he looked concerned for his well-being.

Kayn rested his head on the table as he watched the TV.

“I don’t mean to be negative but this may be the calm before the storm.” Granvil said.

“What do you think about all this?” Kayn asked.

“Well…I don’t have a conservative way of thinking…honestly from what the others told me I feel as though a lot of the old heads are wrong about beastmen.” Granvil said.

“I dunno, still getting used to being free again. I guess stability being a goal is one thing. Though, I do miss my girlfriend. Even though she would probably not recognize me if she is alive.” Granvil said.

Another white wolf strolled by, watching the TV. “Ah, I love hearing the chairman talk, he has a way with words. Don’t you think?” The wolf said.

The wolf sat down next to Kayn, pouring himself a glass of wine.

“I mean, I guess…” Kayn said.

“I just find it interesting how the political power dynamics change how the corrupt are viewed. But does it really deal with the corrupt or just sweeps it under the rug?” The wolf said.

“I mean, probably…? That’s what we are hoping for.” Kayn said.

“Because… I don’t really agree with the treaty.” The white wolf said, turning to Kayn and leaning up, grabbing Kayn by his beard tie.

“Because I’m the new leader of the Infernal Rebellion, York Wen…let’s talk.” He said.

Kayn’s eyes widened as he galvanized his fist before attempting to strike York in the face but another Corvid behind him opened a large photo.

“Paradigm Distortion.” The corvid said as The three of them started to get sucked into the photo. 

“Hey-! You’re not going anywhere!” Mari shouted as she grabbed York by the legs as the rest of the Dire Swath crew grabbed her, subsequently getting pulled into the photo as well.

The eight of them wound up in a digital-like space, falling to the floor.

“Ow…no way…we are in anima mundi?” Cid asked.

“No…something similar but not like it. I personally call it a dreamspace. A remnant of Anima Mundi made by our collective imagination.” Vespertilo explained.

“Hey Kay-” Cid’s eyes narrowed as he locked eyes with the group standing in front of Kayn. 

Kayn and York were locked in an intense glare.

The two groups walked forward, stopping at a short distance as the intensity of their auras made the air stand still.

CHAPTER 7 - A Cool, Sweet Breeze Of Positivities