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       #Post#: 1620--------------------------------------------------
       The unknown Journey
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 23, 2026, 9:47 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       It was another day in the city streets of New York. A raven
       haired woman was beginning to open up shop after dark had
       crossed over the city. She turned her light on, to take in that
       it was raining. It made her wonder if clients would show up.  It
       was sizable, and offered alcohol for waiting customers- looking
       at it, the front waiting room looked more like a bar, but it
       would have a room that was adjacent where she would work.
       Saga who slept on a small bed as a cat would wake up.. and
       stretch. His claws coming out as it did so before the smoky
       shadow of his power shifting to that of a man.”evening
       mistress..” he would greet the woman to get the familiar grumpy
       look. “Just get ready.. they’ll be coming soon enough.” She said
       as she unlocked the front door. The moment she did was when
       Corven would practically barrel over her, the woman being caught
       by Saga.
       “What the fuck.” Stated the witch before she would realize she
       was in saga’s arms to get out of them and straighten up.
       “What the hell Corven!” She said her eye looking irritated,
       before a flurry of pink barreled by. Then she understood.”yo!
       Pinky you know the rules!” She snapped. While she didn’t care
       for the hunters of the organization- they generally had left her
       alone, in fact they had been trying to recruit her.
       Luna stopped short of the white haired gang member- “but he..”
       she started to see a zip it motion from the dark haired
       girl.”don’t wanna hear it- this is a haven and you know it.
       Either book a tat or leave.” She said as the woman would huff.
       Luna would leave to lingering outside almost pouting as the door
       shut.
       “You saved my bacon.” Said Corven before he’d get a finger in
       his face.”you need to stop bringing shit to my shop! I barely
       fixed your last fuck up Corven.”Griped the girl.
       “Elysia.... swear I don’t mean to, and I was gonna schedule a
       tattoo today! I’ll pay double!”He said scrambling for words to
       stay.
       >>>
       ^^^
       The woman grabbed her smokes to
       Light up.”fine- don’t cause trouble or I’ll toss you to psycho
       pink out there.” She said to draw the smoke.”Saga, vodka, two
       shots with cherry syrup and ginger ale.” She said as she went to
       stride across the wooden floor to her work area. Inside it
       looked sterile, the walls decorated with ravens, and wolves.
       Corven sighed in relief.”mind getting me a beer saga?” He asked
       as the man rose a brow.”got the money for all of this as you
       say?” He asked as Corven nodded furiously.”I doubled sales last
       week!” He said as the man made a beer.”pay the tab from last
       time then you get the beer.” Said saga as he heard Corven
       grumble as he got his wallet to pay up. The beer was sat down as
       he took a drink.
       Things picked up as  the usual stream of customers, started to
       come in. Corven haven’t left due to Luna being outside.
       The witch wasn’t for loitering as she was about ready to shove
       her friend out. As she went to the door to get the man to go did
       she grant pause.
       A gray haired woman was stalking and clearly loading a gun.
       Luna, trying to ‘talk’ to the woman to get a gun in her face to
       be yoinked to safety by her own familiar.
       The dark haired woman ended up locking the door, preparing for
       what would be a relocation.
       She noticed the gun pointed at her shop to quickly hit the
       mechanism that would cause the shop to look like the lights had
       gone out. Reality was the location had been shifted and it was
       now an abandoned building.
       She let off a breath as the location was no longer an ally, but
       the street near a nightclub.”now get the hell out.” Corven would
       hear before he’d be kicked out by the familiar Saga.
       The sheepish man went to wander around and in a night club. His
       eye taking in the atmosphere and people as he grumbled to
       himself about how rough his friend was.
       ——
       Smoker watched as the lights went ‘out’ to get over and open the
       door.”fuck- she as to be  one of those.” She grumbled.>>>>
       ^^^^^
       She had been scoping out the ‘moving’ shop. But anytime Smoker
       located it- it would relocate and the hunt would happen all over
       again.
       —fin—
       Endri shifted his scaled body, letting out a grumble before
       lifting his head and turning his long neck to eye the man
       resting against him. With a long suffering sigh, the dragon
       reached down to gently lift   Casper off of him and set the man
       on the edge of the massive bed he was on.
       He didn't mind his boss using him as a bed, but there were times
       when he needed to move. The blue dragon concentrated and shifted
       into his human form; a six foot tall blue black haired man with
       smokey gray eyes.
       Endri slowly made his way to the large shower in his underground
       den and started to clean himself up. From how he smelled, he
       must have been sleeping for several days now.
       "Hey Gemini, mind grabbing me a towel?" He called out before
       yawning loudly. A moment later a very loud rumble came from his
       empty stomach.
       Yeah, he'd definitely been sleeping and dream walking for
       several days to feel this hungry. He finished with cleaning up
       and headed out of the bathroom, dripping wet in search of a
       towel. He guessed that Gemini, his boss was probably not quite
       awake yet.
       -++--
       Having spent the majority of the day charging up in the sun
       while dealing with several collection jobs for Gemini, Cisco was
       ready for a much needed break.
       "Wouldn't hurt to get some of these babies freshened up," he
       murmured running his hand over his tattooed forearm.
       With how much use his magical tattoos took, they faded far
       faster than a normal tattoo would. Though there really was only
       one person he trusted to work on them.
       Whistling merrily, Cisco found a secluded spot to open a portal
       to Elysa's tattoo and bar. With how often she had to move to
       stay away from hunters, it was the safest way he could find it.
       The light mage stepped into the bar, his tattoos glowing a
       bright blue, his eyes matching before they faded to their normal
       red color.
       "Hey Sage, Is Elysia busy?" He asked, a friendly grin lighting
       up his face as he took a seat at the bar. "Was needing a few
       touch ups, but I can wait until she's got time. I'll take a long
       island ice tea, oh and a shot of tequila," he requested, pulling
       out money to cover both.
       --fin--
       The lights were strobing, the music was intense with the base
       resonating all the way into Archibald's soul that he denied
       having. He was very high and dancing when a new face arrived in
       his club. The man looked exotic on all the best ways and drew
       the social light's attention. He got a little closer to hear the
       guy complaining about rough friends. "You seem like you could
       use a drink," he purred seductively, deciding he wanted this one
       as his newest toy.
       He snaked an arm around the man's waist and guided him to the
       bar where the bar keep was instantly at their service, seeming
       eager to serve the pair whatever they wanted. "What kind of
       drink you want cutie?" He questioned.
       ---
       A snicker left Alastor as he watched the lights vanish as the
       building's contents were relocated abruptly. "Always at the last
       second... why don't we hunt something that *actually* gets
       merked at the end? I'm tired of this vanishing act..." He
       complained.
       ---
       It was a sorted affair selling counterfeit drugs. Sure Jerard
       sold lots of fake things but fake drugs were the big one. Always
       mixed with just enough real to make less experienced users not
       question him but the con-artist plays his hand a little to
       strongly, selling to another gang dealer for a massive amount of
       money.
       Things would get worse when the drug dealer realized the con and
       began to hunt Jerard down. The professional liar had been in a
       dive bar when he was the jig was officially up. Jerard barely
       made it out with his life.
       He was hiding down some back alleys with a heavily bleeding
       shoulder as he tried to find a safer place to hide.
       -fin-
       Corven heard some words cut through the music, a voice that
       sounded like it would make just about anyone melt with how he
       spoke. His head turned to see a man snaking his arm around his
       waist to blush and seemed a little confused at first. But the
       excited service and how things were going? It clicked as he
       immediately leaned into the man’s touch and seemed to think.
       “Could use something *really* strong and *hard* if you know what
       I mean?Maybe you can give a recommendation sexy?” Asked Corven.
       The guy was hot and he was getting something he hoped he didn’t
       have to pay for. If it meant giving the guy a little tail- he’d
       do it.”and very bold to be sweeping a man like me off my feet,
       gotta name handsome? Mine is Corven.” He said his eye trailing
       up the man, drinking in how well he dressed and the tattoos that
       peeked from places, that begged to be seen. The guy seemed tough
       too- and a good cover for if and when trouble occurs. He knew
       his friend was at her limit with helping him- given he had led
       hunters to her shop- time and again. This meant he could lay low
       for a while till she cooled off enough- or so he reasoned in his
       head.
       ——
       Gemini was sleeping hard enough to not notice the shift, the
       half naked man snoozing softly. He almost didn’t want to get up
       after the day before- the man trying to find another magic
       weaver wasn’t cutting it. The one he tried swaying - Elysia
       wasn’t budging- he was trying to figure how to make her budge
       without having to really do anything. He ended up staying up too
       late as a result.
       “yin…” he told his snake lazily.” Mind helping him?” He told the
       familiar as the snakes eye would glow. A creature was summoned
       to grab a towel to give it to the dragon. Unlike Endri the other
       summons were brief and this one would vanish from sight.
       “I need coffee.” Said the gang member before looking at his
       clock- his eye snapped wide.”I slept too hard.” He said as he
       moved to sigh. He knew he needed it but it wasn’t helping him
       maintain or even gain territory.
       He would stretch before he would go for his things intending to
       get dressed. Opting to skip the shower and go straight to work.
       ————
       Smoker’s eye twitched softly,”you know we do jobs between all of
       this- I’m still not giving up you know.” She said to slam the
       door after finding the mark to destroying it.”either imma find
       it or back that place to finding its stationary base.” Said
       smoker to sigh.
       “Doesn’t help that your *stalker* kept talking.” She said
       teasing the man of the one woman that seemingly had attatched
       herself to in her mind. Luna.”she kept talking I would have
       ‘Merked’ her accidentally.” She said knowing they were told to
       not touch the organization for the time being. But the pink
       haired witch has shown herself to be annoying and detrimental to
       their work- and one of three reasons that smoker was on finding
       the moving shop. The other being the necromancer that tried to
       steal from her, and the shop keeper that didn’t hold back with
       her magic. It was just a bonus that she was fucking with Luna’s
       attempt to  recruiting any of the people that visited that shop,
       and one less *gathering* place for the monsters in her eyes.
       ——-
       Luna who was pulled away was brought out in another part of the
       ally.”can smoker not do that every time! I was so close!” Luna
       griped as Shade sighed.”just stay out of her face- you know we
       can find Elysia’s shop just fine- but best lay low till your
       crush and smoker go to another job.” He said. Luna made her
       huffy groan to folding her arms like a child having a silent
       tantrum. But the mention of Alastair did soften her face a
       little.
       A man brushing by the shade caught her attention- he looked
       hurt. The pink-haired woman began to follow.”hey you need help?”
       She asked  to pause and facepalm at the rather obvious question
       as the man was hurt. She seemed  more determined to least help
       the guy than ask how he turned up that way.
       ——
       Saga saw a portal open that he knew all too well. “Not terribly-
       had to switch locations thanks to Corven.. again.” He said. His
       eye ran over the man’s muscles as he took in the tattoos.”she’s
       just doing inventory- “ he said as he began to make the Long
       Island tea and making the shot to place it on the small coasters
       to take the money.
       The girl was clearly busy getting things cleaned up as she
       placed paints under names of her clients and marking her
       paper.”blood draw Lucas- next week..” she mumbled. The girl
       would get enough of what she needed to create their tattoos so
       they would last not just longer- but the weaved spells they
       wanted came from their blood- it allowed wordless casting.
       Saga went to move and tell the woman about Cisco, the girls head
       moving.”yeah I can, just give me five to set up his ink.” She
       said as her magic went to work. Sterlizing what she would need
       and inks with the man’s name on them spread appropriately.
       Saga came out as he said.”once your done drinking- she will have
       you,” said Saga.
       —fin—
       The bat minion materialized out of  thin air and handed Endri a
       towel and then poofed away before he could thank it. He dried
       off as best as he could and wrapped it loosely around his waist
       before going to find Gemini working in his office.
       "You still looking for a magic weaver?" He murmured,moving to
       drape himself over the others shoulders to peer down at what
       Gemini was working on.
       His stomach once again rumbled loudly this time making him
       groan. "You need to feed me," he said before leaning in to chew
       on the man's ear. "Or I could just eat you," he added, his eyes
       going a great deal darker.
       He noticed his wet hair was dripping water down Gemini's body
       and reached down to wipe it off. "Can I get some steak? And
       shrimp? Maybe a cake too? Oh the Red Skull leader won't be
       bothering you anymore," he added sounding quite pleased with the
       result of his hard work. "The gang will be looking for a new
       leader, so could go raid them while they're leaderless."
       ----
       Cisco wasn't too surprised to hear that Corven had forced Elysia
       to move her shop yet again. His fellow gang member was
       constantly running into hunters and trouble.
       "Sounds like a normal day for that trouble magnet," he chuckled,
       watching as Saga expertly got his drinks prepared.
       He took the shot first, making a slight sound as it went down
       and then sipped on the strong long island tea. "Ah good for her.
       I should check and see if she needs anything to stock up on," he
       mused.
       He turned to glance around the bar, watching as Saga disappeared
       into the side where Elysia's parlor was. He gave a nod to the
       shifter when he returned with news.
       "Thanks, there anything you might be in need of?"
       When Cisco wasn't doing work for Gemini, he also procured items
       for other supernaturals that were hard to come by.
       He finished his drink a little while later and sauntered over to
       Elysia's parlor and pulled off his jacket and shirt, exposing
       his tattooed muscular upper body.
       "So just need a few touch ups, so that won't take long. You
       needing any supplies? I don't mind getting whatever you need,"
       ---fin--
       A deep chuckle rumbled from Archibald's core when the man in his
       arms spoke asking for recommendations and his name after being
       told the gorgeous being in his arms name. He could help but find
       the humor in being called bold. He told the bar keep of which
       top shelf strong drink he wanted and told them to bring the
       whole bottle and some glasses.
       "You call call me Archie, hmmm what kind of man do you consider
       yourself? All I see is sex appeal," he flirted boldly. With the
       way Archibald held himself and the staff treated him,it was easy
       to piece together he was a vip. When a waitress called him Mr.
       Nightly, the cat was kind of out of the bag as him being the
       owner.
       Once the bottle arrived with the glassed, he snagged both before
       guiding Corven to a massive vip booth and poured them both a
       drink and handing it over before pulling the white haired man
       closer.
       ---
       "You never give up, pretty sure it's your fatal flaw. Just can
       let go.... I can't help that I'm sexy and she clearly wants me.
       Least she isn't trying to kill us like *your* stalker," Alastor
       reminded, recalling some less than favorable memories.
       "Let's go do something productive now,they won't be back
       here.... we should go clubbing," he suggested with a smirk.
       ---
       Brushing past a couple int the alley, Jerard had expected
       himself to have screwed himself,not expecting the woman to offer
       her help to him. He paused for a moment, looking the pair over.
       "Yeah... suppose I could use some help... though, guess it
       depends on the kind of help you are offering..." He said with
       suspicion in his voice.
       -fin-
       Gemini grunted an answer to a yes. He felt the drape.”kinda need
       to doesn’t help that the gangs all go to her, it exposes alot of
       us. And they’re hella rare to come by.” He said as he filled
       some papers out. He heard the stomache and felt the mouth in his
       ear.”you do you know you won’t be bound to this plane you know.”
       He told the dragon. He made a mild annoyed look at the water,
       before feeling the man wipe it off.”get whatever you want
       endri.” He answered before hearing the better news. “Might as
       well.. mean.. I have been cooped up- could do a sweep over with
       you.” Said the man as his hair shifted from red to black before
       he would grab his coat.”think the bike ride sounds more fun for
       the way- wanna come with or you gonna fly?” He asked as he
       zipped himself up.
       ——-
       “Mm.. mischievous.. little bit of trouble.. depends on the
       person who meets me.” Said the man with a lopsided smirk. He sat
       at the booth to watch the drink get poured before feeling the
       pull again and made a noise.”you love being close.. don’t you
       sexy?” He asked as he flashed another grin.”so you own this
       place, got a nice vibe Archie.” He said as his hand slid on the
       man’s leg to show some intention on his part.
       ——-
       “Hey- least mine wasn’t a magic user- pyromaniac sure.. but
       yeah.” She said to flush some.  She heard clubbing to
       sigh.”fine- let’s let loose, maybe we might get lucky and find a
       suitable target.” She said rather grunting. The woman wasn’t one
       to dance but she loved to drink. She grabbed her smokes to put
       one in her mouth, and searched herself for a lighter. She would
       curse before searching al to find one and light up.”let’s go.”
       She said with an exaggerated sigh at the man. Clearly still
       acting pissy at missing her ‘prey’ again.
       ——-
       Luna gave a soft sigh to hear the man agree to it before hearing
       his suspicions.”just a spot of healing- so you don’t bleed out.”
       Said the witch as she fumbled for her book. She began to chant
       and the glow of green came around the two. The wound would seal
       as she seemed proud of her work.”there.” She said with a smile.
       Shade being more observant sighed.”your too nice..” he muttered
       before seeing the form of smoker and al walking by. The girl
       clearly watching Alastair to bite her bottom lip a little.”need
       anything else?” She asked looking away from the two that
       continued their way away from the two.
       ———
       Saga chuckled.”maybe some whisky- we are almost out- the good
       stuff too.” He told him. He knew his master went for quality-
       she never was the type to go cheap. The more stronger ones left
       for herself in her off time.
       The woman had finished up what she was doing to see the jacket
       and shirt drop.
       She got up to walk around the man, her hand gently touching
       places as she took a closer look.”just need ink- running out of
       the white.-and you do got a blood draw first day of next week. “
       she said before taking her mask on. She grabbed her tool to get
       some ink and once Cisco sat down would begin her work.”swear out
       of all my clients yours fade pretty quick. Yall been busy?” She
       asked amicably knowing the man would keep it as a yes or no.
       The music playing was on low, suiting the vibe of the place her
       eyes shifted color as her power began to be used, from a blue
       purple look to that of a deep red. This allowed her to make sure
       his spells were ingrained with him. For smaller ones she would
       get closer.
       The girl finally reached her limit when she finished up the
       man’s touch ups. Her mana capacity was running low as she sat
       back.  Something about Cisco made her feel different when it
       came to magic weaving - she assumed due to him being that of
       light.
       “Look good?” She asked as she shifted her mask down and set her
       tool down.
       —fin—
       Endri made a thoughtful sound as Gemini complained about Elysia
       helping everyone and it being a problem.  His eyebrows narrowed
       when Gemini more or less told him he didn't have to stay.
       "Hey now, are you going back on our agreement already? It's not
       like I ask for much. It's not like there's any other dream
       walkers that are willing to kill off your rivals for you," he
       pointed out, sounding a bit miffed at Gemini.
       He was not in the least bit happy when Gemini mentioned doing a
       sweep over of the Red Skull's territory. However he did feel
       like getting out for some fresh air. "Give me five to get
       dressed," he sighed and moved to grab clothes to pull on.
       Endri's stomach was still growling and he was starting to get
       testy about having to wait to eat. "You're getting me food after
       this," he insisted as he shook his wet hair out and grabbed a
       black shirt to pull on and followed Gemini up to his motorcycle.
       ----
       Cisco nodded at Saga, admiring the handsome man. "I'll see if I
       can get some before I come in next week," he replied, flashing a
       bright grin at the man.
       Cisco set his shirt and coat  to the side and went still as
       Elysia walked around him looking and touching over some of his
       tattoos.
       "Oh I remember, I gotta stay on top of keeping these babies
       looking good," Cisco replied with another grin.
       He moved to sit once she was ready for him. The familiar
       tingling prodding of the tattoo needle started up.
       Her prodding question had his eyes flash a brighter red. "You
       could say that," he replied vaguely, and eyed her closely.
       The woman was a bit of an enigma to him, well to most people
       really. The only one she was close to was Saga.
       Knowing Elysia wasn't the chatty type, Cisco stayed quiet during
       the touchups, admiring her as she worked and thinking of what he
       needed to work on next.
       "Hmm?oh, yes they look great. So other than that white ink, if
       there's anything else you need let me know. How much do I owe
       you today?" Cisco asked as he looked over the new crisp black
       lines.
       ---fin--
       "Mmmm I don't mind trouble... yeah, I do like being
       close,especially to such a stunner like yourself," Archie mused
       with a growing smirk at the hand on his leg. "I do own the
       place... I like to party what can I say? Too much money and time
       on my hands," he said as he moved his drink to his lips before
       taking a long drink.
       "You are going to find yourself under me if that hand does much
       more wandering," he added with a seductive sounding threat.
       ---
       A wide grin came to his lips at Smoker's reluctant agreement to
       go clubbing. He gave a disgruntled noise when Smoker went
       fishing in *his* pants for a lighter,snatching it back when she
       was done before lighting his own. He had picked the habit up
       because of his partner long ago.
       Most assumed the pair were forced to work together with the way
       they fought and bickered, but in truth,Alastair would easily
       give his life for the woman that he felt a deep kinship to. She
       was like a sister to him,not that he would admit it.
       It wouldn't take them long to find a night club to start
       drinking in. Al brushing off just about anyone who flirted with
       him, only to have more people try. His broody exterior drawing
       attention to him as he drank. He scanned to bar for prey to
       hunt. He was bloodthirsty tonight.
       ---
       Hearing the pink haired woman intended to heal him with magic
       was a relief. He tensed and hid against the alley wall as the
       hunters walked past. "Thank you" he said once it was clear and
       he was able to test out his arm. It still hurt like he'll but it
       wasn't bleeding anymore.
       "Unless you got a good place to lay low.... I don't think l
       so..." He sighed, not willing to divulge he was ina gang.
       -fin-
       Corven made a mild smirk at Archie as he listened a bit. He felt
       he had hit the jackpot when it came to money.  He took a long
       drink to hear the seductive threat.”maybe that’s what I want?”
       Said Corven teasing the man rather lightly.
       ——
       The woman nodded her head to the man. “Unfortunately I don’t-
       I’ve been traveling from the organization- I could put a word in
       for a room?” She asked as the cat made a face of distrust. His
       natural instincts telling him this man- as docile as he was- was
       manipulative.
       Meanwhile, Gemini had walked out with his dragon to hear his
       grumbling.”yes yes.. the steak and the cake..” said the man
       before they would take off, what he didn’t expect to see was the
       man that had ripped him off weeks ago in the ally. His bike
       would make a sharp turn between the pair as the witch got to the
       wall.
       “There you are Kay.. or should I say.. jerard?” He asked as the
       witch stared at what was going on.
       ——-
       Smoker was in the bottle herself, watching as her partner got
       hit on. While she had her fair share, she was not in the mood
       for a fuck. Her eye scanned to notice a tuff of red hair. Her
       brow would raise some as she did hear about a phoenix walking
       around. She would take a drink before ‘investigating.. to see if
       it was what she thought.
       ———
       Elysia made a smile, granted it was faint. “Just the usual- “
       she said glad to see the man admiring her work. It was the only
       part she enjoyed of what she was. The girl would move to
       stand.”not sure of what else.. saga usually keeps tabs on food
       and stuff.” Said the woman as a notable sway would show. The
       girl shifted to catch herself on the light mage.”think I’ve
       overdone it … a little.” She murmured before saga would
       enter.”if you’d just finish the blood bonding you’d have much
       more mana… it would be from me....”said the man in a sing song
       voice.
       “Not right now Saga.” Said the woman- granted it felt as if her
       tone was warning him. “Well let’s give a little recovery..” he
       purred as she instinctively resisted by gripping the light mage
       at first.
       The man sighed.”I’m doing this for your own good.” He said as he
       would take a knife to slice his thumb- his drop hitting what was
       left of her drink. He would take some before he would draw over
       her.
       “Not in front of-“ mouthed the woman before lips would cover
       hers, the man using the chance of her having to turn.
       A smack would be heard as she slapped him- her face a bright
       red.”not in front of the clients!” She said as whatever had
       happened rejuvenated her. “Sorry Cisco- “ she said.”just pay
       saga.” She said to make her way practically sidestepping
       saga.”***earn your keep***.” She said in a tone that almost felt
       haunting, and threatening all the same., Saga gave a small bow
       despite the red mark on his face. “Yes mistress..” Once she left
       he sighed.”sorry about that-her mana is low.. she  is resistant
       to even trying to do whst I’m recommending- she’d be much more
       powerful if she’d just use me besides as her cashier and
       bartender.” Said saga with a dramatic sigh.
       —fin—
       Endri held back his irritation at Gemini's brush off and
       purposely wrapped his arms tightly around the other's body as
       the motorcycle took off. It actually was a good thing with how
       swiftly the man whipped back around to confront a man.
       The smell of healing magic was heavy in the air making Endri's
       nostrils flare and then turn to look at the pink haired woman
       that was accompanying the man.
       "Jerard? This is the pretty face that ripped you off with those
       fake drugs? Well...we can't let him get away with that, can we?
       Hey witch, if you don't want to get dragged into his trouble,
       best leave now," he advised, cocking his head sideways, letting
       his eyes shift to show his dragon heritage. "Or don't. I haven't
       eaten a witch in a long time," he added with a bit of a sinister
       grin.
       ----
       "I'll ask him if there's anything he can think of," Cisco
       replied.
       Her suddenly swaying and catching a hold of him had him
       automatically put a hand on her back to steady her.
       "You should have taken a break," he murmured a look of concern
       on his face.
       Saga's appearance and suggestion had Cisco frowning a bit. Had
       Elysia actually not completed the bond with her familiar? That
       would make her far more vulnerable to attacks.
       Her tightening hold on him had Cisco's ears heat a bit, though
       he stayed silent. He watched as Saga prepared the drink with his
       blood to aid in her recovery. His eyes widened slightly at
       watching Saga leaning in to kiss Elysia. The resounding slap had
       his ears ringing even after she pulled away and left him to pay
       her familiar.
       "No kidding," he murmured in response to Saga's explanation.
       "The more you pressure her, the more likely she'll resist the
       idea. Let me pay you then, and is there anything else that you
       two want? Maybe there's something that I can get that She's been
       eyeing?" Cisco asked as he grabbed his shirt and pulled it back
       on.
       He slung his coat over his shoulder and headed to the register
       with Saga.
       ---fin--
       A fresh chuckle left Archibald's lips as he smirked wide at the
       man next to him. "Well if that is what you want you are
       definitely on that path of getting railed soon, drink some
       more,I have more fun candy in the back if you are intrested...
       private room to play? What do you think sexy? I can be a tad
       intense..." He warned as he drank, watching the man's body
       language.
       "So,trouble, tell me a bit about you." He practically demanded.
       He wasn't one to ask nicely most of the time.
       ---
       Seeing Smoker lock on to someone had a smirk come to Al's lips
       knowing she probably had prey in her sights.  He followed her to
       spot the redheaded Flint dancing with random partners, switching
       every so often and drinking heavily. Having lost his forest and
       all inside long ago had messed with the bird,driving him to
       trying to distract himself.
       A spark of flame when he was surprised by a woman grabbing his
       ass was all the proof they needed. "How you wanna go about
       this?" He questioned darkly, murder on his mind.
       ---
       "Oh could you?" Jerard had started to say before he and the pair
       were suddenly separated by a motorcycle and *Gemini* with his
       dragon. The alchemist tried his best to take off, using his
       stone alchemy to put a rocky barrier between the four before
       taking off, using his magic to try and put as much between
       himself and the gang leader he had ripped off, curse words
       filling the air as he tried his best to get out of the situation
       he had caused.
       -fin-
       Corven smiled at the words he was hearing to taking a long
       drink.”I don’t mind intense.. and it sounds fun- “said the wispy
       haired man. He heard the near demand to know about him- slightly
       hesitating at the idea of saying that he was in a gang. “I’m
       friends with a dream weaver- her shops right next to your
       club.”He said thoughtfully. “I like long walks on the beach…” he
       said before pouring a little more. “..I got a familiar his name
       is rip- and I’m what you call a necromancer.” He said to take
       another long drink. “Damn that’s the stuff.. “ he said as he
       went for another drink.
       The alcohol the music and more was making him relax for once.
       His normally cautious behavior out the door the more he drank.
       The drink also broke through him holding back on the fact of his
       criminal background.”also part of the crimson death, mean by
       trouble is I’ve stolen drugs from my own gang..” he said to
       chuckle.”or never bring the money.” He said to lean on his hand.
       “Honestly- I’d leave the life if it meant I got a man that
       *wants* to keep me.” He fessed up though anyone who knew the
       gang was near impossible to do.
       ———
       “He won’t be easy to merk- but we can trap him..” smoker
       muttered.”maybe find something that actually offs them?” She
       mused.
       Smokers smirk widened.”which way do you think he swings- could
       convince him to come by himself to our ‘place’? She asked him.
       ——
       Luna heard the dragons words as her well known side tended to
       kick in to much of shade’s horror.
       “You can’t be eating me out- “ she started before the familiars
       hand covered her mouth.”excuse my witch- “ he said before the
       man they helped started erecting stone walls between them, and
       the man.
       Luna instantly looked offended having healed the man.”he left me
       to be eaten by the dragon!” She griped as she pulled her
       familiars hand away.”well now we know what he is.. not our
       problem.” Said the familiar as he guided the pink haired away
       from the glow of a summon.>>>
       Given the narrow ally he was summoning a snake that would make
       quick work, to look back at Endri.”you can’t transform here, but
       let’s split- pretty sure you can see where he’s going hm?” He
       asked.
       ——
       Saga heard the light mage as he got the money.”if I don’t, she
       won’t do it at all. “ said the familiar knowing why she was like
       this. While she had grown to tolerate and trust him with not
       harming her customers. She still had yet let the man come close.
       “Just so you know- between me and you- she didn’t become a witch
       by her own design.” He said quietly. He stopped to think as he
       seemed to muse.”maybe some dark chocolate? She hasn’t had any
       for a while- it might sooth her mood..” he mused a little. The
       witch practically never left her shop, had become a hermit. The
       girl never really showing signs of becoming close to anyone for
       a long time. Becoming friends with a few troublemakers had put
       Saga at ease a little.
       “Oh and a vial of fae’s blood- I’ll pay whatever.” Said saga as
       he leaned on the bar. “And maybe a little fun for once?” He
       flirted to Cisco rather brazenly. Unlike his master who kept
       herself- the man was her polar opposite- how the familiar ended
       up with such a witch was the question most seemed to have.
       —fin—-
       Endri snorted a bit impatiently at the witch's protest about him
       eating her and the familiar's quick reaction to covering her
       mouth.
       The erupted stone wall had the dragon roll his eyes before
       giving a nod to Gemini's suggestion of splitting up.
       "Might as well stretch my wings. I'll be back," he replied and
       backed out of the alley to follow after Jerard.
       Once he has enough space to shift, his body shimmered before
       turning into his sleek blue dragon form and launched himself
       into the air after the escaping con artist.
       Like must dragons, Endri was pretty close to invulnerable to
       magical attacks. Only a group of wizards or witchs stood a
       chance at coming close to slowing him down. So the half fae half
       human had little chance of causing him any harm.
       With his powerful wings he was able to catch up to Jerard in a
       few moments and get close enough to unleash a sleeping charm,
       then waited a few moments before using another one. Eventually
       the onslaught would force the mage into a state of deep slumber
       and he'd catch the man in his claws.
       -----
       Cisco considered Saga's words carefully, getting the sense there
       was more to Elysia's aversion that the familiar couldn't reveal.
       He frowned slightly when Saga confided she hadn't become a witch
       for herself. Perhaps there had been someone that she'd done it
       for? Or had she been forced into it?
       "Understood, I will keep it to myself." He replied quietly.
       "Dark chocolate, good whisky, white ink and fae's blood, got it.
       Guess I'll be going to the mortal world for a bit," he mused
       thinking of the other requests he'd gotten from gang members and
       the various friends he had.
       He blinked and then grinned at Saga's suggestion of having some
       fun in a very flirty way.
       "You have free time tonight? Or do you want to wait until I'm
       back from getting everything? Or, we could do both," he added,
       his eyes slowly wandering over the other's body checking him out
       openly.
       ---fin--
       #Post#: 1621--------------------------------------------------
       Re: The unknown Journey
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 23, 2026, 9:55 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The more Archie learned about his new soon to be play thing,the
       more intriguing the necromancer seemed. The more Corven drank
       the more he revealed making easy for the rich man to decide he
       was willing to take on that trouble. At least for a while.
       "Hmmm sounds like you need a tough sugar daddy," he mused as he
       watched the man finish the bottle. Archibald drew the
       necromancer out of the booth, ordering another bottle be brought
       to his private room before guiding his soon the be lover there.
       The room was set up like a full on apartment, the door to the
       bedroom aloft and several kinds of drugs laid out on the living
       room coffee table. "Want some 'candy' or more to drink?" He
       asked once the door was closed and he had settled on the couch,
       his posture inviting the man to come sit in his lap.
       ---
       Seeing the way their mark stared at another man's ass, Al knew
       he was going to have to lay on the charm. "Ugh... I'm pretty
       sure he is gay..." He said in complaint before he took another
       shot and went onto the dance floor.
       It didn't take much to get the intoxicated phinox to make out
       with him and surprisingly easy to co Vince the man to come home
       with him. Dark hair and flirty was certainly his type. Playing
       the bait,he trusted Smoker to get the trap ready.
       ---
       At first, Jerard thought he was doing good,but he hadn't
       acounted for sleeping magic, or the dragon able to deflect or
       obsorb any spells he threw at the beast. Eventually he slowed
       until he fell down.
       He tried several times to get back up but eventually he was down
       for the count, snoring softly as he was carried off by the
       dragon.
       -fin-
       “You know it… sexy..”Said Corven with a grin as he was clearly
       feeling the buzz, he felt his hand taken to follow the man the
       best he could. Slightly stumbling due to how he felt. But once
       he got to the loft, did his eyes widen. His eyes took in the
       room some before he heard the question.”I’ll take both.” He said
       before seeing the body language to find a spot on his lap. The
       man settled on him and asked.”so… do you go out or you always in
       this place?” He asked as he looked around more before taking
       whatever was offered to keep the good feeling going.
       ——-
       Smoker gave a mild smirk.”well you did say you were hot.. so go
       for it.” She said to chuckle as she watched part of the man’s
       convincing. “Swear if he convinced me he was gay he did now.”
       She mumbled before she would go outside. The woman fumbled with
       her side pack to get the cuffs that were build for the phoenix’s
       it would keep the fire at bay and easier to use. Once she saw
       Flint come out, Al taking the guy the way to where they were
       staying passing she collided with flint to get one cuff on to
       snuff any attempt for fire.”fun times are over.” Said the
       woman.”Gimmie a knife-“ she said waving her hand-already clearly
       ready to see what works on flint.
       Luna who was whisked away saw the two hunched over a man for her
       cat to make a mild growl. She heard him mention what the man was
       by smell before smoker would be knocked back as the dark haired
       cat got protective over the bird.
       Luna sighed as she came up.”you two need to stop!” She
       complained.”not all magic users and monsters are bad!” She said
       as she bent to get flint free.
       ——-
       The snake sent on the chase followed jerard closely and with
       Endri in pursuit kept the man going so that Endri could let off
       his spell. It turned out to work as he rode behind the snake to
       smile.”I’ll get you two steaks endri! I’ll cook em myself!” He
       said rather gleeful at the capture. “You get him home- I’ll pick
       up some real meat for you!” He said his smile widening. He was
       going to spoil the shit out of Endri.
       ——-
       Saga made a smile at the agreement and the list. “Oh I have
       loads. I’m starting to get bored.. I wouldn’t mind a bit of time
       out with you.. and maybe in my bed..” he said with a heated
       look.”and I don’t mean the cat bed on the sill.” He joked a
       little. “What do you say?” Said the demon with a mild smirk.
       —fin—
       Endri was a bit amused by the spells being flung at him. He
       didn't even bother to try and duck or get out of the way. Each
       one hit, leaving nothing but a slight tingle against his thick
       scales. *"fighting is futile, mortal,"* he sent telepathically.
       He followed the mage to the ground waiting and watching the
       mixed man attempt to get up, finally succumbing to his strong
       sleeping spells. He moved to gently put his massive right clawed
       foot around the man and took back off into the sky.
       He gave a rather toothy grin to Gemini, feeling pleased with the
       praise the other was heaping on him.
       *"You don't have to cook them that much, just lightly singed,"*
       he told Gemini, nearly drooling at the thought of rare steak.
       It had been awhile since he'd had steak. Even though he hadn't
       failed any of the jobs that the man had demanded of him. *"Maybe
       I could get ice cream too?"* He asked hopefully as he veered off
       to the safe house where he and Gemini had been staying.
       Once he was there, he set his captive gently on the ground and
       shifted into his human form. He then bent down to check over the
       man a bit closer.
       "Not bad looking, but kind of dumb," he muttered as he brushed
       the hair out of the others face. "Why would you screw over
       Gemini? Everyone knows better than that,"
       Endri bent down to lift the larger man up effortlessly and over
       one shoulder. He ignored the looks from the other gang members
       as he made his way inside the safe house and headed to his
       basement apartment.
       Unlike the other rooms of the house, his had been made sound
       proof to help him not get disturbed or woken during his work.
       Once he was down the stairs he moved to grab a collar and chain
       and got to work getting them on the sleeping magician.
       "Oh right, might want to add some protective charms so he can't
       hurt Gemini," he said thoughtfully and wove a few of them in the
       collar.
       Then he set the slumbering man onto his bed and sat down to
       watch and wait for Gemini to come back.
       -----
       Cisco got a thoughtful look at Saga mentioning how bored he was.
       "Maybe if you'd like, we could go to the mortal realm together.
       Do some exploring while getting all those things I need to get.
       Could even take you on a date, if you'd like. Though I wouldn't
       object to getting time with you in bed as well," he replied, a
       interested and intense look in his red eyes.
       "Though I should warn you, I get extremely busy with my work. If
       something comes up, I may have to change plans at the last
       minute. Past lovers couldn't deal with that, and think I'm off
       cheating on them. Which isn't the case. I don't have enough time
       to focus on more than one partner at a time.  If you're okay
       with that, I really would like to spend time with you. You are
       of course free to be other people yourself." He added, not
       wanting Saga to think he had to be exclusive or anything.
       --fin--
       "Hmmm I mostly stay here, on occasion I take buisness related
       trips... it is safer here..." Archie answered as his hands began
       to roam Corven's body, slipping under the necromancer's shirt.
       "I could be persuaded to go on a personal trip if I grow to
       trust, for now, when you finish that hit... why don't you give
       me a strip tease?" The man suggested with a seductive purr.
       ---
       A wicked smirk had come to Al's lips when he saw Smoker, and
       gladly went to hand over a blade at her request, only to be
       pushed back before they could really get started by the familiar
       that was always with Luna. "For fucks sake stop stalking me..."
       He complained, very tempted to throw a blade at the witch.
       "Monsters are called monsters for a reason,back off our kill,"
       he growled. The frightened Flint shifting as soon as the cuffs
       were removed to take off.
       "Fuuuuck that bird is going to take ages to track back down!" He
       complained with a heavy sigh. His need to kill far from
       satisfied.
       Flint fled to the park and the ancient tree he usually hid in,
       proceeding to have a massive panic attack over what happened.
       ---
       The sleeping Jerard was dead to the world, lost in a land of
       sleep and dreams. He wouldn't wake until he was dispelled or
       shaken awake.
       -fin-
       Corven listened to the man to feeling hands as a soft groan slid
       out. He heard the man’s suggestion.”strip tease hm? Alright..
       mean I should thank you for your hospitality..” said Corven as
       he pushed the man a little back in his seat before he’d take his
       hit.
       After he would start to strip slowly, almost dancing as he
       draped his shirt on the man his own hands running up his own abs
       into his hair, he then would get his belt to slide it off almost
       slow enough as if he was teasing the man. Each movement seemed a
       little clumsy, and a bit off, the man fully naked by the end of
       it and in Archie’s lap.”seems a little unfair your all in this
       and I’m in nothing… doesn’t it?” He purred with a mischievous
       look as he began to undo the man’s collar to expose his chest a
       little.
       ———
       Gemini beard the beasts request for icecream to chuckle. But he
       realized he never told him *what kind* as a result by the time
       he was back, he had two steaks, a cake, and what looked like
       several different types of icecream. He got the icecream put in
       the freezer, and got the steaks on the counter to start the
       stove- he’d do exactly how Endri would enjoy it.
       He plated it up to come down to the basement, intending to check
       on his dragon. “I’m back. Steak first desert later.. I may of
       ended up getting several flavors of icecream though.” he said
       before he would hand the dragon the plate.
       ——-
       Luna made a glare.”I wouldn’t have to if you two stop killing
       everything that moves- and they call *me* crazy.” She huffed as
       she saw the bird go.  She kept the two angry hunters attention
       as she knew he’d make sure the phoenix was alright.
       “Fuck that! That label is for things you too scared to even
       bothering to understand! “ snapped the pink haired woman as
       smoker got off the ground pissed herself.”first the damned
       troll, then that stupid shop, and now the bird! You don’t
       fucking understand what it means- we hunt these things down
       because they’re dangerous!” argued smoker who clearly was
       getting increasingly aggressive.
       She finally got to shove Luna who caught herself before feeling
       a finger.”your damned lucky we are even working with you guys-
       that is against our ethics. All you do is destroy, get in the
       way and disrupt- “ she said as her finger pressed against the
       witch.
       Luna would smack the woman’s hand away and went on her sob story
       for what felt for smoker like the hundredth time of trying to
       get reasoning in the two- that she did suffer to and turned to
       magic to save herself to groan.
       “cry me a river my smallest violin is playing.”  Smoker
       snapped.”my family was killed by trolls and unprovoked! I think
       they are a problem- that Phoenix could set this whole city on
       fire if left unchecked!” Said the woman as she looked for a
       smoke.
       Luna let off a deep breath.”you continue I’ll feel obligated
       under our code to report you two, and…”
       “… and what?” Said smoker as she had grabbed her iron knuckles
       preparing to clock the witch.
       Luna made a serious look.”I’ll have to use the collar on you and
       sexy over there.” She warned as she readied herself.
       ———
       Saga made a thoughtful look. “We could just walk out the door
       given it’s to the mortal realm.. least that’s how I weaved this
       spell on my own. And love to do a dare.. and don’t worry about
       the whole jealousy thing.” Saga told Cisco. “Honestly I know you
       get busy- but wouldn’t mind the occasional when your free fun?”
       Said the familiar.”least some change up from my day.. to day
       life.” He said honestly.
       “Let’s head out then.” He said as he went past the bar calling
       out to his mistress about leaving for a bit. Once the two were
       out the door, did Elysia walk down. It was silent and her
       stomach churned a little being alone. While she had issues with
       her familiar- it was the only noise that made things feel less
       lonely.
       She felt the tears prick a little before she’d grab some
       alcohol, and what looked like brownies to go upstairs.
       —fin—
       Endri smelled the slightly seared steak before he heard Gemini's
       footsteps on the stairs. By the time the man showed his face and
       the plate of juicy steaks, Endri's stomach was growling loudly
       and his mouth was drooling.
       "Thank the ancient ones! Apologies for how disgusting this is
       gonna look," he said quickly and grabbed the plate and began
       devouring the steak,  the bloody juice going down his face and
       onto his chest as he ripped into it.
       After he'd fully finished one huge steak, he paused to let his
       stomach settle a bit and then leisurely feasted on the second.
       "Looks like I'll have to shower again," he sighed at the mess on
       his chest. "I love all ice cream ..well not that infernal walnut
       one. Like really, worst flavor in the world," he said rolling
       his eyes.
       Endri glanced over at the sleeping Jerard. "He'll stay sleeping
       unless you shake him awake, or I undo the sleeping spell. I'll
       go clean up, just don't take off the chains or the collar.
       They'll keep him from using his magic," he explained as he got
       to his feet and went to clean up in the bathroom.
       He was back, once again wet and in a towel a good ten minutes
       later. He moved to sit down across from the captive and Gemini.
       "He's really not bad looking. Could keep him as a pet," he
       mused, thinking of the fun he and Gemini could have with the
       mage.
       ----
       Cisco couldn't help but appreciate just how useful Saga was. It
       surprised him a bit that Elysia didn't treat him better. If
       their bond wasn't completed, it was likely that Saga could just
       seek out another magic user if she didn't see it through. Though
       he had the feeling that Saga wasn't the type to do that. He
       seemed a far more loyal to His witch than others he'd run into.
       "Oh, you're into dares are you? I could try and think of a good
       one. After all the work I do, my brain usually needs a rest.
       This the grabbing things for others. I like to be useful." He
       admitted.
       Cisco was a bit relieved to hear Saga saying he didn't mind the
       occasional hook up and gave a nod. "I know what you mean. Once
       you get into a daily routine you need a little variety and
       excitement to keep you from getting bored. Not that I have any
       routines lately," he couldn't help but admit with a chuckle.
       Cisco gave a nod and pulled his coat on and then headed to the
       door once Saga had told Elysia he was leaving. They came out on
       a cobblestone street in an alleyway that led out to a bustling
       street.
       Cisco reached to grab Saga's have and tugged him through the
       crowd, weaving expertly between the other humans, keeping his
       head down. "You feel like trying mass transit or just walking?"
       He asked as they neared the stairs that led to the subway
       station.
       "How adventurous are you feeling Saga?" He asked shooting a grin
       at the familiar.
       --fin--
       A greedy lust filled look filled Archibald's eyes watching
       Corven strip in his lap. He was rock hard in his pants by the
       time the necromancer was fully undressed and complaining about
       the club owner's state of dress. His lips curled into a slight
       smirk at this as he helped the white haired man finish getting
       the button up shirt off. He then pulled the man in a rough
       demanding kiss. One hand on the back of his head and the other
       on the man's lower back.
       He then laid the man on his back before removing his belt to tie
       the man up with it and then began to run his hands over Corven's
       naked form. "Stunning," he purred before moving to take a hit of
       what was in his pipe before sharing it with the man in a steamy
       kiss. "I'm going to use you and make you my play thing,are you
       ready for that? Last chance to back out sexy," he warned with an
       intense and very serious look in his eyes.
       ---
       More frustrated and pissed off noises came from Alistair as the
       two women argued, shooting a glare at Luna when she threatened
       to collar them both. He couldn't help but scoff at such a
       notion. Slave collar being used on monster hunters. Given the
       look Luna was giving them he could tell she meant what she said.
       "I'm getting *real* sick and tired of you trying to tell us what
       we can and can't hunt. If you aren't careful you and your
       monster pet aren't careful you will be labeled a threat..." He
       threatened. To the point of blood lust he didn't care *what* he
       killed as long as he got to drag it out. The man could be
       sadistic at times. A product of his self hate.
       -fin-
       Gemini heard the brief apology that would come before the
       familiar way Endri often ate when he was extra hungry to
       chuckle. “It’s alright you just get yourself cleaned up.” He
       said as he looked over at Jerard who looked peacefully sleeping.
       Gemini was wondering how to go about things. The sadistic man
       roaming ideas in his head. He took off the man’s
       cloak.”probably..” said the dark haired man his snake sliding
       from his neck to his arm to wrap around it and sink into a
       tattoo, his hair shifted to red before he had an idea. To get
       the guy to play caretaker to Endri. The man couldn’t run and his
       summon would have someone occupy with.
       “Hey fucker wake up.” He stated to give a sharp smack to his
       face as he put on his game face that usually scared anyone who
       had tried to screw him over.
       ——-
       Once Archi had stripped his shirt off did Corven get a good look
       at how sculpted the guy looked. He felt the pull in to the deep
       kiss, the forceful kiss turning him on greatly. Something about
       the man being like this had an affect on Corven. He felt his
       world move as he was on his back.
       He saw the belt come off before his hands were tied up, he
       naturally squirmed in his restraints. The hands running over his
       pale form causing a noise to slide out. He felt the mouth cover
       his the smoky taste lingering. “Oh fuck yes… use me however you
       want..” purred the gangster giving a rather challenging
       look.”This toy is hard to break.” He said flashing a grin.
       ——
       The cat had gotten to the tree, having followed flint to get
       inside to see the poor thing shaking.*are you alright
       birdy?*asked the cat who slid in to keep hidden.*you can call me
       shadow or shade.* said the cat as he kept his distance. His
       instincts partly wanted to jump the bird but his sensibilities
       as a familiar were far greater.  *are you hurt?* he asked as he
       laid down showing he wasn’t there to be harmful.
       —-
       Luna heard Alastair making his own threat her glare softening
       briefly. She gave a soft breath out.”Thats the problem- you
       label everything a threat- you didn’t even give that family of
       unicorns a chance.” Said Luna with a mild hint of emotion.
       “You’re really not giving me a reason to think of other
       solutions.”
       Smoker noticed how much softer she became with Al with her
       words. “Oh Al, she was always a threat..” said smoker.”and
       threatening that collar- your method of getting anyone to listen
       is inhumane- their guaranteed a quick death- if they don’t
       struggle.” Said smoker the grin that briefly crossed her mouth
       at the end.
       “It’s worked before- why did you think Ling left your
       mercenary?” Said the witch as her face took a very different
       look- smoker’s eye widened remembering ling as her mouth
       dropped.
       The man was one of the few she had a crush on, and was one of
       the tougher ones. When he  left it tore her up- they had tried
       hunting him down to bring him back- but the guy ended up
       attacking his own and vanished.
       “*that was you!?!*”Smoker said.”***that poisoned his mind?***”
       The witch crossed her arms.”hardly- I just took him around,
       showed him the monster world in a different lense.” She said
       with a smirk. “Once he learned what I was sayin’ his collar came
       off- helped monsters too-“ she finished. “My methods aren’t
       torturous like yours.” She said with a mild narrowed look.
       Smoker got in front of Al as she felt protective of the man.
       “I’m not telling you what you can’t hunt! I’m asking you to
       actually look at what is really a threat!” Said Luna as she saw
       smoker gripping the knife.
       Smoker went for the pink haired girl for the witch to dodge.
       “You forced this not me!” Said Luna as the girl let off wind
       magic to launch smoker back into the dumpster as she grunted.
       “Al forget the shit they said- she gotta go!” Said Smoker now
       clearly pissed off.
       ——
       The familiar chuckled. “I get it, least I’ll be getting out for
       a bit.” He said as he walked with him. Feeling the magic users
       hand in his felt nice. How he longed for Elysia to do the same.
       He paused when he heard the man mention about doing travel or
       walking.”subways fine.. and I’m plenty adventurous.” Said saga
       with a smirk.
       “What do you have in mind?” He said as his eye ran over the man
       a little.
       —fin—
       Endri could practically see the wheels moving in Gemini's head
       as the man mulled over how to deal with the con artist. He
       recalled just how pissed off Gem had been about being ripped off
       by one of his own men. It hadn't been a pretty thing to witness.
       He didn't react in the slightest when Gemini reached over and
       slapped the offender awake. Sure it was harsh, but he knew that
       the gang boss had far worse ways he could have woken up the
       mage.
       He settled back lazily against his pillows, as if watching a
       favorite show and not a man about to be tortured for answers.
       "If you're wanting him alive, I could give you a hand." He
       offered using a toothpick to clean out his teeth.
       -----
       "I'll just have to steal you away every chance I can," Cisco
       replied, shooting an admiring look at the familiar's body.
       He grinned at Saga's response and chuckled a bit as he led the
       other down the stairs to the even more crowded subway station.
       The press of bodies around them was a bit intense making Cisco
       unleash just a bit of repelling magic to get some needed
       breathing room. It was a little risky yes, but Cisco didn't like
       strangers getting too close. Especially since there tended to be
       pickpockets that could snatch things they shouldn't have.
       "Usually I don't plan too much, just see what might happen," he
       explained. "Though, is there anything you might want to do? Or
       go to see? I know you probably don't get out too much with your
       work,"
       Cisco pulled Saga into the subway train headed to the uptown
       area and then made sure to protectively box Saga in, away from
       any    stray hands. "Could make out a bit, if you want,"
       ---fin--
       A harsh slap to the face was more than enough to jolt Jerard
       from his sweet dreams to the waking world.  His worst fears
       realized. He was captured by the gang boss he had royally
       screwed over. He had managed to be slippery enough to not be
       caught up until now but it looked like his cardwas up and he was
       going to probably die today. His heart was racing a mile a
       minute as he quickly tried to move back and away from his
       captors. His eyes moving quickly between the two men.
       When his usually magic didn't work when he pulled on the collar,
       the fear *really* sunk in. "Please don't kill me," he begged.
       ---
       A wicked grin crossed Archibald's lips at the reaction the
       necromancer was having to his touch and kisses and then the
       words had the high he was on feeling even greater. Especially at
       the challenge of breaking his new toy.
       "I think I'm going to have a grand Ole time trying," Archie
       practically growled before he kissed the man again, biting his
       lip rather hard before kissing the man aggressively, biting
       Corven's lip before tugging on the piercings with his teeth. He
       then went down the man's face and the bit his neck,and then
       chest, and then spent a good long time feasting on his nipples,
       littering bite marks and hickies all down the man's body
       trailing to the man's member.
       "You are a work of art," he purred as he began to leave marks on
       the man's member though being far more gentle than he hand been
       with the man's body, seeing how long the man would tolerate such
       treatment before taking the member into his mouth as he inserted
       two wet fingers into his plaything, making sure the man would be
       able to take him.
       The club owner would occasionally pause to take hits or shots,
       feeding them to Corven in quite sexual kisses. He would continue
       to tease and torture the white haired man until he had him
       begging. Then, and only when then man was *properly* begging,
       would Archie pick the man up and carry him to the bedroom.
       >>>
       Tossing him onto the bed once inside. Then he would finally
       remove his pants and underwear, folding them neatly before he
       would move to the bed. He crawled on and nearly folded Corven in
       half before slowly pushing inside of the man. "Mmmmm nice and
       tight," he purred in praise.
       ---
       Hearing a sudden voice had the phinox suddenly turning around to
       see the black cat. His eyes going wide as he scrambled away
       quite scared. It took him a moment to decide that the Cat wasn't
       going to hurt him and finally spoke.
       "Yes yes yes... she cut my chest.... but but but... i.... I
       should be okay... it will heal..." He answered shyly, unable to
       properly calm down.
       ---
       Seeing Smoker pushed back like that had Alistair let out a
       frustrated near growl as he charged at Luna,trying to connect
       with his blade. He was quite skilled at dodging magic but he
       wouldn't be able to keep it up for long. Especially not when she
       managed to get a collar around his neck.
       "No!" He would gasp in horror before the collar would stop him
       from being able to attack anymore.
       -fin-
       “Shhhh.” Said Gemini to Endri as he saw Jerard coming to, a grin
       crossed his face as he heard the immediate plea.”oh death is too
       good for you Jerard. I’m going to make you work Jerard.. and
       that means you’ll be taking care of my dragon- if he says jump-
       you ask how high.” He said before grabbing the collar to yank
       him close.”and I get to do whatever I please with you.” Said the
       red head.”face like yours is terrible to waste.. and you
       definitely won’t last with the sex workers and yet you clearly
       aren’t meant for hard labor.” He said fingering the thing as his
       face came very close to Jerad’s a threat of a kiss so close. “So
       Jerard, you’ll be in our room and on our bed…doing tasks that
       might bore you out of your mind or blow your mind whichever so
       we feel like.” He said darkly.”understood Jerard?” He said
       punctuating the man’s name every time it came out of his
       mouth.”do that and you will live.”
       ——
       Saga followed Cisco to end up on the subway, smooshed with the
       guy as he felt but uncomfortable with everybody else but Cisco
       being this close.
       He made a mild noise at his ass being grabbed before Cisco got
       the bodies away.”thank you.” He mumbled to pat his pocket to be
       relieved he wasn’t stolen from.
       “Mm I don’t mind stopping for this ‘fast food’ a burger maybe?”
       Sage said bemused. “And maybe really browse the alcohol shop
       too.” He said as he felt the pull. This kind of attention felt
       nice- quite the opposite of his mistress. He heard the
       question.”so where would we do that… Cisco?” Asked the familiar
       with  a small glow of his eye.
       ——
       Corven felt the mouth to wimper lightly at the bite, the man
       enjoying the roughness to gasp at the biting. He squirmed
       lightly to struggle naturally. He felt helpless at the man’s
       sweet and rough torture.
       But when the mouth got gentler on his member did he melt. He
       felt the invading fingers with little resistance as he was
       getting into it- his release denied in a form of taking hits and
       shots his mouth enjoying the feeling of the man’s.
       “Alright.. please.. Archie.. I can’t take it anymore.. fuck me
       already!” Begged the gang member. He felt the sudden shift to
       being lifted and being shifted to the bed his body colliding
       with the mattress. He was flushed with want and bucked his hips
       a little. “Ride me fill me- I want you either way please?” He
       asked being a mix of high, horney, and buzzed, as the world felt
       like I was moving.
       ———
       “*if you let me- I can heal it faster*” said shade as he moved
       carefully. His tail twitching as he crawled a bit closer his
       familiar and cat instincts working in tandem to calm the bird
       down like he would a human. His little furry body once able to
       reach the bird would brush against it and settle by him.*what is
       your name.. or do I call you Phoenix?* he asked in a purr as his
       ears turned to the bird. His goal was to calm down the fire bird
       and see if he’d shift to his human self.
       ——-
       Alastair would get close, the girl unwilling to really hurt the
       one guy for some reason she had fallen for. All it took was one
       moment when he did help her before finding out what she was.
       The spells clearly weaker with him.
       Smoker went in barreling to work in tandem with her partner, but
       for some reason- would be treated just a little bit harsher with
       the wind spells.
       She got a collar out to take the one stab to her leg, succeeding
       in getting it around his neck. “I told you both, you forced my
       hand.” She said as smoker got her gun to the girls head before
       the collar would go on. Her finger now unable to pull the
       trigger.
       “Drop it.” She said as their hands would let go of their weapons
       and Luna shifted to get the knife out of her leg. “You
       definitely work well together.” Chuckled Luna who clearly was in
       pain before she would heal herself. “Just so you know- you can’t
       harm others unless you’re attacked first. Meaning that collar
       can feel intent- you also can’t kill me. You two are *so* gonna
       see what I mean- just like ling.” She said. “But that means you
       two will be coming home with me- as I know you two already
       reported a week ago- plenty of time to do some real work.” She
       said with a bright grin.
       ——fin—-
       #Post#: 1622--------------------------------------------------
       Re: The unknown Journey
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 23, 2026, 9:59 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Endri let out a sigh at being shushed. It wasn't like he was
       being annoying. He'd been offering to help Gemini.
       He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes glittering a bit as
       Gemini began speaking. His cheek twitched in irritation at being
       called Gem's dragon.  He'd have to talk to the man about that
       later on.
       As if he was anything like the other creatures Gemini had
       summoned!
       He wasn't all that happy with Gemini saying they'd all be
       sharing the bed either. He was just starting to tolerate sharing
       with Gemini. Now the guy expected him to just let a stranger
       cozy up to him in the middle of the night?
       "Like hell he'll be in my bed." Endri growled, his eyes glowing
       a bright blue. "Gonna have to hose him down first, he stinks.
       And a spot in the bed has to be earned," he added in a flat
       tone.
       He got up, a brooding look on his face and stalked back upstairs
       to grab the cake and a container of ice cream and headed to one
       of the empty rooms to feast on his sweets. While he wouldn't
       have minded having someone to keep him company, what he really
       wanted was more time with Gemini. It felt like the man was
       foisting off this new guy on him to keep him out of his hair.
       Which kind of pissed him off.
       "Such a moron." He muttered and sighed as he stuffed a bite of
       cake into his mouth followed by a spoonful of chocolate chip ice
       cream. "Guess I'll have to be more obvious, cause Gem is
       fu.cking oblivious,"
       ----
       Cisco glared around them, realizing the noise Saga had made had
       been because he'd been grabbed.."next time anyone does that,
       I'll hex them," he growled, looking quite pissed.
       His mood lifted a bit when Saga mentioned getting food and then
       perusing an alcohol shop. "We can do that, there's an apothecary
       and a tattoo supply shop close to my favorite burger place. Can
       grab mostly everything on my list,"
       The only thing he'd need after that was the fairy blood that
       Saga had asked for. That if course would be harder to come by.
       "If you don't care about onlookers, we could kiss here. Or we
       could find a secluded spot. If you want to wait, I do have a
       flat we could go to after eating and shopping,"
       Cisco couldn't help but gently slide a hand up Saga's neck and
       lifted his jaw, running his thumb over the familiar's soft lips.
       -----
       Cruz had been finishing up a missing person case he'd been
       working when he felt the key around his neck warm against his
       skin. He frowned and reached to touch it, a flash of worry going
       through him for Elysia.
       He'd been friends with the young magic weaver for several years
       now. Being one of the few age actually trusted, he carried a key
       to her shop. It would let him know when she moved the place, it
       if the shop was in danger. It also would teleport him to where
       get it moved, which came in handy when he was working in the
       mortal realm.
       "Should probably check on her," he said and finished typing up
       the case notes and saved them.
       After securing his laptop in the safe in his office he touched
       the key and was transported right outside the bar and Tattoo
       parlor.
       He frowned slightly when he found the door locked. Something
       must have upset her to have shut it so early to customers.
       "Hey, you got a key?" A man slurred as he approached.
       "You're tired and you want to go sleep off your drunken state,"
       he murmured in a suggestive tone.
       "Never mind, I'm tired, I need to go home," the guy repeated and
       headed off.
       Cruz shook his head and then used his key to unlock the door and
       slid inside, locking and closing the door behind him.
       "Elysia? You okay? Where are you?" He called out as he headed
       through the dimly lit place. "It's  your friend, Cruz,"
       The tall man pulled his long hair up off his neck into a
       ponytail as he continued walking through the bar.
       ---fin--
       A gulp was the only sound Jerard made when Gemini spoke and
       pulled him in so close. "Understood... Master...." He said
       softly, his voice holding fear before flinching at what the
       dragon had to say about the arrangement. "I... um don't think
       your dragon likes me very much..." He commented but didn't dare
       move a muscle.
       ---
       "Oh I'm going to fill you up alright, you can believe that."
       Archibald promised before fully shoving himself inside and began
       to really go to town on his new toy. The pair would be intangled
       for *hours* like this, Archie using the necromancer until he had
       the man in tears from cumming so much. He would pull away and
       pass out near the first light of the sun, snuggled up with his
       new well used toy.
       ---
       The way Shadow approached and comforted soon had the phoenix
       convinced into shifting into his human form. "You know know know
       how to heal?" He questioned, slowly trusting the feline.
       ---
       Both of them being captured caused a string of curse words to
       fall from Alistair's lips over the both of them being at her
       mercy.
       "When I get free, you are dead," he threatened in a dark growl.
       -fin-
       ++++++++++
       Kit's heart pounded, his breath ragged as he tore through the
       copse of trees behind his master's estate. Former master, came
       the sudden thought, halting him just long enough to press
       himself against the rough bark of a gnarled tree at the sound of
       braying hounds behind him.
       "Catch the damned fox demon! Once he gets past the bounds, we'll
       lose him!"
       The harsh voice of his master's killer sent a jolt of fear
       through him, and Kit bit down on his bottom lip. He'd always
       known his master was hated—cruelty bred enemies—but the man's
       brother was ten times worse.
       Even if he escaped, Kit knew the dark mage would never stop
       hunting him. The man was obsessed, intent on twisting Kit to his
       own ends.
       Drawing a slow breath, Kit crouched and worked a loose stone
       from the earth. It took precious seconds, but when he finally
       freed it, he hurled it in the opposite direction. The crashing
       sound sent dogs and men veering off the trail. Kit seized the
       moment, slipping away as silently as he could, heading toward
       the city beyond the trees. If he could find an out-of-the-way
       place to hide—without using his magic—he might just have a
       chance.
       But fate was rarely so kind.
       He had barely covered a few yards when his sharp ears caught
       curses—closer this time. The hunting party was closing in.
       With a low groan, Kit broke into a sprint, clawing at the
       restrictive collar around his neck. If he could get it off, he
       could use his powers to vanish.
       His bare feet slapped against pavement as he pushed himself
       harder. Then he spotted it—a church spire rising above the
       rooftops. Sanctuary.
       If memory served, the church grounds were protected. The dark
       mage wouldn’t be able to enter.
       A shout rang out behind him just as Kit crossed onto the
       hallowed ground, leaving his pursuers behind.
       --
       Daniel sat at his desk, surrounded by towering stacks of papers
       and books. Some were open, ready for reference, while others
       leaned precariously, threatening to spill. He scribbled notes
       with focused intensity, the fading daylight behind him replaced
       by the warm glow of a few well-placed lamps, just enough to keep
       him from straining his eyes.
       The distant sound of hurried footsteps and muffled curses broke
       his concentration. He stood and moved to the small window
       overlooking the parking lot. His brow furrowed as he spotted
       robed figures and large, braying hounds prowling the lot.
       A bell rang, sharp and urgent, drawing him toward the front of
       the church. Paul, the church’s steward, was already there,
       opening the door to reveal a panicked, breathless young man.
       "Please… I seek sanctuary. They’re trying to catch me—use me as
       a sacrifice," the man gasped, barely able to stand.
       Daniel stepped forward quickly, catching the stranger as his
       legs gave out.
       "Ask, and ye shall receive," he said gently, signaling to Paul
       to close the door. "You’re safe here for as long as you need. If
       they don’t leave, we’ll find a way to sneak you out."
       With care, he helped the man toward a modest sleeping area
       Daniel himself often used on long nights.
       "Is there anything I can get you?" Daniel asked, his voice warm
       with concern.
       "Water, food… maybe something clean to wear?"
       "You’ll probably want to shower first. I’ll show you where the
       bathroom is. I’m Pastor Daniel. What’s your name?"
       "I’m… Kit," the man replied, rubbing at his neck.
       Daniel's eyes were drawn to the metal collar encircling it. A
       cold realization struck him—this man had clearly endured
       something horrific.
       "Nice to meet you, Kit," Daniel said softly. "I’ll see if Paul
       can find something to get that off. Try to rest a bit—I’ll be
       right back."
       He turned away, fists clenched tightly.
       How could the world harbor such evil? Had humanity truly fallen
       this far?
       --fin--
       Aether and Ling had just finished their work when they heard
       some cries. The two looked at each other to make a serious look.
       It grew in worry to see robed figures as the two rushed hearing
       the bell.
       “That’s the church- Daniel must of took him in.” Said Ling as
       the two rushed. “Daniel?” Asked Aether as he hadn’t met the man
       in his life.”he worked with some of our hunters as a form of an
       exorcist,” he told him Aether noticed the robed figures stalled.
       “Better take care of the lot or the fox won’t get any peace.” He
       said before Ling would barrel by, the man didn’t waste time
       taking out three.
       He saw a spell coming his way to lift his arm to a sheild
       popping up.  It would block the spell before he’d grab the robed
       figure to toss him. “Your rune weapons really help!” He told
       Aether as the man shot off what looked like fireballs.”what can
       I say- it’s a good power as dull as some put it.” He said to
       laugh a bit before dodging another. The few left had scrambled
       off.
       —fin—
       Kit watched the pastor head off, and caught his breath. A wave
       of relief went through him that he was safe and the man was
       willing to help him. The sound of the bell ringing a few moments
       later had him shaking and slowly moving to find a window to
       glance out of.
       His eyes widened a bit seeing the wizard and his men fighting
       against two shadowy figures.
       He drew back from the sight, his eyes darting around the room
       before hiding in the smallest corner he could find. While he
       knew the wizard and his men couldn't come into the church, the
       hiding was an instinctual habit of his.
       -----
       Daniel heard the bell sounding, realizing instantly that Paul
       must have gone to ring it. The man must have sensed the need to
       summon help or had thought to try and scare the men outside off.
       Most thought the bell was just for calling for help, but the
       sound also drove off demonic creatures as well.
       "Paul, good work. Would you mind getting the tools to remove a
       collar? The young man was forced into wearing one," he spoke to
       the steward softly when the man came back into the main hall.
       The sound of fighting interrupted Paul's response and drew
       Daniel to the main door once again. Using the small sliding peep
       hole allowed Daniel to make out the people fighting. He waited
       until the wizard and his men retreated before unlocking the door
       and calling out to Ling and his companion.
       "Thank you for driving them off Ling. You and your friend are
       welcome to come in. It's quite fortunate you showed, I was going
       to call you for assistance,"
       Once the two were inside, Daniel locked the door behind him and
       explained what he knew before leading them back to his room.
       He blinked, glancing around for the frightened young man, a bit
       worried to not see him straight away.
       "Kit? Are you hiding? It's okay, you can come out. These two can
       help you get somewhere safe. Somewhere those men can't hurt
       you," Daniel spoke softly, looking around slowly.
       "nowhere is safe for me. That's a dark mage hunting me," Kit
       spoke softly and slowly came out from the shadowy corner he'd
       been hiding in. His eyes flitted between the two new faces,
       uncertainty showing in his eyes.
       At least with the collar on, it kept his eyes from changing and
       giving off what he really was. If these guys were hunters,
       they'd more than likely off him if they found out the truth.
       "Here Daniel, this should work on getting that collar off," Paul
       said gruffly as he showed up with a bolt cutter.
       Kit took a step back, internally freaking out. "It's not going
       to be that easy to get it off. If it's tampered with, it's
       likely to hurt me more. Believe me I've tried. Only a powerful
       magic weaver could get it off," he spoke up, his eyes shifting
       towards the ground. "The dark mage made certain that I would
       suffer if any one other than a magician were to try and take it
       off,"
       ----fin---
       Aether cast a glance at the man as they entered, almost
       venturing a flirt before Ling's elbow jabbed him back to
       reality. Ling shot him a firm "no" look, then turned on a
       friendly smile. "No problem. We're on a job," he explained,
       introducing, "This is my friend, Aether." The man responded with
       a crooked smile, "Nice to meet you." After some discussion, two
       darkened expressions remained, understanding the grim
       implications of being a sacrifice. By the time they reached the
       room, they exchanged worried looks, wondering about the victim's
       whereabouts.
       Ling jumped at the man's sudden appearance, noting the fear in
       his voice. Aether sensed the doubt but couldn't fault him; he
       knew a safe place for the fox. The two exchanged glances, their
       eyes drawn to the bolt cutters. Aether halted the man holding
       them just as Kit explained their magical infusion, which Aether
       had suspected.
       "Well, lucky for you, there is a safe place with a spell weaver
       known as the Wandering Witch of Elysium," Aether said warmly.
       "She can remove that and restore your freedom." Ling crossed his
       arms, listening intently. "I can vouch for her. If it wasn't for
       her, I'd still be stuck with that collar I got ‘accidentally’
       trapped in," the man added with a mild fib. Truthfully, after
       his ordeal with mercenaries and time in Luna’s clutches, Luna's
       collar should have released him, but it didn't. It was through
       that incident, and thanks to Aether, that he met Elysia, seeing
       Luna receive a lecture on how unethical it was and for
       forgetting the release spell when he broke of the brainwashing.
       —fin—
       Daniel was already feeling wary and a bit tense at the mention
       of magic being the only way to remove the collar. He didn't
       really like hearing about this sort of thing or that it could be
       used to force people into servitude.
       "I'll grab you some clothes from the donation boxes downstairs.
       I'll only be a few minutes moments. Paul, let's leave them to
       talk freely,"
       Daniel headed off with a Paul grumbling behind him. Kit waited
       until the two God fearing men were out of sight before he spoke
       up.
       "I've heard of her, if anyone could break it she could.
       Also..I'm not actually human. I am...was the familiar of that
       dark mage's brother. He murdered him so he could force me to
       bond with him.    While I appreciate what the pastor's help, the
       less he knows the better." Kit insisted. "I'm half fox demon,
       half shifter," he explained in a low voice.
       Kit reached up to scratch where his fox ears would have been and
       let out a soft sigh. "Even if I am safe with her, the mage is
       going to try and come after me again. If that's going to be a
       problem, maybe I should just go somewhere else," he finished.
       After they'd spoken a little bit longer, Daniel returned with a
       stack of clothes and a plate of food.
       "I thought you might be hungry too. Oh and the water you asked
       for,* he added pulling a water bottle out of his pants pocket
       and handing it over.
       "If there's anything else you need before you go just let me
       know," Daniel added, moving to leave again.
       "Thank you, for everything, Pastor Daniel," Kit said gratefully
       taking the food and clothes.
       He was quick to drink half the water and then devoured the food.
       He moved to pull his tattered shirt off, revealing the scars
       he'd gotten from his master's punishments. From the way he moved
       one arm, it was obvious that it had healed incorrectly and had
       affected his range of motion.
       "I'll change the rest in the bathroom," he muttered realizing
       that Aether and Ling were watching. Once he was back and
       changed, Kit was ready to go.
       "is it far from here?" He asked curiously, pulling on a hooded
       sweatshirt and pulling the hood up to hide his face.
       ---fin--
       Aether took notice of the priests body language as he heard the
       man take Paul with him.  His brow furrowed to look at Ling.”yeah
       you should have waited till they were gone- I’ll explain when we
       are out.” He murmured.
       Aether’s brows went up- it wasn’t terribly unheard of - partners
       being killed for their familiars. Some were contractually bound
       to go back to the demon realm- Aether crossed his arms a little
       in thought.
       Ling chuckled.”I’m sure you’ll be fine there-mean she’s
       protected quite a few people in her home before.” He said.
       They were interrupted as Daniel came back. Aether quiet as he
       watched the interaction.
       They gave him time to change, Aether simply looking amused to be
       jabbed again by Ling. It seemed to keep aether’s natural
       weakness to flirt in check.
       “Oh it won’t be.” Said Aether.”probably best if we walk a little
       a ways though.” He murmured.
       They guided the fox to an ally, where Aether produced a
       key.”glad she got this done the other day.” He muttered.
       He turned the key to open the door, it breathing life in the
       abandoned building  to those from the outside.
       “Now if you..” he started before seeing a robed figure to grab
       the fox by the front of his shirt to get him inside Ling fired a
       few shots to be pulled back, Aether took the brunt of the robed
       figure to crash inside Ling quickly shutting the door in case of
       reinforcements after getting the key out to shut the door.
       Elysia was busy in her back room
       When she heard the crash. She rushed in to see two men that
       looked familiar and two that didn’t.
       “Their after the one with the collar!” She heard. The scene
       showing one of covered being shielded by Ling and Aether getting
       his ass kicked - and her shop wrecked. The woman started
       muttering a spell as the robed figure went at her, she saw a
       glint of a knife that would stop short as her spell finished. It
       had taken the smoke of the incense she had burning to a chain.
       “You’re in my space now! Drop it.” She seethed.>>>
       ^^^
       Aether got up to grunt.”sit still your hurt idiot.” Said ling as
       he pointed his gun.
       Elysia would walk to her door. Hitting a mechanism it would show
       a fish.Her door would open, an ocean showing on the other side..
       it was almost as if they were witnessing a fish tank. She would
       shove the man out the door shutting not caring for the fate of
       the man that had not only invaded her shop but caused harm.
       “Alright ..time to explain what the hell that was?” She asked as
       she walked over to make some drinks- “want a coffee or
       anything?” She asked kit in a much warmer tone as she got the
       med kit to hand it to Ling for Aether.
       —fin—
       Kit was a bit relieved that it wasn't too far and followed the
       two closely. Every slight sound put him on edge, flinching and
       shaking every few steps. When they stopped in an alley, Kit
       frowned slightly, unsure of what was going on. The key being
       produced had his eyes widening.
       "Shouldn't you check..." He started to say slowly when his words
       were cut off by a cry of terror when he was suddenly snatched
       and pulled into the abandoned building. He instinctively fought
       back, kicking, biting and thrashing around, the change of his
       surroundings  a blur as he fought for his life.
       He finally was able to get free, and fell to the ground in a
       heavy thud. He scrambled away watching as the fight escalated
       further.
       He was a trembling mess when it finally ended with the mage
       being thrown into the ocean. His eyes shot up at the young
       witch:s inquiry about what had brought the fight to her place.
       "The..the dark mage was hunting me. He killed his brother
       and..wanted to force me to bond with him next. Could I get some
       water please? You..you're Elysia? I'm Kit, fox demon and
       shifter," he said softly as he moved slowly to look around the
       damaged room.
       "I can help you fix up everything, though..my powers are bound
       with this collar on," he added.
       ---fin--
       The woman would pause, she gave a rather empathetic look.”it’s
       okay, you focus on gathering your strength.” She told the fox.
       Her eye went to Aether who flinched at Ling doctoring a cut on
       his head. “Yeah.. apparently a bunch of robed freaks was
       perusing the guy. Guess one decided to try and jump us.” He said
       as she placed some drinks for the two men at a table with one
       broken chair she moved. She placed some water for kit on the
       bar. “Let me see the collar.” She asked.
       Once the hood fell back did she blush a little. Her fingers
       touched the collar her brow furrowing a little. She would close
       her eyes giving in to feeling the magic in the collar. “They
       really tried to make this tough..” she muttered at first.
       Ling got a concerned look.”can you..” he started pausing his
       work.
       “Oh I can do it- just realizing how much they tried to keep this
       one locked up.. “ she said her eye opening slow a faint glow
       showing. Her eye ran over the collar as her finger moved. What
       she saw that many couldn’t was layers of the magic  used- weaved
       so tightly. She followed her instincts as she went to work. For
       her it was like finding a loose thread and yanking it apart,
       unraveling it like a weaved rug. It felt like a few long moments
       before the collar would make a sound, like a crack, before it
       would fall apart.
       —fin—-
       The kindness in the Weaver's tone has Kit nodding and looking
       away shyly. It had been ages since anyone had treated him with
       any kindness or decency.
       He reached out for the water, then paused at her request to see
       the collar. Knowing how close she'd have to get, he flushed as
       he pulled the hood back and unzipped the hoody enough for her to
       see the collar.
       He was a bit surprised to see her blushing at seeing his face.
       His mother had told him that he was handsome, but surely after
       almost ten years that had to have changed.
       He tried to stay still, but he couldn't help but shift when her
       fingers brushed against his skin as she touched the collar to
       get a feel for the magic.
       He held his breath at her muttered words, worry creeping into
       him until she reassured Ling that she could indeed remove the
       collar.
       He felt a slight shock from the collar as she worked on the
       collar, but it wasn't anywhere near what the collar normally did
       to him.
       The sound of it cracking and the weight of the device falling
       off has him gasping in fresh air. "I'm finally free," he sighed
       as relief went through him. "Many thanks to you, magic weaver"
       Kit added with a bow of his head.
       His adrenaline was quickly fading and he moved to lay his head
       on the bar top once he'd drunk the entire glass of water. "Is
       there a corner or a couch I could rest for a little bit?" He
       asked before covering up a yawn.
       ---fin--
       #Post#: 1623--------------------------------------------------
       Re: The unknown Journey
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 23, 2026, 10:06 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Elysia gave a rather warm smile seeing such a wide smile. “Sorry
       for the little shock though- “ she said before watching him down
       the water. “You two better chill for now down here.” She told
       Ling and Aether. She’d click the mechanism that would place the
       shop near the club once again.”be safe on your way back.” She
       said before taking kit’s  hand.”follow me.”
       Once she found her room she opened it. The room looking fairly
       simple in taste and roomy.”We do have a light magician around-
       he’s waiting for my ex-familiar to find his way back. He’s a
       nice guy so don’t be too shy- he’s expecting so just keep it
       down a little.” Said Elysia. “You can use my room- I generally
       end up sleeping in my favorite room so no complaints here.” She
       said with a chuckle.
       “Bathroom is over here, you’re welcome to use things in here.”
       she said with a smile.
       —fin-
       "no need to apologize, it didn't bother me that much," Kit
       reassured her, in a low soft tone.
       He finished off the water and was a bit surprised by the
       beautiful and  kind Elysia taking his hand gently in her own.
       "Okay,"
       He followed her, an odd sensation shooting through him. Kit took
       in his surroundings, and blinked in surprise at the mention of a
       light mage, her ex familiar and then mention of the mage
       expecting.
       "Expecting?" He echoed, not sure he'd heard correctly. "As in...
       pregnant? Is that possible?" He asked sounding a bit shocked.
       He glanced at her very comfortable looking bed. "I'd better
       shower first. I don't to make your bed stink. Though...I'm
       likely to end up in my fox form for awhile if i do shift, just
       fair warning. It's been awhile since I was allowed to shift," he
       explained.
       ---fin--
       “Mmhmm- it was a booboo- I didn’t finish a particular tattoo- in
       the state it was allowed for him to get pregnant- so he’s
       staying here till  Saga- the one that fathered the baby gets
       back.” She said. Her hands went behind her back a little
       listening.”If you’re more tired it’s okay to jump right in- I
       can always wash the sheets.  And thanks for the warning- I’m
       familiar with some shifting- so don’t be shy in doing what you
       need to.” She said.
       “I do shower in the mornings so don’t be suprised if the
       bathroom door is locked by then- I usually get ready for the day
       for clients I got scheduled. You can keep to the room or mingle-
       no one will touch you here- they try they’ll get ejected pretty
       quick.” She added, as she moved toward the door.
       “If you need anything I’ll be in my reading room, it’s down the
       hall- all you have to do is knock, to the left of it is the
       kitchen if you get hungry- feel free to eat anything- but if
       it’s marked with Ciscos name don’t touch- it’s just the cravings
       he tends to have.” Elysia noted to the fox in case he got
       hungry.
       —fin—
       Kit's eyebrows twitched at Elysia's explanation of what had
       happened.  "That's crazy," he murmured. "Sounds like a lot goes
       on here,"
       The more Elysia spoke, the more he started to like her. "Well
       I'm capable of cleaning too. So don't think you have to clean up
       after me.  If you shower in the morning, I'll take one tonight.
       That way I won't disturb you,"
       Her reassurance that him being bothered by others wouldn't be
       tolerated had him nodding, that strange feeling filling him up
       inside
       "Okay, if I need anything I'll find you. I'll make sure to check
       for marks and leaving his stuff alone," he said respectfully.
       "Thank you, for everything,"
       After a quick hot shower, Kit pulled on his boxers and slid
       under the blankets, falling asleep quickly on the comfortable
       mattress.
       He would finally wake to the sound of the shower going the next
       morning.
       After getting dressed, he headed to find the kitchen and pulled
       out breakfast foods to start cooking up enough for Elysia and
       her friend Cisco.
       He was just finishing up making  pancakes when he heard
       footsteps and glanced up to see a muscular tattooed man had come
       into the kitchen.
       "I made pancakes, have some. If you want eggs or something else,
       I can cook whatever you'd like," Kit offered.
       Cisco gave the younger man a friendly smile as he sat down. "You
       must be Kit. I'm Cisco, and your pancakes smell amazing. Do you
       drink coffee? I can make you some," Cisco offered.
       Kit blinked and then chuckled lightly. "Are you offering so you
       can smell it?" He asked in amusement.
       Cisco sighed. "So she told you then. Yeah..I miss drinking it,"
       "I don't really drink it myself, it makes me feel shaky and on
       edge,"
       --fin--
       Elysia cast a gentle look. "I only suggested staying for the
       night since you've been through so much," she murmured softly.
       Hearing Kit mention showering at night made her smile gently.
       She turned to go, saying, "Sleep well," before heading to the
       reading room. She intended to read a little until she grew tired
       enough to drift off. Things had become more challenging with
       Saga gone, learning all he used to do. Eventually, sleep claimed
       her.
       By morning, she awoke in a cold sweat from a nightmare. "Saga!"
       she called out in the stillness of the room. Of course, there
       was no response, just like before. It was a reflex to the
       nightmares. Taking a few moments to shake off the adrenaline
       that had her heart racing, she reassured herself, "Just a
       nightmare..." before moving on.
       She quietly went down the hall, gently opening the door, only to
       pause at the sight of the small fox form nestled in her bed. A
       bright blush spread across her face at the sheer cuteness of the
       scene. Every part of her wanted to pet the fluffy tail. Shaking
       her head to clear her thoughts, she headed for the shower,
       locking the door before stripping.
       The hot water cascaded over her, her mind wandering on the
       strange nightmare. It always had her finding herself coming
       close to death. Saga used to bring comfort; he was the reason
       she lived. Her hands slowed in thought. "If you just hadn’t
       pulled such a stupid stunt," she said to herself.
       Turning off the water, she began drying herself off, her eyes
       catching her reflection in the mirror—no hidden messages as she
       had grown used to. Knowing the little things Saga did could have
       been ways of trying to worm his way in—a deep sigh escaped her.
       Wiping the mirror lightly revealed her reflection that stared
       back at her. Her eye went to her neck- while the tattoo of the
       thorns encircle it now- it didn’t hide the marred skin that
       remained. Her fingers brushed it softly.>>>>
       ^^^^^
       She began to get dressed, and applying her makeup carefully,
       ending in putting on the choker that hid it better. The woman
       would come out to hear them talk about coffee to chuckle. “You
       could have made me some Cisco.” she joked a little the woman
       living off coffee during the morning hours as she stepped down
       the stairs. She could smell the pancakes to feel hungry enough.
       She took what was offered before going to make coffee. “Think I
       got a few clients coming in soon- “ she muttered to look over
       her appointment book.
       —fin—
       Kit's ears twitched and he turned to see Elysia, his breathe
       catching a bit on how beautiful she looked. He quickly moved to
       make a plate and set it in front of her. Then he moved to finish
       cleaning up his mess.
       He'd long made it a habit to clean up his messes from cooking
       before sitting down to eat.
       "I can get you some juice if you'd like Cisco," he offered,
       moving carefully around Elysia so not to bump into her. "Or
       maybe you'd prefer tea?"
       Cisco sighed heavily eyeing Elysia as she put the coffee pot on
       to boil. "I can get my own juice, but thanks for offering. I'm
       not yet restricted to not moving around just yet. Just stuck
       here,"
       Kit blinked at this, not sure why the man couldn't leave. "Is it
       for protection you're staying here?" He asked as he finally sat
       down across from Cisco to eat.
       "Something like that. So, do you have any idea of where you
       might go now that you're free?"
       Kit swallowed his bite of food, it suddenly losing all taste at
       the thought of having to venture out of the safety of the
       building.
       "Well being born earthside, I'm tied to this plane. I can't
       exactly live in hell..like other demon races. And if I venture
       out of Elysium, that dark mage will find me again. So..I'm not
       really sure what to do." Kit sighed. "Who knew that both Mejin
       brothers would be so obsessed with me,"
       Cisco's eyes widened, a look of shock filling his face. "Which
       of the brothers is still alive?"
       "Regus, the Blackheart," Kit replied softly. "Knowing him, he'd
       force me to go full beast, make me a feral lapdog that follows
       his every whim." He said a bit despondently pushing his pancakes
       around on his plate.
       "But don't trouble yourselves over my problems. Is there
       anything else I can do before I take my leave?"
       ---fin--
       Elysia listened quietly as her eye went a tad wide- earthside
       bound demons were considered rare.  It was natural some would
       want it as it was easier to obtain outside of a summons.
       Elysia said in a softer tone.”you can stay as long as you want.
       Somehow maybe you can have real freedom when he dies.” She said
       as she slowed her own eating.  She knew her father was still
       lurking around- but knew he’d be unaware of sagas absence.
       Thanks to her old familiar she had gained so many books on magic
       and magic weaving- some thought lost to time.
       “You can relax as you wish.” Said Elysia. “Oh- if you see a
       tattooed man with white hair and a ghost cat. That’s my friend
       Corven. He’s a smart ass- but he’s a good guy.” She said.”and
       Cruz is another good friend, he sets up for open mic night, so
       music and drinks are a thing. You’ll see Aether and Ling again
       and alot- their vips of the shop.” She said listing some usuals.
       She would move to get to her sign and flick it on. “Alright..
       time to work.” She muttered to get to her workspace and set it
       up. Once that was done she’d get her sign in book to the bar,
       and sat waiting for her customers.
       —fin—
       Kit glanced over at Elysia, looking surprised that she was
       offering to let him stay longer. "I very much appreciate your
       kindness, I can help out around here too. I'm not good with not
       having anything to do. I doubt he'll die anytime soon, he's too
       stubborn and quite powerful, even without a proper familiar.
       He's into the older arcane magics, ones that can be very
       dangerous. Not many people stand a chance against him now that
       he's absorbed his brother's power as well," he murmured looking
       very wary.
       Elysia telling him he could relax had him smile slightly. He
       slowly finished off his food while listening to her talking
       about her friends that were likely to visit or be at her shop
       often.
       "Corven, Cisco, Cruz..I see a pattern with their names," he
       joked a bit.
       Cisco chuckled a bit and stole Elysia's mug to sniff the coffee
       and let out a long sigh. "I choose to go by Cisco instead of my
       full name, Francisco," he explained.
       Kit watched the beautiful Elysia head off to work, which caught
       Cisco's attention. "She's been through a rather rough time
       recently, give her a chance to heal Kit. Her last familiar, he
       tried to force her to bond, and would have made it unfair to
       her." Cisco said quietly.
       Kit's gaze softened. "I went through that and more, so I know
       and understand what she's dodged. Don't worry, I'm not going to
       make a move on her. I just want to get to know her right now, be
       friends if she wants," he assured the light mage.
       Cisco gave a nod, relieved that Kit was the patient type and got
       up, and carried his dishes to the sink.
       "I'll wash up, you go do something else," Kit insisted firmly
       and immediately took over.
       Cisco chuckled and backed off. "All right, I'll leave you to
       it,"
       Kit quickly cleaned and washed the dishes, even drying and
       putting them away. Then he headed out to check out the bar and
       Elysia's sitting room outside her work area. It wasn't long
       before he started cleaning up in these areas, making sure each
       of them was spotless.
       "is there anything else you need done?" Kit asked, sounding a
       bit at a loss for what to keep himself occupied with.
       ---fin--
       Elysia worked a little as a few normal clients worked. She was
       busy tidying  up her money to hear kits question. “Mm.. ever
       bartend?” She asked before the sound of her door opening
       sounded.
       “Hello welcome to elysiu-“ she started before stalling to see
       Gemini.”is it a job or something else?” She asked as her annoyed
       voice slid in.
       “Come on El, I heard about saga not being around…” Gemini
       started as he heard her sigh.”Casper- I’ve told you, and your
       dragon- not a chance in hell- least Endri understands- why can’t
       you?” She asked rather annoyed.
       “Look you got potential and I really think you can swing the
       tur-“ he said to hear.”no.”
       “But I can get you-“ he tried again.
       “No,.. and if you didn’t hear it again- it’s- no.” She said. She
       looked at the fox a little as Gemini took notice of kit.”oh.. so
       new friend?” He asked as Elysia said.”yeah, and be nice- his
       names kit.” She said as Gemini relented.
       “Hello kit.. wanna join?” Gemini started to hear Elysia.”stop
       recruiting in my shop- I told you this!” She said with a frown.
       “Bout to ban—“
       “Fine fine- I’ll stop…” said Gemini sliding his red hair back.
       “Fine… I do need to do the blood draw though.” He said as he saw
       Elysia’s face make an expression.”you forgot didn’t you- man
       saga was the only reason you were organized huh?” He said as
       Elysia flushed.”maybe! It’s just a bit harder by myself.” She
       said as she found his name to mark it.”let’s get this done.” She
       grumbled.  Once finished would Gemini get out and her rushing to
       grab snacks and a soda for the guy.
       —fin—
       "uh..no but I'm a fast learner," Kit replied quickly and with a
       great deal of enthusiasm.
       Hearing her voice change abruptly had his hair rise and a low
       growl come from  throat. He was seconds away from tossing the
       guy out when Elysia gave his name to the other man.
       He was going to answer the absurd question when Elysia stepped
       in to stop him, looking even more annoyed.
       "Who is he?" He asked Cisco when he felt the other guy drawing
       close as Elysia was reminded why the guy was there in the first
       place.
       "That's Gemini, the leader of the Crimson Blood gang. Corven and
       I are a part of it. He keeps trying to recruit Elysia every
       chance he gets, and she always says no." The light mage
       explained.
       Kit gave a nod and then got a thoughtful look when he heard that
       she needed help in organizing her appointment book. That was
       definitely something he could help with if she let him.
       "Come on Kit, I'll show you a few things behind the bar. Once
       Cruz gets here, he can teach you the stuff I don't know," Cisco
       said leading him off.
       Kit nodded, and was soon learning how to use a cash register,
       place orders on the system. It didn't take long before he had
       that all down, much to the surprise of Cisco.
       "You really are a quick learner,"
       "Yeah well, when you get beaten if it takes more than once to
       understand something you learn to really focus," Kit replied
       offhandedly.
       "Sounds like you've gone through a lot," Cisco murmured with
       sympathy.
       "Yeah. Oh..is that Cruz?" Kit asked spying a muscular guy with
       teal colored hair coming in with a guitar.
       "Yes that's Cruz." Cisco replied with a grin.
       After training with Cruz some more, he was beaming at the praise
       he received. His happiness was so much that he felt his body
       start tingling and his ears and tail popped out, getting a few
       surprised gasps from people in the bar.
       "I was wondering when those would come out," Cruz murmured, not
       in the slightest bit surprised.
       Kit blushed a bit and then rubbed on one of his fox ears.
       -fin-
       Elysia continued to work a little before heading in the bar as
       she heard some gasps. Seeing kits ears and tail out caused an
       expression no one in the joint would have seen before. A slight
       blush came out and a slight stare showed. She seemed to realize
       what she was doing to quickly look away.
       Corven who was among the group that arrived noticed her
       expression to smirk a little.”he kinda cute that way hm?” He
       muttered nudging Elysia. The girl would turn another shade.
       “Taking that as a yes..” Corven said to feel a punch to his arm
       and her looking away. He smiled as he felt it was nice that she
       was acting flustered over something cute.
       Elysia heard Cruz mention it and she asked. “How did you know?”
       —fin—
       Kit was far too busy to notice that Elysia was looking at him or
       blushing. A few of the women begged to touch his ears or tail to
       get only a shake of his head before he rushed into the supply
       closet to get a few things they were running short on.
       Cruz turned towards Elysia smiling at her question. "I've met
       fox demons before. That usually happens when they're relaxed
       enough and happy. It was quite easy to sense how happy Kit was.
       Though, I think it's been a long tine for him." He mentioned
       glancing towards the supply closet. "Most fox demons aren't as
       shy as he is either. They usually feed off of admirers and let
       others pet them. kit seems far more reserved,"
       Kit finally emerged with a box of drinks and was careful as he
       carried it back behind the bar.
       "I'm going to take a fifteen minute break," he murmured before
       hurrying quickly off to the upstairs.
       Cruz watched him go. "You  should go talk to him El. Feel like
       he may need a friend right about now,"
       ---fin--
       Elysia heard him mention about a break, she couldn’t help but
       feel he may be overwhelmed given the people.
       She heard Cruz to nod a little. “Mind keeping them from drinking
       too much?” She asked seeing corven down the glass hearing she
       was about to go up- to pouting. “Don’t start- every time you get
       drunk you’re always doing something stupid.” she said
       flatly.”last time it was using my gear and marking something
       stupid enough to almost binding a spirit to you.” She said to
       walk toward the stairs and up.
       She got to where kit was and leaned a little against the
       door.”bit overwhelming huh? I get it.. it comes with me running
       elysium. Sometimes things get a little rowdy.”She asked in a
       softer tone as she waited for the man to speak.
       —-fin—
       "I'll take care of it El," Cruz assured her shooting a look at
       Corven. "She does have a point..you do stupid stuff when you're
       drunk,"
       Once upstairs Kit has retreated to the bedroom he'd slept in and
       curled up in the bed. The over stimulation and voices of the
       crowd now far away had him able to relax.
       His head turned towards Elysia's soft voice and gave a slight
       nod. "It's very overwhelming. It wasn't like I was allowed
       around other people before. Your friends are nice, just...I'm
       used to much quieter spaces.It'll take time for me to get used
       to it,"
       Kit watched her for a moment and slowly sat up. "Do you want to
       touch my ears? I don't mind if you do," he said blushing a bit.
       ---fin--
       “I understand- in the beginning for me when I was just starting
       this shop- I knew no one but my … ex-familiar.” She
       admitted.”the quiet went and got replaced with voices I’d never
       let go I guess.” She admitted. “Just take your time.” She said
       with a smile.
       She noticed his stare a little for a long moment causing her to
       blush again- before hearing his question and the expression.
       Elysia made a sheepish nod. She moved to sit on the bed and
       slowly reached out. Her fingers brushed the man’s ear to see it
       flicker in response to her gentle touch. Her blush went bright,
       “they’re really cute.” she said with a big smile, one she hadn’t
       worn in a long time. “So soft too..”
       —fin—
       Kit nodded at her suggestion to take things slowly. It was more
       than likely going to be a bit jarring from time to time being
       around so many people.
       Kit scooted over a bit so she could sit next to him. Her gentle
       touch to his ear made his tail sway a bit and a soft purr come
       from him. "Thank you, you can touch them more if you'd like." He
       murmured.
       Though her touch didn't exude affection, it did help ground him
       and make him feel even more relaxed.
       "It actually helps ease my nerves," he explained softly. "So..I
       had a thought. I'm good at organizing and book work, if you'd
       like a hand with your appointment book I could help you with
       it." He offered. "Or I could teach you some organization tips
       that would help if you're wanting to learn how to do it
       yourself,"
       -fin-
       Elysia felt a mild flutter at him allowing her to touch them
       more. She gently stroked the ear, the occasional flicker
       showing. Seeing him relax affirmed what he said before hearing
       him speak more.”well.. I do need help.” She said and
       sighed.”saga did so many things for me- .. I know what he did
       wasn’t okay- but he wasn’t entirely bad.” She said and sighed.
       Cruz often listened to her when she near bust at the end with
       her emotions- but something about kit made her want to open up
       before the bottle would bust on its own.
       “I ah… I was a sacrifice meant to be used for the ability I now
       have.” Said the woman softly.”saga ended up picking me instead
       of the man who used me, said I showed promise. I just remember
       being saved. That I was grateful for- I didn’t want to die. “
       her hand paused to drift in her other hand.”elysium eventually
       came into existence- for the sake of keeping out of that man’s
       reach. We did a blood pact that would keep saga earthbound for a
       time. I was vulnerable, and killing me for saga wouldn’t be
       unheard of given the demon had vast knowledge and means to spell
       weaving. But I couldn’t bring myself to bond. The way we met
       just fucked with my senses, understandably he was panicky.. but
       he hid a lot of ways we could of bonded- trying to force my path
       to one he felt was best I guess- but it wouldn’t of been fair to
       me.” She said and sighed. “I just feel bad cause saga and Cisco
       are a thing and saga has a kid along the way- and right now
       fighting a battle in the demon realm- no idea when he’s coming
       back though.” She said before she let her body fall back on the
       bed to look at the ceiling.
       “I honestly do owe saga a big thank you for taking the bulk of
       it- i do feel I may of taken it for granted all this time. “ she
       said as she laid there.
       —fin—
       Kit's pleased purring kept up while she kept rubbing his ear. He
       had the strongest desire to go foxy and just climb into her lap.
       He held back though, not wanting to go too far so quickly.
       He blinked at her mentioning that Saga hadn't been all that bad
       and wondered if she might explain more. Cisco had only hinted at
       Saga using her and manipulating her.
       He waited patiently, staying quiet and gave her his full
       attention as she continued speaking, explaining everything she'd
       go on through. A few times, his ears slide backwards at what she
       had experienced.
       When she pulled away and fell back on the bed, Kit moved to lay
       down next to her, placing his arms on his stomach.
       "I'm sorry you had so much pain and betrayal that you went
       through. Most demons from hell are desperate to stay here,
       they'd do anything they have to. Don't be blaming yourself, had
       he been truthful from the start you probably could have figured
       out a way that you both would have benefitted from. If he's got
       someone he cares about and a strong will, he'll be back as soon
       as he can. Though..it's likely he won't be ready to forgive what
       happened or even take in account his part in it. You want to be
       careful," he warned.
       "The best way to go on from here is to not make the same
       mistake. Learn and grow from the past." He advised.
       Kit laid there for a few more moments enjoying the quiet and the
       company of the woman next to him.
       "Shall we go back down? I think my break's over by now. And I
       did tell Cruz I'd take over so he could play when it wasn't so
       busy,"
       Kit got up and held a hand out to her. "Need a hand up?"
       ---fin--
       Feeling the heavy body beside her a presence she never knew she
       needed. More than that- his words were reassuring. “I know he
       won’t forgive me- we were on the cusp of actually bonding when I
       found out he lied. Even dressed up to show a little resolve.. “
       she closed her eyes before her brow would furrow. *and he had to
       mess that up.* her mind would finish.
       It felt nice, for once the quiet. And having someone there just
       simply existing.
       She saw the man’s hand as he offered a way up. For just a
       moment, she saw saga, with his hand out. She wondered.. even
       just a little- if he had that same look. “Yeah.” She said
       softly, Her hand took kits to feel the tug up. The gentle
       stumble right into kit. “Ah hah.. sorry.” She said with a
       chuckle.
       She would make her way down back to the chaos- and what looked
       like Corven struggling to grab her needle again.”no! Not today!”
       She said as her magic weaved with the incense smoke to grab
       Corven. “We are *not* gonna have another enraged spirit in this
       building!” She said as she heard Corven whine.
       —fin—
       Kit couldn't help but flush a bit when he tugged too hard and
       she stumbled into him. He caught her arms to steady her and then
       pulled back, his face flushing a bit more.
       "It's okay," he reassured her, letting her go down first and
       following after.
       His ears pricked at the loud chaos going on in the bar. "He's
       done that before?" Kit asked and shot Corven a warning look.
       "Time to cut him off Cruz." He said flatly, not wanting the
       necromancer to cause more problems. "Does He have someone who
       can pick him up? Or is it our job to do that?"
       Cruz couldn't help but chuckle a bit at Kit's question. "I'll
       take care of it, no need to worry. I have been playing him with
       water the last few drinks already,"
       Kit nodded as he got back to work filling drink orders. After a
       rather busy rush, it finally slowed to a more moderate pace.
       "If you need anything Cisco's close," Cruz said before removing
       his apron and heading to the stage to get started on his set.
       Kit was quite surprised by the man's insane talent on his
       electric guitar, and enjoyed listening to it. He tapped a beat
       in the counter, feeling the old desire to get on the drums surge
       through him. Now that he had the freedom to explore what he
       wanted, maybe he could get into drumming again.
       "So...why doesn't he sing?" He asked Cisco curiously.
       Cisco couldn't help but chuckle. "He's part siren, so his
       singing voice can affect people too easily. He sings, bit not
       very often. He's put the whole room asleep before,"
       "Oh, I thought I got a scent of the sea off of him, but couldn't
       quite place it," Kit murmured softly.
       --fin---
       Elysia settled after she managed to wrangle her friend to a
       chair and distracted him with food.
       “Yeah the whole place had a days worth of rest. Think the only
       one not affected was.. saga- but that’s cause the guy took time
       to buy some jewelry to help negate affects of the siren.” She
       said as she sat at the bar to reach over and begin making her
       favorite. Cherry vodka with ginger ale. “I got earrings now just
       in case since I’ve been researching ways to break the sirens
       spell- more for his sake- he does have a nice singing voice”
       said the woman before taking a long drink.  Her tattoo work now
       finished had the door closed tightly- and would leave the night
       to those simply wanting to drink and listen to the music.
       “He’s also got fae in him so things tend to be a bit more
       powerful than the normal siren. “ she said. “Also fair warning I
       do drink a lot- but I tend to be the mellowed out drunk. So if I
       get quiet don’t worry too much- just ah.. take me to the reading
       room- I tend to settle down to sleep.” She said sheepishly.
       The afternoon would go on, and night would come, by then Corven
       was gone, and most of the patrons had left. Elysia had grown
       quiet due to the drinking.partly due to her thoughts, and partly
       due to her just wanting to relax around people. Her eye made a
       noticeable droop as someone about ready to doze off where she
       was sitting.
       —fin—
       Kit's attention went to Elysia as she explained further and once
       again mentioned Saga. He had a feeling she'd gotten far closer
       to the demon than she'd thought.
       "Oh really? How is the research going?" He asked curiously.
       After listening to her for a bit he was soon drawn back into
       making drinks. Though he did make sure to keep a close eye on
       Elysia the entire time. Cruz and Cisco both noticed and
       exchanged looks as they started shutting the bar down for the
       night.
       "We can finish up here, why don't you get El settled upstairs
       Kit?" Cruz suggested in a low voice.
       Kit but his bottom lip before nodding and moving to gently pick
       her up in his arms. "Time for this sleepy beauty to get some
       rest," he murmured as he headed up the stairs, holding her
       close.
       Cisco shot a look at Cruz. "It's only been a day, and you're
       already encouraging him?"
       Cruz sighed. "You have noticed just how shy he is right? He's
       not the type to push or pressure El into anything."
       Once upstairs, Kit carried Elysia to her reading room then
       paused seeing the reading chair she curled up in. "You should
       have your bed. I'll be in my fox form so I will be fine in a
       smaller space," he insisted and headed to her bedroom to lay her
       down.
       He knelt to take off her shoes and then covered her with a
       blanket and tucked her in. "Sleep well Elysia," he murmured
       before going to use the bathroom.
       He emerged a few moments later in his fox form and slipped out
       of the room to find a chair to curl up in. He was soon fast
       asleep, snoring softly.
       ---fin--
       Elysia almost nodded off before feeling arms around her. They
       weren't the slender, familiar arms she was used to. Her mind was
       clouded by alcohol, and she was nearly dozing on the fox. She
       made a small noise at the insistence of the bed, sinking in
       without really resisting the person.
       She drifted off into a slumber that felt like a dream.
       Elysia woke with a start in the morning, grumbling about a
       hangover. She noticed she was in her bed, the blankets covering
       her; the only thing missing was her shoes. Had it been Saga, she
       would have been missing more.
       Her lips softened a bit in thought as she moved to the bathroom.
       Kit had seemed polite and worked well for the first day. She
       gently bit her bottom lip as she began to strip. That's when she
       noticed something was off. The sink didn’t seem right, and the
       tub didn’t look like hers.
       "Elysia… there you are…" she heard, turning to see the figure of
       her father, His figure, larger than life and more terrifying in
       its shadowy form, carried with it the weight of past traumas and
       unspoken anxieties. Elysia felt trapped within the nightmare,
       unable to escape the feeling of impending doom that her father
       represented. The dream wasn't like the others where she was
       simply a passive observer to her own demise; this one was
       personal, intimate, and it struck a chord of dread that
       resonated within her.
       She "woke" up in a cold sweat, sobbing, her eyes scanning the
       room to see a fox lying on the bed. Her breathing slowed a
       little. Her hand reached out to "Kit," almost shakily, hoping it
       was real. Once she felt the fur, she almost relaxed before the
       form shifted to a hand gripping her arm.
       The wicked smile her father flashed was more than an expression;
       it was a promise of the harm he intended to bring, a chilling
       reminder that no matter how far she ran, his influence could
       still reach her. The realization that he could manifest so
       vividly, so maliciously in her dreams left her shaken.
       >>>
       ^^^
       Even as she jolted awake sobbing, the echo of his words, "I’ll
       be visiting," reverberated in her mind, a sinister prophecy that
       refused to be dismissed. Elysia's fear was not just of the dream
       itself, but of the potential reality it hinted at—an unsettling
       premonition that her father might cross from the realm of
       nightmares into her reality, making her question the boundaries
       of her safety and sanity.
       -----
       Kit awoke from his sleep abruptly, the sound of sobbing coming
       from Elysia's room. With a soft curse he shifted from his fox
       form and hurried to her room.
       "El-elysia? I'm coming in! He called out feeling the fear and
       terror going through her.
       He pushed the door open and went in to kneel next to her, laying
       a gentle hand on her knee. "What happened?" He implored.
       He felt the air move behind him and turned to catch sight of
       Cisco. The light mage moved to sit next to Elysia, drawing her
       into his arms.
       "You're safe Elysia, you're going to be okay," Cisco reassured
       her in a soothing tone.
       It was quite early in the morning, but Kit knew that it was
       likely none of them were about to get back to sleep anytime
       soon.
       "How about I make some hot chocolate? And we can go talk in the
       kitchen," he said softly, worry showing on his face.
       ---fin
       Elysia clutched the blankets tightly hearing kits voice, her
       heart pounding with the fear that something ominous might come
       through the door.  A face that wouldn’t match the voice.
       But to some relief, she caught sight of Kit, she looked around
       the room, disoriented.Looking, or rather waiting for something
       to leap out in response or twist- to her brief feeling of
       safety.
       It was only when she felt Kit's reassuring hand that her tense
       face started to register the reality before her. The stress of
       distinguishing her dreams from the waking world was beginning to
       wear on her, but when Cisco came in as well and the warm hug did
       she realize. She was no longer dreaming.
       All Elysia could do was nod. The sound of her breathing was
       heightened and looked in clear distress. “Ne.. need to change..”
       she stammered out. Being in the outfit she was in- was meant to
       make her look good but was hardly comfortable. She almost
       couldn’t let go of Cisco out of the sheer fear of they left- it
       be another nightmare.
       Once she got a moment she changed, not bothering to go to the
       shower- it bothered her to the sense that he might just appear
       in there. Her hair was free from its normal ponytail. But the
       choker remained- her comfort of hiding what happened to her. She
       grabbed a tissue to clean up, a first to not wear makeup as she
       headed down. Her body language showing her to be tense and
       jumpy. Shadows played with her mind as she couldn’t help but
       give a place a second glance before she sat down.
       The smell of hot chocolate seemed to bring her to, and unwind.
       Her hands wrapping around it, her long sleeved shirt covering
       her hands halfway as if to keep the temperature of the mug away.
       She knew Cisco knew only the bits of her father and how she was,
       and she only gave kit the bare minimum not daring to reveal her
       familial ties with Samael Meadows.
       >>>
       ^^^
       Uhm… “ Elysia sounded rather softly.”Cisco probably knows my
       past a little more but kit- that story of sacrifice and being
       picked.. that person that had me in that position.. was my
       father.” She said quietly.
       “I have nightmares.. “ she confessed to both.”saga is aware of
       it- he use to be the one to come and sooth.. it always was the
       same- being near killed- to waking up thinking I died or on a
       good day saga saving me.. “ she said.”… this one was different.”
       She said before taking a drink to savor the chocolate. Somehow
       it soothing her more to calming down.”it was like.. I woke up..
       dressed just like how I was.. I went to shower and dad.. popped
       up. It looped to another dream and it felt so real.. feel his
       grip- his breath.. and that he said he would visit me soon.. I
       know Endri is capable of invading dreams so I know that means
       there are others that probably can do it too.. and I really hope
       it was just a run of the mill nightmare..” she said gripping the
       cup.
       —fin—
       #Post#: 1624--------------------------------------------------
       Re: The unknown Journey
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 23, 2026, 10:18 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Kit could sense her distress and glanced around, wondering what
       she was looking for, though he kept quiet.
       Cisco slowly let Elysia go, giving her a nod when she mentioned
       needing to get changed.
       "We'll be in the kitchen." He reassured her with a gentle
       squeeze to the arm before getting up and walking out.
       Kit followed closely, shutting the door behind him. He got to
       hearing milk and finding what he needed to make hot chocolate.
       Cisco sat watching the fox demon work. He had the feeling that
       having Kit there might be a good thing for Elysia. Not that he'd
       say that out loud. She'd have to figure that out on her own.
       Kit placed mugs in front of each of them before grabbing one for
       himself and sitting himself, waiting patiently for her to speak.
       Kit's grip on the mug tightened as Elysia revealed her own
       father had meant to use her as a sacrifice. Then came her
       talking about nightmares and seeing her father and his
       threatening her.
       He shot a look at Cisco before finally speaking up.
       "Without Saga here protecting you, it's likely your father was
       able to get in to your dreams. I've heard of Meadows, he is just
       as cruel and twisted as my master was.  Whatever protective
       wards Saga put up to keep him at bay have probably faded by now.
       You'll need new ones."
       ---fin--
       Elysia's face paled as she listened to the fox. "I'll need
       someone to perform them until I can do it myself," she murmured,
       brushing her hair back as she gathered her thoughts.
       "Perhaps I can consult Aether about some rune work," she
       suggested softly, running her fingers through her hair while
       sipping her hot cocoa. "It's just that... Samael isn't merely
       twisted and cruel; he's immensely powerful. His frustration
       stems from his inability to weave spells. This art allows the
       user to manipulate magic in ways others cannot—much like my
       tattooing. I employ my ink and blood magic to enable spells to
       function without incantations, embedding them directly into
       people's bodies. It's a unique craft, a spell of my creation to
       aid others," she explained. "With Saga's assistance and hand, I
       even managed some tattooing on myself. The double incantation
       that facilitates this tattooing technique is etched onto my
       body, eliminating the need for constant repetition, though it
       significantly drains my mana," she added, blushing.
       "Samael desires that knowledge, but obtaining it requires Saga.
       Despite everything, every book he's given me is stored in my
       reading room. They explore spell crafting and the expansive
       potential beyond specialized elements, though few truly delve
       into it. My mana capacity is barely enough for my current
       abilities," she admitted. "That's why Saga initially had me
       consuming those ‘concoctions’—they rapidly boost my mana.
       Without a familiar, recovering is much slower," she sighed.
       Elysia realized her self-protection was limited in the absence
       of a familiar. Finding one willing to walk alongside her,
       neither leading nor following, seemed an arduous task.
       —-fin—
       Kit thought back to what his master had allowed him to do,
       wishing he knew more about wards and magic. He'd mostly just
       been used for his mana, nearly drained by the dark mage when he
       needed his mana for his dark arts.
       "If I knew more about wards and rune magic, I could help. My old
       master, he wouldn't allow me to learn much. I was mainly just
       used as a power source," Kit explained.
       The more she explained about not having enough mana to deal with
       what she needed to do, the more he felt the urge to help her.
       There was a small part of him that was a bit afraid of letting
       another magician so close.
       "Maybe you and I could work together. I could share my mana with
       you, and you can share your books and knowledge," he said
       slowly, looking down at the table.
       "Just, we'd have to go slowly about it. I've never really had a
       pleasant experience sharing mana before. I'm not really sure how
       to willingly share it,"
       ---fin--
       The woman took another sip of cocoa before setting her cup down
       as she heard Kit speak up. Kit's gaze was fixed on the table as
       he made his offer, prompting her to consider it thoughtfully,
       her expression reflecting quiet contemplation.
       It seemed like a possibility, yet the memory of the saga's
       manipulation lingered vividly. Her fingers clutched the cup
       tightly as she exhaled a gentle sigh.
       “"I can work with that," she said with a chuckle. "There are
       just two things in my room that are strictly off-limits: my
       journal and the mana crystal that's powering the place. I've
       stabilized it, but one bump could send the whole space into a
       reform. But feel free to read any of the books."
       She pondered for a moment. "The way we shared mana back then,"
       she continued, "Saga would add just a drop of blood to a drink.
       I never handled the taste well, so he would surprise me with it
       by kissing me. I always disliked doing it in front of others,
       and I'm still coming to terms with physical touch. Holding hands
       and simple touches are manageable, but challenging, hugging
       usually most will ask- except Corven.. and Aether those two
       dicks hang on me- kinda sucks but.. same time I don’t mind too
       much as they did become friends…." She explained.
       Elysia took a breath, "I’ve never really had a man or woman in
       my life. And generally most of my growing up was behind a closed
       door and studying.”
       >>>>^^^^
       Elysia paused before finishing off her hot coco.” I’m still
       reading up on ways to allow mana sharing, let alone proper
       bonding that benefits me and the familiar that doesn’t mind
       walking by me—not ahead and certainly not behind," she said, as
       she played with her cup.”so don’t worry- we can both take this a
       step at a time.” She said before looking out the window that
       faced the street-talking in the civilians that walked by.
       —fin—
       Kit gave a nod, not in the least bit surprised there were things
       she might have off limits. "I won't touch either of them, I
       promise," he said softly.
       He glanced up when she explained how Saga had shared his mana,
       frowning a bit. His own master had taken his blood by force when
       he needed mana. At first the dark mage had been careful about
       where he cut, but over the years had just stabbed him where he
       had wanted. It had left him with a lot of scars.
       "Mana exchange does involve blood, but it doesn't have to be
       straight. From what I understand, Earthside demons like myself,
       out blood isn't as repulsive," Kit added.
       Her talk of coming to terms with physical touch and intimacy had
       him blushing rather darkly, thinking of the very few encounters
       he'd had in his life.
       "You need not worry about  that sort of thing with me. Just
       sleeping nearby or holding hands is enough for now. Though you
       are welcome to petting my ears or fox form when you feel like
       it."
       He paused to scratch his ear, his eyes going to the table again.
       "My master..old master he used me for anything he needed. I had
       no say in any of it."
       Kit felt rather relieved when she spoke of having a familiar
       that wasn't purely submissive. It gave him hope that maybe this
       wasn't a bad idea in the long term. If they both got what they
       needed, and could be friends that was enough for him.
       Cisco couldn't help but smile behind his mug thinking the two
       were rather well matched. Though it was obvious they both had
       things they needed to get through before going further with a
       bond. It would take time and a great deal of patience.
       "Well I'm going to try and rest a bit more, you two should keep
       talking," he said with a yawn and headed back to his room.
       Kit gave him a nod and grabbed the now-empty mugs to take to the
       sink. "What's our first step Elysia?" He asked, eying the
       gorgeous woman.
       ---fin--
       "He insisted on it being faster," Elysia admitted honestly.
       She listened further, her face warming at the thought of Kit
       being so near. "I can handle that, as long as it’s okay to pet
       you," she said, scratching her cheek lightly.
       "Well, here you can decide what you want to do. If a joint
       decision is necessary, we’ll discuss it," she continued before
       watching Cisco get up, her expression softening. "Sleep well,"
       she murmured gently.
       "How about we do some reading? You can spend some time learning,
       and I can assist if you have any questions. I'm currently
       working on enchanting an object and programming it like a
       computer to perform tasks as needed," she admitted. "Eventually,
       my ink is going to fade, and I'll need to refresh it somehow,"
       she added as she moved. She noticed Kit's gaze on her, a look
       filled with attraction and warmth, starkly different from Saga's
       stare. It didn’t unsettle her—instead, it sparked a flutter of
       butterflies in her stomach, a feeling she hadn't expected but
       welcomed.
       —fin—
       "it can be faster, especially in smaller doses to start out
       with. Not that it was my experience either,"
       Kit smiled slightly at her being conscientious of his comfort
       level. "If it ever gets too much, I'll get up and leave. If I'm
       happy, I'll be purring," he assured her.
       Kit nodded, grateful that Elysia was the complete opposite of
       his previous master. His eyes flickered to watch Cisco head off
       and then nodded at Elysia's suggestion of reading.
       "I wouldn't mind doing some Reading.  Oh? That would be handy.
       If I had any skills with tattoos, I'd offer to help. Is it a
       hard skill to pick up?" He asked curiously, his eyes sparkling a
       bit. "Do you mind if I bring one of your books out of your
       reading room then? If you're going to work down here, I don't
       want to be too far away,"
       ---fin--
       “Normal tattoos anyone can learn but  when you introduce the
       complexities of dual casting into the mix, the challenge
       intensifies dramatically. “ said Elysia.”Dual casting, a
       technique where magic and art blend seamlessly, demands not only
       a steady hand but also a mental prowess and understanding of the
       flow of mana all at the same time. Granted I can only do a few
       people at a time- I’d get exhausted by the end. Most looking for
       touch ups isn’t as strenuous.”She would finish in a thoughtful
       way.
       Elysia then sat in her small workshop, the room filled with the
       faint scent of burnt sage and ink. Her workbench was cluttered
       with tattooing tools, enchanted ink, and loose papers scattered,
       evidencing her relentless research of her craft. She hoped to
       make what seemed impossible possible- making a tattooing needle
       enchant itself to move autonomously, able to refresh tattoos on
       its own, for her own sake.
       Her brow furrowed in concentration, Elysia began the day's
       practice with a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the
       complex dual casting ahead. "The enchantment has to be just
       right," she muttered to herself, recalling the inspiration she
       had drawn from the scribe enchantment thanks to Cisco. "It's all
       about the balance—getting the needle to respond to the voice
       command while maintaining precision."
       With a steady hand, she touched the tip of the needle to a
       testing pad of synthetic skin, her voice barely a whisper as she
       uttered the  spell. "*
       ink to skin, form of imagination to medium, crow form in my
       minds eye, manifest.. " she commanded, hoping to see the needle
       dance across the surface with  accuracy she envisioned. For a
       brief, glorious moment, it did as it should-tracing the outline
       of a raven. But just as quickly, the enchantment faltered, and
       the needle jerked wildly, veering towards her face.
       "No, no, no!" she exclaimed, interrupting with a dispel that
       sent the needle clattering harmlessly to the table.
       >>>^^^
       “Damn it," she muttered, her eyes glowing momentarily from the
       attempt. "There has to be a way to stabilize it. Maybe if I
       adjust the mana flow... maybe it needs less?”
       Persistent, Elysia tried again, cutting back the mana. Her
       second attempt was even less successful—this time, the needle
       didn't move at all, the enchantment sputtering out almost
       immediately due to insufficient mana. Her frustration showing in
       a deep sigh. By the third attempt, Elysia's mana was nearly
       spent, the glow in her eyes dimming.
       But her reckless persistence got her into trying one more time
       against her better judgement.
       "Come on," she urged herself as fatigue began to set in, her
       voice a mix of frustration and determination. With one final
       burst of energy, she watched as the needle hovered above the
       synthetic skin, trembling but traceably etching the design she
       envisioned. Just as it seemed she might succeed, the magical
       aura flickered and the needle fell, drained of the mana that had
       sustained it.
       Elysia slumped back in her chair, exhaustion settling over her.
       She had come so close, closer than ever before, and though she
       hadn't fully succeeded, the progress was undeniable. "Next
       time," she promised herself, a hint of a smile playing on her
       lips at the near success.
       “Think I overdid it.” She said as she dared not get up.
       —fin—
       Kit listened closely as Elysia explained how difficult and
       intricate the work was. He couldn't help but feel admiration
       that she'd figured it out without anyone guiding her through the
       process. "So you've learned most of this through trial and error
       then. That's pretty amazing. It's probably better to not
       overwork yourself, especially since your skill is unique and in
       demand."
       He wondered if she even charged enough for her work. "I've heard
       other magicians can share mana and strength with each other as
       well. Least my master...former master used to have lots of under
       mages and apprentices that shared theirs with him." He
       mentioned. "Though...it might not have been willingly..knowing
       how he worked,"
       Once Elysia was off working in her workshop and occupied, he
       headed up to look through her collection of books. It took a bit
       to find one on basic spells and charms for him to start on. He
       decided it would be best to read through before attempting any,
       not wanting to cause any messes in the bar.
       It was much later when he felt just how depleted Elysia was
       after her experimenting and went to check on her.
       "I'd say so, you feel pretty weak to me. Do you want me to try
       exchanging some mana with you? Or would you prefer for me to
       carry you upstairs to rest?" He asked moving to squat in front
       of her and peering up into her eyes.
       -fin-
       Elysia hesitated, her eyes lingering on Kit. "Honestly...? If
       you want to try, I'm not opposed," she murmured, her voice
       barely above a whisper. The memory of the nightmare she had
       earlier, a haunting premonition involving her father, made her
       wary of sleep. "I really don't want to fall asleep right now,"
       she confessed softly, fear lacing her words a little.
       —fin-
       Kit gave a slow nod and focused for a moment growing out the
       claws on his right hand and then paused.
       "Would it be weird if I had you suck the blood from my finger?
       Or would you prefer me to mix it with water or maybe some juice?
       I'd think starting with a few drops to start would be best. My
       blood will probably affect you differently than Saga's did,"
       ---fin--
       Elysia watched with a little fascination of kit’s claws sliding
       out. Her wondering just how that worked.
       Then the question. Her ears burned a little at the question of
       it be strange- but it wasn’t like anyone was around, and Cisco
       certainly was still resting.
       “Uhm… mean it’ll probably be quicker getting it from the
       source.” She said. Her eye watching the man cut his finger. Once
       offered it she’d carefully take it once sucking rather gently
       and felt strange. Saga’s always had felt powerful but it was
       always in a sense of otherworldly.
       This one felt more natural and raw- like an apple from a tree.
       She wondered if it was due to the fact he was earth bound at
       birth. It certainly didn’t take much, but it certainly made her
       realize why kit was special. Natural raw magic from a an
       earthbound demon- didn’t take as much to bring her back to her
       levels. Saga’s was potent due to how long he gathered his own
       energy- she remembered how he told her just how long it took for
       his kind to gather at the levels he was before.
       That pure earthbound spirits were a delicacy and why they often
       made deals with them as it would power them up more than slaying
       an otherworldly demon.
       “I didn’t take too much did I?” She asked as she snapped from
       her thoughts to stop. The woman not meaning to lose herself in
       her thoughts and what she was doing.
       —fin—
       "that's what I thought, but I wanted you to have a choice," Kit
       replied as he cut a finger on his left hand and held it up to
       her.
       The sensation of her soft lips going around his fingertip and
       her sucking had him glancing away, his face going a rather dark
       red. It had him feeling sensations he'd never experienced before
       and he wasn't sure how to react.
       He had to take a few short breaths and focused, letting go of
       his shields to let her tap into his well of mana. He shivered
       slightly when he felt her tongue slide against his finger and
       closed his eyes. Why was she affecting him so strongly?
       And then she was pulling away and speaking, words that took him
       a few moments to decipher. "No..not at all," he replied, his
       eyes flicking open to look into her own.
       "How are you feeling now? Better? Do you want some food now? Or
       something to drink?"
       -fin-
       Elysia noticed Kit's face turning a deep shade of red. Her heart
       skipped a beat as she became both flustered and worried.  She
       figured it be a little strange with the finger.
       “Yeah. In fact- it didn’t take much to get me back to where I
       am..” she mused. “I’m not really hungry at the moment.. but I
       don’t mind some coffee.” She said sheepishly.
       Elysia found herself lost in thought comparing the contrasting
       personalities of Kit and Saga. Kit, with his shy demeanor,His
       quiet presence was comforting, and was adorable. It was so
       different from saga.
       For her, Saga was confident, charismatic, and oozed of sex
       appeal.Saga never missed an opportunity to touch Elysia's
       shoulder or attempt to embrace her. While Saga's boldness was
       not entirely unwelcome , it was this very audacity that
       sometimes left Elysia feeling a bit overwhelmed, especially in
       such a public way with people.
       She found she liked the quiet and shy better. It left room to
       learn and not feel like something went over her head like it did
       with saga.
       “I like it with some sugar and a little bit of the creamer- it’s
       caramel.” She said as she asked for it in a particular way.”if
       that’s okay?”
       —fin—
       "well that's good," Kit replied looking relieved.
       He'd been a little wary that she might draw too much. There had
       been times his former master had drained him way too much,
       leaving him light headed and disoriented.
       "I can get you coffee," he replied and drew his hand back and
       sucked on his finger until it stopped bleeding.
       "Sugar and creamer, got it. I'll go get that for you. You can
       have whatever you ask for Elysia." He replied softly. "Though
       it's probably best if someone else goes out to get groceries.
       The last thing I need is drawing unwanted attention. It does
       look like your fridge is a bit low on a few things." He
       mentioned.   "Do you want me to write up a list?"
       ---fin--
       “Don’t worry about running errands—this place is safe for a
       reason,” she said warmly. “But I’ll definitely take you up on
       writing that list.”
       She moved to the bar, her eyes following the demon as he made
       the coffee. Her mind was whirring, planning how she would manage
       to get out and about.
       She couldn't resist glancing over at him. The quiet scribbling
       and the serene moment felt comforting.
       A coffee later and getting dressed, Elysia stood in front of the
       mirror, adjusting her outfit with slightly trembling hands.
       She was ready to step out, but the familiar flutter of
       nervousness danced in her stomach. She had grown accustomed to
       relying on Saga for support, but now, handling things on her own
       had become the norm.
       Taking a deep breath, Elysia hit  the mechanism and hesitated,
       glancing back. "I won’t be long, just let Corven or Aether or
       Cruz know I’m out, if they come," she chuckled nervously, trying
       to mask the unease she felt. She was determined not to be a
       burden, even though the feeling had lingered since the
       beginning. Each step she took on her own was a victory over that
       fear. But knowing her father lurked not far behind was nerve
       wracking to begin with.
       —fin—
       Kit disliked being so fearful, even though he had a good reason
       to fear Regus Meijin and those that worked for him.  He knew
       he'd have to find a way to work through it, but it wasn't going
       to happen overnight.
       "Thanks, really. Having a safe place is one of the things I've
       hoped and dreamed of for a very long time. I'll get started
       after I get your coffee," he promised and headed to the coffee
       pot behind the bar.
       He knew all the tricks to make the perfect cup of coffee, Roman
       had always demanded perfection in every meal and drink that he
       made.
       Once it was brewing he added pulled out the sugar and looked
       through the fridge closely before starting to write down what
       they'd need.
       "Is there anything to specific that you'd like?" He consulted
       and jotted down what she told him.
       Kit busied himself cleaning  up a bit while Elysia got dressed
       and ready to go out. He hated her having to go by herself, and
       he could sense just how nervous she was.
       "I-i will," he promised, his nails digging into his hands as he
       watched her get ready to go out. Be careful Elysia. The last
       thing I want is for you to end up hurt,"
       ---fin--
       “I’ll be back. Promise,” she said, a smile crossing her face in
       an attempt to be reassuring. “Now, if Cisco gets up, let him
       know I’m out, but that he has Watson coming in for the checkup.
       Doc has a key as well; they’re bound by blood, so only select
       people can use my door freely,” she added.
       With one last lingering look, Elysia stepped outside and closed
       the door, her key settling into her pocket as she turned it,
       causing the shop to ‘move.’ She would slide it onto a necklace
       she wore, walking with her bag on her shoulder. It was the first
       time she had walked the streets in a long time, her heart a
       mixture of nervousness and excitement. The familiar yet
       forgotten sights and sounds stirred a blend of anticipation
       within her, making each step forward feel like an adventure into
       the unknown.
       Her eyes took in the people as she made her way to the store.
       Little did she know- *someone* was watching.
       She walked inside her riffling in her bag for her list. Her eye
       scanning the list.
       She had gotten to the dairy isle as she picked out the milk she
       liked. Things seemed normal as she finished up her mission- the
       groceries being scanned, her moving her dark hair to find her
       cash, having gotten use to avoiding a paper trail. Her hand went
       out to exchange money. Once she collected the few bags set to
       walk out to bump into a man.
       “Sorry.” She said before catching the sight of what was one of
       the top wizards known.”very sorry.” She said as she turned to go
       to be blocked by another body.
       Her eye darkened a little in recognition of Samael.
       “Ahhh how you’ve grown!” She heard before the hug that brought a
       disgusted look to her face- her hands still holding the bags.
       Being in the open she didn’t have to fear of being taken- she’d
       scream and her father never liked the dramatics.
       “My you’ve grown into quite the young .. er woman..” he said
       noticing the tattoos. He took notice of the face she made a mix
       of horror and disgust.
       >>>
       ^^
       “We both know you try anything out here- you’re screwed so
       suggest you let me leave.” Said the raven haired woman. Her hand
       tightened on her bag a little.
       “I just want to talk..” she’d hear to roll her eyes.
       “If your wanting saga - he’s in the demon realm- find some
       *willing* virgin bitch  that wants to go- to summon him again.”
       She said her voice laced in mild anger as samael’s face
       changed.”you kicked him?”
       “Never bonded- “ she said quietly.
       Samaels face went serious- it made sense now how he could reach
       her so readily in her dreams.
       “Well in that case why not come and be apart of the family  ..”
       he started.
       “I want nothing to do with you- you found it fine to kill me- so
       why would I go back?” She asked.  She brushed by grateful for
       the fact there was a crowd for one, and two that it was daytime.
       She sensed her father walking behind frowning as she couldn’t
       just open any door- she was t going to risk kit or Cisco at the
       hands of the man.
       She saw an opportunity to rush across the street, her father
       behind to getting a car to cut between them as she reached the
       other side.
       Her face looking around for ways to put distance. She made it to
       the ally first as she muttered a spell, the shadows making quick
       work of a double. She hoped it worked as she twisted around to
       the public, her eye looking a bit to the left before she heard a
       voice that made her jump.
       “What are you doing way out here?” It was Aether.”I need to get
       far far away before I call my shop back- or..” she stammered
       before something rushed at the two. Aether quickly put up a
       shield his body blocking her.  His rune shield cracked. “It..
       cracked..” he said incredulously.
       For once she regretted having kicked saga. She didn’t want to
       drag anyone else in her situation  and here was Aether trying to
       keep her safe.
       “Elysia.. come now- I’ll leave your friend alone if you just
       come home and we can talk about this.” She heard. “I have a home
       and it’s not with you.” She said dropping the bags.
       >>^^^
       She was shocked he did that in public. But she told herself if
       she’d ever come face to face. She’d either tell him off or fight
       back.
       Samael's eyes narrowed as he raised his hand, conjuring a spell
       that crackled with the dynamic energy of the wind.
       The air around him surged, pulling at his clothes, forming a
       swirling tempest that he hurled towards Elysia with ruthless
       precision. The woman braced for the hit before getting blocked
       again by Aether.
       Aether, ever vigilant, stepped in front of the blast, his magic
       shield shimmering with a radiant light as it absorbed the brunt
       of the attack. However, the force proved too much; the shield
       fractured with a resounding crack to shatter. The blast sending
       both  sprawling backwards into a nearby car with a dull thud.
       Thanks to aether’s quick thinking he blocked Elysia from
       knocking into the car- her cushioned to his body.
       Dazed and disoriented, Aether struggled to regain his bearings,
       but his heart swelled with awe as Elysia sprang into action, as
       she got up her lips forming a spell.
       Elysia drew  upon the shadows that casted thanks to the sun,she
       executed a swift teleportation maneuver, vanishing in aether’s
       shadow  and reappearing from one that casted from the trash can
       nearby, than her fathers as he predictably looked at his own.
       in an instant behind the unsuspecting Samael.
       Her kick landed upside his head, catching him off guard and
       sending him stumbling forward, momentarily halted by the
       unexpected counterattack.
       Another spell uttered before she would hit another part would
       make him crumble, she gathered aether to stumble to the door
       under his weight, and unlock it summoning it to her. “Help!” She
       called.
       —fin—
       Once Elysia had left, Kit had gone into a full cleaning mode.
       Not wanting to focus on being fearful or worried, his attention
       was pushed on tackling any speck of dirt he saw in the place.
       It was a good hour later when Cisco came down to find Kit
       mopping the floor, the tables and chairs from the bar stacked in
       one corner out of the way.
       "It has been awhile since it was mopped. Where's Elysia?"
       Kit ran a hand through his sweaty hair in the front. The back
       long bits he'd pulled up off his neck into a messy short
       ponytail.
       "She went out to get some groceries. Maybe I shouldn't have let
       her go on her own," he murmured his brow wrinkling with worry.
       Cisco paused, his face drawing into a mildly concerned look.
       "Even if she was worried about her father finding her, she'd
       still go." He sighed. "She'll manage to get back, though be
       prepared if the ass is on her tail,"
       Kit gave a slight nod and finished up the last bit of the floor.
       "I'll get you something to eat, just let me dry the floor
       first,"
       Cisco raised an eyebrow not quite sure how Kit meant to dry the
       floor. He watched in amazements as Kit's body glowed and his
       three tails emerged. The tails started moving and created a gust
       of wind that dried the floor in a few moments.
       "That's quite useful," Cisco complimented.
       "Thanks. I've got a few useful skills. Others...well I try to
       not overuse,"
       Cisco had the feeling that there might be other abilities Kit
       had that were dangerous to use in close quarters.
       "I'll help you move stuff back, but first I'd better eat
       something,"
       The two were sitting down eating breakfast sandwiches when the
       door suddenly flew in and Elysia came stumbling in, Aether
       draped half over her. The call for help and the look on her face
       had Cisco swearing, his protective tattoos immediately lighting
       up all over his body.
       "Get in! Hurry!" Cisco ordered, and unleashed a beam of pure eye
       searing white magic straight into Samael's chest the moment he
       showed his face at the doorway.
       Kit flew towards Elysia and Aether in a blur, using his flying
       ability to grab them and pull them out of reach behind the bar
       top.
       Kit’s sharp ears twitched at the sound of the warding runes
       flickering on the walls around them. They weren't all that
       strong, but they might give him enough time to prepare himself
       for whatever came next.
       His golden red eyes, now slit like a fox’s, flicked toward the
       door as another ripple of dark magic coiled around the frame.
       His tails flicked, three of them, twitching with barely
       restrained fire. Beneath the casual hoodie and ripped jeans,
       power hummed, old and wild, earth-rooted and flame-fed. Kit
       wasn’t the type to play hero — never had been — but something
       about Elysia had rewritten that part of his story.
       She had trusted him,  and offered him a place to exist, not just
       survive. And now Samael wanted her for some twisted spellwork, a
       piece in his dark game, and Kit wasn’t about to let that happen.
       He stretched his fingers, feeling the warmth of the fire magic
       coiling in his blood, ready to burn.
       "Stay down, Elysia," he murmured, catching her glance from
       behind the bar. She was pale, her magic dimmed from the first
       wave of her father’s attack, but her eyes burned with defiance.
       "If there's anyone that can help, call them now," he hissed, his
       fox ears going back as he felt the dark magic working to
       overcome the wards in the bar so that Samael could gain entry.
       ---fin--
       Elysia moved in swiftly as her father skittered behind her, just
       within a hare’s reach. As Aether was starting to regain his
       senses, she dragged the large man behind the bar, her breath
       heavy as she watched the kit take on a form to protect her.
       She rummaged through Aether’s coat, finally focusing as she
       found Naz’s number. She quickly typed *SOS Elysium,* hoping the
       message would convey the urgency.
       Samael entered, his eyes widened in surprise. "An Earthbound?"
       he exclaimed, before launching an attack. Seeing this, Elysia
       began to cast a spell, her tattoos coming to life as ravens took
       shape.
       "Earn your keep—get this fool out," she commanded with
       determination to help buy time.
       She watched as one raven was crushed, causing her to grit her
       teeth. She realized the vast gap between her power and her
       father’s, acknowledging just how much she had yet to achieve.
       Elysia's heart raced as she and her kit worked in perfect
       harmony, her magic flowing through the air with a fierce
       determination. Taking advantage of splitting her father’s
       attention.
       For her it felt as if she and kit synced for two that hadn’t
       bonded and yet.. it felt like they fit.
       But just as they seemed to gain the upper hand, a mistake sent
       Elysia backwards. Her attack spell in attempt to bind him with
       smoke- fractured as a blast from Samael's counter attack sent
       her  propelling her into the shelves behind the bar. Glass
       bottles crashed down around her, the air filling with the sharp
       scent of alcohol as shards rained like jagged stars.
       Despite the setback, Elysia stood up- not willing to be the one
       laying on the ground again. Her hands cut from her pushing
       herself up.
       “You won’t win- not again.” Was all she could say.
       —fin—
       It didn't take very long before the fading wards vanished and
       the dark mage entered. Kit felt terror race through him at the
       man's question and then going straight into attacking him. Kit's
       foxfire emerged running up his arms before he was unleashing
       bolts at the mage, twisting this way and that. Much like a
       slippery eel, and keeping one or two steps ahead and out of the
       dark mage's reach.
       While they might not have bonded, Kit was quite aware of where
       Elysia was.
       Cisco had wanted to help more, but didn't have another clear
       shot with the quick moves of Kit and Elysia's attacks.
       "Shit!" Cisco swore when she was thrown behind the bar and glass
       bottles  shattered raining down on her and the hiding Aether.
       Kit's eyes flashed, going from red orange to a bright blue, as
       he tapped into the  anger that had been hiding. "Get away from
       her!" He snarled, his body twisting into an even taller
       anthropomorphic fox demon, fur sprouting a s covering his entire
       body.
       The room heated up, as he drew more power from beneath the brick
       and mortar building. The earth shook as the power poured into
       him, and a fourth tail began growing as he evolved to his next
       stage.
       "Ooh you're fucked now," a cheerful voice piped up behind
       Samael.
       Cisco felt a wave of relief at hearing Naz's familiar voice.
       Before Samael had a chance to react, Naz's clawed demonic hand
       grabbed the man's shoulder and forced him to his knees.
       "Bother my friends again and I'll make sure Lucifer shuts you in
       the deepest abyss in hell, mortal," Naz spoke in a dark tone
       laced with pure contempt.
       The shadows were suddenly alive with chanting demonic voices,
       and the walls moved as though inhabited by creepy crawly
       insects.
       The protective collar Naz wore, flared up a bright red giving
       the room a sinister look. "Or should I just send him there now,
       my dear friend Elysia?"
       ---fin--
       Elysia watched with unbridled awe as Kit underwent his
       transformation, the sheer shock leaving her speechless.
       She could sense Naz expressing some relief, while Samael felt an
       overwhelming pull to his knees, his eyes fixed intently on the
       half-demon.
       Threats against her father echoed in her ears, but Elysia knew
       better. "You won't succeed," she declared confidently. "Thanks
       to Saga's move when we first crossed paths, Sam is destined to
       witness his fall at my hands. I may have severed our blood pact,
       but the fate brand Saga left on his cheek remains." She gestured
       to the mark on his face.
       "Moreover, if I didn’t handle it myself, I’d never forgive
       myself," she continued with determination. "But you can find a
       place for him to sort things out. He's hopeless with
       teleportation spells," she added with a huff.
       Fueled by anger, adrenaline surged through her veins. "Aether,"
       she called, shifting her focus to the man behind the bar. "Are
       you alright?"
       "A few broken ribs... nothing I can’t handle, beautiful," he
       replied with a teasing tone, earning an eye roll from her.
       "Normally, I'd say you're fine if you're still flirting—but you
       don’t look so good," she responded.
       "Just saying you’re not looking hot yourself," Aether countered,
       his eyes widening in alarm as he watched her falter. "El?!?" was
       all she heard before darkness began to creep in.
       Aether quickly moved to catch her, brushing her hair from her
       face before feeling something wet. His hand slipped to her back,
       panic setting in as he realized there was glass from a shattered
       bottle protruding from her side. "Fu.ck... sh.it!" he cursed,
       recognizing the severity of the situation.
       —fin—
       Naz looked almost annoyed, hearing that he couldn't just send
       the asshole to hell. But then shrugged when El explained that
       her father would fall at her own hands in the future.
       "I could do that," he agreed, a creepy grin filling his face at
       her suggestion of sending the man somewhere to sort things out.
       "If it was my choice, I'd send you to fu.cking Mars, but since
       Miss Elysia wishes to off you herself, I know exactly where to
       send your miserable hide, Samael Meadows," he cackled.
       His grip on the mage tightened and he dragged him to the
       doorway. After a short chanting spell, the outside changed to
       that of a desert plain that stretched out millions of miles with
       nothing else in sight.
       "Hey Djinn, I have a toy for you to play with!" He yelled before
       shoving Samael through.
       A menacing laughter filled the air before Naz snapped his
       fingers, closing the doorway between plains.
       "That should take him a while to get away from. took me like ten
       before I made friends with the djinn that rules the desert
       plains of Zagorra," Naz said with a smirk.
       Kit slowly wound down from his pumped up state, his attention
       going to Elysia as she spoke with Aether. He was next to her
       seconds after Aether found her severe wound.
       "I can heal her," he murmured, his hands steadily moving to pull
       the glass piece free and then finished his mana to heal her deep
       laceration. The muscles, veins and damaged organs knit together
       under his gentle touch until not even a scar remained. Her
       having consumed his blood made the process painless, even though
       she was already unconscious.
       "Damn, that could have been much worse. Good thing she's found a
       new familiar," Naz commented flexing a hand.
       Then his eyes narrowed, seeing that a fire whiskey jar had been
       destroyed. "That fu.cker wrecked my fire whiskey! Should have
       the djinn hold him for a good century for that alone!"
       Kit gently examined her hands, healing them and any other cuts
       she'd gotten before gathering Elysia up in his arms.
       "I'll keep an eye on her, the rest of you do whatever you need
       to. Cisco, mind calling that doctor? She probably needs to get
       checked out,"
       Cisco nodded, and eyed the mess on the floor. "I'll start
       cleaning this up too. Aether, you want me to help you with your
       ribs?"
       Naz frowned and moved to  pull Aether gently into his arms.
       "I'll take care of him. He's my lover, it's my job," he said a
       bit possessively.
       Cisco chuckled and went to call Dr Watson and then Cruz to let
       him know what had happened. He left Naz and Aether downstairs
       and went up to let Kit know the Doctor was on his way.
       "Thanks," Kit murmured, already curled protectively around
       Elysia.
       "Might I make a suggestion? Tell her how you feel."
       Kit blinked and then sighed softly. "I will, I just don't want
       to scare her off. We did just meet."
       ---fin--
       Aether watched in sheer awe of the fox's abilities. “So, it’s
       true what they say about the earth-bounds—you’re pretty
       incredible,” he reiterated, observing Elysia as she was gathered
       up.
       He heard the offer to help heal his ribs and was about to
       decline, considering that Cisco was carrying a baby. But Naz,
       being Naz, made him blush. “Just sit me in the chair. I have
       something to help with the ribs for now. I can get checked out
       once the doctor arrives,” he mused. “I never expected her father
       to be such a powerhouse, damn,” he said with a sigh.
       —-
       Elysia slowly woke up. Her eyes went to the kit around her—so
       close—and she blushed a little. It felt like she was in a dream,
       seeing him so close, his presence warm and comforting. She
       marveled at the soft rhythm of his breathing, and unable to
       resist the surreal moment, she reached out and gently touched
       his furry ear. “Thank you..” she said faintly. “You looked
       amazing kit.. the flames.. those tails.. is it wrong to want
       you?”she murmured mildly delirious. She laid there her hand
       gently rubbing his ear.
       —fin—
       Naz pouted slightly, hearing Aether praising the fox demon. It
       has his jealousy flaring up a bit, though he was more than a
       little impressed himself.
       He grinned a bit pleased to have made his lover blush so
       beautifully.
       "All right, but you're sitting on my lap. I'll be more
       comfortable than any chair,"
       Naz moved to pull Aether into his arms and carried him over to
       one of the chairs and settled, wrapping his arms protectively
       around him.
       "He's a force to be reckoned with for sure.  If the fox demon
       becomes her new familiar, she'll have a chance at beating him.
       Though it'll take a couple of years to establish a strong enough
       bond," Naz mused.
       He reached up to guide Aether's face towards his own and kissed
       the man slowly. "You need to be more careful, I don't want to
       lose you," he murmured stroking Aether's neck and jaw.
       ----
       Kit had slowly moved back when the doctor came in a little while
       later to check Elysia over. His prognosis was that she would be
       all right but would need to rest and recover for the next few
       days. He'd nodded and then moved back to hold her once more.
       The sound of her breathing changed a little while later, letting
       him know she was waking. He closed his eyes, keeping his
       breathing slow and soft, not wanting her to catch him watching
       her sleeping.
       The featherlight touch to his ear very nearly had him  twitch,
       but somehow managed to control his body.
       Her voice...her words surrounded him like a cocoon, silky smooth
       and sweet.
       His eyes slowly slide open and he moved his hand up her back
       drawing her in a bit closer. "It's not wrong, not when I want
       you too, Elysia. Can...can I kiss you?"
       -fin-
       #Post#: 1625--------------------------------------------------
       Re: The unknown Journey
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 23, 2026, 10:25 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Aether settled comfortably on Naz’s lap and chuckled. “You’re
       making sure I don’t wander off, aren’t you?” he teased, noticing
       the hint of jealousy in Naz’s eyes. “Bonds are meant to be
       forged, but they require a symbolic act to be formalized, or at
       least that’s how I recall it,” he remarked before feeling the
       gentle caress on his neck and jaw, followed by being pulled into
       a tender kiss.
       “I was trying to- but El couldn’t handle that guy on her own…
       she kinda ran into him,” he said, chuckling. He kissed back
       gently as they waited.
       After a while, they saw the doctor coming down. “How is she?” he
       asked. “Well, she just needs some rest… now it’s your turn,” he
       replied.
       After a brief examination, the doctor found that Aether had a
       few broken ribs and a fractured wrist. He worked his magic to
       heal what he could within his capabilities. “Let’s stay just a
       little longer- then maybe we can go to your place?” he
       suggested.
       ———
       Elysia heard the fox demon's question, the gentle pull in his
       voice. Her eyes wandered over Kit's face, surprised by the
       inquiry. She smiled before leaning in for a kiss.
       His lips were soft against hers. Her arms wrapped around him as
       much as they could, even while lying down.
       She parted after a few moments, “can you stay here.. I’d feel
       safer..” she asked.
       -----
       "you already know me so well," Naz replied, not minding the
       teasing. "I like it better when I know where you are," he added.
       He gave a nod at Aether's talking about how bonds were made.
       "I'd bond you to me if I could," he murmured.
       He fell quiet as Aether explained what had happened and his gaze
       softened a bit. He might not know Elysia as well as the others,
       but she was growing on him a bit at a time.
       Naz finally gave Aether a bit of space, letting his hands fall
       away so the doctor could examine him more closely. His eyes grew
       a bit darker at his lover's suggestion.
       "Cruz should be here soon enough. Though it's probably best to
       see if there's anything they need before we go to my place. You
       probably need a bit of rest yourself, not a vigorous workout,"
       ---
       Her leaning in closer had him inhale in surprise before he broke
       the distance and pressed his lips around hers. The arms wrapping
       around him brought a soft moan as he felt the affection on her
       touch and through their kiss.
       His hair fell down into his eyes and he gave a gentle nod at her
       question, not quite trusting his voice at the moment.
       Kit moved, flipping into his back, his arms wrapping around her
       as he held Elysia close.
       "I..I'll always stay by your side. I feel drawn to you, like I'm
       meant to be by your side. Don't feel as though you have to do
       anything you're not ready for. Just let me hold you and treasure
       you,"
       ---fin--
       Aether pretended to pout at the notion of not getting a fun
       time.”but naz.. least strip tease for me?” He cooed as he moved
       to head toward the stairs.”in all seriousness I’m giving ling
       some private time- man hadn’t slept in 48 hours- so I was hoping
       to crash with you.” He said before stepping up.
       His hand would briefly hold Naz back hearing the words of kit a
       small smile crossed his face.
       “We can take our time- I’m still feeling off.. “ admitted
       Elysia. “Stinks I wasted money though- all that food-and all
       that expensive alcohol. “ she grumbled to snuggle close.
       —fin—
       Naz raised an eyebrow at Aether's cooed reply. "I only said
       nothing vigorous. We could go slow," he replied with a knowing
       grin.."if you want a strip tease, you'll get one," he promised
       with a flirty wink.
       He fell in step behind Aether, nodding when the other explained
       he was attempting to give his roommate some time to rest.."you
       can crash with me. You should know by now I could never deny you
       . I'm...very into you if you haven't noticed,"
       Naz had moved to knock on the door when Aether grabbed his arm.
       He too grinned hearing everything that Kit said and Elysia's
       response.
       He shot a look at Aether when she grumbled over the food and
       drinks that she'd lose during the scuffle with Samael.
       He stepped back, pulling Aether with him. "We'll go replace
       whatever food she lost. Cruz will want to stick close." He said
       softly not wanting to disturb the two currently cuddling and
       resting.
       "Don't worry about the food or drinks, what matters is that
       you're okay." Kit murmured back, very much enjoying having
       Elysia in his arms.
       "We can always ask someone later to get new stuff."
       ---fin--
       Aether gave a soft smile.”I’ve been noticing- it’s just new.
       Most tend to walk away at some point.. but you?… first one to
       act like you want to keep me.” He said with a chuckle.
       Aether noticed the glance and responded, "Yeah, speaking of
       which—I better text him." He quickly sent a message:
       Hey man, sorry about this. El just got attacked today. I’m going
       to pick up some things she needs, as well as some alcohol to
       replace what was broken. She's resting right now.
       Sliding his phone back into his pocket, Aether walked down to
       the door and stepped out onto the street. He glanced over at the
       bags and the ruined food left from the fight. "And she finally
       stepped out after so long too," he said, feeling empathy for her
       situation. He noted down his observations and tucked the paper
       into his pocket. Taking Naz’s hand, they walked down the street,
       Aether deep in thought.
       ———
       Elysia gave a soft smile. A first for her to allow such a
       closeness. “You’re not wrong.. but I know.. I gotta get out of
       these clothes.. “ she admitted to move up. Her head felt a light
       spin. She fumbled with the ribbons that held her top closed,
       loosening it. She struggled with it to come off not even
       noticing the tear of fabric that the gash laid. She laid right
       back down as she felt she couldn’t just sit up that long.”mind..
       helping?.. it’s okay- I just can’t lay down in all of this.” She
       admitted.
       “I gotta a night shirt in the top drawer, “ she said as a light
       tinge to her pale face showed. “Later probably some food.. if
       there’s any left..” she mumbled to herself.
       The last time anyone saw her near naked was saga prepping her
       for bed on a drunk day.
       —fin—
       Naz shook his head a bit at what Aether had said. "Well they
       were idiots. I very much do want to keep you. And Clay as well.
       I feel like I've finally found what I've always been searching
       for in the both of you. I think Clay's gonna take more
       convincing though,"
       Naz nodded at Aether, leaving him to text Cruz about what had
       happened. He moved to check out the pile of glass that has been
       left behind the bar. He could hear Cisco muttering as he
       searched for a dust pan and decided to lend a hand.
       Using his levitating magic, he lifted the glass off the floor
       and directed it to the nearby garbage can. "Such a waste of
       perfectly good alcohol," he muttered staring at the stain on the
       floor boards.
       "Hey Cisco, I took care of the glass, all you need is to mop the
       floor. Cruz is on his way and Aether and I are going to go get
       groceries," he called out before following after his lover.
       He paused frowning at the scattered food and bottles, sighing at
       what Aether said. "We'll work on getting her out again. Though
       maybe with an escort next time," he said thoughtfully.
       Naz smiled as Aether's hand slide into his own and leaned
       against the taller man, happy to spend   a normal errand with
       him for a change. "What would you like for dinner? We should
       shop for us as well while we're out," he suggested smiling up at
       Aether.
       ----
       Kit froze for a second, his face going red all the way to his
       ears. He wasn’t sure where to look, his eyes darting away the
       moment the torn fabric shifted.
       “I— uh— yeah, I can help,” he mumbled, swallowing past the lump
       in his throat as he carefully moved closer, hands hovering
       awkwardly before he worked up the nerve to help ease the fabric
       away. He kept his touch light, gentle, more focused on not
       hurting her than anything else.
       Once the top was freed, he quickly reached for the drawer she’d
       mentioned, finding the night shirt and holding it out, eyes
       fixed anywhere but on her.
       “Here... I got it. I’ll, um, turn around if you want.” His voice
       was quiet, still a little shaken but trying his best to be
       helpful.
       ---fin--
       "Definitely. It might be safer if we have a few friends with
       us," he said as he walked. A soft smile tugged at his lips, a
       feeling of closeness he hadn't experienced in a long time.
       Deep down, Aether was still cautious of becoming too close to
       others, having been manipulated before.
       His face grew pensive at the thought. "You know," he began
       slowly, "I'm really in the mood for a burrito. Are you okay with
       that?" he asked Naz. "We could probably get ourselves a drink,
       too. Honestly, I could use a strong one," he added with a
       chuckle.
       —-
       Elysia watched Kit from the corner of her eye, noticing the
       subtle signs of his shy demeanor.
       She flushed herself having to bare herself. But it didn’t stop
       her from noticing how He couldn’t look  way at her as he gently
       helped her out of most of her things., his cheeks tinged with a
       faint blush.
       It was such a stark contrast to Saga, who seemed to relish in
       teasing her with bold, flirtatious comments, often making no
       secret of his desire to see her strip away her defenses, both
       literally and metaphorically.
       This difference in their behavior fascinated Elysia, drawing her
       in more, her feeling bad for asking for help.
       The fact he said he’d turn around, as her arms shielded her
       chest from being  exposed to taking the shirt.”thank you..” she
       stammered managing to say something before tugging it on, she
       would pull her hair through.”way more comfortable..” she said
       trying to calm the blush down.
       “You can look now..” she said with a sheepish look.
       —fin—
       Naz got a thoughtful look, realizing the only friends he could
       claim were Cisco and Cruz. Everyone else has been random flings
       that he'd grown tired of. This wasn't the case with Aether or
       Clay. Maybe it was because they were complex beings, with layers
       to them. He learned new things about them everyday it seemed. Or
       was it because he was developing deeper feelings for them?
       Sure he'd been enamored and obsessed about others in the past,
       but it had never felt like this before. There wasn't a day he
       woke without his mind instantly thinking of Aether and Claymore
       and wanting to see them.
       "As long as mine is spicy, I don't mind burritos. Are you hungry
       now? We could get some now if you want. And I guess I could
       settle for regular whiskey if I had to," he added, thinking
       about the shattered fire whiskey bottles Elysia had been saving
       for him.
       "There's this great little Mexican burrito truck downtown that
       has the best in town," he added, almost drooling at the thought
       of the spicy meat and sauces the cook used.
       ----
       "I'm glad i could help," Kit murmured, still facing away from
       her. He finally turned towards her when she gave the go ahead to
       look at her.
       The way the loose shirt draped over her hiding her curves had
       him flushing a bit more. "You look great in that," he said, his
       Adams apple bobbing a bit.
       "I'm going to use the bathroom, but I'll be right back." He
       added and hurried into the small bathroom and closed the door
       firmly.
       He did his business and cleaned up a bit before going back to
       the bedroom. "Do you want me to stay with you while you rest, or
       go work on cleaning things up?" He asked a bit awkwardly.
       -fin-
       “Honestly yeah- I was gonna get food till that hot mess
       arrived.” He said to chuckle. He’d flinch lightly at the pain.
       “Laughed a little too hard.” He said as he walked. They passed
       by a woman that looked beautiful to most, her silver hair
       looking almost ethereal. While to normal humans she looked to be
       human, to those that may sport half blood or a scent would know
       her to be a succubus. The woman seemed to be barely to aether’s
       shoulder.
       A sly smile and aether turning his head to Naz, his face clearly
       pale.”I’m thinking tequila honestly- burns as it goes down..” he
       said chuckling rather nervously.
       He didn’t expect to see her- he knew
       She would come around. It was meant a subtle message. Their bond
       requires one thing- and he was beginning to hate it. The drive
       to being just a sexaholic seemed to be the better remedy at the
       time.
       He tried relationships before- but it was as if she just knew..
       and would mess with his head again.
       ——-
       Elysia heard the compliment and how dark he got, her own blush
       not getting any better.
       The moment the door shut she covered her face. What was she
       thinking? Why was she getting flustered. While the result was
       the same no matter the route- this one felt so innocent and
       different.
       Her fingers went to her lips slowly her mind replaying the kiss
       before she’d hear the flush to draw her hand down. Her head
       turned. “Best help Cisco- he s..shouldn’t be working so much.”
       She stammered.
       —fin—
       "then you must be starving by now," Naz replied with a smile. It
       faded when his gaze followed Aether's and they noticed the woman
       blatantly checking him out. His eyes narrowed and he was on edge
       when he realized she was more than just a good looking woman.
       "Is that the bitch familiar that screwed you over?" Naz almost
       snarled, as fury rose inside him. "You know you don't need to be
       beholden to her if you don't want to be." He muttered, his hand
       tightening a bit more around Aether's.
       "Come on," he said tugging Aether down a different street,
       planning on staying away from the Succubus. If he didn't, it was
       likely he'd kill the bitch.
       "Tequila's not going to be strong enough," he muttered.
       ---
       After seeing how red faced and flustered Elysia had gotten from
       his compliment he wasn't all that surprised by her suggestion
       that he should help Cisco.
       "I'll do that then, you rest. I'll wake you up in a few hours.
       Anything you want to eat?"
       When she'd given him an answer, Kit slipped out and headed down
       to check on the bar. He was surprised to find all the glass was
       gone, Cisco mopping up the spilled liquor.
       "Let me finish that, you should rest," Kit insisted taking the
       mop.
       Cisco didn't argue and moved to sit and watch as the fox demon
       got to work mopping and then scrubbed the floor so the smell of
       alcohol didn't linger.
       "Kit, you sure you don't need to rest more? Evolving can take a
       lot out of a fox demon. Especially in the first few days,"
       Kit frowned slightly at this. "Seems you know more about my kind
       than i do. I was pretty young when the mage Meijin took me, he
       kind of...conditioned me to do whatever he wanted, and to ignore
       pain. I think Elysia is needing some space, so I'll just rest
       down here,"
       Cisco couldn't help but frown a bit, wondering just what the
       young fox demon had gone through. "I've got some books I can
       loan you, that will fill you in on whatever you don't know. It's
       probably going to be a bit awkward for awhile, but I'm sure you
       two will be fine I'm the long run," Cisco reassured him.
       The door was suddenly pushed in and both jumped and then relaxed
       seeing it was just Cruz.
       "Is El okay? What happened?" He demanded, coiled tightly with
       worry.
       Cisco explained, telling the half siren fae what had gone down.
       "If not for Naz, it could have been a lot worse. Though I do
       wonder how Kit would have managed against Samael,"
       Kit scratched the side of his neck, glancing down when Cruz
       glanced at him.
       "I probably would've gotten in a Couple punches before he broke
       me in half," he sighed. "I've got a lot to work on if I want to
       keep Elysia safe,"
       ---fin--
       Aether continued riding the wave of discomfort, his body
       language clearly giving away his unease. He hesitated, his eyes
       flickering towards Naz, before finally managing to utter a
       simple "yes."
       The succubus, with a sly smile tugging at the corners of her
       lips, seemed to savor his discomfort. Her posture was relaxed, a
       stark contrast to Aether's tension. She peered back at them
       briefly, a mischievous glint in her eyes, as she watched Naz
       guide Aether away. Her confident demeanor only added to the
       intriguing dynamic between the two, seeing how his body language
       stiffened told her she still had power over him.
       “She’s my familiar- we still have ties and I still have
       benefits- just can’t break it with her right now- my magic is
       tied to her- if I do-I’ll lose it. It’s just how it is for now-
       after all it’s what Lucifer said. It’s in nature of demons to
       lie.” He said.
       ——-
       Elysia drifted into sleep with Kit on her mind. Something about
       him made her never want to let go. For once, her dreams were
       different—filled with a warm embrace, being drawn close, and a
       genuine smile. The girl who once knew only nightmares
       experienced her first sweet dream.
       She slept deeply for a while before slowly waking up, feeling
       hungry. She requested whatever Kit could find: eggs for
       breakfast if available, or, at the very least, bacon for a
       simple stir fry.
       Yawning, Elysia realized it was the first restful sleep she had
       in a very long time. Her body moved to get to the edge of the
       bed to hear voices. “Cruz?” She mumbled to move.
       She made her way out to look down.”when did you get here?” She
       asked softly as she went to make her way down.
       —fin—
       Naz very much disliked seeing the normally relaxed Aether acting
       so uneasy. "I'm betting she gets more benefits from the
       arrangement than you do," Naz grumbled, his jealousy getting
       even stronger by the second.
       Just imagining how the succubus used the man he loved and cared
       about was enough to make him see red. "Fine..fine I won't kill
       her *yet*," he empathized in a dark tone.
       Maybe he was being too possessive. But the idea of that bitch
       getting her claws on Aether made him want to light her on fire.
       Once they were far from her presence did he finally relax a bit.
       "Sorry, I have had bad experienced with succubi in the past.
       Just imagining one lying and manipulating you pisses me off.
       Ah..and here's the burrito truck. "
       Noticing the line already  formed had him sighing knowing they'd
       have to wait for awhile.
       "Since we've got time. Tell me, what do you want to do for your
       birthday? Have anywhere special you want to go?"
       ------
       Kit senses when Elysia woke from her nap and went to start
       cooking up what was left in the fridge. There were a few eggs
       and bacon and even some bread for toast, but not much else.
       Cisco frowned seeing how bare the fridge was. "Don't worry about
       it, Aether and Naz are getting groceries," Kit reassured him.
       Cruz snorted. "That's gonna take them hours. But whatever. I'm
       not about to leave the three of you here alone,"
       Cisco sighed and then glanced up hearing Elysia's question if
       the upstairs balcony.
       "Not too long ago. You sure you slept long enough? You  look
       pretty exhausted still. " Cruz said glancing up himself.
       -----
       “We have a deadline to meet—it’s just the way the agreement is.
       But it’s the one time you won’t be able to be with me,” Aether
       said. He listened as the man mentioned something about killing
       her and shook his head. Although he was upset with her, he was
       not the type to believe that violence could solve anything.
       “I’m hoping at our next meeting I can persuade her to give me a
       little more. Seeing El take control of her fate ignited
       something within me,” he admitted. He could feel her gaze on his
       back as if she were looking right through him.
       He wondered what got Naz riled up about the woman until he got
       an explanation. “Ah… so that’s why you’re so pissed… they’re
       just trying to survive—when we met, she didn’t always look like
       that,” he said with a deep sigh.
       Aether saw the line frown a little at the food truck he often
       loved. “Getting popular now…” he groaned a little. He heard the
       question about his birthday—the man, not having celebrated his
       birthday in years, was a little shocked. “Honestly, I don’t
       know—I usually just drink and do fun stuff; that’s my normal
       day—I just add the cake,” he said with a chuckle. His face went
       to one of deep thought as the line moved. “A quiet camping trip…
       I hadn’t been on one for ages,” he said as they moved.
       The succubus sighed deeply as she lingered. Her hand went to her
       top to pull out a letter. “Hmm… think it’s this way,” she mused,
       her eye roaming for what she was looking for.
       ———
       Elysia stepped down slightly. “I just got a little hungry,” she
       said as she made her way down. Her gaze went to Cisco. “You're
       okay, right? I know you're a few months along—did Watson check
       you over?” she asked. She felt a pang of guilt for bringing
       matters back to the shop. She wasn’t sure how long the Demon
       King was keeping Saga, but she knew just how furious he’d be
       knowing her father could have harmed him too.
       She moved to sit down, taking a bite of what was offered. “Mmm,
       thanks,” she murmured as she ate a little more.
       After a bit of chatter, a unique knock sounded at her door. If
       it had been Aether or Corvin, the two would have simply walked
       in.
       Having finished her light meal, Elysia went to the door.
       “Guess one of sagas friends coming by” said Elysia, recognizing
       the knock. While she sat on the the letter from
       Saga for days before opening it up- it was as expected- him
       chewing her out- but still helping. The letters to three favors
       that he told her to send off.
       She opened the door to what most would describe as an albino
       woman. Clearly stunning and yet- wore the most provocative
       clothing that would make heads turn. “Your one of the letters?”
       She asked the woman that came in to give a polite nod to her and
       the men. “You can call me Selene.” She said with a soft smile.
       Her eye lingered a little on Cisco. “My my.. so your the
       expecting from saga- he’s a dear friend.. and I’m positively
       thrilled for you.” She told Cisco giving her praise. Her horns
       and tail slid out as she felt the life forces of the place. Her
       eye went to Ciscos stomache in the most peculiar way as her eyes
       popped open wide.
       Elysia noticed her expression. She watched her count a little to
       ask.”is this everyone in the building?” El slowly nodded. “Oh
       dear oh my..” she said as her tail swayed almost in a flustered
       way as she realized the man had *two* inside.>>>
       ^^^
       “saga is going to be over the moon! Congrats even more- you’re
       having *twins*!”She said as the tail swayed more like an excited
       puppy than a seductive manipulative succubus she was.
       “Oh so you’re checking on..” el started to stop and look shocked
       as she processed that Cisco was having twins.”oh boy..” she
       mumbled realizing how big the guy was going to get.
       “Well that and give a little of my blood- said he got tricked by
       a spell weaver- sneaky minx.” She said eyeing Elysia.”blood?”
       She asked as the woman sighed.”a project he has been working on
       for quite some time- he had the fae blood but he lacked a little
       more- I said I’d make up part of the difference- two more should
       be coming to do the same- one is a dragon himself. Quite an old
       one.” She said.
       —fin—
       Naz let out a sigh, but knew that Aether was right. If the
       succubus found out who he was, she might take advantage of that
       and start showing up more just to piss him off.
       Naz nodded, not wanting to say anything that might jinx Aether's
       chances. "Good,"
       "I understand survival...what I don't understand is when they go
       to far," he muttered. "When you end up bound or chained up and
       used for their needs, that's going too far,"
       Naz gave a slight nod and leaned against Aether eying the
       colorful crowd in front of them. It always amazed him how food
       could bring so many different people together.
       "Just cake? There's much better things than cake," he teased,
       stroking his hand up Aether's chest slowly.
       "A camping trip huh? Anywhere in particular? Please not in bear
       or Sasquatch territory," he added with a slight shiver.
       It took a little bit longer before they were finally at the
       ordering window.
       "I'll take one fully loaded burrito, with chicken, with your
       hottest hot sauce," he ordered quickly. "Oh and a horchata
       please. And whatever he wants, I'm paying," Naz insisted,
       already pulling out paper bills to count them.
       Once Aether had ordered, he handed over the money, and added the
       change plus another 20 to their tip jar and moved down to wait
       for his order.
       -----
       Cruz nodded, visibly relaxing seeing that Elysia wasn't hurting.
       He glanced over at Cisco at the mention of getting checked over
       again. That was when he noticed the slight bump on the other's
       stomach. Wasn't it too soon to be showing already?
       "He's coming by later," Cisco replied easily and went to steal a
       piece of bacon to munch on.  He headed into the pantry to pull
       out one of his bags of chips and settled down to munch on them.
       "You're welcome Elysia," Kit murmured. He smiled listening to
       the easy chatter between the friends. Especially when Cruz
       teased Cisco about how he'd have to start doing more
       calisthenics.
       The knock had his ears shifting and his eyes narrowing at the
       mention of one of Saga's friends showing up.
       "You could have said something about them coming by," he
       murmured, concern and wariness in his demeanor.
       Cruz moved to stand behind her as she opened the door, his eyes
       flashing in warning at the woman.
       Cisco blinked, a bit taken aback by a stranger knowing about him
       and Saga. He wasn't all that happy to see her abruptly shift and
       showed her succubus form. Especially after she stared at his
       stomach. Then he felt faint headed at the sudden announcement of
       him carrying twins.
       Kit's mouth dropped open in shock and Cruz's eyebrow and mouth
       twitched.
       Cisco didn't even pick up on the rest of what she was saying,
       *"twins"* just kept repeating over and over in his head.
       "You...how ..what?!" He exclaimed in disbelief.
       Cruz could see that Cisco was starting to go into a panicked
       state. He moved over to take his friend's hand and guided him to
       one of the soft lounge chairs and hummed to calm him down.
       "You're going to be fine Cisco. Let me check," he said softly.
       Cisco finally gave a nod and Cruz moved his hand over the
       other's stomach and used a safe low grade scanning spell. He
       pulled his hand away and nodded .
       "Twins, one with Saga's magic and one with yours. The two can't
       mix, so that's probably why there's two," he explained.
       ---fin--
       #Post#: 1626--------------------------------------------------
       Re: The unknown Journey
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 23, 2026, 10:32 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       “Well, this happened shortly after Cisco’s incident, and before
       I met you. Honestly, with all the chaos and trying to get things
       organized, I completely forgot,” Elysia admitted, shaking off
       the surprise of Cisco having twins.
       “They apparently owe Saga some favors,” she sighed.
       The succubus Selene, noticed Cisco's panic. "That's what happens
       when darkness mixes with light—though there's a rare middle
       ground," she remarked, shifting her gaze to the fox not wishing
       to stress Cisco further- she knew better than to mess with what
       was considered sagas.. “Oh, an earthbound,” she said with a
       naturally flirty demeanor.
       “Not in my shop you’re not—Kit is off-limits, got it?” Elysia
       said, her tone firm and with warning.
       Selene's eyes danced with mischief as she caught Elysia's eye, a
       mild smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, I wouldn’t dream of
       touching your precious Kit," she purred, her voice dripping with
       fake innocence.
       >>>^^^
       “But, you know," she continued, her tone light but filled with
       insinuation, "Saga might be amused .. or angry..  a new face,
       replacing him with someone ..a bit more... innocent, shall we
       say?" Her smirk widened slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes as
       she let the suggestion linger in the air. Elysia gave her a dark
       look, not amused by Selene's words, but the succubus merely
       shrugged, her expression the picture of feigned innocence.
       “oh well, what can I say.. “ she said with a shrug. “You’ve
       shown saga your well intention- he still will fill what he
       intended for you- bound or not.” She said as she settled at a
       seat.
       “Well might as well tell me what this big fat project he has
       going on yes?” Said Elysia as the woman lazily looked at the
       others.”hmmmm… I know he said it must be behind closed doors- “
       she started before Elysia looked mildly irritated.
       “Out with it or I’ll kick you out.. this is my space after all.”
       Said the witch with a glare. She knew she was a little tapped
       out- but her anger was enough to fuel the possibility.
       “I’ll out with it once you take my blood- best I’m first before
       the old men get here, rather not wait forever for the dragon to
       get over getting pricked.” She said with a high sigh.
       “They are all coming?!!” Asked Elysia.
       “Mm the vampire won’t be for a few hours- he likes the night.”
       She said musing.
       >>>^^^^
       Elysia couldn't shake the curiosity gnawing at her. Saga's
       influence was a puzzle she couldn't piece together, and the
       mystery he held over others only deepened her intrigue. What
       sort of power did Saga wield that even individuals like a
       vampire, let alone a dragon-  owed him, and what exactly did he
       plan to do with such leverage?
       Her mind raced with possibilities, each more outlandish than the
       last. Was it a power play, an elaborate scheme of some sort, or
       something more personal, more intimate? She knew Saga well
       enough to understand that his motivations were never
       straightforward, always layered with complexities and hidden
       agendas.
       Elysia imagined every scenario, her mind weaving through the
       many possibilities of Saga’s intentions. She could see him
       orchestrating events from the demon world itself. The thought of
       having that much influence made her shiver; she always did
       admire his intelligence,something  she both admired and feared.
       If there was anything Elysia wondered if she was merely a pawn
       in some grand scheme or if she played a more significant role.
       What was it that he intended for her? The question lingered in
       her mind,she knew in time something would reveal itself.
       :~~~~:
       Meanwhile back with Aether, he mused the question with a quiet
       thought.”honestly- the one in Vermont I have not been to yet,
       it’s green mountain national forest, good place for skiing to
       honestly.” He told the half demon before ordering a burrito he
       often got from them, it was a steak loaded with jalapeños and
       veggies. He ate as they walked, his mind on what to do for the
       night and how to handle Selene.
       The man talking of various places he camped,  and where his old
       man took him- and his harrowing experience with the trail that
       was loaded with spider webs. “Let’s just say- I’m more careful
       going down trails now.” He said to chuckle as they had hit the
       store.
       Aether grabbed what he saw on his list and added some extra
       things he figured Elysia would be good for.
       >>>>
       Once the things were checked out, he walked with Naz, both
       carrying a significant amount of food.”this should keep her and
       kit good for a while.. “ said the man with a chuckle as he
       fumbled for his key. “Honestly bet she gonna be happy about the
       brownies- “ he said shifting bags a little. He was beginning to
       feel much better himself as he made sure he didn’t mix what he
       bought for himself and Naz as he planned on taking it back with
       them.
       —fin—
       —
       Kit relaxed slightly at Elysia's explanation. "Ah, that would be
       pretty easy to forget," he murmured
       He couldn't help but cringe  at the succubus' flirty tone. He
       shivered thinking of what the female might be thinking about.
       Kits eyes widened slightly hearing Elysia warning her and saying
       he was off limits.
       The next bit though had his hackles go up even more when he
       heard a dragon and a vampire would all be showing up. Now he was
       worried, wondering what Elysia's former familiar had been
       plotting.
       Cisco finally having wrapped his head around the fact he was
       having twins slowly got up and disappeared upstairs. He had a
       news to send to Saga. He was feeling a bit worried now of his
       lover getting back before their babies arrived. He had way too
       many things to get ready for!
       Cruz could feel the rising unease and tension. "Elysia, why
       don't you draw the blood then? I'm sure *Selene* had other
       things she needs to do today," he spoke in a soft time, using
       just enough of his suggestive magic to impress on the succubus
       not to linger.
       ----
       "Vermont? That sounds like a nice relaxing place to go. I can't
       say I've ever been camping before. But I'd love to go with you,"
       Naz was quite happy with his spicy burrito, munching on it as
       they made their way to the store. It was a rather pleasant walk,
       and he enjoyed hearing about Aether's childhood camping trips.
       "I never would have guessed you're afraid of spiders. " He
       mused.
       He tossed out his garbage before they went into the store and
       was more than happy to go around the store picking out things
       with Aether.
       He chuckled later at Aether's talking about getting food to last
       then for awhile. "Should get a wagon or a car next time. My arms
       feel like they're going to fall off,"
       The door finally swung open and he paused for a moment seeing
       Selene of all succubi was seated getting her blood drawn.
       "Cruz...help me with these bags," he said in a strained  tone
       that had Kit shooting him an odd look.
       Cruz moved to grab several of the bags and handed them to Kit
       before taking the rest.
       Naz moved to stand over Selene his eyes going hard.
       "You're lucky you're in a neutral place, Selene. Or I'd be
       sending you straight to the deepest pit of hell," he spat.
       Now seeing her in her true form, he recognized her as one of the
       succubi that had kept him captive. "Maybe I should just tell
       Lucifer where you are," he threatened, his eyes getting even
       more firey.
       ---fin--
       Elysia noticed Cruz glancing at the succubus, who seemed to have
       a slight reaction. "I suppose I do need to meet with my wizard,"
       the succubus mused as she took a seat.
       Aether chuckled. "Oh, yeah... sometimes I still end up checking
       my bed," he admitted while unlocking and opening the door. "I
       don't do well with them."
       He saw Selene sitting in Elysia’s shop, focused on her work.
       Aether and Cruz moved to set down the food, hearing Selene sigh.
       "I’m sorry, my name is Selene, but I think you’ve got me
       confused with someone else. My twin loves getting me tangled in
       her messes—she tries to use my name, but the difference is the
       beauty mark. Hers is on her right cheek, whereas mine is on the
       left," she explained, relaxing her hand when Elysia nodded.
       "I wouldn’t be foolish enough to meddle with Lord Lucifer’s
       son—that would be a death sentence, if I may say, young prince,"
       she said respectfully. "I would never dare lay a hand on my
       lord’s child," she added as Elysia continued her work.
       She noticed Aether. "Ah... seems I won’t have to rush," she said
       in a rather cheerful tone. "I do need to talk to you—I realize
       we are close to the time for the appointment," she said as
       Elysia glanced at Aether, the woman giving another look.
       "Yeah, we do, but not here," Aether replied. "And certainly not
       today—I'm with Naz," he said while helping with groceries as she
       moved to the counter. "Alright, that's fine—but I was going to
       mention a change later... found something I was looking for in
       your rune work," she said smoothly.
       Just then, a distinct knock came at the door.
       Elysia opened it to a rather older gentleman. He had a much
       warmer appearance, but the magic he exuded felt ancient. "Hello,
       miss," Elysia heard.
       "Elysia Meadows," she said as the older man smiled. "You can
       call me Ender, I'm here to give information but first..." Elysia
       motioned, "Give me a moment—I pride myself on making sure I
       sterilize and swap things," she said, busying herself again.
       >>>>>^^^
       The ender took in kit and another warm smile sprang.”my my a
       young one this time. What is your name young one?” Asked the
       dragon to the earthbound demon. The friendly demeanor of the man
       was different from the succubus. Him finding a seat to wait.
       —fin—
       Kit couldn't help but shoot a wary look between the demon prince
       and the succubus, hoping the furious Naz wouldn't attack. He
       really had no idea of any of them would be able to stop Naz if
       he was truly pissed off.
       He started unloading the bags that had been set on the counter
       and putting everything away. All the while keeping an eye on the
       unfolding drama.
       Naz's eyes narrowed until they were just barely open as the
       succubus explained she had a look alike twin. "It's not like I'd
       notice a small mark when I'm in pain.." he hissed again, his
       human form shifting to his demonic one, his tail swishing
       angrily behind him.
       "Though it's just as easy enough to cover up a mark and use
       makeup to switch it to the other side," he muttered.
       Naz huffed again at her saying she wouldn't dream of messing
       with him. "Well then prove it. Tell me where your sister is.  If
       you keep getting mistaken for her crimes, it's likely you will
       end up suffering for them." He pointed out, finally moving away
       to slump on one of the bar stools and pulled out one of the
       newly acquired bottles of whiskey and drank out of it.
       His mood didn't improve until he heard Aether say Selene would
       have to wait another day. He gave Aether a pleased grin, happy
       that their plans weren't going to be changed.
       All eyes turned towards the door, a few before the knock came.
       Kit was shaking a bit, his senses picking up on the ancient
       magic before the dragon stepped into the bar.
       He froze for a moment, his eyes going wide at the dragon
       addressing him before anyone else. "My...my name is Kit," he
       stammered back. "Would you like something to drink..?"
       -----
       This was when Cisco came down and paused taking in the presence
       of the dragon, feeling the old magic coming from him.
       "Ah Naz, when you have time... whenever that is, I have a letter
       ready," he said vaguely, not wanting to share too many specifics
       in front of the new comers.
       Naz gave a nod. "I'll be by tomorrow late for that," he replied
       and then moved to find the bags Aether had set aside. "Looks
       like it's getting crowded again, shall we head off then Babe?
       Still got to go grab Clay too,"
       Cruz huffed, shaking his head a bit at Naz. He was about to say
       something when his phone buzzed. He checked over the message,
       his mouth turning up in a grin.
       "Well...this should be an interesting day indeed,"
       He shot back a message to  the Caelan and waited for the elf to
       show.
       A few moments later another knock came to the door and Cruz went
       to open it. "Please, come in Caelan,"
       A very tall graceful figure stepped inside, cool green eyes
       glancing around the room. The otherworldly beauty in the man's
       face evoked youth yet  was shrouded with a hint of sorrow. His
       shoulder length golden hair hung in waves around his face, the
       barest hint of elven ear tips showing from under his hair.
       "Cruz, so nice to see you again." The elf spoke in a gentle
       cadence. "You said there was a weaver in need of instruction?"
       He questioned even as his eyes slide instantly to Elysia.
       "Ah yes, Elysia, this is Caelan Thorneveil. Your new teacher...
       hopefully," he added, not wanting to force either into any roles
       they didn't choose for themselves.
       Caelan lifted one hand to his left shoulder, his raven familiar
       finally showing itself now that human eyes weren't watching. He
       gave a slight bow of his head to Elysia. "It's a pleasure to
       meet another weaver. I haven't encountered one in nearly a
       century," he murmured.
       Then his eyes shifted to take in everyone else in the room.
       ---fin--
       Selene observed the prince's restlessness and sighed. Her twin
       had really gone too far this time. She looked around and noticed
       a pen and paper that Elysia had handed her. "Thank you, minx,"
       she said, starting to jot down notes.
       To avoid obstructing the woman's work, Selene rose from her
       chair. She hesitated briefly to take in the latest arrival,
       blushing slightly as she joked to the dragon beside her, "He
       fits the type you told me about." Teasing her old friend, she
       handed the note to Naz. "That's where she's staying. And like I
       said, I'd never cross the demon lord. And certainly not you."
       She crossed her arms briefly as Aether rummaged through his bag,
       noticing Selene beside him. "I promise we'll talk tomorrow,"
       Aether said softly.
       "I know. I'm not pushing," Selene replied, "but I might as well
       give you this now." She placed a box wrapped in gift paper on
       the bar. Aether's eyebrow arched. "Don't open it until
       tomorrow," she instructed, casting a glance at Naz. Although
       Aether had mentioned what he wanted for his birthday, he had
       never told Naz when it was. "Happy early birthday—got a bigger
       surprise tomorrow. Can't spoil it now," she said, playfully
       tapping his nose.
       Aether looked back at Naz with a mix of emotions, then sighed
       deeply. "Alright," he conceded, watching Selene walk away. Her
       demeanor felt different, yet familiar, compared to other times.
       Aether watched Selene's retreating figure, his mind whirling
       with curiosity, mild dread, nd anticipation. The box she left
       behind, wrapped in bright paper, seemed to beckon him with
       silent promises of surprise, even if it left him uneasy.
       *What could she possibly have planned?*he thought, while they
       were bonded, Selene had still was good at keeping secrets.
       >>>
       ^^^
       Her playful demeanor just now suggested something special,
       something that required both time and thought. It wasn't like
       her to make a fuss over small things, leading Aether to suspect
       that whatever awaited him tomorrow would be significant. As he
       turned the box over in his hands, Aether couldn't help but
       wonder just what was coming. He slid it in a bag.”come on Naz”
       he said as they would walk out.
       —-
       Ender who ignored the clear emotions running in the room he was
       picking up asked.”tea if that is alright kit.” He said as he
       settled on the bar.”darn this old back.. I really should see a
       doctor.” He mumbled as Selene got by the dragon.
       “Hurting old friend? I’m sure if Draven comes he could probably
       help it again.” Said Selene showing some concern.
       “Oh, I don’t want to bother him..” he said to sigh the chatter
       between her and him. It was then an elf came in as Aether had
       left, not looking at the newcomer as his mind was filled with
       his own thoughts.
       Ender took notice of the man.”another hm? Guess we need to talk
       then- saga requested me teaching the  young lass myself. I
       wouldn’t want to interrupt your work.” He said taking in how the
       siren spoke to the man. Elysia that gotten finished felt more
       aware as more people came in the way she was dressed in a night
       shirt her face showing all sorts of colors. Ender saw her shy
       demeanor.
       “Cruz a teacher?” She asked wondering what was with the sudden
       need to give her teachers. Not that she was complaining- she
       knew she needed more knowledge as she gone through most of her
       books.
       His eye made a Quick Look.”don’t worry too much- we sort of just
       popped in.” He said with a chuckle. Selene being how she was
       just smirked a little. She’d be stopped by a few fingers of her
       friend.”don’t fluster her anymore than she is Selene- you do
       take things too far.” Said Ender. He sat in the chair as he
       showed her where she could draw, his forearm wouldn’t have been
       able to be where she could, given the man’s skin was tough.
       —fin—
       Naz finished off his whiskey accepting the note from Selene
       using the tips of his fingers from her.  He looked it over
       slowly, his ears pricking at The succubus telling Aether to not
       open her gift  until the next day.  He flinched slightly hearing
       that his boyfriend was going to be spending his actual birthday
       with *her* instead of him.
       The jealousy on his face was easy to see by all in the room.
       Hell...Kit could feel it and he was feet away. Naz got up at
       Aether's words, but moved to grab another bottle of whiskey
       before following Aether out.
       ------
       Kit felt a great wave of relief when Naz had left and let out a
       long sigh. He felt sympathy for the guy, hoping that Naz and
       Aether could work things out.
       With the dragon now distracted with the elf, he moved to the tea
       Ender had requested started.
       "S-sir Thorneveil, would you like a cup of tea as well?" He
       asked a bit nervously as he pulled out cups.
       "Yes please," Caelan replied gently and moved to an empty seat
       at one of the bar tables. he shifted his gaze from Elysia
       sensing her discomfort at so many eyes on her.
       "I apologize for dropping by without any forewarning, Miss. I am
       often drawn away by my work."
       Cruz let out a sigh, a d fixed his hair a bit before explaining
       a bit further.
       "I was unaware that Ender was here to offer her lessons.
       Apparently she's got several people looking out for her and
       trying to help. If you knew it have heard of Samael Meadows
       you'd probably understand more. Oh..and maybe you could help
       Kit. The younger Meijin brother is hunting him as well,"
       Caelan's green eyes snapped brighter, his once composed features
       sharpening, a scowl of contempt filling his face.
       "I've heard of Samael, I've dealt with Regus and Roman in the
       past. I actually was called in to study what happened to Roman.
       I won't get into specifics, but his death was used for dark
       means. If the earthbound fox demon knows anything of the spell
       or magic used, it would help me figure out how in and the
       council can track him. Elysium is going to need much stronger
       protective wards than it currently has,"
       Cruz's gaze shifted to Kit while brought over tea to the table.
       "Uh..maybe we can talk about that once...Selene goes," Kit
       murmured, his ears flicking a bit a cautious look on his face.
       Caelan gave a solemn nod, lifting the cup to sip his tea. "We
       can talk later if you wish," he agreed gently, not wanting to
       rush Kit.
       Kit moved to drop off the other cup to Ender and glanced at
       Elysia. "If you want to go change, I can keep an eye on things
       down here," he offered.
       ---fin--
       Once the two were outside, Aether sighed. “Don’t let her get
       under your skin—it’s just a brief meeting,” he reassured Naz,
       knowing that the encounter might have pushed some buttons.
       “That’s why I thought it would be best for you not to come—she
       certainly has a personality. She’s been known to tease whoever
       I’m dating, and some have even run off.” He sighed deeply. “I
       figured we could spend time together after the meeting, though,"
       he added as he reached into the bag containing a present.
       His mouth formed a lopsided smile; he could swear it looked like
       a book. He felt tempted to open it. "I’ll...wait till midnight,"
       he muttered. She hadn’t exactly given bad gifts; some had been
       quite useful. He wondered what her big gift would be. He slid it
       back and took Naz’s hand. "I know what I said, but save that for
       another year. How about this one? I just spend it right at
       midnight with you. A movie...thinking something fantasy..." he
       mused. "Does Willow sound good?" he asked.
       ——-
       Elysia heard the apology. "Honestly, I'm sorry—I didn't know my
       ex-familiar or my friend would be calling people," she said,
       eyeing Cruz. "You could have warned me," she told him.
       The mention of her father and his name made her want to
       disappear. The talk of Kit and what he had been through garnered
       empathy from the room. Even Selene had a dark look when the
       brother's name was mentioned. Elysia heard the earthbound's
       caution and sighed inwardly, a feeling Ender knew well.
       Elysia seemed to nod and looked at Selene. Part of her wanted to
       invite the woman upstairs to talk, but the stigma with succubi
       was hard to ignore. Elysia went upstairs alone to get dressed.
       At that moment, another knock sounded in the same manner. A
       vampire stood on the other side when the door opened, his eyes
       searching for a dark-haired woman. Elysia had managed to get
       decently dressed in sweatpants when she came down. "You're
       invited in," she said without skipping a beat. Having worked
       with a few vampires, she knew the rules. "Saga, right?" she
       asked as the vampire took in her tired look. "I'll be brief. I'm
       here to give blood and a book for your eyes only," Draven said
       before seeing Ender.
       "Gotten done already?" asked the vampire, as Ender chuckled. "Ah
       yes, it just ended up being a party," he said before glancing at
       the elf. His smile was hard to miss, revealing his attraction.
       "With enough instruction such as yourself, before long, Kit
       won't have to worry about those two imbeciles," he said.
       After taking the bit of blood, the three encircled the
       dark-haired girl. "We offer a blood pact in exchange for our
       knowledge, oh great weaver—in the event you're in danger, you
       can call upon us," said the trio.
       "I, Selene, familiar of my keeper Aether, pledge my knowledge of
       the runes to forge the stone," said the pale woman. "And I,
       Draven Vladimir, will come at your request during the night when
       you need help or have questions about the book," he said.>>>>
       Elysia realized this was not that much different from the blood
       pact she had with saga. She figured it was so they would go
       through with their promises, her hand went out to a needle from
       her chair to unwrap it and pricked her own finger as the two
       took a smear. The two would be granted a mark. Both that of a
       moon.
       Ender on the other hand took a knife from his own as Elysia
       looked mildly confused before he cut himself as they exchanged.
       “This is also a form
       of protection. It’ll allow other dragons to know your my
       student and to not mess with you- they know better.” Said the
       older man. The mark taking a combination of the moon and the
       dragon, one forming among Elysia’s tattoos.
       Selene gave a smile.”I’ll be on my way.” She said sliding a
       number on the bar.”see you *kit* “she said in a flirty tone, the
       woman leaving.
       Draven took a glance.”be careful Selene, heard some hunters been
       looking for you..” he told her as the woman would chuckle.”I’ll
       be careful.” She said before heading out.
       The dragon had turned his attention back to the elf.”so Caelen
       hm?… what do you do in your off time?” He questioned clearly
       interested. “Mean we could do a *private* talk about how we can
       schedule around each other.. or.. with each other?” He asked.
       —fin—
       Naz tried to smile, though it flickered, uncertain. He reached
       up to push his bangs out of his face, sighing.
       “Yeah, I get it. You didn’t want things to get messy, and I
       appreciate that. I just... I didn’t expect to feel so out of
       place. Like I’m some temporary chapter while she’s still part of
       the story you haven’t closed.”
       He looked down at their joined hands, then back up. “But I’m not
       going anywhere, Aether. I’m not one of the ones who’ll run off
       just because someone like her tries to get under my skin. You’re
       stuck with me.”
       A quiet breath left him, softer now. “I’m glad we’re doing
       something together. Willow sounds perfect. Magic, swords, weird
       little creatures—I’m in.”
       His gaze lingered on the bag, curiosity tugging at the corners
       of his mouth. “Just… when it gets messy like that again, remind
       me it’s me you’re with. 'Cause I’m all in. Even when it’s hard.”
       -----
       "El, you need all the help you can get," Cruz spoke up, not
       about to apologize, and crossed his arms over his chest.  "I
       wasn't sure if or when Caelan would be able to come. He's
       usually very busy hunting down the worst offenders," he
       explained.
       Caelan gave a slight nod, though he would have preferred that
       Elysia had been prepared to meet him.
       Kit had gotten the door opened, but as it wasn't yet his home
       officially he couldn't invite the vampire inside.
       Caelan watched with slight interest as the vampire was invited
       in and he and Ender talked like they were old friends. He smiled
       slightly at Ender's comment of His training Kit would help the
       earthbound demon keep away the powerful dark wizards.
       "Well..me and Quill," he murmured reaching up to pet the Raven's
       feathery breast.
       Caelan straightened as Selene, Draven and Ender surrounded
       Elysia and made blood pacts with her. Such an act was rare, and
       inspiring to witness.
       He gave a nod of approval once it was over.
       Kit flinched at the succubus' tone, not in the least bit
       interested. "Please don't. I'd rather not be subjected to
       unwanted advances," he said seriously, his eyes flashing a bit
       in warning.
       Caelan held back a laugh, and shook his head slightly before
       finishing his tea. The inquiry from the dragon had him pause to
       consider the hints Ender was giving.
       **"I wear a jacket, but feel no cold,
       My spine is straight, my tales are bold.
       You’ll find me stacked or on display,
       With paper dreams to whisk away.
       What am I?"** Quill suddenly spoke up, then reached up to tug on
       Caelan's hair.
       Caelan got a fond look on his face, petting the raven again.
       "The answer is a book," he replied. "I collect rare and antique
       books. If I can find a proper opponent, I like to play chess or
       fence. I wouldn't mind consulting on a schedule, though we
       should ask Elysia what time she has first," he added turning to
       look at Elysia. "As the student, how do you learn best? I would
       suggest doing more hands on, though ..it wouldn't be safe to do
       that here. We could use my practice hall if you'd like. I can
       set up a transportation spell so you and Kit can come and go
       between more easily," he offered.
       ---fin--
       Aether felt himself relax a little, and hearing the affirmation
       of Naz not running off made him smile a little. “I like it cause
       of the comedy…not gonna lie.” He said with a chuckle.  His
       strides became more confident with naz so close. Then he heard
       the man ask him to remind him who he’s with. “Don’t worry, I
       will, till you realize that you’re apart of a story that I’m
       always reading.” He said using the analogy. “After all you’re
       apart of an epic with me.” He said to chuckle.
       “So how are we gonna get clay? I’m use to just finding him or
       Luna ends up finding him somehow-don’t ask me how- she does it
       to me too-I’m convinced she figured out my routine *just* to
       find me.” He said to laugh. “She’s a nice girl, honestly-think
       you’d be good friends with her like i am..even if she’s a little
       nutty.”
       ——
       Ender listened with fascination as the raven began its talk,
       even capturing Elysia's attention. “Ohhh! It can speak riddles?”
       she exclaimed, clearly intrigued. Ender chuckled.
       “Rare books and chess, you say? Fascinating,” Ender remarked,
       his eyes already gleaming with an idea. “I’m not much of a
       fencer; I rely more on brute strength. However, I do share a
       passion for chess. Indeed, it’s a game both of us appreciate,”
       he continued, turning to the dark-haired girl.
       “Ah... I have a room where we can make such a teleportation
       circle and for our safety in a room I can lock. Of course, I
       must keep Kit's safety in mind,” Elysia chimed in, recalling her
       promise to ensure his well-being. She couldn’t help but notice
       Ender trying to flirt with the man to blush a little. “I do have
       work to consider. I do spell weaving tattoos,” she said and
       turned to Caelan. “I can take spells of those that use certain
       ones so they can activate it without the use of incantations. To
       do that, I ink them,” she explained. “It’s my bread and butter,
       but I can do two out of the seven days of the week? I still need
       one rest day due to the work,” she admitted.
       >>>
       “Mm... after you finish what Saga started, it should be a boon
       to your magic capacity,” said Ender. He continued, "The blood of
       the Fae, combined with the essence of other races Saga
       collected, will be used to craft a special elixir known as the
       Philosopher’s Remedy. This potion is said to enhance one's
       magical capacity significantly, allowing for greater exploration
       and longer use of magic. By working together, we can access this
       untapped potential and further our understanding and mastery of
       how we can allow for you to do greater things, I do think with
       the earthbound if he’s willing to give even a drop may wrap this
       up nicely. .” Finished the dragon. “Figured I would best answer
       since Selene often forgets -she might come by later to talk just
       let her know I told you.” Said Ender. “I’m good with what you’re
       proposing, but I do request one rest day out of your month. I
       know it’ll be exhausting but it’s necessary to learn how to use
       what little you got effectively as well. “
       Elysia felt a soft sigh come, knowing he wasn’t entirely wrong.
       “Guess I’ll work around what I can, I can’t really shirk my work
       off-“ she said before looking at the elf next.
       —-fin—-
       Naz relaxed a bit more, smiling at Aether's chuckle and mention
       of the comedy parts of the movie. "The whole "I stole the baby,"
       was pretty funny too." He brought up. Of all the movies he'd
       watched since living Earthside, Willow was one he enjoyed
       watching over and over. "You're my sun, my moon and stars,
       without you I dwell in darkness," he murmured, meaning every
       word.
       Naz smiled, leaning into Aether at the analogy he used to
       reassure him. "I'm glad to hear it. I know i can be needy and
       clingy at times. I've never really had strong feelings like this
       before." Naz confessed.
       Naz's eyes sparkled, his mouth drawing up into a smirk at
       Aether's asking how they'd find Clay. "Once we get the food put
       away,I'll take the job of snagging him." He said winking at his
       lover.
       Most thought his teleportation only worked in getting him to
       places he'd been, but in reality it was also tied to those he
       had strong connections to. So he'd always be able to find Clay
       or Aether no matter where they were..as well as a few of his
       friends.
       "You can introduce us, I wouldn't mind meeting her,"
       +------
       Caelan gave a nod at Elysia's question. "Only in riddles, he was
       the unfortunate victim of a brownie and fae child's prank. I've
       tried many things to remove it, but nothing works. Quill and I
       have gotten used to it. He can talk to me telepathically as
       well," Caelan explained.
       The crow's dark inquisitive eyes turned to look at Elysia and
       croaked out another riddle.
       **"I cannot be bottled, though many have tried,
       I dance in the sunset, in tears you’ve cried.
       I’m seen by the heart, not just by the eye—
       A fleeting moment, a softest sigh.
       What am I?"**
       Caelan chuckled softly at this. "Are you flirting now Quill? The
       answer is beauty, I think he's complimenting you Elysia," he
       said with a bit of amusement.
       Kit felt a flash of jealousy, which surprised him. "He can
       compliment her, but he'd better not make any moves on her," he
       said softly, earning a knowing look from the high born elf.
       Caelan considered Ender for a moment, then listened to Elysia as
       she talked and described her work and only having two days a
       week to focus on learning.
       "It's not going to be a full day of learning. It's best to take
       breaks with magic, like you giving yourself a day off of work.
       The last thing I plan on doing is exhausting you. We'll work on
       a schedule that will fit you best,"
       Kit wasn't too surprised by the dragon mentioning what Saga had
       been planning on making for Elysia. He'd heard of it before, and
       had been forced to give his blood to create it in the past. At
       least this time those involved were kind enough to give him the
       option of donating.
       "I don't mind giving you my blood Elysia, especially if it will
       make you stronger."
       Caelan twirled a piece of his hair, smiling slightly at the
       exchange and Elysia's slight reluctance in changing her work
       schedule.
       "You can make your own hours you know, you're the one in demand.
       There's no one else that does what you do. Just how far out are
       you booked? If need be, there's a way to extend  the hours in
       the day. Give you more time,"
       Kit's eyes widened slightly, recalling how his old master had
       done something similar in the past. "You've got one of those
       time turner things...those are hard to come by,"
       Caelan nodded. "Only very few have them. Mine, I confiscated
       from your old master's tower. Along with other things of his
       that will be useful. That is if you wouldn't mind going over
       them with me,"
       Kit gave a slight nod, relieved that the magical items hadn't
       fallen into Regus' hands. "I can do that," he agreed.
       Caelan stood up, stretching his legs out. "Might I see the room
       you mentioned? I do have a few things to see to before I steal
       Ender away for a chess game and dinner," he said giving the
       dragon a look of interest.
       **"I bloom in silence, in glances and sighs,
       I live in the heart and get lost in the eyes.
       I may start with a spark or a stumble, a chance—
       A whisper, a heartbeat, a slow, clumsy dance.
       What am I?"** Quill blurted out before tugging on Caelan's hair
       in a teasing manner.
       #Post#: 1627--------------------------------------------------
       Re: The unknown Journey
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 23, 2026, 10:36 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Aether chuckled softly at the line Naz mentioned. As he
       continued walking, he heard another line. "That one was a
       favorite... well, apart from the 'not a woman' part," he said.
       "Honestly, I didn't know if I would find someone who wanted to
       keep me," he admitted as they walked. "Some came and went, and
       admittedly, some that Selene managed to steer away saved me from
       a lot of grief," he added.
       "Sounds good, and I think I will," he said, feeling confident
       that the two would get along well, given their personalities.
       ——-
       “"Oh, that stinks. Hopefully, those kids at least apologized,"
       Elysia said, feeling a sudden urge to reach out and touch the
       crow. She was caught off guard when the crow turned to her, head
       tilted, as if pondering her presence. Just then, she heard
       Caelan's voice, revealing the answer to a riddle. Elysia's
       cheeks flushed with embarrassment, flustered at having the
       solution explained so plainly. Her eyes darted to the elf,
       trying to hide her surprise with a bashful smile.
       Her ear caught the fox’s words, making her blush even more.
       >>It was then that Elysia noticed kit eyeing her with jealousy,.
       The realization made her feel flustered, as if she were the
       center of an unexpected attention.She listened to the two
       hashing out what to do- her hearing kit offering to
       contribute.”only if you want to kit.. “ she said as she felt a
       slight flutter. She didn’t expect to end up with all this help,
       let alone the aid of kit like this.
       Ender watched a bit bemused, the dragon hearing of the man’s
       lucky break of getting some magical items that allowed one to
       manipulate time. He saw Elysia’s face.”it’s a long line and
       between I have to recover so I take three to four people a day.”
       She said rather softly.
       “Yes please come this way”she said motioning the elf with her.
       She heard the next riddle to look stumped.
       Ender chuckled. "Romance, he's teasing," he said. Elysia blushed
       lightly, realizing the two were flirting. "Ahh," she mumbled
       before leading them to an empty room. "I use this whenever we
       have teleporters. Cisco used to come through here until he
       gained my trust," she explained, gesturing to the space. "It's
       spacious, and we can do this back and forth if there are days we
       can do it here," Elysia suggested.
       —fin—
       Naz chuckled remembering the scene of mad mortigann dressing up
       as a woman and the warrior that had tried to romance him. "That
       one's a good one too," he agreed.
       He thought it was pretty interesting that they had a similar
       taste in movies. "Have you ever watched the Robin Hood movie
       with his men in tights? That's a good one too,"
       Naz nodded in understanding, he'd believed the same thing
       himself. "I've felt the same.  Up until you and Clay, most have
       gotten scared off by who my father was. For a long time I
       believed no one would want me for more than a fling," Naz
       admitted.
       "Just as long as this witch doesn't try and use her collar thing
       on me, I'm sure we'll get along," he added with a grin  And
       laced his fingers through Aether's as they neared the spot he
       used to teleport to his private place.
       Aether and Clay were the only two that he'd ever invited to his
       place, or ever felt comfortable with having there. If anything,
       it was the bachelor pad of any mortal man's dream.
       A mix of modern marvels and contraptions amidst masculine
       architecture and eye catching artwork and textures. Only his
       place was far more intense with a deep red walls and accents of
       brighter red strewn all over the place.
       "make yourself at home, I'll go find Clay." Naz told Aether as
       he dropped the bag he'd been carrying on the counter and headed
       back out.
       The only real drawback was if Aether left on his own, he'd be
       stuck waiting for Naz to return to let him back in. He was
       trying to rework the magic to make it more accessible to his
       lovers, but would probably need assistance from Elysia or
       another mage that he trusted.
       A short while later he appeared a few feet from where Clay was
       working, and grinned watching the man for a moment before
       approaching him.
       "Hey Sexy, you done for the night? Or maybe you'd like to come
       home with me?" He asked with a grin.
       ---fin--
       Claymore froze at the flicker of movement—Naz, appearing as if
       summoned from shadow, standing mere feet away with that
       familiar, predatory grin.
       He tugged his jacket tighter, the weight of the week’s
       favors—paid and unpaid—settling back onto his shoulders.
       Remembering the last few nights draped over every back-alley
       bench and barstool, billing in coin and more.
       He took a slow breath, eyes narrowing in amused appraisal. "You
       want me ride home with you? Didn't take you as one to pay for
       company...” He let the question hang, as if testing the truth of
       the night air.
       —fin—
       Naz's gaze swept over Clay slowly, watching the other's body
       language. He got a sense of the weight Clay was carrying around,
       but kept that to himself.
       His grin grew a bit wider. "You can ride with me if you want. If
       the company is to my liking, I'd pay," he added moving in
       closer.
       He extended his hand out to gently run his fingers down
       Claymore's chest. "Are you interested?"
       --fin--
       Claymore's breath hitched, almost imperceptibly, at the drag of
       fingers along his chest—cool, deliberate, and far too intimate
       for the street. Naz’s words echoed, playful and edged with
       promise, stirring something reluctant in him.
       He let the silence stretch, golden eyes flicking up to meet the
       demon’s with a quiet calculation. There was danger here, yes—but
       a familiar kind. And tonight, familiar felt safer than unknown.
       He exhaled a slow breath, the tension bleeding out in the form
       of a crooked smirk. “You’ve got expensive taste,” he murmured,
       voice a smoky drawl. “But I suppose I could be… convincing
       company.”
       Claymore didn’t step closer, didn’t meet the touch—he let the
       air between them hum with charged distance, his agreement
       wrapped in mystery.
       “For the evening,” he added, as if reminding them both this was
       a choice, not a surrender. “No promises beyond that.”
       —fin—
       Naz bit his bottom lip as he took in Clay's reactions and waited
       patiently for the gorgeous man to answer.
       "Oh I know I do. Only the best for me," Naz purred back, the
       smoky tone about making his toes curl in anticipation.
       Naz slowly pulled his hand away giving a respectful nod at Clay
       saying it would only be for one night. "Of course, I'll respect
       your boundaries. You have anything you need to grab before we
       *poof*?" He asked taking a slight step back.
       A part of him wondered how Clay would react to finding Aether
       there and having a date with the both of them. Then again, he
       was a trickster so maybe Clay wouldn't be too upset.
       --fin--
       Claymore’s gaze lingered a moment longer, taking in every detail
       of Naz—not just the polished glamour of the demon’s charm, but
       the glint of something deeper, more dangerous, beneath the
       surface.
       He exhaled through his nose and gave himself a brisk pat-down,
       fingers checking the hidden seams of his coat—knife, coin,
       lighter. All accounted for.
       “Yeah,” he murmured, flicking a silver strand from his eyes.
       “Nothing worth staying for.”
       His lips curved into a slow smirk, the kind that never quite
       reached his eyes. “Lead the way, pretty boy. Let’s see what kind
       of trouble you’re buying.” he mused.
       -fin-
       Naz smirked a bit, watching as Clay checked his pockets and
       patted himself down before claiming he had everything and had
       nothing to stick around for.
       "Happily," he murmured back reaching to take Clay's hand and
       pulling him a few blocks down and into a secluded alley way.
       "Can't have any stray eyes catching sight of me whisking you
       away," he purred and pulled Clay up against him, leaning against
       the wall.
       His hands slide up around Clay's neck and pulled the man into a
       deep kiss. Once he had Clay distracted, he used his
       teleportation spell to take them to his home.
       He slowly pulled back, his eyes shimmering slightly and offered
       up a slight grin.
       "Now before you get mad, I do plan on paying you for the night.
       All of it. It's just, going to go differently than you thought.
       I may have tricked you a bit, but that is my nature," Naz said
       then tugged Clay from the front door through the living room and
       to the kitchen.
       "You need a hand with cooking Aether? Do both of you want a beer
       or wine?" Naz asked moving towards the fridge.
       A slight wave of worry rose in him. Would Clay still want to
       stay knowing he hadn't just taken him home for sex?
       "If you feel like doing more Clay, we can. Though we can take
       our time getting to it," he added.
       ----fin---
       Aether was busy preparing food when he heard movement behind
       him.
       "Beer is fine," said the man, causing Aether to flinch slightly
       as he moved the pan.
       "Hey, Clay—been a while," Aether added, his mouth settling into
       a smile.
       Despite still nursing injuries from the fight, the man wasn’t
       one to just lie around. He turned back to the food as he went to
       move it off the burner to place it on the one that wasn’t on
       before turning the one that was on off.
       —fin—
       It wasn’t the first time Claymore had been tugged into an alley.
       Most of the time it ended in business—quick, messy, forgettable.
       So when Naz pulled him in, lips brushing his, hands curling
       behind his neck, Clay expected more of the same. He didn’t
       resist; he let the kiss swallow him whole, let himself lean into
       the heat just long enough to forget the edge in his bones.
       But when the air cracked and shifted, and the city melted away
       into the quiet hush of a lived-in home—Claymore’s eyes snapped
       open.
       The spell broke in more ways than one.
       He blinked once. Twice. Kitchen. Lights. And Aether—alive,
       bruised, beautiful—turning with a pan in hand like this was all
       completely normal.
       Clay just stood there, lips still tingling, the weight of what
       just happened sinking in.
       Naz’s voice prattled on about payment and plans and “not getting
       mad.”
       Claymore didn’t answer right away.
       Instead, he finally let out a low, incredulous breath and shook
       his head, silver hair catching the warm light. “You tricked me…
       with dinner and a familiar face?”
       His voice was softer than expected—teasing, maybe—but not angry.
       Just surprised.
       “Gotta say,” he added, glancing toward Aether with a half-smirk,
       “if more clients pulled this kind of stunt, I might start
       charging less.”
       He stepped forward, arms folding loosely across his chest, eyes
       flicking between the two of them with guarded curiosity.
       “Alright. Let’s see where this little con of yours goes.”
       —fin—
       Naz pulled out beers for everyone, and waited for Clay's
       reaction, his shoulders tensing slightly, unsure of what would
       come.
       "Yeah, I did," Naz replied, shifting in his feet a bit.
       A wave of relief and happiness filled him at  Clay's next words
       and shook his head, chuckling a bit.
       "Oh don't you do that. You charge every cent and more. You're
       worth a lot, especially to me," Naz insisted, and set the beer
       down and went to grab some plates.
       "So dinner, a movie, some cuddling, and maybe some much deserved
       *dessert* in the bedroom...that was my plan, but I'm totally
       flexible, as you both know already,"  Naz purred.
       Once they had their beer and plates Naz led the way to the
       living room to start the movie "Willow" once they were all
       settled.
       Naz had somehow managed to convince Clay to sit in the middle,
       and was slightly pressed against the man's right side. He
       mouthed along with many of the lines, but made sure to not give
       anything away.
       Nearly half way through he paused the movie to take their dishes
       away and bring back some ice cream  for everyone.
       "Liking the movie so far?" Naz asked, settling back in next to
       Clay.
       ---fin--
       Aether had settled in, thoroughly enjoying the movie. Unlike
       Naz, the man belted out lines perfectly on cue, laughing
       heartily before taking another satisfying bite.
       By the halfway point, Aether nodded in approval. "Mmhmm... not
       bad, honestly," he remarked, leaning back comfortably against
       claymore.
       The man shifted his feet slightly, a sack resting on the coffee
       table. He glanced briefly at his watch, then reached for the ice
       cream, scooping a small portion onto his spoon and savoring the
       taste with a satisfied lick of his lips. “Definitely worth it! “
       he said with a smile. “Did you like the food?” He asked the two.
       —fin—
       *****************************************************