Chapter 66 – Take Two
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In the lead up to the conclusion of arc four, I am releasing chapters daily from chapter 62. If this is the first one that you have read, you may have missed some of the others.

Chapter 66Take Two.

“Give me a good reason why we shouldn’t just kill them as well and be done with the entire mess.” Clocky glared at the two Channellers that had been laid on a pair of beds in one of the spare rooms. Crystal would have thought that a medical bay would have been more appropriate, but there wasn’t one directly off hanger six, which seemed like an odd oversight. It was a bit further in, in an area that they weren’t currently using. Rachael was sitting beside Tsugua, her magic flowing through him again, his body glowing lightly.

Because that isn’t you,” Fairweather said, standing beside him, their hands held tightly. She was wearing one of his tops that hung very loosely over her, smelling strong of herbs from the salve that Saylin had massaged into her back. That combined with their healing magic seemed to have dealt with most of the damage, though there was going to be some permanent scarring. It would still be a few days before she could go back to wearing clothes directly over the skin, which Rachael had already fixed. It also turned out that she hadn’t done much damage to her arm when she impacted the ground, which was good. One of the many benefits of reinforcing your body with magic.

I get it, they did a number on us. Destroyed the skimmer and could have potentially killed me, but they’re just as much the victims here. I’d be furiously tearing the town apart if they’d done that to you, but you have the better control and level mind.” Fairweather stretched up and gave her lover a kiss on his cheek.

Clocky sighed. “Yes, I know that, but the pain is still present.” He sighed again. “How long before they wake?”

“Catlin could be any point,” Rachael answered. “Tsugua, probably a few days at the least.”

“They’ve used us as pawns in whatever scheme or mutiny is currently going on there. But until they can give answers, we won’t be any the wiser.”

“Sixth Sense not giving you anything?” Crystal queried.

Clocky shook his head. “I haven’t used it with respect to them, other to confirm that she is indeed Catlin. Not until we know more. We can speculate all we want, but we really know squat about Caylinhold. They mostly keep to themselves.”

Irrespective, we continue on towards Tempest, unless they try and directly intervene.” Myne stated bluntly. “They might, if they are seeking a war with us, but that would be plain stupidity, and I seriously doubt that they would actually get a force to our location quickly enough. Velvet first, local politics can wait till after.”

“What about when we hit the coast? They have ships after all.”

Myne laughed. “I’d love to see them try. I certainly won’t let them get in the way of you two dealing with the more difficult section of the journey, but I don’t think they actually know where we are heading in the first place.”

--They are potential allies, but the journey comes first. The talks after all were just a courtesy.--”

Which of course was very true. There was almost nothing that could have been said that would have changed what they were currently doing.

“I’m no doctor, but I still prescribe them rest, and some peace and quiet.” Rachael stood up, making shooing motions with her hands. “Kitsune will keep an eye on them and let me know of any developments.”

Crystal and Rachael made their way out to the landing platform. Petunia was back in the hanger again, examining another of the skimmers while she talked with Vorsce. They seemed to be getting on really well, which was good. Crystal wasn’t actually sure what to make of the noble lady. It was all rather strange and complex. Sure both sides had apologised for what happened, but that still didn’t erase what had happened. Petunia had ended up suffering the worst for it, and part of Crystal thought that she deserved it. A taste of her own medicine. Another part of course felt some pity, as it wasn’t that different from the discrimination that she herself had endured, and to some degree Petunia was a product of the society that had raised her. But at this point in time she was also trying to make the best of it, and she really did seem to be in her element. By the sounds of it, Petunia might actually have some understanding of what she was looking at, which could prove rather useful. If she’d been born a Channeller, should would have been a talented one.

What made it even messier was that Rachael’s magic had been responsible for the change. The transformation array hadn’t gone away. It had been merged inside of them instead, by Dragon she suspected, but as to how she did not know. The Ancient had always intended them to gain his second title. It meant that in some way, Petunia was like a daughter to Rachael, and that was just plain weird.

Apparently she had also done something similar as well, as had been stated by warrior, but for the life of her Crystal had no idea when or to whom, and that bugged her. She’d find out in time she was sure. Nor did they appear to have any control over it, it was more like they were the catalyst for the change, and that was dangerous. But she wouldn’t let that suspicion hinder her. Dragon after all didn’t mean them any harm. He was just being, well, himself.

Crystal lay down in the sun, Rachael joining her. There wasn’t a lot for them to do at the moment. They’d already finished the latest boost to the leyline, and it would be a few days before they’d need to start on the next one. They couldn’t really go far, as Rachael was still keeping an eye on the two wounded Channellers, and needed to be close by. Not that she actually needed to do much, but just on the off chance. The world no longer had television to blob in front of or computers for entertainment. Literature was much harder to come by, and roleplaying wasn’t really a thing when you were living it. Sports were an option, but with the magic that they had available to them it wasn’t a level playing field, even if they weren’t actively using it.

Crystal rolled on top of Rachael, burying her face in her lovers chest, purring happily, Rachael chuckling with amusement as she wrapped her arms around her. She’d quite happily nap like this for a while in the day’s warmth. If it wasn’t for there being people in the hanger she’d have also dismissed her armour as well.

“You’re more like a cat at times,” Rachael laughed.

“Fully dragon. Dragon’s can like this too!” Crystal exclaimed, her voice somewhat muffled, manifesting her wings and tail to emphasise the point.

The nap however was short lived. You have company, Spectre announced, Crystal looking up to see Carmen standing nearby.

“Spar with me,” Carmen said, drawing her katana, and pointing it at the pair. “Vorsce said that you have been blessed by the Ancient known as Warrior. Show me what that means.”

“Me or her?” Crystal asked, looking down at Rachael.

“You. You use a sword don’t you? She fights with her fists.”

“True, but I’m sure Rachael could fight with anything.”

Just do it,” Rachael stated with a sparkle in her eyes, pushing Crystal off, to which Crystal pouted. “I’ll quite happily watch. We can always switch over later.

Fine, fine,” Crystal said as she got up, summoning her sword and shield.

Carmen wasn’t half bad. She’d been trained well and fought with confidence, her ability to move silently giving her an additional edge that others at her level of skill wouldn’t have. It meant that Crystal had to pay a little more attention to what she was doing, reading the intent behind her moves and the subtle hints that Carmen wouldn’t be aware that she was giving off. She certainly had talent, especially for one who wasn’t yet using any reinforcement magic. That was something that Carmen would need to learn, now that she had been gifted more magic, it’s actual nature still unknown to all of them bar Myne.

But she was no match for Crystal, Carmen not even close to finding an opening as she blocked, side stepped or parried every attack, counterattacking frequently while still holding back and pushing Carmen well beyond her limits. She could see that Carmen was starting to get frustrated. It was more than just Warrior’s instinct and knowledge now. It was like it was a part of who she was, it all coming naturally to her, like it had always been that way. Like she was the ageless queen. Part of being a Paladin of Warrior she guessed. She could also see all the mistakes that Carmen was making, all the areas that she could improve and work on. Another aspect of Warrior.

teach her.

train her,

both in weapons and magic.

I’m sure you have no doubt believing that the ‘blessing’ is true, given that Vorsce has also told you our history as well?” Rachael asked, Crystal dismissing her weapons.

And given your ages. Not even the private tutors of the families were at your level, and some of them were rather experienced. Famous even.”

Carmen sheathed her weapon, and then knelt down in front of them. “Train me.”

“Please,” she added after a brief pause.

It would give them something to do in the meantime, and Warrior had already made her opinion clear. “Sure,” Crystal replied. “Swords and magic. Till we reach Tempest.”

Carmen stood, with a smile of her face. “Then let’s get started.”


“This wasn’t quite how I imagined the talks going. One sided yes, but not one person.”

Catlin looked at the team, a resigned expression on her face. She had only been out cold for a day, waking up the following morning at almost the same time that the explosion had taken place. After spending an hour sitting beside Tsugua’s bed, and then cleaning up, she had requested that the talks go ahead as originally planned.

She looked to be in her late thirties, but as to how old she actually was was anybody’s guess. She had a fit and toned body, well looked after with a small smattering of scars. She was still wearing the remains of her clothes, with some armoured pants that Rachael had made for her. Not that she was told that of course. Her badly damaged armour had been left behind, so that had never been an option. Her curly red hair flowed down to her shoulders, her face pleasant with deep green eyes that glowed with a similar cyan hue to Tsugua’s.

The situation has changed somewhat as well. I can’t currently claim that I am representing the interests of Caylinhold, so let’s just say that I am representing my own interests, and all that that entails.

All the more reason to have this discussion then I believe,” Clocky stated.

“So, who is in charge here?” Catlin asked.

That was actually a rather good question.

“Let’s say it’s a cooperative effort, with many intertwining directives and interests,” Myne said, giving Catlin a dangerous smile. “A collection of equals. Odinsphere speaks for itself, as do we, and then there is Arcane. As the current objective involves myself, Crystal and Rachael, you could say that we hold the balance, but as Clocky has the experience in being a leader he can talk on our behalf.”

“Clocky? Clocky Erswyrescale?” Catlin looked at him, recognition coming to her face.

“Yes, that is me. Merianne’s boy.”

Where’s the Channeller that The Watch mentioned. Were they talking about you?”

Clocky sighed. “Yes, they were.” He pulled out the gauntlet, placing it on the table in front of him. “A gift from Odinsphere. It works for me, and I can do some similar things to you, albeit with my own pool of magic. But, as I stated to them, I am not a Channeller, nor do I make that claim.”

May I?” Catlin asked, motioning to the gauntlet. Clocky nodded, passing it over. Catlin examined it in intense detail and reverence. She let out a low whistle. “It’s a first generation, isn’t it?”

“--Yes.--”

“And that would be Odinsphere,” Clocky said as Catlin started. “We are inside it after all.”

Who is controlling Odinsphere?” Catlin collected herself rather quickly.

--We control ourself. They’re just here to facilitate.--”

“What it said,” Clocky added. “It’s its own beings.”

Catlin gave them a warded look, before passing the gauntlet back. “Show me.”

Clocky shrugged, putting the gauntlet on. Crystal could sense his magic flowing through it as it came to life, panels and indicators lighting up.

“You know, that’s one of the reasons why the Touched are so feared by many Channellers.”

“We’re not Touched. Not any longer. But it is a misguided fear none the less.”

“Yes, I know.”

“So,” Clocky continued, taking the gauntlet off, and placing it on the table again. “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, before we get back to the original purpose of this meeting. What exactly is going on?”

“They’re being stupid idiots, that’s what.” Catlin growled, glaring off into space and crossing her arms across her front. “I knew there was some unrest, even amongst my people, but I didn’t know it was this bad, or I would have done something about it sooner.”

And?”

There are four other Channellers remaining in Caylinhold. Probably the largest number in any city in the Outerlands, but almost no one is aware of that. By in large, we, being Channellers, don’t like to share power, and I guess that it is the same here. The city is mine, I made it to what it is today, though both Tsugua and Evirk have quite a bit of say in what goes on in the city, and the citizens are aware that there is more than just the three Channellers. The others obviously saw this as an opportunity to get rid of myself and Tsugua, painting Odinsphere as a common enemy. And they almost succeeded.”

“That excuse has so many holes in it there's no way it could hold any water. No one would believe it.” Crystal fumed. “If we wanted to off you, there are much easier ways of doing it, and without risking the lives of our friends.”

“People are fickle, give them a target, especially one as dangerous and terrifying as the almost mythical floating city that is charging them down, and they’ll readily believe whatever you want. Irrespective of how implausible it seems, and where it actually ends up going. Especially if some of them are unhappy with the status quo.” Catlin shook her head. “What will you do in response?” she then asked.

“Nothing.” Clocky stated.

“Nothing?” Catlin looked like she didn’t quite believe that.

“It’s not our issue right now. Yes, they tried to kill some of as, but as you implied, that was collateral damage, and our current objective is more important. Post that, it all depends.” Clocky then looked hard at Catlin. “The real question is, what do you intend to do now?”

“Hell if I know right now.” Catlin threw up her arms in exasperation. “Tsugua’s out of the picture, even if he wakes up. Granted, he looks in a much better shape that what I had expected, given the type of blast and his missing arm, but his abilities will be hampered now. I’m not a walking army, unlike some of you, I’m led to believe.” Catlin looked directly at Myne. “He’s absolutely terrified of you.”

Catlin shook her head. “That’s not to say that I’m going to leave things as they are. Absolutely no way. As I said, it’s my city, and whether or not they realise it, their coup has failed. I will be taking it back, it’s just a matter of how.”

“Walk straight back in?” Saylin suggested with a grin.

“While that is not as bad an idea as it actually sounds, it has it’s own problems. If I’m not alone, correlations will be drawn, if I am, then I suspect that I will either be arrested in the spot on some false charge or be assassinated soon after unless I can work out who is behind it all.”

“I think you’ll find there is more behind it than you even suspect right now.” Myne gave her a hard look. “Don’t rush it.”

“Yes, yes, I am aware of that.”

“You and Tsugua are also both better off due to the healing magic from Rachael and Crystal.” Myne added bluntly. “I’d suggest you thank them later. Without them your boy there would indeed be dead.”

“For that I am eternally grateful,” Catlin said, looking at Crystal and Rachael. “I can see what he meant about you two too,” she added with a cheeky smile.

She then turned back to Clocky. “I am hoping that, even given the circumstances, we can come to some form of agreement. I’m sure that at some point in the future Caylinhold will be able to offer something to you all, if not me personally. Be it courtesy or with purpose, you did offer dialogue. But I guess that does depend on what you have to say. Perhaps in my ignorance I am just making a fool of myself.”

“--An alliance with Channellers has it’s benefits, even without your city. I’m sure that we can come to an agreement, and the maidens and their team may well decide to help for their own reasons as well. They are reasonable people after all. But as they have said, our current directive is our priority. Any action on our part involving your city will have to wait, unless they directly engage. If you can hold off that long. As for the other Channeller, we have an idea there. It will take some time to complete however.--”

“I’m all ears.”

“As I said, all is not what it seems either,” Myne added. “There was blood magic mixed in with the explosion. Whoever has been hiding their intentions from you has been hiding much more than that. Do you trust Tsugua? He appears to trust you with his life.”

“Of course. You saw how he acted.” Catlin sighed again. “But what exactly are you talking about? Blood magic? And more importantly, what is this directive that you keep mentioning?”

“Ah yes, the original purpose for the talk. There’s a lot more to it than you realise, and given the circumstances, it’s going to be a lengthy talk.

All things considered, Catlin took the information rather well. Granted, they only mentioned what was of relevance to her, and not the full story. Odinsphere’s journey, it’s destination and the return of Velvet all had to be talked about, including the Ancients as well given how it all tied in. Crystal and Rachael’s history however and their now rather deep ties to the Ancients were omitted, as well as Millie’s presence. The emergence of the races and Arcane also had to be mentioned, though the extent and impact of both was deliberately left somewhat vague. Information was power after all. They probably ended up mentioning more than they would have originally told her, but given the circumstances, and Odinsphere’s offer of an alliance directly with the pair, it had become necessary. There was the potential that she would be brought into the fold, so to speak, something that Crystal was actually rather anxious about, given that she was an unknown, but at the least Clocky didn’t seem too concerned. She could tell that he was actively using his ability during the talk, the results likely satisfactory. Tsugua was of course still out of the loop, being unconscious and all, but that would fall to Catlin to get him up to speed once he awoke.

Once the discussion had finished, Catlin’s occasional question answered, she just sat there looking contemplative.

“That’s a lot to swallow and accept. We’re talking about gods here, and stuff of fantasy. But, in part, that is the world in which we live in. So much has started to change with the emergence of the Touched, their impact more than what most people would want to admit.”

Catlin paused. “I’d be a fool not to cooperate, and accept the offer to work with Odinsphere,” she finally continued. “I can see even more so why you said it was one sided, and while the effects that you are having on the city were certainly noticeable to us, in the grand scheme it is inconsequential. And yes, I do believe what you have said. I have seen enough evidence, and it makes sense.”

“Not too mention that you have shown some degree of trust, in telling me this, even if it is also the fact that you possess enough power to deal with me should things go sour.”

Catlin paused again, her face a mix of emotions as she wrestled with whatever she was about to say.

“However, I am still going to be selfish about it all, for better or worse. While Tsugua knew the potential cost, he still did not deserve what has happened to him. You have the power. Help make him whole again.”

“--That is already a given.--”

Catlin stood, and gave a part bow. “Then you have my cooperation. I will need some time to think on my city, but it appears that I will have plenty of that at the moment.”

“One last question though.” Catlin gave them a deep stare. “How the %$#@ is Odinsphere converting the mana to its use. It’s not a creature of magic after all.”

“--What you suspect is probably the correct answer. We’d appreciate it if you kept that to yourself though.--”

“That just opens up even more questions.” Catlin sighed. “I think I shall go keep Tsugua company again.”


Apparently whatever plan the current controllers of Caylinhold had didn’t appear to involve any swift response to the supposed threat of Odinsphere. At least, as far as they could tell. Not that they would have had the ability to reach the location of the floating city without some generous use of technology or magic that they probably didn’t have, but there was little to no movement out of the city. No scouting teams to spy on Odinsphere’s movement, no additional deployment of soldiers. No suicide missions to avenge their fallen leader. No arming to the teeth of a frigate to sail around and engage Odinsphere when it reached the coast, it’s path now fairly obvious.

Nothing at all.

While they had said that they weren’t going to do anything about the city and the coup till after they’d returned Velvet, Crystal couldn’t really see a reason not to do some reconnaissance around the city, under the cover of darkness. A flight over the city and the surrounding area with Spectre, Kitsune and Hope collecting data wasn’t overly risky. The data was pooled, Odinsphere bring up a visual image of the topographical layout and where they’d sensed people, Catlin giving it a careful examination. She wasn’t sure if Catlin was happy with what they’d learnt, but it did give the Channeller something more to think about.

Crystal also learned that Arkchildren and Channellers weren’t really compatible, though to be honest it was rather obvious. Catlin asked, seeing the use of the creatures, Librarian answered. The magitech animals need a constant source of mana, and a bond. While a Channeller could provide the mana while in the vicinity of a leyline, they couldn’t form the bond, their ability incompatible with one of the fundamentals of basic magic. Perhaps because the source would be severed when they were too far from a leyline, or perhaps because it just didn’t work that way. It was odd, given that they could power other technology, including such things as the bots and the Dark Knight, but Crystal guessed the nature of those machines was quite different. Arkchildren were also sentient. A cost to what was the considerable amount of power that they wielded, especially given the restorative nature their ability had when channelled through technology. An aspect that Clocky and the others couldn’t replicate, even though they could power technology with their personal pool.

It took two more days for Tsugua to finally wake up, groggy and still in a lot of pain. Even though he was missing the limb, his body still retained the memory of it being there, the phantom limb causing him a lot of discomfort. Rachael did another round of healing on him, removing the worst of the burns, though the severity and type of the damage was causing her issues still. Crystal could tell that it was frustrating Rachael, given what she knew that she could and couldn’t currently heal, but as Myne pointed out, whatever blood magic was used in the explosion was probably responsible. Rachael’s healing potential as it was was nothing to scoff at, but they were young in their power and experience, and they didn’t carry any titles for the Ancient of healing. Or even know what it was called, the chance of it existing though pretty much certain. Rachael was however certain that she could deal with the phantom limb, but Odinsphere request that she not, as what Engineer had in mind would work better if that sense was left as is.

Catlin spent most of her time with him, catching him up and just keeping him company as they discussed their city, trying to suss out who was responsible for the coup. They had some theories of course, but they were well aware that they were missing far too much information. The blood magic in particular was a crucial hole in their knowledge, and Catlin quite willingly admitted to Crystal that she wasn’t even aware that something off like that had been hiding in her city.

What all of that did mean was that the next section of the trip was very uneventful. Or in other words, boring. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but after all that they had been through in the short time that they had been in this age, the lull was very noticeable. Both Crystal and Rachael felt the need to be involved in something, like an itch in the back of their minds, and they did wonder if that was a consequence of the numerous titles that they now held. Like it was a call on their lives, not so subtly pushing them to always be active in one way or another. The influence of the Ancients.

They continued to train Carmen, both in the art of swordplay and in the fundamentals of magic, Petunia joining them for the latter part after a few days. That did help sate the feeling somewhat, which of course leant more credence to their theory on it. Crystal found it hard to interact with Petunia, it didn’t come naturally as it did for say Clocky’s team, and she had to put quite a bit of effort into it. She did however sense that it was same for the former noble, Petunia polite and attentive, but also reserved compared to how they saw her act around Vorsce. She was however a surprisingly good student, able to keep pace with Carmen’s learning.

It wasn’t until they’d nearly reached the shore that Engineer finally announced that it was complete. It being the solution for Tsugua, the declaration coming in two parts, before Odinsphere requested that Rachael and Crystal bring the two Channellers to the fabrication room deeper in its depth. Not one that they’d already seen however, the maps of the Arkchildren being updated to provide them with directions to their destination. The two Channellers had been passing their time doing what training their bodies could manage, examiningeverything that they could lay their hands on in the residential area as well as the skimmers and defence bots alongside Petunia, and also doing some limited exploration of the city with Clocky, Fairweather and Myne. Catlin had requested the privilege, Odinsphere agreeing with that caveat. Catlin hadn’t complained. There were certainly benefits to that arrangement, and it did mean that if anything happened to the channellers, such as unseen side effects from their injuries, there would be others there with them. An unnecessary excuse if you asked Crystal, as Rachael had done the healing, and more a way to keep them from prying too deeply without being obvious about it.

Irrespective, there was a lot for them to learn from, and they were doing just that, their current opportunity an unheard of one till now. Unlike Crystal and Rachael who seemed to learn more about the arrays each time they used them, Channellers actually had to work for their understanding, and those that put in the effort were able to get better results when they used their powers. Not that Crystal and Rachael hadn’t put in effort to trying to understand the arrays mind you, as they certainly had. They just had an edge.

The fabrication room was a couple of hours walk from hanger six, located in the middle of industrial section in an upper part of the city that none of them had explored yet. Not that it was surprising, given that in the surrounding vicinity of hanger six there was still a massive amount that hadn’t been explored. A brief glimpse into some of the rooms that they passed near their destination revealed a collection of complicated machinery and tools, and Crystal could see the Channellers eyes sparkling at the prospect of being able to closer examine them at a later point in time.

A swarm of maintenance spiders waited for them outside their destination, parting for them like a wave as they reached it, a somewhat eerie phenomenon. It was certainly the most that Crystal had ever seen in one spot. Just as many were crammed inside the room as well, hanging off the walls and roof, and clustered around much of the equipment in the room, conveniently obscuring it. In the centre of the room, on a plain white table, sat a metallic prosthetic arm. It looked hideously complex, the concept of the Channellers gauntlet taken to a whole new level.

“Oh, wow!” Catlin exclaimed as she walked up to the table, walking around it as she gave it her full attention. She then picked it up, looking thoughtful, before she placed it back on the table. “It’s light!”

“--The solution. A gift for Tsugua, no strings attached.--”

“How do you even so so much about Channeller technology?” Tsugua asked, walking up to the table as well. Crystal was still quite surprised at how well he’d been managing with his lost arm. She’d expected some loss to his balance, but he appeared to be perfectly compensating.

“--Reasons.--”

Crystal couldn’t help but chuckle at that. Perhaps Catlin hadn’t shared whatever theories she had with Tsugua, or perhaps they were just digging for more information.

“Irrespective, you won’t find us ungrateful,” Tsugua said, picking the metallic arm up with ease as well. Lights and panels on the arm lit up as he concentrated on it, looking deep in thought. He then gave out a low whistle.

“Was this built from scratch?”

“--Yes.--”

Catlin almost chocked in surprise before she composed herself. “So how is he going to use it? Just powering it won’t be enough, and that would also cause issues on it’s own. I’ve also never heard of any prosthetic attachments working to the degree that this would require.”

“--Rachael with bond it to him.--”

“I will?” Rachael looked surprised.

“--Yes. Fuse the arm to his shoulder. With your magic it should be possible, even as far as connecting some of the nerve connections that we have made. Treat it as an actual limb, and your magic should work as intended.--”

“Okay... Can I have a look?”

Tsugua passed the arm over to Rachael.

“--There are no hidden arrays in it or anything. It does not serve that purpose.--”

Rachael shrugged. “Worth a try then I guess. Shall we try it now?”

Tsugua looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding. “May as well.”

With limited space in the room, Tsugua sat on the table after stripping off his top half. The scars were still there, taunting Rachael, but overall the healing looked really good. Crystal was quite impressed, given that she had seen him in his injured state. Catlin stood off to the side, watching and trying to avoid colliding with any of the spiders, while Crystal held the arm up against Tsugua, Rachael standing behind him, hands on both the metallic arm and on Tsugua’s back. It really was light, Crystal guessing that it was the same material as what the Arkchildren were made out of. A small fortune in the gift. She suspected that Odinsphere had high hopes for the two Channellers. That, or Millie just had a soft spot for them.

Rachael’s horns glowed brightly as she channelled her magic into Tsugua and the metallic arm, Tsugua screaming in pain. Catlin rushed over, shoving the sleeve of his top into his mouth, which he gratefully bit down on. The smell of burnt flesh and heated metal permeated the room, Rachael mumbling to herself as she concentrated on the task at hand. The arm started to glow, from both Rachael’s magic flowing through it, as well as the ambient mana of the leyline that Tsugua was pulling through it. Rachael then stepped back, removing her hands, the glow subsiding, her magic withdrawing.

“Done.”

“#%@#,” Tsugua exclaimed, spitting the sleeve out of his mouth. “That hurt.” He then lifted up the metallic arm, wriggling and flexing the fingers. “But that indeed did the trick. Feels and acts just like my old arm.”

Catlin looked directly at Rachael. “Thank you.”

She then crossed her arms, looking at the spiders. “But why bring us all the way here? I’m sure your spiders could have brought it to the hanger.”

“--Reasons.--” There was the hint of amusement to the aspect of Odinsphere’s voice.

Crystal suppressed another chuckle. So very human like. She could guess though.

Not much of an author note this time - it's late and I'm shattered. Sorry for the delayed post.

Thanks as always for reading. Comments welcome.

The next chapter (67 - Engaging Tempest), which is the climatic and final chapter of this arc, will be up tomorrow.

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