Chapter 80 – Diverging Paths
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Chapter 80Diverging Paths.

The small child crept slowly through the tall grass, crouched down, head below the top of the blades. The perfect picture of stealth, if he wasn’t giggling at the same time as well, the happy excited sound of a child having far too much fun and full of life. Reaching the tall wooden fence, he popped his head out, quickly looking around, before squeezing himself between two planks that had weathered and warped, the nature of its entire length. Tumbling out on the other side, he rolled a couple of times before he picked himself up and dusted the loose stones off his knees. Checking to see if the small satchel was still on his back, he giggled again, then tore off along the small trail that led down into the valley. It was overgrown, only a small patch of the once cobbled path still visible, grass and ferns having reclaimed the rest of it, but this didn’t seem to bother him at all as he weaved his way along it, the flora brushing at him playfully.

He slowed when he reached the circle of stones, each one towering over him, ancient guardians long forgotten. Peering around one of the stones, he smiled and then stepped into the circle itself, the grass short and soft, butterflies dancing around the flowers that painted it in splashes of colour.

You are here!” he exclaimed happily, putting down his satchel and pulling out an apple, cupcake and sandwich, awkwardly balancing them all in his small hands. Walking up to the pile of large stones on the middle, he placed the first two beside the small dragon-like creature that sat there eyeing him curiously, before he sat down beside it. Taking eager bites from his sandwich, he swung his legs back and forth.

They’re good,” he said, food still in his mouth as the creature leaned over and munched on the offered food, quickly devouring it all, not a single crumb left.

Don’t you get lonely here?” the child asked once he’d finished eating.

Well, I can be your friend!” he then said, as if in reply to an unheard answer. “You’re really beautiful too!”

Wanna play?” he jumped back down off the rock, looking expectantly at the creature. “Mummy says I just have to be back home by dinner.”

He then smiled. “Yay.”

I wanna be a princess this time though,” he added.


Crystal had completely forgotten about that. She wasn’t sure why either.

She would have been around five or six at the time, and as it was she had very few memories of her life at that age. It had always been that way for her though, more focused on the now than the past, except when it pertained to a certain someone that she may be snuggling with at the moment. It wasn’t every day that you ran off to play with a small dragon like creature. She’d even gone to see it quite a few times after she had found it while exploring a part of the neighbourhood that everyone else seemed to ignore. It had been during the holidays between terms, so no school to interrupt her. She’d had a lot of fun playing with the creature, it always sitting there, waiting on the stone for her when she turned up. They’d played a lot of games, but that day had been the funnest of them all. She’d always been careful to make sure that she got home on time, well aware of the consequences of not doing so. She hadn’t mentioned it to anyone either, certain that no one would believe her, ignoring the fact that she probably could sense in the back of her mind that they’d be horrified that she was playing in that area in the first place. Then school had started again, and it had been a couple of weekends before she had the chance to go out to see it again. She had been very excited about that, and then distraught when she discovered that it was gone. She’d cried for days, unconsolable, her parents unable to work out what was wrong and sure that her missing friend was just imaginary. Then for some reason, the memories of the creature had just faded from her mind, along with the memory of the glorious games of being a princess.

What had made that memory just slip from her mind, given how important it had been to her, and then brought it, and all the associated ones, back up again only now?

Actually, thinking about it, what had that creature even been. It hadn’t been a figment of her imagination, irrespective of what her parents had thought, and it certainly wasn’t a creature of her time. In fact, from what she’d seen thus far, it also wasn’t a standard creature of this time either.

There is nothing that matches your image of it in my database.’ Spectre chimed in, her cat-fox curled up at the head of the bed with Kitsune, occupying the space where one of the pillows would have been, said pillow probably on the floor now. Not that they needed it.

It had been very much real though, and she had certainly played with it. There was always the possibility that the stone circle was an anchor point, like the temple she had discovered with Rachael. That would explain why no one else ever went there, though it also raised the question of why she was able to so easily walk into it, just like she had done with Old Town. She hadn’t been a priestess back then like Rachael. Nor had there been a cataclysmic event like the earthquake to bring the anchor temple out of isolation, which would imply that if it was one, it had been there for a long time. She really didn’t know much at all about them beyond what Rachael had told her.

The memory seemed to be raising more and more questions.

Crystal lay on the bed right up against Rachael, her arm and leg draped over her lover, her head snuggled into her neck. She was warm and comforting, her scent sweet and alluring. Crystal absently ran her fingers along Rachael’s horn, and then traced a line down her naked body, as far as she could reach. Her skin was so smooth and soft. She loved her so very much, that she was hers sometimes still feeling like a dream. Back in the flat that was all that it was, when she had even dared to think about it. Now though it was all very real, more than just mere feelings bonding them together. Not that love was just a mere feeling, but one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Of that she was sure. Well, alongside the power of the Ancients anyways.

There was probably an Ancient for love as well. Argh, they were so confusing at times, especially now.

Crystal pulled herself even closer to Rachael, a far too pleasant tingle going through her body as their horns touched, Rachael murmuring happily in her sleep as she wrapped her arms around Crystal, holding her close. Probably not the best thing to be doing right at this point in time though. She still ached something fierce, and she knew via their bond that Rachael did too. It’d take them some time to heal, the very nature of what had happened meaning that there was no faster method. Warrior had said as much, Velvet confirming it. It wasn’t just their bodies that had channelled the massive amount of mana, but their souls too. A feat that may well have killed any of the others of the team, but had been possible for them due to their unique nature and connection to Velvet. She’d learnt the true nature of their bond at that time too. Rachael had been worried about revealing it to her, of what she might think of it, that the feelings they had weren’t true. Instead it had just made her love for Rachael stronger, knowing what Rachael had done for her.

She was still having problems grasping the true extent of what had happened when they had returned Velvet though. Sure, they had looked at what arrays they could before they had activated them, but while nothing seemed off with them, much of it was well beyond their understanding. Then of course there had been all of the additional ones that both Arcane and Velvet had added to the mix, squirreled away in numerous locations, that they had no idea of their contents. They had been given a choice, and made their decision, Velvet returning, and Arcane given a form, as had been the point of the ritual. And apparently every other Ancient as well.

What sort of impact was that going to have on the world? Beings of vast power, the manifestations of concepts, just able to waltz around.

And kiss people.

Oh gods! That’s right. She’d been kissed by an Ancient, and she had no idea why Warrior had done that. Crystal felt herself blush furiously.

reasons.

Yeah, she’d said that at the time too. Crystal guessed she wouldn’t be getting any answers on that any time soon.

nope.

So, was it now the age of gods, or the age of Ancients? Or something like that? Back in her original time, that had been the stuff of myths and legends, beliefs of civilizations long fallen, or settings for roleplaying games. That was a scary thought all things considered, especially given some of what was written about.

most still lack in power,

especially compared to those who have had connections for much longer.

what we can do in the shadow realm,

and what we can do here,

are two separate things.

over time that will change.

we would be fools to believe that it is all under our control though,

in joining the mortal plane,

the influence becomes even more prominent,

especially for the weaker ones.

it is two way,

and some may lose their way.

perhaps some already have.

Perhaps the age would finally get it’s name once it was all over and some other monumental event occurred. She didn’t even know what her age had been called, or if any of them had even been labelled, or if any actually existed. Needless, it was the dawn of a new age.

there have been many ages,

and aspects to those ages.

not all agree on when one ends and another begins,

though the last two have been rather clear cut,

if you are looking at the big picture at least,

and from your perspective.

on our end it is a lot messier,

and time has less meaning.

the most powerful have been keeping their eyes on mortals for a long time,

marking those that they saw potential in,

within the influence that they had.

whether or not arcane realised it,

her choices weren’t isolated.

she had one idea, fate another.

her hubris her failing,

even with all the power that she had.

i'm glad of the choice that was made,

even if i wasn’t at first.

you have grown so much.

Crystal paused for a moment, the change prominent. That was definitely Warrior, her voice unmistakable, but there seemed to be more emotion to her words now. Or had it always been that way, but she’d never noticed before?

all changes have an impact.

She’d just said something else with a similar meaning, hadn’t she. It was sometimes hard to keep track of everything that was being said, especially when it was telepathic, or whatever this form of communication actually was. Words in the mind. Similar but different to how Spectre talked to her.

More happened than just the whole Ancients thing as well,’ Spectre chimed in. ‘There was a massive pulse of mana that went out from you two too, stronger than the one that created the touched. There is no way that it was missed, and it likely that it went global.’

Clocky and the others felt it as well?’

Yes. Hope, Fang, and Dark Wing have confirmed it.’

Who is Dark Wing?’ Crystal didn’t recognise that name.

The third arkchild awoken. A gift for one of Myne’s ‘daughters’.’

Any idea what it’s done?’

Priest and Librarian have been running through all of the available data trying to work it out, and are none the wiser at this point. The only definitive thing is that it effected everyone here.’

the heralding of the new age.

we weren’t the only ones effected by the ritual,

the other races only a part of it.

Crystal sighed, and rolled off Rachael, wincing as she did so. There was just so much on her mind, the blissful ignorance that she’d had upon waking now swept away. What had they inadvertently unleashed on the world? Not that she would have done any differently if she’d been given the choice again. It was rather terrifying though, to think that their actions had such a large impact. Returning Velvet had been the task that they’d been assigned, and that at face value was an isolated task. Albeit they had to move Odinsphere was well, and all that had entailed. Now it was looking like the end result had been anything but. They should have realised that though, at the very least from their visit to the Innerlands and the meeting with the delegation. The return of the Dawn Angel had been received as a big thing.

Perhaps now life would be a bit quieter?

once touched,

always involved.

Crystal mentally shrugged. What was most important to her anyway was that she was with Rachael, and the nature of what they were now probably meant that they wouldn’t be able to maintain a quiet life even if they wanted. Paladins of Warrior, Deep Dragons. The call of battle and all that. That feeling in the back of their minds that they should be doing something. And whatever other aspects of them that would end up influencing their path.

Which of course brought up another question.

What were they going to do next?


Crystal yawned, snuggling closer to Rachael, stretching her wings and pushing the sheets off them. Somehow she’d managed to fall asleep again, despite all of the thoughts that had been assaulting her and the constant ache. At least the ache seemed to have gone now.

Wait a minute, something was right.

Crystal sat up, rubbing sleep from her eyes as she looked at herself. Sure enough, her tail and wings were manifest. She couldn’t recall using any reinforcing magic, let alone enough to make them appear. She’d been asleep after all. They still looked as ethereal as always, magic pulsing through them with a golden shimmer. They felt a little more real though than they had before, not that they hadn’t before, just in a different way.

They’ve been there for the last half hour,” Rachael said with a grin, looking up at Crystal, her naked body on full display. Rachael reached up, running her hand up along Crystal’s arm. “Now it’d be a waste to let the opportunity go to waste,” she added with a seductive smile, as she grabbed Crystals arm and pulled her down. Crystal happily complied, horns touching as she put her lips against Rachael’s, kissing passionately. She definitely wasn’t going to dispute that.

Once they finished making out, they both sat there in the bed, experimenting with how sensitive the changes were. It seemed that their non permanent draconic features were much more eager to manifest that they had been. Where previously they had to reinforce themselves to a decent degree before they appeared, their whole bodies glowing with magic and power, now just the mere thought of them brought them into existence, and it took some concentration to make them vanish again. Ready to come out on a hair trigger, like they just wanted to be a permanent feature of them.

Not that either of them were complaining. They had spent enough time in the past with them manifest just because they wanted them to be, their presence just feeling right and part of them. And adding to their appeal. They were deep dragons after all. If they became physically part of their body rather than just existing in that magical space it could cause some additional complications, as both of them would need to alter their clothes. Crystal was certain that her armour would probably adapt on it’s own, given its bonded nature, and when she finally got around to wearing dresses, which she was looking forward to playing around with at some point, she’d have to go with open back ones, and ones that were either quite short or looser around the legs. Or something. Not that it was an issue at the moment of course, as they were still in that magical space, with no indication that that aspect was going to change. Given that they were the only ones of their species, there was also no one else to ask about it either.

So, for the moment, unless it was going to cause issues, they would just leave them manifest.

So, how long have we been asleep for?” Crystal asked, once they were both dressed. She was starting to feel hungry now, and the vase of flowers that was sitting beside the bed had wilted. She’d picked them just before they’d left the coastline, a miracle that they had survived the weather there.

A week,’ Spectre answered.

That’s not too bad all things considered,” Rachael mused, “especially since we seem to be fully recovered now. The others?”

Waiting around and recovering as needed. We believe Velvet and Myne will probably leave once they have seen you. Kyla and Melody left after talking with the Dawn Angel.”

They were here?” Crystal didn’t think that they’d returned after their talk with Millie, but it was their home after all, and the two walkers came and went as they pleased. It wouldn’t surprise her if they had come and gone numerous times while they had been here, completely unaware.

They returned for the ritual. As you say, it is their home, and Velvet their friend.’

Anything else of importance happen while we’ve been sleeping?” Rachael asked.

A bit. Abigail has been healed/stabilized/what ever you want to term it. She’s an other race now too, and the change effected both her and Saylin, at their request. Velvet has altered the flow of the leylines around Odinsphere and weakened the Tempest Storms in our vicinity. Engineer has finally been able to start repairs on the outer hull, and Architect is contemplating the viability of trying to scavenge some of the plates that were ripped off. The current changes are anchored to Odinsphere itself though, so if we move the city both the storm and the flow will return to normal. However, Mother is actually confident that in its current state, both dragons and ships would probably be able to pass through the storms underneath us.’

Odinsphere the gate huh. That could have interesting repercussions. How long is Odinsphere planning on staying here?”

Indefinitely at this point. Librarian needs the flow of mana for full repair and operation of Odinsphere, and we don’t know of any other suitable locations that aren’t tied to the Tempest Storms. On that point at least Angel was truthful.’

They’ll be able to see Odinsphere from both sides, won’t they?” Crystal wondered. It was massive after all, and while she didn’t know the exact size of the Circle Sea, even though they had crossed it, it wasn’t anywhere near as large as the oceans that had separated the continents.

Yes.’

I wouldn’t mind exploring the Innerlands a bit when we get the chance,” Crystal said a little wistfully. “It seemed so much more alive and inviting last time we were there. Not to mention there are dragons there.”

Rachael giggled, and gave Crystal a kiss. “I wouldn’t mind that either, though travel could be interesting. Irrespective of how we do it, we’re probably going to attract attention.”

Yeah.” Crystal sighed. “Ashling and Light are part of Velvet, so they’ll be going with her. I’m going to miss riding on them. The skimmers will stand out no matter which side we’re on, and the shift array won’t be of much use to us yet.”

Perhaps we just need to befriend some riders then,” Rachael suggested with a smile.

Crystal’s eyes lit up at that, and she glomped onto Rachael, arms draped over her shoulders, horns glowing with dancing flames. “I like the sound of that. The ones we met from the delegation seemed nice enough. Ueana and her friend. She was among the statues at the temple as well.”

Rachael ran her hands through Crystal’s hair and down her back, Crystal giving a pseudo purr in response. It was rather nice, though they still had no idea what to actually call the noise that they both made. It’d probably still end up being called a purr at the end of the day.

Though there is always the question of how many passengers a rider’s dragon can carry, if they do that at all. And given they are all members of clans, they probably have other responsibilities as well, and won’t be able to go gallivanting off with us in the first place.” Crystal sighed again.

It was still a really nice idea though, and irrespective of the potential complications, she could still see them perusing that option if the chance ever arose. She may have already be scheming on an excuse for them to go and find Ueana. Making the chance instead of waiting for one.

I know exactly what you’re thinking there,” Rachael whispered into her ear with a giggle, “and I agree completely.”

First things first though,” Rachael continued, “We should see the others, and find out where everyone is at and what plans have been made in our absence. At the least, there is Caylinhold to think about. We are a little bit responsible for what happened to Catlin and Tsugua.”

And some food too!”


The others were all waiting in the common area when they went out, Fairweather handing them a plate of food each as they sat down on a pair of stools near the prep area bench. Couches and appendages didn’t mix so well when you weren’t intending to snuggle. The cat-foxes walked in behind them, making themselves comfortable by the stools.

Hope let me know that you were finally awake,” she explained. “Good thing it took you a little while to actually get up, so that we could prepare.” Fairweather gave them a wink.

Crystal tried not to blush as she shoved food into her mouth, manners be dammed. Fish, pheasant and vegetables. It was good. Very good. Especially when you’re hungry. Someone must have been out recently, as she didn’t recall them having any fish in store, nor some of the vegetables. Rachael was being a bit more restrained, though she was still quickly consuming what she’d been given.

Crystal looked around the room. Abigail was snuggled up against Saylin on one of the couches, looking better than she’d ever been, and quite happy in Saylin’s embrace. Her hair was now silver though, and her skin much paler than Crystal remembered. Her catsuit was looking more provocative than usual as well. Side effects of the change she guessed. Saylin looked really happy too. No surprises there, given her near constant worry about Abigail. Even though she had attempted to mask it a lot of them time, it had been easy enough to see through. Saylin also currently had a patch covering one of her eyes, which Crystal found odd. Another side effect she assumed. Spectre had said that the change had effected them both, and it wasn’t the sort of fashion accessory that Saylin normally wore. The dark grazeye lay on the floor beside them, eyeing up Crystal and Rachael as they sat. While it hadn’t been aggressive with them, Crystal always got the feeling that it didn’t trust them at all.

Carmen and Petunia were seated on another couch, the ex-peacekeeper with her arms crossed, a thoughtful look on her face, always the soldier. Petunia on the other hand seeming a bit worried, legs crossed and hands fidgeting, her ears bent down a little. She was currently dressed in a pair of pants and a shirt that were both too short for her, and were looking rather dirty, and a pair of standard boots like what the rest of the team wore. She probably had only just pulled herself out from under one of the skimmers. With her hair tied back, she really looked like a different person, even ignoring her lioness ears. More like a mechanic than a noble. Vorsce stood leaning against the back wall, and for the first time that Crystal had seen, he wasn’t in his leather armour. Instead he was wearing fairly nondescript pants and a shirt, similar to what Petunia was wearing. He still had his boots on though. He looked a little on edge as well, arms folded as he gazed at the others.

The remaining couch was occupied by Catlin and Tsugua. Catlin’s eyes were closed, her arms also crossed, the channeller deep in thought. Tsugua had one of Clocky’s jackets on, and his left hand was covered by a black glove, completely concealing his metal arm. Crystal wasn’t sure why he was bothering to do so here, as they all were aware of what he had their now, the rest of the team having seen it when they returned from the fabrication room deeper in Odinsphere, but it wouldn’t be a silly idea for when the went back to Caylinhold. Unlike Catlin, he seemed to be completely at ease, leaning back against the couch.

Velvet and Myne were standing against one of the walls, behind the couch that Saylin was seated on, Light and Ashling perched on respective shoulders. Even now Velvet seemed to emit a faint glow, and Crystal could feel their connection to her. They were definitely her champions, no room for doubt at all. Velvet had a soft smile on her face, while Myne was looking a bit impatient, though her aura was suppressed. Crystal had half expected Velvet to be wearing the white dress again, or even something else entirely, but she was still wearing the tight fitting red mini dress, her armour augmenting it perfectly.

You two have been effected as well?” Clocky asked as Fairweather sat down beside him. They’d found a couple of chairs that they had placed beside the couches. Clocky was still dressed in his armour, though he didn’t have any weapons on him. The channellers gauntlet was on his arm, all of it’s panels dark. Ethereal flames danced around Fairweather’s ears and down her hair, and when combined with the clothes that Rachael had made for her, gave her a rather mystic appeal. Crystal had always thought her the most pretty of Clocky’s team, and that held true even more so now. Ignoring Rachael and Velvet of course. Myne was a hard one to gauge given her force of personality and power that effected how people viewed her, and even she wasn’t fully immune to that.

It appears so, though as to what if anything beyond how easily the draconic features manifest we don’t know,” Rachael answered between mouthfuls. “They appear on a hair trigger at the moment, but it’s just rather comfortable to have them out, so we have.”

Welcome to the club,” Fairweather said with a cheeky grin.

Have been for a while,” Rachael chuckled, rocking her head.

So,” she then continued, still eating, “I guess we’re all here to talk about the big question. What next?”

Clocky nodded. “Indeed. Though to be honest, we have been talking about it over the last few days, as we’ve had little else to do.”

Fair enough,” Rachael said. “So what is the consensus?”

--A number of agreements have been reached, but whether or not you like it, your input is required to finalise everything.--” The voice of an aspect sounded around them, clear without being too loud. They’d learnt about volume it seemed, though as to which one it was, Crystal still had no clue. They could try and differentiate a bit more. “--You two after all have been fundamental in all of this.--”

Crystal looked at Velvet.

Nothing has changed from before, except that you are no longer behold to Arcane. Do as you wish,” Velvet answered. There was more that wasn’t been said, but likely not something for everyone to hear. They’d have to ask her about that later.

So, what agreements have been reached?” Rachael asked.

The first one concerns Catlin and Tsugua. Odinsphere has formed an agreement of cooperation with them. Pretty much a working relationship from what I gathered. They’ll be provided with technology, equipment and knowledge, and in return they’ll provide it with data, assistance as channellers, and help set up and run a port town to it. As you’ve already been told I’m informed, the storms have been weakened enough that passage underneath is now possible, and the Innerlands and Outerlands are linked. How long before anyone discovers that and makes the journey is another story, but it will happen. Caylinhold itself isn’t suitable given it’s current isolation and fortress nature, and Port Alexis is too far away.”

Mind you, with the use of skimmers,” Catlin interrupted, opening her eyes, “the isolation isn’t so much of an issue, so long as we have suitable leylines to follow for flight paths. We’re still thinking on that one, and we have time. Details to be finalised.”

True,” Clocky said, nodding. “Anyway that is the gist of it. However, there is one caveat to all that, and that is that they need to reclaim their authority over it.”

And that is where we come in?” Rachael asked. “Though I’m sure any of us here are capable of assisting.”

Yes, again true. Some are more powerful than others though, and some won’t be involving themselves. We have all converged at this point for different reasons, being members of our team or not, but we are at a crossroads now. I suspect that we will be walking different paths soon.”

However,” Clocky continued, “I should mention the second arrangement. Irrespective of whether or not we assist the channellers, Odinsphere has offered skimmers to us as well, and whatever other support that we shall need, only asking that we provide data back to it on the world around us as we travel.”

Even the battleship?” Crystal teased.

There’s a battleship?!” Petunia asked with surprise, eyes opening wide, ears perking up.

We’re sitting on top of it,” Crystal said with a grin. “We’ll it’s down in that direction at least,” she amended, vaguely motioning in the direction that she was pretty sure it was.

--I doubt you would have need of such a vessel, even if it was completed. Nor is it your style.--”

True,” Crystal conceded, going back to her food.

Any other arrangements?” Rachael queried, smiling, somewhat amused.

Not that I am aware of.”

--There is one more, a request for knowledge on arrays, but we will talk to them on that at a later point, after the more pressing concerns are addressed.--”

Rachael nodded, then looked at her. Crystal knew exactly what she was asking, and nodded back. Irrespective of whether or not they had just been collateral damage, those responsible had made an attempt on their lives, in particular Fairweather, and Crystal wasn’t going to just let them get away with that. Fairweather was a close friend. Sure Myne had been in the skimmer as well, but Crystal doubted anyone had the power to actually seriously hurt her let alone kill her.

I’m not sure how much we can actually help, but we are willing to assist,” Rachael then said.

Thank you,” Catlin said, smiling at them.

We will as well,” Clocky said, motioning to himself and Fairweather. “Though I would request of you two,” he added, looking at Crystal and Rachael, “That you let us continue to travel with you afterwards.”

We’d be happy to have you with us,” Crystal replied enthusiastically. She meant it too.

For obvious reasons, I cannot be involved,” Velvet stated with a sigh. “The changes I have undergone do have their own consequences as well. Should they make an attempt on Myne’s life again, now that would would be a different story,” Velvet added with a grin. “I do have a temple that I need to move, and I’ve unfortunately put it off for too long already.

Is us being your champions going to cause any issues?” Crystal asked, finally having finished her food. She wasn’t actually sure what the ‘obvious reasons’ were, beyond the Dawn Angel being seen as the source of the touched, and whatever the recent pulse had done.

No. None at all.”

She has told me however that I do have to tag along,” Myne said, rolling her eyes. “Just in case there is something more sinister there than what we already suspect. Like with Bowser, I don’t intend to actually do anything unless absolutely necessary. It’s not my fight after all.” Velvet leaned over and gave her a hug, and whispered something in her ear. Crystal could see the smile that Myne was trying to hide.

As I said earlier, we won’t be going,” Saylin stated bluntly. “We’re not fighters.”

And being priestesses, our duties lie elsewhere,” Abigail added. “He hasn’t called us yet, but it is only a matter of time.”

That’s fine,” Clocky said with a nod. “I didn’t disagree with you then, nor do I now.”

We want a skimmer though. Please,” Abigail said quickly, Saylin looking horrified.

What no! They’re demon spawn itself!”

Abigail chuckled. “If we’ve discovered anything over the last few months, it is that we need a form of transport. Walking is impractical, and trains don’t cover nearly enough of the world. Vehicles require fuel that we will likely have difficulty accessing, and all of them are equally as unpalatable to you. At least skimmers are somewhat faster, and he has made it clear that we will be travelling.”

I want the shift array.” Saylin pouted, crossing her arms and trying to look cute at the same time.

What I said to Crystal applies more so to you,” Velvet piped in. “It’s impractical for the purpose that you currently require. In time, once you are more experienced in your power, it might be feasible, but for now it’s not an option.”

Pfft.”

So, a skimmer please.”

--That is fine. You’re free to choose one, excluding the aforementioned battleship of course.--” Crystal was pretty sure that there was the hint of amusement in that voice. And quite likely Millie as well.

I will accompany you two,” Vorsce said, looking at Saylin and Abigail. “I was there when you first met after all, and accompanied you then as well. I owe it to Alison at the least to look after you in her absence.”

We’re happy to have you, teddy bear,” Saylin said with a grin.

I am unsure where my path lies at the moment,” Carmen stated, probably having decided that it was her turn now, “but for the moment, I will help with Caylinhold. After that, I think that I would like to work with the channellers. I suspect even once you reclaim your city you are still going to have opposition and difficulties. I may not have a lot of experience in that area, but my skills definitely lie in that direction.”

Catlin looked surprised at the announcement. “I appreciate the offer, and after we reclaim the city, if you still feel that way then we would be pleased to have you,” she then said after a lengthy pause.

Carmen nodded.

I...” Petunia was looking even more nervous. “I want to go with Saylin, Abigail and Vorsce,” she finally managed, clutching her legs up against her.

You just want to hug the teddy bear!” Saylin teased, Petunia blushing in response.

I think I could be an asset,” Petunia said quietly. “Assuming that Odinsphere will provide what I request. You’ll need someone to look after the skimmer.”

We’d be happy to have you along,” Abigail said sweetly.

As would I,” Vorsce added, a warm smile on his face.

Thanks,” Petunia said, still quietly.

--And what is it that you want?--”

An arkchild. You use them for data collection, do you not? One of the combat models though, as I am not a fighter, and some extra protection for us all couldn’t hurt. It should still be able to assist with the piloting like Hope does for Fairweather?”

--That can be arranged.--”

And one of the maintenance spiders as well. Surely you could upgrade one to an arkchild?”

--So two arkchilds?--”

Yes, one for protection of us all, and one to aid in keeping your equipment in top condition. After all, we’ll likely be quite far away from Odinsphere, and it’d do us no good if it became non-operational.”

--Your reasoning is sound. Very well.--”

Thanks.” Petunia had a big smile on her face. “Make sure to choose a good model skimmer,” she added looking at Saylin and Abigail.

Saylin laughed. “The choice is all yours,” Abigail said amusement.

--It is all decided then.--”

Oh, and I’d like to see the battleship too.” Petunia had a hopeful look on her face, her ears twitching cutely.

--Since Crystal brought it up, she can be the one to show you.--”

This one ended up being a rather large chapter, but there was no easy way to split it up either, and still have both at a decent length, so it got left as is.

The commission for Ueana is now well under way, and I am looking forward to the results.

As always, thanks for reading, and comments are more than welcome.

The next chapter (81 - Pre-brief) will be out in a weeks time.

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