Calo stretched her arms over her head, feeling her joints click, as she and her sister waited outside the new Atros Academy, if the rough sign above the entrance was true. They had just returned from a brief talk with their Grandfather and uncle, both of whom were incredibly excited to hear the news of their Clan's ships nearing their destination. After confirming it with the other Green Moon warriors, which irked Calo that they weren't immediately trusted, both were told to return to Anton, to see if they could convince him to secure the Goblin infested port of Jaka.

"They've really got themselves into a real frenzy." Calo mused as she ripped a piece of dried meat with her teeth. It was some of the last of some spiced, dried meat they had acquired in Frindal. And it was perfect to ward off the ever-present cold. "Only when they realized that we weren't going to die in that fortress."

Calo adjusted herself. The small wooden bench outside the new Academy wasn't particularly comfortable. However it was protected from the falling snow, not so her boots when she swung them back and forth, mixing wet snow with loose gravel from the street.

The door to the Academy swung open and two Arachnids stepped out. Like Ulyaa their skin was extremely dark, moreso than theirs, but their spider body had different markings of whites and reds scattered amongst the black. The pair was very nervous, understandable, but breathed a little easier.

"Do they think that they're serious that we'll be able to use magic?" The male of the two spoke up. He pulled his rough clothes closer. “Really? It’s just been us and three others.”

“And Ulyaa.” The female spoke as she smiled. “I wondered what happened to her. She just disappeared one day. Now I know she ended up here. She looks good. Really good. I didn’t think the Humans would ask how much silk we can make.”

“Well, they seem nice enough. Though everyone that didn’t have magic was sent home. Do you think they’re going to give us extra work?”

The two jumped when Sheso coughed. Calo knew that her sister wasn’t trying to interrupt. Judging by Sheso thumping her chest she’d just inhaled a large lump of Frindal spice.

“Sorry about my sister.” Calo patted Sheso’s shoulder. “She’s just super excited to get her magic potential checked. She’ll calm down soon enough.”

“Fuck off.” Sheso managed through calming sputters. "You're not helping."

Calo gave Sheso a few rough slaps on the back. The two Arachnids smiled awkwardly and turned to leave. Along the street stood a line of thirty odd Arachnids, flanked by a few Atros Guards to keep them from wandering away. They too were very nervous but were expectant at their testing. Almost immediately the two Arachnids were swarmed with questions.

“How many did they get again?” Sheso asked, her breath had returned to normal.

“Over four hundred.” Calo made a smirk. “More than he thought. More than I thought, that’s for sure. But if they’ve got five out of this many…”

“Anton wanted them for their silk.” Sheso said calmly. “Ulyaa can only do so much without hurting herself.”

“That strong?”

“You’ve seen Rasha’s clothes.” Sheso forced her hands underneath her shirt and pushed out. “They don’t strain or stretch, no matter what’s beneath them.”

Calo laughed. “It is very strong. No matter how hard their bodies are trying to escape.” A coldness began to seep over her body, more and deeper than just the weather. “Do you think Anton could be convinced to let us have those clothes again? Like, today?”

Sheso remained silent for a few, very long moments. “I don’t think so. I would like to have them again. How long has it been?”

Calo watched her sister scratch her arms and her skull, her brows furrowed in concern. It hadn't been a quarter of a day and yet she longed for it. The thought of turning completely invisible, to scurry about alleyways and corridors of the rich and powerful with impunity was an intoxicating thought. One that was continuing to itch at the back of her mind.

“Not long. Not long at all. But I doubt he would hand them over even if we became his women.” Calo played with the spiced meat. Sheso saw, her eyes focused on it and all concerns about her just washed away. “Hundreds of Dark Elves running about Atros? Invisible Dark Elves? Not a chance.”

“Maybe. If we learn how to make more. Which I doubt. Speaking of, Leran’s cough was back." Sheso sighed. Her brows furrowed. "He tried to hide it but I noticed. Kinda' like Anton is now. I'm sure Kal's healed him. Surely."

"Surely."

Above in the sky two large birds soared. Calo’s eyes narrowed as she brought her hand above her brow. It wasn’t a bird, rather two Chiroks. Giant wolves with dark green bird-like feathers for most of its coat and large bat wings. Fierce beasts, when defending their young. These two were adult Chiroks Anton had brought from The Shadow Isles. The story about how they’d acquired them was quite interesting and it was calming to see something from their homeland. With Lux, and his Glyph that would allow him to better control and commune with beasts, she expected to see many more flying about.

But it was odd to see them flying in the cold. At least four people were riding on the Chiroks back but it was impossible to see who. The two large beasts lazily circled over the city twice before heading east.

“East.” Sheso murmured. “Towards… What’s out there?”

“Apart from snow and Jaka?” Calo clicked her tongue. “There’s that chasm thing that Kal’s still stressed about.”

“Still?”

“Yeah. Something about it not making sense. But that’s about it. Jaka’s most likely where they’re heading. Maybe sorting that out for our dock. Clearing out all those Goblins is going to be a task. Kal said they just pour out of that chasm thing. More tests for his new magic perhaps?”

“Only other place out there is that ruined city. So long as no one’s moved in.”

Silence descended upon them once again. Calo sighed, watching the few people walking the streets. There were very few, certainly none by choice, but some caught her eye. A small gathering in an alleyway, sheltered from the snow while still having a good view of the street and the new Academy. That in itself was not suspicious. Immediately tearing your head away and shuffling back upon making eye contact was.

"Sheso? Don't make it obvious, but have a look at the group just over there. Opposite of the end of those Arachnids"

Calo slowly looked away. Out of her periphery some of the figures returned. Sheso grunted in agreement, only looking with her eyes and not moving her head.

"That looks a little odd, doesn't it?" Sheso straightened her back. "But it's not that bad. People were watching the column of Arachnids go through. I remember Verona saying did the same thing when Anton arrived here. But…"

"They're all Beastkin." Calo clicked her tongue. "And they don't look happy at all."

"Oh shit. I really prayed that Kal and Marion were worrying too much. Not that we’ve really prayed much once we left The Shadow Isles.”

“No…” Calo looked again. “But they’re talking a lot. I wish I could hear and see super well.”

“We should ask Kal. She’d be willing to help. Especially with something like this.”

“Anton’s got the same powers… Shit.” Calo clicked her tongue and looked towards the sky. “We returned those special necklaces too.”

“Along with the clothes. Guess that was a mistake. We’ll need to go get him ourselves.”

“But we both can’t go…”

“I'll go." Calo passed her sister the dried meat, much to her delight. "Munch on this while I go inside. And don't lose sight of them while you’re eating.”

Sheso scoffed as she took Calo’s seat, her eyes glinting at the orange flecks covering the dried marble meat.

“Focus, Sheso.”

“I’ll be fine.” Sheso dismissively waved her hand. “Just don’t get too distracted that you miss your job.”

Calo murmured something, something not particularly nice, and returned the dismissive wave. Calo sighed. Despite what she said she trusted her sister with her life. It’d be impossible to have infiltrated Danafra if they didn’t.

Inside Calo was greeted with a wave of warm air. Not from any particularly large fire but from the number of people present. New students amongst a line of patiently waiting Arachnids, judging by their appearance and anxious excitement. It also helped that some were particularly large, she presumed the Arachnids gave off quite a bit of body heat themselves.

Ulyaa and that Graterian girl seem like they're getting along. Anyway, where are they… Ah. I’ve found my landmark.

Amongst the sea of Arachnids and students a blue Minotaur stood tall, a bright orange horn rising even further.

“Rasha… Anton will be with her, surely.”

Calo flattened her shirt and ensured her hair wasn’t tangled. Unfortunately it was all for naught. As she neared it was clear Anton wasn't with her. Only Ulyaa and Sally were talking with the Minotaur.

"Hello there." Ulyaa spoke loudly, over the loud dull murmur. Her staggeringly beautiful face twisted in confusion, even biting her lower lip, as her eyes flicked across Calo’s face. “She’s-No. Calo. Hello Calo.” She shook her head, placing a hand on her hip. “You two look almost identical. Thank the gods you two have a different mole.”

Calo returned a smile. It wasn’t the last time they would hear that. Sally, with her long blonde hair tucked underneath a cloak, gave Calo a wave. She probably thought Calo wasn’t as old as she actually was.

“My uncles say that all the time. Mother never had a problem.” Calo cleared her throat. “Is Anton here? There’s a little problem outside.”

“Further in.” Rasha motioned towards the rear of the building, Calo saw the muscles on her neck tense from the simple movement. “Mezot wanted him to practice that new magic of his. Didn’t think it was safe here.”

“I don’t see her, or anyone else for that matter. So why aren’t you with them?”

Rasha shrugged. “I actually wanted to talk to Ulyaa and Sally. See how she’s going?”

The young Graterian woman looked rather apprehensive about saying anything.

“She’s doing great.” Ulyaa gave her a gentle pat on the back. “A whole lot better than she was. Not to mention she’s learning a lot from Axia, someone her own age.”

“Axia is very nice.” Sally spoke very softly. “But she can be a little…” She thrust her hands forwards. “Intense.”

Calo chuckled. “Sounds a bit like Verona. Speaking of…”

Rasha nodded towards the far side of the room. Verona stood on top of the desk before a slate wall covered in chalk writing. It was quite funny to see that she was only slightly taller than some of the students. Her eyes glowed red, liquid blood began to dance and spin in her hands, much to the delight and awe of the students. The Arachnids were simply stunned into silence, requiring a gentle nudge from the Atros soldiers to keep moving towards a strange device with a swinging needle.

“She’s fine.” Rasha folded her arms. “She’s always complaining about her Goddess, but I’m certain that if it started better she’d be trying to convince everyone to join.”

“It does seem very powerful.” Calo said.

While she’d only seen Verona’s abilities a few times she knew just how effective she’d be as an assassin. No blades, only a tiny vial of blood was required to unleash a maelstrom of death and destruction.

Also helps that she wouldn’t be the first pick to be an assassin. An ‘entertainer’ maybe. Then again she could easily hide a blade between those massive teats.

Verona received another cheer from the students as the blood dramatically shattered and reformed.

"What about Lucia and Lux? I thought that was a big part of this."

Ulyaa shrugged. "Lux has a high amount of mana. Lucia, barely anything." She pointed next to Verona. The two stood next to her, Lucia's eyes narrow on Verona's back while Lux watched in awe, indistinguishable from the students around him. "So he's going to be training soon. Firstly he needs to learn how to read. Mezot can't really teach you magic if you can't even do that."

"And you can?" Calo asked. "It doesn't seem like something that slaves would need to know."

Ulyaa shrugged again. "I can read a fair bit now. Some words are still a bit tricky. Right, Rasha?"

"I'm getting there." The Blue Minotaur scuffed at the wooden floor with her hooves.

Ulyaa sighed, resting her chin on her hand. "I just hope Lux doesn't go too crazy when he's talking to Axia. I think he's quite smitten by her."

"He did try and follow her." Sally said nervously. "Until his mother pulled him back."

Calo chuckled. "Barely been a day and already he's chasing girls. At least we know that part of him is fine. Don't know how it's going to end up with... Right. Anton?” Calo blinked hard. “It’s kind of important.”

Rasha hefted her halberd from the floor. “Follow me.”

Calo gave Ulyaa and Sally a quick wave and followed Rasha. The students cleared a path for her, like a blue stone pushing through water. She stopped at a door and ducked low, Calo almost smiled at seeing a faint dent in the very center.

“How serious are we talking?” Rasha asked. “Is it something your Clan wants?”

“Are you trying to filter what Anton hears?” Calo noticed Rasha’s shoulders twitch upwards. “Like some sort of terrible assistant? He needs to hear everything, good and bad, not just what we think he might want to.”

“No. No… I just want to know what’s happening." Rasha rolled her hand. "You know, before. Not just stand still and let everything happen around me.” Rasha sighed, glancing back and down at Calo. “Instead of just standing there like an idiot, I'll have time to actually think about things. Think them through and not just say that I don’t know or understand. I know I’m not the quickest-”

The entire building shuddered, a great cracking and shattering of metal and glass. A shout echoed down the hallway. Rasha charged forward, leaving Calo far behind and struggling to keep up. Rasha pushed some of the students back as they exited the wooden structure and into an enclosed outside area.

“Are you alright?” Kal asked.

Her long tail slipped through the slit of her cloak and trailed behind her as she ran towards a smoking plume emanating from a charred and warped metal disk burning through the snowy ground. Anton staggered back, coughing harshly and waving away the smoke. In his other arm was Mezot, stunned but unharmed.

“What the fuck happened?” Calo softly muttered.

Cetina ran behind Kal, unsure whether or not to draw her sword, while Calo spied Axia ordering the few students outside towards the door and not to dawdle. Half had Charms, the large gem-encrusted metal disks all Principle Mages needed, some of which appeared to be slightly damaged.,

Can’t imagine how difficult it is to use them. And it looks like Anton found that out.

“I’m fine.” Anton shook his hand. “I didn’t get hit.”

Kal disagreed and pulled one of his hands up. The leather had burned away, the now Dragonoid fingers had been damaged. Kal tried to place her hand over the wound but Anton stopped her. The wound slowly knitted itself together, the edges looked like they were covered in tiny pieces of white sand.

“Did that hurt?” Kal asked, worry drenched her face. “Cetina said the last time it id.”

“Excruciating.” Anton said. “Unbelievable amounts of pain. But knowing it’ll fix itself means it’s not a problem..”

Strange outlook on life…

“Longinious?” Kal held a hand to her chest. Cetina checked on Mezot, no longer stunned but focused all her attention on the metal disk. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Out of the smoke Longinious emerged. “This body is inconsequential, but I’m thankful for your concern.”

Calo let out a tiny squeak at what she saw. Longinious looked odd, at least compared to most Beast-kin, but she had been injured by something. Part of her skull was missing, her head crests were almost all gone and tattered, while large pieces of her armor and fish body had great holes deep into her flesh, even tearing through the tight purple cloth that covered her humanoid torso. An orange blood seeped out, far less than she would expect and little more than a trickle, and so was the flesh beneath. Like Anton's hand it slowly rebuilt itself, forcing out large white cubes that had mended with her orange flesh. Truthfully, it looked a little odd, not that Calo expected anything less, but it didn’t behave like she would expect.

"That was unexpected, even for me." Longinious shook her arm as the armor reformed itself.

Guess Kal was right, it's all a part of her. Whatever she actually is.

"And what happened?" Calo asked. As she passed Rasha she gave a pull on her leg armor which got her moving. "We just walked out and everything was already covered in smoke.”

“Yeah…” Rasha quietly added.

Anton gently pulled his damaged glove from Kal’s. “I was trying to use Principle Magic. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t work. I don’t have normal Mana in me.”

Anton pointed to the crystal embedded in his other hand. It was still darkened and chipped compared to the formerly pure white.

"I can only use it thanks to this damned thing, which I still don't know what it is. Anyway, Mezot did her best to make it make sense.” Anton smiled as he nodded towards Axia, holding her Charm tight. “It’s actually not too bad; forcing mana through the disk and crystals and certain intervals and amounts, especially with such a good and intense teacher…”

Mezot had a hand on Anton’s cloak, staring intently at the smoldering disk at the exclusion of everything else.

“That isn’t Mezot’s, is it?” Rasha asked.

“No.” Mezot quickly replied. She pointed to the far wall, her pale blue Charm rested safely next to where Cetina and Kal had been standing. “No.” She frowned at Anton. “But a Training Charm is extremely expensive.”

“We’ll buy some more.” Anton gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Mezot looked unmoved but Calo saw her fingers twitch and the tiniest hint of a smile.

“So that didn't work, so I tried to put some of my Essence through it. And-"

"And you could have killed yourself." Kal grabbed his cheek, barring her teeth as she twisted his skin. "Again. Do you know how much you make me worry?"

"Sorry."

As Kal roughly massaged his cheek, Calo inspected the smoldering remains more closely. The formerly silver metal now was stained with warping waves of green and blue while the crystals had expanded and partially erupted out like charcoal. As Calo reached out a long fingered purple hand burst into view, another gently pushed her hand away.

"Best not to touch it yet." Longinious said. Not all of her body had recovered yet. The very ends of her head crest were still reforming, while the broken armor was healing much slower. “We don’t know what it could do to you.”

“Even though this magic is your thing?” Calo raised a brow. “Never existed before they found you down there. Mezot’s got no idea about any of this.”

“I don’t know everything.” Longinious’s eyes narrowed as she floated but an inch off the ground, a hand hovering over the smoldering metal. “While I can recall anything I have seen with perfect clarity, I barely know more than Anton. Experiments are necessary. And accidents will happen. Which is why we need somewhere secluded and safer than this place.”

Longinious tapped one of the blackened crystals. The sharp tip of her claws exploded while the rest of her finger almost immediately began to disintegrate. Longinious frowned and ripped her finger off without a cry or even a blink of an eye. Once dropped aside it completely evaporated, thousands of tiny white cubes that disappeared into the wind. The stump slowly began to reform while she held her fist tight. Calo was speechless, not even Rasha looming behind appeared to have noticed.

“Best not touch it.” Longinious smiled, almost sheepishly. “Anton had to cut off the stump of his arm to deal with a wound created by uncontrolled Essence. I doubt you would fare any better.”

“I like my fingers…”

“Kal?” Anton’s voice was slightly muffled. “Can you stop now, please?”

Calo saw that Kal still held Anton’s cheek. Kal sighed, released her hold and gave the slightly reddened area a kiss.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“There. Better?”

“Much better.” Anton smiled. “We should do this more often. I'm sorry it didn't work out, Mezot." He nodded towards the ruined Charm. "A whole lot of waste for nothing."

"It was a worthwhile experiment." Mezot drifted away from Anton and squatted next to Calo. Longinious hovered nearby, ready to stop the overly inquisitive Mage. "But I do not think we should test the Dragon crystals. We… We only have two. We should be very careful when we remove this. It has no purpose…"

Mezot trailed off, turned and stared at Calo, unblinking. Calo knew Mezot relatively well but this was unnerving. It was the silent intensity behind those blue eyes.

"Longinious?" Kal's tail dropped over her shoulder, which she began to gently stroke. "Th… Thank you for doing that. For sacrificing yourself to keep them safe."

Longinious righted herself. The corner of her mouth twitched but she did not speak. Instead she gave a single, curt nod.

I bet she wanted to say a whole lot. That it wasn't much, that it was just her job or it doesn't hurt her. Sometimes, sometimes saying nothing is best. At the very least there's some doubt if you're a drooling idiot.

"Why are you here?" Mezot finally blinked. "We've tested every Dark Elf for magical potential. Even you and your sister."

Oh shit. I hope Sheso’s still there.

Calo touched where the necklace once lay.

Need them back.

"I-"

"And you didn't have anything good in either of you."

"...Thanks, Mezot." Calo brushed her legs as she stood up. "Direct as ever."

Mezot continued to stare, unsure if she should read deeper into her words.

"But I wanted, need, to speak with Anton."

"Oh? We're going to speak with you Uncles a bit later today. But I guess this isn't that."

Calo shook her head. "No. No, we have a problem outside. Could be a big one."

---[]---

“Careful with your steps.” Calo muttered, running along the congested rooftops. “They’re definitely going to be suspicious of a spear floating through the air. Doubly so if they see you flailing about.”

“Just put me underneath your cloak.” Longinious’s voice echoed, with that ever-present crackle. “I don’t mind.”

“You say that…”

Calo felt a strange sense of relief now she was wearing the Shadow Hunter garb once again. It felt so comforting to be invisible once again, even Sheso clearly had the same thought. When she was visible of course.

Anton had decided to go on the offensive this time. To flush them out. Simply by walking towards them along the street towards the Forges. If the small gathering was innocent, they would stay and ignore them, perhaps grow awkward or apprehensive at someone so well-known passing them. But they didn’t. Instead they scurried away, for Calo and Sheso to follow. As Anton said, the guilty would act first.

“I’ll just need a quick glance at them.” Longinious reminded them. “Just once is enough for me. Then we can round them up at a later date, if they turn out to be an actual threat.” A derisive chuckle came from the top of the spear. “There’s a huge difference between doing something and just being bitter about life…”

That’s… That’s something I don’t think I was supposed to hear.

Neither of the twins commented and continued to follow. The group of Beast-kin were only six in number and stayed close together. It helped that one had a much lighter cloak in color and hung at the rear. They maintained a constant speed until they reached a larger home built in the south east of Atros. While it didn’t have an official name Calo had heard many of her Clan refer to it as the Beast-kin Quarters, given the simple reason that most of the released Beast-kin slaves were housed here.

“Markers?” Sheso asked as they stopped on a neighboring roof. The two held onto a stone chimney, old and probably from the early days of Atros. “Something so we can find our way back here?”

Calo brought Longinious out enough so the spear tip was visible. She almost smiled as Longinious made noises like she was crawling out a thickly laden warm bed.

“The sign diagonal to it.” Longinious muttered. “Looks like someone’s painted flowers for their child. Simple. At least no one’s going to be removing it.”

Calo found the sign. It was rather unique, and unique was good.

“I’ll ask Anton to take a quick walk through this area. It has changed considerably since his last visit. Yes, far more dense.”

The group approached the door and quickly entered. One gave a worried glance back before darting inside.

“Suspicious.” Sheso mumbled. “But that doesn’t mean they’re doing anything wrong.”

Calo began to slide down the roof. “Only one way to find out, right?”

The two dropped to the ground, crossed the street and hugged the wall of the home. Every wooden window was shut, unsurprisingly, but soft movement could be heard.

“If this house is the same as all the others,” Longinious spoke very softly. “Quickly built for shelter, there shouldn’t be much in the way of rooms. And the layout will be the same. And if they’re worried about being followed, they’re likely to head to the rear. Not that it’s actually any safer for them… But the mind can play tricks when you’re desperate.”

Is that another thing? Am I supposed to even acknowledge that I heard that? Cagec’s told us the best answer sometimes is to say nothing at all.

Calo tried to seek an answer from her sister. She then remembered she was invisible, except for the faint layer of accumulating snow.

As they neared the rear they could start to hear voices. The voices of fear and conspiracy; harsh whispers and nervous pacing. Boots but also sharp claws on wood.

“You know that they saw.” A voice passed through the rear window. A male, terrified and pacing fast with soft footsteps. “Do, do you think they saw us?”

“I don’t know.” Another replied. This was a much deeper male, oozing with the type of confidence that Calo had seen evaporate so many times when actual danger presented itself. “Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe they did… But we left straight away.”

Sheso touched Calo’s shoulder. “Any chance of getting Longinious up there?”

“The window’s almost shut.” Calo held Longinious aloft. “Can you see any cracks?”

“Lower me… So I can see in.” Longinious seemed happy. “Just keep me here. Hopefully they’ll keep moving about and show me their faces. One look is all I need.”

A deep groan came from within. “We shouldn’t have been there.” The first person was speaking again. “I’m sure they’re onto us. You heard what he said yesterday. They brought us all in for it. They know about us. Someone’s told them what happens in Seocuria.”

“Stop being such a fucking coward.” The third voice was very high pitched. Calo wasn’t sure if they were a woman or just young. Probably the latter. “These pale skinned humans aren’t any better than the Seocurians. I can guarantee you that.”

“Which they have here.” The second voice softly added. “I know you lot haven’t seen them but I have. They’re keeping them here, safe, in good houses, strutting about doing warm and easy work while we’re left to freeze in the cold. No. It's not right that they're here. They should go back to Seocuria. In chains."

The second laughed, no one else did.

It’s not that bad here. Food and shelter. You could always go back if it’s all too much.

The laughter quickly faded, followed by an awkward cough and an even more awkward silence.

“And you’ve seen them.” The third person spoke again. “He’s already having it off with at least one filthy half-breed. One with Seocurian blood in her. Not to mention that blue Minotaur mutt. How long before they’re popping out freaks? Hmm? That feline-”

“Kal.” A fourth voice offered, clearly female. “Rafiki's pet, with that freak of a tail. And she’s pregnant. At least that’s what I’ve heard.”

“You see?” The third person was on the verge of losing their voice. “You see what’s about to happen? There’s going to be a whole bunch more. Then everyone’s going to think that it’s okay. And then do you know what’s going to happen?”

“But-”

“Hundreds of them! Hundreds of bastard Half-Breed Beast-kin running about."

And what's the problem with that? Honestly. We’re the only Dark Elves with wavy hair and we’ve never heard anything bad said about us.

Calo touched her hair through her clothes.

At least not because of that. Our Clan on the other hand…

“And who knows what’s happening with that fish thing.”

“Rude.” Longinious murmured. “I’ll be more complete soon anyway…”

"But… But so what?” The first asked, much to Calo’s surprise. “They haven’t done anything wrong, so-”

The first speaker yelped, then began to softly beg.

“They’re freaks.” The second voice spoke low, gruffly, attempting to intimidate the first through physical presence. “You know? Little bastard freaks that’ll rat us out to the Humans, they think they’re one of them. Always thieving, stealing and hurting our kind. Little more than rats.”

“But she’s the first I’ve ever seen before.” The first voice was but a whisper, the second did not even pause their tirade.

“Not to mention they’re violent, hateful freaks. Stupid too. Filled with diseases, since they’re carrying polluted blood. Our kinds aren’t supposed to mix.”

Longinious scoffed, why Calo didn’t know. “Same shit with these lot. Statistics and stories. Doesn't even need to be true for them. Always an escalation and embellishment to every retelling. Nothing more than hearsay to stoke the worst of our imaginations.”

“I… I… I don’t know.”

“The only way they’re born is if a Beast-kin’s raped.” The female said. “Just a constant reminder that we’re nothing but meatto those Humans. I bet Kal’s only lived so long because that Anton was able to beat some sense into her.”

“But-”

“What if that was your mother?” The second said, “Hmm? Forced to carry that sort of thing in her stomach. No. They have to go.”

I wonder what’s happened to our mother? She’s still alive, but we haven’t seen her in a long time. I hope she’s doing well.

“She didn’t seem unhappy-”

“Shut up.” A fourth voice spoke. This was very deep, old and wise. Perhaps not exactly wise in this situation. “They’re a pest and that’s the end of it. And we’re going to take care of them. I’ve heard that two of the people taking care of those bloody Chirok things are a Human and Beast-kin couple. We’ll sort them out first, then see about Rafiki’s bitch. I’ve got a score to settle with that man. I’ll make sure his little freak of a daughter screams loud enough for him to hear, just like he did to mine.”

Many murmurs followed, all sounded like they agreed.

“That’s enough.” Calo pulled Longinious down. “Don’t need to hear anything more from them.”

“We need to let them know.” Sheso fumbled for Calo’s cloak to cover Longinious. “You got a good look, right?”

“All seven. Some of them didn’t talk, but they weren’t scared like the first talker was. He’ll be the key to breaking apart that little group.”

“Unless Anton wants to take the quicker route. Do you think he’ll go flashy?”

“Flashy? It is possible.” Longinious said. “While we cannot let them hurt anyone, it may be beneficial to wait and let them draw more conspirators to them. However, not acting will simply encourage those that had only fleeting thoughts to join them. It… It is a difficult choice either way. But regardless of the choice, well, it’s cruel to say this but if a dozen or so bad Beast-kin went missing it wouldn’t be the end of the world, would it? We can always get hundreds of happy and eternally grateful Beast-kin if this all proves too difficult to handle discreetly.”

Sheso mumbled under her breath.

“As I said,” Longinious sighed. “A difficult choice. Perhaps they need only be arrested and imprisoned for their planning of assaults. I’m sure they’d hate to be back in chains after gaining their freedom. Or maybe, after everyone knows what they’re planning, they are just never seen again…”

Calo hoped that Anton wouldn’t take that option. After taking those steps, who’s to say that someone that simply disagreed with them was an acceptable target? She didn’t want Anton, or anyone, to become a butcher. But tough decisions had to be made.

---[]---

A faint gust of wind caught Calo’s second hood, normal cloth rather than the Shadow Hunter garb, and tried to pull it back. The sound of splintering wood cut through her impulse to bring it back. Two Turtle Beast-kin threw a crude battering ram against the house they had been investigating. The fragile wood completely collapsed under the first swing and folded inward. Before it had even reached the floor armored soldiers and Atros’s Police, the few that had been outfitted with their new uniform, stormed in.

“Get down!” An Atros soldiers’ voice echoed out through the building. “Do not move! Do not move, dammit!"

“You are under arrest!” A Policeman said as he followed, his new black truncheon raised high. “So get onto the floor! Now!”

“Did you tell them to say that?” Verona asked Anton. Calo noticed one of his gloves was charred slightly, a single spine of his Dragonoid hands poked through but was completely unharmed. “Or did they just do that on their own?”

“I think it’s pretty straight forward what to do.” Anton nodded as more Police and Soldiers entered. One kept more from entering, crowded corridors could be a death sentence in these situations. “Charge in, lots of noise but a simple message.”

Anton clicked his tongue. “At least they’re not going in there with just swords and spears. No real point in having Police if they’re nothing more than Soldiers.”

Their group waited at the corner of a nearby street, far enough removed from the action to observe but not so close they were directly involved. A thin line of soldiers formed a rough perimeter, not that there were many outside, the few that weren’t did not want to get involved.

"This is stupid." Kal murmured, holding her cloak tight to her body. “They should be spending their strength on hating the Seocurian Empire. Not us."

The shouting reached a fever pitch, a woman screamed and a wooden window broke outwards. A hand emerged but snapped back inside. The noise within began to quieten and soldiers began to emerge.

"Such a waste."

The soldiers and Police slowly exited. Some had some light injuries but were little more than scratches at worst. Those they dragged out weren't in such good spirits. Droplets of blood ran down their faces, running along scales and mixing with fur. Calo knew this wasn’t an unusual scene in Seocuria. She also knew they wouldn’t expect it in Atros.

"Such a waste indeed." Anton mused.

"Could be a lot worse." Rasha grunted, gripping her halberd tighter. "I'm one of the ones they wanted to attack."

How would they honestly get you? You could just swat them away.

Calo glanced at her hooves.

One kick from that…

"Get in line!" A Policeman threatened one of the Beast-kin with their thick truncheon. "Beat if you just keep quiet until we figure out what to do with you lot. Damned traitors, the lot of you."

The crowds had grown slightly. Mostly they were curious and slightly alarmed. Several soldiers received orders from their commander, stepped through the loose perimeter and began to speak with the crowds. Very quickly the mood changed to one of calm. Atros was safe from those that wished to do its people harm. At least that's what Calo hoped that was what they were conveying. She knew her Clan would always be safe in Atros. And if it wasn’t they could always just leave…

One of the Beast-kin tried to charge at a soldier. He was quickly jabbed in the stomach and dropped to the snowy slush like a bag of wet flour. Two soldiers hauled him to his feet and roughly bound his hands in iron manacles.

"I think that we don't need to be here anymore." Anton said as more manacles emerged. "I just wanted to see that everything… Well, I just wanted to see it for myself, that’s all.”

“There are several dangers to being so visible during this arrest.” Longinious spoke calmly. She floated to the side as they began to walk back to the Academy. “Firstly, you are all now potential targets. I doubt that will be all.”

“No.” Anton sighed. “No. So we’ll get that Sovereign Palace finished so it'll be safer for us."

Verona tried, and failed, to hide a smirk.

"And now’s the perfect time to have already built those buildings. Calo? Sheso? Thank you for helping us." Anton moved between them. "I know that you’ve already done quite a lot for us. But I wanted to say thanks once again.”

“It’s fine, Anton.” Calo gave his shoulder a pat. It felt for a moment incredibly solid, far more than what she remembered. “We’re happy to help.”

Sheso pulled at her outer cloak. “Not to mention we get to wear these again…”

Anton tilted his head at Calo’s sister. Everyone was silent, Verona made some strange noises but didn’t ask.

And why was I thinking the same thing?

“Anyway,” Verona clapped her hands. “Thanks. But we will need those back. Again. I'll treat you both to something good to eat for lunch."

"You mean I, Kal or Zuhura will make something?" Anton said, Kal sighed and smiled, but wasn't going to deny it.

"Same thing." Verona shrugged. "But, Anton, I know that look."

“We were lucky we found this.” Anton said softly. "And I'm certain this won't be the last. No. We got lucky here, thanks to you two. Which I won’t forget."

Calo clicked her tongue. “I meant to ask, but what’s going to happen to them?” She pointed back along the street. A few more people had gathered. “Despite what they said they hadn’t actually hurt anyone.”

“I doubt it would have been long.” Longinious mused as she spun through the air. “Slowly building up courage through beatings and assaults. And knowledge of those actions would spread throughout Atros and embolden others.”

“True.” Kal said. “From what I can remember the laws of Atros are rather… Old fashioned? If that’s the right way to put it.”

“An eye for an eye, would be a good example.” Anton said.

“Not too different from us.” Sheso smiled faintly. “For stealing you had to pay back twice the amount it was worth, assault was dealt with by flogging… Those sorts of things.”

Except they hang pirates.

“So their punishment?” Calo asked. “Would it just be a public flogging? Sounds about right for what they did, but I think it might just make me angrier at you. Some might break but I wouldn’t.”

Sheso scampered behind Anton and wrapped her arms around Calo. “All that tough talk. I don’t believe a single moment of it. And neither would I. We've been pretty lucky. Never been hit while we've been traveling with you, so a stubbed toe is the worst I've suffered."

Sheso snickered as she released her hold. "Except when Cetina’s training us."

"She hits really hard." Calo found herself joining in with her sisters teasing.

Cetina was ever so slightly flustered but kept her body calm. Anton gently rubbed his beard, he had been ignoring most of what had been said.

"I'm not sure. It has to be harsh enough for anyone else to be dismayed, but not so much that they hate us. Perhaps a couple of months working in Amsore Quarry will be enough to change their tune. What would they do in The Shadow Isles for something like this?”

“Planning to hurt someone?” Calo tapped her chin. “I’m not really sure. Probably just flogged a lot.”

“I saw one Dark Elf whipped until there wasn’t any skin on his back.” Sheso added. “But he beat a few women. Before the next season he’d tried to kill one and was caught. Cut his head off right there and then.”

“Probably a few months of hard labor should do the trick.”

“Do you think that will be enough?” Verona asked softly. Calo felt it was odd for her, of all people, to be sounding so honestly concerned. She doubted she would care for anyone that tried to harm Anton or Atros.

Anton lightly shrugged. “They know there’s a better life if they don’t try and attack others. We’ll just have to keep an eye on them afterwards. But that brings me to the next thing.”

“Here we go.” Verona said softly.

“We cannot rely on luck anymore. Pre-emptive action is needed. Beyond what the Police can do. I’m thinking of some sort of Intelligence Agency. Internal Security. Led by someone that’s incredibly smart, wise and knows to make the right decisions.”

“Well that’s definitely me out.” Verona mused.

“Someone that, even if they were given nearly limitless power and authority, wouldn't let it corrupt them.”

“And who would that be?” Kal asked, kicking at a lump of wet snow.

“You, of course.” Anton replied, flatly, like it was the most obvious fact in existence. It was so blunt that Kal’s foot scuffed at the ground and almost tripped. “Who else could I trust with something so important, delicate and intricate?"

Kal did not immediately reply. From his position, Anton could not see Kal’s gently swaying tail pushing against her cloak, but Calo certainly did.

“Well… I suppose you could say that.” She ran a hand over her long, furred ear. “Very kind of you to say. And it has been a little slow in Atros, now that we’ve stopped adventuring with you.”

“There were those couple of days in Bebbezzar.” Verona offered. “I’ll admit we didn’t really leave the city though…”

“For now, that is.” Kal continued, giving Verona a gentle nudge. Her brows furrowed along with a playful smile. “While I will be staying in Atros to raise our child, I still want to be able to go with you. Not to be pinned down by anything."

Verona let out the tiniest noise before Cetina wrapped her hand around her mouth. Verona rolled her eyes but did not fight her, almost allowing herself to be carried forward.

"But I know that anything like that would require meticulous planning and organization. Since you can't just arrest everyone you don't like." Kal clicked her tongue. "Not to mention the ability to recall memories with perfect clarity would be extremely useful."

All eyes fell on Longinious. She twirled through the air while remaining to their side.

"I'm certain everyone, regardless of whether or not they are in the Intelligence service, would desire perfect memory. But that does not mean they would have the right temperament." Longinious extended an arm towards Kal, whom she took. "Which you have."

"I still think it would be a good idea to have someone with those abilities."

"If she says yes, then of course she can help." Anton smiled, with a hint of bitterness. "I can't imagine it's all good to be always awake when everyone else sleeps."

"I imagine it would get lonely." Calo said softly.

"Of course I will help." Longinious’s orange eyes snapped to Calo. She had heard her, not that the mermaid would admit it. "At least someone will always be manning the desk."

Calo and Sheso shared a glance.

"Another of Anton's phrases." Sheso gave a quick nod.

“I was really hoping that you would say yes.” Anton rummaged in one of his pockets. “So, while Calo, Sheso and Longinious were doing their thing, I stopped by the Smithy and had some of the Dwarves make a little something.”

“The Dwarves?” Kal threw him a curious look. Her ears pricked up as she leant closer to his rummaging hand.

“You know how they love something new. A challenge. In this case the challenge of time. I didn’t give them long but that just seemed to make them more excited. Who doesn’t like a challenge?”

Anton let out a triumphant noise as he produced a large, dull iron disk, slightly larger than a normal gold coin. On the rear was a large but simple pin, on the front was a raised eye, surrounded by an overlapping spiral of a dull green metal.

"You asked them to make a brooch?" Verona frowned at it. "And where's ours?"

"The Dwarves were above ground, some apprentices and students, learning the more difficult Human Forges." Anton began. "And they were practicing making clasps and brooches for our soldiers. Something for them to be proud of. I asked them for something special for Kal and they leapt at the chance."

Anton smiled at Kal. "Seems quite a few of them knew someone you had healed. A lot of maimed Dwarves can now live a normal life thanks to you."

"Well, it's the right thing to do." Kal hid her delight very well.

"And I wanted to give you something regardless of your decision. It’s been a while since I’ve given you a proper present.”

“Well, you’ve kind of put me on the spot a little bit.” Kal smiled. “But how can I say no to that?”

Kal took the brooch and held it delicately between two fingers. A large, wet snowflake landed on the top.

"It'll look good on you." Sheso said. "I'm sure it'll go with your eyes."

"That's very sweet of you to say… Sheso. It is Sheso, right?" Kal leant around to see her face. "Yes. You sound identical, not surprising since you're twins."

"I bet you annoyed your parents swapping all the time."

Calo could only respond with a smile, as did Sheso. Their father was not a good person, or a pirate, their mother still lived but had not seen each other in some time.

Kal fastened the brooch to the front of her cloak, giving it a tap to ensure it didn't shift. Her smile quickly transformed into a frown. “Isn’t the point of all this to be a secret? That I shouldn’t be telling everyone that I’m the one they need to be looking over their shoulder for?”

“Yes…” Anton smiled back. “But regardless of what you said I wanted to give you something. I like giving out presents.”

Kal placed her hand over the dull metal brooch. "I'll make sure to keep it safe."

Calo noticed that several others looked on longingly at the newly fastened brooch.

Presents aside, would we be required to wear one? Not that I would be against receiving a gift from him, but it would be the only visible part of us. Unless he can work out what our daggers are made of. I don't trust wrapping it up like Longinious.

Anton softly sighed. "That's wonderful. But we also need somebody who can easily blend into crowds, without anyone noticing."

"Any thoughts?" Verona teased.

"Yes. Two, actually."

"Us?" Calo didn't particularly feel like playing the game, one of unspoken words and hidden intent. "To do what we did here, or in Seocuria?"

Anton smiled, like he knew the question was coming. "Both, if necessary. Definitely more of the second rather than the former I fear. As good as you are, you can't be everywhere at once to listen to every potential conversation. Not that I even want to. But we need some that can should the need arise. And that would be the only two that I can trust to wear the Shadow Hunter clothes. So? Any thoughts?"

Calo glanced at her sister. “Well, we really didn’t mind doing what we did. I’m certain that Sheso didn’t either. But… That means we don’t have to give these up?” Calo tugged at her chest. “We can keep… Wearing these…”

“Are you alright?” Kal asked. She held their shoulders tight, great worry on her face. “I know that wearing those invisible clothes isn't the most important thing right now.”

“No. You’re right.” Sheso winced towards her sister. “But, but I think something’s wrong with us.”

“Nothing’s wrong!” Calo felt the words slip out of her. “I… Just want to know. That’s all.”

“Of course you both can.” Anton’s words brought a wave of relief to Calo and Sheso. “But if it’s causing you issues, then we’ll need to at least have a look at them. Would that be alright?”

“I… Okay.” Calo gave Kal’s hand a quick pat. Kal removed it, thankfully she wasn’t offended. “Sure. We’ll help you. But don’t expect us to help with too much stuff with organizing papers and things like that. We can read and write-”

Verona averted her eyes.

“-but not that great. We were pirates and raiders, not merchants. We’ll have to leave that to you, Kal, and maybe Cetina and Zuhura if they decide to join you in this.”

“Surely pirates and raiders would have to be pretty good at record keeping.” Anton began to muse, rubbing his short beard and freeing flakes of snow. “Ensuring that everyone gets a fair share. And so the boss doesn't have his throat slit in the middle of the night for hoarding. A very quick way to ensure loyalty by the rest of the crew."

Verona replied, she wasn't being held by Cetina anymore, but Calo wasn't listening. Verona and Rasha began to talk but their words were little more than a distant rumble, her feet plodded forward only to keep pace.

I'm fine… Right? It hasn't even been a day and they're already worried about us wearing these clothes. I mean, we can take them…

Calo quietly clicked her tongue.

I don't want to remove it… I think we're in trouble.

Calo looked at her sister. Sheso wore the same expression she did; a vacant front trying to hide the worry beneath. When her eyes caught hers it broke for a single moment.

Oh Gods. We really are in deep trouble, aren't we?

Calo gripped her shoulders as a pair of Atros Guards ran towards them, out of breath and red faced. Despite her inner turmoil she recognized them from the Portal Building. They had passed them by on more than one occasion.

I wonder where we're going this time? As long as it's somewhere…

Calo felt her fingers dig deeper into her shoulders.

Anton will know what to do. He'll know what's wrong with us. He has to.