I decide to name him Pinky. Anyone who doesn't like it can blow me.

I pick myself up of the ground, my new best friend cradled in my arms. I zip open my tattered jacket, slip my boy inside, make sure he's cozy, and zip up again, leaving it open enough for him to poke his little head out. He chills in there, and I feed him my last strip of jerky, which he chews happily.

Raelith comes over and leans over a bit, eyebrow raised. "Hmm, will this little creature be able to become a decent war beast? Even if he does eat lots of meat, he's rather small."

Pinky looks back at her as he continues to chew his jerky, giving zero fucks.

"Who cares? He's here for moral support, like a mascot or some shit. It's our job to crack skulls."

"True enough. But I hope this little creature does not become a source of weakness for you. I couldn't make you cry like that, even at the peak of my power."

I glare at her. "That's different."

Nature approaches; I can feel her gentle, humid energy intensify as she gets closer. She reaches out and strokes Pinky's ears gently, which he seems to like. Like the other Elementals, she has a strong, feminine aura about her that I can almost feel on my skin.

"Yo, Nature."

She looks up at me with her deep, green eyes. "Yes?"

"I was thinking about that question you asked me. About the future." I take a deep breath. "I think I've got my answer: I want to start a farm. Grow crops, keep some animals. Maybe even try to make 'n' build some stuff."

She smiles. "And what will you do on this farm?"

"I dunno. Just live life. See what kind of world we can make for ourselves."

"And what of we, the Elementals?"

I shrug. "Well, they can do whatever the fuck they wanna do. If they wanna help, fine. If they wanna go, fine. Just as long as no motherfuckers're trying to kill us or nothin'." I stroke Pinky's head. "I don't have any grand plans or anything. I just wanna live. I wanna breathe, and drink, and eat, and sleep. That's what I wanna do."

"You wish to live a simple life, then?"

"No. I want to live a good life."

"And what exactly do you consider a 'good life,' Hero?"

"One where I can be free. Where people don't have to worry about fuckers like the Liberation Society coming and killing everybody, and where no motherfuckers're gonna tell you what to do or control your life."

"Then, what of this animal? What will become of him?"

"I'll raise him. He can stay with me if he wants. If not, I can teach him to fend for himself and protect his herd from any assholes who try to mess with 'em."

"And what of your herd? Do you not wish to have offspring of your own?"

"Well, yeah. I had that on the table with my ex. We talked about it a couple times. I didn't think about it much after that."

"I see." She pauses for a moment. "And your answer now?"

"What?"

"Do you still wish to have children?"

"I mean, yeah. I'd have a whole fuckin' litter. But that ain't on the table, is it?"

"You're certain that's the case?"

"Yeah." I look at Pinky, and his innocent eyes meet mine. "I mean, look around. I ain't no scientist or nothin', but there ain't no human females anywhere on this goddamned rock. And Elementals can't have kids at all, so I guess that's that." I give Pinky a little scratch. "Makes me wonder what God was thinking when he made all this."

She nods. "You are correct: we cannot provide children for you. But that doesn't mean there isn't a way."

I raise an eyebrow.

"Do you truly believe God would not provide some way for his Hero to sew his seed? Astraea is only just starting to bloom -who can say what its pedals will bear?"

"I mean, maybe-"

The sound of pounding feet interrupts me, and I turn to see Domina and Zazel coming down the bridge toward us.

Domina, panting and out of breath, comes to a stop in front of me. "Oh, dear! I'm so sorry we're late, Master!"

I smirk and Pinky pokes his little head out. Domina gasps and covers her mouth.

"Oh, thank goodness! He's okay!"

Zazel sighs. "Well, judging by the appearance of things, the little one will live and Nature will join our entourage, yes?" She puts her hands on her hips and taps her foot. "Please say 'yes'."

I turn to Nature. "Lady, I passed your trial, right? The Limp Dicks will be up our asses in a month and we need all the help we can get. 'Sides, ain't no future for any of us if they win."

She smiles, but it fades quickly. "You are right -you did complete the trial. But there is one more thing I would like to discuss."

Zazel throws her head back and groans loudly.

"Chill, Zazel," I say, holding a hand up. "She healed Pinky, so the least I could do is-"

She looks at me like I just dumped a bunch of salt in her cereal. "'Pinky'? What are you on about?"

"My boy." I point at him.

"Excellent choice, Master!" Domina clasps her hands together. "What a lovely name!"

"Don't encourage him!" Zazel cuts the air with her hand. "He can't just unilaterally decide what we call it! We all played a role in saving its life!"

"Who the hell is 'we'? I did most of the saving. Besides, it's my animal, so I get to name it. End of story."

She huffs and throws up her hands.

Domina glances at Raelith, and smiles. "Well, it does have a nice pink coat."

Raelith shrugs. "I don't care what we call it. I only care if it can bolster our power in battle."

Zazel sighs. "Well, I think it's a horrid name. Was that really the best you could do, egg?"

I flip her the bird. "Get bent."

Zazel puffs up big time. "Autofellate, you creature!"

Nature clears her throat, and we snap to her.

I push the bridge of my shades. "Sorry 'bout that. Whaddya wanna know?"

She rubs her arm and her eyebrows furrow a bit. "I'm curious about this power you have. I know all of the beasts in this world, but I've never known any of them to become as furious as you did today. Not even when protecting young."

I cross my arms. "I'm a real ball of fire, alright. What're ya gettin' at?"

"This power is related to your Archetype, yes?"

"Yeah. And before you ask, I don't know what my Archetype is, exactly, but the Pendant says it's 'Custom'."

"Of all the possibilities, why did you choose-"

"I didn't. I was just fiddling with it, and it popped off without warning. Believe me, I wanted a normal one. I'd rather be a cowboy, a pirate, or even a fucking mailman than deal with this shit." My core is starting to ebb a little, and Pinky pokes me with a hoof.

She folds her arms. "I see."

I sigh. "Listen, you clearly think I'm full of shit, and I get it. That's not how it's supposed to work. But I'm telling the truth."

"Your power is very dangerous."

"Yeah, no kidding. I know that better than anyone. And if you don't wanna be around me because of it, I understand."

She uncrosses her arms. "I never said that."

"Then, what're you trying to say? 'Cause if you ain't coming then we can't afford to-"

She looks into my eyes, and her voice softens. "I believe in you."

"Huh?"

"Even though I know that this power is dangerous, I believe that you have the strength of will to use it responsibly." She smiles, and her eyes glitter. "If you didn't, the little one would not have survived."

I look down at Pinky. If only Althea was so understanding. "Well, I don't exactly have a choice, do I? I can't get rid of it, and even if I could, this power is still the best weapon we have to destroy the Liberation assholes right now."

"Obviously, Brisket," Zazel cuts in, tapping her foot. "But we all know what happens if you're forced to lean on it too much. That's why we need to Thralls as soon as possible. And recruit more Elementals." Zazel folds her arms and shoots a glance at Nature.

"Yeah, we need more recruits" says Raelith, rolling the handle of her axe on her shoulder. "We still don't have any idea how large their forces are or what sort of strategy they'll employ. Our army must be as large and as versatile as we can make it."

Domina folds her hands and looks down. "And there's so little time..."

"If that's the case," Nature steps few paces back and spreads her arms, "then there is no time to waste."

She begins to glow, and we all watch her like she has the world in the palm of her hands. She smiles gently at us, then all the plants and mushrooms in the place start to glow in a beautiful green light. A sweet, earthy smell fills the cavern as the light grows in intensity.

She looks at me with her big, emerald eyes and holds out her hands, as if welcoming us.

"I, the Elemental of Nature, recognize God's Divine Favor of the Hero and acknowledge his right to be Judged. In accordance with the Divine Pact between God, Elementals, and Heroes, I hereby declare that the Hero is Judged Worthy to participate in the Ritual of Release."

She walks forward and takes my metal hands in hers, sending a wave of energy through my body. "Leader, you may call me by my true name: Asphodel."

----------------------------------------

After the Ritual, I feel eager and ready to make my next move. But one look at Zazel, Raelith, and Domina's tired, dirt and bug gut-stained faces makes it crystal clear: we should probably rest for a while.

Yeah, probably wouldn't hurt to recharge. It's been a helluva day, that's for sure. 'Sides, it's almost dark out, so we ain't gonna go nowhere anyway. And it might be a good idea to regenerate my limbs and see if I can refresh my duds.

I look down at Asphodel, who's locked onto my arm like I might run away if she lets go. "Yo, Del. You know any good places to relax close to here? Somewhere where we can chill for a while and take a bath?" I flick a piece of dried up bug guts off my jacket. "Domina is out of mana, so we gotta get clean the old fashioned way."

"This lair would suit your needs, but I think something special is in order, yes?" She squeezes my arm. "I know a wonderful place with fresh water and plenty of healthy, fat fish."

"Fish?" I blink, having almost forgotten that fish exist and can be eaten. "Shit. I heard fish is really good."

"Have you... Never eaten it?"

"Never. I grew up far away from any lakes or rivers, and the State banned fishing years ago."

"I'll catch a big one for us, then."

I look over at the other Elementals, who are playing with Pinky and chatting lazily. "Hey, you guys wanna eat some fish?"

Domina's head jerks toward me. "I love fish!"

Zazel's ears perk up. "Fish? Yes, I suppose."

Raelith stands up and cracks her neck. "I prefer red meat, but I'd be happy to try some."

"Then let's go."

Asphodel leads the way as we make our way out of her cavern and the pyramid. But when we pop out of the entrance, we stop in our tracks.

"Holy shit. Who turned on all the lights?"

The jungle trees below are totally lit up with sparkling blue, white and green lights, as if someone decorated the entire valley for some kind of tropical Christmas festival or something. Colorful glowing fruits of all shapes and sizes hang from the trees and bushes, and the air sings with the chirping and buzzing of insects. It almost feels like the whole jungle is having a party or something.

Del puts a hand to her chest. "So this is the power of Release? Everything has grown so much!"

"Yep. Every time I release one of you guys, some magical shit happens and the world grows. It's not usually this sparkly, though."

"That's because the concentration of ambient mana is getting thicker, offal-for-brains." Zazel butts in.

"Do you feel any stronger yet?"

"I can feel some small semblance of my power returning, but I feel we are getting a very poor return on our investment. We will have to release many, many more Elementals before any of us even come close to returning to our formal glory." Zazel pouts a bit and stares at me with flickering eyes. "I sure hope this is all worth it."

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

I stare right back. "It will be. We're gonna beat those assholes and make a new world and life for all of us."

"Come on!" Raelith waves us on as she walks down the steps. "I'm hungry!"

We climb down the pyramid, and Del leads the way toward her special little spot. It's so much easier to walk through the jungle now that it's so lit up, and the sounds of bugs and other animals give it a lively, mysterious feel.

We can hear the sound of the trickling water before we reach the river.

Del leads us through yet another thick wall of foliage, and when we break through to the other side, the jungle opens up into a wide enclave. A low, but wide waterfall flows into a deep, broad pool that radiates a gentle turquoise glow.

"Whoa," my mouth hangs a bit as I scan the little piece of paradise, "this is unreal."

"Wow, this is gorgeous!" Domina gasps, stepping forward. "I've never seen anything so beautiful before."

Raelith grunts. "Now, where are those fish?"

I step to the edge of the bank and look down into the water. It's perfectly clear, and I can see a shit ton of fish swimming around. "Your fish are fucking here, baby! But even you won't be able to eat this many."

"That sounds like a challenge, Beautiful!"

Raelith stomps over like the hungry beast she is, and the fish scatter like buckshot.

She huffs. "This isn't going to be easy."

Del steps forward, her delicate feet stepping lightly onto the cool, wet rocks. She begins to glow, takes a deep breath, and lets out some kind of quick, high pitched noise, which makes Pinky perk up and poke his head out.

I raise an eyebrow. "The hell was that about?"

She kneels down and scoops her hands gently into the water, and the fish all start to flock toward her like she's their long-lost mommy or something.

She looks back at me and smiles. "There's so many."

Raelith plops down next to her, her armor clacking against the rock. "Just grab them and be done with it!"

"I don't need to." Right on point, the one of the fish jumps into her hands. She turns and holds it up by the tip of its tail fin. "See? Now, I can-"

Raelith swipes that shit like an alley cat.

"Hey!" Del growls like some angry animal. "Give that back!"

But it's way too late. Raelith is munching into it -head fucking first- like its a candy bar or some shit.

"Yo, what the fuck, Raelith!? It's still alive!"

She continues to chew and chew, her eyes rolling here and there like she's trying to solve some twisted riddle or something. Finally, she spits out the chewed up fish head, and it hits the gound with a wet thud. "Terrible. The flavor is strange, and there's almost no blood." She chucks the rest into the bushes behind her and starts walking away. "I'm going find us some real food."

I look over to Del, who looks like someone just kicked her dog. "Sorry 'bout that. She don't mean nothin' by it - it's just the way she is.

She turns back to the water. "I know. No respect for life, that one."

The bushes behind us rustle a bit, and Zazel pops out, sour-looking as ever. "Why are you absolute creatures making so much racket! I thought we came here to relax and eat!"

"Raelith's got a stick up her ass about the fish."

"'A stick up her ass'? As interesting as your human expressions may be, they can't nourish me."

"Well, why don't you eat one of your boob snacks if you're so damn hungry?"

"'Boob snacks?'" she shakes her head. "In a rare lapse in judgement, I failed to prepare enough of my special treats for this little adventure of ours, so I am in the unfortunate position of depending on you lot to provide something tasty enough to satisfy me. Speaking of which-" She twists backwards and calls into the bushes. "Maid! Make haste with the fruit. And where's that wine?"

I turn and see Domina struggling out of the foliage with a massive load of juicy glowing fruits and vegetables. Her arms and apron are stuffed to the max, and she looks like she's about to topple over. She stumbles into the enclave and plops down, spilling the goods all over the rocky ground. I walk over and help her out, but I make sure not to crush the precious cargo.

Domina looks up and smiles at me. "Thank you, Master."

"Hey, you're the one who picked all this stuff. I should be thanking you!"

Zazel grabs a yellow, pyramid-shaped fruit and starts chewing into it. "Whell, af leasht wun oph you knowsh how to gapher foodh."

I look over to see Del, with huge, fat fish, sparkling in the light of the enclave. It's at least as big as a surfboard.

"Del!" I spread out my arms in amazement, dropping the fruit I was holding. "That's fucking huuuge!"

She smiles. "I told you I would catch you a big one."

"Yeah, no kidding!"

She lays the fat bastard out on the rock. "It's ready for you, Leader."

"If you allow me a bit of time," says Domina, still struggling with her load, "I can prepare it and make a wonderful dish, Master."

"Sounds good."

"Most excellent, Master," she says as she walks over to the shore and puts down the food. "But we should wash up properly beforehand."

A minute later, everyone is in the water, buck naked. The evening air in the jungle is comfortable, and the water is just the right level of cool. I hand Pinky over to Del, then I use my rage healing to bring back my limbs, momentarily drawing attention to myself as heat up enough to make the water by my legs boil.

Del, seeing this for the first time, watches in wonder as muscle grows like ivy and binds to my metal bones and skin grows over it like its being painted on.

She reaches over and feels my new, soft hands, her face a mix of wonder and concern.

I tell her not to worry about it.

She stops fussing, but the look doesn't leave her face.

'Sides, Del's body is the one I want to pay attention to.

Holy shit, she firm and round in all the right places -she could be a lingerie model as easily as a pro athlete. But she's not just 'hot' or 'beautiful'. That would be simplifying it way too much. She's, like, otherworldly. Divine, almost. She looks like she should be floating in the clouds somewhere, not wiping crap off of herself in some river in the jungle.

In fact, all the Elementals are kind of like that. They're all their own different versions of perfect. I loved Kris, and she cut a nice figure in her jumpsuit at work, but she was an old frumpy toad compared to the Elementals. I would have jumped off a bridge to know any one of them when I was on Earth. But living with them, fighting with them and sleeping with them are all perfectly normal for me. It's almost a hassle, sometimes.

But it's kinda wierd, ain't it? They're all very beautiful, and they look human, but we can't have kids together. If that's the case, then why the Hell aren't there any male Elementals? It don't make a lot of sense. Why would God make a world and put people on it who can't reproduce? What's the point?

"Yo, I got a question." I say, as I scrub a patient Pinky with big handfuls of water. "I think one of you mentioned it before, but there are no male Elementals, right?"

"Why are you bringing this up now?" Zazel sighs as she scrubs her pits. "No, there aren't. It's not even clear we count as female, seeing as we don't reproduce like you greasy humans and your little pets."

"Okay. Why not? What's the deal?"

Zazel sighs as she move on to her arms. "Only God knows the answer to that. And why are you regurgitating this tedious topic? I was just beginning to relax."

"Sorry, sorry. I was just thinking about how we're gonna make shit happen on this world if nobody can make kids. No people, no future, right?"

"I believe there must be a way," Del puts a hand on my arm. "If there is, we will find it."

Zazel scoffs and rubs her neck. "That's hardly a concern at present. After the Liberation Society is dealt with, we can discuss the issue in earnest. For now, focus on what's in front of us."

"Yeah, fair 'nuff."

I start to wash my hair, and the other Elementals begin to file out of the water. Before long, me and Pinky are the only ones left.

'Only God knows the answer, huh? There's a lot he's keeping himself, I think.'

As I get out Domina hands me a towel and a simple linen tunic. It's big, soft, and smells like laundry soap.

My biker leathers and jeans are torn to shit, and my boots were completely eaten away, so I use my pendant to regenerate my duds. But I fold them up and set them aside because the tunic feels really nice.

I notice nobody is paying attention to me, so I set Pinky down and take a little time out to check our statuses.

I close my eyes. Hey, necklace. I wanna take a quick look at our status. I'm especially curious about our newest green-haired deer whisperer.

The blue runes appear, same as always.

TRUE NAME: ASPHODEL

TITLE: THE ELEMENTAL OF NATURE

ALIGNMENT: NEUTRAL

ARCHETYPE: LIFE DRUID

PROFICIENCIES: AGILITY, WISDOM, MANA

DEFICIENCIES: NONE

SPELLS:

NATURE'S CALL: LEVEL 3: THE CASTER CALLS OUT TO THE ALL THE ORGANISMS OF ASTRAEA, BESEECHING THEIR AID. FOR UP TO AN HOUR, ALL CREATURES WITHIN A MILE THAT CAN BE SEEN WITH THE NAKED EYE WILL DO THEIR BEST TO ASSIST THE CASTER IN THEIR MOST IMMEDIATE ENDEAVOR. THIS EFFECT ENDS AFTER ONE HOUR OR WHEN THE TASK AT HAND IS COMPLETE, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. HAS NO EFFECT ON MONSTERS.

EXPEDITE EVOLUTION: LEVEL 3: THE CASTER LAYS HANDS ON AN INDIVIDUAL ORGANISM AND SENDS ENERGY AND POTENTIAL DEEP INTO THE FABRIC OF ITS PHYSICAL STRUCTURE. THIS IS CAPABLE OF RESULTING IN A WIDE VARIETY OF EFFECTS, FROM SIMPLE HEALING TO THE MANIFESTATION OF POWERFUL NOVEL ABILITIES. THE EFFECT CAN BE TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT, DEPENDING ON THE WILL OF THE CASTER AND THE MANA EXPENDED. HAS NO EFFECT ON MONSTERS.

WEB OF LIFE: LEVEL 3: THE CASTER LAYS HANDS ON AN ORGANISM AND TAPS INTO THE SHARED CONNECTION OF ALL THE LIFE ON ASTRAEA. WHILE CONNECTED, THE CASTER CAN EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE AND SENSORY INFORMATION WITH ANY NON-MONSTER ORGANISM AND EVEN ISSUE SIMPLE COMMANDS TO IT.

EQUIPMENT:

SPEAR OF THE FITTEST: LEVEL 2: DEALS MODERATE PIERCING DAMAGE. THE BASE OF THE SPEAR CAN MORPH INTO AN ANIMAL PART, ALLOWING FOR A WIDE RANGE OF POSSIBLE TECHNIQUES AND ATTACK STYLES DURING COMBAT.

GARB OF HUNT'S BOUNTY: LEVEL 2: PROVIDES MODERATE PROTECTION AGAINST MOST FORMS OF NON-MAGICAL DAMAGE EXCEPT BLUDGEONING. TWICE A DAY, THE WEARER MAY TRANSFORM INTO AN ANIMAL THAT THEY HAVE HUNTED AND KILLED IN THE PAST, FOR UP TO AN HOUR.

MYSTIC FORAGER'S SATCHEL: LEVEL 2: PLANT AND ANIMAL MATTER PLACED WITHIN THIS SATCHEL ARE PURIFIED AND STAY FRESH INDEFINITELY, AND REPLENISH THEMSELVES IN SMALL AMOUNTS DAILY. LIMITED TO TWO SMALL VARIETIES OR ONE MEDIUM VARIETY.

ELEMENTAL SUMMARY: ASPHODEL, THE ELEMENTAL OF NATURE, WATCHES OVER ALL LIFE IN ASTRAEA AND SEEKS TO MAINTAIN BALANCE IN NATURE. LIKE A MOTHER PROTECTING HER OFFSPRING, SHE WILL FIERCELY DEFEND THOSE SHE IS BONDED WITH WITHOUT RESERVATION.

IN COMBAT, THE ELEMENTAL OF NATURE USES HER AGILITY, INSTINCTS, AND GUILE TO DEFEAT HER ENEMIES. ABLE TO SUMMON THE CREATURES OF ASTRAEA TO HER SIDE -AND BECOME ONE HERSELF- SHE CAN EMPLOY AN EXPANSIVE NUMBER OF PACK TACTICS TO THWART AND DESTROY HER ADVERSARIES.

HER THRALLS ARE TINY SYMBIOTIC FUNGI THAT ATTACH THEMSELVES TO OTHER ORGANISMS AND TAKE CONTROL OF THEM, FURTHER BOLSTERING HER ABILITY TO ASSEMBLE LARGE FORCES OF CREATURES.

Yeah, we definitely got lucky with Del. Raelith and Zazel are right: the cold, hard fact is we need as many boots -or paws or hoofs or whatever- on the ground as we can get. There's no telling how many assholes the Limp Dicks are gonna throw at us, so the more, the better. We made a lot of thralls, but still.

I 'scroll' though the other Elementals' and the only thing that changed was that all of their spells upgraded to Level 3. Looks like Zazel was right -we're gonna need to release a lot more Elementals to make any real gains.

I check myself, too, but the news is even less encouraging. I didn't grow at all, same as the last three times. It's not like I really need to get stronger, but it would be nice to get a new power or something. Or at least clothes that don't melt and burn to ash every fight.

I feel something wet prodding my leg and I open my eyes. It's Pinky, and I very strongly get the impression that he's trying to decide whether or try his first bite of human.

"Pinky, I love you, but I will throw your cute little ass to the moon if you even try it."

He looks up at me and cocks his head a little.

Then it hits me. Does Pinky have stats? Maybe a special power or two? You never know with all the crazy shit that happens on this world.

Sure enough, the pendant gives me the lowdown about the little guy.

CLASSIFICATION: CERVUS INTELLGENTE ESURIENTEM

GIVEN NAME: "PINKY"

DOMESTICATION POTENTIAL: HIGH

PROFICIENCIES: NONE

DEFICIENCIES: HEALTH, STRENGTH, AGILITY, ENDURANCE, MANA

SUMMARY: CERVUS INTELLIGENTE ESURIENTEM ARE A RARE SPECIES OF CERVID. THEY ARE OMNIVOROUS, BUT PREFER TO EAT MEAT. ALTHOUGH RELATIVELY SMALL WHEN YOUNG, WELL-NOURISHED ADULT MALES CAN REACH SHOULDER HEIGHTS OF 7 FEET AND WEIGH IN EXCESS OF 1500 POUNDS.

MALES LIVE WITH THEIR FAMILIES UNTIL SEXUAL MATURITY, AT WHICH TIME THEY LEAVE TO FIND MATES. A SUCCESSFUL MALE MAY HAVE A DOZEN OR MORE FEMALES IN ITS HERD. THEY ARE HIGHLY SOCIAL AND HAVE SOPHISTICATED AND COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIPS.

WHILE PHYSICALLY VERY SEXUALLY DIMORPHIC, BOTH MALES AND FEMALES DEMONSTRATE HIGH LEVELS OF INTELLIGENCE AND SPATIAL AWARENESS, AS WELL THE ABILITY TO GROW LUMINESCENT BULBS FROM THEIR HORNS. THEY CAN USE THEIR BULBS TO COMMUNICATE AND AND HAVE THE ABILITY TO DETACH THEM TO DISTRACT AND CONFUSE PREDATORS.

I pick up Pinky and give him some loves. "You're gonna grow up to a big boy, ain't ya?"

Pinky nuzzles my neck.

"Master? Everything is well?" Domina calls from the shore. Everyone is setting up in a cozy little corner by the treeline, and Domina has even busted out a table and some chairs.

"Yeah. Just talkin' to Pinky. We gonna start cookin'?"

"Preparations are underway, Master!"

"Nice."

----------------------------------------

Our busiest Elemental does pretty much everything. She sets out a table for us, makes a fire prepares the fish, washes and cuts the fruit and veggies, serves Zazel her precious wine, and a million other things. She may be drained of mana, but she doesn't need her clones - she's a one Elemental army, and a fast one at that.

The fish, as it turns out, is delicious. It's juicy, firm, and savory, and the vegetables and fruits aren't too shabby, either. Pinky, seated in my lap, chomps up everything I give him -and a couple things I don't- like a greedy little piggy.

"Domina," I wipe my mouth. "That was delicious. Thanks to you, I'll never forget my first time eating fish. I'm pretty sure Pinky feels the same."

"Of course, Master. I'll be sure to make the next one extra special!" She tops up my wine. "I only wish Lady Raelith had been here. I'll set some aside for her."

"I've never had anything like that, Domina, but it was scrumptious." Asphodel leans over her half-finished goblet of wine. "I'm not sure what to think of this 'wine', though."

Zazel smiles for the first time all night. "Nature, you will soon learn to appreciate the wonders of alcohol." She nods to Domina and raises her own goblet. "You did well, Domina. Thank you. And you would do even better to break out another bottle."

I laugh. "Shit, are you trying to get wasted?"

She shrugs and takes another sip. "I'm not trying to 'get wasted,' you imbecile. I'm trying to enjoy myself."

"Okay, okay. Here, let me-"

Everyone turns and stares into the jungle as we become aware of a strange racket. Branches snap and snap as something approaches us, and the noise grows louder and louder.

"That's gotta be Raelith now."

The crashing gets louder, and a red light gleams through the trees and plants.

Hey, Raelith! That you?"

The sounds and light get even more intense.

I stand up and shield Pinky. Not another fucking monster, please. I just got clean!

"I have returned, Beautiful. And I bring gifts!"

Everyone relaxes as Raelith pushes through into a clearing with two things: an nasty-ass grey and black creature that looks like a giant penguin and a sloth had a ugly baby, and a big fat red crystal in the other.

Zazel sighs and shakes her head. "If you wanted to hunt for game, why did you not simply ask Nature for help? She would have made short work of the jungle animals."

Raelith throws the critter on the ground like a sack of garbage. "Why should I depend on others for my food?" She smirks. "Besides, this one was fun to catch. It was trying to hide, but I could smell its fear."

I look down at the poor animal, its long beak laying open. "What the fuck is it?"

"No idea, but it looked tasty. And I found this crystal. Thought I'd save you the trouble of getting it later." She plops the huge thing on the jungle floor with a massive thud and dusts her hands. "I guess this one probably has a Blessing in it."

I take another bite of fish, hand Pinky off to Del, and stand up. "Might as well see what it is. I hope it's something decent for a change."

I walk over and place a hand on the big, red, glowing crystal and close my eyes. I feel a jolt of energy, like a keg being tapped, followed by a smooth, gentle warming sensation that spreads though my whole body.

"That was kinda nice. Now what does this thing do...?"

DIVINE BLESSING: GOD'S EYE: AFTER ACTIVATION, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO OBSERVE ANY PERSON ON ANY PLANE, PROVIDED YOU ARE ACQUAINTED WITH THE THEM, FOR A SHORT TIME. THIS BLESSING HAS AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF USES, BUT IT MAY ONLY BE ACTIVATED ONCE PER DAY.

Memories of Kris flash before me. I sit back down and take a deep breath.

Zazel raises an eyebrow. "Well? What is it?"

I shrug. "Eh, like Raelith said, it's a Blessing."

"Ugh, I meant what does it do?"

I sit and just stare past everyone. "It lets me watch whoever I want for a little while. As long as I've met them before."

Zazel leans back in her chair. "Ugh, that would have been great - if you knew someone in the Liberation Society."

Raelith sighs. "Yeah. Even just one use at an opportune time could have given us a huge strategic advantage."

A little bit of disappointment hangs in the humid jungle air. They are right, after all. Being able to spy on the Limp Dicks, even just occasionally, could be big for us, especially given how little we know about what they're doing.

But I haven't told them about Kris. I mentioned my ex to them a couple of times, but never the name. And never the fact that she was the one who cut my nuts off and watched me bleed out. I'm not even sure why I never told them. Maybe I was worried the Elementals wouldn't trust me if they knew I was once in love with one of the members of the group that was going to try to take over their world.

Or maybe it just slipped my mind.

But I have to tell them. I can't throw a big advantage in the garbage and risk gimping us just because I feel some weird sense of guilt or shame about not telling them. If I'm going to build a future with these Elementals, I can't have a bunch of secrets buried under the foundation.

I lean down with my hands folded in my lap. "Actually, I do know someone in the Liberation Society."

All the chatter and motion stops as everyone's heads turn in my direction. Zazel's eyes widen, Del's mouth falls open, and Raelith's hand grips her axe. Domina stops working.

Zazel blinks and leans forward. "You what? Why have you not told us before now? Do you not trust us, Sausage?"

I stare at the jungle floor. "It's not that."

"Then what is it?" Raelith growls.

"It's... It's complicated."

Del's voice softens. "Leader?"

I look up at everyone. "Look, I'll tell you. I'll tell you everything. Just gimme a minute."