Chapter 14 - Warfrost Ramorai

Warfrost, the little orange house cat, looked upon the crystal containing his soul.

He meowed, and then pawed playfully at it, interested.

Nothing happened.

Edna's heart sank, and her eyes teared up. "Why? Why won't you…"

She shook her head, realizing it didn't matter what she wanted. Warfrost had to choose his own path.

She'd brought it to him. She'd done what she needed to do. She'd learned a long time ago that cats were going to do whatever cats wanted to do.

Maybe he'd forgotten who he was? And even if he hadn’t, she couldn't force him to make a decision.

Hildebrin sat slouched in pain against the cavern wall, wheezing. She'd been thrown against the rough stone by invisible magic. The half-Dwarf was injured, unable to continue fighting in that moment.

Makaik still moaned, barely moving upon the ground beneath Fuyuhiro. The man seemed to hover above their young monk friend, though he was glaring at her and the orange cat.

Edna had not answered his previous question.

The man called out again, his urgent voice full of fear. "RAMORAI?"

Fuyuhiro turned his gaze upon Edna.

Warfrost continued to paw at the crystal.

If the cat was not going to save them, then Edna knew she had to act quickly. She gripped the six-pointed shurikens in her hands, ready to defend the cat at all costs.

"Ramorai?" Fuyuhiro's voice dripped with a mixture of fear and malicious curiosity. "Hiding in plain sight as a house cat? Can it truly be? We were no longer searching after all these years, having lost our purpose, but now we stumble upon our prey by accident as we hide within people ourselves?"

Edna tensed, her muscles coiled like a spring, prepared to strike. "I won't let you harm him."

It took her a second to realize the evil man spoke from within, as if a darkness controlled him. It couldn't be, she thought, although it would make sense that The Betrayers would hide within mortals.

The evil monk master might have been hostage to one of The Betrayers this entire time? He was not the only one, surely. She knew other Betrayers existed.

Fuyuhiro let out a chilling laugh. "You foolish woman! Perhaps we were too foolish as well! Maybe we have turned mad after all these years, trapped inside this pathetic man's body as we nearly forgot about you. And now we discover the last son of Thoga Ramorai is a helpless little house cat!? How convenient for us!"

She gulped. The man could kill her in an instant. There was no wonder Fuyuhiro was so powerful. He harnessed the power of evil gods hellbent on destroying every last remnant of the Ramorai bloodline.

Edna's grip tightened on the shurikens. "Over my dead body!"

Fuyuhiro's lips curled into a sinister grin. "Okay!"

He reared back, and Edna braced herself for the onslaught of his magic. Before he could unleash his attack, Warfrost let out a loud, piercing meow.

The sound reverberated through the chamber, causing Fuyuhiro to hesitate. Edna didn't look down. She seized the opportunity, hurling the shurikens with deadly accuracy.

The sharp blades sliced through the air, aiming straight at Fuyuhiro's chest. With a flick of his wrist, the man conjured a shimmering barrier, deflecting the attack. Her two blades fell to the ground.

"Foolish woman," he sneered. "Your pitiful weapons are no match."

Fuyuhiro's eyes widened, and he took a step back, his expression suddenly filled with fear. "No…"

Edna stepped to the side and looked down at Warfrost. The crystal began to levitate, the glow intensifying. Warfrost's meow grew louder, and the air around them crackled with power.

Warfrost's form began to shift and grow, his body expanding into a massive, regal creature. Edna gasped as the cat's features morphed, his face elongating into a powerful muzzle filled with large, sharp teeth. Bright orange fur spread across his body, accented with bold black and white stripes.

Gone was the small, elderly housecat. In his place stood a magnificent tiger, easily as tall as Edna and radiating an aura of ancient might. Warfrost's eyes glowed like shimmering universes, filled with a wisdom and authority that commanded respect.

Edna's heart raced as she recognized her old friend, the last descendant of the legendary Ramorai bloodline. Warfrost carried himself with a regal, intimidating posture, no longer the meek creature he'd been pretending to be. This was the true Warfrost Ramorai, the ferocious warrior she had once fought alongside.

Their gazes met, and Edna felt a wave of wonder wash over her. In that moment, she saw the familiar warmth and care in Warfrost's eyes, a silent acknowledgment of their shared history. After so many years, her friend had returned to his rightful form, and Edna couldn't help but smile.

Warfrost first did a long, drawn out stretch, almost no care at all about the evil man standing above Makaik. He then let out a lazy long yawn that exposed his wide mouth full of large white teeth, each larger than a hand. Edna knew that one Betrayer stood no chance against the might of Warfrost Ramorai, and the cat seemed to know it also.

Fuyuhiro, consumed by fear, stumbled backward. "Ramorai..." he breathed, his voice trembling. "We are alone this day, and you may end my existence, but we know now that you still live, and you will die!"

The giant cat turned to look at the man. Warfrost didn't seem to care that much.

Fuyuhiro blurred into motion an attack against the cat. The evil man moved faster than Edna could see.

Warfrost lifted one of his massive paws to block him. Fuyuhiro hit Warfrost's toe-beans with a thud and came to an immediate stop. The cat slammed Fuyuhiro into the ground and easily held the man there. Warfrost's one front paw covered the man's entire body, with only his legs, arms, and head visible beneath.

The fight was already over.

The cat spoke, his voice deep and assertive. "Remove yourself from this man."

Fuyuhiro said, "I will not."

Warfrost didn't waste any time, seemingly bored.

Suddenly, a strange energy emanated from Warfrost's paw. Edna could feel ancient magic flowing through the cat's massive limb, and to her astonishment, a dark, non-corporeal mass of tendrils began to emerge from Fuyuhiro's body.

She'd seen him do this before, but it had been decades ago, and he seemed to struggle then. That had required massive amounts of effort and energy two decades ago.

Now, it appeared effortless.

The writhing, smoky-black form took on the vague visage of a hooded human figure. Edna knew this to be one of The Betrayers, forced out of its host by Warfrost's power.

"Fine…" The Betrayer's voice echoed through the chamber, tinged with reluctant acceptance of his fate. "So the pitiful man known as Fuyuhiro may live. Your magic may have won against me, but the rest of us now know you are here. You will not be able to do your fancy tricks when a hundred of us descend upon you, Ramorai."

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Edna watched, holding her breath, as the Betrayer's form began to fade away into nothingness, joining its demonic brethren wherever they convened in the immaterial plane.

She could scarcely believe what she was witnessing. The sheer power and authority that Warfrost wielded, effortlessly vanquishing this ancient evil, was unlike any she had ever seen, even from him.

As the Betrayer disappeared, Edna felt a surge of relief and pride. Her friend had reclaimed his true identity.

Edna's gaze shifted to the motionless Fuyuhiro, the man's body now freed from The Betrayer's possession.

Her eyes moved to Makaik, who still lay unconscious nearby. Warfrost's attention remained fixed on the space where The Betrayer had vanished, his expression unreadable.

After a significant time had passed, his eyes turned to her, smiling as only a giant cat could. Each of his bright eyes sparkled with the light of a thousand stars.

"Ednarite Moonstorm," he said softly, "it is good to finally speak with you again."

“I missed you,” she said.

He nodded, “and I missed you.”

Edna gazed at Warfrost, her old friend now equal in height to her when in his true, magnificent form. The massive cat let out a deep, rumbling purr.

"Warfrost," she said, her voice filled with wonder and relief. "I can scarcely believe it's really you. Why didn't you ever transform before? All those other times?”

The cat lowered his head slightly, his glowing eyes meeting hers. "It was not the right time, Ednarite," he replied, his tone calm and measured. "Even now, I fear it may be too soon, but I could no longer risk remaining a helpless house cat. Especially in this moment. I would have easily been killed, and you were also in danger. I had to protect you."

Edna reached out a hand, gently resting it on Warfrost's enormous paw. "I'm so sorry I let you get taken. If I had only been quicker, more vigilant..."

Warfrost let out a soft rumble, interrupting her. "Do not blame yourself, my friend. This was the will of fate. I knew the day would come when I would need to reveal myself once more."

Edna nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "How have you become so strong? Even before, twenty years ago, you were not able to do that so easily."

The giant cat let out a deep, resonating purr. "The soul stones apparently do more than just quietly store a soul. While my body may have been a tiny house cat relaxing in your home with your family, my soul has been speaking with my ancestors, learning the ancient ways and secrets of the Ramorai bloodline. This knowledge, combined with the power of my true self, has allowed me to grow stronger than ever."

Edna listened, her eyes widening with each word. "Then you've been preparing for this?"

Warfrost nodded, his massive head dipping slightly. "Yes, my friend. I knew the day would come when I would need to face The Betrayers once more. Now that time has come, and what I tell you now may be of great relief to you.”

She waited for him to continue, but he mischievously left her hanging.

“What?” she asked.

He turned his head slightly and said, “cat kind are not gone, and other Ramorai still exist as well. I intend to find my family and rebuild the empire.”

Edna felt a surge of pride and joy. "Then I will be by your side, Warfrost, as I have always been. I will travel with you, and I will not allow you to prevent me from doing so."

The cat's eyes gleamed with a mix of affection and resolve. "I would have it no other way, Ednarite Moonstorm."

The moment lingered for what felt like an appropriate amount of time.

Edna glanced over at Hildebrin, the half-Dwarf woman slouched against the cavern wall. Hildebrin's eyes were wide, a mixture of awe and pain etched across her face.

"Don't mind me," Hildebrin rasped, wheezing through the words. "Just sitting here with injuries, watching in wonderment."

Edna laughed. She knew Hildebrin was as strong as they came, but the woman was tired. They were all tired.

Edna's gaze shifted to Makaik, the young monk still lying motionless on the ground. The boy’s former monk, Fuyuhiro, remained unmoving beneath Warfrost's massive paw.

Warfrost's voice drew Edna's attention back to the giant cat. "They will be fine. I will see to their healing."

Edna watched in fascination as Warfrost's eyes began to glow with an otherworldly light. The cat lowered his head, and a shimmering energy emanated from his massive form, washing over Hildebrin, Makaik, and Fuyhiro. Even Edna's soreness and tiredness vanished in mere seconds, and she felt rejuvenated.

Hildebrin's wheezing subsided, and the pain in her expression eased.

Makaik stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he regained consciousness.

"What...?" Makaik murmured, his gaze darting around the cavern in confusion, until his eyes landed upon Fuyuhiro. "How?"

Warfrost lifted his paw, allowing Fuyuhiro to sit up. The man blinked rapidly, his expression dazed and disoriented.

"The Betrayer has been expelled from your body," Warfrost stated, his voice firm and authoritative.

The monk beneath Warfrost’s paw looked up in astonishment and confusion. His voice was no longer deep and slurred, but calm and respectful. “Ramorai. A legendary cat. You saved me when so easily you could have torn me to pieces.”

"You are free, Fuyuhiro,” Warfrost said, “but the people will not understand your past actions were done by a demon entity called The Betrayer. You must still make amends for the harm that your physical form has caused them."

Fuyuhiro opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He simply nodded, his shoulders slumping in a mixture of relief and resignation. “I understand, Ramorai, and I agree. I shall humbly seek to right my wrongs."

Edna watched the scene unfold, marveling at Warfrost's power and the way he commanded the situation with such effortless grace. She had always known her feline friend was special, but seeing him in his true form, wielding ancient magic, was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience.

Hildebrin pushed herself up, wincing slightly. "By the gods," she murmured, her gaze fixed on Warfrost. "I've heard the tales, but to see it with my own eyes..." She shook her head, a look of reverence crossing her weathered features. “This has been a fantastic quest!”

Makaik sat up, his expression one of wonder and trepidation as he looked over at the man he once trusted completely. "Master Fuyuhiro... he is free?"

The young monk's voice was laced with uncertainty, the weight of his past with the man still evident.

Warfrost turned his gaze to Makaik, his eyes shimmering with understanding. "Yes, child. The Betrayer's hold has been broken. Now you must decide your own path, unencumbered by the sins of your master, though I believe some level of compassion and understanding may go a long way in both directions.”

Makaik's shoulders relaxed, and a glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes.

As the others regained their composure, Edna turned her attention back to Warfrost, her heart swelling with gratitude and happiness. "Thank you, my friend," she murmured, reaching out to gently touch the cat's massive paw. "Thank you for coming back."

Warfrost nuzzled against her, purring.

Makaik watched warily as Fuyuhiro pushed himself up, the man's movements slow and unsteady.

The young monk's heart raced with memories of his cruel master's abuse, and of the demon's dark influence. It was all still fresh in his mind.

Yet, as Fuyuhiro met Makaik's gaze, the younger man was struck by the profound change in his former teacher's expression. The cold, calculating look was gone, replaced by a deep sorrow, and a remorse he had not seen upon the man before. Fuyuhiro looked normal.

"Makaik," Fuyuhiro began, his voice trembling. "I... I remember everything."

The older man paused, his eyes downcast. "The demon's hold on me was absolute. I had no control over my own actions, no power to resist its dark influence." He let out a shaky sigh. "All the harm I've caused you, the way I've betrayed our order's teachings... What I did to you, and to those women. I am truly sorry."

Makaik remained silent, unsure of how to respond. This was not the cruel, manipulative man he had known. This was the master monk he had once admired, the one who had taken him under his wing, before the demon's corruption had taken hold.

"I understand if you can never forgive me," Fuyuhiro continued, his voice thick with emotion. "The things I've done are unforgivable. But I hope that, in time, you can see that the man you once knew is still here, buried beneath the demon's shadow. Can you help me find my path again?"

The young monk studied Fuyuhiro's face, searching for any trace of the cruelty he had witnessed. Instead, he saw only genuine remorse and a glimmer of the wisdom and compassion that had once defined his master.

Slowly, Makaik nodded. "I... I believe you, Master Fuyuhiro. And yes, I will be your novice once more."

The older man's eyes widened, a flicker of hope sparking within them. "Thank you, Makaik of Ambertwine."

Makaik took a deep breath, his own conflicted emotions still evident.

Fuyuhiro's shoulders sagged with relief.

Hildebrin, her eyes still wide with awe, approached the massive feline. "Warfrost, lad, if I may..." She paused, clearing her throat. "Why did you lead us here, to this... amusement park? What's the deal?"

Warfrost's glowing eyes shifted to the half-Dwarf woman, and a deep, rumbling chuff escaped him as he laughed.

The giant cat turned his head, surveying the dilapidated amusement park around them. "Curgelek likes this place."

Edna and Hildebrin both appeared confused as they looked at the dark, abandoned rides. Fuyuhiro and Makaik still spoke amongst themselves.

"Curg…" Edna stuttered, "…elek?"

Warfrost nodded. "His father once was a master trap builder, back when this grotto attracted many adventurers seeking to plunder it's treasures. This was not that long ago, but Curgelek was only a child when Keggma seized control and let the grotto fall in status and renown."

Hildebrin furrowed her brows. "I don't get it. A goblin? An amusement park? A trap builder? So what?"

"Curgelek is a goblin of unique interest," Warfrost said. "He is the one who took me from Edna's home in Danvers."

Edna nodded. "And you were looking for him here?"

Hildebrin finished the thought, smiling. "So that we could kill him for you!? Now I get it!"

Warfrost laughed loudly, on the verge of roaring uncontrollably. "No. Little does the creature realize yet, but we shall punish Curgelek by putting him in charge of the entire grotto."

"Aye, lad!" Hildebrin asked quickly, "WHAT?"

Edna smirked. "And what of Keggma?"

Warfrost Ramorai said, "I shall lead you to him now, where he huddles in fear like the coward goblin he is."

"Why are we putting this Curg-elek in power!?" Hildebrin asked, "we should be killing him!"

Warfrost shook his big cat head. "Death is not an appropriate punishment for every bad act. You have done well, and have already killed plenty of goblins in my name. Keggma deserves death, but no more here should die for Curgelek's crime of stealing a cute little kitty."

"But," Hildebrin lost some enthusiasm, "he's a goblin."

"I suspect," Warfrost said with finality, "that Curgelek will not enjoy being a chieftain. You will one day understand."