Silence.

Wonder said, “Eh?”

He looked at Blood, who just shyly waved. Wonder then looked at Rose. “Um… we surehere? Because while I know Forest Spirits get adopted by everyone, I’m pretty sure the King of a Nazi-Like Warrior Culture Who Literally Abuses Everyone Different wouldn’t adopt an child of the opposite side.”

Rose nodded. “It was a shock to all Lightwraiths, honestly. And I don’t think that Blood here would be eligible to become King by succession… no offense.”

Blood signed something which Wonder hoped meant none taken.

Rose said, “But yes. Blood is the only son of the Lightwraith King. Also the only Rogue in the Top Families. But just as deadly on the field.”

Wonder said, “Well… this is getting more confusing and fucked by the minute.”

He looked at Blood. “And now you gotta tell me why you are following me.”

Blood put a finger to his lips, then giggled. Then rapidly typed. Izuku said, “I think he’s as fast as Dad!”

Wonder said, “I think he’s got me beat, actually.”

Blood: Dad heard that Ralton’s son got mated to a mixed family. He’s worried about retaliation from the other Families, despite it being legal. So he asked that I watch Wonder & Co until you all got to Fasis. I will say I doubted he expected for Darkwraiths to be doing the retaliating.

Pal paled and looked away. Izuku put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Sakura said, “Well, that at least makes sense.”

Wonder rubbed his chin. He said, “Huh… oh shit! My…”

“I’m fine.”

Myrid walked out with Crisis. They said, “Just getting circulation back flowing.”

Rose nodded. He asked, “Why did you get tied up?”

Myrid shrugged. “I said no. It wasn’t our original Quest, just a bounty the party wanted to get. I had already sworn to protect Wonder… so they took me out.”

Myrid rubbed their neck. “May I ask how you got over here so quickly?”

Rose shrugged, “No offense, I don’t trust you.”

“None taken.”

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

Blood waved. Wonder checked his messages: I presume we’re going after Oracle City?

Wonder nodded. “Unluckily, we need to cut off the problem at the source. And the Dark League is dragging their feet with my contact in the Dark higher-ups. So… I hate to say it… we need help from the Light side.”

Wonder groaned. “This is going to be more painful than the Jedi Order’s stupid rules.”

Blood typed: We could get a team of Rogues to help out.

Rose shook his head. “Not gonna work. Not just Rogues. We need everyone and everything.”

Pal blinked, and walked up. “There… is one thing we can do. Something that would get an army under Wonder’s command, especially with his Recruitment skills.”

Wonder said, “What is it?”

Blood suddenly burst into a huge smile and typed. I think I know!

Blood looked around. Rose said, “Don’t, Blood. Our base got wrecked.”

Wonder said, “Thankfully, it took a few hundred Oracle Warriors with it.”

Blood waved into the woods. Wonder then saw what looked to be a shimmering hut. Wonder said, “That’s either Baba Yaga’s Hut, or Blood has his own base.”

********************

“This. Is. Insane. Even. For. Me.”

Rose pointed out, “But it is probably the only thing that will work.”

Wonder nodded. “Yeah, exactly. Still not excited for it.”

He looked around. Blood’s base was a cozy wooden cabin… with a lot of weapons. But he had removed them and added a lot of couches for them to talk. Crisis had insisted on serving them dinner… it would have been his turn anyway, so no one disputed.

Wonder said, “What if… I don’t make it?”

Kat waved his tiny arms. I’d bring you back!!! You’re not getting out of your deal so easily!!!

Rose nodded. “I hate to say it, dear, but this is only the first plan. We’ll find another way if we can’t.”

Wonder said, “Or we go back to the original plan that was bringing us to Oracle City in the first place. Abandon Hoseki.”

Kat whined, waving tiny fists. I’m its god!!! No way am I leaving!

“That third party was a god, Kat. He’ll slip in and happily…”

Wonder froze. “Wait… MYZUNE!!!”

The Myzune appeared. Wonder leaned down. “Where’s your god? We need an army, and I bet he would be willing to lend us some of his.”

Rose perked. But the Myzune looked shamefully down. One waddled up and did a series of their language. Since Wonder was their Recruiter, it auto-translated in a text box.

Wonder frowned. “He’s still looking into the other issue. Apparently he’s on radio silence until then. He’s not going to contact us or lend us anything until he can make sure he can stop Malchon completely.”

Rose said, “Dammit…”

Wonder stroked the Myzune’s head. “Thank you, Ty. Still, send word. Maybe he can still send help without attracting too much attention.”

Wonder leaned back. “But we have to presume not. So back to Plan Insanity, and if that fails, Kat revives me and we do Change of Ownership.”

Kat crossed his arms, but he conceded: At least I won’t have to deal with Light’s lazy ass anymore either way.

Wonder nodded, looking at Blood. “The event you mentioned… when does it take place?”

Blood’s fingers flew: Dad hasn’t released an official date. He’s waiting for all the mates to gather in Fasis.

“So no time crunch, outside Oracle assholes breathing down our necks. All right… I hate to say it… what the heck!”

He smirked. “Let’s go Go beyond plus CHAOS!!!”