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A simple farm.

The fields were littered with corn, wheat, barley, and oats in little neat-sectioned fences. Several sheep grazed in a long green field next to a small barn. The sun shone brightly as the summer heat struck right above the vacant land. All this still meant that this farm was alive and active.

It was still here.

This was the first thing to pique Zeph’s interest as he swooped around from above. The assassin's ominous comment was a little unnerving, yet Zeph wondered if it was all empty threats. Jacquie wasn't from around this region, and although he might have been upset, he didn't take him for the incessantly petty type. A vile one, however...

Although saving him made Zeph pretty sympathetic for him, their friendship was always rather shallow. Uncovering Jacquie's past only fueled his spite. He wasn't going to try and kill him, but stealing one of his interesting new gadgets was certainly good enough payback. Right in front of him, too. He could have been more subtle, but... What was the fun of that? The only problem with it was all the people looking to off him right after.

Well... Fights like that were quite fun, though.

Against these types of bounty hunters and assassins, Zeph hadn't lost yet. But despite his confident demeanor, he knew he was just as mortal as anyone. Getting sloppy at the wrong time with people hunting him could be detrimental, and Zeph was getting a little tired.

He flew near the perimeter of a small city named Cobbin, located just outside its outskirts. It was recently seized by the coveted Kingdom of Ryuufall, exporting crops and goods for them instead of its former hierarchy. Zeph, however, was not particularly interested in stopping inside the open town. It wasn’t going to be safe for several reasons, and it was unlikely he could conceal himself in town without a plan. No, this farm on the outskirts would be much safer.

Zeph landed right next to the barn with a little thump. The sudden drop into the grass alerted several sheep nearby to start bleating and fleeing in fear. It only lasted a moment before stopping a moment later as they turned and watched him enter the barn.

Troughs of water lined the wall and crunchy hay cracked under his weight as he entered. Looking around, Zeph noticed the rightmost wall didn’t go all the way to the back. Walking through the space, he gazed into a small second room filled with crates and boxes. The area was fully enclosed, hidden from the outside except for a tiny window above. Careful steps pattered on the planks as he walked slowly around the crates, gazing at each label carefully. Food... Wool... Shears... He paused for a moment, recalling something from memory. Was it... Yes. That was it. He walked back and forth and started tapping the little names on the boxes in a seemingly pointless and random order. But his hand finally rested on a final label: 'Sanctuary.'

Immediately, the words started to glow with magical energy. Parts of the floor quietly shifted and slid, folding into itself and revealing a narrow ladder leading down.

A secret entrance.

Zeph jumped down the narrow hole, ignoring the ladder and landing carefully on the ground below. Magic winds stirred above to move the cover of the entrance, narrowing the light into little slivers that permeated the entrance. The ladder was at the end of a hallway descending into a dark and earthy path. Zeph turned and continued. Going further in, he saw sections of the roof being held together with worn mineshaft supports. The mine hadn't seen use in at least a century, though this one showed signs of use that weren't there before. Imprints of footsteps. Bits of trash on the side. As he walked down the passages, small wall lamps lit the long passages and turns. Though the navigation of this maze was dark and stuffy, Zeph could see it all with the sounds of echolocation. As he walked further, he could see a door at the end of this turn being guarded by a single person. Making his way around the corner, the man jumped awake. He sprung to action and poised a crossbow straight down the hall towards Zeph.

“Hey! Stop right there!” the young man demanded, pointing his crossbow straight towards Zeph’s face. His attire was roughly made armor, along with a small purple band wrapped around his wrist. A little symbol was indented on the band, showing a shield surrounded by a little bird, snake, and fish. “Hands in the air or this is going between your eyes!”

Now... Zeph wasn’t particularly phased or interested in de-escalation. He didn't even see it as a threat as he was more impressed than anything. “Well, I'll be damned. You guys finally sorted out some security, huh? I—"

“I said… Hands. In the Air!” The guard interjected.

Zeph sighed. “Frankly, if my hands were in the air, they'd be flying over there and giving you a little friendly message. But I'm not doing that since I'm not your enemy. Just get Lara over here, You're really making a fuss of nothing.” He replied with a little tinge of snark. He wasn’t used to guards at the door.

The man seemed tense before the mention of Lara’s name. He thought for a second before knocking on the door right next to him. A few moments passed before a metal slip in the door opened. The guard started whispering something. Most people were unable to hear at a distance like Zeph's, but most also didn't know the power of absurdly long ears.

"Hey. You know the batfolk from a while back? The one who went ballistic? He's out here."

"He's back? What does he want?"

"He wants Lara to get over here."

"What?" The voice behind the door stopped whispering and sounded surprised. "He can't just do that! And I don't want to interrupt her now of all times! Are you saying you want her to torture me with those centipedes again?"

"That wasn't even torture, Barry! That... Just do your job and get her over here."

A sigh was audible. "You're eating them instead if something goes wrong."

A few more words finished their conversation as the metal slid back and covered the hole.

“Alright, she's... coming. Just… stay there and don’t move!” he shouted with a less hostile tone, lowering his weapon and keeping his eyes on Zeph.

Minutes passed.

Zeph leaned against the dirty, rocky wall as his tail flicked back and forth in boredom. Passing time, he swirled little clumps of fire between his fingers. It went through little loops as he contorted and swirled it around. It was better than focusing on the silent tension between him and the guard, but more than anything, something was off. Besides his breathing, there wasn't a single noise. He was keeping an ear toward the wall so he could hear anything past it, but there was nothing. It was odd that it was so quiet here despite the normal vibrations and sounds he was used to hearing from the wall. He hadn't been here for a year, so things were bound to have changed.

Just then, the door opened. A lady slipped out of the entrance and slowly glanced at Zeph. She wore a white sleeveless shirt, long shorts, and the same purple band with the same design around her wrist. The underside of her hands, neck, and face were partly layered with patches of light-blue scales. But otherwise, she was a fit and regular human. An artificial flower also adorned her braided ginger hair. Crossing her arms, she gazed at Zeph with crimson eyes and a cold irritation. “Zeph,” Lara stated with a blunt, cold tone. The guard watched from the corner, eager to see what would happen between them.

The batfolk smiled. It seemed she was just the same as ever. “C'mon, it’s almost been a year, and that’s the only thing you're gonna say to greet an old pal? Jeez, I coulda come up with some more creative introductions in about a minute." Despite a history of battle and clashing perspectives, Zeph had found himself to be friends with Jyrum's militia leader, Lara. And through a few choice encounters, both had grown a mutual respect for each other. Zeph knew he was a powerful person and had a lot of insider knowledge about their operation, so Lara letting him inside wouldn't be a problem.

Lara continued her unyielding gaze. “'Pal' is pushing it. You know why I’m not greeting you with open arms.” She paused. “And you’re lucky I’m even here today. I'm busy, and if you have something important to discuss, you’ll need to wait out here. Members only.”

“C'mon, I won’t take more than a minute, tops.” Zeph glanced at himself. Messy was an understatement with dirt covering bits of his fur and an unwashed, old outfit. “As you can see, I’ve been doing my own thing, traveling the world, living life. But! I thought it'd be nice to take a stop, and well, you know how folks in town are. I need a room for a bit and that's all. No fights, no tricks, no nothing. It'll be just like old times! Besides, the old gang hasn't all left the cause, right? I'm sure we could do some catch-up. You gotta treat your golden boy with some respect, eh?” He smiled, leaning his posture to the side a little with a charismatic gesture.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Lara stood unamused. “I hope you also caught up on why we cut ties with you. This isn't a game, Zeph. And I don't intend on letting a repeat of last time happen.”

Zeph twitched his ear instinctively. His relaxed composure faltered as a tense voice replaced it. “You of all people know it was an accident. After everything, do you really still think I'm that same kid you locked up years ago?”

"I did at some point." The crimson glare pierced judgmentally into his very soul. But Zeph wasn't having it.

"So giving you guys space for this long wasn't enough? The past happened, and as much as you could want me to beg for forgiveness, I can't change it. Need I remind you who actually did the heavy lifting against those two generals and enabled your first siege in the first place? Call what I did disgraceful or murder all you want, but I’m damn strong and you know it. And if you guys really want all the power you can get against Ryuufall, the least you can do is let me get a room to stay in."

Lara continued to stare him down for a moment. That stare only meant one thing: No. Turning around and turning toward the door, she made one comment. “If you've changed, why haven't I heard an apology yet?”

He began to speak a retort but staggered.

Zeph was a little frustrated, but he couldn't deny that she had a point. Maybe for this one moment, it was ok. "You're right. I made a mistake. An incredibly stupid one that I ain't gonna get off my record for a good while. But instead of dwelling on the past, I decided to keep moving forward. Cus there's a future out there where you all put that aside and focus on what matters. Once that's over, spite me as much as you want. But I’m as much a fan of knocking that pompous king off his block as much as you are. You know that, don’t you?”

Lara stayed quiet as she paused in the middle of the doorway.

"If you want me to lie and pretend like I'm all sappy and sympathetic now, yeah, I sure can. But if you want the real, unfiltered thing that ain't playin' favors or trying to sweet talk you, then please. Give me a little slack."

“I was hoping you would turn down the narcissism." She replied with a flick of her wrist forward. "But it's a start. Follow me, you can stay a night.”

Zeph’s demeanor shifted as he snickered with satisfaction. “That’s what I like to hear.” He started walking toward the door, looking smugly at the guard with a little glimmer of triumph.

Another guard was behind the door and watched as Zeph and Lara walked through a small rocky hallway. In the middle of their path, a glowing transparent force field seemed to block their progress. Lara proceeded to walk through it like air. Zeph glanced at it for a second before smiling and walking through himself. “Looks like you guys have been busy.” Noises started to grow louder from the end of the passage.

Lara remained cold in her tone. “We needed to make changes. It’s been getting dangerous for us to go out of town. Instead, we are building up a mass force and biding our time strategically.” She gave a half-eye gaze at Zeph. “You aren't permitted to enter any of the military sections for the duration of your stay. I'm not looking to repeat myself either.”

“Sure, sure. You give me a little trust and I immediately get in trouble again. Heh, that sounds like a plan." He said with a savvy and less-than-subtle grin, much to Lara’s annoyance. An audible sigh showed she wasn't even going to humor his sarcasm.

Exiting the cramped hallway, Zeph took a sweet breath in and out as he entered a massive cavern. Its size was intimidating and echoed loudly. Sections leveled to form little shops, houses, blacksmithing stations, and much more. Smells and sounds came from everywhere. The small town was bustling with life under here as people of all types and races sparred, chatted, worked, read, slept... He had visited here while it was still a thieves' hideout, but it had changed a lot since then. Living here a couple of months as their recruit was quite a good time, despite his assumptions. The trouble caused, yet the battles planned… Ah. A life living with all sorts of folk like this was a nice vacation, but certainly nothing like exploring the world.

Zeph darted his ears around the large crowded place as he walked. People in town all had the same yellow bands attached around their knees or wrists just like Lara. Several eyes rested on him as he walked, a few surprised, some curious, and some with a cross, dismissive stare. His history in this place was not a positive for most, though his aura of danger left him safe from repercussions for the most part. He knew people wouldn't forget what happened that easily.

Walking to the east side of the town, Lara and Zeph entered a small stone building. It was littered with posters and banners all strung about the inside, nearly all related to Jyrum. Behind a counter, an older man turned to face the new visitors, smiling and waving. His lack of hair, long beard, spiffy royal clothes, and sandals on his feet revealed this man to be a wise and important figure. "Hello, Lara! I saw that you were bringing Zeph with you. I can take him from here, don't worry." The man smiled eagerly.

Lara nodded. She turned and looked straight at Zeph with a contemplative glance. "He can get your room set up. Before you leave tomorrow, we need to talk. You're not an easy person to get ahold of." With that, she started making her way deeper into the room and laid her hand next to the wall. Little signatures and symbols lit up around her hand as a stone door slid out of the way. "Please, use your time wisely." She remarked, walking through and exiting with the door sliding shut.

Zeph snickered. For once, he was going to heed her advice.

"Welcome back to the Jyrum haven of Nashta, Zeph! We haven't formally met yet, but I've heard many things about you! My name is Orion, named after the beloved constellation in the stars. We might not see them under here, but I hope I can shine some light while you make your stay! Now... you would like a key, correct?" Before Zeph even responded, the man approached the cabinet next to him and started casting a spell. "Let's get these options open!" Little streaks of yellow light started darting from his palms. Symbols appeared in the wood as the cabinet burst open to reveal semi-transparent stones with symbols on them. "Now, if you're feeling extra nostalgic, we do have your old room open, Zeph. Or, if that doesn't suit your tastes, we have two on the lower floor, one near the roof, and our deluxe room with an overhanging view of the whole cave! We don't have many batfolk around, but I think you'd enjoy that one!" Orion turned and pleasantly waited for his response.

Zeph raised an eyebrow. "So, I'm guessing you act this cheery to everyone else too, then."

"Oh, as soon as I saw you coming, I got excited! Lara has shared many things about you, and I must say, I am indubitably impressed by your skill. If you hope to use it for our cause, we might finally have the power we need to defeat Ryuufall! Hohoho!" He warmly laughed and smiled. Orion gave off the impression that he was a man of authority here, along with his cheery tone.

"Don't forget that I ride solo. Not to mention... you seem like you were preparing to talk to me.

The man smiled. "Now, now. I suppose you have a slight struggle with trust, but I can assure you. I simply want to give you the best service I can! As the lead magician behind security, I can see around this whole place, even out in those old mineshafts." He gestured to the door that Lara had recently closed. "When I asked Lara if I could pick something hospitable for you, your old room was her first recommendation." He paused, lowering his smile to a bit of a sadder tone. "But I do hope you will join us again. I'm sure Lara and the others will be just fine with it."

Zeph wasn't convinced, but this brought up more questions about Lana than anything. She was playing him with all that talk about apologizing, wasn't she? She was already preparing a room while badgering him at the entrance. Of course. Well, Zeph wasn't the only one who hadn't changed. She was always working ahead of his estimations anyway. But Lara being fine with him coming back might be difficult. Unless... "I was informed I only got a day here. But maybe... if you can do a little sweet-talkin' for me, I'll give it a thought. And yeah, give me my old musty hole while you're at it too." If she wasn't being honest about keeping him out, perhaps he would let some rest after all.

"Certainly!" He grabbed the corresponding stone and handed it to Zeph, along with an identical signed yellow band to what everyone else wore. It was made of thick cloth covering flexible wood, though the carved logo of the shielded bird, snake, and fish just barely hid some magic symbols. "Wrap this around your wrist. The magic is crypt encoded and allows us to track who's a member. Imposters have no place in our domain, I'm afraid."

Zeph snickered. This was almost completely contrary to how he expected all this to go. But the security was preferred if he was also trying to deter hunters a little. "It really seems like you want me back, don't ya? I don't need it, I ain't even a member. And frankly, you should stop pushing your luck."

Orion looked surprised for a moment before smiling again. "Oh, it's not just for that. It allows you to unlock your room and lets us know where you are! It is the best way for us to protect you. You're not an official member anymore, but everyone should be protected while here." Orion paused. "If you come back, I'm sure everyone will forget anything that might've happened. We could use you."

"Fat chance of that. Who else around here has such a history of rolling heads, eh? But fine, I'll wear your tacky security cuff." He flashed a confident rebellious smile. Slipping the yellow bracelet around his wrist, he gave the rectangular stone another once-over. It was a single letter of a runic language, but the room number was now engraved on the top for convenience. As he put it on, he felt a sudden chill of energy run through his body. It tingled warmly through his being, granting him access to his door. "So, you the guy in charge of these silence fields around the town, too?"

Orion nodded. "It seems you are quite perceptive. Yes, the magic allows the town to stay quiet on the outside. Several rooms are soundproof too, such as our meeting room back there." He gestured to the door that Lara had entered. "Your room will be just as private too, in case you wish to spend your time being more... intimate with some old friends." He raised his eyebrows up and down in a suggestive manner.

"You're certainly not recruiting me again if you keep up quips like that," Zeph jeered. "Now, you better buy me a few more days around here, or you bet you're getting less than a shred of help from me." He turned to leave the building.

"Oh, I'm sure that can be arranged. And I'm merely joking. I'll talk with Lara about it right after they get finished with their meeting, so take care and get some rest, young lad!" Orion waved him a friendly goodbye and then pulled out some papers to work on.

The sounds of the large cavern grew loud again as he stepped outside the building. With a place to stay figured out, he just had to take it easy and relax now. And if a hunter really did find him down here, he was going to enjoy a nice battle under this beautiful backdrop.

Despite its dingy location, people here had turned this place into an oasis. That is, a crumbling and poorly maintained oasis, but one that has even lasted two years at this point. Full reign back into the rebellious underground city of Nashta was a rare commodity in the past. Once a haven of thieves, it was now conquered. The ongoing war between the Ryuufall Kingdom and Jyrum changed it forever. Even years before the takeover, this was a den of scheming and plotting. The only difference was their group had to run into hiding or face certain death. Anyone related to the army was a target, and they were fierce. Resources were scarce, but they had plans. They were a militant group set on bringing their home back from tyranny, and they weren't alone. Other factions and kingdoms were taken over by Ryuufall too, and they all wanted revenge. But this was easier said than done... They had an impossible mission and one they would require more than anyone had ever attempted before.

Killing an immortal being.

Killing a dragon.