The amulet was useless, though it wasn't surprising. It was a cheap item, anyway.
The tracking spell led them to wrong destinations that did not indicate where the kid was. One time, they stopped right in the middle of a busy market deep within the complex. There were a lot of Fa’ars in there, but there wasn’t anything to indicate that the kid was there, especially when he was the only Fa'ar they knew who wore a halter and a collar. When they thought they were close, the trail ended right in front of a building. They entered the building but couldn’t find the right room.
The two hunters almost gave up when they caught a glimpse of something more important: their target, Senesin Kestal.
It was hard to mistake a peculiar-looking Lizan blending in while wearing a dark robe. It would be better for him to not wear anything at all and camouflage himself with his scales, so there must a reason why he chose to wear a robe. It was hard to determine what Kestal had in mind with his unusual appearance, but Jacques had an idea.
“That’s him,” declared Raine, who also noticed Kestal. “What’s the plan?”
“I’ll talk to him,” said Jacques. “There’s no reason for a fight. He might listen.”
“He could be dangerous. Also, aren’t we forgetting someone?”
“And waste the opportunity given to us? You cared for the Fa’ar. Maybe you should search for him instead.”
Jacques handed Raine the tracking amulet and promptly strode towards Kestal. The cat-eared man let out a frustrated sigh.
“There he goes, doing this by himself,” said Raine. “Just don’t go running at me if you got into trouble.”
But Jacques did not wish for trouble. He chose Kestal for a reason. Raine did not need to know.
The Loup was aware that Kestal might’ve seen him when one of his eyes turned towards his direction. Jacques wasn’t sure how it worked, but he studied a bit about animals to know that Kestal’s kind had independent vision on both his eyes. Whatever vision he saw on one eye was not the same with the vision on the other. Processing them must’ve been disorienting.
He got his answer when he sat beside Kestal, who nervously glanced at him a couple of times before he looked away, or rather, his right eye looked away.
“I know who you are,” said Kestal with a resigned sigh. “Don’t pretend I don’t know. There isn’t a lot of Loup-Garou preferring guns over teeth and claws.”
“And I don’t need to use it if you don’t give me a reason to,” said Jacques.
“No, I won’t. I know my time’s up the moment my face’s on the wall,” said Kestal. “Sometimes I wonder why I didn’t bother changing my name. Maybe deep inside, I already knew it was useless. You can’t mistake a chameleon for someone else.”
“Surely, you know a spell that can grant you full camouflage, more than your biological one. What is it called? Glamor spell? For a mage proficient enough to be a member of Nihilo, it's surprising that you don't know how to glamor yourself."
Kestal let out a dry chuckle. “That’s the irony. Of all the things I’m stuck with, it just happened to be my worst vice. Ever since Nihilo, I’ve…been busy.”
Jacques did not understand what Kestal meant until he slowly opened his robe, revealing a smooth, glossy, and rather tight suit that hugged his whole body under his neck. His rotund body was made even more apparent with the tight suit. That’s when Jacques also realized that his tail was curled tightly inside the oversized robe, to hide the fact that it, too, was covered in the same material.
“Can’t take it off, I’m afraid,” said Kestal. “Been bound with it ever since I botched the spell. Someone who knew about this might be able to fix it and free me, but…how would that look for my dignity?”
“If it’s slowly killing you, you might have to sacrifice your dignity. Unless that’s your intention.”
“I don’t plan on dying just yet. The suit, however, thought differently. It was a carnal spell, after all, and was intended for a more…private setting. Or, if you wish, as a form of sexual torture. I botched the spell, and the suit...it took control of my life."
Kestal stopped, contemplated on what he was going to say next, and said, “If I don’t have sex…any sex, the suit would turn me into a predator. The thing is, it has been five years since I was bonded with this suit, and in those five years, I had done…things. Things I’m not proud of. I found its darkest curse one day when I was not in the mood. I was enveloped in darkness, and after I came to, I heard news of a ‘rubberman’ raping anyone it could find at night. I instantly knew it was me. The darkness was due to the suit sealing my head into a balloon. None of my features were apparent in the pictures. It sounds kinky, but the fact that it wasn't consensual made it horrifying."
“I knew then that I had done something horrible. I ran away, changing towns after towns while keeping my urges in check until…”
“Until Macksten.”
Kestal sighed. “It was a shit show, Macksten. I didn’t know what I did. That girl, she…wanted me to be rough. I obliged. The next I knew, she was dead. Snapped her neck on the bedframe. I panicked, and this time everyone could see me. An officer came to me and in the struggle, I used a lethal spell. I ran away, never looking back, until I reached this hell hole.”
Kestal stopped talking, regaining his thoughts for a moment, and said, “And then I realized that no one in this world keeps promises. I made a deal with someone. A Fa’ar, as it turned out, to help me get out when I’m in a pinch. I tried contacting him, but I couldn’t. This town is where I’m supposed to meet him after I told him my problems. It has been a week and I still hadn’t been contacted. Then, I saw the Fa’ar Hunter and I realized that my only salvation’s gone. Then you came along. I have no more energy to fight and I’m slowly going crazy because of this goddamn suit. If you hadn’t come along, I would succumb to this suit. I don’t care if I end up dead because of it. I just want to escape this nightmare. Why…oh, why did I ever believe that Nihilo crap?”
“At least you’re ready to admit that it’s stupid,” said Jacques. “Not everyone’s that easily disillusioned. I suppose joining the cult can be considered a curse. That suit only makes it even more apparent."
Kestal did not reply. He simply drooped his head. After a moment of silence between the two, the chameleon asked, “So what now?”
“I take you back to Macksten and let you face justice,” replied Jacques. “Someone in that haven should have some understanding on your situation. If not, Maslania’s not far away. In fact, I bet you have more chance in that haven than the industrial Macksten would ever have. But don’t expect me to represent you in court. I’m just the hunter. From then on, you’re on your own. If you desire death, they might give it to you. I don't know much about Macksten's laws to tell."
“Well…it’s been a very long journey. It’s time I realize my mistakes.”
“But before that…what did you mean by Fa’ar Hunter?”
“A big Croc mage who’s notorious for targeting Fa’ars,” explained Kestal. “I guess since you’re not a Fa’ar, you don’t need to be worried about him.”
“What usually happens to the Fa’ars he caught?”
“I don’t know. What’s it got to do with you?”
“He has all the reason to be involved.”
The deep voice, accompanied by a growl, caught both of their attention. Jacques looked up and saw the imposing Croc glaring at Kestal, who couldn’t hide his fear. Before he started to move, however, the Croc put one hand on his shoulder. Suddenly, Kestal’s hands were pulled to his back and bound tightly. It wasn’t very apparent as it happened under his robe.
“Hey,” said Jacques, one hand on his holstered revolver. “I got to him first. You don’t steal someone else’s prey.”
“He and I need to talk. When I’m finished, he’s yours. Him, and your precious Fa’ar.”
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“What did you do to him?”
“Nothing. See for yourself.”
As the kid wasn’t there with the Croc, Jacques assumed that he was lying. However, the Croc meant that the Loup should follow him to see for himself, so Jacques, one hand on his revolver, cautiously followed the Croc and Kestal, who was being led by a barely visible rope-like strand linked to his waist. The Lizan looked scared, which would not be surprising.
A Croc that knew magic was not someone to be messed around with.
***
Raine wasn’t sure whether it was his better handling of magic or pure luck, but the tracking spell worked correctly, leading him to the kid, who had been standing in front of a room waving at him.
His elation soon turned to shock when, from the other side of the floor, came the same Croc who abducted the kid, along with Jacques and Kestal in tow. Fearing the worst, he unsheathed his sword and held it in reverse grip, a defensive posture that hid a dangerous spell only Raine and his friends were aware of.
The kid, noticing this, gestured him to lower his weapon. Raine wasn’t sure if it was wise, but the kid’s expression was serious. Reluctantly, the cat-eared man lowered his sword as the Croc silently walked into the room with Jacques. The kid waited until Raine reached him.
“Did he hurt you?” asked Raine, worried. The kid replied with a shake of his head. He tried his best not to look distressed, even after being scared to tears minutes ago. He did not want to aggravate the situation further.
They both followed Jacques and the Croc, but then stopped at the door by Jacques, who told them to wait. Just before he closed the doors, they could see the Croc binding the Lizan further, effectively immobilizing him. Jacques then turned his attention to the Fa’ar kid.
“I guess he’s not lying,” said Jacques. “You okay, kid?”
The kid nodded.
“Do you trust him?” said Raine. “He could’ve disappeared with Kestal by now.”
“We’d know if he used a teleport spell. That spell makes a lot of noise and a lot of mana discharge. And besides, he has no interest in Kestal. I was more worried about the kid. He’s the Fa’ar Hunter.”
“Fa’ar Hunter? I never heard of someone like that before.”
“Apparently, if you’re not a Fa’ar, you’re not his target. I’m not sure if the kid knew about him, so maybe he’s only notorious around this part.”
The kid gave his answer with a shake of his head. Given that he, too, had never been to that place before, the Croc’s notoriety eluded him. Yet, considering the peril he just faced, the title made a lot of sense.
They then started talking about how Jacques managed to persuade Kestal to surrender before the Loup started talking about the Lizan’s problems. There was at least 15 minutes of wait before the Croc walked out with Kestal on his shoulder. He looked rather angry and disappointed.
“Damn rat made everything complicated,” said the Croc. “I can’t believe he trusted that furball with his life.”
“Hey, keep your opinions for yourself, buddy,” said Raine, annoyed by his discriminatory remarks. “Consider who’s listening.”
The Croc scoffed and silently walked. Kestal was bound tightly by the bright strands of magic ropes the Croc conjured. Even then, the Croc noticed that he looked rather excited, even though he was clearly scared. The Croc could only shake his head, deeming Kestal to be weird and reckless. Whatever carnal spell he used to trap himself in that suit was clearly not intended to be cast alone without supervision.
The Croc did not understand the details of the spell, and he did not want to know.
Traveling back to Macksten was uneventful except for some strong wind blowing the sand towards them. Kestal was no longer being carried by the Croc and was now being led by the bright rope around his waist. He stayed silent throughout the journey, clearly understanding that his fleeting freedom was no more.
It wasn’t the case for the Croc and Raine, however. While the kid led Kestal, accompanied by Jacques, the Croc and Raine walked behind them to ensure the Lizan did not try anything. Raine, never the kind of person who’s comfortable travelling without some sort of conversation, started one with the Croc. Unfortunately, Raine did not know any better topic to ask.
“So…you’re rather far from home, aren’t you?” said Raine. “The desert’s not a place for a Crocodilian.”
“I go wherever I wish. I am not bound to the river,” said the Croc.
“Surely, you’re part of a tribe. I never heard of a desert tribe before.”
The Croc growled. “Not your problem, human. This is nothing but a waste of time. You and I will not see each other again after this. Why ask such trivial questions?”
“Because there is nothing better to do but waste time. Also, it can get rather lonely out there, and I think you might need some—”
“Enough,” interrupted the Croc. “If you are suggesting me travelling with you, keep it to yourself.”
“Is it because of the kid?” asked Raine. “Because he’s a Fa’ar?”
He did not reply, which Raine took as a ‘yes’.
“I’ve met a lot of people with so many different opinions about them. Some of them are justified, and some of them are exaggerations caused by fear and cruelty. I have never met anyone who dedicated their lives hunting down Fa’ars.”
“This is a big world,” said the Croc. “Out there, Fa’ars are treated even worse."
“And that kid’s a slave we liberated. Sure, it’s only by chance, but I bet he knows what a cruel treatment feels like. It’s a harsh world and being born as the kind everybody hates does makes you feel a bit sympathetic. Unless, of course, you’re one of those people who would rather see them wiped out from the face of the world for what they did long before we're born. I doubt the kid ever realize what his kind represents."
“It’s not because of what they are,” said the Croc. “It’s because of what they do. I hunt down Fa’ars with a name on the board, not everyone.”
“Yet, you kidnapped a child.”
“He’s…well, I must admit. My judgement is clouded by my thirst for vengeance. In time, I realized that this thirst darkened my soul and clouded my vision.”
“You can always try and lead yourself back to the light, Croc. It’s not like you must do this in one day. No one can.”
The Croc was a little reluctant to be acquainted, but the human had a point.
“Karkas,” said the Croc. “If you need a name, I am Karkas Sobesk.”
“Well, Karkas, maybe you’ll find a different perspective once we go our separate ways.”
Karkas scoffed. “Yeah, right,” he said.
After they found the gates to Macksten, Jacques led Kestal, now bound with regular ropes, to be handled by the local authorities. As he was being led away, Kestal gave one last look to the Loup and said, “Be careful, Loup. They will start to connect the dots. Nihilo is far from being dead.”
“I know,” said Jacques grimly.
He then entered the police station, discussing the reward, while at the same time, Raine waited outside the gates with Karkas and the Fa’ar kid, who by this point was starting to become less scared of Karkas. Despite having a very bad first impression, Karkas wasn’t all that bad. Many people, especially the ones the kid interacted with, would be indifferent with him crying and shedding tears. He knew they thought he was faking it to gain sympathy, something only a small group of people would have. The rest wouldn’t even care if a Fa’ar was crying or not. At least, that’s what the kid thought.
But then, when Karkas consoled him, he could sense loneliness. Somehow, despite his hardened stance against Fa’ars, he still dropped all that aggressiveness to care for the kid and believed that he was scared. Maybe deep down, he wanted the kid to forgive him after his mistake almost traumatized the kid anew.
Maybe the kid should do that. He wasn’t sure if Jacques and Raine realized it, but the Croc could help bolster their ranks with support magic. The two were proficient in their own brand of magic, but even they might not be able to deal with dangerous magic users. Karkas could be the answer to that.
Thus, while waiting for Jacques, the kid approached Karkas and once again made a hand-shaking gesture. Once again, Karkas shook his head.
“I told you already. I can no longer trust a Fa’ar,” said Karkas. “Not after what they did to me.”
“I don’t think ‘they’ are a mute, former slave,” said Raine. “Though, I don’t understand what he’s trying to ask you.”
“He wants us to work together,” said Karkas. “That handshake explains everything.”
“See? Even the kid’s got the right idea.”
The kid nodded. He tried to explain that Karkas looked lonely by pointing at the Croc, Raine, and himself, before making the same handshake gesture. He hoped either of them realize that he was trying to say that they all could be friends, but once again became frustrated when they only looked at him in confusion.
Thankfully, Karkas, despite his reluctance, said, “We really should get someone to fix his vocal cords. This is starting to become frustrating.”
“Is it even possible? More importantly, how much does it cost?”
“It’s possible. I know a healer. She owed me one after I saved her. The thing is…it’s going to be complicated. I saved her from Fa’ars.”
“And you’re doubtful whether she’s going to help a Fa’ar or not,” said Raine. “Well, don’t worry. I can convince her that the kid’s not going to be a problem.”
“Just…don’t expect anything from her,” said Karkas. “What the Fa’ars almost did to her…justified whatever reaction she would give towards him. Beyond the desert, there are things that justified their treatment."
“Still, it’s worth to try,” said Raine, trying to be optimistic. “Good thing you realize that this isn’t going to help us in the long run. The kid can’t even write.”
“Then teach him if we want to stop this confusing exchange,” said Karkas. “Then again, you better have something good to tell your Loup friend.”
Jacques returned with a pouch of money when he saw the Croc’s still there. The Loup stared at Karkas, who glanced back. After silently staring for a while, the Loup said, “I’ve split your share. Take it or leave it.”
“He’s coming with us,” said Raine short.
“What?” Jacques’s eyes widened. He was genuinely surprised. "Not this again, Raine."
“Before you say anything else, the Croc knows someone who can help the kid get his voice back,” said Raine.
“How do you know he’s being honest?”
“You just have to trust me,” said Karkas. “And besides, do I look like the kind of Croc who’d willingly help a Fa’ar?”
The Loup could not argue with that statement. Karkas was already known, and had repeatedly shown, that he did not want to be involved with Fa’ars for personal reasons. Somehow, he decided to help the kid, and that’s not something Jacques thought he would do. Yet, he did, against all odds. The whole situation confused Jacques. Even Karkas cared for the Fa’ar despite his prejudice against them. Raine cared for the kid the most. Jacques was indifferent, though he, too, felt that the kid had suffered enough for one lifetime.
The kid really was something if he was able to convince them to help him sort out his problems one at a time. It was as if he was the one person that gave them a chance to get away from whatever things they did. Bad things.
The broken innocence of a child, even if he was a ratfolk, clearly moved their hearts in ways they did not expect.