Chapter 4 - Savage Squad Re-Unites

“Welcome back, my hunky master.” Lilandra greeted Deathwalker as he walked through the portal.

Lilandra jumped into Deathwalker’s arms.

“Lilandra! Always with your antics.” Deathwalker mock complained. In truth, her upbeat attitude and willingness to help him, however she could make it hard for him to truly be angry with her. Plus, his emotions were still partially muted, but every time he started to focus on that fact something would pull his attention away.

“So, which one do you want to start with?” Lilandra asked.

Rather than return to the capital, Deathwalker decided it was far past time to start the process of giving Mrrsha and Prrsha their wish.

“Do you think we can do them both at the same time?” Deathwalker queried.

“Oh master, we haven’t even had time together and you already want to add two other girls... I’m game!” Lilandra teased.

Deathwalker rolled his eyes. “Very funny. You know what I mean. Mrrsha leads the pride, but Prrsha is fierce and has expressed this to be her greatest wish.”

Lilandra smiled. She loved to tease her master. Like any true hunter, once he set his mind to something it was almost impossible to distract him from it. She admired that trait even if she didn’t say so. “Fine. You don’t know what you’re missing.” She fake-pouted. Just as fast she had a smile on her face. “It might be possible to ‘do them’ both at the same time.”

“Do who? Can I join in?” Garry said as he floated into the room.

“Hey Buddy! Have you been behaving yourself?” Deathwalker said in greeting.

“I have been a pillar of cooperation and help.” Garry replied.

Deathwalker turned to Lilandra with raised eyebrows. Seeing his implied question, she spoke up. “By ‘cooperation and help’ he means join in any fight and googly eyes at me and Frrsha. And you have no idea how creepy that can be with all those eyes!”

“What?! I’m a Shadow Gazer, I creep in the shadows, and I look at things. It’s in the name!” Garry answered.

“I’m surprised you didn’t turn him into something as punishment. You did threaten to do so if I recall Lilandra?” Deathwalker chimed in.

Lilandra sighed. “As annoying as he can be, your familiar is quite useful, especially when it comes to battle.”

“Ah yes, you did mention fighting. Tell me more.” Deathwalker inquired.

“Oh, it’s been loads of fun boss! Beasts and monsters. They are dumb and plentiful. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel. He, he, he.” Garry replied.

“Sylpharian Tigers and Silverback Stags mostly. On the boarders of where the pumas have settled, they have also encountered some Six-legged Varnacs.” Lilandra stated.

“I’m not familiar with any of those beasts. What can you tell me about them?”

“Sylpharian Tigers are fast and ferocious. They are strong with hides tough enough to hold up against a puma’s claws. They seem to have some kind of connection to each other similar to the forest pumas.” Lilandra explained.

“Sounds like the perfect counter to our pumas.” Deathwalker said in concern.

“Except they are stupid. All muscles and claws. Pure instinct and easy to ambush.” Garry commented.

Lilandra continued. “Garry is correct. They are not smart and run off pure animal instinct. Their connection to each other helps them coordinate attacks, but they only use it in the most primitive ways. The pumas out smart them each time. The only problem is it takes a few pumas to take down one tiger. That is except for Frrsha, she wipes the floor with one like they were a cub.”

“More reason to help transform my pumas into the best version of themselves.” Deathwalker confirmed.

“The Sylpharian Tigers hunt the Silverback Stags which have hair fibers interwoven with metal. They are several meters tall. Smarter than the tigers but not by much. They are more protective and tend to run in larger herds. Their antlers and hooves are sharp and hard as metal...” Lilandra continued.

Prrsha interrupted. “The combination of their numbers and antlers makes them formidable prey. It is good to see you, my alpha.”

Frrsha jumped into Deathwalker’s arms and rubbed her face into his cheek. “Alpha smells so gooood!”

“Always all over our alpha Frrsha. Let him breathe.” Mrrsha chided.

“Ha, ha, ha, ha! Alright Frrsha, it is good to see you too.” Deathwalker chuckled as he pried himself free.

Once free he greeted the other two pumas. “He, he, he! It is good to see all of you.”

“You too, my alpha!” Mrrsha leaned into Deathwalker.

“We caught the tail end of your conversation about the Silverback stags.” Frrsha said.

“Yes, as Prrsha stated, they are formidable prey.”

“And tasty too!” Garry commented.

Everyone turned to Garry.

“What?! Am I wrong?” Garry defended.

“The annoying ball of eyes is not wrong. The pride has eaten well lately.” Prrsha stated.

“Yes, and we must admit your familiar has been of great help to the pride.” Mrrsha said.

“Awe! You like me! You really like me!” Garry cheered.

“Good Mask reference buddy.” Deathwalker commented.

“Thank you, boss.” Garry smiled.

“Now you mentioned another threat. What Oh yes, six-legged varnacs. What can you tell me about them.”

Garry visibly shivered.

“That bad huh?” Deathwalker asked.

“They seem to be part of the shadows and the dark. Vicious, several meters long. They seem to faze partially out of existence.” Lilandra began to explain before Garry interrupted her.

“They can phase into the Shadow Realm! I can’t hide from them. They just follow me there!”

“They are Dark and Shadow aligned creatures. Brutal and cruel. Luckily, we have not encountered many of them and they seem stuck near the Shadow and Dark leylines.” Lilandra relayed.

“Well, it sounds like my realm might require more attention than I originally thought.” Deathwalker considered.

“Not yet, my hunky master. In time yes, but not for a while. Shall we?” Lilandra tilted her head towards Mrrsha and Prrsha.

“Yes Lilandra. It is time to fulfill some wishes.” Deathwalker said.

Prrsha and Mrrsha’s ears perked up.

Deathwalker smiled at them. “Yes, my patient kitties. It is time to turn you into matriarchs.”

“Truly?” Mrrsha asked.

“Alpha do not tease us. Not with something so precious to us.” Prrsha lamented.

Shaking his head, Deathwalker replied. “No, I am serious. It is past time to do what I promised. If you will follow me to the Central Chamber.”

Lilandra had advised her master to repeat what he did with Frrsha in the throne room central chamber where the leylines all converged. From this location, Deathwalker was master of this place. He would have the greatest control over his magic, and it would allow him to repeat the process for each.

Tapping into his core and Infinite Well of Time Magic, Deathwalker activated both his Power of 13 and Soul-Forging abilities as one hand touched Mrrsha and his other hand touched Prrsha. Magic flooded into both pumas. They both partially lifted off the ground as their bodies began to glow a bright golden white light, and then morphed into humanoid outlines.

Deathwalker quickly reviewed his notifications.

Congratulations! Mrrsha’s race has changed! She has become your 4th disciple! You may now speak with them across realms!

Congratulations! Prrsha’s race has changed! She has become your 5th discipline! You may now speak with them across realms!

Congratulations! Your Soul-Forging ability has reached level 65! You can now grant your disciples the ability to help break existing bonds and create new bonds in service of you.

As the light began to fade both Mrrsha and Prrsha now stood there in humanoid form and wobbled a bit on their now two feet. Frrsha hugged them both in a tackle. “Sisters! I am so happy for you both!”

“Th-thank you Frrsha. This form feels powerful.” Mrrsha replied.

“Yes, Mrrsha. I have never felt such power thrumming through my body.” Prrsha chimed in before she broke the hug and embraced Deathwalker. “Oh, thank you alpha! Now we can stand by your side always.”

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“As much as I would like that Prrsha, our alpha still has me remain with the pride and I have been a two-legged puma for much longer.” Frrsha said to help temper their expectations.

Deathwalker smiled. “Actually, I’m glad you brought that up Frrsha. My people in Timberfall are pushing me to have an honor guard. I was wondering if the three of you would like to be my personal bodyguards. What do you think?”

All three women instantly pounced on Deathwalker in a group hug and nuzzled their faces into him.

‘Hmmm. Must be a cat thing.’ Deathwalker thought.

“Oh alpha! Do you really mean it?” Frrsha asked.

“Thank you, my alpha!” Mrrsha cheered.

“This means so much, my alpha!” Prrsha said in a rare show of emotions.

“Boss is so lucky. Two of em are naked. Hey boss, can we not clothe these two at least?” Garry commented.

That was when Deathwalker realized Mrrsha and Prrsha were indeed naked. Luckily, he still had a few auto-sizing outfits he removed from his bag.

“Please put these on.” Deathwalker said as he turned around to give them privacy as they got dressed.

“It is so odd that you did not have a problem with us being naked before.” Mrrsha thought out loud.

“Yes, too distracting I believe were his words with Frrsha took this form.” Prrsha recalled.

“I think he likes us more this way.” Frrsha smiled.

“I know I do!” Garry chimed in.

Deathwalker just groaned. His mind was too focused on the next objective. He didn’t have time to sort out his thoughts related to the three gorgeous cat girls that he could literally smell their pheromones.

Lilandra just giggled at the interactions. “He, he, he, he. You know you bring this on yourself, my hunky master.”

“How do you figure?” Deathwalker asked.

“Simple. You keep raising your Charisma. Do not forget this has an effect on those around you. But you also keep being yourself and it is clear you genuinely care about your people.” Lilandra explained.

“Of course I do. It is only logical for a person to look after those he cares about.” Deathwalker replied before turning to the three matriarchs. “Now I would ask the three of you to seek out Uriel.”

“What is it you require of us my alpha?” Prrsha asked.

“See if he has any magical books to help teach you how to read and write. Also, it would be good to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs. I must finish a few more portal stations before I return and have you three join me.

“That sounds so boring.” Frrsha pouted.

Mrrsha gave her sister a stern look before turning back to Deathwalker. “We shall do as you command, alpha.”

“Oh, and you should try to drop that when we are around others. Though it is acceptable among beastkin, others are not as understanding of such things.” Deathwalker cautioned.

The three cat girls nodded and left the throne room’s Central Chamber. As Deathwalker watched them go, he thought how nice it would be to have some of his pumas by his side again. They would still need to coordinate the pride’s activities, but figured out with the portal network that wouldn’t be too difficult.

Checking his mana and stamina reserves, to see their levels. This had become a habit of his lately when he used large amounts of power. Deathwalker was surprised to find them both full. He knew he used massive amounts of power, and his mana pool should be practically empty right now.

“How am I already full?” Deathwalker said out loud.

“What has that master?” Lilandra asked.

“My mana pool, its full! I know I have a high regeneration but not this high!” Deathwalker replied.

Lilandra waved her hand at the chamber. “Oh, that’s simple. It is because you are in a seat at the center of your place of power. When you used your abilities, this place instinctually answers your call and comes to your aid.”

“You make it sound like it’s alive.” Deathwalker commented.

“In a way, but not how you might be thinking. This place has existed longer than many can comprehend. It serves a purpose. Anything with power that serves a purpose can seem to take on a mind of its own. In truth, when you absorbed the heart crystal and bonded with this place it gained a level of sentience with that connection. That can get tricky and may mean you may face other trials as a result.” Lilandra further explained.

“What does that mean?” Deathwalker asked in concern.

“Nothing to worry about now. When do you leave for the next portal?” Lilandra replied.

“Don’t change the subject.”

“Whatever do you mean?” Lilandra attempted to fain ignorance.

“Even I didn’t buy that one.” Garry commented.

“Lilandra!” Deathwalker chided.

Lilandra mock pouted. “Okay, fine! You are the Third Path of Creation, but you don’t fully understand what that means yet.”

“Go on.” Deathwalker said when she didn’t elaborate.

Exhaling, she continued. “It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, but it is part of your own trials. I still am technically your arbiter. What I can tell you is that you are still at the beginning of your journey.”

“What does that mean?” Deathwalker asked.

Lilandra attempted to elaborate. “You gaining this place is only the beginning. Usually, you must complete quests and other achievements to fully unlock the powers and then help those powers grow. Luckily for you, all the powers unlocked when you claimed this place but that doesn’t mean your quest is over. This place will reveal more when the time comes.”

“Bit cryptic.” Deathwalker commented.

Lilandra sighed. “It is the best I can do. Think of it this way. Uriel told you others would want this place, right?”

Deathwalker nodded so Lilandra continued. “Part of your challenge will be keeping this place. Now that they know it has been claimed, and believe me, many will know, they will try to find a way in through one of the leylines. Doesn’t mean they will succeed, but there are special places like Earth that have a possible doorway to this place. It is after all how you got here.”

“Well good thing Earth is oblivious to that fact. Most don’t even believe in magic or spiritual things to begin with.” Deathwalker commented.

Lilandra grimaced.

“What? What’s with that look?” Deathwalker inquired.

“I don’t know how to tell you this, but the Apocalypse started on Earth.” Lilandra answered.

“WHAT?! My family! My other friends!” Deathwalker exclaimed.

“The rapture saw to most of them so do not worry. Your old world is now reaping what it sowed.” Lilandra stated.

“That doesn’t exactly fill me with warm and fuzzy feelings. It means I will at some point want to visit my home world to see what can be done there. This is an even greater reason to find my buddy James. Speaking about him, how goes the search to find him?” Deathwalker said.

Lilandra sighed again. “You do realize how difficult a time consuming it is to search for one person across multiple realities and worlds.”

This time it was Deathwalker’s turn to sigh. “Yes, I can imagine a long time but don’t stop looking and notify me after you locate him. I won’t abandon my duties in Timberfall but that doesn’t mean I won’t rush to help my friend. I won’t let the Dark have him!”

Lilandra perked up at that statement. “I am glad you brought that up my master. With the Dark on the move, you must be ready. It is typical for the Dark to take multiple people and pit them against each other at the same time they are sending them to fight the Light.”

“So, you’re telling me that more people have been taken since James and I?”

“That is correct my master. Several in fact. Both by the Dark and now by the Light. Your journey and the challenges you must overcome are only the beginning. You gained your class and specialization at the same time, so you are still growing into your power. It takes time. Being the Third Path means you will deal with the Dark and the Light. Both sides may not exactly be in your corner. Which means you should recruit more disciples and allies for your faction.” Lilandra answered.

Deathwalker picked up on some of what Lilandra might be getting at. “Are you trying to warn me not to trust Uriel as he is part of the Light?”

“Uriel is an honorable one. Of all the archangels, I trust him the most.” Lilandra replied.

“Wait have you met other archangels?” Deathwalker asked.

“Of course, my master. Some were responsible for imprisoning my children, but do not let my past make you think I cannot give unbiased council.” Lilandra said with concern.

“She’s got kids?! Of course she does. Why do the hot ones tend to have kids?” Garry lamented.

Deathwalker ignored Garry’s comment and waved away her concern. “I trust you, Lilandra. You are my first disciple. I would be a fool to ignore your council. You must know, I trust Uriel too. I am aware of his dual loyalties, and we have discussed it in great length. I will keep my eyes open and continue to have a flexible mind.”

“That is all I can ask of you right now Deathwalker.” Lilandra bowed her head.

“You actually used my name for once.” Deathwalker noticed.

“A serious conversation and I wanted you to know I heard you.” Lilandra answered.

“Thank you for that.” Deathwalker replied.

“Okay so now that all that boring subject is out the way. What can you tell me about your baby daddy? I mean talk about a lucky man! He, he, he, he!” Garry chuckled.

Lilandra glared at Garry. “Oberon was an honorable man who gave his life to save me and many others!” Then her eyes widened as she realized she had revealed something she had not intended to.

“Oberon as in the king of the forest and the fey folk? Master craftsman and teacher of the dwarves? I mean he was known for so much. That Oberon?!” Deathwalker exclaimed.

Lilandra sighed. “Yes. He was husband to me and my sisters.”

“Wait, wait, wait! This guy was married to you and others. What were the others old hags to make up for being married to such a hottie?”

“No that were their mothers. I would not call Queen Mab or Queen Titania hags. And I would caution you to not be so foolish to say such things in their presence or in front of anyone in her court.” Lilandra replied.

Garry had a look of horror on his face when he realized he inadvertently might’ve insulted both queens of fairy. “I didn’t know.”

Lilandra smiled at Garry’s discomfort. ‘Serves him right.’ She thought.

Then Garry realized something. “Wait, so this Oberon guy was married to you and the two queens of fairy? Okay boss I know I said you are the luckiest man out there with three cat girls, but this Oberon guy sounds like he had you beat.”

Shaking his head at Garry’s one-track mind, well two if he counted his murderhobo side, which Deathwalker definitely counted. “Lilandra, you said he gave his life for others. Are you okay to share this story? We would understand if it were too hard for you.”

Lilandra nodded. “It was the last great cosmic war against the Light and Dark. So many died because of that war. It even split several of the races. This is why we have Dark Elves now as a faction of elves, they split off to join the Dark. Many of my children and the children of the fey also were seduced by the promises of the Dark. Oberon wanted to join the Light, but we, his wives, cautioned him against it. We thought of our children and not of our husband, or of what was right. We failed as wives, and it cost us everything.

“Oberon was a man of principle. He helped the dragons, dwarves, and those elves that fought for the Light. Doing so in secret. When we foolishly confronted him, Oberon said he could not completely stand by, his conscience would not allow it. Looking back, I think we broke his heart. Mab was the only one who supported Oberon’s decision to help in secret. Her court was not as involved in the war as the Summer court or my children. When the Dark lost Oberon offered his life if the Light would spare his wives and all the others.” Tears began to flow as Lilandra shared her story.

“What an honorable man. That seems to line up with what I heard about Oberon. Though I never heard this in any of the lore I read.” Deathwalker commented.

“Nor would you. The queens ordered it to never be spoken of again. Though I do think some did write it down in their journals so you might find it in the library. All my children and I were bound in the service of others. The fey were kicked out of Avalon and Winter was charged with holding the line against the Dark and those entities outside most realities.” Lilandra explained.

“Outside?” Deathwalker inquired.

“Your world called them Eldritch beings. Entities so foreign to many realities that they corrupt or destroy anything they touch. They have many servants and their own forces that try to find ways to break in. They are a threat to all existences. It is the one thing the Light and Dark can agree on.” Lilandra replied.

“Well, that’s good to know.” Deathwalker commented.

“Good to know?! I’m going to have nightmares for weeks thinking about that!” Garry exclaimed.

Ignoring his familiar’s ramblings, Deathwalker gave Lilandra a hug as it was clear recalling those memories still hurt her after all this time. He knew from his own experience how painful memories can be, especially of ones where he failed to make the right choice or regretted losing control. “Thank you for sharing, Lilandra. I am sorry for your loss.”

Lilandra held her master for a moment before releasing him. “Many warriors were lost in that war. We have hoped for their reincarnation one day. But enough of all that, thank you for your words and the hug. Don’t you have some portals to finish?”

A part of Lilandra wanted to blurt out her suspicions about Deathwalker. The way the pumas and others acted, the way he seemed to be the perfect hunter. She wanted to warn him that Winter would come to test him. Winter could be harsh and cruel, but their cold calculations were the best choice to see if he was the Huntsman. No, she knew she couldn’t say anything. If she did it could turn Fate in the wrong direction, and she couldn’t risk him outright rejecting the truth. Things were going to be difficult enough to add doubt into the mix.

“You’re right Lilandra. I did what I came here to do. I have portals to finish and a festival to prepare for.” Deathwalker said before turning to his familiar. “Garry, I’ll have you rejoin me when I return with Frrsha, Mrrsha, and Prrsha. I figured of any of us, you would appreciate a party.”

“Awe boss, you really do care! I won’t pass up a party, that’s for sure! I’m going to get so much stalk at that party!” Garry replied.

Chuckling Deathwalker headed towards the portal room. “Of course, that’s where your mind goes, ha, ha, ha, ha! I imagine you wouldn’t pass up a party, my friend. I’ll see you soon.”