Chapter Fourteen: Powerslave
"… Green is the cat's eye that glows-in this temple..."
Smilodon woke up feeling very hungry. She stretched and felt Byakko vanishing behind her, as she wasn't needed as a big fluffy pillow anymore. Smilodon saw Jinmengyo was the only Friend there, had she been waiting on her to wake up? That would be so embarrassing, especially if the other members of the Cadre were already active, doing things while she slacked.
-Good Morning Jinmengyo, I guess- Smilodon said, realizing the Sun was at its peak; she slept in all the way until mid-day.
-Good day, you have it right, the Relic?- Jinmengyo asked, she was aware of all that happened to Smilodon, but she wanted to see the Relic and make sure she knew what she was carrying.
-I have it, I know what it does, it has been serving us well- The Crusader answered, letting Jinmengyo see the Time Amulet briefly, four of it's six logos were visible pulsating with energy.
-Marvelous!- Jinmengyo said, standing up and ready to move on, seeing her so willing to just leave her made Smilodon sad.
-Where are the others?- Smilodon asked, feeling weak asking that, but she needed to know where the rest of the Cadre was.
-You'll find them north, they headed out early to look for things they could scavenge, while on the way to meet a helper from Point Hope- Jinmengyo said before waving goodbye, she had things to put in order, like getting some air cover for the Cadre.
Smilodon took a deep sigh as she was going to be alone again, she hated this cold empty feeling inside her chest. Jinmengyo noticed this and handed to the Crusader a small box they had left for her. Smilodon was very happy to receive it from Jinmengyo herself, as she rarely received anything from others.
-It's just food- Byakko said, but Smilodon wasn't disappointed, she was very hungry and ate all of her Japari Buns right away.
Smilodon began walking around, trying to figure out where the north was using the Sun's position. Once she found the correct way, she summoned Byakko again, it would be much faster to get there if she pulled out her secret trick and rode her there.
-I'm gonna be exhausted after this! You are heavy!- Byakko complained as she didn't enjoy being used like a ride, it really put a dent on her energy, it could be very dangerous to them.
Smilodon paid no need to Byakko and just enjoyed the ride, her fur was as soft, warm and inviting as ever, if Byakko wasn't complaining then Smilodon might have fallen asleep on her back. It was the best thing she'd have ever slept on, like a bed.
-Hey! Wake up already, there is someone over there- Byakko called to Smilodon, who was starting to actually fall asleep.
Smilodon groaned still tired, she looked around and saw a big Friend, who stood under the shadow of a very big tree right before another source of water. It looked like she was waiting for someone. The first thing Smilodon noticed was that she had a really nice dark tone of skin, the Friend had very long gloves just like Smilodon and she also had head-wings like Bald Eagle.
-Ah, I remember you, the last of the Deadlights- The Friend smiled, greeting Smilodon and making her quite uncomfortable, even if she hid it under her cold blue steel glare like always.
-I have a new Cadre now!- Smilodon said quite angry, she had no idea who this Friend was, but she was being rude right now.
-Easy now, I was waiting for you, I'm the Sphinx- The Friend said, presenting herself. Smilodon didn't let down her guard, she heard tales about such creature and assumed the worst.
-Are you a Fiend!?- Smilodon roared, unsheathing her sword.
-Whoa! Calm down, would a Fiend come out to play, under the Sun?- Sphinx stood up and walked towards Smilodon, to show her good intentions, smiting the Crusader Cat with her beauty.
Sphinx had very long black hair and green eyes, she had a circlet with a cutesy snake on her head, she had lion ears and was wearing a rather skimpy outfit. Her golden chest piece left little to the imagination, showing her big breasts in all their glory, while her golden skirt was cut on the sides too, as if to dance while she walked, shaking slightly her wide hips. Her long legs had thigh highs and short boots, drawing Smilodon's gaze, who was lost in memories an old long lost extinct Friend.
-See? I'm not a Fiend- Sphinx said giggling, roaring playfully at Smilodon. She caressed the Crusader's breasts with her hands.
-You remind me of another Friend, this is awkward…- Smilodon blurted out, she couldn't stop staring at Sphinx in a very lusty way, it remind her too much of an old Deadlight crush of hers.
-Calm down, I'm not here to torment you, just to warn you… You'll have to explain this to the others, after all they are you Cadre now, right?- Sphinx asked, trying to move Smilodon's attention towards something else, instead of eating Sphinx with her eyes, even if she enjoyed that kind of gaze on her body.
-Snap out of it!- Byakko's paw manifested to smack Smilodon on top of her head, the Astral Guardian's voice was full of envy.
-Sorry! It's been awhile since I've seen such a delicious toast- Smilodon blurted out again, she turned around and screamed.
-You okay?- Sphinx asked while leaning on Smilodon's back.
-STOP IT!- Smilodon begged, unable to hide her luminescent blush, her heart was beating so fast it felt like would explode; Sphinx was just like her oldest crush North Island Giant Moa.
-Cut that out!- Byakko protested, manifesting behind Sphinx to push her away from Her Smilodon, but something stopped her.
A brief manifestation, not unlike when Byakko manifested as just her paws, shocked the Astral Guardian and even Smilodon out of her smitten state. Both Smilodon and Byakko were sure that they saw a pair of claws. Without saying a word, Sphinx remained in silence with smug smile in her face. Smilodon took a moment to gather her courage and asked about it, because amidst this surprise, she still felt very flustered around Sphinx.
-W-wh-what was that?- Smilodon asked as her voice stuttered, she felt her luminicest blush once again, she was so glad the rest of the Cadre weren't there watching her act like a fool.
-A woman has to have some secrets- Sphinx said while booping
Smilodon's nose. The Crusader closed her eyes while enjoying the playful gesture, Smilodon finally managed to calm down.
-It was an Astral Guardian! But how?- Byakko asked herself in complete awe, she manifested physically again, she hoped the other one would manifest before her in it's own Beast form.
-I'm Horus- The new Astral Guardian presented itself While it briefly manifested, Byakko took note that it was a Bird, it only had one eye and the completely opposite colours to Suzaku.
-Ever since you broke the Volcano's seals, life has bloomed all over the Islands, some good ones and some bad ones- Sphinx explained to Smilodon and Byakko, before remembering she had another more important thing to inform to this Crusader.
-We have important information for your Cadre- Horus shrieked manifesting itself briefly again. Byakko and Smilodon noticed it had an Ankh, this new Astral Guardian was using it as a collar.
-We have identified three major threats coming after the Relic, you already know two of them and the last one currently lurks around in the Mainland, some reptile Fiend that uses digging as it's main method of attack- Sphinx counted to herself as she tried to recall that one time she spied on the Fiend, from a very safe distance her airborne shadow hidden under the moonlight.
-Three of them!? We can't let them re-unite and work together- Byakko warned Smilodon, remembering how just one of them almost wiped out the Cadre, they shouldn't be underestimated.
-They would need to be desperate to hunt together, the most powerful Fiends love feasting, they wouldn't share the glory of claiming the Relic either- Horus explained it better than Sphinx ever could, something about this Astral Guardian made it feel venerable, that was something that even Byakko could respect.
-That gives us at least one advantage- Smilodon made a note in her mind about that; if they could take them out one by one, they would have a pretty good chance to keep the Relic safe.
-One of our ocean heavyweights also confirmed that the Snake is still alive, it was currently looking for anything to feed on and recover, couldn't get close to finish her off due to her Venom- Sphinx continued giving Smilodon information, surprising the Crusader, she totally believed they were truly on their own.
-Jörmungandr is indeed very dangerous, I gotta come up with a plan to kill her, she'd likely try to attack us again when we prepare to cross the Ocean into the mainland- Smilodon said with a burdened heart, the experience of almost drowning still tormented her, the cold water felt like the embrace of death.
-One of the members of your Cadre can read, right?- Sphinx asked as she pulled a small notebook from her cleavage, this flustered Smilodon all over again, the Crusader nodded silently.
Sphinx offered it to Smilodon, who felt her hands shaking as she reached out to receive it. She tried to thank Sphinx but all that came out of her mouth were squeaks. Byakko groaned in anger, she felt very jealous but she was going to just let it slide, for she knew Sphinx would be leaving them alone soon.
-May the Sun shine upon your Cadre- Horus manifested to say goodbye, saluting them both using its wings rather awkwardly.
-I'll be covering the air as best as I can, I got a few tricks to show to that Harpy Horde, Horus and I will try our best to keep them off your back- Sphinx said, waving goodbye with a smile.
-Thank you and goodbye- Smilodon said, recovering her usual demeanour trying to look cool for Sphinx, but before she left, Smilodon couldn't resist anymore and glomped her for a hug.
Sphinx welcomed the gesture of affection, she was even bold enough to hold Smilodon's waist on both sides, Horus made sure Byakko couldn't ruin the hug. Sphinx then flew off, hoping to find a good landing spot in between Gokoku Island and the Mainland, for she needed a piece of solid ground to use her wild release. She wanted to show off to the Crusaders, hoping they would have a free slot, that allowed her to join their gang.
-I'm in love- Smilodon swooned, wishing the hug lasted longer.
-You cut that out or I'll...- Byakko was saying before she was interrupted by Smilodon, she was about to unsheath her blade.
-If you tell anyone about this, I will end you!- Smilodon said on guard, though her face was the least menacing expression she had ever made, wavy mouth and her dead blue eyes leaking.
-Fine, I won't tell anyone you have it for dark skin, ok?- Byakko groaned, making a promise but still teasing her Smilodon a bit.
-Thank you!- Smilodon opened her arms and jumped forward, Byakko manifested just in time to hug her, her morning star tail slamming down on the ground as she was still quite pissed.
Byakko comforted her Smilodon until she recovered her stoic demeanour, Byakko felt she even cried a bit while she held her in its arms, up until Smilodon heard a pair of Crusaders coming back to the Rally Point they established on that water source.
-Hey Smilodon, did you sleep well?- Bald Eagle asked, waving at her. Smilodon replied with a silent nod, pleasing Bald Eagle.
-Sorry we left you behind with Jinmengyo, we had things to sort out before we scheduled our crossing, Point Hope sent a few new Friends to help us- Boomslang raised her arms in joy.
-Did you two play Vampires yet?- Smilodon asked Bald Eagle, who forgot to clean adequately, as she could smell the blood.
-Don't call me that! I just wanted to make sure, I gotta fight back the urge, you need me at my best when we cross- Bald Eagle started getting defensive; she had waited since the battle and she was very close to giving into The Thirst once again.
-Please don't bully her, I willingly let her feed off me, for it's my fault she got infected- Boomslang also got very defensive, this made Smilodon suspicious that they totally did something else, far more lewd that Feeding they didn't want her to known.
-Fine, fine, I hope you two had fun "together"- Byakko giggled.
-Where are the others?- Smilodon asked, ignoring Bald Eagle and Boomslang trying to explain themselves further to Byakko.
-Père David's Deer and Collared Peccary took Rhyo to meet a new Friend, who would help with mastering her Wild Release!- Boomslang told Smilodon all she knew right away, hoping to move the conversation away from the Feeding topic, which was a very intimate thing for her and very important for Bald Eagle.
-What about Narwhal?- Smilodon asked about the Cetacean as Boomslang only talked about the Pig, Deer and Diamondback.
-She went off for a swim, meet our sea Friend support and plot the course we would follow, if all goes well- Bald Eagle replied, which made Smilodon remember Sphinx mentioning something about an "Ocean Heavyweight", likely their sea Friend support.
-I see, so for now, it's just the three of us?- Smilodon asked the couple of Friends, which nodded in agreement as a reply.
-I think we should practice- Byakko said, manifesting behind Bald Eagle and Boomslang, the White Tiger was eager to see their new tag team attack, she wanted to help them master it.
-No, please, no more practice…- Boomslang whimpered, she just wanted to rest, also kiss, cuddle and sleep with Bald Eagle.
-Come on Boom! We gotta actually show them our new attack, Fist of JUSTICE!- Bald Eagle said softly, punching Boomslang's shoulder, the Bird was full of energy after tasting Blood again.
-Hey! You know I feel weak now, because of you, this isn't fair- Boomslang groaned annoyed, but Genbu wasn't on her side, the Astral Guardian stood behind her just to push her forward.
-Train your skills- Genbu ordered in her cavernous deep voice.
-Don't be lazy!- Suzaku screeched furious, it made Boomslang cry, but Bald Eagle was quick to comfort the Snake. The Bird held Boomslang's hand and encouraged to push herself harder.
-Adorable- Byakko giggled, endeared by the two Girl-Friends.
-The Astral Guardians are right, you two need to keep training, Fiends won't care if you aren't feeling well!- Smilodon roared as she unsheathed her sword, to practice with the Bird and Snake.
For over an hour, Smilodon pushed Bald Eagle and Boomslang to attack her, with their new Fist of Justice! tag team attack. While Smilodon was certainly impressed by their coordination, their lack of killing intent made it way too easy for her to parry it. She hoped in due time they would understand that they had to show no mercy to Fiends, for Fiends would show them none.
-You girls are practicing! Can I join?- Narwhal asked just as she arrived, she felt refreshed after swimming in the Ocean again, having talked with their lovely Sea support was welcome too.
-I think these two need a little rest, come and play with me, while you tell me who is our Ally in the Ocean- Smilodon said, looking forward for a different opponent. While very soft inside, Narwhal was a capable ranged fighter with her Water Magic.
-She is really awesome, her name is Harp Seal and she has an Astral Guardian too, she and Sphinx will work together to cover us- Narwhal said as she channeled Seiryuu's power through her Spear, pulling water from the source to produce copies of the Ceruleans that she had defeated in the past. Narwhal ordered the water clones to attack Smilodon by pointing with her spear.
-Your skill keeps increasing, I'm very impressed- Smilodon nodded, even if she managed to take down the water clones quite easily; Byakko's Wind made her sword absurdly sharp.
-A seal? I thought she was a heavyweight!- Bald Eagle said a bit confused, she was expecting a huge Friend, like Blue Whale.
-I'm sure she has a few tricks up her sleeve… Oh gods, I'm dying, help me!- Boomslang was saying before she slipped and fell, she was feeling really weak, Bald Eagle flew to pick her up.
-Don't be so dramatic, you did well, now you can rest on my lap!- Bald Eagle said and before she finished, Boomslang was already using her lap as a pillow. The Snake giggled satisfied.
-I'm starting to learn how to do new things with my Magic, it's a shame they aren't very useful, I'm struggling to keep up with you- Narwhal sighed as she couldn't create anything that could fight versus Smilodon, soaking was an annoyance and Narwhal wasn't sure what else she could create with her Water Magic.
-Be creative, your power is versatile, perhaps the most out of all the four Gods- Smilodon said, sheathing her sword and then stretching almost like a cat; all the training made her work a good sweat while keeping her mind away from the Sphinx, she felt like herself after surviving that very embarrassing moment.
-Master the power of ebb and flow- Seiryuu roared to Narwhal.
-Ebb and Flow…- Narwhal thought about the Tide that was so powerful that crumbled even the eternal ice of the Antarctic.
-For now rest, while we wait for Shifuzou, I hope those three arrive before dusk- Smilodon said as she finished stretching and leaned back, Byakko manifesting to be her big fluffy pillow.
-They might take longer than that, but you'll be surprised, if all goes well- Narwhal said, sitting besides Smilodon, she wanted to enjoy Byakko's softness too. Smilodon didn't mind her at all.
-I'm getting hungry now- Bald Eagle said as her belly rumbled.
-Wait a little longer, we'll have food soon, why don't we take a nap?- Boomslang proposed, trying to hide her own hunger but her stomach betrayed her, making very loud rumbling noises.
-Jeez, didn't you two eat before you left me alone?- Smilodon said, unable to hold back her laughter. While her respect for them increased greatly since their poor first impression on her, Bald Eagle and Boomslang still acted like Children very often.
-We did, but we are hungry again!- Boomslang and Bald Eagle answered in perfect unison, surprising even Suzaku and Genbu.
-I suppose you two can't nap while hungry?- Narwhal asked while leaning on Byakko, Boomslang and Bald Eagle nodded.
The Friends started laughing together until they heard familiar sounds in the distance, one was the music Collared Peccary played on Rhyo while driving, the other was the roar of Rhyo's engine itself! The four Friends stood up and watched in awe, even had their Astral Guardians manifest physically to see it.
Somehow, Rhyolite managed to turn back into her APC form.
-She actually managed it!- Père David's Deer said, popping from the top hatch, it was her favorite spot in the entire APC.
-Get out, so she can turn back!- Collared Peccary's voice came from inside, she was pushing Père David's Deer to leave the APC, the Pig wanted her tall, soft, lovely Friend Rhyolite back.
Père David's Deer jumped out of the hatch and landed in graceful fashion. Collared Peccary tapped the top of the APC and kissed the alloy, before rolling around and falling off the side of the APC giggling. Rhyolite's APC form jumped and rolled in the air, turning into her Friend form so quickly that even the Astral Guardian had trouble following her transformation! Rhyo landed in an action pose, but before she could say anything, she had Collared Peccary all over her, she stood up with the Pig glued cuddling her like they hadn't seen each other in awhile.
-Hello ... Again ... Friends- Rhyolite bowed awkwardly, greeting the Crusaders; speaking in this form was really hard compared to the old one, but physical affection more than made up for it.
-I'm not even gonna ask how you can even do that- Boomslang said still not believing it, even if she saw it happen before her own eyes, had Sandstar any limits or was it's potential infinite?
-It took a bit of effort but she managed, we just made her try to go faster, so fast she changed back into APC!- Père David's Deer explained to the group, as that was how she and Collared Peccary managed to push Rhyolite to figure out how she could use her Wild Release, which was transforming between forms.
-Then she changed back, because she wanted to cuddle, isn't she just the sweetest?- Collared Peccary nuzzled against Rhyo's soft curves. Deep in heart she just wanted to drive away with her, but they still had a job to finish before they could do that.
-Agreed- Narwhal, Boomslang, Bald Eagle and Byakko replied together in perfect unison, Rhyolite blushed at their response.
-Back off, she is mine!- Collared Peccary poked her tongue at the three Friends and the Astral Guardian, in childish manner.
-Well, given that all of us are ready now, tonight will be our last night in Gokoku Island- Smilodon commented, looking at the large colourful group, that she was proud to call her Cadre.
-Yeah about that, how about we make a good memory?- Père David's Deer cheerfully said, knowing this would gather the attention of all the Crusaders, that surrounded her interested.
Gokoku Island had been the most pleasant experience the Crusaders had shared together thus far, Père David's Deer wanted to make that memory last. Long after they had left this Island behind, they would have something to remember it all.
-Rhyolite, can you use your hard-hat to take a photo? Can you take it off and still take the photo?- Père David's Deer asked the Diamondback Friend, which nodded in silent agreement.
The Cadre exploded with excitement at the idea. Père David's Deer tried to get everyone to stand in a way so that all of the Crusaders had a similar amount of focus, without the taller ones obscuring the shorter ones. Rhyolite scooted away from the Crusaders, to calibrate her hard-hat's camera properly, she needed to do was focus on the camera's zoom, until she had the perfect shot. While Rhyo was figuring out how to place her hard-hat in the ground to take the photo, Byakko manifested physically behind the Diamondback Friend, the White Tiger softly tapped Rhyolite's shoulder with one of her big paws.
-Allow me, I'm sure they all want you to on the photo, with them- Byakko said for she knew that Smilodon felt that way, she had saved her life and she would never forget that deed.
-Okay! .It.- Rhyolite said to Byakko, bowing to her before rolling to join the Crusaders, taking her spot right between her beloved Collared Peccary and Père David's Deer.
-Smile for the camera, cuties!- Byakko said comically standing on top of her morning star tail, carefully holding the hard-hat with her big paws, the Crusader Cadre photo was then taken.
The Friends rushed in towards Byakko, who kept the Hard-Hat away from all of them. She gave it back to Rhyolite by directly putting it on top of her head. Rhyolite smiled to Byakko in such sweet way the White Tiger blushed. Rhyo's Hard-Had started moving on top of her head, when it stopped she pulled the photo from it, like a Wizard pulling a bunny from their top hat.
-Photo!- She said, showing it to the group. It was really good group shot, it showed the Crusaders in all their colourful glory.
-I want a copy of it- Bald Eagle asked Rhyolite who looked at her confused, then she figured it out, remembering Humans always made several copies of things they wanted to share.
-Me too!- Boomslang begged Rhyolite for a copy of the photo.
-Can you get all of us copies of it?- Père David's Deer asked Rhyolite figure out they might as well get every Friend a copy.
-Yes!- Rhyolite said, focusing into replicating the photo, which made her hard-hat start jumping around as if it was going to fall off, eventually a lot of photos came out from the hard-hat.
-Lovely!- Bald Eagle cheered, trying to pick up all the photos.
-Sorry!- Rhyolite apologized, trying to clumsily help Bald Eagle.
-We could share these with the ones we meet on what's left of the journey- Narwhal proposed, feeling quite proud of how cute she looked, she blushed realizing how pretty she was, Narwhal wondered if this was a bit pretentious, but it still felt very good.
-Will we have fans now?- Boomslang wondered, it was a lovely idea, besides having to keep them away from her Bald Eagle.
The Crusaders spent the rest of the day talking about fame for the remainder of the day. Rhyolite changed back into her APC form so the Cadre could sleep warm and safely warm inside her, Collared Peccary even made a joke about it that flustered the two youngest Crusaders. Boomslang and Bald Eagle went to their corner after being teased a bit by the others, even Rhyolite herself, whose voice had turned female, much like her Friend voice, it sounded alive and no longer robotic. Cuddling together once again made Bald Eagle and Boomslang feel at peace; amidst all that they had lived through thus far, this one Island was a fairly pleasant time to share together between themselves and the other Crusaders. Morale couldn't be higher amongst the Cadre, the Crusaders were ready to cross the sea, they would start at dawn and finally reach the Japari Mainland.
The Friends didn't know that by defeating Jörmungandr, one of the three Grand Fiends, they had brought the eye of their Lady upon the Cadre. She who desired Japari Park's most sacred relic, Koryu "the yellow dragon", hungered for it, for she only needed the Time Amulet to cover the whole world in Darkness.
The fate of the World hanged over a single thread of Sandstar.