Chapter 30 Wait did you think we were done here?
Character Inarius
He could feel the chains of his prison weakening could see from the mirrors that their moorings were loosening but still he could not escape, not on his own. The tortured renegade angle strained against his bonds again trying to determine just how much force it would take to remove them and to see if 'She' could do it quickly enough for them to escape before the Primes returned. As the moorings gave a little more under his struggles Inarius determined that the time was right for his and her return. He hoped that the Worldstone had burned itself out by now, he had lost track of time in his imprisonment, but he knew that it would bar his attempt to summon her if it wasn't either dead or destroyed. Pulling what power he had together Inarius opened a portal to the void, the place where he had hidden Lilith, his wife, so she would not be trapped as he was now. After only a few moments of the portal opening she came through in a flurry of wings, scales, spines and tail.
"Inarius what did they do to you," She hissed as she inspected his situation, "It doesn't matter I'll handle these chains." She struck the chains until they pulled their moorings from the pillars and clattered to the floor. "Now to fix you up." She blasted Inarius with power reforming his wings, skin and other wise restoring him to his rightful form. Before offering him her hand to help him up.
Inarius took the proffered hand as he rose, stretching his body and bringing strength back into his limbs. "Thank you dear," he said, "I would have called you sooner but I feared that the Primes would get you."
"They should fear us now," Lilith replied, "But I don't feel them here."
"What," Inarius asked confused, "If the Primes are not here then... Sanctuary!"
"No not just 'not here'," Lilith clarified, "I mean as in 'gone' use your senses now that they've been restored to you. I detect no central demonic presence in hell."
Inarius stopped and concentrated for a minute to re-attune his angelic senses, "I also don't detect the Arch, or the Council," He added, "How much time has passed I wonder, could they have killed each other off?"
"It is unlikely with the infighting among my kind I would expect the Council to win the war," Lilith said, "No, this sort of vacancy feels like both sides have left this universe maybe to fight in another... Xeiver!"
"Who," Inarius asked.
"My replacement," Lilith said, "A being by the name Xeiver, the new Queen of the Succubi."
"I sense Tyreal's presence was here recently as well," Inarius added. "Angles and demons working together, I wonder what could have caused that?"
"Don't be sarcastic it doesn't suit you," Lilith said as she stroked her head spines, "Xeiver and Tyreal, hmm... no she was quite devoted to her husband she wouldn't have gone for Tyreal, and I doubt he would have wanted anything to do with her..."
"We won't discover anything standing around here," Inarius interrupted, "Lets go see what is out on the plains."
They walked through the empty halls of Mephisto's realm checking from time to time in a room to see if anything had been released or pent up since Lilith had last been there. Most contained just bones and echoes. The plains had only one difference that either of them could pick out, a massive new castle structure in the middle of the dimension between the Prime's various realms.
"Well it is worth checking out," Lilith said, "You up to flying yet?"
"Of course," Inarius replied. The two took to the air and surveyed the castle before landing in the courtyard. They were immediately surrounded by some kind of zombie dog creature but its power was definitively not from any of the Prime's indeed these creatures were composed of what felt more like a power vacuum.
"Hold," Declared a voice that both recognized. Then a Sentinel walked down the steps of the castle gateway, the dogs scattered in it wake, "Inarius, Lilith, we knew that eventually you would make your way out of the prison. My brothers are already meeting with the one who united these realms I was left here to pass a message to you two, join with them or die if they fail."
"Who is them," Inarius asked.
"Kalathanon," The Sentinel replied, "Or you might know him better as the lord of death, a position that is now held by Malthael."
"The Councilor of Wisdom," Inarius asked, "That is a change."
"I recall this Kalathanon," Lilith said, "He was even more reclusive than Diablo. I always thought it was because he was weaker than the others."
"Kalathanon is far more powerful than all of this universe combined, as he proved just recently," the Sentinel said, "He is marching against the gates of the true Hell, Satan's domain, we are asking you two to add you strength to theirs so they will not fail."
Lilith placed her hands on her hips and paced while she ran her tongue through her fangs, that was how she though, Inarius had more of a contemplative stance that he assumed when deciding the balance of things, but both were definitely considering the offer.
"This Kalathanon, the others have joined up with him, both angles and demons," Inarius asked.
"Yes," The Sentinel replied, "And many more races and creatures besides."
"Well," Lilith remarked, "Join up with those who hunted us down and tried to kill me and tortured Inarius so that they don't die, but also so we won't die... that is one hell of an option isn't it."
"Sure is," Inarius agreed, "Could they succeed if we don't join them?"
"Not if the Seer is correct," the Sentinel said.
"A Seer is with them," Lilith hissed as her tail swished back and forth and her hands rose to weigh her breasts like they were the mental choices she were contemplating, "And they are marching against a more powerful Hell..."
"I'm in," Inarius announced having made up his mind, "I united angles and demons once because I thought revenge was beneath me and it still is."
"Hmpf," Lilith fumed as she crossed her arms and wings in front of her, "Your right of course, I just hate helping my father accomplish anything."
"I know," Inarius said as he reached out to hold her, "But hatred is beneath you."
Lilith looked at him and a smirk spread across her face, "I guess it is and if I get the chance to one up him that will be so worth it."
"Your sexy when you smirk," Inarius remarked.
"I shall open a portal to the others then," the Sentinel said, "you seem to have determined to help as we have asked."
"Yes right," Lilith said as she and Inarius pulled away, "freaking Sentinels."
"Think of this like the fight we had when we first met," Inarius said, "except this is our reunion fight."
"We should hurry," the Sentinel said, "My brothers report that Dragon Company has just been attacked by an advanced group of the Satan's forces."
Inarius and Lilith both nodded and followed the Sentinel through the portal. On the other side they were greeted by having to dodge a massive armored construct that got thrown towards them due to an explosion and the random incoherent yelling of several different people, one voice was winning out however and they managed to pick out the words "Blow up" and "Ocean." Lilith reached out to help the mech back up.
"Thanks," it, she, said as the glossy, deep-red, mech got up. "I'm Arizona looks like the Sentinels were right. I hear that the two of you created a universe, that's cool. Mind helping us get this under control?"
"What is the situation," the Sentinel asked.
"Some big ol ship crash landed on the Arc and its occupants are now striking across our ships," Arizona said as she led the three to the others in the large chamber they had walked into. "We've got a pretty good assortment of people on it but never hurts to have help."
Looking over the assembled group Inarius noted several persons of interest, one being the large fleshy creature making its way towards them another being several humans, one of which was the source, he realized, of all the yelling, another being the other Sentinels a metal woman, a larger construct than Arizona that was silver and making more mechs, three smaller mechs, a semi-human cyborg, and two massive dragons.
"Which ones are we helping," Lilith asked.
"Oh these are all on out side, Mr. Torgue there just blew up the attacker on this ship, thus my unusual greeting to the three of you," Arizona said, "Hey Doug coming to check on me, how sweet."
"On you and these you've brought to our attention," the green fleshy creature called Doug replied, "Sentinel your kinds abilities are indeed appreciated."
"It is the least we could do for one of our own," the Sentinel replied as it joined its seven brothers.
"One of their own," Inarius asked.
"Cortana there is a Sentinel," Doug said as he indicated the metal woman, "Who might the two of you be?"
"Apologies," Inarius said, "I am Inarius this is Lilith."
"Wait did I hear that right," one of the massive dragons, one with crystal wings and scales said as she walked over, "Lilith, daughter of Mephisto right?"
"You know him," Lilith hissed, "What if I am?"
"Then I must say it is my pleasure to meet you," the dragon said, "I am Xeiver, K come meet Lilith, and you must be Inarius."
"You're Xeiver," Inarius asked in astonishment, "I had thought she was another demon."
"So did I," Lilith said.
"C," the other dragon said, "This is them then?"
"Oh yes," Xeiver or C as the dragon called her said, "These are the two who created Sanctuary."
"There is no way our children took to your rule well," Lilith said, "You look nothing like either of us."
"Oh," C replied. The dragon then licked Lilith on the nose, which both aggravated and startled her from what Inarius could tell. Then in a flash instead of a dragon standing before them there was the form of the massive demon queen, Xeiver. Her heavily muscled wings stretched across the nearly three-hundred yard room, she was a good thirty feet tall, her tails for she had two, were curling around K and must have been a hundred feet long, she was coated in crystal scales that accentuated her musculature and flowed into the many horns and spikes that spiraled off of her. Her face was like that of a star and her eyes burned brighter than Inarius' wings or even the lights of the room. Her legs terminated in clawed feet with a three in front two in back spread and her hands were long and displayed prominently the needle sharp claws on each. "Not only did I take your kindred away to populate the rest of the universe I opened the doorway for Kalathanon here to enter the Primes and temper them as well."
"By the light," Inarius said as he realized who K was, "you two are... are."
"The myths and legends that myths and legends are afraid of," K answered as Xeiver returned to her dragon form, "Quite possibly, so you know if we are worried about who we go to face the it should be a universal concern."
"Well it seems we are once again at the center of a battle for creation," Lilith said, "So Xeiver you protected our children?"
"By helping many of them leave Sanctuary," Xeiver said, "Yes they became the various races that are now populating that universe. Some are represented among the ranks of Dragon Company if you would like to see what has become of them."
"Celantra," Cortana said as she and the others walked over to them, "We never knew you had a demon tainted past as well."
"And I'm sure you share everything about your past as well," Celantra replied, "It should be obvious by now that all Leviathans have, well all of the originals at least."
"Why are your wings not crystal in the - sexy demon from - form," the yelling man yelled.
"Torgue shut up," Arizona yelled back.
"Like - no,"Torgue replied.
"I wasn't really in that form," C said, "I could only give you a moment of seeing it through Lilith's connection to the Succubi. Now that I think about it the other Liliths are going to be mad about this, they both would like to be the only one with that name."
"Other Liliths," Inarius remarked, "Oh dear."
"Well they will just have to get over it," Lilith said.
"One is a Siren and the other is a Nephalem Wizard," K said, "Both are equally capable of fighting over the name."
"They won't," another dragon said as she entered. This yellow-gold female instantly caught both Inarius and Lilith's attention. "Hello you two," Storm said, "Did you miss me?"
"You're the Seer," Lilith said shocked, "How did you get here from the void?"
"Different time for different people," Storm said, "the time I spent with you in the void equated to only a few seconds in my world, in the process of transforming between the two existences God crafted into a Seer."
The couple looked at each other before they both asked, "God who?"
"Who do you think," Storm replied, "K keep these two near by you will have need of them."
"And in a completely unexpected turn of events that I totally didn't see coming the renegade angle and his demon wife are directed to be body guards to the two most - badass legends of all time, who the - would have predicted this -," Torgue yelled.
"Is his voice actually being bleeped out when he yells profanity," Inarius asked.
"All except badass which is odd because the word ass is also bleeped out," Doug said, "All ships have been cleared, we need to gather up our outstanding members quickly and integrate these new ones before moving on to the Hell mouth in Qui-gon and Starkiller's universe."
"Yes we should," Storm said, "And we will need to get to Kirkwall that is where the distance between the two universes is the smallest."
"So that is it," K muttered, "Kirkwall is a time wound... no wonder I can't remember what happened there."
"And you won't until after we finish with Satan," Storm said, "Now you all play nice I've got someone else to see."
"Well," Inarius remarked as Storm left, "The Seer said to stay by you Kalathanon so that is what we will do."
"Am I the only one who noticed that bit about God Storm threw in there," the larger mech asked.
"No Sparks we heard," the Semi-human replied, "Its kinda the white elephant in the room you know?"
"Oh right," Sparks said, "So John how are you liking that new body?"
"Why do I get the feeling that this group is really messed up," Lilith said, "And we haven't even found the Primes yet."
"That would be due to the fact we are miss," one of the other two humans said, "Name's Jayne, this is Mal."
Thus began the torrent of names and greetings and such that the two went through as they and the other 'new' members were formally introduced to Dragon Company. Thus began their process of discovering that nothing they had thought they knew was entirely correct, thus started Lilith and Mephisto's reunification and Inarius' reconciliation with the Crystal Arch being gone and Tyreal, his old boss, being the remaining essence of all the angles that Imperious absorbed except Auriel and Hadriel.
"The last four," he repeated himself that night, if the time set aside for night could be called that on a vessel that traveled between stars.
"It is hard to take I'm sure," Lilith said, "But the angles were just as much at fault for our situation as the demons, are you truly that sad to see them gone?"
"Consider yourself," Inarius replied, "You hated your father, he put unprecedented malice on you but now look how he is changed... my people now will never have that chance."
Lilith looked over at him from the side of the store room that was repurposed for their habitation, that she was 'decorating' if one could call growing spikes onto the walls decorating. She then left off her tasks and sat down next to him on their bed. He felt one of her wings pull him to her and he laid against her deep emerald skin and contemplated the events of the day as she stroked his wings.
"Perhaps they are getting that chance in a way," Lilith said, "They live on in a sense through Tyreal."
"Perhaps," Inarius said, "But enough of my moping, what of you? Your conversation with Mephisto seemed to spark old memories for both of you."
Lilith suddenly seemed to go from the comforting presence she had just been to the one who need comforting. He reached around her and stroked her head-spines with his armored hand as she leaned into him.
"My father is... I don't even know if he is the same being anymore," Lilith said, "all of the Primes seemed less vile but I swear he almost choked up when he saw me."
Inarius stifled a laugh that he was sure Lilith would not approve of, but the picture of his jailer and tormentor crying was actually quite funny to him.
"You think it is funny don't you," she guessed, "Or ironic like I think about the Arch."
"Fair enough," Inarius agreed after some thought.
Lilith looked up into his face and drew him back onto the bed as she pushed his hood down, "Well lets worry about the rest of this group tomorrow," she said as they kissed.
Character Blitz
"That is a lot of new faces," Blitz said to Storm as they walked from the dining hall to the training room, "even for DC."
"Yes they are," Storm agreed, "I of course have know about them for a while and Doug I'm sure has cataloged them all somehow, K is good with names and C seems to have already know most of them. I wouldn't worry about coordination."
"Knew what I was thinking again," Blitz said.
"No actually that time I just guessed," Storm said, "The farther along I get the less of the time I spend with you is already know to me."
"But you know we have nine kids," Blitz replied with a chuckle.
"At least nine," Storm replied, "It is possible for some to avoid my future sense entirely or some images may be of more than one child but are not clear enough for me to make them out just yet. I simply have nine names that are certain."
"At least nine," Blitz remarked, "And here I was thinking about stopping at two or three."
"Well either you change your mind or I have other ideas," Storm stated as they entered the training room.
"I doubt it is me changing my mind," Blitz said, "I've considered three to be my comfort zone for a long time, not that that will seem to matter."
"Then you must do something to really get me to like you," Storm said, "After twenty years or so neither of us has even tried to initiate anything, we are married so we most certainly could but it seems that right now we simply are not the sexy type of couple."
"Unlike those two newest one," Blitz remarked, "Inarius and Lilith right?"
"Correct," Storm said as she took up her position across the floor from Blitz. "Powers or no Powers?"
"Powers," Blitz replied, "I don't get a work out without them." As the two started their evening routine of throwing their powers at each other, among other objects that were supplied by Doug, striking and dodging and generally wrestling each other into corners. Their conversation continued as though they were doing nothing more than having tea.
"I'll give you that," Storm said as their conversation returned to the angle-demon couple, "Lilith definitely fits the description of a succubus. Even I think she looks good, and I don't think that about most people, you excepted of course."
"That has got to be the most complementary comment you've said about anyone in a while," Blitz said as he flipped out of Storm's grapple, "I think she is vain."
"Oh very much so," Storm replied, "And I visited her many a time while I was in the void during my death. She is oddly zealous to her union with Inarius, considering her being one of the Succubi queens."
"Who are the others," Blitz asked.
"Celantra," Storm said. Her response was so casual and yet so shocking that Blitz forgot to dodge a blow from her tail and got sent skidding across the room. "Oh sorry, I thought you already knew that. The other is Lilith's granddaughter Andarial."
"Celantra is one of the Succubi," Blitz repeated, "How is that even... well I guess if K is everything he claims to be then I shouldn't be surprised."
"Well I could see how you would be. Except to K, C is really not that pretty, from an attractive point of view. Her crystal scales however are something that any girl would want." Storm said.
"Oh not the wings just the scales," Blitz remarked as he got up, "Yeah that makes sense. On anyone who didn't glow from the inside they would be see through you know."
"Oh I know," Storm said, "They would be used in the same way that other species' females use low cut tops or short cut pants, reveal as much as one could without showing off everything."
"You're scandalous you know," Blitz stated.
"No just stating how scales like C's would be used by say your sister even," Storm replied as she licked him where her tail had hit him.
Blitz felt the numbing sensation that dragon saliva brought to wounds as Storm worked her way down his side, her tail strike had knocked out several scales and he could feel the stinging recede as she worked. "I always wondered about why we were taught to lick our wounds as a hatchling," He remarked, "Then I got bit, by you if I am not mistaken, and found out about the numbing sensation that our saliva brings. Not on par with Father's or K or Xavier's healing but real nice when its the dragoness you love tending to you."
"Sorry about hitting you so hard," Storm said, "But the enemy will hit just as hard if not harder."
"Oh I know," Blitz replied, "that's why I suggested we do this each night." He looked at her eyes as she came to lick him on the nose, he could smell his blood on her breath and was tempted to look back to see how much damage she had caused, but something in her eyes commanded his attention.
"Blitz what is it," Storm asked.
"I'm not sure," Blitz replied as he looked deeper into the swirling orbs of time that was Storm's eyes, "Oh... I'm looking into your eyes."
"And not having to turn away," Storm whispered as she nuzzled him, "You're the only one who can do that you know."
"I do now," Blitz said, "What changed I wonder, why can I look into your eyes now when I couldn't just a few days ago?"
"I think," Storm began, "Maybe is has to do with me. Until a few days ago, I still had doubts about why I love you... You showed me how empty those doubts were time and time again but I only resolved the issue in my mind after that last match we had. I would assume that you can look into my eyes because I am... is allowing the right word? Well its close enough, I'm allowing you in."
"After only twenty years," Blitz asked, "I figured it would take a little longer than that."
"Blitz," Storm replied, "How old are you now, and how long have I know you?"
"Hmm, ok point taken," Blitz acknowledged. As he finished speaking two figures appeared in the room causing a thunderclap as they displaced the air. One was, of course, the bearded man who had so often interposed himself into their adventures. The other was a most unique creature. It was robotic, that much was obvious from the wiring and lights that ran across its white, metal body. The long 'head' with the one eye like light on it swiveled around as it got its bearings. In its form it seemed oddly familiar to Blitz who could have sworn he had seen that type of body structure just recently.
"Storm, Blitz," The man said, "This is Legion, he is with Shepard. Now I've got to go arm wrestle three sharks while wearing bow-ties, Can't let Torgue out do me."
"Who will be wearing the bow ties you or the sharks," Legion asked in a mono-phonic electrical voice.
"Answer yes," the man replied as he was enveloped in water and then disappeared.
The three just stood in the room for a few seconds after that before Blitz asked, "Storm did you see that coming?"
"Actually no," Storm replied, "I knew that Legion joined up with us eventually but I figured he would be on Tamriel with the rest. Well Legion, Hello I'm Storm this is Blitz, you'll want to meet the rest of the Company but first let us get you to Shepard and his team, I think they are on the Normandy."
"We would appreciate that," Legion said, "The probability of these circumstances is 1*10^-100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000. Needless to say we are somewhat disoriented."
"That is a lot of zeros," Blitz remarked as he tried to even comprehend such a large number, "You actually had a probability of this happening?"
"We did," Legion replied, "It is good to know the alternatives to the current situation."
"But you actually came up with this exact set of circumstances and gave it those odds," Blitz continued.
"No we calculated the chance of us being drawn into a situation which we had not computed the odds for," Legion clarified, "Would you like to know the probability of the current situation."
"Sure why not," Storm said as they led Legion to the Hangar where the Normandy was docked.
"100%," Legion said, "These circumstances are happening and thus alternatives are at 0% possibility."
"That actually makes sense," Blitz said, "I was thinking of an answer with a lot more zeros though."
"Of course you were dear," Storm commented.
"We were informed there were other sentient constructs in your Company," Legion said, "We would like to meet them once we have reported to Shepard that we have arrived."
"Why do you say we instead of I," Blitz asked.
"Because we are Geth," Legion answered, "There are currently 10,578 active programs in this platform and many more dormant programs."
"So you are a lot of Geth in one body," Storm simplified, "How many are stored on, um, you?"
"Unknown as all of them have not been active at once," Legion replied, "The most active at one time is 100,000,000."
"How can any of you function with that many different Geth inside you," Blitz asked.
"We are Geth," Legion replied, "There is no you there is simply us."
"But you have coherent thoughts as if you were a single mind, a hive mind then," Storm analyzed.
"Very similar," Legion confirmed, "we acknowledge this analogy."
"Huh like the ultimate Duplic or Doug," Blitz mused, "I guess a thousand minds are better than one sometimes."
"This is our assessment," Legion said as they entered the hangar and looked out upon the Normandy. "Normandy, Highly advanced ship very well deigned. We give credit to the skill of the Humans and Turians who constructed it. Geth fire power is superior however."
"Yeah but how many Geth ships can cloak as they travel," Shepard said as he walked up behind them and clapped Legion on the back, "Do I even want to know how you got here?"
"We are still determining how," Legion said, "We will join you again soon after we have met with the other constructs within the Company."
"We could go with you," Tali said as she joined them, "It is good to see you again."
"Creator Tali Zora you are in danger of infection and death without your suit," Legion said his, its, voice intoning some sounds of alarm.
"Don't worry about it," Tali said, "My immune system was fixed by two of the members of Dragon Company, I'll fill you in as we walk."
"Well it seems like you three have some catching up to do," Blitz said, "Shepard you know how to find Cortana?"
"Yeah," Shepard replied, "She is either with John or with her mech."
"We will leave you to it then," Storm said, "Legion it was nice to meet you."
"We anticipate learning of your kind through this arrangement," Legion said.
"He means it was good to meet you too," Shepard added as the three headed for the trans-mat room to look for Cortana.
"So our work out got interrupted, and now we are on the other side of the ship," Blitz said with a sigh, "Our room is closer than the training area." Storm looked at him and quirked her eyebrow. "What," Blitz asked.
"Nothing,"Storm replied with a laugh, "Just thinking of something..."
They both stood in the hallway for a time before Blitz said, "Well that got weird."
"Yeah I normally have a complete thought but no, I got nothing," Storm said.
"Want to head to the Bridge and see what Arie is up to," Blitz asked.
"No I think we should go check on the Spartans," Storm said, "They have been reclusive ever since they arrived. Which is understandable but I think its time they got more talkative, or at least were more interactive with the rest of the crew."
Blitz nodded and the two headed off to find the Spartans.
Character James
"You feel who's energy," James asked the Sword of Souls again.
"Roland's," Sword said again, "You know K and C's first son."
"How can you tell," James asked.
"Same way I knew about you," Sword replied, "I have a part of his soul, after all I was used to kill him the first time."
"And who did you notice it on," James asked.
"The Siren had the strongest residual of his being," Sword said, "He like you did not know who he was though. Unlike you he didn't have his powers as you did in the Deathwing-Steward combination. Those still reside within me, however were we to run across some sort of manifestation of his presence I could be use to channel him back into existence."
"I am unsure how K or C would react, they have had a long time to deal with the loss," James mused more to himself than Sword. "We should talk to Storm, come on." Sword floated of its stand on the wall and followed him. James sent out a pulse of power to locate the Seer, her unique abilities and energy made her easy to find, she and Blitz, presumably were with a fairly large number of humans. James could tell that the Freelancers were with them since their afterlife experiences marked their energy. James followed the direction of Storm's energy until he found her and Blitz relaxing with the Freelancers and the Spartans from the Blue and Red teams.
"Hey James," York greeted.
"Hey York," James said, "You guys mind if I borrow Storm and Blitz for a bit?"
"Eh for you," Carolina said, "Sure just don't take too long, we were actually starting to relax for once."
"Whoa is that a floating sword," South asked, "That is cool."
"It can also trap a part of your soul and siphon energy out of you," James admonished as South approached Sword.
"Wait it can what," North sputtered, almost choking on his drink, "Sis keep away from that thing."
"Too late," South said as she reach out to stroke Sword.
"Hello little thing," Sword said, "few of even DC are brave enough to touch me."
"Or foolish enough," James added, "I take it you like her?"
"I do grow tired of just sitting on your wall unless you need me for things like this," Sword said, "It would be nice to get out every once and a while."
"James your answer is its ok," Storm said, "I got your question through the time wind."
"Ok see that is creepier than the floating sword," CT remarked, "I still can't believe you predicted that Rodger would lose that fight to Wash of all people."
"You should have listened to her," Blitz said, "Instead I've got free drinks from all of you for a month."
"Hey there is a sword," Caboose said.
"Yeah good to see you are up to speed," Church commented sarcastically.
"Storm," James said, "You're certain I should do this?"
"Yes," Storm said as the chatter continued between the Spartans.
"Where would I find a useable catalyst," James asked.
"On the one who loved him most," Storm replied, "Lilith the Siren."
"Not K or C," James asked surprised.
"No, he is their son and they love him dearly but Lily... well maybe she will tell you, not everyone's secrets are mine to give away."
"Master a request if I may," Sword said, "Could South accompany us? I would like to see if she would be a good candidate for my use."
"Well I can't really use you," James speculated, "If you want to, South, go for it."
"Oh I will," South said, "Blitz, Storm thanks for livening things up. The rest of you lot I'll see later."
James let South get on his back as he headed out to find Lilith, or Lily as her friends called her.
"So what are you trying to do," South asked as she played around with Sword, testing the swing and balance and such.
"To revive K and C's long departed son," James replied.
"Uh what," South asked confused, "Like when we came back with Cloak?"
"Not exactly," Sword picked up the conversation, "See I have most of Roland's essence in me. All I need to reforge him is enough of a catalyst, physical or mental, to lock onto."
"So you're like a back up drive for people," South said, "That is actually pretty sweet."
James was honestly thrown for a loop by South's thinking, he had always seen Swords power as an evil, but South's analogy was also correct... he might have to rethink some issues that he had been trying to reconcile with. But he had made his mind up about South, she definitely could have Sword, they both seemed perfectly comfortable with each other.
"Sword, follow South back after we are done with this business," James said.
"I can keep him," South asked like a little girl would ask after she had been given a puppy or kitten.
"Yes," James said with a laugh, "After we bring Roland back."
"So Roland is K and C's first kid then," South stated, "Did they have any others?"
"One other," James said cryptically as his senses drew them to the room where Lilith, Mordecai and Brick were talking, "A daughter."
"Hey guys sup," Lilith called as she saw them enter the room. Mordi and Brick turned to face them.
"Hey," South said as she jumped down from James' back with Sword in her hands.
"Nice weapon you got there," Mordecai remarked.
"Thank you," Sword said.
"Hahaha a talking sword I like it," Brick said approvingly.
"Lilith Sword needs your help," James said, "It can bring Roland back, but your remembrance of him has to be the Catalyst."
Lilith looked like she was both about to cry and had been given the best gift ever, "How do you two know of Roland, we didn't mention him to you."
"Roland, as you know him is the rest of the spirit energy that I have sealed within me," Sword answered, "He was originally K and C's son and eldest child. I killed him many universes ago by order of Turinal, now I can reforge him with your help."
"He is like a flash drive for people," South explained.
"Wait, wait, wait so Roland would be a dragon," Mordecai asked, "I mean if he really is their son."
"He could be yes," Sword said, "But it is his choice, he would still have the Leviathanical powers that he had when I sealed him in whatever form he returns in."
"Lily its Roland," Brick said, "Would it matter if he was a dragon or not?"
"No, no it wouldn't," Lilith replied, "What do you need?"
"I need you to focus on the strongest emotional memory you have of him," Sword said, "And hold it in your mind until I am finished."
James watched as Lilith closed her eyes, placing one hand on her hip and the other one on her forehead as she did so, "I've got it," she said and Sword then started to do something James never thought any being other than God could do, it forged a body and poured Roland back into it. The form was of a mid height, light brown man with huge muscles and the squarest jaw line he had ever seen, basically exactly the form he imagined Roland would have taken if he were to be human. Roland started breathing as Sword informed Lilith that she could stop concentrating, Mordecai and Brick were both slack jawed. South ran a hand through her brown hair and cocked an eyebrow at the event.
Lilith opened her eyes and just stared. Then Roland opened his eyes and looked around.
"I... what happened... Lily, Mordi, Brick," Roland said as he came back to himself. Then he must have realized that they were real and wrapped them all up in a bear hug, he kissed Lilith in the process, "How did you three get me back, the only way to do that was..." Roland let them go and turned around to face James, Sword and South. "Sword and... James is that you? Who's the girl?"
"Ah good," Sword said, "You survived the reforging process, it is after all the first time I tried it. This is South she will be my new Steward."
"Roland its good to see you again," James said as he clapped a paw around his old friend's hand. Roland's grip was just as strong as his own, Leviathan James thought as they let go.
"Roland," Lilith whispered, "You really are... are we...?" Then she returned to her normal voice, "Did you just kiss me in public?"
"Yes, dying as many times as I have, once you remember them all, tends to make you more serious about doing those things you set out to do," Roland replied, "And to be with those you love and care for."
"Man its definitely you," Mordecai said, "I can't think of anyone who could turn a moment like that into something so straight forward and unromantic."
"So are you a dragon," Brick asked, "I like dragons."
"I am Leviathan," Roland replied, "but unless my father steps in to change it I will live as a human."
"Your staying human," South said, "Carter just had his girl changed into a dragon."
"Who is Carter," Roland asked.
"Oh right," South said, "Sorry I forgot that you probably won't know everyone yet, Carter is another dragon turned Leviathan, as is Cloak, though she went from human to Leviathan."
"Raz your going to have to fill me in," Roland said, "For now though, could you tell father and mother that I am back and to come see me when they get the chance, I've got some catching up to do. And since we could all be sucked into Hell at just about any point due to the weakening of the universal walls I'll prioritize my time to be with Lily."
"Hold up the what," James asked.
"Oh right wrong aspect," Roland said, "The distance between the universes is getting smaller, when Hell gets here it will override this universe its a Realm Watcher trait, your were in the Truth Watchers if I recall."
"It sounds as if we need to talk to K," Doug said from the wall as one of his Spoors crawled into the room from the vent."
"And who are you," Roland asked, "Actually I'll talk to everyone later right now I've got my three best friends to be with one of which is the only woman I'd ever consider marrying so you all can spread the news that I am back." With that Roland literally pushed James, Sword and South out of the room.
"He always was very focused and often times rude," James said as he caught South's glare, "Ignore him once he has gotten over being back he'll be more sociable, on the up side you've got Sword now. Just be careful of how you use him."
"Fair enough," South said, "I'll head back to the rest, Sword you in?"
"After you Mistress," Sword replied.
"And I will go tell K and C," James said as the three parted ways.
Character Mordecai
James, South and the Sword left them with Roland, Roland of all people. Mordecai was still shocked by the return of their old friend but what was more disturbing was that their old friend and leader was actually the long dead son of their new leader.
"Roland, my God man what are you," Mordecai asked, "You just picked us all up like we were rag dolls."
"Yeah I may be human but I've now got my true strength back," Roland said, "Now even Brick will have to work up a sweat to spar with me."
"Haha I like it," Brick said.
"Hey Roland you should probably go see Tina," Lilith said, "I know you want to spend time with us but she was crushed by your death, I think she may have taken it worse than I did."
"Tina's here," Roland said surprised, "Your right I should go talk to her. You three should come too."
"I've got to warn you she is probably with Torgue," Mordecai said as they headed out to find their crazy, little, friend.
"Wait you mean of Torgue guns," Roland asked, "How did he get involved in all this?"
"Long story," Lily said, "Just be ready to cover your ears, he likes yelling."
"Tina and Torgue are on Torgue's ship with the crew of the Serenity," Doug informed them, "Not that I was listening in but I figured you could use some directions."
"Ok seriously," Mordecai said to the green fleshy stuff on the walls, "That is really creepy."
"I'll have K and C meet you there," Doug added after a moment, "they are both unsure of what to think about your return Roland."
"Heh That sounds like them, always over-thinking things," Roland replied, "Then again if had put some more thought into the assault on Control Core Angle I might not have got shot."
"Don't joke about that," Lilith stated.
"Hey at least you got him back," Mordecai interjected, "That is more than I can say for Bloodwing."
"Mordi if I could have brought her back you know I would have," Roland said, "She was a good friend to us all."
"Yeah member that time she dove in and saved your hid from those snipers," Brick exclaimed, "What a sight."
"Or when I snapped out of Phase-walk in front of Skagzilla and Blood came in and ripped out its eyes," Lilith remarked.
"Or how she would fetch your beer for you," Roland said to Mordecai.
"Yeah I member," Mordecai said sadly, "Damn I miss that bird..."
"Hey hunter," came a gruff voice from behind them, "On my way back to another universe I ran across this here hawk she says she is yours."
Turning around the four, former, vault hunters came face to face with a vested man in blue-jeans and with bigger muscles than even Brick had. On one of the mans shoulders sat Bloodwing who was causally cleaning her feathers. Mordecai was dumb struck but then Bloodwing said "Hi Mordi." and the next thing he knew was Brick's face as the big man stood over him and helped him up. Bloodwing was hopping around the white, hexagonal hall and Roland and Lilith were both laughing and trying to stay on their feet.
"What happened," Mordecai asked as Brick hefted him to his feet, "Where did that man go? Blood you're talking and alive... what the hell is with these people?"
"Does it matter," Lilith replied, "Because of them we've got everything Jack took from us back."
"Cept Dusty," Brick said as he flicked the shriveled paws of his two dogs the most recent one having been killed by Jack, "But there are more dogs out there, there is only on Roland and one Bloodwing."
"That is deep for you big guy," Bloodwing said, "But thanks, I am one of a kind aren't I?"
"I still can't believe that your actually talking," Mordi said as he held out his arm for Blood to land on.
"An suddenly being alive and having the ability to talk given to you by a man who was walking between universes is not unsettling at all," Blood remarked.
"Good point," Roland said as he got his deep gravely laughter under control, "You should have see how he left, that guy blew himself up."
"Ok I don't think I even want you to explain that," Mordecai said as they walked into Torgue's ship. "Ok Blood go find Tina."
Bloodwing let out a shriek and flew off to get their friend. Mordecai turned to his friends with the biggest, and goofiest grin plastered on his face. They could take pictures and frame them for all he cared at that moment, they had Roland back, Blood was back they had more friends around them than ever before and they were headed into impossible danger and untold amounts of loot and treasure. He couldn't be happier. He heard the fluttering of Blood's wings as she landed on his shoulder followed by Tina's shriek as the spastic girl pounced on Roland and hugged him. Roland helped her up onto his shoulders and Mordecai felt at that moment that everything would be ok, well that was if Roland's statement about Hell encroaching into their universes was preventable.
"Oh my God Roland its you you're back now we can play bunker and badasses, or watch movies like we used to or I can make more explosive upgrades for your turret," Tina half cried half yelled from his back as she pumped her hand in the air and yelled, "Best day ever! Oh hey Mordi where did you findz your cute birdy?"
"I found him actually," Bloodwing replied.
"I never knew birdy could talk," Tina said, "Why didn't you tell me she could talk I would have invited her over for tea!"
"Tina she couldn't talk until now," Mordecai said.
"What the - is that a talking bird, are you Roland, why is K and C here why am I the last one to be informed about stuff that happens on my own - ship," Mr. Torgue yelled as he came into the round greeting area of the ship that they six were in as K and C came in from the doors that Mordi and gang just came through a moment ago.
Roland turned around as Lilith drew closer to him and Tina waved at C then gave K a thoughtful look before waving at him too. Brick and Torgue stood next to Mordecai and Blood as they watched the interaction between the five. K picked Tina up off Roland's shoulders and set her on the ground before wrapping Roland up in a hug that lifted him off the ground and was visibly shocking to Roland. C was more gentle, motherly like to Roland and soon K waved Mordecai and the rest over, even Torgue.
"So you all are Roland's friends, well and you Torgue," K said.
"Yeah we are," Brick said.
"I am just happy to see you all have a good strong family life where the kid shows his parents some respect," Torgue said/yelled.
"Thanks for that Torgue," Mordecai said as he rubbed his ears, "So Roland these really are your parents?"
"They sure are," Roland remarked, "How's sis?"
"Oh she is fine," C replied, "She has forgotten her past but that will soon change I think, now that you are here. Just do be careful how you approach the topic."
"I hear you," Roland said, "Speaking of touchy subjects know how I never found a good woman..."
"Yes," K said, "Don't worry we have a much larger family now."
"Oh I'm sure," Roland said, "But I'd like you to meet Lilith even if you already have. Why, because Lily you're the one."
Mordecai thought that for a moment Lilith would cry or laugh of something but instead she just smiled and said, "I know," as she put a hand on her hip.
"A Siren," K said, "Fitting that, considering."
"Considering what," C said, "You didn't even know Lilith here until just a little while ago?"
"Ever wonder what happened to the male Sirens," K remarked, "I'll give you a hint he is old and his name starts with K."
C flinched and everyone backed up except Torgue who was busy playing a guitar solo with his mouth before saying, "Plot twist! And it was dramatically revealed that the father of Roland was also the mass murder that killed every male Siren after the vaults were locked up and the Prothians were set up as the rulers of the galaxy! And I know this stuff because I listen to to many books on tape during my workouts! Protean shakes!"
Everyone's attention shifted from K to Torgue who was standing in the middle of them all in a very muscular pose. "Well that helps ease the tension I think," Derrial said as he walked into the room from the side door that leads to the sleeping areas, "I was going to ask you to try and keep it down since we are trying to sleep, but seeing as this is a touchy situation I'll just leave you to sort it out. Torgue Mal also wishes me to convey his thanks for allowing the Serenity to berth in your hangar."
"You are welcome," Torgue yelled then in a whisper, "Oh crap I forgot I was supposed to stop yelling."
"Mordi is anyone else here except me sane," Bloodwing asked.
"Maybe Blood-Raven," Mordecai replied, "Though she is a demoness."
"Her name sounds like mine," Blood remarked in her shrill voice, "I'll have to meet her."
Mordecai chuckled as he and Blood bid good night to the others and headed off to their room. They conversed on the way and as usual got distracted so that an hour later they were in the main dining hall and Mordecai was throwing bits of bacon into the air for Blood to snatch up. It was while they were so occupied that Grif, go figure, entered the hall.
"Oh hey," Grif said as he walked in, "Your Mordecai right? I was asleep during the introductions."
"Yeah we pick up on that," Mordecai said, "Yup I'm Mordecai or Mordi if you like nicknames. That is Bloodwing."
Bloodwing landed on the Spartan's helmet which was set on the table as she greeted Grif with a, "Hello."
"A talking hawk," Grif stated, "Can she fetch beer?"
"You bet she can," Mordecai replied, "Food too if she is feeling generous."
"Or not full of bacon bits," Blood added as she hopped to Mordecai's shoulder.
"Go get you a snack and come sit with us," Mordecai invited, "I've got a question or two to ask."
Grif nodded and headed of to grab a 'snack'. The platter he returned with could have fed half of the city of Sanctuary for a week if it had been rationed properly.
"Man that's what you call a snack," Mordecai asked as the massive plate of food was set before them.
"No this is the warm up to the snack," Grif answered as he bit into a fried chicken leg, "So you wanted to ask me something?"
"Yeah on the way here we came across a big orange frog of some kind," Mordecai said, "What is up with that?"
"Oh the mallow frogs," Grif said through a hunk of bread, "Those are Tom's creation. Living marshmallow frogs that can even reproduce, its freaky but they taste awesome."
"Tom... that is the necromancer right," Mordecai remarked, "He seems to be as crazy as we are if not more so."
"He is probably the craziest of us all," Grif said as he finished off a doughnut, "You can probably find him with Xarle and Blood-Raven if you want to get the real story behind those frogs."
"I would like to meet this Blood-Raven," Bloodwing said, "If they are going to be in the same area we could make one trip to answer our many questions."
"You can probably find them over by the motor-pool," Grif supplied.
"Thanks man," Mordecai said as he and Blood headed out of the kitchen to find Tom and Blood-Raven.
"Now where is the motor-pool," Bloodwing asked.
"Follow me if you would," Doug said as one of the spoor Flood forms scurried past them. Mordi and Blood looked between Doug and each other before following. They were led through the underbelly of the ship to get to the motor-pool, Doug all the while informed them of the ship, its functionality, where he had improved upon it and so on. Mordecai could tell that they were getting near their destination when he heard Scooter's voice along with four others talking about vehicles.
"Thanks Doug I think we've got it from here," Mordecai said.
Doug acknowledged by sending the spoor off down one of the many air vents that he used throughout the ship. Mordecai and Blood walked into the vehicle shop to see Scooter, and three others gathered around a tank and all of them talking about engines. Of the three other people in the room only one looked normal-ish, Tom, with his white, red tipped, hair and general lack of demonic mutations. The other two, Blood-Raven and Xarle were still as out of place in the motor-pool as the two were any where. With the demonic spikes and skin and eyes and all. The forth voice however was the most surprising since it belonged to the tank.
"We seem to have visitors," the tank said.
"Huh oh hey Mordi, whoa is that Bloodwing? How did you get her back," Scooter said as he turned around to see them.
"Where did you find a talking tank," Bloodwing replied.
"The bird can talk," Blood-Raven remarked, "You failed to mention that."
"She couldn't talk until just now," Mordecai said.
"So what brings you two here," Tom asked.
"Probably the mallow-frogs," the tank supplied.
"Yeah Sheila is probably right those things are weird," Scooter said.
"Not as cool as the mine turtles though," Tom said.
"Ok that's more than I think I want to know about," Mordecai said, "Blood you got any thing?"
"Blood-Raven looks different than I thought she would," Bloodwing remarked, "Demon indeed."
"Wait the bird is named Blood, is it the same Bloodwing that he had in your stories Scooter?" Xarle asked.
"Sure is," Tom said, "Let me guess a rugged man in a vest and with a lot of hair brought her back to you right?"
"Yeah you know him," Mordecai said.
"Sure do," Tom said, "He was instrumental in helping me finish the mine turtle project."
"Should I ask," Mordecai said to the group. His answer was a resounding no, with the exception of Xarle who added maybe.
"This is K," K's voice crackled across the ship's comm, "We are heading out to Tamerial to pick up Delta and company then to Kirkwall to fix a time wound, go through a portal into another universe and go head to head against the darkness. Everyone get ready for the fight of a lifetime cause we are heading into it."
"Ha seems like there is no rest for the wicked tonight," Mordecai said as he raised his bottle to K's announcement, "Here's to hunting, looting, and getting rich."
"Yeah you know I'd raise a mug if I had one," Scooter said.
"Well if your willing to share," Sheila the tank said, "there are some glasses over by the wielder."
Xarle got the glasses, Mordecai filled them up before tossing the bottle and they raised their drinks in anticipation of the coming weeks.