Chapter 9: Off time in the Base

Author Note: Decided to make this chapter a bit of a cooldown since the last chapter...despite the time it took to get it here. Anyways despite it being the cooldown after the big battle some developments will still happen here. Also some interesting interactions and the like. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off.

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

"*Sigh* He never can go a major battle without nearly dying, can't he? Just like him to worry me and Isabelle…" I was ranting to myself as I made my way to the medical wing of the Sphinx. News traveled fast that the warlord Trimongulis was defeated by Nacho and his forces morale and strength weakened. I also helped by dismantling his home base when he was away, which wasn't an easy job. Plenty of defenses and surveillance to go around putting Johan and I to the test. It was only towards the end any alarms were raised, but by then it was already too late for them.

Still, the news that he was heavily injured from his battle and was transported to the mobile base for medical attention worried me. Isabelle was the first to call me and tell me mid transit that he is alive and recovering. Recovering at a steady pace as she told me his body was regenerating the damaged parts of his body. Petri herself was amazed and was closely examining him, which makes me worry about his privacy. Then again, he needed to get a physical examination anyways. My determination to see him and give him a piece of my mind didn't leave me much time to remove all my equipment.

Reaching the medical wing and the examination room. Pushing the doors open, I was met with the sight of a nearly fully recovered Nacho. Stripped of his gear and looking uncomfortable as Petri was prodding at one of his still recovering wounds. Isabelle was supervising and looked like she said her peace based on the slap mark and kiss mark on Nacho's face. The man of the hour noticed me and sweated a bit.

"H-Hi Ankh's…you here to slap and kiss me too? After an earful…"

I sighed as I walked up to him, grabbed him by the ear and pulled him close, "I think Isabelle made it clear for the both of us. Still though I am not happy that you nearly died again. Not only does that reflect poorly for the rest of the army, but of course Isabelle and I love you and will worry for your safety. That aside, you need to be more careful. I don't care if you can regenerate the damage. I experienced it before, and it's no mean a free pass to act reckless. Am I clear?"

"Y-Yes dear…"

I kissed him on the cheek, "Good, to make up for it. You shall give me and Isabelle massages. I expect you to meet in our private quarters later at five."

"Will do…" he gave a small laugh which put a smirk on my face. Turning my attention to Petri who hasn't stopped poking at Nacho's wound. I moved in and held her arm to keep it from her repetitive action.

"Doctor…are you done with your examination?"

"Oh, well before he wonderfully regenerated the damage in front of my eyes. Nacho was incredibly burnt with Hell Fire and took a large axe to the ribs. Needless to say, it wasn't pretty but apparently it looked worse before he came here. Honestly, he would be dead many times over if he was a normal human being. I wasn't even able to give him a thorough examination of his bodily system. Well, I wasn't given the green light until you arrived ma'am. Captain's orders," Petri adjusted her glasses, but I caught a glimpse of her narrowed eyes at Isabelle.

"Isabelle?"

She crossed her arms, "She can proceed now, but we are supervising Ankha."

"Alright, doctor you may start when you are ready."

Petri smiled as she cracked her fingers, "Finally! Up on your feet mister time to give you a physical!"

Nacho gulped upon hearing this, but Isabelle and I grasped his hand to give him a reassuring squeeze. We followed him into another room filled with all you expect to find for a physical. The room is bigger though by Petri's request and has some extra equipment from her lab. Machinery that I have yet to be familiar with.

"Alright just stand right on that designated spot big guy. First things first, your physical appearance…Ankha and Isabelle can you please step to the side?"

We did as she said while keeping an eye on her. In quick motion Petri wasted no time examining Nacho closely. Examining every feature of his body and structure which intrigued her. Especially the non-human bits that is his wings, tail, and his tentacles that she had to ask him to pull out.

"Now this is something else…you are a unique specimen. Reptilian, mammalian, and whatever else not listed on normal earth animal database. I mean you have a sword for a tail and can generate tentacles out of your back. I like to know how you are making those things because…"

The mouse woman pulled out a remote and pressed a button. Causing a machine to pop out and spin around Nacho. Green light emitted from it and scanned his entire body in a few minutes. Petri was whistling the entire time and upon completion of the body scan she pressed the button again to return the machine back to its compartment. Afterwards she brought up a screen that showed the entirety of Nacho's body.

"Hmm…he looks healthy based on the scan," I pointed out as I examined the recordings.

"Yeah, this was to check his general appearance and his innards…" She switches the image from the muscular system to what would be the skeletal system, but instead was met with a blurred image filled with what look like crimson swirling clouds, "Okay what the heck…this is new for me."

Petri switched the image to other internal views but was met with the same results. Personally, I was quite astonished by this, "What in the world is this? Is something in Nacho is interfering with the scan images?"

"Except for his muscular structure," Isabelle pointed out, "It says his muscles are quite dense and strong…like way beyond a normal human. Which I guess we shouldn't be surprised about."

Nacho sheepishly scratched his head, "Well I did rip out a large boulder out the side of a mountain before…and took on a physically powerful warlord…"

Petri seems to focus in on Nacho, "Give me your arm big guy." Nacho complied with her request and gave it a good squeeze around his biceps and forearm, "Okay now flex for me."

Isabelle and I watched on with mild interest as Nacho followed her request and surprised her by the denseness of it, "I take it you found something out?"

"I'll say! When relaxed his muscles feel firm yet not too hard. Yet when he flexes them, they become quite dense and hard! Oooo! That is interesting! I take you two knew this before I did, right?"

Isabelle blushed a bit, but I just closed my eyes with a smile, "Yes, we did. He makes a wonderful pillow."

I looked over to Nacho who blushed red himself. Petri herself looked at me with a wry smile, "Yes, what every girl needs. An apocalyptic engine of destruction as a body pillow. Hehe, in all seriousness I envy you ladies. Still though I wonder about that crimson fog that was interfering with his internal images. I may need to study that further, but for now we must check your weight big guy."

"I believe a large scale is in order for him. I estimate him to at least weight 2 tons at least…is what I would say if there wasn't something I noticed before."

"Um…what do you mean Ankha?" Isabelle asked confused.

"Just think about what happened in our personal quarters and it will make sense. As for you doctor, just bring out the scale and you will see what I mean."

"Okay now I just got to know what this is all about…" Petri clicked a button and a large scale appeared out of the floor, "Alrighty just step on this, and we will see just how heavy you are."

Nacho shrugged and stepped onto the scale. I flickered to life and numbers started appearing on the scale. After a few seconds the numbers stopped, and the final weight is shown. My suspicions were confirmed as Isabelle and Petri jumped in surprise. The weight displayed is two hundred and fifteen pounds or roughly ninety-eight kilograms.

Nacho looked down at his weight and stared, "Now that can't be right…"

"Oh! Right! Now I know what you mean Ankha. If he was super heavy, he would have broken the bed!" Isabelle exclaimed.

"Okay are either of you going to explain how this seven foot muscular beast of a man only weighs two hundred and fifteen pounds? Because this doesn't make any sense to me," Petri exclaimed as she already got a pen a notebook out.

"Nacho tell me, does that weight look familiar to you?" I asked my love as he took a moment to think.

"Wait…that was my weight when I was still human! Why do I have the same weight when I was human?" Nacho began to ponder for a moment, but it seems a switch flipped in his head, "Hold on…it can't be that…right?"

"You tell us Nacho, what is it?"

"Hold on…" I bear witness to Nacho focusing onto himself and suddenly it felt like there was a shift in gravity and I heard the stressing of metal, "Okay that should do it…wow, holy…"

Looking at the weight change. Nacho's weight jumped from his normal human weight to 2.5 tons. Surprising Petri who was already wondering how Nacho accomplished such a feat that defied science, "Gravity shifted! Your mass changed to reflect that and and and…"

"Whoa whoa slow down Petri. I have…innate gravity control. I guess I was using it the entire time to change my weight. In this case accidently…I must have just remembered myself at my human weight and ran with it. Now that I think about it, I am glad I didn't catch this until now. I doubt many of the rides I got would have broken from it."

I laughed a little to myself, "Well now that you are aware Nacho. Please keep in mind when you walk around. I hate to see incident reports just from your weight alone."

Petri was beaming, "Innate control over personal gravity…now that is fascinating! So in theory you can shift your weight to any variable?"

"Ahem…Petri, the rest of the physical please? We don't exactly have time to go over everything unique about Nacho," Isabelle said as she pointed to her watch.

"Ugh…fine…but I want to know more later. My field of study salivates at studying a specimen like him."

"*Sigh* As your captain I say you can do that later. Also, nothing invasive please…"

"You're no fun. Alright time for a blood sample," Moving through a drawer she pulled out a new unused needle meant for rhino folk. It's a sizable needle but meant to penetrate tough hides. I saw Nacho flinch a bit, but Isabelle and I comforted him and allowed Petri to take the shot. Taking a decent sized sample, "That's good, can't wait to study this. I would ask for your blood pressure, but we don't got anything for your size."

"Is that it then?" I asked.

"Just a few basic tests and one major one," In quick order she checked Nacho's head and heart rate, both are normal as it can get with Nacho. Petri commented that his heart does beat a bit oddly, but healthily. She checked his lungs, and not only do they sound large, but Nacho's air capacity must be large as well considering the deep breath he took, "Okay here comes the last one. The one I was looking forward to. Drop your drawers big guy!"

*What?!* I found myself shouting with both Isabelle and Nacho in synch upon hearing her request.

"Ow, what is the big deal? You heard me, drop whatever you are using as underwear and let me check your privates!"

"Absolutely not!" I shouted that is an invasion of personal space there.

"Y-Yeah! You aren't allowed to touch…there," Isabelle added.

"Especially after saying you were looking forward to it…" Nacho nervously said as a sweat drop rolled from his head.

"Hey, it's not a big deal. Its part of a physical, only doctors are allowed to do this."

I glared daggers at her, "Trusted doctors…and last I checked you're a scientist. We only trusted you up to this point because biology is one of your fields, and we too are curious about his body. However, I think it would be crossing a line."

"So you say, but science dictates all functions of a species must be explored. That includes his family making package and the family making batter. You never know if there is something in the baby batter, we aren't aware of. Or on him in general."

Sighing, I knew she had a point. To understand's Nacho's physique and internal functions, THAT, has to be studied as well. For more than one reason since…our last romp. Perhaps a middle ground can be reached here for the sake of knowledge. However, it's only if Nacho's comfortable with the idea and has Isabelle's approval.

Despite my thoughts, Nacho spoke out, "Well…that is a good point, but no way in hell I am letting you getting near me. But…" He looks to me and Isabelle, "I think we can come to a compromise."

I smiled, "It would seem you took the words out of my mouth, love."

Petri eyes widen as her interest piqued, "Oh? This sounds interesting…tell me what you have in mind?"

"If the captain is okay with it. Nacho is suggesting that Isabelle and I would do this part ourselves in our own time. Not only is this more optimal as we are his girlfriends, but it keeps his comfort in mind."

"I-I'm okay with th-this idea!' Isabelle added, taking a deep breath as she ignored the blush on her face, "As captain I endorse this idea fully."

Nacho looked around a bit surprised but sheepishly scratched the back of his head, "I guess that's that then. Easy solution to this problem."

Petri had a sinister looking smirk as she adjusted her glasses again, "I see…I am sure you three aren't looking for an excuse to get your rocks off again. Still though if the data is recorded it should be fine. All I need is confirmation of his private area being healthy and a sample of his junk spunk."

She walked over and picked up a sample container and a clip board with papers that is meant to hold recorded information on this subject, "Just take this and record the necessary information. Just…don't forget about it when you get around to doing it. The longer we don't know the more possible dangers might be lurking under our noses."

I take the clip board and container. The latter of which is quite sizable for the task at hand, "I am not going to ask what goes on in that head of yours to consider a container of this size."

"What can I say? Big guy, presumed bigger load, by the way, can I record you guys doing the act? For scientific reasons."

*No!* all three of us shouted to her.

Adjusting her glasses she dropped her eccentric tone and took a more professional one, "I suppose it was stupid to ask with you three. Anyways, I just need two more things and I can let you go, say ah big guy."

Nacho did as she asked as he lowered himself. Quickly taking a q-tip and swabbing his mouth to get a saliva sample. Putting that away into a container to be studied she then asked for some scales from his wing. Nacho just shrugged as he scraped some scales off and put them into a bag she provided. Very quickly new scales grew in to replace the lost ones. Nacho's regeneration is something to marvel at.

"Thank you, this will keep me busy for a while. Though please don't take too long with that other sample."

"We'll try to give it to you in a timely matter," I said with slight annoyance that this woman is really the best in her field for the job.

"Preferably before another war campaign gets started. With that said, you three are free to go. Now go away."

Our business concluded we left the examination room. Leaving Petri to her own devices, I handed the container to Isabelle and I went through the documents on the clipboard. During this Nacho changed his weight back to his human one to avoid overstressing the floor. I sighed as of course it was more than just the general health of Nacho's privates. Asking for various info I cannot say out loud. Was not expecting to deal with this when getting back from a mission. Isabelle is going to call for a debriefing soon and just tells me to put away the items in our quarters. I told them to go on ahead and I will catch up in no time. They agreed as we split off from one another.

In my lonesome carrying the obscene request of Petri. I closed in to the captain quarters but was stopped by another feline. Olivia, the right-hand woman of Mason.

"I see Petri placed the dirty work into your hands."

"It was either that or letting her violate Nacho's privacy. This was the best compromise we can come to."

"Of course, who else but the beast's lovers to get the dirty deed done?"

"You aren't one for idle talk. Say your peace instead of beating around the bush."

"Fine, I'll be frank with you. Much of the crew on the Sphinx still don't trust Nacho. Which I am not surprised because he is a walking biohazard waiting to happen. We all read the files, the ones you provided about the beast so we can prepare ourselves. That includes how he reacted when you or the captain is in danger. That tells me his loyalty is only with you and not the coalition."

I sighed, this isn't the first time I heard of this concern, "Nacho is still a registered member of I.G.M.A.D.A. he is in this as the rest of us. Regardless of his relationship with me and the captain."

"So you say, but here you are trying to figure out how his body works. Mason's inventions are more reliable and stable in comparison. He has been making great strides in keeping our forces armed and geared up. More than that beast who I heard nearly died to the first warlord."

"It is true Mason is one of the main components that keeps this army afloat and up to date. However, Nacho I know for sure can help end this war with the dark gods. He just needs time to regain his strength and I know his reputation inspires fear, but he really is a good man at heart. People just need to give him a chance to see that side of him."

"To let the beast who would have led the apocalypse regain his strength. Yeah, doesn't sounds like a great idea to the uninformed."

"Just have some faith, Olivia. I am done having to reiterate myself to people like yourself."

"Faith didn't save my town from being destroyed in the great apocalyptic storm. I deal in facts and sureness. That animal you call a boyfriend is going to prove to be liability one day and the rest of us will have to clean the mess up."

"I'll make sure that day never comes. Now if you excuse me, I need to drop these things your perverted lover handed to me off."

Olivia shook her head at me as she walked away. I just took a calming breath as I completed my task. I am not sure why she decided to harass me today. Olivia always seems to have it out for me. A one-sided rivalry I consider it and she was among those who voted against the idea of recruiting Nacho for our cause. As I came to learn, she was a rising star in her neck of the woods. Not only having a talent for music but for fashion as well. However, the elegant cat's dreams came to a halt when Ragnarök came and changed everything. Her hometown was destroyed, and she found herself having to survive on her own for a time. Mason was the one who found and rescued her from her predicament. Using his knowledge, he was able to churn out equipment specific to her. Give her the ability to fight back and stand on her own.

It's no wonder she places great faith in Mason's abilities. My association with Nacho as his lover and vouching for him put me in her crosshairs. I hold no ill will towards her, but she is certainly draining to talk to. In a weird way reminds me of one of my sisters. I…can't dwell on that now. Isabelle and Nacho are expecting me.

/

The travel time to the meeting room wasn't too long. I made haste to make it as soon as I can. Making it in no time at all as I was greeted by all the familiar heads and my lovers. I stood next to them as the debriefing started. Isabelle taking the stand.

"It is time for a campaign report. I must say this is one of the faster campaigns we have had so far. Because in short, Trimongulis the warlord terrorizing the area has been defeated and sent fleeing. In addition, with the help of Ankha's and Johan's respective squads their home base has been destroyed. As a result of these major blows, his remaining forces have lost morale. Making it easier to clean up what is left. Freya, your report."

"Thank you, ma'am, my men and I managed to deal much damage in our advancements. The enemy is not to be estimated despite a majority of their forces being melee focused. Their magic users can easily decimate positions if not managed correctly. Their Typhon whelps are not a joke despite being incomplete monsters. Those monsters can take much punishment and require more tactical use of firepower to be dealt with."

"I see, Mason can your team make some recommendations on ammunition types against these whelps? It will help our army going forward."

Mason nodded, "It will be done captain."

"Thank you, Cracker jack your report?"

Despite being a meeting room. The soldier who goes by that name refused to remove their helmet or drop their call sign. Regardless they stood up, "Thank you ma'am. I am happy to report that the beast is not a liability. He proved to be a great asset in many encounters and reduced casualties on our side to near zero. Opposing enemy units that would have proven troublesome he taken them down in no time. Even frightening off a large force of enemies with his display of power. There is still much for him to learn working together in war. However, he has my vote of confidence in reliability."

"There is also the matter of the liberated slaves, and the mine Bob pointed you towards."

"Yes, the slaves made up of minotaurs of a different tribe opposing Typhon's rule. The kobolds are extra labor hands that are experts in sniffing out minerals. While the expected metals were found. We found Mythril in the mine as well, however Trimongulis was not using it for his army. It must have been supplied to the other warlord directing him."

"I see, Nacho anything on your end you want to say?"

Nacho took a breath, "Welp honestly Crackerjack says it best. There is still plenty of me to learn in fighting in a war setting. Though I will admit there was a part of me that was excited in taking on so many enemies at once. I will, however, try to avoid being reckless in the future. Even though I succeeded in sending Trimongulis running. I didn't win decisively either. I will do better in the next campaign."

There was some mumbling among the heads and those allowed inside. My ears twitched a bit as I picked up an even number of doubts and praise for the beast's efforts. The latter also pointed out that Nacho recovered from his wounds very quickly. Despite suffering the same amount of damage he dealt to the warlord.

"Finally, we have Ankha and Johan with their behind enemy lines operations that help crumble much of the enemy defensive lines. In addition to dismantling the warlord's main base while he was gone. Crippling his hold around these lands. Ares and the Greek Hellenistic army should be able to take back those lands again. Anything to say you two?"

I was the first to step forward, "It certainly was a tough and long mission for us. We did manage to assess in Trimongulis base that he was taking orders from the higher chain of command. Androsphx the sphinx warlord, based on Nacho's findings he is the recipient of the mythril ore in the mine. Now that he is cut off from his supply here, we may drag his attention towards us. I suggest we be careful moving forward as his territory is beyond the Ladon warlord territory. At least based on the documentation discovered."

Johan stepped forward to continue what I said, "Androsphx has been roughly described by Trimongulis as 'smart' though he held disdain towards him in the letters. Considering he is more brawn than brains I assume his sibling is the other way around. Mind you we are still dealing with the bottom rung of the warlords. I would like to suggest that we scout him as soon as possible when we are within range of his lands."

"We can discuss that later Johan," Isabelle said as she cut in, "Until then let's continue the debriefing as normal."

"Yes ma'am."

/

There was some questions and deliberation afterwards that lasted about half an hour. Overall, I would say things went well as Nacho and I left the room. Isabelle says she will catch up as soon as she deals with her remaining tasks. Until then we retired to our personal quarters to just relax. Well, I did on the bed while Nacho just sat on the floor.

"Never a dull moment with things as they are. Are you sure that you are okay Nacho? It sounded like a painful experience you went through. All the injuries you sustained wasn't exactly light…"

"Honestly, Ankha I never really thought about it. My mind is always elsewhere when I get hurt. I mean this isn't the first time I was horribly mangled, just the first time I healed pretty fast from it."

"Ugh, don't remind me. You nearly gave me a heart attack every time it happens to you."

'S-Sorry, I am really trying to avoid worrying you and Isabelle. I honestly don't get how I find myself in those situations. Nearly dying and all that."

"It's alright Nacho," I reached over and grabbed his hand. Giving it a reassuring squeeze like he done for me before, "It really is."

"Ankha…if you don't mind me asking…have you experienced near death before? I mean you lived for a long time, and I thought being chosen immortal also gave you the benefit of not dying easily."

I sighed, "I…have, it isn't a pleasant feeling. Especially for chosen immortals as we cannot die conventionally. However, it doesn't save us from feeling the hands of death creep up on us. My…first brush with near death was an arcane shot to the head. A betrayal I wasn't expecting back then. It was quick and the next thing I knew I was on the ground. My vision unblinking while all I could see was blurred. My sensation of touch numbed briefly and overall, I felt like a puppet whose strings were cut. My body was only cold for a moment before I felt heat rush through. My senses returned and the damage done completely healed. I made sure the one who did that was paid back in full," memories of that incident flashed before me. It was unpleasant but I long since dealt with the trauma of it.

"I…wow…sorry I asked. That must have been traumatic for you. Feeling the sensation of dying."

"It was for a time…I managed to get over it. Still, it's something I would avoid whenever possible. Which is why I am amazed that you recover from such experiences relatively well."

"I guess you can say that. Though there is one difference…I never felt cold when I hit those near brushes with death Ankha."

I looked at him incredulously, "You don't?"

"It isn't because I got scorched with fire either. To be frank with you Ankhs…my experiences, I never actually stopped to think about or dwell on. As I told you before my mind is usually elsewhere. Like something is driving me forward…I never felt numb to the pain either. I feel everything like I'm still alive. It sounds hellish but it's true even now with my last battle. It's like my last fire is still pushing to finish the job before I burn out."

"Burn out…like when you pass out when it's all over?"

"Yeah, what happens after that I never know. I am usually just lucky to have friends and allies pick me up and make sure I am safe."

"Indeed…though my turn to be daring. Do…you remember your first death, love? As Bladeius I mean…"

"As mentally impossible as it sounds…I do. I can even recall how I felt at the time if I focus on it hard enough."

"You…don't need to it Nacho if you don't want to. I hate for you to relive your original demise."

"It's fine Ankha. As Bladeius, I remember my final moments were in a grand battle. I was aged and yet I still found myself defending Egyptapia from invaders. It was grueling and as it raged on my body was pushed to its limits. Arrows, sword cuts and bleeding wounds before it came to a head when spears impaled me. I knew then…my time was limited and that was the first time I felt it. My last fire of life pushing me forward. I was a dead man, but I wasn't going to leave the battle unfinished. I killed those who made my life fleeting and when everything was done. I could only feel pride as I heard the invaders retreated. We won and with that my fire burnt out and I finally died. Tired, sleepy and at peace knowing the country that took me in was defended. I had regrets sure, but I made sure the time I had left counted."

"By Ra's feathers…you were always like this…"

"I guess so…the soul works in weird ways I assume in the reincarnation process. But…I don't plan on repeating that again. If my current track record of near death is anything to go by. I sometimes surprise myself frankly."

I sighed, "I worry that one of these days its going to stick…Nacho your soul has lived two lives, and you are the third. I don't think you'll get that chance again should you die for real."

"I know…but I am doing what I can to make sure I don't die. So, I can come back to you and Isabelle. You two mean the world to me and I'll do whatever it takes just to make sure you are okay."

I laughed a bit, "You are a miracle worker in some ways Nacho. I recall you ripping a hole in the walls of reality to reach Isabelle. So, I believe you when you say that."

"You still look bothered though."

"It's the fact I cannot be there next to you. To both reassure me and doubly make sure you come back well."

"I assume Isabelle is the same way?"

"More than you realize, but being the captain of this mobile base really chained her to her position. I do not envy her, she told me how badly she wanted to join us on the field to fight and showcase her growth. Especially to you Nacho."

"Isa…"

I felt his hand gently squeeze mines as we shared a moment in silence. Eventually breaking as the door to the quarters opened and in came the canine in question. Looking tired and seeking a break from her work.

"I uh…didn't interrupt anything did I?"

Nacho smiled, "No we were just talking. I assume work was hard on you Isa?"

"Yeah…though its not like I'm not used to it already. I wish I had the same time to give just to be sitting alone with you like Ankha gets to do."

"We'll make time Isa, I swear it. Though I recall I was given a punishment…would you girls love a massage to work out the stress?"

Isabelle and I looked at him with a smile, "We would love that, Nacho." With a little focus from me, I cast the love nest spell on the door, and we entered it to have a more appropriate place for the massage.

Despite his changed body, his fingers still worked their magic on our fatigue. He really gave us the full treatment I swear it was like a small spa day. We should repay him when the chance presents itself. Until then this was a nice way to wrap up a day.

/

Olivia's P.O.V.

"So, what the results on the samples you collected, Petri?" I strolled into Petri's lab. Curious what she was able to gleam from the beast.

The lab mouse looked at me with a sinister smile I am all too familiar with. She gets that way when she is excited with what she found, "Oh my dear Olivia I learned so so much from this. What we have in this base is a pure biological anomaly the likes of science never studied before. His blood? It's a mix of all known blood types. His wing scales? Light enough to as a biological spread if he wanted to. His spit? Well, nothing special. What all share is they share the same pathogen in all of them. Its like he is the pathogen incarnate."

"So that reaffirmed the legends…and questioning why we are letting him roam this base."

"It's truly a lapse in judgment I'll say, but here is the kicker. He is simply not carrying one virus."

I took a dead serious look, "Explain."

"He is carrying multiple strains. From his blood and his scales, I discovered that both viruses on them are similar, but are built differently. You see his scales hold traces of a virus that causes weakening in the infected. As I tested on some lab animals. Its purpose is to debilitate prey. Making it easier to hunt. His blood though…it is carrying the primal strain. The ground zero so to speak, but by itself it seems inert. When I gave it to a test subject…"

She points to a cage, and I had to hold myself from gagging as there was a malformed corpse inside, "What…the…hell…"

"I had to put the poor thing out of its misery. They suffered multiple mutations to their body, all of it unstable. Not to mention random traits would just pop out without warning. It can never settle on one thing. This is not the same stuff we found in…the Veil Touched."

"So, it must have been a different strain…"

Petri nodded, "Can't be anything else. However, I do theorize that the beast can manifest any strain, possibly new ones. I am still missing a sample though just to be sure."

"That one being?"

"His reproductive sample. I would have got it sooner, but his girlfriends were very insistent they do it themselves. Oh well though…"

"Speaking of them…have you found out why they are immune?"

Petri pulled out a file and placed it on the table, "They are a unique case when I compared notes. Blood samples I have gotten from them earlier before we got this campaign started show traces of an inert virus in their system. One that has bonded with their immune system. They are essentially carriers, but it seems the virus in their system is of mutual benefit. Attacking any other pathogens with startling efficiency. However, how it interacts with the beast himself I am uncertain."

"So, what you are saying is they could be under the beast's influence for all we know."

"It's easy to think that when you know little. Worse case scenario and all that, but I don't think that's a possibility. Considering I just saw both of them reprimand their boyfriend for nearly dying. Its safe to say their cognitive faculties are still their own."

"That's relieving to hear at least. Still though, Mason is wondering if there is a way to combat this virus and by extension the beast itself."

"You mean other than what Ankha and Isabelle told us? I am afraid there is no…method at the present to combat the beast and his virus directly. We still need more information before a proper answer to defeating the beast presents itself. I will probably sneak some more samples when I can out of those three."

"Alright, I will inform Mason about the progress then. The coalition wouldn't have trusted this task with anybody else but us three. So, its best we get results as soon as we can. We will be heading towards Ladon warlord's territory next and with it a clear view of the Veil zone in the region."

"Ah yes that one…the one we lost many expeditions to. I do wonder how the beast will interact with that…if at all."

"Only one way to find out. Until then, keep doing what you do best with your intelligent gnoggin of yours."

"Oh please, don't be such a flatterer," She removes her glasses to reveal her own beautiful face to match my own. I am still surprised that Petri can instantly change her appearance by removing her glasses. With them on she looks nerdy or stereotypically like a scientist. Without them, you would think she was a different person. Beauty and brain with some eccentricity mixed in.

I leaned and gave her a quick peck. She returns it in kind, but gave me two.

"The other is for Mason, make sure he gets it pussycat."

"I'll make he will," I gave her a light slap to her rear with my tail before I walked away in stride. Petri's surprise yelp was replaced with mild shouting's of calling me a tease. I didn't care as it was just the games we played with each other. Regardless I am happy at least with the knowledge we learn so far. The sooner we can develop counter measures against the beast the better it will be for the rest of the world.