Supernatural: Chronicles of the Order 10
Chapter 42: Dude, Where's My Prophet?
(DISCLAIMER: No, I don't own Supernatural because it belongs to Eric Kripke and Warner Bros. So, enjoy the show! Rated M for graphic violence, adult content, and adult language.)
Guido had been spending his time reading the flash cards as he was starting to get used to what got put in front of him. After spending a few days in Kolinahr, he was back home at the villa as he was still reading the flash cards that were written in Enochian. Even though he was yet another prophet of the Lord, he wasn't too thrilled in accepting his new role as he put away the flash cards and left the sitting room to get a bit of fresh air. When he spotted me returning with some of the children coming, he was ready to make a break of looking at the flash cards as he rushed towards the trail to the canal. He was getting fed up with what he was going through as he deserved a much-needed break from looking at various flash cards, for it was something that he wanted to do for a long time.
By the time he reached the canal, he decided to take a much-needed dip as he took off his shirt while digging into his pocket for some sunblock that he had. By the time he applied some on in order to prevent sunburn, he was more than likely to be swimming into the canal as he wasn't about to be steeped further in looking at flash cards. He was mainly having a little fun after spending a few days in Kolinahr reading at the flash cards that were put in front of him. What he didn't expect was that Drusus was there as he was also enjoying the day in which he also had to get away from the usual bustle, for he was wanting more fun and less nagging from his pursuers.
"It's gonna be a hot one," he said as he took off his shirt and applied sunblock to prevent burning.
"You really got it easy," said Guido as he was ready to take a dip.
"At least I have boundaries after being chased by those angels who keep tabs on me."
"Well, I've been stuck reading flash cards as if I'm in kindergarten."
"We have a whole day to ourselves 'cause Sam's been busy helping out with the kids. As for what we can find near Trujillo land, there's a cool spot someplace where everyone comes and goes when it comes to going deeper into the water."
"What are you talking about?"
"There's a lake that's vast and wide in which it's also south of this region of Dunedain. It's down south, but it's in a desert in which the sands are white while everyone has to travel through dune buggy just to get there."
"But we're at the canal, which is more than likely to be catering to the kids."
"Come on! We should get going!"
It wasn't long until Guido gathered up his shirt and sunblock as he followed Drusus towards a dune buggy that was parked on the side of the road. It was medium-sized, but palatable as both prophets were ready to bring the dune buggy along. By the time they left the canal, they were cruising along as they were hitting the road for a very mature spot, for what they didn't expect was that Casey was hiding in the trunk as she was mainly remaining calm under the picnic stuff that was packed into it, for this was going to be a very bumpy ride indeed…
I was in the sitting room as I noticed the flash cards neatly stacked on the table. I also noticed that Guido wasn't there as he was mainly one whose patience ran quickly. Still, I had to track him down as I rushed out of the sitting room to see the usual suspects, Zaphariel and Alcmene combing the main hall looking for Drusus as well. Even though he displayed boundaries, the two angels who were eager to bring him to the desert were scrambling to find him as I noticed them wandering outside to where the harbor was. When they stopped at the dock, they ended up running out of options as they sat down while they saw the various seaships and trawlers parking near it, for they ended up defeated for not looking for Drusus long enough. The looks on their faces were that of concern as I caught up to them the moment they were ready to return to the villa, for they couldn't bear losing track of one wayward prophet after all.
"This is ridiculous!" yelled Alcmene as she threw a pebble into the water.
"You've been looking for Drusus, but to no avail, I take it…," I said.
"This doesn't concern you, Sam."
"It does when you're concerned about Drusus' safety. He's not the only prophet of the Lord who went somewhere, for Guido also left and I don't blame him for stepping away from the flash cards."
"We're looking for him, too," said Zaphariel. "He may have been designated as a new prophet of the Lord, he can't avoid his duty or training."
"You should also be careful around him after what he experienced during his youth. When he was younger, his father sexually assaulted him and a priest tried to do the same in which his mother deemed it the last straw. Even though she divorced her husband and took her sons away, that didn't erase the trauma he went through as he was making a difference as a police officer. More and more, he saw plenty of what we do in which he's been part of the Order for only two months in advance. Still, he may have a short fuse, but he also has a sense of duty when it comes to serve and protect."
It wasn't long until I saw Reiko running towards me as she was worried about something. The very worry in her eyes signaled it very well as she was eager to tell me what was going on. I didn't blame her for running to me as she had something to say, for it would be serious if not dealt with properly.
"Sammy, I can't find Casey anywhere," she said as she was panting. "All I found was a note that said she was ready to surprise Guido when Drusus brought out that dune buggy he bought."
"I know where they are now," I said as I walked towards one of the community board postings near the harbor while fishing out a travel brochure. "They went to Diamond Dunes, which is mainly a desert, but has a large oasis with a vast lake." I show the picture to Reiko. "I've never been there before, but the way towards it is by dune buggy or ATV. Camels often stride through the desert due to their durability in which they've been used as pack animals since time immemorial."
"It's a shame that there aren't any camels here."
"Or perhaps there's another way…"
"Sammy, wait; you can't just turn into a dragon too much or else Reuben will go after you."
"I know about the draconic tissue due to the bruising, which is a side effect of turning into a dragon from time to time. As for the situation with a pair of wayward prophets, I'll find them in which they won't get a warm welcome when they come back."
It wasn't long until I spotted a camel walking into the village as I followed it the moment it stopped to take a drink from the watering fountain. I never expected one to come here as I later noticed a familiar elderly housecat perched on top of it until he got off and took a drink of water. It was Bobby as he was there for a reason in which he was no stranger to travelling or going on the usual hunting trips during the Elder Days, for he was on his way to where the two prophets were going as well.
"You're here to go towards the Diamond Dunes, aren't you?" I said.
"Just because the Diamond Dunes are a tourist hotspot, doesn't mean that it's in the clear," said Bobby. "From what I heard, there's a nuisance in the distance that's been scaring tourists and vacationers alike in which I dealt with it since the Elder Days."
"What are you talking about?"
Bobby jumped on top of the camel's hump as he dug into a compartment and pulled out an old book the moment I caught it. I saw it to be a lore guide as I flipped through the pages and noticed a neon green post-it note sticking out as I delved to where it was guiding at. To my surprise, I saw a picture of a beast with a woman's head and bosom as she had wings and talons instead of arms and legs in the book, for I knew what was going on now. There were harpies flying in parts of the Diamond Dunes as this was a serious matter indeed, for Drusus and Guido were walking into a trap without warning. For a long time, I read up on the lore of harpies as they were creatures that often swarm towards and torture their victims in which they were also harbingers of punishment. Still, they were a nuisance as they also had a knack for clawing their victims if they crossed them, for I had to take a trip to the Diamond Dunes and stop this threat so far.
"So, our wayward prophets would face off against those winged terrors if not careful," I said.
"They're weak against bronze pellets blessed by the Boreads," said Bobby. "Thankfully, I stockpiled on some, but they were whisked away in a ship piloted by the Draaza."
"Then I'll do what is best to stop them before they attack any other tourist."
"I know all about how you keep changing into a dragon, ya idjit! You have a knack for doing so while shedding scales, but the side effects of draconification can leave you incapacitated without warning. From what I read over the centuries, those who experienced draconification often go mad, but in your case, you often shed scales or have bruising the moment it has to be bled out to prevent your body from becoming poisoned."
"I saw the effects of what was bled out the moment the draconic tissue caught on fire to generate crystals, which was more than enough to pay the bill at the hotel in Kolinahr. As for what is next, we'll find the two prophets and even stop a few harpies along the way."
I was brimming with enthusiasm as I put away the lore book in the camel's compartment. Still, I had to look for the two wayward prophets as I also had to deal with what was out there, for this would be a very complicated mission when it came to dealing with harpies…
The dune buggy touched down towards the Diamond Dunes as it was parked next to a dock where a vast lake was seen. When Guido got out of it, he was astonished to see the lake filled with water that was more beautiful than any other thing he saw over the years. When Drusus stepped out of the dune buggy, he went towards the trunk as he got out the picnic blanket and basket of food and drink and set it on the sand. Luckily, Casey snuck out of the trunk before it was closed as she sprinted towards one of the buildings where everything was catered to bathroom usage and changing without being detected. Still, the real fun was beginning as Drusus walked towards the dock as he was dressed in his swim shorts, for he loved to have fun after long days of chores and cooking.
"Take a look at the water here," he said.
"It's like we're at an inward beach, but with a lake," said Guido.
"This is Lake Galadriel, the vast lake that was cumulated with the combined power of nature and science over the centuries." Drusus points at some old structures. "You see those up there? They're windcatchers that filter the dust and sand while turning the stray air into water through the tubes that keep it pure and pristine. What's also great is that anything that us used is filtered and its wastes converted into energy to power the station where we use the bathroom and clean ourselves with."
"Talk about thinking ahead…"
"Come to think of it…" Drusus was ready to jump as he was about to take the plunge. "Ready…, set…, GERONIMO!"
Drusus jumped into the pristine lake as he was having fun swimming in the calming water. When Guido stepped into the lake, he felt the water become cold at first as he walked a little further. By the time he began to swim further, he was looking at the shore as he noticed Casey standing on the dock wearing a navy bikini. When she jumped into the water, she was struggling to stay afloat as Guido rushed to her side to help her navigate the pristine lake. He was teaching her how to swim as she was also starting to get used to floating in deep water in which he saw her getting used to what she was learning, for this was a genuine interaction between them.
"T-t-the w-w-water's c-c-cold," she said as she was floating.
"It's freezing at first, but when you dip into it, it feels like you're wading in bathwater."
"Ah, this is the perfect reprieve on a hot day," said Drusus as he surfaced from his jump.
"At least this is better than looking at flash cards! Anyway, those things are meant for teaching little kids, not for adults. This is the life to look at and no lousy angel will look over me bringing out flash cards as if I'm stuck in a classroom. Besides, there's no way in hell that I'll be stuck reading those things!"
"Really? That's rich coming from one of the Terran God's newest prophets!"
Guido looked above as he noticed a familiar Orcress standing on the dock as she was dressed in a two-piece black swimsuit that consisted of a top and skirt bottom. It was Salindria Bonnefoy herself as she wasn't happy with Guido and Drusus when they noticed her jumping off the dock to see them. She was eager to chew them out as she was no stranger to dealing with the issues of what was going on, for she knew about how the chosen prophets were forced to undergo training against their wishes.
"You two are in serious trouble," she said to them.
"Is it about the flash cards training?" asked Guido.
"It's more than just that because there are angels who would mercilessly track down disobedient prophets who don't do their duty properly."
"I never asked to be a prophet, okay? I also know for a fact that reading through those flash cards written in Enochian has gotten stale as if I'm trapped in a special ed classroom filled with disabled kids who do nothing but drool everywhere."
"You better watch what you say about disabled people in front of your girlfriend. She stammers in which it's uncomfortable for her to utter a sentence normally. I also know that you had it rough when your father sodomized you as a child in which your mother took you and your brothers away to Lannister."
"Careful," said Drusus cautiously as he warns Guido. "Salindria Bonnefoy is psychic, but she's also a Nephilim like her dad. Besides…, she's also not the type to mess with, so I suggest that you don't stare at her bad side."
"I heard that, you know…"
Salindria wasn't the type to pull punches as she was mainly strong-willed like her father. Even though she inherited his stoicness, she was no slouch as she was eager to teach Drusus and Guido a lesson in not abandoning their duties as prophets of the Lord. When she swam towards them, she was more than likely to be saying a mouthful as she had her reasons to be here, for the Diamond Dunes bred more than just tourism.
"You came all the way here just to chew our ears out for playing hooky," said Guido.
"As I recall, a certain six-foot-four tall someone isn't happy with you taking off," said Salindria.
"Sam can wait, but he's got his hands full," said Drusus.
"At least you didn't become plant food in the Clampett."
"Up t-t-there!" cried Casey as she spotted something flying in the distance.
"Bollocks!" Salindria spotted the flying creature zooming towards the lake. "Everyone, out! We're dealing with a harpy!"
It wasn't long until everyone reached the shore as they saw the harpy up close the moment it was ready to attack. Salindria knew of it carefully as it was grotesque with a woman's body and wings and talons of a predatory bird. When she rushed towards her things, she got out her crossbow as she was ready to fire at it. With one shot, she fired at the harpy as it fell straight into the sand. Even though the threat was gone, Salindria wasn't ready to let her guard down as she had a gut feeling that there would be more of what was flying all over the Diamond Dunes.
"So, that's a harpy," said Guido as he saw the carcass on the sand.
"Harpies are dangerous," said Salindria. "They attack and later play with their food. As for the crossbow round that was fired to take it down…," She walks to the carcass and removes the arrow out of it. "This is tipped with bronze in which it can kill a harpy with a lethal blow."
"That crossbow you got was made by my ancestors," said Drusus as he saw the crafting on it.
"And my mum and dad found it in the ruins of the Hinchcliffe. As for what's been attracting the harpies, it's the presence of the windcatchers that have been crafted and repaired for centuries, only for them to tear them down. The Elf clans who live near the desert have been on guard protecting the windcatchers in which they have dealt with the threat of harpies from time to time, for this wasn't their first sortie in attacking things since the Elder Days."
Without warning, everyone spotted several more harpies flying towards them as they were on the warpath and ready to claw at them. Guido never saw anything like it before as he had to protect Casey the moment he didn't want her to suffer from the flying creatures that were out for more than just blood. They knew how to play dirty as they swooped down towards everyone the moment they were met with more than just another bronze round. Salindria ended up unleashing her angelic aura as the harpies backed away for now the moment they flew away. With the threat gone, they had to be cautious as they also didn't want to have any more problems dampening their day the moment they resumed their swimming. With the day turning into dusk, they had to get out as they were more than likely to be returning home soon, for the influx of harpies at night was far worse than out in the day it seems…
I was riding on the camel that Bobby rode on as we were on our way to the Diamond Dunes to search for Guido and Drusus for skipping out on their duty as prophets of the Lord. Even though I've been in sandy territory before, I had to be on my guard as the desert was merciless to those who travelled forward. When the camel stopped at fresh tracks laced with traces of lightning, I was on the trail as I got off of it and examined it carefully. The tracks made from the dune buggy were fresh as they led to the trail of the Diamond Dunes, which was where the wayward prophets were. What I didn't expect was that there was a harpy flying to where everyone was as it was drawn to something that enticed them, for they often swoop in and attack their prey without warning.
"Balls," said Bobby as he got off of the camel and saw the harpy flying.
"They're drawn to something," I said.
"Normally, harpies often fly just to punish people or play with their food, but the attraction of prophets had sent them on edge."
It wasn't long until the harpy spotted us and was ready to attack with its sharp talons. The flight of it was swift until I spotted an Elf in the distance armed with a bow in his hand. With an arrow tipped with bronze, he shot at the harpy as it screamed in agony the moment it fell to the ground in which it was struggling to stay alive. With two more arrows shot into it, the harpy was finally dead as the Elf rushed towards its carcass and pulled them out of it. I was grateful that he showed up as he was unlike any other Elf that I encountered, for he was similar to those in the Bellflower Clan due to the Native American clothing he wore, along with the feathers that he had on his head.
"This place is dangerous and beautiful at the same time," he said.
"At least you stopped the harpy," I said.
"And most of its kind often target the windcatchers that have been shielded by the abandoned technology that was salvaged from what was left behind, but they have been attracted by the presence of prophets here."
"You're far from your home, aren't you?"
"The desert is my home. By the name, my name is Rowan Driftwood and my clan have been descendants of the Terrans who came here to this planet centuries ago."
"Your attire is that of what the Lakota wear," said Bobby as he recognized what the Elf wore all over him. "I've read about the Battle of Little Big Horn when your ancestors got the drop on General Custer, but there's also a lot of lore that was rampant. As for the bird brains that are swarming the desert like vultures over roadkill, they love the smell of fresh prophets all because of the old lore that was brought with them."
"We have more than just stories to tell and the clothes on our backs. As for the harpies, they are very ravenous beasts that we can't take too lightly."
Rowan examined the harpy's corpse carefully as he had a gut feeling that it was something that was far worse. The wings were blue with black talons as it was one of a few species of harpy that was recorded in the Order's archives over the centuries. I noticed it clearly as it was also attracted to what was located in the Diamond Dunes other than the windcatchers that filtered the air and crafted the water that was made from it, for they had a knack to torture or kill prophets in their sights.
"Drusus and Guido never saw when they decided to play a little hooky," I said.
"Damn it," said Rowan as he was looking at the harpy's carcass carefully. "It's a Celaenite harpy due to its sharp talons."
"I've looked at the lore on the harpy, but I never saw different species of it until now."
"There are four species of harpies: Aellan harpies often attack near islands and coastal villages, Ocypetan harpies dwell in the forests, Podargan harpies live near the swamps and rivers, and for the Celaenite harpies.., they travel in places where they don't belong. They're like vultures that swarm over roadkill, but dangerous in which they often target the windcatchers that my clan has been keeping watch over."
"Like the desert…," said Bobby as he skittered over to the harpy's carcass.
"Careful, a Celaenite harpy's talons are poisonous…" Rowan fishes out a machete as he chops them off of the carcass and puts them into a sturdy pouch. "Luckily, I've studied the species of harpies in which their materials are often used for different things. As soon as I bring those to the outpost, I'll make enough to craft some anti-venom to counteract with the poison from what the Celaenite harpies dish out."
"We should follow the trail to the Diamond Dunes," I said. "By the time we reach the end of it, we'll be heading towards Lake Galadriel where our two wayward prophets will be."
At that moment, we noticed a sandstorm approaching as it covered our vision. Bobby, Rowan, and the camel were clouded by what came next as they were looking for me. Everyone was in a blur of not seeing through the blowing sand until they spotted the silver dragon approaching to guide them to where they needed to get to. Rowan was astonished to see the silver dragon snatching the camel up in its talons while he and Bobby jumped onto its back. It was a trip to fly through the sandstorm as they finally landed to where the dune buggy was. With the camel safely delivered near the lake to get a drink of water as Bobby and Rowan were standing next to the dock. When they were ready to look for me, they spotted me exhausted as I was surrounded by silver scales strewn onto the white sand. It wasn't long until I saw lights in one of the cabins near the changing station as I was ready to go over there until I felt my knees buckling.
"You just had to unleash the dragon when you picked up Sparky while we rode on your back," said Bobby as he saw me on my knees. "You really astonished us when you braved the sandstorm just to lead us here to the lake."
"And look at what was taken out," said Rowan as he saw the bonfire of a harpy's carcass burning.
"Sounds like that something spooked those buzzards…" Bobby sees some of the harpies flying further away. "Salindria must've been here and she's no slouch when it came to dealing with monsters that don't go away lightly."
"That's comforting…," I said as I got up onto my feet.
"Hold it! You can't just walk around and…" Bobby sees a bruise on my arm as he raised up his paw to stop me. "Reuben wasn't lying about the side effects coming after draconification. In your case, you would recover quickly, but suffer the process of bruising after shedding a few silver dragon scales to sell off to the highest bidder."
"I already know of it too well because of the fact that once the bruise is bled and with a fire igniting it, the tissue becomes crystalized in which it's more prized than gold, jewels, or even all the tradarium in the galaxy."
It wasn't long until I noticed Rowan steering me towards one of the cabins at the changing station as I wasn't doing too well after changing back to normal. When we got there, we noticed lights on next door as I staggered to who was staying there. When I reached the door, I opened it up as I saw the usual suspects all cleaned up and dressed from their "pool party" while sitting in the chairs of the living room. I also noticed Casey and Salindria dressed in robes as they were mainly sitting on the twin beds next to the air conditioner in which they were exhausted from swimming in the lake, for this whole day was mainly a mixed bag in itself.
"I'm not too thrilled with you playing hooky," I said sternly.
"It's just a simple break from the shitty flash cards, that's all," said Guido defiantly.
"Just because you're a prophet of the Lord, doesn't mean that you can go and ignore your calling. The last one to do so, suffered from the Brandings of God until he died, but his position is cared for by his successor who has prior engagements."
"Being a prophet is great and all, but there are personal boundaries when it comes to meddling angels wanting to toss us into the desert," said Drusus.
"At least you weren't food for those flying vermin," said Salindria. "Celaenite harpies are stubborn, but not without attacking you with their poisonous talons that can paralyze you first."
It wasn't long until I briefly crept outside as I noticed the influx of harpies fleeing away in which something was a little off. Normally, harpies would attack at night, but I sensed that those dangerous vermin were afraid of something that kept them away. When I saw the pile of silver scales on the sand earlier, I picked one of them up as I later noticed that harpies were deathly afraid of dragons. With the full moon shining, I was staring at it as there was an influx of stars shining in the night sky in which it was a comforting thing to round out the evening. By the time I was ready to call it a night and spend the evening in one of the cabins, I saw a harpy flying as it was more than likely to be swooping towards me with its sharp talons stretched out. Even though I was exhausted, I had to take cover as I saw the harpy getting ready to attack. Just as it was about to strike, I was pushed out of the way by Guido as he felt the harpy's talon strike at his arm the moment blood trickled from his robe. What he didn't expect was that the harpy's poison was starting to paralyze him as he was feeling the tinge of it gripping his body.
When he saw the harpy flying towards him again, he drew out the knife that he equipped earlier as he hacked off one of its talons in which it was shrieking in agony. Blood gushed from where the talon was chopped off as the harpy was screeching while getting ready to attack again. What Guido didn't expect was that a crossbow round was fired into the harpy's abdomen as it stared at whoever was holding the weapon. It was Casey as she was shaking with fear while holding the crossbow in her hands. When Salindria burst outside, she was armed with her other weapons as she had a gut feeling that the harpy barrage wasn't over yet until she saw the vermin falling onto the ground, for it was stubborn due to its nature as part of the Celaenite species.
"You're real quick to take out a harpy for an Ancient," she said as she saw Casey give her back the crossbow. "As for our 'other problem,' he's gonna have to have an anti-venom to counteract with the poison he endured."
Casey noticed me bringing Guido forward as he was wincing in pain after getting clawed up by that harpy earlier. When he was set down gently, I took off the top part of his shirt as I noticed the claw marks on his arm in which I noticed the poison starting to take a hold of his body. I had to act quickly as I had a gut feeling that the poison would end killing Guido if not careful. What I didn't expect was that Bobby was outside as he had a vial with a blue liquid in his mouth while his camel friend was bringing us a first aid kit, for they were needed to save Guido's life before it was too late.
"Here's some anti-venom," he said as he gave the vial to me. "Sparky's got the first aid kit just to clean your friend's wound with."
I opened up the vial as I shoved the liquid down Guido's throat the moment he began to shake from the side effects that went with it. With the poison slowly being leeched out of his system, he was starting to feel more at ease the moment I was cleaning his arm while bandaging it afterwards. When he was struggling to maintain his balance, he was slightly weakened by the attack from the harpy as he was about to fall over until Casey rushed to his side. We never expected her to be with him before as she steered him towards a building next to the cabins in which it was mainly an infirmary that was there for those who came here to have a good time. With Bobby and I catching up to them, we went into the room as Casey led Guido over to a futon in which he was gently set down on it, for she didn't want him to die right now.
"D-d-don't d-d-die on m-m-me…," she said as she was shedding tears.
"He'll be fine," I said. "Luckily, the anti-venom is taking effect and taking out the remainder of the poison he endured."
"S-s-s-salindria w-w-wanted m-m-me t-t-to b-b-be with h-h-him…"
"He's cocky, but he'll live," said Bobby. "As for the harpies that often swoop at their prey, they don't play favorites, but go for the whole enchilada when it comes to taunting at their victims or ripping out their innards with their talons."
"Funny…, the bird brain who tried to kill Sam was persistent, but at least I did my part in getting him out of the way," said Guido as he winced in pain. "Harpies are the worst vermin, but at least we ended up finishing off that thing before it attacked again."
"Don't try to talk," I said. "You took a risk at chopping off one of the harpy's talons, but Casey was the one who finished it off."
Guido saw her sitting next to him as she refused to leave his side. I didn't blame her when she stopped the harpy that clawed him as I decided to let them be alone for a while. After dealing with the harpies, it was a night to sleep it off with as Bobby and I left the infirmary house and went towards the cabins. When we went inside to our room, we sat down on the bed as we were exhausted from trekking through the desert. It was a relief to stop some of the harpies, but I also knew for a fact that I had to bring Drusus and Guido home, for they were in serious trouble when they leave in the morning.
"I never expected to deal with harpies before until now," I said as I went towards the bathroom.
"Well, I had my fair share with those annoying she-devils back in the Elder Days," said Bobby as he walked toward the bathroom. "I remember those hunting missions when I even tagged along with Rufus when it came to monsters. Hell, I was also on the run with your past self and your brother's when we were on the run from the Leviathans who put a bulls-eye on our backs during the Elder Days."
I strip off my clothes as I began to clean myself at the wash basin. After dealing with the harpies and finding the two wayward prophets, I was tired as I would soon return with them home back to the villa in the morning. After I rinsed myself off, I got into the bathtub as I turned on the hot water and sat into it. By the time I turned off the faucet, I began to relax as I was more than likely to be getting some rest before leaving the Diamond Dunes tomorrow.
"It's strange that I had to find two prophets playing hooky, but I also had to deal with the flying vermin that often circle around the lake," I said.
"I take it that changing into a dragon took a lot out of you," said Bobby.
"At least I know where the Diamond Dunes are…"
"Sorry about intruding, but this is an emergency," said Reiko as she was holding Shizuko in her arms. "She was getting fussy in which she's also hungry."
"Guilty as charged…"
I saw Reiko hand Shizuko to me as she was fidgeting while crying for seconds. I noticed her latching onto my pectoral as she wanted a lot more than just what was milked and stored in the freezer. Even Reiko was happy that our little one was getting what was needed as I felt her unlatching the moment I burped her. When I gave her back to Reiko, she was eager to return home as she left with our little one without a trace the moment she would see me again. I didn't mind her presence as I was left at ease the moment I continued to relax in the bathtub, for I would soon get home once I bring back the two prophets who played a little hooky.
"You're looking kind of mellow," said Bobby as he was dunking his head under the shower above the wash basin. "I've heard all about how you were bearing children when it's the woman's job to do it. I also know that you and Minara happen to be Incubators that are forced to carry the fertilized offspring of the Fallen in which you went through the ringer doing it. Still, the children that have emerged are a hell of a lot more valuable than the usual precious metals, jewels, or even tradarium."
"It's a sensitive subject for me, but at least I won't do it again," I said as I was feeling embarrassed.
"The kids you bore came from your genetics, but their mothers are Nephilim in which they were the ones who sent Bertram Blackthorne and his forces packing when they sacrificed themselves to protect the Skalvarg Archipelago."
"I don't know much of him, but I heard his voice before in which he's now a leader of a group known as—"
"—The Blight? Yeah, I know all about those bastards in which they have a personal vendetta against the Medical Corps. As for you bringing your friends back to the villa in El Anillo del Fuego, they're prophets, but they're not the type that can be harassed so lightly." Bobby turns off the faucet as he jumps into the bathtub. "Ever since the Second Galvanic Uprising ended, everything got turned upside down in which it we're dealing with the Zenith Vectors and those who would want to take you down."
"I know of what the Zenith Vectors are capable of and what they did. They're nothing more than a group of terrorists who don't give a damn about humanoid life or those who get in the way. They're human, but dangerous and their leader is the worst after what he did at the base in the Dabb Mountains on Shiganshina. They also invaded Skald Island just to steal the technology that was hidden in the Adam West underneath the castle."
"You need to be on your guard, Sam. The Zenith Vectors may cause terrorism everywhere they go, but you can't let your guard down. What's also worse is that the Stewards that the resistance ousted from power on Alecrast are still at large, but dangerous. After you helped Dean ascend the throne, there's been a power vacuum towards the point of no return and you didn't notice until now. What's changed is that the threat of eternal winter was averted. What hasn't changed is that everyone still craves for you as the ultimate prize just to abuse the raw power that you have and they won't stop until they get it."
Bobby's words unnerved me as I had a gut feeling that I needed to watch my back. Even though the war ended, the Zenith Vectors and those beneath them were still at large as they were waiting for the right chance to strike, for all of this wasn't over by a long shot…
The next morning, Drusus was up and alert as he was in the laundry room loading clothes in the frontloader while putting detergent into it. When he started it up, he sat down as he was watching the clothes go on wash cycle while sitting in one of the chairs. When he noticed me entering with my own clothes to go into the wash, I placed them into a frontloader as I added some detergent and closed the door the moment I started it up. Sitting down, I was writing in my journal as I was waiting for my clothes to get done. Even though I was dressed in different clothing, the ones I wore had to be cleaned as I watched them twirling around in the frontloader surrounded by water and suds. It was a daily chore, but I had to stick to cleaning up my mess as I was there in the laundry room, for it was something that I often did just to pass the time.
"This place is powered by everything, but our old technology made everything a lot better in the desert," said Drusus as he was eating a piece of toast with chocolate hazelnut spread. "It's a marvel that everyone who live here have their reasons to protect the windcatchers and everything around it."
"The water that is derived and filtered has its uses here, which is feasible," I said.
"From what I heard, everyone who live around the Diamond Dunes work round the clock to protect the windcatchers and the treatment facility just to filter the water that is used. Anything that is filtered, such as waste, washing dishes, or even flushing the toilet, is separated and converted into energy to power this place. There's also the presence of solar and wind energy that also power this place, but are shielded by those who maintain the structures every day, even against monsters."
"Like the harpies… As for yesterday's turn of events, you and Guido aren't off the hook yet in which you're also prophets of the Lord. Being a prophet isn't glamorous, but he or she must adhere to deciphering the gospel and learning from those who once embraced their duties. Still, we all have our off days, but we can't shirk our daily lives so recklessly."
"After all this, Guido's gonna be pissed off when it comes to returning to reading flash cards. Speaking of Guido, he's still reeling, but kicking after dealing with those harpies. At least he took it like a man when he got you out of the way. As for what happens next, I hope to the Matriarch that he makes it…"
I left the laundry room as I went towards the infirmary cabin. When I spotted Guido still laying in the futon, I saw Casey still sitting by his side as she didn't budge nor left his side. It was fleeting, but I was aware of the genuine affection that was there in which both Cetra and Ancient were now entwined with what was yet to come, for this was just the beginning of what was there…
To be continued...