I’m Really Just Here For Mage Tower?

Over the sizzling of pancakes, he started talking. “Heya kiddo? We’re gonna be heading out on a trip today. Thunder Junction! It’ll be a fun day, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Maybe we can do a bit of Omenport shopping once we’re done.”

Shadowstep looked at him with joy. She signed, About time! Can we go look at your Sterling Company stuff? I want to see what you do! Maybe we can go see Uncle Huck and Priscilla! Her earpiece lit up, beaming her thoughts right to the people (and kami) around her. A very utilitarian gift from Biilziebub. She was practically vibrating with excitement, something Gesserith found absolutely precious.

“Sure kid, why not! Can’t guarantee Huck’ll be there, but I sure hope we can see him again.” Under his breath, he whispered, “Not that he particularly wants to see me.”

Breakfast was finally ready: Pancakes carefully laced with blueberries with some chocolate milk from Snilliam, with some sausage on the side. The chocolate milk had set him back a pretty penny. Apparently an item in high demand. But for today, he would spare next to no expense for his daughter. A great meal for the adventure he had planned for today. High in everything a balanced breakfast could ever need.

As he went to get dressed and prepare his backpack, he performed one final weapons check. He called his halberd, Lightbane, which emerged from the air with strands of shadows. Still sharp. Still enchanted. Still ready to fight. It had been acting up recently, appearing as it wanted without Gesserith’s input. Th’ich’che wanted him to uphold his end of the bargain. He hoped the old god would be so kind as to grant him compliance today. He observed his gauntlets, one of which housing his custom hidden blades. He flexed his wrist, ensuring both the inner pivot blade and outer stronger blade both operated properly before turning the safety on. Finally, he quickly glanced over his custom Oasis Hawk, a thunder pistol of a somewhat more recent make. Hefty thing, but he could handle it just fine. He hoped, deep down, he would not need them today. He strapped his pack together and reemerged to his family.

The three set out from Nido Sanctuary out to the Omenpath. Haruko floated behind the two, keeping a condensed form to not take up the whole sidewalk. Though most days they would catch a bus there, today Gesserith decided to walk out there, giving him a reason to enjoy the day and catch some fresh air before they brave the sands of Thunder Junction. ‘Just trying to make the day better before it’s time,’ he thought.

Walking through the city, Gesserith pointed out a few locations they hadn’t visited together, noting down some particular places that looked interesting. Shadowstep even chimed in at times, wanting to stop at a tailor and an ice cream parlor. While he wanted to stop, he knew they had to keep on going, so they kept walking towards the Omenpath. Eventually, they found that the road ahead was blocked, so they had to take a detour. The sunlight slowly faded out as they reached an area far more separate than Gesserith would have liked. The paved sidewalk gave way to a bumpier mass of shattered concrete, and the buildings abruptly changed from a clean brick exterior to pipework that delved deep into the heart of the city, farther than the eye could see. Shadowstep tugged on his arm. I don’t like it here. We should go back, she signed. Nodding, Gesserith turned about face to get back to the main route.

A series of shadows covered the ground as a sneering voice emerged. “Well well well, what do we have here? A Broker, so far out of his territory.” A gang of Riveteers closed in on the trio. “Where are you off to, Contract Boy? ‘Cause it sure ain’t back to the Sanctuary.” They started to chortle. “You know, I’m feeling pretty nice today. For today, and today only, you just have to pay a little toll. Then you’re home free.”

Gesserith positioned his daughter behind him. Haruko silently grew among the shadows, blotting out the remaining sunlight, though Gesserith didn’t notice. “First off, that name is reserved for friends only. Second off, Omenport.” He rustles in his pockets, finding a few coins. “Here, that’s your toll, right? Now let me and my kid be off. We have a day ahead of us and I just want to spend some time with my daughter.” He chucks a small bag at the fiends. “Now take it and let us by.”

The head Riveteer counted the coins. “Sure, that’ll do. Just watch yourself and your kid. And whatever that… dark blob is. Let’s go, boys.” They all headed out, laughing at each other for the easy score they just got. Gesserith was nearly snarling under his breath. Shadowstep was audibly snarling. Haruko was… floating, as Haruko does, though the shadows soon receded back into her form. Taking her hand, he guided Shadowstep out of the darkness back towards the path to Omenport with Haruko closer behind. Nothing else would get in the way of their trip.

As they stepped through the Omenpath, the bright sun immediately shined down overhead, the first thing that welcomes any visitors to Thunder Junction. The second thing was the sand immediately buffeting their faces and lungs. Or what would be a face, in Haruko’s case. A harsh welcome, sure, but one that informs travelers to prepare for the desert or die trying. Fortunately, Gesserith was well and ready for the environment, handing out a hat and bandana to Shadowstep and securing them, much to her chagrin. I’m old enough to handle this, you know, she beamed.

“Yes, you are. You are very capable. However, Thunder Junction is a very harsh place. I just want to make sure you don’t get swept up or end up in a coughing fit or get heatstroke or get stung by a scorpion or wander into a dragon’s lair or-” He looked down. She got the point. He led her towards the main town, filled with enough shops and saloons to power a small government’s economy. Omenport would be in a good spot if people could establish one. It could be a place of potential, yes, but one of order and stability as well. But alas, Gesserith had other matters to oversee, like enjoying the day with his daughter.

Shops, saloons, restaurants, and more dotted the sandy streets. Smithies and tailors prepared the travelers for the environment, and expedition markets made a home for all sorts of traders. To begin with, they went towards the tailor, to fit Shadowstep for some decent clothes for the environment. She hated every second of it — needing to sit still, having someone constantly nearby and grazing her to take measurements. But she did, since she knew it would both help her later and make her dad just that little bit happier. She ended up getting fit for a simple leather outfit, rugged and strong. It didn’t especially feel nice on her skin, but it was better than the sand and sun.

Exiting from the tailor, they passed by a few shops on their way to the Sterling Company outpost for the area. Many times Shadowstep wanted to stop and check out the wares, and that many times Gesserith said no and that they would return once they were heading home. The outpost was a steely thing, standing tall above the nearby buildings. It was gilded lightly since everyone knew the embellishments would get worn off in a week. Showing his ID to the entry clerk, Gesserith moved inwards to the armory and the board. He was hailed by a nearby mercenary. Her flashy Fioran fit was accented by the traditional silvered Sterling Company accents. A custom thunder pistol sat on her hip. “Hey hey, if it ain’t the Broker? How’s it going, chief? Who’s the pretty looking shadow over there? And… who’s the kid?”

Gesserith met her, shaking her hand and patting her back. “As I live and breathe, Mia! It’s been a while! How’s the wife? How was the vacation?”

“Oh, it was great! Avishkar is so pretty. All the lights and nature everywhere, it felt so good to finally get out of here for once, away from all the ‘politics’ back home too. But enough evading.” She pointed to the entourage in an accusatory fashion, like a detective in an old noir flick. “Who’s with you? Who are these dangerous foes? ANSWER ME!” She put on a mean face. The twinkle in her eyes never left.

Haruko floated forward and signed. Haruko, Kami of Restless Shadows. I am from Kamigawa, and I am bonded to both this idiot and someone else. She gently whapped Gesserith on the head. It is lovely to meet you. Haruko silently waved and bowed, projecting some very lesbian thoughts through the bond. Gesserith neglected to mention them.

“Hello, Haruko!” Mia gave a bright smile, dropping the act and shaking her hand. “You seem like a very lovely kami. Alright, Edmund. Clearly you’ve been around a little. Who’s the kid?” She gave a small wave to the young one behind the Broker.

“This, Mia, is my adopted daughter, Shadowstep.” He brought Shadowstep out from behind him. “Shadowstep, this is Mia. We’ve worked on a few bounties together. She is one hell of a shot. She could take the hat off a Slickshot here from across Prosperity.”

Mia laughed. “So THIS is the kid you’ve told me so much about. It is a pleasure to meet you, Shadowstep!” The two shook hands. “Alright, Edmund. Er, well, the older Edmund. What brings you out here today?”

“Any smaller bounties on the table today? Figured I’d show my kid here a little bit of the action. Something real small though. Trying to mostly relax today.”

“Here, I’ve got one. I was going to take it easy today, but you deserve it more, old man. You and your knees. One Slickshot, easy as pie. Take a look.” Mia called him over and brought him in close. She whispered, “Edmund, are you… sure about this? You could take the time off, you know. Relax, like you want to. Stay out of danger. Keep her out of danger. You don’t have to do this. Enjoy your trip and just go home.”

He gave her a glance. “I need to do this. I need to prove to myself that it will be fine. That it isn’t my fault. It’s just the one. I can handle this. I’ve gotten a lot stronger. I have learned quite a lot. I need to put this to rest.”

“Gess…” she whined.

“Don’t. She will be fine. I will be fine. Just let me take this job, and I’ll get it out of my system for good. Please,” he bargained.

A harsh silence stood between the two. Both stared down the other. Mia cracked first. “Fine. Take it. If I find you wound up dead, I’ll bring you back and kill you myself.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks, Mia. I won’t let you down.” He picked up the bounty note, waving it at Shadowstep. “Alright kiddo, bounty acquired! Let’s go find us a no-good dirty rotten scoundrel!” Gesserith took her out and back into Omenport main. All Mia did was sit and look out with pity as she scrounged the board for a new bounty.

They rode off to the bar where he’d been informed the bounty laid. As they approached, he made sure Shadowstep was sticking close to him. The crowd standing outside was a lively bunch. Lots of jabber filled the air, none of which was particularly important. Before he was able to enter through the swinging doors, he was stopped by some ruffians. “Woah now, pal, you haven’t paid the entry fee yet. Boss only wants customers that can spend a little cash.” That sneering tone was similar. Too similar. Gesserith made some room to see his face. It was the same Riveteer from earlier who caught him in the alleyway. Gesserith’s face was recognized as well. “Well would you look at that. Same knucklehead needing to pay the tax twice in one day. Ain’t that something, boys?” The rest of them laughed alongside the leader. He put his hand out, waiting for the payment.

Gesserith sighed, just done with these idiots. Rifling through his pockets again, he groaned. “Look fellas, I’m on an outing with my daughter today, so I’m travelling light. I was going to get ice cream for both of us, but unfortunately, I need to collect this bounty. So here.” He puts another bag of coins in the outstretched palm. “Now let me and my kid through.”

An oddly long time was spent carefully counting out each coin. The leader replied, “Well, I don’t think this is enough to let you in, sorry bud. Come back again when you’re a little richer.” He put the purse in his pockets and turned his attention elsewhere. He failed to recognize the hand moving towards his shoulder, spinning him around to face Gesserith. A hand closed around his ever-so-snappable neck.

“Look here, punk. I’m not someone you want to mess with. You’ve already drained me twice today, and I’m here with my kid. Now you are going to let me pass. If I see you again, I’ll pay you double the missing amount, okay? I’m a man of my word. We don’t need to get into a fight here, just let me through.” Gesserith’s eyes bore a hole through the Riveteer in his grasp.

The leader shoved him off, taking a moment to recuperate behind a few of his goons. “You know what, old man? Sure. Fine. You can go. Hope you don’t see us again. Let’s go, boys.” Him and his gang walked off in a huff, glancing back multiple times. Gesserith checked to make sure his daughter was still okay. She was just fine, almost looking like she was about to draw her dagger herself. He looked at that look in her eye with pride. Part of it was just her instinct. But he felt that part of it was his influence. Hoped, even. He debated bringing her in to join him, letting her have a go. But for today, he sent her to stay close to Maynard, his horse, and with Haruko. He didn’t want to risk her. Maynard could fend off a small army if he tried. Hell, he’d saved Gesserith a few times. Haruko was a kami old and revered enough to do anything she wanted to. Shadowstep would be safe.

It was well-lit for a place out this far. Dingy and rank, yes, but well-lit. The floor stuck to his shoes as he walked past a few bight signs dotting the walls. Bills of various planes were stapled to the ceiling, floor, and seats. The rattle of dice nearby masked most of his steps as the crowd cried out in a loss. They were getting scammed anyway. Die goes into the lap; they can never win. He moved toward the bar and ordered a small glass of something weak. Had to stay sharp, after all.

He spotted the mark across the bar. They weren’t paying attention, trying to glance at a darts game and down the round of shots in front of them. An easy takeout. Moving easily through the crowd, he approached unnoticed. With a single blow to the back of the neck, they fell at once. He went straight to the process of cuffing them, tying them up, and bringing them outside. The bar practically cleared the way to let him through. People looked at the Broker with varying reactions. Some fear, some disgust, some contempt, some shit-faced drunkenness.

Haruko started talking to him telepathically from outside. “You made that quick. I figured you would have drawn that out a little. Made them feel it. Maybe I would’ve joined if you let me,” she sneered.

He walked for a moment before he replied. “Lazaro’s condemnation makes me… unsure. I don’t want to do more than I need to. If I do this for the public good – which I am doing – then I’m going about it the right way. I just need to be merciful and let the proper people deal with it. You’ll have your time again, Haruko. When someone deserves to see your true potential. Don’t waste it on this lowlife.” He felt a twang of pride come through as he got back to his family.

Once he got back to his kid and kami, he boasted. “That is how it’s done! In and out, and that there’s-” he plops the body on back of Maynard, “-a bounty. Now c’mon kid, let’s go turn this in. Off we get, Maynard. Hi-yah!” Haruko sank into his shadow. Gesserith brought his ankles in and cracked the reins, and Maynard shot forward.

And so they rode back to the Sterling Company outpost, delivering the bounty for a small reward, enough to have some fun later. Mia had left earlier to pursue her own bounties, so said a note stabbed into a table with a very fancy knife.

Shadowstep sighed from boredom and tiredness. She signed, Dad, what are we doing now? We’ve done the clothes thing and the work thing. Can we go shopping now?

“While I would like to, there is one last thing we need to do. I need to do, more accurately. But I really want you to come with me. It’s really important to me. Please stick it out just this little longer?” He asked sincerely, though she didn’t have much of a choice anyway.

She glared at him for a moment. …Fine. But you owe me after this.

“I owe you anyway. Now let’s go.” He guided her out and set off on a lengthy journey out into the wastes. Gesserith sang a few Capennan swing tunes on the way out to keep the ears busy and the minds calm.

They rode for some time, eventually reaching an inconspicuous pile of wood and stone. The remains of some sort of shack were being reclaimed by the desert as the wind continued to tear piece after piece away from the rubble. Three years gone since the building was destroyed. Since his family was destroyed. They dismounted, and Gesserith opened part of his pack to pull out some food and water for Maynard. Then he brought Shadowstep and Haruko over to the small spot, carefully laying out a few items: a candle, a book, and finally a framed picture. “This… this is why I brought you out here today.” His voice was far shakier and more solemn than it usually was.

Haruko hovered opposite the father and daughter, knowing everything that was going on. Shadowstep looked at him with some level of interest. She signed, Someone you used to know?

Gesserith was doing all he could to not break into tears. “Yes, she was very close to me. Sit down for a moment.” She sat on the sand, and he did the same. “Do you remember that story I told you, way back when at the orphanage? About me and my friend, Nadine, when we took out all those bad guys and rode off together?” She gave a very timid nod and a worried look. “…I lied. That isn’t how it went. We got out here, but we were overwhelmed. We were beaten. Tortured. Treated like prey. When it got down to the last guy, he was quick. I was tired. I couldn't handle it after I took a shot myself. I tried to save her. Nadine… I… I… I watched her die, right in front of me. But I sparked, right then and there. Ripped away from her. I was forced to run away. I failed.” He finally let go, allowing this side of himself to show. The side he kept far away from anyone. The side that could have weaknesses. Just as he did a year ago, he wept.

And just as someone else did a year ago, they comforted him. Shadowstep said nothing, only hugging him tight. Haruko covered the two like a blanket, finding a cool warmth to envelop them. He embraced her back, and they stayed just like that until it had all left his system. Even the unwavering must let out their emotions sometimes. Better than letting them consume you, driving you to cruel and unjust actions.

“I’m sorry, Shadowstep. I know it wasn’t my fault. I know I did all I could. But still, it haunts me. It’s why I’m always looking out for everyone. Because I’m scared that if I don’t, I’ll lose them too. Lose you. I can’t see someone else that close to me die again. I’m sorry for dumping all of this on you, girl. I thought I could keep it together. This is a very important part of me, and I wanted to show it to you, without all of, well, this.” He let out a short chuckle, finally cracking a smile. “Thank you for tolerating me and all of this. But now you know.”

With that, he reached for the sketchbook he laid out earlier. Pulling a pen from his coat, he started drawing in the sketchbook, capturing a fine angle of his daughter to record for tradition. The sand shifted beneath him, the wind stung at his eyes, but he had found his muse. It was a bit easier to draw human features rather than a rat’s, but both were near to his heart all the same. A shadowy hand on his shoulder grounded him. This time, he took even more care into capturing every piece of the visual before him. His canvas may not have changed, but the intent finally did. Finally, after a painstaking amount of time, he finally showed her the finished product: a beautiful monochrome portrait of his beloved daughter. Her eyes bright and full hope, her hair back with the wind, a gleam in her pupils showing the thrill of the hunt. And most of all, an ear-to-ear smile, brimming with her boundless energy.

She gently took it from his hands, poring over each little detail, captured perfectly. Eventually, she closed it, hugging her dad once again. The sand started picking up once again, but Gesserith did his best to keep his daughter safe while still holding her close. But seemingly, the sand moved right through them. In a moment of realization, he let go. His brow furrowed as he gazed at his environment. “No. No it couldn’t be… could it?” He gathered himself, sitting cross-legged on the ground. “If there’s a chance, then let’s hope Gouvle and Vasro taught me well.” Both daughter and kami looked at each other with confusion.

Gesserith took the sketchbook back and began performing a slow and delicate ritual. Movements he had practiced in the dead of night, hidden from anyone who would ask too many questions. A light blue emerged from the ground, and a series of circles began carving themselves out of the sand. Around him, the wind began to pick up, swirling around him slowly. Haruko was in front of Shadowstep, ready to protect her from anything that might go wrong. With an intense focus, Gesserith continued the ritual. Not all the parts were correct. His training, though constant, was no match for genuine experience. The spirit’s cooperation, though, was what mattered most. The sand whipped faster, reaching further towards the sky, almost purposefully avoiding everyone nearby. Carefully, the Broker spoke out to the desert. “Last year, I tried this, with no knowledge or practice of what I was doing. I thought you were gone. But now I know. You will come back to me, I promise. Please, come back. Please.”

The sand swirling around him began to rush past him, swirling in a large ball right above his makeshift shrine. Gesserith concentrated, barely moving other than speaking some nearly audible phrases and slow movements in his hands. In the final move, he carefully brought down his hands and opened his eyes. Looking up, the sand before him began to condense, drawing from the world around it. An arm emerged from the sphere, then a torso, and finally a fully formed body and head. A soft smile came from the sand spirit.

“Hey there, old man. It’s been a while,” she teased.

Gesserith gave a nervous laugh as tears flooded his eyes again. “Nadine. Nadine tell me it’s you. Please.” He broke down as he ran over to hug the girl.

Nadine embraced him back. “In the sand.” Her voice shook a little. “Hehe. I’ve missed you, Gesserith. I couldn’t just leave you hanging like that.” They both laughed through the tears.

After some time, she decided to start the conversation first. “Who’s the girl?” She drifted over to Shadowstep, who was having a very interesting time analyzing the spirit before her.

He finally got back up, still shaky. “That, Nadine, is my adopted daughter, Shadowstep. Shadowstep, meet Nadine, my other adopted daughter, at least in spirit. Pun not intended, this time.” The two shook hands. “And before you ask, the other one is Haruko, Kami of Restless Shadows. Her and I, and someone else, are all bonded through Kamigawan magic.”

Haruko gently waved again before staring at Nadine. She signed, Hello, Nadine. You seem very nice. And pretty.

Gesserith looked over. “Easy, Haruko. I can feel the lesbian from here. You’ve already had enough for one day, sheesh.”

“Wait, did you say feel?” Nadine piped in. “You two are connected?”

“Yeah, it’s part of being bonded. A telepathic connection. Almost like acting as one, if it ever comes to it. It’s a story I can tell you later.”

Shadowstep, feeling left out, chimed in. How did you two meet? What happened? The message hit everyone’s heads a moment later.

Nadine gave a sweet laugh in return. “I could ask the same to you, kid. But we met a while back, before this whole Omenpath deal. My parents weren’t exactly there for me, so he took me in, taught me the important stuff. I overheard your conversation earlier, and yeah. That’s the deal. It’s kind of weird being a spirit. Gives you a lot of time to reflect on stuff. Well, Gess, you’ve taken up drawing?” She glanced over at her old sketchbook.

“Only because of you, Nadine. I’ve made it a ritual, almost. But I think I have a better idea for how to carry it on. Hey, Shadowstep?”

What? she replied.

He holds out the sketchbook. “You’re an up-and-coming artist, right? Why not have something to write your ideas down? Have some inspiration? Maybe show all your friends at school?”

She takes a moment to consider it. But isn’t this really important to you? I don’t want to take it away from you, she asks.

“It is important to me. But so are you. What better way to show both than to give you something like that? I will be fine. I’m strong, don’t worry. You just take it and have fun. Just don’t lose it.” She finally takes the sketchbook. After taking some time to flip through it, she motions for Gesserith and Nadine to get closer.

Nadine looked puzzled. “What’s up kid, you wanna get us together in there?”

With a nod for a response, she drifted into a position to the side of Gesserith, placing her arm behind him, with his going over her shoulder. With some small talk passing through, it took Shadowstep a few minutes to complete her drawing, occasionally flipping back through the book for reference.

Eventually, she stands up, going over to the two, showing a drawing shockingly accurate for such a short time. Gesserith’s glasses glinted in the desert sun, and Nadine’s sandy trail wrapped around the Broker. Both stood tall and proud. “Jeez, kid,” Nadine said, “some talent you’ve got there. You could do some good work with that. Maybe someday you can come back here, and I could teach you a thing or three!” Nadine moved closer to her level and started pointing out certain parts she liked and giving criticism to others. She was going to become a well and true artist, before she died. The skill persisted, though, and so did she.

As the teaching continued, Gesserith looked out on the horizon. The wind had finally died down, but a cloud of dust approached in the distance. It was unnatural, though. A sound of thunder came from beyond, consistently moving towards them. He made out a figure in the distance. Then another. Then more, all coming out in a rough formation. He couldn’t tell who they were, but they weren’t Sterling, he could see that much. He hollered. “NADINE! HARUKO! Come over here, quick.” As they drifted over, he started pointing out the threat. “Hostiles inbound. Gotta be about 10 or so. What do we do?”

Nadine let out a sigh. “No other choice but to fight. Can’t run anywhere, it’s wide open. Any chance you know who they are?”

“Unfortunately, I have a hunch. Ran into some Riveteer knuckleheads earlier. Told them off, hoped that would do the trick. But here we are. Fuck, I don’t want to do this. Not now, not here, not today. Not with her. Damn it all, how do I do this?” He started violently pacing.

Nadine spoke calmly. “Well, you’ve learned a lot, haven’t you? You’ve grown. You’ve gotten stronger, you said so yourself. Three years ago, you fought your hardest to get us both out. You did everything you could. So do it again.”

“Last time I failed. Last time you died, and I was ripped away. Last time we lost. We need to run, find a way out that isn’t through THEM.”

“You know damn well running can’t work,” she fought. “Even with just a couple of them, they tracked us down. A full force like this will get to you in minutes. You have to fight.”

“I can’t. I won’t. I will not risk my daughter’s life.”

“And running away won’t risk it? Are you deaf or dumb, old man? You can’t run.”

“Damn it, I KNOW! I just, I can’t do it again. See it happening again, all in front of me. When I sleep, I still see your face, your arm reaching for me. I can’t handle that again. If she dies, I… I…”

Haruko stepped in front of the two, staring square at Gesserith. She spoke through the bond, but signing as well. “Listen to yourself. You’re refusing to work on the problem. You’re already scared to make the same mistake again. But the times have changed. You’re stronger. Much stronger than them. Show them why this is their last mistake, to underestimate you. Make them pay for threatening your family again.”

Gesserith gazed out at the incoming force, then looked at his family. His family. The people he cared about, and who cared about him. The people he loved. He swore to protect them, forever and always. As long as he drew breath, he would keep them safe from harm. That’s why he sparked, after all. From a sheer will to protect and serve others. He had never run before. He was always first to the lines, offering support where needed, whether in a medical uniform or geared for fighting. He was first to engage a threat, leading the charge. Even when he became the aggressor, throwing his force against the people who didn’t deserve it, he only relented when his friends knew he was wrong and dragged him back from the brink. Today would be no different. He would keep his family safe. No matter the cost.

He went over to his daughter. “Shadowstep, listen to me very closely. Things will not end well. I’m going to keep you with Maynard, away from the action. You are to stay there and away from everyone else. Keep your dagger ready. If I can’t make it out, take him and run towards Omenport. Find someone, get home, and call Vasro. Under no circumstances are you to follow me. Okay? Promise me.”

She started signing. But I can-

“No.” His voice ended it there. “You will get out of here alive, no matter what. And if the gods or angels or whatever cosmic force wills it, so will I. I swore I’d keep you safe. I will.” He pulls her into a hug, gently kissing her cheek. “I love you more than anything else, in this world or any other. Please, live.”

A small whisper came from her lips. “I love you too. Come back.”

“I will. But first, I need to make sure this doesn’t happen ever again.” He wiped a tear from her cheek, and rose, wiping his own face once he was out of view. As he walked out of earshot, he summoned Haruko and Nadine for a pre-battle plan. “Make no mistake about why we are here. This is an extermination. I ask that you let me command your power, both of you. I need to make sure they stay dead and gone. I will show them why they should have left us alone. Haruko, I need this to be me in control. Whatever we need to do, I need to put enough of myself into this so they know that they made this mistake. So I can show them what it means when they threaten my family. So I can feel the hope of escape leave their faces. So I know I can do this.”

Nadine turned in shock. “This isn’t like you,” she pleaded. “You don’t need to kill them all. What happened to the Gesserith that at least showed some mercy? What changed?”

Haruko floated in front of him. “Your condemnation,” she scolded through the bond. “You can’t. You won’t, or else Arturo won’t get to have anything left to eat.” She joked, but both could feel the hands of the vampire dads resting on his neck.

He debated for a moment, then turned to the Nadine. “I’m not sure what you’ve heard, Nadine. Whispers from Capennan visitors. But I tried that once. Killing everyone. Because I thought it would help. I was wrong, and I only stopped because some friends went into my head and pulled- no, forced me back. I got a second chance.” He paused, stroking his beard. “And now I’m paying for it slowly. A… an acquaintance of mine has put me on a… program. That I can’t kill anyone unless absolutely necessary. So if I come to a situation where I can leave someone alive, I will try. But I make no guarantees. If I don’t think it’ll be safe to run, I will continue until it is.” He flexed his wrist, observing his hidden blade still in its sheathe. “Nonlethal is not an option here. Not as it stands, not with this many.”

“…Fine. Just, please be in control.”

He let out a chuckle of a man seeing the noose before him. “I’m always in control,” he lied. “Now let’s get this done.” Nadine fell into the sand around her. Haruko retreated into Gesserith’s shadow.

Shortly after, the gang arrived. Gesserith took a deep breath before approaching them. As per usual, the Riveteer leader was the first to engage. “Well hello there, old pal! Gosh, it’s been so long since we’ve last seen each other. Say, my memory is a little fuzzy, remind me of our deal we made?” He flipped a hefty-looking knife around in his hand.

Gesserith looked at him, deadpan. “Next I see you, I pay double your tax.”

Some applause came from the peanut gallery. “Well done! Your head’s still there in your old age. Now, whatcha got? Where’s that bounty you collected from the one you nabbed from our turf?”

“I doubt whatever I have isn’t enough to cover what you want.”

“Good point. So let’s get right to the point.” He took out a cigar from his pocket and lit it up, taking a long breath. “You’ve got two options here. Option one: We take you and your kid back to Capenna, you work off your debt, and you’re home free. Option two: You resist, we beat you to a bloody pulp, and we take the kid with us, and we have a new initiate on our hands. That, or some hands to work in the steel factory. So what will it be?”

The Broker stayed calm. “Before I give you my answer, can I get your name? Just so I can make that personal connection. Helps with decision making, y’know?”

He shook his head, smile reaching across his long face. “For your last wish, sure. Name’s Ridill. I just know how to get things. Money, people, you name it, I can get it. But back to business. What’s your choice?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, “Option 2. I’m not going down without a fight.”

Ridill laughed. His posse started to expand around him. Gesserith looked at the uniforms surrounding him. Riveteers. Hellspurs. Slickshots. Must’ve taken a lot of pay to get them to work together like that. Though, for his reputation, some of them might have done it for the hell of it. Ridill tossed the cigar on the ground, blowing smoke out into the wind. “Final answer? We’ll make this hell if you don’t make this easy for yourself.” His boot landed on top of it, crushing out the weak flame.

Gesserith counted their numbers. Thirteen of them. It really was three years ago all over again. He straightened up. “Don’t you know thirteen is an unlucky number? You should turn around. I just wanted to spend a day with my kid. Don’t make me do this,” he challenged.

“There’s only one of you. Unlucky or not, we’re not going to lose this. Any last words, you sad excuse for a father?” The gang began to prepare their weapons.

The sun beat down upon Gesserith. “Before you all die, let me tell you who exactly I am. I am Gesserith Edmund, chief advisor for extraplanar relations of the Brokers.” He summoned Lighbane, his halberd. “I am bonded to Haruko, Kami of Restless Shadows.” Haruko emerged from his shadow, forming large dark objects on either side of him, her mask affixed to her body climbing ever higher with the shadows blotting out the light. “I am a planeswalker, who has witnessed the multiverse on a scale known to so few.” He affixed his bracers, turning the safety off on his blade. “On this very plane, I felled an archangel and stole its essence through my contracts and music.” He took a few steps forward. “I tried to remake Capenna in my own image and was stopped only because my friends were strong enough to make a difference.” He loaded his thunder pistol and turned the safety off. “I forged a deal with an old god out of a desire for power and recompense.” Lightbane hummed with an old power, its etchings glowing a bright purple and green. Shadowy tendrils lashed at the remaining light. “But above all else, I am a father. I saw one of my children die here, in my own arms, three years ago today.” Sand began swirling around him, creating a whirlwind of pellets. “I will not make the same mistake again.” At this moment, the void objects from earlier took form, attaching themselves to his back. With a beat of his wings, he rose into the sky. “You have threatened my family.” His arms stretched out to his sides, dust continuing to whip around him. “I am the angel of your death. Witness true strength unleashed.”

They brought up their weapons and fired relentlessly. Effortlessly, he brought up a shield and dove towards them, spear aligned with his body. Right as he got near the ground, he vanished with nothing but feathers of shadow left in their path. Shocked, the gang whipped around, scanning the area for the threat. Confused murmurs rang out. Suddenly, he emerged from the shadow of the Slickshot in the back. Rising, he swung his halberd along her spine, slicing straight and clean. She fell immediately. One.

Throwing the spear into the ground, he propelled himself to it with his Lightbane’s power, slamming into the sand. As the ground was torn up beneath him, it started whipping around him, throwing some of the gang to their feet. Through the gaps, he took aim at a Riveteer who was trying to get a clear shot. They were too slow. Two.

Taking hold of his halberd again, he charged towards a minotaur Hellspur. The minotaur held his ground, tanking the first blow. But before he could block another, his ankle was cut from underneath him from the halberd’s hook. With a kick to the knee, Lightbane’s tip pierced his head. Three.

Now he found himself back on the edge of the fight. A shot rang out, blazing past his ear. He could feel the heat come off the shot as it whizzed by, striking the rock behind him. He returned the shot by throwing his halberd, hitting square in the chest the same Slickshot that fired at him. Four.

With a beat of his wings, he flew forward and used the momentum to punch a viashino Riveteer in the jaw, knocking him away for some time. A fellow family member retaliated, finding a spot to kick Gesserith firmly in the chest. His head whipped around, grabbing the leg and tossing them up before throwing them back into the sand. The viashino recuperated, slashing out in a wild fury and drawing blood from Gesserith’s arm. He took the opportunity to yank an arm forward, breaking it and pulling the viashino close. A deep stab from his hidden blade cut deep into their scaly flesh. Five.

A cactusfolk Hellspur charged alongside another racoon Riveteer, melee weapons at the ready. Gesserith recalled his spear from the nearby corpse, throwing it past the both of them. The racoon jumped off the Hellspur, aiming for the head. Gesserith grabbed him out of the air, with his eyes fully glossed over in a Halo-tinted darkness. He tossed it aside to Haruko, who emerged from his wings and grabbed the raccoon, disappearing into the nearby shadows. Gesserith held a defensive position, amulet glowing bright with shield unwavering. Haruko soon reemerged and attached herself to her bonded human. The Riveteer did not. Six.

The cactusfolk spun around, sprouting thorns around Gesserith. Staying calm, he recalled Lightbane, but rather than bring it towards his hand, he let it move just barely past him. He brought his arm around again and again, with the halberd following along to the movements. Sand began to swirl around him in a vicious whirlwind. Taking flight once again, the sand swirl followed. Ridill gazed at the storm approaching and dove into cover nearby. But he wasn’t the target. Gesserith dove at an aven Slickshot, woefully unprepared for the target to also be flying. Gesserith kicked her in the chest, bringing her to the ground and following up by meeting them at Ground 0 and knocking her into the thorny swirl around them. Over the whipping of the wind, her screams could be heard as the thorns and sand tore into her skin and wings. When the storm subsided, all that remained was bone and scraps of feathers and skin. Seven.

Shocked by the efficiency seen before him, the cactusfolk started firing off thorns and thunder salvos in Gesserith’s direction. He effortlessly conjured a shield, marching forward with fury in his eyes. By the time he reached the Hellspur, they were exhausted. Dodging an extremely slow swing, Gesserith cut relentlessly until the cactusfolk before him was naught but prickly juice. Eight.

By this time, the tossed Riveteer from earlier had gotten back up, flanked by more family members. Ridill had found his place in the back, occasionally launching globs of nailbombs at Gesserith. He yelled from the back, “WHAT THE HELL! THERE WERE THIRTEEN OF US, HOW ISN’T HE DEAD? SOMEONE KILL THIS FUCKER!!” As he aimed another shot, his launcher was sniped out of his hand by Gesserith’s thunder pistol, causing him to take cover yet again. The guy up front had an improvised fist weapon with an attached jackhammer. Credit where credit was due, it was creative. But also vulnerable. As he made for Gesserith, the Broker was met with multiple pokes as he advanced and was forced to retreat. He took a swing, but because of the unwieldiness, it missed, diving itself into the sand. As the jackhammer pounded sand, Gesserith brought an axe kick down onto their back, followed by the halberd’s tip. Nine.

He took to the skies again. Out of ranged options, the Riveteers below could do nothing but hold a defensive position with the remaining four. Gesserith flew higher, using the sun to obscure his movements. At once, he dove, snatching one that was blinded from looking up and hauling them upwards once again. Once at the apex of his height, he began to spin, building up momentum to eventually slam them back down to the ground below. Ten.

One of the final few was a druid, bending what parts of the environment they could into a weapon. A pillar of sand shot up, trying to grasp Gesserith. But as it approached, is simply began to swirl around him, forming a protective spear. He threw Lightbane at Hellspur commanding it, causing the channeled sand to fire right at him. The halberd struck the ground and the sand rushed right behind it. Though the halberd missed, the sand found its way in. It filled the druid’s lungs as they collapsed, being choked from the inside. Eleven.

Without hesitation, he dove back down, performing an crisp stomp on the final one that wasn’t Ridill. The inertia plus the impact against the ground sealed the deal with a crunch that echoed across the battlefield. Twelve.

He stood up straight, wings outstretched in a manner Falco Spara would be proud of. Slowly, he walked forward, eyes locked with Ridill. “I should kill you where you stand, you whimpering dog. You aren’t deserving of a warrior’s death. But. I made a deal earlier, so I will give you three chances.” He kicked him over and willed the halberd to hang out right over Ridill’s head. “Run, I kill you. Piss me off any more, I kill you. Threaten to do anything other than what I tell you to do, I kill you. Now. You have three chances to explain to me why I should not consider you a future threat and let you go. Talk.”

Ridill continued to whine and whimper out of sheer fear. “P-p-please, please, don’t, please…” He shriveled up into a curled ball.

“Please? Please WHAT?”

“Don’tkillme don’tkillme don’tkillme don’tkillme don’tkillme PLEAAAASEEE!!!!!!!”

Gesserith knelt and smacked him hard across the face. Grabbing his shirt collar, he leaned in close. “Listen to yourself. Sniveling, begging for your life. Where’s that arrogance from earlier, hmm? Where’s that will to fight?” He dismissed his halberd, grabbing Ridill by his hair and pulling him to his knees. He took a step back, reloading his thunder pistol. “Ridill. I am giving you a chance to live. Why should I let you live? WHY?!” His rage was only tempered by the channeled spirits within him, and only barely.

Ridill continued to stutter. “Becau-cause I did-did-did-didn’t mean to- “

The pistol came to his forehead. “Didn’t mean to? Really? Sending a whole posse after myself and my daughter was just an accident? Telling them all to quote ‘kill this fucker’ was just a slip of the tongue? Bullshit. That’s chance one. Next excuse?”

“I’m young! Stupid! I don’t have anything to learn from! Haven’t been in school since I was 12!” Ridill started crying and shaking while staying as upright as possible under threat of a clean shot through his seemingly useless skull.

Gesserith hesitated. “Okay. Sure, I get that. Riveteers probably aren’t big on education unless it goes right back to their benefits, right? Right?” Ridill nodded, or did a motion as close to nodding as he could manage. “But it doesn’t take a genius to understand that when a man is trying to spend a day with his daughter, he doesn’t need to be jumped or extorted or attempted to be killed. Congrats, you’re down to your last chance. What’ll it be, Ridill? What will make your life worth sparing?” The pistol charged up, staying firmly on his head. Gesserith’s trigger discipline was the only thing stopping him from firing. He didn’t let Ridill know it, though. “Answer the question, Ridill? Why should you live?”

“I make things! Things people like! I can do more for people?”

“Like what?” Gesserith raised an eyebrow.

“Li-like parks! Yeah! I made one recently. Down in the Caldaia. The kids, they, they love it! I’ve done other things too. The uh. The bridge on 37th and Olorco? Yeah, I helped with that! See! I can live! Right? Please?”

Gesserith let out a little noise of curiosity. “Hmm. You like public works projects? Do you like seeing the joy it brings everyone?”

He nodded vigorously. “Yeah! It’s great! Please I promise that if you let me go, I’ll make more! A nice big shiny park! For you and your daughter! Real pretty! PLEASE I’M BEGGING YOU LEMME LIVE!!!”

His arm stayed firm as he breathed, slowly and deliberately. He locked eyes with the assailant. He saw fear. True, unadulterated fear. Something deep within him saw the opportunity. To push on the opening. To finish this. To make them pay. But then he felt a pair of eyes, far away from where he was. Eyes filled with hope. With ambition. With love. With a future that could be saved. With a future that could be shared. Together.

He lowered his pistol. “Here’s what you’re going to do. You are going to run straight home. You are going to inform Ziatora herself of everything you did. Everything. And if I don’t hear anything about a park or anything of that sort in the next two months, I will find you and kill you. I have already assassinated a Riveteer before. Do not think I cannot track you down and hunt you and kill you. Do we have a deal?” Ridill didn’t move. “Get the fuck up and look at me.” He grabbed his neck, hauling him up to stand and staring into those terrified eyes. They stared back. “Do. We. Have. A. Deal?” Ridill extended his hand, and Gesserith met it, letting go of the Riveteer. “Then it’s settled. Now go. If I see you again before I leave, you won’t.” Ridill bolted off, occasionally tripping over himself, never once looking back.

At this point, Gesserith finally loosened up, taking a sigh of relief. He then promptly collapsed, exhausted from channeling Haruko and Nadine, as well as pure physical exertion. He glanced over at his arm, still bleeding from the viashino’s slash earlier.

Shadowstep came running over, his pack with the medical kit slung over her shoulder. She rifled through the bag as she made her way to her father. She knelt and started attending to the wound, applying a cleanser that resulted in a lot of unsavory words coming from Gesserith’s mouth. Eventually the bandages were applied, and both rested for a moment, finally safe.

Gesserith spoke first. “That’s it. They’re gone. You’re safe. We’re safe. It’s okay. It’s all going to be okay, I promise.”

She signed back, You’re going to be okay. You are going to be okay, right? The worry was translated flawlessly by the earpiece.

He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Yes. In no small part thanks to you. Are you holding up okay? Are you hurt?”

Yes, Dad, I’m fine. Maynard and I stayed back, just like you told us to. I didn’t know you could do that.

He moves to stand up. “Thank you. Now, let’s go ho-urghhhh. Ough. Oww. Oh shit, everything hurts. Oh angels, why can’t I move?” He looked at his arms and legs, and by sheer force of will, commanded them. “Come on, up, let’s go, here we go, aaaaaand UP!” His ascent was quick, but staying up was harder. He clung to his halberd for support while slowly making his way to Maynard. Helping his daughter up, they mounted and rode off back to Omenport, practically sprinting the journey.

As he rode, he had to keep himself awake and vigilant, constantly trying to keep himself from falling unconscious while riding his horse back home. The occasional knock on the back of the head from his daughter didn’t hurt either. Well, it did, but only a little. The motion of Maynard’s gallops gave something else to latch on to. Anything, at this point. Haruko and Nadine were both silent. Nadine’s presence in particular slowly faded as they rode away from the ruins of Gesserith’s greatest failure and greatest success.

Riding past the Sterling outpost, they saw Mia on her way out to another bounty, seemingly already finished with her one from before. As she galloped over, she hollered cheerfully, “Heya chief! Haven’t seen you all day. How did that bounty… go… what happened to you?” She got close, carefully examining him, seeing every bit of torn clothing and bits of dried blood adorning his person.

Slowly losing the will to remain awake, he carefully answered, “Ambushed. Had to take care of them. Make sure she didn’t get hurt. I won. It just cost me a bit of flesh, blood, and the will to do anything else. Could I, uh, maybe use the Sterling medical unit?” The pain coming from his voice implied that it wasn’t a question.

“Oh gods, please, yes, let’s fix you up.” She glanced over at Shadowstep. “Alright, cooler Edmund. If it’s alright with you, I’m going to take your dad in for some repairs. Shouldn’t be too long. Is that okay? You can come in, if you’d like! We have snacks!” Shadowstep glanced at her dad, weary and barely able to sit upright, then gave a hasty nod. “Good, great. Alright chief, let’s get you in. Off we go.” She carefully guided him off his horse, taking him inside into the medical wing.

As she sat him down, she carefully examined the wound. Whatever the viashino did, it certainly left a mark. Aside from the flesh wound, it must have had some kind of poison excreted from it or something. The gash had already begun to fester in the short time it took to retreat to Omenport. “How in the world did you manage this? What did you even do?” As she unwrapped the bandages, he winced as his injury was exposed once again. The flesh was dark and off colored, with various bits of stuff leaking. “Who did this to you?”

“This is the most I’ve seen you worry about me, I think,” he joked. “I assume you’re looking for the longer version?”

“Please. FYI, this is gonna hurt.” As soon as the last word left her mouth, she dumped a disinfectant right onto the wound. Instant searing pain coursed through the area. A harsh scream nearly got out of his mouth, but he held it in and kept himself contained as to not startle Shadowstep. As he tried to contain his emotions, the lights and medical equipment began to shake around him. Mia gazed around with a mixture of curiosity and fear.

After the pain subsided, Gesserith carefully opened his mouth. “First of all, fuck you. Any warning would have been nice. Second, I’m bonded with a powerful kami. I’d bring her out, but she is probably extremely exhausted, as am I. I channeled both her and Nadine’s spirit at nigh maximum power. Third, the story. Some Riveteer fucks cornered us and extorted us back home. We got away, came here, did some stuff, ran into them again after we met. Lo and behold, they came after us with more people. It was either slavery or death. So I fought. The last one, their leader. I told Nadine I would consider saving the last if it made sense. So I made sure he was worth the saved shot. I hope he was.”

Mia stopped for a moment. “Okay, woah, slow down. Nadine?! Didn’t she die?”

“She did. A year ago, I performed a ritual to bring her spirit back. She disappeared soon after. I thought she was gone forever. But I guess it was just because she was newly summoned and because I wasn’t trained. So now I have a forever friend here. Dead, yeah, but better than dead and gone, I hope.” He pulled out a locket from his pocket. “Family’s just been a shaky thing for me, recently.”

“Says the man who fought off an army to save his daughter that isn’t even his own blood.” She finished up the stitches. “There, all done. SHADOWSTEP, YOU CAN COME IN NOW! And you, Gesserith, can have a drink from the cupboard. Consider it the treat for being such a good patient. And a good father.” She handed him a small bottle of gin.

Shadowstep emerged from around the door. Mia encouraged her to come in, pushing away the medical carts lying about with a variety of sharp objects. Shadowstep would’ve loved to grab a few, but alas, she was being watched. Old habits die hard. Are you feeling okay? she signed, thoughts reaching the room. I heard a lot of shaking going on.

He nodded his head in agreement. “Yeah. Blame her for not giving me any warning before doing stuff. Jerk. Anyway, I’m all patched up. I know I promised you some shopping today, but could we go home? I’ll make it up to you later.” The weariness in his eyes suggested he didn’t have much left in him. “But we should head back for now. Mia, thank you for this. It should nip this in the bud, minus the scarring. Next time, we’ll take a bounty together, all right? I’ll ease up on the solo missions for a while.”

Mia patted him on the back. “Atta boy. Now you two get on home. And Gess? Please, for your own sake. Take a break and relax for once.”

“YEAH, THAT’S WHAT I TRIED DOING TODAY.”

“Okay, yeah, true. Fine then, maybe go somewhere with more laws. Regardless. Have some fun, old man. Go live a life with your daughter. And Shadowstep? Get him up and moving sometimes, make sure his joints don’t rust over!” Both women started cracking up. Gesserith stood up, looking done with everything. Mia smiled. “Have a good night, you two. Sleep easy.”

“You too, Mia,” he responded, taking Shadowstep outside of the medical room, and outside to Omenport main. By now, the sun had nearly set, and the cold desert wind had begun to set in. The moon was barely visible. Shadowstep grew restless. She looked up at her dad with what looked like a primal fear in her eyes. “Right, that. This plane’s moon shouldn’t have any effect on you. Same as home. You’ll be okay. But I’ll hobble faster. We’ll bring Maynard back to the stables and then straight home. Is that okay?” She nodded and smiled, which was more than enough to keep his spirits up until they got home.

Through the Omenpath they stepped, and the sights and smells of Capenna circled them once more. A car horn blazed in the distance. A blinking sign ushered people to a nearby bar. But most of all, his daughter was with him, safe and sound.

Once they got home, he clicked on the lights. Pudge perked up, crawling from his little home to greet his dad. The furniture was just as clean as when they left. The dishes in the sink, less so. Not that he cared. The great window overlooking the city invited a host of miniscule lights to gaze out on, and many opportunities to ponder. If you could make it here, you could make it anywhere. He had already made it enough.

He dropped his pack, cleaned off his weapons, and poured some of the gin he had rightfully earned. Once Shadowstep had gotten into bed, Gesserith went in to say goodnight. As he took a seat next to her on the bed, he sighed, “Today was a very long day, huh? I promise, it’ll be better from here on out. No more of that, or so I hope to whatever powers may be.”

You were very cool today. I wanna learn how to do that someday, she signed slowly, falling to sleep.

“Someday, maybe. But that’s for another day. I’ll teach you to defend yourself right. Maybe Haruko can teach you kami channeling. But remember: That’s what I’m teaching you. Defense. What I did today only happened because it was either us or them making it out of there alive. If I ever hear you started a fight, not even Falco Spara will stop me from drop kicking you from here until tomorrow. Okay?”

Okay. I love you.

“I love you too. Goodnight, Shadowstep. See you tomorrow.” He turned off the light and closed the door behind him. He fed Pudge, gave him some scritches that had been sorely missing today, brushed his teeth, turned off the lights, and put on his sleepwear.

His bedroom seemed so much barer in the darkness. Only silhouettes of things like his dresser and desk were able to be seen. As he pulled shut the curtains, the light from down below slowly drained away as something deep within him began to pull him asleep.

He sat on the bed and looked at his hands. He had killed before. Many years ago, he did so out of duty. 3 years ago, he did so out of protection. He had done so recently, out of vengeance and spite. And he had done so once again, out of protection. He would’ve loved to talk to Haruko. But the channeling had left both kami and human exhausted. His own company would have to do. “Well. You’re home safe. She’s home safe. Nadine is still out there. A good day. You did what you had to do, Edmund. Your daughter is alive because of you. Talk with people in the morning. Talk to Lazaro. Sleep now. You’ve earned it.”

The exhaustion finally won over. His head and muscles gave out, Haruko fell out of his body, and sleep took him away. That night, he dreamt of a bird, soaring across the sands, over the place of his most recent triumph. That night, he dreamt of his friends. Of Nadine. Of his daughter. Of Koda and Haruko. They all looked at him with pride and acceptance. Some looked more disappointed than others, a feeling he knew all too well. Gouvle glanced over, seeing the sorrow and the joy laced in Gesserith’s face, and simply smiled in response. Lazaro’s gaze fell upon his sin-stained body. There was a deep contempt, but a hint of understanding behind the priest’s scowl. Arturo’s eyes narrowed in hunger, prepared to finally feast on the Broker who had wronged his son, his husband, and so many countless others.

But of everything he could feel, the only thing he remembered once he woke was love.