Month: December 2020

Sanduay was one of, if not THE biggest broomstick sport in all the Realms. Named after the Battle of Sanduay in the War of the Depths, there were 10 players on a Sanduay team trying to defend their tower from the opposing team’s attacks. Three players, called Head-ons would try and turn the enemy team’s tower completely from green, to blue, to yellow, to pink, to orange, to purple, to red. If the tower is completely red from roof to base, the game is over, and the tower’s team loses. While the three Head-ons tried to keep the opposing team behind, two other players, the Overheads, would hold position high above the roof and pick off anyone who manages to circumvent the three below. The remaining five players, Guardians, would try and keep their tower as non-red as possible. They can only go up one color, so if the opposing team turns one section to two colors down, the five players couldn’t go back up two colors. On top of that, once a section of the tower is red, the Guardians can’t make it go up one color, they have to leave it alone and that particular Guardian is benched. Each of the remaining five players focused on one section of the tower. Two players, the Roof Guardians, would monitor a half of the tower’s roof while the remaining three, the Tower Guardians, each focused on a third of the tower from where the roof sits to the base. Each player’s position was named after one of the 10 warriors that defended and repaired the tower to secure victory. The three Head-ons were Sedomar, Kanomar, and Rodomar; the two Overheads were Terralem and Asolem; the two Roof Guardians were Lansel and Roofel; and the three Tower Guardians were Aludax, Lenezax, and Handomax. When she was a Realmfleet Cadet, Arsha was Captain of the Realmfleet Sanduay Team, usually taking up the Kanomar position, and received quite a number of trophies for her victories. She DID lose, yes, but she lost graciously and still loves the sport! Because of her love for her home, her favorite team was the Largandra Leopards. Though, they weren’t going to be playing in the Under-union Festival, her second favorite, the Falgreth Furies, were. She, Malnar, and Gorfanth were given the opportunity to meet them one night and were pleasantly surprised that they weren’t conceited at all. “I tell you, I’m honored to meet you,” chuckled Arsha.

“I’m honored that you follow us,” returned the Team Captain, a male Troll named Anshuu. “I’m surprised you follow an Under-realm team.”

“Helps me to understand people outside of the Mid-realm better. If I’m going to be a Queen, I need to know how my allies’ subjects think.”

“No better way to do that than Sanduay! How long can you stay?”

“Our entire evening is free, why?”

“Because we want you to watch our practice.” Arsha checked with Malnar and Gorfanth who nodded eagerly.

“Captain Anshuu, we’d be honored!”

“Perfect! We just need to wait for our coach and…” A female Troll then came up to them. She was the team’s coach.

“Sorry, boys and girls,” she grumbled, “you guys are grounded.”

“Grounded?!” protested Anshuu. “Why?!”

“We need to let a broomstick band fly overhead,” explained the coach.

“Did the report say who they were?”

“No, only that it was the only band scheduled to pass overhead. Once they’re gone, you guys can practice.”

“Oh, perfect!” grunted one of the Guardians, a Female Troll named Beshee. “Is it just me or does something ALWAYS happen whenever we practice outside of our home field?!”

“Well, I guess we’ll have to wait,” muttered Anshuu. That was when a noise like something flying could be heard. The noise grew louder as the source got closer. “That must be them,” mused Anshuu.

“Sounds kind of small,” observed Gorfanth. “Must be a Realmfleet band.” The broomstick flyers then went over the stadium. They were a band of five and dressed all in white. “…Or…not,” mumbled Gorfanth. “Who were they?”

“I don’t know,” muttered the coach. “My glasses are still being fixed and I hate wearing contacts.”

“They looked to be about Arsha’s height,” muttered Beshee, “but I think they were wearing masks.”

“Weird,” grunted the coach before she took a briefcase of training drones. “Well, they’re gone, so you guys can practice.”

“Very peculiar,” muttered Arsha as she, Gorfanth, and Malnar went to the stands. “Very, VERY peculiar.”

As hinted before, Felansi dancing is what we call Flamenco dancing. The Feisty Felansi Forsorna Family, or 4 F’s, is a massive family of Felansi dancers that adopted a nomadic lifestyle to entertain people across the Realms. Founded by Succubi and Incubi, the family has taken in humanoids all across the Realms and use their own natural age-stopping magic to keep their family members young-looking. Everyone, great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, and children, all contribute to this family of entertainers. Originally, they were just dancers, but as the family evolved, they added new entertainment options to their repertoire. Now, with Felansi dancing still the main event, their acts include singing, comedy sketches, fashion designing, and modeling. They are divided into 10 groups in the colors of the Divine Ones, the Perky Pinks, the Ravishing Reds, the Opulent Oranges, the Yummy Yellows, the Grand Greens, the Beautiful Blues, the Plentiful Purples, the Bountiful Blacks, the Gracious Greys, and the Wonderous Whites. Yunfeen, a Succubus in a purple dress named Termaf, and a Zephyr in a blue dress named Tufarmem looked over their script for their comedy sketch. “All right,” declared Termaf, “we’ve got everything up to the climax, let’s rehearse that.” Termaf and Yunfeen turned their backs to Tufarmem, then Tufarmem fed them a line.

“Why, you cowards!” she called. “You’re afraid to say ‘Alanshi Falls!’”

“ALANSHI FALLS!” repeated Termaf and Yunfeen with a crazed expression on their faces.

“You stay away from me!” yelped Tufarmem.

“Slowly I turned!” continued Termaf and Yunfeen as they slowly turned and approached her, their expressions still crazed. “And step by step, smarg by smarg, I…!” The sound of flyers then interrupted them. The three women then threw their scripts down in frustration.

“Come on! Just once!” wailed Termaf. “Just! Friggin! Once!”

“The minute we get to that ‘smarg by smarg’ line, something always happens!” complained Yunfeen. They heard a scratching on the door. “Must be Beruka,” mused Yunfeen. She opened the door to let in her Cerberus, Beruka. All three of his tails were level and the expression on all three of his faces was sour.

“Can you keep the noise down? I’m trying to sleep!” complained Beruka from his left-most head.

“That’s not us, I assure you,” replied Tufarmem. She grabbed a telescope and looked out the window, extending it and looking into it to see the broom rider band that flew over the Sanduay field. “Dear lord, that kind of racket from five broom riders?”

“Broom riders? At this time of night?” asked Yunfeen. She then got a look.

“Let me see,” urged Termaf. She looked through the telescope and found the broom riders. “Now that’s the weirdest broom rider band I’ve EVER seen.”

“Well, they’re gone now,” mused Tufarmem. “Maybe we can practice some more.”

“Let’s do it tomorrow,” suggested Yunfeen. “I need to ask Malnar about it. Maybe she would know.”

“You don’t know either?” asked Yunfeen the next morning as she and Beruka spoke to Malnar.

“No, I don’t,” confirmed Malnar. “Mama didn’t know anything about it either.”

“Now that IS peculiar,” muttered Beruka.

“Did you see what they looked like?” asked Malnar.

“My vision’s worse than yours, Malnar,” remarked Beruka. “They looked splotchy to me.”

“I didn’t see their faces only because they had a mask that hid their features,” muttered Yunfeen.

“Did anyone else in your family see it aside from you three?” asked Malnar.

“No, they said that our ships’ sensors didn’t detect them last night,” answered Yunfeen. “You know, now that I think about it, I’m surprised the Furies were allowed to practice last night.”

“The upcoming game’s a pretty important one,” reminded Malnar, “and it could last into the night. …You know, that just made me realize that the band last night must have had a higher priority.”

“An unaffiliated broom rider band?” asked Beruka. “I’d say that’s not possible, but your story says otherwise.”

“Somehow, I feel like shenanigans are about to happen this week,” grumbled Malnar.

“You’re absolutely sure you can’t tell me what your mother said yesterday?” Elmar asked Calandra that day.

“Sorry, but what Mother told me and Orbak is classified Code Black,” answered Calandra.

“So, you’re all sworn to secrecy.”

“’Fraid so.”

“That complicates things.”

“Sorry, but it is what it is.”

“Why would your mother want to stage a secret operation during the Under-union festival?”

“Well, she thinks this operation will help the Realms.” Calandra looked out the window. “Her heart’s in the right place, you know. She DOES care for the kingdom. She’s kind, good-hearted…”

“Stupid.” While Elmar said it under his breath, Calandra heard that and shot him a Look!

“She is not!” Elmar figured that it would be illogical to hide his real feelings now.

“She certainly is! She’s an ox who can’t put together 2 and 2 if you spelled out the instructions!”

“Now, that’s enough!” Calandra jabbed her finger into his chest. “Need I remind you that she’s gonna be your mother-in-law?! …Speaking of which, I’ve got wedding dresses to try out. I’ll see you in the morning and you WON’T be talking about my mother like that again!” She then stormed off.

“…Well, I’m hardly wrong,” muttered Elmar.

The day of the Under-union Festival’s opening ceremony had arrived! Arsha was bouncing up and down, eager to see the delights of the Under-union Festival. She always enjoys the dancing, the singing, and the broomstick sports! Her favorite sport was called Sanduay. She was excited at the idea of seeing a Sanduay game as she hadn’t seen one for a while since starting her tour of duty. Right now, she and her fiancés were with the Emboramiis, waiting for the rulers of the Under-realm to be announced. A Minotaur man stepped up to the podium and began. “Hosting the festival, and ruling the Galdredan Lava Kingdom, we have the Narvens, Queen Andwayla, Crown Princess Calandra, her fiancé, Elmar, Princess Ellemar, Princess Hanju, Princess Leenar, Prince Yantonu, Prince Ektan, and his husbands, Lord Tullak and Lord Forlater!” The Narvens and Elmar walked down the aisle, waving as they passed the rows of people before taking their seats. “From the Greltharg Merfolk Kingdom, we have the Yunumteys, King Exarla, King Teynar, Queen Eeraldii, Crown Prince Enturnam, and Prince Gulraten!” Three Cecaelia men, a Mermaid, and a Merman then came down the aisle, the merfolk in water chairs like Shalvey. They sat behind the Narvens, Queen Eeraldii wiggling between her Kings and giggling like a little girl. Their sons, twins from the waist up, just rolled their eyes at the “mushy” romance going on. “From the Morgonthor Trench, we have the Yerudiis, King Alnedar, his harem member, Ganthir, and Prince Lenshu.” Two Mermen and a Cecaelia woman came up and sat behind the Yunumteys. “From Crelima City, we have the Hanthuus, Queen Entralii, Queen Yurmar, and Queen Lartin.” A Succubus, a Naga, and a human all came down the aisle and sat left of the Yerudiis. “From Frigandor, we have the Glasnitas, King Esirat, Queen Ellndar, Prince Ferdath, and their royal guards, the Larkenthas, Lord Delga, Lady Larbuu, their son, Morla, and their harem heads, Enfanti Glarosa and Dorbu Toranthi.” The Frostik Royal family came forward with Delga and his family and harem members following behind. They sat to the left of the Hanthuus. “From the Actanila Mega-shark Grounds, we have the Wenshars…”

“Mega-shark?” Arsha hissed to herself.

“King Enrel and his son, Crown Prince Erutal,” finished the announcer. The two Mega-sharks had an apparatus over their gills to help them breathe. They walked down the aisle, looking very nervous, despite the applause. They sat behind the Glasnitas. “From the Calnthor Merfolk Kingdom, we have Queen Landuii Altror and her Royal Guard Captain, Sir Entrak Yortura.” A pair of Merfolk glided down the aisle and positioned themselves to the right of the Wenshars. “From the Greshkagh Mountains, we have the Gorkurahs, King Terothai, Queen Endomu, and Prince Korkomak.” A trio of Trolls walked down the aisle, then sat behind the Calnthor Queen and Royal Guard Captain.

“So Endomu DID remarry!” chuckled Malnar.

“And married one of the greatest Realmfleet Captains,” mused Arsha.

“From the Grilthan Forest,” continued the announcer, “we have the Tothens, King Endormak, Queen Rodoomee, Princess, Ensurna, their head dancer, Malee, and their Royal Guard Captain, Lord Elbar Tantho.” A band of Elves came down the aisle, waving as they walked, then sat to the Gorkurahs’ right. “From the Haldebor Drider Caves, we have the Lundaliis, High Priestess Torunath, High Priestess Landorel, Priestess Eramii, Priestess Falnimam, and Mother Superior Anturath.” A quintet of Drider women walked down the aisle, then positioned themselves to the Tothens’ right. Arsha arched an eyebrow.

“…Falnimam…Lundalii?!” she hissed to herself. “He’s dating one of the High Priestesses’ daughters?!”

“From Realmgate City, we have the Worodais,” the announcer went on, “King Erodeth, Queen Marutam, Queen Rutalmer, and Queen Toyaktii.” A male Fire Dragon, two female Sea Dragons, and a female Stone Dragon in their humanoid forms walked down the aisle. Malnar shook her head as the Dragon Royals sat in front of the Lundaliis.

“They’re all roughly 5,000 and they STILL haven’t made an heir,” she muttered.

“What’s the big deal?” asked Arsha. “Mom was in her 7,500’s when she gave birth to me.”

“You think that’s late?” chuckled Lardeth. “Mama Feymay had me when she was in her 10,000’s.”

“You mean you two were late-bloomers?” asked Malnar. “I never knew that. Daddy and Mother had me when they were in their late 2,600’s.”

“Yikes, that’s young,” winced Falnii.

“From Falgreth, we have the Varseks,” continued the announcer, “Lord Tomugath, Lady Endowilla, and their son, Young Lord Tenokath.” A duo of Troll adults, with Lord Tomugath holding the infant Tenokath, walked down the aisle, then sat beside the Worodais.

“And you said my parents were young when they had me?” Malnar asked Falnii. “Lord Tomugath’s only 2,300 and his wife can’t be much older than that.”

“From Dwelga, we have the Tolshoons,” the announcer went on, “Chancellor Penshek, First Lady Durshar, their children, Lord Torthan, Lady Entrilim, Lady Urmaltikar, Lady Werfern, Lord Dulerko, Young Lord Intorkar, Young Lord Feedokel, Young Lady Yintakal, Young Lord Huntokal, and Young Lady Jentothor.” Penshek and his family walked down the aisle and sat on the other side of the Worodais.

“Good gracious,” muttered Foresna, “that’s quite a family to provide for.”

“No kidding, that’s big by Goblin standards,” rumbled Gorfanth.

“And last, but certainly not least,” the announcer was wrapping up, “from the Under-realm’s capital of the Belsnath Citadel, we have the Emboramiis, King Orbak, Queen Elmpam, Crown Princess Malnar with her fiancés, Mid-realm Crown Princess Captain Arsha Royana, Over-realm Crown Prince Lardeth Felompha, Mr. Foresna Falshenda, Ms. Falnii Loftanaf, Mr. Gorfanth Steelhorn, Princess Yunfeen, Princess Lanthil, Princess Mirtantha, Princess Yantukath, their dancer, Pyrina Embrania, and their maid, Ralta Frilliom!” The Emboramiis and the people important to them walked down the aisle to the sound of a standing ovation, then they sat down at the bottom-most seats. “Now, all in attendance must release a light spell to pierce the dark cloud overhead!” The dark cloud overhead choked out the sun, but this was all prepared as part of the opening ceremony. The Royal Families then thrust their arms into the air, releasing pillars of light into the cloud, making it dissipate! “I hereby declare the Under-union festival…OPEN!” The crowd cheered and they all went off to see the various venues and booths. Arsha pulled Malnar to the side.

“I thought the Mega-sharks won’t go anywhere near land,” she muttered.

“…You haven’t heard?” asked Malnar.

“Heard what?”

“About the Mega-shark civil war.” Arsha’s eyebrows raised in alarm.

“Civil war? Over what?”

“Well, it turns out that there were Mega-sharks who insisted that slavery was backwards and used the incident at the Trelfan Trench as proof of their views. They would make every attempt to sneak slaves out of Mega-shark territory. They were always caught though, so a general originally from the Trelfan Trench, Enrel Wenshar, led a revolt against Queen Veloom. Daddy declared the civil war an internal matter and ordered everyone to not interfere unless a winner was declared. While Enrel lost more than a few battles, he certainly knew how to make victory costly for Veloom’s forces. Eventually, with her remaining soldiers sent to their borders, Enrel and his army struck the palace and killed Veloom. He’s doing what he can to rebuild the Mega-sharks into an honorable race, with Daddy’s help.”

“I…see.”

“Here he comes.” Enrel approached Arsha.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” he began. “I am Enrel, the Mega-shark King.”

“Hello, King Enrel,” returned Arsha. Enrel could tell, by her tone, that she was skeptic.

“I understand your doubts. Last time you encountered us; we were lustful savages.”

“You don’t deny that?”

“I can’t, it won’t help us to learn from our mistakes if we don’t confront our arrogance. The work is slow, but King Orbak is helping us. We WILL be different, I promise.”

“You’ll be held to that.”

“I understand.” Enrel then left to speak with the other rulers.

“Arsha, his work IS long,” reminded Malnar, “but I have a feeling he’ll make good on his word and so will his descendants.”

“I hope so,” sighed Arsha. “I’m still a little suspicious of Mega-sharks.” She then switched to more pleasant channels. “But this is the Under-union Festival, a place of fun! I understand your sister’s family is performing?”

“The rest of the 4 F’s are gonna be arriving tomorrow. Yunfeen just needed to get here early so she could join us.”

“Probably for the best, it spared the announcer’s throat.”

“No kidding. I have to pity the announcers and the Over and Mid-union Festivals. That was a lot of names. Ours would pass out if he named everyone in the 4 F’s.”

“Someone talking about my family?” asked a voice. Yunfeen then approached the two girls in her Flamenco-style outfit.

“Yunny!” called Malnar as she hugged her young sister.

“Good to see you again, Mally!” giggled Yunfeen. She then looked over Malnar’s shoulder. “Great to see one of my future siblings-in-law!”

“It’s been a long time, Yunfeen,” returned Arsha.

“You look great!” Malnar broke off the embrace to get a good look at her. “In fact, there’s something different now.” Malnar then gasped. “Did you…?”

“I’m an official part of the Ravishing Reds within the Feisty Felansi Forsorna Family!” Yunfeen then performed a few dance moves that were very similar to Flamenco moves.

“Congratulations!” praised Arsha.

“How long have you been a Red?” asked Malnar.

“About two months now,” answered Yunfeen. “I’ve never been so happy!”

“You always liked the stage,” chuckled Elmpam’s voice.

“Mama!” cheered Yunfeen. She then hugged her mother. “It’s been WAY too long!”

“Well, that IS the curse of the Forsorna Family,” replied Elmpam. “You lot DO wander the Realms.”

“Yeah, it is. Go with the winds, we say.” Yunfeen then made a small gasp as she remembered something. “Malnar,” she began as she broke the embrace, “I’ve heard some bad news.”

“Oh?” asked Malnar.

“What happened?” quizzed Elmpam. “Did Dr. Borg make an attempt on someone’s life in Oyed’s name?!”

“Nothing THAT bad! Good grief, Mama!” protested Yunfeen. “Malnar, our team just lost their 3^rd match against the Furies. The Bears aren’t playing against the Gorgons this week. It’s Furies vs. Gorgons.”

“NNNOOOOO!” wailed Malnar as she dropped to her knees and cried to the heavens.

“HA!” laughed Arsha. “You owe me 30 golds!”

“…Beg pardon?” asked Elmpam as she cocked her head in confusion.

“Sanduay, Mama,” explained Yunfeen as she and Arsha helped Malnar up. “We’re talking Sanduay.”

“I see…”

“Mama, you sound thoroughly disinterested,” observed Malnar.

“That’s…because I am,” answered Elmpam. “Sorry, girls, but this dog doesn’t care much for the sport.” Malnar, Yunfeen, and Arsha’s jaws dropped at that revelation.

“…My entire life and I never knew!” gasped Yunfeen.

“Mama, what sort of Belsnath woman are you?!” protested Malnar.

“Considering I was born and bred in the Coliamdii Kingdom, that’s an interesting question, Malnar,” chuckled Elmpam.

“But you DO take pride in your current home, don’t you?!”

“I do!”

“Then how can you not be outraged that we lost to Falgreth?!”

“Because I’m comfortable in the knowledge that we’ll get them next time.”

“…Huh. You know, I feel better already.”

“‘Follow that man!’,” Calandra read the flyer aloud after breakfast the next day. “‘Learn to be a detective in your spare time! Earn up to 900,000 golds a week! Glamor! Excitement! Official badge with first lesson! Galdredan National Detective Academy, Box 14…Southern Resort District, Drelda Forest, Northern Continent, Over-realm!’ Ones, help me, my mother’s so gullible!” Andwayla arched an eyebrow. “Mother, this is a gyp outfit, straight from the Fae Republic!”

“Oh no, it’s not!” protested Andwayla. “That’s where I have you, Calandra. They sent me this official detective kit!” She opened up the case in her hands and revealed all sorts of “detective” equipment. “See? Here’s my fingerprinting equipment, my magnifying glass, and these,” she pulled out handcuffs, “are what is commonly known in the trade as ‘restraining cuffs’.” The chain linking the two cuffs together then broke. “…Well, it doesn’t matter. They didn’t send me the key.”

“And what’s this?” Calandra pulled out a small booklet. “A Drelda callbook?”

“No, it’s my easy lesson booklet.” Andwayla opened the book. “Here’s a chapter on how to follow Elf men, here’s a chapter on how to follow Minotaur women, here’s a chapter on how to follow Minotaur men disguised as Elf women, there you have it! I AM a detective!”

“Okay, fine, good, you’re a detective, Mother. What now?”

“What now? Now I surrender my tedious job to you and pursue the highest rewards that come with a career in law enforcement.”

“…NOW?!” Calandra was about to panic; her plans were about to be upended! “Mother, you said you’d pass on the crown AFTER I married Elmar and he retired from Realmfleet!”

“Oh, that’s still the plan.” Calandra released a breath of relief at her mother’s statement. “I still need more experience, Calandra. That’s why I’ve been staying out late at night for the past week; I’ve been practicing my shadowing skills.” While Calandra’s head was turned, Andwayla maneuvered herself behind Calandra’s back. They circled for a bit until Andwayla lost sight of Calandra. “…Calandra?”

“Right here.” Calandra was sitting on a stool. “Mother, not only are you going to make a fool of yourself with this whole idea, not only will the police get mad, but, if you keep shadowing people, you will receive what is commonly known in the trade as a BELT IN THE MOUTH!”

“Scoff if you want, Calandra, but I am on the verge of a career in law enforcement! Besides, I’ve already sent in my application to the Mino Bros. Detective Agency near the castle…and they said they’d write me.”

“…You sure about that?”

“That’s what they said. ‘Don’t write us, we’ll write you.’”

“Mother, that’s never a guarantee…” an owl then flew through the window and deposited a letter to Andwayla’s hands. “…Oh no!” Calandra’s face went paler than usual. Andwayla opened the letter with a look of triumph on her face…which promptly turned into one of stark surprise the instant she read the letter. “…Mother?” Calandra wave her hand in front of her mom’s face. She then took the letter and read it aloud. “‘Your Gracious Majesty, we regret to inform you that your application has been rejected. The Galdredan National Detective Academy does not, has never, and never will exist, nor is any local school for detectives based in any part of the Over-realm, much less the Drelda forest. We’re sorry, but we have no need for your services at the present time. Regards, the Minos Bros. Detective Agency.’ I told you this was a gyp outfit! How much money did you give them?!”

“…8,000 golds,” whimpered Andwayla before she started falling backwards. Calandra caught her before she hit the floor.

“Mother, I love you,” Calandra grumbled as she pulled Andwayla to a chair, “but it’s this exact kind of thing that makes you a laughingstock!”

Let’s turn to some ACTUAL law enforcement, shall we? Tornoth was at the garage with Torolai and a Realmfleet Sector 1 Officer, a male Lamia named Dwasnay. The plan was simple, Torolai and Dwasnay would hide as Tuurk and Talair would talk to Tornoth and give him his next job. “I don’t like this!” snorted Tornoth.

“You’re well protected, Sir,” assured Dwasnay. “Torolai and I will be covering the doors, ready to cut them off at a moment’s notice.”

“I mean I don’t like that I’M the bait!” snarled Tornoth. “Why couldn’t you get one of their flunkies to do this?!”

“You became one of their flunkies,” replied Torolai, “the instant you accepted. You could have said ‘no’, Tornoth. You could have refused to do their dirty work. Instead, you said ‘yes’, meaning that you accept the responsibilities that accompany a life of lawlessness and must suffer the consequences that go with such a life.”

“You two have a stick up your respective asses, you know that?” grunted Tornoth.

“That stick keeps us on the straight and narrow,” replied Torolai. “They should be coming soon. We’ll get into position. Keep them talking and don’t let on that we’re here.”

“I won’t, I won’t,” grumbled Tornoth as the two law enforcers scuttled off into their hiding spots. “I’ll never do them a favor again!”

“Oh, Mr. Steelhorn!” called Tuurk’s voice as the two financiers entered the garage. “Mr. Steelhorn, there you are! We heard a ghastly rumor concerning you, didn’t we, Mr. Talair?”

“Indeed, Mr. Tuurk,” replied Talair. “We heard you sang like a Harpy about our…arrangements.”

“Yeah, well, those are unfounded rumors,” snorted Tornoth.

“Glad to hear,” praised Talair.

“So, what job have you got for me?” pressed Tornoth.

“You have a shipment of taxanite fuel rods meant for the shipyards, yes?” asked Tuurk.

“Yep, where do you want me to have an issue?” asked Tornoth.

“A public place of your discretion,” answered Talair. “The rods would clearly interfere with your horseless carriage’s engine, wouldn’t they, Mr. Tuurk?”

“Oh, yes, Mr. Talair,” agreed Tuurk.

“Too bad that delivery will go uninterrupted!” called Torolai as she and Dwasnay sprung from their hiding places and leveled their wands at the two crooks.

“What the?!” yelped Tuurk.

“You two,” announced Dwasnay, “are under arrest for industrial sabotage to discredit Realmfleet!”

“You DID sing!” shouted Talair as he pointed at Tornoth.

“You’re quick!” scoffed Tornoth. Tuurk and Talair then pulled out concealed wands from their canes and fired a levitation spell on Dwasnay before throwing him onto Torolai. They then fired a magic blast at the scaffolding above Tornoth and ran out the door as it tumbled down. Tornoth got out of the way and looked out the door to see them fire a magic blast at a Minotaur woman, knocking her to the ground. That did it! That Minotaur woman was Tornoth’s wife and he was VERY protective of his family! He charged out the door and slammed the two crooks to the ground, holding them until Torolai and Dwasnay came out. Dwasnay took over holding the two men as Tornoth and Torolai checked his wife over. She gave her statement as to what happened and Tornoth confirmed her relation to him. Torolai then turned to Tuurk and Talair.

“Now we’re adding assault on a witness’ family to your rap sheet!” she snarled. “Any other laws you want to break?” The two men said nothing. “Silence, huh? Smart.”

With the two men facing criminal charges and a reliable witness, Tuurk and Talair were found guilty of sabotage of essential resources, bribing citizens, resisting arrest, and assaulting a witness’ family member. The instant the judge proclaimed them guilty, their spouses divorced them on the spot. Their wands were confiscated and destroyed, and they lost their jobs. They were sentenced to life in prison and so they remained. Throughout the trial, they swore fierce revenge against those who double-crossed them.

As for Tornoth, he got off lighter. He was fined an amount equal to the money he had accepted from the two crooks. His boss then ordered that he was to have a partner on his deliveries, no matter what. His partner was a strict by-the-book person, which grated on him, but he couldn’t say too much for fear of losing his job. He wasn’t divorced, thankfully, but he was going to be sleeping on the couch for a long time.

Realmfleet replaced Tuurk and Talair with a pair of more reliable financiers, a husband duo by the family name of Ralnath. They argued for giving the Mechanicas all the overhauls needed until they expire and, now that they were in a higher position, Mechanicas were given as many overhauls as needed. Many a Realmfleet Captain, including Arsha, blessed the two men to the highest of the Heights for giving people like Endea a new lease on life. With her mind settled and her troubles over, Arsha took a walk through the streets of the Galdredan Kingdom, taking in the sights. “Funny how something can look different with a new mindset,” she mused.

“You seem cheerful,” chuckled a voice. Arsha whirled around to see Elmpam.

“Your Majesty!” greeted Arsha. Her future mother-in-law then gave her the signature ten-armed embrace as her tail wagged.

“How’s life treating you so far?” asked Elmpam once the hug broke off.

“A lot better now,” answered Arsha. “The Endeavor’s getting a much-needed overhaul and it’s sticking to the original time-table. I’m just taking in the sights.”

“And your mental health?”

“…Malnar knew?”

“You’re rather terrible at hiding your emotions.”

“Yeah, I am.”

“Arsha, I ask this as someone who loves you, are you doing all right?”

“I’m actually in a better place, mentally. Falnii helped me via her dream-weaving and I managed to confront my inner demons. However, I did something I don’t think many people do.”

“What’s that?”

“I promised them that I would use them if and when I fight Oyed.”

“…Actually, that’s something most people in the Under-realm do to keep their dark passions in check.”

“Really? I guess Malnar and Gorfanth rubbed off on me. …That’s what helped me against my inner demons, all of my fiancés rubbed off on me.”

“Well, it’s good that you’re drawing on other sources of strength. So, what do you intend to do?”

“…I think I’ll help set up the Festival.”

“There’s a lot of work to do.”

“My crew and I can do anything!”

“That’s the way! Come on, I could use some help for the stage.”

“Lead on!” Arsha followed Elmpam down the street with a new outlook on the future.

The Endeavor’s crew was informed that the overhaul would last well into the next week, so they were advised to stay until the end of the Under-union Festival. Elmar took full advantage of that as he visited the Narvens’ castle frequently. While he may not be the most emotional of the bunch, Elmar DID enjoy the visits as it meant he could be with his beloved Calandra. Right now, Calandra and Elmar were sitting on a balcony looking towards the south. They were resting on a swinging bench, Calandra’s arms wrapped around Elmar as they enjoyed the tranquil nighttime moment. Elmar stroked Calandra’s hair, causing her to hum happily. “I certainly hope these moments are plenty when we’re King and Queen,” whispered Calandra.

“Any moment with you, my beloved star,” replied Elmar, “is one I will treasure.”

“Well, we’ll be together a lot more often now.”

“I heard you had gotten the paperwork approved. So, all that’s left is to ask Arsha to officiate our wedding.”

“When do you think that will be?”

“If we play our cards right, just a few days after the festival.”

“And at worst?”

“A full week after the festival.”

“Honestly, let’s hope it’s just a few days.” She leaned upward, puckering her lips. Elmar took the hint and puckered up, leaning down…then a knock on the door interrupted them. Their faces fell. “Tonak’s law! Never fails!” Calandra turned to the door. “Come out,” she called. Her butler then opened the door to the balcony and approached them.

“I apologize if I’ve disturbed your moment,” he began, “but I’m afraid I have news on the Endeavor’s overhaul.”

“I take it that it’s not good news,” replied Elmar. “Has she got hairline fatigue?”

“Thankfully, no, she does not,” assured the butler. “However, the shipyards are not receiving equipment in any timely fashion.”

“What?!” yelped Calandra. “But I thought they had a contract with the Galdredan Reliable Road Services!”

“There is an investigation into that matter right now,” answered the butler. “Some of the workers are suspecting foul play.”

“They better be wrong! I don’t want Elmar’s current home to be grounded any more than it needs to be!”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

You’re probably wondering what the Galdredan shipyards are doing with Tornoth’s company. Unfortunately, the equipment came from smithies near the kingdom’s most famous volcano, the Welmark Well of Fire. Railways dared not go near the place and no one built any safe ports of call there. The only safe way was via the road and only horseless carriages could go fast enough to avoid any burning rocks falling from the sky whenever it erupts, which was almost every week. Thankfully, the people in the village at the base of the volcano were fire and lava demons that cast protection spells around visitors and people exporting their wares to other parts of the continent. Somehow, during this time, the Galdredan Reliable Road Services was experiencing some form of slow-down. Eyebrows were raised and so the officer that had Tornoth quarantined decided to investigate. She heard that Tornoth was involved, so she shadowed him and learned of his usual haunts. It was during his lunch break when the details would be known. Tornoth sat at his usual table and placed his order. The waitress left him and took other people’s orders as Tornoth waited. As he sat, he laced his fingers together and rested his snout on them. “This better be worth it,” he rumbled.

“What better be worth it?” asked a woman’s voice. Tornoth looked up to see a Minotaur woman beaming at him.

“Lanswey!” he cheered at seeing a childhood friend of his. “I heard you were put away!”

“I got out for good behavior,” explained Lanswey as she took the seat opposite of him.

“You? Good behavior?” laughed Tornoth.

“No joke. I’m a model citizen now.”

“I guess Oyed CAN change his tune! What brings you here?”

“Well, a little investigation of a rumor, to be honest. Before I got out, I heard rumors of a certain troublemaker from the Galdredan Reliable Road Services.”

“Really now?”

“The instant I heard it was Realmfleet getting all the grief, I immediately thought of you.”

“Now why would you think that?”

“Because only you would give Realmfleet what they deserve.”

“Maybe I would, but don’t you think this is a little elaborate for me? I mean, I’m hardly that smart.”

“You’re smart enough to ask for help in your schemes, so I’d say it’s still you.”

“Fair enough. Okay, all cards on the table, it WAS me. I just had an opportunity given to me.”

“Who gave you an opportunity?”

“Tuurk and Talair, financiers from Realmfleet.”

“Why would they ask you to slow down your deliveries to the shipyards?”

“Because they needed to show Realmfleet that they were taking our delivery jobs. You see, it all started after that officer, Torolai…”

“You mean Chief Inspector Torolai?”

“You know any other Torolais?”

“Your mother, for a start.”

“…Okay, yeah, that IS a common name. In any case, yeah, it WAS the Chief Inspector. Anyways, I was trying to deliver cattle from Yutt the mutt’s farm, but he had bribed the agent into letting me approach a train of infected cattle. I had to stay there for a while until I was inoculated and immunized from foot and mouth.”

“Oh, heights!”

“Yeah, I wasn’t too happy. In any case, after I was given a clean bill of health, Tuurk and Talair approached me and explained that the Endeavor caused them no end of financial grief and offered me a sizable cash reward if I were to experience ‘delays out of my control’ whenever there was a shipment meant for Realmfleet. Given that the Endeavor’s going through an overhaul, I saw no reason to complain.”

“Well, I do!” called the waitress that took his order! It was then he saw the waitress’ face! It was the officer that quarantined him!

“T…Torolai?!” squeaked Tornoth. “What are you…?!”

“You’re coming with me, Mr. Steelhorn!” Torolai then turned to Lanswey. “Thank you for your help.”

“No worries,” replied Lanswey.

“LANSWEY, YOU INCESTUOUS PIECE OF…!” Before Tornoth could punch Lanswey, Torolai jabbed her wand into his back.

“Don’t you DARE blame her!” she snarled. “You made your own choices! You, your family, and I are going to have a VERY long chat about this!”

“Wait, just my parents, right?!” begged Tornoth.

His begging did no good. His wife, calves, parents, AND siblings heard the whole story. Now subjected to police questioning, Tornoth buckled and told them everything. Because he gave up Tuurk and Talair, the matter had to be escalated to Realmfleet. The Narvens’ Royal Guard Captain triple-checked every signature involved before he put his own signature to it. Once he did, a taskforce from Sector 1, Realmfleet’s top internal law enforcement officers, arrived in secret. They had long suspected Tuurk and Talair of wrongdoing, so it wasn’t hard for them to take the case. As the taskforce arrived, Elmar and Calandra talked about the whole thing. “Disgraceful!” hissed Calandra.

“Agreed,” remarked Elmar. “I knew they were weasels, but this is something else.”

“Good thing Mom’s got something else on her mind. Remember the last time she ‘helped’?”

“Halmii protect us, I still remember the clean-up. Our room stunk to the Highest of the Heights.”

“Seriously, cleaning out a rat infestation with a level 5 stink bomb? I love my mother, but she’s not doing dispelling the stereotype that blondes are all dumb.”

“Her actions don’t do you any favors on that front, there’s no arguing that.” The conversation was interrupted by the butler clearing his throat.

“Her Majesty requests your presence in the Throne Room,” he announced.

“At this time of night?” asked Calandra.

“She was most insistent.”

“Come on, Elmar. Let’s go see what Mom wants. Maybe we can get some answers as to why she’s been going out at night lately.” Calandra and Elmar then proceeded down the corridors to the Throne Room. There, sitting on the throne, her Fire Demon body bedecked in a silver and gold dress, with all sorts of jewelry on her person, was Queen Andwayla Narven, Calandra’s mother and the Queen of the Galdredan Lava Kingdom.

“Sweetest Calandra!” called Andwayla. “Come! I need to speak with you two kids!” Elmar and Calandra approached the throne.

“Mother, what could you possibly want from us at this time of night?” asked Calandra.

“Especially after your recent nocturnal walk,” supplied Elmar.

“You’ve been staying out late for the past week,” continued Calandra. “What are you up to?!”

“Calandra, Elmar,” began Andwayla as she motioned for Calandra and Elmar to get closer. The two knelt down as she continued. “I don’t want the police to know, but I am engaged in a project that will continue long after I’ve passed the crown to you, a project that will benefit our people and keep the streets of every village in the Galdredan Kingdom safe, even in the event of Oyed winning the Final War.”

“And that project is?” asked Calandra.

“I’ve joined the high life of gathering information and clues that will lead to solving the most heinous of crimes,” explained Andwayla, “and making sure the criminal underworld fears the shadows it uses, since I will be using the shadows to my advantage. Now, the job title has all sorts of slang words, such as a gumshoe, a private eye, a sleuth…”

“Hold on,” interrupted Elmar, “Your Majesty, are you…a detective?”

“Oh, come on, Elmar!” protested Calandra. “Mother, a detective?”

“You’re quite right, Elmar,” confirmed Andwayla as she pulled out a detective’s badge.

“…What?” asked Calandra in disbelief. “You? A detective?” Andwayla nodded as Calandra ran her hand down her face. “Mother, may I give you some advice?”

“…Sure, sweetie. What is it?”

“When the boys from the Happy Hatch come to have you fitted for a canvas housecoat, do us a favor and please…don’t tell them you’re my mother!” Andwayla snarled at that and showed Calandra the badge again. All Calandra did was laugh at the absurdity of it all as Elmar rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, reminding himself that, the instant he’s married to Calandra and they become King and Queen of the Galdredan Kingdom, he’s going to have to put up with Andwayla’s shenanigans.

Denstra met with Tenshal, Wenshai, and Endea in Sick Bay. “Broken down again?” she guessed.

“My engine’s only good for scrap,” replied Endea. “It’s been that way for a long time.

“You’re sadly correct,” sighed Denstra.

“Isn’t there anything we can do about it?” asked Wenshai.

“Like what?” muttered Denstra. “Tuurk and Talair won’t authorize repairs or a replacement engine. The only place she’s going to get one is with a heritage fleet. I’m sorry, Endea, but if you’re going to have any chance of a new engine, I’ll have to advise Arsha to ask Realmfleet to retire you.”

“I understand,” sighed Endea.

“But, Commander, that’s not fair!” protested Tenshal. “It only played up when she saved me from quarantine!”

“I’m sorry, but it’s out of my hands,” answered Denstra. “Like I said, the Endeavor…hold on, what was that about quarantine?”

“I almost picked up some cattle from Yutt’s farm,” explained Tenshal. “Endea stopped me and thinks the officer there was bribed.”

“And what facts do you have?” asked Denstra.

“I saw an exchange between Yutt and the officer when I tried to pick up his cattle, Ma’am,” reported Wenshai.

“You see?” asked Tenshal. “Endea’s the reason why I’m still here!”

“Stop it, Ensign,” ordered Endea. “Don’t go on about it.”

“Yes, please,” muttered Denstra. “You’re breaking my heart.”

“Honestly, Ma’am!” urged Tenshal. “You’ve gotta believe us! We’re only reporting the facts!”

“Commendable,” replied Denstra, “but it’s only one side of the facts.”

“Ah, Commander Welmeva!” came Tuurk’s oily voice as he and Talair arrived. “We have some good news for you, don’t we, Mr. Talair?”

“Indeed, Mr. Tuurk!” agreed Talair.

“You’re leaving Realmfleet?” asked Denstra.

“No, but the Endeavor is,” answered Talair, “isn’t she, Mr. Tuurk?”

“Oh, absolutely!” agreed Tuurk. “We’ve found a lovely heritage fleet base for her where she will be cared for and be given essential repairs.”

“She can get both here!” snapped Tenshal.

“Not on our tin, Ensign,” remarked Talair.

“Ah, Tuurk! Talair! Lovely to see you two!” called Arsha’s voice.

“Captain!” called Tenshal. “You have to do something! They’re going to sell Endea off!”

“Indeed!” confirmed Talair. “It’s quite a scenic base for her. You should be thanking us for getting this liability off your hands.”

“…Endea, you’ve served for a long time,” recalled Arsha. “You’ve been a shining example of Realmfleet ships long before you became a Mechanica last year, that’s a praiseworthy effort, perhaps worthy of retirement. So, the question is, is retirement what you want?” Endea was taken aback.

“Er, well…if I had the choice,” she mumbled, “then…no, I don’t want to be retired or scrapped.”

“Very well,” declared Arsha. She then turned to Tuurk and Talair with a big grin. “Gentlemen, have you checked the recent news?”

“Er, I don’t see how that correlates to this situation, do you, Mr. Talair?” asked Tuurk.

“I’m as in the dark as you, Mr. Tuurk,” answered Talair.

“Go on and check the Realmfleet Voting Boards and Orders Site,” advised Arsha. The two men arched their eyebrows before doing so. When they read the news, they were flabbergasted.

“Our scrapping and retirement proposal was shot down?!” yelped Tuurk.

“And all in-service ships are required to receive an overhaul in preparations for combat?!” cried Talair. “Who’s the idiot who wants us to waste our money like that?! The Final War hasn’t even begun yet!”

“Given the situation with Dr. Borg,” remarked Arsha, “I’d say that order only makes sense. Well, you heard them, you NEED to authorize Endea’s long-overdue overhaul.”

“Hold on!” protested Tuurk. “Endea hasn’t given us permission to do so!”

“So, we can’t until…!” continued Talair.

“I DO give my permission for an overhaul!” called Endea. “I’ve been needing one for a long time now!”

“Oh…very well!” grumbled Tuurk. “If you would kindly give us a detailed explanation of your issues, we’ll make sure there’s enough money for the shipyards to fix them as they give you your overhaul.”

“See if we care,” grunted Talair as the two men angrily strode out of Sick Bay and towards the exit.

“Commander Welmeva,” directed Arsha, “you and Shalvey request a set of sky-tugs to take us to the Galdredan Shipyards.”

“Aye, aye, Captain!” confirmed Denstra as she headed off to follow her orders.

“Ensigns, Thangred has already been informed of the overhaul order,” continued Arsha, “so you two help him secure any loose ends before the tugs arrive.”

“Yes, Captain!” cheered Tenshal.

“Hop on!” offered Wenshai. Tenshal climbed onto Wenshai and they galloped down the hall.

“Captain, I’ll see that Realmfleet never regrets this!” promised Endea.

“Given your service, I don’t think they will,” replied Arsha.

“So, if I may inquire, how did your dream-weaving go?”

“Splendidly! I feel like I could take on Oyed himself with my bare hands!”

“Well, don’t leave us out of the fight just yet. Hey, did you happen to get any information on a Minotaur named Tornoth?”

“Gorfanth’s brother? Oh, Gorfanth had a real funny story about that!”

What happened was simple. When Tornoth prepared to hook his horseless carriage up, the officer from the transfer yard flew in with a squadron of broom-riders. “Hey! Yutt!” she called. “I told you to leave your farm under quarantine until your cattle were cured or disposed of! Where’s your assigned officer?! Telnek, what’s going on here?!” The officer in charge of Yutt’s cattle train, Mr. Telnek the Sky Elf, didn’t say a word, giving the lead officer all the information she needed. “I don’t believe it! You accepted a bribe! Boys, do your thing!” Telnek then mounted his broom!

“We’ve got a flier!” called another officer. A few officers pursued and grounded Telnek, putting the cuffs on him.

“As for you, Yutt,” snarled the lead officer, “trying to foist potentially infected beef onto our Queen and her family and staff? You’re lucky I got here in time! Get that quarantine flag back up NOW!”

“Erm, okay,” gulped Tornoth, “since I’m in the way, I’ll just bugger off and…”

“You’re not doing anything of the sort!” snapped the officer as she pointed a finger at him. “I saw you approach that train with clear intent to deliver it!”

“That’s not my fault!” protested Tornoth. “There wasn’t a quarantine flag! You saw it yourself!”

“Well, that’s your bad luck! Whether you knew or not makes no difference! Since foot and mouth affects all bovids, even bipedal ones, I must consider you infected.”

“But I’m innocent! Honest, I’m completely innocent!”

“You’re in quarantine as of now!”

“Oh, for the love of…!”

“Ah, ah! No whining! You’re staying here until a doctor can determine your health! And don’t you even think about slipping away!” The officer turned to her squadron. “Keep an eye on him, boys! I’ll be back with a doctor!” She mounted her broom and took off. As she left, Tornoth turned on Yutt.

“Thanks a lot!” he snarled. “You’re a real villain, Yutt, you inbred mutt!”

“I needed me cattle taken!” protested Yutt.

“Yeah, well, thanks to you, I’ve probably got foot and mouth disease! Come here, you…!”

“No fighting!” called an officer.

After a few hours, a set of sky-tugs arrived, attached chains to strategic points on the Endeavor, and hauled her to the shipyards. When they arrived and set the Endeavor down into a repair berth, Endea met with the commander of the shipyards, the Mechanica extension of the tug Karalda, a Ms. Karald, to discuss what problems to expect. Endea was on a bed. “So, Ms. Endea,” mused Karald, “did you request a new engine from your Captain?”

“I did,” answered Endea, “but Tuurk and Talair blocked her at every attempt.”

“They ARE quite infamous for it. And these tickles in your hull, how often were they?”

“They only happened yesterday. I want them nipped in the bud.”

“Smart girl. Anything else we should know about?”

“Nope, just the problems I’ve already outlined.”

“Excellent. We’ll be ready to administer the purple water at your say-so.” Endea then pulled the sheets over her.

“All right, put me under!” Karald then pulled out her communicator and made a call.

“She’s all good to go!” she reported. After a few seconds, Endea gave a yawn and fell asleep, thanks to the purple water. Purple water is an anesthetic for only Mechanicas to use in repair work. Once this chemical is introduced into a Mechanica’s systems, they fall into a deep hibernative sleep, so they won’t feel the cutting or welding torches during the repair process. This was introduced purely by accident as someone was coming up with a painkiller for Mechanicas to take during repairs. The test subject of this trial, a road-type Mechanica, was almost pronounced dead until someone restarted their engine. Soon, this chemical agent was tested with all Mechanicas and was declared better than a mere painkiller.

Now, there was an unfortunate discovery of a Mechanica euthanizing chemical, but that shall be discussed later. For now, there were two ominous onlookers of the Endeavor’s overhaul, Tuurk and Talair. “Of all the irresponsible ways Realmfleet has gone,” muttered Talair, “this is certainly the most irresponsible, isn’t it, Mr. Tuurk?”

“Indeed, Mr. Talair,” agreed Tuurk. “I must say, Mechanicas are an impediment to progress. An awfully expensive one, wouldn’t you say, Mr. Tuurk?”

“I would say, Mr. Talair.” Tuurk was then struck by inspiration. “I believe the Galdredan Reliable Road Services can assist us, Mr. Talair!”

“How so, Mr. Tuurk?”

“Realmfleet has been taking unnecessary delivery jobs, Mr. Talair. Ships go from one part of a single kingdom to another.”

“You’re right, Mr. Tuurk! Realmfleet is cutting into a kingdom’s internal deliveries! On top of it being overbearing and a breach of public trust, it’s too expensive. I take it there’s someone in the Galdredan Reliable Road Services who shares our views, Mr. Tuurk?”

“A Mr. Tornoth Steelhorn, Mr. Talair. He feels as if Realmfleet is cutting into his paycheck.”

“Does he have a family?”

“A wife, his father-in-law, and two little calves, a boy and girl.”

“Then we are certainly obligated to assist in any way we can, aren’t we, Mr. Tuurk?”

“Indeed, we are, Mr. Talair.” The two moneymen then left the dock where the Endeavor was being overhauled as they both sang the Galdredan National Anthem.

After a few days, Endea and Tenshal arrived at a transfer yard. Tornoth and a coworker of his, a male Troll named Yellug, were also there with Gorfanth simply observing the whole thing. “Not taking part?” teased Tornoth.

“Not me,” replied Gorfanth. He noticed the officer talking to the engine’s driver. The driver looked incredibly angry while the officer, a human woman, was telling the driver what to do. The driver’s shoulders then slumped, and he slunk off into the cab before pulling out a flag with a germ symbol on it.

“You’re kidding!” shouted Yellug.

“I’m afraid not,” replied the officer. “If you lot were hoping to take the cattle on, you can forget it. They’re quarantined. Foot and mouth was found among this lot. We need to cure or dispose of them.”

“And I thrashed my engine to get here!” snarled Endea.

“Sorry, folks. Better luck next time.” The officer then left for her next job as doctors tended to the cattle.

“Well, now what?!” grumbled Yellug.

“I don’t know about you,” mused Tornoth, “but I’m just going to mosey around. I think there’s a job up at the Walek Lava Pit, so I’ll head up that way.”

“You need any help?” asked Yellug.

“No, it’s just a small job that needs to get to the castle.”

“All right, see you later.”

“Bye!” Tornoth and Yellug then started the carriages and took off in different directions.

“Now what’s Tornoth up to?” muttered Tenshal. “The only job up there is Yutt’s cattle train. It’s supposed to clear quarantine today and Wenshai’s supposed to take it.”

“Knowing my brother, he’ll try and take it from her,” muttered Gorfanth.

“You think he would?”

“Of course, the villain would. In a place that remote, who’d stop him?”

“We would,” answered Endea. “Come on, Ensign. We better make sure he’s up to only fair-play.” Endea got her horse to move and the cart followed Tornoth.

“Realmfleet people,” sighed Gorfanth. “Always wanting to play the hero. …Then again, someone needs to these days.”

Wenshai approached a farm with a cattle train sitting by it. “All right, there’s Yutt the mutt’s farm and…” she trailed off when she saw the quarantine flag. “Bother! It’s got infected cattle!” Just then, she saw an Inu farmer man talk to the officer standing by the train. They exchanged something and the officer took the flag down. “What the? So…it’s NOT quarantined anymore? Now that’s strange. Should I…?”

“Hey! You! Realmfleeter!” called the farmer. “Take me train up to the castle!”

“Who, er, me?” squeaked Wenshai. “Er, sorry, I can’t, Mr. Mu…I mean, Mr. Yutt. I’ve, er, got another job, so…I’ll come back later.” She then galloped off. “I’m not risking it, not me.” As she galloped off, she heard the horn of a horseless carriage and stopped to see Tornoth pull up.

“Well, well, well!” chuckled Tornoth as he stopped. “What’s a Realmfleeter like you doing out here?”

“Me? Nothing,” replied Wenshai.

“Don’t tell me you’ve come all this way for ‘nothing’,” scoffed Tornoth.

“No, Sir, I AM working.”

“You’re not hauling anything. You’re certainly not here for target practice, or your wand would have been out. What are you working on?”

“Well, er…it’s…it’s a secret Realmfleet project.”

“Secret? Don’t give me that! You went up to Yutt the mutt’s farm and found that his cattle train was waiting for clearance. What’s secret about that?”

“Sorry, like I said, it’s a secret Realmfleet project. I’m not allowed to give you the specifics.”

“Wenshai!” called Tenshal’s voice. He and Endea arrived in the cart. “Wenshai! Are you all right? You looked bothered.”

“No bothers on my mind,” answered Wenshai. “Just…a mystery. You see, Yutt’s cattle train WAS flying a quarantine flag.”

“You didn’t get near it, I hope?” asked Endea.

“I was tempted to,” replied Wenshai. “You see, the flag came down, but…”

“The flag came down?!” cheered Tornoth. “That’s your secret, huh?! It’s been cleared! Right! That’s my job!” He gunned the engine and his carriage roared off towards the farm!

“No!” called Tenshal. “Not if I’ve got anything to say about it!” He unharnessed the cart’s horse and mounted it.

“WAIT! STOP!” shouted Endea as she attempted to mount Wenshai. She then cried out in pain and fell to the ground.

“ENDEA!” called Wenshai. Tenshal gave up the chase and dismounted, heading to Endea.

“What’s the idea, gunning your own engine like that?!” he protested.

“Never mind me!” insisted Endea. “Ensign Tenshal, what were you thinking?!”

“I was trying to stop Tornoth from taking one of our jobs!”

“Even one that would have gotten you quarantined?!”

“You heard Wenshai, the flag came down!” Endea turned to Wenshai.

“Wenshai, you said ‘but’ before Tornoth took off. How was that sentence going to end?”

“Well, just before the officer took the flag down,” answered Wenshai, “Yutt spoke to him and then handed him something.”

“You see?” Endea asked Tenshal. “Yutt probably bribed the officer into clearing his cattle.”

“Oh, for Balmo’s sake!” snarled Tenshal. “Yutt, you mutt!”

“Endea, are you all right?” asked Wenshai.”

“Fraid not. My engine’s coolant pipes fractured. They had to flush the engine core with water. That means a replacement or, more likely, the end for me.”

“Not if we have anything to say about it!” declared Wenshai. “Tenshal, help Endea to the cart and harness me to it. You take the horse and run ahead to explain the situation to Denstra. I’ll follow you as swiftly and safely as allowed.”

Tornoth arrived at the farm and met with Farmer Yutt. “What are you doing here?” he barked. “Here to not take me cattle?”

“Abandon a client?” replied Tornoth. “Perish the thought, Mr. Yutt. The Galdredan Reliable Road Services NEVER forsake their clients.”

“Good,” grunted Yutt. “Take it to the castle and give it some speed.”

“At once, Sir.” Tornoth then chuckled to himself. “Eat my dust, Realmfleet!”

Once more, Arsha’s quarters were set up for a dream-weaving session. “Are you ready?” asked Falnii.

“Ready,” replied Arsha. She breathed deeply and shut her eyes, feeling Falnii touch the back of her head with her own, then felt Falnii’s cloud wrap around her. Falnii then chanted.

Dream your dream with me.

Tell your woes to me.

Show your troubles to me.

Dream your dream with me.

Arsha fell into a deep sleep once more.

Arsha woke up in the ruins as usual, but this time, she didn’t call out to her lovers. “I know you’re lurking somewhere!” she called to the monstrous version of her. “Show yourself! No waves, no flooding the fjord, nothing! Just show yourself!”

“Want to go off-script, do we?” laughed Monster Arsha.

“Your script needs a rewrite.”

“It’s yours as well.”

“Just show yourself, you freak!”

“As you wish!” Arsha was then struck from behind by one of Monster Arsha’s tails. Arsha picked herself up and forced herself to stare into Monster Arsha’s eyes. “A real nightmare, isn’t it?” cackled Monster Arsha.

“What brings you here?” asked Arsha.

“The truth, of course! The truth you’ve been denying yourself!”

“What truth?!”

“That you are unworthy! Unworthy of your lovers, unworthy of being a Captain, unworthy of your own pride! You think yourself a capable commander, but people still died! Dr. Borg still has a means of coming back from the dead! The Realmfleet Revenants are still undead! You know they DO blame you!”

“They told me otherwise!”

“Mere words! They still actually hit you!”

“Just to keep up the act!”

“And you never regretted losing them in the first place?” Arsha went quiet. “I thought so! Normally, I would have gnawed on your bones and soul! …But I sense you have a higher calling! There’s a spark growing within you! A spark of rage!” Monster Arsha then vomited searing hot liquid onto Arsha’s face. It burned Arsha and twisted her emotions.

“What are you doing?!” she strained. “What is this…this rage?!”

“You may have fought for the good of Realmfleet,” continued Monster Arsha, “but you still have five deaths on your conscience! They became Revenants because you didn’t monitor Dr. Borg closely enough after she told you she had developed a machine that transfers her soul to a new body! How can you ever forgive yourself?”

“I…I can’t!” gasped Arsha.

“Then BURN!” Arsha screamed in agony, the liquid searing her flesh. She got angrier and angrier. “Become vengeance! Learn from me!” Arsha almost took Monster Arsha’s hand…until she slammed her fist into the ground, forcing the liquid to evaporate. She then caught her breath.

“You’re right,” she gasped, “I DO hate myself for not paying enough attention to Dr. Borg. However, my willpower is stronger than my self-hatred!”

“Willpower won’t save you!” cackled Monster Arsha. Arsha then noticed the formation of the fjord. There was a pair of rocky, curved spikes on the highest hill. Arsha then grinned.

“No, it won’t. But who says it’s just my willpower that drives me?” Monster Arsha cocked an eyebrow. “My lovers have told me that my willpower inspires them. One of my biggest regrets is that I never told them that they have aspects that inspire me. Gorfanth’s steel-shaping strength, for starters.” It was then that the hill with the curved spikes…stood up! The rocks fell away and revealed a giant Gorfanth! “Then there’s Lardeth’s talent of on-the-fly innovation!” Another hill stood up and fell apart to reveal a giant Lardeth! “And there’s Malnar’s ability to keep a person’s spirits up!” More rocks fell away as a giant Malnar stood up. “Don’t forget Foresna’s hope in a bright future! I’m willing to bet that bright light that appeared as the wave came took his shape!” Rocks fell away as a giant Foresna stood up. “And let’s never forget the compassion Falnii is known for!” The last hill stood up and crumbled away to reveal a giant Falnii. Monster Arsha looked terrified! “You may be a part of me, but you will NEVER be dominant again!”

“The Realms you know and love are burning!” shouted Monster Arsha. “When they are ashes, you will beg for vengeance!”

“I won’t let that happen! Now go back to the darkest parts of my mind!” Monster Arsha hissed. “If you do, I promise you, I’ll let you out in the final battle.”

“…You mean it?” asked Monster Arsha.

“You may be the darker aspects I don’t like, but you ARE a part of me. I would be a fool if I didn’t acknowledge you.”

“…Arsha Royana,” purred Monster Arsha, “there may be hope for you yet! Until then, farewell.” She slunk off as the giant Falnii looked at Arsha.

“Awaken,” she said softly.

Endea went through the streets on a horse-drawn cart with supplies. The day was getting hotter and hotter and her engine’s condition was affecting her. The Galdredan Lava Kingdom covered a good 3/4^th’s of the Under-realm’s Southern continent and she was making a long westward journey along the southern coast. She kept rubbing her sides when she could. “Oof, my engine’s bad,” she groaned to herself. She arrived at the rail station she needed to be at and helped unload the supplies. Now, by law, all other transports are supposed to yield to any horse-drawn transports. However, there was always something that made it so the law wasn’t obeyed. This time, it was hardly the other person’s fault as the horseless carriage’s brakes had failed and the accelerator was stuck in a continual climbing rate. Thankfully, the steering was still intact. As Endea got her cart moving once the train left with its cargo, the horseless carriage turned sharply to the right to avoid a collision. “WATCH IT! THAT’S TOO FAST!” snapped Endea. As she turned to her left, her sides flared again, and she couldn’t stop her horse in time. The horse broke free and the cart toppled, spilling the load everywhere and throwing Endea to the ground. The load was on the tracks too. Tenshal approached her and surveyed the situation.

“Good grief, Ma’am!” he yelped. “What happened?!”

“I had a bit of an accident,” explained Endea. “Help me pick up the stuff and…” Her order was cut off by a train whistle. “Oh no, that’s WAY too near!”

“Can’t we save any of it?!” asked Tenshal.

“Stay back, Ensign!” ordered Endea. “That train will flatten you before you even touch one!” Tenshal stayed back and the train whizzed by, smashing the supplies under its wheels. “Ones dammit!” swore Endea. “How many times have I told Arsha I need a new engine?”

“Ma’am?” quizzed Tenshal.

“My engine played up once someone in a horseless carriage whizzed by me. I would have controlled the whole situation better if I could get a new engine!”

“Come on, Ma’am, you know it’s not Arsha’s fault. It’s Tuurk and Talair.”

“This happens whenever your engine plays up?!” yelped the nearby Stationmaster.

“Don’t stand there gawking!” argued Tenshal. “Go sound the alarm!”

Tuurk and Talair met with Denstra again. Those two would never give up unless Aldarval ordered them to. “Oh, Commander Welmeva!” called Tuurk.

“What?” snapped Denstra.

“Did you hear about Endea’s accident at Sonfelor Station?”

“And if I did?”

“Commander, you and your Captain must realize,” replied Talair, “that Endea’s ancient engine is finished and so is she. Wouldn’t you say, Mr. Tuurk?”

“Oh, yes, Mr. Talair,” agreed Tuurk. “A relic like her needs to be retired from service instead of draining precious resources maintaining her. We believe she would do well among the relics being broken up to make new ships, don’t we, Mr. Talair?”

“Always on the lookout for which ship’s next to go. That’s our business and the Endeavor is at the top of our list.”

“That ‘relic’ has been a valuable resource herself!” snarled Denstra. “Her contributions far outweigh any shortcomings she might have!”

“Hm, not very fiscally responsible, is it, Mr. Tuurk?” mused Talair.

“No, indeed, Mr. Talair,” answered Tuurk. “A more competent vessel commander would have no worries keeping Realmfleet finances in mind.”

“Until such a person is either in the Endeavor’s chain of command or is looking to replace Arsha,” growled Denstra, “we shall continue to run this ship as we see fit.”

“That can be arranged, Commander Welmeva,” warned Talair. “One word from us and you may find yourself replaced by someone who has no pirate past.”

“…Threaten me or bring up my days among Reb’s crew again,” hissed Denstra, “and you’ll be inspecting the ship’s underside while it’s in the air! Now SCRAM!”

“Very well,” answered Talair. “Have a nice day. Come, Mr. Tuurk. She needs to think it over.”

“Oh, indeed, Mr. Talair,” agreed Tuurk as both men left Denstra alone.

“What am I gonna do?” moaned Denstra.

The clean-up was swift and Endea gave her statement to the emergency services. The driver of the horseless carriage came back to the scene after his car crashed, confirming that he had little control of his vehicle. Endea was taken back via an immunized Gorfanth and Malnar on their own carriage. Unfortunately, a male Minotaur driver from a new road-based delivery service arrived. The roads were becoming cheaper than Realmfleet or railways to transport goods and this driver was waiting for the chance to rub it in to Gorfanth especially. “Well, well, well,” chuckled the driver as he stopped his horseless carriage, “what have we got here? Damaged goods and a hurting ship-type Mechanica? Another efficient Realmfleet maneuver!”

“Tornoth, what are YOU doing here?!” snorted Gorfanth.

“You know this guy?” asked Malnar.

“He’s my brother,” explained Gorfanth.

“And to answer your question,” continued the new arrival, Tornoth Steelhorn, “I was just moseying around after another delivery. It was my third delivery of the day, three times more than yours.”

“Oh look, you can do math,” snorted Gorfanth.

“Ooh, tetchy, aren’t we? You Realmfleet lovers REALLY love to flaunt your pride!”

“Someone has to, since you don’t.”

“What happened, anyways, brother?”

“If you MUST know, there was an accident involving a horseless carriage and it almost smashed into Endea. One of yours, I take it?”

“Hey, you can’t pin that on us! We don’t hire reckless drivers! In all honesty, you should have called us to help with the clean-up! We’d have cleared it much faster than…Gorfanth, WHAT, pray tell, are you looking at?”

“I’m not sure, but…okay, now I’m sure! Look out! Angry mama bear!!”

“WHERE?!” Tornoth scrambled to the roof of his carriage to look for the bear but couldn’t find it. He then became aware of Gorfanth laughing at him. “Oh, very funny!” he snorted as he climbed back into the driver’s seat. “You’ll get yours! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got bigger prospects to worry about!” He started his carriage and set off.

“Okay, what made him afraid of bears?” asked Malnar.

“He barely survived an encounter with a mama bear after getting between her and her cub,” explained Gorfanth.

“…How is he not hamburger?!” yelped Endea.

While that was going on, Arsha and Falnii set up the room for another dream weaving session. “Are you ready?” asked Falnii.

“Ready,” replied Arsha. She breathed deeply and shut her eyes, feeling Falnii touch the back of her head with her own, then felt Falnii’s cloud wrap around her. Falnii then chanted.

Dream your dream with me.

Tell your woes to me.

Show your troubles to me.

Dream your dream with me.

As Falnii chanted, Arsha fell into a deep sleep.

Arsha woke up again in the ruins within the fjord. “…Fluffy?” she called. “Hooves? Bonfire? Princess? Farm Boy? …Hello? …Anyone?!”

“You can’t be helped,” replied the ominous voice. The area rumbled as the massive wave appeared. As Arsha stood, a light shone from behind her.

“…If you’re what I need,” pleaded Arsha, “please, show me hope!” With a great effort, she turned around to face the light. The instant she faced the light, a tremendous force knocked her off her feet, carrying her into the air over the wave. As the wave hit the fjord, it crashed and broke up before settling down to the bottom of the fjord. Arsha was set back down as she looked around, noticing that the fjord was changing from just rocks to plants growing on it. Some of the flowers that grew, she couldn’t identify. “What in…?”

“You dare deny the truth?!” shrieked the voice. Arsha realized that the voice was right behind her. She turned and gasped in horror! It almost looked like her, but the doppelganger’s mouth was wide and had exposed teeth. Its primary means of movement was a multitude of pink tentacles replacing the legs and long, thin arms with fearsome claws at the end of each finger. Its eyes were large and serpentine and its nine, scaled tails had toothy mouths at the tips. The rose in its hair had a pair of pink, thorny vines constantly moving, and its ears were curved and horned. Its back was hunched over, and its tongue was long and barbed.

“What in all the Realms?!” cried Arsha.

“AWAKEN!” called Falnii’s voice.

Arsha woke up in a cold sweat like last time. She regained her bearings a lot quicker as she had a question on her mind. “What WAS that thing?!” she asked Falnii.

“That was a manifestation of every bit of self-loathing you’ve ever had,” explained Falnii. “It’s every parasitic thought you’ve buried, feeding off of your hopelessness.”

“Is that why it looked somewhat like me? It IS me?”

“No, just a part of you.”

“I swear, I’ve never felt such fear in me!”

“Looking at every aspect you hate about yourself is frightening. Dream-weavers have to face that dark aspect of themselves every day.”

“How can I get rid of it?”

“…I’m sorry, but you can’t.” Arsha sighed at hearing that. “Arsha, like it or not, that’s part of your being, your very soul. Everyone has that ugly side to them, an opposite to their usual self. Some prefer to release that ugly side in their actions while others seek to bury it. There’s simply no way to get rid of it without damaging your soul. I’m afraid the next session will be where you have to confront it.”

“…Not looking forward to that.”