《Familiar Failings》


 Chapter 1

    The new moon hung heavy in the clear sky outside the gothic-looking window. It was slowly rising to its zenith in the sky above the huge tower. It wouldn''t be long now before the time was exactly right for the ritual to complete.


    In the room, lit only by the licking yellow flames of a fire in the huge fireplace, was a young man bent over. Checking the salt and chalk lines on the floor, he had his robes hiked up to hang no further down than his knees for fear of scrubbing at the carefully worked circle and the runes within it.


    His voice was silent¡ªthis wasn''t the chanting type of ritual. With his amplification circle complete, he disrobed and knelt on the floor and pressed his hands down so that the tips of his fingers were not quite touching the circle.


    All his focus turned inward. Even his curse played a part in this ritual as his family''s lycanthropy sang through his blood along with his personal power. There was only one thing a young wizard required, at their majority, to continue growing their art.


    He required a familiar.


    Any hedge witch or two-bit warlock could find themselves a rat or black cat¡ªthat was the cheap way out of things. A magic user''s power was filtered and amplified by a familiar, such that a mundane familiar bonded to a great wizard being a travesty, while a microdragon or lightning sprite could make up for a lack of power in an otherwise weak worker of the magical arts.


    He was determined that he would be neither of those. He, already carrying rarified blood of a long lineage of magic users and beastmen who had clawed back at their wild nature and tamed the wolves within.


    Now, with his magic and body on full display, he let slip his beast¡ªbut only a little. His face pushed out into a muzzle and dark fur crept along his flesh causing pinpricks as it erupted. When the change progressed down his back and to his growing tail, he halted it and put his mind toward calling the perfect familiar to him.


    His ideal familiar would carry the heart of a wolf, like him, and bear great magics. That alone ruled out many possibilities. Wyverns, griffons, and myriad other magical beasts were cast by the wayside. For him he would want nothing short of the most astounding of creatures.


    And so it began to appear. Eight limbs, long, tipped with claws. It would be faster than the wind, and a pair of huge wings would make it twice so. A long tail flowed out behind it, and three lupine-featured heads sprang from its neck.


    The air above the circle shimmered with the force of magic writhing there. A gateway was forming between the world that is and a plane of possibility. Just as his mighty pegacerberus was starting to emerge into the world, magic hiccuped.


    His summoning disrupted, he felt his being completed. A familiar had been summoned and a connection made. With his head bowed, he could feel a rush of power through his connection and believed he had succeeded despite the weird disruption.


    Panting with the magic exertion and the amount of werewolf energy that had seeped into him during the ritual, the young man looked at the familiar that was hovering in the middle of the summoning ritual circle with some confusion.


    It wasn''t a pegacerberus. It wasn''t a wyvern, griffon, or even a falcon (for which he was thankful). Not even a house cat.


    The familiar stood about a foot tall, seemed to be some kind of wolf creature, but there were some odd things about it he just couldn''t help but ask. "Why are you wearing a skirt?"


    Planting its hand-paws on its waist, the tiny wolf creature cleared its throat. "Because I''m a girl!" she said in a squeaky voice. "Now, I have a speech somewhere¡­ Ah!


    "Great hero! You have been chosen to stand first in the fight against the darkness!" Twirling in a circle mid-air, the potential familiar pointed at the wizard with an expansive and firm gesture. "It is you who will take up the mantle and accept your duty to stand for love, light, and cute little¡ª"


    "Wait, you''re a familiar?"


    "Y-Yes¡­"


    He just stood, staring at the little wolf. Some part of him recognized that the creature was probably exactly what his little sister had meant when she said she wanted a "cutey wolfy pupper", but that certainly wasn''t what he wanted. "What will you give me if I finish the ritual?"


    "You want to negotiate over the fate of the world?!" Staring at the wizard, the tiny wolf''s jaw hung open. "Are you crazy?!"


    Rolling his eyes at the ad hominem, the wizard shook his head. "No. I''m careful. What can you give me that a pegacerberus couldn''t?"


    "A pregnant what?" Blinking in confusion, the tiny wolf lifted a paw up to her mouth and tugged at her lip. "I haven''t heard of one of those. Can they give you the power to save the world?"


    Inside every wizard is a megalomaniac, though most of them are the kind who will take over the world to save it. But even a pegacerberus wouldn''t give him enough power to save the world. At his current rank of magery, it would barely give him enough power to make it through the academy alive. "I have your word on that?"


    Shoving out her paw, the little wolf grinned and nodded. "You''ll even be able to afford clothes!"


    That brought the wizard up short. At last, though, he reached his hand out and shook hands with the tiny wolf. "What am I meant to call you? Do you have a name?"


    "I"¡ªthe little wolf finished shaking and twirled about, her dress twirling as she did¡ª"am Princess Angel von Snuggles, the fourth."


    "Is there a shorter thing I can call you?"


    "Angel will do." Grinning, Angel asked, "And what do I call you?"


    "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth," Stanton said. "Just Stanton for short."


    Angel leaned forward and gazed into Stanton''s face, zoomed through the air to his side and poked his ribs, then dipped a little lower¡ªbefore shooting back up to eye-level again. "But, Stanton is a boy''s name!"


    Shock registered in Stanton''s thoughts for a moment, but then the bonding process completed and he passed out.


    <hr>


    Waking up, Stanton felt weird. Something had definitely happened to him when the bond had been fully forged. He lost his train of thought and sat up. The room was cold. The fire had run out of wood to burn and the stone floor of the chamber he used to do all his magic had done its best to leech all the heat out of him.


    Stanton glared at the fireplace and triggered the spell to replenish it with wood, then dropped a fire spell into the middle of it. Magic came easier¡ªfar, far easier than before. His eyes grew wider at the feel of a hurricane of power within him. "It worked?"


    "Oh, you''re finally awake?" Sitting up, Angel floated through the air toward Stanton. "Of course it worked. You took the wand and swore your oath to protect the world from the forces of evil."


    "That doesn''t sound like something I''d do. I don''t even remember it." Crouching, Stanton reached for the robe he''d worn into the room the previous evening. Standing back up, he turned as he pulled it around himself. "Can you prove I made the oath?"


    "Easy! Hold out your left hand and repeat after me." Angel waited until Stanton did so. "By the shining light of goodness!"


    "I wonder if the universe accepts familiar trade-ins?" The frown Stanton saw on Angel''s face was worth it. "Alright, alright. By the shining light of goodness." He held out his left hand.


    "And with the power of virtue!" When Stanton repeated it, Angel continued. "By the purity of my feminine charms, I call on my wand of power to protect the world!"


    Stanton felt his magic rising, humming in his ears with a fever pitch. Twirling around in a loop for no reason he could think to do, he finished the words, "By the purity of my feminine charms, I call on my wand of power!"


    A flare of white/pink light almost drowned the world out around Stanton. Ribbons of purest energy wrapped around him and formed up new clothes. In his now-raised hand, he could feel a wand appear that had a thick shaft and, when he noticed it, a big rose heart on the end. And that''s when he finally registered what he''d said. "¡­ my feminine charms?"


    Glancing down, Stanton looked into his own cleavage, and almost passed out for the second time in twenty-four hours. It wasn''t that his chest was covered in fuzzy gray fur, or that his arms were too, or that he could feel a tail behind him or see the tip of a small muzzle between his eyes. "Why do I have boobs?" When Stanton looked up at Angel, he repeated his question. "Why do I have boobs, Angel?"


    "Weeeeeelllllll¡­" Angel tapped her paws together and blushed. "I realized last night that you were a boy! I had to do something!"


    "Why?" Stomping forward, Stanton felt a hurricane of magic around him. His arms and legs flexed with physical force beyond the realms of which he''d ever held before. He noticed this, but his anger was focused. "And you still haven''t said when I made that oath!"


    "Just now. By assuming your magical girl form, you have pledged yourself to the side of good and honor and beauty!" At Stanton''s look, Angel grinned a little more. "You said you wanted power! Look at all the power you have!"


    That stopped Stanton dead in his tracks. Looking at the horribly girly wand in his hand, made worse by the addition of pink ribbons, he realized it was a literal focus of the inferno that his magic had become. "¡­" He wanted a good reason to be angry, but while there were many reasons, not a single one stood up against the escalation in power he''d gained. "Damn you."


    "See! Isn''t it great! And now you can fight the forces of evil as Super Lupine Girl!" Angel performed a routine of high-kicks mid-air, finishing with her fist held high, striking (in her estimation) the perfect pose to inspire hope in good people and despair in evil ones.


    The weird thing for Stanton is that when his familiar struck the pose, there was a surge of magic power through him. "What are you doing?" Turning back to his robe, where he''d dropped it as he''d been given a wardrobe change he hadn''t asked for, he noticed said new clothes were kinda tight in places. "Can we talk about changes to the outfit?"


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    "The outfit is non-negotiable. It shows any who look upon you that you are the perfect image of feminine beauty." Angel made a show of looking at Stanton and nodded. "And lupine beauty."


    "Okay. Look, I get it. You have some kind of¡ªof thing going on. Ribbons. Girls. All that." Stanton pulled his robes around his shoulders and immediately felt a weight fall upon his magic. It was like, with just one garment covering him, his magic potential had halved. Halved from able to glass an entire desert to only able to glass a modest-sized beach. He could live with that. "But I have another two years of academy study to complete before I am considered a journeyman wizard."


    Turning to face the little wolf floating in the air, he gestured to his chest. "I can''t just let all this hang out. They know I''m male, they will ask questions if I start attending as a girl. The questions will be an embarrassment to my family."


    Frowning a little, Angel had to ask, "Why would being a girl be embarrassing?"


    "It''s not being a girl. Not even becoming a girl. People swap and change all the time. Questions about why I''d become a girl, and the answer being that I blundered into it, would reflect on both my family lines." Pulling at the robes and tightening them around his chest, Stanton started trying to think of a good polymorphic spell to make him at least not have to choke off his air to hide his chest. "So, for about a year, I need to hide this. Easiest way will be to just use a transformation spell and become male again."


    "Whoah! Hold up!" Flying as fast as she could, Angel crossed her arms and floated just in front of Stanton''s eyes. "This¡ªyou¡ªare the symbol of power. If you become male again, all that power will be gone."


    "¡­" Stanton had no words. He reached up and pressed his forehead to his hand, paw, hand-paw. He pulled back just far enough to make sure it was definitely a cross between a hand and a paw, then returned to the full facepalm position. "What about illusions?" He lifted his head and looked at Angel. "Could I actually be a girl and use an illusion spell to make myself look¡ªuh¡ªless girly?"


    "It will reduce your potential, but with no physical changes, it might work." Tilting her head to the side, Angel smiled. "You do look pretty with those ribbons in your hair, though."


    "You''re not helping, Angel."


    "It''s true! Oh gosh, I bet you could find such a cute boyfriend!"


    Moving with the grace and speed his werewolf heritage gave him¡ªand then a pile more from his newfound power¡ªStanton swung the robes off his shoulder then around and over Angel. Finally he balled them up. "This is for taking it just a little too far. Now, the first thing is to, I guess, power down from all this. Uh, hey, wand, I just want to be normal again!"


    Flashing with a bright white light, the wand vanished from his hand and Stanton felt the outfit he was dressed in relax, releasing its death-grip on his under-chest area and returning him to a human¡ªif female¡ªform. "Thank you, wand, wherever you went. At least you seem helpful."


    Managing to pull her way out of the balled-up robes, Angel stuck her tongue out at Stanton. "That is not fair!"


    "I don''t care about fairness, Angel, I only care about graduating without getting kicked out of my family."


    "What about saving the world? You promised!"


    "Okay, sure, why not? Since you gave me the power to do it, I think I can save the world. Hey, I just realized I still have clothes on. Part of the wand''s thing?" Stanton checked himself out¡ªat least the clothed part. He had a shortish, pleated blue skirt, a white shirt with some kind of blue paneling over the chest area, and a weird little blue scarf around his neck that completely obscured his cleavage.


    "A girl must maintain her modesty. That is a superior garment designed specifically for learning institutions." Angel took to the air again and this time circled around to land on Stanton''s shoulder. "You should change your name. Something like Yuuki or¡ª"


    "No. I''m not changing my name and this¡ªI can''t wear this in public." Leaving his robes where they lay, Stanton stalked back to the hallway between rooms and to his bedroom. Throwing open the doors, Stanton froze. "Angel?"


    "Isn''t it wonderful! So fluffy! So soft!" Rushing into the room and doing spirals in the middle, Angel eventually just ceased flying and landed in the huge bed with a FWUFF sound.


    "So¡­ pink. Angel, turn it back." Walking to his wardrobe, Stanton threw open the doors and was overwhelmed by yet more pink. "And this. I want my normal clothes back."


    "I can''t do that."


    "Can''t or won''t?"


    "Both, actually, since you''re the one doing it and I can''t override something you''re doing." On her back, Angel wiggled her arms and legs about, making sweeping indents on the super-soft covers. "Why would you even want to? This is amazing!"


    Lifting his hand up to his forehead, Stanton let out a small groan as he completed the face-palm maneuver. "Then teach me how to fix my wardrobe, at least. None of this will aid me in protecting the world."


    Angel lifted her head and peeked over the crater of comfort she''d created. "Huh? What do you mean?"


    "Well, this outfit¡ªloathe as I am to admit it¡ªis practical. I can kick, I can punch, and I can run. Most of these¡­" He gestured at the closet full of mostly ball gowns.


    "Oooooh! I understand. And you think physical combat is important to saving the world. Yes. Yes¡­ I can understand where you''re coming from." Floating over and glaring at the riot of fashion in the walk-in wardrobe, Angel let out a puff. "Nope. I can''t condone destroying a single one of these."


    "But¡ª"


    "But," Angel grinned as she turned to look at Stanton, "we could turn the closet into an extra-dimensional space and add more things appropriate to your needs."


    Stanton wasn''t happy with keeping what was there. He wanted no part with looking female. "Trousers. Shirts¡ªWhy is my hair so long?"


    "Your hair is effected by the purity of your magic. Don''t even bother trying to cut it." Angel was starting to catch on to Stanton''s ideas.


    "Affected."


    Angel stopped her line of thinking and tried to figure out what he was asking. "Huh?"


    "You said my hair is effected by my magic. Affected is the right word."


    Swooshing around to hover before Stanton''s face, Angel booped him on the nose. "No. It''s effected. Your magic makes your hair grow long. If you become more powerful, your hair will get longer."


    Caught with his mouth open and nothing to say, Stanton just stared at the cute little wolf girl. When his brain caught up, he let out a deep groan. "This is crazy, but okay. Why not? I''ll believe everything you tell me, I''ll even wear that outfit when I fight, and insanely I''ll even save the world¡ªif you give me a wardrobe at least half filled with shirts, trousers, and wizardly robes."


    "I already said I can''t¡ª"


    "No, I got that. Can you teach me how to change it?"


    Angel zoomed around Stanton to land on his shoulder again. "Well, the first trick is you need a looooooot of magic, but you have that already. All that''s left is to get in contact with your inner feminine self." After a moment of nothing happening, she turned her head to look at Stanton. "What?"


    "Maybe I''ll just get used to walking around naked. I''m sure not more than half the population of the academy will be upset with that." Stanton reached up to pick at the ribbons keeping his hair up, completely failing to undo the bows and in the end uttering a cantrip to untie them for him.


    "You wouldn''t."


    Hooking his thumbs into the waistband of the skirt, he started to pull it down. "Try me. Technically, this isn''t what I look like. I probably won''t even get that embarrassed."


    "Ugh. You''re the worst, you know that?"


    Stopping with just the skirt on the floor, Stanton looked sideways at Angel. "Well, you want me to be the best, so work with me here."


    "It''s the imagery. You have to picture what you want the Wardrobe of Infinite Space to look like, push your magic into that, then it will take that shape and have those things in it." When she detected incredulousness in Stanton''s expression, Angel humphed and pouted. "What?"


    "That kind of magic is normally, well, personal. It''s like when I become a werewolf or when a forest elf steps through trees."


    Angel''s expression fell to a deadpan glare. "You''re a font of femininity whose magic is based around style and grace¡ªand you''re surprised that a magical wardrobe is now one of your personal special magics?"


    Stopped in his tracks, Stanton sighed. "Sure. Why not? Of course that makes sense." When Angel just nodded to him, Stanton rolled his eyes. "Sarcasm is wasted on you."


    Focusing himself on the wardrobe, Stanton built an image of it. Now he knew he could make it whatever he wanted, he briefly thought about banishing all the gowns and dresses¡ªbut he had made a deal. So, he pictured a walk-in wardrobe that was twice as deep with all the gowns and dresses on one side while opposite was several designs of shirts in various tones and patterns, pants, cloaks, robes, and other associated masculine clothing.


    All that was left for him to do was to push his magic into it and¡ªwith a flash¡ªthe wardrobe became the vision he''d had. The sigh that escaped him was, he could acknowledge, two octaves higher than normal. "Excuse me, I need to get changed." Reaching up, he lifted Angel from his shoulder and set her on the floor of his bedroom, then closed the closet doors.


    Slumping to the floor, his knees folding and depositing him on the carpet, Stanton finally felt alone enough to freak out. He cried. He panicked. He screamed at the injustice of it all. Lastly, and most importantly, he took off the rest of the uniform his magic wand had left him with.


    "This is so messed up. Look at me. I¡ªI can''t be seen like this and I don''t want to be a girl. I''m a guy! This¡ª" Tears started to well-up as Stanton just surrendered to the overwhelming emotions.


    The crying had nothing to do with "female emotions" and everything to do with the stress of attending the academy stacking up with a new problem.


    In private, and without anyone able to see him do it, he just let go and let the emotions pour from him.


    Eventually, after trying to regain his emotional stability several times and failing, Stanton was simply empty. Empty of emotion, but not of purpose. Straightening out and standing up, he caught sight of himself in the mirror.


    A young woman stared back. Her hair was the same brownish color as his, her face looked almost the same as his had (excluding the puffy eyes from crying), but everything from below the neck was wrong. Wrong to him on a fundamental level that made it almost not exist. Reaching up to his chest, he froze for a moment. He''d had three girlfriends before, two had been servants at his father''s estate (whom he''d been careful with, as was required of someone in his position) and one had been a peer when they were much younger.


    Taking a few breaths to steady himself, he focused on each and every part of his new body before taking it in as a whole. He had to admit, the girl in the mirror was pretty. Not his type, but he was sure she''d be someone''s type. Probably many someones'' type.


    Now he had to hide her so no one would ever see that girl. Holding up his hands, he framed just his face like he''d seen impressionists do before deciding where to put their imageographers. He had to smile at that, his face at least looked mostly normal. Wearing a set of hooded robes would help.


    "But what about all this hair?" It trailed down to the middle of his back. Long and straight, the brown locks looked impossible to work with. "If I cut it off, it''ll regrow, so¡­"


    He decided to try several things. Reaching up to just gather it, he attempted to use a cantrip to hold his hair in place¡ªthe magic failed as a crackle exploded from his hair and nullified it. "Oh, come on! Magical hair?!"


    Glaring at the hair, he lifted it up again and this time tied it in a knot. "If you won''t do what I want, I''ll put you in hair-jail." With that done, he selected a shirt off the rack and pulled it on.


    The first impression he had was how normal he looked¡ªuntil he looked harder. Sure enough, the outline of his chest pressed against the shirt in what even he could tell was an untidy way.


    An errant look¡ªjust a glance¡ªat the other side revealed what he should be wearing. "Ugh. Fine. But only because this just makes me look like some girl sneaking out of a guy''s quarters when she couldn''t find her underwear."


    He knew what the parts were. He''d helped his last girlfriend take them off a few times and watched her put them on. "How hard can this be?"


    Half an hour later as he was finally getting the lace-up-sided underwear on and snug, Stanton had to admit both partial defeat and yet a strategic victory. Grabbing up his shirt, he pulled it on and saw the girl in the mirror smile as now the fabric clung to the right places. The right places, of course, if he wanted to get caught as being a woman. "I''ll just have to keep my robes fastened all the time. No big deal there."


    What surprised him, as he walked around and even jumped in place a few times, was how comfortable the things were. "Screw this, I''m going to bed early." Turning for the doors, he opened them and stepped out into the overly-pink room, having to shade his eyes from the retina-blasting brightness of it all. "How do I beg, bribe, or plain pay you to restore my bedroom to normal?"


    "You can''t. I love this bed too much." Angel didn''t move, not even to look at Stanton.


    Snapping his fingers, Stanton lowered the mage-light above to a bare whisper of flame¡ªbut the room was still very, very pink. "Angel, that''s the same bed I had before, it''s just pink now. Can I please have this back to normal?"


    "Mmmm¡­ Let me think about it." Angel felt when Stanton sat on the bed, when he lifted the covers, and when he slid in. "You don''t really mind the pink, do you?" She gave him her best puppy eyes.


    "You can keep the pink for one night." Snapping his fingers again, he snuffed out the light completely and plunged the room into darkness.


    Available at: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220350/fictions</a>


    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 2

    Waking up when the mage-light in his room started brightening with dawn, Stanton yawned and pushed his way out of bed. The covers were just as soft and pillowy as ever and his sharp memory reminded him that they had become a new color every bit as annoying as it told him he was now female.


    "You''re awake? Aren''t you meant to hide under the covers or forget that you''re now a magical girl, become late for school, and then rush to get things to¡ªHEY!" Angel had to duck the crackling bolt of lightning Stanton shot her way. "What was that for?"


    "Whatever you were doing, I want no part in it. I get up early, at dawn, every day. I clean myself and plan my wardrobe and¡ªWhat are you laughing at?"


    "What did you do to your hair?!" Rolling around on the bed in laughter, Angel had to jerk upright again to get another glimpse of the mess Stanton''s locks were in. "Wait!" she cried when he started to stomp toward the door that led to the bathroom. "I can help if you want?"


    Pausing on his quest to establish a new morning routine in the ashes of his old one, Stanton sighed. "Okay, but remember what I want?"


    "To look as girly and cute as possible so you can find a big, cute guy?"


    "Right. Take that thought and do the exact opposite. I''ll call you when I''m ready for you to do my hair." Heading into the bathroom, he spent the next twenty minutes washing and inspecting himself. His bone structure hadn''t changed, nor had his muscles altered too much. He''d always had a compact and tight musculature. He had curves, though. Curves he tried to avoid admitting looked good.


    After drying off, he wrapped a towel around himself and walked out of the bathroom¡ªonly to have Angel shriek at him. "What?"


    Holding a paw over each eye, Angel wavered between preserving Stanton''s modesty and gesticulating wildly at him. "Cover yourself up!"


    Pausing a moment to take-in the situation, Stanton shook his head and headed for the wardrobe. "I don''t get you, Angel. You''re a wolf, right?"


    "Yes, I''m a wolf, and I''m always right." Peeking and seeing Stanton''s back to her, Angel launched herself off the bed and flew through the air after him. "So?"


    "So, why do you care what''s on display?" Aligning himself with the drawer that held the underthings his body now, apparently, needed, Stanton started looking through them for something that would keep at least two of his problems close to his chest.


    "I have fur to cover things. When you power-up, you have fur to cover things. Right now you don''t!" Angel had to cover her eyes when Stanton turned around again¡ªwhich resulted in her colliding with the wall and bouncing into the row of big dresses. Confused, panicked, and restrained in several feet of frilly dress, she panicked until Stanton freed her. "Thanks!"


    "If there''s no one to see, it doesn''t matter." Stanton turned back to his choices and eventually just pulled out and rearranged the drawer to be in order of size. He grabbed the smallest and pulled it on. "Besides, I''m not a girl."


    Her vision now no longer needing to be obscured randomly, Angel flew up to hover before Stanton. "I don''t know if you''ve looked, but you sort-of are."


    "Not in the most important way¡ªthe way that matters." Stanton gave a nod to the almost-flat image of himself in the mirror and turned from the girly things to his own clothes. A shirt was all for the moment, and when he checked in front of the mirror, his chest was barely noticeable.


    He picked out a pair of men''s shorts, a pair of trousers, and a belt to keep it all in place. He was more than happy to find the belt over his hips was even more effective now than before. "Perfect. A vest, jacket, and robes will make me impossible to detect."


    Ignoring the sighs and groans from Angel, Stanton put on his best vest, topped up the pockets and loops on it with ingredients for spells, put on a jacket and finally swung his robes around his shoulders. "Okay, Angel, now you can do my hair. Some rules, though."


    "Rules? This is art, not¡ªnot whatever you think it is! A girl''s hair is her life!"


    "Remember what I said earlier about being a girl?" Stanton was having way too much fun. "Okay, so no pigtails, ponytails, or tails of any sort. You can braid it if you want, but only one long braid is acceptable. Okay, Angel, knock yourself¡ª"


    Angel lifted her paw, pointed at Stanton, cocked one finger and then "released" it.


    A wave of magic hit Stanton in the back. His hair became a cascade of brown tresses, lifted and tied in places so it looked like an actual waterfall down his back. He stared at it, more than a little amazed at the quality of her work. "Hey, that looks really good. Do you want to know the best bit?"


    Feeling a burst of glee at managing to make Stanton look cute, Angel shook her head.


    "I''ll just tell them you did it. You''re my familiar, after all, and that means you can express yourself as much as you want¡ªbut I have a rule." Ignoring Angel''s look of annoyance, Stanton continued. "Just don''t tell anyone I''m a girl." He adjusted his robes and let his hair fall within their confines.


    "I¡­" Angel tapped her chin with one paw, then brightened up. "I can do that! I won''t breathe a word of you being a girl!"


    Relaxing a bit more, Stanton smiled and reached out his arm to pull Angel into a hug. "See? We can do this together if we both make some compromises."


    Content with the hug, Angel gave Stanton a pat on the back as he carried her outside his home. "Compromises!" She grinned at all the people walking past the home, but they seemed to ignore Stanton and her as they walked along¡ªthough she heard the ones behind Stanton chuckling.


    "Hey! Stanton! Who put this on you?" Cassandra walked past Stanton and grabbed the piece of paper stuck to his back. "Someone thinks you''re a girl, apparently."


    Taking the sheaf of paper from his friend, Stanton read the crayon words. "''I''m totally a girl''?" He looked at Angel with a raised eyebrow.


    "I said I wouldn''t breathe a word of it." Angel smirked, then turned her full attention to Cassandra. "Hi! I''m Angel!"


    "Stanton? Wait, you got your familiar last night?!" Cassandra reached up to her shock of shoulder-length blue hair and swept it to the side, revealing a slightly-pointed ear on the right side of her head. "No way! Weren''t you trying for a pegacerberus?"


    "Pfft! Pregnant whatever-ya-callums are not half as good as me!" Angel flew out of Stanton''s grip and hovered in front of Cassandra, looking in the half-elf''s eyes and planting her fists on her hips. "Could a preg¡ªone of those things¡ªdo this?"


    Cassandra didn''t have a chance to put up any warding or shield, and she certainly wasn''t prepared for the impact of so much magic into her. It crackled through her body and focused on her head. Her hair, cut short due to how dangerous it could be if a lightning mage let it grow long, suddenly exploded and became a trellis for pink and yellow flowers that cascaded down her back. "What the twelve hells was that?!"


    "You can thank me later." Angel floated back over to Stanton''s shoulder and sat down on it.


    "Sorry, Cass, she kinda has this thing for long hair. I have resigned myself to a new and horrible fate." Twisting his head a little and reaching back, Stanton freed his own hair from his cloak and showed it off. "She has this thing. She thinks everyone should look so pretty all the time. Even keeps calling me a girl."


    "Aww, well, she is kinda cute." Reaching out a hand, Cassandra gave Angel a rub on the ears. "I tell you what, Angel? Right, Angel. You can do my hair every day."


    Eyes widening, Angel leaned into the attention. "See, Stanton, this is how you should treat me."


    Laughing, Cassandra picked up Angel and cuddled her. "You are the perfect familiar for him. Ugh, he gets so¡ªso up himself sometimes. It''s like two of the biggest and oldest noble lines decided to make themselves an offspring that combined the snootiness of arch-magi and the self-aggrandizing nature of werewolves into one, perfectly snooty and self-aggrandizing person."


    "You forgot overconfident," Stanton said.


    "Oh! Of course. Snooty, self-aggrandizing, and overconfident." Cassandra laughed without a care. "This outfit is adorable, Angel. Maybe you should pass-on some fashion tips to Stanton too?"


    "I tried! She had an entire, huuuuuge wardrobe full of the most amazing ball gowns, dresses, skirts, and frilly blouses!" Angel rolled over in Cassandra''s arms, the new position practically demanding a tummy-rub.


    "I soon put a stop to that," Stanton said. "She has the craziest notions, Cass, but¡ªbut we came to a deal. You should see how much power she amplifies me with!"


    Surrendering to the inevitable, Cassandra scratched at Angel''s tummy with her dexterous fingers. "I know we have a week left to get our familiars, but I need advice, Stanton. What do you think I should do? I tried for a lightning elemental, but it just didn''t work out. Little bastard tried to electrocute me and I had to short it out."


    "Well, I mean, we could try getting you a drakeling?" They were halfway to the academy now, but well and truly early. "Would that be good for you?"


    Flashing her silver eyes at Stanton, Cassandra froze in place. "A drakeling? You think I could handle one?"


    "Cass, you could handle five¡ªwhether the city would still exist a month later is a whole other question. Come on, I haven''t had breakfast yet." Walking forward, Stanton approached the little street stall vendor. "Got anything to warm me up?"


    "Of course! Of course! Flatbread, cheese, and poor-man''s chicken!" Holding out a shred of paper wrapped around a wedge of flatbread hollowed out, the vendor dumped a scoop of reddish meat and poured another scoop of yellowish melted cheese over it. In the process of doing so, he slipped Stanton a second small piece of paper, took the coins offered, and then repeated the process for Cassandra¡ªwithout the secret message, of course.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Familiar with the fine arts of both pick-pocketing and sleight of hand, Stanton slipped the note safely into a vest pocket without anyone being the wiser. "Thank you!"


    The house of Sharptooth was an old noble line that had clawed its way to prominence, literally, through the soldiery of the empire. Werewolves were fine fighters, nearly unkillable, and thus could turn their minds toward the finer arts of warfare¡ªand rise to leadership. From there, several had ascended to another plane of warfare in politics. Securing titles and becoming the backbone of the military had seen Sharptooth become indispensable to the empire.


    Stanton was, on his mother''s side, half werewolf and thus, fully a Sharptooth. He had obligations to the family¡ªthe pack.


    There was a hitch, though.


    The duchy of Raveel was small, but contained more wizard towers per capita than any other region in the empire. When the emperor had a problem and magic was involved, it was the Duchess of Raveel that he summoned.


    Stanton was, on his father''s side, a direct descendant of the current duchess'' line¡ªhe was presently seventeenth in line for the duchy. This meant he was obligated to the Raveel family, to further their agendas in the same way he did Sharptooth''s.


    That was the hitch. It was always the hitch. Generally, he could undertake the little requests of both families with ease, though sometimes his requests ran counter to each other. He couldn''t negotiate what he would or wouldn''t do, but he could make the best of bad situations.


    "This stuff is so good. I can''t believe it''s so cheap." Cassandra devoured the street food with vigor, the flavor of rich fish and sharp cheese providing a boost to her mood. "A drakeling¡­ I gotta try it."


    The feel of a small hand reaching into a pocket of his coat almost made Stanton jump. The pick-pocket was inches away from discovering his latest secret. He didn''t intercept the thief, nor even call attention to them. Instead, he waited until their hand was gone and checked the previously empty pocket¡ªthere was a slip of paper in it.


    It was going to be a two-mission day. "You''re handling Angel pretty well, I''m sure a slathering and vicious drakeling should be a pushover."


    Lifting her head, trying to force her thoughts past the bliss she was experiencing, Angel barely managed to poke her tongue out at Stanton.


    "Angel? She''s a perfect little sweetie, aren''t you?" Holding her half-eaten breakfast down for Angel, Cassandra offered her a bite. "Hungry?"


    Nibbling at the food, Angel made a happy little squeak at how good it tasted.


    <hr>


    The orders from his families had been, in the end, remarkably simple. The letter from the Sharptooth house, written in his mother''s compact handwriting, had simply told Stanton, "Good luck on your new year." And the one from his Raveel lineage was likewise from his father, though written by his father''s scribe, "May great portents be revealed."


    Each year, or so Stanton had found, the first day of school was paperwork. Classes to sign up for, extra-curricular activities to join, and a social calendar to navigate. The fortunate thing was that someone adept at filling out paperwork could get through it all by early afternoon, and Stanton had become very good at paperwork.


    Skipping out on the rest of the day, Stanton started walking home with only Angel to keep him company.


    "Don''t you have to stay in school all day?" Angel asked.


    "This is a magic academy, not letters and numbers. We learn as much as we can while there and are expected to study further on our own. Right now I want to get somewhere safe so I can test the extent of my magical power." It hadn''t been easy. All day Stanton had felt his magic humming in excitement to do something. "I figure I''ll just use a teleport to get out in the middle of the forest and see wha¡ª"


    His explanation was cut short by a loud boom in the sky above them. Looking up, Stanton saw a red hunk of rock with a tail of fire winging its way toward him at incredible speed. With reflexes born of his half-werewolf nature, Stanton dove into an alleyway to avoid the huge rock that seemed intent on treating him how a pestle treats herbs.


    "Stanton, quick, take your wand!" Angel pulled the wand out from behind her back and held it out to him.


    "What? Why? It''s just a¡ª"


    "Finally!" A deep, growling voice called from the street. "Freed from my thousand years of slumber, I am here to destroy all that is good!"


    "Take the wand and say the oath, quick!" Angel hovered in front of Stanton, holding out the wand to him.


    "I¡ª" Taking the wand in his hand, Stanton felt like the whole world was paying attention to him¡ªwatching him and waiting for him to say, "B-By the shining light of goodness." A shiver ran through him and that feeling of being watched now turned into cheering. "And with the power of virtue!"


    It was what the world wanted him to say. Power rushed to Stanton like water over a spillway. Blinding light illuminated the alley as his clothes disappeared and swirling ribbons worked furiously to maintain his modesty.


    "By the purity of my f-feminine charms! I call on my wand of power to protect the world!" The ribbons attacked him from every direction, flaring bright and reforming into the same outfit his wand had bestowed him with last time.


    The final change, as the white light had turned pink, was for his fuzzy tail to stretch out from under the skirt behind him, his muzzle to form in front of his face, and for everything in between to become fuzzy.


    "There you are!"


    Feeling his ears swivel around at the shout, Stanton turned his head to look at the monster that radiated fury and violence at him. And then he froze.


    It stood about four feet tall and looked like a pig with a demonic pair of wings, horns, and wielding a tiny pitchfork. A pitchfork that it held up and pointed the tines in Stanton''s direction. "You made this too easy, Super Lupine Girl!" With the last word, a three-fold beam of purple-black magic rushed toward his target.


    Every hair on Stanton''s body stood up at that and he could see every flex of the muscles in the demonic pig''s little foreleg. It honestly took his brain far longer to realize the threat than his body did, but the moment it did he was moving to the side at a magic-enhanced speed that left his skirt fluttering. "You missed."


    Stanton spotted Angel to one side, wearing a cloth mask over her face. "Angel?" he asked.


    "I¡ªI''m not Angel. Who is Angel? I don''t know anyone with that name! I am Wolfette, the faithful sidekick and companion to Super Lupine Girl!" Angel brandished her own magic wand¡ªwhich looked suspiciously like a wooden-headed sledgehammer.


    "Sure, whatever. I''ll deal with that late"¡ªStanton jumped to the side again as the demon-pig sent another blast his way¡ª"er. How do I beat him, uh, Wolfette?"


    "You can''t. He''s going to¡­" <s>Angel</s> Wolfette trailed off when Stanton ran up to the pig, while it was charging another blast, and punched in the face. He followed that up with a swift kick, and then while the pig was down he kicked its staff away. "Or, I guess, you could do that."


    "Look what you did to these houses! Tell the shopkeeper here you''re sorry!" Stanton was furious at the huge hole the pig''s blast had carved out of the building. "Tell them!"


    Crying as the magical girl beat it up, the pig squealed and whined out a quick apology. When some kind of little wolf flew out and got Super Lupine Girl''s attention, the pig saw its chance and ran¡ªgrabbing its pitchfork on the way. "You''ll pay for this, Super Lupine Girl!"


    Turning to glare at the back of the retreating pig, Stanton had to restrain himself from charging after it. Calming down, he turned back to the shopkeeper. "Can I help fix it?" At the man''s nod, Stanton looked at the destroyed section of wall and thought of the best way to fix it. The easiest would be to just call up stone to patch the hole, but that wouldn''t look right. Instead, wanting to show off his new power a little, he focused on the bricks and the hole and reversed time around them.


    Objects, small ones at least, were easy to reverse time on. The bigger and more solid the object, the harder and more magic-draining it became. It should have taken an immense amount of magic to repair the wall, and it did, but for Stanton it was a drop in the bucket now. Flooding the wall and spell with magic, he repaired the hole to a moment before it was destroyed.


    Wheezing and squeaking as it ran, the Evil Pig of Evil muttered under its breath that it could totally have beaten Super Lupine Girl in a fair fight. It was running so fast, without looking, that it charged right into someone''s leg. "Who dares stand in the way of¡ªof¡­" Looking up and up, Evil Pig of Evil stared at the tall woman and could sense her desire for power.


    "Sorry I¡ª" Closing her mouth with a snap, Cassandra crouched down to the pig and examined it a little closer. Power was practically pouring off it, flooding the ground and area around it in magic. "What are you?"


    "I am the porcine master of power! I feel the hunger for strength echoing in your blood. Hold out your hand and I will ignite the spark within you, for your loyalty." The speech dripped in gravitas. A contract of binding and freedom in one. "You will have a new form and the power to do with it what you will. Do you accept it?"


    "Wait, are you like a familiar or something?" Leaning back on her heels a little, Cassandra used her magic sight to examine the pig-demon. It seemed to have a core of magic¡ªa lot of magic¡ªbut it wasn''t synchronized well with its current form. The tiny coil of excitement every wizard got when offered power buzzed through her. "You know what, lay it on me."


    "You must choose the form of your power. Pick wisely, my minion, for it will manifest whenever you deploy my power."


    It was as much as telling her she was getting a familiar. Her mind raced and she wanted to push herself. "Dragon. If I want a form for my power, screw a minor drake¡ªI''ll take a dragon."


    Eyes aglow with lightning, the Evil Pig of Evil held aloft its "mighty trident" and called forth a spark¡ªa fragment of its power¡ªtwisted it toward draconic ends, and shot it into Cassandra. Then it vanished.


    Panting, feeling like she''d just had a mountain worth of magic shoved inside her, Cassandra knelt on the cobblestones in confusion. There were dozens of questions she wanted answers to, not the least of which being, What the heck just happened?!


    "Cass?" Stanton said, though Wolfette shoved a paw in his mouth before he could get more than the C out.


    "You''re Super Lupine Girl, remember?" Wolfette whispered.


    Stanton gasped, spat out a wolf paw, and cleared his throat. "Young wizard, do you require my assistance?"


    Looking up at the most prettily-dressed werewolf she''d ever seen, Cassandra felt a weird kind of attraction to her. "I¡ªI think that odd pig did something to me. Thanks." The moment her hand felt the hand-paw of the werewolf, however, Cassandra felt a stab of shock.


    ENEMY! Cassandra heard, thudding in her blood. NEMESIS!


    "Uh, if you''re okay, I really need to find out where that damn pig went. Did you see which way it went?" Cassandra''s grip on his paw-hand was crushing. Stanton barely managed to pull away from her and break the contact.


    "The¡ªThe Evil Pig of Evil?" The name had jumped into Cassandra''s head, but from where she had no idea. With the warnings in her blood, Cassandra pointed toward the nearest city gate. "I think it ran that way."


    "Thanks!"


    Watching the werewolf run off, all that Cassandra could think of was the flashes of pink panties. It lasted until she realized that the werewolf girl was not her friend. If there was something she could now utterly depend on, she knew, it was that the werewolf would have attacked her if she''d known the deal Cassandra had just made with. "The Evil Pig of Evil¡­"


    Running away from his friend¡ªand hoping she didn''t recognize him¡ªStanton looked to the side to Angel. "Thanks for¡ªOkay, just thanks. You''re being a real help this time, and I appreciate it."


    "You''re welcome, Super Lupine Girl." Angel did a little spin in the air. "The pig didn''t come this way, though. I think he vanished somewhere near Cass."


    "Probably used her to throw me off. Well, I guess we are done here, Wolfette?" Stanton looked around, seeing the usual crowds walking along the street.


    "We could have caught him if you hadn''t stopped to fix the guy''s wall." Even in her own heart, the words rang hollow to Wolfette. She sighed. "You did good, though. Beat up the bad guy and helped the good guys."


    "I''ll take that as a yes." Walking into an alley, Stanton spent a moment stretching his senses and couldn''t feel anyone watching him. "Hey, wand, you were great back there, but I need to go back to normal and¡ªcan you put me back in the clothes I was wearing before?"


    The wand pulsed its power in Stanton''s paw-hand, and in a wave of pink light he felt the reassuring feeling of his robes, shirt, and proper underwear again. He sighed in relief and looked over at Angel. "You should probably take the mask off now."


    Working hard to keep a straight face, Angel took her mask off and tucked it away behind her back, along with the hammer. "It was the best I could do under the circumstances."


    "Yeah, I get it. Okay, let''s go see if Cass still wants to do her summoning tonight." Stepping toward the mouth of the alley, Stanton looked out to make sure he wasn''t going to bump into anyone before entering the street.


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    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 3

    Cassandra got to her dormitory feeling like she was going to explode. Not exactly literally, it was more, she realized, a slow deflagration than a true explosion. Ignoring everyone around her, she put on her best please don''t talk to me face and marched into her apartment and locked the door behind her.


    She closed her eyes and held up her aching hand. It wasn''t an aching hand, she discovered when she opened her eyes¡ªit was an aching talon. Her skin was replaced with emerald green scales, her fingers were still long and dexterous, but finished in sharp, inch-long claws.


    What worried her was that the scales continued up to her sleeve and, when she pushed her sleeve back, even further.


    Shrugging out of her school robes, Cassandra froze. From her neck down she was covered in green scales. "Okay, this isn''t completely weird. I can fix this!" Removing her shirt, Cassandra went into her bedroom to see the full scale of things.


    Now, looking at herself, she could see that whatever was going on was still in progress. The scales spread from her right side to her left. They were cascading down her left shoulder and, just behind the front where they rushed, her muscles bulged and became far more pronounced.


    While she watched, the scales spread down to her hips and further, and when the structural changes after them reached her legs, Cassandra started inching higher.


    She felt enchanted, unable to stop staring as her humanity drained away into a shimmering emerald. The scales started up her neck, and as they did she could feel new sensations behind her. Turning slightly, she saw a big ridge of bony spikes start pushing out along her spine until each was half a foot long. A membrane grew out to connect them all together¡ªand then she started to grow wings.


    It was too much. There were changes happening everywhere. Her face was elongating into a muzzle, her wings looking like two new arms on her back with membranes growing on those now, and her chest surprised her by growing out a little¡ªthough her investigation of that revealed it was mostly because she had more muscle there.


    When the scales flowed up and over her head, Cassandra had a moment of blindness before the world settled into new shapes and colors. There was a soft black glow (and her mind struggled with the idea that black could glow) roiling over her. Cassandra could see her scales as millions of green-but-with-rainbows-of-color, as well as an odd redness around her.


    Then she heard her trousers rip. Spinning in a circle, she destroyed not just the mirror (when she knocked it over with a wing) but also a tapestry that was hanging on the wall¡ªwhen her sharp tail ridges ripped it in half.


    Freezing where she stood, Cassandra had no more reference for what she looked like now her large mirror was laying at her feet, but she could see that she had a big, powerful tail now. "Okay," Cassandra said, trying to get used to the rows of teeth that were hard and sharp enough to chew diamonds, "let''s fix the mirror and see what kind of drake or something I''ve become."


    The moment her magic took hold and rebuilt both mirror and tapestry (and some wall she''d slashed without realizing it), Cassandra froze at the sound of breathing right behind her. Spinning, she stared at the two beings that kneeled on her floor. They tilted their heads up and she saw a kind of manic devotion there. "What are you?" Holding out her right hand, palm out, she said, "Wait, I also want to know who you are and what you know about all this?"


    "Oh, mighty queen! We are but your faithful servants! I am Grovel and¡ª"


    "¡­ I am Snivel. We are your guards, your servants, your minions, your army!"


    It was disturbing to say the least, but there was something inside Cassandra that liked having a pair of minions. "My first question was¡ª"


    "We are kobolds, Your Gloriousness," Grovel said.


    "And kobolds always serve a dragon!" Snivel added.


    "Dragon?" Cassandra turned, slowly, and looked at herself in the mirror again. Her face looked like she was built for being angry. She had horns, fins that looked razor sharp, and when she opened her mouth she had teeth enough to make a shark blush. Her eyes, though, caught her attention. Glowing with a soft purple light, her slit eyes stared back at her. "It''s crazy. There haven''t been any dragons around for¡ªfor ages."


    "We''ve been waiting so long."


    "We''ve put out the call to all kobolds."


    The two, having been speaking separately, now said together, "There is a dragon! Come and worship them! Then we can take over the world!"


    "Okay, first, I''m not strong enough yet to take over the world. Second, I can''t go out looking like this. I''d get locked up, taken apart, put back together, and studied. And not in that order!" Casandra turned away from the mirror, not wanting the constant reminder that something utterly insane had happened. "I need a way to hide."


    "Tunnels!"


    "A dungeon!"


    "We need more kobolds for a full dungeon."


    "That will solve itself. First we need to discover how many adventurers she intends to lure to their doom in a month."


    "Our goddess could dispatch a hundred!"


    "A thousand!"


    "Yessss!"


    "First, no dungeons." Holding a hand up to her forehead, Cassandra was relieved that she could still do a facepalm. "Second, I meant to hide as a normal student. I need to look like my old self."


    Her mind raced. Cassandra needed to do research on dragons, but also kobolds too now. There were, of course, plenty of monsters that could infiltrate cities and attempt to work their evil ways within¡ªthere were so many, in fact, that there were also plenty of people trained to deal with them. Her only advantage, that she could think of, was that she was a dragon.


    The folklore she did know about dragons was that they were crazy powerful. Strong beyond measure, so much magic they made an arch-mage blush, and¡ª "¡­ and they''re known for being tricky shapechangers."


    "Oh yes, Your Amazingness! When you have enough power, you can turn yourself into a giant form and destroy the city!"


    Spinning around and glaring at her minions, Cassandra realized her gaze alone was enough to cause them to cower. "Do either of you know how I can shapechange?"


    "We wouldn''t dream of telling our¡ªour goddess how to be a proper dragon!"


    "Please! We only wish to serve you! We''re not worthy of your anger!"


    Kobolds, Cassandra realized, were going to be either annoying or useful¡ªprobably both at the same time. "Look, just give me some time to settle in. To figure all this out."


    "We will make ourselves indispensable, mistress!"


    Turning back to the mirror, Cassandra focused on the dragon reflected there. "This is insane." Now she tried to superimpose her own body there, the one she''d had until only about thirty minutes earlier, and pushed at herself to be that.


    "Of course it didn''t work because this is crazy. It''s not like I can just turn human again in a woosh of green fire or any¡ª" A woosh of green fire poured over her and, painlessly, she was standing there as her normal self again. "Really? I just have to say it out loud and it happens? I didn''t even feel any magic."


    She stared at her reflection long enough to let out a groan and stomp back to where she''d dropped her clothes. Picking them up, she felt a greater awareness of everything around her. There were soundproof walls between her and her neighbor on one side, but despite that she could hear them talking to someone. The walls themselves had a soft tingling hum of the silence spells, and even her mirror still held an echo of the magic she''d used to repair it.


    "I bet Stanton doesn''t have to deal with this. Where did I put my pants?" She remembered, perhaps too late, that her pants had been sacrificed to the inevitability of having grown a serrated tail.


    <hr>


    "¡­ not supposed to be in here without a letter of invitation." Stanton rolled his eyes. The insanity was his body was female, which meant he only needed a verbal request. "I know. Can you just go and let Cass know I''m here?"


    The old battleaxe who guarded the women''s dormitory gave Stanton the firmest glare she could, grunted, and turned to go find Cassandra. "Wait here. If I find out you came further in, you''ll never be allowed to step foot in this building again, noble title or not."


    So Stanton waited. After the mess of the day, he''d gotten changed, argued with Angel a bunch, got changed again, then tried to ignore her praise of his excellent fashion sense. Now he was wearing a white silk shirt, a pair of trousers that were almost tight enough to be called leggings, and a light jacket that aided in the cover the tight undershirt he was wearing gave him. He was, in short, wearing a slight variation on the current men''s fashion.


    "Stanton? Here to see Cass, or would any phenomenally powerful wizard suit?"


    The female voice was one Stanton knew well. He turned his head only slightly, barely looking at the woman from the corner of his eye. "Well, if it wasn''t Shazine Starlit. Heiress to the Western Gray clan¡ªor twenty-third in line."


    "Twenty-first, now." Walking over to Stanton, Shazine was wearing no more than a bathrobe, having just left-off her evening wash. She wasn''t nearly as powerful, magic wise, as Stanton, but that didn''t stop her flirting with him every chance she got. "My eldest brother had an accident while in bed with our cousin."


    "Shazine, let me know when you reach about ten and we could make magic." Tilting his hips, Stanton shifted himself away from her. "You know how mother has my whole life planned for me already, and woe betide any who get in her way."


    "Ten? Give me a month and we can howl at the moon together." Licking her lips and letting her fangs show, Shazine heard the heavy footsteps of the building''s supervisor returning. Fake-biting the air between them, she backed off and turned to ensure she wasn''t showing Stanton anything.


    The truth was, as far as his family was concerned, Shazine would never be good enough for him. Even if she became clan head for the Western Gray clan, she was still too low ranked to be his equal. What annoyed him was that even Cassandra, should she make full arch-wizard, wouldn''t fit their standards¡ªthough she was low-ranked enough that her complete lack of political ties made her a good friend or more-than-friend for him prior to whatever horrid marriage was decided.


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    "Stanton!" Cassandra had decided against her school clothes, because she was done with school for the day. She''d swapped to a comfortable shirt and knit top with a dress that ended at her ankles. Her hair, thanks to Angel''s earlier trick, still hung long down her back. "It turns out I probably don''t need help summoning my familiar now. Wait, where is Angel?"


    "It turns out tiny, flying wolves can wear themselves out fast. She''s having a nap right now." Despite her bulky clothing, Stanton let his eyes drift over Cassandra. She wasn''t conventionally beautiful, but her sturdy yet feminine form interested him far more than Shazine''s more classical beauty. It also appealed to him that she didn''t get as brazen about showing it off. "You sure you''re fine?"


    "Yes!" Cassandra wanted to just forget the last two hours of her life, but the amount of magic bubbling inside her was undeniable. She was a dragon and there was no amount of familiars that would change that. "You''re so weird sometimes, Stanton. What''re you doing for dinner?"


    It had slipped out. Cassandra wished she could take the offer back, but now it was in the air and she saw Stanton''s face light up at the offer.


    "Well, I was planning to take a beautiful woman out and laugh at the overly pretentious food on offer at the upper class." Stanton let out a reluctant and hammed-up sigh. "But I''ll just have to take a gorgeous one instead." Reaching out a hand toward her, Stanton gave Cassandra his best rakish smile.


    "You''re terrible, Stanton. Did you know that?" Despite the silliness, or perhaps because of it, Cassandra smiled. "Give me a little bit to get dressed in something more appropriate, then we can head out?"


    With a defeated sigh, Stanton glanced toward where Shazine was sitting and listening to them while trying to not look like she was listening. "If it can''t be helped." In the back of his thoughts, though, Stanton was well aware how much effort it took to look just right now.


    When Cassandra was out of the room, Shazine turned back to look at Stanton, her gown parted just a little more. "Why do you spend any of your time at all with her? She''s nothing. She has no family and no political ties."


    Much as Stanton would have loved to blow the woman off¡ªmetaphorically of course¡ªhe also had a use for her. "Cass is a friend, Shazine. She has power and isn''t aligned with any family." He let it go at that. The description could be taken two ways¡ªeither he was genuinely a friend of Cassandra''s and was relieved she had no familial obligations or he was using her as a tool that he''d gotten in his clutches. Stanton knew exactly what Shazine would assume because, to her, there was only the latter option. "You see?"


    Smiling, Shazine gestured to the couch opposite her. "Like it was illuminated with mage-light. Please, have a seat and wait for your¡­ companion."


    Stanton took a seat and was relieved when none of the carefully planned out clothing he was wearing caused a mishap. "You know what it''s like, Shazine. Our families pull all the strings. The best we can do is talk."


    Shazine knew all too well. Stanton might be first in line for the leadership role in both of his families, but she was a long way from head of the family and she was constantly dealing with the needs of her relatives. "Yes. I hope you understand I''m not killing my cousins to rise."


    "I''d done a little research, Shazine. I wouldn''t let myself be seen talking to anyone who was that gauche. You work well, though, casting muck that doesn''t stick." It was true. Stanton had been asked to find out how she''d accomplished her rise, and it had all been with judicious application of mud, not blood. "But now¡­"


    Reaching her hand out to the table beside her, Shazine used a whisper of magic to produce a suitably reinforcing drink from her private supply. That it also teased Stanton with a deeper view of her bosom was just as calculated as her magic spell. "Now I have reached the peak of what that can get me. I can''t climb higher without getting at least a little blood on my hands." She knew he knew, and she was sure he knew that she knew he knew. Now was the worst part¡ªthe part that any political climber hated, "I need your help."


    "Your cousin. Five years older than you, paternal line directly from the current leader of your clan, too good at combat to bring down in a duel without someone getting suspicious, and far too clever to let someone disparage his name without having recourse. You''re in a bind." Stanton looked up from where he''d been ticking the options off on his fingers to looking directly into Shazine''s eyes. "I have a solution."


    Four words from anyone''s mouth had never sounded as sweet to Shazine. "W-What? How?"


    "You have twenty between you and being picked as successor to your clan. I can help with them, but you know this game, Shazine." The look in the woman''s eyes told Stanton all he needed to know. The price couldn''t be too large in her estimation. "I will put things in motion. When the time comes, and you will recognize it when it comes, you must embrace your wolfess and fight for the seat."


    Practically visualizing the shackles that Stanton was locking around her, Shazine breathed out a sigh. "Would it ever have worked between us?"


    "No, but not for any lack of yours. My mother has designs on my future." Stanton realized he was going to have to talk to his mother about recent events, but he wasn''t ready to tell anyone else. "If it helps, when you take control of your clan, you will find Sharptooth house to be a very lucrative business partner."


    "Is it cheating?"


    "What? No. Your cousins just didn''t make the right friends along the way." Standing up, Stanton reached out for Shazine''s hand and lifted it to his lips. "I better go."


    In her room, Cassandra was in a quandary. She had some dresses, sure, but there were only two she owned that were close to what Stanton was wearing. She knew, if she went out in his company and wasn''t wearing something that could match him, people would point and laugh in the horrid, quiet way that the upper class did.


    Of the two dresses she knew would work, one was too large for her and the other was conspicuously missing¡ªpresumed stolen by one of the other boarders at the dormitory. She lifted out the one that fit and glared at it, daring the long, silky dress to remain too large in the chest and hip.


    The worst part was she''d paid good gold for that dress, and the seamstress who''d made it hadn''t sized it right for her, then claimed that she would grow into it. She hadn''t.


    Her anger spiked and, just as her hand grew green scales and she started to bring her talon down on the dress, bed, and floor under them, she realized she was being stupid. "This form isn''t me any more than¡ªthan¡­" She had no analogy to hand, but she was sure of the fact that this body that was a shapechange of her draconic form, could be altered. Biting her lower lip and restoring her hand to normal, she focused on her hips. "Wider¡­"


    The word, like a magic spell, worked. Her hips grew a little more full. Next she focused on her chest. "Fuller?"


    The weird part¡ªwell, weirdest¡ªwas that it just happened. There was no actual magic involved. Cassandra''s body could just alter its shape with a word. It didn''t stop her from a nervous giggle at the way she could just alter herself. Picking up the dress, she took a moment to slip into it. Her size was, now, just a little big for it. She reduced her thighs to fit, but decided to leave her chest a little large for the outfit.


    That''s when Cassandra froze, realizing how vain she was being. Sucking up her pride, she reduced her chest back down to fit the dress and not a bit more.


    Putting on her best shoes and grabbing a jacket, she made her way back out to find Stanton still waiting.


    The sight of Cassandra made Stanton take notice. The deep blue dress, he decided, was working wonders for her. "One day an arch-wizard might be able to figure out how you can capture all attention in a room without a word, but it''s not today. You look fantastic, Cass!"


    Cassandra blushed. Stanton often praised her looks, but there was a genuine spark in his outburst that made it seem more sincere. She turned around to show off the dress, letting the jacket spread out a little too. "So, where are we going?"


    "That''s a surprise!" Stanton whirled Cassandra to the door and leaned back just a moment to see the matronly figure of the building superintendent glaring at him. "I''ll have her back before dawn, don''t worry!" The growl he sensed in her made Stanton grin even more.


    Outside, on the street, Stanton felt more free to talk. "Sooooo. What happened? Where''s your familiar?" When Cassandra just smiled at him, he adjusted his features to make big, puppy eyes. "I showed you mine, now you show me yours." While doing this, Stanton was employing one of his more curious talents to scribble a note on a slip of paper in his right hand, using a pencil braced between two fingers, for a quick delivery.


    "The truth?" Cassandra asked. When Stanton nodded, she laughed. "I messed up. I opened a portal to summon a familiar and summoned a succubus. It''s locked up in my closet right now, doing gods only know what to itself, while I am¡ªStop laughing!"


    Bumping into an old man, Stanton sobered quickly. "So sorry, sir!" With a flick of his wrist as he helped the man recover, Stanton slipped the note into a pocket on the man''s vest¡ªpressing firmly there for him.


    As the pair left, the man reached into his pocket casually and lifted out the note. The hellion is tame.


    "Okay, so I don''t have a sex demon locked in my closet. I don''t know what happened, but after it all kinda worked and now my magic is amplified." Cassandra was leaning on her friendship with Stanton encouraging him to just let it drop.


    "I''ll let it drop on one condition."


    Not breathing a sigh of relief yet, Cassandra asked, "What?"


    "You give me a kiss on the cheek." Tilting himself to the side a little, Stanton offered his cheek as prime real estate for Cassandra to press her lips.


    "I remember this ploy." Despite her claim she knew what he was up to, Cassandra still kissed Stanton on the cheek. "How did you put it, you getting the kiss is a win, you getting the answer is a win, and just making me embarrassed is a partial win."


    "Yup. I literally can''t lose. Though, I am still curious about what happened. Still, a kiss is worth it. So, are you ready to eat hideously expensive food and drink some similarly horrific wine?"


    <hr>


    The only thing Stanton had noticed that was off about Cassandra was she didn''t get nearly as drunk as she would normally when they shared a few bottles of wine. He, however, had not fared as well. Leaning against her, getting walked back to his private tower, he was distinctly aware that his sense of balance was completely gone and he was leaning on her. "You''re a good friend, Cass. I''m sorry I pushed so hard about your familiar." At least, he hoped his words would come out like that.


    Cassandra was shockingly sober, and it made sense to her. Dragons, at least the stories she knew about them, were phenomenally resistant to poisons. The general consensus being that alcohol was just a mild poison meant that she could well understand that maybe, just maybe, she was immune to alcohol. "It''s alright, Stanton. The moment I understand what happened, you''ll be the first to know." That she doubted she''d ever figure that out made her promise moot.


    Reaching Stanton''s house just after he''d run out of embarrassing things to tell her, Cassandra led him up to his bedroom. "This is the part where a girl with more fortitude would offer to undress you and get you comfortable in your bed."


    Blinking slowly, trying to focus on Cassandra''s remarkably clear words, Stanton smiled. "You can''t get comfortable in my bed¡ªthat''s my job!"


    "There you are, Stanton!" Angel was fluttering down the stairs from Stanton''s bedroom when she spotted Cassandra. "Oh, thank goodness you found her¡ªhim, Cass." Gesturing up the stairs, she asked, "Could you help him up the stairs?"


    "I never knew Stanton to hold his drink so badly before." It was actually rather easy to help Stanton climb the stairs¡ªfar easier when Cassandra just picked him up around the waist and lifted him to the floor of his bedroom. "You redecorated?" she asked Angel.


    "Do you like it?" Angel swirled around in a quick, mid-air dance.


    Straightening Stanton out on the bed, Cassandra snorted and looked around. "It''s a bit too pink for my tastes. Does Stanton like it?"


    Plopping down and landing on Stanton''s stomach, Angel shook her head. "He hates it, but he puts up with it because I''m that good as a familiar." She gave a firm nod, willing to uphold their bargain if it meant she got to gossip about him.


    Reaching over her friend, Cassandra petted Angel on the head. "You definitely are."


    "Do you like Stanton?" Angel asked, leaning her head against Cassandra''s fingers. "I think you''d make a good girlfriend for him."


    "I¡ªErr¡ªI mean¡ª" It was a little bit of a shock. She had thought of him that way, many times, but he''d been frank with her that he would be stuck in whatever arranged marriage his family came up with, and getting into a relationship now would just mean heartbreak later. "I wish I could."


    Flying out from under Cassandra''s hand, Angel got up to the woman''s eye level. "What''s up?"


    "Stanton is¡ª" Cassandra settled on the bed and slumped a little. Turning, she looked at the passed out guy in question. "Damn he''s so, so handsome. It''s not fair, Angel. His family is busy planning who he can marry, and even if he and I were dating, we could never be anything more."


    "What?! Why do they matter?" Not missing the looks Cassandra was giving Stanton, Angel put her fuzzy hands on her hips. "He likes you, too. Why shouldn''t you¡ªyou kiss and be special friends?"


    "Because Stanton is heir to two of the biggest noble lines in the country. Who he marries will be a powerful woman, regardless of her previous standing. What they want, I believe, is for one of the heiresses of the throne to catch his eye."


    "Soooo¡­" As she tapped her chin in thought, Angel mulled over the idea. "Well, that''s easy. We just have to make you into a princess. Did you know I''m a princess?"


    "Where are you the princess of?" Talking to Angel didn''t seem to be solving Cassandra''s problem, but it was distracting from her problem.


    "Cuteness!"


    Plucking Angel out of the air, Cassandra hugged her. "Yeah, that makes sense. But I''m not a princess."


    "Hrmm. I''ll see what I can do. Maybe I''ll ask Stanton. If anyone knows how to make a princess, it would be a noble."


    Cassandra wanted to tell her there was a fat chance of that happening, but Angel was, somehow, so pure and untouched by the world. "Thanks," she said and set Angle down. "I better go home before I get locked out."


    Available at: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220350/fictions</a>


    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 4

    Stanton had coasted all the way to school. He''d gotten dressed (after getting undressed from where Cassandra had put him), picked up a new note from one of his contacts, and was trying to hide his sunken, baggy eyes behind a weak illusion spell.


    "Stanton," Angel asked, keeping her voice low so as not to draw attention to him, "how do you become a princess?"


    "Marry a prince." Stanton reached for a flask of water he always kept handy for such times. It still felt like something had died on his tongue, even after a refreshing rinse with alchemical wash¡ªhis own sure-fire method that at least stopped death-breath. "Or, be born one. Why?"


    "No reason." Angel froze as Stanton rubbed at one of her ears, then she tilted her head to the side and let out a happy sigh.


    "I won''t push you, Angel, because I''m pretty sure you''re trying to do something good for someone. Just promise to tell me before you try doing anything crazy about it?"


    At the front of the class, giving her lecture on the ethics of using mind-control spells, Sorceress First Class Celia (no longer Celia the Enslaver) only gave Stanton a pass for his quiet talking because it was quiet and because he''d recently gotten his familiar. When the little canine he was petting started to scratch her ear, and the thumping of her leg got loud, Celia cleared her throat. "Was there something in particular you needed to know, Mister Raveel-Sharptooth?"


    Like a deer caught in the bright light of a wizard''s magic, Stanton''s mind raced but came up with nothing useful. He had almost no experience with his current set of lecturers¡ªhaving just started the year of study in earnest.


    "Sowwy, M-m-miss Cewia. It was awl my fauwt." It was the most degrading thing Angel had done for Stanton, but she had to admit he was being rather nice today and that deserved positive reinforcement. "I''wll twy to stowp."


    Stanton, along with everyone else in the class, stared at Angel as she wagged her tail and gave her best big-puppy-eyed look at the lecturer.


    "Pay attention, class. This is a fascinating example of non-magical mind-control. How many of you wanted to rush up and pet Stanton''s familiar and tell her she was a good girl and it was all okay?" Looking around, Celia noticed no one put their hand up. "¡­ Because I certainly did. Her analog to a canine pet is such that the cross-bond between our species is utilized quite well. Please, don''t be shy, raise a hand."


    When half the classroom raised their hands, Celia gave a nod. "It''s understandable, Stanton, that your new familiar would be having a similar effect on yourself. Please, for the sake of"¡ªshe made a point of looking around at all the hands¡ª"around half the school, learn to control her before she controls you." With the little demonstration done, Celia quickly ran through the last of her lesson plan for the lecture. "Any questions?" A few hands went up. When she pointed at one, the student looked back at Stanton.


    "Can we pet Stanton''s familiar?"


    Angel braced herself for the onslaught, but in the end Celia had told them they couldn''t¡ªwhich made Angel lean into Stanton''s hand a little more and sigh happily. "You owe me one."


    "Yeah, I do. Thanks for that." Slipping his notebook into his huge jacket pocket that was a literal magic bag sewn into it, Stanton stood up and cradled Angel in his arms. "Are you hungry? It''s time for lunch."


    Jerking upright in excitement, Angel jumped into the air and zoomed around Stanton''s head several times. "Will there be more chicken? I really liked the chicken last time."


    "If there isn''t, I''ll demand they go out and hunt down a chicken for you." Making his way through to the restaurant where students could have lunch, Stanton spotted Cassandra duck into the building just before him.


    Heading in too, Stanton saw that the restaurant was busy. There was nothing else for it but to join the queue forming at the ordering counter. "Good news, they have chicken pasta. I''ll get a large plate and we can share it."


    Pasta had been something Angel had learned to love very quickly. Between the amazing sauce and squiggly noodles, she had decided that for the rest of her life she would eat pasta every day. "This is acceptable."


    Stanton looked around for Cassandra, but couldn''t find her in the queue. "Angel, can you see Cass anywhere? She looked like she came in here."


    Narrowing her eyes and inspecting every inch of the restaurant, Angel shrugged. "I can''t see her anywhere." Turning back to look in Stanton''s eyes, Angel asked, "Do you think she''s a ghost?"


    Rolling his eyes, Stanton shook his head at Angel. "Now you''re just being silly. Hey, we''re almost at the front of the line. Are you sure you want the chicken pasta?"


    Grabbing the collar of Stanton''s coat in her paws, Angel jerked him closer so she could press her nose to his. "We both know the answer to that."


    "Angel?"


    "Yeah?"


    "Your nose is wet."


    Glaring at Stanton for a moment longer, Angel giggled. "You''re silly."


    Bantering back and forth, Stanton managed to put in his order and was given a table number to sit at. The food arrived quickly and he started eating.


    One thing he''d noticed, since his recent change, was that he was ravenous after any kind of strenuous activity. It was like his body was turning food directly into pure energy for his body to burn. He let Angel eat from the opposite side of the plate on the usual stipulations¡ªshe had to use a knife and fork and she was not allowed to lick the sauce on the plate.


    <hr>


    Cassandra was having a rough day up until she''d seen Shazine tailing Stanton. After a night when she''d accidentally turned into her draconic form in her bed while she slept¡ªthus shredding all the covers with claws and spines¡ªshe had to spend most of the morning cleaning up that mess. She''d even missed walking to the school with Stanton.


    In a grumbly mood, she''d stomped around her morning classes, struggling to focus without remembering how cute Stanton had looked passed out on his bed, and slowly building her desire to, as Angel had said, be his special friend.


    Just the sight of Shazine hunting him like some kind of she-wolf looking for a mate¡ªand the fact she was connected in the noble sense¡ªmade her anger grow more. Clamping down on her anger, she stomped into the restaurant and immediately headed for the bathroom.


    Bathrooms were always cooler than the rest of a building, it didn''t really help Cassandra''s temper, but a splash of water did. She was just starting to get over the whole incident when she heard a voice outside the window of the bathroom.


    "There''s got to be a way to get him to go for it. I just need to have Stanton all to myself, for one night, and he''ll never look at another woman again."


    Hearing Shazine''s words was too much. Cassandra struggled out of her clothes before she transformed back into her dragon self, only destroying one sock in her haste. Needing to be outside and teach Shazine who Stanton truly belongs to, she ripped a hole in reality and walked right through (technically around) the wall.


    The first Shazine knew that there was a member of the most ancient species in the world behind her¡ªand furious¡ªwas getting tossed into the air, out of the alley she''d ducked into, and across the street. Her instincts had kicked in fast and, mid flight, she''d shapechanged enough to land without harm.


    "Damn werewolf nobles! I''ll destroy you all!" Cassandra''s rage was at full steam now. She pumped her wings and seemed almost to teleport to the end of the alleyway, spotted Shazine and didn''t hesitate to throw a bolt of lightning in her direction.


    The screams and sounds of fighting was what got Stanton''s attention away from his pasta. Looking around, he saw people rushing to the front door of the restaurant and got up too.


    "Nooooo! My pasta!" Angel forsook her etiquette and dove onto the plate to snap up as much as she could of the creamy chicken sauce.


    Cassandra had thrown bolt after bolt at Shazine, the werewolf woman somehow managing to dodge them¡ªso Cassandra used those dodges to herd Shazine into a corner. She was just preparing to slash at Shazine with her claws when a flash of movement ended between her and her target.


    "Another damn werewolf? A noble too, I bet! Looks like my day is getting better!"


    Stanton had read descriptions of dragons. Dangerous magic users and even more so in close combat. The weird thing was a sense he got of her moving toward him, swinging her claws at his face¡ªbefore she actually did it. "Stop this! Why are you attacking her?!"


    Swinging several times, her talons always missing by inches, Cassandra roared her anger. "Isn''t it obvious?! You noble families make me furious! Always claiming the best of everything! Look around, most people will never earn what just one of your ridiculous fashion outfits is worth!"


    What came next was a hail of slashes and strikes that had Stanton falling back with each step. He could predict every move she made, but her drive to hit him was so reckless and intense that he had no way of stopping every single strike. In the end the best he could do was brace both arms up before his face and form his magic around them like a shield to stop the claws from raking him.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Pushed back almost against a wall, Stanton was annoyed enough to finally lash out. "That''s it. I''m done with"¡ªhe dodged her next swing and punched the dragon in the stomach¡ª"dealing with your shit. You know what you need? You need some time to cool off!"


    It shouldn''t have been possible, but Cassandra felt the much smaller creature pick her up and, with little apparent effort, throw her high into the air and outside the city. Twisting and turning to regain her bearings, she had several seconds to see the huge lake approaching rapidly. "Oh sh¡ª"


    Dusting his paws off, Stanton was aware of the fact that there wasn''t just a whole bunch of people watching him, but that two of them were approaching him.


    "Super Lupine Girl!" <s>Angel</s> (definitely Wolfette) said as she flew as fast as she could to reach Stanton in time. "Quick, you need to¡ª"


    "You saved my life." Shazine had to bite her lip to stop from drooling on her savior. "I haven''t seen you around here before. What''s your name?" It wasn''t that Stanton''s current form was particularly her type, but the power that radiated from him drew her in like a moth to a flame. "Are you single?"


    Stanton could only stare in shock at Shazine, at least until Angel smacked his cheek. "An¡ª?"


    "It''s Wolfette, you big, dumb fighter. Come on, we have to go!"


    Suitably brought back to reality, Stanton nodded. "Right. Of course. Sorry, ma''am, but I have to go make sure that dragon won''t be coming back to cause any more problems." Turning, Stanton paused for just a moment to whisper to Angel, "Uh, can I fly?"


    "No, silly, you don''t have wings."


    Glaring at the wingless, flying Angel, Stanton instead poured his magic into spells to make him move fast¡ªand ran like the wind. Normally he would worry that a reasonably competent wizard like Shazine could match his speed, but with the extra magic coursing through him, he had no doubt that nothing in the world short of teleportation could catch up to him. It also helped that he''d lied.


    "Wait, where are you going? This isn''t the way out of the city!" Angel, inexplicably, was perfectly capable of keeping up with Stanton. "We''re going home?!"


    "Yes, we''re going home, Angel. I don''t know if you noticed, but that was a dragon. Do you know what dragons did the last time they were around?" The only nice thing for Stanton was that even at such a blistering pace, he was still perfectly fine talking¡ªnot even slightly winded. But, before Angel could reply, he answered himself, "They took over the world and held every other species as their slaves. No way, no how, am I going anywhere near a dragon. Let Shazine report it to the city guard and have them call in the army."


    "What?" Angel zoomed around Stanton to fly backwards through the air in front of him. "What do you mean?"


    Reaching out a paw to catch Angel before she slammed into the back door to his tower, Stanton hugged her and slipped inside¡ªonly to get his dress caught in the door and having to open it again (while cursing) to free it up.


    Without the energy to even swap back, he walked over to his expansive sitting room and flounced onto the couch there. "Wait, I''ll explain, I just need a drink."


    Not waiting for him to do any magic, Angel produced a cup of his favorite coffee out of thin air and passed it to him. "That is never ending, by the way. You can thank me later for breaking the laws of physics for you."


    "No, I''ll thank you now," Stanton said after sipping the coffee. "Thank you, Angel. Now, dragons. Dragons haven''t been around for about four hundred years. They were driven off and killed by the greatest heroes the world ever knew. I did a report on them in"¡ªStanton sipped more of the coffee, and while doing so petted Angel on the head as a further thank you¡ª"school years ago. They could shapechange between that form you just saw and a massive beast. They were masters of magic from birth and could twist minds as easily as they did elements. Why that one wasn''t using any of its powers, I don''t know¡ªbut I don''t want to know."


    Sticking her snout into the cup when Stanton was done with another sip, Angel tasted the dark roast and screwed her face up. "Maybe it was really young?"


    "She. And maybe. Wait, if she''s the first of a new brood of dragons¡ªand she had no parents¡ªmaybe she doesn''t know how to use all her powers?"


    "''It'', Stanton, because you said they can shape-shift. So it could be trying to throw us off its trail. If it just appeared in the middle of the city, it can''t have just walked in looking like that. It must be someone living here." Angel made a second, smaller cup appear that she held between her paws and carefully sipped at.


    Staring at Angel for a moment, Stanton reached out and rubbed her ear. "Thanks. I''m a little bent out of shape due to this. Good insight."


    Tilting her head into the ear rubs, Angel gave a happy little woof sound before she froze and blushed. "I didn''t¡ª"


    "Angel," Stanton said, "relax. You''re a good girl." It was adorable the way her eyes closed in glee and her tail swished behind her. "Now that I have been given a good wake-up call regarding my logic, I can start to go forward here. It will be back. Working off what we know¡ªthat it doesn''t know how to use its full abilities and is likely a resident here¡ªit will come back to the city and return to its life. Maybe it will hide, or maybe it will get so angry it will learn how to become a huge dragon and start pulling the tops off buildings looking for me."


    "We know one person it isn''t." Wiggling a little under the attention, Angel was attempting to hide her blush at how purely happy she was at being praised. "That werewolf you defended."


    "Plus Cass. She went into the restaurant too, remember? She must have been in the bathroom." Stanton turned sideways and flopped on his back, lifting Angel onto his tummy. "So that''s you, me, Cass, and Shazine. Everyone else in the city is a suspect."


    "Stanton?"


    "Yeah, Angel?"


    "This could be really bad. Like, really-really-really bad, couldn''t it? If the dragon figures out all those things this city will not have a lot of options."


    "Right. Yeah. That would be bad." Stanton tried to work out a way to drink from his cup of coffee while lying on his back, but eventually gave it up as impossible and set the cup down on the floor. "That means we need to stand up to it, right?"


    Turning and looking back over her shoulder, Angel nodded¡ªeven as she felt her tail wag a little faster. "Yup. That''s what super magical girls do¡ªthey stop the bad guys."


    "I''m going to have to fight that dragon again, aren''t I?" Stanton held up his wand and turned it over in his hand, admiring the huge, heart-shaped gemstone without acknowledging how girly it was.


    "If you keep goodness and purity in your heart, I can promise you that you''ll have enough magic to defeat anything¡ªeven a dragon."


    Jerking his head to look down his body at Angel, Stanton raised one eyebrow. "Beat a dragon on my own?"


    Closing her eyes, Angel communed with the source of all goodness, virtue, and feminine purity¡ªthen held out her paw and wobbled it a little. "Yes and no. Yes, you will beat it. No, you won''t do it alone."


    "Let me guess, with my brave sidekick Wolfette by my side?"


    "No. If I''m understanding what fate wants correctly, you will need friends to take up their own wands. Oh¡ªmy¡ªgosh! We''re going to be a whole super girl group!" Jumping up and down on Stanton''s stomach, Angel did a little howl and she got so excited. "Stanton! This is going to be so amaz¡ª"


    A knock at the front door shut down their conversation completely. Angel stared at Stanton for several seconds before Stanton held out his wand. "Hey, uh, wand? Can you turn me back now, but put me back in my clothes?"


    The wand in Stanton''s hand seemed to hum with joy, spilling out a wave of magic over him that led to him laying there, still female of course, but now at least looking human and wearing his clothes from earlier in the day. When the knocking came again, Stanton picked up Angel and stood up, then set her on his shoulder and grabbed his cup of coffee.


    By the time Stanton opened the door, the two blue-coated local city guards looked like they were about to leave. "Can I help you with anything?" He sized them up. One was a sergeant in the local garrison and the other looked like a new recruit.


    The sergeant cleared his throat. "Sir Raveel-Sharptooth, there was an incident earlier near the academy, a fight broke out between some kind of monster and a werewolf. Another werewolf jumped in to help and we are seeking information on a female werewolf known as¡ªI''m sorry to have to burden you with this, sir, but being who you are we¡ª"


    To a member of the guard, Stanton could be exceptionally generous when it came to aid. They were not exactly the best to be dealing with this situation anyway, so he was keen to put their minds to rest. "It''s alright, really. I know my family has a lot of pull with the other werewolf groups. If you give me this werewolf''s name, I''ll see what I can find out for you."


    The relief felt at hearing that, the sergeant well-knew, was visible on his face. "As always, sir, your assistance is greatly appreciated. The woman was called Super Lupine Girl." He''d expected Stanton''s reaction to be at least a little dismissive, but when the young noble simply nodded and looked to think it over, his opinion of Stanton rose to a new level. "When would be best to follow up on this?"


    "I''ll come to the garrison tomorrow, myself, after I''ve contacted my family." It would also be a great reason to skip out on his ethics class late in the day¡ªand give his lecturer an ironclad excuse that she literally wouldn''t have a hope of arguing. He found himself looking forward to the clash almost as much as using his position to hide the fact he was Super Lupine Girl.


    When they backed away from the closed door, the corporal looked at his sergeant with new respect. "The nobles here are this helpful?"


    "You''re from the capital, right?" When the sergeant got a nod, he smirked. "You know about the Raveels and the Sharptooths, then?" This time it was a shake. "Two of the highest ranking noble houses in the kingdom. They decided to bring the houses into a closer partnership and the young lord there is the linchpin for that. What makes their union more sure is his bearing. He didn''t even hesitate to root around for us¡ªa true lord." The awe in his voice even took the sergeant aback slightly.


    <hr>


    The water helped cool off Cassandra''s fury, though her anger remained. "Ugh, that¡ªthat bitch!"


    Stomping her way out of the lake, she shook herself dry and started swearing. Growing up, Cassandra had never spent much time among polite company, so she had enough familiarity with vulgar speech to carry her halfway back to the city. She finished up with, "¡­ and there''s no such thing as a good werewolf!"


    That startled her to hear. "Well, except Stanton." She stood still and thought on it some more. "Stanton''s nice despite being a werewolf. That means he''s extra nice, right? Right. Not like Shazine. Not like that¡ªthat annoying¡ª"


    "Super Lupine Girl."


    Snapping her head, getting ready for a fight again, Cassandra saw one of her kobolds kneeling on the forest floor. Instantly her anger evaporated and she walked over to them. "That''s her name?"


    "Yes, your dragoness! I heard her sidekick call her that after she¡ªafter you retreated to regroup." Twisting bad things to sound good wasn''t just second nature to kobolds¡ªit was a survival instinct. When dragons with hot tempers were nearby, every piece of news needed to be good news. "I tried to follow them to their lair, but they gave me the slip."


    For a moment Cassandra considered hitting the kobold for daring to fail in a job she hadn''t even asked for, but she liked to think she was a little more sane than to expect the actually impossible. Instead, she reached out a hand and gave it a pat on the head. "Good work finding out her name. Now we know who the enemy is."


    Staring up at Cassandra, the kobold''s eyes widened with surprise and adoration. "Yes! Yes! We will build you a mighty fortress from which to strike fear into the hearts of all¡ª"


    "¡­ werewolves." Cassandra''s smile widened to show off a mouth full of sharp teeth. "We can''t build it above ground¡ªnot yet. Build it under the city. Tunnels and caverns and pits and traps. We''re going to rid Conjur of the damn nobles!"


    While she stood there fuming, Cassandra barely noticed the movement all around her¡ªat least until two dozen kobold faces were all around her, looking up at her in awe. A feeling of power and the need to take it boiled in her, but she tempered it with her life as a peasant. "And then I''ll show them what true leadership is!"


    All around her, cheers rose to a fever pitch as Cassandra''s decree filled tiny kobold hearts with more than just a command¡ªshe gave them the fervor of conviction. They had a queen again, and she spoke such beautiful words that inspired them to call on more of their kin to come¡ªcome and follow a new master.


    Available at: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220350/fictions</a>


    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 5

    The life of a kobold wasn''t an easy one. Since the fall of the last dragon, they had lived scattered and in hiding with only their faith to keep them going. That faith being that one day a dragon would rise and guide them again.


    It had, therefore, been a religious experience to find that one had. They rushed in ones and twos, combined into groups, poured together into swarms¡ªall toward her. A true dragoness, though she lacked her war form, that would lead them to their rightful place in the world.


    Though they had been scattered, the swarms of kobolds that had lived on the fringes of societies all over the world were gathering. On foot, by wagon, and even by stolen ship or airship¡ªthey gathered.


    Cassandra had already met a few of their number, but they had all reassured her that there would be many more coming. Not suspecting the scale of what was happening, she had given the few under her direct control orders to build, and while undermining a city was tricky work, it was no more difficult than¡ªfor example¡ªbuilding multiple magic tunnels up through a building with no room for such and into a second-floor apartment.


    Once the kobolds had their god-queen''s home connected to several, good tunnels, they began to delve under the old city and find the remnants of earlier cities in the dirt and rock under Conjur. All manner of things would be found down there, from old forges to wizard towers, all surrendered to the soft river silt and eventually used as foundations for the next version of the city.


    This construction, of course, was happening while Cassandra sat at a little coffee shop, Stanton beside her, as they both sipped expensive coffee. Not that she realized it was expensive coffee¡ªit was just the place she and Stanton always stopped at. "I still can''t believe no one found either of them."


    Cassandra''s reason for concern was reversed depending on the target, of course. She was profoundly grateful for her shapeshifting that let her look like her human self as it had kept the authorities from locating the dragon they''d been searching for. That they''d not done more than a cursory search for Super Lupine Girl infuriated her.


    Always ready to hide aspects of himself¡ªbut hating that he had to do so with Cassandra¡ªStanton sighed. "Not really any of our business. I had one of the city guards come and ask if I could help with their investigation, but so far this strange werewolf hasn''t shown up anywhere. It''s like they''re some kind of ghost."


    They felt real enough when I was beating the snot out of them, is what Cassandra wanted to say. She couldn''t tell Stanton that, though. She knew how respected he was, especially among the lower classes, and it was all deserved. He was a genuinely good guy, and probably didn''t want to know she was a dragon. "Well, from what I heard, she was being pretty stupid."


    The topic already had Stanton on edge, but this turn was new. "Oh? I regret I didn''t even make it out until after everything was finished and done with. What was her problem?"


    "The usual noble stuff," Cassandra said, quickly adding, "you know how it is. You have to talk with them all the time too."


    "Oh." Rumors, Stanton realized, were going to be annoying. "Well, nobles will be nobles. Wait, you don''t think of me that way, do you?"


    "What? Stanton, you are the least noble noble I know." When Stanton raised an eyebrow at her, Cassandra furrowed her brow trying to figure out what she''d said that had a double meaning.


    "Maybe I''m so noble you just can''t appreciate how noble I am?" Picking up his coffee cup, Stanton pinched the handle carefully, stuck out his little finger, and made delicate sipping noises at it.


    Cassandra couldn''t help but giggle at the obvious hyperbole her friend was deploying.


    Finishing his sip with an indelicate slurp, Stanton set his coffee down. "But you got to see them fighting?"


    "Oh, uh, kinda. There were a lot of people there and it was all kinda fast and¡ªStanton, you should have seen her. You know I don''t follow courtly fashion or anything like that¡ª"


    "Something I''m extremely grateful for. You know what''s in right now? Tight pants with half-skirts over them," Stanton said.


    Cassandra''s sentence evaporated at the revelation of yet another stupid thing nobles do. "You''re joking? Wait, of course you''re not joking. Why can''t they just wear a dress?"


    "It''d be too sensible. That''s where you''re coming at court fashion wrong, Cass. You don''t dress to look good, you dress up to weaponize even your appearance. Your sole aim is to make anyone who isn''t keeping up look foolish and, thus, lose face." Stanton enjoyed the silly game of court dress-ups, personally, because he could play dirty in it. Now, though, he knew he could play even dirtier. "I think I''ll wear a skirt and tight pants next time mother or father summon me to the capital."


    "Uh, but won''t that make you look¡ªerr, lose face?"


    "That''s the clever bit, you see. It''s a statement. A very bold statement. Since it will be the height of feminine fashion, it will show that I have every measure of fashion sense, yet because they will be women''s clothes¡ªthat I''ll have cut to fit my masculine form¡ªI will show how stupid they are too." Even though he liked the plan, Stanton could see one problem with it¡ªlooking feminine. Then something else dawned on him that made him grin even wider. "And, you know the best bit? If I use an enchantment to make me a woman for the event, it will hit even harder!"


    It was too much for Cassandra. Her friend was quite possibly the most masculine guy she''d ever met. He was never afraid to back down from a sword duel, he had thrown himself into flirting when his mother had claimed he didn''t make enough of an impact with women, and he just screamed of maleness. "You''re joking, surely?"


    "No. I never joke."


    "You joke all the time, Stanton." Despite all that masculinity, though, Cassandra could see her friend actually going through with it. One thing (of many) that she liked about him was the way he could stick to a plan. "I want a portrait."


    "Of me as a woman?" Stanton asked, doing his best fluttering eyelashes (eyelashes he''d carefully trimmed).


    "Yes. I want something to laugh at no matter how poorly I feel." Cassandra figured that it would be great for relieving the annoyance that Super Lupine Girl was inflicting upon her. "So, are you doing anything tonight?"


    Raising his eyebrow even more than usual, Stanton smiled and asked, "Why, got a friend who needs a date for the evening?"


    One of the things that annoyed Cassandra about Stanton was he could always make her blush. "Me!"


    "You need a date for the evening?" Stanton asked.


    Straining to keep her annoyance to just that, Cassandra slumped forward and shook her head. "Forget it. I don''t¡ª" She was stopped by soft lips against her own. It was, as far as kisses went, too short and too long at the same time. She got barely a moment to look into Stanton''s eyes before it was over and he was pulling back. "Bah¡ª?"


    "I''d love to go on a date with you. This would count as the second, technically, since we had dinner a few nights back. Did you have any idea on where you wanted to go, or should I come up with something?"


    "Bah¡ª?"


    "A bar? I can arrange that. Meet you at five?"


    "Bah¡ª?" Finally, Cassandra''s mind caught up with the fact she''d just had her first kiss and she''d gotten invited on another date. "Five?"


    "Perfect. Now, I have to go and see if Professor Celia will accept my essay on the use of frills by the upper class female fashion world to mentally manipulate the poor and feeble-minded nobles to surrender themselves to marriage as a form of mental manipulation." Standing up, he reached out to cup Cassandra''s cheek for just a moment, smiling at the stunned silence he''d driven her to.


    "Bah," Cassandra said (with more heat) when Stanton finally left her. She scowled at him as he seemed to sway slightly, but even that couldn''t last as her fingers slid up to her lips and felt the slightest tackiness of a lip coating popular among noble men. She used the back of her hand to smear the stuff off. "Ugh. Why does he have to be so¡ªso good at that?"


    <hr>


    After mentally sparring with his (now favorite) professor, Stanton had left the class with a bounce to his step. There were now just two other classes to attend and one little task to take care of before his date.


    Evocation was the last resort of skilled negotiators and the first resort of the military. Stanton, being from both a military-aligned family and a mage-aligned family¡ªwas basically required to attend and do well. Fire in particular had always come easily to him, though now he had found a propensity for his flames to turn slightly pink if he wasn''t careful. With his mind wandering to Cassandra''s surprise at his inviting her on a date, he was creating decidedly pink infernos and, in one instance, a smoke cloud shaped in a love heart.


    "Stanton, I understand there is pressure on you to exceed expectations with your schooling, but there is no need to show off."


    "Yes, professor. Uh, Professor Brereton?" Stanton waited for the old wizard to approach his practice station before continuing. "Honestly, it''s a slight issue I''m having with my familiar coloring my magic effects. She''s¡­ opinionated, mostly on colors."


    Chuckling and twisting the edge of his moustache, the old wizard nodded as he reflected on his youth. "That happens. Some would say you should be harsh and remind your familiar who''s boss. Others"¡ªhe made a point of patting his own chest¡ª"would point out that it is a lifelong bond with your familiar, and that you should take on some of their traits as they adopt some of yours. Partnerships are about compromise, young master Raveel-Sharptooth."


    That gave Stanton something to think on. He nodded, mumbling his thanks, and went on with the lesson¡ªwithout holding back so much of the pink flames and heart shaped smoke. What this revealed to him was his magic had become significantly stronger, even without being in his wolf-girl form.


    But, even as he was walking out of the class feeling a little better about having pink flames, Stanton''s mind was replaying the fight with the dragon. She''d telegraphed a lot of her attacks at him, but even the ones Stanton hadn''t seen coming¡ªhe''d felt coming.


    The more he focused on the sensation, the weirder he realized it was. He hadn''t seen her arms moving, hadn''t sensed them with any of his normal senses, in fact. He''d felt for sure that the blow was coming.


    He needed, he realized, a way to test this without risking his life fighting a dragon again. With a free period before his last class, he made his way out of the academy and to one place that would let him practice what he needed.


    There was also the matter of touching base with the guard with relation to one Super Lupine Girl''s identity. On his way there, he started to concoct a plan. He paused to buy some street food, and quietly explained his situation to his Sharptooth family contact¡ªbut not all of it. "The incident yesterday, I may be slightly compromised with the werewolf involved. Will claim is a minor scion of Sharptooth clan. Let mother know." The words had been spoken with food in his mouth and with every evidence that he was actually chewing.


    "Oh, of course, young sir. Would you like another?" The old man selling the cheese and water bug rolls bared his uneven teeth in a big grin.


    "Mmm." Making a show of actually speaking, Stanton nodded. "You know, I think I will. This is some of the best peasant food I''ve ever had. What''s the secret?"


    "Butter. Lots of butter!" Tipping a ladle of cheesy crayfish into another unleavened bread pocket, the man passed Stanton a small slip of paper along with it¡ªand got paid handsomely for the simple fare.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Starting on his second helping, Stanton flicked the note open inconspicuously and read the name of a low-born scion of the family in a position under some cousin he could only barely remember. Louise Silverclaw was a common enough name and he could remember that the Silverclaws were an offshoot of the Sharptooths¡ªthough so far down the tree that they might as well be their own clan. One thing about such families, though, was they lived and died by their loyalty.


    Reaching the central guardhouse just as he finished the food¡ªwhich seemed to have evaporated into the unending cavern that had replaced his stomach¡ªStanton read the note several times to ensure he had the name correct and then stepped inside the busy foyer.


    He wasn''t the only civilian here to talk to someone. There was a line at the front counter and, reluctantly, Stanton started walking toward it.


    "Excuse me, sir Raveel-Sharptooth? Sergeant Gaoler said you would be coming in today. If you''ll just come this way, sir."


    Recognizing the corporal from the day before, Stanton didn''t hesitate to step out of the queue and make his way after the man. Once out of earshot of the waiting people, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you for that, corporal¡­?"


    "Jones, sir. Corporal Travis Jones. Sorry about my behavior yesterday, my sergeant filled me in on¡ª"


    "Don''t worry about it, Travis." Familiarity cost Stanton very little among non-aristocracy. First-name basis with the town guards, however, was a valuable asset easily purchased. "I''m just a concerned citizen doing my best to assist in the maintenance of law and order." Now, however, he needed to engage in a little mummery and deception. He let out a sigh. "It turned out this could be an¡­ awkward matter after all."


    "Sir¡ª"


    "Stanton, please."


    Travis felt himself stiffen for a moment, then he relaxed a touch. "Stanton, family problem?"


    "Sharp. Yes, indeed. I''ll save the explanation for the sergeant. This is all becoming a dreadful little mess and I despair unraveling it." Not lies. Not at all. It was a family problem and it was something he despaired about. When the corporal escorted him into an office where the sergeant from the previous day was sitting, Stanton gave a firm bow to the man.


    "That will be all, Corporal Jones," he said.


    "If it''s not too much trouble, Travis here has been a big help already and I''d not be adverse to having him involved in assisting with this little mess." Describing it as a mess definitely got the sergeant''s eyebrows raised a little more than normal, Stanton recognized. When the door was closed with Corporal Jones still in the room, Stanton began his little tale of woe.


    "I dread that she has caused a mess for you, but the werewolf in question is Louise Silverclaw." As he said the name, Stanton watched Sergeant Gaoler write down the name, followed shortly after by Corporal Jones doing likewise on his own notepad. "A relative, though distant and from a family off on its own branch, I fear this all being such a mess that she''ll need to be punished for it and¡ª"


    "There are no charges against her, sir," Sergeant Gaoler said. "She defended a student and¡ªby all accounts¡ªprevented injury to many bystanders."


    Stanton had to wonder if it was associating the wolf girl with himself or if the sergeant really had those details. He chose to rely on the latter. "That is a relief. I''ve already contacted her family to have her contact myself. Would you like to interview her?"


    "It would be appreciated if you could arrange that, if only so we can get her account of things. Her name¡­"


    Chuckling, Stanton nodded. "She''s a bit theatrical, from what I understand. Super Lupine Girl seems to be a pseudonym she employs when trying to save people anonymously. I wonder if my little cousin was trying to court lady Starlit?"


    "Starlit? Oh, the noble lady the"¡ªSergeant Gaoler still hated reading the word, so appended an appropriate word to soften the term¡ª"supposed dragon tried to assault? Hrmm, that makes it even more clear-cut. The only thing remaining is to figure out if the attacker was a person in their own right or someone''s familiar."


    It was a perfect opportunity, Stanton realized, to give the guard a real warning about the dragon. "I''ll have Miss Silverclaw contact you as soon as she is able."


    "Thank you again, sir Raveel-Sharptooth. I knew we could trust your clans to wrap this up faster¡ªand I must admit that you, yourself, are growing into the best example of both your families." Sergeant Gaoler was parroting what his higher-up had told him to say. He had been sure he could trust the young scion, but he didn''t have the right words to pull off making the city guard sound respectful of that.


    Standing and bowing, Stanton said, "Please, sirs, the honor is all mine to be able to represent my families and assist in any way I can. I do, however, have a small request to make¡ªif it''s not too much trouble?" A gesture from the sergeant urged him on. "I have been working on a new spell, you see, to aid in close-quarters fighting. It''s not offensive, but I require a skilled combatant to help me test it. I was hoping I could borrow the corporal here for a moment?"


    An easier way to thank Stanton would have been harder to come up with. Sergeant Gaoler nodded. "You can have him for ten minutes, and please return him in one piece."


    "I actually just need him for one thing, you can even do it right here. Take a swing at me and don''t pull your punch." Stanton turned toward Corporal Jones and delighted in the look of shock on his face. "If it helps, aim for my shoulder."


    "But you''re¡ª"


    "I''m a werewolf, Travis. Unless the city guard have improved their entry training significantly, you won''t do any permanent damage. It will probably help if I explain what I''m testing." Stanton gestured to himself. "I have adapted a new spell to allow me to predict blows that are coming toward me, even if I don''t see them."


    "Oh! So you''re going to dodge it, right?" Corporal Jones was intrigued now, and somewhat relieved.


    "No. Evading the strike will not assist in this. Please hit me." The strike, when it came, gave Stanton far less warning than he''d gotten as Super Lupine Girl. Still, he did get a tingle of awareness that the blow was about to land.


    Wincing as Stanton''s body twisted with the force of his punch, Corporal Jones asked, "Are you okay?"


    Stanton wasn''t used to having the slightly less body-mass his female form now had¡ªat least, not when it came to physical blows landing. Straightening up, he nodded. "Yes. That''s a good hook you have there."


    "Corporal, coming from a werewolf, that''s a compliment. Is that all you required, sir Raveel-Sharptooth?" Sergeant Gaoler asked.


    Rolling his shoulder a little to get his muscles working again, Stanton nodded. "Your assistance has been invaluable. I''ll send the message to my mother to have Louise drop by for a chat. Sergeant, Corporal¡­" With a bow to the pair, Stanton made his way out of the office and watch building, feeling optimistic about his idea.


    He''d made a point of closing his eyes when he''d asked the corporal to swing at him, and sure enough he''d felt something a moment before the impact. It had been everything he could do not to dodge it out of reflex.


    On the walk home he ignored his Sharptooth contact and instead stopped at a neutral vendor to grab another snack, this one a thumb-round cut of pork about six inches long with a golden piece of crackling fat along one edge. Like all food lately, it disappeared with barely a thought, but the taste of it was amazing and had Stanton striding with purpose back to his last class for the day.


    Magic History was normally boring for Stanton, because he''d researched the topic extensively himself and, since it was a requirement, he usually sat bored in class. Today, though, he got a surprise.


    "Dragons," the professor began, "are this week''s topic. It wasn''t meant to be, but the Grand Wizard of the Academe has asked that we put to rest the rumor that a dragon was seen fighting in the city yesterday. Let me start off with a simple explanation of dragons and their various skills, so you can judge for yourself if it was a dragon¡ªthat would have destroyed the city¡ªor something trying very hard to appear as such."


    Stanton was all ears. The information on how dragons were literally the most overwhelming single creatures that ever walked the world, how they could call down devastating magics, and their physical prowess was all known to him, but he remained attentive in case there was anything he''d missed. There wasn''t, though the lecturer was doing her best to paint a worst-case-scenario such that the dragon being young and inexperienced was never broached.


    "¡­ dragons haven''t been seen for hundreds of years. The last remaining egg was destroyed by the hero Vanquisher nearly three hundred years ago. You have nothing to fear except a crazy look-alike that was¡ªthankfully¡ªdriven off by a werewolf." It was a boring topic because it was a completely dead one. He hated giving such a talk when there was literally nothing to be gained from the subject of dragons except exciting stories. "There won''t be questions, you can all go now."


    "Professor?" As soon as the word started to leave Stanton''s mouth, he was fixed with a glare from the professor who clearly didn''t want to deal with the topic any further. "Are we sure all the eggs were destroyed?"


    It was a better question than many for him to answer. "Yes. Dragon eggs give off both magic and fate emanations. They twist the world around them in their favor. They were tracked using this to ensure they were destroyed. The fate-twisting has a limited range, as all such magics do, so it was easy to track down their general location. Even after fifty years, there was no further evidence of it."


    Musing on it, Stanton had to admit that was firm evidence. "But what if such an egg had its fate magic suppressed somehow?"


    "Then it would be unlikely to have hatched. The fate magic was what ensured they would always be viable." Eyeing the student asking questions, the professor tapped his chin. "Raveel-Sharptooth, correct?"


    Stanton straightened a little and nodded. "Yes, Professor Brereton."


    "Excellent. I''ll look forward to your research paper on dragon eggs and their magic by the end of the week." Grand Evoker Toddy Brereton hadn''t been expecting a smile and a bow from Stanton, but he felt obliged give it a slight nod. A challenge, and he''d be damned if he wouldn''t give the young man extra credits for a good report. "Then I believe you''ll be answering your own questions by then. Dismissed."


    The tone told Stanton all he needed to know about Brereton. Snapping his heels together, he straightened his back and nodded to the former military man. Making his way out of the classroom, he only facepalmed mentally at adding to his workload for the week. But then it hit him, "Now I have a reason for going to the library and asking for weird books about dragons."


    "Dragons?" Cassandra asked, walking up to Stanton and bumping her hip against his. "What''s all this about dragons?" She did extremely well at hiding her concern at his topic.


    "Well, that thing the werewolf fought yesterday, remember? The big rumor going around is that it was a young dragon, but there''s so much that doesn''t add up with that. I just had Magic History, and the professor said he was required by the school to give the big reasons why it couldn''t possibly be a dragon¡ªOh, right, you remember I''m a history buff, right? Well, I asked questions at the end, even though Brereton didn''t want any, and now I''m stuck doing a research paper on dragons."


    "He punished you for asking questions?" A feeling of anger threatened to steal Cassandra''s focus.


    "What? No. He''s giving me a chance to find out what I want to know. I''ve heard he gives bonus credit whenever anyone gets these ''punishments''." Stanton waved a hand to ward away the idea it was a punishment. He knew it was, though, but he didn''t care. "What about you? Anything fun from evo-classes?"


    Having her favorite topic come up made Cassandra bounce a little in excitement¡ªand she noticed that Stanton looked at her with more interest when she did. That''s when it truly hit her that he liked her. "I learned how to melt bones. Did you know if you get them at just the right temperature and use a particular acid spray on someone, it will completely liquefy them?" What worried her was how he''d feel about dragon-her. It was such a roof-of-mouth itch that she found herself needing to ask him more, even if she wanted to avoid the topic. "So, uh, what do you think about dragons really? I mean, they can''t all have been bad, right? There must have been one good one?"


    "Okay, yes. There was one good dragon. That''s how they were defeated. He was young, but he made the huge mistake¡ªat least for dragons¡ªof falling in love with a human. When other dragons came for them, they fought together to protect what was theirs. Then he spread his realm and called on more races to join him. Gray Wing Dragonbane was the only good dragon¡ªand I''m pretty sure half of what was written about him was just fairy tales." Stanton had been told the story when he was young, and hadn''t believed it then. "So, got any ideas what you will be wearing tonight?"


    "A dress." Cassandra huffed out a breath and rolled her eyes. "Where are we going?"


    "Somewhere nice. Oh, remember my plan to make a fool of myself and the current fashion trend at the same time? Would you be interested in attending?"


    Feeling a little left behind in the conversation, Cassandra thought about it a moment. "You''re really going through with it? Won''t your family be upset if you don''t take a noble along on your arm?"


    "They''d be furious if I did take a noble along on my arm. Nobles have agendas and agendas are always going to cause a problem. Cass, do you know how much I have to do each week just for my families'' agendas?" When his friend looked clueless, Stanton nodded. "Exactly. I''m good at it. Mom thinks it''s her talent shining through, and so does Dad. I might even believe them if my cousin¡ªMom''s brother''s and Dad''s sister''s kid¡ªweren''t as clueless as a brick when it comes to agendas.


    "I want to take you, Cass, because you''re fun, gorgeous, and you don''t make me have to worry that you''ll suddenly start trying to steer things astray because of some agenda your family has."


    "See? This!" Cassandra actually snorted out a flame before realizing it. "Ugh. Damn evo. You know how I always had an affinity for fire? It''s getting worse."


    "You still haven''t told me what your familiar is." Heading for the library, Stanton kept glancing back at Cassandra. "You can''t keep it a secret forever. What is it? Did you summon a ghost that possesses you? Maybe some kind of parasite? I still think it could be a demon. I have heard of demons that disguise themselves as armor or weapons¡­"


    "Does it look like I''m wearing armor?"


    "Could be one of those fancy corsets. You know the ones¡ªthey give extra push upward and the ladies at court hate them because none of them have a chest that could really do them jus¡ª" Stanton broke into choked giggles as Cassandra pinned him to the wall with one hand. Not that he struggled to get free¡ªhe enjoyed seeing her cut loose a little.


    "I am not wearing a corset." Glaring at Stanton, Cassandra felt her fury at least moderately controlled by the fact that she liked Stanton¡ªunlike that Super Lupine Girl. Even just the thought of her made Cassandra get a little more angry.


    "You should. You could rock one of those. Why not wear it to the ball?"


    "What ball?" Taking her pressure off Stanton let him get away from the wall and slip around to her side.


    "The ball I invited you to. The one I said to wear something actually nice. A good, fitted corset, summer skirt, and a long sleeved shirt with puffy cuffs would look great!" Stanton quickly dodged the next attempt Cassandra made to grab him, slipping closer to put his arm around her hip. "You''d totally carry that off."


    "Ugh. Damn noble nerds. Go, study your books. See if I care."


    "When you''re done with your last class, come by my tower and we can head out from there." Stanton reached up and booped Cassandra on the nose before dodging another grab to get out of reach. "Bye!"


    Available at: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220350/fictions</a>


    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 6

    Cassandra had to admit that while she hated all the noble crap, they ate good food¡ªand Stanton was good company. She''d even let him talk her into going to the ball, so long as he could get them an invitation.


    Walking home, she realized that while she''d never felt scared to walk the streets of Conjur before, now that she had the power of a (totally good) dragon, she practically stalked the roads and hoped some idiot would try to rob her.


    But, without so much as an odd glance from anyone, she reached her home and made her way upstairs to her room. Entering, she found it looking exactly the same as normal¡ªexcept for the kobold kneeling just inside.


    Only once the door was closed behind her did Cassandra ask, "Why are you here? No one saw you, did they?"


    "Of course not, your gloriousness! I am fortunate enough to welcome you to your new home¡ªyour lair!" Jumping to their feet, the kobold ran to one side of the room and pulled on one of the ornate ironwork rods that held a magelight¡ªwhich caused a panel to slide open in the wall.


    Walking over to the hidden door, Cassandra couldn''t believe how it''d been built. "There shouldn''t be enough room here for this. The walls of these rooms are paper thin!"


    Nonetheless, she followed the kobold down the stairs, pulling the wall closed behind her. The stairs seemed to go on forever, but just as she was about to demand how much further they opened out. A huge cave, lit with dim candles, stretched before her. She walked in after the kobold, eyes trying to take it all in at once. "When did you have time to build this?"


    "Today. We only have two rooms so far. Big rooms. Good rooms. Dragon rooms. Soon kobolds get rooms too. Then many rooms!" Trotting forward, the kobold reached a huge set of doors set into the wall of the cave.


    As she got closer, the next room was revealed to Cassandra. It was a monster of a chamber. Great big pillars holding the ceiling up and bracketing a long path that led to a dais. On that dais sat what looked like a throne¡ªif she squinted and closed one eye. "What is that made out of?"


    "We couldn''t find enough good stone, oh great and powerful scaled master! We will do better once we find what we need!" Clearing their throat, the kobold shouted, "Make ready the throne!"


    Two kobolds strode out carrying a blanket between them, which they proceeded to spread over the seat of the throne. Another, smaller kobold ran up with a cushion to set it down and back away.


    Striding up to the throne, Cassandra had to admit they had done a wonder in just a day. Carefully, she adjusted herself to be a human-sized dragon form without spines or sharp edges, turned, and sat down on the throne.


    There was a stirring in her blood that made this right. Being in control. Having minions. Her own throne. "You have done well." This, she realized, was akin to the power nobles had, but she would definitely not abuse it like they did. "Now, have any of you found out about who this werewolf is?"


    "She''s definitely Super Lupine Girl."


    Cassandra looked at the kobold that spoke and considered pulling its head off¡ªthen calmed her temper. "Yes. Anything else?" It was apparently going to take patience to lead a group of kobolds. "And don''t say ''she''s a female werewolf with magic powers'' or I will unscrew your head."


    Snapping their mouth closed so they wouldn''t say the words they''d been about to, the kobold thought for a moment. "I heard a guard talking about her. Called her Louise Silverclaw."


    It was a start, Cassandra realized. "I want you to find this Louise Silverclaw. Find her and tell me where she is, so I can rip her in half."


    Wagging their stubby tail in excitement, the kobold bowed. "Of course, your unspeakably rewardingness!"


    Cassandra was still trying to make sense of the words the kobold had said after it''d left. Ignoring that for now, she turned her attention to the others. "You said there were others coming and you need to build quarters for them?"


    "Y-Yes!"


    "Do so. Make it your priority." There was something in her that instinctively wanted to care for the strange little creatures, not because they were all that useful, but because they were hers. The idea of having them leave or someone else taking control of them started to raise her ire. "I want every kobold in the world living in this city."


    <hr>


    "Wand, you are amazing." Stanton looked at himself in the mirror and suitably recoiled. He was wearing a knee-length skirt, a top that was cut a little low by current fashion (and very low according to his own measure¡ªbut only when it came to shirts he was wearing), and there was a tight corset around his waist that made sure the low-cut shirt had something to show off. "Thank you."


    He twirled, and the girl in the mirror twirled too. "Angel?"


    Angel bit her lip, looking up at Stanton with wide eyes. "Are you really going to¡ª?"


    "Angel, make me look cute." The look of pure and unadulterated joy that radiated from Angel almost overwhelmed Stanton. "I want hair, I want makeup, I want you to primp me and leave me with nails so impractical that I won''t be able to feed myself without sufficiently re-engineered cutlery." Holding out his hand to Angel, Stanton waited until she took it to add, "I want to look pretty."


    "I¡ªI never believed this day would come, Stanton. It seemed like just this morning that you were trying to dress like a man and now you want to be dressed and pampered like a good girl?" Twirling in a circle, Angel fell backwards on the bed and wiggled her arms and legs to make an Angel angel. After a moment of sighing in emotional bliss, she lifted her head up and looked at him. "What''s your angle?"


    Crouching down, no mean feat in the skirts he was wearing, Stanton got down to look Angel in the eyes. "My angle is that the City Guard needed to talk to someone fitting Super Lupine Girl''s description. I arranged that to happen by making up a pseudonym for myself of Louise Silverclaw. Now Louise needs to go and make an appearance at the guardhouse to tell them she''s sorry for causing a fuss but this dangerous creature that she hopes isn''t an actual dragon needs to be stopped."


    Pressing her hands together, Angel took a slow breath, held it and counted to five, then let it out again. "So this might not happen again?"


    "If I have to keep appearing as Super Lupine Girl, I''m sure I''ll have to be Louise with depressing frequency."


    "Sooo¡­ I get to make your hair super-long, make you look girly and pretty and cute and¡ªand¡ªand¡­ I really do?" Angel made her eyes as huge as saucers as she looked at Stanton, while trying to hold back the magic that even now was building within her.


    Stanton beamed at Angel. "Go as far as you dare¡ªthen a step further." He had no idea why he was encouraging Angel so much except that she looked adorable when she was excited.


    Standing, dipping her head forward in her most windblown badass pose, Angel turned slightly and cupped her magic into one paw. Not just a little magic. Not a moderate amount. Princess Angel von Snuggles, the fourth, could have wiped out a city with the magic she had gathered¡ªand she built the inferno of power even further. "You want everything I''ve got and then some?"


    Bracing himself, Stanton trusted Angel to at least not do a bad job. What he worried was her doing exactly as she intended. Still, as he watched her brace and use both paws to pull the burning ball of magic forward, he had to admit that whatever she was going to do would make him completely unrecognizable as Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth.


    "Ha!" Angel leaned into the attack, putting her spiritual force behind it. "Do!" Pink lightning crackled off the ball of energy as it accelerated. "Ken!"


    All Stanton had as a warning before the crackling magic hit him in the chest was watching the world slowly turn more and more pink. He couldn''t dodge or half the city would wind up wearing blush and ribbons. He took one for the city and then fell backward as it hit him.


    Stanton was lost in a nightmare world of pink frills and frilly pinks. Someone called his name, though, and so he pulled his way back to reality to see Angel flying above him; looking down. "Uh, Angel?"


    "You look amazing!" Angel danced around in the air, finishing with a motion that pantomimed throwing something toward the ground. "Come on! You have to see!"


    Hauled to his feet by a creature not even a quarter of his size, Stanton let himself be dragged (covering his eyes, of course) to the other side of his room where the full length mirror had pride of place. When he opened his eyes at Angel''s encouragement, he stared. "That''s me?"


    The girl in the mirror looked a few years younger than him, had pink gloss on her lips, a slight blush on her cheeks, and her eyes were done with a deep blue eyeliner. And that was just his face. His hair was free of all confines and cascaded down his back¡ªcomplimenting his face with some framing bangs.


    The dress was the same, though he noticed there was more under it. When he flipped up one side, he revealed petticoats under it. Knee-high socks and a blue pair of shoes that matched his eyeliner completed the look. "Angel¡ª"


    Angel was worried she''d gone too far. Stanton hadn''t even noticed the glitter in his hair yet. "Is it too much? I could¡ª"


    "It''s perfect!" Turning on the little floating wolfette, Stanton grabbed her out of the air and hugged her against him tight. "Thank you¡ªI knew you could do it."


    Hugging Stanton, Angel let out a happy squeak of pure and unadulterated joy. This was her purpose. This was exactly what she was sent here to do. And now¡ªNOW!¡ªshe got praised for it. "Am I a good girl?"


    Giving Angel a pat on her head, Stanton nodded. "Angel, you''re a very good girl."


    <hr>


    Stanton could still remember Angel''s smile and wagging tail when he finished his long and winding walk around Conjur at the guardhouse. Without a doubt he looked nothing like the nobleman who stepped into the building just a few days earlier.


    Walking up to the central counter, he smiled at the guard on duty there and said, "I''m here to see"¡ªhe fumbled out a note he absolutely didn''t need¡ª"Sergeant Steven Gaoler."


    "He should be free in a while. I''ll let him know you''re here, miss¡­?"


    "Silverclaw. Louise Silverclaw. Uh, also Super Lupine Girl." It was calculated just right, by how Stanton was reading the guard on duty, to be a name drop he''d recognize.


    "This way Miss Silverclaw." The guard sounded somewhat excited and was showing it. When they reached the sergeant''s door, he finally broke down and asked, "Can you sign this for my little girl? She saw you fight that monster and has been asking me over and over if I knew you."


    It wasn''t exactly what Stanton had envisioned. He took the paper from the guard and pulled out one of his fountain pens. "What''s her name?" He waited for it before writing, To Sable, I hope you''re a good girl for your daddy, he''s a real hero! and signed it Super Lupine Girl.


    His jaw dropping, the guardsman was practically bouncing in place. "Thank you so much. She''ll love it."


    Stanton had to face facts that he was, apparently, a role model for young women who wanted to uphold the peace. He knocked on the door and was swiftly told to enter. Walking in, he spotted the sergeant in his chair filling out paperwork. Trying to affect a more one-the-balls-of-his-feet walk, Stanton stood across from Steven Gaoler rather, as Stanton had, sitting. "My cousin demanded¡ªuh, suggested¡ªI come and talk to you about events last week?"


    Shuffling his notes around, Steven Gaoler found the folder he was after and pulled it across. "Have a seat, Lady Louise Silverclaw." When she didn''t sit down, he let out a grunt. "I just have to dot my Is and cross my Ts, you understand."


    The title of lady surprised Stanton. He would have to have words with his contact about keeping his alias more humble. "Of course, sir. You want me to explain what happened?" Another grunt and this time a nod. "Well, I was trying to avoid that cousin of mine, but had spotted him in a restaurant in town. That''s when I heard the argument between that dragon-thing and another noble. Well, I know Conjur is a very lawful city, so I figured the City Guard would handle it.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "But the werewolf wasn''t doing so well. She''d taken her wolf form, but it wasn''t doing her much good. I just¡ªI put myself between her and danger. The dragon¡ª"


    Steven Gaoler cut in. "Alleged dragon. We''re still investigating, and haven''t found anything conclusive to believe it was a dragon¡ªyoung or otherwise."


    "R-Right. Well, it was nasty. I had to use a lot of tricks to angle it away from the woman. When I got my chance, I gave it a good punch and shoved my magic at it." Stanton kept things vague¡ªLouise wasn''t meant to be as analytical as he was.


    "Under normal circumstances, and in this case as well, we''re told to talk down vigilantes. Your actions, Lady Silverclaw, are to be lauded. You have been trained in combat?" Steven''s hand was poised to write whatever information was given.


    "I grew up with a lot of cousins, nephews, and uncles who made sure being a girl wasn''t an excuse when it came to losing a tousle." Shrugging, Stanton went on with his made-up excuse. "So if growing up with a dozen excitable werewolf ''brothers'' is combat training, then yeah."


    Writing it down, Steven chuckled at that one. "If you see the creature again, please let the City Guard know as soon as possible. While it was a good idea to remove the threat from the scene in this instance, we much prefer to have someone to arrest in these situations." It felt stupid to him to have to read all the rules to the young woman. She was, by all accounts, a capable fighter and dispatched a foe with greater reach and height without getting hurt. "This is just between you and me, though, but thank you for what you did. We try to be everywhere, but the city is too large to have the City Guard on every corner."


    "C-Can I go?"


    "Sure. Everything I have points to this being a brave bystander offering some assistance to a noblewoman who was being accosted. Open and closed. If you find anything further out about this alleged dragon, I''d appreciate you letting us know. Have a nice day."


    The sergeant dipped his head down, leading Stanton to believe that was all the dismissal and thanks he was getting. He turned for the door¡ªstill on the balls of his feet¡ªand stepped outside the little office¡­


    ¡­ to see three more of the City Guard, with notepads held at the ready, wanting autographs. Stanton, rather than being his own quirky and slightly sarcastic self, pulled his new persona tight around him and bounced over to the first with a big smile. "Who do you want this made out to?"


    <hr>


    Stanton had returned home and was back to looking at himself in the mirror. It was both terrifying and reassuring to see how little he resembled his normal self. "Thank you again, Angel."


    "You''re not going to take it off now, are you?" Deploying her big puppy eyes again, Angel looked up at Stanton and even added a soft whine to her voice.


    "¡­" He was at a loss. Angel, he feared, was going to have him wrapped around her littlest digit. "I mean, if I took it off now I could get ready for our slumber party." The look of dawning joy on Angel''s face was worth it. "Wand, could I get something a little more relaxed evening talking girl-stuff with my best friend?"


    Angel, when she worked out what Stanton had said, squealed and flew a loop-the-loop in excitement. "Wand, we''ll need makeup and jewelry too! Oh, and snacks!"


    "Huh? My wand can just¡ª" Stanton stared as a cart with cakes on it appeared in front of him, then another little stand appeared that had a number of cozy-looking robes, thick flannel shirts, and several dresses. The last thing to appear was a desk with makeup products scattered over it along with a bucket of ice with a wine bottle and glasses. "Wand, you''re the best, you know that?"


    Even if he wasn''t holding it, Stanton felt a vague sense of warmth coming from the sensation of the wand in his head. "You know, you might as well just chill out here all the time." He gasped when the wand appeared in his hand. "There you are. Thank you for all this."


    Stanton poured them each a glass of the wine, which he noted was surprisingly delicious. "Okay, comfort first, then we start working out what outfits to try on."


    When Stanton had his wand make another rack of outfits just for her, Angel was over the moon. She tried on dresses, skirts, and even a pair of trousers (that she was sure to say she didn''t like, even if they were comfortable) while Stanton did the same. Eventually, with several glasses of wine in each of them, she started teaching Stanton the finer points of makeup application.


    Staring intently at himself in the mirror, applying eye shadow as Angel instructed, Stanton said, "This dragon stuff worries me. I think I might have given the sergeant a hint that it was much more than some kid playing games, but I don''t think anyone takes the threat seriously enough."


    "It could have something to do with the titanic struggle between good and evil," Angel said. Looking at Stanton, she hiccuped before realizing he''d want more of an explanation. "You are a huge source of good in the world. The dragon is the opposite, evil incarnate. You are drawn together and nothing can come between that fight. Them not recognizing the full threat of the beast is probably the universe supporting that."


    Pausing a moment, one eye done and the other almost there, Stanton took a long breath and sighed. "That''s a heck of a thing to tell someone, Angel. So I''m stuck alone¡ªwith you and the wand¡ªfighting the dragon on my own?"


    "Hmm, I don''t think so. If dragons here are as powerful as you say, I bet you''re going to end up with a whole trout of heroes. Wait, trout? Trip? Oh, troupe!" Angel giggled, hiccuped again, and stretched out on the bed on her back. "This tickle makes head my wine."


    "You''re drunk, Angel. Also, what do you mean?"


    "Am not!"


    "Are too!"


    "Am not!"


    "¡­ Am not!"


    "Are too!" Angel froze, giggled, and pointed a digit at Stanton. "You''re really tricky."


    "Thank you, I really do try to be." Stanton got back to work with the eye shadow, finishing the light purple to compliment his blue eyeliner. "So, more people are going to wind up like me?"


    "Yes and no. If you mean"¡ªAngel sat up, reached for her wine, and sipped some more¡ª"just like you, no. Everyone''s path to pure and perfect femininity is different. Yours expressed itself as a cute wolf girl, someone else might be a singer, or even a giant robot pilot!"


    "I¡­ err¡­ What?" Stanton asked, turning to look at Angel.


    Her eyes widening, Angel held both her paws up to her mouth. "Your eyes are so pretty with that shade!"


    Stanton turned back to look in the mirror and¡ª "Yeah, it really is." It was weird to look at the pretty face and see it for being a pretty face first, then overlaying that with the deep-seated knowledge that it was his pretty face. He shook his head to cast off the distraction. "Answer the question, Angel. I want facts here. How do I get other people to help me, and how do I recognize who they are?"


    "The universe will make all visible in time!" Angel gave a nod, like she was revealing the inner workings of the universe.


    "You''re full of it. So I just keep doing what I''m doing and, if things are too hard, someone will fall into this mess with me and I''ll recognize them?"


    "Ugh. Yes. You really can''t just let me be mysterious and all-knowing?"


    Removing his dressing robe, Stanton (who was still wearing an under-corset) reached out and grabbed Angel to hug her to him. "You are, without a doubt, not all-knowing. But you know what, Angel? You''re perfect just the way you are."


    Sighing, Angel reached out to hug Stanton back, though she could barely get her arms to the sides of him given his size. "Aww, you say such nice things."


    Stanton didn''t want to say it was the alcohol helping him just unwind, but he knew it in his head that he''d wake up and spend a good half a day trying to unpack what he''d done. "So, if mother replies that she got me invited to a ball, I''m going to go as a woman wearing nice dresses, rather than the horrid fashion that ladies are expected to wear."


    "You shaid tha'' before." Blinking at how she''d sounded, Angel looked at the wine glass she''d been drinking from accusingly. "Dish your fault!"


    Realizing how inebriated he was, Stanton nodded solemnly. "I think we both could use some water, thanks for the wine though, wand." The wine in both their glasses faded from a rich yellow to a clear and uncarbonated water, and Stanton reached out to his and sipped it. "This is chilled. Wand, you are amashing."


    Looking up at Stanton and blinking a few times in surprise, Angel started to giggle. "You shlurring too!"


    "Yeash." Stanton gulped down the water and focused on his werewolf metabolism. The sensation of the alcohol processing faster left him shaking at first as he became more drunk, then it faded into a light buzz. "Ah, better."


    "Whaaaa? Whash you do?"


    "Okay, Angel, a lesson in werewolf powers. Close your eyes." Stanton waited for her to do so. "Now focus on how things move inside you. How your food moves. How the energy it gives you works its way through your body." When she gasped and nodded, he went on. "Now imagine that faster. Working harder to¡ª"


    Her eyes snapping open, Angel fell backwards onto the bed as she became intolerably drunk, then sober again. Gasping, she turned her head and looked up at Stanton. "Wow."


    "Yeah, quite the rush isn''t it? So that''s how you can deal with alcohol. You can also do the opposite and slow things down if you get poisoned. Just don''t speed up for poisons or the shock will kill you."


    Eyes widening, Angel nodded. "''Kay. Well, what are we going to do next?" She reached out to her wine glass and took a long swig of water. "Oh, I need more cake."


    "That''s a very good idea. The best thing about all this is I can eat whatever I want and I seem to just burn it up. There''re no downsides to eating cake!" Reaching over to the food cart, Stanton lifted down two plates with cake on them. One he passed to Angel and the other he took for himself. "So, any thoughts on what I should wear to¡ªwhatever ball mother finds for me?"


    "Mmmf." Angel had a mouthful of cake she had to gulp down, not that she minded since there was plenty more. "Full gown. All the bells and whistles! Magic gems for jewelry! A dress so magical it would literally shine if anyone could actually see the force of magic in something."


    "Angel, most of both sides of my family can see magic force in items. Some can even tell what the magic is."


    "Even better! We put all kinds of magic into the dress. Nothing specific! MAGIC!" Angel, holding the plate in her right hand, waved her paw mysteriously at Stanton.


    The idea really did things for Stanton''s creativity. He stared at Angel for a moment, feeling his energy spooling up, before he started talking with zero filter between brain and mouth. "This is going to blow everyone''s minds! Magic-imbued items are always done with purpose. Everyone will try to puzzle out why I have the dress imbued and wonder what it''s doing. So we make the enchantment itself pretty. Swirls, rose patterns, and even my families'' crests!"


    Not sure exactly what was going on, Angel had a pretty good idea Stanton liked something she said. While he ranted about coloration of magic and accents, she ate more cake. When her tummy was full of cake, she slipped her plate back on the trolley and got a second one¡ªbecause good girls get bonus cake.


    Relaxing and sitting back with her cake, Angel decided a third piece would be a special reward for making Stanton so happy. By the time she was halfway through he''d grabbed a notebook and was sketching away. When she was done with the whole slice, he''d started actually casting enchantments onto a practice dress.


    "Stanton?" Angel asked when he finally put down a full notebook and started casting a spell to summon another.


    "Yeah?" Looking around, seemingly in a daze, Stanton focused on Angel.


    "Is this a fourth-slice-of-cake event?"


    Staring at her a moment as his context shifted, Stanton spotted empty plates (well, empty except for crumbs, the icing had been dutifully licked off, he could see) and did some math¡ªthen threw it all out the window. "Probably five, just to be sure you are getting your proper daily intake of cake."


    Angel''s eyes widened, her tail started to wag, and she nodded to the sage words. "Also, you need to catch up."


    Looking down at the filled notebook and the dress that, to his magic-sensitive sight, glowed, Stanton nodded. "Yeah, I probably should. Thanks for the idea, Angel." Reaching out with his left hand to pick up a fresh plate of cake, Stanton used his other to give Angel a good rub on the top of her head.


    Her tail wagging, Angel leaned into the petting and let out a happy little whine of bliss. She had no reservations when it came to headpats and cake, so even when he stopped petting her, she reached for the trolley and got another slice. "When do you think the dragon will show up again?"


    Putting a forkload of cake in his mouth, Stanton chewed it slowly and thought about the question. Swallowing, he nodded to the answer he''d come up with. "In the first encounter, it just seemed to get angry at Shazine out of the blue. Either it will do this again or¡ªand I think this is more likely¡ªwhen it can gain something from doing so. That worries me even more, because if it does that, it means the dragon has an agenda."


    Looking at her cake, Angel felt the same worry Stanton did. "So what do we do about it?"


    "Not much I can do. The City Guard will be doing the best searching it can for them, overtly. I guess I could try testing out some of my theories on this predictive ability I have." The cake was easily on par with any dessert Stanton had ever tried. There were multiple layers, each bounded by a sweet cream, and it was covered in a thick and rich icing that should have been making him gain weight just by looking at it. The cherry flavored cake itself was so light and moist that it seemed to melt in his mouth as it deposited its bounty upon his palate. "This is really good cake. Thanks, wand."


    "Predictive what-now?" Angel asked.


    "I noticed that when the dragon was swinging punches and claws at me, I could feel the direction of its swings. I tried to test it at the guardhouse, but without being able to wolf-out I only got the slightest hint of it."


    "Huh. Probably just reflexes."


    "No, Angel, it was way more than that. I deliberately closed my eyes and asked a Guard to hit me. He did, and even though I wasn''t even fully magicked up¡ªI felt it coming. Not the air, not the sound of his muscles¡ªI felt that a hit was coming before I sensed it." The little fork in his hand seemed almost insufficient for the task of dealing with the cake, but Stanton was not willing to just grab a handful of it and start devouring¡­ yet.


    Getting onboard with Stanton''s interest in the ability, Angel asked, "Oooh! So it tells you when and where to expect attacks?"


    "No, not precisely. But I think I can work around that. I''ve been thinking about it all day, and¡ªI need to explain something else about the academy. We have to study stuff outside our chosen field. They claim it gives good grounding, or something, but it''s really just to stop wizards and sorcerers from becoming utter fruitcake crazy before leaving school. One of these classes, that I was given a list to pick from, was statistical analysis."


    "Numbers?"


    Staring at Angel like she''d just described the magical arts as interpretive dance, Stanton began with a droll tone. "Yes, Angel, numbers. But the way statistics uses numbers is to measure the chances of things. So if I feel a strike coming for my upper body, I can move in a way that would avoid most of the damage I''d normally take from such a hit¡ªand put me in the best position to take advantage of it."


    "What language was that you spoke just now?" Angel asked, looking perplexed.


    "Ha-ha." Stanton looked at Angel, focusing on her paws. "Did you paint your claws?"


    Her eyes widening to unreasonable dimensions, Angel gasped. "How backwards is this world that you don''t do your fingernails?!"


    "In my defense, I now have a superior mentor in all things feminine to assist me," Stanton managed, before Angel attacked him.


    Available at: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220350/fictions</a>


    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 7

    Stanton moved even before the blow started. It had been hard to persuade the Guard to let him train there, but after an official (if humoring) letter from himself¡ªas himself¡ªthey had agreed to let him train as Louise Silverclaw.


    Both were similarly dressed. Stanton was in trousers, a shirt, and a tight-fitting chest garment that his wardrobe had produced that seemed perfect for doing intense physical activity in. Opposite him, though, was a six and a half foot tall giant of a man. With pale green-gray skin revealed by his sleeveless shirt, the Guard revealed his half-orcish heritage only barely. His face, teeth, and eyes were all those of a human.


    When the punch struck, it was already at the full extension of the swing and had no actual force to it. Stanton, meanwhile, had one hand already on their wrist and was pulling toward himself and over his shoulder.


    The guard stared at him in shock as they were jerked off their feet and over his shoulder. The padded floor stopped any serious damage to anything but their pride.


    "Alright," Stanton said, "can we try it at normal speed?"


    Stanton''s opponent regained his feet and brought one fist into the palm of the other before him. "Very well. Are you sure this new technique isn''t one that can be taught?"


    About to tell him no, again, Stanton had to wonder about that. "The model I''m using relies on a supernatural trait to be able to sense danger before it''s coming at me. Then we build up the right reaction to guide the opponent to overcommit to it and be ready to take advantage of it."


    "Why couldn''t that be adapted?"


    "Come to think of it, it probably could. I''ll try running the numbers for next time, and we can see if your reflexes let you work with thi¡ª" Stanton moved quickly, but it was barely fast enough. He had no chance to work the counter and instead just had to content himself with not being hit in the face. "That wasn''t normal speed."


    "And you still predicted it. Is this the best you can do?"


    Holding up both hands and stepping back, Stanton said, "Well, there is more. This next bit is going to seem really weird, but I promise you it''s an incantation." With no more reaction than his sparring partner stepping back and raising an eyebrow, Stanton sighed.


    "By the shining light of goodness,


    And with the power of virtue;


    By the purity of my feminine charms,


    I call on my wand of power to protect the world!"


    The change was drastic. No longer was the young woman in pants and a shirt standing there, looking sensibly dressed for a bit of combat. No. Now she was a cute, slightly shorter, werewolf girl in a pink dress with pink frills and holding what looked like an oversized novelty wand. The light show that had barely managed to hide Stanton''s modesty while his clothes transformed had been somewhat dazzling, too.


    "Don''t laugh!" Stanton hadn''t spent much time as Super Lupine Girl. It was mostly the skirt that put him off. "Okay, now try me on. Go as fast as you want."


    This time, when the blows started coming, Stanton could feel them far more easily. He wove around them a few times, just getting a feel for the speed, then he prepared himself for a statistical evasion. This time it was a kick. His sense picked up that it was coming low and from his right side. Shifting the weight on his feet, he started to move a moment before the leg was coming at him.


    When his kick was robbed of its momentum and he was dragged to the floor, the guardsman found himself staring at Stanton''s fist just an inch before his eyes. "Uh, that worked?"


    "Yeah. Yeah it worked! Wow! I got a great feel for the attack this time and all the speed boost my wolf form gives really lets it work right." Unclenching his fist, Stanton stood back and offered his hand to the Guard. "Not that you''re not quick too, Jaelith."


    "But I''m not a werewolf." It was far too easy, or so he thought, for the little werewolf woman to just haul him to his feet.


    "You''re not, but you do have exceptional speed and strength." The pain from the few hits he''d taken, though, had already mostly faded. Particularly in his magicked-up form, Stanton felt unstoppable. "I need to work on my reactions a little, tighten up my math, but I think this can really work."


    Clenching his fists and squeezing the light leather gloves over them tightly, Jaelith nodded. "If you need more practice, I''ve been authorized to provide several hours a week. If you can teach me this method in a usable manner, I could maybe secure more."


    "I guess we have my snooty cousin to thank for that. He''s a bit of a fop, but he knows how to get what he wants." Stanton now had to keep his new persona separated from his normal self, and there was no easier way of doing that than to make her more outwardly the antithesis of himself. She was far more physical and outspoken, to say nothing of her being a her. "Still, he has his uses. He helped come up with all this."


    "The outfit?"


    Stanton laughed and shook his head. "No, this reaction-probability style of fighting. He''s the brains behind it, and says he''s only doing it so I don''t get hurt. He''s actually kinda sweet, for an egghead." The hardest part Stanton had found in his new persona was the way she just presented herself as female. He knew for a fact that if he saw a young woman like Louise Silverclaw, he''d be interested in her. "Excuse me a second."


    Jaelith got to see the whole process undo. The swirling pink lights, the fluffy dress, even the ribbons that he hadn''t quite noticed in Stanton''s hair seemed to fade and leave just the young woman in pants, light shoes, and a shirt standing there. He would have even tried flirting if he hadn''t realized that despite her looking like just another working woman, she was still a member of the aristocracy. "You really think that thing was a dragon?"


    There it was, Stanton thought. He''d been hoping the indifference among the Guard would have a few cracks. "I''m not a hundred percent sure. A dragon should have beaten me to a pulp, destroyed me with magic, and just bitten me in half. If it is a dragon, it''s a very young or isolated one that doesn''t know what it can do. But even then, even if I was mostly sure it wasn''t¡ªshould we take that risk?"


    "Some would say that raising a panic when it''s likely not a problem is a greater threat." Jaelith hoped that his implied but not me got through to Stanton. "Thank you for the workout, and for not laying me out too hard."


    Shaking his hand, Stanton gave his best rolling-eyed laugh. "If you had any idea how hard it is to find someone who doesn''t run when I ask, ''Can I just beat you up a little?''¡­"


    "Hey, when the Guard needs someone that can take a hit, they get me. If something''s really bad, they give me armor."


    Stanton could only imagine how tough the big half-orc would be with actual armor on.


    <hr>


    It was a decidedly different Stanton that sat beside Cassandra on the train to the capital. Done up with makeup, wearing an incredible dress, he hid not a skerrick of the female body he''d been saddled with. The dress'' upper part hugged his curves, pushed up his chest, and provided the perfect grip to his waist so that the skirts could spill from his hips with artistic abandon.


    "You really went to town, huh?" Cassandra couldn''t stop herself from asking. As far as she knew, he''d had a sex-change enchantment wrought on him and had let his new familiar go to town. "What''s with the fingernails?"


    "The newest fashion. Well, they will be when I show them off. This whole thing will be. You''re welcome, by the way." Stanton flicked his chin to the side, which sent the cascade of his hair swishing with it.


    It was getting to the point where Cassandra considered just turning into her dragon form and ripping the train apart. "Is this more crap that I don''t care about but, for some reason, is vitally important to nobles?"


    "They''re trapped, Cass. Bound by society''s need for them to wear the latest fashion¡ªdespite every single one of them knowing how horrid it is. The worst bit is whenever one of them makes a mistake and wears something worse¡ªeveryone pretends it''s the newest trend and that must be the newest step in the ongoing crime against aesthetics." Stanton could see that Cassandra wasn''t interested in the topic, but he did get her to smile at some of his jokes. "Put simply, they need a hero who can stomp this horrid spiral out of existence."


    "Do you want me to say it?" Cassandra asked.


    "Very much."


    "I''ve already told you. Twice, even."


    "Still, more is always better."


    "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth, you look pretty." Ignoring the huge grin on Stanton''s face, Cassandra slumped back on her chair. "How much longer?"


    "It will be another hour at most. You''re not getting bored are you?"


    Rolling her head back, Cassandra groaned. "No. Kinda. I didn''t expect it to take this long."


    "You were the one that insisted we couldn''t use the teleporter. What was up with that, anyway?" It had seemed mildly suspicious at the time, but Stanton had just figured she''d want to spend more time with him.


    Cassandra knew that such magics had a tendency to strip away glamours. She definitely didn''t want to go through a teleporter and find herself as a dragon on the other side. "Well, I figured we could spend some time chatting about stuff, you know?"


    "Like what familiar you actually got?" Avoiding the topic, Stanton had noticed, had become Cassandra''s standard procedure lately for several topics.


    "Err¡ª" It was annoying how many topics Cassandra couldn''t talk to her best friend about. On reflection, though, she realized it was only a few topics but they always seemed to come up when Stanton was talking with her. "About that. I don''t actually know what I summoned. I think it was some kind of electrical elemental."


    "Figures. You''ve always been a bit of a bright spark. So, where is it?" After asking Stanton watched Cassandra point to her chest. "Wait, inside you?"


    "Y-Yeah." While she sat there, blushing, Cassandra''s mind raced and she expended a fraction of her energy to make a blue scar appear just above her left breast. It had suitably jagged edges with a single burn mark in the middle of it. "It was weird. Here, take a look."


    Stanton hadn''t had any time to get to know Cassandra''s body in a less than fully clothed state, so when she reached up to her top and started easing the fabric down, he did what every honest gentleman would do¡ªhe gawped. "Oh¡ªOH! So it''s really inside-inside you? That''s weird, but at the same time awesome. Uh, you can cover up."


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Grinning in surprise, Cassandra couldn''t believe how well her little trick had worked. And that was another topic she couldn''t broach with Stanton¡ªshapechanging. "Huh? Oh, right!" She rearranged her dress and got herself back within it fully. "Sorry, I''ve been a little scatterbrained lately. Hey, I wonder if it has anything to do with the familiar?"


    "I''m no expert on electricity magic, but you might want to get that checked out, Cass." Sometimes it felt like ticking problems off a list for Stanton. Now he knew where and what her familiar was, his attention turned more toward Cassandra''s wellbeing. "I don''t think I can remember any hostile electricity elementals taking someone over and dancing their body around like a meat-puppet, but you might want to look into the downsides."


    Not worried at all about having her brain taken over by an elemental with no concept of personal space¡ªmostly because in this case it was fiction¡ªCassandra nonetheless nods. "Okay, Mom."


    ". . ." Stanton was going to deliver some comment about how he was a guy, then realized how he was dressed. "Fair."


    Cassandra let out a laugh and was thankful when the rest of their chatter was about magic theory and not so much about herself.


    <hr>


    The train arrived in the capital with little fanfare. Stanton walked with Cassandra to the door and disembarked their conveyance only for him to recognize his uncle (on his father''s side) waiting for them. The man was actually a year younger than Stanton, but due to previous births in the family they were uncle and nephew.


    While Stanton recognized his uncle Frederick, it was clear that he was not recognized in return. "Cass, can I ask a huge favor from you?"


    "Tell me what it is first."


    "The guy over there¡ªblonde hair, blue eyes, nose bent out of shape, a smile that he thinks could charm the pants off any woman?"


    "Yeah."


    "He''s here to pick us up and take us to the ball. He hasn''t recognized me."


    "You''ll owe me for this, but okay, what are we doing?"


    Explaining his plan, Stanton waited for Cassandra to nod to it before approaching his cousin. "Excuse me, sir?"


    Ceasing his search for Stanton, Frederick Raveel-Shootingstar looked at the woman who''d approached him and forgot all about his nephew. "My lady, what can I help you with?"


    Stanton did his best fluttering eyelashes, but feared he wasn''t the best at it. "I''ve been trying to find my wife. You see, we''re here to find a virile¡ªOh! There she is! Tess! Tess! Over here!"


    Doing her best to mock rushing over to Stanton, Cassandra froze as she looked at Frederick up close. "This is the one? Are you sure? I know you said you wanted a child badly, but we could find better¡ªI''m sure of it."


    Eyes widening a little, Frederick looked between the two well-dressed women as his brain tried to piece together their conversation. "L-Ladies, what are you talking abou¡ª!"


    Stanton squeezed his uncle''s rear. "Definitely, Tess. This one will make a fine stud. Oh, won''t you, dear? It''s just that we''ve wanted to have children but¡ª"


    "¡­ but being as we are, that''s impossible. Neither of us has the heart to go through with one of those spells, and we don''t need anything long-term." Cassandra actually enjoyed watching her friend''s relative slowly go insane from looking between them rapidly. But, it was time for the finale. "I''ll get the collar."


    "I''ll get the rope and glove," Stanton said¡ªbefore finally losing it as his uncle''s eyebrows almost disappeared into his hairline. "Fred, it''s me, Stanton."


    Frederick''s rising confusion stalled somewhere in the stratosphere. "Stanton?" His voice betrayed his confusion. "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth?"


    "I''m attending the ball in protest of women''s fashion." Stanton reached down to his full dress and carefully pinched the edges to curtsy to his uncle.


    "He''s also going a bit far with it, in my opinion," Cassandra said. "But if you know Stanton, you''d know he doesn''t do anything by half."


    "This is why you didn''t teleport? You used an illusion sp¡ªWait, this isn''t an illusion!" Gawping now, Frederick reached out toward his uncle but was stopped by a delicate hand. "You used a sex-swapping spell for this?!"


    "I couldn''t exactly model a formal dress as a guy¡ªI wouldn''t have had the hips for it." Stanton planted his hands on the mentioned anatomy and shook his hips from one side to the other. "Also, my chest was too small."


    "You are a maniac, Stanton, you know that?" Dragging his eyes away from Stanton''s chest (he had looked since his nephew had invited it), Frederick shook his head. "You''re going to drive your parents crazy, you know that?"


    "Probably. That''s part and parcel of producing me. Besides, it''s not like they''ll both be here." After saying it, Stanton felt a sinking feeling as Frederick''s face broke into a grin. "No¡­" He turned and looked at Cassandra. "Cass, come on, we''re getting back on the train and going back to¡ª"


    "It''s all the news, Stanton. Your parents¡ªthe arranged marriage of the last two decades¡ªhave fallen in love with each other. I''m surprised they didn''t tell you." Frederick reached out to his nephew and carefully folded their arms together like he was escorting a high-court lady. "Now, not to be upsetting or anything, but if I don''t get you to the party¡ªsomeone will be putting a mark on me."


    "Is he right?" Cassandra asked, slipping up to Stanton''s other side.


    "What?" Shaking his head (something that set his hair swaying behind him), Stanton added, "Of course not. They wouldn''t do anything that left a mark on him."


    "They''d make sure to leave me alive and with an expensive healing potion," Frederick said with a nod of his head.


    Cassandra could see why Stanton and Frederick got on so well¡ªwhat with having the same personality¡ªbut she was interested to know how his little stunt would affect both him and her. The worst possible outcome, she decided, was if things got bad, she would turn into a dragon and run away with him. He''d figure out it was still her and they could be together forever! No, she didn''t believe it all, but her heart wanted it to be true. "So, where are we going?"


    "Not where, we already know that," Stanton said, looking at his uncle. "What is more important right now is how are we going?"


    Frederick could accept that Stanton had used a shocking amount of magic to pull off his little stunt, but what he wanted to know was more about Cassandra¡ªonly in part because he''d been ordered to. "I brought a carriage, of course. You think either Raveel or Sharptooths would dare to have the chosen one walk about the city like a commoner?" The wince on Stanton''s face that he saw was matched by a flash of fury on Cassandra''s. Pieces started to connect. "Please, this way."


    Ready to put Plan Rip Everyone To Shreds and Escape With Stanton into effect, Cassandra tried to pull her arm free from Stanton''s grip, but only managed to get a apologetic look that calmed her again. His whole face seemed so alien like this¡ªexcept for his eyes. In Stanton''s eyes she could see a kindred spirit. He wasn''t doing this whole elaborate thing just to be the brightest canary at the show¡ªhe was actually trying to help people.


    Watching the look of fury fade from Cassandra''s gaze earned her a sigh of relief from Stanton. Her squeezing his arm and looking back¡ªdeep into his own eyes¡ªmade him shiver with possibilities. "He didn''t mean it like that. He''s been around nobles all his life."


    "Huh?" Frederick asked.


    "Yeah, I get that, it was just how casually he can dismiss the majority of the population that irks me." Cassandra looked past Stanton at Frederick. "Did you know that if I said something similar about nobles, and a member of the city guard heard me, they could lock me up?"


    "Well, that''s because¡­" There was a lot to be said for Frederick''s survival instinct¡ªhe noticed when the fire started returning to Cassandra''s eyes and stopped talking. "Sorry, madam, I didn''t know that."


    Stanton laughed at him¡ªhe couldn''t help it. "Goooood save. Cass, can we save the class warfare fights for the people who actually deserve it and leave the ignorant to continue eating their shoes?"


    "Can I at least apologize now for any slip-ups I might make during the night? As Stanton said, I have got a habit of putting my foot in my mouth. It''s why my parents are seen as being extremely wise when they had my marriage arranged at birth." He spared one last slightly longing look at the pair of women hanging off his arm. "Because they knew, somehow, that I would never be able to find a woman who would put up with my social gaffs."


    "I can believe th¡ªWait, your marriage was arranged for you? What if you don''t like her?" The prospect of such an arrangement caused Cassandra to actually feel sorry for him. "Or if she doesn''t like you?"


    "Cass," Stanton began, "there are worse things than an arranged marriage where neither loves the other. Such things are common enough. Generally, each family just wants to see children from the couple¡ªhow they spend their leisure time, so long as it''s discrete, is of no concern to anyone."


    "What¡ªWhat would be worse than neither person in a marriage loving each other?" Cassandra asked.


    Wincing at such naivete, Frederick said, "One of them devoutly loving the other, completely unrequited."


    It halted Cassandra''s line of thinking completely. There was actual pain in Frederick''s voice. "You know someone like that?"


    "Cass, every noble knows someone like that. It''s horrific and terrible and people still agree to marry their children off to someone they''ve never met because it didn''t happen to them." Stanton didn''t mean to give a lecture, but Cassandra had been on an anti-noble quest all afternoon and it had started to get to him. "Sure, nobles get a lot of privilege, and I know that''s unfair, but there are hazards even at the top."


    Wanting to distract himself, Frederick cleared his throat and gestured to the horse-drawn carriage waiting for them. His mouth, however, had a mind of its own. "Tiffany is a nice woman. We¡ªWe meet twice a week for supper and tea. She''s not exactly gifted in magic, though her family has the blood for it."


    "Will she be here tonight?" Stanton asked. When his uncle nodded, he continued, "Then show her an amazing time. People will be watching, so you can''t get up to anything untoward. Just be honest."


    "I''m not that inexperienced, Stanton. We get on okay, but I don''t know if we can take that step from friendship to love." He jerked a little and looked around as if waking up and finding himself in a new place. "I guess I was asking for advice after all."


    "I didn''t realize it was this horrible." It was quite the revelation for Cassandra to see this side of nobility. Even as she still despised the system of nobility, she found herself hating the actual people a little less. "Is there anything I can do to help?"


    Shaking his head, Frederick let out a sigh. "Trust me, the two of you wearing traditional dresses will be plenty of help. No one will notice us off on our own."


    "Is fashion really that bad?" Cassandra asked, looking at Stanton. When both her companions nodded, she groaned aloud. "So I''m going to have nobles gawking at me and muttering stuff? Can I punch them?"


    "Yes," Stanton said.


    "No," Frederick said.


    Both looked at each other and shrugged.


    "Good. So I can. Just tell me who I shouldn''t punch and I''ll try to remember not to." Their ride continued in relative silence until the carriage slowed and the footman opened the door on the side of it. Stepping out first, Cassandra could already feel the shock of several people who''d glanced at her dress. "Them?" she asked Stanton.


    "I don''t know who they are, so add them to the ''maybe'' pile. If they throw-down first, you are welcome to do whatever it takes." Stanton put on his best smile and reached his arm out to twine it with Cassandra''s.


    "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth, what are you doing?"


    There is something about hearing your mother enunciate your full name with cold fury that sends sharp talons of fear into every vertebrae. Of course, thanks to their both being werewolves, Stanton had actually felt her talons tickle his vertebrae¡ªand was a little more resistant to the effect. He also had a lovely woman at his side as well as righteous fury backing him up in the form of his battle with women''s fashion. "Sorry, Mom."


    Finding the tone not sufficiently obedient enough for her, Clarissa Sharptooth-Raveel-Brightfang narrowed her eyes. "Is this an attempt at blackmailing me, Stanton? If it is, you should know I¡ª"


    "Mom, I''m doing this for a very good reason." Stanton struck a pose, one Angel had taught him that he''d never seen used anywhere before. His hip was out in an exaggerated manner that made his rear look larger than it was. "I am doing this for them." He pointed at the young noble ladies who''d been muttering about Cassandra. "Look at what''s happened to women''s fashion! It''s a joke¡ªa game of one-upwomanship where the stakes are social standing and the only coin is how stupid you can encourage others to dress. Mother, we¡ªCassandra and I¡ªare bringing back dresses!"


    Reaching one gloved hand up to her nose, Clarissa closed her eyes for a moment and used her palm to hide the little smile on her lips. While she stood there, she heard footsteps approaching from her right¡ªones she recognized.


    "Stanton? Looking good, son. Nice dress. Hello, Miss Cassandra, you are looking lovely too, and if I didn''t have this amazing werewolf beside me¡ªready to rip my throat out at the first hint of extra-marital activity¡ªI would spill further compliments upon you." Carefully bringing one hand up to Clarissa''s jaw, Rufus Raveel-Sharptooth-Shootingstar tilted his wife''s jaw toward his and kissed her with abandon.


    Stanton, ever the loyal son, hid his absolute shock that his parents were getting along this well. Tilting sideways a little, he whispered to Frederick, "See? If there''s hope for them, there''s hope for you and Tiffany."


    Stanton was, not for the first time in his life, relieved his uncle was merely human. "Shall we go inside and be announced?"


    "Frederick?" Walking over, her own outfit the height of courtly fashion, Tiffany Forestlight blushed as she neared him. "You have some friends I''ve not seen before."


    "You''ve seen Stanton here, he''s currently crusading against women''s fashion, though I don''t think you''ve met his plus one." Clearing his throat, Frederick dipped his head in deference. "This is madam Cassandra."


    It didn''t take a gifted socialite to recognize the distinct lack of family name. Tiffany, though, smiled at Cassandra. "Any friend of Frederick''s is a friend of mine. Where did you both find those dresses?"


    Available at: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220350/fictions</a>


    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 8

    "Look at them. They''re actually giggling." Stanton had his bottom lip between his teeth as he tried to get Cassandra to watch Frederick and Tiffany talk. "If they''re not kissing by the end of tonight, there is no justice in the world."


    "''Justice''? Stanton, I drank wine from a gold-etched wine glass that was worth more than my stipend gives me in a year." She looked at the tray of canapes being offered. "And I see even more gold on that tray. What am I doing here?"


    Leaning over, Stanton kissed Cassandra''s cheek. "Looking fabulous."


    It was hard to remain angry and annoyed when she was blushing and feeling giddy. "You''re being so lovey-dovey because no one here expects you''ll be with me in ten years time."


    "At the rate some of my peers dispose of mistresses, they probably don''t expect you to be seen again at all. And, before you go on a tirade about that, I don''t mean what you''re thinking. They will jump in the hay with any pretty young thing, usually several times, and when she''s with child she will be given a regular payment and the promise that her child will never have to worry about being hungry." Stanton plucked two glasses of wine from a waiter walking past. Giving one to Cassandra, he held up his own. "The really smart ones are gay."


    Becoming privy to all the nightmares that nobles had to deal with¡ªor at least more of them than she was aware existed¡ªCassandra had to admit that Stanton could really work the crowd. He''d approached every single woman in the room, shown off his own dress and hers, and then complimented everything about each of them except for their clothing. "How much lon¡ª?" She halted when Stanton''s finger rested across her lips.


    "No-no. You don''t ask when it will be over but how much expensive food we can pilfer before it''s over." Looking at Cassandra''s disbelieving stare, Stanton sighed. "Look, I''ll pay you for each of those little lamb tartare filled pastries you smuggle onto the train with us."


    Something struck Cassandra right in the gut¡ªmetaphorically. Hunger almost overwhelmed her. "A gold per?"


    "You have learned to be rather cut-throat. Very well, one gold per two of them. They are small." Stanton held out a hand and shook with Cassandra. He was surprised when she turned and all-but ran away. Then he realized there was a shadow behind him. Inhaling slowly, he counted to five and let the breath out. "Hello, Mom."


    "We need to talk, Stanton. Now would be ideal." When her son looked evasive, Clarissa narrowed her eyes. "We will adjourn to a sitting room, then¡ªbut this is happening, Louise Silverclaw."


    Stanton realized he had nowhere to run or hide. "Alright, but you''re going to feel silly." Looking around, Stanton wasn''t given the option to choose his own preference of rooms because his mother hooked his arm and dragged him off¡ªshowing off the strength of an adult werewolf.


    Securing her son in a sitting room, Clarissa found a chair and arranged herself on it. "Everything. If you leave one morsel out, I will absolutely cut you off from your pension for a year."


    "Mom, first, I''m not a girl."


    "Really? Because if you''re not, you''re doing a lousy impression of it. Stanton, you ask your handler for a female alias, you turn up here fully transformed into a woman, and if your makeup isn''t at least as good as mine I''ll call you a liar." When Stanton went to open his mouth, she continued. "I don''t mind if you are, it would actually prove easier to find you a fiancee of your own were that the case. So¡ªhonestly¡ªif you aren''t transitioning, what is going on?"


    "Wand, could you¡ªThank you wand." Stanton held the wand that had appeared before him in one hand. "Now, can you get Angel here too?"


    "¡ªthen I said to him, ''What was with all the cod liver oil?!''" Angel froze and looked around. She had a bathing cap on and was holding a small device that absolutely shouldn''t exist in this world. "Stanton, you promised me I had the night off. This had better be important!" Snapping the digits of one paw, Angel produced a suitably cute dress for herself.


    "Mom, this is Princess Angel von Snuggles, the fourth. My familiar. Angel, this is my mom, Lady Clarissa Sharptooth-Raveel-Brightfang."


    "I had heard you found yourself a familiar. This is a good step forward, and given her obvious intelligence you should make a good pairing. This doesn''t¡ª"


    "It does, Mom. Angel, tell her. Tell my mother what the crazy deal is and what''s going on¡ªbecause she won''t believe it from me."


    "I," Angel began, "have tried literally everything. I''ve treated him to a spa¡ªthat I had to create out of thin air. I spent a whole night doing girly things with him. I even, and this one should have worked, did him up tonight so that he would find a cute guy and they would fall instantly in love and he''d forget about being a guy so they could marry and have lots of kids and live happily ever after¡ªBut, Stanton is a guy! There''s nothing, no power in this world or the next, that will make him respect the fact he will be a girl now. If you can persuade him, Mrs. Raveel-Sharptooth-Shootingstar, then I will grant you ultimate cosmic power."


    Clarissa raised one finger, her mind finding the perfect angle to pursue¡ªthen she changed her mind and turned to look at Stanton. "You summoned her, she turned you into a woman, gave you some kind of wild powers, and now you have to deal with that?" She jumped conclusions and connected dots that others would have missed by a wide margin. Holding out her hand, she ticked off the facts behind her reasoning. "You wouldn''t have remained a woman if you could have retained the power as a man, or you literally can''t become male again." She waited for Stanton to hold up one finger. "So this power has to be significant. I believe you will be requested by house Sharptooth-Raveel to partake in some pointless ceremony."


    "You don''t get a say in that?" Angel asked, looking at Stanton.


    "She''s my mom, Angel. No, I don''t get a say in it. In fact, you''ll be coming too. Besides, it''ll be easier to test this new predictive system if I have." Turning to look back at his mother, Stanton nodded. "Just arrange it through the school so I don''t get in trouble for skipping."


    "Of course. I look forward to seeing what this is all about, but until then, I have an invitation for another ball for you to attend." It was simple magic, but it was nonetheless not the easiest for Clarissa to perform. She produced a small piece of card from thin air and passed it to Stanton. "And you will wear a dress again. I will have several other young ladies wearing them, and they''ll need someone to chaperone them¡ªshielding them from disbelieving stares and even more disapproving looks. Once you start a movement, dear, you aren''t going to be done with it until it has succeeded."


    Watching her son walk back out, Clarissa let out a slight sigh. Once the door was closed, she let out a bigger one. "This wasn''t precisely what I had planned for him, but part of his schooling is to become more powerful. I wonder if I should buy him a dress for his birthday?"


    "He seemed rather well-balanced, all things considered," Rufus Raveel-Shaprtooth-Shootingstar said as he stepped out from behind a well-placed hanging drape. "You should go easier on the lad."


    Clarissa''s first instinct was to get angry¡ªthat was purely a werewolf thing and she''d spent a long time training herself not to follow said instinct. "I am going easy on him, dear. I''ll support Stanton no matter his choices in life. He is my son, after all, even if he decides he''s my daughter instead."


    "You''re smiling." Walking up and putting himself in the personal space of a werewolf of Clarissa''s power would have been suicide if she''d been upset with him, but Rufus tilted his head up at the right angle to meet her lips as they were offered. "Which means you''re loving every second of this."


    "Mmm." Clarissa had been surprised to find herself in love with Rufus after all these years, but didn''t regret the revelation at all. Stealing another kiss, she replied, "Perhaps, but publicly I will have to be at least a little conservative in my opinions."


    "Do you really, though? Perhaps this is a chance for the Sharptooths to be the change they want in the world?"


    Letting out a little gasp at the indiscretion of what her husband''s hands were doing, Clarissa plastered herself against Rufus. "Perhaps. I will speak with my mother."


    "You know how that will go," Rufus said, his attention slowly shifting away from the conversation to more immediate events. "Your mother would rip the nation in half for you if you pouted at her."


    "Perhaps. Perhaps¡ª" Freezing and stepping back from Rufus, Clarissa salved his surprised look with a wink. "Come, we should return to the party."


    Flicking out his magical senses, Rufus was eternally thankful for a vigilant wife as he felt the presence of a watcher. "Of course, my darling. We can''t have anyone talking about a married couple having an indiscretion at a ball in a private room. Why, if we were to find someone eavesdropping, there''s no limit to the lengths we''d each go to¡ªto ensure they could never speak again." His last words were appropriately dark and full of promise.


    "Don''t be silly, dear. I''m sure no one would be that stupid."


    <hr>


    "So, what happened?" Cassandra asked, once they were on the train home. She was done with Stanton''s excuses about why he couldn''t tell her about the talk with his mother. When he looked evasive, she focused her power and put up the strongest privacy shield around them she could¡ªone that would actually zap anyone who attempted to spy on them. "Now tell me."


    Sighing dramatically, Stanton didn''t bother to test Cassandra''s magic¡ªnot with how much power she''d put into it. "Nice spell. Familiar really juicing you up with anything electricity related, huh?" At her continued glare, he held up both hands placatingly. "Sorry. Okay, so Mom is not angry with me, but she was surprised. She doesn''t like surprises. I didn''t find Dad, but everyone''s commenting on how they''ve become closer."


    "Weird."


    Stanton almost jumped at the single word response. "What?!"


    "All of you. Your parents, your relatives, even your servants, but especially you¡ªyou''re all weird." When she''d finished saying what she''d gotten a little carried away with, Cassandra realized how judgmental she''d been. "I don''t¡ª"


    "No. No I get it, Cass." Standing up, Stanton wished he''d had the foresight to bring more masculine clothes¡ªor at least some that weren''t quite aristocratic ball ready in a feminine cut. "I''m going to cool my head a little. You might want to do the same." Sliding the door open, Stanton stepped out of the two room suite that he''d arranged for their trip back and then closed it again behind him. He turned toward the front of the train and started walking.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Slumping back in her seat, Cassandra snarled and almost lost her form she was so angry. "It''s not fair! Why does he have to be a noble? This would be so much easier if we could both just¡ª" She had to squeeze down on her anger and draw it back before she shredded the dress she was in.


    Cassandra had never had a temper before. She''d gotten upset at the usual array of idiocy, but a quick zap with a little electricity had always solved such problems. No, this was new. With Stanton out of the room, though, she only had her own distractions to decrease her anger. Closing her eyes, Cassandra tried to count backwards from a thousand.


    When she got to nine hundred and seventy-six, she gave up and opened the door. "Where would Stanton be?"


    Walking to the other suite in the carriage, she paused at the footman waiting at the door. "Did a young m¡ªwoman go in?"


    The footman shook his head. "No, ma''am. I saw the other young woman walk to the other end of the car."


    Retracing her steps, Cassandra followed the directions of the footman and used the doors to swap from the carriage she was in with the next one forward. There were two doors to keep the noise of the wheels on the rails from interrupting conversations, but the moment she''d opened the inner one she was barraged with children''s laughter.


    Moments before Cassandra walked in, Stanton was working through a magic trick. He was cheating, of course, by using real magic. He had pulled ten gold coins from behind one child''s ear, he''d loaded dozens of peas under a single cup for a cup and balls game, and at that exact moment he was turning every card in a deck of cards into the same thing for his latest trick. "Is this your card?" he asked, revealing what was the little girl''s card¡ªand dropping several that were the same as it.


    "How''d you do that?!" When Stanton passed her the deck of cards, the girl looked at them and squealed another laugh. "They''re all my card!"


    Taking back the cards, picking a few up, Stanton shuffled them and passed the whole deck back to the girl. "Well, of course they are. Your card was special, remember?" It was such a simple bit of fun to make children laugh, but it was perfect for distracting him from his anger at Cassandra.


    Even better, Stanton was only getting started and, while starting to patter and keep the young ladies focused on his words, he was able to work the magic needed to complement the sleight of hand he was familiar with to good effect. Hearing the door behind him open and close almost made him stumble.


    It was Cassandra, Stanton knew. He didn''t give her time to interrupt his little show, though, and kept talking about how it was important to keep your eyes on the cards, showing the cards off only when he needed a distraction from doing something else to prepare for the final work of the trick.


    "St¡ªI''m sorry."


    It was the two words that could distract him from his work. Pausing a moment and looking back at Cassandra, Stanton could see that her makeup has been ruined, but not from crying. There were smudges here and there and cracks in her foundation. "A second, please, Cass?"


    The words rekindled Cassandra''s anger, but she clamped down hard on it before it got worse. She nodded and stepped back to the doorway to watch him instead.


    Doing two more tricks, Stanton had to beg them to let him leave. "Please, please, I need to go talk to my friend." A glance at the girls'' parents revealed twinkling eyes and looks of appreciation for providing the distraction. He tried to beg them with his own eyes, pleading and promising anything if they would¡ª


    "Come now, you need to let the nice lady get back to her cabin. We''ll be getting off the train soon, anyway." Sparing a wink for Stanton, the mother quickly drew her complaining daughters (and their friends) away to give the "nice lady" some room.


    Slipping into the rear wagon again, behind Cassandra, Stanton waited until they walked all the way back to their cabin before he was willing to discuss anything. There was a difference between being in public and being able to be overheard, but he wasn''t willing to risk anything. "Well?"


    "I''m sorry. I went too far."


    "''Too far''? Cass, sometimes you don''t stop talking about the evils of social privilege. I don''t mind you making a few, warranted, jokes. But, Cass, you were getting nasty for no other reason than being nasty."


    It was a challenge, and a direct one, and Cassandra couldn''t contain her urge to get angry. The suppressed fury from early rushed up and she could feel the air around herself start to crackle with static. Stanton, though, didn''t back down. She would kill him, she knew. She would turn into her dragon form and rip him into little, stupid noble pieces and then hate herself for the rest of whatever insane life she had. Balling her hands into fists to hide her growing talons. Turning, she slammed the door open and ran to the back of the train, cycled the doors and stepped out into the night air.


    After a moment''s hesitation, she jumped off the back of the train, ripping free of her dress as she let herself change back into a dragon, and set about finding something to beat up.


    "Is this a me thing?" Stanton closed the door and reached up to knock on the hat box his mother had given him. "Angel?"


    Yawning, poking her head up and out of the hat box, Angel looked down at Stanton. "What?"


    "I might have screwed up with Cass." Slumping back on a chair artlessly, Stanton felt when Angel alighted on his lap and slid a brush into his hand. He would be lying if he said he minded brushing her, though, so he started doing exactly that. "You know how she likes to get annoyed at nobles doing stupid stuff?"


    "Yeah. Mostly they deserve it."


    "She called me and my family ''weird''," Stanton said.


    "Aren''t you? I mean, you''re a cute girl pretending to be a stinky boy¡ªmost of the time."


    Not expecting that particular reply, Stanton''s mental processes stumbled. "Y-Yeah. But it was the way she¡ªShe''s never really targeted me with it like that." He paused for a moment, listening to himself again in his head. "Am I an idiot?"


    "Finally. Finally! Stanton, do you know how long I''ve waited for you to ask this question?" Jumping to her feet, Angel spun around and looked up at Stanton. "Yes. You''re an idiot! Say it out loud with me!"


    "I won''t brush you if you don''t tone-down the sarcasm." Holding the brush away from her and delivering a single raised eyebrow, Stanton waited for Angel to close her mouth. "Right. So, am I being an idiot¡ªin this one specific case?"


    "Hrmm. Yes." Angel waited until she was sure Stanton was about to demand she continue, and continued anyway. "First, you should have told her if this bothers you. Then, when it did, you should have asked her to stop and talk to her about your feelings?"


    "But I¡ªShe should have known I¡ª" Stanton''s hand stopped and he almost dropped the brush. "You''re right, Angel. What should I do?"


    "My best advice, Stanton, is to shut your trap and brush me. Cass will calm down and she might, one day, talk to you again. If or when that happens, then you apologize for not telling her how far your limit is." Giving a firm nod, as if she were the smartest little wolf in the world (which she actually was), Angel waited for the brushing to start again. When it did start, she smirked where Stanton couldn''t see.


    Running through Stanton''s head, now, was the scenario and how he''d acted. All his life he''d been trained, tested, and trained some more to handle every social situation. He''d let his tolerance of what Cassandra saw as the usual ribbing about his nobility get in the way of being honest, when he should have told her how he felt. Wrapping an arm around Angel, he ignored her little gasp as she woke up and carried her into the other room where a pair of wide bunks were.


    "What are¡ª? Oh. Yeah, I''m a bit tired too." Angel completely ignored the fact that she''d already slept a little already and yawned to show her willingness to sleep on something more comfortable.


    Stanton set Angel on the bed and started the arduous task of removing enough of his dress that he could lay down. The outer skirts, of course, could be slipped off. He stuck with the petticoats, though, since they wouldn''t show and were marginally compressible. Undoing the bindings on his hair, he let it cascade down his back and hang freely before jumping up to the large, top bunk and falling asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.


    <hr>


    The train was slowing down. Stanton turned on the bed and sat on the edge, his legs hanging over the side as the locomotive drew to a stop. He was about to slip off the bunk when he heard the door of the suite bang open.


    "Cass? Is that¡ª?" Stanton''s question died in his throat when he heard the distinctive chime of armor in the other room. He faced a uniquely female situation that he was about to be seen by someone in a state of undress that, though it didn''t show anything, he would need to play up as though it did. He could try to find a weapon, or¡­


    When the man opened the door to the sleeping room, he saw a young noblewoman who had finished pulling her dress into place. She looked, to his untrained eye, beautiful. Her hair was long, her cheeks flushed, and she stared at him for nearly five seconds before she started screaming.


    Stanton wasn''t exactly trained for the situation, but he''d read enough raunchy stories to know what the average person would expect a noblewoman to do if her bedroom was invaded. He screamed and screamed until the man threatened her¡ªwhich is when he closed his mouth with an audible snap and made his eyes as wide as possible. "If¡ªIf you hurt me, Daddy will¡ª"


    "I''m not going to hurt you unless you start screeching again, but we are going to keep you in our rustic tavern for a few days, until your daddy pays us for your lodgings." Grabbing the woman''s arm, the brigand looked around the room. "Where are your things?"


    "I was traveling light. Daddy said the train would be arriving before full dark, but we got delayed, then I had to attend a ball, and then the carriage was leaving, and then Daddy said we should use the teleporter, and then it was being worked on, and then¡ª" Stanton stopped rambling when the man had finally had enough and open-palm slapped him. His urge was to catch the man''s hand and use his magic to knock him out, then a disguise spell to look like him. It would work until someone asked something only the brigand would know. "Y-You hit me¡­"


    "Shut up. Shut up. I won''t hit you again if you keep your mouth closed. I¡ª"


    Stanton, steeling himself mentally for another slap, broke into tears. Not merely a little crying, big, whooping gales of tears that he resisted the urge to augment with some water magic. He knew that anyone could pick up a little magic, and even if the little girl hadn''t sensed him using his¡ªthe brigand might. The hit, when it came, caused Stanton''s cheek to sting.


    Of course Stanton could have dealt with the brigand. Even if the man had far more magic in his repertoire than Stanton suspected, he could deal with him. But, he didn''t know if there were other hostages. He needed information and the best way to get it was to play along and pretend to be exactly what he appeared to be.


    He wasn''t surprised when, faced with his stunned self, the brigand grabbed him, threw him over one shoulder, and started marching out of the suite. It suited him, though, because it meant he could go limp and pretend he''d fainted.


    Carried out into the hall, he could hear the sounds of shouting coming from further forward on the train. In the back of his head, Stanton made a promise with himself to punish these people for each and every person harmed.


    "What you got there?"


    The shout came from the back of the train. Stanton didn''t risk moving and looking up, not when it would give his game away.


    "Some noble girl. Can''t be more''n sixteen. Figure someone''ll pay us to get her back."


    The brigand carrying Stanton jostled him a little. Seeing it as his chance, he jerked a little and started kicking his legs. "Let me go this instant!"


    "Danyrn, what in the eleven hells have you got?"


    The female voice, speaking with authority, made Stanton lift his head and look at her. She wore a sword on her hip and had a long knife on the other accompanied by two wands. Wands meant, at the very least, that she could use a magic device. "Put me down right now or I''ll¡ª"


    Laughing, the woman walked down the hall toward Stanton. She had an air of danger about her. The light studded skirt she wore over leather leggings didn''t do much to hide the curves of her hips, nor did the light cotton shirt restrained by a leather corset hide much of her other assets. When close enough, she reached out a hand toward Stanton and gripped his jaw.


    "What''s your name? Don''t lie, I can sense it."


    That was a problem for Stanton. There absolutely was magic, both innate and castable, that could detect lies. The only way to bypass such was to not lie. "My mother called me Louise Silverclaw." He said this, of course, slightly muffled by her grip.


    "And is there a name you''d prefer we call you?" the woman asked, tilting Stanton''s jaw a little before releasing it.


    "Lupin." It was the truth. All the absolute truth, and for that Stanton was relieved. His mother had called him that earlier in the evening. He would prefer anything but that name. "Who are you?" he added.


    "Your kidnapper. Put her down, Danyrn, I think she''s over whatever fit of the vapors she was having. If my guess is right, Lupin, your parents would pay money for you?"


    Gulping and trying to straighten his dress, as if it was the most important thing to look good, Stanton pretended he couldn''t get the words out, stuttering the words¡ªbefore finally nodding.


    "Then my name is Lorissa, and you''re now my guest," Lorissa said, putting an arm around Stanton, grabbing his rear on the opposite side, and drawing him to her side.


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 Chapter 9

    It was unconscionable. Stanton glared around at the leering faces and wished for his trousers, robes, and shirts. They were only staring because he had a dress designed to show off the curves Angel''s effect on his life had caused. He considered drinking, like they all were, but that would only lead to worse complications. "How much do you think my family will pay? They''re not exactly the richest, you know."


    "Look around you, Lupin, it''s not hard to have more money than we do!" Lorissa''s eyes had rarely left Stanton''s chest since about her third drink. "Why don''t you have a drink and loosen up a little? We have a long walk tomorrow, and it would be a good way to relax before it¡ªif you know what I''m saying?"


    Stanton wondered if he''d ever been this way with a girl. He tried to think back to his carousing before he started at the academe. There were a few nights spent drinking what young lords shouldn''t, but they had all been spent in the company of male friends¡ªseveral of which had been his families'' minders for him. No. If he''d gotten drunk, he would not have been allowed near a young lady. "I know what you''re saying," he told the leader of the brigands, "but I''m not interested."


    He was, though. He wouldn''t be a man if he wasn''t interested in Lorissa. She was smart, capable, and showed off the length and quality of her legs until they weren''t legs but hips. His eyes had wandered (and been caught by Lorissa doing so) as Stanton had traced the curve of those hips, leading up to a bust that seemed contained only by the hopes and dreams of the mastercrafter who''d made her corset. Lorissa wasn''t just beautiful, she was beautifully dangerous. Her weapons, that he''d managed to discern, were a blade enchanted to part armor like it was paper, a wand of greater magic dispersal, a wand of ice, and a wand of fireball. The latter only had two charges on it, but given most mages could barely deal with the spell at their best, he was sure two would be enough to completely overwhelm a bad situation.


    "Lupin, have you forgotten my little quirk?"


    Stanton swore. He hadn''t, but it also hadn''t seemed important to focus on her ability to see through lies. It wasn''t that she had it, but that she seemed able to use it at will and constantly.


    Leaning forward to show her chest a little better, Lorissa gave Stanton her best smoldering look. "You lied, Lupin, when you said you weren''t interested."


    Why she was after him in this way, Stanton could picture. Unfortunately, the dress he''d worn to show himself off at the ball was also perfect for showing himself off to a brigand. "I can''t. My family¡ª"


    "Another lie. You are a fabulous little ball of interest, Lupin. You don''t have anything to fear, though, come and sit with me and we''ll just talk." Patting the log she was sitting on, Lorissa invited Stanton to come closer to the fire where some of the brigands were talking¡ªbut most were losing their battle with alcohol-induced-sleep.


    Just talking had never gotten Stanton into as much trouble as it was now. He was always a smooth player. He knew the rules of not merely how nobles trade barbs, but also how commoners convey their emotions in language and curses. Lorissa cut through his words and found things he hadn''t intended to say¡ªbecause he didn''t. She found the little lies he used all the time and picked at them with her words. She could also have him executed and left behind while her group of brigands took their goods who-knew-where.


    Groaning, Lorissa cocked an eyebrow and said, "Come on. I won''t bite¡ªunless you ask nicely."


    There was literally nothing else for it. Standing up and gathering his (now dirty) skirts in his hands, Stanton walked over and sat down on the log beside Lorissa. "Happy now?"


    Smirking, maybe even a little more than she intended, Lorissa nodded. "It''s not easy, you know? Does that pretty head of yours hold any clue as to how many women are in my line of work, let alone pretty ones, let alone ones I would trust to not stab me in the back?" When Stanton started to open his mouth, Lorissa cut in. "Don''t answer that last one. Look, I''ll make your stay with us safe and comfortable¡ªat least as comfortable as I can. We aren''t rich or well-off. We don''t have great farming land or magics that can make the soil produce wondrous crops. Jus¡ªJus¡­"


    Stanton was acutely aware that Lorissa had stopped talking and had slumped against him. Mostly it was her snoring that gave her away. A look around the fire showed him that there wasn''t a single brigand awake.


    The silence of the camp was deafening, but Stanton wasn''t prepared to rely on it. Delicate magic, weak at first but growing stronger as it found fertile soil, spread among the brigand group and seeped into their sleeping minds. Thick fogs of clouding magic stretched over their dreamscapes and eased them deeper into the best sleep they would ever get in their entire lives.


    Shimmying to the side, Stanton carefully guided Lorissa to lay down before the log. For a moment a lecherous thought surfaced¡ªthat he could now feel how curvy she really was and if she used padding¡ªbut as soon as it came he stamped it into the gutter from whence it had come.


    Each brigand had their weapons. Some had axes, knives, spears, and one even had a large axe¡ªbut there was nothing that was worth its salt as an actual tool of their trade except for Lorissa''s kit. "If they were in the Guard, I''d call them militia¡ªand she''d be their captain."


    Next he inspected what they''d taken from the train. There were crates of goods that were all lashed to poles to make dragging them easier. He checked shipping labels and it was all dry goods: salt, cured meats, grains, and one little keg of spirits.


    Huffing a little, Stanton leaned back and looked at the provisions. This wasn''t stealing all the gold and silverware¡ªthis was getting what a village needed to survive a rough time. Of any other captives there was no sign. "Poop."


    Stanton walked back over to the log and sat down on it to think. Looking at the "brigands" with fresh eyes, he realized that none of them looked like hard men. They had worked their whole lives, sure, but they lacked even the scars and bruises training without magic healing would give and they were completely without the tools of the trade. "Angel, you can come out now."


    Having transferred herself to Stanton''s skirts, Angel poked her head out from under them. "You beat them all up?" she asked upon seeing the entire camp unconscious.


    "No. They''re asleep. I put them under magically."


    "So let''s go back to the train!" Striding out, Angel fluttered into the air, looked around, and started flying back toward the railway line. She stopped when she realized Stanton wasn''t following her. "What''s wrong?"


    "Look at them, Angel, and I mean really look at them. What do they look like?" Stanton gestured at the sleeping brigands.


    Taking a deep sigh, Angel looked at Lorissa first. "Let''s see. Decked out in what are probably illegally unstable wands, a sword that looks like it should glow in the dark with how it''s enchanted, and charismas no man could stop looking at. Bad news brigand." That was her assessment, but the look on Stanton''s face told her he expected more.


    She flew to the next one and stopped. Tilting her head first to one side and then the other, Angel lowered herself down to the man''s body and examined his hands. "He''s a farmer, not a brigand."


    "You can tell by his hands?" Stanton was curious.


    "Of course. Look. That''s not filth under his nails but dirt. His hands are like leather and his palms¡ªbut not fingers¡ªare calloused. He normally leans on a plow all day, I''d wager." Flying to the next, she laughed. "I can actually see a hammer bruise on the back of his hand and he''s just a boy!"


    Standing and approaching Angel, Stanton spotted two cheeks unblemished by whiskers or any sign he used a razor recently. "Now look at what they stole."


    Angel kept her opinions to herself as she flew over and inspected the crates. "So, what do we do now?"


    "Well, I''m not going to tie them all up and haul them back to the train. They want to hold Louise, Lupin, Silverclaw hostage? They''ve got her." Stanton rolled up his sleeves and looked around. "I just wish I knew more agriculture spells, but I think I can at least handle some basic things. If they don''t want to be brigands, I will try to give them the chance to not be."


    By the end of his speech, Angel was clapping. "See! This is the good you are meant to do. Helping people be good and do good! I''m so proud of you, Stanton!"


    Oddly, Stanton couldn''t help but strike a little pose and, almost too late, stopped himself from turning into Super Lupine Girl right then and there. "I need to sleep, but I can''t leave them like this. It''s not a dangerous part of the kingdom¡ªnot usually¡ªbut having everyone under magical sleep until dawn seems like a bad plan. So¡­"


    Laying down beside Lorissa, Stanton undid the magic he''d worked over the group. Immediately her arm reached out, grabbed Stanton''s waist, and pulled him firmly against her. "Might as well make yourself known in the morning, Angel. I don''t think they''d do anything."


    "Yeah, but I don''t think she''d appreciate cuddling with me too. Stanton, can I ask you a question?" Angel asked, sitting on the log behind him and kicking her legs slowly.


    "You just did."


    Angel stopped kicking her legs. "Ha. Ha," she said, voice deadpan. "Why is it you keep having girls wanting to be your special friend?"


    "I like girls, Angel."


    "But you''re a girl. You should like boys. That would make things much easier."


    "Angel, life is never about being easy." It was the nicest way Stanton could put it.


    "I have been noticing that. It all started when a stinky boy summoned me instead of a pretty girl. But I learned to get things my way." Angel caught sight of Stanton''s eyes in the light of the campfire as it started burning down. "Sorry if this made things less easy."


    "Don''t be. It wasn''t your fault that I summoned you." At Angel''s giggle, Stanton tilted his head again to see if she was making fun of him. To his eyes, she was watching the fire. "What''s so funny?"


    "Neither of us got exactly what we wanted, but I think things are working out okay."


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    Mulling that over as his thoughts slowed for sleep, Stanton realized it was exactly the kind of compromise life was full of. "Keep an"¡ªhe yawned¡ª"eye on everyone for me? If something bad comes, wake me u¡ª"


    Angel giggled. "Don''t worry, you big scaredy wolf. Princess Angel von Snuggles, the fourth, won''t let anything bad happen to your new friends."


    <hr>


    Waking, slowly, Stanton was aware of someone hugging him tight, of lips against his cheek, and a leg curled around his hips. His eyes flew open and he was looking into the sleeping face of Lorissa. The previous night and the aborted train ride that led to him making plans to steer a village onto the right path returned to him¡ªas Lorissa''s lips met his.


    "Awww. It''s hi¡ªher first kiss," Angel said aloud.


    Several other voices, masculine voices, giggled or laughed outright while Stanton was caught in shock. The kiss, itself¡­ He decided that if he weren''t trying to disengage himself from Lorissa, it would probably be nice.


    "It wasn''t, surely?" Lorissa opened her eyes and pointedly didn''t let go of Stanton for a few more moments.


    Blushing appropriately, Stanton pulled away when she let go. "It wasn''t." He had to pointedly not continue to clarify and give her (or Angel) ammunition to use on him. "Is this all I am, a conquest?"


    "No. I''ll be clear on that. If I make a bloody mess of things and go too far, nothing would stop a noble from gathering a warband and destroying us. No despoiling, but that doesn''t mean we can''t be a little cozy."


    As a publicly male scion of his two clans, Stanton wouldn''t be seen as being despoiled by Lorissa, but he wasn''t going to point that out. "So you think my father won''t storm in here?"


    "We''ll send a note promising your safety for an amount of gold far, far less than the cost of moving troops here. Unless your family is particularly focused on maintaining face, they''ll pay it and get their good little girl back." Jumping to her feet, Lorissa reached back down and offered Stanton a hand to rise. "In the meantime, while we all get cozy and wait, do you happen to have any skills?"


    Stanton had a plan of sorts. Lorissa had mentioned the town couldn''t produce food, so that was one place to try to effect change and get them out of the robbery trade. Hauled to his feet, he held up the hand Lorissa had taken and formed a ball of fire in his delicate palm. At Lorissa''s expression of surprise, he let it sputter a little and fade. "I''m still learning, that''s why I''m on my way to Conjur, but I might be able to help with a few things here and there."


    "Figures. Why didn''t you light Danyrn''s ass on fire when he grabbed you?"


    Doing his best not to watch Lorissa moving around and packing up her gear, Stanton used a quick ripple of magic to clean his dress. "My magic''s been a little odd lately. If I''d used magic, I probably would have set half the train on fire." Always the truth. He had to be careful because he didn''t know how long she could maintain her lie-sensing ability.


    A twitch in Lorissa''s pinkie on her left hand told her that Stanton had worked magic, but given the look of him, she figured it was exactly what it looked like¡ªand the lack of dirt on her dress confirmed it was a cleaning spell. "If we move fast, we may make it back to town before nightfall."


    Stanton was given two options for the trip to town: ride on Lorissa''s horse in front of her, or on one of the men''s horses behind them. Reluctantly, and considering it at least mildly less disruptive, he picked to ride with Lorissa. Breakfast had been a small bowl of cold porridge (that had him yearning for the street food of Conjur), and lunch was a simple hunk of bread. He had to complain, or it would be suspicious, but he was aware that it was the exact same food that the others were eating.


    Mid-afternoon a pair of uncovered wagons met them and the crates were loaded up. From there, the ride to the small town was much faster and, sure enough, they reached the outskirts before sundown.


    The town consisted of ten buildings, nine of which were homes and one was some kind of longhouse. It was to the latter that Lorissa rode and, eventually, dismounted at. Helped down from the horse, Lorissa didn''t say a word as Stanton found himself a third wheel to the town''s unloading and stowage of the wagons. At last, though, an older woman glared at her.


    "Well, what has Lori gone and done now? That girl, I swear, will be the end of this town one day."


    Stomping right up to Stanton, was an older and ubiquitous town "granny", the kind that knew everything going on and had opinions on it all. "H-Hello. My name is Louise Silverclaw. I think I''ve been kidnapped?"


    Clicking her tongue and shaking her head, the old woman reached out and took Stanton''s hand, then glared at it. "Come with me and I''ll find something for you to do." Tugging, she urged Stanton away from the group and, once they''d rounded a corner of the big building, asked, "Noble, right?" At Stanton''s nod, she clicked her tongue again. "Figured. Only nobles have two names. Not an important one or you''d have three or even four. So many bloody names a woman can''t count on her hand. Let''s get that trail dust off you."


    It wasn''t the first time Stanton had had an older female take charge and bustle him through settling in. His first year at Conjur had been in a dorm where they had just such a woman. This particular battleaxe was as set in her ways and was absolutely without any remorse for stripping him down, ensuring he was scrubbed to within an inch of his life, and begowned in a much more conservative woolen dress.


    "There. That''s much more sensible. I''ll take care of your dress for when you leave¡ªunless you take a shine to one of the lads around here." Standing back a bit and looking at Stanton, she narrowed her eyes for a moment and then froze a moment. "You look like my Kitty."


    It was a single moment and Stanton could see pain and dampness in the old woman''s eyes until she blinked both away. "Sorry. Thank you for the dress, but I don''t even know your name."


    "Just call me Gran. Come on, I have words for Lori that will blister your ears¡ªso you best not listen when I start on her." Leading the way out, like a lord sallying from a fortress against odds he''s sure of overwhelming, Gran scanned around and spotted Lorissa looking a little lost. "Lori! Get your scrawny rump into the meeting hall this instant!"


    The look of terror on Lorissa''s face spoke volumes to Stanton regarding how much Gran got her way. Meekly following the old woman, he made his way into the longhouse and found a seat at a long table to one side beside Gran. A young girl brought them mugs of water, of which Stanton drank nearly half before coming up for air.


    "Did that granddaughter of mine not even feed you?" Gran asked, a moment before Lorissa walked in.


    Stanton realized that Gran would be far worse to lie to than Lorissa, but for different reasons. "We had breakfast and lunch, but I didn''t get any water."


    "We were traveling light!" Lorissa was on the back foot right from the start. She wasn''t sure why Gran was angry with her, but she knew there would be ammunition leveled her way and she would try her best to deflect¡ªand fail. "We didn''t know we''d be kidnapping. We only wanted the supplies¡­"


    Stanton watched one of the most self-assured women he''d ever met slowly fold like laundry. When Lorissa let out a sigh and lowered her head, he knew that Gran had the woman completely under her thumb. "She let me ride her horse, and she helped me stay warm last night."


    Gran turned her eyes to Stanton, narrowed them and, detecting no lie, sighed. "Lori, sit down. We need to discuss this mess you''ve gotten us all into. Stealing the odd few crates of supplies is one thing. Lou here is quite another."


    "Lupin, Gran. She prefers to be called Lupin. I''ll arrange a cheap ransom, something small enough that a noble wouldn''t think twice about paying it." Juggling her words, Lorissa tried to get control of the situation back, not that she held much hope of it.


    "See that you do. I''ll take care of¡ªLupin?" Gran looked at Stanton and, when he nodded, gave him a little smile. "She fits in Kitty''s old things. She can help me with a few little chores."


    Stanton could already tell that Gran would make the most effective prison guard of all time. His days would be scheduled and he would find no end of work¡ªif he let her monopolize his time. "I, uh, did want to try helping with the fields."


    Gran, who had taken Stanton''s agreement as read, raised her eyebrows at that.


    "She can do magic, Gran. I told her about how we can''t grow much out here and¡ª"


    "I want to help, if I can. I grew up in a manor and helped the attendants with the gardens. I know a few things about conditioning soil." Using more and more of his childhood to generate a history for Louise Silverclaw, Stanton gave his best smile. "Please?"


    Sucking in a long breath, Gran considered her options. It was absolutely true that their soil wasn''t the best, thanks to a multitude of reasons, but she wasn''t willing to let a witless noble cast unknown magic on a field. "You can test your little tricks on one of my garden beds. If it works, then we can look at doing m¡ª"


    "Louise Silverclaw!" Zooming in the door, Angel glared at Stanton. "We''re going home right now!" It took Angel a few seconds to register that Stanton was wearing a rather common-looking woolen dress. "Why are you dressed like that?"


    "Funny story, Angel. You remember that part where I was kidnapped? I don''t get to choose when I can go home. I''m a prisoner here." Stanton was into his normal banter with Angel before he realized both women were staring at him like he''d grown warts. "So¡­ Uh¡­ This is"¡ªhe sighed¡ª"Princess Angel von Snuggles, the fourth. She''s my familiar."


    Landing on the table, Angel turned to Gran and gave her best curtsy. "Sorry if you were planning to keep her as a hostage or a slave or something, but she really needs to be back in Conjur. You see, there''s this dragon, and¡ª" She was unable to continue mostly because Stanton had grabbed her and clamped her mouth closed with a hand.


    "My familiar who says the craziest things. Sorry about that. Angel will try to be more understanding. Won''t you, Angel?" Giving his best glare at Angel, Stanton hoped she would get back with the plan.


    Nipping at Stanton''s fingers to free her mouth, Angel glared up at him. "I can feel the dragon, Louise. That means you have to stop it." When Stanton continued to glare at her, Angel groaned. "You said you''d fight the forces of evil!"


    Watching all this unfold, Gran leaned over and asked Lorissa, "Do you have any idea what they''re talking about?"


    Shaking her head, Lorissa pointed to Angel. "I''ve seen a few wizard familiars, but none of them have talked. What are they saying about a dragon?"


    Gran shrugged to her granddaughter. "I think," she began, saying the words loudly to be heard over Stanton and Angel''s argument about duty, "that it would be best to get you fed and settled for the night."


    Angel didn''t stop glaring at Stanton while he was promptly moved back to Gran''s home, upstairs, and into his own bedroom that seemed fully furnished. Once they were alone, she let out a little growl. "So, what''s the big deal? We don''t have time for this. I can feel the dragon''s anger and fury! It''s terrorizing the countryside! Probably waylaying innocent high school students and doing unspeakable things to the lengths of their skirts."


    Calm, or at least far more calm than Angel, Stanton tied his hair back in a practical knot that he could sleep with, and then waited. He managed nearly four whole minutes before he had to ask, "What''s this about skirts?"


    "Never mind. It''s surely up to something indecent, and here you are¡ª"


    "Here I am trying to do some good, Angel. These people don''t need a ransom payment for me¡ªthey need their farmlands fixed so they can grow crops easier. They need to stop robbing trains." Crossing his arms, Stanton still struggled to get used to doing so with breasts. In the back of his mind he went over the various options of crossing them below or on top of his bust.


    "Gran has dinner ready downstairs. You¡ª?" Lorissa froze at the sight of an upset Stanton. He looked every bit as determined as she imagined she herself did when she dug her heels in. Gulping back whatever stupid flirty line she had come up with in the two seconds since noticing, she asked, "What''s a dragon?"


    Stanton was halted in his mental tracks. "You heard all that?"


    "Look, you''re right with all of it. Gran and the town would be fine if they could get some of this mess fixed." Walking in and sitting on the bed beside Stanton, Lorissa slumped forward and looked at the floor. "When Gran told me Mom died, I came back to this¡ª" She had to bite off the word she would have used for the town she grew up in. "¡­ town. People were starving. Those that could afford to, left. They just stopped farming and walked away."


    "But there are farmers still here, right?" Stanton asked.


    "A few. Those that couldn''t travel or are too tied to the land." The arm across her shoulder only encouraged Lorissa to lean against Stanton, accepting the comfort in a rare vulnerable moment. "Can you really fix the land?"


    "It depends what''s wrong with it. Farming isn''t my specialty, but it''s hard to study magic without memorizing everything you learn."


    "Bull-hooey," Angel said. "That isn''t normal at all. You''re ju¡ª" She kept talking, even with a pillow jammed into her mouth, though it was now unintelligible.


    Smirking at the playfulness Angel and Stanton shared, Lorissa felt a tiny spark of hope inside. "I guess we all kept some secrets, huh?"


    Stanton nodded and let Angel yank the pillow free. "If dinner''s ready, I''ll eat, sleep, and I can take a look at things tomorrow. Tonight I''m still getting over being kidnapped." Looking to the side and down a little, to where Lorissa was under his arm, Stanton couldn''t help but grin his own joke.


    Available at: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220350/fictions</a>


    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 10

    Panting hard, Cassandra glared around her. The train had been passing through a forest, but something big and angry had set it all alight. Fire blazed in the distance, a huge wall of flames rushing across treetops and through underbrush. The wind carried its smoke away from her, but even when her lungs had been packed with soot and embers she hadn''t had a problem breathing¡ªin fact, the burning and burned carbon had filled her with excitement.


    The forest burned, but the immediate area around her was a different kind of destruction. Trees were ripped in half, rocks were slagged, and there was the unique scent of ozone still clinging to the air. Turning from her destruction, Cassandra started walking back toward the tracks. It might be dark, but she didn''t care, not with the quality of her night vision. By the time she found the rails, of course, the train was long gone.


    Electricity still crackled around her, not that Cassandra cared, as she started marching off down the tracks. Behind her, with each step, small arcs of lightning lashed at the rails, slagging them, warping them, or shooting off along them as they pleased.


    <hr>


    Waking up at the crack of dawn, the moment before the sun actually crested the horizon where only the sky was lit, was the norm for Stanton. For Angel, though, it wasn''t. She lifted her head and squinted at Stanton as he got out of the bed. It was her chance, of course, to find a warmer spot under the covers. Edging along the bed like a fuzzy shark, she squirmed, did a one-eighty, and inserted herself into Stanton''s residual heat. "Mmmm¡­"


    "Should I summon my closet? I think I''m fine without it. Besides, the immaculate look isn''t what I''m going for today." Hating the idea of rewearing clothes, Stanton nonetheless picked up the simple woolen dress from the previous night, but when he got to his underwear he drew the line¡ªand cheated. "But underwear? I am not reusing that."


    Reality warped and a pair of pink painted doors appeared on the wall where no room should have any right existing. Walking up to them with confidence, Stanton threw the doors open and stepped into his wardrobe.


    "Sorry, but I can''t take a dress or a suit today. They expect me to be wearing the same things I had on last night." The world around Stanton (that being the pocket dimension of the closet) shook as if the closet itself found that abhorrent. "I know, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices to keep up appearances. I would adore some comfortable, female underwear. Something to show me off despite wearing an old woolen dress."


    A hint of a breeze seemed to brush Stanton''s cheek, as if the wardrobe was trying to comfort him. "Thanks. I knew you''d understand. Fashion, style, and making them work in this strange series of situations my life has become¡ªis your superpower." His hand felt guided to a small rack at the back of the closet. When he reached it, brushed aside the first few things, he grasped the hanger of what seemed right and lifted it out. "I¡ª"


    "A push-up bra?" Angel snorted. "Looks supportive, too. I guess it will have to do¡ªsince you asked for it. Don''t expect Lorissa to take her eyes off your chest all day, though."


    "I''ve never seen such a thing before." Carrying it and the slim panties back to the room, Stanton examined the things and shook his head. "Well, no time like the present. Turn around, Angel."


    "We''re both girls, Stanton."


    "No. You''re a girl. I''m self-conscious. Turn around¡ªplease?"


    Glaring at Stanton for a moment longer, Angel finally groaned and turned around midair. "You''re really this self-conscious?"


    "It was easier to do this when it wasn''t the body I''m used to. Now¡ªNow this is my body." Figuring out how to pull the device on only due to previous lessons from Angel, Stanton felt a little silly making her turn around¡ªbut that''s how he felt. Once newly attired in the most minimal sense of the word, he said, "Okay."


    When Angel turned, and Stanton saw the look of surprise on her face melt into a huge grin, he frantically reached out to silence her¡ªto no avail.


    "Lorissa is going to be putty in your paws with this! Might I suggest something that shows off a little leg, too?" Angel only barely kept out of Stanton''s reach with the power of comedy propelling her. "Oooh! Why don''t you see if there are any other cute girls around town? You could start a hare¡ªAck!"


    With Angel held tightly under one arm, Stanton used his free hand to mess up the fur on her head beyond all mortal ability to smooth out. "Whatever you were saying, whatever you were planning, is off the table. I don''t care if you were telling me I should breathe." Setting Angel down on the bed, Stanton patted the top of her head. "Okay?"


    Sticking her tongue out and blowing a raspberry, Angel said, "Meanie."


    "Mean would be¡ªwould be dying all your fur blue, putting a collar on you, and calling you Wonder Dog." Picking the dress back up, Stanton began putting it on.


    Angel was quiet, and so too was Stanton, for the remainder of his morning preparations. Walking downstairs, he was acutely aware that there hadn''t even been a lock on his door.


    "There ya are. Didn''t figure a noble would be up for at least another hour. Help me with this." Gran was hauling, with both arms, a big pot of water for the stove. When Stanton came over and took it from her with one hand, she said nothing but made note of it. "On the stove with it. The fire''s starting up."


    Working on automatic, Stanton followed Gran''s directions and started a pot of porridge cooking, kneaded some proving dough and put it in the oven, and then finally sat on a seat while the old woman served him a bowl of the porridge, a thick slice of toasted bread, and a big mug of water. "Thank you."


    "Where''s that no-good granddaughter of mine?" Leaving her own breakfast still in the pot, Gran stalked upstairs to find Lorissa.


    Stanton was only barely started on his breakfast by the time Gran dragged Lorissa down the stairs by one ear. "Morning," he said.


    Narrowing her eyes for a moment, Lorissa glared at Stanton. "Yes, but don''t you dare say it''s¡ª" Stopped in her tracks, she spotted something¡ªtwo somethings¡ªthat short-circuited her thoughts for a few moments. "Ugh. It''s too early, Gran. I said I''d be up before noon. Isn''t that enough?"


    Looking between Stanton and Lorissa, Gran started to chuckle and, finally, asked Stanton, "Would your family notice if I returned Lorissa and kept you here?"


    "Mom would. Dad¡­ How good are you with magic?" he asked Lorissa, who grunted at him. "Okay. They''d both notice."


    "Drat. Lorissa, pay attention to Lupin, you may learn some good habits."


    It took Stanton a moment to remember his name was meant to be Lupin here, but since Gran had been talking to Lorissa he hoped that their attention was on each other rather than his clueless expression. "Gran, don''t be so hard on her. She was quite dashing at the train robbery."


    Taking careful note of how much Lorissa perked up at the compliment, Gran closed her eyes and said a prayer to the goddess of love to please mind her own business. "We''ll be going out to the little field I have my herb garden in to test your ideas¡ªonce you''re both finished."


    The porridge had more water in it than Stanton was used to, lacked any of the usual flavorings except a little pepper, but it was honest food from a town that didn''t have enough for the mouths it already fed. He didn''t dare try to uphold his facade of a noble girl and decry it. When they were done, he stood up and carried his bowl and cup to the cleaning area and put them with the small pile of things that''d held their dinner the previous night.


    "I figured something out last night, Lupin. You''re exceptionally clever. No"¡ªLorissa had to cut in before Stanton could reply¡ª"don''t try to argue with me. I know you''ll win if we do that and I also know I can''t tell when you''re lying. My ability isn''t common, I know, but it has its limits and you know them. Mixing careful amounts of truth into your words can hide a lot.


    "But¡ªif you help the farms here, if you can make this place live again, you can lie as much as you want. I''ll even walk back to whatever hellish place made a young woman as canny as you and give myself up."


    Stanton could feel the conviction in Lorissa without any need for magic tricks or mind games. She was willing to put everything in her life on the line to help the town. His right palm began itching for some reason he couldn''t fathom and as he stuffed it under the table to hide the way his fingers seemed to curl around thin air, Stanton opened his mouth to tell her he''d do his best¡ªbut different words came out. Feeling like he was being guided by something, he felt his wand appear in his hand. "I''ll help the town, but there''s something I''d like you to do."


    The intensity in Stanton''s words shocked Lorissa. She felt herself nodding and needed to hear what he would say.


    "Once we''re done here, come with me back to Conjur and"¡ªin his mind, Stanton was trying desperately to figure out why he couldn''t stop talking and what was controlling him¡ª"take this." Lifting his right hand up from under the table, he revealed the wand in it. It wasn''t his wand, though.


    Lorissa stared at the gold shaft of the wand. The word wand scarcely matched the item, though that''s exactly what she knew it was. It called to her, it begged her to take it up and¡ª "¡­ save the world from evil?"


    The wand shot from Stanton''s palm, through the air, and was caught by Lorissa. She stared at it¡ªat the little love heart on the end that had a pair of triangular ears that seemed familiar. Dark light started to flow from the wand. Deep blue¡ªalmost navy. It swirled around Lorissa and in a heartbeat stripped her of the shift she''d slept in and replaced it with two barely concealing ribbons of light that coiled around and around her.


    Another flash of light and Lorissa felt different. Powerful. Flicking a long, slender tail, she stared down at the wand in her paw. "Paw? Tail?" Looking up, she stared at the werewolf girl standing across the kitchen from her. In her heart she could feel exactly who it was¡ªcould see through the pretty pink dress and ribbons. "Lupin?"


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "Super Lupine Girl, actually." It was hard not to look at Lorissa. She wore a skin-tight top that looked like it was painted on, and had a split dress that ran all the way down to her ankles. On her feet (which were definitely delicate little paws) was a pair of shoes that would make anyone''s legs wobble if they tried to walk with heels as long as they possessed. It all just fit the cat-woman standing across from him, though. "Ugh, I didn''t mean for¡ª"


    Dodging a blue beam of light that shot from Lorissa''s wand, Stanton held up both his paws to fend off a second attack. "Please don''t destroy your grandmother''s home!"


    Eyes widening, Lorissa carefully loosened her grip on the wand and held her hands up, too, palms forward. "I didn''t mean to but¡ªwhy do I have paws? What did you do to me? Nya!"


    Stanton and Lorissa stared at each other in surprise at that.


    "Did you just say¡ª?"


    "N-N-Nya? What''s happening?"


    "You"¡ªAngel flew into the room and spun around Lorissa, her energy and vigor restored a thousandfold from her anger at Stanton for not fighting the dragon again¡ª"are now a hero for good!"


    "What did you do, Angel?" Stanton made a grab for his familiar. "Angel!"


    "I didn''t do it, the universe did it." When this explanation gained about as much traction as a professional runner on an ice rink, she tried another line. "It was your power. For a moment your motives and desires to do good aligned and a tiny fraction of your power sparked into her. Turns out"¡ªAngel turned and faced Lorissa¡ª"you''re fertile soil for the power of virtuous kitty magic. Try saying nya again."


    "I am not saying it. Nya." Lorissa covered her mouth with her free paw and stared in shock. Carefully, she peeled back her bean-tipped fingers, opened her short snout, and said, "Nya?"


    Taking Lorissa''s paw in his own, Stanton looked her in her slit, feline eyes. "Lorissa, look at me carefully."


    "I''m¡ª"


    "No. Don''t talk to me, talk to your wand. It''s not just a wand. It can make you yourself again if you ask it to." He kept his voice even and steady, not wanting to spook Lorissa. "Can you do that? Even if you say¡ª"


    "Nya?" Shaking her head to clear the cat-thoughts that seemed to hover around the edge of her mind like a feather-toy dangling to get her attention, Lorissa held up her wand and felt stupid. "Nya. Can you please make me back how I was?"


    The blinding light told Stanton that her wand, like his, seemed to listen to her. Shrugging his fuzzy shoulders, he looked at his own wand. "Can you put me back how I was too? This would get super awkward to explain¡ªit''d be worse if she knew everything."


    So a new light welled up around Stanton and, from the fancy, frilly dress he wore when he was Super Lupine Girl he was stripped, de-ribboned, and left standing back once more in the simple woolen dress with what felt like a strong pair of hands pushing his chest skyward. He longed for trousers and a shirt. "So¡­"


    Surprised to find herself back dressed as she was¡ªand no longer fuzzy, Lorissa pointed a finger to where she''d blasted a hole in the wall with her wand. "There''s a hole in my¡ª"


    Stanton turned to examine the hole. Thankfully, at least for his concentration, it was only in the solid wood and not a window. He had several choices, but the best way to fix something as good as new was a little chronological magic, and for a hole so small it was simplicity itself. Channeling his magic, it spilled up and out of him like a font of water. So soon after being Super Lupine Girl, he had almost unlimited power. "Good as new."


    The hole, now gone, shocked Lorissa. "What?!"


    "Good as new. It''s a spell. Chronological magic, so it only works on items and not living things, but it''s super easy to fix¡ª"


    "I mean, what¡ªwhat was all that? All of it! Why couldn''t I stop saying nya? Why was I a cat? Why do I have a wand that can blast holes in walls? Why do I feel like there''s a cat in my bedroom and it''s upset because it wants to go outside?"


    "You have a familiar too, then? Okay, this is getting way out of hand. Do you want a little truth, a lot of truth, or practically all of the truth?" Stanton started walking toward the stairs, hoping that Lorissa would get the hint and follow him. She did. "And now you want to ask for the whole truth. That''s a lot of truth. Are you sure you can handle it?"


    Opening her mouth to say yes, Lorissa took the demonstration of magic to heart and realized Stanton absolutely wasn''t the cute noble girl he''d let her imagine up to now. "Let''s go with as much as you''re comfortable sharing, and I''ll see if I want more."


    Sitting on his bed, Stanton made a start. He described summoning a familiar, winding up with Angel, and becoming Super Lupine Girl. "What''s different with you is I was already a wizard. I could already use magic and was already a werewolf. All I got was more magic and¡ª"


    "More cute!" Angel said.


    Slumping a little, Lorissa ran over this new information. She looked up at Stanton, tilted her head to the side a little, then smiled. "She was pretty cute."


    "See!" Angle stuck out her tongue at Stanton. "Tell her about the dragon."


    Stanton, about then, wanted to throttle Angel. "Right, the dragon. Do you know what dragons are?"


    "Hold on a second." Standing, Lorissa walked out of the room and to her own bedroom and returned a moment later holding a cat in her arms. She had, in her whole life, never owned a cat, never petted a cat, and certainly hadn''t picked one up. "Okay, dragons. I''ve heard stories about them. Big, nasty, don''t go near them unless you like dying, worse, or both. The usual stuff."


    "Well, they haven''t been around for a long time. They were defeated, killed, and the world freed from them." Stanton explained what was for him common knowledge. He now regretted that not everyone in the world seemed to have his taste for history. "I found one."


    "A dragon? But¡ª"


    "Yeah. It''s only young, but I don''t think we want to give it the chance to grow up. The last dragon that was killed destroyed cities and killed hundreds of thousands of people personally, and with its armies." It was refreshing to see someone actually believe him and recoil in horror at the idea of there being another dragon. "Can your familiar talk?"


    "Yes," the cat said.


    Stanton, used to Angel, waited for more. More was not forthcoming. "Okay, well, I guess Angel can talk enough for two. So, that''s basically what has happened. Now you have a wand, can transform, and I think your cat will probably want you to fight evil too, right?"


    "Yes," the cat said.


    With a rapport established, at least so long as he didn''t ask questions that needed an explanation, Stanton asked Lorissa, "So, any questions?"


    Lorissa had been tracking everything Stanton had said, and even what Angel said, as being truthful. Not just mildly truthful, she realized, but the absolute truth. It was like her ability that, in the past, could only detect yes or no, was now giving her a spectrum. "You said you found a dragon, you let it go?"


    "No. Well, kinda yes. It was trying to kill someone¡ªanother werewolf noble¡ªand I got all fluffy and took it on. I wouldn''t suggest fighting it alone. At least so far, it was just a scrappy fighter. All claws and no brains. The last I saw of it was I punched it so hard it flew into the air and out of the city." As he said it, Stanton realized how much of a mistake it was to let it go at that. "I should have finished it off."


    "You should have!" Angel flew up in front of Stanton and pointed a digit at his nose. "And then I felt it again yesterday!"


    "What?" the cat asked.


    Angel smacked her forehead with her paw. "When Stanton made everyone sleep so he could work out what was going on. I tried to tell him the dragon was doing something nearby, but he¡ª"


    "What would be the result of a dragon doing magic out in a forest?" Lorissa asked, staring out the window of Stanton''s room.


    "Probably blowing a lot of stuff up. Maybe trying to corrupt the animals into monsters." Angel shrugged.


    "What about a fire?" Holding up her arm, Lorissa pointed out the window at smoke in the far distance.


    "That''s not good," Stanton said, examining the plume, "but it''s not the worst? Did it come out here to test its powers where we wouldn''t be able to find it?"


    Angel nodded, making an agreeable noise.


    "That''s good and bad, I''d wager." Lorissa was feeling left out, but seeing how much (or little) Stanton and Angel seemed to know about the dragon, she felt fairly confident making her own judgment call. "It sees you as a threat. It left the city to become stronger to overcome you and fight using its magic."


    Stanton gulped. "Yeah, that''s the bad bit?" He almost whined when Lorissa nodded. "Well, there''s not much we can do. It could be anywhere in that forest by now. Let''s go see how much good I can do for the town''s crops. Does this town even have a name?"


    "Not really. Most of us call it nowhere, but home is just as good. You said you were from Conjur? That has a wizard school, right?" Carrying her new companion, Lorissa found her hand naturally wanting to pet the cat''s head as she walked out the door.


    "Yeah, that''s where I''ve been studying. Uh, where are we going?"


    "Work. Specifically, you have some to do." Lorissa stood to the side of the door and ushered Stanton out.


    "What will you be doing?"


    "Watching you work," Lorissa said, delivering a smack to Stanton''s rump as he walked past.


    <hr>


    "This soil is pretty bad." Stanton didn''t know enough about soil to say what caused it or how a farmer might fix it without magic, though. "You only have an inch of topsoil and then it''s clay for miles down there. Okay, not actual miles. Still, that''s a lot of clay."


    Clucking her tongue, Gran narrowed her eyes. "We know what clay is. We know crops don''t do well in it. Can you fix it?"


    "Fixing this kind of thing is large-scale transmutation." Straightening up and brushing down his dress, Stanton smirked. "Which I can do, but I need a little privacy."


    "If you''re planning to dance naked on the field¡ª?" Gran asked.


    "Ugh. Alright. No, I don''t need to do that. I just need to do this." Clearing his throat, Stanton drew his wand out of the little pocket on the front of the dress and held the source of power up high. "By the shining light of goodness, and with the power of virtue! By the purity of my feminine charms, I call on my wand of power to protect the world!"


    Watching the effect close-up and without her own body changing, Lorissa was afforded quite the view¡ªthough she quickly realized nothing more than skin got revealed. Now, with Stanton wearing a far frillier dress and holding his wand, she took a moment to appreciate how adorable he looked in ribbons and bows. "Why did you do that?"


    "Because I can use a lot more magic this way. Turning into Super Lupine Girl makes me probably twenty times stronger. And, for this kind of work, once you have the basic transmutation pattern built, all you need to do is throw power behind it. So¡ª"


    "Wait one second." Gran had finally recovered her senses and was glaring between Lorissa and Stanton. "What''s going on here and why aren''t you as shocked by it as I am?" The last part of her question, along with her gaze, was aimed at her granddaughter.


    "Gran, you know I have my way with the truth. I picked up on it and asked her the moment I figured out she wasn''t giving me the whole picture." Gesturing vaguely to Stanton, Lorissa hoped that the mostly-truth would work on her grandmother. "Can we just get this done?"


    Giving his best I am a nice werewolf smile, Stanton waited for Gran to huff out a breath before he continued. Building a wide-scale transmutation spell was not difficult since turning things into dirt was one of the easiest spells there was¡ªdoubly so since the target had no magical defenses. He needed to get the balance of nutrients right, and could remember those from a class he took on it, which left powering the spell as the only hurdle.


    That wasn''t a hurdle at all for Super Lupine Girl. Stanton braced his legs and pushed power into the spell. At first, it was sluggish. The spell spread out to find its maximum area that he''d defined, then it ratcheted up when the actual transmutation started.


    The big spell fragmented into sections, each vying for its own fuel from Stanton. It was a common setup for such spells, since it meant that any caster could fuel them so long as they could power one of the individual fragments. Stanton, however, opened the floodgates.


    When Super Lupine Girl needed magic to undertake something intrinsically good, the universe took notice and lent a figurative hand. Breaking the limits on the spells was the first thing that happened¡ªcausing the fragments to cascade out and around the town until Stanton eventually managed to halt their spread. Then matter itself bowed its head and acknowledged that it was time for a change. All at once. In the blink of an eye.


    For nearly ten seconds Stanton stood there, wavering, wobbling back and forth on his feet as he felt drained. When he started to fall, he had a brief moment of looking up past the excellent bust of a cute catgirl and seeing her face before darkness took him.


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 Chapter 11

    "What have you gotten yourself into?" Gran asked, looking over her granddaughter''s feline form. "First kidnapping, then¡ªthen whatever this is?" When she got no response from Lorissa, Gran scuffed her foot on the dirt. "But I''m old enough and pragmatic enough to admit it worked."


    Cradling Stanton in her decidedly fuzzy arms, Lorissa was still a little confused at how fast she''d moved. One moment she''d been standing twenty feet away, then she realized Stanton was falling, there was a flash of light, and then she was beside him, cradling the werewolf in her arms. Now, though, she looked past Stanton to where Gran had crouched to inspect the soil. Instead of the dirty brown mess that usually made up the soil around their town¡ªthis was a deep black color and she could see worms and bugs moving in the little handful Gran had pulled up. "It worked? Nya."


    "I wouldn''t be this forgiving if it didn''t. Look around you. She didn''t just do this bed, either. Every field I can see is like this¡ªNo. I bet the whole town is like it." Shaking her head, Gran stood up and winced at the popping noise in her knees. Muttering something about getting too old, she clicked her tongue at Lorissa. "Can you turn the pair of you back?"


    Working one hand out from under Stanton without dropping him, Lorissa looked at her wand. "I think so. Nya. Well, me at least. Hey, wand, can¡ª"


    "Put her down, first. Or take her back home. I don''t care. Just get somewhere people won''t see you before they can look up to figure out who did this." Gran glared at Lorissa until the girl got the hint and started off toward their house at a run. "I swear, I leave that girl alone for five minutes and she becomes a brigand, a kidnapper, finds herself some noble squeeze, saves the town, and gets mixed up in magic." She shook her head and started walking to where a group of the townsfolk were gathered. "Seems we have ourselves some soil."


    <hr>


    Stanton woke up cuddled against something warm. Warm, and purring. Opening his eyes, he barely got a moment of a flash before the purring had stopped and he was looking into Lorissa''s human eyes. "Were you playing with your wand?"


    Giving her wand a little pat of thanks, Lorissa slipped it into a loop at her side and turned her attention back to Stanton. "I have no clue what you are talking about, little mouse." At Stanton''s raised eyebrow and her own realization of what she''d called him, Lorissa blushed and tried to push on. "I had to go fuzzy or you would have fallen on the ground."


    "I''m not that delicate¡ªbut thanks." Stanton willed himself to sit up a bit more, but there was the problem of Lorissa''s arm around his shoulder pinning him to her side. "Uh, can I get up now?"


    "You aren''t going to ask why you passed out?" Lorissa, despite all her best efforts, couldn''t get the image of Stanton as a mouse from her head. What was worse, she licked her lips from time to time.


    "Was it because I turned too mu¡ª"


    "It was because you turned the entire town and every farm around it to have the best dirt magic can make¡ªor so Gran said. She has given me an order, too, that I need to take you wherever you want to go and apologize to your family and offer myself as a bondswoman to them in the hope they won''t come here to round everyone up."


    "Pfft, I''d be surprised if anyone has noticed me missing yet." Stanton gave up trying to free himself. He could, easily, have dislodged Lorissa, but that would likely require hurting her¡ªand definitely hurting her feelings. "We had a deal, though."


    "Hrmm." Weighing up her options, Lorissa thought about what Stanton had gotten her to swear to. At the very least she''d get to spend more time getting to know Stanton. "A promise is a promise, but I want a little time to myself. Gran was probably joking about the bondswoman bit¡ª"


    "No! I mean. I don''t want you like that. I want to teach you magic and show you how to help me fight the dragon. Then we can¡ªwe can fight bad guys and stuff." Stanton was fumbling for words. He might be a member of the aristocracy, but neither side of his family believed that indentured servitude was a good practice. His new feelings on good and bad were even less conflicted. "If you don''t want to help, I won''t actually hold you t¡ª"


    Pulling her finger back from where she''d poked Stanton''s nose, Lorissa smirked. "Nope."


    Blinking in surprise at the interruption, Stanton asked, "''Nope''?"


    "Definitely nope. All my life I''ve had this one little trick in my head. I''ve used wands, but most people can use those¡ªI''m just stupid enough to use dangerous ones. Do you know what it''s like never being able to use real magic? Nope!" Lorissa couldn''t help poking Stanton''s nose again for the fun of it. "And now you give me this. I can turn into a cat like you can turn into a wolf. I feel magic pouring through me like I can feel it pouring through you. You offer to show me more of it, then say ''but if you don''t want to¡­''"


    Stanton tried to open his mouth to reply, but was stopped by another prod on the nose. Lifting one hand up, he covered his nose.


    "Even Gran is telling me to go away and do something better with my life. This town won''t die now, at least, so I can leave." With Stanton holding his hand over his nose, and with her newfound reflexes and speed, Lorissa stole a kiss from him. She didn''t linger¡ªstaying barely long enough for his eyes to start to widen before she pulled back. "So, tell me when you''re ready and I''ll take you back to civilization."


    "I''m ready. How are we going to get to Conjur?" Still not bothering to break free of Lorissa''s grip, Stanton looked up at her and silently cursed his slight-but-noticeable loss of height.


    "If you''re hoping we have a teleporter hub here, you''re in the wrong town. We''ll ride my horse. Slow if you want to keep wearing a dress, faster if you''ll fit into a pair of pants." Lorissa was sure Stanton wouldn''t go for it. The dress he''d been wearing when he''d arrived, combined with his comfort wearing his latest attire made her absolutely sure she''d get a nice, long ride with a pretty woman in a dress.


    <hr>


    In his whole life, Stanton had never ridden a horse in a dress before, and he never planned to. The linen pants Gran had provided were comfortable, and he was enjoying the ride immensely. The strong pair of arms on each side of him had little to do with it¡ªhe assured himself. "That''s Conjur."


    It was their second evening riding, and even though Lorissa could see the light of the city in the distance, she knew their likelihood of reaching it before full dark was nil. "Seems like it would be a good time to stop and make some dinner."


    "More stew?" Stanton lifted one leg up and over the horse''s withers and slid down its shoulder. Stretching his legs a little, he tapped Angel on the head where she lay in the crook of his arm. "Are you still with us, Angel?"


    Yawning and lifting her head, Angel fixed Stanton with a bleary-eyed look. "Why aren''t we home yet? You could have run us home already."


    "Running home wasn''t how things had to be. Besides, we got to figure out where the dragon was practicing, didn''t we?"


    "Ugh. You''re not going to let me live this down, are you?" Glaring at Stanton, Angel stuck her tongue out.


    "You mean that if I''d gone chasing off after the dragon I wouldn''t have found my first ally? Nope." To soften the blow against her ego, Stanton gave Angel''s ears a little rub. The way she leaned into it told him she absolutely "hated" it.


    "What are you two talking about?" Lorissa had tied the horse to a tree with enough lead it could graze, while lifting out two blankets, her cooking pot, and a skein with more of the watery stew in it. The last, she was unsurprised to see, had her cat laying on it. "Keeping it warm for us? Thank you."


    Flicking his tail, the cat looked up at the woman and nodded his head. Carefully, he climbed off the warm pouch and up her arm, only stopping when he threaded his way under her hair to settle across her shoulders. "You are welcome." Three words earned him an ear rub, as was his due.


    The feel of the cat against her was soothing. Lorissa worked at getting a small fire started and the last of the stew into the pot and warming up. After a little quiet time¡ªpunctuated mostly by Stanton and Angel arguing about something¡ªshe asked, "What''s your name?" of her furry companion.


    "Swiftpaw Deathbringer."


    Running the name over in her thoughts, Lorissa nodded. "That is a very good name."


    "Yes."


    "Okay." Stanton had made a decision and it was time to come more clean. "So you know all this?" He gestured at his feminine qualities¡ªchest, hips, and hair.


    Looking a little owlish, Lorissa again nodded. "A little. I''d like to know more about it."


    That wasn''t the reply Stanton wanted, but it was the one he expected by now. "Right, so, I wasn''t born with this."


    Lorissa covered her mouth and scoffed a laugh. "I would hope not! What''s your point, Lulu?"


    That drew Stanton up short and distracted him completely. "''Lulu''?"


    "I know we''re not exactly at the cute nickname stage yet, but I think it suits you."


    Closing his eyes, Stanton muttered, "I wish I had the strength to just¡­ Okay, let me try another way. I was born a man."


    Shrugging, Lorissa asked, "So? It''s not that uncommon. Being noble, I bet the spells are really easy to get your paws on." After a moment she corrected, "Hands!"


    Ignoring her constant language difficulty, Stanton pushed on. "I still am a man, Lorissa."


    "I like to think I''m an expert on this, but I''m willing to hear you out. So, you''re a man." Rubbing her chin, Lorissa gave Stanton a good going over with her eyes. "Fine. But why were you wearing a dress?"


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    "Gran gave me¡ª"


    "No. On the train, Lulu."


    Realizing he was outmatched, Stanton couldn''t help but admit to himself that Lorissa had become harder to fool. "I was attending a ball in the capital. I told them I used a spell to become a woman to save fashion from the travesty of modern designs."


    "That confirms you are definitely a noble. So, if you''re not Louise Silverclaw, who are you Lulu?"


    Cards on the table, Stanton thought. "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth." He gave a bow that he aborted and turned into a curtsy. Her look, he noticed, was for once shocked. "Louise Silverclaw is a name I use when I need to pretend I''m someone I''m not."


    "I''ve heard of the Sharptooths. I guess that accounts for your werewolf side alright. Raveel?"


    "My father''s an arch-mage. I''m an experiment by both families." Stanton looked down at his rough hands and lamented the lack of moisturizing oil. "You want to know the best bit? Both expect me to be their agent at the school. It means I have all my coursework and two other jobs."


    "Three, now," Lorissa said. "Remember, you have to fight the forces of evil."


    Yawning, Angel sat up and pointed at Lorissa. "Exactly, I"¡ªshe yawned again¡ª"keep trying to tell him that."


    "Hey, no ganging up on me. I think I''ve been doing a good job so far." Stanton sat down and looked over the fire, giving it a little nudge with a fraction of his magic so a tiny elemental curled up in the middle of it. "The dragon didn''t kill anyone yet;"¡ªhe started ticking off items on his fingers¡ª"I recruited another, uh, hero; and I saved a town from turning to evil!"


    Grunting, Angel settled down in the fabric stretched between Stanton''s knees. "You let it burn a forest."


    "I''d rather it burn a forest than burn a town. Besides, if it wants to waste its time, let it. We''ll reach Conjur tomorrow and I''ll let the city guard know I saw the dragon while you were bringing me back to the city." Nodding to Lorissa, Stanton raised one hand to his forehead. "Wouldn''t you know? The town militia chased off the brigands and then you volunteered to help me back to Conjur. Here was I, a young noble coming home after having a little fun in the capital." When he looked at Lorissa, he saw both her and her cat staring at him like he''d made a bad smell. "What? Too much?"


    "Way too much. You''re overselling it. They don''t care about half of that and all you''re doing is ruining your image."


    The words wouldn''t have surprised Stanton so much if they''d come from Lorissa or Angel, but they''d come from the cat. The very same cat who hadn''t said more than one word to him so far. "So what do you suggest?"


    Sighing and closing his eyes, Swiftpaw said, "Tell them about the brigands being chased off, but forget the rest."


    Stanton thought about it and, ultimately, realized he''d been getting carried away with "Huh. I guess. Thanks¡­ Uh?"


    "His name is Swiftpaw Deathbringer," Lorissa said, giving Swiftpaw a little attention as her way of apologizing for giving out his name. "Anyway, here''s the last of the stew. I guess this was all a bit¡ªuh¡ª"


    "Delicious," Stanton said, taking the bowl. "Food that''s filling is ten times better than those snooty canapes that will never fill you even if you shovel them into your mouth."


    "Hold on." Her eyes widening, Lorissa was starting to understand something. "How am I going to survive in Conjur? I can probably make a little money doing things but¡ªWhy are you grinning?"


    "How about this, I''ll get you somewhere to live and pay you enough to cover food and some extra, and you work for it by helping me fight the forces of evil?" Stanton asked.


    Lorissa scooped up some stew on her spoon and blew on it to cool it a touch. "And when there''s no evil to fight?"


    "Then I''ll teach you magic. You can use it now, after all."


    Fighting the urge to jump up and do a dance, rush over and hug Stanton, or sing a song of happiness (or all three), Lorissa hid her grin by shoveling the stew into her mouth and burning her palate. Magic. The word held a special place in her that she''d thought long-since stomped to dust. A young girl in a black, pointed hat did a dance in her head and screamed I''m going to learn magic! at the top of her lungs. "I guess that will be okay."


    They finished their meal and each found a cozy spot to lie down. Stanton turned his attention to defense and put up a layered set of wards around their camp that started with a Go Away ward, progressed to a Alarm ward, and finally ended in a more proactive Come Any Further And You Will Be Rendered Unconscious one.


    With the skirts of the woolen dress to keep him cozy, he started to drift off to sleep, only to feel an arm drape over his side and pull him back a little against a firm stomach. He could have made a big deal out of it, but they were both dressed enough that nothing more could happen.


    <hr>


    Waking with a hand clutched to his chest wasn''t exactly a surprise to Stanton. He knew Lorissa had a thing for him and he''d let her cuddle him like a stuffed toy. A gentle touch revealed his wards were still intact, which meant nothing had tried to breach them. "Wake up, Lorissa."


    "Mmm, but I want another cu¡ªOh." Lorissa was disappointed with the outcome of her nice dream. "Have you considered not wearing a dress to bed?"


    Noting her taking her time drawing back from him, Stanton rolled his eyes. "At home I only wear a thin silk nightgown."


    Lorissa knew of silk. She''d seen young dandies wearing shirts made of it, had watched the fabric that looked so thin seem to reveal so much but so little at the same time¡ªand had wondered what it would look like on a woman. "Then what are we waiting for?"


    "You to let me get up. Then we pile everything together and head to Conjur. I''ll have to explain why I was gone from the school for a few days, but we can cover that at the guardhouse first. I''ll have to stop, first, and change into more comfortable things."


    <hr>


    The ride into the city wasn''t as long as Stanton had feared. He directed Lorissa through the streets and around to the side entrance of his tower. At the ground level was the entrance and a small stable he''d never used. "You can put your horse in there. There''s no grain or anything, but you could find a stable hand to pay. Have them send me a bill."


    Staring up at the floors above ground level, Lorissa knew her mouth was open. "You own this¡ªthis mage tower?" She snapped her gaze back to Stanton as he slid off the horse.


    "What? No. My mom owns it. I live here." He didn''t feel like fielding too many I''ve never been in a rich place before questions, so Stanton walked to the door, unlocked it with his magic, and walked inside. He was already planning for the truly epic-duration bath he wanted to take, but it would have to wait until after his visit to the guardhouse.


    Unsaddling her horse and giving it a quick brush down, Lorissa felt like she was missing out on something by not following Stanton in directly, but at the same time she didn''t want to neglect her horse. She was about done giving him a quick going over when Stanton appeared in the doorway again¡ªlooking completely different.


    If Lorissa didn''t know he was getting changed, she never would have recognized the disheveled man striding out the door. He wore a pair of good boots, good quality trousers that looked like they had a week of road dust on them, and one of those fine silk shirts that she knew of¡ªwith a few cuts in the sleeves and, again, plenty of dust.


    He was a man. All Stanton''s curves were hidden, the swell of his chest suppressed, and Lorissa was confused at how his features seemed to be more masculine. It was a makeover that should have taken literal magic to pull off. "Are you using magic to do that?" Of Angel there was no sight.


    "No. My wardrobe is just this good." Stanton could feel a little of the tension that had been ever-present between them evaporate. "So, you''re the brave adventurer who escorted me back from the den of scum and villainy¡ª"


    "Hey, Gran isn''t that bad. There''s practically no scum."


    Stanton had a flash of insight. He realized, as he walked alongside Lorissa, that he lost most of his finer eloquence whenever he was speaking with her or Cassandra. The interview was over and done in minutes. The sergeant at the desk took his complaint, nodded briefly to Lorissa, then stamped it and filed it away.


    Walking out, Stanton had a copy of the report in his hand and a dumbfounded look on his face. "I can''t believe that worked."


    "Your mistake," Swiftpaw said, "is forgetting that everyone has a cat inside them. That cat is selfish and wants to hear whatever it takes to get through life."


    "Well, whatever. It establishes that I was kidnapped, but rescued, and now I can take this to the academe and they won''t complain that I missed a few days of school." As they walked back toward his tower, Stanton spotted one of his contacts. The old man was selling street-food as usual, and as Stanton walked over to him the smell of the usual seafood fare was growing stronger. "I''ll take tw¡ªthree today, thanks!"


    Scooping out three serves, the old man was about to slip a note to Stanton when he saw the flick of a hand gesture that he recognized. Too much to communicate¡ªsafe to use magic? He flashed back an affirmative and handed the note to Stanton along with the third helping of lobster.


    Passing two helpings to Lorissa, Stanton paid the old man and turned away¡ªthe note went into his pocket. "I got you an extra serve because Swiftpaw deserves some for being so helpful."


    His tail going straight, Swiftpaw leaned as far forward from Lorissa''s shoulder as he could and sniffed. All semblance of his normally reserved self was subsumed by the amazing smell of the food. Walking down Lorissa''s arm, he shoved his nose into the hollowed out bread roll and secured a piece of meat.


    "I need to take care of something before I go to the school. You can settle in at the tower while I take care of all that. Actually, you could even try applying for a scholarship at the school." Picking over the food, Stanton loved to experience the simple meals that his adopted home had to offer. "Have you thought about that?"


    "Well, I don''t need to learn all the fancy stuff. I want magic I can use. I don''t care about¡ªabout summoning and all that. What can I do that will make me faster and my opponent slower, or what can I do that will make life easier?" It took Lorissa a moment to realize she was stuck without enough hands to hold both helpings of food and eat from hers without putting them both in one hand¡ªand with how fast Swiftpaw was working through his, she didn''t like her chances of getting any.


    "What about if we combine the two approaches?" Stanton couldn''t help himself from smirking at Lorissa''s feline problem. "You apply to the school for part-time training in magic, and at the same time I''ll teach you the specific things you want."


    "Right now I''d appreciate some kind of third paw. Hand. Ugh." Though, at that moment, Swiftpaw reached the bottom of his lunch and decided his best option was to crawl up Lorissa''s arm, again.


    Taking the empty paper, Stanton squeezed out a little magic and incinerated it quickly with high heat. "While I wouldn''t normally suggest this, I have found that rolling with the changes this magic has made is the best way to get the maximum boost from it. It might feel silly, but after embracing my girly werewolf side I noticed a ramp-up of my power."


    There had been an urge within Lorissa ever since she''d returned to being human the last time¡ªone she''d clamped down on and denied. It had taken its toll on her to keep it bottled up, but she''d been so determined to resist it that it had become reflex. "So I should just"¡ªshe sighed and closed her eyes¡ª"relax my paw and let it do its thing. Nya."


    Stanton felt the rush of power through Lorissa. It was like, with two words, she''d gone from being an admittedly confronting person to being a force to be reckoned with. She buzzed with magic and the potential to do violence.


    When she opened her eyes and they narrowed to slits, Lorissa felt like the motion around her was slowing. Every motion seemed to draw her attention until she categorized it and marked it as unimportant. Of all the people nearby, she recognized the old man that''d sold their lunch as being of interest¡ªif not for how he''d acted, but because he was doing little things that didn''t seem consistent with others.


    But the number one person that she noticed was Stanton. Power dripped from him. Goodness too. It was similar to how she could sense truth, but far stronger simply because it didn''t need anyone to say a word. "I can feel an extension of my¡ªof my truth sense. It''s like I can read the motives of everyone around me without them saying a word. Also, did you know everything is moving a bit slower now?"


    "There might be a little precognition in this, I have a similar thing when it comes to fighting. Slower, though, implies that your senses and mind are accelerated. Do you seem to move sluggishly?" Stanton asked.


    In answer, Lorissa moved viper-fast. She put her free arm around Stanton, kissed him on the lips for a moment that her new senses stretched into an eternity, then slipped back beside him. "Sluggish? Not particularly."


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 Chapter 12

    Cassandra, having worked out her anger on the forest and even melting the rails of the track on her way back to Conjur, stared at the pair. Stanton looked terrible. His outfit had scuffs and marks all over it, and his hair was messy.


    The woman with him looked like she was dressed for dealing with messes, though. Leather pants with a sword and wands, a shirt that in Cassandra''s opinion showed too much of her chest, and some light leather pads on her forearms, probably used for fighting. What the woman looked like, though, was low-born.


    There were a few things Cassandra could do about it. She could, at one end of the scale, drop her old form, become a dragon, and turn the city to ash and glass like she had the forest; stomp over there and demand why the woman had kissed Stanton; ignore it and fume quietly; or, finally, she could go and find some annoying rich aristocrat to beat the crap out of.


    Of her options, Cassandra ruled out the first¡ªas much as she disliked the nobles who lived in Conjur, she didn''t want to kill all the commoners. The second had her pause to take stock of it. She''d had a fight with Stanton and then run. Were they even dating in the first place, let alone now? Grumbling to herself, she realized she was already doing the third thing¡ªand it didn''t help. That settled, she turned around and walked away from the pair, the image of them kissing still in her mind.


    <hr>


    Both Stanton and Lorissa turned their heads at the same time and their wands appeared in their hands. Feeling the presence of the dragon, and close enough that they''d be able to see it if there weren''t buildings, they started to move.


    Stanton pointed at an alleyway and started running for it. "Over here. We can change out of sight."


    "Why?" Following him nonetheless, Lorissa ducked into the same alleyway as Stanton and raised her wand at the same time.


    "Repeat this," Swiftpaw said. "By the shining light of goodness, and with the power of virtue. By the purity of my feminine charms, I call on my wand of power to protect the world!"


    Lorissa repeated the words, trying her best not to giggle at hearing Stanton say them too. Only when they finished did the magic take hold of her and¡ªin a blaze of blinding pink light¡ªturn her into that fluffy, tightly suited feline girl that Stanton had first inflicted on her.


    With the change done, though, the earlier powers of deduction, testing of motive, and speed enhanced exponentially. She could almost feel the intent of everyone within a block radius, or so she figured, so she ran up the wall to see where the dragon was.


    Watching as Lorissa ran up a vertical wall using claws she''d apparently sprouted, Stanton instead crouched and jumped¡ªlanding beside her as she reached the top. "Hey, this was a good idea. Look, it''s over that way!"


    Much as Lorissa could have rushed ahead of Stanton, she kept to his pace as they ran across the rooftops. The gap where the street below cut between the buildings worried her at first, but when Stanton took a running jump, she followed.


    Stanton wanted to howl. He hadn''t really cut loose and howled since he was ten, but having someone equally skilled as himself brought it out in him. He opened his mouth and paused¡ªspotting the dragon. "Well, I don''t think we''ll have trouble convincing the city watch that there is a dragon in the city."


    Watching the beast tossing armored guards around like they were toys, Lorissa had a brief moment of absolute panic that she was going to go fight that thing. "This is nuts!"


    "Your wand is more than a wand." Swiftpaw Deathbringer dropped from Lorissa''s neck and then, as she held up her wand to look at it, he jumped up and landed on the tip of it.


    A flash of bright light beside him stole Stanton''s attention. He saw her wand was glowing brighter than the sun, and from the end grew a blade of midnight black steel that¡ªwhen it was done growing¡ªquenched the light. "Alright, that was awesome."


    "That''s Swiftpaw! Are you¡ªOh, he says he''s okay. He is my sword! How cool is that?! Nya!" Her vocal tic went completely unnoticed. "Alright, nya, let''s do this!"


    Aiming himself, Stanton started running for the edge of the last building before the big plaza where the dragon was fighting. Not for the first time was he amazed at how far he could jump as he leapt into the air. But even as he sailed through the air, he knew he wouldn''t quite reach the dragon.


    Landing in a crouch beside Stanton, Lorissa felt the urge to strike a pose with her hip out to one side and her sword held straight up beside her. A glance at Stanton showed him landed in a crouch, one fist planted on the flagstones.


    "You don''t get to come into our town and stir up trouble, dragon!" Stanton straightened up and gestured to the monster. "Why don''t you try taking on someone your own¡ª"


    A pompous werewolf was all Cassandra really wanted. She smiled serenely as she rushed toward Stanton, cutting him off mid monologue with a swipe of her claw. "Would you shut up and just die?!"


    Falling to the training he''d done, Stanton felt reality itself warning him as Cassandra slashed at him again and again. His moves felt sluggish compared to hers, but his precognition gave him the edge. "You know, you would be way better at doing that if you could, you know, hit me."


    "Stand still you annoying, noble, werewolf bas¡ª" It was Cassandra''s turn to be cut off. A white-hot slash of pain down her back caught her off-guard and made her spin around to face the new threat. "A were¡­ cat?"


    "Nya! That''s right! And I''m here to teach you not to play with your food!" When Cassandra reached out to grab her, Lorissa brought her sword around and slapped the limb away. "You need to be faster than that to catch a kitty, nya!" That silly word spurred her on, driving more energy and speed into her limbs so that when Cassandra launched into a flurry of swings, Swiftpaw Deathbringer was there to slap and knock them away every time.


    The worst part, as far as Cassandra was concerned, was that Lorissa looked happy. This wasn''t a hard fight for her, nothing was hard for her. She parried every single strike Cassandra tried¡ªand looked like she was having the time of her life. Cassandra even noticed the werecat''s tail flicking side to side. It hit Cassandra full force that Lorissa was enjoying the fight more than she was.


    The furious intent around the dragon changed, leading Lorissa to back off a step¡ªonly to jump back even further when a lightning bolt hit her. Her fur crackled and stood on end, and Lorissa felt all the muscles in her body dance and fight her commands. No sooner did the lightning end than she felt her whole body go limp and she slumped sideways and down to the stone.


    With Cassandra ignoring him, and seemingly ready to finish off Lorissa, Stanton rushed forward and got a flurry of punches into the small of her back before she could turn and swipe at him. "Why don''t you try that on me?"


    "Don''t mind if I do." Building up her magic for another strike, Cassandra put even more energy into her lightning spell before calling a series of thunderbolts from the sky above. Only, when the magically-stimulated clouds delivered their deadly cargo of electricity, it hit her instead of Stanton.


    It burned her. Normally a dragon''s scales would be impervious to simple elemental attacks, but thanks to the extra energy Cassandra had put into the spell, it scorched angry red patterns all over her shoulders and back.


    "Really now, using magic against a mage? Are you that young a hatchling that you don''t know the first thing about your own element?" Stanton moved fast, dodging around a weak slash to punch Cassandra in the ribs with a fast one-two. When she wobbled a little and bent double, he brought a fist up in a heavily telegraphed uppercut¡ªbut never connected.


    Already done with stupid werewolves and stupider werecats, Cassandra jumped up and away from Stanton''s punch and¡ªwith a strong flap of her wings¡ªtook to the air and struggled to fly. What was worse, she could feel the rush of magic behind her from Stanton preparing spells to pull her back down to the ground, and had to banish them before they could grab her.


    Cursing, Stanton glared at the dragon that casually dispelled his magic. "It''s getting way too good with magic." Putting together one last spell, he slipped an extra special addendum to it and cast it into the sky. Either the dragon didn''t recognize the complex tracking element of the spell or it was too slow in stopping it, because when it shut down the Boggy Mess main spell, it didn''t see the Show Me Where that now bound itself to the monster. "Yes!"


    "Why ''yes'', nya? It got away!" Despite herself, Lorissa was pretty surprised to see how good at magic Stanton was. Redirecting magic was no simple matter, and yet he''d done so using the dragon''s own magic on itself.


    "Look, it was dispelling everything I threw at it. Either that dragon is learning fast or¡ª" His mind racing, Stanton tried to put together the facts with his best guess for what a dragon could do. "Or it has learned enough shapechanging to be able to sneak into the school!"


    Lorissa giggled. "You look like your fur was dyed white. What''s so bad about that? Uh, nya." The little rush of power that accompanied her use of the word was addictive enough that she forewent any embarrassment over the sound.


    "Don''t you see? If the dragon has learned magic at the school, it must have killed one of the other students and is impersonating them. It''s the only possibility!" Stanton turned his head as he noticed someone approaching them. "Sergeant Gaoler!"


    "Thank you for the assist. I wasn''t sure if any of us was going to make it out of that fight with the¡ªthe, uh¡­" He hated to admit it, but there was only one word that described the thing that had attacked. "The monster." But, he wasn''t risking his job by saying it out loud. "Are you, uh, together?"


    "Nya! We sure are!" Lorissa reached out and pulled Stanton against her, purring softly as she looked seductively at his profile.


    "Careful of the sword, uh, Kat." Reaching out his paw, Stanton gently pushed Lorissa''s blade (that he had to remind himself was Swiftpaw) away from where it threatened to cut his dress from neck to hip. Looking at the officer, he said, "Yeah. When I realized that damn dragon was going to be a bit too much for me, I called in Kat here."


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    "I see." Sergeant Gaoler didn''t see exactly. He wasn''t stupid enough to turn down capable assistance, though. "I saw you casting at it. Learn some tricks from your cousin?"


    "A few. Ugh, Stanton is such a nerd, though. When I asked him to teach me magic, he gave me a dozen books and told me to start at the first one. Well, I took some of his books and learned those neat spells that should have been able to gum up its wings, but looks like that was a bust."


    "It''s a shame you don''t know any tracking spe¡ª" Lorissa was distracted from her snark by a kiss on the lips. For a moment her eyes widened at the up-close look of Stanton''s, but then she smiled into his lips and tried to hug herself to him¡ªonly for him to let go before she could properly grapple.


    Blinking in surprise, the sergeant finally realized what had happened. "Oh. Did this interrupt a date? I''m sorry if things didn''t go as planned, but again, thank you for the assistance." Turning, using his back to hide the little smirk he wore, Sergeant Gaoler marched back over to where his guards were recovering from fighting a <s>dragon</s> monster.


    "Well, at least we now have an excuse to kiss when we look like this, nya." Lorissa ignored Stanton''s look of shock and grabbed his hand. "Come on. We need to get our tails out of public areas and back to our usual selves." She paused, feeling a little unbalanced. "Oh! Nya!"


    <hr>


    Landing on the roof of her dormitory, Cassandra snarled at the pain¡ªmostly to her pride. She was in the process of building up her normal self to change to when she felt a prickle of her magic senses.


    Casting a detection spell, she found the culprit. "A tracking spell? When did that fuzzy little witch cast that?!" Preparing to blast it away, she froze in dawning realization. "If it''s an active tracking spell, and it feels active, they will know I dispelled it here."


    Looking down, Cassandra shivered at how close she''d come to telling her enemies exactly where she lived. Calmly, she spread her wings and took to the sky again. Flying, she had learned, was fun. She could soar and glide and dive and simply enjoy being airborne. "I''ll leave the city an¡ªACK!" The urge to monologue had been stronger than her memory of the last time she''d flown (returning from the forest) where she''d discovered what bugs taste like to a draconic palate.


    When she was out over the farmland surrounding Conjur, she flew as high as she could and then finally cleansed herself of the annoying spell that had been tattling on her location. During the flight back home, she held the memory of one very surprised (and foul tasting) dragonfly foremost in her memory¡ªand didn''t open her mouth.


    How the kobolds had built a secret tunnel to the roof of her dorm building, Cassandra would never know. Opening the clever lock, she peeled back the door disguised as a large roof tile, slipped inside, and closed it above her again.


    "They even made it large enough for me to fit down like this."


    It warmed her heart to know her minions thought so much of her. Passing her bedroom exit, she took the ladder all the way down to the tunnels under the city. Filled with power and trying to salve her hurt ego at the defeat, she entered her throne room to find dozens of kobold faces peeking out of side tunnels before they raced to flank her path.


    Reaching out her hands to each side, Cassandra petted the bowed heads of the kobolds as she passed them. Inhaling their worship as if it were the finest smoke in the world, she approached the dais and stepped up to take her seat.


    A throne was more than simply somewhere to part one''s tail. Cassandra knew now the power of sitting on a throne and still being able to see above every other head in the room. She looked toward her minions and asked, softly, "How fares the digging?"


    "Digging?!"


    The angry voice drew not only Cassandra''s attention, but that of all the kobolds present. As one they all rose to their feet and a muted cacophony of blades pulling free of leather sheaths could be heard.


    "Stop!" Cassandra stood, glaring at the newcomer. "Let him come forward. This is the Evil Pig of Evil. He created me."


    The anger of the kobolds turned to worship, the one thing the Evil Pig of Evil could accept to spare their lives for their earlier moment of aggression. "Why are you digging when you only need to beat up one little girl to take over the world?"


    Cassandra slumped back on her throne. "Two! There are two now. Ugh, and the new one is even more annoying. A werecat that uses a sword. I didn''t even know werecats existed! And the werewolf knows magic, too."


    Walking up the steps of the dais, the Evil Pig of Evil glared up at Cassandra on her throne. "And why do you still languish in this form? You could be anything you want, and you stay like this?"


    The accusation took Cassandra aback. She blinked down at her porcine master in surprise. "I could¡ª?" She shook her head. The power bleeding off the Evil Pig of Evil was more than even than she herself possessed. "Teach me, master."


    The Evil Pig of Evil was content with the supplication shown by its creation and her followers. "You are yet young and will grow into your full power with time, but for short periods you can focus yourself and be far more right now, and you do it like this¡­"


    <hr>


    "You were amazing!" Lorissa hugged Swiftpaw Deathbringer to her chest and squeezed him until he faulted and let out a stray purr. "I need to practice, nya. I''m too used to a light, one-handed blade."


    "I am a katana. You are meant to hold me with both hands and slash, not stab." Deigning to purr more, Swiftpaw pressed his midnight black cheek to Lorissa''s neck. "But with my guidance you will cut the very air before you."


    Stanton was trying to ignore the praise Lorissa was heaping onto Swiftpaw in his quest to work out what the path of the dragon meant. "It flew over the city to here, paused, then turned at a sharp angle and flew out into the surrounding farms."


    "So we search out there?" Angel asked, sitting on Stanton''s shoulder while he studied the map on the table.


    "No. That it dispelled the tracker out there indicates it knew it was being tracked. It was a ploy to throw us off its track. No, it learned to do magic at the school¡ªI just know it. The forms of those dispells were the same as the academe teaches, but were a little sloppy. I bet this spot, or somewhere around it, is where the dragon realized it was being tracked." Plopping his paw down on the table, Stanton pressed one claw to the point where the red line changed direction. "So, that means this line"¡ªdeftly using a ruler and pencil, he enchanted it to make a green line with barely a hint of his magic potential, and extended the original path out across the city¡ª"indicates its original heading."


    "So we search there?" Getting a bit bored of the game, Angel floated over to where Stanton''s wand sat on the table. It was in its fully activated form because he was still fuzzy, bedressed, and covered in sparkles. "Why didn''t you change back?"


    "Because I''m trying to get used to how much magic potential I have," Stanton said. "And no, we don''t search. We give all this to the nice sergeant as thanks for not locking us up and asking more questions than any of us want to answer."


    Lorissa laughed. "Nya! That''s so weird to do. As an adventurer, I tended to keep out of the law''s way and let them go about their business. I didn''t deal with any when I was a brigand, but I was fairly happy not to see them then, either. And, now, we''re going to go and play nice, nya."


    "There''s probably a few hundred individual homes along that line, Kat, and neither of us¡ª"


    "The Amazing, nya." When Stanton lifted his head and stared at her, Lorissa was grinning enough to show a little of her fangs. "The Amazing Kat."


    "I''m not calling you all that. What if we''re in a fight? I need something short I can shout out," Stanton said.


    Purring, Lorissa beamed at Stanton. "Okay, Lulu."


    "See! Isn''t that easier to say than Super Lupine Girl?" Stanton tried his best to ignore the look of surprise on Lorissa''s face. "If things get tight, we need to communicate fast. That means short names. You can call me Lulu, but I''ll call you Kat."


    "Purrrrrfect."


    It was quickly becoming apparent to Stanton that no matter what he said, Lorissa would always find a way to make it suit her own ends.


    "Now that we have that settled," Angel said, zooming in a circle in the middle of the room, "let''s have a slumber party to celebrate!"


    Stanton said, "Oh no."


    Lorissa asked, "What''s that?"


    "Well, we all get cozy in our pajamas and talk about boys and do our hair and¡ªWhy are you both looking at me like I rolled in something nice?" Angel''s eyes narrowed.


    "Because I don''t like boys," Stanton and Lorissa said together, though Lorissa added a "nya" on the end, for obvious reasons.


    "Me either," Swiftpaw said, though he skipped the cutesy nya.


    "Well¡­ Well, you''re all stupid! Boys are mostly kinda yucky, but they''re also really nice sometimes. They help you if you get in a jam, and even take the fall for you if you get up to any wild hijinks." Angel looked between the three, though on her second pass of giving hopeful, puppy eyes¡ªshe skipped Swiftpaw.


    When her efforts to find boy-appreciation among her companions failed, Angel flopped on the nearby table and slumped to her back. "You''re all terrible."


    "But we should have a party," Lorissa said, "because we won! The dragon threw everything she had at us, but we stopped her! Nya!"


    Stanton felt buoyed by the notion. It was true, no one had been seriously hurt despite the dragon getting worked up. "Yeah that¡ªWait. ''She''?"


    Purring, Lorissa reached out and prodded Stanton on the nose with her toebean before he even knew it was coming. "Yes, she. Or didn''t you notice? And here you were so recently admitting you prefer girls. Girls like me."


    "I didn''t really put it together." Waving his hand, Stanton gestured at himself vaguely. "Angel appeared and did this to me. What if another familiar turned some other guy into the dragon?"


    "Then he''s hot, nya." Lorissa flounced onto the couch and squirmed on her back. "She''d look better in a dress, though." She didn''t care if her tail was flicking around like a possessed snake or that the outfit clinging to her was probably doing almost obscene things to some of her curves, Lorissa tilted her head and looked at Stanton. "Nya, you''re not jealous, I hope?"


    "Jealous of you? Nah. I''m sure my dragon girlfriend will always come back to me." As he said it, Stanton was surprised at how good it felt to flirt and joke with Lorissa. He''d only known her a short time, but they''d connected in a way that was literally magical. Also, she''d spent more time cuddled up to his chest than any other girl before her.


    Letting out a surprised mrow at the statement, Lorissa giggled at how silly she''d been to think he was speaking from the heart. "Oh, sure. When''s the wedding?" She was starting to get the hang of acting more feline. Silly cat noises they might be, but she buzzed with energy from them.


    "Next week. Don''t tell Mom, though, unless you want to see what the inside of a dragon looks like." Using a spell to duplicate the couch (but not the catgirl on it), Stanton flopped down as well and looked up at the ceiling with a sigh.


    "Your mom''s a werewolf, then?" Lorissa asked.


    "Do you want to know her full name and titles?"


    Now with Swiftpaw Deathbringer landing on her stomach, Lorissa started rubbing her familiar''s ears. "Sure."


    Purring, Swiftpaw folded sideways and flopped onto his back, twisting himself to ensure Lorissa could reach all the good spots. When her paw strayed to his tummy, though, he raised a back leg in warning. He was as tolerant as the next feline, but if she touched his belly more than twice, she was going to need a new arm.


    Her danger sense spiking as she rubbed Swiftpaw''s belly, Lorissa paused and looked at the way his mouth was opening¡ªeyes rolling back like some kind of fuzzy shark. Carefully, she drew her paw back and changed to rubbing his ears.


    "So, uh, Lady Clarissa Sharptooth-Raveel-Brightfang, knight errant and commander of the Shining Guard. If she came to town, and set herself against the dragon¡­" Stanton shrugged.


    "Nope. She''d never win. It''s how evil villains work. If anyone but the hero and her friends try to beat up the evil villain, the villain will survive and get strong enough to defeat that person." Angel flew over and hovered above Stanton, looking down into his eyes. "If your mom comes here, you have to stop them meeting up."


    Looking up at her, Stanton was about to deeply question how such a thing would work¡ªbut then he remembered the insane amount of magic he could call to his hand now, the fact that a dragon actually existed, and his wand. "Okay. So that goes the same for the guards, right?"


    "Nah. Guards are mooks. She wouldn''t be able to kill them if she tried. The best she can ever do is knock them down. They might need a bandage or two, but they''ll be up and fighting again before she even flies out of view." Floating down, Angel settled herself on Stanton''s tummy the way Swiftpaw had Lorissa''s. "Oh, and don''t even joke about dating the dragon. It''s going to happen at some point. You''ll probably both not recognize the other, meet up, have coffee, and then discover later that the nice girl/guy you were with was your foe. Oh, and you''ll definitely kiss."


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 Chapter 13

    "Lorissa," Stanton said. "I have arranged for her tuition in a general remedial course and a certificate of combat magery." He gestured to Lorissa. "I understand she needs a tutor for the remedial course, and I will fill that role myself. I''ve already talked to my general magery professor and they have okayed it." With each extra bit he added paperwork¡ªfilled out as required¡ªto the stack before the administrator.


    "This all appears in order. Your payment slip is signed and I assume you can assert your own identity Miss Lorissa¡­?" Looking at the woman beside Stanton, the administrator didn''t betray her emotions (or her possession of any proof she could feel them) at all. At the look of surprise, she clucked her tongue softly. "You''ll have to make a declaration to the local lord-magistrate and then return with that."


    "I can''t believe th¡ª" Lorissa started before seeing Stanton''s hand come up.


    "What else?" Stanton asked.


    The administrator reached up and adjusted her glasses. "I am sure I have no idea what¡ª"


    "After the identity paperwork, what would be the next thing you send us out for?" Having heard about the way Cassandra got treated whenever she had to submit paperwork, Stanton had hoped this wouldn''t happen. "Why?"


    "All the required paperwork for admission is required before we can¡ª" The next slip of paper hit the bench before the administrator made her nervous. It was a folded, sealed piece of stationary that she recognized as belonging to the arch-magus dean of the school. Reaching her hand out she began the process of breaking the seal.


    "You don''t have to open it," Stanton said. "You could simply process the paperwork before you and register Lorissa for her classes."


    Hand shaking now, the administrator stared at the folded paper as if it were going to trigger an explosion. "Process¡­" Reaching instead for the paperwork, she triggered her magical duplicator and then stamped the copies one at a time. Finally, she signed the two admission forms, duplicated those, and slipped them toward Lorissa. All that was left on her bench was that letter from the arch-magus dean of the academe.


    Picking up the letter, Stanton slipped it into his jacket''s inner pocket. "Thank you for being so helpful." Only when they were outside of the office did Stanton let out a sigh of relief. "Well, that bluff worked."


    "You were bluffing? She seemed to think the letter was real." An exciting buzz vibrated through her as she realized she was really going to learn magic.


    "It is real. It''s also over a year and a half old. The dean sent me a congratulations letter when I was accepted. I didn''t open it because he''d handed it to me himself, and I didn''t need to read it. Also, I thought it might come in handy as a bluff one day." At Lorissa''s shocked expression, he asked, "What''s up?"


    "You planned to use that letter for a bluff over a year ago?" It was shaking every aspect of her being, so much so that she slipped out a "Nya" too.


    "Kat is leaking there, but yes. I did that because I knew that if I needed to make this bluff one day, I''d need the perfect and unadulterated prop. It can''t even be a prop¡ªit has to be the real thing here, because she would have known the difference. The rest of it was bluffing and building her a way out of her horrible make-work."


    "Yeah, but why? Why all that preparation? Do you have the ability to divine futures?"


    "I''m a noble. We''re born watching our backs and expecting a double-cross before we can even say the word. Worse, I had two different families vying to teach me, which meant using me as a tool against the other. I had to prove to both that I wouldn''t sell their secrets and wouldn''t sell them secrets on the other half."


    "Stanton!" Cassandra spotted her friend walking from the administration wing of the school beside another woman. At first she felt possessive anger rise, but tapped it down quickly. "Hey, uh, you made it back I take it?"


    "Yeah, Lorissa¡ªWait." Halting in his tracks, Stanton lowered himself to one knee before Cassandra. "Lady Cassandra, I so humbly apologize for being an ass and sending mixed signals w¡ªAre you laughing?"


    Trying to stop her giggles, Cassandra waved away Stanton''s attempts to grip her hand and hold it to his lips. "Yes. You''re infuriating."


    Tall, red hair, and a half elf. Lorissa bit her lower lip as she looked over Cassandra. "Stanton, please introduce me to this stunning beauty."


    Cassandra froze in her tracks at the description. For a moment she thought to look around for whom Lorissa might be talking about, but the woman was giving Cassandra the same kind of look she''d seen hungry people reserve for an oversize meal. "I¡ª"


    "Lorissa, this is Cassandra, a good friend and maybe a bit more. She normally goes by Cass. Cass, this is Lorissa. She kinda-sorta saved me when I got kidnapped by a bunch of bandits on the train." At Cassandra''s unbelieving stare, Stanton looked to Lorissa. "She doesn''t believe me. We¡ªWe got in a bit of a fight that I will admit was my fault. She left for a bit and I¡ª"


    "The train got stopped by a terribly handsome brigand and his gang. I fought them off single-handedly," Lorissa said, miming using a rapier. "Even had to use one of my wands." She mimed drawing a wand and firing it. "Of course, he was prettier at the time. Thought I''d found myself the perfect woman to settle down with."


    Losing control of her laughter again, Cassandra picked up what Lorissa was putting down; seeing that her Stanton was not the target of Lorissa''s attention. It placated her to find out this new woman intruding on their circle wasn''t trying to elbow into her attempts at making Stanton into an honest man. Of course, it was about then she realized Lorissa was making those hungry eyes again. "Uh, I guess I should thank you for bringing him home. The academe would be terrible without having¡ª" Stanton was grinning at her in a way that she recognized meant he had her caught about to say something. "Stanton, I went too far and I knew it. I prodded and prodded you, personally, when it''s the system I hate. Sorry."


    Stanton''s mouth fell open when Cassandra spun on her heel and walked away from them. He could move scary-fast, but he wouldn''t dare try to touch her now. "Cass, you want to hang out tonight?" he called after her.


    A bubbly happiness welled up inside Cassandra. She looked back over her shoulder and saw a smiling Stanton¡ªa Stanton that somehow understood her need to vent on his whole social class¡ªand gave him her own smile. "Meet you at my place?"


    "Sure," Stanton said.


    As she walked off from the pair, Cassandra felt comfortable in the absolute knowledge that Lorissa wasn''t interested in guys¡ªand so Stanton wasn''t kinda-not-sorta cheating on her. She grumbled once, a concession to her mercurial draconic emotions, as she rounded the corner. She had to go to her last class of the day and then see what the Evil Pig of Evil had done to her minions. When she''d left, he was so assured that he could make a proper army out of them that he had her believing it¡ªfor the five minutes it took her to walk to school.


    Cassandra''s last class was dragging on, which sounded stupid even in her head and totally not a good pun. It was a required class on magic safety. She totally understood the need for other students to study it, but she was almost immune to her own magic now, so she figured it was a good class to sleep through.


    Not that she actually slept. The class always got interesting when the lecturer got to the bits about how simple screw-ups could cause lots of damage. It was interesting to study them as uses of her magic.


    A glance at the clock revealed it was five minutes before the lecture would end, and the lecturer started winding things up with a brief recapping when there was a knock on the lecture room door. The knocking person opened it to reveal a City Guard uniformed woman. She marched into the room as if she owned it, giving a nod to the lecturer.


    "As some of you may have heard, there''s rumors of a beast in Conjur that is attacking indiscriminately."


    That made Cassandra fume. She hadn''t been indiscriminate, she had only attacked werewolves. Werewolves and that stupid werecat! Werewolves, that stupid werecat, and the City Guard who''d gotten in her way. Werewolves, the stupid werecat, the City Guard who''d gotten in her way, and that noble in the city market. She was fully aware of how stupid that sounded, but it was the point of things. Apart from self defense, she''d only attacked nobles!


    "I''m here to tell you that it''s not a rumor. The facts are, there is some kind of monster, it seems to be masquerading as a dragon, it is able to shrug off direct magic attacks and seems to be able to make some of its own."


    Holding herself in check only through a supreme force of will, Cassandra contemplated the delight of giving up her masquerade, turning into her dragon form, and attacking the annoying guard just to see their surprise. The fantasy was enough to keep her from losing it completely.


    "Do not engage with the creature unless you are cornered. If you must, though, one of our experts has recommended using water magic specifically, which would disrupt their ability to use their own preference, which is lightning. Stay safe." With that, the guard turned and left the room¡ªas the bell sounded an end to the school-day.


    Cassandra let out a sigh of relief. Standing up, she lifted her notebook and pencils and stowed them inside her robes'' hidden pocket. Halfway on her walk home, the sky opened up and it started to pour down with rain. Cassandra worked a quick spell that would zap any raindrops that came near her with enough electricity to vaporize them, and kept walking.


    The crackling of the air immediately above her head, though, was nothing compared to what the thunderheads in the sky were doing. The sound of them and the distinctive smell of ozone made Cassandra''s tail swish in excitement. Which was when she realized her tail had started growing out and was only barely hidden by her robe.


    She couldn''t focus on it enough¡ªnot with the excitement of the storm boiling in her blood¡ªand with a final sigh ignored it and hurried home faster. The last half a block was very hard not to leave her clothes and form behind and soar into the clouds.


    As she reached the front door of her dorms, though, she bit back the urge and stepped out of the storm and into the building. It was easier, once inside, to banish her tail and take back her human form quickly. She vowed to deal with the hole in her underwear as soon as possible and to thank whatever insight drove her to wear a dress rather than pants that day.


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    "Cass!" Stanton was on his feet in an instant when Cassandra walked into the common lounge of the dormitory. "You didn''t get caught in that storm, did you?"


    Snuffing out her spell, Cassandra rolled her eyes. "There was only a little rain and lightning. One is my element and the other can''t survive a little zap. Where''s your new friend?" It surprised her to not see Lorissa with Stanton¡ªshe had assumed they would have been together.


    "She''s got stuff to study. I should too, but I don''t mind spending some time with the most amazing lightning mage in the city." He was laying it on thick, but Cassandra was someone he was comfortable flirting with. She blushed, sure, but Stanton knew how she would react. "So, want to go somewhere?"


    The thing Cassandra wanted to do was grab Stanton, fly high into the sky with him, and show him what it was like to soar through thunderheads on crackling wings. She only realized she''d been caught in a daydream when she heard him clear his throat. "S-Sorry. What?"


    Reaching up to his collar, Stanton adjusted it a little. "Am I really so handsome as to steal the very thoughts from your head?"


    Groaning, Cassandra couldn''t help but laugh at Stanton. "You are the most vain person I know. Come here," she said, reaching out and pulling him to her to hug. It was odd, she realized only a moment after he let himself be gathered up, since she had never initiated this kind of closeness before. He shifted a little in her arms and hugged her back. "I''m sorry about the train. I think this familiar thing might be messing with me a little."


    Careful to not press his restrained breasts against Cassandra''s body directly, Stanton was happy enough to be hugged by not just a beautiful woman, but one he hoped would be a close friend for most of their lives. "Cass, maybe you should see someone about it? I am hardly the best to talk about a weird familiar bond¡ªyou''ve met Angel¡ªbut she hasn''t changed who I am inside."


    Hugging Stanton a little tighter, Cassandra hated that she''d been forced to lie to him. It was part of who she was now, but she couldn''t tell him she was a dragon. It was too big, though, and she needed to get better control. "I''m still me, but I need to work on my control. Remember how we used to joke about magic users who gained traits of their element?"


    "I guess I''m lucky you''re not a fire mage, then. Lightning I can at least ground out and deflect. I don''t know if you flinging fireballs at me would be so easy to deal with." Giving Cassandra one last squeeze, Stanton relaxed his grip and waited for her to do the same. "I''m dreading the next meeting with Mother. She''s going to have a queue of girls lined up, I know it."


    Slumping against him, Cassandra hadn''t realized how much that event¡ªas something definite rather than nebulously in the future¡ªwould hit her. "Stanton?"


    Finding Cassandra heavier than he would have thought, Stanton nonetheless supported her and used one hand to tilt her chin up so he could look in her eyes. "What''s u¡ª" He didn''t get any further. Her lips were soft, full, and the urgency she pressed them against his seemed like she was on fire. Without any say in it, he felt his eyelids flutter closed as she seemed to take more charge of things.


    When she realized she''d leaned Stanton back and was leaning over him, Cassandra shivered a little¡ªbut her draconic side liked being in control. "Sorry," she said, the moment she''d regained her poise and surrendered his lips.


    "Cass, you don''t ever have to apologize for that. I spent a few days dressed as a woman, remember?" After he said it, Stanton realized he''d left out some of the sentiment because of his more unique angle. Pushing on, he hoped she hadn''t noticed. "I won''t claim to know how women think or even how other men think, but Cass, I am not so maladjusted that I can''t enjoy a moment like that with you."


    It stung Cassandra that she could find someone as genuinely nice to be around as Stanton only for him to be not merely noble, but high enough up that ladder as to be impossible to keep for herself. One thing occurred to her, though. She was a dragon. If the system sucked, she just had to change the system¡ªall of the system. No more nobles and peasants. Everyone would be equal¡ªand hers.


    New resolve settled itself in Cassandra. She vowed that not a single ounce of her humanity would get between her and her goal of ruling the country. There were obstacles, mostly right now it was Super Lupine Girl and Kat, but she would be merciless in their next fight. She would pound the two until they lay broken before her. "How long can you delay her for?"


    "Huh? Mother? Cass, what are you talking about? Please don''t do anything rash." Despite telling her to leave well enough alone, a tiny bloom of hope inside Stanton made him bite his lower lip at the very thought of being able to choose who he wanted to marry. She kissed him again¡ªanother possessive one¡ªand then broke the kiss. "Cass?"


    "I''ve got an idea, Stanton. I promise I can help."


    <hr>


    Starting at the start of a magic book was boring, but Lorissa only had to look around Stanton''s study to see all the books he''d read to realize there were going to be a lot of books in her future. It was an acceptable price to pay for being able to use magic.


    She''d forgone the chair, though, since it had an annoyingly solid back that had no room for her tail, and was laying back on the table itself with the book held above her. On her belly was Swiftpaw, but he had earned his place of pride and warmth by dint of being an amazing sword-cat.


    The book was talking a lot about breathing and focusing and doing stuff that wasn''t magic. She huffed. "Nya, this isn''t about magic at all. They must have given me the wrong book."


    Almost getting jostled, Swiftpaw opened one eye and looked up Lorissa''s tummy but couldn''t see her face over the rise of her bust. "What is it about?"


    "Breathing. Picturing places in the body and focusing. Nya. It''s all¡ª"


    "That is magic, but also part of using a sword." Naps, it seemed, were so far out of Swiftpaw''s reach that he was worried he might expire from being awake too long. "The way you use a sword now is inefficient. You swing and poke and do a lot of work without hitting."


    "That''s fencing, nya."


    "No. That is a waste. You are a cat. Superb balance, lightning reflexes, and keen eyesight are your greatest traits. Use them¡ªstrike only once." Lifting a paw out from underneath him, Swiftpaw examined its underside and started to lick it.


    "But they would¡ª"


    "Dodge them."


    "How could I maneuver¡ª?"


    "Use your speed."


    Lorissa paused for a moment to gather her thoughts and not ask another stupid question. When she was confident she had it, she asked, "So how do I make sure that one hit does its job?"


    "You will learn how to hold a weapon with an edge like mine such that one strike is all you will ever need." Jumping down from Lorissa''s tummy, Swiftpaw walked out the door and to Stanton''s bedroom. "Closet, we need a bamboo sword and a training dummy." When the closet didn''t seem to react, Swiftpaw arched his back and stretched. "But first I might need to use my tray¡ªI guess some shoes would be easier." He took one step toward the closet before he spotted a basket of shinai sitting to one side along with a large, upright target made of crossed pieces of wood.


    Understanding that her role for now would be gathering and carrying, Lorissa fetched the basket and the training target, apologized to the closet, and followed Swiftpaw to a room dominated by large padded targets. "Nya, is this where you want them?"


    Her answer was for Swiftpaw to jump up and attach himself to her wand¡ªreforming into a long, slender¡ªand deadly¡ªblade. Confused as to how he would be able to explain things now, Lorissa was about to voice her bewilderment when a ghostly blue-black glow appeared beside her. "Ahh!"


    Only wearing hakama (a cross between a long skirt and pants), his chest bare, Swiftpaw watched as Lorissa hid behind the training target. "It is I, Swiftpaw Deathbringer, and I will teach you the proper way to use a sword."


    Realizing it was her familiar and not an actual ghost, Lorissa perked up and walked closer. He resembled a ghost in that she could see through him, but there was a lot more going on. If there was ever a man (apart from Stanton) that she could call cute, it would definitely be Swiftpaw as he stood. He looked younger than her, she guessed at around eighteen or nineteen, he wore a billowy pair of pants and a pair of odd shoes that seemed to be a flat piece of some kind of wood with slats underneath them. His chest seemed smooth as his cheeks were not¡ªabove his neck, Swiftpaw had a cat''s head with whiskers and fluffy ears she wanted to rub. Behind him a tail swayed slowly. "Hmmm. Yes. You are definitely cute, nya."


    "I am not cute. I am a bringer of ends. A striker from the shadows. I¡ª" Swiftpaw took a step back when Lorissa poked a finger into his chest. "Stop that."


    "Why can''t I touch you?" Lorissa asked, trying again.


    "Because I''m a picture made from your magic. You can''t¡ª Stop that!" Glaring at Lorissa, Swiftpaw waited for her to subside before continuing. "Change into your gi and hakama."


    Looking at the outfit, the pants matching Swiftpaw''s but with a coat-like thing going over them, Lorissa raised an eyebrow. "I''m going to wear my outfit under this."


    "No." Swiftpaw was adamant about this. "Wand, dress her as is required."


    "Wait, I didn''t¡ª!" It was too late for Lorissa. Her wand (now the hilt of her katana) started to glow and she was pulled into the air. Her clothes melted away and a glowing white gi wrapped around her upper body while hakama slipped over her legs and up to her waist. "Wait! Hold it!"


    The light faltered for a moment.


    "At least give me some modesty here. The first time I get hit, this will fly open and I''ll be exposed!"


    Flickering a little, the light manifested a seemingly limitless ribbon of pink light that slipped under the gi and started to wrap around Lorissa¡ªcompletely ignoring her indignant squeal. When it was done, she was plopped back down on the floor as the light faded. She was about to complain about the change, when she realized the wrapping felt like a second skin. "Hey, this isn''t bad. Thanks, wand."


    His eyes closed, Swiftpaw took two deep and completely unneeded breaths before he continued. "Okay. Put your sword back in its sheath and fetch your shinai. That''s the sword made of bamboo."


    Finding a sheath for her blade on her hip, Lorissa sheathed it carefully and then fetched the shinai. "Now what?"


    "Now I teach you how to end lives," Swiftpaw Deathbringer said, sounding as awesome as ever¡ªat least in his own mind.


    <hr>


    After spending several hours practicing stances, swings, and (what surprised her most) meditation, Lorissa was surprised at how good she felt. She had been working hard, yes, but with her enhanced speed and magic, she moved like the wind itself and was ready for even more. "Okay, what next?"


    "Next you stand up and see Stanton. He opened the back door several seconds ago." With that said, Swiftpaw vanished and then erupted from Lorissa''s scabbard to land on the floor beside her as a cat again. "You should keep the gi and hakama on. He will appreciate those."


    When Lorissa walked into the sitting room, Stanton did a double-take at her. "New outfit?" His eyes lingered on her chest a little, hoping the pink ribbons there would part¡ªbut they didn''t, no matter how much she moved.


    "Told you," Swiftpaw whispered in Lorissa''s ear from his place on her shoulder.


    "Oh, this? Like it? Swiftpaw said it was required for learning kendo." She gave a little swish of her hips, though the hakama she wore occluded her curves. Stanton did look, though, which only encouraged her to show off more. "How did it go with you girlfriend?"


    "She''s not my¡ª Okay, she kinda is. Ugh, she''s planning something, but Mom will be organizing my future now that she knows." Stanton walked over to the most comfortable of the couch chairs and did his best to sit down angrily¡ªthough it was more like a flounce.


    "Your mom knows about all"¡ªLorissa gestured at Stanton¡ª"this?"


    "She''s a tactical genius who fought her way up through our house and the military with her strength and cunning. I wasn''t stupid enough to try to outsmart her. Also, I''d rather have her on my side."


    Making sure Swiftpaw had somewhere to settle, Lorissa sat down on the couch and twisted a little to keep her weapon from snagging. "So you give her control of your life?"


    "Yeah. Give and take. All life is a negotiation and social conflict is rife¡ªeven with family. No," Stanton said, "especially with family."


    Sighing, Lorissa narrowed her eyes at Stanton before another idea came to her. "When will you be meeting her again?"


    Alarm bells rang in Stanton''s head. He knew he''d be better at figuring out what for if only he wasn''t getting tired. "Why?"


    "Because I need to be introduced to her, if I''m going to be working with you to beat this dragon." Plans would need to be laid. Lorissa would have bet money that Cassandra hadn''t bothered to meet his mother and talk to her. Besides, she was interested in him and was perfectly fine with his situation.


    A mild panic ran through Stanton as he realized Lorissa was planning things that he was sure he couldn''t predict.


    Available at: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220350/fictions</a>


    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 14

    "So three days?" Lorissa asked.


    She and Stanton were walking to school with Cassandra. It had been a lot of work to settle into the course load for Lorissa, and learn how to fight with a katana, but she threw everything she had at it. The new sword style was interesting, and she was finding so much overlap between the meditation Swiftpaw had taught her to do and what was needed to sharpen her magic that both had become easier.


    "It''ll only be for a day and overnight. And I can use the shortcut since I don''t have any magic to undo." Stanton knew what it would be, though. It would be tea and lunch and afternoon cakes and dinner and supper and drinks¡ªwith a parade of young women and girls. "I''m sure you can both survive without me. If you want, I could make a golem to replace¡ª" He had to dodge the punches from both sides, laughing.


    "One of us should go with him." Lorissa had spent a little time figuring out her angle on this. Stanton might not care if she goes, but she knew Cassandra would be annoyed. "You know, to stop anyone from getting too touchy when they should be looky."


    Clearing her throat, Angel waited until she had everyone''s attention. "I can take care of that!" When Lorissa and Cassandra both looked at her with raised eyebrows, she asked, "What?"


    "Angel," Lorissa said, giving the flying canine a little boop on the nose, "you have done nothing but try to get Stanton dating guys, girls, or anyone you can find. I wouldn''t trust you not to help his mom."


    "I can go with you"¡ªCassandra''s brain shoved a huge YIELD sign in front of her mouth as it realized that would mean she''d have to use the magic-destroying teleporter¡ª"but I am completely snowed under by classwork right now."


    It was exactly what Lorissa had planned for. She had talked to Cassandra about why they hadn''t teleported to and from the party that started the whole mess for herself, and she caught a hint that Cassandra was afraid of the teleporter. "I promise I will not let anyone get within handshake-range of him."


    Stanton tried to explain how that wouldn''t work. "You can''t¡ª"


    "Stanton," Cassandra said, "don''t interrupt. Thanks, Lorissa, I guess you have a good reason to go, too." When Stanton looked at her like she was crazy, Cassandra realized she''d have to explain it. "Lorissa''s into girls, Stanton."


    "Yeah, Stanton," Lorissa said. "I''m into girls." She then made a point of looking over at Cassandra and waggling her eyebrows.


    Cassandra, who was as comfortably straight as she was sure Lorissa was firmly gay, struck a pose with her hip to the side and reached down to pick up a corner of her long skirt to show off a little leg.


    Licking her finger and pressing it to Cassandra''s hip, Lorissa made a hissing sound. "You hear that, Stanton? She is smoking hot."


    Satisfied that her interests were well-served by her friend, Cassandra put her arm around Lorissa''s shoulder and gave her a hug. "Thanks for looking after him."


    "Hey, what are friends for? Besides, it''s not like we want some frail little noble girl scared of her own shadow hanging around with us. It''s bad enough dealing with Stanton in the first place." Lorissa put her arm around Cassandra and gave Stanton her best knowing grin.


    "Ugh. Alright. Lorissa, I''ll get a pass for you. You can bring your cat too if you want. I doubt it will be more than Mother giving me the name of some werewolf girl she''s queued up for me, but if it is, I''d rather have some company to fight off the boredom." With his memory of the last visit still hanging over him, Stanton worked to steer the conversation to classes. "How are you doing with your channeling, Lore?"


    <hr>


    "Didn''t your mom say you were supposed to wear a dress this time?" Lorissa asked. Balanced on her shoulder, Swiftpaw didn''t even bother opening his eyes.


    They were standing in the large central building where the three teleportation pads were situated. The one for people was before them, and the sign above it flicked over a few panels before settling on capital. The conductor at the front cleared his throat. "Gold pass ticket holders for the capital, please step forward!"


    Far from being the only well-dressed folk waiting, Stanton was nonetheless the first (and, including Lorissa, the only two) to step forward. Holding out his little golden medallion, he looked back to see Lorissa fishing for hers. "Are you coming?"


    "Yeah. Did you know this dress doesn''t have pockets? How insane is that?" At a loss as to where her ticket was, Lorissa finally noticed Swiftpaw lift his namesake and let a little slip of gold paper float before her. "Oh, thank you." She grabbed the ticket from the air and sauntered forward¡ªwhich took effort in a dress.


    Watching Lorissa walk toward him was more amusing than arousing, given she seemed in a perpetual fight with the dress as to how far she could stride. When she finally got herself on the platform beside him, he said, "And, if you must know, I have arranged a villa suite nearby mother''s estate in the city. We''ll both get changed there."


    Glaring at Stanton, Lorissa almost snarled, "So I didn''t have t¡ª"


    Then the teleportation spell activated and they were pulled through a rip in space and returned none the worse for wear on a similar platform in the capital city.


    "Ugh, they always cut me off in the middle of a good rant." Lorissa stepped off the platform, her new magical senses making her far more aware of the raw volume of magic needed to send two people and their familiars across the country.


    "Ahem. Would sir wish to register a complaint?" It was his duty to ask, but the conductor hated the idea of ratting on one of his fellows. He knew full well, though, that the pair would have to be gold tickets¡ªwhich meant high nobility.


    "Of course not," Stanton said. "As magic users ourselves, we fully understand the capricious nature of magic. Expediency and consistency is of far greater value than whatever conversation we were in."


    Lorissa blinked in surprise a few times and then chased after Stanton, since he''d used her confusion to escape. "Hey, what you just did back there."


    "Huh?" Stanton asked.


    Cursing soundly at the dress she had on, Lorissa let out a few nyas before catching up to him outside the building. "That whole thing you did. It wouldn''t have mattered if you told that guy they''d cut me off."


    "Lore, the thing with being a noble is that people listen to every word you say. That guy might have been having a bad day, and otherwise be the nicest of people, but if I''d said he annoyed me¡ªhe''d be without a job." Shrugging, Stanton spotted what he''d been waiting for and held out his hand.


    The little two-seated buggy stopped right before the pair. Lorissa did her best to go with the flow and climb up into it with Stanton, but her skirts got in the way and she fell onto his lap. "Ugh, this damn dress. Stanton, I''m taking this off the moment we get home."


    Raising one eyebrow, out of sight of her passengers of course, the driver of the buggy asked, "Where to?"


    Giving directions, Stanton intentionally pulled Lorissa further across his lap, and cradled her in his arms while Swiftpaw made a clawing motion at his hand. "Did you mean it?" he asked, lowering his voice.


    Normally the one to make a move, Lorissa blinked her eyes up at Stanton in her best attempt at innocence. "Mean what, sir?"


    "That you''ll get undressed once we arrive?" Now waggling his eyebrows, Stanton couldn''t help but laugh. "How can you be so bad in a dress?"


    "Like you''re any¡ª Ugh. I hate that I know you''re graceful wearing a dress, and I''ll only console myself with the image of you wearing one." Lorissa finally extracted herself from Stanton''s arms and lap, sliding onto the seat beside him. "I liked it better when I wore the pants and you the dress."


    She wanted to say it out loud, but the driver barely kept the groan and nobles comment under her breath. "We''re almost there, sir, madam."


    Fending off Lorissa with one arm, Stanton reached into his pocket and pulled out an IOU note with his maternal family crest on it. Flicking the pencil from his wrist-sheath, he quickly scribbled down an amount that was a generous tip and pressed his thumb to it. The little paper took a brief trickle of mana to mark it and it was sealed under his name.


    When the buggy stopped, and Lorissa managed to get off the thing without falling on her face, she noticed Stanton pass the driver a note. Making sure that Swiftpaw was cozy on her shoulder, she got clear of the buggy and waited for Stanton before asking, "What was with the note?"


    "Several things. First, she will absolutely recognize my house insignia on it. Second, I paid her above the normal tip, so she will have a second incentive not to gossip about us. Third, the tip also means she knows she can get a bonus next time she sees us. In a world where so many people love to hear their own voice"¡ªStanton had to pause to deliberately ignore Lorissa''s snort¡ª"a little encouragement to spread silence doesn''t go astray."


    "Are we there yet?" Angel asked. She''d been riding in the hood of Stanton''s robes and now poked her head out to look around. "Are we there yet?"


    "Angel, if you ask that one more time, I''m buying a backpack for you that has fasteners on it," Stanton said. He waited a moment to see if she''d ask again before he walked up to the front door of the building and pressed a stone from his pocket to the door handle and channeled a little magic through it.


    "Why is so much stuff using magic? Is this all part of some stupid aristocratic thing?" At this point Lorissa grabbed each side of her dress, pulled her skirts up to her knees, and followed Stanton inside.


    "Yeah, it is. That''s the point for people who want to show off how special they are. They have all this stuff that uses magic, so instantly anyone of lower birth who doesn''t have magic is excluded."


    The tone Stanton used took all the barbs off the words and cast them in a more sarcastic light. "You hate it, don''t you?"


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    "I''ve been friends with Cass for long enough that I think some of her views are rubbing off on me. Some nobles¡ªa lot of nobles¡ªtake a little too much of the privilege and not enough of the responsibility." Walking through to the master bedroom, Stanton drew his wand out of a pocket. "Hey, wand, can I get my wardrobe in here please?"


    With a flash of incredible power two doors appeared on one side of the room where, formerly, there were none. Kissing the top of the wand, Stanton thanked it and tucked it back into a pocket. "Okay, I need something stylish and extravagant! Wardrobe, Angel, what can you get me?"


    Spiraling out of Stanton''s hood, Angel led a trail of sparkles in her wake as she flew to the wardrobe. "Did I ever tell you how much I love you, Stanton? Wait"¡ªstopping dead, Angel turned to look back at Stanton through narrowed eyes¡ª"you do mean a dress, right?"


    "Yes, Angel. I want something big and amazing and absolutely fashionable. Can you do it?"


    Flinging open the doors, Angel shot inside the wardrobe like a fuzzy, lupine missile. Dresses, underthings, accessories, and shoes were all targets to her laser-focus.


    "I heard yelling. Are you okay?" Lorissa poked her head around the corner of the doorway, hoping she might get a peek at Stanton. Seeing that he was still fully dressed as a male, she let out a little huff of disappointment.


    Squinting at Lorissa, Stanton couldn''t stop a big grin as he came up with a plan. "Hey, Angel, once you have my stuff worked out, would you mind getting something for Lore too?"


    Angel launched herself out of the wardrobe under a pile of clothes that she dropped on the bed. "Put these on and I''ll get more for her. I''ll have to account for color matching now. Eeee! And then I get to do your makeup and hair!"


    "What have you done?" Lorissa glared at Stanton. "Now she''s going to pick something even worse than this!"


    "Look, if I offer you a kiss, will you wear a pretty dress for me?" Stanton asked, delivering what he hoped was a sincere and encouraging look. And, with how he recognized Lorissa''s expression of outrage crack, he knew he''d scored a direct hit. "Angel, I want her to look amazing!"


    Lorissa shuddered at another high-pitched squeal of excitement from the wardrobe. "What kind of kiss?"


    <hr>


    They were both wearing amazing, full-length gowns that concealed their feet and had more layers of dress than Angel could actually count. Stanton''s was a deep blue dress while the exposed corset was white and had an exquisite set of ribbons running down the back. He knew this because Angel had made him twirl around before the mirrors. His hair was decorated with cascades of pink and white ribbons, while he sported blue eyeshadow to match the dress.


    Lorissa was practically his opposite. Yellow dress and white corset, a far less vivid eyeshadow but still obviously a slightly sparkling yellow, the ribbons in her hair (that Angel had used magic to make waist-length) were blue and white. She had nibbled her lower lip while Angel did her hair, unused to having so much¡ªbut the blue ribbon was what had her giggling inside. It was as much as announcing there was a link to Stanton. "About my kiss?"


    It wasn''t exactly hard for Stanton to work up to it¡ªLorissa looked gorgeous, after all. He raised one eyebrow and moved in for the kill. Stepping slightly to the side, he put one arm behind her shoulder and steadied her hips with the other before bending down as he tilted her back.


    Too used to being the forward one in a relationship, Lorissa''s heart fluttered at finding herself being treated like a young lady. His lips, when they met hers, tasted of blueberries and a hint of vanilla. She shivered and relaxed into the kiss, her eyes meeting Stanton''s for a moment before fluttering closed. He was an entirely different person; suave, self-assured, and in control. All the times she''d taken the initiative, he''d always felt confused and delicate.


    As he drew back, though, Lorissa''s lips curved into a deep smile and she sighed. "That was worth wearing all the dresses in the world."


    "I''ll hold you to that." Stanton tried to ignore the giddy feeling inside that had only amplified at the compliment to his method. "Come on, Mother will be waiting."


    "She''s waiting for us?" Despite Lorissa''s earlier claim, she was not exactly sure about wearing her current dress, let alone all the dresses in the world. When she took a few steps, though, she found the skirts moving better with her legs than the previous one did.


    "Probably not, but when we arrive she will make sure that I know she could have been waiting. Angel, are you coming?" Stanton asked on his way to the front door.


    Spinning like a bullet leaving a rifled gun, Angel shot out of the wardrobe in a dress that matched Stanton''s before landing on his shoulder. "We need to dress up like this more often!"


    "Careful, Angel, or Mom will have you dressing in court fashion." Opening the door, Stanton held it for Lorissa to step through with Swiftpaw on her shoulder before following them. "And last I looked, that was horrid."


    "It can''t be that bad," Lorissa said.


    "You''ll see. I bet Mother has at least one or two stunning examples there today."


    <hr>


    After a short walk along the street and an even longer one through the gardens of the Sharptooth manor grounds, Lorissa was starting to get a little concerned. "How big is your family again?"


    "You should know, you were the one trying to kidnap one of their scions for fun and profit." Sparing Lorissa a lopsided grin, Stanton gestured to the manor house. "Surely you wouldn''t kidnap a random noble girl without knowing her mother was one of the big commanders of the nation''s military?"


    "You''re not going to let me live that down, are you?"


    Stanton laughed. "Not until you do something crazier. Come on around the side, we don''t want to get caught by¡ª"


    "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth!"


    The shout of his full name, and the particular inflection on it, made Stanton want to roll on his back and bare his throat in panic. "Oh no."


    Narrowing her eyes from the kitchen entrance of the manor, housekeeper Valerie-Anne had been waiting in ambush for her errant charge to return. "You will come here this instant young man."


    As Stanton walked over, he felt more and more as if he wanted to disappear inside his dress. Anyone but his mother and three aunts would slump their tails and accept whatever punishment Valerie-Anne offered, even if she only stood five foot nothing and had not an ounce of lycanthropy in her heritage. "I thought we wouldn''t raise a fuss and go through the¡ª" His sentence was doomed to die an early death; when Valerie-Anne used your whole name, you were not to be accorded any favors.


    "You are here to meet your brides-to-be, Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth, and that means today is vastly more important than you deserve." Her critical eyes ran over Stanton. "Her ladyship Sharptooth already informed me of your situation. While I can''t say I agree with your methods, attempting to repair the last five years of what fashion has done to the prospects of the young ladies of the house is noble enough. Now get yourself around to the front door and make a proper entrance."


    "Yes''m." Stanton knew when he''d been given an olive branch and didn''t question it at all. Scurrying for all he was worth, he reached out for Lorissa''s arm as she got close enough. "We have to come in the front door."


    "Who was that?" Lorissa had to deal with her own grandmother often enough to know that such an authority figure had likely known Stanton all his life, but the way he''d immediately capitulated had shocked her beyond belief.


    "That is the housekeeper Miss Valerie-Anne. When she yells, you do what she says because if she ever lowers her voice to a whisper, you''ll be lucky to be able to walk the next day. She would defeat the dragon in an instant and then demand why I had wasted her time on such an inconsequential thing. She would glare the emperor himself into submission and demand to know why he''d worn his shoes indoors when they had mud on them."


    When they reached the front door, Stanton walked up and saw an unfamiliar young face instead of the footman he remembered from two years back. "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth and Lady Lorissa, here to see Lady Clarissa Raveel-Sharptooth-Brightfang."


    "Right this way, Master Stanton."


    Stanton knew his way around the house. He''d grown up in the manor for half of every year, and spent the early years finding every room, hall, and closet a young man shouldn''t know about, and the latter years using them to hide from Valerie-Anne when she heard his name on the scullery maid''s lips.


    Following along, trying to keep her skirts under some semblance of control, Lorissa noticed that even Angel was more subdued. "How long have you and Angel been together?"


    "Almost six months now. It''s been a weird year for me." Reaching his fingers up, Stanton started petting at Angel''s shoulder so that she started leaning against him, eyes closed. "But some things have made it all worthwhile."


    "Like the power to save the world?" Angel asked, tilting her jaw up to let Stanton''s fingers work under her chin.


    "You knew I''d do anything for that."


    The footman cleared his throat and opened the door into the manor''s arboretum. "Announcing Master Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth and his guest Lady Lorissa." He stepped back and gestured Stanton and Lorissa forward.


    Lorissa wasn''t sure how she counted as a lady, but the inside of the overly large enclosed garden was full of bright colors. Young women stood or sat around the room in a range of things from dresses to the most horridly boyish pants she''d ever seen. In the middle, though, was a woman whose gaze drifted over Lorissa like she was barely there¡ªbefore settling on Stanton.


    Perfectly accustomed to having pride of place in her own home, Clarissa Sharptooth-Raveel-Brightfang looked her son up and down. "Well, you did something right. Who is your friend?"


    Formal, Stanton realized, was how his mother was acting today. What he wasn''t sure of was why. His gaze flicked over the gathered women but came back to his mother. "Allow me to introduce you to my savior!" Stanton turned to the side, took a half step back, and lowered himself down into a curtsy while gesturing to Lorissa. "This wild rose defended me against a swarm of bandits. I was unarmed and without my magic, so she cut down hundreds of filthy curs before carrying me three days back to her village where she nursed me back to health."


    When Stanton glanced her way, Clarissa snorted. "What really happened?" When Stanton''s eyes flicked around, she sighed. "These aren''t your suitors, Stanton. Chase brought his family over and then left them with me while he sought out the city guard to inspect."


    "Why can''t you ever let me lie? I''m told I''m quite good at it." Turning to look at Lorissa, Stanton asked, "I''m quite good at it, aren''t I?"


    "Swiftpaw was right, Stanton, you sell the lie too hard. Don''t give all the details. Let yourself be questioned and have the answers ready to use¡ªbut you do tell a good story." Knowing all too well how he would spill the beans, Lorissa sighed. "I kidnapped your son, planned to hold him for a modest ransom, but gave it all up because he actually proved useful."


    "See, Stanton?" Clarissa lifted the corner of her mouth into a half smile. "That is how you lie. I want to ask questions, to find out how you actually became useful." She then looked at Lorissa, whom she had realized shared a name close to her own. "There are lies there, but I will happily ignore them because your companion seems capable¡ªshe had to be if she managed to drag you to do actual work for a change."


    "You mean he''s always been like that?" Lorissa asked.


    "My dear girl, Stanton learned how to teleport himself when he was four, I''m sure of it. Usually into the arms of one of the house maids, if rumors are correct."


    It was at that moment that Stanton realized he''d made a huge mistake. His mother and Lorissa, apart from having similar sounding names, got along. "There''s a party tonight, right?"


    "Yes, dear, there is. Oh, you''ll not be making a fool of me, but this is mostly to gauge the appeal the young court ladies find in you. You have made this rather more vexing than it was going to be." Arising from her seat, Clarissa walked with purpose to stride around Stanton¡ªinspecting him with all the attention of an officer trying to find a reason to come down on a soldier. "A very good effort, but I believe we can improve."


    "Hey, I did my best! He looks very pretty!" Angel, taking offense at the critique, stood up and glared at Clarissa.


    "Yes, I see that, but I want a few steps past pretty. There will be several young ladies tonight for whom my son should be the apple of their eye, though I am sure if we give him a little more polish, they will practically do battle to be the one to gain his full attention." She reached out and picked up Angel and turned her to look at Stanton. "See, if we brought his hair up a little, we could use it to frame his face and hide some of the sharp lines. A little blush on his cheeks, a touch of magic to his lashes, and I think this foundation you''ve built will have all the window dressing needed to sell him."


    Now staring at a pair of uncompromising faces that were studying his every feature with an eye to improving it, Stanton turned to look at Lorissa. "Lore, can you please help me?"


    "See, the problem there is I make it a point not to fight werewolves," Lorissa said.


    "What?" Stanton''s voice came out in a squeak. Correcting his tone a little, Stanton could feel four arms reaching for him. "Since when?"


    Taking a careful step back, Lorissa smiled as sweetly as the cat who''d caught the canary. "Since about five minutes ago. Good luck!"


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    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 15

    Stanton had to admit that it wasn''t as bad as what he''d feared. When Angel had brought up his magical wardrobe, his mother had insisted he summon it, which had then resulted in further dressing going on as all his cousins started pawing through his dresses. That, however, hadn''t distracted his mother.


    "Mother, I understand why you''re doing this," Stanton said, holding still while Clarissa worked at his hair to pin it up in various ways, "but what I don''t get is why you''re going to all this effort to teach Angel!"


    "If she''s to be your lady''s maid in matters of fashion, she must know how to properly dress you." Having the time of her life, Clarissa had finally admitted that it was enjoyable having a daughter¡ªeven if he had other ideas about himself. "Hold still."


    With more metal in his hair than the average chainmail coif contained, Stanton was finally completed. He stood there, feeling the extra weight of the pins holding his hair in position, and glared at his mother as she looked him over again. "Satisfied?"


    "What do you think?" Clarissa asked Angel.


    Tilting her head in the manner of your typical intrigued canine, Angel gave a little nod. "I worry the blush is too much, but I''ll take your word on it. He''s ready to become someone''s blushing bride."


    Lorissa knew that what was going on was exactly the sort of thing that Cassandra had been terrified of, but Lorissa trusted Stanton not to swoon at the first waif of a high society girl to cross his path. She also knew that fashion wasn''t her thing. The dress was fine, as was her hair and makeup, but discussing fashion was a step too far and she''d have nothing to do with it. "When does this party start?"


    "Guests will begin arriving at six," Clarissa said.


    "That means," Stanton began, "that they are meant to be here at six, but will try to be fashionably late without ruining their chances at being selected. So, probably, any time between six and seven."


    Smiling, Clarissa gave Stanton a nod. "You did manage to learn something about etiquette after all. That will make things easier. So, the plan is that they arrive one by one, they get introduced, and if any of them balk at your dress¡­?"


    "I cut off their head?" Lorissa asked.


    Baring her teeth, Clarissa laughed. "I like your energy. If you had a little canine blood in you¡ªany at all¡ªyou''d be an excellent pick for Stanton."


    It surprised Lorissa to hear. "Too bad all I''ve got is feline, nya." The rush of confidence from using the vocal tics was what Lorissa needed to finally make her move. "Wand, any chance of keeping my dress while you do your thing?"


    Such hopes and dreams, however, were not to be. The flash of bright light and a torrent of magic lifted Lorissa up, twirled her around and, after a brief moment where her modesty was only saved by some exceptionally well placed ribbons, she dropped back to the floor wearing her catsuit-and-skirt¡ªbut now also wrapped in a gi and wearing a hakama around her waist. When Swiftpaw jumped to her wand and formed into the blade of her sword, she was complete.


    Using one hand to guide her blade, Lorissa sheathed Swiftpaw at her side. "Well, nya?"


    It was a surprise for Clarissa to see, and while she normally despised surprises, this one at least looked like it would entertain. Standing up to her full height, she embraced her lupine side. Enchantments about her person stashed her clothing so she wouldn''t ruin it, replacing her dress with her combat armor. Steel plates wrapped her and chain mail grew all about her body in intricate patterns that protected but didn''t hinder movement. She gained nearly two feet in height as the weight of her sword belt settled around her hips.


    Looking down at Lorissa, Clarissa stalked around her in a circle, her aura of menace under a tight wrap. "Curious. A werecat?"


    "Mother, cut her some slack. Some of my magic got hold of her and now she¡ª" Stanton was silenced by a paw as big as his head spreading in his direction. "I''m not ten anymore. That won''t work."


    "Yes, nya, a werecat. Do you have a problem with that?" Lorissa had no idea why, but the hair on the back of her neck was up and her tail felt frizzy.


    As an accomplished fighter, Clarissa took stock of Lorissa''s stance and potential. She had to make a few guesses relating to what kind of feline traits the smaller woman had, but on the whole she expected she could deal with her easily. "We don''t have time to spar, but if you can use that sword half as well as I expect you to, you are a dangerous woman."


    Lorissa had only a moment longer of staring up at the biggest werewolf she''d ever seen before Clarissa was once more a middle-aged lady in a very large dress. Of the corded muscles, armor, and weapons there was no sight. She was about to return to her normal form when Clarissa tossed something at her.


    Time slowed to a crawl for Lorissa. Her eyes locked onto the slight movement of the sweetmeat arcing toward her. In slow motion she drew her sword, entered a striking stance, and brought her blade down. Then she reversed the stroke and cut it in a different direction and, finally, she used the flat of her blade to knock it back toward Clarissa. The dark eyes of Stanton''s mother followed her blade throughout its arcs, though Lorissa wasn''t sure if the werewolf woman could have moved fast enough to keep up with her strikes.


    Clarissa couldn''t have reacted in time to stop the blade¡ªnot in her human form. She did catch the four pieces of canape as it came back toward her, assembling three of them neatly in her hand and popping the last in her mouth. "Your cuts were uneven," she said after daintily swallowing the snack, "but your style is excellent. You''re still training, I hope?"


    The critique and praise surprised Lorissa. She nodded. "Yes, nya. The power that sparked this is¡ª It took the form of a familiar. Swiftpaw?"


    Leaping from the wand-hilt, Swiftpaw landed on Lorissa''s shoulder and looked at Stanton''s mother with the barest hint of respect. "I train her to use me flawlessly."


    Spending a few more moments staring at Swiftpaw, Clarissa let out a laugh. "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth, where do you find these astounding women? First you discover a commoner with so much magic skill that my dear Rufus fell all over himself to arrange her a scholarship. Now you show me a shapeshifter with a sentient blade that moves fast enough that no human could match her?" Clarissa rounded on Lorissa again. "Do you have an ounce of aristocratic blood in you? Even a drop?"


    "Mother, she hasn''t. I would have told you in my last report if she did." Stanton walked over and leaned against Lorissa. "She''s just an amazing woman without any need for validation from us."


    "Alright. Alright. I know when I''m beaten. Keep wearing that, it''s a good look, and my son could use a chaperon." Raising her voice, Clarissa clapped her hands together. "Ladies, our guests will be arriving shortly. You know the plan."


    "Done showing off?" Stanton asked Lorissa.


    "Yeah. Your mom''s a little terrifying when she¡ªshe did all that. Nya." Reaching her hand up, Lorissa gave Swiftpaw a good chin rub that had him melting against her hand. "If you stay there all night, you''re going to have a lot of young women calling you cute."


    Swiftpaw''s terror was followed a moment later by him re-swording himself and diving into Lorissa''s saya (scabbard) at her side.


    "Figured you wouldn''t want to deal with this. Besides, I can''t defend Stanton''s purity without the deadliest blade in the world by my side. Nya! Now we¡ª"


    "Announcing Lady Triana Eyesbright, second daughter and third in line of house Eyesbright!"


    The shout drew eyes toward the door where a young woman stepped into the room. She was wearing a white ball gown but looked somewhat nervous about it. Her steps were slow and careful. The woman was aiming herself toward Stanton like an icebreaker, plowing through the groups of Sharptooth house ladies like an earth-shaping spell through soft mud.


    Drawing herself up before Stanton, Triana dipped a slight curtsy. "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth." As she lowered her eyes a little, she locked onto the odd outfit the woman beside Stanton was wearing¡ªand the huge sword. It stung her curiosity not to be able to just ask who Lorissa was, but tradition dictated where and how she could address such things.


    Third in line, Stanton knew, could become first in very short order among werewolves. Succession meant claws came out and duels were held¡ªat least until the title had actually passed on. "Welcome, Triana. It''s been some years since I saw you last."


    "Indeed, Stanton." Familiar names were allowed at such an event, Triana knew¡ªthey were hunting down prey, after all. "Last time I saw you, you were far more interested in taking dresses off than putting them on."


    "Such are the vestments of power that some are called to wear." Tilting his head to the side, Stanton said, "Lorissa, this is Triana. Or, if she''s spending too much time in the mud, Dirty Paws. Triana, this is Lorissa¡ªa friend."


    "Chaperon," Lorissa said. "You''ve known him a while?"


    "Since he still thought girls were horrible." A chaperon, Triana knew, wasn''t competition. She could also tell that Lorissa and Stanton were friends, given their apparent closeness. Having a mistress as well as a wife wasn''t uncommon, though from what Triana knew it helped if wife and mistress were friends. "What about you? A new friendship?"


    "Savior, actually," Stanton said, trying to insert himself back in the conversation. "Remember the ball a few weeks ago that I attended in a full dress? On my way home, the train was stopped and I was kidnapped."


    "Really?" Triana asked. "Because last I heard, and my information was updated not an hour ago, you were one of the more promising battle mages in Conjur. Was that wr¡ª"


    "Announcing Lady Elspeth Longhowl, heir apparent to the duchy Longhowl!"


    That, Lorissa realized, was what halted her chances of slipping off with Stanton, getting married, and having it stick¡ªa last name that sounded like something a canine would do/have. On the tail of that thought, though, was another: Did she really want to marry a man she''d just met?


    Stanton didn''t know Elspeth, but after Triana slipped away and left him open to be talked at, Elspeth seized the opportunity. She was an only child to a moderately wealthy duchy that was on the frontier. Her mother had gained the title through an act of bravery in some border skirmish or the other¡ªThus elevated above her more simple title, she''d found a more cultured husband and settled down to have a pup. Which is who stood before Stanton, the young woman seemingly capable of cyclic breathing to have gone so long without taking a breath.


    "Announcing¡ª¡ª"


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    Lorissa had slipped aside after the fifth hopeful marched up to Stanton and declared her life story to him. So far, from what she could tell, after greeting Stanton they would then seek out his mother to introduce themselves.


    "You look bored and we haven''t even been here an hour."


    Turning her head, Lorissa saw Triana standing there looking at her. "You could say I wasn''t exactly born into this role."


    "You''re a were-creature. You can''t be too far down the social ladder. Even if you''re common-born, having a fur coat will always open you doors with lower nobles." Triana sighed. "I don''t know why I accepted this. It''s a meat market."


    "And all here for Stanton to deci¡ª"


    "No. Not Stanton. Don''t get me wrong here, Stanton getting along with the girl is important, but it''s Lady Sharptooth-Raveel-Brightfang that will decide whom Stanton will be marrying." Sipping her wine, Triana tilted her head to look back at the matriarch of the room¡ªthey nodded to each other. "And that''s why I''m here with you. You''re here at her sufferance. That you were standing with Stanton means she considers your opinion interesting¡ªor at least others'' reactions to you."


    There was way too much social combat going on in the room, Lorissa decided. "So I''m part of this whether I want it or not? I was just here to stop Stanton from doing something Cass and me''d regret."


    "''Cass''? Who is this Cass?"


    "A friend of Stanton''s. She''s a little more naive. She also doesn''t know about this side of him."


    Triana wrapped her head around the inference and tried to make sense of the answer. "She thinks he''s only a he?" Lorissa''s nod settled more facts into place. "And, I take it she likes him?" Another nod. "But, she wouldn''t be interested in this aspect of him?"


    "She''s straight as a flagpole and thinks Stanton is too."


    "And you''re not?"


    Bowing forward, Lorissa did her best to look formal. "I am most amenable to Stanton''s situation and, if the opportunity presented itself again, I''d throw the fool over my shoulder and ride off to places unknown with him."


    "And if whomever becomes his betrothed is amenable to him having a mistress?" Triana made her move to further secure her claim.


    "I have two shoulders," Lorissa said.


    It was absurd and Triana loved the image it conjured. She started to giggle when she noticed Stanton had Elspeth talking at him again. "Should we save him?"


    "Ladies, please." Clarissa cleared her throat and tapped a wine glass delicately with a golden spoon. "I have given you all time to meet with my son and make an impression on him. I should have recommended bringing morning stars for that." She waited for the polite laughter to clear before continuing. "And, I have made one firm decision: you are all far too smart, well-bred, and gorgeous for me to possibly decide. Stanton, too, isn''t qualified enough to decide. Therefore, I have decided a little contest is in order.


    "The rules are thus. The contest will continue for a year and a day. At its conclusion, each competitor who wishes to continue may make their case as to why they are the superior partner for my son. Duels to the death will be unacceptable. Political, material, and physical battles will all be taken into account. If you wish to withdraw from the contest, please leave the ballroom now."


    Stanton was caught off guard at least as much as everyone else. Courtship contests usually worked the other way around¡ªmany male suitors chasing a young lady''s hand, pitted against each other. Walking over to where his mother stood, he did his best to make his way as self-assuredly as possible; and not like he was a piece of meat dangled before a bunch of werewolves.


    Of the group of a dozen young ladies of the aristocracy, only two left. Clarissa smiled. "Now there will be another chance to back out, of course, but first do you have any questions?"


    Elspeth, now that the boring part of the evening was over, was finally interested in the event. "How much contact with Stanton is allowed? If I kidnap him to my den and teach him to sit and roll over, would that be against the rules?"


    "While not unheard-of in the past, I will ask that Stanton be able to attend his classes in Conjur." Clarissa had expected such a question and it was easy enough to make a ground rule for stopping such actions. Went unsaid, of course, was that there would be two holiday periods of four weeks and three months where he wouldn''t be so required. "Any others?"


    "Is teaming up allowed?" Triana asked, her eyes swiveling to look at Lorissa. She knew she could do much worse than having her prospective mate have himself a canny and powerful mistress. A mistress, after all, could not become a wife.


    Smiling like she would at an enemy soldier across a battlefield, Clarissa nodded. "It is, though there can still only be one first-wife of a noble. I will leave the internal politics of such decisions to any packs that form."


    Stanton looked among the young women still looking at him. He knew what they were dealing with. Some had likely already presented themselves and found no suitors, others might have been holding off for fear of landing in that group, but all of them looked hungry¡ªa marriage to the Sharptooth house was a strong one, one that could set a woman up for a life with her own power. To say nothing of the strong offspring it would produce. "Is that all? No one asking what my favorite food is? How I like to be wooed?" He made sure to give his best clueless girl look to them, getting a few laughs.


    "They have a year and a day to figure that out, Stanton. Any of you who still wish to compete, make your mark on this formal agreement." Gesturing to the side, Clarissa didn''t even look at the magically enchanted paper. The rules were written on there, plainly, and the two clarifications too. It was some fine work by her husband.


    One by one the women walked forward and signed the document. Whilst it was non-binding if they didn''t eventually participate in the judging, it signified their adherence to the rules. The last in line was Elspeth. Stanton was surprised at the complete change in her bearing, but musing over his memory of their conversation he realized she''d covered nearly every philosophy and gauged his opinion¡ªor lack of¡ªon them.


    He was sorely aware that his next year was going to be crazy. Sure these ten women were going to be fighting against each other, but they wouldn''t ignore him and let him be. They would be following him, making sure he knew they were around, and otherwise getting in the way of him dealing with one annoying dragon.


    "Mother?" Stanton asked.


    "Hrmm?" Very pleased with the reaction she''d gotten from the delicate young flowers of werewolf aristocracy, Clarissa looked to her son. "Is something the matter?"


    "You know I''m not going to make this easy for them." He could already see eight pairs of eyes, each turned wolf yellow in his imagination, all gazing at him like he was a cut of beef. The other two, by contrast, were discussing things together. He sighed as Triana came closer. "I''m going to challenge your every attempt now, mother."


    "I''m glad you''re learning, dear." Turning her attention to Triana, who had Lorissa walking at her side, Clarissa smiled sweetly. "You signed up despite your earlier protests? Your mother said you weren''t exactly enthused to seek this union."


    "Lady Sharptooth-Raveel-Brightfang, I am sure you know yourself that a noble must maintain certain hobbies, and the most supreme among those of eligible aristocratic women right now seems to be finding a mate. And, since enjoying the company of rugged young werewolf males has become in fashion lately among other rugged young werewolf males¡ªa lady such as myself has found herself seeking greener pastures. You assured me that Stanton would still be perfectly capable of carrying out his husbandly duties, and that''s honestly all a young noble lady can hope for these days." Triana tilted her eyes toward Stanton, raising one brow. "You can manage that, right?"


    Floating down from the ceiling, Angel alighted on Stanton''s shoulder. "He can, but only for really important stuff. And he has to turn back right away!"


    "Why is that?" Clarissa asked.


    "He loses all his fancy magic if he is a boy again. No magic at all!" As soon as she said it, Angel covered her snout with both paws.


    "Oh, sure. Angel, next time you know the secret to completely disabling my magic, don''t yell it in a room full of crafty nobles." Plucking Angel out of the air with his hands, Stanton hugged her against him. "It''s okay, Angel, nothing to be done for it now. Besides, no one here is the dragon."


    "Dragon?" Triana asked.


    "Dragon?" Clarissa asked.


    Waving a hand dismissively, Lorissa spun a lie. "That''s what Stanton calls this one administrator at the academe. Nya. She was making us do all kinds of stupid work until he bluffed her. She folded like a pair of cheap trousers." Even her own mistruths made her itch now. She explored her feelings and, sure enough, the first words stuck out as a lie but the rest all squeaked by with a bad aftertaste. "So, nya, now that the main event is done, what now?"


    "Now those that aren''t serious about this slink off and make plans," Triana said, eyes flicking to the few women already leaving the room. "Those with half a brain wait to beg their leave of the lady of the house as well as their intended." With that, she lowered her eyes and offered the most perfect of courtly curtsies. "With your leave, my lady?"


    Clarissa nodded. "Of course, Miss Eyesbright. Your house is greater for your place in it."


    It was a good compliment to receive, and Triana put on her best smile as she rose, turned to Stanton, and reached out for his hand. Only catching it by dint of surprise, she raised it carefully and pressed her lips to his knuckles. Not letting go, she tilted her eyes up to catch his own and said, "Until I have the honor of your presence again, my peach."


    Stanton was frozen¡ªstunned by the move. His heart fluttered as Triana gave him one last look at her intense eyes before she walked for the door and out.


    "Cat got your tongue? Nya." Lorissa asked while Stanton was still staring at the doorway.


    "Huh? Ugh. This whole thing has me on edge. I can barely focus." Shaking his head, he looked back to see Lorissa smirking. "What?"


    "You''re forgetting the little knack I have?" Reaching out a fuzzy digit, Lorissa booped Stanton on the nose. "I smelled that lie before you even finished saying it."


    "You can tell when someone is lying?" Clarissa''s ears would have perked up if she''d heard that while in her wolf form. "I might have to avail myself of your services."


    Stanton, starting to pull himself from the confusion of Triana''s treatment of him, rolled his eyes. "Mother, it''s not exactly a rare talent. We could find¡ª"


    "There is a difference between hiring a known professional and having a young lady at my side whom I have asked to join me in tea on a sunny day while I discuss things with someone I suspect of being untruthful."


    "On one condition, your ladyship." Lorissa waited until she had the woman''s full attention. "I already have a good mentor for sword training, but unarmed¡­"


    "Easily arranged. I''ll secure you a pass for the teleporter and arrange some training time among our own house. Stanton will be able to tell you in advance of any tasks I have." Nodding toward her son, Clarissa was quite pleased with how the night had gone. "Now I fear I must eject you all into the chill night¡ªthere is some trouble brewing to the north and the Emperor has requested my company to ensure the Is are all dotted and the Ts all crossed."


    Departing the house, Stanton chewed his lower lip as he stepped outdoors. In a clear voice he said, "I believe it would be best if we take the teleporter back tonight. We both have classes in the morning after all."


    Lorissa smelled the lie. Neither had classes in the morning and they both knew it. They''d specifically taken a day off to ensure it wouldn''t interfere with class work. She could also actually smell the perfumes of several of the werewolves Stanton had recently become the target of. "Of course, nya, I''d hoped that would have ended earlier. As it is, we''ll be getting a poor night''s sleep if we hurry."


    Relief flooded Stanton and, together, they started the slow walk across the capital. Along the streets lamps burned a soft silvery glow of magelight. In the crook of Stanton''s arm Angel lay, softly snoring while Swiftpaw had remained as Lorissa''s katana blade.


    The moment they reached the inner area of the teleportation building, Lorissa sighed in relief. "I can''t smell them anymore. They actually followed us all the way here."


    "Mother has made this a contest in which there is only one winner¡ªand neither of us can win." Stanton showed his pass to the late night conductor. "Both of us to Conjur, please?" He could see the woman''s teeth clench a little. "Something the matter?"


    "We have cargo to go there. I know your pass is for a¡ª"


    "Just make sure there''s enough room on the pad for us to stand. If there are other things on there¡­" Stanton shrugged his shoulders and looked at Lorissa. "You don''t mind if we double up a little?"


    Snorting, Lorissa shrugged. "You''re asking the woman who is used to riding everywhere by horse if she''s going to be upset at using a teleporter, nya?" The little vocal tick was automatic and Lorissa welcomed the little jolts of energy she got from using it. She turned to the conductor. "Do you need help moving things?" The look of abject horror on the woman''s face reminded Lorissa that being covered in fur implied standing in the capital. "Oh! I''m not¡ª Nya!"


    Putting his arm around Lorissa, Stanton drew her into a hug. "Relax. You''re not a noble, no, but you are on business for house Sharptooth. You don''t have to live up to being a lady of the house, but a little decorum is expected. The workers have this well in hand." As he spoke, Stanton set about palming a few coins. He added to the amount when he saw more workers come out with armfuls of crates.


    When the platform was loaded and Lorissa was standing on it, Stanton approached the conductor. "Please, make sure you give everyone who helped my thanks for your perseverance." Taking her hand, Stanton mirrored Triana''s earlier effect and kissed the back of her fingers before slipping the coins into her palm.


    Walking back to the platform, Stanton grinned at Lorissa and winked where the conductor couldn''t see. "Are you ready, Lore?"


    "I am, nya."


    The conductor waited for the nod from both ladies before she gave the okay to their wizard to activate the pad. When it was clear, she coughed into her hand. "Alright, you lot, get over here. The nice ladies left us a tip."


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    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 16

    "So," Cassandra asked, "what happened?"


    It was getting actively harder for Lorissa to suppress her urge to nya, though when she wasn''t a fuzzy cat she had it much easier. "Some weird old tradition among nobles. It''s not done much anymore, or so Stanton and Clarissa said, but suitors would fight for the honor of marrying a woman. This is¡ªa twist on things."


    "So all I''d have to do is beat up some noble brats and I could marry him?" As soon as Cassandra said it, she realized she''d tipped her hand. "Assuming I wanted to."


    "Come on. We''re not nobles, Cass. Way too much going on with all that for me, anyway. Besides, it was all some kind of contract that Clarissa had them sign. There were rules and everything." Sitting in the school cafeteria, Lorissa had found a bowl of fried meats that the kitchen sold to solve her feline cravings for both small and meaty food.


    Cassandra had noticed an odd thing Lorissa was doing. "Why are you using those sticks to eat with? Why not use a fork?"


    "This?" Holding the chopsticks in her hand, Lorissa shrugged. "My familiar said it would be a good way to learn extra dexterity with my hands. He''s not wrong, either, these are kinda annoying." Despite her protest, Lorissa speared another piece of chicken with them, dipped it in the accompanying sauce, and popped it in her mouth with obvious glee. "This is really good stuff."


    Trying not to get distracted by the food, Cassandra pulled the topic back to what she wanted to hear about. "So a bunch of rich kids duel it out to see who gets Stanton?"


    "They''re not allowed to kill each other, that was one of the rules." As Lorissa picked away at the food, Swiftpaw climbed out of the large pocket she''d had sewn into the inside of her new robes that Stanton had gotten made for her. "You want some of this?"


    As he''d been training Lorissa, Swiftpaw Deathbringer shot out a paw at the right moment, claws extended like an array of wakizashi blades, to dispatch his foe and bring it to its final resting place: his mouth. "This is acceptable."


    "There was another important one, they can''t interfere with his school work." Lorissa made sure to alternate between herself and Swiftpaw. "The rest was all contests between themselves of various kinds. Also, they were all werewolves."


    "Ugh. Can anything in this country function without werewolf nobles getting involved? I take it she isn''t allowing any magic specialists to try at all?" Now angry with the paltry serving of long, stringy pasta she''d gotten, Cassandra stabbed it several times with a fork.


    "I think it''s already dead, Cass."


    "Huh?" Cassandra followed Lorissa''s gaze to her plate and saw what she''d been doing. "Oh."


    Shrugging her shoulders, Lorissa asked, "How long have you two known each other? A while?"


    "Since he moved to Conjur. I tried to hustle him at three-card monte, he lost on purpose for aaaages, then he told me ''double or nothing.'' Damn him, he won, then told me to keep the money but show him the trick I''d used to switch the cards so fast." The memory was a fond one and, despite herself, she calmed. "Then he taught me real magic. Magic that didn''t rely on me being fast with my hands. Turns out we were both good at what the other could teach. He didn''t ask, he just handed me an application form to the Academe."


    Finding a mound of rice under her fried meat, Lorissa started picking at sticky little lumps of it¡ªunsure what it was. The taste, combined with the sauce that the meat had been coated in, was pleasing to her. "Do you want some of this, Swiftpaw?"


    "Normally, non-meat products wouldn''t interest me, but rice is always welcome."


    "''Rice''?" Lorissa asked as she fed him.


    "This is rice. It is a staple from my homeland. Even the cats there eat it." When Swiftpaw lashed out with his eponymous paw, he snagged a few grains of rice on each claw.


    "What I don''t get," Lorissa said, "is why they start serving this stuff now. I''m not complaining, but it is strange." With a sigh as she chewed on the last of her rice, she looked up at Cassandra. "Got anything after this?"


    "Huh? Oh, classes. No. I''m going to practice some things in the casting hall. There''s a new lightning spell I''d like to master." Knowing she''d need the energy of it, Cassandra started eating the weird, thin pasta.


    "I''ll leave you to that, then. Another day, another class on spellcasting ethics." Using a napkin to clean her chopsticks, Lorissa picked up her tray. "I''ll see you later, maybe?"


    "Yeah."


    <hr>


    Stanton''s classes were done by mid-afternoon. He''d seen Lorissa going from her ethics class to one on physical augmentation, and she''d told him about Cassandra''s afternoon of self-improvement. He, meanwhile, was walking around the streets of Conjur trying to find out where the dragon was.


    Most of the city guards were acting nicely, helping him by pointing out any oddness, and generally welcoming him¡ªit helped that he was dressed as Super Lupine Girl. Everything seemed normal until he turned into one of the richer parts of the city and saw a few kobolds in weird, black armor carrying things out of a house toward a hole in the ground. "Hey!"


    Spotting Stanton, the kobolds all entered a panic. It was already bad enough that they had to be out during daylight hours, but spotting the foe that continued to stymie their glorious god-queen was too much. "She''s here!"


    About to charge in, Stanton spotted the Evil Pig of Evil himself stride out of the house on his four trotters¡ªlooking like he owned it. "Put down the goods and surrender! Guards!"


    "Get her, you fools! She''s on her own!" The Evil Pig of Evil gestured at Super Lupine Girl with a trotter. "Remember your training!"


    Stanton had read about the pests. Normally they were isolated in small groups, but from his research on dragons he''d discovered the tyrants tended to attract and use them as labor. "Training isn''t going to help you. Where''s the dragon?"


    He''d barely gotten the words out then the kobolds started attacking him. One or two enemies he could have dealt with, three or four he could hold his own, but as he watched they were pouring out of the hold in the ground until he lost count of them all.


    The kobolds were only armed with clubs, chains, and their own claws, but the fight was slowly turning worse and worse for Stanton. "Angel!"


    Flitting around in the air above him, Angel was in a panic. Stanton''s reflexes and foresight skill were holding back the kobolds, but after a few swings at him each would step back and allow a fresh kobold to fight. "I''m here! What should I do?"


    "Feed me some magic so I can¡ª" As soon as he started working to build a magical blast around him, Stanton felt something smack his power away. Glaring along the length of the slap, he saw the Evil Pig of Evil standing on the raised doorstep across the street looking very happy with itself. "Get help!"


    Zooming up into the air, Angel looked around for help. The city street was deserted. No one else was around¡ªbut when she focused, she felt a pull toward a new construction. An old house had been torn down and there was all kinds of stone and equipment laying around, the workers apparently already starting to build another.


    Rushing into the little office building, she hoped to find something, anything she could use as a weapon. In the dim interior, she looked around. There were tools, which could all be tools in their own right, but the humanoid figure in the darkest corner made her jump. "Can you help my friend? She''s being at¡ª" The shape didn''t move at all.


    Using a pinch of magic, Angel made a little pinprick of light appear and groaned at the iron golem at the end of the room. "Ugh, why can''t you just come to life and help him? Surely there has to be something around here?" She paused. There was potential in the air and, combined with her magic, Angel knew what she had to do.


    Spitting on her palms, Angel flew to the iron golem and pressed her hands against it. "Oh, force of goodness and purity, listen to your faithful, and frankly gorgeous, follower and grant her a deed of creation. Bring forth a mighty warrior spirit to serve and protect Stanton in hi¡ªher mission to save the world from evil!"


    The metal man was too big, too heavy, too simple, and too unfeminine, though, for Angel''s liking. She wrought her magic with all the skill of a trained attack puppy. The raw power of creation shaped and reshaped the iron golem to Angel''s will.


    Angel watched as magic twisted and shrank the iron golem. Panels all over it opened to reveal flashing circuits of electronics spreading throughout the form like worms in rich soil. It''s body shrank and gained curves, lost them, and regained them. Soon a fresh coat of paint gave the metal woman the semblance of skin.


    The question was the first thing the iron golem''s new cogitation network encountered that was external. Magically advanced circuits processed the words into tokens and it derived meaning and intent from them. "What is my task?" it asked, hoping that the being that had created it would also know why it had created it.


    "Save Stanton! You have to protect him!" Angel pointed out the door. The iron golem lit up with two major points of light, blinding Angel for a moment. When she could see again, the golem was right in front of her.


    Now far shorter than its previous height, the iron golem looked like nothing so much as a shiny metal woman in a black and white frilly outfit. At the front it had a petite apron that likely wouldn''t stop much of anything getting on it, and on its shoulders sat a pair of big rocket pods. "What is a Stanton? Locate the target of protection."


    "Stanton! He''s wearing a cute pink dress and he''s fighting a bunch of lizard guys. He needs your help!" Rushing out the door, Angel turned to make sure the golem was following her, only for it to roar into life and fly past with rocket plumes coming from its feet.


    Launching itself into the sky, Battlemaid could use her ultrasonic systems to pierce the buildings and see where the fight was. One lone figure was battling thirty-four much smaller creatures. "Error: designation male not found. Request recalibration. Recalibrating. Figure wearing a dress redesignated as male. Assisting."


    Stanton was on the ground. Kobolds all around him were beating him with their clubs, kicking him, and he didn''t like the way some were getting out some rope as if they intended to tie him up as a hostage. As his worry reached a fever pitch, Stanton heard a roaring sound and huge explosions all around him caused the kobolds (and himself) to panic.


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    "Retreat!" The Evil Pig of Evil called. The robot that was hovering over the fight spraying rockets down on his kobolds was a huge wrench in his plans. "Get into the hole and get ready to fill in behind you!"


    Lifting his head, Stanton watched as Battlemaid landed between him and the hole the kobolds had come out of. "Thanks!"


    Launching one last rocket, a high-yield one that should collapse the hole on the kobolds effectively, Battlemaid turned around and looked at the being it was her sworn duty to protect. "Engaging maid protocols. Greetings, master." Dipping into a curtsy, Battlemaid dipped her head down. "Can Battlemaid assist you further?"


    "''Battlemaid''?" Stanton asked.


    "Yes, master. I am Battlemaid, your cleaner, cook, and multi-weapon-system platform of extreme defense." Remaining with her head bowed forward, Battlemaid froze when a fuzzy finger reached out to the underside of her jaw and, carefully, tilted her head up to look Stanton in the eyes. "M-Master?"


    It was uncanny. Battlemaid looked like a metal-covered young woman. Her eyes seemed a little large, and the rocket pods on her shoulders were more a case of function over form, but Stanton could see not merely a reproduction of a person, but the light of intelligence and innocence in her eyes. "Are you okay? They didn''t hurt you?"


    "Stanton! I made a robot out of a bigger robot and I think it¡ª Oh." Angel flew closer as Stanton reached up to the simulated hair of Battlemaid and brushed an errant bang aside. "Did it help?"


    "She, Angel, and she helped plenty. We should probably go and get the guards to take a look at this to figure out what was going on." Stanton was also sure he would need to use some healing spells at the very least, if not illusions to hide the blows he''d been given.


    Her circuits fizzing with potential, Battlemaid fell back on established protocols so that she wouldn''t do anything problematic. She curtseyed and lowered her eyes. "What would master wish of Battlemaid?"


    "Well, the first thing I wish for Battlemaid to do would be to accompany Angel home and wait for me. I need to talk to some people and want it to be straightforward. Can you fly again?" He had to resist the urge to tilt her chin up once more. His past had been filled with servants who''d thought they shouldn''t raise their eyes to a noble¡ªValerie-Anne, he knew, had talked to many new workers to ensure they didn''t do that. Now he''d have to start over.


    Standing tall, a slight smile pulling at the corners of her mouth, Battlemaid gave a nod. "Yes, master!" She then fired a net at Angel, reeling the panicking familiar in before activating her rockets and launching into the sky.


    Staring in mute shock, Stanton let out a sigh. "So much for her keeping a low profile. On well, it will give Angel something to complain about." Looking up and down the deserted road, he shrugged and started running toward the nearest guard tower.


    After explaining himself four times, Stanton finally dropped Sergeant Gaoler''s name and got an escort to the sergeant''s office. When finally standing in front of him, Stanton waited for him to read the paperwork handed to him.


    "You reported finding over a dozen kobolds raiding a house in Firth street?" The details were plain enough, though it was an unbelievable report all the same.


    Stanton was sure that it was only Louise Silverclaw''s nobility that stopped him from being thrown out on his butt. The sergeant, he judged, wasn''t buying anything. "Yes. They''d dug up from underground and were rifling through someone''s house when I found them. I know, you''re going to say that kobolds wouldn''t be this close to a city and certainly not in those numbers, but you remember that other matter we''ve spoken of? Kobolds are often the minions of dragons, or so the lore on dragons says."


    "The local guard sent a patrol to check over the area." Steven Gaoler sighed. "If it were entirely up to my gut, I''d be filling out paperwork to have an earth mage rip the sewers up looking for them, but protocols are in place for us mere mortals. Maybe you could have your cousin talk to someone higher up about giving us more leeway?"


    One lie. Stanton hated that he''d had to use it at all, and now it was coming back at him to make life more complicated. "I''ll talk to him. He''s still a bit of an ass, but he can be useful sometimes."


    Barely managing to stop himself before adding, like all nobles, the sergeant cleared his throat to cover for his almost faux pas. "I trust you won''t be leaving town and your cousin can get in contact with you?"


    "Yeah. He''s good for that, at least. Sorry if this has been a problem for you. I just¡ª"


    "Ma''am, I wish more citizens were as capable and dedicated to protecting each other as you were. Let me and your cousin worry about the heat I get from up top and you keep dealing with problems you see. You wouldn''t believe how busy it has been already today. There were dozens of small crimes all along the west side of the city." No sooner were the words out than Steven Gaoler put the facts together. "Which could have been a distraction to keep the guards away from the east side, where you found trouble."


    Stanton groaned. "That sounds likely. I''ll try to arrange some way for you to contact me that isn''t¡ª" He was cut off by a knock on the door of the sergeant''s office.


    When invited in, a young female guard saluted the sergeant. "Report from Firth street, sir. There was a subsidence with blackened burn marks around it. One of the mansions there had been broken into but we''ll have to wait for the owner to send an inventory before we can find out what is missing. There were claw marks on the wooden floors."


    Looking at Stanton, Steven Gaoler shrugged. "Looks like your cousin can stay out of this. Alright, we''ll get a mage or two to get down there and search for any cave systems. If we have a kobold infestation, who knows what they have down there. You can go. I''ll be in touch if we find anything."


    Knowing a dismissal when he heard one, Stanton escaped the office and left the guardhouse, giving nods to those he recognized¡ªmostly from the last time there''d been a dragon attack. Walking home, he did his usual evasive things to avoid being followed and, as a final measure, powered down and walked into his home dressed as his usual¡ªmale presenting¡ªself.


    "Master!" Rushing to the door as it opened, Battlemaid curtseyed and dipped her eyes. "Can Battlemaid assist you in any way?"


    "Relax. We beat the bad guys. Well, you beat the bad guys." Turning Battlemaid carefully, Stanton gestured to the sitting room. "Let''s relax and talk about all this. Oh, where are those shoulder¡ª"


    "My unguided rocket pods, master?" Battlemaid was quick to show off for her newest friend. What confounded her the most was proximity to Stanton seemed to make the forward armor of her face overheat. It was confusing in the extreme, given there was nothing there that produced heat in the first place.


    The boxy, warhead-filled weapons had folded out of her back, and left Stanton feeling a little more apprehensive about having her anywhere near his home. "Right, those. Rocket pods?" When she nodded, he continued. "They''re very nice, and I was so thankful you have them, but we don''t need them right now."


    Folding her rocket pods back into her chassis, Battlemaid felt giddy at the praise and followed Stanton into the room he led her to. "Does master require any¡ª" She froze. A single, delicate finger was pressed to her lips. The finger was a manipulating extremity of her master, so she went silent.


    "We need some ground rules, Battlemaid." Even the name was subservient, Stanton realized, yet at the same time implied a lot about her combat potential. "It would please me greatly if you sat with me so we could discuss some matters." Once he was sitting, and Battlemaid was squirming a little beside him, Stanton had an odd thought. "How did you know it was me just now?"


    "Master''s full structural scans have been stored and saved in Battlemaid''s main memory. No matter what camouflage master wears, Battlemaid will always identify her." At a wince on Stanton''s face, Battlemaid concluded that something she''d said had been in error. "S-Sorry! I¡ª" Her speech processors were malfunctioning, she realized, and even while she fought to regain control of them, she wondered if they were the source of the erroneous heat.


    "It''s okay. I understand that it would seem confusing. When I''m dressed like this, call me he or him. If I''m out as Super Lupine Girl, that''s the fuzzy version of me, call me she or her. If it''s just you and me, with Angel, Lorissa, or Swiftpaw too, please call me he or him." Reaching his arm around Battlemaid''s shoulders, Stanton gave her a little reassuring squeeze. "And, if you''re ever confused about it, ask me, but only do so if no one else can overhear."


    The way Stanton had stated it, Battlemaid could assemble things into a simple set of instructions. "I¡ª Battlemaid can manage." She decided it was definitely her speech system causing the overheat. The moment her speech processor had stumbled, her thermal indicators had registered a rise.


    "Great." Pulling his arm back, Stanton felt his hand brush Battlemaid''s for a moment and he paused. "Your skin feels normal. I would have thought your body would be cold."


    "In standby mode, Battlemaid''s temperature can be reduced to almost ambient. The magi-fusion core within Battlemaid produces more heat based on energy output." It was perfectly logical, after all. The more work done, the more energy needed, and the more waste heat produced. "Battlemaid''s rocket pods also require significant energy to remanufacture metal and chemicals into new rockets. This, too, creates more heat."


    "It''s alright. What we need to do, though, is figure out a way for you to be less conspicuous when leaving and returning to my tower. Do you have any way to hide your appearance?" Stanton asked.


    Scanning her systems, Battlemaid let out a little squeak of excitement. "Engaging stealth mode."


    The light around Battlemaid seemed to bend and warp, wrapping her like a blanket and leaving the barest hint of an indication she was still sitting there beside Stanton. He reached out to where he hoped her shoulder was and, when he made contact, her shoulder shimmered a little. "Battlemaid, you are truly an amazing woman."


    Multiple system overheat alarms sounded, but Battlemaid probed them and each concluded that it could continue safe operations so long as combat was not required. Shunting the issues of thermal control aside, she realized her facial controller had made her smile and, when she tried to reset it, got an error claiming she didn''t have a sufficient privilege level. "Th-Thank you." She realized she''d missed something and digitally kicked her vocal controller. "Master! Thank you, master."


    There was a lot to take in with Battlemaid, but Stanton had decided it would all be worth the effort given how the first thing she''d ever done was to protect him. So for her, he was willing to accept that a golem could become fully sapient, far more deadly, and also cute. One of the things that was helping his ability to accept her was her blushing smiles. "Relax. We can figure all this out and work through things."


    <hr>


    The moment Cassandra''s bedroom door was closed she shucked off her robes, stripped out of her clothes, and let go of the tight mental fist she held around herself. Scales unfurling, wings unfolding, talons unsheathing¡ª It was a form of relaxation now. Becoming her dragon-self was more who she was, now, than human.


    She''d commanded her minions to make her clothing that fit, and after several sacks and a few other false starts, she finally had some robes. Pulling one such on, she liked the way the fine orange fabric blended well with her electric blue scales.


    "You have returned to us! Do you like the new clothes? We have more now!"


    "Cleverclaws, you have done well. Where did you find this¡ª Is this silk?" Cassandra didn''t care where they got it from, only that it was now hers. Her handmaiden''s rushed explanation went ignored as Cassandra approached the entrance to her lair. "How is the building going?"


    Honored to be a dragoness'' handmaiden, Cleverclaws basked in the moment even as she replied. "We had to put some of the building on hold while acquiring some things, goddess, but work has resumed. The Evil Pig of Evil assisted us in locating and obtaining some new equipment."


    Curiosity piqued Cassandra''s interest. She wouldn''t follow that up with a direct question, though. Her minions saw her as an all-knowing god¡ªshe didn''t want to dissuade them of that opinion. "Good. And you have put it to good use?"


    "Of course! I will summon the engineers to explain it." She had no clue how it was being used since Cleverclaws had spent all the time since the raid making new outfits for Cassandra. "There was a new development, though. Super Lupine Girl tried to stop us."


    "''Tried''?"


    "With the Evil Pig of Evil helping to stop her magic, we overwhelmed her with attacks. We were about to knock her out and capture her when a flying, metal angel made everything explode. We barely made it back into the tunnels and sealed them before anyone got seriously killed."


    It seemed like every day her minions had a new confusing thing for her to piece together. "How many were not seriously killed?"


    "Only five. They were put back together and brought back to life without any problem. Kobolds are very simply built." The way she put it betrayed Cleverclaws'' own prejudice against more chaotically designed creatures. "Creatures should be more like clothing. Made for purpose with a firm understanding of how they go together, and no extravagant extras."


    It was the first time Cassandra had heard her kobold companion have such conviction about a weird topic. She wasn''t sure if she wanted to hear more or cut out Cleverclaws'' tongue. "So, what did we get?"


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 Chapter 17

    Cassandra looked unimpressed. "A summoning portal? Unleashing demons isn''t going to last long. Nations go to war to stop summoners doing their thing." Demons, much like dragons, were outlawed. Cassandra blew out a sigh, though, as she made that comparison. "So what are we getting?"


    "An old friend." The Evil Pig of Evil was rubbing his little trotters together in glee. "An ancient evil so powerful as to wipe this annoyance of a goody-two-shoes out of reality. A demon prince. A lord of the most evil host." Gesturing to the huge summoning circle engraved on the floor of the throne room, the Evil Pig of Evil paused for dramatic effect. "I call upon you, Aharon, master of conflagrations!"


    The names of demons weren''t typically known, though the various titles were. Enslaver of All was the biggest demon, and his arrival in the world was foretold in many doomsday cults as the end of times. Beguiler of Emotions was a demoness of such unimaginable beauty that tomes spoke of men and women alike removing their own eyes so they could never see anything lesser ever again. There were others, each with horrific explanations for their titles and how the world would suffer were they ever manifest.


    Cassandra knew the legends of the Master of Conflagrations. Were he to be made manifest upon the world, any that raise their hand against him would need to be archmages at the very least to survive with their wards intact. "Y¡ª"


    The portal opened. A gaping hole in reality appeared in the middle of the summoning circle and a furnace of heat radiated from it. Three kobolds fell down and were immediately set on fire.


    "Who dares open a portal to my realm? Step forward, identify yourself, and die!" The words were twisted and warped; the pronunciation of every syllable sounding like it was spoken from too many mouths¡ªeach more alien than the previous.


    "Aharon!" The Evil Pig of Evil stepped forward. "It has been an age!"


    "Pig? Now there''s the last primordial evil I expected to see!" The demon''s voice had normalized and sounded like it had a slightly nasally whine to it. "It''s been what, fifteen thousand years? We should have lunch somewhere!"


    Strutting to the side, the Evil Pig of Evil gestured to the throne room. "Why not here? Aharon, I could really use some help dealing with a pest. A hero"¡ªthe Evil Pig of Evil put as much dripping scorn on the word as he could¡ª"is starting to get annoying. You know how it is; every plan you come up with they have some clutch new power to deal with."


    Aharon groaned and slapped one of his foreheads with a mighty palm. "Don''t I know it! Last century I managed to get a good cult going. They even caught the hero, but right as they were about to kill the last line of defense against evil¡­ You know how it goes."


    "Right? It''s always the same. Anyway, can you come and just stomp her? It''d be a five minute job."


    "Any other millennia, Pig, and I''d be your agent of destruction." The defeat that filtered through the portal was palpable. "But right now I have a problem. I have¡­ a daughter."


    "Huh?" Cassandra felt a rising hint of annoyance at the implication that a woman would be more of a problem than a man.


    "Who is that? A mortal?" Aharon asked.


    "My latest project. This realm had such delightful creatures as dragons. This wonderful young lady wanted power, so I''m giving it to her. As much as she wants." Now it was time for the Evil Pig of Evil to sigh. "But, though she''s doing splendidly, the hero¡ª"


    "My condolences, but I think I have an idea." Smiling, revealing myriad teeth, Aharon cleared his throat and prepared himself. "Gisse Daughter of Desire! Get yourself in here, young lady!"


    Up until now, only the barest hints of Aharon had been visible through the portal. The demon''s scale was such that all Cassandra had seen was fire and the odd gesticulating hand. Now she saw a demon moving into the frame from the left.


    Gisse had tried to walk out, but Gisse was shoved, stumbled, and finally turned to glare at something to her right. "Dad! You are so not doing this!" She was a tall, red-skinned demoness with piercing violet eyes that seemed to glow with an inner fire. Any mortal that sighted her in such a state would be at her complete beck and call if only she exposed so much as a square inch of skin between her chin and her wrists.


    Wearing a thick, loose hooded top, Gisse had what looked like a cozy and fluffy pair of trousers on as well, and wore a scarf around her neck. "Did you turn the heat down, too? It''s freezing here."


    Cassandra blinked in surprise at the visible demon. She looked to be about fifteen, though Cassandra knew that their forms could be very deceiving. "Are we really going to be stuck with¡ª?"


    Whirling around and glaring through the portal, Gisse narrowed her eyes and adjusted the large, round-rimmed glasses she wore. "It looks far too cold there, too. You''re doing this because Mom made you look after me until I am a thousand. Admit it!"


    "Look, Pig, if you keep Gisse busy for another six hundred years, I''ll invest her with enough power to level a galaxy." With that, Aharon pushed his daughter through the portal and said, "Thanks!" before slamming it closed.


    Spinning back around, Gisse''s mood soured even more when she saw the portal was closed. "Open it again." When there was only the sound of shuffling feet behind her, she turned and looked at the assembled kobolds, dragon, and pig. "If one of you doesn''t make this portal open again, right this instant, I''ll¡ª" Cutting off her demand short at the look of surprise on the dragon''s face, Gisse narrowed her eyes. "What?"


    "You look much shorter than you did on the other side of the portal," Cassandra said. Around her, hundreds of kobolds all nodded in agreement. Though they would generally nod to anything she said. She was, after all, a dragon. "Also, I kinda get where you''re coming from. Uh, not the Pit. I mean, having an authority figure beating you down."


    "Ugh! No. You aren''t going to sympathize with me because you weren''t kicked out of your home plane to a literal ice realm where nothing interesting will happen except you getting your butt kicked by some hero because the heroes always win." Looking around, Gisse noticed a complete lack of doors to slam. "This place is terrible." Instinct told her they were underground. With a snap of her fingers, Gisse teleported herself to the surface.


    The night was a little cool, and since the sun had gone down the warm yellow mage lights that dotted the main streets had lit up and provided illumination for the late workers going to their jobs and a few late shoppers picking up end of day bargains.


    Looking around, she shivered and picked a random direction to walk in, pulled her hood up and over her head, and started off looking around. "Why is it so cold here? I''m going to be so angry at Dad when I get home."


    Still shaking, she realized that the people of this plane were mostly fleshy and seemed tolerant of cold weather. They were nothing like the dragon and kobolds underground. "And he gives me all this power to use here and then¡ª" She froze mid-complaint. Looking across the street, she saw a man that stole her breath away.


    Her hearts skipped several beats as she fixated on him, even adjusted her glasses to better see his features. Compared to the demons she saw on a regular basis, and the slaves her father kept, this man was gorgeous. She licked her lips in mute excitement, but then his eyes started to stray toward her and Gisse ducked out of sight behind a corner.


    Tilting to the side, she looked around the edge of the building again and saw the man looking away again. While she watched, though, he gestured into the air above him and created a bunch of flowers out of thin air.


    Gisse gasped in excitement. "He''s not just cute, he''s a wizard." Wheels ticked over and gears started to mesh, then the whole lot stopped working and she let out a little squeak of excitement.


    "There you are." Grabbing the back of Gisse''s hoodie, Cassandra pulled her back into the shadows between buildings. "What do you think you''re doing? If anyone sees your face here, they''ll call the army. This city will get flattened while they look for you."


    "B-But then he''ll have to go." It was what made Gisse look back to catch one last look at the guy¡ªdragging a shocked Cassandra in her wake. The pretty man was gone and the world looked several shades darker again. "I want to smell those flowers," she said in a soft voice.


    "No. Get back. I didn''t even have time to get rid of this¡ª"


    "Dragon!" Stanton, at the opposite end of the alleyway, was wearing his Super Lupine Girl form. Beside him was Lorissa, similarly in her feline form, wearing the gi and hakama that were now standard kit. "You have no chance. Let them go and surrender!"


    "Let who¡ª?" Cassandra looked at where Stanton had gestured and smiled. "Very well. Never let it be said I would put an innocent in peril." Looking Gisse in the eyes, Cassandra whispered, "If you go over there, kiss her, seduce her, we can win thi¡ª"


    When Gisse slapped Cassandra, turned and stalked out of the alleyway¡ªleaving her alone to fight Stanton and Lorissa¡ªStanton couldn''t help but laugh. "No one likes a tyrant, dragon. The people have spoken. Surrender without causing any bloodshed and I will make sure the law goes lenient on you."


    Smarting from the slap¡ªcoming from a powerful demon as it was¡ªCassandra turned back to glare at Stanton and Lorissa. "Two fuzzy nobles thinking they know what''s best for the working class? You make me sick." Opening her mouth wider, Cassandra let loose with a blast of lightning at the pair.


    Momentarily blinded by the arc, Stanton had pivoted out of the way when he felt the danger coming. Lorissa, however, didn''t have that kind of precognitive ability. He expected her to collapse or worse¡ªinstead he saw her running as fast as she could at Cassandra.


    With her sword still sheathed, Lorissa let her reflexes sing as she dodged two more spells flung her way. She got within striking distance, but a stray talon coming for her face caused her to dodge wide.


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    The tiniest click as Lorissa''s thumb popped her sword an inch from its sheath was all the warning Cassandra had that she needed to move. Jumping back, the deadly blade of Swiftpaw Deathbringer sliced through the air where she''d been a heartbeat before. She wouldn''t be able to use directed strikes, not with Lorissa able to dodge around them with such impunity, so she instead sent a weak, wide-area pulse of electricity out that surged into her opponent.


    All the muscles in Lorissa''s body bound up at once. She clutched her weapon so tightly her knuckles became bone white and, slowly, she folded sideways and hit the ground. It was humiliating and doubly so when Cassandra''s talons grabbed her hair and dragged her upright.


    "Back away, Super Lupine Girl," Cassandra said with as much derision as she could. "Or this fleabag will be learning how to breathe through five new holes."


    Stanton was about to say something, but saw the young woman sneaking up behind Cassandra. He was just about to shout a warning to Gisse when she reached around Cassandra''s body from behind and pressed a glowing, red hand to the dragoness'' chest. "Don''t you ever¡ªever¡ªtell me to seduce someone again." Spreading her wings, she enchanted Cassandra, blowing past her draconic protection against sleep, and let her slump to the ground motionless.


    Staring, trying his best to figure out what was going on, Stanton drew tense as Gisse approached him. "What are¡ª"


    "You''re the hero, right?" Gisse asked. She was already bored, but when Stanton didn''t immediately reply, she nodded back to the unconscious dragon. "I don''t care if you are, and if my dad hates heroes¡ªno one pushes me around. Get your friend and leave."


    Letting Stanton leave with a trembling Lorissa, Gisse got a good grip on Cassandra''s wrist and started dragging her toward a manhole. "I can''t believe I''m even bothering to help you. You let my dad dump me into this world, you then assume I''d just use succubi seduction powers, and then you want my help." She paused. "Not in that order. Whatever."


    Dragons being nearly indestructible, Gisse had no compunction at all in throwing Cassandra down into the sewer, though she followed at a more sedate pace. "And all that on top of interrupting me when I was watching a cute guy. Not that he''s that cute, he just looked nice is all."


    When she alighted on the floor of the sewer, Gisse stopped and grinned for a second. "But he was cute."


    <hr>


    "That was a demon," Stanton said, when Lorissa was able to think straight again and had asked. "A dragon was enough, but did you see how she¡ª Boom, lights out. A dragon! She must be highly ranked¡­" The word was obvious, not that Stanton wanted to say it because despite how effortlessly Gisse had disabled Cassandra, she didn''t act like that word at all.


    "Aren''t female demons succubi, nya?"


    "Not all. Succubi and incubi are the noble tier, though. Kinda like werewolves here." Stanton shivered at the memory of Gisse''s large wings and red skin¡ªwhat little of the latter he had actually seen. His brain was so focused on what he saw that it took him a moment to realize what he hadn''t.


    "So she wasn''t a succubi?"


    "I didn''t say that¡ª Wait, what was I just thinking? Dammit." Stanton slumped back in his seat and picked up Angel. "I want to put protective wards on Battlemaid. Unlike us, the slightest bit of magic can completely overwhelm her. With a demon and a dragon around, things are going to get much worse with magic." Hugging Angel tight, Stanton felt like he was getting overwhelmed.


    Patting Stanton on the cheek, Angel said, "You''re handling this well."


    "No I''m not. I''m falling apart and you''re a terrible liar." Stanton didn''t give up Angel, still hugging her.


    "Stanton?" When he didn''t meet her eyes, Angel prodded his cheek with one paw. "Stanton?"


    "What?"


    "You''re a good girl, Stanton." It was perfectly crafted to strike him, and strike him Angel''s barb did. His eyes widened for the barest moment, and she was sure she heard his tail swish twice before the words finished processing and fury overcame him.


    Wanting to throw Angel, Stanton didn''t have to think far to see why she''d said it. "Ugh! We''re leaving. I need to research who that was. There can''t be too many succubi who could even come to our world without making a mess the moment they arrived. Thanks, Angel."


    Lorissa kept quiet on her way home, one hand on Swiftpaw''s hilt. For all her training and practice, she hadn''t been able to do her big move and finish the dragon. Instead, she''d been completely at their mercy.


    Swiftpaw Deathbringer didn''t need her to speak aloud, though, to know what she was thinking. "Faster reflexes. You''re a cat. You could dodge time itself if you noticed it coming. Learn what her magic looks like while she''s preparing it, then dodge in advance."


    "Stanton, nya?"


    "I think you mean Super Lupine Girl, but what''s up?"


    Lorissa had to remind herself that she needed to use his hero name. She still wasn''t sold on having her own. "How do I tell when someone is going to use magic? Swiftpaw said I could learn to spot it, nya, but she didn''t use any of the spell casting I''ve seen in what I''ve been learning."


    "That''s because what you''re learning is first year casting. Since it isn''t offensive, you don''t need to obfuscate it and hide how and what you''re casting. I can show you what to look for, and even enchant you a talisman that will help you see magic itself." Stanton began navigating around the twists and turns they took to throw off anyone who might follow, having to do a little random math in his head to ensure it wouldn''t be the same path he took last time.


    When they reached the rear entrance to Stanton''s tower, Battlemaid opened the door to usher them in. "How did you know we were back?" he asked.


    "Battlemaid tracked master with a homing beacon." It was important, after all, for Battlemaid to know where her master was at all times. "I have a bath drawn for you both. I hope the temperature is to your liking. Dinner will be served at seven."


    "Uh, Battlemaid?" Stanton asked.


    "Y-Yes, master?"


    Lowering himself into a curtsy, Stanton reached out and took her hand, then brought it to his lips. "You are amazing. Thank you."


    All of Battlemaid''s internal overheat alarms started blasting that she was several degrees outside the nominal temperature for non-combat operation. Staring down at Stanton in his wolf form, she couldn''t stop the little gasp of shock as he let go and stood back up. "M-M-Master s-shouldn''t d-d-d-d¡ª"


    "Relax, Battlemaid. I am the master, remember?" He waited for her nod. "And that means I get to compliment you. Oh, and I want to see you later. I think there''s something extra special I can do just for you."


    Optics increasing her field of view without her input, Battlemaid finally connected cause and effect and decided it was her master that kept making her overheat. Somehow. She wasn''t sure of the mechanism. What she needed, since her vocal system was malfunctioning now in addition to her cooling system, was a way to put some space between them. "Activating rocket thrusters!"


    Jumping back before he became a barbecued noble, Stanton watched as Battlemaid shot upward¡ªthrough several ceilings/floors. When the sound of her thrusters ceased, he looked up through the holes and saw her peeking back down. "Are you alright?"


    Looking down through the holes from her position in the attic, Battlemaid spotted Stanton and ducked back out of view. She didn''t trust her vocal system, so used the next best method to contact her master and reassure him.


    When a little folded paper dart zoomed down and expertly dove into Stanton''s hair, he plucked it out and looked at the page. "Battlemaid, this is just the number zero and one over and over. What''s wrong?"


    Swapping to a redundant vocal system in the hope it wasn''t compromised by heat, Battlemaid gave a status report. "I-I-I k-keep over¡ªoverheating!"


    "Stanton," Lorissa said, "every time you go near her, she blushes. Maybe you need to back off a little?"


    "Overheating¡­" Running the thought around in his head, Stanton grinned. "I can help with this overheating. I promise, Battlemaid, I can help you."


    Not wanting to risk damage to her circuits, but trusting her master implicitly, Battlemaid lowered herself back to the ground floor of the tower and kept a good bit of distance. "Please, master, I don''t want to overheat and¡ª" She froze in the most literal sense. "Why is my temperature going down? How is this happening?!"


    Working the cold spell, Stanton smiled and stepped closer, clasping one of Battlemaid''s hands and bringing his other to her cheek. "This is magic."


    Blinking rapidly, Battlemaid could feel her thermal output rising, but no matter how high it was going, her master was keeping it from affecting her. "M-Master¡­" Her eyes shimmered as she looked into Stanton''s face.


    Caught in a spell he hadn''t cast, Stanton leaned closer to Battlemaid and, bringing his lips to hers, kissed her.


    It would have been far more romantic, Battlemaid knew, if Stanton had human lips at the time, but that didn''t change the fact that this was her first kiss and he was drawing it out into a long, lingering affair. Then, after what seemed like an eternity to anyone without picosecond accurate atomic clocks, she realized he was trying to get free but couldn''t.


    His lips freeze-stuck to Battlemaid''s, Stanton struggled with his own panic until he remembered the trick to disengaging body parts from a frozen surface. With careful effort, he lowered the chilling output of his magic and slowly felt his lips warm up enough he could disengage from Battlemaid. Licking his chilled lips, Stanton said, "Wow."


    "M-M-M-More¡ª"


    "More?" Stanton asked.


    "M-More cold please, master!" Battlemaid''s sensors were registering a heating event in her lips, cheeks, and across her nose.


    "Huh? Oh!"


    The heat bled off as cold once again enveloped Battlemaid in its comforting embrace. "Thank you, master." If Battlemaid had come with a tail, it would have been wagging. The chilling spell was exactly what her systems needed to operate even beyond peak capacity. "Can master work this magic on Battlemaid when she is fighting?"


    "I can do better than that. What would be the best method would be to make an ongoing spell that you can manipulate." Lifting his head to look at Lorissa, Stanton saw the biggest feline grin of his life. "What?"


    "You are adorable, Stanton, and I can see Triana is going to have her paws full with you, nya." Lorissa shook and used that moment to shift herself back to human. Not that she minded hanging out as a werecat, but she intended to enjoy her bath¡ªand that precluded fur. "Swiftpaw, do you want to join me in the bath?"


    Jumping down and turning to put himself in the way of Lorissa, Swiftpaw Deathbringer narrowed his eyes and said, "How would you like to be fed a length of bamboo?" then walked off.


    Laughing, she left her familiar, Battlemaid, and Stanton behind, her mind now getting caught on what Stanton was to her. The bath was the main bath in the house. The water steamed and she checked it with one finger before her eyes widened. "This is perfect. Thank you, Battlemaid!"


    "Would master need Battlemaid to attend upon him and mistress Lorissa?"


    Stanton shook his head. "No. You relax and¡ªand thank you. I promise I''ll get you a cooling system and some magic protection before you need to go out and fight with us."


    "Protection? But Battlemaid has laminated armor hard plating." Confusion reigned as Battlemaid tried parsing the sentence again and again. "Is magic protection different from armor-piercing, explosive, and kinetic impact protection?"


    Following in Lorissa''s footsteps, Stanton was acutely aware that Angel wasn''t around for bath time. "A second enemy has revealed themselves. Now, on top of a lightning-wielding dragon, we also have a demon of some variety. Fire magic is common to them, and I don''t know if a simple cooling spell will be enough to stop that."


    It was something different, it seemed, and she had no idea what it was except that her master could make things cold with it. "Oh. Can Battlemaid try to analyze this magic and attempt to integrate it?"


    Walking into the bathroom, Stanton held out his wand. "Wand, you''re the master of clothing and all that. How about going back to being human and getting a nice bathrobe?"


    Unlike Lorissa, who could transform without all the theatrics, Stanton apparently needed rainbows and ribbons and vast amounts of pink light every time he changed. Though, one thing he could definitely say with absolute conviction, his wand knew its stuff. "You are the best, you know that?" The wand seemed to vibrate in his hand.


    Walking to the big tub, Stanton started stepping into it and, when he was up to his knees, slid the robe off and slipped down into the hot water. "Oooh. Battlemaid, this is perfect. Thank you."


    Nodding her head, Battlemaid slipped out of the room and headed for the kitchen. It hadn''t been easy to procure the raw ingredients, but she''d located a vendor who had been willing to trade her foodstuffs for a few rare metals.


    When she had the mix just right, according to the excellent flat-form storage media she''d found, she started to hum as she put the pot in the oven to braise.


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    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 18

    Several blissful weeks had gone by where nothing happened in Conjur. Stanton was able to focus on his schooling and made the cooling system for Battlemaid, as well as her protective wards, a series of extra-credit projects for his philosophy, practical defense, and engineering classes. Two of which he''d decided to take on since they would help him learn more about her.


    So, with Battlemaid''s help, he''d built her a magical cooling enchantment that she was able to insert inside her, that she could actuate by delivering electricity to in varying amounts, that would make her chassis wick out heat at a rate all the more higher because he''d put the full force of his magics into it.


    Walking home from class with his school break starting after three more days of paper reports, he couldn''t help but shake the feeling of being watched.


    The worst part about it was he wouldn''t be able to slip away and become Super Lupine Girl if needed. After doing a fair few twists and turns, he finally gave up trying to give whomever it was the slip and instead decided on confrontation.


    Slipping into an alley just as he had before, Stanton rolled sideways and behind some crates. He could smell his pursuer getting closer, and jumped out when they were passing by. "Why are you following¡ª Triana?"


    "Shh." Triana shoved Stanton back into his hiding place and pressed against him. They only had a few moments to wait for Elspeth to walk past, her sniff the air, then keep going. When the cloying odor of the woman''s perfume left them, Triana let out a groan. "When I heard she was coming to Conjur, I figured I''d tag along and warn you."


    "And spend some time with me rather than her doing it. Nice one, Tri." When he started to move for the entrance of the alley, though, Triana body-checked him.


    "Thanks. Hey, Lore was right, you do shape up pretty good as a guy. Are you using any enhancements?" Knowing full well Stanton''s pedigree, Triana didn''t doubt for a second that he could use magic to alter his appearance.


    "No. That would give the game away. Even an average mage can spot that kind of magic, unless it''s done better than I can do it, and a werewolf would still smell me out." Stanton finally decided he was going to have to push past Triana and did so, letting a little of his Super Lupine Girl strength out¡ªand then he walked right into someone else who stumbled and started to fall.


    Having investigated who was following her totally-not-a-crush that she''d been following around for the last several weeks (rather than help Cassandra in any meaningful way), Gisse started down an alley to see where he and his stalkers were¡ªonly to have him step right¡­


    ¡­into Gisse, and apparently planning to come out the other side. Falling over, Gisse pondered her lot in life as the cutest guy she''d found caught her in his arms, his reaction time somewhat greater than her own. "Oh! Uh¡­"


    "Sorry, I didn''t see you¡ª" And that moment was where Stanton lost cabin pressure, as it were. He realized the glowing eyes were two he''d seen before.


    As Gisse started up at him through her glasses, she realized how close their lips were. It was still about a foot, but it was far closer than they''d ever been. "So handsome¡­"


    Despite the fact he was cradling what he was sure was a succubus in his arms, Stanton felt no malice from her. For all he could tell, she was perfectly happy where she was. "Sorry, uh?"


    "Ahhhh!" The moment ended and the spell broken, Gisse tried to squirm to get upright, only she was off-balance and leaning into Stanton''s arms. "Hi Gisse! I''m¡ª No, that''s not right. Uh? Oh! I''m Gisse! You''re¡ª?"


    "Stanton." Now helping her to rise, Stanton wasn''t exactly sure why, but he was more relaxed now. "Sorry, Gisse, I haven''t seen you around Conjur before. Are you from out of town?"


    Unencumbered by the strong, supple arms that had cradled her, Gisse''s wings picked that moment to spring out and spread, but the narrowness of the alleyway meant they hit the bricks on each side and scraped against them. Without her magic suffusing her, Gisse winced and pulled her wings back in. "Ow, ow, ow."


    If Stanton had one weakness, it was seeing a woman in pain. All Cassandra¡ªas a dragon¡ªhad to do was stub her toe and he''d take pity on her and help. "Did you scrape them bad?"


    "Aww heck. Yeah, I¡ª" It occurred to Gisse again that her crush was standing close and talking to her and he was nice, which made her panic. Turning, she tried to run¡ªonly for her foot to slip on the stone and again she got caught up in his arms.


    Sparing a glance at Triana, who was looking on with a big grin, Stanton looked back into Gisse''s eyes. "We have got to stop meeting like this. People will talk."


    It wasn''t that Gisse didn''t want to be in Stanton''s arms, they were very nice arms and she quite liked the way they held her, but it was beside the point. He was a hunk and she wasn''t prepared to be this confronted. "C-Can you please let me go?" That her hearts were beating way too fast, thundering in her ears, didn''t help either.


    There were dozens of ways Stanton could handle it, but so far she hadn''t actually threatened anyone but the dragoness. Normal, high-born tact wouldn''t work, but if he had to guess then she was a young demon and might be susceptible to charm. "You know, you''re pretty cute for a demon."


    "Wh-Who said I was a demon?"


    "Three things. I''m a trained wizard; you''re rugged up like it''s icy cold when we''re almost to the warm season; but the big one is that expansive wingspan."


    "Oh," Gisse said.


    Stanton dutifully released Gisse, letting her stand on her (admittedly cloven) feet. "If it helps, it was a good disguise. You want to go somewhere and talk about why you''re here?"


    "I¡ª" Looking around for a way to escape, all Gisse''s profane powers slipped from her head as her mind caught up with the conversation. "You''re a wizard? That''s so cool! What magic can you do?"


    Sparing a glance back at Triana, Stanton winked and put his arm around Gisse''s shoulders. "Come on, then. I can show you some neat spells."


    Stanton liked to think he was sensible. Before he''d gotten Angel as his familiar, his life had been reasonably straight forward. So here he was, with a werewolf who wanted to marry him and a demoness who kept stealing glances at him, walking to a local Raveel family restaurant.


    A nod to the waiter and Stanton slipped, with his two acquaintances, into a back room. Sitting down, he looked at Triana Eyesbright. "You can leave if you want. I don''t know how this little friendly conv¡ª"


    "Stanton, not a hope. You must be the singly most interesting person on this plane. I assure you, I want to find out where you''re going if not into a wedding contract with me." Triana leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest. She was grateful she''d picked a more modest travel dress than her mother had wanted her in.


    "Wedding?" Gisse''s eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Triana. "You''re m-marrying him?" Panic crept into Gisse. She looked at the woman and considered if she could defeat her¡ªnot in combat, of course, but in a way that would make Stanton look at her.


    "Maybe. I''m still not entirely sure I want to deal with all this"¡ªTriana gestured at Stanton¡ª"but he cuts a fine figure, wouldn''t you say?"


    Gisse nodded enthusiastically, taking the time to look at Stanton again. "I like his hands. Firm, but gentle."


    "I hadn''t noticed that. Stanton, hold out your hands." Her tone sharp and commanding, Triana was pleased to see him respond. She took one and nodded to the other for Gisse. Feeling his fingers and palm, she sucked on her lower lip. "You''re right. Definitely a good feature."


    At some point Stanton had realized he was being double-teamed by a werewolf and a demon. "Can we get ba¡ª"


    "My name''s Triana. Triana Eyesbright," Triana said.


    "G-Gisse. Oh, Gisse Daughter of Desire."


    It was about then Stanton realized Triana was helping. He made a mental note of the name and title, but wasn''t sure there''d be anything on what seemed like a young demoness.


    "Well, Gisse¡ª It''s okay if I call you Gisse? Please, just call me Triana." When Gisse nodded, Triana smiled. "His knuckles are a little bruised. Odd for a werewolf to have that, but I guess Stanton probably hurt them playing some musical instrument or the other."


    Stanton, of course, didn''t want to say that he''d been practicing fighting with Battlemaid and punching her was literally like punching stone. Pulling his hands back and leaving the pair to talk, he stood and walked to the door. Opening it, he looked outside and saw no one listening but the waiter was standing a good distance away and saw him.


    When the waiter was near, he said, "Can you bring us some entrees, something to share?"


    Slipping himself back in the room, Stanton was greeted by two female faces looking at him with interest plain as day. "What''s wrong?"


    Triana started. "Gisse''s a demon, but she''s really not a bad sort. Quite nice, actually."


    Gisse nodded to this.


    "She thinks you''re cute, and I told her all about the stupid contest," Triana said, with more nodding from Gisse at appropriate moments. "So, she''s on team Triana now. Look, I''m no idiot. Demons have all kinds of crazy powers, right Gisse?"


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    "R-Right!"


    "And I''m no slouch when it comes to beating the snot out of werewolves¡ªnot you of course, Stanton¡ªbut you have a lot of werewolves trying to secure your hand, and I doubt all of them are willing to take no for an answer. That means I might have to throw a few around. Gisse could probably throw them all the way back to the capital."


    "How far is that?" Gisse asked.


    "About half a day by train."


    Gisse was more lost. "What''s a train?"


    "Never mind that. It''s a long way. Days by foot." Triana reached up and brushed some of her hair that''d gotten out of place back. "We can settle it later. Right now, Stanton, know that you now have two shape-shifters and a demon all intent on stopping those others from getting their filthy hands on you."


    Gisse and Triana both looked at each other, then looked back to Stanton, and nodded in complete agreement.


    The food arrived, relieving Stanton of a need to attempt to calm down the pair. They each got a little stack of sandwiches filled with cheese and meat, then toasted on the outside. As he picked one up to eat, Stanton reflected on how good it was to have people know who he was and what he liked.


    Food wasn''t common in the pit that Gisse was annoyed to call home. There, sustenance was gained through draining souls of their vitality and releasing them, though some demons did like to occasionally end one just for the extra spice.


    A vegan demoness herself, she never ate a soul completely. "I can see the meat, but what was the source?"


    "This? This is beef. Cows," Stanton said, opening his sandwich to show her. "The sticky stuff in there is cheese, and the bread is made from grains. On the outside, they soak the bread in duck eggs. It''s really tasty, I promise."


    "Do these creatures have souls?"


    "Very, very small ones," Stanton said.


    Focusing herself on the sandwich, Gisse tried to feed off any soul that might be within it¡ªonly to find there was none. "Oh! There''s no soul in these? Why do you eat them?" she asked, biting down on it. Her eyes flew wide open as the glorious flavor hit her mouth. "Oh." The word came out muffled from her full mouth, but the taste was so good she didn''t think twice about it.


    "I think that''s a yes." Relaxing a little, Stanton tried his best to be non-threatening, but it was a little hard given both women in the room were predators. "So, Gisse, there''s a bit of a reputation for demons here. I''m glad you don''t seem to have earned it, though."


    It was a lead into one of Gisse''s favorite, recent arguments. Gulping down the mouthful of sandwich, she nodded. "Don''t get me wrong, it''s not completely terrible here, but dad kicked me out and told some pig to look after me for the next four hundred years or something, and he wants me to help defeat a hero and help a dragon."


    "A dragon?! So the rumors are right?" Stanton stretched his acting ability as far as he could to make his surprise legitimate. He looked at Triana. "There has been a rumor that there was a dragon roaming Conjur."


    Triana felt more worried now. A demon was a disaster. A dragon was an existential threat. "There haven''t been any dragons for¡ª"


    "Well, there''s one now. She''s tall, shoots lightning, and is an utter bit¡ª" Gisse didn''t let herself finish, taking another bite of the delectable food. She angry-munched on the food, but couldn''t stop her little sounds of delight at how good it was.


    It was weird, but Stanton could see why she was angry and why she''d acted like she had. "I guess demon parents can suck as much as any others, huh?" He didn''t want to talk about the dragon, he knew enough about that to fill a book.


    "Have yours ever sent you to another plane because you were cramping their style?" Having spoken a little harsher than she''d meant to¡ªparticularly to Stanton¡ªGisse was surprised to see he didn''t look upset.


    "Okay, you win. Mine just tossed me out of the house and let the servants raise me until I was old enough for school, then the school raised me until I was old enough to make sense of politics, then they got a tutor to raise me." It was mostly true. He''d barely seen his parents before he was twelve, though when he was that age they alternated teaching him about each half of the family. "I know a few tricks about hiding in a crowd. I can help you keep those wings under wraps a little more, if you want?"


    Gisse blinked in surprise and, though she knew he had only lived a fraction of her own lifetime, Stanton understood her.


    <hr>


    The summoning circle to the demon realm took up half the floor of the room. Profane energies boiled around its edges and, seated in the middle, a demoness sat. Her legs were long, perfect, and the journey up them would have ruined many marriages. The young demoness wore approximately three pieces of fabric no larger than the palm of her hand. Each piece of her attire clung for dear life to her body¡ªthe envy of every man and woman who had a heartbeat. "And then what happened?"


    Kicking her feet in excitement, Gisse let out a little squeal. "He hugged me, asked me if I had somewhere to sleep¡ª He was sooooo cute!"


    "Well, did you bewitch him?"


    Gisse gave her friend a sincerely disgusted look. "Sin! You know I couldn''t¡ªwouldn''t¡ª Ugh. I don''t like doing that. It''s not fair on them."


    "You are such a bleeding heart, Gisse. My mom says if you ate more souls, you wouldn''t be so cold all the time." Syntha looked over at her friend and smirked. "But my mom''s so far up herself she could see hellfire. Still, you should put him through his paces; see what he can do."


    "I know what he can do, Sin. He''s strong, fast, and he knows the best places for food."


    Sitting up on the couch she''d sprawled herself on, Syntha Mistress of Desirous Thighs looked at Gisse and blinked her perfect lashes a few times. "You''ve been on a date?"


    "What? No! Well, kinda. His fiancee was there. She''s nice."


    The repeated sighs were starting to get to Syntha. "Girl, you''ve got it soooo bad. Make yourself look like his fiancee, bind him to you, and then drag him back down here. Even if you don''t want to devour his soul, you could just nibble a bit. You''re not against that now, right?"


    "No. I"¡ªGisse gulped and pulled the huge quilt up and over her nose¡ª"promisedhimIwouldn''t."


    "What was that, Gisse? Because it sounds like you promised a mortal you wouldn''t eat any soul while you''re incarnate on the material plane, but I know you wouldn''t be that stupid because that place is literally free-range souls as far as your fangs can reach!"


    "But he''s so cute, Sin! When he asks something, I can''t stop myself from saying yes. He said he''d figure out a way I could eat without souls." Gisse pulled her legs up to her chin and snuggled herself in her wings and the heavy bedding. "He was so nice, Sin."


    "Gisse¡­" Syntha pulled her rump up the couch and sat up on it. "What can I do to help?"


    "This stupid dragon is doing all kinds of idiotic things. I''m worried she''ll win. Then she''d take over and Stanton would be her slave." Sighing, Gisse looked at her friend. "Can you make something for him that will protect him from whatever stupidity a dragon can do?"


    "Well, the easiest way would be to make him your slave first, then¡ª" Syntha relented at the glare from her friend. "Alright. Ugh. Okay, so we trick the cosmic forces. Enslavement without being a slave. He is bonded to you in a way that makes your powers¡ªand your dad''s powers¡ªprotect him as if he belonged to you. Think that would work?"


    "Dad juiced me up so much, if you could manage that, nothing could touch him." Holding her hands close, her forefingers together, Gisse looked at Syntha. "Can you do it?"


    "For you? Of course, Gisse! You are legit the only interesting being left in this place. Everyone else is either so ancient they might as well be animate piles of dust, or they''re so stupid they can''t get out of the dust''s way!"


    "C-Can you make it a ring?"


    "For his finger?" Syntha laughed when Gisse blushed. "Calm down. I''ll have it ready in a week. Just keep that mad dragon from doing anything stupid until then. Also, Gisse, ask him nice if you can have the smallest nibble of his soul. If he gives you permission, it''s okay, right?"


    "Is it important?"


    "Actually, yeah. You can make such a ring, but it will only work on those you have tasted. All you need is the tiniest bit. He won''t even feel it."


    "Alright!" Gisse slumped back. "I''ll ask him nice. Maybe I should pretend to trip again so he catches me and, when he''s staring down into my eyes, I ask him. He''ll say yes, of course, and then we''ll kiss."


    "Girl, you''ve got it bad. Take him somewhere, show him a good time, have a nibble and give him the ring. It''ll be a magical night and not entirely a demonic soul-binding experience." Grinning, showing off the tiniest hint of her fangs, Syntha kissed her fingertips. "I have to go. Mom wanted me to work farming souls today. Do everything I would do!"


    Gisse rolled her eyes as the portal ended and she was once again alone. Even the chill of not having her own private entrance to her home plane didn''t bother her. She jumped out from below the covers and twirled in a circle, letting out a little squeak of excitement.


    Then a knock at the door completely shattered the moment. She grabbed up her clothes and pulled them on before calling out, "Who is it?"


    "It''s me," Cassandra called through the door. "Look, we got off on the wrong foot. I want to apologize for insinuating that you would use those kinds of powers. I get how bad that bigotry can be. I wasn''t born a dragon, I was a commoner. Even as a dragon no one will listen to what I have to say unless I make them."


    Gisse considered the offer of peace. "Do you promise not to treat me like a succubus?"


    "Yeah. I promise to treat you like a friend should." When the door opened, Cassandra smiled. "Hi. I''m Cassandra. Want to help me beat up an annoying werewolf?"


    "As long as no cute guys get in the way." Gisse couldn''t stop herself from picturing Stanton and giggling. "So, what are we going to do to them?"


    "Well¡­"


    <hr>


    Stanton sneezed. It caught him by surprise, but at that moment he noticed a scent he remembered from his mother''s little party. "Hey, Elspeth."


    Stepping around a corner in the college, Elspeth Longhowl wore an expensive summer dress along with a grin that barely touched her eyes. "Hmmm. Smart and canny. This is why I agreed to this. You, my delectable morsel, were worth hunting even when all I knew was that you aren''t actually male. It''s the perfect solution, you see. I get a high-born consort who bestows all his titles and such onto my child, and I get to pick another father for them."


    "Nnnope. One of the things I agreed to is taking care of that sort of thing. Any pups my wife has will be mine." Stanton stuck his tongue out at Elspeth. "So, what has you in town?"


    "That was your last required attendance for the semester. Your projects are all handed in. All your tests are taken. Come on, you''re going out to dinner with me." Reaching for Stanton''s hand, Elspeth took it in her own vice-like grip and started to turn¡ªonly for him to tug his wrist from her. "What?"


    "I''m sorry, you''ll have to get in line. I''m having dinner with Lorissa tonight." Setting his hand back at his side, Stanton flashed his smile at Elspeth. "And tomorrow I agreed to dinner with¡ª"


    "You will change your plans."


    "No I won''t. You could always talk to Triana about tomorrow''s dinner, but tonight is definitely with Lorissa. We''re celebrating the end of semester. Cass is coming too."


    "''Cass''? That would be your recent female dalliance, Cassandra? Forget the both of them. I don''t share a male with anyone."


    In a way, Stanton had to respect her for her forthrightness and the fact she called him male despite knowing what had happened. At the same time, though, he had no intention of marrying her if he could find a noble insect he could propose to. "Take it up with Triana. I hear she''s no pushover in a fight, though."


    "Fighting who?" Lorissa asked, catching the end of Stanton''s words as she arrived. "Hey, are we still celebrating tonight?"


    "Of course we are. Elspeth was just saying she wants to set up a contest tomorrow to see who gets a more intimate date." Stanton fluttered his eyelashes¡ªsomething he''d been practicing for such an occasion. "Are you in?"


    "Who gets to choose the location? If we''re going somewhere, it won''t be one of those fancy restaurants where you get two mouthfuls for dinner." Lorissa crossed her arms over her chest. "Also, I''m definitely in. Who else?"


    "Myself," Elspeth said, "and I assume Triana will not turn down such a fight. What will be the rules?"


    Stanton didn''t need to do much thinking to put his own spin on things. "That''s easy. You''ll be cooking food. I''ll judge, along with my familiar and maid."


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 Chapter 19

    Stanton was sure he''d said something wrong, but he couldn''t tell what. Hindering the discovery of his error was Battlemaid''s steadfast commitment to not saying anything to contradict him. "You don''t want to be a judge?"


    Battlemaid shook in place¡ªnot shaking her head or nodding, just trembling as her servos felt like they were malfunctioning. She started to run a diagnostic on them when Stanton''s palm cradled her chin and tilted her head to look up at him. "Engaging advanced cooling systems," she said, halfway to a panic.


    The rush of cool relief was momentary for Battlemaid, because Stanton wasn''t looking away. "W-W-W-What''s wrong? Did Battlemaid malfunction?"


    "No, but I want you to be honest, what would you rather do than judge the contest?" Stanton asked.


    Muttering it under her breath (and not because her vocal systems still had slight problems during times of high thermal output), Battlemaid said, "I want to cook for you and go on a date." She was so sure that Stanton wouldn''t hear that she was fully prepared to adjust her vocal modulation and try again.


    "Then you can cook for me¡ªand I will wish you the very best of luck." At the incredulous look Battlemaid gave him, Stanton used his free hand to tap one ear. "Good hearing comes with being a werewolf. If you want to mumble, you''d best shift to a lower voice."


    All the recipes Battlemaid knew flew through her mind, and she shunted them into a relational database and started to add further details. Then she built another database of Stanton''s likes and dislikes, and set about doing a large join query between the two. She ended up with three dishes that she already knew he liked. "I''ll do my best, thank you!"


    When he turned his attention away from her, Battlemaid took the opportunity and ran with it, diving away and out of reach of his soft, strong hands to do a combat roll and flee to the kitchen. She already knew his favorite foods, which was cheating, and she had mastered each already, which also was cheating. Battlemaid, however, hadn''t noticed "no cheating" anywhere on the list of rules.


    So, she considered her options. He had favorite dishes, and while he seemed capable of eating those for every meal every day, she wanted to go above and beyond. He liked sweet things. He liked seafood. She put these facts together and started building flavor profiles based on her knowledge of food.


    When the combinations of foodstuffs that could give the correct output of both seafood and sweet, she had to make choices. "Battlemaid will not be undone by simple mathematics!"


    <hr>


    Gisse was nibbling her lower lip. She had been not-stalking Stanton (which involved not following him around but merely being in the same locations as him) and overheard him talking to Cassandra, of all people.


    "You''re kidding, a cooking competition? What''s the prize?" Cassandra asked, walking along beside Stanton.


    The problem Gisse had was she couldn''t hear what Stanton was saying. She really wanted to move closer and hear his answer, something inside her was certain it was about to become the most important thing in her life. Edging nearer, she pretended to look at a nearby food cart that was loaded with vegetables.


    Plants, Gisse had found out, had tiny little souls that were so small she''d probably be able to accidentally eat a thousand of them and not notice. They''d made her nervous at first, but after coming to terms with it being impossible to eat here and not eat their souls, she''d surrendered a little of her demonic veganism.


    "What?!" Cassandra asked, loudly. "You''re going to be the prize? A date?"


    Gisse tripped and fell over. Her heart raced and she used her lower profile to crawl closer to where the pair were chatting.


    "It was that or have a pair of werewolves openly fight over me¡ªpossibly to the death." Stanton sighed and sipped at the hot coco he''d purchased. "This whole betrothed thing is harder than I thought it would be."


    Cassandra sounded like she was about to go apoplectic. "You have got to be kidding me. How can it be hard?"


    "Surviving it isn''t hard, but making sure everyone around me survives is. Triana is nice. She doesn''t even sound like she minds if she loses me to someone else, but Elspeth is actually scary. If Mother didn''t set the rules she did, I''m sure she''d have killed everyone around me and dragged me off for some mental conditioning."


    Gisse decided that Triana was the right choice. She could never be Stanton''s wife herself, she assured herself, but to have even a moment here and there when he looked at her with those big, gorgeous eyes and whispered to her¡ª


    "Hey, Gisse, what''s up?" Stanton asked when Gisse had fallen over against his leg. "Gisse?"


    "Gisse?!" Cassandra stared at the demoness as she stood up. "What are¡ªI mean, who is this, Stanton?" Her mind raced as she tried to work out how the two knew each other.


    "Oh!" Stanton nodded to Cassandra. "Gisse, this is Cass. She''s been a friend of mine for a long time. Cass, this is Gisse. I know what you''re thinking, she''s a demon, but she''s a nice demon. She even promised not to devour any souls while she''s here and not to consume any non-animal souls."


    "Um," Gisse said, "plants are okay to eat too, right? Only, I can''t help consuming them because they''re so tiny and I feel really bad for them."


    "Hey, Gisse." Reaching down to take her hand, he helped her to a seat beside him. "Unless they''re a person or a familiar, they''re free game as far as I''m concerned. I know it''s important to you, though, so is there anything I can do to help make it easier?"


    It was the perfect opportunity to nibble at his soul, but Gisse didn''t want to reveal her plan to Cassandra. "If I think of something, I''ll let you know."


    Putting his arm around the succubus, hoping she wasn''t using some ultra-subtle mind-control, Stanton gave her a little squeeze. "Make sure you do. I like that you''re putting in effort not to be evil and manipulative."


    Gisse melted. It felt like home to her¡ªbetter than home. She was warm and it had nothing to do with the layers of clothing she wore and everything to do with Stanton''s arm. His words left a mark on her¡ªshe would definitely ask later. But, now, all she wanted to do was stay right where she was¡ªand cook. She lifted her head and asked, "Cooking competition?"


    "Yeah. A bit out of it today? Are you sure you don''t need something?" Stanton asked.


    "Yessss¡­ Wait, what competition? You''re the prize? No, a date!" Gisse''s mind raced through recent events, picking out the important bits. "Warm¡­ Uh, can anyone compete?"


    "You want to have a date?" It wasn''t exactly a surprise to Stanton, but he could see Cassandra''s eyebrows shoot way up. When Gisse nodded, he gave her another little squeeze. "Great. I''d love to try something from your homeland."


    "Demon food?" Cassandra and Gisse both asked at the same time.


    Laughing as the girls stared at each other in surprise, Stanton nodded. "I love trying new things. Don''t get me wrong, there''s nothing better for fueling magic than the high energy street food they sell around here, but I grew up tasting things from all over the kingdom. Tasting food from other planes would be amazing."


    Gisse felt tingly and excited. Cooking food from her home for him¡ª It dawned on her that she didn''t often cook. In fact, apart from the odd soul-sliver sandwich, she hadn''t really cooked at all. "H-How long until the contest?"


    "It''s after lunch today. I need another judge, Cass, if you want to join me in sampling everything?"


    A decision needed to be made, Cassandra realized. She wanted to date him¡ªshe wanted it with every fiber of her being¡ªbut she had no delusions about her cooking ability. Having an army of kobolds, most of which could apply heat to things in meaningful ways, had been a blessing. "I mean, I could save you from those crazy werewolves, but then I''d be no better than them. No. I will be a judge with you."


    "I hope you like weird food, then. Last time I looked, Triana was making some kind of trendy new werewolf food; Elspeth isn''t saying anything, but I bet it''s super traditional werewolf delicacies, which means raw meat; we''re going to have some delicious demon food; and I have no idea what¡ªwhat my maid will make." Unsure why he didn''t say her name, Stanton realized he would have to do the opposite of what he and Lorissa had¡ªshe would need a normal name.


    "Lorissa isn''t competing?" Cassandra asked.


    "I don''t know. Maybe she''ll wind up helping Triana. They''re pretty tight with each other." That''s when it hit Stanton. Triana was, if his current state was anything to go by, into girls. Lorissa was into girls. It was like having a little sorcerer''s light illuminate the top of his head. "Anyway, I look forward to having someone there by my side."


    With those few words, Stanton stole away Cassandra''s worry. She let out a happy sigh that she could, in this one little way, protect him. "So, uh, Gisse. What are you doing in Conjur?"


    Narrowing her eyes, Gisse didn''t have to reach far to realize that Cassandra was hiding her draconic nature from Stanton. She was new to being a dragon, or so Gisse understood, which means old friends wouldn''t know. And, with the reputation of dragons that Stanton had told her (being far worse even than demons), Gisse could understand why she kept that secret. "Ugh. You wouldn''t believe it. I have this annoying dragon that won''t stop bossing me around. I shouldn''t even be here. It''s too cold and I''d rather be home listening to some music."


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    Stanton knew Gisse had some connection to the dragon, and knew the connection was a little sour, but he wondered why she''d bring it up now. "Hey, you don''t have to worry about that. The dragon isn''t here now, you can relax and be yourself."


    "Soooo," Cassandra said, "what''s the deal with that anyway? I hear the dragon was just beating on some nobles or something. Real upper-class types."


    "Not what I heard. There was a bunch of property damage the first time it appeared, when it started a brawl with a werewolf, and then its minions were outright robbing houses." Stanton didn''t want to give away who he was¡ªnot even to his best friend. The fewer people involved, he reasoned, the less danger there was to them.


    "Nobles, I bet." Cassandra didn''t need to bet, she knew the Evil Pig of Evil had been targeting specific homes, looking for the artifact that had let him summon Gisse. "And you can''t tell me that werewolf wouldn''t have started it. You know what it''s like, Stanton."


    He knew exactly what it was like, only he couldn''t say the werewolf in question wasn''t trying to start a fight because that would let the cat out of the bag. "Just because they''re noble means they deserve to be robbed? Cass, you''re not exactly doing it hard¡ªshould someone break in and steal your stuff because you have more than the lowest born?"


    Cassandra was about to raise her voice, let a little of her draconic side slip, and get angry when she realized this was the same path they''d taken on the train. Instead, she sighed. "We always get into these arguments, don''t we?"


    "Yeah. This is better though, right? Realizing we both are getting too worked up?" Stanton asked.


    "Sometimes it''s good to get mad, but not with friends." It warmed Cassandra to know that she could step back like that and not let the dragon out to rage. "So, when does the cooking start?"


    "I arranged for us to use Academe''s kitchens, since there aren''t any students in right now. We have from two until four. So, if you can''t get your ingredients together by then and get done in two hours¡­" Stanton shrugged.


    Gisse''s brain, a highly evolved piece of hardware designed explicitly to take power away from mortals and demons alike, and keep it, was struggling with such short-term goals. It didn''t help that Stanton''s arm was still around her. Then she came to the conclusion that she had about four hours to master cooking and gather the ingredients to make Stanton something from the abyss. "Ack! I need to go get ready!" Reluctantly, she squirmed and wiggled to get out from under Stanton''s arm. "Oh, but to get things from the abyss I''ll need someone to summon them. Uh, S-Stanton?"


    "Hey, Cass, you''re better at summoning than I am. Can you help Gisse with what she needs?" he asked.


    "Uh, sure!" Cassandra tried to avoid giving Gisse a confused look. "Wanna go do that now?"


    "Yeah." Gisse''s reply was at once both excited and bored¡ªa mode of speech she''d perfected on her father.


    After saying their goodbyes, the journey back to the lair was without comment, neither wanting to broach the topic of the other knowing Stanton¡ªnor wanting to explain themselves.


    Finally, Cassandra asked, "So, what do you need me to do?"


    "It will only be a temporary summon, for a few hours, but can you summon this demon." Turning her hand over, Gisse wrote a demonic name on it with her magic.


    "There''s fifteen syllables in that name. Who are you summoning?" Heading to the room where the Evil Pig of Evil had built the summoning device they''d stolen, Cassandra started etching the name into the summoning circle with her magic. She started the chant, not bothering to stop until it had activated.


    The moment the spell finished, Cassandra''s mind went blank and she dropped to her knees. She stared at the goddess before her and wished, with every fiber of her heart, that she could spend eternity worshiping her.


    "Moo-oom!" Gisse glared at the arch-succubus Cassandra had summoned. "Leave her alone. She''s¡ªI can''t believe I''m going to say this¡ªhelping me."


    Flashing her long eyelashes to the kneeling dragon at her feet that she had oh-so-effortlessly taken over, Daemneth Queen of Desire sighed. "Sweetums, they look so tasty. Wait"¡ªshe held up a hand to her daughter¡ª"I know you don''t eat souls, and I respect that"¡ªshe pointed at Cassandra¡ª"but I am not you."


    "Mom!" Glaring at her mother, Gisse finally witnessed her lower her head. "Thanks, Mom."


    "The things I do for you, Sweetums. I haven''t had a dragon in over a hundred years. They''re a delicacy." It took little more than a thought to banish her aura of control and another to slither all her strings from Cassandra. "Happy?"


    Rushing to her mother''s side, Gisse wrapped both arms and her wings around her. "Yes, Mom, but I didn''t summon you to put dragons in their place."


    "I assumed that." Reaching around her daughter''s shoulders, Daemneth hugged her back. "Shame, though. Are you sure I couldn''t¡ª?"


    "No, Mom. I need help with, with a guy. With making him like me. With¡ª"


    "Oh. Oh my. My little devil is growing up? Who is he? He must be powerful if he can resist my daughter''s magic. Very well. Point me at the miscreant and I will bind him to you as your sla¡ª"


    "No. Ugh. I don''t want to use magic to do it. You see, there''s a cooking contest." Gisse explained how Cassandra and Stanton were the judges, and how he wanted her to cook something from the abyss for him.


    "What happened?" Cassandra shook her head and looked around. The demoness she''d summoned had, she realized, broken the warding circle she''d constructed without so much as blinking, and the result was she''d been overwhelmed so fast she''d not even had a moment to realize what had come through.


    "My mother did."


    The succubus was the image of perfection. She was wearing very little while, at the same time, what she did wear buzzed with magical power. Cassandra couldn''t help taking-in every inch of the flawless skin, from the tip of her tail to the top of her horns. Her wings so graceful, her fangs delicate, and her chest¡ª Cassandra tried to jerk her mind away, but it was a lost cause.


    Focusing more on Daemneth, Cassandra had a crisis of sexual attraction. She was, in every other way, heterosexual¡ªbut now she realized she was¡­ "Hi, Cassandra, you can call me Cass. What''s your¡ª No. I''m Cassandra."


    Freeing herself of her daughter and taking Cassandra''s hand, Daemneth lifted it up and stroked the back of it. "Forgive me my little foibles, dear. I am Gisse''s mother, Daemneth Queen of Desire. You can call me Darling."


    Licking her lips, Cassandra nodded. "Y-Yes, Darling. You can call me Cass. Sorry, I didn''t mean to summon you from¡ª"


    "Mmmm no matter, Cass. It was all a big misunderstanding. My daughter is lucky to have a friend so understanding and¡ªbeautiful." For Daemneth, snaring hearts was as natural as breathing, and she could see that Cassandra''s heart was very snareable. "It shouldn''t take more than a few weeks for you to master a dish," she said at last, looking at her daughter. The look of raw panic tipped her off. "You could still get one dish figured out in a week."


    "Mom, the contest is in a few hours."


    Daemneth stopped stock-still. There was very little she could do for her daughter, training wise, in a few hours. "You haven''t made this easy."


    "Mom, please? I promise I''ll¡ªI''ll do anything. Name it!"


    "Oh, before I forget, young Syntha asked me to give you this when I next saw you. I don''t know how that girl sees the future, but I swear she has some sort of augury ability." Holding out her palm, Daemneth showed her daughter the plain ring. Glancing at Cassandra, she asked, "How would you like to improve your summoning magic by doing me one, little favor?"


    "Yes!" Cassandra tried her best to moderate herself, but Daemneth''s eyes had a way of making anything she thought melt away into complete agreement. "W-What am I agreeing to, exactly?"


    "Two gifts. One must be willing, the other must be taken. The latter"¡ªDaemneth held up one hand and breathed some energy into it, producing a huge tome¡ª"is knowledge. The former¡­?" When Cassandra nodded longingly, Daemneth struck like a cobra.


    The first real warning Cassandra had of the impeding kiss was Daemneth''s lips against her own. She let out a sigh as the demoness deepened the contact, wrapping her in red wings. Then she felt it¡ªpower. Demonic power¡ªa pact. She didn''t resist as it sank into her and spread out, mixing with her draconic energy and making her more.


    "Now, I need you to summon me into my daughter here as a possession-type summon. It''s on page thirty-five," Daemneth said.


    Blinking in surprise, Cassandra opened the book and flicked through the pages to thirty-five and, sure enough, there was the correct spell. It was complicated, but nothing she couldn''t manage.


    "And do be a dear and cast it now."


    "Mom, I don''t think this is¡ª" Gisse didn''t get any further with her concern.


    Cassandra quickly worked the spell, making the summoning circle the weakest possible to inconvenience Daemneth as little as possible. When it was done, there was only one succubus still in the room.


    Rolling her¡ªor rather her daughter''s¡ªshoulders, Daemneth let out a soft, breathy sigh. "Oh to be a few eons younger all the time. Sorry, Sweetums, I''ll give you control back and slip into the background."


    Gisse gasped and stumbled. "Mom, ugh, you''re getting your magic everywhere. I could have¡ª Okay, I couldn''t have come up with anything better." She could feel the ancient, all-powerful succubus that was her mother lurking in the back of her mind. That''s when she realized one of the judges was right here with her. "You won''t tell Stanton about this, will you?"


    "About this? Look, you might have noticed I don''t tell him I''m the dragon that''s been terrorizing all his upper-class-idiot friends. I''m hardly going to tell him I helped summon an ancient, sexy demoness that can enthrall with just a glance and is so beautiful it hurts not to see her and wow I''m rambling now and can''t stop¡ª" Cassandra did stop, but only when Gisse''s hand sealed over her mouth. She nodded her thanks and, when Gisse removed her hand, said, "Thanks. Wow. I''ve never reacted to someone like that before."


    "Mom once got in a contest to make a rock attracted to her. She won." Gisse struggled to shove her mother''s intrusive self down and retain control of her body. "So, with Mom giving me advice, I''ll still have to do the cooking. It would give away too much if I let her do it."


    "Okay, well, that''s still cooking it yourself, so I can''t really see any reason to mention this to Stanton at all." It took everything Cassandra had not to fawn over the demon she knew was inside Gisse. "How long is she going to, uh, be in there?"


    "Mom? She agreed to leave before the date." At least, Gisse hoped her mother did that. There was still the matter of what she owed her dear mommy.


    "I''ll go and get ready for this insanity. Good luck." It took every ounce of willpower Cassandra had to leave Gisse''s (and hence Daemneth''s) presence, but she managed it and felt like she''d been hit with a bucket of cold water when she was out of the room.


    Back inside, Gisse opened her hand to see the ring that Syntha had made for her. A little thrill ran through her, and she promised herself to ask Stanton to let her nibble him later that night. "Okay, Mom, what do we need to get started?"


    It was easy, apparently. She needed souls, her mother informed her. "I am not cooking a non-vegan dish for my boyfri¡ªmy friend." She shoved back the cackling of her mother. "What about that cake you always made me? That uses soul-extract, not a whole one."


    After a few moments of her mother acting affronted and annoyed that she''d ever use substandard ingredients, they got together and started discussing how to make the dish. It was moderately complicated, but only from a lot to do perspective. Gisse felt confidence building at an equal rate as anticipation. "He''s going to love it, and then I can ask him, and have him wear the ring, and he''ll be safe and sound from other mean¡ª Mom! I am not going to take over his destiny! I want him to live how he wants, whatever that might be, with me."


    Gisse tried to ignore her mother''s laughter as she set about gathering the ingredients she''d need. The normal things from her current plane were easily summonable, items from the abyss needed more energy to bring over, but likewise were easy enough to acquire, but getting the less mundane things was going to be a problem.


    Leaving the lair, still rugged up as much as she could get, Gisse set about finding the breath of a love-lost man, milk from one denied love, and (of course) soul-extract. The latter would be surprisingly easy, since animal souls could be used.


    "It''s lucky mortals will do almost anything for gold," she said, summoning some of that into the bag she carried, "or this might be harder."


    In her head, Gisse managed, barely, to keep her mother from investigating more details about Stanton. It wasn''t that she didn''t want him to meet her mother, more that she worried her mother would bind him before she got the chance.


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 Chapter 20

    "I''m only helping you because I don''t want Elspeth to win this. I know exactly the kind of food Stanton eats every day." Lorissa was walking alongside Triana with Swiftpaw curled half around her neck. "And you can pay me back by paying for my ingredients."


    "Whatever. Intelligence is worth more to me than a handful of produce. And, of course, if Elspeth wins, we both lose. My father taught me a curious way of looking at problems and reducing them to simple win-loss situations. Honestly? It''s horrid to employ sometimes, but it works." They were walking around the market of Conjur, discussing the various cooking methods they could use. She''d been surprised to find Lorissa reasonably well-versed in food preparation¡ªeven if that food was simple compared to the noble dishes Triana was used to. "What do you need next?"


    "Some high grade beef. Hey, what''s a good sauce for beef and shrimp? I was thinking something creamy, so you can still taste the seafood and the meat." Enjoying the look of surprised respect she got, Lorissa tapped her chin in thought. "Definitely a cream sauce. Maybe thickened with some cheese in it. I know Stanton loves his cheese-covered seafood."


    "I''ll have to go big, I think. A cream cheese sauce would work nicely, yes. I''d suggest slicing the steak up, across the grain, so the sauce gets between each piece. I can show you how to do that." Cheese steak and shrimp was the oddest food Triana had heard of, but given what she knew of cooking¡ªit would work. "He likes meat, I take it?"


    "I figured it was a werewolf thing."


    "Well, yes. Werewolves are generally predisposed to eating more meat, though there is a penchant among the traditionalists for raw meat. It gives me stomach pains to do¡ªwhether I''m a wolf at the time or not. A good, well-cooked piece of meat is far superior to raw."


    "Do you want," Swiftpaw asked, lifting his head and yawning, "to win?"


    Hearing Lorissa''s familiar talk, Triana nodded. "We both want to win, but losing to the other would be preferable to losing to anyone else."


    Nodding his head, Swiftpaw liked the idea of frenemies. "Lorissa, let Triana cook the surf and turf. You will make Stanton sushi. I will teach you, fear not."


    "What''s sushi?" Lorissa asked.


    "It is the finest cuts of raw fish, seasoned rice, and exquisite condiments. This will be a taste experience unlike any other. It takes decades for a sushi chef to master the art, but with a teacher like Swiftpaw Deathbringer, you will be adequate within an hour."


    "Swiftpaw, Elspeth will be making him raw meat. And seafood? Are you crazy? Raw fish is bad!" Even Lorissa''s feline reflexes didn''t save her from the paw-slap on her cheek, though she was grateful his claws were not out. "What? It is!"


    "There are methods for handling it, methods for making it safe, and I will teach them to you. Come, we will buy the best fish they have in this market." Turning his head to the side, Swiftpaw sniffed daintily and nodded. "This way."


    Looking at Triana, Lorissa sighed and slumped a little. "Of course. I promise you, Triana, this¡ªwhat did you call it, Swiftpaw, surf and turf¡ªthis surf and turf will be his weakness."


    Triana was intrigued with it, now. She accepted the idea and was already thinking of how to accompany it. "Why would you call it ''surf and turf''?"


    Swiftpaw gave Triana a look that he hoped conveyed his full disdain for her. "Surf for the seafood. Turf for the dirt the cow is raised on. It''s normally a western dish, and any mixture of the two meat types would work." The biggest exception to his rule on not talking too much was, of course, voided when he was showing off his excessive knowledge.


    "Oh. Well, I guess surf and turf it is, then." To Triana, the cat looked immensely smug. It should have been annoying, but to hear the extra-dimensional creature share more details of the dish she was going to prepare she was able to wear a mask of interest. "What sauce would you recommend?"


    "Garlic sauce, traditionally, brings out both beef and seafood. As you said earlier, a cheese sauce will also work. Mushroom sauce and demiglace are both far too strong for the seafood." Swiftpaw leaned into the petting Lorissa started giving him. Being appreciated for his knowledge was slightly better than showing how much more he knew than them.


    It got Triana''s thoughts going while they walked. Sauces that went good with both weren''t common, but Swiftpaw was right, garlic was a good choice. Easy enough, she decided, she''d prepare the dish with both and serve whichever she liked most. She''d just made the decision when she realized they were standing in front of a huge open stall showing off seafood. The produce was all covered by a spell (she could sniff out magic easily enough), though she wasn''t sure what exactly the spell was doing.


    "Would the ladies like some help?" the shopkeeper asked. "All my wares are shipped here, protected by stasis magic, and ready to cook and eat. Even the local waterways are fished and stored safely for¡ª"


    "Are you fish frozen? What sort of tuna do you have? Do you carry any salmon or abalone?" Swiftpaw was quick to strike, as always, cutting the merchant off mid-spiel. "We require only the finest quality."


    Magic users and their familiars were a common sight on the streets of Conjur, so the merchant was unfazed by the talking cat. "Of course. Of course. Is this for sir?" He was also quite familiar with familiars being doted on¡ªto expensive excess.


    "No," Lorissa finally managed to say. "We are preparing a dish that will require the highest grade seafood. Please, get us anything he says."


    To see a magic user so under the non-existent thumb of their familiar tickled at Triana''s funny bone in a way it was almost impossible to suppress her giggles. She didn''t care about whatever this was going to cost her¡ªits value was already paid back in mirth.


    Every time Swiftpaw would select some hideously expensive piece of fish, Lorissa would look sideways at Triana. The woman looked like she was having the time of her life¡ªnot spending a small fortune on cuts of fish.


    After Swiftpaw seemed satisfied with his purchases, Triana stepped forward. "I will require thirty of your finest shrimp¡ªthe largest you have."


    More than happy to serve his two new favorite customers, the merchant selected the shrimp, wrapped them in waxed parchment and pressed a spell-activation sigil to it before giving it enough magic that it would place the contents in stasis. "Here you are. Anything else or will you pay now?"


    Taking out her personal sheaf of payment notes, Triana was able to press enough of her personal magic (the sum total of it, in fact) into her finger. "How much is it?" The price, she found, was not as bad as she feared. The merchant could have tried raking her over the coals on price, but he didn''t seem interested in gouging a noble. "Thank you," she said, when she scrawled her name on the sheet with the price, using her magic to activate the seal.


    For the merchant, the note was better than money. It was a promise to be paid by a noble house. There was no risk involved, because all the sigils were tightly regulated by said nobles, and they all came together as an angry swarm if anyone threatened their way. "Happy to do business with you."


    "Hey, where can we get the best quality steak from?" Triana asked.


    "Three stalls down. You can''t miss it. She deals in the greatest cuts of beef, lamb, and wild game." And she would know he sent them because: "Just tell her old Philip sent you."


    Leaving the stall behind, Triana looked over her own package and nodded at the quality. "He is a good merchant. I''m glad we found him and not someone less honest."


    "Huh?" Lorissa looked at her companion. "What do you mean?"


    "He could have overcharged. In fact, I expected it. He had his prices listed, and we paid exactly that and not a silver more. I believe a light pasta will be a good accompaniment to this surf and turf, what are your plans, master chef?"


    "We will have to quick-pickle some ginger. Also, we need rice, dried seaweed, soy sauce, and some rice wine vinegar." At the looks of confusion, Swiftpaw narrowed his eyes. "If this backwater reality doesn''t have soy sauce, I will have to do unspeakable things."


    That statement tickled Lorissa''s curiosity. "Like what?"


    Glaring at his wizard, Swiftpaw said, "They''re unspeakable."


    After some quality wandering around the market, picking up the remaining ingredients for their meals, the two girls made their way toward the Academe while Swiftpaw started demanding Lorissa learn all sorts of techniques she''d never heard of before. She was relieved that they had found all the items he''d wanted in a curious little stall, but now she had to listen to him talk about the temperature of her hands and washing rice and¡ªworse of all¡ªpreparing all this while talking to Stanton. "Will they allow that? I mean, making food for him and then customizing it specifically to his tastes seems¡ª"


    "Elspeth will definitely call it cheating," Triana said.


    "This is how proper sushi is prepared." Raising his nose as such trivialities as rules, Swiftpaw sneezed as a strange scent hit his nose. "What is that?"


    "That" turned out to be Battlemaid pushing a wheelbarrow full of produce toward the school.


    Lorissa, her own arms laden with bags of items, hastened over. "Uh, Ba¡ª"


    "For this assignment, Battlemaid''s designation is Billi."


    "Right, uh, Billi. What''s with all that?" Gesturing at all the items in the wheelbarrow, Lorissa could see nearly a dozen different parcels with similar protective paper as her seafood had, as well as numerous vegetables and breads.


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    "These are the requirements for all the dishes Billi must prepare in case her statistical modeling requires more time. At the present pace of calculation, Billi will be done processing it in one hour, six minutes, and thirty-three point one two five seconds." Battlemaid wasn''t exactly enthusiastic about the designation, but her master had insisted that she not expose her true identity beyond those that were already involved with fighting the dragon.


    "''Statistical model''?" Triana asked.


    "Of course. How else would Billi manage to decide the perfect balance of flavors and textures for master''s optimum dining experience?"


    Lorissa gave Triana a dismissive gesture. "Relax. You''ll get used to Bat¡ªBilli''s ways. She''s wonderful, and cares for Stanton more than anyone else ever will. Trust me when I say, she is not our enemy. Far from it."


    "Oh?"


    "Billi, what would your ideal date with Stanton be?" Lorissa asked.


    "Engaging thermal control systems." For Battlemaid, even picturing herself on a date with Stanton made her begin to over-bias her thermal envelope. "We would attend the same table. He would eat whatever he desires and I would spend my time staring into his eyes over the slight heat-haze of the burning paraffin."


    Giving Triana a knowing wink, Lorissa beamed in delight and stepped closer to give Battlemaid a little hug. "You are too pure for this world, Billi. I hope you win."


    The show of support startled Battlemaid enough that she almost dropped her wheelbarrow to hug Lorissa. "Th-Thank you! I hope you win, too!"


    "Ugh. You two are too sweet, but I think you''re right. I would prefer you win, Billi, than any of the others." It was a reluctant little truce, but Triana was willing to concede that this new enemy was hardly going to run off and marry Stanton.


    "''Others''? How many apart from us are competing?" Lorissa asked.


    "Elspeth, that succubus Stanton has been friends with, and a mysterious third party that only signed their name on the form as ''K''." Triana looked at Lorissa to see her reaction to that.


    Lorissa had to remind herself that Triana was a noble and had come from a different world. "I mean, they could be illiterate. Some folk sign their name like that to hide that they can''t write properly."


    "Oh." It was surprising to Triana to hear that. "I thought there are schools for¡­ Oh." She trailed off at Lorissa''s head-shake. "I guess there''s a lot you don''t tend to experience outside your own class."


    "I don''t know how Stanton does it."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well, he''s as comfortable chatting with Cass and myself as he is with you or any other noble." At the slightly confused look on Triana''s face, Lorissa laughed. "See! You can be comfortable talking with low born scum like myself, too."


    "But you are a werecat, yes? All the old lines were, are¡­ Oh dear, I''ve stuck my foot in my mouth, haven''t I?"


    "It''s okay. Really. There''s a kitchen back entrance. Let''s head in." It was a safe distraction from the deep conversation Lorissa had found herself in. Poking her head inside, she called out, "Stanton?"


    "In here!" Stanton called back, recognizing Lorissa''s voice. "We haven''t started yet."


    Stepping deeper inside, and with her eyes adjusting to the dim light of the kitchen, Lorissa saw Cassandra, Gisse, Battlemaid, and Stanton all in one corner of the huge kitchen. "Still waiting on Elspeth?"


    "Yeah. And this mysterious K." Stanton pointed at the row of stoves and bench space. "Find a spot and get ready. We''re not going to delay just because one of mother''s choices for a mate for me enjoys being fashionably¡­ late." Trailing off, he stared at the person who''d walked in while he''d been speaking.


    Standing almost six feet tall, the cloaked figure carried a big basket under one relatively short arm. "Wha¡ªI am K!"


    Cassandra and Stanton stared at what was obvious (to them at least) a kobold. But it was far too tall for one. With dawning horror, they also both realized there was more than one kobold in the coat.


    Unlike Stanton, though, Cassandra could see exactly who the top kobold was. Softly, she whispered, "Cleverclaws?"


    "You know a kobold?" Stanton asked, his sharp hearing not missing the name Cassandra said.


    Panic hit Cassandra as she tried to figure out what to say. "I, err, saw her hanging around in the market one time. Well, in an alleyway. I mean, of course I confronted her but¡ªbut they''re not exactly bad, you know?"


    "Okay. So I can kinda see that. I''m friends with a succubus, after all. Okay, I wonder if her¡ªuh, they, can cook. Do you think so? What will I do if they win?" Thinking about it, Stanton shrugged. "I guess I take them on a date."


    "Can we stop and take a breather for a moment? How easy-going are you about all this?" Cassandra gestured to the room, where Lorissa was carefully laying out fish she''d purchased, Gisse was wrestling with a pig soul that didn''t want to submit to her soul-grinder, and Battlemaid had covered half of one of her arms in chocolate. The kobold(s) carefully laying out cooking ingredients like an actual chef surprised her. "This isn''t normal."


    Stanton wanted to laugh and blurt out everything: Super Lupine Girl, fighting a dragon, picking up stray allies, and topping it off with him being¡ªphysically at least¡ªfemale. But, the problem with that was it put Cassandra in danger. She would know who Super Lupine Girl actually was, and though Stanton respected her skills with magic, he didn''t want to put a friend in harm''s way. "You don''t know the half of it, but what does this matter? I go out and have a lovely dinner with a demon, a group of kobolds, a psychotic werewolf noble¡ªby the abyss, I wouldn''t be surprised if the dragon turns up here and decides to cook me a nice gazpacho. Would I take her on a date? Maybe, if she promised not to beat me up."


    The clock on the wall, an accurate magic-powered water clock, gave a chime to signify the hour. Cassandra was thankful, as it gave her a chance to straighten out her feelings. Hearing Stanton say that he''d be civil with her dragon self, if she didn''t get physical with him, was a huge boost to her self-assuredness.


    Clearing his throat, Stanton looked around at the expectant amateur cooks. "Okay. Everyone knew when this was starting, and that time is now, so get to cooking!"


    Gisse looked at the poor soul she''d stuffed into the grinder and felt anguish. "I''m sorry." She started cranking the handle while her mother cackled. "Mom, if you ruin this, I''ll¡ª" Instructions flowed. How to judge when the soul was about to be ground up completely, how to let it out and free, as well as more details on the cake recipe. "Thanks."


    Triana was sauteing vegetables in one pan while letting the steak she''d purchased come up to normal temperature. She wasn''t as good as the staff in her family home, but she''d been practicing with them to become a better cook.


    Battlemaid was starting to narrow her computed possibilities for dishes likely to appeal to Stanton simply by elimination of ingredients. She''d accidentally overheated her chocolate¡ªin less than a second¡ªand caused a minor explosion with it. Now there was not enough chocolate to make nearly two-thirds of the possible dishes that would appeal to him. This was, by her own logic, a success already; any time you could make probability matrices smaller was a definite improvement.


    Reaching slowly to the handle of her sword¡ªand then to the knife beside it¡ªLorissa steadied her breathing. This was it. Her big moment.


    "Slice as you would in combat. Your target is still, but don''t accept that its lack of movement should imply you don''t use all your speed." Swiftpaw was glad his student had started to learn patience. "Now, strike."


    The salmon steak was there, in front of her. She didn''t need to see it to know where it was and its dimensions. Her knife came out and made a series of precise slicing motions, reducing the entire piece of fish into thin sashimi.


    "You may now try a piece. Use the sauce we acquired, but only a little."


    Whipping out a pair of chopsticks, Lorissa carefully lifted one of the perfect slices of salmon, delivered it to the little bowl of sweet soy, and then popped it in her mouth. The world seemed to stop around her as the excellent flavor of the fish and fermented beans worked together so well it brought tears to her eyes. "You''re amazing, Swiftpaw."


    "I know. Now, the next task is to finish washing this rice."


    Cassandra had been watching Lorissa the closest. The exaggerated movements and slicing of the fish had reminded her of something¡ªthough she couldn''t put a talon on what it was. The last cook she had been deliberately neglecting. Cleverclaws seemed to have everything under control¡ªexcept the other kobolds in the coat made that difficult.


    "Stop moving," Cleverclaws said, quietly but firmly. "This is tough enough working with all this huge stuff without¡ª Stop."


    "But Legbiter bit me!"


    "Did not!"


    "Then what bit me?"


    "¡­ I did."


    "Who else is down there?"


    "Me."


    "If you don''t stop moving," Cleverclaws said, "we won''t get to go on a date with the cute human." Every kobold under her went dead still. "Good. Now, do exactly as I say. One step closer to the bench, please."


    Stanton gestured at Cleverclaws and leaned a little closer to Cassandra. "I think they''ve settled their argument. Look, she''s going great now."


    Wanting to go and chew out Cleverclaws, Cassandra had to admit that getting her future husband-to-be used to kobold cuisine would be a good idea. Though, she had reservations about Stanton and the kobolds getting together. She knew Stanton¡ªhe might just try to organize a rebellion against their dragon overlord. "Oh, maybe not."


    When Cleverclaws wasn''t looking, Triana managed to flick a little ball of shrimp digestive tracts into the pot before the kobold. Grinning to herself, she turned back to continue preparing her food.


    "Is that cheating?" Cassandra asked Stanton.


    "There are no rules against it, so I guess not¡ªWait, I think the kobold spotted the problem. Yes, she scooped the veins out with a spoon and flicked them¡ªin the mouth of another kobold head that poked out of the cloak. I don''t think they minded it." Stanton had been expecting a nice bit of food, a bit of a laugh, and some good company¡ªhe had not anticipated a comedy show.


    And that''s the moment Elspeth strode through the entrance, in a large werewolf form; her face and arms bloody. "There you are! Mate! Come feast!" Marching forward, she dragged a deer along at her side, not caring about the red trail behind her.


    Stanton''s jaw almost hit the floor¡ªfiguratively. He watched as the woman marched up to him and tossed the deer (that was only marginally smaller than she was) at his feet. "Uh¡­" Her eyes locked on his and dared him to refuse it. "You have an hour left to cook it."


    Snarling, Elspeth bared her teeth and projected bloody saliva forward. "We are werewolves! We don''t cook our kills!" She wasn''t surprised to see the saliva evaporate before reaching Stanton''s fancy clothes or face. "Or aren''t you actually a wolf?"


    "I''m a wolf, Elspeth, but this was a cooking contest, not a hunting one. Either cook some of that or forfeit." Waiting for her next move, Stanton sensed the strike coming well before it landed. Shifting sideways, he avoided Elspeth''s attack with ease. It helped that she was slower than the dragon he had been facing. "You can''t even fight me in my human form, what hope would you have if I shifted?"


    Elspeth''s anger rose higher. She swung at him again and again, and nothing she could do would even land on him. He even bowed his back flipping end over end to avoid a double swing. "Fight me!"


    "You''ve lost, Elspeth. Go home, and take the deer with you!" Triana shouted, taking a moment from preparing her steak to glare at her competitor. "You can''t read a room worth a damn. He isn''t one of those uncultured, lower-born wolves that have courted you. Stanton is class from the tips of his toes to the top of his head."


    Rounding on Triana, Elspeth snarled and launched herself at the woman. She expected the woman to shift, planned on it, she just didn''t expect Triana to be bigger than her. With a snarl, she began swinging at Triana, but where Stanton had evaded her attacks, Triana grabbed her wrists with her own, shoved down to force Elspeth to dip her head, and then headbutted her.


    Opening her mouth wide, Triana forced Elspeth to the ground and clamped her jaws around the other woman''s neck. When Elspeth didn''t immediately go still, she began to tighten her grip.


    Elspeth wanted to make a fight of it, but the more she moved, the more Triana tightened her grip until her teeth threatened to pierce Elspeth''s thick hide. She slumped and whined, and while the grip persisted for a few moments, Triana did release her and take a step back. It was horrifying for Elspeth¡ªrocking her worldview¡ªthat she could be taken down so quickly.


    "Butcher this thing and cook Stanton a steak." Triana''s werewolf form, unlike Stanton''s more compact and feminine-enhanced one, looked all beast. Huge muscles, thick hide, and lupine fur markings belied the fact she was still female. When Elspeth seemed unmoving, she grabbed the deer herself and tossed it at Elspeth.


    For Cassandra, seeing such a huge werewolf¡ªwhen she was used to Super Lupine Girl''s physique¡ªmade her realize how odd Super Lupine Girl was. Seeing Elspeth take the deer, though, and head to one of the work areas was a bigger surprise. "She''s going to do it?"


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    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 21

    Gisse''s mother practically pounced on some information her daughter had missed, highlighting it and passing it to her daughter.


    Looking at the deer that Elspeth was now trying to butcher with a cleaver on her workstation, Gisse nodded and shifted her sight to one attuned to souls. It was hazy, being an animal soul, but it still clung loosely to its corpse. "It''s fresh." In all her years of practicing demonic veganism, Gisse had never been so tempted to devour a whole soul before.


    Fighting the urge, Gisse worked some magic to draw the soul to her and break its tie to its former vessel. "Come here, I promise to make this not hurt. You''ll be able to move on."


    "Interesting magic you''re working. It''s some kind of net, right? What are you catching?" Stanton asked, having sidled up beside Gisse.


    "Gah!" Almost jumping out of her skin, Gisse fumbled and almost lost the spell and the deer soul. "Wh¡ª?" She stopped, took a deep breath, and made sure to work the soul into a soul-grinding spell she''d just put together from what her mother had taught her. "It catches souls. Uh, I used it to grab the one from that deer, but I''ll let its core go before it finishes grinding."


    "Fascinating. I can''t see the soul, but I can see the magic doing something. I take it other demons would use this on people, too?" The reluctant nod from Gisse was all Stanton needed to know about that. "Well, good luck. I look forward to tasting your food."


    The praise perked Gisse up and she found herself anticipating winning even more. Stopping the spell before the soul was completely ground up, she released it on to whatever existence it was bound for and got to work folding the fresh soul into her already cooking dish.


    As Stanton reached Casandra again, he grinned at her. "You''ll never guess what the spell was."


    "You know I specialize in evoking, so you''re right, I won''t guess."


    "Spoilsport. It''s a soul snare. She grabbed the soul of the deer and is going to use it in her dish." The level of quick thinking delighted Stanton, and made him want to taste her food even more. "What about you, anything you look forward to trying?"


    "I''m waiting for Lorissa to cook her fish. She''s been carefully washing rice for most of the time the others were preparing, and now she''s cooking the rice¡ªbut not any of the fish." She tapped her chin in thought. "She isn''t going to serve it raw, is she?"


    "I think she is. There are some odd smelling condiments she has there. Either way, it''s better than dragging a freshly killed deer in and demanding I eat it."


    Cassandra couldn''t help but look at Elspeth. The werewolf was doing her best to press the blood out of the steaks she''d cut, but it was obvious that what they were going to get served wouldn''t win any prizes. "I expected her to walk out."


    "She wouldn''t. She has pride, Cass. Pride, for a werewolf, is way stronger than anything else. If you don''t have that, you''re barely even a member of society anymore. Elspeth tried to play the physical game, got beaten, and now she''s taking her licks. That''s honor among werewolves." Stanton had ensured he spoke loud enough that Elspeth could have heard, and he was rewarded when he spotted her ears twitch and turn in his direction. "Before this, I figured she was all bite and bark. Now I can see she''s serious."


    "And I thought being a noble was weird. You werewolves have this whole other honor thing going on. Wouldn''t it be easier if you didn''t have to deal with all that?" Cassandra asked.


    "Easier? Yeah. It''d be so much easier if I could walk up to any werewolf, throw down with a fight, and kill them if I wanted. Waaaaaay easier." Stanton gave Cassandra a significant look. "The rules are there, and our pride is how it is, to stop us becoming monsters to fear.


    "Let''s take the dragon that''s causing trouble as an example. They have no morals. Happily beating up on random folk and, or so I heard, almost demolishing a building. It was only a wandering mage nearby that saved the place. Is there any consequence for their actions? Even if they had a society, from what I''ve read, dragons weren''t big on self-censoring behavior."


    By the time he''d finished talking, Cassandra wanted to strangle Stanton. "Maybe the dragon is bound by its own code of ethics that we can''t figure out?"


    "Have you read the history of them?" Stanton leaned back in his chair. "Next time I¡ª" Stanton caught himself before saying too much, covered with a cough, and then turned his attention to Triana. "Look at her go with those little potatoes and¡ªoooh, garlic butter."


    Derailed from what had been becoming a heated argument, Cassandra looked at Triana''s plate too. It was bizarre to see a huge werewolf daintily placing food on the plate, but from the initial steak, the sauce, and the shrimp atop it, right through to the potatoes and light salad¡ªit looked like it should be in a restaurant. "That actually looks good."


    "Glad you''re not facing anyone off in this contest?" Stanton asked, grinning at Cassandra.


    "Pfft." Cassandra gestured at the room. "I could beat all of them. It''s a shame I''m not competing, really, because then you''d get some real food."


    "And what, in your opinion, is ''real food''?" Stanton asked.


    With righteous certainty, Cassandra started with, "Well, stew for one. Anything you can eat that will give you all the energy you need for a day of work and without having to spend too much to get it."


    "Ah, so those green candies I see you eating are purely for the sugar they contain? Good, rugged fare?"


    "Look, I mean¡ª" Cassandra was saved by Triana approaching with two plates of food. Her size made the portions look tiny, but when she set them down Cassandra realized they were actually huge cuts of meat.


    "I can''t spend more time working on this without it going cold. It''s well rested and ready now, so here you go." Being so large in her werewolf form, Triana had spent a lot of time practicing to not be a menace and liability to everything around her. Thus, she was able to set the plates down and step back without crashing into anything.


    First, Stanton cut through the middle of the steak. He checked the cut, finding a bit of pink in the middle, which was how he preferred it. "This looks good. Time to dig in."


    Cassandra wished she could criticize the food. The beef was cooked perfectly and the shrimp had a perfect red tint to them. She salved her annoyance by noticing all the ways it could have become more expensive. The steak was a nice cut, but not excessively so. The potatoes were a staple of the working class, and while the salad had a tangy dressing on it, it was no more overpriced than the things they got for lunch on the street. "''S good!"


    Stanton, knowing they were going to need to eat more, was careful not to eat too much, but he noticed Cassandra wolfing down the meal with no thought that she''d face several more meals. By comparison, he sampled a little of each part of the serving and then slid the plate back to Triana. "Thank you, that was delicious. Well seasoned, the sauce was really nice without any lumps, and you got both meats perfect. If I had to grade it, that would be a seven out of ten."


    Fighting her urge to complain that a seven didn''t sound good, Triana had to remind herself that it was Stanton''s scale. She looked at Cassandra next, and smiled at seeing an empty plate before her.


    "That was great! Stanton''s too used to stodgy upper-class stuff, but a filling meal that also tastes good is not as easy to do as those annoyingly small bite-size things served at parties that everyone seems to compliment. Nine out of ten." Surprising herself with the praise, Cassandra couldn''t find any reason to deny it as being true. While she doubted she could actually feel satiated since becoming a dragon, she was sure feeling more upbeat with a full meal in her stomach.


    The sentiment about high class food was something Triana didn''t share, but she wasn''t going to tell Cassandra that there was a small fortune of spices in the not "stodgy upper-class" meal. She bobbed into a slight curtsy and collected her plates.


    "Nine?" Stanton asked Cassandra in a whisper. "What if you find something you like more¡ªthen find something better than that?"


    Cassandra stuck her tongue out at him. "Then I''ll give them an eleven."


    "¡­" Stanton had no words for that, so instead he shook his head and laughed. "Oh, here comes Lore. Lore, I saw you cooking rice, but not the fish. What''s up here?"


    "This is sushi. It''s from"¡ªshe glanced down to the long, sharp blade at her waist that was Swiftpaw, then to Cassandra¡ª"my parents'' original homeland. I was reminded of it recently and wanted to share a little of my heritage with you both." It was all a load of BS, and she was sure Stanton knew it. "There are three dishes here for you to try. The first is sashimi."


    "That''s raw fish," Stanton said. "You expect us to eat raw fish?"


    "You''d insult my heritage?" Giving her best shocked expression, Lorissa used her chopsticks to pluck a piece of finely sliced tuna, dab a little of the wasabi on it, then a touch of sweet soy. She popped it in her mouth and let out a slow sigh of delight. Complete fabrication the backstory might be, but the food was absolutely delicious.


    The obvious deception, Stanton thought, could be hiding another¡ªbut he doubted it. Shrugging, he didn''t trust himself with the chopsticks Lorissa was using, so used his fingers instead. The first sizzle of the wasabi was a shock, but it was fading as fast as it arrived and left a spicy bed of flavor for the fish to lay upon and, finally, the soy''s light sweetness came in a bit later to compose a symphony of new and exciting flavors on his palate.


    "I''m not going to eat raw¡ª" Cassandra was expecting Stanton to be backing her up. Instead, he was reaching for another slice. "There''s no getting out of it, I guess. So I dab on a little of this green stuff, then a bit of this black stuff, and just¡ª"


    The flavor combination caught Cassandra off-guard. She widened her eyes and started chewing the morsel. The parts of her brain that governed olfactory, taste, and texture were overruling the tiny part of her still screaming that this fish was raw. It was raw, but it tasted great.


    After his third piece, Stanton took a moment to stop himself and look at the other two plates Lorissa had brought over. The first looked like some other kind of seafood on a little thumb-sized blob of rice, with some kind of black parchment holding it in place. The second was more of that parchment wrapped around rice with something inside it. "What else do we have?"


    "First you eat some of this. It''s ginger done with a quick pickling process that should¡ªthat will¡ªclear your palate for the next sample." Confidence! Lorissa, upon seeing them both enjoy the sashimi, was feeling buoyed up to continue things, but absolutely couldn''t give the game away. "Then you have these, which are awabi nigiri. They are fresh abalone on rice with some dried seaweed holding it in place. The last plate will be a sushi roll consisting of lightly cooked shrimp and wasabi wrapped in rice. Please, try them both."


    When the rest of her food went down with much excited noises coming from Stanton and Cassandra, Lorissa felt that if not victory, she would at least have given her friends something nice.


    "A solid nine," Stanton said. "The only reason I don''t give this a ten is that there is so little of it. The rice is nicely filling, but I don''t think this would make a good main meal on its own."


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    Her previous review came back and hit Cassandra in the face. All the things she''d praised Triana''s meal for not being, this was¡ªbut at the same time it was good. But, the overwhelming sense that Lorissa wasn''t a noble and therefore it wasn''t a high-society canape meant she felt justified in giving it a, "Nine. Not as filling as Triana''s, but it made up for it with an exotic flavor that I really liked."


    Almost bouncing in excitement, Lorissa felt a shadow reach over her from behind that made her eyes widen as a deep and hungry-sounding voice said, "Move over and let me¡ªMom! Stop it! Out, now!" The latter words were as shrill and harsh as the first were sensual and velvety. The whiplash of the change in tone left her a bit dazed, but moving out of the way.


    "No, I won''t. Now, out!" Expending power, Gisse expelled her mother and shunted her back to their home plane. She figured she''d get a chewing out later for it, but was fine with that. "S-Sorry! I just had a little, uh, parental-possession problem. She''s gone now."


    "''She''?" Stanton asked.


    "M-My mom. I needed one of her¡ªmy¡ªold recipes. It was the easier way to get it rather than summoning a whole library." With the cat (or mother) out of the bag, she decided going forward was the only option. "This is a Decadence Pie. Normally they are layered with souls, whole, but I only used parts. No souls were destroyed in the making of this."


    Looking at the pie, which looked like any other kind of pot pie from the top, Stanton smiled up at Gisse. "Shall I cut it?" Getting a nod from her, he brought the knife to the pie and began cutting into it. The red glow coming from within was the only warning he had before a rush of hot energy poured from the thing. It coiled around him, guided him to finish cutting a slice, and then serve one to each of them.


    Before Stanton even knew what was happening he was lifting a fork of the savory pie''s contents to his mouth and, in a slight daze, he put it in his mouth.


    Myriad lives stretched out, opening themselves to Stanton''s mind''s eye. He watched the deer that Elspeth had killed grow, become a fine buck, and then get hunted by the werewolf. Blended with that was another soul, a wolf. That wolf had eaten many animals in its long life. Some of those souls had been carnivores too. By the time he gulped down and swallowed, he''d lived a thousand lives of a thousand souls that had all played a small part in the pie''s construction. "Wow."


    More resistant to the effect than Stanton, thanks to her natural dragon resilience, Cassandra was nonetheless almost unmasked when the taste of the pie stirred her draconic hunger to the point that she already wanted a second helping not halfway through the first. "It''s intense. You ate this regularly?"


    Stanton was barely aware of the two talking about the pie. In his mind, he continued to sort through all the lives and experiences of the souls used to make it. He was still stuck in that contemplation when Gisse''s hand brushed his and swept all the souls to the side for him. "Th-Thanks." For the first time since meeting her, it was Stanton who had the nervous stutter. "Is that what eating souls is like?"


    "Uh, not really. Devouring an entire soul is way more intense. I¡ªI don''t like it." Pouting a little, Gisse wanted to ignore the whole idea of eating a complete soul, but it kept coming back to haunt her. "Did you like it?"


    "The pie is interesting. I can taste the meat, but I''m not sure if I can identify the origin of it. As for the experience of eating it, it''s amazing. Also, I can respect the dedication that you didn''t destroy any souls to make it." Steeling himself, and leaning on the lingering warmth of Gisse''s hand on his, he tried another bite of the pie.


    The rush of life-history was more tolerable now. Gisse''s power seemed to hold back the more intense feelings so that Stanton could appreciate each of the lives involved in this ephemeral expression of life. "What do you think, Cass?"


    "It''s not bad. It, uh, comes on a little strong, but I think I might have a natural resistance to the effect you''re getting." It was cheating and Cassandra knew it. The average person would have no resistance at all. Even a trained wizard like Stanton couldn''t fight it off. "Seven out of ten."


    Stanton shook his head. "Food is about more than taste. It''s an experience. When you eat food from somewhere else, you''re not just filling your need for sustenance, you''re embracing a culture. This, like Lore''s sushi, is a cultural experience. The pie tastes good, but having something cooked by a demon who genuinely wanted to share the culture she enjoyed¡ªis what makes this worth a nine."


    It wasn''t a winning score, but Gisse didn''t care. Stanton got her. He understood what she was trying to do and he appreciated it. Bubbles of joy welled up inside and Gisse wanted, more than ever, to protect and take care of this one human who saw past her hips and chest¡ªto the woman she was inside. "Thanks!" The word didn''t come close to expressing how his support made her feel, but she was sure she would explode if she kissed him and really showed him.


    "Go on," Triana said, her voice cutting through the silence that ensued after Gisse''s judging. "This will end any responsibility for losing our fight. I expect our next one to be with a better trained werewolf."


    Nodding, Elspeth wanted to hate Triana for beating her, but every protocol of werewolf culture had been followed. Even voicing excitement at future fights was encouraged among werewolves. It would mean Elspeth would need to train more, though, and she found that boring. "Thank you for the leniency." She wanted to shove the deer carcass in Triana''s mouth and choke her with it¡ªbut instead she tucked her ears back and walked to the table Stanton and Cassandra sat at, with her best effort at making a presentable meal from the deer.


    With two dishes set down on the table, Stanton was surprised to see that the dish looked, and smelled, quite good. "You only had meat to make this?"


    "Triana Eyesbright let me have an onion and garlic. I made a blood-broth and reduced it, then seared an individual roast cut from the hindquarters, braised it with more of the broth, and this is the result." She had worked her fuzzy butt off making something that wouldn''t be completely terrible, and once she got over being furious at Triana, the gift of some vegetables and spices had been a welcome one. She looked at Cassandra. "Sorry if it is more meat than your palate can enjoy. I promise I will present a better meal to both of you in time."


    It was hard for Cassandra to not immediately inhale absolutely everything in the large, shallow bowl before her. To her draconic senses, this was the best meal of the lot so far. She strained to hold her form human while the tantalizing umami aroma dared her to become a dragon to eat it.


    Seeing the way Cassandra devoured the food she''d prepared was a surprise to Elspeth. "You eat like a wolf." The words had spilled out without her meaning to say them, a major faux pa in higher circles.


    The accusation surprised Cassandra enough that it broke the brief spell the meat had her under. "Uh. Y-Yeah. Not a werewolf¡ª"


    "But she definitely eats like one," Stanton said. "I remember that time you first discovered the local curry specialties. She would hoard her money to spend exclusively on that. I think you''ve done a lot with what you had. Nice work, Elspeth, six out of ten."


    Wincing at what she was about to say, Cassandra contented herself only with the knowledge she was being truthful. "Ten. This is delicious, and Stanton has no clue what he''s talking about."


    Seeing the result as an average of the two, Elspeth let out a sigh. "I''ll do better with your next challenge."


    "Next challenge?" Stanton asked, looking around with a moderate amount of panic evident in his features. "Of course! The next challenge will be, uh, dancing!" It made as much sense to him as cooking, and would hopefully result in less stepped-on-toes.


    Perking up further, Elspeth asked, "And what will be the prize? Another date?"


    "You''re going to have to step things up a bit, Stanton. How long do you have until this is all confirmed and set in stone?" Cassandra was curious, mostly to know how long she had to overthrow the nobles and steal him for herself.


    Triana was first to reply. "There is still nine months and one week remaining."


    "A kiss." Stanton''s gaze swept all the eager expressions. "A kiss for the second prize, and the third will be a whole day spent together. The most competent fiancee in all three contests will be allowed to live in my tower if she so-wishes."


    Elspeth''s ears jolted upright from their semi-defeated position and she noticed Triana at her side now looking far more like an enemy again. "What will the third contest be?"


    "I''ll announce that when the judging is done for the second." It was a struggle to keep control of the situation, but making rules for the contest was the best chance he had to do so. Otherwise these huge, powerful women would run roughshod over him until his mother''s contest had run out and she decided who he''d be with for the rest of his life. "But there''s something else we must do first." His eyes settled on Battlemaid.


    "After analyzing ten thousand three hundred and forty-six meals, applying your particular tastes, and computing the optimum Stanton-meal, I have deduced that there isn''t one. Therefore, I have simply prepared five of your favorite meals, Master." Bowing and lifting the plates of food from her arm, Battlemaid set them each before Stanton and Cassandra.


    Stanton stared at Battlemaid, then to the dishes, each of which probably should have taken a good chunk of the time given, let alone all five. He reached, first, for one of his favorite street foods, crayfish in bread with cheese and butter. Closing his eyes, he held the bread up to his mouth and started eating.


    Ignoring the initial errors she was getting, which were only that her jaw servos seemed to be working delicately at her lower lip, Battlemaid watched as Stanton ate, then Cassandra followed suit. She quickly built new subroutines to expel butterflies she was sure shouldn''t be inhabiting her torso cavity while they both worked their way through each plate.


    As he sampled the last plate, which was a sweet-savory spiced aubergine and nectarine that was served in the flesh of a melon, Stanton let out a delighted noise at how perfect each was. The normal versions he''d had a hundred times over were good, but these used the best ingredients available. "Billi, these are wonderful. That you took the time to figure out what foods I like makes you a strong contender for top scoring, but executing these better than the originals is what makes this a ten."


    Nodding her head, Cassandra barely managed to put down a stew bread bowl she''d been sipping from. "Ten¡ª Wait, I already gave a ten. Make it a twelve." At the look of anger on Elspeth''s face, Cassandra nodded to one of the untouched bowls of stew. "Try it."


    It seemed stupid to Triana. Street food, she was sure, couldn''t stack up to any of their more adept cooking. Lifting the bowl up to her canine snout, she sniffed it and her eyes widened with surprise. She wasn''t quite sure of the process between smelling the food and devouring the last bite of the bowl, but Triana was absolutely positive she loved every moment of it. "Wow."


    There were no more stew bowls, but Elspeth took the last of the cheesy lobster flatbread and started eating. The flavor of the normally shunned crustacean was absolutely decadent. She couldn''t believe how good it tasted compared to her own dish. Nodding to Triana, she realized that neither of them could compete with Battlemaid when it came to cooking.


    Crowding the table too, Lorissa and Gisse each collected a piece of food from Battlemaid''s entry and tried it themselves. Lorissa nodded as she ate, having sampled the mechanized maid''s food before. Beside her, Gisse was staring openly at the little balls of egg and meat, crumbed and deep fried, and couldn''t believe how good it was without a need for any souls at all.


    "I guess this means I''ll be having that date with you, Billi."


    The words stunned her. Battlemaid wasn''t sure if her cooling systems could handle it, but she employed them at maximum strength to counter the overwhelming heat her errant systems were producing. It made her cheeks flush. "R-Really?"


    "When will the dancing event be?" Triana asked, still chewing on the last of her flatbread.


    Stanton, who was definitely content making eyes at Battlemaid¡ªespecially when she looked a little flustered¡ªgestured expansively. "One month from today. That should give you plenty of time to train." He turned his eyes sideways briefly to look at Cassandra. "This won''t be a normal dance, after all. Cass will be selecting a partner and there will be a combat element to it."


    "I will?" ¡­ "There will?"


    The questions came from everyone present, except for one. Trying desperately to be noticed, Cleverclaws (minus her two companions) reached as high as she could to set her cloche-covered plates on the table. "You haven''t tried mine!"


    "I''ll only try it if you tell me your real name and why you want a date," Stanton said.


    Looking between Stanton and Cassandra, her worry rising, Cleverclaws started to shake. Panic enveloped her and she wanted to scream. What happened was she got picked up and hugged. Tilting her head back, she stared up at the underside of Stanton''s chin as he looked down at her. "C-C-Cleverclaws."


    Not having seen a kobold close up without punching them, Stanton was nonetheless sure he could handle just one. Besides, he figured, he had two huge werewolves, a samurai, a lightning mage, and a robotic battle platform for backup. "Cleverclaws? That''s a cute name. Now, why do you want to date me?"


    It was all for her master. A dragon was the most important thing in the world to a kobold, and Cassandra was no exception to that, but Stanton was really nice and she liked him being nice to her. "B-B-Because you''re nice."


    Giving Cleverclaws a scratch under her chin, Stanton smiled down to her. "That''s a good answer. Now, what did you make for us?"


    Comfortable more than she''d ever been in her life, Cleverclaws managed one look at Cassandra and¡ªseeing her curious expression¡ªpushed on as though she wasn''t messing with things she shouldn''t have. "Crepes with blueberries and iced cream."


    The announcement had Stanton reaching across, keeping Cleverclaws balanced with one hugging arm, to lift the cloche of the nearest plate. The food looked amazing. Ripe and juicy blueberries, with what looked like a glaze on them, clustered atop ice cream while a trio of thin crepes were carefully balanced against the pile such that he could add the filling to his deserts however he pleased. "Oh wow. This looks great!"


    Watching Stanton eat her cooking made Cleverclaws squirm a little. He used one hand, and a spoon, to cut the crapes then scooped the ice cream and berries onto it and ate them. She froze, not daring to breathe.


    "It''s delicious. A perfect end to a great series of meals." Scooping the next bit onto his spoon, Stanton let the wonderful flavors play over his tongue as he savored the dessert. "I''d definitely give Cleverclaws'' dish a solid eight."


    Nodding along, having tried some of her own crepes, Cassandra wasn''t at all surprised by Cleverclaws'' cooking prowess. If anything, she figured that any imperfections in the food would be because of the "assistants." So, nodding, she reached over and put a hand on Cleverclaws'' shoulder reassuringly. "I give it a ten."


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 Chapter 22

    Battlemaid had managed to slink to the back and away from all the attention that seemed to drive her systems crazy. She alternated the use of her new advanced cooling systems and her more traditional ones, and slowly regained full control of her faculties.


    A tiny voice said, "I won." It took Battlemaid several seconds of processing to discover it was hers.


    "Yeah, you did. That was a clever ploy." Lifting one set of beans up to lick them, Swiftpaw Deathbringer engaged in the most traditional of feline tasks, ignoring everyone who paid him any attention.


    "Th-Thanks. Um, I have some leftover fish I didn''t use. Would you like some?"


    Freezing mid-lick, Swiftpaw lifted his head and gazed into the innocent face of Battlemaid. "I believe that question is rhetorical, but to facilitate the delivery of fish to my feline person¡ªyes."


    Reaching out and carefully lifting Swiftpaw, Battlemaid carried him back to where she''d been working. There was a small filet of fish left on the bench, and with Swiftpaw standing on her shoulder, Battlemaid deftly cut it into small strips for him, put it on a plate, and held it up for his inspection. "Will this be sufficient?"


    Nodding his head, Swiftpaw deployed his ultimate weapon and snatched a little piece of the fish to test. Sniffing, licking, and giving it a good nibble, he decided it was worthy of his time and picked it off his clenched claws delicately.


    Smiling a little at the purring bundle she was holding, Battlemaid felt relaxed that she didn''t have to worry about Swiftpaw''s enjoyment or if he was enjoying himself. Lorissa had spoken of him enough times that she knew if he was purring, he was happy. "Battlemaid does not know if she can do this dancing challenge. Knowledge of the art form is limited, and I fear asking Master for help in case he helps."


    Swiftpaw would have responded. He would have given Battlemaid all kinds of advice on how to handle love and engage with a paramour without overheating¡ªbut there was fish and fish was far more important than everything else.


    Only when it was all gone, and he''d carefully licked the plate, his paw, and washed his face did Swiftpaw deign to answer her unasked question. "I will help you learn to dance if you get me a whole fish."


    Tilting her head to the side, Battlemaid assembled the map of what she would be giving and getting from the deal. "Another fish means buying it, which means Battlemaid will need to go shopping. This is possible." Without even thinking about it, she started patting Swiftpaw, which earned her more purring from him.


    "It will end up costing you two fish."


    "Huh?" Battlemaid couldn''t work out the logic involved. "Why?"


    "You have a date¡ªwith Stanton." When his statement didn''t have the immediate result he expected, Swiftpaw sighed. "Imagine being on a date with him, just the pair of you, with him staring longingly into your eyes." The heat that began radiating from Battlemaid was proof enough that Swiftpaw had found an infinite resource of fish.


    "Engaging extreme cooling," Battlemaid said, as the inbuilt spell Stanton had given her kicked into gear and chilled her core components. She let out a relieved sigh and returned to thinking about Stanton. "How are you going to teach me?"


    Swiftpaw began to purr loudly. "To answer that question will cost another fish."


    <hr>


    Glad he''d somehow survived without starting a war, Stanton stood up and looked around. He spotted Battlemaid talking with Swiftpaw, and figured the pair were up to something that could keep. "I know this engagement thing is complicated¡ªand important¡ªbut even if mother only takes my opinion in a small way, know that the pair of you are already ahead of anyone else because you both took the time to come here and get to know me. I¡ª"


    Angel crashed through the exterior door and looked around. When she spotted Stanton, she shouted, "Stanton, there''s a fight and k¡ª" She managed to stop herself blurting out a bunch of things she knew she shouldn''t only because she noticed everyone else present. "Uh, there''s a fight outside and a bunch of k¡ª" When her eyes fixed on Cleverclaws, she censored herself again.


    "Oh? A fight going on? Well, maybe we should go and set a good example and see if anyone is hurt." It might be a blatant attempt to get two werewolves to help deal with a problem, but Stanton felt that anyone he was going to end up engaged to, was probably going to get sucked into this crazy life he''d started living.


    Following Stanton, along with everyone else, Gisse felt a weird unfinished sense. There was something that hadn''t happened that should have. Worse, still, it seemed to be internal. She made a wild guess that it was Stanton and the ring she''d gotten for him. "S-Stanton?" She tried to get his attention, but he seemed intent on leading the way outside.


    There was shouting outside. People running away from something had a tendency to look behind them, so Stanton looked that way too. There were dozens of people already tied up by a huge group of kobolds, and the draconic minions were in the process of catching more people. "This is going too far."


    "We can take care of this." Triana looked at Elspeth and raised one fuzzy eyebrow. "Want to show off for our future husband?"


    The context was perfect for Elspeth. A contest of strength that wasn''t a direct interaction between herself and a larger werewolf. "Sounds good. I bet I can kill more of them than you."


    Using the distraction of two big werewolves to let the whole group go ahead of her, Lorissa plucked Swiftpaw from Battlemaid''s arms. "I''ll help take care of this. You go out and keep Stanton safe. He can''t transform with so many people watching him."


    Setting aside her thoughts of the upcoming date, Battlemaid nodded to Lorissa. "Okay. Hopefully nothing happens¡ªI don''t think Gisse would let any harm come to him."


    Lorissa nodded to that. "Go. I''ll deal with these kobolds." When Battlemaid left, she lifted Swiftpaw up to look at his angry face. "She was feeding you, wasn''t she?"


    "There was fish. If there is not more fish for me later, I will expect you to restore honor to your name by falling on your sword." Nonetheless, he let the magic of Lorissa''s transformation wash over him and he became the blade for her wand.


    With her body slowly lowering back to the floor after the light show, Lorissa let out a soft sigh that trailed into a purred, "Nya." Magical energy flooded her. Flicking her tail, she strode for one side of the big kitchen and slipped out a delivery door there. The sound of mayhem made her ears turn, and then her head too, to locate the fight in progress.


    Rushing into the street, Lorissa cut down two of the kobolds with one huge slash that caught them on their torsos. "Nya! You didn''t think you could attack while I was getting my claws done, did you?"


    Catching two kobolds that were trying to flank Lorissa with one huge paw, and tossing them into another group trying to reach Elspeth, Triana said, "Free the hostages. We''ll brawl with this lot." Rushing past Lorissa, Triana dove to where the kobolds were trying to drag their prisoners away and stopped them with her fists. At her side, Elspeth made a good showing too.


    In her hands, Swiftpaw Deathbringer performed flawlessly. Lorissa made a series of swipes at the restrained people and their bindings fell to the ground around them in neat little piles. "Go. Get away from them. Nya."


    The fighting was a great way to work out her anger at being beaten in the contest, or so Elspeth thought. The kobolds were like skittles to them both, and they dealt with plenty of them while driving the rest back. She heard the unmistakable tones of command coming from around a corner in an alleyway. "Triana, keep on them here. I think I know where their leader is!"


    The Evil Pig of Evil was annoyed. "If I find out one of you blabbed about this, and that''s how they got here so fast, I''ll¡­ I''ll not put you back together. Keep them moving! At least get one of the pesky humans!"


    It was with great glee that Spitstoomuch dragged the bound woman into the alleyway. It warmed his evil little heart to be the first to successfully follow orders. Nonetheless, it got a bit darker. Turning to the entrance of the alley just behind him, he looked up and up and up at the big werewolf.


    "Normally I might not care about you," Elspeth said, reaching down and picking the kobold up by the neck. Spitstoomuch''s attempts to cut at her with his dagger went ignored mostly, until she grabbed his weapon arm and pulled it off. "But, you caught me on a bad day." She threw the kobold deeper into the alleyway with a fair bit of force.


    Dodging Spitstoomuch''s body only barely, the Evil Pig of Evil let out an annoyed squeal at the werewolf that even now pushed the bound person back into the street behind her. "You! Seize that wolf!"


    "It''s always easy to find the one in charge," Elspeth said, stalking toward the Evil Pig of Evil, "It''s always the sanctimonious bastard yelling orders rather than doing something."


    The kobolds weren''t idiots, but they had all given their oaths to their pernicious porcine patriarch. Putting herself between the Evil Pig of Evil and Elspeth, Lookspretty closed her eyes and cowered in place. When the expected (and temporary, but still inconvenient) death didn''t come, she cracked open one eye. Staring up at the immobile wolf, she felt an excited fervor overtake her.


    The magic had come out of nowhere. Elspeth was stuck in place, unable to move, while the kobolds danced for joy and tied her up. Slumped down on the ground, still contained in evil magic, she whined and looked up at the tiny pig that should have been so easy to overpower. She wanted to eat it so much!


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    "Well, well, well. A werewolf? You will make a fine addition to my evil army!" Looking around at his excited minions, the Evil Pig of Evil gestured to the open manhole with one evil trotter. "Leave the humans. Take this one down and lock it in the strongest cell we have!"


    When Triana reached the alleyway''s entrance, and looked inside, all she saw was kobolds rushing to get to the sewer entrance, some dragging others or even just bits of others. "Elspeth?" Approaching the sewer, she was struck by the horrid smell coming up. "Ugh, this is horrid. Where is that damn wolfess?"


    Stalking back out of the alley and looking for Stanton, Triana found Lorissa first. "Did you see where Elspeth went? I thought she ran into the alley ahead of me to delay them, but when I looked it was empty. Well, there were some kobolds still running, but no werewolf."


    "She''s a big girl, nya, she''ll probably be beating up on a pile of kobolds somewhere." Walking over to the manhole cover with the smooth gait of a trained feline, Lorissa slowly brought Swiftpaw''s tip under the huge disk and, with a flip of her wrists that would have been impossible were she still just human, she sent it twirling into the air and finally to land over the hole.


    "So, what''s the deal with all this? Stanton was holding back and I noticed you slipped out and came back all fuzzy."


    "Nya. We''re trying to keep our powers on the down-low. Cass would probably be cool about it, but even as Gisse is kinda cool with us, she is stuck working with the dragon. I don''t think it''d be smart to let her know we''re her enemies." Lorissa managed nearly half a second before she choked out another, "Nya."


    Shrugging her huge shoulders, Triana thought about that. "Seems like you might want to get someone to help, though, if they''re trying to take prisoners."


    "Yeah, nya. Stanton has the city guard helping, or rather we help them more often than not. They can usually take care of the kobolds, but the dragon is something else. She uses lightning and is, in general, really annoying."


    "Lightning? Why don''t you ask Cass for help dealing with that? Or at least ask her for ways to counter electricity." Walking out of the alley with Lorissa behind her, Triana asked, "Do you have a name I can call you when you''re disguised like this?"


    "That''s still under debate, but Kat will do for now." Lorissa had tried to walk beside Triana, but she was too wide for the alley.


    <hr>


    Waking up underground and tied up, Elspeth had little concept of how long she''d been unconscious for. Her keen eyes cut through the dark like a hot knife through butter, and she saw the two kobolds standing guard outside the cell she was in. "Open the gate or I''ll kill both of you."


    "What was it our porcine master said?" one kobold asked.


    "That we don''t open the cell door until he returns," the other replied.


    Looking up at Elspeth, the first nodded. "We can''t open the door."


    Something tipped Elspeth off that the two kobolds might not be the brightest luminaries of their people. "I can hear him coming now. You should open the door so he can come in as soon as he arrives."


    The first kobold was already walking toward the cell, keys in hand, to do exactly as Elspeth suggested, but the second one grabbed him and pulled him back. "You idiot! The other thing he said was not to listen to a single thing the prisoner says!"


    Seeing a pattern to their idiocy, Elspeth grinned. "So you can''t listen to a single thing I say?"


    "No!" the second kobold shouted, shortly followed by the first.


    "But that was the second thing I said, not the first." She could see as the first kobold''s claws tickled at his key ring. "You''re lucky you have someone clever to help you figure out all these rules."


    Thinking about it, still holding the first kobold from doing anything stupid, the second kobold let go and shrugged. "She''s right! Unlock the door!"


    The Evil Pig of Evil found Elspeth rampaging through the tunnels, carrying a kobold she was using as a club to knock others out of the way. He recognized the club as one of the kobolds he''d set to guard her. "Stop!"


    Elspeth had no plans to obey the Evil Pig of Evil, but she had no choice. The moment his order registered in her head, she couldn''t move. Glaring at the pig as he walked closer, she wanted to rip him in half, barbecue him, and eat him. "Let go of me!"


    "No. You''re too useful, but that pesky mind of yours is causing a problem. What I need is a way to encourage you to be a bad girl, rather than"¡ªthe Evil Pig of Evil gestured to the trail of destruction and kobold bodyparts behind Elspeth¡ª"this. Fortunately, I have just the thing. Follow me, and put Stupidhead down."


    The power holding her in place seemed to shift and, without wanting to, Elspeth put down the blood-covered kobold she''d been using as a flail and turned to follow the pig. "What are you doing? The minute I get free, I''ll rip you in¡ª"


    "Shush."


    ". . ." Elspeth''s anger turned incandescent and she railed mentally at what seemed to be a magically induced physical effect. She felt like a puppet hanging from strings, and she did not like it one bit¡ªbut she was utterly powerless to do anything about it.


    "Oh, don''t get upset. I''m going to set you free. Free to have your own thoughts, desires, and the power to attain them. No longer will society dictate to you what you want, no, you''ll be able to choose things naturally." Trotting along at a good pace, the Evil Pig of Evil couldn''t stop from pontificating on the virtues of personal freedom. "Oh, of course you''ll need to do a few little favors for me, but you''ll want to do them, trust me. They''ll be fun."


    Turning the corner into a huge cave, Elspeth felt a new worry overtaking her. There were over a dozen kobolds working on machinery. There was electricity sparking up and down various pieces of equipment. In one corner a kobold was running on a treadmill. What had Elspeth''s focus, though, was a huge chair sitting in the middle of the room.


    The chair looked like it was made from steel. It had huge restraints that seemed perfectly designed for holding a werewolf, as well as a hemispherical helmet just above where an occupant''s head would be. On that helmet were dozens of crystals and wires, the latter of which traced up and across to one of the machines producing sparks.


    She wanted to scream and tear them apart, throw kobolds at things, and jam the pig into the chair and spend a good five minutes punching it. Instead, when commanded, she walked toward it and sat down.


    Kobolds swarmed over the chair while the Evil Pig of Evil put on his little lab coat, goggles, and rubber gloves. When he completely failed to do the latter, he had a kobold assistant do the job. "Is the subject secure?"


    "Yes, my lord!" a kobold said a moment before Elspeth grabbed them, pulled her arm back, and threw the little dragonkin at the far wall. "Uh, lord, I believe the subject might not be fully restrained. Where''d my arm go?"


    "Stop resisting and put your arm in the cuff." Walking over toward the chair, the Evil Pig of Evil made little squeaking sounds as each hoof came down on the rubberized section of the floor. "Igor¡ªthrow the switch!" When nothing happened, the Evil Pig of Evil looked around at the kobolds. "Which one of you is Igor?"


    "Him!" three shouted, and pointed at the kobold in the corner that was missing his arm¡ªand had passed out.


    "Well, not anymore. You!"


    "Me?"


    "Yes, you! You are now Igor." Clearing his throat, the Evil Pig of Evil made a dramatic gesture. "Igor! Throw the switch!"


    The last thing Elspeth saw, before she was hit in the head by magic, was one of the kobolds jumping up and grabbing the end of a knife-switch and using its whole body to pull it closed.


    <hr>


    Shaking her head, Elspeth felt like an eggbeater had been shoved in each ear, turned on, and then pulled out only after her gray matter was brought to stiff peaks. "What did you do to me?"


    The Evil Pig of Evil stood outside the cell door, eagerly looking at his latest creation. "Improved you! Yes! Now you will forever more lack a conscience! Like any good¡ªerr, evil¡ªminion, this will make you not just obey orders, but do so gladly."


    Falling over on the floor, Elspeth let out a groan and started to whimper and twitch.


    "What''s going on?" the Evil Pig of Evil asked, worry tainting his words. "Did the procedure fail? Open this blasted gate and let me in there!"


    "B-Boss," the new Igor said, "I don''t think¡ª"


    "You are not paid to think, Igor!"


    "I''m not paid at all, boss."


    "Open this door immediately!" When his minion obliged, the Evil Pig of Evil trotted into the cell to inspect his newest toy. "I wonder if I used too much¡ª?"


    Igor 2.0 didn''t wait for the werewolf''s talons to close around the Evil Pig of Evil''s neck before running. They were at the door and fumbling with the lock before Elspeth stood up and grabbed the petulantly-protesting porcine with both claws. The last sound they heard, in fact, was a high pitched squeal before the door slammed shut behind them.


    It would have been an inconvenience to have his form destroyed, but the Evil Pig of Evil felt the great beast pause¡ªnot quite gripping him tight enough to hurt. "You can''t do it, can you?"


    Snarling, Elspeth dropped one big forelimb to the ground and brought her other back to throw her tormentor¡ªbefore she carefully put him down. "What did you do to me?!"


    "You cannot harm me. Simple little addition. You also can''t harm my minions, so don''t bother trying to¡ª Hey! Where are you going? Stop!" Squealing in indignation, the Evil Pig of Evil tried to expand its magic to control Elspeth as she walked for the door, but felt his power rebuffed by some kind of force.


    Looking back at the pig trying to mind control her again, Elspeth snorted. "Let me guess, you tossed in some kind of immunity to magic? I know I would, if I was sure I could control a monster." At the look of shock on the pig''s face, Elspeth laughed. "That''s it, isn''t it? And I bet you figured that without a conscience I would be more than happy to be your minion." Closing the gate and sealing the pig in the cell, Elspeth said, "Funny thing about not hurting someone"¡ªshe grabbed the steel lock and squeezed, crushing it to a useless ball of still-latched mess¡ª"locking them up doesn''t count."


    Turning to the doorway leading out of the dungeon area, Elspeth noticed a kobold peeking through the gap of the door watching her. "Hey, tell your friends. Open all the doors and get out of my way, and I won''t come up with imaginative ways to beat the snot out of you."


    When the door didn''t slam closed, Elspeth counted that as good news. She grabbed some keys off a pegboard and stalked toward the exit. Throwing the door open, she looked outside. Not a kobold to be seen, but there was a conspicuously open door.


    "No! Stop her! Don''t let the¡ª Where are all you idiots?!" The Evil Pig of Evil could only hear echoing, open hallways answer him.


    Elspeth held no delusions, she knew the pig would get out and figure something to stop her from leaving, which is why she sped up her walk into a lope. She saw a few more kobolds now, those that probably hadn''t heard about the big nasty thing trying to leave that would be good to let leave. She passed them, not bothering to come up with ways to beat the snot out of them.


    Never before had she been so happy to have her olfactory sense overwhelmed with the smell of sewage. Breaking out of the kobold tunnels and into the regular drainage of the city brought a lightness of heart that made the flowing filth beside her seem like a lovely bouquet of roses, welcoming her back to some normalcy.


    "This way."


    The voice was a kobold''s. Elspeth pondered pushing them gently into the horrid water, but in the interest of getting out, she followed them instead. "Why are you helping?"


    The kobold looked back over their shoulder and up at Elspeth''s face. "Pig is annoying. You''re funny. Sis told me."


    "All three?" Now Elspeth was intrigued. "Whatever. You want to work outside of that place?"


    "When dragon calls, all kobolds come." The kobold froze as a huge hand closed around its neck and tightened. "What?"


    "If I put a collar around your neck and added a chain, then locked you up. You couldn''t go to the dragon then?"


    Eyes wide, the kobold nodded, then shook its head. "No. Couldn''t go."


    "Good. I have some jobs for you, and if you do them before your dragon calls, I''ll put a collar around your neck and make you never be able to go to it." Letting go, Elspeth tried to think of what would be the next thing. "Do you have a name?"


    "Stupid."


    "The name''s stupid?"


    "Yes. I am Stupid."


    "No. Really?" Elspeth watched the kobold nod. "A stupid kobold would have tried to stop me. A stupid kobold would have gone back to free that damn pig. A stupid kobold would wait for the dragon to call them so they don''t have to think. You are not a stupid kobold."


    "Stupid enough to turn my back on a werewolf." The kobold sighed. "Okay, if you put collar on me, give me better name."


    "Deal."


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 Chapter 23

    Stanton had a list that he was both adding to and subtracting from over the course of the day. By the time evening rolled around, he had to smile at the last errand left on it: Collect Battlemaid.


    The last hour of his day had been spent getting the perfect outfit, the perfect hairdo, and the perfect cologne to impress upon his intended date how important she was to him. He was almost home when movement in the corner of his eye made him look over to see Elspeth sitting in the market, on an old crate, watching him back. She had a black dress on, a dark veil, and held a pretty pink parasol to keep the evening sun off her.


    That Stanton noticed her made Elspeth glad. She really hadn''t wanted to be more obvious, but as he walked closer, she availed herself of the time to really look at him. She could do this, she realized. She had only one real contender, and if she played things right, she could beat Triana Eyesbright to the prize. "Stanton, so odd to meet you here."


    Not liking the way she looked at him as if she owned him, Stanton felt his hackles raise at her casual query that was as rhetorical as it wasn''t actually a question. "What happened yesterday, Elspeth? Everyone was cleaning up those kobolds but you ran away."


    "I didn''t run away!" Almost shapeshifting in her anger, Elspeth calmed herself and sat back. "That damn pig and his kobold minions tried to kidnap me. Didn''t work, though, they were expecting a dumb werewolf. I guess they should have waited for Triana to arrive."


    "Shit," Stanton said, before recovering. "We didn''t know that. Triana said that after she reached the alley, there was no sign of you. I¡ªI''m sorry, Elspeth."


    She hadn''t actually prepared for the eventuality of getting an apology. "Well, I''m fine now. I have decided I will compete in the next contest. I will beat Triana Eyesbright and, Stanton, you will be glad I did."


    "Why would I be? She''s a friend. She''s made the effort to be friends with my friends. I''ve already penned a letter I''ll be sending to my mother to tell her this." He hoped it would put her off, or else he''d have to go and write that letter that he just lied about.


    "You''ll tear that up yourself and you know why?" Leaning forward, Elspeth closed and adjusted the grip on her parasol so the hooked handle swung behind Stanton''s neck and pulled him close enough they could kiss. "Because I can tell you how to get to that damned pig''s secret lair under the city."


    "Wh¡ª" Stanton had to gulp before he could continue. He was off-balance because of her, and he knew it was her plan. "Why would I care about that? Seems like more of your problem than mine." Big bluff, he knew, but he had been playing politics within his family for years.


    "Really, Super Lupine Girl?" The look of panic on Stanton''s face was a delicious delicacy for Elspeth. "Oh, don''t worry, I won''t tell your little common-born dalliance about that side of you. She''s the only one that doesn''t know, right? Oh, and the demon. You think you''re the only one who can tail people and find out what they''re up to?"


    "What do you want, Elspeth?"


    "That''s clear, Stanton. I want to pin the names Raveel-Sharptooth after Longhowl. You, I have no doubt, will be a fun puzzle to unravel over the next twenty or so years. After that, we can each settle down to our own games. No doubt you''ll be chasing the maids around and getting pups on them all while I trade in your families'' names." Elspeth pulled a little more and licked Stanton''s cheek. "Mmm. Maybe I''ll dress up as a maid every now and again, if only to see how blind you''ve become."


    Trying to jerk back from her, Stanton realized that she was using force above and beyond what werewolves would typically use in their human form. With an unspoken prayer to the power within him, he reached up and broke the crook of the parasol''s handle and stepped back. "You seemed kinda normal yesterday. What happened? Was all that an act because of Triana beating you?"


    The change in an already aggressive Elspeth to fiery incandescent rage startled Stanton. He had to jump backward to avoid one of her claws that still barely missed him.


    "I''ll kill you for bringing that up!" The snarled shout and fury surprised Elspeth. She had acted without thinking of the consequences for probably the first time in her life. Even her fight against Triana had been calculated¡ªbut she was sure she would have killed Stanton if her claw had connected. Jerking back, she felt trapped between her desire to control Stanton and the overreaction.


    "Yeah, you know what, I have limits. Forget it. I''ll tell mother that if she chooses you, I''m leaving the family. Also, if you ever threaten me like that again, Elspeth, not even Triana will save you." Stanton didn''t, couldn''t, break eye contact with Elspeth.


    Elspeth''s anger rose further, until she was on the verge of attacking him. She felt her wolfish qualities start to bubble just under her skin¡ªmuscles cording and bones growing denser¡ªand then there was a press of bodies all around and between them. Children, it seemed. If she wanted to fight Stanton, she would have to smash her way through to him. "Soon, then."


    Stanton was left watching as she turned, broke her parasol in half and dropped it, then walked away. He sighed. "What is up with the crazy women in my life? All I wanted was to graduate, get a maid or two, and¡ª Battlemaid!"


    Running back to his tower, dodging around people on the streets using his inhuman evasion skills, Stanton froze outside his front door and checked over himself. Luckily for him, Elspeth''s parasol hadn''t left any marks, but he was sure he still had her scent on him from where she''d licked. Also, when he checked his face in a magic reflection spell he conjured, he saw that she''d smudged the little touch of blush the hairdresser had left on his cheeks.


    Another spell and he quickly dabbed the makeup and scent off together, leaving him with just the cologne. His hair was carefully pulled up and styled to hide its volume, so he considered himself ready. "I''m home!"


    Jumping up from the stool she''d been sitting on, Battlemaid turned around¡ªher dress spreading out around her¡ªand stared at Stanton. Her hydraulic system''s pumps misfired several times.


    <hr>


    Earlier.


    "Come on."


    Battlemaid was a little confused. "Where? I have a date tonight and I don''t want to miss it." She beheld Triana''s excitement and couldn''t for the life of her figure out why the woman was so worked up.


    "Exactly! I''m not ashamed to say that your food was amazing¡ªyou really deserved to win this date. But Stanton is out getting himself prettied up for the date, and I want him to come in that door and freeze as he realizes he won''t be the most beautiful thing in the room. So, come on." Reaching out her hand, Triana pulled Battlemaid to her feet. It wasn''t exactly easy, and if Triana hadn''t been a werewolf it would have been impossible, but as it was she drew her metallic friend toward the door.


    Looking at Triana''s arm, Battlemaid wasn''t prepared to fight the encouragement but she still wanted more answers. "Where are we going?"


    "You need several things, but a dress is top among them and will take the longest. Thankfully my cousin will help out with that, while my sisters will not hesitate for a moment to have your hair and makeup looking¡ª What is your hair made from?" As she was pushing Battlemaid out the door, Triana noticed that while the girl''s hair looked normal from a distance, it seemed synthetic.


    "My hair is a composite of nylon, high grade silicon carbide, and aluminum mesh. It provides excellent all-round impact protection, prevents squish-head and HEAT munitions from contacting my chassis, and can dissipate heat¡ªthough Stanton made me that new system to help with that." Battlemaid tapped her chin in thought as Triana gave up dragging her and literally lifted Battlemaid onto one shoulder. "Where are we going?"


    "First, to the transporter station. We don''t have time to wait for an appointment with someone in town, and I''ve already secured us both travel there and back." Hoisting Battlemaid onto one shoulder wasn''t exactly hard, the girl was a little heavier than the average two-wheeled wagon, though, and so Triana adjusted her until the mass was comfortable. "You, uh, are quite solid."


    "Affirmative. Battlemaid''s chassis is built from an ultralight alloy, but has armor plating around several key areas made from a Tungsten/depleted Uranium alloy that prevents damage should even ninety percent of the rest of the body be ablated." It wasn''t embarrassing to be carried, but Battlemaid was sure she could have moved faster under her own power. Shifting herself, she grabbed Triana under her shoulders and said, "Activating thrusters."


    Flying wasn''t common for werewolves, though Triana could appreciate that out of all the methods for flight she knew about, the new one that Battlemaid was employing definitely had top marks for being the most terrifying. It was more than the thin arms supporting her, the huge plumes of flame burning barely out of reach below her skirts, or the way Battlemaid seemed to be pitching forward more and more to trade vertical acceleration for horizontal¡ªbut they were absolutely a big part of the panic she felt.


    "Gimballing around center of mass. Slowing horizontal momentum. Throttling down thrusters." It didn''t matter to Battlemaid that Triana touched the ground first. She let the woman get her feet under her before returning to her shoulder-supported position. "You have arrived at your destination."


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    Her legs didn''t shake because she was terrified, Triana lied to herself, it was totally because Battlemaid was heavy and she was still in her normal human form. "Please don''t ever do that again." Even her voice shook, but Triana had to admit¡ªthey were at the station far sooner than she would have got them there.


    Being placed back on her own feet, Battlemaid adjusted her apron and skirt to sit properly. "Taking note: Triana Eyesbright does not wish assistance with locomotion."


    "Close enough. Come on, I booked us a departure time and these rural stations can sometimes get snooty with nobles about ruining their schedule." Taking Battlemaid''s hand in her own, Triana led the way into the huge station. They took the shortcut to the more exclusive teleportation pad, of course, and all it took was Triana flashing her reservation to get a nod from the staff.


    The wait wasn''t long, which meant that they really had cut it fine. When the teleport ended and they were in a much louder city, Triana breathed a sigh of relief. "Come on, we have a seamstress to bully." It wasn''t so much that Triana was shoving her way through the crowd, but when a well-to-do lady was dragging a maid along by the hand, people made way and tried to pretend they weren''t looking back to listen for the inevitable scalding that was about to happen.


    No scalding would come this day, certainly not from Triana. "I think Stanton is contagious."


    "Master has been invaded by microscopic almost-life?!" Battlemaid had planned for this. She was already shifting her ammo production systems into making a combination of synthetic chicken-noodle soup and powerful acids to burn away phlegm. "I must go to him!"


    "Wait!" Containing a slim, several-hundred-pound combat-rated maid was not an easy task. Triana could feel her shifter muscles straining to stop Battlemaid before she did something inadvisable. "He''s not actually beset by illness, werewolves can''t get those, I merely meant that his magnanimous nature was rubbing off on me."


    "You were abrading him? Aren''t you both the same consistency?"


    "I¡ª" Triana closed her eyes and surrendered to the inevitability of Battlemaid never quite understanding anything she said. "Just forget about it. Come on, you need to be measured so Courtney can make your dress by the end of the day."


    Reaching her cousin''s boutique without any further incidents, and only one confusing moment where Battlemaid told her she was continuing to make armor-piercing ammunition, Triana pushed the robot girl into the building ahead of her. "Courtney!"


    Poking her head up from behind a counter, Courtney Eyesbright spotted her cousin and leapt over the bench and slammed into her with a huge hug. "Tri! Where have you been? It''s been sooooo boring here without you! Did you¡ª?" She stopped and looked over Triana''s shoulder at Battlemaid. "You have your own maid now?"


    "No. Wait. She''s sort of a maid, but also¡ª Let me explain it properly and introduce you. Courtney Eyesbright, this is Battlemaid. Battlemaid, this is Courtney Eyesbright, my cousin. Oh, Battlemaid is Stanton''s maid. She''s literally the best cook I know and, once you get used to her, she''s amazing." Triana was, as she spoke, trying to come up with a way to get her cousin to get a ride from Battlemaid, but she was also worried that it would leave Courtney so terrified she wouldn''t finish the dress. "We need your help."


    "You need a dress." Not a question, not even a hint of one. There were others that Triana could go to for all manner of problems, but Courtney knew that if Triana needed a dress made, this was exactly where she''d be. "Who is it for and when do you need it by?" She narrowed her eyes and held up a hand before Triana''s face. "Wait, I already know the answers. Battlemaid and some time today."


    "Please?" Triana asked.


    "You realize I work by appointment only, right? I don''t let riffraff in off the street. The Emperor''s daughter came in yesterday, I was making her dress when you arrived." Courtney held the moment only as long as was required for Triana to look a little defeated. "But she doesn''t need it until the weekend, so you are lucky. Triana, don''t try to pull this again without at least a day''s notice."


    "The Emperor''s daughter, really?" was all Triana could think to ask.


    Nodding, Courtney said, "Yes. Really. So, what event are we bringing this¡ª Are you a golem of some kind?"


    "I-I was. Now Lorissa says I''m way more than a golem, and Master said so too!" Battlemaid fiddled with the hem of her apron, not even realizing her vocal systems had slipped a little. "I keep him safe and cook for him, and he¡ªhe is taking me out on a date tonight."


    Nodding, Courtney found herself patting Battlemaid''s hand to reassure her. It wasn''t hard to imagine her as a person instead of a golem¡ªno golem Courtney had ever seen got nervous and excited at the same time. "Triana, I have got so many questions, but I can ask those while measuring. Please go behind the shade over there and take off your dress, Battlemaid."


    A flash of confusion and social rules poured through Battlemaid as she tried to figure out whether it was safe to undress. The main worry, that her master would see her, was alleviated due to him being a large distance away (though the teleporter was a worrying device she''d have to investigate). Courtney, being someone who made dresses, was definitely qualified to inspect bodies so, with the privacy screen promised (and being unable to confirm if Triana had eyesight that could penetrate the barrier), she went and did as instructed.


    Looking at her cousin, Courtney poked her tongue out after a good stern glare, then headed off with measuring tape in hand. "With your complexion, something dark would be best. We want to give you a framing, not steal the attention. Bright colors would only leave your skin tone begging for light."


    "Chassis coating," Battlemaid said. "I don''t have skin. This is a high density non-ferrous metal-polymer alloy that is nano-woven together to provide puncture resistance and a soft texture."


    "Okay." Unsure what to do with the information, Courtney filed it away. "That would still be the skin of your chassis, correct?"


    Blinking at that, Battlemaid tipped her head to the side a little to allow her cooling systems to better facilitate heat-flow out of her processing system. "That is logically correct."


    Battlemaid seemed like a strange little conundrum to Courtney. It was obvious the girl wasn''t made of flesh and blood, both in how she spoke and how she looked (the tiny seams in her flesh were obvious now she''d disrobed), but Battlemaid''s emotions were real. "If you ever get tired of working as a maid, you should come and work for me."


    It was a surprising question. Battlemaid pondered it. "Battlemaid would never get tired of Master, but if Master doesn''t need Battlemaid anymore, she¡ªshe will come and serve Courtney instead."


    Taking the required measurements, Courtney smiled at the idea of getting to know the girl further. "What are your thoughts, Ba¡ªDo you have a shorter name?"


    Blushing a little, and not sure why, Battlemaid said, "The others called me Billi when we had the cooking contest."


    "Billi? Yes, a lovely name. Well, Billi, what are your thoughts on a good color combination?"


    "C-Color? Battlemaid is¡ª" Focusing her attention on her nano-woven skin, Battlemaid changed her exterior tone to the exact same as Courtney, and then adjusted her hair-color to match. "This makes it easier?"


    Staring open-mouthed, Courtney shook her head to banish her shock. "You can change your color with magic?"


    "N-No. It''s not magic. Battlemaid can realign the crystal reflectors in her cha"¡ªBattlemaid realized two things, Courtney preferred her shorter name and the woman didn''t need her technical descriptions¡ª"in my skin and hair using electricity. I can change it back if that would help?"


    "Ye¡ª Wait. No, don''t become something just to please others, Billi. Become what colors you want to be." As usual, inspiration was a big part of Courtney''s toolkit. She offered the instructions even as her mind started designing a dress to show off some of Battlemaid''s features.


    "What Battlemaid wants to be?" The surprise of being asked distracted Battlemaid from using her Billi persona. "B-Billi, sorry. I think it would be nice to have¡­" As she spoke, Battlemaid made her skin go paler white and her hair turned a soft blue. She examined it, then made a happy little squeak.


    The change surprised Courtney. "Paler skin? That tone was already quite light," she said, holding out her arm, which is what Battlemaid had copied in the first place.


    "Well, it''s not with normal vision, I¡ª Oh!" Holding out her right arm, she aimed her hand back toward herself and extended her personal flashlight from the back of her wrist. "My skin is highly UV reactive."


    Staring as Battlemaid''s skin started to glow in patterns with the deep "blue" light on it, Courtney could now see what she''d meant. "Oh my goodness, that''s amazing. How did you make that light? It''s not magic?"


    "No, this is UV light. It''s produced by very specific manipulation of¡ª" Reminding herself that Courtney didn''t need specific descriptions, Battlemaid shrugged. "It uses technology. Because the UV reactive parts are, to natural eyesight, no different to the rest, only excessive UV light or special optics can see the patterns." She was quite proud of the geometric patterns she''d used, particularly with the mathematical aberrations she''d added, that included some of her favorite numbers.


    "If you can show me how to make the light and how to make cloth react like this, I will make this dress for you for free. In fact, I would make you an entire wardrobe." Avarice wasn''t normally Courtney''s thing, but since dresses had come back in style, she''d been looking for another idea to make her outfits unique.


    Thinking about the slew of roadblocks that would require solutions to, Battlemaid nodded. "That shouldn''t be impossible." The smile she got from Courtney made her smile too, and she realized how nice it was to make people happy. "Do you need further measurements or internal specifications?"


    The question reminded Courtney that she was meant to be measuring Battlemaid. Looking down at her notes, she ran through them. "N-No! I have everything I need. Sorry, Billi, but you''re so fascinating to talk to."


    "You''re done?" Triana asked. "We still have her hair to do and some accessories to get."


    "Go, then. Leave me to languish and toil on your dress."


    The wink Courtney gave her led Battlemaid to believe she was employing hyperbole. It was a form of camaraderie she had not experienced before. Then, with some rapid analysis of her entire life up until this moment, she realized she had been missing such cues a lot with Stanton. Of course, thinking about Stanton made her systems overheat.


    "No, Billi, leave your maid uniform here and wear this for the day." Whipping out a pretty dress in blue and white, Courtney also selected underwear and other garments required to properly wear the piece.


    By the time Triana got fed-up of waiting, and stomped over to the privacy screen, Battlemaid stepped out from behind it. The appearance of her in something other than her maid uniform, confirmed something for Triana. "You look very pretty in that, Billi."


    Forced to balance her cooling to not ruin the far less durable fabrics of the borrowed dress, Battlemaid nonetheless blushed. "Thank you."


    Once the pair were out the door, Courtney turned her attention back to Battlemaid''s uniform. Running her fingers over it, the soft fabric seemed far more than it first appeared. She dug her nail into a seam and couldn''t even begin to feel it underneath. "Courtney, careful or you''ll find yourself in love."


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 Chapter 24

    "Triana, when you said your friend had possibly difficult hair, I didn''t expect it to melt my brush." Tintalus (no last name) gestured to Battlemaid sitting in one of his seats. "I had to weave tools from mana itself."


    "TT, you know that''s why I brought her to you." Making her way over to her extravagant, elven friend, Triana gave him the requisite hug that was simply part of spending time with him. "I''m sorry if you ruined some brushes."


    "Pfft!" Tintalus gestured at the pile of ruined hair-care equipment. "If it wasn''t up to the task, then clearly it was the tools that were inferior. Now that I have mastered the art of styling with my mana alone, I have no need to trifle with such things. No, I must thank you both for forcing me to face the grim reality of this world¡ªthere is always a bigger challenge. Either move to embrace it or fall by the wayside."


    It occurred to Triana that this level of theatrics, on a slightly muted scale, was exactly what she liked about Stanton. She turned her attention to Battlemaid, though, who still had a large magical device covering most of her head, whirring away to dry her hair. "Can I see what you did?"


    "Of course, once she''s done. Even with all the power in the world, Triana, I cannot perform my divine arts in an instant. The results of my work take time, you know that. This stunning beauty had hair unlike any I have dealt with before, and thus I had to undertake drastic and expansive measures to ensure the end result would be as she desired." Walking to where Battlemaid sat under the ministrations of some sort of magic heat-expelling machine, Tintalus smirked when the device let out a soft chirp as it powered down.


    Letting loose a little gasp of surprise as the machine lifted free of her head, Battlemaid was looking in the mirror and, thus, was witness to the bounty of her hair that had taken on a new life.


    "Speechless? That''s not uncommon." Walking around Battlemaid, Tintalus used the finest mana brush he could fashion to check the bounce on the girl''s hair. It was perfect, of course, and so he looked over at Triana. "It''s been some time since I''ve had you in my chair."


    "TT, I''m a werewolf, and an enforcer for my family. My hairdos last until I need to put down some mutt who doesn''t know how to behave." Triana had to admire the work done. She loved the body and size added to Battlemaid''s hair and could already see what jewelry would highlight her. "But, I promise, when this all works out and I''m the one having the big wedding, you''ll be doing my hair."


    Purring like a cat, Tintalus reached out and held Triana''s chin with his fingers. Turning her head side to side, he nodded. "Yes, this is acceptable. Give me a date and I will ensure even the emperor is jealous of whomever you marry."


    "Not who, when. Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth, and I''ll be taking his last name and giving him Eyesbright within a year. Mark my words."


    The intensity in Triana''s words and features made Tintalus take a little step back before he licked his finger and held it out toward her¡ªmaking a <em style="font-weight: 600">tsssss sound. "So much <em style="font-weight: 600">fire and <em style="font-weight: 600">passion! I love it!"


    "How did you do this to Ba¡ªBilli''s hair?" Reaching one hand up, Battlemaid touched the springy waves atop her head. It reminded her a little of Lorissa''s, though Lorissa''s hair wasn''t heat-conductive or fire-resistant.


    "I did it with the power of passion and the vision of an artist!" Drawing a hand-held mirror from an appropriate pocket that was too small to hold it, Tintalus began moving it around the sides and back of Battlemaid''s head, showing off the look to its new owner.


    Despite all the strangeness, Battlemaid couldn''t withhold her smile. She knew that Triana was doing this for her and, even if Battlemaid had no idea why, she wanted to pay that appreciation back. "H-How much did it cost?"


    "<em style="font-weight: 600">Tsk. This is not the place to talk of money. Serving you has given me the drive to attempt more daring hairstyles than ever before! There was a hollow feeling in my life¡ªthat I filled with normal people and normal hair. No more! From now on I will only serve gorgons, dragonesses, and beauties such as yourself." Taking Battlemaid''s hand, Tintalus brought it to his lips and pressed them gently against the pale knuckles.


    "T.T., you''re going to ruin her for her date tonight. Come on, Billi, we still have to see someone else before we can go back and get your dress." Knowing too well how easy it was for a young woman to get ensnared by the elven stylist-wizard''s ways, Triana took Battlemaid''s other hand and tugged¡ªexpending some of her werewolf strength to pluck her neatly from Tintalus'' grip.


    "Just tell me one thing," releasing his grip on Battlemaid, Tintalus almost wept at the loss of his new inspiration, "who must I be envious of that would get to spend an evening with this angel?"


    "That would be my future husband." Triana used Tintalus'' shock to whisk Battlemaid out of the salon and back into the street. "That was close. If he had decided to change your hair, it could have been another hour with him¡ªand then there would have been no guarantee that he wouldn''t want yet another hour to change his mind again. You look great, Battlemaid; amazing."


    "Is the arrangement we made not common? Mister Tintalus seemed surprised," Battlemaid said.


    "Sometimes, after years of establishing a relationship, either party might seek to bring in others to fulfill duties that are otherwise neglected. Arranging that in advance is less common. I am far too practical, or so my mother told me, to believe that Stanton would find everything he needs in a wife who''s a werewolf. He is a mage as well as a wolf¡ªhe will have other requirements." It wasn''t completely open, but that was part of politics, and she knew Stanton would know the rest of it: knowing who her husband''s mistresses were, and being able to trust them, was the greatest ideal. "Also, having such an expert maid in the house will be a great boon."


    Battlemaid blushed, her internal temperature rising¡ªand it confused her. Every time before, when she''d overheated, it was due to being in the close proximity of her master. Examining the sensation, and what she''d been paying attention to, she had only one source¡ªTriana''s praise. "If¡ªIf you and Master were to marry, I would serve you as I do him."


    "I figured as much. It''s partly why I wanted to do all this for you. To show you that I will care for you." Pulling Battlemaid into a hug, Triana felt her tense for a moment, then relax. "But it means a lot to hear it from you."


    The warmth in Battlemaid''s circuits wasn''t overwhelming. She gave a return squeeze that was exactly the same level of crushing force as Triana''s, hoping that the werewolf could take as well as she could give.


    "Now, I know you can alter your skin how you please, so makeup isn''t required, but some stylish accessories will be in order. Come on, I''ve got just the things, so we just need to see Courtney and wait for her to finish your dress."


    <hr>


    Jumping up from the stool she''d been sitting on, Battlemaid turned around¡ªher dress spreading out in a swirl¡ªand stared at Stanton. Her hydraulic system''s pumps misfired several times.


    Eyes wide, Stanton couldn''t believe what he was seeing. Battlemaid seemed to have dropped the second half of her name and possibly the first, too. The outfit of ocean blue had skirts upon skirts, all stacked together to create a perfect gown that traced her form up to her shoulders, where slim and pale arms came down to a pair of opera gloves in a pearly white that made her skin shine a little more.


    The dress, of course, led past some surprising cleavage to the face of the robot girl. Framed by light blue hair in the most up-to-date styling and decorated with a smattering of ocean-themed jewelry, he wasn''t even aware of holding his breath until he let it out in a gasp. "You''re gorgeous."


    Battlemaid had to clamp down hard on her heat output. The dress she was in, she calculated, would not survive well past sixty centigrade. Her normal outfit was rated far higher, and her chassis yet more, so she had promised Courtney Eyesbright to avoid excessive energy values.


    When she looked down, past Stanton''s piercing eyes, Battlemaid could see that he was wearing something she''d not seen him in before. It was an entirely new outfit especially for their date. She engaged her cooling spell to bring her circuits closer to room temperature. "You look b-beautiful, too."


    Stanton had to suppress a giggle at being called beautiful. "Are you ready to go?" Battlemaid''s eyes were sparkling almost as bright as the gems in her jewelry, and they captivated Stanton with little effort on her part, or so it seemed to him.


    "Y-Yes!" The weight she settled against him, as he wrapped his arm around her, seemed to be acceptable to Stanton. Battlemaid was never surprised at how strong, fast, or accomplished with magic her master was. Cozy in his embrace, and trying to calm her overheating circuits, Battlemaid was whisked out into the late afternoon and along the street.


    "Did you dye your hair and skin?" Stanton asked. "I''ve never seen you so pale before."


    Having spent most of the day struggling to keep her Billi persona in place, Battlemaid slipped into it once more. "I-I-I''m not pale. Miss Courtney told me I should pick colors <em style="font-weight: 600">I wanted. My skin is patterned to be reactive to ultraviolet light."


    ". . ." Realizing he was in the deep end without anything to grip to, Stanton gave Battlemaid his most beseeching look.


    It took Battlemaid a moment to realize Stanton wanted more details to understand the topic. "Light comes in frequencies. Light that most people see seems to be between four hundred tera-cycles and seven hundred and fifty tera-cycles. I''d need to do more testing to be sure exactly. My skin patterns are designed to be visible at around nine hundred tera-cycles." She waited to see the dawning realization on Stanton''s face, but when it didn''t appear, she knew she needed to go further. "This light is tuned for that frequency."


    When Battlemaid slipped off one of her gloves and produced a dark purple light from her wrist, Stanton stared at her exposed skin. There were lines and swirls, all highlighted in that strange illumination. His jaw dropped open and he had to try his hardest not to stare at her chest, where all the patterns seemed most intense. "That''s amazing. This isn''t magic."


    "This is science and engineering." Giggling at Stanton''s finger tracing the pattern on her upper arm, Battlemaid realized how much fun it was to be with him and not have to worry about her thermals constantly. "That spell you implanted in me is working well."


    "The cooling one? I''m glad to hear it." Dragging himself away from studying the patterns, Stanton pointed down the street a little further. "The restaurant is just a bit further."


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    Folding away her torch and pulling her glove back on, Battlemaid let Stanton lead the way while she hung off his arm. He whisked them both into the restaurant and, with it completely empty of customers except for themselves, they were seated and gazing into each other''s in no time.


    "Do you want anything to drink?" Stanton asked.


    Caught gazing into his eyes, Battlemaid tried to calm herself. "A drink? Oh. Yes. A drink. Anything that has a high ethanol content will do." At Stanton''s unsure look, she clarified, "Alcohol is a good energy source."


    "Ah. Something flammable, then." Looking at the nearest waiter, Stanton got a nod from them that let him know they''d heard and would fetch what was needed.


    "What do you see?" Triana asked, just outside the window of the restaurant.


    Beside Triana, Lorissa was watching the pair inside as they talked. "They''re the only ones in there. Did he book the whole place out?"


    "Either that or his family owns it. Are they doing anything else? Have they kissed? What are they talking about?"


    "I can''t hear. Wait, if I transform I''ll be able to." Just as Lorissa started to do her change, Triana grabbed and pulled her back from the window.


    "For a stealthy feline, you make a lot of bright light when you shapechange. Maybe go into an alleyway?"


    Inside, Stanton caught the flash of light from an alleyway across the street, and then saw Kat stride out in full attire, only for her to freeze like a deer facing a hunter. Wincing at the sight, Stanton was relieved to see Battlemaid had her back to the window. "This wine is wonderful. Would you like to try a little?"


    Glancing to her wine glass filled with a fine whiskey, Battlemaid nodded and reached out her hand for the drink. The smell was the first thing that surprised her. The cooking wine she''d used to prepare meals had been far lower quality, and thus this was a much richer grape scent that included some spices that she was sure had to come from the barrel it was aged in and not the grapes themselves. "It smells nice."


    "It tastes even better." Trying not to glare out the window, where he saw two faces now peering in, Stanton ignored Triana and Lorissa and kept his focus on Battlemaid.


    Testing that hypothesis, Battlemaid perked up. It diluted the excellent fuel she''d already consumed, but her taste receptors were lighting up with a series of patterns that her database assured her were excellent. "That <em style="font-weight: 600">is nice."


    Smiling, Stanton reached out when Battlemaid offered him the glass back and had another sip of it himself. "I''m glad we can agree on that. I should start stocking this at home. Cass has a terrible palate for wine, and I think Lore would drink absolutely anything I told her had alcohol in it. Haven''t really tried drinking with Triana before. We were way too young to drink the last time I was with her."


    The moment he said it, Stanton face-palmed. "Sorry. I shouldn''t talk about them. Tonight is <em style="font-weight: 600">your night." Reaching over, he claimed Battlemaid''s right hand and kissed the back of it.


    In a moment of sanity, Battlemaid enabled her advanced cooling system to halt the inevitable rush of heat to her circuits. It came, of course, but wasn''t as strong as normal. With fine control of that magic, she backed off her internal temperature to something far more tolerable to life. "I-It''s okay. Really. We all landed in your life and¡ª I''m very grateful you take care of us all."


    Battlemaid straightened up a little as one of the waiters approached. They were quiet as they set out appetizers, and equally silent as they glided away again. When she looked down at her plate, Battlemaid examined the five little stacks of food on the plate. Each seemed to be a different kind of meat at the bottom, and atop each was a sauce, some kind of fruit, and a little dot of what was some kind of spice compound, or so her optical sensors told her.


    "Everything here is delicious," Stanton said, trying to catch the two watchers outside, but noticing they were missing.


    Meanwhile, outside, Lorissa and Triana stood opposite Elspeth. Of them, only Lorissa was shapechanged, but there was the threat of violence in the air that comes when two large werewolves are itching to ruin their clothes and fight.


    "<em style="font-weight: 600">Nya, we won''t let you interrupt their date, Elspeth," Lorissa said, her hand on her wand hilt¡ªSwiftpaw already having affixed himself as the blade.


    "Ugh. Cats are always so dramatic." Rolling her eyes, Elspeth nonetheless didn''t quite break eye contact with Triana. "I just came here to check out the competition. That''s allowed by Lady Sharptooth-Raveel-Brightfang, remember?"


    "Then why were you going for the front door?" Triana asked.


    On the verge of shapeshifting and attacking, Elspeth had to calm herself. Despite her new, empathy-free state, she could see that Triana would stop her if she tried to interrupt the date. "It''d be easier to watch them from inside, but since you two losers are watching from out here, I might as well do the same."


    Relieved that it didn''t seem set to become a bloody fight, Lorissa slowly took her hand off her wand and started to slink back over to the window. The first thing she noticed was Stanton, appearing as if he had watched a munition dump fire peter-out and self-extinguish. The second was his frowning to the side a moment later. When she looked, it was Elspeth at the opposite end of the window looking in.


    "They''re watching from outside?" Battlemaid asked Stanton. At his worried nod, she relaxed a little. "My sensors alerted me to motion."


    "They''re actually doing a good job of stopping interruptions. Elspeth arrived, and tried to come inside. They stopped her. Now they''re all looking at us and talking. I can''t read Lorissa''s lips, but Triana is asking her what we''re saying. I don''t think she can hear us."


    Tilting her head to the side, Battlemaid pondered the situation while she processed the last appetizer on her plate. "Can you hear this?"


    "That ringing?" Stanton asked, definitely noticing a high-pitched sound.


    "What about now?"


    "Not now. What is that?"


    "Ultrasonic noise. Tell me how Lorissa reacts." Increasing her amplitude, Battlemaid heard the screech from outside and giggled in response. "She noticed that?"


    Stanton started laughing, but doing his best not to get too worked up. "You bet she did. Shouted and ran to the other side of the street. Triana and Elspeth didn''t seem to hear it." This playfulness was a new side of Battlemaid that Stanton hadn''t seen before and, he had to admit, it was nice to see. "The others can probably hear better than human too, but that''s also an issue for me."


    Processing that information, Battlemaid nodded and decided she would test such things later, for science. "I wonder if I could produce a sound that only annoys the dragon?"


    "That would be cool, but I don''t want us getting caught up in all that stuff tonight. This is <em style="font-weight: 600">your special night, even if I''m the one feeling super lucky right now."


    Outside, Lorissa was still recovering from the shout she and she alone had heard. "What was¡ª?" She froze and snapped her mouth closed when she noticed Cassandra walking toward the restaurant. "Damn. I can''t walk out there as Kat, <em style="font-weight: 600">nya." It took her a moment longer to realize she now thought of that as her actual name; at least when she was in her cat form.


    Spotting Cassandra too, Elspeth let out a groan. "Ugh. What are you doing here? You haven''t got anything riding on this at all."


    "What do you mean? Stanton''s my friend." It was easy for Cassandra to get annoyed at Elspeth. After the way she''d acted at the cooking contest, a negative opinion had been simmering away. Triana, on the other hand, she had seen stand up for Stanton¡ªwhich put her marginally higher in Cassandra''s books than other nobles. "If you''re trying to do something to him that he doesn''t want, I''ll¡ª"


    "You''ll what? Zap me with your magic? Hate to say it, but if you do that, I''ll beat you down before you finish a spell and then go to the city guard to tell them you attacked me." Giving Cassandra her best shitty grin, Elspeth added, "I was so scared, officer, that I couldn''t help but shapechange. You have to keep her away from me!"


    Keeping control of her form only by force of will, Cassandra walked up to Elspeth, raised her hand, and brought it forward.


    Starting to roll her eyes, Elspeth reached out to grab Cassandra''s wrist. Neither Cassandra''s apparent heritages (human or elven) led Elspeth to expect she''d have any trouble stopping the slap¡ªso when her own hand was driven back and a palm connected with her cheek, she was figuratively and also literally stunned.


    "Don''t you ever threaten me or my position at this school again. For that matter, keep away from Stanton too. I don''t care about your stupid noble games¡ªI''ll hunt you down and <em style="font-weight: 600">put you down if you hurt any of my friends." For the first time since becoming a dragon, Cassandra felt a cold chill along with her anger. It was an empowering sensation as it left her mind clear and her body under her own control.


    All Triana did was raise an eyebrow. She knew exactly how much strength Elspeth had, both as a wolf and in her human form, and she particularly liked seeing her personal rival discombobulated in such a manner.


    Staring at Cassandra, Elspeth felt the kind of fear born in <em style="font-weight: 600">the unknown. The slap had been casual, and while her current strength wasn''t her full power, she had no idea of Cassandra''s heritage or where her ability to shrug off such a strike came from; two facts she now needed to find out. The word was both easy to say and hard, at the same time, "Sorry."


    Keeping her draconic instincts suppressed, Cassandra took a step back. "Don''t let me hear you threatening anyone ever again; noble or commoner." The control was giving Cassandra so much confidence that she glanced to the window to peer in at a surprised-looking Stanton, Winked at him, and turned to walk off. "Don''t let that bitch screw up this date," she said to Triana.


    "Yes, ma''am." Triana did her best to keep any hint of sarcasm from her voice, even if she was deeply curious to find out how strong Cassandra was.


    Stanton was more than a little surprised at the interaction. He''d thought Cassandra would stop and ogle the two of them too, but she''d done something he didn''t think was possible for a non-werewolf¡ªphysically put a werewolf down. He had to shake his head to clear the image of her doing it. "Ahem, sorry." Waving a hand toward a waiter, Stanton asked them, "Could you please put up a privacy screen? I believe some friends are, well-meaning as they may be, causing a scene."


    In moments a wood-paneled divider was brought out and put between them and the window.


    "I should have done that at the start, but I was worried they would just come inside then. I think Cass gave them all a good talking to." Turning his attention to the retreating waitstaff, he said, "We''re ready for our next course."


    The meal continued and they chatted. Stanton was having the time of his life letting Battlemaid lead the conversation. When she got technical, he did his best to follow, and if her descriptions became too thick with jargon, he asked her to explain it in simpler terms. He felt a little dense at times, but it gave him great insight into how well she understood the world.


    "Seems like everything is either vibrations or some kind of force," Stanton managed to summarize. "Light, sound, and electricity are all waves, though you said light is a force as well, and then there¡ª Wait, I messed up?"


    Battlemaid nodded her head and let out a little giggle. "Electricity is a force but not a wave. Though certain types of power distribution have relied on waves to ensure minimum energy is lost, that isn''t a fundamental property of it."


    With their main course finished, Stanton reached out and picked up Battlemaid''s hand, turning it and kissing the knuckles gently. "You make me feel like the stupidest person in the room, and it''s great."


    "You''re not stupid. No one else understands or wants even half of this detail. They are perfectly content with metaphors and broad simplifications. You might not understand all of it, but you try, and the more you try the better you''ll get at understanding¡­ everything!" Battlemaid pulled her hand back and balled up both fists on her hips.


    Lifting his eyes from where Battlemaid''s hand had been, Stanton wanted to reach out and boop this amazing, intelligent woman on the nose, but her slight scowl warned him it might result in some kind of explosion. "Then we must set aside a day for enlightenment. Right now, all these concepts are intrusions on the atmosphere and lovely company. For them to properly sink in, I need to be able to focus on more than a gorgeous lady in a pretty dress."


    It took every ounce of the special cooling spell to stop Battlemaid from incinerating the dress, the table, Stanton, and a quarter of the city. She stared at him with a feeling of stunned amazement for nearly twenty seconds before her processing systems had chilled enough that she could process I/O again. The only problem was she still couldn''t put words together.


    Not caring if it would eat up one of his days off, Stanton was firmly committed to learning what Battlemaid could teach him. He would be the first to admit he knew little of metallurgy, but with his magic he could make many materials that even the finest blacksmith could not. At the same time, he was absolutely sure the reverse was true. "Are you ready for dessert?"


    Nodding her head, the motion of her servos much easier to script than a line of dialogue, Battlemaid nonetheless managed an, "Mmhmm!"


    Stanton was pleased that the waitstaff needed no further prompting. In the back of his mind he was already writing a report on their behavior and recommending to his cousin (on his father''s side) that they all be given high praise for their performance. When their desserts were brought out, a rich coffee along with some ice cream and a banana foam, Stanton purposefully made eye-contact with the waitress setting his down, and nodded. "Thank you."


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 Chapter 25

    Leaving the restaurant with a high opinion of the staff who worked there, Stanton folded his arm in Battlemaid''s as they took the slow walk back to his tower. He noted that there was no one on the street, and while he expected his friends to have made themselves scarce, he was surprised there were no residents of the city around.


    "M-Master, I calculate a nineteen percent chance something is wrong, rising by a non-trivial amount per second." The absence of people on the street was only the beginning. Battlemaid couldn''t detect any heat signatures in any nearby houses, either. "Shouldn''t this area be populated?"


    Stanton went from being a little wary to being on-edge. "Yeah. This is a mixed-purpose street. Houses, the restaurant, and a bakery further down. There are plenty of residences. Do you think¡ª?"


    "Stanton?" Cassandra bit her lower lip. "What are you still doing here?" She did her best not to look back into the alleyway, where dozens of kobolds were pouring from the sewers.


    "Just finishing up the night of entertaining this lovely lady, Cass. What''s up?" Relief flooded Stanton. While he didn''t want to get anyone mixed up in his fight against evil¡ªCassandra was extremely capable of handling herself in a fight.


    Realizing she needed to get him away from the area as fast as she could, Cassandra shrugged her shoulders. "I think there''s some big party in the north of the city. Gotten really quiet around here."


    That made sense. Stanton was relieved to hear it, and with all his efforts to get ready for the night with Battlemaid, he could understand why he hadn''t heard of the party. "That explains why it''s so quiet. Well, we''ll be getting along then. Are you coming?"


    "Uh, no. I''m trying to work on controlling my temper more, and the quiet is good for that." What had actually been good for Cassandra was the newfound calm when she got angry. More important right now, though, was the small army of kobolds hunting nearby homes for a new magic item the Evil Pig of Evil had insisted was important. "I''ll see you at class tomorrow?"


    "Sure!" Cassandra waved to Stanton and Battlemaid, glad when they turned the corner at the end of the street so she could duck back into the alleyway.


    "You took your time. Why did you need me here again?" Gisse asked, leaning against the wall with a pad of paper and some pencils out.


    Glaring at Gisse, Cassandra sighed and let her anger go. "Thanks for coming. We need to keep an eye out for those damn noble vigilantes, and¡­ What are you drawing?"


    Turning her notepad, Gisse (who was wearing a hoodie that almost came down to her knees, and had cute bunny ears on the top of the hood) showed Cassandra the sketch she''d made of Stanton. "He''s so <em style="font-weight: 600">dreamy."


    It was with great force of will that Cassandra managed not to nod, though the drawing of him¡ªwindswept with a half-open shirt and billowing, long hair that framed his perfect features¡ªwas almost her undoing. "He has his qualities. Just about the only noble I''ll ever respect. He''s faced all the worst that their society has¡ªand he''s still nice."


    Taking her sketchpad back, Gisse could wholeheartedly nod in agreement to Cassandra. "You still didn''t say why I had to be here."


    "The artifact that the pig said is in a concealed basement is bound by demonic seals. There''s nothing I could do to get it open, but you''d be able to pop the locks off without breaking a sweat." Focusing her magic, Cassandra banished her own clothes and shifted smoothly to her dragon form. "All we have to do now is wait for the kobolds to find it."


    Flipping the page over on her sketchbook, Gisse started a new picture. "<em style="font-weight: 600">If they find whatever it¡ª"


    "We''ve found it!" a kobold shouted. "Come! Come quick! It was hidden!"


    Out in the street, Stanton and Battlemaid both turned their heads at the call. Each with their own version of super hearing, they picked up the shouting kobold without difficulty, though any reply was missed.


    "You can transform, Master, but I don''t have my combat-rated uniform." When Stanton gave her a look of pure mischief, Battlemaid had barely a moment to react before she was pulled into a tight embrace with him¡ªand she felt his wand pressed against her back. "Mas¡ª"


    "By the shining light of goodness, and with the power of virtue," Stanton said, and kissed Battlemaid''s cheek to distract her from squirming so much. "By the purity of my feminine charms, I call on my wand of power to protect the world¡ªand help find my friend something more suitable to wear."


    Cassandra had moved to follow the kobold before Gisse, leaving the demoness to be the only one of them that saw the flash of light in the street. Walking to the end of the alleyway, she looked out in time to see Super Lupine Girl and Battlemaid, fully transformed into their combat forms. Letting out a sigh, because she''d hoped it was the Stanton she knew, she stepped out into the street. "You got here fast."


    Battlemaid hadn''t been sure what Stanton was doing at first, but when she''d gotten caught up in his transformation magic, and had gotten an outfit that was rigid body-armor complete with an arm-cannon and targeting HUD that dropped over one eye. Before she could ask Gisse if she would let them through, Stanton spoke.


    Feeling all the power of his transformation pouring through him, Stanton tried to muddle through how best to ask Gisse to not interfere, then he started to speak. "Demon. I have heard that you''re seeking to mend your kind''s tarnished image. If you let us be, we¡ª"


    Slipping her pad and pencils into her messenger bag, Gisse cut Super Lupine Girl off. "Look, I don''t want to fight you, but I am bored. I''d hoped you were¡ª Never mind who I hoped you''d been. The Pig has all the kobolds searching for something, and I think they just found it. You probably want to stop them, right?"


    Relieved they wouldn''t have to battle each other, Stanton gave Gisse a nod. "Thanks. Do you know what they''re looking for?"


    "No clue. They said I''d need to remove a bunch of seals from it, but then ran off before telling me exactly what they wanted me to do." Narrowing her eyes a little, Gisse looked Super Lupine Girl up and down. She sighed and said, quietly, "Why can''t there be more cute guys like Stanton?"


    Doing his best to keep a neutral expression, Stanton tried to ignore the succubus calling him cute and focus on the situation involving the kobolds running amok again. "Uh, could you <em style="font-weight: 600">not help open whatever it is?"


    "I guess. What''s in it for me, though? And don''t say <em style="font-weight: 600">the warm and fuzzy feeling of doing a good deed. I might be a young and easily distracted demon, but I''m still a demon." Gisse considered most of it bravado and bluff, but she was sure Super Lupine Girl wouldn''t.


    Put on the spot, Stanton wasn''t sure what to say. He opened his muzzle to answer.


    In a flat monotone, to avoid giving away who she was at home, Battlemaid said, "My master knows of the noble Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth. She could arrange a meeting."


    "W-Why would I want that?" Gisse asked, wanting to find out only a fraction more than she wanted to agree to everything.


    "My cousin," Stanton said, "has spoken of you. He said you competed with others for a date with him. I could try to convince him to give you a date, if you helped me."


    Closing her eyes and imagining herself bouncing around in excitement, Gisse betrayed as little of her excitement as she could. "That would be amenable." It would also be the perfect time to give him the protection ring.


    "I''ll tell him tomorrow, then." Walking past Gisse, Stanton tried to avoid giving her a reason to suspect something. "Oh, which way did they go?"


    "Head down to the back-street, then turn right. That''s all I heard." Shrugging her shoulders and pulling her hood back up and over her head, Gisse made her way down the street, content that she was no longer involved in the situation.


    Giving Battlemaid a nod, Stanton took off at a run down the alleyway, while he heard her just a moment behind him. Looking to his right down the long road at the rear of the houses in the block, he saw a few kobolds milling around the back of one three houses down. "That''s our target. Come on."


    Not wanting to limit her firing opportunities, Battlemaid engaged her boosters and, surprised, felt the armor she was wearing reconfigure itself as a pair of wings spread out to each side before she shot into the air.


    It ruined their element of surprise, but then Stanton could see several of the kobolds had noticed them anyway. Running as fast as he could, he angled his feet before reaching the three kobolds that stood their ground and slid at them¡ªpunching as he went. One. Two. Three.


    Battlemaid saw the dragon when it stepped out of the back of the house. Stanton was still making sure the kobolds were down and hadn''t seen the threat. Training her arm on the dragon, Battlemaid started energizing more of her combat systems before she opened fire.


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    Focused on sneaking up to Super Lupine Girl, Cassandra didn''t notice the three shots of superheated plasma coming her way until the first seared her shoulder, the second her back, and the third pierced through her wing membrane. She let loose with a furious scream and sent a blast of lightning Super Lupine Girl''s way.


    Stanton''s senses lit up before the spell was even fully formed. He dodged and flipped, getting off the ground and vaulting over the fence so he was closer to the dragon while she was still figuring out how she''d missed. "Give it up, dragon! You can''t win!"


    He''d long observed how Lorissa''s language had changed a little, new words entering her vocabulary along with the feline <em style="font-weight: 600">nya sounds she kept making, but he felt almost compelled to speak in grandiose phrases.


    "Curse you, Super Lupine Girl, stand still!" Cassandra tried to line up another spell, but a fist followed by a kick her way forced her to reevaluate her choices. Once again she was caught in close-quarters fighting with someone who could dodge swings before she''d even made them. It was utterly infuriating to know that for all the strength she could put into a swing, Super Lupine Girl would either dodge it completely or block it at an angle that arrested it without harm.


    The kobolds rushing out of the back of the house coincided perfectly with Battlemaid''s missile pods coming online. Smiling with joy at supporting her master, she selected the targets as they came and launched dozens and dozens of swarming missiles.


    Though explosions started going off around him, Stanton felt no urgency to move¡ªso he didn''t. "Give up and tell us why you''re here, dragon!"


    "Where is that damned demon? The whole point of her being here was to deal with <em style="font-weight: 600">you!"


    Smirking, Stanton decided to push things a little further and see if the dragon would lose it. "''The whole point''? You mean you didn''t bring a demon to break that demonic seal I can feel below?" Panic, followed by incredulousness, was Stanton''s best guess for the expressions on the dragon''s face. "Did I guess right? Do I win a prize? I''ll take <em style="font-weight: 600">sit down and surrender please?"


    Snapping out of her shock, Cassandra swung for Super Lupine Girl''s head¡ªand only missed because of her agility. Her mind raced while their fight continued. She had to ignore the quips and goading and reasoned out the problem. With Gisse nowhere to be seen, that meant they couldn''t open the seals in the basement anyway. "Ugh. This is boring. Come on, let''s get out of here!"


    "Running away?" Stanton dodged under a wild swing from the dragon to deliver a solid one-two punch on each side of her rib cage. The first punch just seemed to wind her, but the second time he struck he felt a little give in her rib bones.


    The sharp pain from the punch angered Cassandra. She glared at Super Lupine Girl, opened her mouth, and a moment before she unleashed her electrifying breath attack, a missile hit her in the face. Looking upward at the annoying target in the evening sky, Cassandra let loose with her held breath.


    Looking up at Battlemaid, Stanton watched the magic lightning hit her and, like a puppet with its strings cut, Battlemaid started falling out of the sky. "No¡ª" Ignoring the shriek of his alertness, Stanton took a punch to his back as he ran toward where his instincts told him Battlemaid would come down.


    When the punch landed, and Super Lupine Girl ran to save Battlemaid rather than dodge it, Cassandra felt more angry with herself than with the heroes. She snarled and turned back to the kobolds. "Come on! Move! That will only buy us so much time!"


    His mad dash put him right under where Battlemaid was falling, and Stanton held out his arms, knowing this was going to hurt a lot more than what the dragon could do to him. At the last moment before she reached his arms, Stanton raised up on the balls of his feet as high as he could. Then her mass hit him.


    Battlemaid wasn''t the lightest of robot girls to start with. Thankfully, she hadn''t reached terminal velocity, but her speed and mass was still enough to drive Stanton down until his thighs touched his calves as she settled to a stop in his arms.


    There was no life in Battlemaid. Her servos didn''t twitch, her eyes didn''t look up at him, and Stanton felt real fear that the best night of Battlemaid''s life had been made her last. "No, no, no, no¡­" Taking off at a run, he ignored the angry shouts of the dragon and the kobolds, ignored everything that got in his way, too, until he reached his home.


    All caution had been discarded, not that it mattered he hadn''t obfuscated his route, not with everyone in the city gathered for the party he had no interest in. Laying Battlemaid down in the middle of his living room, Stanton had to wipe the tears from his eyes to see properly.


    "Magic wand, you have some kind of connection to the universe, or something. Can you help her?" His wand, though, showed no sign of life.


    "What''s going on here?" Angel rubbed at her eyes as she flew down into the bottom floor of the tower. Her sleepiness fled when she saw Battlemaid motionless on the floor. "What happened to her?"


    "That dragon used some kind of lightning it shot from its mouth. Hit her midair." Looking up as Angel flew closer, Stanton let out a soft whine. "Can you help her?"


    "I¡ª" Angel felt around Battlemaid, seeking out the magic that was missing. Stanton''s cooling spell was still working, but the rest of the robot girl was lifeless. Of all the tropes she knew about, Angel was sure of one that would work in any circumstance where a pretty woman was seemingly dead. "Stanton, kiss her."


    Blinking in surprise at the command, Stanton felt the uncompromising universal truth of the statement. She needed a kiss to save her, and he was the only one who could do it.


    Leaning down, he felt the warmth of her body and, not hesitating, he kissed her lips. The first sensation was how soft they were. She was tender and forgiving, and though he knew her body was made from composite materials that could withstand huge explosions, she <em style="font-weight: 600">felt as mellow as any other girl he''d kissed.


    Then he''d felt a tugging sensation. She needed something from him. Stanton started with magic. It was by far the greatest asset he had, and he let it pour into Battlemaid through their contact. With it, though, he felt his mental self drawn along for the ride.


    Inside Battlemaid was a whole nation of complexity. Millions of miles of roads and buildings made from sand¡ªall pushing electricity around. At least, they should have been. Stanton could feel that there was the potential for so much amazing stuff to come from all the connections, but they were quiet.


    The nation wanted electricity, but though Stanton was a good mage, that element wasn''t his specialty. "If she needs power, why not magic? Why can''t all these wires and roads and cities run on magic instead?" He started with a little. Grabbing the biggest, thickest wire he could find, he started feeding it his magic.


    The wire, and the constructions it was attached to, though, were <em style="font-weight: 600">hungry. The little trickle, Stanton noticed, needed to be more. Strange, though, was that it seemed to want his emotions too. Closing his eyes and closing his hands around the heavy cable, he gave it more and more magic.


    He also let it have his emotions.


    Love, comfort, humor, pride, and his worry all rushed out. Stanton leaned forward over the cable and pressed it to his chest. More emotion and magic poured from him and into her, and around him he could feel all the circuits fill with energy. "I''ll never let you fall."


    In a flash of light and a rush of joy, Stanton was back in his body, his eyes closed, his lips still against Battlemaid''s. Only, now, he felt those lips curl into a smile. Opening his eyes, he saw her own twinkling and looking back.


    It took Battlemaid almost an entire minute to realize she was kissing Stanton¡ªher master. Weirdly, she wasn''t overheating. Amazingly, with him in the position he was, it was entirely up to him as to when the kiss would end¡ªand it would never be enough for her.


    Stanton didn''t want the kiss to end, either, but eventually he wanted to hear her voice. Closing his eyes and deepening the kiss, he let out a sigh and drew back. "Are you okay?"


    That prompted Battlemaid to pause and check her systems. Running cold, it seemed like her circuits were operating at nearly three times their normal efficiency. There was a little damage to a spot on her right shoulder and on the ball of her left foot, but as she studied those sections, they each came online and reported themselves fully operational. "I am, Ma¡ª" A finger on her lips confused Battlemaid. She looked up at the owner of it.


    "Please, call me Stanton." Drawing his finger away, Stanton reveled in the surprised and happy look on her face. "Or I''ll have to kiss you until you do."


    "O-Okay, <em style="font-weight: 600">Master." Battlemaid couldn''t stop herself. She found this new impulsive and adventurous side of herself to be thrilling, and to top it off she poked her tongue out at him.


    Scooping Battlemaid up in his arms, Stanton carried her to the lounge where he set her back down on a couch and took a spot beside her. "I thought I''d lost you."


    "What happened? The last thing I have recorded is firing some missiles at the dragon and then"¡ªBattlemaid smiled a little wider¡ª"I woke up to you kissing me."


    "Angel said I could only save you with a kiss." Stanton felt so tempted to kiss her again, but knew they''d both get far more distracted if he did. "She was right, of course, but I didn''t have any electricity to start your systems back up."


    The conundrum broke Battlemaid from her pondering another kiss. "You didn''t? Then how am I running?"


    "Lots of magic, I think. I found one of the thicker cables inside you and stuffed it with as much magic as I could. It also wanted emotions, so I let it take all that." Stanton, instead of kissing Battlemaid, pulled himself against her. "I''m not sure how, but I was really inside you, and you''re amazing! Each path of wire is huge and would span the whole kingdom!"


    "Not quite. I have¡ª" Battlemaid held back the mountain of information she''d been prepared to dump on Stanton. "I have a lot of circuits, but not <em style="font-weight: 600">that much." The change to her circuits still surprised Battlemaid. They were getting a little warm, but there was none of the inexplicable heat they were giving off before. "Am I going to need more magic from you?"


    "If you do, I think I know a fun way to top you up." It was a curious situation for Stanton. He''d definitely been intimate with women before, but it had never involved this much emotion and none had ever been while his physical form was female. "Uh, wand? Can we go back to normal again?"


    A flash of light engulfed the two of them, then a moment later they were back in the clothes they''d been wearing before the fight. Stanton''s outfit was doing a great job of concealing much of what his combat outfit had shown off, while Battlemaid''s dress was quickly getting rumpled by the position they were in.


    "Thanks, wand. You are always amazing." Not knowing a better way to show his wand how much it meant to him, Stanton heaped-on the praise and hoped it was enough.


    "H-How do you think recharging would wor¡ª" Battlemaid didn''t get to finish. Stanton''s lips on hers made her tingle from her toes to her rocket pods, and it wasn''t entirely her attraction to him causing it. The flow of magic from him into her filled the need she hadn''t realized she had before. When he broke the kiss, she opened eyes she hadn''t realized she''d let flutter closed. "Oh."


    "Is that okay with you? I mean, we could figure out another way, but in the meantime this¡ª" It was Stanton''s turn to be surprised.


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 Chapter 26

    Gisse tried her best not to squirm in place. It wasn''t a big date at a fancy restaurant, but more cozy was fine for her¡ªas long as she could actually keep her focus. "How do you know Super Lupine Girl? She said you were related?"


    Stanton let out a sigh. It was something he''d done well to build a convoluted alter-ego to <em style="font-weight: 600">be Super Lupine Girl. He also made a mental note to thank his mother for reinforcing it. "My cousin. She''s a bit of a hothead, but you know how it is with family."


    "Ugh. Yeah. I keep finding things in my head that my mom read when she was in my head. It''s like I''ll be thinking about something, and then bam, I feel <em style="font-weight: 600">her or smell her or¡ª" Reining-in talk of her mother, lest she accidentally summon the succubus herself, Gisse tried to come up with a good segue into the ring. "Uh, I wanted to say thank you for, you know, not treating me like a monster."


    Looking at the plain gold band that Gisse held out in the palm of her hand, Stanton''s mind raced with all the reasons that taking a ring from a succubus would be a bad idea. "You really shouldn''t have. Everyone deserves a chance at not being evil."


    The squirming actually made Gisse laugh. "Of course it''s enchanted. Soul magic, too." When Stanton''s head jerked up, Gisse laughed. "I only need a tiny, weenie piece of your soul so that it binds to you. It''s a ring of protection that''s been made by the daughter of the greatest enchanter in all the Abyss. And she tells me she''s almost as good as her dad."


    Being told, unequivocally, that the ring was enchanted with soul magic, was the kind of honesty Stanton should have expected from Gisse. "Do I need protection?"


    Rolling her eyes, Gisse said, "There''s a dragon loose somewhere in the city, and you ask if you need protection?" Then she realized how much sarcasm she was laying on and added, "Sorry. I just¡ª I like you, and I don''t want to see you get hurt."


    Turning his magical senses up, Stanton looked at Gisse first and had to resist his curiosity at looking at a creature that was entirely magical in nature. When he turned his attention to the ring, he could see it definitely was wrapped in enchantments. Layers of magic that had little tendrils trying to reach out for something, all trailing back to what looked like an empty socket. The socket, though, had teeth.


    "That''s quite something." Stanton closed his eyes for a moment to banish the magic-sight. "So you put a bit of my soul in there, I put it on, and it protects me? From what, exactly? I know, I know, the dragon. But how does it work? You know I''m a wizard, and I love finding out how all this works."


    "I¡ªI actually don''t know. Sin said it was the most powerful defensive ward she could make for a mortal, but beyond that, magic isn''t exactly my specialty. Though, my dad kinda gave me a lot of magic when he sent me here." Looking at the ring, Gisse thought about it and wondered if she would believe another demon if they told her to put a ring on and let them feed it her soul. "I''m an idiot.


    "No," Gisse said, closing her hand around the ring. "I see why you wouldn''t want it. I''m a demon. I''m a <em style="font-weight: 600">succubus. Literally a creature known for sucking out the souls of mortals and enslaving them. And what do I do? I ask you to let me suck out a little of your soul, bind the ring to you with that piece, and then put the ring on you. I wouldn''t even trust me."


    Their food arrived. It was nothing special, but they both kept silent as the waiter slid plates before them. Stanton''s was a pasta dish with a creamy sauce, while Gisse''s was a rare steak with a rich gravy and vegetables.


    When the waiter was gone, Gisse started eating. She didn''t want to talk anymore, because talking would show him and her how stupid this idea was. So long as she kept her mouth full, it would encourage Stanton to as well, and that meant no more idiot ideas would come out.


    By the time he finished his food, and thought about the ring long and hard, Stanton had decided something. He put his knife and fork down and said, "Okay, I''ll wear the ring. What do you need to do?"


    Still savoring the fragment of the animal soul in the meat, Gisse could only stare at Stanton.


    "You need a little of my soul. Will that hurt to have it extracted? Didn''t you use some kind of spell last time, with that deer soul?"


    "You''re okay with it?" Shaking her head, Gisse stared at Stanton''s smiling face. "It won''t hurt if I do it right. The reason I used that grinding spell on the deer soul was to make it right for the dish and to extract as much soul as I could. This¡ªthis would only need a tiny bit."


    Now, though, faced with permission and questions, Gisse had to remind herself that she had never actually removed soul from a person. Just watching her mother do it once had been enough to put her off it for life.


    "Gisse?"


    Realization hit, and it was impossible for her to avoid the topic. Slumping, Gisse let out an inarticulate cry of utter defeat. "I''m a succubus who can''t suck."


    "Uh." Stanton looked around, sparing apologetic smiles to everyone who had finally noticed that there was a demon in their midst¡ªthough most seemed to be at least somewhat disarmed by the fact she was sobbing. Reaching out and taking one of Gisse''s hands, Stanton waited until she looked up at him before saying, "Hey, that you''re not good at this is great. You really haven''t¡ª?"


    "I have." Gisse wrapped her fingers around Stanton''s tight and squeezed. "And it means a lot to hear that, but I have done it before, it''s something I haven''t exactly had a lot of practice with." She wanted to scream and demand he tell her why he was smiling so much, and why it made him look even more handsome than usual. "I want to protect you, and this is the best way I know how. My friend, Sin¡ª Err. Her name''s Syntha Mistress of Desirous Thighs¡ª Why is that making you smile more?"


    "Because you''re making me rethink absolutely everything I know about demons. Do you want the rundown of what most books say about talking to demons?" When Gisse shook her head, Stanton squeezed her hand a little. "It says not to bother. Well, I''ll keep bothering. Maybe I should write a new book, <em style="font-weight: 600">Why I Bother?"


    It was too much. Gisse snorted a laugh and got a case of the giggles.


    "What? I think it is important. Everyone can be a person if they try. Even Mec¡ª I mean, even the <em style="font-weight: 600">dragon could be a person if, just once, she''d asked for help rather than attacked m¡ªSuper Lupine Girl¡­" It was a good save, but Stanton had to wonder about what he''d said.


    "Would you really help her?"


    It was the question he was asking himself. He could have answered reflexively, but he spent some time thinking about it. "If she was ready to make amends and stop attacking people, I''d offer to help. Probably my cousin, too."


    The idea that he would make up with his friend, not that he knew the dragon was his friend, made Gisse''s heart flutter. Looking into Stanton''s big, expressive eyes, she made a promise to herself to protect his gentle, sweet heart to the ends of time itself. "Wait, your cousin? Super Lupi¡ª"


    "Louise."


    "Louise? It¡ªit''s a little surprising that someone that tough has a normal name." Gisse''s curiosity was piqued by the thought that the fighter that always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, was a normal person with a normal name and normal¡­ stuff. "She''s a proper hero, isn''t she?"


    The topic had shifted again, not that Stanton minded, but he wished he didn''t have to lie to his friends about being Super Lupine Girl. "Yeah. She tries to be. It''s not easy, though. There''s a lot of stupid politics going on from our families, and on top of that she keeps complaining that the authorities here kept refusing to believe there was a dragon."


    It was obvious to Gisse why they would try that. "They''re scared. Dragons aren''t nice."


    "Yeah, but all the more reason to do something about it right now." Stanton remembered he was still holding Gisse''s hand, and smiled down at the red fingers gripping him back.


    "Like they should if, say, there were a demon loose in the city?" Focusing on their hands too, Gisse sighed. "Maybe I should leave and make everyone''s lives easier." The gentle fingers of Stanton''s hand tightened. She looked up to see a hard set to Stanton''s face.


    "No. I don''t believe beings are inherently <em style="font-weight: 600">bad. Look at Cleverclaws and yourself. Neither of you are <em style="font-weight: 600">evil, despite what the religious types would try to insist. That pig, though, should not be here, and if the dragon won''t stop beating up on people, it shouldn''t either."


    "My mom wants me to enslave you. Even Sin told me I should." Gisse slipped her hand from Stanton''s and held up both and pressed her index fingers and thumbs together to make a loop in the air. She only let a little magic flow, but it was instinctive and completely unique to her kind¡ªand she hated that.


    When Gisse drew her fingers away from the mana working, Stanton could see the intricate threads of abyssal magic float in the air for a moment before, without something to contain, it evaporated. He hadn''t seen that particular magic himself before, but he''d read about it. "Soul binding."


    "The unique magic of the succubus. If I did that while my hands were around your neck, you wouldn''t have a say in what happened for the rest of your life¡ªand after it. You would be bound to me by the core of your existence, and there would be no way to undo that. You would be <em style="font-weight: 600">mine. My mother would do it in a heartbeat, even if ultimately she''d want it to be me that has you. She has tried in the past. She offered me mortals as pets." Gisse blew the last few wisps of the magic away and shuddered. "That''s why I live with my dad. He''s just as much a demon, but there''s an honesty about the way he kills anyone that gets in his way. He doesn''t play with his food."


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    It made sense to Stanton, but the look of surprise on Gisse''s face, after she spoke about her father, urged him to ask, "You like your dad?"


    "Yeah." The answer was a revelation for Gisse. She blinked a few times and then smiled. "He''s kinda old-fashioned, but I guess he''s old so that''s normal. I was sort-of a bitch to him for a while. That''s why he shoved me through the summoning portal here. Is it wrong that I would be happy if I went home to him?"


    "No. My dad was always a bit distant when I was growing up. He''s an arch-wizard and staff to the Emperor, after all. I didn''t see him much, but when I did, he always felt a little¡ªnot there. Then things changed when I showed magic aptitude. The Emperor gave him leave to train me and we spent from dawn until far after dusk each day studying. Mom said we were spending too much time together, but she was busy with the military¡ªuntil my werewolf powers awakened too.


    "I know I''m lucky. I was born noble, my family loves me and supports me, and my future seems to be cemented in stone. A part of me, Gisse, yearns to have been born lower. There''s a disconnect that happens when I''m with commoners for too long. They sense when I''ve run out of all the knowledge I have of them and they can see me for what I am. I wish I didn''t have that, and that''s why I spend so much time trying to put myself among them and learning.


    "All of that is why I don''t want to discount anyone from being respected, even the dragon. If I don''t allow myself to listen and experience everything, I''m no better than the noble everyone expects me to be." Stanton had been letting his mind flow directly to his mouth. By the end of it, he was reeling from how much he''d said.


    It was a lot for Gisse to take in. Since she''d arrived on the mortal plane, she had to admit that there seemed to be a division between the people, and Stanton had just summed it all up perfectly. "The nobles think they''re better than everyone, and the commoners resent it. That''s what the dragon is all about." She wanted to tell Stanton that the dragon was his friend, but she also recognized that when Cassandra was all dragoned up, she wasn''t exactly anyone''s friend.


    "Yeah. It''s like Cassandra gets on her worst day, but that''s the best it can be. Err, so Louise tells me. She keeps me updated and I try to pay attention to her. She doesn''t really get out much, and sometimes the best I can manage is to get her to choke down some food and get my maid to run her a bath. I don''t think she''s ever noticed she''s a girl." The memory from the fight on the train still rankled a little with Stanton, but he could see they both had points with that, and wanted that particular hiccup to be old history.


    In all his life, Stanton had never had a conversation be so cathartic as the one he was having with Gisse. She was akin to a neutral party. He could be open, without risking his standing with her primarily because they had no history before he''d become Super Lupine Girl. "So, how are we going to do whatever this ring needs?"


    The question blindsided Gisse for a moment. She had to return her thoughts to the original problem and try to process it. "For now, let''s not worry about it. Knowing Sin, there''s probably more to the thing anyway. Keep it if you want, it won''t do anything until it''s been fed a piece of soul anyway."


    Stanton examined the ring a little more, trying to forget the image of the yawning mouth on it. "Your friend, Sin, sounds like a great enchanter."


    "She is, though she thinks about guys <em style="font-weight: 600">way too much. You''re glad you didn''t have <em style="font-weight: 600">her get summoned instead. She''d have this city in pieces within a week." The thought of it made Gisse wince. "But if you could figure out a way to stop her getting loose, it could be a fun weekend."


    Remembering his fair share of "fun weekends'''' when he''d started noticing girls, Stanton was worried that Gisse''s statement meant exactly what he thought it meant. Typically, at least according to his books, spending time engaged with a succubus in <em style="font-weight: 600">that manner, was not something mortals could survive with their autonomy inviolate. "There have been magic users smarter and with more power than me that have thought they could keep a succubus from corrupting them. Your friend sounds fun, but are you sure she wouldn''t do her best to put a leash on me in all the ways you won''t?"


    Gisse blushed and, if it wasn''t for the unique way Stanton worded it, she would have withdrawn from the conversation or steered the topic elsewhere. Instead, she nodded. "Sin would, but it wouldn''t be personal. She didn''t get that title without a good reason."


    And that''s when something hit Stanton, in a thankfully non-physical manner. "You might have mentioned it, but what is <em style="font-weight: 600">your title?"


    Slumping a little, Gisse said, "Daughter of desire."


    "Huh. That actually fits well, you know." At the incredulous look he got, Stanton elaborated further. "It''s not saying what <em style="font-weight: 600">you are, but that your mother is¡­"


    "Queen of desire."


    "Right. Do these titles stick around forever, or can you change it?"


    "Demons have their name, which for me is Gisse, then our titles. Each title adds to what a person trying to control or summon us needs to know. To summon, you could use as little as a name and a single title. To control a demon, you need <em style="font-weight: 600">all their titles." It wasn''t precisely a secret, and even if it wasn''t common knowledge, Gisse trusted Stanton. "So you can''t exactly go looking up a demon''s titles in a book, since it would be out of date. We also keep our very first title a secret and something only our parents know. When a demon reaches their thousandth birthday, they''re considered old enough to start taking their own titles, and the first is usually secret, too."


    Thinking about it, on what it meant to have parents be your only source of names, Stanton could definitely see where the obvious problem was there. "I bet that''s a lot of stress, since your parents could use that against you."


    "Some do. Sin''s dad tried to sell her to a demon lord." Gisse slumped into her chair as the memory came back.


    "What happened?"


    "She waited until he finalized the deal, revealed that she''d gotten a new title from her mom, then told the buyer that they''d have to take it up with her dad because she wasn''t staying bought." The memory was a good one. Gisse had hugged Sin and congratulated her for turning the tables. "So she turned it around, protected herself, and made sure he''d leave her alone."


    "Well, if she needs to get away further, let me know, okay? She might be a bit more demon-like than you, but I''d still be okay with helping." Even as he said it, Stanton felt weird for inviting a demon into his world. Well, a second demon. Gisse barely even fit the description, but yet she behaved far less friendly when with his alter-ego.


    It made Gisse smile. "You''re just like your cousin."


    "What?"


    "You can''t help yourself. You need to protect people." It was a shocking revelation to Gisse. A question started to race in circles in her head: <em style="font-weight: 600">Do I like nice people? It took her a moment to cement herself on the only correct course¡ªshe liked <em style="font-weight: 600">Stanton. "Though your cousin isn''t as cute as you."


    "She''d be mortified if you said that to her. She''s great, and all, but she likes the frilly dresses a <em style="font-weight: 600">little too much for my tastes." It was enough for Stanton to smile at the idea of it. "If you ever need help, or a friend needs help, ask her."


    "I''m not sure if you''ve noticed, but most mortals don''t exactly offer to help a demon when they show weakness. They more sort of scream and run away." When she looked at him, though, Stanton was smiling. "What?"


    "I talked to my cousin about you. She agreed that unless you get involved in a fight, she''s leaving you alone. Like I said, you can trust her if you need help." Glancing around, Stanton nodded to the staff who started rushing to bring them desserts.


    Gisse had seen the various desserts of this plane. She was well aware the current fad was for chilled creams. The cold of the things often left her feeling far worse than the taste of them buoyed her up. So, when a slice of steamed fruit pudding, covered in hot custard came out, she let out a little squeal of excitement and flicked her wings in glee.


    But, for a moment, Gisse looked up at Stanton and her chest felt tight¡ªhe looked at her with the kind of delight only a besotted and enslaved mortal usually saved for a succubus. She wanted him. She wanted to do all the naughty things she could think of. She wanted to stay up late talking. She wanted to sit by a big fireplace and let his arms pull her against his chest to keep her warm. She wanted¡ª She wanted¡ª She wanted to kiss him.


    "Gisse?"


    Stanton''s lips moved, but Gisse didn''t hear what he said. All she could do was stare at his face.


    "Gisse? If you don''t eat it quickly, it''ll get cold."


    Shaking her head, Gisse managed to snap out of the mystical spell that Stanton had absolutely not cast on her. Plucking up her fork, she started to eat the hot dessert. Not that it was as hot as the inferno of the Abyss, but for Gisse the thought that Stanton had obviously put into the food choice was enough to make up the difference.


    When they finished their desserts, Stanton stood and rushed around the table to help Gisse from her chair. "Where are you staying in the city? I''ll walk you home."


    Shrinking in on herself a little, even with Stanton so close, Gisse answered, "They didn''t even arrange a proper place to live. I have a room in the dungeon they''ve built under the city."


    "Tomorrow we''ll find somewhere proper for you to live, but for tonight you have me at a disadvantage. It wouldn''t do for me to walk you to a sewer." Leading the way to the door, Stanton nodded to the head waiter as they passed her. Stepping out into the street, he sighed.


    The sound stung Gisse to hear. "What''s the matter?"


    "I was going to walk you home and steal a kiss before I left."


    "Oh." Gisse wasn''t sure how, given the chilly (to her) temperature, but she blushed. "You can kiss me if you like."


    "That''s the problem. Now you know, I can''t <em style="font-weight: 600">steal it. Will you meet me in the food court tomorrow morning?" Stanton asked.


    Gisse sighed at that and tilted her head down a little. "I¡ª" She was interrupted by Stanton''s lips on her own. A shiver ran through her and, with a tearing sound, her wings ripped free from the confines of her hoodie, spread wide, then closed around Stanton''s back. She pinned herself to him, wrapped all the power her father had bestowed upon her around both of them and froze the world so their little moment could last longer.


    The rush of demonic magic, Stanton knew, should have stung in a way that warned him of evil intent, but there was none of that. It was hot beyond belief, thermally, but it wasn''t aimed at him at all. He wasn''t a priest, but the magic felt without malice or evil intent. While all those roiling thoughts coursed through his head, the rest of him was focused entirely on making the kiss a good one.


    All the power and energy Gisse had couldn''t stop time forever, though. Reluctantly, she released the world and let time return to its course¡ªbut the kiss lingered still. She made happy, surprised little sounds as his arms held her pinned against his chest. When it ended, and she had to admit that despite being immortal, even though she needed to do something other than kiss Stanton for the rest of eternity, she felt a little confused about something.


    "I''ll see you tomorrow?" Stanton asked. When he saw a look of confusion on her face, he added, "To find a house."


    "Y-Yeah. Okay. I¡ª" A deep breath later and Gisse nodded. "I''ll find you then." Something was eating away at the back of Gisse''s mind as she walked away. It wasn''t until she reached a nearby sewer entrance that it occurred to her and she giggled. "He must work out¡ªhis chest is so <em style="font-weight: 600">tight."


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    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 27

    "At the end of the week, I''ll be heading back to the capital and my mother will be announcing the victor." It annoyed Stanton that he hadn''t even had a chance to organize the second contest properly. School had resumed and, as school does, it devoured his time.


    The ring Gisse had given him had been a major part of his study. He''d taken it to Professor Celia, who had shown a keen interest in a soul-binding ring that didn''t, supposedly, ensorcell the mind at all.


    He looked between Triana, Lorissa, and Battlemaid. It hadn''t been too hard for him to find out they had colluded together with promises for each to get exactly what they wanted. "You all know Triana''s my choice."


    Triana, of course, was grinning like the cat that ate the canary, though that didn''t stop her from reminding them, "Elspeth hasn''t backed out. You can bet she''ll be there."


    "If she causes some kind of scene, let Mother put her down. Unless she threatens any of you, that is." Smirking, Stanton waited for the inevitable question, but it didn''t come. "What about me, I hear you ask? Let her come at me. Me beating her down will work better for us, anyway. It will show I am not interested in <em style="font-weight: 600">her."


    Triana shrugged her shoulders and examined a nail. "She''s gotten really bitchy lately, and not in a way that would endear her to anyone. Are you sure you can handle her?"


    Lorissa laughed. "You know his magic gets stronger when he transforms, right? She''ll be like a puppy to him."


    "And not the kind I''ll take in and feed," Stanton said. "So. I''ll make sure Mother knows this. I won''t accept any other pairing."


    It made Triana smile to hear. "So, you have your dresses sorted?" She looked not just at Stanton, but Battlemaid and Lorissa too. She was doing her best to ignore the thumping on the inside of the chest that Stanton was sitting on.


    Sliding to the side, Stanton thumped on the top of the box. "I told you, Angel, you''re not getting out until you agree not to sabotage this."


    "This is why I told you not to associate with wolves." Swiftpaw Deathbringer sat comfortably on Lorissa''s lap. He may have even purred once or twice. "They squabble worse than kittens."


    "But they are fun to watch." Lorissa kept up petting Swiftpaw, quite happy to have him there for moral support. "Let her out, Stanton. She only wants what she thinks is best for you."


    Sighing, Stanton stood up and opened the chest. Giving her only just enough time to rush out, he sat back down on the chest and crossed his arms. "Angel, I''m never going to marry a guy. You have to accept that."


    Crossing her arms over her own fuzzy chest, Angel made a soft <em style="font-weight: 600">humph sound. "You didn''t even try!" It was an argument she''d used, and lost, before. Angel''s heart wasn''t in it. She''d watched Stanton and Triana rekindle an old friendship and, as the year had worn on, grow closer. "Ugh. Alright. I guess you can marry her."


    "Angel, this is <em style="font-weight: 600">betrothal, not marriage. It''s a promise, and an intention to progress, but we''re not getting married this week." Reaching out, he grabbed up Angel and pulled her into a hug against his chest. "Sorry I got carried away and put you in the chest."


    "You should be. At least it smells better in there than it used to." Surrendering to the cozy attention, Angel reached her arms around Stanton''s neck. "This would have been sooooooooo much easier if you''d been a girl to start with."


    "That totally wasn''t my fault." Taking a deep breath and hugging Angel a little tighter, he added, "And I''m doing the best I can not to let you down."


    "You have never let me down. I''m just set in my ways is all. I like Triana and Lorissa and Battlemaid. They''re all super nice and I like how they all make you smile. Even that demon seems really nice." Angel slumped and let Stanton hold her. "I never thought I''d be seeing a magical girl making friends with a demon."


    "Hey, it doesn''t take much hard work to be good if you''re human or elf. It''s practically a fifty-fifty chance of you either being good or bad. But a demon being good is something amazing. She has to fight her nature constantly not to enslave people!" Fully prepared with a speech, talking points, and notes, Stanton could have spent the better part of a day extolling Gisse''s virtues¡ªmostly because it was a miracle that she had any.


    "She''s welcome to your time, Stanton, but if you plan to bed her, keep one of us there too, okay?" Triana asked. "I''m serious. As much as you trust her, her <em style="font-weight: 600">culture is still strong to her, and she might accidentally do something you''ll both regret."


    Stanton sighed. "That''s a whole other problem. She thinks I''m physically male, and I think she''d notice if we got under the sheets and I had less and more than what she expected."


    "You need to tell her, Stanton," Lorissa said. "Apart from you, I''ve probably spent the most time talking with her. She''s genuinely nice, and tries to do good; plus fixated on you. She''s done the most amazing drawings of you. I don''t care if you feel bad about it, you have to tell her the truth because she deserves it."


    It was a new level of trust that he''d have to extend, and though he felt a little anxiety about it, he was reassured by the support of the others. "What about Cass?"


    "You haven''t told her yet? Ugh, Stanton! Yes, tell her. She deserves to know. She''s been your friend for how long now?" Glaring at him, Triana sighed. "This secrecy thing is just too much."


    "I didn''t want to hurt anyone. I mean, if the dragon figured out who all my friends were, it might go after them instead of me." It had seemed like a good idea at the time, and Stanton still thought it was.


    "Your friends? You mean the crazy lightning sorceress, the werewolf, the werecat, the cute golem girl with more explosions than a fire mage, and a succubus?" Lorissa put as much sarcasm into her descriptions, gave a wink to Battlemaid as appropriate, and ended with a raised eyebrow the likes of which would require a construction permit to repeat.


    "Okay. The next time I see either, I''ll tell them."


    <hr>


    Stanton had been so caught up in making arrangements for going to the capital that he''d not been able to get in touch with Gisse. With all his classes becoming more specialized, too, he hadn''t even seen Cassandra. But, on the last day before he would be formally betrothed, he resolved to contact both.


    He left the academe after his final class for the day, which was mid-afternoon, and decided to find Cassandra first. He made a point of asking a few people around school first, but when no one had seen her all day, he figured she''d be at home in her dormitory.


    The walk to her apartment was an odd dichotomy for Stanton. On one hand he felt anxiety at finally revealing the truth, but consequently he looked forward to getting it off his (well-concealed) chest.


    He was so distracted with his thoughts that, halfway to Cassandra''s home, he wandered past an alleyway that, with hindsight, he probably should have avoided. A pair of large, clawed hands reached out for Stanton and dragged him off the street and into the darkened interior. He didn''t even have a chance to look at what had grabbed him before his head bumped against the ground and, with a feminine growl from above him, he was unconscious.


    Waking up reminded Stanton that he should avoid being hit on the head as much as possible. Calling what he had a headache would be a gross insult against headaches. "Did anyone get the number of¡ª Huh?"


    Looking around, Stanton was in a plushly decorated room that, nonetheless, had the smell of dampness about it. There were rugs on the floor, cushions everywhere, and tapestries on the walls. He was, at that moment, on a huge bed that looked big enough to hold ten of him. It would have been fairly cozy if it weren''t for the steel collar around his neck and the chain securing him to the wall.


    Holding the chain in one hand, Stanton scooted his way along the bed to where the restraint was anchored into the wall. Huge bolts fastened it in place. "Well, time to use a little magic and¡ª"


    A flare of light, red and purple, made the whole room glow for a moment as Stanton tried to channel some magic. A huge pattern drawn into the carpet with magic drew away the spell he''d intended to cast and left him feeling oddly empty. But, Stanton knew that magic. "Gisse?"


    It was demonic magic, for sure, and he''d felt her casting enough to know it was hers, but that meant¡ª


    "Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth." Cassandra had hoped she could have grabbed him and run as her normal self, then revealed to him at a safe, later date that she was the dragon. The opportunity had come and, excluding an accidental dropping of him as she misjudged her own strength, she had mostly succeeded. "Of all the nobles I have had the displeasure to encounter, you are the least I would loathe. Perhaps, even, admire. You use your power not for your own ends, but to help those around you."


    "Oh, so all nobles are bad, but I''m the exception?" It was a line he''d heard before, but where he could accept the sentiment from Cassandra, because she had proven to him that from her angle it was true, he couldn''t take it from the dragon. "And what are you, then? You have all these kobolds as your <em style="font-weight: 600">commoners, treat them like dirt, and lord it up over the common folk in the city above by imposing <em style="font-weight: 600">might makes right?"


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    Cassandra felt anger, first and foremost. This was an argument she''d had with Stanton, but never before had he used this angle on her¡ªmostly because he didn''t know she ruled the kobolds. "I don''t¡ª" It would be a lie, now, to say she didn''t rule them, especially given she''d just thought as much herself. "They came to me! They wanted my guidance. They asked me to take charge."


    "They might have asked you, but you took charge all the same. Aren''t you a noble in your own little empire?" Talking was a good idea. Stanton was already learning from the situation, gaining insight into the dragon herself. What he really hoped, though, was to get Gisse''s attention.


    "It''s not the same!" Cassandra struggled to rein-in her anger. Stanton knew how to push her buttons, and if she wasn''t careful she''d let slip who she was before they were safe. "It''s¡ªnot the same. You''ll see, once we''re¡ª" She bit back her words before messing up and spilling everything. "I came here to tell you that you''re safe. No one will hurt you while I''m¡ª"


    "In control? In charge? Threatening them?" Stanton almost went further. He almost let slip that he knew more about the dragon and the power structure than he should. "Does Gisse know you''ve kidnapped me?"


    Actual worry hit Cassandra. She''d gotten Gisse to make the anti-magic ward on the pretense of kidnapping a noble to ransom, without mentioning the noble was Stanton. "The demon doesn''t matter. Wait here."


    "Orders? So I am just a commoner here while you''re the noble?" Stanton could see the dragon flinch as she stormed toward the door. She paused a moment, let out a little growl, then left. It might not be information everyone could use, but her reactions armed him with weapons he could deploy later at the right moment. "Now, how do I get Gisse''s attention?"


    Reaching up to the collar, Stanton felt around it for some kind of lock or bolt, but it felt perfectly smooth. He grumbled something dire about draconic magic, then started to trace over each of the chain links¡ªagain, he found nothing exploitable about them.


    Slumping back on the bed, he wondered if there would be some way to sneak off far enough to be out of reach of Gisse''s ward.


    First, he climbed off one side of the bed, finding even that hard since the chain wasn''t long enough for his neck to leave the edge. Still, he stretched out so only his head was over the bed, and tried his lightest spell¡ªa simple one meant for poking things. The purple/red glow came again and drained away the spell to feed itself.


    It was reassuring in that he couldn''t feel the drain being bound to the chain or himself¡ªjust the location. It would stop him from working magic, but it should stop anyone else nearby from doing the same.


    The door to the bedroom opened and, along with a renewing of the damp smell, came Cleverclaws. Relief hit Stanton as he spotted her, and she seemed like a little miracle caster in his current situation. "Cl¡ª"


    "I can''t free you, sorry." Carrying a tray of what she hoped he would enjoy, Cleverclaws brought it to the bed and set it down before Stanton. "I didn''t know she was planning to do this."


    Ignoring the food, Stanton reached his hand out to cover Cleverclaws'' wrist. "It''s okay. I understand. She''s¡ª I mean, she''s a dragon. No race has felt their dominance more than kobolds." When she looked up at him with a shocked expression, he grinned and reached out to pull her into a hug.


    Of all the things Cassandra had ordered Cleverclaws not to do, hugging wasn''t one of them. She clung to Stanton and buried her face against his vest. It was cathartic to rest there and feel reassurance instead of commands. To simply exist and enjoy a moment rather than have to walk on eggshells.


    "It''s okay. I know you''re not doing this. Did you cook this meal for me?" Stanton asked, pitching his tone low and soothing.


    Tilting her head enough to look at the tray from the corner of one eye, Cleverclaws nodded.


    "Then I am going to sit here and enjoy it. Don''t think I have forgotten how <em style="font-weight: 600">good your cooking is." Shifting Cleverclaws to his other side, Stanton pulled the tray across the bed toward him and used the provided utensils to start spooning up the thick chowder. The taste of it, perfectly seasoned, creamy, and brimming with ocean flavors¡ªmade him close his eyes and forget where he was.


    Cleverclaws looked up at Stanton''s face, watching as he savored the fish stew. "Y-You like it?"


    "Of course I like it. I''m not saying that I''d be fine with getting kidnapped just to enjoy your cooking, but it''s definitely the highlight so far. Hugging a cute kobold is a close second." Stanton gave her another squeeze before continuing to eat.


    It wasn''t until he was done with the chowder and had used his spoon to scrape the bottom of the bowl clean that Stanton was in any way interested in dealing with his situation again. "Simply amazing."


    Ducking her head, Cleverclaws couldn''t stop smiling at the praise and, above all, the smile that Stanton wore. She pressed her firmly against his midriff and inhaled. Something rang odd to her. She breathed out and in again, curiosity taking over from the joy of praise. When she did it a third time, and the smell remained the same, she tilted her head up and looked at Stanton. "You''re a girl."


    "Uh." It was the first time Stanton had been found out. He wondered how to react, but then the door crashed open and the dragon was in the room again. "What now? Want to argue more over who''s the worse noble?"


    Looking between Cassandra (who had a bundle of cloth in one arm) and Stanton, Cleverclaws scrambled to get out of the hug and flee from the bed. She managed, mostly, but her mistress gave her a glare as she retreated from the room. Outside, she pressed her back to the wall and breathed fast. The smell of Stanton was still obvious to her¡ªand still obviously female. She waited there, listening to find out what was happening within.


    "We''re leaving in an hour. Ready yourself." Tossing an armload of clothes onto the bed from where she''d been carrying them, Cassandra did her best not to rip them with her claws.


    "Sure, I''ll totally be able to get changed while there''s a collar around my neck." Stanton, at his most droll, was very sarcastic and dry. "Let me just use my magic to¡ª Oh. Wait. I can''t use that either because you don''t have the guts to ask me to give my word." He glared daggers up at the dragon, daring her to ask for the promise.


    "Alright. Promise me you won''t escape!"


    "No."


    Stomping around the bed until she was right beside him, Cassandra balled her fists in fury. "You are the most impossible, annoying, and unhelpful noble!"


    "And yet you kidnapped me. Well, you have me. You want me to get changed¡ªyou have to <em style="font-weight: 600">let me do it. Take the collar off and I''ll swap clothes and you can take me who-knows-where to¡ª" That''s what was puzzling Stanton. He had no clue what the dragon''s end-game was. "To what?"


    Consequently, that was also a little hole in Cassandra''s plan. She glared at Stanton for a moment, reached out with a claw, and used her magic to separate the chain from the collar. "I don''t have to reveal my plans to the likes of you!"


    The clich¨¦ statement surprised both of them. Stanton started to work on something to come back with to put Cassandra''s shout down, while Cassandra wasn''t sure what to follow such an announcement with.


    "You don''t know, do you?" Stanton let a smile spread across his face as he tossed the chain to one side of the bed. "You have no clue what you''re going to do with me. The pig has been planning these pranks and¡ªI''m going to drop the alliteration¡ªand this is all your doing and you <em style="font-weight: 600">are bad at this."


    The world turned pure white with rage. Cassandra opened her mouth and, before she realized it, she''d breathed at Stanton.


    Electricity connected with the collar first, and dove into Stanton''s body and down through the path of least resistance. His eyes widened a moment and, unable to move or even balance, he toppled sideways onto the bed.


    Blinking at the result of her anger, Cassandra realized that unlike any time she''d sparred with Stanton before¡ªhe hadn''t been able to cast any defensive magic because of the ward around the bed. "Crap. Crap. Crap." Turning, she ran from the room, barely noticing Cleverclaws.


    Poking her head inside the room, Cleverclaws let out a yip of panic at the sight of Stanton laying on a smoldering bed. Rushing in, she shook his shoulder. He didn''t move. That earned a more shocked yap. She tossed him onto his back and pressed the side of her head to his chest.


    Kobolds, it should be noted, are very pragmatic about death and life. A kobold body is a wonder of biology, its cells going into stasis at the first hint of conditions that would cause death. Cleverclaws knew that if she put enough bits of a kobold into one piece, stitched them together, and started the kobold''s heart and lungs¡ªthey would come out of stasis and be alive again.


    Humans, though, didn''t work like that. Not even werewolves could be brought back in such a manner.


    But, all Cleverclaws could think to do was to make Stanton''s heart beat and his lungs work. She pounded on Stanton''s chest, she breathed into his mouth, and between every action she made little yips and yaps of concern.


    It was the third time she beat on his chest that she heard something that wasn''t her own voice. Breathing. Pumping. Leaning down, she pressed the side of her head to Stanton''s chest and listened.


    Once his body was active again, Stanton''s werewolf heritage kicked in. Cellular regeneration went into overdrive and he felt a rush of vitality building him up again. "Wha¡ª?"


    "YIP!" Cleverclaws wrapped her arms around Stanton as best she could and hugged him tight.


    Stanton''s mind, with a good dose of adrenaline that his body was sure he''d require, tried to piece together what had happened while his new, scaly limpet stayed attached. He soothed her with one arm, cognizant of the limb feeling odd and tingly still even as he patted her. He''d died. The dragon had hit him with no defenses in place and no ability to cast any. Her lightning had hit him with deadly force and slayed him. Now he was alive again and had no idea how. "Cleverclaws?"


    Still making incoherent noises, Cleverclaws looked up at Stanton with tears in her eyes. "It worked?" When he showed no signs of falling down dead again, Cleverclaws let out a sigh and slumped against him. "It worked."


    "What worked? I remember¡ªdying. Did you use magic to bring me back?" It would be a feat no smaller than archmage rank, of course, but there were always genius mages who had a knack for a single spell.


    Shaking her head, Cleverclaws was aware again that Stanton was <em style="font-weight: 600">female. The smell, the feel, the way his strapped-down breast was poking into her head¡ªit all helped to reinforce it. "Kobold trick. Make heart pump. Make lungs pump. Body wakes up."


    "W-Wait, so you brought me back to life by¡­"


    "Pumping chest, breathing into mouth. Same as we do to wake up kobolds who are put back together." Cleverclaws'' butt wouldn''t stop wiggling side to side. She was so happy it had worked that she didn''t stop to question anything else, least of which being Stanton''s feminine state. "She, uh, removed the chain?"


    "Yeah. I guess I can leave now. Don''t worry about lying for me. I¡ª Oh, hi Gisse." Stanton looked across at where the demoness had almost literally flown into the room. "Something wrong?"


    "C¡ªThat idiot dragon told me she''d killed you!"


    "She did," Stanton said.


    "She did," Cleverclaws said, at the same time as Stanton. "I fixed him."


    Narrowing her eyes, Gisse had to work to hold back anger unlike any she''d felt before. She clenched her hands into fists and felt all the magic her father had invested her with boil inside.


    "It was my fault. I wouldn''t stop with the barbs until she was so angry I hoped she would storm out again, so I could get changed in peace. Instead, she lost control of her anger and breathed at me." Edging to the side of the bed, Stanton tried to stand and though his muscles were recovering faster than any human''s should, he wobbled on his feet.


    Standing in the doorway, having returned after letting go of her anger, Cassandra looked at Stanton in surprise¡ªjust as his shirt fell apart, the stitching unable to hold on anymore.


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    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 28

    "Where is he?" Lorissa was pacing back and forth across the floor. Seated and far more patient was Triana, while Battlemaid was busy cleaning <em style="font-weight: 600">everything. "Why wouldn''t he be here for <em style="font-weight: 600">this?"


    "Only if he found someone who was in trouble." The words left Battlemaid''s mouth before her cogitator had a moment to process it. "Or Stanton is in trouble."


    All three of them stopped. They stopped pacing, they stopped cleaning, and in Triana''s case stopped breathing. They looked between each other and nodded.


    "He was probably trying to save someone."


    "It was probably a ruse to catch him."


    "Of course he''d fall for that."


    They laughed as they put together what they figured had happened, then prepared themselves for a fight. Lorissa closed her eyes and said, "<em style="font-weight: 600">Nya," triggering her own transformation. Though, when Swiftpaw didn''t come running, she glared at him. "We need your help, <em style="font-weight: 600">nya."


    "I can''t. I have too much napping to do today," Swiftpaw said, yawning and lowering his head back down to his paws. "The sun is far too nice to waste it by¡ª Hey!"


    Holding up Swiftpaw by the scruff of his neck and turning him to face her, Lorissa glared at her familiar. "You, <em style="font-weight: 600">nya, are going to help me get Stanton back safe, <em style="font-weight: 600">nya, or I will put you on a no-meat diet¡­ <em style="font-weight: 600">NYA!"


    ". . ." Swiftpaw hung in place and looked into Lorissa''s eyes with horror on his face. "You wouldn''t da¡ª"


    "Try me, <em style="font-weight: 600">nya. Just try me."


    Swiftpaw flowed, his form becoming light for a moment before settling into the sheath at Lorissa''s side. She smirked at this and whispered, "Good boy, <em style="font-weight: 600">nya. I''ll make sure you get some fish tonight."


    Trying to ignore the antics of Lorissa and her familiar, Triana turned away from the other two and removed her shirt, grabbing up the old and stretched one that suited her better when she was a wolf. It hung off her human frame but, as she called on her wolf side, she grew and grew into it. When her head almost touched the ceiling, she smiled to think she''d finally get to fight something she didn''t need to hold back against. As she turned back to the pair, curious to see what their preparations were, she saw that Lorissa hadn''t changed any further, but Battlemaid had.


    With her shoulder-mounted rocket pods, machine gun slung at her side, and a big rifle on her back, Battlemaid felt more prepared for the coming fight than ever before. She hoped the new equipment she''d been building from schematics hidden deep in her core memory would prove useful. The last item she picked up was a sword with a chain-blade. She liked it, because when it ran really fast, she could use it to butcher animals. "I think Battlemaid is ready."


    Lorissa looked between the robot maid and the huge werewolf and nodded. "Let''s go get our man back."


    <hr>


    "Stanton?" He had the right face, but with the shirt seams smoldering from the electrical attack, enough was visible to be proof positive that he was, currently, female. "What did this to you?" She took a step closer, completely forgetting that she wasn''t in her human guise.


    Standing, wobbling, Stanton tried to sidle his way past the edge of Gisse''s ward against casting. He was almost at the edge when the dragon''s eyes narrowed. "What? With all this craziness going on, warping my shapeshifting to try to get out of this damn collar wasn''t a good idea? You imprison me and then demand to know why I''m trying to get away?!"


    When Cassandra didn''t reply, Stanton tried to pull the shirt up to preserve his modesty. "And now you''re going to stand there and stare. What is up with you?" He''d done it. The sucking emptiness of Gisse''s ward no longer affected him. A dozen spells tickled at the back of his thoughts: defense, short-range teleport, something to incapacitate, a spell to increase his speed, and many more.


    Turning her back, trying to pin her anger down, Cassandra snarled out, "Bring him with us. We''re going to leave the city and link up with some kobolds I''ve had digging a new fortress in the mountain to the west." It was the plan that she hadn''t admitted to knowing earlier, and now she spilled the beans on it just to prove that she knew what she was doing. She also acknowledged that she''d let him get completely under her skin, or scales as the case may be.


    When Cassandra left the room again, Cleverclaws picked up the shirt, jacket, and pants that had been brought in earlier. "These don''t look singed, S-Stanton. You could wear them if you like?"


    Trying to ignore the confused look on Gisse''s face for a moment, Stanton took the offered shirt and stripped off the remnants of his own.


    "You''re a girl."


    "Yeah, Gisse, I''m a girl. I''m not, though, in here." Stanton tapped his head before pulling the shirt on. "I guess that''s why your succubus side didn''t pick anything up?"


    Gisse was still trying to get her head around the revelation. Something in her heart told her that Stanton''s claim that he''d only changed to get free didn''t ring true to her, and now she was remembering all the times she''d watched him, all the drawings she''d made, it made sense that he was a girl all along. "Huh? Oh. I don''t use that stuff much. It makes me itch. Are you sure you''re a girl?"


    "Last time I looked in a mirror. You won''t tell the big, bad, bitch?" When Gisse and Cleverclaws both shook their heads, Stanton was relieved to have conspirators here. "Happened just before she turned up. Had this weird meeting with a tiny wolf, and then she just started calling me a <em style="font-weight: 600">magical girl or something. Tons of power, tons of clothes, and a secret I have to hide from pretty much everyone I know."


    "Why?" Gisse asked. "Uh, keep it secret, I mean?"


    "Because it''s got this weight, right? Lies, I mean." Pulling the shirt on at last, Stanton buttoned the front up, fighting the odd muscle twitches he still felt from the electricity attack. "I thought it would embarrass my family, so I kept it secret. Then mommy goes and makes an <em style="font-weight: 600">event of me finding a fianc¨¦e. I never even knew there were so many werewolf girls that liked girls before! Or, well, that like girls who are actually guys."


    Taking a slow breath as she took in Stanton''s words, Gisse smiled once the entirety of what she''d been told circled back to a fixable problem. "Then I will undo this curse. I can¡ª"


    "Wait, Gisse, please wait. It''s not <em style="font-weight: 600">exactly a curse." Taking a deep breath, Stanton turned to look at Gisse, seeing confusion in her eyes. "Once we get out of this place, I''ll explain <em style="font-weight: 600">everything."


    It would have been so easy, Gisse thought, to grab Stanton, take him somewhere secluded, and use all the magic at her disposal to make things right. His eyes, though, were a window into what he wanted and how nice it would be to spend time with him, knowing she''d let him be <em style="font-weight: 600">him. "Okay, but on condition."


    Intrigued, Stanton asked, "What?" and, before his jangled nerves could begin to shift him out of the way, she darted in and kissed him. He was a little surprised, but it wasn''t exactly something he hadn''t done before¡ªor aimed to perfect. Wrapping his arms around the nicest succubus he had ever encountered, Stanton made good on her condition.


    Even with her heart thudding like crazy, Gisse managed to continue and even finish the kiss. As they broke apart, she took in all of Stanton''s features, examining and filing them away. They looked just as they always had, but there was something new and exciting about him that was intoxicating.


    "Gisse?"


    "Hrm?"


    "You''re one of the most beautiful women I have ever met, and I love the way you look at me, but right now I can''t tell if you''re looking at me as a friend or as a meal." It was the most laid-back way Stanton could think to ask her to maybe calm down a little, but at the same time it was completely and utterly flattering to have her drinking up his features.


    Shaking herself out of her hyper-focused moment, Gisse thought again about how much Stanton''s features looked exactly the same as when they''d first met. "How long have you been¡ªuh¡ªlike that?"


    Confession time, Stanton realized, was more worrying in practice than in theory. "Since before you came here."


    It took a moment for Gisse to figure out what she was feeling before she started to giggle. Soon enough, she was laughing while trying to say, "So I fell for a guy¡ªwho''s a girl¡ªall along?" When Stanton looked worried, though, she managed to calm down and explain. "Sin told me my first crush would be hard. She fell for an imp ten years ago and got so embarrassed about it afterward. I"¡ªshe shook her head¡ª"definitely haven''t reached that bit yet."


    Stomping back into the room, the expressions on Gisse and Stanton''s faces¡ªthat of annoyance and boredom, respectively¡ªbrought back the anger that she struggled to keep down. "We''re leaving now. Gisse, if you want to bring anything, grab it."


    Gisse had finally had enough. She glared at Cassandra and stepped slightly in front of Stanton. "I''m not going and Stanton''s not going. Just¡ªjust stop. This is going too far and you know it. You should¡ª"


    "I <em style="font-weight: 600">will do what I should have done the first time you screwed up. First you didn''t help with any of our fights with Super Lupine Girl, and now you''re picking a fight with me?" The words were short and terse¡ªmagical prose to do one thing and one thing very well.


    Stanton recognized the magic as Cassandra spat out the words. He reached out to grab Gisse and shove her aside, building a counterspell as he did so. When the banishing magic hit Gisse, it ripped a hole between realities open and sucked her into it.


    When the spell sucked Stanton up too, since he was in contact with Gisse, Cassandra''s panic built. The moment the rift closed, with only Cleverclaws left in the room with her, she shrieked.


    <hr>


    Stanton hadn''t planned to visit the Abyss. It was, actually, one of the lowest in the list of places he wanted to visit, but as usually happened in his life, things didn''t go how he planned. Getting his faculties about him, he started to stand up only to have Gisse hold out a loop of leather to him. "Wh¡ª?"


    "Put this on or you''re about to get eaten."


    Taking it from her hand, Stanton examined it. Not a drop of magic in the leather. There still might be something to it, but he trusted her more than ever now. Sliding it around his neck, he realized there was no catch to fasten it, but then Gisse reached out and channeled some magic and the leather tightened to the point where it was touching all around his throat, but not actually restricting him. "We''re in¡ª"


    "My father''s domain. Every demon that sees you, without that on, will consider you free meat. With that on, they would be going against Daddy''s daughter¡ªme. Come on, Dad can get us back." Taking the lead, Gisse looked around the burned and seared landscape and was surprised at how nostalgic she was for the place. She stretched and took off her coat, basking in the heat.


    The Abyss, at least this part of it, reminded Stanton of a desert after it had been set on fire. What few plants were around looked charred, and the few creatures that he noticed were either dead and blackened or hiding as far into rock crevices that he could barely see them¡ªand they were all some variation on a scorpion. "So, your dad''s domain. Uh, is it all like this?"


    "This? Oh, gosh no. Only a small percentage of it is as grand and lush as these gardens. Why, most of his domain is a horrid wasteland and nowhere near as gorgeous as this." With the amount of sarcasm Gisse put into the words, she hoped Stanton would get the joke, and his laughing only egged her on. "We should be at a city before third sun¡ªuh, mid-morning here; a few hours, tops."


    Time. Stanton''s memory reminded him of the promise he''d made, and the time was right for him to do it. "Gisse, you know when, roughly, this happened." Stanton gestured to his chest as the most obvious example of his body''s femininity. "But, you don''t know why. I would just show you, but¡ª"


    "If it''s something that involves showing off power, don''t. Someone is probably watching."


    Nodding, Stanton put off using his wand to transform. "Okay, so you know that pretty, magical werewolf I told you was my cousin?" Stanton felt trepidation building as he spoke. "That''s, uh¡­ Louise Silverclaw is a pseudonym. She''s¡ªI mean I''m¡ªSuper Lupine Girl."


    Gisse closed her eyes and shook her head. "Okay, that would have been great to know before coming to the Abyss and presenting you, a hero, to my dad."


    "A hero? I don''t understand." D¨¦j¨¤ vu hit Stanton hard, his time spent with Battlemaid learning from her about how the world worked without magic had been a head rush, but this was magic¡ªhe should know this.


    "Okay, so you know how most people are normal people? They can change their own destiny, or that of those around them. A villain can derail a whole nation or plane. They can seize it up and twist a whole reality worth of future into a spiral that only benefited them. Only a hero can undo that. They are the reverse side of the coin. When you became¡ª What else was around when this happened?"


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    "Uh, well, that''s when the Evil Pig of Evil showed up, and that damned dragon also¡­" Stanton trailed off as Gisse facepalmed. "Look, I don''t hold you being summoned to help them against you. You know that. It''s¡ª"


    "You don''t get it. There are <em style="font-weight: 600">old villains and then there are those like my dad and that pig. They were around when the gods created the planes. They saw it all come together and linked together as allies to destroy it. Then a half-god hero banished the pig to the place beyond stars and <em style="font-weight: 600">made the Abyss as a cage for my dad." Pointing at Stanton, Gisse made to poke him in the chest, but then remembered that Stanton''s chest was otherwise occupied. "You are the first hero to come here since then."


    "Oh. Uh, I guess that complicates this a bit, right? Wait, would he even recognize me as a hero?" Stanton had set aside the question of hero abilities for later in their walk, instead focusing on the immediate problem.


    "He''s the most powerful and ancient demon to have ever lived. He''s the first, the one that started it all. All other demons are lesser copies of him. We just need to keep him distracted."


    Stopping, Stanton reached a hand up to his face and shook his head. "Your mother''s a succubus, right?"


    "Yeah¡­" Gisse didn''t see where Stanton was going with the question.


    "So he likes beautiful, dangerous women?"


    "Yeah, I¡ª" Her eyes widening, Gisse realized where Stanton was going with it. "We''d never get away if he¡ª Well, unless he thinks you''re mine¡ª But, that wouldn''t work because I''ve never so much as nibbled on you. You''d know¡ªit hurts!"


    "Okay, I know you don''t want to eat my soul, but what about if you bit it a few times? Made it <em style="font-weight: 600">look like you had?" Stanton asked, walking again.


    "That would hurt, maybe more, but I¡ªI wouldn''t have to eat any." As she worked through the logic of it, Gisse smiled more and, eventually, hugged Stanton.


    Pressed against her, no longer worried about being exposed, Stanton said, "Do it." He knew the moment she attacked his soul, because an agony unlike any he''d felt before tore through him. Clenching his teeth and squeezing his eyes closed, he clung to Gisse as she worked.


    Tears streamed down Gisse''s face as she listened to Stanton''s cries. This was a huge part of why she never ate the souls of complex creatures. She felt, though, his own tears mix with hers and, at last, she felt she''d done enough superficial damage that it looked like she''d fed long and hard on him recently¡ªand she stopped.


    The pain cut short, but there was still an ache deep inside Stanton that reminded him of what a demon could do. Pressing his face against Gisse''s shoulder, he panted and focused on <em style="font-weight: 600">her rather than the lingering soreness.


    "I''m sorry, but¡ª" Before she could get any further, Gisse was shushed by Stanton. "No, I mean it. That''s going to leave a mark in the shape of my teeth for years."


    "Perfect. That''s what we wanted. Besides, if this works, you''ll have an excuse to spend more time back on the prime plane." Slowly disengaging himself from Gisse, Stanton looked down at the shirt that was now stained with tears. He reached up to the neckline of it and, giving his companion the most droll look ever, ripped it to expose more cleavage.


    Gisse groaned and covered her face with one hand. "That''ll work perfectly. Might want to tear your slacks to show some leg, too." When Stanton ripped one leg of his pants at mid-thigh and removed it completely, she laughed. "Now, if you''re going to sell the sexy, dangerous, and spoken for, you need to do the second bit. Give off some magic."


    It wasn''t <em style="font-weight: 600">hard, really. All Stanton had to do was call on his wand and he felt magic rush around him. Without starting the transformation sequence, because that would ruin the clothing effect, he looked at Gisse. "Enough?"


    Eyes fixed on the wand, Gisse could only nod. She''d seen it once before, but with Super Lupine Girl leaking magic everywhere, it hadn''t been a big <em style="font-weight: 600">thing. Now, with the low-magic desert around them, it glowed like a beacon. "Y-Yeah."


    Holding the wand up, Stanton moved it side to side and couldn''t stop a giggle at seeing Gisse''s head turn to track it. "That good, huh?" Her distracted nod made Stanton giggle more. "Okay, so which way do we head?"


    "With that out, they''ll come to us. But we can keep going this way. Dad''s castle is more to the right, but it''s further away and we can just get a ride there from the nearer city." Stretching one wing out and around Stanton, Gisse felt both happy he trusted her as much as he did and at the same time a new, demonic joy that she <em style="font-weight: 600">owns him. She wished she didn''t have that latter emotion, and didn''t feel comfortable bringing it up with Stanton.


    Walking along in a comfortable silence, Stanton found the heat both stifling and more enjoyable for the way Gisse''s wing seemed to suck it out of him. After cresting a hill, he gasped as a city sprawled out before them. Single story buildings, looking like they were made from baked clay, seemed to reach out in every direction, all clustered around one stone structure. "That''s the city?"


    "Yeah. Dite. We can get a ride to Dad''s fortress from there." Checking Stanton, making sure her own demonic symbol was glowing on the collar he wore, Gisse led the way down the slope toward the city. They were almost at the river surrounding the low wall of the city when a group of demon soldiers marched out. Clearing her throat as they approached, she pulled Stanton a little closer against her. "Don''t leave my side," she said to him before addressing the soldiers. "I am Gisse Daughter of Desire. I have returned to the Abyss with a slave and require transport to my father''s citadel!"


    While the soldiers murmured among themselves, Gisse leaned over and whispered to Stanton, "I''ve never been one to get out much. They know of me, but¡ª Crap. They''re going to want me to prove it."


    "We¡ª"


    Gisse didn''t give them a chance to get beyond the first word. Drawing up the energy her father had given her, she ripped the ground at the soldiers'' feet open glared at them, daring them to push her a second time.


    The demon who''d spoken the first time looked down into the gash in the ground before him, seeing demonic fire burning far below. He completed leaning forward, executing a bow. "R-Right. Gisse Daughter of Desire. Welcome to Dite. You wish your travel to be expedited?"


    "Yes. Have the teleporter prepared at once." Noticing several of the demons looking at Stanton, Gisse felt unreasonable amounts of anger. Normally she''d get embarrassed about feeling the base instincts of a demon, but for now she put that to work. "What are you staring at?"


    "That''s a hero," one of the demons muttered.


    "Not anymore. This is my slave." Gisse lifted one claw and flicked the collar around Stanton''s neck. She waited just a second to see if they would try asking her something else, when they didn''t, she summoned the power back and prepared to slash another hole into the ground¡ªthis time aiming for the leader of the squad.


    The demons moved quickly, turning and marching toward a bridge over the river.


    Stanton let Gisse take the lead, guiding him to move with her. For added effect, he tried to look a little starstruck. The city itself seemed fairly normal to Stanton. It lacked a large wall or flagstone paving, but there were plenty of cities he''d seen that were of similar construction.


    People, Stanton realized, were staring at Gisse more than him. They seemed fascinated with her. More than once, though, he felt a flicker of magic in the crowds and an answering rush of power within Gisse. She was like an inferno of power.


    When they turned a corner and the guards led them to an open square in the middle of the city, Gisse was relieved. She didn''t stop at the edge, like the others, but walked up onto the slightly raised dais and started working her power into the ancient machinery of runes.


    Demonic magic was far more delicate than mortal magic when it came to working with living creatures, but far less so in all other cases. Gisse''s power fueled the teleporter that tore a hole through the Abyss to her father''s citadel and then carefully pushed them through it.


    Stumbling at the shove, Stanton fell down to one knee on the platform and was only stopped from falling further by Gisse''s quick grab. And that, chest shoved forward into the torn dress firmly, bending with his wand held out, was how Stanton was first seen by Gisse''s father.


    Furious to find his daughter back far sooner than he''d hoped, Aharon Master of Conflagrations stared at the woman on her knees before him. Well, on <em style="font-weight: 600">one knee. Despite showing skin from torn clothing that would make some succubi blush, she had an air of power and strength about her that intrigued him. "Gisse, why are you here?"


    "Banished. Dragon was boring and so was the pig. I found a snack, though. Hey, slave, show my dad your thing. Do the whole transform thing." Gisse was as gentle as she could nudging Stanton with a foot. They needed her father to lose sight of important things with Stanton around, but not so much that he''d kill Stanton.


    Jaw dropping open, Stanton wanted to ask if she meant the whole <em style="font-weight: 600">Super Lupine Girl transformation or if she meant something else. The problem was, he couldn''t ask that in the guise of her slave. Holding his wand out, Stanton did his best to make his usual transformation chant sound as defeated and downtrodden as possible.


    "By the shining light of g-goodness,


    And with the power of virtue,


    By the p-p-purity of my feminine charms;


    I call on my wand of power to protect the¡ªthe world."


    Stepping back in shock, Aharon drew his sword that burned with black flames, prepared to do battle with a hero¡ªonly to see said hero on all fours on the ground with his daughter''s foot on their back. He paused, not attacking, as the hero failed to fight his daughter. "What''s the meaning of this?!"


    "That stupid dragon was chasing all over the city trying to¡ª Ugh, it''s so boring to even think about, Daddy. <em style="font-weight: 600">I found the hero. <em style="font-weight: 600">I beat the hero. And, now, I <em style="font-weight: 600">own the hero." Gisse licked her lips, doing her best to look proud of herself. "See? Collared and all. I even had a nibble."


    Eyes widening, Aharon sheathed his sword and anger alike. "Gisse, my little hellion, that''s amazing! You''re just like your papa!"


    Stanton felt the weight of Gisse''s foot removed from his back and picked the moment to rush at Aharon. Putting all his strength into the first punch, and delivering to the big demon''s stomach, he followed up by knocking aside the first attempted reply by Aharon.


    Snarling, Aharon grabbed Stanton''s wrist and lifted, holding him dangling in the air while the demon''s other fist drew back.


    "Daddy, if you hit my slave, I''ll be <em style="font-weight: 600">very upset." The wince her father made as he held his punch, made Gisse realize for the first time how much power she had over him. Part of her felt it was awful to manipulate him, but her demon senses told her to see how far she could push. "She''s a little excitable, is all."


    Aharon was about to drop Stanton when the werewolf twisted, pulled, and bit at his hand in quick succession. The fire and excitement of fighting a hero¡ªno matter how actually removed from a fight it was¡ªmade his blood sing.


    Doing a flip and landing on his feet, Stanton made ready to charge at Aharon again¡ªbefore Gisse''s hand closed around his collar. Following her plan, Stanton went limp at the touch and he lowered his head.


    "Pet, heel," Gisse said, her voice a purr. Not sooner did she finish the last syllable than Stanton had rushed to move and crouch at her side. "Now, Daddy, I need to go back. Despite how boring they were, you <em style="font-weight: 600">did tell me to do what that annoying dragon told me."


    It might be embarrassing, it might be degrading, and it might even go against his nature¡ªbut Stanton was surprised at how well it was working. The big demon stood up a bit straighter and looked down at him as Stanton took deep breaths to make his chest heave a little.


    "Right. Yes. Send you back." Aharon''s eyes were locked on Stanton, flicking between the power and feminine curves. He nodded his head carefully. "I''ll contact the pig and have him open a summoning portal again."


    It was working. Gisse watched her father linger, eyes tracing over Stanton as he seemed completely enamored in him. "Uh, now?"


    "Right!" Spinning around, Aharon did his best to banish Stanton''s image from his mind as he led the way to their main magic hall. Every piece of metal that reflected light became of great interest to Aharon as he walked¡ªhis eyes straining to catch glimpses of Stanton as he walked along to the left and back a little from his daughter.


    After a few turns and a walk down a hallway that was flanked with shiny plate armor, Gisse started to suspect her father was stalling. "Daaaa-aaaad?"


    Knowing he was caught, Aharon tried to distract while his mind raced to deflect whatever his daughter would say. "Oh! Err. Ahh. Yes, my little cinder-flower?"


    "I love being home with you, Dad, but if you really want to hang out, just say so." It was a calculated gambit. Gisse knew her dad would want nothing more than to spend some more time <em style="font-weight: 600">getting to know Stanton. "Hey, we could call Mom and make it like old times."


    The effect on Aharon''s libido was instant. He slumped, his shoulders fell, and he aimed them directly toward the summoning room. "No. No. I''m sure you have something you need to do quickly. We don''t have to get <em style="font-weight: 600">her involved."


    As the tension that''d been rising drained off, Stanton found it easier to not turn and run. In the little scuffle with Aharon, he''d felt the power of the demon and knew it was something far beyond his ability to deal with.


    When their journey continued in silence, Stanton got a chance to look around a bit more and admire the architecture of the building. The walk was a little awkward, since he had to keep perfect pace with Gisse, but it meant his attention was on her when they stepped into a large room.


    The wide area was dominated by a huge summoning circle, the likes of which Stanton had never seen before. His eyes flickered over it, doing his best to memorize it rather than try to make sense of it while he was experiencing it.


    Gisse led the way onto the platform and stopped. Reaching into her bag of notes, writing material, and snacks, she plucked out a little paper bowl of breaded and fried chicken and began passing them down to Stanton one by one. Despite the theater they were putting on, she was honestly enjoying herself. "How much longer is it going to take?"


    Used to his daughter''s impatience, Aharon sighed. "It won''t take long. I need to get someone on the prime plane to open a summoning circle. If I can''t contact my old ally, I''ll use one of my cultists."


    "Daaaa-dy. Have one of your cultists do it. That dragon and pig take <em style="font-weight: 600">forever to do anything, and even then they use <em style="font-weight: 600">kobolds as minions." Gisse tickled Stanton under the chin and fed him more chicken.


    Glancing back at his daughter, then down at the semi-tame hero she was keeping as a pet, Aharon had to admit that even a minuscule bit of time on the prime material plane had improved his daughter beyond his wildest dreams. There she was, a hero on their knees beside her, still showing bite marks of long and intricate feeding. "No wonder she''s looking more confident," the words were soft, but they gave him the impetus to make a quick decision. "I''ll use a cultist, but you''ll be coming to see me within a year¡ªonce all this business is cleared up¡ªand you''ll be presented to the nobility as my daughter."


    Dropping some popcorn, Gisse''s eyes widened at the command. Reaching up, she wiped tears from her eyes and stared at them on her arm. "D-Daddy? You really believe in me?"


    Stanton whined and shifted to give Aharon room to rush up and embrace his daughter. For a moment he considered biting the big demon''s leg, but made do with some growling instead.


    "I''ve <em style="font-weight: 600">always believed in you, my little pit fiend. You are the reason I rouse myself to slaughter each day, and thoughts of your exploits drive me to rend each of my enemies. Seeing you now, having conquered a hero and tamed them as much as this? I might have to take a week off from flaying." Hugging his daughter, Aharon felt his own eyes tear up, then immediately dry back out as the tears flash-boiled from the heat of his body.


    "Thanks, Dad."


    "Let''s get this done right. You need some better equipment if you don''t want to get booted back here by every weakling mage you come across. Take this." Passing his daughter a ring, Aharon waited for her to put it on. "That will make most magic slide off you. I would recommend a stronger collar for your little hero¡ªbut you seem to like the struggle, so I''ll leave that up to you."


    Gisse shivered a little at the idea of restricting Stanton with any sort of collar her father might give her. Most demonic restraints would overwhelm the captive with pain, mental manipulation, or both. "I like the whip, myself. She heals so fast that I can have some real <em style="font-weight: 600">fun with that." When a portal opened on the edge of the circle, she let out a sigh. "Dad, I''ll be back when I can get this hero trained to summon me back on command."


    "That would be a sight to behold. Go. Show that musty old pig what my daughter and heir can do!" Aharon spared one last look for Stanton, sighed, and waited for his daughter to leave the Abyss again. "Perhaps I should find a slave or two. Her methods seem strange, but perhaps it does make for a more loyal pet?"


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 Chapter 29

    There was a rush of wind followed by a loud pop. At least, that''s how Stanton experienced the interplanar travel. Falling to his knees when they arrived, the sound of voices chanting got his attention¡ªalso the smell of clothes smoldering.


    Looking around at a group of robed figures, Gisse''s eyes focused instead on Stanton. He''d fallen down during the journey and, more alarmingly, fallen out of the slowly burning dress. Moving as fast as her demonic reflexes allowed, Gisse scooped Stanton up and wrapped a wing around him for modesty. "Where are we?"


    The head priest of the demonic order present stood forward. Tipping back the cowl of her hood, she looked up at where Gisse stood on the dais and then bowed deeply. "Daughter of Desire, you are in our temple to your father. We are three leagues from the capital."


    Regaining his wits, Stanton leaned a little against Gisse for both physical and emotional support. "H-How long will it take to get there from here?"


    Glancing from Stanton to Gisse, the priest could see that the demoness cared for her charge. "By coach, we can reach there by early evening."


    Biting her lower lip a moment, Gisse could see vulnerability in Stanton''s eyes. He was scared, and she understood he had a lot of good reasons to be. "We need clothing, then, and will depart as soon as possible. See to it." When the priest didn''t make a move, Gisse rolled her eyes. "What?"


    "Aharon Master of Conflagrations always rewards us with¡ªwith power." Licking her lips now, the priest felt more than a little worry. Asking for payment wasn''t usually rewarded, but it had been so long since they had received any rewards at all, despite their obedience to their cult.


    It would have been so easy for Gisse to tell them that her father would take care of it; he''d said he would, after all. She took a deep breath and drew on the power she held inside. The daughter of a true immortal and a powerful succubus, she wasn''t exactly a lightweight. She opened a path for her demonic energies to flow.


    A small gift would have sufficed. Really, it was just a bit of fun on a Friday afternoon for their little cult. The priest would have been happy with a burst of energy enough to give them a good orgy for the weekend. What she got was, comparatively, a superhuman amount of power that burned inside. She opened her mouth and rocked back on her heels, screaming, red flames pouring from her eyes as Gisse''s power sought out ways to enhance her frail, human form.


    Stanton turned his head and looked over a shoulder to see what was going on, only in time for the priest to pitch forward again, sprout a huge pair of leathery wings from her back, and a pair of horns from her head. "Are you alright?" It was in his nature to offer help. Stanton couldn''t help himself. When the cultist priest didn''t reply, he asked again.


    "I am <em style="font-weight: 600">better than alright." Lifting her head, her eyes locked on Gisse, the priest dropped to one knee before the succubus. "My goddess, ask of me what you will, and I''ll accomplish it in your name!"


    Gisse''s eyes widened at the raw devotion and rush of energy having a worshiper brought. "Oh no. No, no, no. Dad''s going to¡ª"


    "Uh, Gisse?" Stanton asked. "Look up at the wall there. That was your dad''s name before, right?"


    Breaking her eyes away from her first priest, Gisse looked at the twisted and renamed statue behind the cultists. She felt for it, tried to sense what had changed it, and felt her father''s magic at work. She couldn''t help herself, smiling at the memory of him being proud of her, and seeing him effectively gifting her her first cult. "Oh, Daddy¡­"


    "Can we get moving? Is it even the same day? I''d like to let Mom know what''s going on before she tears Conjur down looking for me." Stanton, still more than a little exposed, realized his problem was easily solved. "Wand? Can we get a wardrobe to freshen up?"


    Not having seen such weird magic used before, Gisse was amazed that a seemingly sentient dimensional rift was able to open in a temple to a demon (her temple, she had to remind herself). "What is this?"


    Taking a deep breath, Stanton strode out from beneath Gisse''s wing and toward the now-open wardrobe. "This is the biggest perk of being Super Lupine Girl, Gisse. Please, welcome to my realm!"


    Walking beside Stanton, ignoring her minions for now, Gisse reached the threshold and felt a tingling sense of excitement. "It''s so¡­ pink."


    Stepping out of the last of his clothes, Stanton only had to reach toward the safety of the underwear cabinet to find fresh items in his hand. "Of course it''s pink. Pink is <em style="font-weight: 600">in this season. Now, if Mother is going to be consolable in any way, we both need to be dressed to within an inch of our lives." Stepping into his fresh panties and buckling the bra, Stanton turned to wide-eyed cultists. "Do any of you have experience as a lady''s maid, or would like to learn?"


    There was a crash of thunder as something ripped through space for a second time in the summoning chamber. Appearing in the middle of the square, patting flames off her coat, was Princess Angel von Snuggles, the Fourth. "Stanton! What happened?!"


    Still in his underwear, Stanton held out his arms in Angel''s direction and was glad to see her rush toward him and dive into a hug. "You wouldn''t believe me if I told you, but can you help get us dressed? How long has passed? Has anything weird happened?"


    Angel jerked back and looked Stanton up and down, then Gisse, and raised an eyebrow. "You both need a lot of work. It''s a day and a bit after when you disappeared, Triana, Lorissa, and Battlemaid have been chasing the dragon all over Conjur, and a very terse letter from your mom arrived."


    Wincing, Stanton sighed. "The dragon kidnapped me. It was only with Gisse''s help that I got away. She knows, now, so don''t worry about trying to hide my identity from her. Managed to keep it from the damned dragon still, at least. So, welcome to Gisse''s new place. These are her friends. They''re kinda a little odd, but really just want what anyone does."


    Looking back at the cultists, Angel stroked her jaw. "Are you sure? They look like cultists. That one is a half demon!"


    "Probably only a third, really. Gisse just did it as thanks for pulling us back to this plane. Anyway, clothes! Please, Angel, we need your help!"


    Angel only took half a second before she cracked. "Only because you asked nicely. Where are we, anyway?"


    "Uh," Gisse was still trying to come to terms with Stanton being Super Lupine Girl, but it was as if an entire house of cards was tumbling down. She connected Angel with Wolfette, Super Lupine Girl''s sometimes-sidekick, and after making that link she joined up Battlemaid and Billi. "This is sort of my temple now. Dad let me have it after I converted his priest over there." She did her best not to pay too much attention to the corrupted woman who was making doe eyes at her.


    "We''re not far from the capital, and Gisse''s new friends are going to help us get there. So, Angel, we need two make-overs. Skirts, corsets, frills¡ªand maybe even a bustle!" Stanton could see Angel''s eyes turning starry and getting wider with each description.


    Gisse didn''t expect the whirlwind of motion that was Angel. One moment she was wearing her usual loose shirt and ankle-length skirt, and the next Angel had whisked those away, acquired underwear that matched her skin tone, and was loading her arms up with a gown that had more frills than should be able to exist on one plane. "All this?"


    "That''s just the petticoat. You need the full gown once you have that and the corset on." Angel examined Gisse''s form and whispered to the side, "What do you think? Something split so she can have her wings out? If you''re going to get eyes on you, and you''re a demon, you need to be loud about it."


    "Do I get a say?" Gisse asked.


    Stanton shook his head as he wiggled his hips into his own set of under skits. "Not when she''s like this. Don''t worry, I won''t let anyone hurt you at the party."


    Gisse felt mild confusion. "''Party''?"


    "Of course. If Mommy is upset, she probably has all the girls there still, in case I turn up late. Hey, Angel, did Lore, Triana, and Billi make it to Mommy''s big night?"


    Shaking her head while sorting through tiaras, Angel said, "I''ll go get them when you''re on your way. Triana might have to pull some strings at the transport hub or something. Ah, this will be perfect."


    ". . ." Stanton stared at the tiara, then shook his head. "I called this upon myself."


    Grinning for all she was worth, Angel asked, "So, dragon kidnapped you?"


    "Yeah. Grabbed me while I was acting normal. She made Gisse use some anti-magic stuff to keep me from getting away. Then she killed me." When he noticed Angel dropped the tiara she''d been holding, he said, "I got better. Mostly because Cleverclaws lives up to her name.


    "After that I got free, Gisse tried to defend me, and the dragon cast a dismissal spell to banish her."


    "And," Angel wiped a little bit of soot off Stanton''s shoulder, "by the smell of this, you jumped into the path of it and you both got banished. Then what?"


    "Gisse?" Stanton asked.


    "Huh? Oh!" The outfit Gisse was being strong-armed into wearing was the opposite of anything she normally would be seen in, but Angel seemed an unstoppable force, thrusting more dresses and things upon her to, seemingly, force fashion upon her by osmosis. "Right. We arrived in the central blighted desert. It wasn''t far from Dite. We walked there and I pretended to have captured Stanton and broken him to my will."


    "You captured him and bent him to your will?" Angel asked, surprise and curiosity warring within her.


    The accusation stung Gisse and she recoiled a little from it. Stanton''s arm around her shoulder sent her to her happy place, though. "N-No. It was all pretend. We needed to convince my dad that I had control of Stanton, but also distract him from asking questions. Dad has¡ªhe has a weakness for strong women."This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Blinking, Angel looked at Stanton. "You went through with that?"


    "It worked, didn''t it? Gisse is the best demon I have ever met, and probably right up there when it comes to other people, too. After all, the thing out there with the half demon is because she was <em style="font-weight: 600">too generous." Pulling the corset up around his midsection, Stanton turned his back to Gisse. "Can you help get this tight, please?"


    As she tensioned the strings of the corset, Gisse felt guilt eating away at her. There was a secret she hadn''t revealed to Stanton, and it was something he''d need to know, but she felt like it wasn''t <em style="font-weight: 600">her secret to reveal. "St-Stanton?"


    "A little more, thanks! Uh, what?"


    "There''s something about the dragon, and I don''t know if I should tell you." Gisse tied the strings off into a large bow, then added a tighter knot to the loops to prevent it coming undone too easily. "I know who it is."


    Stanton froze, mid chest-adjustment, and worked through his thoughts on it. "Would it help me defeat them?"


    Opening and closing her mouth a few times, Gisse eventually shook her head. Then, because she realized Stanton wasn''t looking at her, she said, "No. I don''t think it would."


    "Then if it comes up, it will come up. You don''t have to tell me." Turning, Stanton gave Gisse his best smile. "Thank you for giving me the choice to make." He repeated the kiss on her now blushing cheek.


    Every moment Gisse spent with Stanton was a thrill. She had no idea how he would act, but she found delight in everything he did. She did get some time, while Angel worked on her hair, to contemplate all the times she''d run into Super Lupine Girl. With the information she had now, she recontextualized all the clues she''d gotten as to "her" alter ego.


    Further, at least as far as demons were concerned, Stanton''s soul was marked by her magic. It wasn''t a huge mark, but it was hers and he''d asked her to do it. It was, she realized, better than putting a ring on his finger.


    "Gisse?" Stanton asked. "Gisse? Hey, are you okay?"


    Blinking in surprise, Gisse started to shake her head before Angel growled and told her to hold still. "Sorry, I was thinking about things."


    Staring into a mirror, Stanton pursed his lips and applied a red, angled stick of gloss to them in a smooth line. "''Things''?" he asked, turning to look at Gisse.


    Even in the female guise of Super Lupine Girl, Stanton had looked strong and powerful to Gisse. He''d even looked a little handsome. Now, though, Stanton looked <em style="font-weight: 600">pretty. She took a slow breath and let it out. "Mostly all the times I''d talked to you as Super Lupine Girl."


    Tapping his chin, Stanton did the same now that she''d mentioned it. "I didn''t come off too harsh, I hope? I tried to be as positive as I could. I knew you were doing your best, but not exactly volunteering any help."


    "You were a little over-the-top nice. I wasn''t sure why you were doing it at first, but it makes sense now." Gisse twitched her head when Angel attached an earring on one side, then added a second. "Is all this really needed?"


    "Yes. Now, hold still. These are only clip-on, but with your ears I have a lot of room to clip onto." Angel might have put on a gruff exterior for dealing with Gisse, but she couldn''t stop her tail wagging at the fun of dressing up someone new.


    It didn''t take much longer before she had both of them dressed, hair made up, and makeup done (though she was unhappy with Stanton''s efforts and had to redo his. "Okay, head for the capital and I''ll go tell the others to meet you there."


    With Angel vanishing, Stanton stood up and let his dress swirl around him. He enjoyed wearing nice clothes, and despite himself, Stanton found that delight translated to women''s clothes too. Then he looked over at Gisse, who was blushing and staring into a mirror. "I didn''t think you liked wearing all these dresses?"


    Blushing for all she was worth, and trying not to twirl her dresses, Gisse stammered for a moment and then latched onto a life raft. "It''s warm, is all. This whole plane is so cold!"


    Smirking, Stanton cleared his throat. "Wardrobe, it is a little cold. Could you please provide a fashionable jacket to match Gisse''s outfit, that would keep a chilly demoness toasty warm <em style="font-weight: 600">and looking fantastic?"


    A flash of magic that almost blinded Gisse as it sought to create by raw power alone, slowly faded to reveal a very fine looking black jacket. She reached her hand out to it, hesitated (mostly because her nails were painted and she didn''t know how long they would take to dry), but finally touched it. "Is this some kind of leather? It''s so soft!"


    "Looks like it''s lined, too. That should be warm en¡ª" Stanton let out a chuckle as Gisse rushed to lift it around her shoulders and slide her arms into it. "Good?"


    Doing up the odd fastener on the front, that seemed like it had interlocking teeth, Gisse wrapped both her arms around herself and let out a blissful sigh. "It''s like home."


    Stanton reached out to the shelf of the wardrobe and ran his hand down it. "Nice work. Thanks." He didn''t get an answer directly, but he felt it was important to acknowledge the hard work of what he suspected was either a sapient magical creature or the universe itself wearing a mask¡ªeither was good to be on the good side of. "So, shall we make haste?"


    With an excited nod, Gisse slipped her arm into Stanton''s and they left the wardrobe a moment before it vanished. "Uh, minion?"


    The half demon rushed up to Gisse, dropped to her knees, spread her wings, and dipped down so low that her nose touch the floor. "Yes, oh Reason to Exist?"


    Gisse could imagine her father thinking that it was probably a little bit too much. "Rise, and don''t perform such antics. You are¡ªyou are my high priestess. You should project power, grace, and warmth." It was easy to get distracted by the magical jacket that kept Gisse at a comfortable heat. Nonetheless, she carried on. "Is our carriage prepared?"


    "This way! Uh, if you please?" It was a struggle to be what her goddess had commanded and show obedience and respect to said goddess. "G-Goddess?"


    The unsure word grabbed Gisse''s attention and she raised an eyebrow, to which the half demon cowered. "Stand up. You may address me by my name, Gisse Daughter of Desire. Be assertive in asking questions, but fear not asking them. I will not think less of you during your training period."


    Breathing a sigh of relief, the half demon bowed her head and said, "Thank you, Gisse Daughter of Desire, you are most gracious. Your conveyance is ready whenever you wish to take it."


    "Very helpful. Lead on, please." The last word slipped out. Gisse hadn''t meant to say it, but at the same time, she could see the woman was doing her best despite a very complicated situation. "And, what is your name?"


    "B-Baroness Catherine Glow."


    Stanton felt like his ears twitched and he turned to look at the woman. Barons and baronesses were the lowest ranks of titled nobles, but they <em style="font-weight: 600">were titled nobles. He knew of the Glow family from his training, they held a minor piece of land outside the capital that earned a tidy profit in taxes for the Emperor. "Are you in line of succession to the barony?"


    "Seventh. Though Father says if I can attain more power¡­" Catherine looked at Gisse with excitement.


    "You know it will be hard to make a case for yourself if you can''t hide all your new attributes?" Stanton asked, following her out of the small building and to a waiting horse-drawn carriage.


    Smiling, Catherine nodded. "Father has spells to help with that. He worshiped Aharon Master of Conflagrations his whole life. He has wings and a penchant for fire magic."


    "Huh. I didn''t realize demon-worshiping cults had such a grasp on the peerage. Not that I have a problem with it myself, since my own loyalties are a little skewed by goodness and femininity." As they reached the wagon, Stanton opened the door and stepped to the side to help Gisse in. "The most beautiful woman present always precedes the rest."


    After Gisse, giggling, stepped into the wagon, Stanton''s gaze swept to Catherine. She froze and looked back. The way he spoke of peers made her keenly aware that he was likely one, and any peer bar that of barony rank would be able to sink her in so much trouble that her family would likely be destroyed and wiped from the face of the nation. But here Stanton was, offering her a seat in the wagon. "Thank you."


    When both were in, and the driver of the carriage looked ready to depart, Stanton pulled himself into the interior too and found a seat opposite Gisse and Catherine. The latter of the two looked terrified again, but it wasn''t Gisse she was looking at¡ªbut Stanton. "Is something wrong?"


    "You''re a peer?"


    "Not yet. My father and mother plan to raise me to the head of one of their families, but that day is not yet here, and neither are in control of their titles. I''m just Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth for now." Seeing the panic on Catherine''s face at his full name made Stanton wince. "I won''t turn you or your family in for several good reasons.


    "First, you happen to be dedicated to the nicest demon I have ever met, and one I would happily sponsor for citizenship.


    "Second, you don''t deserve it. You were born into this, and while I may have qualms with Aharon, he seems focused on his own realm. Also, he didn''t actually kill me when I recently met him, so there is that.


    "And, finally, I have not personally witnessed you performing any banned acts. Summoning a demon is not in and of itself against the Emperor''s laws, but you would be liable if Gisse did something terrible. Gisse, are you planning something terrible?"


    Happy to be listening up until then, Gisse shook her head. "Unless removing the head of the dragon is terrible?"


    Lifting his hand up to his jaw, Stanton felt the jolt of the wagon taking off and shook his head. "I can''t think of a reason it would be bad, except I''d prefer if the dragon could see the error of its ways and become <em style="font-weight: 600">good instead. Though, even that is a terrifying concept."


    Nodding, Gisse said, "Then I don''t plan anything more terrible than finishing some art and writing a story or two. And eating!" She had realized, halfway through, that she was talking of things she would rather Stanton not investigate, so tacked on <em style="font-weight: 600">food at the end to hopefully distract him.


    Picking up on the two interesting topics, Stanton could nonetheless see the panic in Gisse''s eyes as she snapped over to talking about food. Like the proverbial feline that he wasn''t, he nonetheless left the topics for later. "Yes! Food. I loved the spice that the deer''s soul added to that pie you made."


    "Not all our food is made with souls, but my parents and others of similar rank tend to have souls in everything." It was a source of contention between Gisse and her father, especially given he disliked his daughter <em style="font-weight: 600">"eating like a common demon."


    "Maybe you could take some animals back to the Abyss with you at some point, then encourage other demons to try those instead of mortals'' souls?"


    Listening to the back and forth between the two, Catherine was a little surprised at the topic. Eventually, when there was a lull, she asked, "You don''t eat mortals'' souls?"


    Shuddering at the idea, Gisse shook her head. "No. I am a vegan demon. I only eat the souls of lesser beasts." The look of shock on Catherine''s face told Gisse she might need to go further. "So, no sacrificing anyone to me, okay? Animals are fine. Sacrifice them, feast on them, and invite me to show you how to harvest and cook their souls."


    "And me," Stanton said. "When will you be doing your next sacrifice?"


    Catherine realized that, though she''d been invested with vast power by a demon, she was in for a very strange time indeed as a servant of Gisse''s. When all that power had been poured into her, she had though the demon doing so would use her as a tool of destruction. She was, she realized, more of an assistant, and the demon she was serving was¡ªnice. "We hadn''t planned any, yet. I didn''t like the idea of sacrificing people, and Father said not to use animals."


    "Oh, well, forget that," Gisse said. "Deer, cows, goats¡ª Oh! Can you get me chickens? I haven''t been able to try a chicken soul yet."


    It seemed too good to be true. A huge boost of her own personal power, and she only needed to pay in sacrificed animals? Catherine nodded happily and took careful mental notes to buy a <em style="font-weight: 600">lot of chickens. "As you say, kind mistress."


    The little title earned a blush from Gisse that Stanton found even more endearing. He was also glad to hear that Catherine hadn''t started with human sacrifice. That would have been a step too far and would have hurt him to have to conceal. "Aharon said that Gisse wouldn''t be able to be banished with this summon. Is that right?"


    Catherine nodded enthusiastically, feeling the new weight of her horns as she did so. "It''s a much older ritual, and not an easy one to cast. Dad said I have a knack for the old types of magic, so rather than impossible it was just <em style="font-weight: 600">difficult. It protects the demon from dispelling magic, but has a limit on duration. Sorry, Mistress, but you only have five days with this one."


    "But, you''ll summon me again?" Gisse, as soon as she asked, realized it was a silly question. Catherine looked mortified.


    "Of¡ªOf course!"


    Available at: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/220350/fictions</a>


    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 30

    The coach slowed down and, eventually, dropped to a walking speed as they neared the castle wall. Stanton had noticed, when the conversation ran down, that Gisse was looking more and more furious. She was staring at her hands, flexing them into fists repeatedly. "Hey, uh, Gisse?"


    Blinking in surprise, dragging herself back from the fury she felt building inside, she looked up at Stanton. "Yeah?" When he moved fast, striking like a cobra to place his lips on her cheek, she almost incinerated her clothes she got so hot and bothered. "Stan¡ª"


    "Gisse, you don''t have to fight my battles for me. I like that you''re upset by this¡ªbecause I like you and it''s nice to have some support¡ªbut it''s time to get everything settled with my mommy and then go and beat the snot out of that dragon. Can you let me do that?"


    "I don''t think I can. You''ve helped me adjust and find a place to be me. That means a lot."


    Smiling, Stanton nodded. "Yeah, I get that. You''ll at least listen if I ask you to stop?"


    "I''ll listen. I might not be able to stop. Dad¡ª Violence runs in my family." Reaching one hand up, she felt her left sleeve and let out a happy sigh. "This jacket is so nice."


    The sound of someone talking to the coach driver silenced them. "¡­ check what you''re carrying."


    "Group of nobles, sir. Honest."


    "Still have to look." A knock came on the door. "Please open up!"


    Looking at Gisse and Catherine, Stanton grinned and opened the door. "Good evening! I hope we''re not too late for the big fancy dress ball?"


    "Fancy¡­ dress?"


    "Absolutely. Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth, Baroness Catherine Glow, and Lady Gisse of Dite." Stanton gestured between the three of them as he explained. "Yes, I know, I normally cut a fine figure in pants and a shirt, but this <em style="font-weight: 600">is fancy dress, and when a Raveel-Sharptooth aims to impress¡ª<em style="font-weight: 600">he aims to impress."


    Gisse couldn''t believe the guard seemed to be spending more time looking at Stanton than her, until she figured out Stanton was flashing his cleavage at the guy. At first, it seemed to work to draw the man to look closer, but when he casually mentioned he wasn''t a woman, the poor man seemed to panic and pull back.


    "O-Of course, sir. Please, go ahead with our apologies." It was probably the worst thing ever for a young officer in the Castle Guard. He recognized <em style="font-weight: 600">Sharptooth as a name to fear and respect within the military, and absolutely didn''t want to be on the bad side of anyone from that house.


    Stanton waved a hand in dismissal. "Nonsense. No apology required! My mother brought me up to respect guards and you are, after all, doing your duty¡ªand doing it well. There might be some other, uh, less than common-looking nobles coming in tonight. Make sure you investigate them as well as you did this carriage."


    Snapping a salute, the guard felt pride and relief in equal measure. He didn''t know who Stanton''s mother was, exactly (what with all the Sharptooths in the military), but he would give thanks to whatever god was listening to his thoughts that she raised a good, respectful son. "Of course, sir."


    With the door closed and the carriage moving forward, Catherine found herself staring at Stanton. "How did you do that?"


    "How did I pick a single reason for a demon, a half-demon, and a woman with a man''s name to be in the city? Would you believe I was trained to do it?" Delighted to see her staring, trying to put together her next question, Stanton got comfortable. "Now, does your coachman know where the Sharptooth estate on East High Street is?"


    "Yes. Let me tell him." Leaning forward and to the side of Stanton, Catherine opened a small door in the end of the carriage''s interior, then called to her coachman the address. When she slumped back, she felt like the world was going to end. Not just in the company of a Sharptooth scion, but now going to one of their dens on the most high ranked street in the capital. "I should have stayed at home."


    "If you''d have done that, no one would have seen you in this shape¡ªand you wouldn''t have Gisse''s protection or my willingness to stomp my social standing around to make people accept you. You''d have to hide your beautiful wings and horns, like your father, rather than showing them off for all to see." Leaning forward, Stanton put his finger under Catherine''s chin to make her look him in the eyes as he spoke. "Now, when we get out, you walk on my left, Gisse on my right, and don''t let go of my arm for a second."


    Nodding, at least as much as she could with her head stuck to Stanton''s finger, Catherine''s mind raced. <em style="font-weight: 600">He thinks I''m pretty. <em style="font-weight: 600">He likes my horns. <em style="font-weight: 600">He likes my wings. <em style="font-weight: 600">Did he say "beautiful"?


    The confidence and surprise on Catherine''s face, that Gisse saw, didn''t make her jealous so much as introspective. "Strength of personality," she said, not precisely meaning to.


    "Huh?" Stanton asked, releasing Catherine from the confining grip of his index finger.


    "You. You could make anyone feel good about themselves with just words and¡ªand <em style="font-weight: 600">charisma. You could have proposed to her then, and she would have said yes."


    Nodding to her patron, Catherine still felt like she was floating on a giddy high.


    "It''s not <em style="font-weight: 600">that strong. I couldn''t do this with the dragon. Could you imagine me asking her to marry me?" Screwing his face up a little, Stanton shivered. "But, there are ways to talk to people and help them believe in themselves. I try to do that, because when someone gets like that, I feel they can do <em style="font-weight: 600">anything. Even if they''re demons or half-demons." He tapped his chin and shook his head. "Especially if¡­"


    They rode in silence for a while, then the coach stopped again. Flicking back the curtain on the window, Stanton could see his childhood home lit up, with magelights in all the windows. "Well, we''re here." Went unsaid was <em style="font-weight: 600">I hope this works. Stanton knew that a large part of this was going to be about appearance, and if Gisse and Catherine didn''t project enough strength to compliment his own, his mother would tear them both apart.


    Opening the door, Stanton stepped out first. The doorman approached and gave him a hand down, and given his dress, Stanton took it gratefully. "Thank you."


    "You''re most welcome, Master Stanton."


    Turning, holding out his hand as the doorman had, Stanton helped Gisse down the steps of the coach next. "Lady Gisse of Dite," Stanton said for the sake of the doorman. "And the lovely Baroness Catherine Glow."


    Seeing the lady of the house''s son comfortably filling a dress and taking it in his stride, the doorman did grow a little more wary and <em style="font-weight: 600">almost unprofessional when he saw the demon and half-demon accompanying him. "I''ll see that they announce you all in a moment. Your mother will be glad to see you."


    Gisse wanted to hide. She''d caught the brief moment of surprised look on the man''s face when Stanton had helped her out, and assumed that''s the same reaction Stanton''s mother would have¡ªbut less guarded. She followed him into the house, through the entranceway, and toward a pair of double doors. A man of advanced years stood at the door. He wore a suit unlike any Gisse had seen before, and he had a look on his face that she would swear was worse than her father''s.


    It wasn''t his mother''s usual butler, Stanton knew, but his aunt''s. Stopping, he dipped his head before the man. "William, it''s an honor to have you here, keeping my mother safe."


    "By all rights, Master Stanton, that would mean ejecting your¡ªahem¡ªplus twos?" Waiting for Stanton to flinch, William was impressed to see steel in the young man''s eyes. "But I am under strict orders to show you through. Will you vouch for these two?"


    "Yes. I assume mother is having one of her usual ballroom soir¨¦es?" Stanton noticed the doors opening as William turned.


    "Not quite. Of the three of you, you''re the most overdressed." Clearing his throat softly, William addressed the huge room. "Announcing Master Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth, Lady Gisse of Dite, and the Baroness Catherine Glow."


    The ballroom looked nothing like how Stanton remembered. Huge rocks decorated the room''s edges, and in the middle was a huge pool of sparkling clear water. It was a feast for the eyes, seeing the nearly three dozen beautiful women talking, relaxing, and generally enjoying themselves. Some were dressed, others scandalously naked, and yet more had decided to ignore the negatives of wet fur and let their wolf sides free.


    "Oh," Stanton said, blinking at the nude and seminude aristocracy in the room. "Wand?" The dress pulled and twisted, but Stanton said, "Wait, Gisse and Catherine need proper outfits too. Just leave Gisse''s jacket be."


    The wand flared bright, blinding all in the room as it picked up werewolf, demon, and half-demon and twirled them around in the air, fitting each with very revealing two-piece bikinis.


    With the finale being some ribbons that coiled in Stanton''s hair, he felt one of the rocks press up against his feet and stood on the edge of the huge indoor pool. "Mother?"


    Clarissa Sharptooth-Raveel-Brightfang didn''t miss her son''s entrance. She watched the light show with curiosity and greatly approved the extroverted attire that his magic had spun. His companions, though, worried her. The Glow family, she''d long known, dabbled in demon worship, but their unwillingness to let it bend them away from the kingdom''s cause had left them under the radar. An actual demon at her son''s side was different.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Stanton saw his mother''s furred shoulders tighten a little, and in the pool her hand shifted to a spot behind her back where he was sure she''d have a sword. "Mother, while their names and titles are known, I must tell you of the harrowing adventure that led to me being late to my own betrothal."


    Launching into the tale, Stanton did his best to capture the entire audience. When his aunt, the head of Sharptooth pack, walked into the room and settled beside his mother in the water, Stanton knew this was make or break. "So, to protect this would-be guardian against the dragon''s foul magic, I dashed to deflect the banishment an¡ª"


    Stanton''s aunt cleared her throat with an audible growl. "The result of getting in the way of a greater banishment, like that a <em style="font-weight: 600">dragon would cast, are known. You would up in the Abyss, in the vicinity of this demoness'' domain. I''ll be questioning you about this <em style="font-weight: 600">dragon later, young man."


    It was as much as Stanton expected. "So, there we were, stuck in the Abyss. We were in a huge desert and then Gisse, this lovely, animal-soul-eating-only demoness who had tried to free me from the dragon, says she knows where we were. She helped me disguise, ostensibly as her slave, so that I wouldn''t be fought over as a prize. She even managed to convince her father to have a portal opened back here so we could return. Truly, without her, I would not be standing here before you."


    When two werewolves looked in her direction, Catherine wished she had a method for vanishing. Both could have killed her where she stood, even if that was at Stanton''s side.


    "Then the baroness opened that portal? Is she affiliated with¡­" Duchess Forthright Sharptooth, Stanton''s aunt and leader of the Sharptooths, gestured to Gisse. "Gisse, was it?" When Gisse nodded, she continued, "So then, where does the baroness'' loyalties lie now?"


    "That''s why I brought both my lovely friends tonight." Stanton took control of the situation and drew the gaze of his aunt and his mother. "Gisse has not just saved my sorry butt from being sold and who-knows-what in the Abyss, but she has assisted me so far in dealing with the dragon in Conjur. That''s why I will nominate her to be accepted as a citizen of the kingdom."


    "Don''t say that outside this room," Clarissa said. "She is a walking crime just¡ª"


    "She''s not, Mother. She hasn''t committed any crime of her own free will while here. She has, in fact, actively worked to curtail the efforts of the dragon in taking over Conjur."


    Forthright liked his energy, liked a lot about her nephew, but something was annoying her. "Nephew, you keep mentioning a dragon. Surely you don''t expect me to believe there is a¡ª"


    A crash that shook the building came from above as rubble and glass exploded down. Of everyone in the room, mostly werewolves, only three had magic usable in the situation.


    Gisse, of the three watching, was quickest to react. Spreading her wings, she threw a shield of magic out that caught all the building materials up and burned everything smaller than her fist to ash. Her power, that she''d never fully exercised before, blossomed into a shield of flames that directed all their heat upward¡ªtoward whatever was coming through the ceiling.


    Stanton reached out with his magic, amplified by the wand still in his hand, and grabbed all the larger pieces of masonry and glass. Grinding them into a ball, he dropped the rubble in a corner of the pool that was vacant.


    Slamming into the water, Cassandra looked around the room. It was filled with scantily-clad women, some not wearing anything, and about a third of them were already furry. Two of the werewolves, though, were bigger even than Triana. "You''ve got this?"


    The Evil Pig of Evil gave a soft "oink" of concentration before activating the ancient magic they''d stolen. Shoving down with the weight of a star, he crushed the two matriarchs down and turned the remainder of the power on Stanton.


    Glad that he''d lost the heeled shoes in his last transformation, Stanton nonetheless felt the weight of the world on his shoulders¡ªalmost literally. Power poured through him as he tried to shove back, but it took every ounce of power he had to keep from being crushed against the rock under him.


    Gisse''s eyes widened at the size Cassandra had reached. She was, now, almost thirty feet long and looked stuck on all fours. A huge neck and furious expression completed things. She wondered, for a moment, if she''d be able to talk her way out of things.


    "Demon! Tell me, where is Stanton?" Cassandra''s voice, when projected, was deep and commanding. She loved the way she sounded now.


    Sparing a glance toward Stanton, Gisse realized that Cassandra didn''t recognize him. What she also noticed was there was a complete lack of enticement she''d had before whenever Cassandra had given her an order. "No." Reaching out with one arm, Gisse made a fist and turned the knuckles toward Cassandra. "Not just <em style="font-weight: 600">no, but <em style="font-weight: 600">sit-on-this no." She raised a finger.


    "Minion of the Abyss," the Evil Pig of Evil intoned, "heed my call! You will assist us!"


    Struggling as he was, Stanton watched as a surprised Gisse raised her other arm, similar to the first, and gave a second raised finger.


    "So, funny thing about controlling a summoned demon¡ªwhen you banish them, you lose control." Gisse noticed the look of surprise on the Evil Pig of Evil''s snout. "Second, when a demoness second only to Aharon Master of Conflagrations gets her own minions to summon her, she isn''t under anyone''s control."


    Whatever Cassandra had expected, to be attacked with demonfire was not on the list. She struggled against the searing heat while shielding the Evil Pig of Evil as best she could¡ªthough she smelled sizzling hair and bacon.


    Forthright Sharptooth stood up, fighting the spell''s force back and glaring at the dragon. "My nephew picked his allies better than I thought, but that is something to look at after I''ve dealt with you. Sister?" At her side Clarissa stood too, and each of them brandished what would have been impossible for anyone but a twelve-foot tall werewolf to hold. The swords, monstrous claymores, hummed softly with magical enchantments.


    Cassandra, having only figured out the trick to becoming a huge dragon in the last few hours, felt more than a little worry at seeing two of the kingdom''s most deadly fighters squaring off with her. Then, before they could do more than size her up, she realized there was one thing to her advantage. Tilting her head down, she breathed out a blast of magical lightning into the water.


    Everyone in the water froze as the charge locked their bodies up. Then, as Cassandra''s breath hit its full strength, they began to slump into the water.


    Gisse''s eyes widened as heads disappeared under the water. "No¡­" Her thoughts raced at what she could do, and the best she could come up with was to turn the water into mist. Leaning on her power, drawing it out in a rush, she hoped she had what it took to displace the entire volume of the pool.


    Still struggling against the weight the Evil Pig of Evil had put on him, Stanton watched as Gisse lit up magically like a nova. Almost blinding, her power reached out and flash boiled the water¡ªbut not those in it. It was an incredibly delicate use of so much magic, but she held it until everyone stunned in the water was dry¡ªand then she fell over.


    Rushing to catch her goddess, Catherine''s mind raced to think about what she could do next. The sight of two huge werewolves in the empty pool filled her with panic at realization that there was nothing that could stand in the way of the dragon.


    Ignoring the struggle of the werewolves and the demons, Cassandra turned to Stanton. "Finally, Super Lupine Girl, after everything that happened I can finish this fight once and for all." Reaching her huge foreclaw out, Cassandra put all her weight behind her forelimb and brought it down.


    Several important things happened in quick succession as Cassandra attempted to smash Stanton:


    Battlemaid sent a hail of rockets into the huge doors securing the end of the room.


    Lorissa saw Stanton, Cassandra, and started putting a plan together as she rushed into the room.


    Triana Eyesbright, in her huge werewolf form, growled as she pounced at the dragon.


    Agony exploded in Cassandra''s foot as Lorissa, holding Swiftpaw Deathbringer, raked the underside and pulled Stanton out of the way. At the same time Triana slammed into her side and, to Cassandra''s shock, shoved her sideways enough that when her foot finally came down, it missed its intended target.


    "You think you can get away with beating up my intended at my betrothal party?!" Triana raked at Cassandra with her claws. "Kidnapping? Murder? I''d hoped all this dragon stuff was just messing around with a local thug, but this is too much! Give me your name, dragon, so I can remember who I killed to secure Stanton''s hand."


    Cassandra''s mouth dropped open. "What are you talking about? Where''s Stanton?"


    Thanks to the impact to Cassandra, the Evil Pig of Evil had been tossed aside in a smoking arc of seared pork, to land hard on the other side of the room. Being a primordial evil, the pig shook the multiple fractures and third degree burns off and rebuilt himself. It took a force of will not seen in millennia to squeeze more of his power through the multidimensional porcine gateway, but the effect of it was instant.


    Growing to nearly three times its previous size, the Evil Pig of Evil was now the Brutal Boar of Badness.


    Stanton and Lorissa turned at the furious squeal from the other side of the room. The Brutal Boar of Badness launched itself into a charge straight for them. Stanton dove to one side and Lorissa the other, though Lorissa also scored the Brutal Boar of Badness'' side with her sword.


    Watching as Lorissa drew its attention, Stanton turned to look at the dragon and watched as Triana boxed it around the face while Battlemaid pulled out a projectile weapon that looked and sounded as deadly as her missiles.


    Her gun was something Battlemaid had been working on. High caliber, she only had limited materials to make the high explosive rounds, but when she got a clear shot on the dragon''s back half it began to cough out the shells.


    Trying to hold off a furious werewolf wasn''t easy, not when it weighed almost as much as her, but Cassandra now had explosions slamming into her side and she realized this fight wasn''t going to end well unless she turned the tables. "<em style="font-weight: 600">Stop!"


    Triana felt herself cease. She didn''t simply stop attacking, she stopped moving completely. The word echoed in her head as she tried to focus on working her muscles¡ªto no avail.


    "Running analysis. . . Completed. Seventy-eight percent chance dragon used magic to stop Lady Triana. Probability of shots scattering into her: zero." Grinning, Battlemaid sighted down her gun and started sending the explosive rounds directly at the dragon''s face.


    The new hail of explosives distracted the dragon long enough for Stanton to slip into its guard and start punching it. He couldn''t stay around the front end too long, and even his danger predictions weren''t going to make him able to keep dodging explosions and talons.


    While the fighting happened, Gisse and Catherine rushed around to check on people and pull them from the emptied pool. When Cassandra had demanded everyone stop, Gisse had shrugged off the effect and, brushing the cobwebs of the mental attack from Catherine, she saw that Lorissa had halted in her tracks. "Keep this up, I need to help fight."


    When he felt demonic energy gathering, the Brutal Boar of Badness tossed up a ward against evil magic without a second thought. He ignored it and sighted on Lorissa, braced his legs, and started to charge. When the demonic magic slammed into him, bypassing the ward, it threw him across the room in a squealing arc.


    Staring at the demoness as she rounded on her, Lorissa couldn''t look away as she walked up and kissed her on the cheek. The moment her lips made contact, Lorissa felt energy burn away the command in her mind. "What¡ª?"


    "Shh. It''s a temporary claim." Gisse was trying her best not to blush. It wasn''t so much kissing a girl (which she had learned lately wasn''t as terrible as she had ever thought it would be), but more that she was sharing her power with someone who wasn''t doing anything to earn it. "You''re free to move so long as my lips'' mark remains."


    She couldn''t help herself. Lorissa reached one hand up and touched her cheek. She could feel the slight tackiness of lip gloss and, bringing her fingers back, confirmed it was blood-red. "Th-Thanks, <em style="font-weight: 600">nya."


    Watching Stanton dodging the dragon''s attacks, even as he climbed up one of its legs, Triana raged at her inability to break the command the dragon had given her. When Gisse slipped over and had to flap her wings to fly up to face level, it was a surprise to have the demon lean in and kiss her cheek. The moment her lips touched, though, Triana could move. She looked down her muzzle at the demoness and flashed a big, fanged smile. "Thanks."


    "Don''t let Stanton kill the dragon," Gisse said.


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    This story is released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA</a> license. If you are paying money to see this or the original creator, Damaged</a>, is not credited, you are viewing a plagiarized copy of the story.

 Chapter 31 & 32

    Each punch to the back of Cassandra''s head had her seeing stars. "Get! Off! Me!"


    Working completely off his reflexes, Stanton dodged and wove attacks coming at him before the dragon under him even began the attacks. "No! Stop fighting and we can talk!"


    "You nobles always want to talk, then you can ignore everything said!" Trying to toss Super Lupine Girl up into the air, Cassandra used her wing to encourage the motion.


    It was always a problem for Stanton''s style of evading hits. He could read one attack ahead, but beyond that he had to rely on his own skill to pick up if something was a good or bad idea. Choosing to jump to avoid the wing strike was an obvious way to avoid it, and he couldn''t see anything better to do.


    Once her target was in the air, Cassandra employed a classic trick of dragons and spun around. The thwack as her tail made contact filled her with glee, and she beat her wings to chase after Super Lupine Girl as she flew across the room and into a wall.


    Pushing himself slowly to his hands and knees, Stanton''s awareness of danger ramped up without him having much he could do about it¡ªthen the dragon''s talons closed around his body. Hefted into the air, he had a far-too-close look at the dragon''s muzzle, teeth, and angry eyes.


    For Cassandra, it was her most victorious and confusing moment. She''d finally captured the fuzzy annoyance and now her instincts screamed at her to finish Super Lupine Girl off. It would be easy to crush or bite. "You damn nobles! I wish¡ª I wish there wasn''t any need for people to have power over others!"


    "Me too¡­" The words slipped out of Stanton''s mouth before he realized he''d gotten his wish¡ªthey weren''t technically fighting right now, and they were talking. "I wish this world let everyone become everything they strove to be. I''d <em style="font-weight: 600">love it if our leaders were normal people who were the best at it." He slumped in her grip, unable and unwilling to go on. "It would be nice, for a start, if you didn''t try to take over."


    The words echoed to Cassandra in another voice, blunting her anger. "I don''t <em style="font-weight: 600">want to take over, but if I don''t¡ªwho will?"


    Shaking his head, Stanton said, "You sound just like a friend of mine. She''s saying all the same things¡ªwell, except that last one¡ªand I wish I had all the answers for her too. It''s not easy to change things. Are you so sure you''d be a better ruler than the Emperor?"


    "Of course I would!" It was obvious and right, to Cassandra.


    "You just tried to kill all my mom''s guests." He was relieved to see her turn her attention to the room where Catherine was still pulling half-drowned werewolves out of the empty pool. "You know, if you knock people out underwater, they die, right?"


    "I¡ª They are¡ª I mean, they''re okay now." A horrid taste grew in Cassandra''s throat. "Wait, ''<em style="font-weight: 600">your mom''s''?" Cassandra''s attention snapped back to the heroine in her talons. Things started to become more clear as snippets of information came together and¡ªfinally¡ªshe whispered, "Stanton?"


    The gig, Stanton realized, was up. Not that the worst hadn''t happened. He''d been keeping his alias separate to protect his friends and his family, but still all the fighting had come to them. "Not that it matters anymore. Yes, I am Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth. Thank you for ruining my engagement party and trying to kill my mother, my aunt, and all my peers and friends. Good job. A for effort and a gold star."


    With the dragon stunned, Stanton continued. "What''s next? You''re going to track my father down and try to kill him too? I don''t have any siblings, but plenty of cousins. Go on. I don''t care anymore, because you did the one thing I was terrified you''d do¡ªyou came after <em style="font-weight: 600">my family. Now that you''ve done that, I won''t stop fighting you until you kill me!"


    The words rang in Cassandra''s head. She stared at Stanton, studying his face, and shivered a little at the raw anger showing through those now-familiar features. "This is all wrong." Letting go, she turned and started to walk away, only to get checked by a huge impact in her side. Knocked over, she turned¡ªmouth open ready to attack¡ªand saw Stanton facing her. The background, though, was what had her attention.


    Mayhem and destruction was a good pair of words to describe the scene. The Evil Pig of Evil, now the Brutal Boar of Badness, was running amok. There were bodies still scattered around the room, but most had been gathered in the far corner from where she and Stanton were. Then it hit her that he hadn''t recognized her yet.


    "You were so talkative before. Why have you shut up now?" Stanton could feel magic boiling through him. In his werewolf form, slim as it was, he was buzzing with the potential to change the world. "No words? Why not <em style="font-weight: 600">I give up or <em style="font-weight: 600">I''m sorry?"


    It was so stupid, Cassandra thought, <em style="font-weight: 600">sorry was never big enough to make up for everything she''d done. Her mind flicked back over it all, and even the more recent stuff. "I banished you to the Abyss."


    "Yeah."


    "I tried to kill you and hurt all our friends." That hit home even harder for Cassandra. Now she recognized Stanton, she could see the way Lorissa moved in Stanton''s sidekick. Triana she knew, but had figured she''d only gotten involved because Super Lupine Girl was a werewolf noble.


    "Yea¡ª" Stanton jolted. There was a word in there that stood out as being <em style="font-weight: 600">wrong coming from the dragon. "<em style="font-weight: 600">''Our''?"


    It was all over anyway. Cassandra slumped to the ground bonelessly, surrendering even what dignity she had after Stanton had knocked her over. "You weren''t the only one keeping a secret, Stanton."


    The jolt now persisted into a frozen sense of shock as he started putting things together¡ªbut it didn''t fit. "What do you mean?"


    "Stanton, of all your friends, who have you never seen when I''m around?" When he still looked confused, Cassandra closed her eyes. "I can''t believe this. Who is the only lightning mage you know?"


    "Uh, I mean, Cass is pretty good with lightning, but I know I''ve seen her around when you''re doing something." He paused a moment, trying to think back on that. "Haven''t I?"


    "Stanton," Cassandra said. "I''m Cassandra. Ugh! I was fighting you all along so I could protect you, then I chained you up so you could be free. I''m the worst friend ever!"


    "Oh." The information hit Stanton hard enough that he sat down on the ground in shock. "Huh."


    "I even figured out that stupid alias you used, Louise Silverclaw, was your cousin. Wait, is there a Louise Silverclaw?" Cassandra opened her eyes when no reply came, and saw Stanton just staring into nothingness. "Stanton?"


    "You did all this for me?" Stanton asked.


    "Tried to, though it was kinda hard to figure out what I was doing <em style="font-weight: 600">for you and what I was doing because this stupid dragon brain wants me to take over the world." Closing her eyes again, Cassandra had only a moment before someone thumped into her side.


    Turning her head to see what had hit her, and spotted Lorissa slumped there with the Brutal Boar of Badness charging for her. "You know what, I''m sick of all this. I don''t want to hurt Stanton, or my friends, and I don''t want to put up with <em style="font-weight: 600">you anymore!"


    With the Brutal Boar of Badness bearing down on her, and with the dragon behind her, Lorissa didn''t hold much hope for getting out of her situation. But something swung and hit the impending porcine projectile, sending it across the room and into the wall. "What¡ª?"


    Climbing to her feet, Cassandra locked her eyes on the Brutal Boar of Badness, opened her mouth, and sent an arc of lightning from her throat that¡ªa moment later¡ªfilled the air with the unmistakable scent of bacon cooking.


    "You. Would. Dare?!" The Brutal Boar of Badness wasted no time getting back to its feet and rounding on Cassandra. "Betrayer!"


    "So what? You''ve done nothing to help me change the world for the better! You promised I could protect my friends and fix things¡ªbut all you''ve done is use me!" It felt different to stand up and speak for her friends. Now realizing how she''d been used, it was like a bright light blowing away the half-truths she''d been given to color her views. Opening her maw, she prepared a huge lightning blast.


    "What gifts are given, can also be rescinded!" The Brutal Boar of Badness began the process of drawing the magic and power that had been invested in Cassandra back out. The first gift he stole was her size.


    Shrinking in stature shocked Cassandra enough that her breath came out and arced down to the ground instead of hitting her target. Shrugging out of the huge form, she took her bipedal dragon shape and formed a lightning spell, rather than rely on her breath.


    Reaching for Cassandra''s power next, the Brutal Boar of Badness tried to grab hold of the excess power she contained, only to have his draining ability blocked. "What are <em style="font-weight: 600">you doing?"


    Gisse glared at the huge pig and kept his power from reaching Cassandra. "What I should have when I first arrived here." She didn''t risk a glance back at Cassandra or Stanton for fear it would break her focus. "She might be angry, she might have done some bad things, but she''s a friend and I won''t let you take something from her unless she wishes it."


    That made Stanton look at Cassandra. He couldn''t help but see the lines of her face, her strong shoulders, and¡ª He tried to avoid staring at her breasts. "Do you want this?"


    The room went still and quiet. Sure, Gisse was magically fighting with the Brutal Boar of Badness, and there were countless werewolves starting to rouse from the earlier attack, but Stanton and Cassandra had a moment to talk.


    Cassandra turned to look at Stanton. What annoyed her was he still had the handsome lines. She cursed herself silently for liking him, but not being <em style="font-weight: 600">that into girls. "I''ve been like this for¡ªfor over a year now. I¡­" She didn''t know how to say it was comfortable, that it felt right. Stanton moved fast, though, advancing on her and taking a firm grip on her chin to tilt it up. "Wha¡ª?"


    "In that year you''ve been more confident and sure of yourself than I''ve ever seen before. I thought it was your mastery over your magic, but if this is you, and you want to stay this, then I''ll support you."


    He looked so sincere and honest that it pained Cassandra to even think of lying to him, so she closed her eyes and focused on herself and, further, on her sense of who and what she was. "You really mean that? You''ll still be my friend?"


    "<em style="font-weight: 600">Best friend, Cass. I''ll be your best friend. You, uh, will stop trying to kill me, right?" He only had eyes for her face, lest he make a mistake and admire her other features. Stanton was trying his best to ignore what Cassandra was, and focus only on <em style="font-weight: 600">who his friend was.


    "I think I can manage that. Uh, I think I need to get mad at the pig, though." When she brought it up, though, Stanton shook his head. "Huh?"


    It was Angel who arrived and cut in, though, with the answer. "You''re the beautiful, corrupted minion. If you gave into your anger now, it might consume you."


    "Besides," Stanton said, giving Angel a high-five, "I''m the magic werewolf who defeats evil. This is my job."


    Her tail wagging, Angel wiped a little tear from her eye. It wasn''t that Stanton hadn''t been doing his duty as a magical girl defending the universe, but now he took to it like it was his life. "You can do it!"


    At some point Battlemaid had started assisting Gisse. She was even now firing missiles at the Brutal Boar of Badness to distract it from fighting against Gisse. Now she had to cut off her fire as Stanton got far too close to her target.


    "Alright, Bacon Breath, I''m through playing games. You''ve messed with my friends, you''ve caused mayhem and destruction, and now you''ve attacked my engagement party. I don''t want to have to deal with you again, and Kat was telling me about a recipe called <em style="font-weight: 600">char siu that I''d really think you''d be a great help with." Stanton dodged tusks and a nasty attempt at a kick to drive his fist into the side of the pig''s head.


    Its bell rung, the Brutal Boar of badness backed off from the fight a little and reached around, grasping at reality itself to stretch the hole that let it into the world a little wider.


    When the Evil Pig of Evil had grown to the Brutal Boar of Badness, it was always going to be a problem for Stanton. Seeing it double in size again, fire now trailing down its back as it let out an impressive squeal of fury, he knew he''d need help dealing with it. "Uh, little help?"


    "Now I, the Hateful Hog of Horror will stomp you out and smash this entire reality!" Actually stomping someone who could sense attacks coming before they hit¡ªand had honed that ability by sparring regularly with a dragon¡ªwasn''t proving to be easy. "Hold still!"


    "Don''t think I will. Would you mind growing bigger? It''s just, you''re slower like this, so it''s way easier to dodge, and I think we could feed a lot more people the bigger you get." Huge trotters seemed to come at Stanton from everywhere, but he danced around, avoiding them with all the ease he had insinuated. The only downside was he barely had a chance to strike back.


    Stanton didn''t have any attack opportunities, that is, until Lorissa joined the fight. Her blade flashing as she sliced and cut at the giant pig, she performed a series of acrobatic jumps and landed on its back.


    Ever the heroic gun-bunny, Battlemaid discarded her rocket pods and rifle for a pair of pistols she''d made. Leaping into close quarters, she now had no chance of missing and hitting her friends as she took her cues from Stanton, dodging attacks as he did¡ªdancing with him¡ªand firing the big pistols into the big pig every chance she got.


    "They''re fighting¡­ for me?" Cassandra asked softly.


    "Yeah, they are." Triana Eyesbright, on her engagement night, was standing beside a dragon and watching her intended wrestling with a primordial evil pig. "Come on. I think this is going to take all of us." She reached out a hand to Cassandra.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Staring at the huge paw, Cassandra wondered if she could manage to do it. The pig had been in control since she''d started becoming a dragon. Reaching out, she closed her own scaled hand around Triana''s paw and moved with her, rushing forward with a torrent of speed and viciousness that she didn''t realize was in her.


    With the Hateful Hog of Horror now fully engaged, thanks to a werewolf and a dragon now clawing and biting at it when they could, Gisse could free up her magic to try something else. The spell wasn''t unlike what Cassandra had used to banish her, but Gisse needed to narrow it down far more, and redirect the target away from its home plane.


    The Hateful Hog of Horror could feel the pulling of the spell, but it was nowhere near powerful enough to affect it. Lowering its head, it glared at the demoness and charged her.


    The sight of a pig bigger than the dragon had been bearing down on her made Gisse panic. She almost dropped her magic completely before a pair of strong, fuzzy arms curled around her and a female form pressed to her back. "Stanton?"


    "Ignore the damn hog. Focus on your spell and let me help." While Stanton had done the usual practice at the academe with assisted spell casting, he wasn''t sure if his magic would be compatible with demonic magic. With caution tossed liberally to the wind, however, he silently begged the universe to make the good things work as they should¡ªand pushed everything he had into Gisse''s spell.


    Eyes widening, Gisse barely had control of her spell anymore. It was a live thing; vast and growing larger still. All it seemed to want from her was to <em style="font-weight: 600">aim it at the right target. Letting out a soft sigh and relaxing in Stanton''s grip, she focused her attention entirely on the Hateful Hog of Horror and whispered, "Take that away from here."


    The universe liked the plan. It reached out to the evil with Stanton''s magic and got a good grip on hock¡ªand pulled. Hateful Hog of Horror not only stopped all forward movement, but was dragged back a little.


    Then the universe, now having a good grip on the primordial evilness, <em style="font-weight: 600">pulled hard.


    It wasn''t backwards. It wasn''t downwards. It wasn''t any direction human senses could detect. The universe was pulling the Hateful Hog of Horror out of the current plane, which involved pulling its power back through the hole it had created.


    Shrinking, the once more Brutal Boar of Badness was squealing in panic. "No! It''s not fair! You can''t defeat me! I''ll be back! You''ll see!" And then smaller still, until it was once more the Evil Pig of Evil. "I''ll wait until you and all your children are dead! There will be no one to stop m¡ª"


    "Yes there will!" As Gisse stomped forward, she had Stanton on one side, a dragoness on the other, and further allies she couldn''t begin to believe were really her friends arrayed beside them. "A thousand years. A million years! I will wait for you, you horrid porker, and when you return¡ªI will have an army of good to fight you!"


    Finally regaining her wits, Forthright Sharptooth lifted her head and stared at the group fighting what she could feel in her bones was a primordial evil even greater the greatest demon she knew of. Rising to her feet, she watched as the pig, along with the darkness it represented, was ripped from the current plane of existence. Reaching down a huge furry hand, she helped her sister rise. "That son of yours is better at selecting his allies than I''d thought, Clara."


    "Told you." Looking down, she realized the next nearest being to herself was Catherine Glow. "Thank you, Lady Catherine."


    Catherine couldn''t think of what to say, but fell back to her oath she took when made baroness. "Protecting the Emperor and his agents is every noble''s duty."


    Taking note of the words, Forthright nodded. "Your loyalty is noted, Baroness." She walked across the battleground the evening''s venue had become, and sighed at the destruction. "Nephew!"


    The shout stole Stanton''s attention from the smoking former singularity the primordial evil had been sucked back through. "Aunt Forthright!" Not knowing if he should run over to her or stay with his friends, he had the question resolved when she walked closer and waved him to stay where he was. "Sorry about that. I think we have everything under control now."


    "You have a dragon under control?" At this point, Forthright was more curious than cautious. The fight she''d witnessed the end of had been against nation-destroying enemies, and now he was standing there with what looked a lot like a half-human version of the dragon right behind him.


    "She''s sorry for what she did. That damn evil porker made her like she was and turned her against all of us. It''s been a whole ordeal, but she has herself under control." Turning his head, Stanton looked back at Cassandra. "Right, Cass?"


    Everything in Forthright''s experience told her she should try her hardest to kill the being before her¡ªand even give her own life in the attempt¡ªbut she hadn''t the desire to spill more blood, not knowing even a dragon could be made a pawn by that evil power. "You don''t want to take over the kingdom?"


    "I¡ª" There were a lot of things Cassandra wanted to say. She wanted to rant about the Emperor, rights of commoners, and the privilege of the aristocracy but she realized she didn''t have it in her to make that a sticking point now. What she wanted, more than anything else, was to relax and spend a whole day talking with Stanton about what had happened. "No. That pig had me tied up in knots. I almost killed my best friend."


    Stretching his arm out, Stanton pulled Cassandra against him. It wasn''t as easy as when he''d been an ordinary werewolf guy and she was a normal half-elf girl, but she slumped into him just like old times when she was so completely done with school. "We need to talk more about that, but I won''t hold it against you so long as I get to tell Professor Celia I''m best buds with a dragon."


    Watching a dragon cry was not on Clarissa''s scorecard for the day, but then nothing that had happened had been planned for or expected. "There are still matters you need to attend to, Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth."


    "Mom," Stanton said, surprising himself that he used the shortest version of the familiar noun for the first time in his life, "I''m done with the games and bull crap. Elspeth was and still is a mad wolf that might need to spend some time having her head removed from her butt. None of the other choices made much of an attempt to court me except for a few letters¡ªexcept Lady Triana Eyesbright. If you try to pick anyone but her, I''ll challenge Auntie for leadership of the Sharptooths and then either pick my own partner or die in the attempt."


    Looking past Stanton at Triana, Clarissa shrugged her big shoulders. "She was my first pick too. Consider yourselves betrothed so long as she will still take you?" The last was more a question in Clarissa''s direction than to her son.


    Pointing at Stanton, Triana said, "He''ll do."


    It was settled with a nod from Clarissa. "Good. Now, both of you, I will be presenting you to the Emperor tomorrow. The rest here, if you want to return to Conjur tonight, I can issue you passes for transport, otherwise you can assist in cleaning up this mess."


    With a room full of were-creatures, a few demons, a dragon, and a maid who was built to clean up war zones, the work was accomplished quickly. Stanton and Cassandra worked together to fix the roof with some damage-reversal spells, and soon the pool was filling back up with water.


    <hr>


    "Pretty sure Aunt Forthright said you had to come too. Something about reaffirming your dedication to the Emperor. Also, Gisse is going to be there to do the same, but she doesn''t really have to go into all that detail¡ªbecause she''s not a noble." Stanton looked at himself in the mirror. "Angel, these skirts are too long."


    "That''s the new style. A style you introduced. Deal with it." Angel was in the process of arranging Catherine''s hair. "Ankles are so last year."


    Without any hope of escape, Catherine sat still to let Angel work on her hair. Looking in the mirror, she had to admit the tiny wolf knew what she was doing. "So, uh, what now?"


    "I just told you, we see the Empero¡ª"


    "No," Catherine said, cutting off Stanton. "I mean, weren''t you fighting the big evil pig thing?"


    "The Evil Pig of Evil," Angel said, clarifying the name.


    "Right, that. What will you do now that''s been gotten rid of?" Tilting her head¡ªand getting literally growled at by Angel¡ªCatherine sighed. "I''m grateful, really I am, but do I need all this makeup?"


    "I''m almost done and¡­" Angel got the last locks of hair pinned perfectly to show off Catherine''s horns. "You''re a sworn servant of the kingdom''s latest guardian. When Gisse swore her oath, that wasn''t done lightly. She wove her own fate to this whole plane''s. That''s why your duty to her won''t interfere with your duty to the kingdom. Right, Stanton?"


    "Right, and even if there was some ambiguity there, you have Aunt Forthright to back you up now. You remember who she is, right?"


    "Commander of the Emperor''s guard and one of three generals of the army. Everyone knows who your family are, Stanton." Catherine tried to keep her voice from wavering by using sarcasm. It didn''t work. "Can I stand up now?"


    "Yes, yes. Go on. Everyone is waiting in the ballroom." Angel whooshed over to Stanton and looked critically at his hair. "Your wand is too good at this. Perfection!"


    "My wand is the best, most amazing wand in all existence, right?" Holding out his wand, Stanton gave it a kiss for its assistance. "As for what Catherine asked, I don''t know, Angel. Where do I go from here?"


    "In a year you marry Triana, I get to be the flower-wolf, and we all live happily ever after¡ªuntil another primordial evil arrives." Shrugging, Angel took up a seat on Stanton''s shoulder. "And don''t sweat it, there will be one. Probably not the pig again¡ªyou and Gisse kicked his butt."


    Freezing, Stanton stared at Angel in the mirror. "Wait, there''ll be more? But¡ª" He halted that line of panic, closed his eyes, and counted slowly. "One. Two. Three. Four. Five¡­ Okay, I was asking for that, and now you mention it, I am looking forward to it, but I think we need to recover after all this first."


    "And figure out how many women you''re going to have claiming you as theirs," Angel whispered.


    "That''s hardly my fault!" Stanton stood up and made his way to the door, intending to set the record straight. Then it hit him. Waiting in the ballroom, Triana, Lorissa, Catherine, Gisse, Battlemaid, Cleverclaws, and Cassandra stood¡ªall looking at him. "Well, it wasn''t <em style="font-weight: 600">entirely my fault."


    Rushing over first, Triana claimed Stanton''s arm and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. "I''m not going to let go unless ordered, and even then I might put up a fight. Come on, we have to go tell the Emperor why our friends are awesome."


    It made Stanton giddy to hear her say it. She was, without a doubt, perfect. But he wanted a little more clarification on some things. "Our friends are awesome, but what are we going to do when we''re married? They''ll have their own lives and¡ª" He cut off as her eyes flickered with shadows of the moon. It made his heart flutter.


    "I have already discussed this with everyone. Did you think I would pluck strangers up off the street to fill our home? I wouldn''t dream of having anyone as our head cook except Battlemaid. And if you think I could have survived this long without Lore and Gisse''s support, you have something else coming. Lore is your mistress¡ªand probably mine, too¡ªand Gisse is welcome to a similar role if I can find her at a time she''s not blushing when I bring it up." Pulling at Stanton''s arm, Triana guided him to the end of the ballroom where his mother was waiting. "And even if Cass takes some getting used to, she is welcome to be friends and perhaps more if she petitions for it."


    "You''ve really got it all planned out, huh?" Stanton wasn''t sure if he liked that his wife-to-be was so forward-thinking, or if it was a little weird. He considered if she would try to arrange his whole life, but then remembered he was likely going to have another evil something turn up.


    "I try to, but you don''t make it easy. Before you kiss the next girl you see, perhaps think twice about it?"


    Making a point of tapping his chin, Stanton nodded. "I''ll ask my fianc¨¦e and, soon, my wife¡ª<em style="font-weight: 600">first."


    "That''s an excellent answer." Triana stole a kiss on Stanton''s cheek. She was so happy that, if she were big and fuzzy, she''d be wagging her tail uncontrollably. "I''m no fool, Stanton. Trying to separate you from your friends would be madness. We might have started as friends, but you won my heart in the same way you win over everyone''s, by being a nice and fun person. Come on, before your mom or aunt get upset with us taking so long."


    The ride to the palace was only a block, but Stanton knew that it was important that they arrive by coach and not on foot¡ªit was all about appearances though. Climbing out, he was well aware of the Emperor''s guards at the front gate. Four huge werewolves stood with the most heavily enchanted armor and weapons he''d ever seen, backed by several magic users he knew would be hiding out of sight.


    As they entered the outer wall of the palace, Triana felt Stanton''s arm stiffen a little on hers. She was halfway through suggesting he relax when she felt some of the hairs at the back of her neck stand up. "Something''s wrong." It wasn''t a question.


    Stanton nodded and focused himself on keeping aware of everything; every bug that buzzed past and every stone knocked aside by a shoe. "Mom?" When he looked to his right, to where his mother was walking with them, he saw her nod back. "Is Aunt Forthright in there?"


    "She was advising the Emperor on our situation. If we hurry, the guards won''t let us in. Try to keep moving steadily, but don''t delay." Clarissa urged them up and through the large outer doors of the inner keep. She saw reason to throw her advice out the portcullis, though¡ªall the guards were slumped and motionless on the floor. "Ware! Ware! Guards! Form on me!"


    Summoning his wand out of thin air, Stanton executed a transformation that managed to keep his dress in one piece and give him all the advantages of his werewolf form¡ªand he did it between steps as they charged into the throne room.


    Within was chaos. Or, Stanton realized, Chaos. His aunt was wrestling with a group of scaled men with tails and pitchforks, and beyond those was a tall being that had tentacles hanging from its face. It gestured at Forthright and she froze in place, straining against magical bonds that seemed to coil from the floor and wrap her arms and ankles. She was still fighting, though, and bit through one of the magic tentacles with her fearsome jaws.


    Stanton charged into action as, on either side of him, a pair of much larger werewolves charged into the fray. His mother and fianc¨¦e were both fast on their feet, but Stanton in his Super Lupine Girl form was far faster still. He dodged around the fishmen coming toward him, ducking under and around tridents with his ability to sense attacks coming, and circled to right behind his Aunt.


    "Get the Emperor to safety!" Forthright shouted between bites. The tentacles were winning the fight with her jaws only by having never-ending reserves.


    Between the command and his own sense that Emperor Daryan Justrule was indeed the least powerful person in the room, Stanton turned and grabbed at the younger man. "Excuse me, Your Imperial Majesty."


    Daryan hadn''t been manhandled many times in his conscious memory. He knew, distantly, that as a child he''d been tended to as children are, but when the young woman picked him up so easily into a princess carry, he felt his heart skip a beat. The fear of being attacked in his own throne room was banished and he only had eyes for the amazing, slim werewolf that even now ducked and dodged around tentacles and thrust forks. When she did a back-flip and landed perfectly, as if Daryan weighed no more than a feather, he couldn''t stop himself from leaning up.


    Ducking and weaving for all he was worth, Stanton stopped dead and leaned back, hauling the Emperor tight against him as he did. The beam of coherent emptiness passed through the space they''d both been a moment earlier and, with Daryan looking up at him, Stanton asked him, "Are you okay, Sire?"


    Daryan was about to answer, and thank the brave Valkyrie who saved him, when he spied a second blast coming their way. Fear rose again, and he felt like fate itself was reaching out a hand to claim him¡ªearly¡ªfrom his throne.


    Freed from her bonds by the enemy mage focusing on Stanton and Daryan, Forthright turned to find the shortest path to the target¡ªonly to see it lining up a perfect shot on her frozen nephew. She could neither shout a warning nor reach the target in time to intercept the shot.


    The room, formerly huge and vaulted, with decorated murals and painting adorning it from floor to the peak of the ceiling, was becoming a little claustrophobic. Cassandra hated having to destroy her dress, but she hoped that Stanton would feel it justified under the circumstances.


    She''d gained a little of her former size back overnight, but still lacked the huge demeanor she''d had at Stanton''s engagement party. Opening her mouth as the black-on-black beam of magic hurled across the room, Cassandra stretched her jaws wide and inhaled.


    The laws of magic fought against Cassandra, but she held firm that she was in charge of the universe in the room and bending a beam of pure energy was not merely possible, but was absolutely the only outcome. She swallowed the magic, her form growing as the power poured into her¡ªfilling her out past the size of her previous form until she dwarfed even Clarissa, Triana, and Forthright.


    "I''ll be back, Super Lupine Gi¡ª" The abhorrent mage''s voice cut off when a dragon ripped it in half.


    "It should be safe now, Si¡ª" Stanton turned his head as he straightened again, looking down into Emperor Daryan Justrule''s deep blue eyes for a fraction of a moment before their lips touched. He couldn''t do anything but widen his own eyes in shock, unable to comprehend the social etiquette involved in telling an emperor that he was already spoken for.


    The kiss was a little odd. Daryan had never contemplated the logistics of kissing a werewolf before. Stanton was a little fuzzy, but there was something special about giving his savior a kiss as a reward. When they broke apart, Daryan found himself smiling. "My lady, I must have the name of my savior."


    Straightening the Emperor up and setting him on his feet, Stanton tried to think of what to say, what to do, or even how he was meant to survive the next minute. "Your Imperial Majesty Emperor Daryan Justrule," Stanton said, lowering down to do his best kneel in a dress that almost resulted in him falling flat on his face, "I am Stanton Raveel-Sharptooth."


    Stanton''s name triggered Daryan''s recollection of events that should have been happening instead of his almost-kidnapping. Stanton, he realized, was the <em style="font-weight: 600">son of the Sharptooth werewolves and the Raveel mages, two of the most important noble families in his empire, and had been scheduled to arrive and present his fianc¨¦e, an Eyesbright scion, before the throne.


    Daryan''s mind wandered back to his secret paramour, Courtney Eyesbright, and without another word he reached up and thumped himself in the forehead. "Crap."


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