02 Wrath of Flames

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “We love the big gal.” Nell said sadly. “But she is losing control and slipping fast. Morgane’s potions do nothing. Not even his spare blood helped ease her pain. She needs to get laid, but can’t. As soon as we know she is safe we can go back to finding Ethan. Kira said she and her mother might have found a spell in Ken’s old book that holds promise.” Kira nodded and grew sadder as they all heard Kanade break down in sobbing tears again. Repeating ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry.’

  “Do it.” Odin gently said. “But be sure you don’t transfer Panther. I saw him in her lap. Who knows how far she will despair? None of us have seen her kind’s madness before. Just stories… and they had to be put down. It might be enough to allow her to cause harm… and kill any in her way.”

  “It won’t, My Love. It just…”

  He pointed to the crack in the door where Kanade was curled up in a ball. “We cannot be certain of anything anymore. She needs help and this speed of mental decay is unknown to anyone. If her changes are anything like his, anything is possible. And she needs food. Without it being Translocated directly into her stomach, she won’t last another week if we haven’t gotten him home. If her body fails, we cannot contain her spirit. That can be more dangerous. Her aura will be freed as well. In that state she will kill as she mindlessly and ceaselessly hunts every corner of the planet and universe in search of him. She is a danger, but if we wait she will be devastating.”

  Floa looked to everyone before wiping tears from her eyes and walked in the funky room. “Kanade… I need you to know this is for your own good.”

  Sobbing stopped and gold eyed went wild with fury. She went to scream and throw Panther as the closest weapon to be left alone, but Floa’s hands came together and the feline fell into small green hands.

  Kanade entered a padded, magically contained, room and a sedative came in through vents as thick fog. More anger filled her as she beat against a barrier with the force of fired cannonballs. She went unaffected for several minutes as her wild gaze saw her friends behind clear glass sadly watching her lose who she is. Eventually her blows lightened till she collapsed back in the fog filled room. Floa personally took a large packet of mush Cook prepared and transferred it into Kanade’s slightly sunken stomach. It grew as food and water was put in her system.

  It was the only way now.

  “Let’s go see if my spell will work. Floa send us to where Ethan was kidnapped. If it works we’ll get them both back.” Kira said.

  “Pegasus, Geri, Freki and I will come as well. If I had not been asleep, this wouldn’t have happened. That traitor manipulated events seamlessly.”

  “Papa, it doesn’t matter what happened in the past. The present is what matters.”

  “When did my little one become so wise?” Odin knelt in front of his youngest child carrying her silky feline friend.

  “Blake says it all the time.” Blossom admitted. “Papa, bring Uncle Ethan back. I miss him.” She stroked Panther who was purring in her arms.

  “Don’t you worry. I’ll get him back and kill the bitch once and for all. You have my word your Papa will not stop. Anyone in my way will not like me.” Gungnir seemed to hum in response. “You just take care of Panther and stay with your sisters till I get back.”

  “Aye, Papa.” She kissed his cheek and walked away.

  “Let’s go see if we can find him this time.”

  Blossom watched as her mama left her there with one of her sisters who would work in shifts to observe Kanade and keep her sedated. She would be observed twenty four seven till it was over one way or another.

  “Cheer up, Little Sister.” Her older one said in a brown two piece bikini, scooped her up and put her in her lap. “Mom will bring him back. So this is the infamous Panther you’ve told me so much about.”

  Blossom sniffled as she hugged the cat, her wings sagged as Panther purred in reassurance. “Aye, Sister, he’s my friend.”

  “A handsome little friend.” Panther’s motor revved louder as the older Pixie scratched under his chin with one finger. “You can stay with me if you want, but I cannot leave. I need to keep feeding Lady Kanade so she gets better. I can bring some hot cocoa.”

  “We can have cocoa?” Blossom asked.

  Her sister laughed softly through her nose. “Yes, Little Sister. Though it doesn’t nourish us like nectar, it does taste good and warms our belly. Would you like me to make us some?”

  “Aye… please. And some cream for Panther.” Blossom asked.

  “Of course. I’ll be back in a second. Watch Lady Kanade. If she starts to wake, hit this big red button and it’ll put her back to sleep. Don’t push the others alright.”

  Blossom sat Panther down on the tiled floor and looked through the window to watch Kanade’s slumbering and awkward position lay still as her sister disappeared for a few moments. Then she was right back with packets of powdered chocolate and marshmallows. She heated two cups of water in a nearby microwave and made up the drinks. Blossom sat back in her sister’s lap to enjoy the delicious drink and the warmth grow in her belly. By the time she was near the bottom of the mug she realized something. “Panther? Where are you?”

  The young Pixie sat her cup down and looked under the table, around the corner and said “Sister, he’s gone! Did you see which way Panther went?”

  The older sibling got up shaking her head. “No, I didn’t. He was here drinking while I made us cocoa. Better go find him.”

  But that would not be happening. Panther was far from Blossom by the time she began her search. With Kanade contained, Panther knew he had to act and drop the charade. His sleek feline form shot up the stairs from the underground observation area and out into the main hall he had walked in secret for months without arousing any suspicion. He sleekly used dark corners to his advantage and sped out the Caster’s hall. Instead of running to Kira’s room, he sped undetected down the mostly vacant hall.

  Pausing in the shadows just once when a Wizard was heading for bed.

  Silent as any cat, Panther went around the watcher of the drawbridge and crossed the wood to begin cutting through the snow as he headed for the northeastern wall. He had to dive in the snow when he spotted a Gargoyle flying. As soon as it was gone he shook off the flurries and hurried to the wall. Spaced just far apart were two Ogres and a human Specialist he knew that had the ultimate vision ability. He could see in total darkness, through any object and so on. Panther though waited till they moved far enough away before climbing one of the many inner stairs that allow people to get up on the massive wall that encircles the entire First House property. He could sense the powerful barrier that came from the wall itself that prevented any who dare to do harm to anyone inside from entering. It also didn’t allow most known infiltrations, but Panther wasn’t normal, nor could those spells prevent or detect anything about him.

  He climbed the stairs and when no one was watching, he leapt over the wall. Fifty feet was no problem for one such as he. Especially with the added benefit of fresh snow. Add to that natural feline grace, he made hardly a sound and ran straight into the forest before being spotted.

  A mile later, far from the reaches of Order and the sparse Demons keeping an eye on the wall, Panther made it to a frozen tree that fell years ago, but had a hollow place storing items of his.

  No one saw as this housecat’s form rippled like water and grew into something much larger, cloaked further in darkness, his own fur made it near impossible to discern him from the surrounding foliage. His paws became hands as he shoved a hand into the hiding place in the rotting tree and pulled out a large pouch and armor. He put on the apparel and cinched the pouch to his lower back. Panther’s blue feline eyes glowed faintly in the darkness as he returned to his natural form and pulled out a special Demon World transportation seed and a vial of enchanted Dragon’s blood. He selected this place months ago and walked out into what seemed a clearing, but was in fact a hidden pond. He removed the stopper and poured the blood over the snow and ice. The potion melted
the liquid before he threw the seed in to the now hot liquid pond. Water rippled before swirling like a whirlpool. He sent his power to connect with the destination.

  Panther’s whisker’s twitched a moment before he leapt feet first into the vortex thinking I’m on my way, Master.

  Was it possible to feel pain and numbness simultaneously? If it is, Ethan can only do that. The torture experiences had grown worse than imagined. Maintaining sanity was becoming so much harder. Ethan had lost track by how many sessions the Succubus had done to him, but one thing was clear, he knew he wasn’t going to win at this rate.

  Two things are all that kept him grounded. The image of Kanade’s loving smile and his fellow prisoners who he now knew without a doubt weren’t spies. He kept his promise and they theirs. It didn’t stop the Lamia from inflicting pain, but their sessions were reduced significantly enough to help keep Ethan well watered. When the two torturers focused on him for days, the others were left alone.

  But day after day when he was recovering and it was someone else’s turn, Ethan would watch the Lamia torture the other cellmates in the next room, the same one he first woke in with a single stone slab in the middle with walls lined with all imaginable devices to deal pain one must experience to fully comprehend. But the fire burning in the room allowed him to finally see the other sixteen captives. They were asked questions and were hurt more when they held their tongue about him. But one thing was clear, even the Demons who would not surrender to Sheedan’s rule spoke of nothing about Ethan, nor anything private. All they revealed is what the Succubus had overheard.

  Sadly, three more died from the Lamia’s inexperience and eagerness to get quick answers. Another captive from another area was transferred over, but that was normal. But any who came to this place, under the Shaman Succubae, was in for the worst of the worst.

  Ethan had the loyalty of them all, but he also knew his area wasn’t the only place with captives. There were hundreds of similar places in the mountain, each with captives tortured and killed daily. Different places were more like training and mental reconditioning.

  Thankfully, the mountain was not modernized. Fire burned in every room, hallway and bedroom were lit and heated by fire which meant Ethan had free reign to escape and learn in a way. Even if it was a candle, Ethan could slip in it to see and hear what was going on. Most of the time he was sickened at what he witnessed.

  Fire though continued to teach him and the revelations were inspiring. It made him completely rethink what it meant and how it worked. Fire is alive, more alive than he ever considered. It was now to the point where he and the heat became one.

  And now he lay there talking weakly, holding several broken ribs. His stomach growls grew day by day as he needed food to replenish from all the rapid healing, but his servings weren’t near enough. Therefore, less food meant healing had slowed down to a crawl. And his stomach sounds had sometimes become loud enough to cover up his own screams and others. Sometimes it is all that can be heard. But everyone was just as starving. His size just meant his sounds were louder. He spoke more as a distraction than anything.

  But next to his painful stomach cramps, terrible itching began at his temples where growths began forming. They were hard as bone and hard to resist scratching, especially when his skin was healing at that area after being flayed.

  He spoke of the Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer in their battle with Galactius, the movie that none had seen, when his spread out thoughts in the many fires discovered the Succubus kneeling in front of Sheedan as she sat in a morbid throne of bones. At the moment Sheedan looked like a Buxom Japanese schoolgirl dressed in a slutty nurse costume, hat and all while gnawing on the leg of someone like a person would a drumstick… only she ate her meat mostly raw. Sheedan didn’t immediately acknowledge the shaking Succubae terrified for her life since she was alone and that is usually not good when the spacious room is packed with minions eagerly awaiting her orders to do raids or fight. The prostrating dirty Succubus almost jumped out of her skin as Sheedan flung the meatless bone into the throne’s collection. She then rubbed her swollen, pregnant belly and rudely belched so loud it echoed around the hall. “Nependis spawn are rather voracious. Ximr will be expecting his sons within the week. I hope you have good news regarding my warm blooded pet? I’d prefer to have him ready before I give birth. And I can use them to deal Order the fatal blow.”

  The Succubus whimpered, hearing the threat loud and clear. By ‘voracious’ meant she’d likewise be eaten to feed the soon to be mother and offspring. She swallowed “He is either the strongest willed man I’ve ever been given or he is already insane. All he speaks of are comic related topics. Even when I left a recorder that is all he did. The other prisoners are likewise sick of listening to him. I know not if it is due to his physical changes, but he is becoming steadily compliant. Lack of food, light and constant pain are wearing him down. It is just taking longer than expected.”

  “Then bring him to the brink of death. I have a plan to crush his spirit. Apparently pain isn’t enough. We must break him before his body finishes completion. He is pivotal to my plans. Do not take your time. Make him susceptible to my wiles within the hour. I will be down there then.”

  “Yes, Mistress.” The Succubus turned and hurried from the room.

  Ethan groaned as he wasn’t ready to go through more.

  But just as he was about to withdraw from Sheedan’s nearest fire appeared the huge Ice Dragon as the Succubus fled. Cold blue eyes took in the Agas. “What are you doing? That was not the Mistress’s plan.” It was the same huge one who sprung the trap, Ethan noticed after seeing the ring over a sharp claw.

  “Plan’s change, Zandri.” Sheedan dismissed the chill with a wave. “Leave me. I must rest.”

  Zandri roared and snapped her mouth closed inches from the Agas. Bits of snow and flurries coated the Demon Lord. “Do not presume to order me like your rabble of filthy minions. I am your superior in every way. Only my queen can direct me and you may play queen, but you will never be one.” Sheedan sat frozen in shock. “It is not your plan I care about. We have time. His horns have yet to even grow. She wants him alive and functioning for her plans are greater than your shortsighted ones. You are just a pathetic minion who will obey or shall I kill you and take your place? If he dies, I’m going to enjoy ending your petty and greedy excuse of an existence. You can kill all the slaves. But he is hers, not yours. If you break him beyond a weapon for her, I’m going to kill you nice and slow. Am I making myself clear?”

  Ever since Ethan learned how to slip into fire, never once had he seen Sheedan look so afraid. It disappeared when the powder blue Dragon turned and left. As the large doors shut the Agas said “Just wait. I’ll take your power as mine soon enough and the Queen’s as well by the time I’m through.”

  “What did you see this time, Ethan?” The Goblin Moombae asked.

  “I’m about to be in for the worst session yet, but more than that I’ve discovered Sheedan is a puppet, just like her minions, Moombae.” He sighed.

  “Seriously? Who’s controlling her?” Volkenm the Naga across asked now that his lost eye had grown back. This was news they all didn’t expect.

  “The Ice Dragon who really overpowered me. I just heard her name is Zandri.”

  “Zandri’s here? On Earth?” Moombae gasped.

  “I just heard it. But keep quiet. Dirty Whore” Their nickname for the ugly Succubus. “is on her way down. Guys, Sheedan is also going to trick me in about an hour. If I fall for it, someone throw a cup and make noise. I don’t know how much longer I can stay aware.”

  “Don’t worry, Ethan. You’ve lasted longer than any of us expected. We thought you’d be a drooling fool days ago. We’ll help if you need it. You’ve done more for us than could be expected… or hoped for.”

  “Thanks, Raffei.” He told the Ghoul three cells down on his side. “Alright, quiet. She’ll be coming in in less than a minute.”

  Everyone went dead quiet a
s Ethan went back to his story, still weak of voice. And none were surprised when Dirty Whore opened the door just like he said, where it was still dark and sat on her heels. Her thin crotch strap cut in her channel and allowed one to see what ought not ever be discovered. And not for the first time he felt her power trying to overtake his sexual desires. Still it was useless as she took another long drag and blew the smoke right in his face. “Good morning, Stud. Guess what. You and I get to play again. Aren’t you happy?”

  “What? I just woke up. Come back tomorrow when the shop’s open.”

  “Witty remarks to the very end. That’s fine. Enjoy this then.” She stood up and activated another pain spell, but this time didn’t skin him again. This level of sharp pain was by far the worst. It was so bad he couldn’t manage a scream. After what seemed an eternity in his uncomfortable abode, it stopped to allow him to breathe. Then it started all over again.

  Ethan lost count time after time she used that same spell, it still as effective as the last. Till it all ended and he could no longer think.

  “Darling, wake up. Please wake up. Aren’t you going to wake? We have to get out of here.” Came a soft, hushed voice.

  “Huh?” He groaned as he looked up to find Kanade and his team huddled in the cramped darkness, holding up a light. “Angel? Am I dreaming?”

  “No, but we need to hurry and get out while the guards are distracted. I’m keeping then distracted.”

  He so wanted to believe the beautiful winged angel outside the bars and every teammate. But a shred of doubt came in and had him ask with a smile “I love your voice. Call me your favorite endearment again.”

  Kanade’s face softened as she pulled up her pants as she stood all eight feet tall. “Darling, we must go.”

  Ethan cackled deliriously, unable to help himself. No longer did the pain hurt half as much as his heart.

  “What’s wrong with the Lad?” Kira’s look alike said.

  “Doesn’t matter. Ellen, carry him out.” Blake’s doppelganger hissed.