THE VROL TRILOGY

by SK Benton

  "Yeah, I thought that was kinda weird," snorted Jessica.

  "What was weird this time, is that right after I changed and had taken off I regained my senses and actually was in control of myself. I ended up way north, about fifty kilometers, and kinda hooked up with a lycan pack.

  "And how were they?" asked Pandy

  "Um… they were total jerks. Sorta like Marko and his gang, but a lot worse. But I really should be thankful, because I learned to make a new transformation while in their presence.

  "Oh, what you looked like when you showed up?" asked Pandy

  "Yeah, it's totally new, and I don't need a full moon to do it. Now, I don't know if I can do it back home, but it is kinda cool."

  "So this lycan pack - what did they do? I can't imagine anyone worse that Marko's group," Pandy again asked.

  "They used a magic-enabled tunnel that basically teleported us to the camp of a large, multi-species family. Lycans, some vampires, nekos and some humans. There were pregnant females and children. These guys just started slaughtering them without remorse."

  "Can't say I'd see ya taking that well, eh mate?"

  "Oh yeah. Man, I was mortified. It was all I could do to protect the survivors. But in the end I destroyed the tunnel, as well as the pack's campsite. Unfortunately I had to kill a couple of them, but they deserved it."

  "How so, mate?

  "Well, they killed some kids, and one of them lit me on fire,"

  "That sucks, how'd that work out for ya?" asked Dons

  "Well, another of my abilities is healing. Like the girls' bracelets, but on a much higher level."

  Pandy raised her hand, almost as if asking permission to speak.

  "Oh… my… god! Is that why I saw Minnie running around again? Cassandra ripped her eyes out, but she looks fine to me. You healed her when you took her away!"

  Max got a guilty looking smile on his face and said, "Yeah, I did. But I told her to stay away. Lotta good that did, eh?"

  Dons snickered and looked at his girls, then at the doorway to the lounge, seeing Adam quickly duck out of site.

  "Yeah mate. I think I understand you. You know, things are a bit different here, but you're good people. Now, just so you know, this morning Adam was trying to convince me to kill you in your sleep, if you returned, that is. Said you're a spy for the demons 'n whatnot. I nearly sliced his throat when he got up in my face."

  "Well, he is afraid of me, and for good reason. I revealed to him that I was a mage when he threatened me in the kitchen that day. Told him to shut up too. You see, he wanted me to help him to overthrow you, but I refused. Then he started waving his little wand around in my face, so I bitch-slapped him all over the kitchen."

  "He actually came out and said he wanted to get rid of us?" gasped Jessica.

  "Yeah, but he's a weakling. I was going to tell you before I found a way back home, and was dedicated, and still am, to keeping him under reign while still here. Even though he's a tool, he can still be useful to you guys."

  "Well mate, I think his usefulness has outlived itself. Time to put that kibosh on him, if ya know what I mean."

  "Aw man, you don't have to kill him. You see, one of the things I did was modify his wand when I first met him. He is incapable of actually doing any harm to anyone with it now. He can do simple things, like heat a stew or chase down a rabbit, but the wand won't respond if he attempts to use it offensively against someone."

  "Good move, mate," laughed Dons, "so, can we see something? Some kind of magic? Your display was nice, but how about something with a bit of a pop to it?"

  "Sure… I know! Let's have a little discussion with Adam to inform him that we know what he's up to."

  "Cool! I'll go get him!" said Pandy as she stood up.

  "No need, little one," said Max as he waved his hand, causing a rush of air to blow everyone's hair around. Looking up, they all suddenly saw Adam pinned up against the wall next to them, arms and legs spread out wide.

  "Nyaaaaaaagh! Put me down, perverse creature! You operate at your own peril! Dons, now do you see? He is an agent of the demons! Kill him while you can! Kill him!"

  "Shut up!" yelled all three Feral Kids simultaneously.

  "Adam," said Max calmly, "you've been a very bad boy. Dons told me all about your little plan to kill me in my sleep, and I told him about your scheme to take over the club. He also knows that I'm a real mage - not a faker like you. So, it's totally up to Dons, but I asked him to spare your life, against my better judgment. I already melted someone's head tonight, so I really don't have the stomach for more death, even for a jerk like you."

  Adam suddenly grew a terrified look of finality. He truly had no control over his current predicament and was at Max's mercy, as much as a speck of dust was at the mercy of the wind. Further, he couldn't convince anyone to help him, so he had no choice but to agree to behave - for the time being.

  "Can I still stay, Dons? I can be of service to you. I know sometimes I talk a lot, but I would never really try to take the clan from you."

  Adam had an almost believable sincerity- almost believable. Dons looked at Max, and then at Pandy and Jessica.

  Turning to Adam he said, "You live - for now. Get outta line one more time and it's all over, mate. Got it? You can let him down now, Max."

  Max smiled and swung his outstretched hand towards the door, causing Adam to fly out the club entrance and land on his face in the street.

  All four started laughing, prompting Dons to wave a neko waitress over for beers beers (and a non-alcoholic ginger beer for Jessica). The quartet then spent the evening drinking and listening to Max's stories of the Rhönen Dominion, and how he was training to save his own world from the Vrol.

  Chapter 13 - Gabriel Meets the Gang

  "You have knowledge of where your brother resides? Where would this be, and how do you know?" asked Draagh, while giving his son Gabriel a very serious look.

  "I know where he is because I sent him there. He is stranded, powerless and unable to escape. I believe he has learned his lesson by now, so this seems like a good time to go to his rescue, especially as you have promised me my own world. However, I am not so sure he will desire to return as quickly as you would have need of him."

  Gabriel had obviously done something to Michael, but Draagh decided to not push his questioning any further. His immediate goal was to find Michael.

  "Very well, my son. I am sure you had your reasons, and whatever it is that would keep him on his current world could not be nearly as vital as saving his own son. Would you care to accompany me to my offices in Krynos' kingdom and perhaps meet your extended family? I believe Liliana would enjoy meeting you. She has a great fascination with relatives, as she was an orphan before Max and his wife adopted her."

  Gabriel sighed and caused his clothing to morph into something similar to the tunic and robe that Draagh was wearing.

  "Very well, Father. Perhaps it is indeed time to come to terms with a changing universe."

  Draagh nodded over to Socrates, who had been silently wafting over in the corner. The sentient computer then instantly transported Draagh and Gabriel to an open, grassy area. They stood there for only a moment when Gabriel was surprised by a young girl's voice crying out, "Grandfather! Abuelito! You have returned!"

  Liliana ran over and gave Draagh a big hug, and then turned, giving Gabriel a curious gaze.

  "Grandfather, who is this man? Is he a friend of yours? He smells not of lycan blood, but more like you."

  Gabriel looked awkwardly at the young girl, conflicted, as he had a moderate distaste for humans, but found her infectiously cute, which she was. Then, looking up, he watched as a truly attractive woman approached. He could only assume that this was his nephew's wife and the mother of the little girl before him.

  "Hello, my dear Liliana! Yes, this is one of my sons. His name is Gabriel, and he is helping us to find your father. He is the brother of the father of your father - yes, I believe I got that right."

  Lili
ana looked like she was concentrating for a moment, and then suddenly burst out, "Tío! I have a new Tío! Yay!"

  Liliana darted over to Gabriel and wrapped her arms around his waist while wearing a huge, beaming smile. Gabriel stood there, stunned, but nearly started to smile himself. Luckily, Jennie showed up and pulled Liliana away so she could properly introduce herself.

  "Draagh, it is good to see you. I have a favor to ask, but first, who might this be?"

  "This is my new Tío, Jennie!" exclaimed the little girl.

  Jennie looked at Gabriel, appraising him seriously. "And who are… you?"

  "I am Gabriel, brother of the father of your husband."

  "Jennie, Gabriel has agreed to help us locate Max's father. I believe that Mija-El is the key to finding Max. That being said, we can discuss this over some delicious food. Now, what favor did you want to ask of me?"

  Jennie extended her hand out to Gabriel while saying, "My Lord, it is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for your help."

  Gabriel reached out and took Jennie's hand into his, not because he felt an affinity with her, but because it was unusual to meet such an attractive human female. He was starting to understand how his father could tolerate the company of these people.

  "Draagh," she continued, "we corralled some cannibals, but one of ours was irreversibly infected. Can you help, please? Is there anything you can do?"

  Draagh nodded and put his hand on his granddaughter-in-law's shoulder. "Is this unfortunate soul a lycan?"

  "Yes, yes he is."

  "Then I believe I can help. Please take me to him. Liliana, would you be so kind as to take your uncle into the castle? I have already informed King Kyrnos of his arrival, so you should be greeted appropriately. He will need to be assigned quarters, and then we shall meet you in the dining hall after we have resolved your mother's current issue."

  "Very well, Grandfather. Tío, come with me, please," said the little girl as she took Gabriel's hand. Draagh looked on as the little girl led the historically violent archangel away, with Gabriel looking at his father with an almost pleading expression.

  Upon entering the courtyard, Liliana spied Krynos walking down an exposed pathway.

  "My king! I have been instructed to bring my uncle Gabriel to be assigned quarters. Would you like to meet him? He is very nice."

  Gabriel looked down at the little girl and wondered how she could judge him as nice when they had just met.

  "Gabriel, your father had informed me that you might be arriving. I bid you welcome to the Rhönen Dominion!" Krynos displayed a great smile, as he usually did when in a good mood.

  "Thank you, King Krynos. I am to assist my father in locating my brother, and for that reason I am here. I do not wish to cause any trouble."

  "Trouble? There is no trouble at all! We shall provide you with private chambers in which to rest, and then…"

  "We are to eat, my Lord!" interrupted Liliana, to which she received a precautionary glare from her king for speaking out of turn. Liliana then grew a sheepish grin and looked up to her uncle.

  "Yes my liege. Shall I work with staff to get my uncle his quarters? I believe that he is famished at this time."

  "Your quarters have already been provided, Gabriel. Liliana, they are on the fourth floor, seventh room on the north side. Please take Gabriel there and then repair to the dining hall for dinner."

  The little girl nodded and dragged Gabriel away by the hand. As they careened down a corridor she became quite chatty.

  "Tio, you do know that I am a mage, am I not correct?"

  "Yes, Liliana, it has been told to me. I assume that my father has been training you."

  "Of course, Tío! Grandfather teaches me magical skills most valuable, but do you know what I like doing best?"

  "What would that be, young lady?"

  "Well, it is quite fun, but first we must find a cat. Come!"

  ###

  "Let me take a look at our most unfortunate friend here, "stated Draagh, as they all approached the cage that contained the afflicted Lucius. The cannibal-lycan gnashed his teeth while wearing an expression of confused hunger. Draagh knelt down and looked at the man directly in his face, waved his hand around a bit and then turned back to Bagatelle.

  "I believe our friend is going to be just fine. His system is just one protein away from dispelling the virus."

  Draagh merely waved his hand in the air, and conjuring an infoscreen, tapped around until a vial and syringe appeared on top of a table near the cage. Then he looked at Lucius, using an unspoken cantus to cause the man to lapse into unconsciousness. Jennie opened the cage and Bagatelle injected Lucius with Draagh's concoction. Closing the cage, Bagatelle looked over at the old mage inquisitively.

  "It will take about an hour, then you may open the cage and let him out. With any luck, he should be able to join us for dinner!"

  "Thanks, Gramps," said Jennie, as she gave Draagh an affectionate hug which he reciprocated in a very grandfatherly way.

  "Ok, team! Let's get all of our gear stowed. Good mission. We were successful, so all receive commendations," said Jennie. "We meet in the mess hall in one hour."

  ###

  "Tio, we must be very quiet. There is a cat over there, but I believe it knows me. Shhhhh," said Liliana. Gabriel was still waiting to be shown to his chambers, as Liliana had taken him on a wild goose chase throughout the castle -looking for feral cats.

  "Liliana, should we not be going to my quarters? I have need to prepare for a mission with your grandfather."

  Liliana gave Gabriel an incredulous look. "Tio, what I am to show you is important. It is how I train so I may be of assistance in battle one day."

  "You… desire to enter into the fray of battle?"

  "Yes of course! It is my greatest wish," she responded with a bright smile.

  Gabriel looked at the little girl, quite impressed. He had not thought he would meet a young human female, no matter her innate skills, who wished to experience the exhilaration of battle.

  "Tio," she whispered, "there is one… gotcha!" Liliana yelled as she lifted the large, orange tabby into the air, using a silent cantus. The cat was immobilized, but started screeching as the little girl ran to a room with it in tow. Upon entry, Gabriel noticed that the curtains in the room were torn to shreds, as if done by claws.

  "Ok, Tío. This is how I practice," Liliana said as she shut the door and released the cat, which immediately started tearing through the expansive room. Gabriel watched with amusement as Liliana fired electrical blasts at the unfortunate creature, nailing it and causing it to fly through the air. She only hit it hard enough to let it know it was touched, as it wasn't her intention to kill it.

  "See, Tío? I practice accuracy on moving targets. This way I can be more effective in battle."

  Liliana then tagged the cat without even looking at it, impressing Gabriel even more.

  "Liliana, can you cause the cat to disappear?"

  "Do you mean like a slip?"

  "Yes, to send it off somewhere. That is also an excellent skill."

  "No, I have yet to learn such skills."

  "Very well then. Listen carefully. I shall teach you, as we have a bit of time before we are required in the dining hall."

  Gabriel then sat on the ground with the young girl and brought up an infoscreen, showing her how teleportation of animate and inanimate objects worked. She had captured the hardened heart of the most vicious of angels - something he never imagined would have ever happened.

  ###

  Jennie, Bagatelle and Draagh were seated at a large table with some of the members of the recon team. As they waited to be served their evening meal they were all joined by Krynos, who uncharacteristically sat down with them.

  "I see young Lucius shall be fine. Excellent work, my old friend. That being said, we are waiting for Gabriel to arrive with young Liliana?"

  "Yes we are… ah, here they come now. We may eat and then discuss our plans."

  Gabriel walked i
nto the dining hall, being led by Liliana, who held his hand. Draagh noticed that Gabriel was willingly walking along with the little girl, finding it to be quite pleasing.

  "Grandfather, Jennie, King Krynos, Tío Bagatelle, we have arrived. Tío Gabriel and I have had a wonderful time, and have built up quite a hunger!"

  Jennie looked at her daughter suspiciously, but Gabriel had such a serene look on his face that it appeared nothing of ill-will could have happened.

  "Jennie, I find your daughter to be a proud addition to our family. She is quite… fascinating," said the archangel.

  "Such a change of opinion, my son," Draagh thought to Gabriel, "what spurred this on?"

  "It is a changing universe, Father. I wish to show you good faith, as you are showing me. We do change, you know. Plus, little Liliana is truly a precious gem of humanity."

  "I told you, my son. So, did she show you how she practices on the castle cats?"

  "Yes, and I taught her animate and inanimate object teleportation. In no more than ten minutes. The child is truly gifted. Why had you not yet given her lessons on slipping?"

  "My son, there was a reason, but I think perhaps it was time. I only hope that castle servants do not start randomly disappearing during mealtimes."

  Draagh mentally snickered as Gabriel started imagining Liliana porting unfortunate servants to the moat outside. She had a mean streak that he found most impressive, just as his father had prognosticated.

  "Thank you, Gabriel. Yes, we were truly blessed to have been joined with Liliana. Now we just need to find her father. I understand you are here to assist us, if you can?"

  "He is, indeed," interrupted Draagh, "Gabriel and I came to an agreement. I must be open and up front with everyone here, so as we eat - and ah, here comes our food, I shall explain as much as I know, and then what my plan is. I do hope that Gabriel will assist us beyond just locating his brother."

  Gabriel nodded graciously to the servant who placed a plate of food on the table in front of him. "Father, I shall assist further than simply finding Michael on one condition."