03 Atavism of the Ifrit Read online

  “What happened?”

  “I know not. The Fire King has not explained why though he is daily propositioned still. But you know mistresses isn’t all he has shunned and what it will ultimately cost him.” He barely kept emotion out of his tone.

  Kanade looked down and bit her lip. “How long?”

  Panther shrugged, apparently not wanting to know.

  “If you two are done whispering, I’m finished.” Dress said from where he hadn’t moved from near the edge of the hammock’s edge.

  “Good. I need a distraction.” She hurriedly said.

  “Made something for you too, Furball.” Dress added as Panther took the change of conversation as his cue to leave. The Balam suspiciously watched silently as the face split and spit out sets of clothes Kanade caught and set on the bed sheets beside the drawings.

  Too easily Kanade found a pair of flexible cotton pants dyed a dark brown that would not fit her, let alone her man so she passed it and an old, but durable belt to the humanoid feline. By the time she blinked Panther was already dressed and the pants were snug, but comfortable. The long, sleek tail swayed side to side lazily. She said “Don’t go out yet. I want to surprise him.”

  “Understood, Mistress.”

  Kanade looked at the folded fabrics and one brand new belt larger than a human weight-lifter’s. First she lifted the lacy black thong and bra to begin making her fist glow and spelled the undergarments from fire and tearing before putting them on. Immediately she didn’t feel so exposed though she knew Panther didn’t see her in a sexual way. The Blood Speak lessons allowed her to know he merely saw her as his master’s mistress who was petty, but off-limits. Knowing the spells by heart now, Kanade imbued the inside of the golden skirt with strength not to tear, shadow so no one could look up it and several more lines to keep it from flipping over her head should she wish to fly. Then she held it out to admire and stepped into the top to pull it up. The backless dress went right up to her wings where they erupted from her shoulder blades. Feeding her arms through the satin sleeves she snapped the elastic to her fingers and smoothed the material to find it hugged her perfectly. She especially loved how the sweetheart neckline really made her breasts stick out prominently. To make the eye be drawn she made sure her burning necklace sat perfectly in her cleavage. It might have been made by her mother, but she wouldn’t get rid of it only because it safely suppressed her deadly aura. As soon as there could be a replacement she would destroy the last part that connected her to Spirit World. She spun and the spells kept it from billowing out too much from her ankles and said “You outdid yourself again, Dress.”

  “Only you could make it beautiful, Girl. Someone else might think them window drapes.” He laughed.

  At last she began work on the silvery threaded, boxer-like apparel. There were large hip and back pockets. Good enough for a wallet of proper size. The front cloth that would lay was a darker silver embroidered with a twisting black flame. She spelled the backside as well as the inner lining to prevent tearing and wear. The groin cloth was barely larger than a standard bath towel, but was interesting.

  Minutes later she was done and slid into sturdy wedge golden open-toed shoes since it was impractical to wear stilettos at her weight she knew was at least a half ton of woman. She thought “Come inside, Darlin.”

  Ethan’s eyes opened from his eager journey through the mortal universe and was beyond amazing. He hadn’t even scratched the surface, but looked forward to learning. The other beings stayed far away, but he sensed them all keeping an eye on exactly what he was doing. As soon as he got the all clear to go inside he stood and brushed the debris off his backside. Not even an impression came from a rock the size of a baseball on his furry left buttock. He didn’t feel the slightest bit of discomfort and it was both thrilling and disconcerting. It proved he had not one shred of human genes left. Ifrit characteristics took over completely. The ground shook slightly beneath the cloven hooves. He could tell his love was excited about what she hid and made way for the closed front door.

  As soon as it swung open, his jaw dropped. She was a goddess naked, but in that dress she was more. So much more. Blue lights danced off the side of the material from the wondrous wings glistening behind. He was beyond lucky to have such a glorious creature to want him in all ways. His hearts jumped together in full agreement. She blushed happily as he didn’t keep his thoughts and reactions from her, nor did she hide her own admiration.

  Before he could do anything else she held out her arms, one holding shorts of some sort and a belt with a large oval gem set in a buckle. He looked around and asked “Don’t I get a shirt and pants?”

  “Maybe next time, Lover Boy.” Teased Dressor. “Blame wify for the idea.”

  “Just slide it on.” She put them in his possession and the look in her eye said ‘Put them on or I’m going to cry.’

  A deep sigh left his nose as he put one hoof then another before sliding it up and threaded his tail through the hole in the backside. The shorts slid right up and were remarkably comfortable. He felt better now that Dress wasn’t ogling him like a juicy steak on an empty stomach. As he threaded the belt through he asked “Is this a ruby?”

  “Rubies don’t get that big naturally.” Dress said.

  “Not in this realm.” Said Panther who got a cross glare from the closet.

  “It’s glass, My Angel… Well I do declare!” Kanade fanned her face.

  “Really?” Ethan asked her as he was uncertain about the fashion.

  “Not bad, Handsome. I see why Kanade chose such a style. The silver matches your translation bracelets yet doesn’t clash with your sleek fur.”

  “It is respectful for casual wear, Master.” Commented the feline.

  “Well as long as it hides my shame I won’t complain. It’s like an elaborate loincloth.” He admitted. “Now we should discuss what to do next.”

  He held out his hand, she eagerly took it and both enjoyed touching, glad to reconnect. Kanade told the other two “We decided to go small so as to ease tension. Panther, we’ll leave it up to you to stay looking like this, or like a regular housecat.”

  “My preference is staying like this in event of another attack.”

  “Okay.” Ethan picked up. “Dress, contact the First House and tell Odin and Pegasus only they may come and have anyone outside my barrier leave the area…”

  “Pegasus!” Dress raised his voice back in Scotland, inside the main hall where many lounged after breakfast. Nearly all the leaders of the House were gone and busy. Only General Kiroq of the Gargoyles sat in his stone throne at the dining table.

  Pegasus rose from his soft pallet beside Odin’s golden vacant throne. His Clydesdale size made his hooves clop loudly over to the nearest Dressor occupying closet. His sleek black body contrasted with the vibrancy of those bright blue eyes. He whinnied “Yes, Dress? Do you need something?”

  “Better believe it. Listen, Odin is training out of my range. Ethan and Kanade are ready to allow only you and him to their little love-nest. They only want the two of you and Floa. I’m already talking to Morom in his room with Edda on clearing the area. He won’t do it without Odin’s authorization.”

  “What aren’t you telling me, Dress? You’ve been tightlipped since yesterday.”

  “I’ve promised the kids I wouldn’t betray them. I won’t, but they need you and Odin because they know you two can’t die.”

  “Then we must bring more if they are in danger.”

  “Danger comes from them, not to them. Not anymore. Please just trust me. Just you and Odin.”

  Pegasus silently debate the idea of these actions for a few moments. “Very well. The Elemental has earned the right to ask this of us since we are not needed in the field at the moment.” He closed his eyes and used telepathy that bound himself to the All Father.

  Moments later Odin appeared out of thin air, covered in sweat from training with Floa fluttering just above his shoulder. The barbed spear Gungnir struck the stone g
round. Platinum blonde hair flowed down loosely, brushing the shoulders while a braided beard hugged a rugged jaw. The left eye socket was covered with a silvery patch of scarred skin. Hanging off his left hip was a hand and a half broadsword with thick jeans gripping thickly muscled legs while combat boots covered large feet. His chiseled broad chest was naked and slicked from rigorous exertion. The old Viking stood just over seven foot tall and looked barely forty, but was two thousand. He smiled. “So the Lad and Lass are finally taking visitors then?”

  Dressor’s filigree face appeared to nod.

  “About time!” Huffed Floa as she glided down and went from four inches tall to just over five foot. Her Pixie lineage was clear. Evergreen skin and black hair coupled violet eyes. Black, white and yellow monarch butterfly wings flapped slowly. She wore bikini-like top and bottoms, proudly revealing a silver patch between an ample bosom that spoke of finding her soul mate. The man at her side. “Those kids have been worrying me sick all night!”

  “We’ll go clean up and be right back. I’ll also tell Morom to back off and give some space.” Odin said to Pegasus. “Wife?”

  Floa happily brought her hands together with a clap and the two of them disappeared to get ready.

  Ten minutes later they had washed and redressed to collect Pegasus and Translocated out over the Atlantic where Pegasus flew Odin on his back and Floa on his tunic covered shoulder. The morning was still early, but as they made way for Blue Angel Isle they all felt the power rolling off the barrier. Trusting they weren’t going to crash into the invisible dome, Pegasus flew on. Within minutes they slipped through and what was once all ocean stood a beautiful island. Floa sighed loudest as they didn’t crash. They targeted the peak of the mountain when Pegasus’ powerful sense of smell picked up something terrifying and he diverted from the direct path.

  Odin’s deep voice spoke old Norse. “What is it?” Raising Gungnir for glorious battle.

  “I smell an ancient enemy who ought not be here. What does your eye see that mine does not?” The winged stallion inquired while making his Celestia forged shoes glow yellow with power to fight enemies.

  The lone eye zoomed around and all too easily did he find the source of Pegasus’ troubling insight. The All Father said “No. Floa, Get away from here now!”

  “What is it?” She said worriedly, tugging on a strand of hair.

  Panther stood out alone on the cliff, seemed to vanish and appear directly and effortlessly atop the stallion’s head. “My master wishes to see you. You will not attack if you value her.” Odin looked and Floa screamed within the Balam’s grasp an instant before he vanished.

  “Yaaaa!!!” Odin screamed as his soul mate was taken and Pegasus reared before willing his energy to fly fast and true. Both summoned the greatest offenses their weapons were capable of.

  “Unhand me you bastard!” Floa shrieked within the Balam’s large grasp.

  “Panther! Why did you do that!” Kanade said as she sped outside and grabbed his arm that held Floa.

  “Let her go.” Ethan growled as he followed her out.

  A pinpoint blast of lightning erupted from the tip of Gungnir, aimed right for Panther’s neck, but it didn’t reach as Ethan realized he could speed himself up more easily than before and it made time seem to slow to a crawl. His great wingspan encircled them all and made for an effective shield. Odin and Pegasus’ eyes were completely showing their whites as they took in the two eclipsing the Balam and glaring at him. As the wings withdrew Odin saw his wife in the palms of the woman in a gold dress stepping back.

  “Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you did he?” softly asked Kanade with deep concern.

  Floa rubbed her tiny arms and looked up without immediate recognition till the shock wore off and heard the southern twang and softness despite the size.

  Total surprise consumed her tone as she asked “Girlfriend?”

  But her words were lost as Odin yelled at the top of his lungs “ZAGAN! LET MY WIFE GO THIS INSTANT!!!”

  “Zagan?” Floa squeaked in a high and terrified voice.

  “Odin, look closer.” Ethan said as the man and stallion landed yards away, weapons crackling with power. “Panther, that was uncalled for.”

  Odin calmed marginally and held back his bloodlust as he saw the giant woman scared and gently cradling his tiny wife with upmost care and concern before turning to the Ifrit standing before him with his left wing half extended to snap out and protect the women. His hands were out in a pleading, defensive gesture. Not closed tight in huge fists. The two kept their weapons charged and on a hair trigger, but Pegasus wouldn’t attack unless Odin did. When no further offensive retaliation came, Odin looked more closely at the one before him. From hoof to clawed wingtip, little differences stood out. What stood out most were the silver bracelets. He knew those well. Almost in a whisper the All Father said “You’re not Zagan… it cannot be… Lad?”

  “Yes, Odin.”

  “Prove it. What did you first do to make me laugh?”

  Ethan didn’t look away from the man he once thought frighteningly huge, but now seemed diminutive. He could tell Gungnir was no longer a serious threat, but still he wasn’t going to take chances. He quickly thought back and came up with “You mean when I busted my ass after my first ride on Storm? Or was it when you made me drink your throat burning mead that you made me down after Morgane’s longevity potion? Neither were all that funny to me.”

  Just to make sure Odin closed his mind to say “And what did you tell me to do after I kicked you in the balls?”

  Ethan’s brow drew together. “Uh, you’ve never laid a hand on me like that. You’ve only ever slapped my back a little too roughly when you laugh.”

  “Aye, it’s him, Pegasus.” Still they didn’t lower their weapons. “Lad, what is going on around here? Why do you look like that? Is it an illusion?”

  “You know an illusion couldn’t stop your attack. This is how I look. I found out my ancestor is none other than Zagan himself. But I’m different. I’ve still got a soul.”

  “Impossible… that would mean…”

  “About an hour ago I was attacked by Armid and his goons after he sent fifty Ifrit slayers to try and kill me. I was even talked to by Time and End. I take it you know their prophecy? Can we try a do over? Act like reasonable adults?”

  “Only if you send that bastard away.” Odin aimed his humming lance at Panther.

  “You and I will discuss scaring my friends later, Panther. Go inside and wait with Dress.” Ethan’s tone was a clear order that would not accept anything other than obedience.

  “As you wish, Master.” Panther half bowed, silently stepped away and went inside.

  “I’m sorry for what he did.” Ethan went to apologies and stopped as Odin held up a hand and asked “Wife, are you well?”

  “Yes.” She fluttered up from Kanade’s palm and flew around them both. Kanade’s arm then quickly threaded through Ethan’s left one and at first touch both Floa and Odin saw the couple very subtly relax. “What happened to the two of you? Oh, Odin, relax. I know it’s them. Just look at his horns. Zagan’s flickered with violet embers, not silver.”

  Odin dismounted, having Gungnir dissipate the energy safely. Pegasus did likewise with his hooves. Floa dropped at his side, instantly expanded and took his free left arm just like Kanade did. “What happened to you kids?” She asked.

  “Short version?” Ethan asked. “Armid sent Megann and fifty Ifrit slayers when Fate reveled he resurrected me after I got run over by that 7-UP truck. Apparently Armid threw the last bits of Zagan’s DNA from when he was with one of my ancestors long ago. Reviving me with my ability to use fire activated the Ifrit genes that changed me into what you see now.” Ethan’s free arm gestured to himself. “Megann Cerulean brought Valande and Mikhale to hold Kanade while they finished me off, but what they didn’t know is Zagan sent General Panther who you just met, to watch over me.” Ethan grimly smiled. “Valande and Mikhale stole Kanade from my side. Panther and
I took on the fifty who came on Armid’s orders to kill me. We fought them off. Then Mikhale cut off my legs and Valande blew half my chest to hell when my back was turned. They thought they won, but my body had other ideas. Valande also tried killing Kanade too.” Floa gasped, both hands covering her suddenly pale green lips. “Well, the power you all undoubtedly felt was me Transcending. My complete transformation also forced Kanade to Transcend as you can tell by her wings.” Kanade made them twitch at his words. “We then sent Megann packing and taking off with the dozen or so dead. Then this morning Kanade and I were testing our new abilities by mentally leaving this world and were met by Armid, Fate and other Transcended beings who would have destroyed this whole galaxy if not for me. We met End and Time and I cursed both Armid and Fate from acting against us for the rest of eternity.

  “That about covers it.”

  “That is the short version.” Kanade seconded as Pegasus, Odin and Floa were left dumbfounded.

  “The two of you have been gone a week. How much more trouble can you get into?” Floa took it on their word.

  “You believe them?” Pegasus snorted.

  “I know Kanade. She didn’t flinch except when he said Val attacked her.”

  “And I’ve watched over the Lad to recognize his style of reports while on mission.” Odin swallowed. “Lad, did you really do all that?”

  “I can give you my memory if you like.”

  “Don’t do it. If you open yourself he can fracture your mind and soul.” Pegasus advised. “Ifrit are…”

  “I’ll never trust an Ifrit.” Odin’s gravelly voice said and Ethan’s crimson orbs looked down in shame. “But I’ll believe in the Lad. He’s earned that much respect from me.”

  Hope blazed in Ethan’s eyes. “I won’t make you regret it.” He eased his huge body to the knees and Kanade let go so he could hold out his hand. Odin clutched Ethan’s wrist rather than forearm only because that was all he could and Ethan’s hand wrapped over Odin’s entire arm.

  “Ah!” Odin yelled and Ethan gasped as he tore off Odin’s arm from the shoulder. “Relax, Lad.” Odin said calmly as the arm nearly instantly regenerated after getting torn off.