FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter XVI- The Funeral Days Part III (Funeral Battle)

Lucas was miserable. This was the worst day ever and he was so glad Ian was here, otherwise he would have killed that awful cunt who was supposedly his grandmother. They were standing in the lobby before the actual funeral area. The staff were getting things ready still, so everyone was crowded in the lobby where the awful woman was throwing a fit at Erin's dress, even though it wasn't that revealing.

"You look like a dirty whore in that dress you little slut!" She snarled out at Erin as soon as she saw her. "No granddaughter of mine would ever be allowed to wear such a dress! Your heathen dad has been far too lenient on you. I would have beaten you until you would never consider dressing like a tramp!"

Lucas growled and felt his anger and hatred boil in his stomach. Oh how badly did he want to obliterate that woman or send her personally into hell. Erin said nothing however instead hid behind their father who growled at his former mother-in-law.

"Yvonne! Shut your filthy mouth!" He said standing right in front of her hiding his daughter from her grandmother's view, but she only spat at him.

"Don't you dare say anything like that to me, you filthy heathen! My daughter is dead because you and that disgusting faggot you call a son! Not only that, but you brought Muslim filth into this holy place!" She said snarling even louder as she gestured with great hostility towards the Mishra's.

Jai his Dad and little brother Amol were dressed in nice suits and his sister was dressed in a nice dress simple and elegant. It was black like Erin's but reaching to her ankles. Her mother was dressed in a beautiful and intricately designed Sari. On her head she wore a traditional hijab. He knew for a fact that Mrs. Mishra never wore a hijab on regular circumstances, and the fact that Asha herself was bareheaded was telling. Mr. and Mrs. Mishra only gave each other concerned looks, while Jai flinched and Asha flipped the bird which made Lucas laugh a tiny bit while his grandmother threw a fit about disrespectful children which made the girl flip him the bird once again. He walked towards the Mishra family with Ian feeling like he needed to apologize for the bitch.

As he got towards Jai he smiled at Lucas and gave him a strong hug. "I'm so sorry about that bitch... if it was up to me I would be throwing her into Tartarus." He could feel Jai nod, though he couldn't see it directly since he was still in Jai's hug and the cheetah was slightly taller than him.

"It's okay, I understand. Couldn't imagine what your mom went through growing up with that horrible woman though. Must have been rough and her husband seems useless." Jai said calmly, though Lucas could outright feel the death glare Jai was sending her way. "Besides, we are here to support you and not her. I can take a few hours of dealing with her to help a friend." He said before letting him go before staring up to Ian. "How are you Mansfield?" He asked friendly while offering him a paw to shake.

Ian smiled and quickly took his paw and shook it with a strong grip. "Doing alright Jai, but seriously, call me Ian. We are friends aren't we? Besides you helped Lucas, so I owe you one."

Lucas could only smile and Jai himself blushed a bit under Ian's smile. Ian looked back to the bitch and frowned. "Your grandmother is horrible," he said, whispering into Lucas's ear. "Hearing her call you a faggot made me want to melt her face off so badly, but thought it better not to do so in public, but if I ever see that bitch alone..." He said before trailing off and shaking his head. "Forget it, it's not worth angering the Knights, though I have a feeling none of the ones here would really object."

Looking towards the assembled Knights he could tell almost all of them had looks of disgust directed towards the vile vixen. He was actually surprised at just how cold Sgt. Kendrick looked, but then again the man was with his two daughters and his wife, all of which looked horrified at the vixen's words. Mrs. Kendrick even looked like she was ready to speak her mind, but held back in respect of her husband. Damien himself looked like he was gripping his wrist. Even Tyler from what he could tell looked disgusted as did his brothers.

Given Tyler was an Empath he could only imagine the toxic feelings he was feeling from that bitch... it made him hate her even more if it was possible. Shaking his head he looked back to Ian who snarled at the bitch once again. (He refused to call her his grandmother. She was a nasty bitch he really wanted to send straight into hell. He could probably do that... sure it was supposed to be impossible, but half the stuff he did was supposed to be impossible so why not sending people to hell? Or Would it be Tartarus? He still was sorting out the Greek thing... not even a month ago he thought it was merely mythology finding out all of it was actually real, not just that but pretty much every OTHER pantheon of the ancient world was real as well made his head spin.)

Santiago and his family were also looking coldly at the woman, and Santiago even looked like he was being forcefully held back by his older brother Javier.

"I'm gonna see if the funeral staff is ready." Lucas told the wolf and cheetah before he walked off to talk with the sharply dressed and mournful looking parrot wearing a clerical collar, Father Josiah Grieves. He seemed unhappy with the scene the bitch was causing like everyone else, especially since she and Lucas's dad were now involved in a nasty shouting match. He cringed at that, amazed that such a supposedly pious woman was making such a scene in a church. Heck, he was an atheist (or was an atheist...? Since the Greek Gods apparently were real enough to the Mages so gods did exist... all this god stuff made his head hurt...)

"Excuse me Father Grieves, is the funeral parlour ready?" He asked and cringed at the shouting match between his dad and the bitch got louder and more vicious. He saw in the corner of his eye that several of the Knights were moving forward to separate the two which was good he figured it would be for the best. "I'm so sorry for all this."

The parrot sighed and waved him off with a wave of his wing. "Not your fault child, you should be angrier at your grandmother. The hostility she shows to everyone exposes a toxic heart and may god have mercy on her blighted soul. Her attack of your sister is unacceptable, but the funeral parlour is ready. Please gather everyone and I will open the door."

Lucas just nodded and turned towards everyone and shouted out to everyone that the preparations were ready. With that everyone gathered towards the door and the parrot opened the door and lead them inside. The parlour was nicely decorated with thousands of flowers provided by his mother's many friends from the fashion industry. At the far end of the room was an ornate coffin was his mother. He gulped and shuddered. He had been dreading this and he took in a deep breath.

He relaxed somewhat when he felt Ian's arm wrap around his shoulders. "You okay?"

Lucas just shook his head and shrugged. He wasn't okay, he felt awful and if Ian wasn't there he probably would be a complete wreck. "I'm not okay..." he whispered quietly as he looked up towards the dark furred wolf and gave him a tiny, strained smile, "But you being here makes this easier... I don't think I can ever repay you for what you have done for me. Not only have you saved my life, but you were the first person in a long time outside of Erin to show me kindness." He said looking away shyly.

He felt Ian grip his arm tighter and brought him closer and whispered in his ear as discreetly as possible so to avoid too much attention. "I would do anything for you Lucas. I love you and am glad I can be here," he said before looking around.

Lucas joined him and saw the bitch and her spineless husband whispering to each other causing Lucas to growl. He saw his dad had taken Erin up to the coffin and shivered. It was obvious that his sister was crying. He looked around more and saw Tyler had walked up towards him and gave him a half-hearted smile and gave out his paw as for a shake, which he gave happily.

"How you holding up?" He asked as Xander drifted over beside him. Lucas more or less gave him the same answer he gave Ian. Tyler nodded and frowned as he glared towards the bitch. "That woman is horrible." He growled out in disgust. "I have never seen someone so vile...I feel like I need ten showers after feeling her emotions." He said and gave Lucas a strained look. "I can't believe how cruel she is to you and Erin. I know some Brotherhood guys in Toronto. I will ask to keep an eye on her. She seems exactly the type to join the hunters." He scowled and shook his head.

"You sure she isn't a Hunter already?" Xander asked skeptically. She keeps on calling Mr. Mason a heathen and stuff."

Tyler just rolled his eyes and laughed. "If she was a Hunter, she would have tried to actually capture Lucas. They need him for something right? Nah she isn't a Hunter she's just a complete bitch."

Lucas just laughed and turned to Ian. "I want to go see her... will you walk with me?" He asked Ian calmly though he felt his legs shake as he said that. He was honestly scared to see his mom's body. He was afraid the imposter would show up and torment him again. However when he saw Ian nod he steadied himself and walked towards the coffin, Ian with him the entire way.

Once he reached the coffin he gasped as he saw his mother. She looked so peaceful as if she was merely sleeping. She was wearing a very fancy black dress and a lovely hat of the same colour. Her paws were clasped over her chest and a single rose was clasped between. She looked as beautiful as ever. He felt the tears sting as they fell down his cheeks. He felt Ian hug him close and he started sobbing into the wolf's broad chest letting all out.

~~~

Ian just sighed as he let Lucas cry into his chest. He was glad he could be there for his beloved. He could only imagine what Lucas was going through. His mother looked like she was about to come over, but he only shook his head to tell her he could handle this himself. Though right after Jai came over and helped comfort the distraught fox.

"Shh, let it all out Lucas. I'm here so just let it out, it isn't healthy to let all that bubble up in you." He said before he heard some commotion and he looked up and saw Lynn had grabbed an unfamiliar looking Doberman who looked almost sheepish, and a kangaroo that seemed to be trying to get Lynn to let the Dobie go. Lynn seemed like he knew the dog and it was clear they weren't on the best terms given the hostile look on his face though the kangaroo managed to let the dog go. Jai also looked towards the commotion and gasped and looked towards Lucas. Who whimpered and hid behind Ian and gave a whimpered mutter.

"Thomas..." he said continuing to shudder. Ian growled, so this was the bastard who hurt Lucas so badly. He felt the rage burn in his chest as he left Lucas with Jai and charged. He felt his fist collide with the Doberman's face he felt a sense of satisfaction as he saw the Doberman fly back and slam into the wall with an impressive crack. Calmly he walked up to the dazed dog and grabbed the bastard by his throat and slammed him into the wall snarling at his face.

"So you are the Thomas I've heard about!" He snarled out in barely concealed rage. "Give me a reason to not rip your head off right now in front of everyone!" He could do it so easily. If all else failed, he could just melt his face off with his light... though he probably shouldn't do that in front of a bunch of mundanes, especially not the Knights. He doubted his family connections could save him from outright murdering a mundane with magic. He however was taken off guard when he felt the mysterious kangaroo grab his arm and give him a surprisingly fierce glare.

"Let him go!" He said calmly as he tried getting his paws away from the dog. Who the hell was this? The roo then turned to address someone behind him. "You must be Lucas! I heard a lot about you from Thomas, nice to meet you!" Turning around he saw Lucas angrier than he had ever seen him. He was shaking in anger. The kangaroo shuddered but turned back towards Ian himself. "Please let him go... we mean no harm, we only wish to pay our respects, that is all."

Reluctantly he let the dog go but he gave the kangaroo an indifferent look before finally asking the roo's name. "And you are?"

"My name is Rick Gaines... I'm a friend of Thomas... he has been living with me since his parents kicked him out when they caught us in bed together... long story..." he rambled before turning back towards Lucas. "Listen Lucas, I don't know you and you have every right to be angry, but can you hear him out? At least try to make peace, as it would benefit you both I think." That was probably the worst thing he could have said and Ian winced when Lucas blew up at the Doberman completely ignoring the roo.

"Wait, you betrayed me, tortured me about being gay yet you YOURSELF were gay!? I TRUSTED you Thomas! I LOVED you! Then you betrayed and hurt me to hide your own damned gayness only for you to get caught screwing this dumbass kangaroo here! Are you going to turn on him too Thomas? And let me guess?" He said now turning his focus towards the roo. "You think he loves you, don't you? Despite him betraying me you think he won't do the same thing to you huh? You are a fool, he is just using you just as he used me idiot!" The roo winced and stepped back looking incredibly hurt.

Ian kinda felt bad for the roo... he didn't seem to be that bad a guy. Bit insane but not bad. Maybe Lucas was being a bit harsh. Though Lucas wasn't done as he turned right back to Thomas, the commotion bringing the attention of everyone in the room, something Lucas seemed completely oblivious too, or else he would be dying of embarrassment.

"Oh and don't think I have forgotten about you Thomas Harvey! You seriously have the nerve to come here at my own Mother's funeral!? Did you ever think I could ever forgive you!? Why Thomas!? Why did you betray me? Was it worth it? Ruining what we could have had?" That made Ian scowl a bit... he hated himself for feeling this but in all honesty if Thomas hadn't hurt Lucas, then Lucas wouldn't be his... it made him feel really guilty, but maybe he should talk to Lucas about those feelings...

Ian was surprised when the dog growled right back at Lucas and stepping forward completely ignoring Ian's warning growl.

"Look Lucas, I don't give a shit if you hate me, you have every right to do so after all. You were right I was a horrible and shitty friend to you. I gave up any happiness I could have had with you when I hurt you and I regret that every goddamn day! I gave you up in the blind hope that my parents wouldn't hate me for what I was. But don't you dare attack Rick! He has done nothing to you Lucas! You just met him, and you are hostile because he knows me! How is that fair?" He said before taking a breath and continued his voice impassioned.

"Please Lucas, hate me all you want, but at least be nice to him." He almost begged the fox. "I wish I could change the past, but I can't. Tell me though, what does holding the grudge against me get you? It doesn't hurt me, I deserve it after all, but what does it do for you besides fill you with anger? I am sorry for your mom's death Lucas. I just want to make peace as all." Ian much as he hated to admit it he kinda agreed with the points. What point did having grudges serve, but his ears twitched and he looked towards the window confused.

"Wait... do you hear something?" He said in a confused voice. A s if right on cue something shattered through the stained glass windows and gas exploded out of them. Ian watched in horror as one of the objects hit Jai right in the face and it exploded causing the young cheetah to cry out in complete agony. He fell to his knees and cupped his face and Ian could see blood was everywhere. He then heard someone cry out in fear. "Teargas!" However he felt the wind around them pick up and all the gas blew away as focused all around his father who was doing his best to magically move the gas away from everyone.

"What are you doing standing there!? Evacuate! Get people out of there now! Mages stay with me! Knights get the civilians and children out of here we are under the attack by Hunter's!" His dad shouted out driving everyone to motion.

He saw Thomas rush towards the roo... Rick was his name? And did something that surprised the young wolf. "Get out of here!" He heard the dog cry out sounding scared but determined. The kangaroo looked like he was about to protest fiercely, but Thomas swiftly cut him off clearly brooking no dissent. "Don't argue with me Rick! Not this time okay? Get Jaidev and take him out of here with you okay?" Seeing that the roo seemed pacified he gave him a quick kiss. "I love you Rick, and be safe. I'm going to help here as much as I can okay?"

The roo gave Thomas a pained look, but he nodded and rushed towards the fallen cheetah who was still clutching his destroyed eyes. His parents and sister were all huddled around him and unsure what to do. He rushed towards them and managed to get him up and gingerly lead him out of the ruined church along with his family.

All the rest of the non-Knight Mundanes were rushed out as well, with Sgt. Kendrick leading the charge and Lynn was left to protect the evacuation and he had taken out a pair of twin billy clubs and gave a mildly manic grin. Monet also got into a battle stance her parents thankfully having gotten out with the rest of the Mundanes. All that remained in the building was him and the gang, plus his parents as well as Tyler, his brothers and their own parents. He was honestly kind amused at how tiny the woman looked compared to her husband and sons who all towered over them.

Lynn had also stayed in, looking eager to fight, but the dog Thomas remained looking scared shitless, though he didn't flee which impressed Ian to a degree though he wasn't sure the boy was either brave or extremely stupid. However the boy regained his calm and walked over just as at least forty men entered all wearing billowing trench coats.

"So what is going on here? What are Hunters and why are they attacking us?" The boy finally asked in a confused manner. Before he could say anything, Lucas let out a creepily dark chuckle which made Ian shudder.

"They are after me, but they made a mistake. I will make them suffer, stay if you want, but stay out of my way." He told the dog in a cold manner and the boy just nodded in fear. They heard a cold, dark chuckle and they turned to see the parrot pastor approach from behind them.

"Foolish child, we outnumber you all man to man. Surrender now, or not only will we take you by force, we will kill everyone here and make you watch." His smugness was drowned out when a howling screech interrupted him. He saw Lucas grandmother rush in and began to scream at him.

The man just scowled in annoyance and before anyone could react he reached into his frock taking out a pistol and aimed it at the woman, pulling the trigger and blood spilled everywhere as the woman's head exploded, bits of skull and brain rained from the stump of a neck that was all that remained. Her body tumbled lifeless and the parrot smirked.

"Stupid bitch... I loathe to spill the blood of another mundane, but given her bloodline had been tainted already by magic filth I guess it's no major loss." He sighed before turning back to the group. "Surrender or this will happen to everyone." But then he looked and saw Ian who shivered in fear. He was sure he had recognized the parrot, but it clicked... the parrot was one of the hunters who attacked him and forced them to flee to Canada in the first place.

"Lucas..." he uttered to the fox. "I know this man... he was the one who forced our move to Canada... he's one of Cain's Elite Guards."

The parrot then turned his attention to the wolf then and his beak twisted into a cruel grin. "Good to see you 'Master' Mansfield. Pity you are still alive, but you been so hard to find... Cain would reward me ever so greatly if I tore down one of the most powerful of the infernal Clans of magic, but the Conduit takes higher precedence." He said before turning back towards the fox. "What will it be boy? Will you surrender or will we be forced to spill even more blood? But let me make the choice for you."

The parrot chuckled as he took out a glyph amulet and pressed the button and a chilling feeling ran across Ian's body...he knew this feeling... he felt this feeling when he passed through Lysander's anti-magic ward, but he had no idea the Hunters had gotten access to the technique... He knew the Knights had access to the ability but that required a Gifted to activate... and Hunter's considered Gifted almost as worse than Mages...

"An anti-magic ward... you are gifted aren't you?" He asked looking around.

This wasn't good... they were outnumbered and without magic most of the mages would be helpless... most mages never bothered to learn non-magical self-defence. After all, the only real people with access to the ability to cancel out magic were the Knights who were only allowed to do it under extreme circumstances or risk upsetting the fragile peace that was between them and the Council... A conflict that would be catastrophic for everyone involved, but the parrot just cackled at his question.

"Don't compare me to those abominations! No, our Master our Lord, Cain in all his infinite knowledge has devised a way to use the anti-magic wards without needing a gift! Wait... what are you doing boy!?" He called out as Ian turned towards Lucas

Lucas looked as if he was in a trance, his eyes were closed and he looked in deep concentration and his arms and paws were moving in rapid-fire gestures and then he sensed the air around everything change. He actually heard one of the Hunter's cry out in surprise.

"The Conduit... he's... breaking through the ward!" With that Ian felt a shattering feeling and the oppressive air dissolve and he felt his magic return to him. Lucas then opened his eyes and smiled a sardonic smile as the parrot looked on in shock.

"Wha-what ARE you! Nobody should have been able to tear through an anti-magic ward!" He cried out, but Lucas just laughed.

"But I did! No, you aren't going to seal our magic. We will fight, and we will fight fair. I know for a fact you have no intention of honouring what you promised. I see right through you!" He said before turning to everyone. "Get ready! Let's crush these assholes, but no killing. Let's have them pay for their crimes, Oh... and the bird is MINE!" He growled out and soon the fighting began in the destroyed church.

~~~

It was chaos, and Thomas was surrounded by violence as fighting was happening. He was scared as Spells and other things spun around him, though he himself was busy with a crazed hyena who was at least twice his age.

"Stand still little pup and let me kill you!" He snarled out as he charged at Thomas, but he was able to dodge and actually tackle the man and wrest his knife from him. He managed to stab the man's legs, leaving him unable to get up and Thomas kicked him in his head knocking the hyena out. He took his breath in and watched in awe as he saw Damien fighting. The husky was agile and quick, and he deftly dodged the three Hunters he was fighting and kept on knocking them with his charged batons making them yelp in pain.

He looked around a bit and looked around to see how everyone was handling. The black wolf who had slugged him was also handling himself extremely well as well, wielding blades made out of pure light and slashing the enemies, though instead of being cut they were instead being singed on contact with the blades leaving smoking and singed fur. His eyes blazing as he struck them over and over.

He then looked to see the mysterious coyote girl whose face was like stone as she easily dodging and knocking several hunters around as if it was the easiest thing in the world. Next to her was a younger black wolf who had water swirling around him and occasionally he jerked his body and a whip-like stream of water lashed out, striking at the Hunter's, even freezing a few of them with his breath.

In another part of the church he noticed a dingo was blasting burning flames at the Hunters, no compassion or mercy in his eyes as he burned those around him which made Thomas shiver. It was clear that this dingo was very bad news, and something just felt... off... about him...As if something was broken inside him.

Next was Tyler and his brother's, all of them towering over the Hunters and easily thrashed them and their mother herself was sending plenty of men flying which made him smile, most of them landing towards her husband who continued the beating. The same was true for the older dark wolf and his wife, wind and lightning swirling around them and the two were perfectly in sync with each other and he could tell the two were deeply in love which only boosted their synchronization.

Next was a pretty vixen and a tall pit bull, another married couple obviously, and like the other two they were greatly in sync. Eventually he drifted towards Mr. Mason and another vixen. Her and the other vixen must have been his sister's given they kinda looked like him. Like everyone else they were easily beating back the Hunters and within several long minutes almost all the Hunters had been taken down, though a few managed to retreat. The ones who remained were left and were bound in handcuffs, but one fight still remained, Lucas and the parrot. The fight was raging and he could only watch in awe.

~~~

Lucas panted as he continued to fight against the parrot. The bird was extremely strong, stronger than he would have expected a normal man. Guess that's what's what Ian meant by an 'Elite Guard', but at the same time he was positively beaming. This was actually fun! He could feel the power running through him... the same power he felt when he had snapped against those Cabal agents, but this time HE was in control instead of the power controlling him and it felt GREAT!

"You are pretty strong..." The parrot stated flatly as they continued their duel. The parrot had thrown his pistol aside and was fighting him hand to hand where he vastly outclassed Lucas, but he so he managed to keep his distance and avoid any direct contract and kept sending his dark energy bursts towards the parrot, the parrot deftly dodging them and rushed towards him but was hindered and blown back by Lucas's barriers.

"Pretty strong yourself! But mark my word I WILL make you pay for ruining my mother's funeral!" Lucas growled out as the fighting continued, a flashy and violent dance. Slowly Lucas began to notice small nuances in the bird's movement. Subtle things, but he kept watching the bird figuring out how he could exploit them and when.

The fight kept going and Lucas began to notice the number of Hunter's were gradually dwindling as they either escaped or were captured. This made him smirk as he could tell the parrot also noticed this and it seemed to dawn on him that he had lost which made him completely lose his cool and he began to attack wildly and unfocused making his movements even more readable to the fox. Soon he started taking advantage of those weaknesses and began to blast at him with his magic knocking the man off balance.

"You're slipping!" Lucas taunted in an almost singsong voice. He gave a dark chuckle as he felt fear began to cloud the man's mind, he could SMELL his fear a dark, pungent stink. "You've lost, and you know it!" He continued to taunt.

"Shut up!!! Shut up you stupid abomination! I will kill you! I will kill you all!" He shouted, his mind unraveling as things went on and he became almost feral in his attacks making him much easier to counter. Lucas slowly began to batter him with several crippling hex's that he had learned from the Codex.

The first was a blinding hex that made him cry out and grab his eyes as his sight was temporarily stripped from him. The second was a stinging hex that caused vicious painful blisters to burst all over his body, and the third was a deafening hex that completely cut him off from the sounds of the world and the final one was a paralyzing hex which rendered the bird completely helpless, blind, deaf, unable to move and in complete agony.

"How's it feel!" Lucas shouted out in anger as he blasted another hex causing the man to scream. "How's it feel to be completely helpless?! This is how the Gifted and Tahleno children you slaughter feel as you kill them! But no... no..." he stated his voice calm and glacial. "I'm not going to kill you... no... death is far too good for someone like you. A cruel worthless murderer a genocidal madman." Lucas kept on the hexing determined to make the man feel the pain he himself had felt all his life.

However he stopped the hexing and figured out what exactly he had planned. He remembered what Nocte has told him about the Dark Plain how inhospitable it was to life. (Or at least earth Plain life as Nocte himself was obvious proof that the Dark Plain had its own life.) Especially to non-magical life.

With a dark chuckle he closed his eyes focused. He pictured the Dark Plain and he could feel a swirl of energy open and he opened his eyes to see a dark portal in front of him he could feel the energy of the Dark Plain fill him. Without saying anything he used his telekinesis to lift the vile bird and throw him into the portal, before quietly walking into the portal himself, closing it behind them.

...

When he passed through the portal he saw Nocte hovering over the parrot who was moaning in pain.

'You brought a mortal into the Dark Plain child... is that wise?' Lucas looked to him calmly and the dark creature sighed. 'What do you plan on doing child? Leave him here to rot?' Noctis wrapped his arms and looked at the fox curiously.

"Not quite." Lucas said before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath and for first time attempting Earth Magic, mimicking the movements he saw Greg perform and managed to craft a massive cross made completely out of stone. He looked on mildly impressed at what he'd made before turning towards the bird and once again lifted him up and created spikes of darkness and shoved them into his legs and arms in a gruesome imitation of a crucifixion and the bird cried out in even greater agony as his bright and colourful plumage was stained with his own blood before Lucas lifted the hexes restoring his sight and hearing.

The parrot coughed out and gasped out as he looked around and gasped as he saw the dark and bleak landscape of his surroundings and Lucas could sense the fear building up in the bird as felt his life force being drained by the exposure to the Dark Plain itself.

"Where did you take me you freak!?" The parrot hollered out in fear as he continued to be sapped of his life energy.

Lucas chuckled a bit as he spoke his voice cold. "This is the Dark Plain... one of the Six Elemental Plains. I'm sure you have heard of them?" He said before asking something that surprised the bird. "What is your name? Your real one? I know Josiah Grieves is just an alias for you..." He asked curiously his head tilting to the side.

"Why on earth would you want to know that?" The parrot asked spitefully. "Just kill me!" He cried out angrily as he got weaker as he was drained even more by the Dark Plain.

'Let me try.' Noctis muttered into Lucas's head. Then the shadow creature floated towards the bird and put a massive paw on the bird's forehead and the parrot cried out as he forced himself into his thoughts. The cries lasted for several minutes before Nocte was satisfied and let the parrot go.

'His name is Jericho Ives... from Alberta... He was the one who burned down the house of that Mage family. The family of your former teacher.' Nocte's mental voice was cold and emotionless as always, but even Lucas could hear the tinge of disgust within the word.

This information made the hatred within Lucas boil even hotter inside him. "So YOU were the one who killed Mr. Carter's family!? There were CHILDREN in that house! Did you think about that before you set their home on fire!?"

The parrot just gave a manic laugh which set a chill down Lucas's spine the sheer evil in the laugh as the bird started talking, his voice anymore manic. "Of course I knew! It's why we chose them! Bad enough that they were mages, but that bitch defiled herself by lying with the abomination and producing their disgusting half-breed monstrosities! She had to die with them! Any Mundane who has slept with a Mage is tainted blood!"

Before he could say anything more Lucas cast a silencing spell on him and glared at him. "You are disgusting!" Lucas growled out. I was debating your fate, but now... I think it might be too good for you..." he said before he closed his and saw the runes swirl around the body. Putting his plan in motion he manipulated the runes, trapping the man's soul into his dying body. Once he figured that he had bound the soul and body together. "There... now you will understand the torment you inflicted on others a hundred times over!" He removed the silencing spell and the parrot just started screaming, but Lucas just kept on and opened a portal and walked back through to earth and left the bird in the darkness alone.

~~~

Ian just stared as the portal as it closed. He didn't know what was going on, but he was sure Lucas just dragged the parrot straight into the Dark Plain... but why...? What was he going to do? Either way, Ian desperately hoped that he would get back swiftly and safely. He was sure he would though, he had that dark creature there... Noctis wasn't it?

"What the hell just happened!?" He heard Thomas ask and Ian turned towards the Dobie and saw that he was shaking and pointing at him. "What the hell was THAT!? Who were those guys!? Why were they after Lucas? And did you guys use magic!? That stuff is real!?! Just what ARE you people?"

'Oh great' Ian thought to himself with a sigh. 'He has no idea about magic so of course he would be freaking out.

"We're Mages and yes, magic is real... oh and these guys are Hunters... they want to wipe all magic off the face of the earth. Really bad guys... they are the reason I moved here from Scotland."

"Lucas is a Mage also? Why didn't he just blast me if he had magic? Would have been really simple." He asked confused voice and tilted his head a bit.

"His powers were sealed when he was young, so they were only awakened recently." Ian stated regarding the dog coldly. "Normally we would be erasing your memory of all this, but I guess that will be up to Lucas." He said just the portal opened and Lucas walked out. Right as he was about to walk towards Lucas he heard a loud gunshot and stared in horror as Lucas touched his chest in confusion and when he moved it away, Ian saw blood...

Lucas collapsed, and Ian felt his heart stop as shock began to seep through him... no... this couldn't be real... Before he could stop himself he cried out in shock as he rushed towards the fallen fox.

"LUCAS!!!!!"