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Whistler Tower was the tallest building in Nexus City. It surpassed other skyscrapers, being 1.1 miles tall. One could say its design was very classic, despite being built in the 25th century, with art deco style statues and reliefs. The rooms were high, windows massive and the interiors luxurious. Originally the place was a luxury hotel with over a thousand suites, which was used by movie starts and the A-class celebrities. The original company went bankrupt after several cases of shady deals and crimes which took place within its premises. After a series of different owners, it managed to hold its previous standards to some extent, but it also had become a mix of a casino, bars, night clubs and brothels, providing everything for those who had the money. Ironically, the latest owner was a relative of the original family that built the establishment in the first place.

The hovercar made its way smoothly through the air. Its autopilot navigated the vehicle through the traffic with ease and without any hard turns. Oliver was looking at the scenery, while Finn was looking serious. Apparently, he seemed too serious for Daniel, as he asked: "Everything okay, sweetie? You look like something is bothering you."

"I'm fine. It's just that... *sigh* I'm not exactly a welcome guest there. Not anymore."

"Oh. What happened?"

"The Mind Eater case."

"Did the Circle revoke your position for that? You haven't told me!"

"I thought not to bother you with that. They said it would be a temporary solution. Besides, now I have more time to spend with you, honey."

"I have noticed that, and I'm very grateful, but working for the Circle was your life! Well, besides the artistic career, of course, but still! How can you just let it go without fighting back?

"You won't just 'fight back' when it comes to the Circle! You don't know what they are capable of! They torture and discipline those who disobey. They decide when the time is right to return and I'm sure they'll send a note when the time has come."

"But it's been four months now. Surely, they must have forgiven you already. Maybe they just forgot to send a note?"

"Hey, they still haven't forgiven Christine, and it's been ten years since her misdeed. It's unlikely that they will forgive me anytime soon."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Your ex worked for the Circle too? You haven't told me. Well, I guess it doesn't matter. Not anymore."

Finn looked away, sighed and continued: "However, this is the only way I could think of to help Oliver. Solar Angel can help him with his gift, I'm sure of it. She is good and just at heart, unlike many others there, and she didn't see me solely responsible for what happened with Mind Eater. She was one of the very few who stood behind me when I was expelled from the Circle."

Oliver had been listening to the conversation keenly and now got really interested. "What is the Circle?"

"The Circle is a secret organization that consists of people bearing the gift. They are powerful mages and are the wisest and most influential of us gifted. They are given titles based on their abilities, both to make their names easier to remember, and to hide their true identities. You have no idea how much the CTI wants their heads. They are often seen as gods, by most at least."

"Are you saying that you were one of them? Whoa! You must be pretty powerful, then!"

"Well, one could say that, though I must admit that there were much stronger members than me. Still, I believe that I was expelled partly because some saw me as a threat. I have no proof, though, but it's easy enough to say that the ability to enter, observe and affect others' dreams can be really dangerous."

Finn reached for the glove compartment and took two small microchip-sized devices. "Oliver and Dan, take these and put them behind your ears. They will protect you. I won't need one, because my gift is strong enough. Oh, and I almost forgot, a piece of advice: from now on don't speak unless spoken to. The members of the Circle are proud and don't want to listen any nonsense. Get ready, we arrive in a minute."

* * *

The car landed elegantly before the main doors of Whistler Tower. A doorman with a tidy red suit approached them and assisted the group out of the vehicle. The three entered the building through a large decorated revolving door. The hall was lavish with red carpets, marble sculptures and chandeliers. However, the extravagant look was somewhat tarnished by the employees providing 'services'. Nobody was naked, but many were really close. It seemed that there was a perfect escort for every fetish. Oliver did his best to look away, but it was really hard as there were so many.

The group arrived at the main desk. Behind it was a tall well-groomed rat. "Welcome to Whistler Tower, gentlemen. We provide everything your minds and hearts desire. What kind of room would best fit your needs?"

"We're not here to book a room." Finn replied bluntly.

"I see. Then I assume someone is expecting you, yes?"

"No."

"Oh. I'm sorry, sir. Well, we have many public places you may spend your time too. If you'd like, I can schedule a time for you in our 'kindergarten'. Your cute gentleman will most likely make many good 'friends' there. Don't worry, we're most confidential with these matters." The clerk spoke with a strange suggestive tone and gave Oliver a weird and almost lusty look.

Daniel was shocked and couldn't hold it in: "Wait WHAT?? Do you think that we are some pedophiles??"

Finn covered his mouth with a hand. "What my friend means is that we are not here to 'enjoy' the services. We're heading to the palace."

The clerk raised his left eyebrow. "That area is for privileged guests only. Do you have the entering code?"

"Many bear the gift. Few are those who can use it. The rarest are those who embrace it."

The rat nodded and led the group to an elevator. It looked ancient, but it had mostly to do with its art deco style. The doors closed, and Finn brought his hand close to the decorated console. A new button with a strange rune-like symbol emerged on the top. Finn touched it and the elevator started moving.

Dan seemed to be still upset after what the clerk had said at the desk. "What kind of place is this, Finn?? Why did he think we were some fucking pedophiles??"

"I didn't like that either, but this is the one place in Nexus City where people can enjoy their fantasies, no matter how controversial, questionable or disgusting they are. That is one of the reasons this is the most expensive brothel in town by far."

"You had told me that you used to work here as an escort a few years ago. Please tell me you had to do it because you needed the money..."

Finn hushed Daniel. "Not here, not now. Oliver is right there, remember?"

Daniel was shocked when he realized how he had just spoken. Oliver noticed his reaction and calmed him down. "No worries. It's not like I don't know what sex is. We were taught about these things at school, and, I'm ashamed to admit, but I've secretly watched porn with Brian. All I know is we're all just people and some of us have weirder needs than others."

Finn and Dan gave each other a strange look but remained silent. What Oliver said took them both by surprise and they didn't know how to react. So, the three stood in the lift quietly for the rest of the journey.

* * *

The elevator stopped, and doors opened after a 'bong'-sound. As they opened, Oliver was blinded by bright daylight. As his eyes got used to the brightness, he realized they were standing in a beautiful garden. There were beautiful flowerbeds, box hedges and deciduous trees. Birdsong filled the air, and everything seemed simply magical. Ahead was a large palace-like building with huge windows and decorated façade.

Further studying revealed that the place was so high in the air that they were actually above cloud level and the sky was deep blue. It seemed like the whole place was surrounded by glass walls and ceiling, but it was barely visible and well hidden. Then Oliver remembered that the top floors didn't have glass walls, which made him a bit confused.

Finn patted the fox on the shoulder. "This is the Palace of Gods. The top floors of the Whistler Tower are a visual illusion, so that outsiders won't notice it. The glass you see is actually the surface of a magical barrier, which creates a mirage on the outside. This is a haven of us gifted and only those recognized by the Circle are allowed in."

"It's so beautiful in here! But how is an old palace like that up here?"

"Actually, it is a replica of an ancient European estate. It was constructed in secret and the leader of the Circle at the time wanted something extravagant."

As the three made their way slowly towards the palace along a gravel path through the lush park, they were halted by a group of guards. They were wearing shiny plate armors, which seemed to be almost medieval in design. They also wore tabards with a large sun symbol.

Finn stopped and sighed. "I see the welcome committee has arrived. And if I'm not mistaken, the guard commander should not be far behind..."

As he spoke, from behind the guards emerged a towering figure. At first, Oliver thought it was an angry male wolf, but as he spoke, Oliver realized that 'he' was actually a 'she'.

"FINN SHADOWSCALE! You are not welcome here!" The large wolf lady shouted with a Russian accent, and the three could feel the ground shaking. Her Amazonian appearance with rugged white fur was very intimidating, and Oliver could swear she could break Finn's spine like a twig. Finn was over seven feet tall, but this woman was even taller than him! Oliver hid behind Daniel, who also looked very worried.

"Ah, captain Ice Queen! Long time no see! How have you been, sweetie? Have you gotten rid of the sand in your pussy by now?" Finn asked ironically. Both Daniel and Oliver looked terrified. How did he have the guts to talk like that to someone as intimidating-looking as she??

"How dare you address me in such a manner?! You were expelled from the Circle and as far as I know, the verdict is still valid." She walked closer as she spoke and lowered her head down slightly, so her face nearly touched Finn's. She had revealed her teeth and was growling. Oliver also noticed how the air she breathed out was all vaporous. The surrounding air turned cold and frost began gathering on the grass.

Finn was dead calm despite the threatening lady right in front of him. "I'm fully aware of that fact, thank you. Could you move your face a bit further, please? Your super minty breath is making my nose freeze."

The wolf backed off but only a few inches. She kept staring back at him and growled.

Finn cleared his throat. "Enough chit chat, I'm here to meet Solar Angel. Is she here?"

"You truly are a nuisance, aren't you? Just like Master Criminal so rightly stated. No, she's not here, and no, you can't have an audience."

"Says who?"

"Says I! Now, if you don't move your pretty ass out of this place with your friends within 30 seconds, I will take your dick, pull it around your neck and make a knot so strange that even the boy scouts don't know how to untie it! Understood?!"

As the two were having an argument, Oliver noticed that a figure had emerged from the garden and made its way to closer. It turned out to be a lady deer, with long wavy hair and a very feminine body type. As she saw, what the racket was all about, she ran to Finn and gave him a hearty hug.

"Oh, Finn! It's good to see you're alright!"

The wolf was clearly unpleased. "Move away, Mother Nature. He is breaking his verdict and must leave immediately."

"Oh, stop it! You really are just a guard dog of Master Criminal's. I thought you had the brains to think on your own." The deer was clearly annoyed by the wolf's aggressive approach to the situation.

Oliver thought that the deer was crazy to confront that she-hulk with such words. However, the wolf seemed to obey her and backed away a few feet, still keeping a close eye on Finn. She was clearly pissed about it but said nothing. Clearly the deer had a higher rank around here.

"Now, Finn, what brings you here? I thought you knew better not to come here."

"Well, I didn't know what else to do. I brought with me Oliver, who bears the gift. Come and say hello to Mother! She won't bite, I promise!"

Oliver emerged from behind Daniel and approached the deer carefully. The lady kneeled down and took a good look at the young fox. She was smiling, and Oliver was feeling calmer already. She touched his face gently and Oliver could feel a strange vivid sensation emitting from her fingers. "So, you are the one who got attacked by CTI agents last night. Solar talked about it this morning. You were mentioned too, Finn."

"And?"

"Nothing. Since the Mind Eater case, Solar has been very passive. Me and many others are worried about her. Your visit here is something she wouldn't want to experience right now."

"Oliver bears the gift and last night he was close to unfolding it. I checked it later and it was indeed the case. And he's still so young, so I got worried."

"And rightly so! He must be, what, 10 years old? I think the only two individuals who saw and embraced their gifts this early were Solar and Mind Eater."

"So, what do we do? I can't just leave him to survive on his own. What if this will turn out to be Mind Eater all over again?"

"Don't say things like that! Anyway, we must go and meet Solar. She is meditating in the palace."

The wolf then came between the two and pushed them away. "Not going to happen! I was specifically ordered to keep any unwanted people out. Direct orders from Master Criminal. Finn or his friends are not welcome here."

The deer was getting annoyed by the officious wolf. "And I order you to SHUT UP! Go and police things somewhere else where you are actually needed. I take full responsibility."

The wolf growled but ordered her men to leave. After the guards had dispersed, the four continued their way to the palace.

* * *

The palace was very luxuriously decorated with Victorian furniture and artwork. Oliver felt a little uncomfortable being in such a posh place with his everyday clothes. Daniel ogled the grandeur details with his mouth open. Finn was serious and didn't pay any attention to all the people in the palace who were all watching them.

Mother Nature led them to the second floor and to the library. The group walked past massive shelves and studying gifted to a massive window. In front of it was a massive desk covered in books and scrolls, and in front of the desk was this beautiful white griffon. Her beautiful feathery wings were glistening in sunlight. She was wearing white translucent robe-like garments and underneath them were silvery and very feminine pieces of armor with golden decorations.

"Excuse me, milady. You have visitors." Mother Nature asked politely and with a very soothing tone.

The griffon stood up and turned around. Now Oliver saw her face he felt this unnatural feeling of respect and awe. She was so beautiful and almost divine looking being. Her eyes were hypnotizing and despite she didn't even look at Oliver, he felt like she saw everything in the room. Yet, somehow, Oliver felt a great sorrow within that divine being.

As the griffon saw who it was, she seemed disappointed and slightly angry. "Mother Nature, why have you brought this exile to my presence?" Her voice was surprisingly deep, but at the same time it filled Oliver with warmth and respect.

Finn looked surprisingly submissive before that godlike creature. He swallowed a couple of times before actually daring to say anything. "I'm sorry, milady, but I have an important matter to discuss."

"I see. You have brought the boy who was attacked last night. Why?"

"You see, he bears the gift and he envisioned it last night."

"Hmm. How old is he?"

"He is just ten years old."

"Then years old?? My god!"

The divine being approached Oliver, who took a few steps back in defense. However, the griffon made her way closer and touched his forehead. She closed her eyes, and Oliver felt a strange surge of power going through his mind. She was clearly reading his thoughts and memories. Then she stopped and turned around.

"MY GOD!!! It's a miracle! This boy... he not only bears the gift, oh no. The gift within him is very strong. In time, it might even grow stronger than mine. No wonder the CTI laid their eyes upon him." The griffon had a slight worry in his tone.

"Milady? Are you alright?" The jackal had reached to her and checked her condition.

"I'm fine, thank you. What I saw, was just..." She turned around and her approach to Finn changed dramatically. "You did the right thing, Finn. This is something the Circle had to know, but I'm afraid there's not much we can do."

"Oh, come on!" Finn wasn't particularly happy about the griffon's reply. "He got nearly killed last night! The CTI knows about him and who knows when the agents are going to swarm the city with the sole purpose of finding him. I've managed to stay hidden by hiding in plain sight, but if we leave Oliver alone, then my way of life... our way of life will be compromised!"

"That's not what I meant, Finn. What I wanted to say, is that me, or anyone else in the Circle, can't help him directly."

"What? Are you suggesting that I should somehow supervise him? Because if you do, then..."

"Yes. That's exactly what I had in mind."

"Oh." Finn was speechless. For the first time Oliver saw a hint of fear in the dragon's eyes. That was unsettling.

The griffon walked to Finn, put her hand on his shoulder and stared keenly into his eyes. "I know that you feel bad about what happened to your last disciple. I stood beside you when the Circle assembled and decided to expel you. I still have faith in you, Finn. I've always had. I trust your judgement more than anyone else's. If anyone can take care of a disciple, it's you."

Finn was flustered and stared back into her eyes. Then, quite suddenly, he started crying and fell against the griffon's body. She nearly fell over as Finn was larger than her. The two looked so much like a mother and son, with a strange contrast of her being so pure and white and him being dark-scaled and slightly sinister looking. Daniel was in tears too, although Oliver had no idea why. He thought that he should ask about this later.

On that moment the library doors opened, and a weasel dressed in a gray business suit dashed inside. He looked very smug and styled but limped slightly and used a cane. He seemed very unhappy and didn't even notice how he accidentally pushed aside some young disciples on his way. "What are you doing here, Finn?! You are still expelled from this place! I demand you to leave at once!"

"Master Criminal, please!" Mother Nature tried to calm the situation, but the weasel had made his mind and forcefully made his way to Finn and the griffon.

"Solar, what is the meaning of this? I demand an explanation!"

"Master, Finn came here to seek assistance. He discovered this young boy with an unbelievably strong gift and..."

"I don't care! Finn broke the verdict and must be punished."

"Can't you see he came here because he still has faith in us? Despite all the things we've done to him and the danger of being banished he dared to come here. Doesn't that mean anything?"

"You are soft, Solar. This dragon is dangerous! He disobeyed your orders and engaged Mind Eater alone. For years he has been arguing with us and causing nothing but trouble. I've had enough. I demand that he will be permanently expelled from the Circle!"

The griffon let go of Finn and faced the angry weasel. Her whole appearance shifted from soothing to intimidating. As she spoke, her voice was trembling in the halls and bored deep into Oliver's mind. "How dare you even suggest such a thing?! For as long as I reign the Circle, nobody will be permanently exiled unless I say so! Did I make myself clear?!"

The weasel was unpleased by this but didn't continue arguing with the griffon. Then, Oliver felt a strange vibrating sensation. He realized that the weasel was looking directly at him and looked confused. Finn looked back at the weasel and chuckled. "Too bad, old man. The two are under my protection. Don't try your tricks on them."

The weasel mumbled something in silence as he took his leave. He hit a young disciple with his cane on his way out. The doors closed, and the situation calmed down.

The griffon turned back to Finn and her aura was once again serene and peaceful. "Take care of this boy, Finn. CTI is not the only threat. Master Criminal and some other gifted won't be pleased if someone as strong or stronger than me would emerge."

"But I don't know what to do?" Finn sounded a little desperate.

"Teach him how to use the gift. Tell him about us and why we hide. Tell him about CTI and why they are hunting us. Guide him on his journey and keep him safe."

Finn nodded and bowed. The griffon wasn't done yet, though. "If things go smoothly and this boy stays on the good side, I'll make sure, your title will be restored, Phantom Dreamcatcher."

When she spoke the words 'Phantom Dreamcatcher', Oliver noticed how Finn's strange facial markings lit up and his wings appeared. The entire room turned dark and walls and other surfaces were covered with strange glowing cyan patterns. The library had turned into a strange magical place with glowing plants and decorations. This all made him seem so powerful and even somewhat dangerous. For a moment Oliver felt a strange aura emanating from Finn, but afterwards he thought he had merely imagined it all. Then, just as quickly as it had started, the room returned to its original state.

Finn lifted his head and looked back at Solar Angel with determination. "I'll do everything in my power to keep this child safe. You'll have my word."

The griffon smiled. "Good. You have made my day so much brighter. Now, take your leave, before that old fart gets here and starts spreading chaos."

As the group was leaving, the griffon sat down on the chair and seemed exhausted for some reason. She hadn't done anything straining and already she was so weary. Mother Nature led the three out of the library and back on the hallway.

"Solar isn't in a good condition." The deer was dead serious.

Finn seemed a little surprised. "From what you said earlier I simply thought she was depressed."

"That's correct. Her authority is questioned almost daily by that weasel and others. When Mind Eater killed the previous leader, Southern Star, she was thrown into this mess. The weasel was a friend of Southern Star and was expecting to become the new leader. That has led to a continuous conflict between the two. As her powers are mostly psychological and linked to her mind, being depressed affects her connection with her gift, causing physical symptoms too."

Daniel dared to open his mouth. "The weasel looked really mean. He must have very few friends."

"That is unfortunately not the case. But enough politics for now! Like Solar said, you should leave quickly. That Siberian Godzilla has a very short temper and hopefully the old fart hasn't made a fuss about all this."

The deer led the group back to the elevator. Just as they entered the lift, the deer pressed against Finn's body, gave him a little peck on the cheek and giggled. As the doors closed, Daniel slapped Finn and looked pissed.

"What was that all about?? I gave you the permission to have your occasional private casual affairs with others, but only when I'm not around!"

"Calm down, sweetie. Mother Nature has always been a little... clinging. Basically, she loves everybody and treats them very intimately. Me included."

Daniel gave Finn an angry look but didn't take it further. Finn pulled him close and gave him a very warm smooch on the lips. Immediately Daniel calmed down and it seemed as if nothing had happened. Oliver was glad that the two were in good terms again.

Oliver felt like things were getting really serious, now that Finn was ordered to guard him. He was afraid that those baddies would find him again, but now that the dragon was here to protect, he felt a little better.