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Mark thanked the bouncer taking his place at the door before heading inside of Deviant Delights; it was the end of his shift, and he was looking forward to tonight's dance. He could already see Zale at the bar waiting for him, and as the two locked eyes for a moment he couldn't help but smile and wave on his way to the back. Quickly clocking out, he took off his shirt and tossed it into his employee locker before pulling on the tank top he'd brought today; he'd worry about laundry later. He almost started running but caught himself, his brisk pace catching the attention of others as he finally made his way over to the bar.

"Hey babe," Mark said, kissing Zale on the lips before taking a seat next to him. "Any sign of Jared yet?"

"No. Nobody's seen him the whole week," Zale said, relaxed despite his concern. "He did just text me though. Said he's on the way with Davin."

"I don't remember giving them the time off, but..." Liam said, surprising them both. Mark never knew how he did that, and he was good at stealth himself. "I can let it slide this once. Especially after all the shit they've been through."

"You just think he'll make it up in the energy he'll generate," Mark laughed, causing Liam to shrug. "Still, I think you're right."

"I'm more worried about Davin," Zale sighed. "I mean, Jared and him are a good couple. Don't get me wrong. But I just feel like Davin hasn't been himself lately. I asked him what was wrong the other day and he just blew me off. Tried to play it off like he didn't hear me properly, but... well, I get the feeling he was looking down on me."

"I'll talk to him about it when he gets here," Liam said, a hard edge to his voice despite his smile. "It might be a misunderstanding, but... well, I wasn't there, but that sure doesn't sound like him."

"What doesn't sound like who?"

"Oh, hey Jared," Liam said, smiling as the sabertooth tiger took a seat along with Davin. "Hope you're ready for tonight. Though I hope you dance like your job depends on it... since it sort of does."

"...Right, sorry about that," Jared laughed, closing his eye as he scratched his chin. "Time sort of got away from me. I should've called though. You are absolutely right, it was very unprofessional."

"What happened?" Zale asked, eyeing Davin warily. "And ah..."

"Oh, we went and did a lot of things together. Flying, swimming, sunning... even got some new clothes," Davin said, a happy yet somewhat haughty look on his face. "I mean, we must've done so much since the details are sort of fuzzy, but I know we had a good time."

"You'd forget your head if it wasn't attached to your shoulders. Don't blame you, what with everything and all..." Jared said, squeezing his hand affectionately. "Took your medicine, right?"

"...Yeah. I think so," Davin said, shaking his head. "Sorry about earlier, Zale. I haven't felt entirely myself lately. You caught me in the middle of a headache."

"Didn't seem like a headache, but... then again, I don't remember the last time I ever saw you with a headache in any normal setting," Zale said, not quite convinced. "I guess that might explain it though?"

"Oh, were you guys talking about us then?" Jared asked, curiosity on his face as he looked at each of them. "That's sweet of you. But hey, where's Vance?"

"I gave him the night off. He had to run a few errands in the heat so, well, I guess I took pity on him," Liam chuckled. "I forgot how he reacts to it. Hope he remembered to hydrate. I mean, he can't die from just heat exhaustion but I gave him something to help with that anyway. He seemed to perk up a bit but I still sent him to bed. He works hard enough as it is."

"Poor guy," Mark chuckled, though he was pretty worried about him. "I wondered what happened to him. He was practically dragging himself through the door saying he could make it. But I know he'll be fine. Jared, you should head back and get ready. We're starting soon and Liam wants you as the opening act again. The patrons have been working themselves up not having seen you all week."

"Of course," Jared said, a proud smile on his face. "I won't disappoint you, boss."

"Just make it as good a performance as last time and I'll forgive your impromptu week off," Liam said, making it clear he wasn't going to tolerate this as a regular thing with just a look. Mark knew that look a little too well these days. "Is that clear?"

"Crystal," Jared said, unconcerned in the slightest. Standing up, he grabbed Davin by the tuft of his chin and dragged him up into a kiss. Mark was surprised at the rough treatment, but Davin seemed to reciprocate the same way before they pulled away from each other. "See you after the show."

"I'll be waiting," Davin growled, a seductive smile on his lips. "But go on. Impress me yet again."

"So Davin... everything okay?" Liam asked, once Jared was out of sight and Davin had sat back down.

"Of course. Why wouldn't it be? Oh, sorry about the week. You weren't slammed were you?"

"Well the heat's still making it so not too many people are willing to try out a new bar so... no, just the regulars, and even then it's only busy on days like today," Liam said, though he still seemed irritated. "...Listen. I know this bar is yours and I said you can run it how you want, just like always. But you kind of left me in a bind this week with the scheduling. What exactly happened?"

"Just lost track of time. You know how Lucian's realm is," Davin said. A tight grip on Mark's hand caused him to look over to Zale, who now had a very concerned look on his face. For a moment his fiance was gone, replaced by the commander of old. "We spent a few days flying there, though it might have been a bit more than that in the end. As for the week? I had some errands I had to run and Jared has been practicing for his job."

"You should've called. Especially because of everything you've been through lately. And especially because of Lucian!"

"Look, I know what happened with me was scary but... don't talk bad about him. Especially when he's not here to take your abuse," Davin hissed back as the two tried to keep their voices down. Mark could see what Zale had meant before; the curled lip, the defiant sneer... he seemed different in that moment before his features softened. "Ah... sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me lately. But then my head hasn't exactly been right ever since, well... everything. I don't need to go into details, I hope?"

"...Do you need more time off?" Liam asked, concerned. "You seemed adamant before about continuing work, but you're kind of lashing out a bit."

"I know, I know. I said I'm sorry," Davin said, seeming displeased to have to repeat himself. "I think I just need to relax and watch my boyfriend on stage. If you don't mind?"

"Mind your tone and I won't mind," Liam warned, and for a moment Mark wondered if they were going to go to his office to fight. It wouldn't be good to do it in front of the customers. Sighing, Mark lightly smacked the counter between them.

"Hey. I'm supposed to be off the clock, you two. Break it up."

"We haven't started fighting, Mark," Liam said, annoyed.

"You're about to. You think I can't see the signs by now? So I'm ending it before it starts, boss. Sorry to get on your case, but... it's not good to do that here. You know?"

"...Yeah, it isn't," Liam sighed, closing his eyes as he calmed himself. Mark was pretty sure he was also checking the mood of the bar. "I don't know what's up with you, Davin, but I do care about your well-being. So please take care of yourself. Okay?"

"...Yeah. You too," Davin said, looking deflated for the first time since he'd walked into the bar. "I didn't mean to cop an attitude. It just... I don't know. Came out."

"We'll figure all that out later. Just relax and enjoy the show," Liam sighed, turning to Mark. "We ready to start?"

"Yeah, should be any minute now," Mark said, looking at his watch. "It's on you, boss."

A smile and a nod was all it took before Mark heard the familiar announcer begin his dialogue. Mark mostly tuned it out as he turned to face the stage; he had it all memorized by now, including most of the introductions. Sure, there would always be variations, but what Mark was interested in right now was seeing Jared perform and holding Zale's hand.

"And now, for our opening act once again," the announcer said, really getting into it. "Please welcome to the stage the man, the mystic, the mysterious... Rune!"

Out of all the cheering and clapping that erupted all around them, Mark could tell no one was louder than Davin... though he was just a few feet from them, to be fair. Still, he really seemed enthusiastic and proud. Before he could put a word to the feeling he was experiencing, his attention was drawn to Jared in all his glory, wearing the same costume as usual. Yet he seemed much too confident for how new he still was to the role, and Mark had seen plenty of rookies come and go. He couldn't help but be impressed with the way the lighting shimmered and danced along with him, though Mark suspected a little magic was involved. That was fine; visuals often improved the act, and the bar had its own wards regardless. Yet there was almost something hypnotic about it all that made Mark want to keep watching. He could tell Zale felt the same way as he leaned forward with him, completely enthralled with the performance. When had he gotten so good at this? Just a week of practice since last time? Less?

It was over before Mark realized. Looking over to see Zale's reaction, he smiled with how the merlion was already looking to see his own reaction. It was like they were reading each others' minds now. Almost.

"He's gotten really good," Mark admitted, laughing. "What do you think?"

"I'm impressed. Can't deny that," Zale said, before a sharp intake of breath drew their attention. Looking over, Mark could see Davin was staring into nothing as he seemed to mutter to himself, a confused look on his face.

"Office. Now," Liam ordered Davin, who merely nodded as he followed. Mark and Zale looked at each other before they too began following. Mark was sure Liam hadn't meant them, but he was curious about what was going on. Besides, Liam hadn't said for them not to come. He'd just said to come to the office... within earshot of his employees. A misunderstanding like this could happen to anyone. Liam merely rolled his eyes when he saw them; once he'd opened the door of his office and turned to face them, he just waved them all in like it had been his intention all along. "I guess this concerns you two as well. Hurry up, before I change my mind."

Davin still looked confused, though less so as his steps gained confidence. He sat down, reclining almost as if he owned the place. Technically he'd owned the entire thing once, but it was still off-putting to see Davin so... in charge. He wondered if he could get him anything before he shook his head. No, he worked for Liam. Davin worked for Liam.

"...Which one?" Liam asked, not even waiting until Zale and Mark were seated. Somehow though, Liam's face already seemed to know.

"Which one what?" Davin said, examining his nails. "I should really groom myself better, but ah... it can't be helped."

"...Oh fucking hell," Liam said, receiving his answer in a roundabout way. "So I'm right. You really just flipped Pride? Fucking..."

"...Yeah, I did," Davin said, smiling widely. "It feels good, too. Better than Lust ever could. In fact..."

Before their very eyes, Davin shifted from his usual anthro self to... were those scales? Yet instead of his usual colors and markings, someone completely unfamiliar to Mark emerged. It reminded him of the night sky, somehow. Though now he was wearing a suit much like Lucian might wear.

"I don't get how, but it's pretty clear now," Liam sighed, leaning back in his chair as he stopped to think in silence. After some time, his eyes snapped back open as he addressed Davin. "How do you feel? Besides what you already told me, I mean."

"Powerful. Commanding," Davin said, looking bored already. "Worthy of worship and respect. I see why Lucian is the way he is now... why didn't I see this sooner?"

"Eh, you're still just riding off your 'high'. Been a while, huh?" Liam said, not amused but still trying to keep things calm. There was no use in getting upset over this, Mark realized. "I guess the real question is, what now?"

"What else is there? The bar's yours, Liam. As good as I am at bartending, I can't really sense the desires of others if I'm not one of yours. No hard feelings?"

"Kind of hard not to have hard feelings but... I guess I'm still confused about you. What really happened this week, Davin?"

"Don't use that name," Davin said, disgusted. "Lucian was right the first time; my new name should be Zagan. It's all so clear now."

"Well... I guess you can go out and enjoy the rest of the show if you want. Should I call Lucian or should you? Fuck it, I'll be calling him anyway. I can't really hold you here either way. Just... don't cause trouble for the customers. Okay?"

"I'm not a bull who will wreck your china shop, Liam. Not anymore, at least," Davin said, laughing at his own joke. God, Mark wasn't sure he could stand who he was now. He seemed way different from how Davin usually was. "I'm sure I'll be seeing a lot of you though, Liam. Assuming he still wishes for me to be his Herald. So let's keep this... professional. See you later."

"...See you later," Liam said, powerless to do much except watch Davin walk out the office.

"...Okay, what the fuck just happened?" Mark asked, confused as hell.

"He flipped Pride!" Liam almost shouted, before calming himself. "He flipped Pride..."

"I know that! But how? What the fuck!" Mark said, having no such qualms about losing his cool. "Davin's not like that! I know him! That wasn't him!"

"I guess it wasn't a headache after all," Zale said, gritting his teeth. "Mark... please calm down. I have a job to do."

"But you don't work tonight," Mark said, his voice as soft as his eyes as he looked over to Zale. "I don't think, anyway..."

"That's not what I mean. I need to rely on the skills I learned as a human, for once. Liam, could you please call Jared up here? I need to see something..."

"Sure," Liam said, not sure where this was going but too tired to argue. A moment passed before he focused his attention on them once more. "...He should be up here soon. What are you thinking here, Zale?"

"Depends. How much time in Pride's realm is a single day here?" Zale asked, professional in tone and appearance. Mark couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked when he was in detective mode. He hadn't seen that for a long time, not since he first walked into the bar.

"...A lot. Years, sometimes. Why? You don't think..."

"Depends on how he reacts," Zale said, before the door opened and he went quiet.

"What's up, boss?" Jared asked, bouncing into the office and plopping down into the seat Davin had just been in. "You called?"

"I did, but Zale wants to talk to you."

"About what?" Jared said, looking Zale directly in the eye. Mark wasn't sure, but it looked like he was annoyed for a moment. Whatever he was or wasn't seeing, though, Zale seemed to see more as an inexplicable tension built up around them. "Something wrong, or did you just want to stare at me all night? I don't mind the attention, but..."

"...No, that's all I needed," Zale said, shaking his head. Only Mark knew that it was out of disappointment. "Oh, but you're not in trouble, Jared. We've just had a really weird experience with Davin just now. Did he talk to you about it?"

"Not yet. I just got done getting back into my normal clothes," Jared laughed, seemingly unfazed by anything. "What sort of weird experience?"

"Well, Davin just flipped Pride," Liam bluntly said, having regained his composure from before. "I'm not sure why Zale called you up here exactly, but I guess I was still shocked myself. But now that you're here and I'm thinking clearly, I do actually have questions."

"Okay, let me guess," Jared said, holding up a hand to cut him off. "I've spent a lot of time with Davin recently. Have I noticed anything off about him? Has he spent any time alone with any elders, namely Lucian? What exactly did we do that week? Am I hitting the mark so far, Liam?"

"...You're the same as him," Mark said, finally realizing what was bothering him and why Zale was on edge. "Aren't you?"

"We have a winner!" Jared laughed, though he seemed genuinely impressed with Mark. "I guess Zale figured it out first though. He was a detective before this job, wasn't he?"

"I was. It's why I called you up here. I had a hunch, and you proved it right by looking me in the eye the way you did. Even if Jared's been getting more confident lately... what you showed me in that micro-second was pure arrogance. Jared isn't like that. So... who are you, really?"

"I'm still Jared. Well, Rune these days. It was a good stage name, though it's my real name now," Jared said, shaking his head. "What a weak name, though. Jared. I wish I didn't remember that now."

"Rune, though? Really?" Mark asked, before Jared turned on him. He almost wished that eye was boring through anyone else but him as it glowed.

"And why not Rune? It was one of my many names, after all! Fundinn! Odin! Allfather! These and many more! Who the fuck do you think you are to question my name, 'Mark'? You should be worshiping the ground I walk on, you pathetic-"

"Get out of my office. Get out of my bar. Go back to your master until you're ready to treat others civilly," Liam said, his voice calm but dangerous. Mark wasn't sure when he'd stood up, but he was already in anthro form and twice his usual height. Looming over them, he even managed to get Jared to flinch in surprise. "Even Lucian shows some common courtesy here. You disrespect him and me with your shameful display, you little. Mortal. Boy."

"...Shit," Jared said, before shaking his head. "...I'll... think about what you said, Liam. Until next time."

"...We'll see," Liam muttered, before pointing toward the door. "You're off for the rest of the night. Go, before I fire you outright."

Jared simply nodded before striding confidently out of the office... though Mark noticed it was less confident than before. Sighing, Liam shrunk down back into his human form before collapsing into his seat, exhausted.

"Holy shit, boss," Mark said, trying to break the silence but not finding any other words.

"I know! I know," Liam said, laughing bitterly. "Fucking hell. Jared? Wow. I didn't see that one coming, though I should have... I'm a terrible boss, aren't I?"

"I wouldn't say that," Mark said, shrugging. "Lucian's more powerful than any of the Sins, isn't he?"

"Yeah, but why's he doing this now? I thought we were over this squabbling shit! Us daemons, I mean..."

"We know," Zale said, and Mark felt as old as Zale looked. "We've heard plenty of stories, Liam. Shall we call Temperance?"

"...No. I will," Liam sighed, rubbing his temples. "If only to let him know. I need to be sure Jared wasn't corrupted against his will, though if Lucian's involved then I'm pretty sure he has a contract or an airtight reason. There's not much we can really do without risking war. And as much as I like... liked Davin, I can't go to war for his sake or Jared's. Fuck me though. He has Odin now."

"...We have Uther," Mark said, shrugging. "If it comes to blows I'm sure he'd help."

"Uther is his own man, but I could try calling him," Liam said, jotting down something on a piece of paper. "And I was just starting to relax, too. What the hell, Lucian. What's gotten into you lately?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Mark asked, garnering confused stares from Liam and Zale. "...What? You haven't noticed how Lucian looks at Davin every time he comes here?"

"I mean, I knew he booked nights with him but still. That's as far as it went, I thought."

"Liam, how does Lucian get when he really wants something?" Zale asked, picking up on what Mark was implying. "More than usual, I mean."

"Kind of insufferable. Depends on what he's after and who's in his way," Liam said, before realizing what he'd just said. "Are you fucking kidding me? Um... could you two wait outside the office for a minute? Please?"

Zale seemed about to question why before Mark took him by the hand and began walking. Quickly. He knew that look. It was the look a lot of guys got before they punched a brick wall, drunk or not. Once they'd closed the doors, they could hear Liam cursing and throwing things around his office.

"...Think we should go?"

"Yup," Mark said, though neither of them moved from their spots just yet.

"...Think he's going to be okay?"

"...Nope. But we can't do anything about it anyway."

"Probably not," Zale agreed. "...still. What the fuck."

"Didn't he say that the next time he helped Davin, he'd make him his own?" Mark said, remembered a conversation from what seemed a long, long time ago now.

"Would he really count the hospital lobby as 'helping'?"

"It's Lucian. Of course he would, even if he thought he was doing the right thing. Hell, he probably thinks only his way is the right way."

"...I wish I could help. But I mean... Pride? We couldn't even stop bowing to Dylann and Seth, and they held back. The fuck would Pride do to us?"

"Nothing good, though I bet he'd think we make a good pair of dragons," Mark said, shaking his head. "Yeah, I wish I was joking on that one."

"Liam's still thrashing shit in there, so... I'll call Dylann."

"I'll call Seth. One of them has to pick up," Mark said, their phones out almost at the same time. If the situation wasn't so strange or stressful, Mark might have smiled at that, too.

*******

"Feeling better?" Zagan asked, holding Jared in his arms. They were both dragons again, though they were taking a moment to rest after a small flying session to cool off.

"...Yeah. I shouldn't have provoked him but... I was just so happy for you. How do you feel?"

"Better as well. I didn't know entirely what was going on before, but now I have my pendant back on everything makes sense again," Zagan said, brushing his hand against it out of reflex.

"Looks different lately," Jared said, smiling. "Why's that?"

"Oh, it is different," Zagan said, looking back down. Instead of pure ivory, it was a mix of white and black as what looked like obsidian had began to creep in from the chains. The horns had been completely overtaken, now curved back into Zagan's own. Most of the bullish look had faded into a more draconic snout, and while one eye was still a sapphire, the other was a diamond. "...He's turning into me. Just as our lord said he would."

"The old Jared would have been concerned about this, but it's been so long since I was him," Jared said, tracing the details of the pendant with a claw. "How did you like my dance?"

"I enjoyed it very much. Davin did too. The pride of seeing you up on stage doing so well, knowing he was responsible for you even trying out in the first place, well... I think he realized in that moment who he really was."

"What's going to happen to Davin, then?"

"You didn't remember him before, why should you be concerned now? Besides, he's just turning into me. He's not going away."

"A small part of me still cares. A small, meek, fading part. I am more and more myself the longer we bask in our lord's light. But we should go report to him, shouldn't we?"

"He already knows. I am his Herald, remember? Just like he can speak to your mind, I can speak to his. Though I only do so for urgent news that can't wait."

"What does he say, then?"

"He's very proud of us. Of Davin. He says it won't be much longer now until I no longer need this trinket."

"Even though it looks amazing on you?"

"I never said I'd stop wearing it completely, I just said I won't need it," Zagan said, flattered. "Besides, I already have the most precious treasure of them all right here in my arms."

"Good answer," Jared said, looking lovingly up at Zagan. "I'm ready to just be Rune now. How do you feel about that?"

"As far as I'm concerned, Jared and Rune are one and the same," Zagan said, smiling back at him. "Whatever name fits you best is the one I'll use, Rune."

"And soon you'll just be Zagan."

"And we'll be together with our master, our lord, and our god watching over us."

'As it should be,' a powerful voice said in Jared's mind; smiling at the presence of Lucian, he knew Zagan felt the same. This time, though, he could see his face in his mind's eye as those powerful eyes seemed to bore right into his. 'Jared, or should I say Rune... it has been a week of Earth time, as we agreed. How do you feel about Zagan now?'

"If he'll have me, I am his," Jared said, without hesitation. Whatever he had once felt as his old self quickly began fading away again as he gave it all up to become Rune.

"And I will be his, if he will have me," Zagan replied. Jared felt safer than he'd ever felt in that moment, the night sky personified watching over him and proclaiming his love.

'Though ultimately you both serve and belong to me, I wish you happiness,' Lucian said, smiling in triumph before the image faded from their minds. Jared wasn't sure what it was all about, but he felt blessed to have experienced such a direct link with his lord. He could tell Zagan felt the same way, even though he had spoken with Pride in this manner before. Moving carefully onto his back, Jared rested his head on Zagan's lap.

"...What are you thinking about?" Zagan asked after a while, gently massaging Jared's chest and stroking the tendrils of the dragon's upper lip.

"I was wondering what it must have been like to be one of those ancient astronomers, gazing up into the untainted, celestial sky of days long gone," Jared said, smiling at the attention he was receiving. "Every day I find myself in awe of you, and I strive to perfect myself so I might serve our lord as well as you do."

"Our roles are different, but I often find myself feeling the same way about you," Zagan said, surprising Jared. "You always seem to know what to say to soothe him when I bring bad news."

"It comes naturally with the Mead within me, but I would be lying if I said that was all it took. These past years I have gotten to know our lord well. He has been very kind to me."

"To us both," Zagan said, and Jared couldn't help but agree. He could sense others flying by or watching them, but he didn't care that they were gathering an audience. He would be curious himself if two powerful dragons were enjoying each others' company. Let them watch. Let them talk. To speak ill of them would be to speak ill of Pride himself, after all.

*******

Uther and Clay eyed the group seated at the table. Being the last to arrive, they closed the door and took their seats. They couldn't help but feel a bit awkward as everyone remained silent, especially Liam at the head. Where even was this place? They'd followed the instructions, sure, but even Uther was at a loss... yet he got the feeling this place was timeless, despite looking like a darkened, more daemonic version of a board room meeting. How had they even gotten here, now that he thought about it? It was already gone from his mind... probably a ward. It made sense to him at least, and Bruce couldn't help but agree with his thoughts.

"I trust you all know why you're here," Liam said, his voice cold and calm. "Though I thought I told you to come alone, Uther?"

"Deal with it. He's concerned too," Uther said, glancing over to Clay. The daemon simply nodded in response, causing Liam to sigh.

"Fine. More the merrier. As long as we're on the same page?"

"About Lucian? Yes," Dylann said, his human form dwarfed by every other anthro around him, including Seth. "Temperance stands ready. Isn't that right, my heart?"

"Damn straight," Seth said, smiling despite the tension. "Besides, I made Lucian a promise. I intend to make good on it."

"Yeah, but you can't just waltz in and challenge him straight up. He can always refuse, unless you know his true name," Stellan said, the giant fruit bat yawning as he unfurled his wings.

"I do," Dylann said, causing Stellan to shake his head.

"Yeah but he knows yours too. Last thing we need is a true name fight. Seth has to know it or it's pointless. So... you're going to have to entice him somehow instead."

"I already have that covered," Seth said, shrugging. "I know you don't like it, Dylann, but it's the only prize he'd accept. Besides, I won't lose."

"You can't really say that for sure, though," Liam sternly said.

"Actually I can, but we'd just argue in circles. Let's move on."

"Let's," agreed Liam, before looking over to Uther. "How familiar are you with Odin?"

"I know about as much as the rest of you," Uther said, shrugging. "It's not like any of the sword's past lives crossed paths with him directly, though one of them did try to study him at one point. I'm pretty much here as support, like you requested."

"And I'm familiar with curses and wards and such," Clay said, in an effort to prove his worth. "I run a shop full of cursed items, for fuck's sake. You know how hard it is to store them properly without having them react to each other? Not that you need proof of that, Lust. You've seen it for yourself."

"Liam's fine, like I said before," the elder daemon chuckled, though there was no merriment in his eyes. Looking over to the others who had yet to speak, Uther was surprised to see Zale and Mark with them. They'd been so quiet and he'd been so focused on the elders.

"I get why I'm here, but what about you two? You're both mortals, I thought."

"They insisted," Liam said, grumbling. "But they have experience with Seth. They all lived within Temperance's realm as Dylann's Seconds for a long time."

"And with Dylann's blessing, we'll be properly shielded from most of Lucian's tricks," Mark said. The engaged couple looked older and more dangerous than Uther was used to, yet he felt comforted by the presence of what he recognized deep down as fellow warriors. "After all, we trained specifically to fight Pride's forces, being that his realm directly contradicted ours... I mean, Dylann's."

"I'll give them back some of the ability and power they once had along with suitable forms, but in the realm of Pride they aren't likely to start bowing down to us," Dylann said, looking to Seth for comfort. "And if they do, my love knows what to do."

"I guess it's just us, though," Seth sighed, scratching his beard. "Orias has no obligation to help, but I don't think he could in this instance anyway. I'm also not going to ask him to help me with everything. Besides, if Lucian can just flip a Lust daemon to Pride that easily, I don't want to risk Orias too. Whatever any of you thinks of him, I know he'd be dangerous to have as an enemy."

"We also can't bring anyone but a small group or risk outright war. And since someone needs to mind the bar while I'm gone, I put Vance in charge temporarily," Liam said, shrugging. "Besides, he's of Fortitude. I'm only his boss when we're at work. I'd rather not piss off a Virtue by losing one of his new daemons, especially one so promising. I have no doubt Vance would want to help, but..."

"I get it. It's just us then," Uther said, shrugging. "I mean, I never really said I'd help either, but considering he has Odin as well... that's just a threat I can't ignore. He might start corrupting mortals to Pride, and since his power is separate from Lucian he can use it freely for that purpose. I know he can't be ordered to do it, but I don't want to wait until he gets the idea himself."

"And he might come after you, anyway," Clay said, worried. "Pride would love to add you as a trophy to his collection, 'Pendragon'."

"Chief of dragons, right," Uther said, a bitter smile on his face. "Probably would make me some kind of fucking general of his legions or something. Wait, am I fucking bait, Liam?!"

"No, not at all!" Liam exclaimed, quick to reassure him. "Besides, you don't strike me as the prideful type, especially now that you have your memory back. I really thought we could use your help... if you're willing, that is."

"Already said I am, if only because of Jared," Uther sighed. "So what's the plan?"

"Honestly, I'm not entirely sure," Liam said. "I'm not exactly a general or anything. Any ideas other than 'small group of people'?"

"Zale, how much do you remember?" Dylann asked, causing the merlion to look up with a bit of confusion.

"...About what?" Zale asked, causing Dylann to sigh and smile.

"Well, I guess it can't be helped," Seth said, sliding two aquamarine bracers toward him. "Zale, wear those and you'll receive our blessing."

"What about me?" Mark asked, not wanting to be left out. A harness with a sheathed dagger attached to it appeared in front of him. "Oh... I remember this... don't I?"

"It's some of the gear you would wear on outings," Dylann explained, causing Mark to nod as he recognized it the longer he stared. "Again, wear it and you will receive our blessing. The act of wearing these items is a choice. It says you are willing to receive what we offer you."

"And the consequences of doing so," Seth said, sounding more and more like a king to Uther. "Will you accept these boons?"

"I... already have," Zale said, adjusting the last bracer on his arm. He must have slipped them on while they were talking. "I can feel it all, as if I'd never left. Though... this has magic in it."

"No more than you're used to," Dylann said, before turning to Uther. "Would you like some aid, as well?"

"No thanks," Uther said, the blade appearing from thin air as he held out his hand. Balancing it against his shoulder point up, he bounced it slightly as easily as he might have his leg. "I just need to know what sort of realm we're going to."

"...I remember, now," Zale said, his gaze hardening into that of a veteran. "I haven't seen it, but there are records. Those who were once of Pride, or those who were his guests. You're going to need a way to fly."

"Wings, got it," Clay said, before smiling at Uther. "I can carry you, if you like."

"As much as I'd enjoy that, I think I can actually make wings..." Uther said, a few ideas coming to him from his past selves. "Apparently people really like angelic wings on holy warriors."

"...I've got wings already," Stellan said, startling Uther. He'd forgotten entirely he was there.

"You sure do," Liam said, nodding.

"Not that I'm saying he's useless or anything but, why is he here?" Uther asked, curious now.

"Because I'm Sloth," Stellan said, shrugging. If there was more to the answer than that, he didn't show any sign of saying anything else about it.

"I wouldn't have asked him here if I thought he couldn't help us. Or wouldn't."

"Besides, I can't let Dylann be the only elder there with years of experience," Stellan said, scratching his chest as he stared at nothing in particular. Uther got the impression that he was aware of more than he let on, but he wasn't sure how. "I also owe Liam a bit for making such a mess before. With the tree thing..."

"I told you that you don't owe me anything, but if that's how you want to justify it then I won't stop you. I appreciate you helping either way," Liam said, before looking back to Zale. "Anyway, Zale... you can continue."

"...Thank you, Elder Lust."

"Just call me Liam."

"Liam. Yes, of course," Zale said with a gruff, business-like voice. "Now, other things you must know about the realm of Pride are..."

Uther leaned in, watching as he took pen and paper and began drawing diagrams as he went over what he knew and what would work. Possible strategies, wards to watch out for, what pride daemons were capable of... Uther's military side activated the longer he listened, years of experience from Caledfwlch informing him and helping to add to Zale's impromptu lecture. Before too long, they had the beginnings of a plan. Uther just hoped it wasn't a foolish one.