Hybridization

Chapter 193 – Greetings and Goodbyes

“How about we give Lancer a try? It can be played in long or short form just like D&D. Plus, mechs are cool.” – Steve, trying to figure out the next TTRPG that he would run.

Once again, the group was back at the game table, finishing out the campaign that they had started the previous fall. It was their second game after the disastrous events that led to a gunfight in the street, but it was also where Steve, the DM, had planned to stop.

Their previous session had run a little long with everyone having a nice, not-quite calm, chat about ‘the incident’ as they called it. After explaining things and finding out that the group hadn’t decided to part ways, they had decided to finish the story since the end was so close.

“Wow, can’t believe that happened.” Val muttered to herself, looking at the boss-minifigure that had been tipped over in the middle of the arena map. “Like, that was close, right?”

Melody turned her dreamy look to Val from Steve, as he picked up the markers from his DM screen. “Yeah… it was…hmmm, amazing…”

Sharing a confused look with Anna, who just shrugged, Val clarified to the smitten dwarf. “No, I meant like, the fight with the… what’s it called?”

“B.B.E.G. is the term.” Kurt supplied, looking up from his character sheet after giving it a final look.

“OH!” Melody shook her head like she was trying to shoo off a bug. “Sorry, I was thinking of something else.”

“Yes, we all know how you yearn for that particular wizard staff.” Val giggled and shared knowing looks with Adam and Anna. “But do we normally loose half the party like that? I am down to three hit-points, Kurt is dead, Kristi is dead, Anna was making saving throws and everyone else was almost in the same boat.”

Steve, having packed away his stuff and pulled out a note pad, joined the discussion. “Well, this was a close one and since the campaign was rather short and only spanned five levels, it was always going to be this way.”

“I thought it was great!” Anna said, looking to Adam as he nodded his agreement. “What happens now?”

Adam leaned in, for some reason whispering despite everyone looking at Anna. “Now we find out how bad we messed up.”

“Just so.” Steve said, producing a sheet of paper and reading from it. “So, main story is complete, big-bad-evil-guy is dead, the ritual to turn the city into one of undeath is stopped and minimal damage was done to the citizens.

“Your team lost two people to fatalities, three to story reasons and one for being a jackass.” Steve smirked

“That would be Jayson.” Kristi grumbled and caught a questioning look from Rindi. “Tell you later.”

Steve then went on to wrap up the story with what happened next, how they were rewarded, how the bad guys were punished or escaped justice and more. He also shared what they had missed over the sessions from side quest opportunities to areas they knew about but skipped anyway.

Several minutes later, Steve finished it off. “All told, I would rate your team at a C minus for performance but when accounting for IRL issues we adjust that to a solid B. Only minor opportunities missed and casualties were contained to the team.”

“For the record, the ‘A’ grade bracket would need us to not loose anyone.” Adam chipped in.

“Yup, haven’t done that since we did a one-shot two years ago.” Steve said. “It’s always super close though so I feel it’s balanced.”

Kurt leaned back in his chair. “Well, that was a good time regardless of the score and the other complications. Too bad we can’t hop in on the next one.” He then began chatting with Steve about other games that he ran.

Melody’s eyebrows scrunched together as she turned to Val. “Why not?”

“We have a, um, work trip.” Val answered with a half-truth.

“Oh, we can wait, push things off for a couple weeks.” Melody looked to Adam for support and he voiced his agreement.

“Sure can.” The big man was packing away his things. “There is always something else we can play while down some people too. Steve likes to take breaks between campaigns anyway to play different things and plan out the next story.”

Val and Kurt shared a look and a lightning fast mental conversation. “It’s going to be a while. Like might be some months.”

“Oh.” Melody frowned. “All of you?”

“Anna is staying.” Kurt pointed to the diminutive woman who looked surprised at being singled out.

“Ahh, yes?” Anna looked from Adam to Melody. “I’m not planning to go anywhere. I know that leaves only three of us, but I might be able to help find some more people to play.”

Adam waved her off. “Don’t worry too much about it. One-shots and short games tend to have more people anyway. We get a decent amount that sign up every time he posts something.”

“I can arrange some online games if you are alright with possibly doing an odd time of day. Not sure what time zone you will be in but it’s an option.” Steve offered, popping into the conversation. “That actually makes terrain and maps easier with the app I use.”

Kurt smiled. “I appreciate the offer but there won’t be an internet connection where we are going. Time zones won’t be the limiting factor in this either.”

Melody scowled. “Will you all quit avoiding the answer already? Just tell us where you are going that doesn’t have internet. I can think of two reasons you won’t give us a straight answer, and we all know how being ghosted feels so just get it over with.”

“Dude, chill.” Kurt focused on the dwarf. “We are going off world for a while. Don’t know when we will be back, but it will probably be a couple months.” He glanced at Kristi, a questioning look on his face.

The dragoness shrugged. “Assuming we are going to start from the city I think we are, probably three months, maybe four, depending on how long we stay there and travel conditions. That’s if we take the roads, things change if we use a different method of travel.”

“Ok… Maybe there are three reasons.” Melody pouted.

“Can we ask where you’re going?” Adam seemed to be excited about the idea of traveling between worlds.

Ever having a mind for operational security, Kurt shook his head. “Better to not say and we can tell you about it after we get back.” He looked around the table. “Nothing against you but if you don’t know, then nobody will try to take that information from you.”

The grim reminder of their past session made the group drop the subject. They packed up the table and made sure to clean the room as they went back down the stairs. While half the group left, Kurt and the girls stopped at the counter to talk with Frank.

“Headed out?” The mage asked, looking up from his laptop as the group filed through the sales floor.

“Yeah, for a while.” Kurt stopped next to the counter and leaned on it slightly. “In a few days, we will be leaving for a few months on a business trip. Before we go, is there anything you need from us?”

Frank paused whatever he was doing and looked them over. “Well, not really anything that I can think of. In your line of work, I suppose it’s best to not ask details but is there anything I should know?”

Kurt shrugged and turned to the group. Val stepped up, having to go around Rindi who had been blocking her. “There are some new people in town that live by us. A few of the younger ones wanted to come check the place our when they get settled.”

“I am pretty sure nobody lives by you but, ok.” Frank smirked. “Thanks for the heads up.”

“On that note. The farm up the road from my house is a safe place if you need it. Just be sure to let them know that you know me.” Kurt added. “Otherwise, you still have access to that portal to the Order if you need it.”

Raising his eyebrows at the information, Frank nodded. “Yah, and I know that I will have to foot the bill for the transit and use.” He looked the group over one last time before turning back to Kurt. “No promises, but I’ll try to keep an eye on Anna when she is around. She’s a good kid, both her and Penny, really.”

“Thanks, Frank.” Kurt smiled and offered his hand. “See you in a little while then.”

*****

The next day saw the group up early, getting the house cleaned up as they got ready for the week ahead. The sound of a car coming up the driveway made Kurt look up from his breakfast and lean over to see out the window. He couldn’t see details due to some fog on the window, but saw it was two people and immediately figured out who it was.

“S’open.” He called around a mouthful of food when someone knocked on the door.

Val and Rindi both turned to see who was calling on them so early on a Sunday. Kristi turned from where she was starting on the dishes, looking over Kurt’s shoulder as the door opened to reveal a familiar couple.

“Knock-knock.” Kurt’s dad, Alwin, called out as he pushed the door open. “Hope we aren’t disturbing you.” Bethany, Kurt’s mother, was right behind him.

“Hey, dad!” Kurt smiled. “Hi, mom.”

“Beth! Al!” Val called out, bounding over to them and taking their bags. “I didn’t think you would be here until later.”

The couple handed her their suitcases and Val set them aside while the rest of the group gathered around. “Oh, we managed to get to the Earth side of the terminal pretty early and decided to overnight in Grand Rapids. We got an early start this morning so here we are.” Beth explained.

“Hope you don’t mind us interrupting your morning.” Al added to Kurt, coming over to give him a hug. “Just thought we might as well get the travel over with while traffic was light.”

“No problem.” Kurt smiled and stepped back to allow his parents to greet Kristi and Val.

After the girls got a round of hugs and greetings, it was time to address the elephant in the room. Or, in this case, the tiger…lady… the tigress in the room?

“Mom, dad.” Kurt began stepping over next to Rindi. “This is our new teammate and partner, Rindi. She has been with us for… three months? Rindi, these are my parents, Alwin and Bethany Rosk.”

Both of Kurt’s parents were very aware of how their son spoke and knew of his very intentional use of certain words and phrases. They could read into not only what he said but also all the other context clues. While Al would never point it out, due to possessing a traditional elven decorum, Beth had no such hangups.

“With you or ‘with you’?” Beth asked, raising an eyebrow and looking up at both of them.

“Just the first one at the moment.” Val said, coming around to stand near them.

Rindi extended a hand that shook ever so slightly from nerves. “It is nice to meet you, Bethany.”

Beth nodded and smiled. “Well, it is very nice to meet you Rindi and I look forward to getting to know you more.” She grabbed one of Rindi’s hands with both of hers, giving a firm but welcoming squeeze.

“Al.” His dad said, extending his own hand for a shake. “Good to meet you. But, as fantastic as it is to see everyone, we have some matters to handle first.”

With that, Al moved past them and walked to the guest bathroom, leaving Beth with the group. “It was a long drive, and we only stopped for gas just before the freeway.” Then she too excused herself to the main bathroom at the end of the hall.

Seeing Rindi standing there, very confused at the interaction, Kristi nudged her. “Don’t worry. They are super nice.”

Val nodded quickly, making her vulpine ears flap a little. “Oh yeah. Beth was very supportive and friendly. Al… well, he is a typical elf. Take from that what you will.”

The older couple returned a couple minutes later and Kurt offered breakfast, which they declined after eating on their drive up. They instead accepted coffee and an invitation to the living room where they sat to catch up with everyone.

Al chose the love seat along with his wife but took the side that shared an end table with a chair which Kurt took. The girls picked the couch and ottoman with Val taking the latter while Kristi and Rindi sprawled on the couch. Conversations immediately started once everyone took their places.

Kurt and his dad began talking shop and catching each other up on the goings-on in each of their circles. They mostly talked about who they saw or ran into and generally updated each other on that. Then they broke into discussions about the house and the work that Kurt had put into it since their last visit. It was a relatively superficial conversation but easy enough to break away from if needed.

Beth was a different story. “So, Val, going to tell me about the tails?” She leveled a pointed look at the kitsune sitting cross-legged on the ottoman. “If I remember right, you only had one last time we talked.”

“Heh, funny story.” Val grimaced.

Seeing her hesitation, Kristi took pity on her wife and answered for her. “A ‘funny’ story both times. She nearly killed herself on two separate occasions.”

The look that Kurt’s mother leveled at Val was beyond disapproving. “Valerie-

“It’s actually Theakval.” Rindi supplied helpfully, either ignoring the mood of the conversation or completely unaware.

Glancing to Rindi, Beth smiled. “Thank you, dear but I’ll get to you in a moment.” She then looked back to Val. “Theakval Kraknovi, I-“

“It’s actually Rosk now.” Rindi once again interjected, apparently having woken up that morning and chosen to sew chaos into the family dynamic.

Eyebrows raised, but her eyes not leaving their current target, Beth smiled happily. “Ohh, that’s nice.” She then slightly turned her head. “KURT! Why didn’t you tell me you married Val?” She shouted, interrupting Al’s retelling of when he tried to fix a magical faucet with only a pair of channel-lock pliers and some plumbers putty.

“Ummm. I wa-“

“It’s actually both Val and Kristi in reality.” Rindi corrected again, reaffirming her position of being firmly planted into the hole she was digging for herself.” She also ignored the incredulous looks she was getting from both Val and Kristi at her selling them out.

“Rindi?”

“Yes, Kristi?”

“Please stop.” Kristi moaned softly into her hands as she covered her face and her skin started turning red to offset her green scales.

Beth turned to the large tiger lady. “Oh, please don’t stop on their account. By the way, congratulations, Kristi. Welcome to the family.” She beamed at the still embarrassed dragoness. “But, Rindi, is there anything else I should know about my son’s relationships that these two are holding back on?”

Rindi thought for a moment, shrinking in on herself a little under the focused attention from everyone in the room. “Umm… no?”

“No?” Beth pushed.

“I… don’t want to ruin the surprise?” Rindi was now holding her tail, kneading it in her hands.

Retuning her focus to Val, Beth smiled again. “Well, in that case, how about you tell me about everything that has happened since our last visit before you tell me about when I can expect grandbabies.”

“Oh, probably not soon.” Rindi perked up, thinking that sharing more would get on the woman’s good side. “One of Kurt’s divine abilities is to influence reproductive cycles for those in his domain.”

“RINDI!” Three voices shouted in unison startling her so badly that she reflexively fled into her subdimension.

*****

After several hours, two pots of coffee and a lecture about sharing information, the group was finished catching up and ready to start making lunch. While Kurt was manning the grill with Rindi, Kristi and his dad were inside doing other meal prep. Val had taken Beth to their room in the basement to help her get settled in and show her some of the newer amenities.

“Why are there ten place settings if there are only six of us?” Al asked, looking at the table and helping Kristi prepare the toppings for the burgers Kurt was making. “And this is a lot of fixings and sides.”

“We might have a few guests.” Kristi supplied.

“Might? Does that just randomly happen?” Al seemed unsure about something.

Kristi stopped washing the lettuce and turned to him. “Not really. We just have a hunch that you will be meeting a few people today and we decided to just be ready in- Ah, they have arrived. I think.” She stopped talking and turned to look out the window as she heard a car pull in.

A minivan came up the driveway, parking next to the rental car that Al and Beth had. From it, Anna hopped out of the driver's seat and walked around to the back, opening the hatch to allow Bont to hop out. Penny walked around from the other side, and they began walking up to the door while Bont went loping off into the grass around the house.

They came inside, not bothering to knock as they had passed Kurt on the deck. When they entered the main room, they spotted Al. “Oh… hi.” Anna waved nervously.

Penny, much more confident around strangers, walked right over. “Hello, I’m Penny. I work with Kurt’s team.” She held out her hand and shook Al’s. “This is Anna. She is one of our friends that we met on a job.”

“Nice to meet you.” Al said. “Kurt has mentioned you both but only in passing.”

“That is fair. You get so little time with him after all.” Penny smiled and went to greet Kristi.

As she did, Val and Beth came up the stairs and greeted their guests. Once again Penny made introductions, but Val had to do the explaining that they were just friends and not ‘with’ Kurt.

“Mom, knock it off.” Kurt scolded his mom as he entered with a plate full of burger patties. “I realize that I have a lot of very attractive women around me but not all of them are trying to get in my pants… or the other way around.”

“Nope, just one more.” Val muttered as she walked around the counter to say hello to Anna.

In a room full of supernatural creatures, most of whom had traits from apex predators, a soft mutter was sometimes as good as shouting. Al coughed and averted his eyes while Rindi went very red under the thinner parts of her fuzz-like fur.

“VAL!” Kristi scolded. She flicked her tail, the tip catching the smirking kitsune on the butt. The lip nibble and bouncing eyebrows she got in return did not inspire confidence in her corrective action being effective.

“What?” Beth asked. She was looking between them in confusion since she was the only one who hadn’t heard the comment with her mundane, human hearing.

Kurt sighed. “Nothing. Just Val being a brat.” He set the plate on the counter and looked up as the next car pulled in. “Looks like we guessed right for lunch.”

“Well, we did invite them.” Kristi quit glaring at Val long enough to answer Kurt. “When you say, come around lunch time, they take it as an invite.”

“That’s what we did.” Anna agreed. “Plus, if we waited much longer, Bont would have come on his own. He wanted to run around for a while, and this is one of the few places he can do it safely.” She gave some context to Kurt’s parents who hadn’t met the massive, six-legged tiger.

Al glanced out the back window. “He is a Taltherian gliding tiger?” When Anna confirmed his suspicion, he turned to his wife. “A powerful and incredibly intelligent predator from the world of Talth. They get around pretty well and can be found all over the universe in almost every realm.”

“And this Talth place is where you are going, Kurt?” Beth asked.

“That isn’t where I met him.” Anna clarified. “We formed our bond on Ladaheim. That’s where I am kinda from.”

Before Kurt’s parents could ask more questions, the front door opened to reveal Jade and Gus. The pair nodded deeply to Kurt, almost going into a bow after they entered. They quickly righted themselves and greeted the rest of the group. Kurt introduced them to his parents but didn’t explain why they were there.

“Great, now that everyone is here, let’s get to it.” Kurt said and motioned for the people to grab plates and begin making their lunches.

There was some general chatter as everyone went through the lunch line that used to be Kurt’s kitchen island countertop. Everyone, except his parents, loaded their plates with their first helping of lunch and moved to the table taking seats but leaving room at one end for Kurt.

They ate lunch while chatting politely. Kurt’s parents got to know the guests and his mates a little better over the casual meal. Most of the questions were background questions about what the people liked or how they knew Kurt. Neither of his parents missed how Jade, Gus and Anna were being a little shifty when it came to talking about how they met him.

Once everyone had their fill, or at least were satisfied for the time being, Kurt looked at the werewolves. “Jade, I think it might be time to introduce yourself properly and why you are here. Just be aware that they haven’t been informed of everything going on with me. Feel free to pop that bubble now.”

“Yes, sire.” Jade said formally, getting confused looks from Kurt’s parents. “As you know, my name is Jade. While it is not my primary role, I am the current custodian of his nation. Formally, I am the first saint of your son, the Lupus Rex. This is my second, Agustus or Gus, he is one of the pack alphas.”

“His nation? Lupus…?” Beth asked, looking confused.

“Good luck with that, Gus.” Al chuckled, leaning toward Kurt. He had made the joke that the werewolf packs changed ‘alphas’ as often as he changed socks. Seeing the look on his son’s face, he realized that he might not fully grasp what was happening and dropped the joking tone.

“What we didn’t tell you earlier, despite Rindi doing her best to spoil the surprise, is that Kurt isn’t really a normal person anymore.” Kristi said, turning to throw some side eye at the taller woman sitting next to her.

“Indeed.” Jade smiled in that radiant way she had adopted since she had become a saint. “Your son is quiet special and has seen fit to raise us up as he walks the path of gods.” Her smile turned slightly predatory as both his parents’ faces adopted stunned expressions while she began to explain exactly who her sire was, beyond being their son.