The Forsaken Hero

The realization struck me hard, sending a burst of excitement and anxiety dancing through my soul. Astral Winds, the spell taught to me by the Ally of Fate, required two things, and now one of those was a reality. With Fable as a pattern, I could rebuild my soul to my full, heroic potential. All I needed now was a source of mana capable of sustaining the process, as well as a safe, defendable position to engage any demons the process drew.

As Korra and I were pondering these thoughts, Fable stiffened, his ears swiveling toward the door. A moment later, there was a sharp knock, and Luxxa’s voice floated through the thick oaken door.

"Forgive the intrusion, but would you deign to join us down below? There is something we must discuss," she said.

"Be there in a sec," Korra called. She rolled her eyes and muttered in a voice too low for anyone but me to hear, "’Deign? Is that even a word?"

My hand flew to my mouth, suppressing a smile. She offered her hand, which I took, and helped me to my feet. I gave Fable a final pat between his horns before we slipped out of the room, finding Luxxa waiting with her arms folded behind her back. She’d removed her armor but looked no less threatening in a dress. She was still feminine, with obvious curves, but powerfully built and stiff with discipline.

"What is it?" I asked, slightly intimidated by her imposing presence.

She looked down at me and her face softened a touch. "Lieutenant Joel arrived a few minutes ago. He wishes to speak to you."

I gasped, my tail twitching nervously. "J-Joel? But I thought he...um...didn’t like us."

"That remains to be seen. He came unarmed and declared his intentions were peaceful. Orion is entertaining him now."