Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 46: The Brewing Battle

“Check all wheels on all carts! It's rough terrain between here and the Citadel.”

“Stock up on feed for the buckrohks and make sure you guard the water tankards. We'll be appetizing targets for beasts and demonkin alike. They're not so different from us. Bandits and raiders on the roads.”

Captain Muindis watches as his lieutenants organize and prepare the company for the march on the Citadel. They're currently overnighting at Fort Twilight. Unlike Peony, which is physically closer, Twilight is much easier to navigate, and it can support a larger force than Peony. 

And, with the discovery of the Grand Duchy's plan to send a splinter force, many of the generals and colonels looking to find a weakening in the Demon Army's defenses have been looking for their own chances to seek glory. When questioned, the splinter force, known as Wyrmglare, were told to give the answer that the Citadel is believed to house a weapon capable of defeating dragons, which is why the dragons have taken to guarding it. However, this weapon is meant for humans, or human-sized wielders, meaning they just need to sneak in and take it.

This makes the other leaders even more excited to become part of the attack, as a weapon that could defeat dragons would be even more desirable, as it could likely also be used to defeat any enemy.

And, as King Rikuto and the others of Mornistae have come to suspect, the strange phenomenon that washed over everyone seems at once all across the known world seems to have originated in the far west, following a flash of light that was visible from the mountains . The true source has still not been identified, but if it is a weapon, it's all the more reason to push westward and identify the weapon or spell and erase it. It poses too much risk to the world as a whole.

Of course, that is a problem for Rikuto and the other kingdoms and the Empire. Captain Muindis is tasked with leading this force to retrieve Daniel at all costs. The other companies and battalions marching with them will be serving their own desires when attacking the Citadel, and Muindis’s orders from the Grand Duchess herself protect him from the authority of those who might otherwise outrank him. When it’s time for Wyrmglare to fall back, it’s up to the other commandants to choose to retreat or continue the siege.

Muindis states to Lieutenant Elkash, who is nearby, “Lieutenant, make sure everyone gets good rest. We’ll be leaving before first light and first bell.”

“As you wish, Captain.”

“It’s a two week march to the Citadel at a fast pace.”

“Of course.”

Muindis heads up to the outer defensive wall of Fort Twilight. It’s much larger and more sturdy than that of the Flower Garden. But, Muindis knows it’ll do little to stop dragon fire. He has never seen dragons in battle, as few who do survive. It’s rumored that the only reason dragons don’t wage war more often is due to their small numbers. Every one of their fallen -even as difficult as that is- is extraordinarily costly to the dragons. Or, so the rumors go. The dragons themselves -what few have been encountered and survived- are said to be extremely proud and arrogant, and they would never divulge such information on their own. It does make sense, since dragons hold enough power to raze castles to the ground, that they would be too few in number to risk grand assaults on every battlefront with the risk that any one castle could prove lethal. 

Something that rarely occurs to most people east of the mountains is how beautiful the west is. In many ways, it’s not very different. The climates are roughly the same, much of the terrain is similar. But, because the demons are less industrious than humans, dwarves, and gatonines, specifically, there are very few fortresses or large cities marking the landscape. Much of the land has a natural beauty to it. 

Of course, this also means that there are very few roads, and the course to the Citadel is one such path. Much of the trek will be off road after leaving the former eastern lands on the west side of the mountains. And, even what roads used to exist have been overgrown and poorly maintained since the demons drove the allied nations back.

“Think we can win?” The voice that asks is Colonel Bryston, of the Kingdom of Brellum.

Muindis replies with a salute, “I don’t know for certain, Colonel. Dragons are not an enemy just anyone can face.”

“True. But, the Grand Duchess must have great faith in your abilities.”

“We’re not meant to defeat the dragons at the battle. We’re meant to find the weapon.”

“I see. Yes, there was mention of that. And, I suppose it is good fortune that we will be providing bait, hmm?”

Muindis turns to face the colonel. “We answered questions, Colonel. You made the choice to join our mission, against our advice. I cannot accept responsibility for your forces.”

“But, you must have some faith in your own ability to succeed.”

“Of course. And, the longer we have to search the Citadel, the better. That’s not something made easier by a large siege, but it won’t be harmed by the notion either. The Citadel is the largest castle on the continent, built for the dragons. I don’t know that a siege could even outlast it if the dragons choose not to fight. And, it’s doubtful that they won’t.”

“Hmm… Yes, I see. But, your plan was to draw them out with a siege, yes? Even with your paltry force.”

“At least long enough to get in the door. As you know, the best we can do is plan.”

The colonel says nothing for a while. He looks over his shoulders and around them, seemingly verifying that they’re essentially alone -at least as far as immediate earshot-.

“I hear… another rumor.”

“I hear rumors as well, Colonel. I have no way of knowing which one you mean.”

“This one’s about a specific person. The… fiance to your Duchess of Stalvaltan.”

Muindis is quiet for a moment. He replies quietly, “I know of no such person.”

“I hear he’s a commoner.”

“From my men?”

“I told you. Just a rumor.”

“Wyrmglare is here to retrieve a weapon. You’re welcome to invade the Citadel if you think you can find whatever you want. If you jeopardize the Grand Duchy’s mission, you should expect to receive sanctions, Colonel. Please understand.”

Bryston stares at him for a fair amount of time, but he smiles. “I see. I suppose that is the nature of rumors; always threatening to stir a pot that doesn’t need stirred.” He looks out over the wilderness beyond the fortress for another moment. “We’ll stay out of your way. But, if we fell a dragon without your help, I trust you will report that accurately, hm?” He nods his head politely and makes his way back down from the wall. 

Muindis watches him go for a moment. There’s a very slim chance that the Wyrmglare mission will succeed with 200 men or 20,000. Numbers aren’t the issue. A great deal of luck will determine whether this particular mission succeeds or fails.

With a sigh, Muindis returns to his own bed for the night. It’s a long march to the Citadel, and they’ll be even slower with this many troops.

***

Clang! Clang! Ping! Clang!

Metal clashes on metal as Daniel parries swords with several combat golems being overseen by Xyreko. He is surrounded, swinging a training sword with the skill level one might expect of a maintenance mechanic who has managed to survive in a fantasy world. He can make some fluid swings, but he overextends his posture and his momentum. Daniel makes a few solid parries, before the metal of training sword batters against his back, and he stumbles. He makes a few more parries, before another smack rings his bell, bouncing off of his helmet.

A female voice scoffs, and he looks. This time, it’s Gwenesphia. She teases softly, “Apologies, Daniel. I’ve never seen you fight, so I was wondering how a man who slays dragons fights.”

Daniel catches his breath for a moment, laughing softly. “And? Go on. You’re impressed, right?”

She snorts playfully. “If… I’m being honest, Daniel, I don’t think you did something right if that many people are around you.”

“Ha! You’re probably right. Though, I trust Xyreko enough to know this armor isn’t just for show. And, I probably would fight a little differently.”

“Oh? Would you demonstrate for me?” Gwenesphia smiles cutely, folding her ears down to make her eyes look bigger.

Daniel hesitates at first. He has what he needs on his belt, and Xyreko is using disposable golems, just in case. He looks at the golem Caretaker, and he asks, “Xyreko, do you mind?”

“Not at all, Daniel. These golems and their weapons are made of simple iron. Iron can be reforged. Not to mention, you are lord of the Citadel. You may do as you please.”

He sighs, though amusement is in his voice. As the golems start to move again, both of his hands move. He throws the training sword, which the targeted golem bats aside. However, he draws both his revolver and Nemaisol, the magic sword. Instantly, it begins to glow, and it cuts with ease through the iron blade of the closest sword to him as his other hand aims the revolver, blasting a golem in the chest and incapacitating it instantly. He moves in careful motions, while Xyreko protects Gwenesphia and herself with a barrier. Each shot is carefully placed to ensure it at least hits the mass of the golem he fires at. 

With Daniel’s specialized weapons, he doesn’t even need perfect form. As long as he can deflect the blades of his enemies or shear them off, he keeps himself ‘alive’ by not being struck until he defeats all of the golems. He straightens his posture, looking at Gwenesphia. She is surprised, but smiles and claps. 

Daniel takes his helmet off, approaching. Service golems arrive to clean up the training golems. He states, “If it’s up to me, I’ll have technological superiority in my fights. But, I figured it would help to know how to fight a little if I’m going to stay here.”

She smiles. “That makes sense. Though, couldn’t the goddess you just recently picked up give you more power?”

Daniel cocks his head. “Maybe. But, that’s not why Hekate and I went to retrieve her. In fact, it’s almost precisely why she was in trouble. They’re big on balance.”

She sighs. “The gods… Divine Realm… it’s… strange…”

“Maybe think of them more like archangels. According to Ryukana, worship isn’t necessary, and can actually become dangerous in some worlds.”

Gwenesphia nods as she listens. “I’ve never been particularly religious. Just… strange to know that someone was always watching over us.” She smiles.

Daniel smiles and nods as well. “Trust me. It’s almost as strange as suddenly appearing in another world.”

She scoffs and laughs. “I suppose that’s true…”

Daniel reloads his revolver as Gwenesphia watches for a moment. She asks, “Daniel… Can I ask you a question?”

“Always.”

She fidgets, taking a breath. “So… You have a lot of… friends, now…”

Daniel looks at her when she trails off. He remarks cautiously, “True…”

“And, you and Hekate aren’t married…”

“Also true… Don’t say that to her.” He chuckles, and Gwenesphia blushes, fidgeting.

With a sigh, Daniel takes a seat on a bench nearby, asking, “Is this a question I’m going to get asked a lot?”

“I… Well, y-you and I got along pretty well at Fort P-Peony, didn’t we?”

“Better than most. Though, you were in a… uh… certain state for some of it.”

“Right…”

“Same reason I’ve been avoiding Treia today. We don’t have the medicine that the fort does.”

“Right…” Gwenesphia clears her throat, standing in front of him and asking confidently, “Would you consider a marriage… w-with me? I don’t have a lot of family wealth or anything, and… I could probably be considered a deserter, but… I deeply care about you. And, I’m grateful to you for many things.”

Daniel doesn’t sigh, though it is the question he feared it would be. He doesn’t express exasperation or disgust. Truth be told, Gwenesphia is very attractive. And, the war should be over very soon.

He smiles, replying softly, “You really do want Hekate to kill us both.”

“W-Well… I just… I don’t want to regret not asking. A-And… If you’re worried about my virtue…”

“I’m not.”

She squirms with a blush. “W-Well… even so, it’s still intact.”

Daniel takes a deep breath and exhales calmly. “Gwen… If you haven’t noticed, I don’t know my right from my left in… certain situations. Hekate became my partner in all of this because she’s a child, and because she had no one else at all. I… don’t know what I want… in a… romantic partner.”

“I see… Feline ears, perhaps? A modest chest?”

Daniel scoffs. “Don’t make me play the Hekate game on you.”

“Th-The ‘Hekate game’?”

Daniel nods with a smirk, “A game where you lose. Trust me, you don’t want to play the Hekate game. She already knows better.”

Gwenesphia laughs for a moment. She remarks with a warmness in her tone, “I’m curious, though. I assume the Hekate game is an answer to my questions?”

Daniel sighs. “Your hair is a faint blue color. Pretty, but I like auburn hair best, personally. And, I like the feel of dragon scales…”

“Okay! I lose! Say no more.” She pouts, but then cocks her head. “Wait… Doesn’t Lady Geirahoel have auburn hair?”

“Dragons can change their appearance. I’m sure Reina and Ryuo could as well.”

“C-Could I dye my hair?”

Daniel laughs lightly. “Am I really that desirable?”

“I-... I think so. Or, I’d like to know for certain… And, you’re not married yet, but… I’m behind.”

“Keeping score, are we?”

“N-No… But, I see how you talk to the lady dragons…”

“I killed most of them. I owe them a little softness.”

“I see…”

“Speaking of…” Xyreko’s voice cuts in, and she approaches from behind Daniel. He shifts to look at her. “Speaking of?” he asks curiously, already having some idea.

“Lady Geirahoel is requesting you, Daniel.”

“Me?”

Xyreko confirms with a nod. “Yes. She expressed that you should hurry.”

“Or what?”

“She would be unhappy, I suspect.”

Daniel sighs. “Well, Gwen,... Looks like I have to go check on the lady that hates me most.”

“Is… that so…?”

He nods. “Yep. At best, she wants to gloat about her egg, which should be laid soon.”

Xyreko says nothing, and Daniel adds, “If you need anything, Xyreko can certainly help you. As for your question,...” Daniel thinks for a moment. He says softly, cupping Gwenesphia’s cheek, “On Earth, no one gave me a second glance. Now, Hekate will murder anyone who marries me before her, most likely. So… I don’t know what to do about anyone else.”

“If… I have Hekate’s permission?”

“I have to hear it from her. And,... I’m not arrogant enough to believe myself worthy of a harem. Don’t start a fight.”

Gwenesphia smiles and nods. “I’ll ask her, then. It seems, even if you aren’t married, you are beholden to her.”

Daniel nods sincerely. “Yes. She protected my life when I was too busy stopping the Devourer. Please excuse me, Gwen. I have to go tend to one of my supposed mistresses.”

She scoffs and snickers, and Daniel makes his way to Geirahoel’s quarters, per Xyreko’s instructions.

Daniel knocks, and he can hear a pained “Enter!” in reply.

Inside, he finds what he feared. Geirahoel is wearing nothing more than her pajamas, a loose fitting robe, as she is curled up on her bed, groaning. 

Daniel asks, “Need something, Geira?”

“I… M-My egg is coming!”

“And? You could be in your true form, and it should-...”
“GAH! Ryuo and Reina both said…!” She goes silent, clutching her bulging belly.

“Geira…”

“HELP ME!” She looks at Daniel with watering eyes. “P-Please…? Th-They said… It’s… important… A-A-And…”

Daniel sighs. “Alright.” He closes the door, and readies himself for a long, sleepless night.

***

“You have failed us!”

“You do not even know the maker of this new power in the world, and yet you seek to lead us.”

“You have disgraced your bloodlines!”

Vaergraes is barraged by complaints about her inability to defeat the Devourer herself, and her impotence in dealing with the east. She also has lost the loyalty of the dragons, all of whom seem to be loyal to the new ‘Lady’ of the Citadel, known to everyone else as Hekate. While Vaergraes knows the truth, Daniel expressly desired to remain anonymous to the greater world.

However, that isn’t the focus of the current meeting.

“Now isn’t about success or failure! Our only goal should be to de-escalate the war! If we can convince the eastern armies that we are no longer a threat…”

“They are inferior races, shallow in their magic and afraid of their own shadows! This world should be ours. It shouldn’t be wasted on cowards.”

“You’ve already tried diplomacy, and the easterners refused. Let them accept their own refusal in full.”

She sighs. It’s clear that she’s no longer the Demon Queen, and now she’s more of just a Shrine Priestess. The other clan leaders are bickering over how to handle the east, what to do about the Citadel, and trying to come to a consensus about what the mysterious flash and colossal sky mushrooms were. Vaergraes is the only one among them that knows the truth. Of course, she tried explaining the one known only as ‘the Calamity’, who wrought destruction upon the world to stop the Devourer. But, no one knows who the Calamity is. The ‘Harbinger of Calamity’ is known to be the Feldrok sorcerer, which fewer people know to be Daniel, but the Calamity is being sold by Vaergraes as someone else. And, because the Harbinger of Calamity has never demonstrated such power, it’s believable enough.

The problem is; because no one knows either of them personally -except Vaergraes, who is keeping it secret-, the Calamity cannot be controlled.

Vaergraes tries once more. “The Devourer is gone. We should try for diplomacy as many times as it takes.”

“Diplomacy. Hah! You are a weak person. How far the Uhl’tall have fallen. Vaergraes, you should return to your shrine and pray, and stay out of matters of our peoples.”

She always knew this day would come. While she is a powerful demon, she is a shrine priestess first and foremost. And, she ruled a body of people that wanted her to. Or, as Daniel mentioned, to take the blame when things went wrong. Now that there’s no threat from the Devourer, there should be no reason to fight the easterners.

No reason, other than the fact that some individuals have been made extremely powerful thanks to the war.

“Is this the decision of my council? That I relinquish my role as Queen?”

The other demon clan leaders look at each other for a moment. Some of them had decided before she even asked the question. Of course, no one wants to appear too hasty to cast aside the Demon Queen, who kept them all alive -and in power- through the worst of the Devourer and the war with the east. She found a balance between the two, preserving life, but not giving an inch.

“The Demon Queen is no longer a role needed in the absence of the Devourer. Let us resume our clan autonomy from the days before the beast.”

“Agreed!”

“I second the notion!”

She watches as one by one, the demon leaders of every clan slowly agree that she is no longer necessary. She doesn’t mind, terribly. Especially not after Hekate’s proposal for her to live at the Citadel. Vaergraes gave a lot of her strength and dignity trying to maintain that balance. If they no longer desire her, then her role is complete, and she can resume her duties as a shrine priestess, maintaining the stability of the world as a whole.

Vaergraes bows politely after the conclusion. “Very well. I will no longer serve as Demon Queen. I am now simply the Shrine Priestess Vaergraes. May good fortune find you all.”

She bows and exits the council meeting.

In spite of her friendly visit, her trials are not over. She is being followed.

Vaergraes has to make the definitive choice on the way to her home. She will likely not get another chance.

She sighs, pivoting quickly and casting a powerful energy spell that explodes around her. It knocks the follower off her trail for a moment, and she quickly begins running.

At her home, she disturbs Thymeria’s meditations, quickly gathering her, their most precious belongings, and Illianna, and making a break for the wyverns. Just as they’re reaching them, they’re surrounded.

“Vaergraes!”

Vaergraes takes a defensive position. Both Illianna and Thymeria are powerful in magic, but the force that approaches is one that only Vaergraes can likely withstand.

“We’re leaving. Let us go, and there will be no bloodshed.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Guillelmsah is leading the squad of fighters who have cornered Vaergraes and her sister.

“I’m warning you, Guillelmsah…”

“The time for warnings is over, Vaergraes. Your service has been commendable. Don’t let any of them escape.”

As the demons meant to capture Vaergraes start to move in, and she begins chanting spells, the air distorts with waves similar to heat waves and glowing lights. Suddenly, dozens of soldiers appear; soldiers made of iron and wielding strange staves that they hold against their shoulders, strangely angled horizontally, rather than vertically, like normal magic staves.

Unfortunately, these magical staves did not originate in this world.

With a single, coordinated mercato, the air fills with thunderous blasts, and the demons that came to capture Vaergraes fall as one, spraying blood. The sound forces Vaergraes, Thymeria, and Illianna to flinch and cover their ears. 

The golems pivot and unleash their devastating spells a second time, and any demon soldiers that remained fall quickly. As one, the golems seem to dissolve, leaving the three Uhl’tall in an eerie quiet filled with smoke and blood.

“V-Vaergraes?”

“It’s alright, Sister. I think I know who is responsible.” Vaergraes, Thymeria, and Illianna make for the wyvern stables, boarding wyverns and fleeing from the central city of the demon realm. It’s one of few such places near the temple where Vaergraes and Thymeria have lived for a long time.

She says quickly, “We ride for the Citadel! Don’t let up until we reach them. It’s the only place we’ll be safe!”

“Why were they after you?”

“I don’t know for sure! But, I’ll worry about that once you are safe, dear little Sister!”

The three Uhl’tall women ride their wyverns as quickly as they can, bound for the one place in the demon territories not controlled by a demon.

***

Daniel slouches in a more comfortable reclining chair as he sips a drink. Hekate skips in happily, finding him and grinning as she jogs over and hops onto his lap. “Daniel! Fancy meeting you here all alone! Heeheehee!”

Daniel pets her head, which earns another gleeful giggle. “Hekate. It’s almost like you were looking for me.”

“Me?... Yep. You got me. I was lonely.” She hugs Daniel from his lap. She growls, “You smell like dragon…”

“Geira laid her egg this morning.”

“Mmm… Are you Geira?”

Daniel chuckles, taking a sip of his drink. “No. I’m not Geira.”

“Rrr… When can I have children? Huh?”

“Come on, Hekate… Not today.”

“Well, when? It’s not fair!” She shifts herself around to be facing him, and she grips his chest gently. “Geira, Reina, and Ryuo all have eggs now. I don’t even know if feldroks lay eggs!” She grips him more firmly, leaning closer, “And, I know those other three want children, too.”

“I’ve been avoiding Treia because she’s experiencing a forced biological desire, not a personal desire. Do you want me to avoid you, too?”

“Nnn… No…”

“Good. Then, let’s play the Hekate game…”

“GAH! No! Why did you have to name that stupid game after me!?” Hekate crosses her arms, looking away as she pouts. “Is it a crime to love you, Daniel?”

Daniel pulls her head close and kisses her forehead, causing her to twitch and her tail to sway from side to side. “Depends on who you ask.”

Hekate hums happily, but she suddenly grimaces. “Why does your face smell like Geira!?”

“Ugh… Hekate, I helped her lay her egg. Just like the others. Nothing else happened.” 

“Mrrrr… She kissed you…”

“And, now I kissed you. Can Geira say that?”

“Heh heh heh… No….”

“Don’t rush to grow up, Hekate. You missed out on your childhood, and we’ve got all the time in the world now. Alright?”

She lays her head against his chest, hugging him. “The others don’t have to wait…”

“They already waited. They’re all grown up. You’re not. If you were, I’d have to treat you like a grownup. No more piggy back rides, no more princess carrying, and no more sitting on my lap when others are around.”

She looks up at him, surprised. “Y-... You’ll still do them for me, won’t you?”

Daniel smiles. “I don’t know. How quickly do you want to grow up?”

She stammers, deliberating on the idea.

Daniel pinches her cheek gently, and she puffs her cheeks in irritation. “By the way, I’ll run it by you since you’re here, and you’ll make accusations…”

“Who makes accusations!? I would never! Is… Is it Ryuo? You’re going to sleep with Ryuo!”

Daniel frowns at her with amusement. “May I?”

She blushes, laying her head on his chest. “I-I meant… ‘I’m listening’.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I did! I-I mean, I was! No! I am! I’m listening!” She hugs him tighter. “I’ll listen. Please tell me.”

“I’m going to escort Treia and Gwen back to Fort Peony, where we met, so they can gather their personal belongings and let our Commander know that they’re alright. You’re welcome to come with us. I plan to also travel with Ryuo and Reina.”

“Y-You might as well take the whole harem!”

“Ugh… Yes. And, who will keep them from doing unspeakable things to me while I sleep?”

As she continues to hug him, she grips his shirt at the back, murmuring, “M-Me. I won’t let anyone steal you away.”

“Mm-hmm. I’m counting on it.”

She grins, clinging to him. He holds her so he can stand up, and she refuses to let go, so he walks with her. Her grip only shifts to loop her arms over his shoulders while he walks. She murmurs with her chin on his shoulder, “This is what you’re talking about, huh?”

“About growing up?”

“Yeah…”

“It’s a factor.”

“Mmm…” Hekate ponders it for a moment, but she doesn’t let go. She murmurs, “I’ll… hold off for now… B-But! I’m still your betrothed! No one else is allowed to marry you before me!”

“Alright, Hekate. Whatever you say.”

The two of them gather Treia, Gwenesphia, Ryuogriar, and Reignleif. Xyreko will be sending golems as guards as well, stealthily of course. When it’s discovered by Aoloan and Geirahoel, the succubus simply insists that she’s joining them to travel together.

Geirahoel pulls Daniel aside as the others are getting travel kits ready using magic bags. 

“D-Daniel! I can’t believe you!”

“What is it, Geira? I got interrogated by Hekate thanks to you.” Daniel is joking, since no harm was done.

“H-How is that my fault!” The youngest of the three dragons that decided to remain with Daniel indefinitely huffs, hugging her egg close.

Daniel asks a little dryly, “What did you want, Geira?”

She pouts, looking at him. “I… I heard from Ryuo and Reina that you’re going somewhere.”

“That’s right. Fort Peony, where I met Gwenesphia and Treia.”

Geirahoel fidgets, asking sheepishly, “And Ryuo and Reina are going with you?”

With a nod, Daniel replies simply, “Yep.”

There’s an awkward pause as Geirahoel pets her egg and asks softly, “W-Were you going to invite me?”

“I figured you wouldn’t want to go.”

“W-Well! I… Don’t I at least deserve the chance to refuse?”

“You just laid your egg. I figured you’d…”

“I’ll bring her with me.” Geira hugs her egg to her cheek.

“Wait, you will? So you’re going?”

Geirahoel pouts. “Am I not allowed to go?”

“Why would you even want to? It could be dangerous.”

She narrows her eyes at him, and it really amplifies the vibrant green color of her eyes. “I didn’t know you hate me…”

“What? No. If anything, I’m worried for your safety and for your egg.”

She blushes. “W-Well, I’m a dragon. I don’t need your protection.”

Daniel sighs. “I’ll compromise. If you want to go with us, the egg stays with Xyreko so she can keep it safe with Ryuo’s and Reina’s. We’ll be flying, so we won’t even be gone a day.”

Geirahoel pouts, looking at her egg. She asks softly, “Is… that an order?”

“No. But, I don’t want any of the eggs in any danger. You might be nearly invincible, but I don’t want to find out how fragile eggs are. Alright? If you want to stay with your egg, I totally understand, and the others will, too.”

She hugs her egg to her chest, looking away from him. “I… I’ll leave my egg with Xyreko. B-But, we have to come back tonight!”

“That’s the plan.”

“A-And, it’s not because I want to go with YOU! Just so we’re clear!” She whirls, pointing at him sassily, and Daniel smirks. “Right. Of course.”

“I mean it!”

“I wonder if I could order you to express your true feelings.”

She gasps, turning bright shades of pink as she hugs her egg. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Oh, I’d dare…”

She quickly jogs away, yelling, “You humans are all the same! Savage and wicked!” She trots a few more steps away, calling back as she turns to face Daniel again, “Don’t leave without me! I’ll never forgive you!”

Daniel salutes sarcastically, and he continues towards the control area, where they’ll be leaving from.

***