Fic: Endless Waltz [3a/7] (The Who, M7:ATF Crossover fic, PG-13)
Title: Endless Waltz [3a/7]
Series: Second Chances
Author: Sparrow
Fandom: Magnificent Seven: ATF, The Who
Characters: JD Dunne, Keith Moon, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle
Rating: PG-13, there is torture in this part later on, descriptions of people getting their limbs broken and fake death.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Who or M7: ATF
Spoilers: To have any type of understanding of this ‘verse, there are previous stories to read. Sequel to Better or Worse.
Summary: The Who finally left the Faery Realm to find themselves in whole new trouble.
Author Note: I just wanted to say thank you majorly to jennytork aka Enola Jones for the handholding, the cheerleading and letting me bounce ideas off of her. She has been a wonderful help and a wonderful friend as I wrote this fic. She was major help with a certain scene, she knows which scene. :) Major thanks to bookaddict43 for the awesome beta and for not murdering me for my constant poking of ‘is it done yet?’ lol
“Two thousand rotations ago, the land was covered in darkness. The Orb of Light was obstructed during the day and its sister during the night wept blood. It was here a brave warrior priestess named Kyrie Elesion went on a quest. A quest to stop the darkness sweeping across the land of Fina. She was joined with friends. I’m sad to say that their names have been lost, just as they were lost, but we remember that they were there and helped her. The darkness, ancient and evil, its name had been erased so that it could be forgotten.”
The huddle of children listening to the story, their eyes widen with fright scooted closer to each other.
“Kyrie traveled to the Hollow Mountains to do battle with The Darkness’s general, Uandara. The fight lasted for four days and four nights. Both near death, Kyrie with what little strength she had left delivered the death blow to Uandara. Weak from the battle, Kyrie Elesion made her way to the stronghold where The Darkness laid in wait. No one knows what exactly happened, except that The Darkness was defeated. A blood-red jewel appeared in the Holy Order that Kyrie Elesion belonged to. It was named the Heart of Kyrie Elesion and it brought peace to the land.”
“Oooh Paeter, must you tell that tale! You’re frightening the children.” Chided a woman with striking features, blonde hair, and blue eyes. Clothed in a dress of blue, her stark white and grey wings stood out.
Paeter closed the book and smiled at the woman. “It’s good for them to know the history of their land, Tesitta.” A man with black wings, dark longish hair, ice-blue eyes, adorned with a kilt of red and black and a short sleeved black leather vest on his upper body.
“We’re Avians Paeter, not Land Dwellers!” Tesitta sniffed.
The children with smaller wings laughed and squealed with delight as Paeter chased them around to ignore the Avian woman.
Tesitta sniffed once again at the childishness of her nest brother and left the room.
One of the Avian children clung to Paeter’s leg. “Why do you have black wings Paeter?”
Paeter chuckled and lifted the small one up. “I am of the warrior class little chick. Thus I have different colour wings. When you, all of you reach your maturity, your baby feathers shall fall out and new ones will grow in. What colour they grow out will determine what class you are made for.”
A few looked horrified at the prospect of losing their feathers. “I don’t want to lose my feathers!!” One cried.
“Don’t worry little one.” Paeter stooped down and set down the one he was holding to hug the other one. “You won’t lose them all at once. It’ll be a few at a time.”
“Ahem!”
Paeter spun around to see one of his Nest Brothers, Kalaen. “You’ve been summoned by the council Paeter.”
Sighing, Paeter let go of the small Avian and stood up. The children cried at losing their storyteller.
“Don’t worry little ones, I’ll be back shortly. Until then, Kalaen can tell you stories.” Paeter grinned in the direction of Kalaen.
Kalaen’s eyes widened and then narrowed. ‘Justice will be swift.’ Was mouthed at the dark winged Avian.
Chuckling, Paeter clasped his hand on his Nest Brother’s shoulder. “Good luck little one, you’ll need it.”
Kalaen pouted. “You’re only taller than me by one hand length.”
“And don’t you forget it.”
Heading towards the window, Paeter stooped in the archway. Flinging his body forward, he fell a few feet before snapping his wings open. Lazily gliding on the wind currents, he made his way to the Council Chamber.
This was his home, a small Rook, nestled in the hollowed out trees of Silverhollow. This land was given to them by the King of Fina a long time ago for their aid in a mighty battle.
Pulling up, Paeter stopped in the archway of another hollowed out tree.
Paeter stepped forward inside the council chamber. Dropping down to one knee, head low, hand across chest and wings raised. “Hail the Council of Silverhollow.”
“Hail and well met Paeter, from the Nest of Townshend.”
“What is it that my council wishes of this humble warrior?”
“Rise Paeter, for this discussion is of the utmost importance.”
Rising to his feet, the dark-winged warrior stood at a ready stance.
“We have received word from the King of Fina. He once again calls on our aid, specifically your aid.”
Confusion shone on his face. “Why?” He blurted out.
One of the older Avian women chuckled. “Because of your ancestor, chick. Let us explain the mission and it shall become clear.”
This time an older Avian man spoke. “Let me be blunt Paeter, The Heart of Kyrie Elesion was stolen thirty days past. The King wants us to conduct a search and has chosen you. For you see, due to recent documents surfacing in the palace, it has been discovered your ancestor was one of the original travelers with Kyrie Elesion.”
*THUMP*
“Well, he took it better than I thought.”
“He fainted.”
“Exactly. Better than running about like your cousin Chicken with his head lobbed off.”
A moan from the floor bit off anymore retorts from the Council as Paeter rubbed his head and sat up. “I’m sorry sir, I must’ve hallucinated. I thought you said The Heart of Kyrie Elesion was stolen and it’s my mission to retrieve it because one of my ancestors was a traveler with Kyrie Elesion.”
“Every word is true, Paeter.”
Paeter sighed and gave a ‘why me’ look to the ceiling. “What does the jewel look like?”
“Heart-shaped and blood red. Already due to the stone being stolen, darkness has started to creep back into the land. Crops are dying, illness is spreading and there is word that a mage has begun plotting to take over Fina.”
“Paeter.” The older Avian woman from before spoke once again. “You have been given permission to use the Sword of Fuu.”
Ice-blue eyes widened and then he bowed low. “I thank you for the honor.”
The Sword of Fuu was a blade of a copper colour, the form itself suggested a bird's wing. The guard is arc-shaped. Its pommel shaped like a sphere studded with garnets and jade pieces. It was only used in dire times; the last time it was spoken of being used was when the land was plunged into darkness.
“I shall leave at once Council.” Paeter stood up from his bow and turned to make his way to the arch.
“Paeter.”
“Yes Council woman?” Paeter caught a small bottle that was flung at his head.
“When you reach the ground, drink this. It shall help you blend in with the Land Dwellers.”
“What does it do?”
Here the council woman looked uncomfortable. “It shall give you the ability to retract your wings at will.”
Paeter looked horrified at this thought. The thought of not having his wings on his back. Of not feeling the wind beneath his feathers. Closing his eyes and swallowing, he nodded. “I shall use it Council Woman. Though I fear I do not like the idea of losing my wings even if they will only retract and then come back when I will it.”
“No Avian likes the idea Paeter.”
Nodding once again, Paeter prepared to leave.
“Paeter, one more thing.”
Confusion shone in ice-blue eyes. ‘What else could be important?’ He soon had his answer as a bundle wrapped in cloth was passed towards him.
Peeking inside, Paeter stifled a gasp as he took in The Sword of Fuu.
Bringing his hand over his chest, he saluted and headed for the archway.
~~~
Paeter packed quickly, bag full of food and drink, clothes and what little Land Dweller money they had. Strapping the sword to his side, Paeter made sure to keep the illusion charm over it.
“Where are you going Paeter?” Blast it. Kalaen and Tesitta found him.
“A mission.” There, he answered. If he didn’t leave now, he wouldn’t see the ground in what little light was left to land on. Night landings weren’t his strong point.
“What kind of mission?” came from Kalaen.
“The kind that I have to leave for right away.”
“When will you be back?” Tesitta asked.
“I shall return when I am able to,” Paeter stated firmly. “Now, I must go.” Kissing the two on the forehead, he flung himself out the wide archway before any protests could be lodged.
“Goodbye Nest Brother.” “Safe journey.” Both whispered as they watched him fall farther and farther to the ground.
Snapping his wings open, Paeter jerked upwards once and then settled into a smoother flight path. Gliding downwards, he landed softly on the grass, near the base of the trees
Bringing up his courage, he popped the cork on the bottle. Gulping it all down, he gagged slightly at the taste.
“Oooh, that tastes like one of Tesitta’s concoctions.” Making a few more faces at the taste, Paeter barely had any time to gasp as the pain hit.
More pain than he had felt in his short Avian life erupted through his entire body. A silent scream twisted on his mouth as his wings twisted, deformed and grew smaller. With a small pop, they finished twisting into his back.
Paeter fell to the ground, huddled in agony.
It was a few minutes later when he felt strong enough to pull himself up. Using the tree as leverage, he inched himself up the bark. Taking a few deep breaths, Paeter hunching a little bit, took a step forward and landed flat on his face.
“Balance is off, due to a lack of wings.” He mumbled around a mouthful of dirt.
Pulling himself into an upright position, he stood up slowly on shaky legs. Taking baby steps, Paeter’s confidence grew. A few more steps and he felt comfortable enough to walk more.
It took a couple of days, but Paeter made it out of the forest of Silverhollow. Breathing deep, he took in the salt in the air from the sea. He was near the coast, he concluded. It was another couple of hours of walking that Paeter decided to stop for a rest.
Drinking his water and eating some of his bread, he grew distracted as he took in his new surroundings.
While the property of Silverhollow ended a ways back, the trees did not end. They kept going it seemed like forever. To the right of him was the coast on which the sea salt sailed in the air and tickled his nose. Shore of Unnamed Branches was what it was called.
Gathering up his items he continued his walk, but then paused when sounds reached his ears.
Settling into a light jog, he followed the sounds, cursing his innate curiosity. Settling at the edge of the trees, he could make out the rocky cliffs ahead of him and a small group of men surrounding another shorter man.
“Good sirs, I had no idea she was your sister! I merely told her that I was leaving for the next town and she wished to give me a goodbye kiss!” the shorter man argued.
“LIAR!!! You took advantage of her good nature!! I shall defend her honor! Draw your sword!” The leader of the group proclaimed as he drew a large broadsword.
“Sir, I am merely a humble wandering minstrel, I have no need of weapons. I only wish to bring songs to the good folk.” He held up his instrument as proof.
“You can sing about your death as you die!” The leader thrust his weapon forward, when it met steel.
Blinking in confusion, the leader took in this new man. Very tall, thin, good clothes with longer dark hair and ice-blue eyes.
“He is unarmed and yet you try and kill him. What kind of honor do you spout when you try and kill the defenseless!” Paeter spat.
“Exactly!!” came from the shorter man behind Paeter.
“This does not concern you boy! Run along so I can teach this whelp a lesson!”
“No. I have involved myself, so I shall be your opponent,” Paeter said, but then felt a tugging on his vest.
“Might not be a good idea kind sir, he is the best swordsman in the village I just came from.”
“Then it shall be an interesting match,” Paeter exclaimed ferally.
Pushing the shorter man to the ground, Paeter ducked as the Leader’s sword thrust overhead. Bringing a leg forward, he took out the man’s legs. He fell backwards in a cloud of dirt.
“What are you *coughcough* waiting for!! Get him!!” The Leader coughed out.
Bringing two hands to grasp the handle of his sword, Paeter crouched into a ready position as the others in the group prepared to attack. Thug number one was quickly disposed of as Paeter swung the handle of the sword into the man’s jaw, knocking him unconscious. Thug number two and number three were even more easy, as Paeter tossed Thug number two to the side, dodged number three and then ducked when they both thrust their swords hoping to hit Paeter’s flesh, they met each other’s instead. All that was left was the Leader on the ground.
“Do you still wish to duel or leave with your life intact?” Ice-blue eyes narrowed at the figure crawling backwards away from him.
The Leader took in his downed group quickly, turned and fled the scene.
Paeter then turned to the man he had saved. “Are you all right?”
“I’m better than all right, that was bloody brilliant! All that ducking and weaving about, you didn’t even get your sword dirty!” the shorter man exclaimed.
“Weren’t you speaking with a more honeyed tone earlier?”
“Well yeah, but that’s for when I’m performing mate! The ladies like it.” A wink and a grin was shot at Paeter. “I’m Daltrey by the way! Wandering minstrel extraordinaire!”
Paeter took the hand that was thrust in his direction and shook it a few times. “Paeter.”
“Well Paeter me boy! Let me repay your kind act of goodness with a song!” Daltrey exclaimed happily.
“No thank you. While it would be lovely, I am in search of the next town for some information,” Paeter said as he stepped over the bodies and headed back into the forest.
Daltrey quickly followed. “What kind of information, I bet I can help.”
Paeter didn’t know why, but he felt he could trust this man, this Daltrey. Sizing him up, he took him in. Leather brown pants, a cream coloured tunic with an oversized black vest, a guitar was strapped to his back. His hair was curled, a honeyed blond and hung long to his shoulders and his eyes were very blue.
Ice-blue eyes met blue eyes. “I am searching for information about the theft of The Heart of Kyrie Elesion. The King of Fina has charged me with the quest of retrieving it.”
The wind seemed to deflate from Daltrey. “Oh.”
“Yes, oh. Can you help me with my quest Daltrey?” Paeter asked of the shorter man.
Daltrey licked his lips. “There’s this spider-creature named Jonathan. He runs a very high-end kind of business. He’s the being you go to for the important information. He has eyes and ears everywhere.”
“Then I shall go to him,” Paeter stated simply.
“Right, of course. He’s about a fortnight away from here. But it is our best bet. You didn’t think you were leaving me behind did you? This is the best kind of song right here!” Daltrey exclaimed. “All that action, questing. Plus, you saved me life, I owe you.”
“Very well, you may join me. But I fear I do not know why I trust you so.”
Daltrey frowned slightly. “You know, it’s odd, but I don’t think I’ve ever trusted someone as much as I trust you right now either. Guess we’re both bit with a little conundrum here.”
Paeter smiled slightly and headed off into the trees with Daltrey beside him, chatting away.
It was two days into their journey that Paeter decided to share with Daltrey what he was. Late into the night, their campfire crackling against the night, Paeter spoke.
“Daltrey?”
“Hmm, yes Paeter?” Daltrey asked as he tuned his guitar.
“I have something I wish to share with you, but I am uncertain on how you will act.”
Daltrey set his guitar aside and drew closer to his friend. “Nothing you can say or share with me will make me uncertain in anyway.”
Taking a deep breath, Paeter drew upon the trigger to let loose his wings. With a mighty whoosh they extended from his back and then slightly folded them against his body.
Blue eyes widened with surprise. “Well, this does explain a few things.”
“You don’t fear me?”
Daltrey stepped forward to examine one of the wings. “No. I too have my own gifts Paeter.”
A confused look was sent at the minstrel.
“My voice, it’s amplified. I can scream so loud that it can shatter stone, yet it can be so soft that it can put animals and men to sleep.” Daltrey stared at the Avian. “Do you fear me?”
Dark hair flew as Paeter shook his head no.
“You said earlier this explains a few things,” Paeter said as he gestured towards his wings.
“Well, honestly, your balance is horrible. I now at least know why you keep tripping every once in a while. Not quite used to the whole walking on land without the extra weight on your back,” Daltrey quipped.
Paeter glared at him and whacked him lightly with a wing.
“Oi, watch it Birdman!”
“Watch who you’re calling Birdman short person!” Paeter retorted back.
Daltrey sniffed and turned away. “Mean featherbrain.”
Paeter couldn’t help it; he laughed and laughed and laughed. Daltrey soon joined in at the ridiculousness of it all.
“Oh I needed that laugh, thank you Daltrey, thank you,” Paeter exclaimed as he wiped away tears of mirth.
“Anytime Paeter, anytime.”
~~~
Fourteen day cycles of hard journeying passed them by and they finally reached the next town, Actarur.
“Welcome to Actarur Paeter me boy! This modest, extremely crowded city is built predominantly of rock and defended by local militia. It is well known for its exceptionally pure water. Most of its revenue comes from pottery.” Daltrey exclaimed, flinging his arms to the side. “We’ll head for Birch’s Crossing. It’s a local pub slash inn. We can get some food and lodging for the night. And if I’m lucky, work for me, at least tonight.”
Following his friend Paeter blinked around bewildered. So used to the trees of his land, he now felt closed-in around the rock walls. Leading them through a series of tunnels, they approached a large doorway in the rock. Going in, Daltrey and Paeter found themselves at Birch’s Crossing.
Thick wooden beams stood proud and tall, supporting the structure of the hollowed out cavern. Comfortable thick rugs were spread around, sturdy oak chairs and tables completed the atmosphere. Candles were burning dimly on the tables. A section of the cavern seemed to be set aside for the rooms and a stage was near the bar.
Walking up to, Paeter assumed was the innkeeper, Daltrey started an animated chat. He leaned against one of the pillars, one eye opened for trouble and the other kept on the minstrel. Frustration was on Daltrey’s face as he made his way back over.
“Well, got good news and bad news. Bad news is, I can’t play here tonight, pair of lady fox twins are scheduled to perform. The good news is, I got us a room!”
“I am sorry that you are unable to perform Daltrey, the people here do not know what they are missing out on.” Paeter laid a hand of comfort on the shorter man.
“Thanks Paeter.”
~~~
They caught a few hours of sleep and headed down later in the evening for some food. Settling in at their table, they slowly ate their food. When it was all done, they had ale and water in front of them.
“Ladies and Gentlemen!” The innkeeper addressed the people at the tables. “I am proud to present at Birch’s Crossing, Kitsune!”
The innkeeper quickly left the stage and the lights dimmed. Suddenly there was a woman on stage, but only an outline. Music quickly filled the cavern, a haunting beautiful melody. Light poured suddenly on the outline from a ball of fire hovering over top.
Black hair hung low to the back, soulful hazel eyes gazed out and she was draped in silk. A pale blue dress, cut low, showing tantalizing bits of flesh. Jewelery adorned her ears, fingers, ankles and wrists. Fox ears were perked up, hips swayed from side to side to the music. The tail seemed to dance. She opened her mouth.
“Win dain a lotica
En val tu ri
Si lo ta
Fin dein a loluca
En dragu a sei lain
Vi fa-ru les shutai am
En riga-lint”
She suddenly turned to the side and her twin was beside her and their voices chorused in harmony.
“Win chent a lotica
En val turi
Silota
Fin dein a loluca
Si katigura neuver
Floreria for chesti
Si entina”
They swayed from side to side, tails dancing as they seduced the audience slowly.
“Lalala... Fontina Blu Cent
De cravi esca letisimo
Lalala... De quantian
La finde reve”
The music swelled around everyone as the fox twins danced, swayed and twirled with the music.
“Win dain a lotica
En vai tu ri
Si lo ta
Fin dein a loluca
En dragu a sei lain
Vi fa-ru les shutai am
En riga-lint”
Slowly the music died off and the twins ended in the position they began in, with only one showing to the audience. The lights dimmed once more.
Applause thundered in the cavern as they asked for more from the singers.
“That was bloody brilliant!” came from Daltrey as he clapped enthusiastically. “Never heard anything like that.”
Paeter was smiling as he clapped. “I have, it’s a folk tale song from my people.”
Daltrey turned eager blue eyes towards his companion. “Well, what does it mean?”
“In the darkness/The dragon/wakes./The dragon awakens/To a heart/that is numbed with cold/the dragon takes.” Paeter quietly sang the first verse. “With you at/my side the/dragon sleeps/On dragon/wing your/wishes will/leap./” Came the second. “Lalala... your wishes can/bring forth a destructive future/lalala... or you can/bring salvation.” The third chorus and then finally the fourth. “In the darkness/The dragon/wakes./The dragon awakens/To a heart/that is numbed with cold/the dragon takes.”
Daltrey lapped it up eagerly. “Well, isn’t that just cheery.”
Paeter grinned. “It’s based on a story that hasn’t happened yet, but apparently will. A Goddess of Wings will appear and help a dragon. With that dragon, the fate of Fina will be decided.”
“You are...”
“…very knowledgeable.” Came two voices from behind Paeter and Daltrey. They turned and saw the fox twins.
Paeter and Daltrey stood up suddenly.
“Ladies!” Daltrey bowed low. “As a musician myself, your music was of the highest quality I have heard in the longest time.” He paused to kiss their hands.
They blushed slightly, hands disengaging from Daltrey’s hand and raised them to their chins as they coyly blinked at the minstrel. “You flatter us…” “…kind sir.”
Paeter and Daltrey held out the two extra chairs at their table and the twins sat down. “Thank…” “…you.”
“You are welcome.” Paeter nodded and sat down.
Daltrey quickly excused himself, ordered a round of drinks at the bar and brought them back to the table. The fox twins thanked him and they sipped at their drinks.
“What brings such singers to our table?” Daltrey asked honeyed tone back in place.
“We heard the avian…” “…sing the folk song we just sung…” “…we were intrigued at why…” “…one was amongst the land dwellers.” They switched back and forth as they spoke.
Paeter stiffened slightly, but relaxed. “What makes you think I am an avian?”
The twins giggled slightly. “Very well…” “…we shall ask no more.” They rose and saluted the two with their drinks.
Paeter and Daltrey watched them leave their table. The twins themselves sashayed around the cavern, talking to the other various people and folk.
Daltrey grinned as he watched the move about. “Whoo, aren’t they something?”
“They knew what I am Daltrey. We should be careful of them.” Paeter watched them with narrowed eyes as he sipped at his drink.
“You’re such a bore Paeter, live a little!”
“They could be agents of the darkness that is spreading around the land. We must be vigilant!”
Daltrey huffed, but nodded his acceptance of the situation.
It was late in the evening when one of the servers came around to collect their cups.
“All done for the night, good sirs?” She asked.
Daltrey smiled. “I do believe we are good miss. My bed is calling me to lay my head down and sleep beckons.”
She giggled and smiled at the singer, while Paeter rolled his eyes. “I’d be careful sirs. There is word about of thieves. I’d keep an eye on your possessions.”
“Thank you kind miss, we shall be extra vigilant.” Daltrey kissed the girl’s hand and winked at her with a grin and future promise.
Paeter at this moment wished he had his wings out to knock some sense into the minstrel’s head.
~~~
Paeter awoke to sounds in his room. Opening his eyes to narrow slits, he took in Daltrey snoring away and two other figures ransacking his bag.
“He must have something of value! An Avian wouldn’t come to the ground unless it was for a good reason.” One whispered harshly in the dark.
“Quiet, you’ll wake him!” The other whispered back.
It was the twins, he thought furiously. Just as Paeter was about to let them know they succeeded and ask them questions a loud explosion rocked their room. Dust and small bits of rock fell to the ground.
“Whuzzat?!” Daltrey jolted awake, a thin line of drool hanging from his lip. Eyes blinked rapidly in the darkness.
Blobs of darkness emerged from their shadows and formed something human shape. The blobs quickly fled from the forms, looking like thick ink. What was left was only something from folk tales and nightmares.
It was the walking dead. Corpses of what was once men and women, flesh rotted away. Tattered cloth barely concealed what dignity they had left. Two surged forward, mouths parted in snarls as they grabbed the twins and slammed them against the wall.
“Daltrey, take the other two, I have them!” Paeter commanded as jumped forward, sword having been at his side was now drawn.
Taking in the situation, Daltrey let loose a loud scream, slamming the other two walking dead against the wall.
Swinging his sword, Paeter cut flesh and bone and beheaded the two that held the twins against the wall. Hands let go of the throats of the fox twins as two sets of bodies fell to the ground.
Paeter offered them a hand.
Eyeing it warily they took it. “Thank you…” “…kind sir.” “We do not…” “…deserve it.”
Paeter quickly brought his sword to their necks, “No, you do not. Tell me what you were looking for and I may spare your lives.”
The two looked at one another, seeming as if they were communicating before coming to a decision. “We wanted to…” “…know what an Avian…” “…was doing on the ground.” “An Avian wouldn’t be…” “…here unless it was for…” “…some great importance.”
“Paeter…” came Daltrey’s voice.
Keeping his sword on their throats, Paeter answered, “Yes Daltrey?”
“I think we need to get going mate. The dead are all over this place and eating people. We need to get going now.”
“Then we shall help the people out, they do not deserve this fate.”
Daltrey came into Paeter’s view. “I am saying, they’re already lost. The walking dead are already eating everyone. If we do not leave now, we won’t be able to complete the mission.”
Angry ice-blue eyes turned towards Daltrey.
“I don’t like it anymore than you Paeter, but we have to go.”
Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Paeter withdrew his sword from the fox twins. “You’re lives have been spared, leave now if you wish to keep them.”
The twins rubbed their throats. “You have saved us…” “…something we can’t ignore.” “…we shall now save your lives.”
Confused look’s appeared on Daltrey’s and Paeter’s faces as the twins twisted the rings on their fingers. They grabbed the two by their arms.
Swirls of light surrounded the four. With a pop, they disappeared from the room, just as more of the walking dead burst in. They combed the walls, looking for any trace of their prey. Giving howls of fury, they smashed the room up.
The sounds of boots walking on the floor sounded out. Whining sounds escaped from their throats as they parted for a woman dressed in a purple cloak, walked into the room.
“Interesting, a teleportation device. Such old magic.” Came a female voice. “I shall find them again.”
The woman left the room and walked past the various carnage going around.
~~~
In a section of forest, light started to form five feet above the air. It soon emerged into four figures. Yelps of surprise escaped from their lips as they fell to the ground swiftly. The twins landed on Daltrey and Paeter who gave slight groans at the sudden impact from the hard dirt and the females.
The twins rolled off quickly and glared at one another. “You twisted the ring to much!!! We landed off!!”
The dark eyed twin pushed the hazel eyed one. “We were just about to get eaten by the shambling dead!! Don’t yell at me, I saved our lives!!”
They continued to argue as Paeter and Daltrey looked on in amazement. For the two females were now speaking with male voices and seemed to lose the speaking one after the other trick.
Paeter got up and quickly strode forward. Twisting both of their earrings to the right, their forms flickered. Still in dresses, with fox ears and fox tails, they now appeared more male. The hair was shorter, only to their chins. Adam apples now more pronounced and Paeter could make the outlines out of a bodysuit that had padding.
Daltrey’s eyes went huge and then gagged slightly.
“Ooo, I think the minstrel there is about throw up,” One twin commented.
“Why the deception?” Paeter asked as he gestured up and down at them.
“Why not? Females are able to get around a bit more easily than males,” The other twin said. “Just an illusion earring to hide what make-up and padding can’t and hey, instant woman.”
“And the talking one after another bit?”
“Makes us a bit more mysterious mate,” The dark-eyed one said.
The hazel one grinned. “Since you saved us and we saved you, our debt has been paid.”
“I wasn’t aware we were keeping count,” Daltrey said, still a tinge of green.
“It’s nature of the world mate. Well, thanks for the fun, but we’ll be off.” They went to twist their earrings again and found they were gone. Eyes went huge and turned towards the smirking Avian as he held them up.
“Now, now, you don’t have to go anywhere just yet. We have need of information and you’re the only ones who know where we landed.”
The twins looked at one another and laughed. “Outsmarted by a bird, oh what would mother think.”
The twins bowed low towards Paeter. “How can we serve you, oh master?”
“First off, what are your names and where are we?” Paeter asked.
The hazel eyed one looked up. “My name is Dunne and this,” here he pointed at the darker-eyed twin, “is Moon.”
“As to where we are Birdman, we’re about a days travel from Atlycon.” Moon stated.
Daltrey tugged on Paeter’s sleeve and whispered in his ear, “That’s where Jonathan lives. We’re close!”
Dunne’s ears perked up. “Jonathan? We know Jonathan, good friends we are with him.”
Paeter eyed him. “Get us an audience with him and both of you may have your trinkets back.”
Moon and Dunne turned their backs on them as they furiously whispered at one another, only pausing to glance over their shoulders and then continue their discussion.
They finally turned around and Moon opened up his mouth. “Very well, we shall get you an audience with Jonathan, but first, do you have some male clothes with you? Ours are back in Birch’s Crossing.” Dunne and Moon weakly grinned.
After lending the two some clothes from their packs they managed to grab before the jump, the four headed out to Atlycon.
~~~
End Part 3a.
Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3b