HERE we are once again, FINALLY another story to pump out. I put out apologies to everyone for it being so long, four months without another addition, yuck. THEN AGAIN I will be moving soon here so I've been busy preparing for that among other things, I am SO looking forward to it, it's going to be a much needed change in my life! THIS story is taking place just a couple hours or so after the events in -->Funhouse Bloodbath Where Hiro and Zakeria head back to the Teumessian Krinn to call for reinforcements via summoning Hiro - the princess's - Inner Circle, previously known as the Royal Guard, she felt the former term and the restrictions it came with was too harsh - they are the elite of the elite, hand picked and earned the trust by the princess, not ALL the spots are filled yet however. It introduces new characters and lore and backstory that was very much inspired into my brain by the events that -sadly- happened in my journal -->Here --- Read if you feel inclined, however despite how bad things got for me as the journal states, I believe the creator of that mod was very much correct that there will be a happy ending to my painful experience, and THIS story that I just finished here, is part of that happy ending ♥ Any questions or critique leave below or send me a note!

All characters involved and present within the story are C: Me!
Alternate file variants and my other stories Right Here! If you wish for a different file format leave a comment or note me for that as well! With that, enjoy!









DarkWood Mountain Isle was on the cusp of the sunset for the day, the nightlife starting to flare up, music booming and venue lights making for a rainbow of colors across the massive island, though with the princess making more and more additions to her homeland, it was slowly becoming much less an island and more a continent. Over the years of her ruling, many refugees and those under horrific tyranny escaped to her kingdom seeking asylum, and instead found a forever home with open arms.

Each of the groups only making the kingdom stronger and more developed, all while living in secret and in peace. Two of the main groups being the dwemer clan, the last of the ‘dwarf rabbits’ in the realm. Led by twin brothers Lein Indeevaratsu - Forgemaster and Mechanist, and Leon Indeevaratsu - Artificer and Summoner, the twins being only ones the rest of the inner circle trust to handle their weapons when tempering or rebrushing or even new equipment is required...all other smiths are unworthy and lacking the knowledge to do such. Leon even handling any enchantment, spell and seal making or breaking they required.

A third being a clan of feline anthromorphs from another realm, fleeing from the tyranny of the ones typically called, high elves. Most of their kin were captured, tortured, experimented on. The leader of their clan and the only offspring of it’s previous leader being of an interesting sight, for she was a felin-kin, half anthro cat, half human. No one was sure how such a combination resulted but they never questioned it, trusting in her leadership no matter what. When Lein and Leon found a message sent through one of their gates via magic teleportation, the letter itself being a plea for help to whomever it reached. They wasted no time in constructing a pathway to its original sending point, being all too familiar with the horrors, death and destruction the elves were capable of.

A few days into their adventures on the other side they reopened the gate and returned with the remaining members of the species, the clan at its head, and at the head of the clan being the one that Lein would soon call his beloved wife.The beautiful, the dangerous felin-kin now known as Shi’nevia V’rissi Indeevaratsu. Her attraction to him started with his capability as the tank to her enchanted bow, arrows and dagger, another being his willingness to put himself DEEP into danger to be certain her people could get through the gate safely with the assistance of his brother, having little to no regard for personal safety or preservation, another large part being he and his twins almost cataclysmic hatred for the elves, whatever they had to done to the twins kin, she was certain it was just as horrifying to what happened to many of hers.

Now, aside from the occasional monster, daemon or angelic renegade to be dealt with via contracts, they all lived in harmony and peace in their home, Lein and Shi’nevia even making plans to start a family and ensure the continuation of their bloodlines. They had heard little to nothing of the elves after the carnage they wrecked on the pointy eared monsters and their homeland, but they were perfectly fine with it.

Upon returning, they expected the princess to be furious with bringing unknown outsiders to the kingdom. Instead she praised them, declaring that for their selfless acts, preservation of a species and defying danger, possibly death, all in the sake of doing the right thing. Lien, Leon and newcomer ally, Shi’nevia to be blessed with eternity via the Heart family gift, along with blessings from Zakeria. Additionally, soon after Lein and Shi’nevia’s wedding ceremony, recruiting them into the group known as The Inner Circle.

The Inner Circle, formally known as The Royal Guard, got it’s name change after that fateful night, many years ago, the night The Regulators and the kingdom of DarkWood were nearly wiped out. The princess’s mother had been killed that night among countless others, her father going MIA with no trace. Despite the many losses however, she, the remaining guard and regulator forces were able to drive back the daemons and their allies and re-seal the realm from further intrusion.

It was only afterwards that they learned of a traitor in their midst, who was quickly subdued, stripped of name, title and power then thrown into an isolation cell constructed especially FOR traitors within the lands black site known as the Tatarus. Interrogations led to the revealing that the high elves were involved, being promised access to anything and everything the island had to offer. Seemingly they were rather upset over the princess’s parents declining their offer of trade and allegiance, her parents having seen right through their corrupting viel, false promises and words that would only mean ruin and death to their people and way of life…and as of following events, they were right to do so.

The traitor himself, who would now be known only as Hazard, only a recently approved recruit into the Regulator ranks, was promised power, the crown of the kingdom and the princess’s hand in forced marriage. Evidently having joined ONLY in hopes of getting closer to the princess. Honor, creed, the sense of duty…none of these things meant a shred to him. Only the prized princess and what he saw as OWNERSHIP of the kingdom, to which the princess simply told him. “I nor my family have ever OWNED the kingdom, we ALL own it, we ALL do our part. They look to me for leadership and order, I provide it to them and they carry it out. It’s a balance, always has been.” Ending the conversation with a quote that while many laugh at it’s wording…they understand it’s meaning and wholly agree with it. “The best leaders party WITH their people, not AMONG them.”

The princess, Hirosaki Aries FireHeart, natural born leader and pride of DarkWood Mountain. While usually never dressing the part or even acting like she should, she means well and will always do what's best of all of her subjects. Though her people and her inner circle continue to plead with her so rest her weapons for good and take on the crown instead of her black stallion styled hat, saying that her place is at home, on the throne, to let them do the fighting for her. Instead she would constantly find herself in constant danger and fighting against numerous horrors.

Despite that, Zakeria, the princess’s right hand, warden to the Tartarus and goddess of love, sex, motherhood and fertility, would always be right at her side to assist. Zakeria wholly agreed with the notion that she should rest her arms and be the thing she was born to, the princess and seeking out a soul mate to call her king and start a family with. However to an extent she also understood the princess’s desire to be out fighting, the sense of defending her home and those who can’t defend themselves, not to mention her power and skill in combat was nothing to take lightly…still, she was more to the former and continues to push the subject at every possible moment. From the day they met to even now, as they head to the center of the Teumessian Krinn, having arrived from quite the horror show. Her and the princess both got a shower in and were now preparing to send out signals to summon the Inner Circle to file in..

Hiro went to stand in the middle of a massive eight pointed star with a heart symbol under her, an anvil, grimoire, motherhood knot and a meteor sat on the four corners around it with one that resembled twin snakes spiraling upward at the bottom of the star, finally one of the eight points of the star having a symbol of a bow and candle.

Zakeria taking her place at the top of the star as the princess’s right hand, her symbol being that of a shield and keys. Hiro’s spot glowed brightly as she stood on it. Fourteen points in total, only eight of them lighting up as her glow spread to them, Zakeria’s lighting up them dimming down, the circle recognizing her as present.

One by one the Anvil, Grimoire, Bow n’ Candle, Motherhood Knot, Meteor and Twin snakes shot upwards with light, sending out the call for the Inner Circle to gather. Hiro looked up at Zakeria before looking at the bottom of the star, having entered and proceeded so quickly she hadn’t noticed the new symbol, until now she had only seen it blank, like the remaining points. “Zakeria” The titanic bunny looked onward at the spot her princess was gazing upon. “Yes Commissar?”

Not even wasting time on her SO and right hand calling her that again, she got to the point. “Who’s callsign is that?” Zakeria shook her head. “I do not know, it is someone new…or perhaps someone who has simply awakened.” Hiro cocked her head and raised her brow. “Guess we’re about to find out.”

Back on DarkWood Mountain, a rather dark tower upon the mountain sat a pair of glowing wolf eyes sitting in the darkness, a dim light coming from the titanic fire wolfess known as Artania Solarix, Zakeria’s sister. She loved coming up here to be alone, to look back on anything she learned that day and relax after training. Taking a deep breath in then slowly exhaling, she also enjoyed the view it provided, though she had a love for destruction and chaos, she enjoyed the things in life that come before and after, looking over the forest and the ocean beyond.

Her attention suddenly darted towards the pendant hanging on her neck in the shape of a meteor as it began to glow brightly and pulse with energy. She smirked and got up and grabbed her blood igniters, specially made flame throwers that can connect directly to her arm, into her veins. A few drops of blood added would make flames so intense, they melt metals, flesh and bone.

She didn’t NEED them, being a fire elemental entirely, being able to get to those temperatures all around her body. However, they were requested by the princess for most missions to help cut down on collateral damage, something her and her sister were VERY good at, even following the quote ‘See the world through collateral damage.’
Her smirk would turn into a wolfish grin as she slung her igniters onto her back “About time…my ‘coals’ have burned cold too long…” Her body then began to burn hot…then hotter and HOTTER until she was a blazing blue and orange scream of fire. Jumping off the tower she took to the air like a jet engine and began flying to the mainland and the summons.

L0xx13 and the band had finally closed down for the night, resetting everything and counting out the registers. Business was going VERY well, especially with the additions to the band, she owed them big time and intended to give them huge bonuses soon. Kerrigan was checking to make sure all safes were locked and all doors were shut tight, also looking around the corners to check for anyone trying to hang back after hours, her optic making it far easier than most can even imagine, as it gleamed a bright purple scanning for other life forms. .

Rosario was finished with his tasks and practicing on his keytar, smiling at Kerrigan as she looked over at him by accident, her optic returning to normal and raising a brow at him before looking away and hiding the HINT of blush she was getting. She secretly had started growing a crush on Rosario…for a few reasons.

L0xx13 smiled as she and Skyanne finished with their tasks and made final assurances that business would be ready to roll in the morning. “Alright guys! Ready to get some dinner then head over to the BBW?!” Smiling brightly at them all, Kerrigan was about to speak up until a hologram in the shape of a Motherhood Knot appeared in front of her via her optic for a few seconds. Her normal eye going wide she grabbed her guitar, the VERY custom giant level rifle she kept behind the bar and ran out the door, the floor shaking a bit as her titanic form stormed out, shouting back at them. “Sorry you guys, go on ahead! I have something I need to handle!”


L0xx13 raised her hand. “Hold up girl! Wha…and she’s gone…the hell…” trying to follow out the door she screamed and jumped back as a MASSIVE four wheeled…tank?; blasted by her. The size made her gaze in shock alone, nevermind the fact it was a tank, at least twice as wide and EASILY three times the height of a semi truck. Its cannon rested down on it as it drifted with screeching tires out of the back parking lot and blazed down the road, what sounded like twin engines roaring louder than their music has EVER been. Only thing she could make out of it otherwise in the dim sunsetting sky was the words on the back bumper area. ‘Mama’.

L0xx13 relaxing after a moment of frozen shock, Rosario and Sky joining her outside, Rosario looking at the beast of a machine “What in the…what was that?!!” L0xx13 stammered for a few moments before holding up her hands. “Know what…I have questions, but I feel they will be answered in time, let's go.” The two shrugged and followed L0xx13 to the BBW while deciding what they would have for dinner.

At the BBW, in the upper penthouses. Lien and his beloved wife were having a lovely dinner together. Deciding they needed some time with each other, the wonderful wolf Notorious was more than happy to provide one of the VIP penthouse rooms and the best food and wine in the city. Feeling immensely romantic, Lien even fed his loving kitten her favorite fish, accepting the same from her. As they were finishing he looked at her and held her hand. “You don’t…mind that Notorious gave us this room and such for free, do you? I don’t want you to think that I wouldn’t pay for this on my own, I wish to only give you the best.” Shi’nevia laughed softly and held his hand tighter in response.

“My love, I would never fault you for ANY coin spent or not. I married you for YOU, not your riches. Your personality, your devotion to honor and what is right.” A purrl coming to her as her more sadistic side started to show. “Mm, the way you handle that giant blade and smash through elves and monsters alike as if they were feathers in the wind.”

Lien smiled at her with his bright emerald eyes, her own green and yellow cat eyes half closed and gazing at him with lust and love. Leaning in she would kiss him softly…then harder and deeper. Quickly getting the hint he leaned forward and locked tongues with her, her hands and claws beginning to dig into his back as she pulled him in tight. As if on a rude que, at that moment, when they were getting ready for the peak of the night. Leon burst in the door. “HEY!!” The sudden noise and shout caused Lien to raise his hand and summon his sword from the either while Shi’nevia grabbed her dagger.

As they see it’s him they lower their stances, Shi putting away her massive dagger. “Bloody fuckin…the hell Leon?! We were having a night, you know that!” Lien takes a second to realize that Leon was in his combat garbs. “N’ why are you ready to bring the heat?!” Leon eyerolled and looked at both of them, an annoyed sibling and angry cat girl softly growling at him. “You can have another night tomorrow, and do you not have your runes on you?!”

Lien looked at the pendant that he had attached to his sword handle as a trinket, it was glowing, he stared in shock as he knew what that meant, he just didn’t expect it. Shi looked at the hilt of her dagger, where she had placed hers as she always had the blade on her. They looked at each other then back at Leon and began to scramble. Leon quickly headed out the door and to the roof. “Yeah EXACTLY! Get your asses moving!”

Taking the express elevator to their home and workshops underground, Shi’nevia went to her armor and bow mount, grabbing her enchanted bow, arrows, armor and rings. Lien barged into his materforge, his armor glowing bright green as it recognized it’s owner. A wide grin came across his face. “It’s been too long…” soon having his heavy dark armor on, the green glow bright and illuminating the area around him, he sheathed his sword and walked out to meet with Shi.

Nodding to him that she was ready, he placed loved glasses on and led the way to the hidden entrance to the underground. Near the entrance Lien put his finger to an invisible door and pulled it open. Clapping his hands and whistling into the dark room, which looked like a housing area for a beast. “Come on now! Time to go!” Soon bright eyes and heavy steam machinery were heard and with a roar, a massive panther-like dwemer mechanical beast jumped through the door and out and purrled at its master and mistress’s touch. Both of them mounted up, Shi wrapping her arms around Lien’s waist. With an audible signal the panther took off with them aboard, Lien guiding the huge but loving metal cat, running out the tunnel and around to the front of the BBW, sprinting RIGHT in front of L0xx13, Rosario and Sky. Lien looked back at them quickly. “Sorry friends!” L0xx13 now more annoyed with her tone now as she recognized them…maybe? “...WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!!”

Back on the roof, the sky was dark with the midnight sky. Leon looked around as he shut the door, making sure it was secure then held his hands out a second before making motions with them, hands glowing with magical energy. Another two seconds and he shot it into the air, the magic orbs exploding and from the cloud a small wind dragon came down next to him, happy to see the magic inclined lapin. Twisting the tip of its tail around the bunny and nuzzling into him before laying out straight again. Leon quickly climbed on and pointed in the direction they needed to go, with a happy roar the dragon took off, L0xx13 looked up to the sky hearing the dragon and shook her head just as they were heading inside. “I am… too fucking sober for this…”

Moments later at the naval base the Teumessian Krinn was docked and was more or less relaxed for the night, just a normal day. The entrance guards were talking with one another about random subjects to pass the time. One of them started another subject before his attention was caught on the road leading towards the base. “What…in the hell is going on?” Seeing the dragon in the sky with a fireball joining up next to it, the tank and the charging metal panther. Raising their weapons, they were prepared to fire until they got called on their radios. “STAND DOWN! Let them through!”

The guards looked at each other before shrugging and turning the keys to open the gates, knowing better at this point than to ask TOO many questions. As all incoming parties passed them they closed the gate again, one of the guards adjusting their helmet, head ringing a bit from the loudness of the metal cat and massive tank. Looking at his partner on duty he put his key away. “So…it’s our weekend, tacos and tequila?” Without even looking back at his partner the other guard scoffed. “Yes…PLEASE.”

Hiro was polishing her blade while Zakeria did some stretches to pass the time. Both of them look at the crew running in, Lien, Shi and Kerrigan running to their respective spots. From above Leon dropped from the dragon, getting a nuzzle from the beast before it returned to its realm. Artania landed with a harsh fiery thud onto her symbol. Hiro waiting a moment before speaking “Well…you prolly already guessed this, but this isn’t a cute test of the ‘paging system’”

Looking at the spot where the twin snakes still gleamed brightly, still wondering what that could be she proceeded anyway. “Let’s start with the callsigns, need to make sure you haven’t forgotten who your comrades are, I’ll start.” Looking around the room she called out her own. “The Commander.” Followed by Zakeria. “The Warden'' Then Artania “Cataclysm” Kerrigan was next. “Mama”

Lien was up. “Darkforge” looking at his wife, Shi’nevia was next. “Hopefang” Then Leon. “Daebreaker” Nodding slowly, happy and even a bit impressed by their upfront diligence and obedience, however it didn’t come as a surprise either, there’s a reason they earned their spots within the Inner Circle. About to speak once more, she is quickly and abruptly cut off from a voice on the right side of the room, a sensual and sultry voice coming forth, causing all parties to ready attacks on the intruder. “Nightmother” A figure of shadow, smoke and ethereal bats coming out from behind storage crates, the bats and shadow smoke quickly dissipating to reveal a tall, thicc, curvy and frankly, endowed bunny with wings.

The princess had her Chimera’s up and on target, her thumbs ready to fan their hammers. “N’ just who in the blood spray soaked sanitarium hell are you?!” The blue and white furred winged bunny let off a teasing coo. “Such hostility, is this REALLY the way to treat a lady?” The bunny smirked, showing off her sharp fangs and adjusted her glasses to look at Hiro with her blood eyes.

Hiro focused on her for another moment before something clicked in her mind. “It can’t be…” Glazing at her sides, around the room to the others. “At ease…she’s got an attitude, but she’s an ally.” The bunny girl was taken back by the princess knowing about her. Sheathing her hammer on her back, Zakeria called to Hiro. “Who is she…” Hiro holstered her Chimera’s. “Astrid Natasa, first time I’ve actually seen her, I’ve only read about her and seen sketches from eons ago.”

Watching as Astrid strutted over to her spot on the inner circle, Hiro continuing the introduction. “Was told that she had died long before I was even born, heir to a vampire clan that may or may not exist anymore, she is the only child of the vampire lord over it.” Astrid turned to the princess as she stood on her symbol and winked with a blown kiss to the princess. “Well, CLEARLY I am still here, I will search for my clan in due time, for now I focus my attention on you and of course…anything you desire.” The vampire bun’s eyes looking over Hiro’s figure with….hunger, making Zakeria glare at her.

Hiro raised a brow at the response. “So it would seem, I’ve been told that you were, or rather ARE quite the nightmare on the battlefield as much as you are a silent horror, good at espionage and spycraft, and a rather gifted alchemist.” Astrid’s expression would turn to a flirty but relaxed one, clearly her attraction to the princess was coming fast.

“Yes, my father and mother taught me well, gave me skills, and had me training day and night for the future. The artificers and daemon hunters of the time taught me everything they had to share about the creatures trying to invade our realm, and if I’m awake…finally, then the time has come for me to take my rightful place back in the circle. Bout time to be honest, they may have placed my mind in a state of dark paradise for the entirety of my slumber, but it gets so…so lonely and boring when you remember it’s all fake.”

Her gaze locked on Hiro the entire time, taking in the tall exotic glass of ‘yes’ that the princess was, she would certainly try and woo her to sate those hungers….but later. Hiro shook her head a bit and began to speak again. “RIGHT…let me get to the question you all are prolly asking, why have you been summoned. Two hours ago, myself and Zakeria went into and stopped a group of monsters from taking and sending off civilians, they were confirmed to be Dr. Kross’s abominations.”
The entire room was focused on her, silent and at attention. “However one of those creatures was summoned via sacrifice from a new unknown cult.” Turning around she pressed some buttons on her omi tool and pushed some photos on the ceiling, the roof opening closing to act as a projecting screen. The room lights dimmed to get a better view, seeing the massive tentacled beast, everyone present had a mix of shocked horror and growling expressions, clearly wanting to fight whatever it was, Leon taking out a book and began taking notes.

“These are known by a number of names, rift reapers, realm renders, defiers of endlife, WE in Darkwood called them The Forgotten One’s. This is just one of many forms they can take on, unpredictable, each fight is never the same against them. Whatever powers they have are gained randomly upon creation.” Everyone looked upon the creature with earnest curiosity, having never seen one before themselves. Leon was quickly making sketches and taking notes, though he knew the princess would hand over any information she could obtain on them, it was still a good habit to have in his opinion.

Lien looked down at Hiro with a slightly puzzled expression. “...and? We’ve fought things like this before, they will fall before us like so many have, don’t you worry!” The others slowly nodded and gave gestures of agreement, except Zakeria, Leon and Astrid. Leon being the one to speak for all three. “This…I have no records of creatures of this stature or description, HOWEVER I do recall hearing of the name they were given. Princess, if I may, although Lein DOES bring up a good point that we have fought creatures of SIMILAR description more or less. I am…to assume these particular daemons are special somehow?”

Hiro was staring at the floor as the horror, the nightmare, the trauma of that fateful night where it nearly all ended came flooding into her mind. Zakeria leaving her spot to rest a hand on the princess’s shoulder, Hiro looked up to her shield and nodded slowly. “These daemons nearly ended this realm many years ago…THESE daemons are the ones who killed my mother and put my father into MIA status.”

Everyone's heart sank for a split second, while none of them were present on the island at the time, they all knew the tale of what happened, just never the exact entities that caused it. Leon, being slightly confused, inquired further. “But princess, there are boundaries keeping those like them back from entering the realm freely no? Seals and natural shields, how did they manage to get onto the island much less the realm? Not to mention seals on THEIR side that were placed…HOW many eons ago?”

Hiro was quick to reply to his questions. “They had assistance, on our side we had a traitor in our midst. He was promised many things including power, my hand in forced marriage and what he called ‘ownership’ of the kingdom.” To the mention of this, Zakeria and Artantia snarled, Artania giving off a flare of heat in anger. Lien folded his arms as he looked from Hiro to the photos above. “What is this traitor's name, where is he? Do I need to claim someone's head in your honor?”

Holding a hand up to stop further questions. “We stripped him of his title, power and even his name…he does not deserve to use the name he had when he was recruited into the regulators. We know where he is, no headhunting will be necessary. He is in an isolation cell specifically built for him within the Tartarus, the only ones allowed access are me and Zakeria.” Lien then gave a look of slight grimace. “ALIVE? WHY? Traitors do not deserve such mercy!” Hiro looked directly at Lein, normally one should be annoyed at such a tone taken from their underling…but she understood his point.

“We believe he may have valuable information on these daemons that could help fight them, along with the other party involved that also assisted in getting them through, he has until now refused to speak, HOWEVER, with my re-acquaintance with a certain wolf and with the return of Astrid, his silence may now be of no consequence.”

Leon paused with his writing, his eyes having been focused on such, looking up without moving his head. “Third party…who, mayhaps was this third party, do we know?” Hiro was hesitant to tell everyone, knowing the reaction she would get out of Shi’nevia, her husband and Leon, but after a sigh and a moment of silence. Shi’nevia and Kerrigan looked on in concern, almost simultaneously calling to Hiro. “Princess?”

Giving a heavier sigh and folding her arms Hiro looked at the three she knew would have the harshest reaction. “The Altermari Dominion…the high elves.” Instantly, all three that she was looking at seemed to have a bolt snap in their brains as their expressions went to rage, anger and a WANT to fight. Astrid eye rolling and growling. “Course it’s the fucking elves…”

While Hiro let Lein, Leon and Shi have their moment of hate fueled fighting urge loom, she continued. “LONG before I was even conceived, my parents were approached by the leaders of the high elves. Being offered allegiance, trade…my parents were smart enough to see through the veil of lies and deceit. Declining their offer, clearly, the elves did not take that too kindly. Afterwards learning they would have access to anything in the kingdom that would further their gains, power, military…whatever they wished.”

Hiro looked back at the photos above. “These daemons are different because they don’t eat, they don’t sleep, they don’t stop. Killing one is a task in itself, with tactics having to change every time between them, now imagine having to fight multiple at once. If they gain enough mass by consuming, they make another on the spot or mutate into something stronger. Were you to fight one…kill it and kill it FAST, don’t give it a chance to mutate, multiply OR learn.”

Regaining control of their anger for the moment, the three who have the most hatred for the elves for what they have done, now only gained another reason to bring the pointy eared monsters their well earned doom. Hiro looked back on the poor woman she was too late to save, instead a sacrifice that made her the host to this monster. Collecting herself she looked up to address her circle again. “UNDERSTOOD?!”

They all hold their hands in a fist to their chests and bow. “Yes, your highness!” Hiro looked at Leon. “Leon, get with Astrid and start sharing notes, go through your grimoires, artifacts, anything and everything you two can think of. THIS daemon was brought here via sacrifice with no need to break the seals, I want to know HOW!” Leon nodded quickly. “Yes your highness” Astrid murrled and grinned at Leon. “Time alone with the summoner hottie brainstorming?; Done.”

Looking at Lein and Shi. “You two and Leon know more about the elves than anyone, brainstorm and go through Leon’s library, search for elven magic traces around the theme park and the sacrificial chamber, find anything you can that might hint if they are part of this again, and Lein, be sure to keep that forge searing hot and get the Dark Messiah’s hammer tempered the moment you can, while I’d rather NOT have him get involved if we don’t have too…you and I both know he will if he has too.” They both nodded. “Gladly.” Lien gave a soft grin at the thought of working his forge full time again.

Looking to Artania and Zakeria. “You two, security detail and long range scanner and secure com stations, I wanna be able to talk to Shroud, see if she has anything on all this without outside ears getting anything, also send out a notice to everyone about this Dr. Kross and that his involvement has now put a BIG ass target on himself. Get this base into proper formation, while they may not be regulator material, I know these boys and girls will be willing and eager to defend their home if they need to. Tell them what they need to KNOW…but nothing more.”

They both nodded once and stood to attention as Hiro turned her attention to the final member of the current circle. “Kerrigan, while your task may not seem as serious as the others. I assure you it IS of the utmost importance.” The titanic wolfess looked down at the princess with an assuring gaze. “I would never question your orders, your highness, if you deem it important, it is so.”

Hiro smiled in return. “Good, your band has become one of the most popular in the city, the two venues you play for also being so. Set up taps everywhere, with the diverse crowds you attract they are the perfect locations to find any loose lips. I have a VERY strong feeling that there are far more cult members out there, let's see if we can nail any packs of them early, also just as I told Artania and Zakeria, tell your bandmates what they need to know if necessary but no more.”

Saluting the princess in a form of ‘old habits die hard’, Hiro humored her and saluted back before looking around the room once more at her circle. “You all have earned the right to be within this circle, now it's time for you to continue holding that position, I’m counting on all of you…now GO!!”

All of them gave one final bow before they quickly began filing out, Zakeria stopping to ask the princess one final question before following out her orders. “What will you do, your highness?.” Hiro turned off her omni tool and reopened the roof before beginning to walk towards the exit herself, outside her mototank fired up and sat waiting for her. “I am going to speak to the Dark Messiah, his daughter and their cult followers. Even if they don’t know anything they might be able to learn something down the road, besides, he will want to know about this regardless.”

Nodding once Zakeria jogged to catch up to Artania, all members left to carry out their orders. A lot of work indeed needed to be done and a lot of questions needed to be answered. Hopefully it would all come quickly, preferably before The Forgotten Ones have another chance to cause the next apocalypse.