Inside the fortress, unease clung to Wallace like a second skin. “This place isn’t safe, particularly for Fiona,” he whispered, his eyes darting around the shadowed hallways.
Kelvin, who had been quietly observing their surroundings, turned to him with a frown. "Fiona is in greater danger than us?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Wallace nodded slowly, his expression grave. "Yes, the predators here have a specific interest in breeding, and Fiona might be a prime target due to her gender. It's crucial we protect her."
Fiona, overhearing the conversation, drew closer to the group, her expression one of resolute awareness. She understood the risks and the need for vigilance.
"What are we dealing with exactly?" Kelvin whispered, as they all maintained a cautious pace through the fortress.
Wallace exhaled deeply, piecing together the vague impressions his clairvoyance provided. "They are cunning creatures, shrouded in darkness, driven by a desire to assert control through breeding. Their interest often targets those they perceive as vulnerable."
Mica, who had been listening intently, nodded in understanding, his face set in determination. "We’ll keep Fiona safe," he declared. "No one gets isolated. We face whatever comes together."
Wallace spoke up again, his voice carrying a surprising note of confidence. "My clairvoyance suggests that these predators are not as dangerous as they appear. They rely on fear more than actual force. If we remain united and show no fear, they will likely keep their distance."
The group nodded in agreement, their resolve strengthened by Wallace's insight. As they ventured deeper into the fortress, the oppressive atmosphere seemed to thicken around them, shadows lurking in every corner.
As the shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, its malevolent gaze locked onto Fiona. Instantly, the group sprang into a defensive formation. Kelvin’s muscles tensed, ready to leap into action, while Mat, positioned himself protectively in front of Fiona, his instincts as a guardian overtaking him.
Wallace, feeling the familiar grip of fear, was buoyed by the courage that surged from having his companions at his side. He wasn't alone in this fight.
The creature lunged, claws bared and teeth gnashing in the dim light. Kelvin and Mat responded with precision and agility. Mat’s quick reflexes were vital, dodging and weaving, creating openings for Kelvin to strike. The beast, confounded by their coordinated attack, soon found itself overpowered and fled back into the darkness.
Catching their breath, the group relaxed slightly, the immediate threat gone but their vigilance remaining high. Wallace nodded in approval, his earlier assurances validated. “See? I told you they wouldn’t do much harm, but remember, there are more. We must keep our guard up.”
Mica, who had watched Mat's protective actions, clapped him on the back. "You've got quick moves, Mat," he said with a rough chuckle. "Good to have you guarding Fiona."
Fiona, her cheeks flushed from the adrenaline and the proximity to Mat, found herself looking at him with new eyes. Despite the danger, there was an undeniable connection forming, one neither of them fully understood yet. "Thank you, Mat," she said softly, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and something more, a hint of affection that was still budding.
Mat, slightly embarrassed but pleased, nodded. "Of course, Fiona. We look out for each other here. That's how we survive."
Kelvin smiled at Fiona's resolve, but he was acutely aware that they needed a solid plan moving forward. "Let's regroup and discuss our next steps," he suggested, surveying the dimly lit corridor. "We can't afford to be caught off guard again."
Wallace's expression turned into a frown. “Didn’t I warn you all well enough?” he asked, a hint of frustration in his voice.
Kelvin shook his head gently, recognizing the strain behind Wallace's words. "You did warn us, Wallace, and we took heed. But now we need to ensure we're thoroughly prepared and united in our approach to whatever dangers lie ahead."
Mica chimed in supportively, "Together, we'll make sure to keep everyone safe. That’s the commitment we all share."
Fiona nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and emerging resolve. "We’re in this together, and I’ll do whatever I can to contribute to our success."
Wallace nodded in appreciation of the support. "When I asked my god for powers, I hoped to become strong and invincible. Yet, here I am, still feeling weak and vulnerable."
Kelvin placed a hand gently on Wallace's shoulder, looking into his eyes with deep compassion. "Strength isn't always about physical power, Wallace," he said softly. "It's about the courage to confront your fears and the resilience to keep standing when faced with darkness. You may not see it, but your bravery inspires us all."
Mica agreed warmly. "And you're not facing this alone, Wallace. We're with you, every step of the way."
Kit paused for a moment, a question forming. "Wallace, you brought us to Ketill, but we didn't consult Edwin for help. Why was that?"
Wallace met Kit’s gaze, a somber expression crossing his features. "I went to Ketill to bury Markus, but I didn't stay long to mourn," he explained, his voice carrying a note of regret. "It felt necessary to keep moving, to not burden others with my grief, especially Edwin, who has enough of his own battles to fight."
Kit nodded slowly, understanding the painful pragmatism behind Wallace's decision. "I see. It must have been difficult to leave so quickly. It’s important we maintain our strength and focus, and finding sanctuary in Ketill allows us that without imposing on Edwin’s duties."
Wallace nodded, acknowledging Kit's point. "Ketill is intended to be a sanctuary, and while I've not been part of this team long, I understand the importance of vigilance. The truth is, my visions have not yet proven their worth, and I didn’t want to draw Edwin's focus from his vital duties protecting our home."
Mica, always protective of the group dynamic, chimed in with a supportive tone. "Wallace may be new among us, but he's here because he believes he can help. We should give him a chance to prove his worth."
Kelvin looked thoughtfully at Wallace. "Our home world, where prey and predator live in harmony, is very different from where you come from, Wallace. I can't imagine the hardships of a place where predators dominate and prey are in constant peril. This planet, though less developed, doesn't seem to be much better with its treatment of prey as slaves."
Kit, still focused on immediate needs, added, "I get that Wallace’s clairvoyance is still untested, but practical concerns like securing food and water are critical. Perhaps we could have balanced caution with a request for aid."
Wallace felt the skepticism from the group mixed with an opportunity to prove himself. "I acknowledge that my past experiences and the untested nature of my visions might make it hard to fully trust my guidance yet," he said earnestly. "This planet is harsh, and though it's nowhere as brutal as where I grew up, its dangers are real. I'll do my best to ensure my abilities bring value, and we'll work together to meet our practical needs."
Kit paused, a thought crossing his mind. “Edwin was a slave here long ago, and I’ve seen prey walking freely; it seems predators here don’t often pursue escaped prey.”
Kelvin frowned, weighing Kit's observation against their needs. "While that might be true, we can’t depend solely on the unpredictability of this place for our safety," he said. "We must be self-reliant and adapt quickly to our surroundings."
Mica nodded, his eyes alert as he surveyed the dimly lit corridor. "We’ll find what we need here, but let’s proceed with caution. There could be other threats besides the predators."
Fiona turned to Wallace, her expression laden with concern. "Are you holding up okay, Wallace?" she asked gently. "All of this must be quite overwhelming for you."
Wallace exhaled, comforted by his team’s concern. "I’ll manage," he assured them. "Right now, our priority is to focus on the mission and support each other."
Kit glanced around the stark environment. “Wallace, are there any sources of food or plants in this area?”
Wallace nodded, his gaze sweeping across the barren landscape. "Yes, Kit. Despite its bleak appearance, this fortress harbors hidden pockets of life. We just need to uncover them."
Kit’s frown deepened. “I’m not comfortable with the idea of killing wild animals; it feels wrong.”
Wallace placed a reassuring hand on Kit’s shoulder. "I understand your concerns," he said soothingly. "We’ll prioritize finding non-animal food sources. There might be edible plants or fruits in less visible areas of this fortress."
After a moment, Kit nodded reluctantly. “I’m sorry; it’s just tough for me. But you’re right, the mission is critical, and we can’t afford to be overly selective.”
Kelvin sighed, understanding the dilemma. "We don't need to be overly cautious, but we should respect the sanctity of life wherever we can. Perhaps there are other options that don't involve harming any creatures."
"I agree," Mica added. "We should respect the planet's resources and try to find a balance between survival and compassion."
Fiona nodded in agreement. "I'll help look for plant life and fruits while Kelvin and Mica search for any other potential food sources. Maybe we can find a way to coexist with the creatures here without causing them harm."
Wallace looked at them with gratitude. "Thank you all for understanding. It's good to see that we're not only focused on our mission but also on the well-being of the creatures we share this planet with." “On my planet if you weren’t a predator, your life was worthless, my ‘friends’ proved that to me.”
Kelvin nodded thoughtfully. "It's a harsh reality you've lived, Wallace. But here, you're not just prey; you're a valued member of this team. We're not bound by the laws of your world—we make our own. And here, every life, whether it's a plant, a creature, or any one of us, holds value."
Mica chimed in, "Together, we can navigate this world and find a balance between survival and respect for all life. That's our strength, Wallace."
Wallace felt a surge of hope as he looked around at his friends. "Thank you all," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I didn't realize how much I needed this until now."
Fiona reached out and gently patted Wallace's arm. "We're in this together, Wallace. We've got your back, no matter what."
Mat looked at Fiona “I didn’t know this group was so supportive.”
Kit nodded, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "It's true," he agreed. "We all have our unique strengths and weaknesses, but together, we make a powerful team. And we've got Wallace's back, too."
Mica smiled, his eyes filled with warmth as he looked at Wallace. "That's the beauty of friendship, Wallace. We lift each other up and support each other when we need it the most. That's what makes us strong."
Wallace managed a weak smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Thank you all, truly. I don't know what I would've done without you. We're all in this together, and I won't hesitate to support you guys as well."
Kelvin placed his hand on Wallace's shoulder, the gesture firm and reassuring. "That's the spirit, Wallace. And let's not forget—we're here to do more than just survive. We're on a mission to save our home, and we can't afford to let anything stand in our way. Let's move forward with courage and determination."
Suddenly Wallace started to get a vision. He looked at Fiona. “Your first time, will be with a prey.” He said.
Fiona's eyes widened, her voice shaky as she responded. "What do you mean, Wallace?"
Wallace glanced around nervously, lowering his voice. "I just had a vision," he murmured. "It involves you and Mat. It's something significant."
A blush crept over Fiona's cheeks as she dared a glance at Mat, her heart racing with a tumult of emotions—surprise, confusion, and an unexpected curiosity.
Mat, equally stunned, looked at Fiona, then back at Wallace. "Is this really true?" he whispered, the weight of the revelation hanging between them.
Wallace nodded solemnly. "It's just a vision, and visions are not directives. They're insights that might unfold, depending on choices and circumstances. It’s something potentially meaningful between you two, but how you approach it is entirely up to you both."
Fiona bit her lip, her thoughts a whirlwind. She searched Mat’s eyes, looking for some hint of his thoughts, but found only a calm, measured gaze.
Mat turned back to Wallace, his voice low and cautious. "What does this vision mean, Wallace? Is it something that we need to be cautious about?"
Wallace shook his head. “No, it’s just how time can fix things and change viewpoints. You are a rabbit born into slavery in this world, Fiona is a ferret who used to murder rabbits, she killed a hundred of them in a single night but she’s going to feel a rabbit’s seed tonight.”
Mica looked at Wallace, concern etched on his face. "Wallace, we appreciate your visions, but we can't let them rule our lives. We need to make our own decisions and not be swayed by prophecies."
Kit nodded, his eyes fixated on the dimly lit corridor. "Besides, Fiona and Mat are adults. They can decide for themselves what they want to do, and we should respect their privacy."
Fiona took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. Despite the discomfort of the situation, she felt a strange sense of freedom, as if she and Mat could finally take control of their own destiny.
She turned to Mat, her eyes filled with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "What do you think, Mat? Do you want to... to be together?"
Mat looked into Fiona's eyes, his heart hammering in his chest. He knew this moment could change everything. But he'd been attracted to her since he'd met her, and the idea of being with her was too tempting to resist.
Mat's voice was soft, barely more than a whisper, as he expressed his fear. "I think... I think I do," he said. "But I'm rather scared, because Wallace mentioned you had harmed many rabbits, and you didn’t argue with him.”
Fiona's cheeks warmed with a blush, a mix of embarrassment and nervousness coloring her features. She had never openly discussed her past before, especially not with someone she had grown to care about. But she recognized the need for honesty.
"Mat, there’s something important I need to tell you," she began, her voice low and earnest. "In my past, I... I did something terrible. I was angry and bitter, and at a party, I found out that the ferret I liked was interested in a male rabbit. In my rage, I hurt many, many rabbits. It’s a part of my past that I deeply regret and am not proud of."
She paused, gathering her courage to continue. "But that person isn't who I am anymore. I've learned a great deal from my mistakes and have worked hard to make amends. Now, all I want is to live a life where I can be helpful, not harmful. I know I can't change the past, but I am committed to building a better future."
As Fiona shared her past, Mat’s initial shock softened into understanding. He knew that everyone had their share of regrets, himself included. What truly mattered was how they addressed those mistakes and whether they were committed to change.
Reaching out, he gently caressed Fiona's face, his touch tender. His eyes, warm and empathetic, met hers. "Fiona, I believe you," he whispered reassuringly. "Your past is yours alone, and it doesn't define who you are now. In front of me, I see a kind, caring, and strong woman who is willing to confront her past and learn from it."
As Fiona and Mat shared their tender moment, the others looked on, their own burdens lightened by the scene of reconciliation and hope.
Kit, whose feelings had been conflicted, nodded thoughtfully. "This whole situation with time and dragons has been bizarre. I'll admit, I once thought Fiona's death would have been better, and Kelvin sparing her initially seemed to have thrown the world into chaos," he confessed. "But seeing what’s unfolded today, I’m hopeful. Maybe we’re actually on the path to a better future."
Demi, standing beside Kit, offered a reassuring smile and nodded. "What’s done is done," he said, his voice filled with acceptance. "I’m happy as long as you’re my husband."
Kit turned to Demi, his expression softening with affection. “And you’re the best partner I could have ever hoped for,” he responded, his voice carrying a tone of deep gratitude and love.
Kelvin looked around at his companions, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and determination. "We've come so far and overcome so much. This is just the beginning—our home is counting on us to save it," he encouraged.
Wallace nodded firmly, his gaze filled with resolve. "We have each other, and that's our greatest strength. Let’s move forward together and show the world what we’re made of."
Fiona glanced at Mat, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. "Thank you for believing in me, and for giving me a second chance," she murmured, overwhelmed by the support and the second chance she had been given.
Mat smiled, his eyes filled with love. "I'm just happy to be by your side, Fiona. We're in this together.”
Kelvin looked at Mica. “I know our life together isn’t easy, what with me saving you from Fiona, and this long journey to fix time and save everyone. Do you want to be my husband when we get home?”
Mica hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching Kelvin's. He knew that their life together would be far from easy, but he also knew that they were meant to be together.
"Yes," he said softly, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'll be your husband, Kelvin. We'll face whatever challenges come our way, hand in hand."
Kelvin smiled, his heart swelling with love. "Thank you, Mica. I know it won't be easy, but I wouldn't want to face it with anyone else."
As they continued on their journey, the group knew that there was still much to be done. But for now, they basked in the warmth of their newfound love and hope, ready to face whatever the future might bring.