AN: Yep. Another update guys. I've wanted to get to this part of the story ever since I started writing it. It's a bit of a long chapter, but worth it. Now, enough from me; Let me entertain you.

Again, I've put this through Grammarly, so I apologise for any spelling or grammar throughout the story.


First Chapter: Act I
Next Chapter: Act XV
Previous Chapter: Act XIII


***

SYNOPSIS:
Jason Sankowski did not expect to live an exciting life. Not even in a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for food by the giants that roam the lands. Yet, upon arriving in a new city, to begin a new life, he is suddenly removed from his comfortable surroundings and thrust into a fight for survival.

***

“The Odyssey”
By MrNelg

Act: XIV

Glitch was humming a merry little tune as she happily sowed. She made Jason a little hooded cloak for him to wear, considering he didn't have any clothes left. She was creating pockets on either side of the cape so that Jason could store his surrexerunt petals. She hadn't noticed at first, but when the euphoria of having found Jason again wore off, she'd been horrified to realize he had nothing to wear.

Jason hadn't given it much thought because he'd had other pressing matters to worry about at the time. Then, when they'd been making the journey to Port Beag Mara, because of Tac's hood - combined with his fur, he had been comfortable. After the euphoria of their reunion had died down, Glitch realized that Jason was naked. Worried that he would catch a cold in this weather, she had insisted on making him some clothing to wear.

They had bought some cloth from that neovision merchant back at the inn. Then things almost went awry. Glitch had been so adamant about Jason staying away from Tac that they had forgotten that Tac's hood held Jason's surrexerunt petals. She smelt him almost right away. She started blinking, and her nose started twitching as she leaned into Glitch. Tac quickly hurried them on inside when she started demanding answers as to why she smelt so strange.

Within the room's safety, everyone was able to relax, though Glitch was still wary of Tac. Jason was able to calm her, but she found it difficult to drop her guard against him.

{The last time I trusted you, I woke up on a ship all by myself,} Glitch countered.

{I didn't just dump you on the streets,} Tac replied. {I sent you home.}

{You kidnapped Jay-sun!}

{Please, stop!} Jason interrupted. {Glitch, I understand why you hate Tac, but in the time I've spent with him, I've forgiven him for what he did.} Glitch's ears sagged. {And Tac, apologize to Glitch.} Sighing heavily, he complied. Glitch still gave him a suspicious look but didn't bother pressing the issue.

Thankfully, Jason's nakedness changed the subject. While the window was closed, it did nothing to keep out the chill. Out in the open, away from the protection of Glitch's hood and fur, Jason was aware of just how cold it was. This reminded Glitch why they had bought that cloth from the neovision merchant from out the front.

Now she was putting the finishing touches on her work. Once done, she held it out to Jason, eager to see him try it on. She was a little too enthusiastic, as she put it on Jason herself, giggling like she was a child dressing a doll. It was big, but Jason didn't mind, as it was blessedly warm when it wrapped around his whole body. With the leftover scraps, she made him a pair of pants and some boots. The pants were baggy, and the shoes did fit; once, he wrapped string around the sides, making his feet bear a slight resemblance to mammalians and their footwear of wrapping cloth around their feet and shins.

{You look adorable,} Glitch cried, viewing him from every angle she could. {It's not too hot, or tight, or cumbersome?} Jason waved her concerns away.

{You've done a fantastic job, Glitch,} he assured her. She squealed with joy as she clapped her hands.

{Oh, Jay-sun, I can't begin to tell you how much of a relief it is to know you're safe.}

{I never had any ill intentions for him,} Tac cried.

{And, when did you plan on telling me this?} Glitch demanded. {You kidnapped him and left me in the dark, without so much as an apology.}

{Hey Glitch,} Jason interrupted, trying to calm the situation down, {How did you find me?} Tac's ears twitched as he was curious himself.

{Do you remember how I told you that mammalians always look out for their own?} Jason nodded. {Well, the caravan was highly suspicious of the whole affair from the very beginning. Why was a lone Oryctolagus girl travelling with a Sciuridae? I was well dressed, had coin, no parents and Tac was just dumping me into their hands. He told them that I had been travelling with him to find them, but an accident left me injured while crossing the Grass Sea. He paid for my passage back to the Middle Continent.}

Jason looked to Tac, who nodded in confirmation. {After he left, one of the Oryctolagus followed him to see where he was going and what he would do. He boarded a ship bound for the High Continent that would land in Baile an Chósta; that was all. So, all they could do was care for me and wait to hear my side of the story.} Her expression grew dark. {When I awoke on the boat, and neither of you was present, I pitched a fit. Naturally, the Oryctolagus was more than willing to inform me of what happened and where Tac had gone.}

Jason caught a glance of an expression that momentarily passed across Tac's features. It looked like a man who'd been down a particular road, more times than he'd cared to. {Once I reached the first port, I hunted around for another ship, one that would take me to Baile an Chósta.} Her mouth twisted unpleasantly. {While I didn't have to wait long, it was like water torture. What had Tac done with you? He could've sold you to predators for all I knew.}

{I could've just abandoned you,} Tac responded indignantly. {Instead, I saw to your well being.}

{You kidnapped Jay-sun! That doesn't excuse a * thing!}

{What happened next?} Jason quickly interrupted, trying to avoid any further arguments.

{It took weeks to get on a ship and finally get to the High Continent.} She paused. {When I did arrive, I found one-fourth of the city damaged and the docks alive with talk of Sapiens who attacked in a flying machine.} She cast a furtive glance at Jason before continuing. {I found the harbour master and asked if he knew anything about Tac.} She was silent for ten seconds before turning to look at the healer. {No sooner had I mentioned your name than I found myself surrounded by twenty pairs of notched arrows. Not long after that, I found myself hauled before the Prime Alpha.} She shivered a little at the memory.

{They didn't do anything to you?} Jason asked, worry in his voice. Glitch shook her head.

{No, but I was scared beyond belief. Everyone was hostile, the Prime Alpha in particular. He interrogated me, demanding to know my connection with Tac and why I was looking for him. I was so scared, I couldn't tell a lie, so I confessed everything; the whole truth. My service to the Cervidae guild. You, and our travels to get you home.} She swallowed the nervous lump in her throat. {The atmosphere in the room grew intense when I mentioned that I was looking for you, Jay-sun. Once I finished my story, the Prime Alpha demanded that I leave his territory at once.}

{The same thing happened to us,} Jason added.

{They told me where you'd both gone. From the impression I got, I believe that the Prime Alpha wanted everything connected with you as far away from his territory as possible.} There was an awkward moment of silence, as no one seemed willing to bring up what had transpired in the Lupus city.

{But, if that's the case, how did you beat us here?} Jason asked, changing the subject.

{Oh, that was easy. There was a boat travelling here. When I arrived, you two had been gone for just over a week.} Jason laughed. There had been that boat travelling to Port Beag Mara, but it wasn't scheduled to leave for at least two weeks. It would've gotten them to the port faster, but the new Prime Alpha hadn't been willing to wait and packed them off as quickly as he could. Now everything fell into place.

{And you took that boat here?} Glitch nodded with a smile. It then quickly faded as she looked at Jason, or rather the clothes she'd made for him. {Only now, I'm broke. The journey from the Middle Continent to here and my stay has drained me of all my coin.} She cast her glance down at something below the table. Most likely, her coin pouch. {And you have nothing left which we can trade.}

{We'll think of something,} Jason said, {In the meantime, I'm sure Tac will be more than happy to apologize to you, buy paying for our passage back to the Middle Continent.}

{Me?} he cried. He cut off his reply as he comprehended something else. {Does that mean you're leaving?} There was a long moment of silence.

{Why should you care?} Glitch demanded. {You don't own him.}

{Glitch, please,} Jason soothed her fury. {Tac, let's be honest, you did kidnap me-}

{But you promised!}

{Tac, listen!} Jason snapped. {You have the skill to help mammalian children.}

{Not without you!}

{If you can't save them, then you can't,} Jason interrupted. {There's nothing you can do. You can't save the entire world. No one can.}

{Then… what am I supposed to do?} Tac asked. {I can't go through that pain again.}

{I've taught you all the knowledge I know. So, save those you can with that, } Jason answered. He steeled himself, then said, {you need to accept you can't win every battle.} Tac squirmed at the metaphor. {You saw what happened to Hark. I'm sorry to have to say this, but that will be you if you can't accept defeat.}

{I-I-} Tac stammered.

{Tac, listen,} Jason said. {We Sapiens have learnt that failure is a part of life. It's how you deal with it that makes you stronger. If you weren't able to save a child, figure out why. If it's impossible to save them, learn from what it was that took them. Uncover signs so that you will be able to identify symptoms and remedies for future cases. Don't concentrate on the present, think about the future; And those you can save, from the work you do.} He paused. {This is how we Sapiens survived, despite all the odds thrown against us.}

Tac was silent. {I don't know if I can be strong enough.}

{You are,} Jason assured him. {If you agreed to go home to your mate, after all this time and face her, I believe you can face anything. Just remember not to look at failure as the end of the world, but rather a lesson learned.}

Tac was silent before turning away, tears filling his eyes. For a time, Jason was sure he'd pushed the mammalian too far. Then, the healer wiped away his tears, turned back and bowed deeply towards Jason. {Thank-you, Jay-sun,} he said. {You have healed me in more ways than you can imagine. I don't know if I can ever repay you for what you've done for me.}

{If you want to make me happy, go home to your wife, and if she doesn't want you back, go looking for new love. The point I've laboriously been trying to hammer into your skull is that failure doesn't mean the end. There's always a path forward; so find it, and take it!}

+++

Tac's boat back to his home village was the first to leave. Glitch had booked passage for Jason and herself back to the Middle Continent, but it would be another week before their transport was scheduled to leave. Jason sat inside Glitch's hood as they said their good-byes to Tac on the dock. Despite spending at least four days with him, Glitch was still suspicious of Tac.

Tac said his final good-bye to them both before boarding the ship. For Jason's sake, Glitch stayed on the dock, watching as the boat pulled out of port and finally disappeared around the coast. The journey would be long, as Tac didn't want to take any routes to land himself in Lupus territory.

{He's a good man,} Jason said to Glitch as they headed back to the inn. {It's a shame you never got to know him as I did.}

{All he gave me were months of stress,} Glitch muttered. {It'll take a while before I'm going to be able to muster any pleasant thoughts about him.} They had booked their passage across the Emerald Sea to the Middle Continent, and Tac had been kind enough to give them some additional coins. However, they weren't much.

Travelling back to the inn, Jason saw the lupus camp just outside the town as they crested a hill. Many merchants and shop owners ventured out to them, risking the rain to peddle their wares. When they were back in their room, Glitch counted out what they had left. {How long do we have the room booked for?}

{We have to be out by tomorrow,} Glitch answered, returning her remaining coins to her pouch. She paused to grace Jason with another pitying look. {And we have nothing more to trade.} Jason smiled.

{Oh, yes we do,} he said and removed his wristwatch. At first, Glitch didn't see it before leaning in close and taking a sniff.

{What is that?} she asked. {I can barely see it.}

{It's called a "watch"} Jason explained. {I believe we can get a decent amount of coin for this because it's sapien technology.} Glitch's eyes widened as she nodded in agreement.

{Yes. While sapien artifacts do fetch a high price, technology - especially if it works, can be even higher.} She paused. {It does work?} Jason gave it to her. It looked minuscule, clutched between her two-finger claws. Following his instructions, she held it up to her right ear and listened. She squealed with delight, {It makes sounds!} she cried. {How does it do that?}

Jason attempted to try explaining gears and batteries but gave up when Glitch's expression turned from confusion to unreadable. He settled on telling her that its function was to keep track of time. That proved easier than Jason initially thought, as he was able to translate seconds, minutes and hours. The long and short hand moving in time fascinated her. Her eyes followed the large hand as it moved around. She jumped with excitement every time a minute ticked.

Jason just shook his head and smiled. {If you are fascinated by a watch, you'll love the "movies."} She turned and tilted her head. {Never mind,} Jason fallstalled any further delay. {We should find a buyer for my watch.}

Glitch smiled back. {Not to worry, Jay-sun,} she said, thumping her chest. {I've learnt my mistakes from the last time. And we won't have to worry about any thieving suricatta's out here.} Glitch had a new travelling sack she put all her clothes in, and Jason now resided in that like her old one.

There was a trading shop down by the docks. It was pretty large, and there were many mammalian's within, buying, trading and selling. Mostly scrofa and Lutrinae; no lupus. The scrofa who owned it had his entire extended family working. His wife, brother and his wife. Both parents and their kids; Though the kids mostly handled cleaning and fetching things. Jason couldn't help but wonder if this was the right move, as while the shop was big, it didn't hold many items. Would they be able to afford his watch?

{Well, well, well,} the owner said, peering down at Glitch. {People said there was an Oryctolagus in town. This is the first time I've ever seen one of your kind. What can I do for you today?}

{That all depends,} Glitch said, pulling out Jason's watch. {I have no doubt you know what this is.} Pulling it out, the scrofa stared at it. While the scrofa patrons didn't react, the Lutrinae guests all turned towards it in unison. The shop owner noticed this and inhaled when he saw the way everyone's noses were twitching.

*! He cried. ****! ****? From within the sack, Jason could hear the muted murmurings. The scrofa started talking again, but Glitch had to remind him to speak trade. {Sorry,} he mumbled, {It's just that this is the first time I've ever seen a rùisgte beag artifact before.} He chuckled. {Talk about them has been all over the dock. Did you hear what happened in Baile an Chósta? They fell from the sky and destroyed half the city.}

Jason grumbled silently. It wasn't half the damn city, and they didn't start it.

{* scary if you ask me,} a Lutrinae responded.

{Everything scares the Lutrinae,} a scrofa chimed in. {I'm pretty sure rattus's scare you.}

{And nothing scares the scrofa? Then why don't you allow the Lupus inside your towns?} The scrofa cracked his knuckles while the Lutrinae unsheathed his claws and glared a challenge.

{Stop right there!} All heads turned towards the shop owner, now sporting the biggest meat cleaver Jason had ever seen. {If you want to argue, fine. If you're going to fight, take it outside.} The Lutrinae snarled something unpleasant and left; his friends not far behind. The shop owner then pointed at the scrofa who'd started the whole thing. {Get out.} The mammalian looked offended but left the shop.

Looking up at Glitch, Jason could tell she was nervous. Her previous bravado had left her. {Maybe I should go too,} Glitch said.

{Nonsense,} the scrofa said, his cheer returning. {A few amadan are not your fault.} He leaned back in towards Glitch's hand, where Jason's watch lay. {Now, what have we here?}

{Oh, this is more than just a sapien artifact,} Glitch said. {It's sapien technology.} All eyes were now on her. {Sapiens use this machine to keep track of time; here listen.} She held it up to the scrofa's ear. His eyes widened, and he started exclaiming in his language. Everyone suddenly crowded around, wanting to know what the shop owner heard, while others - the predators, tried to catch more of Jason's scent; Glitch smiled. {Shall we discuss a price?}

The shop owner turned to look at her before shouting out loud for everyone to leave. When the shop was empty, he indicated his whole shop with the wave of a hand. {As you can see, business here has been slow.} Jason looked around at the lack of items. {I can't offer you much, but you, my dear, I will make an exception.} He rose and beckoned her to follow. The rest of the family stood aside to allow them to pass. {When times are tough, we can't afford to be careless. I don't like anyone to know where I keep my gold; that's why I asked everyone to leave.}

{I wouldn't follow him if I were you.}

Glitch turned, allowing Jason to see who had just spoken. To his surprise, it was that neovision merchant from the inn. The entire scrofa family glared with hostility towards the new arrival.

{I told you never to come back!} the shop owner snarled. {Get out before-!}

{You call the sheriff?} She leaned forward and grinned. {By all means; call him. I'm sure he'd love to know what's going on back there.} She pointed to the room the shop owner had been about to escort Glitch through.

{I have no idea what you're talking about.}

Glitch, on the other hand, was bouncing her stunned gaze back and forth between the two of them. {What's going on?} she asked, nervousness in her voice.

The neovision turned to Glitch. {He's lying about suffering hard times, I mean.} She thumbed towards the door. {You saw all the mammalians in here before. They are all travellers. They cleaned out most of his stuff about three hours ago.} The entire family growled. The neovision held her ground. {It would be best if you left with me.}

{Why?}

{Because you don't want to know what will happen to you when you go back there.} Again, she pointed to where the shop owner had been about to take her. {You can trust him if you like. Go on back there and find out why he's known amongst the Lupus as the Reiceadair Feòil.}

With that, the shop owner exploded. {Get them!} The family closed in on them.

{I'd run if I were you,} the neovision said, and the both of them fled the store. {This way!} Glitch followed her, jostling Jason about as they ran through numerous alleys until they, at last, stopped to catch their breath. The alley they were in was on the other side of town - and held her strange 'L' shaped contraption.

{**! What... just happened… back there?} Glitch demanded between breaths.

{You do understand Port Beag Mara's geographical position, right?} When Glitch nodded, the neovision continued. {It's the main trading centre between the scrofa and the lupus empires; all manner of Lupus come here.} Glitch just stared back at her. The neovision growled in frustration. {Oh for the love of- They're * predators, and the scrofa aren't!}

Glitch's ears shot up in shock. {They wouldn't... ** I mean, they're civilized people!}

{This is the High Continent, sweetie,} the neovision said. In a sing-song tone, she added, {I don't know what it's like on the Middle Continent, but out here in the more remote regions of the High Continent - mainly the borders where there's lots of raiding and counter raiding; anything goes.}

{But... ***! Why me?}

{You're far from your native lands, alone, and you have a valuable object. You all but painted a target on yourself.} Even inside the sack, Jason felt the shiver that ran throughout Glitch's body.

{Why did you save me?} Glitch finally asked. There was a momentarily flash in the neovisions eyes.

{You look like you not only need a companion but a friend,} she said.

{I'm perfectly fine by myself.}

{Really? Like you were back in that shop?} Glitch didn't respond. {You need someone like me, who can look out for you and smell trouble before it has a chance to ready an ambush.} Glitch shifted uncomfortably.

{I- I can't,} she said, almost whining. {It's too complicated.} The neovision folded her arms as a sly smile formed on her muzzle.

{Is it because you don't want me to find out about the sapien you have?} Jason almost tore the stitching apart from the shock. Glitch momentarily let her guard slip, and the neovision saw it. Her smile became a grin. Glitch just blinked back at her.

{What do you want?} she demanded, her voice a low whisper.

{What I proposed before,} the neovision said. {Take me with you.} Holding up her hands in self-defence, she added, {I don't want to eat your sapien. I-} there was a slight hesitation in her voice. {I only want to journey with you. After all,} she leaned in, delivering a pitch, {you're going to the Middle Continent. That's where the real coin is to be made - a far more lucrative market than this backwater.} Glitch was silent for a few moments.

{How did you know?} she finally asked.

{The scent,} the neovision answered, tapping her nose. {That day you bought the cloth from me, I smelt it on you. I've smelt Sapien artifacts before, and I can tell you were emitting a far more intense odor than any artifact. That could only mean you had a real sapien on you, but I wasn't sure. So, I waited and watched. When you revealed that piece of sapien technology, that's when I knew it wasn't as powerful as the first time...} she trailed off, miming putting two pieces together with her hands.

{I need to talk things over,} Glitch said as she pointed to the far end of the alley. {Stand over there so that I know you won't try anything funny.} The neovision happily complied without a fuss. Glitch watched her for a few seconds before lowering the sack and opening it. Both Jason and Glitch stared at each other. {What do you think?}

{I think she's hiding her true motives,} Jason said. {Every mammalian I've encountered has always wanted something from me.}

{So what do we do?} Jason grunted in frustration.

{We've got no choice,} he muttered. {We've still got a week before the boat leaves, and this isn't a large town. The shopkeeper knows about you, not to mention everyone else who saw my "watch."} He gave a half shrug. {There's no telling what will happen to you, all by yourself out here.} He turned as if looking towards the neovision. {We can't fully trust her because she won't tell us her true motives - but she did save your life. I believe that amounts to something.}

{You're trusting a predator?}

{Glitch, in the past few weeks, I've experienced more than I would've liked to,} Jason answered. {We can go into details about everything later, but, long story short, I'm not as biased towards them as I used to be.} He held up a finger. {But that doesn't mean I'm not going to take precautions. I'm not going to allow what happened with Tac to happen again; Call her over.}

The neovision practically sprinted over when Glitch beckoned. She leaned towards the sack Jason hid within, and he couldn't help but observe the child-like excitement on her face when Glitch lifted him out. She clapped her hands together but relaxed. {Hello,} she said, her voice a slight octave higher, {My name is-} she then prattled off a long stream of high-pitched whistles she performed through closed teeth. {But my friends call me *.} It sounded like a sharp breath through her clenched teeth. It sounded like she was saying, Shique.

{Did you hear our discussion?} Jason asked. Shique wiggled her ears in response and smiled. {We are willing to allow you to journey with us, but we don't fully trust you. You are a predator, and I'm a sapien, after all.} Shique nodded, never losing her smile. {When we sleep, it will be separately, understand?} Again, she nodded. Jason was starting to wonder if that smile was glued on her face.

{Agreed,} she chirped. {I say yes to everything.} She clapped her hands together again and let out a hopeful squeal of excitement. {So I can come with you?} Her smile was now a grin. It had frightened Jason to no end whenever a mammalian predator had smiled at him, as showing him their teeth always brought forth unwanted nightmarish scenarios. However, this time, it in no way terrified him.

It reminded him of his first moments with Glitch.

{You're just going to agree to everything? Without knowing the details?} Glitch looked stunned. Again, Shique nodded. {Why?}

{I have my reasons.} Shique sounded evasive, and Jason tilted his head. From her voice tone, it didn't sound as if she had an ulterior motive but rather embarrassment.

{She did save you,} Jason said to Glitch.

{The moment you even salivate at him, you're on your own!} Glitch warned. Once more, Shique nodded with an even more giant grin.

{Oh, this is going to be great!} she cried out, walking over to her contraption. {We're all going to have so much fun, and we're going to be the best of friends.} Jason watched as she picked it up. To his amazement, it was a backpack. The top half of the device protected her head while the side pouches folded out to act as side-guards. These shielded her torso and legs, leaving only her feet visible from the sides. She looked neatly protected within. {Well, let's go!}

{Wait!} Glitch interrupted. {Our boat doesn't leave for a week.}

{I know that,} Shique answered. {I'm talking about going somewhere to hide while we wait. After that incident in the shop, * will have his family and connections looking for you.} Jason recognized the name of the shopkeeper. Glitch looked a little worried now. {Oh, don't worry, my dear, with Shique looking out for you, you'll make that boat.}

Shique took them through some more alley's until they came to an abandoned house right on the edge of town. Half the roof had caved in and what were once windows were gaping holes. It was drafty, but it was something. {So, this is where you've been staying?} Glitch asked, looking around. A large pile of straw clogged the back half of the building.

{Yes,} Shique answered, shrugging off her backpack. She folded the sides back in, which allowed it to stand upright. {When I'm not selling my wares, this is where I relax.}

{You're not sleeping in here,} Glitch warned. {Sleep outside or somewhere else.} Upon saying this, Shique removed a bedroll. She commented on always being prepared before leaving to prepare someplace outside that would be sheltered from the rain.

+++

They managed to keep themselves hidden from the rest of the town until the time to leave at last arrived. Shique had wanted to wait until the last moment to board the ship, but that would've been cutting things too close. Instead, they waited until the final hour before making their way to the docks. Running through the alleyways, they reached the port.

Their ship lay in the harbour, tied up to the dock; A massive Hōkūleʻa. The Lutrinae crew were storing the last of their cargo on board. {Are they looking for us?} Glitch asked, eyeing the scrofa that walked the docks.

{Without a doubt,} Shique replied. {They won't be as obvious about it, though.} She appeared to be calculating something. {We're going to need a distraction.} Glitch chuckled.

{Leave that to me,} she said in a sing-song tone herself.

{What about your friend?} Shique asked, eyeing her sack. {Won't he be safer with-} From within the sack, Jason heard Glitch utter a sound he didn't think she was capable of making. The neovision turned away and hastily muttered, {never mind.} She then moved away, out of view.

{So, what's the plan?} Jason asked.

{I run,} Glitch said gleefully. Glitch waited for a while, looking in one direction, most likely where Shique was. Suddenly, she whispered, {hold on,} and Jason flew into the back wall of the sack. There was no doubt about it; Glitch was fast. Everything within the sack was bounced and jostled about, but Jason managed to snag the wall and hold on for dear life.

Peering through the string, he could see the docks' wooden planks, nothing but a blur beneath him. All around, the startled cries of mammalian's filled the air, and Glitch weaved and dodged. Then she came to a screeching halt, and Jason was sent flying into the opposite side of the sack wall.

Peering through the sack wall, Jason saw that they were at the far end of the dock, the furthest away from the ship they were supposed to take. He could also see five scrofa charging towards Glitch. Then she was running again. The scrofa seemed to rush towards him before Glitch ducked and rolled, carefully clutching the sack against her chest as she did. Springing to her feet, she used the momentum to launch herself at a wall. One leg shot out and struck the wall, bouncing Glitch in the opposite direction, just as a large scrofa crashed headlong into and through it. She landed on her hands before flipping into the air. The sack was now in an endless spin cycle, and Jason feared he was going to vomit.

Both Glitch's feet landed on solid ground with a thud, and she was sprinting once more. The dock raced passed him again, but as they neared the end, Glitch made a sharp turn and bolted down the pier as fast as she could. At the other end, Jason could see the Hōkūleʻa had already left and was sailing away. Standing on the edge, he could see Shique, a worried look plastered across her face.

{Hold on!} Glitch cried as she increased her pace. Below, her legs were a blur as the end of the dock approached with terrifying speed. Then, she reached the edge of the pier. As Glitch's front leg got to the last plank, she propelled herself into the air.

Time stretched out as Glitch sailed through the air. All Jason could see was the water as it passed beneath them. The sight of the waves below greeted him, the fish and further down, the jagged rocks of the sea bed. For the first time in his life, the sight of the ocean filled him with fear. Then Glitch arced, and the sea rushed up to greet them.

The deck was beneath them all of a sudden, and Glitch landed with a thud, rolling into a ball. Glitch clutched the bag to her chest to protect Jason, blocking his view. After one last roll, they were still. {Are you okay?} It took him a few moments to realize that it was Glitch.

"Sweet Primus!" Jason hissed through clenched teeth. His fingers were still gripping the walls of the sack, almost red from the strain of holding on.

{I'll take that for a yes.} Glitch climbed to her feet and was swarmed by the ship's crew. Over the shouting of voices, he recognized Shique. The shouts calmed down, and after some soothing words from Shique, they all went away.

{That was quite the stunt you pulled, young lady,} Shique commented. {How's our little friend?}

{He's my friend, not yours,} Glitch reminded, {And he's perfectly fine.}

"So fast," Jason gasped. "That was so fast." He was still holding onto the wall.

{He doesn't sound like it,} Shique commented.

{I'm not trusting you to look after him,} Glitch stated with finality. Shique backed off, hands up in surrender. Still, the neovision smirked.

{That was some jump,} she commented. {I've got to admit, I didn't think you'd make it.}

{I'm an Oryctolagus,} she said with pride. {My people are built for speed; and jumping.} By now, Jason had calmed down.

{Hey Glitch,} when her ears wiggled in acknowledgement, he asked, {Was that what you were planning on doing back in Litore Town?} It took a few moments for Glitch to remember her half-baked plan from all those months ago before she nodded.

Shique crossed her arms. {That was brave but foolish.}

{If it's foolish and it works, it isn't foolish,} Glitch countered.

{The crew were ready to throw you overboard if I hadn't shown up to bail you out,} Shique said, hands on hips.

{Please, stop fighting,} Jason begged. {Yes, the plan was foolish, but we made it work as a team. Let's be grateful that nothing backfired and move on.} That quieted them down. {Now, we're on the ship, heading home. I suggest that we get settled in for the long ride back.} Shique nodded and motioned for Glitch to follow. She took them down to where they would be staying. Like Jason's first ocean voyage, it was nothing more than a spot against the wall inside the ship.

The ship they were travelling on was a cargo ship, so raw materials filled the ship's bowels, leaving them wedged in between like canned goods. Shique elected to sleep at the other end of the vessel, as per their agreement. Still, that didn't stop Glitch from hugging her sack to her chest at night as she slept.

+++

The air was turning warmer the further south they sailed. Shique had informed them that they were nearing the Middle Continent, and Jason couldn't help but get excited at the news. After one hell of a detour, he was finally going home.

{The ship will be landing in Megalopolis,} Shique explained. {From there, we can work out our next move.} From what Jason knew, Megalopolis was the capital of the Lutrinae Empire.

{Why will we be landing there?} Jason asked. Shique gave the sack a quizzical look, but Glitch soothed her.

{Remember what I told you about the Lutrinae being seafarers? And how their fleet is instrumental for trade throughout the known world?} Jason nodded. {What I never told you is that they're also the industrial centre of the known world, importing raw goods and exporting finished products. They're masters of complex engineering and builders of great roads.}

{They're also spectacular artists,} Shique chimed in. {Even the great powers of the High Continent would emulate their works.}

{The point is,} Glitch interrupted, attempting to wrestle control of the conversation back, {is that their capital is the trading centre of the known world. All significant ocean traffic between the Middle, Amber and High Continents all flows to and from there.} That made sense considering they were the masters of ocean travel. Glitch made a face. {It's also led to the Lutrinae labelling Megalopolis, the 'Capital of the World.'}

{This will be my first ever visit to the fabled Middle Continent,} Shique said with joy. {To see the fabled cyclopean fortress cities and paved roads of the Lutrinae Empire.} Jason frowned. During his entire journey, he'd never once seen any paved roads, just dirt tracks.

{I've seen them,} Glitch added. {Before I ended up in Tribus City, my mistress was stationed in the Lutrinae Empire on a trade mission. They make long travels so comfortable. No bumps and jolts.}

{So, what's our plan once we disembark in Megalopolis?} Jason asked.

{We find our way back to Oryctolagus lands,} Glitch answered. {That part should be easy. The only part I'm worried about is how much coin it's going to cost.}

{And that's where I come in,} Shique piped up. {With my skills and knowledge, I'll be able to wrangle all the coin we need.} She paused. {The Oryctolagus lands, huh?} When Glitch nodded, her expression sulked. {I'm going to have to do something about my food supplies.}

{Why? Won't the Oryctolagus keep cattle?} Both mammalians laughed.

{Boy, for someone so smart, you sure are clueless,} Shique laughed.

{Jay-sun,} Glitch said, trying not to be patronizing, {herbivores - no matter which continent they reside on, don't keep meat; it's too uncomfortable for us.} She gave a slight shiver at the mere thought of raw and bloody flesh before continuing, {When predator's come into empires ruled by herbivores, they have to provide their own supply of meat. Sometimes, exotic traders will sell it at markets, but only in coastal towns, and even then, it's always fish.}

{Why?}

{Because that's all we'll allow in our cities.} Jason thought back to his time as a captive of the Cervidae Guild member. She had told him that they didn't know much about the dietary requirements for omnivores. While at the night of the Hark's feast for his new bride, he had vegetable soup ready to present to his herbivore guest.

{But predator's are willing to accommodate herbivores?} They both nodded. Suddenly, the black market for fresh meat back in Port Beag Mara made more sense. Supplying meat to predators would command a high price indeed. Inside the sack, he shivered and hoped that Glitch's claim about the mammalian's of the Middle Continent being more civilized wasn't prejudice.

+++

Both Glitch and Shique stood at the bow as the ship sailed into the harbour of Megalopolis. The first signs that they were within the Hundred Islands' territorial waters, the official name of the Lutrinae Empire, was when sightings of other ships became more frequent. Soon, they were passing islands that held huge palace's. Citadels built on cliffs were constructed through the use of cyclopean masonry and surrounded rural structures. Finally, after a week, they arrived.

Megalopolis was vast. The smoke of industry belched forth from many rooves, putting the industrial complex of Baile an Chósta to shame. Canals spread throughout the city, allowing for all kinds of canoes and gondolas to sail the waterways. According to Glitch, Lutrinae engineers built the entire city across several islands. Bridges connected them all, and paved roads criss-crossed the landscape like tangled wiring.

High atop a hill sat a sizeable circular tower with a dome. The entire structure was a dull white colour, while the dome was bright red. When Jason pointed it out, Glitch answered his question about it. {That's the Tower of Exousía. That is where all the guilds meet to hash outlaws for trade, peace and politics.} Jason thought back to his time, crossing the Lesser Sea to the Amber Continent. Glitch had explained how the other guild members used the Lutrinae as judges in disputes in trade laws.

As they drew into the harbour, Jason saw an unusual sight. All of the buildings along the waterfront extended into the water. Beneath the surface, he could see the Lutrinae swimming. They were exiting and entering the buildings through tunnels. When he asked Glitch about it, she told him that the Lutrinae build their homes on the water's edge, giving them access to the ocean. They were natural swimmers, after all. All Lutrinae homes had two kinds of doors - one that opened up to the land and opened up to the sea.

The effect was bizarre. It created two worlds of traffic, by land and sea. Mammalians walked the surface, interacting with the Lutrinae and other's, while beneath the water, Lutrinae swam to and fro, occasionally surfacing to communicate. And there were lots of mammalians. Every mammalian species that existed on the Middle Continent was here, including some from both the Amber and High Continents. No wonder the Lutrinae called this place the Capital of the World.

{Here we are,} Shique said with glee. Jason looked up to see while he'd been gawking at the sights, the ship had docked. The crew were now unloading their cargo as the first mate approached them.

{Alright, you're at your destination; now get off.}

{It doesn't help your business to be rude to paying customers,} Glitch said. The first mate pointed at her.

{I don't care what you did back in Port Beag Mara, but if trouble is following you, I don't want to be an accessory to it; And that is good business.} Then he was gone.

{What's got him so edgy?} Shique asked.

{I heard from the other Lutrinae that there's an unusually high number of ships in the harbour.} Glitch answered. {Everyone on the dock is silent about it. That's why they're on edge.}

Both Glitch and Shique gathered their things and walked down the gangplank, leaving the ship behind. {We need to find the market,} Glitch said once they exited the harbour. {We can sell Jay-sun's watch there. It shouldn't be too difficult, considering this is a city of predators.}

It was easy to find, as they just had to follow all the noise. They came to a paved open plaza. Shops lay arranged in symmetrical patterns creating little alleys. By Primus was it noisey. Every species of mammalians walked the paths, attempting communication despite the noise. Many of the goods on display were of the finest quality that Jason had ever seen in mammalian markets. Smooth pottery adorned with fancy artwork. Fancy clothes in multiple colours. All kinds of food filled the stores, from fruits, vegetables and grain, to seafood and meat.

{There!} Jason followed Shique's finger and nearly choked. She was pointing at a group of mammalian's by a stall. The mammalians in question were Vulpuses. {Who better than the Vulpes to maximize our profit from Jay-sun's, uhh, what did you call it again?}

{It's called a "Watch,"} Jason said. {It's a piece of sapien technology. It's used to keep track of time.} Shique spent a minute going over the name and its function. As she did, Jason kept his eyes glued on the Vulpes's before him. A small entourage accompanied a female decked out in a tightly fitting, cream coloured sleeved bodice. A small leather belt secured a light blue bell-shaped skirt constructed of layers of different sorts of fabrics, sewn together in ruffled tiers. Her fur was snow-white, with almost liquid blue eyes. She was the smallest Vulpes in the group, as everyone stood at least a full head above her.

But it was what she was holding that held Jason's attention; a busted up suspension train car. Before her stood a Meles in a long, blue cloak, while a female, possibly his wife, stood behind him in their makeshift store.

{There's just one problem,} the Vulpes female said. {It doesn't work.} She handed the train car back to the Meles, a shocked expression across his face.

{But it is sapien technology, just as you asked!} The Meles cried. {I've never once disappointed you with my findings.}

{Because what you've provided has always been in working condition,} the female Vulpes answered. {This, this is broken; Look.} She reached a finger inside the driver's compartment, and Jason could hear the flick of a switch. The Vulpes then turned the train car so that its front face the Meles. {See,} she said. {It doesn't glow.}

{But my mistress,} the Meles pleaded. {I can't let you walk away disappointed. There must be something within my store that will appease you.}

{I wouldn't bother.} Shique had somehow slipped up to the group. The biggest Vulpes, a male, turned suddenly at her voice, his hand unsheathing the short bronze sword at his waist. {If there's anyone in this city that's going to appease your mistress, it's-} she prattled off her full name. When she finished, no one looked impressed. The male Vulpes with the sword appeared to be searching for any excuse he could find to cut her down.

{If I wanted theatrics, I'd be at the amphitheatre,} the female Vulpes replied. {Just show me what it is you want to sell.}

{But that's the whole purpose to the start of a show,} Shique explained, {To grab your attention, before...} she trailed off as she pulled out Jason's watch. {You begin with the opening act.} All around, ears were stilled, tails went erect, pupils dilated as the strong scent of Jason's watch washed over all of them. Even the Meles was slightly stunned. {As you can no doubt tell from the smell, this is a genuine Sapien artifact, but that's not all. It's sapien technology.} She paraded it before the Vulpes, making sure that it drifted past their noses. {What I have here is called a Wat-tich. Sapiens use it to keep track of time.} She stopped before the female Vulpes. {A sales pitch is a lot like a show, your excellency,} Shique said. {You need to open with a great pitch to grab your audience before starting with your first act. Everything is a show when you get down to it. If you want something to be a success, it's all in the execution.}

{Your point?} The female Vulpes wasn't as cocky as she had been before.

{To build-up to the final act.} Shique held out the watch to her. {Take it, and hold it up to your ear.} As the female Vulpes did this, her eyes widened, and she yipped with joy.

{It's making noises!} she cried. {It works! It works!} Nearby, other mammalians were turning to see what all the fuss was about. The Meles trader was shooting daggers at Shique. The neovision simply leaned back, and folding her arms, gave Glitch a triumphant smile.

{Showoff,} Glitch muttered. The two haggled back and forth before Shique returned, holding a pouch that clinked with many coins. {How much did you get?} Glitch demanded, eyeing the purse.

{Thirty gold coins.} Jason couldn't help but be impressed and relayed that to Glitch, who reluctantly passed it onto Shique. The neovision grinned with glee at the praise. Glitch's ears twitched in annoyance. {Don't be jealous, little one,} Shique said, patting her on the head. {You're young. You just need more experience.}

{Why can I ever have any luck with trading?} Glitch muttered through clenched teeth. Jason turned back to the Vulpes and saw she wasn't gushing over his watch. She was staring in their direction. He furrowed his brow. Was it his imagination, or was she staring at Glitch?

They were moving all of a sudden as both Glitch and Shique walked away. {Now, let's find something to eat,} she said. {Making such a successful sale has left me with quite the appetite.}

{Sapiens aren't on the menu,} Glitch muttered.

{I wasn't implying that} Shique retorted, anger evident in her voice.

{Excuse me.} They stopped, and turning, saw the male Vulpes with the short sword from the market. He was big, with a muscular chest and heavy shoulders. Albeit, not as pronounced as the Lupus had been. His fur was black, save for the white tip on his tail. He wore a skirt of leather strips around his waist. Cloth bindings, held with leather straps that criss-crossed up to his knees, covered his legs. He wore nothing on his feet. Highly decorated leather bracers adorned his wrists while a bronze shoulder guard protected his left shoulder. His short bronze sword lay in its sheath.

{The sale has been finalised,} Shique shot back, almost machine-like, {no refunds.}

{You can keep your coin,} he answered. {The mistress is very pleased with her purchase.} Shique's ears wiggled in curiosity. {In fact, she wishes nothing more than to meet with you.} Shique opened her mouth, but before she could respond, the male interrupted. {All three of you.}

Shique looked at Glitch, then back to the male, clearly baffled. {There's just the two of us.}

{I'm talking about the sapien, Jay-sun Sank-cow-key, that Ms Glitch has on her.} For the first time since meeting her, Jason saw Shique freeze in fright. Within the sack, he could feel Glitch stiffen in terror. The Vulpes's hands shot up. {Please, I'm not trying to start anything.} Although he spoke as softly as the market's background noise would allow for the others to hear him, he also talked with haste. It was clear whatever he wanted to say; he wanted to get it out before someone ran. {My mistress merely wants to talk with him. She doesn't want anything from him. She doesn't want to use him for personal gain, and she won't eat him. You have my word.}

Nobody said a word. The male looked somewhat pleased that they didn't bolt.

{Ask him how he knows about me?} Jason said. Glitch relayed the question.

{All the major guilds know about what happened in Tribus City,} he replied. He looked like he was about to add something else but cut himself off. Instead, he said, {And the Oryctolagus girl who stole him.}

{I didn't-} Glitch protested in anger but shut up. It was too late, though. She fumed, before snarling, {Go * yourself.} The male appeared unphased.

{The Rattus guild informed the Vulpes guild about what had happened; That the Cervidae guild employed an Oryctolagus girl to steal the talking Sapien.} Jason could see Glitch's fist tightening. {Ever since that incident in Tribus City, your description has made its way into the hands of every powerful guild in all the major cities on the Middle Continent.} His hands came together, almost in a plea. {My mistress only wishes to talk with Mr Sank-cow-key; Nothing more. If you agree, she will provide you with food, clothing and transport out of the city and whichever destination you wish.}

{If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is,} Shique answered with a suspicious gaze.

{Why should we trust you,} Glitch hissed. {You're a Vulpes.} Shique nodded in agreement.

{I agree to his request,} Jason said.

{What?} Glitch shrieked, drawing a few stares. Both Shique and the male Vulpes looked around in alarm. Lowering her voice, Glitch asked, {Why? I thought you were terrified of the Vulpes?}

{I am,} Jason said through clenched teeth. {But I'm far more terrified of what will happen if I say no. They may decide to ambush us later, take me by force and dispose of you. Also, don't forget what he said, Glitch. All the major guilds know about you and what you've done. Your description is everywhere. What he's promising is protection and safe passage out of here.}

{But they're Vulpes's.}

{Okay, we turn him down and move on; then what? Going on the scenario that they will leave us alone, this place is the centre of the guilds. Can you guarantee that we will make it out of this city without being caught? If we flee this instant by foot, will the guards at the city gates recognize you? Come to think of it, what if someone else has spotted you and is at this moment racing back to their guild to inform them of your presence here. Will they be as accommodating as the Vulpes? Who's to say they won't kill you and take me.} Glitch looked around in fear as if expecting an entire army to burst forth and surround her suddenly.

{But why?}

{You saved me, Glitch. I owe you my life more times than I can count. You risked everything for me, so It's my turn to repay the favour. If I have even the slightest chance of saving you, I'll take it, no matter how insane the risk.} Glitch was silent. Then, she relayed the information back to Shique; The neovision looked alarmed.

{You're crazy,} she hissed.

{We accept,} Glitch said. The male didn't even smile. He simply motioned for the two to follow him. In Sapien culture, there was a phrase often used. ‘To Walk into the Vulpes Den.’ Depending on the context, it was either the bravest or the dumbest thing someone could do. As they followed the Vulpes away through the city, Jason could only hope that it was the former.



First Chapter: Act I
Next Chapter: Act XV
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