Homecoming

The manor came into view just before sunset.

Joey had imagined this moment several times during the journey. In some versions, he walked through the front doors looking heroic, perhaps with a dramatic breeze blowing through his hair. In others, Cassandra swept him through the gates in a cloud of darkness, depositing him directly in a comfortable chair with a drink in his hand.

The reality was considerably less glamorous.

His ribs still hurt, his clothes were filthy, and he was leaning more heavily against Cassandra than he wanted to admit.

"You're limping," she observed.

"I'm walking."

"You're limping while walking."

"It's a complicated technique."

Behemoth followed a short distance behind them in his humanoid form. He looked remarkably composed considering the journey they had just completed. His golden hair was undisturbed, his clothing was clean, and the faint scales along his neck caught the evening light.

Joey glanced back at him.

"Does he ever get tired?"

"Yes," Cassandra replied.

Behemoth looked at her.

"Occasionally."

"See? He gets tired. He's just too polite to complain."

"I have no reason to complain."

"That's because you don't have cracked ribs."

Behemoth regarded Joey thoughtfully. "You should have allowed Cassandra to carry you."

Joey stopped walking.

"Excuse me?"

"She is capable of carrying you without difficulty."

Cassandra smiled. "I offered."

"Yeah, and I declined."

"Repeatedly."

"Because I'm not getting carried through the front gates like a sack of potatoes."

Cassandra looked him over.

"You're considerably more awkward than a sack of potatoes."

"Thank you. That's exactly the encouragement I needed."

They reached the outer perimeter.

The manor looked much as Joey remembered it, although there were signs of the trouble that had taken place while they were away. Several sections of the surrounding grounds had been disturbed. A few trees had been damaged, and there were fresh marks along the outer walls.

Joey slowed.

"What happened here?"

Cassandra's expression became more serious.

"Leviathan has been testing the defenses."

"How bad?"

"We'll find out."

A small light appeared above the nearest security post.

Harold's voice came through the speakers.

"Welcome home, Cassandra. Joey. Your arrival is approximately four hours later than the projected estimate."

Joey looked up.

"Nice to see you too, Harold."

"Your condition appears compromised."

"That's one way of putting it."

"Your gait is irregular, your clothing is damaged, and your left side appears to be receiving additional support from Cassandra."

"Missed you too."

"Would you like me to notify the medical facilities?"

"Yes, Harold," Cassandra answered. "And inform Greta that we're home."

"Already done."

A pause followed.

"Greta has been notified."

Joey looked toward the manor.

"How's Malcolm?"

"His condition remains stable. He has not regained consciousness."

Joey's expression fell.

"Right. Let's get inside."

The gates began to open.

And then the front doors of the manor flew open.

Greta appeared first.

She was followed by Valerie, Elias, Crystal, and Taylor.

For a moment, nobody moved.

Then Crystal shouted.

"JOEY!"

She ran down the steps.

Joey barely had time to open his arms before she reached him and wrapped them around his waist.

He immediately regretted it.

"Ow!"

Crystal pulled back.

"What happened to you?"

"Hello to you too."

She looked him over, her expression shifting from relief to concern.

"You're hurt."

"Just a little."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow.

"He's being modest."

"I have several cracked ribs," Joey admitted.

Crystal stared at him.

"Several?"

"Possibly."

"Joey!"

"What? I didn't do it on purpose."

Crystal hugged him again, more carefully this time.

"I'm glad you're home, idiot."

He smiled.

"Glad to be home."

Valerie approached next, looking him over with a professional eye.

"Well, you look like you've had a rough vacation."

"Wouldn't recommend the accommodations."

She gave him a small smile.

"Good to have you back."

Elias stepped forward, but his attention quickly shifted to the stranger standing behind Cassandra and Joey.

"Ah."

He tilted his head.

"Who's this?"

Greta's eyes moved toward the newcomer.

She had already noticed him, of course. It was difficult not to notice a man who looked like he belonged in an ancient painting, especially one whose eyes seemed to hold an unusual golden light.

Taylor, however, was staring at Joey.

She had been standing quietly behind the others, her expression caught somewhere between relief and disbelief.

Joey looked at her.

"Hey."

Taylor crossed the remaining distance between them.

She didn't say anything at first. She simply reached for him and pulled him into an embrace.

Joey wrapped his arms around her, careful of his injuries.

"I missed you," she whispered.

"I missed you too."

She pulled back just enough to look at his face.

"You're hurt."

"Apparently, that's the first thing everyone notices."

"Because you're hurt."

"Fair point."

Taylor touched his cheek.

For a moment, Joey forgot about the pain, the journey, and the danger waiting beyond the manor walls.

He was home.

And the people he had been trying so hard to protect were standing in front of him.

Taylor kissed him gently, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him for a few moments.

Cassandra watched with a small smile.

Then Taylor turned toward her.

"Cassandra."

The two women embraced.

Cassandra held her close.

"It's good to see you."

"I was beginning to wonder if you were ever coming back."

"We had a few complications."

Joey cleared his throat.

"That's a very polite way of describing things."

Taylor looked at him.

"What happened?"

"Long story."

Cassandra smiled.

"One involving a dragon's graveyard, an ancient trial, and a rather unfortunate general."

Joey shook his head.

"Please don't bring him up."

Elias looked interested.

"General?"

"Don't ask," Joey said.

Crystal frowned.

"Now I definitely want to ask."

Greta finally stepped forward.

"Enough standing around. You're all coming inside."

Her gaze settled on Joey's injuries.

"And somebody is going to explain why you look like you were used to test a siege weapon."

"That's actually not far off."

Greta looked at Cassandra.

"How bad?"

"His ribs are damaged. He's healing, but he needs rest."

"Then he'll get rest. After we deal with the reason you went out there in the first place."

Her eyes moved to Cassandra's belt.

The stasis reliquary was still secured there.

"Tell me you brought it."

Cassandra touched the device.

"We did."

Greta's expression changed.

For the first time since they had arrived, the tension in her face eased.

"The bloom?"

"Safe."

Greta exhaled.

"Good."

She looked toward the manor.

"Then let's get to work."

--------------‐---------------

They gathered in the main hall.

Joey settled into one of the large chairs while Cassandra remained beside him. Taylor sat close enough that her hand rested against his knee.

Greta stood in front of the group.

Valerie leaned against a nearby wall, arms crossed. Elias had already positioned himself near the table, looking like he was waiting for a lecture on something he hadn't yet been told about.

Crystal sat on the arm of Joey's chair.

The newcomer remained standing.

Joey looked around.

"Okay. Before we get into everything else, there's someone you should meet."

He gestured toward Behemoth.

"This is Behemoth."

Elias raised his eyebrows.

"Behemoth?"

"Yes."

"That's a rather imposing name."

"It suits him," Cassandra said.

Behemoth inclined his head.

"I am pleased to meet you."

Greta studied him.

"You're the one who helped them in the graveyard?"

"I am."

"And you brought them back alive."

"Yes."

Greta considered him for another moment.

"Then you have my thanks."

Behemoth bowed slightly.

"You need not thank me. Their survival was important."

Valerie glanced at Joey.

"He's certainly more eloquent than you."

Joey looked offended.

"I'm eloquent when I want to be."

Crystal snorted.

"You once told a customer to stop breathing so loudly."

"He was doing it on purpose."

"Joey."

"What?"

Greta looked back at Behemoth.

"How did you meet up with them?"

Behemoth's expression remained calm.

"I have been on the lookout for someone like young Joey for a while, someone who could wield the power needed to take down Leviathan."

Cassandra gave a small smile.

"He found us while we were being attacked by a drake. He was able to kill it and heal us."

Elias looked between them.

"Wait. You said your name was Behemoth. Is that your actual name, or some kind of title?"

"It is the name I have carried for a very long time."

"And what exactly are you?"

Behemoth paused.

Then he answered.

"A celestial kirin."

Elias blinked.

"A what?"

"A kirin."

Elias stared at him.

Then his expression brightened.

"Oh! That's fascinating."

Greta sighed.

"Elias."

"No, no. This is important. A celestial kirin is an extraordinarily rare supernatural being. I thought they were largely mythical."

"We are not, but there are very few of us left" Behemoth replied.

"Clearly."

Elias took a step closer.

"Are you capable of changing forms?"

Behemoth nodded.

"I can assume my true form if that helps you."

Elias looked delighted.

Joey leaned back in his chair.

"Now you get to see him turn into a giant golden horse-dragon-unicorn thing." Joey said.

Behemoth looked at him.

"That is not an accurate description."

"It's pretty close."

Cassandra smiled.

"He's a little more impressive than that."

Taylor nodded.

Behemoth's form started to change he grew in all direcrions with the celestial kirin dropping onto all fours a horn sprouting from his head.

"Much more impressive."

Valerie looked at Behemoth.

"Can you fight?"

"Yes."

"How well?"

Behemoth regarded her.

"Well enough."

Joey laughed.

"That's an understatement, he took out a drake in one hit!"

Greta crossed her arms.

"All right. We can get into the details later. But I want to know something first."

She looked directly at Behemoth.

"Why are you helping us?"

The room became quieter.

Behemoth's reverted back his humanoid form, his expression grew more serious.

"Because Leviathan must be stopped."

Greta studied him.

"You're familiar with him."

"I am his brother."

Silence.

Elias slowly lowered the hand he had been raising.

Crystal looked at Cassandra.

Valerie straightened.

Greta's expression hardened.

"His brother?"

"Yes."

Joey shifted in his chair.

"That part's a little complicated."

Greta looked at him.

"How complicated?"

Behemoth answered.

"Leviathan and I once fought together. I helped him conquer the clans. I believed I could guide him, that I could keep his ambitions from becoming destructive."

"And you couldn't," Greta said.

"No."

His golden eyes seemed distant for a moment.

"I was wrong."

Greta remained silent.

Behemoth continued.

"Leviathan no longer seeks balance. He seeks dominion. He believes that all things must eventually kneel before him."

"And you intend to stop him," Valerie said.

"I do."

Greta looked at Joey.

"You trust him?"

Joey glanced at Behemoth.

"Yes."

"That's not a small thing to ask."

"I know. Greta he could have killed us without lifting a finger. We wouldn't have survived if he didn’t help us."

Behemoth met Greta's eyes.

"You have every reason to question my intentions. I will not ask you to trust me because of my words. Judge me by what I do."

Greta held his gaze for a moment.

Then she nodded.

"Fair enough."

Elias raised his hand.

"So, just to clarify, we now have a celestial kirin, a vampire, a bird goddess, a human with the power of the first dragons, a werewolf, a half-ogre, and me."

"Oh shit I almost forgot Behemoth has his own army too." Joey said smacking his forehead.

"I do" Behemoth said

Valerie looked at Elias.

"Don't forget Harold."

"Harold is an artificial intelligence."

Harold's voice came through the speakers.

"Thank you for remembering."

Elias nodded.

"Of course."

Joey looked around the room.

"That's quite a team."

Greta shook her head.

"That's quite a headache."

The conversation ended when Greta brought the reliquary to the table.

Cassandra carefully removed it from her belt and placed it on the surface.

Greta leaned forward.

"Is it intact?"

"Completely," Cassandra said.

"Any damage during the journey?"

"None."

Greta examined the device.

The stasis chamber was still functioning. Inside, the Dragon's Grave Bloom rested in its preserved state, its delicate petals faintly illuminated by the strange energy trapped within them.

Joey watched it.

"That little thing caused us a lot of trouble."

Cassandra smiled.

"It was worth it."

Greta looked at him.

"Malcolm's condition hasn't improved. He's stable, but his body is struggling to recover. Whatever Leviathan's forces did to him, ordinary healing isn't enough."

"Then let's get it to him," Joey said.

Greta nodded.

They moved toward Malcolm's room.

Malcolm lay in the large bed, his enormous frame almost overwhelming it.

He looked worse than Joey remembered.

His skin was pale, and his breathing was shallow. His chest rose and fell slowly, but there was little sign of awareness.

Greta stood beside the bed.

For a moment, she didn't speak.

Joey looked at her.

"He's going to be okay, right?"

Greta kept her eyes on Malcolm.

"That's what we're here to find out."

She opened the reliquary.

A faint blue-white glow spilled across the room.

The Dragon's Grave Bloom seemed almost alive despite its preservation. Its petals shifted slightly as the stasis field disengaged.

Behemoth stepped forward.

"Allow me."

Greta looked at him.

"Can you use it?"

"I believe I can heal him with this"

He placed one hand above the bloom.

Golden light gathered around his fingers.

The bloom responded.

Its petals opened slightly, revealing a bright center filled with shimmering energy.

Joey watched as the golden light and blue-white glow intertwined.

Behemoth carefully lifted the bloom from the reliquary.

"This plant grew from the remains of ancient dragons," he explained. "It has absorbed their lingering essence. Its restorative properties are not ordinary healing."

Greta nodded.

"Can it save him?"

"It can help restore what has been damaged. But the process must be guided."

Behemoth moved closer to Malcolm.

He held the bloom above the warrior's chest.

The petals began to glow more brightly.

Then he lowered it.

The bloom touched Malcolm's skin.

A soft pulse of light spread across his chest.

Greta leaned forward.

"What's happening?"

"The bloom is releasing its energy."

The light spread beneath Malcolm's skin, traveling outward through his body. Thin blue-white lines appeared along his arms and neck, then faded as the energy moved deeper.

Malcolm's fingers twitched.

Everyone noticed.

Joey stepped closer.

"Did you see that?"

Greta didn't answer.

She was staring at Malcolm's hand.

Another pulse of light moved through his chest.

His breathing changed.

It became deeper.

Stronger.

The tension in his face eased.

Behemoth continued to guide the energy.

"His body is responding. The bloom is restoring the damage, but it cannot force his consciousness to return immediately."

Greta nodded, though her eyes remained fixed on Malcolm.

The glow gradually faded.

The bloom's petals curled inward, losing much of their brightness.

Behemoth withdrew his hand.

For several seconds, nobody spoke.

Then Malcolm took a deep breath.

A much stronger one.

His chest rose and fell steadily.

Greta reached for his wrist.

"Malcolm?"

Nothing.

She leaned closer.

"Come on, you oversized bastard. Don't make me regret saving you."

Joey looked at Crystal.

She gave him a small smile.

Then Malcolm's fingers moved.

His eyelids fluttered.

A low, rough sound escaped his throat.

Greta froze.

"Malcolm?"

His eyes opened slightly.

They moved slowly around the room, struggling to focus.

Then he saw Greta.

His mouth moved.

It took a moment for the words to come.

"You're... still yelling."

Greta stared at him.

Then she let out a breath that sounded suspiciously close to a laugh.

"You're still alive."

Malcolm blinked.

"Unfortunately."

Joey laughed.

"Welcome back."

Malcolm turned his head slightly.

His eyes settled on Joey.

"Well... look what the cat dragged in."

Joey stepped closer.

"Good to see you too."

Malcolm tried to move.

Greta immediately put a hand against his shoulder.

"Don't."

He stopped.

"What happened?"

"You were injured," Greta said. "Badly."

"I noticed."

"You're going to stay in that bed until I tell you otherwise."

Malcolm looked at her.

"Yes, ma'am."

Greta narrowed her eyes.

"Don't get smart."

Malcolm gave a faint smile.

Joey looked toward Behemoth.

"Did it work?"

Behemoth nodded.

"The bloom has restored much of the damage. His body will need time to recover fully, but he should survive."

Greta finally turned toward him.

"Thank you."

Behemoth inclined his head.

"It was my pleasure."

Malcolm's eyes shifted toward the stranger.

"Who's that?"

Joey grinned.

"That's Behemoth."

Malcolm stared at him.

"That's a hell of a name."

"He's a celestial kirin," Joey explained.

Malcolm blinked slowly.

"Of course he is."

Crystal laughed.

Joey shrugged.

"Things have gotten weird."

Malcolm closed his eyes again.

"Apparently."

Greta adjusted the blanket over him.

"Rest."

"Was planning on it."

"Good."

She looked at the others.

"Let's give him some room."

They began filing out.

Joey lingered for a moment.

Malcolm opened one eye.

"Hey."

Joey turned.

"Yeah?"

"Glad you're back."

Joey smiled.

"Me too."

----‐--‐-------------------

The group returned to the main hall.

The mood had changed.

The manor was still under threat. Leviathan's forces were still out there, watching, testing, waiting.

But Malcolm was alive.

That mattered.

Greta stood near the table, looking down at the reliquary.

"The bloom did exactly what we needed it to do."

Joey sat back in his chair.

"Good. Because I was starting to think we went through all that trouble for a flower."

Cassandra sat beside him.

"You did nearly die for that flower."

"Several times, actually."

Taylor leaned against him.

"You're not making this sound like a particularly successful journey."

"Well, we got the flower, saved Malcolm, and made it home."

Valerie raised an eyebrow.

"And acquired a celestial kirin." With an amb

Joey nodded.

"Bonus."

Elias looked toward Behemoth.

"Speaking of which, I'd very much like to discuss your abilities."

Behemoth gave him a polite nod.

"That can be arranged."

"Wonderful. I have several questions."

"Of course you do," Valerie muttered.

Greta looked toward Cassandra.

"How close is Leviathan?"

Cassandra's expression became serious.

"Closer than I'd like."

"Did you encounter any more of his forces?"

"One of his generals intercepted us before we reached the edge of his territory."

Joey groaned.

"Don't remind me."

Taylor looked at him.

"What happened?"

"His name was Gigantor the Horny."

There was a pause.

Crystal stared at him.

Then she burst out laughing.

Valerie covered her mouth.

Elias looked confused.

Greta slowly turned toward Joey.

"His name was what?"

"Gigantor the Horny."

Cassandra smiled.

"That was his title."

Crystal started laughing harder.

"You're joking."

"I wish I were."

Joey shook his head.

"He was about twelve feet tall, had a giant mace, and was apparently very proud of his name."

Valerie laughed.

"Please tell me you made fun of him."

Joey looked at her.

"Repeatedly."

Cassandra nodded.

"Repeatedly."

"And?"

Joey looked down at his ribs.

"He nearly killed me."

The laughter faded.

Cassandra reached for his hand.

"But he didn't."

Behemoth looked at Joey.

"He learned something from the encounter."

Greta studied him.

"What?"

"That his power is capable of far more than he understands. He is beginning to control it."

Joey glanced at Behemoth.

"Beginning."

"Yes," Behemoth agreed. "Beginning."

Greta looked around the room.

"Then we have work to do."

She moved toward the table and placed both hands against its surface.

"Leviathan has been probing the manor defenses. He's learning our routines, our response times, and our weaknesses. We don't know when he'll make his next move."

Valerie nodded.

"He's testing us."

"And now," Greta continued, "we have a few more pieces on the board."

She looked toward Behemoth.

"One of them being someone who knows Leviathan better than anyone else here."

Behemoth met her gaze.

"I will tell you what I know."

"Good."

Greta turned toward Joey.

"And you need to recover. Whatever training you've been doing, it can wait until your ribs are healed."

Joey opened his mouth.

Cassandra looked at him.

He closed it.

"Fine."

Taylor smiled.

"That was surprisingly easy."

"Don't get used to it."

Greta looked at the reliquary.

"Tomorrow we'll discuss the bloom, the graveyard, and what you found there. Tonight, everyone gets some rest."

Elias raised a finger.

"I would also like to discuss the possibility of studying the energy residue left in the reliquary."

Greta stared at him.

"Tomorrow, Elias."

"Understood."

He lowered his hand.

A moment passed.

"Would tomorrow morning be acceptable?"

"No."

"Afternoon?"

Greta sighed.

Joey leaned toward Cassandra.

"I missed this."

Cassandra smiled.

"Apparently."

Later that evening, Joey found himself in his room.

Taylor had settled beside him, her head resting against his shoulder. Cassandra sat on the other side, carefully checking the bruising around his ribs.

For once, nobody was asking him to explain anything.

Nobody was asking him to train.

Nobody was asking him to save the world.

He could simply sit with the people he loved.

Taylor brushed his hair away from his forehead.

"You're really home."

Joey nodded.

"I am."

Cassandra leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

"And you're going to stay that way."

He smiled.

"I'll do my best."

Taylor looked toward Cassandra.

"How was the journey?"

Cassandra considered the question.

"Long. Dangerous. Occasionally unpleasant."

Joey looked at her.

"Occasionally?"

"Fine. Frequently."

Taylor laughed softly.

"And Behemoth?"

"He's an interesting addition," Cassandra said. "He has a great deal of knowledge, and he understands Leviathan better than anyone."

Joey nodded.

"He also spent several days teaching me how not to accidentally destroy things."

Taylor looked at him.

"How did that go?"

Joey considered the question.

"I accidentally destroyed a tree."

Cassandra smiled.

"Only one?"

"That you know of."

Taylor laughed.

Joey leaned back against the pillows.

His eyes grew heavy.

Outside, the manor remained quiet.

But beyond its walls, Leviathan's forces continued to watch.

They had learned that the human was returning.

They had learned that Behemoth was with him.

And they would soon learn that Malcolm, the warrior they had nearly killed, was alive again.

The manor had gained something it desperately needed.

Time.

But time was not the same thing as safety.

And Leviathan was not finished with them.