Chapter 50

As stated before the people of Larylia were known for their high fashion designs. In all the ruins Aurelia and Zinjo explored all they found were crates of perfectly preserved clothing. They found twenty crates and brought Gael to examine their find. He frowned and then looked in the crates held up a gown and ran his hand down the fabric.

He smiled and threw his bandana in the air, "Larylian clothing is big with the royalty of the world. People still talk about the pageantry and the designer wars." He paused and shot a shrewd look in their direction, "You need more time don't you?"

"The mission has a complication," Aurelia said in a weak tone.

The cracked lips of Gael curved upward, "Do tell."

Over the next few minutes, Aurelia and Zinjo explained the situation and the divine creature.

"I've heard of the creature, the people of the golden sands call them Al' Miraj. They are divine creatures, but vicious, unforgiving, and exceptional with magic. I wish you all the luck in the world, just remember there are gentler divine beings in the world, or so I've heard."

"You're not going to help?" Zinjo Crossed his arms and frowned.

"I'm not a werelion, and I think the Al' Miraj is not going to be happy to see another human after being caged by one. I think you two are crazy to even make and attempt. I'm staying to see if you two crazy love birds can pull it off," Gael turned to his men, "Alright you wastes of skin, grab the cargo and load it."

Aurelia turned to Zinjo, "How should we approach the camp?"

"I say we walk through the front gate," Zinjo replied, "We should go get changed, We'll carry our armor on our backs"

***

The trip to the Gentle Tower camp took less time than the previous trip. The trail had been previously blazed through the mammoth plant life. They marched into the organized area with an air of importance about them. All the men who walked like animals stopped and began to converge on the camps century. Some walked upright like the many monkeys in the jungle. Others walked on all fours, and a select few fluttered on twisted wings.

The crowd held their position and Aurelia turned to Zinjo, "Are you sure this was the correct course of action? If things go wrong, we are outnumbered, and our chances of survival are reduced dramatically," She whispered.

"Don't worry, prepare to change when I do," he whispered back

"Are you crazy? They might see it as a threat?"

"Or they will see everything they want to be."

The twisted and warped humans began to part like waves, and a giant of a man strode down the corridor of flesh and dirt. Not a sound passed the lips of the warped assembly, but they raised their hands in reverence to their leader. He turned and faced Aurelia and Zinjo. His eyes were cold and lizard-like. "The only visitors we get are the ones who come with murder in their eyes, and destruction in their fists. Who are you and what do you want."

Zinjo nodded at Aurelia and she pictured putting on the catsuit and felt the fabric expand beyond its current size. Zinjo roared loud enough to scare the grotesque hoard back a few feet, "We are visiting dignitaries, This is Aurelia princess and heir to the throne of Shadowfen, and I am Zinjo of Kiazangi."

The giant's expression changed to one of utter devotion, "I am Isaac Harbinger. My research made real," He fell to his knees and gripped Zinjo's pantleg, "Tell me the formula for such a change. Your forms represent everything I ever hoped to achieve. Please tell me." The desperation in his voice and the anger in Zinjo's face at his words put tension on the scene.

"Why would I help a coward become strong if he cannot find the strength within himself to live his life with honor," Zinjo put a hefty amount of displeasure into his words. "Would you change if I gave you this precious gift, or would you continue to perpetuate this madness you've created.

The large man rose to his full height, His face filled fury and pain, "How dare you. What I do, I do for the good of mankind. Why spend all of our time making clothes and shoes if we can mold our bodies."

"Were the lizards human once?" Aurelia demanded, "I want to know?"

"They were brave people willing to sacrifice themselves in the name of progress," Isaac spat, "Change me or I shall force you to do so, and when I hold your broken body over my head, I'll bed your little bitch and show her how a real man handles a woman."

The partisan cleaved the earth between Isaac's legs before the madman could blink, "You do not have the skill to win against me...Aurelia?"

The parasol opened and the blade slithered from the scabbard, the blade spun around her palm before she sheathed it, "I will accept the challenge, with two conditions."

Zinjo shot her a dirty look and pulled her back, "Are you sure you want to make a deal with this man? He is three coconuts shy of a basket. Are you sure you can win?"

Aurelia smiled and pressed her lips on Zinjo's and let his feathery lips carry her soul toward the heavens, "I have a plan, I can win against this idiot, I promise," She caressed his face, besides if he cheats, I'll bring you into the mix."

Isaac threw a rock at Zinjo and Aurelia, "Why are you stalling? I am eager to hear this little deal of yours."

Zinjo sighed and gestured to Isaac, "By all means teach the reptile a lesson," He handed a stink pellet to Aurelia, who grinned at the sight of it.

Aurelia stood on a nearby boulder and spoke as loud as her voice would allow. "My conditions are this. If I win, you must free the Al' Miraj, or turn it over to my custody. I strongly suspect it wants to kill all of you. Should you win, I will personally bite each of your followers with the understanding, not all will survive the bite."

The words stirred the twisted humans into a frenzy, they demanded Issac accept the deal, they demanded he fulfills his promises. Aurelia winked at Zinjo.

Isaac tried to speak several times, only to have twisted minions chattering and screeching, like the animals they wanted to be. He scowled at Aurelia, "I hate you right now."

"What's the matter, Isaac? Can't handle being a real leader?" Aurelia teased.

The longer Isaac held out the louder his people shouted and screeched, until he growled low, and held up his hands, "For you my loyal test subjects, I will conquer this bitch in lion's clothing and our civilization will rise."

"What now, dark princess?"

Aurelia opened the parasol and drew the blade, "I have to win of course.