A Crow Doesn't Play Fair, It Plays God

{[It's not the miles you travel that pave our way, it's the rose petals we scattered when we tumbled that create a journey with more beauty than every ruby, topaz and garnet cut to perfection.]}

Am I dreaming?

Luna didn't hold back. She pressed her body against Ashner. Her forehead bumped against his mask, but her mouth ravaged his.

She's kissing me… Really kissing me… Her lips are soft, her body is smooth and squishy… Her tongue is tickling me behind my teeth, and I can feel her heart beating against my chest.

Luna pushed Ashner down on the bed, and she lay on top. Ashner instinctively used his hands to grab her hips.

Luna moaned in a cute tone the moment his hands manhandled her.

She's so soft… My hands are rough, but her skin is as smooth as silk, and my fingers seem to melt into her… My heart is racing… My mind is going blank… I never knew my body would react like this… Oh no, something else is reacting.

Luna's thin dress did nothing to hold back what she had aroused in Ashner's pants.

Luna stopped kissing Ashner. Her hands went up to her face, and she smiled devilishly. "Master… You're such a naughty man." Luna moved her hips, grinding against Ashner's junk.

That feels good…

"Just so you know." Luna tilted her head. Her hair flowed wildly, and it ran down her chest and back. Under the moonlight, her green hair shined like dim foxfire mushrooms. Her skin was flawless, her eyes were needy, and her ass was soft. He sensed it more every time she motioned forward and backward with each hip thrust. "I'm a very naughty elf."

I adore her… Every part of her drips allure and confidence… I've always felt like Luna was out of my league… Yeah, we're both drunk, but she's doing this… She's tempting me… I want more… I need it… I'm getting harder…

Ashner's junk solidified, and Luna's hips tightened as her clit slid against it. Even if she didn't eye it. His size sparked something inside her. A desire, and due to its size, a little fear. Regardless, the panties she was wearing were slowly getting wet. Luna moved forward, pressing her chest against Ashner, and her lips met his once more.

She's doing so much… And I'm just laying here… She started this… I need to touch her… Please don't hate me tomorrow… Today, I want to share this moment with you…

Ashner's hands cupped Luna's ass. She chirped, and her butt raised a little.

Her ass is firm and soft… I want to…

Ashner squeezed, and Luna lifted herself up. "This is in the way." Luna lifted her cocktail mini-dress over her body. It came off like an oversized shirt. Beneath it, she wore an elaborate underwear set. They matched and were lime green with a touch of blue to highlight the flower designs on them.

Luna giggled as she tossed her dress aside. Confident with her body as always.

She wants me to look at her… I can't resist the forbidden apple she's dangling in front of me… Her body is unreal. Her stomach is slim, but her ass is something women from my world pay a fortune to get. And her chest. It's large, but it's also perky. That bra is working overtime, holding her girls up.

Ashner slid his hands away from her ass and then moved them up her slim stomach. His fingers grazed her skin until he reached her chest. Luna's confidence wavered for a second, and she closed her eyes as his hands squeezed her chest.

These are even softer than her legs… Even over the bra, I can feel how soft her boobs are… And her reaction… I wonder how she'll react if I squeeze them more.

Ashner's fingers gently squeezed.

Luna moaned. "Master… You're so impatient." She managed to speak through her moans.

Angel's boobs are smaller, and they feel different… But I don't mind, small or large, all breasts are beautiful… I'm so lucky…

"I can't stop myself now," Ashner admitted. "I want to touch every part of you."

"I do, too, Master." Luna reached for Ashner's pants and unzipped them… Then, her fingers reached for her prize.

That's a new sensation… Luna's fingers pulled out my dick… It feels a million times better when a girl holds it… She's confident in almost everything she does, but I can feel it… Her hands are shaky.

Luna's eyes focused on Ashner's dick. She studied it with curiosity.

"So that's what they feel like." Luna squeezed it gently and giggled. "This is kind of fun."

She's never touched a dick before? She's a virgin… Her squeezing feels good… But she can do better… If I teach her about my body.

Ashner wrapped his hand over Luna's, which was over his dick. This made Luna's face blush.

"Squeeze me like this." Ashner pressed with just enough pressure. "Next, move your hand up and down like this."

Luna's eyes studied Ashner's dick, and she obeyed.

That's so much better…

"Do you like this?" Luna smiled proudly.

Ashner nodded, and he let his voice escape.

"Master, I love your moans and your reactions… I feel like I'm in control of you when I touch you like this."

Luna adores her power games… But I won't be the only one moaning…

Ashner grabbed the lace on Luna's panties, and with a light pull, it came undone and slid down her opposite thigh.

"Master?" Luna's ears slanted down.

"I want to touch you too." Ashner kept his hand on Luna's ass. "Unless you oppose it."

Luna kept stroking, grasping that the moment she moaned, she lost the control she held over Ashner. Even so, she had one request. "Master… I'm not against this… But please… Don't slide your fingers inside… I don't want to bleed from a finger…" As she said that, she stroked a little faster.

I understand she's a virgin, and she wants her hymen to break with a cock, not a finger. Alright, I won't slide it inside… I still have other places I can touch.

Ashner's fingers grazed Luna's pussy. His fingers rubbed gently against her clit.

"Master." Luna moaned, and for a second, she squeezed a little too tightly, and her chest shook with her reaction.

She likes that… In that case, I'll go a little faster.

"Master… Master! Oh, Ashner!" Luna moaned loudly, much louder than Ashner imagined. His door was still open, and a part of him hoped that she wouldn't wake anyone up. "That… Oh, Goddess! My body can't take it!"

Her moans are so sexy, they're making my dick pulse… A beauty like her moaning and touching me… It doesn't get hotter than this… Fuck… I'm so close…

"My hero!" Luna's eyes lit up. They shined brightly with more than just lust. Her body and her soul burned with pleasure. She was being touched and touching the man she adores. "I'm… I'm cumming. I'm cumming! I'M CUMMING!"

Luna repeated it over and over, each time going a little faster.

The rebellious elf squirted on Ashner's hand, and her body spasmed. At the same time, Ashner came. His jizz hit Luna's hand, thigh, ass and stained the bed.

The two breathed heavily and allowed their bodies to recover for a few seconds.

That was the most intense orgasm I've ever had… Luna's juices are all over my hand… And I made her cum… It feels so good to know I made a beauty like her orgasm…

Luna studied her hand and arm covered in Ashner's jizz. She placed it on the hand Ashner used to get her off.

"Master." Luna licked both her juices and Ashner's cum. She savored their juices and took her time cleaning up. "I like this flavor."

Ashner's dick had started getting soft. The sun was going to rise in about an hour, and he was exhausted from the day…

"Master." Luna licked her lips. "Our juices taste amazing when they're mixed."

Luna hides it well… But she's a dirty-minded woman… I think I like her a little more now.

Ashner laid back on the bed, and Luna wiggled up next to him. They were both partly naked over the covers. The two closed their eyes, and in seconds, both of them fell into a deep slumber.

From the closet, a half-elf emerged. Her eyes filled with jealousy and lust. Her juices ran down her left thigh. She had fought hard not to moan while secretly taking a peek at Ashner and Luna. Twila's fingers were sticky with the residue of her actions.

The half-elf studied Ashner's cock. It was soft. Her lips made a smile similar to a crescent moon. In a delighted trance, she got closer and closer to it, enough for her to envelop its warmth against her cheek. That's where she stopped herself.

If Ashner had gone that far with Luna, then what made Twila different? She was beautiful in her own way, too. But still, his junk was right there. It was a treat she wanted, a forbidden sausage of pleasure.

Her eyes landed on Luna and on something wet and slick on her ass. A lot of Ashner's jizz had managed to land there.

Twila licked her lips and moved towards her prey.

Luna moaned with an odd sensation on her ass. She sensed a warmth followed by a light nibble on her cheek. A delight she convinced herself was just in a dream.

Twila got another Christmas present that night.

*******

Ashner woke up late. He glanced to his right. Luna wasn't there anymore, and someone had put his dick back in his pants and even zipped him up.

She's gone… But what we did last night… That's the first time I've ever had a woman touch my dick… And it's the first time one made me cum…

Ashner giggled like a kid. "Best Christmas I've ever had."

Ashner stood up and walked through his mansion. Most of the demi's were still asleep. It was almost midday, but their prior night was a blast, and it had left everyone exhausted.

Everyone but Alex and Luna. Who were both awake and cleaning up.

Alex studied Ashner for a second. His ears wiggled.

What's he doing?

Alex glanced at Luna and then Ashner again. Then he smiled.

His power… I think he knows we did something… If Alex wanted to, he'd be the perfect gossip machine.

XP:200 > XP:225

It seems some of the demi's are out hunting today.

"Good morning, Master." Alex bowed but gave him a devilish grin. "Did you have a good night?"

Ashner locked eyes with Luna. "It was one I'll never forget." Luna blushed bright red and quickly dashed away, giving a half-spoken excuse about cleaning the living room.

I guess her liquid courage is gone… But neither of us can deny what happened…

Twila emerged from one of the rooms. Carrying Sapphire, who was hungover and whining.

"Good morning, Twila." Ashner smiled at her, his mask lit up.

"Good morning, Master." Twila had a secret all to her own. A new fetish, and now, every time she glanced at Ashner, she envisioned his taste on the tip of her tongue. She tried to fight it, but her lower body got moist. "Thank you for having us here."

"I enjoyed drinking with all of you. We should do it again."

"I would be honored." Twila struggled to carry Sapphire, but she managed to take her through the White Room. She gave a crescent smile, determined to savor Ashner again. But next time, she won't hide in the closet.

"Morning, my little bitch." Gio emerged with a big smile.

"You filthy femboy slut." Ashner greeted him back.

"Only for you, daddy." Gio retaliated and made his voice feminine when he said 'daddy'. Both the guys giggled.

Alex raised a single ear.

"Kill yourselves." Wong joined the conversation. He was wearing pajamas. From Wong's room, a single demi-cow emerged. She was one of the warriors who fought and killed monsters for Ashner.

He one hundred percent fucked her. Wong has sex whenever he wants. Lucky fuck.

"I'll choke you to death with my dick." Gio retaliated as he made coffee for everyone.

"If you put your cock in my mouth, you'll cum before I choke." Wong winked at Gio, who started laughing.

"I hope." Alex's tail wagged. "You three have a bad day."

Alex's eyes twinkled.

The three guys lost it and laughed louder than they expected.

"At least you're trying." Gio giggled.

"Was I too mean?" Alex's tail stopped wagging.

"You're fine," Wong reassured.

"I wouldn't want our friendships to break apart… I don't know what I'd do if that happened."

"You don't have to worry about that." Wong sipped on his drink. "We're not related by blood, but all of us are brothers through and through until the very end… You're our little brother… We'll never abandon each other or you."

"And the girls?" Alex raised his ear and held his breath.

"The girls are our sisters," Wong spoke without any hint of sexism. "They've fought hard for us, I respect them all the same way I respected my sisters who died in 3-7-3. We're all a big family here."

"Do you mean it?" Risa, standing next to Luna and Angel, spoke. The girls had woken up to the aroma of coffee.

"Yes." Wong glanced at them. "It's no secret that I hate most women… But you girls protected us and Ashner in your own ways… So I can't hate any of you… Granted, the rest of the women in our worlds… That's another story…"

That's about as nice as he can be towards women… The girls who died in our old company earned his respect… Only Gio and I know that Wong cried over all their deaths… Especially Julia, she took shrapnel wounds for him, and she died in his arms… That death still haunts him… And I'm certain she's the reason he decided to pursue medicine.

"If you respect us, then prove it." Luna stepped forward.

"How?"

Luna extended her arms. "Hug."

Wong blinked a few times, then sipped on his coffee, leaving Luna in her hugging pose for a good forty seconds. "I'll pass."

Luna pouted and hugged Wong. Angel and Risa joined in. Ashner quickly grabbed the coffee mug in the doctor's hand. Wong whined as the girls clung to him.

"Get off me!" Wong screamed, but none of the girls let up. Gio laughed until his side hurt, and Alex sighed heavily.

Wong's changing. He doesn't realize it himself… But the hate in his heart is fading… As for Alex…

Ashner studied his friend. "You don't need to worry, Alex. We all created this happiness, and we share it with each other… That'll never change."

Alex's tail wagged, and he smiled brightly.

"You guys never gave each other gifts." Alex interrupted the hugging session. Wong was losing the hugging fight, and he accepted it with a frown.

"We planned the party for you guys, so it slipped our minds," Gio admitted. "But I did get you guys gifts."

Gio snapped his fingers, and the floating droids went into his room and returned with one large, tough-box.

"Open it up bitches." Gio smiled as Wong grabbed Gio's present. He was more eager to escape the girls than the gift itself. He opened it, and his heart stopped. "This is for you two."

"These…" Wong took a step back and Ashner glanced in the box. "How?"

"It wasn't easy, and it cost a fortune, but I managed to get as much as possible." Ashner reached into the box and grabbed a framed photo. His eyes watered. "This gift is not just for you two. It's also for me."

"Who are they?" The demi's studied the pictures.

"Our old platoon." Ashner held the picture gently. The box had more items. Individual pictures of their platoon, letters, and oddities that the soldiers had shipped home during the war. "How did you get all this?"

"I went to our old basic training base. It's radiated, but luckily, the buildings were still intact, and I found these things… I also went to the homes of some of our battles… Most of their homes were gone, And only Julia and Frost's parents were still alive… When I told them I served with their kids, they gave me some of their things… The world may have forgotten the kids who picked up arms and fought, but we won't… Because we were there, we grew up with them, dealt with their bad habits, and held them when the horrors of war started breaking them… And we were there when they died… I can't forget them… Had things been different, they would've been here with us."

The three guys caressed Gio's gift. Luna glanced away and stared at the kitchen for a few minutes.

"These are amazing," Ashner admitted as he started showing the demi's the pictures of his friends. He told them the stories of their lives. And how they planned on making a memorial for them.

"Next, it's my turn," Wong spoke. Most of the demi's had returned home so it was just the seven of them. "I made an agreement with Crow. As of right now he's working on finding the location of the seed vault. And not just that, his people are now protecting the location of our company. We now have security and safety for the indefinite future."

"That's amazing." Gio lit up. "How did you pull that off?"

"It wasn't easy, Crow is… Different… But he will negotiate if the price is right." Wong glanced at Alex and Luna, who were now making breakfast for everyone. "It's not much of a gift now that I think about it."

"Don't say that." Ashner tapped Wong's shoulder. "This world is dangerous, and only a fool thinks they can survive alone. You made the right call, and it might've saved our lives or the lives of the demi's working for us."

Satisfied, Wong nodded.

"My turn." Ashner glanced at Wong. "I have one White Room XP… And I will let you choose what we should waste it on."

"Seriously?" Wong lit up. "What are my options?"

Ashner placed a piece of paper down. He had already written everything down.

Armory

Bedroom

Basement

Closets

Crafting Room

Enchantment Room

Fire-range

Greenhouse

Kitchen

Library

Magic Training Room

Treasure Room

Trophy Room

Storage Room

"What do these rooms do?" Wong asked.

"I don't know." Ashner tapped on the page. "The menu doesn't tell me until we waste the points."

"Let me ponder on it for a bit." Wong's mind was racing.

Ashner opened his menu.

New Room Options Available. Choose one to add to your list.

Gaming Room

Ball Room

Magic Medical Room

"Well." Ashner glanced at his friend. "The menu is allowing me to choose a new room. And I think you're gonna love it."

White Room XP:1 > XP:0

Magic Medical Room (Level 1) – This room is an addition to your medical ward. New machinery will appear in the room, and it is now twice as large.

Magical Illnesses – This allows you to detect magical illnesses and gives you a X2 chance of curing it.

Detect Curses – This allows you to detect curses and gives you a X2 chance of dispelling the affliction.

Detect Blessings – This allows you to detect blessings and gives you a X2 chance of recreating it.

Ashner explained the abilities to Wong, who was ecstatic and eager to try out his new room.

"Now for you, Gio." Ashner glanced at his menu. "Since you killed the heart of the cave, the menu is allowing me to give you a power… Just know, most of the powers you can get tend to suck… So don't blame me if you get a dumb one."

How do I give him his power?

The menu popped up.

Touch him and tell him to 'Spin.'

Ashner grabbed Gio's strong shoulder. "Say spin."

Gio glanced around, confused. "You spin me right round, baby, right round." Wong giggled, but a new menu appeared in front of Gio.

A blue menu that spun like a record.

"Is this what you see?" Gio asked Ashner, who nodded. Gio's eyes opened. Now, Ashner's menu was visible to him.

The menu stopped.

"What power did you get?" Alex asked eagerly as he served everyone egg muffins.

Gio's eyes shook, and his heart raced. His jaw dropped.

"New power obtained." Gio read his menu. "FUCK YES!"

(UR) Anime's Blessings on this Wonderful World!

Level Max – (Bought) – You can now reproduce and distribute any anime you've seen in digital or physical form. The only requirement you need to create any item is spending your mana.

Any manga you've read you can reproduce on paper.

Any props or cosplays you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any waifu or husbando body pillow you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any anime figure you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any anime plush you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any anime fan-fiction you've read you can now reproduce.

Any anime scrolls you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any anime art book or guidebook you've read, you can now reproduce.

Any anime blanket you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any anime key-chain you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any anime trading cards you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any anime pins you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any anime clothes you've seen you can now reproduce.

Any anime-related theme can be reproduced as long as you imagine it. This only includes merchandise.

"I'm so fucking happy." Gio's eyes watered as he explained his new power to the group.

"That's the stupidest power I've ever heard of." Wong crossed his arms.

"BITCH I'LL FIGHT YOU!" Gio retaliated with unfathomable rage.

"How is that a UR?" Wong was conflicted.

"Because anime is worthy of a UR rating," Gio spoke confidently. "Now, if you excuse me… I need to try using this power."

"What are you making?"

"An angel." Gio put his hand on the table and tried dabbling with his power for a few seconds until a Rem with white wings appeared out of nowhere. Gio's body started collapsing, but he smiled. "I did it… My angel… I promise… No one will ever harm you again…"

Gio snored heavily on the table. Eager to push the limits of his mana over and over.

*******

XP:225 > XP:1,250

"How many have we found?" Ashner asked Violet, who was now getting in the habit of wearing more modern clothing.

"So far, only about three hundred." Violet glanced around. They were outside the castle with demi-dogs. "It's only been four days, and we're struggling to find survivors."

Sapphire was next to them, her ears drooped.

"We need another plan." Ashner sat in the room that led into the White Room Bathroom. The dwarves had fixed up the entrance and building. They had used dark stones similar to volcanic rocks as its foundation. The elves had used their magic to create flowers, and the demi-cows had gone out of their way to decorate the place. It was fancier than the castle.

Luna, Risa, and Angel emerged from the White Room. The girls were refreshed and clean.

"It's not like we can make the right calls every time." Violet's ears dropped. She dreaded that she was failing Ashner's expectations. "The demi-dogs hide from us, and they constantly move… We can't be everywhere at the same time."

Everywhere at the same time… Maybe it's possible…

"Luna," Ashner called her name loudly.

Luna forced a neutral gaze, and she gave a nervous smile. "How may I serve you today?" She took slow steps towards Ashner.

She's still acting weird since our night together. To be fair, I've also been avoiding her… I don't know why I feel this way… What am I afraid of?

Luna was phenomenal at getting under people's skins. She was devious at times and used words and her wits to get her way, but she was horrid at one thing.

Angel studied Luna, and then she glanced at Ashner. Putting together several scenarios in her head. Some of which might've been dead on.

Luna had no skills at hiding her nervousness around Ashner. Her once confident demeanor was now no more than that of a high school girl with an obvious crush.

Risa hadn't put it together, but everyone else did to some extent.

"Tell me everything you know about Future Sight." Ashner pushed aside his emotions. He needed more demi's willing to work on creating enchantments. Sapphire had a small group of demi's working on it, but with their growing population size, he needed more workers.

"My former guardian knight had that power." Luna's mind eased when she recalled Talina. "It's a power exclusive to elves. It's infrequent, but it allows the user to see the immediate future in possibilities."

"What does that mean?"

"The way Talina explained it to me. If she thinks she's going to attack an enemy with a side swipe. Her power shows her what the results of that slash will be. But what if she decided to go with a jab instead or if she wanted to hit her enemy with the back of her sword." Luna tilted her head. "Anything she can imagine, any direction, any weapon. Her power lets her see the results."

"Possibilities within possibility." Ashner was satisfied. "Alright, I think we can find most of the demi-dogs now."

"What are your orders?" Violet recognized Ashner's tone of voice. It was similar to when he led her people against the spiders. Sapphire glanced at Violet, then lifted her head up a little.

"Luna, I'll give you Future Sight. And you'll, in turn, use your drones to search this mountain. Violet and her people will follow your directions and gather the remaining demi's."

"I don't know if my mana can handle that much." Luna wasn't against the idea. She wanted to please Ashner, but she was also reasonable. "I also haven't earned the right for more power."

"I choose who gets power… As for earning it… You've given me something no one ever has."

Angel narrowed her eyes, and her imagination got closer to the truth.

"Menu, increase Luna's Spirit magic to level six."

The menu did as ordered.

Spirit Magic – Level 5 > 6

XP:1,250 > XP:250

"Raise Future Sight to Level Six."

Future Sight – Level 0 > Level 6

XP:250 > XP:100

Luna's purple eyes glowed blue for a few seconds.

Sapphire and Violet were both in awe.

Luna glanced around, and shadows with the outlines of her friends moved. One possibility was hugging Ashner. Doing so made Risa's shadow get jealous. Or if she tried to hug Risa, she was able to dodge her cuddling attempt. This power showed every possibility available to her, but it also drained her mana.

Luna's eyes watered, and she raised her hands to wipe them away.

"Are you okay?" Ashner put his hand on her shoulder. "Is the power hurting you?"

Luna shook her head. Her tears were a perfect mix of happiness and sadness.

"This is how Talina saw the world… She was amazing, and now I have her power…" Luna smiled with newfound determination. "I feel closer to her… Thank you, Ashner… I won't fail you."

The group set her up inside the castle. She used her gifts, and instead of three drones, she started with twenty-five, casually flying them all across the landscapes.

"I see some of them." Luna glanced at Ashner. Multiple holographic maps were lit up around her. Not to mention, her power was helpful. She was flying the drones straight towards the lost demi's. "Violet, send four bunnies that way."

Violet glanced to her right and gave her orders.

"I found a lost demi-child," Luna continued. Angel, your speed and flight are perfect for her. Head towards the river, and I'll guide you from there."

Angel nodded and took flight.

"Ashner and Risa, we have three near us. No matter who I send, they end up fighting. Only you two are capable of restraining them. Follow my drone." Risa and Ashner obeyed and stepped outside.

"We have a group of thirty getting too close to a dungeon." Luna glanced at Ari, who was informed and needed to see this for herself. "Ari, send a group of twenty elves northeast and have them move through the trees."

Ari glanced to her right, but the elven soldiers had already made their move.

"You're finally giving orders," Ari smirked.

"Ashner gave me this power," Luna said and moved her fingers. Her drones were moving quickly across the landscape. Some floated above the demi's, and their strobe lights drew the soldiers of Sanctuary towards them. Other drones stayed hidden and popped out only when Sanctuary's warriors were near. "I don't want to fail him."

"Ashner did this." Ari sat next to her. "That man is blessed by divinity."

Luna glanced to her right. She stopped using her power, and her chest fell on her desk.

"Is your mana drained?" Ari used the back of her hand and grazed it against Luna's head. "You're burning up."

"It's okay," Luna reassured her friend. "This power burns through my mana, but if I can find a solution before I'm drained, it won't be an issue… Talina amazes me more and more… She was capable of maintaining this power for days at a time…"

"You're amazing." Ari handed her a cup of cold milk. "If your mother were here… She'd praise you."

"She'd hate me," Luna admitted.

"She'd never hate you."

Luna inhaled sharply. "I'm in love with a human…"

"You're in love with Ashner." Ari continued.

"How?" Luna's ears shot up, and her cheeks blushed red.

"I've known you for years. We met when I was a pre-teen, and you were practically an older sister to me." Luna sipped on her drink. Her head was spinning. "You radiate confidence and assertiveness around women… But you were indifferent around men… Until Ashner came around… I've never seen you get flustered over a guy."

"I can't help it." Luna finished her drink. "He's a living, breathing hero… And his fingers…"

"Fingers?" Ari gave a smug smile.

Luna broke and confessed what happened. The two women giggled like teenagers and grew a little closer to each other.

*******

Ashner's mask gave a digital smile.

XP:100 > XP:7,570

Luna's been directing warriors to fight and kill monsters. My XP is moving up quickly.

Ashner glanced around. The demi's were rebuilding, and on occasion, he caught glimpses of some anime merchandise. Granted, the demi's were asking for cups and towels. Useful things. Gio didn't mind making them. But the buff man kept pushing himself too hard. Ashner caught him in the White Room passed out from Mana deprivation the day prior.

Wong was keeping himself busy with the sick demi-dogs that were arriving.

"Ashner!" Ari, Rolo, Luna, and Twila had gone out of their way to find him.

"Come with us." Ari tilted her head. Outside of the makeshift room where Ashner was sleeping was everyone important to him.

"What's going on?"

"Give it a few," Rolo smirked devilishly.

"A few for what?" Ashner tuned into the world around him. Most of the demi's were outside, waiting for something.

The splashing of water caught his attention.

Water ran through the recently fixed plumbing system.

The water fountains came to life. Giving the crumbling city a bubbling of rushing water. All around him, dozens of fountains gave the kingdom a life it once lost.

The citizens cheered, hugged one another, and occasionally kissed. Ashner studied the kingdom. It wasn't the petrified and starving nation he had met long ago. Now, it was filled with happiness and hope.

"We're going to grow so much food!" A random bunny cheered, and her sisters hopped for joy. Up until that moment, they relied entirely on Ashner and his water trucks.

"I can build us a bathroom in our own home," a demi-dog said, cuddling his wife and small children. "We can finally have a place for just us."

"We have so much water for our animals now." Two demi-cows held hands and danced in circles.

I've never seen the demi's so happy before…

"You did this." Ari turned towards Ashner, Gio, and Wong. "The three of you revived not just a dying kingdom but a dying society."

The demi's lifted the guys up over their shoulders and cheered their names, even tossing Gio into a water fountain. He jumped out, gave a fake roar, and chased the locals down, splashing them with water.

The demi's had brought food, musical instruments, and alcohol, way too much of it.

"Your world has Christmas." Ari had arranged everything for this day. "I want to make this day a holiday as well."

Everyone was informed about the event except for the guys.

"Today, a new era flourishes. A new beginning for demi's and humans… An eon of peace, love, community, and trust!" Ari raised her glass, and alcohol was forced into the guy's hands. "Today is the day of Union! The first holiday in Eden!"

The demi's cheered and chugged their drinks.

The guys glanced at each other and drank.

So, against their better judgment, the three heroes from Earth got wasted once more.

Deep into the night, Ashner's menu popped up.

Spin?

It's been a week already? Spin.

The menu spun like a cylinder in a revolver. Then the menu started showing fireworks.

(Legendary) Reload

Level Max – Bought – You can create any type of small arms ammo using your mana. You can also give this power to any ally of your choosing for the low, low cost of 10,000 XP. This only applies to the magazines you or your target are carrying.

Fuck yes… This world is so chaotic… I don't mind a break every now and then…Ohhh, if I burp right now, I'm gonna hurl… Just hold it in and keep walking… Honestly, it doesn't get better than this…

Ashner tripped on a drunk demi-bull, and right there, in the middle of the city, he crashed out.

*******

"A survivor?" Crow was shirtless, angry, and ready to hit a bowl of some homegrown weed before one of his men gave him the news. "Take me to her!"

Crow followed his friend, and several thugs murmured over the rumors that flowed quickly in their city.

One of Crow's assistants put a leather jacket on him. It didn't hide his abs, but it helped his arms and back fight the cold.

"Crow." A Latina woman with a youthful face, petite body, and pigtails with a green hat addressed her leader. "She's a strong girl. But…"

Crow walked into the room. Two female guards had slung their weapons and were comforting a young girl.

Crow took one glance at the young girl and absorbed her reality. His heart dropped.

"She ran through several radiated areas to get to us… Her pills won't… They won't save her…"

"I understand… Where did she come from?"

"Dulce." She replied.

"Dulce?" Crow raised his eyebrows. "That town stopped replying to us about four weeks ago."

"Yes… And her hand." The guard tapped on her palm.

Crow turned his attention to the girl. She was covered in dirt and mud, but her hand was missing several fingers. She had bandaged it.

"It's late, sweetheart." Crow turned his charm on. The girl shook, but the guards around her comforted her and reassured her that Crow was a trustworthy man. "What's your name?"

"Cassandra." The teenager spoke meekly. Her skin was red due to her radiation exposure, and blisters were starting to show on her cheeks. To top it off, she was losing hair.

"Cassandra. My name is Crow." He gave the young girl a big, gentle smile. "As long as you're in my city, we'll give you everything we can. We'll keep you safe… But, we need to know what happened to Dulce."

"We're not safe." She forced the words out. "No one is safe from the soldiers in white."

The girl coughed and heaved. Blood ran down her lip. The radiation had already destroyed the inside of her body. Crow didn't push. He let her regain her senses.

"The army wears a new uniform… They told us that we needed to die so that the rest of them could live… But they didn't just kill us. They had fun doing it… They were laughing, ripping the clothes off people, and they forced some of us to kill ourselves… Those soldiers, they're not human, they're animals." Cassandra's eyes watered, and she brought her hand up to her face.

"What happened to your fingers?"

"A few of their snipers made us run through the radiated field. They shot everyone, my brother took the bullet for me… It ripped the inside of his body, and it took my fingers… I could feel it when I was breathing, the radiation. It burned my lungs, but I had to move. I had to live… I dragged myself through the mud… Crawling through the dirt for days, eating grass and drinking water from the puddles of mud… I needed to get here…"

"You're here now, sweetheart." Crow pulled a seat and sat in front of her. "We'll keep you safe."

"I'm dying." She sputtered the words out. "I knew the moment I stepped into the radiated woods that I was going to die… But I needed to tell someone, anyone… And I know you helped our town in the past… At the very least, I can tell you what happened… Those monsters, we need to stay away from them…"

The girl had another coughing fit. This time, more blood came out of her mouth. She struggled to inhale. Her two guards put an oxygen mask on her.

"I'm tired." Cassandra was exhausted. She hadn't slept or ate well in weeks.

Crow reached into his pocket and pulled out a lollipop. "Here." She hesitantly took it. Candy was a rarity on the surface after the war.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Crow turned to the two women tending to Cassandra. "Make sure you bathe and feed her. She's a brave girl who gave us desperately needed answers."

The two women nodded, and Crow left.

"Crow." The Latina woman walked behind him. Two men joined him. "She…"

"She won't live past the night." Crow gritted his teeth. "That girl watched everyone she loved die and crawled to us… She's a badass, and I won't let her efforts be in vain."

Crow walked into the room where his mechanics built machinery for the floating cities. The people there were fit, and most of them had served in the last World War.

As Crow entered the room, the people waiting for him had mixed expressions. Some were worried, and others were pissed.

"I talked to her." Crow's voice echoed in the machine shop. "Soldier's in white… So our suspicions were correct… The floating cities are killing surface dwellers."

"FUCK!" One of his stronger and larger guards roared and tossed a metal bar across the building. "FIRST, THEY MAKE US ALL JOIN AN UNPOPULAR WAR! GOING AS FAR AS SENDING CHILDREN ONTO THE BATTLEFIELD, AND NOW THAT'S NOT ENOUGH! THEY'RE GOING AFTER THE SURFACE DWELLERS WITH NOTHING TO THEIR NAMES!"

"So the rumors were true." A taller man with a full face balaclava, and black clothes tapped his temple with his fingers. His mask had a skull design on it. "In the last few weeks, at least six towns have gone dark."

"Why kill us?" The same Latina woman that had followed Crow sat on top of a few tires. "We're already dying slowly from the radiation. Give it a few years, and most, if not all, of us will die."

"WHO'S TO SAY THEY'RE ONLY HITTING THE TOWNS AROUND ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO! HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THEY SLAUGHTERING!" The large man shook in a rage. He had a thick Russian accent, and his body had scars from the war. "WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING! A CHILD CRAWLED HER WAY TO US, AND NOW SHE'S GOING TO DIE THANKS TO THOSE ASSHOLES!"

"Eugene." Crow tilted his head towards his friend. "I understand your rage, and now none of us can deny your claims. You have my word, we'll help you."

Eugene's eyes widened, and then he smiled. "Crow, if you keep your word, I will burn this Earth down on your orders."

"Don't. I live in it." Crow sighed as the group nodded. They were willing to follow his orders to the letter.

"Maria." Crow glanced at the girl on the tires. Then, at the man with the mask. "Evaristo."

"Sir." Both of them perked up.

"Clear Water wears the white uniform. The army is gone, the government is gone. The people in control are corporate heads who chose to shut most of the world away. So them stepping out of line to kill us has a purpose that'll serve them." Crow tilted his head up. He was attractive, but at times, he stared off into space. That was if he wasn't baked out of his mind.

The news of the army and government being gone shook the group. But none of them denied it. Crow was notorious for keeping information from people and delivering it when it benefited him or his city.

"They're running out of something." Crow debated it with himself. "It's not gold… They're pretending to be our government to control us on the surface, but they also distribute radiation pills and food… So it's either medicine or food that they're lacking… No, not medicine. If they wanted to create placebo medication and play it off as rad pills, no one would be the wiser. So it's food, they're running out… They don't want us surface rats to know that information because it can cause riots and chaos."

"Are you just guessing?" Maria moved a stubborn strand of hair away from her lips. "Or did you already know this?"

"Who knows." Crow lifted his hands. "I believe they're searching for a solution, but at this point, they're so fucked it doesn't matter… And that means this is the perfect time to slip under their radar."

Eugene smirked. "Is it time?"

"Yes." Crow reached for his pocket and ate some weed edibles. "Eugene, Maria, Evaristo. Choose a handful of men and women. We're heading into the cold. The time is ripe to find the answers we need."

The three nodded.

"We won't be enough." Eugene gritted his teeth. "Only a handful of us have combat experience."

"I'll get more people." Crow chewed on his treat. "I'm calling in a favor… I just happen to know three guys who served alongside me… They're a couple of bad-asses."

"More bad-ass than you?"

"Nah." Crow half lied. "They have their issues, and I don't trust them as far as I can jizz. But I've seen their skills in battle, and I have the perfect bargaining chip."

"What chip?" Evaristo asked.

"The location of a certain vault."

"They're going to be pissed." Evaristo grasped what Crow was doing.

"The ends justify the means." Crow's voice echoed in the room. "Every one of us might die… But who gives a shit… I'm done pretending to be blind to the chaos around us. We need to act now. If they don't like it, they can blame themselves afterward, or they'll die."

"You don't play fair with anyone's lives," Maria added.

"You're right." Crow tapped on his weapon. It was itching to take lives. "I don't play fair, I play God, and it's kept us alive this long."

Crow's mind got lighter as the weed took effect.

"Fuck yeah, that's good shit."