Set Bonus Ch. 09

The air rippled as it was forced aside as Vi, Lunara, and Nell popped onto the capital's arrival pad. For a change, Vi was free and fully clothed, even looking a touch made up, which gave the fully armored Nell and slightly less formidable Lunara the look of bodyguards in the employ of a noblewoman. Nell only had to take a single step to regain her balance. She was getting used to teleportation.

The pad's attendant, used to such sudden arrivals, had only paused for a moment. "Welcome," he said, rather uncordially. "Thank you for observing Centerwall's teleportation protocols. Reason for your visit?" He wore a guard's uniform and sounded bored, as if people magically appearing before him were a common occurrence. Which, given his station, it probably was.

"I plan to visit several of the higher learning centers for some historical research," replied Vi. She'd 'popped' into the capital many times and knew the procedure. "Also some shopping. These two are my guards."

Fair enough," the attendant sighed. "Sign into the ledger, all three of you, and proceed through the gate. If you plan to teleport home or wherever, please return and leave from here. Enjoy Centerwall." With that, his duties apparently complete, the attendant returned to a rickety-looking chair and picked up a worn book.

Vi scribbled her name into the book, then stood aside for her companions to do the same. "Which temple did you want to stop at Nell?"

"I hadn't decided," the Paladin answered. We'll have to walk through the district and examine our options. The temple of Monessa, as Ten insists, may be our best option, but they may not have the necessary resources. Also, I fear she may be biased."

"Why would you say that?" Vi snorted. She stood until Lunara scratched her efficient signature, then turned to the gate and moved swiftly toward the open portal. "Lu? Get a room first?"

"Yes," Lunara didn't elaborate on the plan to open the Sanctum and extract their other three companions. Not within earshot of the guard. Admitting aloud that they were smuggling people into the city might be frowned upon. Still, this was the first time they'd tried this and she was a little nervous. She resisted the urge to question the Wizard further.

They'd taken the proper precautions. Myx, Tenna and Elini were, essentially, locked in the Sanctum at the moment. They left several days' worth of rations for each in case, for whatever reason, Vi couldn't open the entrance in the new location. And worst case, they could strip down and lock themselves in the cells, but Elini was sure this would work.

She was less sure if it was a good idea for an Elf to roam the capital. She planned to remain sequestered, at least until they learned more. At the very least, she would draw attention. At worst, suspicion and hostility. Lunara appreciated her caution.

That was one of the reasons for their visit. Intelligence on the diplomatic relationship(if any) with the Elves, along with any historical information of their ancient benefactor, and current reports of any undead attacks. Oh, and some covert practice for Tenna's new gear.

Vi led the way through the wide avenues past the gate. She knew Centerwall best, though they'd all at least been there. Lunara and Nell played their parts as bodyguards well, actually keeping people back from the affluent-appearing Wizard. There were a few, whatever their intent, that just gave up after meeting Nell's gaze.

"Where we going, Vi?" Lunara inquired.

"Nymph's Garden," Vi returned. "Little pricier, but it's close to everything we want, and it's got ground-floor rooms for Ten's test run. I'm going to try to get one in the back so they don't get suspicious of how many people we got in there. Only has a single bed, but 'my loyal guards' should be happy to sleep on the floor, right?"

"That's the story," replied Lunara. In truth, the whole party would be sleeping in the Sanctum with the portal half closed for additional security. They'd be able to see out; even exit if necessary but the path would be closed from the outside.

The Garden was a well-appointed, ivy-covered building that was, indeed, within sight of the Temple District. The interior decor was... less than tasteful, heavily featuring cavorting nymphs being pursued by well-endowed satyrs.

"Myx is going to love this place," sighed Lunara as they made their way to their out-of-the-way room.

"She already does," agreed Vi. "She's stayed here with me before. It was hard to get her out of the lobby." She slipped her simple key into the lock and opened the door to reveal a plain room. "She was *not impressed with the locks. Think she rigged something extra when we were here." She waited until her 'guards' filed in and the door was closed. The window shutters were still closed and barred. "Okay, here we go," she announced, picking a bare patch of wall.

Vi extended her arm with the recently acquired key 'tattoo'. Immediately, a red-tinged doorway irised open, revealing an agitated Rogue pacing on the other side.

"Gah! Took you long enough!" griped Myx, hopping through the portal. "Thought I was gonna be stuck in there forever. Hey, is this The Nymph? Should have got a suite."

"You were stuck in there like, ten minutes, Myx," countered Vi. "We closed the door, 'ported, and walked to the inn. And yes, this is The Nymph. And, no. We needed ground floor access for you and Ten to go out later. Well, for Ten to go out later."

"Where is Tenna?" questioned Nell.

Myx jerked her thumb at the soundproof portal. "Getting her ass Elf-whipped at chess. You'll probably have to go in after them. I don't think the Elf is gonna come out though. Ten's been trying to talk her into covering her ears and going for a walk. No luck. So where to first?"

"You, me, and one of the 'bodyguards' are going to the college," replied Vi. "I want to check with a history professor. See what they know about Fallack and Modrek. I want you along to get a layout. In case you have to sneak in later. We'll also have to get the general position on elves. See if Elini is going to be welcome."

"And we'll send Nell and Ten to the temple district," added Lunara. "Feel out what to do if we recover the, uh. Scepter. I'm hoping they handle any discussion discreetly." She nodded to Nell. "I'd rather not have any church hounding us to grab artifacts."

"Agreed," replied Nell. "The gods are consistent. Those that worship them, less so. We will be careful. I will collect Tenna and tell her the plan." She then turned and stepped through the portal.

*

"I... understand your perspective," said Elini. "I don't disagree with you. But the current risks outweigh any benefit." The Elf glanced down, studying the chessboard before shifting her knight to knock Tenna's black rook from the field. "Also... I do not want to. I'm not ready."

Tenna sighed as her piece was lined up with the others in front of her opponent. "You know best how you feel. And a major city is admittedly not the best place for a low profile. But consider it, please. You can't avoid the world forever."

"I have been for years. Even before I was placed in stasis."

"You had your partner to ground you," replied Tenna. "You've said yourself she liked to go out." She stared at the chessboard. Black pieces were in short supply. With a final sigh, she reached forward and toppled her king.

"I will consider an outing," conceded Elini. "Just not today."

"Fair enough," said Tenna, beginning to collect the pieces. "Now if that armored boot that just stepped in means what I think it does, it's time for me to go."

"You are right," agreed Nell, who could hear them now that she was through the portal. "We are tasked with investigating which temple might be best to take custody of the scepter. Assuming we find it.'

"You know my opinion," grinned Tenna.

"And you know mine," countered Nell. "Monessa's temple is too small. They may not have the resources."

"And the temple of the Sun is too big," argued Tenna. "Too corrupt."

"Is the Shadow Queen still worshiped?" questioned Elini.

"Not openly," replied Tenna. "There are rumors of hidden shrines. But she's not exactly a benevolent deity."

"True, but she does not tolerate rivals."

"I... Well..." Tenna paused. "You're not wrong, I guess. Something to keep in mind. We'll be back. I'll bring you a pastry."

"Vi says she will half-close the portal," said Nell. "You will be able to exit, but not reenter."

"Thank you," replied Elini. "Good luck with your missions."

*

"I thought professors were supposed to be smart," said Myx.

"Yeah, the trouble with knowing everything is you can't learn anything new," said Lunara.

"You have to speak 'academic'," put in Vi. "Yes, he was an arrogant prick, but he was very interested in what we had to say. He knew the names and contradicted us at every turn, but he's keen to know where we got our information and steal it. Are we being followed, Lu?"

"Not that I can see," replied Lunara. "And I doubt that prick had someone that good on standby. Even a pro would take a second to get a tail together. Still, if he's going to be a problem... We'll have Myx 'lock' the door tonight."

"He'll be a problem," confirmed Vi. "Just a matter of how big. Still, his reactions to our elf questions were telling too."

"Yeah, he got jumpy and interested," agreed Myx. "Our new friend was right to keep her head down, says I."

"Agreed," Lunara sighed. "If we learned anything, it was that we were right to be cautious. Let's hope Nell and Ten do better."

"Bet they will," snorted Myx. "I'm not worried about any church people following them home. Guy by the lamppost by the way, trailing us since the college. You losing your touch, Lu?"

"Lamppost?" Lunara unsubtly swung her head around to look. It didn't matter because the scrub trailing behind them didn't seem to notice he was noticed. "Bloody hells," grumbled Lunara. "No wonder I didn't clock him. That guy looks like he'd be lucky to find his own ass."

"He probably set a student on us," said Vi. "Just to find out where we're staying. We're going to have to be discreet tonight. Keep the portal closed when the door and window are open."

"I prefer to be paranoid anyway," sighed Lunara.

They continued on, arriving at their inn to find Nell and Tenna on a bench out front. "Hey!" Tenna greeted. "How'd it go?"

"About how you'd expect," replied Lunara. "All we really learned is 'Be careful who we talk to'. You guys?"

"Also how you would expect," returned Nell. "Only the temple of Monessa gave us even a minute, and only because of Tenna's ties. Even then, they did not immediately believe us. Ultimately, we are on our own for containment currently."

"Great," sighed Lunara. "Also, we got a tail." She raised an arm and gestured to their clumsy follower (who, this time, noticed being noticed). "No one goes out alone. Keep the door and window closed and locked."

"Hm? Are you sure--?" Tenna turned to see the man scrambling away after being made. "Ah, I see. We still on for tonight then?"

"Yeah," Lunara lowered her voice. "Not like you two will be recognizable. I don't see any point in going to the college after hours. But a little covert practice will be useful."

"Agreed," said Vi. "If that prick knows anything, it won't be easy to find."

Nell and Vi walked right through the front door and back to their room. They made a slight side trip to let the others in through a back entrance to limit Tenna and Myx's visibility. Once fully secured in the room, they reopened the portal and sequestered themselves for further privacy.

*

"So, there's no objective?" Tenna peeled the last of her clothing off and set it aside. "I'm just going out for a jaunt?"

"Yes," confirmed Lunara. "Myx is still going to slip into the college, and you'll be in contact with her in case she needs you to carry something. But our main purpose is to check your mobility. See how hard it's going to be to move around the city."

"She can zip around the keep pretty good," said Myx. She had already stripped down and was lounging, naked, on one of the Sanctum's padded seats. "I think she'll be fine."

"I want her to practice getting on roofs, crossing streets, staying out of sight," said Lunara. "She shouldn't have too much trouble. There must be thousands of cats in the city."

"They could be a problem too," put in Vi. "Cats are territorial." She was also stripped down. Frustratingly, she had to don her power-enhancing gear to cast the telepathy spell for tonight's mission. It wouldn't be long, but still...

"Okay then, who's first?" Lunara asked.

"Me last," sighed Vi. "I'll cast just before they go to extend how long they can be gone."

"All right then, me first," sighed Tenna. She extended her arm holding the leather case with a cat on it.

"Sit down," Nell accepted the case. "I will start with you, uh socks."

Tenna complied, sitting next to Myx, and extending a leg. "Fitting, after all the times I helped armor you."

"Mn," grumbled Nell, as the fully armored paladin dropped to one knee. From the case, she pulled a red and black boot-like object and set about sliding it up Tenna's left leg. It reached mid-calf before snugging itself around her ankle. Her foot was extended involuntarily. Her toes were covered, but it appeared as though she had a cat's paw.

"Oh! Give me the tail!" said Myx. "I'll stick it on when she stands up, so she doesn't fall on her butt."

"Thanks, Myx," said Tenna.

"I'm kinda surprised it wasn't like a plug," said Myx. "They have tails like that. Don't ask me how I know."

"It was discussed." Elini stood a distance away, watching the proceedings. "Fortunately, Fallack recognized the extended wear potential. Though I think shifting to a cat would have solved any... issues."

"Think I prefer not having anything up my butt, thanks," countered Tenna. She waited for Nell to get her other 'paw' in place and get her hands clear before flexing and extending three wicked-looking curved claws from each foot before retracting them. She pushed herself upright, wobbling on her toes. "Whoops... Myx, Tail me."

"Here it comes..." Myx crooned. She guided the thick, reddish rope-like object to Tenna's backside, placing it on her tailbone where it adhered firmly in place. It stiffened as it attached to her and seemed to be sort of under her control.

With a shudder, Tenna's body stabilized. Her knees bent, dropping her down into a semi-crouch. Her legs took on an animalistic feel. The magic benefit of the tail was greatly enhanced balance and agility, almost necessary with the socks on. "Ah, much better." She reached past Nell to pluck a set of cat ears on a headband that she slipped onto her own head. Once in place, she gave a twist, finding it fully stuck. At least to her. "Okay, gloves next." She held out her hands.

Nell pulled out one of the gloves, with Vi pulling out the second. It was easier to apply these simultaneously. When they set themselves in place, Tenna would be compelled to stay on all fours. She could force herself upright for a few seconds, but otherwise she'd be stuck on the ground.

"Oof!" As the mitts seated themselves, Tenna was pulled forward to the floor. It took only a second to adjust, before she was slinking fluidly around the legs of those around her. She appeared as if her stance might be awkward, but the magic of the tail kept her graceful and mobile. "Okay. We'll get the gag on just before the telepathy spell is cast, please. I like to be able to talk. And while the spatial awareness is awesome, the elevated smell is distracting."

"Fair enough. Myx?" Lunara picked up the case containing the Wraith gear.

"Fine..." groaned Myx. "You know, you two could strip too. Could be like, a team-building exercise. The Elf too. No clothes in the portal."

"You'll get that later," replied Lunara. She pulled out the straitjacket and arranged it for Myx to extend her arms through.

"Mmm," said Myx. "I'm gonna be horny after ghosting around the city. Hope you're up for it."

"I'll manage," said Lunara. She quickly buckled the straitjacket, pinning the Rogue's arms before moving on, pointedly applying the 'gag of absolute silence' next. Myx might have complained, but could no longer make a sound.

*

(The best part of this arrangement,) projected Vi, after completing the telepathy spell, (is that now you *have to get me out of this so I can open the portal.)

"Mew," said Tenna. (Ah, damn it. That's right. Cat noises only.)

(At least you can make noise,) grumbled Myx. (If I want anything, I have to kick Lu. Which is a pretty good trade actually.)

"You prefer it that way anyway," Lunara stepped up to assist Nell in freeing Vi. They were getting practiced at stripping the Wizard out of her bondage. "How long will the telepathy last?"

(Hours?) replied Vi. (I extended it as long as I could.) She switched back to regular speech as her gag came off. "Might last until morning. I'd recommend Tenna check in regularly, since she'll be roaming the streets. You've used the spell before. You'll be able to tell when it's running out. Start coming back then."

(Okay.)

Vi stumbled to the ground as her slight levitation was negated. Fully free, she slipped on a nearby robe before theatrically extending her arm and opening the portal. "We'll have to stay in the room for the telepathy to stay connected. So, I'll close the portal when we exit. Elini, you'll stay in?"

"Yes," the Elf confirmed. "I will read the history book you gave me." She took a step toward Tenna and ran a gentle hand between her faux ears. "Have a safe journey."

Tenna shuddered, arching her back. "Mew," she squealed. (Oh! I didn't mean to do that!)

"One of my favorite additions," replied Elini with a brief smile.

"Mew," Tenna sighed as everyone looked her way. She sat, closing her eyes as her form rippled. The process wasn't painful, but the sensation was weird. A moment later, a small calico cat sat in her place. She stood, adjusting for a moment to her new perspective, before easily leaping to Nell's shoulder. (Ready to go.)

"Oh, good," replied Vi. "The telepathy still works when you're a cat."

(You didn't think it would?!)

"Never hurts to verify," said Vi, before stepping through the portal. She waited until her companions filed out before closing the aperture behind them.

"All right," said Lunara. "Try to stay together out there. Myx, keep an eye on her and stay invisible."

(I'm fucking naked, Lu,) grumbled Myx. (Don't have to tell me twice.)

"Right." Lunara rolled her eyes. "Ten, do what you're comfortable with. This isn't the keep, so be careful. And stay in cat form."

"Maow," cat-Tenna replied. She was in the same boat as Myx so it should have gone without saying.

Lunara moved to the window. "Ready?" In response, Myx faded from sight and Tenna leaped from Nell to Lunara. "Okay," The Soldier opened the shutters to the dark alley behind the inn. "Stay safe," she said in a low voice.

Tenna headbutted her once before dropping to the sill, then the ground, and slinking off into the night. Myx, presumably followed.

(We'll leave the window open,) projected Lunara.

"Yeah, that's-- shit," Vi said aloud.

"What is it?" asked Nell.

Vi looked down at her barely adequate robe. (I left the rest of my clothes in the Sanctum.)

*

Tenna's senses hummed. The night was alive with sounds and smells. The ridiculous ears obviously enhanced her senses. She could see clearly in the dark and hear what felt like everything. And the gag, aside from reducing her to cat noises, gave her an increased spatial awareness and sense of smell. And this all carried over to her new cat shape.

And she could 'feel' Myx. The Rogue was invisible and occasionally intangible, but with her various senses, Tenna could track her fairly well. She was staying close, which made Tenna feel a bit more secure.

(I'm going to go in and rifle through 'Dickhead Professor's' office) Myx voice sounded in her head. (Wait for me here?)

Tenna looked around. They were across the street from the back side of the campus. Had they come from the front, Tenna would likely just have slipped her cat body through the bars of the front gate. Back here, the gates were smaller and solid; the stone walls too high for her to easily scale. She might be able to get in, but then she might have to find her way out again. (Yeah, go ahead. The neighborhood's not the nicest, but I'm a cat, so who cares?)

(That's the spirit!) Tenna could hear the grin in Myx's mental voice. (You're cute enough; you could probably sweet-talk someone into a bowl of milk.) With that thought, Tenna sensed her moving away towards the college.

Tenna didn't sit idle. She patrolled the block, slinking from shadow to shadow. She scaled a few buildings, discovering she could drop from the second story without trouble. She could leap really high and make use of tiny ledges. The city was a playground for her.

She was debating interacting with a local cat, when she heard voices. They were a slight distance away. She would not have heard them without her enhanced senses, but they caught her attention immediately. She couldn't make out words, but one voice was low and... oily, for lack of a better word. But the other was higher and a little frantic. Perhaps more towards panicked. She decided to investigate.

Tenna followed the sounds to a dark alley adjacent to the campus wall and discovered the source; three thuggish men had two young women backed into a corner. One of the men was speaking (Tenna recognized threats now that she was closer). Another idly flipped a dagger. They appeared to be toying with their 'victims'. One of the women was shielding the other, who was nearly cowering behind her.

This was not good. Tenna had to do something. She could go for help, but who was going to listen to a cat? She could try and distract them maybe? But they were criminals! They weren't going to care about some cat. She couldn't do anything like this! But... she didn't have to be like this. She paused, letting out a breath. Lu and Nell were going to be so mad!

*

"You can't have her!" Lyssa did her best to block the kidnappers from Elle. How did they know they'd come this way? This had been such a terrible night to sneak out.

We already got her, girly," the leader replied, with a smirk. "The only thing that ain't decided, is if we're gonna have to poke holes in you to leave."

"Lyssa... please..." whimpered Elle.

"I'll... I'll scream!" threatened Lyssa.

"Yeah, scream all you want," the man with the knife scoffed. "No one's comin' to help you."

"Now," the leader went on, "We doin' this the easy way or--Hurmph!"

*Something landed hard on the leader's back knocking him flat on his face and forcing the breath out of him. Then, whatever it was spun in place and launched its legs at the surprised thug with the knife. He was caught full in the chest, lifted off his feet, and thrown bodily into the stone wall behind him, sending his dagger flying.

It was as the creature rotated again and snapped out another kick (taking out the legs of the third assailant), that Lyssa's wits finally caught up enough to observe what she was seeing. It was a woman. Obvious because all she was wearing were gloves, boots, and some kind of... mask? She was otherwise fully naked. The cat-woman locked her very human eyes with Lyssa's, jerking her head down the alley toward safety. She punctuated it with a "Mew!" that was incongruous with the violence she'd just committed. Lyssa didn't need to be told twice as she dragged Elle from the alley.

*

Once the girls were clear, Tenna leaped from the thugs, extending her claws. Using the wall's corner, she zig-zagged agilely upward, leaving deep gouges in the stone. She reached the top of the college's boundary wall and easily leaped across the alley, using her claws to scramble the last few feet onto the opposite roof. Once out of sight of any witnesses, she shifted back to the shape of a tiny calico cat.

She shot along the rooftop. She had to make it back to the street to meet Myx. She hoped the girls would be all right. And maybe they wouldn't say anything. She might get away with--

(Saw that, Kitty,) Myx's voice sounded gleefully in her head. (Nice work, but Lu is going to be so pissed!)

*

"Lady Cat Demon Stalks Centerwall!"

Lunara actively resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose as she, Nell, and Vi made their way to the teleport pad. She wasn't mad that Tenna had rescued civilians. She was mad that she'd been so spectacularly observed. The 'Naked Cat Lady' was the talk of the town.

"I'll take one," Vi made her way to the boy selling broad sheets and handed him a coin. She accepted her sheet and turned to rejoin her companions, but stopped dead with a snort. "Better make it three," she practically giggled, handing over more coins.

"What is it, Vi?" Lunara sighed. In reply, the wizard handed over a broad sheet with an artist's depiction of the cat-lady. Her face was appropriately terrifying and demonic, but the rest of her was exaggerated and uncensored. "At least it looks nothing like her," Lunara muttered.

Nell accepted a sheet and barked out a rare and involuntary laugh as she saw the graphic. "I am framing this," she chuckled. "And it is going on my wall."