"How's the injury?" Wiccer asked as he pushed open the canvas medic tent flap.

Essie looked up from Cade's bandaged hand and turned to Wiccer and Mave. "The Runecloth repaired his bones, but his knuckles may receive a set of intense scars."

"More for the collection." Cade tucked his legs in, now sitting cross-legged on the army cot. He may never find it as comfortable as his bed with the Dead of Winter headquarters, but the army cot tugged up memories of his Black Rabbit days. Younger days…fonder days. Days he only reflected on when he was alone in his mind.

Collecting scars. He scoffed with bemusement. I got a couple of my first from your training, Elucard, and I'm sure I received more than a few from…

He took a deep breath. His Black Rabbit memories dredged up more painful ones. One's he thought he'd forgotten.

I betrayed you. I took Jetta from me and I tried to end your life because you refused to…No…I deserved the beating you gave me.

He was part of it all. He was the reason the clan turned on him. If he didn't tell the Silent Mas…

It's in the past and I now need to concentrate on the present. He needs me—Elucard needs me. Here I am wallowing in self pity while he suffers every second I don't rescue him!

"What's his next move?" Wiccer's deep voice shook Cade's mind until his attention was back on him.

"Who's?"

Wiccer rubbed the brim of his nose. "Wraslyn's!"

Cade stroked his chin. The fuzzy stubble brushing against his skin relaxed him. "I'd say he's going after Thell Yol'Roth O'blivis."

Mave tilted her head. "What on Draak'Terra does that mean, mate?"

"It's not from this world." Cade let out a small chuckle. "It's Angelic Tongue. It literally translates to The Sky Destroyer."

"And that means?" Wiccer asked.

"It's an ancient weapon known by folklore as the Skyripple," explained Cade. "Capable of mass destruction. None would stand in Wraslyn's way if he obtained it."

"How close is he?" asked Essie. His eyes lit up with a mixture of curiosity and worry.

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"Close, but I know where Dead of Winter will be next and I think I might have a fast way to get there."

Mave turned to Wiccer. "Mate, we need to wait for the Silent One and Silver Mage reinforcements before we can send a team of our best to intercept Dead of Winter."

"Send, just me then!"

Wiccer shook his head. "Wraslyn may attack when you are gone."

"Keeping this weapon away from Wraslyn may be an edge we desperately need. Send me."

Mave placed a hand on her commander's shoulder. "He's got a point, Wiccer."

"Alright." Wiccer let out a deep sigh. "I'm reluctant in this order. You know how Dead of Winter thinks. You could be our edge against them."

Cade nodded and massaged his damaged knuckle.

"But," Wiccer continued. "We could use all the whetstones we can get our hands on. If you say Dead of Winter losing out on this Skyripple will give us an advantage, I'd be a fool not to go for it."

Cade gave him a short bow. I'll do what I can."

"See that you do," Wiccer said with a stern growl.

***

Cade hiked up the cliff face. He minded patches of ice and loose stone, only favoring firm grips and good footholds. He grunted as he pulled himself level with the ground. Huffing and wiping his sweaty brow, he dusted his slim trousers of any rugged dirt.

The wind howled like a lost wolf seeking its pack through the blackened skies. Down below the Anti-Rogue Ops warmed by a roaring campfire during their nightly watch.

Be safe, friends.

Cade turned to the endless Crystal Peaks mountain range and spoke a single name. "Calsoon?"

Cade looked around, but found himself alone. He tried to call the demon again. This time louder, raising his voice so loud that an echo beckoned back. "Calsoon!"

Cade waited only moments before shouting once more. "I know you watch me! I know you see all, no matter the distance! I need your help—a favor! Calsoo—"

A voice broke from behind him.

"I am here, dear Inle."

Cade spun on his heel, coming face to face with the demon. "I ask for a favor."

"So you say," said Calsoon. "What do you wish for?"

"I need a portal to Shady McGee in Abyss. Wraslyn must have told you how to find him."

"He did, but I can not bring you to the Roaming Plane."

Cade scrunched his face in confusion.

"He is dead, Inle." Calsoon folded his arms. "I supposed you also seek the Diamond Key?"

"Please. Wraslyn must not find it," begged Cade.

"And you intend to stop us?"

Cade avoided the demon's amber gaze. "He will only bring destruction."

"I know," whispered Calsoon. "I know this."

"This…you can not possibly want this."

"No…no I don't." Calsoon took his sword and sliced open a portal. "Go. There is a monastery north of where this will bring you. Sable and I have already found it."

Cade beamed a pearly, white smile. "Thank you, Calsoon!"

"Know this, Inle," the demon began. "You are running out of favors, someday I expect one in return."

Cade gave him a quick nod before running through the portal.

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