"Still doubting us, kid?"
Bul-Kathos loomed, voice flat, back already turned.
Rorschach spat four words: "That. Fragment."
The Immortal King spun, eyes blazing. "What fragment?"
"The one inside you—Tyrael?!"
Fury detonated. Flames roared sky-high; Harrogath quaked.
"TYRAEL—SHOW YOURSELF!"
Courage banners snapped open. Three ancestors at the gate flinched.
Madoc hefted Mourning. "Party?"
Talric shuddered. "Pass."
Korlic caught swaying Wayne. "Not our circus."
Rorschach's eyes bled sapphire. Tyrael spoke through him, wings of Justice flaring.
"You break faith, barbarian. He must know what he carries."
A one-handed hammer crashed down. Mocot's Mercy-shadow pinned Tyrael's blade.
Bul-Kathos clawed straight through Rorschach's gut—harmless—and yanked the angel out like smoke.
"Speak, Justice! You swore silence!"
"He cannot inherit blind!"
CRUNCH. The shade shattered.
"Leoric, Aidan, Lia—they paid. You blocked. He's the only chance. Don't pretend you never noticed."
Bul-Kathos' roar rattled stars.
Mocot went quiet. Volusk and Raekor materialized, hands on shoulders.
"Cool it," Volusk muttered.
Raekor to Rorschach: "Grow stronger. Fast. The burden isn't ready for you."
Bul-Kathos portaled to the forge, sparks dying in his wake.
…
Wayne slurred, "What just happened?"
Korlic shoved a jug into his chest. "Sleep, rookie."
Madoc snickered. Korlic glared. "Touch my stash and die."
…
Luke's tiny kitchen smelled of garlic and steak.
Jessica draped over his back. "Travel?"
"Tomorrow if you want."
"Day after. Then fancy dinner. Flowers mandatory."
Knock-knock-knock.
Luke snarled. Rumlow's voice: "Open up, lovebirds. Booze delivery."
Jessica laughed, let them in.
Rumlow dumped bags: ribs, cheese, vodka. "Fury paid. London's crawling with Hydra. Day after. Steve's orders."
Jessica: "We're in."
Luke sighed, flipped steaks. "Fine. But Stark owes cash, not tickets."
Rumlow tore into beef bare-handed. "You cook better than you punch."
Matthew winced. "I tried to stop him."
Jessica smirked, passed plates. "Eat. Then plan ninja hunting. Hand ninjas ruin sleep."
Luke slid a gleaming fork to Jessica, tail-first. She smiled; his eyes vanished into happy slits.
Vodka gurgled. Laughter rose. London waited.
(End of chapter)
-------------------------------
I've already posted the newest chapters on Patreon!
If you enjoy this story, come check them out and support me there too.
Here's the link: [pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your continued support!