When they returned to the area for the Dragonspit, now located in what is being called the Harmony District, they noticed several changes and new faces. Adrian was walking through the streets, which somehow grew more vibrant as activity in the surrounding buildings increased. As they approached the Dragonspit, they noticed that additional signs and buildings were active. There was a space for someone selling magical items as well as stables, which included a few animals that weren't usually domesticated. This included a massive lizard with a saddle, a beetle eating leaves, and even a dog the size of a horse. It was weird, as these appeared to be rare occurrences rather than widespread. Yet, they knew better than to bring any logic or rational thinking into the equation.

  The surrounding buildings were no longer abandoned; they got a magical makeover. Some buildings were used for residences, commercial buildings were constructed, and enchanted gardens covered other areas. It was a beautiful sight, with plants and herbs that Adrian didn't recognize, creating a pleasing aesthetic for the streets of Cleveland. However, Adrian did notice a small storefront prominently displaying,

  "Tess' Fortune Telling.

  Backed by magic, guaranteed!

  No refunds"

  Adrian scoffed at the sign, already having met the former scam artist, and continued towards the Dragonspit. The brewery also underwent renovations during the short time they were gone—renovations of a magical nature, worthy of an em dash. There was now an attached conference center, a party area, and an expanded brewery area with a few additional helpers in the back. These people didn't look like brewers and didn't seem to be making beer, which was interesting to see what the Dragonspit was turning into.

  "Hey Rolo, can I get a beer?" The large man, with an equally large mustache, smiled gently and poured Adrian a beer. "Like what you've done with the place," Adrian added. Rolo nodded, absently giving Organic, his dragon, scratches under her chin.

  "It's really turning into a lovely community. The town's aura continues to exude an inviting vibe. We're really creating a paradise here for everyone." Rolo then frowned, as if an unpleasant thought entered his head, "The newer residents have experienced awful situations since The Great Integration. I wanted to create brews to help ease the burdens in their minds, and a few people decided they wanted to help." Rolo motion to the expanded area with the extra hands. He continued,

  "We can't remove the suffering associated with living, but we can add joy and serenity to their lives. That's my new purpose in this new world." Rolo smiled gently at Organic before continuing, "We've had a few groups of people visit us to establish relations. There are many good people in the area, despite the presence of one evil group attempting to corrupt everything. We might even integrate with some of the groups."

  Adrian was in thought. He didn't want to join a group he didn't know, but he also didn't want their band of misfits to go lone wolf. They needed information for their missions. They needed community.

  "Happy for you, Rolo, and everyone here. We're grateful that you let us stay in this wonderful area. I'm sure you all will build something special." Rolo just nodded and poured himself a drink to cheers Adrian.

  "Thank you, Adrian, for saving those people. We'll always have room for anyone you save in the future. We will be a lighthouse for the lost souls." Rolo drank with purpose in his eyes. Adrian took a liking to Rolo and liked his attitude. He could easily see Rolo succeeding in creating a place of sanctuary for others.

  Rolo grew on Adrian after every interaction. Despite his hipster appearance and profession, he was a gentle soul. As someone who would bring warmth to everyone around him, he's someone worth protecting. The Cucks and Cunts would do just that. Adrian relaxed in a booth in the corner as he took in the room. Dusky was in his own booth, surrounded by three women. It was an odd sight, but Adrian didn't question it and took another sip of his drink.

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  He heard one of them from his booth say seductively, "Oh, Shadow Daddy. Keep me safe, my protector." Where Dusky just responded,

  "I'll go to hell and back for you ladies. If hell takes you, I'll fight Satan and the AI just for the chance to see your smiles one more time."

  The women swooned over the Shadow Daddy, going feral at his words.

  "I'll never get used to that," Paige said, taking a seat at the bar next to Adrian.

  "Let the Shadow Daddy work," Adrian said. Paige scoffed and shook her head at the absurdity of Dusky.

  "Don't they know Dusky is an obese, balding nerd who used to live in his mom's basement?" Paige said, sipping her drink, visually pleased with the taste.

  "Dusky is a vibrant soul who wants nothing more than to give back to his community. Women being attracted to him doesn't surprise me in the slightest." Rolo said, placing a slightly luminescent green drink in front of Paige.

  "Thanks, Marlboro man," Paige said teasingly.

  "Funny, Paige. Your energy lights up the place. I hope you keep the fun banter up to increase the aura of the Dragonspit."

  "I'm trying to fuck with you. It's no fun if that's how you respond." Paige added before taking another sip of her drink. Rolo just nodded before getting serious, leaning in close, and whispering.

  "By the way, there were people in here looking for your group yesterday. Not sure their names, but they were carrying lightsabers."

  "Did they cause any trouble?"

  "Nope, seemed friendly enough. But that group wanted to know more about you all." Rolo said before walking away. After a few steps, he turned back around,

  "We didn't give you up, by the way," Rolo shouted with a wave and went back to serving drinks to the other patrons.

  "Think Cash and his crew are still mad about our fight in the convention center?" Adrian asked.

  "Probably, but that group won't do shit. The small dick energy radiating from them is palpable." Paige said, unconcerned about the potential trouble.

  Adrian ignored Paige's remark, lost in thought. He witnessed Dusky murder their crew in the convention center. Adrian wouldn't take something like that lying down and doubted Cash would either.

  One crazy situation at a time.

  Maeve was wrapping up a conversation with a representative from the Ivory Crucible while Brody was entertaining a group of people on the other side of the bar. Adrian took a second to enjoy their new headquarters.

  We can always come back here and enjoy life, but we need to clear the area first to protect it. Dare I call this place home?

  Maeve made her way to Adrian and Paige, taking a seat beside them. "Not sure how much the other groups like us. When I said we killed all the Unwoke without getting much information from them, they didn't seem pleased. They aren't approaching any of the larger settlements or starting any fights in the north, only attempting to kidnap former children and kill the inferior, which is pretty fucked up. From every report, they're focused more on the south." Maeve took a sip of her bright yellow drink with an umbrella in it.

  Sunshine in a Glass- Clears brain fog away.

  "Goddamn, Rolo has improved since we were here a few days ago. But anyway," Maeve took another sip. "The next location coordinates most of their raids. It serves as a significant base for their operations. Many local groups are interested in attacking this location, but don't feel comfortable engaging. We can make a big difference if we can disrupt what they're doing."

  "I'm sure they're already aware of one of their locations getting bombed. They'll be ready this time." Adrian added.

  "We'll do what we can with the situation in front of us. We leave at dawn-"

  Moaning screams from the other booth interrupted them,

  "Oh! Shadow Daddy! You're bad, you're so bad," one of the women said in a sexy, playful manner, with Dusky flirting right back.

  Maeve looked tired and wasn't in the mood to hear Dusky spit his game.

  "Welp, I'm tired and taking my leave. And I've heard enough from the fat-ninja-in-a-little-coat. Reconvene here tomorrow," Maeve said as she went back to her room.

  And they all went to bed, some alone, some not alone.

  The group was off in the morning, eager to bring the world their unique form of justice.

  *****

  Toni

  Toni was about to send her newly acquired minions south when she felt it. Her Seeker ability allowed her to locate intruders within her sphere. It didn't seem like a significant disturbance, so it must be a small group scouting or infiltrating. Her spell could only be set to a specific type of person or group of people. The more general the setting, the harder it is to accurately identify the people. She made a habit of setting it defensively like this whenever she was in camp, knowing that other groups in the area had become aware of their dealings. She's felt the presence of scouts before, but none have dared encroach this far in her territory.

  Toni looked at the branding iron in her hand and smiled, "It was only a matter of time before the dogs came sniffing. It's time for those dogs to get a new owner."