The Crown Hackura Prince and His Dragon Princess

A Boon Pt.1

Hastein is Forty-One

Hastein was watching Elise’s Luna Ceremony. My cousin EJ’s wife was becoming the Luna tonight. I was on a mission, but I’d wanted to watch it happen. So, Uncle Gunner got everything set up for me. I actually clapped when the ceremony was over and laughed at myself. I shook my head, “You’re not physically there, H.” I’d sent Elise a card to let her know how proud I was.

I put all my stuff away and went out to the arena to get ready for my fight. I was going hard and tough at people hoping this group of underground fights would be me in the real ones. We all knew these weren’t the real fights we were trying to get into. It was painfully obvious that it was downright insulting that they thought we bought this s**t.

I walked in and heard a groan. I turned and saw the guy I beat last week. I laughed, “You can’t think they’d put us up against each other again.” He conceded, “True. You hit so damn hard though dude.” I winked at him, “I like to win.” He snorted, “We all like to win.’ Not like I did. It was literally in my blood.

I spotted a new woman in charge. She came up to me, “Name?” I answered, “Lyle.” She looked up from her clipboard and looked me up and down. She asked, “Is that a family name?” I answered, “Nope. My mom likes the crocodile.” She snorted, “You should change your name. You don’t look like a Lyle.” I flirted, “And what do I look like?” She rolled her eyes and walked away.

I heard her say, “A damn god. Jesus, no one warned me muscles would be here.” I smirked and turned back around. A man walked in that had my instincts screaming and had since I arrived here. He stalked up to me. I asked, “Can I help you?” He said, “You’re going down Lyle, Lyle, crocodile.” I laughed, “Whatever you say, Spike.” I heard the spiked heels clacking over time.

The woman leading things said, “You’re not supposed to talk to the fighter you’re going up against, Spike. I took you to the other locker room for a reason.” He said, “Giving some smack talk is all, jugs.” She glared at him, “I told you my name is Josephine.” He said, “And you have a marvelous set of cans. Then your kind usually does.” I wasn’t aware Elves all had big boobs. In fact, I’d seen a range in sizes.

She bristled, “Excuse me.” I warned, “Let’s not talk like that in front of me. I think you know I’m capable of hurting you.” Spike snorted, “You don’t get dibs on all the new eye candy. He’s a womanizer.” She snorted, “You keep calling me jugs and you’re judging the guy who has been nothing but respectful.”

He said, “I was just trying to figure out what you are. I’ve never met anyone like you.” I raised an eyebrow. She sneered, “You just said my kind all has big boobs. Now, you don’t know what I am?” She raised her voice, “Does anyone know what supernatural group has women with big boobs?” The guy I fought last week answered, “The ones in my dreams.” That had a lot of people laughing.

Josephine said, “That’s right. Women come in all sizes, shapes and forms. Get OUT of this locker room.” Spike glared at her but left. I asked, “Are you ok?” She nodded, “Of course. I deal with assholes all the time.” She walked away muttering, “It just makes me think my grandpa was right about working in this realm as opposed to others.”

I went through my warm ups and waited until my name was called. I was somewhat surprised that I wasn’t the last fight of the night. Right as I entered the ring, fury filled my bond. I quickly searched out who it was and found Alexander. I wanted to curse because that must mean his Melanie wasn’t at the Luna Ceremony. God damn it. Well, I could definitely use this anger. Not that I’d planned to let this fight go long after the comments towards Josephine.

Spike swung and I easily deflected and took his demon ass down and pounded him into the ground. He was being stubborn and not tapping out. When Alexander’s dejection hit I pounded into him until someone grabbed my hand. The ref said, “He’s out.” I nodded and got off him. The ref declared, “Lyle is the winner!” The medics jumped into the ring and I stepped out.

I went to shower and found Josephine waiting after I got dressed. She telegraphed her moves and gave me a hug. I felt her slip the note into my pocket. She pulled back, “Thanks. I know that was for how he treated me.” I nodded, “Any time.” She added, “He’s going to be ok.” I chuckled, “I didn’t care, but I also knew that.” She snorted and walked away.

I got all my stuff and nodded to the guy I fought last week. He’d won his fight. He commented, “Glad I don’t mouth off to women. You were on another level.” I’d also barely stopped my eyes from blazing. Had that anger been from my brothers I wouldn’t have been able to. I shrugged, “I was in a mood tonight.” He laughed, “I’ll say.”

I left and went back to my place. I called my dad and he answered, “H.” I said, “Since you’re out of breath I’ll guess you’ve got Alexander.” He answered, “I’ve got him.” I grunted, “I’m guessing that Melanie got grounded.” He sighed, “Yup.” I asked, “Are the Red Run pack parents not aware the option to punish their child after the event exists? This punished Elise as well.” My dad sounded and felt pissed. “I agree with you.” Since he was a parent that meant I was right.

I asked, “He feels dejected and stupid.” My dad called, “Alexander.” My cousin got on the phone, “Hey.” He sounded so hurt and sad it made me want to go back and kill Spike. I told him, “You’ll meet her.” He snorted, “She left.” I asked, “Left? What the hell are you talking about?”

He explained, “She got pissed at them, coordinated with the family she was going with tomorrow and changed her ticket.” I rubbed my temple, “Are we really saying the girl who they claim crosses the border and gets caught, got to the AIRPORT?” Alexander scoffed, “No, they let her go.” The f**k they did.

My dad chimed in, “The pack did, not her parents.” That sounded like the biggest load of bullshit I’d ever heard. The pack who kept saying the girl who clearly wasn’t crossing the border was, just let her leave? After making a serious effort to keep her in their territory. Was everyone high tonight. My dad told me, “He’s back in the ring.”

I said, “You know that sounds like bullshit, right?” He agreed, “Yes, I do. I think she actually crossed the border and left to prove she could. I think they are lying to save their asses about letting her go. I think she got to the airport on her own.” I asked, “Did Uncle Gunner pull footage?” He answered, “He did. There’s no footage of her leaving the pack, which tells me she got out herself. She arrived at the airport with a different group and found her friend Tiffany.”

I questioned, “Have we questioned the family she arrived with?” He said, “It’s a nearby family with a little wolf on one of their borders. They are moving to New York and put the paperwork in with the pack. I’m sure she saw the notice they were leaving and asked for a ride.” I snorted, “Why would they agree? She was leaving herself. Isn’t that a warning sign something is wrong?”

He replied, “I don’t know what’s going on anymore. She’s a genius, she probably said something convincing.” It all seemed off, but she wasn’t under my purview. I said, “I’ve gotta run.” My dad asked, “How did your fight go?” I snorted, “I took a snotty little s**t down and Alexander’s anger was quite helpful with that.” He said, “Stay safe.” I replied, “Of course.” I hung up and pulled Josephine’s note out of my pocket.

Meet me where the betweens are for my kind closest to us. We both know what the other is so let’s not pretend otherwise.

I called Lincoln. He answered, “Is this a friendly you’re calling me because you miss my beautiful face? Or because I am your back up? Keep in mind, I want you to say the first one.” I replied, “Calling for the second.” He groaned, “Of course. Did you get in? Did they admit it was a farce?” I answered, “No. I have a meeting with an Elf near a portal.” He asked, “The main one in Iceland or somewhere else? I’ll call the Yule cats in whichever area.”

I said, “No, the one near me in Romania.” He said, “Calling the very small sect of Yule cats.” I corrected, “Clouder.” He snorted, “I will also send a note to the Royal Yule Cat family. Do I need to send someone to have your six?” I assured him, “I can handle an Elf.” He replied, “Sending Maddox.” I groaned, “Linc…” He cut me off, “I can’t hear you. CSHHHHH. You’re breaking up CSHHHH. Don’t worry CSHHHH. Everything is handled. CSHHHH.”

I rolled my eyes saying, “I know you’re making that noise.” He replied, “You flatter me. CRSHHHHH. I also know I’m a fabulous friend CSHHHH. At least that's what I heard through the static and break ups. CSHHHHH. I will alert Gunner to this technology issue CRSHHHHH. Bye! CSHHHHH.” He hung up. I shook my head and portaled to an area near the portal to the Elvian between.

I heard a fight. Come on! I pulled my weapon from my shoe and took off. I saw Josephine fighting Spike. She’d been burned pretty badly. She put her hand down and used her power to turn a rock into a mallet. Elves could make anything around them into any weapon they wanted. Then she brought the trees to life. They uprooted themselves and ran at Spike.

Yule Cats hissed and ran in as well cornering him as he screamed. All those things directed him right to me. I snapped his wrist and he screamed in pain. The tree people took him from me and ripped him to pieces then promptly ran back to where they uprooted themselves and turned back into trees.

I yanked on my bond with Aunt Haley. She popped to me in a panic. I felt my connections freaking out knowing who I called. I sent them all calm. I nodded to Josephine. I said, “A Demon burned her.” My Aunt still looked me over before popping to Josphine. I heard another pop and stared at my little cousin.

I asked, “TJ, why did you come?” Instantly the tension dissipated. He answered, “I was with mom when you pulled her. Angela had cried herself to sleep so I couldn’t ask her to use her sight to make sure you were ok.” I ruffled his hair. He asked, “Can I meet the Yule Cats?” He knew they existed, like all of cousins, but he’d never met one.

I put him in front of me but held him firmly in place against me. I said, “My cousin would like to meet you. I spoke with your leader when I arrived and he knew I was here.” TJ spoke in their native language, “Este o onoare să îi cunoști pe cei care protejează portaluri precum tine (It is an honor to meet those that protect portals such as yourself).” He could learn languages like Haley could.

One came over purring. He put his hand out and they let him pet them. He whispered to me, “Can I ride one?” I inclined my head, “Ask the one in front of you.” He turned, “Can I take a ride?” The cat knelt down and TJ grinned. He popped on top of the cat which had said cat chuffing a laugh out. I warned, “Be careful with my cousin.” The cat rolled its eyes and took off. Their leader had shifted back.

He stuck out his hand, “Thank you for the assistance.” I said, “I think she had it under control without us.” He nodded, “I would’ve liked it if she called to the objects around her to turn into people to kill sooner, but she did.” Aunt Haley stepped back and her eyes locked on TJ. I felt she knew he’d come and that I’d keep him safe while she healed Josephine.

She turned asking me, “What the f**k is going on here?” The Yule Cat leader grinned, “She’s fun.” She replied, “Of f*****g course I am. That didn’t answer my question.” He said, “It was mine as well.” I explained, “She asked me to meet her, but clearly didn’t make it to the spot she was planning. Spike was a d**k to her tonight and I’m guessing he followed her.” All supernatural’s really should have enhanced hearing. She would’ve heard him following her if she did.

Aunt Haley asked, “Is this asshole Spike the person whose body parts are thrown all around this area?” I answered, “Yup.” She nodded and I spotted her watching me out of the corner of her eye again. TJ came back from his ride and popped down just as Josephine sat up gasping. She looked at her skin then spotted my Aunt.

She went to a knee. She thanked her, “Princess, you honor me with a healing and I am deeply appreciative.” My Aunt inclined her head, “You are most welcome.” She spotted me and teased, “Better late than never.” I replied, “I needed to speak with a cousin of mine.” TJ and my Aunt clearly knew I meant Alexander.

TJ held out his hand to her, “You’re the first Elf I’ve met. Can you really bring objects around you to life?” She laughed, “I just did actually.” She knelt down and the rock grew eyes and legs and jumped onto TJ’s shoulder, kissed his cheek, then hopped back down and became a rock. He whispered, “Wicked cool.”

Aunt Haley agreed, “It is. Say thank you to her for showing you her powers.” He said, “Thanks for the show.” He turned to the Yule Cat, “And thanks for the ride.” The cat swished its tail. Aunt Haley told TJ, “Pop home now. I’ll be there soon.” I felt someone behind me. I sighed, “Maddox, you did not actually show up.” He chuckled, “I did and I was READY to get in on the action. Alas, the angry tree Warriors didn’t let us have any fun.” I snorted, “I had a marginal amount of fun.”

Josephine told the Yule Cat leader, “I am most gracious of your quick response. I was trying to lead him closer to where you patrol.” The leader inclined his head, “Thank him. His people called to let us know there may be an issue so we were running the broader area to make sure it was secure when we heard the fight.” Josephine winked at me.

The Yule Cats left, but Maddox and my Aunt remained. Josephine said, “Well, I guess my undercover work is over. Spike probably told them he was following me.” I said, “We can search through his things. What were you working on?” She answered, “The same thing as you. I get transferred around a lot, but I was certain I could seduce the guy in charge of the one you were fighting in. I planned to put him into a deep sleep space so I could pilfer through his things. Spike is his nephew though so that’s out.”

I shrugged, “Maybe Spike has something.” She snorted, “He’s a pampered, pompous ass who has never been told no. I wouldn’t tell him anything and these people are smart. I was going to suggest we work together in separate spaces.” I asked, “What are you looking for?” She admitted, “Our Queen is concerned. We’ve had some partials fall off the face of the earth since the Undergrounds popped up. They aren’t in the ones easily accessible and we fear the Undergrounds are more than they appear.”

I agreed, “As do we.” She sighed, “We are missing ten of our partials that had regular visits to our realms. Their families cannot reach them.” I realized, “You know one of them. It’s personal to you.” She admitted, “One is my cousin’s child. It’s how I know something happened. My cousin would never leave us like this with no word. All communication has ceased. He is a kind and sweet soul.” I asked, “Does he possess Elvian abilities?” Maybe he could use his powers if they were around dirt or something. He could create a dirt monster.

She said, “He has made significant strides. He brings grass to life for a time.” Grass? I doubt that could be helpful. Aunt Haley asked, “How old is he? I’m guessing young since that’s a significant stride.” She winced, “He’s twelve.” I asked, “What parent does he live with in this realm?” She answered, “We can’t find her.”

Aunt Haley said, “Show me her picture or tell me her name.” I grabbed her shoulder and Maddox grabbed mine. The woman showed her and we popped to a deserted road. I frowned, “She’s not here.” Aunt Haley’s sorrow reached me. She knelt down and touched a pile of dirt. She said, “She is.” She spoke in Fealish for the earth to move.

The decaying body of a woman appeared. I took out one of our tools and scanned her. I said, “She was murdered by a clean slice across her throat. Definitely from behind.” Aunt Haley conjured her body into an Elf version of a coffin. She grabbed me and Maddox and we popped back.

Josephine gasped and knelt down to the box. She put a hand on it. Aunt Haley let go of me and popped away. She popped further away. I yelled, “NO!” She popped and was thrown back so hard I worried she’d broken something. She groaned, “Well, I don’t know if it’s the undergrounds, but someone has that boy.”

I raced to her. I asked, “Are you hurt?” She answered, “I’m fine.” I barked out, “Don’t be evasive with me right now.” Maddox said, “You asked for the name or picture of the mother to stall. You wanted us to relax when we got back.” He was right. She didn’t need that. Aunt Haley argued, “No, I asked because I can spot a crazy b***h a mile away. I assumed she’d show me both.” That made me feel better.

I turned asking, “Do you have a picture of the boy?” She showed it to me numbly without meeting my eyes. Her one hand stayed on the coffin. I scanned it so I’d have a picture. I told her, “I’ll find him.” Maddox said, “WE will find him.” Oh for god’s sake. Josephine nodded but didn’t look up at me. I urged, “Go bury your cousins’ mother.” She admitted, “I’m how they met. I saw her and thought they’d hit it off. I worked with her at one of the jobs I held here. I got her killed.”

Aunt Haley knelt down beside her before I could say anything. She put a hand on her, “You gave her a great gift. She had a little boy who she loved. The photo you showed my nephew is of both of her. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. He was her world. Evil took her life, but you brought her the joy that was her son.” Josephine burst into tears and my Aunt rocked her.

My phone rang. I answered, “Hello.” Uncle Eric growled, “Haley won’t give me many details other than she doesn’t know when she’s coming home. What the hell is going on?” I answered, “Consolatur et Elf qui collegium pristinum amisit quae consobrini quoque mater est. Puerum parvulum habeo ut invenias, sed non relinquam dum Matertera Haley pops in domum suam revertitur (She's comforting and Elf who lost a former colleague who is also the mother of her cousin. I have a little boy to find, but I won't leave until Aunt Haley pops back home).” He asked, “And you are where exactly?” I answered that in English, “Romania.”

He asked, “Can I help you find the boy?” I admitted, “I doubt it.” He offered, “If you think of anything I can do to help let me know. You stay safe, H. Do you hear me?” I grinned saying, “Will do, Uncle Eric.” He said, “Love you, kid.” I replied, “Love you too.” I hung up and watched my Aunt grant Josephine the peace of the earth.

I looked around, “Blade.” He faded in and I laughed, “Does Uncle Eric not know you are here?” He answered, “Wolf know. Always know.” I nodded wondering if he’d tracked my Aunt or if she popped in with him faded back.

I called my dad. He answered, “What the HELL is going on?” I answered, “I need you to have an Elf send a representative. They have someone in the area I am and she suffered a personal loss and has a missing family member.” He said, “I’ll do that. Are you and Haley ok?” I answered, “Of course.” I felt his relief when he hung up.

Minutes later an Elf wearing a literal crown came walking up with several Elvian Warriors. Maddox snorted, “Subtle.” My grandpa Titus came through a portal and stood with me. He put a hand on my shoulder and sent me all his relief and happiness that I was ok.

The Elf Queen or Princess knelt down and touched Josephine. She whispered to her in Elvish. I’d have to ask Aunt Haley what she said. The leader nodded to a group with her who picked up the Elf casket and walked away silently after kneeling to pay respects. Another helped Josephine through the portal.