Weaves of Ashes

Chapter 166: Chapter 161: Adorable Assignments

Location: Oceanus Domain - Council Chamber (Upper Realm)

Time: Day 214 (Doha Actual) - Dawn | Calendar: 5 Voidmarch, 9938 AZI

”Now for assignments.”

Fahmjir’s gaze swept across the elite guards, and Takara felt his stomach drop.

Here it came. The moment he’d been dreading.

”Takara, Canirr, Suki, Prota, Amaya—you deploy to the Lower Realm. Comprehensive protection for the dragon, the girl, and the wyrmlings. Master Kioshi coordinates from here. Communication through encrypted crystals only.”

The ancient being fixed them with laser focus.

”Canirr: reconnaissance and early warning. Your job is knowing what threats exist before they arrive. Patrol patterns, essence monitoring, and dimensional tracking. Nothing reaches our charges without you seeing it first.

”Suki: threat elimination. Quiet, efficient, permanent. Mid Realm operatives, Upper Realm scouts, and anyone who gets too close and asks the wrong questions. Make them disappear without a trace.

”Prota: direct combat support. If something breaks through Suki and requires overwhelming force, you’re the hammer. Fight only when necessary, but when you fight, end it.

”Amaya: tracking and pursuit. Anything that runs, you catch. Anything that hides, you find. Your nose is our early warning for threats we didn’t see coming.

”Takara: close protection and coordination. You maintain proximity to both females and integrate team operations.”

The ancient being’s expression shifted slightly.

”Master Kioshi, what’s Takara’s current cover in the Lower Realm?”

Oh no.

The coordinator adjusted his spectacles, whiskers twitching. ”According to mission reports, Lord Takara is operating under deep cover to maintain close proximity without raising suspicion.” He paused. ”The form is... strategically effective.”

Takara wanted the floor to open and swallow him whole.

”What form?” Canirr asked.

There was no escape. No avoiding it. The humiliation was inevitable.

”A kitten,” he said flatly, ears flattening against his skull. ”Small. White. Adorable. Completely non-threatening.”

The silence was absolute.

Then Amaya’s shoulders started shaking.

Prota’s scarred muzzle quirked upward.

Suki’s purple eyes widened, then sparkled with suppressed amusement.

Canirr’s whiskers twitched. Very slightly.

Forty-seven Lightning Panthera struggled valiantly not to laugh.

Most failed.

”The cover is effective,” Takara ground out, tail lashing violently. ”No one suspects a small, helpless kitten of being a Peak Eternalpyre operative. I have complete access to the girl, the dragon, all strategic locations without triggering defensive responses.”

”Of course, my lord.” Canirr’s voice was professionally even. Too even. ”Very... tactical.”

”Strategic genius,” Suki agreed, barely containing her smile.

”We would never question Lord Takara’s methods,” Prota rumbled, shoulders shaking slightly.

Amaya made a sound suspiciously like a snort, then coughed to cover it.

Fahmjir’s angular features might have quirked upward. ”The kitten form is indeed effective. Lord Takara will maintain it. His subordinates understand that operational security and mission success take precedence over personal dignity.”

”Yes, my lord,” the four chorused, entirely too quickly.

Several elders were openly grinning now.

I hate them. I hate them all. Those sorching worms will pay for this humiliation.

”Now,” Fahmjir continued, and the levity vanished instantly, ”rules of engagement for the protection detail.”

His voice dropped to something almost gentle but carrying absolute authority.

”The girl was created by Pyratheon. That creation requires tempering—combat experience, life-threatening situations, struggles that push her limits. Your team does not prevent her growth. You are not babysitters.”

Understanding clicked across multiple faces.

”You protect her from threats she cannot handle,” Fahmjir clarified. ”Mid Realm cultivators. Upper Realm operatives. Political machinations beyond her scope. Assassination attempts by factions with resources she can’t counter. But Lower Realm threats? Those she faces herself.”

”Even if she might die?” Prota asked carefully.

”Intervene only if death becomes certain and unavoidable. Otherwise, let her struggle. Let her fight. Let her grow.” Lightning eyes blazed. ”The same applies to the dragon and her wyrmlings. They need experience, strength, and tempering through trial. Your team prevents assassination, not combat.”

”Understood, my lord.”

”The wyrmlings are just as important as the dragon herself,” Fahmjir added. ”They’re the only known silver dragons left in existence. Their survival ensures the species continues. Protect them absolutely.”

”Yes, my lord.”

Fahmjir’s form solidified completely. ”You deploy at midday. Master Kioshi will provide detailed briefings, communication protocols, supply manifests, and dimensional coordinates. Questions?”

”The worm searches, my lord,” an elder asked. ”How do we coordinate without revealing the real reason?”

”Essence fluctuation investigation from the Sundering. Official story is we’re checking dimensional stability across all three realms. Anyone asks, that’s the answer.” Fahmjir’s expression was firm. ”Elder teams deploy to Mid and Upper Realms. Systematic grid search, essence monitoring, report anything unusual. Coordinate through Kioshi’s communication network.”

”And if we find colonies?”

”Mark locations, count populations, assess threat level. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. We need intelligence first, action second.” His lightning eyes swept the assembly. ”Once we know the full scale, we can coordinate elimination efforts with the dragon.”

”My lord,” another elder said hesitantly, ”what if the dragon can’t handle hundreds of colonies? What if—”

”Then Doha dies.” Flat. Absolute. ”But we’ll exhaust every option before accepting that outcome. The girl and dragon destroyed one ten-thousand-worm colony. We need to understand their limitations, optimize their capabilities, and provide support that maximizes their effectiveness.”

He paused.

”Which is why the protection detail is critical. They’re our only weapons against extinction. We keep them alive, keep them safe, keep them growing stronger. Everything else is secondary.”

Silence filled the chamber as implications settled.

”Dismissed,” Fahmjir commanded. ”Elders, coordinate search teams. Guards, prepare for deployment. Master Kioshi, establish communication protocols. Move.”

***

The assembly dispersed with disciplined efficiency. Elders gathering in clusters, planning search grids. Guards collecting equipment and reviewing dimensional coordinates.

Takara found himself surrounded by his four subordinates, all of whom were still fighting grins.

”So,” Amaya said, tail swishing. ”Adorable kitten.”

”One word about this outside operational context,” Takara growled, ”and I’ll request you for permanent Hellbat investigation duty.”

”Understood, Lord Takara.” Canirr’s expression was perfectly professional. Her whiskers still twitched.

”We respect your sacrifice,” Suki murmured, purple eyes dancing.

”The things we do for Doha,” Prota rumbled, not quite hiding his smile.

Those fucking worms will pay. Every. Single. One.

”If you’re all quite finished,” Takara said acidly, ”we have a briefing to attend. Master Kioshi is waiting.”

They followed him to the coordinator’s station, where the grey-furred Lightning Panthera had already spread out detailed maps and documentation.

”Ah, the protection detail.” Master Kioshi adjusted his spectacles, surveying them over the rims. ”Excellent. We have much to cover and limited time.”

He tapped one paw on a map of the Lower Realm’s Dark Forest. ”Your operational theater. Difficult terrain, low ambient Qi, unpredictable essence currents. The girl and dragon currently operate from here—” He indicated a section of forest. ”—cave sanctuary with enhanced wards. Pavilion artifact provides additional security, but don’t rely on it exclusively.”

”Population density?” Canirr asked, already analyzing the map.

”Sparse. Mostly Lower Realm beasts, some wandering cultivators. Nothing above Flamewrought tier in the immediate area.” Kioshi pulled out another document. ”However, the magic pulse three days ago will have attracted attention. Mid Realm scouts may investigate. Upper Realm operatives possibly, though less likely—they’ll send proxies first.”

”Threat assessment timeline?” Suki’s voice was clinical.

”First scouts within a week. Serious investigation within two weeks. If they discover the source...” Kioshi’s expression was grim. ”You’ll have company very quickly.”

Prota’s tail lashed. ”Rules of engagement for Mid Realm threats?”

”Eliminate quietly. No witnesses, no evidence, no traces.” The coordinator’s voice was flat. ”Anyone who gets close enough to investigate properly cannot be allowed to report back. Suki, that’s primarily your responsibility, but Prota provides backup if elimination requires direct force.”

”Understood.”

Kioshi pulled out communication crystals—five of them, each glowing faintly with encrypted essence. ”Linked to my primary array. Range is unlimited as long as you maintain Qi feed. Activation phrase is ’Thunderclap.’ Emergency extraction code is ’Stormbreak.’ Use them.”

He fixed them with a serious stare. ”Lord Fahmjir was very clear: you prevent assassination, not growth. The girl needs combat experience. Let her fight Lower Realm threats unless death becomes certain. Same for the dragon and wyrmlings.”

”How do we determine ’certain death’?” Amaya asked.

”Use your judgment. You’re all seasoned operatives. You know the difference between dangerous struggle and unavoidable termination.” Kioshi’s voice softened slightly. ”But err on the side of letting them fight. Pyratheon designed that girl for something. That design requires tempering.”

Takara’s ears flicked. ”What about the dragon? Any special considerations?”

”She’s a mother protecting her young. Expect extreme responses if the wyrmlings are threatened. Don’t interfere with her maternal instincts—you’ll only make her more volatile.” Kioshi pulled out another scroll. ”Silver dragons are intelligent, strategic, and possess purification magic we desperately need. Build trust, don’t demand it.”

”And the girl?”

”Fifteen years old, human, but according to Takara she is has memories from a previous life. Treat her as a combat veteran, not a child.” Kioshi’s expression was thoughtful. ”She’s also recently discovered she was engineered rather than naturally born. Possible identity crisis, trust issues, existential concerns. Lord Takara, you’ll need to navigate that carefully in your... current form.”

Oh wonderful. Emotionally volatile teenager with military training and an existential crisis. This will be delightful.

”Supply manifests,” Kioshi continued, sliding several documents across the table. ”Emergency medical supplies, essence restoration pills, defensive talismans, communication backups. Prota, you’re carrying the heavy equipment. Canirr handles surveillance gear. Suki gets the assassination tools. Amaya takes tracking equipment. Lord Takara...”

The coordinator paused, whiskers twitching.

”Lord Takara gets the kitten-sized collar with the communication crystal embedded in it.”

Absolute silence.

Then Amaya lost it completely, turning away and shaking with barely suppressed laughter.

Prota’s shoulders shook.

Canirr studied the ceiling with intense focus.

Suki’s lips quirked despite her professional mask.

”I hate,” Takara said very quietly, ”absolutely everyone involved in this operation.”

”The collar is tactically sound,” Kioshi said, completely straight-faced. ”Maintains your cover while providing communication access. I’ve also included a small harness with supply pouches. You can carry emergency talismans without breaking cover.”

”A harness.”

”A very small, very adorable harness. Sky blue, I believe. Matches your kitten form’s eyes.”

I’m going to murder those worms so slowly they’ll beg for death.

”Moving on,” Kioshi said quickly, perhaps sensing Takara’s homicidal thoughts. ”Deployment timing. You leave at midday, arrive in the Dark Forest by early afternoon Local time. The girl is currently in the Pavilion medical bay, the artifact guardian is monitoring the cocoon. The dragon and wyrmlings are also present.”

”Cocoon status?” Canirr asked.

”Stable. Massive Qi draw, but controlled. No signs of imminent emergence. Could be days, could be weeks.” Kioshi’s expression was thoughtful. ”When she does emerge, expect immediate danger response from protective parties. Don’t startle them.”

”Noted.”

”Formation protocol,” the coordinator continued. ”Canirr maintains aerial patrol, two-kilometer radius. Suki shadows high-value targets—the girl and dragon—within fifty meters, unseen. Prota positions himself for rapid response, five hundred meters out. Amaya ranges wide, tracking approach vectors. Lord Takara maintains visible cover, close proximity to the girl.”

He fixed Takara with a look.

”Which means you’ll need to transform before arrival. I’ve prepared a secure chamber for the... transition.”

”How thoughtful,” Takara said flatly.

”I do try.” Kioshi’s whiskers twitched. ”Any questions?”

”The dragon,” Suki said quietly. ”What if she realizes Lord Takara isn’t actually a kitten?”

”She won’t. Silver dragons can sense essence signatures, but Lord Takara’s transformation is complete—he becomes the kitten, rather than merely wearing its shape. His essence matches the form.” Kioshi paused. ”Though I’d avoid direct confrontation regardless. Silver dragons are... perceptive.”

”Wonderful,” Takara muttered.

***

Hours later, as preparations reached final stages, Takara stood with his team in the staging area.

Maps spread across stone tables. Communication crystals glowed with test signals. Supply manifests checked and rechecked. Dimensional coordinates verified.

Canirr had assembled her surveillance array with typical precision—essence monitors, tracking formations, early warning talismans, all organized in perfect efficiency. She tested each piece methodically, pale silver eyes focused.

Suki sorted through assassination tools with practiced ease. Poison vials, garroting wire, and dimensional storage scrolls for bodies. The midnight-black Lightning Panthera moved with economy that suggested she’d done this ten thousand times before. Which she probably had.

Prota packed heavy combat gear—reinforced armor plates, devastating offensive talismans, and emergency barriers. The golden-furred warrior checked everything three times, his systematic approach at odds with his battle-scarred appearance.

Amaya bounded between stations, gathering tracking supplies with characteristic enthusiasm. Scent markers, trail essence, blood-tracking formations. The grey-and-white Lightning Panthera’s energy was infectious despite the gravity of their mission.

And Takara...

Takara stared at the small sky-blue collar sitting on the table before him.

Complete with a communication crystal.

And matching harness with supply pouches.

”It’s very cute,” Amaya offered helpfully.

”I will end you,” Takara said without looking up.

”The color really does match your kitten eyes, though” Canirr observed, her professional tone undermined by twitching whiskers.

”I’m adding both of you to my list.”

”What list?” Prota rumbled, not looking up from his combat gear.

”My list of people who will suffer when I finally snap and go on a murderous rampage.”

”That’s a concerning list to be on,” Suki murmured, examining a poison vial with clinical interest.

”You’re on it too.”

”I assumed as much.”

Professional. Disciplined. Ready.

And absolutely merciless in their mockery.

But underneath the banter, Takara could see the competence. These four were the best Oceanus Domain had produced in millennia. Canirr’s analytical mind could predict threats before they materialized. Suki’s assassination skills were legendary—she’d eliminated targets no one else could reach. Prota’s combat prowess was unmatched in direct confrontation. Amaya’s tracking abilities bordered on supernatural.

Together, they’d kept Fahmjir’s interests secure for thousands of years.

Now they’d protect two females and three wyrmlings who might save Doha from extinction.

Even if one of them had to wear a scorching collar to do it.

”Final equipment check,” Canirr said, shifting into operational mode. ”Takara, confirm your transformation supplies.”

Takara pulled out the small jade pendant—a cultivation treasure designed to stabilize his kitten form for extended periods. ”Confirmed. Stabilization pendant, essence reserves, emergency reversion talisman if the form fails.”

”Communication crystal?”

”Embedded in the collar.” He forced the words out.

”Emergency extraction?”

”Talisman sewn into the harness.”

”Medical supplies?”

”Pouches one and two. Healing pills, essence restoration, basic antidotes.”

”Offensive capabilities?”

”Lightning discharge through paw pads. Limited range, but enough to surprise threats. Plus natural claws and teeth, enhanced by cultivation despite the form’s size.”

Canirr nodded, satisfied. ”Suki, confirm infiltration gear.”

They ran through the checklist with military precision. Every piece of equipment verified, every contingency planned, every emergency protocol memorized.

Professional to the core.

”Dimensional coordinates locked,” Canirr finally said. ”Transit time: approximately three minutes. Arrival zone: two kilometers from the cave sanctuary, concealed location to avoid detection.”

”Formation on arrival?” Prota asked.

”I split off immediately for aerial patrol,” Canirr confirmed. ”Suki shadows the approach to assess security. Prota positions for rapid response. Amaya does perimeter sweep. Takara proceeds to visible contact with the girl.”

”In kitten form,” Amaya added, entirely too cheerfully.

”Yes,” Takara ground out. ”In kitten form. Adorable, helpless, completely non-threatening kitten form.”

”You’re really taking this personally,” Prota observed.

”It’s a COLLAR, Prota. With a CRYSTAL in it. And a HARNESS.”

”But tactically sound,” Canirr pointed out.

”I hate all of you.”

”We know,” they chorused.

Despite everything—the humiliation, the mockery, the scorching collar—Takara felt something warm in his chest.

These four had his back. Had always had his back. Would walk into hell itself if the mission required it.

And right now, the mission required protecting planetary guardians while one of them pretended to be adorable.

Worth it.

Probably.

Definitely.

”Time,” Canirr announced. ”Midday approaches. Lord Takara, the transformation chamber is ready.”

Takara stood, gathered his supplies—including the collar and harness that would haunt his nightmares—and padded toward the private chamber Kioshi had prepared.

”Takara,” Suki called after him, her voice serious for once.

He paused, glancing back.

”We’ll keep them safe,” the assassin said quietly. ”All of them. You have my word.”

”Mine as well,” Prota rumbled.

”And mine,” from Canirr.

”We’ve got this,” Amaya finished, tail swishing with determination rather than amusement.

The warmth in Takara’s chest intensified.

”I know,” he said simply. ”That’s why I can tolerate the collar.”

***

He stepped into the transformation chamber and closed the door behind him.

At midday, five forms assembled at the dimensional transit point.

Four Lightning Panthera in their true forms—silver, black, golden, grey-and-white. Powerful, deadly, ready.

And one small white kitten with sky-blue tipped ears and large blue eyes.

Wearing a collar.

And a harness.

I’m going to make those worms suffer in ways that violate the Accord, Takara thought venomously.

”You look adorable,” Amaya said, and this time she wasn’t even trying to hide her grin.

The kitten form glared at her with as much dignity as something small and fluffy could manage. Which wasn’t much.

”Transformation is stable,” Canirr confirmed, scanning him with essence sight. ”Complete integration. Your signature matches the form perfectly—no one will detect the deception.”

”Small comfort,” Takara muttered, his voice now high-pitched and kitten-like. Even his mental sending had adjusted to match the form.

This is what happens when you volunteer for deep cover operations. Next time, I’m requesting nice, normal assassination duty.

”Coordinates locked,” Canirr announced. ”Dimensional path is clear. Transit on my mark.”

She began counting down.

”Three.”

Prota settled into a ready stance, massive form coiled with controlled power.

”Two.”

Suki seemed to fade slightly, already half-invisible despite standing in full view.

”One.”

Amaya’s nose twitched, preparing to track unfamiliar scents immediately upon arrival.

”Mark.”

Reality tore open.

Not violently—Canirr’s skill made dimensional travel smooth, controlled, almost gentle. The fabric of space parted like curtains, revealing the swirling chaos of the in-between realm.

And they stepped through.

***

The in-between was a place of no-place. Existence without existence. Colors that had no names, sounds that predated hearing, sensations that defied description.

Takara had traveled through dimensional barriers thousands of times over his five millennia of existence. It never got less disorienting.

The kitten form made it worse.

Everything felt too big, too overwhelming, his tiny form dwarfed by the immensity of un-space around them. But Canirr’s dimensional path held firm, threading through chaos like a needle through cloth.

Three minutes, she’d estimated.

Felt like three hours.

Finally, reality solidified again. The swirling chaos gave way to—

—trees. Massive, ancient trees stretching toward a grey sky. The scent of earth and growing things. The sound of wind through leaves. Lower Realm ambient Qi, weak compared to Oceanus Domain but alive with its own character.

The Dark Forest.

They’d arrived in a small clearing, concealed by natural rock formations and dense undergrowth. Perfect landing zone—invisible from above, defensible if needed, close enough to their target but not so close as to trigger alarms.

Canirr’s planning was impeccable as always.

”Formation,” she commanded quietly, and the team split with practiced efficiency.

Canirr launched skyward, silver form catching light as she ascended. Within seconds, she’d disappeared into the canopy, beginning her aerial patrol.

Suki simply vanished. One moment standing beside them, the next gone without a trace. Takara’s essence sight caught the barest flicker heading toward the cave sanctuary—the assassin already moving to shadow their charges.

Prota padded toward the perimeter, golden fur melting into the forest’s dappled light. His massive form found a defendable position five hundred meters out, perfectly positioned for rapid response.

Amaya bounded off in a widening spiral, nose to the ground, gathering scent markers and establishing tracking patterns. Her heterochromatic eyes gleamed with focus despite her energetic movements.

And Takara...

Takara sat in the clearing in his kitten form, wearing a collar and harness, trying to maintain some shred of dignity.

[All positions established,] Canirr sent through the communication network. [Aerial patrol active. No immediate threats detected.]

[Perimeter secure,] from Prota. [Defensive position optimal. Ready for rapid deployment.]

[Beginning shadow protocols,] Suki’s mental voice was barely a whisper. [Target area located. Two kilometers northeast. Multiple essence signatures—female human, large dragon, smaller draconic presences. All stationary.]

[Tracking grid established,] Amaya reported. [Scent markers placed. No hostile trails detected within three-kilometer radius.]

[Lord Takara,] Canirr sent, [you’re clear to proceed. We’ll maintain formation and monitor. Stay in character.]

Stay in character. Right. Because I might accidentally forget I’m supposed to be an adorable kitten.

Takara stood on tiny paws, the harness settling uncomfortably across his small frame. He stretched—testing the form’s capabilities one more time—and began padding through the undergrowth toward the cave sanctuary.

Two kilometers. In kitten form.

This was going to take a while.

At least the forest is peaceful, he thought, trying to find silver linings. Nice afternoon. Gentle breeze. Birds singing. Good weather for planetary extinction prevention duty.

He’d made it perhaps fifty meters when a small voice echoed through his mind.

[Lord Takara?]

Amaya. And she sounded... odd.

[Yes?]

[I hate to mention this, but... there’s a large predatory bird circling your position. It, um. It might think you’re prey.]

Takara froze.

Looked up.

Saw a shadow circling overhead. Large shadow. With talons.

You have got to be scorching kidding me.

[It’s diving,] Amaya reported helpfully.

The shadow grew larger.

[Should I intervene?] Prota’s voice carried barely suppressed amusement.

[Lord Takara is perfectly capable of handling one bird,] Canirr sent, though her mental tone suggested she was enjoying this far too much.

The bird dove.

Takara’s cultivation flared. Lightning crackled across tiny paw pads. When the predator came within range, he leaped—tiny body moving with Peak Eternalpyre precision—and hit it with a concentrated lightning bolt.

The bird squawked, reversed course frantically, and fled at maximum velocity.

Takara landed gracefully, fur only slightly singed.

[Threat neutralized,] he reported dryly.

[Very fierce,] Suki murmured. [Truly terrifying.]

[The bird certainly thought so,] from Amaya.

[Can we please focus on the actual mission?] Takara growled.

[Of course, my lord,] they chorused, not even trying to hide their amusement.

Those worms are going to suffer. So very, very much.

He continued padding toward the cave, dignity in tatters but purpose intact.

A planetary guardian transforming in the Pavilion medical bay. A silver dragon representing hope for an entire species. Three wyrmlings who might save dragonkind from extinction.

And five Peak Eternalpyre operatives protecting them all.

One of whom was currently a small white kitten who’d just been attacked by a bird.

Worth it, Takara told himself firmly. This is all worth it.

Probably.

Definitely.

Those sorching worms are gonna pay.