Ebony's Tailpiece

Black paws wandered across dirt, feeling out every step and taking moments to bask in the sun. There is a barrier ahead, and it’s easy enough to slip through, heading all the way to the blue door of a cozy cottage. The reflection of a black wolf is reflected in the window’s raindrops from earlier rain. Patiently, the creature waited.

The door opened.

“Ebony!” Fakir greeted with a warmer smile and a slightly older face. His robes and pointed hat are modest but still decorated in various blues. “I’ve already set the berry juice, I suspected you’d arrive early. The journey must be long every time,” Fakir waved his hand inside.

Ebony shifted to his humanoid form, performing a respectful bow to the Dulling. “Good afternoon, Fakir. I trust the world hasn’t been too cruel toward you and those you’ve rescued.” He lifted his head with a twitch of fluffy black ears. “I can hear your guests. Birds this time?”

Ebony took the invitation with grace, he strolled inside without knocking into a single book or protective trinket. He’s been here countless times to make any clumsy mistakes.

“Another family of phoenixes.” Fakir exhaled with an exhausted grin. “They keep finding me; I wonder if it's fate. You remember, the fight with the Wooden Hunter’s leader. Did you know her Phoenix staff had been her trade mark? Before your brother took it.” Fakir led Ebony to the back of the cottage. By the window, basking in the reflective sun rays was a family of four.

The two adult phoenixes were blazed green, and the chicks were little wisps of blue. The group huddled together in a hand-made nest.

Ebony hummed at the sight. “Shepard is grateful for every magical creature you send our way. She also loves the phoenixes. They fly high before sunrise, and after sunset.” He rolled a shrug. “Some phoenixes are bold enough to team up with the occasional wolf. As always, we’d be happy to take them in.”

One of the chicks chirped, the father gave the little one a soft nuzzle.

Ebony listened to Fakir’s heart calm, lighter than the anxious beating from minutes ago.

It was always the same song and dance with this magical Dulling.

How sad, Ebony is not going to reject the magical creatures Fakir managed to save. What a troubling insecurity to have!

Ebony will only ever reject the cruel. Like that Goldfish Hunter. He had sought her out years ago, ready to cut into her and leave the Dulling to bleed. Ebony found her sobbing in frustration for not being able to lift a glass of water, and he left ten minutes without showing himself.

Yes, the goldfish masked hunter can wallow in her self-imposed pity. Let her keep her miserable life.

“How is Shepard? I assume you’re all busy with how you come back and forth between planes. What about your brother, ah, Ivory?” Fakir moved to the side and pulled out two cups. He offered one to Ebony, the smell of squeezed berries and honey.

Ebony took a sip, the tarty sweet solidifying this trip as worth it.

“Ivory volunteers often to help newcomers become accustomed to Shepard’s dimension. He’s fine, if not a little distracted.” Ebony took a longer sip.

Fakir hummed. “Does this have to do with King Rook’s upcoming birthday party?”

Ebony’s smile twitched.

“I deliver letters between those two whenever I come down here.” Ebony grumbled. “I feel like a glorified messenger. But, as Shepherd says, it’s best Ivory has friends outside of us. Even if I want no part of the drama.”

Fakir gave a slow nod. “As long as he’s careful. I heard rumors about Wizar throwing a violent fit with each new law introduced into their country. Can you believe it? That small, unassuming nation…Outlawing magical creature exploitation and poaching.” Fakir laughed. “Well, their small nation has been getting attention since Shepard up and left with Asken’s main power! ‘Terrible’ scandal.’ The other countries were furious they weren’t let in on the situation until you were all long gone.”

Ebony hummed, nodding. “Shepard is aware of the subtle changes. She is neutral about the whole shift. She says, ‘change comes slowly so this is merely the bare minimum’. As you can see, my dear sister is quite hard on the world. Despite this, she’s been well! Shepard has been slowly adding and expanding the dimension to create abundance for our growing population. She’s been growing the occasional scale too.” Ebony wiped an imaginary tear, dismissing the news from the rest of the Dulling world.

Wazir…Ebony could care less about her. Her influence was little compared to Rook’s, and the prince was mostly on the side of magical creatures.

Ebony would truly rather not think about terrible Dullings when he came for a ‘pick-up.’

“Scales?” Fakir blurted, eyes widened. “Like…One of the Nine, Kazo? The one you told me about the night before I left?”

Ebony grinned. “Exactly that. She may not have a wolf form yet, but I assume it’s because her powers haven’t fully matured. Give her some more years. Like your barrier,” Ebony took a step to the window, cup still in hand. “You’ve gotten stronger with time.”

Fakir inhaled, then exhaled with a softer chuckle. “So have you, Silly Wolf. You’re still much stronger than I, however.” He didn’t seem bothered by this.

Ebony turned to his empty cup. “…You can always live in our dimension, Fakir. There is no need to stay where your family still tries to invade your space.” He meant every word. “It is safer for you,” Ebony glanced at the resting bird family. “All of you.”

Fakir gave a chuckle. “You…Ebony, you make this speech every other time you show up to my doorstep.”

Because I want you to listen and know, Odd Dulling. Ebony blankly stared. I have memories of guarding Ivory since we were young ones without much teeth to bite. I have memories of finding family, only for one of them to be crudely taken away by a selfish scum who desired nothing but control. I worry one day I’ll come back here, and all I’ll find is ashes and perhaps a finger bone.

Ebony ducked his head in silence, ears lowered by an inch.

“Someone has to stay behind and serve as your contact point for magical refugees.” Fakir plainly recited, like all the other days before. “I cannot go with you, but I’m happy here. Don’t feel too disgraced.” Fakir gave a bittersweet grin. “Besides, your visits are something I look forward to! Would you like to read in silence with me until it’s time to take these phoenixes into your sister’s dimension?”

I’ll convince you one day, Ebony wordlessly promised. “Of course. May I have extra berry juice? Cheers.”

Fakir laughed. “Of course, Gatekeeper. Here you are, Ebony.”

Two cups clicked together, looking forward to the future.