1st Draft

The story is complete, but in 1st draft stage and hasn’t yet be polished. Some things might not add up, but the structure of the story is here.

“Hey…. Loona?” says Gigi, the Tavern's cat.

 Loona stirs but turns away.

“Oi! Don’t ignore me. It’s nearly opening time!”

Loona slowly opens her eyes, and instantly, her thoughts turn to yesterday's events. Dragging one of her hands out from underneath the bed covers, she studies her slender fingers and witch-like nails.

Exploring the feminine hand and not recognizing it as her own, she thinks back to how large and rough her old male hands were. They are no longer battle-worn and scared; they are dainty and delicate.

“Y’know what, lady,” Gigi says with a puff of his cheeks, pushing at Loona’s back with his paws. “This is not my job! I’m not your alarm clock!”

With one sharp jab in the back, Loona rolls back around to look Gigi in the eyes. “So, what is your job then?” Loona asks with a cheeky grin.

Offended, Gigi stands with his tail in the air. “You’re new here, so I’m going to let that one slide—for now.”

Knowing she’s successfully wound him up, she laughs playfully at the talking black cat standing in her bed. Reaching across to stroke him gently on the head, Loona asks, “So, where are we exactly? It all happened so fast yesterday.”

“We’re in the Witches Brew Tavern,” Gigi replies sternly. “Surely you remember!? You really should remember, seeing as you were once a burly guy….and now you’re…..not.”

“Yeah, that was WILD!” Loona laughs, sitting up in the bed. “Always read the small print first… huh?” Loona says, nervously touching her plump, hanging chest.”

“My old boss did try to warn you!” Gigi replies with a snort, jumping off the bed. “You didn’t want to listen. So desperate to buy a place for you and your old buddies to drink, you threw yourself at the chance to run this place. Now you’re stuck like that…. and stuck with me.”

Loona touches her long, electric blue-colored hair that's cascading down her face and smiles. “Stuck isn’t the word I’d use.”

Gigi rolls his eyes. “I’ve seen hundreds of different witches run this place. Give it a few days, and you’ll start telling me you want out.”

Gigi then drops his head and sighs. “Especially those who have had their gender-swapped. You’ll struggle with being a woman, and you’ll get all depressed and miserable, making my life a living hell.”

A wry smile works its way across Loona’s face as she bursts up and out of bed. Standing completely butt-naked with her hands on her hips, she confidently laughs out loud. The bed sheets, thrown in the air by her swift movements, waft down to the floor around her feet.

“You don’t know me at all!” Loona exclaims, causing Gigi to jump up in fright. “I’m excited to get started!”

As Gigi lands back on his paws, he looks up at Loona’s completely naked body. “LOONA,” he shrieks, looking away like an embarrassed schoolboy. Put some darn clothes on, woman! I’m the only pussy that should be seen in public around here!”

Loona looks down at her unfamiliar curves and bounces on the spot. She giggles as her body jiggles and parts of her anatomy unexpectedly clap together.

“Sorry, Gigi,” Loona replies, in awe, as she looks down at herself from all angles. “It’s … just… I….”

Loona pauses, and she feels her emotions coming to the surface. In her old life, crying was frowned upon, but now she can’t stop them from bubbling in her eyes. “I’ve always dreamed of looking like this!”

“Ok, ok, ok….,” Gigi huffs, unable to look in Loona’s direction. “I get it! I get it! You like your new body. Now, can you do me a favor and get dressed? I’m super uncomfortable right now—you’re my boss.”

“Sure,” Loona grins, looking aimlessly around at what’s now become her bedroom in the Tavern.

Staring at all the old-world furniture, Loona doesn’t know where anything is or what to even wear. She thinks for a minute and wonders what kind of Witch she’s going to be like. She smiles as thoughts of crooked and pointy hats come to mind.

“Loona?” Gigi says sarcastically, impatient by her inaction. “Is something wrong?”

Loona puts a single finger up into the air but then instantly seems deflated by her lack of knowledge about the entire situation. “I…I’ve got questions.”

“We’ve not got long,” Gigi replies in frustration. “Ask quickly!”

Loona nods. “What kind of Witch am I? Why does my new Tavern even need a witch? Why am I your boss? Why can you talk?”

Loona laughs nervously, “Frankly….what the heck is going on here??”

Gigi lets out a long breath. “Seriously?”

Loona looks left and then looks right. “If I’m honest, Cat,” Loona answers abruptly, looking down at him. “I’m a little confused. Will I still be able to drink with my buddies? I own the place… right?”

“Gigi!” he corrects. “And yes, your buddies will be able to drink here. Still, you can’t shun your responsibilities to the Witches Brew!”

“Which are?”

“Well, to put it simply,” Gigi answers, moving over to the small window in the room. “The Witches Brew was opened to offer people sanctuary from what ails them. You, as the Witch and owner of the Tavern, must offer guidance and use your magic to help those in desperate need.”

Loona puts a single-manicured finger to her chin in thought. “So… I’m like a glorified bartender, offering an ear and kind words—but also magical?”

Like an excited ten-year-old at Christmas, Loona looks around the dusty old room, looking for a magic wand. Frustrated she doesn’t see one, she frowns. “You said I’m magical, right— where’s my wand?”

Gigi, forgetting that Loona’s still in just her birthday suit, looks back over his shoulder. “You don’t have a wand,” he answers, timidly looking away. “T-that’s not how your magic works,” he says bashfully.

“How does it work then?” Loona asks, casually playing with her hair.

“You’re what we call a ‘Heart Witch,’” Gigi explains, staring out the window, frightened to look around.

“A Heart Witch? What does that mean?”

“It’s a long story,” Gigi replies. “We don’t have time for it right now. You need to get dressed, and we need to open. We can’t miss our chance to help people. Otherwise, the Witches Brew will start to lose its magic, and we will both start to disappear!”

“Disappear!?” Loona gasps. “I’ve only just brought the place!”

“Well, get dressed then,” Gigi sighs. “Try clicking your fingers and thinking of an outfit. That always worked for my old boss.”

Loona thinks for a moment about what would be appropriate for her new body. A dress comes to mind, and she holds up one hand like Gigi instructed. “Like this?” she asks, clicking her fingers.

Much to her surprise, a wall of black material flies out from the wardrobes nearby and begins to circle around Loona. Flapping and swirling around, the black material starts to encase Loona. Laughing as she’s tickled, Loona is amazed as a tight black dress forms around her feminine curves.

Seconds later, she’s forced up on her feet by a pair of high heels. “My goodness,” Loona chuckles, wobbling for a second before she regains her composure. “These certainly aren’t standard issue.”

Gigi looks around and sees Loona’s outfit coming together, and he instantly starts to relax. “That’s better,” he says with relief. “Much more fitting for the new landlord of the Witches Brew. How do you feel?”

Twisting and turning her body so the thick and heavy skirt of her dress swings from side to side, Loona smiles. Throwing her hands together, Loona flicks up one leg and points out the tip of her heels.

“I feel great!” she shouts. “Do I look……”

“Cute?” Gigi interrupts with a hint of sarcasm.

“D-do I?”

“I don’t know!” Gigi replies petulantly. “Every new Witch asks me that on their first day. I’m a cat for goodness sake.”

“Rude, Gigi,” Loona pouts, shaking her head. “This is an exciting moment for me. Please don’t ruin it.”

“Do you know how to pull a pint?” Gigi asks, changing the subject.

“Kinda…” Loona replies, fiddling with some of the frills on her dress.

“I guess you’ll learn,” he sighs. “Now, come on, get downstairs and open the place up for business. I can already feel a heavy heart waiting for us to offer sanctuary.”

Loona smiles, determined to do a good job. “We’ll serve them so many pints they’ll forget all their troubles!” she exclaims.

Gigi scoffs, then laughs, “You’ve really got a lot to learn about being the Witch of the Witches Brew, Loona. Good thing I’m here to guide you, huh?”

“Guide?” Loona cheekily retorts. “Aren’t you just my alarm clock?”

Not finding her comment funny, Gigi prowls over to the door and looks back. “Just…come with me,” he says, leaving the room.

Gigi then shows Loona around the Tavern. It’s a quick-stop tour of the entire building, not giving Loona much of a chance to ask any questions. Before she can even settle and stand straight in her heels, Gigi prowls over to the entrance to open the place for business.

“Only a few minutes late,” Gigi comments, scratching at the bottom of the door with his paws. “That’s not bad for your first day as the witch.”

As the midday sunlight streams through the door, the beams of light are made evident by the dust of the old Tavern swirling around in the air.

A single man steps in from the outside. His face is stern, and his shoulders are sagging. Almost dragging his feet across the floor, Loona can only awkwardly smile as the man struggles to make it over to the bar.

“Morning, Taylor,” Gigi greets, moving swiftly past him to jump up on the service counter. “We’ve got a new witch this morning. I’d like to introduce you to Loona.”

Taylor continues his trudge toward the bar. He doesn’t even look up as Loona greets him with a wide smile. Sliding a single stool back, he scrapes it along the floor and sits.  

“The usual,” Taylor grunts, bereft of life.

Loona looks at Gigi confused.

Gigi doesn’t say anything. He just nods at the beer pump handles in front of her.

“Ermm…,” Loona says nervously, trying to seem like she knows what she’s doing. “How are you this morning then, Taylor?”

Taylor doesn’t respond. He just leans on the counter, like he’s got the weight of the world upon his shoulders. A dark cloud seemingly appears above him, like he’s manifesting his despair for all to see.

Grabbing one of the grubby-looking pint glasses, Loona holds it under one of the taps, waiting for Gigi’s approval that she’s selected the correct beer to serve him.

“How many different witches has it been, Gigi?” Taylor asks, groaning as he taps at the countertop. “I grow tired of the help I was promised that’s never delivered to me.”

Gigi’s ears prick up, and he gets all defensive. “T-too many…,” he replies nervously. “But I have a good feeling about this one.”

Forcing himself, Taylor looks up at Loona, who’s trying her best to pull him a pint. Loona goes bright red as she fumbles and spills the drink in her hand.

“Won’t be long,” Loona awkwardly chirps. “Just trying to get used to my new surroundings and erm… body.”

“Body?” Taylor grunts. “So, we’ve got another guy scammed into taking up the Brew, eh?”

Nervous, Loona drops the pint glass. As the glass explodes around her feet, the beer inside splashes everywhere, and Loona feels like an idiot.

“S-shit,” Loona says, becoming flustered and frantic.

“S-sorry about this,” Gigi says, becoming embarrassed by Loona’s inability to get Taylor his drink. “I didn’t have time to teach this one before we opened.”

“So,” Taylor huffs, leaning over the bar to look at Loona. “Freaking out yet?”

Loona looks up, confused. “Freaking out?”

“Are you starting to miss your old body?” Taylor asks bluntly. “All the other men who have ‘become’ the Witch of the Brew freak out after a few days. I don’t like it when that happens. The place becomes uncomfortable, and the pints don’t taste right.”

“No, no….,” Loona waves her hands in disagreement. “I’m actually enjoying it!”

Standing up and wobbling in her heels, Loona grabs hold of the counter to steady herself. “D-do you think I look cute in my dress? Gigi wouldn’t answer me because he’s a Fuddy Duddy.”

“Enjoying it?” Taylor asks, wheezing out a laugh. “How bad was your life before this…. if you’re enjoying being the Brew’s new witch!?”

“Ex-military,” Loona answers proudly. “But in all honesty, I’m just happy I’ve managed to secure a place for me and my buddies to keep drinking together. I can’t tell you how many places have closed on us. No one wants to drink anymore—it’s all bubble tea and pumpkin-spiced lattes!”

Taylor coughs out another laugh and tries to crack a smile. “You became the Witch of the Brew just so you have somewhere for your friends to drink?”

“Yeah,” Loona answers, going a little red. “Is that so bad?”

“So, you weren’t scammed into it?” Taylor asks, coughing as he struggles to lift his head. “You aren’t upset that you’re forced to run this place until someone else agrees to take up the mantel from you?”

Feeling confident, Loona shakes her head. “Nope. Not upset.”

Taylor grunts and moans as he exerts his body enough to look Loona directly in the eyes. Loona looks deep into the man’s tired-looking eyes. They have no spark and seem entirely lifeless. It’s almost like the color in his eyes has been replaced by the same black clouds swirling above his head.

“Interesting,” he remarks, giving in to the invisible weight, forcing his body into a slump. “Now, about my pint?”

“Yes!” Loona says, “Right away.”

Pushing the remaining broken glass on the floor away with the tip of her heels, Loona takes a moment to think before acting.

‘I’m a witch now,’ she thinks to herself. 

With a big grin on her face, she raises one hand into the air and puts her fingers together to click.

Gigi watches on and begins to frown. “That’s cheating,” he scolds.

Loona clicks her fingers, and instantly, a full pint pops into existence in front of Taylor, much to the surprise of everyone in the room.

“There,” Loona says triumphantly. “I hope you enjoy it!”

Taylor slides his arm across the counter, unable or unwilling to lift it, and grabs the pint. Sliding himself off the stool, his arching body is barely able to stand with the pint in hand. As he begins to drag himself away from the bar, he stops.

“Very interesting,” he says with a low growl. “This one seems different to the others.”

Gigi sits up and quickly glances at Loona before watching Taylor move away.

“She’s different, ……alright,” Gigi whispers under his breath. “She’s a nudist.”

“Gigi!” Loona chides.

“Whaaat?” Gigi whines innocently, looking away.

Leaning toward Gigi, Loona pokes at his side with one of her long nails. “So, tell me.”

Gigi frowns. “Don’t poke me like that.”

“Am I supposed to help that man or something?” Loona asks with intrigue, ignoring Gigi’s moaning. “…..With my magic?”

“That’s the idea,” Gigi replies, watching Taylor slump in his usual seat at the other end of the Tavern. “None of your predecessors have been able to get him to open his heart.”

“Open his heart?”

“Yeah, that’s how your magic works.”

“I need to open his heart?” Loona questions bemused by the idea. “So, I have to remove it from his chest and open it up with a knife. That’s brutal, Gigi.”

“Funny,” Gigi sighs.

“Well, what do you mean then?”

“Witches usually have spells and things, right? Gigi explains, lying down to stretch out his paws. “Your magic comes from people opening their hearts to you. You see, each person who stumbles across the Witches Brew will have something closing off their heart.”

“Oh,” Loona nods, thinking of the black cloud hanging over Taylor. “Is that why I can see his despair, like a black cloud hanging over him?”

“Yes, exactly that!” Gigi replies with excitement. “He’s closed off his heart to everyone. All the witches before you have tried to get him to open his heart and deal with his inner demons, but none of them were able to.”

“So, I need to get to know him?” Loona suggests.

“Easy now,” Gigi laughs, pointing directly at the dress Loona is wearing. “You’ve only just become the Witch of the Brew. Let’s focus on getting you used to being the new you.”

Loona looks down at her body and shrugs. “I’m used to it already,” she smiles. “I’ve always been a woman in my mind. So now my body reflects how I feel inside.”

Gigi snaps a look of confusion in Loona’s direction. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” Loona replies, almost offended.

Furrowing her brow, Loona glares in Gigi’s direction. “Look, cat,” she says Impatiently. “Just teach me how to pour a proper pint, and I’ll work out the rest along the way.”

Gigi shakes his head and lets out a long breath. “How am I supposed to teach you that!? I’m a CAT!”

“Oh yeah,” Loona chuckles apprehensively. “Sorry. I’ve never had a talking cat friend before.”

“No, clearly,” Gigi smirks. “Thanks for calling me a friend, though. You’re really not like the others, Loona. I really do have a good feeling about you.”

Gigi lays on the bar with his tail swinging below. The smug smile on his face quickly turns to a smirk.

“I can’t believe you’re blaming me for that. I told you that you needed to remove your makeup last night, but you didn’t. You wanted this tavern, and that’s the sort of thing you'll have to get the hang of now you’re a woman.”

Loona stands at the closed tavern door and frowns. “I’m ex-military,” Loona replies with a huff. “I was taught to make my bed in the morning—not the personal hygiene regiments of women.”

“Could have used a spell, y’know.”

Loona looks back with a dumb expression. “Are you being serious? Did you see what I did to that poor mouse last night? It exploded, Gigi…..and you’re telling me you think I should use magic on my face!?”

Gigi’s smile broadens. “You’ve gotta practice, Loona. Otherwise, your connection to the heart magic might fade. But…… at the same time, don’t use it too much, will you?”

“How about I turn you into my slave,” Loona says with a sinister grin. “Would you like that?”

“I’d like to see you try,” Gigi laughs, jumping from the counter. “Anyways, open the tavern already. Tyler is probably milling around outside like a lost little puppy.”

Loona stands at the door and twiddles anxiously with her hair. Allowing her hip to jut out as she stands, Loona sighs. “I feel really pressured about this ‘helping people’ business. I just want to drink with my buddies.”

“Are you worried?” Gigi asks, jumping up onto a nearby table.

“Worried?”

“Yeah,” Gigi purrs, rubbing a paw across his nose. “Or had you forgotten that you’ve completely changed gender? I think your ‘buddies’ might notice that you’ve got those big fun bags on your chest!”

“Ermm…,” Loona mumbles, looking down at herself and the tight dress that hangs from her body.

“You hadn’t thought about that, had you?”

“No…,”

“How fun for you,” Gigi laughs. “Let’s hope they still respect you now you're a woman. We don’t want a load of buff military guys recking the place now, do we?”

“Why wouldn’t they respect me?” Loona asks, offended by Gigi’s insinuation.

Gigi pulls a stupid face. “I’ve met Jar heads before,” he replies plainly. “Like it or not, you’re not one of them anymore.”

“So…,” Loona huffs, blowing the hair from her eyes. “I’ve been through some serious stuff with those guys. Bonds like that don’t just break because I’ve now got lady parts.”

“Could you be any more of a guy in a girl's body,” Gigi teases. “Men are going to treat you differently now. They will look at you differently and might even….. think of you in naughty…. ways.”

Loona gives Gigi a sour face, then looks away with a pout.

“I’m not trying to upset you, Loona,” Gigi says with a smile. “I’m just trying to remind you of what's changed. Trying to prepare you for how differently people will react to how you look.”

Loona remains silent as she folds her arms tight.

“Think about it this way,” Gigi continues, not realizing he’s digging himself a shallow grave. “If you were to have sex right now, you’d be on your back, all vulnerable, with legs apart, right?”

“Stop it,” Loona replies firmly. “I get it! You don’t have to rub it in!”

Loona steps over to the tavern's entrance and puts her fingers on the lock. “I was already nervous, and you’ve just made it worse!”

Loona turns the heavy metal lock and the large oak door creaks. Stepping backward, Loona struggles to get the door open. Heaving with all her might, eventually, the door budges, and sunlight streams into the dusty old tavern.

“I don’t like waiting,” Tyler, the moody guy from yesterday, complains as he helps push the door from the other side.

“S-sorry!” Loona replies sarcastically, standing aside as Tyler pushes past and heads for the bar. “I’m not used to being so….. dainty.”

Tyler grumbles to himself and shuffles past her. “Stop complaining,” he moans. “You don’t know how luck….”

Tyler's words are interrupted by loud laughing and horseplay. Gigi, Tyler, and Loona swiftly turn their attention to the tavern's entrance as three large men darken its doorway.

“Billy! Joel! Jimbo!” Loona shrieks, jumping for joy. “Guys! You made it!”

Being the oldest and the tallest of the three, Jimbo turns to the other two and smirks. “Yo, guys, who’s the broad—do we know her?”

Her heart racing, Loona steps forward into the light. “It’s me, guys, Joshua!”

The three men walk deeper into the tavern, looking around in awe at the place. Then, as they pass Loona, they all laugh.

“Don’t be silly, woman,” Jimbo chuckles. “Our Josh ain’t some scrawny little girl.”

Loona ignores Jimbo and forces a smile. “Make yourself comfortable! I’m just so happy you guys are here.”

Jimbo stands just in front of Loona and towers over her. He looks down at the witch below him in confusion. “Do we know you….?” he asks. “Where’s our buddy, Josh? I got a message saying he owns this place now, and I’m disappointed he’s not here.”

“He’d never have got away with this back in the core,” Billy says, pulling up a seat at the bar. “Civilian life is making him soft.”

“Clearly,” Jimbo smirks. “Where is he, young lady—or has he left us with you as…..entertainment for us boys?”

Loona looks at the seedy expression on Jimbo’s face, and it makes her skin crawl. Looking unimpressed and in Gigi’s direction, she can see the ‘I told you so’ look on his face.

“Well, girl?” Jimbo says impatiently.

Loona slowly looks up at Jimbo; his large frame seems much more prominent than she remembers. She feels precisely how Gigi said she would. It’s very different.

Hating that all three guys are just staring at her, Loona spins on the spot. “Can I get anyone a drink!?” she chirps, trying to ignore their staring.

As Loona spins, so does her dress. The skirt twirls into the air and reveals her underwear, just enough for Jimbo to see. A glint forms in his eye, and like lightning, he palms Loona on the backside.

As his hand makes solid contact with the soft jiggly parts of Loona’s tush, the sound reverberates around the room, and the other guys laugh.

With her ass cheeks still bouncing from Jimbo’s slap, Loona freaks out and goes bright red. Skipping forward like she’s been shot, she grabs the rim of her dress and forces it down tight to cover herself.

“What the hell!” Loona shrieks, blushing like crazy. “Dude, uncool!”

“Just go get Josh,” Jimbo says casually like nothing has happened. “Or are you here to give us all a lap dance, honey? I don’t usually order my girls straight from the Halloween store, but I like your curves in that dress.”

“What!?” Loona snarls.

Tyler turns to look around, and he sighs. “He’s saying he thinks you’re hot, Loona.”

“Are you serious!” Loona exclaims, closing off her body as much as she can. “Jimbo! It’s me, Josh. I’m not joking!”

“Honey,” Jimbo says with a smirk. “Our friend isn’t a girl. I don’t know what you’re trying to pull, but if that’s your game, I’ve got something you can pull….. in my pants.”

“What, no!” Loona says, stepping back in disgust. “Jimbo, this ain't like you!”

Joel and Billy look at each other and snigger. “Deffo not our Josh. This is exactly what Jimbo is like with the local talent.”

Egged on by his compatriots, Jimbo takes a long stride and places himself inches from Loona. Putting his large arms around Loona’s narrow waist, he gives her the cheekiest of smiles.

“Honey,” he says, pressing himself against her. “You think this ain't like me? We don’t know each other, but I’d like to get to know you more in another room, perhaps….alone.”

Loona tries to break his grip. “No way!”

“Ahh, come on, sweetcheeks. Why else would Joshua invite us over and have you be our host?”

“Jimbo, I AM Josh!”

“Stop saying that. I don’t want to think about Josh while you’re on your knees before me.”

Biting her bottom hard, Loona can feel her blood boiling. She feels like a kettle left on the stove that’s about to boil over!

“I can’t believe this!” she hisses, her eyes glowing a cold, steely blue.

“Loona…..,” Gigi speaks up, warning her. “Don’t……..”

“That cat!? It just spoke,” Billy says, freaked out.

Only focusing on the man in front of her, Loona feels a surge of energy. Starting from her toes and building up in her body like water behind a dam, Loona can barely contain herself. Her heart thuds louder than cracks of thunder.

“What's with your eyes?” Jimbo asks, stepping back as Loona’s hair rises unexpectedly into the air.

“You come into my tavern,” Loona booms as her voice echoes and sparks with magical energy. “And treat me this way!?”

A gust of strong wind emanating from Loona blows Jimbo back a step.

“I can feel it deep inside you!” Loona chants. “There’s a sadness that makes you act this way towards women! I can feel it, Jimbo. It calls to me like a cry for help.”

Looking nervously at his chums, Jimbo gulps as the much smaller woman before him begins to glow a dull blue color.

A flash of light fills the tavern without warning, and the entire place shakes. As the light dissipates, magic swirls can be seen twirling around the area where Jimbo stood moments ago.

Standing in Jimb’s place is a young, petite blonde woman with fiercely blue eyes. Her clothes are massive, hanging from her body, and her expression is complete bemusement.

“Loona,” Gigi complains, jumping onto the table beside her. “I know these guys were being jerks, but swapping his gender!?!?. That’s not what being the witch of the tavern is about!”

Jimbo gasps and shrieks as he had to hold up his ill-fitting male pants from falling down. Starting to shake, he feels his new body bounce in ways he’s never felt before.

Loona’s eyes turn back to normal, and she sees Jimbo’s transformation into a young blonde for what it is.

“Sorry, Jimbo,” Loona laughs nervously. “You just got me a little mad, and I wanted you to know how I feel. I wasn’t expecting our hearts to connect like that.”

Touching his wide hips, narrow waist, and now baby-smooth chin, Jimbo’s face scrunches up in pain.

“You turned me into a woman!” Jimbo screeches, reluctantly touching the mounds on his chest. Looking over at Billy and Joel, who are gobsmacked at Jimbo’s transformation, he asks for help.

Somewhat annoyed that he hasn’t been served his usual drink, Tyler looks over his shoulder and grumbles to himself. “Lucky just ain't even the word.”

“Calm down,” Loona smiles, grabbing a nearby chair for Jimbo to sit in. “If you really really want it, I will help put you back to normal, but please acknowledge that I’m your friend, Jimbo.”

“Josh would never do this to me!” Jimbo exclaims, fighting with the hair in his eyes. “We’re like brothers, and he’d never take away my manhood!”

“That’s not necessarily true,” Loona laughs, tucking hair behind his ears to help him to see.”Cos’ I just took your manhood away…….and I’m Josh, so…….”

“JOSH!?” Jimbo screams, freaking himself out with how high-pitched his voice is. “Why would you turn yourself into a girl! Have you gone mad!?”

Loona looks down at herself and shrugs. “Ummm….,” she replies. “It’s not that bad. I quite enjoy some aspects of being a woman. I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean soon enough.”

“No way!” Jimbo grunts but with less gusto than Loona would have expected.

“Shame,” Loona sighs. “Could have used more bar staff around here.”

Not expecting Jimbo to be so forward with his response to working at the tavern, Loona is stunned by his response.

“Well, if that’s what I have to do to be normal again,” Jimbo says, looking at his dainty hands.

“No…. that’s not what I said,” Loona replies but stops herself. “Wait…, would you want to work here as a barmaid?”

Jimbo looks up and catches Loona’s stare. Their hearts connect once again, and Jimbo’s deep inner truth is easy for Loona to see, like a clear blue sky. She sees the dysphoria hidden deep within him. A dark secret that he’s been hiding all his life, unable to share with anyone out of fear.

Loona leans in, quickly understanding this is what it means to be a heart witch.

“Jimbo,” she whispers secretively into his ear. “Do you want me to pretend I’m forcing you so you can stay this way and the guys won’t mock you?”

A second goes by, and Jimbo doesn’t answer. Loona knows he must be scared to let that truth out for the first time.

“It’s ok,” Loona comforts, trying to support her friend the best she can. “I’ve seen it inside you, Jimbo. I’ve seen the hurt you’ve been hiding all these years. The yearning to be something you’re not. It’s ok! Let me do this for you.”

“Pretend?” Jimbo asks, his voice soft and low like the dainty lady he’s become.

“Yes.”

“D-do…. I get an outfit like yours?”

“No. But I’m sure we’ve got uniforms somewhere if you want to wear one.”

“Do you think less of me now?”

“Not one bit,” Loona scoffs. “I’ve seen your sorrow and want you to be happy.”

“Even after all that just now, Josh?”

“Even after you’ve just slapped my ass,” Loona giggles. “But please, Jimbo, call me Loona. Loona, the witch of the tavern!”

A plume of dust envelops Loona as she struggles to lift another one of the dirty boxes. “Gigi…where are they?” She grumbles as endless amounts of trash fall around her feet.

“I don’t know…,” Gigi replies and then sneezes. “I never come in here, but I’m sure this is where we used to keep them when the tavern had help.”

“This is disgusting,” Loona says, looking back over her shoulder to give Gigi a sour look. “How could you and the previous witch live like this?”

Standing at the doorway, awkwardly holding up his now ill-fitting clothes, Jimbo peaks inside. “Erm, Loona?” he nervously squeak. “Maybe you can just….. magic me some normal clothes?”

Overwhelmed by the tavern's years of neglect, Loona lets out a long sigh in frustration. “If we can find them, Jimbo,” Loona says, opening another dusty box. “You’d have a new uniform to wear. I thought you might like that after leaving the army?”

“I mean, It would be kinda nice….,” Jimbo answers timidly, fighting to keep his now long hair from his eyes. “It’s just that I’m nervous for the other guys to see me in anything too….erm—revealing.”

Gigi, standing beside Jimbo in the doorway, looks up at him. “You could just wear nothing…..,” he teases. “I think Loona’s into being a nudest…., so you’d fit right in!”

“Ignore my furball sidekick,” Loona says, throwing a curt look in Gigi’s direction. “Also, Jimbo. Try not to worry about Joel and Billy. Remember, It’s not just you who’s had your gender-swapped. Look at me, will ya?.”

“I guess you're right….,” Jimbo replies, curiously hovering his hands over his new blossoming chest.

Pleased that Jimbo looks a little calmer, Loona smiles and continues her search. Becoming then frustrated by the mess, Loona kicks one of the dirty old boxes. “When was this place last cleaned!?” she irks in irritation. “The Middle bloody Ages!?”

As the box she’s kicked goes flying through the air, It knocks a nearby shelf. Like an avalanche, several boxes tumble and spill their contents upon the floor. Watching the chaos ensue, Loona notices something. Like a beacon or shining treasure, Loona spots the frills of a tavern uniform and gets excited.

“There!” she points, wading through all the trash.

Almost diving in head first, Jimbo and Gigi look on in shock as Loona bends over and exposes her backside for them both to see. The sight of her unmentionables is enough for them to share a sideways glance and an awkward smile.

“See, I told you….Jimbo,” Gigi whispers playfully. “The woman’s a menace. An exhibitionist for sure!”

“Oh, h-how strange,” Jimbo says, anxiously muttering to herself.

Confused, Gigi looks up. “I’d call her more of a show-off than strange.”

Jimbo blushes and stands awkwardly. With one hand, she covers her crotch. “T-that’s not what I meant.”

Raising an eyebrow in Jimbo’s direction, Gigi is about to question what she means but is interrupted by Loona.

“Look, guys!” Loona shouts out, lifting a dainty-looking outfit into the air triumphantly. Waving the tavern uniform around like it’s a flag, Loona starts wading back through the boxes towards them. That’s when she sees Jimbo blushing like a timid schoolgirl and Gigi glaring up at her like she’s done something stupid.

“What's going on, you two?” she asks, tempering her excitement. “You better not be fighting! We’re all going to be working together from now on, so play nice!”

“It’s not me!” Gigi protests innocently. “This one’s acting all goofy for some reason,” he continues, gesturing his head in Jimbo’s direction.  

“I’m not acting goofy!” Jimbo snaps. “I’m j-just… erm…”

“Ah….not goofy,” Loona surmises, making it back to the doorway. “Just getting used to your new body, eh Jimbo?”

“Yes, That.” Jimbo replies instantly, “That’s it. It’s nothing else….”

“Sure, okay….,” Loona reacts suspiciously, giving Gigi a sideways glance. “So, why are you blushing so much? Look at those rosy red cheeks. Not something I’d expect from a hardened warrior like you, Jimbo.”

Jimbo gives Loona a dirty look as if to say shut up, and then turns away with her arms folded tight.

Getting the picture, Loona stands to attention and sarcastically salutes with one hand and holds out the uniform in Jimbo’s direction with the other. “Time to get into uniform, soldier,” she commands.

Reluctant, Jimbo touches the dusty garment on a half-turn and frowns. Commenting on the skimpy-looking outfit, Jimbo asks, “Where’s the rest of it?”

“Soldier!” Loona booms. “Are you disobeying a direct order?”

Jimbo’s shoulders sag, and she gives Loona an exhausted expression. Like a teenage girl who’s having to listen to her dad constantly embarrass her with rubbish dad jokes.

“We’re not in the army anymore, y’know….,” Jimbo replies in a snarky tone. “But, fine. Give it here, and I’ll go try and work out it goes on.”

Snatching the outfit from Loona’s hands, Jimbo raises her eyebrows and laughs to herself. “Ha, how funny.”

“How so?” Loona asks.

Jimbo studies the feel of the dress with her hands and then looks up at Loona. “I’ve spent most of my life trying to get girls out of outfits like this. Now I’m having to get into one myself. Funny how life works out, huh?”

Jimbo softly smiles and goes a little red as she touches the corset. “I don’t know if you’re the same, Loona,” Jimbo asks, “But when I saw women wearing outfits like this one, a part of me was always kinda…. I dunno—jealous. Do you know what I mean?”

“Loona…., jealous of a girl wearing clothes?” Gigi interrupts with a snarky laugh. “I’m pretty sure to a nudest like Loona, clothes are an abomination! Am I right?”

“Do I get my own talking cat?” Jimbo chuckles in reaction. “I really want one. This guy is great!”

“You can have him,” Loona answers flppantly. “Anyways, go get dressed. You’re part of my team now and we’ve got a tavern’s reputation to rebuild!”

Gigi then points Jimbo to a nearby room in which Jimbo can get changed. After ten minutes of waiting, Loona gets impatient of waiting for her to reappear and knocks gently on the closed door.

“Jimbo,” she says, talking through the door. “Are you okay?”

No answer.

“Jimbo?” Loona asks again.

No answer.

Rolling her lips, Loona considers the situation for a moment. “Should I go in?” Loona asks Gigi.

With a flick of his tail, Gigi just shrugs his shoulders. “He—she’s your friend, Loona. Maybe if you go in you can catch her naked and convert her to your nudest cause?”

“Did I feed you the wrong cat food this morning…?” Loona retorts with a roll of her eyes. Tapping again on the closed door, she says, “Jimbo, do you need help?”

Just as Loona is about to go in, the door handle turns from the other side. Gigi and Loona take a step back as they watch the door slowly open. Appearing in the doorway is Jimbo, trying desperately to hide herself now wearing the tavern uniform.  

The uniform clings to Jimbo’s every curve. The neckline exposes his new busty chest, and the short, pleated skirt leaves nothing to the imagination. Jimbo’s new long and slender legs are out for all to see and there is nothing she can do about it.

With cheeks as red as tomatoes, Jimbo stands anxiously waiting for Loona’s approval.

“W-well…?” Jimbo whines impatiently, pulling desperately at the skirt to lower it. “H-how do I look?”

Unable to control herself, Loona jumps for joy. “Adorable! Just look at that figure!”

Not sure how to take that compliment, Jimbo looks away and becomes shyer still. “R-really?”

“YES!” Loona bounces on the spot, “We have to show the guys. Who knew our Big Bad Jimbo would be such a certified cutie! This place is going to be a hit with gals like us running the place!”

Spinning one hundred and eighty degrees on the spot, Loona marches off in the direction of the bar, excited to share the news with Billy and Joel, their old platoon buddies.

Unsure of herself, Jimbo turns to Gigi. “Have I put this on properly? It kinda feels weird to wear,” She admits, picking at the material clinging to her curves. “I feel like I shouldn’t be this exposed.”

“I’m a cat, dummy,” Gigi answers plainly after blinking several times. “So don’t ask me. I have no idea.”

Letting out a long breath, Jimbo reluctantly follows Loona, and Gigi tags along. Re-entering the bar area, Jimbo does everything she can to hide herself as all the guys and Loona look over. Their excited grins are almost enough to make Jimbo freak out. They make her feel a little sick with anxiety. An hour ago, Jimbo was a guy and now he’s a tavern wench!

“Hey, beautiful!” Billy shouts, beckoning Jimbo closer.

“Is that really Jimbo?” Joel asks in disbelief. “I’ve gotta stop drinking so much. This is mental.”

A lot of laughing and giggling follows, but somehow, Loona manages to get Jimbo to join them at the counter. With her legs crossed and her arms folded tight, Jimbo can’t bring herself to speak.

“Seriously,” Joel says, swigging his drink. “It’s such a mind fuck that you guys are women now. I mean….two of our closest war brothers are now…. sisters…”

“So, you wanted to be a woman all along?” Joel asks Jimbo. “That ultra-macho guy thing was just an act, huh? I guess that tracks. I always thought you were putting it on.”

Jimbo stutters, trying to think of a safe answer.

“Is that so hard to believe?” Loona says, butting in. “We can’t help how we are born nor how we feel about our bodies. All you guys really need to know is that Jimbo is happier this way. I can see the joy in her heart—even if she doesn’t show it.”

Joel and Billy gasp. “Seriously!? Jimbo, are you really happier like that!?”

“I guess so…,” Jimbo mumbles, fidgeting with her skirt, trying to cover up as best she can.  

“Holy shit!” Billy laughs, slamming his palm onto the wooden table. “I have to ask. What’s it like having a hole instead of a pole!?”

Loona and Jimbo promptly go bright red. Neither of them has really thought about it long enough to consider the fact they are missing their little friends.

“Wait a second,” Joel says passionately, not giving Loona or Jimbo a second to actually answer. Staring directly at Loona, Joel gets up from his stool and leans on the counter towards her. “If you’re able to do this to our Jimbo, can I ask you to use that magic on me too!?”

Having to shake off the thought of her ‘little buddy’ who’s MIA, Loona glances in Gigi’s direction to see if he’s going to tell her off. He lies on the countertop and looks unimpressed.

Gigi shakes his head and frowns hard.

“I could try…..?” Loona says, like a nervous child, trying her best to ignore Gigi’s scolding expression. Turning her attention back to a very excited Joel. “Do you want to be a woman too? Honestly, I don’t see that same despair in your heart that Jimbo had, but we could always use more staff.”

“Not a woman. I want to be taller and more handsome!” Joels orders. “Fix my crooked nose. Give me a full head of hair….and a larger….” Joel looks down at his crotch and points, “Larger…..y’know.”

Smiling awkwardly, Loona glances again at Gigi’s disapproving face. Not wanting to let her buddy down, Loona lifts one hand and clicks her fingers to use her magic.

Opening out his arms to receive his transformation, everyone is left speechless as nothing happens.

Loona clicks again and again and again. Nothing happens.

Joel pats his crotch, hoping that a serpent might be sturring, but he’s left disappointed, and Loona becomes confused and flustered.

“What the hell!” Joel grumbles under his breath. “I thought you said you were a witch now! Why would you transform Jimbo into what he wants and not me!?”

“Aha….,” Gigi chuckles knowingly from across the bar. “She’s a heart witch, dummy. Her magic won’t work on someone like you.”

Pulling a sour face, Joel sits back down and folds his arms in a huff. “Well….crap.”

Curious to know more, Loona steps closer to Gigi with interest. “Why doesn’t it work? I can feel the emotions in his heart. I can even feel the love he has for his wife.”

“Loona…,” Joel scolds, listening to their conversation. “Don’t tell the Ball and Chain that, will ya? She’ll only use that against me.”

Gigi rolls his eyes.

“I told you already. Your power comes from those who open their hearts to you,” Gigi explains. “These guys are your friends, so their hearts are already open to you. Jimbo, however, I’d imagine, has been hiding her true self. Maybe she closed off her heart to stop the heartache?. Anyways, that’s why the magic worked on her.”

Straining her face like she’s doing a math problem, Loona asks. “So I can’t just go around changing people I don’t like into frogs?”

“Not unless they want to be a frog,” Gigi huffs in exasperation.

As Loona nods in acceptance of her limitations, Jimbo finally builds up the courage to speak. “Guys…,” she says timidly. “It was a deep, dark secret of mine, but I am happier this way, I promise. Can I ask, though—do I look cute now I’m a woman?”

“I wouldn’t say cute…,” Billy answers, purposefully eyeing his old military buddy up and down. “I’d say downright gorgeous! Please tell me you are going to be working with Loona. I could literally stare at those sexy legs all day!”

Smiling wider than the Cheshire cat, Jimbo looks over to Loona for clarification.

“Hell yeah, she’s working here!” Loona exclaims, clapping her hands. “She’s my new tavern wench!”

“Awesome!” Jimbo replies, kicking up a single foot.

Suddenly finding some swagger and confidence, Jimbo Leans on the counter and allows her bosom to bounce playfully between her arms. “What can I get for you, fella’s!?”

Standing at the Brew’s walk-in fridge, the metallic door swings open, and a plume of dust and stagnant air wafts towards them. Both Loona and Gigi scrunch their faces at the smell, and Loona pinches her nose.

“My goodness,” Loona whines, wafting away the smell with her hand. “What happened in this fridge!? Did the previous witch go mad and kill all our customers to stuff them in here?”

Gigi’s fur stands up on end, and his tail is stiff as the smell gets stronger.

“Would explain why we don’t get any customers,” he sarcastically replies, looking away.

The two of them just stand at the door, too scared to go in, worried about what horrors may lurk inside. It’s supposed to be a fridge—not a portal to the underworld.

“Guys!?” Jimbo shouts from the bar.

Loona looks over her shoulder and shouts back. “We’re working on it!”

Customers are hungry, and Loona Looks around at the crumbling, messy, and very out-of-date kitchen. Even she knows they aren’t going to start serving food any time soon.

“I know it’s a Tavern,” Loona sighs, looking down at Gigi. “But why has no one ever thought about cleaning this all up?”

Loona doesn’t give Gigi a second to answer before she walks over to one of the ovens and turns a dial to test if it will come to life.

A loud snapping sound follows, and Loona turns around with a sheepish expression and the oven dial in her hand. “Oh,” she chuckles nervously. “That can’t be good…”

“Loona!?” Jimbo shouts again, stepping awkwardly into the kitchen doorway in her dainty heels and tavern uniform. “Joel and Billy are hungry. What should I tell them?”

Loona sighs again. “If they want their fries to be coated in years of dust and grease, we can deffo do that!”

“They won’t be happy with that, Loona!” She replies in panic, fighting with hair that just won’t behave. “Maybe you should come out here and tell them. They keep making fun of my new body, and I could do with some backup.”

“Just show them your.” Gigi cracks a wise-ass smile, “….Fun bags. That’ll keep those boys entertained!”

Both Loona and Jimbo stare daggers in Gigi’s direction. Jimbo then covers her chest with one hand and points at Gigi with the other. “Maybe we should just cook Gigi instead.”

Loona laughs and points at the empty fridge. “Gigi…? Yeah, we might have to. Even if the kitchen was clean, we don’t have anything to cook.”

“G-guys….,” Gigi says, backing away with a fearful laugh. “That was a joke, right…?”

Loona cracks a devious smile. “I mean, what else do you offer around here? You can’t tend bar. You can’t cook, and clearly, you’re not a very good cleaner.”

“L-L-Loona…..?” Gigi gulps. “P-please…. I’ve been the Tavern’s witch guide for centuries!”

Loona touches her chin with a single fingernail and tilts her head. “So what,” she replies with a cheeky smile. “Least my boys will be fed if we roast you.”

Gigi gulps again. “So funny, guys…,” he replies anxiously. “You wouldn’t….”

“I would,” Loona smirks, stepping closer to him with her arms out. “But if you made yourself useful and offered a solution to the problem here, maybe I’d reconsider!”

Loona looms large over him, and her sinister smile makes him shiver. Gigi backs himself into a corner and desperately looks for an escape. However, Loona has him trapped, and she reaches out to grab him.

“There's a BOY!” Gigi squeaks, cowering away from Loona’s approaching hands. “A BOY!”

Loona stops still and raises a single eyebrow. “A boy?” she asks. “Explain…”

“I’ve heard rumors,” Gigi says, continuing to talk like his life depends on it. “Rumor is that he’s suffering with his gender identity! He might help us if we help him!”

“Help him…..?” Loona questions, standing up straight and folding her arms. “How does that help out the kitchen situation?”

“He’s a cook!” Gigi answers, breathing a sigh of relief. “Maybe we could help him out of his darkness with your heart magic and hire him here at the tavern to be head chef!”

Loona cracks a satisfied smile and leans down to pat a very nervous Gigi on the head. “Good kitty,” she says cheekily. “See, that’s making yourself useful!”

Gigi begrudgingly accepts the pat on the head and gives her a wry smile in return.

“Right!” Loona stands confident, raising one hand. “We need some supplies in this kitchen if we are going to hire a cook. Let me magic some supplies.”

“Wait!” Gigi shouts, stopping her from clicking her fingers. “You can’t do that!”

“Why?” Loona asks, slowly lowering her hand. “It’s my magic; I can use it how I want, right?”

“It’s not that!” Gigi replies, still a little uneasy.

“Well, what is it then?”

“It’s the tax man!” Gigi answers, sticking out his tongue in disgust. “If we magic food into existence, they will start asking questions about our finances……….again. We absolutely can’t get closed down. We’d both disappear!”

“Are you serious!?” Loona frowns. “I’m a powerful witch, and I still need to be worried about the tax man…?”

“Deadly serious,” Gigi answers, looking terrified at the mention of them.

Loona studies Gigi’s expression for a moment, then comes to the conclusion he’s telling the truth. Stamping one foot, she gets frustrated. “Well, darn!” she exclaims. “Where’s the nearest store then? We need to go shopping first!”

Stepping into the main bar area like she means business, Loona stands with her hands on her hips. Gigi sculks in behind her and sits by her side.

“Guys…,” Loona announces to the almost empty bar.

Tumbleweeds follow as she’s only talking to Taylor, who sits quietly in the corner, and Joel and Billy, who sit at the bar.

“Yes?” Joel asks, being the only one to reply.

“I’m going to the shop,” Loona says with an awkward smile. “Which one of you big strong boys wants to help little ol’me and help carry stuff back?

The room is silent and more of those tumbleweeds cross Loona’s path.

Loona looks down and grumbles under her breath. “Where are these coming from?? This place isn’t a tavern in the Wild West!”

Shaking it off, Loona summons her inner military voice. “Troop,” she shouts, trying to act macho. “Fall in line!”

Joel and Billy begin to chuckle like naughty schoolchildren. This makes Loona’s face go bright red in frustration and embarrassment.

“What was that!?” Billy asks, slapping the bar in laughter. “Trying to act all macho really doesn’t suit you anymore. You’re far too ‘girly girl’ for that. So funny!”

Loona’s cheeks puff up as she pouts at her friends.

“Bet you’re regretting it now, huh?” Joel sniggers playfully. “I’m not taking orders from you now….Little Lady….”

Loona’s shoulders drop, and she lets out a long sigh. “But, guys…..!!” she whines. “I need help!”

Sipping his beer, Joel looks at Loona and then at Jimbo behind the bar in their cute dresses and heels. “Why don’t you use your magic and transform our Jimbo back into a dude?”

Jimbo quickly shakes his head. “No, thank you!” she answers, stepping back. “I’m happier like this, and no amount of teasing is going to change my mind.”

Joel and Billy look at each other for a moment before laughing again. “Loona, It’s not happening,” Joel says, shaking his head. “We’re customers. I don’t help my wife with shopping at home, so why would I help with it here?”

Knowing it’s a lost cause, Loona glances at Taylor, who’s staring vacantly at his table. Wondering over to him with a big grin on her face, Loona puts on a cute voice. “Taayloorr…,” she says sickly sweet. “Can you help little ol’me?”

Taylor doesn’t say anything. He just slowly looks up with a frown on his face.

“Please!” Loona begs. “I’ll give you free beer for the rest of the week.”

Billy swiftly turns in his seat. “What!? Free beer!?” he screeches. “I want free beer!”

With a face like thunder, Loona snaps back a glare. “No. You had your chance. You pay full price!”

“F-free….?” Taylor asks. His voice cracks like he hasn’t used it in days.

“Yeah!” she agrees spitefully, knowing it’s upsetting her boys. “Completely. You just need to help me carry back food from the shop.”

“F-fine….” Taylor grunts, slowly getting up. As he does, Loona hears his body creaking, and It’s uncomfortable to watch. Loona doesn’t know where to look.

“Cool…,” Loona mumbles, trying not to notice how decrepit Taylor’s body sounds when he moves. “Might be good for you,” Loona comments under her breath, “Bit of Vitamin D.”

Eventually getting out of the Witches Brew and onto the unfamiliar city street that the Tavern is located on, Loona, Gigi, and Taylor wander slowly towards the shop.

Gigi takes the lead as he beckons them both to follow him down the crowded city street. Shops of all sorts of nature litter the street. It’s a fantastic sight for Loona, who’s yet to have stepped foot outside the Brew in her new witch form. She finds it hard to hide her excitement to be out and about as Loona, the woman she always wanted to be!

Although, a quick glance to her side instantly brings down her mood. Taylor's agony is very apparent to her as a heart witch.

Feeling pretty awkward, Loona rubs the back of her neck. “So…..,” she says, trying to fill the silence between herself and Taylor. “Got any family?”

“No,” Taylor grunts.

“Oh. Do you have a…. job?”

“No,” Taylor grunts again.

“Retired…. Gotcha!”

“Un-em-ployable….,” Taylor huffs. “Not retired.”

Loona goes bright red as Taylor gives her a stiff look. Almost like he wants her to stop talking, but he knows she’s not going to stop asking questions.

“Any hobbies?” Loona asks with a smile.

“Weren’t you military?” Taylor jibes. “Why are you acting like such a gabby schoolgirl with all these questions?

Loona’s smile soon disappears, and she casts her mind back to all those repressed feelings in her past.

“I’m sorry,” Loona answers genuinely. “You gotta understand, Taylor. I’ve had to repress my true self for so many years. When I think back to the man I was before, all I can think about is the sadness that followed me like a darkened rain cloud. Even during the fun times, a small voice would always remind me that it’s just a façade.”

Taylor says nothing. He just listens intently as they continue to follow behind Gigi.

Loona brings a hand to her face and studies her painted nails. “I’ve been many things in my life,” Loona continues, showing emotion. “But this is the first time I’ve actually felt like I’m the real me. No longer a ‘character’. I feel like my life has just started, and I’m excited about everything!”

Loona stops still, wipes a single tear from her eye, and smiles. “Does that make sense to you?”

Taylor again says nothing, but his heavy heart is made very obvious to her. She sees the ominous dark cloud following him and the low thud of a broken heart. Knowing he needs her help, she reaches out to him.

“Tay….,”

“Loona!” Gigi shouts, interrupting. “Loook! There's our new cook!”

Surprised, Loona looks away from Taylor and focuses on a teenager sitting on the hard concrete floor surrounded by cardboard boxes. Clearly homeless, living out of said boxes.

“Are you sure?” Loona asks, looking at the shaggy-looking teenage boy.

“Certain,” Gigi nods. “Go speak with him.”

Loona approaches the boy sitting on the floor and clears her throat to get his attention. The boy, whose face is dirty and his long hair is knotted and greasy, looks up at her.

“Please don’t ask me to move,” the boy says, covering himself with a small and tatty blanket.

“I’m not going to,” Loona says softly. “What’s your name, kid?”

The boy looks away and bites his lip. He doesn’t want to answer her.

“Didn’t think that would be a hard question,” Loona chuckles, looking back at Gigi and Taylor waiting patiently.

“It gets me in trouble with people who don’t understand,” the boy eventually answers sourly.

“You’re name does?” Loona questions with a smirk. “How? Is it something silly like Farty-Bum-McGee?”

The boy chuckles and cracks a small smile. “No…”

“Well, what is it then?”

“I’d rather not tell…,” the boy huffs, folding his arms in defiance. “You’ll laugh at me like everyone else!”

“Kid,” Loona replies with a long exhale. “Just try me.”

“Katie……,” the boy says as his cheeks go red. “My name is Katie.”

“Cute. Now, was that so hard?”

“Why didn’t you laugh?” Katie asks curiously. “I’ve got a girl's name, but I’m a boy.”

Loona ignores the question, knowing it’s not that strange. She looks at the boy's small cardboard box home and wonders why he’s sleeping on the street.

“So what's the deal here, Katie?” Loona asks, bending her knees to be closer to him. “Don’t you have a family?”

“I do…,” Katie answers, looking upset. “They wanted me out, so I left.”

Expecting to see a heavy heart on the boy, Loona is surprised when she feels nothing emanating from him. She’s not even getting a faint tingle of heart magic from the boy. She’s expecting him to be precisely like Jimbo and herself. Yet, no connection at all.

“Does your mom know you’re here?” Loona asks, majorly confused.

“Yup,” Katie nods. “Her and all my sisters are angry at me for being born a boy. I wasn’t what she wanted, and they all see me as a failure.”

“That’s a strange thing for her to be angry about…” Loona replies, scrunching her face. “I’ve turned boys into girls. Do you want me to try with you?”

“I don’t wanna be a girl,” Katie replies as her eyes well up. “I just want my mom to be proud of me…”

“So you ran away?”

“You don’t understand!” Katie sighs, kicking the dust on the floor. “My mom runs a traditional Inn, and she and my sisters work as Geisha’s. I’d do anything to help my family, but because I’m a boy…I can’t!”

Tears dribble from Katie’s eyes as he shuffles back away from Loona. “I ran away because I couldn’t face it anymore. I’m not a girl, and therefore—I’m not useful.”

Katie starts sobbing, wiping his face with his sleeve. “All I want to do!” he howls. “Is to be helpful to my family, but I can't! I love them so much, but I’m such a waster!”

“You see that cat over there,” Loona says softly, pointing at Gigi. “He tells me that you can cook. Is that right?”

Katie sniffs back and rubs his eyes. “Y-yeah…. I can cook,” he answers with a whimper. “that’s about all I’m good for.”

“My name is Loona,” Loona says, standing up straight. “And I run the Witches Brew Tavern…”

“That old dump?” Katie asks with childlike ignorance.

Caught off guard by that comment, Loona wobbles on her heels. “Y-yeah…..,” Loona agrees, a little deflated.

Gathering herself, Loona brushes off his comments and smiles. “I have a proposition for you, young Katie. Why don’t you come work for me at the Brew as my cook? In return, we will give you free board and all the time in the world to practice being a Geisha without the judgemental eyes of your family. Sound good?”

“Seriously?” Katie asks, gobsmacked by Loona’s offer. “Seriously?” Katie repeats, utterly stunned.

“Yup,” Loona nods. “Can you start today?”

“Heck yeah! Katie exclaims, jumping to his feet in absolute excitement! “And you’re sure you don’t mind me crossdressing for practice!? It won’t bother your customers if I’m a little rusty!?”

Loona grins wide and holds out a single hand for a shake. “We got a deal, kid?”

Katie grabs Loona’s hand like he’s made the deal of the century. “Deal!”

With Katie on board, Loona spins on the spot with the broadest grin on her face. Looking at Gigi and a frowning Taylor, she rushes over to them both!

“We’ve got our cook!” she cries out in celebration.

Turning serious and pointing in any direction, Loona begins to confidently march forward. “Troop!” she shouts out to them all. “We make haste to the shops!”

“Loonaaa..,” Gigi whines out, watching her walk in the entirely wrong direction. “It’s this way, you daft woman!”

Surprised, Katie stands beside Gigi and gorps down at him. “You’re a cat, and you talk!?”

“I do…,” Gigi sighs, watching Loona bashfully change direction to walk in the direction. “Welcome to the team, kid. Some advice—make yourself useful, or Loona might threaten to eat you.”

Walking around the tavern bar, with Katie nervously following, Loona points out where the kitchen is located. “Katie,” Loona says, excited for him to see it. “Come look, but please do remember…. it needs a little bit of updating.”

Looking rather out of place, Katie tucks his long messy hair behind his ears and steps behind the bar. Billy and Joel watch on with interest as they nurse a beer. They give Loona a knowing glance before sitting upright to question Katie’s appearance.   

Joel points at Katie. “And what do we have here, Loona? Have you swapped another person’s gender around?”

There is an awkward silence as Taylor, who’s out of breath after carrying all the food items Loona brought, joins Billy and Joel by sitting on a barstool beside them.

“No,” Taylor mutters, dropping the bags of groceries to the floor as he lets out an exhausted breath. “Katie is a boy.”

Joel and Billy look at each other in surprise. “Oh,” Billy then says, with a confused stare.

Gigi jumps up onto the counter in front of all the guys and smirks. “He might look a bit odd, guys. But I promise he’s an amazing cook.”

Katie’s cheeks burn red with embarrassment.

“Why the long hair?” Joel asks curiously, also staring. “Also, why the name ‘Katie’? Not really a boy's name now, is it?”

Jimbo, who’s cleaning glasses at the other end of the bar, speaks up. “Leave him alone, guys. Otherwise, I’ll kick you both out!”

“Ooooooo!” Joel chuckles, nudging Billy with his arm. “Seems our Jimbo’s located his lost balls! Such attitude for such a little lady.”

Jimbo glares at them both, then gives them a smug smile in return. “I’ll find both your balls,” she jibes. “With my foot!”

“My err….M-Mom’s idea,” Katie says, having built up the courage to speak. “She gave me my name and wants me to have long hair like this.”

In that instant, Loona feels a twitch of a connection to Katie’s heart. She can tell that just talking about it was difficult.

“He’s going to be our new cook!” Loona announces to the group passionately.

Stepping just in front of Katie to make him feel more comfortable, Loona can feel his heart rate slowing. She can tell he’s comfortable in her presence. “Now, if you guys aren’t going to say anything helpful, maybe don’t say anything at all.”

“We’re only being curious, Josh,” Billy remarks, taking a sip of beer.

“Her name is….Loona,” Gigi corrects.

“Whatever,” Billy says with a shrug, then turns his attention to Katie. “Say, boy. Why don’t you just cut your hair and use a different name? That way, you won’t get all these questions about your appearance.”

Katie shuffles in further behind Loona to hide.

“Yeah,” Taylor huffs, wheezing as he talks. “Why haven’t you done that? Didn’t she kick you out? So, c-can’t you do just what you want?”

All very interested in what Katie has to say, they all gawk in his direction, making him feel very uncomfortable. Like a slight nip to the skin, Loona feels the angst in his heart. Knowing that their questions are making him feel incredibly uneasy, Loona takes hold of his hand.

“Keep talking, and I’m sure he will spit in your food,” Loona quips, dragging Katie away and towards the kitchen.

“That’s gross!” Billy whines just as Loona and Katie turn the corner and into the kitchen.

Showing Katie into the old, dirty kitchen, Loona lets go of his hand and steps in front of him. She looks around and smiles. “This is the tavern's kitchen! Cool, huh?”

Katie, still blushing from moments ago, anxiously rubs at his arm and looks around without expression. Loona’s smile starts to wobble as she’s exceptionally nervous that Katie won’t be excited by how dirty the place is—even if they’ve tried to clean it up a little.

“So this will be my kitchen to run?” Katie asks, stepping further into the room. “I’ll be head chef?”

Ecstatic to see Katie’s face lighting up, Loona nods. “Yeah, I guess that would make you head chef, yeah!”

Loona feels something completely different in her heart. She can sense Katie’s excitement. It’s an incredible feeling for her. It’s the exact feelings Loona felt emanating from Jimbo when transformed into a woman.

“Hmmmm….so warm,” Loona gushes under her breath, smiling at Katie as he looks around in awe.

“S-sorry?” Katie asks, turning to look back at Loona with the broadest grin.

“It’s erm….,” Loona looks away. “Nothing, really. I can just feel that this makes you happy.”

“I am happy!” Katie replies in delight, rushing from counter to counter, opening cupboards and drawers. “I don’t even care that it’s not clean. I can’t wait to get started!”

Although Loona is delighted to hear that, she can’t help but want to ask Katie a question. “Hey, Katie,” Loona says bashfully. “Those guys out there made you nervous and a little upset with their questions, didn’t they?”

“A little….,” Katie answers, holding up a very black and dirty pan. “I’m used to it.”

Loona stands beside him and puts a hand on his shoulder. “Why don’t you use a different name and cut your hair? I personally know how hard it can be when people treat you one way, but you feel another way on the inside.

“It’s silly,” Katie replies, waving it off like it’s not important.

“I felt the angst in your heart. Please, if you’re going to live and work here, I want you to know you’re safe with us.”

“In my…. In my heart?” Katie questions, with a silly look

“I’m a heart witch,” Loona explains proudly. “Please, I’m really curious.”

Katie sighs and looks down at his feet. “You’re going to think it’s stupid…..”

“Please,” Loona laughs, pointing at herself. “I was a guy like two days ago. Now, I’m a witch who lives with a very sarcastic talking cat. Honestly, I think you might be the most ‘normal’ person here.”

“You think so?” Katie replies with a raised eyebrow. “I’ve never been called ‘normal’ before.”

“Ah,” Loona waves a hand. “Normal’s overrated. Now anyway, if it causes you bother, why don’t you use a different name or cut your hair? It’s not like you live with your Mom anymore!”

Katie takes hold of some of his long locks and runs his fingers through them. “Promise you won’t laugh.”

“Promise.”

“It’s the only thing my mother likes about me,” Katie explains, allowing himself to be vulnerable with Loona. Holding some of his split ends, Katie continues. “My name and my hair are the only things that made me feel a part of my family. Silly, isn’t it?”

Loona listens intently. She can feel the love in his heart mixed with the sorrow of profound rejection.

“I love my family, Loona,” Katie says with tears in his eyes as he puts down the old pan that he was holding. “Everyone says, especially about my mother, that they are nasty people, and I’m better off without them.” Katie pauses and rubs tears from his eyes. “They are the only family I have, and all I want to do is make them proud!”

Loona’s heart bleeds for the young man in front of her. Even with her heart magic, there’s nothing currently she can do for him. However, she can sense the excitement brewing inside about working at the tavern.

“I understand,” Loona says softly. “Thank you for telling me.”

Katie’s face lights up. “It’s ok! For some reason, I feel really comfortable around you. It’s almost like I can tell you’ve gone through hardships in your life as well. The fact you're smiling and being positive brings me joy!”

“Really?”

“Yeah!” Katie replies, bouncing on the spot. “You make me think that I could be happy one day too!”

Loona blushes and looks away. “Very perceptive, young man.”

“I’m right, aren’t I?” Katie asks, bouncing again on his tiptoes. “You’ve never been happier?”

Loona goes the brightest of reds. He’s right about her. She is much happier—even with all the confusion that comes with being the witch of the tavern.

“Yeah…..,” Loona replies bashfully, rubbing her arm. “But that’s….um….enough about me.”

Straightening herself to look more confident, Loona looks around at the dirty kitchen. “So, Chef, what do we need to do to get this kitchen running? I’m desperate to get the Tavern serving food!”

“Erm…,” Katie taps his chin. “Let me look around some more, and I’ll let you know.

“Amazing!”

“Do you have any chef whites?” Katie then asks.

“No idea!” Loona laughs nervously but then gives it some thought. “We’ve got maid uniforms. Like the one Jimbo is wearing. Would that be ok?”

Katie shakes his head. “I don’t mind wearing dresses, but that’s not to code. I need chef whites!”

A while later….

Taylor looks around the tavern at the people surrounding him. He grumbles and pushes back his stool, causing it to scrape along the floor. Getting up and leaving his beer half-drunk, he heads towards the exit. He’s tired. Going out into the town with Loona was exhausting and, in his mind—depressing.

“Bye, Taylor!” Jimbo exclaims like a schoolgirl from behind the bar. “See you tomorrow?”

He doesn’t even bother to look around. He just shuffles slowly away and towards the exit. He despises the joy in her voice!

“Same old Taylor….,” Gigi sarcasticly remarks. “At least something around here is staying the same.”

Furrowing his brow, Taylor does little to react to Gigi’s comments. However, he can’t help but feel Gigi is right! So much is changing, and not for the better.

As he reaches the tavern door, the sun has already set. Feeling the bite of the night-time cold, Taylor folds his arms and heads for home. Shuffling along the empty streets at a snail's pace, Taylor begins to whine and complain to himself.

“Bunch of misfits,” he whines, thinking about Loona and the rest as his heart starts to ache.

Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Taylor lets his head drop. Whether he wants it or not, the demons within him are swirling. The voices are back, and the depression is setting in. The booze usually keeps them suppressed, but thanks to Loona and her field trip, Taylor can feel his inner despair building. He’s not half as numb as he’d liked to be.

It’s an emptiness. A lack of Joy. A Feeling of despair that makes his heart physically hurt. Nothing but beer soothes his troubled soul.

“Lucky…..,” Taylor grunts, as his heart beats in pain.

Approaching his flat, which he doesn’t even bother to lock, he heads inside. You wouldn’t even call it a home, more just empty rooms filled to the brim with years of trash. His heart aches even harder.

Taylor stands in the hallway as he closes the door behind him, surrounded by his own trash. He’s struck with a bout of dysphoria so intense it makes him want to keel over and just die. He wants his pain to have an end. He doesn’t want to feel it anymore!

Not even tears will fall from his face as his heart throbs in deep despair.

“Why?” he complains to the cold dirt-stained walls.

Taylor allows himself to fall against the wall and slide down it. Falling to his ass, he stares blankly into the nothingness that is his existence. He grabs at his chest, trying to breathe through the pain, but he can only fall further into endless despair.

“W-why me?” he laments, hoping his existence will just end.

Lowering his head into his hands, he wants to cry, but that never helps. He’s unable to hide from it. It follows him at all times. Taylor’s heart begins to break. Taylor is consumed by his own despair.

Losing himself, his heart cries out desperately for help, but no one answers! No one even cares

Sweeping up behind the bar, Jimbo catches Gigi’s eye. The two of them sniff the scent of gourmet food delicately wafting from within the kitchen. Both get excited as a bit of drool falls from Gigi’s mouth.

“Katie!?” Jimbo shouts with interest in the direction of the kitchen. “What are you cooking in there!?”

Gigi looks away and down at his empty cat food bowl on the floor beside the entrance to the bar and frowns. “One day….,” he mummers to himself.

Jimbo struts past in haste, and the wide skirt of her uniform roughly brushes Gigi’s nose.

“Hey!” Gigi whines, pawing at his nose. “I’m laying here.”

“Sorry, Gigi,” Jimbo smiles and blushes. “I need to know what he’s cooking in there. It smells amazing!”

Jimbo stands at the kitchen door with the broom in her hand, and her mouth drops. Like she’s fallen in love, her eyes grow wide, and her mouth falls open.

“Bimbo…,” Gigi teases. “That’s not a good look for you, sweetheart. Don’t let any guys see you pull that face. They might get funny ideas. They might ask you to put stuff in a mouth that wide open.”

“W-what?” Jimbo asks vacantly, still focused on the delightful smell coming from the kitchen.

Gigi rolls his eyes as he can tell Jimbo’s barely listening. “I said don’t let a guy see you pull that face,” he repeats louder. “They might think you’re desperate.”

Expecting Jimbo, who’s a newly transformed woman, to be frustrated by that sort of comment, Gigi is left ignored. Jimbo just stares into the kitchen with wonder in her eyes.

“Are you listening, Bimbo?” Gigi asks with a long sigh.

Jimbo raises one hand and wafts it several times in Gigi’s direction without even looking at him. “Yeah, yeah….,” Jimbo replies flippantly. “I’ll feed you soon, Gigi.”

Annoyed that he’s been able to get a rise out of Jimbo, Gigi slumps and lays his chin on the counter. Letting out a long sigh, Gigi looks away at the empty cat bowl and laments his existence. “This place…. Kill me now….,” Gigi groans, making a comment on all the changes at have occurred in the last week.

“What is it!?” Jimbo squeaks, allowing her brush to drop to the floor. “It smells amazing, Katie. I honestly can’t believe it!”

Katie stands in the doorway with two plates in his hands. His face is a little messy, but he’s got the broadest smile on his face. He looks to be in his element.

“It’s my own recipe,” Katie says, standing directly in front of Jimbo. “I thought you might like to try it.”

His hair tied back and his apron all dirty, Katie moves past Jimbo places the two plates onto the bar counter, and stands beside them. Putting his hands on his hips, he tilts his head to one side and looks at Gigi. “I can’t wait to hear what you both think of it!”

Gigi instantly stands up on all fours and gasps in Katie’s direction. “Y-you…w-want m-me…to try it!? This isn’t a joke!?”

“No joke,” Katie replies, giving Gigi an odd look. “Why? Don’t you like human food? Sorry, I just assumed you would—being a talking cat and all.”

Jimbo steps closer to the food, and his uniform skirt again brushes Gigi. “Oi,” Gigi complains, swiping at her with his paw. “You’re doing that on purpose now!”

Jimbo turns back to look at him with the most innocent of smiles. “Maybe you shouldn’t be so sarcastic all the time, Gigi. You’ve been trying to wind me up all night. Teasing me about being a woman. News flash, cat. I know men will look at me differently now.”

“I haven’t,” Gigi snarks in reply, looking away with embarrassment.

Katie laughs. “You kinda have, Gigi. I’m surprised Loona lets you get away with it.”

“Well….,” Gigi gripes. “When you’ve been trapped as this tavern CAT for as many years as I have, then you’ll understand. Neither of you has, so don’t judge me!”

Gigi shows his fangs. “I get close to one, and then they leave me. Then I get close to the next and they leave me too. Loona won’t be any different. She’s going to get fed up with being a woman—like all men do when they have been transformed—and she’ll leave me to.”

A small amount of tears gathers behind Gigi’s eyes. “It’s better if I don’t get close to any of you.”

“Man up,” Jimbo’s giggles. “I can’t speak for Josh, but I’m happier this way. I love my new body.”

“Loona,” Gigi corrects with a whip of his tail.

Katie looks at Gigi, a little deflated. “Gigi….,” he says softly. “Does that mean you don’t want to try my food? I made this plate especially for you.”

Gigi looks up through the tears in his eyes and sees Katie smiling down at him. “Y-you m-made that plate for me!? You’re not joking!? It’s really for me!?”

Katie nods and smiles. “Yeah.”

Gigi slowly walks across the counter towards the food. He looks suspiciously at both Jimbo and Katie like it’s a trap.

“Why are you acting so weird, Gigi,” Jimbo asks, watching Gigi approach the plate.

“I haven’t been offered human food for decades,” Gigi replies, allowing his tongue to droop from his mouth.

“It’s a wonder anyone ate anything from this place before,” Katie laughs. “I found thousands of empty cup noodles in the storage room when cleaning up. The last witch must have eaten that and only that.”

“Yeah, she did,” Gigi answers, standing directly over the plate of steaming hot, delicious, smelling food. “Are you sure Loona’s going to be okay with me eating Human food? None of the other witches let me.”

Katie nods and holds out a fork in Gigi’s direction. “I’m sure she’d be okay with it. She’s not here to stop you anyways.”

Gigi looks at the fork Katie’s holding out to him and frowns. “I can’t use that,” he says, pushing it away with his paw. “I’m a cat, you femboy dope.”

“Oh… yeah,” Katie laughs awkwardly. “Well, anyways. Dig in, guys. You both deserve a hot meal after helping me clean that kitchen.

Katie passes the fork to Jimbo and steps back away from the plates. Then he looks around at the empty tavern floor. “Where is Loona? I was hoping she’d want a plate, too.”

Holding a forkful of food in her mouth, Jimbo stops and looks around, too. “I don’t know,” she replies. “I heard her mumbling about a heavy heart earlier, and that was the last time I saw her.”

Katie looks at Gigi, and he’s got his face buried in the food. Chunks of food go flying as Gigi goes to town. He’s smashed his entire face into the food like he’s never been fed before.

“Do you know where she is, Gigi?” Katie asks, giggling in reaction to how Gigi is eating.

Gigi looks up and a large chunk of meat slides from his face and hits the plate. Gravy plashes across the counter as Gigi chomps at his mouthful of food. He then shakes his head.

“Strange,” Katie says, wiping the counter with his chef's cloth. “I hope she’s okay. She was acting kinda funky straight after Taylor left.”

Having swollen down his glutenous mouthful of food, Gigi smiles, and gravy falls from his mouth. “THIS IS AMAZING!” Gigi cheers. “Thank you, Katie! You’re my new favorite person ever!”

Katie folds his arms and gives him a wry smile. “Stop calling me a femboy, and I’ll make you a meal every night I’m working.”

Gigi hangs his head in shame. “Deal,” he says with a small pur.

Jimbo, with her mouthful, speaks up. “Talking about names,” she says, then swolles. “I thought I should change my name to something more feminine. What do you guys think my name should be?”

Gigi smirks and looks up. A sarcastic comment is on the tip of his tongue, but he reframes. He takes a second to think and wonders that maybe this time really will be different.

Jimbo, expecting a sarcastic answer from Gigi, looks down to see him smiling, and she smiles back.

“What’s that look for?” Jimbo asks. “ And what…. no snarky comment?”

“Nothing,” Gigi says lightheartedly. “I was just going to say you can choose any name you like.”

Jimbo looks surprised. “Wow, Gigi. Thanks.”

Jimbo scoops another forkful of Katie’s food and holds it to her mouth. “I was thinking maybe Julie or Juno,” Jimbo says, deep in thought, “What do you think?”

Meanwhile….

Stumbling through the back alleys of streets she barely recognizes, Loona leans against a nearby wall for support and clutches at her chest with one hand. There’s a weight pressing down on her like she’s never felt before. She likeness it to the dread you feel just before entering the battlefield.

Catching her breath, Loona tucks away from her eyes and looks down at herself. This is the first night she’s really been very aware of who she’s become. Memories of her old life and the pain of hiding behind that mask keep swimming to the surface, causing her actual discomfort.

Clutching her chest tighter, she feels the pain deep in her heart. She knows that pain all too well.

“I d-don’t understand,” Loona wheezes, lifting her head up to the nighttime sky. “I’m happier now. I’m who I want to be—so why do I feel this pain again?”

Looking around at the dimly lit stone and brick buildings, Loona can feel something or someone calling out for help, but she can’t pinpoint where it’s coming from or who it is.

“Maybe if I find them…,” Loona says to herself, letting go of her chest. “These feelings will go away?”

Pushing away from the wall, Loona stands in her heels and brushes down her dress. Clearing her throat, she closes her eyes tight.

She can feel the tingle of magic in her fingertips. It’s the same tingling that occurred just before Jimbo transformed. Bringing her hands back to her chest, Loona holds them together firmly and focuses on her own heartbeat.

Trying to clear her mind of all the dysphoric moments in her life, Loona becomes frustrated as a particular memory in her life keeps replaying in her mind.

It’s a moment in time that haunts her. When she was young and still a boy, she tried on one of her mother's dresses, not really yet knowing why she wanted to. Swirling the large, soft dress around her legs as she wore a dress for the first time, she remembers vividly the look of disgust on her mother's face when she got caught.

The words ‘You would make an awful woman’ keep echoing around in her mind.

Frustrated and angry, Loona throws her hands down. Gritting her teeth tight, she tries to breathe through the pain of heartbreak.

“Loona, focus!” she wheezes, battling to breathe.

Now shaking like a leaf, Loona steadies herself and stands with her legs wider apart. Slowing her breathing, she brings her hands back together and holds them at her heart. Closing her eyes, and hears those nasty words once again.

“Concentrate,” Loona says, talking over the spiteful words repeating in her mind.

Loona’s eyes then shoot open as several people rush directly past her in a flurry of footsteps, causing her stance to become unstable. One of the large men rushing past her knocks her entirely off balance, and it’s all but assured that she will face planting the floor.

“AHH!” Loona squeaks

Unable to move her hands quick enough, she closes her eyes once again and prepares for floor-to-face impact.

A strong but gentle arm reaches in and grabs her before she can hit the floor. It scoops her up like she weighs nothing, quickly placing her back onto her feet. Like an angel sent from above, Loona opens her eyes in bemusement as a young, handsome man stares down at her with a nervous smile.

“Sorry about that,” he grins, flicking back his long golden blonde hair.

Loona looks deep into the man's ocean-blue eyes. She’s stunned for a moment as she feels his large hands holding her sides.

“It’s not safe here, young lady,” the man explains, looking up with worry on his face. “There are reports of an Anguish in the area, and it’s a pretty vicious one, too.”

Loona looks at the guy's chiseled jawline and feels odd as he holds her. She doesn’t know if she should be annoyed at him for assuming she needs help.

“Miss,” he says, looking down as Loona says nothing. “Did you hear what I said? There’s an Anguish in the area. You should go home.”

Loona shakes her head. She then looks at the man's imactualte and perfectly fitting uniform. The red jacket only accentuates his buff physique, and it makes Loona feel small.

“A w-what?” Loona eventually asks, still struggling to breathe through the agony in her heart.

“An Anguish,” the man replies nervously as several more men pass by in a frantic rush. “Y’know, when a person's broken heart spills into reality and causes devastation for miles around.”

“Like a monster?” Loona asks, lowering her head in pain.

“Are you okay?” the man asks, holding Loona tighter with both hands on her hips. “You’re shaking.”

“Dread,” Loona says weakly. “Fear and loneliness.”

“Yes,” the man nods but gives Loona a curious look. “Usually, an Anguish feels such things before they are vanquished for the greater good.”

“Captain!” another man shouts frantically from just ahead. “We’ve found them. The mark is a one, Taylor Jones.”

“Thank you, Squire,” the Captain replies with a brash confidence. “Gather the men at the epicenter, and I will join you shortly. Be prepared for anything!”

The Captain lets go of Loona but continues to give her a suspicious look. “The names Captain Lance Turnby. Who might you be, Miss?”

Loona stares down at the ground and the name Taylor rattles around in her head. Staring at her shoes, she feels a small connection to Tarlor from the tavern. She can feel his pain like she did before. He’s close.

“What do you mean, vanquish?” Loona asks, looking up at Captain Lance, dreading his answer.

The Captain raises a single eyebrow and adjusts the fit of his jacket. “I erm…,” he clears his throat. “Means we will put the Anguish out of its misery before it can hurt anyone else. It’s a tough job, but someone has to keep everyone safe.”

Like a bullet to the heart, Loona feels Taylor calling out desperately for help. She spins around on the spot and stares down the alley. She can feel Taylor's dread, fear, and loneliness beaconing her like a giant's hand pulling at her heart.

“It…c-can’t be….,” Loona gasps, fearing the worst. “T-taylor. Why didn’t you say? Why didn’t you ask for help!?”

Lance puts one of his powerful hands-on Loona’s shoulder, and it causes her to jump in fright.

“Miss,” he says sternly. “Do you know who the Anguish was?”

Her mouth falling open at the despair emanating from Taylor’s heart, Loona can only manage a nod In agreement.

“You can’t help them now,” Lance says with concern, tainting his voice.

Again, Loona gets shooting pains in her heart. She can feel Taylor's heart giving up. She can feel him drifting away into madness.

“He’s my friend,” Loona squeals, taking a weak step forward. “I have to help him!”

Lance still has a hand on her shoulder and, with ease, stops her from advancing. “Miss,” he says sternly, gripping tighter. “I can’t let you get near. This is only something the Vanquisher Squad can deal with now.”

Loona looks back at Lance with fire in her eyes. “Let go of me!” she hisses. “I can feel my friend's pain, and I have to help him!”

Lance rolls his shoulders and unholsters his sidearm. Loona looks down at the steampunk-styled weapons and frowns.

“Put that thing away,” Loona demands, knowing all too well what it means when a soldier unholsters their weapon. “I can help him.”

“How?” Lance replies, pressing a button on the side of his weapon as it begins to glow a soft green color.

“I’m a Heart Witch,” Loona growls, shrugging Lance’s hand from her shoulder. “That’s how!”

Lance is silent as she gawks vacantly at the petite woman standing before him. “W-what…?”

Loona gives him a soft but forced smile. “I can help him,” she says delicately.

The cold chill in the air is nothing compared to the ice Loona feels growing in Taylor’s heart. His pain is her pain. It’s almost crippling, but Loona will not give in so easily.

Directly in front of her is Lance, the captain of the Vanquish squad. The soft green glow of his sidearm lights the way down the narrow, darkened path. Loona does her best to keep up with him. She’d have worn more appropriate shoes if she knew she was going to be running.

A tremor shakes the buildings and almost knocks Loona to the floor. The buildings around them groan, like a giant is bending the city with its massive hands. Catching herself on a small brick wall, Lance looks back to check she’s okay.

“Miss,” he says, standing solid and confident. “The Anguish might be your friend, but it’s likely people are going to get….hurt. Maybe you should retreat for now and let my team do their work.”

Loona shakes her head and stands steady. “He’s calling to me,” Loona replies, clutching tight at her chest.”

The groaning of the buildings is soon interrupted by a whine and howl, so horrifying it brings a chill to Loona’s spin. Like the sound of metal on metal, it echoes off the buildings and rings in their ears.

Almost brought to her knees by the intensely loud and piercing shriek, Loona leans against the small wall for support. She’s never heard anything like it. Whatever made that sound must be at least fifteen to twenty feet tall.

“Lance…!?” Loona shouts over the ringing in her ears. “What made that sound!? Was that my friend!?”

Lance looks up at the black night sky, and in the direction the sound came. “Our mark. Tonight’s rampaging Anguish,” Lance replies, cocking his weapon. “It’s a big one. I can’t see it, but I bet it’s just on the other side of these buildings.”

Having shaken the ringing from her ears, Loona steps closer to Lance and looks up. She can’t see anything other than the crescent moonlight shimming on the roofs of buildings in front of them.

Another loud tremor shakes the ground, and it’s quickly followed by tortured screams. Not like the howling moments ago, but the cries of those in danger and in need of help.

“If you’re sure,” Lance says, pointing at a gap between the buildings in front of them. “We need to engage this thing now before it destroys half the town.”

Little does Lance know, but Loona is not one to shy away from danger. Her years of military service have hardened her resolve. Although scared, like a normal person would be, she knows that if there is a chance to help someone in need, you should.

Loona nods with a determined smile. “Lead the way, Caption. I’ve got your six.”

Readying himself to run through the cap, Lance has to give Loona a second glance. He wasn’t expecting such lingo from such a petite-looking lady.

“Wait,” Loona says, holding a hand out to stop him.

Another devastating termor shakes the ground, and the two can barely stand. In the distance, the dull yellow glow of a fire can be seen reaching above the buildings and into the night sky.

“How do we stop it?” Loona asks, looking over the building at the growing fire.

Lance looks worried and torn. He wants to answer Loona’s question, but the screams of his men fighting can be heard echoing down the ally between the crumbling buildings ahead of them.

“With great difficulty,” Lance replies, showing Loona his weapon, now glowing a brighter shade of green. “Good thing someone invented this. It’s a De-emotioner.”

Screams of terror, along with another ground-shaking termor, re-focus Lance's mind on the task at hand. Staring up the alleyway, he begins to sprint in that direction. “Less talk,” Lance shouts back. “More action.”

Barely able to keep up with him, Loona finds it extremely awkward to get into the zone for battle as her dress restricts her movements. Holding her skirt down so it doesn’t flap up, she’s pleased to see Lance stop just before the street on the other side.

Lance hides behind a bin in the alleyway and looks out onto the street. The bright glow of a raging fire lights up the area. The buildings that line the streets are damaged, with many of them completely leveled to the floor.

Crouching next to Lance, which isn’t too easy in her heels, Loona looks at the devastation and is utterly blown away. She’s only ever seen such a sight once on deployment, and that wasn’t caused by a singular entity. That was caused by an entire tank brigade.

“My men are trying to funnel that beast into a less populated area,” Lance declares, pointing down the large street.

Loona peers in the direction he’s pointing. What she sees makes her heart thud out wildly in pain. A large darkened mass with the consistency of sludge. It looms in the distance. Almost as wide as the street itself and as tall as the buildings, it’s only really visible thanks to the fires raging around it.

Teniticals spread from its almost fluid-like body, causing havoc and devastation as they fail about in every direction.

“If we can get it into a corner,” Lance says, thinking aloud. “We can focus our De-emotioner beams. Enough force will evaporate the outa layers of despair, and we’ll be able to neutralize the source.

Lance stands and readies himself for battle.

“Wait,” Loona says with deep concern. “What do you mean ‘neutralize the source’? That’s my friend you are talking about.”

“He’s as good as gone,” Lance replies bluntly. “Now, please, Ma’am. Let me do my job. People are in danger, and I’m not losing any more of my men to this nightmare.

Before Loona can say anything else, Lance has bolted off and made his way to cover behind a wrecked car in the middle of the road. Loona watches him direct nearby soldiers and, seconds later, they ready an attack.

Loona stares at the black mass, knowing in her heart that Taylor is inside, desperate for help. As the whine of dynamos spinning up fills the air, several bright beams of brilliant green light strike the mass. It howls out in pain, forcing Loona to her knees in agony.

“Again!” Lance commands as the whir of his weapon dynamo recharges his next shot.

Clutching her chest tight, Loona manages to lift her head enough to watch the black mass react angrily to the incoming De-emotioner fire. Her heart connects to Tarlors deep despair, and it almost cripples her.

Another bright flash of green. The Aungish howls.

Loona can’t think straight. All she knows is she has to stop them. She has to help Taylor.

Before Lance can even order another attack, the air becomes dense and cold. Pressure can be felt, and as the Anguish slowly turns to face Lance and his Vanquishers, it lets out another piercing wail.

Tentacles burst out in all directions. They hit buildings and the ground like battering rams made of pure lead. Loona covers her head as the ground shakes wildly and the buildings around her crumble, accompanied by the screams of Lance’s men. 

As the dust settles, Loona looks up to see the incredibly large mass now heading in their direction. Its tentacles are like a tornado of destruction. Nothing can resist its pure might.

“Men,” Lance cries out, “Don’t give in! The people depend on us. Fire at will!”

Loona gets to her feet and watches the carnage unfold. Every time a De-emotioner beam hits the beast, it strikes back with the utmost fury. A single tentacle strike is enough to dispatch even the most hidden of Lance’s troops.

Loona can feel the determination of Lance’s men. She’s honored to sense the devotion they feel to their city and to its people. It gives her strength. However, that feeling is getting less with every passing second and with every soldier that falls.

“Regroup of me!” Lance cries out at the top of his lungs.

A group of five men make their way to Lance’s side, and they cower behind the broken car in the middle of the street. Loona, only meters away, can feel their loyalty to Lance. She knows that bond of battle all too well.

Approaching now at speed, the ground vibrates with the heft of the Anguish baring down on them. Loona watches it all take place in slow motion, knowing deep down that Lance can’t do anything to stop it.

“Men,” Lance commands as they all aim their weapons. “Make this count!”

The Anguish towers over them and Loona’s heart races. A single, large tentacle rises into the air, ready to slam down to the ground to obliterate Lance and his remaining men. Without evening thinking, Loona steps into the road.

Although crippled by the fear and despair emanating from Taylor’s Angush state, Loona feels a fire burning deep within her. As she steps slowly in front of the towering black mass, her skin tingles and her body begins to softly glow a deep crimson red.

Ignoring her own safety, Loona’s thoughts fixate on only one thing.

“Loona, Move!” Lance shouts in desperation.

Now standing directly in front of the Anguish, Loona looks up into what can only be described as its tangled mess of a face. She then looks up at the huge tentacle hanging over her. It’s like a mountain ready to fall directly on her head.

The air pressure pushes down on her shoulders as the beast swings its tentacle down with the force of an explosion. Loona’s resolve is unwavering. As the tentacle approaches with her impending demise, her skin glows even brighter, and her heart beats fiercely.

With a single click of her fingers, the massive tentacle is deflected with ease. Instead of flattening Loona, Lance, and his men, It hits the ground beside them and buries itself deep into the road.

Loona is stunned as the massive tentacle lays stuck beside her. She has no idea how she protected herself, but it’s clear to see that her magic can help. Steadying herself, she looks at her hand stretched out in front of her and notices the red glow emanating from her skin.

It’s her inner resolve coming to the surface. It’s her armor and what will keep her safe.

“Taylor!” Loona shouts up at the beast. “Stop this now! You’re hurting people!”

The Anguish reacts with another piercing howl and several follow-up swings. Smaller tentacles rush down in Loona’s direction at the speed of sound.

Loona quickly deflects the oncoming attacks with clicks of her fingers, but she’s feeling the pressure. Already, she can feel her resolve fading with every powerful attack the Angush throws at her.

Each subsequent attached is deflected, causing the Aguish to strike the ground and nearby buildings, causing the entire place the shake.

“Taylor!” Loona shouts, already exhausted. “Listen to me. I can help you! I can feel your pain!”

Expecting at least a reaction, Loona is left devastated at Taylor’s Anguish throws a sucker punch strike. Only able to click a defense at the last second, the force of the tentacle throws Loona across the floor, and she’s hurt.

“Now, men,” Lance commands in reaction to Loona’s seeming defeat. “Our chance to strike at the beast.”

Laying face down on the floor, bloodied and bruised, Loona turns to watch the bright beams of the De-motioner weapons strike at the heart of Taylor’s anguish. Loona’s heart connection with Taylor stutters as the Anguish becomes even more enraged and dangerous.

However, Loona did manage to see the chance of an opening.

Weiry, Loona gets to her feet. Her resolve is still strong, and she glows even stronger than seconds ago. She promised she’d help him!

“Lance,” Loona cries out, stepping heroically back in front of the towering Anguish. “On my mark, attack at its center!”

Another swing and Loona deflects away with ease. The clicks of her fingers can almost be heard echoing off the walls of the surrounding buildings as she casts her magic.

Touching her heart with one hand and extending her other out towards the beasts. Loona clicks several times, and bolts of pure resolve strike with resounding success.

Like it’s been hit with an even greater force, the Anguish falls backward. Like the sound of a collapsing building, the Anguish has to stop itself from falling.

“My god, Loona,” Lance gasps in pure astonishment. “What was that just now!?”

Loona closes her eyes tight. She can feel Taylor deep inside that beast. She can feel his presence. She can feel his hope building. He wants her to help.

“Lance,” she shouts in reply. “Concentrate, will ya!?”

Stepping her feet apart to stand strong, Loona’s crimson glow becomes more intense. So intense she’s brighter than the fires raging in the distance. She holds her heart tight and lets her emotions guide her.

Lance, not one for letting his emotions show, can’t help but look on in awe at the small woman standing before him. The tiny woman standing between him at the massive Anguish terrorising the city.

He’s never seen anything like it. He’s never met anyone like her. He’s amazing and mesmerized by her.

As the Anguish moves closer, the cold in the air is even more intense. The ground rumbles as it approaches at speed. Made furious, but Loona, the Anguish lifts several large tentacles at once, aimed direction at Loona.

Her eyes are still closed, and she feels Taylor approaching. Breathing heavy with exhaustion, sweat beads down Loona’s face as she concentrates her energy into a single attack. Her resolve will prevail.

Sensing her moment to attack, a single click of her fingers echoes on the buildings, and a wave of pure resolve extends from Loona’s body. Like a tidal wave of pure energy, it strikes the Anguish, pushing it back with ease.

It howls out as its tentacles are thrown in every direction. Loona smirks as she knows it’s open for attack.

“NOW!” Loona commands with an indomitable presence. “Fire at its center!”

Lance’s men's weapons whir to life and the once bright green beams of fire are barely seen against the backdrop of Loona’s burning resolve.

However, the De-emotioners strike a direct hit, and instantly, Loona’s heart makes the strongest connection to another that she’s ever felt. Like hers and Taylor's thoughts and feelings are one and the same, their hearts beat in unison.

Opening out her body to embrace him, Loona keeps her eyes closed tight and communes with the desperately sad man at the center of the black, gloopy mass. She feels herself transported from the street to somewhere cold and desolate.

“Taylor…?” Loona’s thoughts echo in an empty space.

“Loona…?” A thought replies, weak and close to death.

“I feel you’re despair. I feel your fear. Taylor, I feel these deep emotions buried and locked away. You’re letting them control you. You’re letting them destroy you.

“What do you know!?” Taylor howls out in pure frustration.

Loona feels the empty space fluctuate. It’s a fragile space. Their heart connection might be strong, but Taylor’s mind is broken and shattered.

“I was once like you,” Loona replies, sharing her own feelings of despair as their hearts continue to beat as one. “Never fitting in. Never feeling comfortable within your own skin. Never able to be the thing your heart wants to be.”

“I understand, Taylor!” Loona shouts with burning resolve. “You’re a ghost of a person, trapped behind the expectations of others. I see your true inner self. Let her be free, Taylor! Let her be free!”

The space fluctuates again, and Loona can hear the sound of a small child crying.

A vision is played in front of her. A young Taylor. Maybe seven years old, dressing in his mother's clothing. The boy, barely able to stand in heels that are far too big, is caught and punished for trying to be who she really is on the inside.

“She can’t hurt you anymore!”

Another image plays out for Loona. This time, it’s a friend. Loona can tell Taylor was extremely close and fond of this person. However, the pain in Taylor's heart tells her this isn’t a pleasant memory.”

“Argh, Taylor,” the girl in the memory says in disgust. “Why did you tell me that? I think it’s disgusting that you want to dress like that. You’re a boy and always will be.”

Loona watches the teenage Taylor’s heartbreak at that moment.

“Plus, you wouldn’t make a pretty girl,” the girl in the memory continues to scold. “You’d be all hairy and disgusting. No one will ever want to be with you, let alone around you.”

“She didn’t deserve you,” Loona cries out, feeling her resolve softening as Taylor’s despair and hatred grows. “Those who truly love you will embrace who you truly are!”

Another vision plays out in front of Loona’s eyes. Taylor is older and has a backpack on. The expression on his face is twisted and tortured as he stands in an open doorway.

“You are a man, Tayor. You shall never be female!” a woman shouts directly in Taylor's face. “Get out of my sight. I don’t ever want to see you again, you freak!”

“I don’t care!” Loona weeps as the sad emotions envelop her all around her. “Stop showing me..”

The walls of the space start caving in. Loona’s resolve is fading fast. Taylor’s thoughts and emotions hit far too close to home. Loona knows those experiences too well, and it affects her deeply.

Loona can feel her heart shrinking with each passing second. A numbness washes over her.

All those years, trapped behind the forced smile of a man when she was screaming to be free. All that jealousy of the woman around her. All the depressed emotions building up, ready to pop at any moment.

The walls continue to cave, and Loona’s heart skips a beat, threatening to desync from Taylor’s, ending their connection that could save him from his torment.

“No…,” Loona says softly.

Thinking only about her experiences from the moment she brought the Tavern, Jimbo’s face burst into Loona’s mind. Then Katie’s, and then the image of herself, standing and looking in the mirror that first day.

“I felt the same, Taylor,” Loona screams, feeling her resolve returning. “But we can’t let fear and despair beat us! We must fight for who we want to be! We must endure the negativity to reach a place of euphoria!”

Empowered, the crimson glow of her resolve fills the darkened space, and Loona, for the first time, can see Taylor lying fetal on the floor. He’s crying and asking desperately for anyone to help him.

Loona approaches, forcing her way past all of Taylor’s negative memories, trying to stop her.

“It’s your time,” Loona says passionately, reaching out a single hand. “Don’t let the fear control you anymore. Your life has led you to here and to me. I will save you from this despair!”

Loona brings her fingers together for a single click. Instead of the glow of her resolve, her finger bursts out into a brilliant sky blue. The same magic she first used in the Tavern on Jimbo.

Click

The sound echoes around the room, and like a balloon filled to the point of popping, the space explodes around them.

On her knees, Loona feels herself in the tight embrace with another. The sound of the roaring fire and the cold of the night indicates she’s back on that street. However, the howl and the pressure of the Anguish are entirely gone.

“Loona,” A timid but friendly voice says directly in Loona’s ear. “Thank you.”

Opening her eyes, Loona is greeted with the sight of a person embracing her so very tight. The cold of the ground on her legs is nothing compared to the warmth of their embrace.

“Taylor…?” Loona asks, leaning back to look at the persons she’s hugging.

To her surprise and relief, she sees a middle-aged woman with deep black hair and piercing blue eyes. Adored in ill-fitting and baggy male clothing.

“It’s me,” Taylor replies, looking up Loona with tears in her eyes. “I never knew you felt like that too.”

“That feeling of despair?” Loona asks, gawking intently at Taylor’s transformation. “I know it well, my friend. Why didn’t you say anything to me?”

Taylor’s eyes gush with tears, and they run down his now-softened skin.

“Every person I’ve ever trusted enough with my secret has shunned me, Loona.” Taylor weeps into his hands. “I always assumed you’d be the same. Ex-military, thrown into being the witch of the tavern, like every other chump before you.”

“I’m different,” Loona smirks, wiping a tear from her own eye. “You even said that yourself.”

“I did,” Taylor replies with a soft smile. “I did….”

As Taylor throws himself into Loona’s arms, she buries her face into Loona’s shoulder. Taylor sobs, and Loona runs her fingers through her long, glossy black hair to comfort her.

“It takes some getting used to…,” Loona comments, referring to his transformation from male to female. “Don’t let Gigi bully you. I swear that cat enjoys tormenting others.”

“Y-y-you….,” Taylor mumbles into Loona’s shoulder. “Still want me to come to the tavern after all that I’ve done? I did bad things, Loona. That monster I became…it hurt people.”

“You’re part of the furniture,” Loona replies sarcastically. “Plus…. I’d miss you.”

Loona looks around at the devastation that Taylor has caused. Then she looks back at Lance and his remaining men. They are safe but utterly bemused at what they’ve just seen.

“Let's get you back to the Tavern, Taylor,” Loona suggests, helping Taylor to his feet. “I think right now, it’s the best place for you.”

“Okay,” Taylor replies softly.

Loona looks back at Lance, and his face looks less than impressed.

“He looks kinda mad at me,” Taylor comments.

“You’re right,” Loona replies as Lance and his men approach. “Come on. Where’s out of here! If you hurry, I might let you have a drink…”

One swift kick throws open the tavern door. Loona and Taylor burst in with a flurry of activity. The two stumble in without any real care, knocking tables and chairs over as they go. They’re both desperate to get off the streets.

“In the back,” Loona says, leading Taylor away from the windows and doors.

Taylor says nothing. She’s doing her best to keep up as they scurry to get out of sight.

Moving around the now-closed bar, Loona pants as she’s exhausted from hauling Taylor back. Breathing heavily, Loona lowers Taylor to the floor and props her up against the bar.

“Quiet,” Loona whispers, kneeling herself as she peaks over the top of the counter.

Having been trailed by Lance and his men through the town, Loona desperately hoped they didn’t see them entering the tavern.

“Loona…,” Taylor whispers back, looking up at her from the floor. “You shouldn’t hide me. I should face up to what I’ve done. I’m not worth it.”

A quick glance from Loona tells Taylor all he needs to know. Having been a soldier in the past, Loona’s not one for leaving a man behind, no matter what the situation.

“Shhh,” Loona eventually replies. “I think we may have given them the slip.”

Taylor does what she’s told and remains silent.

The tavern is completely empty, and the lights are off. The two of them can only really see thanks to the streetlamps streaming in through the tavern windows. However, the dim yellow light is just enough for Taylor to look down at his body in disbelief.

“Is…this real?” Taylor asks, running long hair between his fingers. “Loona, am I dreaming?”

Still peaking over the bar keeping watch, Loona doesn’t answer. She holds her mouth closed tight as searchlights beam into the dark tavern. Lance and his men are desperate to find them and they are right outside.

Dropping to her knees, Loona lowers her head and gives Taylor a nervous look.

“Shhh,” she whispers. “They're right outside.”

Silent and still, the pair just look into each other’s eyes as the searchlights beam through the tavern windows, illuminating the place as they search.

Taylor gives Loona a soft smile as their eyes meet. She doesn’t know it yet, but Taylor feels eternally grateful for freeing her from her inner gender torment. She’s seen so many witches come and go over the years. She never thought one of them would actually be caring enough to fight for him, let alone hide him from the authorities. She really is different.

The entrance door creaks with movement, and they both jump and freeze up. They dare to move as a bright searchlight streaks across the empty tavern.

Loona signals to Taylor with her eyes that they must be inside the place looking. Her suspicions are confirmed as they hear several heavy footsteps walking around on the old, creaky floorboards.

Taylor looks Loona directly in the eyes and softly smiles. “Just let them take me,” she whispers, fighting with gravity to get to her feet.

Loona instantly shakes her head and stops Taylor from standing. “Don’t you dare. I know their kind. Military kind. They won’t treat you with any respect.”

“But, Loona,” Taylor replies with a single tear in her eye, “I killed people….”

Loona’s about to answer, but the footsteps get closer and closer. Loona jumps in fright and presses herself as close to the counters as she can. She even considers trying to fold her tiny frame onto the back counter shelving to hide.

“Someone’s been here!” a voice shouts, causing them both to squeak.

Feeling brave, Loona takes a peak over the countertop and sees two of Lance’s men searching the place.

“Shit,” she grumbles under her breath as they amble slowly towards the bar.

Loona knows if she doesn’t do something, they are going to get caught, and they’ll both end up in trouble. Biting down on her bottom lip with worry, Gigi’s words swirl in her mind. If she’s not able to tend the tavern, they will both disappear.

Loona gets to he knees once again and gives Taylor a reassuring grin like she’s got a grand master place.

“I’ve got an idea…,” Loona says confidently. “I know it’s real soon after your transformation, but you think you can pretend to be a staff member here?”

Unsure what else to say and desperate herself, Taylor just nods.

At that moment, prowling out of the darkness, Gigi emerges from the kitchen. He’s utterly confused, having been woken by the men searching the tavern.

“Loona?” Gigi whispers upon approach, making her jump in fright. “What the heck is going on? Who are these people making a mess in my tavern?”

Loona’s expression drops, and she gives Gigi a sour look. “You’re tavern?”

“And who’s this?” Gigi asks, staring at Taylor in confusion. “You shouldn’t just invite strange women into the tavern at night, Loona. You’ll give the place a bad reputation.”

“Look harder,” Loona huffs.

Gigi gawks, making Taylor incredibly uncomfortable.

“Pretty,” Gigi says quietly. “That doesn’t change the fact you shouldn’t invite strange girls back here.”

At that moment, the searchlights focus on the bar, casting a shadow to indicate to all three that they’ve been rumbled.

“Thanks, Gigi,” Loona mouths angrily as she pins her back up against the service counter to hide.

“You’re plan?” Taylor asks, nudging Loona with her shoulder.

“I’ll just tell them to go away,” Gigi says confidently, with this tail standing to attention.

Before Loona or Taylor can say anything, Gigi brashly jumps onto the bar counter. The lights focus on them, and Gigi’s shadow is plastered across the back bar.

“Bar’s closed…!” Gigi shouts, dazzled by the lights.

Holding his paw up to see, Gigi can make out three large men approaching him. His heart skips a beat as he sees light flicker off of the darkened metal of the gun the man is holding.

“C-come…back tomorrow,” Gigi meekly follows up with wavering confidence.

 “Cat,” a man booms. “Two women, middle-aged, burst in here. They are enemies of the crown. Where are they!?”

Offended, Loona’s mouth drops. “Middle-aged…?” she whispers to Taylor.

“They aren’t here!” Gigi replies sternly, holding his ground. “Now, get out before I use magic on you?”

“Captain Lance!” one of the men calls out in reaction to Gigi’s threat. “We’ve got a lead!”

Gigi gulps. He knows he’s made a mistake by mentioning magic. He knows how riled up that gets these guys.

“You’re plan?” Taylor asks again, nudging Loona a second time.

Still rather annoyed at being referred to as middle-aged, Loona tries to focus her mind by taking in a deep breath. The stakes rise as several more men enter the building, made obvious by the increase in loud trudging footsteps.

Looking at the entrance to the kitchen, Loona points and nods her head several times. Taylor looks as quickly gets the idea.

Both getting onto all fours, they start shuffling in that direction as Gigi continues to dominate attention.

“Cat,” Captain Lance says, approaching the Bar as Loona and Taylor shuffle away. “You can use magic? Do you belong to a heart witch?”

Crawling away with Taylor’s backside directly in her face, Loona hopes Gigi can continue to stall them.

“Who’s asking,” Gigi replies, seeing Loona and Taylor sneaking away in the corner of his eye.

Feeling a little more confident, Gigi grins at Lance as he approaches the bar and stands over him. The man looks worried. Almost like he’s in trouble himself.

“Are you going to buy something?” Gigi snarks, looking at all the men gathering in the tavern uninvited.

Lance, not at all amused, slams his fist onto the counter, and the entire bar shakes upon impact. He’s not messing around.

“Do you value your life…feline…” Lance says, hitting the bar a second time to drive home his point. “If you tell me where they are right now, things won’t be as bad for you all.”

Having made it safely to the kitchen, Loona gets to her feet and scurries over to the store room. Frantic and breathing heavily, she throws open the door and is greeted by the sight of it now being extremely well organized.

Having to do a double take, she steps inside and ushers Taylor to follow.

Still not used to his new frame, Taylor gingerly walks over and stands awkwardly. He looks around the storeroom as Loona steps deeper inside.

“Are we hiding in here?” Taylor asks, having to brush the hair from his eyes.

Searching with haste, Loona quickly finds a box labeled uniform and starts tearing it open. Loona gives Taylor no indication of her plan. Still, as soon as she pulls a tavern uniform from the box, Taylor understands what’s happening.

“You ready to be one of my wenches?” Loona asks, not with a smile but with a look of sheer desperation.

“But why, Loona?” Taylor asks, feeling deep shame and guilt. “I don’t deserve such kindness. Even now, with this body you’ve so graciously given me—I don’t deserve your kindness. I’m not worth it. I never have been and never will be!”

“Shut up and put this on,” Loona barks back impatiently, allowing her emotions to get the better of her.

Taylor steps timidly closer but shakes his head.

“I’m grateful,” she says, holding her head down in shame. “But I’m causing you pain. I’ve caused others pain. I’ve wasted my life, allowing my despair to hold me back all of these years. I’m worthless. Loona, let me do the only thing I should right now and give myself up.”

Taylor’s shoulders shake as tears of shame roll down her cheeks.

“I killed people,” Taylor admits, choking on his words. “The world would be better off without me.”

“Taylor,” Loona says plainly and unemotionally, holding out the uniform. “Put on the dress.”

Tears streaming down her cheeks, Taylor looks up and gives Loona a loving smile. Although their friendship has been short, Taylor will never forget her, and it pains her to think she’d be letting Loona down.

“No,” Taylor replies, stepping back. “My life is pointless. The only good I can do now is give up.”

“Put on the dress,” Loona snarls as tears also well in her eyes.

“Thank you,” Taylor bows. “I’m honored to have known you. However, I’ve killed and it’s my time to face the music and take my deserved punishment.”

Loona’s stare is like nothing Taylor has ever seen before. It’s like the horrors of Loona’s past are surfacing for her to see, written across her tortured expression and lifeless eyes.

“You think you’re the only one to have killed needlessly!?” Loona asks as her body shakes. “You think you’re the only one to have felt that despair, Taylor? To feel worthless?”

A deep sadness grows in Loona’s heart, and her magic reacts. Her eyes turn a dark shade of blue, and The air becomes oppressive, heavy, and ice-cold. Loona looks possessed.

“Worthless, are you!?” Loona asks, and her voice cracks like thunder. “Just going to give up and not even try and make a mend!?”

Taylor backs off. She’s terrified at what’s happening. Not ever has She seen any of the witches present with such formidable and repressive magic.

“Worthless…,” Loona mumbles, staring off into space

“Worthless…”

“Unloved…”

Snapping out of it, Loona stares directly into Taylor's eyes. Taylor feels a chill run down her spine.

“I’ve killed for no reason,” Loona mutters as her entire eyes turn black. The entire room begins to creak with the pressure she exudes. “Just following orders. Just doing what’s required…”

Loona lurches forward but doesn’t move a single muscle. It’s almost like she’s floating ominously in the air.

“I’m not worth it…,” Loona’s voice cries, but her mouth doesn’t move. “Guilt. Pain. Despair.”

Although Loona’s eyes are blacker than the night sky and her expression is vacant, distant, and tortured, Taylor can see the tears streaming down her face. It doesn’t take a heart witch to understand that Loona is in deep pain.

“Worthless….,” Loona chants.

“Worthless…”

Worthless….”

Taylor’s mouth drops. A realization hits her like a ton of bricks. Loona’s helping all those around her, but who's helping her? She’s a heart, desperate for solace. Desperate to be free of dysphoria and guilt. A soul haunted by feelings of worthlessness and fear. Much like how Taylor felt only hours ago.

“Loona…,” Taylor says, fearlessly approaching.

Barely able to move his body thanks to the oppressive feelings emanating from Loona’s body, Taylor holds out his arms. In extreme pain, Taylor grabs Loona, embracing her as tightly as he can. However, it’s like holding onto a loved one that’s being dragged away by a strong current.

“I understand!” Taylor shouts, crying out in pain. “I understand!”

Taylor’s arms can barely hold on. Loona is bitterly cold to touch. It causes Taylor pain, but she doesn’t give up.

“I understand,” Taylor repeats, watching Loona wretch in pain.

“I understand.”

“I understand.”

Taylor clutches Loona as tight as she can. She knows Loona didn’t give up on her when she was that monster, so Taylor is giving it everything she’s got to calm her.

Hold Loona tight around the chest; Taylor fights to look up at her. When she eventually does, Loona’s vacant expression hasn’t changed. The pain of holding her becomes unbearable. Taylor feels like she’s in a pressure cooker. Ready to burst at any moment.

“Loona…..,” Taylor whines, losing grip as she’s forced down to the floor by a formidable force. “I can’t lose you….”

Fighting back as hard as she can, her body shakes as her muscles falter. The air around them feels like it’s made of bricks.

“I can’t!” Taylor admits in hopelessness.

“Not without you!”

“Loona, please!”

Tears rip down Taylor’s face as the pressure becomes too much. Loona’s hair starts to shrivel and turn black. Her skin turns dull and white. Her eyes go black like the night. Loona is dying, and Taylor knows it.

“Worthless….,” Loona chants. Her voice is lifeless.

“Worthless….”

“Worthless…”

“Why!?” Taylor howls. “Loona, stop this. You can’t give up! I understand, and I won’t give up either!”

A heartbeat thuds in Taylor’s mind. It’s almost like a child drumming pots and pans directly in his ears. It’s erratic. She knows it’s Loona’s heart crying out for help. Cracking under some sort of immense and hidden pain

“I….” Taylor whimpers as she falls to her knees in front of Loona, crumpled by the magic that is tearing the room apart. “I….”

Gritting her teeth, Taylor can only think about the pain she felt when engulfed by her own despair. The feeling of being nothing. The feeling of being worthless. The feeling of being an Anguish.

That pain. No one should have to feel it.

Spurred on by that thought, Taylor fights back against the heartbreak spell Loona is unwittingly casting. Its evil is breaking Loona and the room apart.

“LOONA!” Taylor screams, straining her voice. “You can’t. I LOVE YOU!”

Surprised at the words coming from her mouth, Taylor felt her heart connect with Loona’s, as it had done early that night. Although she can feel the darkness swirling, Taylor can’t give up.

“You hear me!” Taylor screeches as the pressure starts to decline. “Don’t you dare! I LOVE YOU!”

Taylor’s heart feels warmth.

Taylor’s heart feels hope.

On all fours at Loona’s feet, Taylor manages to look up at her. Loona is looking directly down at him. Her eyes are no longer black but a soft blue.

“That’s right, you silly woman,” Taylor says, desperate for her to listen. “No one has cared for me like you. I love you. I want to be part of your life. Let me help you as you helped me!”

The room stops groaning. The pressure emanating from Loona almost completely subsides. It’s like the black hole forming in her heart has stopped. Like the massive tidal wave breaking gently against a sandy beach.

“You….,” Loona says, her voice broken. “L-love me….?”

Not even trying to hide the fact she’s gone the brightest of reds, Taylor just looks up with the widest grin.

“Yes,” Taylor replies, catching her breath. “More than anything. Please, I understand. I won’t give up as long as you still believe in me.”

Shaking her head, Loona looks like she’s woken up from a nightmare.

“Put that on…,” Loona heaves, pointing at the dress that’s fallen to the floor. “You’re staff here now. We’ll look after you.”

Taylor, now able to stand, picks up the dress as she does. Holding it against her newly transformed female body, it’s the perfect size. It’s almost like it’s fate for her to wear it.

“Thank you, Loona,” Taylor gushes, having to wipe the tears from her eyes. “You have no idea what this means to me. Thank you for everything.”

“D-don’t….,” Loona struggles to reply, now utterly drained of energy. “T-thank me…yet.”

“Right,” Taylor looks back at the door to the store room. “We’ve gotta get rid of those guys.”

Taylor holds up the dress. “I can do this.”

“I b-believe in you….,” Loona replies between long labored breaths.

Pulling off her old male clothing, Taylor discards them like trash. Feeling a little bashful about seeing her curves the first time, Taylor drops the dress over his head and swings the skirt. She’s impressed with the size of certain things and really not that worried by the absence of another.

“What was that magic?” Loona says fearfully, sitting on a nearby box. “I…I…lost control.”

Taylor holds the corset to his narrow, slender waist but turns to face Loona with a worried expression.

“I don’t know,” she answers, giving Loona a reassuring smile. “Seems my love for you stopped whatever spell was being cast.”

“Yeah…,” Loona replies, holding out her hands in front of her eyes. “Yeah. Our hearts connected. I felt you again. Your heart felt different from before, Taylor. Bright, light, and full of hope. I followed the sound of your heart.”

“Hope?” Taylor questions, struggling to fasten the corset, having never worn one before. “I feel like I have something to live for for the first time ever. That’s thanks to you.”

Loona smiles as she looks up at her, fighting with the lacey garment.

“I’m just you’re friendly neighborhood heart witch,” Loona jokes, getting to her feet. “Here, let me help you that! These things can be such a pain to put on!”

It’s a Mexican stand-off.

Holding his ground on the bar counter, Gigi stands alone in defiance against the Vanquish squad. Knowing what they are all about, Gigi is determined to give Loona all the time she needs to do whatever it is she’s doing.

Lance steps towards the bar. His blase attitude toward Gigi only causes disrespect.

“Listen, cat…,” he says flippantly, leaning on the bar and looking back at his men. “I’m not really sure what’s happened tonight and me and my men are tired.”

“Go home then,” Gigi snaps, baring his fangs.

Now, not even facing Gigi, assuming him not to be a threat, Lance brushes back his long, sweeping hair and laughs. “We can’t do that. We’ve got a job to do, and right now, you’re not cooperating.”

Massively outnumbered, Gigi has to work hard to stop his entire body shaking uncontrollably. Just looking at all the heavy-set guys pointing their weapons in his direction is enough to shake him to his core.

“I’m not cooperating?” Gigi asks, having to take a deep breath to steady his nerves. “You guys have ruined my bar. Look at the mess you’ve all made!”

Lance looks around at the upturned tables and chairs and smirks. “Your bar?” he asks.

“Yes,” Gigi growls

Turning back to face the black cat, Lance places both his hands on the counter and leans in toward Gigi. “Tell me what I want to know, cat—or I’ll take you in for processing.”

Gigi knows exactly what that means, and he swallows hard but remains defiant. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with, Pal….”

At that moment, the building shakes, whines, and creaks. The large wooden beams look like they are struggling to keep shape. Lance and his men cover their heads, expecting the place to collapse, but as soon as the shaking starts—it stops again.

Refocusing on Gigi, Lance gets angry and impatient. “I know exactly what I’m dealing with,” he replies earnestly. “I’ve just watched her take down one of the most powerful Anguishes I’ve ever seen. She’s incredible.”

Gigi’s mouth drops. He’s shocked. “L-Loona did what?”

“Yes,” Lance nods. “Loona. That’s her name. Go find her and the Anguish she’s hiding. I have to complete my mission and neutralize.”

“Neutralize?” Gigi asks in a distrusting manner. “I know what you people do with heart witches. How many have died under your command? I won’t let you take my Loona.”

Lance steps backwards. He’s offended by Gigi’s words.

“What are you saying, Cat?” Lance asks, holding a single fist against his puffed-out chest. “I’m the leader of the Vanquish squad. I’m not about to kidnap her!”

Gigi looks up at Lance, confused.

“I’d never heard of a heart witch before today, Cat,” Lance explains. “Although I’m intrigued by her—she is not my mission.”

Gigi shakes his head in disbelief. “How is that possible?” Gigi looks down in pain—like he’s being forced to live through painful memories. “You people got them all killed, and now you’re telling me you don’t know what they are!? You disgust me!”

Gigi’s tail stands up arrow straight, and he grits his teeth tight. “I won’t let you do that, too, Loona!”

The room shakes a second time, and Lance has to stop himself from falling by grabbing the counter. Gigi, however, stands firm—staring angrily in Lance’s direction.

As the shaking stops, Lance looks around at his men to make sure they are ok. “Localized earthquakes?” Lance ponders to himself before refocusing on Gigi.

“Look, Cat,” Lance sighs, speaking openly and honestly. “I’m not sure as to what you’re accusing me of, but I’ve never heard of heart witches. I can assure you that I’m not trying to steal her. I’m only here to complete my mission.”

Gigi doesn’t believe him. So many times, in the past have these people lied and cheated. Commanders and captains use the power of heart witches for their own gain. Years ago, the city was warm and friendly. Hearth witches lighting the way. However, times have changed, and Gigi knows Loona is one of the only ones left.

He’d never tell her that. He’s desperate for Loona to be the one to finally break the cycle, and sharing that would only put pressure on her.

“I don’t care,” Gigi exclaims bluntly. “Fuck off.”

Lance just stares at Gigi—looking him directly in the eye. He’s not sure what else he can say. He’d rather not have his men turn the place upside down, considering that Loona helped keep many of them from getting hurt.

“Look….,” Lance replies, letting out a long breath. “Just tell—”

At that moment, Loona reappears from the kitchen and joins Gigi at the counter. Looking worse for wear—Loona appears scruffy and bereft of energy. As worried as he is relieved, Gigi stares up at Loona as she stands directly behind him.

“Tell you…what?” Loona asks, her voice crackling with latent energy.

Gigi can feel static energy reradiating from Loona’s body. Something isn’t right.

Lance’s cheeks go bright red, and for a moment, he appears shaken. “L-Loona…,” he says nervously.”

Loona’s eyes are weary. Holding her side—as if she’s injured, she stares at the captain expressionless. Barely able to speak, she forces out a single-word answer, “Y-yes?”

Looking back at his men for support, Lance stands up arrow straight. “Please, I must take that Anguish into custardy. I thank you for the assistance—please understand that I’m under order.”

Loona’s face twitches several times, and Lance flinches. He’s witnessed what she can do, and it makes him nervous.

Still emotionless, Gigi doesn’t recognize her at all. It’s like her life force has been completely drained out of her. He’s seen this before—with the previous owner of the tavern. Loona’s heart has come close to breaking, and he knows she’s in desperate need of rest.

“Loona,” Gigi says softly, trying not to anger her. “Maybe you should sit down?”

Loona doesn’t even react to Gigi. Her vacant eyes just stare in Lance’s direction. Gigi can tell she’s hurting. He can feel it. The bond they share, although the weakest it’s ever been between heart witch and her familiar—it feels heavy and full of pain.

“What Anguish?” Loona lies in a monotone voice.

Lance looks at her, confused. He knows she brought it back here. Nervous and on edge, Lance places a hand on his holstered weapon just in case. “We saw you rush back here with whoever became that terrible monster. You’re putting yourself and others at risk. What If it transforms again!?”

Loona doesn’t respond. In fact, she’s barely breathing. It almost looks like the light in her eyes is going out. Her body begins to gently sway backward and forward.

“Loona?” Lance says. “Are you listening? The only reason why we haven’t busted this place up is because you helped. Now, please—turn them over!”

Loona wobbles on her feet. She’s barely the energy to stand—let alone argue. “Go awa—,” she whispers, but stops abruptly.

Her eyes then roll in the back of her head, and her knees begin to buckle. Gigi can do nothing but watch as Loona faints through exhaustion and starts to tumble to the floor. Lance does his best to react, but the counter stops him from catching her.

Lucky for Loona, Taylor was waiting out of sight in the kitchen doorway. Now wearing a Tavern uniform, she swiftly appears and catches Loona before she hits the floor.

Gigi looks at the woman in utter surprise. He has no idea who she is or why she’s wearing a tavern uniform. However, he keeps quiet.

“Can’t you see she’s exhausted!” Taylor squeals, finding it difficult with his new petite frame to hold Loona’s body weight. Flicking back her long hair, Taylor gives Lance a sour look. “Look what you’ve done to her!”

“And who are you?” Lance asks, very curious indeed with the woman that’s just appeared.

“None of your business!” Taylor snaps, gently laying Loona down on the floor.

Assuring that Loona is comfortable, Taylor holds her dainty hand against Loona’s chest to check that she’s still breathing. Happy her vitals are good; Taylor stands up straight and glares into Lance’s eyes.

Freshly transformed and empowered by Loona’s words of support, Taylor isn’t about to let Loona down. She knows that she owes Loona her life, and she’s not going to waste this second chance to make a difference.

“I would really like it if you left now,” Taylor huffs, placing her hands on his hips.

“What’s your name?” Lance questions suspiciously.

Taylor grins. She’s waited a lifetime to answer that question with confidence. “Tabi.”

“Tell me what I want to know, or we are going to storm this place,” Lance threatens. “You people are harboring a killer.”

That’s like a knife to Tabi’s heart. There’s a guilt in her heart that she’s going to have to work hard to make up for—however, she’s not about to turn herself in. She promised Loona that much.

“Look,” Tabi says frankly, portraying such feminine confidence.

Gigi is stunned. He has no idea what’s going on, but he’s happy to see this woman. She is exactly what the tavern needs at this moment, with Loona out cold.

“Your men,” Tabi points at the squad, waiting patiently behind Lance for orders. “They look fed up, tired and exhausted.”

Lance turns to look at some of them. They are worn and beaten from the battle with the Anguish. He also knows that some of them will be desperate to pay their respects to those who died fighting it.

“Why don’t you all call it a night?” Tabi says emphatically. “You’ve already saved lives tonight—why don’t you go come and celebrate those who have fallen?”

Lance takes his hand from his weapon and he rubs his tired eyes. He knows this mysterious woman is right. He’s in no state to do any questioning, and he’s already a mountain of paperwork to do. Looking back over his shoulder, he lets out a long breath.

“Men,” he says. “Let’s fall back.”

Instantly, the squad around him let down their guard and lower their weapons.

“Back to base,” Lance commands. “Drinks are on me. Let’s honor our fallen comrades.”

As they begin to shuffle out of the tavern, Lance stares into Tabi’s eyes. “This isn’t over,” he says sternly. “I will get what I want.”

Sometime later…

Loona, having been put to bed by Taylor, wakes. Her entire body feels heavy—like she’s been on an all-weekend drinking session. The sun streaming in through the window almost hurts to look at. She has no idea what’s going on or how long she’s been asleep.

“Loona?” Gigi says, his voice worried.

“Yea..?” Loona groans, rubbing her sore head

“I can’t believe you!” Gigi snorts, gushing with emotions that she’s ok.

Loona lightly chuckles as the memories of what happened flood her mind. “Can’t believe what?” she asks with a smirk.

“You’re so reckless!” Gigi whines. “IF you die! I die! I can’t die until I’ve seen my family again, you idiot!”

Slowly sitting up, Loona gives Gigi a bemused look. She tilts her head and raises her eyebrow. Just as she’s about to ask what he means, her bedroom door swings open, and a nervous-looking Tabi stands in the doorway.

“Gigi!” she squeaks. “Lance is back. What do I do!?”

Loona has to give Tabi a second look. “Taylor…?” she asks, rubbing her eyes in disbelief.

She remembers saving Taylor and allowing him to live his truth. Still, she wasn’t expecting him to have taken to being a woman so elegantly. Taylor holds herself with such grace.

“Tabi,” she corrects with a smile. “Nice to see you’re awake, Loona. You’ve been asleep for a while. Don’t worry, me, Gigi, Jimbo and Kate looked after the place while you’ve been recovering.”

Loona’s mind races. She remembers a tearing pain in her heart, and it frightens her. However, she can’t recall what happened and why. She clutches her chest and tries to catch her breath.

“Tell him to go away!” Gigi instructs. “We aren’t going to help him.”

Tabi taps her shoes against the wooden floor, “Erm…. he’s alone this time. It’s weird. He’s like obsessed.”

“Lance?” Loona looks up in Tabi’s direction. “Why is he here?”

“He wants to talk to you, sweetheart,” Tabi answers playfully. “He’s like a dog with a bone!”

Loona looks at Gigi, baffled. “Does he know that Tabi is Taylor?”

“I don’t think so,” Tabi answers before Gigi can speak. “I’ve already got him wrapped around my little finger!”

Tabi juts out her hip and blows a cheeky kiss. “I’m using my feminine charms to my advantage. Why else would he visit every day since it happened!”

Loona sits at the end of her bed, having just pulled up her tights, and she feels different. Not the same ‘different’ as when she went from male to female on the outside, but different on the inside. Like something within her has changed.

Standing up to approach the mirror, she’s greeted with the sight of her body and its slender curves. In the first few days, she’d spend several minutes just admiring herself in every detail. From the way her hair falls to the feeling of her soft clothes against her skin.

She’d feel content—knowing that a lifelong dream and longing to be the real her had come true.

However, this morning, those feelings have faded. Loona looks into her own eyes, and for the first time, she’s not sure who the person is staring back.

‘Heart witch?’ Loona thinks, gently touching her face. 

Loona furrows her brow and focuses her attention on her own heartbeat. She places a hand above her cleavage and feels it beating. So rhythmic and calm.

A far fling from how she felt all those days ago—when Tabi first transformed from Taylor to Tabi. The first time, she battled with an Anguish and was forced to save a friend from despair.

She looks again into her muddied brown eyes and shivers. There’s a worry plastered across her face. If she doesn’t truly understand this power, who says it won’t end up controlling her or, worse—consuming her.

“Loona…?” Gigi interrupts, softly approaching silently behind her.

A little spooked at Gigi’s sudden appearance, Loona spins and forces a smile. “Hey, morning.”

Gigi sits, flaps his tail, and tilts his head. “Is something wrong?”

Loona fails her arms and goes bright red. “Nooo!” she chuckles nervously, hiding her inner turmoil. “I’m fine.”

Gigi just looks up at the woman flapping in front of him and sighs. “That’s what they all said,” he remarks before getting to his feet. “Katie’s made you breakfast. He’s really keen for you to try it. Oh, and Lance is still waiting for you. He’s refusing to leave.”

“Wait, Gigi,” Loona stops him, speaking plainly. She has other things on her mind.

“What?” Gigi replies, looking over his shoulder as he walks away.

Loona looks down at the floor, and she struggles to admit to him that she’s scared. Maybe it’s all those years of being a male, afraid to show any sort of emotion. She fiddles with the skirt of her dress and scrunches her face.

“I….” Loona stops and looks away. It pains her to talk.

Gigi lets out a long breath. “Sure… I guess I can ask….?”

Loona glances a look of confusion.

“I can ask if Katie is okay with you walking around naked,” Gigi continues frankly. “I know it’s a pain having to wear clothes for a nudest like you, Loona.” Gigi grins and starts walking away. “Maybe we should swap bodies—then you can walk around naked all you want.”

As Gigi turns the corner and leaves the room, Loona can hear him chuckling to himself. “Well…,” he giggles. “As long as you don’t mind fur!”

Loona muster a soft smile and warm smile.

“Well, at least Gigi is back to normal,” Loona huffs to herself. “So what’s wrong with me then?”

Making her way into the kitchen, Loona is astounded by the work that’s been done. Her eyes gleam as she walks around the spotless kitchen. Gone is the rancid smell, replaced by the sweet, salty aroma of bacon and eggs.

Sitting on a service cart is a breakfast plate filled to the brim. Mushrooms, bacon, eggs, toast, and even black pudding.

“Morning,” Katie appears, wearing his chef whites.

Loona has yet to see the young man wearing such clothes. For a second, she wonders where he’s got them from, but all she can focus on is how he’s tired up his hair. It’s crazy—but she kinda likes it.

“I hope you like what I’ve done with the place,” Katie holds her hands together nervously, and looks around the kitchen. “I wanted to do something nice for you while you slept.”

“I’m amazed,” Loona nods happily. “Thank you, Katie. I hope everyone has been making you feel welcome.”

“They have,” Katie grins from ear to ear. “I especially like your talking cat. He’s funny and just adores my cooking.”

Feeling warm and like she belongs, Loona wants to smile, but something stops her. A sense that all of this could be destroyed in a moment of madness. That darkness looms over her.

“Loona…?” Katie says, approaching with his hand reached out. “Are you okay? Do you need me to get you some water?”

Like before, with Gigi, Loona quickly snaps out of his and waves her hands from side to side. “No!” she laughs. “I’m totally fine.”

Katie tilts his head and scrunches his face in bemusement. “Is it your clothes?” Katie asks. “Gigi tells me you like to be naked a lot. Is that true?”

Loona gives Katie a frown before picking up her plate from the cart she stands beside. “Don’t listen to everything that mangy cat tells you,” Loona grumbles but quickly smiles. “Thanks for breakfast. I’m glad you’re here!”

“Me too!” Katie beams. “Tonight, Tabi and Jimbo are taking me to a dress shop to look at buying something for me to wear to practice being a geisha. I’m so excited! I can’t wait!”

Holding the plate of food just below her chin, Loona sniffs in the complex aromas, and her mouth starts to water. She’s not had a proper meal—other than canned food, since becoming the witch of the tavern.

She was okay with that at first, not wanting to ruin the stunning figure she’d been given, but Katie’s food smells so amazing it might be worth breaking that diet just this one time.

“That’s good. Don’t let those girls bully you into doing anything you don’t want to, okay, kid.”

“I won’t,” Katie grins, then looks away. “Is it true both of them used to be men?”

Loona nods. “Jimbo is a veteran. Me and I went into battle many times in our previous incarnations. And Tabi….,”

Sharp agony deep within stops her from talking.

Almost losing her balance, Loona’s face scrunches in pain, and with one hand, she steadies herself on the food cart beside her. It’s almost like she’s been stabbed in the heart. A pain that sliced straight through her—so painful that she can’t breathe.

“Go sit down,” Katie commands in reaction, pointing out of the kitchen. “Go eat. I’m sure it’ll make you feel better.”

Scared and confused, Loona’s eyes are wide, and she just nods in reply.

Taking it slow at first, ensuring she’s got her balance, Loona carefully carries the plate of food into the tavern. It’s morning before opening, and the place is empty, bar one single table in the middle of the tavern floor.

Sitting alone, resting his chin in his hands, is Captain Lance. As Loona approaches, the Caption bolts upright, throwing his chair backward.

“L-Loona…!” he mumbles, surprised to see her.

“Lance…” Loona mumbles, still focusing on walking with her plate of food. “Why are you here before open? Didn’t you cause enough trouble the last time you were here?”

Not knowing what to say, Lance reaches back for his chair to pick it up. Sitting down again, he brings his hands to his face and rubs his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he states.

Now standing at his table, Loona looks down at the man, and she can tell he’s telling the truth. She can feel the remorse in his heart as it beats hard and fast in his chest.

“Nervous about something?” Loona asks, making a sly remark about how fast his heart is thudding away.

From across the room, lying on the bar, Gigi shouts over. “He’s scared of strong women.”

“Am not!” Lance protests, glaring in Gigi’s direction.

“Are too…,” Gigi narks, pawing at his whiskers.

“I am not!” Lance protests harder, forgetting that Loona stands over him.

“Just ask her already,” Gigi sighs. “We’ve got a tavern to run.”

Feeling lightheaded, Loona pulls out a seat and sits with Lance. She wasn’t planning to—but not fainting in front of him was more preferable.

“Ask me what?” Loona says, grabbing a knife and fork from the pot in the center of the table.

Loona looks down at her food and licks her lips. She’s not been this excited about bacon since that one time in her previous life when they got back from a two-day operation in the desert.

“Just to be clear,” Lance says, clearing his throat. “That Captian of the Vaquish squad is not…. Scared,” he nervously chuckles. “…Of strong women… How absurd.”

“What is it you want to ask me?” Loona asks, cutting at her fired egg with the edge of her fork. “My talking feline is correct. I do have a tavern to run—so if you wouldn’t mind keeping this brief.”

“Sure,” Lance agrees. “But first. Let me personally thank you for all the lives you saved.”

Loona, with a fork full of food near her mouth, stops and stares in disbelief at him. She can’t believe the words coming out of his mouth.

“That Anguish was one of the most powerful I’ve ever seen,” Lance admits, lowering his head. “Seems these monsters—born from the darkness within people, are becoming more and more common every day.”

“You’re welcome,” Loona says, stuffing food into her mouth. “I’m just your friendly neighborhood cat, witch lady..,” Loona jokes.

Lance however, just looks on as she chews with her mouth open with a sour expression. “No,” he answers sternly. “No, you are not just that.”

Loona furrows her brow and closes her mouth as she eats. She looks at the worry lines forming on his face and wonders what he’s about to say. If she calls her a nudest, she’s going to flip!

“You are, in fact, I’m told, the very last Heart Witch we know of.”

Gorping, Loona’s mouth falls open, and her half-eaten food is on show. “L-last..,” Loona mumbles through her mouthful of food.

“Yes,” Lance nods. “The very last. That much was evident the other night.”

Gigi then unexpectantly jumps onto the table, and Lance almost falls out of his chair.

“And why is that!” Gigi asks, confronting Lance with his fangs out. “Why don’t you tell my Loona why she’s the very last!”

The strong and very proud man cowers at the question the small cat on the table has asked him. Loona can feelt the gulit in his heart. Gone are the nerves, replaced by a fear Loona has felt so many times in her own life. Like he’s been torn by duty and his morals.

“Well,” Lance coughs, clearing his throat. “I think it might be best to talk about Nezamica.”

Loona is bemused by Gigi’s reaction as he backs away from Lance—seemingly scared. “Nez-what-mica?” Loona asks.

Gigi, now shaking, turns to look at Loona, and she can see the dread in his eyes. She can feel the hurt in his heart.

“Nezemica,” Gigi says slowly. “I’m told those above me she was once a heart witch, just like you, Loona.”

“I thought you said I was the last one?”

“Nope,” Lance answers, shaking his head. “Well, technically, you are the last we know of. However, Nezemica is needed a heart witch.” Lance stops and corrects himself. “Well, she was until she succumbed to her own pain and became an extremely powerful Anguish.”

“Like Taylor?” Loona asks, replaying some of the moments of Taylor’s rampage in her mind.

“No,” Lance replies, shaking his head again. “Nothing like that one the other night.”

Loona lowers her fork and rests it on the table. She thinks about all that destruction that Taylor caused before becoming Tabi. She thinks of the people he may have killed. She thinks about the men Lance lost in their battle to stop it.

Her mind then turns to the feeling of a tear in her own heart. A darkness festering inside her below the surface.

“That was a stage two,” Lance explains. “Stage ones are simple enough for us to deal with. Stage twos are much larger and more dangerous.”

“And that’s why Loona is the last heart witch, isn’t it LANCE!” Gigi snaps, baring his fangs once again. “The bigheads above you forced the other heart witches to fight them until they all burnt out or were killed.”

Loona listens, but she just stares at the plate of food in front of her.

“Don’t blame me,” Lance argues back at Gigi, raising his voice. “I’m not in command, and all that was well before my time. I’d never heard of a heart witch until the other night.”

“Yeah, sure,” Gigi huffs sarcastically. “Why else are you here! You’re a puppet, desperate for Loona’s help.”

“People are dying, CAT,” Lance retorts, slamming a fist onto the table, making Loona’s cutlery bounce off it. “Nezemica gets strong with every passing day. With every new Anguish born, she becomes strong and more dangerous.”

“And whos’ fault is that!” Gigi spits, hissing at the captain.

“Stop!” Loona shouts, interrupting the two boys from arguing. “Enough!”

Lance looks away, and so does Gigi. The two of them pout.

“What is it you want from me, Lance?” Loona commands an answer and glares at the back of his head.

“Your help,” he replies, intimidated by her.

“Why!?”

“You are our last hope,” Lance answers honestly. “You’re abilities might give us a fighting chance.”

As he turns to look at her, Loona sees the innocence in his eyes, and he can feel the desperation in his heart.

“I can’t just sit back at watch this world be devoured by Nezemica’s darkness,” Lance continues, looking as if tears are welling in his eyes. “I want my kid sister to grow up happy, and that can’t happen if this is allowed to get worse.”

Lance forces a small and gently laughs to himself. “I want nothing more but to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day.”

Lance lowers his head and wipes at his face. “That is why I fight. I don’t want any more families to be torn apart by those… Monsters.”

Halloween

Stepping out into the hallway, Loona’s outfit barely covers her intimate parts. Small, black garments cover her nips and naughty lips as she pulls up on her fishnet tights.

“Guys!?” She shouts out, hoping anyone will answer. “I need someone!”

Awkwardly standing in her platform heels, she waits for a reply but doesn’t get one. Shifting her weight to the other foot, Loona sighs. She’d hoped one of her staff members would agree to help her complete her Halloween outfit.

Blowing hairs from her face, she stamps her foot in frustration and shouts a second time, “Guys!?”

Her bosom bounces as she stamps her foot in frustration. Her chest is barely held in by the tight leather and bone corset wrapped around her torso.

At that moment, Katie’s bedroom door swings open, and he stands in the doorway staring. Dressed in a very suave-looking black tuxedo with his hair pulled back into a man bun, Katie gawks at Loona’s barely dressed body.

“L-L-Loona….?” Katie squeaks, instantly looking away embarrassed. “Why are you naked?”

Loona looks down at herself and peers over her chest. “I’m not naked,” she replies frankly. “I’m a mistress. This is my costume for the party!”

Covering his eyes with one hand, Katie points at Loona with the other. “B-B-But….,” he mumbles. “I can almost see your…”

“They’re bikini bottoms,” Loona interrupts, blushing herself as he points her at the crotch. “Anyways!” Loona shakes her head. “Who are you supposed to be?”

Katie, still covering his eyes, moves past Loona and towards the staircase that leads down to the tavern. Without looking, he replies, “I’m James Bond, and I think you should put some clothes on.”

“Hey,” Loona snaps sharply as Katie tries to slink away. “I need help!” Loona holds out a leash and a puppy dog muzzle in Katie’s direction. “I need someone to be my pet for tonight; otherwise, the whole ‘mistress’ thing isn’t going to land!”

Katie stops on the top step and glances nervously at Loona before quickly turning away. “Nope,” he replies. “I’m Bond, and I’ve got a license to kill,” he says playfully in character before rushing away.

Loona stands dejected as the leash in her hand swings beside her leg. “More like a license to grill…,” Loona complains under her breath.

There’s a silence for a moment as Loona wonders who else to ask. Then, from behind her, paw prints sneak up behind her.

“Y’know…,” Gigi says confidently, almost spooking Loona with his appearance. “You don’t help yourself.”

Loona spins on the spot to find Gigi standing across from her, wearing devil ears and a tail. Loona’s face lights up at how adorable he is.

“Awww, Gigi!” she gushes, tilting her head to one side as she takes in his cute costume. “Are you a little devil cat…?”

Gigi gives the scantily clad woman a silly look. “No, Loona,” he replies sarcastically, flicking his bright red devil tail. “I’m a cow. What do you think?”

Gigi then gets to his feet and swiftly moves past Loona towards the staircase. Before he goes down, he looks back and laughs. “So, is this your coming out party?”

Loona ignores his question and holds out the leash in her hand. “Gigi!” she interrupts. “Be my puppy tonight!”

Gigi frowns. “No way! I’m a cat,” he whines, turns away, and rushes downstairs. As he gets halfway down, he shouts back up to her. “And you’re a bloody nudest! A menace!”

Loona, again, is dejected. “Not even my pet will be my pet…,” Loona mumbles.

Seconds later, someone wearing high heels can be heard stomping up the staircase towards Loona. Appearing at the top of the stairs, wearing a bright blue dress and white knee-high socks, is Jimbo. Her face is bright red and she’s out of breath.

She’s not embarrassed; she’s stressed, and her expression shows it.

“Loona,” Jimbo growls, pointing downstairs. “Guests are arriving! I need help on the bar!”

“You look nice,” Loona replies playfully. “Are you Alice from Alice in Wonderland?”

That’s who Jimbo has dressed as. She looks adorable, but her annoyed expression doesn’t match Alice’s cute and innocent character.

Jimbo furrows her brow and blows hair from her face. “No,” she snarks, “I’m Jimbo in bloody short-staffed land—what do you think!?”

Loona holds out her leash, knowing it’s a long shot to ask Jimbo if she’ll be her pet. Jimbo just glares at both the lease and the muzzle in Loona’s hand. “What?” Jimbo asks plainly, questioning the items in Loona’s hands.

“Wanna be my pet…?” Loona asks bashfully, giving Jimbo the doe eyes.

“No,” Jimbo shakes her head. “We’re short-staffed on the bar. I can’t be your—your—your pet, Loona!”

Loona tilts her head to one side and smirks as a reply forms in her head. “Should I hire some taller staff if we’re short-staffed then?”

Jimbo gives Loona a sour look and then looks her outfit, or lack of it, up and down. “Get your nudest ass downstairs and give me a hand!”

Loona’s cheeks feel a small string of embarrassment. Although she’s been a woman now for well over a month—it’s quite a step for her to be so bold with her outfit.

Nervously smiling at the stressed-looking Jimbo, Loona hides the leash and muzzle behind her back. “Where’s Tabi?” she asks. “I thought she was going to help out tonight.”

Jimbo rubs her face and smudges her makeup slightly. “Hiding in the kitchen,” she answers bluntly. “Lance is downstairs with some of his squad. She's terrified they’re going to recognize her.”

“Ah,” Loona bites her bottom lip. “Can Katie not help on the bar?”

“He’s a teenager,” Jimbo replies.

“So… no then?”

“No! Plus, he’s the chef.”

Loona then becomes distracted by the issue and steps closer to Jimbo with stars in her eyes. “Wait,” she bounces happily. “Did you say Lance was here!?”

Loona tries to look past Jimbo and down the staircase. However, Jimbo stands steadfast in front of her. “Why does that excite you?” Jimbo asks, having to glance away from Loona’s rack directly in her face. “Those jerks wrecked the tavern last week and haven’t left us alone.”

“I wanna ask him to be my pet!” Loona cheers, shaking the leash in her hand.

“The captain of the Vanquish squad?” Jimbo laughs at the idea. “I know we’ve only just started finding out about all this magic and tavern stuff, Loona, but I know a jarhead when I see one. He’s not going to let some mad nudest witch make him a pet!”

Loona moves to Look Jimbo directly in the eyes. She’s so excited the grin on her face is from ear to ear. “Ah, yes,” Loona giggles. “Witch indeed! I shall bewitch him with my magic!”

Jimbo wants to bonk Loona on the head for such a stupid idea. “Really, Loona..?” Jimbo asks with a long breath. Loona, however, doesn’t reply. She pushes past Jimbo and rushes down the stairs towards the tavern and the sound of the guests already enjoying themselves.

“I’ll come help later!” Loona shouts back up, knowing Jimbo will be mad.

As she takes each step tentatively in her heels, the staircase opens out to the entire tavern and the guests gathering around the bar. With her shouting back up at Jimbo, the crowd turns to look at her, and all the men’s mouths fall open as Loona comes into view.

As her body bounces with each step and all the men stare, Loona’s face erupts and she goes the brightest of reds. Several wolf whistles then follow as Loona approaches the tavern floor.

“Well, that’s new,” Loona says to herself, talking under her breath

“Who ordered the stripper!” some guy in the crowd shouts as others around him laugh.

Loona stops dead in her tracks and is mortified. She’s not a stripper, but the guys keep leering at her and laughing as her choice of outfit quickly appears to be a mistake.

Maybe she wasn’t ready to expose her feminine charms in such evident glory. She’s got it, but maybe it isn’t the time to flaunt it! Her outfit fit leaves nothing to the imagination!

The men continue to laugh and Loona doesn’t know what to do. Jimbo then pushes past from behind and grumbles as she returns to the bar. Loona looks longingly in her direction for help, But Jimbo just smiles at the next customer and starts making drinks.

“Oi!” Lance appears from the crowd, instantly shutting down the group of men who tease Loona. “That’s no way to speak to a lady of such grace!” Lance scolds the group who are clearly members under his command.

Biting her bottom lips, Loona is pleased to see Lance for more reason than one, and as he approaches her with a sheepish look on his face, she gets excited.

“Hello, Loona,” Lance greets her. He then glances her up and down and takes in her outfit. His calm demeanor instantly shifts as his face goes bright red. “N-N-Nice outfit,” he says timidly, unable to look away from her cleavage, almost busting out.

“Hiya, Lance!” Loona grins, slapping him roughly on the shoulder. “Thanks for coming. Do you really like my outfit?”

Lance’s eyes light up as Loona’s excitement causes her chest to bounce. He bites down on his lips hard and forces himself to look up. “Y-yes… very nice,” she says with a smile. “Seems Gigi was right,” he mutters, taking a small sip of his beer.

Loona pouts. “It’s not complete, though,” she remarks, leaning slightly towards him so he can have a better view of his chest.

“Oh?” Lance asks, as his eyes twitch with him, forcing himself not to look at Loona’s rack.

“Yeah…,” Loona says, twirling some of her long hair. “I’m supposed to be a mistress, but I don’t have a pet—so my outfit is incomplete.”

Lance gives Loona a curious look before pointing across the tavern at Gigi, who is sitting on some random girl's lap and enjoying the attention. “Errr,” he says confused. “Isn’t that weird talking cat your pet?”

“Gigi?” Loona scoffs and then holds out the leash and muzzle in her hands to show him. “No, I need someone to put these on and be my pet for tonight. I need them to get on all fours and pretend. Maybe do a bit of barking and rolling over for treats. Y’know… be my pet.”

There’s a sparkle in Loona’s eye as she takes hold of both items with one hand and raises her free hand above her shoulder like she’s about to perform magic. “Is that something you can help me with, Lance?”

Loona clicks her fingers, but nothing happens. Lance just looks at her, bemused and a little annoyed. “D-Did you just try and use magic on me?” he questions firmly.

“N-N-No…,” Loona replies awkwardly, quickly lowering her hand. He then looks down at her feet stuffed into her platform heels and wonders why it didn’t work. It’s frustrating to her that she still doesn’t understand how her heart magic actually works.

There’s an awkward silence between them, but Loona can see Lance constantly glancing down at her half-naked body. This quickly gives her and idea.

“Awww well….,” Loona groans, lowering her free hand down her body towards her bikini bottoms in the hope that Lance will look. “Guess I’ll have to go cover up and wear something else.

Lance takes the bait and looks down where Loona wants him to. He gulps as she catches him staring.

 “Shame,” Loona giggles, working that same manicured hand up and across her tight corset towards her bouncing bosom. “I guess the girls are going to have to be put away for tonight…”

Lance gulps again as he follows her hand up her body before asking, “Girls…?”

“These..,” Loona explains, bouncing on the spot to make them jiggle for him.

“But you erm….,” Lance replies, rubbing at his neck. “Y-you look nice,” he continues, still looking down at her chest.”

“Nope,” Loona quickly turns away, hiding her body from his lust-filled eyes. “I’m going to change!”

She takes a single step up towards her bedroom before Lance places a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

“W-wait,” he says as his voice cracks. He then takes hold of the leash in Loona’s hand and pulls her back towards him. “I’ll do it if you hang out with me tonight,” he says. “I’ll be your pet tonight. Just tell me what to do.”

Loona’s face becomes mischievous as she looks at the tall, handsome man who’s putty in her hands. “Oh, don’t you worry,” Loona says in a more commanding voice. “As you’re my pet—I’m going to be telling you more than just ‘what to do….’”

She steps close enough to Lance to kiss him but just looks up at him with a smirk on her face. “Muzzle on, Puppy,” she commands, thrusting the muzzle into his grasp. “We’re going to have a great night, ‘hanging out’—I can tell!”

“M-M-Ma’am…?” Lance replies, looking down at the muzzle.

“Mistress…,” Loona corrects sternly. “And you are now my Halloween part pet! I shall call you Puppy dog Lenny!”

With each clip of her heeled boots on the staircase down into the tavern, Loona hears everyone hush up in pending excitement. She can tell they are all just waiting for her to appear in her finery, wanting to tease her as much as possible.

It’s been days since that drunken Halloween party, and the staff of her tavern and the customers haven’t stopped talking about how she made Lance her pet. Of course, Loona doesn’t remember much, but she’s seen the pictures, and they are pretty wild. Of course, she’s not ashamed of any of it, but some fleeting and very personal memories with Lance have her a little embarrassed.

Let’s just say that Lance isn’t going to be living them down at his work for a while. Still, she’s not half as embarrassed about that as what she’s been told to wear for her and Lance’s strategy meeting. Tight combat trousers, boots, and a corset get-up straight out of a hunters S&M catalog

When Loona first transformed from a guy to the witch she is now, she didn’t one second think that she’d long for a dress rather than a pair of pants. However, these pants she’s got on are so incredibly tight she worries that even a single fart might make them split in half. Apparently, the outfit she’s been given will be more ‘tactical’ in a battle situation.

She stands on the last step and looks around the tavern. Everyone is glaring at her, but they are silent, clearly holding back as their mouths are bloated.

“It’s a strategy meeting!” Loona huffs, taking the last step onto the tavern floor.

Everyone bursts out in laughter and immediately, the teasing begins. “Strategy!” they all shout out playfully.

“Off to take your doggy for a walk, are you, Loona?” Jimbo giggles cheerfully as she cleans a table. “Did you remember your dodo bags?”

Loona looks over her shoulder at Jimbo and scowls, “No, it’s a strategy meeting.” Loona throws back her head and sarcastically laughs. “He might talk a little shit, but I don’t need bags for that.”

“That’s not a very nice way to talk about your boyfriend, Loona,” Gigi says, jumping up onto a nearby table to join in with the fun. “Or is it that you really wanna be his master….hmmmm?”

Loona grumbles a little and wonders if her magic would allow her to turn Gigi into a frog. “Shut up, cat,” she replies, staring him down. “It really is a strategy meeting.”

“Guys, let’s not be so mean to our friendly neighborhood heart witch,” Tabi shouts across from the bar.

Loona looks around to thank Tabi, but that’s when she sees her with the widest smirk across her face. Loona braces herself for yet another silly joke. “Alright, Tabi,” she sighs. “Come on, out with it. I can see your face is about to explode because you're so desperate to tease me.”

Tabi’s face drops as she slides a pint across the bar for a customer. She then shakes her head in dismissal. “I’m not going to say anything,” Tabi replies and then points at her outfit. “I was going to say that I think you look very smart in those pants.”

“Thank you, Tabi,” Loona says, looking down at the outfit Lance has requested her to wear. “Glad to see someone is being grown up about this.”

Tabi then bursts out with laughter, and the others join in. “Well…,” she chuckles, slapping her hand on the bar a few times. “I guess someone's gotta wear the pants in their relationship!”

Loona’s shoulders sink, but a small smile works its way across her face. A memory from when she was a man flashes across her mind. A feeling of loneliness and heartache reminds her of how far she’s come, and that actually Tabi’s joke gives her some euphoria.

“Very funny,” Loona admits with a light chuckle. Her face then turns serious, and she lightly kicks out at the floor. “It’s a strategy meeting, guys, okay….?”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Gigi pipes up as he lays on the table. “Anyways, haven’t you better get going. Those goons have been waiting to escort you for hours now. I wonder if you're being taken to a secret and secure location?”

“I guess that would make sense,” Looan agrees, adjusting the tight fit of her pants as much as she can. She then looks around at them all, and the silly grins on their faces make her want to vomit.

“It’s not a date!” she whines out, stomping out of the tavern in her military-issue boots. “For the last time….It’s a strategy meeting!”

Just as she reaches the front door of the tavern, feeling kinda happy that she’s getting the last word on the subject, Katie appears in the doorway and blocks her exit. Loona can see the big, happy smile on his face, and she knows exactly what is coming. Katie is going to tease her, so wanting the last laugh, Loona preempts Katie by talking first.

“Yes, I’m going to see Lance,” Loona says sharply as she and Katie stand in the doorway together. “No, it’s not a date—it’s a strategy meeting.” Loona continues to shout at Katie, not realizing that Katie’s smile as all but disappeared. “Don’t you dare say anything more!”

Katie looks down and begins to bashfully kick at the floor. Loona is left feeling a little bad as Katie didn’t actually say anything to tease her, he was just greeting her with a smile.

“I know…,” Katie says, speaking softly like he’s upset. “I was just going to tell you I’d come up with a new recipe for the special tonight—nothing else and you shout at me.”

Katie looks up at Loona and pouts and instantly, Loona feels bad for assuming. Placing a hand on Katie’s shoulder, Loona is about to apologise, but as she opens her mouth, Katie begins to smirk and giggle.

“Only kidding!” Katie grins, causing Loona to sigh. “Are you going to talk your doggy for a walk?”

Loona rolls her eyes.

“That’s what I said!” Jimbo shouts from inside the tavern! “Katie, you stole my joke!”

Loona looks up and down the street at the members of the Vanquish squad waiting patiently for her. She blows a raspberry and looks back inside the tavern at, again, silly smiles. Bringing a hand to her face, he covers her eyes and mutters to herself. “That’s the last time I’m drinking anything.”

“Good luck,” Katie says innocently, making Loona take her hands away from her face. “Jokes aside, Loona. I know you're going to make a difference.”

“Thanks, Kid,” Loona smiles. “Don’t let that ramble in their ruin my tavern, okay?”

“Sure,” Katie nods.

Loona steps out of the tavern and onto the street. She doesn’t want to look back as it might make her blush and she wants to see cool in front of Lance’s men. As she approaches the two men, they salute her. “Ma’am,” the two say in unison.

Loona finds herself adjusting her tight pants once again. It’s been a long time since she’s worn any sort of uniform. “Less of the formal, please,” Loona says to the two men. “Just call me Loona.”

“Ma’am,” one of the men nods and gestures for her to follow. “The captain has been waiting for you. Please, follow us.”

“Loona,” Loona corrects under her breath as she follows them, miffed that he didn’t listen. “I’m a witch. I’m not really part of your silly military squad with its silly uniforms. I’m only wearing this get-up as a favor.”

The two guards walk ahead, and after a few minutes of silently walking, the other leans in to whisper in the other's ear. “A favor,” he jokes the other guy. “Who is she trying to convince. Clearly, she and the captain are into role play and dress up.”

The other guard laughs but quickly stops to remain professional. The two then slowly look around, hoping that Loona didn’t hear them talking. Much to their dismay, she did hear, and they go the brightest reds as Loona glares at them both.

“It’s a strategy meeting,” Loona sighs through gritted teeth. “A strategy meeting! NOT a date!”

The men say nothing more as Loona continues to follow. For a moment she’s mad that even Lance’s men are making fun, but she feels the warmth of love coming from both their hearts. She lowers her head and smiles. They are family men who care deeply for their partners and children. The sort of people the world needs more of, so she can’t be mad at them, really.

Eventually, after a few corners and a long walk down one side street, the two men point at a restaurant on the corner. Loona looks around at the street she finds herself on, and it’s nothing like she imagined. She thought she’d be meeting Lance at their headquarters. She imagined they’d be meeting in buildings that were reminiscent of when she was in the army.

“Err, guys…,” Loona pokes one of the men on the shoulder to get their attention. “I’m supposed to be meeting Lance, right? This doesn’t look like the Vanquish squad headquarters.”

The two men give each other a silly smile before one of them points again at the restaurant. Instantly, Loona begins to worry she’s made a mistake. Maybe Lance wasn’t to be trusted! Loona gives one of the men a shrug of her shoulders and a curious look.

The man she’s looking at in utter confusion sighs and brings a hand to his face. “Ma’am…,” he says, pointing again. “Lance is inside that restaurant. He’s been waiting for you since this afternoon.”

“In there?” Loona asks. “In a restaurant?”

“Yes,” both the men reply.

“R-really?” Loona steps closer but stops to look back. “You’re head quarters is a restaurant?”

The two men stand firm and say nothing more. Loona then watches as the two assume guard duty, and she’s left standing in the doorway of a restaurant that she can only describe as ‘too fancy for her common blood.’

She looks inside the doorway, and everything is so grand. “It’s a strategy meeting,” she mumbles angrily to herself through gritted teeth as she steps inside.

At that moment, a waiter pops out from behind a small service counter and begins waving their arms around. “Ma’am!” they greet, bowing their head as Loona enters.

Loona rolls her eyes as she approaches the counter and leans against it. “Hey,” she greets the man nervously. “Stop bowing already. I’m not royalty!”

The man looks up, and his cheeks burn a little red. Not something Loona has seen off many older men with big, fluffy mustaches. The man almost reminds her of a cartoon character she used to watch on the TV when she was younger.

“Yes, Ma’am,” the man says sheepishly as he looks away. “Captian Lance is waiting for you. He’s instructed us to spear no expense.”

Loona shifts uncomfortably in the silly outfit she’s been made to wear. The tight clothing around her chest and stomach at really starting to feel uncomfortable. She pulls at the strapping and grumbles to herself as the waiter leads her through into another room.

Stepping into a grand hall-type room, soft music plays, and the smell of delicate food wafts across Loona’s nose. It’s not unlike the great food Katie serves up some nights when he’s working on his menu.

From across the room, a single table for two is set up. It’s a corner booth and something considered romantic. It's not the sort of table you’d expect to have a strategy meeting at. As Loona looks around for Lance, assuming he must be just around the corner or something, the waiter stops at the small table and pulls out a chair.

“Ma’am,” the waiter says, holding the chair with a smile. “I’m sure the captain won’t be long. He must be In the restroom.”

Loona frowns, but she sits as elegantly as her tight clothing will allow. The ‘tactical’ outfit digs into her sides, and she fidgets to get comfortable.

“Would you like some wine, Ma’am?” the waiter asks, pulling an expensive bottle from a small ice bucket next to the table.

Loona frowns even hard and begins mumbling to herself. “It’s a strategy meeting,” she grumbles. “Why is there wine.”

The waiter looks at her, bemused. “I’m sorry, Ma’am,” he says nervously. “I didn’t catch that. Sorry, I’m getting harder of hearing in my old age.”

Loona snaps a sharp look at the waiter, and he recoils like she’s about to attack him. “Beer,” she asks with a sigh.

The waiter nods and quickly scurries away. Loona is left feeling like a bit of a jerk, but she’s getting really wound up by how much of this feels like she’s gone on a date. She sinks into her seat and leans her elbows on the table. “Should have done this in the tavern,” she whispers to herself as she waits patiently.

Loona fiddles with one of the tags hanging from her military-style jacket, and her mind wanders back to moments with her buddies on patrol. How often they’d talk about that special girl back home they couldn’t wait to get back to. She thinks about how they’d show pin-ups of ‘their gal.’

Loona would always just agree and force herself to contribute to the conversation in order not to be weird. She’d never have thought to tell them, back then, that she’d have loved to have been one of those girls that a man wanted to fight for. She’d have taken just being a lude pin-up girl.

Her cheeks burn red for a moment, and only for a single moment, as she imagines Lance fighting for her. She imagines herself as the sexy girl in a picture that Lance would show to his comrades before a battle.

“Ah, Loona!” Lance cheers happily, walking towards her from behind.

Loona jumps up in fright, and her chair goes tumbling backward. She puffs out her rosy red cheeks and goes as stiff as a board. “I wasn’t doing anything!” she cries out, forgetting that Lance can’t actually read her thoughts.

Lance reacts just as surprised as he attempts to catch the chair she’s caused to fly across the door. “I err…,” Lance mutters. “I didn’t mean to scare you!”

“Well, you did!” Loona pouts and gathers the chair from the floor. As she places it back onto its feet, she sits back down and folds her arms tight. Lance stands over her, scratching his head, confused as to what just happened. “Why are we doing this here?” Loona asks, looking around at the grandeur of the posh restaurant.

Lance looks around before sitting at the table. It’s such an intimate table that Loona can smell how strong his aftershave is. She feels like she can taste it every time she breathes in. However, Lance leans in towards her like he’s going to tell her a secret.

“I thought this would be a better place to talk privately,” Lance whispers across the table. “Y’know, maybe talk about what happened at your Halloween party.” Lance leans in even closer, and Loona can tell he’s nervous. She can see the sweat on his forehead. “M-maybe….,” Lance continues, now looking Loona directly in the eyes. “Maybe talk about…. ‘us’”

Loona’s eyes grow wide as she takes in the smart and expensive looking outfit Lance is wearing. Nothing like the drab and ‘tactical’ outfit she’s been asked to wear. “This is a date, isn't it?" Loona shouts point blank at Lance, who swiftly recoils back into his seat.

Lance looks mortified as the other people in the restaurant begin to stare. “No, no, no, no, no….,” Lance says, trying to calm Loona. “It’s a erm…. It’s a erm…..It’s a erm…..”

Loona folds her arms tight and glares at the flustered captain. “A strategy meeting….?”

“Yes!” Lance nods and nods again. “Yes, exactly that. When I said ‘talk about us’, I meant as a team to bring down Nezemica!”

Loona looks away. “Yeah,” she says sarcastically, unable to stop her mind from wandering back to that thought of herself as a sexy pin-up in Lance’s bunk. She blushes a little, and her voice goes soft. “Likely story.”

Loona’s heart begins to flutter with each passing moment, like when she was younger and her crush entered the room. She can’t help herself either, but she can feel the angst in Lance’s heart. He’s just as nervous as she is. However, Loona isn’t one for all this gooey crap. She’s a soldier by heart and not some doe-eyed schoolgirl.

“So,” she says, calming herself. “What is it you want to talk to me about?”

Lance meets her gaze once again, and he’s looking lovingly into her eyes. It makes her knees shake. She’s never had a man so handsome look at her in such a way. She can even feel the fear of rejection pulling at his heartstrings.

“Loona….I…..,” Lance looks away, unable to hold eye contact. “I c-can’t…,” Lance continues but stops abruptly.

“Can’t what?” Loona asks rudely, noticing that everyone around them is still sorta staring

Lance’s right eye twitches. He then clears his throat.

“Can’t what?” Loona asks again, becoming impatient.

Lance becomes even more flustered and unlike himself. When she first met him, he was so commanding and confident in the face of such danger. Even though his men were fighting and dying when trying to control Taylor’s anguish form, he never once looked like he’d back away from the fight.

Loona could tell his dedication from how his heart beat with steely determination. However, right now, it’s all over the place, and it’s hard for her to read. She leans in again to ask him a third time. “Can’t what?”

“I can’t get you off my mind!” Lance answers passionately but instantly sinks into his seat to hide from all the glaring eyes.

Loona’s mouth falls open, and she’s speechless. She can barely hear her own heart thudding in her chest as she listens to Lance’s heart going wild in his.

Lance looks away as her face erupts with embarrassment. “Look,” he says softly. “This is really awkward for me as we are going to have to work together. But since that party of yours and how we…..” Lance stops to look at Loona, but he immediately looks away. “Acted,” he says, remembering how Loona made him bark like a doggy so many times. “I erm…,” he continues talking at the floor. “I needed to tell you that I think I have feelings for you and that I’d understand if you no longer wanted me to be part of this mission.”

Once again, the thought of herself as Lance’s pin-up girl comes to the forefront of Loona’s mind. That thought gets even stronger as she remembers, later on, at the party, kissing him in a drunken stupor. 

“F-feelings.?” Loona asks bluntly, looking around at the place. “Is that why you’ve called me to this so-called strategy meeting!? You’ve made me look a right idiot in front of all my friends back at the tavern. I’ve been telling them it’s not a date when it clearly is!”

Lance tries to hide in his seat as Loona’s voice becomes raised and annoyed. However, there is no hiding in such a public place.

“You're right,” Lance agrees meekly. “I’m sorry.” Lance glares down at the table in front of him like a naughty schoolboy. “I thought this would be an easier place for us to talk privately away from the barracks. I know all the men have been talking about me and you, and I didn’t want to put you through that sort of mocking behavior from those men. Soldiers can be very aggressive with their ribbings.

Loona slumps in her seat and lets out a long breath. “It’s fine,” she says, throwing Lance a bone. “I understand what soldier types can be like. Everything is fair game to be mocked.” Loona reaches across the table and places a hand on Lance’s arm. “I’m sorry I went a little far at the party. I’ve not been a woman for very long, and I think I just got a little carried away.”

Expecting Lance to have many questions about her claim to have ‘not been a woman for long,’ Loona is surprised when he doesn’t overly question her. He just smiles politely. “Thank you,” he replies. “The men haven’t let me off the hook just get.” Lance places a hand on Loona’s hand. “I remember you saying you were once a military man before transforming into a heart witch, so you understand how awkward this is for me.”

Loona’s heart thuds wildly as she looks at Lance’s hand on hers. Memories of that party flood into her mind. She remembers how she enjoyed his large and powerful hands touching her body so delicately. She can’t remember ever being so excited by the touch of another.

“Y-Yeah….,” Loona stutters, becoming flustered herself. “S-so…. I told you about how I was a guy, huh? Doesn’t that bother you?”

Lance looks Loona directly in the eyes. “No, not at all,” he answers in an instant. “It matters little to me what you were.” Lance gives Loona a cheeky smile. “I don’t need to be a heart witch to tell you’ve got a heart of gold, young lady.”

Loona’s face lights up, and she smiles wide. However, she quickly catches herself being soft and a little smitten with the handsome man across from her and forces herself to frown. “Right,” she demands. “Let’s talk strategy. Enough of this lovely dovey crap!”

Lance looks across the restaurant, hoping to catch the eye of the waiter. “Don’t you wanna order some food first?”

“I’ll eat, yeah,” Loona says, finally glancing at the menu in front of her. “But this isn’t a date, okay! It’s a strategy meeting!”

Lance stops looking around and looks happily at Loona. They share a soft and pleasant smile with each other before they both begin to giggle. “Yes, strategy,” Lance says playfully.

Loona pushes her food around her plate, pretending to eat as Lance continues to stuff his face. It’s not that the food isn’t tasty, it’s just Loona has become very aware of her figure in recent days. She doesn’t want to admit it, but it’s ever since she met Lance. She wants to look pretty for him.

Lance looks up and notices. Bits of greenery hang from his teeth. “Loona,” he says, pointing with his fork. “Aren’t you hungry? You should eat up for your strength.”

Loona looks again at the slab of steak on her plate and raises a single eyebrow. “I am…,” she replies with a long breath before touching her side with both hands. “It’s just, these clothes are so tight already—I dare not eat another bite in case I burst out of them.

“Oh?” Lance says, stuffing a fork full down his throat.

“Yeah….” Loona touches her flat stomach. “Women’s clothes are so tight, Lance. It’s not like when I was a dude. Everything clings to me. I’m surprised you can’t see sweat patches all over.”

“Sorry again for the uniform,” Lance mumbles with his mouth full. “You can go back to wearing those dresses after today if you want.”

Loona smiles and then chuckles. “Thanks.” She then looks around at herself, trying to peek a look at her own backside. “It’s getting these pants over my ass,” she explains. “It’s strange having such a large biscuit, Lance. I feel like I’m sitting on a cloud of padding, and pants like these don’t go over it easily.”

“You’ve a nice ass,” Lance replies without thought, cutting off another large chunk of steak.

“W-what?” Loona asks as her face burns with embarrassment.

“Yeah.” Lance eventually cuts his stake and lifts it triumphantly to his mouth, but the silence between them is distracting. He can feel Loona glaring at him. “What….?” he asks innocently.

Loona continues to glare at him, but secretly, she’s chuffed that he’s been looking.

“What’s with that face?” Lance laughs nervously, lowering his fork. He then leans in. “Loona, come on,” he says lightheartedly. “You were a dude once. You can’t tell me you didn’t look in the mirror before you came here today and think the same. Have you seen how tight those pants wrap around that ‘biscuit’ of yours?”

Loona instantly stops glaring at looks away. She did indeed check herself out. It was a euphoric moment for her to feel so good about her own body.

“That’s not to mention that chest of yours,” Lance continues, pointing the fork full of steak at her. “What’s it like having a chest like that after being a dude for so long?”

Loona continues to look at the floor. She wants to show him that she’s feeling uncomfortable, but in reality, she’s loving the attention from him. She rolls her lips for a second before glancing at him. “It’s erm…,” she says, holding her chest with both hands. “Empowering,” she explains as her face lights up with a big smile.

“Empowering?” Lance stuffs the fork full of food into his mouth and begins to chew with his mouth open.” He chews for a minute and Loona watches him do so. She doesn’t know whether to be repulsed or attracted to the handsome man eating like a pig.

Lance looks down at his plate and stabs the stake with his fork before looking up with a cheeky smile on his face. “What about your meat and two veg?” he asks. “Do you miss not having your manhood?”

Looking down at her flat crutch and crossed legs, Loona again goes bright red. She can’t believe he’s being so open with his questions in such a public place. She decides to tell him off.

“Lance…!” she whines, folding her arms to show her dissatisfaction.

“Whaaat?” Lance complains, shrugging his shoulders. “These are all questions I need to ask if we are going to……” Lance stops talking and his cheeks go a rosey pink color. He can’t finish his train of thought even if he want to.

“There are a few things I miss,” Loona admits, loving how sheepish the confident Captain has become. “I miss not being able to pee standing up,” Loona explains, leaning in toward him to touch his arm. “I miss not being able to climax in just a few seconds,” she whispers. “Lady Loona, down there….she’s very particular.” Loona begins to giggle as she looks the bashful Lance in the eyes. “She’s a bit fussy, Lance. She needs a lot of attention.”

As Lance struggles to come up with a response, Loona stretches out a single food in his direction to touch his leg in an attempt to arouse him further. However, Loona has completely forgotten she’s not wearing her delicate heels, but a pair of chunky military boots. Trying to be coy and playful with the man, she accidentally kicks him in the soft parts, causing him to cough out in pain.

“L-Loona!?” Lance splutters, coiling over in pain so that his face is on the table. “W-WHAT YOU DO THAT FOR!?”

“I’m SO sorry!” Loona reacts, swiftly taking her foot away from his family jewels. “I…I…” Loona becomes flustered as she looks around at all the other diners staring in their direction.

“J-Just because you lost yours,” Lance whimpers in pain. “Doesn’t mean you should try and destroy mine!”

Loona fusses over the man and even tries to use some of her magic to heal him. However, not even the tiniest of sparks flutters from her singles as she snaps. “I’m so sorry!” Loona repeats, now wanting everyone to stop staring. She leans in and touches the top of Lance's head with one of her hands. “I…I… was trying to be cute with you!”

“Cute!?” Lance groans. “Cute? You should have just told me you missed touching your sausage and that you’d love to touch mine to remember the feeling or something!” Lance says unironically, “But instead, you kicked me in the danglers.”

“Y-Yeah…” Loona chuckles, now feeling so incredibly awkward that she’s considering hiding under the table. She then pats Lance on the head to comfort him, but it’s not helping. Seconds later, a man in uniform approaches the table, and Loona wonders if he’s about to tell her off for incapacitating the Captain. She remembers the pain of getting kicked in the softies very well.

The man clears his throat and stands to attention. “Sir,” he declares, sluating as he speaks. Lance rolls his face on the table to look up at the man. “Private?” he says with a hint of lingering pain.

“Sir,” the private continues, all businesslike. “The Apex is ready and waiting for your arrival.”

“Apex?” Loona is quick to ask, a little glad the private has interrupted what was a very awkward moment between them.

“It’s my airship,” Lance replies, slowly lifting his head up off the table.

Loona watches Lance stand, and he’s a little worse for wear. Holding onto the private for support, Lance looks down at Loona, who still sits at the table and smirks. “Come, Loona, to my airship,” Lance says with a hint of amusement. “But I don’t want you to think the Apex is me compensating for something. Is that understood?”

Standing up straight and brushing down his uniform, Lance lets out a long breath and then holds out his hand for Loona to take. “Please, I insist.”

Taking his hand without hesitation, Loona stands, and the two men look down at her, being much taller than she is. It makes her feel a little awkward, especially after what just happened, so Loona starts to walk in the direction of the restaurant entrance.

“Keen,” Lance comments, watching her storm off. “Good.”

Not quite out of earshot, Loona slows the pace as she listens to Lance and the private talk.

“Is that the ‘Dog Handler’?” the private asks candidly.

“Don’t call her that,” Lance scolds.

“She’s hot, Captain,” the private continues. “I’d eat out of a dog bowl if it meant she’d sit on my—”

“Private!” Lance scolds again. “That’s enough. Now, fetch the car and bring it around the front. I don’t want to keep her waiting.”

Walking away, Loona’s face lights up, but her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She knows the Captain is never going to live that Halloween party down. He’s a saint for not being angry with her, but she can also feel the warmth growing in her heart when she thinks about him.

Loona exits out front of the restaurant, and the evening has turned well truly into the night. There’s a chill in the air, and it bites straight throw Loona’s tight uniform, making her a little uncomfortable. Her nipples have become like bullets, and she’s very aware of it, having not worn a suitable bra.

Lance steps out beside her as the private rushes off and around the building.

Loona looks up at Lance and awkwardly smiles. “S-Sorry about that kick just now.”

“It’s fine,” Lance smiles back before turning serious. “Now, Loona,” he says, fixating a stern stare on something in front of him. “We didn’t have time to talk strategy in our ‘strategy’ meeting, did we?”

Loona shakes her head and folds her arms to cover herself and keep herself warm.

“I’m going to have to fill you in as we go, but to be honest, it might be easier just to show you.”

“Okay…,” Loona answers as a car pulls up against the side of the cobbled street.

“Ladies first,” Lance says, opening the door to the car that looks straight from the 1920’s. Loona clambers on inside, and thoughts of Lance watching her do so make her a little hot under the collar. She imagines him drooling at the sight of her ‘biscuit.’

Sitting in the small cabin of the car, Loona looks around at how intricate the woodworking is. It’s like she’s been transported back in time. If she hadn’t just seen the driver's seat and heard the clatter of a combustion engine, she’d swear this ‘car’ was pulled by horses.

“So,” Lance sits beside her, closing the door. “The Apex is the largest airship the government currently possesses.”

“Airship?” Loona asks as the car pulls away. “Like a Zeplin?”

“Zeplin?” Lance asks curiously. “What’s that.”

Loona scratches the back of her head. She’s not really taken a moment to consider how different the world around her appears to be compared to before she brought the tavern. Her friends from before are in this world, but the city she’s in is like nothing she knows.

“N-Nothing…,” Loona shakes her head. “Is it lighter than air travel?” she then asks.

“Yes,” Lance nods. “It’s our most advanced yet. Powerful engines. Operations rooms. Bomb bays. It’s quite the sight, Loona. I can’t wait for you to see it.

The journey to the airdock doesn’t take long. It’s a bumpy ride, and Loona enjoys seeing parts of the city she’s never seen before. The airdock is set higher above the city on a cliffside. It’s an amazing view from within the car.

As the car comes to a halt, Lance jumps out and swiftly opens the door to Loona, offering a hand for assistance. She obliges him, and as she steps out, the sky above her is darkened as the ominous presence of something massive in the night sky looms over them.

Loona turns to the majesty of a huge dirigible airship floating silently above a massive flat air pad. Flashing lights at all points across the airship indicate its enormous size to Loona, as most of it isn’t visible in the night sky.

Loona thinks for a second about Taylor. Would they have used this thing if his Anguish got out of control?

“Is the government at war?” Loona asks as the wind blows her hair in front of her eyes.

“Yes,” Lance replies, letting go of Loona’s hand as he steps toward the Apex. “But not a conventional one.” Lance turns and holds out his hand. “Come, Loona. Join me on board.”

Approaching the massive airship, Loona can’t help but be impressed. Others work in the dark, prepping the airship as they approach. She watches them load massive items into its cargo hold. Eventually, they get to a ramp that leads inside, and Lance takes Loona’s hand.

“Careful,” Lance says, leading the way. “This can be very slippy.”

Loona doesn’t feel like she needs to hold his hand. Still, she doesn’t want to make a scene for Lance—considering how many people are working around them and how she may have made him look a little silly at her party.

Making their way inside, Loona notices just how period everything looks. The Apex looks like something from the 1920s and even has a dusty old smell to it. That and the smell of burning engine oil.

“Impressive, isn’t she?” Lance suggests, holding his hands out as they walk down one of the outer corridors of the craft. Loona looks out of the small rounded window at the city below, and she wonders where her taven is. She’d really go for one of Katie’s homemade cakes right about now.

Lance leads the way further inside. In the inner workings of the airship, just how Loona imagines a blimp to be. However, below the metal-laced walkway they are walking on lays several large-looking bombs.

“Lance,” Loona says, holding the rail as she looks down at them in the hold. “Why is this ship loaded with bombs?”

Lance stops, joins her at the railing, and looks down. He says nothing for a moment.

Loona turns to him. “Lance, what is this airship being prepped for?”

“Operation Skyburn,” Lance replies.

Loona looks at him, puzzled. She’s not been clued in with any of the details of her involvement. She knows the bombs the Apex is carrying aren’t for pinpoint accuracy but bombs designed to damage as much area as possible. It’s almost like she’s joining them on a bombing run.

“Lance,” she shouts as Apex’s engines roar into life, causing the entire ship to vibrate. “Where is this ship headed. What is it about to bomb?”

Lance stands straight and looks Loona in the eyes. He has nothing to hide from her. “Remember what I told you about Nezemica?”

Loona rubs her face for a moment. “She’s that bad heart witch, right?”

Lance nods and then turns to continue down the walkway.

Loona wobbles a little as she tries to follow. However, the Apex is clearly moving at some rate through the air, and it throws her off balance. About to fall flat on her face, Lance reacts quickly and catches her in his arms.

“Whoa,” he laughs, holding Loona tight. “This is why I didn’t want you wearing heels tonight.”

Blushing like crazy, Loona looks immediately away. Then, after a few more awkward moments, Loona pushes him off and gets to her feet. Standing up straight, with the railings up to steady her, Loona brushes hair from her eyes. Loona would have usually loved being saved by him, but something is bothering her. Something isn’t right.

“Lance,” she says with a touch of sorrow. “Y’know, I can feel your heart and the emotions buried inside you, right?”

Lance looks at her, worried. “I….I….” Lance looks away like he’s worried about something.

Loona turns away from Lance and again looks down at the bombs stored below. “Your heart earlier at the dinner table was full of warmth, hope, and love,” Loona says, talking to the distance as she stands with her back towards him.

Lance stands behind her. He thinks about putting a hand on her shoulder, but he resists.

“Just now,” Loona continues, turning sideways to look at him. “I felt a horror in your heart. I felt doubt. I felt fear.”

“You did?” Lance asks, keeping a straight face.

Loona looks deep into his eyes. “Yes,” she says, fully turning to face him as she puts a single hand on his chest. “You’re scared.”

Lance just stares back. Their faces are now only inches apart from each other. Loona’s heart once again connects with his, and they beat as one. She can feel the love he holds for his family. She can feel the pride he feels in protecting others. However, the fear she can feel in his heart is cold and all-encompassing, almost like it’s swallowing him up inside.

“Are you scared of this, Nezemica?” Loona asks softly, still looking him in the eyes.

“Yes,” Lance answers without hesitation. He then looks away, breaking eye contact, and lets out a long, labored breath. “Loona,” he says, lowering his head. “Let me take you to the bridge, and I can show you what we are up against.”

Clutching Loona’s hand tight, Lance pulls her in the direction of the bridge. After a few minutes of walking deep inside the Apex internal systems, they reach the bridge of the aircraft. The room is one large space completely surrounded by glass that looks out below the Apex. Large machines with a myriad of flashing buttons surround two large ship-like steering wheels.

Loona steps close to one of the large window panels and looks out. Below them is nothing but darkness. The ground can barely be seen. It’s like they are flying through an endless void.

“Report,” Lance says the the helmsman, flying the Apex.

The helmsman is a woman, roughly Loona’s height, with firey red hair. She wears a uniform similar to Loona’s, but she has thick flying goggles attached to the top of her head. She takes her hands off the large steering wheel for a moment to salute the Captain before placing them firmly back.

“She’s a little overweight,” the helmsman replies. “We are carrying too much. She’s got a fat ass, and I feel it. She’s not responding how I’d like, Captain.”

“How high are we right now?”

“In range,” the helmsman replies.

“Very good, Monica,” Lance says with a nod. “Keep her flying straight and true. This time, I know this operation is going to be a success. Lance then follows that statement up with a finger pointed in Loona’s direction, who is still gawking out of one of the large windows.

“Is that her, Captain?” Monica asks, slightly ribbing him.

“Loona,” Lance calls out before whispering at Monica as Loona approaches them. “Yes, that’s her. Please don’t distract from the mission with questions about what me and her got up to the other night.”

“Roger,” Monica chuckles before saluting Loona as she stands before them. “Ma’am,” Monica says in reaction to Loona’s presence. “Welcome to my ship. I hope it is of satisfaction to you and not too much of a ‘leash’ to your powers.”

Loona looks at Lance bemused for a moment. Lance laughs nervously, then proceeds to nudge Monica with his shoulder. “I’m sure it’s going to be just the platform the young Loona needs to break the barrier.”

“Barrier?” Loona asks, looking at the expressions on Lance’s and Monica’s faces for more details.

“Yes,” Lance nods. “I told you this at dinner, didn’t I?”

“No,” Loona replies, becoming a little annoyed. “You mostly gushed over my appearance….Captain,” Loona jibes

“Ah,” Monica nudges the Captain back with her shoulder. “I see. So she’s the new conquest.” Monica smiles as she looks Loona up and down. “That uniform suits you, Loona. Have you considered a career in the military? I know the Captain would like that!”

Loona’s about to open her mouth to explain she already was military, but before she can another soldier onboard calls out to the crew. “Alert,” the soldier calls out. “Nezemica’s fortress approaches. All hands to stations.”

“Fortress?” Loona asks, feeling like she’s in some sort of fantasy tale written by a madman. “What’s the plan here, Lance— are you going to bomb the living shit out of her?” Loona doesn’t give him a second to reply; instead, she squares up to him on her tiptoes. “If that’s the case, why on earth do you need me here!? Do you want me to push the big red button to drop off the bombs, or is it so you can just look at my ass as much as you want!?”

Lance gets a little tongue-tied as Loona glares at him from point-blank range. A touch of it was so he could look at her ass, but not all of it. He’s so tongue-tied he’s completely silent, making Monica laugh out loud at the sight of her Captain scared.

“Cap,” Monica says with a chuckle. “Get a grip already. I’ll bring the Apex to a slow stop so you can how her what we need her for.”

“What is it you need me for?” Loona asks as the entire airship groans and comes to a halt to hover, silent in the air.

“Right, yes,” Lance snaps out of it and points at the large windows of the bridge. “Loona, please, let me show you.”

Suspicious, Loona follows Lance. As they stand at the glass pain, Lance points down at the ground. Before it was pitch black, like a void, but now something massive writhes beneath them. Like a huge leviathan of mist and bloody red smoke, it twists, turns, and dominates the ground below them.

Loona struggles to stand as an evil presence tugs at her heart. Lance catches her. “You can feel it, can’t you?” he asks.

Loona can’t even nod. Below her is an immense anguish. A life form void of any feelings of love or joy. A being so incredibly evil, it’s formed into the beast that writhes below them. Loona’s heart can barely take it. The emotions emanating from it are filled with despair that Loona would never have imagined. Taylor’s despair feels like a walk in the park compared to that thing below them.

Loona glares down at the red mist and smoke and can suddnely understand the fear in Lance’s heart. It feels her own hopelessness. “What…what is that?” Loona asks, clutching her chest to try and soothe her heart.

“It’s an anguish,” Lance replies. “A mighty big one at that.”

Loona can feel tears welling in her eyes as she continues to look down at it. It’s misery born into life. “Is…Is…that the barrier Monica just mentioned?

“Yes,” Lance answers plainly.

Loona looks down at the airship floor in thought before looking again at the Anguish below. “You want me to try and help that thing, don’t you? Like I helped the Anguish in the city.”

“We can’t get to Nezemica while that thing guards her fortress,” Lance replies. “I saw what you did in the city, and you are our last hope of breaking through.”

“The bombs?”

“Ineffective against something that big.”

“What are they for then?”

“Bombing the fortress when you break through.”

“But how has that thing come to exist, Lance,” Loona asks, desperate for an answer. “I’ve never felt such deep, dark feelings before, and I suffered with dysphoria for so long as a person.”

“We erm…,” Lance scratches the back of his head. “We only have theories. It’s not like we can get close to it to study, Loona. As soon as anyone gets close or we try and attack it with our weapons, it only grows bigger and stronger. It’s like it takes our inner fear and makes it its own armor. That’s why we were hoping to study that Anguish you saved in the city.”

Loona closes her eyes and remembers how she connected with Taylor's Anguish to save him. She tries to do the same as before, but she can’t connect to one heart as several thousands come calling back to her. Loona falls to the floor in a heap and gasps for air—like she’s been punched hard in the stomach.

“Looona!” Lance cries, rushing to her aid. “What’s wrong!?”

Pertfiried, Loona’s eyes are wide open, and she just stares vacantly. “It’s…,” she speaks, but her voice is weak. “It’s not just one person,” Loona explains, having felt so many hearts crying out in pain. “I…,” Loona shakes her head in disbelief. “I…felt thousands of hearts trapped, Lance. Thousands of people are forced to live in pure hate. Pure pain. Pure agony.”

Lance kneels down beside Looanand places a hand on her shoulder. Looking deep into her eyes, Lance asks a simple question. “Can you break through it?”

Kneeling on the floor, Loona looks up into Lance’s eyes. Without even connecting to his heart, she can tell he’s being sincere. He really does think that Loona is their only hope to break through.

“I….,” Loona looks down at her hands as she leans back and sits on her legs. “I’ll do my best, Lance.”

“Thank you!” Lance says, holding out his hand to help Loona up. “Is there anything you need?”

Loona looks around at all the machines wiring away on the cockpit of the Apex. The noise of the crew trying to maintain the airship as it’s buffered from below is too distracting for her. Not only can Loona feel the despair from below, but she feels the fear in everyone around her.

“Somewhere quiet,” Loona asks, pointing at the door. “I…I…need to concentrate on listening to each and every person below to see if I can help them.”

“Right,” Lance grins, still clutching Loona’s hand like a lost child. “This way,” he says with worry creeping into his tone of voice.

The Apex dips and dives as the two make their way to Lance’s small office onboard. The ship is being pushed and pulled in all sorts of directions. The superstructure around them groans and moans as the airship attempts to maintain a hover over Nezemica’s fortress below.

Lance pulls out his office chair and asks for Loona to sit. Holding onto the bolted-down furniture around her, Loona sits. They stare into each other's eyes for a moment in silence before Lance reaches for his radio.

“Attention,” he speaks into it as his voice echoes within the Apex to every soul on board. “As I’m sure you are all aware, we are attempting to break through the barrier. This has never been achieved before, but with the help of Loona, I believe we can finally put an end to the despair that threatens our world.” Lance pauses for a moment and confidently swipes hair from his eyes. “Let’s keep my precious Apex in the air until it’s time. I believe in each and every one of you. Lance out and….good luck to us all.”

Slowly, he puts down the radio and lets out a long sigh. Loona blinks several times before Lance turns to look at her. She can tell he’s worried, but he hides it behind a smile. “I’m going to be here with you.”

Loona can’t help but blush a little. “Okay.”

Calming her breathing with one long breath out, Loona relaxes into the chair. She thinks back to when she connected with Taylor. She tries her best to remember how. Letting out another breath, she clothes her eyes tight and tries to concentrate on feelings swirling around her. At first, she connects with Lance. His belief in Loona gives her encouragement, but it is tainted with some lingering doubt.

Loona concentrates on the mass of tortured souls below her. Like a sea or a swarm, she’s overwhelmed again, but the hearts desperately calling out to her spur her on. Instantly, her heart rate climbs, and she begins to panic. Again, she feels like she’s being punched in the chest repeatedly.

“I believe in you,” Lance whispers in Loona’s ear, seeing her struggle.

Loona listens, and his words give her encouragement to breathe through the pain. Eventually, she focuses on a heart close to the edge. It calls to her, and she connects to it’s heart. Like an ice-cold bolt of energy, Loona jerks in her chair. She shivers, but she holds onto the connection even though it pains her to do so.

Lance watches on as a pink hue surrounds Loona’s entire body. She goes into some sort of trance, and as her eyes reopen, he looks into them to see them glowing in the same color. “Loona?” Lance says, wanting to check she’s okay. Loona doesn’t answer. The hue surrounding her body just gets larger, and Lance can feel the love and warmth radiating from her.

Loona’s consciousness leaves her body, and when she reopens her eyes again, she finds herself in a darkened void. Confused, she looks in every direction, but there is nothing. It’s completely black, and the only thing she can make out is the crying of a small child.

Loona focuses on the sound of the child and begins to walk in that direction. Every single step in this place is like walking through thick mud. For Loona, it’s like she’s being pushed away. The closes she gets to the sound, the harder it becomes to keep moving.

Eventually, a small child crying in a heap on the floor comes into view. Loona approaches cautiously. Is this who the heart crying out for help belongs to.

“C-Child…?” Loona says, standing only a step away from the child. “Why are you crying?”

Loona kneels in front of the child. She notices a red hue that surrounds them. Then, as the child looks in her direction, she’s greeted with the sight of pure blood-red eyes. At first, this takes Looa aback, but she quickly composes herself.

“It killed them…,” the voice says as the sound reverberates around them.

Loona watches the tears flood from the child's eyes. She can feel the hate, torment, despair, and sadness flowing from the child's heart. It’s imprisoning them. That much is clear to Loona, but she knows this person has room to grow or process whatever horrible thing has happened to them.

Loona wonders if this is why these souls are trapped forever encase Nezemica’s fortress. This child’s anguish isn’t like Taylor’s. It’s rampaging in hate for fear. It’s stuck. Stuck in a time of pure sadness and horror.

“W-what killed them?” Loona asks, feeling pressure upon her, like something is wanting her gone and is fighting back.

The child sobs, and its expression becomes torn with pain. “An Anguish,” It replies. “Let me show you…”

The red hue around the child expands, and behind them, a scene begins to unfold. From the pure darkness, light forms into shapes and then into buildings. A dark night sky, complete with rainfall, fills the area, and Loona can feel the biting wind against her face.

A scene of destroyed buildings forms around them with such detail it’s like they are actually there. Then, a loud thumping sound vibrates in Loona’s chest. Terrified at what she sees, an Anguish five times the size of Taylor's crashes through one of the buildings in front of them.

The child screams out in pure agony as Loona watches the Angush move away from the destroyed building. Glancing at the child, they are crying harder. She then looks back at the building as rubble settles.

“There,” the child says through its tears and points at the building just demolished.

Loona gets to her feet, bravely moves through the biting rain and wind, and steps into the building. In front of her is that same child, but it’s a memory. They are desperately trying to move a large slab of bricks. Blood surrounds the scene, seeping out from under the fallen bricks.

“Mommy!” the child screams. “Mommy! NO! DON’T LEAVE ME!”

Another ice-cold jolt to the heart. Loona understands what’s happening. The child is forced to relive this moment on repeat. Loona can barely hold herself together as the boy's hands begin to bleed as he tries to franticly dig for his mom, crushed under the fallen bricks.

Instantly, Loona is thrown from the memory. Like she’s been hit by an invisible truck, she’s winded and hits the floor behind her like a ragdoll. Fortunately, other than being a little shocked, she’s unhurt and quickly gets to her feet.

“Mommy!” the boy screams out as the red hue around him glows yet even more powerful.

Loona slowly approaches, clutching at her own heart as the agony of this child's memories begins to force Loona to relive her own times of anguish. However, she’s not going to give in that easily. She can still feel the boy’s heart desperately calling out for help.

Loona battles the forces working against her and drops to her knees in front of the child. The boy doesn’t even look. He just continues to howl out in pain. Loona throws her arms around the boy and brings him in close. She embraces him tight, just like his mother would have in the past.

Loona begins to glow a faint pink color as the boy cries into Loona’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry that happened,” Loona says to the child, holding him tighter. “I want you to live the rest of your life in honor of your family. Be strong and let your love for them guide you out of this sadness.”

Loona feels her heart connecting to the boys. She begins to glow a stronger pink color. The boy’s crying slows, and the red hue surrounding him begins to fade.

“H-How can I live without her?” the boy asks with a whimper.

Loona strokes the boy's hair to comfort him. “it’s going to be hard,” Loona says honestly. “But, I’m here for you. Together, we will get past this, and you will live your life and make them proud.”

The boy fidgets in Loona’s arms as her pink glow moves from her to him. She can feel him breaking free. “What’s your name, child?” Loona asks.

“Akar,” the boy replies.

Loona smiles, and their hearts connect as one. Loona gasps as it becomes clear how long this child has been trapped here. She can’t tell how old he is, but she guesses it might be many years since the incident that played out behind her actually happened.

“Akar,” Loona says softly, allowing her magic to break him free from the despair and anguish that encases his heart. “There’s a young man who works in my tavern. He makes very nice cakes. I’d like for you to try one one day.”

“Mommy used to make me cakes!” Akar replies in honest delight.

Loona grins. “I know,” she answers. “I can feel the love your mother gave you. I can see the memories you cherish the most. I want you to live on and remember her. Can you do that for me?”

The red hue surrounding the child all but disappears. “Y-you promise I can try one?” the boy asks as his voice begins to sound normal.

“Yeah, kid,” Loona answers, allowing herself to let him go. “I’m sure Katie would be honored for you to try them!”

A small smile forms across Akar’s face and his eyes turn pink and then quickly revert to normal. Loona can’t help but gasp as Akar’s bright eyes look at her in hope. “Thank you,” Akar says as he begins to fade away into the darkness.

Loona is then ripped from that world, and she gasps for air. Her eyes bolt open, and she finds herself sitting in Lance’s office aboard the Apex. Lance, fearing for Loona’s safety, fusses over her, but Loona has to shake off what she’s just experienced.

“That was crazy to watch!” Lance explains in excitement. “One minute, you’re bright pink, and the next, you look like you're struggling and surrounded by a blood-red color.” Lance is so excited he continues, but doesn’t notice Loona crying. “The next minute, you’re a bright pink color, and I can barely look directly at you!”

Loona wipes the tear from her eye. She can’t believe for one second what Akar had to deal with. What Akar was forced to relive over and over again.

“L-Lance…,” Loona says, stopping him midsentence as he continues to gush over Loona’s powers. “Search for a small boy around the barrier. I can feel his heart. He’s confused. We need to save him.”

Lance gives Loona a bemused look, but he can tell Loona is serious. He reaches for his radio. “Reacon,” he commands. “Scopes down around the barrier base. Is there a small child?”

“Roger,” a voice returns. “Searching.”

Nothing is said between Loona and Lance for those long moments as they await a response, but eventually, the voice replies, “Yes. Yes, a small boy can be seen around the base. How did you know? We’ve barely been able to make him out!”

“Send someone down to save him,” Loona says sharply.

Lance looks around, confused for a moment, but he’s deep in thought. “Ops team,” he says down into the radio. “Take one of the landing craft down to the base and secure that child. Reacon, instruct ops on the location. Take suppression arms.”

“Roger, Roger,” two voices reply in confirmation.

Lance slowly lowers the radio to the desk. He then looks at Loona in determination. “Is…is it working?”

Loona again wipes a single tear from her eyes. “I think so.”

“Sir!” a voice from the radio calls out. “Reacon is reporting that the barrier’s stability has dropped a few percent. Whatever it is that Loona is doing, it’s working!”

Lance grins wide. “Seems so, Loona. Seems so.” He stands up straight. “Can you continue?”

Feeling the hope growing in Lance’s heart, Loona can’t help herself. “Yes!”

The radio blares out once again. “Barrier strength reading at sixty-nine percent, Sir.”

Lance looks at Loona, and she’s pale. It’s been hours since she started, and the cycle keeps repeating itself. Loona connects with yet another individual trapped in the barrier. Another lost heart, desperate for help. Tears dribble from her lifeless face as she fights with her heart magic works to free them.

Lance wipes away the tears rolling down Loona’s face with his fingertips. Her once rosy red cheeks are cold and pale. He can tell that she’s getting weaker with each passing connection. Each person freed from that hell is taking its toll.

Lance steadies his resolve as he waits patiently for Loona to come around. He stands and looks outside a small porthole in the office wall and glares down at the barrier below.

“I can’t believe that thing is made from humans,” Lance says to himself as his breath condenses on the window pane. He continues to study the barrier, and he’s sure he can see faint signs of the castle below it. “Just a little more now, Loona.”

Causing him to jump, Loona gasps for air like she’s woken from a nightmare. Lance rushes to her side and gets onto his knees. “Loona?” he says, taking hold of her cold hands.

Loona is silent. Her body begins to shiver as she stares vacantly at the wall.

“Are you okay?”

Loona lowers her head, and tears drop from her face and onto the hands that Lance clutches tight. She lets out a long breath, and her entire body reacts and shakes. Almost like she’s having an adrenaline rush.

“T-Tell me…?” Lance says softly, desperate to help but unsure if he wants to know the details of this latest human tragedy that Loona has been forced to experience.

Loona looks away and scrunches her face tight. More tears dribble from her closed eyes. “Kids,” Loona mumbles before turning to look at Lance. The once bright and hopeful gleam in Loona’s eyes is beginning to fade. She looks tired and almost like her life force is depleted. “Murdered,” she says as tears stream from her eyes.

“We should stop,” Lance says, giving Loona a soft smile.

Loona’s expression becomes irritated, and she swipes her hands from Lance’s grasp. “I can’t stop!” she growls in frustration. “Those people down there are living in a never-ending nightmare. I can’t just stop when I’M the only one who can help them!”

Lance is speechless. He can see how tormented Loona is becoming, but there’s a formidable determination in her eyes. He thinks she looks almost possessed.

“Sir!” the radio buzzes into life once again.

Lance stands and watches Loona with worry as he makes his way over to the radio. “Go ahead,” Lance replies into the radio.

“Barrier strength sixty-four percent,” the recon team replies.

“Roger.”

Slowly, Lance places the radio down on the desk, and Loona’s silence worries him. He shifts his weight onto one leg and gives her a concerned look. “Loona. Let’s stop for now. We’ve done good work today, and I think it’s time for you to rest.” He once again reaches for the radio. “Lance to bridge—”

“Put that radio down!” Loona spits in anger.

Lance is shocked at first but then just confused.

“Captian….?” The bridge replies on the radio. “You’re orders, sir?”

The static of the open radio channel is the only thing that can be heard as Loona stares Lance down. Lance looks into Loona’s eyes and only sees the deepest and darkest black staring back at him.

“L-Loona…?”

“Put the radio down before I kill you!” Loona spits in reply.

“W-what!?”

Over the years, Lance has seen so many atrocities. Lost so many of his friends and family in service of keeping Nezemica and her Anguishes out of the city. But, he’s never felt such melancholy. He looks at Loona’s angry face, and it’s like all hope in the world is gone. He can tell something isn’t right.

Unable to think or move, Lance just continues to look into the black of Loona's eyes. He feels pressure on his heart, trying to squeeze it tight. Then, just as he feels something is trying to invade, Loona’s eyes begin to weep, with blood sliding down her cheeks.

“Loona!” Lance cries out in fear for her.

Loona’s face sharpens, and a sinister grin works its way across her face. Blood still streaming from her eyes, Loona begins to talk with someone else’s voice.

“Captian,” the voice says, using Loona’s body as a vessel. “Thank you for bringing her here. Seems the tavern has found itself a new witch.”

Loona licks her lips, tasting the blood coming from her eyes. “She’s a strong one,” the voice says in an almost humours manner. Very different to the other cowards who inherited this power before her.”

“Who are you?” Lance asks, desperate for answers. “I know that’s not Loona talking!”

“Hush, child,” the voice replies, making Loona lick the blood on her face a second time. “This is between us grown-ups.” Loona’s hand reaches out towards Lance and splays out its fingers. Seconds later, Lance can’t breathe, and it feels like someone is crushing his organs.

“Nez…em…ica……” Lance stutters as he blacks out and falls to the floor like ragdol.

Meanwhile, unaware of what’s happening to her body, Loona finds herself surrounded by darkness. She can’t see or hear anything. She can’t even hear herself breathing. However, she can feel a powerful presence nearby. It doesn’t feel like a person to her but a strong and very intense emotion.

Loona walks blindly in the darkness, trying to seek out the emotional presence. As she walks, her body begins to feel heavy and weak. The emotion she’s trying to find makes her feel cold and hopeless until, eventually, she stumbles across a small pin of light.

Running in its direction, Loona cries out, “I’m coming to help!”

As she gets closer and closer, an object bathed in light starts to emerge from the darkness. As she gets closer, a full-length mirror comes into view. Loona slows and approaches cautiously. From the mirror comes a strong sense of dread. The emotion she feels is dysphoric.

“Loona,” A voice says deep within Loona’s head that it appears to come from every direction. It’s not a voice she’s ever heard before, but it fills her heart with dread and fear.

Loona looks into the darkness surrounding her for any signs that someone is there with her, but the only thing she can see is the mirror.

“Before you approach your truth,” the voice says slowly and softly. “Let me offer you the chance to understand the immense power you’ve been blessed with.”

Loona feels a weight on her heart. It’s a penetrating feeling, and it reminds her of her own past before becoming the witch of the tavern. She clutches at her chest and struggles to breathe. “W-who are you?”

“I’m like you,” the voice replies.

“A heart witch?”

“Yes…”

“Why are you doing this!” Loona replies through gritted teeth. “Nezemica!”

“Very good,” the voice replies with a light but sinister chuckle

Loona becomes angry, and she can feel her heart thudding hard in her chest. “WE ARE NOTHING ALIKE!”

“Tsk, child,” Nezemica replies as her voice echoes deep in Loona’s head. “We are everything alike. You, like me, have the ability to change people's hearts. I wonder, silly child, have you considered what your power is truly capable of beyond the few magic tricks you’ve already pointlessly performed?”

“I’m saving people!” Loona shouts out into the darkness

“Are you?” Nezemica replies with a laugh. “How noble of you.” Nezemica’s laugh gets louder and louder, and it forces Loona to cover her ears in an attempt to drown out the noise. “Child, how can you save people from themselves….?”

The image of the child Loona saved flashes into her mind. First, she sees him living in his own personal nightmare. Then she sees the boy smile before his smile turns to a look of pure hatred.

“That boy,” Nezemica says in a condescending tone. “You saved him from reliving that hellish nightmare, didn’t you?”

“I did!” Loona barks, stamping her foot and shaking the image of the boy from her vision.

“Ah, but now he doesn’t have my connection anymore to keep him safe,” Nezemica says as a ghostly hand appears from the darkness to touch the area of Loona’s chest directly where her heart is. “He no longer has your connection for guidance either.” Nezemica giggles before continuing to show Loona image after image of the child.

“Look, Loona. Look at the boy growing older with that hatred poisoning in his heart. It’s going to fester until he becomes yet another anguish.” The vision of a massive anguish rampaging through the city, killing hundreds of innocent people, plays in Loona’s mind.

“Tut, tut, tut,” Nezemica says as Loona watches that same boy murder and destroy. “Now, if only one of us had kept that boy under control. All those people didn’t have to die.”

“What are you saying!” Loona screams, shaking the images from her head.

“We aren’t here to ‘help’ people, Loona,” Nezemica explains slowly. “We’ve been given these powers to control people. Without me, this word would be an endless swirl of sadness, grief, injustice, and, ultimately, death.”

Silence for a moment as Loona looks at the mirror, almost floating in the darkness around her.

“Think about it, Loona,” Nezemica continues. “All those people in your life that teased and bullied you for the way that you are.” Nezemica pauses and lets out a moan of pleasure as Loona begins to remember. “Yes….,” Nezemica giggles in delight. “They are weak people desperate for someone or something to direct them. They yearn for freedom from their own worthless misery and pain. They want to be free of their pointless existences. You and I can give that to them. We can use our heart connections to free them from themselves. We can take torment and pain from this world and trap it away!”

Loona shakes her head violently. “W-what are you saying!!??”

“Join me, Loona. Use your heart connection to control the world with me. We will save every living person on this planet from living out a worthless  and tormented existence!”

Loona stares off into the darkness. Memories of her gender dysphoria come to the forefront of her mind. The emotion fills her heart and torments her from within. She wouldn’t force this feeling upon her worst enemy. Would she really be able to save others from ever feeling such?

“Yes….,” Nezemica says with glee. “You know your own torment, don’t you, child? Every single heart in existence is just as tormented as you were. Each person can be saved from such strife if you only submit your powers to me. Think about it, Loona. You want to help others. Let me take away the illusion of life and allow me to make everyone free from their inner anguish.”

“S-submit…?” Loona asks

“Yes, child,” Nezemica says softly. “You’re powers were once part of me. I need what resides in you if I’m to free this world from pain.”

Loona’s face twitches as she feels Nezemica pulling at her heart. “The others….?” Loona asks. “The other heart witches in this world. What happened to them?”

“They all gave into the darkness,” Nezemica replies with spite in her voice. “Those who didn’t see my grand vision were consumed by their own anguish that I tried to save them from. Loona, I don’t want you to suffer from the same fate.”

Images of Katie, Gigi, Taylor, and all the others back at the tavern flash into Loona’s mind. She sees them tormented and in pain. She seems them crying out for freedom from this evil world. Loona breaks down at the site of her friends in pain. She clutches her face, and tears slide down her cheeks and fall to the floor.

“Yes, Loona…,” Nezemica cheers. “Your friends. You don’t want them to suffer more than they already have. Give in. Join me. We can make this world free of pain!”

Loona continues to weep into her hands. She knows their pain. She’s felt it with her own heart. She knows it all too well, and the thought of taking it from each and every one of them is tantalizing.

“That’s right, Loona,” Nezemica continues to gloat. “I can feel your heart agreeing with me. That boy, Katie. Don’t you think he’s suffered enough…?”

Loona thinks of where they found him. Sleeping rough in a cardboard box. Loona knows it’s unlikely that his family will ever accept him for who he is. Loona hasn’t the heart to admit that feeling to him, but now she thinks of it, it would be easier for Nezemica to take that pain from him.

“Yes….,” Nezemica’s voice rings in Loona’s ears. “That’s it, Loona. You agree. It’s better this way. Please, connect with my heart, and we’ll end everyone’s pain once and for all!”

Loona looks up and into the darkness. A faint figure appears above her, reaching down as if it wants to take Loona from his place and save her. A single teardrop falls to the floor around her, and Loona reaches into the sky towards the ghostly figure. 

“I……”

From the thick void of shadow around Loona, the darkness begins to stir—rippling like black water disturbed by some ancient force. A low hum vibrates through the air, and then, without warning, a shape begins to form.

At first, it's only an outline—tall, regal, and impossibly still—but as it steps forward, the shadows peel away like old skin, revealing Nezemica in full. Her body is cloaked in twisting wisps of black smoke and her eyes burn with a deep crimson glow that pierces straight through Loona’s soul.

As Nezemica approaches, the air grows colder, and the weight in Loona’s chest intensifies until she can barely stand. When she speaks, her voice is a whisper and a roar all at once, echoing from every direction.

“Child,” she drones, “now see me for what I am.”

Like being chucked into a frozen lake, Loona is ice cold to the very core of her bones. Nezemica’s presence only reminds her of the evil in the world—like she radiates pain and suffering.

“Submit, Child,” Nezemica says softly at first, but her words echo in Loona’s mind, quickly becoming a deafening loud roar.

Yet, Loona clenches her fits and fights back.

Memories of her past claw at her with pain and sorrow, but they forge her resolve like steel in fire. Loona stands proud of the woman she is becoming—no matter how many years of anguish and emotional turmoil it took to get here—because every scar is proof of the strength she’s earned.

“B-Back off,” Loona howls, screaming as loud as she possibly can.

Nezemica’s presence is, however, like the weight of an ocean pressing down upon Loona’s body. Still, through sheer will of determination, Loona lifts a single hand in defiance. She’ll use whatever magic is left inside her to fight back against the person who has imprisoned all these souls in endless torment.

“You can’t have a dawn without enduring the dusk!” Loona roars, her voice echoing like thunder as she locks eyes with Nezemica’s burning crimson glare.

With a defiant snap of her fingers, a blazing wave of radiant pink energy erupts from Loona’s core, ripping through the air like a comet unleashed. Fuelled by the last flickering embers of hope and love still burning in her soul, the blast hurls itself toward Nezemica with explosive force.

Caught off guard by the sudden assault, Nezemica barely raises a barrier in time, conjuring it at breakneck speed with a flash of dark power. Loona’s radiant blast slams into it with thunderous impact, sending a concussive shockwave exploding outward, shattering the air and rattling the very fabric of the shadow realm around them.

“Loona….,” Nezemica tuts with a wag of a finger. “Why waste yourself on pointless attacks. I thought you wanted to help people.” Nezemica begins to pace around Loona like a tiger mocking its prey. “Don’t you want to help me rid this world of pain?”

Nezemica brings one of her manicured fingers to her lips with a playful giggle. “Well, how about I sweeten the deal?”

Driving her influence deep into Loona’s soul like a venomous spear, Nezemica unleashes a storm of torment, dragging buried memories of Loona’s former male self to the surface. Her mocking words echo like thunder, each syllable sharpened to cut deeper, feeding off Loona’s pain as if savoring every crack in her resolve.

“How about I remove the memories of you being a man—would that stop this futile resistance?”

Loona can barely look up—let alone see. However, Nezemica’s offer brings her some sort of comfort. Would it be better to forget her past and live carefree in a world without pain?

Loona is yanked into the haunting fragments of her past, forced to relive the days when she walked the world in a body that never felt like her own—each memory a razor-sharp reminder of the ridicule, rejection, and aching silence that carved wounds deeper than anyone ever saw.

Loona clenches her jaw and lets the pain engulf her.

Tears run from Loona’s eyes, steaming down her face to then drop from her chin.

“N-No….” Loona manages to speak—but her voice is weak.

Nezemica stops walking and smirks with delight. “What’s that?”

Anguish runs through Loona’s veins, but she still resists. “No!” she says louder.

“Child, are you a fool?”

“I’m ME!” Loona shouts, lifting her gaze to glare directly at Nezemica. “My Pain! My angush!” Loona belts in her direction. “It’s all me!” she groans, resisting the pain being inflicted on her by her own memories. “All the fear, confusion, and sadness from my past is what makes me—me!”

Feeling a resurgence, Loona begins to take control of her own anguish, and she starts to battle against Nezemica’s control. Slowly getting to her feet, only twitching from the pain being administered, Loona stands in defiance.

Blood dribbling from her nose and her ears, Loona glares with steely intent.

“I AM WHO I AM BECAUSE OF WHO I WAS!” Loona roars, unleashing a blinding eruption of pink heart magic that shatters Nezemica’s grip on her like glass under a hammer. “MY PAIN ISN’T A WEAKNESS. WHAT TRIED TO BREAK ME ONLY FORGED ME INTO SOMETHING STRONGER.

With a fierce cry that echoes through the void like a battle hymn, Loona surges forward, her hands blazing with brilliant pink light as her heart magic flares to life. Every beat of her heart pulses through the air, raw and defiant, as shimmering energy spirals around her like a storm. She thrust both palms forward, releasing a barrage of radiant blasts—each one fueled by her love and her anguish—as one and the same.

One beam strikes Nezemica square in the chest, staggering the shadow-clad witch and cracking her armor of darkness with a flash of blinding light. Another strike follows, slamming into her side and sending a ripple of distortion through the realm.

But Nezemica only laughs and wafts away Loona’s attacks with one flippant flick of her wrist.

The shadows surge back stronger than ever, swallowing Loona’s light like a void devouring flame. She pushes harder, pouring the last of her energy into one final, desperate blast—but it fizzled against Nezemica’s rising strength.

The power drains from Loona’s limbs, and she drops to one knee, gasping, sweat and tears streaming down her face. Her magic flickers and dims, leaving only the sound of her ragged breath and the cold, oppressive presence of Nezemica looming ever closer.

“Child,” Nezemica laughs, clapping her hands together with a quiet happiness. “You truly are different from your counterparts. Such emotion burns inside you. It’s a talent to combine your joy and your sorrow into one.”

Nezemica holds one hand out towards Loona. Her thumb and her middle finger are poised to snap her from existence. “It’s a shame that you haven’t taken me up on my offer, young lady. We could have done brilliant things.”

Nezemica tuts once again, and she looks away. “It’s a real shame you’re not mature enough to see what I’m trying to achieve.” She looks into the sky and lets out a long breath. “…and now I have to kill you.”

A smile creeps across Nezemica’s face as Loona meets her gaze. Loona knows what’s coming, but her body can’t or won’t move. Her fate is sealed and when Nezemica clicks her fingers, she will be no more.

Loona thinks of the gang, and those fleeting memories allow her to crack a smile of joy in her final moments. It was her dream to own a tavern for her and her buddies to drink. A dream—that came true.

“Goodbye, Loona.”

Not unlike the attacks Loona fired in Nezemica’s direction, a bright flash of crimson red forms a wave as thunderous magic hurtles from Nezemica’s finger click aimed in Loona’s direction

The ground shakes, and the blinding light engulfs everything around it. Loona has nothing left to defend herself, so she allows herself to smile as she braces for death.

“Take care of the tavern,” Loona says under her breath as thoughts of Gigi ring in her mind. “I will miss you.”

“L-Loona…!?” Gigi’s voice echoes in Loona’s mind—like a memory, but ever-present. “I see you!” Gigi’s voice purrs in delight.

Nezemica’s attack crashes into Loona with a cataclysmic force, sending violent shockwaves rippling through the very fabric of reality. Magic scorches the air, a chaotic dance of swirling pink and crimson flames. The impact is direct and overwhelming. No one could have survived the savage attack.

As Nezemica ambles, a sinister smile tugs at her lips as she watches the smoke billow, waiting for the moment it clears, eager to claim victory and stand triumphantly over the lifeless form of the very last heart witch.

“Loona…..” Gigi’s voice softly grazes the void between Nezemica and where Loona once kneeled in agony

“Loona….” Gigi’s voice repeats—as if he was trying to wake Loona from a nightmare. As if he was trying to save her life.

“Loona, wake up….”

Nezemica is agitated by the words. She looks all around her—confused as to its origin. As the smoke clears and the dust settles, something or someone stands between the two witches—like a barrier of hope.

Loona’s eyes clear and in front of her stands the bare feet of a man. Loona can’t help but notice how unkempt they are, with cracked heels, dirt caked into every crevice, and nails jagged and yellowed from years of neglect.

Whoever they are—they saved her.

“Loona?” the man standing in front of her says softly. “You need to get out of here. You have no idea how much I’m depending on you.”

Unsure as to what’s happening, Loona looks up at the man. His face is shadowed by the crimson light radiating from Nezemica, but Loona can just about make out his eyes. They are feline-esk. They are warm, comforting, and somewhat familiar.

“G-Gigi…?” Loona gasps, looking upon the figure standing as protection between her and Nezemica. “Is that you!?”

However, the figure looks away and stands strong against another one of Nezemica’s incoming attacks. It hits like a clap of thunder from the heavens, but the figure stands strong, deflecting all of her pure evil away from Loona.

“YOU!” Nezemica spits in fury. “You’re the vile beast that’s kept me from the city all these years! I’ve waited so many years to be face to face with you—you mistake!”

“Loona,” the man says softly as he once again shields himself from Nezemica’s flurry of attacks. “I can only hold her for so long. You must leave this place and return. Our world needs you.”

“Gigi…!?” Loona asks once again, hearing the voice of her tavern cat in the man. She’s certain it’s him but in some sort of corporeal form.

A flash of brilliant crimson light pushes back against Gigi, burning his skin, but he stands strong.

“Loona,” Gigi turns his face to the side so he can look Loona in the eyes. “This is where our friendship ends. It’s been an honor for me to serve you as the very last heart witch. I’m counting on you to bring this world back from the edge of despair!”

“W-What are you saying!?” Loona cries out as Nezemica blasts Gigi to his kneels. Swirls of golden magic stream up from Gigi like his very soul is being torn to shreds.

“Go, leave this place!” Gigi shrieks as another attack rips the flesh from his body. “Go back to the tavern!”

“Gigi, no!” Loona shouts as tears drip stream from her eyes. “We can fight her—together!”

Taking in a deep breath, Loona summons all of her strength to try and stand tall against Nezemica’s attacks. Helping Gigi is the only thing on her mind—even if her body is broken and her soul depleted.

As Loona rushes toward Gigi, who trembles on shaky legs, he turns to look at her. Tears stream down his face, but they don’t match the soft, bittersweet smile he wears—a smile that speaks of quiet resignation, a silent acceptance of whatever fate has in store.

“I’ll miss you too,” Gigi grins, wafting a paw in a last-ditch attempt to force Loona to leave this space.

Loona is violently yanked backward, her body hurled through the air. In that final, heart-wrenching moment before darkness claims her sight, she sees a devastating blast tear through Gigi—his form engulfed in light, then gone, leaving behind only a swirling cloud of ashes where he once stood.

Loona’s vision blurs and fades, her scream ripping through the air in raw, desperate agony. Grief crashes over her like a tidal wave, drowning her spirit as darkness swallows the world around her. The only sound that remains is the frantic, thunderous pounding of her heart in her chest.

Then—calm. Silence and a bright light.

“Am I dead?”

“No.”

“Is Gigi still alive?”

“Hey, Loona…?”

“Yeah….?”

“No walking around naked now I’m gone, okay?”

“Gigi…?”

“Yeah?”

“Why’d you save me!?”

“Loona, I’ve waited for you for such a long time. Fulfill my master's dying wish and bring us peace.”

“What does that mean!? How!?”

“Goodbye, Loona….”

“Gigi!? No, you can’t die!”

“Gigi, I need you!”

Loona’s then gasps awake. Sunlight streams into her eyes, and above her, an unfamiliar ceiling hangs over her head.

It feels like waking from an endless nightmare—her body tingling with pins and needles as if reality itself is stitching her back together. Cold sweat clings to her skin, and a tremble runs through her as sensation creeps slowly into her limbs, leaving her shivering.

Then, the sounds of the room flood in. A rhythmic beeping.

“Loona!” Katie gasps, sitting beside her bed. “We’ve all been so worried!”

Slowly and with Katie’s help, Loona sits up in the bed. It’s a hospital room, and she has no idea how she got there.

“W-What happened?” Loona asks, looking into Katie’s eyes like she can barely believe he’s real.

“We don’t know,” Katie replies honestly, getting Loona comfortable as she sits up with her pillows that hold up Loona’s weakened body.

Katie then points at the door. “Lance is also in bad shape. They think you tried to kill him!?”

Loona’s eyes grow wide, and tears form. Memories of attacking him come to the forefront of her mind. They are memories she has, but she doesn’t remember doing such things to him.

Loona’s gaze lowers. Despair creeps in.

“Katie…,” Loona says plainly. “Where’s Gigi…?”

Katie is silent.

His silence tells all.

Loona stares blankly, her eyes flickering with sudden waves of sorrow. Gigi’s final moments rake at her heart like frost biting into a spring blossom.

Was it her fault? Was she not strong enough?

“L-Loona?” Katie leans in with an uneasy expression. “Did—”

Katie trails off. He can’t bring himself to finish the sentence.

“Gigi….?” Loona mutters before scratching harshly at her face. “Where is he?”

Katie hangs her head.

Loona’s heartaches, and she can’t seem to stop scratching. The itch just won’t go away. She draws blood on her cheek.

“I wasn’t strong enough, Katie. He died because of me….”

Loona’s fingers tremble as she drags her nails again across the raw skin of her cheek, the sting a dull whisper beneath the screaming in her mind.

“I couldn’t stop Nememica,” she chokes. “She’s too powerful. To shut off from reality. Maybe just too evil.”

“Loona, stop,” Katie whispers, stepping closer.

But she doesn't hear him. Loona digs harder now as if tearing away the flesh could erase the guilt. Her nails leave jagged streaks, blood mixing with salt as tears blur her vision.

“I wasn’t strong enough.” Loona’s voice cracks caught between a sob and a scream. “Katie, I wasn’t strong enough. T-They all got hurt because of me….”

Katie stands beside her in the bed, his hands hovering in hesitation before he finally grips her wrists, halting her savage itching.

“Stop, Loona!” he says, louder now, firm but not harsh. “You’re hurting yourself.”

A single tear rolls down Katie’s face. “You can’t fix this by tearing yourself apart,” he says, his voice softening. “Gigi wouldn’t want this. You know he wouldn’t.”

“I’m sorry,” Loona whispers again and again, the words barely audible.

Katie holds her wrists tighter. “I know,” he murmurs. “I was the last to see Gigi. He’d become very agitated and kept repeating that ‘it’s finally time.’”

Loona’s eyes grow wide.

“Loona,” Katie lets out a long breath and then slowly lets go of her wrist. “I think he knew what was going to happen. He told me that you would need us more than ever.”

Katie bites her bottom lip before looking up, deed into Loona’s eyes. “Everyone’s really scared, Loona. W-what happened out there?”

Loona’s lips part, but no words come out. Her mouth moves and then freezes. Her chest tightens. She stares at Katie, eyes wide and vacant, as if the words on her tongue are too heavy for her mouth to speak.

She failed. She couldn’t save them. She couldn’t save any of them.

She opens her mouth again, breath shaky. Her fingers twitch.

“I-I... I don’t know,” Loona finally croaks. “I remember screaming. And Nezemica….she—” Loona's voice cuts short. Her eyes dart to the floor, unfocused. “S-S…She’s more powerful.”

Katie reaches toward her again, but Loona flinches, clutching her arms as the sensation returns. This time, sharper and more intense.

“No—no, no, no…” she mutters, frantically dragging her nails up her forearms this time. The itch has moved. It’s everywhere. Beneath the skin. In her blood.

“Loona, look at me,” Katie urges, his voice shaking. “We need to get you out of here. The city is under siege, and they are blaming you.”

Loona’s heart sinks. “B-Blaming…?” she whimpers.

“Apparently, some ancient barrier protecting the city from Nezemica has been shattered. Anguish attacks are happening on the hour.” Katie rubs her face before looking away down at the floor. “We’ve all been ordered to evacuate into the heart of the city. The Vanquish Squad’s new leader thinks that’s the best place for us to make our last stand.”

“I need to help,” Loona says suddenly, forcing herself to move.

Her body shakes as she tries to fight her way out of the bed, clutching Katie’s shoulder for balance. “I n-need to stop Nezemica.

Katie stands with her, but he doesn’t let her move further.

“No,” he says, his voice low and burdened. “You can’t.”

Loona blinks. “What?”

“You’re not cleared to leave the hospital,” Katie explains plainly. “Loona… as soon as you’re stable, you’re being held for investigation.”

The world stills around her.

“What… investigation?” she asks, voice barely audible.

Katie’s jaw tightens. “They’re saying the Apex was sabotaged. That you sabotaged it in your attempts to aid Nezemica. They’re all saying that you’re corrupted.”

The air is yanked from her lungs, leaving her gasping in shock

“I—I would never—Lance is my—he was—” she stumbles on her own thoughts and feelings. “I-I...I would never. He’s m-my friend….Maybe more than a friend…..”

“I do know,” Katie cuts in, stepping forward. “But that’s not how it looks, Loona. You were discovered together. You were covered in his blood. And... no one else remembers what happened between you. Lance is yet to wake up.”

Loona almost goes into free fall. The weight of the world pressing down on her, she just stares blankly at the wall. For the first time, she can’t feel anyone’s heart. Not even Katie’s—like she’s subconsciously shutting herself down and closing herself away.

She’s falling into despair. Into Anguish.

Loona doesn’t speak. Her gaze is hollow, fixed on nothing. The silence stretches between them like a canyon. Her fingers twitch, but she no longer moves to scratch.

Katie shifts, reaching behind him to rummage through the satchel he’d dropped when he came in. “Erm, Loona,” Katie smiles softly, trying to lighten the mood. “I’ve got a new recipe for you to try. It’s a ‘feel good’ cupcake that I thought we could sell in the tavern.”

Fumbling in his satchel, Katie forces a smile as she struggles to find it.

Loona’s gaze doesn’t shift. She’s lost within herself.

Unable to find the cake, Katie instead, nestled deep in the bag’s corner, is a book. Worn, old, and slightly too large for the bag’s inner compartment.

“…What is this?” Katie mumbles, frowning. “I didn’t put this here.”

He lifts it slowly as the bindings would break. The cover is soft leather, faded at the edges, the title etched in curling silver letters:

The Kind Witch and Her Shadow

Loona’s eyes blink. Her head tilts slightly.

“There’s a note on this,” Katie says to himself as he begins to read it. “Too Loona, from Gigi.”

Confused, He holds it out to her.

“The Kind Witch and Her Shadow…” Loona reads, barely breathing. “D-Do you know this story.”

Katie shakes her head. “Sounds like a fairytale. But it’s not one I’ve ever been told.”

Loona takes the book into her hand. She opens the cover, and instantly, she feels the warmth of Gigi’s company, if only for a split second.

On the first page, in spidery handwriting, a dedication reads:

“If you’re reading this, you are the one I’ve spent hundreds of years waiting for.”

Loona stares. Her heart skips a beat.

Katie steps closer. “Loona?”

She turns the page and reads the story allowed.

Once, in the long-forgotten hush between mountains and sky, there lived a wandering witch. She brought a simple promise: “I will bring happiness to even the hardest of hearts.”

One day, she came upon a town soaked in sorrow. Its people walked with bent backs and hollow eyes. Laughter had become a ghost, joy a memory too distant to touch. The witch, moved by the ache in their hearts, stepped into the square and raised her voice.

“Let me ease your burdens,” she said. “Let me mend what grief has torn.”

And so, she stayed.

For years, she wandered from door to door, casting no grand spells but listening, holding hands, speaking gentle truths. She healed old wounds not with magic but with kindness, soft as candlelight. The townspeople began to smile again. They planted flowers. They sang to their children. They forgot what sorrow felt like.

But even light casts a shadow.

As the seasons turned and her soul grew thin with giving, a small kitten appeared at her feet with eyes as black as coal. The witch did not question its coming. She was too tired.

The kitten curled beside her wherever she went. It purred sweetly, followed her like a shadow, and then, one day, it hissed at a weeping child. Days later, it clawed a man’s face. It grew, week by week until it was no longer a kitten but a wild thing with teeth like knives and a voice that sneered.

“Why do you take the burden of their sorrow?” it asked. “You take their suffering, witch, and make it your own.”

The townsfolk began to fear the cat, but they said nothing—for the witch still brought them peace. And always, the cat sat at her feet.

But the witch knew. She knew it grew with every person she helped.

However, the witch continued. Growing weaker as the cat only grew stronger and louder in his convictions.

“Witch, you will fall into despair,” the cat told her. “You must leave them or fear losing yourself.”

The witch, however, had grown accustomed to her status as a hero among the people. She wouldn’t heed the cat's warning. She lived for the happiness in their hearts, ignoring the depths of sorrow building within hers.

One night, under a pale and sorrowful moon, she lured the cat into an old stone house at the edge of town. She spoke a spell made of her own blood and memory, slicing through herself with words sharper than any blade. The cat screamed—not with pain, but in utter despair—and she locked it inside, sealing the door with iron and her last ounce of will.

From that day forward, the witch was never the same.

Her laughter grew crooked. Her thoughts tangled like thorn vines. Without the cat, she was whole. She wandered the streets speaking riddles, forgetting names, blessing birds, and cursing bread.

The townspeople, once full of gratitude, turned their eyes away. They whispered, then shouted. And in time, they banished her and drove her from the town she had saved.

And in that sealed house at the edge of the forgotten town, the cat waits.

Waits for a heart that will connect them once again.

Loona’s voice trails off in thought. “A heart that will connect them once again…..”

“L-Loona…?” Katie asks, watching Loona slowly close the storybook. “Is that story about Gigi? Is Gigi the cat in the story?”

“A heart that will connect them once again…..?”

Loona turns to Katie, who’s found the cupcake with a heart on it and is holding it out towards her.

“Katie,” Loona looks at the heart on top of the cupcake Katie has lovingly made for her. “I think Gigi might still be alive!”

Katie’s face lights up before quickly becoming confused. “W-what?”

“Nezemica….,” Loona begins to softly smile. “Her heart. I felt it. Made of stone. No happiness. Not an ounce of her wanted me to help her—so I couldn’t.”

“Okay….?” Katie scratches her face. “Do you think Gigi’s inside Nezemica?”

“Yes!” Loona shouts out, throwing one arm into the air before winching in pain. “I don’t fully understand it right now, but I think Gigi’s sacrifice had to happen. He’s created the bridge I need to connect with her heart directly!”

Loona tries to get up but instantly collapses in the bed.

“I…,” she winches in pain. “I need Lance. We need to face Nezemcia one more!”

A little awkward on her feet, Loona brushes down the skirt of her dress before giving Katie an enthusiastic thumbs up.

“Good choice of the dress, kid,” she says with a curtsey. “Excellent thinking to bring one. I wasn’t about to go and save the city in my hospital gown with my ass hanging out…”

Katie giggles to herself, covering her mouth. “Gigi would have liked that.”

“What’s that, Kiddo?”

“Nothing,” Katie smiles as if ice wouldn’t melt. “Are you ready?”

“I think so,” Loona ties back her hair into pigtails. “Right,” she leans in, having done so. “What’s the plan. We need to get to Lance’s room first, right?”

“Uh-huh.”

“So….,” Loona rolls her lips and looks around. “How are you planning to get me out of here. Didn’t you say I’m under guard or something?”

“Awaiting trial, yes,” Katie says with an innocent nod. “But don’t worry. We’ve got a plan…!”

For a moment, they simply stare into each other’s eyes. A wide smile spreads across Katie’s face as a blush colors his cheeks.

“Well…,” Loona pokes playfully at Katie’s forehead. “Are you going to tell me or are we just going to look lovingly into each other's eyes…?”

“Oh, yeah,” Katie reaches for his bag and starts looking inside. Eventually, he pulls out two more cupcakes, similar to the one he brought for Loona; however, these ones have stars on top of the icing.

“More cake…?”

“Yup,” Katie nods.

Loona stifles a laugh. “So, are we going to feed Nezemica until she’s fat enough to eat?”

Katie gazes down at the floor before innocently smiling. “Do you think that would work?”

“Maybe?” Loona pats Katie on the head. “You are a very good cook, but maybe you should explain a little bit of the plan to me, eh, cutie?”

“O-oh… yeah,” Katie holds one of the cakes close to his face. “I’ve laced these two cakes with sleeping powder. We weren’t sure if you’d be able to use magic or not, so Jimbo, Joel, and Billy came up with Operation Citedal!”

“Oh,” Loona raises her eyebrows in thought. “Cool name. Seems my buddies haven’t lost the flair for a bit of drama! I was half expecting you to say…” Loona clears her throat and gets theatrical. “Operation Rolling Turd.”

Katie’s head tilts, just a touch, his smile small but warm. His eyes don’t leave Loona’s, shining with quiet relief.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, Loona,” he admits, as his cheeks turn pink. “I was…” Katie sharply looks away and kicks at the floor. “Worried I’d lost you too.”

Tears well in Loona’s eyes, reacting to Katie’s honestly. “Hey, Kiddo,” she says, holding a hand on his head. “Stop that now, okay. Operation Rolling Turd isn’t going to complete itself. We have to focus.”

“Operation Citadel,” Katie corrects. “Okay, yes, sorry,” he shakes his head. “You stay here. I’m going to offer the two guards outside these cakes. Then hopefully, we can escape this room without alerting everyone.”

“Gotcha,” Loona sits on the edge of her hospital bed. “Good luck, kid.”

Katie gives a reassuring nod and slips through the door, cradling the star-topped cupcakes in both hands. The muffled sound of friendly chatter drifts back through the closed door, followed by a short pause, then the dull thump of bodies hitting the floor.

Several seconds later, the door creaks open again.

Katie peeks in first before stepping back into the room with a triumphant grin plastered across his face. “They’re out cold,” he whispers. “Joel said the powder would take a minute, but wow… seems I really am a good cook.”

Loona raises an eyebrow, impressed. “No kidding. Operation Rolling Turd slides onwards.”

Katie laughs nervously, cheeks still pink. “Is it rolling or sliding….?

“Well,” Loona hops down from the bed and stretches, cracking her knuckles. “Either way, it’s on!” She approaches the door. “Right, where are they keeping Lance?”

“Erm…,” Katie follows behind as Loona peers out of the room and into the corridor.

“Coast is clear.”

“He’s on the floor above,” Katie says, following behind as Loona presses herself and her puffy dress against the wall.

“Copy that.” Loona waves Katie forward. “You take point, and I’m on six.”

“W-What?”

Loona, still pressed flat against the wall, stops shuffling forward and looks at Katie. “It erm…” she rubs her face. “You’re the leader, Katie. I’m following you.”

“Sure. Okay…” Katie scurries in front and starts looking around. “There are stairs here somewhere. I’m sure of it.”

Loona continues shuffling up the wall. “Private Katie. Your recon needs work.”

“I am pretty private about things, yeah,” Katie agrees, looking down the corridor. “I’m getting better, though.” He turns and smiles. “Thanks to you.”

Loona softly smiles at the innocence before her.

“It’s this way,” Katie decides, pointing to a turn just up from their position.

“Lead the way!”

Loona creeps after Katie, her skirt puffed out comically as she slides along the wall.

“Okay, this is ridiculous,” she mutters. “I like this dress, and I’m still very thankful I get to wear it, but I don’t recommend dresses like this become general issue.”

Katie turns to her, whispering, “You're doing amazing. You’re like Lolita, the spy princess.”

“Spy witch princess…?” Loona replies, in thought. “Wait, wait, wait,” Loona puts her hand out like she’s had a good idea. “My Spy name would be Agent Spyheart Witchington."

Silence falls between them as they reach the bend Katie had pointed to, where the corridor splits in two directions. Katie hesitates.

Loona squints. “Recon failing again?”

After a moment of fidgeting and spinning in place like a human compass, Katie lights up.

“Ha!” he exclaims in a whisper-shout, pointing at a dull sign marked Stairs that’s clearly seen better days.

Loona leans forward and pats him on the back. “Private Katie, we’ll make a spy out of you yet. You could be my sidekick. Special Agent K.T.”

At the top, Katie peeks around the corner and grins. “We’re here. That’s Lance’s room. Two guards again.”

“Let me guess…” Loona eyes his bag. “More cupcakes?”

“No,” Katie rummages in her bag. “I ran out of icing. They’ve got Pain-au-chocolats.”

“Pastry?” Loona asks, amused as Katie gets two from her bag. “Since when did you make those

“Joel taught me,” he explains. “Did you know he likes to bake?”

“Oh,” Loona shrugs. “Cool.” She then smiles wide. “Well, go on, Agent K.T., go administer the pastries of dooooom…..”

Katie gives Loona a thumbs up before stepping out with confidence, pasties in hand.

The guards glance over and relax when they see him.

“Oh, hey,” one says. “You’re that girl who’s been handing out snacks, right?”

“Yup!” Katie chirps. “Thought you both could use a treat. You’ve been standing there all day.”

The guards exchange a shrug, take the pasties, and bite in without question.

Moments later—thud... thud.

Loona strolls out, hands on hips. “Wow, that was quick.” Loona looks up and down the corridor, making sure the coast is clear. She then knocks gently on the door before letting herself in.

She finds Lance looking out the window of his room. His hospital gown is doing little to hide his modesty.

“Full moon tonight,” Loona teases. “Or you just wanna ass me a few questions…”

Lance looks around, and his face lights up. “Loona!”

Loona barely has time to step into the room before Lance crosses it in three long strides and throws his arms around her.

“Loona!” he says again, excitable, like a schoolgirl.

She opens her mouth to say something when Lance plants a sudden, passionate kiss right on her mouth. Instantly, she feels the warmth of his heart beating in his chest. The connection between them is effortless.

However, Loona’s eyes grow wide. Her whole body locks up, and she just stands there. Then she makes a small squeaky noise and her face flushes bright red. She gently pulls back, softly touching the lip he just passionately kissed.

“W-well!” she stammers, voice pitched an octave too high. “That answers my question. I thought you’d be mad at me.”

Lance grins sheepishly, his eyes shining as he pulls her into a tight hug. “Mad at you?” he asks, burying her head into his shoulder. “Nezemica possessed your body, Loona. She told me that herself. I’m just so happy you’re okay and that they haven’t taken you to this sham trial yet!”

Lance pulls away from the embrace but holds her shoulder as she looks deep into her eyes. “Katie here has explained everything that’s going on.”

Katie steps into the room and waves. “Hello, sir.”

“I’m ready to help with operation—”

“Rolling Turd,” Loona cuts him off and stifles a laugh.

“C…itadel….” Lance gives her an odd look but quickly shakes it off. “I’m ready, commander!” he says, saluting Katie, who goes a little shy.”

“Oh,” Loona says back at Katie. “You’ve been promoted.”

“Anyway…!” Lance raises his fist into the air. “I’m done with the hospital room and the endless questions. Let’s get out of here and show that old bitch what’s coming.”

“Erm….” Katie raises a hand and bashfully looks away.

“Sir,” he points in Lance's direction, but covers his face. “You’re erm….” Katie smiles a little. “You’re kinda naked. Maybe you should get dressed first?”

Lance looks down and slowly lowers his arm as he realizes his gown has risen up. “Y-Yeah…,” he replies, scratching the back of his head. “Erm, maybe…,” he points at the door. “Maybe one of those guard uniforms might fit me, huh?”

Loona quickly ducks out into the hallway and returns a moment later with a bundle of clothes. “Lucky for you, one of the guards was about your size.

Lance takes the uniform with a grateful smile. “Thanks. Turn around, will you?”

Loona dramatically places a hand over Katie’s eyes and pivots them both to face the corner. “You don’t wanna see this, Katie. It’ll give you nightmares.”

Katie struggles a little, as if he wants to see Lance dressing, and curiosity is getting the better of him.

They hear the soft rustle of fabric behind them. “You know,” Lance grunts, tugging up snug pants, “After that first night I met you, Loona. I never thought anything like this would happen. I feel so…” Lance pauses. “Naughty?”

“Ah,” Loona says, still looking away and holding Katie. “Going against orders….”

“Yes,” Lance agrees, before announcing. “I’m done. You ladies can look.”

They turn back to see him now buttoned up and surprisingly presentable. Lance looks down at himself. “Haven’t worn this uniform for years…”

Katie raises a timid hand. “I’m not a girl.”

“Oh,” Lance squints. “Sorry….”

“Suits you,” Loona remarks, straightening his collar. “Still not as nice as your puppy costume, though.”

“A-Ah….” Lance raises an eyebrow. “Indeed.”

Loona smirks. “Lenny…..”

Katie coughs awkwardly and gestures toward the door. “We should go. Now, before someone comes to check on the guards.”

The trio slips into the hallway, and Lance leads the way, walking with the confidence of someone who’s supposed to be there. At the same time, Loona and Katie fall in behind, heads down, trying not to draw attention.

They pass other patients, staff members, and security, but no one questions them. The hospital is loud with chaos. Alarms sound and radios crackle, with the buzz of overworked medics rushing between rooms. No one even glances twice at them.

Then, as they round the final bend near the front entrance, they see it.

People are injured, burned, bruised, or barely conscious. The emergency lobby is packed with makeshift beds and stretchers. Bloodstained bandages, panicked murmurs, and the low hum of fear hanging heavy in the air.

Loona stops in her tracks.

Katie gasps softly, covering his mouth.

Lance clenches his jaw.

From the hallway’s shadow, they watch as a mother clutches her whimpering child, his arm wrapped in cloth soaked with red. An elderly man is being wheeled in by a nurse shouting orders. Another patient collapses near the front desk and is dragged away by two medics.

“It’s all falling apart…” Lance mutters, guilt written across his face. “I s-should be out there defending the city with my troops.”

“Nezemica,” Loona whispers, her fists balled at her sides. “Why….!?”

Katie nods, silent and pale. “The anguish are running rampant, Loona. I’m surprised the tavern or any of the city is left standing.

Loona swallows hard and looks down at Katie. “How is the tavern?”

“Tabi’s looking after it while we carry out operation Citadel.” Katie furrows her brow. “We’ve battened down the hatches as best we can, Loona. We’ve even opened it up to those without homes, too.”

“Okay,” Loona nods, taking that in. She then looks up and around at the chaos unfolding. “Where next?”

Katie grabs hold of Loona’s hand. “This way. Joel, Jimbo, and Billy have a car waiting for us.”

Outside, the air is dense, heavy, and hot. It hits like a wall. Sirens wail in the distance, blending with the echo of screams and the dull, rhythmic thumping of something massive moving through the city.

The skyline flickers with orange light, distant flames licking the sky where buildings once stood proud. Even from here, they can see plumes of smoke rising from multiple districts.

Loona shields her eyes against the sudden brightness, her gaze darting across the parking lot. The hospital’s rear has become a chaotic sprawl of wrecked ambulances and hastily abandoned vehicles. Medical staff scramble to and from the loading bays, shouting over the overwhelming chaos around them.

Loona is silent, just vacantly staring, completely lost.

“Gigi…,” she says under her breath as regret fills her heart. “Saving me wasn’t worth it if it means this…”

Katie tightens his grip on Loona’s hand. “Come on!” he says, pointing. “I see the car!”

Among the debris, a single green truck waits. Its canvas roof suggests it’s a military vehicle, likely stolen from the Vanquish squad, as it bears their insignia on the side.

“Loona!” Billy rolls down the window and shouts “Get that fat ass over here!”

As they dash across the lot, a thunderous BOOM shakes the pavement beneath their feet. All three nearly fall as the shockwave ripples under them. A building to their right collapses in on itself, sending a cloud of ash billowing through the air like a volcanic sigh.

Before the dust cloud encompasses everything, Loona, Lance, and Katie hop in the back of the truck, slamming on the back of the cab to indicate to the guys to get moving.

The truck rears up as it speeds off in the opposite direction of the dust cloud about to encompass them. Katie sits, holding on tight, but both Loona and Lance peer out of the canvas door, watching the cloud fall into the distance.

Loona shakes her head. “These people are dying because Gigi saved me.” She turns and looks at Lance, her eyes misty. “I-I…I don’t know if I can—”

Lance places a finger on Loona’s lips, interrupting her before she can finish. With a stern expression, she slowly shakes his head.

“Don’t blame yourself,” he says softly, before lowering his head in shame. “If anything. It’s my fault.”

Lance takes his finger from Loona’s lip and holds his face as he slumps into a seat alongside the bed of the truck.

“I shouldn’t have invited you onto the Apex,” he thumps the seat next to him. “I was stupid to think I could win this war!” Lance thumps the seat again, making Katie jump and slide away. “I really thought we could end this. End all the suffering.”

Loona perches next to him. She places a hand on his knee. He looks up at her, tears in his eyes. “I just wanted to protect people. I didn’t know it had got this bad! They were trying to hide it from me!”

Their hearts connect once more—his pain, her pain, now indistinguishable. It pulses between them, a shared ache. Yet beneath it all, she senses something else stirring in him. A quiet hope. A steady, unwavering love.

Loona gently breaks the moment, pulling away from Lance with one final kiss. Her legs tremble as she rises, but she steadies herself and stumbles toward the hatch that leads to the truck's cab. With a few sharp knocks, she raps on the metal.

Moments later, the hatch swings open to reveal Jimbo, dressed in Vanquish Squad fatigues, a broad grin already on her face.

“Hi Loona,”

“Nice uniform, Jimbo,” Loona compliments.

“I look good, right?” Jimbo shows off her cleavage, waiting for Billy and Joel to disagree.

However, they don’t. Billy just stupidly smiles, and Joel continues to drive the truck.

“There’s no complaints here,” Billy eventually answers, looking Jimbo up and down. “I like a lady in uniform….”

That quickly lightens the mood. “So, Loona leans on the opening. “What’s the plan!?”

“Well…,” Jimbo tucks her hair behind one ear. “We’re going to stop Nezemica. Simple.”

Lance leans on the wall beside Loona. They share a glance and then a loving smile.

“Operation Citadel is almost half complete,” Lance nods at Loona proudly. “Thanks to Katie…”

They all look around, and Katie is just sitting in silence. Bashful, he looks up and smiles. “I just wanted to help,” he says, barely audible over the sound of the truck racing across the city.

“You did good, kid,” Jimbo peers through the opening and grins. “I knew you would!”

Just as the truck rounds a corner, Billy leans forward and points through the windshield.

“There!” he says. In the distance, the Apex comes into view.

Still stationed for repairs, its hull battered but unbroken. Flames from the burning city lick the sky around it, casting a flickering glow across the vessel's dark silhouette. Despite the howling wind and rising heat, it remains steadfast, tethered securely to its moorings.

From his place at the hatch, Lance catches sight of it and feels a flicker of hope stir in his chest.

“The Apex…” he murmurs, his voice quiet, almost reverent. “There she is,” Lance grins wide. “The old girl still got some fight in her yet!”

“Can you pilot that thing?” Joel questions firmly.

“Yes, sir,” Lance answers confidently. “You two gentlemen,” Lance then looks and Jimbo, “and lady. You’re going to help, right?”

“Roger that!” the three chirp, before Loona leans in.

“I see the plan now!” she says, before giving Jimbo a wry smile. “I can’t wait to kick Nezemica’s ass. But, guys? Who is Roger?”

Fire sweeps through the city, and violent winds tear across the skyline. From her vantage point on the drawbridge that connects the airport tower to the Apex, Loona waits and watches as the devastation unfolds. Smoke rises in heavy coils while the city burns in flame beneath her.

Katie gasps, “My goodness. Look at that one!” he points across the Apex’s stern at an anguish fifty feet in height.

It tears through buildings as its massive, black void of a body is lit only by nearby infernos.

“We can stop this, right?” Jimbo asks, shouting over the sound of the wind.

The drawbridge clanks down and rattles in the wind. The Apex shifts, turning and jolting as its vast frame strains against the firestorm. Heavy metal anchors groan, working overtime to hold the airship in place.

Billy and Joel race across the drawbridge, swiftly followed by Lance. Their military backgrounds clear to see. However, Jimbo, Loona, and Katie look at the devastation. It burns deep in Loona’s heart.

Even though she can’t hear the screams, she can feel them deep within herself, unable to help.

“We can do this!” Katie cheers, clenching his fist with determination. “If we take down Nezemica, surely all the anguishes under her control will disappear!?”

Jimbo puts a hand on young Katie’s head and pulls a dour expression. “What makes you so sure about that?”

“Something Gigi told me!” Katie grins, looking only at Loona.

Jimbo sighs. “You believe what that crazy cat told you? Y’know, Gigi once told me toothpaste is a form of mind control.” Jimbo lowers her head and wipes at her eyes, softly laughing. “You shouldn’t believe everything that silly cat tells you….”

“I believe you, Katie,” Loona says, making Jimbo look up and Katie smile. “I’ve touched the hearts of many of these anguishes Nezemica’s is sending to attack. They are trapped hearts, reliving their most painful memories over and over again. I think we take out the magic holding them to this world, they will disappear—finally able to rest in peace.”

“Girls!” Lance shouts from the now open entrance to the Apex! “This ain’t no time for a tea party! Come on!”

Katie pouts, “Who’s he calling a—”

“Let’s do this!” Jimbo interrupts, giving both Loona and Katie a resolute look before rushing towards the drawbridge. She looks around at Loona and laughs. “You be careful in that dress, Loona. That skirt might parachute you straight off the side!”

Loona chuckles, and then, slowly, hers and Katie’s eyes meet, and they share Jimbo’s determination. They both nod before Katie tries to board the Apex, only to be pulled back by Loona.

“Hey, oww.” Katie groans as Loona holds him back by the collar. “What are you doing?”

“Stop….” Loona pulls Katie off the drawbridge

“Loona!?”

“Katie…” Loona kneels in front of the young man and looks him in the eyes. “This is where operation rolling turd comes to an end for you.”

“W-What!?” tears well behind Katie’s eyes. “N-No! I’m coming with you! Gigi was my friend! My best friend! I want to help avenge him! I’m coming with you!!”

Their hearts connect, and Loona can feel Katie’s rage burning within, but she just slowly shakes her head and smiles wide.

“You’re a wonderful cook, Katie….” Loona explains, reaching up to touch Katie’s chin with her fingers. “We’re going to battle, kiddo. No place for someone like you.”

Katie bites his bottom lip hard, and a tear dribbles down his cheek. “I don’t care! I DO NOT care what happens to me! My family won’t care if I die, and at least that way, I get to fight alongside my friends before I do!”

Loona’s smile softens, and she can feel the determination rising within him. Yet, she just shakes her head again and touches his softly touches his cheek.

“Kiddo,” she says with a soft smile and a tear in her eye. “You’re family might not care, but I do.”

“S-Shut up!” tears stream from Katie’s eyes, and he looks away. “Just shut—”

“You might not think you matter, Katie,” Loona moves her face to look him in the eyes. “But you do. You matter greatly to me. I might not be your mother, but I love you as if you were my own son. That’s why you can’t come with us.”

A rush of wind rattles the drawbridge, and the Apex lists heavily, causing one of the tethers to snap with a metallic sonic boom.

“Loona!” Lance shouts over the commotion from the Apex entrance. “Get in here now! We need to take off now before the entire tower crumbles!”

Loona stands. “Yes, alright!” she screams back with all the grace of a bull, before turning her attention to Joel, “Oi, Joel!”

Joel, standing at the entrance to the Apex, looks up. “Yeah!?”

Loona waves him over, “I need a favour!”

Joel rushes across the drawbridge, battered by the strong winds. He stands before Loona and salutes, “Ma’am?”

“Take Katie back to the tavern.” Loona commands.

“NO!” Katie screams and tries to fight his way onto the drawbridge, only to be stopped by Joel. “I can help you defeat her!”

Katie thrashes in Joel’s grip, his voice cracking with fury and heartbreak. “No! Please, Loona! I can fight! I can help you! Don’t send me away like this!”

Loona kneels again, steadying him with both hands. Her voice is soft but firm, rising above the howl of the wind.

“Katie… you are needed more than you know. This city doesn’t just need warriors. It needs hope. And you can bring them hope with the comfort of your food. You don’t need to be a heart witch to make someone feel at ease in hard times.”

Katie sniffles, blinking through his tears. “I can’t do that! I…I….”

Loona smiles, brushing his damp hair back from his forehead. “Food is more than just food, Katie. It’s comfort. It’s family.” Loona smiles. “This is how I help you. Your heart never needed me, Katie. Deep down, you know what you need to do to….”

His lip trembles, his small fists clenching at his sides.

Katie breaks then, sobbing as he throws his arms around her neck. Loona holds him tight, burying her face in his shoulder for just a heartbeat, allowing herself that softness before the storm.

Joel steps forward and, with gentle strength, lifts Katie into his arms. The boy struggles, reaching desperately toward Loona, but his fight is already fading into tears.

“I’ll be back,” Loona promises, standing tall again as Joel carries Katie away across the drawbridge.

Katie’s cries echo until they’re swallowed by the storm. Loona turns, steadying herself, and steps across the rattling drawbridge and onto the Apex.

Lance watches from the entrance, arms crossed, his expression unreadable until she draws near. Then, with a wry smile, he says, “You’d make a great mother, y’know. That kid really wanted to help us. He’s not going to like being sent away.”

Loona exhales, her gaze drifting to the city ablaze below. “He’s a sweet kid. It’s for the best.”

The Apex shudders, another tether snapping free with a metallic scream. The storm howls, but inside Loona’s chest, a quiet resolve takes root. Katie will fight the way Katie knows how!

“Now….” Loona wipes at the tears in her eyes in frustration. “Guys, let’s get this floating balloon going! Less emotion, more action!”

Billy, Jimbo, Lance, and Loona push through the storm-lashed corridors of the Apex until they reach the cockpit. The chamber hums with power, every panel alive with blinking lights and levers trembling from the force of the winds outside.

Lance drops into the captain’s chair, hands sliding over the controls like they belong to him. “Come on, old girl! Don’t let me down now!”

Billy plants himself at the starboard navigation console, his fingers already dancing over dials. “Starboard systems ready…. I think.”

Jimbo claims port, gripping the handles so tight her knuckles whiten. “Port ready.”

Loona hovers at the back, bracing herself against the shaking walls as she eyes the towering storm through the cockpit glass.

Lance pulls at the helm, the Apex growling as its engines roar to life. The ship lurches, straining upward, but the whole vessel jolts violently, yanked back down.

“What the….?” Loona stumbles forward. “Lance! We’re still tethered!”

Instead of cursing, Lance throws his head back and laughs, eyes gleaming with reckless intent. “Relax, sweetheart. I’ve got this.”

He flips a series of switches, and with a low, mechanical rumble, the Apex’s side-mounted cannons emerge from their housings. Their barrels swivel with precision, targeting the thick metal tethers that bind the ship to the dock.

“Always wanted to do this,” Lance grins, slamming his fist onto the firing controls. “Fire!”

The guns thunder, spitting bursts of blazing light. One by one, the anchors shatter, snapping free in showers of sparks and twisted steel. Each explosion shakes the cockpit, the recoil vibrating through the ship’s bones.

The last tether gives way with a metallic scream, and suddenly the Apex lurches skyward. The entire frame shudders, tilting hard as it claws into the open air.

Loona loses her balance completely, hitting the floor with a heavy thud. “Ow! Damn it, Lance!”

Billy and Jimbo hang on for dear life, gripping their consoles with everything they have as alarms screech and lights flare across their panels.

But Lance is laughing like a maniac, hauling the Apex’s nose up toward the roiling clouds. “Now that’s how you take off!”

The Apex surges forward, its massive frame slicing through the smoke-filled skies. Wind lashes the glass, firelight dances over the cockpit, and in the distance, Nezemica’s castle awaits

However, as the Apex rises across the city with countless Angushes rampaging, Lance throws Loona a toothy grin.

“Let’s buy the city some time!” He shouts, smacking down on a button on his console. “Time for my Apex to show what she can really do!”

The Apex groans as Lance unlocks a hidden sequence on his console. Deep within the ship, something shifts. Heavy mechanisms grind and clatter, the sound echoing through the hull. The entire cockpit vibrates as if the airship itself is bracing for what comes next.

Loona steadies herself against the wall. “L-Lance….?”

Lance smirks without looking back. “Experimental vanquish weapon. Untested. Probably unstable. But better late than never!”

The floor trembles, a deep metallic thud reverberates upward, and then a low hum grows, resonating through the Apex’s frame. It feels like the airship has sprouted a second heart, one that beats with raw power.

Billy glances around, nervous. “Loona, your boyfriends gone crazy…..”

Loona blushes before stumbling forwards as Lance makes the Apex turn sharply towards the same fifty-foot Angush, tearing its way to the heart of the city.

“You ain’t getting anywhere near my family, monster!” Lance cries in rage, slamming his fist down in one swift motion.

The cockpit rattles as the weapon beneath them charges. The air prickles, every hair on their arms rising. Static electricity crawls along the windows as the hum builds into a piercing whine. Then, with a sudden release, a torrent of green lightning erupts from below the Apex.

The sky lights up emerald. The blast spears downward, striking the fifty-foot anguish rampaging through the city. The creature convulses as the energy rips into its void-black body, shoving it backward until it crashes into a row of crumbling buildings.

The shockwave rocks the Apex, causing Loona to stumble into the window. She presses her hand against the glass, staring wide-eyed at the glowing devastation below.

“Whoa,” she says, breathless. A grin spreads across her face. “Awesome! Wish we had weapons that cool looking back in the day.”

Jimbo tightens her grip on the port console, shaking her head. “Cool now, deadly later. That thing feels like it’s gonna tear the ship apart!”

Lance just laughs, hauling the Apex higher through the smoke. “She’ll hold!”

The Apex claws its way higher through the storm, its frame trembling with the aftershock of the vanquish weapon’s strike.

But for Loona, the chaos begins to fall away into the background.

Her breath slows. The roar of engines dulls to nothing. Lance’s laughter, Billy’s curses, Jimbo’s shouts, they all melt into silence.

Her hand lingers on the cockpit window, but beyond it, there is no skyline, no storm, no city. Only darkness.

And within that darkness, a faint heartbeat and the connection to another

It’s a connection that feels all too familiar, yet feels weak, detached, and like it’s fading away into the void.

Loona's eyes dart, but there is nothing to see. Only the pull of that faint rhythm, tugging at her heart. She closes her eyes, reaching inward, letting her heart connect.

“W-Who are you?” she asks the silence.

The heartbeat falters, fading like a candle in the wind. Then a whisper stirs against Loona’s soul, so faint she almost thinks she imagines it.

“Loona… save me…”

Through the darkness, the Apex drives nose-first towards Nezemica’s Castle. The airship lists and groans as its engines fight to overcome the invisible pressure pushing back upon it.

“Billy, Jimbo?” Lance calls out from the helm. “How are we looking?”

“We’re out of range of the city, but I’m trying to slow any and all Angush advances!” Jimbo cries out, firing her weapons frantically at the ground.

“Not so good ahead!” Billy sounds off. “Several are heading straight towards us. Must be at least fifty feet in size. Maybe nine hundred yards ahead. Lance, I doubt my guns can cut these ones down. We need to go around!”

“No,” Lance shakes his head and aims the Apex directly at them. “I’ll give those things a blast of my super cannon. I’m sure my Apex can handle it!”

Loona, standing at the observation window at the front, looks back over at Lance. “Super cannon?” she chuckles. “One hundred percent you’ve said that to a girl before, haven’t you, Lance….?”

“Hold on tight!” Lance shouts, slamming his finger down on the fire button. “I’m giving it my full load!”

Loona once again chuckles to herself as the Apex groans and the cannon, already once fired, moves into place with a heavy metallic thud. The Apex shakes and the lights dim as the cannon charges.

“Full load,” Loona mutters to herself, before grinning. “It’s like he’s trying to recreate the moment for us in real time….”

As Amused as Loona is, the decks start to shake, and a green flash builds directly in front of the Apex. All bracing themselves for the violent recoil, they grip down hard on anything nearby.

“Take this!” Lance shouts, slamming his fist down on the fire button.

A low rumble builds into a high-pitched buzz, followed by an anticlimactic hiss. Billy, Jimbo, and Loona exchange confused looks. The lights flicker, but no intense beams burst out like before.

“Fire!” Lance shouts, undeterred, slamming the button once again

Nothing but groans and metallic whines

“FIRE!” Lance repeats, now smashing the button with his foot.

Nothing, just a few flickering lights

“Oh,” Loona looks out the observation window to see the two large Anguishes getting closer. “Are we having performance issues, Lance?”

“No!” he screeches, slamming his foot on the fire console. “Fire you, piece of bloated government trash!”

Nothing.

“Lance!” Billy points ahead through the front windows of the cockpit. “We need to turn this bucket, or we’re going to crash. You’re super cannon’s gone flacid!”

“Shit!” Lance grips the wheel, about to hard astern.

“Wait! Loona closes her eyes and listens. “I can hear their hearts. I can hear them crying for help. I know we don’t have a lot of time, but I can help those two poor souls!”

Eyes now wide, scanning the cockpit, Loona looks for somewhere to sit, but all the chairs are taken. Looking at Billy, the closest chair to her, Loona rushes over, flips up the hem of her skirt, and sits directly on his lap.

“L-Loona!?” Billy gulps, unsure what to do with himself as Loona’s ass presses down on him.

“Hold me!” Loona commands, but then looks back and down at him with a cheeky smile. “But don’t get any ideas. I need you to hold my body while I connect with these two souls!”

Closing her eyes tight, Loona’s body goes limp in Billy’s hands. He does his best to hold her as the Apex buffers the oncoming Anguish presence.

“Whatever she’s going to do, she’s gotta do it quick!” Billy shouts with Loona’s back pressed against his face. “I can’t see my console now, but we were moments away from hitting them. Lance, turn this dam ship!”

“I-I….” Lance hesitates, looking at Loona’s body sitting in Billy’s lap. “Don’t you dare touch her inappropriately, Billy, or I’ll throw you off this ‘dam ship!’”

“Oh, like I would!” Billy replies childishly. “I still see this woman as one of my buddies. I don’t want to think of her having… those bits, so leave it out, lover boy. I ain’t touching your gal, okay!”

Lance’s cheeks burn bright red.

“S-She ain’t my—”

“Give it a rest, Lance,” Jimbo giggles from across the cockpit. “When this is all over, maybe you two can actually grow a pair and tell each other how you feel.”

Before any more words can be said, the Apex shudders and groans as one of the two Anguishes ahead disappears into the black of the night. The shock wave almost jolts Loona from Billy’s grasp, but he grabs her tight.

“Got an erection yet, Billy?” Jimbo throws him a cheeky glance. “She’s bouncing around in your lap like those girls did back on tour, remember?”

Billy glares back. “No, I do not have an erection.” A smile tugs at his lips. “Loona’s got such a fat ass she’s cutting off the circulation!”

Lance is about to agree with Billy, before the Apex shudders once again, losing some altitude in the process. Steadying the ship, Lance lets out a wild laugh as the last remaining Anguish in their path evaporates before their eyes.

“Did she do it…?” Billy asks, face still pressed into Loona’s back as he holds her. “I can’t see!”

Loona, now regaining some consciousness, groans.

Billy loosens his grip around her waist.

“Murdered right in front of them….” Loona murmurs, her head still flopping as the Apex lists gently in the aftermath

“Lovely….” Billy complains, letting Loona slide from his lap. “Now, get your fat ass off me and let me do my job, woman. We wouldn’t have gotten away with this back in the core!”

Loona, barely able to stand, holds herself up on Jimbo’s console. “My god.” She rubs her head and tucks her hair behind one ear. “The father cheated, causing the mother to confront him, only to be murdered in front of her twins.”

Lance points out the front of the cockpit window. “Those two huge anguishes were the children?”

Loona lowers her face to the floor as she stands straight. “Y-Yeah….”

“That’s rough,” Jimbo looks across the cockpit. “You okay, Loona?”

Loona wipes a tear from her eye. Then, with her fists clenched, she looks up at Lance and smiles. “Captain!?”

“Y-Yeah?”

“Sitrep!”

Lance looks around at Billy and then Jimbo. He’s still blushing.

“LZ ahead, Captain,” Billy says.

“No immediate threats,” Jimbo says.

“Castle straight ahead,” Lance adds, before looking at Loona. “Are you ready?”

Taking a single step towards the glass ahead of her, Loona peers out the cockpit window and down at the ground surrounding Nezemica’s castle. A faint heartbeat calls out to her below.

“He’s down there, y’know.” Loona looks back at them all with misty eyes but a determined expression. “Gigi, he’s down there, waiting for us to save him.”

“Wait…” Billy looks confused. “I thought Gigi died?”

“N-No….” Loona shakes her head vigorously, “H…He’s deffo down there. I’m going to save him. Like he saved me!”

“Loona…” Lance speaks softly. “Don’t lose track of the objective.

Loona places her hand onto the cold glass of the Apex cockpit. She listens to the faint heartbeat as if it’s music to her ears.

“So…” Billy looks over at Lance, filling the awkward silence as Loona ignores Lance. “Err, how do we actually land this thing? Does it have like retractable legs?”

Lance rolls his lips in thought before giving back a wry smile.

“We don’t have a ground crew,” Jimbo pipes up. “We ain’t got anything for this oversized balloon to tether to, do we? It’ll drift off before we can even hop off the darn thing, surely sending as all to our graves!”

“So…” Billy looks around the room and then shrugs. “What’s the plan then, guys. We didn’t think this far ahead, huh?”

“I’m going to crash it,” Lance says plainly.

“Won't that erm….” Billy leans back in his chair nonchalantly. “Won’t that give us a case of the deadsies?”

“Nah….” Lance waves away Billy’s worries with an awkward, worried smile. “I’m sure we’ll all be fine….”

Lance looks away nervously, like he doesn’t believe his own lie.

“North tower.” Loona takes her hand from the glass to join the conversation. “I can feel her. She’s in the most northern tower. Crash this thing into it and I’ll jump out, do a cool little forward roll….or something, and then I’ll open a can of heart witch woopass on her!”

Lance furrows a brow, glancing between Billy and Jimbo before looking at Loona, confused. “Woop….ass….?”

“Yeah,” Loona smiles and nods. “Remember, that wrestler….?”

Lance tilts his head to one side, utterly bemused.

“Loona,” Billy pipes up. “I don’t think this world has wrestling like ours did.”

“That’s a point.” Jimbo interrupts with a finger on her chin in thought. “What is this world anyway? Are we in like an Isekai or something? Like, I keep wondering if I wander out of the city, would I end up back in the city we used to live in?”

Jimbo raises a finger like she’s got a point.

“Like, the witch before offered Loona her pub, right? So there must be a way of getting back to our own world…” Jimbo puffs out her cheeks and blows a raspberry. “I don’t really get where we are. It’s never been explained to us, has it?”

“Who cares….” Loona flicks back long hair in one dramatic motion. “What’s real to me is the friends I want to save and the stupid talking cat who needs my help.” Loona then steps across to Lance and smiles directly at him, her cheeks blushing a rosy red.

“Who I’m with right now matters more than anything else right now, don’t you agree….?”

Watching her expression, Lance softens in a smile and melts into his seat just at her soft touch. “I agree, he nods, looking her deep in the eyes. “The where doesn’t matter. It’s all about the why. Fuck Logic!”

“Right!” Loona leans across the navigation console and steering wheel, exposing her cleavage to him. She pecks his neck with a kiss and then whispers in his ear. “Let’s do this together! Crash the Apex into the north tower, and we’ll do just as she wants.”

Loona steps back, leaving Lance a little love-struck. Step stops towards the cockpit window and points. “Nezemica wants to end all suffering! Let’s give her a fucking end!”

Loona raises a fist into the air and holds one hand on her heart. “Who’s with me!?

Wind trashes at Loona’s face. She looks back to see Lance, Billy, and Jimbo all in awe of the massive castle below. She grips onto the outer railings of the Apex, hair blustering in every direction.

“Guys!” she shouts over the howling wind and low, deep groans of the Apex’s superstructure. “Who’s driving the fucking thing!?”

Lance, the closet to Loona, looks back at Jimbo. Jimbo, closest to Lance, looks back at Billy. Billy, closest to the door, looks back at no one.

“Well, shit,” Billy laughs, scratching his head, only to be almost thrown from the walkway as the Apex shudders. “When Loona asks who’s with me, I thought that meant we’re all going to kick this witch's ass!”

“Billy!” Lance, Jimbo, and Loona whine out, desperately clutching on for dear life. “Get back into the cockpit!” They all screech out.

“Fine…  Billy sighs, turning around. “I don’t like that I’ve been given the only parachute. I wanna be doing cool action stuff too. Well, Godspeed, guys. I’ll see you on the other side!”

As the hatch to the Apex shuts tight, Billy rushes to the helm. The Apex turns in the air sharply as Loona, Lance, and Jimbo clutch on tight.

“There!” Loona points. “I can feel her cold heart.”

In the distance, a forbidding tower silhouette approaches quickly, emerging from the darkness. Loona points at the balcony that circles around the outside of the tower near the spire.

“Guys!” she looked back to see the two men staring wide-eyed as the Apex steers towards it, battered heavily by the wind as Anguish’s shriek out in pain below them. “A-Are you ready to jump!?

“Heck yeah!” Jimbo throws up his arms, only to instantly wobble and snatch back at the railing.

“I’m ready too…” Lance says in a state of terror, glaring at the tower in fear.

Between a moment of silence as the tower appears before them, the Apex circles, approaching to crash into the castle building below. Loona looks over at her friends.

“Guys!” she calls out breathless, barely audible over all the noise. “When we find Nezemica, she’ll try and make you feel—”

Before she can finish her sentence, the Apex strikes the buildings below. In the blink of an eye, all three are thrown from the outer walkway and onto the tower below. Deep thudding whines and thunderous crashes follow as the Apex crash-lands, erupting into a fireball that stretches a mile into the air.

Nezemica’s castle lights up, as buildings below the tower crumble.

Loona hits solid ground with a bone-cracking thud. She blacks out for a second before waking up to the sight of fire raging, burning her eyes. Dazed, she lies on the cold floor, looking around, trying to regain focus.

“Loona!” Jimbo calls out, rushing to her side. “Loona!”

“J-Jimbo…” she rubs her eyes, thankfully focusing on his face as he kneels beside her.

“Are you okay?”

“Y-Yeah…” She gets to her feet with his help and looks around. They’ve both made it onto the tower, but Lance is nowhere to be seen

“Lance!?” Loona shrieks out, looking in every direction

Jimbo shakes his head. “I-I’m sure he’s fine. He’s a big boy, right?”

Loona bites at her lips. “W-We should—” Loona’s art aches, sucking the breath right from her as she falls to her knees.

“Loona!?”

Gasping for air, Loona fights the pain and gets back to her feet. Fists clenched, Loona glares in the direction of the tower's opening. #

“No.” She shouts breathlessly. “I won’t let you in.” She continues, taking a single step towards the castle. “Nezemica, you coward!” she cries out, rejecting Nezemica’s attempts to connect with her heart.

“Erm…” Jimbo stands beside her, looking back at the fire raging below them. “Loona, do you think Billy’s okay?”

Almost in a zombified state, Loona begins to walk towards an opening in the tower. Jimbo, worried for his friend, lingers for a moment before noticing she’s gone. As he rushes back to her side, they stand before a large staircase that runs the entire perimeter of the tower, rising to the spire and descending to the large room below.

“L-Loona…” Jimbo points back. “I erm…”

“She’s below,” Loona interrupts, her voice cold with resolve. “I see her. Jimbo, she keeps trying to invade my heart. I-I…. I’m struggling to hold her back.”

Her knees buckle, only for Jimbo to catch her. They stand together, looking over the gothic stone banister down at a single figure standing alone in the middle of the room.

“She’s calling to me,” Loona snatches at the air, trying to breath as she clutches at her heart. “J-Jimbo, do you still have that anti-anguish weapon that Lance gave you?”

“I think so…” he reaches for his holster to feel the weapon. “Yeah, I do.”

“I-I’m….” Loona coughs up blood.

“Loona!” Jimbo takes her full weight as she retches.

“Shit,” Loona wipes away the blood before glancing in Jimbo’s direction with a forced smile. “I’m going to give you an opening. I’ll let you know when to fire.”

Helping Loona move, the two slowly make their way down the stone steps. Jimbo, clutching Loona with his shoulder, helping her walk, keeps one hand near his holster the entire time.

Coughing and spluttering more blood, Loona begins to look pale, her heart aching and her resolve fading. The tower then echoes and resonates with the sound of Nezemica’s voice.

“Suffering,” she bellows, her words ringing in their ears. “I feel you suffering. I feel it in your heart, Loona. Why fight me when I can end it all?”

A painful memory of a brother in arms lost on the battlefield plays out in Jimbo’s mind, causing him to miss a step. They both stumble before Loona grabs tightly at the handrail, helping her walk.

“J-Jimbo…” she splutters. “She’s trying to attack your heart. Y-you must not give in to despair. Keep going, but hurry. I can’t protect us both for much longer.”

Around Jimbo, a soft, pale light surrounds him. It’s warming, like a gentle memory of his childhood. A cozy reminder of happy times, completely with the comforting smell of home. He takes his hand away from his holstered gun to look at the halo of light around his body.

“L-Loona… what is this. W-Why am I remembering my mother's apple pie, and why do I have this light around me?”

Focus on walking, Loona stares ahead, but a small smile creeps across her face.

“What a lovely memory,” Loona says blissfully. “Y-Your heart is singing to me, Jimbo. I can feel the warmth you feel. Hold that memory close. I-It gives me strength.”

Almost at the ground floor, they look across the darkened room, light from the Apex’s crash streaking across it as the only lighting. Standing in the middle, Nezemica stands alone, surrounded by a dark hue.

“They’re dead, Loona,” Nezemica’s voice echoes off the walls once more, seeping deep into their chests. “The man you love, fallen to his death, and the other, burnt alive trying to help you.”

Nezemica’s gaze turns in their direction. Her eyes, like a black hole, fixate on their approach.

As they step onto the solid stone floor of the tower, they see the witch for the first time. Her hair, black, like tar, cascades down her back. Her clothing, still with some shimmer of color, is dull, tattered, and hanging from her petite, but bone-like figure. A ring of blood is noticeable around the neck of her dress.

As if starved or undead, Nezemica moves awkwardly with locked joints as she turns to face them.

“Do you feel their hearts, Loona?” she asks, smug in her knowledge. “They’ve died trying to help you. Do you feel guilty? I know you do; I can feel it.”

“Where’s Gigi!” Loona scowls back.

Twisted and cruel, Nezemica lets out a pulse of despair, washing over both Jimbo and Loona, causing them pain. The glow around Jimbo fades, fluttering into nothing as the sweet memory of his mother's cooking disappears from his mind, replaced with feelings of loneliness.

“Gigi!?” Nezemica laughs as the fire flickering across the room illuminates the sinister look on her face. “That thing wasn’t yours. Wasn’t your friend. Dolor, that thing you call ‘Gigi’ is nothing but despair taken form.”

Jimbo, let’s go of Loona as she stands up straight, strong against the hatred emanating from the woman who stands before her, laughing. The pale hue around Jimbo gets brighter as Loona rejects the idea, remembering Gigi's sacrifice to save her.

“Your words are twisted!” Loona shouts, throwing an arm down in protest.

“Child of another world…” Nezemica laughs, asserting pressure on Loona’s heart. “Don’t make me laugh. That ‘thing’ is nothing but pure anguish taken form. The same creature that caused me to be ostracized by the people when I was trying to help with their pitiful lives!”

“Not an anguish!” Loona screams! “My FRIEND!”

A single wave of Nezemica’s hand, and Loona feels the weight of the world upon her shoulders. Behind her, Jimbo, now shrouded in darkness, falls to his knees. He cries out for his ‘Mommy’, reliving painful memories, now unshielded by Loona, open to Nezemica’s torment.

“Your ‘friend’ suffers, Loona. I know you can feel the pain in his heart right now. Seems his Mommy died, leaving his heart scarred with anguish.” Nezemica exerts pressure, a wave of darkness that makes Jimbo howl in pain. “Why can’t you see my logic. To save this world, I must remove all suffering. You stand in my way, empowered by Dolor, in hopes you can stop me.”

Nezemica spits. “It’s pitiful!

“L-Let me help you.” Loona’s body now feels like it weighs a ton. Her legs shake, but she stands. “L-Like the others, I can help you relieve the pain that’s buried so deep into your heart that its gone cold like stone.”

“Oh, can you?” Nezemica’s laugh is cold and shrill. “Where do you think these powers come from, child? You were not born of this world, merely fooled into entering it under promises of satiating your own inner grief.”

Unable to keep her out, Loona’s mind recalls the moment she met the witch selling the tavern. Her memory is fractured and broken. The witch's face, scattered in her mind, shows only the evil smile of Nezemica who stands before her.

“That’s right!” her laughs fills the void in the room. “I used your desire to be the female gender against you. Your desperation to be seen as something that you were not born as to lead you astray. I used your own dysphoria to get what I wanted, and that was you, Loona, the witch to end this stalemate and bring Dolor back to me so I can end it.”

“N-NO…” Loona’s memory fractures, and she screams out, her heart aching as the dysphoria of her past seeps in.

“The military man, so desperate to be pretty, forcing himself to be macho to fit in. Yes, Loona, I see it all scaring your heart.” Nezemica’s voice softens, and the pressure upon Loona’s body and heart tempers. “Give me back the powers Dolor stole from me when we separated, and I’ll save you from that torment, Loona. I’ll save everyone.”

“No.” Loona’s voice is weak. Tears misting in her eyes.

“Oh, Loona. So stupid, child. Every single heart witch tricked into taking the tavern by Dolor quickly worked out not to bring my lost powers here, yet you, so blinded by some noble effort to take away others' suffering, bring to me like a good little doggy.”

She takes a single step closer, and the tower appears to shake in reaction. “Child, are we so different? I also wish to end suffering. Release the powers within your heart to me, and I’ll connect to everyone across the world, human or anguish, and put an end to their suffering, silencing it for all eternity.

“No.” Loona buckles, falling to her knees. Unable to look up, her body feels cold. Her heart beats lows and stabbing pains shoot up her left arm. “You’re killing people and torturing them! Destroying the innocent people in the city! Y-You’re not ending suffering, you’re causing it!

“Innocent people!?” Nezemica snaps, turning her attention to Jimbo, who sobs on the floor, forced to relive a painful memory. “Fine, if you won’t play nice, I’ll push your friend to his limits. He shall become the anguish that destroys that wretched tavern of yours and all your pathetic friends inside it!”

Jimbo begins to howl in torment. Names of friends loved and lost taint his every breath. Unable to help, Loona, kneeling on the cold ground, can only listen in horror as Jimbo cries out for help.

“That’s good, child of another world,” Nezemica stands over him, triumphant. “You, yet another tool who worked so well in bringing Loona to me, did so well. Now, give in to your broken soul, and let the depths of it envelop you. Let that Anguish free and release your pain so I can finally end it all.”

Loona closes her eyes and concentrates on the heart connection between her and Jimbo. She tries to surface the happy memory of his mother, but it’s like a pin drop in an ocean of storms.

The ground vibrates as Jimbo’s pain manifests, changing his body, mutilating it into something entirely new. Before Loona’s eyes, her friend transforms into a massive anguish, deep black clouds of smoke surrounding the large body that stretches right up into the tower.

The building shakes as Jimbo’s anguish cries out a deafening howl.

“Yet another you can’t save, Loona.” Nezemica looks up at her latest creation. “Don’t even try to connect with your friend's heart. He’s lost in his own pain. But don’t worry, once you’ve given me those powers, I can bring it all to an end.”

She clicks her fingers, points at Loona kneeled stuck to the floor, and using her heart connection to Jimbo, commands him to squash Loona underfoot. The large beats moves, like shadows given form, making the building crumble around it as it moves one foot directly over Loona.

Loona can’t even bring herself to look up. She desperately tries to connect with his heart.

“Give in.” Nezemica laughs, watching on with a smile on her face. “Let it squash you so I can reclaim what is mine without all this silly resistance.”

Jimbo, the Anguish, brings his massive foot down. However, the shadowy limb stops inches from Loona’s head. Dust and broken stone rain around her as the pressure alone destroys the building around them.

Loona gasps, eyes snapping open. She clutches her chest as warmth surges through her heart. She’s made the connection. She feels Jimbo within the beast, and she smiles.

“Jimbo,” she whispers, voice trembling but steady. “Stop. Don’t give in to it.”

The black smoke churns violently, the Anguish shuddering as if fighting itself. The towering form freezes mid-step, muscles locked, howling as some semblance of light peaks through the darkness.

Nezemica’s smile falters. “H-How?”

Loona closes her eyes tightly and fights back. She shares memories of her own from a past friendship with him, trying to break him free.

The storm begins to part. The beast, once thrashing around within the tower's confines, slows to a halt.

For a heartbeat, the room goes quiet.

Loona finds herself elsewhere, standing in a small kitchen, greeted by the smell of bread and stew in the air. A small home. His home. Jimbo laughs, younger, unburdened, lifting a spoon as his mother ruffles his hair behind him, both happy and innocent.

“Eat up so you can grow strong like your daddy,” she says softly.

“Okay,” Jimbo gleefully replies, grinning widely. “Then I can protect you like daddy, too!”

The memory glows the same pale color as before, fragile but real.

“I remember,” Jimbo’s voice echoes, but not the Anguish’s roar, but him. “I… I remember this. I needed to grow tall to protect her.”

Loona’s breath hitches. She knows his mother's fate. “I-I… need you know, Jimbo. She would want you to protect me.”

The Anguish trembles. The smoke thins. The massive foot lifts, pulling away from Loona.

For the first time, Nezemica steps back, eyes narrowing.

“No,” Nezemica snarls within the memory, still influencing his heart. “You couldn’t protect your own mother, Jimbo! How can you protect anyone? You’re broken, Useless. Give up trying to protect anyone!”

The memory screams in agony as it begins to collapse.

“Jimbo!” Loona cries, reaching out as her friend's heart distances itself from her.

The connection snaps, leaving echoes of Jimbo’s thoughts in Loona’s head, repeating. “I’m not good enough to protect anyone. I’m not good enough…I’m good enough….”

Black smoke explodes outward as the Anguish roars louder than before, agony and rage surging back tenfold. The towering form lurches forward, wanting but to press Loona flat.

Loona’s strength gives out. She falls back onto her hands, staring up as the massive shadow looms over her once more. The warm memories in her own heart are a shield that will surely break.

Nezemica smiles again, slow and cruel. “Did you really think a fleeting moment of happiness could outweigh a lifetime of suffering?”

Loona can’t move.

She can only look up as Jimbo, lost again in the depths of his pain, brings the hammer down, and this time, nothing stands in the way.

Loona has failed to protect anyone she cares about, and in that moment, the color of happiness fades around her, retreating inward as the gravity of her failure hits home. 

Lance is dead. Billy is dead. Soon, they’ll all be dead.

Loona’s final thought is to think back to Gigi, and under her breath, as impending doom falls above her, she whispers his name.

 “Loona!” A voice screams out, and like a shock to her heart, a connection so powerful is made that the hue around her body shines ever brighter. “Loona!”

A supercharged feeling floods into Loona’s soul as her heart connects with Lances. He’s alive, shouting down from the top of the staircase tower.

“You can’t die!” he screams, firing his anti-Anguish weapon indiscriminately. “I love you! I want you to be my wife! I want us to read our children stories by a cozy fire!”

Warmth spills into Loona’s heart as Lance's love empowers her. She feels his desire to protect her, but also his desire for something else.

“Lance!” She shrieks out, standing powerfully on both her feet as her sheer renewed presence forces Nezemica and Billy’s Anguish to stumble back from her radiance. “You’re thinking of fucking me by a fire, Lance! That’s not appropriate right now! Get your mind out of the gutter and focus!”

Shot after shot after shot, Lance attacks Billy’s anguish from above. “I can’t help it!” she shouts back, sharing all his desires with her through their love connection. “I wanna shoot my load for you in every sense of the word, Loona!”

“ENOUGH!” Nezemica waves one hand, cutting the connection between Lance and Loona’s hearts. “Your love sickens me.” She turns her attention to the man above them, still shooting.

Loona slumps in pain.

“Ah, the captain.” Nezemica’s voice teems with delight as a sour smile works its way across her face. “The man whose failed attempts to stop me have led to hundreds of his own men dying for nothing.”

 “They knew what they were giving their lives for!” Lance shouts, aiming at her, only to miss by a whisker.

Loona looks up, sees the delight in Nezemica’s eyes as she focuses on the man she loves. She’s going to connect to his heart and try to break him, just like Jimbo. She reaches out to stop her, but is too tired to speak.

“Let’s see you be so bold when I’ve made you realize the guilt buried deep!” Nezemica says, her eyes fixated with pure delight.

Lance gasps, collapsing onto the staircase railing. His gun falls from his grasp to his feet. He clutches at his chest and whines out in agony.

“Pathetic.” Nezemica smiles gladly. “But I do delight at the pain hidden in your heart, Lance. You wish to make this a better place and justify the killing of all those men in that pursuit. We are no different, really.”

Jimbo’s anguish stands silent by Nezemica’s command. The swirls of anguish settle to its feet as if Nezemica wants everyone to concentrate on Lance and Lance alone. Loona tries desperately to reconnect to his heart, but she can’t. Nezemica’s presence is too strong.

“Jump from that height,” Nezemica commands callously of Lance. “Jump and remove yourself from that guilt.

A single tear falls from Loona’s eye as she looks up in terror. Lance, vacant of expression clambers onto the side trailing, forty feet above them.

“NO!” fights Nezemica’s repression, allowing herself to feel the love that blossoms inside her for him. Slowly, the bright hue once again surrounds her, allowing her to stand straight. Focused, with fury in her eyes and a bright love in her heart, Loona rushes to strike her down.

One heavy step after another, Loona closes the gap. She throws out one hand, her heart manifesting her love into a weapon of sorts, a blade. It slashes towards Nezemica, who only has moments to react.

Wide-eyed with surprise, Nezemica is hit by Loona’s attack. Blood as dark red as fossilized amber oozes from the wound on her arm.

“Bitch!” Nezemica’s howls, clutching her arm in pain. “I haven’t bled in centuries!” She snarls in Loona’s direction, commanding Jimbo’s anguish to attack. “I wanted you to witness the man you love falling to his death, but you can’t just play nice, can you!?”

Emboldened, Loona grits her teeth hard and focuses solely on her desires with Lance. She swipes attack after attack after attack, each one cutting through the air with a snap, directed at Nezemica’s throat for the kill.

Distracted, Nezemica’s hold on Lance’s heart breaks as she blocks each one of Loona’s attacks. Now able to breathe, Lance gathers himself, shakes off the despair Nezemica was feeding his heart, and grabs his gun.

He aims, watching the two women from his vantage point. He can’t get a good shot from that range. Loona is now too close.

Lance takes a deep breath. He allows himself to feel the warmth of love in his heart and rushes down the stairs to get a better advantage of the battle below.

Jimbo’s anguish moves to intercept him with a swipe of his massive, shadowy arm, clattering into the wall, causing parts of the tower’s roof to crumble and fall.

Lance jumps just in time but falls flat onto the floor. His gun slides from his grasp, stopping just at the next step down, teetering on the edge. Jimbo’s anguish strikes again at the wall, ripping a gash into the side of the tower.

Lance covers his head with his hands as debris falls around him, covering him completely

Jimbo’s anguish moves with a single step, shaking the building, causing both Nezemica and Loona to lose their footing and their focus. It lifts one of its gigantic arms into the sky, aiming the staircase still somehow clinging to the wall of the tower with Lance buried beneath fallen rubble.

Jimbo’s intentions to kill strike at Loona’s heart, piercing through the protection of love that empowers her with a bright hue. Loona’s attention snaps up, and above her, as the Anguish begins to slam down its arm directly upon him.

He’s about to die.

Time slows for Loona. In that moment, she thinks only of him. She aims what power she has left in her heart at the floor, propelling herself into the air with force. Seconds later, she’s standing at Lance’s side as the beast's hand falls towards her with force.

The air pressure alone causes her knees to buckle, but with the last embers of strength within her, she uses her love to slide Lance away from danger.

Slam

The building shakes and the staircase crumbles. The debris falls twenty feet to the ground below in a pile. Loona is nowhere to be seen. Lance, only a meter away from the destroyed staircase, scurries to the edge of the gap created in the walkway to look down in fear.

“Loona!” he screams, looking over the edge, now feeling only the cold malice of Nezemica crawling her way back into his heart. “You can’t be dead!” he howls, tears misting in his eyes. “You can’t be!”

“Too bad….” Nezemica laughs, commanding Jimbo’s anguish to stand down. “Yet another soul lost under your command, Lance. The guilt is building in your heart. I can feel it.”

She raises one hand, snatching Lance with an invisible force, tearing him from where he lay. She forces him down at her feet, pinning him to the floor with a shrill laugh of delight. He tries to move, he tries to fight back, but he can’t.

Seeping into his heart are her words of blame. Loona’s death is his fault.

“Yes, very sad….” Nezemica steps over Lance and towards the rubble pile in which Loona must lie. She raises her hand in that direction as she stops, turns, and smiles at Lance. “Y’know, I can make all this suffering disappear. All you need to do is give up, let me take control of everyone’s hearts and then relieve them of their life force, ending pain and suffering forever.”

“Stop saying that like it’s a noble cause,” Lance shouts, his breath blowing up the floor dust around him. “For there to be a sunrise, there must be darkness for the light to illuminate!”

“Can you feel her heart anymore, Lance?” Nezemica asks as sparks of energy filter through the rocks and rubble across the room, gliding in her direction. “No. No, you can’t. Loona is dead. The witch of the Tavern is no more, and I will once again be whole, and my mission to end this all will finally be complete.”

“Loona….” He whines, tears streaming down his face. “Why, Nezemica?” he howls the question in despair at the lack of Loona’s presence in his heart. “I’ve read the stories about you in the past. Y-You came here to help the city, not destroy it. There’s good inside you, please! Don’t do this. Don’t do this!”

“The stories…?” Nezemica asks, amused. “The Kind Witch who takes from you your despair, leaving you free from your woes?”

“Yes!” Lance heaths, his body still pressed to the floor by Nezemica’s will. “Y-You were their hero. The t-town loved you until you unleashed anguishes upon them. Y-You could call them off, tell them to stop rampaging. You could end suffering that way and live in peace with us, rebuilding, like you promised when you arrived all those hundreds of years ago….”

“Oh, child….” Nezemica scoffs as sparkles of Loona’s remaining powers begin to enter her body. “I think you are lost in fairy tales. The Kind Witch is no more.”

“NO!” he howls in reply, spitting blood. “Gigi was the cat born from sorrow, but he had kindness, friends, and even the love in his heart to sacrifice himself for Loona. IF he, the creature born from the people's anguish, feels such joy and belonging, why can’t you!?”

“Ha.” Nezemica scoffs at the idea. “Dolor, or ‘Gigi’ as you call him, isn’t the creature born from despair.” Nezemica emits force upon Lance’s body, crushing him to the floor. “I am! I’m the creature born from sorrow. I broke away from the ‘Kind Witch’ when they became weak and pathetic, giving in to every desire those rotten townspeople demanded of her.”

“W-W-What…?” Lance bites down hard as Nezemica crushes his body.

“Yes, that’s right.” Nezemica takes a step towards him as the magic flowing from Loona’s resting place flitters into her being. “The ‘cat’ you call Gigi is the form I allowed the Kind Witch to take when we split apart. However, that traitor took some of my immense power with him, forging that tavern and starting the chain of heart witches who ran it.” Nezemica looks over at the rubble pile and spits. “Loona is just a man from another world, Lance. She’s not special. She just happens to have been given what’s rightfully mine!”

The room fills with Lance’s laughter. Although he’s spluttering blood, he howls out in amusement.

“What’s so funny!”

“I might not be a heart witch,” Lance chuckles through the pain. “But I can see what scars your heart, Nezemica. Gigi had a home, friends, family, and people who loved him. You, however, are alone in your own despair.”

“You know NOTHING!” she cracks down the pressure, causing his bones to creak.

“Y-Y-You…” he laughs, blood dribbling from his mouth. “You don’t want to end despair for everyone. You only w-want to end it for yourself. Nezemica, you will always be alone!”

His bones begin to break, but he keeps laughing as Nezemica’s eyes turn to fury.

“Loona scares you, d-doesn’t she!? She’s the embodiment of the Kind Witch, and you c-can’t take that, can you!?”

“SHE IS NOTHING!” Nezemica’s voice bellows, echoing off the walls.

Lance continues to laugh as his bones break and blood pools around his body. Nezemica is crushing him with her entire forced, but he keeps breathing.

“A man from another world, finally given the chance to life as the woman they always knew they were on the inside…” Lance coughs, but can feel warmth within his heart growing. “The woman is able to see through the pain of others, able to give them a chance at happiness. Taylor and Joel transformed into the beautiful women they always dreamed of being. Katie, the boy who wished to belong, given the chance to live out his dreams. Billy and Jimbo, two guys without purpose, drinking themselves into a stupor, given the chance to see action and purpose once again!

Lance’s ribs crack, and he screams out in pain, only to the delight of Nezemica, who has not noticed that the magic draining from Loona’s body has begun to reverse direction.

“S-She…” his voice cracks, but he continues. “She, the Kind Witch, gave me new hope and a love I never thought I deserved. Her friends fight for her not because she controls their hearts, Nezemica, but because she brightens their souls.”

“SHUT IT!” Nezemica screams out, pacing him towards him, firing blade after blade after blade of pure agony given form. His body quivers with each breath, breaking apart as blood puddles around him.

“Loona, I love you.” He mutters with his dying breath.

His heart becomes cold, lifeless

His laughter, silent.

Nezemica stands over him, presses a foot upon his back, and with a satisfying crack, pushes blood and guts all around him.

“Idiot child,” she spits to the floor. “You couldn’t wait for death, could you? Now look at you, mince meat on my castle floor.”

Jimbo’s anguish sways as it stands, towering over them both, silent as if in mourning.

“Oh, shut up,” Nezemica scowls at the beast before looking around at the devastation of her castle as the fire from the Apex rages outside, consuming the entire building. She clicks one heel on the solid stone floor. “Jimbo…” she looks up at it. “Go destroy the tavern and everyone inside.”

With a howl of sorrow and sadness, the anguish plows through the closest wall of the tower. Dust bellows and debris falls from the ceiling, covering the floor as Nezemica shields herself from it.

As the dust settles, a faint voice can be heard.

Nezemica turns, and a figure appears through the dust and stands at the doorway to the tower, at the other end of the room. Billy, clutching his shoulder, spits out some blood and brandishes his anti-anguish weapon, gripping tightly as he closes one eye to aim across the room.

“Connect to this, you bitch.” He says, exhaling as he pulls the trigger.

Green energy gathers around the weapon's bolt before, with a snap, the gun fires with pinpoint accuracy through the dust still clouding the area. As the bullet streaks through the air, Nezemica is slow to react.

The bullet shatters through her sternum, blowing straight through her as she’s thrown to the ground to lie in a pool of her own darken, tar-like blood.

Billy spits blood once again before smiling. “I still got it….”

Surveying the situation, Billy looks at the massive hole in the wall. In the distance, Jimbo’s anguish looms as a shadow, caused only by the fires of the city in the distance. He quickly turns his attention back to the room. Loona is nowhere to be seen, and Lance lies motionless on the floor, near where Nezemica lies.

Rushing over, Billy falls to Lance's side.

“Fucking hell,” Billy looks at the blood around him. “Lance!? Lance, can you hear me!?”

Billy carefully flips his body; the extent of the damage caused is obvious; however, Lance’s eyes open.

“B-Billy…” he splutters. “M-My pocket.”

Knowing these are the moments of a dying man, Billy doesn’t hesitate. He pulls out the captain’s wallet from his pocket, opening it out.

“T-T-The picture….” Lance tries to raise a hand to show him, but his arm is completely shattered.

“T-This one?” Billy shows him a picture of a young girl smiling so brightly.

“M-My sister,” Lance coughs, his expression vacant. “P-Please, find her and m-make sure she’s sa—”

Lance’s words fall silent. His eyes roll into the back of his head. Billy, looking down at the picture in silence, knows exactly what was being asked. He holds the picture tight between his fingers. “I will,” he nods once. “Don’t worry. I will.”

However, his hands begin to shake as he tries to put the picture safe in his pocket. His world instantly feels bleak, like the warmth is being suck from him. He coughs, trying to regain his strength, but as he tries to stand, Nezemica rises to her feet, surrounded by a red blood haze.

He sees her tormented gaze fixate on him. Before he can even move, she raises a single hand, and his body, heart, and soul begin to scream out in pain.

She says nothing as blood seeps from Billy’s nose and mouth. She slowly approaches him, however slightly hovering off the ground, as blood pours out of the wound he’d caused.

“You are surrounded by guilt,” Nezemica’s voice rings out, but not as before. She’s become inhuman with her words. “Billy, you must die, like all your friends!”

Thrown into the air, Billy’s arms, legs, and fingers splay out as if an invisible force is pulling him apart. Nezemica’s broken laugh, screeches as Billy screams out in pain. The picture of Lance’s sister falls to the floor.

“LOOONA!?” Billy wails

Slash

His throat is cut.

His body, like a rag doll, is released by Nezemica to the ground. It hits the floor with a thud, followed by maniacal laughter.

“Shame you’re not here to see this, Loona!?” Nezemica howls out, throwing her hands up in celebration. “But don’t worry. I’ll end all their pain now you’re gone from this world!”

As Billy’s body hits the floor, the picture of Lance’s sister wafts up into the air. Nezemica catches it between two manicured fingers. She glares, then smiles. “This girl next, I think.”

She takes a step forward, but her heart is cut by what feels like an invisible knife. Nezemica freezes on the spot. Behind her, the pile of rubble caused by Jimbo’s anguish begins to move.

At first, only small rocks fall to the side, but after a few seconds, heavier rocks tumble away. A Bright red hue, much like the one surrounding Nezemica, bursts out from the gaps in the rocks. From the rubble, Loona rises, her eyes red with hate.

Loona also hovers slightly from the ground. The intense hue around her is cold, unwavering, and full of hatred. Unlike the warmth and joy surrounding her before, this is something different.

Nezemica throws her head back in laughter and points. “That’s it, Loona. You’re becoming one with me. Look at you, using your heart magic to oust all the pain, fear, hatred, and despair that’s within!” She laughs again, enjoying Loona’s transformation from ‘Kind Witch’ to one of pure desperation and hate.

Loona glares hard, wipes blood from her mouth, and advances towards her. She sees Lance’s body, and it strikes at her deep. Then she sees Billy’s body, motionless, and something within her snaps.

Rage boils over, and a dark red hue around her expands exponentially. Nezemica, recoiling back, throws up a hand to attack.

“Let me in!” Nezemica screams. “Let me into your heart, Loona! Connect to me!”

Loona rises from the floor, floating three meters above Nezemica. Her teeth and hands clenched. “You killed my friends!” she howls out as a wave of magic, full of despair, strikes everything with the tower.

The building shakes, and Nezemica is pushed back. Then a brutal swing and a blade, blacker than night, slashes down.

Nezemica is still, but one arm falls from her body, so cleanly cut that it doesn’t even cause her to flinch

“That's it!” Nezemica’s eyes light up as their magic connects to be as one. “Keep going, Loona, you’re…you’re combining us at last!”

Another slash, this time faster and more precise.

Nezemica’s other arm falls to the ground, causing her to splutter blood as she laughs out into the night.

“YES!” Nezemica screams out, delighted in her pain. “W-We are becoming one. Y-Your heart is cold like ice. L-Let me connect!”

Blinded by the rage in her soul, Loona brings both hands together, raising them above her head, and with a final, brutal swing, he crushes Nezemica into a mist of blood and bones. Her remains are only visible as blood pools that gather in the cracked stone floor below.

Loona heavily breaths out as she slowly falls to her feet, but as she stands, Nezemica’s voice torments her from within.

A bright light dazzles her, and seconds later, Loona is in the tavern. The fireplace is roaring, and the light from nighttime street lanterns streams in.

“G-Guys…?” Loona looks around, then down at herself to see her injuries have healed. She steps closer to the fireplace that looks so cozy but remains ice cold and numb.

“Don’t worry,” a soft voice, almost familiar, says gently from across the room.

Loona looks over to see a small woman with fiery red hair and soft, gentle green eyes talking to a cat at the bar of the tavern. Unable to feel the warmth of the fire, Loona is drawn to this woman because she feels warmth radiating from her.

“Excuse me…?” Loona says, approaching. “This is my tavern. Where is everyone?”

The woman ignores her or fails to hear her. She concentrates on the black cat in front of her.

“I know you are worried, Dolor. I’m venting the anguish from my soul as quickly as possible. With your help, it won’t corrupt me.

“Andrea…” the cat weeps. “These town people are taking advantage of you. They might praise you and call you a hero, but they are slowly killing you for their own selfish purposes.”

Loona waves a hand, trying to get their attention, but nothing happens. It’s as if she doesn’t exist in the moment.

“They aren’t killing me, Dolor.” Andrea gently smiles, sipping a beer slowly in front of her. “I made it so between us, my gentle soul and the pain of others are separated. You and I together, we can rid this city of pain and make it a happier place.”

“B-But…” the cat protests. “Y-You grow weary, Andrea. This tavern, the place you created for sanctuary and joy, is empty. The townspeople no longer see you as the hero you claim to be, but as something to fear or profit from!”

Loona looks around, spooked and confused.

“W-What is this!?” she asks aloud. “A memory?”

“Yes,” Nezemica’s voice replies, calm and more refined. “Now you’ve destroyed my body, my soul, your soul, and Andrea’s soul is free to reconnect. This is our memory, Loona.”

“Our?”

“Yes,” Nezemica replies. “I, the being born of sorrow, named Dolor, am only trying to help my friend. You and Andrea, the embodiment of the ‘Kind Witch’, cannot see what I see.”

The memory continues.

“Profit?” Andrea asks, letting out a long sigh.

“Yes.” Dolor replies as Loona watches the memory play out before her eyes. “They’ve been inviting travelers from other places, other worlds, under the pretense that you will heal them of suffering. Y-You can’t keep doing it, it’s killing us. The city is one thing, but despair from other worlds is more than our hearts can take!”

“I don’t believe you, Dolor!” Andrea thuds at the counter, her soft manner shattered into a shrill, hateful voice. “What evidence do you have!?”

The room brightens, and Loona is forced to look away from the light. Moments later, she’s in another room, one so regal it's fit for a king. Again, confused, Loona looks around. Andrea, Dolor, and a man she doesn’t recognize stand together, talking.

Loona approaches, still feeling the deep chill running through her heart and veins. The man is wearing a crown of sorts. A king he must be.

“Andrea, please…” the man laughs flippantly. “Inviting others from worlds beyond the safety of the city. Do you know how crazy that sounds?”

Andrea’s expression is stern as Dolor sits at her side. “Are you profiting from what I offer your people!? Do you deceive me!?”

“What’s gotten into you?” the king asks. “I don’t feel warmth like I usually do when you’re present, Andrea.” The king looks at Dolor with a mixture of fear and trepidation. “It’s this beast you’ve created. I-I…. and the townsfolk are terrified by its presence. C-Can you not dispel it?”

“Dolor is the manifestation of the fear, hatred, and division your people feel, your grace,” Andrea answers honestly, but remains calm. “If I dispel what right now is my only friend, then everyone I’ve helped will be overcome with despair that is released.” Andrea looks down and away, shaking her head. “They would be paralyzed with anguish, your grace.”

“Only friend?” Loona asks Nezemica.

“Yes.” She replies honestly. “I know in the past, you desired to be a woman very deeply. Did it not cause you great distress?”

“Well… yeah.”

“Andrea was very similar. She desired a place to belong after being abandoned.”

The memory continues.

“Look,” the king says sternly. “My kingdom now is built on your ability to make everyone forget their worries and pain. If you stop doing that, the consequences will be worse. We can’t have you living here if you don’t do your job, Andrea. Is that clear?”

Loona watches on, confused.

“I knew they ended up driving the Kind Witch away, but this sounds like blackmail.”

The memory flashes bright once again, transporting Loona to another time and place. Now outside, she looks around and sees a town square. A crowd gathers, and the tension mounts as voices rise.

Loona moves through the crowd to find Andrea and Dolor on their knees, pleading with the crowd that grows angrier with every second.

“I-I-I…. must take a break,” Andrea says to a man, looking up at him with exhausted bags under her eyes. “I-I…I can’t right now.”

Dolor flicks his tail, bares his teeth, and defends the Kind Witch as the man steps closer.

“You can’t take a break! Your evil cat is putting fear, worry, and stress into all of us! Take away all the despair that you and your ‘cat’ are creating in us!”

The crowd begins to chant. “Take our despair. Take our despair. Take our despair.”

The crowd becomes hostile, and Loona can’t help but worry for the woman cowering in front of them,

“T-They really did this?” Loona asks as Andrea can’t even get to her feet.

“Yes,” Nezemica replies as the memory disappears in front of Loona’s eyes just as the crowd’s chanting is getting louder and louder.

Then, out of nothing, another memory appears. It’s the same square as before, but this time, the crowd is huge, and in the center, a raised wooden stage has been erected. Upon this stage, a guillotine.

From the crowd, passing Loona, who is separate from the events unfolding, comes Andrea, naked, beaten, bruised, hair pulled from her head, and almost completely lifeless. The handcuffs around her arms, cutting into the skin, are now black with gangrene.

As she’s dragged towards the stage, Loona is horrified as the crowd spits, throws rocks, and kicks at the woman, who is clearly near death.

“Oh my god,” Loona gasps at the sight. “She’s nearly dead! Stop them. Stop them right now. S-She doesn’t deserve this!!”

“Loona,” Nezemica answers calmly. “This is our despair. This is our past, our suffering, and our end.”

Angry, tears shed from Loona’s eyes as she pushes past the crowd and up to the stage. She stands before them. “STOP THIS!” she howls as Kind Witch is thrown on stage before her to a cheering crowd. “SHE WAS TRYING TO HELP YOU!” Loona once again yells at the top of her lungs as Andrea is pulled up from what little hair remains on her head, presented to the crowd.

“STOP!” Loona cries, her voice cracking in pain. Tears stream from her eyes as Andrea is dragged by her hair and placed into the bascule. “N-No…” Loona whimpers, watching on in horror.

The crowd chants “death to the Evil Witch” over and over again.

“Nezemica!” Loona falls to her knees before the guillotine. “I can’t. I-I…I don’t want to see this. Stop. Stop it.”

Dolor, the evil cat, appears by Loona’s side. He presses the top of his head against Loona's thigh as he passes, purring, before sitting directly in front of her. Dolor looks up and into Loona’s eyes.

“Loona,” the cat speaks to her directly, not in Nezemica’s voice, but its own. “Andrea was my only friend. The only thing keeping me from the anguish and despair that I was born from. Without her, I am nothing. Without her, I fall into endless suffering, never to die.

Loona looks up from the cat, at Andrea’s vacant expression as she stares lifelessly at the floor, awaiting her head to be chopped clean from her body.

“I-I…I can save her!” Loona screams, getting to her feet. “I can save you both.”

A deep red hue surrounds Loona. At first, it is small as she clutches at her heart, trying her best to connect with the hearts of the evil crowd around her, about to kill the Kind Witch in front of her. However, as the shining blade falls with a clank, Andrea’s head topples into the basket below, and the crowd cheers with joy.

“I-I…I…. I……” Loona focuses on Andrea’s head, lying face down in the basket. She’s frozen, stuttering to herself in shock, “I.. I can help…. I-I…I can save them….”

Dolor appears at the basket. A howl follows one tearful glance in Loona’s direct in pain.

“The pain, Loona,” Dolor mutters through its anguish. “I live through this moment over and over and over again.” Dolor looks up at Loona, and the tears stream down his face and whiskers. “I must end this suffering.”

Loona clenches her teeth tightly. In her own heart, she feels Dolor’s fear and pain growing. Seconds later, Dolor jumps into Andrea’s lifeless body, and before her, the first anguish is born, growing from the Kind Witch’s corpse.

As the monstrous beast grows, trashing blackened smoke in every direction, the crowd panics, and chaos breaks loose. However, Loona steps forward and kneels in front of the guillotine basket and clutches at Andrea’s head.

A spark of warmth falls over her, and for a second, Loona hears Gigi’s voice. However, as Loona sees the sad expression of Andrea’s final moments written across her face, Loona snaps. The red hue surrounding her explodes.

The memory of the first anguish thrashes about the city, wreaking it, but it pales in comparison as Loona floats from her feet into the sky. The rage inside her builds, growing brighter and brighter until she is like a malicious second sun hanging above the city.

“They must pay….” Loona’s voice booms from her, echoing around the memory until it shatters.

Her heart filled with rage, Loona finds herself back floating above Nezemica’s castle—a power filled with desire for revenge, causing through her veins. With a fit of rage, she lets out a blinding blast of pure grief, leveling the castle below, grinding it down to dust, and instantly extinguishing the fire from the Apex’s crash landing.

“End my suffering….” A mixture of Dolor’s and Nezemica’s voices whispers in Loona’s ears.

“THEY WILL PAY!” she booms out, causing trees to crack and mountains to shake.

“Destroy the city and destroy the tavern.” Nezemica’s voice whispers. “End my suffering so that Andrea’s last gift, with her dying breath, is no longer for the people who killed her in such malice.”

Floating seventy feet above the ground, Loona turns her rage toward the city, on fire in the distance. Able to fly, Loona speeds towards it.

Within seconds, Loona’s rage is a stark contrast to the dark sky. The red halo around her turns into something of a nighttime sun. Instantly, she passes Jimbo’s large anguish, still traveling towards the city.

As she passes Jimbo, his monstrous body, like water through a funnel, feeds into the Loona, absorbing what is all of what Jimbo became entirely. The red glow around her gets larger, brighter, and more intense.

Now approaching the city, engulfed in war with the anguishes sent by Nezemica, people are running and screaming in every direction as fires blaze and the remaining vanquish squad fights to their last breath.

Uninterested in anything but the tavern, Loona floats past with speed, absorbing every single anguish, little or large, into her body. As she approaches the Tavern, floating high above it, the glow around her is blindingly bright.

Loona’s gaze looks down at the building. Her teeth crack as she clenches them, readying herself to end it all.

“Destroying the tavern….” Nezemica whispers in Loona’s ear. “…it will remove the last of the Kind Witch’s magic, protecting these vile people. All the sorrow built up inside us will dissipate like a broken dam, ending our existence, ending our suffering.

Nezemica continues with a shrill laugh. “The city will be cursed to live in hell, like we have done, for centuries. I will finally have my revenge! They took my only friend from me and cursed me to relive her death!”

The city falls silent as the last anguishes are absorbed into Loona’s body. The glow around her calms into an angry, blood-red hue. Loona lifts one hand, ready to obliterate the tavern below.

“CITY PEOPLE!” Loona bellows, causing the already burning building to collapse and panicked people to fall to their knees. “I, LOONA, THE LAST REMAINING HEART WITCH, AM HERE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU SHALL NOW LIVE IN SUFFERING FOR THE SINS COMMITTED BY YOUR ANCESTORS! YOU SHALL WISH FOR DEATH THAN NEVER COMES!”

A single shot is fired from an anti-anguish weapon below, passing by Loona, causing her to lose focus. She looks down at the ground. Below her stand three figures. “Loona!” A voice cries out in desperation.

Another shot is fired.

Amused, Loona smirks widely as Nezemica whispers ‘punish them’ in his ear. She then glides down to the three to then stand before them, out front of the tavern. Before her stands Taylor, Joel, and Katie, all looking at her in great concern.

“L-Loona…?” Katie gasps as Joel and Taylor, their dresses tatty from the battle, aim their anti-anguish weapons towards her.

Loona bites her lip, looking away. “M-Move!” she growls, some semblance of remaining friendship pushed deep in her heart, overshadowed by the rage and anguish burning inside.

“I don’t know what’s going on…” Joel eventually speaks up. “B-But Loona. The tavern is full of injured, terrified people. W-What’s happened to you? Why are you talking with such menace in your voice? Why can’t I feel the warmth of your heart, connecting to mine!?”

“That’s not our Loona,” Taylor answers, making a point to step forward with her gun aimed. “I know what Loona’s heart connection feels like when she pulled me from my own despair. The feeling I get from this thing before us is the same as my deepest fears.”

Loona smirks, throws up one hand, and fires a blade of manifested fear in Taylor's direction, only missing grazing her cheeks as blood seeps from it.

“Then you already know the pain,” Loona mutters, he voices mixing between hers and Nezemica’s. “M-Move. I have to end it. Move, or you shall suffer as men once more!”

Taylor takes a deep breath and then flicks her hair from her eyes. She then glances at Joel and forces a smile.

“Being a woman has been fun, right?” she asks, still aiming her gun.

Joel smiles softly before returning her keen gaze in Loona’s direction. “It has been, but I’d give it up to save innocent people every day of the week.

“Enough!” Loona booms across the gap separating her from the tavern. “Fine, have it your way.” She closes her eyes, and a cold, dark feeling emanates from her, worming its way across the divide, striking both Taylor and Joel directly in the heart.

In the blink of an eye, the two women stand as they once were, men. The dresses they were wearing ripped across their bodies, now transformed.

“Let her have it!” Taylor growls, his voice deep for the first time in months.

“I’m with you!” Joel fixes his gaze, firing a volley of shots in Loona’s direction

Katie gasps as the battle unfolds before his eyes, he cowers away as shots from their anti-anguish weapons strike at Loona’s body, but don’t damage her. Katie screams out as in one single attack, Loona cuts Joel and Taylor down.

Both of them fall to their knees in pain, grasping at the wounds, causing their guns to hit the floor.

“K-Katie…” Joel looks at him, his face tired, exhausted, but smiling. “Run. Warn the others.”

Time slows for Katie as seconds turn to minutes. He glances at Loona, evil staining the whites of her eyes as she stomps forward with purpose. However, Katie only sees the woman who showed him such kindness.

Katie stares, muttering to herself in what looks like fear. “Loona. I finally did it.”

As Loona raises an arm to finish both Joel and Taylor, Katie rushes to stand between them. He seems so small in the grand scheme of things, but from behind the long hair in his eyes, he looks up at Loona in hope.

Ignoring him, Loona pushes past, about to attack, when Katie jumps up and grabs her arm.

“Loona!” he cries out, clutching onto her tight as her fierce gaze fixates on him. “I did it! I did it!” he says softly, getting louder each time he repeats those words.

Katie’s heart thuds wildly in his chest. A stark contrast to the cold feeling he gets from Loona.

“I-I…” he holds onto her arm tight. “I made my Mom proud! She's proud of me!”

Loona stops, eyes wide, and stares.

“I saved my family, amongst others, and brought them here. Now I’m doing my best to care for them along with all the other people seeking refuge, Loona!” Katie slowly let’s go of Loona’s arm, smiling up at her the entire time. “She said she’s proud of the person I’m becoming, and that’s all thanks to you.”

Katie shakes his head several times. “And that’s not because of all this heart magic and removal of despair and whatever, it’s because you gave me a place to grow, become who I’ve always wanted to be alongside friends that care about me. I never needed your heart magic, Loona. I just needed you!”

“Don’t listen!” Nezemica screams in Loona’s ear. “It’s a trick! They always need our magic to make their lives better!”

“You’re happy?” Loona asks, her voice returning to normal.

“Happier…” Katie quips with a wry smile. “I know times will always be hard—for everyone. But now I’ve got friends who support me, and I know I can keep making my family proud.

“L-L-LIES!” Nezemica mutters desperately from behind Loona’s eyes. “E-END IT NOW, LOONA!”

Katie grabs Loona’s hand and clutches it tight. “I don’t know what’s happened to you, Loona,” he says in a whisper of support. “But I know that I and everyone else can help you through this….”

Staring directly into his eyes, Loona sheds a single tear.

“NO!” Nezemica trashes within Loona’s heart, trying to take control. “NO!”

As the tear slides down Loona’s cheek, she grasps at her heart, falls to her knees, and weeps.

“She killed him,” Loona cries, letting out her pain. “Lance is dead.”  She pulls at her own hair. “H-How am I supposed to make others happy when I’m not happy myself!?”

The dark red hue and feeling of cold that surrounds Loona begin to fade. She drops to her hands and knees in utter despair. Tears dripping from her face, landing onto the floor by her hands.

“Lance,” she cries out. “Billy and Jimbo! They all died for me, Katie!! I can’t live with the guilt.”

“YES!” Nezemica laughs out within Loona’s head. “YES! GIVE IN! LET’S END THE PAIN!

Katie gently rests his hand upon Loona’s head and begins to stroke her hair.

“They leave a void in our hearts, Loona, that will never fade.” He says honestly, whilst gently comforting her with a pat on the head. “But we honor those whom we love by remembering the good times they gave us. That can never be taken away.”

A tear falls from Katie’s chin. “I won’t let you give up, just like how you didn’t let me fall into my own despair. Let’s remember them all and smile at the memories they gave us.”

Loona’s mind flitters back to the Halloween party. Laughter fills her mind when she thinks of Lance. Slowly, the pain on her face breaks, and she smiles.

“NO!” Nezemica calls out. “I WON’T!”

Loona’s hit with incredible pain. Katie jumps back as Loona arches her back, screaming bloody murder. Seconds later, a deep, dark, and very black cat emerges from her, glaring in Katie’s direction with intent to kill.

Loona falls to the floor, face-first, out cold.

“CHILD!” the cat bellows, stretching out as if born anew. “You will know suffering beyond comprehension.”

The cat readies to pounce as a sacred Katie falls onto his backside. He tries to shuffle away but can’t.

“DOLOR!” A familiar voice shouts from the Tavern door, echoing of the brick walls of the buildings surrounding them

Emerging from the Tavern, barely visible, Gigi steps forward with a smile on his face. “Stop now, Dolor. It’s time.”

“Gigi!” Dolor stares. “Y-You’re dead. How can you be here!”

“The Tavern.” Gigi looks back at the building before prowling closer. “It’s no Gigi, by the way. It’s Andrea. Hello, old friend.”

Dolor is frozen stiff, staring at the cat claiming to be his old friend and master.

“I’m sorry I left you all alone, Dolor.” Andrea licks Dolor’s fur before sitting beside him. “When we reconnected, I remembered it all. They killed me, leaving you all alone.” Andrea puts a paw on Dolor’s back. “I think it’s time you and I put an end to all this. Now that you are free from your anguish prison, we can leave this world together.”

Andrea, or Gigi, from Katie’s point of view, looks in Katie’s direction and speaks. “I now see that fixing people’s pain was never the correct thing to do. I understand, from the example set by young Katie here, that helping others with their pain was about listening and being there for them, not taking it within myself to shield them from it.”

Dolor’s fur begins to brighten, no longer a deep black

“Come, old friend.” Gigi stands, guiding Dolor. “I’m ready leave this world. Join me. We can go together.”

“A-A-Andrea!?” Dolor scurries to be at her side. “I-I-I’ve missed you so much!”

“We’re together now,” Andrea purrs, smiling back at him as he walks beside her. “Come, the end of our suffering is this way.”

As they walk together, Andrea passes Loona, ass up in the air, passed out on the floor. She smiles. “Knew you were different, Loona. Keep being a nudist, kiddo, and thank you for everything you’ve done!”

With a longing look back on their shoulders, both Andrea and Dolor fade into the darkness of the night, leaving only silence.

Katie looks over at Joel and Taylor, their bodies still male, and asks. “You two, okay?”

“Yeah,” the two of the groans, getting to their feet.

Katie stands, rushing over to Loona. “Loona!? Loona!?” she shouts, patting at her head. “Are you okay!?”

“Urgh…” she grumbles, coming too. “I’m just your friendly neighborhood heart witch….urgh, and I have a massive headache….”

Several years later…

The sun shines down, kissing gently on Loona’s face as she tucks her hair from her eyes. She kneels before the headstone in front of it, placing a large bouquet at its feet.

“Loona, what was my brother like?” Sophia asks, also kneeling by Loona’s side, placing her own bouquet.

“Lance was…” Loona smirks, thinking of that one night together where they really let loose, before looking at the innocent eyes of Lance’s sister. “He was the best of us,” she eventually replies.

“Did you love him?”

Loona nods before turning her attention back to his headstone.

“You didn’t know him long, from what Katie tells me. How do you know you love him?”

“You don’t need to be a heart witch to know when your heart is singing,” Loona replies.

Loona then stands and brushes down her dress. Slowly, she turns to see Taylor and Joel standing behind her, their dresses also flapping in the wind.

“Back to the tavern?” she asks, looking at them both with a warm smile. “I’m sure Katie’s got that kitchen cooking up something nice, and I can’t wait to share a drink with all my buddies.”

“Going to honor their memories with a few drinks, eh, Loona?” Taylor asks.

“For sure,” she winks. “I can’t use my heart powers anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate and make ourselves all warm and happy, does it?”

“Maybe get a little naked too?” Joel asks, touching the rim of her skirt.

Loona tilts her head to one side before grabbing at Sophia’s innocent ears to cover them. “Only if you two join me. You're both looking more feminine with each and every day.”

“Sounds like fun,” Taylor nods and turns to Joel. “We’re among friends. Fuck it, let's get naked and dance together. Let’s make it a warm memory for all the townsfolk!

Sophia wriggles free, glaring up at Loona. “Oi! What are you guys talking about!”

“You don’t need to mother her, Loona.” Taylor comments. “The girl is twenty now. She works in the tavern with you.”

“I know…” Loona rolls her eyes.

“She’s not your child.” Joel points out.

“I know…” Loona looks at Sophia and sees eyes reminiscent of Lance's. “It’s just—” Loona pouts and lets out a frustrated huff.

“Don’t worry, Loona, I understand why you look after me like a mother,” Sophia clutches Loona’s hand. “You are like a mom to me. Lance would be so proud of how you’ve protected me and brought me up!”

“Yeah?”

“Oh, deffo!” Sophia points to the sky. “Now, too the tavern for drinks!”

Thank you for reading.
To the real Loona. Thank you so much for the amazing support!