Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 102

Chapter 1011

The meeting had settled into a slow but charged rhythm. Rimush translated with care, while the priestly escorts remained silent, still as stone.

Iratus leaned forward.

Iratus: "We've shared our visions. I believe now is the time to discuss something more grounded—trade."

He noted the subtle expressions of disdain flicker across each faction leader's face.

Iratus: "Lionhearth is open to exchange. You already know of our forge—any tool, any metal, we can provide. We have a garden, a rice field, and a farm with a growing number of cattle. I believe Purple City has medicine. That, finer tools, and textiles would be valuable to us. Surely we can establish a more extensive trade network?"

Helena gave a measured nod but raised a finger.

Helena: "The Councilors support free exchange, but under structured regulation. Every trade must be approved by a local council, documented, and taxed according to our laws. This ensures fairness and prevents exploitation. Unfortunately… we aren't yet fully equipped to manage intertribal commerce. We're still drafting the legal framework."

Iratus: "So your people can't trade freely?"

She sighed.

Helena: "They're free, yes. But some freedoms must be guided. The state has a duty to oversee what enters and leaves our economy. Without structure, chaos follows."

Iratus made a mental note. A free people, but only within carefully drawn lines. Controlled liberty.

Manishtushu had folded his arms. His tone was respectful but firm.

Manishtushu:  "The Crowns thank you for the offer, but we must decline. We live as we were meant to, among our own. Our people grow what they need, make what they use. Trade with outsiders creates dependency. And dependency leads to corruption."

Iratus: "You don't need to trade to survive, but it can help your people progress faster."

Manishtushu shook his head.

Manishtushu:  "Everything has a price. Even trust. And the moment we begin leaning on another people, we weaken the resolve to carry our own burdens."

Iratus: "I see. And should a famine come? Or disease?"

Manishtushu: "Then we will pray. God will deliver us, even if His will is that we perish."

The priest behind him finally spoke.

Crown's Priest: "Amen."

Iratus nodded his head.

Hammurabi had been silent throughout, but now he finally spoke, his tone casual.

Hammurabi: "I don't speak for trade."

Iratus: "Excuse me?"

Hammurabi: "I don't control what our merchants do. They're free. If they want to trade with Lionhearth, or with the Crowns, or even the Councilors—they will. If they find profit, they trade. If they sense danger, they leave. That is the freedom of my people."

Helena's lips tightened.

Helena: "So you allow no oversight? No consumer protections? No regulation of goods, currency, or cultural contamination?"

Hammurabi with amusement: "None. Our people are not children."

Iratus looked back at Hammurabi.

Iratus:  "So… if we wished to trade with Purple City, it would have to be through your merchants, not your government?"

Hammurabi: "Correct. We do not forbid trade, we simply do not interfere with it. Those who trade do so at their own risk… and reward."

Iratus leaned back, absorbing it all. Three very different worlds within one city-state.

The Councilors—trying to shape a perfect society by managing every joint.
The Crowns—retreating inward, shunning contact in the name of purity and independence.
And Hammurabi's people—free, chaotic, driven by individual will.

Iratus: "Then I guess I will speak of trade with the merchants of the city when I get the chance too."

---

Chapter 1012

The room, once humming with the slow rhythm of negotiation, was beginning to crack under the weight of ideology.

Rimush wiped his brow—no longer from heat, but from what he sensed was coming.

Iratus leaned forward again, hands folded on the table. His voice was calm, yet honest.

Helena: "Let's talk about rulership. Iratus, can you describe your position and how you govern?"

Iratus: "Well, the truth is, I'm just a guy who lives in a tower."

He gestured vaguely westward.

Iratus: "I found a place, made it livable. People started settling nearby. They began calling me king. I didn't ask for that, but I accepted the responsibility. They look to me to make decisions, so I do."

He paused.

Iratus: "There are other settlements near us, places where no one rules. Just folk doing their own thing. If people want that kind of freedom, they're welcome to go there. But at my tower? I lead."

Helena leaned forward, lips tight.

Helena: "At least you're honest about your control. Purple City tried something different. We attempted shared governance. But eventually… the cracks formed."

Her tone shifted—sharp, defensive.

Helena: "A few years back, we were paralyzed. Disease, food riots, blackouts. We needed leadership. So we held a vote. I won."

Before she could elaborate, Manishtushu spoke, voice low but pointed.

Manishtushu: "You didn't win. You stole it. You let outsiders vote. Travelers, transients, people who didn't build this city. Some hadn't even lived here a year."

Helena didn't flinch.

Helena: "And yet they bled for us. Hauled bricks, grew food, nursed the sick. If someone chooses to stay and contribute, they are one of us."

Hammurabi laughed. Not mockingly, but freely.

Hammurabi: "While the two of you squabble over stolen votes, most of Purple City has already made their choice—they follow me."

His smile was smug, but not without charm.

Hammurabi: "They come because I offer what you won't: freedom. No councils, no crowns. No taxes or titles. They build, trade, and live as they please."

Helena cut in, sharp.

Helena: "You mean the newcomers? The street peddlers, scavengers, cultists, and mercs? That's not a society, that's a storm waiting to happen."

Manishtushu joined in, his tone icy.

Manishtushu: "Chaos is not freedom. It is abandonment. People need order—roots. They have the right to choose their ruler, yes—but not at the cost of their soul."

Hammurabi: "And who chose you, Manishtushu? Your crown, or your priest?"

Before the argument could escalate, the Crown's Priest stood, tall and serene, his voice resonating with quiet power.

Crown's Priest: "God ordains the righteous to lead. A strong class of nobles, shaped by faith and blood, is the pillar of civilization. Monarchy is not tyranny—it is sacred duty."

Across the table, the Councilor's Priestess rose with slow precision.

Councilor's Priest: "The divine gave us minds, not chains. A nation should reflect the wisdom of many, not the will of one. Enlightenment cannot come from a throne."

And then came Deficio, quiet and always a step removed.

Deficio: "Salvation is between a soul and God. Not a king. Not a council. Build your nations how you will—none of it determines who is saved."

The room simmered and people continued to voice out their opinions.

Iratus looked around. Priests debating theology. Leaders accusing each other of theft and delusion. Three visions of civilization—each righteous in its own way, each incompatible with the others. Yet, somehow, they all still sat at the same table.

Iratus: "Well. At least now I know what kind of city I'm dealing with."

---

Chapter 1013

Everyone started talking so fast that the translator couldn't keep up. Then came a lull—and Iratus finished his thought.

Iratus: "Anyway, I listen to what people have to say, and I work with them to fix problems. My wife, Victoria, helps me with those daily tasks. That's all."

Another pause followed before Rimush stood up and called for a recess. This time, Deficio was the one translating for Iratus.

Rimush: "Clearly, we all have strong opinions, but if we can't talk without shouting over each other, then there is no meeting. Let's take twenty minutes to cool off and try again."

Hammurabi tried to argue, but Rimush had apparently been appointed as the judge for this meeting. If he said break time—it was break time.

Iratus soon found himself back outside the chamber and inside the building's quieter hallways.

Victoria: "What happened? Are we at war already?"

Iratus: "Terrible joke, love. No, but the three factions are deeply divided. It's a mess. Purple City, I mean."

Victoria: "Then we shouldn't have much to worry about in the future, right?"

Iratus: "I hope so. But I still don't have all the answers we need to understand what the future might look like. Thankfully, I've got just under twenty minutes to find out."

Victoria: "Lead the way."

She nuzzled his neck affectionately.

Iratus and Victoria asked a few people some questions, but most seemed unaware of how fragile the city's unity truly was. As they made their way toward the back of the building, a nixwoman in a traditional maid uniform waved them over.

Nixwoman: "Friends. Those of Lionhearth."

She had white hair tied in a ponytail. As for her speech, she could barely speak their language, making it hard for Iratus to understand her.

Iratus: "Uh, we are from Lionhearth. I'm Iratus Lionheart, and this is my wife, Victoria, mother of my children. Who are you?"

Jaana: "Jaana. I listened. You are looking for answers?"

Iratus: "Yes. Purple City is divided. But how divided? What loyalty do these three factions even have to one another to still share the same city?"

Jaana: "Dangerous questions to ask in the heart of Purple City, yes? Still—I will answer. The Nexus Prime is too dangerous. We have seen many monsters try to tear us apart. And honestly? Only with a united army can we survive it. That is the extent of our loyalty to each other."

Victoria: "Then Purple City seems built for failure."

Jaana: "That is what many say these days. With borders drawn, most things work… for now. But now the tension is over what comes in and out. Control of movement—that is the next breaking point."

Victoria: "As opposed to Lionhearth?"

Jaana: "It is hard to gauge what people think of it. You are here to enlighten everyone, yes?"

Iratus: "I sure hope so. If it weren't for vehicles, even trade would be nearly impossible. Since we live so far apart, there really shouldn't be any problems between our peoples."

---

Chapter 1014

The conversation continued.

Iratus: "If I can change the topic a bit… what's it been like living here as a nixman?"

Jaana: "It's been a ride, that's certain. I was here when Purple City was open to all travelers. But then came a time when a handful of people decided that needed to change. It was all man-things who rose to power—humans, apes, even nix. It was… a terrible day, when so many innocent people were executed. Just because. Nixmen were in charge once, too. But these three factions—each sees what a person is in very different ways. I live in the Councilors' territory. And while nixmen are technically free… somehow, we're also not."

Iratus and Victoria exchanged a look, then turned their attention back to the nixwoman.

Jaana: "Instead of votes, we're given a seat of representation—not as citizens, but as nix, as if being a nixman means we can't see the same world, feel the same things. Without a real vote, we've been placed as lesser citizens. We are free, but it's everyone else who decides how we live—even with a so-called ‘representative of nixmen.'"

Iratus: "If you're unhappy, wouldn't one of the other two factions serve you better?"

The nixwoman shook her head.

Jaana: "The People don't allow non-humans in their territory. At all. And the Crowns? Any non-human is a lower caste to them. There are exceptions, but realistically… the Councilors' land is the only place I can actually live."

Iratus: "So much for the Councilors' claim to equality."

Victoria: "Maybe you should come home with us, then?"

Jaana: "Nixmen are equal… just… we work where others vote we should work. I'm fine here. Unless you have better living conditions than Purple City, I'll stay. Even with its patronizing ‘equality,' the standard of living here is high."

Iratus: "I don't know everything Purple City offers, but Lionhearth is growing. Everyone's working hard to build a civilization."

Jaana: "And that's just it—working hard. I don't need to build a house or farm to survive here. We have running water in every home, electricity during the day… other things. I barely have to work to have all this. If all you have is wilderness, then… I think I'll stay."

Victoria: "I wouldn't say wilderness, but…"

Iratus: "We understand. Thank you for sharing what life in Purple City has been like for you."

A few people approached, trying to get Iratus's attention. Others wanted to talk, so Iratus and Victoria said their goodbyes to Jaana and moved on.

---

Chapter 1015

Iratus managed to speak with five more people before the doors to the debating chamber reopened.

Human 1: "What, no festivals or special holidays?"

Iratus: "We've been too busy surviving. No one's really given things like that any thought."

Another discussion shifted toward development.

Human 2: "You can just make tools? Why don't you teach us?"

Iratus: "I don't know why your people don't know such basic things, but those kinds of technological insights are too valuable to just give away—for free, anyway."

The rest of the conversations were of a similar caliber—people curious about the "aliens" Iratus and Victoria.

When Iratus was finally called back to resume the meeting, he gave Victoria a quick nuzzle before returning to the chamber with Deficio. As the doors closed behind them and he stepped into the room, he noticed something different.

The leaders were already seated: Manishtushu, Helena, and Hammurabi. But something had changed. It wasn't immediately obvious—but the air itself felt heavier. All three of them were staring at Iratus with an intense, united, almost predatory focus.

He took his seat.

Iratus: "So, what's next to discuss?"

Manishtushu: "Iratus… can you tell us: what is the Nexus Prime?"

Iratus: "Hm? If that's what you want to know… You three should already know it's a giant space station. Built in a very particular way so that its structure doesn't collapse under its own size. It houses multiple planets, actually."

He glanced between them. No reaction. They already knew the basics.

Iratus: "I've talked with people who lived outside the Nexus Prime and then came here. Most civilizations, by this era, either collapsed or evolved into spacefaring societies."

Now he saw a shift—their expressions darkened with shock.

Iratus: "What they discovered is this: the people who appear in the Nexus Prime… they're dead. Everyone who arrives here naturally has already died, somehow. They're brought back through some unknown technology."

The room erupted. The leaders and priests began to react—some gasped, others whispered heatedly. Accusations soon followed, mostly from the religious side of the room.

Iratus, raising his voice slightly: "Look, no one understands the science behind it. But what's clear is this: dying again here seems permanent. And not everyone who dies gets brought here. It varies by species—there's some kind of selection window or filter involved."

The priests, however, were no longer listening. They shouted over him, calling him a devil, a liar, a deceiver. Iratus just sighed and waited for them to tire themselves out.

Eventually, it was Hammurabi who had to silence the two human priests.

Deficio: "Is the ability to find souls and return them not proof of God's word?"

Crowns Priest: "What would an animal know of God's word?"

Deficio: "Considering God made a promise of salvation—"

The priests cut him off again, refusing to listen. Rimush slammed a hand on the table and ordered them to calm down. The Councilors' priest was slowly regaining composure, but the Crowns' priest remained combative and loud.

Once the room had quieted slightly, Iratus raised a hand.

Iratus: "Anyway, there's one more thing."

---

Chapter 1016

Iratus: "We call them the Summoners—because they summoned the people here. They're the native inhabitants of the Nexus Prime, and the one I met… was a machine."

Another wave of dispute rippled through the room. Iratus sighed. He'd already expected resistance to the idea, and he waited until the voices calmed before continuing.

Iratus: "There's more, but not all of it is important. The so-called ‘monsters' aren't truly monsters. Most are animals or creatures made strange through biology or… freakish science."

Helena: "What of the Gray Masks?"

Iratus: "Again, I don't know the science behind them. But I believe Kollektivi is responsible. He might be a product of Nexus Prime technology, not just some random beast."

Manishtushu: "Who?"

Iratus: "Kollektivi. He's the intelligence—maybe the hive mind—behind the Gray Masks. Or perhaps he is all of them. My settlement has fought him before. I call him 'he' because we've never seen him take a female form."

This time, Iratus could see the impact land. Everyone around the table was silent, thoughtful, absorbing yet another shocking revelation.

Then he gave them more.

Iratus: "I don't know what Purple City has fought, but we know the names of several of these… entities. Eretz—the ash and fire beings. Buba—the puppet maker. We never learned the true name of Pride, but we've encountered him—twice, I think. Perudot—we call them the Pale Ones, or Numb Walkers. Yaqar—he's linked to the others somehow, though he seems like a lesser AI. But one of the worst… is Ta'avah. I don't know if you've seen his kind—the ebony stalkers—but even the outsiders have never seen one."

The room was still. A few humans began to jot the names down, the scratching of pen against paper echoing faintly in the silence.

Manishtushu: "You've had quite the hardships, facing these… things."

Iratus: "Certainly."

The leaders turned to each other, whispering, weighing the revelations. Eventually, the subject returned to its original purpose: Lionhearth.

Iratus sat silently, waiting.

Hammurabi: "Iratus."

Iratus: "Hello."

Hammurabi: "Uh… yes. Hello. Our goal here has always been to understand Lionhearth—and you, its leader."

He paused, choosing his next words carefully.

Hammurabi: "Your settlement… represents a haven for rebels and criminals."

Iratus: "That sounds like slander to me."

Hammurabi: "Purple City has been securing its land. And every time we uproot barbarian camps, the survivors flee. And the reports say they flee to Lionhearth."

Iratus: "The people who come to us don't seem like bad people. We haven't had any problems with them."

Iratus glanced around the table. Manishtushu and Helena weren't speaking, but their expressions confirmed what he feared—they were aligned with Hammurabi.

---

Chapter 1017

Hammurabi: "We have concerns that, in time, your settlement will go to war with us."

Iratus: "You must be confused, it was the Festival of Blood that wanted revenge. I, on the other hand, watched as you personally killed one of my friends and instead of fighting, I gracily left Purple City, even coming back when you asked because I'm trying to be diplomatic while you kill anyone you don't like."

Hammurabi: "Your people killed one of my men, that was justice."

Iratus: "You know they shot first, you know we let the other go, you can't seriously beleive self-defense is wrong."

Hammurabi: "You should have just submited yourselves to us in the first place, then you wouldn't have had conflict."

Iratus: "They shot first!"

Hammurabi: "And you should have surrendered."

Iratus: "What do the others think about this, huh?"

Manishtushu gave a sigh.

Manishtushu: "The Crowns are not getting involved with the other factions problems."

Helena looked like she had a leading expression, but her tone seemed to betray it.

Helena: "I am on yourside, Iratus, but things work differently in Purple City. You will have to be patient."

Iratus gave a sigh and than continued.

Iratus: "Regardless, I was willing to push aside what I saw as injustice so that our two people could live in peace without any grudges between us. I don't know why you care about non-humans coming to Lionhearth, it isn't like they are even allowed to be here, even be allowed to not be killed."

Hammurabi: "If there is a settlement so different to ours, it can only naturally come into conflict with us."

Iratus: "I don't see it. I don't want conflict, no one in Lionhearth wants conflict. Where is your paranoia coming from?"

The human leaned back for a second before shacking his head and leaning forward again.

Hammurabi: "History. On Earth people who do not share the same religion or culture war with each other. It is simply the truth of things."

Iratus: "Maybe on Earth, but with so many other planets and nations throughout time, at least I've learned people are complex and flawed. Conflict comes from the will of people or even just one person. I cannot think of any reason to have conflict between our two civilizations. What would we even gain?"

Hammurabi: "As if there is any question. You are not like us and that is all the excuse anyone needs. Lionhearth must come under our watchful eye to ensure peace is obtained."

Iratus couldn't understand what was going on. The diplomacy part was going fine until now and the other two are just sitting idle, despite how much they had in common.

Iratus: "Unless we get a watchful eye in Purple City, I don't see how that is reasonable."

Manishtushu: "The problem is with Lionhearth. It is the source of future conflict so it is Lionhearth that must come to kneel."

Iratus: "You too Manishtushu?"

---

Chapter 1018

Iratus: "Manishtushu, you can't possibly want conflict. Hammurabi is the one making threats. He's pushing us toward war—not the other way around."

Manishtushu: "Purple City works together. We may differ on governance, but one thing we've all agreed on—Lionhearth must submit. It's the only way to ensure our people's safety."

Iratus in disbelief: "You're not asking for Lionhearth to be the fourth here are you?"

Manishtushu: "No, Purple City must remain the sole power in the region. That's all it is."

Iratus turning to Helena: "Helena... you can't possibly support this kind of oppression."

Helena with a gentle, but firm tone: "Lionhearth will be better once it's aligned with Purple City's laws."

That confirmed it. Iratus felt a chill settle in his chest. This was the reason they called for this meeting. They never wanted peace—they wanted submission. Perhaps Yaqar had been right all along.

Iratus: "You act like you're a vast civilization trying to vassalize small tribes. But from what I've seen, Purple City is no more than a large tribe itself. Hardly the authority you claim to be."

Hammurabi: "We have forty trained fighters and enough ammunition to wipe Lionhearth from existence. But instead of wiping you out, we offer to save you from your inhuman ways—with our culture."

Manishtushu: "And our religion."

Iratus looked down, stunned by the sheer arrogance of it all. Then, slowly, he raised his head and met their eyes—his voice calm, but edged with sorrow.

Iratus: "What happened to all of you?"

They stared at him in silence.

Iratus: "We were getting along. You asked what Lionhearth was, and you seemed fine with it. I kept saying we had no interest in Purple City. Even now, despite your insults, I still came here in peace. But now… now you belittle my people, and call for war. Why? What changed?"

Hammurabi: "It's not nonsense. You're savages. You need human enlightenment."

Iratus: "You don't even know me. You don't know Lionhearth. Come see it for yourself. Speak to our people."

Hammurabi: "I don't need to. It's this, or we destroy Lionhearth."

Iratus: "Straight to war? Without even trying to understand the people you want to wipe out? That's… suspicious."

Hammurabi scoffing: "What, you think I'll change my mind if I actually talk to more of your kind?"

Iratus: "Yes. That's how it usually happens. Fear fades when people meet face to face. Superstition crumbles under truth."

Hammurabi snapping: "Stupid rat. How dare you say that."

Iratus: "Did I strike a nerve?"

Hammurabi: "No more stalling! Submit. Become vassals. Or face our united army."

There was a long pause.

Iratus stood still, thinking. Something was off. Why had the meeting started with diplomacy and turned to threats so suddenly? Had this always been their plan? Did they really think this would work?

Iratus: "Manishtushu. You know war breeds monsters. You've studied the past. You know evil thrives in war. Did you really agree to this?"

Manishtushu: "It is not evil to protect your people. Whether or not you are even people depends on if you can abandon your pagan gods for the one true God."

Iratus: "We were becoming friends. And now you're abandoning that—for blood? You've traded peace for death. You follow a god of intolerance. That is something Lionhearth will never bow to."

Then he turned to Helena—his last hope.

Iratus: "Helena. You were supposed to be the voice of reason. War and death… they help no one. Especially not a fragile, growing society like yours."

Helena: "I can't help Lionhearth unless it joins us. If your people submit to Purple City, then I can protect them. I can help."

---

Chapter 1019

The warning signs had always been there. These three factions—despite nearly breaking apart—were more alike than they realized. Each sought control, just in different forms. The Councilors wanted freedom for all—but only the freedom they allowed. The Crowns were no different, offering “controlled freedom” dressed in a different flavor. The People sought control through forced assimilation. And because Lionhearth was home to many non-humans, it was likely that all three factions would rather see it destroyed than let it thrive.

Iratus: "The answer is no."

Hammurabi: "You clearly don't understand how outclassed you are. How many fighters do you even have?"

Iratus: "Why would I give up such valuable information?"

Helena: "Well, we told you what our combat force is."

Iratus: "And it was a fine gift, but I'm not so foolish as to offer the same. Even disclosing population size gives away too much—it's one of the first steps in planning a war. Or in deciding whether war is even worth it."

The three leaders looked slightly stunned. Iratus's words had caught them off guard. In truth, getting their population count had been his priority from the moment he suspected they wanted conflict. And judging by their carelessness, they didn't seem to understand just how valuable information could be. He had to focus to keep from smiling.

Iratus: "I don't think you three are thinking clearly. Or perhaps... you didn't think your plan all the way through. When Purple City is ready to resume friendly relations, we'll be willing. We won't hold this meeting against you."

He could see the subtle anger flaring behind Hammurabi's eyes.

Iratus: "However... please don't go to war with us. War is evil. No one truly wins."

Hammurabi: "War is a tool—it makes us stronger. If you're afraid of war, then you've already lost."

Iratus: "If that's what you believe."

He gave a short bow.

Iratus: "Then I believe we have nothing left to discuss. I'll be returning to Lionhearth. Thank you for the hospitality."

Iratus turned and walked out. No one tried to stop him. Rimush remained behind with the leaders of Purple City. Once outside, Iratus rejoined his three bodyguards and Victoria.

Victoria: "I can sense your distress. What happened?"

Iratus: "Turns out Yaqar was wrong. Ten years was way too generous."

Victoria shocked: "No way... Are we already at war?"

Iratus: "Looks that way. And the talks were going so well, too."

His bodyguards chimed in.

Resolutio: "I told you before—Purple City is just a nest of murderers. They slaughtered the ones I loved with a smile. But... at least you tried to see the good in them."

Salvos: "Fortunately, we planned for this. So it's not like we're militarily behind or anything."

Otiosus: "If you wonder why the Festival of Blood recruited so many—it's because Purple City drove the innocent into vengeful radicals."

Iratus: "Then we just need to play this war smart. With what we've already prepared, I'm confident we've already won."

Victoria: "You can tell us what happened in there once we're in the Humvee. For now, we've got a crowd waiting."

Outside the government building, a small crowd had gathered. Among them, a human-looking journalist pushed forward, ready to ask questions.

---

Chapter 1020

Iratus did his best to answer the questions, but he could sense the city's military guard growing increasingly pushy—clearly eager to escort him out.

Iratus: "In the end, the leaders of Purple City were too paranoid to believe me. Know that even with their threats and insults, I do not consider our relations damaged beyond repair. I urge the citizenry of Purple City to seek peace. In war, no one wins."

He scanned the small crowd. They didn't seem swayed—if anything, their expressions were clouded with suspicion. Perhaps they held a deep, almost blind loyalty to their leaders. Still, Iratus had been honest, polite, and careful not to be accusatory.

Regardless, it wasn't long before he was back in the Humvee with the others, heading home.

Back in Lionhearth, news traveled fast. Even the most hopeful and blindly optimistic citizens had braced themselves for bad news—after all, that was what most expected from Purple City.

Iratus barely had time to embrace his lovers before he was pulled into a strategy meeting with several of his soldiers. Purple City was said to have forty soldiers. Better to play it safe and plan for fifty.

Iratus: "I don't see why they wouldn't draft more people just to guarantee a win."

Otiosus: "We need to do something about the farm up east."

Bai Xue: "It could make a great ambush spot—especially if they think pur farmers are unprotected."

Lionhearth's map was mostly hand-drawn, but it quickly became a battlefield—a grid of scattered pieces and markers denoting key areas and potential threats.

Victoria: "We should throw in some hit-and-run tactics. Human skin breathes—drawn-out battles will favor them."

Ignis: "Any real battle will be a full commitment. We can't outrun them, whether we're fleeing or pursuing."

Resonantia: "We'll also need something to counter their guns."

Resolutio: "They say they have a lot of ammo, but do they? And how many guns can they even field?"

Sagitta: "We'll need more bows."

Confodere: "Staffing enough people at the border will be a serious blow to our manpower."

They planned for days.

Soon, Iratus had every road and forest covered. Every potential battle was mapped out before it began. Maybe Purple City would stand down and abandon the idea of war—but if their behavior so far had proven anything, it was that peace was unlikely.

---

EPISODE 102: END

---

Episode 102 End Character Sheet
Name: Iratus Lionheart
Species: Mousefolk
Age: 20
Coverings: blonde fur, white gambeson (many repairs, some leather patchwork), leather gloves, tactical vest, tailorcraft backpack, leather plate helmet, delicate gold chain with a small pendant shaped like a lion's glare, flashlight, bronze breastplate, bronze full arm guards, bronze shin guards
Weapons: long sword, short sword, hammer, 3 dagger
Equipment: belt, belt bag, water skin, leathercraft backpack

Wounds: None

Armory: 12 short swords, 2 knifes, 7 daggers, 12 metal spears, 1 long sword, semi-automatic rifle, 4 hunting traps, 18 snares, 17 backpacks, 2 katanas, crossbow, bolt-action rifle
Aestus: gambeson, bronze breastplate, leather helmet, metal spear, 2 knives, short sword, bronze long sword.
Victoria: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, short sword, crossbow, 2 daggers, flashlight
Resonanita: steel breastplate, gambeson, metal helmet, metal spear, short sword, 1 knife, compound bow, flashlight
Ignis: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, crowbar, 1 knife

Important Treasure: a tarnished silver brooch, a small ornamental figurine, a few antfolk tapestries, some antfolk art, bronze lantern, bronze idol, some jeweled trinkets, iron lantern, silver lantern, gold crown with large sapphire

Lionhearth -
Home Base, Tower: Large Storage Area (many crates, clay pots, and wooden chests), Basic Workshop Area (lots of tools, woodcarving tools, glue, sandpaper), Kitchen Area (many tools, many cutlery items, pots&pans, makeshift grill, microwave), Library, Armory, Infirmary Room (surgery tools, first aid kit, plenty of medicine and equipment), Children's Quarters, Master Bedroom (proper bedding, sensual antfolk sculpture), Six Bedrooms (proper bedding), four portable solar panels, outside house area

Outside Base: Butchering Hut (modern butchery kit, smoking rack), Tannery Hut, Underground Storage Area, Garden Area (fenced in), Tool Shed, Wooden Wall, Second Wooden Wall, 9 Small Cabin, 14 Large Cabin, 2 Gravestones, Rabbit Hutches, Several Electrical Lights, Wooden House (Astrid), Kitchen Building, Guest House, Patchwork Garage (1 Humvee), Simple Dock, Watchtower, Schoolhouse, Compost Area, Small Workshop Hut, various private gardens, various small nimal farms

Books: 5 woodworking books, weathered leather-bound journal, 2 war game booklet, sketch book (from warband), 2 sketch books, Bathhouse Reviewers (entire 80 book series), playing cards, Fractura's Notes, Tempestas's Notes, 18 survival guides, 5 technical manuals, 68 fiction novels, 12 encyclopedias, 5 dictionaries, 28 cookbooks, 4 gardening guides, 4 crafting books, 30 educational textbooks, 6 religious texts, 10 diaries, 18 children's books, Ever Dark RPG, 15 different tabletop games

Year 6, Day 87

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TOWER FOLK:
Iratus of House Lionheart
mouse, male, blonde fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'9, age: 20, b day: 350
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Victoria Mother of House Lionheart
raccoon, female, gray fur, black hair, brown eyes, 6'6, age: 20, b day: 5, (preg 66)
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Aestus of clan Riversinger
otter, female, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'4, age: 19, b day: 99
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Ignis Yang
red panda, female, reddish-brown/white fur, black hair, golden eyes, 6'7, age: 20, b day: 344, (preg 91)
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Resonantia Diamond Heart Steel
shark, female, blue-gray hue skin, white hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 20, b day: 2
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CHILDREN:
Negligere Lionheart
shark, male, steel gray skin, white hair, gold eyes, age: 5, b day: 2
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Ruina Lionheart
otter, female, orange fur, vibrant orange hair, blue eyes, age: 5, b day: 330
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Gula Lionheart
red panda, male, brown fur, dark brown hair, gold eyes, age: 5, b day: 340
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Tenacitas Lionheart
raccoon, female, silver fur, dark blonde hair, amber eyes, age: 5, b day: 345

Frustra Lionheart
raccoon, male, gray fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 4, b day: 338

Despero Lionheart
shark, male, blue-gray skin, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 3, b day: 249

Tempestas
otter, male, white fur, black hair, gold eyes, age: 2, b day: 272

Nebula
otter, female, blonde fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, age: 2, b day: 272

Ventus Lionheart
red panda, female, reddish-brown and white fur, blonde-black gradient hair, gold with a hint of silver eyes, age: 3, b day: 17

Lignum Lionheart
red panda, male, fur of reddish-brown with golden-blonde highlights, especially around chest, muzzle, and ears, gold-blonde hair, amber-gold eyes, age: 3, b day: 17

Constantia Lionheart
raccoon, female, fur is pale gray with soft gold undertones, hair is light brown with streaks of black, eyes are bright gold with brown flecks, age: 2, b day: 118

Justus Lionheart
raccoon, male, fur is silver-gray with darker banding at the tail, hair is Dark blonde, slightly curly, amber-gold eyes, age: 2, b day: 118

Vindicta Lionheart
shark, female, dark steel blue skin with a pearly undertone, blonde hair almost white at the tips, blue eyes with golden rings around the iris, age: 1, b day: 159

Patientia Lionheart
shark, female, soft gray-blue skin with subtle mottling around the shoulders and back, white hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 159

Pudor Lionheart
otter, female, copper-red fur, golden-red hair, blue eyes, age: 1, b day: 269
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NEIGHBORS:
Echo
shark, male, gray skin with a white underbelly, black hair, black eyes, 6'8, age: 44, b day: 142

Resolutio
goat, female, black fur, black hair, blue eyes, 7'0, age: 54, b day: 13

Dolor
hyena, male, rich brown fur, black hair, gold eyes, 5'1, age: 13, b day: 301

Diffido
mouse, male, black fur, black hair, brown eyes, 5'4, age: 15, b day: 145

Pusillanimitas of House Redtide
lion, female, tan fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'8, age: 20, b day: 1

Communiquer Zircon Beaumont
rabbit, female, soft gray with white patches around the nose and underbelly, chestnut brown hair, Amber-gold eyes, 6'7, age: 29, b day: 88

Sagitta Cloud Wake
wolf, male, dark charcoal with silver streaks around the muzzle and tail tipfur, steel gray hair, ice blue eyes, 6'9, age: 45, b day: 33

Parabula of Arcanum Vitae
goat, male, sandy beige with dark brown patches along his limbs, black hair, bright green eyes, 6'7, age: 33, b day: 55

7 others: a female tanuki, a male hyena, a female raccoon, and 4 others.
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WINTER WINDS CLAN:
Studium of Winter Winds
fox, male, gray fur, black hair, blue eyes, 6'4, age: 17, b day: 190

Fuligo Leaf Shadow
otter, female, black fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'2, age: 17, b day: 245

Bellum of House War Knuckles
cheetah, female, blonde fur with black spots, blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age 18, b day: 91
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Ambitiosus of Winter Winds
cheetah, male, blonde fur with black spots, black hair, blue eyes, age 3, b day: 322

Vertex of Winter Winds
otter, female, gray fur, black hair, blue eyes, age 2, b day: 360

Virtus of Winter Winds
cheetah, male, sandy gold fur with dense black spotting, black streaked with blonde hair, blue eyes, age 1, b day: 162

Venatio of Winter Winds
otter, male, charcoal black fur with silvery undertones around the chest and face, blonde hair, blue eyes, age 1, b day: 207
Year 4, Day 210

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DARK SKY FAMILY:
Salvos Dark Sky
wolf, male, black fur, white hair, copper eyes, 6'8, age 31, b day: 66

Leitmotif Schlange
snake, female, yellow and red scales, naga bodied, gold eyes, age 28, b day: 229
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Ostinato Dark Sky
snake, male, black and red scales, white hair, bipedal, gold eyes, age 3, b day: 234

Discordia Dark Sky
snake, female, scales are crimson with deep onyx patterning along back and limbs, white hair, bipedal, bright gold eyes, age 1, b day: 6

Caligo Dark Sky
snake, male, scales are dusky gold with shadowy undertones, short, black hair with hints of auburn, bipedal, copper-red eyes, age 1, b day: 6
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OCULI ACUTI FAMILY
Confodere Oculi Acuti
hyena, male, dark brown fur, black hair, gold eyes, 6'9, age 30, b day: 239

Liora Woodleaf
deer, female, light brown with white spots, blonde hair, hazel eyes, 5'9, age: 29, b day 323, (preg 68)

Sutura Vigilia Nocturna
hyena, female, brownish-blonde fur with black spots, gold hair, gold eyes, 6'8, age: 22, b day: 364
-
Candela Woodleaf-Oculi
deer, female, fur is tawny beige with faint white spots that form a flame-like pattern across her back, hair is black with golden highlights, unusually thick and slightly wavy, amber-hazel eyes, age 2, b day 168

Caelum Woodleaf-Oculi
deer, male, fur is chestnut with darker brown shoulders and legs, with only faint spotting, hair is blonde with streaks of dark brown near the roots, gold eyes, age 2, b day 168

Ferox Vigilia Nocturna
hyena, male, dark sable-brown fur with dense black spotting, gold hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 219
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HOT WAVES AND BRASSMOON FAMILY
Odorem of Hot Waves
fox, male, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 27, b day: 86

Fraus of House Brassmoon
feline, female, bright gray, white underbelly fur, white hair, blue eyes, 6'7, age: 20, b day: 90, (preg 153)
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Vana Hotbrass
feline, female, pale silver-gray fur with a subtle red-orange tint across the back and cheeks, deep auburn-red hair, blue eyes, age: 1, b day: 174
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HOT WAVES AND WHITE SKY FAMILY
Inlecebra of Hot Waves
fox, male, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 29, b day: 343

Arcus of White Sky 
fox, female, slightly dark brown fur, slightly dark brown hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age: 22, b day: 326
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Excelsa Hotsky
fox, female, deep reddish-brown fur with subtle orange undertone, dark auburn hair, blue eyes, age: 1, b day: 235

Fidelis Hotsky
fox, male, mahogany brown fur with red-tinged highlights and darker markings along the shoulders, deep red hair, blue eyes, age: 1, b day: 235

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HOUSE OWLEYE
Otiosus of House Owleye
mouse, male, dark gray fur, dark gray hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 25, b day: 105

Bai Xue
fluff dragon, female, white fur, white hair, green eyes, 7'1, age: 28, b day: 309

Astrid Kuivuus
nixman, female, slightly purple skin, black hair, blue eyes, 6'0, age: 24, b day: 71
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Tranquilla Owleye
fluff dragon, female, white fur with light silver-gray patterning along her back and neck, pale silver hair with white streaks, deep green eyes, age: 1, b day: 246

Eirik Kuivuus
nixman, male, pale lavender skin, black hair, blue eyes, age: 1, b day: 81
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LOST FIRE
Certamen of the Lost Quickness
raccoon, male, dark gray fur, black hair, blue eyes, 6'9, age: 27, b day: 76

Ardens Ignifera
redpanda, female, red fur, black hair, gold eyes, 6'5, age: 24, b day: 187
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Fulgora Lost Fire
redpanda, female, fur is deep reddish-orange with charcoal-gray markings on the arms and legs; tail is ringed with darker red and slate-gray stripes, black hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 251
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MALONDO FAMILY
Laedere Malondo
hyena, male, fur is sandy beige with darker brown spots and a stripe down spine, white hair, orange-gold eyes, 6'4, age: 20, b day: 22

Praevalidum
ant, female, blackish-brown chitin, dark gray skin, brown hair, green eyes, 6'5, age: 23, b day: 77
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Ferrox Malondo
ant, male, deep brown-black chitin with subtle sandy undertones on the limbs and thorax, white hair, green eyes, age: 1, b day: 3
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RENNICK FAMILY
Collaboratio Diamond Rennick
rabbit, male, fur is pale cream with soft gray ears and speckling along the shoulders, orange hair, hazel eyes, 6'11, age: 24, b day: 284

Vesper Red Queen
moth, female, gray fur, silver hair, brown eyes, 6'4, age: 22, b day: 37
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Aurora Diamond Rennick
moth, female, soft silvery-gray fur with creamy undertones around the cheeks, forearms, and tail base; subtle pale speckling across her shoulders, fluffy orange-tinged hair, brown eyes, age: 1, b day: 65
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(farm)
UMBRA OCEAN FAMILY:
Procella Ocean Drinker
weasel, female, blonde fur, black hair, green eyes, 6'5, age 26, b day: 207

Iter of Sanguinem Umbra
goat, male, white fur, blonde hair, brown eyes, 6'7, age 23, b day: 334
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Bothynus Umbra Ocean
weasel, female, blonde fur, blonde hair, brown eyes, age 2, b day: 351

Lamentia Umbra Ocean
weasel, female, creamy golden-blonde fur with subtle white patches around the shoulders and chest, black hair, olive green eyes with a golden ring around the iris, age 1, b day: 210
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(farm)
Levi Ackerman
nixman, male, light purple skin, white hair, blue eyes, 6'1, age: 26, b day: 303
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(farm)
THE COBALTS:
Commercium Jade Blue Cobalt
rabbit, male, white fur, black hair, gray eyes, 6'8, age: 29, b day: 221

Abrasione
hyena, female, tan fur with black spots, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'5, age: 24, b day: 4
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Kuxatura Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, tan fur, black hair, gold eyes, age: 5, b day: 284

Vulnera Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, white with black spots fur, black hair with some golden strands, gray eyes, age: 2, b day: 189

Ruptura Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, pale tan fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 2, b day: 189
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LAST MISTAKE
Deficio
lion, male, gray fur, rich gray hair, green eyes, 6'6, age: 50, b day: 111

Malignitas of House Brokensand
feline, male, light black fur, light black hair, brown eyes (single eye), 6'7, age 33, b day: 343

Disputatio Sapphire Halberd 
rabbit, male, fur is tawny tan with salt-and-pepper flecks along his back and cheeks, hair is dusty brown with streaks of white at the temples, green eyes, 6'5, age: 58, b day: 183

And 8 others.
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(Last Mistake)
Clan Sootdrinker:
Pulvis of Clan Sootdrinker
otter, male, dark‑brown fur, dark-brown hair, blue eyes, 6'7, age: 35, b day: 180

Caedes, Mother of Clan Sootdrinker
mouse, male, black fur, white hair, green eyes, 6'5, age: 27, b day: 105
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Inertia Sootdrinker
mouse, female, jet black fur, silvery white hair, deep blue-green eyes, age: 2, b day: 315

Fumus Sootdrinker
mouse, male, smoky gray-brown fur that is darker around the limbs and tail, white streaked with faint brown undertones hair, pale blue eyes, age: 2, b day: 315