My Heaven

-The Call-

By Michael James

Part 1

Welcome

In a field at night,

stands a ritual...

“Chance we welcome you into our company. Do you swear unending loyalty to our god Hill?” The young rabbit boy said as he cut his palm that he swore he would serve until death. Hill walked to the boy asking what were his reasons to join as an eelkshie?

“I was rescued by your soldiers my lord, and I want to free others as I was freed.” Hill took the dagger and slit his palm. He let his blood enter the boys wound on his hand. The pulse of power was a lot to handle, but he made it through like a champ.

“Welcome to my ranks Chance. You are now a freedom runner, now rise.” He stood up and was greeted by the others in Hill's eelkshie group. “Now its time for you to wear the armor you earned.” Chance had killed a panther weeks ago and leather armor was made from its hide. He wore it proudly and he took his weapons. A bow with custom arrows and arm blades.

“I think you wear our masters uniform well. Now its time for your initiation test” spoke Lattice. He was ready... She then told him “very well, your pet is in a waterfall to the east. You must return with her alive before daybreak.

Chance looked to the east and ran like the wind. When he was out of sight Lattice took off on a separate path. Hill had told her to not go easy on him. She loaded her gun as she ran. She saw the boy coming soon. She aimed at his feet and had a clear shot.

“Such a shame he had great potential. She fired her gun and as the round was on route. He heard the gun fire and called on his summon beasts. A condor swooped down and got him to safety. He was a ways in the air and fell shooting an explosive arrow at the path of the shot. Lattice got out before he fired his arrow. She was pleased it wasn't that easy. Still she had 2 more chances to kill him.

She made her way to the cliff that was in the direct path. She was ready with her sword. He ran up the side of the cliff going from boulder to boulder. When he realized his evaluation was being made by the strongest ones. He had a moment of panic. Until he saw an opportunity. Lattice met him as he came to the top. He had his arm blades ready with arrows in his hands like spears. He seemed to be ready to fight. Lattice tried to cut his head off and he smacked the 2 arrows together. Creating a blinding light. She swung randomly in a self defense pattern.

“Where are you, you little ninja?” By the time she got her sight back he was on his way away from her. Lattice had one last try. Chance was heading through the forest. She loaded her highest caliber round. She mapped out his quickest path and went to intervene.

When she got ahead of him and on his trail. She hid and waited. Chance came along a couple minutes later. She had him dead in her sights. Even if he moved to evade it wouldn't give him enough time. But Lattice didn't fire her gun. He went to claim his rabbit in her cage and got back to the group in the time limit.

At the celebration...

“Here try a little of this.” Chance drank some of Vincent's home brew. It made the guy cough like crazy. “Yeah, almost no one likes my shine because it is so strong.”

“Maybe you shouldn't get him drunk.” Lattice told him handing Chance some tea. Seeing her in a dress was breath taking for both men. “Vincent, would you give us a little bit of time alone?” He told his boss no problem and went over to their ally Home.

“I appreciate you not taking the shot by the way.” Perceptive, she didn't realize he knew she was there. “My bird was flying over your head. I was just planning to blind you again.”

“You are one of us, I accepted you when you first came to us. I hope you will prove to be the soldier I took you for.” Chance told her he would not disappoint.

Part 2

We hit them hard

6 days later,

out in the frontier...

“You sure you are up for this Chance?” He told his superior Vincent, he was ready. “Very well, you have the floor.” Chance smiled and signaled to the other two groups. They wanted to train him as a leader, so he was in charge of the operation. They were on the same planet as before. Near a loading area, where several dozen young slaves were being put on a ship. Group A was Lattice and her unit. Chance was with Vincent's unit. Unit C was led by Karrot.

Chance looked up and saw his bird flying around up in the sky. He got what he needed using telepathy with it and gave signal to move in. To his favor Chance was a natural leader. There were many things around the port to go and hide behind as they got closer to the ship. It was all fine until they came across 2 men with a slave girl. They had her behind some piping and were doing things to her.

“Lattice, can you take them out?” She came back saying right as rain. Her power of speed cut their necks and put a hand over her mouth. Lattice told her not to scream they were there to free her. She nodded yes, but she screamed for her masters after she was let go. Lattice asked her why? Because they would hurt her if she didn't. “Lattice, put her to sleep!” She used a sleep gas on the slave, leaving her where she lay. Karrot screamed as they were fired on, what the hell!?

“Enough, we need to concentrate on a different strategy now. Karrot, create a diversion with your flames. Draw the hired guns away from the slaves. Lattice, take your unit aboard the ship and free the slaves there. Vincent take your unit behind the enemy and flank them. Karrot advance your unit on the front... OPEN FIRE!”

Karrot created fire from flares that raged on. The fire distracted the slavers and drawing their attention. Lattice moved to the back entrance of the ship. When the alarm was raised after the slave screamed. It put everyone at a disadvantage. Chance wasn't worried about it in the slightest.

Vincent's unit got right behind the slavers as predicted. They got ready to fire on them when Chance told them to stay hidden. He also told Karrot to pull his men back. The 2 leaders didn't hesitate. Chance told them his birds see mercenaries approaching from all entries.

“How many, how long!?” Chance told Karrot they had 14 minutes before they were swamped. “14 minutes huh, now that's a luxury warning.” Lattice told them they weren't leaving the slaves. Chance responded calmly of course not.

“Vincent, there is a large pipe to your left, server it. Everyone go red vision.” Vincent saw the steam vent pipe and smiled. In 11 more minutes the mercenaries showed up. What they came to was a whole port flooded in hot white steam.

“Wait for it... NOW, USE YOUR GRENADES!” The grenades went off and didn't do much to the enemy. Chance's plan was to push the steam out of the port to draw the enemy in closer.

“Boss, we caught a break, its clearing. The battle is ours guys rush in!” The boss told his men to stay in the steam, but they didn't listen. The idiots came into clear view and were mowed down. The boss shouted for his remaining men to stay in the steam.

“Chance we can see them clear as day with our red view. Lets kill the rest of them” Karrot said eagerly. Chance told them to hold their fire. If they believed they were safe in the steam they had a greater advantage. “Vincent, can we please just kill them?”

“I agree with Chance, we can get them off the ship this way.” Chance saw their boss in the steam, they locked eyes and he walked out of cover. He said he wanted to negotiate.

“I know you.” Chance said coming out of cover. The guy started laughing that it was his old punching bag. Chance made a high pitch screeching sign of battle. “Vincent, Karrot... this guy is mine.” The 2 rabbit leaders smiled and gave him their vow to not interfere. Chance took his arm blades ready for battle. The boss took out a shock stick and cranked it to maximum power.

“Come here you little, shi...” Chance charged him and aimed strait for his neck. The guy waved his stick wildly and it got in Chance's way. “You remember this don't you. Yeah the night I took your sister. Chance showed fear from the stick and the guy loved it.

Part 3

Nemesis

In the port...

“I got some new tricks to show you.” The boss pointed the shock stick at Chance and hit him with a bolt. “Ha ha, you stupid little vermin did you really think you could win?”

Karrot had his gun sight right on the guys forehead. Asking Vincent if he could take the shot. Vincent told him not yet. Let Chance have the fight, that they never got a chance to have. Very well, but if the boy went down he would kill him. Vincent smiled saying that wont be necessary. Now Chance got up and the boss shot at him again. The bolt hit him in the chest and sent him on the tar flat on his back.

“Is this really what that pathetic god sends to free his people. A stupid little runt?” Chance moved to get up but was hit again twice. “I'm going to enjoy watching you die, runt.” Chance watched him approach with a machete in his hand.

“I can say the same goes for me.” He asked Chance what he was talking about? “I'm going to enjoy watching you die.” Huh? A bird came at the shock stick and snatched it out of his hand. Chance had recovered and was playing dead. When the bird flew the stick to his master. The boss was unaffected by how screwed he was.

“You don't know how to use that weapon runt...”

“Don't I?” He pointed it at the guy and hit him with enough jolts to power a town. The boss had never felt pain like this, and he still carried to the tough guy act. Thinking he had the upper hand. Despite his heart was failing him. “Where is my sister?” He spit on Chance's foot. Chance stabbed him in the neck and his eyes illuminated upon death. A mercenary's bullet went into his shoulder and Chance shouted open fire!”

In the slaver's ship...

“Lattice, they're this way, I can hear children crying.” Lattice and her unit were in the under belly of the ship. She knew they didn't have much time left. She had to go the direction she was going, but couldn't abandon the children.

“Lessly, take the unit and free the kids. I need to stay on track” Lattice said with hope for her. Lessly told her she wouldn't let her down. Lattice took off towards the torture room. Where a certain prick needed to be killed. When she arrived in the room, it was horrific. There was so much blood and frightening tools. And there stand her target. A panther man, holding a whip with 2 slaves behind him all beat up.

“Hello Latti, come to see my handy work again?” She took her sword and told him, he wasn't escaping this time. “Always so serious, why not slow down and enjoy life.”

“Prepare yourself...” She moved at super fast speed. One couldn't even see a blur. Yet he deflected her attack, moving at the same speed. His whip hit her sword hand. Lattice dropped her sword and he waved his whip making a pentagram in the air. Which was written in fire trails. The pentagram shot at her and hit dead on. Except it didn't hurt her. She had a medallion under her armor to protect her from such attacks.

“You stupid bunny, don't think your wares will protect you non stop.” Lattice got her sword back in her hand. They had done this dance many times. His Name was Polo, a freelance mercenary paid to train disobedient slaves. And in a way, he was Lattice's nemesis. “I should warn you, they have toxic gas canisters on this floor. If the crops don't have enough value they plan to spoil them.”

“Yet you remain?” Lattice asked in a smug and sly tone. Polo, clicked a stick as thin as a pen, then called for an escape. His friend who was a teleporter appeared and got him out. Right as the gas filled the whole floor. Polo lied about it being toxic, it was just sleep gas. Lattice moved her butt to get out of the floor, but she fell to it.

Out in the ship port...

“Oh boy.” Vincent spoke in worry.

“What?” Vincent informed Chance her distress signal went off. “What, where is she?” Below deck, they got her with knockout gas. Dammit, this was supposed to be a warm up for him. “I got this Vincent.” Chance radioed to Karrot, he had a job for him.

Below deck...

“Hurry sir, put a bullet in her head before she wakes up.” Polo who was wearing a mask along with his crew. Told his men to bind her and bring her to his ship. “Are we escaping?” Yes they were. “What about the client?” Polo couldn't care less about him. Not when he could escape with this prize. “Alright you heard him. Put some diametal cuffs on her and lets get the hell out of here.”

Lattice was conscious, but couldn't move. She felt the men cuff her and lift her up. She also felt at least one guy fondle her.

Part 4

Take me

In the chaos,

in the ship's port...

“Karrot, are you in position?” Vincent asked shouting! Karrot told them this was a flammable gas. He didn't understand Chance's plan. “I think I know where he is going with this, stand by... Boss he's in position!” Chance screamed at the top of his lungs.

“WE WILL NEVER ESCAPE FROM THIS. KARROT IGNITE THE SLEEPING GAS, AT LEAST WE WILL TAKE THEM WITH US!” All of the hired guns paused hearing this. “Do it Karrot.” They saw an explosion on the far end of the port.

“These idiot rabbits are crazy. Run you idiots, GET OUT OF HERE!” A wave of fire came from behind Vincent and Chance. It consumed their units and frightened all the ports away.

“Okay Karrot you can cool it.” This rabbit guy could manipulate fire, just not create it. He had flares of all kinds on him. The fire seemed to kill everyone but it was just a show.

“I got to hand it to you boss, it really worked.” Chance asked if the gas was ignited? “We wouldn't be having this conversation if it did boss. Hey there are a couple gas masks here, should I follow?”

“Negative seal the entry shut. Then move as fast as you can to the northeast part of the ship.” Karrot closed the door and barricaded it shut. “Vincent, get these slaves free. My unit with me!” Chance ran as fast as he could to the northeast. Right when Polo was coming out of it. As the door opened Polo was faced with 30 riffles pointed at him. “Let her go.” Polo smiled behind his mask and asked him if he was the new leader? “Let her go.” He told his men to pull them out.

7 guys with lighters ready to fry all the slaves and themselves. What was it to them, they were dead men anyway. Chance told his unit to stand down.

“Archi, stay behind and make sure they don't follow us.” Chance told Polo, to take him instead of Lattice. “Very admirable, but you see, I have a vendetta against this rabbit.” Then take him as well. “No, I don't know you and I don't know your skills.” He went on saying he was willing to lose the slaves if it meant she would live. “What are you talking, why?” Polo jerked his head behind his back. Karrot almost got a clean shot to the back of his head. Instead it grazed his hip.

He dropped Lattice and drew his whip. As Karrot started firing at him. Polo screamed they still had slaves to kill! Chance asked Archi what was he being paid?

“To hell with you boy!” He shouted to his teleport guy to get him free. As he appeared, he grabbed Polo and also tried to grab Lattice. Chance's shoulder still hurt like a bastard. But he managed to put a knife through the teleporters hand. To miss grabbing Lattice. His unit put their weapons back on the mercenaries. Polo had left his men behind to fight to the death. They felt a bit betrayed.

“Perhaps, a financial solution can be reached?” Chance asked with glee in his eyes. Karrot made his way to them from behind the crates with his riffle. Chance happened to have 150 coffins on a money card. The mercenaries gave them info and their masks. After that they evacuated the port. Chance sent a bird into the lower levels to scout. Everyone was knocked out and in some cases they were dead. “We need to hurry!” Chance told them putting on his mask with haste.

In the lower decks...

The bird led them to the cells where the slaves were being kept. Vincent managed to force the doors open. Karrot was guarding Lattice while she slept. There were 17 slaves in the cells and were mostly children. Chance picked up a little rabbit girl. Telling everyone to grab a slave and carry them out.

In the passenger,

part of the ship...

“What do you mean they fled!?” The bodyguard told his master there was no one left to protect him. He needed to get out of here before they came for him. “Yes, I will flee, after I kill my slaves.” Sir? “They are going to be freed anyway, might as well kill them now.” He told his employer they needed to go now! “Don't tell me how to run my keep.” He said with a crazed look in his eye. He took a gun and went to his bedroom where he kept his harem.

By now, the freedom runners were flooding the complex. The bodyguard fled and got away. He didn't owe the stupid guy anymore service. Vincent found the idiot in his bedroom. A dead woman on the floor and using another as a shield. With a gun to her temple.

“I want out of here and I'm taking my favorite rabbit girl with me.” Vincent set his weapons on the ground and let him pass. The guy turned his back to the doorway walking out and Chance killed him. Because he was all focused on Vincent.

Part 5

Thump

At Hill's estate,

days later...

“Chance, our lord wants a word with you.” Another eelkshie named Charity told him. Chance asked if he was in trouble? “No you are not in trouble, far from it actually, I'll escort you to him.” As they walked down the halls, Chance was fascinated with Charity's butt. They reached the door to Hill's room and she turned towards him. “I will admit you are a handsome young man. But I am married to Prayer. Master Hill is inside.” Charity smiled and walked away, while he checked her out a bit more. Hill asked what he was waiting for!?

Chance walked in the bedroom. One of the slaves they freed was in there with him and a mage eelkshie named Bliss. Hill asked Chance to be silent for a minute. Bliss put her hand over the freed slaves neck. There was an impressive light show. Followed by a binding spell on the woman being broken.

“Thank you Bliss, young one, you are free to live your life in my cities. Or make a life for yourself somewhere else.” She asked Hill if there was a position in his estate? “I'll find a place for you here. Bliss will you show her where the baths are?” The women left the room with only the two men left inside.

“How may I be of service my lord?” Was he aware of Ravel's request? “Who is Ravel, my lord?” She was the child he carried from the cells to the ships port. “I was not aware of any request.” She wanted to serve him in his estate. “I was not told I had an estate?” Hill smiled telling him of course he was to have his own place.

“I heard from all 3 generals that you led the attack with flying colors. So yes, you get your own home.” Ravel, was the girls name? “Yes, be warned I think she has a crush on you.” Chance confessed he wasn't good with girls. Also he heard Karrot was heading out again. “I want you to rest.” He bowed saying yes of course. “Ravel will be waiting for you at your new home, you may go.”

At his new home,

that night...

“There there, just let it out.” Ravel was suffering from PTSD. She was in the bathroom with her new employer, feeling sick. She was about 10 years old and not real strong yet. After she was done throwing up. Chance put her in a bed and planned to watch over her all night. As she slept tears fell from her closed eyes.

At daybreak...

“Sir, lady Lattice is here. She wants a word with you. What should I tell her?” He got up out of his chair and went to the door. Lattice had a look on her face of envy. Mainly because she screwed up getting knocked out by the gas.

“You can come in, but talk quietly.” Lattice walked in and saw the girl in the big comfortable bed. She asked if the room had a terrace? “Yes there is one out there, but I don't want to leave the room.” She thumped her foot whispering he needed to except this would happen a lot. He couldn't spoil every child who he looked after like this. “What happened to her?” She looked like she was being tortured for fun. “I'm sorry, I just expected a different result once they were safe.”

“And she'll get there, she just needs a couple months.” Chance asked what he could do for her? Lattice told him this was a conversation for privacy. He shrugged his shoulders and went with her on the deck. They closed the doors between them and the room. “Listen, I wanted to ask before loads of suitors come your way. Would you consider a long engagement with me?”

“Wow... I did not see that one coming!”

“It's just I want to have a fiancee to keep my suitors away. I live for the sword, not love.” Sure. Did he need to buy some rings? “No need, I got mine right here. Now as for being physical, I imagine we will get there. Just as long as its on down time.”

Chance took her palm and started to kiss the back of her hand. When Ravel screamed... NO MOMMY!” Chance quickly kissed her hand and rushed in the room....