Ungodly Resurrection

7: Familiar Bonds

“I still can't believe the triplets have gotten so big.” Emma's sister sighed. Emma laughed, watching them chase each other through the dark yard. Luci was sitting behind her with his hands wrapped protectively around her stomach. Although he nuzzled and kissed her occasionally, his sharp gaze never wandered far from their five children.

“It's kind of like how your second boy outgrew the first before he was five. It was kind of funny, but also sad to watch the older chap find himself the 'little' brother.” Emma chuckled. She reached for the glass of ice water her sister had brought her and gratefully took a large swallow, before offering it to Luci. He shook his head, murmuring a thank you, and planting a small kiss on her neck.

“Ok, so Phoebie, I actually came here for a reason. We've had a silent guard on you for a while now, and Bel and I think it's time you meet. I want him to start integrating into your life, since Bel and I can't always be here.” Emma curled her fingers and a tall dark haired man stepped out of the shadows. Emma's sister squealed slightly, but Phoebie just made a sudden noise of understanding.

“So that's what that was.” Phoebie grumbled.

“Ok, look SweetPea, here's the thing: Bel is the one who was responsible for our family's Pact, however it ended with me, with only a promise to look after those who came after the Claimed. He's going to keep coming for lessons and things, and of course he'll answer when you call, but we're finding a lot of time distortion between the realms right now.” Emma took a breath. “Sooo.. what we did was all three of us sat down and looked at some available candidates to act as your guardian in case we can't get to you fast enough. Especially since your abilities are manifesting so quickly now..” Emma took another breath to steady herself, and then waved to the dark-haired man.

“Please show her.” She said softly, and he promptly fell to his knees, melting into a large black wolf with a soft yelp. There was another screech, but this time from both Phoebie and her mom. Emma chuckled softly.

“Calm down, please. He's one of Lucian's kind. He lost his Master a few years ago, but he managed not to revert, and he's quite knowledgeable because he was a Familiar for a number of years.” Emma's sister sputtered, but Phoebie got up and walked around the black wolf.

“So cool...” Phoebie muttered. “He's like a werewolf.” Emma shook her head.

“No, he's a form of spirit, a wolf spirit to be exact, who evolved, or progressed to have a human Form. Bel told me our Family used to pass down Familiars, but since we stopped practicing, the tradition died. And I know he's not from our family's line, but he is lonely, and has expressed an interest in taking a new master, or mistress. So what we'd like you to consider, is taking him as your Familiar.” Emma held her breath.

“Is that safe? What does that mean? She's so young! She's not going to have to.. you know, be intimate, is she?” Emma's sister jumped in swiftly, motioning to Emma and Luci. “And what do you mean 'one of Luci's kind'? Is Luci a werewolf too? I mean you told us he was 'different' but...” Emma sighed.

“Spirit, not werewolf. He's my Familiar. Lucian?” Emma patted his hand on her stomach. “Do you mind showing them? I won't make you if you're embarrassed or uncomfortable.” Luci chuckled.

“At once Mistress.” He stood, gingerly placing her back on the chair where he had sat and jumped the porch railing to the grass, knowing there was not enough room for his wolf Form amongst the women and furniture on the small deck. His body landed with a dull thud, handling the ten foot drop with ease. He looked up at Emma with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes as Phoebie and her mother gasped. His ice blue eyes seemed to glow for an instant before he let his human Form disintegrate, bones shifted, cracked, readjusting and growing into his much larger wolf Form. He let out a small bark and shook his white fur out and his children cheered, running over.

“Wolf, wolf, wolf! Chase us Papa Lu!” They cried. He let his tongue hang out in a doggy grin, but shook his head, nudging them affectionately with his snout. He looked back to Emma, unsure if he should further unsettle her relatives by speaking in this Form or not. He shook his shaggy white fur again, circled, and sat facing the porch, awaiting further instructions.

“Phoebie would not have to take him as a lover, no. Though as she ages she may choose to. The Bond between a Familiar and Innate can be very powerful.” Emma ran a finger across her stomach. “However, she will have to feed her Familiar, which requires a few drops of blood every few days. It's a relatively small price to pay for the benefits received.” She looked down on Luci as her children crawled all over him, trying to get him to play, a small smile on her face.

“But, but.. wow.. I have so many questions.” Emma's sister collapsed back on her chair, looking at her sister and then to Luci and the children. Emma stood and moved to the rail.

“Aunty Em, what does a Familiar do?” Phoebie had her hand buried in the black wolf's hair and he had his eyes closed, leaning into the sensation as she scratched behind his ear.

“Well, they protect you and act as a sort of guide and aid you with your abilities.” Emma explained. “And for the most part, depending on the Familiar, they have more knowledge than an Innate might, and will be able to help guide you. And the two of you can increase each other's abilities when you work in concert...” Emma called down to her Luci. “Luci-should we give her a demonstration?” Lucian's eyes twinkled again and he ducked his head.

“As you wish.” He called to her, with a wolf howl in sync excitedly.

“He.. he can talk like that? It's not enough he's huge and terrifying, but he... oh wow.” Emma's sister placed a hand on her forehead. Emma laughed.

“Luci's special. Not all of them can.” Emma replied.

“Correction, Emma's the one who is special, I just rode her coattails.” Luci called, grinning a doggy grin again.

“Children, please come up here before your father is struck by lightning for lying.” Emma called with a laugh and they squealed, running up the stairs as Emma descended.

“Now Phoebie, to better answer your question: Luci is able to draw on my power, much as I am able to draw on his, but when we work together, great things happen.” Emma yelled. Luci slid to his belly, inviting Emma to climb onto his shoulders. The hunched posture of his latest Form provided a nice dip in his spine directly behind his shoulders, just perfect for her to sit. She sat side-saddle, the great hunched shoulders of his wolf Form were just too large for her to straddle. She let her fingers twine into his hair.

“Are you ready Luci? I'm going to summon a spirit, a nasty one-but one that should be pretty easy to Banish.” Emma whispered.

“Yes Mistress.” Lucian replied, standing carefully so as not to dislodge her. Emma let her mind slip into that strange, wild, unspooling energy and let it flow through Luci. He shook his head, fur bristling, and sneezed.

“That always feel weird.” He grumbled, a light growl escaping him. Emma ignored him, concentrating instead on finding the realm where they'd battled the dragon. There were some strange, decently powerful spirits there, but none too difficult for them to handle. She pulled a strange bird-like creature from the realm, and flooded Luci with more power, that began to form a self-sustaining loop between them. Luci shuddered.

“Ok, here we go!” Emma cried. Luci's white fur practically glowed now, a cold white light, like the moon. Emma could feel her own skin absorbing and refracting the light. It danced off her in a shimmer and shine like she was made of water. The bird creature stepped onto the human plane with a resounding thud. Emma honestly thought this thing probably looked more closely like a T-rex than any pictures had yet depicted. It screeched at Luci and Emma as it took another step forward and Luci raised his head, scenting the air.

“Why do these things always smell like chickens?” He growled petulantly.

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Emma collapsed on the steps with an exhausted laugh. They had played with the huge bird thing for a while. Luci stole a handful of feathers from its hind end, and they led it on a merry chase around the yard, each showing off some of their particular skills before they pushed it back through the portal to its own realm. It had been a fantastic bit of fun that they hadn't really had in a while with everything else going on. The kids had cheered and called down from their place on the porch which had spurred them on, and now they were playing with the 'giant chicken feathers' as Lucian was calling them. Phoebie was looking at the black wolf in awe.

“Yes. Yes. I want that. How do I get a Familiar?” Phoebie demanded. The wolf straightened and trotted to Emma's side.

“Bel.” Emma called gently, knowing he would hear her, wherever he was. “Luci, you too, my love.” She then turned to Phoebie. Luci came jogging over in human Form.

“You have to understand, your Familiar relationship won't be exactly like Lucian's and mine. Your Familiar will become whatever you need him to be, will evolve with you in strength, maturity. May even change Form. But no two relationships are ever the same.” Emma warned and Phoebie nodded once, grimly. Her mother looked slightly terrified behind her.

“Will she be fighting creatures like that, often?” Phoebie's mother asked. Emma laughed.

“Not likely. Her Familiar will just be here to help protect her from the ones that are a threat to her here. Honestly, she's already encountered dozens, any huge chickens Phoebie?” Emma teased.

“Uh, no. A lotta weirdo shadow things though.” Phoebie said with a shrug. Emma sighed.

“Corrupted spirits. A Familiar will help you avoid them.” Emma responded. “And perhaps learn to protect yourself as Bel and I try to continue your lessons. Just no seeking out trouble!” Emma scolded both.

“No problem.” Phoebie shuddered. “Them things're creepy.” Emma nodded approvingly and Bel stepped up beside Emma.

 “Ok, let's get this show on the road.” Emma said, rubbing her hands together.