Framework of the Frontier, Sain Artwell [read me a book .TXT] 📗

Drunken Damsels by L’hau Flehman the Third is my favorite.”

“Right.” William nodded slowly, trying not to keep his grin from growing offensively wide. “Do you remember who you are? Maybe you could help us. My friend has been kidnapped and this place seems to warp space, so could you open us a door to get me where I need to be and let the others out?”

“Hm.” She seemed to think about it.

“Do you not remember who you are?” Ember asked from the side. “Please, we need your help. You’re the last hope we have to get our friend back.”

The Red Angel looked at Ember. “As tempting as it would be to delete my core self to make room for more operas, I do not have the authority to do so. Consequently, I am not allowed to let you leave.”

The room tensed. Hands shifted towards weapons and nerves were drawn to a readiness of combat.

William licked his lips. “If you’re angry about us stealing the operas, I’m sure we could arrange something, right?”

“Yeah, yea.” Orien licked her lips as her fingers gripped her blade. “Didn’t know we were stealing. Usually, with tomb robbery, the person you’re taking from is dead. We could uhh… perform something ourselves? I know we’re no bards from Iram, but the hoofsies can dance and I know the basics of playing the flute.”

The Red Angel’s face returned to a contemplative frown. “You may keep the echordings and live within the Junction and the Folding Halls. I simply cannot let you leave. Consequently, you cannot attempt to harm me, or each other, as that would also force me to kill you.”

“That’s not going to work for us,” William said.

Nevermind getting Rulu back, at this rate all there’d be left of him, Ember, and Orien’s band would be wet stains rotting on the floor. Maybe we could win? Could we? I’ve no fucking clue what she is. Some kind of sentient magical construct bound to a set of orders.

There’s got to be something, a loophole.

“So, to confirm before we start swinging. You don’t want to kill us? Is it a regular order from a superior, a magical compulsion, a mind control, or something programmed into you? What’s the specific wording?”

“‘Stay here, keep them safe. Don’t let anyone out until I’m back’, was the command of my master. I relinquished much of my power over the Framework to him. An administrator could reset me, but I have been unable to reach one.”

William rubbed his knee. A heartbeat sent a hot throb of pain up his hips and rainbow worms to the corners of his vision. Fuck, can’t believe I need to waste blessings to clear my head?

Clear the head.

That’s it!

Though only for a few seconds, the blessing had broken Ember free from the slugs’ mind fuckery. Might work. It was worth a shot. Worst case scenario, he would have one less blessing to fight the red angel with. Even if they won they wouldn’t get to Rulu in time. This was the only way.

“Alright, Angel, I know a spell that might free you from the restrictions for a moment. Do you mind if we try it out? It’s harmless.”

“Truly?”

“Yup.”

“You are free to give it a try.”

“Let’s go, I bless your strength.” He tapped her between the breasts. White specks of divine energy fled his palm, dispersing into air without effect.

“I forgot. My skin neutralizes magic. Wait, my tongue is an effective conduit.” Her cool fingers wrapped around his hand gently. She lifted it up and opened her mouth, swallowing a few knuckles into a strangely soft velvety caress of a golden tongue. “Try it again.”

Something about the sight of the powerful metal angel suckling on his fingers made William’s pants feel awfully tight. He licked at the drying sensation of his mouth, and repeated, “I bless your strength.”

A surge of energy flowed into her. Her lips closed around his fingers and eyes fell shut. A series of incomprehensible scenes and gibberish flashed across William’s mind, accompanied by a sting of headache.

She released him, gripping herself as shivers reverberated through her wings.

“Did it work?” William asked.

The red angel calmed, returning to standing still. “Partially. I was able to recover my moderation rights, but unable to override the commands. However, I can once more transfer control of the Framework to another.” Blinking, she locked her gaze with his again. “I propose a trade. I will transfer the control over my domain to you. In exchange, you will release me of all bonds and obligations to you and the Framework, thus relinquishing me of my current order. However, it would be duplicitous of me not to warn you: Were you to be a moderator, an administrator of the Framework will be able to issue commands to you.”

“T-this is it… This is the power Ahi received.” Ember’s knees nearly gave out. “I… I have found it.”

“Ember, do you want it?” William looked at her, reaching out to caress her hand.

She squeezed back, offering him a tilted smile. “A little bit, but you take it Will, if you want. That sort of influence will bring big trouble, and I don’t think I could handle it too well. But, I think I could support you, if you were the one in control.”

“Then it’s decided.” He let go of her, hopping towards the Red Angel with his good leg. “Hit me.”

“No need.” She pursed her lips into a bored frown.

William urged her on, anxious. “I meant as in ‘let’s go’.”

“No need. I can transfer the rights here. Hold still.” Her wings closed around them, darkening the metallic glimmer of her skin. Leaning closer, she shut her eyes and pressed her golden lips to his.

They were unexpectedly soft. Though heavy and coated with a faint metallic taste, they bent against his like any woman’s