Chapter 63

Forgiving Damion

Galen and Luso awoke thirty minutes later, feeling different sensations through their bodies. Galen feeling a pair of strong hands rubbing and squeezing his ass cheeks, while another pair rubbed and massaged his back, along with a mouth sucking on his toes. Luso wasn't left out of this treatment, either. A pair of hands were gently kneading the front of his shoulders and chest, while another kneaded and rubbed the back of his shoulders. Luso also felt someone licking and kissing his forehead and neck, tenderly nibbling on the edges of his ears.

Both Galen and Luso opened their eyes to see themselves surrounded by the Elite Gallery. Amon was teasing and playing with Galen's ass, while Tommy kneaded and rubbed Galen's back, Hatredsucking on Galen's toes. Chaos was rubbing Luso's chest and front shoulders, while Jet was sitting at the top of the bed straddled behind Luso on the headboard, easing away the tension in the fox mage's shoulders, both delivering loving kisses and licks. Around the bed stood the rest of the Gallery: Uniko, Zhal, Zarch, Bishop, Gareth, Silva, and Eli.

After they were fully awake, the group on the bed stopped their treatment. Everyone looked on at Luso with warm grins.

"Hey, magic foxy." Uniko said. "How's the arm this morning?"

"The arm...? Oh! It's feeling better, much better." Luso answered after a short pause.

"Good to hear." Zhal said. "From what the castle's security footage caught, you used a lot of martial arts from the Sha-Len clan, mixing those in with arts that I only can assume you learned from Sky Folk, blending it in with your spells. You've done the Sha-Len clan, and many others a great and honorable service last night."

"...Thanks." Luso said bashfully.

"Indeed." Zarch said. "Now, since you are awake, and seem eager judging by how you and Galen were laying in bed when we awoke, we all want to show our thanks to you for your bravery, Luso. Master also predicted this, and had an addition delivered to our quarters this morning."

Galen and Luso slid out of bed, wondering what Zarch meant as Gareth and Bishop stood aside. In the middle of the room, they saw the new addition that Zarch was referring to: A large, over-sized bed, sitting on an oriental style platform bed frame! The bed was covered in nice sheets and blankets, adorned with many supportive and comfortable pillows. The bed itself was huge, large enough to hold all of the current gallery at once with the addition of five more people!

"Wow..." Luso gasped with amazement. "That's quite an addition, indeed!"

"Yes." Zarch said. "Master also told us that this bed could be used by any and all of the Elite Gallery, even for sex when we have permission. However, we are going to need to put that on hold for now. Master Egad also informed us that Symon is ready to awaken Damion this morning. He is also going to explain everything to you as well. He wants us all to be there for Damion's awakening, just in case. Master has also provided you with apparel, Luso. After all, the fight with Damion left a lot of burns, rips, and tears in your old clothes. Don't worry about getting this dirty, Master has another set of clothes identical to these that you can dress in after the morning bath." Zarch then went over to his bed, picking up some folded clothing on it, and bringing it to Luso.

Luso smiled warmly. "Thank you. I'll get dressed right away." Luso then took the new clothes and put them on: A soft, skimpy clothjockstrap with a leather-padded pouch, covered by a narrow satin loincloth that was long in the front, hanging down past his knees with no back flap, showing off his bare rear. Both the loincloth and thong were colored royal blue. The loincloth, as well as the leather pouch of the thong were embroidered with a leaf-like pattern in shiny silver. Along with that, Luso had black anklet socks and fingerless gloves with an armband that covered up his burn scar, also embroidered in silver. A micro-miniponcho that stopped halfway down his chest, along with a long silken, sheer dual-layer see through cloak around his shoulders completed the look. The poncho was colored a dark, regal red, while the cloak was colored both regal red and royal blue: The royal blue being on the outer side, and the regal red on the inner side.

Galen looked on at Luso in his new outfit, licking his lips with an erotic purr. "Looking good, foxy."

Luso giggled, then started looking over himself. "Thanks, Galen. I'll have to find a mirror later when we have time. Now, we had better go see Egad, awaken Damion, and get me up to speed."

# # # #

Luso walked with Galen and the others down to the infirmary, where Egad was waiting with Anthony, Alak, Symon, Mick, and Xen. There was also a T-rex, a Raptor, a Triceratops, a Euplocephalus, and a Carnotaurus, all dressed in tribal loincloths, open vests, chaps, and fur-trimmed cloaks made from the hides of local wildlife.

"...It's alright, Egad." The T-rex spoke. "You don't have to apologize for what happened last night. You couldn't have foreseen it. Besides, the tribe was all safe in the rookery that night, and when the commotion started, we locked and barred the doors just as you had instructed."

Egad smiled warmly. "Thank you for your understanding, Reggie. I'm also happy to hear that you and your tribe are adapting well to the new environment here on Vhaldaria. Kaa here tells me that your wildlife hunts and scouting trips for a new village site nearby have been fruitful as well."

"Indeed," Kaa the Carnotaur agreed. "We have found a suitable site about three miles away in a small box valley in the forest. It has fertile soil for farming, a variety of edible fruit trees, and plenty of space. It is also well away from the paths of any nearby roads, isolated and well-shielded from the outside world. Yet it is not too far away from the castle, and still easy to get to. The tribe will be well protected and prosperous there. We plan to move there when Spring begins."

Egad nodded. "I'm happy for you and your tribe, and I wish all of you the best of luck when spring comes."

"As do we all." Anthony agreed. "...I still cannot apologize enough for what my father put all of you through-"

"Mister Anthony, it is alright." Reggie spoke softly. "You didn't inflict the pain on us: Your father did. Even if you are related to him by blood, do not blame yourself. You did not make the choices he did. In fact, you are going on the exact opposite path he is on right now. Don't feel guilt for what happened in the past. Instead, focus on the future, and bettering yourself. Keep focused on being a better person than Cailus."

Anthony sighed, and hugged Reggie with a warm smile. "I guess that's all I can do. I will keep dedicated to that goal."

Reggie nuzzled Anthony gently, glad that the dober-fox was sticking to his guns and what was right.

After they released each other from the hug, Anthony and the others turned to Luso and the others. "Ah, Luso. Good morning." Egad greeted. "I see that you had some fun with Galen this morning, and from the look in your eye, you are eager for more."

Luso chuckled. "Not going to lie, there. I'm also curious as to what's going on."

Egad nodded, motioning for Luso to sit down in a nearby chair. Luso sat down, Egad joining him in a chair across from the mage fox. Then, he started explaining.

It took a good hour for Egad to relay all the events to Luso, but he kept up and did not miss a beat.

"I see." Luso said. "That explains why Galen, Uniko, and Zhal vanished without a trace, and why no one heard from them in so long. I'm also saddened to hear of this family feud you have with your brother, Mr. Foxmoore. To be blunt, he sounds like what some of the Sky Folk would call a 'Grade-A Asshole.'"

"It's the truth, and I'm not going to argue with that." Egad said. "Silva has also joined the coven, but as you know, he is not restricted to just the castle or wherever I need to go. He is able to travel between here and Mel'Andrea every other week, as that will not arouse any suspicion. As you know, if the village knew the truth, there would be an uproar, and I fear we would all be hunted down like accused necromancers in a witch-hunt."

"That's true." Luso nodded. "Though now that I know what is going on, I also do not want to just leave Galen, or the others. If it is possible, could I also be part of your coven under the same terms as Silva?"

Everyone went quiet. Egad looked at Luso with a raised eyebrow. "Are you sure? You do understand everything that entails?"

"Absolutely." Luso nodded. "Besides, with your brother hounding you constantly, I feel it could not hurt to have an extra combatant around. Also, I wouldn't mind the sex, bondage, and worship with you and everyone else."

"I see." Egad nodded. "I also assume that you have completed your current magic studies in Mel'Andrea?"

"Yes, sir." Luso nodded. "I just finished my latest lessons last week, and paid for them in full. I don't have any further teachings scheduled in the future."

Egad nodded. "I see. Still, I wouldn't mind personally tutoring you in a few more aspects of magic, combat and otherwise. So yes, I will allow you to join the Coven, Luso Derunes. I will gift you with your collar and manacles after we awaken Damion."

Luso smiled wide when he heard those words. "Thank you, Miste- I mean, Master! Thank you so much!"

Egad got up from his chair, and hugged Luso as the coven gave Luso warm applause and welcomes. "It is a privilege to have you here, Luso. Now, we had better awaken Daimon." Egad turned to Symon. "Are you ready to bring him out of sedation?"

Symon nodded, getting out a hypo-injector from his bag. "Just say the word, Ryan."

Egad nodded. "Let us begin."

Ryan then put the hypo-injector on the nape of Damion's neck and hit the button. The hypo administered the awakening stimulant with a short hiss, then Symon pulled the hypo away.

Damion groaned, his green eyes slowly opening as Gareth stepped forward next to the bed. Damion looked at Gareth one he got his bearings, then the environment around him. His eyes widened, realizing that he wasn't dead.

"Good morning, Damion. No, you are not dead, and I forbid you to freak out." Egad said, kind yet stern. "The chip in your arm has been removed and destroyed, so you are no longer under my brother's control. You are now free again, and can make your own choices."

Damion looked at his arm, seeing it wrapped in bandages with healing ointment and surgical gauze. He looked from Egad to Gareth. "Gareth... I don't deserve to live after everything I've done... Why didn't you kill me?" Damion's eyes twinkled with deep regret and shame.

Gareth carefully sat down on the edge of the bed, then suddenly took his father into a tight hug. "I couldn't kill you, father. Not that I now know the truth. I know that you have done many dark things, but it's not your fault. Cailus is the only one to blame for all this, so don't turn that blame upon yourself."

Damion sat there, stunned for a few moments before he gently returned the embrace with trembling arms. "But... I was forced to send you away... I was forced to disown you and exiled you from the family! I threw you to the wolves, though it was not my own choice! How can I atone for that? How can you just so readily forgive me for everything I have done?"

"Father, it's okay." Gareth said soothingly. "I forgave you years ago. The Aryndo faith teaches its followers to embrace love, peace, and justice for all. But It also teaches forgiveness of past sins from others. Even though I was very hurt, and it took me a while, I was able to forgive you. Now that I know it wasn't your choice, I can now rest easy with that forgiveness and let the past go. I know that this road of redemption and healing will be difficult for you, but I will walk it by your side, and show you the way. I have forgiven you, as well as my soul-bonded partner, and my son. Now you need to forgive yourself."

Damion held Gareth close to him, tears welling up and running from his eyes. "You... You have found a partner? You have a son?"

"Yes." Gareth said, gently rubbing Damion's back as he hugged him in his comforting embrace. "Bishop is a loyal and loving partner, and Tommy has grown into a strong and confident young man that makes me proud each day. All of us want to help you, and welcome you into our family if you will allow it."

Damion rested his head on his shoulder, sobs shaking his burly frame as he tucked the side of his head against Gareth's. "Gareth... Thank you. I don't know how I can fully atone for everything I have done, but I now have an idea of how I can start... If Egad will allow it, I want to offer myself to his coven, and be completely bound to his service alongside you, Bishop, and your son..."

Egad walked up, placing a hand of comfort on Damion's arm. "As long as you are sure of your decision, I will gladly welcome you, Damion."

"As will I." Galen said.

"And me, as well." Zhal agreed.

"Ditto here." Uniko joined in. Soon, all of the coven was sounding off words of agreement.

Damion looked down at Egad. "Yes... I am sure. I feel it's the only way I can start on this path. Not just to make it up to Gareth, you, and everyone else, but to also forgive myself. I can make a call to my political staff for the GCOG council, and resign my post as Junior Council member. That way, I will not need to take the position of Senior Council member when my father leaves office."

Egad nodded. "Very well. Luso, please stand beside the bed. Damion, please face towards me, and hold out your arms."

Damion and Luso did as they were instructed. Egad then held out his hands, quietly muttering the magical incantation for the manacles and collars once more. Light shined from his hands, going around the necks, wrists and ankles of Luso and Damion. A few seconds later, their manacles and collars materialized. Luso's were colored a shiny gold, while Damion's were shiny silver.

"Welcome to the Phoenix Coven, Damion Willbringer and Luso Derunes." Egad said warmly. "It's a pleasure, and a privilege to have both of you in my service."

Damion was overjoyed, tears of joy and relief running from his eyes. "Thank you, Master... Thank you so much."

Bishop walked forward with Tommy, joining Gareth and Egad in giving Damion an embrace of comfort and healing.

"It is an honor." Egad said. "Now, why don't we all start to get ready for the day? Come, let us go to the bath house and clean up."

"Of course." Damion nodded. Everyone then released Damion from the embrace. Gareth helped Damion off the bed, getting Damion standing on his feet. Then, they all walked through the castle, going down the winter tunnel, and into the bath house to clean up for the day.

# # # #

Damion lounged in the bath with the others, still in awe by its size. "This bathing pool is luxurious. It's size alone seems big enough for thirty people..."

"Forty, actually." Jet said with a grin. "It's all self-cleaning, along with the water being disinfected and filtered. Also, the bath house's design is Eco-friendly as well. It's systems are designed to reuse seventy-five percent of the bath water by octo-filtering out both used soaps, contaminants, and body soils, as well as running it through a thorough disinfecting process to get rid of any nasty germs and surprises."

Damion nodded. "Good to know."

Symon grinned. "I'm happy to see that you're still thinking in eco and environmental-friendly ways, Ryan."

"Thanks, Symon." Egad said with a nuzzle. "Though that's not the only things I've done, nor the only upgrades to the castle I'm planning on. I already have a solar collection array on the roof, and I am planning on putting in air-funneling turbine generators in some of the higher towers to produce some extra electricity from the winds as well. The castle also already has backup batteries and generators as well. I'll tell you more about it later." Egad then looked over to Damion, motioning to Symon to look over as well. They saw that Bishop, Gareth, Tommy, and Damion had stood up in the bath. Tommy and Gareth were gently starting to lather up Damion with some soap, while Bishop gently starting to work some shampoo and conditioner through his hair.

"I must say, Damion... Your hair is just as thick, smooth, and full as Gareth's." Bishop complimented. "I can now see where he got his beautiful and sexy mane from."

"Thanks." Damion said with a bit of bashfulness.

"You are most welcome." Bishop said. Once Damion's hair was lathered up and clean, the WarGreymon knelt and bent over, submerging his head and rinsing his hear in the bathing pool temporarily before surfacing again. "Ahh, that was lovely. It feels so good to get properly clean after being in Cailus' service for all this time..."

"We can relate." Gareth said. "Now, why don't you sit in Bishop's lap for a moment? Your body is still a bit tense, so we can give you a massage and body rub while we are in the bath."

Damion nodded after a few seconds. "By all means, my son."

Bishop then sat down, gently guiding Damion into his lap with Gareth and Tommy. Damion was now sitting on Bishop's lap, his back against Bishop's chest. Bishop then raised his arms carefully, placing them on Damion's shoulders. He then started to gently knead his fingers into the tissue of Damion's muscles, feeling the tension as he steadily worked it away.

Tommy and Gareth then started rubbing and kneading Damion's chest, along with his arms. Damion moaned softly in pleasure, feeling the tension and stiffness melt away as the trio worked on him.

# # # #

After the bath was done, and everyone was clean, Egad presented Damion with his coven apparel which he quickly took an admiration to: A set of skimpy and sexy WarGreymon armor. Damion had some gorget neck armor with gaps for his collar, which went down over his neck down to his nape, leaving his chest and torso bare. There, the armor ended with a thick neck piece that went around his shoulders, with a strip that went slightly down his back to hold up another part of his outfit: A fully functional, snap-together WarGreymon shield, embedded with the Phoenix Coven's coat-of-arms! The neck armor was held up with straps around his shoulders that went under his arms. Damion also had an armored pauldron on his left shoulder, with a support belt with utility pouches going form the pauldron across his burly chest and around his back, underneath the shield mounts. Aside from that, Damion also wore the armored Wargreymon loin plate over his groin, with plates on the sides of his hips as well. Though the hip plates were very small and intentionally under-sized as to show off Damion's muscular thighs with the curvature of his muscular and solid ass cheeks. Even the support mount pieces that held up the armor was skimpy and revealing, appearing more like a revealing armored thong than actual armor! Aside from those parts, Damion also had some leggings that went around his calves, along with some gray anklet socks with WarGreymon shin guards that attached to the manacles on his ankles, as well as being held up by straps around his knees.

Hatred let out a lust growl once Damion was dressed. "Lookin' good, sexy warrior."

"I second that." Uniko said with a wink.

Damion blushed, bashful. "Aw, shucks... Thanks, guys."

Once everyone was dressed, they all stepped into the Bath House's mirror room. It was there that Damion saw that Hatred and Uniko were not kidding! Damion looked like a sexy, buff and built warrior! To Damion, he could imagine this was what the actual chosen WarGreymon would have looked like if he ever had dawned such revealing armor. Everyone else looked sexy in the same ways, as they all took a little time to pose in the mirror. Not just by themselves, but with each other as well.

After this quick but fun admiration session, they all stepped back through the bath house tunnel and back into the castle. They walked into the dining hall, where Uniko and Zarch fixed a quick breakfast, then they all started to tidy up as much as they could in a group effort to clean up the castle from the attack before the contractors arrived to conduct more extensive repairs.