Irwin had only a faint idea of the shocks their departure had caused, and he had his own trouble to take care of.

  He glared at the young boy, filthy and with matted hair, staring back at him defiantly. Seeing as he was standing beside the ship in his soulscape, his giant self large enough to stare on the deck without flying, he was impressed the boy hadn't started trembling.

  "How did you manage to sneak aboard my ship without me noticing?!" he snapped.

  "People don't pay attention to street rats like me," the boy said, crossing his arms. "I just snuck on, and-"

  "Don't give me that charbull shit," Irwin said. "I should have been able to sense you on here before I moved you into my soulscape! I didn't feel anything!"

  "Perhaps you aren't as sensitive as you think?" the boy suggested, raising an eyebrow.

  "And why exactly did you come here?" Irwin asked.

  "I need to get to another world, and you were the only one leaving," the boy said, shrugging.

  Irwin stared at him, and suddenly, he had to try hard not to burst out laughing. The brat reminded him of Greldo when they were still in Malorin. Just as defiant of rules and uncaring for the consequences as his friend had been.

  "And what would prevent me from just ejecting you?" Irwin asked, raising an eyebrow.

  For the first time, he noticed a tiny bit of worry in the boy's face, but then it vanished as he set his jaw.

  "Nothing, but you won't," he said.

  "Oh, and why is that?" Irwin asked, genuinely curious now.

  "Because I've been chatting with your crew, and you don't hurt people," the boy said. "Ejecting me would probably kill me?"

  Irwin snorted and wrapped the boy with his soulscape's soulforce and lifted him up and toward him. The boy's eyes widened, and he swallowed.

  "What's your name?" he asked.

  "Pellin," the boy said, raising his chin slightly.

  "Well, Pellin, for now, I'll let you stay," Irwin said as he flew sideways, dragging the boy along toward where the Bigbelly was hovering. Dozens of Yuurindi were watching what was happening.

  Irwin moved the boy beside Rindiri and Nisziz.

  "You two take care of this little brat and figure out if he isn't some spy," Irwin said.

  "I'm not a-" the boy began, only to be smacked over the back of the head by Nisziz.

  "Quiet, punk," she snapped, turning to Irwin. "I'll take care of it."

  Irwin almost told her not to kill him, but held back. He knew Nisziz would never do that unless the boy proved to be a monster in disguise, which he wasn't. He was a brat with three handcards, freshly combined, and Irwin knew that he'd have been able to sense if he was anything else.

  As he turned away to explain what was going on to the new Yuurindi, he heard the brat ask questions to Nisziz.

  "So, we really are inside a soulscape? How can it be this big? Why can he have all of us inside? Is he a six-soulcarded super-elite from the central branches?"

  Irwin shook his head, his attention again splitting between his two bodies.

  "So... what is happening?" Greldo asked his smaller self, who was standing beside him on the deck of the Nocturna.

  "We got a stowaway," Irwin said, shaking his head.

  "What? How's that even possible?" Greldo asked, his attention on the shadowy storm.

  "Don't know, we can find out later," Irwin said, looking around. "Any sign of the Oculithar?"

  "Nope, and let's keep it that way," Greldo said.

  Irwin couldn't agree more, but he drew in more of his focus and spread his senses as far as he could. Even muted by the shadowrealm, he could still sense a lot, and he hoped that would give them enough warning if something bad happened.

  "So, how's your soulforce holding up?"

  Irwin absently poked at it, feeling the enormous mass of foreign material put pressure on the stability.

  "Better than I'd expected," he said, genuinely surprised. "I should be able to keep this up for a month, so easily enough time for the next stop."

  "What if we find more people and stuff?" Greldo asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Irwin hesitated, then shrugged. "I'm closing in on filling my soullake. If that fills up, I can probably take far more along. I just have to start preparing for my next heartcard."

  "Wait, what? Shouldn't that take like a hundred years?" Greldo asked.

  "What? Jealous?" Irwin asked with a grin.

  Greldo hesitated, then sighed. "No, but can you try and find a way to make my soulcard stronger? I'd have waited if I'd known all those things we heard before were lies."

  Irwin looked at his friend and nodded. He knew what Greldo meant. They had been told that filling a soullake would take ages and required thousands of specialized cards to drain their typed soulforce. Although that was true for nearly everyone, they had already found multiple ways to speed up this process.

  "I promise you, if there's a way, I'll find it," he said, setting his jaw.

  "Good," Greldo said, grinning at him. "Otherwise, you will just have to find a way to combine my soulcards into something better!"

  Irwin blinked, then blinked again, his thoughts slowing to a crawl as dozens of ideas and concepts began clicking in his mind. Some parts were from his new ancestral memories, others from the things he'd learned about worldcards, and some were his own discovery. Now, all mixed together, catalyzed by Greldo's words, he felt a distant goal begin to coalesce in his mind.

  He felt Ambraz appear on his shoulder, drawn by his sudden mental outburst.

  "Irwin? What's wrong?" Ambraz asked.

  Irwin swallowed as he focused back on the shadowrealm.

  "Something I need to think about," he said as he hummed softly. "But perhaps we don't need to change your soulcards."

  He didn't notice how Greldo looked at Ambraz, whose mouth hung open, or how Ambraz seemed incredibly confused. Instead, he split his attention between talking with the Yuurindi, focusing on the surrounding storm, and an idea - a concept. A step beyond soulcards that would not require someone to remain on a world…

  --

  Mikarl followed his daughter and the ship's navigator, lost in his own thoughts.

  Why can't he just help her more… What use is it to waste time, cards, and soulforce on my broken hands? He thought, glancing at his mutilated fingers.

  "Dad, stop it."

  Mikarl blinked, realizing they were standing in front of a rather opulent door, and Su was glaring at him.

  "I know you are trying to come up with ways to have him help me instead. Just stop it."

  Mikarl calmly looked at his daughter, the uncanny resemblance to her mother more powerful due to the angry scowl.

  "It's a father's duty to take care of his children," he said, wondering what his own father would say if he'd heard him repeat his own words.

  Probably be proud of me.

  "You can enter now," the navigator -Rindiri?- said.

  Su grabbed his elbow and pulled him forward before knocking on the door.

  "You can come in," a deep, bassy voice boomed from inside the room.

  Su didn't hesitate but opened the door.

  Well, we will see what happens then, Mikarl thought as he followed her.

  The Captain of the ship, and also its smith, was standing in the center of the room beside a large anvil. The rest of the room was filled with tables that visibly didn't belong there, shoved together and covered with crumpled papers, books, and stacks of cards. At the back, near the wall with the windows looking out behind the ship, stood a set of couches. One door was ajar, and the edge of a giant bed was visible.

  Doesn't he have someone to clean? Mikarl thought, noticing plates and cups discarded in places and even half-eaten fruit and roots.

  "Don't mind the mess, and come in," Irwin rumbled.

  Mikarl quickly stopped looking around, focusing on the powerful man and hoping he hadn't annoyed him. As nice as he seemed, he couldn't be too careful.

  "Now, let's begin by checking your hands. Could you place them on Ambraz, please?"

  Mikarl glanced at his daughter, gesturing with his chin for her to stay back before walking to the anvil. He was glad he'd asked around first, or he might have been confused about who Ambraz was supposed to be. As it was, he didn't bother asking questions as he placed his hands on the Ganvil's back. His left hand was bad, fingers twisted and gnarled, and with missing chunks of flesh, but it was nothing compared to his right. With his pinky and ring finger gone, together with a large chunk of the rest of his hand, it looked like a monster had taken a bite out of it, which, sadly, wasn't too far from the truth.

  "Well, that's no good," a second, equally deep voice snapped.

  It sounded somewhat hollow and had a slight metallic echo to it. Even knowing it, Mikarl held back a shiver. He knew about Ganvils. Had even seen some from a distance, but he'd never been this close.

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  "Two of your cardslots are so broken they won't be able to hold a card, and with how much damage there is, you would need to find a soulcarded healer that specializes in regenerating missing limbs to heal this."

  Mikarl held back a sad sigh. He'd known it was bad, but having it laid out like that by something that knew so much made it even harder.

  "It's alright," he said, smiling ruefully at the smith. "Perhaps you-"

  "Wait, wait," the Ganvil snapped. "Who said you're a lost cause? We've been searching through our cards for an hour to find something useful, and now you want to give up? No! Now pipe down and listen to the kid!"

  Mikarl stared at the anvil, trying to keep up. What did he mean? So the smith had been right? Could they help? But who was the kid?"

  "Ambraz, don't confuse him," the Cardsmith, Irwin, rumbled good-naturedly. Something about his grin made Mikarl feel… safe?

  "What Ambraz means is that without a smith that can do what we can, you would need to find a soulcarded healer to fix your hands and hope that will restore your cardslots. As it is, we are going to have to do something else. Now, I have some cards here, and I wish I could tell you that you could choose, but I'm afraid you will need all three."

  The smith held up a hand, showing a few cards that looked tiny in his massive hand.

  "I… that's fine. I'll take whatever you can give me," Mikarl said, trying to hide a growing worry. What kind of cards would he get? Su had gained special cards for her, and he still didn't know why.

  "Good," the smith said, splaying them out. "So, two of these have strong, passive regeneration skills, while the third one is called Summon Dust Salamander. I hope you don't mind having a summon? It will change your physique somewhat, but it should stay in line with the snake-tribe's physical characteristics… largely."

  Mikarl stared at the smith, then back up. Was he joking? Cards that allowed regeneration were rare, and summons that gave something like that even more so. Was it a trick?

  "I…" he began, not sure what to say.

  "Don't worry, you won't become very different," the smith said, rubbing his neck. "Perhaps a few scales here and there, and your pupils will probably become vertical, causing you a slight discomfort in bright light. It will increase your night vision, though…"

  I think what he is trying to say is that as good as these cards are, they will have big drawbacks, Mikarl thought, as he felt slightly better. That made far more sense.

  "That is fine," he said. "A few drawbacks are no problem."

  "Great! Then let me explain what we are going to do. First, you need to slot two of these cards into the slots that still somewhat function. They probably won't do much if you can even use them, but that is fine. After that, you will need to summon as many of your cards as you can above your hands, and I'll be shattering them somewhat similarly to what would happen if we create your heartcard. Then, I'll add the final card, and I'll make them into a heartcard. I'm afraid it will probably hurt a whole lot more than normal because you won't have formed them into a fullhand. That's one of the reasons why there are three regeneration cards. Oh, before I forget! I won't be able to use the three cards in your left hand as the core. We need that to be the Summon Dust Salamander because we are going to focus everything on its regeneration abilities. When it's done, you should, with time, be able to regenerate almost every part of your body as long as you aren't dead… well, except for your head… and your heart, of course."

  Mikarl struggled to understand what was being said, and he suddenly realized how others must feel when he was talking about runes. There was so much implied in that rapid rant that he knew he probably understood only half of it. Still, the part that was clear to him was that it was going to hurt, and when he was done, he'd have to learn to work without the three cards in his left hand.

  He glanced at it and shrugged. They were mostly body improvement cards to help with the dexterity and nimbleness of his hands… Totally useless at the moment.

  "That sounds good," he said, smiling at the smith and trying to show no fear at the prospect of the pain. If, as he said, it would hurt even more than a heartcard… "I... might need someone to hold my hand down."

  "Dad!" Su whispered, looking far more worried now than before. "Perhaps-"

  "No. It's fine," he said, shaking his head and looking at the smith. “It might be best if she waits outside?"

  "Definitely! Also, we will get some help in a minute," Irwin said. "To hold your hand down."

  He'd barely finished when they heard heavy thudding footsteps head for their door, and a moment later, the door shook as someone struck it.

  "Ah, there she is! Brecka, you can come in!"

  The door was shoved open, and a tall woman with almost black skin that gleamed like that of the cardsmith walked in. Her silver eyes were sparkling with joy, and fire and flame licked the thick black hairs that flowed down her shoulders.

  "Big brother! You wanted my help?"

  That's his sister? Mikarl thought, his eyes moving from the cardsmith to the young woman and back. There was some resemblance, but her skin was far darker, and her features didn't match the Smiths enough. Perhaps they were half-siblings? Or did one of them have a card that changed their physique a lot?

  "Yes, I'll explain in a minute," Irwin said, turning to Su. "Su, I need you to wait outside."

  Mikarl saw his daughter's eyes widen, and he knew she was about to disagree. Before she could, he stepped forward, raising an eyebrow as he looked at her.

  "Suein. You will do as the smith says. Besides, I don't want you to see me in pain."

  Su's lip trembled as she looked at him, but when she nodded, Mikarl felt a wave of pride. He knew full well how hard it was to leave someone you loved alone in such a situation, and it took bravery.

  "Good girl," he said, smiling and momentarily forgetting where they were. "Now, go and wait till I am done. Alright?"

  "Yes," Su said, her voice soft as she turned and left the room.

  "Alright," Irwin said, rubbing his jaw. "Brecka, I'm going to need to reforge Mikarl's cards, but his slots are broken. That means he will have to withstand a lot of pain… Can you make sure his hand stays on Ambraz?"

  "Of course! Leave it to me," Brecka said, looking at him as if she was going to grab his hands and put them there right now.

  "Good. Now, Mikarl. Start slotting these cards," Irwin said.

  Mikarl accepted them, and he was surprised to see that all three were Emerald-ranked.

  They must have horrible side effects for him to give them away so freely, he thought, smiling ruefully.

  "I'll start right away," he said, wondering if, when he finished, he would really be able to use his hands again.

  --

  Su paced through the room as she had for the last thirty minutes. She'd been able to hear some of what was being discussed and knew that her father had managed to successfully slot two of the cards, but that neither seemed to really work properly. She also knew they were going to start any moment now, and she was shivering.

  When a soft humming song began resonating through the door, she clenched her jaws, knowing it would begin. The sudden clanking strike, followed by a muffled groan, still made her jump in the air.

  They started… It will be fine! When it's over, he will be fine, she told herself, as another slam came, followed by a muffled scream.

  She began walking through the hallway faster and faster as the shouts became louder. The song, so beautiful in her memory, did nothing to help against the horrible screams. Each minute felt like hours, and she found herself standing in front of the door, shivering with each scream, fighting the urge to barge into the room.

  As her stress rose and rose, she began gnashing her teeth, raising her hand to the door.

  An arm wrapped around her shoulders, and she almost screamed in fright.

  "Calm down, little one. Your father will be fine," an elderly voice said.

  Su saw she was being hugged from the side by a very old-looking Yuurindi.

  "I was sensing your distress from the other side of the ship," the elderly woman said softly. "Come, sit with me. I'll keep you company."

  Su nodded, the tears flowing faster as she almost crumbled on the ground next to the wall.

  "Your father is fine. The pain is bad, but his only worry is for you," the elderly Yuurindi said softly. "My name is Undiri. Perhaps you have heard of me?"

  Su shivered as another scream rippled through the ship, but somehow, the simple question managed to draw her attention slightly away. Undiri? She'd heard of that name…

  "You are the leader of the Yuurindi?" she muttered, her voice cracking.

  "One of them, yes," Undiri said with a smile. "We don't have a single leader, but usually three or four. Though, for the last few hundred years, Dinehr and I have had to take care of our people mostly alone."

  As she listened to the elderly Yuurindi, who was still rubbing her arm, Su felt like the screams were fading slightly in the distance.

  "What are you doing on the ship?" she asked, wishing for time to speed by.

  "I have a very special card, and the Smith would like to learn more about it," Undiri said, smiling at her.

  A piercing scream managed to pull Su's mind back to what was happening, and she looked at the door, letting out a strangled gasp.

  "There, there, little one. Do not worry. Your father is in the best hands imaginable. The Captain will help him, and he will forget the pain when his fingers work once more."

  "How do you know all this?" Su whispered, her eyes locked on the door.

  "One of the side effects of my cards," Undiri said. "I can feel emotions, especially those strong and unfiltered. I sense your love for your father. His love for you is what is pulling him through this."

  Su swallowed, noticing that the song had become louder. It was also very different from what she'd heard. It was sterner and fierier, and it was building to a thundering finale.

  "Do you know what card your father will have after this?"

  Su blinked, turning to Undiri.

  "The smith said something about a Dust Salamander? A summons?"

  "That sounds very nice. I've always wanted a summon, though I'd have preferred a Nibblespring Rabbit, but I don't think any of those exist anymore."

  Su blinked again, barely noticing that the music had jumped further again, now closing in on the finale.

  "What is a Nibblespring Rabbit?" she whispered.

  "Something that's not really a rabbit but looks close enough to it that you would call it one," Undiri said. "Now, how about I tell you about them later? I think they are done."

  Su almost jumped to her feet, looking at the door. How had the time moved so fast? She didn't hear any more screaming, but the music was so loud she didn't know for sure if she would have.

  "Just wait for a bit. They will be out soon."

  --

  Irwin finally let his focus flow away, taking a step back. He let out a sigh of relief as he watched a pale-faced Brecka slowly lower Mikarl to the ground. The man's lips had been bitten raw, and his screams still rang in Irwin's ears.

  "I… don't think I'll be trying this again any time soon," he muttered.

  "That was horrible," Brecka whispered, looking at him. "Why was it that bad?"

  "Because we had to combine his three new cards before we could create his heartcard," Ambraz grunted. "It was probably about as painful as when you had to reforge your own handcard, kid."

  Irwin grimaced as the memory of that time, back in Trimdir's smithy, surged into his mind.

  "Probably worse," he said.

  "No. His pain tolerance was not as good as yours was back then," Ambraz said. "But it doesn't matter. We succeeded! Another one to add to our books."

  Irwin nodded as he looked at the man on the ground. His body was shivering, his limbs turning slightly thinner, his face sharper, and scales appeared all around the side of his nose and forehead, flowing down his neck. More importantly, the skin around his hands was shriveling almost as if it was molting, and the sides where the flesh was missing were writhing.

  "There's a lot of soulforce left, so it's boosting his regeneration," Ambraz said. "Besides, with your added fire typing, it's even more potent."

  "Why's that?" Brecka asked.

  "Because the fire type lets his body purge and burn unwanted things," Ambraz rumbled. "It's a pretty interesting, unexpected side effect."

  "So, what did his card become?" Irwin asked as he took out his booklet.

  Card: Embermote Salamander

  Type: Heartcard, Emerald, Summon, Forged by Irwin Roddington

  Owner: Mikarl Hisarly

  The wielder of this card is bound to an Embermote Salamander, gaining its ability to heal from near-fatal injuries and regenerate even missing limbs. The Embermote Salamander lives in the wielder's soulscape when not outside.

  Passive: Increased agility, constitution, and endurance

  Passive: Nocturnal vision (Greatly increased dark vision, but limited vision in fully bright situations)

  Passive: Greatly increased cellular regeneration (powered by soulforce)

  Active: Summon the Embermote Salamander

  "Not bad," Irwin said as he scanned the card. It was similar to Coal but far less powerful. That said, the regeneration wasn't something to scoff at. "Greatly increased," he muttered.

  "Yeah, he can thank you for that," Ambraz said. "Remember how your first card helps you regenerate when near fire or heat?"

  Irwin blinked, then snorted. He'd actually completely forgotten about that, just taking for granted how easily his body coped with any damage.

  "Well, a bit of that bled over when we created that heartcard. It's because you had to put so much of your own soulforce inside."

  "Big brother… Does that mean he is going to be like me?" Brecka asked.

  It took Irwin a moment to understand what she meant, and when he did, he grinned and shook his head.

  "No. I'll not be fixing any heartcards inside my soulscape or with almost just my soulforce," he said, raising an eyebrow. "One sister is plenty! Now, why don't you go and see how Su is doing?"

  Brecka nodded, and although she smiled, her face was still pale from having to hear Mikarl's screams of torment.

  Yeah… I'll probably do something other than sleep tonight, Irwin thought.

  Common = Quartz, Uncommon = Amethyst, Rare = Topaz, Very Rare = Emerald, Epic = Ruby, Legendary = Diamond, Mythical = Ammolite