Pain and Ozzy were quickly becoming asexual life partners. Back on earth pain wasn't really anything that he experienced all that often. Sure he'd sprain an ankle every now and again, maybe get a blister or two, and stub at toe here and there. This world sucked, it was at least every other day that he was dealing with some life-threatening injury or getting tortured by cosmic beings and objects of power so above his payroll he might as well have been this worlds version of a punching bag intern.

  Getting your soul mended was one thing. Going back to his earlier comparison of soul damage being like a dislocation injury, getting it repaired was a lot like having the joint set back into place. Painful and uncomfortable, sure, but there was an ocean of relief that came with just knowing that your body was once again whole.

  Having the divine core “ensouled” As Fauga had called it was like re-dislocating the injured extremity and then pressing and twisting so much on the injured joint that it tore off entirely, leaving nothing but the toughest of connective tissues behind. Then, with those fractured remains the void had come in and started repairing. At first there had been nothing but fire. The injured parts of his soul were so damaged that he could hardly even intuit their presence. As the healing sped up, he was once again thrust into a world of fire, hurt, and the self loathing that resulted from knowing he had chosen this for himself.

  The process could have lasted an eternity, or a moment. Time didn’t exist within Ozzy’s narrow and overloaded perceptions, and then he was gasping on the floor of Saint’s shrine room. Ignoring his watch.

  *BEEP BEEP*

  “What have you done?” A no longer timid, and horrified voice spoke above Ozzy.

  “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!?!?!” The Saint screamed, a hand latching onto the back of Ozzy’s neck and clamping down.

  Ozzy was lifted up. Burning pain radiated from the point where the Saint grabbed him but the pain was as a summer breeze against him. Brought to standing, the Saint did not release him. Rather gave him the kind of look would probably have had minor officials within his church running for cover.

  “WHAT DID YOU DO?!” The Saint’s spittle flecked and burned against Ozzy’s cheeks, the air around the man burning with power as he seethed.

  “I didn’t do anything.” Ozzy gasped out. “Your Goddess made a deal, and I’m pretty sure you’re violating it by attacking it.” He barely got out, having to fight himself to suppress a smug grin the whole time. What he would give to gloat over the bastard, but he also didn’t want to find out just how far the man could be pushed. It probably wasn’t much further than this.

  “AAAGHHH” The Priest screamed in rage, dropping Ozzy and striking himself in the chest. An impact so powerful it created a shockwave.

  It was like a grenade had gone off in the room. The throw pillows bounced, candles went out, and parts of the many shrines jangled. Ozzy, being at the epicenter of the blast was much worse off than anything else in the room. It was like his head had been between a cartoon characters brass cymbals. The room swam, his told him there were about fifty high pitched sirens going off at once next to his head, and his stomach told him it was time for lunch to make a reappearance.

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  Through the periphery of his vision Ozzy watched the doors of the shrine get thrown off of their hinges, two glee looking Circle members striding into the room like they owned the place. They didn’t walk, but rather strutted. Letting the world know they very clearly knew they’d won.

  Breaking off from Aria, Arlan hurried to Ozzy’s side. Stretching a hand out he held it over Ozzy and used a healing ability. Instantly a flood of warmth entered his body. It was like being reborn and momentarily he was able to almost forget the horrible run of experience he’d had that day. Almost.

  “Thanks Arlan.” Ozzy said, taking the offered hand to get back up to standing.

  “Don’t mention it, you don’t ever need to thank me again. I’m not sure what you did in there but by the gods the boss is happy. He gave Aria and I as much vacation time as we want so long as we’re escorting your little trip.” He said, slapping Ozzy on the back.

  “Looks like he’s gonna be taking one too.” Arlan smirked, looking over at the Saint, who was embroiled in a stare off with Aria.

  “We’re just gonna leave right? I don’t want to spend any more time here than I have to.” Ozzy asked.

  “We can, Aria! The kid wants to head out.” Arlan called over to her.

  Aria frowned, but she didn’t comment, instead ending the stare off to follow them out of the room. The trip up to the top deck was as awkward as it had been heading down. Ashen faced followers watched them go, all of them giving little heed to the two tier-threes flanking him, and instead focusing entirely on Ozzy. No one said a word. Not even Marlon, the man who’d sucker punched him when he’d gotten there just stared, rage burning behind his eyes, but he could do nothing.

  ***

  Touching down on the Firelight Districts swamp train he was met more with surprise than joy. While it was a less than impressive welcoming party everyone did seem largely happy to see him, especially Emil and his friends. Trinidad was there too, though she was a little more reserved, perhaps out of respect for Liza. Lucy was nowhere to be seen, perhaps below deck and celebrating what had been his likely exodus from her life. He’d definitely hate to be the person to bring her the news.

  “So we’re free then?” Emil asked Ozzy, pulling him into a one-armed embrace from where they’d dapped each other up.

  “We? Pretty sure you were never in any danger of getting imprisoned.” Ozzy laughed.

  “Oh believe you me. Had they taken you away I’d have been signing up to worship lights and whatever the second we got back home.” Emil jabbed.

  “Sure sure, Liza would totally have let that happen.” Ozzy said.

  “You don’t think I’d have been there with him?” Liza asked, gasping in offense.

  “Liza, you are a bright voice of reason within this world of confusion. I’m pretty sure you’d have realized I’d have been fine long term.” Ozzy said, working his smooth talk.

  “Flattery should be beneath you.” Emil said, frowning at Ozzy as Liza gave an uncharacteristically girly smile and curtsy.

  “Flattery is never beneath me. Ozzy countered.

  “Whatever.” Emil rolled his eyes and began tugging Ozzy deeper into the crowd. “It’s dinner time, we need to eat, drink, and party, because tomorrow we get right back to it! Tier 1 isn’t gonna claim itself.” He shouted, throwing a fist up into the air.

  “One thing first maybe?” Ozzy heard Trinidad’s voice just over his shoulder.

  Ozzy turned, directly into a pair of plush lips. He fought to get Emil’s hand off of him and kissed back. Tier 2 and the party could definitely wait.

  The end.