The sound of heavy knuckles rapping on the door echoed through the apartment, reverberating off the walls. The voice that followed was deep and thick. "Guardian," said the Komodo dragon guard outside, his voice like the low rumble of thunder. "The healer for your new Anolis male has arrived."

Alex sat on the couch with Razz, her legs lazily draped over the armrest. She smiled at him and motioned for him to stay while she answered the knock at the door. But when she opened it, there was nothing there, just the empty hallway and two guards.

The Komodo dragon stood stoic as ever, but the Chameleon, a merry shade of green, winked at her and nodded downward. Following its lead, Alex peered down at her feet to see a small gecko staring up at her with intelligent black eyes. It flicked its tongue out in greeting. The corners of his mouth twitched up in a small smile, the kind that crinkles the eyes in good humor. Alex felt her cheeks flush and she fiddled with her shirt collar.

"Yes...uhm, yes, come in!" She stepped aside to let him pass. She took note of his red lab coat and pockets filled and sagging with an array of medical supplies – tweezers, scissors, gauze pads, bandages- much like Dr. Glick. A clipboard hung from one pocket, and a stethoscope poked out from beneath his white shirt collar. He removed one item from the front pocket - a pair of silver-rimmed spectacles - and perched them on his snout before entering.

"My name is Master Healer Guni," the Gecko said politely. "It is an honor to meet you Guardian. Thank you for rescuing the Council President. He has always worked for peace among the nations."

Alex offered a wry smile in response. "Hence the assassination attempt," she said dryly.

The Gecko nodded slowly in agreement and flashed a knowing grin. "Hence the assassination attempt," he repeated. "Where is my patient, please?"

She led him over to the couch. Razz shrank back, mouth pulled into a tight line and his eyes downcast, communicating distrust and fear. Alex sat carefully next to him, her gaze locked on his face. When she slowly reached a hand out and smoothed circles on his tense back, some of the fear melted from his expression.

"He's a healer here to help. If he hurts you too much, I'll break his fingers one by one."

The Gecko laughed nervously and shifted his weight from foot to foot as the tension grew in the room. Alex stared at him with a steely gaze, not saying a word.

After an uncomfortable silence, Alex sighed and pointed to the metal collar around the Razz's neck. "Sorry, I'm touchy about abuse victims. Really, I won't hurt you. It's this collar: you can see it's grown into his hide and is infected."

The healer perched on Razz's other side, a small figure with glasses balanced at the end of his snout. He pulled out a magnifying glass and leaned forward to inspect the collar more closely. His brow furrowed as he squinted one eye and caught the glint of hard metal in the light. He ran a slender finger along its metal surface but did not attempt to remove it. "How long has this been clasped around your neck?" he asked in a gentle voice.

"I do not know." Razz lifted his gaze to Alex, whose hand held his own tightly.

"You are quite an unusual color, a deep purple with highlights of silvery blue, and it is beautiful. Why would your mistress treat such a valuable male so?"

Razz trembled and averted his eyes. "I am not valuable. I am nothing."

"That worthless piece of crap called Cla is nothing," Alex snarled, earning looks of respect from both Razz and Guni. "You, however, are priceless. Master Healer, enough questions. Can you help him?"

The Gecko slowly rummaged through the pockets of his heavy coat. He eventually pulled out a small blue clay jar with abstract symbols inscribed on its sides. Carefully unscrewing the cap, he revealed an ointment within. "This should help the infection heal," he said as he gently placed it on the table. "It will also soften any additional scabs and make it easier to remove that collar with less pain."

Alex's eyebrows knit together as she chewed on her lower lip, contemplating the situation. "But won't he heal faster if the collar is off?"

The Gecko pursed his lips, a faint amusement twinkling in his eyes. "As I value my fingers unbroken," he said dryly, "I recommend the slower, less painful method."

Alex felt her cheeks turn hot. She knew she was pushing it, but she had to try. "What if I numbed the area around the collar? Would you be able to remove it then?"

The healer's silence seemed to stretch on forever. When he finally spoke, his tone was gentle but firm. "I do have the tools needed to loosen this from the scabs and hides, but nothing that can cut through metal like this."

"It is all right," Razz said. "Do not trouble yourself."

Alex shook her head and quickly responded, "It is not all right, and it is no trouble at all."

She strode to the door and spoke with the Chameleon guard. He stood tall and nodded in agreement. With a loud whistle, a messenger appeared from the shadows. The guard gave him instructions to go speak with Hilto before sending him on his way.

Alex carefully filled three goblets with a deep ruby-red wine. She motioned for Razz and Master Healer Guni to join him.

Razz eagerly accepted his glass, while Guni slowly took his and watched Alex intently. Alex twirled her hands around the rim of her glass and closed her eyes in concentration. When she opened them again, her fingers were glowing with a brilliant power. She lightly traced around the edges of Razz's collar with the sparkles until they faded away. The Gecko leaned forward, capturing some of the golden glitter on his palm before he met her gaze.

"It feels pleasant," he said in awe.

"It's a pain reliever," Alex replied. "And some numbing as well."

When she finished, she gently prodded the infected flesh around the collar. Razz watched her face with wide, trusting eyes, and didn't flinch.

"There," Alex said. "Please go ahead, Master Healer." she forced herself to look into his black eyes and apologize, "I swear I won't hurt you. I apologize again for my overreaction."

Guni opened the blue jar and scooped out a generous portion of cream onto his fingers. He gently spread it around Razz's infected flesh, taking care not to cause discomfort. He then carefully inserted a cold metal probe into the edge of the collar and slowly worked his way around in a full circle. His expression was one of intense concentration. Alex monitored Razz's reaction for any signs of distress. Once the Master Healer had finished the process, he wiped off the probe and looked from Razz to Alex with an expression of regret.

The Gecko held out a jar of salve for Alex. "I'm afraid that is all I can do for now. I need the metal worker to cut the collar itself. This should keep the wound moist and help it heal until then. Apply this every time the wound starts to dry out, okay?" He tilted his head in an adorable manner as he gazed at Alex. "As the hide underneath grows, it will slowly displace the scabs, so when they itch, scratch them gently. Do you plan to replace the collar?"

Alex took the jar and shook her head emphatically. "Never!"

Razz touched her arm hesitantly. "If I may, I would consider it a great honor to wear your collar."

Before Alex could protest, a knock and Hilto's pleasant voice sounded. "I've brought the metal worker as well as sausage, cheese, fruit and red wine."

"You just come right on in," Alex sang out.

The Chameleon guard opened the door and liberated a chunk of cheese from the tray Hilto carried, who offered only a smile instead of an objection. The Komodo dragon lifted a link of sausage and eagerly munched it.

A lizard the size of Hilto pushed past the hospitable Chameleon and said in a fussy tone, "I am more than a metal worker, you know. I am a Master Metalworker. I expect to be treated with the dignity due my station." He patted his brown leather satchel like they should know how important it was.

Alex stared at him. His body was completely spotted, but with alternating bands of green and black with yellow spots. Two rings of pure black and yellow circled his neck and his head was a leopard pattern brown, with slanted eyes and a down-turned mouth.

He looked Alex up and down and said, "Yes, I know I am the most beautiful being you have ever seen. It is why I wear no clothing. You only rate my attention because apparently you saved the Council President and I'm curious to see what manner of creature can win an Anolis male."

Before Alex could speak, Zilik entered and said smoothly, "Ah, Master Metalworker Crota, my thanks for answering my plea. Guardian Alex was sent here on a secret mission and you are the only one I can trust with such a delicate task. I know you can remove this hideous collar and keep your muzzle sealed."

Crota humphed and strode up to Razz, who was quick to bury himself against Alex.

"Come, come," Crota chided him harshly. "Don't be a fool. I won't hurt you. I'm obviously here to remove that crude and poorly-made collar of yours."

Zilik quickly intercepted Alex, caught her hand raised to slap the insolent Crota, and kissed it. Master Healer Guni wisely scurried to the table where Hilto was setting up the wine, cheese, and sausage, and began to drink.

"Do let the Master Metalworker do his job," Zilik said to Alex, still holding her hand. "He truly is the best."

Alex growled at him, but patted Razz's back and traced his neck again with sparkling golden fingers. "You won't feel a thing."

Crota opened his satchel and took out a large pair of metal shears. He nipped them open and shut, then set them aside and took out a smaller pair. Again, he clacked the blades, which made an impressive snicking sound, and nodded. "This will do. Come here." He motioned imperiously at Razz.

Again, Zilik intercepted the furious Alex. "Anolis males are never seen without their females and are beaten until they cling to their owner," he said to Crota. "It would be best if you went to him."

Crota rolled his eyes, but picked up the shears and approached. With surprising gentleness, he maneuvered the shears in place and with one good click, cut the collar. His fingers nimbly eased the metal away from the medicated hide and he held it up to the light. "Cheap," he sniffed. "Now I will make you a masterpiece."

"Hey! No collars!" Alex said.

"What?!" A large red pouch inflated under Crota's neck. "No collar? For an Anolis male? Are you insane? And you insult me! I am a Master! I brought gold, opals, and garnets." The pouch deflated and inflated again.

"I would be honored to wear such a collar," Razz repeated himself timidly, wringing his hands.

"You are not as big a fool as I first thought," Crota told him in a patronizing tone.

"You are a fool if you think I would enslave anyone and collar them!" Alex roared, and her fingers clenched around the hilt of her sword.

The Chameleon and Komodo Dragon guards rushed in at her shouting, the Chameleon a furious red and holding a dagger while the Komodo held a short sword. Zilik motioned to them and their postures relaxed, the Chameleon's color flowing into a placid green.

The Chameleon, his black eyes narrowed in disdain, leaned forward and muttered in a loud whisper meant to carry, "I hope she hits that arrogant colorful windbag."

The Komodo Dragon's rocky scales rippled with contained laughter. The Gecko pressed his lips together to stifle a smile, the edges of his eyes crinkling.

The Collared Lizard's red throat sac expanded to the size of a small melon as he spluttered in outrage. He slammed his shears into his bag, the metal clashing sharply against the leather. "I shall take my considerable talents elsewhere!"

Hilto stepped forward and gently cleared his throat. "If you leave, it shall force me to call upon Metalworker Drue," he said in a soothing voice. "And you know that creating a male Anolis ah, necklace, will make him a Master Metalworker." Hilto paused and offered Crota a goblet of wine. He quickly snatched from the other's hands and swallowed in one gulp.

Zilik ran his fingers down Alex's arm, until he reached her clutching fist. He slowly, but firmly pried her hand away from the sword hilt, and then entwined his fingers with hers. His gaze softened as he looked into her eyes. "Guardian, why don't you listen to what Razz has to say about his wants?"

"And take advantage of someone who's been abused like I—?" Alex's voice rose with each word until it reached an angry crescendo. Her hands curled into tight fists, her jaw clenched, and her forehead creased from the effort of containing her boiling rage. The room grew hot and heavy with tension as Alex paused, suddenly aware that everyone was staring at her. She took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders as she forced out the last few words. "Never mind. I'm here to protect Razz and set him free, and those like him."

Zilik brought Alex's hand up to his face and delicately placed a gentle kiss on the back of it. His expression softened as he spoke, "I suggest a compromise. Razz would be more secure if he had some form of collar, although I understand why you don't want him to have one associated with slavery. How about this - Master Metalworker Crota could craft a special collar for him that isn't associated with slavery but still offers protection?"

The brilliantly patterned lizard spoke with pride, his words punctuated by the tapping of his claws on the ground. "I craft collars that are pieces of art and jewelry. I'm sure 'necklace' is a less offensive term for you. My works are far from being simple metal shackles used by vicious reptiles to harm others. For this unique Anolis male here, I shall make a gold open-lattice collar – delicate enough not to be abused but strong enough to hide and heal his wound. It will be far superior to any necklace Drue could put together." He pulled out a sketchpad from his leather satchel and quickly sketched something out, then glanced over at Alex. "I see your sword has an opal pommel." Reaching back into his bag, he brought out a handful of opals.

Alex's pommel stone lit up like a shining sun, with each of Crota's opals emitting its own multi-colored beam of light. The jeweler stared at the dazzling glow transfixed and unblinking, while nearby Razz whimpered and cuddled close to Alex's side. When the sparkling display finally faded away, the gemstones were even more vibrant than before, their colors matching.

"Magnificent," Crota said, his tone subdued and even a little entranced as he examined the stones. "These are of much higher quality now. I'll scatter them about the gold lattice like stars in the nebula that I saw through a powerful glass of the Iguanas." Then he shook himself slightly. "I will make a few measurements and then I must return to my workshop."

The Master Metalworker moved with purpose, his eyes focused as he sketched metal pieces into something magnificent. Hilto and the other guards stepped back and allowed him to do his work while they watched in awe. Master Healer Guni bowed quietly before walking away, leaving Alex, Razz, and Zilik alone on the couch. Razz curled up against Alex's side, clearly relishing in the warmth of her embrace.

"Thank you, mistress," Razz said.

"Calling me mistress makes me very uncomfortable," Alex replied.

"Guardian?"

"Alex, just Alex, please." She paused before continuing. "If you want to know more about Guardians, I can tell you."

He looked up with intrigue and curiosity sparkling in his eyes.

"But you must eat and drink first."

Alex rose and strode to the table, closely followed by Razz and Zilik. She picked up a knife and wielded it expertly as she sliced hunks of cheese and plump sausages. A thick layer of beads of condensation encircled a bottle of deep ruby red wine that Hilto had left.

The three ate and drank in silence until finally Zilik prompted, "I heard you are Called to worlds to aid others."

Alex shot a quick glance upwards from the food on her plate, meeting Zilik's gaze with an uncertain nod. Her voice quivered as she spoke. "It's my first mission—apparently I don't have much of a place on the team. Gabe promised he'd keep me around, but they all doubt my abilities."

Razz and Zilik exchanged identical frowns, both obviously concerned for their friend.

"What do you mean?" Razz asked.

Alex hesitated, tracing patterns in the rice with her fork before replying. "I wasn't trained to be a swordsman or anything like that. I rely on... other methods."

You can access the sword and knife skills, the small voice in her mind insisted.

Shut up for now, Alex told the small voice.

Razz's kind black eyes looked imploringly at Alex as he spoke. "That doesn't mean you weren't Called as well," he said, his voice soft and gentle.

"Maybe Gabe is right and I wasn't Called to this world." Alex shook her head, biting her lower lip in thought.

"But are Gabe, Cale, and Rile the type for your world?" he asked.

She paused before finally looking up with a sad smile and shaking her head. "No."

"Yet they were Called there." Razz looked at her with adoration. "And you were Called here."

"I didn't think of that. Still, what good can I do here? I'm locked up in this Institute." Alex waved at the walls around her.

"You saved me." Razz echoed Alex's answer to the brothers an eternity ago.

"I did what anyone would do." Alex shrugged in dismissal of her good deed and ran her hand through her hair.

Razz glared fiercely, his eyes hard and unyielding. His lips were pursed, forming a thin line of displeasure. When he spoke, it was like a sharp blade cutting through the air. "No," he said with finality. "You allowed your pride and honor to be taken away in front of the Kuni. You lost your claim to your first mate, and by what Zilik said, your only one. No female that I know would do such a thing."

Alex huffed in frustration and shook her head as if to deny what was being said.

"Why do you always invalidate anything good said about you?" His voice was soft, almost gentle.

Alex's eyes widened for a moment before she spoke again. "What? No, I don't." She nervously ran her hand through her hair and met Razz's inquisitive gaze.

Great, another nervous habit.

Razz didn't speak, but still looked stubborn, jaw clenched and eyes hard again. Zilik waited, still as a stone to allow the conversation to continue, a Chameleon specialty.

"Razz, you're just grateful because I rescued you from Cla."

"And that invalidates everything that I say."

The bitterness in Razz's voice made Alex stop to regard him. "Razz, you have quite the mouth. How did you survive Cla?"

He hissed. "She likes them like that, at least in the beginning. Then she enjoys slowly torturing it out of them. Once I learned that, all I would say was 'Yes, Cla' and 'No, Cla'. She lost interest in me. I was able to keep my mouth and other body parts that I value."

Alex felt the warmth drain out of her body. She stared at Razz, who nodded in a knowing way.

"How well can your friends act?" he asked, a trace of malice in his voice.

A single word, "Terrible." escaped Alex's lips, barely audible. She felt like someone had sucked all the life from her body, drained of all color.

"I hope that they are fast learners." Razz glanced apologetically at her, regret in his eyes.

Alex slowly rose from the couch and shuffled towards the window. She pressed her forehead against her arm as she gazed out at the night sky, her body shaking with fear and anguish.

Zilik whispered in a broken voice, "Why are you salting Alex's wounds? She's worried sick about her friends."

Razz's breath caught in his throat and he shook his head slightly, swiping away an invisible tear. "I don't know," he mumbled. "I'm angry at too many things to count, but not with Alex."

Zilik leaned forward, his black eyes locked on Razz's. "Are you jealous?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Razz shifted her gaze to Alex, watching as she started pacing the room, rubbing her arms and looking anxious.

"She is unusual looking, nothing like the females of my species. Maybe that is it. I have no further attraction to my own kind, not after years with Cla."

Zilik sighed heavily and slowly shook his head. "I'm telling you, it's hopeless. She's completely devoted to Gabe; it's like she can't see any other male."

Razz's face twisted into a grimace of disbelief. "He does not act devoted or even interested in Alex."

Zilik shrugged his shoulders and shook his head again. "You're right there, but try not to think about her anymore."

Razz paused before replying, "Maybe you should take your own advice and stop thinking about her as well."

Zilik raised his eye-ridges in surprise and then let out a deep breath. "It's crazy, I know. All my instincts tell me to run, to avoid the pain involved, but something else draws me." His voice trailed off and they both watched Alex pace.

"What?" Alex stopped, aware of their gaze. "Why are you looking at me that way? What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Zilik was too practiced to let his embarrassment show, but Razz bowed his head and shifted foot to foot.

She turned to face Razz and Zilik, her eyes shining with tears. "You think I'm crazy," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "Or blind, or stupid, or controlling, or jealous to not let my friends go where they want, with whomever they want."

Razz placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "No, you're right to be worried," he said softly.

Zilik nodded in agreement. "But there's nothing you can do," he added.

"Oh, yes there is." Alex speed-burst out of the room, using her short-lived invisibility flight.

Zilik and Razz blinked in the wake of her flight.

"Where did she go? How did she do that? She's never tried to escape before," Zilik peered out the door swinging from her flight.

"Have her friends been in danger before?" Razz asked.

"Razz, I must find her before she does something stupid. If anyone comes looking for her, stall them," Zilik said.

Razz thought a minute, tapping his fingers together. "I will tell them that we are mating."

Zilik stared at him, blinking in surprise. "I think you'll be very good around here. I'm not rushing the arrangements to smuggle you to Chameleon City. I'll drop word to the guards that Alex won you as a new mate and they'll get the hint. But let's keep this our little secret from Alex."

Razz said nothing and looked so blandly at Zilik that he left, apparently reassured. Razz would tell Alex everything. She freed him at great cost to herself and even now was risking herself to help others. She was everything to him.

***