by Erik Weir
***
Victor stepped toward the women bound to the wall when a side wall slid open and three sentries stepped out. The Blade flashed toward them, bone sword cleaving one in half and then beheading another.
The last one lifted its hands, digital face turning white, “We come in peace.”
Victor’s sword was an inch from the sentry’s neck, his eyes hard. The smooth face of the sentry shifted and swirled in digital light before a woman’s face appeared. Victor was stunned by the angelic beauty but he kept the sword at the sentry’s neck.
“I only wish for some time with Vala’s chosen,” the woman said in a harmonic voice.
“What is this all about,” Victor demanded.
“Please put the sword down so we may discuss in peace,” the woman asked as she lowered her hands.
Victor did not comply.
A digital screen appeared on one of the walls and it blinked to life. Victor glanced to it, seeing his friends hunkering down as the horde of sentries moved closer.
“They will not last much longer. My sentries are using non-fatal means to subdue them, but I can easily have them executed if you do not give me a chance to speak.”
Victor looked to the screen and then to the two women bound to the wall. Pulling his sword back, he let it point to the floor as he took several steps back, putting his body between the sentry and the prisoners.
“Thank you, Victor Hobbs,” the face smiled.
“You have my attention,” Victor said as he charged the Bone Sword.
The Sentry nodded. “I am Xull. Caretaker, Guardian, and Provider for all who dwell here.”
“Slave owner is more like it. I know you want to keep the populace under your control and you execute those who do not conform.”
Xull’s digital face did not change. “As with all high ideals, their meaning can be lost in translation. I only wish to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It is my directive, my sacred duty to ensure all living beings are safe from an indifferent universe. I bring order to chaos.”
“You kill those who don’t fall in line,” Victor spit.
Xull gave Victor a kind smile. “I can understand your confusion. When you saved Lily and the others from the medical tower, they informed you that those who reject their digital lives are slain which is far from the truth. I have those who reject the implants moved to locations far from the cities so they cannot infect others. The two women behind you were early discoveries of the nano-shell rejections but as you can see, they are alive and healthy.”
Xull kept her kind smile, “What you have been told has been a lie.”
The metal clamps on the two acolytes hissed and popped open. The women fell to their knees, rubbing their arms as their gags fell away, eyes filled with confused fear.
“With all beginning relationships, a display of trust must be forged,” Xull said before she turned her head to the screen.
Victor watched as the sentries stopped firing and halted their advance. Wynn fired and ducked down. The hanger grew quiet as nothing moved.
“I don’t not wish for any further violence, hear what I have to propose and we can decide afterwards the next course of actions.”
“You lured us here to talk,” Victor said with a blank expression.
“It was the only logical way to ensure we can speak. I allowed Wynn to gain enough information so she could not resist coming here. I made it difficult enough where she would need to summon you to assist.”
Xull stepped closer, walking past Victor and kneeling down to one of the women. Metal hands reached out and helped her to her feet. Xull moved to the next one and did the same. The two women eyed the sentry in disbelief as they moved to Victor’s side.
“This trying to be nice isn’t going to work,” Victor said, sword at the ready.
Xull stood before Victor, eyes bright. “Your mistrust is noted, but we must discuss the future. I am aware of all six realms and what dwells in each one. For a long time, there was a stable harmony between all. When your goddess was slain, the harmony was broken and thus began a period of discord. I was content to shut off my realm to the others to ensure those I cared for were shielded from the growing chaos. I learned that self-imposed exile only slowed down what was to come.”
Xull stepped back, hands behind her, “Your arrival has stirred many to action. The realms gather their forces for a war none have seen in millennia. You are the direct cause and key to the growing tide of chaos. My power had allowed from some protection, but logic dictates in order to survive the coming storm, one must align with those to become stronger.”
Xull smiled, “I come to you, Victor Hobbs, to create an alliance between Vala and my realm.”
“The ship out there doesn’t look like it was built for peace.”
The sentry nodded. “It is the first of many being constructed. Peace cannot be gained by words, but by actions.”
“Action huh, how about you end the war with the resistance and then maybe we can talk more.”
Xull closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again, “The resistance was built by my design. Many believe they found a loophole in my logic matrix, but I knew there must be a resistance to ensure the majority of the population would stay under my control. Many admire and hate the resistance, but seeing their actions play out keep the populace from joining except for the most determined.
“If I wished, my forces would have stormed the sublevels and executed everyone with a single command. I allow them to serve a purpose so society remains guarded under my watchful eye. But times are beginning to change. The small chess game is being pushed aside by a much larger one. For that, I ask for your consideration of an alliance.”
Victor looked away, thoughts spiraling in his mind. Not sure what to think, it seemed odd for the Xull mainframe to create such an elaborate plot just so they could meet and discuss terms. The amount of history between all the realms was mind boggling, but Victor couldn’t bring himself to completely distrust Xull. She was well within her power to slaughter everyone, but she had her soldiers firing disabling shots. Horrific thoughts swirled as Victor imagined what the losses would have been if they were firing full plasma bursts.
Xull moved to the door and it opened. “I don’t expect an answer at the moment. I’m sure you must confer with others, but to answer your previous request, the war with the resistance is over. Tonight, is the final confrontation between my forces and those who have rebelled. When we depart, I will notify all those in the resistance of new terms and peaceful resolutions. The general public will understand what has transpired as new enemies gather at the gates. Congratulations, you have assisted in ending the conflict.”
Xull stepped out into the hanger. Victor followed, the two acolytes trailing behind. Wynn, Dawn, and Diz looked over the crates and equipment to see a sentry with a woman’s face, Victor and two other women emerge from the side room.
“Victor?” Wynn shouted.
The Blade let his bone sword slid back into his wrist as he waved his hands overhead. “It’s over.”
Furry ears and heads poked up from behind cover, staring at the Blade as he walked toward them.
“Xull is ending the war with the resistance.”
“You are all free,” Xull smiled.
Wynn grimaced as she dropped her plasma rifle and pulled her pistol. Stepping from around the barricade, she marched toward Xull and lifted the pistol, aiming for her head. Victor spent a point of Strength, flashed forward in a blur, grabbed her wrist and pointed it upward as she pulled the trigger. A plasma bolt shot up, causing a blast mark on the ceiling.
“Victor, she’s lying! You can’t be taken in by her deceit. She has killed many of my friends,” Wynn growled as her eyes watered.
Victor looked into Wynn’s eyes with darkness under his. “She is ending the conflict so we can band together against bigger threats. She wants to be an ally.”
“I took no joy in the death of your compatriots,” Xull said with a sad
expression.
Wynn glared at the sentry before trying to pull away from Victor’s grip. “Let go of me! I’ll shoot her and every fucking sentry until we are all free!”
Victor held fast, “You are free.”
Wynn’s eyes widened before weakness flowed into her legs. The fox woman let out a small howl before falling to her knees. Victor let go and knelt with her. Wynn gave a sad growl before flinging her arms around him as he held her close. The doors behind them opened and Lily rushed in. Buk, Sakura, and many others stirred awake. The sentries holstered their weapons, turned and marched back to the walls, taking their places on racks and sliding in as another row took their place.
Tears streaked down over fur as Wynn looked to Victor. “This…is the end?”
“A new beginning,” Victor smiled.
“You have my word; I will broadcast the end of the conflict. There will be no reason for any further internal strife. You are free to dwell in the sublevels or the cities above,” Xull said before turning her digital gaze to Victor.
“When the time comes, Victor, may we be on the same side against the darkness.”
The resistance fighters gathered their own as they slowly moved to the exit. Victor helped Wynn to her feet while glancing back to Xull’s pleasant demeanor. The sentry waved as angelic eyes blinked on a digital face. Lily moved to Victor’s side, helping Wynn walk as robotic bodies returned to work on the giant ship.
Thirteen
Victor sat on a wide couch, Lisa 998 and Linda 702 on either side of him. Energy swirled as the Blade tried to concentrate through the haze. Vala’s power glowed and the two women, former prisoners of Xull, could not keep their hands and eyes off Vala’s Champion.
Wynn paced as she spoke. The fox woman was clearly having a conversation with others while the main screen in the hidden base showed Xull’s angelic features as she declared that the internal strife has ended. The face spoke, pardoning the resistance and encouraging an end to the fighting once and for all. Several smaller screens to the side showed street levels, Xull Citizens holding up flags and large media pads, displaying “We are one!”, “End the real violence!” and “Peace to all!”
Lily stood off to the side, arms crossed as she looked to the screens. Dawn sat in a seat, oval eyes drinking in Xull’s words. The rest of the resistance fighters working under Wynn were scattered across the large room, watching as the end to the long war had finally come.
“Several cells have already entered the higher levels and they are not being detained or questioned. This is real,” Wynn nearly shouted.
“We dreamed about you for so long,” Lisa said with warm eyes.
“We knew you would come,” Linda smiled.
Victor glanced to each one, not wanting to be rude as he listened to Wynn and Xull on screen. He understood his duty, but he couldn’t resist trying to hear every bit of information as it was happening. Warm hands snaked into his pants as he ignored the two women at his sides and focused on Wynn.
The fox threw her hands up and turned to Victor. “I’m finished with the call, but this new peace will take some time to get used to. Nearly thirty percent believe this is a trap to lure us out of hiding and end it once and for all. Others have already left their locations and entered the higher levels with citizens welcoming them with open arms.”
“It’s okay to be cautiously optimistic,” Victor said as fingers curled around his hardening member.
Wynn looked down to Victor’s bulge, Lisa and Linda smiling as they played with him. “Time will tell. What’s next for you…after Lisa and Linda have their way with you?”
Victor grinned, “We have to go to another realm for Vala.”
Lily looked away, pain in her eyes. Dawn noticed it as she glanced to the succubus before looking down. Buk and Diz sat diagonally from Victor, hungry eyes on the Blade and the women at his sides. The large room seemed to grow warmer with lustful intent, but it was Wynn who turned away and sighed.
“You said Xull mentioned something about gaining allies. How do you feel about that?”
“It felt genuine. She could have stopped all of us, but she didn’t. She wanted a meeting, but had to lure us into it. There are bigger things going on across the realms and I think Xull is preparing for something that may affect all of us,” Victor said as his pants became undone and Lisa stroked his member.
Wynn turned back around and leaned against a nearby desk, “I’m not entirely convinced either, but it would be wrong if I dismissed the possibility.”
“For now, I say celebrate, but keep your eyes open,” Victor smiled before he sucked in a small amount of air, Lisa’s lips wrapping around his member.
Wynn looked down at Lisa’s bobbing head, “I see the celebrations are already starting.”
“It seems so,” the Blade smiled before Linda pressed her lips to his in a deep kiss.
“We want to celebrate,” Buk and Diz shouted in unison.
Lily smirked, “We will stay for a little while, but we have to move on soon. I’m sure a little celebrating is in order.”
Wynn nodded. “I’ll break out some stored wine.”
The mood shifted to a cloud of warm bliss and relief. Buk and Diz stood up and stalked closer, licking their lips at the sight of Victor being attacked. The rest of the room looked on, Vala’s touch warming their hearts. The screens in the background played on, Xull citizens and animal resistance fighters cheering in the dark and gloomy day.
***
Deep heaviness caressed Victor’s body as he fell asleep amid a pile of bodies. Buk squeezed his hand before he slipped away and floated in a misty gloom. It wasn’t long before Lily and Dawn materialized beside him, boots touching soft, ethereal ground. Memories played out in Victor’s mind of the demanding orgy he just experienced before his body gave out. Despite the influence he had over his body, satisfying that many women had become a herculean task; one he knew with enough rest would do again. With two knew divine orbs, he was ready to move on to the next part of Vala’s crusade.
Lily’s eyes contained a sliver of darkness as she stood. Dawn stepped closer to Victor and smiled.
“Night Sun is next,” the elf said, her words echoing through the mists.
“Dawn,” Lily began with a heavy heart, “I want it just to be me and Victor for this one.”
The elf looked to the succubus, “Wouldn’t it be safer if we all went together?”
Lily crossed her arms, darkness under her eyes smoothing to sad regret. “I…don’t wish to get into the details, but Victor and I need to do this alone.”
Dawn took a step back, oval eyes taking on an understanding gaze. “I’ll return to Vala’s mountain. I’m sure Night misses me anyway.”
Victor stood, unsure what to say.
Dawn looked to Victor, “Take care of her. I’ll be waiting if you need help. Cassandra will be able to send me to you so don’t hesitate to call on her.”
The elf stepped to Lily and gave her a big hug, “We will be here for you when you return.”
Lily nodded as the elf pulled away. With a wave goodbye, Dawn stepped further into the mists and faded from sight. Victor turned to Lily, silent as a tomb.
The succubus took hold of his hand and they began to walk.
“I knew this night would come and I don’t want to drag anyone else into it,” Lily said in a small voice.
“Is it because of your family,” Victor said as he remembered the shared dream he had with the demoness.
Lily looked down, “I know you have been wondering why I’ve been on edge for a while. Vala has sent me dreams…visions of Night Sun and my family. I know I have unfinished business with them and it seems Vala is directing us to complete it.”
“We don’t have to go,” Victor said with an understanding edge. “I could go and find acolytes while you return to the mountain.”
Lily shook her head slightly, “No. Vala has been preparing me for this and I won’t let her and you down. I’m your Shield and partner. We have t
o do this together.”
“Lily, we can do this another time. Maybe we should visit Valis and take care of what needs to be done there?”
“Victor, I know you're trying to help, but the best thing we can do now is get it over with. I can’t run from my past any longer.”
The mists thinned as they walked. An eerie darkness touched the tendrils of mists and oval shapes of red glowed in the distance. The mists parted and before Victor knew it, he walked into a black forest, trees filled with crimson colored leaves. The bark was black as pitch and patches of dark green grass dotted the landscape.
Victor looked up, eyes drinking in an eclipse and streaks of comets in the starry sky. The air contained hints of sulfur and odd glows dotted the forest around them. Victor looked to a patch of glowing moss clinging to a tree, colors swirling in different patterns.
“Welcome to Night Sun,” Lily said with a sarcastic, sad edge.
Victor looked back up to the sky, streaking comets painting the heavens in different colors. The sun burned like embers in a dying fire, a planet or moon directly in front of it as its dim halo flared around it. It was awe inspiring and unsettling at the same time. A long moment ticked by and the sun and planet moved as one, casting a thick shadow over the realm.
Lily looked up with glowing red eyes, “The planet is tidal locked with one of our moons. The sun is dim but we only get its real light at dawn and dusk. During the day, it is a permanent eclipse every day.”
“And the comets,” Victor asked as he couldn’t stop admiring their beauty.
“Tens of thousands of comets circle our system and almost every night they fly past. They never seem to intersect with our world, trapped in a stream around our solar system.”
Lily lowered her gaze and peered into the darkness beyond the trees. “Victor, I have to tell you a few things before we continue.”
Victor looked down to the beautiful demoness. “I’m all ears.”