by Erik Weir
“It seems to be in working order,” Portia smiled.
“Thank you,” the Champion said with a kind smile.
An awkward silence filled the space between them. Heat rushed into Victor’s face as he found himself looking away. Portia’s outfit was revealing enough and he didn’t want to stare, but he also wasn’t sure how to behave since the realm was looking to throw themselves at him. It was pretty obvious he could do no wrong as long as he was assisting the realm, but he couldn’t fight the small disbelief swirling around his stomach.
“We understand your task,” Portia said, breaking the silence, “You will not be pressured into anything you do not wish to do. We only hope you will want to help us in our time of need.”
Victor sighed. “I do want to help. I always want to help. I just don’t want anyone doing something they may not want to do. I don’t want your people engaging in something they may not want to.”
Portia nodded with a solemn expression, “I understand your plight. There may be some who do not wish to mate with you, but I can assure you, there are many who do.”
Victor scratched his head, “Are there married couples or some who are in relationships? I don’t want to be…”
Portia interrupted Victor with a small smile, “The people of Valis are open in many ways. There is no need to chain ourselves to each other like many do from the other realms. Jealousy and envy are outdated concepts here in Valis. Anyone who approaches you will be a willing participant.”
Victor’s shoulders relaxed. “Good to know.”
Portia bit her lip before standing a little straighter, “I can feel the shard of Vala, pressing on my spirit, but I must tell you, it does not influence me. I have complete control of my intentions and my body…but…”
Victor blinked as Portia seemed to be fighting some internal war.
“I saw you, in my dreams. I knew what it meant and I looked forward to seeing you when you arrived. I…wasn’t prepared for what I felt when I saw you emerging from the water.”
Portia’s fingers curled together tight, “Because of my station, I have not taken to the pleasures of the flesh. I thought it would be a distraction since I am the High Commander of Valis. I hope…when you have a moment… You can show me what it means to truly share our bodies.”
“You…haven’t…,” Victor trailed off.
Portia shook her head lightly. “I didn’t allow distractions. Now that I stand before Vala’s Champion, I feel ill equipped to satisfy your varied experiences.”
“Portia, you don’t have to say anything. We are both learning from this experience and I can say without a doubt, you are not ill-equipped. You’re quite beautiful and it is I who feels like he doesn’t measure up.”
Portia’s eyes took on a glimmering sheen. “Thank you, Victor. You are truly a bright spirit.”
The angelic beauty bowed her head, “Shield Lily should be on her way down to the main entrance of the Citadel. I received a report the city is ready. Valis’ citizens should be currently filling the streets. If you’re ready, we can join them. I believe Umus will want to say a few words before the festivities.”
Victor watched as Portia spoke. Her demeanor switched from shy to a serious edge in the blink of an eye. The Blade felt she must be a demon in battle, but when it came to affairs of the heart, she was like a babe in the woods. The quality was endearing and before Victor knew it, he took a step closer to the High Commander. Portia looked up into his green eyes, her breath taken away.
“May I kiss you,” Victor asked with warmth bleeding from his body.
“Please,” Portia whispered.
Vala’s Champion leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Portia let out a small sigh before a strong hand touched the small of her back and pulled her in close. Arms shot up grabbing Victor’s back and holding him as he held her in one arm. Lips pressed and parted, tongues slipping into mouths. The heat and wanting was there, burning like a wildfire. Portia moaned, fingers digging into Victor and not wanting to let go. As for the Blade, fear and doubt washed away as their kiss played on.
When the two parted, Portia’s eyes remained closed as she basked in the moment, her cheeks pink. Hands moved onto Victor’s shoulders, not wanting to leave the inviting warmth. Victor found himself staring with half closed eyes, the attraction sending shocks of need through his entire frame.
Hate to interrupt but you still have to become stronger.
Victor looked away and let out a small exhale. “Portia, can you wait outside for a moment. I need to do something first.”
Portia opened her eyes, “I can stay and help with whatever you need.”
Victor looked confused for a second before he understood what she meant and smiled. “I would welcome your help, but this is something I should do before we go.”
The angelic beauty nodded before letting go of him and stepping back. “I’ll be right outside when you’re ready to come down.”
Portia smiled as she moved to the door. When she was gone, Victor called up his stat screen.
Victor Hobbs
Acolytes Unlocked- 40/77
Divine Orbs- 6
Powers to Unlock-0
Spheres of Influence
Str (Gaia)- 10
Con (Nano)- 10
Int (Abyss)- 3
Will (Holy)- 4
Wis (Mind)- 10
Cha (Shadow)- 3
Swords
Iron Sword
Elemental Sword
Gun Blade
Bone Sword
Cursed Blade
“Let’s see what the Holy Sphere has to offer,” Victor said and spent his remaining six Divine Orbs.
Energy swirled through his body as white-hot vibrations burned against nerves. A moment later, it subsided and disappeared as words filled his vision.
Holy
Light Aura Shield(New!)
Soothing Touch(New!)
Healing(New!)
Victor looked it over and gave himself a nod of approval. The young man had seen enough Dragonball Z to know that the Aura Shield might work the same as Goku’s shield. Soothing Touch might be just a way to calm someone down and Healing seemed to speak for itself. With six points to spend among his Spheres of Influence, the Champion began assigning numbers. When he was done, he looked at his new stat screen.
Victor Hobbs
Acolytes Unlocked- 40/77
Divine Orbs- 0
Powers to Unlock-0
Spheres of Influence
Str (Gaia)- 13
Con (Nano)- 11
Int (Abyss)- 3
Will (Holy)- 6
Wis (Mind)- 10
Cha (Shadow)- 3
Swords
Iron Sword
Elemental Sword
Gun Blade
Bone Sword
Cursed Blade
Sphere Abilities/Powers
Mind
Speak/Read/Write Languages
Transmutation
Unseen Hand
Enchant Weapon
Gaia
Increased Strength/Speed
Animal Tongues
Jump
Animal Shapeshift
War Form
Summon Monster
Nano
Heightened Senses Upgrade
Body Enhancement/Repair
Interface Upgrade
Weapon Upgrade
Armor Upgrade
Power Suit Upgrade
Shadow
Holy
Light Aura Shield
Soothing Touch
Healing
Abyss
Impulse Control Touch
Strength filled Vala’s Champion as he stood. Reaching the Titan Tier of his powers, he began to feel like he could really do some damage if it was called for. Strength, Wisdom, and Constitution were the only spheres to reach that level of power, but he finally felt like he had an edge in a fight. Memories of Draygon washed on the stony shores of his mind and deep down, he looked forward
to a rematch. Another image crawled into his mind, one of Alice being killed right in front of him and it tempered the fire in his belly.
“One day soon, love and peace will return to the realms,” Victor whispered to himself.
Lifting his head, he walked toward the door and it slid open. Portia was outside, turning to the Champion and smiling.
“Let’s get to the party,” Victor grinned.
***
The air pulsed with excitement as Victor and Portia stepped out of the Citadel. Lily stood at the top edge of the stairs. The succubus turned and watched with a pleasant smile as the Champion and High Commander reached her side.
The streets surrounding the Citadel were filled with bodies, all heads and eyes turned to the three at the entrance. Tables filled with food, spirits, and wines lined every street while performers played music. Streamers turned and floated in the air as flower petals fell from the sky. The final rays of sunlight touched the top of buildings as many watched with bright smiles. A hush had fallen across the streets as they all marveled at Victor who stood awkwardly with Lily and Portia at his sides.
From behind the trio, an imposing figure emerged from the shadows of the entrance, his armor beginning to glow and hum with power. Umus stepped out of the citadel with a warm smile, halo glowing over his head. Despite wearing what looked like full plate mail, it didn’t make a sound as he stepped past Victor and the others and stood before them, facing the crowd.
Victor didn’t seem to notice before, but Umus was at least ten feet tall and built like an armored freight train. His size seemed to meet his larger than life personality as he raised his arms and addressed the crowd.
“Citizens of Valis, the sun sets on another night, but tonight will not be like any other night. Tonight, we celebrate our union with Vala once again. She has seen fit to send her Champion to us in our time of need. Such an act will not go unnoticed and will be forever documented in our histories. I will not bore our celebration with needless rhetoric for our realm shall be saved from the tendrils of death.
“Welcome Victor, Champion of Vala! Let love rule this night as we pray with our bodies to a brighter future!”
The crowd erupted in cheers. Lily glanced to Victor, his head bent forward and face red. In the crowd, drinks were passed around as music echoed off high walls. Umus grinned as he turned and walked to Victor. Standing over the Blade, Victor felt small to the holy god before him.
“Don’t be shy Victor. The celebration will last for weeks so take your time. If you wish to sit and talk between your celebrated duties, my throne room is always open to you.”
Umus stepped past the Blade and open-handed smacked the Champion in the rear. It was so powerful that Victor was launched forward and stumbled down the stairs. Lily and Portia watched with amused smiles as a large group of beautiful women rushed up the stairs with their arms out. Umus gave a hearty laugh as he walked back into the citadel.
Hands caught Vala’s Champion as he floated into the crowd. Several women kissed him on his cheeks, neck and one went for his lips. Lost in wet kisses, hands ran along his body with playful teasing and pulling on his clothes. Just when he thought it was going too far, many stepped back and drinks were put in his hands. The abrupt suddenness changed the mood to a relaxed atmosphere as they chatted and some engaged him in small conversation.
“It’s so nice for you to visit us,” one woman smiled.
“What do you like,” another woman asked with innocent eyes.
“Some of us have talked and we would like to be the first to invite you to one of our homes,” another woman beamed.
Victor smiled politely between heavy gulps of wine. The sheer amount of people crowding around him was a little off-putting, but the wine began to fill him with relaxing warmth. The sun sank lower, the final rays touching the sky and fading away. Victor looked up to the gentle glow filling the streets of Valis. Laughter and conversation washed over the crowd like a seductive tide.
Portia turned her attention to Lily who stayed where she was, watching as Victor was nearly swallowed up by the crowd.
“He is in good hands,” the High Commander said.
Lily nodded. “I know. I’m just biding my time until he needs me.”
“What will he need you for?”
Lily gave the angelic beauty a wicked smirk, “When he needs me to heal his abused body. He is Vala’s Champion, but he is also my friend.”
Portia nodded. “I too wish to be his friend. Maybe you can help me understand what he likes?”
Lily gave the innocent angel a smoldering gaze, “It might entail a few hours and me showing you exactly what he likes.”
Portia smiled. “I welcome any and all of your teachings and advice.”
“Let’s go inside and find some place so I can…,” Lily trailed off.
A cold breezed rushed through the city, a shiver running through the crowd. Victor looked up, something sinister touching his senses. Many others looked around in confused expressions, the cheering and music dying down to the sounds of wind.
“What was that,” Lily said out loud.
Portia’s face took on a grim mask as energy swirled around her body. Armor plates appeared and connected to her frame. Wings of energy unfurled from her back as her body was covered in rune covered armor. A shard of light appeared before it lengthened into a glowing spear. The High Commander stepped to the edge of the stairs and looked up as a shadow appeared on the roof of a nearby building.
“We have an intruder,” Portia said as her mind connected to Valis’ Royal Guard.
Victor looked up as the shadow flared for a moment and faded away. A figure moved to the building edge and put his boot on the small railing. Wild eyes looked down and a creepy grin appeared. Black hair flowed, but not from the breeze as it moved in many directions. Points of light appeared in the flowing jet-black hair as the wild eyes scanned the crowd and zeroed in on Victor among them.
“People of Valis, I’ve come to relieve you of your failing lives! Rejoice for your end has come!”
Draygon licked his lips as he stared down at Victor’s hard expression, “Victor, I decided to help you complete your crusade. Let’s bring Vala back together. Our first step is killing everyone and freeing Vala’s pieces from the shells populating the realms.”
The Elder Spawn closed his eyes as if basking in the torment he was about to inflict, “Tonight, the Valis Realm dies, my gift to Vala!”
Sixteen
Victor glared up to Draygon’s smiling face, heart hardening. “You picked a bad time to show up,” the Champion shouted.
Draygon nodded as he looked down in amused contempt. “Nonsense, this is the perfect time to arrive. Most of Valis is gathered here in Bright Tower City. By my calculations, most of Vala’s pieces are here among the crowd. It will make my work easier so you can be closer to raising the dead goddess. You and I shall be that much closer to our goals.”
Portia pointed her spear, “Foul thing! You have no power here in Valis! Leave or you shall be destroyed!”
Draygon pursed his lips before a pointed tongue slipped out and licked them. “Tempting, I do admit, your people do have great power even if their numbers are small and dying. That is why I brought my own forces to smother your light.”
Draygon’s face brightened in a sickening light as several angels floated up silently. Felice and Hannah held glowing spears, several more angels behind them. The royal guards moved through the air, eyes on the back of the Elder Spawn and energy pooling in their muscles. Determination and discipline filled their hearts as they moved closer, boots a foot above the rooftop.
Lily opened her palm, staff appearing and extending in her hand. Portia kept her hard gaze on the spawn while Umus stepped from the shadows of the citadel and on to the dais. The god looked up with a stern gaze.
Victor’s heart beat like a drum as his thoughts flowed like a raging flood. Draygon was here and by just looking at his smug expression indicated he wasn’t bluffing. The
Elder Spawn seemed fully committed on attacking the most powerful realm in the six realms and Vala’s Champion knew he could pull it off.
Victor turned from Draygon and pointed his gaze to Umus. “You have to evacuate the city.”
Umus stood his ground, eyes on Draygon as he addressed Victor, “Valis’ power is beyond what this mongrel thing can perform.”
The god smirked, but his eyes held a focused power, “Go back to your hole Elder Spawn before I teach you a much-needed lesson.”
Draygon’s grin grew wider, “I would take what you say seriously if the other gods of Valis were woken from their slumber, but they’re not awake, are they? I can sense them sleeping deep in the planet’s core, waiting for their turn to govern. Your outdated laws will be the end of your civilization and I will be the one who does it.”
“Umus, he has an army of shadows. Evacuate the city now,” Victor shouted.
Draygon closed his eyes, “Victor, they won’t listen. They believe their power is all, but there are other things in the universe stronger than gods.”
The Elder Spawn opened his madness-filled eyes, “And I don’t have an army. I have legions.”
“Umus…” Victor said before night bloomed into shards of chaos.
Felice and Hannah bolted toward the Elder Spawn, glowing spears up. When they were within striking distance, Draygon whirled around, shadows jutting from his hands and forming black blades. Light and darkness clashed as several more royal guard circled around and above, spears at the ready. Draygon laughed as his black blades clashed again and again at glowing spears. Felice and Hannah moved like dancers, each strike close, but none landing. Bodies bent and swirled as they adjusted their attacks, getting closer and closer to making a strike.
Draygon laughed as his body spun like a tornado. Black blades struck and shattered glowing spears. Felice and Hannah backed up, but reality shifted and Draygon was on them. Spears of energy reforming in their hands, it wasn’t enough as black blades penetrated their bodies. Draygon pushed, driving the blades deeper as the two angels grunted. The dark blades spiked and shot out in all directions. Thick black spikes stabbed out of their bodies, cracking armor. Felice screamed before a spike stabbed out of her mouth. Hannah moaned as several spikes sprouted from her neck.