Captain Adam Johnson, decorated war hero and veteran of six separate tours as an officer of the US Army, happily swept the dirt and dust from the temple grounds. In the fantasy world of ARS he was not a captain, nor was he a decorated war veteran. He was nothing more than a novice priest-in-training who hoped to see as much of the world as possible while he could.
"Cleanliness is next to godliness. Eh, Johnson?" called out another of the novitiates.
Adam looked over to the younger man then smiled. "I've always thought so."
The younger man laughed then went back to wiping down the stone benches near the front entrance. Cleaning the temples and shrines was one of the primary tasks of a novitiate. It was how they paid for their room and board during their training.
The older novice finished sweeping after another few minutes then went about his second task for the day. He needed to clean the altar room in the main temple before he would be released to do as he wished.
Soon, he would have to return to Earth. He could only train on the weekends. Thankfully, the priests were accommodating to his needs. He was a part-time student. Many working professionals in the world of ARS wanted to become priests, but they had to make a living or had families to support. Until they took the Oath of Faith, part-time studies were acceptable.
Blizrum, god of war and champion of justice; Adam looked up at the massive tower shield that stood as a representation of the lord of the battlefield. Priests of Blizrum were not blood thirsty killers. In fact, they acted to stop such people. His chosen priests and paladins were shields. They were walls of flesh and metal. They were people who stood between the darkness of hateful violence, and those whom they desired to protect. In the eyes of many, Blizrum was the god of heroes.
Adam set about cleaning the altar room, and started with the wooden pews. The room doubled as a place of worship for congregations as well as a space to offer prayers and offerings to Blizrum.
While he cleaned the area, he slowly made his way toward the massive shield. It was neither beautifully crafted, nor did it seem to be extraordinary in any way save for its size. The shield of Blizrum was a plain item without adornment, little more than a shiny piece of metal backed with wood and cloth.
A placard on the altar bore simple, but powerful, words. They were words that Adam could not resist repeating. "I am the shield which guards the realms of life. In the face of wickedness, I shall not falter. Let evil break itself uselessly upon me. Fear not, my child. Stand behind me, and know peace."
It was the full quote once spoken by a champion of Blizrum. Adam often heard the last part in common speech when a priest or paladin was asked to use their powers. They would always reach out and clasp the shoulder of the one who beseeched them and then say, "Fear not, my child. Stand behind me, and know peace."
The words were the sort of stuff that a jaded person might snicker at before stating how lame they were. Adam was of a different mind when he read them. He had chosen to be a priest of Blizrum on ARS because it seemed like the best fit out of the options when his military service was taken into account. However, the more he studied about the war god of ARS, the more he finally felt like he had found something profound.
"It is fitting to find you here speaking the words of our lord," said a strong masculine voice.
Adam turned toward the new arrival then placed a closed fist over his heart while keeping his arm parallel to the floor. It was best to perform the customary greeting while equipped with a shield, but he had not earned his shield, yet. "Priest-Commander Equitas, greetings."
Frey Equitas smiled warmly. His head was completely shaven as was his face. He wore the customary steel grey robes of the order, but anyone who looked closely would see full plate armor hiding beneath it. The priests of Blizrum took pride in their shield and armor. They were guardians and were destined to always be prepared for combat. It was expected for a member of their order to always be ready to perform their duties during temple hours.
"Greetings, novitiate Johnson." The priest-commander did not hesitate in the slightest as he moved toward Adam's location. "I have words to speak with you."
"Sir?" asked Adam curiously. Why would the priest-commander need to speak with a novitiate? In his experience when someone of high rank had to speak with the lowest ranking individual in private, it was never good for the lower ranked individual.
"Our mighty lord, Blizrum, has sent me a vision. It is not my right to question it, nor shall I. I will simply relate what I have been tasked with, as is my place." Though Frey spoke those words, it was obvious that he was overly curious about the fact that Blizrum had deigned to send him a vision about a novitiate.
"Yes, sir..," said Adam hesitantly. He had never met Blizrum, though after meeting Origin it had become obvious that the gods of this world were real people. Whether they were actually gods remained to be seen, but they were close enough to it that he did not want to claim otherwise.
"The vision was most strange at certain parts. Suffice it to say, I do not understand the meaning. Perhaps you will," said the priest-commander before he took a breath and related the message received. "My child, I am most pleased that you have chosen my path. I will speak with you directly if you choose to go to worlds beyond..."
Adam blinked slowly then nodded his head. "I see... I think." It seemed to him that Blizrum was referencing the possibility that he could end up on the classic server. At least, that was what he had felt was the situation.
"There is more," said the priest-commander. Adam nodded once more and the priest-commander continued. "Also, I understand how hard it is to start a family when you serve in the military. So, take this as an incentive."
"What does that mean?" asked Adam.
The priest-commander pulled a lore crystal from his pocket and presented it to the confused captain. "This lore crystal is an ancient relic, one that is rarely found, and rarely given."
"I... see," said Adam.
"I think not. This crystal is only handed from a priest-commander to someone whom our lord Blizrum wishes to groom as a potential champion. Do you understand that implication, captain?" asked Frey.
Adam started to respond, but froze part of the way. "Captain...?"
Frey nodded. "Yes. Lord Blizrum has informed me of who and what you are. He deemed it necessary, as you do require special dispensation due to your... commute, as he put it."
"I thank you for telling me this, sir," said Adam, still a little confused by the situation. Couldn't Blizrum have just told him all of this directly?
Adam received the crystal from Frey then looked it over carefully. He had heard about them briefly, but this was the first time that he had ever held one. Once he saw the information screen for it, his face turned slightly red and he coughed a little.
[Item]
Summon Shield Maiden [Master Grade Crystal]
A personal gift from lord Blizrum to his stalwart sentinels. Shield bearers are reincarnated souls of ancient warriors who continue to fight for justice. They are bodyguards for important individuals in the church of Blizrum.
EXP Required: 200,000
[--]
"Sir...?" asked Adam.
"Yes, novitiate?" asked Frey.
"Did Lord Blizrum just give me a girlfriend summoning crystal?" asked Adam in slow, careful, words.
"Who can say that they know the mind of god? I have heard from our lord that you have a condition that will not allow you to move beyond level ten. The summoned maiden has no such restriction. You will be able to see more of this world at her side than you would have otherwise."
"Master grade... that means that whoever I summoned with this would be able to go with me if I choose to go to the world beyond?"
"Yes. I suppose that is what it means. I have never been to such a place. However, should you choose to return to this world near the end of your life and travels, you would be able to continue to call upon her," said Frey.
The truth became apparent to Adam in that moment. Blizrum w
as trying to entice him with the things he desired most so that he would choose to leave Earth behind and become his champion. Why a god would take such an interest in him was something he did not understand, but it was certainly a fun thought!
Adam and the priest-commander talked for a while then parted ways. The novitiate went back to cleaning the alter room. Once his tasks were completed he returned to Earth. His weekend was almost over. Soon, real-life would encroach upon him once more.
The good captain sat up in his bed then looked around at his bachelor pad. Relationships had been few and far between for him, as the Army had been his life. He stood up then walked over to the bathroom. In the mirror he saw a tired man who had lived primarily for the sake of his nation. The words of Blizrum and the priest-commander weighed heavily on his mind.
If he chose to forsake Earth, he could live on ARS. He would eventually become part of something of major importance, could even aid in the defense of an entire world. Yet, he had his duties on Earth.
After a moment of reflection he closed his eyes and sighed. "My service will be up soon. I need to figure this out before that happens."
It was not long before he checked his phone messages and discovered something interesting. Scott was in town.
***
Three little words, a small collection of syllables spoken with finality; that was all that Scott needed to say. He tasted those words on his tongue, felt them on his lips. Yet, he could not bring himself to speak them. He could not simply say, "Sarah, fuck off."
No, he stood there phone in hand for far longer than he needed to, if he wished to continue the conversation. In the end, he said, "You want to ask me for a favor after everything that happened?"
"Scott... I know things ended bad and all, but can't we be civil?" asked Sarah.
What she had said was one thing. What Scott had actually heard was, "I never really loved you. But can't you just give me what I want despite the fact that I threw you away like a well-used tampon?"
He took a moment to collect his thoughts. When he spoke again he said, "Do either of you even know what the project is about?"
"Well, no..," said Sarah slowly.
Scott shook his head. "The people who get taken on for this project have to be exemplary, better men than me. They will have access to high level security clearances and have to engage in a great deal of fighting among other things."
He took a breath then continued. "Those men will become both incredibly powerful, and be seen as ambassadors of this country. They need to have a sense of morality and dedication that is well beyond the average person."
"Are you saying Jake isn't like that?" asked Sarah angrily.
Scott blinked. "Seriously? Are you seriously going to ask me that?"
"I didn't think you were this petty..." she said in a frosty tone.
"I'm petty?" asked Scott softly. "It's petty to believe that a man who would impregnate my drunk fiancé on the same night that she accepted my proposal is not good enough to be an ambassador?"
"Whatever! You just want to lord your new position over him!" snapped Sarah.
"No. I just see no reason to trust a man to have my back in battle when he has already stabbed it once," said Scott. He was rather proud of himself for phrasing it in such a manner. It perfectly encapsulated his thoughts on the matter.
"So, you're saying no?" pressed Sarah.
"Yes. I am saying no. More to the point, if that baby daddy of yours was worth a damn he would have contacted me directly instead of trying to use you to manipulate me," said Scott.
Sarah remained silent for a moment then huffed loudly and ended the call without speaking further. Scott pulled his cell away from his ear then snorted at it. "Somehow, I doubt that's the end of that."
Scott took a shower then changed clothes while Herbert ran around the house like he had lost his furry little mind. "Man, I wish I could bring stuff here. It would be so much easier to wash clothes or shower."
Life was not fair in that regard. He had thought about it often enough. While he was certain that he could coax Rhea into allowing such a thing, it might cause problems. "Would definitely save on the cost of housing, though."
For now, at least, his Earth house would just have to be for business and occasional vacations.
Once he had rounded up his furry brother-in-arms, Scott headed out to see if he could meet up with Captain Johnson. While driving to base, he received a message from Shara of all people. "Scott can we talk some time?" he asked aloud as he drove down the street.
He shrugged then ignored proper traffic protocols and texted her back. "Sure, any time."
Scott pulled to a stop at the next light then continued on as it changed. Just as he got up to speed on a long stretch of highway, a sound reminiscent of a loud Poof! exploded in the air above his lap. His eyes widened comically as he tried to retain control of the vehicle. His lap had suddenly been occupied by a busty red haired ninja girl. "Shara? The hell!"
Shara snuggled close to him then giggled. "It's been forever, original Scott!"
The car screeched to a halt on the side of the road just shy of sliding into the ditch. "Shara!"
She laughed happily then kissed him on the cheek. "Original Scott!" she cried, playing along.
His heart pounded in his chest while he tried to regain his proper bearings. That had been close. Served him right for telling her that she could talk to him anytime.
"Oh, how I've missed you original Scott." She hugged him tightly once more then sighed.
Her cheek pressed hotly to his, Scott was forced to speak through slightly compressed lips. "Why do you keep calling me original Scott?"
Shara giggled sweetly then pulled back. She lightly tapped him on the nose then said, "Well, you're with my sister Origin and your name is Scott."
"Ah." It made sense. Rather it made sense as far as anything Shara might cook up. "So... What did you want to talk about?"
Shara wiggled her ass a little in his lap then smiled. Her smile slowly turned into a blush as her confidence began to wane. "I... I know it's weird, but..."
"Yeah?"
She took a deep breath then clasped his shoulders tight and exclaimed, "Can you teach me how to seduce you?"
Scott's eyes widened comically once again. There were no words that came to mind to explain his thoughts on that matter.
"Uh, well... I mean, not you specifically I guess. You know..," said Shara. She began to babble a little while trying to explain herself.
It took him a moment to translate her ninja babble-speak, but he eventually discerned what it was that she had wanted to discuss. She wanted his input on how to move her relationship forward with his counterpart, another version of him whom she had discovered to be living in the community service project world on which she worked.
"Are you even sure that you want that?" asked Scott softly after a moment.
"Do you really want to talk to me about that? I mean, this version of you is with my sister and she isn't interested in sharing..," said Shara. She then added with a muttered sigh, "At least not with me."
"Hey, what's a blue haired weirdo for if not having emotional conversations with ninja goddesses on the side of the road?" asked Scott in an attempt to lighten the mood once more.
Shara smiled warmly at him then reached up and grabbed her ponytail. She looked to the side and played with it idly for a moment. "You always know how to cheer me up."
"Let's go home, Shara," said Scott. He had not been on the road for long. It would not take long to make it back to the house.
Her eyes widened slightly then closed a little while her nostrils flared briefly. The bridge of her nose turned bright red. "Ok..." she said softly.
Herbert reached into his little travel bag of popcorn, something that had been made for the road trip, and pulled out another snack to munch on. He eyed Scott and Shara for a moment while he chewed. This was bound to be entertaining.
A short while later they were back at Scott's house. Shara
, dressed her typical Mai Shiranui style ninja cosplay, walked up to the door at Scott's side. Her eyes remained downcast most of the way, though she occasionally glanced over at his closest hand. Her fingers wiggled slightly and occasionally reached toward his swaying digits but she stopped herself.
It was difficult for her to be around him. She both loved and hated it. Original Scott could never be with her. He loved Origin and Ero. There was no room for her in their dedicated love triangle relationship.
Shara's cheeks reddened a little as Scott turned to smile at her. "Welcome home."
"Thanks..." she said softly, the red of her cheeks deepened in the process of saying it.
Scott asked if she wanted anything to drink. She took a little juice then they both sat down at the kitchen table.
Shara sipped at her apple juice for a moment. Scott was the one who had to carry the conversation forward. "So, you want to seduce me?"
Shara's eyes widened and apple juice flew from her lips amidst the echoing sounds of a rude noise. Scott blinked then got a paper towel and wet it down before cleaning his face off.
"Sorry," said Shara, her face bright red. She bit her lower lip a little then looked away.
"It's fine," said Scott with a laugh. "I forget how you can be sometimes."
"How I can be?" she asked curiously.
"Yeah," said Scott without expanding on his point.
"What do you mean?" pressed Shara. She tilted her head to the side and offered him a curious look.
Scott granted her a warm boyish smile. "You're a sweet girl, Shara. You don't even realize what an outfit like that can do to a man, not really. Yet, you wear that sort of thing anyway because it's something you like."
"My outfit...? Something wrong with it?" she asked softly. She leaned back a little and crossed her arms over her chest in a strangely modest pose. Modesty was not something she was known for, especially when it came to physical attributes and showmanship.
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