warrior

Oooohs and OZ

Zuiderzee — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:54:15 +0000

Keep your temper. She remembered those words well.

The little snip of fungus tasted awful. Alice didn't eat the wretched morsel which was half the size of a dime. She merely bit down firmly on the spongy slice, squeezing the juice.

She had been told it would make her grow.

Yesterday's newspaper sat next to her on the empty seat.
The front page, dated 1901, touted the Pan American Exhibition.

A small article at the bottom of the page described a train wreck in Pennsylvania, but Alice didn't want to read about railway disasters, especially not now.

Foreign languages mingled with English in the lively chatter in the passenger car, but Alice, who had been silent since Boston, came across as the most outlandish.

She had sat in shadows for a long time, but as the train drew around a curve, the sun fell on her, giving the rest of the bored passengers a chance to look at her.

Suspicious glances and whispers.

"Musta come from Araby or some sech't place," Alice heard someone mutter.

Alice felt the fungus take effect. She got up from her seat. She had no luggage, but the long metal object under her robes betrayed a worrisome shape. She would need it soon. The fungus was an insurance policy in case she had to use what she carried on her side.

She swallowed and spat the morsel which was good for more a few more uses into her handkerchief and then pocketed it inside her concealing robe.

Clearing his throat, the passing train conductor, his gold-plated pocket watch ticking in his palm, cleared his throat and announced, "There'll be no spittin' seeds or anything else onto the floor, stranger. That's a train regulation."

"I getcha," she answered, trying to sound like an American of the region, but the drawl came out twisted and uneven, betraying clear diction with a British accent. "Say, y'all got the time, neighbour. I mean, nebber?"

"Ten minutes t' two. Kansas City Missouri's yer stop, ain't it?"

"Two o'clock!" Alice's head jerked up. She dug into her robes for her own watch. "Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!"

"You're gonna be too late? Why, bless us and keep us, this whole train's runnin' 'hind schedule. But only by three minutes. Shoot! Once this train is on a straightaway, we'll pick up speed an' make up for lost time. Curves always slow us down."

Feeling herself grow even as she pushed past the conductor, Alice hurried to the baggage car.

"Hey! No runnin'! That's a train regulation!"

She felt herself growing inch by inch. Her legs grew longer, her feet bigger. She had to duck to make it through the doors. Along the way, she discarded her concealing garments. Once on the roof of the baggage car, she drew her sword.

* * *

Dorothy sat up higher, enjoying the sensation of motion.

The eastbound express train thundered out of Ohio and into Pennsylvania, whooshing and shuddering as a westbound train of equal size passed it on a parallel track.

"Uh, Ma'am," the swarthy porter said politely, "I gots to be free and clear an hour 'fore Pittsburgh."

"Shucks, I don't expect I'm makin' no unfair demands on your time?"

"Oh, no Ma'am."

"Y'all look plenty strong. I expect y'all are strong 'nuff to handle anything of mine. I ain't runnin' y'all ragged?"

"Oh, no Ma'am."

Dorothy had left Kansas City, Kansas two days early. She had rightly anticipated summer rain and those damned storms always made a mess of travel plans. Chances were good that at the next trestle, they would have to wait.

Sunny for the nonce, the sky outside the sleeper car's half-draped window glittered with a rainbow.

Rainbows made Dorothy feel childish and sentimental. She was sixteen now. If she had spent all her time in Kansas, she would be considerably older. But, events had transpired that freed her from the usual progressions of age. Dorothy had found it necessary to get away from people who had known her as a little girl and resume life elsewhere.
The hotel in Niagara Falls (she didn't care on which side of the border) was her destination.

Another day of travel. That was plenty of time.
Joel F. Gumm, oilman, land speculator and her husband-to-be was waiting to meet her in Erie for the wedding, but before they were hitched, Dorothy had a day to see to some unfinished business.

"I hates to tell ya' this, Ma'am, but this one might too much for me."

"Hold on with both hands...that oughta work."

"Yes'M."

Dorothy controlled her position with her knees. All the while, magic muscles, the function of which had never been known to before, massaged and kneaded the porter's throbbing phallus in a manner wholly delightful and utterly new to him. She lowered herself another inch and they both sighed their contentment. She began to rock her hips from side to side. He slid his lance backward, then drove suddenly into her honeyed channel, only to be stopped at the same four inch mark by tightly constricted muscles.

â€œOh, yowza! Ah's never had dis in Kansas City."

"We ain't in Kansas anymore. This is call'd th' honey torture...Larntâ€™d from the heathen Sioux, I done. Ainâ€™t it sumpâ€™n?â€
Accustomed to the delightful game, he withdrew nearly to the end of his dark red tip, then thrust forward and swayed with the gyrations of her hips. â€œWe could jest â€˜bout sway thisâ€™n here train-car plum offâ€™n thâ€™ tracks ifâ€™n we keeps this up.â€

She relaxed those mystifying muscular rings and plunged down on his last five inches. She shuddered with tingling pleasure at the welcome fullness of him so deep within her sensitive, pulsating passage and threw back her head.

Then bending low over him, Dorothy flocked his face with passionate kisses. "What's your name?"

She never learned. The rocking and shaking that followed didn't come from her rambunctious humping.
In the aftermath of the horrendous train derailment which left hundreds dead, her body was never found. Only her clothes and luggage, marked with the initial D.G. showed Dorothy had ever been a passenger.

Her disappearance was reported as a complete mystery.
* * *

Backing away in fear, the swordsman held his ground, waiting for the sun to be at his back before he struck his first blow. That was logical. But Professor Ergo Qed conceded he was tiptoeing into a realm of whimsy and nonsense where all calculations were off.

His newest nemesis could very well be a young girl.

Forced to hunker to keep his balance, he tried to anticipate the rocking off the surface under his feet.
Below him, the roof of the wooden passenger car wobbled and weaved as the train snaked its way through a long curve.

Far ahead, the steam locomotive pierced the rushing air with a long howl. Wisps of black smoke slithered around him. His study of sciences had taught him the train was moving at least forty miles per hour; too fast to jump off safely. The delicate items he carried would break even if his bones didn't.

He scanned the skies for the rescue he had summoned, but it was nowhere he dared look for long enough.

Help might yet come, but not in time.

Years as second-story man had given him some balance; that would certainly help. Also, he was no dunce with swords.
Military training came in handy there.

He was armed; at least he could put up a fight. But there was a complication. One he never seriously considered.

What are the chances? he thought.

Two vorpal blades had never met in combat before.

Therefore, he was at a disadvantage.

Until today, Qed had never imagined there was more than one. He had mere seconds to size up his opponent, but when the two blades made initial contact, all doubt in his mind disappeared.

There was the blade. Its wielder worried him more than the steel. He was used to facing opponents who didn't carry weapons that were the equal of his own. Victims was a better term; the bizarre long sword could lop off heads with a single, effeminate swish.

That included his head if the girl got in a lucky blow.

The professor had seen someone heavily robed and hooded board the train in Boston. The gabardine had been hurled away in moments, revealing a slender young lady with a primness to her carriage.

She wore a silvery gray dress, glaringly old-fashioned and too regal for train-travel. But there was nothing antique about the broom-handle Mauser pistol in a holster on her left side and an ammunition belt.

She was larger than he thought; what Qed had taken for her head under the cloak was a large crown. Now she was close to six feet tall. Her aggressive stride matched with her careful footfalls made Qed nervous. She was close enough now for him to read the inscription in her crown.

The crown was embossed with letters, some English, some he took for Cyrillic. Light brown hair flowed from beneath the crown's band. Her face was pasty white; out of place in the sunny expanses of America's West.

"Professor Qed, I presume," Alice said.

"So, that wasn't you in Chicago?"

"I know nothing of that incident. Only that there is a growing army pitted against your scheme. And not all of us hail from Nonestica. Your actions in this land will be opposed."

"And what land are you from?" Qed narrowed his eyes.

"Wonder, you may."

Qed's only defense was the sword. To his dismay, he saw she was left-handed; their sword-arms were both on the same side instead of being diagonally opposed.

When at the last moment she held her hilt with both hands, he did the same.

She was good.

Qed gave ground, wobbling each time their blades struck.

In less than a minute, she had grown taller still, and correspondingly heavier and stronger. At six and half feet tall, she was a menace to him rather than an obstacle.

Her reach increased by inches. A well-aimed lunge tore through his left sleeve, exposing his armor. The ingeniously-articulated vambrace gleamed in the sun as if it was sculpted from steel plates with an emerald-tinted coating.

Alice puzzled if there was a living arm left beneath the metal, or if the vambrace was enhancing a wounded limb of flesh. His glove hid anything more.

Qed changed his defense, shifting to compensate for the girl's new height and strength. If she kept growing, her blows would become irresistible.

Her new height, however, presented problems. Unable to duck an upcoming gantry, she had to run and vault the metal bridge as Qed threw himself flat and let it pass over him.

Qed put some distance between himself and Alice, but she caught up with a few strides and raised her vorpal sword high, ready to bring it crashing down.

Each combatant lost a chance to strike as the train weaved through another curve, this one, in the opposite direction.
Alice stood still. Qed crouched, knowing the train had decelerated. Multiple tracks glimmered on either side of the train as it neared the outskirts of a town outside Kansas City.

The train pulled straight once more.

The fight resumed; Qed jumped over one of Alice's horizontal slashes and ducked under a thrust. He felt a tap at his hip and spun. That unexpected lunge might have cost him a leg if he hadn't ducked aside.

The locomotive's whistle shrieked, mingling with the sound of brakes.

Noxious billows from the smokestack wafted around them.

It was just the distraction a coward needed.

Pulling an ugly black shape from his coat, he made a simple adjustment, stepped to a ventilator pipe in the roof of a passenger car and dropped it.

Alice saw it go down.

Professor Qed sheathed his sword. "Catch me...or do something about that bomb. You can't do both with the time you've got!"

In a desperate move to save himself from a losing fight, Qed disengaged and bolted toward the locomotive, intent on leaping onto a slow-moving freight train moving in the same direction.

He pushed off too early, crashing into blocks of baled hay that were tougher than they looked. Stunned, he realized his scabbard had torn free and it and the vorpal sword were somewhere in the loose hay.

Alice didn't follow.

She had seconds to find the bomb.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Rinka - The Red Phoenix

kingofring — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:09:49 +0000

The gigantic amazon let out a great roar as she swung her blade again, tearing a great scar in the earth itself. Buildings utterly shattered from the strength behind the swing, causing the innocents in the streets to scream in fear for their lives and run as though a great hell was descending upon them. But sitting on the ground behind this great woman was a single teenager, whose fear had him glued to the ground. Stuck in the spot staring at the great colossus before him.

"... Rinka...?" he spoke quietly, his voice very, very faint. He was afraid, scared - what had happened to her? What was going on? Why had she become so... So mad? His thoughts were abuzz with questions, confusion and fear ruling his being. He gulped - Sweat fell down his brow. What had happened to the Rinka he knew?

"Rin... Rinka!" he yelled, his body trembling as he attempted to call out to her, but the woman continued on her rampage, her powerful muscles tensing as she swung down the blade again, carving a great fissure in the ground as it struck. The force almost blew Kaizo away, but he stayed put, beginning to rise up and stand on his own feet. His body trembled, but he forced himself to stay. He shook, but he told himself to calm down.

"RINKA!" He bellowed again, this time earning the giantess' attention. Growling, she turned back towards him, and he found himself visibly shaking as he stared into her eyes - More intimidating than the humongous muscles that were capable of crushing him into a fine powder, more fear inspiring than her great height that put her head in the heavens themselves - a pair of crimson irises that spoke only of anger, of rage and of hate. She stared down at his comparatively tiny form, standing no taller than the height of her little toe.

In fear he took a step back, but stopped himself right there - Gritting his teeth, he cursed himself under his breath, before taking a step back forwards, standing tall despite the fear, the shakiness running through his entire body. He stared upwards into her eyes. "RINKA! WHAT IS THIS? THIS ISN'T YOU AT ALL!" he roared, to which the giantess scrunched up her face in irritation, brows furrowing as her lips curled downwards at the corners.

"WHERE IS YOUR KINDNESS? WHERE IS YOUR RADIANCE?! YOU LOOK PATHETIC LIKE THIS!" the words stung the giantess, who let out a howl in anger as she raised the now huge katana blade up, her strong hand firmly gripping the hilt. Anger flared through her body, shining out in her eyes as she suddenly began to pull her arm down, swinging the edge of the blade down.

"WHERE IS THE GIRL I FELL IN LOVE WITH?!"

The declaration, as though it were a forcefield, stopped the blade in its tracks, the sharp edge hovering silently above the teenager. Silence took root between the two, Kaizo staring up unflinchingly, staring past the blade and at the woman who held it. Rinka's eyes, concealed by falling locks of her dark hair, were invisible to him, but her lips remained still, neither frowning or smiling but a thin line.

"You... Don't mean that" quiet words like a whisper escaped her, but the statement fell on deaf ears as the youth stared back up at her, before shaking his head.

"You're not stupid. You know what I am. A jerk. A smartass. But never a liar" he replied, smiling up at her as she brought the blade away, letting it fall down to her side. Her shoulders hung as she let herself fall to her knees, kneeling before Kaizo.

"You..." she started quietly

"Hm?"

"YOU'RE SO KIND!" she bawled loudly as suddenly, a pair of hands picked up Kaizo and pulled him close to the giant, muscular woman, pressing him right against her chest. Teardrops fell like waterworks, the samurai girl cried so much. And while Kaizo did to some extent appreciate the sentiment as the woman 'hugged' him, even enjoying the fact that he was pressed right against her humongous breasts, there remained a certain issue.

"R-Rinka! Air!" he yelled, gasping as his body was pressed against her. Sheepishly Rinka pulled him away, smiling apologetically at him as he regained his breath, lying back in her palms. She beamed at him, eyes showing gratitude as opposed to what they held earlier.

"You're such a nice person" she commented, to which the youth in her hands smirked back.

"You're over-emotional, but I guess I like that about you" he remarked.

"I-" before the girl could speak she felt a sharp pain sear through her, causing her to gasp as she fell forwards, landing flat on her stomach on the ground as her arms fell forwards, Kaizo falling out of her palms and rolling as he hit the ground, only managing to stop after a couple of seconds. Groaning he pulled himself up, only to stare in shock as Rinka lay on the ground, covered in strange markings and symbols, while a scarlet-haired beauty in a similar scarlet red kimono sat atop her head.

"You! You're Suzaku, right? The last of Genbu, Byakko and Seiryuu's gang!" Kaizo yelled from his position on the ground, eyes filled with hate as he glared at the woman. Acknowledging his accusation the woman nodded with a smirk, her hands running through Rinka's smooth, black hair.

"You did well, child. I was worried you might not awaken the blade's true power. But your heart called to it and it answered after all. I suppose I should thank Seiryuu for that, hmm?" the woman spoke in a mocking tone, pretending to be polite. Using Rinka's hair like a rope she slid down, managing to land on the ground next to her without problem.

"You are probably wondering what I've done, aren't you? Or maybe what I am planning?" she asked the teen, raising a brow.

"Let her go! Get her out of... Whatever she's in!" Kaizo yelled angrily, but the woman only shook her head.

"I'm afraid I can't, boy. I have no intention of releasing the binding spell until I get back what she has borrowed from me" she spoke, to which Rinka, still lying on her front, turned her head just barely towards her, eyes narrowed in anger.

"What... What are you-"

"The blade, of course! Who do you think forged it, hmm?" she spoke, but Rinka's look told her she wasn't satisfied with the answer.

"That's impossible! My family has carried this blade for generations! You couldn't possibly have given it to us!" Rinka yelled, but Suzaku wagged a finger at her mockingly, smiling wide.

"Not so! Isn't the curse of the blade not just as fantastic? Or the binding spell you find yourself trapped by?" she asked, to which Rinka and Kaizo both had no reply to. "Using ancient magic I have managed to create a body that will never age, that will never succumb to time! But I'm afraid that isn't enough - The edge of a katana can cut me down just as easily as it could this boy" she pointed to Kaizo. "So I created a cursed blade that would absorb strength of fallen foes, bestowing greater power to the swordsman! But with each new master, the process started from scratch and the strength from the previous owner as sealed inside the blade - I waited endlessly for someone who could awaken it, and I found you" Suzaku's grin grew wide, outright psychotic as her eyes stared at her hulking, mountainous form.

"SUCH STRENGTH! SUCH POWER! A BEAUTIFUL BODY LIKE THAT IS WHAT I HAVE SOUGHT! A BODY THAT CANNOT BE SURPASSED! I WILL LIVE FOREVER!" she cackled madly, her hand whipping back as she pressed a hand against the gigantic katana that Rinka used. Eyes widening, Rinka struggled against the binding spell to grab the blade, but it proved fruitless as a red energy enveloped both Rinka and Suzaku.

"Your power is MINE!" she cackled again as suddenly Suzaku's muscles expanded rapidly, bulging outwards as her biceps grew to the size of watermelons in an instant while her thighs were almost double that, her abdominal muscles like steel armor while her calves grew thick enough to support her frame. Her red kimono tore to shreds as she grew too big for the garment, leaving her body bare naked like Rinka's. She had already grown to ten feet tall and continued to grow.

By contrast, Rinka's eyes widened as her own body began to shrink down, her height decreasing most prominently as she descended down from her once unimaginable height. Her muscles underwent only a slight decrease when compared to the rest of her body in terms of proportion, but she was steadily getting smaller.

The process was ongoing, and the two seemed like they were trading the strength and size each other had. But Suzaku, lost in ecstasy as the process went on, found herself caught off-guard as a force collided with her legs - unprepared, she was tripped over and she fell to the ground, the red glow vanishing. Her face contorting in anger she glared back at Kaizo, who had crashed into her legs to trip her up. Attempting to reach back, she sought to crush him in her hands, but another, muscular hand grabbed her by the throat and lifted her up - Suzaku could only stare in shock, realizing she was now equal in size to Rinka, both now gigantic, muscular titans. Although Rinka had shrunk from her size beforehand, she was still a force to be reckoned with, as she proved when her fist collided with Suzaku's cheek, sending her flying down the street.

"Kaizo, stand aside. Now that I'm free, I'm going to return the favor" she spoke, to which Kaizo nodded as he moved aside. Staring ahead, Rinka watched as Suzaku got up, glaring back at her.

"You! That is my body! My power!" she yelled in a rage as she charged Rinka, fists raised angrily. Rushing to meet her Rinka caught her fists and the two entered a contest of strength, pushing against each other. Gritting her teeth, Rinka yelled as she swung her opponent to the side, slamming her through a building wall and out the other side of the building. Rushing through the structure as it began to crash down, Rinka gave Suzaku no time to recover as she slammed her leg into her side, giving her a solid kick to the kidney.

'What... What power! Why is she so strong? Why is she so much better?! Why is she beating me?!' the panicked thoughts of the evil woman were followed by a strong fist colliding with her cheek, before Rinka's legs fell to either side of her, straddling her as Rinka began to lay heavy punches into her, constantly on the offensive as Suzaku raised her arms in a weak attempt at defense. As the blows rained down, she was only able to stop them as she slammed her knee into Rinka's back, knocking her over. Both women scrambled to their feet at the same time, and Suzaku charged Rinka first, crying out in anger.

"WHY ARE YOU SO STRONG?!" she yelled, temper flaring, but as she threw a fist, it was caught by Rinka.

"Because I'm not relying on the sword's power!" Rinka yelled back, before downing the woman in an instant with an earth-shaking fist, busting her nose open and knocking a molar from her jaws. Crying out in pain, Suzaku was pinned down as a heavy foot slammed down on her chest, with Rinka standing over her, a blade thrown to her by Kaizo.

"It's over, Suzaku".

The blade plunged down, ending Suzaku's life.

---

Sighing, the young man lay back on his nice, comfy mat, smiling as he stared up at absolutely nothing. Ever since Suzaku had been defeated six months ago, life had finally started moving forwards - He had managed to construct a house for himself that was nice and big. Thanks to an apprenticeship he had gone into during the six months he had managed to earn his work as a metalsmith, making everything from pots and pans to elegant katana. He'd no longer have to worry about things like money or food - he had managed to make an honest living out of his job.

"Aah, looks like a sunny day today" he remarked, sitting up as he pulled the sheets away from his body. Grabbing his nearby robes he covered himself, using a belt to close it shut. Pulling the sliding door open, he walked into the kitchen area, where Rinka stood with a smile, a tray in her hands featuring a cup of tea for both of them. The sword's power had mostly vanished following the events of six months ago, though Rinka had been certain it was the blade responding to her, sealing away the great power again as it was no longer necessary. Yet even so, she stood at a huge eight feet, her thighs like massive tree trunks and her biceps each as wide as Kaizo's waist, if not wider. Dark hair fell to her lower back now. Her full lips curled into a little smile and he found himself staring at her full, pink lips, smiling back.

"Good morning, Kaizo-kun" she spoke, bending down as the two shared a kiss, their lips pressing together for what felt like the longest moment before they parted. Smirking, the young man stared at her kimono, a pink garment that bore no sleeves as her previous one had, but was small enough that it only fell to mid-thigh, exposing her gorgeous legs.

"Liking the outfit choice, Rinka-chan" he spoke so sweetly, making her cheeks turn the faintest pink color.

"Would you like some tea?" she asked, raising a brow as she held up the tray.

"Yes. Yes please".

The Star Stones III NSFW!!

captreyn — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:30:59 +0000

Part III

As the sun slowly set across the waters of Linean Bay, the city slowly became awash in the shadows of darkness and the scattered warm hues of torchlight upon the more traversed city streets. The Royal Guards, as per their duty, blew three long blasts from their whistles, which echoed throughout the city, as warning to the bustling city that curfew would begin in one hour.

From a small bay window overlooking the broad plaza in the Merchant's Quarter, Nicholas Larmen, took a moment to watch the crowd quickly thin out and make their way back home to villas and apartments throughout the city. Smiling gently, Nicholas Larmen, his face wizened with the sagacity that comes with old age, lit two candles and dipped his quill into the small ink jar next to him. The only sounds in the room were the murmurs from the hustle and bustle occurring down below and the sound of his quill running over parchment.

For Nicholas Larmen, one of the most respected accountants in the Kingdom, attending to the Queen's business was the most important thing in his life. For Nicholas, the reign of Queen Alana had transformed the city of Linea, bringing wealth and power such as he had never seen in his nearly 75 years of life. He was tremendously proud to be in her service.

After nearly an hour of writing down detailed numbers and figures, Nicholas looked outside his window once again to the now empty streets of the Merchant's Quarter and smiled at the silence. Perfect. Just another few minutes here, some more ledgers there, and I can retire for the night and get some sleep before the drawing tomorrow. Ah, yes, the drawing. I must not be deterred from my duties.

Putting quill to paper again Nicholas began writing once more in the new candlelit room.

THUMP!

"Hmm, that was strange." The old man whispered as he slowly put down his quill and looked upward at the roof where the sound had come from. As he looked up, he could hear a slight scuffling sound move across the room. Picking up his cane, Nicholas looked up again, and slowly followed the sound of, what he presumed, to be footsteps as they made their way across the roof.

They're heading toward the skylight! he cringed slightly in alarm and walked quickly back over to snuff out his candles. When they were out, he stood silently by his desk in the shadows and avoided making any noises. The only light in the room came from Laken and Frost which hung medium low in the sky. Whoever it is, maybe their business isn't here. Maybe they'll move on.

As he watched quietly, a shadow moved across the large, vaulted skylight and was projected onto the floor. From where Nicholas stood, the shadow looked tremendously ominous and Nicholas gasped in alarm, raising his cane slowly in a defensive posture.

The shadow stopped, and stood for a moment as Nicholas watched it. Then, with a small sound, Nicholas heard the squeaky noise of a latch from one of the skylight's large window squares open.

They're coming in! He thought frightfully.

With the sound of a cloak rustling briefly in the air, and a small thump, a gray cloaked figure landed on the floor thirty feet away. Nicholas froze with terror.

"Don't come near me! I'm armed with a sword and I'm a master swordsman!" He yelled, cane now held high in both hands.

The figure, whose features where concealed by the night and indistinguishable, paused for a moment and then walked toward Nicholas.

"I swear! I was a soldier in the Linean squabble with Manara twenty years ago and I know how to use it!" Sweat rolled down Nicholas' wrinkled forehead.

Rich laughter rolled through the room, echoing in the silence and the space between them.

That's not a man. That's a woman! Nicholas thought to himself, slightly relieved.

"I am not here to harm you old man. I'm here to speak to you about something."

"Who are you?" Nicholas asked suspiciously, his eyes squinting slightly.

"I am a citizen of Linea. You have nothing to fear from me. Now please, put down the cane, light your candles, and let us talk." The woman spoke, motioning toward Nicholas' desk.

"How do I know I can trust you? How do I know you aren't some sort of assassin sent here to kill me?" Nicholas responded, his voice lowering with distrust.

The figure laughed again. "If I was sent here to kill you, you would be dead. Please put down the cane and do what I have asked Master Larmen."

Sighing loudly, Nicholas lowered his cane and took a minute to light the candles. When they were lit he turned back toward the figure that now had her grey hood pulled down. In the candlelight Nicholas saw a young woman with neck length, raven colored hair, deep blue eyes, dimples, and thin lips which smiled up at him in amusement.

"What do you want?" Nicholas asked as he slowly sat down in his chair, his knees popping as he did so.

"I am here to speak to you about the Queen's Ball and the drawing you will conduct tomorrow." Jaina told him softly as she pulled over an extra chair and sat in it.

"Yes. What about it?" Nicholas sighed.

"I want to be one of the winners." Jaina smiled.

"Impossible." Nicholas scoffed. "It's a random drawing, and practically the whole city will be in the drawing. There is no way that I can ensure that you'd be a winner. It is all by chance." He folded his arms and stared into Jaina's piercing blue eyes. "Besides, even if I could, what's in it for me?"

He gasped and then stood up quickly in alarm.

"You don't plan on harming the Queen do you? If so, you might as well kill me now because..."

"Shhh," Jaina said to him quietly, her index finger pressed against her lip. "I'm not going to harm the Queen. It has nothing to do with her," Jaina said in a sneer and then softened her voice, "There is a man, a man I loved, who will be attending. I want to see him one last time." Her voice cracked with emotion and sadness. "I would pay you..."

"Ahhh. I see." Nicholas interrupted and rubbed his chin, carefully watching her expression. This poor girl really has a longing for someone. I can see it in her eyes.. He looked down sadly and remembered his estranged daughter, Nanci, who he hadn't spoken to in years. Not since her mother died. He thought sadly.

"Well.â€ He stopped as he started coughing harshly. As he did so, he pulled out a white handkerchief from his pocket and coughed into it. When he pulled it away there were speckles of blood on it. He took a moment and composed himself, his eyes watery and bloodshot. Jaina watched him with concern.

"Are you okay?" She said softly to him, worry on her face.

"Yes my child. I will be okay. I'm an old man and I suffer from advanced consumption of the lungs." He saw her look of horror but he smiled calmly at her. "It's okay. I've lived a long life. No one need grieve." He said serenely and patted her gently on her arm.

After a few moments of silence had passed he slapped his hand on his thigh. "You know what? You remind me of my daughter," he said wistfully.

"I require no money and I will help you. Besides Love," he said slowly, his eyes looking off into the distance, "Is one of the most important things we are given and the most important thing we can give."

He looked up into Jaina's eyes. "Make the most of it.â€

"Yes. I will help you." He said to Jaina's beaming smile. Nicholas held up his hand. "But, it's extremely risky. If the Queen's Officer's ever discovered that I helped you, they would have you killed." Jaina nodded. "However, I think I know of a way."

"Really?" Jaina looked at him hopefully, a tear in her eye.

"Yes." Nicholas responded.

*******************************************

"Come, come this way my lovelies..." Kellia motioned to the two men following behind her as they made their way through the darkened streets toward the large gates of the Royal Keep. "Don't be afraid now, it's going to be okay. Everything will be fine. You'll see."

"But it's the Royal Guard Keep... I've heard stories..." One of the men began to stammer, sweat streaming down his forehead, his companion also becoming worried.

"Oh boys. Really. Would I ever hurt you?" Kellia said, approaching the men. "Perhaps," she said sexily as she touched each one in turn, "You need another reminder of what we Royal Guards can do." She focused again, releasing another dose of pheromones to lull the men into their previously lustful and suggestive state. When she did, the men became docile again.

"There, that's all better. Come now." Kellia smiled.

"Yes. Anything you say Captain." The men said, almost in unison.

"You have to be careful Kellia," Sara said, the attractive man slung easily over her shoulder as she walked. "You don't want to burn out their minds completely."

Kellia laughed softly. "I know but after all they're only men and both they, and we, are doing our duty to Queen and country. Besides, once Guards Rest begins, I won't have to worry as much." She twirled as she walked, her black dress revealing her muscular thighs as she did. "Only a few more minutes. I can't wait to see if I'll change again!"

Sara smiled. "Neither can I." She nodded, "We're almost to gate one."

Kellia looked at the man on Sara's shoulders as they walked, appraising him slowly. "Mmm... you sure did pick an attractive man Sara. He looks exquisite. Why did you pick him anyway?"

Sara continued walking. While she had been immensely attracted to the idea of doing Guard's Rest with the man, his resistance to her charms made him unique from all of those others who had rested with her before. Why does he intrigue me? Could it be that I saw the power of love in his eyes which made him able to do the impossible in resisting my charms?

She spoke curtly to Kellia, "He intrigues me."

Kellia snorted. "Well, I'll say. A man like that would intrigue me too." Kellia laughed as they approached the guard station.

"Halt." A Royal Guard, attired in the blues and browns of their uniforms called out, four other Royal Guards fanned out behind her. "Identify yourself."

Sara spoke up. "Captain Sara and Captain Kellia from First Watch. Weâ€™re returning from Guardâ€™s Rest.â€

The woman's eyes hardened as she assessed the two women. "Captain Jani, Third Watch. Present your men for inspection."

The other Royal Guards approached the men and began to frisk them to search for any weapons or chemicals which might be used to harm the women in the Royal Guard Keep. As they did so, the women, eyed the men hungrily, envious that Sara and Kellia were participating in Guard's Rest.

"Very nice," one of the women said as she patted one of Kellia's men. "This one is finely built," she said as her hand slapped the inside one of his thighs, causing the man to grunt in pain slightly.

"Hey! Be careful there. He's mine." Kellia called out as she rushed toward the Guard. The woman snorted slightly as she stood up and backed away.

"And this one?" Captain Jani asked, circling Sara, her eyes glued on the unconscious man draped over Sara muscular shoulder. "What happened to him?"

"He needed extra persuasion." Sara responded.

"Interesting. Does he have any weapons?" Jani asked, as she ran her hands over his back and sides very slowly as if she was doing more than a weapons search.

"No Captain. May we pass through?" Sara said impatiently noticing Jani's interest in the man.

"My, what an attractive one you have. When you're done with him perhaps you could bring him to me? I'm in suite 17B." Her hands squeezed the unconscious man's arm. "My and strong too..."

Kellia laughed. "Most of the men who Rest with Captain Sara aren't good for a second row." Kellia said to Sara's red face. "She really enjoys Guard's Rest and..."

"Um hmmmm." Sara grunted, giving Kellia a warning glance.

"Uh, right. As Captain Sara was saying can we pass through now?" Kellia added quickly.

"Pity." Captain Jani frowned and then looked up at Sara and Kellia again. "Yes, you may pass."

"Thank you," Sara nodded as they walked through the gates.

"No problem. Have fun with Guard's Rest. If there ,is anything left of this man when you're done could you please send him...."

Sara responded curtly as she walked past, staring ahead. "There won't be. Find someone else."

"TouchÃ©." Jani said. "Close the gate!"

**********************************************

On the moonlit balcony over looking the expansive city of Linea, Queen Alana stood, purveying her dominance over nearly 700,000 souls. Her incredible body, covered in a slight sheen of sweat following her love making with Jhar gleamed in the moonlight as she leaned on the elaborate railing of her expansive marble balcony. Her breasts, heavy yet firm, rested comfortably on her muscular forearms, the dark rose colored nipples erect from the slight coolness of the breeze in the night air brought on from a thunderstorm rolling in over the horizon. Her broad muscular back, cobbled with muscles, tapered down to her slender waist and the muscular curve of her buttocks. Whenever she moved slightly, small muscular dimples appeared on her hips in the soft shadows whenever she shifted her body slightly upon her muscular legs.

"This is all mine," She whispered to herself. "I have come so far in so short of a time but there is still so much more to do."

Sighing softly, Alana picked up her sheer white night gown and wrapped it around her body, the material hugging her waist and hips as she tied it around her waist. With a slow turn, Alana walked softly back into the room, her calve muscles flaring, and hips swaying as she did so. When she was by the bed, the stopped and looked down at Jhar's sleeping form and smiled.

Oh Jhar, you don't know how much I love you. You don't know how difficult this road has been for me. She thought to herself as she watched Jhar turn over on his side away from her.

As she looked on him she knew that he would never understand what she was trying to accomplish. He would never understand the abuse that she had been subject to at her father's hands as he slowly slipped into madness. The anger, the violent rages, the beatings. Her father had exiled her mother, leaving Alana alone, abused, afraid, and unloved. Even when she had left for the High Academy at Chesterook, she remained an outcast. Homely and undesired, she had used her mind to excel, to achieve. Where other women would use their knowledge and wiles to attract a man, Alana knew that she would have to depend on herself to make her way in the world.

In all of that time, in all of those moments of loneliness, her only friend had been Jhar.

Jhar if only you understood! The men of this world aren't like you Jhar. She thought as she lay down next to him and stared at him. They aren't sweet and kind like you. The men of power create war, misery, slavery, and death. They see people as their playthings to be used and discarded for their own power. They treat us women as second class trophies, attractive little sex slaves adorning their arms. She ran her hands through his hair.

I will change that. I will bring peace to the world and usher in a new age by uniting all under my leadership. I will bring them love Jhar. All that I ask is that I not be alone. I deserve respect. I deserve to be loved for my greatness Jhar. She pulled back her hand and folded them together, placing them underneath her cheek on the large pillow.

Closing her eyes softly, she concentrated deeply and then opened them again. When she did, she could see a soft blue aura around Jhar's form, an ability that was slowly developed through their love and marriage bond. With it, she could feel small tingles of his presence when he was near and feel the power coursing through his body which fueled her change through the strongroot. The more they made love, the more she could sense and feel from him, and the more her body would change.

For Alana, the strongroot, and the changes to her body, had become everything. She hungered for it. Desired it. It was a drug to Alana and she reveled in her growing mastery over others and her ability to finally control events which had eluded her for so long. She was now a master of her own destiny and no one would ever make her feel insignificant again.

Jhar had only the slightest inkling of how important this link was to Alana. In their last encounter, he had voiced his concerns regarding her growing lust for other men, telling Alana how it hurt him to see her lose control of herself. What he didn't know, is that she already had. She had taken other men to bed to sate her growing, uncontrollable sexual desires. Every time Alana took a man to bed she had felt tremors of guilt but when those same men stood before her, she lost control as the need to dominate and control possessed her thoughts and fed her cravings. She had taken dozens to her bed, however none of them gave her the power that bonding with Jhar had.

A tear ran down Alana face as she thought back to those uncontrollable moments and the pain it would cause Jhar. It's so hard Jhar. The power I have. I need more. She sniffled, tears streaming. I love you Jhar and I need you. You are the key to everything. she thought as she reflected backward. Her tryst with other men, due to her growing sexual desire, was only one secret she had kept from Jhar. She had not told Jhar the whole story about the scroll she had found in the library of the High Academy of Chesterook and the effects of their lovemaking while they were on strongroot.

As they both knew, Jhar's love and marriage bond with Alana were integral into fueling the changes to her body while she was taking the strongroot. However, as time went on, and as Alana suspected, Jhar's body had become a receptacle of power, a well, which had the potential, not only to transform Alana, but women as well.

I will know the truth of it Jhar. If it should prove true, I will not let it happen. You will not be used by anyone save me and me alone. Alana thought greedily. Your secret will lie with me and I will be the sole benefactor of our bond.

The scroll that Alana had found at Chesterook had been part one of three, the other two documenting other articles of power which had fueled the Age of Wonders, and been lost to the world when the Age of Wonders fell. With you by my side Jhar and the kingdoms of the world under my command, I can acquire these articles of power for my own. I will be unopposed. Who knows what I can accomplish and when I'm done, I can find a way to end the cravings, to return to my own mind. She wiped the tears from her eyes. But the power, it feels so good!

The very thought of more power built up in Alana. Warmth ran through her body and she felt herself become moist at the thought. Without realizing it, Alana released a flush of pheromones which caused Jhar to moan softly in his sleep. As he did, Alana felt shivers run down her back at the sound of his voice. Turning to the nightstand, Alana put a pinch of strongroot on her tongue and then, moving slowly closer, she kissed Jhar on the lips, rolling him over onto his back gently as she did.

"Jhar..." She whispered to him softly, her sweet breath on his lips. "Wake up Jhar. Your Queen needs you."

Jhar opened his eyes groggily. "Alana? What are you..?â€

"Shhh..." She said softly, put a manicured finger on his lips as she began to run her own lips down his body.

Jhar moaned and the blue aura around his body glowed slightly brighter in Alana's vision. He's got so much energy. I want it , she thought deviously as she sent shivers of pleasure down his body. Looking downward, she could see his member rise with blood, the blue aura glowing brightly around his pubic region.

"I'm," her lips sucked on his chest.

"Going to..." her tongue swirled around his nipple.

"Ssszzt.â€ he let out.

"Suck..." She gave him a small bite on his abdomen, her strong hands rubbing her chest. Looking down, he could see her blond hair wash over his body, her muscular butt high, her deep blue eyes locked on his.

"You off..." She said as she ran her hands down around his waist, grabbed his buttocks, and wrapped her sensuous tongue around his erection. Her eyes were still locked on his. "Mmmmm... " She moaned, closing her eyes as she tasted his pre-cum.

"Alana... " He moaned breathily as her mouth ran over his shaft, her pheromones turning him on.

"Oh Jhar... come for me baby..." She brought up a hand, running it along his thigh sending ticklish waves of pleasure coursing into his brain. "Come for me Jhar," she said again before hungrily taking him again into her mouth.

Oh the energy! By the elements! He tastes so good! She thought to herself as she moved up and down, causing Jhar to moan almost continuously. "Yes baby," she said again. "Come for me. Give it me."

"Ah... Alana...!" Jhar screamed and Alana could feel more energy conglomerate down there, waiting for release.

"Do it Jhar.â€ she said looking up at him, her free hand stroking him while her other hand ran down his thigh. She went back down on him as he screamed and came. When he did, Alana felt her heart beat immensely fast as warmth rushed through her body, her muscles constricting on a microscopic level as they became stronger, and more efficient. As with every other time, her skin became incredibly soft to the touch as another blemish removed itself from somewhere on her body, leaving her more beautiful and statuesque. As Jhar continued his release, he fainted as Alana absorbed the energy from his inexhaustible supply.

"Yes!!" She screamed. "Change me!" Lightening flashed in her maddened eyes.

***************************************************

The unconscious man dreamed of a faraway port in a faraway sea...

In his dream, golden rays of sunlight sparkled over the waters of Yara Bay, a small port city in the Yaran Islands. The wind was warm and inviting and a small breeze blew the palm trees lining the bay.

"I want to stay with you." Dazzling green eyes whispered to him, holding him close along the wooden wharfs of Yara Bay.

"I know you do but I have to send you back to Manara. Your parents await your return. It will be good for you to be around family the next few months while I go out to sea. I will return in a month and when I do, I've put in for leave." He smiled, running his fingers through her blonde hair.

She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. "But I want you here. Now. Do we really have to part?"

"You know we do. Since the war with Linea began, the Yaran Islands are a target. It's no longer safe for you to stay here. Your ship, the Sea Clipper, leaves for Manara in the hour as does mine. Besides, while the parting will be rough, this will be a good run and I'll be paid handsomely for it." He pulled away and smiled, his hand reaching down to gently run along the smooth roundness of her stomach. "I'll not have our child go without the best." He smiled. As he did, a small kick from his unborn child responded.

He smiled. "My, he's a strong one..."

"She. It's a she." Robin looked up at him, smiling mischievously. "And she takes after me."

The man laughed, laugh lines instantly appearing around his eyes. "Aye. She does. She does."

"Hurry back," his wife said, leaning against his chest again, blue naval uniform he wore was soft and inviting. Her arms enfolded him again.

The man pulled back slightly, and with a hand raised his wife's chin slowly, bringing her tan face, soft lips, green eyes, and round face to his own. He kissed her gently, the kiss full of warmth, longing, sadness, and hope. "I will return to you."

"You better." She pinched him playfully on the buttocks. "Besides, she'll need a brother." She winked at him.

"I love you." The unconscious man whispered in his sleep.

"I love you," His wife responded in the dream with a whisper, clinging tightly to him once more as they kissed each other deeply one last time and then parted.

The unconscious man's dream fast forwarded....

In the quiet confines of a small cabin, a storm railed outside his ship's aft windows in Yara Bay where his ship was anchored. With each swell of the ocean, the wooden superstructure of the ship creaked and moaned while the wind blew outside, whistling loudly and mournfully in the night.

The storm was a weak semblance of the storm raging within him as he sat on a small wooden chair in the candlelight. With each flash of lightening, the yellow parchment in his hands lit up like fire in his hands as his tear filled eyes read what was written there.

H.M.S. Sea Clipper attacked en route to Manara on 3rd Month of High Summer, Common Year 1063. H.M.S. Dolphlarshark dispatched to last know coordinates. Three survivors found on nearby island. All other hands and passengers killed. Survivors claimed attackers were connected to the Conqa Merchants who have a trading alliance with Linea. Survivors died two days later of malnutrition.

The unconscious man balled his fists and in his dream, the paper crumpling in his hands as he rocked back and forth in the chair. "My wife and child," The man whispered quietly, putting his hands up and pressing them into his face. "My wife and child..."

He screamed.....
*******************************

His eyes fluttered open to a candlelit room and the soft white fabrics of a bed canopy hovering overhead. His face was cold and wet from the agony brought about in his dream. Slowly turning his head to look around the room, the man saw moonlight filter in through the wispy white drapes adorning the window. Turning to the left, he saw three candles upon the small night stand next to him. With another look, he saw bare stone walls and a solitary, full length mirror on the wall. Lightening flashed in through the window and with it a brunette muscular woman appeared, standing in the mirror's reflection.

"Ahh... I see that you're awake." She said with a tone of amusement in her voice.

He turned his head to where the woman stood, a flash of dizziness disoriented him causing him to reach up and place a hand on his head. When the dizziness had passed seconds later, the man said groggily, "Where am I?"

"I see my headlock caused a slight memory loss caused by lack of blood flow. I'm sorry about that." She sighed. "You're in the Royal Guard Keep and about to serve Queen and country." Sara said as she walked toward him, arms folded, her long legs flexing as she did so. From where the man lay, he could see her muscular thighs as they slipped out of her dress through the thigh slit of her slinky black dress. Her breasts, pressed upward by the tightness of her dress, jiggled softly underneath her folded arms as she walked. Her arms were tan with noticeable biceps and the hint of a bluish vein, on what the man guessed, was her dominate arm.

"Uh... I'm married." The man said as he scrambled up quickly only to be pushed back down by Sara's hand on his chest.

"We've already established that." Sara said as she swung one hip onto the bed and crawled toward him. "What's your name?"

"My name is Tobias Alt. I'm the owner of a small shop in the Tradesman Quarter."

"Very nice Master Alt. I am Captain Sara of the Royal Guard of course." She cooed, swinging a leg over Alt to straddle him, the rounded muscles of her thigh becoming exposed again. She tilted her head, her dark curly locks flowed backward behind her as she did so. "And tonight, you belong to me."

Alt tried to scramble up, his hands pushing against her thighs. Sara laughed. "My my, my! You, are a feisty one." She ran her hands down his chest, ripping his shirt as she went, his buttons flying outward and making small noises as they hit the wooden floorboards. "Where do you think you're going to go?" Her finger ran down the outlines of his pec muscle. "You're in the Royal Guard Keep. Even if you were able to make it out of this room, which you won't, one of the other Guards would take you." She tilted her head sideways and gave him an appraising look. "I swear they'd be less..." she pursed her lips and opened them swiftly, her lips making a popping sound as they did so. â€œGentle than me."

"You can't have me." He struggled. "My heart belongs to another."

Sara frowned as he said this, his love for another touching something deep inside of her. She released the pressures from her thighs slightly, pushed him down again and looked at him in the eyes.

"You would deny yourself this?" She cupped her breasts underneath her folded arms, the tips of her nipples rising teasingly over the dress' cleavage line. "Nice no?" She said as she slowly ran her hands up, her fingers swirling around her erect nipples which were visible through the skin tight black fabric. When she had done that, she ran her hands up the sides of her neck and cheeks, through her hair, finally bringing her hands up in the air, her fingers splayed open, as she flexed her apple sized biceps.

He paused. "You.. You are very attractive but I can't."

Sara dropped her hands slowly and rubbed them on his chest again. "Can't is not a word I'm used to hearing Master Alt. Out of the thousands of men in Linea I have chosen you for Guard's Rest and you will comply."

Alt turned his head away from her. "I will not."

Sara closed her eyes and focused deeply, releasing pheromones into the room. She could feel Alt's pulse as blood rushed down to fill his growing member. Sara smiled. I love this body. There is so much I can do.

When she opened her eyes again, she gently cupped Alt's chin with her manicured hand and turned his face back to her. "Do you feel that Master Alt? I do." She said erotically. "I can feel you becoming harder. I can feel your pulse quickening. I can see the small beads of sweat forming on your forehead." She slowly reached down and pulled up his hands, which had little resistance, and placed them on her hips. "Do you feel that Master Alt? The curvature of my hips? Aren't they nice?"

Alt nodded.

"Yes. They're very strong Master Alt." She squeezed playfully and leaned down and ran her lips on the side of his neck, her tongue briefly touching his earlobe. She whispered to him. "There is so much that I can do with this body Master Alt. There are things that I can do that you've never experienced before. Don't you want that Master Alt? You can let me fuck you tonight." Her hips moved sensuously underneath his hands, her thigh muscles moving slightly against his hips. "You can let me fuck you tonight Master Alt and you can make this body stronger, faster.." She ran her finger down his chest. "Sexier..."

"I.. I.." Alt said, his left hand cupping her breast.

"Yes Master Alt?" Sara moaned.

"I can't." He pulled his arms off her hips and turned defiantly away again. Her spell was broken. "You are a beautiful woman but I can't." Tears started to well in his eyes.

He's crying? Why is he crying?! Sara asked herself as she watched the man for a few moments. Finally Sara spoke.

"Why are you shedding tears?"

"I made a vow to my wife that I would take no other. This is.. painful to me." He looked away.

He's so fragile and yet he's so strong. "Where is your wife now Master Alt." She said carefully, her voice full of concern and curiosity.

"She..." His voice cracked. "She's dead. She died two years ago in the war."

Two years ago? This man has been holding on to his dead wife's memory for two years? Amazing. Simply Amazing! She thought back to her own lost Aarin, who had died years ago as well. With his death, she had been robbed of knowing the bond of love that this man had with his departed wife.

She looked upward and then back down at him. Her eyes traveled his strong, smooth, yet rugged features. She looked upon him as if seeing him for the first time.What would it feel like to have such love? With a heavy heart, she looked down sadly at Alt and slowly moved off his waist, to lie on the bed next to him.

He looked at her startled. "What are you doing? Why are you stopping?"

"Because, I'm no longer in the mood. Something you said touched me." She said harshly and then felt tears well up in her own eyes. "I've never known that kind of love before, that kind of dedication. My life is nothing more than training, combat, and service. It's lonely." She swung her feet over the side of the bed, her shoulders slumping. "I don't know why I'm telling you this. Normally, as with all other men, I'd bend you to my will, take what I wanted from you. Please go."

Alt watched her for a moment and finally spoke. "I understand how you feel. Ever since my wife..." Sara felt stung at her mention. "Died, that is all I have done as well."

Sara turned and looked at him suspiciously. "For others. I mean. In my work." Alt responded gently and saw Sara's expression melt. She nodded silently.

"You may go." Sara said, wiping tears from her eyes. "Your things are in the corner," She said motioning towards his brown overcoat and coin purse.

"Thank you." Alt said. I've got to get out of here before she changes her mind. He thought as he quickly rushed over to gather his stuff. In his nervousness he struggled to put on his coat. When it was on he looked back towards Sara on the bed. She was crying. His heart went out her and then he stopped himself. She's a Royal Guard. She'll destroy you! Run! His mind raced He picked up his bag and then looked at her again.

But she's alone. She's still human.

He walked back over toward the bed and sat down next to her and pulled out a clean handkerchief from his overcoat pocket. He dried her tears and she looked at him, her green eyes were locked onto his. After a few moments Alt spoke.

"I won't do Guard's Rest with you but would you like someone to talk to?"

"Yes." Sara smiled. "I would like that very much."

*************************
The plaza in the market square was filled with thousands of people who were slowly gathering for the Queen's Masquerade Ball drawing. Citizens and merchants, dressed in bright colors and festive clothing for the Festival Lights, moved slowly and browsed the hundreds of merchant carts scattered about. In the air, the smell of foods from a dozens of different vendors mixed and mingled in the air. There was anticipation as people closely guarded their drawing tabs, each thinking that they would the honor.

Jaina, dressed in a simple barmaidâ€™s dress complete with frilly sleeves, brown vest, and green skirt, moved anonymously through the crowd. All around her the conversation focused on Queen Alana and the recent war news with Manara.

Alana, Alana, Alana, Alana! I'm sick of hearing about her! I can't wait to quit this city and move on. Jaina thought angrily, reflecting on her drift less state, having been abandoned by her family.

Squeezing her way through the crowd, Jaina slowly made her way to a fashionable erected stage of finely polished Linean oak. The stage itself, hand four large, intricately crafted wood pillars, each of which had long strips of royal blue cloth running down them. In the center of the pillars, a large field of royal blue cloth, complete with Alana's white crown, filled her vision. A large round iron cage, complete with hand crank and wheel, sat in front of the large field of Royal Blue upon the stage. In it, there thousands of white drawing tabs which would be pulled to determine the winners.

As Jaina worked her way through the last few lines of people mingling around the stage, she saw Nicholas Larmen, his hands thrust into the iron cage as if he were examining something inside. As Jaina watched, he closed the cage's little door, dusted his hands off on his royal blue robes, and turned slowly to look at the crowd. When he saw Jaina he paused momentarily and then smiled down at her.

Jaina smiled back up at him.

With another turn, Nicholas turned his wizened body slowly and began to walk back behind the cage, coughing into his handkerchief as he did so. Jaina frowned as she watched him fade from view.

When he disappeared, two tall and athletically built Royal Guards emerged from the sides of the stage to stand next to the iron cage.

Very soon. Jaina thought as she reached into her brown vest to check on her drawing receipt once more. One last time Jhar... one last time.

******************************************

Jhar Helar, walked swiftly as he made his way down to the training ground in the Royal Guard Keep for his daily exercises with Sword master Carreena Iceara of Queen Alana's Royal Guards. Over the last few months, Jhar, feeling idle, asked Queen Alana if he could practice with the Queen's Royal Guards to keep trim and fit. At first Alana had told him no but Jhar had explained to her that it would be beneficial for him to learn the arts of the sword to protect himself, Alana had rescinded.

As Jhar neared the last stone corridor in the Royal Guard Keep, he slowly opened the large wooden door and stepped outside. As he did, the sunlight filtered into his eyes temporarily blinding him. Jhar raised his hands for a moment to protect his eyes and let them adjust when he heard the sound of a sword slip through its scabbard.

Jhar, his body working automatically, tucked his chin down to his chest and leaped forward, rolling on the ground in a front roll as he hit the ground. When he hit the ground, he could hear the dull "thunk" of steel hitting the soft dirt where he had stood. Completing his roll, his feet now underneath him again, Jhar quickly drew out his sword and held it in the ready stance.

"Very well done Jhar." Carreena said. "You evaded my attack beautifully."

"You've taught me well Carreena." Jhar saluted, raising his blade to his nose, and then swiftly sliding it back into its scabbard. "What do we have planned today?"

Carreena returned the salute and slide the sword back into her scabbard. Carreena, smiled back at him with beautifully white teeth which were made dazzlingly bright due to her dark brown skin tone, brown eyes, long black hair, and luscious red lips. "The usual. Follow me."

Jhar followed behind her and took her in. Carreena was from the continent of Timbara, a huge continent with broad deserts, lush jungles, and broad grassy plains. Her dark brown skin was natural to all of her people and the various climes on her continent made her people tough and resourceful.

As they walked, Jhar followed her swaying hips which were covered by her brown Royal Guards breeches. Moving his eyes upward, Jhar saw the dark black ink of tribal tattoos on the small of her back which were exposed by the ragged, sleeveless, white training shirt she wore. As with all Royal Guards, her back was strong, and rolled slightly as she walked. Her smooth dark skin made her muscles look fantastic. Already naturally strong, Carreena's body reacted very well to the Queen's Blessing.

"Stop here." Carreena said to Jhar without turning around.

Jhar stopped. They were in the middle of the yard in an open space. All around him, the women from the Royal Guard were training with weights, sparring with swords, doing acrobatics on mats, and stretching their bodies.

"What are we going to do?" Jhar asked confusingly as Carreena walked away. The women around him stopped their exercises and stared at him.

"Uh... Carreena... What's going on?" Jhar said nervously, slowly taking a step back.

Behind him a door opened and a young woman emerged from the shadows. Unlike the other Royal Guard's who were taller and broadly muscular, the young woman slowly approaching him was athletically fit and tone. She was, darkly tanned, brown eyed, with short cut black hair which ended at the base of her ears. Lira was taller than average and stood at a height of 5'9 to Jhar's imposing 6'2.

"Lira Carn?" Jhar asked aloud. "The recent games winner?"

"Yes." Lira said, brandishing a blade before him. "I'm here to test you Jhar Helar."

"Carreena is this true?" Jhar looked at Carreena who was now standing with the other Royal Guards.

"It is true Jhar. The Queen wants us to test your skills without you being broken. Lira has agreed to this." She walked up to Jhar and laid her hand on his shoulder. "Don't fail me Jhar." She said quietly and then stepped away again.

"Begin." Carreena said.

Lira rushed Jhar, her blade whirling in the sunlight. When she had closed the distance with Jhar, her blade swept upward at Jhar and was met by his blade. Switching positions, Lira circled her sword around and swept it downward, her blade being met once again by Jhar's. Over the next five seconds, Lira's sword swept in and out, striking from all directions as she slowly drove Jhar back.

Goodness she's strong. Jhar thought as their blades met each other again and again. She hasn't even been blessed. CLING! Only the best for my wife.

Lira pushed in, meeting his blade, her toned arms and bodyweight pushing against his. She looked up at him and smiled a killer's smile. "You're good Jhar. Very good but you don't stand a chance against me. I will have the Queen's blessing." She pushed herself backward and sprung into the air, her body twisting as she landed on her feet and faced him again.

Jhar looked over at Carreena. She laughed at him pleasantly and smiled. "Why are you looking at me Jhar? You know what to do. Do it."

Jhar looked toward Lira, who was standing with perfect form. Lira smiled and made a "come hither" motion with her hand. Jhar shrugged and moved in, his blade now whirling on the offensive in a replay of Lira's opening attack.

Lira, like him before, deflected every thrust and attack he gave her, her catlike reflexes and speed equaling out his advantages of reach and strength. As Jhar began to tire, Lira pressed her attack, forcing him backwards again.

"What's wrong Jhar?" She mocked him, her body moving tirelessly. "Are you feeling tired?"

Jhar, angered at her taunts, roared loudly and pressed the attack again. However, unlike his first attack, his movements were becoming slower, sloppier, and Lira knocked them aside lazily. As Jhar raised his sword for a downward blow, Lira kicked him backward.

As Jhar landed, his sword fell from his hands and body cried out in pain as his muscles, burned from the combat he had just engaged them in. Lira jumped upon him, straddling him.

"Do you yield?" Lira asked him, her sword at his throat.

"I yield," Jhar wheezed out.

Lira looked up at Carreena and smiled.

Carreena clapped her hands and looked down at Jhar. "You did well Jhar. Lira is an expert fighter." Carreena looked up at the Royal Guards standing around. "Ladies...we must be leaving. We need to give Lira and Jhar some private time."

Jhar turned his head and watched the Royal Guards slowly exit. He looked at Carreena who was walking away. "Wha... Where are you going? Carreena!" He yelled. "What do you mean private time with Lira?"

Carreena stopped and turned around, smiling at Jhar viciously. "Queen's orders." She looked at Lira. "Don't be too rough on him. He belongs to the Queen still."

Lira looked back down at Jhar and smiled. "Oh, I will give him my best care."

"Carreena!" Jhar yelled. "Carreena!"

Lira hit Jhar on the jaw, stunning him into silence. "Knock that off. I won't hurt you. I swear."

"What are you going to do?" Jhar looked her squarely in the eyes.

"Why, I'm going to screw you Jhar Helar." She said as she took the sword and ran it through Jhar's shirt, the blade tearing fabric as it went. She kissed him on the lips.

"Mmm... you're excellent Jhar." She moaned as she reached her free hand down and began to undo Jhar's buttons. When they were undone, she slipped her hands into his breeches and began to massage him.
"What!" Jhar yelled out, his body spasming as he reacted to get away.

"Don't move!" Lira yelled, her blade on Jhar's neck.

Jhar froze.

Lira lowered the sword once more and went back to what she was doing. "I won't hurt you Jhar. Not unless you force me to. Let me do this." She grabbed hold of him softly, her hand moving over his hardening shaft.

"But Alana..." Jhar protested.

"The Queen has other lovers Jhar." She responded harshly.

"But she...â€

"Oh be quiet. You know it to be true. We've all heard the rumors. Did you think that Queen Alana, may she be forever blessed, being as beautiful and desired as she is, wouldn't take other men to her bed?"

"I...I." Jhar stammered.

"I...I..." Lira mocked him. "Now it's your turn Jhar. Besides doesn't it make you angry to know what she's doing? How she's hurting you?"

Jhar looked up angrily at Lira who stared down at him intently. She smiled. "Do it Jhar. Fuck me. I know you want to. Do it."

Jhar, with a burst of speed, knocked the sword out of Lira's hands. She slapped him fiercely. He looked at her in the eyes and then reached up and pulled her down for a long kiss, their bodies melting into each other.

"Fine," Jhar snarled. "Let's do it." He said opening Lira's bodice.

From high above, them Queen Alana watched and smiled.

*********************************************
Across town...

The market square blared with trumpets as the Masquerade Ball drawing began to start. Jaina, having wondered off to purchase a quick meal, pushed her way through the crowd to stand before the erected stage once again. As she reached the front of the crowd, the noise from the people died down.

"Hear ye! Hear ye!" The crown Herald called out over the crowd. "Lord and Ladies, citizens of Linea, gather round. Queen Alana, may she be forever blessed..."

"May she be forever blessed!" The tens of thousands in the market shouted.

The Herald continued, "Has called for the Festival of Lights to begin this eve. Whereupon, in one week's time, the Queen, may she be forever blessed...."

"May she be forever blessed!" The crowd cheered again. Jaina balled her fists tightly.

He continued. "Will have her Masquerade Ball and you..." the Herald walked across the stage, working the crowd into a frenzy, "Or you! Will be chosen to meet the Queen in person! Without further pause, I introduce you to Master Nicholas Larmen who will pick the fifty winners who will attend. Remember, hold onto your tabs if you're a winner. Please come to the Merchant's Quarter by 5 PM to claim your prize!"

Nicholas Larmen emerged from behind the stage, his fragile form and slow movements being supported by two Royal Guards. Stepping up to the large drum, he nodded to one of the Guards who began to crank the iron cages handle, causing it to spin slowly.

When it had spun for nearly 20 seconds, Nicholas Larmen slowly opened up the cage and inserted his arm. He moved slowly, sifting his arm through the drawing tabs, as he searched for the drawing tab he attached to the cage early this morning using wax. To the audience, it looked as if he were doing it for dramatic effect.

Ahh... there it is. There it is He smiled as he found the tab and gently pulled it out, careful not to drop it.

He opened it up, confirming that it was Jaina's name written on the tab and then walked over to the Herald and spoke quietly into his ear. The crowd was completely silent.

The Herald opened up the folded tab. "The number is 56905. Bronawyn Stark!"

Jaina smiled as the iron cage rolled again.

***************************
Tobias Alt, walked tiredly through the large marketplace as he made his way back to his small shop in the Tradesman's Quarter. All about him, people milled around, waiting for the Queen's Masquerade Ball drawing to begin, each hoping that they would be the lucky winner.

Alt took his time, slowly reviewing the fine Linean silks on the cart he was currently passing, extending his hands to run them along the fine stitching and embroidery the well made wares before moving along to the next cart. To keep up appearances, Alt would sporadically engage the sellers with questions and tidbits of conversation.

Moving to the outskirts of the crowd, and the marketplace, Alt walked into a small, dimly store and made his way to the back. Looking over his shoulder to make sure that there were no other customers in the store, Alt picked up a finely crafted drinking cup, which was decorated elaborately, and made his way to the to the wooden counter where the store owner await.

"Good morning," Alt said crisply. "This is a fine cup. I really like the red jewel here on the brim." He said pointing to the small jewel.

"Ahhh sir. That is a very fine jewel. Aye. If you like that, perhaps you'd like to take a look at my other items in the back." The store owner, was short, bald, and unusually trim, with brown eyes.

"Aye. I'd like that." Alt looked at him evenly. "Please lead the way and I shall follow."

"Kibrick!" The bald man said loudly. "Come out here! I need to you mind the store."

A young boy, barely a teenager, rushed out from the back. "Yes sir." He hopped on a stool near the counter, his feet dangling inches from the floor as he kicked them slowly in the air.

"Excellent. I'm going to show this man some items in the back. We will be gone for a few minutes but we are not to be disturbed. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir." The boy said happily.

"Good." The man turned to Alt again. "Follow me." He then turned and made his way to the back. Alt followed.

When they had gone far enough into the back, the bald man turned to Alt, and extended his hand, a big grin on his face. "Hawke! You old Sea Bastard! How have you been?"

"Excellent Hallow. Excellent. Like you, I'm serving the King." Hawke smiled back.

"Good, good. These are tough times for Manara. I'm glad to see that you're in the fight especially since the Conqa..." Hallow's voice trailed off as he noticed the shadows cloud Hawke's face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

"No worries Hallow. All is well." Hawke forced a smile. "Let's continue, shall we?"

"Of course. Take a seat." Hallow motioned to a wooden stool which Hawke sat down in, sighing in relief as he did so.

Hallow did the same and studied Hawke for a moment and then spoke. "What happened to you last night? We were supposed to meet at the Long Glass last night at 10. Where were you?"

Hawke looked downward. "Queen Alana's Royal Guards visited the tavern. They were doing Guard's Rest and I was one of those taken."

Hallow's jaw dropped open slightly and he shut it quickly. "By the Manaran waves! Are you serious?"

Hawke responded sheepishly. "Yes."

Hallow burst out laughing. "Well done man! I bet that was a night to remember. While Linean soldiers may be bastards on the battlefield, those Royal Guards sure are a sight to see."

Hawke looked him in the eye. "They're dangerous. Extremely dangerous."

Hallow nudged him, laughing again. "I'll bet... why with those thighs around my hips and her riding my mast I'd be...."

"No. You don't understand." Hawke interrupted him. "They are beautiful yes. They are strong, yes. But they are also extremely sexy and they have certain, abilities to entice men. They can make you do things." Hawke shrugged. "You know, against your will. It's incredible."

Hallow's eyes narrowed, his hands reaching to the blade in his vest. "We've heard some of the stories, yes, but we didn't think they were true. Did they..." His hand grabbed his hilt, ready to draw it out and kill Hawke if need be.

"No." Hawke reached across, gently stopping Hallow's hand. "They did not. I don't know how, but she did not."

Hallow relaxed, sighing heavily. "Good. We've lost fifteen other spies this week to Royal Guard raids. They disappear into that monstrous Keep of theirs and we can't get in there. The only people allowed near it are Royal Guards, the Queen, and anyone on official business for or with Linea. It's watertight."

"I know. The Royal Guards there are extremely thorough in their searches." Hawke blushed. "When I left the keep today I was searched six different times by different Royal Guards." He reached down and rubbed his thigh near his groin. "They were a bit rough on me."

Hallow laughed. "Lucky bastard!" Hallow laughed in response for a few seconds and then composed himself. "Anyways, since you're our contact to the Navy, I need you to pass some intel along to be shipped to Manara." He pulled out a yellow scroll and gave it to Hawke.

"This scroll details their recent military buildups on the Plains of Gold 400 leagues south of the City Raven within the borders of Manara. It appears that Alana is marshalling her forces there and plans to cut Manara in two with the intent of marching on Manara itself. If she does, that will be the end of us."

He paused, breathing heavily. "As you know, the war is going badly. Alana, somehow, keeps allying more nations into an alliance with her and there is talk that she may declare herself 'Empress' soon. You must get this to the docks and off to Manara as quickly as possible so we can mount a defense and marshal any allies left to us."

Hawke nodded. "Yes sir." He stood.

Hallow stood and patted him firmly on the arm. "Don't worry about the Royal Guard. As you said, she didn't break you. Just stay focused on your duties. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir." Hawk smiled.

"That's my boy." He walked out of the room, Hawk following behind him. "And those are all of the items I have. Sorry you didn't like what we currently have in stock. Perhaps you could return next week and look again?"

"Why, yes. I'd like that."

"Excellent Master Alt. You have a good morning and enjoy the Festival of Lights. May the Queen be forever blessed." Hallow praised exuberantly.

"May she be forever blessed!" Hawke, and the other shoppers, who had funneled into the store during his and Hallow's absence replied.

"Oh, and Master Alt." Hallow called out to him again.

Hawke turned.

"Don't let your business problems break you. I'm sure that you'll do fine." Hallow said to Hawke alluding to his previous assertion that the Royal Guard hadn't broken Hawke.

"Thank you sir. Good day." Hawke responded and walked out of the store.

Sara. Hawke thought wistfully his heart speeding up a little as he thought about the pleasant conversation that he and Sara had had with each other the night before. For Hawke, so many years without a female companion, the conversation had been extremely enjoyable, comforting, and unexpected. Sara had surprised him with her easygoing manner, knowledge, and sense of humor in ways that he hadn't known since his wife had passed away. Part of him wanted desperately to see her again.

Did she break me? Hawke thought as he disappeared into the crowd, the Queen's Herald speaking off in the distance...

******************************************
Two days later...

"Bleeahhh, ahhh.. heh heh!" Nicholas Larmen coughed into his handkerchief violently as he sat in his desk in the candlelight. As with every evening, Nicholas Larmen was writing away with quill and parchment once again. However, tonight Nicholas Larmen's work was focused on writing down his final thoughts and the division of his earthly possessions to his remaining friends and family.

It won't be long now. He thought, coughing up more blood into his handkerchief, his lungs burning as if on fire. My duties here are almost finished and soon I can rest. Yes. Rest.

Looking over his parchment one last time, Nicholas nodded silently in satisfaction at his work and then struggled to stand up. When he had stood, his body shaking weakly, his walking cane in hand, he blew out his candles and made his way across the room in the darkness to rest on his bed.

THUMP!

Awe! He thought pleasantly, smiling as he slowly crawled into his bed. She returns!

Nicholas heard the familiar squeak from the skylight followed by the soft whoosh of Jaina's cloak as she landed on the wooden floor.

"Come over here my child. Bleah.. bleah bleeah!" He coughed again violently. "I'm over here. Light a candle if you must."

Jaina lit a candle and walked silently over to Nicholas Larmen, pulling up a small stool to sit by his side. She looked down at him in concern.

"Yes," He wheezed. "My time is nearly come. I was writing down my final thoughts. You'll find them over there." He pointed weakly toward his desk.

Jaina grasped his hand gently, tears building up in her eyes. "I just want to thank you for your kindness Master Larmen. You don't know what this means to me."

"You are welcome child." He coughed again.

"I have to know something." Jaina said softly. "Why did you help me?"

Nicholas looked up at her, sadness in his eyes. "You remind me of my daughter, Nanci." He turned away, looking off into the distance. "You see, we haven't spoken since her mother died."

He coughed again, his eyes watering in pain. "I was.... I was away, on business for a merchant lord and my wife was dying. Nanci wrote me, begging for me to come home but I wouldn't. I was young, and stupid. I was after power and influence. My pride would not allow me to budge from what I sought, and when I finally returned home my wife was gone. And Nanci, well, she spoke angry words to me before she left; saying that she no longer wanted me as her father." He closed his eyes tightly at the memory.

"Last I heard, she was in Manara but that is where the trail stops." He paused, breathing heavily. "If only I could see her once again."

He looked at Jaina once again. "I miss her so much. I would have given anything to find her again but my time has run out." He studied her for a moment, searching her eyes. "I helped you because I see the same longing in your eyes. I couldn't turn away." He laughed lightly, his laughter mixed with amusement and coughing. "You could say that it was the last act of a miserable, lonely old man. I'm only glad I could help."

Jaina laid her head on his chest. "Thank. Thank you so much." She whispered. "You are a good man."

"I wish you the best child. I wish you the best. Now.." He wheezed again, his chest locking up. "Now..... you... go..."

"I won't leave you." Jaina said softly.

"Nanci?" He called, looking at Jaina, his eyes blank. "Is that you?"

A tear fell from Jaina's eyes. "Yes. Yes father. I'm here."

"Oh. I'm so sorry Nanci. I'm sorry for everything. I never mean for this to happen. Will you forgive me?"
"Yes. Yes. Father, I forgive you." She whispered.

Nicholas smiled. "I love...â€ he wheezed slowly, the light fading from his eyes. â€œI love you Nanci."

"And I you father." Jaina said, tightly closing her eyes. When she opened them again, Nicholas Larmen was gone.

***********************************

"My Queen. Adjutant General Linara Safina to see you." A voice whispered into Queen Alana's ear within the Queen's candlelit study.

"Excellent. Send her in." The Queen whispered to her female servant as she continued to look through the paperwork and scrolls scattered around her desk.

A large wooden door squeaked softly on its hinges as a brown clad Royal Guard opened it for the Adjutant who strode in confidently.

"My Queen." Safina said as she bowed deeply, one knee on the floor. "I am here to report."

"You may rise Adjutant." Alana said commandingly.

Safina's large, muscular form stood before the queen. "My Queen. Our armies are marshalling near the city of Raven in preparation for our march through Manara to end the war. So far we have encounter light resistance which has been easily crushed. The Manaran armies are gathering there forces as well and we project that they will have some advantage as we enter their territory."

She walked up to the Queen's desk and unrolled a map. She pointed. "This pass is heavily defended and we believe that the Manarans will try and stop us there. All of our spies indict that the Manaran king will deploy them while his naval forces will make a strike against Linea itself."

Queen Alana stared at the map, her enhanced mind taking in the variables. "Mmm...No Adjutant. That is not what they are doing."

"But my Queen. Our intelligence services say..."

"Do not interrupt me again." Queen Alana's eyes looked into Safina's. "We have been friends since I first rose to power and blessed you but do not think that you can refute me."

Safina's face became red and her throat began to constrict as if being choked by some unseen force.

"You are bonded to me through the Blessing adjutant. I can control your body's actions merely by sending you chemical signals through the air." Alana smiled. "I can also strip you of the blessing immediately and return you to the giggling little princess who followed me around to parties." Alana flicked her finger and Safina could breathe again.

"Now, as I was saying, you are wrong. The Manaran army is marshalling their forces, you are correct but those forces will be used to pull ours in for a trap." Queen Alana said smiling.

"A trap my Queen?" Safina said, a confused look on her face.

"Yes Safina. If you had researched your history, you would know that Manara is a kingdom that has been built out into the sea using a series of levees and dikes which keep the ocean at bay."

"Now tell me," Alana interlaced her fingers together. "What do you see 50 leagues north of the pass? Hmmm?"

Safina looked at the map closely. "I see some levees my Queen."

"Exactly. The Manarans are going to lure you in and then release the waters from their levees, wiping our armies out. Since they don't have the strength that we do, this is what they must resort to." Alana looked down at her arm and rolled up her dress sleeve. When it was rolled up, she pumped the muscles of her forearm, watching as the muscle bunched up and contracted.

"It's beautiful no? My body? The power?" Alana whispered.

"Uh.. Yes my Queen. You are a marvel."

Alana smiled. "I know." She looked up at Safina and then down at the map. "I want you to take the army and split it into thirds. When we are ready to advance, I want the army to camp at night and erect their tents as one. When night falls, I want the center group to attend to the campfires which you light for the entire army. Once that is done, your other two groups will begin a night march around the enemyâ€™s flanks to secure the enemies rear and those levee gates. Once they are secure, I want them to crush the Manaran army."

"And the Manaran Navy my Queen? Should I recall our ships to the defense of Linea?"

"Hmmm.... No Adjutant. The Manarans aren't going to strike at Linea. That would be a risky proposition which would destroy their navy if they failed." Her eyes examined the map. "I believe that the Manarans will strike at the Conqa and attempt to severe us from the new trading routes we've opened up with the Conqa Merchants. This will buy them time to continue the war, which," She looked up at Safina, "I will win."

"Yes my Queen. I will warn the Conqa Merchants." Safina nodded.

"Excellent Adjutant. Please do so."

Safina saluted and turned to go.

"Oh Adjutant. Before you go..." Alana hailed when Safina was almost at the door.

Safina turned. "Yes my Queen."

"Is there something else you wanted to tell me?" Alana said as she walked over to Safina. Safina trembled inwardly with fright and a degree of lust, envy, and greed for the sheer physical power Alana possessed.

"Oh yes. I almost forgot my Queen. Two weeks ago we encountered a woman who displayed some peculiar abilities."

Alana raised a blond eyebrow. "Abilities? Tell me more." She crossed her arms, her biceps straining her sleeves.

"Yes my Queen. The woman, who was of ordinary stature, was quite strong and agile. She encountered a squad of our best Royal Guards and managed to defeat some of them before alluding capture. She was not Blessed my Queen."

Could she possess one of the articles of power I'm looking for? Alana thought, her body flushing with heat and arousal as she thought possessing more power for herself.

"Interesting. I want this woman found and brought to me. Alive Adjutant." Power! Alana's mind raced.

"You may go." Alana said, turning her back on Safina who closed the door behind her.

"Assistant!" Queen Alana yelled. "Bring in Lira Carn."

The door opened again and Lira Carn stepped in.

"Yes your majesty." Lira bowed deeply as Safina had done before her.

"Tell me Lira, did you enjoy your time with Jhar?" Alana's drilled deeply into Lira's.

"Uh... yes my Queen. In all honesty, he was an excellent lover who is blessed to have you." Lira said, her head deeply bowed.

"When you fucked him in the training yard did you feel anything? Were there any changes to your body?" Alana sat down into her chair.

"Yes my Queen. I grew an inch and put on 5 lbs of muscle. A blemish on collar bone, which I have had since a child working in my father's mill, disappeared. "

"Show me."

Lira stood up and pulled her tunic down. "It was here my Queen. It disappeared."

Alana stood up and approached Lira and circled her, Alana's tremendous height and muscular development putting Lira's to shame. "Excellent. Any other changes?"

"My queen?" Lira looked at Alana worriedly.

"Wants... desires?" Alana whispered, into Lira's ears.

Lira focused for a second, lines of concentration appearing on her face. "I'm hungry my Queen. I desire sex..."

"And?" Alana prompted, circling around Lira once more.

"I desire power. I...I... desire Jhar."

"Excellent Lira. Excellent." Alana responded smoothly. "You did well."

"Thank you my Queen." Lira beamed happily, standing straight.

"Of course, you still slept with my Jhar which is a terrible crime." Alana added, her tone deadly.

"But, your orders...." Lira looked up at Alana.

"Yes. My orders. You carried them out perfectly as I instructed but you still slept with Jhar." Alana said quietly.

"My Queen I don't understand. You said..."

"I know what I said." Alana roared shrilly in madness. "Jhar Helar belongs to me and you fucked him."

Lira took a step back, nervously.

Alana, concentrated, releasing pheromones into the air which were breathed in by Lira. As she did, Alana could see a faint blue hue around Lira, small fingerprints of Jhar's essence.

"I see his power in you." Alana said, grabbing Lira by the neck. "If I let this secret get out, my plans will be ruined if the other women discover they can change without my blessing. I'm sorry Lira but only I must be allowed this power."

"Acckkk!" Lira croaked weakly, her fists pounding futilely on Alana's muscular forearm.

Oh the power of this moment! Alana thought. It's as if I'm a goddess sitting in judgment. I must have more!

"You have served your Queen well Lira. Now you may rest." Alana squeezed.

CRACK!

Lira's body went slack, the light gone from her eyes. Alana gently lowered Lira's body to the ground.

"Guards!" The door opened. "Get her out of here. Make sure she gets buried with full honors."

"Yes my Queen." One of the Guards responded as the other Royal Guards grabbed Lira's body and removed it from the room.

I was right! Jhar has been changed as well. I must protect his essence at all costs. She breathed deeply. And when I find this mysterious woman and possess her powers, I can become more.

"Yes. I will have power."

****************************************

Upon the darkened streets of Linea, Captain Sara was once again on patrol. Moving silently through the shadows, she made her undisturbed passage down to the Tradesmanâ€™s Quarter where she began to examine the small white lettering of the addresses posted on each building.

After a twenty minute search, Sara came upon a very small blacksmithâ€™s shop which sat quietly in the darkness. This must be it. She thought as straightened her blue tunic, adjusted her hat slightly, and stood straighter which caused her nicely shaped breasts outward. She walked up to the door and knocked.

A small light flickered in the grid-like pattern of the small bay window on the side of the shop which slowly filtered out onto the cobblestone street as the occupant inside the small shop came to the door.
Sara smiled as the door opened.

â€œQueenâ€™s business!â€ She commanded as she forced open the door and closed it behind her. As soon as the door was closed she was already moving toward the window where she quickly pulled the windowâ€™s drapes shut.

â€œSara?â€ Hawke said, wiping the grogginess out of his eyes.

â€œYes, Alt. It is me.â€ She said, taking a step toward Hawke in the lantern light, her green eyes sparkling. â€œI had to see you again.â€

â€œYou did?â€ Hawke said, putting the lantern down.

â€œYes. Our conversation the other night meant a great deal to me. No one has ever shown me such care.â€ She said, looking down to the ground nervously.

Hawke scratched his head, also nervous. â€œWell, it was a good conversation.â€ My goodness she looks good in uniform. He thought, a slight pressure building up in his groin.

â€œYou thought so?â€ Sara smiled brightly, her perfectly white teeth gleaming between her full lips.
â€œYes. You are a very interesting woman.â€ Hawke smiled.

I think he likes me! She thought to herself, her heart beating faster with joy. Without thinking, she released her pheromones into the air which began to alter Hawkeâ€™s mind. She took a step toward him and hugged him. â€œThank you. Thank you. Thank you! No ones ever thought that before!â€

As Hawke was pressed close to her body, he felt the strength in her arms as they wrapped themselves around her back. As his chest pushed against hers, he could feel her firm breasts push against him. This is nice. He thought, wrapping his arms around her in return.

She held him even more tightly, swaying slightly, neither wanting to let go. As the hug held, Hawke slowly began to run his hands up and down along her back, feeling the strength and knots there. He began to let his hands slip downward to her slim waist and the small of her back, her muscles there tight and firm, like two smooth bars which emerged from her buttocks and flowed into her back.

Her lips touched his neck which sent electric thrills throughout his body and he moaned breathlessly. Sara picked up on his cues and began to move her lips up and down his neck while Hawkeâ€™s hands began to move sensuously along her back.

â€œKiss me.â€ She said softly.

â€œYes.â€ Hawke responded hungrily. Whatâ€™s happening to me?! He thought, lost in the deep, warm, and inviting kiss. When his saliva mixed with hers he felt his body erupt with fire and longing. Sara felt it, her lips moving faster along his neck as Hawke reached up to cup her left breast and then moved to kiss her again hungrily.

â€œYou enjoy this Tobias?â€ Sara said in between exploring his neck with her tongue.

â€œOh yes....â€ Hawke said as he pulled her Royal Blue cloak over her head.

She helped him open her brown shirt, exposing her firm breasts, her nipples erect in longing, little tiny bumps on her areola. His mouth hungrily met them.

Iâ€™m endangering the mission! He thought, unable to control himself. I want her so badly though. Robin, Iâ€™m so sorry, but itâ€™s been so long. He thought as Sara pushed him down to the floor and began to rub her hands on his chest, her hips rocking into him, gliding over his erection through the fabric.

â€œMmm.â€ She moaned. â€œSo good.â€ She said, her hips moving slowly, like a wave or a snake moving across the desert sands. â€œTobias... you are hot. Your skin is on fire.â€

His hands glided up and down her body as she reached back and tried to force his night suit off. As she did, he unfastened her brown belt and began to untie the strings of her brown breeches.
Sara, in frustration, stood up, bent down, and tore his night suit leggings off and hastily undressed herself, slowly sliding down on his erect member and pumping him solidly.

â€œI... I.. told you that I would have you, Tobias.â€ She said pumping away slowly, her vaginal muscles contracting to control his own rhythm. â€œI knew I would have you and that... and that...â€ She sighed, â€œYou would serve me.â€

Hawke couldnâ€™t control himself as she sent pleasure throughout his body.

â€œI have you Captain Hawke...â€

To be continued.....

The Star Stones Part II (NSFW)

captreyn — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:25:33 +0000

Part II.

"Open the gates for Captain Sara!" A female voice echoed in the early hours of dawn from atop one of the 30 foot high stone walls of the Royal Guard Keep. Seconds later, the large wooden gates of the Keep, nearly two feet thick, swayed inward to allow Captain Sara to gain entry.

"Report Captain Sara," a woman called out from one of the stone buildings scattered in the immense courtyard at the base of the keep's three towers with Queen Alana's immense white palace, just beyond. Sara recognized the voice as the voice of Adjutant General Linara Safina, who was second only to the Queen in military matters.

Sara turned and saw Adjutant Safina duck her head as she emerged from the doorway of the stone building and make her way over to Sara. As Adjutant Safina approached, Sara quickly took in her attire, which was nearly identical to Sara's own, complete with brown knee high boots, tight leggings, brown shirt, folded hat with white feather, and royal blue cloak. The only distinction between Sara and the Adjutant was the White Crown stitched onto her royal blue cloak. Whereas Sara's crown was unadorned, Adjutant Safina's was bordered by deep purple which signified her rank. Physically, Safina was incredible. As she walked, her tight leg muscles and quads jiggled rigidly and sensuously under her tight brown leggings. Following her eyes upward, Sara noticed Adjutant Safina's curvaceous hips which swayed nicely as she walked. Through her brown shirt, Sara could see Adjutant Safina's prominent breasts which were made visible by the form fitting brown shirt she wore. The upper buttons were undone, revealing ample cleavage over the defined muscles which flowed over her clavicle. The form fitting brown shirts also revealed muscularly round shoulders and the tightly coiled biceps of her arms and forearms which were covered by brown falconer's gloves. Adjutant Safina, long a friend of Queen Alana's, had been the first woman Alana had recruited after taking the throne and one of the first to be gifted with Queen Alana's Blessing.

Sara knelt down to one knee, her hat sitting on her outstretched leg.She's beautiful, Sara thought, Look at her silver hair, her full lips and green eyes. Look at her muscles... Sara sighed softly in envy, I want that.

"Report Captain."

"Adjutant Safina, we encountered a woman who proved difficult to catch and was extremely strong." Sara began.

Safina's voice quipped with interest, "Strong? How so? Was she blessed with the Queen's Blessing?"

"No Adjutant. She was not." Sara looked up at Safina, a flash of confusion crossed her face, "She was small, ordinary, and plain. But she moved like a Manaran tiger! Fast and powerful. She knocked down several of the Guard and escaped using the rooftops. We followed her as long as we could but we lost her in the darkness. She was amazing. I have never encountered anything like it. Not even a woman under the Queen's Blessing has such grace."

"Hmm..." Safina thought, her fingers rubbing her chin in thought, "Interesting. Sorcery?"

"I am not sure Adjutant. Aside from her physical prowess we did not see any sorcery in play. There were no air distortions around her form which would lead to one's assumption that she was a sorcerer. Even if she were, no sorcerer could do the things that she did." She looked down, "No one could do what she did."

"Not true Captain. Not true. You will find out that the more you receive the Queen's Blessing that you will develop greater and greater abilities. Why the Queen can..." She stopped herself in mid-sentence, "Well let's just say that is a state secret and you are not to talk to anyone of what I have just said. Do you understand?"

"Yes Adjutant. I understand." Sara said, bowing her head low in affirmation.

"Good. Do not worry Captain. We will catch this woman and learn her secrets. When we do, we will give them to the Queen, may the heavens continue to bless her. You are dismissed.

**************************************************

Within the immense white marbled halls of Queen Alana's throne room, foreign rulers, nearly fifty men strong, had gathered to discuss their existing alliances and trade deals with the Kingdom of Linea. Dressed in their finest wears and most elaborate clothing, the gathered gaggle of people vied for power, influence, and position, hoping that Queen Alana would notice them.

With a royal flourish, loud trumpets echoed in the hall and a strong female voice echoed in the chamber, "All kneel before her majesty Queen Alana!"

Across the hall, everyone kneeled on bent knee as Queen Alana entered from large ornate doors at the end of the chamber. With another royal flourish, the trumpets played a joyful tune as Queen Alana began her regal stroll through the center of the gathered mass to the large throne which dominated the room.

Queen Alana, the beauty of the age, towered over the tallest man at nearly 7 feet in height. Dressed in her standard royal blue dress, which hugged the nearly perfect shape of her lean body, prominent breasts, and prominent muscularity which had no equal, she exuded an erotic sexuality as she moved through the crowd.

With each broad and sweeping step she took, her long, muscular thighs were revealed from the slits in her dress which ran up to mid thigh. Her buttocks, rolled sensuously and tightened perfectly with each stride causing the men within the crowd to lose control of their thoughts temporarily. Her waist was tight and ran up into the v-shaped muscles of her back and rounded shoulders.

The world had never seen anyone who could match her.

When she arrived at the throne, twenty female Royal Guards, adorned in their black dresses, took up positions around the throne as Queen Alana, her blue eyes affixed ahead, sat in her throne and crossed her legs, showing off a sexily massive muscled thigh.

Seconds later, six more Royal Guards walked down the aisle in a defensive square. Within that square, was Jhar Helar. When the six Royal Guards reached the throne, they moved to open their protective square, leaving Jhar before Queen Alana.

"Come to me my Jhar. Take your place behind me at my side." Her whisper echoed in the room to all those that were gathered there. Her attention to Jhar left nearly all of the men pining in jealousy.

"Yes my Queen," Jhar bowed.

She smiled as Jhar took his place behind her and then she focused on the crowd. "You may all rise."

The crowd rose quietly and watched her with baited breath. While they watched, Alana gently reached behind her, and guided one of Jhar's hands to rest on her sculpted shoulder. As she did so, Jhar shuddered as warmth rushed through his body.

She has such power over me, he thought, My thoughts and desires are no longer my own. I belong to her body and soul and I am her most prized possession.

As if sensing his thoughts, Queen Alana smiled as warmth from Jhar's touch spread through her body, causing her muscles to engorge slightly and push on her dress. Yes Jhar, touch me. Our bond, my connection to you, strengthens me.

Pausing to savor the sensation, she spoke to the crowd, her voice dripping with erotic sensuality and command. "You are gathered here today because you wish to discuss your alliances with Linea. My diplomatic officers say that you feel as if you are not being treated fairly. Is that correct?" Her eyes scanned the crowd. So many attractive men to control. So many men to dominate and fuck... She stopped, realized where here thoughts were going and squeezed Jhar's hand. Don't leave me Jhar. Don't let me be tempted. It's so hard even though I love you so.

Fools Jhar thought as Alana spoke, She swallows nations and they come happily to the feast.

A tall bearded man near the front of the crowd approached the throne and kneeled before Queen Alana. "Queen Alana, as you know, I represent the Conqa merchant alliance, the largest faction within these chambers. I believe I speak for us all when I say that we are concerned with our dealings with Linea." He met her eyes and small beads of sweat began to collect on his forehead. He continued, "As you know, our treaties with Linea stipulated that we would receive 35% of the revenue generated by trade made in Linean ports and cities. Right now, we are only receiving 20%. What's more, Linean ships are slowly stealing our business as your navy takes up the carry trade."

Queen Alana began to laugh out loud, her throaty laugh echoing in the room. The men in the room gave each other quizzical looks of alarm at Queen Alana's apparent madness.

After nearly 15 seconds of continued laughter, Alana suddenly stopped and closed her eyes, as if focusing deeply on something. Within a minute the air in the chamber felt sweeter, more pleasant, as Queen Alana's mind altering pheromones circulated in the air.

And now she will make them slaves. Jhar thought.

Queen Alan opened her eyes and smiled. "Ahh, I see." she said as she rose from her throne and walked down the steps toward the Conqa merchant. As she moved, the men in the crowd had their eyes fixed upon her in lust. Approaching the Conqa merchant, she looked down at him and smiled. I would love to ravage this man. I would love to take them all. She thought.

"Do you not want to serve me?" she asked, leaning down to whisper in his ear.

"I... I... serve my people..." He stammered out as the warmness of her breath sent shivers through his body.

"How admirable of you." Her hand ran down his chest. So strong. she thought lustily. She closed her eyes again for a brief moment, willing a concentrated dose of pheromones to secrete from her pores. She touched the man's lips with her finger, causing him to nearly collapse in sexual ecstasy. "Will you serve me?"

"Yesss... I will serve you my Queen. The Conqa Merchant's are at your service." She withdrew her touch and the man reached out to her with longing. "My Queen, don't leave me."

She turned back to the man and held his hand. Her other hand grabbed him softly in the crotch, bringing him to arousal. Up on the stage Jhar trembled in jealousy and anger.

Alana whispered into the man's ear. "You may serve me, but you cannot have me unless I desire it. Perhaps someday," she licked her lips, "I will come to you but for now I belong to Jhar Helar and he to me. Do not worry," she nodded to one of the Royal Guards who moved toward them, "Kirlana will take care of you and through her, you will be connected to me."

"Yes, my Queen." He said, looking downcast.

"Good." She smiled to the shocked crowd and then worked her way up to the throne to retake her seat.

A man from the back of crowd yelled out, "This is outrageous! You can't control us all!"

"Can't I? What you just saw, I could do to all of you in a matter of seconds. While you stand before me I could make you my slaves. With a thought and a word." She stared at the group of men. "However, I have different plans to ensure that you serve me far beyond the times spent here in Linea."

Queen Alana clapped her hands and twenty-five more Royal Guards entered the room. "Gentlemen!" Queen Alana said with a flourish of her hand, "Let me introduce you to my Royal Guards. These gorgeous women will be assigned to you and your kingdoms as my diplomatic officers. Each of you will work with them to," she laughed, "facilitate better communication between our peoples. Each one of them has been "Blessed" by me personally. Do you know what that means?"

"Yes! It's your sorcery!" One man cried out.

"No, no. It's not sorcery," she responded lazily, "They are 'Blessed' through a diluted form of Linean Strongroot..."

"Linean Strongroot?" Another interrupted, "How dare you violate our most sacred laws!" He pointed at Alana, "She must be killed or she'll...."

"Silence!" Queen Alana yelled across the chamber, her voice drilling into the men. She whispered quietly, "You will listen to me or you will die here. I can make you lust after death and fall upon your swords as quickly as you would lust after my body."

The men quieted down, expressions of helplessness on their faces.

"Excellent. I see that you understand. You see," she said standing up and pacing in front of her thrown, "I am not like other rulers. Whereas other rulers, mostly men, would use pain and terror to enact their will, I believe in using reward and pleasure to enact mine. I found that it is so much better to be loved than feared." She ran her hands down her body, "To be desired."

She stopped pacing and sat down again. "With that thought in mind, and as I was saying, each of them has received my 'Blessing'. Each of them has ingested diluted Linean Strongroot laced with my essence. Through them, you will service ME. They will ensure your loyalty and your desire to serve me when you return home to your cities. Of course, some of you will have to make new living arrangements to accommodate your new personal aids, but I believe, that in the end, you'll be quite pleased with it all. " She smiled and then nodded toward the blacked dressed Royal Guards in the chamber. "Ladies, if you will introduce yourselves..."

With Queen Alana's command, the Royal Guards, each one beautifully tall and athletically muscled, approached one of the foreign leaders. The men, nervous and unarmed, cried out in terror and rushed toward the large double doors at the end of the chamber.

Queen Alan laughed. "Run if you must. Hahahaha! But you belong to me!"

As the men trampled over each other to reach the doors, more of Queen Alana's Royal Guards, attired in blue cloaks, folded hats, and brown uniforms, blocked the doors with swords drawn. The men, now corralled, turned, and watched as a line of Queen Alana's black dressed Royal Guards slowly approached them from behind.

The women in groups of twos and threes, their pheromones wafting in the air, quickly reached out and grabbed struggling men desperately trying to escape. Using their superior strength, the women subdued the men, many of whom called out their undying love to their wives and mistresses, by giving them pheromone laced, open-mouthed kisses. Once kissed, the chemicals in the women's saliva was instantly absorbed into a man's bloodstream and nervous system, giving Queen Alana absolute control over their actions through their assigned Royal Guard. Once kissed, the men were transformed, looking upon the Royal Guards and Queen Alana with lust, desire, and unwavering devotion.

Excellent, Alana thought. My power over nations continues to grow. With these converts, and the governments I will create, I will command the world and usher in a new age.

Queen Lana stood up from her thrown and looked over the gathering. "Kneel before your Queen. Kneel before your Empress." The men, eyes locked onto Alana, knelt deeply.

"Excellent. You belong to me now body and soul. You may all go. May you bring me glory."

****************************.....

The giant marketplace of Linea had changed drastically since Jaina had gone missing. Where once there had been wooden carts gathered in a dusty open area, there now stood elaborate fountains, lush foliage, and giant marbled pillars supporting sweeping architecture.

Well, I have to give Alana credit, she sure made Linea a power to be reckoned with. Jaina thought as she moved her small form through the crowd of people.

"Hear ye! Hear ye! Queen Alana bolsters alliance with the Conqa Merchants! Merchants wish to join Linea! Come and get it!" A small boy cried next to a cart of pulpy paper.

"I'll take one!" Jaina called out as she approached the boy. "Here's a Linean farthing."

"Why thank you. May the blessings of Queen Alana be upon you." The boy smiled.

"Yeah, sure, whatever." Jaina grumbled back as she walked away.

Looking down at the brown paper, Jaina read silently:

In a magnificent move from Queena Alana, may she be forever blessed, the Conqa Merchants have taken steps to strengthen their ties with Linea in our war against the Manarans. The Conqa Merchants, some of the most powerful merchants in the Western Dominances, requested stronger ties to Linea following an official meeting with Queen Alana last week. This stronger alliance will bring more wealth and opportunity to both Linea and those cities connected to Conqa trade. More incredibly, several of the more important Conqa merchant families, have begun to ask that Queen Alana declare herself Empress and create a Linean Empire joining the allied cities and Linea.

Queen Alana, perfect in form and wisdom, was modest regarding these proposals and said that she would ponder the possibilities. She said that her first concern remains the people of Linea and their wellbeing. Regardless, the Kingdom of Linea continues to reap great rewards and benefits from Queen Alana. May the heavens above continue to bless our beautiful Queen.

In other news, a mysterious malady has struck down and killed eight wives from the ruling families of the Conqa Merchants last week. Court alchemists dispatched from Queen Alana have found.....

"I hate that woman." Jaina snarled and crumpled the paper in her hands. "All I ever hear anymore is Queen Alana this, Queen Alana that. It's ridiculous. She has everything..."

Like my Jhar, she thought sadly. How I miss you.

Behind her the voice of a Herald called to the thousands of market goers through a giant cone which amplified his voice. "Hear ye! Hear ye! Queen Alana, may she be forever blessed..."

"May she be forever blessed!" Thousands cheered.

The Herald continued, "Queen Alana will hold a 'Festival of Lights' two weeks from now to celebrate our new alliance with the Conqa Merchants in our war against the bloodthirsty Manarans. Citizens are to decorate their homes in the coming days and Linean district communities will hold nightly festivals throughout the week, culminating in Queen Alana Grand Masquerade Ball...."

The crowd cheered!

How can I compete with a woman who has such devotion? My parents are even afraid of me now. I have no one. Jaina thought sadly.

"This year, Queen Alana will select fifty average Linean citizens to dine with her at her majesty's palace for the Grand Masquerade Ball. To enter, please visit the Temples of Litar with your devotions and enter your name for the drawing. Good day to you all. May Queen Alana be forever blessed!"

"May she be forever blessed!" The thousands responded.

"Oh my, did you hear that?" Jaina could hear a couple of older women talk to themselves.

"I sure did. A chance to dine with the Queen herself!"

"Yes, yes. Isn't it fantastic? We must go to a Temple to enter our names. I'm so excited!" The women giggled as they worked through the crowd.

Hmm... Jaina thought. Perhaps I should put my name into this contest. I need to see Jhar one last time.

**************************************
"Ohhhhh Jhar... my little Jhar. That feels so wonderful." Alana moaned as Jhar rubbed his hands along her broad, muscular back. "Do you know how long I've needed this? Your touch electrifies me like lightening from the heavens Jhar. Mmmm..."

"I know Alana, it electrifies me too," he said, legs straddling her waist, his hands working on a knotted muscle over her scapula. "You are magnificent Alana. Magnificent."

"Oh Jhar, you say the most wonderful things to your Queen. Come lay down next to me." She patted the spot beside her. Jhar moved to do as she commanded.

When he was laying next to her, her eyes blinked luminously into his. She ran her fingers through his hair, and whispered softly to him, "I owe it all to you my love."

"To me? How?" Jhar responded, returning the gesture by running his hands through her hair, brushing back a silky strand of blonde hair which had cascaded down into her face. Magnificent, he thought. Simply magnificent.

"The Linean Strongroot Jhar. As you know it has powerful properties. In it's purest form, the form that I take, it brings on changes in the body...."

"Yes. I know, and you look incredible," he said tracing his hand down her spine and causing her to squirm in ticklish delight.

She smiled, "Oh Jhar." She shooed him away. "Seriously though. When I was at the High Academy at Chesterook, I worked in the Grand Library and found this scroll...."

"Do tell." Jhar prompted, his fingers running along her arm.

"This scroll was ancient Jhar. It was written by Morganna Lea during the Age of Wonders. In this scroll, it spoke of seven stars which fell to the earth across all of the known lands in existence and in the lands beyond the Dark Sea. It was said that one of these stars fell north of the Forlorn Mountains and that when it plowed into Ethereata, the Strongroot sprouted in its wake."

"Fascinating," Jhar said his eyes fixed upon Alana's form, enthralled with her voice.

"Anyways, traders brought the root back from the valley to Linea where the great mystics in the Age of Wonders studied it. According to the scroll, the Strongroot is most affective when it is coupled with a love bond. Its effect is even greater when one is married. For the men, it makes them go crazy as you saw with my father, but for the women, it has profound changes when a woman makes a marriage bond with a man, with his essence." She kissed Jhar smoothly on the lips, and he could feel himself rise in desire. "Like I have with you Jhar."

"And... and," he breathed heavily, "What will it do to you?"

"I don't know what its ultimate effects are. The scroll was burned at the bottom. I know that, when you and I make love, the changes occur faster in my body. I become stronger, smarter, and my power over others grows, becomes more potent." She said coldly.

He looked at her in concern. He hated hearing how others desired her. "You are also becoming more sexually aggressive. It troubles me Alana. You won't choose another, will you?"

Alana paused in thought. "Yes Jhar. I AM becoming more sexually aggressive. Sometimes I can't control myself. There so many men in this world and I...." She stopped, noticing Jhar's downcast expression. "My greatest changes require you and you alone. I love you."

Jhar was unconvinced. "But today in your throne room, the Conqa Merchant, ALL of the Merchants were enthralled by you. The way you grabbed that man and whispered to him. You desired him Alana. You wanted him."

She sat up angrily in bed. "You don't know what it's like Jhar! The power! This body! I can feel how they desire me. How they want me. I'm trying to control it but the temptation is always there! The power, the command over others is such a rush and I hunger for more.!" She yelled at him, frustration in her voice and tears were welling in her eyes.

Jhar reached up to touch her. "I know Alana. Perhaps if you stopped taking the Strongroot for a while you'd..."

"No! NO!!! I will not stop taking it Jhar. Look what it's given us! It's given me you."

"But Alana it's..."

She continued on, "The people are happy, cared for. Linea is strong and powerful. I am strong and powerful. I will not stop taking it." She breathed in out and several times, calming herself. "Jhar, even though I have powerful urges, I can control them. I know I can. I desire you. I love you. You are the one who has made all of this possible. With you by my side, I can conquer the world. They will desire me...."

"There you go again!" Jhar yelled. "It's all about you and what you want! Can't you hear yourself? You're drunk on power Alana. You lust for it and it's destroying you!"

"Oh Jhar, I... I'm sorry." She started crying. Jhar got up. "Don't leave me Jhar!" she reached out to him over the bed but he was out of her reach.

"I will leave you. This is madness Alana. You're destroying us. Do you know what it's like to know that the woman you love may begin to bed with others if she slips and stumbles? I can't take it anymore. I'm leaving until you come to your senses and you can't stop me." He turned toward the door and began walking.

She snarled in response, a hint of madness in her voice. "Oh? Can't I?" She closed her eyes and began to focus and the room began to feel different.

"Alana don't start this again..." Jhar said backing away.

"You think you can leave me Jhar? You can never leave me. Even if my body should falter and take another to my bed, my heart loves you Jhar and you belong to ME. You cannot go. I need you to complete my plans. I need you to see how much the Strongroot will change me. Resist me if you want, but I will not be denied. Now come to me." She whispered.

"Alana, I love you too but this isn't right. I'm not a slave, I'm a man."

"Yes. You are a man Jhar," she eyed his crotch hungrily and he could feel blood rush down there in response. "Come to me Jhar," she reached up and pinched a nipple. When she did so, her pheromones flooded the room from her increased arousal. "Come to me Jhar," she panted lustily, and slowly reached down to touch herself, her hands running over her sculpted ab muscles as they moved downward.

Jhar, against his will, felt his body betray him as he took one step toward Alana, and then another.

"Yes Jhar. I need you tonight. My body hungers for your essence." She reached over to the nightstand and pulled our her pouch of Strongroot.

"Alana....no... don't do it.." His voice trembled as his hands reached out to caress her.

She swallowed the Strongroot, her eyes instantly rolling backward. "Yessss Jhar... I need you tonight." She said as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down onto the bed. Her eyes were tinged with madness and lust.

"Alana, stop this! Please!" He pleaded as she moved on top of him. Using one hand, she guided him inside her. Once she was positioned over him, she held his arms down above his head, her hands clamped firmly around his wrists. Then her hips started to move slowly, her vaginal muscles working him expertly.

"You would resist this?" She snarled. "I am the most desired woman in a millennium and I give myself to you." She kissed him. "I command armies and move nations and you would resist this? One way or the other, you will serve me Jhar. As I bless others, I need the blessing of your essence to change and grow," she said aggressively as she sped up her hips. "That is how the bond works."

"Alana, please stop," he moaned, his body reacting to her movements.

"I feel it Jhar. I feel your body begging for release." She said as she speed up again. "Give it to me Jhar..."

"I will... I will...not..." Jhar screamed out.

"Give it to me Jhar... Tell me you love me!" She whispered loudly. "Come for me Jhar!"

"Can't hold...any... loonger..." Jhar cried out.

"Yes.. I feel it... I feel it..." Alana cried as her body, dripping in sweat, rode him vigorously. She leaned down and whispered to him. "Give it to me. Do it now Jhar. Show me you love me."

With a final cry, Jhar released himself into her and watched as the familiar change began to affect her body. "Oh Jhar! I feel it! The warmth inside of me. It's so intense!" She breathed heavily as she lay her head on his chest, him still inside of her. "Already I feel like I have more control. More power. It's incredible." As she whispered, Jhar could feel heat radiate from her body and the familiar sensations of her musculature shifting, inflating, giving her more size and power. Her erotic scent filled the air, more potent than ever.

When the process was done, Alana rolled off of him and held him closely. "You belong to me Jhar Helar." She whispered in his ear. "With you by my side, the world will soon be mine as well."

When Alana had fallen asleep Jhar Helar turned over to his side and wept silently.

The last thoughts before he finally fell asleep were of his last moments with Jaina.

********************************************

The moonlight from the twin moons of Laken and Frost hovered overhead as Jaina leaped from rooftop to rooftop in the rich Merchant's Quarter. Dressed in flowing dark gray robes, complete with hood, she blended in with the night sky and the shadows that stretched across the city as she leapt. Reaching her destination, she could see the torchlight from the ever present Royal Guards as the athletic women kept constant vigil over Linea.

There it is, Jaina thought as she noted the Merchant Guild house where vast stores of Linean coin were held. My ticket into the Grand Masquerade Ball.The building, recently constructed, was a dazzling marble structure, complete with giant pillars at the top of it's enormous steps. In the center of the building, a large circular rotunda completed the structure.

"Now if I can just find a way in. I can steal what I need."

Taking another quick leaps across the buildings, she finally landed on top of the Merchant Guild house. As she landed, she noticed the enormity of the rotunda, the lack of windows, and the thickness of the marble material.

Damn it! I'll never get into here. I'm strong, but this place is impossible. I must think of another way to get what I need.

"You there!" A Royal Guard's voice called down below. "Get that cart to the loading dock!"

Jaina followed the direction the woman and her ten companions were motioning to and noticed a large wooden cart, pulled by two large oxen, and attended to by five men in dark red Linean Naval uniforms, approach cross the square.

"Lieutenant Smith of her majesties Royal Navy reporting." A man snapped, his fist over his heart in salute. "We are here to take shipment 356 to the city of Conqa for the new merchant's alliance." He said thrusting out a waxed scroll for the Royal Guard to look at.

"Very well Lieutenant Smith. The loading bay is back there. Bring the cart around and we will load the coin and follow you down to the docks."

"Yes ma'am. Gentlemen, if you would bring the cart around please. Keep your sabers at hand and beware of brigands they may..."

"Lieutenant, you have nothing to fear. My Royal Guards are excellent. Everything will be fine." She smiled down pleasantly at him. Clearly, his height, slim build, firm features, and blond hair pulled back into a queue under his red tricorn hat impressed the Royal Guard.

"Uh..er.. yes ma'am." The man blushed slightly and then composed himself. "You will also be joining us at sea is that correct?"

"Yes. The Queen wants to make sure that this shipment reaches it's destination."

"Yes ma'am. We would be honored to have you. When we return to the ship, you and the Royal Guards will be given quarters beneath the Quarter Deck."

Jaina, having jumped down from the rooftop, watched concealed from the shadows as the five men worked to lift the heavy wooden chests of Linean coin into the back of the cart in the torch light. As they did, the first Royal Guard, a tall athletic, brunette, picked up last chest, weighing nearly 200 lbs and slid it into the back of the cart with the other five chests.

While the navy men tied down the chests, the Royal Guard approached Lieutenant Smith. When she was close, she reached up her arm and touched him on the chest. "You are a fine one. Perhaps when this delivery is done and we begin our voyage, you could provide further service to the Queen through Guard's rest?"

The other men stopped what they were doing and looked over at Lieutenant Smith, their jaws open in disbelief. The ten Royal Guards around him giggled quietly.

"I uh... uh...." Smith stammered.

"Oh, don't be so bashful Lieutenant. I promise not to take you from your duties at sea. I'm sure that after a long day in the sun that would be most," she leaned forward and brought her lips to his ear, pulling it gently downward with her teeth, "Enjoyable." She kissed him before backing away.

"Perhaps ma'am but I'm...."

"Oh Captain Bri, let the man do his duty. Can't you see you have him hoisting a sail?" One of the Guards laughed as she noticed the constriction in Smith's white breeches. The other women joined in.

"Yes. You're right. We will talk about this later." She winked at Smith and then turned around. "Let's get this cart to the docks. Move it!"

The cart began rolling down the empty streets in the darkness...

****************************************************

"There is the wharf ma'am. The ship that this load will be transferred to is at dock B-17. It's three masted vessel. Let me send one of my men forward to get everything in order." Lieutenant Smith said from his seat upon the cart. The other men, dressed similarly in red coats stared forward in silence.

"Very well Lieutenant." Captain Bri nodded as Lieutenant Smith whistled at one of his men who ran ahead along the wooden wharf. She looked up at the Lieutenant and smiled. "I believe that when we set out to sea that you'll really enjoy my company and..."

"Captain, we're here. Something is not right." One of the Royal Guards called behind her as the cart rolled up in front to a ramp in front of the ship which was normally quiet.

Captain Bri scanned the scene for a moment very intently and then spoke to the Lieutenant, her eyes still fixed ahead. "Lieutenant, is this the right ship?"

Smith jumped down, his hand on his saber. "Yes ma'am. I don't know what's going on. There should be men bustling. Let me take my men and investigate."

Smith nodded to his men and began to walk forward when Captain Bri's hand stopped him.

"Wait. We will investigate this together. Guards, draw your swords and be ready for anything." She looked back at Smith. "Lieutenant, you and your men follow behind us. Go." She commanded. They slowly climbed up the gangplank and onto the vessels deck.

Captain Bri scanned around again and then motioned quietly, hand-signaling two of the Guards to check below, two to fore, and two to aft. The remaining four stood near her on the deck. The only sound in the darkness was the slight sound of the breeze on the partially reefed sails and the creak of the vessel as it rode on the waters in the bay.

"Now!" Lieutenant Smith shouted his saber held at the ready.

From below deck came a deep rumbling as feet from dozens of men rushed up onto the main deck before the Royal Guards had managed to get below. From above, men, who had hidden in the reefed sails, descended quickly down the deck to surround the Royal Guards.

"Guards to me, defensive square!" The Royal Guards ran across the deck toward Bri. A pair of the Guards, blocked by men brandishing weapons, did flying somersaults over them, landing gracefully and nimbly on their feet, taking up positions in Captain Bri's defensive square. "What is the meaning of this Lieutenant! This is treason!" Captain Bri yelled at Smith.

Smith emerged from the group of men, taking off his red naval coat as he did so. "Treason?" He laughed heartily. "My beautiful Captain Bri, this is not treason. I serve the Kingdom of Manara. Captain Hawke is my name." He bowed roguishly at the waist, "I'm with the Manaran Navy's Clandestine wing and you're on His Majesty's ship, the War Sparrow." His men cheered. "Now my dear, you have two choices. You can surrender, and we will take you back peacefully to Manara, or you can fight to the death."

Captain Bri laughed aloud. "Foolish man. Do you know what we're capable of? Do you have any inkling of the power that each of us commands? I alone could snap ten of your men into twigs or shed their blood on my blade within seconds."

"Surely you jest ma'am we've heard stories you prowess but the Linean army hasn't been able to..." Hawke started and then was cut off.

"Men," Captain Bri snarled. "The bulk of the Linean army is composed of weak men. You have yet to face the full might of Linea and her majesty's Royal Guards." She flipped her blade into the air and caught it deftly by the pommel in an impressive display of showmanship. "Soon, you will and Manara will fall. Royal Guards! Attack!"

The women, surged outward like a snake striking at dangerous prey, their sword blades cutting into flesh and cutting down men who were unprepared for the speed of the Royal Guard's assault. Within seconds, twenty of the men lie bleeding on the deck, their entrails and limbs spread about. As quickly as the attack struck, the Royal Guards returned to their square once again.

"Attack men!" Hawke yelled out to his men who were frozen in terror. "Attack or they'll kill us all!" He charged forward, the six men from the cart following in his wake. With his battlecry, the other men took heart and surged forward.

As before, the defensive square cut down dozens of men but the sheer rush of men, numbered at nearly one-hundred hands, bore down on the Guards breaking their formation. The battle became a rout as the both sides hacked at each other.

The Royal Guards, their swordsmanship honed to perfection, killed and maimed nearly all comers. Men, desperate, hacked away as best as they could only to find their blades met with steel and driven back by the sheer strength that these women possessed. The Royal Guards flung out fists and feet which sent men sprawling to the deck with broken ribs, skulls, and faces.

They were nearly unstoppable.

After nearly forty Manarans dead, only three of the Royal Guards had gone down. The Manarans, becoming panicked began to move lose ground upon the deck, being forced into tighter and tighter confines.

Hawke, fighting with two other men, had just managed to bring down one of the three Royal Guards when Captain Bri rushed upon him, her blade a flury of motion, which he barely managed to counter as she drove him away from his men, cutting him off.

"My Captain, you're very skilled with a blade." Bri smiled at him, speaking and moving effortlessly as she toyed with him. "I'm very impressed."

Hawke, heaving with exertion, breathed out. "I'm just full of surprises." He moved backward up a small set of steps on the forecastle, grabbed a rope, and launched himself quickly at her knocking her sword out of her hand before she could severe one of his legs.

As her sword was knocked away from one hand, she reached up with the other before Hawke could reach the full arch or circular swing, and pulled him down to the deck. Hawke fell hard, his sword rolling away out of his reach.

Captain Bri straddled him at the waist, holding his arms down. "Oh Captain. I have you right where I want you. Too bad you're a Manaran, this position would be much more pleasant for you right now." She squeezed her thighs, causing Hawke to yell out in pain. "You could have served me but I'm afraid you'll have to die."

"ARRRRGGH!!" Hawke screamed as her strong legs squeezed him again.

"Mmmm.... This is probably the best kill I've ever had." She smiled down at him. "Prepare to die Captain..."

A fist struck out, sending Captain Bri down to the deck. Hawke, clearing his eyes of the red flashes of pain which had afflicted him just moments ago, looked up at a figure concealed by a grey hooded cloak. The figure, from where he lay, loomed over him and thrust out a hand.

"Here. Get up." The female voice said, pulling him easily up.
When Captain Hawke was up, he realized that he toward over the figure. Is that a woman? He shook his head quickly and looked down at the unconscious Captain Bri. He looked the short figure again. "How did you...?"

"No time for that now. Your men are losing." She turned and ran away into the fray.

When Jaina reached a couple of the Royal Guards, she jumped up into the air, her booted heals and legs, striking out at the temples of two female Royal Guards simultaneously, sending them sprawling to the ground. When they were down, the Manarans in front of her sat in bewilderment.

Jaina screamed, "Finish them! They will kill you if you don't!" The men moved to run their swords through them.

Jaina, eyeing two more Royal Guards cutting through a swath of men, picked up a fallen saber and launched it one of the Royal Guards. The blade rammed into the Guard's back up to the protective bulbous hilt and the woman turned, blood flowing from her mouth. Before she could complete the turn, Jaina was upon her and quickly pulled the blade out of her and swept it up in a rising arch, to severe the arm of her Guard companion who was in the process of delivering a killing stroke to downed man. Disarmed, and surrounded, the Royal Guard killed two more men before finally being run through.

That's almost all of them Jaina thought before feeling a tremendous weight plow into her, taking her off of her feet.

"I'll kill you! You bitch!" Captain Bri yelled above Jaina, her fists plowing into the back of Jaina's head and neck. Bri, after a few blows, pulled down Jaina's neck, grabbed her hair, and rammed Jaina's head into the wooden deck, sending blood out of Jaina's nose and mouth.

Must get up Jaina thought weakly as the pain rushed through her body. Will die... Jhar.

"Die! Die!" Captain Bri screamed in rage as she continued her attack.

"Ugh..." Bri let out, as a blade thrust through her chest, it's silver color gleaming in the moonlight. She toppled over, dead.

Hawke, pulled his blade out and knelt down to Jaina, rolling her over gently and cradling her head in his lap, he asked softly, "Are you okay? Please, talk to me." His hands pulled Jaina's black hair from her eyes.

Jaina coughed, blood spurting into the air. "I'll..."
Another cough went up, this time met by a white handkerchief which Hawke held to her. "I'll be okay. Are they dead?"

"Yes." He said looking at the carnage. "I've lost nearly sixty men, but they're dead. Thank you for your help."

Jaina sat up, her body already healing the damage done to her face.

"Who are you?" Hawke asked.

"I'm no one." Jaina responded as a Hawke stared at her quizzically. "What?" She blushed.

"Your, your face! It's healing!" Hawke said has he watched the bruises on her face recede and her broken nose slowly reform itself.

"Oh that." Jaina giggled, "Nothing to be worried about." She stood up, Hawke rising as well. She looked up at him. My, what an attractive man. She blushed again before speaking. "I need some of that Linean coin Captain. Can you spare 100,00 since I saved your life?"

"Uh, sure. Men!" he turned, "Two canvas bags quickly! Get these men down to the doctor." He said pointing to the injured. "Also, man the capstan and lets get that anchor pulled up. I want you out of here within the hour. Commander Exilim will take you back to Manara. You'll have to do burial at sea for the all the brave men who died today."

"And you sir?" A voice called from the deck.

"I have to remain. I am a spy after all." A man ran up with two canvas bags. He looked down at Jaina. "I believe these will do," he said as he handed them to her. When his hands touched hers he felt a warmth rush through his body.

Jaina blushed again, feeling it too. "Yes." She moved over to one of the large chests and opened it, filling her bags with precious coin. When she had it filled up, she stood up on her toes and pulled down Hawke with her strength, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Captain." Then she turned and lept onto the wooden wharf, disappearing into the shadows within a matter of seconds.

Hawke watched her go. "What is up with these strong women?" He said as he rubbed his neck where his shirt had pulled at him when Jaina had pulled him down for her kiss. "I swear, they're going to kill me."

*************************************
Captain Sara, after nearly three days of desk duty and paperwork following her incident with the mysterious woman the week before, had finally reached the end of her shift for the week. Scooting in her ornate wooden chair, and blowing out the candles which she had been working by, she left the Guard office she had been working in.

I need to rest, to replenish my strength. I require a man. she thought to herself as she made her way through the gleaming white corridors to a station attended by two more Royal Guards who saluted her and let her pass into the dormitories of the Royal Guards.

In the space of a few minutes, Captain Sara quickly changed out of her clothes and put on a body hugging black dress which accentuated the lean muscular curves of her body. Running her fingers through her long, luxuriously dark and curly hair a few times, she applied red Linean oil to her lips and puckered them a few times. After doing a few turns in the mirror she stopped and stared at herself. I was nothing before the Queen's Blessing. Now look at me. I'm strong, tall, and beautiful. No man can resist me.

There was knock at her door. "Sara?" A woman's voice called, her friend Captain Kellia "Are you ready for Guard's Rest?"

Sara walked over to the door and opened the door and smiled at Captain Kellia, a tall brown haired woman also dressed in the body hugging black dress that was standard attire for Royal Guard's on "Guard Rest." She giggled slightly, "Yes. Yes I am. Let's go."

She closed the door behind her.....

************************************************

As Captain Kellia and Sara walked across the city to the "Long Glass", a high class tavern in the Market district, they could feel the eyes of average citizens fixed upon them in the early light of evening. Where they walked men's eyes followed and women watched with a jealous, yet envious eye.

"It's been so long since I enjoyed a man," Kellia said playfully as they walked through the market.

"Ha! Kellia you had Guard's Rest last week. That's not long ago. In fact, if I recall correctly, you didn't just have a man, you had two." Sara laughed.

"Yes, well, I have my appetites and this body," she ran her hands down over her breasts and down to her hips, "Needs so much attention." In the distance they heard a large piece of pottery drop followed seconds later by the protestations of woman yelling at a man to pay attention and compensate her for his clumsiness. "Have you ever been with two at once?"

"Um, no," Sara responded sheepishly.

"Ha! You should try it. It takes a lot of concentration but the rush of energy flowing into your body is incredible!" Kellia beamed.

"Yes well, I find that it's best to be with one man at a time." Sara sighed, "If only I could still be with Aarin. If only he hadn't died..."

"You're still going on about your young love eh?" Kellia said seriously. "He died of Marsh fever. Sad to say it but we all must move on with our lives. Besides, Look at you!" she said cheerfully. "You can have any man you want! You have strength. You have beauty. You have power and influence. Besides, you know the price of the Queen's Blessing. We must not create a marriage bond with a man. That is the law." She patted Sara on the shoulder, "Besides, I think you like the price of the Queen's Blessing, and" she looked Sara up and down appraisingly, "The payoff. I know I do."

Sara burst out laughing. "You're right. You're right. I do. I do. I want more."

Kellia stopped in the street and looked above her at the flapping tavern sign. "Well, you'll get more. If we keep serving the Queen proudly and she'll continue to reward us. Not only with lands and title, but with more changes from her Blessing." She looked at Sara again and winked. "Oh, here we are. Are you ready?" Kellia asked.

"Just a moment." Sara said as she closed her eyes. With her eyes closed, Sara breathed a few deep breaths and concentrated. She breathed in and focused inwardly, feeling heat slowly build up between her legs. When she breathed outwardly, she could feel chemical reactions ignite in her body, the first precursors to the release of potent pheromones which would attract and allure a man waiting beyond the door.

"Okay. I'm ready." She smiled to Kellia who was waiting to push through the swaying doors. "Let's go."

"Yes. Let's..." They stepped inside.

As they stepped inside, the usual music and conversation stopped for a moment as the men of the tavern sat and stared at the beautiful women who entered the tavern.

"Men of Linea. We are with Queen Alana's Royal Guards."

"Blessed be the Queen!" the tavern goers chanted, glasses raised.

Sara smiled, "And we are here for Guard's Rest."

With those words, the conversation stopped and the tavern became silent. The only sounds that could be heard in the silence were the exasperated gasps and dropped drinks from the announcement.

Excellent, Sara thought. I can smell their desire, their lust, and their fear.

"Do not be alarmed. As you know, being chosen for Guard's Rest is a great honor." Kellia said to the tavern goers as she scanned the bar. "You women," she pointed to a small cluster of women, territorially guarding their men, "May go now. Your men, should they be lucky enough to be chosen, will be returned to you after their service to Linea," she added as the women, giving vicious glances at Sara and Kellia, flooded out of the door.

Yes. They will be returned to you ladies, Sara thought, But they will long forus for the rest of their lives.

"Now, it is time to choose." Kellia spoke softly, as she and Sara walked around the room. As they walked, they slowly concentrated on the chemical reactions of their bodies, releasing more pheromones into the air. Men stared at them in desire, many of them clearly showing their lust through their now constricted breeches.

"Do you want me?" Sara breathed on the neck of one man who had droplets of sweat running down his forehead. "How about you?" She quickly turned to another and ran her fingers down his face. The man, attractive, blond, tall and athletic tried to resist her.

"I. Am. Married." He forced out at her touch.

"Married?" she said, a mocked expression of pout on her face. "Married?" She laughed sensuously. "Do you think that matters to me? I am a Royal Guard, blessed by Queen Alana herself in defense of the Kingdom. You will serve the Queen." She ran her fingers through his hair and brushed his lips softly with her own. "You will serve me..."

The man shook, "I will... I will... not."

"Captain Kellia, have you chosen?" Sara said looking across the tavern to Kellia.

"I have Captain Sara. I have chosen." Kellia answered her, two tall, athletic men, following behind her.

Sara turned back to the blond man. "Will you come?"

"N...n...noooo. I. Will. Not." He forced out.

"Ooo baby. I think you will." She said as she reached around him and put him into a sleeper hold. His body slumped into unconsciousness within seconds and she easily draped him over her shoulder.

"Let us return to the Keep. This man intrigues me." Sara said.

****************************************************

Sacrifice

Lonebeatle — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:21:05 +0000

Been a while since I posted a tale anywhere here's one I did long ago, a slight edit to expurge old typos, please enjoy and I might post another later.

Lonely in the middle of the vast deserted plain a single hill raised alone, painted on deep reds and browns showing patches of rocks here and there on its scarry weathered surface not giving the slightest hint of shadow to the few critters crawling on the heated rocky ground trying to survive under the inclement sun.
A trail like a scar crossed the rocky surface climbing the height of the hill up to the top naked from all rocks and debris, the ground polished by thousand of years of rain and sun, there, rising one besides another withstanding the elements with equal sturdiness two pillars of stone carved with strange signs and symbols that told an unknown story as the true meaning of those figures was long lost but the chains attached to the hard surfaces were more recent that the two pillars, the links with thick cuffs shone reverberating under the heat holding blank, calcinated bones.
The path that marked the hillâ€™s side rode back across the desertic plain heading to the East, itâ€™s extent almost straight showed a obscure point on the vibrating horizon, a dot that soon became a line as it approached to the lonesome hill, canticles sounding on the distance as a row of people approached their destiny uttering praises and psalms to their god.
-Barak, Barak! â€“
The procession slowly began to climb the hard angle of the hillâ€™s side to the pillars waiting on the top, the line ascended slowly at the rhythm of their canticles as they began to light small pipes beginning to incense the way up, wrapped on the same white clothes on different designs but mostly the same style the prayers didnâ€™t seem to notice the heavy sun beating the earth like a blacksmithâ€™s hammer.
Amidst the preaching crowd of poorly dressed peasants was a quartet of men dressed with long white robes, high hoods darkened their faces as they pulled-carried a slim figure clad only with a simple white drape across the chest and hips to cover the essential places of the young brunette woman that struggled weakly from time to time trying to break free from her holders.
As they reached the top the group spread around the pillars on a circle some extending their arms to the blazing sky, others balancing the incense till a small cloud dressed the hillâ€™s top; the quartet of tall priests then walked in the middle of the circle facing the tall stones before which the girl renewed her attempts to break free from the sleek but strong arms of the white-clad men, as she tried to loosen those iron grips the two that werenâ€™t holding her stepped forwards to unchain the bony remains that laid and hung from the links and then they forced the girl upwards to enclose her wrists on the metal bands followed by her ankles, that way her svelte body was left hung from the pillars with her limbs wide open in mid air.
The burning metal seared her skin, the girl howled in pain.
-Noooo!! Let me gooo! â€“
But no one paid attention to her screams as they continued their monotone canticles like a nagging bee swirling among them, over and over; she pleaded, cried, demanded to be free but her words fell on deaf ears as the ceremony continued, one by one the priests advanced to invocate their god as the rest sang.
-Oh mighty Barak we offer you this sacrifice to your great glory, may your omnipresent clemency allow us to live another year worshipping you, oh mighty Barak we offer this virgin girl to you!!! â€“
Again and again each of the four principal men did the same ceremony, raising their arms to the flaming sun above them offering the innocent girl to their blood thirsty god, dances and reverences from the acolytes joined the pleas with savage joy believing that Barak would gave them peace and prosperity in exchange of the girlâ€™s life.
-Noooo! I donâ€™t want to die!! â€“ She yelled squirming on her boundaries.
But the Prime Priest, the last one to say the dedication, turned to her after saying his psalm with a wicked grin on his deep wrinkled face that showed the stained, buckled teeth as he blessed her for being the present for their god; she turned her face away disgusted by the rotten breath of the prime Priest knowing too well why she had been chosen, not that the ones before her were willing victims.
-You, pure, innocent La, will be the vehicle for Barakâ€™s blesses bringing happiness and prosperity to your people, may Barak give you sempitern happiness at his side-
She spitted on his face, fury boiling in her guts.
â€“You serpent!! You donâ€™t want me for your cruel god, you want me for you!! â€“ She tried again to break free from her links.
The priest smiled viciously cleaning the spit from his face before painting the soft skin of her face with it tracing symbols on her anger reddened cheeks, she reddened insulted but the priest didnâ€™t paid attention to the glow in her eyes as he retired, still smiling.
-Youâ€™ll pay, scum, I swear for Tanit that Iâ€™ll get you-
His smile turned even more evil as he hissed in her ear, away from the rest.
â€“If Barak doesnâ€™t takes you first, I will-
Tears of fury filled her eyes as the man turned to say the last part of the ceremony, everyone raising their arms on the last plea to their god and then ceremoniously they formed the procession again beginning their descend from the hillâ€™s scarred side back to their distant village, there, alone on the top under the burning sun the girl was left alone to face her death.

Now alone, the girl began to feel the effects of the heat coming from above, irradiating from the mighty sun and scolded ground she began to sweat profusely drenching the flimsy fabric that clung to her young body outlining the soft curves of her chest and hips; she felt that the chains were red hot as the shade of the pillars just passed inches away denying her the comfort of a shadow, for the girl time seemed to stop.
Dangling there between the stones thoughts passed in her mind, memories of her family, her childhood, friends and neighbors that so suddenly had turned against her because the beliefs on a blood-thirsty god that supposedly gave abundance to the village; tears rolled when she remembered that fateful day five years ago when her older sister Mi had been taken to that same horrible place to die for Barak.
-Damn you Barak! I spit a thee!! â€“ She yelled on top of her lungs â€“Iâ€™ll die cursing your name, demon!! â€“
She remembered what her sister had told her the last day they saw each other, minutes before the Prime Priest came with his acolytes to take her away from home, their parents too afraid to oppose to the powerful man that rule the village by fear.
â€œDonâ€™t be sad Laâ€ Mi said â€œIâ€™m not going to my death, Iâ€™m going with Tanitâ€
â€œBut I donâ€™t want you to leaveâ€ The 13 year old girl cried, hugging her older sister.
â€œI have to, for your safety and our parentsâ€™; donâ€™t cryâ€ The deer like eyes of Mi shone with tears seeing the pretty young face of her little sister â€œTanit will always care for you and so will I, remember thatâ€

Tanit.
That was the name of the former goddess of the village, years before those men arrived with the cruel cult to an unknown beast god they called Barak, a cult that brought fear and death to the otherwise peaceful villagers that had till then prayed to their loving, all-giving Tanit who provided them anything they needed and more.
But Den had changed all that reducing the village into a reign of terror, everyone have to yield what they produced to Den and his priests who each year took the most beautiful girl of the little town to sacrifice her to Barak on that lifeless cursed hill in the middle of the nearby desert, and Mi had been taken there to not be seen again.
-But she knew that Den wanted her for him and she refused, sealing her fate-
Indeed several of the girls that may be chosen as victims had mysteriously avoided such doing an unspoken but well-known â€˜sacrificeâ€™ of other type: surrender to the Priestâ€™s lust; La had refused, even insulted him and so before her motherâ€™s sorrow and her fatherâ€™s incapacity she had been taken away by the acolytes.
-Tanit! Please take me with you! Mi awaits for me oh my goddess-
The terrible heat was taking its toll on the weakened girl, the sweat drying on her reddened skin left white salty patches as her fluids diminished under the sun that still was shining with full force as it rode to the west; suddenly with a rush of frustration she writhed on her chains yelling to her invisible goddess.
-Tanit!! If thereâ€™s one thing I pray for is revenge!! Grant me revenge!!! â€“
Her body fell limp, balancing on the chains that kept her hung from the impassible stone pillars.

A small dot appeared on the sky, gaining size as it swirled around the sunâ€™s flaming disc obscuring its light more and more until it became a big gray cloud that spread, divided and grew taking away the light from the sky, more and more darkness fell as a cold wind began to flow from nowhere, its increasing force rocked the limp body on the chains making her dark hair dance.
Lights sparkled in the now obscure sky, deaf rumbles echoing on the clouds as lightnings occurred in the upper regions, feeling the sudden fresh air La recovered consciousness seeing how the atmosphere had changed with her tear-dried eyes when a soft voice came to her mind, speaking with a loving tone.
-â€¦Is that what you want?â€¦Revenge?â€¦â€“
-Yes!!! He killed my sister!! He wants me dead!! â€“
-â€¦Thatâ€™s selfishâ€¦Tanit donâ€™t seeks revengeâ€¦-
-Then what? â€“
-â€¦Your villageâ€¦it is submit to an evil godâ€¦needs freedomâ€¦-
-My villageâ€¦needs you, Iâ€™m lost already- Laâ€™s head hung over her chest, she was totally exhausted and barely breathing from all that time hanging with her arms wide open above her head.
-â€¦You called meâ€¦for nothing?â€¦youâ€™re defeated?â€¦-
-Iâ€™m lost alreadyâ€¦Iâ€™ll be with Mi soonâ€¦-
-â€¦But you wanted revengeâ€¦-
-Youâ€™re Tanit, the protector of my village, is your taskâ€¦- Her voice faded by moments.
A thunder fell on the hills side cracking the ground as the whole earth shook under its force.
-â€¦You let them sacrifice you to that sinful god?â€¦-
La didnâ€™t responded, she was trapped, what else she could do?
-â€¦If you sacrifice to meâ€¦-
-Iâ€™ll get revenge? â€“
-â€¦Youâ€™ll get freedomâ€¦for you and your peopleâ€¦you chooseâ€¦-
-Yes!! â€“
-â€¦You may not see your family againâ€¦nor live on your villageâ€¦-
-Iâ€™ll do itâ€¦- La was on the limit of her strength.

Den struggled against the wind as he approached the hill again, having left the village shortly after the procession returned there he had waited for everyone to go back to their homes before sneaking out from his temple, he had swore to himself that this girl wouldnâ€™t get away like the sister, he still didnâ€™t know what had happened to Mi since when he returned to satisfy his lust oh her young body she had disappeared from the hill of sacrifice so this time he planned to return there quickly before something else happened.
-Not that Barak will come for his sacrifice-
Den had come to that small town of simple, honest people to build his own cult to Barak, a fake god that only served to his purposes to get rich and have beautiful girls at his disposition, but those sisters had refused to be his and paid with their lives.
-Well at least this one will give me more than her life, soon- He stated, thinking at the sight of the obscured sun.
â€œIs getting cloudyâ€

A lightning fell near the pillars, then another, closer at the other side both shaking the body hung from the chains startling the helpless girl that thought that her fate was closer but who would take her? Barak or Tanit?
Suddenly the clouds heavy gray bellies parted and the mightiest of lightnings boomed through the air contacting the two stone pillars with its multiple rays that ran down the iron links to the body imprisoned by them.
-AAAAAHHHHH! â€“ She yelled in agony.
-â€¦Face your sacrificeâ€¦fulfill your destinyâ€¦-
Her body shook with the force of the thunder and when the light faded rain began to fall drenching the svelte smoking figure that felt revitalized for the fresh water drops and she happily opened her mouth to drink someâ€¦
-Arghâ€¦-
Her limbs had a dull aching for being extended for so long but now the pain increased to torture-like levels like if she was being pulled from the four sides trying to dismember her, like a ray the pain rushed over her joints going to her shoulders and hips to nest within her chest and belly making her whimper in agony again and thenâ€¦
Faint cracking sounds began to sound within her excruciated body, her bones began to lengthen and get stronger, extending towards the stone pillars that sustained her, slowly the flimsy clothes that covered her chest and hips started to drift as the body they covered grew more and more, the hips widening and the ribcage expanded along with her shoulders that looked more bony as her flesh was drawn taut across the growing body.
Her heart within the expanding chest fluttered like a caged bird and La thought that she would die right then from the intense pain and tremendous exertion over her poor heart that continued to pump blood all over her body, veins throbbing under the pale skin; suddenly she felt like if she wasnâ€™t hung anymore, her feet had found the ground under her and looking down with some effort she could see how her thin legs had extended till her toes touched the soil and still they brushed against the dusty surface as the feet grew longer and wider with each pump of her veins.
-Oooh-
The stabbing pain in her bones subsided but didnâ€™t went away, instead a pulsing ache began to emerge within her body and La gritted her teeth feeling how invisible fists punched every inch of her, it grew stronger with each jab of pain, her eyes tightly closed failed to see what was happening to her.
Fueled by the rushing blood her neck began to thicken, muscles and sinew straining under the skin as they pulsed outwards followed by the traps and shoulders rising as the tissue expanded and filled taking rounded shapes widening her shoulders even more, and they still grew, the swelling crept to her raised arms making the biceps and triceps billow, muscle fibers growing until the arms sprouted twin balls of power above and bulging horseshoes beneath as the forearms thickened with impressive force filling the links that imprisoned her wrists, her open hands gained size and strength too instinctively groping the chains that no longer held the growing arms above her rising head.
Now Laâ€™s feet were well positioned on the ground, her height easily over six feet and rising towards the sky, the upper chain places not too far now and her bulking arms slowly came lower and lower leveling with her expanded shoulders, so wide that they pulled the back muscles with them and then each muscle on there swelled, a deep groove appeared on the center as her back grew broad and thick framing the spine, those incredible lateral muscles stopped the arms from coming lower, so thick both muscles were that the triceps touched the sides of the body as it expanded further; finally, unable to stand so much pain La opened her eyes.
-Aah! Whatâ€™s happening? â€“
She struggled against her boundaries and her efforts began to deform the iron links attached to the stone that still held them like years before; the growing girl screamed frantic under the never ending agony, her ribcage began to pulse and crack before the massive growth of her back that now sported big defined muscles that narrowed to the still tight waist but as she bellowed her navel cramped inwards pushing her changing bowels against the stretched spine, it pushed out and faint lines appeared over her belly just to be sucked again and pushed back showing now clear defined bricks of muscle that hardened with each breath in and out, her eyes couldnâ€™t believe the way her body was being changed; striations formed upon her ribs, unknown muscles appearing to sustain the increasing mass of her body strengthening to allow her lungs to get all the air they needed to fuel the expanding physique, still the girl was growing, her chest exploded forwards, uncanning chest muscles becoming solid slabs of hard flesh pushing her young pert breasts before them and La then felt something she had never experienced.
Rosy and tender her little nipples hardened till she cried at the painful pleasure they brought, the new feeling burst inside her brain partially eclipsing the soaring pain of her swelling body, the immature tips throbbed before with a sudden stretch they blossomed, grew harder and longer, the areolas expanded from tiny discs to broad circles that turned light brown as they puffed turning into small hemispheres ample enough to fill her open mouth; it didnâ€™t stopped there, when the excited nipples matured upon the pert breasts the small cones began to quiver upon the pounding chest as the glands began to inflate, Laâ€™s legs bent with the erotic sensation and the cones rose to the sky as the young woman cried surrendered by the mixed sensations.
The flesh firmed as it ballooned, swelled stretching the delicate skin as the cones grew to cover the thick chest muscles, the cones lost their pointy shapes becoming rounder with each passing second the flesh added more and more mass and tissue to the increasing assets, the engorged nipples stiffened and the areoles spread more upon the billowing breasts that now were firm spheres upon the mighty girlâ€™s chest and when the light piece of cloth that had tightened to transparence snapped from her broad chest, their rounded masses shadowed the striated muscles of the lower body.
It wasnâ€™t over yet, La felt her legs set on fire and turn into molten lava and she fell only sustained by her huge arms, her gams had been engorging throughout the change, bones strong to support the now immense weight but still the muscles had to achieve the size and strength like the rest of the body and they did; the already ample hips seemed to expand when the ass muscles began to swell, like the breasts above in the front these muscles gained size, each expanding and filling the space till La had an incredible rounded, solid behind that tore the fabric that had maintained her modesty so far and her face still had enough blood to redden embarrassed when she felt the wind caress her obscure pubic hair.
-Oh pleaseâ€¦stopâ€¦- She pleaded but Tanit apparently havenâ€™t finished, her thighs expanded with several trusts, muscles bulking crazily like serpents under the skin, with might the growth increased their width only stopping at the knees just to continue in the calves below filling them like twin heart-shaped balloons that strained the flesh making the shinâ€™s sinew appear and thicken against the chains, the pulsing veins carried that power to her long but dainty feet that received such force to become sexy and muscled.
With a last, tremendous pulse that rocked her entire body the gigantic Amazon that had been the young girl called La tensed in a last growth spurt and her entire body bulged, swelled and hardened with unbelievable size as her veins throbbed giving the last bits of energy to her, her skin blushed at the last flow of blood taking a deep bronzed tan that replaced the usually creamy tone she had had all her life, her face contorted for one last moment and when she relaxed her features had matured into a beautiful womanâ€™s face with high cheekbones and fuller lips that let go another yell.
Exhausted, La hugged herself not noticing the iron chains breaking with such light effort from her, wrists unleashed from the twisted cuffs she tried to step away freeing her ankles from the last binds splitting like hairs tied to her shins but she couldnâ€™t take more than two steps before falling with a loud boom.
She lied there breathing heavily, semi-unconscious.

Den hurried to get to the hill, the sudden storm clouds were totally unexpected and untold on the knowledge of the nearby town, thunders and lightnings didnâ€™t made him feel better as he approached the lonely hill in the midst of the now dark desert.
-Must hurry, she can be dead now-
Hastily the priest climbed the path that scarred the hillâ€™s side as heavy raindrops began to fall from the sky, soon they multiplied and before Den could walk half of the distance he found himself soaked from head to toe, the imposing Priestâ€™s robes drenched loosing all its authority clung to the sleek manâ€™s figure but he didnâ€™t feel cold fueled by his lust, soon he would have that tender girl for himself.

-Laâ€¦La wake up-
-Uh? â€“ She slowly opened her eyes, the voice called again.
-La, get up girl-
It was sweet and cherish in its tone, like a mother; the girl stirred placing her hands under her face that was laying on the hard ground.
â€“Let me alone-
-No La, you had your wish and now is time to complete your sacrifice-
The voice firmed and unwontedly the girl rose on her arms, and stopped.
-My handsâ€¦-
They looked weird, big and strong but still feminine, her surprise augmented when she saw the sinewy forearms that supported them.
â€“Ah! â€“
La jumped on her knees, eyes posed on her arms seeing the moving masses on her arms, bunching and flexing as she moved them astonished, closing her hands she drew them closer creating a wave of muscle riding towards her swollen shoulders that striated as they tensed under her now bronzed skin.
-By Tanitâ€¦-
-Yes La, your goddess accepted your sacrifice-
-Who are you? â€“
La relaxed for a moment her mighty limbs, forgetting for a moment the round muscle that had blocked her sight upon her arms.
-You know me, my dear, I was waiting for you-
-Mi? Is that you? â€“
Tears shone on her deer like eyes, sliding to the ground, a raindrop fell near it.
-Yes La, I knew you would come and pleaded Tanit to grant you this power and now you must obey her commands-
-But Mi, where are you? â€“
-Iâ€™m with you La, hurry, here he comes! â€“
The voice vanished and the few raindrops become a heavy rain that bathed her body cleaning her smooth skin from the dust and dried sweat, La raised feeling the contained immeasurable power of her leg muscles bulging as they pushed the heavy body up and up, rivulets running a long distance from her long obscure hair down her thick neck flowing between the firm orbs of her chest, a cascade fell upon her broad back jumping over each pumped muscle before loosing itself between the deep crack of her ass; the valley of her carved belly let the rain flow down the downy bush on her crotch before separating to run over the pillars of her legs, cascading again on each bulge before reaching the ground.
The girl was now an Amazon of unmeasured power and beauty.

Den hurried his walk on the now muddy path, the rain and the wind worsened but he continued, just a bit more and he would getâ€¦there!
-What? Whereâ€™s she? â€“
The space between the pillars was empty, the chains shining under the rain held nothing.
-It canâ€™t be!! â€“
He ran to pick the twisted iron links from the ground.
â€“No one can escape from these chains!! â€“
Suddenly the rain stopped over him and he looked up and up, and up but he couldnâ€™t see beyond the huge breasts that stood proud over a thickly muscled chest, the nipples standing erect on the puffed circles of the areolas.
-You came to see how I was, Den, Prime Priest of Barak? â€“
The voice has deep but feminine, filled with sexy tones that made his loins stir.
-Who are you?! â€“ Den stood up on his rather tall height finding that he could only reach the very point of the enticing nipples, only then he could see the face of that giant woman that smiled at him as a ray of recognition shone on his mind.
-Laâ€¦-
-Yes Den, Tanit heard my pleas and now I will accomplish her will-
Her chest expanded with dreadful power and sexuality, menacing the puny priest that got stuck on his place.
-Tanit noâ€¦only Barak is the true oneâ€¦-
-No!!!- Her voice boomed â€“Tanit is the one and only and she wants you to pay for your bloody fanaticism-
Her impressive body advanced towards the horrified man who backed away only to stumble on the chains falling heavily on the muddy ground seeing the rain bathed Amazonâ€™s form glistening over him, her head passing the point where the upper chains were attached to the pillars.
-Tanit will decide your fate-
Her hand easily encircled his neck raising the soaked man without discernable effort, only her shoulder increased slightly, with the other hand she grabbed the chain and bind his right wrist, then the left, her strength closing the links like simple clay, that way Den hung not able to touch the ground with his feet.
-Your reign of terror is over Den-
La took a few steps back, her mighty body a perfect blend of muscle and beauty that glowed under the rain and lightnings.
â€“Go meet Barak, if he exists-
-Nooo! Donâ€™t leave me here!!! â€“
He screamed, yelled and cried as the gigantic woman turned and left him under the roaring rain at the mercy of her all-mighty goddess, as she descended the damned hill La ceased to hear him yell at her when a thunderous light stroke the hillâ€™s top, Tanit was served and Mi avenged.
-â€¦Remember your sacrificeâ€¦you may not return to your villageâ€¦-
-Yes my goddess-
-But Iâ€™ll be with you always, La- Her sisterâ€™s voice consoled her â€“Weâ€™ll serve Tanit for good-
-And justice- La smiled widely â€“Iâ€™ll need a guide too, Mi-
She walked to the West enjoying the now light rain pouring over the desert, everywhere plants appeared and bloomed bringing life back to the once dry ground, Tanitâ€™s providences making the land reborn, La was delighted with the miracle happening before her eyes, greater than the one given to her as she felt the intense power within her mighty limbs and great body, her breasts swayed firmly as she walked with long steps.
-Mi, I think I will need some clothes first-

The Star Stones (NSFW!)

captreyn — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:50:32 +0000

The Star Stones

Nestled in the highland valleys near the foot of the Forlorn Mountains, lay the small, walled village of Drakensir. The village, with a population of roughly 1,200 hundred people, complete with forges, stables, a small inn, and small wooden homes topped with straw and pitch, was covered in shadow as the dual moons of Laken and Frost slowly rose over the horizon. This motley collection of civilization on the edges of the Ather Empire was protected by a large earthen mound upon which sat the rough hewn, and pointed log walls collected from the nearby Draken Forest, complete with palisades and guard towers. Upon these walls, forty men from Drakensir Watch kept a lonely vigil as the night winds moaned over the lonely expanses.

Within the great hall of Drakensir, the villageâ€™s children had gathered for the festival of Wakenight to mark the end of harvest and the beginning of another cold winter. In Drakensir, as in all villages and cities across the Ather Empire, citizens told stories, ignited candles, and left out food for loved ones who had passed beyond the mortal realm. On Wakenight, the walls between the world of men and that beyond were treacherously thin. For Rayne Janetha, twenty-one summers old, Wakenight was a night of mystery and suspense as she watched Scathia, the villageâ€™s elder, weave her Wakenight tale.

â€œFour thousand years ago, on Wakenight, a star fell from the heavens and touched Ethereata and unleashing magic upon our world,â€ the old woman crowed in a cackled voice, as her wizened face, hunched posture, and the disheveled, wispy, white hair adorning her head swiveled over the crowd. Children cringed as Scathiaâ€™s scarred face, complete with an expressionless milky white, and sightless eye, and the piercing blue eye of her left eye, fell upon them.

â€œWhen the star fell upon our world, it split into seven pieces which men forged into the seven articles of power, the Star Stones. With them all, one could control the world. It was a time when chaos reigned between the empires of Ethereata as rulers and warlords sought control over our world. It was an age of fire. An age of the faithlessâ€¦â€

Scathia turned to look at Rayne who was guarding the Great Hall this Wakenight, and Rayne shivered as she felt Scathiaâ€™s expressionless white eye fall upon her, â€œOver time, the ancient empires learned how to unlock some of the power of the Star Stones. They ushered in age of awe and wonder. This Age of Wonders lasted for 2,000 years. Some of these ancients were worshipped as Godâ€™s as they unlocked mysteries and powers beyond imagining. Some of them fought for peace, and some, fought for control and brought the glittering age crashing down, unleashing Dark Magics which tore the world asunder and pierced the veil between worldsâ€¦â€

Like Wakenight Rayne thought as she crossed her arms.

â€œDuring the fall of the Age of Wonders, the Star Stones were lost and the Dark Age began.â€œ She paused for effect and Rayne felt as if a chill were sweeping into her bones. Scathia cotinued, â€œIn the darkness, some survived and arose anew to bring back some measure of law and light to our world. Our Ather Empire is one such nation that arose from the Dark. The last records we have of the Star Stones were from 500 years ago, when Jaina Warra, a young peasant from the Linean Marshes found the First Sky Stone and unlocked secrets which none had unlocked before. She declared herself a Goddess-Empress and unleashed a war of conquest on the land. As darkness fell, only the Ather Empire and Empress Hardyan stood in her wayâ€¦â€¦"

Rayne felt herself swept away in the story.

**********************************************
480 years ago

â€œGet to the keep!â€ Rianna Hardyan screamed from the large stone battlements which blocked Hellfire pass as rain and lightening flashed around her in the darkness. â€œWe must not let Jainaâ€™s army past! If she gets the third Star Stone, sheâ€™ll be able to unlock its power!â€ She reared her horse on its hind legs. â€œGo! Go! Hurry!â€

Rianna Hardyan, leader of the new nation of Ather, adorned in black chain armor that covered her chest, complete with helm, was beautiful as the lightening crashed around her. Her fair white skin, red hair, and green eyes watched as her army of 30,000 streamed past her to the high walls of Hellfire Keep behind her. In the distance, she could hear the howling hordes of Jainaâ€™s army as they marched in the mud, muck, and darkness on the heals of the Ather army.

â€œQueen Hardyan!â€ a man rushed up to her horse where she was mounted.

â€œYes, General Marten?â€ She answered as she kept her gaze focused on the distance. In between flashes of lightening, she could see Jainaâ€™s army approach. She looked down at him.

â€œThe Fourth Corp is still out there, they have 4,000 men left. Theyâ€™re facing heavy attacks to the south and are doing a running retreat. However, Jainaâ€™s armies are beginning to encircle them from behind. If we donâ€™tâ€¦.â€

â€œYes General Marten,â€ Rianna said cutting him off, her green eyes piercing him. â€œI know. You take the First and Second Corp and man Hellfire Keep. Use the siege engines and catapults to hammer the enemy. Get the first oil trench ignited so we can block her advance. Weâ€™ll need the room. Iâ€™ll lead a charge to the Fourth Corp using what remains of the Third Cavalry and make our way back here. Have men mount the East door to let us in Hellfire Keep when we return.â€

â€œBut my Queenâ€¦ surely you wonâ€™t lead the charge yourselfâ€¦.â€

â€œYes. I will. Do you think me weak General?â€ She smiled teasingly down at him as he looked up at her. He did a quick appraisal of her and noticed her muscular thighs, made visible by the clinging wet cloth of her black breeches, and the biceps and rippling muscles of her arms that were bare and glistening in the rain.

He smiled up at her. â€œSurely not my Queen. Ride with strength.â€

â€œTo you as well my love. Keep my chambers warm,â€ she winked at him. â€œThird Cavalry! Form up and follow me! Ride with Strength!â€

â€œRide with Strength!â€ her army yelled as she spurred her horse in the direction of the embattled Fourth Corp, 1,000 horse rushing behind her, their hooves rumbling over the wet earth.

â€œRide with Strength, my queen,â€ General Marten whispered, â€œCome back safely my love.â€

*************************************

From a slight rise overlooking the plains in front of Hellfire Keep, Jaina could see her massive armies overwhelm the Atherateran army as Queen Riannaâ€™s valiant soldiers but up a brave, but ultimately hopeless, defense.

â€œGoddess-Empress Jaina, the Atherateranâ€™s are moving their forces to the Hellfire Keep. We have their Fourth Corps on the run but theyâ€™re putting up a staunch fighting retreat,â€ a feminine voice whispered beside her. The voice, emanated from a tall, broad shouldered form, covered in long, black concealing robes, and a thick hood that covered her face in shadow. â€œWe are beginning our encirclement now,â€ the voice said looking at Jaina.

Goddess-Empress Jaina, ruler and master of the Ascension Empire sat upon her large war mount overlooking the moving mass of her army. â€œVery Good Sara,â€ she whispered. â€œSoon I will have the Third Star Stoneâ€™s power for my own. Nothing will stop me and my Empire from controlling the world.â€ She smiled seductively as she could hear Sara pant slightly in desire to the sound of her voice.

Through her hood, Sara sat in awe of Goddess-Empress Jaina and she could feel the power emanate from Jainaâ€™s small form. Though Jaina was a small woman, she sat regally on her mount, her back straight, and chin up. Jaina ran a hand through her raven colored hair, which was cut short and ended at the base of her neck. Her face, was the face of a commoner, washed out and pale with thin lips, and small dimples. For as long as Sara had served her, the Goddess-Empress had never adorned her features with the oils and make-ups of the nobles and rulers she had brought to heal. While she had rather plain features, she possessed deep, piercing blue eyes that seemed able to see into the souls of all those she encountered. Her attire was equally simple. Jaina had come to the battlefield in an ordinary, yet form fitting, long length red gown, complete with sleeves that clung to her lithe body. The rain would not touch her as it fell.

Given of all of this, Sara knew that Goddess-Empress Jaina possessed incredible power as she had slowly rose from a poor peasant girl living in Linea to the most powerful conqueror in the history of the world. All because of the Star Stones of Power, Sara thought, What will she become when she possesses all of them? What would it be like to possess the power that she does?

Sara felt another wave of pleasure rush through her as she heard the Goddess-Empress whisper, â€œQueen Hardyan is on the field. Even now, she rides to rescue her precious Fourth Corps. I can feel her,â€ she said, Sara noticed that her eyes were closed.

She opened them and gave her command, â€œAscensionâ€™s Fist! You will form up on me,â€ she spoke to her personal, elite corps of troops around her. When she spoke the thousand people comprising her elite group moaned in response. â€œI will finish this now and when I am done, we will take the Third Star Stone from Hellfire Keep and I will reward you. Follow me!â€ she screamed as she spurred her mount forward.

**************************************

â€œAaaaayaaaah!â€ Rianna screamed as her muscular arm rose and fell in battle as she chopped away at the enemy lines from her cavalry charge. Wherever her arm fell, men and women of from the Ascension Empire fell never to rise again.

â€œMy Queen!â€ a lieutenant shouted beside her, her arm hacking the enemy with nearly equal strength and fervor, â€œOur charge is breaking through the encirclement of the Fourth Corps and our forward units are merging with theirs. Weâ€™ve done it!â€

â€œExcellent,â€ Rianna cried as she knocked away an enemy halberd that threatened to bring down her mount, her sword sunk down in the enemy soldierâ€™s neck, â€œReorganize for the retreat and have our buglerâ€™s sound double march. I want to us to get our assess back to Hellfire now. Also, when weâ€™re within a quarter of Â½ mile away, I want you to light up the blue flamed torch to signal General Marten to light the first oil trench.â€

â€œYes my Queen,â€ the woman yelled over the howling din. â€œIt shall be done.â€

â€œThird and Fourth! Fighting retreat! Back to Hellfire Keep now!â€ she roared.

â€œRide with Strength!â€ her army yelled around her. Shortly after the response, Rianna heard the buglers of her army sound the call for double march. Iâ€™m so proud of this army, she thought, Theyâ€™ve held out against incredible odds.

She pulled the reins of her horse back and repositioned the horse so that she could watch there progress. As she watched, she could see the enemy attackers break and run, running up a slight rise and back towards Jainaâ€™s camp. Excellent, she thought as she smiled, delighting at the sight. That was until she saw a glint of red dress and white horse crest over the hill as the lightening flashed. When it flashed again, she could see Jaina and the elite warriors of her Ascensionâ€™s Fist swarm down the hill.
Oh no! Sheâ€™s here! her mind cried out in terror.

â€œSound the buglerâ€™s again to signal for triple march! Jainaâ€™s here,â€ she turned to the woman beside her, the lieutenant who had fought beside her just moments before, â€œI want 500 solders from Wolf Company and some archers from Fourth Corps to stall that advance.â€ Rianna looked at the lieutenantâ€™s concerned expression and said gently to her. â€œTell them that I know it may be a suicide mission but if we donâ€™t stall Jaina, the rest of us will be annihilated out here on the field and we need them to defend everyone at Hellfire.â€

The woman nodded and Rianna smiled. â€œDonâ€™t worry, Iâ€™ll be coming with you.â€ The lieutenantâ€™s eyes bugged. Rianna smiled and patted her lieutenant on the shoulder, chain mail clinking softly as she did so. â€œLetâ€™s go.â€

****************************************

Goddess-Empress Jaina rode down the hill with her elite Ascension Fist unit. She could hear the screams and crunching sounds of her own retreating soldiers as the thunder of her cavalry swept down the hill. Cowards, she thought, how could they break so easily at my command?

â€œAscensionâ€™s Fist, arrow shaped formation!â€ She commanded. Her cavalry went from a solid wall or horse and formed up behind their Empress, with her at the tip as they cut into a mass of Atherateran soldiers who tried hastily to form a defensive line. Men and women screamed and died behind in the charge, several of her elite Ascension Fist soldiers went down as the enemy soldiers hacked at her warriorâ€™s horses or pulled them from their saddles.

Sara, a little further back in the formation from Jaina, felt her sword cut into the enemy lines and the loss of momentum from the charge as it was enveloped by the enemy mass. In the distance from under her shadowed hood, she could see Jaina move recklessly through the enemy soldiers. Sheâ€™s too far ahead! We canâ€™t reach her! Sheâ€™ll be killed she cried to herself and then redoubled her efforts to reach her Empress.

â€œThere she is! Thereâ€™s Jaina! Circle her and kill her!â€ Fourth Corp soldiers yelled and moved to isolate Jaina, forming a ring around her and her mount.

Jaina looked around her, her blue eyes glowed with blue fire, and her voice boomed. â€œYou think you can take me little Atheraterans? I will show you what a Goddess-Empress can do!â€

Jaina flung herself off her saddle and landed lithely on the ground, her small stature and red dress looked laughable to the Atherateran soldiers. â€œCome and get me. Kill me if you can,â€ she motioned with a come-hither motion.

The Atherateran soldiers rushed her and Jaina reached into herself, down into the core of her power and extended her fingers in the form of a martial arts chopping hand from the eastern reaches of the Linean marshes. As she did so, blue fire enveloped her hand.

As the first soldier approached her, his sword thrust out for the kill, Jainaâ€™s foot extended out in a roundhouse kick that sent the soldiers sword flying out of his hand. His forward motion continued and Jaina reached out with her blue hand of fire and rammed into his solar plexus. The main gurgled and then fell to the ground. Steam wafted in the air from his death wound in the cold, rainy, night.

However, as he fell, Jaina was already in motion. Her red skirt swirling around her, she moved with a dancerâ€™s grace, ducking, riposting, rolling, jumping, and twirling in midair as her feet, un-powered hand, and the hand of blue fire cut through her attackers. Her normal hand, balled up into a fist, meted out terrible punishment against her attackers. Her tremendous strength sent the enemy flying and caved in pieces of hard armor. Crushed heads and bodies were littered around her in her wake.

When her attackers slowly waned and began to move away from her in flight, Jaina touched her power source again and used it project herself forward, her legs propelling her at tremendous speed. As she ran, she lowered her head, lifted her elbows, and used her small body and momentum to ram through the Atherateran lines like an enraged bull, sending scores of Atherateran soldiers flying. She was unstoppable.

Sara watched her Goddess-Empress crush her foes...

****************************************

Queen Rianna saw a flickering blue glow a hundred yards in front of her position and she could hear the screams of dying soldiers and see their shadowed forms flung into the air every time the lightening lit up the sky.

â€œWolf Company! We must hold the lines. Jainaâ€™s Ascensionâ€™s Fist Cavalry is still cutting through the lines and a small unit of the Fourth of the trying to hold back Jaina herself. I want the heavy foot to counter the enemy cavalry not engaged in battle. I want you archers,â€ she said pointing to a group of 100, light armored, green clad men, â€œTo lineup behind Wolf Company and fire over their heads into the rear ranks of Ascensionâ€™s Fist. We will hold until the Fourth is out of danger and then weâ€™ll retreat to Hellfire Keep. If Jaina comes this way, I want the archers to launch WildLight arrows at her. If we canâ€™t stop her, we can disorient her and keep her away from our lines. Fight with Honor.â€

â€œFight with Honor!â€ Wolf Company screamed up and down the lines.

Rianna raised her muscular arms, her green eyes flashing with determination, the locks of her dark red hair extending from her helm moved in the winds from the storm.

â€œAdvance!â€ she roared.

The archers lifted their bows to the appropriate angle and let out volley after volley that slammed into the elite enemy unit. A few men of the Fourth, still engaged in the fight with Jainaâ€™s Ascensionâ€™s Fist were also struck by the falling rain of arrows.

â€œDouble march!â€ Rianna roared from atop her mount and the army sped up, their armor and weapons clanking over the din of the storm.

â€œCharge!â€ Rianna yelled as her army screamed their fearsome battle cry and began to systematically cut down the enemies mounted warriors. Every Ascensionâ€™s Fist they killed bought time for the Fourth Corp to leave the field before Jaina could bring the mass of her army down upon them. Hurry! Rianna thought to the Fourth Corps. Get to Hellfire Keep!. She continued hacking the enemy.

â€œMy queen!â€ the familiar female Lieutenant rode to her, â€œJaina is coming closer. We must leave the field.â€

â€œWho else is with her?â€ Rianna asked, still engaged in combat, her long, muscular leg and booted heel snaked out and kicked a man in the forehead, crumpling him immediately. He would never rise again.

â€œSheâ€™s alone. She has killed 50 of our men single-handed. We must get you out of here.â€ The lieutenant pleaded.

â€œShow me her approach and take me there,â€ she said to the woman and then roared behind her, pointing to seven archers. â€œYou! Come with me. Bring WildLight. Weâ€™re going to meet Jaina. The rest of you!â€ she said around her, begin your retreat back to Hellfire. Weâ€™ve done all the bloody work we can here. Move!â€

They rode swiftly through the storm. As they approached Jainaâ€™s lonely advance, the blue glow intensified. Through the fleeing men of the Fourth, Rianna saw Jainaâ€™s small body grasp the neck of a large warrior as she lifted him from the ground with one arm, and then snapped his neck.

Jaina turned to Rianna and folded her arms, the wind blowing through her short raven colored hair and the long skirts of her red dress. â€œAhhh, Queen Hardyan, itâ€™s so nice to meet you. Sorry if I seem,â€ she paused, â€œdisheveled at the moment but I have been oh so busy.â€ She smiled wickedly, as she motioned to the piles of Atherateran bodies around her. â€œOh so busy.â€ She looked at Rianna, and raised a finger to her lips, â€œHmmmâ€¦ Judging by the blood on your armor, I can see that you have been busy as well. You know, since I re-found the first Star Stone ten years ago outside of my village and began my conquest of this world, you Atheraterans have been my biggest nuisance. How goes the battle?â€ her blue eyes glowed.

â€œYou wonâ€™t take Hellfire Keep Jaina. The third star stone will remain safe. Go back from whence you came.â€

â€œOh deary. Sweet, sweet, Rianna. May I call you that? You noble born, always so forceful,â€ she sighed and then her expression hardened. â€œYou will not stop me. I will take the third star stone. What is it to you? To you itâ€™s worthless unless youâ€™ve tapped into the first Star Stone. Give it to me. Let me touch it, let my power grow. Let me become immortal. I promise you that once Iâ€™ve acquired all of the Star Stone's power, I will give you and your people wealth and influence beyond imagining. All that I ask is that you swear fealty to me. Is that so hard?â€ she said in pouting voice.

â€œNever. Youâ€™ll have to kill me and destroy the Atherateran Kingdom first.â€

â€œIf thatâ€™s how you want it...â€ with a blur of motion, Jaina moved across the space between her and Rianna almost instantly and pulled Rianna down from her horse. Rianna, being quick herself, had drawn her sword and struck Jaina on the arm that had pulled her down.

Jaina gasped in pain but there was no blood. â€œYou bitch! They said you were fast and strong but I had no idea. That stung.â€

Rianna gasped, â€œH..hoâ€¦how?â€

Jaina smiled at Rianna as she rubbed her arm. â€œWhy, itâ€™s my power you dummy. I have a magical essence around my body that blocks and dampens blows from weapons. As I said, you canâ€™t stop me.â€

Rianna reigned in her fear and astonishment and got to her feet. Once up, she stood proudly and lifted her sword in front of her, holding its pommel with both hands. Her biceps were flared in her arms. â€œPerhaps not, but I can blind you. Archers now!â€ she said, and pulled down a dark cloth over her eyes. When the cloth was down, she quickly flung her sword toward Jainaâ€™s head, who moved to block it with her super-reflexes. At the same time, she moved, Riannaâ€™s archers, similar dark pieces of cloth down over their eyes, let loose their WildLight arrows that exploded in blinding light around Jaina. It was known that exposure to a WildLight arrow would temporarily blind and overload the senses of those unfortunate to look upon them.

Jaina screamed as the flashes of light funneled into her brain, causing her to go blind and overloading her thoughts. She collapsed into convulsions.

Rianna rushed over to Jaina and hefted her sword into the air, bringing it down upon Jainaâ€™s form. The sword struck Jaina as if it had struck a brick wall, sending painful reverberations up Riannaâ€™s arms.

I canâ€™t kill her? Damn it! she thought to herself and then said aloud, â€œThere must be a way!â€ she cried as she struck repeatedly, tears welling up in her eyes with anger and frustration. "Why?!" she screamed as she collapsed to her knees, tears running freely down her face in shock. "There's no way to stop her. No way...." she whispered to no one.

â€œGoddess-Empress Jaina! Where are you?â€ a female voice called from beyond a nearby hill.

â€œCome! We must leave my Queen!â€ An archer pressed her. â€œTheyâ€™re coming.â€

â€œYouâ€™re right,â€ she collected herself. â€œBack to Hellfire Keep.â€

***************************************************************

Jaina's mind was awhirl from the WildLight. Unable to move, she remembered...

***************************************************************

â€œJaina! Iâ€™m going to catch you!â€ a young man giggled from behind a tree. Jaina cupped her hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing and giving herself away.

â€œCome out. Come out! I have something for you,â€ the voice said playfully. She could hear his footfalls over the high green grasses of the meadow that overlooked the blue waters of Linea bay. She moved quietly further away, smiling as she went.

â€œJaina, come on, I know you want me to find you. I have a present for your 23rd summer birth celebration." Jhar Helar, the young man, a rich Linean Merchant, was tall and athletic and adorned in the simple, light brown linen work shirt and breaches of a Linean sail maker that he wore whenever he wished to sneak out to see Jaina. The two had met when Jhar's father, a rich merchant, was conducting business at the docks. He had walked into a small shop and met Jaina by accident and he was fascinated by her quick wit and intelligence which were absent from all of the rich daughters his father was constantly trying to set him up with. His father disapproved of Jhar's liaisons with Jaina. â€œCome on. Jaina. I know youâ€™re here somewhere. Whatever you do, donâ€™t go too far. You know what the elders say about the Brawna Woods?â€

From somewhere in the brush her playful voice echoed back to him, â€œWhat do they say?â€

Jhar smiled as he located her position, â€œThey say that a great battle occurred here at the end of the Age of Wonders. They say,â€ he said stepping over a fallen tree as he entered the shadows of the forest canopy, â€œthat terrible magics occurred her and that if you go too far in the ghosts of the dead will take you away.â€

â€œOh Jhar,â€ she responded back to him, from a new position, "It's day time. Those things only happen at night and we're not too far in. How do you think the city gets its wood for winter and building? Youâ€™re being too cautious.â€

Darn it! he thought to himself, She keeps going deeper. He saw a flash of red in the shadows and he smiled as he picked up his pace over the fallen trees.

She popped her head out from around the tree and when she saw Jhar, she raspberried him and ran once again.

â€œJaina wait! Slow down! Youâ€™re going too far into the woods!â€

â€œCatch me if you can Jhar!â€ Jaina said as she ran swiftly over the brush, the shadows become darker as she moved.

Goodness! Sheâ€™s small but those long legs she has make her fast! Jhar thought has tried to close the distance between them.

Youâ€™ll never catch me Jhar! she thought to herself as she ran.All of that swimming in Linea bay has given me great lungs. She looked behind her to see if he was near, not taking stock of the environment around her. She never saw the dark hole covered by vegetation in front of her before she fell in with a scream, hitting her head on rock as she fell into the darkness.

Jhar, still a ways behind her, could not see her through the thick vegetation of the forest floor when he heard her scream. â€œJaina! Jaina! Where are you? Where are you? Jaina!â€ A Linean wolf howled in the distance. Oh my Liege! Oh my Liege! he thought, the ghosts of the fallen in Brawna woods have taken her!

He ran back to the City of Linea, the sound of wolves echoed behind him.

********************************************************

What do I do?! What do I do? Jhar's mind raced as he rushed back to the city. Worriedly he sped through the mingling crows of Linea that were gathered in marketplaces, shops, and their labors as he rushed to his father's estate. When he arrived, he rushed up the stone stairs of their lavish estate and burst into his father's private study. Outside, the sun was slowly slipping beyond the horizon as night began to wrest control of the world from the sunlight.

"What are you doing boy?" His father asked him as he dropped his quill and looked up at his son, whose chest was heaving from shortness of breath. Jhar's father, Erik Helar was in his early 50's and adorned from head to toe in black, fine silks. His steely grey eyes were hard behind his reading spectacles. The color gray also adorned his angular goatee and thick, swept back hair.

"Father.. father!" Jhar puffed, "It's Jaina. We were out in the forest and she..."

"Jaina?" his father raged, "How many times have I told you to stay away from that simple peasant boy! You are a Helar and the world is yours for the taking! I will not have you running around with that girl. Do you understand me?"

"But father, she's been lost in the woods. It swallowed her. Whole. I warned her not to keep going but...." He looked down shyly at his feet and then his gaze moved upwards to meet his father's, his eyes imploring him. "We must organize a search party to find her!"

"You will do NO such thing boy. No such thing. In fact you will not speak a word of this to anyone. I have worked long and hard to arrange a marriage with the daughter of Merchant Corehall and if they were to know that you were involved with a peasant girl, it would unravel everything I've worked for."

"But father... I..." Jhar stammered.

"Leave me," his father waved absently to Jhar. "We will speak no more of this. Go!"

*************************************************************

â€œUhhhâ€¦.uhh.. Whaâ€¦ what happened?â€ Jaina slurred as her eyes opened to blackness, her only light a small ray of sunshine from the opening above her. She touched the side of her head where her temple had struck the rock as she fell. â€œSssssstâ€¦oooooâ€¦. Thatâ€™s not good,â€ she said as she propped herself up on her elbows.

She looked into the darkness and a shiver ran through her as a small breeze blew past her. Crawling on her hands and knees, she made her way over to the sunshine, her hand raised in front of her eyes as it sparkled down on her. The top of the hole was 20 feet up.

â€œHelp me! Someone help me!â€ she screamed as she realized the hopelessness of her situation, tears streaming down her face and her voice echoed in the darkness. â€œPlease!â€ she cried as her body slumped against the earthen wall.

â€œOkay.. Okayâ€¦ someone will come for me. Jhar! Jhar must have seen me fall and gone back to get help. Heâ€™ll come for me!â€ she said aloud. A wolf howled in the distance signaling the coming of evening and of night. â€œHelp! Somebody help!â€ he voice echoed in the hole.

Over the next eight days, Jaina huddled in her hole, all the time hoping that she would hear the footfalls of a rescue party but none never came. Where are you Jhar? her mind raged in anger. Where are you when I need you? Over the course of the next four days, Jaina cried in despair as endless cycle after endless cycle of heat, cold, light, and dark swept over her during her captivity. On the second, and fifth days, a small rainstorm allowed Jaina to sip water that ran down the sides of her hole.

On the eighth day, things got worse as the sky began to darken and Jaina could spy large, massive thunderheads approaching. As the rain slowly started fall, Jaina began to shiver from the cold water that was rushing in upon her in torrents. Around her, water slowly started to accumulate around her feet causing her to become stuck in thick mud as the rain began to increase the water level slowly. When it reached Jaina's calves, she began to cry in terror as she realized that she was going to drown.

Jaina cried out desperately and screamed out in terror as the water level slowly began to rise. "Someone help me!" she screamed. "Please!" With the ferocity of a trapped animal, Jaina clawed at the muddy walls around her, clumps of dirt splashing around her feet. Tears fell from her eyes as lightening and thunder raged over her head.

"Please..." she cried as the strength began to ebb from her arms. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!â€ she cried out soundlessly as her fists began to pound on the mud walls of her tomb. As she pounded, more mud slipped away and she felt hard stone underneath.

Stone? she thought as her wailing stopped to consider her predicament. What's a stone wall doing here? she thought as began to work feverishly to remove the mud, her hands gliding over the smooth surface in a desperate effort to find some sort of handhold to help her climb upward above the cascading water falling all around her. "There's got to be something here! Please!"

Suddenly, her hand found a small protrusion jutting out from the smooth wall. She grabbed it with both hands and strained to pull her body upward but her muddy hands mixed with the downpour made it impossible for her to grip.

"No!," she pounded the wall. "No! No! No!" her fist hit the protrusion and Jaina could feel it recede into the wall. It was followed several seconds latter by a clicking sound and then movement as the stonewall began to slide sideways, retracting into some hidden recess. As it did, the water in her hole flooded outward and was lost in the darkness.

She screamed in unintelligible shock, her voice echoing in the darkness. She could feel a warm breeze upon her body.

An echo? she thought as she wiped the tears from her eyes and then held her hand out to the darkness, feeling the warm breeze again. If thereâ€™s a breeze, there must be another exit! she thought as she began move into the darkness. Moving her hand in the darkness, she followed the contours of the wall until she stood up and then walked through the corridor. In the darkness, her hands and arms waved slowly in front of her as she probed for obstructions that might cause her injury.

Is that a glow? she thought as her eyes began to discern the stonewalls of the corridor. As she went further, the glow increased into a green hue and she saw the size of the stone passageway get broader until it eventually dissolved into a large, glowing cavern. In the center of the cavern, there was a solitary pedestal made out of crystal. Atop of the crystal pedestal sat the origin of the mysterious green glow.

What is that? Jaina thought as she examined the object. Is that a glowing rock? she asked herself. Youâ€™ve got to be kidding me! Oh well, itâ€™s a light and I could use it. She reached out to touch it and laid her hand over its rough surface. She reached her other hand out to help her lift the glowing rock off the crystal pedestal.

Itâ€™s warm. She ran her hands over the surface. Interesting. Oh well, I've got to get out of here. She picked up the stone and when she did, it started to melt in her hands into a green liquid that ran onto the stone floor. What happened? she thought as she reached down to touch the glowing green pool of liquid on the floor.

When her finger touched the liquid, she felt energy rush through her body slowly feel pain as the fluid was absorbed by her body. From the cavern, a vortex of wind howled around her and her body doubled over in pain. She held her abdomen with her hands. â€œWha.. Whatâ€™s happen ii iing to me eeeee?â€ she cried. Clutching herself in pain, she landed on her knees as the pain wracked her body. She began to spasm on the ground as bright flashes of green energy went off in her head. As it did, the pain that had once rolled over her turned into waves of pleasure that began to turn her on. â€œOhh.. Yessssâ€¦. This feels wonderfulâ€¦..â€ Her hips bucked up and down, her legs gliding past her as the pleasure built. Her hands slowly went down her Linean dress until they reached her pelvis. Crying in pleasure, she quickly hiked up her skirt as she began to work her fingers pleasuring herself. â€œI feel so much energy!â€ she screamed in the cavern, panting as she did so. â€œOh my.. Ohhhh myyyyy......" a small sheen of sweat covered her body as she came, "Yesssss! Yesss!" her voice echoed in the chamber. As she came, the purple bruise on her temple slowly retracted and disappeared and she heard a woman's laughter echo through the cavern. Then she fainted into unconsciousness, warmth enveloping her body.

She did not awake until six years later.

***************************************************
She's gone, Jhar thought to himself in sadness during the third week since Jaina had gone missing, She's really gone. Dead. His eyes misted up in tears as he remembered telling Jaina's parents about the events which had transpired. As he told them his story, her parents had met him with expressions of grief and anger, telling him he was no longer welcome. He could remember standing in the shadows and watching from a far as her parents buried an empty casket full of her most cherished and prized possessions.

"Are you crying over that peasant woman again?" His father grumbled to him from across the cabin of the elaborate carriage that was taking them to the Linean festival. "She's gone Jhar and thank goodness for that. You don't need any complications boy. Besides, you're going to meet Alana Corehall today and you're more than likely going to marry the woman. Hurumph, If I was younger I'd marry her. From what I hear, she's become quite attractive and the Corehall family is one of the wealthiest families in Linea. Stop your incessant babbling and move on!"

Jhar turned away and looked at the window, sighing heavily as he did. "Yes Father," he said quietly. His mind was a race of thoughts. Alana Corehall? I'm to marry Alana Corehall! Of course, she was always friendly to me while we were younger and we even attended a few Merchant Balls together and became good friends but Alana Corehall? She was nothing but knees and elbows! She's a nice enough girl and intelligent but no one would want to marry her! I haven't spoken to her in years! Finally, the carriage pulled up to the large, ornate doors of a fine estate. When the carriage stopped, two men adorned in the fine red fabrics of Corehall livery opened the doors to their carriage.

"Straighten up boy. Be a man!" his father hissed. "Now, go in their and win our family a marriage. Go!"

Jhar straightened his green vest coast and walked up the ornate marble steps as two more Corehall servants opened the large wooden doors that revealed two sweeping, curved staircases and a large hall tucked in between them. As soon as the doors opened, Jhar could hear the light tones of Linean music and the rich warm smells of high-catered foods reserved for Linean nobility.

Entering the large hall, Jhar estimated that there were between 400 and 550 people attending the festival. Dressed in colorful outfits, merchants, notable parliament members, and captains of industry mingled in the soft-lighted hues of the hall.

I feel like a small fish in a room full of sharks Jhar thought as he watched the other quests vie for position and influence. Intrigues were abounding everywhere Jhar could see.

"Oh there you are! Merchant Erik Helar welcome!" a rich, deep basso voice cried from twenty paces away. When Jhar turned, he saw Merchant Gustavus Corehall make his way through the crowd, as he approached, the other quests gave him a wide birth and presented him small curtseys and bows of respect. From Jhar's perspective, Merchant Corehall was a youthful looking man complete with deep blues eyes and thick, blonde hair. Merchant Corehall had always possessed a broad chest, wide shoulders and trim waist on his powerful physique developed through years of hard training but as Jhar looked upon him he saw that Merchant Corehall's physique had changed drastically in the eight months since they had last seen him. His frame was now hulking unnaturally with muscle, his face was tan and taunt with deep lines.

Linean Strongroot I'll guess. I'm surprised no one's reported him. Jhar thought, Then again, he's probably used his power and influence to bribe the legal system. Linean Strongroot was banned across the Western dominances due to its highly addictive properties and physical effects. A man taking Linean Strongroot could retain his vitality and youth while also changing his body rapidly, going from a skinny wraith to unnaturally strong, agile, and athletic in a matter of months. However, if a man took too much of the root, he would become more aggressive and animalistic, slowly losing his mind over time. The last time a man had ingested the root in tremendous quantities he had gone on a killing spree in the city. It had taken nearly 30 heavily armed men to bring him down.

"Ahh. Jhar Helar. Nice to see you again," he said as his large hand enveloped Jhar's. He then turned and embraced his father. "Very good to see you both!"

He looks like a nice fellow but this man is a wolf. He's dangerous. Even more so than my father, Jhar thought as he watched the two men speak amicably to each other.

"Well, yes, ahem," he cleared his throat and turned to Jhar, his blue eyes looking down at him. "Your father and I have business to discuss. You'll find Alana in the gardens with the other ladies of the Court. I know you haven't seen her in years. However," he jabbed Jhar in the ribs playfully, "I doubt you'll be able to miss her."

Yeah right., Jhar thought to himself then, silent, turned to go and made his way through the crowds of people to the garden. As he approached the darkness, the soft light from the grand hall filtered out into the shadows. On the night breeze and through the extravagant garden, full of numerous flowers and leafy greens, he heard giggles and female voices. When she turned past a large grouping of plants, he was met by six women sitting on a large marble bench. Each was beautiful, their eyes meeting him as he came into view.

"Ahhh, Ladies. It seems that Jhar Helar has arrived," a deep sultry voice said from the center of the women. "Please sit Jhar Helar," she motioned beside her as the other elegantly dressed women slide down the bench to create an opening. From the dark shadows, the woman who had spoken to Jhar towered over the rest and even from paces away, Jhar could see her well-defined cleavage and large breasts that tapered down to a slim waist in the red dress she wore. Jhar could see a hint of blonde hair glitter in the moonlight.

"Alana Corehall is that you?" He asked softly.

"Why yes you foolish Helar," she laughed throatily, the women around her stared at him, whispered, and giggled to each other as he approached. "Come, sit."

Oh my he thought to himself shockingly, This is Alana Corehall?. He looked at her figure as he slowly and shyly approached, She's changed so much. What happened to the scrawny woman who was sent off to the High Academy in Chesterook? He sat down next to her and she smiled at him.

"It's very good to see you again Jhar. My, you've certainly become an attractive and powerful young man haven't you?" The women around her laughed pleasantly. "Ladies... if you would leave me and Jhar alone for a moment, we have much to..." she pressed her full lips with a beautifully manicured finger, "Discuss."
"As you wish my Lady," one of the ladies said as they all curtseyed to Alana. The group of women walked away through the shadows, laughing as they went.

"So, Jhar," she turned to him and he felt his senses go wild, "do you think that House Helar and House Corehall would make a powerful alliance if we were to wed?"

Gods! I can't believe I am to wed such a woman! "Y.. Yes my Lady. I...I..."

"Excellent," she interrupted him and then turned her body toward him giving him a full view of her cleavage and bosom. "Do you think me beautiful Jhar?" She laid a strong hand on his thigh and slowly began to massage it, her hand moving upward toward his groin.

"I uh.. ooofff... yes..." Jhar stammered.

"Excellent Jhar," she whispered huskily at him, her blue eyes looking deeply into his. He could feel the sweetness of her breath brush his lips. "I've always been attracted to you Jhar."

"Ya.. You have?" Jhar said trembling slightly at her touch and her beauty.

"I always knew Jhar. You were the only one ever truly befriended me. Ever since then I've begged and pleaded with my father to arrange a match and what I want," she smiled seductively and demurely, the index finger of her other hand making small circles on his chest, " I get. I always knew that you would be mine. It was destiny. What do you think of that Jhar?"
"Alana.. I.. I..."

She pulled him toward her and kissed him hungrily.

Alana Corehall. I'm going to marry Alana Corehall. The most beautiful woman in Linea.

******************************************************************
Over the next few months, Jhar and Alana slowly courted each other much to the satisfaction of their respective fathers. Their days were spent in long discussions, walks through the gardens, and joint family dinners where Gustavus Corehall and Erik Helar spoke of mutual trade agreements and the future wedding that was set to take place in one month.

Over that time, Jhar was beguiled by Alana's beauty, quick mind, and irresistible charm. During their nights of lovemaking, he was amazed at how incredible her body was and how insatiable her lusts were. The girl of knees and elbows that he had once hung with in his youth had grown into an athletic young woman complete with firm breasts, dark skin, toned thighs and arms, and tight stomach which glistened with sweat during their lovemaking. Each time Jhar made love to her, he was amazed at how she had changed so much.

During a late night rendezvous, Jhar and Alana had escaped down to the stables in the courtyard of the Corehall estate and climbed up the long ladder to the hayloft to engage in another love making session. As Jhar stood beneath Alana on the latter, he saw her calve muscles bunch up and flex as her feet touched each rung.

I still don't understand how Alana changed so much. She's so tall and strong! he mused as he climbed up the ladder behind her. When they reached the top, Alan sat down, her legs folded beneath her and pulled out a small leather pouch that was hidden in the folds of her dress. Her fingers reached into the pouch and pulled out small shavings of a purple substance.

Jhar watched her lift the purple shavings toward her mouth when the realization hit him. "Is that Linean Strongroot?" He asked her, his eyes wide with shock.

Alana stopped her motion, her hand possessing the Strongroot fell to her lap in a dramatic gesture. She rolled her eyes and sighed impatiently. "Yes Jhar. It's Linean Strongroot. So what?"

"So what? So what! It's illegal in the Western Dominances! It causes men to go crazy!"

"I'm not a man Jhar," she said testily her deep blue eyes drilling into his.

"I know that! In a thousand years no woman has ever taken Linean Strongroot upon pain of death!"

"I know that Jhar!" she screamed back at him and then calmed down and said more lightly, "I know that. Women are not supposed to take the Strongroot because of its effects, which, I might add, have been lost to history. No one even remembers why the law exists anymore."

"I.. I know that Alana. It's just that... The punishment for women taking Linean Strongroot is so much more severe than it is for males. Doesn't that give you pause? Aren't you afraid that you'll turn into some monster and go mad? Aren't you worried how it will change you?" he asked her worriedly.

She laughed aloud. "Change me? I already know how it's changed me Jhar. Look at this body!" she ran her empty hand down her chest and arched her back as she did so. A nipple began to poke through the thin fabric when she brushed it drawing Jhar's attention. "Do you remember the way I used to be Jhar? I was a stickling. Short and unappealing. Ten months ago, before I left the High Academy at Chesterook, I started taking the strongroot in small quantities at first that I have slowly increased. The changes were small at first but over time, I noticed that my hair became more lustrous, my lips fuller, my breasts.. he he... larger... fuller." Both of her nipples now pressed up against her dress. "I lost baby fat and developed these smooth curves and a new grace and athleticism." She readjusted her sitting posture and freed her legs from under her. She pulled back her skirt, and with the grace of Linean Dancer, extended her leg outward, her foot teasing Jhar's thigh and groin. "Nice no? Nevertheless, there was more. I became more confident, outgoing. During my finals I was able to concentrate longer, work more. I had more energy and I passed my schooling with excellence Jhar. I was the best student they have ever had."

Jhar felt the pressure build in his groin from Alana's playful foot as she spoke. He reached a hand and rubbed Alana's calf muscle that would relax and contract as she moved her foot. As he touched it, the smooth skin of her leg sent shivers of pleasure down his spine. "But..."

"Jhar..." she interrupted him, "I don't know what the effects are but I know they/ve changed me. They've made me more beautiful. More desired. Don't you like that Jhar?" she husked playfully. "Don't you want more of that Jhar?" she said as her other foot began to slide along his other thigh. "Imagine what I could be Jhar. Imagine what I could be if I took more strongroot Jhar. Remember, I would be completely yours Jhar. Don't you want that Jhar?"

He was painfully erect now, both of her feet were rubbing him.

"Don't tell anyone Jhar. Let me take this tonight. I'm sure you'll find it..."

"Ahhhh...." he moaned.

"Pleasurable," she smiled and then pulled her feet and legs away, standing to her feet.

Jhar, his eyes glazed over and his heart pounding, watched her stand and slowly strip off her clothing.

"Watch Jhar. I think you'll like it." She said giggling and then put a small amount of the Linean strong root on her tongue. Instantly her eyes rolled backward and she moaned, running a hand down her stomach. "Mmmmmmmmmm. It only get's better."

As Jhar watched Alana, he saw her face flush with redness and saw small beads of sweat collect on her forehead. Alana stood and slowly began to sway her hips seductively in front of Jhar, her firm breasts quivering slightly as she cupped one breast with her left hand and used her right hand to run her fingers upward through her hair, only to let it fall silkily downward.

"It's coming Jhar," she whispered with her eyes closed, "I can feel the warmth building...mmmmmmmmm." Sweat now began to glisten on her body that had taken on a golden hue from the lantern light in the hayloft.

Alana continued to sway her hips, her thighs rubbing against each other as if she was listening to music that only she could hear. As she moved, Jhar began to notice that she was flexing small muscles with increasing speed.

"Oh yes.... It's here Jhar," she looked down at him, her blue eyes penetrating his soul. "Don't be afraid...mmm.. everything will be..."she groaned in a painful tone, "Okay." She panted out as she doubled over in pain and fell to her knees.

"Alana!" Jhar screamed and rushed over to her, putting his hand on her shoulder. Itâ€™s as hot as Linean stove in winter! he thought. "Alana, what's happening."

"It's.... it's the change Jhar! Ahhhhhhh!!!" she screamed out. "Let.. it... happen!"

Underneath the palm of the hand he still had on her shoulder, Jhar felt tiny muscle spasms erupt under burning skin. Suddenly, she turned over and lay on her back, the spasms getting stronger as they wracked her body.

"The pain!!!" Alana screamed.

"Alana! What do I do? Alana! Somebody help!" he yelled out, his voice absorbed by the thick wooden walls of the stable.

"Jhhhharrrrrr... it's.. it's okay." Alana said, her face crunched in pain. "Pleasure is next....oohhhhhhhh....yesssss..... Here it comes!"

What the... he thought to himself as he saw Alana's body slowly stop quivering. She ran her hands down over her breasts and along her stomach muscles. Crouched next to her, Jhar was amazed as he watched. Is her arm more toned? Her stomach! There is some more definition there!

"Oh Jhar..." Alana moaned, looking at Jhar as she ran her fingers downward to touch herself. In the golden light Jhar could see that she was wet. "Jhar... th...the... the pleasure," her hands moved faster and she arched her back as a long, erotic moan escaped from her lips. "Almost.... done..." she panted, "and then... it's.. itssssss," she reacted throatily, "Your turn!" With her final word she screamed out loudly as she came. For Jhar, her scream was erotically primal and full of lust. The intensity of it alarmed Jhar and he moved back a few paces as Alana orgasmed before him.

When she was done, she got to her feet. "Mmmmm...." she stretched and Jhar could see the new muscle tone on her body. "Do you see what it does now Jhar? Do you like what you see?" She said as the sweat dripped down her body and matted her golden hair slightly. She walked toward him, her hips swaying, her lean, muscular legs bunching slightly with each step. When she stood above him, she extended her leg and gently pushed him downward. Jhar was alarmed by her aggressiveness.

Alana smiled, and straddled his hips as she stood. Smiling wickedly, she reached down to undo his breeches and pulled his member out of their tight confinement. Her hand glided over his member for a few seconds before she stood straight again. "I see that you do like it Jhar," she laughed throatily. "Remember, that you belong to me and that you'll tell no one of this. Do you understand?"

He nodded quickly.

"Good," she smiled. "Now let the fun begin," she said as she slowly lowered herself onto him. They both moaned as he entered her slowly. "Don't be alarmed if I change a bit more during our lovemaking," she said as she began to move her hips up and down gently, her hands undoing his shirt, "If I do.. I think you'll like it...."

"Oh Alana," Jhar moaned as his hands explored her body.

"You belong to me Jhar Helar..."

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Jhar and Alana finally tied the knot in extravagant ceremony that was attended by all of the movers and shakers of Linea. The two were inseparable and spent long hours discussing topics ranging from culture, to politics, to business and how they would run their new merchant empire. In the months after their wedding, their lovemaking became more aggressive as Alana demanded more and more sex from Jhar. At first, their couplings were the lustful sessions of the newly wedded but over time Alana demanded more and more.

During their meetings in which Merchant Corehall and Jhar's father would instruct them on the necessities of being a ruthless merchant, Alana began to push the sexual boundaries by stealthily rubbing Jhar under the table where no one could see, maintaining perfect composure and lucidity as she did so. Even with her sex drive, she absorbed all the information presented to her without missing a beat. When the meetings were adjourned for recess, she would grab Jhar's hand, lead him to some small corner of the estate, bedroom, or hideaway, and thrust herself upon him. While Jhar was ready and willing at first, her need continued to grow and she began to insist that Jhar be constantly by her side. After each sexual session, Alana seemed calmer, more sure of herself. It was almost as if she was changing with each session. Today, they were meeting with her father after Alana had requested it.
.
I have no time to myself anymore, Jhar thought. She won't leave me alone! he thought to himself as he looked at her at during another meeting. What's more troubling is that I feel addicted to her and I can't help myself! She smiled back at him and Jhar shivered. What's happening to me?

Jhar looked quickly and appraisingly at her body and saw the changes that had occurred to her over the last month. Her eyes had taken on a deeper, bluer hue, and her facial features had become more attractive, punctuated by full lips, defined cheekbones, and amazingly unblemished skin. However, the most startling change had occurred to her body. She now had sizeable biceps, tight abs, strong and pleasing legs, and near perfect breasts. While business was conducted, Jhar knew that she had caught more than a few eyes and turned heads of both men and women alike. Some people had begun to question her changes but none of them could guess at the cause. As her body changed, Alana was also becoming more confident and a shrewd businesswoman and there were quiet whispers that she may try to take power from her ruthless father, perhaps even set up a monarchy with her as the head. Luckily, none of them know about the Linean Strongroot and its effects on women have been lost to the mists of history, he mused, If only they knew, he thought and then turned to look upon Gustavus Corehall the end of the table.

"Alright Alana. I have granted you this meeting. Why did you wish to see me?" Gustavus growled and Jhar could see the deep lines in his face that were now devoid of body fat. His voice was deep.

"Well father," Alana smiled coolly with her new confidence, "I wanted to speak to you about your early," her eyes twinkled mischievously, "retirement and turning over the reins of power to me."

Gustavus looked at his daughter, red rage filled his eyes. "I knew this day would come. The other merchants and powerful families have spoken about this for months. What are you ambitions? The family? The throne?! I will not go easily!"

Alana smiled softly, "Oh father. Your mind has begun to slip over the last few months. You are not what you once were." She pointed to herself, her voice rising with aggressiveness, "I can lead this family to greatness. You yourself have always eyed become a king but you have too many enemies. Enemies which I," she licked her lips, "Have managed to subdue. I have the opportunity to become the first monarch that Linea has had in centuries! I am smarter, faster, and more shrewd than any of the other merchant families and you, and they all know it. You will step down father."

Gustavus stood up and his chair forcefully slid across the floor. "I will kill you first daughter," he said as his hands shook with rage and s he reached into his pocket and took out some Linean Strongroot.

Jhar gasped as Gustavus did so, noticing the hulking frame and distorted muscles on Gustavus frame. If he takes that Strongroot, in the state of rage he's in he'll lose his mind and go feral. Alana and I will die! Jhar thought desperately.

"I will kill you!" He said, his hands shaking.

"If you kill me Father, you will die. All of the other merchants , the ones allied with me, will disown you. Do you really think that could kill your own daughter and have it not be investigated? It will all come out father. Everything. The shady deals, the thefts against the other merchants by your undercuts, and your use of the Linean Strongroot." Alana said pulling a small pouch of the substance from some hidden fold in her dress. She smiled.

Gustavus looked at her in surprise. "Where did.. Where did you get that?" He stammered.

"Really father? Haven't you noticed the new me lately? Or have you been so addicted to the root and business that you can no longer think straight?" She laughed at him, her voice echoing in the stonewalls.

"My own daughter! You go against one of Linea's most important laws! You have committed a crime more heinous than anything I might have done." He smiled savagely. "In fact, it is my sworn duty to kill you and that little husband of yours. Yes... kill you." He said crazily and then put the Linean Strongroot into his mouth. Instantly his eyes lost their expression as they became feral and mindless. He tore off his shirt, revealing his chest that was now pulsating with grotesquely distorted muscle as the Strongroot caused him to grow. Then he charged.

Alana reacting quickly, shoved the heavy oak table into Gustavus forcing the enraged man forcefully back towards the stonewall. When he hit, he hit the wall with such a force that small pieces of stone cracked and fell to the floor. Alana turned to Jhar and yelled, "Run Jhar! Get out of the room! I'll take care of him!"

Jhar was frozen at the scene before him and the display of power that Alana had just done. No one is that strong! How did she do that?

Gustavus, forced against the wall began to push against Alana's strength and howled an animalistic roar as he realized that he was unable to move. The mind of Gustavus, or what was left of it, reached down and ingested some more Strongroot giving it another burst of power that gave it more strength to free itself. The table, caught between two titanic and opposing forces, began to crack and split in the center.

"Run Jhar! Go! Now!" Alana yelled, her toned muscles continuing their pressure. Suddenly the table could take no more and Gustavus rushed toward Alana, tackling her to the ground. Gustavus then began to beat Alana with his bare fists, howling as he did so.

Jhar, courage now moving him, ran to the oak table and worked off one the thick table's legs. Once he had it free, he rushed over to the struggling forms of Alana and Gustavus and began to beat Gustavus on the back with it. Gustavus, feeling the blows, turned and punched Jhar in the stomach and then used his arms to send Jhar flying across the room.

"Jhar!" Alana screamed in her own primal rage. "Jhar!"

Jhar, his head ringing and unable to move, opened his eyes and watched as Gustavus turned back to beat Alana. However, Gustavus's blows upon her, which moments ago had bruised and bloodied her , were now having no effect on her. For every hit he landed on her, there would be a moment of bruising and then the bruise would heal almost instantly. How is she doing this?

He hurt Jhar! My Jhar! her mind raged. He belongs to me! As her mind raged, Alana felt a warmth flow her. As it flowed through her, she noticed that Gustavus blows were not hurting her anymore and she felt stronger.

Alana began to laugh and then casually reached up and grabbed Gustavus's wrists. When she did, he howled in frustration and rage as he realized that she was stronger than he was.

"Oh father, don't you see?" Alana said over Gustavus' howls, "Its time for you to step aside. After all you're not the person you once were." She reached up and twisted Gustavus' neck, killing him. "And neither am I."

She rushed over to Jhar. "Jhar! Are you okay?" She leaned down over him. "Are you okay baby?" Her hands ran down his face as he moaned in pain.

"I'll be okay. Your father is he?"

"He's dead. Now it's my turn to rule Jhar." She said down to him, her voice cold with authority and power. Jhar shivered. "It my time Jhar. Nothing will stop me." Her blue eyes flashed and then she softened. "Let me help you up and get you to a physician for healing. As I have said before, you belong to me Jhar Helyar and I want you to be with me ,forever."

**********************
Over the course of the next year, Linea found itself in the midst of an economic depression that affected the large city of nearly 700,000 souls. Alana, now the most prominent merchant, announced that she would head an alliance of the wealthy merchants to help address the economic downturn. At first, there were whispers among the less prominent merchants that the depression had been manufactured but these whispers and grumbles were silenced as the questioners began to die in accidents, robberies, and illnesses.

The Merchant's Alliance, slowly began to secretly buy Linean newspapers, giving Alana a controlling interest. Where once there had been questions regarding the economic conditions of Linea, now there were stories of the Merchant's Alliance's great deeds and economic measures. Every month, the Merchant's Alliance began to hold festivals and game days for the common people and put out press releases saying that Alana Corehall had funded them.

As all of this occurred, Alana, accumulated great wealth, and used her growing influence and power to bring control over sectors of the economy. As the situation slowly began to change, the constant press that praised the Merchantâ€™s Alliance slowly began to focus more and more upon Alana Corehall herself and her deeds. Artists and artisans began to glamorize her beauty and soon statues and paintings were put in various corners and public works projects throughout the city.

The populace, being exposed to this constant adoration of Alana, began to adore her themselves and any moves by well-protected critics to curb or blunt her influences were countered by angry mobs of average citizens. Sensing that she now possessed the public's protection, Alana bribed popular citizens who began to call for her to be made the first Linean monarch in centuries. What first began as whispers, soon became an overwhelming groundswell as the people of Linea began to openly call for Alana's ascension the throne.
Finally, a mere year after the depression had begun, Alana, feigning disinterest and reluctance, accepted the demands to make her Queen of Linea. One month later, the Linean depression ended.

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4 years later.

When Jaina awoke, she felt completely refreshed. She walked back through the darkness to the hole she had fallen down. When she reached it she looked up at the opening 20 feet away and something deep inside of her told her that she could she jump out if she wanted. Springing upward, she shot out of the hole and onto the forest floor that was now covered in darkness. "Incredible!" She said to herself aloud and then made her way back to Linea in the darkness, the two moons floating overhead.

As she made her way to the city's gates, she could see the glittering white spires, now aglow from the wan light of the twin moons of Laken and Frost. I'm home she thought to herself and smiled, Wait until I tell Jhar what I found and he sees what I can do. It will be incredible! She thought as she approached the gates.

"Stop in the name of the Queen! Who passes in the darkness!" A tall woman asked, her face covered by a concealing patch of darkness. Jaina could tell that whore a large brimmed hat that was folded up on one side and topped off with a loud feather. While her face was concealed, a small ray of moonlight revealed a deep blue colored cloak with a silver crown patched just above her heart. Behind her, she could see the outlines of several seven other women who appeared to be similarly attired and of the similar height.

Queen? What is she talking about? Linea has no queen. How long was I was asleep for? "Jaina Warra, from the Fisherman's Quarter."

The tall woman stepped out of the shadow and Jaina noticed her beautifully defined face, long dark hair, milky white skin, and her powerful build and noticeable muscularity. The other women behind her were also attractive and possessed similar builds. What happened to the normal male guards? I have never seen women so physically strong before!

"I am Captain Sara of her Queen's Royal Guard," the woman said curtly to Jaina. "Do you have your papers for being out after curfew?" The woman said curtly to Jaina.

"Uh.. Papers?" Jaina said confusedly and noticed that a few of the women behind Captain Sara had placed their hands on the pommels of their swords.

"Yes. Papers. Where have you been? Queen Alana requires all Linean citizens to carry the proper papers while we're at war with Manarans. Do you have them or not?" She said testily.

"I don't." Jaina said downcast. What is going on here?!

"Pity. We will have to take you in for questioning. Come with us." Captain Sara snapped her fingers and two of the powerful female guards moved to be stand behind Jaina. "Come with us. Now."

Jaina stood frozen in place as the women behind her reached out their hands to forcibly move her. When the first hand grabbed upon her bicep, Jaina moved forward quickly to break the grip and then kicked backwards, hitting one of the female guards in the solar plexus, sending them flying backwards.

"We have a Manaran spy! Kill her!" Captain Sara shouted as the remaining six guards drew their swords and rushed upon Jaina.

The first guard, a dazzling red haired woman, thrust her sword out, aiming for her Jaina's abdomen. Jaina, with her new reflexes, turned her body in a complete circle and extended her fist, which backhanded the guard when Jaina completed her turn.

Behind her, Jaina could hear the boot clicks of the female guard she has kicked running toward her, the blade of the guardâ€™s sword sliding out of its scabbard. When the footsteps were a few feet behind her, Jaina sidestepped quickly and extended her foot out which tripped the guard into her female companions.

"Get her!" Captain Sara shouted, and then pulled out a whistle. When Captain Sara did this, Jaina could hear dozens of other whistles from the nearby streets around her join Captain Sara's chorus. In front of her, she could see more tall shapes running in her direction.

I can't stay here. There are too many of them. Time to leave, she thought as she searched the building around her. Ahh.. I think I can make that ledge. Crouching low, Jaina sprang upward with a thrust of power and grabbed onto a ledge from one of the buildings on the small city street. From there she climbed upward another two stories until she was looking down on the guards, now nearly two dozen in number, below her.

"Get up to the roof! I want her stopped now!" Captain Sara commanded, the women around her staring dumbfound up at Jaina. "Quit staring. You have a job to do! Do it or I'll have you put in irons! Go!" With that command, the women began to run towards the ladders on the sides of the building.

Uh.. I didn't think of that. Jaina thought as the first female guards head peeked up over the building's ledge and then reached the top. Within seconds, seven female guards stood across from her on the roof, their swords drawn.

Jaina looked down. Well.. I can't go back down and I can't go further up so.... She looked at the 20-foot expanse between her and the building across from her. She turned behind her and saw the women cautiously approaching. She took ten steps quickly backward. Here goes nothing. She picked up running speed and then leaped over the expanse, coming down in a roll as she reached the other side.

"Wow! What a rush!" She said aloud and then looked down below her. She could hear Captain Sara screaming out commands for the guards to follow.

I can't play this game all night. It's time for me to leave. Jaina thought as she leaped to the next building, then to the next, making her way back to the Fisherman's Quarter. Every time she leapt, she could see the running forms of the city guard become further and further away.

She went home.

***************************************************

By the time that Jaina had traversed the vast city, the twin moons were beginning to set in Western sky overlooking the ocean. Spotting her parents small apartment above their shop, Jaina nimbly climbed down from the building that she had landed on and made her way to the door.

Looking around her for any sign of the blue-cloaked guards, Jaina banged on the door that echoed in the sandy streets in front of her home. Looking upwards, she saw the glow of a lantern flicker on and saw the light vanish as it moved down into the main shop, then the door opened.

â€œFather!â€ Jaina gushed rushing toward her father and embracing him strongly.

â€œJai.. Jaina? Is it really you?â€ The man creaked with surprise, a tear building up in his eyes and then falling down his check to be lost in his short cut, gray beard.

â€œYes Father ! Itâ€™s me.â€

â€œOh my... we never thought... come in.. come in.,â€ he hustled her inside and then took one last look into the street to make sure that no guards were watching. When he had closed the door, he yelled upward â€œJinara! Jinara! Come down quickly!â€ He turned back to Jaina and embraced her this time. â€œWe thought you had died! We thought you had been taken by the forest! Where have you been?â€ He cried exasperatedly.

A voice from behind them groggily asked from the stairs, â€œJon whatâ€™s going on? Why so much...â€ she paused as her eyes caught sight of Jaina. â€œNo.. can it really be?â€ she asked quietly, her feet carrying her unconsciously down the stairs and toward Jaina. â€œIs it?â€

â€œYes. Mother. Itâ€™s me.â€

â€œOh Jaina!â€ She cried.

The three tearfully embraced each other in the lantern lit shop.

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As the sun arose that morning, Jon, his wife Jinara, and Jaina sat around a small wooden table talking about all that happened. Jaina learned that she had been missing for nearly six years and told her parents that it had felt as if only a week had gone by. Following that, her parents had told her about the recent depression and the rise of Queen Alana to the throne of Linea. Jaina was shocked to hear of all of the changes.

â€œWhat about the Royal Guards? What happened to all of the men who once had their position?â€ Jaina asked.

Her mother sipped her cup of bitterroot, â€œOh, well that remains a mystery Jaina. No one knows. They began to appear about a month after Queen Alana, bless her heart, took the throne. Arenâ€™t they beautiful women? Tough, and brutal, but they are also obeyed and followed. Theyâ€™ve brought order to Linea.â€

â€œThey are beautiful, yes, but Iâ€™ve never seen women so physically imposing before. Are they mercenaries from some foreign city? They are incredibly strong.â€ Jaina asked, musing.

â€œNo theyâ€™re not mercenaries,â€ her father piped in. â€œIn fact theyâ€™re picked from the city games which Queen Alana holds every two months. Women from the across the kingdom come to compete and the strongest among them are chosen for Queen Alanaâ€™s Royal Guard. The others lead our armies and the men that are now fighting abroad. Itâ€™s a tremendous honor.â€

â€œAnd their changes?â€

â€œNo one really knows. They swear allegiance to the Queen and then they leave the city for a month. When they return, they come back bigger, stronger, smart, and more attractive. They are given their choice of any man whom they choose. A few have even had children, females of course, and so far, theyâ€™ve also seemed ahead of the other children. No one knows what happens to them. Some say its sorcery, some say that their oath of loyalty to the Queen Alana has blessed them. Of course, none of them compare to the Queen herself. None of them.â€ Jonâ€™s eyes were glazed over and his face flushed with red.

â€œHow so?â€ Jaina continued

This time her mother cut in. â€œWell only ten years ago she was simple old Alana Corehall but over the last decade she has begun to change Jaina. The short and sticklike woman has become a beautiful woman. Sheâ€™s taller and stronger than any in her Royal Guard. Her blonde hair is as if made of silk and her blue eyes have such intelligence as to be unmatched. As she made more and more public appearances, people noticed how her body was changing. and how attractive she was becoming. Whereas muscle on a woman had at one time been unacceptable, the Queenâ€™s appearances redefined beauty, made it acceptable. Men began to desire it and women sought to emulate her look if they could. That is why so many try to become Royal Guards. In the end, the people love her even if she can be authoritarian at times. She saved Linea Jaina. All over the world, cities come to pay homage to her. She is feared and adored.â€

â€œYes. Adored.â€ Her father cut in. â€œDuke Helar is a lucky man.â€ He giggled.

Jaina gasped. â€œDuke Helar? You mean Erick Helar right?â€

Her mother laughed, â€œSilly girl. Erick Helar was killed five years ago. He died of illness. Queen Alana married Jhar Helar, his son.â€

Jhar married the Queen? Jaina sighed sadly. â€œOh. Thatâ€™s... thatâ€™s wonderful I suppose.â€

Jinara frowned, remembering the Jaina of six years ago and gasped, â€œOh my child. Iâ€™m so sorry. I forgot. Itâ€™s been so long you see and...â€

â€œItâ€™s alright mother. Itâ€™s all right. How long after I went missing did they begin to court each other?â€

Jinara looked at her husband Jon for support, finding none, she kept quiet
.
â€œTell me!â€ Jaina snarled, her fist slamming into heavy wooden table, splitting it down the center and causing it to collapse in on itself. â€œHow long!â€

Jon and Jinara sprang to their feet, and Jon gulped as he looked down in horror at what his daughter, his little Jaina, had done and uttered, â€œThree weeks after you went missing Jaina. Three weeks.â€

Three weeks eh? He said he loved me! How could he do this to me? She raged inside and turned away from her parents to look out the bay window in front of the shop. When she did, she noticed her reflection in one of the small square windowpanes. Of course. Look at me. I am nothing. Iâ€™m pale and small, washed out face, dark hair. Iâ€™m a commoner. Nothing! What was I thinking, thinking he would have me? she squeezed her hand and felt the power there. Iâ€™ll show him what I can do. I will show everyone.

End or Part 1.

Future Installments: Jaina slips into evil, unlocks the Star Stoneâ€™s true powers, gets her kingdom, and begins her quest for domination.

Empress Hardyan vs Jaina in Hellfire Keep and the saving of an age...

Rayne and the new ascension.....

Rinka - The Azure Dragon

kingofring — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:32:27 +0000

Walking along the road again with Rinka towering beside him, wearing her red kimono that at this stage was straining at the seams, a shoddy attempt at stitching it back together after the last time she had grown being all that prevented her at her incredible height of nine to ten feet from being freed of her clothing. Hanging at her side was the cause behind it all - a cursed blade that imposed upon her great strength for every man slain by it, while at the same time shortening her lifespan as she grew stronger. After spending so long traveling with her he could not help but feel a pull to her. Kaizo had always had problem getting to know or even outright liking people. With his parents dead and him having to steal to survive, he had little choice in the matter. Everyone detested him, and he showed them the same respect. One could suppose he had become bitter and cynical over his time following his parent's death. But upon meeting the light-hearted Rinka, he could not help but admire her and enjoy her company - She had lost her clan, and what was worse, she was afflicted with a curse that would claim her life one day, and all the while a bunch of freaks hunted her. It was more tragic than his own past, and yet she smiled everyday, enjoyed herself. He could not help but follow in suit.

"Hey, Kaizo-kun! What happened to the last onigiri? Did you eat it?" she asked in that girlish voice of hers, a brow raised. An eyebrow twitching, he replied.

"Oi, oi, you ate all the rest of them! If I didn't have that one, I'd have starved!"

And so their light-hearted bickering took effect, more of a routine than actual bickering really. A pattern they followed. Neither really cared about the onigiri, they just found it easier to talk to each other in such a way than to speak conversationally. It was somewhat funny in his mind, really - If they had actually been arguing, she could have crushed his body without a need to draw her blade at all. And yet he didn't care - He knew she wouldn't. He felt safe around her, as though knowing that he was in no threat around her no matter what the situation. She was a good person - far too peaceful to dare hurt someone unless they were a warrior who dared threaten her or Kaizo. The two had finished bickering lightly as they neared the next village, where, in the street ahead, they spotted a man dressed in a shoddy blue kimono lying on the ground, dirt in his messy black hair and bruises on his body.

"Hey! Hey, what happened?" Rinka spoke first as she rushed to the man's side, flipping him onto his back so he face upwards, with Kaizo following behind and kneeling at his other side. The man's body was lightly toned, he noted, and his face was handsome yet young, angular but not overly so. A man in his twenties. His eyelids blinked a few times before finally opening, exposing a pair of blue eyes that stared upwards at the two figures who had come to his aid, his breathing deep as he parted his lips to speak.

"You... Who are you guys...? Where... Where were those robbers...?" he spoke, to which both Rinka and Kaizo looked at each other before turning back to him.

"We didn't see any robbers - Were you attacked?" Kaizo asked, to which he nodded.

"Yes... Just as I was traveling to the next village a group of robbers attacked me, before running off with my money to the village... Do you think you could help me...?" he asked, and with a smile Rinka pulled him up gently, helping him to his feet. He might have been shocked at the sight of her, but Kaizo noted he didn't look it - Although, he supposed with the whole 'being robbed' thing he was a bit to preoccupied to really take it on board. With a smirk Kaizo spoke, answering his question.

"You kidding? I'm an expert! I'll find 'em and Rinka'll just show off her muscle and they'll give you back your stuff without complaint!" Kaizo answered proudly, grinning wide. Rinka smiled at him, glad that he would help someone so easily when he asked for it. Kaizo was definitely getting a little less confrontational around people, it looked. It made her happy. "Now come on - Let's get going before they run off..." Kaizo explained, and nodding the man followed along with Rinka, ready to find these robbers.

---

"Alright? One... Two... THREE!"

With a booming crash a wooden door was kicked down with a powerful blow, breaking it apart like paper as it fell, a group of men, all armed with proper weapons, looking at the door in shock as a trio of figures approached, each one grinning. The first was a teenaged boy with dark, messy hair, standing tall with a gray kimono worn over his form. Beside him, in the middle, was a handsome man in a blue kimono with dark hair and a certain smugness about him. And standing beside him was the one who knocked down the door, an absolutely huge woman whose bicep muscles were larger than most men's waists, rippling with power throughout them and joined to a pair of broad shoulders. Her bust was no less impressive, her pectoral muscles seemingly making her great rack even greater. And her thighs were literally bigger than tree trunks, packed with strength to the brim, while her calves were no less impressive, holding the weight of her whole body up. A simple red kimono, which had been repeatedly repaired, tried to cover her, though the front unintentionally still opened up in a v-neck, exposing a fair amount of cleavage, while the sleeves had been completely ripped off. The obi sash she wore barely fitted around her, binding her sword to her side tightly, while her hakama were so tight on her that they looked more like shorts. Only her sandals looked normal on her feet. And all in all she stood at nine feet.

"W-Who are you guys?!" one of the men yelled, secretly frightened at the sight of the woman. In his hands was a bag of money. a satchel full to the brim.

"There! That's the money they stole from me!" the man in the blue kimono spoke.

"How did you know we were here?!" he yelled back, seemingly shocked that the man recognized it. With a smirk the young teen male spoke.

"A good thief knows the best hiding spots! Now fork it over!" he yelled at the man, who seemed hesitant, as though debating whether or not he and his men wanted to mess with the large, powerful woman. Kaizo grinned - their plan was working perfectly! It looked like the guy would get his money back with no problems at all.

"Aah!"

Kaizo knew as he heard the feminine yell that something had happened - As he turned around a blade had been pressed into the back of Rinka, but what made his eyes widen was not that but the man who did it - The man they had just helped out. With a smirk he gripped the cursed blade by the scabbard and yanked it forcefully from her side, pulling it away as it shrank to match his own size. In a moment an incredible thing happened that Kaizo could barely comprehend - in mere moments this titan of a woman had shrunk, he clothes becoming comically large over her as her hakama fell off, while her normally huge kimono covered her entire bare body, which was now standing at five foot three, with a slender, thing figure that was nothing compared to her earlier size. The man they had helped allowed his eyes to turn to Kaizo as he smirked, pulling the blade from her back.

"Seiryuu. Did the blue kimono and our choice of code-names not tip you off?" he spoke simply before the robbers behind laughed, and Kaizo realized what had happened - they had been tricked. The man hadn't been robbed, he was one of the four people who were after Rinka! Dashing towards Seiryuu he threw a punch, but the man leapt away, back into the street, before running - a sign that the men behind them were to fight.

"Yatta! Seiryuu-sama's taken care of the bitch! Let's finish her!" their leader yelled as they gave chase to Kaizo, who slung one of Rinka's arms over him before taking off, running away from the mob and after Seiryuu.

"Seiryuu you bastard! I'm gonna punch that face of yours so hard I'll knock it right off!" Kaizo yelled as Rinka weakly kept up with him, rushing to avoid the men. But in her weakened state, doing even that was a difficulty in itself.

---

The chase had been long and tiresome as the two parties raced across the village - The warriors, weighed down by armor, were outrun, but they had now opted to scout the entire area, meaning that Kaizo had to be safe in order to evade them. All the while, Seiryuu had freely run ahead, not weighed down by anything. And the worst thing was Rinka - she hadn't any access to medical care at all.

"Hang in there, Rinka! I'll get your sword back and you can take down these guys no problem, okay? I just need to find that Seiryuu guy and-"

"And... What?"

Kaizo froze as he looked behind, seeing the man himself with a force of twenty men behind him, smirking confidently from ear to ear. Kaizo couldn't believe his eyes - how did they all manage to follow after him for so long? His shocked face provided the question for the man who held Rinka's katana, who answered in kind.

"You were so slow I was quite able to sneak after you - So you see, it was just a game of chasing your own tail. I was not made the leader of an entire gang for no reason - My strategies have never failed. I am the brain behind the operations. Byakko was too quick to jump to things, always lashing out, and Genbu was arrogant, even if a skilled tactician. I am unlike any opponent you two have faced, Rinka, Kaizo, and as a result I shall take victory here today. If it is any consolation, I will make it as painless as possible... Assuming you give up here and now" he told the two, a confident smirk on his features growing into a large, slightly disturbing grin. In a moment of defiance Kaizo stood his ground, gritting his teeth.

"I'll take you all on! Rinka's always saved my hide from danger - Now I'll-" before Kaizo could finish however he noticed Rinka's grip tighten, and turning to her he watched as a dangerous, crimson aura encircled her, a pair of unnaturally cold eyes looking up towards Seiryuu.

"Give me... My blade... Give it to me... Give me..." as she spoke she stepped forwards, nearing the perturbed man who held her weapon, standing on her own two feet. Shockingly her wounds seemed to close as she walked, her face twisted and frightening, an anger welling up like a volcano within. The warriors and Seiryuu himself shivered, and he flinched as the weapon in his hands glowed the same aura, dropping it.

"GIVE ME MY BLADE!" she let out a bestial roar as the blade came flying into her hands, pulled to her by some unknown force, and in a bizarre twist she suddenly shot up in height, stunning the crowds around - mountains of muscle piled upon her, her biceps and triceps and abdominal and pectoral muscles growing impossibly huge, her hamstrings and tendons swelling impossibly. Seiryuu fell back as she grew, towering over the street and casting a shadow as great as herself in size over the area. Kaizo stared upwards as she grew far past her former nine foot mark, becoming bigger and bigger and bigger until she topped off at an incredible height of what Kaizo assumed to be thirty feet and no less. Her clothes had exploded off of her body, exposing her entire, bare body to the world, yet that didn't matter - the warriors were frightened, feeling fear like none other as she stood over them.

"No... She can't... She can't have awakened the blade! Is this... Is this really the strength of the heirs to the blade? To her accursed clan?!" Seiryuu spoke in a frightened voice, having little time to say anything else as, in a terribly strong display of power she swung down, smashing the street and cleaving it in two - as well as killing everyone around save Kaizo, who still stood behind her. She let out another roar of madness, as though no longer human as she brought back up her dripping katana, coated in a thin layer of blood on the very edge. Kaizo could only let out a frightened cry, scared of what his friend - his love - had become.

"... Rinka...?"

Rinka - The White Tiger

kingofring — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:48:20 +0000

Gathered in a dimly lit cave, only their torches led them to the meeting place, where often the group would come together and speak on what is to be done, what course of action they would take. Never did they show their faces or look at each others, the torches only bright enough to guide and, at beast, illuminate the torso of the body. They were never held so high that the face would be seen, and that was how the group preferred things - Acting in mystery, moving in shadow. They were never bold until the time called for it. Sitting in a large chamber, the three figures stood, each putting down their torches for the moment, each remaining silent until a woman's voice spoke, her voice not commanding nor weak, but stoic, stating only a simple truth for all within the cavern to hear.

"Genbu is dead" she told the other two, as though the news did not faze her at all. Meeting silence, she continued. "He was slain at the hands of none other than the last member of the clan we did away with four years ago - Kobayashi Rinka. At the time, both he and Kinomoto Saito's shinobi forces were felled, and as you know, that means that Rinka's power has grown quite a bit".

"Ha! Genbu was a weak, cowardly fool!" another feminine voice, although this one was more brash, unruly. It was cocky and arrogant all at once. "He was always hiding in that damn turtle shell of his, afraid to leap out and snap his jaws shut on her!".

"I was a friend of Genbu, you know" a calm, lax, masculine voice now spoke, responding to the quick comments the other woman had spoken. "He wasn't cowardly, but smart. Challenging such a woman to a normal fight is a fool's plan - Good things come to he who waits". Needless to say she was annoyed with his remark.

"So you're calling me a fool, Seiryuu?!"

"A fool who is going to die soon"

"Enough!" the first woman's voice now took on a more commanding tone, silencing the other two with that one word. For a brief moment there was a pause, a silence that filled the cavern. "Byakko, it is now your turn to prove your worth, since you seem so eager to slay our target, Kobayashi Rinka. I expect to see her head at my feet, understood?".

Neither the woman nor Seiryuu could see it, but Byakko, the hot-headed, arrogant woman whom Byakko had been arguing with was giving off a feral grin, excited. She licked her lips - The next prey was going to be a real challenge.

---

"Kaizo-kun..."

"Yes?"

"Can I have your packed lunch?"

"No, dammit! You ate yours already, so don't expect me to give you mine!"

Having spent the last few days walking along the path to the next town, the two had gotten to know each other a little better since their first meeting and their encounter with Genbu - Quickly becoming friends despite Kaizo's ill-tempered nature and Rinka's tendency to set that temper off. Yet again, as they had many times during the trip, Kaizo was forced to move quickly to avoid Rinka's strong hands as they tried to grab his packed lunch, the samurai girl, as Kaizo had learned, having a rather large appetite to match her incredible size. Luckily, as big as Rinka was, and despite her rather quick movements for someone her size, Kaizo was always able to out-do her in agility. Perhaps it was natural for him, or perhaps it was simply thanks to the many times he had run away after stealing things.

In the middle of their repetitive antics however, both of their eyes caught something - Just within walking distance, they could see the next town! With a smile, Rinka pumped her fists up into the air, completely forgetting about Kaizo's packed lunch and her desire to eat it - They had finally reached their destination, which meant...

"Yatta! Now I can get some food!" she announced, grinning widely with a chuckle. Kaizo simply shook his head, although the smirk on his face showed that he was somewhat amused with her antics. Another reason, he guessed. Another reason, that is, to remove the curse - All this time she had spent wandering was not going to waste, it was for finding a means to get rid of the curse that haunted her, tapping her shoulder at all times to remind her she was still with it. After hearing what he had heard during that night, he was not surprised - The man had said their life would be tragically short, after all. He wanted to help her remove the curse in any way he could. Looking back, he saw that she was already gone from his side, running down the path at top speed towards the town. Quickly, he took off after her, not about to let her get away.

---

"More please!"

With the cheerful exclamation, the owner nodded, a bit shook up - Sitting in his hut was a huge, muscular woman, who, along with her smaller, more normal-sized male friend, were eating him out of business quickly. With her size he wasn't surprised, and the boy likewise looked a little thin, hinting that maybe this was the biggest meal he had gotten in a while. But even so, the situation was completely unexpected, a shock to him. His only hope was that they had enough money to pay for all of this, else he would go out of business fast. Quickly, he hurried back behind, into the kitchen where he would make their food while they waited for him.

"Man, you got any money?" spoke up Kaizo as he finished his bowl of rice, wiping his mouth. Almost expectedly she shook her head with that cheerful smile of hers, causing him to chuckle a little - As bad as it was, he had to admit it was still hilarious. "How are you going to pay him then? You can't exactly just work it off - he'll probably be run out of business at this rate" he commented, causing the larger woman to blink.

"You think so?" she asked, raising a brow. Ah, how innocent she looked, he noted. If he hadn't seen her fight Saito and Genbu a few nights earlier, he would have believed she was.

"Oi! Bitch! Get yer ass out here!"

Suddenly both Kaizo and Rinka turned, standing up from the table they had been seated at, looking out the door. Momentarily everything was quiet, but that was quickly taken care of.

"OI! GET OUT HERE! I AIN'T GOT ALL DAY, YA KNOW!!!" came the feminine yell again, and both Rinka and Kaizo realized that, yes, they were the ones being spoken to. Quickly both ran, bolting out the door, only to pause and let out a surprised gasp as they looked at the woman in the streets, as though unable to believe what they were seeing.

Standing at a height matching Rinka's perfectly was another woman, strong, powerful-looking muscles dominating her figure, bringing her at a size likewise matching Rinka's almost perfectly. However, her build was still stockier, making her seem shorter even though she was anything but. Her face was set in a feral grin, with blonde, messy hair about her head, a foreign look to her amidst this sea of Japanese people. Her body was clad in but a loose-fitting kimono, practically draped over her large form with the waist belted, the front almost open completely, just covering the nipples of her large mammaries. She was rough, uncultured compared to Rinka, yet no less dangerous, Kaizo thought to himself. He felt like just being near her would result in his body being ripped apart.

In her hands, he now saw, was a Tachi blade, which in a quick flash she drew, discarding the scabbard unceremoniously. Holding the long blade in one hand she pointed it towards Rinka, smirking.

"Byakko" she commented, and Kaizo realized it was her name she meant. "I plan on kicking yer ass quickly so I can get drunk and show off t' Seiryuu later, so how 'bout we get this started quickly, hmm?" her way of speaking again played to her rough appearance, and Kaizo frowned. Oh if he were stronger he would-

"I will not" came Rinka's answer, and both Kaizo and Byakko's jaws dropped, surprised expressions on their faces. Regaining her composure the blonde continued.

"Oi, oi! Didn't ya hear me? I'm here t'-"

"I'm not interested" Rinka continued, eyes staring into Byakko's with an unusual seriousness, earning a look of annoyance as Byakko's brows furrowed, her teeth grit. "A pointless battle is not worth fighting. I see no reason to accept".

For a moment there was silence, a thick tension between the two as they stared each other down. In a brief moment however, the grin once more returned to Byakko, her free hand's fingers twitching excitedly.

"Is that so...? Then how 'bout this!" she announced, and in a sudden burst of speed, before Kaizo could cop onto the fact that she had leapt towards him, she swung her blade down, aiming to slice him in two, only for Rinka to intercept, drawing her own blade and clashing with Byakko's. Stepping a few paces back he smirked, but seeing her muscles tighten, sweat running down her brow, Kaizo's eyes widened - This woman was able to fight against Rinka!

In a sudden move, Rinka threw her opponent's attack to the side, swinging her blade up to attack her open target, only for her for to bring her free hand up, surprising Rinka by grabbing her sword's hilt along with her hand, before slamming her forehead against Rinka's. Letting out a gasp she stumbled back, and letting go of Rinka Byakko swung her blade again, this time narrowly missing her target as Rinka leaned back, before thrusting her blade forwards. Predictably her foe dodged, but as Rinka added a pivot, she was caught unawares and a quick slice cut into her side, blood falling.

"Impossible..." Kaizo commented, watching the fight with awe. "She's fighting head to head with Rinka!".

Laughing, Byakko returned the favor by swinging for a decapitation, missing Rinka's head as she ducked down, only for Rinka to be caught unawares as she brought her leg up, slamming it into Rinka's mid-section with a powerful kick. Falling backwards Rinka now lied on her back, blade up as Byakko now swung again and again at the fallen Samurai, laughing madly as her attack continued on and on again. Eventually, to escape the onslaught of powerful slashes she kicked at her foe's knees, causing them to buckle as she used the chance to roll onto her stomach and return to her feet, charging Byakko as she likewise got to her feet, the two swinging their blades and meeting in a clash of power, each pushing against the other for domination. Their eyes met for a moment, only for Rinka's to be brought back to the fight as a sudden left hook slammed into her cheek, causing her to falter for a moment as Byakko used the chance to push against her, throwing her back again. Stumbling again, she was easy prey for Byakko as she leapt in and dealt a swift slash, cutting open Rinka's stomach.

'Damn! She's too unpredictable! And her speed and power are on par with mine! It's like she's my natural enemy!' the large samurai girl noted to herself as she fell back, wincing from the cut on her abdomen. Pushing her foot behind her she attempted to barge forwards and swing, but it was a foolish mistake on her part as Byakko smacked aside her wild swing with a back-handed punch, swinging her other arm at her in an attempt to cleave her in two - only for a light weight to push against her, and for Rinka to fall faster than expected to the side, out of the way of her slicing attack. Looking down she saw Kaizo, who had just pushed against both her and Rinka to protect her from being killed.

In anger Byakko swung down, but Kaizo's agility proved greater, and he seemed to practically dance out of the way, avoiding the attack. In her anger she was blinded, and using this chance Rinka pushed forwards and dealt a swift slash across Byakko's torso, causing her to roar in pain as blood escaped her wounds. Stumbling back a few paces she clutched her wound with her free hand, looking up in fury at the woman who had cut her. Letting out a low roar she charged, but like a raging bull she was now open.

"I will not allow you to kill anyone anymore!" Rinka called, and in a quick move ducked under her foe's attack, slicing through her abdomen. Eyes widening, Byakko fell, collapsing to her knees. Blood now escaping freely, she turned her gaze heavenward, only to find nothing. Falling face first into the earth, she died quickly. With a flick, the blood left Rinka's blade, only to be replaced by that strong, fierce aura, shooting up her arm and engulfing her, Rinka letting out a slight moan as she underwent the biggest size change she had had since gaining the curse - In mere moments her muscles doubled in size, her body growing taller and taller until it broke the eight foot mark, growing until a full height of nine feet was reached, her clothes stretching and bursting in the process, now little more than rags covering her far too large form. Sheathing the blade, she sighed.

"Clothing aside, this curse brings me no happiness" she spoke, and Kaizo couldn't help but agree.

Rinka - The Black Tortoise

kingofring — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:42:59 +0000

Sleeping that night was not something Kaizo would be able to do easily. In a matter of moments the food he had stolen had been all but devoured wholly. True, he had gotten his fair share, but his small portion was nothing compared to the young teenaged girl he had just met, whose appetite proved great enough to devour all of the box of fruit and still not feel full. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. There was no way he could keep the huge, muscular girl in his house for more than a night. Hell, the only reason he agreed in the first place was because of the sheer size of the Samurai, who no doubt could have torn him apart if she wished, but that was the thing - This woman who called herself a Samurai, Kobayashi Rinka, was almost innocent even, far too kind to be a killer, far too nice to ever think of fighting. Kaizo found that the red-head was, if anything, entirely against the stereotype of the murderous, survival-driven Ronin one found on the streets. Masterless Samurai who did anything to survive - That was a Ronin, and yet, despite having no master, she seemed content, not minding it at all. If this was some sort of Bushido code, Kaizo understood none of it.

Lying back against the ground, he shut his eyes, willing himself to fall asleep. He could hear faint snores coming from his room, although the creaky floorboards were a lot worse than Rinka's snoring. Still, the idea that someone else was in his home was a little unsettling. No, worse than that, it was very unsettling. It was creeping him out. He had grown so used to sleeping by himself, in his own home, in his own room, but thanks to Rinka, no longer was he alone in his own home, nor was he sleeping in his own room. He blamed his situation on karma - Obviously all those years of stealing were catching up on him. He had been tricked into giving her his room by his fear, he was lucky he had at least told her it was the only bedroom in the house. The only thing that could possibly be worse than this situation was if she had chosen to step foot in that room. No, he would never let anyone step foot in there. Not ever.

Perhaps it was luck or perhaps his exhaustion caught up with him, but either way, it was not long before his consciousness drifted off, and he drifted off, deep into sleep, but before he could truly enter that sleep he oh so desperately wanted, an odd smell reached his nose. It wasn't something he had smelt often before, and yet it seemed so familiar. An odd warmth radiated, beginning to wash over him. At first, it was a simple warmth like what one would get from close contact with another person, but soon the temperature soared, and Kaizo found himself beginning to sweat, the heatwave washing over him. It was though he was in the middle of an intense inferno. With panic flowing through him, he awoke, only to grow frightened and scared. The scene around him was a nightmare, the flames burning through the wooden hut rapidly, smoke rising up, taking up the space in the room. Wooden limber fell all about him from the recesses of the black smoke.

Coughing violently, Kaizo realized he had to do something. The fire was raging, burning his home! His parent's home! He needed to move fast. Quickly as he could he ran forth, dashing not towards the exit, but something else - His parents' room. His deceased parents' room, to be exact, where the small shrine he had to them was. He didn't care if the fire and smoke was in his way, all he had left of the ones who raised him was in danger of being destroyed. He ran into the room, but before he could move any further timber fell from above, almost slamming into him. It was only when he coughed again did he realize how useless his attempts were - in the midst of his coughing and hacking, he found himself falling to the ground, the blackness overtaking him.

---

Slowly and groggily he awoke, coughing violently for a moment before his coughing settled, and he found that he was no longer indoors. Beneath him lay damp grass, and above him was a dark sky, filled with black smoke that rose from god knows where. However, it was only a moment later that he actually realized what had happened, and quickly he rose, attempting to turn around, but a strong pair of hands pinned him by his shoulders, preventing him from getting despite how gentle the touch was. Quickly Kaizo's eyes darted upwards towards the one who held him there, meeting a pair of green eyes who, despite being so foreign, were so familiar to him. His brows furrowed, he snapped angrily.

"Let me go! That's my hut! My home! I-" despite his efforts, he was quickly cut off as the red-haired teen interjected.

"Do you want to get killed?!" she spoke back, for once losing her characteristic cheerfulness. "I don't know why you want to go back, but going back in your condition is insane! If it hadn't been for me carrying you out, you'd be dead by now! Is this really worth giving up your life over?!" she told him, her eyes never leaving his for a moment. Kaizo didn't know what to say, instead he seemed to ball his fists and look away, as though it stung to look her in the eyes. But as Rinka would soon realize, from the corner of his eye, a small tear escaped the corner, causing her eyes to widen.

"My parents'..." he started, but was once again cut off as a 'tsk' escaped the lips of someone neither person knew. The unfamiliar voice rang in their heads for a moment, before quickly both Rinka and Kaizo turned to look towards a platoon of black-garbed warriors, each with kodachi in hand, their blades ready for an attack. The front figure was a man with white hair, messy and long, in a ponytail hanging behind him. His body was lanky and tall, yet was built with muscle despite how slim his height made him look. His sharp, piercing eyes gazed upon them, a mask obscuring the rest of his face.

"I had been hoping that the fire may have killed you, but since you are still alive, I suppose that we will have to correct that mistake" he began, his voice serious and stern, yet monotonous, as though he had done this so many times before that it had almost become boring to him. "Kobayashi Rinka, I, Kinomoto Saito, have been chosen to end your life. You will fall by our blades" he spoke, and with a simple hand gesture he seemed to spur his men on to fight. Each one was light, quick on their feet. With their blades drawn they swarmed in upon Rinka, allowing their numbers to take advantage. Before Kaizo could do anything he felt himself be pushed back, his eyes lingering now on the muscular back of the one who pushed him down - Kobayashi Rinka herself.

What he saw next shocked and awed him, her hand gripped the hilt of her katana and pulled it out, ripping it out of it's scabbard almost with the force she drew it, rushing forwards and meeting the Shinobi half-way. With speed unheard of in such a large figure, the muscular Samurai girl rushed in, her kimono robes rustling as the wind breezed through it, and as soon as the first Shinobi came, she attacked - Slicing right through his torso, blood splattering upon the ground. Two more let out a yell as they came from either side, but she was quicker - pushing off with one strong foot she managed to avoid the blades, before lashing out with her longer katana, managing to deal a swift, fatal cut to the throat of one of them, the other managing to dodge in time before moving in, attempting another attack. This time his blade cut through her shoulder as she pivoted to move out of the way, earning a pained grunt in response before she quickly took him out by slamming the hilt of her katana into the back of his head, making him stagger for a moment before she dealt a powerful slash to his back.

Three were left, the first swiping at her legs, forcing her to step back, only for her to be met with a sharp blade as the second came from behind, slashing at her back. This time her pained cry was shouted aloud, before that fiery determination sprung back, and with a swift turn of her waist she slammed her fist into his head, knocking him down for a moment as his partner now swung up, attempting to cut through her torso, only for her own blade to block with but one hand. And with that one hand she pushed back, throwing him aside as she turned back to the other, and in a swift cutting motion ended his life, slicing through his neck. With the other foe still alive she dashed off, nearing the Shinobi, and with one final slash cleaved through his chest, blood spraying into the air before falling, as though it were rain. By this point Kaizo had grown scared again, this new Rinka was dangerous, terrifying, he would have made to move, but fear seemed to pin him to his place. But it was what happened next that truly scared him.

The blade glowed with a fiery, intense aura that began to crawl up over her body, engulfing her. To his shock, as though her already immense size wasn't enough, the aura seemed to make her grow bigger, stronger. Before she was in the six and a half feet range, now she was at least seven feet tall, her muscles expanding proportionately to match her new size. The glowing finally seemed to subside as she topped off at seven feet tall. With a flick of her blade the blood left her sword, cleaning it quickly as she now began to raise it up in front of her, both hands gripping the sword. To this the last Shinobi, the one who called himself Saito, simply seemed to smirk behind his mask.

"Ah, so that's it. This curse that makes you so dangerous - The curse of the deceased Kobayashi Family!" he called, drawing his blade. Kaizo found himself lost - a cursed blade? What was he on about? "With ever foe slain you gain strength, comparable to the foe's strength, but with more and more power, your life fades! Doomed to an early grave - that is the Kobayashi's biggest weakness! And even if you gain back your strength, it seems, your wounds remain, your stamina likewise still not returning" he announced, and Kaizo saw in her eyes that what he had said was true. The wound on her back and in her shoulder still stung. Before he had time to say anything on this, Rinka yelled, a battle cry ringing out as she dashed towards her foe, blade at the ready. Before she could get close however, he seemed to turn tail and run, dashing off towards the forests. Quickly, she too changed course and followed. Kaizo, refusing to be left behind, ran after her, and so began the chase.

---

Rinka found herself quite angry with todays events - The fire, the Shinobi - She had run off to escape it all, and yet, even when she tried so hard, trouble kept running after her. Ever since her family had all died, killed in that horrific massacre on the Daimyo's orders, she had been bound to the sword she gripped now, and thanks to it, she was eternally bound to trouble, danger, fierce enemies. She gripped the hilt tighter, her knuckles going white. She was so sick of it, so tired of all this bloodshed, and yet no matter how much she wanted to, whenever she tried throwing the blade away, she found herself incapable of doing it, incapable of discarding the one weapon she hoped never to see again. Twigs and branches and the like rattles as she brushed through them, running after the Shinobi's leader. Rinka was not the vengeful type, but oh how badly she would beat him up when she got the chance.

What she hadn't expected, however, was for a large log to swing down from above, slamming into her with great force. Her blade almost slipped from her grip, and her body was almost thrown backwards through the air, but with her feet firmly rooted she stood her ground and wrapped her arms around the log, squeezing it before, with a loud yell, she swung it off to the side, throwing it aside as she continued to run forwards, ignoring the bruising along her front from the sudden trap. Indeed, she was strong, but not even she was incapable of feeling pain or getting injured. As much as she wanted to ignore it and keep fighting, keep running after the Shinobi, she couldn't fight forever. Breaking into the open once more, she found herself raising her blade to narrowly deflect a throwing star aimed for her face, only to be caught unawares by a rather painful slice into her side, courtesy of Saito. Her battle with the leader began now.

In response to his attack she swung down, aiming to return the favor, only for his arm to whip up and block at her wrist, preventing her from swinging the full way. Knowing of the lack of muscle in one's wrist was an asset to the Shinobi, and Rinka had been caught unawares that her sheer strength was futile against his knowledge of the anatomy. Quickly following he thrust his blade forwards, attempting to stab into her abdomen, but a quick step to the side allowed her to dodge that before she swung down, managing to only nick him on the shoulder as he pulled back. Moving in she attempted to slice again, but this time he gave her no time to move - Leaping within her range, he sought to slash at her face, ready to finish things.

Were it not for a well-aimed punch to the face, he might have succeeded.

"Bastard!!!" cried a yell as the attacker slammed his fist right into the jaw of the Shinobi, sending him knocking down as Rinka was left confused and surprised by this new development - The young teen who had sent him to the ground was Kaizo. "That was my parents' home... The last memento of them I have! And now you want to kill Rinka-san too? I don't care who your employer is, there's no way I'm allowing that!" he called, his eyes alight with a fiery anger. The Shinobi, returning from the slight daze the punch to the jaw gave him, turned to look at him, eyes narrowed.

"Kid... You really think one punch can take me down?" he spoke menacingly. Springing back onto his feet he swung forwards with his kodachi, only to be intercepted by Rinka, whose katana blocked the attack. With surprising force she pushed back, throwing Saito off of his feet and through the air. As he landed back on his feet, trying to regain balance, she moved in, and with a quick strike to the chest, he was slain, cut down. The last of the Shinobi was dead.

"Saito was it?" she spoke, her voice cold. "Your way of living is unjust, cruel. You may target me, but don't you ever dare to include innocents in this. Kaizo-kun should not have been involved in this" she commented, and with that she cleaned her blade again, the aura overtaking her again as she did so, and even if it was only slight this time, her size increased from the power she gained. Turning to Kaizo, she found that he was looking back at her. The two stared for a moment, but finally Kaizo spoke up.

"Thanks... I guess you aren't that bad of a person after all..." he muttered under his breath, earning a small smile from the Samurai girl, only for a bitter, cold laugh to echo throughout the area. Anger flooded her features as she turned her head, and she soon found herself looking back over to see a man, short and stocky in build with dark hair. His clothes were a a mix of dark shades of gray and black, and strapped to his arm was a large, shell-like shield, a similar black color. In his other hand was a Yari - a spear. His grin stretched wide across his face, and from his looks Rinka would estimate him to be in his forties.

"Surprised? It's not often the client follows to see what his Shinobi do, but I chose to follow and watch. You don't know me, do you? I am Genbu, a man who seeks your death, Kobayasi Rinka. What should have ended four years ago will end tonight" he spoke, raising shield and spear as he ran towards Rinka, grinning. "Your entire clan should have died that day! I am going to fix that!".

"Rinka!" Kaizo spoke, but it was late.

The young woman had already dashed back into the fray.

---

"Kaizo-kun! What are you doing~?" came a sing-song voice. A powerful, strong figure, almost bursting with pure muscle, loomed over the young teen, her red kimono fitting tightly to her body, as though it were struggling to contain her body. A katana rested in it's scabbard at her side, tied to her waist by a white obi sash. Her young, heart-shaped face and almond-shaped green eyes, her little, pointed nose and the red hair she wore up with her bangs framing her face gave her a childish look, along with the smile her mouth seemed to be eternally set in. Her size was incredible, reaching a full seven feet and three inches in height, putting at a size that dwarfed most others. After the mess of last night, they had been confronted by the true leader, a man named Genbu, although his efforts were for naught as, despite her injuries, she was able to defeat him quickly. For the rest of the night she rested, and now both she and Kaizo were standing on the outskirts of the town of Harunomura, the smaller, male teen dragging along a sack with him.

"Isn't it obvious? I have no home, no place to return to. And it's all your fault, bringing those Shinobi here" he replied, throwing the sack over his shoulder. "You owe me" he told her, causing her jaw to drop with shock.

"But I-"

"No buts, as of now I am going to follow you until you can pay me back for the home you destroyed, got it?" he asked, but not without his own little smile. Catching it, she smiled back, before facing down the road they were to take to their next destination.

"Sure, come on, let's go!"

And so began their journey.

The Siege: Attack of the Amazons, Part II

dustybottums — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:14:15 +0000

The Siege
Attack of the Amazons
By Dusty B.

Comments? dustybottums2002@yahoo.com, and for artwork, Poser animations, and fiction, visit www.mankillers.blogspot.com. If youâ€™d like to commission a piece of fiction, contact me, weâ€™ll work on the details, and Iâ€™ll get it to your door quickly at a very reasonable price. A special thanks to M. Leonard for the edit and Ed for the notes on Part I.

Warning: the following story is fantasy â€“ it (hopefully) contains moments of redemption and redeeming sentiment. More than my usual fiction, this chapter contains scenes of VERY graphic, high-order violence, and VERY detailed descriptions of a sexual nature â€“ these are designed to illustrate the scene and even advance the plot. So, consider yourself warned. If this isn't your thing, look elsewhere, and good luck to you. If it is to your liking, good, I'm glad you like it. There'll be more of it soon. And now....

PART II

Arrowhead Military Facility
31 miles outside of Taos, New Mexico

Miles Keaton spent the last hour of his life being bored.
Spring had truly arrived; the bitterly cold desert nights that had plagued the small military test site seemed finished for the season. The day had been rather hot; actually, only now, just shy of midnight, had it cooled to a comfortable level.
Miles spent most of his time inside the 10x10 checkpoint booth, his attention fixed on the small bank of monitors that ran along one wall of the cinder block shack. Each one showed a similar image: a long length of wire mesh, electrified fencing; the scene illuminated in the familiar neon green of the night-vision camera. The guardhouse itself was a squat, plain building. It was still the slate gray of the cement clocks used to frame it; its makers had never even thought it worthy of paint. It had a sliding Plexiglas door that faced the unpaved drive leading into the base, and a row of three-foot windows that ran around the entire structure, allowing a standing person to see in every direction.
Miles often thought that the sheer number of cameras covering the area bordered on overkill; after all, the sensitive nuclear testing of the â€™50s was over, and now Arrowhead was reduced to relatively minor league assignments: Humvee armor testing and the like. Not that Miles was complaining: Sitting on his butt in Arrowheadâ€™s guardhouse meant he wasnâ€™t sitting on his butt in Kabul. Or Baghdad.
Still, there were elements of his job that both annoyed and entertained him. The sameness of the shackâ€™s interior always lit from within with that same dull green hueâ€¦ and that last monitor. It was this last monitor that Miles would always mention to anyone not familiar with the base. Like Stella, the big old waitress down at Harveyâ€™s Atomic CafÃ©. How that place had managed to stay in business, since most of the business left with the nuclear test ban treaty, he wasnâ€™t sure. But open it was. And whenever he had a night free, he would leave the barracks with some of the baseâ€™s 1300 men, make the 15-mile trip to Harveyâ€™s, and drink watered-down beer while listening to the 45s in the jukebox that refused to break down, albums that hadnâ€™t been changed since 1987. Then someone would kick the machine (after all, how many times can a guy listen to â€˜Weâ€™re Not Gonne Take Itâ€™ or â€˜Round and Round?â€™), and Stella would get hot and bothered about them tearing the place up, not like the old days, when soldiers had manners and such, and howâ€¦ blah blah. And then Miles would tell her a neat little story to take her attention away from the jukebox.
â€œSo, Stella, you want to hear something funny?â€ he would ask.
â€œNot from you, fancy pants,â€ sheâ€™d bark back.
â€œWell, Iâ€™m gonna tell you anyway,â€ Miles would say, his speech thick from too many beers. Sometimes the â€˜Sâ€™s in his stories didnâ€™t make it through his lips just right, and sometimes heâ€™d forget parts of the story entirely, but he would soldier on and recite it, or a similar tale, from memory.
â€œSo, the guard house is fulla these monitors, right?â€
â€œOkay, Miles. Monitors.â€
â€œYeah, monitors. You call â€™em that cause you use â€™emâ€¦ you use â€™em to monitor the base, see?â€ heâ€™d say, and then burp massively.
â€œThatâ€™s a pretty healthy one,â€ Stella would say, and then cackle.
â€œThanks. Thank you. So, monitoring. Thass what I do. There. At the base. I monitor. All the time. 24/7, baby. Something going on at that base, you know who knows about it? Hmm?â€
â€œYou?â€ Stella would ask, wary, as if it was a trick question.
â€œThass right! Have I told you this before?â€ Miles would mumble.
â€œYeah, last week, honey.â€
â€œI didnâ€™t think so. So, I know about it before anybody. Cause havinâ€™ all those cameras is like having eyes all over the place. I see everything. I know everything. An Army tessssing facilily, with over 1500 men on base at all timesâ€¦ and Iâ€™mna one in charze of it. I know everything that happens there, you bet.â€
â€œBut do you know your tab is up to close to $40?â€
â€œI didnâ€™t know that. But thass not important right now.â€
â€œWell, itâ€™s kind of important to me, honey,â€ Stella would cackle.
â€œSo, anyway, at the end of this big row of monitorsâ€¦ the last oneâ€¦ down here,â€ Miles would say, and hold his hand out to the right, â€œDown here is that last one, see? Rightâ€¦ here. And you know whatâ€™s on this last one? Hmm?â€
â€œThe front gate?â€
â€œNo, no, you silly. The front gate. See?â€
â€œOh, now I get it.â€
â€œRight. The front gate. Which is funny. Cause if youâ€™re looking at the monitor, like thisâ€¦ right hereâ€¦ it shows the front gate. And if you donâ€™t move at all, if you just kind of poke your head up like thisâ€¦ and look out the window that right above the monitorsâ€¦ youâ€¦ you know what you see?â€
â€œThe front gate?â€
â€œNo! Havenâ€™t youâ€¦ havenâ€™t you been lissning, Stella? You see the front gate. Through the window. They got this camera on the front of the guardhouse, looking at the front gate, when all you have to do is look up out the front window. Nuts.â€
â€œYeah, thatâ€™s a weird one, Miley. Now pay up,â€ Stella would say.
â€œSo I looked it up. Twelâ€™ Hunnerd Dollass! Thass what the United States military paid for that little bitty camera. A camera to watch a gate thatâ€™s fifteen feet from the front window of a manned guardhouse. $1200 stinkinâ€™ dollars.â€
â€œYeah, well, I only need ten more to make it $40,â€ Stella would say, holding out her hand.
Miles wouldnâ€™t stop talking as he dug out the final required bills. â€œ$1200! And that doesnâ€™t mention the $350 for the monitor. And who knows what the wiring cost. Or the amount to put it in. Crazy. Crazy, I said.â€
â€œI heard you the first time.â€
â€œDo you believe the Army is that waissfull?â€ he would slur.
â€œOh, I believe it probably is,â€ Stella would sigh.
â€œâ€˜S juss waissfull,â€ Miles would sigh, and then collapse back onto his stool.

It was this wasteful spending that now drew Milesâ€™ attention, however.
He sat slumped in his cheap office chair, nearly asleep. In this slow stupor, he actually frowned at the increasing brightness. He slowly began to stir, slowly awakening, his eyes squinting at the bright green light coming from last monitor. He blinked rapidly, as he sat up, but even now, the glow was starting to decrease, even as he got the fleeting impression on a bright bluish-white glow coming from the windows above him.
â€œWhat the fuck is this all about?â€ he wondered aloud, and first sat up, leaning forward, and then finally standing up to look directly out the windows set shoulder-height into the wall.
About ten feet beyond the fence, something shimmered in the black of the desert night.
Keaton stepped out of the guardhouse, his eyes never leaving the strange sight before him. He never thought to turn on the machine that committed the cameras to video (Arrowhead was such a small, antiquated facility that the automated surveillance system found on most other bases had not yet been installed). He also never thought about radioing the base about the sight before him. Or even picking up his handheld radio.
Miles stepped close to the fence, only dimly hearing the low, steady hum of the electricity in the wire. His vision was fixed on what was before him.
The dim outline of a rectangle hung in midair about ten feet beyond the fence. Its border looked like it was made from a thin, silvery blue ribbon-like, slightly metallic substance that rippled, as if he were gazing at it through a vast quantity of moving water. Tiny points of light, like stars, gleamed throughout the ribbon, and a particularly bright one would flash and sparkle for a moment in a purely random order. The center of the shape was inky black and totally opaque; it blocked his view of the road behind it, which was illuminated by the sodium-vapor arc lights that surrounded the gate. The shape itself was about four feet high and around six feet wide. Miles guessed it hung in the air, bobbing slightly, about four feet above the ground. It looked as if some giant hand had used a rectangular cookie cutter to punch a hole out of the scene, leaving behind a total void in space, bordered by a hazy, ill-defined border of electric ribbon. Miles listened closely, but the phantom shape before him didnâ€™t seem to make any noise over the sound of the current in the fence, butâ€¦ waitâ€¦ a dim sound, so faint he wasnâ€™t sure he was hearing it at all; he thought he could hear a clear, bell-like chime every time one of the star-like flecks in the ribbon flared brightly. The sight was utterly entrancing. Miles felt no fear or trepidation, only wonder. He had no idea how long he stood there with his mouth agape before it happened.
As he watched, a woman stepped from the black center of the portal.
To use the simple word â€˜womanâ€™ to describe her was like saying that the Arctic gets a little chilly sometimes. It was if God himself had stopped the conveyor belt during a shift of people-making, regarded this new specimen, and simply turned every dial He had to ten. This was Milesâ€™ thought as she stepped from the inky black portal, appearing from seemingly thin air. First a leg, then a hip, then a torso, then her head, armsâ€¦she ducked her head and made the long step down to the ground, planted her feet, and squared her shoulders. The moment she did so, the dim shimmer of the bluish ribbon surrounding the portal faded, and Milesâ€™ vision of the road behind her was restored; the portal had vanished. But she remained.
Her physical appearance was such that Miles had difficulty even trying to think about how to take in the sight before him. Should he focus on her entire form? Or her eyes? Or her beautiful face? Or her impossible, Olympian build? The gentle sweep of a hip, or the swell of her bust, the curve of her jaw line, or the apparent hardness of her arms? If Milesâ€™ mind had been a machine, it would have been screeching to a grinding, sparking halt at that moment. Miles cast his vision at her feet; from the desire to give his thoughts a clear order, or out of some unconscious deference to her, he wasnâ€™t sure which.
She was tall, easily six feet if she was an inch, and outrageously proportioned. Her feet and most of her calves were encased in boots of a shiny black reflective substance, with a medium heel that spoke of the perfect melding of utility and fashion. The upper body of the boot seemed to have some measure of elasticity to it; as she shifted her weight, her extraordinary calves would flex and dance in a muscular rhythm, and the boot seemed to expand and contract to allow it. Her thighs flared outward in an impressive quadriceps display; they bulged hugely, but not so large that they appeared awkward or oafish. She was dressed in some kind of bodysuit, also black in color, which clung to her tightly; it was tight enough and thin enough to reveal every bulge of muscle and every separation between muscles that lay beneath it. The black material was taught and vaguely reflective, but not overly so, with an appearance very much like a shiny spandex composition. As she shifted her weight, Miles could see the dim, white highlight of reflection in the material right at the area affected by the muscle movement in her taught thigh; it was as if a painter had used a splash of white to highlight this area in a painting to accentuate the muscular definition. She nearly possessed the exaggerated profile of the ideal female athlete. Her legs were incredibly long, making her trunk seem short in comparison; she nearly had the profile of the standard comic book heroine.
Her thighs tapered to her trim hips and waist; above this, stacked columns of muscle, plainly visible through the tight fabric and accentuated by the highlights that danced across its surface as she moved.
Goddam, Miles thought. Forget â€˜abs of steel.â€™ Those are abs of fucking titanium.
Nearly every muscle group was visible through the black covering of the bodysuit: abdominals, serratus, every group Miles could recognize from the charts at the gym but could not name.
Her trim abdomen swelled outward, upward, into the most startling torso Miles had ever seen. On some level, he knew he was taking in the whole of her body, the impressive girth of her torso, the width of her shoulders, the thickness of her chest. But he also knew that certain male impulses had begun to take over his senses.
His vision had pretty much focused on her bust by now.
Epic. Astounding. Miles felt his mouth go dry. The black material featured an oval cutout, a keyhole design that allowed the wondrous vision of her bust to shine. Her breasts were large, but not cartoonishly so, and appeared firm, riding high atop what was probably a foundation of pectoral muscle beneath. They met in a classic display of firm, tight cleavage, featured perfectly by the cutout design of her top.
Like the creamy skin visible through this cutout, the skin of her shoulders and arms were likewise bare. The bodysuit tapered up from the armpit to loop around the back of her neck. Her bare shoulders were wide, in keeping with her athletic build, and capped with small mounds of feminine muscle. Her arms were at her side, but revealed in the light enough for Miles to see an impressive degree of definition there, too; her forearms were of an impressive diameter and her biceps might even rival his own. Hell, no. Bigger. Or at least far more defined. She wore bands around her upper arms, just above the bicep, made of a similar material as the bodysuit, by the looks of it. Below her elbow, she wore strange sheaths of chrome-like metal that caught the light from the guardhouse flood lamps and reflected it back even brighter.
His vision traveled up, following the powerful yet graceful curve of her neck; her chin, strong and square yet somehow also delicate-looking; her high cheekbones and the dramatic, cat-like shape of her eyes. They were a clear ice-blue, so bright they were nearly gray, framed above by high arching eyebrows. Her hair was as black as the night she stepped out from; it was long, wavy, a slightly â€˜bigger hairâ€™ look than what was fashionable at the moment; it seemed to give off a healthy glow of its own.
She had a strange air of familiarity about her; Miles thought about it for just a second before it came to him. Facially, she looked a little like Shania Twain, the country singer; however she was much taller, bustier, and had 40 or 50 more pounds of muscle than the famous singer. And she was so mind-numbingly gorgeous that Miles had temporarily forgotten where or even who he was.
Her vision turned to meet his own, and one side of her mouth rose in a slow grin, slightly dimpling her perfect, alabaster cheek. Miles swooned at the mere meeting of her glance, but somethingâ€¦ something about that grinâ€¦ it made him uneasy, and he didnâ€™t know why. Something about it wasnâ€™t right. It wasnâ€™t an expression of mirth, relief, or goodwill. It was a look of cold, calculating cruelty. Something deep in his subconscious spoke to him, bubbling to the surface, hinting at the true nature of this strange woman and her seemingly impossible arrival.
Get away, his mind whispered. Get away from here.
â€œWho are you?â€ he demanded, taking a step toward the fence between them, but his voice cracking a little with the last word. Damn.
Get awayâ€¦
The womanâ€™s smile widened, and she took a step as well, several, in fact, to bring herself to stand at armâ€™s length to the softly crackling fence.
â€œWho are you, I said, and what are you doing here? This is a restricted area!â€ he barked, louder, but the deep subconscious voice in his head continued.
Get awayâ€¦turn tailâ€¦andâ€¦
The woman smiled again, and with a deliberate slowness, raised her hands, hooked them into claws, and took hold of the electrified wire before Miles could shout another warning. None of the events he expected happened.
There was no scream. There was no explosion of movement as she was driven backward, heart skipping, or, worse, stopped instantly from the surge. None of this happened. Instead, what Miles got was a show of fireworks.
There was a sharp CRACK! As the circuit was broken, the humming turned into a loud electric sizzling sound. Two large, five-foot flowers of golden sparks suddenly bloomed where the electric leads met the contacts of the rollaway gate. Behind him, the small portable substation in back of the guardhouse, which regulated the current flowing through the gate, whined, began smoking, and finally exploded with a concussive BANG! He could hear the cooling fan, no longer being driven, spinning on its own, but unevenly; some of the blades must have come off in the explosion; with a single warning squeak, the fan tore free of its housing and whickered off into the night. The two large sodium-vapor lights above the gate flashed and went out, leaving only the floodlights from the guardhouse lighting the scene.
Get away, Miles, nowâ€¦!
The woman stood steadfast, unblinking, apparently unaffected by the tremendous surge of electricity that had just flowed though her body. Miles took a step backward, now afraid, and saw her lip give the tiniest twitch. And then she moved.
With no wind up, with no apparent effort at all, the woman powered her arms down and to the right. She did it easily, as if she did it in mid-air, like some Tai-Chi exercise. There was no pause for exertion, no grunt of effort. She did it quickly, efficiently, and without hesitation. But the heavy wire mesh of the fence, the strong steel of the framingâ€¦ for a split second, Miles didnâ€™t believe what he saw.
The previously electrified fence simply tore away, folding in on itself; the heavy steel reinforcement beams that ran through it bending backward under the force of her grasp smoothly, in a single, sudden movement, accompanied by the tortured squeal of bending metal.
Get away, his mind whispered.
With graceful, unhurried movements, the woman stepped through the gate, formerly 1200 pounds of reinforced fencing that she had just pretty much bent in half with no apparent effort. Her vision remained fixed on Miles.
Run.
Miles took too many steps backward, somehow afraid to turn his back on this strange woman, and his feet got tangled. Down he went with a grunt. He shuffled backward on his hands for a moment, long enough for his panicked mind to see her take her first terrifying steps forward, toward him.
Miles sprang up and ducked through the open door to the guardhouse. His eyes passed over the monitors, the small desk, his chair, the desktop radio which he was suppose to use in case of emergency. His vision passed over all of these and settled on what he sought.
She was now halfway between the guardhouse and the ruins of the fence. Miles scrambled out of the building and came to a stop only six or eight feet from her, half that distance bridged by the length of his M-81 rifle. â€œHold it right there, bitch,â€ he said, sighting down the barrel, which was unnecessary at best at this distance. â€œI donâ€™t know who you are, but make one move and Iâ€™llâ€¦â€
With her now familiar grin, she extended a foot and began to take a step.
BLAM! The rifle made a flat, loud cracking noise as it expelled its lethal contents. But somehow, Milesâ€™ vision must have been affected by the sound and the brief muzzle flash.
Because now, the woman stood before him, one foot still extended, toes pointed and resting on the ground, but now her right arm was before her where it wasnâ€™t just a millisecond earlier. Her hand was clenched in a fist, her metallic glove on her forearm in front of her face.
Miles heard the telltale PING! and successive whine of a deflected bullet, and even saw a tiny puff of desert sand out of his peripheral vision. Butâ€¦ that was impossible, wasnâ€™t it? What his mind was telling him she didâ€¦ that was impossible.
He lowered the rifle to his hip and squeezed off another round. This was followed by similar results. The crack of a rifle shot, the metallic whine of a deflection, and now the woman stood before him, her left arm raised now, her forearms crossed in metallic-gloved â€˜Xâ€™ shape, her grin and one arched eyebrow visible behind her protective stance.
â€œWhat the fâ€”â€¦â€ He never got the chance to finish his declaration.
Once, years before, Miles had played paintball with his brother and two nephews during a family reunion. It had been hot, sweaty work; much more effort was required for it than Miles would ever had guessed. He understood its appeal, but it was a little too similar to his standard military duties to be much fun for him. But he vividly remembered crossing a clearing in the trees, hearing a sound, and turning, only to see his nephew poke his head up from a thicket and open fire.
Miles always remembered what the bright yellow paintballs looked like as they streaked across the clearing at him (and directly onto his chest, for the record). They made a streak in his vision, a colored blur, with the dimly realized vision of the ball at the head of it. The speed was calibrated just right, something like 200 or 300 feet per second, and they moved at an incredible but obviously nonlethal velocity. The colored streaks would blast through the air, just slow enough for you to see it coming and actually have rational, complete thoughts before the impact, but more than fast enough so that there was no hope of you being able to move out of the way. The movement of this strange woman was a lot like thatâ€¦
As she killed him.
She took a single step forward, her right leg rising at the hip, her calf chambered for a kick, her arms surged downward, fisted, channeling as much force into the maneuver as she could muster.
What? No way, Miles thought. No one can move that faâ€”
There was a tremendous, blinding, explosive concussion as her front kick smashed into the center of Milesâ€™ chest. The force of it shattered his ribcage like it had been fashioned from glass; his heart and most of his internal organs were half-pulped from the sheer force of the blow. A thin, faint ring of desert dust, ankle high, exploded outward to a ten-foot diameter around the two figures from the sheer force of the blow.
A quarter second later, Milesâ€™ corpse took flight, propelled straight backward with unimaginable force; his body looked like a human-shaped missile shot from a cannon. His form struck the guardhouse at the level of the Plexiglas windows, shattering most of them in a shower of plastic shards. His body also clipped the thick aluminum window frame as it passed through the opening; the unforgiving structure sheared off one of his arms and his left foot as he tumbled through the opening, the force of his impact even knocked loose a few random bricks around the window frame. The momentum wasnâ€™t greatly reduced yet, and Milesâ€™ remains blasted across the small office to come to a sudden, crunching stop against the far wall of the structure. The incredible force the woman had transferred to his body, it wasnâ€™t quite enough to send him through a solid concrete wall.
Instead, Milesâ€™ body collapsed noisily on itself as it struck the back wall of the guardhouse; bones snapping, skin tearing, organs liquefying. What was left rebounded, sliding down the wall beneath a greasy crimson streak three feet wide. Miles, now not much more than a pulped bag of tissue, came to rest between the wall and the desk in the guardhouse of the Arrowhead Army Research Facility.
And it is here that Miles Keaton of Winton, Illinois, son, brother to two, a military man who liked to read scientific journals in his free time, and whose hobbies included swing dancing and R/C car collecting, passes out of the tale. He was the first official casualty of what was to become known afterward as the Amazon War.

The Making

The Riddle — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:01:07 +0000

For too long, my thoughts have haunted me. I can no longer sleep, for my dreams come only as nightmares from which I awake, screaming. Living in silence, keeping this secret, can only lead to my demise; already I have noticed a sharp decline in my sanity. They are coming for me. I write this memoir to share the horrible truth, the awful, disastrous results of meddling with science far beyond what we were capable of understanding. When they come for me, at least the world will know that I, Remie Errob O'Lilb, am the primary cause of these mutations that have swept across the world. And for that, I shall be eternally sorry.

Norowareta Seiken - Story of Rinka

kingofring — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:53:34 +0000

Times hurls us backwards, backwards to a story of a young warrior, forced to bear an unusual curse. A curse unlike any other curse ever heard of. This story, a portion of history long forgotten by most, is a tale almost like fantasy. A tale of a cursed blade, a scar, and of a choice. Thus, it was decided that, when this story was first told, it was to be named Norowareta Seiken - 'The Cursed Sword'.

---

The sun shone down upon the land, blessing it with warm weather, an unspoken promise of a good harvest, and waking up those who needed to start their day now, and begin with their work. The small village of Harunomura was quick to rise this morning, the numerous working men ready to get to their jobs, whatever they may be. Harunomura was a small village, so small it was rarely to be found on maps. There were traders occasionally, but it was not often enough. Still, it was a nice little village, and all of it's people knew each other well. If not as friends then as acquaintances, but never enemies. However, there was, of course, one black sheep of the flock. A black sheep who seemed to make an enemy of many...

"Oi! Kid! Come back!"

The yell fell on deaf ears, as a young teen, roughly fifteen or sixteen at best, was to be seen running, his dark hair, an unruly mess, blowing in the air as he ran. He was a lean kid, thin, yet he did pack some muscle. Sharp features, with green eyes, a pointed nose, and a smirk that never was seen to be removed from his face, graced his features. His clothes were simply consisting of a gray, dirty, men's kimono, tied at the waist by an obi sash. No special design was on it - It was plain gray. In his hands he clutched a box of mikan - A type of mandarin orange brought over from China - and said box he had just stolen from a shop belonging to an old man. Said old man was trying to chase him, but inevitably, it was for naught, as the youth was far faster and had far more stamina than the old man.

Pulling around a corner, he quickly ran through and exited the other side, now almost just beyond the village limits - and closer to home. Grinning, he now slowed down, seeing no danger or threat, and proceeded to walk beyond the village, into the high grass that existed outside it. For you see, the boy's home was just here, beyond the village, close to the forest that existed nearby. Allowing himself to slowly climb down a ledge, he had now entered the outskirts of the forest, and ahead, just outside the line of trees, one could see a small, abandoned hut.

"Haha! This ought to last me a while!" he spoke, entering the hut. It was rather small within the hut, just enough for two, maybe three people at best. There was first the main room, where a small table was to be seen where people ate, and at the walls to the left and right of where one walked in were sliding doors, leading to two separate bedrooms. Tatami mats covered the floor, although they, like most things in the hut, looked dirty. Grinning proudly to himself, the youth set down the box on his table, and lied down to one side, having taken a mikan for himself already. Slowly peeling it, he proceeded to take a small bite, savoring the taste of the fruit. After all, it was yet another of his own, personal victories.

---

In the meantime, another figure was to be found wandering the streets of Harunomura, clearly identified by the people of the village as an outsider. After all, numerous odd things were to be taken note of - For starters, the being, while mostly cloaked by the large clothing they wore, was to be seen carrying a katana at their side. A second thing to be noticed - The figure was unrecognizable, the cloaks and clothing enough to hide their face, and most of their body, from view. The figure, however, was noted to stand far larger than any normal man, reaching a height of six feet seven inches, and with broad shoulders that made them look far superior to any man, woman or child in the village. One could tell this was no person to mess with, even if they hadn't done anything yet.

Some stared, surprised by the huge form of the being. Aside from the cloak it wore, a conical straw hat was to be seen covering it's head from sunlight, and a scarf of sorts, wrapped around it's neck and face, made it even more unrecognizable. It continued to walk down the street, people keeping out of the way of this intimidating figure, who continued walking as if this was normal, until it saw something - A small tea house, not far from where they were. It would appear this figure was interested, and this was proven as it now strode towards the tea house, ready to make use of it and get some tea. After all, it had been a long journey thus far. With a few strides, it had arrived at the front of the tea house, and as it entered, it was greeted with the stares of all of the people present - A waitress as well as several customers.

Ignoring their staring, the figure sat down in front of one of the tables, kneeling with their back upright, and turning to look at a second waitress, who had hesitantly neared it, ready to take it's order. Before the waitress could even stutter out the question, the figure had answered, it's voice muffled slightly by the scarf but still understandable.

"Jasmine tea, please"

And simple as that, the waitress scurried off to fetch the drink whilst the figure simply sat there, patiently waiting it's order. Sensing this calm nature about the large figure, the people relaxed, and slowly returned to their own business, allowing the outsider peace. In a matter of minutes, the waitress had returned, the jasmine tea on a tray she was holding, and, placing the tray down, she proceeded to lift the cup and place it in front of the figure.

"There you go, sir. I hope you like it. You aren't from around here, right? I suppose then you haven't had the pleasure of tasting our tea" the waitress spoke, a bit quickly, but that was understandable, as she was nervous. The figure, looking briefly in the direction of the waitress, nodded.

"Thank you. And yes, I am not from around here" it replied, and the waitress, a bit more relaxed, spoke again, smiling a little this time.

"Well, you don't have to worry a thing about your stay here. The only troublemaker in this village is Yamazaki Kaizo, but I doubt you'll be running into him" she replied, to which the outsider simply nodded before taking a sip of their tea.

"I see..."

---

The day was passing quickly, it would seem. For Kaizo, things were going great. After storing away his mikan so they would not rot, he had now taken to walking about the streets, a gentle breeze blowing against his skin, his messy, black hair falling in his face slightly. It was only chin-length, but the fringe was long enough to reach his eyes at times. Not that it mattered much. He liked how he looked. Much better than a top-knot in his own opinion. His arms were folded in front of him as he walked, his eyes directed forwards as he walked, not really looking for anything in particular. The sun was beginning to lower, and as a result, the sky was home to orange and red colors. Soon it would be night, but that didn't bother him. It wasn't like he had some sort of curfew.

Turning around a corner however, he bumped into something - To him, it felt as if it were a brick wall - and as a result, he ended up falling back on the ground. Quickly sitting up, he looked upwards, frowning, and were it not for the enormity of the figure before him, he may have shouted some sort of insulting remark at the figure for walking in his way. A dark cloak, a conical straw hat, a scarf - These clothes hid it's body, but not the enormity of it at all, for it had to be standing at least at a height of over six and a half feet, and it's wide frame made him wonder if this powerhouse could be stopped were it to rampage. His eyes widened for a second, but a natural urge to maintain his toughness made him quickly narrow them at the figure. As it extended a hand to help him up, he was quick to slap it away and stand up for himself, letting it know he didn't need it's help.

"Bah, you should watch where yer goin', outsider! I don't care if ya are a samurai, I demand an apology from those who dare knock me-"

"I apologize, I suppose I should have looked where I was going" the figure answered sincerely before he could finish, catching him off guard. Did this figure - This tough being, probably capable of killing him without breaking a sweat - actually just apologize? To him? He was left momentarily speechless again, but quickly, he narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth, attempting to think of something smart to say back, but nothing came to him, and he sighed.

"Tch, fine. Like I care. Just don't get in my way again, understand?" he spoke, and without getting an answer, he walked around the figure, heading back on his way. However, a light tap on his shoulder alerted him to the figure again, and turning around, he sighed, looking at it. "Yes? What is it?" he asked, obviously not in the mood. To his shock, the figure asked him the one thing he never expected to hear.

"Do you mind if I stay with you for a while?"

---

'Why the hell did I agree to this...?' thought the youth, Kaizo, as he lied there, next to his table, his 'guest', the outsider, in the other room - His room, to be exact, but he didn't mind so long as the outsider did not go near the other room. Sighing, he turned his head over to look at the sliding door, a faint silhouette of the figure visible. From what he could see, the figure had taken off their hat, as well as the scarf, and the cloak, too, was nowhere to be seen. Looking back towards the ceiling, he spoke.

"So, why the hell did ya want to stay with me? Just some spur of the moment thing?" he asked, raising a brow. The figure was quick to reply.

"Well, I had heard you lived by yourself, so I thought I ought to give you my company, for a little while. It seems as though the villagers don't exactly get along with you..." the large figure answered, earning a confused look from Kaizo.

"Tch, so you thought I'd like it if ya went around asking if I could give ya a place to stay? You're one odd person. You haven't even given me yer name yet" he spoke, commenting on the manners of the warrior. For a moment, there was silence, but then an answer came.

"Well, if you really want to know, my name is Kobayashi Rinka, but you can call me Rinka, 'Kay?"

"Rinka? But isn't that-"

Once again, he was cut off as the sliding door opened, and, sitting up, he gazed in awe at the figure before him. 'Large' was not enough to describe this being. If anything, it was far greater than 'large'. Powerful muscles, dominating it's figure, looked capable of tearing full-grown men apart. The leg muscles may as well have been tree trunks, as they looked powerful enough to kick right through one. The abdominal are was like an armor plating - No weapon, no sword looked capable enough of cutting through it, in Kaizo's opinion. The arms were likewise huge, as if the outsider had been wrestling giant bears their entire life. And winning. The outsider's shoulder were broad, emphasizing the power the person held. And yet, one thing stood out the most:

This was a woman.

Not even a woman, a teenaged girl in fact, evidenced by her youthful, heart-shaped face, with red hair, long and with bangs that framed her face, held back in a top-knot. Almond-shaped green eyes held a certain youthful innocence, her small, button nose giving her a cute look and a set of full lips completed her face. Her clothes, obviously customized to fit her, consisted of a crimson kimono, open at the chest to expose her ample bosom, with white lining all about it, and a white obi sash belting it at the waist. The kimono lacked sleeves however, although it did feature a pattern of white butterflies along it. And in the obi sash was her katana - A silvery metal used to form the hilt and guard, with a crimson hilt-wrapping covering it. The guard was a diamond shape, and further customizing it was a red, horsehair tassel hanging from the pommel. The blade, were it to be drawn from it's crimson scabbard, was a wonder to look at - Shining in the right light, well kept and cleaned. However, at the point where the guard met the blade, a small ruby was encrusted into the blade, and that small ruby, no matter how Kaizo looked at it, seemed ominous to him.

Kaizo was speechless at the sight of this woman. Her face was innocent enough, yet those powerful muscles were intimidating to just look at. They weren't even flexed, yet they were far larger than any muscles he had ever seen. His lean build paled in comparison to this powerhouse. Looking at him, Rinka giggled, and she proceeded to speak.

"Sorry, I should have told you earlier. People always get so shocked when they see that I'm a woman. Heck, I'm only sixteen myself! Hahaha" she spoke, giggling to herself again, while his eyes widened even more. Sixteen? He was sixteen! And yet the difference between the two couldn't be greater! Sitting there, his mouth wide open, he was so surprised he hadn't heard or even registered her next question.

"So, what's for dinner?"

---

Upon the hills overlooking the village of Harunomura, a group of men, were to be seen, illuminated only by the moonlight. All of the figures were unique in some way, yet all wore the same dark clothing over their figures, and a short sword - a Kodachi - in their belts. One - A man with spiky, white hair, with a ponytail flowing behind him, was quick to speak.

"Alright men, split up and search. Tonight, we take the head of Kobayashi Rinka".

Innocence Bound

The Pimp NeonBlack — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:53:20 +0000

Blinding was the sunlight that struck her eyes, as the doors were theatrically cast open for her. The crowd did roar as loud as the distant Ocean, as fierce as a wrathful Storm ready to vent itself upon the World. This was all she lived for. All that she had left.
No longer did anything touch her so Shrouded Soul.
She had learnt long ago to seal such a thing away. To wrap her Soul within herself so it could never be hurt or touched or damaged by the cruel existence which the Gods had chosen to loose upon her wretched young life. In this endeavour, she was most successful. Nothing could touch her Soul, though her flesh may be battered by foes or ravaged by the mercilessness of her Keepers, she could steal her Heart away from them all and keep herself for herself.
Only her eyes betrayed her self-imposed reticence.
They bespoke her Heart as her words and expressions could, nay, would not. They spoke of sorrow and of hardship of her existence. Of the suffering she had felt and the pity that had been felt for her. And they spoke out her apologies to they that she battled in this bloodied Arena. To which she now stepped out upon.
â€œ. . .And here she is!â€ cried the ever-familiar, ever-present voice of the Stadium Master from out the Deus Vox that was placed throughout the Arena. â€œThe Champion of the Acheron! Undefeated in a Thousand Battles! Famed throughout all the Senatory Realms. Mistress of the Body and of the Blade! Your favourite! Your Warrior! Your Champion! The Bound Innocent: Ennocens Catena!â€
The crowd roared and hollered, a thousand or more voices rattling fiercer than the Wind, as Catena stepped out to her mark within the Arena. She raised a hand in salute to those who cheered and called for her. A stained manacle glittering dully in the Sun as it hung upon her wrist, itâ€™s broken chain swaying with the echo of her last movements, whilst its twin lay upon her other wrist. Both counterparts for the Yoke-brace around her thick neck. Each bore the broken chains of a slave unbound but not released. She wore them as proudly as she could or would dare, despite the altered elegance of her battle costume -a trim red bodysuit that clung to every form and rigid of her muscles- and the cleanliness of her skin, as a reminder of where she had come from and what she had endured in order to stand her right now.
Bathing within the din of the raging mob.
So much the same as the mob that had stripped her of her childhood and nearly her life.
Though these memories were flushed from her as the crowd silenced; a hushed wave sweeping through their ranks.
â€œHer opponent, in celebration of this day -the Feast of the Annunciation,â€ The Stadium Master called, ringing through the Deus Vox as if he were some dramatic spirit. â€œComes all the way from the City of Omperia, our Senatorial Capital and the home of the Palace of the Prince Calablame of the House of Hyperion! The victor of Ten Thousand Arenas and the Slayer of Uzgard the Invincible! The Champion of Arena Omperia: Ulva Aranae!â€
Catena watched impassively as the gates to the challengerâ€™s side were thrown open and two broad, strong Operium guards, bedighted in their Senatorial Regalia, strode in, their brows laced with the sweat of fear.
Behind them they dragged a man straitened by cloth and with chain enlaced around his body. He did not struggle against his bonds nor even open his eyes, which lay near hidden beneath long layers of filthy hair, to the hollering crowd above.
Catena could feel a chill gallop down her spine as she watched this ghastly procession.
She knew this were no idle dramatics as she had witnessed countless times before. These guards were genuinely terrified of this man whom they did drag in. She could smell it upon them -even from such a distance; the organics of their fear and panic. She saw their hands tremble as they unbound their captive and then flinch as the cloth and chains fell. They both took two staggered steps backwards as he uncoiled his long arms and then they fled as he moved to stand.
Catena watched Ulva stand with a quaint fascination that she had denied herself for so long. He unfolded himself as if he were a bolt of silk being smoothed long and flat. She was surprised that such a tall man -for he stood almost two heads taller than she, with arms long enough fall close to his knees and legs so long they almost equalled the height of her own chest- could enfold himself into such a diminutive confine as the one in which he did enter the Arena. Even the riled crowd was quietened as he stretched himself to his full and frightening height; rolling back his shoulders as if his previous burden had been nothing and lulling his head around in a circle. His lips moving with slightly with silent words.
From her vantage point, Catena could see why he had earned such a Arena Name as â€˜Ulva Aranaeâ€™ -â€œThe Grass Spiderâ€. For that is what he truly resembled that creature with his long limbs and scrawny, yet toned, body. She looked at his thin torso -clad only in thin shoulder and back plates and a piece of cloth connection them together across his spine- noting how his muscle encased his ribs as if it were armour; noting that two or three of them had previously been broken and never properly set. His stomach was gaunt thin but plated like her Matrissâ€™ tiled courtyards, strong and ridged, but she could see that he had been previously starved. He was so slender that she could see the bones of his hips as they protruded over his simple cloth trousers. She hoped that this did not make him weak in combat but, when she saw the subtle motion of his limbs, she had no more concern for such things. His arms were thin thought in the same measure as a strong rope. Muscles were coiled tight upon the bone; she could see ever line, vein and ridge under his skin of dull bronze. His bare legs were the same. Thin, long yet packed with tight muscle, twitching in eagerness of blood and battle.
In terms of form and mass, Catena knew that she had the advantage over him. His chest was smaller than her thigh, which was thick and strong from a life of labour and struggle, but she knew he was probably as strong as her in every way -despite his lack of mass and muscle. His body was honed and slim, as if it had once belonged to a Great Cat, and she knew he would be just as powerful and deadly. She knew this from the scars that racked his flesh and marked him as survivor in this Game. Barely a section of his arms were unscathed and a few large gashes almost lay right across his chest. Seeing this Catena knew he had no fear of Pain or the consequences of Battle. He fought to survive and it would appear that he knew how to survive well. A person who could claim victory over such a being as Uzgard the Invincible was not too taken lightly.
Though she had little time to fret over this now and the horns all blew their fanfare and The Stadium Masters called the combatants to their posts. And, with the crash of golden gong, the crowd was sent into a fury and their dissonance washed over Catena as her memories did, as always, in these moments.

This crowd did so much echo the one from Her past and was just as vicious. Just as harsh in their raging lusts for blood and mayhem.
All her Twenty-One years had, in one way or another, been harsh.
Harshness had been the Mark of Her existence. Her parents and those She knew as Her people, a roving merchantâ€™s caravan, had been slaughtered by brigands when She was Thirteen. Only She and two other children had survived the massacre because they had secreted themselves beneath the bodies of the dead. When they were found ten days later by another Caravan, the other two children had died of Fever and of Grief, leaving Her -before She was Ennocens Catena- alone with strangers who soon abandoned Her in some random town or settlement in the Arid Frontier of the Lands of the Omperium Senate. Leaving Her to fend for Herself in a very indifferent world.
She then spent a year drifting the Frontier regions, desperately trying to find someone -anyone- who resembled Her kin. Her motherâ€™s words forever echoing in Her skull: â€œFind those Men with your Fatherâ€™s eyes and you shall find your peopleâ€. They were the only things that drove Her forward, kept Her stubbornly alive, as She forced herself to steal and hide in order to live from day to day.
If that was considered living.
That was until the day She was caught stealing bread and the Her tunic was wretched from Her back by the furious shopkeep as he laid his grasp upon Her. She could remember the screams and hysteria of the Crowd as clear as the Sky that too bright day; as Her clothes were peeled from Her skin and Her flesh was exposed to the existence. The word â€˜Evasorâ€™ was bewailed again and again as the mob did seize Her. She was held fast and harsh by Her captors but at tender lengths, as if She was an Infectant, a Plague Carrier or even a Demon of sorts. She was jostled and kicked as She was brought to the Zelta -the Religious leader of the Settlement. As She cried, begged and screamed, She remembered a moderate in the Crowd, a kind Soul who stood by Her side, explaining to Her that the Settlement had recently been converted en masse to a new and growing religious cult calling themselves â€˜The Children of the Living Godâ€™ and that She was being taken to the Temple to be judged. He tried whispering something into Her ear but the Kind Soul was torn from Her side before he could finish his explanations and She was cast before The Zelta -a frighteningly tall man with white hair, harsh features and eyes that burned with righteous Hellfire.
â€œWhat doth thou bring â€˜thisâ€™ before I, Hectorus, Zelta of the Living God?â€ he demanded, as he stared down at Her with withering eyes.
â€œWe have found The Evasor, Zelta!â€ cried the man who held Her fast by the back of Her neck. â€œHere amongst we good people. Children of the Living God!â€
A murmur of â€˜The Living Godâ€™ drifted through the now quietened crowd, as the Zelta regarded Her with wrathful eyes.
â€œShow I the Marks of the Evasor!â€ The Zelta commanded, casting his arms into the air, the sleeves of his cassock sliding down his bone thin arms.
The man who held Her by Her neck and a woman who stood dutifully by thrust Her head towards the white steps of the Temple and tore Her tunic from off Her back. The heard the Crowd gasp and moan as She felt the hot breath of the Sun upon Her naked flesh.
â€œBehold!â€ The Zelta blazoned. â€œThe Dark Wings of Our Destruction!â€
With wild fear, She jerked Her head up, holding back Her burning tears. She knew that they were speaking of Her Birthmarks. Two stains of black and red in the shape of wings that lay upon Her shoulder blades. She had always been told by Her mother to keep them hidden from all eyes. As a child, She never understood why such care and delicacy stood be attended to them, though now She why through the hail of pained screams and blows that were now cast upon Her so wretched flesh.
Chants and cries of â€˜Evasor!â€™, â€˜Strigusâ€™ and â€˜Dark Wingsâ€™ bled into the calls and shouts of â€˜burn herâ€™, â€˜kill herâ€™ and â€˜Holy Judgementâ€™ from the seething mass of Wrath and Rage that surrounded Her trembling body. She felt their blows rain down upon Her as their collective fear turned to collective violence. But She held back Her tears and chilled Her Heart, so She could not feel their anger upon Her.
The Zelta raised a thin hand to quell the Crowd and, once silence ruffled through the mass, and becried: â€œBring forth the Instruments of Judgement and let the Commands of the Living God be done!â€
Cheers rose from the Crowd and She was tossed upon the Templeâ€™s white stone steps, Her frail limbs failing to block Her fall. She was hoisted up again, held by each wrist as Her arms were pulled taut and Her shoulders screamed in pain. She cast Her pained blue eyes skyward and saw The Zelta descending the Temple stair, a large silver sickle in his thin fingers, which trembled with a zealotâ€™s fever.
â€œFor The Living God!â€ he screeched, as he swung the Sickle down.
She buried Her neck into Her chest and wished for the painless death that Her parents never received.
The sickle whistled as it tore the air and She shut tight Her eyes, awaiting Her end.
Though that was not yet to come.
All She heard was the sharp â€˜tangâ€™ of metal against metal and the clash of something against stone. She opened Her eyes when She realised that her arms had been released and the Crowd had been driven back, if but a little, away from Her. She looked up again at seeing The Zelta standing empty handed, mouth agape as the sickle lay behind him next to a black shafted arrow. His eyes were part blank with disbelief, part vexed, all fury as it stared into the dark infinite of his own righteous rage. In the silence that now came, all She could hear was the furious quake and tremble of Her Heart and, once that has quelled, She heard the dull whiny of a horse.
She turned on her knees to see a man, bedighted all in black armoured that flared with steel frills, astride a white horse. A black lacquered bow was held within his gauntlet hand, another arrow notched upon the string, aimed for The Zeltaâ€™s Heart. At his side, She recognised the Kind Soul who had earlier tried to shield Her from the rage and fury of the Mob.
â€œWhat be this action?!â€ The Zelta screamed, the froth of his wrath gathering upon his lips.
â€œYou tell I, Cultist!â€ The Ebon Knight replied, as he held fast his bow. â€œWhat crime hast this Girl committed that you punish her so?â€
The Zeltaâ€™s lips moved of their own accord before he shouted the words: â€œShe has offended the Law of Our Living God and must be made to suffer for it.â€
He stooped and reached for his sickle. Over the hushed air, the â€˜twangâ€™ of the bow string was palpable and the Crowd uttered a collective murmur as the Ebon Knightâ€™s black arrow pierced the silver sickle, pinning it to the Templeâ€™s steps.
â€œThe Law of â€˜yourâ€™ God, Cultist, not mine,â€ the Knight said, as he past his bow down to the Kind Soul and dismounted his steed, laying a hand upon his swordâ€™s hilt as soon as his feet touched the ground. â€œThere are many Gods and Goddess within The Pantheon of our Land, each have their own Laws and Abidments, but none overrule the Laws of Land and the People. Your Cult is not even recognised amongst The Pantheon, so you do not have even claim to The Law.â€
â€œAnd you have claim command of these Law, do you, Heathen?!â€ The Zelta spat, cast forth the froth and foam from his mouth.
â€œI ride amongst the court of the Guardian of these Territories -the Patrice of Mount Ethonore,â€ The Knight replied, as he strode through the quietened and frightened Crowd. She could see he was quite tall, even as tall as the towering Zelta. â€œThus I am charged with the up holding of the Law of The Land and of The People. And thus I command you to release this Girl. For the rule and law of a Cult cannot stand against the Rule and Law of the Patrice or Senate which he serves!â€
The Knight and The Zelta faced off against each other, standing so close that The Zeltaâ€™s crooked nose was almost pressed against the beaver of the Knightâ€™s finned and frilled helm.
â€œBut she is The Evasor!â€ someone cried from the Crowd. â€œShe must die!â€
Quick calls of agreement filled the air until the wrathful din deafened Her again.
â€œI do not care if she be the Regorrier Itself!â€ The Knight bellowed, silencing the Crowd with the mere mentioning of the very Demon of the Crowdâ€™s Beliefs and Nightmares. â€œYou cannot judge her for and by your faulted beliefs!â€
â€œHow dare you, Heathen Knight,â€ The Zelta hissed.
â€œI dare, Cultist,â€ The Knight spat back. â€œI very much do dare!â€
â€œSo, she will be judged by your laws but not by ours?â€ The Zelta asked, in whispered tones.
â€œIndeed,â€ The Knight replied. â€œSuch â€˜areâ€™ the Laws stated.â€
â€œVery well,â€ The Zelta muttered. â€œIf you so wish to pursue such action.â€
The Zelta than stepped forth before the Crowd, cast his hands again skyward and called to his followers: â€œWho amongst you would lay before this honourable Knight of the Patrice the accusations for which we condemn this. . . â€˜Abominationâ€™?!â€
The Crowd shuffled uneasily but then an old woman stood forth and cried unto the Knight: â€œShe did steal from my table four sums of bread. Starving an old woman like me of my food.â€
Then another stood forth, claiming that She had stolen money from his pocket. Another said that She had stolen his sheep from the field. Yet another accused her slaughtering an entire herd to satisfy her blood lusts. More accusations were levelled false against her, until the Knight cried â€œenoughâ€ when a woman -apparently mad with grief- blamed Her for the poisoning of her three children and for the illness that they now suffered.
â€œSo, dear Knight,â€ The Zelta said, in a smarmy voice. â€œDoth that satisfy your law now?â€
The Knight must have stood agasp within his helmet, for he could say nothing against the Zelta nor against the lying Crowd. They had indeed followed the Course of the Law as it was set out, however false they were or may be.
â€œIs that not enough for your law and the punishment we prescribe?â€ The Zelta cried, to the Knight but playing to the Crowd. â€œIs not death deserved?â€
â€œNo!â€ The Knight yelled, to the stirring Crowd. â€œYou must first prove your charges against her!â€
This silenced the Crowd but not the Zelta, who said: â€œBut she must still be punished. It â€˜isâ€™ the law.â€
She could only imagine the look of rage upon the Knightâ€™s face as the ebon helmet glared at The Zelta.
â€œShe shall be taken to the Immura of Ethonore,â€ The Knight cried unto the Crowd. â€œBefore being brought before The Patrice himself for judgement. Where all your charges shall be heard. Does that satisfy you?â€
A murmur of acceptance spilled throughout the Crowd and The Zelta smiled his cunning smile.
â€œTake her to the Immura,â€ he commanded of the town guards, who stood at the very back of the Crowd, awaiting for their orders. â€œAnd see that she has her chance to see the Patrice.â€
But, by the very tone of the Zeltaâ€™s voice, The Knight knew that she would never get such a chance. He tried to push his way to Her, through the vicious, swarming crowd. He got to Her side but was forced back by a Guard, shove knocked him heavily with the butt of his spear. But he managed to grab Her by the Shoulder and whisper in Her ear: â€œDo not fear. I will come for you. No matter how long it takes. Remember by words: â€˜Keillasorta mesqua besqâ€™. May our Guardians bare your suffering.â€
But She knew he would not and that was the last time that She did see the Ebon Knight, struggling vainly against the surging crowd.

All this washed over Catena as a wave or wind would. Quick and sharp but swiftly dismissed from her mind as she focussed on the Here and Now of her being.
The Arena and the coming fight.
That was all she had and all that would ever matter to her.
Catena took her stance. Placing her feet a shoulderâ€™s width apart, turning her torso sidelong to him and stretching her arms out. One forward with its elbow crooked, the other cocked up slightly behind, slightly to the side. Her weight was low but centred, giving agility to her mighty legs. This was one of the secret motions of her fighting art. If her wrists were still connected by chains, this stance would give her a natural sense of distance between her hands and thus allow her to know her limitation and then, by extension, know the distances to work against her opponent. It allowed her hands and body to work in concert. To understand itâ€™s limitations and to work within them. To make the most of the space around her and within herself. That is the basis of her fighting art. And in this stance she made ready for Ulvaâ€™s first attack.
What Ulva did next both confused her and strengthened her understanding of how he fought.
He fell forward, going from standing to laying, just off the ground, on the balls of his feet and his very finger tips. His limbs were all spread wide so no other part of his body touched the ground. He then drew his arms in at the elbows and twisted to one side, lowering one shoulder towards the dirt of the Arena floor and coiling himself up as if he were a snake or spring.
Cautiously, he reached one arm sideways and then shifted his entire body swiftly crabwise, circling Catena with a mixture of speed and care. He never crossed one arm or leg under the other nor let his balance waver. She knew it was a near prefect stance for both attack and defence. If she moved forward, he would have her trapped yet he could move quickly at will and quite possibly overcome her with ease.
Though what Catena found most surprising and interesting about his style and stance is that he did all this with his eyes closed. Since he had entered the Arena had they not even flickered or been cast open. She knew he was not blind because she could see their subtle orbits as they shifted behind his sealed eyelids, confirming their workings. But yet, he kept them barred against the world.
Catena did not know whether this was merely a ruse or part of the deeper secrets of his style. Either way, she knew she had to be more weary of him than any other opponent for he must have a way or technique to compensate with this self-imposed sightlessness. She also knew that she could not allow him to press any advantage against he may have against her and she must be as swift and as merciless as she could afford to be.
With a speed that seemed impossible for some of her muscular bulk, she lowered her back arm, thrust her back hip forward and sprung towards Ulva, rolling her body in a tight circle. With an open palm she scooped up a hand full of dust and dirt, throwing it into Ulvaâ€™s face; testing whether or not he was truly as sightless as he seemed. He merely smiled as the detritus sailed past him, dropping his shoulder slightly and then bring both forearms up in order to block and avoid Catenaâ€™s in coming kick. She moved in close, as the edicts of her style dictated, making a sharp arc with her arm, her hand aimed at Ulvaâ€™s gaunt, smiling face. He, for his part, merely leant his body backwards to avoid her blow and, with the subtlest of muscle control, held himself there until Catena came around with her next attack -a spinning back elbow held close to her body and then whipped out to a backfist at the last moment- and then dropped to the utter reversal of his original stance. He lay on the ground, balanced on his fingers and the heels of his feet. Catena stomped down at his exposed flank. Again, Ulva moved with the subtlest of muscle control, flipping himself around in time with her blow, so it missed him by the barest of margins, and landing back on all fours, belly down. Catena pressed in with four more attacks and again, Ulva avoided them all by the barest of margins, yet never counted them.
After this bout, Catena moved back, realising what Ulva was doing.
She was his chain.
He was gauging her attacks, her timing and the distances in which she moved. She knew that he did not need to see her or them in order to judge them. She knew, within her fighting spirit, that he could sense her and what she was doing. Whether he felt the air she pushed when she moved or sensed something else more subtly through his skin -such as the aura that she projected which her Old Master would always speak of- she did not know. All that she knew is that his blindness was more of a help than a hindrance and he would be a tougher opponent than she had experienced in the past year of Arena battles.
She changed stance to a move defensive posture, dropping her broad shoulders forward to protect her chest and allow more power from her hips, and readied herself for the next pass.
Ulva, from his Spider stance, leapt forward onto his feet, thrusting out an arm as if it were a spear. Catena shifted her head and shoulders slightly, allowing the blow to whistle past her ear. She knew that it was a fast and powerful strike by the way it had ruffled her short, yellow hair -cropped for comfort and combat- and the quiet noise it had made as it tore the air.
It was then that she noticed another sound, near silent, crushed beneath the cheers and jeers of the crowd above. It was a song. A song that flowed from out Ulvaâ€™s cracked and caked lips. It was a song of her childhood and of her imprisonment at the hands of The Children of The Living God.

Before the rising of the Karna Moon, Her punishment begun.
She was not taken to Immura Ethonore as The Ebon Knight had promised but was instead sent to the Prison Camp, Ballacreous, a bastion of the Cult of The Living God and said to be the Earthly incarnation of their vision of Turakla, the Realms of Punishment. Here the Prisoners were forced to mine and to build for the Cult, forging the bases of their weapons and armour as well as make and design their everyday wares. In short: it was a labour camp owned and controlled by the Cult and housing not only every form of criminal in existence, from petty thieves to rapist and murderers, but any other who has questioned and stood against the Cult in an Area controlled by them. There were men and women within, as well as children of all size and ages. Entire families lived and died within those harsh confines, which was now Her home.
She was dragged in a line of other prisoners, mainly elders and other children, all too weak to struggle or protest. She tried in vain to search for The Ebon Knight amongst the crowd of Warders, Guards and Overseers but he was no where to be seen. She knew that his black tinted armour would stand out against the leather and cloth of Her captorsâ€™ attire. She knew that The Knight would never arrive to this place though, in Her deepest Heart, She knew that he would not abandon Her. Upon her arrival She had tried to espy any who might carry Her Fatherâ€™s Eyes, though they were all of mortal men and were nothing unto her Fatherâ€™s orbs.
She was alone here, as She had been before.
She was thankful that they had not singled Her out here as they had in the Frontier Town. No one even mentioned the word â€˜Evasorâ€™ but She did Her best to keep Her back covered and Her face hidden beneath her long stringy hair to stop from being discovered. She was grateful that She just seemed to blend in with all the other children there. Even though She was elder to most, She had a similar stature to them. Being small and very much sickly thin, but shaped with a wiry build that She had developed from a year of constantly running and hiding. Her luck only lasted until the end of Her first terrifying week, when She was forced into the communal bathing area. A half mad woman spotted Her birthmarks and started screaming about them. Calling for the guards until the other female prisoners fell upon her, muffling her hysterics. She was terrified, fearing a repeat of what happened to Her in the Town, but She was quickly swaddled by the other women and placed in the corner, away from any guards who may come looking. Another woman, tall and proud, came in and looked over the situation. In the space of a breath, she had taken everything in, walked over to the crazed woman and slapped her so hard that the blow echoed and the bathing chamber.
â€œHuss ya-sef, wombâ€™n!â€ she chided, in an iron voice, thick with a strange accent that sounded like itâ€™s own mysterious language, cutting some words short whilst completely altering others. â€œDo ya wanâ€™ briâ€™ tâ€™e Livies oâ€™ we?!â€
This calmed the mad woman, who headed out of the bathing chamber, shame faced and escorted by several other ladies. The Iron Woman with the commanding voice watched her go and then turned her attentions on to Her. The Iron Woman strode boldly over to where She huddled, trembling with fear. She watched as another woman whisper in the Iron Womanâ€™s sharp ears. The Iron Woman nodded her head as she stared upon Her. Finally she said: â€œSo yay be tâ€™e wo tâ€™ey aâ€™ fusâ€™ ova?â€
She nodded her scared replied.
â€œTâ€™en coâ€™ witâ€™ mi, girl!â€ the Iron Woman commanded. â€œWe haâ€™ ma tae do.â€
So, She stood and She followed the Iron Woman out of the Bathing Chamber and into the dusty courtyard. They strode past the firepits and the forges, down to the entrances to the Mines.
â€œWhaâ€™ bae ye nom, shilâ€™?â€ the Iron Woman asked, as they stood outside of the main Mineshaft entrance.
She said nothing in reply, merely buried Her head into her scrawny chest.
â€œWâ€™ll, matta no, shilâ€™,â€ the Iron Woman said, with a sigh. â€œJâ€™ gotta keeâ€™ a ya way froâ€™ a tâ€™e Livies. Coâ€™me wit mi.â€
She gave a stern look and entered the Mine.
â€œWho are the Livies?â€ She asked, her first words since entering Ballacreous.
â€œTuo, ya dae a hev a licca,â€ the Iron Woman clicked her tongue. â€œGouâ€™de.â€
â€œWho are the Livies?â€ She repeated.
â€œTâ€™ey a be tâ€™e Livies,â€ the Iron Woman replied, nodding her head in the direction of a group of guards. â€œTâ€™ey a all a bae Livies. Eer lea one of a tâ€™em.â€
â€œWhy do you call them Livies?â€ She asked, accepting she had to understand things at last.
â€œBeâ€™cau tâ€™ey whorâ€™sip tâ€™ey God hae nah bae deaâ€™,â€ the Iron Woman replied, striding through the upper mine with purpose, ignoring those around her as they moved out of matronly respect.
â€œWhich Gods do you worship?â€ She asked, trying her best to keep up.
In the flickering light of the blazing torches and dull braziers, She caught the traces of the Iron Womanâ€™s smile.
â€œTâ€™I bae a folâ€™lore of tâ€™e Skae,â€ she replied, not even breaking step. â€œShae tâ€™e Goâ€™tess who lea abovâ€™ wae.â€
â€œYou worship Goddess of The Sky?â€ She asked. â€œWhere do you come from?â€
â€œTâ€™I coâ€™ froâ€™ heâ€™e,â€ the Iron Woman replied. â€œTâ€™is bae me lanâ€™. Livies coâ€™ anâ€™ tae froâ€™ we. Slave we tâ€™ey do. Beaâ€™ we tâ€™ey do. Tae we lanâ€™ and mae slaves oâ€™ we.â€
The Iron Womanâ€™s face showed no sign of how she felt about this matter, her voice was even and firm. If she was angry, She could not tell. So She merely followed the Iron Woman until they came to a quiet area, lit only by a dully warm fire. The gentle sound of song drifting upon the stale air.
â€œAâ€™gaeâ€™tiâ€™ous!â€ the Iron Woman called down toward the fire.
She heard the singer stop, if for a moment, and saw something shift in the edges of the firelight.
â€œBae Aeguis!â€ the Iron Woman called. â€œTâ€™I bae haevâ€™ing somâ€™ tâ€™ing fae ye!â€
â€œBring her down here, Aegine,â€ the singer called back, as if all this was expected.
The Iron Woman, Aegine, ushered Her forward until She stood before a tall man, dressed in the thick covering of a miner and with what they called â€˜Minerâ€™s Eyesâ€ stuck to his face. A pair of goggles with tinted lenses for those who have spent far too much time underground and can no longer handle the light of the Overworld. He stared up at the ceiling of the cave, still singing his song. He sang even when Aegine lent over and whispered something in her strange native language into his ear. He merely nodded and dismissed her with a clicking of his tongue. Aegine lent back and gave Her a reassuring pat on Her frail shoulder before she simply strode away.
Once Aegine, had gone, the Singing Man stood and looked down at Her.
He was tall and built strong. His hands were as large of shovels, yet, She would always remember, as soft and gentle as lily-pads. The firelight reflected in his Minerâ€™s Eyes, blanking out any feeling or emotion his face might have otherwise shown. She looked down and saw the thick manacles upon his wrists and then up to see the yoke upon his neck. The manaclesâ€™ chains softly rattled with every moment that he made, adding a docile rhythm to the song that he sung.
â€œMy name is August,â€ he said, as he sat back down and patted the rock at his side, biding Her to sit with him. â€œAnd I am to make you strong.â€
And then he resumed his song.

Catena, even after so many years and trails, was sure that this was the same song that Ulva now uttered. It was the same restless melody that August had hummed throughout his days. A Prayer for the Helpless he had once called it. Sung only by those beyond Help and Hope, except for what of them they make themselves. Even though Ulvaâ€™s tune was near wordless in his rendition, Catena knew it to be the said same song.
Though she was not sure even how he managed to sing it as he fought and as he moved around her. His breath seemed to move in an endless cyclic flow -having no beginning nor ending. Just this endless chant. This ceaseless Song.
She knew that she had let it distract her too much when she felt his knuckles graze past her scarred right cheek, grating her flesh with his bony finger joints. But he was now well within her prime space -the distance she was most comfortable in fighting. The distance slaves have between each other when placed ten men deep within a forge or a firepit or merely two people within the hollowed confines of a Mineshaft. It was all done close, no longer than the chains that bound you to yourself and to each other, it was swift and it was brutal.
Catena struck him hard in his spongy ribs with the heel of her palm before he could even retract his arm. But his latched his outstretched fingers around the back of her head and used the force of her own blow to drag her down. Lithely, he spread his free limbs and anchored all of his weight down, slamming Catenaâ€™s face into the sandy ground. Auspiciously, she had enough wits about her to thrust her chest forward and her arms out as to absorb as much of the impact as she could. She turned her head, despite Ulvaâ€™s fierce grip, so her left check slapped against the ground but not hard enough to hurt her.
She knew that whilst she was down here, she was in his territory. His space of comfort. He could play with her as he wished but Catena knew she was far from beaten.
Despite her impressive size and muscular bulk, she was prided by her Keepers on being uncannily agile. The incredible strength of her arms and legs only added to this ability. Allowing her to push herself up and off the ground from virtually any position and give herself great distance from her opponent. With a powerful heave of her mighty arms, she flung herself upwards and tucked her knees up into her chiselled chest to give herself more momentum. She curled and coiled away from Ulva, who had recoiled from her sudden motion, landing several body lengths away from him. She grunted as she wiped her dirt-covered check with her bandaged hand and readied herself from the next Clash.
She stood set, watching Ulva and for his next move. She was deaf to the din of the crowd, she had learnt to block it out so long ago that she barely remembered ever having heard it. She could still hear his song though. Every whispered, murmured note that left his long shattered lips. They were a delirious drone; raped of the Heartful melody that she so remembered. Then, as if he wished to further infuriate her, he rose up and took a stance that either mocked or mimicked her own.
Though how could he see it?
With his eyes so shut?
Sure his senses were not so strong that he could feel how she stood in readiness? No. That could not be.
Maybe he did, in some way or fashion, see? Maybe he had learnt how to glimpse things for mere seconds and assimilate them quicker than any other? Maybe this was the secret to his Art?
He could not know her Fighting Art.
For it was known only to those who had been slaves of centuries, past from one cruel master to the next. It was used against those who stood above you or, more commonly, those who stood beside to you. It was the style of an individual trapped within a group, forced to survive anyway they could. And August was the master of this Art, swearing that only few remained who knew itâ€™s depths and secrets, and that she would be the last to learn from him.