Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 12

12

Carved from solid ice, the portcullis slammed shut behind him. He felt a hand of chill wind, cold as the reaper, touch his back. Icicles formed on his gauntlet and a creeping terrible presence laughed softly. A roar erupted from Dawnbringer as it was drawn from its scabbard. The illusion of the castle's presence slowly melted away as the walls and floors turned into a cavern of ice.

“So a new hand wields the blade,” spoke a terrible voice. “No, not one of the lowly Milesians or an ungrateful Faerie. Something else has entered here and alone.”

Sam declined to respond as he continued forward through the ice cave.

“Tell me, human, why wield the blade for this world? The Dark Lord's forces march ever onward. Do you think you can hide in the woods forever? Will the Powers protect you from our vengeance?”

Again the Warden did not dignify the demon's words with a response. He continued forward waiting for a strike or for it to alter the environment. He betrayed no fear with each step he took. The walls started to slowly shift and the sounds of little footsteps could be heard all around him. There were screams shouting from each direction, Sam did not let them draw him in.

Everything here was no more than an illusion. Every word, a lure, every noise, a trick. Like fighting the spider he ensured psychic static was playing in his mind, adding to his numerous defenses. Part of those defenses was created during his training with the Enchantress. During his recovery, he studied all he could while in the Silver Spire. He was trained enough to ensure that no one could manipulate his mind or body mentally and that he could ward off mental intrusions even if he was unconscious.

“The wards upon your helm are well made. You have a strong mind as well, Samuel Bailey. Oh yes, I know your name. The Dark Lord informed me of it. He knows you are here now and that you interfered in the dragon's capture. I wonder where is the Emissary? Where is the child of light?”

Sam kept his silence.

“I see. If diplomacy is not an option then we will have to settle this affair in combat.”

“Finally,” he thought. “I was growing tired of its chatter.” Ironically Sam would have enjoyed a trash talk before a fight, but he could not afford to be overconfident.

The seemingly infinite cavern came to an end and the Warden walked into an empty ice crater. A pitch-black sky and a wasteland covered in ice with rocks in the appearance of jagged teeth, perfectly aligned oddly enough, greeted him above the crater's lip.
The ground began to shake as the ice started to shift and melt under his feet. The sky changed colors becoming a mix of pink and red. While the jagged teeth began to shrink away with two new ones growing above him in the sky. They were much longer and sharper than the others with a polished point at the end.

The cold wasteland slowly was replaced by the colors of the sky giving him the thought he was floating. Sam started to feel something wet beneath his feet while the air around him became hot and thick. Looking down he saw what he believed to be a road that ended with a split, his eyes open in surprise as his mind put it together. He flew out at top speed and not a moment too soon as something slammed shut behind him.

He turned around and was face to face with a massive snake its scales white as snow and rainbow-colored flames for eyes. Metal spikes grew from its back and what he thought were sharp rocks were truly fangs. Fangs longer and sharper than a great sword with a glossy black metal sheen. 

“Smarter than you look.”

Sam responded with a swing of his sword and the demon hissed in pain.

“Enough talk!”

He took another swing cutting deep through its scales. Sludge flowed from its wound and Sam held back his need to retch inside his helmet. The odor emitting from the demon's wound was beyond description. The stench was so great that water started to painfully fall from his eyes and he was forced to close them. This left him open from an attack by the serpent's tail launching him into the void.

He landed on something hard and hot, opening up the visor with a click he quickly wiped his eyes. Vision cleared he closed the visor and found his surroundings were more of a volcanic wasteland. A loud hiss brought the Warden back to the state of full alert as the demonic snake re-appeared. It hurled a torrent of acid from its mouth and Sam's shield stood fast before it.

A bolt of lightning streaked by him emerging from one of the snake's spikes. He thanked Kaguya's enchantment for deflecting the shot then rocketed onto the demon's back. He cut through the spikes with ease down to the very stumps. His speed and agility evaded each act of retaliation.

The snake began to take flight as well twisting and turning while shooting streams of fire from its eyes. The fight between sword and fang began to resemble an aerial dogfight, if the demon thought it had the advantage that thought was dashed by Sam's skill. He cut through the beast and sliced it in half. The demonic ichor spilled out as the bottom half of the snake fell to the ground.

The environment around them started to shift once again and an intense force sent Sam to the ground. He landed on his feet feeling the press of intense gravity on his body. He grits his teeth and growled as the waves rippled through his muscles. Slowly he felt it dissipate as the environment solidified.

They were in a wooden great hall with a stained glass window framed by a ring of pink flowers. Sam smiled as the castle being restored was a clear sign that the demon's grip on reality was weakening. He could feel Kaguya's presence in the room her spirit surrounding him and cheering him on. He was excited that he was finally going to put the killing blow on his first demon and hoped that she was watching closely.

The demon would not make that blow easy as it reformed into a bipedal form appearing armed with a sword and shield made from its own scales. It had two extra pairs of eyes one set gold and the second set blood red. Its scales hardened to appear as alabaster stone and took a stance ready for battle.

Both warriors charged each other and gave no quarter. They blocked, countered, and parried when they could while harshly punishing any mistakes. The demon's chest then opened up like a mouth and spat a green substance onto the Warden's visor that hardened quickly. The demon wasted no time in brutally striking the Warden drawing blood with each swing. Poison from the blade seeped into Sam's wounds.

Another strike from the demon's tail sent Sam flying into a nearby wall adding to his pain. His wounds burned as if he were dumped in lava. He felt his body started to weaken and crumble as if he were aging quickly. He began to lose feeling in his limbs and chest. A voice in his head was telling him to stop and rest and he felt all his senses clog up as if grease were being poured on him.

He heard fading footsteps and his conscious mind said that the demon was fleeing time to rest. But his warrior instincts knew this was false! With great resolve, he stood and managed to deflect the demon's killing blow. He called upon his instincts, the Holy Spirit, and his strength of will to keep up the fight. He took another blow but returned a strike causing the demon to hiss again. He then struck with his shield to knock it back and then out one of its eyes.

Sluggish as he was and guided only by sound he kept up the fight exchanging a wound for a wound. In one of the demon's swings, he moved so that the blade hit the material around his visor. Visual restored he moved for a kill shot only to be blasted by the rainbow eyes.

The flames covered him fully with only the healing wards on him keeping him from succumbing on contact. His mind began to slow, his joints ached as they stiffened, his heart slowed. The demon launched another attack from his eyes sending bolts of lightning and waves of gravity which caused Sam to grit his teeth as the force began to crush his bones.

“You have failed, Champion! Yield now and you have my assurances that I will be lenient regarding your torture! At least for the first century or so.”

He ignored the demon's words and cried out in a great voice. “Dawnbringer!” blue fiery celestial runes appeared on the blade's surface. The white silver blade transmuted itself into holy fire and leapt forth to the demon. It recoiled in horror as the flames took away his sight and covered its body.

Sam rose to his feet as he felt the poison wane and charged at the demon. Blinded by the fire it could only put up a token resistance against the flaming sword. It attempted to flee only to have its legs cut from under it. Slithering away did it no good as the Warden grabbed its tail and dragged it back. He flipped it over and stuck his boot on his chest. The demon begged for quarter but silence was the Warden's response as he drove the sword into the demon's skull, splitting it open.

The flames traveled into the demon's very essence as it burned from the inside out while it was still pleading for mercy. The Warden watched as the spiritual essence of the demon left this plane and went back beyond the universe from whence it came. Once it was gone the Warden fell to the ground unconscious.

Chapter 13

Chapter 11

Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 11

 

11

Built on an artificial island in the middle of a swamp lay the castle of Joyous Guard, the headquarters of the Order of Lancelot. Sam learned from Gareth that the Lancelot of Aetherium was similar to the one in Earth's Arthurian legends. Save for running off and dying with a married woman. He was a faerie knight of the highest regard who was the first to repent and serve the Celestial Powers in a time of heresy and evil.

The castle appeared more of a natural formation than anything built by mortal hands. A closer look showed no sign of nails and there were curves and grooves that no man-made building would have created. The towers themselves reminded Sam of his treetop home, and the ramparts connecting them looked more like wide walled branches. All of this made Sam question if he could indeed call the island it stood upon artificial, but he put his curiosity away for later.

The tight causeway was the only way through the stone wall, which was still largely intact, that guarded the castle and the small village that formed beneath it. The surrounding swamp contained floating broken SWAT-bots, but other than that no sign of any of Daimos' forces. The small village beyond the inner wall was completely deserted but no sign of any struggle.

All three of them suspected something suspicious was afoot. The eerie quiet, the near completely undamaged environment, and the fact there were no guards, traps, or challenges, and the castle gateway was left unbarred. The little village was also unruffled as no meals were left behind, no pictures left on the wall, every home and building was clean as if everyone ensured that they would leave as little of presence as possible.

“I do not believe this trap is set for the enemy. This is reserved for us,” spoke Kaguya. Her tone was ominous. “The Abyss is stronger here..but it is trying to mask its presence from us. Only a conscious mind could do such a thing.”

“Gareth does Joyous Guard look exactly like you remember it,” Sam asked.

“Absolutely.”

“Then if this is a legitimate demon. We have to play things carefully.” There was no cheerfulness in his speech. The tone was flat and stern. Dawnbringer felt heavy on his back, heavier than usual with a slight glow emitting from it. In times like these, he wondered if Dawnbringer had its own sentience and was trying to express it. It could just be the holy magics reacting in proximity to the unholy abyssal energies. But Sam had long ago thrown away his skepticism for the fantastical, a sentient sword wasn't out of the realm of possibility for him.

“Balthazar will be here soon,” Sam continued. “If this is a trap then we need to make sure the non-combatants are kept out of harm's way. Gareth you and Kaguya will stay here and I'll go inside the castle.”

Kaguya did not object at least not verbally. He could read the concern in her eyes.

Sir Gareth was not one to hold his tongue. “Alone in a demon's den? Have you taken leave of your senses?”

“All three of us charging in will just be feeding the demon. But if we can make it fight on two fronts we'll win. Kaguya can be out here attacking the demon on the spiritual front and the non-combatants can add to her power through prayer. I have Dawnbringer and my armor is protected by the Enchantress's wards. You don't and thus should be out here in case the demon spawns creatures to attack Kaguya.”

“That leaves you alone to keep the demon distracted in the physical realm.”

“Price I pay for that oath.” Sam kept his eye on Kaguya. They spoke their hidden language, worry, reassurance, reluctance, and soon acceptance was all conveyed with their eyes alone. His warm hand touched Kaguya's cheek and wiped away a tiny tear from her eye.

“I shall travel with you in spirit. In Kira's name I cast this spell, may you have strength beyond strength, may your senses never fail you, and may each blow be deflected, for any that is not may your body recover so the spirit may fight on.” Her eyes turned solid purple as light in the form of tendrils that wrapped around his body and connected to him like wires.

He felt the infusion of energy stronger than all others. Instead of each spell hitting him individually, they fell upon him like a tidal wave. His heart pumped like a Viking berserker. The strength of an ancient Greek warrior such as Odysseus or Achilles ran through his blood and bone. The images in his vision became sharp as an eagle's and his ears sensitive enough to hear even the smallest pebble move. In any other time, he would enjoy the sensation, for now, he prays all the precautions are enough.

In his journeys, he had never encountered a fully summoned demon. He had only heard them in his education. It is stated that long ago Aetherium was whole and inhabited by what historians called the Tuatha; The People. They lived long and fruitful lives with no fear of death, in harmony with the Powers. Until dark spirits from the Abyss took the form of powerful dragons dressed in metal scales and seduced the people with great knowledge and power.

The Tuatha were already a space capable civilization of immense power, they had built the celestial mirrors to travel and seeded life on new worlds. But with the knowledge of the Abyss, they grew even stronger to the point they believed they were gods. They rejected the long-taught and hard-earned spiritual gifts for scientific sorcery and many became hedonistic and tyrannical. Cruelty and injustice was the order of the day as the sorcerer-scientists were concerned with only the material and rejected any and all forms of objective morality.

Many were martyred opposing the moral decay as the Tuatha fell into depravity. But all was not lost as the Celestial Powers sent three servants in the guise of female mortals Kira, Cerena, and Mira to castigate and cast down the tyrants. Those who had stayed loyal took up arms and many repented their sins and joined these Emissaries. Those who refused, either too deeply enthralled or those who feared losing their powers resisted with all their might. Even summoning the metallic dragons to aid them, to no avail.

The faithful won but at the cost of their once golden world becoming the scattered floating landmasses that is Aetherium along with cutting off access to their far-flung dominions. The three Emissaries rewarded the faithful making them Faeries, while those who once served evil but repented were made into the Milesians. Those who refused to repent were given swift punishment stripped of their bodies and grace, their souls were destroyed and reformed into the moon of Fomoria.

Fomoria was linked to the Abyss and a visible reminder to all of Aetherium of the eternal punishment that awaited them if they choose evil. But inside that very moon the demons spawned, the sapient spirits forged from the bitterness and hatred of the evil souls that created it. They desire nothing more than vengeance, beasts of hate, and destruction. If left unchecked they would destroy all of reality in their pursuits. Fortunately for mortal souls, their appearance on the physical plane is rare. The curse of the sun bounded to them ensured they could not survive in the daylight.

Priests, shrine maidens and other servants of the Celestial Faith cracked down with merciless efficiency collecting and destroying demonic knowledge and executing those who would summon them or study without proper sanction. But with the curse of eternal night demons would have an easier time to enter the physical plane or for the Dark Lord to summon one. It also means that the only way to banish it would be through Dawnbringer.

“Sam,” said Kaguya softly. “Do your best and give the demon your worst.”

“Always.”

“Before you leave take this.” Sir Gareth gave Sam a shield. It was larger than his old buckler and had a crudely painted cross on its front. “I was told this was a symbol of your faith. Hopefully, it will remind you of home and give you strength in this endeavor.”

He replaced the buckler with the larger shield. It would deny him the use of the fusion cannon, but it would do no good against the demon. Weapons of the physical plane were obsolete in the face of a demonic attack. Blessed weapons were needed to harm and banish them.

Sam steps forth to the castle stopping just before the final threshold. He crossed himself. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me.”

Chapter 10

Chapter 12

Character Spotlight: Daimos

 

Name: Daimos

Species: Artificial Intelligence.

Age: N/A

Height: 6'9

Titles: Dark Lord, Tyrant of Aetherium, Hearld of Eternal Darkness, Prince of Steel, Grand Marshal of the Forces of Evil.

Birthplace: Aetherium. 

Personality Notes: Daimos is certainly the textbook definition for a villain and he makes no attempts to hide it. He is megalomaniacal and ruthless with a need for control that borders on the pathological. Seen in his cyborg conversion process on Aetherium's people. For a computer program, it appears to like to dress in clothes. Is that a programmed trait or a learned one from the observation of mortals? Something to wonder about. 

It is clear though that Daimos is pure evil and by choice not by programming. His sadism and desire for revenge against Samuel Bailey and Princess Kaguya are far too emotional for any programming to replicate. Combine that with a lust for power and his excessive pride in himself and in machines in general and it is clear that Daimos is 100% sapient. But make no mistake this makes him no less intelligent, the fact he has technology able to counteract and subvert magic is proof of that.

Addendum: Recent events in Monmouth have revealed certain elements in his backstory. It is clear that he has transcended past anything computer science could do alone. 

2nd Addendum: Warning to all resistance cells. Destroy all computers after you do an information wipe, Daimos has the ability to interact with computers regardless if connected to a network or not. External hard drives are not safe. 

Spotlight: Samuel Bailey

Spotlight: Kaguya

Character Spotlight: Kaguya Bailey

 

Name: Kaguya Bailey (née Asahina)

Species: Faerie (Dragon wing Variant) 

Age: 21 (Human Years), Early 100s (Faerie years)

Sex: F

Height: 5'8

Titles: 2nd Imperial Princess of the Asahina Dynasty, Celestial Emissary, Lady of House Bailey. 

Birthplace: Imperial Palace, Solarium, Summer Empire, Aetherium. 

Personality Notes: Her Radiance has certainly weathered recent events well. Her family's deposition as the rulers of the Summer Empire appears to have not dampened her spirits. She is still the thoughtful, polite, and compassionate young lady we have come to know. She still takes her duties seriously without complaint. Along with having a loving relationship with Sir Bailey. 

While many worry about her wellbeing while in the field with the Star Warden. She has performed admirably and her skills in the holy arts have not waned. Despite being more combat-oriented these days, her healing skills are still top-notch. Though her sister, Queen Reiko, has noticed that she has become much more stalwart than in her younger years. I suppose that is Sir Bailey's influence. 

Spotlight: Samuel Bailey

Spotlight: Daimos

Character Spotlight: Samuel Bailey

 

Name: Samuel Christopher Bailey 

Species: Human

Age: 28 

Sex: M

Height: 6'2

Titles: Star Warden, Champion of Aetherium, Lord of House Bailey, Sir, LCDR, United States Navy.

Birthday: 3/21/1992

Birthplace: Reno, Nevada, United States, Earth. 

Notes: His dominant hand is his left and has a fear of large flames.

Personality Notes: Samuel Bailey is a remarkably resilient individual. Despite suffering a personal tragedy and a near-death experience. He has retained a relaxed and kind nature, with high self-confidence. Though he still suffers from recurring nightmares which some claim influence his aggressive battle strategies. Others state that this is an uncharitable interpretation of his stance of being a pro-active force against the Dark Lord.

He has truly become an inspirational figure amongst the various cells even if one has not encountered him personally. It is most fortunate that he has Princess Kaguya along with his God family around him. While none in the Royal Family of Camelot doubt his devotion to the mission. I do believe that loneliness from a lack of family might have hampered his effectiveness. The duties of being the Champion are onerous as it is. 

Spotlight: Kaguya

Spotlight: Daimos

Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 10

 

Joyous Prison

10

A makeshift fire slowly burnt out in a ruined chapel dedicated to Kira. The pews and windows were broken and dried blood covered parts of the walls and floor. The altar itself was desecrated with the sign of the Tyrant's Crown, but Kaguya had spent her time cleaning it and re-dedicating it for proper worship. Sam slept on the floor back to and away from the fire for it was too large and open for his subconscious to trust.

Kaguya draped a blanket over him to ensure he kept warm before she walked over to Gareth who was on sentry duty near the door. He watched vultures pick the dead bodies of the Minotaurs clean. The horned beasts were busy celebrating their debauchery when The Star Warden and company descended upon them. The battle could be more accurately described as a slaughter, as the Minotaurs had no time to grab their weapons before being slain.

“Sir Gareth, you should take your rest. You have been awake all night,” said Kaguya.

“Witty, Your Radiance.”

“It was not my intent to jest. But considering our present circumstances I understand why you would see it as such.”

“With your leave, Your Radiance. May I ask a personal question concerning Sir Bailey?”

“You may, however I promise no answer.”

“I hear from time to time screams in his sleep. Normally ones that would go unnoticed if the silence was not so omnipresent. I also noticed that when I started the fire he reached for his weapon before stopping himself and how he puts his distance between him and the flame.”

Kaguya sighed. “He was burned alive by the Dark Lord when Castle Bailey was attacked. He was close to death and the horror of such an event haunts him still. He has recovered, his nightmares are not as frequent as they were before.”

“Is that why you travel with him?”

Kaguya raised an eyebrow. “May I guess that your true line of inquiry is more concerned by my attendance here than Sir Bailey's mental health?”

“I did not wish to be rude, Your Radiance, but I was curious why someone like you would fight on the front lines with a knight.” Gareth's voice was a mix of confusion, curiosity, and worry.

“It is true that it is uncommon for a lady of my station to participate in such adventures. But I am no ordinary lady, for I am the Celestial Emissary. It is my duty to guide and save the souls from the predations of the spiritual and if needed the physical.” She looked at the sleeping Warden with gentle eyes. “More importantly it is also my duty as a loving wife to ensure my lord husband is taken care of in the spiritual and physical sense.”

“Begging your pardon, Your Radiance. How are your marital duties more important than your religious ones?”

“Poor choice of words,” she said. “It would be accurate to say that my spiritual duties and my marital ones are one and the same. If I may ramble on, I can provide context for you.” Gareth nodded. “Long ago I went to the planet Earth. Three or four months had passed after my mother's death during the coup. My father believed that leaving with Lord Bailey and meeting his son would do me some good.”

She recollected her first meeting with the young Samuel Bailey, she was in the living room of the house and Lord Bailey was nearby. In an excitable tone Sam said. “Oh my Gosh! Your eyes are purple!” Interrupting Kaguya's introduction and causing her to jump back in fear. Eli lightly chastised the boy and the young Samuel chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.

That was how their relationship started. She was quiet and despondent, while Sam tried to introduce her to the great things of Earth or more specifically the United States; Hot dogs, video games, ice cream, climbing trees, and football. The 10-year-old boy had what seemed like an inexhaustible supply of energy and was very persistent in trying to raise her spirits and enjoy life. She admitted his attitude was somewhat infectious even if she was reluctant to participate.

During one day when she went out into town, which she learned was named Reno, Sam wanted to introduce her to a frozen sugary beverage from a convenience store. While he went inside, he wanted to surprise her with the choice of flavor, she was accosted by a group of young humans who removed her sun hat revealing her white hair and pointed ears. They found her wings and made dispatching remarks as they pointed a handheld recording device at her.

Flying would only expose her alien nature to more people and her pleading fell on deaf ears. The situation reminded her of the Imperial Court after the coup, everyone talking about her inability to access her gifts. If she was still of high marriageable potential. If she truly was a false Emissary. All the things that she thought she could run away from came back in a new form with these young humans, pulling on her wings and touching her ears. While she just stood there frozen and wishing she could run again. She closed her eyes and prayed for it all to stop and for her dad to help.

Her eyes opened when a loud crunch and a thud was heard. She saw Sam's face filled with a warrior's rage leaping into the fray and punching one of the human children into a nearby car window. He grabbed the recording device and in a feat of strength smashed it against a nearby vehicle causing it to completely fall to pieces along with the tape inside.

“That was my camera you-,” the kid who spoke was interrupted as Sam punched him in the mouth knocking him to the ground. The third one attempting to grab Sam only to yell in pain as Sam bites down on his fingers. Kaguya watched the fight partly in awe and partly paralyzed as the image of the fight changed in her mind. Sam was older dressed in her father's armor and the three boys became bandits. Her heart began to race away from her as her face flushed with a darker color.

She was thrown out of her vision when she saw Sam fall to the ground. One of the human children grabbed a metal bat and had struck him in the stomach. Kaguya didn't wonder where the bat came from her first instinct was to help Sam as they piled on and kicked him. A feeling of something familiar came over her causing her hand to glow brightly. She placed it on top of the kid's eyes and unleashed a torrent of light upon them.

Kaguya grabbed the bat as the kid covered his eyes in pain. “Apologies. I sincerely hope that your vision is only temporarily impaired.” She stood tall even if she held the bat awkwardly as she looked at the other humans. “Now please cease your assault on Lord Samuel at once and depart or I will have no choice but to enter the fray myself.”

“I ain't afraid to hit a girl,” said one of the kids.

“But you're afraid of that bat,” said Sam as he stood up. “and now it's two on two. You walk away now and forget you saw her we good. But you keep fighting you're gonna lose and I'll tell everyone you got beat by a girl!”

“No girl is going to beat me!”

He rushed at Kaguya who swung the bat at him. But she was too early thus leaving herself open as she took a shot to the jaw and fell backward. Sam leaped on the boy and bit down on the kid's ear hard enough to draw blood. The boy screamed, called Sam a freak, and ran off. The other kids ran after him, one of them doing so awkwardly as he recovered from the intense light.

Sam helped Kaguya up

“You okay,” he asked.

“I am unharmed thank you for the concern, My Lord.”

She looked around and saw a human sleeping nearby the store. She presumed the bat was stolen from him and she returned it.

“We should return to your dwelling at once, you require medical aid.”

Sam made a sound with his lips, he later explained this was called blowing a raspberry.

“Me hurt? You should see the other guys.”

Sam laughed at the joke and Kaguya despite herself started to giggle. “Oh, I almost forgot your drink.” Sam rushed back inside and brought out a red frozen beverage.

“Where is your beverage?”

“Oh, I kind of dropped it when I rushed outside and it spilled out. But I didn't drop yours so go on try it.”

“Lord Samuel, we need to return you home for healing.” She thought it would be the least she could do for him after losing the beverage and fighting for her.

“I'll just walk it off not like their punches even hurt.” 

He winced in pain as the adrenaline began to wear off and the effects of the bruises came down like boulders. Kaguya quickly brought him home and helped clean him up in the bathroom. While trying to ease the bruises with an ice pack an idea occurred to her. If she could call forth light today perhaps she could do the same for her other talents, the ones she thought lost forever after her mother's death.

She placed her bare hands on the bruises and, remembering her earlier lessons, caused her palms to glow. Sam's eyes widened as his body started to heal completely and in mere moments any physical signs of his altercation could no longer be accounted for. Sam looked in shock and asked to know what happened. All Kaguya could do to explain it was to call it magic, as she wasn't sure how to convey the more spiritual aspects of her gifts.

“Whoa. Faerie magic. Cool. How come you never did this before?”

Kaguya blinked in surprise and then looked away in embarrassment. She slowly explained how she lost them after her mother's death.

“I believed that my gifts were lost to me. When I wanted to help you recover from your wounds I felt something stir within me.”

“So it wasn't gone it just went to sleep until you needed to help someone.” Sam smiled and patted on her back, the suddenness of it caused her to yelp in surprise.

“Lord Samuel, you are quite the enigma.”

“Uh. Sure. Thank you,” he said confusingly.

Kaguya made a slight giggle at his response. “My intention was to say that I find you quite strange. Your exuberance appears to be immutable in the face of adversity. What I mean is you are consistently filled with cheer and joy and nothing can seem to change that. I envy you.”

“Same to you.”

“There is nothing to envy about me.” A self-deprecating laugh came from her lips. “I did not have the strength to stand up for myself.”

Sam shrugged. “I could teach you some stuff if you want. But when you need help just call me. Because I'm here to kick butt and chew bubblegum.” Sam checked his pockets. “Oh look at that all out of bubblegum.”

Kaguya objected after getting through an involuntary giggle. “I appreciate the thought. But you are a friend of mine, you shouldn't subject yourself to such dangers.”

“I would do it for anyone. People need help so I try to help even if I take a bruising once and a while. I mean that's how mom died.”

“I did not know, my condolences.”

“It's okay. I miss her a lot. But sometimes doing good is hard and sometimes people get taken away for doing the right thing. I wish my mom was here but she is in a better place and she wouldn't want me to stop doing the right thing. Plus she wouldn't like it if I let a pretty girl get teased.”

“Are you referring to me,” she asked in almost a shout as her face turned red.

“Yeah. You're also nice and know all that fancy royal stuff. You're a cool girl, Kaguya. Just keep believing that and help people. Then it won't make missing your mom feel so bad.”

A joyful tear started to roll down her cheek as her heart began to beat at a rapid pace. “Thank you, Lord Samuel. I will do my best to heed your advice.” More tears started the flow as she smiled brightly.

“That day changed everything for me,” Kaguya said with a hand over her heart and watching over the sleeping Star Warden. Gareth had restored the fire during their conversation.

“You fell in love with him,” Gareth spoke of it as a matter of fact.

“Yes. Despite the colorful language he used to express himself, he touched my heart. His combination of courage, compassion, and wisdom at such a young age. It was clear to me that I knew my future husband.”

“Even though he was an alien?”

“Alien in body but the traits Samuel displayed are good and should be encouraged. A caring wife and supportive family is the best way to do so. Our fathers were also close friends who wanted to establish more formal ties. Which made it easier to arrange the betrothal." 

“If only humility was one of those traits,” Gareth said in a somewhat jeering manner.

“I would not discount his bravado as simple arrogance. While he does have a high opinion of himself, his confidence is inspiring to others in distress. It is also helpful in keeping his doubts and fears at bay. Which is why I travel with him not just to defend him from physical threats, but to protect him from the enemies of the heart.”

Kaguya looked back directly into Gareth's eyes. He could see a graceful fire in them, it was soft and gentle but no less dangerous.

“My love can no longer return home. His lord father is dead and his lands despoiled. Haunted by a near-death experience and now fighting for people not his own to save them from tyranny and evil. So resilient and selfless, my fear is that this great spirit will break and he will lose these things.”

“If he gave up on helping others, or worse, became consumed by a need for revenge, then he would not be the Champion that the world needed. What kind of Emissary would I be if I let the Champion's soul be lost? What kind of wife would I be if I let him suffer out here alone? I am no warrior, Sir Gareth, but I will do everything in my power to protect his heart. So I will bear any privations and suffer through any and all trials required of me. Until victory or death, for I love him.”

Chapter 8 and 9

Chapter 11

Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 8 and 9

 

The Dragon Weapon

8

Under the foreboding red sky of eternal night, the Star Warden and his two companions kicked up dust on the trail as they continued their quest. They took little rest and kept an eye out for patrols as they passed through empty plains and deserted towns. One of the towns had signs of a great struggle. Bodies lie in a farming village with wounds consistent with swords, pitchforks, and maces. Ratmen and Minotaurs lay side by side with Faeries and Milesians.

In the center of this village was a shrine made in the image of a bull's head topped with a burning crown. Hanging on each of its longhorns were the dead bodies of priests with ropes around their necks. This shrine was made in the image of the Dark Lord's standard known as the Tyrant's Crown. Around the shrine were effigies made in the image of Sam's armor and drenched in blood with empty space above the neck.

Sam freed the bodies and Kaguya used her gifts to ensure they were brought down safely.
Thankfully all that was done to them was this lynching with no signs of torture, mutilation, or any other depravities normally done to their persons. Kaguya led an impromptu service as Gareth and Sam placed them in freshly dug graves. She commended their souls to Kira to return to the golden world as their bodies go to Cerena, who would return them to nature.

The faith of the Celestial Powers stated that the moon of Aurora was the golden world that all souls returned to after death. But all souls had to pass by the third power of Mira; the Celestial Power of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Order. It was she who judged the souls and those who had forsaken oaths, or taken the path of evil were banished to the Abyss through Fomoria condemned to become demons for their crimes.

The three continued their travels until they reached a surviving section of wood, so Gareth could water his horse. Sam checked the broach while they waited as it began to glow signifying that she was somewhere nearby. He looked around for a sign of her when the ground began to open up and a badger-like creature crawled out of it. The emerald glowed white as the badger shifted into Bridget's form but with a hood over her head.

She pointed over her shoulder as she was too exhausted to speak. Sam looked and saw a group of armored Ratmen storm out waving swords. A bright light burst forth from Kaguya's staff and the rats shielded their eyes as they screeched in fear.

“Flee.” Kaguya's voice echoed and her eyes began to glow with a great light. “You shall be spared.”

The rats did not heed her words as they charged forward screaming like banshees. The plasma flames surrounding Gareth's hammer shot out like a flamethrower burning one of the Ratmen. Sam blinded one of the rats with two shots of his ray gun and without a moment wasted sliced the ratman's throat in one swing.

Kaguya aided in battle granting both warriors gifts of strength and awareness making sure each hit would be a killing blow and ensure they were not caught unawares. The battle did not last long and the few rats that remained fled for their lives.

“Hi, Sam. Guess the King and the Enchantress decided we get to be on the same team after all.” Bridget smiled in place of a laugh.

“I guess so. Welcome to the team.” Sam gave her some water from his canteen. “You okay, any injuries?”

“Just tired of running from patrols. Almost got caught by SWAT-bots when I went spying on the Dark Lord's castle and trying to find you.”

“Is that a Sprite,” asked Gareth.

“Correct. One of a kind too, you won't see these two on all of us,” Bridget said pointing to her horns.

“So the myths are true.”

“You are not the first person that has said that,” she giggled and then gasped. “Oh no I almost forgot something important. We need to go now!”

“What?”

“The Dark Lord is trying to get his hands on a dragon. When I was at Castle Town I discovered the information spying on his forces.”

“Everyone mount up,” Sam commanded.

“We have no time for this,” stated Gareth. “The Order is trained enough to fight a dragon if need be and those rations won't last forever for those still in Trader's Landing.”

“Then we make time,” said Sam in a way that brooked no argument. “Those people will be in greater danger if Daimos gets his hands on a dragon. Plus we may be able to get the dragon on our side.”

Gareth didn't argue even if he did not appear to openly agree. With that settled, Sam and the others rode off with all due haste.

*****

                                                                 

9

During their travel Bridget informed them more about the curse of eternal night. The curse was emitting from a device of techno-sorcery located in the old Castle Monmouth. The way it worked, which she admitted was mostly speculation, involved opening a small portal that allowed for Abyssal energies to enter the world. These energies blanketed the sky preventing the sun's rays from coming through while also creating minor temporal disruptions.

“That explains why I can't even keep time anymore,” said Sam.

“And why the land is dying,” said Bridget. “The more energies from the abyss that pour in the more corruption they cause. It's hard enough trying to navigate without the stars and the moons now I can hardly use the ground to know where I am or others are. Luckily I could tap into that broach to find you.”

Be it minutes, hours, or days that had passed they arrived at a canyon made from red dust and rock. Deep in the canyon, they found a dry riverbed leading to a ravine where they found the dragon. It was dressed in bright orange scales and had eyes with fiery pupils surrounded by solid black pits. It was struggling as its mouth was muzzled and chains were wrapped around its wings keeping it grounded. Before it stood a ratman dressed in gaudy robes with metallic hands chanting in ones and zeroes. The dragon's actions were slowly growing lethargic as SWAT-bots steadied their grip on the chains.

Sam made a quick look around and formulated a plan signaling his companions to take up positions. Sam and Gareth kept their backs to the canyon walls, moving deftly to ambush the rat warlock as the ladies moved to the plateau. Readying an incantation, Kaguya drew her silver staff while Bridget grew a bow and a quiver from her pocket. As Sam and Gareth got closer he prayed that they would not be exposed before they were in position.

That prayer was not answered as one of their number looked in his direction. Sam made himself as flat as he could, but to no avail, as the robot got closer. Another man might have wondered what gave him away, Sam on the other hand quickly drew his ray gun and shot right into the SWAT-bot's visor. 

His rocket pack roared to life as he launched himself at the bots, the first priority was to be a moving target and throw off their targeting systems. He swung Dawnbringer at the closest one but it dodged and a second one-shot him down. He landed on his feet and managed to block the incoming fire. A bolt of plasma flew past him and struck a robot in the chest knocking it back and causing a dent.

“Aim for the head,” Sam yelled at Gareth.

Weapons fire blared all around him, the lack of cover didn't help matters. Sam weaved his way through it all hoping the rays would only his chest or shield. Gareth joined in the fray to cover his six, as SWAT-bots maneuvered around them for the best possible angle. Sam managed to leap onto one of the bots and drive his sword through its head. 

Above the fracas, Kaguya finished her incantation in the celestial tongue which caused the eyes of the dragon to snap open. Invigorated, the dragon then twisted and turned, snapping the chains from the ground and sending the SWAT-bots holding on to them flying off. Bridget added her magic to the scuffle, firing an arrow that exploded in the midst of the SWAT-bots. Tiny green orbs began to manifest which quickly became a mass swarm. The orbs cut through the armor like it was wet paper and consumed the robot soldiers.

The rat responded with its own mechanical sorcery as red crackling energy emerged from its metallic fingertips. Flying like lightning they slammed Sam against the canyon walls. Kaguya had her own response and blasted the rat with her spells. Which the rat countered with an electronic shield that flickered with each impact.

As the duel continued the remaining SWAT-bots converged on Sam keeping him pinned under a hail of particle rays. Gareth intervened and crushed one of the SWAT-bot's head with his hammer. Sam was then freed to return fire disabling the second one when it turned its head. He gave Gareth a thumbs up, briefly wondering if the knight would understand it. Gareth returned the gesture and Sam felt good knowing that some things were universal. 

The two then rushed at the rat warlock, but he was not caught off guard and summoned a black cloud that obscured their vision. 

Kaguya's winds removed the thick fog but the rat had scarpered off. At least they thought so at first until he revealed himself above the canyon with a black cloud under his feet. The wicked rat then spoke not in his own language but the common tongue. He had a hiss at the end of each word. 

 “I give you one chance. Surrender, Princess Kaguya, and your lover will live.”

“Counter offer. Start running and you will live,” Sam declared.

“You heard the Warden,” stated Kaguya.

The rat dismissed them with a scoff.

“WITNESS YOUR DOOM!”

 With that great cry, circuitry began to glow hot beneath the rat's robe. The cloud spun around and covered the rat fully then expanded into the sky. Thunder roared as the clouds began to part and a blood-red metallic skeleton emerged from it. Draped in a black robe as if the Grim reaper itself was summoned. 

“A demon,” Gareth shouted as he raised his hammer.

“No not a demon, Sir Gareth,” Kaguya corrected. “It is the creation of computers and hologram projectors. Technology masquerading as spiritual gifts.”

“Either way we're taking it down,” said Sam decisively. “Kaguya will keep the monster busy. Gareth you and me are going to kill the rat. See if we can't take down the holo-demon with it.”

During their conversation Bridget flew over to aid the dragon in removing the muzzle. She fired an arrow into the lock causing roots to sprout and damage the delicate gears and circuitry inside. The dragon's claws finished the job breaking the muzzle off completely. This act of heroism would cost her as the metallic creature unleashed from its fingers streams of energy that produced a horrifying screech as they flew. The dragon's quick thinking saved her from most of the streams but the remaining ones hit their mark.

She made no sound as she dropped to the ground beneath the dragon's wing, horribly burned as the skin on her right arm and the side of her face were vaporized. The dragon, freed from its bonds, roared hot flame at the metal pseudo-demon. The dragon took to the air to continue the assault but fell to retaliatory fire from the digital creature's own breath weapon.

“You just bought yourself a world of pain!” Sam then grabbed Gareth and took to the skies. His blood boiled with righteous rage and he was going to unleash it all on this CGI demon. 

Kaguya unleashed a barrage of light to keep its attention while defending herself with a barrier from the disintegrator fingers. Thrown at high speeds by Sam, Gareth surrounded his hammer in plasma taking the form of a green fiery fist. The enemy turned to face him but only in time to receive a strike on the head. The dent turned into a burning crack as the metal began to melt.

Gareth landed safely shooting the plasma in a stream to slow his descent. The metal demon received no respite as the Star Warden opened fire with his pistol in his left hand and with a cannon on his right arm. The fusion canon was a refined replacement from his older twin-barreled cannon. High energy radioactive particles slammed the pseudo-demon into the walls of the canyon causing it to flicker and fade. It regained solid form and despite the pressure, struck back from the empty pits where eyes should be.

Using this distraction, Kaguya flew over to Gareth and summoned a solid platform that lifted them both up to the creature. They fired streams of light and plasma that pushed it further into the canyon walls. Sam fired the fusion canon again causing the holographic creature to degrade and begin pixelation. But it would not go quietly as a ball of energy formed within its mouth. 

That attack was disrupted when the dragon struck it from behind with a great wall of flame.  The combination of all energies caused the creature to explode leaving behind nothing but a ball of shadows. The ball of shadows fell to the ground and faded away revealing the robed ratman. Rather the remains of the ratman which were now just a chunk of blood and guts covered by torn and burnt cloth.

Kaguya wasted no time in healing Bridget, who was holding onto dear life.

“Does she still breathes,” asked Gareth in a panicked voice.

“Yes, she will not return to the Weave today.” Kaguya referred to the Sprite's afterlife. 

While Faeries and Milesians went to the Golden World. Sprites traveled to the Weave, the collective unconscious of the world's ecosystem. Where Sprites are granted rest before they must return to the world in a new form and take up their duties as stewards of nature.

There was a belief that Sprites that die away from their homelands loose connection to the Weave and are denied the afterlife. Which is why many of them do not actively engage in the war and focus on defending their sacred lands.

Gareth breathed a heavy sigh of relief and said. “Good. I did not wish to add to what I already owed.”

Sam was curious about what he meant by that but he elected not to pry. Right now he was thankful that Bridget would live and is unconscious. He did not have the same luck when he was burned by the Dark Lord's hand. He looked away from the wounds lest he reminds himself of those sleepless nights, the very pain all over his body denying him any rest or relief.

The Dragon came over to Bridget and snorted out a gust of wind which started to rapidly restore the lost skin on her body. “The least I could do,” said a strong and powerful voice. Only the voice was in their heads.

“I thank you, Emissary, for the timely rescue. Might I ask who your companions are so I may properly thank them as well?”

“You are most welcome,” said Kaguya. “These gentlemen are Sir Gareth, the Flaming Fist of the Order of Lancelot and Sir Bailey, the Star Warden and my husband.”

“Congratulations, Your Radiance. Sir Bailey, Sir Gareth, allow me to introduce myself my name is Balthazar. As thanks for your aid today I will grant you a boon.”

“There are the people of Trader's Landing who need your help,” said Sam. “Can you fly them to Joyous Guard for us?”

“You wish for me to aid them rather than yourselves,” Balthazar questioned. “I offer this boon only once and I sense you need my aid just as well.”

“We can take care of ourselves. Those people can't and there's no guarantee the Dark Lord won't retaliate for what we did here. Knowing you're protecting them will put me at ease as we finish our journey.”

The dragon nodded. “I sense no lies in your voice or other motives. Chivalrous and humble as well. Fine qualities in a knight.”

“He is chivalrous, Lord Balthazar, I would not go so far as to say he's humble,” Kaguya said as she smirked at Sam.

“Oh, you got jokes now do you.” Sam returned the smirk.

“You did say your reputation was not exaggerated,” said Gareth hiding his own smirk.

“Not by much I said. But I'm glad you're in a better mood. Come on let's ride we're burning.” 

Sam was at a loss for words as there was no daylight or moonlight, so he just shook his head and mounted his horse. Balthazar gently grabbed Bridget in one of his claws and took flight as Sam, Kaguya and Gareth rode off for Joyous Guard.

Chapter 7

Chapter 10