Bright Swords

 In between writing Star Warden Book 2. I did not want to leave the blog unattended and there was something I wanted to talk about. Star Warden and Uplift Protocol along with the similarities and differences between them. But I did not just want to talk about making comparisons and leave it there, plus neither series is complete at the moment so there could be more similarities and differences that might pop up. However, there was a core element both had which inspired the name of this post. 

First, what do both serials have in common? (Non-exhaustive list)

1. Both leads have red white and blue in their color scheme, are American, and have Star somewhere in their name. 
2. The leads are in a stable romantic relationship. 
3. Both series take place in settings that involve worlds off Earth and have a sci-fi/fantasy theme.
4. Clear Good and Evil 
5. Ancient lost civilization with technology left behind.
6. The main heroes are the bright symbol of hope people rally behind and can affect change with their presence. 

The last one is the subject of this post. Sam and Eliza are both the Bright Swords cutting through the darkness of their respective universes. Modern heroes today are usually conflicted and question themselves and their purpose. They are given a huge amount of flaws, they mope, are focused on their own problems with their powers grounded. Unless you are a symbol of representation then you get all the power with no training, everyone loves you, and the bad guys are the people who don't like them. 

But enough about Rey and Carol Danvers. 

The fact of the matter is a lot of current stories don't have the Bright swords anymore. Superman is either modernized by Snyder or gets his life ruined in the comics. When people think of the Superman archetype they think of Homelander in the Boys. In Game of Thrones, the characters who die are the honorable and idealistic types. I mean even Shazam (true Captain Marvel) doesn't have his idealistic origin anymore. His new 52 origins which were used in the movie get the focus. Instead of being a pure soul and truly good, chosen by the Wizard. He's now just the last act of a desperate old wizard giving his power to a cynical kid abandoned by his mother and living in a group home.  

Now, this brings me to the differences. Since it is common to believe that these old-style paragons can only exist in the past or settings that have no conflict at all. I will disprove that by presenting the differences between the two serials. The large scale one is the very settings they inhabit.

Uplift Protocol: Somewhat of a Sugar Bowl; a bright idealistic world filled with heroes. Friendly aliens patrol the stars and most people are trusting and helpful of each other. While there are still threats, interpersonal conflicts, and obstructive bureaucracy. At the end of the day, the world is a nice place to live. 

Eliza lives in a NobleBright world and is meant to defend it from ending. She preserves the status quo for the most part and changes the not so bright parts. 

Star Warden: Somewhat of a World Half Full/Crapsack World. A darker world where evil has free reign and heroes are few and far between. But the heroes that are there are bright, hopeful, and successfully make things better in small or large ways. A world where suffering is commonplace but the response to it is to fight back against it. The world is not a nice place to live yet but with work, it can be. 

Sam lives in a NobleDark world and is meant to make it a better place. He is changing the status quo despite the fact it appears to be an uphill climb.

There I just described two stories both with bright paragons of virtue and their settings couldn't be any more different. Heroism is timeless and easy to do and you don't have to make your story basically Sesame Street to do it. You just need one, or a few, good people who can smile when the going gets tough and inspire others to trust in them and in their own capacity to help. To quote Jor-El. 

"They only need the light to show them the way."

 Even if this is not considered "realistic" and human nature is flawed and many might abuse their superpowers or fall into despair. So what? 

People like Bright Swords. They want to see them draw their blades, don their bright armor, and charge once more unto the breach to repel great evil so the sun can shine brightly once again. I mean Hollywood is trying to reboot old properties that had those Bright Swords in them because those stories stood the test of time. Even if they ultimately just want the built-in audience for easy money, it's proof that escapist fiction with brave heroes lasts a lot longer than brooding ones.

 Considering all the events in 2020 there is even more of a reason to keep pushing not just Star Warden and Uplift Protocol. But also the idea to make more uplifting, superversive, and old-school paragons. Because people want and need them to get through the day to day. I mean if you've read one or the other then you know what Sam and Eliza have gone through. If they can go about their days with a smile on their face it can inspire someone reading it that they can get through their troubles or at least put them to the side for just a few moments and tackle them again with a fresh mind.

Do all heroes need a flat character arc? No Luke Skywalker is proof of that and even he got turned into a Downer. All I am doing is making an appeal to have heroes that smile and enjoy their work. They can have any kind of background go any place and be in bright, dark, or realistic settings. You don't even have to copy Uplift Protocol or Star Warden. They just need to be heroes full of passion and optimism not perfect but always focused on doing good, stopping evil, and inspiring others by their example. Also, you know a loyal companion by their side to help carry the burden, romance not required but highly encouraged. (No will they won't they crap.)

The darker the world the brighter the hero must be.

Star Warden Book 1: Here

Uplift Protocol Book 0: Here

Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 18 .

 

18

The battle lasted for the rest of the day with the Order of Lancelot re-taking Port Monmouth from the remaining machines. Balthazar even joined in using his strength to keep casualties down as the robots fought to the bitter end. The Milesians and Faeries trapped in their homes were released with food and drink brought to them by the knights and survivors of Trader's Landing. Crying, prayers, and revelry broke out among the populace as they enjoyed their restored freedom. Balthazar received a metallic eye-patch from the Order it was crude but it did the job.

Sam and Kaguya were found unconscious by Sir Gareth and were in that state for three days. The grateful populace tended to their needs during that time, Bridget had made a full recovery and helped people to start growing food once again. At the same time, the Order started to re-purpose the industrial facilities for their own use. They also began deactivating tracking devices and control programs on converted individuals, those too far gone were put in a sleep mode until a way could be found to return them to organic form.

Around the third day. King Ronan and Queen Reiko visited the Port. They brought more food and drink, along with veterans to aid in the defense of the land. The King was a blue-skinned faerie, with wings like a monarch butterfly, aqua colored hair with a braid down the back. Like his wife, he had emerald eyes and was dressed in armor with a red and white surcoat. A blooming red tulip on white and two swords on each flank made up the heraldry of his house, the House of Tara, royals of the Kingdom of Falias.

Sam and Ronan shared a brotherly hug, The King's dulcet tones were something he had to get used to again. They both talked like they were old friends in between them preparing for an enemy attack. Eventually, he told him of what he had learned about Daimos. With the aid of a magic mirror, he conveyed that information to the Enchantress as well.

“This explains much. We have much work to do and will inform you once it is complete, Champion. For now, rest and enjoy your victory.”

“That was certainly cryptic of her,” said Ronan.

“The Enchantress being cryptic? Must be a day ending Y.” Ronan chuckled at that. “But she's worried about something. It was slight but I heard a bit of it in her voice.”

“If the information on the enemy's origins prompt concern from the Enchantress. Then it is a grave matter indeed.”

“Agreed. But that's for later. Right now our adoring public needs us.”

In the port town, an impromptu celebration was being held to honor the Order of Lancelot, the King, the Queen, and to celebrate the people's newfound freedom. Mead and meat flowed freely. While people danced and conversed in the town square. Sam was in the middle of refilling his mug when Sir Gareth walked over.

“Sir Bailey,” said Gareth.

“Enjoying yourself?”

“I was never one for social gatherings. But I must say I do enjoy the atmosphere around us. You brought us victory.”

“Don't sell yourself short you help bring the victory.”

“That will take some time for me to accept. But I will work on it, and to do that I plan to stay here. The people will need leaders and we will have much work to do, and doing that is the second chance that was given to me.”

“Glad to hear it. Any sign of your parents?”

 “I did. Praise Kira's mercy they were not converted yet. She will be able to give birth to her new child in peace. Perhaps I can pass on your advice to him or her so they turn out better than me. One day at a time.”

“That's how it starts. Each day it gets easier, just remember all of this around you. You made it and we get rid of Daimos. You'll be a hero one that the bards will immortalize in song.”

Gareth gave a soft smile. “I will miss that optimism of yours. Know this, Sir Bailey, If you have need of me. Just make your request. I owe you that much.” 

“Just keep doing good and the debt is paid.”

“Understood. Oh, Her Radiance wanted to see you when our conversation concluded. She said something about dancing.”

Sam wasted no time rushing over to Kaguya.

“Waiting long, honey?”

Kaguya smiled. “No. I waited years for every Earth summer to come and see you. A few minutes is minuscule in comparison. Did you and Sir Gareth have a productive conversation?”

“Yeah. But right now I don't want to think about him. Only you.” He held out his hand. “May I have this dance, My Lady?”

She took his. “Certainly, My Lord.” They joined the other dancers with Sam leading the dance and holding her close. They spent the evening dancing and enjoying each others company before leaving with the King and Queen back to Camelot. They rode swiftly and managed to arrive untouched by the enemy.

Sam's dreams were also peaceful as none of his nightmares made their appearance. No flames, deaths, or Daimos. It was an image of a house near a lake, with Kaguya sitting in Sam's lap as they fished.

For the first time since coming to Aetherium. Samuel Bailey had a good night's sleep.

The End

Book 2 Prologue

Chapter 17

Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 17

 

17

“And like a prize fish, you bit on it hook, line and sinker.” Sam opened fire with his fusion cannon blasting the Dark Lord through the wall. While the cloaking device faded away he fired away with his ray gun releasing Kaguya from her restraints with unerring accuracy. He tossed her the staff while he engaged Daimos' personal guard.

Not wasting a moment, he summoned one of Dawnbringer's runes and sent a wave of holy fire at them. The speed of that spell outclassed the robots' own, and they were liquefied by the heat. He needed to save all his strength for when Daimos came to and did not need to waste time fighting the Dark Lord's more elite machines. He already had enough trouble with the normal SWAT-bots.

Suppressing any pain he felt with adrenaline he checked on Kaguya. Seeing she was unharmed, he rushed out of the room blasting his ray gun at full power. His focus was entirely on the lighthouse tower. He carved his way up the stairs with Kaguya's barriers absorbing the enemy fire and using the blinding light from her staff to confuse the robots Sam had not yet reached.

Everything had gone according to plan. Using Kaguya as bait to keep Daimos distracted, aided by the cloaking devices the Order of Lancelot had refurbished. The cloaking devices were actually the item that Bridget delivered to the Order hoping they could use their skills to repair them where Camelot failed. Due to the Dark Lord being unaware of their existence it made it easier for the SWAT-bots and Daimos to be fooled, as they had no reason to scan for such devices being used.

Meanwhile, the rest of the plan was unfolding. Balthazar's roars could be heard across the sky and the castle rumbled as his fire scorched the external defenses. In his ear he heard reports of Gareth and the other knights attacking the Domain's forces, tying them down to prevent reinforcements from coming. But a pitched battle favored the enemy in the end and so Sam and Kaguya needed to quickly dispel the curse before superior numbers won the day.

As the last few steps came into view, a blazing red light washed over them and the stone steps transformed into twin-headed hounds with fiery mouths. Flame traveled down Dawnbringer and he slashed the first one in half. The light from Kaguya's staff turned into a bolt and slammed into the gaping jaw of the demonic canine. The light spread into the creature exploding it into ashes. The walls attempted to halt their advance turning into giant arms covered in reptilian eyes. Kaguya in a booming voice commanded the walls to return to their shape and they did so.

Their troubles did not end when they entered the room as one of the one-eyed crows smashed through the windows for an attack. Black winds blew as it flapped its wings which were then blown back by the holy winds from Kaguya's hands. The winds cut the infernal bird's wings to ribbons and Sam finished it by sending a bolt of white flame from Dawnbringer. The other crows looked to enter the fray only to run when Kaguya's angelic voice commanded them to be gone from this plane.

The source of the curse was a strange device; a spherical orb covered in exposed circuitry. Each circuit was interconnected with each other and by the look of it appeared almost like runic characters. On the ground was appeared to be some sort of magic circle with similar runes embedded in the ground humming with electronic energy.

He ran at the orb and swung to destroy it. A wind pulled him back as something exploded where he just stood. The Star Warden had no time to figure out what happened as a metal fist sent him across the room and hitting the glass. His reflexes allowed him to evade the next punch.

If it was not for Kaguya deflecting it with a blast of light, a buzz saw made from plasma would have jammed into his neck as he dodged the second punch. Sam wanted to be anywhere but here, he could feel himself wanting to break down. He was face to faceplate with Daimos and he could feel the phantom flames dance upon his skin. He felt it earlier while he was hiding in the throne room as well. He summoned all his heroic resolve to stand this ground and see this through.

“Before you die,” said Daimos. “Know that you were the first being in life to successfully ambush me in such a matter. Clever move for an insect.”

“Not a five-star review but I'll take it.” Sam's remark helped blunt the trauma in the back of his mind. He would show no weakness in front of him, he was more determined to not show weakness to him now. He heard every word of his speech and reasoning and it was sickening. Daimos's arrogance, sociopathy, and his pride in both of those things ignited a cold burning anger in him.

“Not clever enough to see through the trap but that was expected.”

“Yes it was a 'trap' and not you just covering your backside after getting outsmarted.” Behind Sam, Kaguya began to cast her spells preparing him for the fight of his life.

The Dark Lord made a low and sinister chuckle. “Ask yourself why would I have my device here out in the open when I could have used it in the Stygian Islands? I drew you out to a location of my choosing, one that was outside the Enchantress's safe range. Avoiding a repeat of the Everglade forest. Killing the Order of Lancelot was a bonus.”

Sam was not convinced. He was sure that Daimos's claims were an attempt to demoralize him and play upon his fears.“You can put up all the words you want. But you can't hide that bruised ego!”

“And you can't hide your fear from me!”

Two blinding lights emerged from beneath the mask and Sam felt the phantom flames grow all around his body. His visuals changed no longer in his armor or the lighthouse, he was in some sort of mental arena. He visualized the walls which represented his mental defenses, his own psychic static, and the Enchantress's wards. The walls were denting and cracking under a strong and relentless attack by shadowy hands, as they held with all the might they could muster.

“I can see your fear, boy.”

Daimos's voice had become a guttural chorus in Sam's mind. Small shadowy hands slipped through the cracks and slithered up his body, each one was colder than the void of space. The flames around him still burned with the white hot intensity of a thousand suns. One of the hands made a makeshift mouth and came up to his ear.

“You still fear me, still feel the flames. Each night the memories of that day haunt your dreams, your imagination reminds you of the horrors I can inflict on you and your wife. You know you are not strong enough, you don't want to be here but honor demands you fight me.”  

Mocking laughter echoed in the mental battlespace, they were in.

“Drop your sword fool! All your efforts will only make you a martyr. You'll never see Kaguya or the Earth again. Do you wish to lose everything because you are honor bound to oppose me? Is honor really worth dying for?”

Sam fell to his knees and ghostly images of Castle Bailey and his father's body started to fill his eyes. His father's body was broken and emaciated with cold dead eyes looking right at him. The image then switched to Sam in the same position, his body filled with scars and his arms contorted in ways the human body could not naturally create. It was a haunting image and it was the truth, Sam acknowledged this could be his fate one day. But it was only one possible future, it was not fate and he knew It. Taking a deep breath he blew out the flames and cast away the shadows.

The effects of Daimos's attack were pushed back as Sam's heart began to glow. Right behind him in a loving embrace was Kaguya who added her mental strength to his. Her spiritual body shimmered with divine golden light and her presence caused the walls to repair themselves. An even greater light flooded the battlespace made from the feelings of love, family, and honor. The Dark Lord's mental image was repulsed by the light and banished him from Sam's mind. Back in the physical plane, Sam stared down Daimos his own eyes radiating determination and strength.

“So you are made of sterner stuff than I thought,” Daimos said.

“It doesn't matter what you do to break me in my mind or body.” All levity in Sam's voice vanished. No loud confidence that hid his fear for others. Now it was a quiet professional confidence. “No matter what pain you inflict upon me or what fears you awaken inside me. I will fight you till the bitter end! I'm going to knock off that smug grin behind your mask and send you to the scrapyard in hell!”

Daimos sighed like a parent with a stubborn child then laughed dismissively.

“Such heroic nonsense,” He said condescendingly. “but I see there is no getting through to you.” Daimos yawned and put up his fists. “Well come on, let us put an end to this little pissing match shall we.”

The Warden lunged forward for the first strike that was blocked by a sword Daimos materialized from his own hand. Both of them clashed while Kaguya used her light in an attempt to blind Daimos, The Warden's eyes were protected from the flashes and he assumed Daimos had so as well. As he did not slow down for an instant as the clash of swords continued.

Then in the middle of his next swing Daimos' sword vanished from sight, throwing Sam off balance as he over swung. A strange glow appeared around Daimos's fist as he drove it forward slamming into Sam's stomach. He felt the blow directly, but he found no hole or damage in his armor from the attack. As he was sent flying through the tower's glass he figured out the fist was bypassing his armor somehow.

He activated his rocket pack and managed to stabilize himself in the air. The regeneration spell healing him and keeping the pain of the last hit at bay. Before he could think of his next move, red flames streaked across the sky and knocked him to the ground at high speed. He did not waste a moment and summoned three runes on Dawnbringer, vitality began to drain from him replaced by the healing energies infused within him. Blue flames surrounded the blade and the Star Warden stood defiant as the Dark Lord dived toward him.

“Grovel for my amusement!” The Dark Lord fired a stream of dark energy from his palm, but the Warden did not flinch. For on his right arm was a new buckler, like his old one but with two differences. One, it had a well painted red cross on white like the Templars, and two, when Daimos' attack struck, the energy bounced back and hit Daimos. Kaguya's reflection spell she had placed long before the battle began.

The Princess spotted the gash created by the hit and summoned small gusts of wind to fly in. Each one was in the form of a bullet and was filled with tiny particles of light imperceptible to mortal eyes. The bullets exited his body leaving behind the light particles, without the winds to keep them apart they clashed. Which resulted in multiple explosions occurring throughout the metal body.

The legs and an arm were blown off and holes were made in the torso. The Warden flew straight toward him with a finishing blow to the face. A cold laugh emitted from the mask and a telekinetic force blasted him back. The dismembered arm moved on its own firing a ball of electricity from its hand and flying to Kaguya. She screamed as she was enveloped in an electrical cage forcing her to fall to the ground.

The Warden once upright rushed over calling out her name only to be stopped by Daimos moving in front of him. Sam saw some sort of liquid metal re-connecting parts of Daimos' body and repairing him. He fired his ray gun at the exposed metal while he started to fly overhead. The air shifted as a barrier absorbed each shot with ease, Daimos leaped into the air, and with the same glow around his fist landed a direct hit on Sam's chest. Ribs cracked from the punch and the Warden suppressed a scream.

He returned the gesture in mere seconds thrusting Dawnbringer in Daimos' repairing chest. The evil one's body froze as his operating systems began to crash, the abyssal energy in his data disrupted by the holy magic of the blade. The Warden had one more trick transferring one of the runes to his own hand surrounding it in flame. He smashed Daimos' faceplate in quick succession knocking the body back into a wall. It did not come without cost as Sam could feel the skin start to peel off under his gauntlet and his own blood began to boil.

He hoped Daimos' mind was going through a painful reboot right now. Sam flew over to his wife. Hearing her agonized voice nearly caused him to panic, but his mind was calmed. Filled with an unknown instinct, he managed to absorb the energy of the cage into Dawnbringer. He picked her up holding her close and hoping she was okay.

“Behind you,” Kaguya said weakly as her hand glowed with light. The barrier was raised in time to take the blow of dark fire, but it could not hold and the couple was blown back from the shock wave. In the midst of being blown away, the Warden felt a cold grip all around his legs and chest as he stopped midair. He was frozen in some block of ice that appeared to have formed from nowhere, he figured that Daimos managed to conjure it with a built-in freeze ray.

“Now for the coup de grace.”

Sam noticed a blank shadow underneath the plate where a face should be. It lasted only for a moment before the liquid metal repaired the mask.

“It's unfortunate for you that the Enchantress's wards are so strong, otherwise I would just use my telekinesis to crush your heart. Swift and painless compared to feeling your skull shattering into pieces!” With the last word, Daimos leaped toward him his right hand glowing.

Helpless and powerless like all his nightmares staring down certain death. Another man might have a panic attack at this moment, as their entire trauma began to repeat itself. As the Dark Lord grew closer a rune appeared on Sam's neck, the muscles in his throat were in searing pain as the fire began to build up. In the last possible moment he roared and fire spewed forth from his mouth piercing his helm as it streamed to the Dark Lord.

But the fire only made a glancing blow as Daimos evaded the flames and then smoothly moved in to punch the side of Sam's face. He braced for impact only to feel the heat of a greater fire near him and Daimos hurtling backward. The ice melted quickly and the fire did not harm his body. A great roar rang in his ears as Balthazar's voice entered his head.

“We cannot drag this battle out any longer,” yelled Balthazar. “Destroy the device, now!”

The Warden would have thanked him if his throat wasn't in pain. He took flight back to the lighthouse tower. Daimos, who was flung into the castle courtyard, came flying back at top speed.

“He will die first!”

“Never!” Kaguya low on energy nevertheless fired arcs of purple lightning. Red flames appeared where Daimos' eyes would be and returned fire. Balthazar flapped his great wings causing the wind to knock Daimos back along with the fire. Allowing Kaguya's attack to strike and ground him.

Her breathing got heavier, every part of her body was sore and she could still feel the stings of the electrical cage. Lightning was not as familiar to her as wind and light were, and as a consequence, a headache began to assault her. But her resolve kept her on her feet and charged another spell. She thought of her husband, her mother, and father, her brothers, her sister, and her soon to be nephew as well. Anything to keep her on her feet long enough to give Sam enough time.

The second, she saw Daimos rise up, she unleashed another torrent of lightning at him, with the dragon adding his fire to it. The flames were cut short as Balthazar roared to the heavens when he felt his eye explode with great force. Kaguya's attack was also halted as Daimos had caused each bolt to stop in mid-air in front of him. The Dark Lord flung the frozen bolts at the dragon's broken eye causing the dragon's scales to fly off as Balthazar was knocked back into the walls. Blood flowed out from his wound and he began to pass out, leaving Kaguya alone against the Dark Lord.

Meanwhile, in the tower, Sam rushed to the device. A black wind attempted to push him back but he defied it. The rainbow eyed snake demon popped out but he punched it back into the Abyss. Putting more strength into the flames and aided with righteous anger in his veins, he crushed the sphere in a single swing. From its destruction, a ghostly wail cried out. The portal to the Abyss was closed and the sky started to brighten up changing from red to a light gray.

He rushed outside back to the fight, Balthazar was wounded and Kaguya was engaged in the sky running on fumes. Sam rocketed to Daimos entering the fray against him, he was running on fumes himself. He could feel his muscles straining to keep him in the fight not to mention the internal burns from using Dawnbringer's magic.

Sam moved to strike the Dark Lord while he was distracted and went for the head with a strong swing. But he missed as Daimos descended and his strike hit Kaguya's staff slicing it in two. In their brief moment of panic, Daimos hit them with a paralyzing beam from the palms of his hands and swung them into the ground.

Sam fought to stay awake but that was all he could do as he had little feeling in the rest of his limbs. Kaguya moaned in pain, her wings damaged, yet she tried to reach over to Sam in an attempt to heal him. Small sparks leaped between her fingers desperately calling to her gifts. He reached over and took her hand, symbolically reciprocating her gesture.

He then heard someone clapping, it was golf clap by the sounds of it. “Bravo, Samuel, you and Kaguya did much better than our last encounter.” He laughed mockingly. “But the outcome of this fight was never in doubt. You were hopelessly outclassed by the Dark Lord, you let your foolish honor blind you and this is the consequence of your hubris.”

“You did your best,” Kaguya managed to say.

“You gave him hell out there,” Sam responded in a hoarse whisper.

“Ah, the young couple comforting each other in the end. How monotonous.” With a flick of the wrist, Kaguya was thrown from Sam.

“So, insect. A year of effort and this is all you have to show for it. You destroyed the Erebus Device, even though I can rebuild it whenever I choose. I still rule the world and once again I have defeated you. A failure on two counts and your only success is quickly invalidated. You are very much your father's son as foolish and stubborn as he was.”

“Man do you love to hear yourself talk.” Sam coughed up bloody ashes.

“I do like to hear an intelligent conversation once in a while, yes. Now, this is the part where you renounce your faith and beg for my mercy. If you wish to live it will be through my grace.”

“Get bent, you walking garbage can,” Sam said in place of a certain finger gesture he wanted to use.

Daimos chuckled.“I honestly didn't expect you to agree in any case. Otherwise, I wouldn't have burned you at Castle Bailey. You share your father's heroic spirit and I wanted you out of the way. My only mistake was not confirming you were dead. Now with the Enchantress unable to rescue you, I'm going to rectify my past failings and end you here and now.”

A small ball of light fell next to Daimos and shattered into sparkles. “Get away from him,” shouted a crying Kaguya as she crawled with all her remaining strength to Sam.

“Kaguya, I'm sorry,” yelled Sam. “I couldn't keep my vows. Forgive me.”

“You kept your promise! You are the best husband on any world. I love you!”

“I love you too!”

“Enough with the saccharine nonsense!” Daimos sent a piece of rubble flying and smashed it on Kaguya's back. Tears poured down her face as she screamed. The righteous fury returned life to Sam's limbs and he tried to rise. A metal foot stomped him flat on his back making blood fly from his mouth.

“This farce ends now! All systems full power!” The Dark Lord's hand glared bright red as the energy from the palm and fingers merged. He reached down to Sam's face. “Thank you for marrying Kaguya, by the by. Now I get to kill another family member in front of her!” He slightly tilted his head in Kaguya's direction “But don't worry your sister is next!”

The Dark Lord's laugh drowned out all other sounds as Sam watched his fate unfold before his eyes. Once again he was knocking on heaven's door. “God,” he thought. “please forgive your humble servant. I failed you, my parents, and the world. I couldn't fulfill my duty, I'm sorry and I make no excuses. Just please protect Kaguya, Reiko, and her son.” As the hand of death closed in, a tear fell down his face.

The clouds above began to part and the rays of the sun shined down on the destroyed palace. The Dark Lord's once proud laugh turned into a fearful and desperate scream as his body began to combust on contact with the light. “THE LIGHT! NO! NO DAMNIT!” Something then burst forth from the body. Something that Sam couldn't describe, he had no concept of what he was looking at. The thing made an electronic shrill which sounded like a horrifying fusion of TV static and dial-up internet, it caused his bones to rattle.

He felt his skin try to crawl off his body while sharp pain manifested in his eyes. He could feel blood pouring out of his ears. It was like his body was trying not to see or hear the abomination now before him. His very soul knew that whatever this AI had become it was wrong, unclean in the most biblical sense of the word.

Daimos took a new form one of a winged serpent and flapped his wings for dear life as he fled from the holy light of day.

“Kira's Grace,” Kaguya cried out.

“God is Good,” said Sam. Tears of joy came down his face and he began to laugh.

“Run, Daimos, not talking tough now are you!”

He felt the pain all of his body but he couldn't stop laughing. To see Daimos in such a panicked state was just too good. Kaguya joined in on the laughter. They were alive and they gave a good showing in their fight. The curse was removed as well, all in all, a victory. It wasn't a clean victory but it was a victory and that was enough.

Chapter 18

Chapter 16

Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 16

 

16

Castle Monmouth, a once proud home of numerous Princes of royal blood. The castle was a white marble masterpiece, made by faerie hands and blessed by wise priests. The tallest tower was a lighthouse so airships coming in could be guided into Port Monmouth. Rich from trade, both economic and cultural, the Monmouth Principality was one of the greatest realms on Valaheim.

But now the once shining castle was in ruins, cold titanium walls replaced marble, the bright golden towers now housing automatic turrets. What remained of the old stone had degraded beyond recognition and the lighthouse where once a warm inviting light once shined. A bright and foreboding glare shot out from the tower. A red light which opened the doorway to the Abyss forbidding the sun, the moons, and the aurora from showing their faces. Small impish spirits in the form of multi-headed one eyed crows flew around the lighthouse like sentinels.

Beneath the castle, the port city was now a prison, the remaining faerie or Milesian inhabitants were locked in their homes awaiting conversion. Surveillance by SWAT-bots and floating recon drones was omnipresent and labor units worked around the clock in workhouses or transporting completed products to their ships. The toxic fumes and the red sky of eternal night created a morbidly artistic and intimidating atmosphere.

Deep inside the ruined castle, the Dark Lord sat upon his throne. The formerly lavish throne room with a floor of glass now had the utilitarian look of a factory control center. Unlike his black throne in the acropolis, this one was a mix of grey and green. It was larger and filled with analog controls and hovered above the ground. Wires connected his robotic body to the chair as holographic screens filled his vision.

Many of the screens focused on the production reports and other minutiae of running a world-spanning empire. But he kept his focus on the data he was gaining from the Erebus device, what others would call the Curse of Eternal Night. Curses, spells, dark sorcery, techno-sorcery, he had heard these terms used by the faeries to describe his various displays of power. When in actuality it was merely technology based on scientific principles, some of it was simply more advanced versions of what Aetherium already possessed.

But the Erebus device along with other devices was based on science far beyond even what the most learned mortal scholar knew. To an outside observer, there was no difference between Daimos's technology and magic. Save for the esoteric abilities that allowed him to contact demons and manipulate minds by revealing his "eyes". He had no magic, in the mortal use of the term as least. But he never dissuaded anyone from thinking of him as some sort of dark wizard as it added to his fearful reputation.

He was currently looking into solving the temporal anomalies the Erebus device created. When he was interrupted by Sonia alerting him to a priority transmission from one of his SWAT-bots. He opened up a new screen to answer it.

“Task Leader Serpentine reporting by your command, Master.”

“Report, Task Leader,” said Daimos.

“We have captured target Alpha: Princess Kaguya. She presented herself to a patrol and surrendered.”

A loud victorious screech came from Nightshade perched atop Daimos' shoulder. “At last we got the wench good. When you torture her can I have her eyeballs for lunch?”

“Silence.” He turned his attention back to the SWAT-bot. “She surrendered? Without a fight?”

“Affirmative,” stated the SWAT-bot. “A security sweep revealed no other weapons on her person or other individuals in the area. She is currently in custody on a hover unit. Awaiting further orders.”

Something was not right and he knew it, a part of him was elated at her surrender, but something deep inside his core processor knew that it was too easy. She had done her damnedest to ensure she could not be captured. She aided the Star Warden in preventing his forces from capturing the dragon and slaying the demon he unleashed upon the Order of Lancelot.

So why now of all times would she surrender? What ploy did she have in mind, what kind of trickery was she planning? Perhaps he was overthinking this and maybe that at last she finally broke and was willing to give up the fight, or maybe she thinks she can discuss terms of some sort. Maybe there was trouble in paradise and Kaguya wanted to save her lover from death and humiliation by striking some sort of a bargain?

Whatever it was, he did have her in custody and if he was correct in assuming she was broken from the war, then he needed to secure her. If she was plotting some sort of scheme, he could at least take precautions. He ordered the SWAT-bot to escort her to the castle while he organized his personal guard. Black, chrome, and red SWAT-bots, unlike the standard machines they had their skull faces fully on display instead of faceplates and visors.

She arrived not long after under heavy escort that blocked her view from all sides. Her hands and legs were in cuffs. One of the SWAT-bot officers, identifiable by a white helmet compared to the black ones, carried her staff. The robot presented the staff on bended knee and Daimos ordered it to be placed next to the wall. Then he addressed Kaguya.

“Greetings, Princess Kaguya,” Daimos said in an elegant manner. “How was your trip? I hope my machines were not too rough on you. Please forgive them for they do not understand the sensitive nature of the fairer sex.”

“Your Lordship,” Kaguya responding in the same polite tone and with a respectful bow.

“Would you please, piss off with the pretentious pleasantries.” Her voice quickly became acidic and her face changed to match. “I am in no mood to feed your ego. Considering how much you feed it you need no help from me in that regard.”

Daimos gasped in an over-the-top-manner. “Princess. Foul language of that nature is unbecoming of a lady of your rank. My audio receptors are burning from your use of such brutish vernacular.”

Kaguya glared at him and Daimos laughed. “Very well let us get down to business.” His voice changed to a low sinister tone and the electronic echo re-appeared. “What are you attempting here?” He dismissed the escort, giving them orders sub-vocally to guard the outside perimeter of the room and keep a watch out for intruders.

“To surrender. I have no delusions that you would honor your word or any agreement we would make. So I ask for one thing I can get from you; an explanation. Consider it my last request before you do what you will with me.”

“An explanation of what?” Daimos was now curious. She was surrendering and not even making an attempt to ask for terms. He wanted to stay cautious for any attempts to use his ego against him, but he had to admit things were looking to be in his favor.

“I want to know why you murdered my mother. You were the scientific adviser for the Imperial Court during the war against the Minotaur horde. After the war, you arranged an attempted coup against my father, which led to the death of my mother, Empress Ayame.”

“I'm surprised you didn't say 'As you well know' before all that. Yes, I am fully aware of all my actions. However, I did not murder your mother.”

“Do not play coy-.”

“I was not finished,” Daimos interrupted. “I did not murder your mother, not intentionally in any case. That was merely collateral damage, my intention was to murder you, Kaguya.”

Her face dropped in surprise at the words. “What,” she said haltingly. “Why? What did I do that would make you attempt such a heinous act?

“Now who's playing coy?” His words were filled with anger. “Are you telling me you do not recall your grave offense against me?”

“No, I do not.”

“Liar,” shouted Nightshade. “Forget her last request, Master. String her up and flay the flesh from her bones!”

“So you don't remember what you did. No memory at all of the flowers?”

“Flowers? I do not recall anything with flowers.”

“What were you told after the coup?”

“Nothing. I was too much in shock and despair after my mother's death to care for such things. Something you no doubt enjoy hearing now.”

“That is good to hear yes,” The Dark Lord said, dragging out the yes, as he laughed. “You can glare all you want, but even if looks could kill you still couldn't kill me. I will honor your last request. To refresh your memory, it was sometime after the Horde had been defeated, thanks to my scientific achievements. Unrecognized in favor of praising the martial superiority of Eli Bailey.”

“Please get to the point,” Kaguya said. Annoyed at the self-aggrandizement.

Daimos growled and lightning launched from his fingertips. Kaguya fell to her knees screaming all the way.

“Uppity little cur,” He growled. “I should have you lashed to a post and whipped until you beg for death for such an insult.” He charged another bolt of lightning one for each fingertip.

“No, please don't. I apologize for speaking out of turn, my lord,” Kaguya said whimpering as tears began to form in her eyes.

“She's crying what a child,” Nightshade said while laughing. Daimos extinguished the lightning.

“Be thankful I struck you at low power. Now then where was I, ah yes.”

Daimos reminded her that he was passed over for recognition in favor of Eli then continued on. “Kaguya, I've known you since you were a newborn. I even had the honor of holding you in my arms.” Kaguya, still teary-eyed, made a visible disgusted reaction. “You were praised as the Celestial Emissary. I found it to be the usual superstitious nonsense. Until one simple day.”

Daimos sat in the Imperial rock gardens looking at large samples of soil, fertilizer, and old plants. He had golden hair that went past his shoulders. Eyes bright as stars with snowy smooth skin that shimmered in the sunlight. He had an almost feminine figure with a face more akin to a young woman's than a man's. Tall slender, clean shaven, no fat yet with a definite touch of muscle.

The plants were dead due to the Minotaur's use of a weapon they did not understand. A biological agent of some kind. Most likely excavated in some storage facility created during the time of the Tuatha. How they found and figured out to even arm it was another question entirely. It did give him an opportunity he could exploit for political gain if he could restore the land for use.

“Greetings, Doctor Daimos.” He looked to see it was Princess Kaguya managing to walk unaided and without her guards.

“Your Radiance,” he replied with a requisite bow. “What brings you here and without your guards. A little dangerous don't you think?”

The Princess blinked. “Your voice is pretty.” She giggled. Daimos had heard the sentiment before.

Apparently, his voice was of a higher pitch than the standard faerie male, and that he created a certain melody by simply speaking. Daimos had heard his voice, which he loved hearing, but could not confirm any such melody or higher pitch. He hypothesized that it may be a side effect of his alien biology upon the ears of the native population of the world.

“Yes, thank you,” he said in a perfunctory manner.

“I heard the plants need help.”

Daimos refrained from rolling his eyes at the little girl, but he showed no signs of annoyance on his face and to him children were high on his list of things that were annoying. “Yes, they are in need of help. I am tending to matter, Princess.”

“May I help? I can pray for them.” She pressed her palms together and began speaking in some strange language. Prayers and Magic; both terms also annoyed Daimos. The belief that invisible sapient entities can change reality with a simple request. It was vexing to hear it on his homeworld and was no different here.

“I hear them,” she screamed. “They are getting better!”

“Indeed,” He said not bothering to turn around. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he was forced to indulge in this superstitious nonsense. Soon a guard would find her and he could get back to work. Right on cue, he saw the red armored Imperial Guardsmen fly over in a panic shouting

“Your Radiance!”

Daimos turned back to the plants and what he saw shocked him to his core. The plants were restoring themselves to full health. He turned swiftly to look at Kaguya, he ensured that his face held a smile, and asked. “What did you do?”

“I asked Cerena to help the plants and she did.”

“Right, Praise Cerena,” He said unconvincingly. Kaguya being young could not perceive his emotional state and just beamed a smile at him. Daimos wanted to vomit upon sight but he used his great willpower to keep his composure, how little of it remained.

“Your Radiance, we should leave the Doctor to his work. Also please don't run off without your guards.”

“I am sorry. I just wanted to help the plants.”

“Of course, Your Radiance.”

Kaguya turned back to Daimos. “Maybe next time I can help get back your wings.”

The false smile he wore vanished without a trace.”My wings? How did you know I used to have wings?”

“Daimos don't question her she is the Celestial Emissary,” declared the Guard. Daimos clenched his fist behind his back.

“I do not know. I felt some sort of sadness in your eyes then I saw a picture of you having wings. It was beautiful to see. If it makes you happy I will help you.”

“Thank you,” he said haltingly.

“Your Radiance. We should go make sure the others know you are safe.”

“Very well, Until we meet again, Doctor Daimos.” Kaguya then left with the guard.

“After that encounter, I checked every detail and the plants were perfectly restored. Not a single trace of the effects of the bio-weapon could be found.” Daimos spoke in a cold and dispassionate tone that did not obscure the great and furious anger beneath the surface.

“Your actions that day proved one thing. The Celestial Powers were real, the divine was true. For years I had attempted to disprove the idea that gods could exist, illogical, silent entities that somehow created the universe. In one day, one hour, one moment in time you had disproved, humbled, and humiliated me, and not only that there was a witness to the crime.”

What he left out is that Doctor Daimos had that guard discretely disposed of later in the week.

“I fail to see why such a revelation would cause such distress in you.” While her voice was still harsh and blunt it contained a hint of sympathy.

“No, you wouldn't. You pampered, saccharine, brat!” The anger rose in his synthetic voice. He noticed the sympathy.

“You could not begin to understand the utter humiliation you subjected me to. To know that those who cast me out from my homeworld were correct. I was wrong about the nature of the universe and no more than the product of those gods. A flawed and weak creature despite my intelligence. I was no different than any other animal in this forsaken existence! I need no sympathy from you, Emissary!” He made a bestial growl.

“We are indeed flawed creatures, Daimos. Your pride in your intelligence is clearly yours. But I still do not understand, why attempt to murder me? What would that change? Do you believe the gods would bow to you if you killed me?”

“No, Kaguya, killing you is a necessity. For one I had to avenge myself for you upstaging my intelligence in such a matter. But you were also a long-term threat to my goals and if I were to rule the Empire and thus the world I had to eliminate you. So I arranged the coup, easy to do so when many nobles disapproved of the Empress considering she was born a common shrine maiden. If it was not for Eli's intervention the plan would have gone swimmingly.”

“So you wanted to kill me and take the throne because you could not accept that you are as fallible as any other creature? That is remarkably petty.”

“Hardly. He did accept that he was mistaken and that the gods existed. But he did not have to accept their rule. The fact he refused to do so is the reason I exist in the first place. All he and I did was acknowledge that we had new enemies that had to be accounted for.”

“He,” Kaguya said taking note of the change in the way he addressed himself.

“You see, Kaguya, I am not the same Daimos you once knew. Before his death, he was creating a supercomputer, one that could work in tandem with an organic brain. Designed in this computer was a virtual assistant originally to aid in administrative functions. When he started planning the coup he would sync his brain with the computer through implants, re-programming it so it can seize control and run the nation behind whichever noble took the throne. Slowly but surely the original software became a multi-agent artificial intelligence.”

Her eyes dawned with realization. “You are the AI?”

“You catch on quick. I was born when Eli killed Doctor Daimos, my past self. The implants downloaded his memory and converted it into data as his life slowly slipped away. In a last ditch effort, he tried to attack Eli with magic using a spell from the last known copy of Queen Himiko's demonic tome. But his inexperience only opened a rift which sent dark energy into the room destroying his body and infecting my code.”

“The Abyss gave you a sentience beyond your programming,” Kaguya said. “Normally the Abyss would destroy the soul but since you did not have one. It inadvertently created new life using the Doctor's memories as a base.”

If Kaguya could see Daimos's face she would have seen a devilish smirk. She was unaware that his creation was not so inadvertent as she thought. The Doctor had for some time studied occult lore in an attempt to challenge the Celestial Powers. Perhaps that is why the Abyss itself acted and granted sapience, as a reward for the Doctor's work. Perhaps it was just pure opportunism. What was clear is that the Abyss was intelligent and it had acted to deliberately to make the AI self-aware. For what greater purpose he did not know nor did he care, as long as it did not interfere in his ambitions.

“On that day. Doctor Daimos died and I once a simple intelligence agent ascended into something more.” Daimos laughed and raised his voice as if speaking to a theater audience in his mind. “I became a being of great and terrible power! A breed apart from mortals, demons, and gods! I am the Deus ex machina; the god from the machine! If your eyes gazed upon my code you would be blinded by the sheer magnificence I embody!”

“Despite the sheer hubris on display you are merely a machine,” Kaguya spoke with great yet gentle confidence. “All of your actions are motivated by corrupted programming. Confused by demonic interference and the memories of your creator. You are a mere ghost in a machine grasping at ideals you can not understand. I pity you, the potential for new life defiled by darkness and arrogance.”

Daimos made a sinister chuckle and his voice switched from theatrical boisterousness to an eerily calm. “Oh, you would like that, wouldn't you. Sorry to dissuade you but I am fully aware of my actions and I did everything willingly. I have my own moral agency and I am not so pretentious as to believe my actions are not thoroughly evil. But your moral code was made by insects for insects and I, Daimos, am above any form of reproach or condemnation from insects.”

“So what is the point of all this? If you are aware your actions are evil why commit them?”

“Why not.”

“Why not? Why not,” Kaguya repeated in disbelief.

“Yes. Why not? It is certainly not a lack of will or intelligence on my part. What prevents me from claiming this world for my own?”

“Because you have no right,” Kaguya shouted with righteous indignation. “The world and people in it are not tools for you to use.”

“What else does one do with tools,” Daimos stated smugly.

“Have you no shame?”

“No more than you have when it comes to stepping on ants.”

“I watch where I step thank you.”

“Good for you. But I have no consideration for the opinions of my inferiors. I am a wondrous and immortal machine. Why would I deny myself power and control? To obey the diktats of impotent gods? No. This world is mine, by right. I need no approval from the Powers or from insects such as yourself and the boy Warden.”

“However more than just the personal desire for power. I have a vision to enact upon this world and others. My mortal self desired to create a rational scientific society to improve the lives of mortals and throw off the yoke of gods and religion. I have decided to take a different approach. I will give mortals a true god, a machine god they can see, hear and fear, as I slowly bend everything on this world and in this galaxy to my will.”

“That explains your cyborg conversions,” said Kaguya.

“My first step to the new society. It will be orderly, it will be evil, but more importantly, it will be mine. Now that I have you in custody, Princess. I can begin the next stage in my plan to re-make the world. As well as indulge in my hatred for you.”

“You intend to convert me as well?”

“Oh no. That is far to good for you. You will return to my acropolis where I will drag you to my agony chambers. There you will know pain, you will beg for peace of death and I will deny you! I will parade your broken body across the world as a symbol for your fallen faith, your impotent gods, and as a reminder to all those who dare attempt to challenge me. Only when I feel that you have sufficiently paid for your past transgressions, will you have my permission to die.”

Kaguya bowed her head and closed her eyes.“I will pray for your soul, Daimos. In hope that Kira's grace extends to you and teaches you how empty your desires are and that her mercy will grant you peace in the next world. It is sad to see such a unique creation such as yourself go down the path of evil.”

Kaguya lifted her face and showed great resolve as she stared down the mechanical tyrant. “But while you are in this world, expect no such mercy from me! I will ensure your dreams of an Infernal Empire fall to ruin!”

“Ah, you still have some fight left in you. It will make it that much more enjoyable when I crush it out of you.”

Kaguya for the first time in this conversation smiled. “The Star Warden will not permit that.”

“The Star Warden can make an attempt,” Daimos said dismissively. “But I have already taken precautions so any rescue operation will be easily thwarted. If you and the boy thought I would be easily distracted by your surrender then you were sorely mistaken.”

Kaguya began to laugh. “Oh, but you were distracted. Despite your suspicions, you still captured me and now knowing your deep hatred for me. It makes the plan, in hindsight, far too easy. I was too tempting bait for you to refuse.”

“And like a prize fish you bit on it hook, line and sinker.”

Daimos recognized that last voice, but it was far too late. As a large stream of energy emerged from nowhere and overwhelmed the Dark Lord. Many thoughts went through his mind as he was launched through the wall, but his anger was the primary focus. He did not know how the Star Warden managed to infiltrate his defenses. He did know that the human would pay for his deception.

Chapter 17

Chapters 14 and 15

Star Warden Slayer of Evil. Chapter 14 and 15

 

Before the Storm

14

Sam opened his eyes and his first sight was Sir Gareth.

“I have to say you weren't the first person I expected to see.”

“Naturally,” he said in a dry tone. He cracked a smirk and began to make a hearty laugh. Gareth explained why. “Your grimace is hilarious.”

“Yes, laugh at the wounded man's expense.” Sam rolled his eyes. “Though it is good to know you have a sense of humor. When we first met you were all doom and gloom. Where am I?”

“You're currently in one of the guest rooms of Joyous Guard. Her Radiance is resting as she was tending the other members of the Order. Commander Roland managed to save as much as the order that he could. He had the squires hidden behind a magical barrier he created from the sword Durandal.”

“Just like Dawnbringer. It drained his life to cast a miracle.”

“That would explain why he could hardly stand when we found him and why we found you into a critical condition. But he was still standing when we found him unlike yourself.”

“Demonic poison. If it wasn't for Kaguya's magic it would have killed me even if I did beat him. I should also be having a splitting headache considering all the magic I used from Dawnbringer but I guess my sleep must have let me avoid it. Thanks for watching over me by the way, I owe you one.”

“Consider us even because I owe you my gratitude. I am not sure how but you restored something I thought lost. Faith in myself. Which is one of the reasons why I wished to speak to you.”

“Before that what happened to Bridget?”

“She was awake the last time I saw her and in good condition. Though still in no state to fight she will make a full recovery.”

“Good. Okay, Sir Gareth, you have the floor.”

Sam was curious to learn more about the Milesian knight. He kept to himself during their times of rest and when he did speak it was to Kaguya instead of him. He understood the sentiment as she was a Faerie and the Celestial Emissary that was familiar to him, rather than the utter alien that was Sam the human. If Gareth were in the reverse situation the humans around him would talk to each other more before him.

Gareth took a deep breath as he explained some of his history, his voice wistful. He was the son of a Shepard in the land of Monmouth. Despising his lot in life he begged, borrowed, and stole whatever he could to make armor, painted it black, then traveled to a tournament to earn his name. He did well, more than well, for a young boy as he managed to unseat a seasoned knight during the joust. He might have won the tournament as well if he did not have to contend with Lord Commander Roland himself.

“After I became an initiate, I thought that soon I would be a knight famous and known and rich. Which was my goal; to have all the riches and power that one could have. Everyone would know my name and respect me.”

“Understandable goal. I wouldn't mind some money. Though no idea what I would spend it on these days.”

Gareth's voice grew cold as he continued. He was a skilled warrior but impatient and became a squire to a knight whose name he couldn't remember. A fact that shamed him as he was brave and honorable. Gareth's personal desires for wealth and recognition blinded him as his fellow initiates advanced in rank and became knights before him. It was only until the Stygian Domain invaded Monmouth when he realized his flaws.

Gareth fought well against them but he was reckless and wounded to the point that his knight was put at risk and died protecting him. He remembers seeing this look on his face as if he was trying to convey a message. The knight's mouth was filled with blood and unable to talk.

“After that, I received a battlefield knighthood, then you know the rest. The curse and our meeting at Trader's Landing. But what you do not know is that I prayed for death during that time. I desired glory and riches when knighthood was a service. The fact I lived defiles the station of a knight.”

His eyes looked down at the floorboards as he shook his fist in anger. “I wish I could have taken Bridget's place. Maybe with my larger size, the dragon would not have been able to block the shot and it would have taken me. Instead, someone else got hurt while I was spared my due punishment.”

“It seems to me you do a good enough job punishing yourself,” he said sympathetically. “You got a second chance to make up for your past. Your past deeds are done now.”

“There it is again. The exact reason I came to speak to you. How do you do it? How did you earn this certainty?” Gareth spoke, the desperation clear in his voice. “If the death can not satisfy my shame what does?”

“You are the only one who can remove it.” Gareth looked up in shock. “I can't remove that feeling of shame for you. The best thing you can do is use it as motivation to do better and live life one day at a time. Trust your gods to watch over you and lead you down the right path.”

“Even if I don't deserve it?”

“Mercy isn't given because someone deserves it. It's given because without it we have no reason to fix our mistakes. Look to your own faith. Through Kira's grace, you were saved and became a knight. If she forgives you then you should forgive yourself, deserved or not.”

Gareth sighed. “You make it sound so simple.”

“Some things just are simple. Never easy but simple. Well, I make it look easy, but this is me we're talking about it.” Sam smirked as he watched Gareth's face showed annoyance while trying to hide a smile, at his remark.

“You had to ruin the moment didn't you?”

“I was just trying to make you laugh, sour face.”

“Save your sense of humor for the Princess.”

“Fine be that way. But you're going to have to relax while you're going on your quest of atonement.”

“I can relax just fine. Your jokes are just terrible.”

A sound interrupted their conversation and they saw Princess Kaguya carrying a metal tray and tea set. “Pardon me,” she said while yawning. Her eyes were bleary and red.

“Your Radiance. I thought you were resting?”

“I had to make tea for Sam. In case of his nightmares.” She walked over to the bed and in an amazing display, the wood on the floor and the walls began to shift. A nightstand was built in mere seconds. When she laid the tray down the stand adjusted itself to accommodate the large tray.

“Whoa,” Sam said. He stared at the nightstand with a child's amazement. Gareth gave him an odd look.

“You are easily impressed as well.”

“A nightstand just came out of the wall. It's like the room is alive. That is awesome.”

Kaguya started to fall down and Sam rushed over catching her before she hit the floor.

“My apologies. I made you get up while you were healing.”

“No need for apologizes, baby.” He lowered her into the bed tucking her in. “I didn't have any nightmares.” He kissed her on the forehead. “But thank you for the thought. Did I ever tell you how blessed I am that you are in my life?”

“I am the Celestial Emissary. No wonder you are so blessed,”

“I see you're practicing your modesty.” Sam shared a laugh with her.

“And this is my cue to leave,” Gareth said trying and failing, to hide a smile but also rolling his eyes at the saccharine display. “Sir Roland will want to meet.” He stopped before he said in the morning. “He will want to meet to discuss the plan to attack Castle Monmouth as soon as you are able. Oh, and thank you for the advice.”

Gareth walked up to the wooden wall, the sound from before repeated itself as a section of the wall turned itself into a door. It opened automatically for Gareth and closed behind him. Then the door disappeared with no sign that it was there at all. Sam was amazed by wooden automatic doors and the ability to create them. He hoped the wonders of Aetherium never cease.

******

15

Sometime later Sam once again awoke from a nightmare. He was sweating all over his body and his heart was sprinting at a rapid pace. It was about him being hunted by the machines and trying to save people, each time he failed, he could not save his father or Kaguya. Soon the machines cornered him, he was naked and unarmed. Daimos step forward and the bright lights manifested beneath the mask. Sam fell to his knees as his body ignited, his screams drowned out by the maniacal chorus of laughter.

Carefully moving out of bed, as not to disturb Kaguya, he put on a simple tunic and took Dawnbringer. He figured out fairly quickly how to move around Joyous Guard, as the castle was able to sense intent and aid him. He traveled into an empty training hall and the castle created a wooden training dummy for him. It reacted to him grabbing a shield by growing its own and engaging in combat as well as a human opponent.

During the fight, he called upon Dawnbringer's power. A single rune appeared at the point of the blade. He felt a light pull upon his mind, he added a second rune and the pull became stronger. One swing and blue flames emerged from the blade and flew toward his opponent. A second later a new one was created to replace the destroyed one.

He continued working on controlling the flames sustaining them around the sword itself. Just like his training with the Enchantress, he focused on controlling the sword's power. She compared magic to like a muscle that constant exercise would make it easier for him to use. This only applied to Dawnbringer as other magics required much more spiritual study, and he neither had the time or patience for them.

He turned quickly as a sound startled him, only to see it was Kaguya clapping. Dressed in a nightgown covered by an open robe. “Splendid. You are doing quite well.” She had the tea tray on a nearby wooden table. The caste once again sensing his intent had the wooden dummy bow, which Sam returned, and then dissolve into the floorboards.

“Sorry I didn't mean to wake you. I just couldn't get back to sleep.” Kaguya warmed the tea with her hands. Sam walked over to her and a wooden chair formed next to Kaguya.

“We're going to be facing the Dark Lord again,” He said. The conviction in his voice was clear but the tone of fear was not far behind. He could feel the quiet shakes beneath his skin and his breath quickened in pace.

“Husband, you can fight him,” Kaguya said handing him his tea as he sat down. “You will win this time. I know it.”

“I know and I will. I just hate this fear.” The familiar smell of the tea brought back memories.

The first time he had this blend of tea was after that incident near the convenience store. His younger self never drank the stuff in his life. His first sip made him a fan of it for life, having years to think on he realized that it was the fact Kaguya made the tea than any qualities the beverage had on its own.

“Back in the day, it felt like nothing could bring me down. I could smile at anything, nothing stopped me. No nightmares, no fear of death, always a smile on my face. Now it feels like a lie.” He finished his tea in a way that indicated he was desperate for something. Something that could not exist physically, yet he hoped the tea could give him.

“I just wish I could go back to what I was before. That's all I really want when I felt invincible. The same attitude I had before I went into the navy and became an aviator. Agreeing to marry you I did with the same confidence. When I finally came here and dad told me about Daimos, I was ready to take on his entire army myself. But now it feels like I have to struggle just to get up sometimes.”

Kaguya listened intensely to his words. She placed his head on her chest and softly petted him. “Your smile is not false,” she said. “Your courage is true, the acknowledgment of fear is no indication of cowardice or fraud. You have always been as I have known you, brave and steadfast even in the darkest times.”

“Then why does it feel like it's a chore to keep doing this? It's not like I regret my choice to stay here and help. I just sometimes wish I could just lay down.” He groaned at his choice of words. “No that's wrong. People depend on me, I can't lay down and yet I want to. I want to give up and just sleep. What is wrong with me?”

“Nothing is wrong,” Kaguya assured him. “You survived an excruciating ordeal, it is only natural you seek respite from it. Even so, you fight on despite the onerous task before you. This is the truth, it is why your smile is not a false image to obscure your pain. It is your true self fighting to shine despite the pain.”

“I will say it as many times as you need to hear it. You are the Star Warden by choice because you have a warrior's heart and a hero's spirit. No one can exorcise that from you, not your doubts and especially not Daimos.”

Sam nestled in her chest and enjoyed the softness of her body. He took a deep breath and exhaled all his stress. The words soothe his heart and dispelled his anxiety, like a cool wind on the hottest day of summer. She would keep the faith even when Sam himself felt that he could no longer carry on. In those dark moments, the moments he would never show anyone else, she would be the light that helps him find home. Just like what he did for her all those years ago when they were young.

“Thank you,” he said. “For still believing in me.”

“Always.”

After more of the night had passed into what their bodies guessed were day. They would meet with Lord Roland and discussed plans for an assault on Port Monmouth and its Castle. Bridget, who was in a wheelchair, informed everyone about the contents of her delivery. It was this contribution to the conversation that gave Sam an idea for a plan.

The plan was a gamble but he was confident in it. As while he suspected Daimos would know about the demon's banishment and thus be on guard for an attack. Daimos like tyrants of all stripes had a blind spot. Sam's plan would take advantage of that blind spot and if he played it right with a little luck and a prayer he could win this.

Chapter 16

Chapter 13