Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 13.

 

13

Sam's mind recreated a memory from his past. He was enjoying a makeshift picnic in his father's backyard. The first half of his freshmen year of high school was behind him and Kaguya had made her annual return to Earth. Her older brother had accompanied her this trip and he got along with him; much more lively than he expected of a prince.

He also didn't expect this out of the blue marriage proposal to him. They were alone right now as the Prince and Eli went to go discuss other business inside. From everything she explained he assumed that they were going over any fine details or it was just an excuse to leave the two alone.

The entire reason behind the marriage was remarkably simple, The Emperor needed money, his father got a title and to seal it Sam would marry Kaguya. The Summer Empire's treasury was drained due to reconstruction efforts in repelling an invasion of Minotaurs and dealing with an attempted coup by a court official named Daimos. House Bailey had massive mineral wealth that could be used to fill the coffers again but the Emperor was in no position to take out a loan or be seen taking a gift.

Imperial Law strictly forbids any foreigners from holding titles or land in the Empire with the only exception if said foreigners married to native nobility or royalty. Thus the marriage would allow the Empire access to that wealth without making the Emperor look weak. A further benefit would that Eli would have full access to the Imperial Court granting the Emperor a truly loyal friend which was needed after the coup. Since Sam and Kaguya had grown into close friends over the years, an official arrangement was drawn up.

Sam's opinion on the idea was mixed. He had no objection to the marriage itself, it was to Kaguya after all, his sweet, intelligent, and beautiful best friend. He had wanted to ask her about going out, only held back by the idea of how to date an alien princess that only showed up on Earth during the Summer. Plus being married meant he got to move to Aetherium and live on an alien planet.

He would spend the rest of his life with the nicest person he ever knew, with an endearing way of speaking. He would get to protect her great smile and never see her withdrawn and despondent like they first met. She was very enthusiastic when she told him about the betrothal which was another reason why he couldn't refuse. However, accepting this meant he would have to take up a certain responsibility.

“I don't think I'm cut out for being a lord. Sitting at a desk is not my idea of a future.”

“A lord's duties is more than just sitting at a desk. A lord must lead and protect those others and be an example to follow.”

“Yeah, but they have to go to some fancy dinners and follow protocol. Probably gossip and talk about fashion.”

“Joining the Navy will have you encounter protocols as well as ranks to deal with, will it not?”

“Yeah but that's being part of the military rules and stuff. As long as I get to fly the fighter jets it will be worth it. Plus I get to help people as well, how can I help people as a Lord?”

“As a lord not only will you have the freedom to act when needed, you will be able to organize and lead others to do good elsewhere. As well as give your children an excellent role model to emulate when the responsibility of leadership falls to them. You were one for me and it would be a waste not to use your talents where they are most needed.”

“I was your role model?”

“Yes! You inspired me to believe in myself again. You helped me become a stronger person.”

“Kaguya, you were always strong. You don't become like the nicest person in the universe without being strong.”

“Then you saw the inner strength that was lost to me. Even though I was lost you sought to help me and be there for me. I wanted to wallow in my own despair but you refused to let me go. All that and more is why I love you.”

The words were like the shot of a starting gun as his heart was off to the races. He did not doubt the sincerity of her words. His eyes widened and he blushed, he was not used to being on the back foot like this. Kaguya held Sam's hand and looked at him, he felt a warm comforting feeling in his heart.

“I want to see you do good things for the world. All your courage and confidence put toward good work. You want to honor your mother and I wish to do the same for mine. Whatever doubts or fears you have let me relieve them, for I feel at ease if you held that power and responsibility. You and I can do good on our own but together we can do great things and in turn, help others do great as well and thus make the world a better place.”

He smiled. “You put a lot of thought about this.”

“As a Princess marriage was always in my future. I had much time to think about this. I know arranged marriages are not common in your culture. But I hope I can convince you to accept me.”

“Believe me I would love to marry you. I could imagine an entire life with you.” Kaguya blushed at that statement. “I mean well you're nice, you're amazingly smart, and make great art. Plus you make great food as well and I love seeing you smile all day. I wouldn't let anyone hurt you, I'm just an action guy, not a politics guy. I would sooner fight monsters than listen to king whatever complain about the other king doing shady stuff that he would totally do as well.”

Kaguya giggled. “It would be interesting to see how the lords of the realm would respond to your earnest nature on display.” Then her voice became much more somber. “If only they were earnest as you. So many of them would take advantage of one's kindness, so many who besmirched my name after my mother's death. So many who saw me as useless after I could no longer use my gifts.” 

Sam placed a tender arm around her and pulled her close to his chest. Kaguya laid her head upon it and looked into Sam's eyes.

“Thank you, Lord Samuel, Sam, for saying yes. I have asked much from you, to leave your homeworld and accept an arranged betrothal. Know that I will always be grateful, you will not regret making me your wife, not for one moment.”

“Then I'll give you the best husband in return.”

Sam surprised her with a strong kiss. She returned it and they held each other close as the sun began to set behind them.

Chapter 14 and 15

Chapter 12

The Uplift Protocol: Book Zero. Review

The Uplift Protocol: Book Zero

By 

Fiannawolf. 

Warning: This review will contain minor spoilers. 

The Uplift Protocol Book Zero is a superhero space opera that details the rise of Eliza Murphy the Superhero known as the Star-Spangled Banner. A young girl who is being prepared by her family for a future conflict involving a group of aliens known as Void Walkers and the enigmatic King Toth. Who seek Unity; a cosmic force with the power to end all life in the universe. The book also focuses on the history of the Murphy family and their connection to alien powers who have an interest in seeing humanity join the greater galactic community. But Uplift Protocol forbids open contact with humans and causes conflict inside the family as dubious actions are taken to protect young Eliza and prevent the coming war from starting too soon.

For those not in the know, this is story is posted on her blog and may have various errors. So in a way, it is a sample before she moves onto a physically published copy. So if you decide to read it yourself keep that in mind. It is divided into 25 issues.

Overall Book Zero is a good story. It has a large and very detailed world with honest and fun superheroes with happily married couples and large families. The main character is likable and there are conflicts ranging from superheroes punching and blasting bad guys. To the internal conflicts of interstellar politics and family quarrels due to bad marriages. There are mysteries that are set up with some things answered and new questions raised from those answers. I honestly want to know the answers to all the questions raised and see where it all leads.

All the heroic characters are likable Eliza is a hero and she has good friends in the form of Eddie and Lori. Thomas and Jeniffer Murphy are good parents with good grandparents. Thomas Murphy has the ultimate bro in the form of Argus Paxton. If you are a dog person you'll like all the dog characters she has in the story and there are a lot of them. 

The villains are at best mostly a non-entity. Chronos does some stuff in the very early chapters but not much else. No clear idea on why he wants to unleash the Unity and kill everyone. Toth, you learn more about that he was a usurper to the throne, or was a legitimate king who inspired a rebellion, who was kicked out for necromancy. He also wants to end all life and claim the Unity and he gets more focus than Chronos but not much. I think this is mostly to keep them in the shadows for Book 1 to reveal more about them. 

Overall they are mostly in the shadows since it is implied that they can't act openly or it will allow the other races to directly intervene and break the protocol. Since they are aliens intervening that means the other side can intervene directly as well. That or they are far too weak and the other spacefaring races could crush them without effort. But I believe it is the former due to certain actions taken in the book on the heroic side. 

The best part about Uplift Protocol is the setting. It is a nice and happy kind of place, conflict still exists but overall you want to be apart of that world. You have heroes being heroes and helping others, helpful aliens trying to make humanity even better, and loving marriages with healthy families. No winks or nods or subversion and even when a family member makes decisions that others disagree with it is clear that everyone still loves each other in the end. Also, it has pure evil villains no sign of sad sacks or sympathy here and they actually appear to be a threat. I would like them to be hammier as well but I may see the ham come out in Book 1.

Much better than anything DC or Marvel or well any of the old comic companies put out these days. But no one in current Hollywood is going to touch this. Far too optimistic and mostly drama-free and heroes with actual families and hobbies. I would recommend taking a look at this series yourself and then buy it whenever it gets published. 

It also has some scarily similarities with Star Warden but with some zig where I zagged in places. I guess minds tired of the current entertainment think alike. But the next part of the review is where I want to get into some personal opinions. Which will get into some spoilers. If you would like to avoid those. Here is a link to Uplift Protocol. 

Uplift Protocol

Uplift Protocol Question.  

So Uplift Protocol only allows certain humans mainly government leaders to know about aliens and aliens are forbidden from operating openly with humans. They all live in Area 51 and have their own half to stay in which humans are forbidden from going into. So kind of like the Men in Black. But in the story, Jeniffer aka J'ino Ayeer is allowed to marry and have kids with Thomas Murphy who is all in all human. Introducing alien material into the human genome seems like a clear violation and direct interference.

Another moment in the story happens when one of the Bardaxians (a race of sapient dogs) gives Doctor Impossible's corgi a serum in order to uplift Earth dogs. The former situation I could see as an exception since Eliza is mostly passed off as fully human. But this seems like a massive breach of the rules as this is clearly direct interference by an uplifted species on Earth. Which is implied in the story to be an absolute big no-no that can get a person's memory scrambled. 

I hope it is not a rule for thee and not me scenario where aliens actually have free reign but the humans are under restrictions. I doubt that is the case but it seems odd because if the corgi is uplifted obviously she is going to have to keep her state a secret and lie to Doctor Impossible due to the rules of uplift. Most of the characters are in the military so everyone will most likely understand the reasons for secrecy. It just seems cold though she may never be able to fully communicate with her dog now.

Speaking of the rules of uplift there is one other subject I wanted to get to and it's about one of the alien races. Specifically the Typherians.

Typherians 

Typherians are one of the races in Uplift Protocol who shape interstellar policy, they appear similar to humans and have gray eyes. They are also known for psionic abilities ranging from telepathy to matter manipulation. They have odd spines and talk to their children psychically in the womb and are a class 4 species. They are also incredibly smug.

Let me say this is my strictly personal interpretation of the few Typherians that appear in book zero and you're mileage may vary. But as a first impression, baring  J'ino, Typherians radiate an unbearable smugness. Like a nuclear warhead made from snobbery was just unleashed. 

Now I was debating if it was enough to even put into this review. After all, a few sample sizes are not enough to determine an entire race. It's like judging all Turians from the experiences of the First Contact War in Mass Effect. But then I remembered one part of the story and it helped me focus on why I have this feeling of unease when I saw them or at least their leadership.

It was in Issue 22 when Eliza herself got past the barrier the Typherians set up around human space. She rescues some aliens in a damaged ship nearing a black hole. Then the Typherians come around and they memory hole the event. Now in the next part of the Issue the Typherian who did the memory wipe claims reluctance. At first, I was fine with it since she didn't like having to do something distasteful but then I had another thought. Why didn't she just tell Eliza to keep quiet about what she's learned, because Eliza's mother gives her something she shouldn't know but refrains from a memory wipe. 

The Typherian in question is related to Eliza and so would know that Eliza can keep a secret and won't ask questions on sensitive topics. So why did she decide to tamper with her memory anyway when she didn't want to do that. I had two thoughts on the subject either A. She's not actually reluctant about it and is just presenting an affable front or B. She can't do that because the Typherians are playing thought police on Earth and would find that Eliza knows something she shouldn't.

This could be considered an uncharitable interpretation of the facts but the scenario reminded me of something. The Typherians are the Citadel Council, if you have played Mass Effect then you know the Council is not popular. Considering they obstruct your progress and then complain that you didn't complete your missions the approved way. They also nearly prevent you from saving the Citadel when they lock down the Normandy before Ilos thinking they had Saren beaten. 

They had the same smug self-important attitude which the Typherians displayed. Eliza despite being known to them and is apparently an example being used to convince the Uplift Council to give Humanity uplift status still has to have her mind wiped. Frankly, I'm not sure if I actually believe the King of Typha is actually helping and is more likely making sure his agents keep Eliza in check. Don't want to give the puny earthlings ideas above their station as subjects of the Ascendency.

Granted I do not believe this is Fianna's intention and that the text is being honest about everything. But their actions are not congruent with their words and that aside from J'ino they don't actually care about Earth just asserting their authority. Considering they are quick to tamper with the mind, a very intimate part for humans, I find it highly suspect that they have come bearing gifts and wish to help. Plus in one scenario a Typherian Admiral wants to bring Star in to handle some dark matter smuggler, and Doctor Impossible calls her out because she knows another memory wiping would happen. It gives off the impression that the Typherian leadership sees Eliza as a blunt instrument they can do with as they please and even if the humans complain they can brush it off.

I bet that's why the Admiral was so "impressed" that Lorian read the riot act at her. She was caught off guard that one of the peasants managed to talk back to her betters and decided to indulge what she saw as a temper tantrum. Hyperbolic I know and the Admiral swore not to lock away any more memories but I frankly don't trust her to keep her word. Their actions do not promote confidence, considering that despite the fact Eliza saved lives. Because she didn't do it the way the bureaucrats on Typha approved of she gets punished. 

Book 1 may reveal some information that would make my claims baseless and I am completely fine with that. My argument was to explain why I get this feeling of arrogance and condescension whenever I read Typherian characters outside of J'ino. Perhaps I am way too suspicious and jumping to conclusions. But I do remember that sometimes the ancient and powerful races don't have the best interests of everyone at heart. Vorlons anyone?

To wrap things up the Typherians are currently more sus than a game of Among Us. Most likely all of this has good intentions. Protecting humanity from the darkness of the galaxy so we don't jump in blind get hurt and become all hard-edged and xenophobic. But the lengths the Typherians go through in the name of protection give off the tyrant's edge. Always doing everything they can to protect while slowly taking away a person's rights. In this case, it is the right to mental privacy.

This does not hurt my view of the story overall in any way. Uplift Protocol is a good story and maybe there's something I still don't understand. Perhaps maybe some of them agree that what they are doing is shady but can't do anything yet due to the upcoming conflict. Don't want to divide the nation and allow enemy infiltrators to take advantage. I just don't trust the Typheran leadership right now and just them not the entire race.

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