Chapter 1
Chapter 1:
Lexine-
The prey became the hunter and the hunter became the prey. The irony of it all is amusing. I narrowed my eyes and used my dragon’s sight to see the heat signatures below me. I readied my arrow and took careful aim. There had been rumors of a cannibal in the vicinity but no one would dare point fingers. That’s where I come in. All of these realms and lands were my hunting grounds; therefore, all of the people inhabiting these lands were my people as well.
I took a deep breath and released it at the same time I released the arrow. A heavy thud was all the fuss that was made. I jumped from the tree and landed on the balls of my feet.
It’s not dead.
I know, Regina, why do you think I came down for?
You’re so snarky, Lexine, You need to get laid. Relieve some of the stress.
I rolled my eyes as I trekked closer. The aura of evil was expanding, I felt it with every fiber of my being. You think I wouldn’t have done that by now if it were that easy? I returned my bow and arrows and materialized my halberd. This ‘snarkiness’ of mine wasn’t something that could be erased by getting laid, not that that was even an option for me.
Are you still upset after your experience with the pillow?
Shut up, Regina.
I’m just saying. Making sure my glamour was in place, I started making noise.
“Hello? Is someone out there? Please, I need help.” The voice of a man, huh? So it wasn’t one of the physically defective ones. That crossed some off the possible cannibal species from my list. I manipulated the air around me and used that to project ‘my voice’.
“I’m coming! Are you hurt?”
The malice spilled into the ground and my feet nearly recoiled at the evil. I kept moving forward and ‘peered’ from behind a tree.
“You! I was injured by a stray arrow. Help me!” I took my time assessing this demon. Outward appearance was very polished and sophisticated. It sure made it easy to lure people. He secreted an air of congeniality, making women especially easy prey. It fit the profile of a mostly women murderer. Long, coarse hair fell to his shoulders.
My money is on a Kashi.
No kidding. Plus souls don’t have money.
Killjoy. The arrow pierced the base of the neck, severing the spinal cord. Now that I knew what we were facing, I stepped away from the shadows and twirled my halberd.
Manipulating the air once more, I projected, “You are unfortunate to have been found by me.”
“Unfortunate? Who are you?”
Dropping the glamour in my own hoarse voice, I sneered, “Your end.”
“No! Have mercy! I know who you are. Everyone talks about you. I’ll let you in on some of the biggest catches in the underground demon realm.”
Is he trying to bribe you? Is he serious?
“I don’t need your help.” I unfurled my wings and watched desperation take over the Kashi’s eyes.
“You really are real… Angelus ultionem (the Angel of Vengeance).”
You’ve become quite popular, Lexine. You’re like a superhero.
Or maybe I am just an ordinary vigilante. I already told you, Regina, that superheroes are admired by all; I’m just feared by all.
I began the new banishment spell that I’ve been working to improve. I was trying to make it even more destructive.
“If spirit threatens me in this place.
Fight water by water and by fire by fire.
Banish their souls into nothingness and remove their power until there is nothing.
Let these evil beings flee, through time and space.”
“No!! No!!!!!” Flames erupted around the Kashi and the nearby creek began to overflow and surround it. The flames died on the outside and began burning it from within. The water held it suspended in the air. With a slash from by my halberd, an air blade cut through the large sphere of water. The water splashed back down on the ground and all that remained were a pile of ashes. I walked to the pile of ashes and knelt down. Buried in the ashes was an agate the size of two digits of one of my fingers.
It’s ironic how something so evil can become something so beautiful, isn’t it? Regina murmured in my head.
Yeah. Let’s go someplace to cool down. I suggested.
Sounds good. Getting the feel of the area through the soil, I found a good place to get some rest. I ran to that location scouting at the same time for demons. I jumped over a large root and made a turn to the right and found a breathtaking view. The area was filled with waterfalls and pools and greenery as far as the eye can see.
It’s beautiful. Wh- Lexi, you’re undressing again? You know that for someone who dislikes being seen, you sure like to bathe a lot.
Shut up, Frecks. Let’s try that Soul Detachment spell Gaia taught me. Concentrating hard, I began this dance that Gaia taught me that would momentarily allow Regina to become unattached to my body and be able to move on her own. The moves had to be precise and timed correctly or it wouldn’t work.
“Wow! You are one of wonders, Lexi! Thanks!” I gave her a nod and observed how she flickered when she moved. The more she moves the faster she’ll have to return to her vessel. I felt bad because I wish I could do something more for her. Regina’s changed. I’ve felt that she has. She’s found a purpose and has found her will to live again but she is tied to me. I vowed to myself that I’d find a way for her to be able to move freely in the physical world with her own body of flesh and blood. I unclipped the black lace bra and removed the matching panties. As soon as I stepped into the water, I released a small amount of heat so it would smooth down cool edge of it.
“Gaia has helped you a lot, hasn’t she?” I paused and looked over my shoulder. She was sitting down, playing with the grass.
“I mean, if you compare how much stronger you’ve become when I helped at all to when she started helping you, I… I haven’t been much help at all.”
I reflected on how much I’ve learned and denied all of her words of self disappreciation. Manipulating the air, I responded, “That’s not true. You’ve helped me just as much as she has. You have given me an identity and a purpose beyond being a vigilante. Gaia has helped me harness and keep a tight rein on my powers.”
She looked up and sniffled, “You really think so?”
With one firm nod, I returned to my bath. My scars have become faded white markings on my skin. However, they were… modified in a sense that made them seem almost beautiful. After the storm comes the rainbow. At least that’s what Gaia told me. The full moon was reflected against the crystalline water making it seem otherworldly. It reminded me so much of the eyes of that man I see in my dreams when I’m not having nightmares. I still can’t figure out who he is.
We’re going to have return to the Draconian Lunar Kingdom tomorrow.
“Do we have to? I don’t want to visit the Valkyries, you know that they hog the men there. Not only that but the poor men are slaves there.” That was an unfortunate truth.The Valkyries took in any man that trespassed their land and any man caught would be hunted down for slavery. Last time we went we really didn’t see eye to eye. It turns out that they’re temperamental. I’m definitely not looking forward to it, but setting that aside for tomorrow, I enjoyed the rest of my bath in this beautiful place. These few moments of peace are so fleeting. I can only imagine the drama and shit that all the ‘royals’ are going to dish at me for being gone for a bit.
