《The Sword-Born》


 Prologue - A Strange Dream

    Lightning danced across a blackened sky. Clouds rolled and swirled around each other. Heavy rain and hail falling to the earth. The earth heaving and shuddering under the strain as titanic forces battled with each other. The city burning around them as buildings toppled into the ground. The screams of tens of thousands of people added to the cacophony of sound. Above the sounds of screams and violence was singing. The song was beautiful in a language that she could not understand.


    The sword swung across her vision. Golden and ornate. The blade was nearly four feet long and glowing in a golden halo. Set with gems and other precious metals she knew the blade was part of her. It was wielded by another, this figure was cloaked in shadows, even with the golden light of the sword she could not make anything out about this figure. And yet she continued to sing, giving her sword and its wielder power she did not understand but felt it in her soul that it was the right thing to do.


    The golden sword clashed with a sword of black and purple. Were the golden sword radiated, this sword absorbed. Where the golden soul was pure, this sword was corrupted. But there was a power in this corruption. Seeping into the world around it, urging others to give in. The other song was like a sirens. So sweet in its melody but if you listened closely you could hear how wrong it was, but if you listened to closely it would snare your soul and you would fall just like they did.


    The one wielding this blade was lost in shadows as well. Deep shadows that were so dark it hurt to look at them for too long. The only other she could make out was this siren who sang the song so opposite her own. Skin so fair, it was like freshly fallen snow. Without mark or blemish upon it. Hair black as night with lips as red as rubies. Eyes that shifted with the strangest colors that had no words to describe them fully. She was dressed in a way that invoked pain. Her corset tight around her chest and midsection. Around her bust was barbed fabric that pricked against her skin, but never pierced it. Her arms were left bare but that same barbed fabric wrapped around her arms. Wearing little more than leather over her private parts that too had barbed fabric around the waist and thighs. Her legs were getting the same treatment as her arms. Her song pained, giving the wielder far more power than she should have been able to, but at the cost of the Siren.


    The battle between the four of them was bringing the city to ruin. Each time the swords clashed the emotional echo rippled out from them bringing further chaos to the city. Everything that was happening was part of one discordant song. She had to last longer than the other siren, she had to provide power to the sword that was so much a part of her, and through it the one who wielded such power. She knew she trusted this individual. She knew she should love this individual. Here they were at the end of it all, battling in the ruins of the city she called home with an enemy she knew she should hate.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    She couldn¡¯t make out what she was wearing. It was changing with her song. Radiant and pure. Hers was a battle of wills against this siren. Each attempting to overpower the other with their song which powered the one who wielded those weapons they had given. So tired, but she knew she couldn¡¯t stop, couldn¡¯t give into the siren or everything they had accomplished would have been for nothing.


    Beep. Beep. Beep.


    Josidia rolled over and touched her hand to the alarm clock. The same strange dream again. It never ended. She never got to see how the dream ended. She never got to know who the shadowed figures were. Only that siren was as clear as day to her. And it was a woman she had never met or seen before. Making no sense to her she pushed the dream away from her and got out of bed.


    Tall and fit for her age Josidia was by many who knew her stunning to behold. Tan skin and long black hair. Blue eyes that sparkled the seas. She was of mixed descent. Her mother was of Japanese descent, her father Eastern European. Growing up on the West Coast of the United States she knew of a life of privilege. Going to the finest schools and graduating at the top of her class. She was soon to finish college and start her life.


    She went to the park for her morning jog. There were people out and about going their own routines. Paying little attention to them as she listened to her music while jogging. Something at the back of her mind was nagging her, telling her something was different today than any other day.


    Near the jogging trail was a woman practicing with a wooden sword with the rest of her class. A sign in the ground that read ¡°Awaken yourself.¡± As this woman looked up their eyes met and she knew. This was the siren of her dreams. Stumbling as she ran, she felt as if the air had been sucked out of her lungs. Struggling to breath she felt a burning in her chest. In those moments it took for her to recover, her vision swam and the memories of her dream came back to her.


    In the span of a few heartbeats she recovered before anyone noticed that something was wrong. That siren smiled to her as if she knew what had just happened. Deciding it was better to head home rather than push herself further.


    Once she was safely back home she stripped of her clothes to get in the shower. Looking at herself in the mirror is when she noticed that where the burning was on her chest was a small mark. Unable to know what it was she got in the shower in an attempt to wash it off. As the steam filled the room, that strange sensation that she was not alone came back to her.


    Awaken. Awaken. Awaken.


    It was written on the glass and anything that the steam touched that could be seen.


    Dizziness overcame her. Darkness dancing in the corners of her eyes. As she began to black out she heard a voice.


    ¡°Awaken, for you are Sword-Born¡±

 Chapter 1 - Awakening

    Josidia came too on her bed completely nude. Having a pounding headache she didn¡¯t know what happened or how long she had been out. Her whole body ached when she moved even as slowly as she did.


    Getting out of bed she moved to the mirror. Each muscle screaming in protest as she did. That mark she found before she showered had changed to a tattoo that was above and went down between her breasts. It was an intricate tattoo of coiled lines and solar patterns. She had to admit it was quite pretty but shocking in that a tattoo suddenly appeared on her body. Checking herself over in the mirror to make sure she had no other unexplained marks or symbols on her body. Thankfully she had found no other such marks.


    As she dressed in jeans and a top she made sure it covered this mark on her chest. Not knowing what it was she didn¡¯t want anyone to question her about it. Thankfully it no longer hurt. To bad she couldn¡¯t say that about the rest of her body. Stretching caused her to wince, but she felt better afterwards so she considered it a minor victory. Everything seemed brighter, more intense than it was before. Colors seemed to stand out to her. Sounds more intense. She was able to hear soft conversations from far away. Even though she did not test it she felt she could run faster than before without getting tired. Not knowing where this new found energy and strength came from she went for a walk to calm her thoughts.


    - - - -


    Katherine Emitt had wandered for a long time. Alone in this world of mystery. She has seen much and done much. Yet part of her always felt incomplete. Some vital part of her soul was missing. Moving through the crowded streets as it started to rain. Everything always seemed so muted. So distant. She was just going through the motions of being alive and protecting those who needed it.


    It hit her rather hard. Her breath was taken from her lungs and darkness threatened her vision. A burning in her right hand. As she watched with blurred vision as a brand for on the back of her hand. It was radiant and golden, but it was also so elegant and feminine. Somewhere the Sword-Born that had made her complete has begun to awaken and soon they would be together.


    As Katherine recovered from the revelation her partner had begun to awaken she returned home to her estate. She had over many lifetimes put away the money that she had earned and then into the modern age ensured she had a safe haven in which to fall back to in case she ever needed it. The home was nearly empty as she rarely was there for long. Speaking the words to unbind the door so that the defenses were not triggered she pulled open those two large heavy oak doors. Stepping through the enchanted entry and down the halls that were designed to confound those who were not welcome if they made it past the wards that guarded the windows and the doors.


    She was seeking the library and the collection of relics that she had gathered over the lifetimes she has been active. Coming for a specific relic that would assist her in the search for the one that would complete her. The library was impressive in size and scope. Vaulted and painted ceilings. Thick plush carpet covering the floors. Those shelves solid hardwood. Each made with care and precision. With her hand still tingling from the effects of the awakening she searched for the right spell that would point her to where she needed to go.


    After taking several hours to complete the spell she had a location. She was traveling to the West Coast of the United States. This was going to be an adventure. Booking her private jet to fly her towards her target it was now time to hunt.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    - - - -


    The days had passed for Josi as those dreams became more vivid and real. That the one holding the golden sword was getting closer. That the Siren was getting closer as well with the man wielding the black and purple blade. Feeling it within her chest she decided to push it all out of her mind and go out for the evening. Yet she couldn¡¯t shake the fact that something was close to happening.


    She chose the popular club ¡®Bastion¡¯ as the place where she was going to go. A popular club for everyone in the city it seemed. The mark on her chest no longer hurt and it didn¡¯t seem to be doing anything. Her senses were still hypersensitive she could see far better in the dark than she used too with no explainable reason why other than the mark that has appeared on her chest. It was when she entered the club that everything seemed so overwhelming. The sound of the music and the people. The scent of all the alcohol and other substances. It was all starting to give her a headache, but the longer she spent inside the less it seemed to get as she started to get used to it and her senses adapting to the stress of this new environment.


    He had caught the scent of something new, fresh and delectably feminine that entered the club. It was strong enough to be detected over the others present. It had to be drawing others to it, he needed to act fast so it could be his. Moving through the club like a predator on the hunt. Following that most delicious of scents that stood out like a bonfire on a clear night. It made every part of him ache for how that warmth was going to taste.


    Women would say they would find him attractive. Tan skin with short black hair and green eyes. Perfect white smile. He smelled good but not overpowering. Well dressed with slacks and a button down top that was partially opened at the top to show off his well muscled physique. Having other talents to charm his way into the lives of the women he meets he was an insidious predator that enjoyed the hunt just as much as the feast.


    He scented her from across the bar. Moving with sensual ease that drew many eyes to him, but he dismissed them all this night. He had but one goal in mind.


    ¡°Hello my dear, can I buy you a drink?¡± His words were smooth and flawless. Full of all the charm that he could muster. So close to his target he could barely control himself. Surging his power into his voice so that even that simple phrase would be hard for anyone to resist.


    The voice had caught her off guard. She was not expecting anyone and she generally was alert but he was able to get beside her without her noticing. Smiling at his suggestion, she was going to decline until she looked in his eyes. Such swirling colors that compulsion to say yes. Knowing she shouldn¡¯t let her guard down she couldn¡¯t really defend herself against she insidious words. The violation of his words felt like he was undressing her. Surely she must be overreacting to this. What was wrong with her.


    ¡°Sure, I will have a drink¡± She couldn¡¯t help herself, falling into the trap he had set for her. When she handed him the glass their hands touched and pain from the mark on her chest flared. Hand clenched so tightly she almost broke the glass as the air got forced out of her lungs once again. Trying to compose herself so she didn¡¯t make a scene. He felt off to her, wrong in some way that she didn¡¯t understand.


    She had taken that drink and began to regret it almost immediately. She didn¡¯t feel right from it. His hand moved to her hip as he guided her along towards the exit. Completely under his spell she was helpless as they began to leave.


    - - - -


    Something was wrong, she felt it in the mark on her hand the closer she got to this other person. Pushing the car to accelerate further as the spells effects were still there so she was able to track this other. Getting a better sense of who this one was the closer they were together thanks to the mark that bound them both together.


    Parking the car she followed the rest on foot. Tracking the one who held the other half of her soul. The one who would make her complete. How she found her other half was not in the best of circumstances. Nor was it the meeting she had always wanted. Now she must save her other half and keep her from harm.

 Chapter 2 - A New Beginning

    Josi felt far more drunk than she had ever been, but she could have sworn she only had a few sips at the most having only just arrived. She wasn¡¯t able to struggle or resist when he lead her outside. Stumbling around as he lead her to his large vehicle with darkened windows that was off by itself. It was a black SUV with tinted windows and a lot of space. It was a large vehicle that fit his arrogant personality. The sense of something wrong washed over her as he opened the backdoor of the SUV to have her get inside. Still no matter how hard she tried she wasn¡¯t able to stop herself from following his commands.


    As soon as the door closed behind them she felt his hands move over her body. That corset provided little protection and the jeans she wore clung to her legs like a second skin. She barely noticed when he had removed her corset, exposing her breasts to the air. That mark on her chest held a soft radiance to it. His hands were cool to the touch. Feeling a deeply wrong sensation, a violation of everything that she was as his hands glided over her body. She wanted to be sick at the perversion of this man who was touching her.


    She felt it as a pressure building up in her chest as he continued to touch her all over. Growing sick at the violation from his touching. It was like a heat of a warm day spreading through her body. Pulsing in time with her heartbeat. She cried out when that pressure became too much for her to bare. In his hunger, in that frenzy to get to her skin he didn¡¯t notice how the mark held a faint luminance to it. As her clothes were being torn and knicks in her skin she felt something inside of her release like a dam.


    The mark on her chest flared with the light of the sun burning the hands, arms and face of the man that was attacking her. Knocking him into the air and off of her body it blew it backwards against the door of the SUV. The radiance that came from the mark burning as it ripped apart the side of the car with a flash sending him flying further from her. Hitting hard against the wall of a nearby building.


    Raymond was slow to stand up having suddenly bore the unleashed might of an unclaimed Sword-Born. The radiance filled the interior of the car and spilled out into the night. His wounds had already begun to heal, it would just make him ever more hungry and she was going to be quite the delicious meal. He could tolerate the radiance and the heat that she produced, but so unclaimed and untrained she could not remain this way for long and once she exhausted herself she would be punished for hurting him, however inconvenient it was.


    Her mind burst with color and sensation with the mark erupted into light. The memories of songs filling her head. Songs that held power but she didn¡¯t know how to use them. Nor did she know how she was able to get him to stop touching her. Slowly sitting up as she put a hand on the still glowing mark. It took her mind time to process she was free. Climbing out of the remains of the SUV she started to run. Her jeans were torn and she was topless but still she ran from him. Not paying attention to where she was going, she just ran.


    Josi in her bid to escape went down the alley that would connect the two streets. She knew it was dark and secluded but she had to get away. Driven by the primal need to get away from whatever that man was. Not knowing how she sensed him getting closer but she did. And he would be upon her before she even got close to the street. With how busy this district was she didn¡¯t know if anyone would hear her if she called for help.


    He was following her now, his wounds healing more slowly than they should. The burns were painful as if we were exposed to actual sunlight. He would question how she was able to inhibit his healing once he had feed from her. Whispering words in a long forgotten language that he was taught, that was carried through his blood, he made the area supernaturally quiet. Even if she tried to scream for help, no one would be able to hear. Grinning almost ferally he pursued her faster the rush to feast was strong.


    Seeing her in the alley he laughed. How easy she was making this for him. That mark wouldn¡¯t be able to save her again now that he was ready for it.


    ¡°Come here my dear. You have been very bad. You need to punished¡± Putting all the charm and power he could into his voice to get her to comply with his demands.


    She felt the power of his voice as it slowed her step. That mark flared in her defense making her movements sluggish. ¡°No! I will not!¡± Resisting him took all of her willpower to do. She had to resist. Had to fight. There had to be a way to get away. Not wanting to die like this. Pulling from the depths of her soul to survive the mark began to shine with the noon day sun illuminating the dark alley.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Flooding Josidia¡¯s mind came the words to a hymn that she did not know before. As she sang the light pulsed in rhythm with the words. A wave of light and heat filled the alley and raced towards him. Unfocused and untrained as it was it was still a dangerous song. Raymond reacting to the attack rose his arms across his face and channeled the power of his blood once again. She was draining his power and she didn¡¯t even realize it! He had heard tales of those like her but always dismissed them as fanciful things to scare the young and the stupid into compliance with the dictates of their elders.


    Raymond was knocked back from the wave of heat and light. His left arm and chest bearing the brunt of the attack. Peeling away skin and muscle as the waves washed over him. Uncontrolled as it was the walls of the buildings began to partially melt as well. Feeling his arm becoming useless and his chest so exposed now as his shirt was burned off into tatters around him. His pants were burned in places as well. His well muscled physique was on display.


    ¡°You are going to pay for that bitch. I am going to make you suffer for a long time. No on is going to miss that you are gone¡± With his arm hanging limp at his side he closed the distance to her with speed before she could try to attack him again.


    - - - -


    Katherine was close now she could feel it. At long last, the other half of her soul was beating in sympathy to hers. Her charms she carried prevented her from being seen unless she wanted to be seen or heard allowed for quick movement towards her other half. The mark on the back of her right hand began to glow brightly. Something was wrong. She felt through their link panic and pain. Pushing herself harder to close the remaining distance. Cutting through alleys and traffic with ease.


    She felt that supernatural aura in the area. It was blocking out the outside world within that bubble this creature in the guise of a man had created. Reaching into her coat she produced a charm. Holding it in her left hand she traced it with her right finger as she spoke the incantation. Giving her the ability to jump incredible distances she would leap to the top of the building that was separating her from where she needed to be. The bubble was occupying the alley and the buildings around it. Spilling out into the street. In her enhanced sight she saw the ruined SUV. The golden footprints left behind as her other half fled into the alley in their attempt to escape. The dark stain that was this monster that followed her.


    Katherine didn¡¯t have enough time to open a hole in the bubble slowly so that she didn¡¯t alert the monster. She would have to force her way in which would be noticeable. Reaching for another charm she produced a vial of enchanted water. Sprinkling it over the side of the building she would utter the words to activate its power to wash away the stain of the monsters. Drawing a blade she jumped off the ledge of the building and the point of the weapon tore a hole through the bubble. Falling around her like shattered glass she landed in a crouch near the monster.


    Raymond had Josidia in his grasp. One hand around her waist the other hand on her breast. Her head was back and back arched. Blood ran from the wound on her neck as he was feeding to heal himself. Katherine watched as those burns had begun to heal. Before he could react to her presence her free hand was throwing daggers at him. Hitting him in the shoulder and neck. He howled in pain as those enchanted weapons scorched his skin and sunk deep into his body. Burning the flesh of his palms as he ripped the blades free from his flesh creating fresh wounds that he would have to heal.


    ¡°You bitch! Come to save this delectable little treat haven¡¯t you? Oh she was good. That sweet sweet taste of her blood was so delicious as it ran thick and hot down my throat¡± That feral grin upon blood stained lips.


    ¡°I will not let you hurt her further! I am a guardian of humanity. Wielder of a sacred blade. I have protected mankind for longer than your existence¡± Standing up she readied her blade. Runes of power forming down the blade that would pierce through any supernatural defenses that he may have. It wasn¡¯t as powerful as the soul blade that her other half could produce but she has used it for generations to great effect.


    ¡°I do not care who you are, or what you think you are. I have walked this earth and beyond for centuries. I am going to rip out your throat and as you lay dying you will watch as I drain the last of the blood from this sweet little treat¡± Dropping Josidia to the ground he turned to face Katherine. He hadn¡¯t recovered from the flames or heat and the enchanted daggers on added to his injuries.


    Katherine charged her target with an upward swipe of that blade. Its enchantments glowing with power as it cut through the air. Raymond summoned a blade of darkness from his own twisted soul. That necrotic blood spilling from the wounds in his arm to form the blade. In a flash of shadows and light the blade met.


    Josidia felt tired and weak. Her movements were sluggish. Slowly she turned onto her side and the pain radiated from her neck and throughout her whole body. Her vision was blurry as she opened her eyes. The figures indistinct as they fought each other with blades of light and dark. The scene invoked memories of her dream but they were different. Something was off about them. Once again the hymn flooded her mind with its power lending it to her voice.


    Holding out her right hand she sung the words that filled her mind. As light spread from the mark on her chest it filled her vision as well. As she finished the words to the hymn she passed out from weakness and exhaustion.

 Chapter 3 - Memories

    Both combatants were so engrossed in combat they did not notice that Josidia had come to and was starting to sing the words of power. In sympathy the mark on the back of Katherine¡¯s hand began to glow. A hilt made of gold formed. The untrained and untamed song created a blade that was constantly in motion from the power pouring into it. Such a raw blade could not last for long so she would have the make best use of its power while she had it.


    The marks were in synch now. Together they were stronger than when they were apart. Even weakened as she was, just being close to Josidia gave Katherine a boost in power. As she swung the blade it shattered the blade of her enemy. The pulse of light that followed burned and sealed the wounds on his arm. Its power stopping him from calling upon his blood to heal him or to attack back.


    Only having a few more seconds left before containing the blade endangered the life of Josidia. In one final swing she slashed against his chest. The pulse of searing light burned his down to the bone as it fractured from the heat. His mangled left arm incinerated from the strike as he was sent through the air.


    ¡°Let the dawn claim you. Your evil will end here tonight¡± Moving quickly to pick up Josidia she ¡°Or the others will find you and when they do then you will need to explain your failures to your betters and how you managed to let her get away.¡±


    Turning her back on the monster she would leap once again to the top of the building. Once more invoking her charms to remain hidden and unseen she would make her way back to her vehicle. Opening the passenger door she would rest Josidia¡¯s limp form on the seat, covering her body with a blanket. Her wounds needed further tending. Kneeling beside her she would place a hand on the wound on her neck. Chanting softly a white-gold light appeared and the wound started to close, but Josidia would need further healing back at her house she had in this part of the state.


    The drive out of the city was quiet. Ensuring that no one had seen her she enchanted the car so that it did not attract attention. The home was on the outskirts of the city. It was warded and guarded like her other properties she had acquired through her lifetime. Arriving at the home she pulled up to the door and carried Josidia into the main foyer.


    Katherine placed her right hand over the mark on Josidia¡¯s chest. Their marks began to change. Becoming more ornate as they bonded through touch. That soft radiance filled the foyer of the house.


    ¡°We are together at last. Our souls burn as one. Under the light of the sun, the moon and the stars I claim you as my other half. Together our power will defend those who cannot defend themselves¡±


    The marks continued to move and shift as the words were spoken. Tempering the souls together so they could not be pried apart again. Only death could now separate them. The solar motif expanded into a starburst. The warmth of it filling their bodies. As it awakened its power surged through them both. Those sensations were unlike anything they ever felt. Greater than any pleasure. Worse than any pain. In those moments it washed over them as their souls became one.


    Collapsing to the ground under the strain of the bonding.The shock of it took time to wear off and Katherine slowly came too. Looking down at the slumbering Josidia who had a much healthier glow than before. The wounds on Josidia¡¯s neck had healed. Carrying Josidia up to one of the bedrooms so that she could rest comfortably as she recovered from the night''s events.


    Josidia did not know how long she was out but when she came to she was laying on a large bed. The memories of the night before were hazy at best. Not remembering anything very clearly as she rose from the soft pillows and blankets that she found herself on. The thin nightgown clung to her curves and accentuated her figure. Standing as she walked to a mirror. Her reflection was one of beauty. Something seemed different about her, more than just how the mark had changed. This change was deeper. Seeming more radiant than ever before. Closing her eyes she took several deep breaths to calm herself. In the back of her mind she felt another presence, something she had never felt before.


    This presence was like a beacon to her that she followed through the quiet house. Looking over the collected items on shelves and book stands as she tracked this other presence. Her footsteps were light upon the thick, plush carpet. Moving through this unknown house. The urge to discover what this presence meant for her. Coming at last to a large oak door that lead into the basement. Finding that it was easier to open than she imagined it would be. Josidia went down those steps as quietly as she could move.


    Josidia found Katherine training with a blade. It was almost hypnotic watching her move around the room. Her reflexes were fast and clean. Efficient as she fought without a movement being wasted. Watching her brought back flashes of memory from the night before.


    Katherine was aware that her soulmate was moving through the house. The moment Josidia awakened she knew. Feeling that soft warm presence draw closer to her own. That warmth spreading from the mark on her hand. The gentle footsteps as she came down the stairs into her training room. Katherine remained calm as the woman that now held her soul together approached. Slowing her sword strokes as her practice finished she came to a stop in the center of the room.


    ¡°You can come down you know, I am not going to hurt you.¡± Katherine spoke as calmly as she could. This close to her other half made it more difficult. She barely knew this woman yet the compulsion between them was strong. This is not how she imagined her other half would be.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    Josidia never felt this way before, and she wasn¡¯t sure why. Just looking at this woman she didn¡¯t know sent warmth spreading through her body. She wasn¡¯t sure why this was, while she was always attracted to both women and men. Yet this was different. Feeling it within her soul that this woman was different.


    ¡°Who are you? Why am I here?¡± Her voice came more quiet and timid than she had wanted it to be. There was much that she didn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°My name is Katherine and you are at my home. I rescued you last night from a monster. And it was not a dream. Everything that happened the last few days is real. You were awakening to your power. I have been searching for you my entire existence. Together we are stronger than when we are apart.¡± Katherine began to explain to her.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make any sense! How can any of this be real! I am going to college. I have plans for my life. Magic isn¡¯t real! There has to be an explanation for all of this.¡± Her voice rose slightly as she was regaining strength. She didn¡¯t know where this energy was coming from just that she was receiving it.


    ¡°Everything can be explained in time¡± She dropped the weapon so that she wasn¡¯t considered a threat. Holding up her right hand, palm towards Josidia. The mark on Katherine¡¯s hand began to glow a soft light. Beneath the nightgown Josidia wore her mark would glow in unison.


    That warmth spread through her body as it pulsed with power. The nightgown she wore seemed to fade from existence exposed to such radiance of the mark. Josidia quickly covered her body with a gasp.


    ¡°What is going on! Stop it! This isn¡¯t right! What are you trying to prove!¡± Breathing heavily as her skin flushed from embarrassment. ¡°I want to go home, back to the life I had before all this craziness began¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t go back. Now that you¡¯re awakened the others will be drawn to the glow of your power. You are still untrained and untempered. To no longer be a danger to yourself or to others you need to train. You need to control the light that is inside of you. I know this a lot to take in, but it is for your benefit¡±


    ¡°So I am to be your prisoner? What are you going to do to me?¡± Josidia¡¯s eyes flashed with power as she wouldn¡¯t allow herself to be hurt again. Not realizing just how deeply the scars of the attack left on her. Despite being healed her neck started to hurt were she was bitten by what she could only assume to be a vampire.


    ¡°No you are not my prisoner. You are too important to me to be my prisoner. This will take time to get used too but I have only your well being in mind¡± Katherine held up both hands as she approached the wary Josidia.


    ¡°I am Josidia Rayne Smith. I am a college student for Archaeology and Anthropology. I have friends. I have a life. This isn¡¯t me. I don¡¯t want this to happen. Please, just let me go back to who I was¡±


    ¡°Well it is a pleasure to meet you Josidia. I know this is hard for you, but you need to understand that as of right now you are a danger to yourself and to others until you learn to control your power. The light inside of you is blinding and radiant. Without training you could hurt a lot of people¡± Keeping her attention on Josidia as she spoke. ¡°Even if you go back you will see things as they are. People you may know, may not be what you think they are. This world is filled the magical. Higher and lower planes of existence. The Fae. The skin changers. Mages and those who walk the darker paths. I could name more, but that would take time.¡±


    Katherine moved with practiced ease towards one of the corners were she kept a chest. Opening it she pulled out a robe and offered it to Josidia ¡°Here this is slightly enchanted. It should better withstand the radiance of your power so you don¡¯t keep losing your clothes.¡±


    Josidia would wrap her body in that robe, thankful for being covered ¡°Thank you.¡± Watching Katherine warily as she began to clean up from her workout.


    ¡°How about a compromise. I teach you how to control your radiance and temper your blade so that it does not lash out randomly. And we go back to your home. As I said you will forever see things differently. Now that you¡¯ve awakened your lifespan is greatly increased. You and I will walk through the years together watching and guarding. To ensure that humanity remains free¡±


    Josidia¡¯s breath started to come more rapidly ¡°What is all of this! I didn¡¯t ask to be special! I just want to have a normal life! I want to go back to how everything was!¡± Trying to calm herself down so that she was not freaking out was proving to be harder than she thought. The mark on her chest started to glow once more. This time Katherine was ready. Closing the distance between them rapidly she placed a hand on Josidia¡¯s chest. Her mark glowing in unison. Closing her eyes she quickly spoke the ritual words.


    The radiance filled the basement as the temperate rose in response to the solar energy. Stepping backwards Katherine drew back her hand and the hilt of the sword formed. As she took another step backwards the blade began to emerge as well. Raw and untamed the brilliance was blinding. After two steps she held the radiant blade between them. Heat rippled out from it as their bodies covered in a sheen of sweat.


    Josidia¡¯s body tensed when she was touched. Those words Katherine spoke echoed within her soul. The cascading wave of pleasure ripped through her body as the sword was drawn from her very soul. Katherine was the only one who could elicit such a response from her. The memories of hymns and songs filled her mind. Once more closing the distance between them Katherine gently placed a hand over her mouth.


    ¡°No, do not sing. You are not prepared to handle that power. We need to train. Now you can see why you need to train. Having all the power of your solar radiance, all the memories of those ancient hymns. But none of the training to use them properly.¡± Locking eyes with Josidia who nodded in response. Katherine lowered her hand.


    ¡°I see¡± Josidia spoke softly. Seeing the blade that was pulled from her mark. There was no denying what was happening. Her friends would be in danger if she did not learn to control this power. ¡°Okay, I will train with you. To protect my friends. I will just message them, telling them I want out of town suddenly¡±


    Katherine would nod her head ¡°Good, that¡¯s good. Our training will begin immediately¡±

 Chapter 4 - Training

    Josidia would turn quickly to watch Katherine ¡°Right now? I am not even prepared! I am wearing just a robe!¡±


    ¡°In many cases you will be caught unprepared. You need to learn to defend yourself in any situation that may arise. So we train now¡± Katherine held up the blade that was still illuminating the room ¡°You are a Radiant. Imbued with the power of the sun and light. One of the rarest and most potent of the Sword-Born. To be upfront with you there is a darkness in your power. There is power in pain and suffering should you ever give in your light goes from warm and radiant to the Scouring. Merciless as the desert sun. Deadly and lethal to all who behold it. That is why you need to train¡±


    Josidia was stunned into silence as she watched the blade and how Katherine described her power ¡°Did.. did I nearly become this Scouring while in the alley?¡± Her voice was soft again as she wanted to know.


    ¡°Yes, the power of your awakening combined with the attack, the blade that was summoned had elements of both your radiant blade and your scouring blade. It burned even me, but I was able to use it to great effect against the monster¡± Katherine responded. Moving then with the blade as she went through different forms of martial skill. Where the blade passed left an afterglow of light and warmth that persisted for a few seconds.


    As the minutes turned to hours she watched Katherine move. Practicing those movements over and over, trying to commit them to memory so they could be used when needed. These techniques were also teaching Josidia much needed control of the radiance of her mark and the power that she wielded on her own. As the hours wore on the practice began to pay off.


    Katherine was a good and thorough teacher. As the others past she found that Josidia was witty and funny. Unsure if it was the bond between them that had forced this upon them or if she had genuinely come to like the other woman on her own.


    ¡°You need to learn the basics of magical combat. Your own inner reserve of magical energy can fuel your spellcraft. The solar mark and the radiance as well are sources of power. You can become quite powerful with time and the proper training. But I don¡¯t think that fate will give us the time needed to see that you are properly trained.¡±


    Josidia was exhausted and bruised from the training under Katherine. Breathing heavily as they came to a halt with Katherine speaking. Listening to what the other woman was saying she felt herself drawn to her voice. Having only just met the woman she was unsure if it was actual attraction or if she was bound by the influence of their marks. Josidia felt rather uncertain about the situation, but still she listened.


    ¡°You said there are monsters and others out there, correct?¡± Stretching some to try to relieve the tension in her body ¡°Why are they going to come after me?¡±


    ¡°Because of your radiance. You stand out to the divine and the monster. Your soul burns bright and hot now. To those who can perceive such things they will be drawn to you for good or ill. You have the very basics after a few hours. Enough that you aren¡¯t an immediate danger to those around you. We will rest for the night and continue in the morning.¡±


    Hours turned to days as Josidia trained. Becoming better at controlling the radiance within her. Better at using the simplest of spells to defend herself and see what was hidden from view. During this time she was becoming quick friends with Katherine. They were connected on a deeper level than many could ever imagine and both were hesitant about their budding friendship. Unsure if it was from the bond or if they were doing it from their own free will.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°You have made great strides so far in your training. I trust you in that you will not hurt anyone accidentally anymore. You can use your radiance to defend yourself and to attack with if absolutely necessary. And we are making progress on the blade that we share together. Able to take a more coherent form. The one thing I cannot help you with are your hymns. We will need to find you a teacher if possible so your power can grow in that respect as well¡± Katherine spoke to her as they sat together eating in the interior garden of the home.


    Josidia would smile at those words ¡°Thank you. I have been trying really hard to succeed. I do not want to accidentally hurt anyone close to me, especially my friends that I have¡± Keeping her attention on Katherine as they spoke.


    ¡°Yes you have, and it shows. You are making much better progress than I had hoped you would. We should be able to return to your home at the beginning of the week so that you can resume your normal life as best as you can now that you¡¯ve awakened to your power. But you must remain forever vigilant. If the evil cannot get to you, they may go after your friends. Always be mindful of where you are and what you are doing.¡±


    ¡°I will do my best. This is all new to me, but with your help I feel that I would be able to handle it. I want to experience a normal life for as long as I can before I need to move on. If what you say is true and my lifespan is extended I will outlive nearly everyone I know. I will only have their memories with me. I need the time to build those memories with those I am close to so that I can remember them¡± Josidia was resolute. She would do this. She would live her life unafraid of what was to come and when it came time to move on she would handle it at that point.


    After their break was finished they returned to training. Josidia pushed herself as hard as she could in the safety of the house. There would come a time when she wouldn¡¯t be able to practice and what she learned would be the difference between a life or death moment.


    A heavy knock on the door echoed throughout the house. It carried the sensation of great importance. Josidia turned her attention to the door. A ring around her eyes began to glow making her eyes look like a solar eclipse. Katherine called her enchanted blade to her hand as she walked towards the door. Angling her body so that the blade was concealed but she could still use it if needed. Opening the heavy oak door.


    Just beyond the wards that protected the house from unwanted intrusion stood a finely dressed man. He wore a fitted suit. His skin was naturally tan. He kept his black hair short and neatly trimmed with no facial hair. Those sparkling emerald eyes watching Katherine as she opened the door. In his left hand her carried a heavy looking walking staff that was intricately carved with strange and fanciful looking animals.


    ¡°I apologize for the intrusion. My name is Maxwell and I need your help¡± His voice was proper as he inclined his head into a bow to her.


    Josidia gasped as she came up behind Katherine. His disguise was perfect to all others, but to her new sight she saw him clearly. He looked mostly the same as before except for his eyes were ever shifting patterns and colors. From his back were beautiful wings of what looked like a butterfly. His feet didn¡¯t touch the ground it seemed, floating just above it.


    ¡°I represent the local fae waystation. I am here because we need your help.¡±


    ¡°I welcome you into our home. Come in peace and no harm will come to you while you are here¡± Katherine¡¯s response was ritualistic.


    ¡°Thank you. I accept your welcome and I come in peace¡± His response was also ritualistic. Stepping beyond the wards when Katherine stepped to the side. The heavy door closed behind him as he cleared the door.

 Chapter 5 - Punishment

    Somewhere in the city they had gathered. The darkness was palpable for no one here needed light to see. He was dragged into the chamber. His wounds had yet to heal. The left arm was barely there. Bone still visible in places as his chest was healing. Thrown on the ground as flames burst to life around the chamber, casting deep shadows around the council. Hiding their features from the others.


    Raymond was slow to move as he came to a kneeling position before the council. His burns were still healing from his run in with Josidia and Katherine. The others had cleaned up the scene and ensured there were no witnesses from the catastrophic breach that almost revealed them to the human world. Brought here to face the judgement of the elders.


    ¡°You are here because you have violated our laws. Not only did you fail to properly feed. Your injuries are quite severe. And they got away¡± The voice that spoke came from the shadowed area of the council. Raymond did not know which one spoke for the voice was cold and devoid of anything resembling humanity at this point.


    ¡°Elders, I can explain. She awakened at the moment of the feeding.The power she possesses makes her dangerous to our plans. She is imbued with the radiance of the light! Her power makes her a threat. She is young and untrained. A perfect weapon against our enemies if we act now.


    The flames seemed to die down when the ancient spoke. The weight of its words snuffing out light ¡°You have but a single chance to redeem yourself. Fail us again and your punishment will be far worse next time.¡±


    Guards stepped forward and bound his arms out to either side with thick heavy chains. Burning hot irons were applied to his back and chest, branding him with their dark essence. ¡°You have been marked. Should you succeed and bring her to us the marks shall be removed. If not your agony will be legendary. Your folly a lesson to others to never fail.¡±


    As the marks cooled the doors opened and another was lead inside. She was tall and beautiful. The mark on her chest had lunar themes. Bound as she was with hands behind her back. A tight, barbed corset that didn¡¯t quite pierce the skin. Arms and legs wrapped in barbed cloth. Long hair pulled up into a tight ponytail. Her eyes seemed dull, the spark and light of life dimmed under such domineering control. Radiating from her was a pale light of the moon. But at the edges there was a deeper darkness. The stuff of nightmares clung to her.


    ¡°This Siren shall be your weapon. Bring the radiant one before us and your crimes will be forgiven.¡± He began to convulse as their power washed over him. Choking on his blood as his body seized up on itself. Unable to control his muscles he collapsed to the ground as pain wracked his body. Those brands burned with their dark power. In all his existence he had never experienced such pain as this. Just as suddenly as it began the elders released him from their power.


    ¡°Do not fail¡± Their voices echoed together. The flames went out and the chamber was left in total darkness.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Raymond was removed from his bindings and they drug him out of the chamber so that he could recover from what had been done to him. He and the Siren were locked in the same room. The hunger he had when he awakened clawed at him. Falling upon the Siren to feed she cried out, bound as she was she was unable to defend herself from him. The pale light around her dimmed further and the darkness spread around her. Nightmares moved around the edges of the room. The light of the moon replaced with the darkness of nightmares. Ignorant of what was happening around her, Raymond continued to feed from her. Dropping her weakened form to the ground. The Sirens blood was almost as sweet as that of the radiant one.


    In the darkness they had spent time together. Unable to count the passage of hours it seemed like it lasted forever. And in that time he had learned that similar to the radiant one he was able to rip from this Siren a blade of darkness. It cast the room in a deep purple-black light. Horrors danced over the surface of the blade. When it cut through the air there was a faint echo of pain that lingered behind. A dark smile spread across Raymonds blood stained lips. Turning to the heavy door that locked them inside he slashed with the blade. Cutting through the heavy metal as if it were made of paper.


    With his free hand he drug the Siren behind him as he left the cell they were in. The guards of the cells did not stand much of a chance as the blade of nightmares and horror cut through them. Their wounds were more than just physical. If they survived the tainted blade left behind a seed of that nightmare and pain within the victim. Getting her to her feet by pulling on her hair he pointed at the guards that were rushing towards them.


    ¡°Sing, I know you can.¡± Raymond commanded of the Siren.


    The bindings around her body tightened. Those barbs dug into her soft and sensitive skin. The fabric course against her flesh. From the wound on her neck it radiated pain throughout her body. Pulling on her hair to force her back to arch slightly. What was once a beautiful melody was corrupted by pain. Around her feet a circle of darkness formed and the shadows lengthened. In those shadows those ever hungry horrors remained. Releasing her notes those shadows raced towards the oncoming guards. Pulling them downwards their screams filled the corridors. Their pain adding to the power of the song as that darkness spread throughout.


    Raymond laughed as he watched the shadows consume the guards. Tugging the Siren along with him as he fled the prison that he was kept in. Against the Siren few would stand a chance. He held the blade in his free hand. Any that got to close he cut down with brutal ease. Let this be a lesson to all that would try to defy him, he would have his revenge upon those who wronged him.


    Moving towards the garage he would take one of the vehicles. Tossing the Siren into the passenger seat he would drive away. He had a safe house no one else knew about. He would head to that location so he could heal and plot his revenge against this radiant one and everyone else. They had made a mistake when they gave him the Siren. Now he would use that very weapon against them.


    Pulling into the underground garage of the apartment complex. The Siren had passed out from exertion and weakness. Having no choice but to carry her the rest of the way. Moving quickly through the parking area he went to an elevator under the cover of his blood power to remain unseen. Pulling out a key he put it into the special recess and twisted it. The elevator would take him down into his sanctuary. One of his least used and out of the way places. But it was also the most secure.


    Laying the Siren down on the bed he went to clean up. It had been a rough number of days. But now he was free and he would be able to plot his revenge.

 Chapter 6 - Guardian

    Maxwell followed them into their home. Josidia could see him for what he was quite clearly, she did not know if Katherine could see him for what he was. Once they were back to the interior courtyard away from anything or anyone that could spy on them he let his disguise drop. From his back those butterfly wings emerged and his eyes changed in color to those ever shifting patterns. Maxwell would bow more formally to them this time.


    ¡°Thank you for seeing me Guardian¡± Those eyes that constantly changed color focused on Katherine as he initially spoke. His attention then focused on Josidia ¡°I did not realize you had a guest, my apologies Guardian. You were the only one that we could reach in time. And the way station needs your help.¡±


    ¡°It is alright. Tell me what has happened at the way station that you sought me out here?¡± Katherine kept her guard up, certain fae could be rather fickle at times in how they acted. She knew of Maxwell from her dealings with the Fae in the past. He was calm and collected. Knowledgeable in the ways of the Fae and of others that occupied their world with them. Weaving glamours and other magics Maxwell was quite the potent Fae.


    ¡°One of our dark kin has allied themselves with outsiders and they¡¯ve begun to capture members of the local court. The way station is filling with those who are claiming sanctuary as they fear they could be next. We are pretty sure the one who has fallen under the outsiders to the Court. Her title is the Maiden of Tears and Sorrow. Her human name is Tara Jones and she is a local owner of several clubs. Quite popular with the night crowd.¡± He would watch the both of them to gauge their reaction to what he was saying.


    ¡°You want us to find this Tara Jones and stop her or find the people she has taken?¡± Katherine asked of Maxwell.


    ¡°Yes we want you to find those she has taken and free them¡± Reaching into his pocket he produced a small vial ¡°Break this on the ground in front of her and it will disable her. We want her alive so she can face our judgement. Do not kill her if at all possible.¡± Maxwell continued ¡°You are a Guardian and we ask this of you. Of course the Court would owe you a great favor and be in your debt.¡± That was not something the courts offered lightly or easily.


    ¡°I will accept this burden you have asked of me. And in return the payment shall be that favor and debt to me¡± Katherine once more responded in almost a ritualistic way.


    Josidia was in awe of what was happening between Katherine and Maxwell. She couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the Fae that was sitting across from her. ¡°Let me get us some tea while you both talk¡± Quickly composing herself she got up and into the kitchen. This was a surreal moment for her. Her only other interaction with this world was when she was attacked. Now to find the Fae are actually a thing and one was in this house.


    ¡°The Fae Court thanks you and is in your debt¡± Bowing his head and wings curled slightly in acknowledgement. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened to her. She was always darkly ambitious. Willing to do whatever she needed to get ahead in life, but betray us? I didn¡¯t think she would be capable of something like that. Even our darker kin are loyal if not to each other but to keeping the secret of our society safe¡±


    Josidia returned with the tea on a tray. Pouring them all cups she offered the Fae one of them. She felt awkward, not knowing if there was any ritualistic way to offer something to a Fae in your home. He would take it with a smile and a bow of his head. Raising the glass as he took a sip of the tea politely.


    Katherine turned to Josidia once she poured everyone the tea and sat back down. ¡°He is correct. We are Guardians. Walking between all of the worlds to ensure that Humanity stays safe. We also help those whom pose little risk to humanity like these Fae. In time you will come to learn their customs and the nature of their powers. And of all the different groups that exist. We will walk that path together through the long years to come.¡±


    ¡°You have a great teacher. Katherine is a well known Guardian and has helped the Fae many times throughout the years. I have no doubt that you two will be able to resolve this issue and we will get our missing people back and the perpetrator will be brought to justice.¡± His wings fluttered in excitement at the thought of a grand adventure. ¡°Too bad I cannot accompany you. This sounds like a good time!¡±


    ¡°Where we go you may not be able to follow. And the danger to you is too great. Return to the way station and remain with the others until we have finished this task. We will come to you when it is completed.¡± Katherine stood as they finished their tea. ¡°It was nice to see you again Maxwell. Stay out of trouble.¡±


    Maxwell stood as well ¡°Thank you¡­ for everything¡± He would bow once more as she walked him to the door.


    ¡°Be safe¡± Josidia called after him. Waving to him as he got into the vehicle that had brought him to the house. Katherine closed the door once he had pulled away.


    Katherine turned to face Josidia. Leading her back to the living room. Sitting down beside her. ¡°As you can see, our lives will always be filled with such tasks. We are guardians. This life is filled with wonder but also danger. We must always be on our guard. And be wary of the Fae. They can be¡­ difficult to deal with. Even dangerous at times. Be careful around them for they can take offense easily¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Josidia would take it all in and nodded her head ¡°I understand. When do we leave for the city?¡±


    ¡°We will leave in the morning. So rest up and get ready¡± Katherine would smile. Leaning in to kiss her on the forehead ¡°Good night Josi. I will see you in the morning.¡±


    A blush spread over cheeks like a schoolgirl from the kiss ¡°Thank you. I will see you in the morning.¡±


    Inside the house she had never felt more secure. It was warded to defend them against intrusion, detection and scrying. Her large four post bed was so soft and comfortable. Curling up in the blankets she fell into a deep dream filled sleep. With her bed warded as well she had only pleasant dreams.


    In the morning they had got ready and headed off towards the city. The car was sleek and black. Low to the ground and crafted for performance. A custom built vehicle with arcane symbols etched into the metal frame. The drive back into the city was quiet and uneventful. Josidia reached out and touched the mark on Katherine¡¯s hand. It would glow softly at the sympathetic touch.


    ¡°I want to thank you for everything that you¡¯ve done for me so far. I feel much better and safer than I ever have. I feel stronger as well and it is all because of you¡± Josidia smiled once again as she spoke. Deciding that regardless of whether or not it was the bond between them or her genuine feelings it didn¡¯t matter. She considered Katherine a close friend after the days they had spent together at the house.


    ¡°You are most welcome¡± Katherine would take Josidia¡¯s hand and lifted it to her lips. Kissing the back of it gently as she caressed her fingers over soft skin. Deciding that it didn¡¯t matter if it was the bond or not. She was going to let this relationship with Josidia go in whatever direction it wanted.


    They arrived back at Josidia¡¯s apartment where they would be staying while in the city. It was a small apartment, big enough for two people. Queen sized bed and all the modern conveniences one would want from a woman of her age.


    ¡°Do we just get right to it then?¡± Josidia would ask of Katherine. Looking around the room with her enhanced sight to see if there was anything here that she would not expect. Not that she knew what to look for but it made her feel better.


    As one of the first things that Katherine did was to place a charm above the door and at the windows so that they would know if something was trying to enter without permission. Looking around the rooms just as Josidia did to ensure nothing was out of place. Satisfied that nothing was out of place Josidia returned to Katherine¡¯s side.


    ¡°Nothing is out of place. No one has been here since I have been away. Though I do have a lot of messages on my phone about concerned friends and family¡± Josidia mentioned with a soft laugh. It felt right to stand beside Katherine like this. Like they were forged from the same soul. Two halves completing each other in ways that she did not fully understand just yet, but she was learning that she wanted to come to understand them.


    ¡°That is good. I have placed wards around the apartment, we will know if someone tries to enter uninvited. It should give us enough warning so that we can prepare for whatever is trying to breach the wards. Though there are certain.. Laws.. that influence the behavior of those we occupy the world with. The first of which is that we do not bring our world into sight of mortals. For lack of a better word, and one that you would understand as of now. It is the supernatural that seeks to remain in the shadows. First is to never reveal yourselves to those who are not aware of the wider world around them. Second and it branches off the first, never use your arts that could be perceived by the mortal world. If you must, keep it subtle so that the mortal would see it as something that could have happened.¡±


    Josidia would nod her head. Taking in this information that she was being given by the much more knowledgeable Katherine. ¡°I will keep that in mind, so the one that attacked me broke many of your laws then?¡±


    ¡°It is our laws now, and yes he did. If he hasn¡¯t been punished already he will be. That had such a disastrous potential to get completely out of control. And not only that he failed to get what he was after. That alone would be enough to get him punished in the courts that he travels in¡±


    ¡°That was one of the scariest, if not the scariest moment of my life. It is still just a blur to me. And now here I am with you, taking my first steps into this strange new world. Finding out that I have this rare power that few others have. And now we are about to help the Fae in what could only be called a quest to find their missing members and stop an evil witch. It has all the elements of a fairy tale. Though a fairy tale drenched in nightmares and horror.¡±


    ¡°You are not wrong. Where do you think the basis of those tales come from? Those who have glimpsed the truth of our world and put it down to paper in an effort to understand what they witnessed. And over time stories developed around what was seen and done so that there are kernels of truth for those who know where and how to look.¡± Katherine would respond. Keeping her piercing gaze on Josidia as they spoke. If she felt the same way as Josidia did she, Josidia was not able to get a sense of it.


    ¡°As you get stronger physical needs will become less. You won¡¯t need to sleep as much. You won¡¯t need to eat as much. You will be perpetually healthy from nearly all mundane sources. Your healing will speed up. In other words you will become superhuman. When we are together we are even stronger yet. It will just take time to grow stronger. Do not worry I will protect you. I¡¯ve spent long enough in the dark and now that there is light I will not go back. I will not wait for you to be reborn.¡±


    There was something not being said between them, but Josidia did not know what it was. Something that was important. She would make a point of it to understand what it was. It was important to Katherine and now it was becoming important to her. Josidia did not understand this bond as clearly as Katherine did but she was going to find out.


    ¡°Alright, I understand. I think, I hope¡± Josidia let out a small laugh ¡°So where and when do we start?¡±


    ¡°We start tonight by going to one of the clubs owned by Ms. Jones and seeing what we can find out. So we have time before we need to go.¡± Katherine said in response.


    ¡°Alright. Then let us get ready and we can go see what this is all about. I am excited. But scared. More scared than excited actually. But if we are guardians as the fae said then it is our duty to help them¡± Was it the supernatural bond and compulsion as a Sword-Born that made her think that way or was it a genuine response Josidia wasn¡¯t sure.

 Chapter 7 - A Night Out

    The time had passed quickly as they got ready. Katherine wore her form fitting pants. Tight tank top and jack over it to hide her curved blades sewn into the inner lining of her jacket so that she could draw them easily. Black shoes to complete her look were reinforced with hidden blades in the front and back of them. Her bracelets has charms on them that allows her to call upon her other abilities she has picked up in her long lifetime.


    Josidia on the other hand wore an outfit that was much more of a young woman going out. Knee length skirt. V-neck top and laced up boots. Her makeup was done and hair pulled into a tight ponytail. Looking fierce she was pleased with her appearance she emerged from her room to stand before Katherine as if all the eyes were on her and it was just the two of them together in her apartment. It was to Josidia as if she were standing before a group of people nude was how she felt.


    ¡°You look lovely. Not very practical or able to fight in it, but lovely none the less¡± A smile came to Katherine¡¯s lips as she spoke.


    ¡°Stop teasing! I don¡¯t have fighting clothes as you say. I have my outfits and if we are going out to get information then we should look like we are going out¡± Josidia would sigh softly but still manages a smile. ¡°Besides like you said we shouldn¡¯t see combat if others respect the laws that govern what we are to keep everyone safe.¡±


    ¡°Most of us follow those laws, there are those who do not. Seeing humanity as a slave force or food at best. But they are most often held in check by the others, because if not then there would be a war. And there was a war once already, long ago. No one won, everyone lost something in that senseless conflict. Let us hope that those we meet tonight follow the laws and we are not dragged into conflict.¡± Katherine would respond to her bonded partner.


    Leaving her apartment and once again in the car they drove to the club that seemed to have started it all for her not that long ago ago. Bastion.


    ¡°Are you sure it is wise for us to go here? What if someone recognizes me from before?¡± Josidia would ask.


    ¡°We can weave subtle magics that make us look slightly different so that most don¡¯t recognize who we are. We are here to gather information about the missing Fae and anything else that we can discover that they may be trying to be kept hidden.¡± Katherine held up her hands and began to chant softly over Josidia and cast as subtle glamour over her that altered her appearance enough that she would not be immediately remembered. Then she cast the glamour upon herself.


    With their appearances altered so that they could slip into the club without issue they left Josidia¡¯s apartment. The drive to the club was relatively short. To Josidia¡¯s senses everything seemed so much more different. Where she used to adore city life she had found with these new gifts to better appreciate the home that Katherine has on the outskirts of the city away from everything that happens. Providing further protection should they need a place to fall back too if something had happened in the city.


    After they parked the car and started to walk towards the club Josidia began to notice details she had never realized were there. Around the door was an ornate script etched into the wooden frame. The bouncers were large and impressive. Thick hair on their chests and hands. Two tusks emerged from their lower jaw. Their eyes were narrow and faintly glowing. Powerful corded muscles over their bodies. Josidia didn¡¯t know what they were, they could have been fae or something completely different.


    There were others in line that Josidia did not recognize. She was able to see them for what they truly were. Beneath the glamour that they used to hide from the mundane world of humanity. It was fascinating to Josidia to see these things for the first time.


    ¡°It¡¯s all so fascinating. I can see things as they truly are and not the mask that is thrown over the world. It is so vibrant. So beautiful. But also there is an element that makes me afraid¡± Josidia tentatively reached out to find Katherines hand. To her surprise it was held and she was pulled closer as they walked up to the door.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You will soon come to see more and do more than you thought possible. The world of mortals will slowly fade and you will be immersed in the realm of the supernatural and paranormal. And we will face it together, throughout the ages to come. Afterall we serve our role as guardians.¡± Katherine replied to her as they walked close together.


    The bouncer on the right stopped them ¡°IDs¡± His voice was gruff, but Katherine could sense the underlying power to it. He was built to be powerful. His fingers ended in sharpened claws. Heavy jewelry were actually charms of a purpose that Josidia did not yet comprehend the meaning of, but she was sure she would in time.


    Showing the bouncer their IDs, the glamour that Katherine passed over them subtly altered their IDs so that they matched as well. Enough to withstand the cursory inspection by the two bouncers at the door.


    ¡°You both can enter¡± The other bouncer stated to the them. Pushing the door open for them. The small hallway was darkly lit but Josidia found it to be bright enough to see just fine. There were other symbols on the walls here disguised as graffiti and other modern art forms. Leaning in to Katherine she would speak softly.


    ¡°What does all this mean?¡± Josidia had hoped that her voice could not be heard over the din of the music, but knowing that Katherine¡¯s keen senses would be able to hear her clearly.


    ¡°Similar to how our home is warded, so too is this place it seems. I¡¯ve heard of this place in other circles that you too will travel in. Yet I¡¯ve never actually been here myself. Now I can see why they call this place Bastion. Because it is so heavily warded and guarded, we must be careful now. These wards are designed to break apart glamours and other magics unless you have a proper token that allows you beyond these wards without issue.¡± Katherine would respond to her bonded partner.


    Josidia was amazed that she was able to hear Katherine so clearly over the noise of the club. Past the small hallway they entered into the main floor. The bar wrapped around two of the walls. Around the central dance floor were many different tables. The different floors and rooms were for those with other tastes as they offered a wide array of what to choose from in their chosen entertainment for the evening.


    ¡°From what I''ve been able to gather from my sources this is just a cover for Tara¡¯s other activities. She is not breaking any laws, though she is coming close to them. Yet for her attacks on the other Fae lead me to believe something more sinister is happening that threatens the entire world. She offers entertainment to the mortals allowing the Immortal World to feed and act with impunity. Any breach can easily be concealed as illegal drug activity.¡± Katherine further explained to Josidia.


    ¡°My informants tell me that the upper levels are cleared of any wrongdoing except for the feeding habits of the immortals that come here. It is the lower levels that are more heavily guarded and restricted that we need to investigate. And that is why we are here. We need to examine those levels. We need to make ourselves viable targets for those who are scouting the dance floors for further activity for the lower levels. If we can get there tonight all the better.¡± Katherine continued to clue in Josidia.


    ¡°And how do we get noticed? We are here to investigate. Why not just show who and what we are?¡± Josidia asked of Katherine. Turning into her more and looked up into her eyes.


    Reaching up with her free hand Katherine would stroke Josidia¡¯s cheek. Leaning in to kiss her on the lips. Josidia would tense, but then relaxed. The bond between them unseen, but still clearly felt blazed into her consciousness. Josidia¡¯s mark would pulse with that latent power as her body warmed up as if she were being exposed to the noon day sun. The moment of the kiss stretched for an eternity it felt like, but it ended before they could progress further. Leaning in closer to her Katherine would whisper.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°That is how we get noticed.¡± A smile upon those painted lips ¡°You taste sweet.¡±


    Blushing brightly after the kiss broke ¡°Do not tease me!¡± Josidia huffed softly causing Katherine to laugh softly.


    ¡°So fierce, but it should have worked. I allowed a faint pulse of your power to echo through the room. Now eyes will be searching for the source of that supposedly untapped power. Now all we need to do is wait for someone to take the bait. Should the breach prove to catastrophic and her crimes apparent we will ensure that this operation of hers is shut down. My charms are still working. Apparently whoever made the wards is not able to counter the magics of the Sword-Born and wielder, which is beneficial to us¡± They moved to a table to stand while they ordered their drinks.


    Josidia kept her eyes on a swivel. So much to see now that was unknown and unexpected. Everything was new and fascinating. ¡°I have so many questions about so many things¡± She said to her partner.


    ¡°I know, and you will learn in time everything that you need to operate in the world that we truly live in.¡±


    - - - -


    She felt the ripple of power from a different room of Bastion. Surrounded by those who adored her she was bored. Little excited her after such a long existence of getting what she wanted and who she wanted. She wasn¡¯t an evil person, but she was selfish. Coming to Bastion to get what she wanted out of Tara and the others before moving on. She had access to nearly every level of the Club and nothing was to be denied to her, and when she felt that pulse of power. The unique scent filling the air she knew what she wanted.


    Standing up suddenly causing the others to scatter around her. Looking at them, how pathetic they were to her eyes. Clinging to power in the hope of gaining some themselves. Or for her to take them under her wing and gift them with her heritage. She was alive too long to ever do such a thing, those mistakes were for the young to make. This new piece entered the board. She must have it before the others.


    Fixing her form fitting one piece outfit. The top clung to her breasts in a low v-neck that also left her arms bare. A diamond cutout in the midriff showed off her toned stomach and the skirt with slits in the sides to show off her legs went nearly to the floor. Long hair pulled up into intricate braided bun. Her brilliant emerald eyes started the search for the power that she had felt. It was intimately feminine. There was a warmth of energy to it like she had stood beneath the sun on a warm spring day. She had never felt such a power before.


    Moving with a sensual grace through the clubs different rooms and floors intent to find this prize before anyone else did. Many of the weaker immortals and others would steer clear of the prize knowing that much bigger fish than they would be searching for it. Others might make an opportunity to gain favor from finding the target first and handing it over to one of them. She had advantages of others with her keen senses.


    Lesser immortals were so pathetic to her eyes, they leeched off the greatness of others. She would find this woman first before the others did.


    - - - -


    Josidia and Katherine noticed the woman at the same time, for she was impossible to miss with their true sight. While the woman was tall she was powerfully built. Massive wings folded against her back and a long tail swayed behind her. Horns upon her head. Scales on her chest, forearms and legs seemed to shift in color as she walked. She was power incarnate. Fingers ending in razor sharp claws. She was majestic to look upon. Regal as a queen.


    ¡°A dragon¡± Katherine inhaled sharply ¡°Their senses are incredibly acute and able to pierce through most known glamours. Her gaze will rip our disguises to shreds. We should go before she spots you. If she knew anything about your mark she will pursue you until you are hers or she has slain you so that no one else can possess you.¡±


    ¡°A dragon! Those exist?!¡± Josidia was stunned really as Katherine took her by the hand. Leading her towards the exit


    ¡°You are not ready to handle a dragon at the peak of its power. Her scales have not settled on a color or any set pattern. My scouts did not report any power of a dragon in the area. And they have a tendency to change the area around them due to their powerful auras and influence. This has become a more dangerous situation than I want you in¡± Katherine said hurriedly ¡°I cannot use any more glamours or she will sense the use of magic and be drawn to us even more¡±


    Katherine was always so calm and collected. To see her like this stressed Josidia out immensely. Just how dangerous was this dragon? Going outside the club and back to the car.


    ¡°We need to get back to the apartment as soon as possible. Not even a dragon can so willingly break the laws that govern the immortal world so once we are there I will begin to make an effort to deal with the dragon without jeopardizing you¡± Katherine seemed rather final about this. Imperius in giving Josidia orders, expected to be obeyed.


    ¡°No. I am not just some doll that you can keep safe on a shelf. This is my world now too. And while I don¡¯t know as much as you we are stronger together than apart. If a dragon is power then let us show them power. We can do this. I can do this!¡± Josidia wanted to show that she wasn¡¯t weak. That she was an equal partner in their relationship. That she would be able to rise to the occasion should they need it.


    Katherine looked over to her and smiles ¡°If you are certain. Then let us begin¡± Once she was seated in the car she removed her bracelet and held up the charms. Placing it against her lips she whispered the words of power that activated the charm. Keeping her attention on the spell as it worked.


    ¡°To keep the laws intact we will bring her into a pocket realm so that if it is reduced to combat there will be no witnesses in the city. And if we need to pull us out I can trap her in that realm for a time until she can break free, but I would rather not make an enemy of a dragon. So here is to hoping that diplomacy will work¡±


    Letting their glamours fail as the car pulled away Katherine was focused on getting back to the apartment if at all possible. Going through a roundabout route back to the apartment.


    ¡°Concentrate on your mark. Expand your senses. You saw her at the club. Reach out and see if you can sense her following us.¡± Katherine said to her partner.


    ¡°No pressure right?¡± Josidia opened her top slightly to reveal the mark on her chest. Placing one hand on it as she closed her eyes. Slowing her breath the mark began to pulse in time with her heartbeat. Pushing out her senses she caught quick glimpses of conversations as they drove by other cars. And further out she heard people talking on the streets. Her calm breath allowed her to push out those surface thoughts and conversations. Looking for one specific thing.


    At first she didn¡¯t know if she could find it. Keeping calm with her senses so expanded was exhausting work. Forcing out the conversations and surface thoughts so she didn¡¯t get bogged down was a crash course in this task. There it was above them. Matching their speed.


    ¡°Above us! She is flying above us.¡± Josidia spoke out loud finally.


    ¡°Alright. I have a plan¡± She pulled into a large empty parking lot. Bringing the car to a stop near the center of the parking lot. A shadow above them was rather large as it got closer it was getting smaller until that woman landed in front of them. Devoid of her glamour she the power rippling off of her semi-human form.


    ¡°Why hello there my dears. So kind of you to finally stop¡± Her voice was majestic and powerful. Used to being obeyed. That long tail coiled about her feet, but without getting in the way. Wings folded over her body like a cloak.


    Both Katherine and Josidia got out of the car together. Moving to the front of the vehicle to stand before the dragon. Following Katherines lead she too would bow to the dragon. Surprisingly to Josidia the dragon would bow as well. Those bright green eyes immediately turned to the visible mark on Josidia¡¯s chest. Then to the hand of Katherine.


    ¡°That is what I had sensed. It is rare to see a Sword-Born and their Wielder out skulking around behind glamours.¡±


    ¡°We apologize for the deception, but we are on a task that requires a delicate touch¡± Katherine responded to the dragon. Katherine and Josidia moved instinctively together until their hands were clasped together.


    ¡°Ah yes, the missing Fae. To be honest I don¡¯t care about such things. I was there to collect things that interest me for a time. If I should add them to my hoard or if I should just discard them once I am bored with them.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to hinder our investigation of the fae and the owner of the clubs?¡± Katherine continued to question the dragon though her voice remained respectful.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see any reason too. So long as you do not interfere in my business dealings at the club¡± Looking between them ¡°I see the bond between you is new but the love is growing. I¡¯ve not seen a young Sword-Born in quite some time. A treasure you have there¡± Laughs softly ¡°But my curiosity is sated for now. I have decided to assist you in your endeavor. Ms. Jones is a threat to my dealings and I cannot allow that to happen¡± The dragon was a mercurial thing. Keeping her as an ally was probably going to be hard work for both Katherine and Josidia.