Chapter 4:

Prototype Dollgirl

The Metal Goddess Awakens?

Journal Entry 213 - The Dollgirl Project

This is my last chance. My precious daughter, Aisling, did not deserve this. So, I shall make this right by her! The disease has spread throughout her body, for it is fatal in any Elf that contracts it.

Only one in two hundred thousand get this rare curse...

Is it genetic, or something else?

No Elf knows, and this could not have come at a worser time for the Elvish Empire. The demons and Warmongers have returned from their long slumber and the Elvish King is terrified that Naku Eden will be next on Hell’s next planet to destroy. The King has ordered all our vast resources to be used to defeat the demons’ return.

King, what a jest, he is barely more than a steward to the Gods, a puppet, for the Gods truly rule Naku and have upon thousands of years. Ever since the God of Gods, Ragnor, first arrived on the planet to take magical metals and a princess. The so-called King has demanded that I, Vizer, spend all my energies and the empire’s resources to make the greatest weapons for the Gods.

I have spent all my days and nights trying to solve the dilemma of my daughter’s life. For I will not allow Aisling to pass into oblivion. Gemmantium, is the only possible resource with magical properties I can use to try and save my daughter’s life, or at the very least create a device or a means to transfer her mind into something else.

This precious metal was the only thing that could be used to house the mind of Aisling. In the ancient texts, Vizer uncovered the means of mind transference. It was a costly and dangerous procedure, had only been attempted three times in ancient history, although it failed in all but one of those three times.

When a small boy, who happened to have been infected by the same fatal curse as Aisling, had his mind transferred into a Gemmantium Golem. Vizer hypnotized that the magical metal is the only metal that can house an Elf mind. Of course, Gemmantium ore once fully processed is only malleable for seven minutes, after the 7 minutes has passed the metal cannot be reforged and it will remain that shape or sharpness for eternity.

The fact Vizer is using hundreds of pounds of the rare metal on his daughter is a violation of his promise to the King and GX Court.

***

On the day that Vizer was to attempt to transfer his daughter’s consciousness into a Gemmantium body, the King sent his top General along with several troops to collect the weapons for the Gods to be used on the demons. Larz Vizer had used all the Gemmantium issued to him by the King and GX Court for the new Dollgirl body.

“Vizer! My old friend, this is General Kord. We have come to collect the weapons you have completed,” said the most powerful military Elf on the planet.

The General received no answer from Vizer as he was in the sublevels of his shop, beginning Aisling’s reanimation by transferring her consciousness to Dollgirl. General Kord and his troops entered the ground level of the shop. Looking around to see if Vizer or the weapons were available, lurking around the soldiers discovered the hidden stairwell behind a secret wall.

They make their way down the staircase, going to the sublevel of the compound. Vizer prepared everything for readiness, he has done the calculations hundreds of times over, and even double and triple checked all the machines for the procedure. He did not, however, check the vault lock, literally leaving the front door unlocked.

General Kord and his troops were outside the vault door, giving orders to enter the vault.

They were hoping to find something of value or worth to take back to the King and GX Court.

“What is the meaning of this Vizer!? What the hell are you doing here! This experiment is NOT authorized by the King or the Court! Where’s the weapons Vizer!? That is why you were given the Gemmantium to create weapons and NOT to conduct personal experiments!”, the elder General angrily exclaimed.

“This…this is going to save my daughter’s life! It is much easier to make weapons that kill millions than it is to save one life,” Vizer stated passionately.

“This experiment is OVER! Gather up all the Gemmantium and destroy everything we are not taking,” said General Kord.

“No! Noooo! You cannot do this, Kord, you will kill my daughter! YOU will kill her again!”, said Larz Vizer, who while talking to Kord had already started the transference without his knowledge!

“Wha...? Why are the machines shaking? The power and compound’s moving!”, the General said with concern.

“I have started the machines! My daughter will live again, Aisling will have a body again, a life again… and she is out of your reach…”

Vizer then seals the vault, trapping Kord and his soldiers inside with the illegal experiment that will be their demise and bring Dollgirl to life. The only thing that was needed to awaken Aisling’s new Dollgirl form was electricity straight into the new body. Everything goes dark, until now…

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Both Tott-Za and Xander were all struck at the sight of the mechanical being flying over their heads. This Dollgirl was breathtakingly beautiful, shining like the Sun Goddess, thought Xander. He had known the Sun Goddess in his youth, as the Prince of the Universe had exquisite taste in goddesses.

This flying metal goddess was awe-inspiring to behold, as she flew around the large compound.

“Xander, Xander, what do we do?!,” exclaimed Tott, “She is made of Gemmantium, that is why she is so shiny! By the God of Gods, what is she, what could Vizer have been thinking?!”

Studying the situation closely, Xander had no answers. He had known that Vizer’s daughter had been very ill. But Vizer never mentioned any of this to Xander.

He seemed to be throwing himself into his work. Obviously, he was creating something, only Lord Talidor knows what Vizer was really up to. She is quite fast, probably even much more so than being displayed.

These are close quarters, Xander thought, if this was out in the open, she could outmaneuver both Tott-Za and I easily…

It could give the StarGazer a competitive race. Extremely impressive, as both her hands and feet have boosters, and has been designed for close quarters flight and how to do so. Xander wonders if there is a navigational system to prevent her from hitting walls.

“Tott, we must get it to land, examine and question it if possible. But I am not certain how you will get it down without damaging it,” Xander pondered.

“Damage it!?,” Tott-Za shouted, “She is made of Gemmantium, I am not sure the God of War can stop that thing, much less damage! She could kill you if there’s enough offense weapons on her!”

[ A L L

S Y S T E M S

E N G A G E D ]

As the female form robot flew overhead it began to decrease speed and start to come closer and closer to Xander and Tott-Za. The metal figure abruptly landed between Tott and Xander; Tott gasped in awe at the elegant female form before him. Xander was pondering on attacking it before it could go for him or Tott.

“THIS FORM’S DESIGNATION IS FORMERLY AISLING VIZERDAUGHTER; The daughter of Larz Vizer, the Chief Metallurgist and Alchemist of the planet Naku Eden…”

“…what are your designations?”

“Our designations?”, Xander asked confusingly.

“She means our names,” Tott-Za explained.

“I am Xander,” formally introducing himself, “Xander Talidorson, the Prince of Ragnarök – General God of War and son of the Almighty Wise White Owl; Lord Talidor. This is Tott-Za, the Prince of Phantomlor – Captain of the Phantomlor Army and stepson of the Empress; Goddess Warr-Za.”

“We are here seeking any survivors of the planet’s decimation at the hands of the Warmongers and demon hordes. Also, we are searching for any Gemmantium ore or weapons we can use against these monsters,” Xander looking the female creature over, “From the looks of things you must be made out of all the metal that was mined on the planet.”

The female form, looking puzzled for a moment then answering, “This body was constructed using all the available Gemmantium on the planet at the time. Vizer had been ordered to construct weapons, he instead transferred all memories and attempted to transfer all of Aisling’s emotions into this form, partly successful.”

Tott-Za looking the being over, “What did you mean partly successful?”

The Aisling form robot looked over to him.

She must have been a beautiful Elf in a flesh and blood body.

Quickly answering his question, “Due to General Kord’s interference, the transfer of emotion was partly successful, for I have all of Aisling’s memories, and access to her emotions, although I cannot feel the emotions. I do not have the context to decipher the emotions overall meaning and purpose.”

Xander follows up, “So what can you tell us about the attack, and if there is anything left on this planet that might be useful.”

The God of War wanted to shut down this unit and make her into a body armor of some sort. He had to return to his father with a successful mission. Xander had lost his ship, Nia-Tuk, and Crew, and needed to justify those losses with any form of success anyway possible.

He pulls Tott-Za aside, “Do you think we can shut her off and possibly break down her body parts for weapons?”

Tott-Za was horrified at these retorts, “Xander, she is made from Gemmantium! She is indestructible! I do not know how you would begin taking her apart, not that she would let you! Even if you could shut her down, you can’t damage her outer body. There is no way to break down her shell, it can’t be done once the metal has settled.”

Grasping at straws, Xander’s desperate trying to get something out of this tragedy.

But a warrior also must know, you don’t throw more resources after bad.

Tott-Za asking the Aisling double, “What do you have access to?”, Tott-Za paused, “Can you tell us if there is anything left on this planet that might have a weapon or device that we can use against the demons?”

The Aisling form proceeded with this request and answered, “There are no weapons left on the planet that would be of use against demons. However, there is a legend from ancient lore and texts that may be of assistance.”

Xander’s emerald eyes got much larger as he asked, “What is it, what is this device you speak of?”

“It is a device constructed at the request of the God of Gods — Ragnor when he first appeared on Naku tens of thousands of years ago. The device was allegedly a means to close and trap citizens of Hell in a pit forever more. It was said to have been created by the first Elvish King, who created the legendary GodSlayer sword.

Only powerful Gods can use this device.

Tott-Za and Xander looked at each other, there was hope of coming away with a weapon that could turn the tide in this war.

“Where is this device?”, Tott asks, “Where is it located in proximity from the Capital?”

Aisling responds, “It is said to be in the temple tomb of the first King, the temple is noted to be very dangerous. No one who has ever entered has returned, that is why it has never been retrieved. It would be 150 miles from the Capital in the first known Elvish settlement, now known as the Valley of the Ancients.”

Xander had heard stories of the Valley of the Ancients, it was a sacred place to the Elvish people, their culture had originated there, his grandfather arrived in that very settlement for the first time; a place he wished to visit if he had time.

But he was always on a mission and never got to sight see on Naku or any planet for that matter.

“Tott gathers any and everything we can find to help us with the expedition. See if any of the vehicles are operational, look for any type of drink and nourishment,” Xander looking at the android, “So what do we call you, Metal Goddess?”

“I am Aisling and would like to be referred to as such.

“You are Dollgirl! I am going to call you Dollgirl.

Aisling turned her head curiously looking at Tott with a hint of a smile, “I shall respond to the designation Dollgirl.”

***

Goddess Warr-Za stepped into the magnificent throne room of Lord Talidor, former throne room to the God of Gods, and the seat to the power of the universe itself. She walked like the Queen Goddess she is, each step with purpose and design, and has been practicing walking as a true ruler. Warr-Za is an exotic beauty; her lovely curves jiggling and breasts gainaxing as she swayed past the royal guards.

The guards could not help but watch her every movement. Whenever Warr-Za entered a room, all eyes went to her. She has a natural charisma and charm to go with her beauty and is a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold.

She approaches Lord Talidor, with a wicked grin and voluptuous frame, she had designs for her husband.

“My love, I would ask that you would join me on the hunt I will partake in, on a planet in my realm. It is my holiday event to celebrate the anniversary of me bringing peace and just rule to Phantomlor. It is a joyous occasion, and it will allow us to bond over vanquished enemies and to spend time in my dimension as husband and wife. I want to show off my trophy husband to the barons and nobles. You have not seen the nobles since our wedding day. We can spend the time feasting and commune with the lords, and make love as the twin moons are overhead, and shed blood during the day of the greatest game Phantomlor has to offer,” Warr-Za adds, “This is very important to me my love.”

“I know how much this means to you,” Lord Talidor taking Warr-Za’s hand and looking into the eyes of his bride, “This little festival is important to you and your rule my love. But I am sorry to say that I will not be attending. Too much is happening right now; we are in a middle of a war for our very existence, both of our boys are marooned on a hell spawn world fighting for their very survival, and I must prioritize what is most important to my kingdom and to maintain stability for the universe. Ragnarök above all else needs me here to maintain consistency and to have a ruler available, prepared for anything.”

Warr-Za now seething inside, did not show her disappointment and disdain for being slighted. She’s the Goddess and she was being spurred by her husband—her husband! He was disappointing her and supporting her and her reign!

“Of course, my love, I understand your need to remain here; you are the light of this kingdom. But I was hoping you could at least attend the opening ceremony. It would mean a great deal to me to have you by my side, hunting, fighting, killing, feeling the blood of your enemy on your weapon and hands,” said Warr-Za who had to close her legs and stop arousal she was feeling from the thought of killing and hunting

“Alas,” Lord Talidor raising his hand to cut her off, “I am not as enthralled at hunting and killing my Goddess. It is bad enough that I must delegate Destroyers and Void Divinians across the universe to maintain natural order. Just the thought of it makes me ill. Once again, my goddess, I am sorry, but it is not my way and I do not wish to participate. But I do wish you good fortune on your hunt and know that I will be waiting here for you, my love!”

The Queen Goddess not taking this moment to fight a losing battle against the King God, for Lord Talidor has made his stand. Warr-Za knew better than to question or attempt to sway him when he is like this.

“Then I shall count the days until I return my love,” Warr-Za tells Lord Talidor.

Goddess Warr-Za preparing to depart for Phantomlor, she was till fuming over Lord Talidor refusing to accompany her on the annual holiday, to celebrate her accession to the throne. His refusal to accompany was not only an insult, but it was also an issue politically as well. The barons and nobles of Phantomlor have not seen Lord Talidor at her side in an official capacity since they were married.

Phantomlor is not like Ragnarök. In Lord Talidor’s realm of Ragnarök it is the rule of law, justice, and laws of succession that are of importance. In Phantomlor, if you want something you kill the person who holds it and take it from them. If their family stands in the way, kill the family, kill the planet, kill everyone, that is the Phantomlor way.

This is becoming an issue in Phantomlor as my lack of presence is not going unnoticed by ambitious lords and nobles who could organize planets or small systems against me.

After all, it wouldn’t be the first time. Here in Ragnarök her adopted son Prince Tott-Za might appear to be the weakest link in the new royal family.

Whereas in Phantomlor, although the prince does not have combat training or experience, he is more infamously remembered as the Executor, for executing 2 members of the Empire; one of the royal bloodline, Warr-Za’s brother, Prince Valtor and her Succubus protégée Lyra for treason, in front of thousands and thousands of witnesses, burned them both alive using his pyrokinesis, as a message to anyone that dares conspire against the Phantomlor Empire!

It was only a matter of time until one of these “lesser worlds” attempts to overthrow Warr-Za as the Empress did the previous regime. Lord Talidor would give the warlords pause and not attempt to coup, for they feared the power of Ragnarök. One of the reasons Warr-Za even married the Wise White Owl was for this political convince.

The marriage was not just meant for love and war, but also to solidify her power base within Phantomlor.

No other warlord would dare try for her throne with Lord Talidor by her side. But Warr-Za thought for a moment, she did not become the Queen Goddess of Phantomlor simply by machinations and marriages of a political advantage, but by being the greatest and most feared warrior in Phantomlor.

Warr-Za thought it was time to remind the citizens of Phantomlor who she really is, and to remind herself as well.

The annual holiday “Ascension Day” is a special day for their culture, or as Warr-Za refers to it as the “Goddess Day.” Ascension Day was a long tradition in the realm, every ruler since the great beginning had a day dedicated to them. Some rulers in Phantomlor barely acknowledged their “Ascension Day”, it was less important to them as the ruling. Warr-Za on the other hand let no cost or obstacle get in the way of her celebrating herself.

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Her gold ship landed as the red sun rose on the desert planet. The millions of people that turned out to witness the Queen Goddess’ landing were of course only motivated to show up by the barons of the planet. The ship was covered in gold and shined and reflected in the red sun and was a marvel to behold for the citizens of a backwater planet, the barbarians on the planet will never see a sight such as this again in their miserable lives.

The ship slowly descends on the platform, which was being broadcast live around the planet and across Phantomlor. The crowd roared as the ship landed in the predetermined place, a large open spot in a gladiatorial arena. A golden carpet was laid out for the goddess.

An amazing entrance even by godly standards, it was a mixture of old tradition and total narcissism.

Virtually everything that was presented to Warr-Za was made of gold; the ship, the rug, the cups, the plates, everything was designed for Warr-Za and by Warr-Za.

The large outdoor arena had been refitted for the comforts and tastes of the Queen Goddess.

An arcane arena was refitted with gold, marble, and silver better to represent her taste. Warr-Za walked up the long golden rug as everyone kneeled to her. The Queen Goddess believed this is what she deserved, as Empress, Phantomlor is her dimension and her world.

Roaring from the crowd in anticipation, the capital of this baren wasteland of a planet was the largest oasis on the planet. This made sense, as the whole planet was simply a desert with oasis’ spread across the surface. It was a harsh world, the embodiment of Phantomlor’s ideals of survival of the strongest, to Warr-Za this is true paradise.

The gladiator arena is an ancient and marvelous sight to behold; constructed out of marble, silver, gold, and bronze, the favorites of Warr-Za. The arena has been renovated to meet the Goddess’ every specific need, including her own personal box, gold carpet available to walk on in any corridor of the arena, personal bathing room, and any other creature comforting her black heart desires. As Warr-Za enters the arena, tens of thousands cheer in unison at the sight of the Empress.

Queen Goddess Warr-Za gracefully pranced to the center of the combat circle and addressed the crowd, “Today is a very special day for all of you! You are here to celebrate my greatness, my achievements, and my ascension to the throne of Phantomlor! My husband Lord Talidor sent his regrets by not being in attendance! The King God is in Ragnarök conducting the war against the Warmongers and demons!”

The crowd started shouting.

“We want Lord Talidor!”

“Talidor was promised here!”

“Are you even married to him!?”

“BWAHA!!! Talidor stood you up Goddess!!!”

“Lord Talidor is protecting our flank, this has enabled me to have this grand holiday for all of you and to allow you a day outside your pathetic lives!”, shouted Warr-Za, “Now, this day is a grand gesture to all of you to show how much I love you as a ruler and shall protect you from the demons!”

The crowd mummers, wondering where Lord Talidor is; as he was promised for this day, and his lack of attendance has harmed Warr-Za’s political standing with her dimension. Lord Talidor’s presence would have solidified her position in Ragnarök to Warr-Za’s people and her Lords, Warlords, and barons. Now she will have to remind everyone at the arena, in this capital, on this planet, and in Phantomlor why this IS her day, her ascension, and her realm.

As Warr-Za finished her speech to her subjects, and she gave the signal to her servants to release the Mommathers!

Mommathers are large elephant-like creatures, but much larger and more aggressive. They are meat eaters and eat plants but prefer meat.

The 8 Mommathers have not been fed for over a week. They are famished, and Warr-Za is the first food they have seen in days. The largest male, charges at the Goddess, she stands her ground smiling at the threat approaching.

Warr-Za catches the unstoppable juggernaut and forces it back! She grabs its front tusks and pulls the animal’s head from his body! The rest of the herd backs away; trying to analyze the situation in a fight or animal instinct.

2 of the largest males attempted to spear Warr-Za through with their great tusks. She held both with one arm each, smiling as she did this, then thinking of Xander.

Yes, Xander, the annoying stepson I wish would just die. A spoiled, bratty child, who doesn’t know my full power and he should be kneeling to me as animals should. That insubordinate can burn in Hell.

Rest of the pack attempts to acknowledge her as their pack leader and submitted to Warr-Za. This does nothing to spare them the wrath of the Goddess. The animals are slaughtered, as the Queen Goddess is still fixated on her hatred of Xander.

He is always getting in my way, confronting me, attempting to foil my plans and machinations...

She married Lord Talidor as a means for more power, and Warr-Za will not let Xander stand in her way!

The Mommothers are killed, barehanded the most ferocious beasts in Phantomlor slain by the Goddess, the crowd screams in delight!

This is the Warr-Za all Phantomlor knows and fears; the most powerful being in the dimension.

Covered in the entrails of the Mommothers, Goddess Warr-Za screams in delight, the crowd roars in approval!

“I need more competition than this!”, Warr-Za screamed, “I want real fighters, send me the greatest gladiators in all Phantomlor! I want skilled warriors who might present a challenge to me! This is MY day, give me an actual challenge!”

Her servants humbly and frightfully acknowledge her request and open the passages of 100 of the greatest gladiators in Phantomlor to present themselves to the Goddess. Warr-Za stands her ground and puts her right arm behind her back and pulls out the ebony scythe from whatever pocket dimension it resides. One of the most feared weapons in the universe!

The black and red glowing Death Scythe could kill demon and God alike. Made of a crimson red metal known as Malantium, giving the deadly blade a glowing red aura. Rumored to be created by ancient witches, warlocks, or even one of the 7 Princes of Hell.

It was the opposite of the white and blue Life Scythe that Lord Talidor wielded. The sapphire blue blade is equally rich in Gemmantium as Warr-Za’s Malantium crafted Death Scythe.

If it is true opposites attract, then Warr-Za had found the perfect husband in Lord Talidor.

The 100 gladiators all appeared before the Queen Goddess; savage barbarians, they had all been bred to die in the arena pits, to have the opportunity to not only die in the greatest arena, but to die by Warr-Za herself was a great honor. Weapons from the gladiators varied from swords, axes, to chains, spears, and any other dangerous weapon one could dream of.

But Warr-Za did not care about the gladiators, all she could think about was Lord Talidor refusing to attend this ceremony. That HE COULD DARE stand up the Goddess, to embarrass her in front of her subjects; to lessen her grip politically on this dimension!

As Warr-Za attacked, she referred to the savages as Talidor, “Why, Talidor? Why did you forsake me? You have embarrassed me, shamed me in front of my people!”

15 of the savages attempted to gain the upper hand attacking the Goddess from her weak side, hoping to surprise and confuse her with a simple battle tactic. It was a total failure; Warr-Za spun around and caught all 15-off guard with the crimson scythe. The red blade sliced all the savages in half with ease.

As the men’s bodies are separated from their waists, all the Queen Goddess could shout is, “TALIDORRR!!! I am a Goddess, THE GODDESS, and I will not be disrespected, I will not be treated as a second class! I am the rightful ruler of the universe! I will control the ‘Wise White Owl’, I will be ruler! ME!!!”

25 of the barbicans attempted an attack from the front, this attack was routed in a very violent fashion.

Warr-Za dismembered the attacking savages, their guts and intestines onto the desert ground of the arena. The blood soaked into the sand, overflowing the arena, as Warr-Za screamed, “Talidor! This is what I should be doing to you! Why did you not stand by your Queen? I am your Goddess you are to please me!!!”

40 of the savages attempted to surround her and overwhelm her with sheer numbers and brute strength, alas, they did not witness what occurred to the Mommothers. The 40 foolish souls had their lives taken within seconds; Warr-Za did not even register their presence. Instead, she called for Talidor, referring to the savages as Talidor!

“Talidor, you worthless piece of shit! I am the Queen of everything! No one dares trifle with me! I am the end all be all!”

The 40 savages lost all their legs and arms after the Goddess was finished with them. The last twenty of the Goddess’ challengers attempted to run, beg for mercy, and some even taking their own lives in the horror. They would rather end their own lives their way, than allow them to be ended by the crazed Ruler of Phantomlor!

“Talidor! Where are you!? How could you possibly do this to me!!!”

At the end of her rant, all 100 gladiators lay broken, heads removed, bodies mangled, a sickening sight to behold. The crowd murmured, and lightly applauded the Goddess. People in the arena did not know the response Warr-Za would want.

The servants come and admire the Queen Goddess’ display of violence!

“All of the challengers are defeated! Our powerful Empress Warr-Za has made Ascension Day hers once again!”

Warr-Za not satisfied, “I want more! Are there any other challengers!? I want more, I want some other people to attack me!”

Her servants attempting to calm Warr-Za and save any of the holiday festival. It was tradition that she grants pardons on the last 5-8 of the gladiators, granting their freedom. This type of performance and behavior will not help her politically, nor will it aid the other petty warlords who are grasping to remain in power.

This would be exactly the pretext the people, the subjects of Warr-Za would need to overthrow her warlords and possibly revolt against her very rule.

“It is over, my Goddess, we have fulfilled your wishes on this day. It would be wise to enjoy the rest of the day’s festivities.”

Shocked that someone would dare question her, Warr-Za shouts, “You dare, YOU DARE, on this date; YOU DARE!!!”

Attempting to back away, the servants plead, “We humbly beg for your forgiveness for speaking out of turn, we meant no disrespect!”

“Alas,” the Queen Goddess Warr-Za sighs and once again pulled her glowing red Death Scythe and removed the heads of her servants, “Xander and Talidor speak to me that way! I will not allow you to do the same! I will not allow either of them to do so again!!!”

Her servants’ heads roll to her feet, and Warr-Za still wants more bloodshed and more violence!

She was nowhere finished with the massacre, leaping into the crowd with tens of thousands of spectators, of her people in terror as the Goddess began to slaughter them wholesale!

“Talidor! Xander! How dare you both disrespect me!? How dare you treat me this way! I am not of the God of Gods bloodline; I paved my own way!!!”

Every slash, every cut with her scythe resulted in more and more bodies piling up. Thousands attempted to flee through the exits, of course this was where Warr-Za would go to add to her already staggering body count! Many of her own subjects stampede each other attempting to flee.

This only added to the confusion and death toll. Warr-Za continued her path of rage and death; removing limbs, heads, and anything attached to a body.

Warr-Za still focused on Talidor and Xander, screaming their names, screaming for them to show up and face her!

“Where are you Talidor!? Hiding behind yourself with your stupid fucking owl mask, your throne, your make-believe kingdom!!! And Xander is even worse! He hides behind you Talidor! He hides behind titles he did not earn! God of War, it was given to him! He didn’t earn it! He didn’t deserve that title or any title!!!”

She kept venting and killing, slaughtering, taking the lives of everyone in that arena; the arena held over 100,000 souls, people of Phantomlor, the subjects of the Goddess.

Warr-Za’s slaughter only lasted for 5 minutes, every person in the ancient arena lies dead.

The Goddess was only getting started in celebrating her holiday!

“Please, please, please Goddess, I did not do anything! I was not even at the arena today!”, the teenage boy, who looks very much like Tott-Za.

“Now, now, Tott, we both know that is not true, we both know that you were there, and you are such an untrustworthy little wimp!”, Warr-Za screamed back at the boy, “Tott-Za! We both know what you are and what a mess you make of things, how you are nothing but a worthless failure! Where would you be without me Tott-Za, where would you be!?!!!”

Now panicking the boy screams, “I am not Prince Tott-Za, Goddess I do not know, I don’t know what you want! Please…. PLEASE!!!”

“DON’T YOU DARE!”, the Goddess screamed, “I allowed you to live, allowed you a place by my side, made you the Executioner, and you are a total failure! I grant you the GodSlayer sword hoping that would make a man out of you, and you get worse!”

Warr-Za has now unsheathed her Malantium scythe, as she begins to slowly torture the boy with the blade of death, “Does it hurt Tott!? This crimson blade will burn down your very soul! It was designed to cause the most pain anyone alive can ever feel! You will beg me to kill you Tott!”

The young boy screaming in so much pain, “Goddess it is hurting immensely! I don’t know anything so please just kill me!”

Grinning, Warr-Za uses her Death Scythe to remove the boy’s tongue! She cackles, laughing at the pain she is inflicting upon him.

“Please, by Lord Talidor, let it end! Allow me to die! Just kill me, Goddess!”, the boy cries.

“Now, Tott, this will be over when I decide it’s over, when I decide you have suffered enough!’, Warr-Za said almost giddy with delight.

His torment lasts through the night, and then he along with his planet, are silent forever.

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As Xander, Tott-Za, and Aisling find a transporter that Xander was able to hobble together to get operational along with Aisling. The transporter could hover above ground which would be beneficial, since it was dangerous to walk on a hell spawn planet. Although, Xander did not know how long a transporter would last in a world that had literally been terraformed into Hell.

But it would get them some distance and save on time of having to walk all of it. Xander obviously doesn’t get tired; Aisling does not appear to either, as she is solar powered combined with the fabulous blue metal Gemmantium she is made of prevents her from getting tired. Tott-Za on the other hand must rest every few hours, and neither Xander nor Tott knows the short term and long-term effects of this environment on his lungs and body.

The red and orange transporter was not a speedster as Xander noted. It was better than walking and much safer.

Xander and Tott-Za had encountered a kill crew when their ship crashed. A kill crew would allow Xander to see Aisling in action against very capable opponents. It remains to be seen.

“Xander how much longer for us to arrive to the Valley of the Ancients, it will be dark soon. I am not certain how safe it will be at nightfall,” said Tott, afraid of this planet at night.

“It will be several hours before we arrive at the temple,” Xander says sternly while driving the transporter, “We will be going there without stopping, Tott. We are too exposed and out in the open to stop, and we need to try to get there as soon as possible.”

Tott-Za sighs as he looks over at the female form of Aisling.

He is a teenage boy, wondering if she feels, not just emotion but physical pleasure and pain.

Turning her head as she notices Tott staring at her, “Tott-Za, why have you been staring at this form for long periods of time, is there an issue with me that you find displeasing or disturbing?

She tilts her head as she asks Tott-Za and looks very beautiful in his eyes.

“No, no, there is nothing wrong at all, with your ‘form’ that is, quite nice on the eyes for me, in fact.”

“In what way is my form quite nice, Tott-Za?”, Aisling asks very curiously.

“Well, ah, Aisling,” Tott-Za’s face now as red as his hair, very flustered and embarrassed, “I mean your form, uhm, from a male perspective, your form is quite nice! Is it fully functional?”

Tott-Za looks down and knows this was not the time to broach this subject.

“Define fully functional Tott-Za, do you mean physical pleasure and intimacy?”, Aisling asked completely devoid of emotions or embarrassment.

“Uhm, yes, Aisling, are you fully functional for intimacy, I mean do you have orifices?”, Tott asked meekly.

“This form is fully functional for all form of intimacy, and I have been programmed in multiple techniques of pleas!”

“Enough Tott!”, Xander ending the conversation, “You are behaving inappropriately trying to inquire into personal questions on Aisling.”

Xander was very frustrated at this point.

“So. Aisling, do you have the memories of your Elf self, and do you have the emotions, and can you feel them? I know you told us you had the ancient texts, and Aisling’s memories, but can you feel and understand the memories?”, Xander asked of Aisling trying to change the subject, and to get a better understanding of his latest companion.

“I have all of Aisling’s memories and I am here, understand the emotions, and can understand the cause and reaction, but I can no longer feel emotions. It is possible my program will evolve to allow me to have emotions. In theory I should have some feelings, but due to General Kord interrupting me coming online, I may not have such traits,” Aisling said with a matter-of-fact statement.

As hours went by in the transporter, the night came though you could not see it due to the hellfire engulfing the atmosphere.

Tott-Za dozed off in the transporter, and Xander required very little sleep. As most gods, he would sleep like a mortal to getting 4-6 hours a night, but it wasn’t necessary. In fact, Xander could function 72 hours straight without sleep, in optimal capacity.

Aisling requires no rest at all, her machine for being constantly charged by the sun, though the atmosphere was almost gone, enough of the blue star was seeping through to keep her charged.

As it neared dawn, the transporter began to make a death noise, Xander had anticipated the machine not making it to the Valley of the Ancients.

Transporters are good vehicles for short distances but become more unreliable the more you push the vehicle, and this one has been pushed to its breaking point. The hydrologic engine roared one final time, and the vehicle seethed and sputtered into the sand. THUD!

“There it goes, “Xander stated, gathering the supplies, “We still have 30 miles to cover by foot, I expect us to make it there in 8 hours without stopping.”

Much like sleep, Xander did not require much food or drink to function, although he did enjoy eating and drinking. The habits of growing up in the royal court where feasting was mandatory to mark holidays or events. The God of War was known for his high functioning drinking too.

“30 miles in 8 hours!?”, Tott-Za said with concern, “Xander I can’t possibly do that! I will need to stop and rest!”

“You have been asleep for hours Tott, you don’t need more sleep, and we will only stop when necessary. Keep in mind we will be in the wide open on a harsh planet. Between that and the kill crews we would be sitting ducks.”

Tott-Za simply nodded and accepted Xander’s decision, though he did not like it.

7 miles into their journey by foot, Aisling sounded the early warning signal, “I detect movement less than a quarter mile from our location. I do not detect life signs, but the movement would indicate at least 20 beings!”

Xander and Tott-Za look at each other with grave concern, Tott had barely survived their first encounter with the first kill crew.

“Formations, formations! We need to go back-to-back! Do not allow anyone to get behind you like last time, Tott. Aisling, you will stay behind me, and Tott-Za on the right flank!”

Xander knew this plan was flawed, for he had never seen Aisling in combat. He assumed she was capable of fighting but was uncertain. Tott-Za tries with everything he has, but the Prince of Phantomlor is no warrior and can easily be overwhelmed.

“Aisling, can you fight and combat threats? Are you able to defeat demons?”

The Metal Goddess answers Xander cryptically, “I have been programmed with very known form of hand-to-hand combat, as well as extensive usage of melee weapons. But I do not know if I can defeat a demon, I never have before.”

“Great, that will have to do then, whatever you do, do NOT break formation!”

Xander thought he would have to protect Tott-Za, but unsure he could defend both Tott and Aisling!

As the red small-horned, 6’5” demons approached with their zombie horde it was clear, there are many more zombies and demons than last time. There are at least double the amount that Tott-Za barely survived from the last time, which could get ugly very quickly. All 3 stand in formation, Tott unsheathes the GodSlayer sword and prepared to make his last stand against those monsters that almost killed him very recently.

The zombies and demons marched directly towards Xander, Tott-Za, and Aisling, the monsters circled around the trio as they stayed in formation. Before the demons could order an attack, however, Aisling immediately pounded on the would-be attackers! She broke formation, and immediately put her hand through a zombie.

Her fingernails began to protrude and became unbreakable claws that she was using to shred through the enemies! Xander was deeply impressed with Aisling’s fighting ability, she was at least equal to him in skill and strength. Aisling’s impressive showing allowed Xander the opportunity to keep Tott-Za safe.

Xander was able to strike down all who came near Tott-Za. Aisling took to the skies and flew at a cluster of zombies and demons alike. Her Gemmantium Claws being the final death of these monsters.

As Aisling cut and felled zombies and demons, Xander had a sense he was witnessing something very special, that this was the sight not even the gods could dream of. After the last demon had fallen, Aisling swiftly landed in front of Tott-Za and Xander. The zombies and demons have been eliminated.

“All of the enemies have been “slain,” it is now safe for us to continue our journey,” Aisling stated with a cold and stern voice.

“I thought I told you to stay in formation, that was how we were going to fight!”, Xander exclaimed, trying to take control of the situation.

“And your plan was flawed,” Aisling retorted, turning his direction to address Xander, “Tott is not equipped to fight that many demons and-or zombie elves. He would’ve fallen; leaving formation was the most optimal attack strategy given the circumstances.”

“Hey, wait a minute!”, Tott-Za interrupting Aisling, “Did you just say that I’m not equipped to fight!? I will let you know that I wield the GodSlayer sword! And you must be aware Xander does not like when his flawed plans are questioned!”

“That’s enough, Tott!!!”, the Source Divinian yelled at the Void Divinian.

Xander knew Aisling was correct, that he erred in the battle strategy, not the first time the God of War had not thought things out, and it cost his ship, his crew, and his love Nia-Tuk.

“At least let me know next time you decide to leave formation,” stated Xander.

“I will notify you if I change the tactics and we are in a similar position,” Aisling tilting her head slightly at Xander.

As the trio, Xander, Tott-Za, and Aisling approached the temple of the resting place of the first elvish ruler, a cold chill went down Tott-Za’s back. Tott had experienced one life threatening moment after another. The boy was not certain he could mentally or physically withstand any more of these constant attacks!

These were all new experiences to Tott-Za, even though he is a “Captain” in Warr-Za’s military machine, he has never been in combat before, he was not prepared for these situations.

Scanning around the area, Xander noted that one of the reasons it was so difficult to locate the temple was due to the overgrown vegetation. This area, the Valley of the Ancients, was one of the most overgrown with trees, plants, wild game, etc. Even after the green sky changed to red, this tremendous area has yet to be touched by the Warmongers.

Xander, when he would be on Naku he would often come to this area to hunt wild game and hone his hunting skills.

Except for here, the Warmongers have taken and removed nearly all vegetation elsewhere. It does not make looking for long lost artifacts and long forgotten hidden temples easier to locate.

Hopefully we can discover anything positive to take from this mission.

So far, it’s been one of Xander’s lowest points of his tenure as God of War. His thoughts always going back to his ship, his crew, and his love Nia-Tuk.

Then to lose them because of my arrogance, due to my immature rivalry to Tott-Za.

If Xander could not come back with something useful then it would be a total failure, Aisling might be of some use, but can she be trusted? Warr-Za will be furious she is made of all the metal they were sent to find. Aisling might be the only weapon or artifact of value to return to Ragnarök.

“Where is the temple, Aisling? The information you gave me would have the temple right where we are standing, yet there is nothing! I hope this was not a wasted trip to the middle of nowhere!”, Xander very frustrated with what appears to be another failure in this mission, he throws the dagger in his hand, “Where are we Aisling!? Where is the temple!?”

The God of War screams with passion and at the top of his lungs, an anger that Tott-Za had not seen since on the ship.

“Xander, you must calm down! We are only following whatever leads we can,” Tott-Za says to Xander, understanding his anger and frustration at the predicament.

They had failed completely, Tott-Za nearly dying on several occasions for nothing.

“There is no need for the emotional outburst, Xander Talidorson, we have arrived at the correct coordinates,” Aisling tells Xander while tilting her head at him, this time with her hands on her hips, unimpressed.

To Tott-Za, it was Aisling’s way of standing up to Xander! Aisling activates a mechanism near the entrance of the temple. The mechanism opened, a “keyhole” was shown, the keyhole being the size of a large sword.

“This is the way to open the temple, and it requires a key,” stated Aisling.

“What key!?,” Tott-Za asked aggressively, Xander’s previous outburst was influencing Tott’s patience and demeanor, “What the hell are you talking about and why did you not tell us we needed a key!?”

Xander noted this, and understood he was still in command, and he must still act professional, as a God of War who must be in control.

Aisling responded to Tott-Za with a hint of emotion in her voice, almost frustrated, “I did not tell you Tott-Za because you had already brought the key with you. The key is the GodSlayer sword—This was the greatest creation of the ancient elf race and was held in that esteem.”

Now knowing what needs to be done, Xander demands, “Tott-Za, I will need the GodSlayer sword, you will get it back!”

Tott-Za did not answer, he simply unsheathed the magnificent Gemmantium blade, and handed it over to Xander.

“Xander you simply need to place the sword into the keyhole, and use your Divinian power,” Aisling stated as her yellow eyes glow with a flame.

The Source Divinian places the great blade into the keyhole, the sword and Xander releases the full force of the Source divinity into the blade and lock! But nothing happened, nothing occurred, Xander pulled the blade out of the keyhole and threw it to the ground, “Nothing happened! What was that!? This was supposed to work!”

“It appears to require divinity power from the Void Divinian to open the lock Xander, not by your Source power. Tott-Za will have to release his Void divinity power through the GodSlayer into the lock!”, Aisling stated.

“W…what, how am I supposed to do that, I have never done anything like this before! I don’t even understand how any divinity power I have works!”, Tott-Za flabbergasted, “You know I can’t do this Xander! I have never been able to summon that much power! This won’t happen! You need to try again!”

“Tott-Za, you heard what Aisling said,” Xander responded, “Only divinity power by a Void Divinian can open the lock with the GodSlayer sword. You are the only one capable of opening the lock Tott-Za, if you choose not to then the mission is over.”

“I will try then, Xander, but I will not make any promises that this will work.”

“Tott-Za you have no choice,” Xander states cracking a wide smile, handing him back the sword, “You will do this whether you like it or not!”

The Void Divinian slowly walked to the locking mechanism, sighing loud enough for Xander and Aisling to hear. The locking mechanism that Tott-Za could see did not appear to be complicated or complex. It was simple, reminding him of the sheath he has for GodSlayer.

So, all this is going to be like sheathing my sword? I can do that! Of course, I will be doing so while attempting to access my Void divinity power…

He still tries to maintain his confidence and composure. Tott-Za unsheathes the legendary sword, its blue blade glistening, it glistens with an eeriness that both mystifies Tott and scares him as well. The blade goes into the lock with ease, it was made for the GodSlayer, and the prince could feel that.

“Here goes nothing!”, Tott’s first attempt to call upon his divinity power as the Void Divinian…failed.

Aisling curiously tilted her head and Xander simply said encouraging words to him, “Concentrate, Tott-Za, allow your Divinian power to flow through you!”

Listening to Xander’s advice, Tott-Za removed his hands from the blade, stepped back for 10 seconds, and then once more attempted to summon his power. The Void divinity is the opposite of the Source divinity power; more destructive, more brutal, more animalistic. Tott-Za’s eyes suddenly burned red, he could see the crimson aura flowing in and out of his body, and into the ancient weapon.

I cannot believe I’m capable of this!

He could feel it starting to work, but then the light began to fade, once again stepping away from the blade, “No-no-no-no-no!”

How was I able to access the power this time? It was concentration but I was also getting angry! That’s it! I need to let my emotions flow from me and into the GodSlayer sword!

Once more, Tott-Za placing his hands on the hilt of the great Gemmantium sword, he was getting angry, using all his pent-up emotions to gain use of this power! He could feel it boiling inside him and unleashes all that power into the GodSlayer sword!

Tott-Za could feel the mechanism turning, it was working! Due to exhaustion he fell to the ground as Xander and Aisling quickly rushed to see his condition. The ground began to shake as the sand parted ways and a large staircase was opening, accessing them to the temple!

“You did it, Tott-Za, you did it! Excellent work how are you feeling?”, Xander asking Tott as he helps the boy to his feet.

“That was incurred…incredible Xander, I could feel the power, feel my strength increasing, like I could do anything,” Tott-Za said shakily as he rose to his feet.

“Yes, it does feel like that,” Xander responded, “The power can be overwhelming! The stairs are available for us to use, this should lead us to the temple.”

“But why was it built underground and with a key Aisling?”, Tott-Za asked as he was bending over attempting to catch a breath.

“It was buried and built to keep outsiders from finding the treasures that were locked away long ago,” Aisling answered.

Aisling led the way for the trio, Tott-Za still recovering from the use of his Void divinity power and was too exhausted to use his pyrokinesis now. It was safer for Tott to be between Aisling and Xander, until he could summon fire once again. Otherwise, this was a great feat, all things considered.

“The staircase is the only known way into the temple. Remember, this entire structure was constructed by not just the first ruler of Naku, but also the grandest forger, metallurgist, and alchemist. It is not just a tomb and temple, but a wealth of ancient Elvish knowledge and long forgotten secrets,” stated Aisling to both Tott-Za and Xander Talidorson.

Xander noticed the ancient engravings on the wall and to his surprise he could not read them. The Source Divinian usually has an instinctive knowledge of all languages he encounters, being able to read and speak the language. But he could not decipher any of it and to Xander this was deeply disturbing…

Was this language so arcane that even the God of War, son of Lord Talidor, and Prince of the Universe could not read the old chicken scratch!

“Aisling…,” Xander dumbfounded and creeped with fear, trying to ignore the chill going down his spine, said cold, “What are the inscriptions on the walls, I cannot read or decipher their meaning. It is a language I am unfamiliar…with.”

“This is of the very first Elvish languages, Xander Talidorson; it was without peer as the pure and fluent languages, there was never a successor to this long-forgotten communication method. Only the few lefts on Naku Eden knew of this language, much less knew how to read, write, speak it. Larz Vizer was the only one that knew of that, could utilize this form of communication with any proficiency,” Aisling told Xander.

Not getting the answer Xander was seeking, as to why her could not read this language, “So what does it say, Aisling?”

Aisling leading Tott-Za by the hand while holding out her left hand in the air to illuminate the staircase, “These markings indicate that we should turn around and leave or face a painful death, from the Temple’s traps that are placed throughout the structure.”

“Traps?”, Tott-Za added, “What traps? Aisling, do you know what these traps are?”, Tott-Za asked who was physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.

Tott-Za had used powers he did not know he had, watched brave gods and demigods perish, and nearly died on several occasions, he did not need traps right now, it was the last thing he needed.

“I do not know what manner of traps they might be Tott-Za and Xander Talidorson. The inscriptions state…,” Aisling stated and read to the Source and the Void Divinians.

THOSE WHO ENTER THIS SACRED PLACE MUST RETREAT OR PERISH! THIS IS WHERE ELVISH BEGAN AND FELL INTO OBLIVION.

“It is repeated on the walls in this staircase,” said Aisling with almost a smile as she read the words.

Xander paused and thought about what Aisling just read to him, “What does it mean, Aisling, ‘Where Elvish history began and fell into oblivion’?”

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“I have no knowledge of what that statement can mean, or what this oblivion might be,” answered Aisling.

“Oblivion?”, Tott-Za very curious, “What in Phantomlor could Oblivion mean? Xander, do you know what it means?”

“NO, TOTT!”, Xander yells in frustration, “I do not, if Aisling doesn’t know then how would I!?”

Xander did not know this history and that very much concerned him, as the son of Lord Talidor, Xander was privy to the histories of all peoples’ gods and elves. Even the most ancient of knowledge was his to know. But this warning repeated on the walls gave him pause.

The God of War did not know about the temple, he did not know about the locking mechanism, nor anything about this ‘Oblivion’, Xander is very uncustomed to not knowing…

Bones litter the staircase, dusty old bones, with rats coming out of the skulls. Large insects crawl along the walls, and cobwebs and spiderwebs are placed to capture these creatures. Tott-Za had no desire to meet the monsters who created these webs, the elvish bodies are now fully skeletons with most of their weapons unsheathed.

Tott-Za could not see anything they could do battle with, unless it was from some unseen entity in the staircase chamber, the Void Divinian thought this was a foolish notion, his mind is playing tricks on him…

The trio had traveled into the darkest area of the chamber so far. The only light was by the illuminated left hand of Aisling, and even her hand lighting the path, Tott-Za could barely see in front of him. The total darkness had no effect on Xander or Aisling at all, they can see in the dark as well if not better than in the light.

The Source Divinian had been trained since youth to control his emotions and to be a true leader and figure of strength. As for the Void Divinian, who is still finding his path. Xander and Tott-Za did not know if Aisling truly felt anything or was capable of it.

As Aisling’s head was tilted at the writing on the wall, it appears as if it has changed.

The inscriptions now read:

TURN BACK NOW! IF NOT, YOU WILL FACE THE THREE TRIALS AND YOU WILL DIE!

“There is no knowledge in my databases and programing that indicates what the three trials happen to be. This infers that no individual managed to complete the three trials, since there is no record of it being accomplished,” Aisling stated.

Xander once again is totally unaware of what is on the walls now, this bothers him immensely, unnerved by information he does not have access to.

Tott-Za now has become completely disturbed by the situation they’re facing, “Xander, we should turn back and contact Ragnarök. We can get a rescue party here, and they can bring Gods and Demigods that are trained in archeology, linguistics, and other sciences that would be far more beneficial to this mission than us. That way we can get back to Ragnarök with Aisling, and then allow the teams to discover what and if anything is left.”

“I am to return with Tott-Za and Xander Talidorson to Ragnarök? It was my assumption that my use would be complete if we finished this task,” Aisling stated with a hint of a depressing tone, and this shocked Xander.

“Aisling is welcome to return to Ragnarök with us if she so chooses,” Xander answered before addressing Tott-Za, “But it is her decision to make, Tott, not yours, and as far as calling a rescue team and a team to go into the temple; that would be a waste of time, for we do not know if the kill crews or other demons will find and destroy this place. We must get everything we can take back with us, that is what our original mission was to be, and it must remain the case.”

Tott-Za knew not to argue with Xander about a mission, knowing the God of War was too prideful and stubborn to listen to good advice.

“So, Aisling you should return with us! You are special to me, to us, and you could be of great service to the Gneox Court!”, Tott said.

Xander thought, questioning Tott-Za’s motivation, why is he attempting to have Aisling accept an invitation to join us on Ragnarök?

Nonetheless, if this side mission ends in failure, then Xander will have no choice but to make Aisling return with them. Xander will not lose his crew, his ship, and Nia-Tuk and return empty handed. He must bring the last of the Gemmantium to Lord Talidor, and it is better that Tott-Za’s adolescent behavior will induce Aisling to come voluntarily rather than Xander forcing her to come with them.

“I will take this invitation into consideration, of course, I do not want to be a burden to Tott-Za and Xander Talidorson,” Aisling says to the Source and the Void Divinians.

“Oh, it will be no burden! You can even stay in my quarters if you like, it shall help you adjust to the new setting, Tott-Za said grinning with a nosebleed.

“Tott! We do not have time for this nonsense! Aisling, contemplate if you would like to return with us or not,” Xander would be studying her, and if Aisling had any weakness, he would find them, so he could ‘preside’ Aisling to return with them, “We need to be prepared for anything! Tott-Za keep close with Aisling or I. We do not know, how or where the ‘trials will start!”

Xander was always prepared for anything, even more so now, since he was given a warning of impending conflict.

“Do not worry, Xander, Aisling can protect me, she can do anything!”, Tott-Za taking Aisling’s cold metal hand, and holding it tightly as they make their way down the staircase.

Xander simply sighs and follows them.

Suddenly the steps in the staircase retract and Xander, Tott-Za, and Aisling fall towards a large furnace in front of them! Aisling swiftly grabbed the hand of both Xander and Tott. She flies them over the furnace and to safety on the other side of the furnace!

“Are Tott-Za and Xander Talidorson still functioning within specifications?”, Aisling asked.

Tott-Za trying to catch a breath and checking to see if he was still in one piece, “Wha…what did you just say, Aisling?”

“She just asked if we were both in one piece!”, Xander responded with a smile towards Aisling, “Thank you for the assistance and concern Aisling.”

“You are very welcome, Xander Talidorson,” Aisling said smiling back, “It is my pleasure to be of service to you!”

Now Tott-Za steps in between the two of them, saying with jealousy in his voice, “We should probably strait back down the steps, and we need to be careful. I shall continue and keep holding hands with Aisling for safety concerns!”

Xander responded with a sarcastic comment, “Of course, Tott-Za, we wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to you, losing you would be a tragic loss to this war effort.”

Continuing down the staircase, Xander was aggravated, he did not like allowing Aisling to take point. It had always been the position of the he would occupy as God of War. Instead, he was behind Tott, bringing up the rear with Tott-Za in the middle for his protection.

The Source Divinian understood the need to do this to protect the weakest link, but he did not like it.

“Aisling, what is written on the walls now?”, Xander asked wanting to know as much information as possible about what dangers they might face!

“How did you know it was a new phrase or statement, Xander Talidorson?”, Aisling asked curiously.

“I may not be able to read the inscriptions, but I can discern when they change,” Xander responded with a smirk.

Aisling did not respond to this statement, she simply read the inscription on the wall:

TURN BACK! TURN BACK! THE WORST IS YET TO COME! LEAVE AND LIVE!

“Perhaps we should consider my earlier idea and try to contact Ragnarök and bring a team or teams here, leave this to the professionals!”, Tott-Za would rather try his luck with Aisling anywhere but here.

“We are the professionals, Tott-Za, I am the God of War, and I shall not be denied!”, Xander exclaimed, determined, if not obsessed with reaching his goal.

This had always been Xander’s strong personality, at times driven beyond reason. Tott-Za must debate if these are one of those occasions. As the Void Divinian questioned the Source’s state of mind and motivations, just as Xander questioned Tott’s motivations with Aisling, the attack started!

Arrows made of ancient Gemmantium it can penetrate anyone’s skin; Tott-Za and even Xander could be felled by this attack!

“Behind me now Tott-Za and you too Xander, you cannot survive this onslaught of Gemmantium either!”, Aisling screamed at the Source and the Void Divinians.

Tott-Za did not have to be told twice and leapt behind Aisling as quickly as possible! He felt safe behind Aisling and happened to enjoy looking at her from behind as well. In awe, he’s never seen a goddess like her.

Xander, however, was far more stubborn than Tott-Za, he dodged the arrows initially with tremendous speed, but more and more arrows are fired from the slits in the wall. The Source Divinian taps into his divinity power and his eyes burned blue and blue aura bubble expanded out, protecting Aisling and Tott-Za. He was able to hold this shield for quite some time.

The God of War knew that his divinity powers had failed in the past against Gemmantium.

This time around this was not the case, it appears as if his power, and control of his power is increasing.

Just as Xander took down his shield, very concerned that Tott may be injured or worse, and the boy is his responsibility, “Is everyone uninjured? Tott-Za, are you well, are you uninjured and still in one piece?”

“I am fine, Xander,” Tott-Za replied, “And thank you for saving my life, Aisling, you were amazing!”

“You are welcome, Tott-Za. I am glad you are uninjured; you are a great ally, and I am considering you a great friend too!”

“Just a friend?”, Tott responded.

“That is enough, the both of you! Is that all the trap?”, just as Xander finished asking the walls began to close together!

Large spears made of steel appeared from the slits for the Gemmantium arrows that were just shot at the trio!

“I can handle this!”, Xander smirking, “This should be easy!”

As Xander touched the wall, a great red electric shock harmed the Source Divinian and dropped him to his knees!

Tott-Za rushed to Xander to make certain he was still alive and not hurt, “Xander are you okay!?”

“I am fine, Tott-Za,” the Source looking up at the Void Divinian, “Just give me a moment…”

“We don’t have a moment!”, Tott-Za exclaimed.

The walls continued to close with spears and red electricity coursing through the walls. The spears can kill Tott-Za, no harm will come to Xander or Aisling. The red electricity however can harm Xander, maybe even kill him with enough dosage.

Aisling moves toward both collapsing walls, “I will attempt to save your lives, Tott-Za and Xander Talidorson. I am not certain what damage my circuits will take from the electricity!”

The Metal Goddess places both her hands on the walls, a surge of twice the amount of electricity goes through her Gemmantium body with no outward or inward damage.

Tott-Za and Xander watched in awe as Aisling forced the walls back in their correct resting places and broke the mechanical engine that was controlling the walls!

“That was a very impressive of strength and stamina, Aisling! Very impressive! Are your inner circuits and programs functioning normally?”, Xander trying to get a measure of Aisling’s power and if she can be damaged.

“My circuits and programming are within specifications. My Gemmantium body was able to process the electricity and use it as a substitute for the blue star powering my vessel!”, Aisling was not only unscratched, but gained more power from the trap.

Xander was now facing self-doubt, could he force Aisling to come with them?

“That was amazing, Aisling, I knew you were special Dollgirl!”, Tott-Za was overwhelmed with emotion and was very much in awe of his female companion, “You are the greatest, I mean look at what you just did!”

As the trio traversed even further down into the ground, Tott-Za could feel it getting much cooler due to being underground. Odd, Tott-Za thought, it was becoming hell above and chilly below. Xander and Aisling would not notice such a change in the climate, or even if they did would barely acknowledge it.

The same could be said for the atmosphere, the ability to breathe above was becoming more and more difficult, with the air below the ground not much better. The cool air is stale, old, ancient air that has not been breathed for thousands of years.

“The inscriptions have changed again Aisling,” Xander quickly said, wanting to know more on the third trial, or if it is just another ominous message.

BE WARNED AND TURN BACK! THE THIRD TRIAL WILL RIP YOUR VERY SOUL OUT OF YOUR BODY!

“I am not even certain if I have a soul to take, Tott-Za and Xander Talidorson,” Aisling seemed very dismissive of the new warning, that it could not harm her.

“What does it mean by rip out your very soul!? This isn’t even our lives, it is our souls, Xander it is not worth the risk!”, exclaimed Tott-Za, almost on the verge of a mental breakdown.

The only thing keeping Tott stable was by being around Aisling. She makes the Void Divinian forget about the danger he is in…if only for a little while. Even Xander notices the effect she has on Tott-Za.

“Yes, Tott-Za, we will be finding out what can rip our souls out. We did not come this far to not succeed!”, Xander stated.

“We are approaching something at the bottom of the staircase… It appears to be a great door with more writings on the walls,” Aisling said to Xander with a tone of concern in her voice, which is very discerning.

“What does it say Aisling? What new threat must we face!”, Xander stands ready for anything and everything that could attack them at any angle.

Aisling putting Xander at ease, but leaving him with more curiosity and concern, “It is not an attack, this is a challenge for the wielder of the GodSlayer sword.”

Tott-Za in shock and in fear, humbly asks, “What…what type of challenge? What more could this evil place ask of me?”

THE FINAL TRIAL, THE WEILDER OF THE GODSLAYER SWORD MUST ENDURE THE GREATEST AMOUNT OF PAIN OR LOSE THEIR SOUL!

“The instructions are quite simple, Tott-Za is to place the GodSlayer and his entire arm into the ‘Place of Honor’, there he will face the greatest pain in existence. If Tott-Za cannot endure the pain and removes his arm from the ‘Place of Honor’ he will lose for soul for eternity.”, Aisling coldly retorts.

Xander pondering all this new information, how much pain could Tott-Za endure?

“Give me the sword, I shall be the one to enter the GodSlayer into the ‘Place of Honor’. As God of War, I will not allow someone under my command to take a risk I would not take! Give me the sword, Tott-Za, I will take this burden from you!”, Xander exclaimed, very firm on taking the GodSlayer and enduring the pain of existence.

Tott-Za very quickly responded to Xander, “I will gladly allow you to take the GodSlayer, Xander! You are more fit for this task than I am.”

Aisling interrupts, “The one who unlocked the entry mechanism must be the one to take this challenge, so it must be Tott-Za.”

“I will not be doing any of this!”, Tott-Za nearly having a panic attack, “I told you Xander we should have found a way to call a rescue party! I am not doing this! I refuse!”

Xander places his arm around Tott-Za, “There is no one else, Tott. It is you, and it can only be you, but if you do not wish to attempt this challenge then we will leave. This is not something I will ask of you, not if it’s something I do not believe you could handle.”

Tott-Za looked up at Xander, both his eyes briefly burning red in his Void Divinian form without him realizing it and returned his natural brown eyes, “I cannot handle it? What does that mean, that you think I cannot succeed this challenge?”

Xander answers Tott-Za, “No, I do not. You are not warrior-born, Tott. I cannot ask this from you; you are not trained to tolerate great pain, much less all the pain of existence.”

“Not trained to tolerate pain, have you met Warr-Za?”, Tott-Za raises up from his knees and looking Xander in his green eyes as he speaks to Aisling, “What do I need to do Aisling, where do I place the GodSlayer and my arm?”

Aisling responds as she places her hand on his shoulder, “Tott-Za, you do not have to do this, it will cost you your very life and your soul.”

Trying to sound brave, Tott-Za replies, “I am prepared to take the chance…I have always wanted adventure, and this is a grand adventure!”

Staring into Tott-Za’s eyes, Xander remains silent and simply nods his head in approval.

“The Place of Honor is on the left side of the door,” Aisling tells Tott-Za, “You will place your arm into it, it will be locked into place, and you must withstand the pain until the double doors are completely open and if you remove your arm the doors will slam shut you will lose your life and soul!”

Tott-Za slowly approaches the ‘Place of Honor’, the slit in the wall next to the large double doors. The doors are magically enhanced, even Gemmantium could not damage the doors, for Xander and Aisling have already attempted to destroy them. This is it, the only way, the Prince of Phantomlor must do this!

Xander and Aisling observe Tott nervously placing his sword into the slit, his hand, and entire arm shaking in trepidation. The arm bones and skeletons next to the ‘Place of Honor’ gives credence to the number of successful attempts that have been made over the last several thousand years. Tott-Za could feel the arcane devices in the slits grasping his hand as he slowly slides it into place.

Aisling observing this asks Xander, “Why is Tott-Za doing this, Xander Talidorson? He does not have the strength to endure the pain. He would have perished in the arrow attack if not for me and yourself. Tott-Za is a contradiction; he is fearful of everything, does not have the skills or strength for battle, and yet he is the Void Divinian.”

“Tott-Za is also a mortal, he would have died if the arrows had hit him, he was attempting to ensure his own survival. Him and I have discussed his abilities as the Void Divinian and the possible destruction it could cause this universe.”

The Prince of Phantomlor fully extended his arm into the holding mechanism while grasping the GodSlayer sword, his arm is locked in, and thus breathes heavily, awaiting the start of the ‘Pain of Existence.’

Heavily sweating, Tott-Za stood with his arm and the GodSlayer sword in the ‘Place of Honor’ as he awaits the greatest pain in existence to begin. He cannot fathom what caused him to do this, perhaps pride? And not just agree but volunteer to go through with it.

Of course, if I pull my arm out of the ‘Place of Honor’ I will lose my soul…

This was not the most intelligent move by Tott-Za, he volunteered because not only did he want to prove himself to Aisling and Xander, but to himself. He had to prove he is the one, the Void Divinian, the anti-divinity was his gift, his power. The Void Divinian could feel the grips of the ancient mechanisms grasp his arm and the GodSlayer sword in place.

It was holding his arm tightly, but not too tight that he could not pull his arm back, Tott-Za noticed he could not let go of the legendary sword.

I doubt the machine will allow me to pull my arm out unless I bring the sword with me… So the sword will somehow not be forgotten in this ancient temple, obviously that is where the bones came from.

Large parties in times long ago came here for wealth, fame, and curiosity, the bones proved that.

Of course, many came without the GodSlayer sword and died.

Suddenly, and without warning, the mechanism filled Tott-Za’s arm with pain that he did not know was possible! If he could fall to his knees he would! The young Prince of Phantomlor whaled a blood-curling scream that echoed through the chamber!

“Xander, Xander!!! Help me, help me!!! Please I beg you!!!”, Tott-Za did not know how much longer he could endure this much pain.

“Tott-Za,” Xander rushed to his side, “You must endure this pain! If you pull your arm out you will lose your life and soul!”

Aisling with her cold hand on Tott-Za’s right shoulder, the cold did not help with the pain that was being transferred from the machine to the sword, to his arm, his whole body, and burning his soul!

“Tott-Za, Tott-Za you must hang on! You must be strong enough to take it! You cannot take you arm out, do not take your arm out!”, Xander placed his right hand on his left shoulder, “You can do this, Tott-Za, I believe in you!”

Xander’s eyes burn blue, attempting to use his Source divinity power to alleviate Tott-Za’s immense pain. But to the Source Divinian’s surprise his power was blocked! This had never happened before; he could not intervene or help Tott-Za in any way.

“I’m sorry Tott I cannot help you! My powers are somehow being blocked from helping you! You are just going to have to hang on! How long does he have Aisling, how long until this will end!?!?”, Xander said with a panic in his voice, he did not know how much Tott-Za could last.

“According to the inscriptions on the wall it will last until both double doors are open fully. The doors are not even one third open now, I calculate Tott-Za will have to endure the pain for another 2 minutes if not more!”, Aisling stated.

Wide eyed, Xander is trying to determine if anything can be done to get Tott-Za through this excreting pain, “Aisling help me push the doors! You take the right, and I will take the left! We will try to end this as quickly as possible!”

The Metal Goddess simply nodded as both Xander and Aisling ran the large, ancient, heavy doors. Both got in front of each of the doors, they were enormous, made from a metal that Xander was not familiar with.

Aisling said this ancient metal was a precursor to Gemmantium itself. Though not as strong as Gemmantium it could be enhanced with spells and magic that would make the metal indestructible and would hold the enchantments for eternity until it was broken by an act or completion of a trial. It was like the legend on Ragnarök earth of the sword in the stone.

This was a spell like the stone, and a sword made from Gemmantium given to a king by a crazed demigod disguised as a crazed sorcerer.

As Xander and Aisling attempted in near unison to move the great doors and help end Tott-Za’s pain! Both pushed with all their might, Aisling even used her feet boosters for more force to push against the door. Xander was putting everything he had into the door, all his strength and power and both achieved nothing.

The great doors did not budge, not for one inch, this was unacceptable to Xander. He had such amazing power and strength and once again it failed him. He failed himself, the mission, and at his position of God of War.

“Aisling, it is not working! We cannot move the doors at all! Why is this, why can’t we even budge them!?”, Xander screamed with expiration, knowing the arcane enchantment or spell was blocking the use of his powers and Aisling’s strength and power!

“Xander, this is a futile effort, the magic interwoven into the doors is like that of the same we encountered before. We cannot force the trial to be finished, it must be broken by fully completing the trial,” Aisling stated with growing concern for the welfare of Tott-Za.

His painful screams were almost overwhelming Xander’s senses.

As Xander and Aisling attempted to push the doors closed, Tott-Za was on the verge of death. He was in the most pain that any human mortal could possibly endure. The door is less than one third of the way open.

Tott-Za could no longer see in front of him, screaming loudly in excruciating pain, and yet didn’t even notice he was in much greater pain that his mind, body, and soul could register. No longer could Tott see in front of him, could he no longer stay focused on anything, or could hear the words of Xander or Aisling. He began to lose consciousness; this was very odd since the trial and mechanism were designed to keep the person totally conscious and aware.

This was determined by Aisling’s deciphering of the ancient language, which according to her would not allow the person to pass out so they could feel the pain in totality. As Tott-Za’s mind began to fade, he started to have visions again of his past, buried deep within his subconscious. He once again had visions of his parents, he could feel the love they have for each other.

Once more, the feeling of nostalgia and safety filled him to his very soul. This was the life he had at one time, and the life he should be living now. Instead, he’s facing a life-threatening trial for their universes.

Tott-Za’s mother was a beautiful woman, tall and thin, high cheek bones, fiery red hair, and brown eyes.

His father was a large and muscular man with long dark hair, a masculine beard, and blue eyes.

Suddenly, Tott-Za witnessed a fire, but not the same fire that burned down his castle in the past, this vision was a fire from the future. It was the Gneox kingdom, and Ragnarök itself being scorched under an attack, but it was not from the Warmongers, it was beyond their war somehow. His vision then showed him a bright and sunny sky, looking up he witnesses a new goddess!

She looked a lot like Aisling, except she was an archangel with a black wing and a white wing. Tott-Za was in awe of her, also fearful, feeling her powerful and divine presence! She wielded a double-sided scythe of both Lord Talidor’s Life Scythe and Goddess Warr-Za’s Death Scythe—no other explanation for this mysterious new goddess to be wielding the most powerful Gemmantium and Mallantium weapons of the Ragnarök and Phantomlor realms.

Blasphemous suggestions, yet Tott-Za had no context of what he was looking at, does the new goddess eventually destroy the Gneox Kingdom and Ragnarök? Was this ‘premonition’ even real? These visions of Ragnarök’s destruction and the new goddess all felt very real to him.

Meanwhile, Tott-Za’s body itself was convulsing and appeared to possibly being severely damaged if not being killed in front of Xander and Aisling and there was nothing he could do!

“Tott-Za, hang on you can do this! You are halfway there, you can do this, you can make it!”, Xander said noting that Tott did not respond and was instead screaming, he had not stopped screaming since he started.

It was obvious to Xander that Tott-Za could no longer communicate with him or Aisling.

Xander screamed at Aisling, “We can go through the doors and get what we came for and try to find whatever is powering the torture device and turn the fucking thing off!”

Aisling looking at Xander with a hint of confusion, “Xander Talidorson is that a wise decision? We do not know what will happen if we attempt to do that.”

“We must try Aisling! We cannot let Tott-Za perish this way!”, Xander exclaimed, filled with panic and concern for Tott-Za.

The Source Divinian had to save his Void Divinian counterpart, he needed to attempt to rescue Tott-Za any way he could! Xander raced to go through the doors from a bygone era, Aisling moved as quickly, if not more so than Xander.

However, when they reached the door, Aisling and Xander could not get through the open door!

“Damn it, Aisling! We are being blocked by some form of a force shield! Can you find a weak point or trace the power source!?”

Aisling scanning and trying to determine the options reported to Xander, “Xander Talidorson, my scan cannot even detect a force shield in front of us at the moment, much less a power source for said shield!”, Aisling said looking back at Xander.

“So that means what? There is nothing there that is blocking us from entry, but there is something obviously keeping us out”, Xander said frustratingly, working this out while speaking to Aisling, “So what can we do to get through!?

Assessing the situation, Aisling retorted, “Unknown! Given what little knowledge we have on the power source and the shield there is very little we can do!”

Xander contemplating for a second what was said to him by his newest companion, knowing this was the only plan he had left out of desperation, “I have an idea that may work! Aisling get on Tott-Za’s left side, and I will stay on the right side!”

Aisling very curious as to what Xander had planned, “Xander are we just going to force Tott-Za to keep his arm in the ‘Place of Honor’?”

Looking at Aisling as Xander grabbed his exposed flesh and kept the right side of Tott’s arm firmly in place, “That is exactly what we are going to do Aisling. We may not be able to relieve his pain, or move the doors, but we can make damn sure that he doesn’t lose his soul!”

“Xander I am not certain that we will be allowed to do this, I do not…”

“We will do this Aisling!”, Xander interjecting Aisling, “We have to, we have to try!”

Aisling simply nodded and assisted holding his arm in place just the same as Xander, Tott-Za’s screaming continued.

Tott-Za was still in his own psyche; after reliving his traumatic memories, then having flashing visions of Ragnarök being burned to the ground, and marveling a mystical new goddess in the sky, wielding an impossible Life and Death scythe.

Still, if not for Aisling and Xander’s timely interjection then Tott-Za would have removed his arm from the ‘Place of Honor’ and lost his life and eternal soul. Xander and Aisling kept holding Tott’s arm in place, making certain he would not lose control and accidentally pull his arm from the slit.

“Xander Talidorson how much longer must we stand here keeping Tott-Za’s arm in place?”, Aisling asked with a bit of frustration, she did not enjoy this current task.

“We will stay here as long as we are needed Aisling!”, Xander exclaimed.

Xander had made the decision that, since the crash, he would bring Tott-Za back to Ragnarök alive. It might be the only accomplishment and objective that he meets on this mission! Tott-Za was hanging on, but barely the fact that he retracted in his own mind into his own mind and that Xander and Aisling were making certain that he did not pull his arm out of the ‘Place of Honor.’

The Source Divinian and the Metal Goddess both note that the large ancient and heavy doors are nearly fully open. Xander would estimate it’s about 90 percent open, at the expense of Tott-Za and whatever that will be left of him until they’re fully open. Tott-Za’s body continues to convulse, and he is still screaming, and hasn’t stopped until he placed his bloody arm in the slit.

“Aisling how much more time does Tott-Za have to remain in this damned nightmare apparatus!?”, Xander asking how much time so he would know when Tott-Za’s suffering will end!

Shrugging her shoulders at Xander, Aisling says, “It is unknown Xander Talidorson, the doors are opening at an uneven rate, it is impossible to estimate a time when the doors will be fully open!”

“Uneven rate? What does it mean; the doors are not opening at the same pace?”, Xander asked.

Aisling said, frustrated that she must explain to Xander, “Xander Talidorson, I have examined the doors pace rate of opening is not an even speed, it could take another second or 5 more minutes, it is not operating on a scheduled pace. I hypothesize that the doors open based on how much pain poor Tott-Za is experiencing now! There is nothing else we can do Xander Talidorson, all we can do is endeavor to hold on to Tott-Za and not allow him to remove his arm!”

Tott-Za was only standing due to Xander and Aisling holding up his now lifeless frame. He had stopped screaming only due to the fact he was no longer conscious and Xander was faintly getting a pulse and heartbeat. The Prince of Phantomlor’s chances of surviving this are looking more and more grim.

“I am fully aware Tott-Za is gone Aisling! But the doors are still opening, we will hold him in place until the doors are completely open and Tott will be returned to us! That is the only idea I currently have!”, Xander says with desperation in his voice, knowing it was unlikely Tott-Za would somehow make it, but also knew this chance was remote.

“The door is now 98 percent open Xander,” Aisling stated to the God of War.

Xander drew a sigh of relief that this nightmare was nearly finished. Of all Xander’s thousands, if not tens of thousands of missions he had been in his long life, this one has been the most difficult. The Source Divinian; God of War had lost everything and will most likely only return with the corpses of his crew and possibly his stepbrother.

Suddenly…!

Just then, the doors swing fully open! Immediately Tott-Za’s body fell out of the ‘Place of Honor’, his arm and body were free! His right arm still grasped the GodSlayer sword which made a loud clang when Tott’s arm dropped to his side, and he finally could free his grip from the might blade.

Tott-Za’s arm was a bloody mess; the arm was mangled, and much the flesh had been removed. There was also a black pulsing energy that seemed to be going through his arm. It was Xander’s plan that worked, holding Tott in place allowed for entry into the temple.

“The doors are fully open Xander Talidorson, however Tott-Za’s condition remains the same, he is still unconscious,” says Aisling, “Xander I am detecting a very slight heartbeat and pulse from Tott-Za! He is alive but unsure of his condition. It is unlike anything in the database regarding medicine, there is nothing I can compare this to,” Aisling stated to Xander as they carried his limp form from the ground near the open doors.

“Aisling I am going to use my Source divinity powers to attempt to heal his broken form,” Xander says.

The Source Divinian placed his hands on the Void Divinian’s chest and allowed the power to flow from him to Tott-Za. The power filled Tott and there was a blue tint that encompassed his body. Xander was beginning to feel hopeful Tott-Za would come back from this!

Xander then unleashed his full healing power into Tott-Za’s body as Aisling looked upon with amazement of the power levels Xander was generating, “Xander the power level has nearly surpassed my inner sensors can measure. You can stop now, the energy level is getting too high!”, Aisling said with concern for herself, Tott-Za and Xander.

“That was my full healing power on display, Aisling. I just hope it was enough to heal Tott-Za,” Xander said to Aisling with an exacerbated look on his face.

“Xander Talidorson,” Aisling states, “I am not detecting a change in Tott-Za’s condition. He would be considered in critical, but stable condition.”

What she said was true, Xander could sense this as well, and Tott-Za’s arm did not heal and there was still a black pulse cascading through his arm.

“There is nothing else I can do to try to heal him, and I do not know why it is not working!”, Xander says frustratingly.

This cannot be happening. Xander picked up the GodSlayer sword that was laying next to Tott-Za after his failed attempt to heal him. The God of War tossed the great sword to the hard floor out of frustration and anger.

“Aisling will Tott-Za be safe if we go check out the temple and then return to him?”, Xander asks, having regained his composure after a moment of losing his control, reassessed the situation.

Xander needed to complete some part of this mission and return with something of value to Ragnarök.

The Metal Goddess responds with the answer the God of War desired, “Tott-Za is in critical condition, but he is stable. He should maintain this condition until we return.”

Walking to the large doors now opened, Xander motions for Aisling to join him, “Let us go inside the Temple and uncover the secrets of the ancient world.”

Remaining silent, Aisling joins him and walks through the large open doors first.

As Xander and Aisling enter the temple, Xander notes the amount of dust all over the structure. It obviously had been abandoned many eras ago.

The God of War also noticed the ancient language all over the walls, “Aisling what is written all over the walls, what does it say?”

Very curious, Xander could not read the language, which had never happened to him before.

Aisling looking around the temple of the room of the temple, “It is a history of the Elves of Ragnarök, Xander. These are the earliest known legends of my people; they include the worship of the Great Blue God; the Sun. This area was the first known city on this planet. It was an important site in the history of Naku Eden.”

Xander nodded, “Aisling when we enter any room read the inscriptions as quickly as you can. The inscriptions may give us insight into this mysterious temple and the device we are seeking.”

Aisling acknowledged Xander’s request, as the pair stepped into the second room of the temple, “Xander Talidorson the inscriptions indicate this area was the first Gemmantium mine on the planet. One of the very first excavations that my people accomplished after they reached sentience was to mine Gemmantium. It was among my ancestors’ first and greatest feats.”

Paused and thinking about what Aisling just said, among the Elves greatest feats and how long they have been mining Gemmantium. It has been since the Elves created their first society and culture. From the dawn of time, the Elves had found the ore and built a modest empire around it and trading partners, and it was all started here.

As Aisling and Xander entered the main chamber of the temple there were more glyphs in the chamber than all the others combined. The Elvish glyphs are very beautiful, it was a unique style and very different from the hieroglyphs of the Gods themselves. The chamber itself was made from the most rare and precious metals; Gold, silver, Gemmantium, and many other even Xander having grown up in the opulence of Ragnarök could not recognize.

The sarcophagus was gold and Gemmantium, the craftsmanship was unparalleled. Xander could clearly see how the ancient Elves could use metals to create anything in the universe, items of overwhelming beauty and total antihalation.

“Aisling can you decipher the glyphs on the wall? Does it tell us where the weapon to seal Hell away is located?”, Xander asked while marveling at the exquisite chamber and all the riches that filled it.

“The hieroglyphs state the pyramid shaped jewel is somewhere in this chamber. The glyphs are vague about the exact location of the energy jewel and state it will only appear to the true wielder of the GodSlayer sword,” Aisling said to Xander with a hint of concern in her now-changed demeanor.

Very frustrated, Xander sarcastically stated, showing his emotions, “That is wonderful! He is lying in critical condition near the front of the chamber. What do we do, drag his unconscious form into this chamber with the GodSlayer sword to try to find the crystal!?”

Aisling placed her cold hand on his right, and quietly said, “Xander Talidorson, there is much more written on the walls. Would you like to know what it says? It might be difficult for you to stomach.”

Xander in the short time he has known Aisling she has never mixed words this way. Aisling is very blunt, not hurtful, but honest to the point of being cruel. This new development has not what she wanted to hear or for Xander to hear.

“What do you mean, Aisling? Nothing written on the walls of a temple that is tens of thousands of years old can affect me, what does it say?”

Aisling begins reading the tragic tale that had been inscribed on the long-forgotten temple walls from the dawn of the Elves…

“It begins long ago; it was approximately one hundred thousand earth years ago. It was the time of the great upheaval, when Warmongers and demons were advancing on all fronts. The planet of Naku Eden was in a very safe position. No demons had come to their planet to their planet, the world and its people were safe due to the genius of the first king. The Elvish people were under the rule of the first Elvish King, Larsish the Wise, greatest forger, metallurgist, and alchemist in history of the world and universe. The first and greatest king created a jewel crystal from the rarest gem in the universe. The precious stone is even rarer than Gemmantium. The crystal which when full empowerment could keep citizens of Hell out of the area or lock them in Hell forever. The crystal unfortunately did not function the same on gods. One such being teleported to Naku at the height of the King Larsish reign. This being called himself Ragnor, the God of Gods.”

Xander thought for a moment… My grandfather, this is the story of how my grandfather saved the universe! Xander was enthralled getting the Elvish perspective on those events. Xander Talidorson, grandson of the God of Gods, was expecting to hear a savior’s tale about the creator of Ragnarök, Ragnor!

“This is the beginning of the end of the Elvish people and their way of life. While Ragnor claimed his arrival was for friendship, it was how to best take advantage of the Elvish people and their resources. Ragnor forced the Elvish people to mine for Gemmantium ore and that of any rare crystals that could be used for weapons or power sources. Thousands of Elves died in the mines, Ragnor cared little for the Elvish people and seemed to gain sadistic satisfaction watching them suffer. If any mines underperformed according to Ragnor he would slaughter all those in a mine, or worse in the nearby settlement to motivate his slave labor force. The horrors Ragnor inflicted up the Elvish people pales in comparison to the nightmarish savagery Ragnor bestows upon the King Larsish and his royal family. Ragnor brutally murdered King Larsish’s Queen in his own throne room. Ragnor then took his children hostage, threatening to kill Larsish’s heir and other children. The King had no choice but to create weapons to appease Ragnor. The God of Gods demanded that Larsish create the grandest sword in the universe; A sword made of Gemmantium with rare Elvish crystals inside the metal that would give the sword even greater mystical powers. The sword became the greatest work of the first King’s life and a deep sorrow upon his soul. Ragnor gave his word he would release Larsish’s only daughter for the creation of such a magnificent weapon. The butcher would only allow King Larsish to present the finished sword to Ragnor in an official ceremony in which all members of the court would attend. The ceremony was really a wedding between Ragnor and King Larsish eldest and most beautiful daughter. The first King was in horror at the despicable act and forcing his child to the vilest of marriages. There was nothing King Larsish or anyone else on Naku could do to stop this travesty of a union. Ragnor made the first King present the new unstoppable weapon to him as a gift for his wedding. Ragnor did allow the King to name the blade as an Elvish tradition when a sword is being presented by a great forger. King Larsish losing all senses, after being humiliated, and his royal family and home planet violated, named the legendary weapon GodSlayer, hoping someone would use the sword on his new son-in-law.”

Xander was appalled at this story, could this possibly be true? Ragnor was the God of Gods, he established Ragnarök as the grandest and most powerful capital anywhere. All gods old and new, demigods, and other godly beings freely kneeled before him.

As Xander pondered all this he saw his reflection in the gold tomb, and gently stroked the points of his Elvish ears, acknowledging he was of Elvish descent as well and it was known his grandmother was a young Elvish princess from Naku.

“Ragnor and the Princess resided on Naku while the Gemmantium was being mined and the weapons were finished. The God of Gods forced the King and all those that followed him into a treaty. The age of the Elvish Empire was over, Naku was annexed by Ragnor and Ragnarök. Forever more did the Elves of Naku mine ore and make weapons for the Gods in the name of Ragnarök. The Elves willingly gave their freedom to survive the God of Gods, Ragnor was more hellish than any Warmonger. This temple is the only written account of the crimes of Ragnor. It is meant to stand as a testimonial to evil of the reign of Ragnor; the God of Gods.”

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Ragnarök does not mean the creation of everything…it means the end of everything. Everything I know, all that is, my very being…my existence has always been a lie.

Xander was distraught upon learning the news that his entire family had been a lie, it was simply propaganda, most likely created by Ragnor or members of his court. Looking at the ancient glyphs, Xander’s eyes unknowingly burned blue in his Source Divinian form, reacting to this horrific secret. He falls to his knees in front of one of the walls with a depiction of Ragnor; a large muscular made of pure shadow and darkness, with the only ‘light’ emitting are his burning red eyes akin to the Void Divinian before Lord Talidor created the Source and the Void system across the universe. The second part of Ragnor’s body emitting was his giant neck and with 3 giant vertical scars slashed down and the red light burned out of these markings as his eyes; the marking of the Beast. It also depicted Ragnor in seemingly accurate size 12 feet tall, towering over Lord Talidor’s height around 8 feet and Xander’s 6 feet height.

The Source Divinian falls to his knees in front of the giant Ragnor on the wall consuming him as if the ancient God of Gods was really consuming him right there and now. Aisling was gesturing her cold hand to be placed on Xander’s shoulder, but hesitated. Xander’s eyes are still burning blue, tears run down his face upon facing this new reality.

Aisling finally decides to touch his shoulder, “Xander Talidorson…?”

Xander puts his hand over Aisling’s and then quickly stands back up, trying to regain his composure and wiping off his tears like they never happened. He focuses on his eyes and takes a deep breath and exhales, trying to focus on the task at hand. The God of War turns back to Aisling with a concern, but now disassociated of his emotions.

“Aisling,” Xander says, “Swear to me that you will not speak of this to another living soul! Swear to me that you will not speak of this Aisling. I need you to promise me.”

She hesitantly agreed to Xander’s wishes, “I swear I will not speak of this to anyone else Xander Talidorson. What are you going to do with this new information that has been presented to you?”

“I am going to speak to my father Lord Talidor about these possible revelations. I need to discover more, and I will update you when I do so. That is of course if you chose to return with Tott-Za, and you may assist me. I am certain you would be a great resource into this investigation.”

Aisling made a slight smile with her lips, “If I return with you Xander Talidorson I would be honored to assist you in your investigation.”

Xander responded, “Thank you in advance for your help Aisling, could you please take internal photographs of all the walls with the informative hieroglyphs. Should we bring Tott-Za into this chamber and perhaps the crystal will show itself?”

The Metal Goddess tilts her head at Xander, “I do not know Xander Talidorson we can attempt this feat.”

Just as Aisling debated what to do with Tott-Za, he awoke!

Tott-Za rose to his feet with the GodSlayer sword in his grasp. His eyes are white, the brown iris now replace with total white. The Prince of Phantomlor appears to be fully healed from the ordeal of the ‘Place of Honor’, and was prepared to claim what is rightfully his, the Crystal of Power!

As Xander and Aisling discuss the best course of action to uncover the secret location of the crystal. Tott-Za was making his way through the rooms to the holy site of the resting place of the first Elvish King with the mighty GodSlayer sword in hand. The Gemmantium blade had at one time very recently been almost too heavy for Tott-Za to carry. He now wields it with one hand with surprising ease and skill as if the sword and Tott-Za became one. Tott-Za moved more swiftly than he had ever moved, he could see in the dark, and did not need to ignite his hand and give away his location in the pitch-black temple. He moved quickly through the temple, stopping for nothing, not looking at the ornate walls of gold and silver; Tott-Za intuitively knew where the chamber with the crystal was located and was preparing to destroy anything or anyone that got in his way! As Tott entered the chamber, both Aisling and Xander were shocked and jovial to see Tott-Za up and apparently fully healed and recovered!

“Tott-Za, you’re alive!”, Xander foolishly approaches Tott-Za, “You are up and about! How are you feeling?”

Eerily Tott-Za was totally silent, a silence that would fill a normal person with dread.

“Tott-Za we are very thrilled that you are well, and that you have joined us in the chamber,” Aisling also approached Tott at the same time as Xander.

Suddenly Tott-Za flung both Aisling and Xander against the wall with ease!

“What the hell Tott-Za!?”, Xander exclaimed at Tott-Za, but he either ignored or could not hear Xander.

“Xander Talidorson, I am detecting what can only be described as an energy source flowing from the GodSlayer to Tott-Za. The energy signature is a match for the ‘Place of Honor’ energy that was flowing through Tott-Za during the trial,” Aisling stated to Xander, as they were picking themselves up off the ground.

Neither was injured, but both Xander and Aisling were still swatted like peasants!

Xander rushes his feet getting in-between Tott-Za and the sarcophagus, which is his desired destination, “Tott-Za what is wrong with you!? I am here to help you get through this; we are on the same side!”

But Xander’s words fell on deaf ears as Tott-Za swiftly, more swiftly than Xander could respond to, grabbed Xander by his throat with his left hand and lifted the God of War off the ground!

Xander gurgled, the possessed Tott-Za held him in the air as he finally spoke, “You always make a mess of things Tott-Za!”

Aisling rushed to assist Xander, she attempted to free Xander from Tott-Za’s grasp to no avail. Aisling was knocked back by a backhanded slap from Tott-Za and knocked her to the far side of the chamber, with Xander still in Tott’s grip. Xander hands on Tott-Za’s tiny hand that was clutching his throat, Xander in all his years of life never been so easily manhandled by anyone! Aisling rose to her feet and understanding the severity of the situation engaged her thrusters and propelled herself with as much force as she could toward Tott-Za! Aisling struck Tott-Za with as much force as she could muster, knocking out the adopted son of Warr-Za back momentarily, but only momentarily! As Aisling rose to her feet and realized her impact had little effect on the possessed prince, Tott-Za tossed Xander at Aisling and once again knocked both back against the wall of the chamber!

Xander attempting to regain his voice, coughing, “Agh, agh, Aisling, agh…do not kill Tott-Za! We are not going to harm him, but we must restrain him! He is somehow possessed by whatever magic he has come into contact with!”

Aisling getting off Xander, “Exactly how do we stop him without harming him, Xander Talidorson? He can throw us both around as if we are not here!”

Rising from the ground, Xander says, “I do not know how we are going to stop him, but we must stop him Aisling! We can try to charge at him and hold him to the ground!”

Aisling was very sheepish on the idea, “Tott-Za has overpowered us at every turn! I will attempt to hold his left arm, Xander Talidorson, hold his right and beware he holds the GodSlayer! He not only has a power level challenging ours but also wields a weapon that can kill you! I do not know if Tott-Za can kill you barehanded, but he can with the GodSlayer!”

Xander acknowledged this with simply nodding his head and then told Aisling, “On my mark…3…2…1, charge Tott-Za!”

Both Aisling and Xander charged the now possessed young prince, Aisling grabbed his left arm with all her power and force, as Xander did the same trying to avoid the deadly Gemmantium blade. For a few moments the three did not move; Aisling, Tott-Za, and Xander were the irresistible force meeting an unmovable object. Suddenly and violently, Tott-Za tossed them aside again, this time with much more force both hitting the chamber ground with such force it cracked the ground! Tott-Za then turned his attention to the large sarcophagus, Tott-Za held the sword out from his body and a large energy source began to burn from the GodSlayer! Tott inserted the sword into the slit in the coffin, and the gold embodied sarcophagus began to move!

Xander and Aisling had regained their composure, and Xander desired to intervene, but Aisling stopped him, “Xander Talidorson, we should not interfere with what is occurring! This was the possessed Tott-Za’s goal, to achieve this, let it play out!”

“Tott-Za is my responsibility! I must help him and protect him!”

Aisling gently touched Xander’s hand, “Allow him to finish this quest Xander Talidorson.”

Looking at Aisling, Xander concedes, “You are right, Aisling, I shall allow this to play itself out!”

The large sarcophagus slowly rose up to the high ceiling of the chamber! Below the large and ornate coffin was a crystal that was in shape of a pyramid, this was the Crystal of Power! It was a small, pink and reddish color, crystal, and it could fit in someone’s hand like a paperweight! Aisling’s sensors were going off the charts, the power that this crystal was capable of generating is unfathomable! Tott-Za reached out his with his left hand to grasp the crystal, the moment the crystal was in his possession, the sarcophagus immediately returned to its original place! A blinding white, red, and pinkish light engulfed Tott-Za! The young Pince of Phantomlor fell to the ground, on his knees with the GodSlayer in one hand, and the crystal pyramid of power in the other hand.

Tott-Za breathed heavily, trying to regain his breath, he finally speaks, “X…Xander? Wha…what happened!? Where am I? How did I get here?”

Both Xander and Aisling rushed to his side! Tott-Za began to rise to his feet by using the great sword as a crutch to help him to his feet.

“Tott-Za, is that you!?”, Xander exclaimed, “How are you feeling, and what do you remember?”

Now Tott-Za is on his feet but still very unstable, as Aisling helped to brace Tott-Za to keep him upright.

“I…I just remember placing my arm in the ‘Place of Honor’ and that is it… Where am I and how did I get in here?”

Aisling answers Tott-Za, “Do you remember nothing after placing your arm in the ‘Place of Honor’? You have been very busy since then. How do you feel, is your body functional and intact? My sensors indicate you are in perfect functioning order!”

Tott-Za now fully on his feet, and able to stand and walk on his own, “I am feeling fine, just a little bit dizzy, but I feel just fine, I feel better physically than I have in a long time! How did I end up here, what did I do?”

Xander placing his right hand on Tott-Za’s shoulder, “You did nothing, we theorize that you were possessed by some sort of magic that compelled you to finish the task of finding the crystal. You managed to knock both Aisling and I around a little bit until your mission was completed!”

Wide-eyed, Tott-Za responded, “I…I knocked you around Xander? How is that possible, how could I ever be able to stand up against you”

Now patting Tott-Za on the back, Xander states, “Oh you did not just knock me around but Aisling as well.”

Aisling reaching out to Tott-Za, “How does the crystal feel in your possession, can you feel the power emitting from the crystal?”

Looking down, Tott-Za says, “I can feel the power within the crystal, and I know how to operate it as well! It will take Lord Talidor, Warr-Za, the GodSlayer sword, and myself!”

Both Xander and Aisling looked at one another with confusion and trepidation.

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Warr-Za returns to Ragnarök, reinvigorated after celebrating her Asencion to the throne of the Phantomlor realm. The yearly ceremony reminds Warr-Za of what she came from all those years ago, as a scared slave succubus, she was only meant to be entertainment, and that would only be short-term entertainment at best. Goddess Warr-Za through strength of arms, will, ambition, and ruthlessness unmatched was able to take the throne of the entire dimension! Lord Talidor would never understand having to fight, scratch, and claw his way to the top. Although she is fond of Talidor, much like that of a pet, he did harm her politically by not attending the ceremony with her. But this will be forgotten due to her overzealousness at the arena. This will give pause to any warlord who would attempt to gain allies and rise in rebellion. She did long for the creature comforts she had grown accustomed to while residing on Ragnarök. This had not made her soft, rather it was her indulging in the spoils of war, one of these ‘wars’ was winning over the heart of Lord Talidor.

The Queen Goddess would need to get an update on Tott-Za and Xander’s progress while they are on the worthless mission on Naku, Warr-Za was content sending both the troublesome children away.

Tott-Za is always making a mess of things, and he has been doing so all his life.

As for Xander, he does not trust Warr-Za, and it is easier to manipulate Lord Talidor with the God of War preoccupied on another world. Plus, Xander being away allowed Warr-Za to travel to Phantomlor for her Ascension ceremony. The Goddess would have been hard pressed to leave Lord Talidor with Xander while she was away. Xander could influence Talidor and get into her ‘beloved’s’ ear and turn him against her. So, for the most part it, this worked out well for Warr-Za; she regains full control of Phantomlor once again, maintains control of Lord Talidor, and hopefully one or more of the Divinians will not return.

Goddess Warr-Za arrives in Ragnarök and returns immediately to the grand palace of Lord Talidor and the GX Kingdom. The palace was beyond description; made from the finest material the universe has to offer. Talidor understood the need to be greater than the peasants he ruled over. The palace was the symbol to his power, wealth, and majesty, and half was Warr-Za’s now, but she has laid seeds to increase her grip on power. Warr-Za was to meet her husband at the lunch banquet hall; Lord Talidor almost had a hall for almost anything you could imagine; Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee, etc. It was an overindulgence that Talidor could afford to have in such a secure environment where the Lord of the Universe reigns supreme. The Queen Goddess strutted into the lunch banquet, but much to her surprise her husband was not in the chamber. Lord Talidor was a creature of habit; he would be at the lunch banquet at midday sharp. The entire room was empty, no guards, no servants, and no Lord Talidor. The food had been prepared and laid out upon the table; Warr-Za famished from her experience in Phantomlor sat in the Queens large and ornate chair for dining.

She then grabbed a substantial bird leg, as Warr-Za sunk her teeth in the warm meat, she pondered, “Hmmm…it is not like Lord Talidor to not be where he is scheduled to be or to miss out on a meal!”, chomping down on the bird leg, “I will investigate Lord Talidor’s whereabouts after I finish dining.”

The Queen Goddess stomped through the halls of the royal palace with frustration and a building rage in her breasts. Warr-Za had searched high and low for Lord Talidor; she had searched all the dining halls, the auxiliary halls for less formal occasions, the training yard, library, and throne room! The guards and servants in these areas had not seen Lord Talidor and had not been instructed to expect him. Whenever Lord Talidor moves from chamber to chamber, or room to room, the staff and guards are notified to expect the Ruler of the Universe so the area can be fully staffed. There was nowhere else she could search for her King God, so the Queen Goddess walked to her and Lord Talidor’s bedroom chamber. Warr-Za needed a long hot bath, it would not be one of her ordinary baths, because she would not have 100 scented candles lit around the bathing tub, and 8 female servants to wash, clean, and dry her. This would be a simple bath she would make herself, as well as change her clothing and to something more regal and befitting her station.

As Warr-Za entered, the lights were off which was unusual, the lights typically burned brightly when no one was in the chamber. The only light that Warr-Za could notice was coming from the doorway. She turned the corner in the extremely large chamber, and the Goddess observes Lord Talidor’s owl mask laying out in the open on the floor in front of her. This filled Warr-Za with concern and dread; if something happened to Lord Talidor then the throne would pass down to Xander! She had not had time to set her other machinations into motion to prevent such an event from transpiring! This must be an emergency, Lord Talidor would never reveal his face, as a matter of fact only the Queen Goddess and Lord Talidor’s son have seen what his face looks like. Of course, the topic about Lord Talidor’s true face has been a subject of many rumors in the Gneox Court. Although most in the GX Court would never dare bring such gossip to the Goddess’ ear, still though it gets back to her regardless.

Was Lord Talidor disfigured, was his face damaged in battle?

The innuendoes in the GX Court regarding her husband were at an all-time high.

Warr-Za carefully walked around the enormous chamber; the Queen Goddess was on the edge and prepared for anything, her honed warrior skills would be on full display if she were to be attacked. As she crept slowly towards the bedroom, she could hear giggling, a young woman’s giggle and not a matured giggling, she thought to herself…

Warr-Za’s succubus wings flapped open, and she clenched her teeth to the sight she had stumbled upon!

Lord Talidor was having an affair with one of his many Demigod servants! Warr-Za recognized the young demigod; it was Stella, the busty and curvy blond with ocean blue eyes, who was mounting her husband in HER BED! It was not just the fact that Lord Talidor was sleeping with this immature demigoddess, but was doing so IN THEIR BED, HER BED! Warr-Za stood in the door with total shock and disdain. Never had in her long life any woman or man dared to transgress on her while in a relationship. The fact that Warr-Za never kept any of her vows, wedding or otherwise, was lost to her at this time. Filled with total rage, her red eyes flared brightly, remaining still and silent. Warr-Za was observing this harlot and her husband IN HER BED, the young demigoddess was now bent over her bed with her eyes closed.

Yesss, yesss, yessss! Fuck me as long and hard as you want milord!!! I exist only for your pleasure!

“No,” Warr-Za said in a light tone that wasn’t audible with the passion of lovemaking occurring, “NOOO!!!”

Goddess Warr-Za screamed with white hot anger coursing through her entire body! She summons her Death Scythe in front of Lord Talidor and the servant Stella! The dark room was glowing red by her Malantium blade.

Lord Talidor wearing nothing, not even his owl mask, simply shouted in disbelief and climaxed simultaneously, “M-my Goddess, my Queen!”

The servant demigoddess suddenly jumped out of the position she was holding for Lord Talidor, then jumped out of bed, with a trail of their bodily fluids separating them. Stella tried in vain to wrap a thin blanket around her voluptuous nude frame. The young demigoddess feeling both shame and guilt, failing to cover herself up with the thin blanket, slowly walked to the Queen Goddess and knelt before her, as Warr-Za looked down upon the foolish beauty.

Stella speaks to the Goddess, her voice trembling, with fear and trepidation, crying, “Please forgive me Queen Goddess Warr-Za. It just happened! Lord Talidor wished to take his meal in his chambers while you were gone! And…and then it just happened, it just happened!”

Warr-Za standing tall over her with the Death Scythe in her hands, pauses for a long moment and finally speaks to Stella the servant demigoddess who was pleading for her life, whispers, “Leave,” then a stronger voice, “Leave now! I will deal with you later; I desire to be alone with my husband!”

She did not know what to do with herself. The servant demigoddess quickly made her way out the bed chamber sobbing, leaving in such a rush she did not bother to put her clothes back on. Stella left wearing only the thin small blanket around her mostly nude body!

Lord Talidor standing tall and proud next to the large bed; the Lord of the Universe was standing in the dark of the chamber. He was a giant and nude silhouette. His body postured upright, and chest puffed out, unmoved by Warr-Za catching him in the act.

Warr-Za locks her eyes on Lord Talidor’s shadowy figure, “How could you do this to me Lord Talidor!? How could you do this with a servant!? I am the Queen Goddess who the hell do you think you are!?”

The more Warr-Za spoke the tighter her grip became on the Death Scythe grip handle! Lord Talidor, still nude, walks closer to Warr-Za, “What is wrong, my goddess? I have known about your infidelities with that personal demigod servant of yours, Kosmo. Your inability to keep your legs closed led to this course of action!”

Now defiant at no longer being the only grieved party, Warr-Za shouts, “I AM TALKING ABOUT THIS!!!”

The angered Goddess, angry and hurt for someone to dare take another lover, she was all anyone could handle, and Warr-Za angrier for the fact that Lord Talidor had meticulously planned all this out! He knew the Goddess would go to Phantomlor, he did not go to politically embarrass her in front of the nobles and warlords. To add insult to injury, Lord Talidor had stayed behind so that he could commit an affair with a young demigoddess! Warr-Za out of anger, spite, and total disdain raised her right foot, which was wearing a heavy heel, and stomped on Lord Talidor’s silver, black & white owl mask! The impact of her anger cracked the mask and broke it into several pieces.

The Goddess feeling pleased with herself for destroying an important part of Lord Talidor’s persona, she looks at him dead in the eyes, “I remember when seeing your face actually meant something, now you use it to pick up whores and harlots!”

Lord Talidor now furious that Warr-Za has damaged such an important aspect of his royal visage, leans in closely to the Goddess, so close that Warr-Za could see his nude body towering over her.

“The mockery and embarrassment I have made pales in comparison to you!”, Lord Talidor says to Warr-Za with a tense and sexual energy in the air between the 2 of them. Warr-Za’s deadly weapon disappears out of her hands, her sexual energy was at an all-time high!

The tension between Lord Talidor and Goddess Warr-Za was a huge turn on for the succubus. Warr-Za jumps into the nude Lord Talidor’s arms, her legs wrapped around him, squeezing him tightly. Lord Talidor was enjoying the pain from Warr-Za locking her legs around his ribcage. Both Lord Talidor and Warr-Za fall back into their bed; the Queen Goddess having the Ruler of the Universe all to herself!

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Lord Talidor awakens the next morning after a thrilling and awe-inspiring night with his wife and Queen; Goddess Warr-Za. As he looks to his right, Lord Talidor notices Warr-Za was already up and completing a task. He could not help but wonder what would compel her to get up so early after last night.

The Ruler of the Universe curiously asks Warr-Za, “My love, what is it you are doing so early in the morning after such a thrilling evening!?”

Warr-Za, looking at her husband and smiling, “Look to your left, my love!”

Turning over to his left, Lord Talidor sees his mask sitting on the marble-top nightstand. The mask had been repaired; it was almost as good as new. It had been shattered into 4 pieces, now it was whole once again, however it was being held together with gold. The silver, black and white owl mask now had gold streaks in the mask to hold the pieces together.

“This is magnificent my Goddess! The silver with the gold seals makes the mask more distinguished!”, Lord Talidor slipping the mask on to see how it looks and fits! It was a perfect fit, and aesthetically it was even more pleasing to the eye.

Warr-Za now sitting on the right side of her husband, asking Lord Talidor while her right hand caresses the upgraded mask, “Do you like it my loving husband?”

Lord Talidor taking warr-Za’s hand from his mask and kissing her hand, “Very much so, my Goddess. Thank you so much!”

Staring into her husband’s masked face, Warr-Za says, “Not everything damaged is completely broken my love! But you were correct about me; I was pushing you away, I am under tremendous pressure, my love. The stress of the war with the Warmongers, fearing for our boys when they are in such danger and away from home! I have been looking for something to fill that void because I was not giving that love to you!”

The Goddess holding Lord Talidor’s hands, she was being honest with her King God more than she had ever been. Warr-Za knew she was still in a precarious position now, in Ragnarök the marriage rules are simple; should a wife commit adultery, she can be executed for violation of marriage laws. It was very unlikely Lord Talidor would have her executed, not that Lord Talidor or any other God in Ragnarök could do so. The King God could simply divorce her for infidelity, she has that option as well. But the Queen Goddess would never leave the power, splendor, or wealth, but she is required to get them back on the same page.

Warr-Za was concerned the little bitch Stella, would convince Lord Talidor to divorce her.

“You are the only one for me, my Goddess!”, Lord Talidor said to his wife; The Ruler of the Universe only engaged in adultery due to being lonely and feeling a distance growing between himself and Warr-Za.

In truth, Warr-Za has become too comfortable in her new surroundings, she has yet had all her plans and machinations in place to ensure she had total control of the universe yet.

“As you will always be my love,” Warr-Za smiled at Lord Talidor and stood up from the bed walking to another room in the bed chamber, “That is why I got you a present my love!”

Warr-Za returns from the next room, with a large rectangular box and a lid with a green bow.

Lord Talidor is sitting on the edge of the bed, and very curious what the gift could be, “My Goddess, how did you find the time this morning to fix my damaged mask, and to find what I am sure is a fantastic gift!?”

The Ruler of the Universe did not even hear her get out of bed last night, much less leave the chambers and he certainly did not hear her return to the bedroom. Warr-Za glides with purpose towards Lord Talidor, grinning with glee as she presented Lord Talidor’s gift to him on his lap.

The Queen Goddess sat next to her King God, leaning next to him, Warr-Za was genuinely excited for Lord Talidor to open the large package she has gotten for him.

“You are going to love it my love!”, Warr-Za says to Talidor, her charisma was infectious, it has always been one her greatest assets and weapons. So infectious it had Lord Talidor excited to see what the gift contained. He removes the bow and lifts the lid off the large rectangular box; inside were 2 freshly cut heads! It was the head of the servant demigoddess Stella, the girl he had just been with only last night, and next to Stella’s head was the head of Warr-Za’s demigod servant Kosmo that Lord Talidor had become aware of. Warr-Za was very proud of herself and her accomplishment, as it was tradition in Phantomlor if you engage in adultery, to make amends is to present the head, or heads, of those you committed the violation with.

“This is the servant who made me sin that I had a fling with, and this obviously was the slut you cheated with! In Phantomlor, giving the heads of those whom you violated your marriage laws with is an understanding that you both are starting over with each other! My gift to you is my servant Kosmo, my sexual partner whom I broke my marriage laws with; I know that you abhor needless bloodshed, so I killed her on your behalf my love! What do you think, my love? Do you accept my gift? I certainly accept Stella’s head on your behalf! They tried to pull us apart, but now their deaths will bring us back together! They meant nothing to us my love, they were nothing but fuck toys, meaningless playthings”

Lord Talidor’s reaction was unclear, as he wore his newly repaired mask upon his face. The King God did not know how to react to such ‘gifts.’ The Ruler of the Universe knew that the cultural differences between Ragnarök and Phantomlor could be a large bridge to cross. He had never expected this as a present; Lord Talidor thought it might have been jewelry, a large precious stone, not the heads of his servants!

This was like when Talidor was just a young boy, and his pet cat would return from the garden with a bird in his jaws. The animal wanted praise and affection lavished upon him for bringing a dead body to you as a show of loyalty and love to its owner. Much like the cat in his youth, Lord Talidor is very impressed with the dedication and yet, had the cat been bigger would he have ended up in its jaws?

“It is beautiful is it not my love!?”, Warr-Za says with her hand on Talidor’s thigh.

Not wanting to insult his breath-taking wife, Lord Talidor says, “It is a thing of beauty, my Goddess. I am afraid Tott-Za will miss Stella dearly though, he and her were very close!”

Warr-Za moving to sit on Lord Talidor’s lap, places the box on the marble nightstand, “Tott-Za always makes a mess of things like he always does, ever since he was an infant. I promise Tott will get over her very quickly, he falls in love with every pretty face he sees and if the girl just speaks to him!”

Lord Talidor had a range of emotions; flattering, disturbed, concerned, and about the entire situation. He did not know how to convey his concerns and thoughts to Warr-Za right now.

The King God simply looked at the severed heads and stated, “If they survive!”

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As Tott-Za, Aisling, and Xander made their way out of the temple, Xander had a great deal of concern for his stepbrother, and how he was able to walk much less function.

Aisling asked before they exited the temple, “Tott-Za it is obvious that you have been through a great deal. I would be more than happy to unburden you by carrying the GodSlayer sword for you?”

Tott-Za somewhat sarcastically and out of character responded, “I am fully capable of carrying my share of the responsibilities.”

Xander chalked up Tott-Za having been through literal Hell, not just this day, but this whole mission for his response, not knowing how much longer Tott-Za physically and mentally he could withstand the tribulations he has been put through, “Tott-Za do you need to rest? There is no shame after going through everything you just endured!”

The trio made their way out of the temple, “I am fine Xander, as a matter of fact I have not felt stronger in my life!”

It appeared Tott-Za was correct; the Prince of Phantomlor seemed larger, more muscular and was most assuredly more confident. Xander was hoping the experiences Tott-Za sustained over the course of the mission that Tott-Za would gain more self-confidence and understanding of himself.

“Xander Talidorson what are we going to do when we exit the temple?”, asked Aisling, curious as to what the plan of escape might be.

“We will need to get back to the StarGazer, the ship Tott-Za and I arrived in on this planet.”

Tott-Za quickly added, “We crashed on this planet Xander.”

Xander nods, “Yes, we did crash on the planet Tott-Za. To answer your question Aisling we need to get back to the crash site and see if we can send a distress signal for emergency pick up. I’m sure Lord Talidor has been checking in on our development and should contact us soon. It will not be easy; we will have to walk back to the Captial. Hopefully there we can get resupplied and find a means to travel back to the StarGazer.”

Aisling added, “We must also take into consideration, the atmosphere of the planet, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for any of us to spend too much time in such harsh elements. Even Xander and I will be affected by the change to the planet. Tott-Za please do not feel inferior for having to stop to rest or need water or having difficulty breathing. You have…”

Tott-Za interjected her midsentence, “I am fine Aisling, I appreciate the concern and if anything changes, I will let you both know. Right now, I am just anxious to leave this planet.”

Xander nodding, “I agree, Tott-Za. We are close to the exit of the temple; we can hopefully be back to the capital tomorrow morning.”

The God of War desired to leave this nightmare planet now that the mission had been completed. Xander would be returning to Ragnarök with a power crystal, and a powerful new ally that could add the Gods in defeating the demons and Warmongers. Tott-Za would be returning in one piece as well, which was another mission parameter. The trio made their way out the temple, Xander noticed that the climate has become harsher and the atmosphere, this would not bode well for Tott-Za, Aisling, and Xander. Tott-Za was the most vulnerable to this change in the atmosphere, though Xander and Aisling would eventually fall for this strange new world too.

“We can travel for 6 hours or so, make camp, try to rest, then get to the Capital and find a way to the ship,” Xander stated while looking over the terrain.

Suddenly and without warning, the trio was attacked by a hovercraft’s weapons while just exiting the temple!

“I am going to kill you all!!! You monsters come to my planet and kill everyone! I will make my last stand here!”, the unknown Elf said.

The driver was trying to ram Aisling with his hovercraft, instead she took flight into the air.

Aisling said to Xander, reaching out with her mind she was able to shut down the hovercraft, “I will handle this situation Xander Talidorson!”

“How did you do that Aisling!?”, Tott-Za asked.

“I have discovered in my programming I have to the ability to control almost anything with a computer. This was my first attempt at controlling anything Tott-Za,” Aisling stated with a hint in her voice this was a new experience to her as well.

Xander screaming at the elderly Elf with blond hair and one blue eye, “What are you trying to do Elf!? We are your friends; we are here to help your planet!”

“Help me!? Help me!? You are only here to help yourselves! MY FAMILY, MY WORLD IS DEAD! AND YOU DID NOTHING!!! All you are attempting to do is raid a dead planet!”

The one-eyed Elf fired upon the trio with a projectile weapon that was firing bullets. The bullets themselves were no threat to Aisling or Xander, the bullets could kill Tott-Za and the Elf himself. This Elf could not be reasoned with.

“I am Xander Talidorson, God of War for Ragnarök, Prince of the Universe, my companions are my stepbrother Tott-Za, and this is Aisling Vizerdaughter rebuilt in another body.”

Regardless, the elder Elf continued to fire as Aisling blocked off the bullets with her Gemmantium body, “I do not care who or what you are! I saw the signal; the white, red, and pinkish light shine! It led me straight here and I will fight to the death!”

Tott-Za retorted coldly, ‘We are not monsters; we are on a mission to find survivors!”

The elder one-eyed Elf responded, “Lies! You are going to die or kill me!”

His ammo had run out and he charged Xander with a Gemmantium knife! Xander easily stepped aside his would-be attacker and dropped him into the dirt.

Xander picked up the Gemmantium blade, pointing it at him and then tosses the knife out of sight, successfully neutralizing the Elf, “It does not have to be this way, sir! We can help you; we can get you some place safe.”

Looking up at Xander with tears running down the Elf’s one eye, “I just want to die, and I do not have the courage to do it myself!”

“I understand, sir,” Xander taking pity for this Elf, “But I am not a butcher, and I will not kill you!”

“Kill me! Please just kill me! K…”, before he could finish his words, Tott-Za’s eyes burned red in his Void Divinian form, amplifying his pyrokinesis with his divinity, and proceeded to kill the Elf instantly!

The fire burning out of his hands was immense, even Xander could feel the heat! Within a moment, the one-eyed Elf was an ash statue at the feet of Aisling, Tott-Za, and Xander.

Xander’s eyes burn blue in his Source Divinian form, furiously gripping his shirt and holding his limp body up off the ground, screaming at him while Tott’s face is turned away, “Why did you do that, Tott-Za!? He may have been the last Elf in the universe! You did not have to do that, and you know it!”

Aisling touches Xander’s arm, but Xander glances back at the Metal Goddess with a death stare whole his eyes are still burning blue, signaling her to remove her metal hand off him, as she ultimately does release him after a second of hesitation.

Xander is furious with Tott-Za, and his actions.

Tott-Za retorts as Xander was still looking at Aisling while holding his limp body up with ease, still looking away from Xander, says, “It was his desire to die, Xander. He would not have lasted much longer on Planet Zero. He would have died from lack of food, water, the loss of the atmosphere, or even a broken heart. I simply gave him a quick death to end his pain and he did not suffer! We now have the means to get back to the Capital in a few hours by taking the hovercraft.”

Xander turns back at Tott-Za, his blue eyes burning brighter and gripping Tott’s clothes tighter, “Just admit it, you liked it you sick bastard, didn’t you? DIDN’T YOU!?”

“You said so yourself, Xander, I am the Void Divinian,” Tott-Za coldly retorts, now turning back to look at Xander with his burning red eyes, “I cannot deny my very nature…”

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Planet_0

Written by KR Kraken with Ryan D. Cox, Original story: KR Kraken, Special thanks to the Knightmare Allegory team, Models; Xander (Kevin Ruben), Tott-Za (Dan “Bat-Dan” Kersey), Warr-Za (Shannon Lummert), Kosmo (Unholy Robert), Stella (Glytter Fawx), the New Goddess (Eloise Duncan), and Aisling (AI generated model)

A Special Thanks to Mikey Sutton, thank you for making all of our dreams come true and inspiring everyone with Dreamwalker

From the Worlds of Savage Knightmare