Daniel sat up from his sleeping accommodations. He had opted to sleep on the couch near the large balcony of his old quarters, letting Katrina take the sizable bed. It was only proper. The last two days had been the best rest he had had in months, and had barely left the room at all. There was too much to consider. Their situation had changed drastically, and he now had to prepare for his and Katrina’s escape. He heard muffled sounds from the bathroom, and glanced over just as Katrina exited, wearing a towel. Averting his eyes, Daniel started to organize his pillows and blankets.

“All yours, Dan.” Katrina said, using a smaller towel to dry her hair. “You finally going to leave the room today?”

“Not sure.” Daniel said, finishing his task and standing to make his way into the bathroom.

“We should hit the practice fields today.” She punched his arm as he walked past her. “I haven’t had a good match since I got here.”

Daniel smirked, but said nothing as he entered to take a shower and prepare for the day.

After he finished, he strode out and began equipping his gear. He had been provided with new leathers, and a bone plate to replace his damaged one. He dawned his old crimson officers cloak, that had been torn and tattered during his journey. The Rexunii offered to replace it with either a new one, or a grey one, the color of their clan. He opted just to have this one cleaned. If anything, it was a testament to his continued loyalty to the Lokkadonians, and his struggle thus far.

They exited the room, and made their way to the dining hall, Where Alektor, Turak, Ambrosia, and a familiar Rin sat just starting their meals.

“Lord Daniel!” Rin said, shooting up from her seat and rushing to bow before him. “Thank the Spirits you are alright. I have been praying day and night for your safe return.”

“Good to see you, Rin.” Daniel said, lifting her from her bow and embracing her. “I figured that if I’m going to be here again, I might as well have someone I trust by my side.”

“Please join us,” Alektor said, standing and gesturing to two open seats.

Daniel nodded, and picked a seat right next to Ambrosia, who seemed a bit uncomfortable at the sudden proximity of him.

“I take it you are well rested, human?” Turak said, taking a drink from his bowl.

“After months on the road, I needed some time to recuperate.” Daniel held out Katrina’s chair, next to himself, and she gracefully approached, letting him seat her.

“Months of battle.” Katrina said, a smug look on her face.

“Indeed.” Alektor said, leaning forward. “I am glad you accepted our invitation so quickly. It took Spirit-Sent Katrina quite some time to warm to our hospitality.”

“I see no reason to.” Daniel shrugged, starting to fill his own plate with the assorted food. “You know how I feel. You know where my loyalties lie. Why starve myself to show you what you already know.”

“Yes.” Alektor looked slightly puzzled at Daniel’s words. “Very wise to come to such a conclusion.”

“I’ve also heard that you’re a man of your word.” Daniel continued. “Aside from all the horror and all. We can at least rely on your honor.”

Alektor’s face broke into a smile. The first Daniel had seen on the man. “I hope that over your stay here, we might come to more of an understanding. I know so little about you, and would like to know more.”

“Sounds good to me.” Daniel said around a mouthful of food. “What about the rest of you. I don’t really know who you guys are.” He pointed at Turak. “I know you’re Turak, and you?” He pointed to Ambrosia.

Ambrosia cleared her throat, and turned toward him. “I, am Princess Ambrosia of the Sabree clan. Loyal ally and subject to our High King Alektor, and the Rexunii.”

“Ah.” Daniel nodded, hearing a chuckle from Katrina who was beside him. “Nice to meet you. I’m Daniel.” He held out his hand; she stared at it for several moments before awkwardly taking it in hers and shaking it. This brought Katrina’s laughter to bubble up a bit more, getting her an angry glare from Ambrosia.

“Reku has said what he knows about you, which truthfully wasn’t much.” Turak said, “I was always curious to meet you.”

“What is your plan today, Daniel?” Alektor asked. “You have our leave to do anything you wish.”

“Not sure, to be honest with you.” Daniel scratched his chin. “I was invited to the practice fields, so, probably spend some time there. Catch up with Rin, and.” He looked around. “Where’s Matea?”

“She is being housed in our officer’s quarters.” Turak chimed in. He looked at one of the guards. “Bring squire Matea here, the Spirit-Sent wishes to train with her.”

The guard bowed and made a swift exit.

“Great.” Daniel said, standing up, after having finished his meal in record time. “Take your time, Kat, I’ll meet you in the courtyard.” He looked at the rest of them. “Thanks for breakfast.”

~

Daniel wrung his hands in the courtyard, resting it on one of the stone walls, overlooking the city below. This is going to be harder than I thought. The fact that he forced himself to make nice with these people churned his stomach. And the fact that Alektor seemed just as cunning and calculated as Avria feared, made this all the more dangerous. He needed to maintain a pleasant demeanor, and perhaps even make an attempt to befriend some of these people. Suddenly the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. He spun quickly and spotted a small figure floating in the air, wearing a black dress made of smoke. The figure cocked it’s head and Daniel noticed it had no eyes.”

“You… can see me…” The figure said, floating closer. Daniel observed it was a small woman, maybe twelve inches tall. The very same spirit that had been whispering in Robert’s ear. “That is quite impressive for someone… who has no Dunamis…” It said.

“Who are you?” Daniel asked, his hand poised to summon his metal blade.

“I am Dio’Mar… Patron spirit of Rexun… we’ve met before…”

Daniel recalled the battle of Vul De Rah, when she appeared and fought Gro’ak within the spirit realm.

“Yeah…” he said, slowly. “I remember you. What do you want?”

“I am merely here… to sate a curiosity…” She said, floating to his right. “Though… you weren’t supposed to see me… that is very interesting that you can.”

“Well,” Daniel shrugged, “Ask away. It’s better to be direct anyway.”

“I agree.” She said, a little hand stretched out, and he backed away before she could touch his skin.

“No touching, please.” There wasn’t any telling what this spirit was capable of. She looked small now, but he saw what she did to Gro’ak, one of the strongest spirits in Eleutheros. She was not to be underestimated.

“My apologies… I suppose my relationship with Reku… has spoiled me…”

“And what ‘is’ your relationship with Robert?” Daniel asked. “Are you the reason he’s gone nuts? Or are you his spirit concubine?”

There was a high-pitched ringing sound that briefly confused Daniel, as he didn’t know what it was. Until he realized that Dio’Mar was actually laughing.

“My… you are very direct… I like that… no… I am not… mating with Reku… I am his guardian… and his friend…” She floated back. “I wonder if you would answer a question for me… Daniel.”

“Go ahead.” Daniel tensed, flexing his fingers to draw upon his blade.

“Why do you not possess the Dunamis anymore?” She asked,

“What?” Daniel was confused. “I never lost it.”

Dio’Mar cocked her head again. “That is impossible. I can sense no spiritual energy from you… it is as though you are dead… not even a spark of life.”

Daniel held his finger up and willed a small golden white flame to ignite.

The little spirit flinched back from his display of power. And her mouth, which had been unmoving to this point, opened and she let out a sound that he could only describe as a hiss.

Daniel brought his finger down, extinguishing the flame and smiled. “As you can see, I still have my power.”

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“This… should not… be possible…” She said, turning toward the large entrance of the palace where Katrina, Matea, and Rin exited and were now on their way to Daniel.

“If… I have your permission… Daniel…” She said, “I would like to speak with you again… in private.”

Daniel shook his head. “I don’t see any reason why I should do that.”

“The power that you possess… Do you even know what it is?”

He thought on it. He wasn’t sure why the color of his flames changed, or why he now had access to a metal blade, but he figured it had to do with Raguel somehow. Ever since he met the strange spirit within his Dunem Dae Espa, he had changed. The question now was whether or not he could trust this little spirit. After several moments of consideration, he concluded that he couldn’t. Whatever she had to say to him might be more dangerous. And if she was somehow controlling or influencing Robert, he needed to stay far away from her. “Stay the hell away from me and Katrina.” He warned. “I’ve got nothing more to say to you about it.”

“Dan!” Katrina waved her hand as she approached.

Daniel looked at her for a moment, then back to where Dio’Mar had been. Unsurprisingly, she was now gone.

“Dan, you didn’t tell me that Matea was so damn cute!” Katrina said, putting her arm around the Sabree’ warrior. “Good choice for a squire.”

Daniel nodded, scanning the surrounding area for Dio’Mar. Unsure of how he could protect himself from her if she chose to harm them.

~

Robert looked down at Daniel and Katrina from his perch on one of the towers of the palace. The sight of them infuriated him. Since his return, Katrina hadn’t said a word to him. Going so far as to ask Alektor to order him back to Visgo. He of course refused. Daniel’s arrival had truly complicated things here. Just when Katrina was starting to warm up to him again. This son of a bitch, he thought.

Just then, Dio’Mar appeared before him. “We must speak…” She spoke without her usual greeting or quip.

“What happened?” Robert asked, a bit of concern crossing him.

“I have discovered something quite interesting about your fellow human, Daniel’s power.” She floated to his shoulder and rested on it, crossing her legs. “He no longer possesses the Dunamis…”

“What?”

“It is not as you believe…” She warned, “He still possesses power… just not of the Dunamis… It should not be possible… Our realms are separate…”

“What is it?” Robert asked, his attention now fully on her. “What realms? What the hell are you talking about?”

She was still for a time, as though pondering what to tell him.

“You know something, you aren’t telling me, Dio. Spit it out.”

“I do not know of your world…” She finally said, “But I do know that you were sent here for a reason… You freed me… something I thought impossible… And now… a power that has not polluted Pelemont for thousands of years… has again shown itself…” She floated up to face him fully. “I do not know what you humans are… saviors… or destroyers… Perhaps both…”

Robert blinked in confusion. “Dio, I don’t understand. What are you talking about?” She said nothing to him, only stared with her eyeless face, unmoving. Something had changed, and she knew something. He always suspected she knew more than she led on, but this was starting to bring the same chill down his spine he felt when he watched her bite off Pilyur’s head in Pontos.

“We must leave the city…” she said, breaking the silent tension. “We may not have time… as much time as I believed…”

“Leave the city?” Robert was stunned. “I can’t leave the city. Demessa and Athica are here. They’re—”

“If you want to return home… There is only one way…”

“What?” Robert said, sudden anger building within him. “You know how to get us home!?”

“You are not yet ready… it is very dangerous… But yes… You must trust me… There is a reason for my secrecy…”

“You... You lied to me.” Robert clenched his fists.

“Do not be so dramatic…” She waved her little hand at him. “There is much I can tell you… But not here…”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Robert fumed. “Not while Demessa and Athica are here. And not while Katrina is here with that asshole, Dan.”

Dio’Mar tilted her head down, looking at the group of humans and Dae below. “Katrina… has chosen Daniel…” Her words stabbed into Robert like a blade. He shook his head, feeling his rage start to build. No… I got over her. I don’t care what she does anymore. But why am I feeling this way? He thought. “I don’t believe you.” He said through gritted teeth.

“She will lay with him this night…” Her mouth curled into a smile. “She is not worth your time… or efforts…”

“You’re full of shit.” Robert cursed.

“If she does… you will leave with me… and I will show you… how to get home…”

~

Katrina grinned as she looked across the practice field at Daniel. “You ready?” she called. Daniel nodded, bringing his practice weapon up and advancing toward her. She matched him and started toward him as well. Daniel had asked that they refrain from using the Dunamis for this fight, saying his power had changed drastically, and wished to keep it as a secret. This was irregular, but she agreed anyway. Scores of Dae now surrounded them, observing the two Spirit-Sent in their fight. Turak, Ambrosia, and even Demessa had joined the audience. That was fine with her.

Daniel lunged forward, his blade quick as lightning. Katrina parried to the side and slashed at Daniel’s throat in a quick counter. Which he of course dodged. She changed her form to one of Avria’s favorites, Vonix form, which was excellent for attacking a single opponent. Bringing her blade directly above her head, and holding it with two hands, she brought it down at him. He blocked, letting it slide to the side and kicked at her. Then she performed a series of strikes, as fast as she could muster. The Dunamis coursing through her muscles, granting her speed and strength.

Loud cracks echoed throughout the field, as their weapons collided at incredible speeds. Daniel was matching her with every strike. He had improved quite a bit since their last bout. She intensified her effort, switching forms at random to attempt to confuse him, slashing from side to side, trying to hit his legs or disarm him with a powerful strike. Stubbornly, he wasn’t allowing anything to get through. And unlike the Dae she had been facing here, he matched or possibly exceeded her stamina. She smiled. Finally, she was being challenged. Finally, she wasn’t overwhelming her opponent with her strength and speed. The thought brought a surge of aggression to her as she gleefully continued her assault.

Daniel blocked one of her horizontal strikes and pushed his shoulder into her chest, knocking the wind out of her, and sending her tumbling to the sand below. With a curse, she used the momentum of his attack to roll back to her feet, but not before he was on her. His blade came down with such force, she almost dropped her own when she blocked it. Pain shot through her fingers, and she rolled to the side, to avoid any further attacks. “Finally! A challenge!” she shouted, her smile now stretching across her whole face. He was good. Very good.

With a grunt, she went on the offensive again. He was stronger than her, that was obvious, but she still had confidence that she had better technical skill with the blade. Pushing herself, she used her Dunamis to leap at him at incredible speed. Air roared past her ears as she slammed into him. This seemed to catch him off guard, and he stumbled a bit, bringing his foot back to brace himself. She wrapped her legs around his waist and hit the back of his knee with her blade, causing him to fall on his back, with her straddling him. He grunted as they hit the ground, and she brought her incisor to his neck.

There was a loud cheer from the surrounding Dae when they saw her victory and she lifted her hands in the air shouting in her triumph. She had won. It was a shame that Avria wasn’t here to see it.

“You got me.” Daniel said, his smile wide. “I didn’t expect that last move.”

She laughed, and looked down at him. There was a sudden heat in her cheeks as she realized their position, and quickly rose and helped him up. “I should have landed one right here.” She pointed to the left side of his face. “To repay you for that last one you gave me.”

“You can try.” he said, chuckling. “It won’t be easy though.”

“Very impressive.” Turak said, walking up to them. “You are both very skilled with a blade. You were both taught well.”

Daniel seemed to tense for a moment.

“Yeah, well. Maybe next time you can fight me yourself.” Katrina said, not hiding her dislike of the man.

“That would be, interesting.” He replied. “Perhaps in the near future we can have a proper bout.”

Rin and Matea approached Daniel, and Turak nodded to her, taking his leave.

“Are you well, Spirit-Sent?” Rin asked, looking him over.

“Fine.” he said, giving her a nod. “Let’s go again, Katrina.”

Katrina laughed, “Nope, I think I’m good. I want to try and bask in my victory a little longer. I know you’ve got something up your sleeve. You’ll have to wait till next time to knock me on my ass.”

Daniel raised an eyebrow. “Alright, fine. But we’ll settle this tomorrow.”

“You fared better than I did, that’s for sure.” Demessa said, a smirk on her face.

Katrina turned to face her. She wasn’t sure when she approached. “Oh please.” She scoffed and waved the Dae girl off. “Relax.”

“She’s always been a tricky one to fight.” Daniel chuckled.

~

After the sparring match. They walked the city together, talking about the old times. It seemed so long ago to Katrina, that they arrived in the city and were brought before Agron. Even the Spirit temple seemed a distant past, when she first awakened her Dunamis. This world had changed them both. Katrina could see it in herself, and in Daniel. They were no longer the weak and powerless creatures who couldn’t fight their own battles now, but formidable warriors. Katrina thought of Avria, then. She was so grateful to the woman for making her who she was now.

As the sun began to set, they made their way back to the palace. Katrina opened the room door and walked in, heading straight for the bathroom. She heard Daniel talking to the guard outside the room, but ignored it and strode inside. Disrobing, she entered the shower, and felt the warm tendrils of water on her skin. She took a moment to breathe, as a formless whisper crept into her mind. She felt a pulse course through her, and feelings she didn’t know she had, manifested themselves. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea, she thought. She trusted Daniel. Again, she heard the whispers. He was a very handsome man. What harm would it do them? It didn’t have to be anything serious, right? She put her hand on the lever of the shower, and felt as the Dunamis left it, returning to her, and stopping the flow of water. “What the hell are you even thinking?” She whispered to herself.

She looked at the smooth stone below, panting as the feeling grew stronger. What the hell is going on with me? she thought. A wave of chills shot up and down her body, further increasing her condition. “Screw it.” she said, drying herself with a towel and looking to see her own red-faced reflection in the mirror. I need this, and I’m sure he does too. She thought.

Opening the door, she saw him sitting on his couch going over several pieces of parchment in his hands. He had removed his armor and cloak, but still wore his leathers. Taking a deep breath, she approached him, walking until she was right in front of him. Daniel’s eyes looked up, and they widened slightly at the sight of her.

“What’s up?” he asked, a bit of hesitation in his voice.

She exhaled deeply and let her towel fall to the floor. Daniel’s eyes bulged, looking as though they might fall out of his head. “Kat? What are you doing?” He eked out.

She straddled him and put her arms around his neck. “Listen.” She said, bringing her forehead to touch his. “This doesn’t have to be awkward. I know you need this too.”

“Kat, we really shouldn’t” he said, starting to lift her off of him.

Katrina leaned in and planted her lips on his. Instantly she felt the strength in his arms fade while she kissed him. That’s more like it. She thought, satisfaction crossing her mind. When she finally pulled away, she could see the desire in his eyes as he examined her bare skin. Then his strength returned, and he picked her up into his arms as though she weighed nothing and led her over to the bed. They fell upon it in a tumble, and Katrina used her dexterity to remove Daniel’s blouse. She paused for a moment, her face flush and pulled away from him, admiring the man’s form. Yeah, she thought. I really need this. She gave him her most seductive smile, and they again locked in a passionate kiss.