0 comments/ 2882 views/ 1 favorites Vandal Hearts Ch. 02 By: JoeBarnosky Capital Shumeria "LET'S GO TO HEADQUARTERS AND give our report," Ash instructs as the three enter the capital city of Shumeria. The other two nod their acknowledgment and follow Ash to the Security Force Headquarters with Zoot Gach in tow. Once there they secure the thief leader and meet with the commander, Clive Beckett, a tall and well dressed officer with a well groomed beard. "And that concludes my report," Ash says standing up from the chair across from the man. "I see." Clive shifts in his own seat. "Well done. Let's takes a good look into the background of this...Zoot Gach." "I agree," Ash says looking hard at the man. Diego rolls his eyes and shakes his head. "As always, the big guy gets away, the truth gets swept under the carpet and only the small guy gets screwed." Clint throws a fist into Diego's shoulder and says, "Hey you dumb son of a bitch, you're outta line." "No," Clive says calmly, "you're right. There are lots of things wrong with this government: corrupt politicians, oppressive taxes and not enough police. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. But no matter how filthy things get, as long as we remember who we are, we the people, have the freedom to change things for the better. And it's that freedom that so many people died for fifteen years ago." "I understand," Ash says looking away solemnly. "I had no right to mouth off like that," Diego apologizes. "I'm sorry." "No, it's alright," Clive says standing up with a large smile set on his face. "In any case, you all did a fine job. Why don't you relax a little." Diego makes no attempt to hide the smile that forms on his face as Ash thanks the commander. The moment they step out of the office Diego says, "Now how about we head to the tavern for a drink and some women?" Clint looks at him, "Is that all you think about?" "What else is there in life man without a little bit of fun," he answers still smiling. "He's right," Ash agrees. "We haven't had any time off in months and we could use some down time." Clint lets out a long sigh. "I suppose you're right." Diego claps the big man on the back. "Of course he is. Now come on before Beckett changes his mind." * Capital Shumeria: Tavern ONCE THE TRIO REACHES THE tavern Diego immediately parts from his companions. Clint shakes his head and Ash simply smile and he finds a table for the both of them to sit at. Diego shuffles over across the expanse toward two familiar faces. "Hey ladies," he says as he slides up between two of the tavern's well known patrons. "It's been awhile." Staci, the taller of the two women, flashes him a smile, "Diego! It has been a long time." The other, Julie, spins him around and plants her lips on his. "Far too long." She takes his hand and pulls him along behind her up the stairs followed closely by Staci. Back at the table Clint looks away to Ash and says, "He should consider settling with one woman and not taking so many with every town we visit." Ash laughs causing a frown to form on Clint's face. "For as long as I have known you Clint you've always worried about everyone else." "Well I—" "Forget get," Ash interrupts. "Have some ale," he says sliding a mug across the table toward him. * UPSTAIRS STACI GETS DOWN ON her knees and pulls down Diego's pants. She spreads his legs and swallows as much of his cock in her mouth as she can and goes to work sucking and stroking it like a pro. Julie sits on the bed kneeling, taking of her shirt. She bends over Diego with her breasts dangling in his face. "Suck my tits," she pleads softly. She doesn't give him much of a choice as she shoves a breast into his mouth. He immediately starts sucking on it, drawing circles around her nipple with his tongue. Immediately he loves the feel of her hard nub in his mouth. He gently bites her nipple and she groans with pleasure. "Bite me harder," she moans. He does as she asks, clamping down on her nipple with full force and she shrieks in pleasurable pain. Then he takes his hand and starts rubbing her other nipple in between his fingers, pinching hard, eliciting even more shrieks from her. Staci is still giving him a wonderful blowjob and he soon gets closer and closer to cumming. She feels his balls tighten and abruptly pulls away and moves up by his ear to whisper in it, "I want that cum in my pussy." Julie gets off the bed and wiggles out of her tight skirt. Diego reaches out and softly strokes her damp slit as Staci slides off the bed and begins kissing Julie. She puts her hands on Julie's waist and pulls her away from Diego's prodding fingers and back onto the bed. "You're gonna eat her pussy while you fuck me," Staci orders Diego. Julie straddles his face looking away from him and facing Staci as Staci straddles him. Diego doesn't waste any time and quickly thrusts his tongue into Julie's warm, wet pussy as Staci takes his cock in her hand and guides it to her own dripping pussy. She lifts herself up then sit down on hard, impaling herself with his hard cock. She moans loudly as Diego's cock fills her tight pussy. Diego continues eating Julie's pussy, lapping up her sweet juices, flicking her clit with his tongue. Remembering how she likes having her nipples bitten, he bites down hard on her clit and is rewarded with a loud moan. "Diego! That feels so fucking good!" Staci sets her own pace to maximize her pleasure and leans over to kiss Julie and for the next few minutes the only noises are moans and wet sloshing noises of Staci's pussy against Diego's cock and his tongue lapping up Julie's pussy juice. Julie eventually breaks their kissing to move her mouth down to Staci's nipples and bites down on one of them, hard. "You bitch!" Staci cries. Julie releases her nipple only to do the same to the other one. This time Staci just moans with pleasure and she starts to increase her stride, bucking faster and faster making Diego unsure as to how much longer he can hold his load. He licks at Julie's pussy furiously to be rewarded with her loud screaming as she cums all over his face. He doesn't stop though. He goes back to chewing on her hard clit as Staci increases her speed on his cock. "Ohhh baby," he moans, breaking off Julie's clit. "I don't think I can hold it much longer." Before either girl can respond, he cums hard and fast shooting his load deep inside Staci's dripping wet pussy. "I'm cumming too," Staci cries as her orgasm washes over her. Diego continues to thrust until every last drop of his cum is inside her. * "DO YOU REMEMBER THAT DRUNK that nearly caused a riot in Minato?" Clint asks laughing. "We barely got him contained before things got out of hand." "How can I forget?"Ash matches the laugher with his own. "Somehow the fool had half the port rallied behind him." "H-Help!" a man suddenly burst through the tavern door yells. "Somebody! Riot!" "What?" Ash says jumping to his feet. "Calm down and tell us what happened," Clint says matching Ash's tone for concern. A riot has broken out in the Dover District!" the man rushes the words out. "Dover District?" Clint asks. "AKA the Royal Ghetto," Ash says casting him a glance. Then he looks back at the man, "But they hate bloodshed. They're always the first to negotiate." "That's the terrible part!" the man explains. "The army decided that the Royalists were behinds the assassination of Smetana and they came to take Count Claymore away." "What the hell happened?" Ash presses. "Things got tense," the man continues. "The young nobles gathered around the soldiers." The man begins to shake visibly. "Then there was some shoving and someone drew a sword..." "What kind of fucking idiot—" "Who cares," Ash says interrupting. "Go get Diego. We need to get over there right away." Vandal Hearts Ch. 03 Capital Shumeria: Dover District RAIN STEADILY POURS, PATTERING HARD onto the old street. Ash and his companions step through the gates of the Dover District stopping short of a man standing still wearing large crimson armor and a very large sword sheathed at his side. "These are the advance troops?" Ash questions. The district is filled with heavily armored crimson colored knights dueling with rioters dressed in little more than light clothing, all ill equipped and prepared for any kind of fighting of this nature. "Hayahhh!" a crimson soldier yells as he brings down his sword across the chest of a rioter. "Waaaa!" the man screams out in pain as his chest splits open and his insides spill out. "Kiiiyaaaaaa!" another crimson soldier yells as he tears across the throat of another rioter. "Unnnnh!" the rioter moans grabbing his throat as he drops to his knees. Blood trickles through clamped fingers as he looks up at the soldier with pleading eyes. When the light in the man's eyes finally fade he falls to the ground face first with a deafening thud. "We, we surrender!" a rioter yells after seeing his friend die so violently. He drops his sword to the ground and raises his hands up in a gesture of surrender. The crimson soldier standing a full head taller before him grins devilishly, "Surrender to death!" Then stabs the man through is chest. "Aaaaahhhhh!" he screams out before falling limp. "Barbarian sons of bitches!" Diego yells. "Crimson Guard," Clint explains with disgust filling his voice. "Special anti-terrorist forces. An elite fighting force formed by the well known right winger, Hel Spites. They're famous for being ruthless with terrorist, but this is too much." "Troops assemble!" a man, Kane, with ceremonial-like crimson armor and cape yells. The crimson soldiers quickly and efficiently form into up into a small squad in front of Kane and he turns to face Ash with a smile that stretches from ear to ear. "Well if it isn't the Security Forces!" he says loudly and with mockery so that his entire squad can hear. "What are you doing poking your little noses around here?" Ash doesn't answer and instead stares at the man intensely boring holes through him with his eyes. "I know you," Kane says resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. He moves to stand more casual. "You're Ash Lambert, the son of a traitor becoming a platoon leader. What a joke!" The comment is followed by laughter from the squad which angers Diego more than it does Ash. "What did you say!" he shouts. "You scum!" Clint says stepping forward. Ash reaches up grabbing Clint's arm. "Stop it both of you!" "But Ash," Diego protests. "Let him talk," Ash says calmly, still seemingly unbothered by Kane's verbal lashings. Kane smiles big again. "Always trying to sound like a saint aren't you?" He throws his arm out in an arc pointing his finger until it settles on a church on the top of hill. "As you can see, we've cleared the area of enemies. Some are still holed up in up in that church, but we have business elsewhere." He settles his hand to rest back onto the hilt of his sword again and says, "As long as you're here you can take care of those left in the church. Make sure you do a good job now." Without giving Ash or the others a chance to respond he turns and leads the crimson soldiers away. Once they are gone Diego shutters with anger and says, "That lousy creep!" "Yes, but what are we going to do Ash?" Clint asks. "Let's go and see if they will surrender," he answers looking up toward the hill as he draws his sword. "It looks like there are no enemies around, but don't relax your guard." No sooner does he say this do War Ghosts and Hunter Imps appear. "Where the fuck did these monsters come from?" Diego says surprised. "They've been summoned by a powerful mage," Ash answers. "We're gonna have to cut through them then," Clint growls and rushes past the other two. Clint leaps through the air and catches the first War Ghost off guard cleaving it in half. The ghost mists away before his feet even touch the ground. Ash is right behind Clint using him as a springboard. His sword slices through the head of another ghost then into the chestplate of another as he drives it into the wall of a building where it mists away upon impact. "Look out!" Diego yells. Clint rolls out of the way just as two arrows land in the ground where he was just at. Diego retaliates with two of his own in rapid succession nailing both Hunter Imps between the eyes, dropping them where they stand. "This is a pretty filthy place for nobles to live," he says a moment later. "After the war their estates were confiscated and a special tax was levied on them. They can't even vote," Ash explains as he steps back into the street to join his two companions. "Just as the Ashah Dynasty did, we are oppressing them just for being who they are," Clint adds. "Politicians always make the weak in society pay for other's mistakes." "That would make anyone want to fight back," Diego says throwing up his hands. More War Ghosts suddenly appear drawing attention from the trio of fighters. Clint is the first to pull away from the group, rushing shield first into the closest of the ghosts. The ghost's spear slams into his shield, sending reverberations through his arm. He ignores the jolting vibrations turning his body past as an arrow from Diego lands through the ghost's barbute. He presses one past, blocking an attack with his sword and gets slammed by the War Ghost's shield. Clint hits the ground hard with the air being expelled from his lungs with such force that it burns when he tries to take a breath. The ghost pulls back then drives the spear downward at the large man but the burning in his lungs is too severe that his mind doesn't react fast enough for his arm to raise his sword to block it. Ash's sword strikes the head of the spear just in time to sever it from the shaft. He then twirls the blade around and sends it up through the underside of the War Ghost's barbute, sending it back to where it came. Ash extends a hand to Clint, who graciously accepts it. "Thanks," he says. "Don't mention it," Ash says. He turns his attention toward a small group of Hunter Imps across the stream and points, "We have to release that drawbridge!" "That switch should release it," Diego points out confidently. "Good," Ash says. "Diego send cover fire, Clint cause a distraction." "What about you?" Clint objects. "I'm going to get the drawbridge lowered." And without another word and sword in hand Ash in running across the cobble stone road at full speed banking left and right as arrows bounce and skip across the stones. Clint runs parallel with Ash creating the illusion of a formulated attack while providing the Hunter Imps with a greater range of targeting. Meanwhile, Diego returns fire but the Hunter Imps are already dug in behind cover and only deter them enough to not get a good enough draw on Ash or Clint. By the time Ash reaches the lever for the drawbridge, Clint drives behind a building near it, having been grazed by an enemy arrow. The wound is minor, just barely a scratch but he hopes to create an illusion of being hit. The heavy wooden gate slams down across the stream creating a bridge and almost instantaneously the Hunter Imps come out from hiding, firing their crossbows in rapid succession at the entrance. After a moment silence follows and the three imps stand there looking through the portal precariously. Their fingers twitching across the triggers of the crossbows, just waiting for the simplest of movement, but nothing happens. Not until... "Aiiiee!!" Clint yells as he crashes down with his sword from the arch of the drawbridge gate and into the head of one of the imps. The other two quickly turn, swinging their crossbows around firing, but Clint is already rolling out of the way. Two arrows fly into the back of the head of one dropping it instantly to the ground leaving the last to nervously fight to reload the crossbow. By the time it does Ash is there splitting its skull open. ASH, CLINT AND DIEGO ENTER the church and find a small group of rioters each armed with weapons. "You're surrounded," Ash announces as he steps forward away from the other two. "Drop your weapons. We don't want any more needless bloodshed." A smartly-dressed man walks toward Ash from the altar carrying a cane in his right hand. "You mean that, don't you," the man says. "Of course I do," Ash answer nobly. "Don't listen Count!" one of the young rioters yells. "He's a blood drinking devil!" The count turns toward the young man. "But if we continue, everyone will die." "Excuse me, Count," another of the young rioters says, "but how can you trust these soldiers that just slaughtered us?" The count regards this questioning young man. "Peace needs to begin somewhere. Also, this man seems different than those crimson murderers. I'll give him a chance." He turns back around and steps toward Ash. "We surrender." A chorus of grumbles echoes through all the men but ultimately they drop their weapons in and step back if a bit cautiously. "I'm Ash Lambert of the Ishtarian Security Force," Ash informs them. "Thank you for your quick compliance," he finishes with a warm smile. The count matches the smile. "My name is Roland Claymore. This riot is my responsibility. Please do not blame any one else." Ash frowns. "We have laws here. It's not for me to decide, but I will report that you offered us no resistance." "That's enough!" a loud voice erupts from behind. "Stop right there!" Ash and his companions turn to see Kane and the Crimson Soldiers entering the church just as they are closing the doors behind themselves. "The Crimson Guards have come back," Ash says not leaving out any of the malice from his voice. "Nice job for a bunch of weaklings like you!" Kane says sneeringly. "But we'll assume control from this point on or maybe this son of a traitor wants to take credit for this?" "I want no credit," Ash says shaking his head. "Do as you like." The Crimson Guards start to march forward. Clint and Diego quickly step aside as to not be trampled by the soldiers. Kane follows behind the soldiers and stops when he reaches Ash. They stand face to face staring each other down until finally Ash backs down and steps aside. "Thank you, I will," Kane says grinning. He looks up toward the group of rioters and asks, "Which one is Claymore?" "I am," Count Claymore says proudly stepping forward from the rest of the group. "Good. Come over here." Claymore walks over and stands next to Kane defiantly and not showing any hint of fear. Kane casts an evil smirk down at the man. "I have no need for the others. Kill them!" Count Claymore's face changes into shock and he his momentarily speechless. The Crimson soldiers advance as the rioters try to run away but they have no place to escape. Diego steps forward in horror but is stopped when Clint places a hand across his chest. Ruthlessly the Crimson Guard slaughter each of the rioters, slicing through flesh and spilling blood across the altar and floor until each and every one of the rioters is dead. "What have you done?" Count Claymore asks when he finally finds his voice. He walks forward and falls to his knees into a pool of blood. "Murdering son of a bitch!" Diego yells "I won't forget this," Clint says. "Kane you bastard!" Ash lashes out pulling his sword free. "So the traitor finally shows his colors?" Kane asks spinning about with his mighty blade in hand. "Good! I've wanted to cross swords with out for a long time." The church doors swing open and Clive rushes in. Before either of the soldiers can lock blades Clive rushes in between them. "Stop it you two!" he orders. "Commander Beckett!" Ash says. The color quickly drains from his face. "Stop! You're both sworn to defend this country!" "Leave us be old man!" Kane snarls. "You had best watch that mouth of yours, Kane!" Clive warns. "The Crimson Guard is already in enough trouble with the council. More trouble and even your father, Hel Spites won't be able to help." "Save your hollow threats for someone else," Kane says sheathing his sword. "But I will be a big man and forget your rude words to me today. However, I'm taking this old blueblood with me." Kane signals his soldiers and they quickly secure Count Claymore. With the count secured, Kane leads the group out of the church. "Damn him," Ash says shaking his head in defeat. "Thanks for staying cool, Ash," Clive says placing a hand on Ash's shoulder. "It will be fine" Capital Shumeria A MAN WITH LONG BLACK hair and a royal-looking cloak with large metal shoulder pauldrons is standing in Clive Beckett's office as Ash enters it the following day. "Excuse me sir," Ash says a little weary. "You wanted to see me?" The man steps forward with a welcoming look on his face. "Oh, you must be Ash!" "Ash," Clive says with a smile as he stands up from behind his large wooden desk, "this is Dolf Crowley, a representative from the Young Revolutionary Party." "Nice to meet you," Ash says shaking the man's hand. "Dolf has been sent out as a mediator to deal with yesterday's incident." "I see." "I understand exactly how you feel Ash," Dolf says frowning slightly. "The Crimson Guard was completely at fault in yesterday's massacre. Normally there would be no need for a mediator in a case like this, but there are a few complications. As you know, the Crimson Guard is the pet project of Hel Spites, the Minister of Defense. Hel's tactics may be questionable, but his power and influence in the council is not. I personally think that he is a dangerous man who needs to be watched." "Go on." "Two council members are competing to become head. Hel Spites and Renaldo Castille, who is as you know the head of the Domestic Security Forces, your boss. See the pattern?" "You're saying it's more than just a personal grudge between us and the Crimson Guard. Do you think it could escalate into a confrontation between the DSF and the army?" "Well," Dolf pauses flipping his hair over his shoulder. "Let's not be overly pessimistic. But we need to act swiftly to avoid future trouble." "So what do you want us to do?" Ash asks feeling a little suspious. "As punishment we'll send you on leave away from your policing duties here in the capital. But that's just to establish your cover." Dolf says looking toward Clive with a smile then back to Ash. "The truth is that I have a top secret assignment for you." Domestic Security Forces Headquarters Gathered around a large table in the DSF Headquarters conference room sits Ash, Diego, Clint and Clive. "So what is this top secret mission?" asks Diego. "Do you know who General Magnus Dunbar is?" Ash asks placing his hands in the table leaning in toward him. Diego sits back in his chair a little surprised. "Of course, the greatest hero of our country. Why?" "He's also second in line behind Hel in the Defense Ministry." Clint throws in. "Well three months ago he went to Gillbaris Island with a squad of handpicked soldiers and he hasn't been seen since," Ash explains. "Gillbaris Island?" Clint asks incredulously. "In the Gadar Sea? Why?" "I don't know. But I've heard rumors that he was acting on secret orders from Hel who was planning a coup d'état." "That guy is out of control," Clint emphasizing by slamming his fist on the table. Diego drops his chair back onto the floor. "And he wants us to investigate that, huh." "But Magnus is known for his sense of justice." Clint looks over to Clive with a questioning look. "I don't think he would just blindly follow Hel Spites' orders." "This secret assignment makes me uneasy," Clive says. "I'm still not personally sure how much we can believe this Dolf. It may be a wise idea not to accept this assignment." No. I'm going to go," Ash confirms. "If we stay here we may cause trouble for you. You've been a good friend to me." "Ash, that's not why I had you assigned here," Clive says giving him a concerned look. "Of course I know that," he says with a warm smile. " But whatever Dolf's reasons may be, we can't ignore what happened to General Magnus." "That's true," Clint agrees. "I wanted to take a vacation anyway," Diego jokes. "I understand," Clive says, his voice taking on a tone of resignation. "But this is a dangerous assignment. I want you to be careful every step of the way." Vandal Hearts Ch. 04 Palace Ruins AFTER LEAVING SHUMERIA ASH LEADS his companions to a place full of old looking columns, structures and bridges with pools of crystal clear water flowing throughout. "This was the palace of the Ashah Dynasty," Ash informs the other two. "Fifteen years ago Arris' army arrived here," Clint continues the history lesson. "This magnificent palace was burned to the ground. Even now, when it grows dark, the spirits of the dead haunt this place." "Hey cut it out," Diego says as a chill rips through him. "You're giving me the creeps." No sooner does he say that a mysterious voice says, "Go back where you came from!" "What the fuck?" Diego almost yells. "A curse will befall all who enter here!" the mysterious voice continues. "Don't be silly," Ash looks over at Diego, taking note of his fear. "Nothing to be afraid of." "Fools!" the voice says. "Die then if you wish!" To add to the threat the ground starts to shake. "What's going on?" Diego asks nervously. "More tricks," Ash assures him as he braces himself against a pillar. "I don't think so," Clint says pointing. "Look." Ahead of them the ground starts to tear open in several places. From beneath the trio sees sets of hands reach up and seconds later they are followed by whole bodies. "Clay Golems," Ash says. "More magic." "More like this place being haunted," Diego comments. The golems let out a roar, flexing their arms outward and then begin their charge. Diego launches arrow after arrow in multiple succession all to no effect as his arrows just seem to sink into their clay flesh and do nothing at all. The first golem swings at Ash and he ducks the blow to bring his blade across its right knee, carving out a large chunk of clay out. The golem drops to its knee and Clint follows up behind him bringing his sword up to take its head. Ash follows through with his momentum into another golem. He brings up his shield to guard against a giant fist aimed for his chest. The impact is fierce and he is shook and sent off into a nearby pillar. The golem ignores him and sets his sights on Clint following up with its other fist into the side of Clint's head, sending him reeling into the lake. "Oh great," Diego gulps. The golem huffs and stalks toward the archer. Diego pulls out two arrows from his quiver, takes his stance and sends them at the golem. The arrows hit their mark nailing the golem in both eyes. The beast reels back with a roar, clawing at its eyes. From behind the beast the last of the golems springs up and sends its fist through the other then reaches around with the other and rips it apart. It stands over the ruins looking straight at Diego and points at him then runs its thumb across its throat from left to right. "Come on then you fucker!" Diego yells. The golem springs into a sprint toward the archer. He pulls and fires his arrows as fast as he can in the few seconds it takes the golem to cross the small expanse. The golem bats each of the arrows aside never taking off its eyes set with fierce determination from Diego. Diego stumbles back just as the golem reaches him and trips. The golems hand reaches his throat and begins to tighten then suddenly slackens just as quickly. He sits there for a second then opens his eyes to see Ash standing on top of the golem with his sword stabbed through its head. "So are you planning on lying there all day?" Ash asks. "Pfft," Diego huffs. "While you guys are off doing whatever, I'm left with all the hard work." "Hey shit happens," Clint says crawling out of the water. "My clay golems!" a petite young woman with brown hair yells as she emerges from behind a column. "That doesn't sound like the same voice," Ash remarks spinning around to regard the young woman. "This is the one who created the golems?" Clint asks looking her over. That was a pretty vicious thing to do," Diego scolds. "You're the vicious ones!" she yells stepping forward, challenging them. "Trying to make my daddy into a traitor!" "Daddy?" Ash questions. "Who are you?" "Eleni Dunbar. Daughter of Magnus Dunbar," she answers proudly. "General Dunbar?" Ash asks shocked. "But it seems that you're misinformed. We're just trying to—" "Miss Eleni!" a man yells out interrupting. An old man carrying a staff shuffles across the old stone bridge spanning over the lake Clint was thrown into. The old man is dressed in white robes with a long, grey beard has the look of a priest. "Huxley, I told you not to follow me!" Eleni turns to yell at the old priest. "But Miss Eleni," Huxley begins to argue before he notices the others. "Oh, some gentlemen from the DSF, I hope she didn't bother you." "Bother?" Diego says sarcastically. "She tried to kill us." Huxley instantly drops to the ground and bows down to Ash and the others. "A thousand humble pardons my lords. I am Miss Eleni's tutor, Huxley Hobbes. It seems as if the young miss has heard some foolish rumors—" "It isn't a foolish rumor you old fuck!" she says angrily. Ash quickly intercedes by stepping over to Eleni and softly grabbing her arm. "Please just listen to our side of the story," he says. "Some say that Magnus was planning a coup, buy we never believed it." Her demeanor instantly changes. "So you think something happened to him?" "That's what we came to this island to find out." "I believe you. Let's get started." "Absolutely not!" Huxley huffs. "I won't allow it, Miss. You are in my charge as commanded by your father." "It's my decision!" she protests. "And stop calling me Miss!" She turns to Ash with a pleading look in her eyes. "Please Ash I want to help my father. Let me come with you." "Okay, but you better be able to take care of yourself." "Thanks Ash!" "What?" Huxley nearly screams. "in that case, I shall be forced to go as well. Although I appear frail, I am a master of healing. You will need my help." "Even the old guy is gonna come with us?" Diego mutters to Clint. "Oh man." Clint just glares at him, but remains wordless. . Imperial Prison KANE DOESN'T SAY A WORD as Sabina pulls him closer. She feels his balls gently and starts licking everything. The excitement she feels, like she does each time they are together, makes her dizzy. Her stomach and hands tremble as she is in her own personal heaven. Kane runs his fingers through her hair and moans softly. Sabina has several mini-orgasms going on in her pussy, which now soaks the floor. She tastes his precum and swallows it down, savoring the taste. His warm hands are all over her face and through her hair as he reaches down to finger her pussy. Sabina jumps as he rubs her clit gently. She feels a big climax coming on so she strokes him faster as she puts her lips over the head of his cock and lets her mouth get it wet and slick. Her climax is coming and her pussy twitches on his fingers. She moans out of control as she feels him getting ready to cum. She jacks him off as fast as she can and pushes his cock in her mouth as far as she can get it. Her whole body begins to shake as her climax is here. She yells a muffled yell with his cock deep in her mouth, then she feels it... Hot, slick cum pumps in her mouth as he moans loud. Sabina tastes it first and then the overflow comes out the sides of her mouth. It provides the aroma she longs for. Her pussy starts to drip juice on his fingers as she moves it back and forth on them. She swallows some and feels the heat all the way down her throat as he pumps more and more into her mouth. Kane's fingers cause jolt after jolt in her pussy as she fucks them. As his knees weaken and he slowly drops to the floor, she follows him down, still sucking him for every drop of cum that he has. She shakes with more jolts of pleasure still when she pulls her mouth off his cock to lean back to let his cum slowly slide down her throat. They lay there wordlessly for a moment before Kane stirs and starts to roll over on top of Sabina. He is stopped short at a knock then the opening of the door to the small room. "This had better be good," Kane threatens with fire in his eyes. "Forgive me sir," a Crimson Soldier interrupts, "but your father demands your presence immediately." CHAINED TO A POST IN the middle of a darkened room is Count Claymore. His clothing has gone from elegance to near rags in just the very little time he has spent in this place. His face is bruised and swollen and from all appearances no longer looks like the nobleman he is but more like common street rabble. "C'mon old man, tell us what you know!" Kane yells at him. He steps forward and back hands him across the face, spattering blood against the far wall. "Oooof," Count Claymore rasps. "I know...nothing." "Don't lie Count," Hel says from the door way where he is lurking. He is dressed in grand robes and armor with his grey hair is elegantly combed back across his head. "As the highest ranking nobleman, you must know!" The count remains silent, trying force out thoughts of this place from his mind. "Fool!" Kane yells as he raises his hand again. "My father heard you." He strikes the man once more across the face. "How about that?" "Hey it's not nice to mistreat old people," a voice says from outside the prison cell. Kane and Hel both turn to see the cell gates roll down and Dolf Crowley walk in. "Oh, it's you," Hel says unbothered. "Don't kill the old fool, yet," Dolf says as she stands beside Hel. "There is still valuable information that we require." Kane laughs. "I like you. You're almost as evil as I. Would you like to take a crack at breaking this son of a bitch?" "Enough, Kane!" Hel orders his son. "So, Dolf," he says turning toward the younger man. "How goes our little plan?" Dolf smiles. "Everything is going as scheduled. Just to be sure, one of my people has even infiltrated their group. "Good." Hel grins. "Now we just have to wait for them to arrive at Gillbaris Island." "Gillbaris Island?" Count Claymore gasps. "No, you mustn't!" "Ho, ho!" Dolf says enthusiastically. "I knew you knew something." "Ooops." Kane cracks hid knuckles. "Now you can tell me everything you know." Vandal Hearts Ch. 05 Rhine Bridge A LIGHT EASTERLY BREEZE BLOWS in and hits the old wooden bridge causing it to sway slightly. It creaks a little from the movement and the sound can be heard just over the soft gurgling of the steady flow of the river below. "These kinds of bridges just aren't safe," Huxley the priest complains as the group approaches the wooden bridge. "C'mon," Diego waves passing the old man. "I'm going anyway." "I'm not so sure about that," Clint says raising a finger toward the opposite end of the bridge. Across the way a small group of roughly dressed men clamber onto the bridge. Some carry swords and shields and a few bows or just swords. A couple jump up and dangle themselves onto the cables that suspend the bridge. "Huh?" one of the thieves says realizing for the first time who Ash and his companions are. "Those aren't merchants." "Don't bother me none," the thief's companion says. "We can always sell their stuff for money after we kill'em." "Oh hell," Diego mutters. "Where did these guys come from all of a sudden?" "Don't worry," Ash says as he draws out his sword and steps forward onto the bridge. "Piece of cake." The first thief smiles, gaining his confidence back. "Hey, it looks like these guys are game!" "Don't worry. We won't even bloody our hands!" his companion laughs. As Clint follows behind the remainder of the group he stops and sniffs. It takes a moment for him to remember what the smell reminds him of. "Look out!" he yells. "I smell gunpowder!" Then part of the bridge behind the group erupts in an explosion, rocking the entirety of the bridge. The bridge sway violently but refuses to fall and when it finally settles back there is a wide gap between the group and the land they were just on. The only thing remaining are remarkably the cables that hold the bridge up and in place. "Huh?" the thief looks puzzled. "I missed? Well that's okay. This bridge will collapse soon anyway. They're headed for the bottom of the river." "This is not good," Huxley says matter of factly. "Then let's get across before it collapses," Ash orders. The band of thieves charge with intensity and Ash is they first to greet them, by taking the head off the first thief. "Watch out Ash!" Diego yells as he sends an arrow into the throat of an attacking thief. The thief stumbles back but regains his footing and goes for another attack. Before Ash or Diego can react Eleni charges a spell that sends the thief over the edge of the bridge to a watery grave. "Vox of universum habitum. Atrum Astrum!" A blackness surrounds the thief with sharp edges fluctuating in and out and then suddenly collapses in on itself piercing him. His eyes go wide then fade into darkness before his body goes limp and he falls over the edge. Ash nods his thanks then blocks an incoming sword strike with his sword that is countered by Clint stabbing his into the side of the thief ending his life. Enthralled by what he has just witnessed Diego looks at Eleni and says, Why don't you whip out some golems now?" Don't you remember?" she smirks. "You destroyed them all. Do you know how long it took me to make those golems?" Diego simply shrugs his shoulders. "One year to form them from the mud and two years to give them life," she answers with fieriness. Okay, okay. I got it," he says hold up his hands in surrender. "Next time you should make them a little more durable." "Hmph!" "Whenever you two are done playing, you can join us," Clint calls over his shoulder as his sword cuts through the bow of a thief. The thief falls to the ground frightened. Clint whips his sword around and is about to run the thief through when a shield slams into him knocking him to the side off balance. Clint finds his footing and finds himself facing off with three new opponents. The one that attacked him has a wide toothy grin displayed across his face, "Get him boys." Clint braces himself for the attack, but as the two thieves behind toothy step forward the old priest surprises them all, flying over head. "Aiiieee!" His staff strikes the thief on the right across the face sending him to the ground. As Huxley lands he sends his weapon into the stomach of the other, doubling him over then up into his chin, knocking him up and over the edge of the bridge. Having seen enough of the rampaging priest, toothy turns to hightail it out and receives and arrow straight into his left eye. He is dead before he even hits the deck. On the other side of the bridge is standing a female in brown and pink garments with long brown hair and quite attractive carrying a bow. "Looks like you guys could use some help!" "Who are you?" Ash questions. "Friend or foe?" "My name's Kira Wulfstan and isn't it obvious?" she answers. "Let's fight together." "Yes, let's!" Diego yells in agreement. With only a few of the thieves left, Ash, his companions and Kira Wulfstan quickly eliminate them and their threat, leaving none of them alive. When it is all over they gather together on the safety of the land on the other side of the bridge. "I'm glad to be off that rickety old thing," Huxley huffs. "This trip is already too dangerous for you young miss." Eleni casts him a glare but says nothing and instead moves closer to Ash. "I'm Ash Lambert," he says extending his hand toward the young and attractive woman holding the bow. "Thanks for helping us." "I'm Kira," she says ignoring the gesture and instead waving her hand at him, "A mercenary." "A fierce warrior and a beauty as well," Diego adds. "I think I'm in love." 'That's rude Diego," Clint says frowning. "That's okay," Kira says with a sweet smile. "Want to hire me as a bodyguard?" she asks changing the subject. "It looks like you only have this one cute guy as an archer. I'll bet you could use another archer. How about it?" "Hehe. She called me cute," Diego chuckles. "You're a fine archer," he says flirting back. "We welcome you to our party, right Ash?" "Of course we do," Ash agrees without skipping a beat. "You'll be a great help." "Now things are getting interesting," Diego says with a sly smile. "Are you sure, Ash?" Clint asks incredulously. "We shouldn't involve some woman who we hardly know." "Oh yeah?" Kira says angrily. "Well I bet I'm a match for even you!" She jabs a finger into Clint's armor to emphasize her point. "It's not your strength that I'm questioning," he says defensively. "You sound like a grumpy old man, Clint," Diego states. Clint looks at Diego with a hard look but doesn't say anything. Ash seeing the situation brewing badly says, "The sun will set soon, let's make camp." WITH CAMP SET UP EVERYONE took to bed quickly except for Ash who couldn't find sleep. He wanders down to the river and with the soothing noise of the flowing water and the brightness of the moon he pulls out his ocarina and plays a soothing melody. Not long after Eleni slowly wanders down and waits. "That's beautiful," she says when he finishes the tune. Ash looks over his shoulder to catch a glimpse of her. "Oh, it's you," he says nonchalantly. "Couldn't sleep?" "I want to apologize for forcing you to take me," she says avoiding his question. "Well I understand you're worried about your dad," he says with a shrug, trying to brush off the previous experience. "But you should know that it's possible that your dad really is a traitor. It's also possible that he has reasons that neither of us know about. I want you to be ready to judge for yourself when the time comes." "I know what you're trying to say, but I trust my father completely," she argues. A long pause follows as they both watch the river flow by and listen to its soothing sound. Eventually Eleni breaks the silence. "The truth is I'm adopted," she explains. "Fifteen years ago, Magnus found me. my parents had been killed in the war and I couldn't remember who I was or what my name was. But Magnus loved me as if I was his own flesh and Blood. That's why I'll always trust my father even if no one else does." Ash's eyes soften. "That's beautiful. I'm jealous of you." "You don't trust your father?" she asks curiously. "He died during the Revolution." "I'm so sorry," Eleni says and she means it. "No," he says quickly. "Don't be sorry. He doesn't deserve it. My father was a soldier in the Liberation Army, but he switched sides and died a traitor's death. My mother and I faced constant humiliation. After mother died I fell apart and only Commander Beckett trusted me. He saved me from myself." "Mr. Lambert—" "Anyway, I didn't mean to bore you with that," he interrupts. "Please call me Ash. Okay Eleni?" "Sure, Ash and you can call me Eleni." She leans in and kisses him lightly at first with her lips brushing his and then more forcibly when he doesn't pull away. Within moments they are pulling off each other clothing and armor, letting it fall wherever and themselves to the ground. Ash shifts his body so that he is between Eleni's legs. She spreads her legs a bit allowing him to move in. "I've never," Eleni says a bit nervously. She quickly collects herself and reaches out and grabs Ash's cock and pulls it toward her pussy. Once the tip of his cock enters her opening she lets go and Ash takes full control and pushes into her. Slowly as he starts to inch his way inside her she feels mixed feelings of pain and pleasure. Ash keeps going slowly until he reaches her hymen where he stops and looks into her eyes. "Take me," Eleni moans. Ash nods and withdraws his cock a bit and then slams it forward breaking through her hymen until he is balls deep in her. Eleni lets out a scream of pain and pleasure and holds onto Ash with her arms wrapped around his chest. As Eleni relaxes so does her grip on Ash and he moves his head down and begins playing with her nipples as he begins to pull out his cock slowly and then push it back in even slower. He keeps this slow pace for a while, going ever so slowly until Eleni is squirming around underneath him. Eleni shouts in frustration, "Just fuck me already would you!" Ash smiles as he was just waiting for that moment to arrive. He withdraws himself even slower than before and then drives in hard and fast. Eleni wraps her arms around him and lets out a moan of pleasure. Ash begins to get a rhythm going where he pulls out slowly until just the head of his cock is in and then he slams it back into Eleni's waiting pussy. After several long minutes Ash begins to realize he isn't going to last much longer with Eleni's pussy pulsating and squeezing his cock so tightly. He lets his animal instincts take over and begins to drives his cock as fast and as hard as he can into her. Eleni wraps her legs and arms around Ash and closes her eyes and begins moaning out, "Yes, yes, yes! Fuck me! Fuck me hard!" Ash needing no more encouragement starts giving everything he has and begins to piston in and out of Eleni as fast as he can. He feels his balls begin to tighten up and he knows he is going to cum. "I'm going to cum," he manages to say through gritted teeth. Eleni can't form any words and just nods and pulls him further in with her legs. She throws her head back and gives out her loudest moan yet. Ash feels his cock being gripped over and over again as Eleni is rocked by her orgasm. The feeling is indescribable to Ash and that is all he needs to be pushed over the edge. Ash slams himself as deep as he can into Eleni and holds himself there as he shoots all his cum as deep as he can into her. Eleni, feeling Ash's warm cum shoot deep into her pussy, is sent to a whole new height in her orgasm. It is all she can do just to hold on to Ash for dear life as her body is ravaged by wave after wave of pleasure as Ash lays there enjoying the feeling of Eleni milking all the cum out of his cock with her pussy. Ash lays on Eleni exhausted from his efforts but fully satisfied. Eleni coming down from her orgasm begins to smile as she reflects on her best orgasm ever. She turns to Ash and kisses him softly and then rolls back over and slowly gets to her feet. Silently she clothes herself and just before she turns to leave she says, "Sweet dreams, Ash." "Goodnight, Eleni." He watches as Eleni walks back to where she came from. When she disappears from sight, he rolls to his back, folds his arms across his chest and closes his eyes. Vandal Hearts Ch. 06 Port City Minato THE FOLLOWING MORNING ASH AND his companions wonder into the once bustling Port City Minato. Eleni had made no mention of the previous night to Ash so he had not bothered to bring it to her attention and instead focused on the mission. "We need to find a ship to take us to Gillbaris Island," Ash says as the step through the city's massive stone structure that serves as its gates. "We'll go to the tavern and ask around," he says pointing. "Eleni, Huxley and Kira, we'll meet you back at the inn." The three nod and head off toward the inn with the supplies leaving Ash, Clint and Diego alone in the street. "Hmm," Clint says. "It's strange. Last time I was here, this was a lively and bustling port city." Diego slaps him on the back. "Maybe it still is. You just don't know where to look." Port City Minato Tavern "ALRIGHT," ASH SAYS WHEN THE group enters dusky tavern. "Let's spread out and find someone and Diego we don't have time to—" "I know, I know," he says holding up his hands in surrender. "Good," Ash says with a nod. "Split up and we'll meet back here." The three split up and begin speaking to the many patrons in the tavern. Neither of them having any luck as everyone of the tavern's patrons show any interest in helping or fear of sailing on the open water. Eventually Ash and Clint give up on their pursuit and meet back at the entrance of the tavern. "I couldn't find anyone," Ash says solemnly. "Nor I." Clint shakes his head. "Everyone fears this Hassan the Pirate and refuses to brave the open sea. It explains my earlier concern for the state of the city." "There is always the Port of Chai-haim to the south we can try." "That would take us too long," Clint argues. "What other choice do we have?" "Wait a minute," the bartender says. "There is one chance. Nah, forget it. He'd never do it." "Tell me. What?" Ash asks curious. "Well his name is Grog Drinkwater. He was a great sailor once, but his younger brother was killed by Hassan the Pirate and he hasn't been the same since." "Then let's go have a talk with this fellow Grog," Ash says." "Hold on a second," Clint says. "Where's Diego?" Ash frowns. "Damn it. I told him we didn't have time." PLACING HIS MOUTH OVER ONE nipple, Diego sucks it hard into his mouth. He lets it go with a plop and then starts biting the nipple ever so soft, but enough to hear Stacey moan. He moves to her other nipple and starts the same. He keeps this up for a little while then trails kisses to her navel where he lets his tongue lick the edge and then the hole. After a short time Diego again trails kisses down to her clit, placing himself between her legs. He puts his arms under her legs and lifts them up then spreads apart her pussy lips, which are now dripping with juices and dives in with his tongue. He rims her pussy then sticks his tongue in as far in as it can go before rolling it around inside her. The act pushes Stacey to the edge and her moans fill the room. Diego moves to place his mouth straight over her clit and grips it between his lips. He sucks and flicks his tongue on it. Stacey explodes like a firecracker. Reaching up she grabs his head and pulls him into her as hard as she can. As she starts to subside from orgasm, Diego raises himself up just enough and places his cock into her pussy. Her pussy is tight and wet, but he is able to slip right into it, holding her legs down against her chest. He begins pistoning his cock in and out of her, picking up speed until he squeezes his eyes closed and shoots his load deep into her. He opens his eyes to see both Ash and Clint standing in the doorway of the small room, both with grins on their faces. "I guess it's time to go?" he asks. "Essentially," Ash nods. Grog's House GROG'S HOUSE LIES ON THE western most edge of the port city. It is a small house compared to most houses in the area and filled bottles of rum all over the place. In the middle of the sparsely furnished house is a man with a bottle in hand and two women on the rug. Ashley plunges down on Grog and Tracie gasps when she sees how much of his cock disappears into her girlfriend's mouth. Ashley gags slightly but holds him in deep. Her mouth smothers Grog in tender warmth. Her lips are sealed tight around his shaft, still more than an inch from the base. "Fuck, it's big!" Ashley exclaims when she pulls back up. "I think I've grown a bit recently," Grog laughs. Ashley turns her attention to his throbbing head, sucking it tenderly and letting her tongue swish circles around it. Tracie takes the opportunity to move in for her first taste of cock. Tracie's mouth latches on to his shaft halfway down, her tongue awkwardly pokes and prods him. She begins to slide up and down, slathering the side of his cock and moans with joy. Two tongues bathed his cock until it is dripping wet. "Your turn," Ashley says, holding Grog's cock steady. Tracie moves up and opens her little mouth and moves very slowly, struggling just to stretch herself wide enough. She holds his head in her mouth for long moments, sliding her tongue around and experiencing new tastes and sensations. Grog reaches down and takes her hair into his hand, both to keep it clear of her face and to gain that extra ounce of control that every man loves to have, and Ashley shimmies up next to him. Ashley's hand wrapped around his, both of them holding Tracie's head on his cock and they locked in a kiss. "My fifteen year old girlfriend is sucking your cock," Ashley whispers to Grog. "Well, actually," Grog says between gulps, "she's my fifteen year old girlfriend now too." Ashley giggles and crawls up to her knees, positioning her beautiful breasts in range of his searching tongue. He sucks them gently, mixing in a few bites and nibbles and Ashley reached between her legs as Tracie continues to suck Grog. Ashley crawls back down and begin to kiss and lick at the areas of Grog's cock that Tracie can't reach. A few more tender sucks from Tracie and he is panting, a hot load of cum surges up ready to explode. Grog bellows as a thunderous wave brakes from him. His cum gushes into her in long and powerful bursts. She holds her mouth on his flexing cock firmly but she has no chance to handle the torrent he unleashes on her mouth. In no time it floods and a thick, white river pours from her bottom lip and rolls down his shaft. Ashley is there to collect, lapping at the overflow and enjoying her feast. Grog feels Tracie gag and more cum spews from her mouth, soaking him. She pulls free before he finishes unloading, a final burst splashing up and streaking across her cheek. Her lips are cloudy white and her mouth hangs open, strings of cum filled drool dangles. Grog falls backward to the floor and takes another sip from the bottle. Then Ashley feverishly climbs up and plant her pussy it firmly on his cock. Then there is a sudden knock at the door, but the man ignores it. Ashley rides Grog eagerly, moaning. Tracie crawls her slender form over to Grog and straddles his face and gently eases her pussy onto his lips. She faces Ashley and the two kiss and fondle each other as each slowly grinds their pussies on him. "Excuse me?" Ash calls from outside the door. There are three more knocks on the door that follow, but the man doesn't even bother to pull himself away from the women. Tracie tastes sweet and heavenly. Her pussy is tender, warm and soft and it responds with spastic action at each tickle, kiss and probe. Her clit is a tiny, sensitive bump and she jumps each time Grog teases it. Ashley impales herself on him, moaning into her girlfriend's mouth each time Grog's cock crams up against the deepest walls of her pussy. "Anybody home?" Ash calls again from beyond the door. Three more knocks follow and still no response follows from Grog. "I'm coming in," Ash warns. Ashley carefully pulled herself free as the door opens and Ash, Diego and Clint all walk inside. Still, Grog and the women continue, apparently oblivious to the world around them. Ashley gently guides Grog to Tracie's sweet opening, placing the tip of his cock there and letting both of them savor the anticipation. Then she eases him forward, using her other hand to gently rock Tracie's hips back and Ashley watches with awe as his cock bores into Tracie's tender opening. Tracie's pussy warmly accepts him, a tight and wonderful fit, and she cries out with pleasure and maybe some pain as he stretches her velvety insides. Tracie clenches around his thick shaft and he feels her tremble as the head of his cock presses firmly against her g-spot. Ashley stands up and they kiss. With his hands Grog holds Tracie's hips and gently bumps his cock against her sensitive spot, sending waves of orgasmic pleasure pulsing through her. "Man, this place stinks of rum and sex!" Diego complains. As if noticing the trio for the first time, Grog stops mid-stroke. His face contorts, "You bust into my place and then mouth off?" "Sorry," Ash says. "We knocked but no one answered." "Stupid punks!" Grog yells. "I didn't answer cause I didn't wanna be bothered." "We can see that," Diego says. "Well we're here anyway," Clint says ignoring Diego's comment. "We want to hire you and your ship to take us to Gillbaris Island. Of course we will pay you handsomely." "Gillbaris Island?"Grog asks laughing. "Even you strangers must have heard the rumors of Hassan the Pirate. If ya don't wanna die, you'll forget about goin' there." "We're not leaving until you agree to take us," Ash threatens. "I'll make a deal with you then. If you guys are strong enough to defeat the monster livin' in the sand dunes outside of town, I'll think about it." "Okay," Ash agrees hastily. "It's a deal." "Ash, you don't even know what the heck it is!" Diego exclaims. Ash and Clint ignore Diego and leave the house. Diego lingers for just a moment longer before rushing after them. "Don't get your fool selves killed!" Grog calls after them. "You can't leave us," Ashley says once the trio is gone. "Don't worry," he says taking another sip from his bottle. "Those fools will never make it back alive." He resumes his thrusting like they were never interrupted. In no time Grog's thrusting is built up to a pounding that rocks Tracie. Her legs begin to shake and her pussy convulses. All the while he has one hand on Ashley, first rubbing her supple ass and then wrapping around to gently probe her slick pussy. Then he slides his finger up to her tender asshole. Ashley yelps slightly as his finger pokes just barely into her ass, but he feels her sink down and wiggle for him, working his finger in. In no time Grog is knuckle deep, his finger engulfed by her clamping ass. Ashley seems to enjoy it plenty, squirming and moaning with pleasure at each new sensation. When Ashley whispers, "I want to be fucked in the ass." Grog loses control. Thick ropes of cum are suddenly streaming into Tracie's pussy. Tracie is beside herself, having cum multiple times and her sopping pussy accepts his dense load. Grog holds himself deep inside them both, his cock enjoying every muscle twitch in Tracie's pussy and his finger lingering in Ashley's sweet and sinful ass, long after his final thick stream has poured out. Sand Dunes of Sea STANDING UPON A HOT FIELD of sand full of dead trees, the group sees nothing but a vast desert spread out before them. "Oh this sand is killing my flat feet," Huxley complains as he kneels down to examine them. "I told you not to come along," Eleni taunts. "By the way, what kind of monster is it?" Kira questions. "There's something moving under the sand," Clint, ever alert, points. Six clawed hands burst from the beneath the sand forcing the group to jump back. Each hand snaps at each member of the group as the ground start to tremble slightly. From the behind the group of claws emerges a large insectoid head. The head turns to examine each member of the group before snapping its mandibles together several times and letting out a ear splitting screech. "Oh no!" Huxley yells. "It's a bug! I hate bugs!" "Diego, Kira! Aim for the head," Ash orders. "Clint, you're with me." With sword and shield in hand Ash races toward the first clawed hand slamming into it shield first. The impact crushes the exoskeleton splattering goo all over his shield and he nearly fall over from the unexpectedness of it. The next two hands are easily dispatched by both men as well with a slice of each of their blades. Meanwhile, Diego and Kira do their best to send arrows at the head that remarkably like the hands move fluidly through the sand. The battle flows like a continuous loop of dodging and attacking until finally Ash yells, "Eleni! Give me a distraction!" She nods and begins to chant and Ash with his shield held out smashing through each clawed arm that bursts forth from the ground. By the time he reaches the head of the giant ant Eleni rips loose her Dark Star spell enveloping the head in a dark painful burst. With the ant distracted, Ash tears through the head, cleaving it into two halves. Without even a shriek the heads fall to the ground followed by the remaining clawed hands. "What the fuck was that?" Diego asks with a sour look on his face. Clint pats him on the shoulder as he passes by. "That was a test." Grog's House When Ash, Diego and Clint return to Grog's house it is much cleaner than it was previously. The prostitutes are gone and not even a bottle of rum stands within site of the three. He is also standing in the center of the small room with his arms crossed over his massively barreled chest as if waiting for their return. "I never thought you guys were really gonna do it," he says with a shake of his head. "So that means you'll take us now, right?" Clint asks sounding very hopeful. Grog turns around and steps away from the trio, revealing a mighty sword and shield strapped to his back. "Let me sleep on it, okay?" he answers solemnly. "Sleep on it?" Diego shouts in outrage. "You promised you son of a bitch!" "Hold on," Ash says holding up a hand. "We'll accept your answer tomorrow, but let me just say one thing. "Whoever it is you've lost, drinking or the women won't bring them back. Just remember that." He turns leading the other two without another word. Before stepping out the door, Diego pauses and looks back at the man, then follows the others. When the door closes, Grog just bows his head. "Little brother...I'm sorry." THE NEXT DAY ASH, DIEGO and Clint return to Grog's house to confront the man. "We have given you the time you requested," Ash says. "Now we need your answer." "All right," Grog says after a long moment. "I'll take you." Ash nods his head. "I thought about what you said and you were right," Grog says quickly. "The ships docked just outta town." Vandal Hearts Ch. 07 Gadar Sea GROG HAD TOLD ASH AND his companions the trip from Port Minato to Gillbaris Island would take close to a day provided they didn't run into any trouble. His ship was large enough and offered everyone quarters for the duration even giving Ash his cabin. Grog decided it would be best to stay on deck the entire trip, just in case they did run into trouble. Ash took this opportunity to catch up on his own thoughts and was glancing over a set of charts on the table centered in the room when a slight knock came to the cabin's door. Before he can turn and command the person entry the door parted just enough for Eleni to slip in and close behind her. "I thought you could use a little company," she says quickly crossing the room. "Eleni, I don't think," he begins to say before she places a finger over his lips. "Don't lecture me about my age or who I am," she warns. "You want me as bad I do you." Ash sighs and nods revealing a smile right afterward. In the next moments they work quickly to remove each other's clothing until they are both standing face to face naked. Eleni reaches down and gently takes his cock into her hand and starts to rub it. Ash's breathing changes slightly and instantly his cock begins to thicken at her touch. In no time he is rock hard, sticking straight up into the air. As Eleni continues to stoke him her opposite hand finds her pussy which is dripping quite profusely. Her boldness grows and she pushes Ash to the bed and climbs onto it sliding between his legs. Kneeling between his powerful legs while rubbing her clit into a frenzy she leans forward and takes the head of his cock into her mouth. She is instantly transported to heaven as she takes him deeper into her mouth, loving every second while trying to be gentle. She slowly moves forward and places herself over Ash's cock and then takes him in her right hand and guides him to her very wet pussy. As his cock touches her clit, she is so close to orgasm that it feels like an electricity bolt ripping through her and it takes all her best efforts not to scream out. With the head of his pulsating cock at the entrance of her pussy she slowly lowers herself onto it. As his head pushes past the entrance to her pussy a remembrance of their last encounter enters her mind. She holds there for a second, looking down at his cock stretching her wider and smiles. Ash grabs her ass suddenly and pulls her down while pushing his full length into her. The shock of Ash grabbing and pulling her down fully onto his cock renders her speechless. She squeaks quietly as he fills her wet pussy with his thick cock and she falls forward onto his chest. His grip on her ass tightens as he holds himself deep inside her. Then he wraps his arms around her, gently stroking and caressing her spine and Eleni feels herself relax into him. He rolls her over onto her back in one swift movement without pulling his cock out f her. Eleni spreads her legs wider and then Ash begins to make love to her. He starts to gently rock a few inches out of Eleni and then slowly slides back in again. She had already been close to an orgasm earlier and now it is only a matter of seconds before she feels her orgasm cresting again. Supporting himself on one hand, Ash uses his free hand to caress her breasts, stopping only to pinch her rock hard nipples bringing her to a climax. Eleni grabs the pillow and bit hard onto it to stifle her moans and with her other hand she sinks her nails into his ass, pulling him harder into her. Ash picks up the pace and begins withdrawing his cock fully before plowing back in deep inside her again. Her orgasm peaks but does not subside as his speed builds up and she can hear his breathing change, becoming more erratic. Suddenly, he pulls out from her and shuffles up the bed so that his cock is in front of her mouth. Wordlessly Eleni opens her mouth and he slides his cock deep inside and starting fucking again. She gags, but he doesn't slow his pace and with a few short thrusts he starts to grunt slightly. A moment later her mouth is flooding with his sticky cum, but she is determined to take it all. Eleni swallows quickly and takes her right hand and continues to milk him into her mouth as he rolls exhausted onto his back. His cock is still hard as she finishes sucking and she crawls up his chest to kiss him. She feels his still hard cock against her clit and slides her left hand down to guide it back into her very wet pussy. As they kiss, she slowly rocks on his cock. Ash guides her off and slips behind placing Eleni on her knees. With her pussy pulsating, he slides his cock back into it. He slides in and out once or twice then slips a finger into her ass and starts moving it in and out. She is barely able to pant with the pleasure she is feeling. He synchronizes the fucking so that as he pulls out his finger his cock slides in deep. Then with the masses of juices coming from Eleni's pussy, he starts to slide two fingers into her ass. Another few minutes later a third finger enters her and it sends her over the edge with yet another orgasm which leaves her shaking and giggling. Eleni then feels Ash withdraw his cock and his fingers for a brief second then she feels his big strong hand gently tease her clit and his cock rubbing between her ass cheeks. Ash's cock, still well lubricated from her pussy slowly but firmly against her asshole pops in. She winces slightly, but Ash shushes her and continues caressing her pussy and with his free hand strokes her breasts and soon she finds herself pushing backward, impaling herself onto him again. Very soon, she feels his skin press against hers. She reaches around to touch his cock and feels the stretched skin of her ass tight around his cock. Very excitedly she says, "I want you to cum inside me!" That is all he needs. Slowly at first, Ash starts to ride her as they lay on their sides. Her bowels feel full to bursting as he begins to pound harder and harder but as he continues to rub and stimulate her clit and nipples Eleni feels she is going to literally explode as her next orgasm rolls in like thunder. It is the biggest one yet and as her muscles all clamp down, that is enough to drive Ash over the edge and she feels the hot injections of cum hit her insides. They lay still and she feels Ash's cock shrink in her hole, which is now tingling from the intrusion. Eleni slowly pulls herself from him and feels a small trickle of his cum escape. She turns around and they kiss so passionately for a few minutes before a loud bang at the door interrupts them. "Ash!" Diego's voice calls from the opposite side. "We've got trouble!" * JUST AS ASH AND ELENI reach the top deck, where everyone is already ready and waiting, out in the ocean with no land in sight, a large ship sails past with a number of menacing looking pirates on board. It pulls up alongside Grog's ship and two bridges quickly extend from the side, joining the two vessels. "Ha!" Grog says loudly. "I knew he'd show up!" "That's Hassan the Pirate?" Ash questions and pointing at a muscle bound pirate with a long ponytail, tanned skin and a gigantic axe in his hands. "Been too long since we see some action!" the pirate growls. "You're so famous that no ships even try to come through anymore," one of Hassan's pirate crew says. "Look!" he points. "This is no trader, but there's two women!" "Eh?" Hassan says taking a double look. "Who's that?" Grog steps up to the railing, placing a boot foot atop it. "I've come to avenge my friends!" "You really want to fight me?" Hassan asks laughing. "Master?" the pirate crewmen asks. "What's the problem?" "Ho, ho," Hassan laughs. "No problems. Let's fight then!" he yells drawing cheers and shouts from his own crew. "You ran away while you're friends died one by one. No drunken good for nothing piece of shit can fight me and live!" "We'll see about that one," Grog murmurs. He pushes with his foot and leaps across the gap between ships landing in a crouch on the opposite deck, the body of pirate falling in two alongside him. "He's crazier than you!" Diego shouts as she begins pulling out arrows and firing them rapidly at the enemy pirates. "I'm not that crazy," Ash remarks then races toward the bridge near the bow. "Clint, get the other side!" he yells. "Got it!" As the two warriors take to locking blades with the pirates Huxley quickly shoots out a hand, catching Eleni's upper arm. "Where are you going Miss Eleni?" "To fight of course," she snaps. "You are far too young for that," Huxley says throwing some authority in his voice. "It bad enough I let you come or for that matter us coming this far." Eleni forcefully pulls her arm away from him. "Stop your bitching Huxley and help. We're here and there is no turning back. And for the sake of my father, stop treating me like a child." He stands straight and places his fists on his hips. "I will treat you how I see fit as long as you are in my care." "I am no longer a child," she says in all defiance. "I'm a woman now." Huxley's face turns white for a moment. His eyes shoot toward Ash who is locked in a fight between two pirates then back to her. "Oh forget it old man and help them. Your ass is on the line as well." "Hmph," he says and holds out his hands, one in each direction toward Ash and Clint. "Pennae angelus servo illud postulo tutela! Mystic Contego!" A bluish light envelope both men, invigorating them and suddenly their movements evasion skills become more honed. Huxley looks at Eleni. "Better?" "Yes, a lot," she answers. "Piercing lux lucis pierce divum quod meus hostilis!" A light stretches from the sky and slams into Hassan's ship, tearing through it. Seconds later a fire springs up and erupts, spreading to engulf the stern of the ship. "Yes!" Eleni shouts, jumping into the air. "That's how you do it!" Hassan's eyes shoot wide at the sight. His face just as quickly scrunches up as he blocks another attack by Grog. "You'll pay for that one." He swings the axe high at Grog and he duck bringing his sword up through the handle of the axe, slicing it in half. Hassan nearly drops the axe as it goes off balance and Grog throws a kick into his gut sending the large man backward. "You son of a bitch!" Hassan growls as he pushes off the railing. He grips the remainder of the axe handle and rushes forward with an overhead strike that crashes into empty air and into the deck. Grog reappears from his side and jabs his sword deep into the pirate captain's stomach. "Argh!" Hassan grunts. "Brother..." * ONCE THE SHIP IS CLEARED of the remaining pirates that haven't jumped ship, Ash and the rest of the group join Grog as he sits by the side of the fallen pirate captain. "Ss...strong," he stumbles for words. "Always stronger...me." "Fool," Grog mumbles. "You goddamn fool!" "What's going on here?" Diego questions. "He said his brother was killed by pirates," Clint says accusingly. "But in reality Hassan was his brother?" "Ever since we were kids I was always trying to catch you," Hassan whispers. "Always trying to be stronger, tougher than you. For a while I thought I had passed you, but I was just a filthy pirate. I'm sorry for what I did to your friends...ugh." Grog looks at his brother with sincere compassion. "It's okay now. Try to relax." "I wish I could go back, do it over again," Hassan coughs. "I...just...got...tired...of...chasing...you...good bye..." Slowly Hassan's breathing slows until his chest rises no more. Grog bows his head and closes his eyes feeling the hands of his new friends being placed on his shoulder. * HASSAN'S SHIP WAS SET ON fire with all those killed aboard and let sink into the depths of the Gadar Sea. Grog is still standing at the stern of his ship watching te water at the site where his brother's ship once was and had sunk. From behind Ash approaches him. "I'm sorry, Grog," he offers what little comfort he can. "I got you involved with no idea of what I was doing." Grog turns around smiling. "No, it was a good thing. Didn't you notice how peaceful his face looked in death? He wanted to die." He pauses briefly as if looking for the right words to use. "He wanted to die by my hand. He was consumed by guilt. I knew how he felt, but I ran away from it. I'm glad he's finally free." Ash stays silent, not even sure as to what he should begin to say. "Don't worry about it," Grog says slapping him on the shoulder noticing his dilemma. "You got yer own problems. Anyway, I want to come with ya. I have no life back there, except for my regular whores and I can see you'll need my help," he says with a cheery smile.