This is a work of fiction any similarities between the characters, events, or locations in this story and actual locations, events, or people are purely coincidental.
© 2004 Warlord
Atlantis
By Warlord
I fell headlong into the water. Luckily it was deep enough. Cynthia pulled me upright and sat me down on the pool steps with her arms around me while the rest gathered around. I turned to Isobel:
“How long?”
“Just this morning” She said, “Aurelia went first, she would not allow me to risk it.”
Enoch interjected:
“We have discovered the magic to reverse the process which placed us in the crystal. The combination of gadgets, electrical power and wizards is key.”
I said, “Critical Mass.”
Jon asked:
“What is that?”
Adrienne answered:
“In nuclear fission, the amount or mass of a material which would change a fission reaction into an explosion is called critical.”
I said:
“The combination seems to have unexpected and powerful results.”
I looked around:
“When did the rest of you know?”
Cath replied:
“As soon as Aurelia walked in, we all knew she was changed.”
“I’m the only one who missed this?”
Tammy patted me and said:
“You were distracted, had a lot on your mind.”
I asked, “Now what?”
Enoch replied:
“Our best mages and medical men examined Aurelia and Isobel, and pronounce them whole and fit. We would like your modern medicine to confirm this.”
“We can do that, understand that the very best tests are time consuming, expensive, invasive and painful.”
Christy spoke up:
“Don’t worry about money, between mine and what we find from Janice, I think we are in good shape.”
Aurelia then said:
“I will undergo any and all tests, our queen must not suffer. I have only one request, that our Champion will accompany me.”
“Then we need to find a doctor.”
Cynthia said:
“I will search on the web and find a gynecologist. That will get a broad variety of tests. You may have to take charge to get things rolling.”
I turned to Enoch and asked:
“Can this be reversed?”
“Yes, they can return to the electric realm at any time in a process much like teleportation. Their corporeal parts would then return to energy.”
“I have another question, Enoch, you and the rest are still holograms?”
“Yes, we are.”
“What’s next?”
He replied:
“There was a huge power and magic drain to perform these two regenerations. We probably have the ability to bring out only a few people, perhaps the Kitchen Cabinet.”
I finally got around the asking the BIG question:
“How many people are we actually talking about?”
Suddenly there was nobody making eye contact and the floor and walls had a sudden fascination.
“God damn it, somebody fucking talk to me.”
Isobel’s head snapped up and she looked at me, then she turned to Enoch:
“Tell him.”
“Each crystal ziggurat has 100,000 freed men with their wives, children, and concubines. Each household also has both male and female slaves for servants. The men also rescued their courtesans and paramours, so those would also be included in each household.”
“Freed men, how about poor people?”
Isobel replied:
“We had no poor people, that is where the jealousy came from. Every freed man in Atlantis lived the life of a noble in any other kingdom and we had no poverty.”
“The slaves?”
“Imported from other kingdoms along with most of the second, third, or more wives.”
“God Damn it to HELL, ONE MILLION IN EACH!!”
Isobel was making steady eye contact:
“Yes, at least.”
“When the fuck were you planning to share this bit of trivia with me, with us?”
“Soon, my Champion.”
“Isobel, My Queen, what would you have me do with three million people.”
“Um.”
I turned to Enoch:
“What else don’t I know?”
“We have detected more crystals, likely lifeboats.”
“Fuck me.”
I suddenly felt firm hands turning my head until I was eye to eye with Cynthia.
“That’s enough, now you start taking deep cleansing breaths and settle down or I swear to God you are going back under the water.”
I started to talk and she put her lips over mine. This effectively derailed my train of thought. She pulled back and said:
“Not another FUCKING word.”
Isobel reached over and took my hand.
Enoch began to speak:
“We are sorry Champion, there was really no good way to explain the situation without seeming like we planned to emerge and take over your present time.”
General Ulysses hastily interjected:
“Which we do not intend at all.”
Enoch continued:
“We do NOT have the power even with every possible increase we foresee to regenerate more than a very few people. The Kitchen Cabinet or perhaps The Twelve that is the extent of our current ability.”
Elias leaned forward:
“We have a request.”
My mouth started to open. Suddenly I felt sharp fingernails pinching the top of my thigh. I looked at Cynthia. She shook her head. My mouth closed and the nails released.
Elias continued:
“We who consider ourselves your closest advisers request that we be regenerated and if possible at least one of our wives.”
I turned to Cynthia:
“I’m calm, can I talk?”
She lightly rested her “claws” on my upper thigh and nodded.
I turned to Isobel:
“Your wishes in this My Queen?”
“This is in your purview Champion, I will agree to be bound by your judgments.”
I turned to Christy:
“Do we have the room?”
“We can add more than 12 people and their companions to our current complement without a strain. Assume that you have unlimited space and an unlimited household budget.”
“Then lets try this. Regenerate the group of advisors we know as the Kitchen Cabinet and with them one wife and one concubine. Regenerate one principal assistant of their choice for each advisor and that assistant allowed one wife.”
Isobel said:
“That is very wise, I concur
All the advisors began to thank me.
Enoch interrupted:
”There is one more thing you should know.”
Cynthia’s nails tightened and my mouth snapped shut.
Enoch continued:
“These women form an odalisque for you Champion.”
Suddenly Adrienne giggled:
“You’d better explain that, I don’t think he understands.”
Enoch continued:
“The champion is THE defender of our realm and that bravery and risk on our behalf is celebrated and rewarded.”
We all nodded our understanding.
Enoch continued:
“One of the rewards for our Champion every women of Atlantis is your concubine and paramour. Every wife, daughter, slave, or courtesan of every household find the highest honor in serving the Champion. The husbands, fathers, owners and lovers are also highly honored and complimented by the selection and fully cooperate with pleasure in serving the Champion.”
Cath asked:
“Odalisque?”
Adrienne answered:
“I understand the word to mean a harem.”
Isobel nodded:
“The women of Atlantis are the Champion’s harem.”
I was stunned. I finally pointed to the advisors.
“You all agree with this?”
Elias answered:
“Yes, Champion it would be a great honor for me and my family if you selected my wife or daughter. For you to select my slave or courtesan would validate my choice and bring me great pleasure and more honor.”
The rest were nodding and smiling in a sincere display of agreement.
Tammy laughed in delight:
“Champion has hit the fucking jackpot.”
Cath added:
“On several levels.”
Chapter 34
There was little more to say. The girls went back to their swims and Cynthia held me as we sat on the steps. Then Cynthia took charge:
“Off your ass Champion. You need to see Adrienne and Tammy off. They are flying home tonight. You would like to welcome Christy to the family but NOT tonight. Tonight you are in exactly the right mood to deal with slut Janice.”
I looked at her and started to talk. She reached over and put her fingers over my mouth.
She continued:
“After you put a serious hurt on Janice, you may join Christy in the Master Bedroom.”
“I don’t like this.”
Cynthia looked me in the eye from close range and softly said:
“On the contrary Champion, you keep a demon part of you locked away in a cage. You were angry with Janice because she caused that demon to come out and play. You were most angry with your self because you enjoyed it. You are scared of your demon taking over.”
I could not break the intense eye contact. I could only nod.
“Let your demon play with bitch Janice and then lock him away again understanding that he does not control you but YOU CONTROL HIM!
“How did you get to be so smart, Cynthia Lolita?”
“Love helps me see the truth.”
I leaned in and we kissed. Kissing a wet, naked nymphet has much to recommend it. I was kissing and fondling everything within reach when I felt fingers caressing my hair. I looked up and Tammy was smirking down at me:
“Feeling better?”
“Yes, very.”
“Good, Adrienne and I are ready to fly.”
“I’ll walk out with you.”
Tammy and Cynthia started laughing. Cynthia reminded me:
“You’re naked.”
“Fuck it, no neighbors to see.”
“Good point.”
I walked out hand in hand with Adrienne and Tammy. They were both in high spirits. Tammy was planning Lisa’s seduction and recruitment. Adrienne was already planning how Daddy was going to help with the Nevada ranch acquisition.
Tammy said:
“We won’t be back for a few days.”
“I’ll miss you. You have plenty to do and you’ll be back soon enough. How about we travel to you next time. Picnic at the ranch?”
Adrienne looked at me archly:
“Are you sure you will miss us?”
“Yes I miss you, no ten or even 100 Atlantis women would replace either of you.”
Tammy said:
“Pure bullshit, but I like the sound of it.”
Adrienne said:
“We will miss you Champion.”
I kissed each of them in turn. They slipped into their monk’s robes. Joining hands they floated up a few feet. I floated up with them and got one last kiss. They waved and rose quickly. They disappeared to the West.
I floated down and Cath was waiting. She took my hand.
“Don’t be sad, we’ll see them soon enough. You have work to do.”
“I told Cynthia that I don’t like this.”
“No choice Champion, either you break her or you kill her.”
“Pretty stark.”
“Quit whining and get done. Christy is picking out a room and Cynthia is moving Janice’s toys. You go find Janice and get started.”
I walked over to the patio and found Janice kneeling. I stood and looked. Janice was a strikingly beautiful woman with large firm breasts, a flat stomach, a small tight ass, and long shapely legs.
Cynthia has apparently been surfing again.
Janice was completely naked posed kneeling with her hands held at the small of her back and her face pressed into the ground. It was a compliant posture but not an accurate barometer.
I stood and tried to channel that Gunny Sergeant on Mail Call. It was time to head’em up and move’m out!
I stalked up to Janice and grabbed a handful of hair and pulled up sharply.
“God Damn it, who told you to kneel, why aren’t you standing?
When she was on her feet, I stepped back and delivered a roundhouse slap with my right hand to her left cheek. It staggered her with her head half-turned. When she straightened, I delivered the same type of slap with my left hand to her right cheek.
I reached forward, grabbed her throat, and squeezed.
“Disobedient slut, you must be punished.”
I pulled her forward and down using the leverage of my chokehold. Her legs were straight and her head was at waist level. I let go. I began full strikes against her bare ass alternating my left and right hands on her left and right cheeks. The red color on top of the mottled bruising was a painful looking pattern.
I jerked her head back up and squeezed. I looked her in the eyes.
“You will be punished for your disobedience and your willful and insolent disregard for my wishes.”
Grabbing another handful of hair, I dragged Janice toward the house. When we were inside, I pushed her toward the upstairs stairway. She stumbled and I pounced.
“Who said you could sit down, get up, get up, get up. Another disobedience, you will have to be punished severely.”
I grabbed and pushed and we repeated the scene several times on our way to the stairs. I pulled her up the stairs by her hair. In the upstairs hall I pushed Janice toward the bedroom and kicked her ass forward for emphasis. Since I was still naked and barefoot it lacked power but was painful on her already bruised bottom.
When we enter the room, I saw the suitcase with her toys on a side table. I grabbed Janice and pulled her into the center of the room. I jerked her head down, still using her hair.
“Bend over and grab you ankles and then don’t move.”
I walked over and examined her toys. I found handcuffs, and dildos and strap-ons oh my!
I made my selection. I passed up the riding crop in favor of a broad leather belt. My other choices I tossed on the foot of the bed for later.
“Time for my disobedient slut to be punished. I will strike you. You will count and thank me. Failing to thank me or losing count means I start again. If at any point you release your ankles, I start over and double the count. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
Yes, what? You miserable disobedient cunt slut.”
“Yes, Master?”
“That is correct. You add even more punishment by your lack of respect.”
She was bent holding her ankles. Her ass was pulled taut. I picked up the broad leather strap. I held the strap close to the end. I set myself a comfortable distance from Janice even with her hips. Without warning I wound up and struck! Janice screamed. The sudden shock on her already sensitive skin must have been horrendous.
I waited.
In the lengthening silence Janice suddenly remembered her task. She babbled:
“ One master. Thank you, master.”
I waited.
While I waited I trailed the strap over her ass and rubbed it against her cunt. Again without warning, I strapped her.
“Two master. Thank you, master.”
Then two -- in rapid succession.
“Three master, thank you master. Four master. Thank you master.”
I continued strapping her ass, thighs, calves, and her lower back. I varied the timing and between trailed the strap over her body. I stopped only when the deep red striping threatened to permanently scar her. I pushed her to the bed.
I placed her facedown on the edge of the bed. Her legs were along side and her feet were on the floor. I picked up the handcuffs from the foot of the bed.
“Put your hands behind your back.”
I cuffed her wrists together in the small of her back and snapped the ratchets tight. I grabbed her hips roughly and positioned my cock at her cunt entrance. I slammed in with one stroke. She groaned loudly when my hips smacked against her reddened skin. I quickly set a rhythm of fast, full strokes. Each time I made sure that I made full contact with her abused skin.
I pulled out of her cunt and spread her ass cheeks. I pressed my cock into her anus. I pushed in without stopping until I was fully seated. I began stroking ignoring her discomfort. I began slapping her ass every time I pulled back. As I approached my orgasm, I pulled out.
I grabbed a dido and shoved it in her cunt. I grabbed a slightly smaller one and pushed it in her ass.
I grabbed Janice’s hair and pulled her head toward my groin. When her face was close to my cock she opened her mouth. I slammed into her mouth. She gagged as I facefucked her and reached into her throat. I could feel her trying to accommodate me as I withdrew and stroked into her mouth. I massaged her throat.
“Grid, help her out.”
Grid eased Janice’s gag reflex slightly. Janice pushed and twisted her head to accommodate the full length of my dick. Her efforts were bringing me to orgasm. I shot into her mouth. I pulled out coming on her face and in her hair. I rubbed my softening cock on her face smearing my cum.
I pulled her upright and showed her a strap-on that I had retrieved from her toys. I’m sure she wore it to inflict pain on her sex partners
“You will never again wear this without my permission.”
So saying I rolled her, removed the dildo in her ass and pushed the cock from the strap on up her ass in one stroke leaving the harness hang.
“Thank you master.”
I picked her up and carried her into the attached bathroom. I put her in the shower stall. I pissed on her concentrating on her face. When I was done, I leaned forward.
“You will sleep here tonight, just like this and contemplate the penalties for disloyalty and disobedience. Think about the rewards for your fealty. “
I turned and left the room.
I reached the hallway and found Christy waiting for me. She took my hand and tugged me to the master bedroom.
“Come Champion, first a shower and then we sleep.”
“Grid, please ask Maeve to monitor Janice.”
I was not surprised to see Megan, Natalie, Blue, and Green also waiting in the larger than king size bed located in the master bedroom.
Christy led me into the shower located in the master bath. She adjusted the water and then pushed me under without any ceremony. She squirted liquid soap on me and then scrubbed me with a large sponge. Christy washed my hair with a scalp massage and then rinsed with the shower massager head. She rinsed the soap from my body with the same massager. Finally she held the massager close to my face and set it on the hardest setting. She let the water pound me until I finally put up my hand.
“Clean? Good, come to bed.”
Christy dried me with a big fluffy towel and led me to bed. They placed me in the middle of the bed and then spooned around me. Christy pulled my head into her breasts and cuddled me.
“Go to sleep Champion, it will be better in the morning.”
Chapter 35
I woke up between Blue and Green. They were playful this morning. I enjoyed the closeness, the kissing and the cuddling. I finally called a halt. I would wait until they were more comfortable for sex. For now I was happy that they were getting over Janice’s tortures.
I went to look for Queen Isobel. I stepped from the master bedroom and met Aurelia.
She said:
“You are still naked.”
“Forgot my clothes last night. Is my Queen near?”
“At the bottom of the steps.”
“Aurelia my love, have I told you that I am pleased that you were safely regenerated?”
“No.”
“Then I apologize. Come here please.”
I took her in my arms and gave her a soft kiss.
“You are even more lovely than I could have imagined.”
Aurelia smiled and I felt better, but I still had to make amends to another.
Aurelia said that she would bring me my morning coffee. I thanked her and walked down the steps.
Queen Isobel was sitting in the spacious living room alone. She was looking out the large bow window toward the brush and trees across the street. I walked up quietly.
Queen Isobel turned and greeted me:
“Good morning Champion.”
“Good morning My Queen. May I speak to you?”
“Certainly my Champion, you must never stand on ceremony.”
“My Queen, I must apologize, I spoke harshly to you last night. I was unthinking and heedless of your problems as ruler of all Atlantis. I can only ask your forgiveness.”
Isobel jumped up and crushed me in her arms. Then she held my head and kissed me. She made me sit on the couch and she sat on my lap.
“I regenerated against the counsel of my advisors because I love you. I can never forgive you, because I refuse to take offense from the champion who rescued us from oblivion.”
“Isobel, my love I find myself giving orders which probably should come from you My Queen.”
“Champion, even in my former time the Champion and Queen ruled in a very cooperative manner with each one giving orders assuming a willing concurrence by the other.”
“I will work to be more respectful, My Queen.”
“Champion, continue to protect my kingdom and its people and we will follow you willingly.”
“Now to the core of my apology. I acted badly when Enoch revealed the numbers. You have been honest.”
“Not altogether Champion, we should have told the you the magnitude of the population on our “lifeboats. I feared an even worse reaction.”
“This is a new day My Queen. We will work together and solve our problems. No more outbursts and no more disrespect. Cynthia will help me to keep my part of the bargain.”
We both laughed at the image of Cynthia’s discipline. We kissed and I fondled the exquisite form of my now fully human love.
“Have I told you yet how pleased I am that you are safely regenerated?”
“No.”
“You are even more lovely than I could have imagined.”
Suddenly there was a giggle behind me. Aurelia had returned with my coffee.
Isobel looked up:
“Did those honeyed words sound familiar Aurelia?”
“Yes, my queen, just this morning in fact.”
I looked into Isobel’s smirk
“Maybe if I just keep telling you over and over how sorry I am.”
Isobel laughed:
“We love you Champion, never fear offending those who love you with honesty. Do try changing the compliments at least slightly before you repeat them.”
Isobel and Aurelia laughed. Then they each kissed me thoroughly. All was becoming right with my world.
We sat on the couch as I drank my coffee. I was tightly wedged between Isobel and Aurelia. I was hardly complaining at the tight quarters. Elias entered the room.
“My Queen, Champion, good morning.”
We greeted Elias and Queen Isobel asked for a report.
“Enoch, General Ulysses, and I have been regenerated. We will bring out our aides and then our companions.”
I said:
“Good work, and what of the fair Janice this morning.”
I was hard pressed to maintain the thread of the conversation. Someone (Aurelia) was lightly stroking my cock with her fingernails.
Elias continued:
“Janice has responded beyond our expectations. She was awake all night. Janice contemplated her disobedience and shortcomings. She wishes to make amends. We recommend that you complete her indoctrination.”
“What do you recommend?”
“Now is the time for kindness.”
“Good, I’m too much of a wimp to keep up the Male Dom persona.”
Isobel said:
“Champion, you should complete this task quickly.”
“Yes my queen, I should leave this pleasant company. Are you ordering me to go off and fuck Janice?”
“Champion, she is part of your harem and you do not need my permission. If it makes you feel better, you have my permission. Save something however for your Queen and your humble servant Aurelia.”
At that pronouncement my dick gave a lurch and both laughed.
Isobel asked:
“Is there anything you require of Elias for your arduous task of bedding Janice?”
“Yes, My Queen, Janice has been pretty beat up.”
I turned to Elias:
“Can you provide a liquid soap with a strong local anesthetic quality? Also a salve with healing properties and stronger anesthetic for a massage?”
Elias replied:
“Certainly Champion, immediately.”
Isobel said:
“Thank you Elias, quickly please.”
Elias hurried away to do her bidding. I finished my coffee in a delightful sandwich. Elias returned with two pottery jars. He showed me the soap and indicated the other.
“This is the unguent. It has a strong healing power and will diminish the bruises. The salve also will fight infection. Her skin will be soft and free of scars when your massage is complete. She will sleep and wake refreshed. She will credit you with her recovery. There is also a modest aphrodisiac quality which I think you will enjoy.”
Elias smiled as he handed me the healing salve. I turned to Isobel:
“Time to go to work with your leave.”
Isobel chortled:
“If that is what you are calling it, certainly to work.”
I kissed my two very amused lovelies and headed up the stairs. I walked into the bedroom. Christy must have replaced the bedding. I sorted through Janice’s toy box and retrieved the handcuff key. Then I walked into the bathroom and found Janice as I left her huddled in the shower. When she saw me, she began to struggle to get on her knees.
“Master, I am so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?”
I grabbed her before she completed the move. I was afraid she would hurt herself. Which seems ironic, but there you are! I gently pulled her to her feet. Stepped her out of the shower. Turned her around and got the cuffs off.
I started the shower and warmed up the water. Janice went under the water and I joined her. I began to gently and softly rub the healing soap into Janice’s skin using just my fingers. I washed her hair with the same soap. Then with the massager set at its softest setting I rinsed Janice.
I gently eased Janice out of the shower and began to pat her dry. I had marked her with an impressive set of bruises and contusions. There was widespread trauma. I led Janice to the bedroom and stretched her face down in the middle of the bed. I took thick hands full of the unguent and rubbed it into every part of Janice’s body. As I applied it to her back, butt, and down her legs, you could see the tension leaving her body, as she was soothed. I spread her legs and applied it directly on her anus and into her vagina. She began to moan softly in relief. I covered her shoulders and down her arms to her fingertips.
I softly rolled her over and resumed the application covering the entire front of her body. I paid special attention to her breasts and groin. In the end, I reached up and applied a thick coating all the way around her neck and on her face especially along the jaw line. She was purring. When I was done, I leaned forward and kissed her gently. Janice immediately threw her arms around me and hugged me tightly. She kissed me on the lips and all over my face. She pressed her body into me. Where the salve made contact it was cool and refreshing with a slight tingle. Janice reached down and began to stroke me.
“Fuck me, Master, please fuck me.”
I rolled Janice on to her back. I knelt between her widely spread legs and she positioned my cock at her opening. I gently slid into her hot and wet cunt. I rolled our connected bodies to the side. I began a placid thrusting. She was meeting me with little discomfort and building pleasure. I reached between us and rubbed her clit. This set her off and I followed spraying her cunt with my cum.
Janice seemed to just collapse when I came in her. She relaxed and pulled herself tightly to me. She kissed me softly and was asleep almost immediately. I pulled out. I positioned her comfortably on the pillow and covered her with a blanket.
“Grid, please have Maeve monitor her and complete her indoctrination.”
I returned to the shower. I washed off the salve and our combined spending. I was at least going to be a clean champion.
Chapter 36
I left the room and walked back down the stairs to find Elias.
I asked Elias:
“How does one greet the men of Atlantis?”
“What do you mean, Champion?”
“In our time, we often clasp or shake hands. What is the gesture for Atlantis?”
“We too shake hands, Champion. It has a slightly different connotation for us than for others of our time.”
“I understand. For others of your age, the open hand signified no weapons and the clasp confirmed it.”
“For a mage or wizard, the open hand is the staring point.”
Then what does your handshake signify?”
“Respect and greeting, Champion. I would be pleased to shake your hand now that I am free of the crystals electric realm.”
With that we shook hands.
“Welcome to our age, Elias.”
“Do you wish some practice in the magical arts Champion.”
“Yes, Elias. I need all possible practice.”
“Good, here.”
With that Elias tossed me my monks robe that he had been holding. Elias led me outside and into the side yard between the two houses. Thus began a vigorous magical workout. To encourage my attention, his attacks stung when they landed. They landed all too frequently. Finally an exasperated Elias called a halt.
“Champion, I am able to strike at will. You are not in touch with Grid. You are not reacting instinctually. You must treat this as you would a gunfight with one of your firearms. You must develop reflexes and learned responses that allow you to act with little or no conscious thought. You and Grid are not yet melded enough to allow that instinctual level of reaction.”
“Thank you Elias. I had a good workout. You are correct. I was lame today. If you were a bad guy, they would be interviewing new champions tomorrow.”
We laughed, me with chagrin. I walked back into the house with my ego very much smaller. That was a good thing. I needed some time alone with Grid to improve our interface.
I walked into my house and dressed in my usual jeans, cotton shirt and boots. I grabbed my pick-up keys and went back to Christy’s. Cath and Cynthia were in the kitchen.
Cynthia asked:
“How did practice go?”
“Badly, which was probably the point.”
“What do you mean?”
“Elias is too nice to tell me I need practice. He just showed me how badly I suck and I get to reach the logical conclusion.”
“Bad as that?”
“Far worse, Cynthia my love.”
“What now, Champion.”
“A field trip. I am going to visit Janice’s house and look around. Maybe I find files or computers I missed. The trip allows Grid and I to practice.”
“Company?”
“No Cynthia, the point is for Grid and I to get in touch.”
“Cool.”
Cath spoke:
“Home for lunch?”
“Certainly, this is just about the drive and looking around. Back here long before lunch.”
Christy came in to catch the end of the conversation.
“I was planning to take Natalie and Megan to Janice’s Office today.”
“That’s cool. Maybe wait until I get back. I might find files or passwords.”
“Okay, plenty to do here with the move.”
“Yes, my love. Thank you.”
I received kisses from my three loves. I was putting on my windbreaker when Cynthia handed me a full clip and my Colt Commander 45. I inserted the clip and racked the slide. I set the safety. I would be carrying cocked and locked today. I placed it with the barrel behind my right hip under my pants behind my belt with the butt lying against the small of my back. Cynthia tucked a second clip into my left windbreaker pocket.
“Keep safe Champion.”
“Cynthia my love, your kisses are a reminder of my need for caution.”
“You are such a bullshitter and still I love you.”
Chapter 37
With a last kiss I headed out to my
truck. We started toward Janice’s house
and I started my much needed discussion with Grid.
”Okay Grid, we need to work better. I
need to talk to you. I need your help.”
“What do you need Champion?”
“I am not used to having a voice in my head. I need you to remind me that you are there.”
“How?”
“Simple, if I don’t initiate a conversation, you start it.”
“This is not the norm, Champion.”
“Fuck the norm, Elias proved this aint working and we need to fix it quickly.”
“I understand Champion.”
“Good. This is nothing-personal Grid. We need to figure out how to make me aware of you. So that you can help me.”
“How often.”
“You need to check in at least every 90 seconds with an assessment of my surroundings. This will lead me to using your talents more often. This will lead to my acting with better conditioned reflexes when the shit hits the fan.”
“Agreed, Champion. It makes sense when you explain it.”
“Cool.”
While I drove, Grid and I talked about spells available if danger seems imminent.
“Grid, I need something like my 45! I just draw, thumb the safety, rock and roll.”
“Champion, How about a stun spell?”
“How will I signal you?”
“Point and say DOWN.”
Okay, and I want a telekinesis amplification response when I hold my hands and fingers thusly.”
“What response?”
“Six foot invisible extension, amplified strength and power.”
“That will not be a problem.”
By this time we were pulling into Janice’s circle driveway. I pointed to the car parked down the street.
“A test Grid. How long has that car been sitting there? How many passengers did it carry?”
“How could I discern this Champion?”
“Our military has a device called FLIR. Forward Looking InfraRed, FLIR for short. This uses ambient heat and heat gradient to illuminate targets. This would allow you to “see” if the engine of that car was hot meaning it had just arrived or cold meaning it had been there all night. You could even look inside the house and see the people illuminated by their body heat.”
“But Champion, I sensed inside the house and it is empty.”
“Okay Grid, you know best.”
I had just spoken those words as I turned the key and entered Janice’s foyer and found it filled to overflowing with four very pissed off thugs. I yelled:
“Grid, danger.”
Then I pointed and yelled:
“Down.”
Nothing happened. The only good news. There were too many of them in the space and they were having trouble getting to me.
I made my TK hands and reached out. I slapped two of their heads together with a satisfying crunch.
The apparent leader reacted quickly. He shot me! He drew a 9MM automatic and fired. I felt a hard punch on my left thigh.
I drew my 45, dumped the safety, and double tapped him. He went over on his back. He did not fall right and I was worried.
Not much time for that as number four was on me with a knife. I held my 45 at belt level and emptied the clip into him. He was so close that the muzzle blast made a hole in his shirt.
“Grid, what the fuck just happened?”
“They were magicked to be invisible and they had some kind of shield which rendered our power useless until your gun fire distracted them.”
“Are they wizards?”
“No, if they were we would be dead.”
“Thanks for sharing Grid.”
I went to my knees at that point. I crawled to number four and tore open his shirt. Just as I thought – VEST. Cocksucker!
“Grid, can you keep these fuckers down?”
“Yes, Champion I have control now.”
“Grid, I’m hit.”
I crawled to the staircase and sat.
“Grid, contact Cynthia tell her about the ambush. Christy has to stay home. Tell Elias I need help. I’m starting to babble. Get me some towels, please.”
Grid made some towels travel out of the bathroom. I made a compression bandage and tried to slow the bleeding. Stuck pig, came to mind.
I took the Colt and studied the locked back slide.
“You are definitely losing your way old son if you can’t remember what to do when the slide locks back on an empty clip.”
I dropped the empty and dug the reload out of my pocket. Only one arm hand was responding. I slid in the full clip. I turned the gun so it faced the floor and hooked he front sight on the stair step. I pushed down and chambered a round. Reloaded I felt marginally better.
“Grid you need to keep me awake, these bastards will kill me as soon as they wake up.
Grid said:
“Champion, help is on the way.”
“Tell Cynthia I need her.”
That was all I got out. The room took a slow counter-clockwise rotation, and the lights went DARK.