Academy Rebels, page 18
part #1 of Card Mage Series
Images curled and churned to the void spawn phantom. The mage never knew that those foul creatures could become phantoms. Seeing it made his blood grow cold as many old timers in the slums spoke of hiding from those creatures as they searched. Hydale was one of the last cities on the continent to stand from the invasion. Before the invasion, it was a poor shipping city to the western islands. The fighting in the streets was horrific as some fought and most hid. When Sebastian Kinarth rallied their remaining ships and armies of heroes, they came during the night, attacking the void spawn and forcing them to retreat from the city. The surprise attack was the turning point, many rushing to Kinarth’s banner, forcing the spawn to retreat back to the far east where their portals pulsed with dark power.
Dax woke from his thoughts, looking across the table to Zarra as she smiled. A tear ran down her cheek but her smile held so much joy.
The mage stood up and Vance stopped singing. Fern saw the look in Dax’s eyes and she stopped dancing. Symon stopped clapping and looked to his friend. Nuria opened her eyes, seeing the serious look in Dax’s gaze.
“We should turn in for the evening,” Dax said darkly.
Zarra looked to Dax, another tear streaking down her cheek. “I have another barrel to finish. Let’s not end the evening just yet.”
Dax’s dark eyes saddened. “Zarra, we are concerned…” The mage was cut off by a quick wave of Zarra’s hand.
“I apologize for how I behaved in the crypt. It was…unbecoming,” the cleric said with a sad smile.
“It was not,” Symon said.
Zarra nodded. “It was. If any of my people saw what I did, they would question my mind and heart. Dragons are never to become so primal or it would scare many of the other races. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard, or fear would color the bonds between all races.”
Fern stepped along the table and looked up at Zarra, “We won’t tell anyone what happened.”
Zarra nodded. “Thank you, my friend.”
“We do have some travelling to do before we reach Axminster,” Dax began.
Zarra spoke up, “I was a hatchling when the void spawn attacked our mountain spire.”
Dax closed his mouth and sat. All eyes turned to the melancholy cleric as she pulled a third barrel close to her, eyes distant.
“Barely a few weeks old, but I was aware. While the caretakers pulled hatchlings further into the maze of tunnels, I had to crawl out and see what was happening. I reached a cave entrance just as several of my people swooped down, breathing fire.
“Our mountain spire was surrounded by thousands of void spawns. They writhed like a mass of tentacles. They climbed up the sides as fire rained down. My people burned them, but they didn’t slow down. The spawn used their dark magic, striking my people from the black skies.”
Zarra’s eyes took on a faraway gleam, lost to inner memories. “I remember the point where fear struck down my curiosity. I backed up, ready to rush to my caregivers when tentacles crawled over the edge of the cave entrance. Pale faces and bodies, connected to black lower bodies of tentacles. I still remember how they shined in dragon fire light.
“I ran back on all fours, craning my neck back to see them flow into the cave like monsters from fairy tales. A stream of dragon fire burned them to cinders as my parents landed at the cave entrance. I remember the shouts and screams, both of them telling me to keep running. Tentacles rushed up and curled around their limbs and wings.”
Another tear streaked down Zarra’s cheek and dripped from her jawline.
“My parents turned their dragon breath on the cave entrance. They used all their power, my mother giving me one last loving gaze before part of the mountain collapsed. It was already decided that if the spawn made it halfway up the spire, all entrances would be sealed. My parents stayed to the end, fighting the monsters until they were buried and crushed.”
Zarra wiped away the tears. “I never cried, not even as it happened. I think the shock didn’t allow me to mourn. A few weeks later, the war was over. The void spawn retreated to their portals and were gone.”
Fern sank down to her knees, hand over her own heart. Dax, Vance, and Symon stared at the cleric; their hearts heavy in their chests. Nuria’s eyes saddened and she looked away.
Zarra lifted up a barrel and held it in her lap. “Thank you for listening to me. I swear I won’t let my emotions get the better of me and will be a productive member of our coterie.”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Dax said softly.
Fern fluttered up. “You’re amazing!” the fairy said and hugged the cleric’s neck.
“We all have our demons and pasts. Thank you for trusting us with your story,” Symon said with a small smile.
Nuria looked down as she addressed Zarra. “You have my sympathies,” the mage said and stood up.
No one really gave Nuria a second glance as she left the room. Zarra smiled before lifting up the barrel and began drinking again.
Time turned into a slow blur. Vance was next to leave. Symon was after the mage, hugging Zarra before he left. The cleric’s eyes wandered in a drunken haze, Fern close to her. Dax gave them a look, but the fairy nodded to him.
“I’ll make sure she makes it to her room,” Fern grinned.
Dax nodded and stood up. The mage stepped to Zarra’s side and placed his hand on the cleric’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“We are here for you,” Dax said softly.
Zarra reached up and squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”
Dax gave a small smile before his hand slipped away.
The mage left the private dining room and made his way up the stairs. Stepping along the long corridor, he made his way to his room and closed the door behind him. A sigh fell from his lips as exhaustion, food, and drink dragged down his very soul.
Removing his satchel from his shoulder, he hung it on a chair before he sat down on the edge of the bed. Thoughts spun and the mage tried to calm his mind. Taking in deep breaths, his heart slowed and his thoughts quieted.
Second badge acquired, three more to go.
The mage slipped his hand into his robe pocket and pulled out a handful of mana shards. He eyed them, contemplating how he would use them.
It’s easy to spend them all on different spheres but if I don’t focus on a particular one, my magic will always be weak against greater odds. I’ve been lucky so far, but who knows how it would have turned out against the phantom void spawn.
The mage called up his ghostly stats.
Name: Dax Sage
Class: Mage
Health: Normal
Mana: 600
Mana Shards: 7
Spheres of Magic
Air: 1
Water: 1
Fire: 1
Urth: 0
Life: 1
Decay: 0
Light: 0
Dark: 0
Time: 0
Space: 0
Mind: 2
Body: 0
Looking over his spheres, his gaze was drawn to the life sphere. To increase it to the 2nd degree, he would need 4 shards.
Having slightly more powerful creature constructs in combat could be useful for their numbers to our coterie. I could create a few more creature cards and a small army if we need it.
Dax nodded to himself as he held 4 tiny shards in his other hand and allowed them to sink into his soul. Power bloomed and spun before settling down, his Life Sphere moving up in power to the 2nd degree.
Dax looked to his remaining three shards. Glancing at his spheres, his eyes drifted to the Time Sphere.
Time has never been on my side. I should see if I can bend it to my will and better my chances.
The mage put one shard back in his robe and allowed 2 shards to sink into his hand. Again, power flared along his heart and mind before it sank back down into place. The mage let the ghostly words and number collapse and brought it up again.
Name: Dax Sage
Class: Mage
Health: Normal
Mana: 800
Mana Shards: 1
Spheres of Magic
Air: 1
Water: 1
Fire: 1
Urth: 0
Life: 2
Decay: 0
Light: 0
Dark: 0
Time: 1
Space: 0
Mind: 2
Body: 0
Much better. My mana has increased two hundred points and I now continue my path with six spheres.
Dax smiled before his stats bled away. Falling back, he lay on the bed, his body whispering for an ancient slumber.
A knock at the door, woke him from his sleepy trance.
“Come in,” the mage said as he continued to lay in bed.
The door opened and closed. Dax lifted his head a little to see Zarra standing in his room. The cleric’s yellow serpent gaze was transfixed on the mage as he lay.
Dax sat up with a look of concern. “Is everything alright?”
Zarra said nothing as she stepped closer. Pupils were thin slits in the golden color of her eyes. It was almost unnerving to see as Dax stayed where he was.
Zarra sat on the edge of the bed, one leg curled in and her body facing the mage.
The air between them took on a charged electricity. Dax simply stared as she eyed him like a morsel, ready to devour him whole. The initial silent oddness was replaced with souls pulling at each other. The attraction was there, but concern crawled along Dax’s spirit, wondering if this was right.
“It has been a long time since I have felt any kind of peace,” Zarra said in a low tone. “I know everyone is concerned, but no one has to be. I just want to feel good. I want us to feel good.”
“Zarra…” Dax began and his words drifted away.
The cleric gave a small smile and she leaned in closer. Heavy breasts were barely contained by her top as erect nipples pushed against the soft fabric.
“You don’t have to say a word. I saw it written in your eyes when we were out of the pool,” Zarra said with a sultry tone.
“I just want to be sure…this is something you want,” Dax said as his own body began to betray him, blood filling his manhood and draining from his mind.
The cleric leaned in closer, lips inches from Dax’s mouth. “There has always been an attraction. I’ve seen you at times in the Academy. The sight of you whispered things that I had difficulty denying. We dragons simply know.
“Don’t dwell on it. There is no reason why we can’t enjoy a long moment of bliss, my handsome mage.”
Zarra’s pointed tongue snaked out and licked Dax’s chin. The mage was stunned, watching as her very long tongue ran across his lips before she leaned in closer and kissed him.
The kiss lingered, heat rising between them. A wave of intoxication washed over the mage as he couldn’t control it. It wasn’t from alcohol, but something else, snaking into him, unable to control himself.
Dax lifted his hands and took hold of the cleric. Zarra didn’t stop him as he pulled the top of her robe off her shoulders and pulled down. Heavy breasts were free as the mage cupped one and ran his thumb over her nipple. Zarra pulled back, a gentle hiss falling from her lips as she closed her eyes.
The room grew uncomfortably hot as Dax was lost to the cleric’s silky skin. It glowed in the dim lantern light as she pushed her chest against his hand. Dax found himself squeezing the dragon’s breast, a hunger growing as his manhood struggled against his clothes.
Zarra’s hands ran along Dax’s lap before they gently touched his erect member. Fingers worked the inner buttons before the robe was pulled open. The cleric gave a warm smile before her hand took hold of his member and gently began to stroke it. The energy between them blasted nerves like a furnace. Bodies began to move of their own accord, minds dripping with wanting lust.
Dax’s hands trembled as he fought for control. Before he knew it, he took a firm hold of Zarra’s robe and pulled it down with a dire need. The cleric smiled as she helped him along, white robe off and falling to the floor. The pair took hold of Dax’s robes, pulling them off and tossing them across the room.
On the edge of the bed, the pair sat, lips touching and tongues exploring. The mage’s hand slid over a creamy thigh and slipped between them. Fingers searched until they touched wetness, coating his fingers. Zarra moaned her delight as fingers explored her pink folds until they touched her clit. A pattern took shape, the mage swirling his finger as the couple’s mouths enjoyed the sensual touch. A shudder caused Zarra to pull back and gasp, which allowed Dax to smile as he rubbed her sensitive nub. Zarra’s hips moved to his touch, eyes closing and lost to the tingling swirls.
“Dax, don’t stop,” the cleric said and bit her lip.
The mage had no intention of stopping, his touch bringing her closer to where she wanted to be. Bodies touching, side by side, Dax watched as Zarra was lost to a rising tide of bliss. Dax’s other hand slid around her back and curled at the dragon’s waist, pulling her close as he continued with his dreamy spirals.
The cleric’s hips moved and thighs parted a little further. She clutched to him as he played her like a violin. Magic bubbled along her senses as the mage worked his intimate spell.
The mage leaned in close, his lips to her ear, “You are beautiful, but I want you to be happy. Free yourself so I may drive myself into your spirit, fucking you slowly until you come again, bathing my cock in your lust.”
Zarra’s eyes squeezed shut as she gasped and shuddered. “I…want to bathe your cock with my lust.”
“Take your time and enjoy the touch, but once you come, I’m going to have you. For tonight, you are mine and all I will do is help ease the pain.”
Zarra shuddered again as her internal dam began to crack. The mage could see and feel she simply wanted to forget everything. Not think about her past or who she was so she could fully release without chains around her neck. The freedom and budding friendship grew with each gentle swirl.
Zarra grabbed Dax’s wrist and held him in place as her hips moved.
“I’m…almost…” the dragon in human form hissed before her mouth hung open and her body shuddered violently.
Dax gave an impish smile as her hips moved, Zarra rubbing her clit against Dax’s finger as her grip tightened. The mage’s smile fell away as the pressure built up, a thought flashing that she was going to break his wrist.
Zarra let out a soul shattering moan, the dam breaking and bliss roaring forth. Wetness bloomed, drenching Dax’s hand as the cleric used him to finish. Nerves tingled into magical explosions as she shuddered again. The moment sent swirls into her belly before she flopped back onto the bed, breathing heavy.
Dax was up the moment she let go of his wrist. Standing over her, he admired her body, gaze slipping over her curves and heaving chest. Thighs were parted as wetness dripped. The mad hunger was there as he climbed into bed, over the dragon woman.
The circlet began to glow against her forehead as golden scales ran along her forearms to her hands. More golden scales ran down from her knees to her feet. Hands and feet shifted, growing longer. Ears pointed and teeth sharpened.
Dax was above Zarra, watching her partial transformation. The cleric didn’t open her eyes, breathing heavy. The sight of her changed body did not deter the mage. Instead, it heightened the moment, his member rock hard. Pressing his throbbing head to her womanhood, he slowly pushed.
Zarra let out a small moan, Dax’s member meeting some resistance. The mage growled and she opened her thighs further. Golden eyes opened into a sultry stare before her legs wrapped around Dax’s ass and pushed. The mage’s cock parted her tight entrance, sinking deeper until he reached the hilt. Zarra’s hips moved first with careful precision and tempo, squeezing the man over her with each wet slide.
Dax gave another impish smirk before he lost control. Hips moved, driving himself deep and pulling back. Zarra’s body trembled, moaning with each deep push. Clawed hands rose up, embracing the mage and holding him to her. Even in her strong grip, Dax’s hips would not be denied. Thick inches pushed at her inner world, forcing Zarra to accommodate him. The dragon complied with a smile and a playful lick of Dax’s chin.
The tempo grew, Zarra moaning her delight. Dax’s breathing grew with the rhythm, an ocean of urges pressing down on him.
Zarra looked into Dax’s eyes with her own heated smile. “Be my dragon for the evening. Take me like a dragon would.”
Dax’s body continued to move, driving himself deep but not sure what she meant.
The cleric twisted her hips, Dax forced onto his back. Zarra moaned as she moved up and down on his throbbing member for a long moment before she pulled her body off of him. Dax watched as she sank down to her hands and knees before letting her upper body lay on the bed, her ass in the air.
Dax grinned as he now understood. Up and on his knees, he moved behind the dragon woman, a hand on her hip and his other hand holding his cock. Looking down, he saw wetness drip from her sex. Pressing his cock to her, he pushed in and Zarra let out a lustful moan.
Pushing against the bed, the cleric was on all fours as Dax held her hips, driving himself slowly deep and pulling back. The motion sent ripples along Zarra’s muscles, moans dripping from her open mouth.
Zarra glanced back, watching Dax’s strong body forcing his cock deep within her. The emptiness she felt before was now full but yet, she still wanted more.
The sounds of their bodies and the scent of sex filled the room. Dax couldn’t hold back anymore. Seeing her move to his tempo, tightness nearly strangling his cock, urges reached the tipping point and he could barely keep his soul in his body.
The cleric kept her serpent gaze on the mage as she felt his cock thickening within her valley. Squeezing, she pushed against his invading member and held him.
Dax’s world exploded into brilliant light. Spurts of seed filled the tight space as he pushed with all his might against the cleric’s resistance. Hands gripped her waist, pulling her toward him as another spurt of molten come filled her. Bliss crashed into their bodies, Zarra’s own inner world quivering to the mage’s magical onslaught. Eyes rolling into her head, she cooed her lust.
