Bloodlines Ch. 02

"What's going on? Is that woman in danger?" Beckett's voice barely above a whisper.

Viviane shook her head, "In the year 140, there was a monk that became so in tuned to the world that he reached enlightenment. He was asked to create peace and five gifts were bestowed upon him, one from each basic element of the planet, to help him in his cause. At first, he put it upon himself to be the mediator of good and evil but soon realized he was just one man for such a big world. He decided to bequeath four of the gifts to others to help him in his quest. He searched for the best candidates to become contractors of the gifts, people he could count on to follow in his mission. Though he never had any experience in the art of irezumi, tattooing in English, he somehow knew what to do. The gifts grant the wielder complete power over one of the natural elements of the world as well as life itself. They can still die, but not from natural causes... and so they are handed down to whoever is deemed worthy by the host before death occurs. The element will ensure you live long enough to pass the gift to the next person."

Beckett tilted his head, "Five elements?"

"Yes; Air, Earth, Fire, Water, and Void." Viviane whispered. "Void is things in the realm of the nonphysical; like the mind and soul. The man has both air and void. The woman with the fireball, obviously has fire and the other Japanese girl is the Earth wielder." She pointed to the man, "And he is passing the air element he has to someone as we speak. Only a select few in all of history have ever witnessed such an event."

"If they have four of the five elemental powers; where's the fifth? Who controls water?"

"A woman named Joan who lives in France." Viviane pointed to the ceremony, "Watch."

The man closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His right hand caressed the flesh of the woman before the fingernail extended an inch. The nail protruded the flesh, causing the woman to gasp.

The azure dragon began to squirm on the man's back. It shook it's head mightily before slithering to his shoulder and then down his right arm.

The man moved his hand as if he were an artist to a canvas; each stroke meaningful and delicate allowing the dragon to flow easily through his finger and into the woman.

The man finished with a tired sigh, but felt immediate concern for the woman. "How are you feeling, Heidi?"

Heidi took a deep breath before adjusting her back in various motions. "Weird... But a good weird, Sheldon."

"Then go ahead and put on your shirt. "Celeste, come behind me," Sheldon spoke and the blonde quickly repositioned herself as instructed. "D'Artagnan." One of the Japanese women stepped forward. "Hecuba." The woman holding the fireball stepped forward. "Both of you turn around and prepare for our guests." D'Artagnan and Hecuba turned and assumed a fighting stance. "I can sense the two you. Please, join us."

"That's our cue," Viviane nodded before stepping into the light with Beckett closely behind.

Sheldon stared curiously at Viviane before pointing several columns behind them, "You too. Come out or understand I will consider you an enemy."

Millicent walked forward, disabling her spell as it wasn't doing any good.

"This is for you," Viviane handed Millicent the bag of take out with a smile. "You must be hungry from following us all night."

"You saw me?" Millicent hung her head as Viviane just nodded her head.

Heidi slid next to Sheldon, "Should we be worried?"

"I don't believe so. If they were enemies, I'm certain they would have attacked during the ceremony when we were most vulnerable. But..." Sheldon pointed at Viviane, his eyes narrowed, "What are you?"

Viviane took a step forward, "For many years, I was the light of the world, an enchantress bestowing great power upon a soul so the world could live on in peace and harmony. My power enticed a ruthless witch to search me out and demand I give her the power. When I refused, she imprisoned me to my home, my lake. Alas, my freedom came not a moment too early and I will do what I must to save the world." Viviane kneeled to the ground and bowed her head, "Please help me push back and destroy the Avis clan from purging the world of humankind."

"Did you say the Avis clan?" Millicent looked down at the woman with confusion, "Mother obliterated them years ago for practicing dark magic. They couldn't possibly have returned."

Sheldon glanced at Millicent, "Do you always reject possibilities from an enchantress?"

"A What?" Millicent was taken aback.

"I'd expect more from a royal guardian and the Ministry of Defence Unnamed Division's next head in chief, Millicent."

"How do you know who I am?" Millicent tightened her grip on her wand.

"Because I can peer into your mind... Everyone's mind except Viviane's." Sheldon offered Viviane a hand, "But Beckett's past has provided me with enough answers that I believe her. Please stand and explain what must be done."

Viviane accepted the offer and stood. "You are a good man, though slightly weak in the trust department, Sheldon."

"Yes, I am aware of my flaws," Sheldon acknowledged, "But those flaws have kept my friends and I alive."

"Fair enough." Viviane smiled. "Now that I have most of the pieces in place, I can explain." Viviane gestured her hands out wide as she walked forward. "The nations are in chaos; World War III could very well be close at hand. We will find allies located in Álfheimr. I propose that we rendezvous there before heading to the United Nations headquarters in New York. Peace is a must."

"We agree to come, but just know this," Sheldon raised his finger, "If push comes to shove, I will protect my family first and foremost."

Viviane shook his hand, "I will take your help however I can."

Sheldon closed his eyes and focused his energy. He took the memories he saw of Millicent's battle of three years ago and relayed them to his team. "This is the type of enemy we are dealing with; be prepared."

"Sir," Celeste's voice was meek. "What shall I do?"

"Without power, you're a liability," Sheldon hugged her fiercely, his face masked in worry. "I will protect you. If battle becomes imminent, we will secure a location for you first, as always."

"So your name is Millicent?" Beckett smiled as he moved next to the witch. "My name's Beckett; this is some pretty outrageous stuff; like out of a movie."

"So you're a human?"

"Guilty," Beckett raised his hand. "With a question like that, I take it you're not."

"A witch."

"That explains the stick."

Millicent gave a soft smile as she remembered those exact words were the same Cody used in regards to him finding out she was a witch.

"That also explains why you weren't surprised seeing that girl hold fire." Beckett glanced at Millicent, "Sorry, it's the cop in me to notice details."

"Don't apologize," Millicent smiled. "It's a noble profession."

"Not as fancy as working for the government."

"We are both shields; you, to the populous, and I to my country," Millicent laughed. "So you are not with her?"

"No," Beckett shook his head. "I was touring you're fine country when I was thrown into the depths of Loe Pool only to wash up in an underground cavern. I found her encrusted in the rock down there."

"And you trust her?"

Beckett stared at Millicent, stone serious, "We can't afford not to."

Millicent's mind was clamoring for evidence and proof of the accusations Viviane made; but her heart believed Beckett. There was just something about him. She nodded, "Please, call me Miley."

"Miley," Beckett grinned. "So beautiful."

"What?"

"I mean it's a beautiful name... Not that you're not beautiful... I mean you are, too..." Beckett stammered.

Millicent blushed.

"Are you done sticking your foot in your mouth so we can get going?" Viviane laughed.

Beckett ran a hand through his hair, "Uh, yeah. Thanks."

"Everyone hold hands," Viviane announced.

"Why?" Millicent looked at Beckett.

Beckett's smile disarmed Millicent and when he took hold of her hand, she blushed again. "It's faster than an airplane."

Sheldon held Emma's hand tightly, while encompassing Celeste's, "Everyone hold tight, and don't worry; this should only take..."

*

"a second," Sheldon finished after they already arrived.

"Sound the alarm!" Antanasia was on the group in a heartbeat, several elfin archers had the group circled from the treetops while a small force of the sword battalion enclosed on foot. Almost instantly, the warning bell was being rung from atop the castle in the sequoia tree.

Antanasia bared her fangs as she crouched, ready to pounce, "What business do you have here in Álfheimr?"

"Antanasia, has it been so long that you've forgotten me?" Millicent stepped to the front, a huge smile on her face.

"Miley," Antanasia hugged her friend. "About time you've come back to see us!"

"Well, you know Mother has me quite busy nowadays."

Antanasia whispered in her ear, "Is one of those two yours?"

"We'll talk about that later," Millicent released her friend. "Where's Cody and Elva. We have a situation."

"Oh... I'll go get them." Antanasia turned to her men, "Stand down everyone." She took a step to the sequoia tree and halted as she saw the oncoming stampede.

"Miley!" Elva and Cody wrapped thier friend in a combined embrace.

"I thought you were going to be busy for a few more months?" Cody smiled.

"What brings you back so soon," Elva eyed her friend curiously, "With guests?"

"The fate of the world," Viviane stepped to the forefront. Her eyes found Cody, a joyous elation singing from her depths. She strode toward the youth, stopping only two feet away before kneeling before him. "My King."

"You may stand, any friend of Miley's is a friend of ours," Cody smiled. "Also, Queen Elva is the head of Álfheimr."

"Yes, she is the Queen of Álfheimr," Viviane remained kneeling. "But you are My King. The one worthy to rule all the land."

Cody looked at Miley hoping for clarification only to receive a confused shrug.

Viviane put her hand to her chest, "One deserving enough to wield," a blazing white light appeared under hand as her skin seemed to separate as if it were sliced open. A gold hilt, with a Painite gem on the pommel and two musgravite gems on each end of the guard, slid through the rupture. It fell into her hand effortlessly, and she extracted the long sword the rest of the way. "Excalibur."

Cody gulped, "I think you have the wrong guy. I don't even know how to use a sword."

"Excalibur will always guide you in battle, My King." Viviane looked up into his eyes, "If you refuse, the world will collapse."

"I... I..." Cody looked to his wife for answers.

Elva stood astonished, "Cody, Miley wouldn't be here otherwise."

"I didn't know about this," Millicent threw up her hands.

"But you believe the world is in danger?"

"It is."

Everyone turned the melodic female voice.

"Hiromi, you're back as well," Cody's eyes lit up.

Hiromi hugged Cody, "Hello, my friend."

"And Elva, you..." Hiromi paused as she exasperated. "She hugged her friend and whispered, "Congratulations; boy or girl?"

Elva's voice was barely audible, even in Hiromi's ear, "Boy."

Hiromi broke away before staring at Cody, "If this sword is being offered to you by Viviane, an enchantress with foresight, it means that you are meant for something special; and the weight of the world is in desperate need of something special."

Cody's eyes steeled as he gripped the legendary sword. He felt raw power course through his body, the sword binding itself to him alone, infusing him with magic. "Whoa."

Viviane smiled as she exhaled a relieved sigh. Her expression quickly became one of utmost seriousness, "My King, I come with poor tidings. A World War may soon erupt. A dark, powerful coven, the same one that attacked here three years ago, have divided the world. Under their influence, the Chinese have spearheaded an operation into Bhutan. We need to visit a man in New York to help stall the United Nations from disbanding. I have gathered a dynamic group of men and women to help assist you in these matters."

Viviane turned toward Elva, "Queen Elva, any aide you are willing to give would be appreciated."

"Yes, anything King Cody requires," Elva nodded. "Any volunteers?"

Antanasia and Garothmuk were the first to step forward. Many more elves who remembered how valiantly Cody and Millicent fought on there behalf also volunteered as well as others who simply wanted payback for the destruction and heartache. Finally, Ezuri also agreed.

Viviane leaned into Cody and whispered, "We'll leave tomorrow."

Cody nodded his understanding. "We leave in tomorrow. Everyone, spend tonight as you wish."

Sheldon walked over to Elva, "You're Highness, I would first like to apologize in advance, as I am unsure I am even allowed to approach you, but I have a person who cannot protect themself and if this turns to battle, I was hoping I could leave her behind until I get back. I promise she will do no harm, that is unless you allow her to cook."

Elva looked past Sheldon. It took but a moment to see which person did not have battle experience. "What's her name?"

"Celeste."

"You are helping my husband," Elva nodded. "No harm will come to Celeste, I so swear to you."

"Thank you." Sheldon peered over his shoulder, "Celeste," he waved her over.

Celeste quickly came to Sheldon's side. "Yes, Sir."

Sheldon put a hand to her lower back, "I would like you to meet Queen Elva."

"You're Highness," Celeste curtseyed.

"It's so nice to make your acquaintance."

"Queen Elva has been so kind to grant you asylum until I get back."

"But..."

"It's that time, Sweetheart." Sheldon leaned in and kissed Celeste. It started off tender before becoming more so.

"I understand, I just get so nervous when all of you have to go fight somewhere."

"That's my girl." Sheldon walked over to Heidi with Celeste holding his hand.

"Everything all right?" Heidi asked.

Sheldon pulled Heidi into him for a deep kiss. "Everything's fine, Honey. Just making arrangements for Celeste."

Hiromi moved next to Viviane, "Joan said she was unsure."

"Depressing," Viviane shook her head. "All these years, she's the only one I cannot predict."

Cody hugged his wife, "I guess I'm going to New York."

Elva laughed, "You realize I'm going with you, don't you?"

"But what about..."

"We're only going to New York to have a conversation." Elva whispered, "Besides, if you want to master more places for us to be intimate, you will not argue with your wife."

"Then I guess I will become celibate," Cody stared Elva down in a way she had never seen before. "Because I will not put you or our son in jeopardy." His face then lightened, "Besides, you are Queen now. If the fight stretches here as it did last time, you will be needed."

Elva started to cry, "You better not allow our son to grow up without a Father."

Cody turned, holding Elva's hand. "Ayara," Cody called an a young elf maiden was soon in front of him. "Please ensure our guests find a room tonight."

Ayara bowed before going to her task.

"My King," Viviane briefly bowed her head. "Before we embark on the rest of our evening, we need to have a private conversation with your Mother."

*

"You have to focus and then widen." Sheldon offered a comforting smile, "And relax."

Heidi shook her head, allowing the bed she was lifting with her air element to fall back to the floor. "You know those are three different ideologies; focus implies concentrate narrowly, which is the exact opposite of relax and widen."

"You are too smart for your own good. Maybe if I call D'Artagnan or Hecuba from their room they could explain it better?" Sheldon snapped his fingers as the perfect idea came to him. He stood from the bed, "Celeste, strip."

Celeste did so immediately.

Sheldon went behind Heidi, his hands massaging her neck and shoulders, his breath a whisper in her ear. "Look at Celeste," he nibbled at her earlobe while his hands reached around and began fondling her breasts. "If you can get three items in this room to rise with your power at the same time, you can have her and I anyway you desire, but if she gets me off first, well, you get nothing."

Heidi's hand cupped Sheldon's member, stroking it until it was erect. "That's one," she smiled.

"I said with your elemental power," Sheldon playfully smacked her ass. "I need to know you'll be able to handle yourself in battle."

Heidi tried to focus, lifting the bed again.

Sheldon threw Celeste on the hovering bed before hopping on it himself, "That's one."

Celeste licked her lips before she melted into Sheldon's arms. Her lips met his and they quickly fell into a passionate entanglement, her tongue devouring his with ease. Her hand went to his erection. With a feathery, experienced touch, she caressed it in a way that it twitched with excitement.

"I want your mouth," Sheldon stared into Celeste's eyes and she nodded with a sensual smile.

Sheldon watched Heidi. He knew she wanted nothing more than to be in bed with him and Celeste, but he also knew how badly she wanted to help him, D'Artagnan, and Hecuba when they serve justice. She needed control... And unfortunately, there was little time to practice. However, he was not above bribery.

Celeste's hand deftly massaged Sheldon's balls as her head moved forward. Her tongue snaked out, barely grazing against his shaft as she licked from base to tip. She brushed the head until she was sufficiently rewarded with a stream of precum before opening her mouth and sliding down. Despite his pubic hair tickling her nose, she held firm for a few moments, relishing in taking all he had to offer. She then took her time. She slowly bobbed up and down, her mouth making sweet love to his cock.

"Two," Sheldon groaned out to Heidi as he saw the nightstand stabilize in the air. He then looked down into the baby blue eyes of Celeste, "You're holding back so Heidi can win, you playful minx."

Celeste smiled as she continued her ministrations.

"That's it," Sheldon chuckled as he flipped Celeste on her back. "I'll teach you to let her pass or fail on her own."

Sheldon finalized his statement by spearing viciously into Celeste.

"Oh fuck yes," Celeste hissed.

Sheldon was violent with each thrust, penetrating Celeste's depths with reckless abandon. Each plunge sending her to euphoria.

Sheldon then attacked Celeste's mind. He manipulated and tweaked her pleasure centers as he pistoned, ferociously ravaging body and mind. He looked down at his handiwork, viewing her as she was; a rag doll. Her eyes were rolled into the back of her head and her tongue was hanging out of her mouth as she exploded in unbridled bliss.

Celeste screamed in pure elation, no words even able to be formed.

"Three," Heidi gritted through her teeth, using all her will to hold the bed, the nightstand and a dresser in the air.

Sheldon glanced over his shoulder with a smile, "So what are you waiting for, come over here and claim your prize."

Heidi let everything down gently before stripping herself of her clothes and diving into bed. Her lips found Sheldon's like a magnet.

"Since you wore out part of my prize, I just want you to make out with my body until she wakes up."

Sheldon gave a lecherous grin, "I know I can do that."

Sheldon's lips started with hers, his tongue sweeping and dodging all things erogenous in a candor kiss. It was proof that she was his as he expertly weaved her pleasure. He slowly peeled away, catching her lower lip briefly as he did.

"That was a start," Heidi panted.

Sheldon didn't hesitate, merely responding to her statement with a string of kisses down her jaw and neckline before traversing south. His lips enveloped her nipple, sucking and nibbling at the pointed flesh as if it held the secret to life. His hands reached underneath, cupping both her ass cheeks, pulling her deeper into his violations.