Champions Vol. 01

Sapphire nodded in agreement with his plan. It was Laurena's response that confused him.

"Will you teach me as well?" she asked.

"Huh?" he responded, surprised.

"You both risked your lives to protect me last night," she explained. "If something like that happens again I refuse to be a burden. I want to help, and if that means I need to learn how to use weapons to do it, then I shall."

David was shocked by her announcement, and Sapphire seemed equally surprised. Taking a few moments to consider her request, he decided to test her resolve. "What if the only way to protect us is to kill someone? What about your beliefs?"

Laurena did not seem surprised by this question. "Astinus believed that your actions were wrong, and that you did not value the lives that you took. He did not understand you, and until recently I did not either. For that mistake I apologize. You do value all life, until that life threatens those around it. Then you remove the threat to save the rest. It is like treating infected tissue. Sometimes the infection is beyond healing, and must be cut out before it can spread. I have no desire to kill another person, but I will do so if it means saving either of you, or someone else. I will regret their death, but I will regret the innocent being hurt more."

David looked to Sapphire, and watched as his love stood and hugged Laurena. She had accepted the acolyte's words, and was proud of her decision. How could he do any less?

"Ok. Then I think we may need to take a few more days than I planned and train you both."

***

They traveled a few miles deeper into the lightly forested hills north of the road. Once David found a suitable spot, they set up camp and he began conjuring training tools. He didn't have the time to turn them into experts, but he could give them some basic skills that might mean the difference between life and death.

During the first day he taught them firearm safety and basic marksmanship. He also introduced them to knife fighting, punching, kicking, and grappling. He taught them both how to shoot each of his firearms, but focused on the M9s and M4. They burned through his ammo pretty quickly, but luckily he had figured out the process of conjuring more at Zaffre's, so in the evenings he conjured the ammunition to replace what they had fired that day. He tried to have Sapphire help at first; unfortunately she was not able to reproduce the rounds like he could. She was more than able to reproduce them to the size and precision he could, but they were all duds, despite David's best efforts.

The first evening David also created his pair of short swords, with aluminum blades to reduce their weight and the same enchantments that he had used on his knife; as well as custom sheaths he could either sling across his back or attach to his vest. For the rest of their time there he would pour his magic into them, trying to get them ready just in case. He also began designing a present for Sapphire. He wanted it to be a surprise, so he would have to wait until he had a quiet time away from her to make it. He also tested a few types of defensive wards with his magic, but couldn't figure out how to keep them powered while he slept. So he just settled for the same trip lines he had used earlier. That night Sapphire again insisted on his presence, so the trio slept together on the large sleep mat that she once again conjured, with her cuddled up to him and Laurena sleeping a few inches away, alone.

The second day was a repeat of the first. He stuck to the basics, but he made sure to repeat each lesson from the previous day, and then allow them to practice over and over again. He had both women shoot the M9s and his M4 again, and was impressed with Sapphire's improvement. She had recommended a spell to reduce the noise of the firearms, and once it was cast it made them no louder than air-rifles. David actually wrote it down, thinking that an enchantment like that on a few of his weapons might come in handy. The quieter weapons nearly eliminated the women's flinching during target practice, and David was surprised to find that after the second day Sapphire was almost as accurate with the M4 as he was. She was a long way from his overall skill level with it, or with a pistol, but she could hit what she was aiming at. With the M9 she could hit the target most of the time at twenty meters, and could group her rounds center mass at six meters.

Laurena was less competent with the firearms. By day two she could at least hit the target every time at six meters with one of the pistols, but out past ten meters her accuracy decreased dramatically. David figured she might have had an easier time with a smaller framed pistol - a compact or subcompact frame - but the large framed M9's were all he had. She was hopeless with the rifles. Both were about equal in skill with knife fighting - which pretty much meant they should manage to not stab themselves accidentally in an actual fight - but he figured they could at least hold off an untrained opponent long enough for him to come to their rescue.

The surprise was Laurena's skills with unarmed combat. She seemed to intuitively grasp how to move her entire body to increase the force of her punches and kicks, and he never had to show her a grappling move more than once. By the second day he was taking turns with Sapphire to spar against the acolyte, the Dracian no longer able to keep up with Laurena on the mat. She wasn't even close to his level yet, but she was damn good for a beginner. In addition to growing their skills, the training was also growing a friendship between Sapphire and Laurena. When the trio went to bed that night, happy with their accomplishments, both women drifted off to sleep chatting about the day's successes and failures. David praised them for learning so quickly, and the pair countered by saying it would never have been possible without such an amazing teacher...while snuggling closely to either side of their Champion.

The third day began with a review of everything they had done earlier, and then he introduced a set of foam covered sticks. Having never studied sword-fighting, he taught them escrima (Filipino stick fighting) in the hope that at least some of what he knew would transfer. There were more than a few bumps and bruises that day, as well as a broken finger or two, but all of them were capable of healing the injuries. A big surprise came when Laurena chose to heal one of her own broken fingers.

Chanting the spell, she felt her magic infuse the damaged digit and heal the break effortlessly. The ease with which she did so shocked her. Noticing the look on her face, both David and Sapphire inquired about it.

"I just cast a healing spell on my hand...and it was easy," he told them. "I normally struggle with even minor healing, and my finger should have taken quite a bit more of my power than it did."

"Have you noticed any changes in your magic lately?" Sapphire asked.

"Not really, but I have not attempted anything challenging before now," Laurena responded.

"Try the light conjuration spell, it will show you if your magic has increased somehow," Sapphire suggested.

Laurena was hesitant to try, she did not wish to share with them how feeble her magic truly was, but she stiffened her spine. They had both done so much for her, and over the last few days had shown respect and appreciation for her dedication. They deserved her trust. Also, she was curious.

Chanting the spell softly, she held up her hand and was amazed at how brightly it glowed. Even in the afternoon sun it shone, illuminating as powerfully as a well lit torch. Looking to Sapphire she exclaimed, "It has never been this bright before. Not even close. This is an order of magnitude brighter than I was ever able to accomplish before."

"I have also noticed an increase with my magic," Sapphire replied. "During the attack I cast a telekinesis spell that was far more powerful than I had intended, and I had just assumed it was the excitement of the battle. That night when I conjured our bedding it was effortless. I began to suspect that my magic had grown."

Both of them turned to look at David, and he shrugged. "I've got so much 'mojo' how would I even know if there was more?"

Sapphire contemplated his strange response for a moment, and then was forced to agree. They hadn't even seen his full potential that first night, cancelling the spell before it blinded all of them. Even if he had somehow gained more power, she knew of no way to determine it.

"But, how?" Laurena asked.

"Isn't the sharing of love in an Erosian service supposed to boost the magic of the attendees for a time?" David inquired.

"Not that much," Laurena replied.

"Maybe the fact that it was with a Champion of Eros made it more powerful," Sapphire suggested.

Laurena considered this idea for a few moments, before beginning to slowly nod. It made sense.

"Wait a minute. Are you really suggesting I have a magic dick?" " David interjected, recalling the still unexplained growth in his equipment.

Looking at him sexily, Sapphire practically purred, "Oh yes, it definitely felt magical."

Laurena walked to the Dracian and snaked an arm around her waist, deciding to join her new friend in teasing David. "I have to agree with Sapphire, the orgasms were truly enchanting."

David just rolled his eyes while the two partners-in-crime snickered at him. It wasn't like the sex had sucked. In fact it had been pretty epic, even with the whole mysterious penis enlargement. But he wasn't sure that the two beauties standing before him and giving him the same look a fat man gives an all-you-can-eat buffet was a good thing.

"Ladies, can we please focus?"

"Yes David," they sing-songed simultaneously. It was like they had some sort of 'fucking with a man's head' psychic wonder-twin power.

Setting aside the discussion of his sexual prowess - and any affect it had on their magical power - the two women returned to training, but that was not the end of the issue. During dinner that evening there was a whole lot of whispered conversation between the two that David wasn't invited to participate in. He was pretty damn sure that a conspiracy was afoot, but he had no clue what it would mean for his future.

***

"I think you should test your theory tonight," Laurena whispered to Sapphire.

"What do you mean?" she responded quietly.

"You should have sex with David. If it was the ceremony that caused the increase in power, then sex without the ceremony will cause no change to your magic. If it was him, then your power will increase again. If it was something else, then at least we eliminated one possibility."

"What if I don't want to lie with David?" Sapphire whispered, seemingly offended at the notion.

Laurena just gave her a knowing look, and Sapphire broke into a fit of giggling.

"What are you two up to?" David asked, hearing the giggling and assuming nothing good would come of it.

"Nothing," the both responded. He was less than comforted by their statement.

"Ok, so I should have sex with David tonight. What about you?" Sapphire asked Laurena softly, determined to keep their plotting a secret from her love.

"I cannot have sex with him. I can only render the Blessings of Eros during services," Laurena replied sadly.

"I meant where will you sleep? There is only the one tent and I have no desire to force you to stay outside in the night while I 'test my theory'?"

"It will be okay. You can come get me when you are finished," the acolyte suggested.

Sapphire thought about it. The idea had merit, but it also didn't appeal to her for some reason. Something about the idea of her being with David while her friend - and Laurena had truly become her friend in the last few days - didn't sit well with her. She thought about the first and only time that she had lain with her love. Maybe there was a way to work around this.

"What if you join us in the tent, but don't participate. Would you be okay with just observing, and answering any questions that I may have?"

Laurena thought about her request. She had not realized at the time how inexperienced Sapphire was, but in the last few days they had discussed the matter at length, and her new friend had confessed her fears and insecurities. Laurena was still envious of her relationship with David, but she also realized that Sapphire was still nervous and new to sexual intimacy. She could put aside her own desires and help her with this after everything that had happened.

"Of course I can," she replied with a comforting smile.

The women continued conspiring for a few more minutes, and then Sapphire announced that they were going to get ready for bed and asked David to wait outside until they called him. He countered by saying that he was going to try a different warning system tonight, and it would probably take him an hour or more to test and set up. After some additional whispering between the women they agreed not to call for him for at least an hour, and retired to the tent. He quickly conjured his standard trip wire layers, but added a reverse of the quieting spell he had learned from Sapphire. Hopefully it would make the bells loud enough to wake them. Then he snuck away into the nearby darkness to work on his present for Sapphire. It would require quite a bit of trial and error, but he was determined to make it work.

***

"David, are you out there?" Sapphire's voiced floated to David from inside the tent. He had spent his time wisely, and had made great strides on his gift for her. It would still take a while to make, but his initial tests that night allowed him to work through the major design flaws. Sometimes what seemed like a good idea in his head didn't always end up that way. Now all he had to do was borrow some items from her to be able to begin crafting it.

"Yep. Can we go to sleep now?"

He heard movement inside the tent, and looked toward the opening in time to see Sapphire part the curtained entrance. She was illuminated by both the rapidly expiring campfire and also a soft glow from inside the tent. The sight of her was breathtaking.

She was wearing what could be best described as a translucent, white, halter-top style, baby doll negligee, and nothing else. The bare exterior light fought the soft interior light, causing her outline to shimmer from beneath the minimal covering. Her hair was loosed from its braid; most of its silky strands cascading down her back, but with a bundle of stray lock gathered in front to caress and conceal her left breast teasingly.

It took nearly a minute for David to remember that breathing was an important necessity, and a few more minutes to notice the sexy, triumphant smirk she wore. His previous concern over the women's plotting was discarded. If this was what they had been dreaming up, he hoped they did it more often.

"You are more than welcome to come to bed now," she broke the silence with a sultry purr, "but I suspect that sleep may not be much of a priority for a while."

Shaking the paralysis from his form, he stood up and walked slowly to his love. Moving to take her in his arms, he snaked one hand around to her lower back and the other around her neck. Moving in for a passionate kiss, he whispered, "Who needs sleep."

Their lips met, and all of Sapphire's worries and doubts evaporated. She had been nervous about their plan - fearing her inexperience would ruin her attempt at seduction - but Laurena had continuously reassured her that men were not complicated. They were inherently visual creatures, and that the proper choice in wardrobe would pretty much guarantee success. Once she had crafted what Laurena referred to as 'the perfect bait' they had discussed what Sapphire should do with David.

Sapphire had voiced her concerns about his size, but Laurena assured her that while he was more endowed than any other man she had ever seen, a baby was even larger. If a woman could stretch enough to give birth then why couldn't she stretch enough to enjoy him? Then she reminded her friend how wonderful he had felt the first time, and explained that it would be even better this time. Sapphire both hoped and feared it would be true. Less pain and discomfort would be nice, but she wasn't sure she could survive much more pleasure than what he had given her last time. But after seeing the hunger in his eyes now, she was damned sure willing to try.

David hands slowly roamed during the kiss. His right thumb stroking her earlobe through her thick tresses while his left hand lowered to cup her exquisite ass. He stroked and kneaded the muscular flesh, stoking the flames of her passion with his caress. Her hands began at his waist, but quickly rose to intertwine behind his neck, her fingers playing with his hair.

Deciding to move the night along, he lowered his right hand to her other - unattended - buttock, and picked her up. She responded with a surprised and happy squeal, wrapping her legs around his hips and grinding her molten core against his front. Carefully navigating the curtained entrance, he carried his woman into the tent, refusing to allow her to slow their passionate kissing. Their escalating desires only paused when his foot bumped the edge of the mat, and he gently lowered her to its soft surface. Rising up to feast his eyes upon her beauty in the soft light, he could only be amazed at his luck. She was absolutely perfect. He had no idea what he had done to deserve this wonderful woman, but he decided then and there that he would spend the rest of his life trying to be worthy of her.

Sapphire was less philosophical about their union. She knew she was ridiculously lucky to have him, and she had already decided to do whatever it took to keep him. Now she just wanted his delicious body naked and on top of her, his hardness filling her core like nothing ever had before. Her womanhood was practically gushing in anticipation, so she was beyond ready for him. Unfortunately she was growing annoyed that he was still dressed. She decided to help fix that problem. Reaching to his belt line, she grasped the bottom of his fleece jacked and combat shirt underneath, pulling both up and over his head with one motion. Then she nearly ripped his pants off, barely slowed by his belt and boots. His socks and underwear followed, and his naked form was quickly pressed on top of her. His fully erect manhood pressed against her outer lips deliciously as she wrapped her legs around him, and his muscular frame rubbed her sensitive nipples through the thin fabric of her negligee, as he lowered his upper body to kiss her once again. Running her hands up and down his sleek, muscled torso, she moaned happily into his lips while rubbing her moist lower lips against his rock hard pillar.

Breaking their kiss reluctantly, she pushed up on his shoulders to get enough room to catch her breath. Then she stated her demand. "I want you to fuck me, love. Pound me till I'm hoarse from screaming your name in ecstasy. Love me until my entire body quivers, my lungs gasp for air, and the very sound of your voice causes me to explode in rapture."

"As you wish," he replied.

*** Chapter 34: Discovery ***

282013MAR13 DW

Three Miles North of the Calavius Road, Erosius

Off to the side of the tent - sitting quietly in the shadows cast by the softly glowing orb of light - Laurena watched the two lovers join. She was slightly surprised that David hadn't noticed her yet. Then again, his focus on the woman lying beneath him was understandable. Witnessing their union from a few feet away, the acolyte felt a mixture of pride and happiness for her friend, as well as a twinge of longing to join her. The passion and love shared between the two was wonderful to behold, but left her feeling lonely. As Sapphire gasped in ecstasy from David's thrusts, her own desire rose. The sexual energies of the pair was causing her own core to heat and moisten, and fanned a flame of desire that she needed to quench. Reaching beneath her robes she began to stroke her glistening folds. She may not be able to join in their union, but she could relieve her own stress.