Gaia's Champion Ch. 30

"Yes! We would like to know!" Sheena stated.

Donald then gave them the knowledge they wanted, telling them the exact whereabouts of the archive. How it was a storage unit, where to find the key and what code phrase had to be spoken to the attendant, so the rest of the Praetorians weren't alerted.

"Hold up a second! If this is an archive that was dedicated to the Praetorians, then why would it still be there? Wouldn't they have moved it?" Sheena questioned, thinking that such a super secret order wouldn't be that careless.

"Normally, that would be the case, but this is my own personal archive. One I had amassed over the years, keeping tabs on everything and everyone my order had dealt with. I documented everything, in case there was ever need for a backup, considering the enemies the order has," Donald explained.

"Do the rest of your... former order know about it?" Jason asked, wondering if there was going to be a fight to recover the records.

"The only ones who did know of its existence are my old team, both of whom are gone now. I kept it to myself for the most part. Never knew if such knowledge would be useful," Donald replied.

"Never hurts to be prepared," Konstantin stated, smirking at the man's foresight.

"Indeed. Now, I also believe that I had information to give to you two," the general said.

"Yeah. Who is the Praetorian in our precinct?" Meera demanded.

"Captain William Gallagher."

"W-what?!? He's... a Praetorian??" Konstantin almost stuttered.

"You sound surprised. But then again, Billy always was good at blending in wherever he went. That man is like a chameleon, able to change his colors and blend in when it suits him," Donald laughed.

"You know him?" Sadeghi gulped.

"I know the name of every man that I have ever trained. Billy was among the best," the former Praetorian told them. "Speaking of the men I trained, what became of the retrieval team? The ones sent to secure the archive of the Sons from you?"

"More like a torch team. They were there with gas cans and guns, looking to light the place up," Jason stated.

"They were to burn it down?" Donald asked, sounding incredulous at this information.

"Looked like it was to be that way. As to what happened to them, they're dead," Sheena informed him.

"Who killed them?"

"The truth is, they took their own lives. Drank from some flasks and choked on poison," Sheena told the man. Hearing this enraged the man, making him angry beyond belief.

"That can't be true! A Praetorian would fight to the death before poisoning himself!" Donald fumed.

"I am speaking the truth, no matter how disappointing it may be to hear it. Besides, we did agree not to lie to each, yeah?" Sheena asked with a cocked eyebrow.

"That we did," Donald admitted with a grunt. "Why would they do such a thing? They would have runes like I had, to give them an edge in any sort of fight."

"Sorry to say, but these three didn't have these runes on them. The only thing any of them had was a simple scorpion tattoo," Jason replied.

"Looks like a lot has changed since I was an active member of my order. Anyway, as I understand it, there is more knowledge you need before our bargain is complete," the former general said.

He then went on about the other Praetorian sleepers that were in the city. There were seven in total, including Gallagher, but the other six, the detectives did not know. Once he was done giving those details, Donald then went into a full description of what traps he had left behind for any intruders of his archive. The trio of Gaians listened carefully, memorizing everything the man said, so nothing was forgotten.

"Are we in agreement that our bargain is completed, then?" Donald asked.

"It is. If we find there is something that you haven't told us about, just know that we will look for you, we will find you. And when we do, don't expect us to be merciful with you," Jason warned, clarifying that he had every intention of carrying out that promise.

"I would expect nothing less," Donald replied with a smirk. "Peace be with you all, and may... whatever spirits your worship... see you safe for the rest of your days."

With that, Donald gave a small bow to the group, then turned on his heel and walked off into the forest. In a matter of moments, he was gone, making no sound, with nothing to indicate he had even passed by. It was almost like watching a fish vanish into the water as the man walked like he belonged in any environment he was in.

"Was that really wise? Letting the man go like that?" Konstantin asked with a huff.

"Maybe, maybe not. But I will say this. If we could make a general of the Praetorians question his beliefs by that one display of power, others might as well. That in itself would be enough," Jason commented.

"Enough for what?" Phalmina asked.

"To buy us time. To learn more about our powers, to get stronger and be in a better position of readiness, when threats like that come at us again," Jason responded with a smile.

"You're not wrong and you certainly think like a tactician! Did you ever serve?" Konstantin asked.

"No, but I know and knew others who did. They taught me a lot about thinking in a tactical sense when it comes to dicey situations," Jason replied.

"Good on them for that! I sure as hell hope you lot continue your fight! Gaia knows we need you to! If more things like that wraith pop up, us normies are done for!" Meera shuddered as she remembered when she saw that thing in real life. Terrifying didn't even come close to how much fear it invoked in her.

"Gaia called us and we have answered. So, technically, it's our job, like what you two do as detectives," Sheena told them simply.

"Which is much appreciated! If you ever find something more... corporeal, we'd be happy to help out with that as well," Thermopolous stated.

"We'll keep that in mind! Are you two going to stay for the rest of the party?" Jason asked, as he was sure everyone else back at the house was busy getting their fuck on by now.

"You know you want to! You were both insanely turned on last night! It would be fun to watch you two have at it again," Phalmina giggled, seeing how red the detectives' faces were turning.

"An... enticing offer, but... we have to get back to the city. We have other cases that need solving, and we need to start looking into Captain Gallagher," Meera replied.

"All right then. At least come and grab some food for the road. You two have to be hungry after last night!" Sheena offered.

"Food is always good! Lead on!" Konstantin said as his stomach rumbled.

They all trotted through the forest, getting back to the house in no time. They walked inside and headed to where a couple of tables still held some food from the night before. Meera and Konstantin took a few morsels, with Konstantin shoving a few of them in his mouth, which made everyone laugh. They left a few minutes after, with the trio bidding them a safe trip and that they'd see them soon.

"You think everyone else is still at it out back?" Jason asked.

"Possibly. We should go and check on them, and make sure that Felicitae didn't get too carried away!" Sheena snickered.

"Probably a good plan!" Phalmina giggled, as she knew full well how Nymphs could be when they were high and dry for a while.

The trio then headed out back to see what everyone had been up to and, as predicted, they had all been having freaky and kinky sex. They saw that everyone who was back there had all eaten themselves some food and were promptly back at it. There were very few people who were still conscious at this point, as everyone who had been hit by any sex magic was either out like a light or close to it.

The three of them were all chuckling at this, knowing just what it was like to fuck your partner(s) into oblivion. The only ones who were still up were Luke, Karla and Eva, though Eva was fading fast. She was smiling like she was sex drunk and had her head nestled on Emalia's breasts, clearly comfy right where she was. Her eyes drooped, and she was out, as Luke and Karla went from group to group, using what blankets were there to cover everyone.

"You two didn't join in on the fuckfest?" Jason chuckled, almost incredulous that they hadn't gone nuts like the rest of them.

"Oh, we'll get our fuck on, but later. Besides, I want to put on a show for a couple of people," Karla said enticingly as Luke shivered with a smile. "What was all the rushing around about?"

"One of those Praetorians showed up. Took us up on our offer to see his friend off," Jason said as he told them the details of what happened.

"Wait, he just came back here? All by himself, with no backup?" Luke questioned.

"I guess he must have thought that coming here with an army at his back was a bad idea," Jason replied with a shrug.

"If he is to be believed about this archive he kept, I think we should go and see it for ourselves! If there is even the potential to find allies and friends among the supernatural world..." Karla began.

"Then our chances to come out on top in the battles ahead will increase dramatically!" Phalmina agreed, finishing the thought.

"Well, if that's the case, then we're coming with you!" Karla stated.

"Seems like you lot are the only ones who can!" Jason replied with a chuckle.

"I could... come... but someone... needs to... watch over... everyone here," Felicitae replied sleepily as she stirred on a nearby blanket, sandwiched between a sleeping Patrok and Vahlen.

"You do that, Liccy. We'll stay in touch and let you all know what happens either way. I'll call Amy to let you kids know what's going on," Sheena told the Nymph.

Felicitae nodded, then went back to snuggling her lovers, as she always loved a good snuggle. The group then let Luke and Karla get their clothes back on and grab some food before they left. They only hoped that Donald made good on the information he gave them. If he didn't, then he knew he would be in for a world of hurt from them and deserve it.

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Thermopolous and Sadeghi sat in the car on their way back to the city, silent the whole way there. Though after what had happened the night before, there was nothing more to be said at the moment, as they were both smiling like idiots. Meera was reflecting on the night, as she had enjoyed herself immensely, even though she was a little worried. It was the first time she had let any man she had, go in her bareback.

The implications of this were pretty damned high, but at the same time, Meera could feel that it would be OK. Not only was it she felt Konstantin was a good man, but that he was THE man. Her man. The idea of this left her head swimming, as it was the first time she'd felt like this, ever!

There was also the fact that he hadn't used a condom like they had before. He'd even unloaded inside her, but at her urging. Not because it was the heat of the moment, but because Meera had truly and deeply wanted it. She wanted to feel like she was a proper woman again, who could give herself to a man and not be let down. At least, that was Meera's hope.

Konstantin's mind was much the same as Meera's was, having lost himself to this woman. The man had sworn that no other woman would capture his heart like Mary had before. He was young and in love, but he discovered when he was away and serving his country that Mary was screwing around on him every chance she got. Once he had found out, Konstantin was livid and heartbroken, feeling like the world's greatest idiot.

After he found out, he swore off women, feeling like they served no purpose to him. All they did was screw with his mind, take what they wanted, before they moved on. That was before he had met Meera. A woman who not only made him question everything about the world and women in general, but about himself as well. Somehow, without doing anything to him, she made him want to be better than he was.

He didn't know how she did it, but there it was. Now that they were lovers, things had shifted drastically for him. Not only did this feel different, but he couldn't get enough of this woman. Konstantin wanted more of her, but he wasn't sure if she would allow him more. But he knew that if he didn't ask, then the answer would always be no.

"You know... last night was..." he rumbled, then growled happily, like a man who was well and truly sated.

"Yes... it was! Never seen that... side of you before," Meera replied as she remembered how much of a beast Konstantin was the night previous.

"You want to see that side more?" he chuckled.

"I... wouldn't mind. I also... wouldn't mind... aw forget it," Meera huffed.

"What? What is it?" Konstantin asked.

"No, you'll just think it's some sort of weird or crazy shit that can't normally happen," Meera groused.

"How about you say what it is? After all the freaky shit that went down last night, I don't think that anything is off the table," the man responded as they reached the outskirts of the city.

"OK. I was... thinking about... taking up Mina on her... offer," Meera admitted.

"Being watched?" Konstantin asked in surprise.

"Yeah. I find it... a massive turn on," Meera replied, feeling like she might have crossed a line.

"Hmm! Never thought of you as an exhibitionist! Honestly, I wouldn't mind if you wanted to try things like that," Thermopolous told her.

"Are you being serious right now? Or are you just jerking me around? Because if you are, I'm warning you..." Meera got out just as they hit a stoplight. The moment they were stopped, Konstantin leaned over, took her by the chin and pulled her in for a kiss. Meera hummed and melted into it, shivering in delight at it.

"Convinced?" he asked Meera, and she nodded, seeing his desire for her and to make her happy.

"I just wanted to be sure. Been with a few guys who were... more about trying to take advantage... among other things," Meera told him.

"None of that shit with me. It's give and take between two people, as it should be," he told with all the honesty he had.

"Good. Because I feel like for the first time in a long time... I can... love again," Meera confessed. She'd up and uttered the one word she had feared to speak of. Not because she felt like she had to, but because she wanted to and to let Konstantin know where she stood on their budding relationship.

"I'm... just... wow!!!" the big man breathed.

He was shocked that the woman he had desired for so long was baring her feelings like this to him. Meera saw the shock on his face and smiled, knowing that his heart was in the same place as hers was. Konstantin focused on driving because if he didn't, he was going to pull over and ravish that woman and wouldn't care if they got locked up for it!

Konstantin smiled, glad to see that he was the one to melt the ice queen's heart. He'd never thought it possible, but admitting that he was making her believe in love again showed that he'd done the impossible! It wasn't long before they pulled up to Meera's place, stopping out front. Meera sighed to herself and made a decision which she felt that she was good to make.

"Did you want to come inside? Meet Zafira? Have a coffee maybe?" she asked him.

"I'd like that!" Konstantin said, parking the car and killing the engine. Meera grinned and stepped out, gesturing for him to follow her inside. Konstantin stepped along behind her and they walked on in, with Meera calling out to someone.

"Evona?"

"In the kitchen, sis!" came a feminine reply, and the lovers walked over and found the owner of the voice.

"Hey! You look like you had a good ti... oh, hello! I'm guessing that you must be Meera's new partner? Konstantin, right?" the woman asked.

"Indeed, I am! Detective Konstantin Thermopolous," the man said, introducing himself.

"Evona Sadeghi, Meera's big sister," the woman replied simply.

The woman who stood in front of him was almost a mirror image of Meera, if Meera was to ever take up bodybuilding! She had the same brown eyes, same dusky skin, same black hair, but it was cut in a boyish style that worked for her. She was wearing some workout gear that looked and smelled clean and was apparently costly, as Konstantin recognized some of the styles that wealthy women wore.

Though her arms and legs were built, Evona was still very much a woman, as evidenced by the way she appraised Konstantin from head to toe. She had curves in all the right places, but the part that surprised the man most was her bust. Evona was a lot larger than she should have been for her figure, but he figured they might be implants. A small smirk graced her lips as her eyes softened after getting a good look at the man.

"Mommy!" came a little girl's voice and Meera got to her knees to hug the little girl, who raced to her and wrapped her up in a hug. She was seven years old and looked like a mini clone of Meera.

"Who is he?" the little girl asked as she caught sight of Konstantin.

"Zafira, mind your manners!" Meera chastised her daughter.

"It's perfectly all right, Meera! Any child should be like that when they first meet someone they don't know," Konstantin laughed.

"Zafira, this is Detective Thermopolous, mommy's new partner," Meera told Zafira.

"Hello, Detective," the little girl greeted shyly.

"Hello there, Zafira," Konstantin replied with a smile as he got to one knee so she could see him better.

Evona watched the interaction between the man and her niece and saw what she'd hoped to see for a while now. A man who was interacting with Zafira as a father figure should. The brawny woman allowed herself a small smile, which she kept to herself as she also noted the megawatt grin her sister was sporting.

It appeared that Meera had not only found a man who was good in the sack, but one that also had the potential to be a good father. It had been too long since Meera had gone out on any real dates with any decent ones. This time, though, Evona was certain that her sister had found a good one. She hoped that this man would be the one to give Meera and little Zafira what they had always wanted; a family.

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The quintet of Gaians had reached the storage unit with little issue. So far, there had been no hiccups with them getting to the place, which was an upper echelon storage facility. This place clearly was more expensive than most other such services, going by the level of security that was there. They found answered the code phrase correctly and were issued the key with no problems.

After they were given the unit number, the five of them headed to it immediately, eager to see what lay within. Once they were sure that no one was around, and out of sight of any cameras, Jason and Sheena reached into their Gaian magic. Once they had a firm hold over it, they used it to place runes all over Phalmina, to protect her against any surprise traps.

"Remember, Mina, you get in there and disable those traps, OK?" Jason reminded her.

"I know, babe! Just in, disable those traps and out, so you can open the door without getting hit by anything," Phalmina reiterated.

"Yeah. I know these additional runes and protections might seem like overkill, but better safe than sorry," Sheena told her friend and lover as she finished up with one last protective rune.

"Still, it's nice that you two are going the extra mile with this!" Phalmina grinned, her wings tinkling in delight.

"OK, that should about do it. You ready?" Jason asked.

"Yup! You four keep an eye out, OK?" the Fairy woman asked.

"So far, so good. If you're going to go, go now!" Luke told her as he glanced down the hallway, looking for any intruders.

Not needing to be told twice, Phalmina then brought her own magic to bear, using it to shrink herself small. She got a lot smaller than she normally went for, nearly the size of a speck of dust. Being that small, it was easy for her to slip through the chinks and cracks of the storage unit. Once she was through, she let herself getting bigger, around an inch in height as she searched out the traps Donald had spoken of.