Chapter Text
15th of Onis, 5 BVE.
Unknown.
The ghostly figure that had seemingly saved his life stood before him, holding perfectly still. They were in the middle of a large field, with the sounds of a river echoing gently nearby. A strange pod-like structure sat behind the man, larger than the size of a two-story building. It appeared to be made of a white metal with small black details. The stranger began to raise its hand, pointing a transparent finger directly at him.
"Seek...me...out…"
Dominax's silver eyes shot open with panic as he awoke from the dream, and he quickly sat up before a jolt of pain ran across his bare torso, causing him to collapse back onto the bed that he had been laying in. A groan escaped from his lips as the pain slowly died down.
On his back and looking up at a wooden ceiling, the events of the siege flowed through his mind, ending where he had blacked out on the river's edge. He realized that he had no idea where he was or even how he survived.
He turned his head carefully while attempting to avoid any further pain from his wounds which had seemingly been bandaged already. The bed was against a wooden wall to his right, though turning left he could see the entire layout of the one roomed shack. A metal pot hung over a small fire that burned in the center of the room, with racks of strange plants and animal hides practically covering the other walls. Sunlight shined in through a window next to the bed, allowing the candles littered throughout the hut to remain unused for the moment. His heavily damaged chest plate sat in a corner, with his tattered white cloak draped over the foot of the bed.
Realizing that he was alone, Dominax looked up at the ceiling and contemplated. Cendra was dead, and there was nothing he could do about it. He remembered seeing the blade pierce her abdomen, an image that caused him far more pain than any of his wounds. His home was gone, the entire settlement burnt to the ground. He could only hope that Briza and their unborn child had survived the slaughter.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of someone walking near the hut. Instinctively, he forced himself into an upright position, groaning as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. He had dropped his sword back at the settlement and no replacement presented itself inside the small hut, so he simply raised his hands in front of him and prepared to defend himself with his powers.
The wooden door swung open, and he was surprised to see a woman. Not only a woman, but quite an exceedingly attractive one. She had straight black hair that hung slightly past her narrow shoulders, ending just above her medium-sized breasts. She looked to be his age, with an attractively toned body that was nothing short of the very definition of feminine perfection. Her revealing outfit was far from modest, as all but her most intimate areas were exposed. A strip of black fabric concealed the firm orbs that were her breasts, while a dark loincloth hung between her legs from both the front and back. The sheathe for a small dagger rested on her right hip, seemingly her only weapon. She had soft semi-pale skin that was detailed with thin tattooed lines that created unusual symbols on her torso, legs, and arms. Her sensual face held dark eyes that seemed to contain unknown knowledge behind them.
The woman stepped inside, though paused when she saw Dominax. Her serious expression shifted as her sensual lips curled into an arrogant smirk. "Well, looks like you're finally awake." She said in her smooth and sultry voice, subtly resting her hand on the hilt of her small dagger.
"Where am I?" He asked, slightly lowering his guard. He hadn't expected to see someone so...alluring. In return, the woman removed her hand from the hilt, recognizing that he had little interest in harming her.
"You've been out for two days." She began to explain, taking a step towards him though maintaining a cautious distance. "I found you half drowned and badly wounded, so I dragged you inside. It took...awhile, to say the least."
Her words reassured him enough to fully lower his defense. She had saved him, and even replaced Cendra's crude arm bandage with one of her own. "If that's true...I am in your debt."
She took another step in his direction, her nude womanly thigh brushing lightly against her loincloth. "In my debt, yet I don't even know your name."
"Dominax. My settlement was...attacked." He explained, feeling a twinge of sadness as the words passed through his lips. Everything had happened so fast, yet now the terrible reality of the situation hung over him, weighing him down as if someone had placed a mountain on his shoulders.
The woman nodded knowingly. "I could see the smoke even downstream. Didn't take much to piece it and your injuries together." She said, finally reaching him. Her dark eyes peered down at him, and she placed her right hand on his bandaged forearm. "Though I want to know something, Dominax. Why are your wounds healing so quickly, and why are your eyes that color?" She asked, her tone serious.
He met her gaze, his silver eyes meeting hers. His people had grown so accustomed to his unnatural eye color that they hardly ever questioned it.
"If I hadn't noticed them when I found you, I probably wouldn't have tried so hard to save your life." She explained coldly when he didn't answer. "Yet as the days passed, I noticed that your deep gashes had closed faster than I thought possible, replaced by simple scars. Tell me Dominax...what are you?"
A moment passed as he considered her question, Cendra's cautious voice echoing through his memories. Yet now that she was gone, the woman who had cared for him as her own...he cared little about concealing himself. What good were his powers if he couldn't even prevent her death? "You ask me what I am, but I have no answer. Even from my birth I've had strange abilities, and from birth I've concealed them. The only person who knows the true cause of them was my natural mother, though she is long dead."
The woman pulled her hand away and looked down at him with curiosity. "Do you have...other abilities?" She asked, and Dominax detected the faintest tone of concealed ambition.
There was a pause before Dominax let out a breath. Though he had used his powers to escape the slaughter, he had done so on instinct. To willingly expose his abilities to a stranger for the first time felt odd, though he ultimately agreed. He opened his hands and electricity surged in his palms, arcing from his fingers and into the air.
Though it lasted only a few seconds the woman was completely mystified. Her pretty mouth hung open in amazement, watching the display with a hungry look in her eyes. "That's...incredible…" she stammered.
Closing his hands into fists, he stood up from the bed with a pained groan. As much as he was relieved to finally show someone the secret he had kept for so long, he knew that every second away from Nitri was a second that could be spent searching for Briza, alive or not. "As much as I'd like to show you more, I need to get back and search for survivors. Yet I owe you a great debt for saving me, so simply name what you desire and I will return with your request when possible."
The woman quickly concealed her amazement with her typical arrogant expression before turning to look into his eyes. After only a moment of consideration, she spoke. "There is nothing you can bring me, because what I desire most is to serve you, Dominax."
The statement surprised him to the extent that he momentarily forgot about the destroyed settlement, before he regained himself. "I..don't understand. Serve me? For what purpose?"
The woman eyed him hungrily, as if she were a predator hunting for prey. "What purpose? Dominax...I've spent my entire life as a healer. My mother, and her mother before her, spending our time in this world seeking the truth of nature. Every Chiefdom has their own gods and beliefs, yet you are something solid and real. Your eyes...your powers...they are the mark of the gods."
Dominax considered the gorgeous woman's words carefully before opening his mouth. "Though I know nothing of where these abilities came from, whatever gods you speak of certainly don't favor me."
Her familiar smirk returned to her lips, and she placed her right hand gently on his forearm. "Ah but they do. I've never come across anything even remotely like you. You can deny it all you like, but you've been granted a gift. For what purpose, I can't say, but whatever true Gods are out there clearly have their eyes on you. To learn from you...to serve you...I can think of no worthier path than calling a being such as yourself master."
Dominax pulled his arm away with a stern expression. "Enough. It's talk like that which got my mother killed. You saved me, so I won't deny you of your wish, but there will be no more talk of gods. Understand?"
The woman was quiet for a moment, before she nodded her head. "If that is what you command, then I accept."
"Very good." He said, reaching up to rub his temples as he considered his next course of action. "If you wish to serve me, you'll need to return with me to my settlement. It may be dangerous, as I know nothing of what's occurred there while I've been recovering. It is even possible that there are no survivors, though I must know for certain."
She smiled sensually, placing her hand on her dagger once again. "Trust me Dominax, as I'm no stranger to defending myself. It wasn't by simple luck that I've managed to live alone for this long, especially appearing the way I do."
The sight of her form would certainly fill other men with enough desire to attempt something against her, which left Dominax no doubts about her claim. "Good. Prepare what you need for the journey, as we'll leave as soon as possible. However...it occurs to me that I still don't know your name."
With her alluring voice sounding smoother than honey, she spoke. "My name is Xenia."
***
Traveling by foot, they followed the edge of the river for several miles. The sun shined brightly in the sky, creating a peaceful atmosphere that revealed none of the horror that had occurred mere days ago.
As he walked, Dominax replayed the attack over and over in his mind, trying to find anything he could have done to prevent Cendra's death. It was a fruitless exercise.
"Dominax, may I ask you something?" Xenia questioned, her attractive voice interrupting his thoughts.
He simply nodded in response, keeping his determined gaze forwards.
"Your cloak is...strange. I've never seen the type of fabric that it is made from. Even the rest of your clothes are made of fairly common materials, though not your cloak. Where did it originate from?"
The white cape in question flowed gently behind him as he considered her words. "It was given to me by my birth mother."
He had hoped that the simple answer would satisfy her, though she continued to look at him as if she expected more.
Letting out a sigh, he continued. "She wrapped me in it when I was born, just before she was executed. It's all I have left of her."
"Oh." She stated, deciding to cease her questions for the moment. "I'm sorry."
They walked in silence until they were able to see the settlement in the distance, lacking the billowing smoke that had arisen during the attack.
Picking up their pace, they reached the outer wall within minutes. The noise from within was far less than he was used to, as the once healthily populated community was now mostly silent.
As they passed through the closest gate, Dominax gazed at the destruction. Houses that had been there his entire life were now nothing more than heaps of scorched wood. The dirt paths that acted as streets were spotted with various drops of blood and discarded weapons, though there was an odd absence of any dead bodies. The cause of the missing corpses was soon discovered as they reached the settlement's center, where a small group of survivors were burying the deceased.
Dominax recognized all of them to be either from the group that Briza had escorted, or those who were similarly off hunting just as he had been. Virtually none of the warriors who had fought beside him during the attack had seemingly survived.
Dominax's heart nearly stopped when he spotted Briza amongst the crowd, wounded but alive. He ran to her, lifting her off her feet as he embraced her with a bellowing roar of joy.
"Y..you're alive!" She cried out as he placed her back onto the ground, holding onto him tightly. "I feared that they had killed you...or...or...enslaved you!"
"I got away…" He said, feeling the softness of her skin against his. She had several bandages in various places, though none of her wounds appeared to be serious.
Xenia watched their reunion, her dark eyes studying her new female competitor.
Dominax kissed Briza deeply before separating. "I tried to save her…" He said with sorrow, not needing to utter her name.
Briza nodded somberly, placing her hands on his strong shoulders. "I know, Dominax. I know…"
"Did you...find her?" He asked, looking around at the newly dug graves. They liked to keep their ancestors close, and usually buried them near the center of the Settlement.
She nodded in response, and slowly led him to a nearby grave that still had a visible outline in the dirt. There had been no time to create a headstone, as only a short wooden pole marked the grave.
Dominax stared at the dirt, a tingle of anger sparking inside of him. He had lost the woman who raised him, cared for him, taught him all he knew. For...what? A petty rivalry between Chiefdoms? He kneeled, placing his hand on the center of the grave. "You saved me from certain death and raised me as your own. I'll do everything in my power to protect your daughter and make something of the life you've given me. Rest now...Cendra…"
Xenia stepped closer and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, inciting a confused look from the other woman.
"Who are you?" Briza questioned with suspicion, eyeing the strange newcomer up and down.
"Xenia." She replied, turning around to give Briza a falsely polite smile. "I’m the one who saved Dominax's life. And you are..?"
"Saved him?" She repeated, shooting Dominax a surprised glance. "Then I suppose...you have my gratitude. I'm Briza."
Dominax stood up from the dirt, his face grim. "She's a healer, and we're going to need her in the coming weeks."
"What do we do now though?" Briza asked, subconsciously placing her hand on her abs knowing there would be no future for their unborn child without a plan. "They've destroyed everything! Killed everyone! There's barely anything left!"
His face was stern as he looked around at the nearby survivors. There couldn't be more than one hundred left, from a settlement that used to contain over three thousand people. The number of capable warriors were even fewer, consisting of only a quarter of the remaining population.
"Perhaps we should set out on our own…" Xenia suggested, giving the remaining survivors a look of disapproval.
"No." Dominax replied, feeling a flair of anger arise through his body as he considered their predicament. He had watched as lesser men mismanaged the settlement, manipulated it, and finally...destroyed it. The Elders had led them to their destruction, and he had sat back and allowed it to happen. No longer. He spotted a nearby house that had been burned down, though a crude porch partially remained. He ascended the smashed and broken steps, raising himself slightly above the crowd. "Everyone! Hear me!"
The group slowly turned to face him, some looking curious while others appeared to be utterly devastated and defeated.
"I know you! All of you! I've grown up amongst you! And like you, I've obediently sat by as our leaders brought this slaughter upon us!" Dominax announced to the gathered crowd. "But The Elders are dead now! We are on our own, leaderless and defenseless! We cannot simply wait and hope that the Zilrinians do not return to finish us off! We must act!"
The crowd broke into murmurs, before someone yelled from the crowd. "What would you have us do? We've lost everything!" The shout came from a young man near Dominax's age, who he recognized as a warrior known as Clin. He hadn't actually spoken to the man before, only passing by him occasionally. He was an inch shorter than Dominax, with an athletic build. He had a braided beard with short hair that was shaved on the sides. He was the only blonde in the entire settlement, being an extremely rare trait.
"I would have us set out and settle down somewhere nearby! There is nothing left for us here except death! To leave would grant us time to prepare ourselves! To rebuild!" Dominax yelled, throwing his arms out to gesture at the surrounding destruction.
"This is our birthplace! We cannot abandon our ancestors!" Another man shouted, this time coming from a warrior named Salduin. He was a large powerful man, two inches taller than Dominax and brandishing a long black beard. His head was hairless, showing off a large scar across the top that looked fresh. He was known to be a deeply spiritual man who would never harm a living creature without reason.
"If we don't, we shall join our ancestors in the ground! The Zilrinians have destroyed our food and burned our supplies! Even if they don't attack once more, we'll all starve!" Dominax replied, his voice strong and commanding. "We must set out and rebuild!"
"Who exactly made you the new leader?" A third man yelled, folding his arms. Known as Hesin, he was the same height as Dominax, with a thin yet athletic frame. Lacking any facial hair, his short black hair was concealed by a hooded brown cloak. He was known to be a loner, as most people usually kept their distance from him due to his scheming nature.
"I did." Dominax replied coldly. "I see no one else stepping up to assume the mantle."
"Wrong, boy." A voice echoed from the crowd, moments before a large warrior stepped forward. Much like Salduin, he possessed powerful muscles that heaved a large hammer above his head, slamming it down heavily into the dirt. "If any man should lead this group, it WILL be me!" The man roared, stepping closer to the half-destroyed porch. With long brown hair tied behind him in a rough braid, the warrior brandished a long beard that hung over his bare chest. Dominax immediately recognized him as Ortis, an older fighter with far more experience than himself.
Dominax gazed down at the man sternly, folding his arms. "The Elders were arrogant enough to believe we were capable of remaining independent with no allies. If you are arrogant enough to resist me, you'll share their fate."
"Ah, such confidence!" Ortis replied in a mocking tone. "Let's see how long that lasts."
With a swing from his hammer, the older warrior smashed the remaining supports, sending the porch crashing down. Dominax rolled as he landed, quickly getting to his feet. The crowd backed up with shouts of surprise, giving them room to fight.
"Dominax, here!" Briza yelled, tossing her sword towards him as he hadn't replaced the one he had lost during the slaughter, leaving him defenseless.
The sword landed in the dirt between them, allowing Ortis to quickly kick it away before Dominax could grab it. "Surely a man with your confidence requires no weapon!" The large brute mocked.
Dominax gritted his teeth, putting his fists up in preparation. If Ortis wanted an unfair fight he'd play along, though with a surprise of his own.
The hammer swung at Dominax, allowing him a split second to roll out of the way as it slammed into the ground with a loud thud.
Ortis dragged the heavy weapon along the ground as he spun, missing his opponent by inches. He roared as he heaved it over his head, bringing it down hard once more only to miss as Dominax jumped out of the way.
Though he was six feet tall and athletic, Dominax moved faster than his opponent could manage. He dodged back and forth, rolling and sliding to get out of the way from incoming strikes. He remained completely defensive, not once hitting back as he simply toyed with the large man.
Ortis screamed in rage, unable to keep up with him. He threw his hammer down, charging with full force at Dominax.
In response Dominax shifted sideways, barely escaping the charge before kicking out at the man's ankle. Ortis tumbled heavily to the dirt, only to punch the ground in anger before jumping to his feet. However, Dominax hadn't expected the sudden burst of agility, causing his reaction to lag slightly. It wasn't enough to get away, as the man's powerful fist smashed into the side of his face. A bolt of pain shot through his cheek, causing him to stumble backwards.
The momentarily stunned state provided Ortis all he needed, as he rammed his knee into his opponent's stomach before grabbing the fabric of his cape, yanking him to the ground and leaving a large dent in his crude chest piece.
Dominax grimaced as Ortis's powerful foot slammed into his side, sending even more jolts of pain into him. The warrior geared up to kick again, though Dominax grabbed onto the other foot and rolled, using his bodyweight to send him toppling over. With a thud, the large man fell hard onto his back, allowing Dominax to quickly climb onto him and begin pummeling his bearded face. He was done playing.
Ortis struggled with Dominax as the younger man's powerful fists plowed into him one after another, barely leaving him any time to react. Yet even though Dominax was visibly toned and athletic, Ortis could feel that he was hitting with more strength than expected. Ortis frantically attempted to protect himself, before finally managing to grab hold of both fists, using his strength and leverage to roll them both onto their sides.
Dominax rose to his feet in a hurry, managing to get his clenched fists in front of him to block the incoming attacks that shot out as soon as Ortis stood up and closed the distance between them.
One of Ortis's punches made it through his defense, crashing into Dominax's face. He backed up quickly, feeling blood leak from his nose and drip into his pointed black beard. He wiped it away, his silver eyes locked onto Ortis with intense fury. He hadn't survived the slaughter only to be killed by a brute.
Charging forward, Dominax ducked under his opponent's incoming swing, before drilling his fist into his face. The punch sent drops of blood flying from Ortis's mouth, only for him to cough up more as a second punch struck him in the stomach. He stepped back, grabbing Dominax's swinging fist and holding it firmly as he captured the second hand in his other. They struggled, their hands locked together as they both pushed forwards, attempting to overpower each other while their feet began to create marks in the dirt.
As his patience with the petty fight ran thin, Dominax knew he had to end it. He grinned, nearly sadistically, as he activated his powers while holding onto Ortis's fists. An expression of shock and disbelief spread across the older warrior's face as electricity poured from Dominax's hands into his, seizing his body in intense pain.
Screams and cries of bewilderment rang out from the crowd as Dominax slowly electrocuted Ortis, his insidious laughter echoing throughout the settlement. Finally, for the first time in his entire life, he had revealed his powers to his people.
Ortis's body convulsed in pain, shaking as Dominax's power flowed through him. After several long, torturous seconds, the electricity ceased, allowing the large man to fall to the floor. He groaned loudly, barely alive.
Dominax turned to the crowd, holding his hands out. A small flame flickered in the left, while his right palm allowed electricity to dance across it. "All of you! Gaze upon my power and fear it as I do! Understand that I too possess no knowledge of where they came from, yet I will use them to lead us to greatness!"
Briza put her hand over her mouth, utterly stunned at the sight of their long-kept secret finally on display.
Dominax turned his attention back to Ortis, who looked at him in amazed silence. Dominax smiled ruthlessly, electricity gathering in his open palms before thrusting his hands out. Lightning arced from his fingertips, shooting into the older warrior as he screamed in pain. His body writhed on the ground, unable to defend himself as he continued to be electrocuted. Second after second passed, until there was no chance of Ortis surviving the attack. Dominax finally ceased his powers, leaving an aroma of charred skin drifting through the air.
Xenia gazed at Dominax, her eyes filled with a mix of horror and greed.
"Twenty-two years ago, you all stood by and watched as my mother was drowned. You did nothing." Dominax began, breathing heavily as he turned back towards the crowd. "Yet, I forgive you, and offer you a chance for redemption. A chance to rebuild! Follow me, and we shall destroy those who slaughtered our families and friends! Though challenge me, and you will join Ortis in death."
The crowd was silent for several moments, before Salduin stepped forwards and approached him. Dominax peered at the man, preparing to strike the moment he spotted danger. Yet, instead of fighting, the large man simply kneeled at his feet.
"I've lived my life as a spiritual man." Salduin began, gazing up at Dominax. "Searching for an answer to all of...this! Creation...reality. Yet as I kneel before you, I must know...are you a God?"
The man's question echoed Xenia's statements, though Dominax wasn't surprised. The superstitious nature of his fellow humans was widely known, acting to both encourage and discourage his decision to reveal his powers. Just as he knew that many would outright praise him such as Xenia and Salduin, others would not take kindly to individuals that threatened their beliefs and ways of life.
"I am not a God." Dominax began, placing his hand gently on the man's bald head. "Your questions of reality and creation are ones that I too seek, though I have no answers for you. I can only promise that as your leader, I will lead us to prosperity."
Though his reply had revealed nothing to the man, Salduin's expression was anything but disappointed. "Whatever you really are...I will serve you as best I can. All hail Chief Dominax!"
The rest of the crowd began to kneel, their faces lit up with fascination and astonishment. Yet, as he looked into his group of new followers, he realized that some appeared far less pleased than others.
***
It took only a few hours to pack up everything useful from the remnants of Nitri before heading out. Nearly everything had been stolen or destroyed, though the group was able to recover a small amount of materials that their attackers had overlooked.
Dominax led them from their birthplace, hoping to find a safer location to settle down. Though he was uncertain of their eventual destination, he began by retracing the path downriver that he had traveled with Xenia.
The group of one hundred passed her tiny hut, only to continue for several hours before the sun began to touch the horizon. His people quickly constructed dozens of crude tents, preparing to temporarily settle down for the night. They had already traveled surprisingly far, despite the large number of children and elderly.
Though while nearly everyone was forced to either share a tent or sleep outside, Dominax retained the largest for himself, a tent the size of a small room. Laying on a tattered blanket, he rubbed his eyes and groaned as he sat up. The night was halfway gone, yet he hadn't slept for more than a few minutes. Though he had attempted numerous times to rest, his thoughts were repeatedly stabbed with the image of Cendra as the sword pierced her body.
Sighing, Dominax turned to his left, picking up the messy stack of damaged maps. His eyes traced over them for what seemed like the hundredth time already, examining their faded and scorched markings. Barely any of them had survived the attack, becoming nearly useless. Nearly, as they contained just enough information for the surviving warriors to fill in some of the missing or damaged details, relying on their knowledge of the land from their hunting experience.
After a long moment he carefully placed them back down, not wishing to damage them further. There was nothing more he could do until his scouts returned. He had sent them out under the cover of darkness, spreading them thin across the surrounding area. They would ensure that their path forwards was safe while the rest of the group slept to regain their strength.
Briza had been among the four that had been selected to scout, adamantly volunteering. Though he wanted nothing more than to spend the night with her by his side, Dominax accepted her request.
Standing up from his less than luxurious accommodations, he grabbed his cloak before pushing the folds of the tent entrance apart and stepping out into the night. The cool breeze of the forest gently caressed his face as light from two of the eight moons subtly illuminated his surroundings. He inhaled a breath, taking a moment to appreciate the calm while knowing it wouldn't last.
He gazed at the nearby tents that encircled his own, hearing the soft sounds of sleeping bodies accompanied by the echoes of the nearby river. Did any of them know he only had the vaguest impression of a plan? That they could be easily overtaken by nearby Chiefdoms at any moment? Had he not woken up in Xenia's hut when he did, he wondered if they'd still be languishing in the settlement waiting for their attackers to return. The thought of their inaction filled him with disgust, though he quickly pushed it out of his mind.
Leaving the cluster of tents, Dominax was careful to avoid stepping on anyone who had volunteered to sleep outside. He made his way through the short distance of trees that separated the camp from the river, their vividly green colored leaves appearing to nearly glow from the moonlight. As he reached the banks of the river, he sat down in the soft red sand.
A long moment of peace passed as he stared at the water that had nearly killed him mere days ago. Though he had hoped to clear his head, images of the attack continued to sprinkle through his mind. Gritting his teeth, he closed his eyes and simply listened to the water as it passed by. Focusing on the sound, the thoughts slowly faded away one by one.
While he continued to calm himself, the serenity was instantly shattered at the sound of a whisper in his right ear.
"Domi...n...a...x"
His eyes shot open as he quickly hurried to his feet, turning in the direction of the voice. Though it had sounded as if the speaker were mere inches away, there was no one next to him. Instead, he noticed the faintly glowing image of a cloaked man standing several hundred feet away down the beach, the same stranger that had saved him during the attack. Immediately Dominax began to sprint towards the man, desperate to know who, or rather what, he was. Yet in response, the figure began to walk in the opposite direction, his semitransparent feet leaving no marks in the reddish sand.
"STOP!" Dominax yelled, running as fast as he was able. The large distance between them slowly and steadily decreased. "I command you to STOP!"
Getting closer and closer, Dominax nearly reached the stranger before the man stepped behind a towering rock protruding from the sand. Dominax quickly followed, only to be stunned when he found...nothing. The figure had disappeared, vanishing into thin air.
"Wait I…" He stammered, frantically encircling the tall stone. "I don't...understand…"
When it was clear that the stranger was gone, Dominax let out a frustrated groan before leaning against the stone, alone once more. The man had appeared so real, yet had he simply imagined him? Or rather, had he been an illusion instead? If so, how? Why?
He was left with no answers.
***
They packed up the camp early in the morning, wishing to make as much progress as they could during the day. The group of nearly one hundred survivors marched with varying degrees of determination, all following closely behind Dominax.
Similar to the previous night, he spotted the strange, cloaked figure several times as the day dragged on, though only briefly each time as it disappeared behind trees that were far too thin for a human to be concealed by. Considerable periods of time passed whenever the stranger vanished, just long enough to make him wonder whether he had actually seen anything at all, only for the man to reveal himself briefly once again. Both Briza and Xenia seemed confused when Dominax pointed to the figure, as they were strangely unable to spot the man in the distance.
Despite his companions' skepticism, the stranger continued to make its appearance. Dominax eventually concluded that it was futile to convince the two women of his sightings, instead remaining silent whenever he noticed the man lurking through the trees. However, without informing his followers, Dominax had begun to lead his people loosely in whatever direction the figure revealed itself as it seemed as though the man was luring him, guiding Dominax in a particular direction.
"Seek...me...out…" The words from his dream replayed in his mind whenever he spotted the man.
"Excuse me, Chief Dominax." A voice from behind him rang out, interrupting his thoughts. Peering over his shoulder, he located the source of the voice, Clin. The golden-haired warrior increased his pace, coming up alongside him.
"Yes?" Dominax replied, eyeing the young fighter.
"It'll only take a moment, I simply wished to speak to you about Ortis." Clin replied. His voice was polite, yet full of conviction for what he planned to say.
The mention of the dead man brought a scowl to the Chief's face, and he turned to look forward. "You wish to speak of a brute? Do so quickly."
Despite Dominax's clear reluctance, Clin continued. "I do. You are our new leader, and thus, I'd like to gauge what kind of man you are. I believe that's a fair desire, don't you?"
"Certainly, but I'd like to know what that has to do with Ortis." Dominax replied sternly.
"Well it's quite simple. Ortis was already defeated when you killed him." Clin explained, keeping his eyes locked onto his new Chief. "The fight was done, yet you needlessly took his life."
Dominax turned his head to the blonde warrior with an insidious grin. "Ah, though it was far from needless. Tell me, would it have been wiser to allow a man like that to live? To be required to constantly watch my back?"
"Wiser? No." Clin replied, carefully choosing his words. "But honorable."
"Honor? Have you forgotten how he attempted to kill me while I was defenseless? Is that any different?"
Clin shook his head calmly. "It isn't, though that's the point."
The simplicity of the man's statement struck Dominax like a dagger. Or at least, that's what he assumed Clin expected. "While I will concur that showing Ortis mercy would have been more, as you put it, 'honorable', he was a threat. He challenged my rule, and for the good of our people I'd put him down again if I had to."
"For the good of our people, or for you?" Clin accused in a calm and collected manner.
"Both." Dominax answered firmly. "Now, your opinion has been noted. Is that all?"
Clin nodded politely, before slowing his pace to rejoin the larger section of the travelers.
***
More ground had been covered than the first day of travel, though eventually Dominax commanded them to stop and set up camp.
Just like the previous night, his dreams were repeatedly interrupted by visions of the slaughter that jolted him awake each time. Eventually, after several hours of attempting to sleep in short bursts he sat up.
The soft sounds of Briza's breath quietly escaped her lips as she lay next to him, her naked body concealed by a thin tattered blanket. She had remained in the camp, as the scouts were rotated with other capable fighters.
Gently pulling away the blanket, he took a moment to appreciate her gorgeous form before placing his hand on her toned abs. Dominax couldn't exactly explain why he was so certain of her pregnancy, yet the feeling remained the same. Though she was far from showing it, his child was growing inside of her. All doubt of that fact had left his mind.
After replacing the blanket softly onto her resting body, he left the tent wearing only his black tunic and cloak. He needed to clear his head once again, intending to use the same trick as the previous night.
However, instead of seeing the strange transparent figure on the beach as had happened last time, he was met with an individual that was far from a stranger. Xenia.
"Ah...so I was right." The black-haired woman said in her sultry voice as she approached him, a black shroud wrapped around her that she held closed with her hands. So thin was the fabric that he was nearly able to make out the lines of her tattoos in the moonlight. "I thought I heard you sneak back from the beach last night. Seems as though I was correct…"
"I simply needed some peace and quiet." He stated, avoiding further glances at her alluring body.
"Oh, I don't doubt that." She replied, stepping closer as her hips swayed seductively. She reached him, running a finger down his bare chest with one hand. "Though I was hoping you'd be in the mood for something a little more...loud…"
He peered down at her, unsure of her intentions though undoubtedly intrigued. "Oh? Tell me, what do you have in mind?"
With a smirk, she took a step back before letting go of the shroud. The lightweight fabric slid from her shoulders, fluttering to the ground as her naked body was exposed entirely to him. Though her typical outfit had left very little to his imagination, the full view of her beauty filled his loins with pure desire. Entirely flawless, her firm breasts and hairless womanhood were on full display. The illumination from both Onis and Twic, the first and second moons, provided enough moonlight for Dominax to fully appreciate her alluring form.
Dominax looked in awe at her beautiful young body, his already existing desire for her increasing tenfold. "You are...utterly gorgeous…"
Grinning, she watched as he eyed her naked form from top to bottom, enjoying his gaze. Xenia had always known the effect that her feminine body held over men, as she wielded her beauty to her advantage. To a large extent she even took great pleasure in their lustful appreciation, as she knew they yearned for her. Yet tonight was different, as she'd have to do more than simply tease her prey if she wanted to fulfill her ambitions. "I'm glad you think that, my lord…"
Dominax's silver eyes returned to her face as he moved towards her, peering into her eyes with a combination of suspicion and interest. Gently placing his hands on her womanly hips, he pulled her close against him and felt her small nipples against his chest. "Though tell me, what is your purpose here? To simply seduce me?"
Reaching up to wrap her arms around the back of his neck, she dragged him into a deep kiss. Their lips pressed against each other for a long moment before slowly separating, as Xenia felt a rush of arousal tingle through her womanhood. "Oh? Would that be so wrong?" Her voice was smooth and flirtatious, enticing her intended mate.
Dominax let out a chuckle, though the softness of her skin was nearly irresistible. "Of course not, though I suspect the cupidity in your eyes holds something...more…" He teasingly accused as he glided his right hand to her ass, gently groping her round rear. While neither too big nor too small, her impeccable butt could undoubtedly arouse envy in any woman in Magnius.
She bit her lip in excitement before moving her delicate hands to remove his white cloak, allowing it to fall lightly to the reddish sand. "What if you're right, my lord? Would it even matter? Would it stop you from enjoying my touch?"
With an eagerness in his gaze, he momentarily separated as to grant himself space to remove his dark tunic. Long enough to reach his knees, the strong young man wore nothing beneath, as was common in his culture. Now, as he tossed the fabric aside, there was nothing to conceal him. Lusting for Xenia, his large cock had already begun to harden. "Let me assure you Xenia, that nothing will prevent me from using that perfect body of yours…"
Taking a glance down at his manhood, her heart fluttered at his size. She had chosen her potential mate well, as her fertile pussy ached for his seed. She eyed the numerous scars across his chest and arms before pulling him in close once more, carefully angling his erection to slide between her smooth tattooed thighs as it glided against her tingling womanhood. "Nothing my lord?" She asked with a knowing smirk, before lightly kissing the side of his neck.
Dominax nearly groaned in lust as he gritted his teeth, feeling her womanly toned thighs against his shaft. Whatever encouragement his cock required had more than been fulfilled, as it became painfully hard. "Nothing."
Satisfied with his answer, she slowly guided him onto his back, resting against the pleasant reddish sand. "Good." She said in a determined voice as she held herself over him, before leaning in close to whisper in his ear. "Because I want a baby…"
The revelation of her true intentions shocked Dominax, even as her words sparked the same desire that he had felt when he had bred Briza. Turning to look into her eyes, he could see that there was no doubt in her expression. "You...want my child?" He asked in genuine surprise, a tingle running through his manhood.
The moonlight shone down on their naked forms as she straightened up, straddling his waist. She positioned herself against his hard cock, pressing it to her lightly toned abs with her left hand. "Oh yes my lord...I do. As I explained in my hut, there is no greater purpose for a healer than to serve a being such as yourself. Allow me to be the woman to bear your child...as I will forever be grateful…"
His erection throbbed against her midriff, desperate to enter her. Yet despite his intense urges, Dominax let out an insidious chuckle. "Do you think me so easy to manipulate that you'd merely have to spread your legs and offer a weak excuse? Though we've only met days ago, I'd recognize that burning ambition in your eyes from anyone." He explained, his body screaming at him to act upon his arousal. He wanted to hear her say the words, to reveal herself entirely. If his instincts were correct, he'd simply need to stoke the flames of her greed to form her into a cunning and formidable ally. "You need only to utter your desire. As you've saved my life, I shall grant it."
Though taken off guard by his response, Xenia appeared to be just as determined as she had been at the start. A devious grin formed on her lips as she chose her words carefully. "What I've said is true, though…you are correct. To see your powers in action was...exhilarating. The way you killed Ortis using nothing besides lightning from your fingertips...I just…" she explained, holding his cock tightly against her navel. She could feel the hint of a quiver in her thighs as she replayed the memory in her mind, remembering the power he had demonstrated. "I want to be your woman...to bear your baby. I want you to grant me your seed, and allow my child to inherit your abilities, my lord." She said in her sultry voice that practically dripped with ambitious desire. "Allow me to remain at your side...to raise your children as you take this world for yourself…"
Dominax nearly revealed Briza's pregnancy, though he kept that particular little detail to himself for the moment. A wave of arousal washed over him as he listened to her words, observing her utter hunger for his seed. Though he knew that she was hardly concerned with concepts such as order and stability, her response would suffice for now. "Very good Xenia, I'd enjoy nothing more…" He said, placing his hands on her hips.
Thrilled with his response, a seductive smirk spread across her gorgeous face as she lightly stroked his cock against her abs. "Oh trust me, I know. I'm certain there's nothing on Magnius that you'd enjoy more in this moment than to fill up my fertile little pussy, isn't that right my lord? Doesn't it just kill you to be so close to my womb, knowing that I'd eagerly accept your seed?"
His throbbing erection burned with desire, desperate to mate. "Come Xenia, and I shall make you a mother…"
Obeying his command, she lifted herself off his waist, shifting slightly to position his cock directly under her waiting vagina. The young woman slowly lowered herself, pressing his tip against her sweet folds. Her abundant wetness had been steadily built during their conversation, as her twenty-year-old body radiated the desire to breed. She had waited until her peak ovulation to ambush him on the beach, leaving her womb fertile and waiting.
A low groan escaped from Dominax as she sank down onto his cock, penetrating herself on his manhood. Her pussy was nearly as tight as Briza's, yet Xenia's higher experience was more than evident.
Inch by inch his length entered her, before causing her to gasp in pure lust as his tip finally pressed into her cervix, completely filling her pussy with his cock. "Oh gods...it's so big…" she muttered, allowing herself a moment to adjust to his size.
Dominax held onto her womanly hips firmly as she slowly began to move up and down, riding his erection. Nearly two years had passed since he had slept with another woman besides Briza, causing his balls to ache with the desire to breed his new female.
The rhythm of her movements seemed to stabilize as she grew familiar with his girth, bobbing up and down and causing her firm breasts to jiggle slightly with each thrust. "Dominax…oh gods..."
Pleasure streamed through his body, his cock reaching her deepest depths with each movement. Xenia's fertile young womb lay just behind her cervix, causing him to moan as he knew he'd only have to unleash his seed to claim her incredible body forever.
As she rode him, she began to run her delicate fingers over her perfectly toned abs, sensually tracing her odd tattoos as she showed off her feminine form. The physical stimulation was only increased as she took tremendous joy in enticing him, certain that he desired every inch of her.
His eyes traveled along her front, taking in her beauty. What perfect children she'd grant him, born from her spectacular loins. The thought forced him to groan hard, fueling him to rock his hips as he assisted in her thrusts. All thoughts of Zilrin, Nitri, and the cloaked stranger were momentarily swept aside, replaced with the overpowering instinct to impregnate his alluring companion with his seed.
Yet just as Dominax was consumed with pleasure, so too was Xenia as she suddenly reached her peak. With nothing but thoughts of her future pregnancy, the young woman's entire body seized up, forcing a cry from her soft lips as she orgasmed.
The tightness around his cock increased as she squirted a surprising amount of pussy juice around his shaft, dripping into the reddish sand. Yet even as she momentarily paused in her orgasmic ecstasy, Dominax continued to thrust up into her straddling form, rocking his hips just enough to maintain their mutual pleasure.
The long orgasm slowly faded from her enthralled form, allowing her to regain control and resume her movements as she started to once again bounce up and down on his large manhood. "Oooohhh yes...Dominax…!"
Utilizing the further increased wetness from her climax, the young couple were able to move faster as her fertile pussy practically milked his shaft, as if begging for his sperm.
Overcome completely by the pure primal instinct to breed, Dominax took hold of Xenia's slim waist, pulling her to his chest and using leverage to roll until she lay beneath him. As he was now on top, he claimed control, thrusting furiously into her womanhood.
On her back and with her legs spread wide, Xenia could do nothing besides submit to his rough pounding. She wrapped her arms around his neck, throwing her head back in bliss as her lover passionately used her accepting vagina.
Grunting with each thrust, he cared little if their cries of pleasure reached the camp. It was only right that the leader should breed, using any pussy that he required. Such was the price of stability, as those who were worthy of command must spread their seed.
Xenia's mind was lost in ecstasy, nearly obsessed with becoming pregnant. Her child would accomplish great deeds, all while she held influence from the shadows. Her ovulating pussy was desperate for his cum, eager to bear his gifted offspring as her moans echoed through the night sky.
Dominax pounded her into the beach, the sounds originating from the enormous rushing river beside them mixing with their lovemaking.
"I...I'm yours...my lord…" Xenia muttered through her pleasure, holding him tightly in her arms. "This body...is yours! Use...my womb! Make me a...mother…!"
Thrusting as hard and as fast as he could muster, Dominax slowly felt his imminent climax inching towards him as each minute ticked by. Yet just as had occurred during his last session with Briza, Dominax held absolutely no intention of pulling out.
"Cum...inside...my lord…!" The young healer exclaimed as she recognized the subtle signs of his approaching finish. "Give me your...seed…!"
Closer and closer, his climax grew nearer. As it did so, his sensitivity skyrocketed as he found his edge, each pump into her womanhood granting him an explosion of pleasure. Gritting his teeth for his last powerful thrusts, he suddenly cried out in pure primal passion as he hilted her, feeling her toned legs wrap around him tightly as his orgasm overtook his athletic body.
Thick ropes of cum rocketed out of his cock, spurting his fertile sperm into her ovulating womb. Yet even as she had expected the pleasure to be high, Xenia hadn't prepared herself for the overwhelming sensation of finally fulfilling her biological instinct to reproduce, forcing her into a climax of her own as she embraced him tightly in mutual ecstasy.
To cum inside of a beautiful woman with the sole intention of impregnating her was the absolute height of pleasure that Dominax had ever experienced, nearly screaming as his balls pumped load after load of potent sperm as deeply as possible, seeking out the young healer's waiting eggs.
They held each other for a long moment as each second seemed to drag on, their naked bodies intertwined. Both orgasms slowly faded, until they went limp in each other's embrace.
Groaning and exhausted, Dominax freed himself from Xenia's womanly legs, allowing him to roll off her gorgeous body. Neither spoke as they lay still, staring up into the black starless void of space.
Xenia placed her hand on her stomach, as if she would somehow feel the fertilization occur. Yet her satisfied smirk returned to her sensual face as she turned her head to face her lover. She stared at him for several seconds, before finally breaking the silence. "I...that was…"
Dominax nodded his head knowingly, allowing a devious grin of his own to form. "You'll make a great mother...Xenia. Our child...will certainly be perfect."
"You've repaid your debt to me...yet I still fully intend to serve at your side, my lord. I am your woman, as promised."
In response, he turned to look directly into her dark eyes, visible in the intense moonlight. "Very good, though you must surely know of my involvement with Briza, correct?"
"Of course, my lord, everyone in the camp knows that she is your woman." Xenia explained with a calm voice, despite the jealousy lurking just underneath. Though possessing multiple mates was far from uncommon for a Chief, the normality of the act did nothing to sooth Xenia's emotions. Despite both being committed to Dominax, Briza would only ever be a rival. "Though I'm sure she won't be pleased to know that I'll likely fall pregnant first. Only one who is worthy should bear your first born."
He turned his head away, returning his gaze upwards as he felt his strength slowly recover. "Ah...well it's only right that I should inform you that she is already pregnant. Yet even so, I'm certain that you'll both provide me with worthy heirs."
The statement struck Xenia like a spear, yet she concealed any sign of her fury. "Yes...my lord, we shall." She said after a moment.
They remained together for several minutes, with the moonlight bathing their spent bodies.
***
17th of Onis, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, East of Nitri.
Though the children and elderly had begun to complain about the constant walking, Dominax led on.
The strategy of leading the group in whatever direction the ghostly figure appeared in paid off, as they finally broke through the tree line. The remaining survivors of Nitri emerged into an open field, extending from the banks of the river. The soft grass that carpeted the red dirt shined vibrantly in the daylight. The open space would be utterly perfect to establish a new settlement, hidden from their enemies. They'd rebuild and retaliate.
Yet, as they reached the field, only one aspect caught Dominax's silver eyes. There, in the center, sat the pod-like structure from his dream. As large as a two-story building, it appeared cube-like with rounded edges. Its entire outer surface was made of a strange pure white metal, with small details etched into it using black metal. The two materials perfectly matched The Chimira's outer hull which hung high over their heads, casting its gigantic shadow down far into the distance.
"What in the world is that…?" Briza asked with a hint of fear, eyeing the structure as the group slowly emerged from the trees.
Murmurs began to break out amongst the crowd, steadily increasing in volume before Dominax held up his hand to silence them. "Everyone, calm yourselves!"
The survivors' whispers ceased instantly, turning their attention towards their leader.
"Whatever that...THING is, I'll inspect it myself! Remain here and stay vigilant!" Dominax replied. Whatever the purpose of the pod, there was no chance of him allowing his people closer without discovering it for himself.
Briza stepped close to him and whispered in his ear. "I'm not sure if that's wise...let me accompany you. There's no way to know what's inside…"
"Ah, but I require you to remain with the group." Dominax replied. "Ensure that they remain calm and under control in my absence, understand?"
She looked him in the eye, though nodded. "Fine, but make sure you come back. I'm not losing you too."
"I intend to." He replied with a devious grin.
Xenia watched them share a quick kiss, before Dominax began to walk towards the pod. She subtly clenched her hands into fists, digging her fingernails into her palms.
With several minutes passing before he finally reached the strange structure, Dominax felt an odd surrealism as he approached. He had viewed it in his dreams, yet there it was standing before him.
The vibrant grass seemed to grow taller the nearer it was to the pod, twisting and colored all types of strange shades such as blues, reds, oranges, and white.
Encircling it, he discovered a set of double doors on its East facing side, sealed shut. To the right of the doorway was an imprint of a human hand, engraved into the pure white metal. Curious, he ran his fingers over the engraving, before carefully placing his hand into it. The size of the handprint appeared very similar to his own, allowing it to rest comfortably.
"What are you…" He whispered out loud before jerking his hand away when the doors began to separate, opening the pod's interior to the world. Dominax peered through the open doorway, unable to see much detail in the darkness. The doors had seemingly opened on their own, without the assistance of a living being.
Slowly, carefully, he took a step inside as if urged forwards. Yet, as soon as he had passed through the entrance, the metal doors slid shut, sealing him in complete darkness.