And then Tattoo appeared and whispers renewed. No longer was he confined to a wheelchair as he revealed his new and improved exoskeleton suit. His entire lower body was encased in lightning blue metal with lights at the joints. His hips and lower abdomen were also restrained, but a device went up his spine and cradled the back of his skull. Tattoo’s legs were finally strong enough to carry him, though Gra was also in front, close incase of a malfunction. The graphs in once broken legs had taken and the experimental surgeries had made it so he could walk once again, assisted by technology though. He was just six foot compared to the two coming to entertain the masses. Clipped to his thick collar was a microphone that relayed his voice to all the speakers. “Today’s first match is between two well known individuals. First up is the Almighty Thor Odinson against the Elemental Ethan Volorum!” Cheers rose as bets were made. “We will have a no holds bar match. The only rule is no killing, electricity, fire or flying. Pixies and Gargoyles flying overhead will be harmed if you two go all out. What weapons will you use, Ethan?”
“My wings will be weapons since Thor will only use Mjolnir.”
“Thor, is that fine for you.”
“Aye.” The bulky half Naga accepted the challenge.
“Begin!” Tattoo said and his encased legs bent and lunged backwards out of danger between two powerhouses.
Thor used his innate power to alter his size and grow to twelve feet, the hammer adjusting automatically to remain proportional. Thor took a solid grip and lowered himself before springing.
Ethan took his own stance, but as the rush of fighting flowed and adrenaline kicked in, time began slowing for him. His mind locked on the adversary coming as if resisted in water. He knew he could take the hit, but decided to rely on Blake’s training so he stepped aside, drew his right fist back and turned it slightly before throwing it forward and connecting with Thor’s head.
The impact midair sent Thor spinning through the air like a pinwheel and onto the snowy ground hard, rolling to a stop. To everyone’s startled amazement Thor got to his feet and wiped a bloody lip and grinned. “Aye, Lad, that’s the spirit. But it looks like I’m going to have to get serious as well.” Thor got up and stabbed himself with a sharp claw into his own abdomen. For those who didn’t know, they were sickened, but for those old enough to see the Norse god of war and lightning in his prime started backing away.
Thor then pulled out some peach size mass covered in blood and his usual blend of supple skin/scales rippled without a suppressor. Spikes ripped from his elbow, claws grew longer and his face distorted into more of an alligator’s muzzle. His human teeth altered into sharp points and circular pupils turned partly elliptical. His scales hardened and his usual bulky muscles shrunk to rearrange into more if a sleek blade rather than a bludgeoning club. The transformation also altered his voice. “To keep up I have to use my true form.”
Speed increased as Thor charged in and Ethan was still under intense focus, not allowing his mind to reel from the new sight of Thor. His speed and reactions had increased greatly and the hammer came up under his chin. Ethan barely managed to lock his jaw before being hit and thrown into the air.
Pain and suffering pushed aside as he roared in the cold rage. Thor, thinking he won, didn’t see a tail snake around his wrist and hold him still as a hard wing slapped along his length. It wasn’t like a crushing blow a fist generates. The slap was like doing a belly flop in water, stinging a wide area and stunning the victim for a moment. The tail around his hammer arm didn’t let go, but used Thor as an anchor as Ethan recovered and spun, bringing a huge fist right into a liver blow.
Ethan fell hard on his back, but bones broke in Thor’s side as he was again thrown yards away.
Again the half human/reptile got to his feet, but much more slowly and cradled broken ribs with four spike holes from the punch with the gauntlets. “Now it gets fun!” Thor near doubled in size, over twenty feet tall and jumped to do a body blow, but Ethan rolled aside not a second too late. As he was rising Ethan saw Thor throw Mjolnir and brought his wings around like a wall.
“RAAAAAA!” He roared and to the jaw dropped crowd, dug his feet in and fully stopped the hammer, grabbed it and threw it back while doing a spin to keep up momentum. Every muscle bulged in Ethan’s body so much his red shirt ripped.
Mjolnir fell short of hitting Thor, but it was enough to make the man feel a trail of fear. None in his whole life had ever stopped his hammer let alone send it back.
The pause was enough for Ethan to wind his legs up and spring forward, grab Thor’s tail and shift all the weight into a spin until he was cleanly thrown over the crowd, Jormungandr and the expectations of every being there. Flyers even had to scramble to avoid a collision.
“Winner, Ethan Volorum!” Tattoo shouted.
Cheers went off, especially for those who bet on the right man.
Ethan dropped to his knees, pain riddling his face. Kanade was right there with worry. “Darlin, what’s wrong.”
Through gritted teeth he growled “Both arms are dislocated. They were even before I threw him. Sending Mjolnir did it. Ah, Dammit. It hurts.”
“Hold still.” Mikhale said as he landed next, seeing it happen as it did when his clothes ripped. Large hands took a firm hold. “On three. One!”
“Raa!” Came the inhuman roar almost like a lion mixed with a bear only louder and more pissed. The bones being put back properly was much quieter in comparison. Kanade stood worried as both shoulders, elbows and his left wrist had to be put back in proper alignment, each one making him roar like an animal.
‘Ha, ha, ha, ha…’ He panted after the final issue was corrected. Then Mikhale slapped his shoulder playfully and danced out of the way of a lashing out wing with a laugh. Ethan glared at his father-in-law as he flew away. “Bastard.”
Kanade sent soothing thoughts along with wild and hot ones to take most of his mind off the pain. Ethan though put his hands in his pockets as he stood and realized Thor was back in the ring, picking up the bloody mass and shoving it back in his abdomen. As soon as it was in his elbow spikes, muzzle, teeth and scales returned to usual. Thor approached and didn’t look remotely disappointed. “I for one approve of these changes. Last we met you wouldn’t have been much of a workout. Now I’ve got me a new rival. I’ll be back for a rematch, Lad.”
“Not anytime soon, Thor.”
“For anyone to even lift Mjolnir is impossible… or so I thought. We will have another go one day. You’ve made your ancestors proud. Now let’s go get drunk.”
“You’re not giving me a choice are you?”
Thor merely grinned as he shrunk down to eyelevel.
“Let’s go, Darlin’.” Kanade said at his side. “We can also eat. Don’t worry I’ll feed you till you completely heal.”
“Food sounds better than drinking.”
“At least for the next forty two minutes and six seconds.” She added cryptically with a sultry smile.
“What happens then?” Thor wondered and the two looked at one other before smiling at a private joke.
Time flew at the table and right at the exact hour mark Ethan was pulled from his seat and spoke with a Pixie to be sent away out over the ocean. His arms were still extremely sore from earlier, but functioned properly. Blue Angel Isle wasn’t far away and the rest of the day was spent satisfying Kanade thoroughly who didn’t take off the dress until it was so sweaty she could not handle anymore. After her first dose of him, she was calmed pleasantly, but her own nature couldn’t get enough and he was all too willing to sate her desires in every way.
In the morning they returned to the First House. Ethan stepped outside the bathroom steaming excess water out his hair like a silent hairdryer, ducking some so the top joints of his wings didn’t scrape. He stopped and smiled pleasantly as Kanade modeled herself merrily in front of the full length mirror they bought a few hours ago that fit right up to the ceiling. She was in a soft green dress trimmed in silver. It might have been a simple backless
dress with long sleeves, but the way she turned to look at a new angle in the reflection made her ecstatic. Her joy to finally wear pretty dresses completely changed how she viewed herself as a woman.
“Isn’t she a doll?!” Dressor commented from his place in the wall with a smug and confident smirk filling his flat filigree face. “Am I a miracle worker or not? She’s faaabulous!” He lilted.
“So beautiful.” He rumbled in agreement and she twirled, full skirt billowing out as she spun in new six inch high heels. Her grin beaming even more.
“A shame all your hard work is wasted now.” Dress sobered. “The gold and flame stitching on the bridesmaid dress was amazing, Girlfriend. But Floa’s wedding was a smashing success yesterday and your dress was the envy of every woman who saw it in real life or on video. I’ve got orders from many women who want that pattern. Sorry it don’t fit anymore.”
“It served its purpose, Dress.” Kanade tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Ethan’s initial reaction was all I could have hoped. I just thank you for takin’ my growth rates into consideration and help me sew it all together perfectly so it fit like a glove. If I got in it again I’d stretch it out. Whenever I stop growin’ I want to make another exactly the same. But I love this one you made me. It’s beautiful, Kind Sir.” She curtsied and giggled. “I truly love dresses.”
“And the cloth loves you, Girl!” Dress blew her a kiss she caught and slapped to her cheek.
“Has the madhouse settled?” Ethan asked as he popped the vertebrae in his stiff neck while still slightly bent.
“Barely. Most of the guests got too drunk to go home after Floa sent a challenge for her fermented nectar she bought up.”
“Did anyone drink that little sprite under the table?” He brushed his red hair back with thick fingers.
“Not even close.” Dress chuckled. “Even poor little Thor passed out before his new stepmother. Only Odin lasted to the final stretch due to his regenerative powers. Still, she’s no lightweight.”
“Unlike me.” Kanade grumbled. “How can someone so tiny take so many shots. By the way, did you keep count?”
“You know I damn sure did. Floa knocked back two hundred and eleven shots before blacking out. Odin hurled at two less since he can’t pass out.” Dress rolled his blue eyes that stood out on the polished ivory doorknobs with eyelashes. “Floa was cheered like a hero as the old Viking carried her to retire for the night. I swear that Pixie is one to be reckoned with in any instance.”
“I learned long ago just to nod and say ‘Yes, Ma’am!’” Ethan’s straight white teeth lit up the room. “So about how many are going to stay?”
“Immediate family till Odin takes his yearly nap. About half have promised to get to meet their parent’s new better half. But many won’t leave till after breakfast since none can cook like my girl Cook can.”
“We’ll be headin’ out now. See you in a little bit, Dress.” Kanade called and knelt next to the bed. “And you too, Panther.” She cooed as a long finger scratched under his chin to elicit a loud motoring purr from the midnight black cat reveling in attention. “Between you and me, I left your favorite cream by your water dish.” As she whispered the word ‘cream’ his ears perked and left her ministrations to dive for his bowl and have at it. She laughed as she found out where she was in his list of priorities. At least he went “Rooow.” As a thank you before lapping the creamy goodness.
“You spoil that cat.” Ethan said with all the love he could muster without laughing outright.
“I reckon it’s my right since he’s my cat too. He deserves it for goin’ out to pee and practically tunnelin’ through four feet of snow just so our room smells and remains pleasant.” Hands firmly planted on her hips. “At least you don’t go out naked where snow coats your balls as soon as you step out.”
He opened the door to darkness. “Speaking of snow. Its falling out here.”
Her small cute nose wrinkled. “Might as well brave it.”
“You make it sound as if I’ll let it snow on you. Or that you’ll feel any cold. I’m hurt.” He placed a hand over his falsely wounded chest.
“Good thing I know the trick to makin’ you feel better.” She came closer and kissed his cheek. “How is that?”
“A mild balm.” He retorted dryly and she playfully backhanded him.
Snow fell heavily in a new storm front rushing through Scotland and made it more difficult to see in the already dark six a.m. morning. But as soon as they stepped out, Kanade felt only gentle warmth like a noon day in Spring. The snow turned to a warm mist that made her shiver. She bent her knees and took off. A louder flap of wings was not far behind and a large flame lit the storm so they had plenty enough time to avoid any head on collisions though few would dare fly through this storm. Kanade again fell deeper in love with Ethan as it was he who kept the dreaded cold from chilling her delicate tolerance. It was he who warmed her heart. His rumble to her thoughts made her chew her bottom lip to hide a blushing smile. Never in all her life had she expected to feel so passionate of a soul mate. She had wondered what it was like, but now that she was experiencing it she knew without a doubt she wasn’t even in the same universe at how her imagination could feel such depths of love. And in his mind, he was in the same dreamy state.
They were now and forevermore, inseparable.
Not long after, they reached the Ogre hall entrance to find the drawbridge up to keep out the storm and chill. He thought “Do you wish to do the honors or should I?”
“Go right ahead. I want to see how well you’re doing with your magic?”
Left hand remained red and aflame, but the right lit up like a light bulb, only a bluish purple. His radiant fist began quickly writing out the seventeen runes which created a blue-white pyramid that floated across the frozen moat and touched the wooden drawbridge. A complex symbol flashed over the bridge for a moment and lowered a couple dozen feet in which they dropped down together before it shut behind them. A Wizard sitting by the lever system, reading off his tablet waved “Thanks!” as they glided through the spacious hall.
“Well done, Darlin’. You put the exact amount of time to both lower and close the bridge.” She proudly told him.
Not long after, they expertly landed. He took her hand and she his to hear him say “I’m completely impressed with Morgane’s clothing spell. When you took off I tried looking, but all I saw was blackness like when Dress opens his doors to take dirty clothes or to spit clean ones out. And as we flew the wind seemed to have no effect. I’m amazed at the versatility of it. Plus the runes you showed me are almost all feminine. It makes sense. Do you think some of the guys who wear kilts are aware of this?”
“Some are. Why, are you wantin’ to wear a kilt?” A look of total horror warped her features.
“Hell no!” He shivered from wing to toe. “Gods… don’t even joke about that. I’ll stick with jeans and pants thank you very much. I’m not shaving my legs or wearing Irish plaid.”
“Good. That was frightenin’ to imagine. And a kilt wouldn’t go well with that tail of yours.”
“At least it doesn’t have any hair on it.” He played as he brought it around.
“So far that we know. We found out it sweats like the rest of you, so if it has pores, it’s possible. I hope not. Otherwise I’ll curse it too so I don’t get hair where I don’t want to. My beast of an angel has all the hair I want.”
Together they slipped early into the hall and acknowledged those who called out warm greetings. They moved over to their usual table to find Kira sitting alone, hands holding her head up while her auburn hair acted like a curtain to hide her from the world. She wore a thick wool dress and had papers beside her. He quietly asked “Bad hangover eh?”
Kira groaned as she looked up. “Boyo, turn the voice down. And, aye, had a wee bit too much of the drink. Last I remember was dancing with Odin’s second oldest Baldr before entering Floa’s challenge… and… waking up in bed with him an hour ago.”
“Oh no, Kira… all that hard work.” Kanade walked around and sat with her.
“I know. I know. It doesn’t seem real, but my nether region is sore from the months I’ve resisted… and my breasts are tender. Now I’ve got to restart the ritual.”
“Is that why your scent has changed?” Ethan asked as he sniffed from across the table. “And for some reason I can taste your usual perfume, but something tangy too.”
“What are you talking about, Boyo?” Kira’s eyes tried focusing through the painful haze throbbing at her temples and back of her neck.
Kanade’s jaw dropped. “Um, Kira, may I sniff closer and maybe lick the back of your hand?”
What an odd request? Kira managed to think as she offered an arm.
The Enchantress inhaled a few times and then gave a barely noticeable lick to the back of her slightly tan hand. A new smile spread over the winged beauty. “Um, Kira, I do not mean to drop this on you or seem insensitive, but was Baldr your only partner last night?”
“I already told you I can’t remember. My hangover potion won’t kick in for another five minutes. All I know is I woke up with a huge, naked Ogre in my bedroom and my pussy is sore from one passionate night of obvious sex. I can’t tell you anything else because I don’t know, Lass. Why do you ask.”
Directly Kanade said “Because Ethan’s right. Your scent has changed and your power is escaping enough for the two of us to taste it… Can you see where I’m heading with this?”
Nothing altered her confusion for a few moments till they settled and her large eyes grew round. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying, Kanade? That he’s my… my…” her lips could not form another word.
So Kanade nodded. “I think Fate let you two meet or if it was chance, I haven’t a clue. I think Baldr Odinson is your soul mate. If it’s true, I need to see the roof of your mouth. Ogre males, when they bond with their true soul mate, leave a series of three blue dots on the roof of their female’s mouth. Tilt your head back for me.” Kira did so eagerly after running her tongue over the area to feel nothing out of the ordinary. Her head was held in a soft, gentle hand. Kanade let go after a good look.
02 Wrath of Flames Page 40
