by Riker Kane
Kailani straddled him, the lower half of her body underneath the water resting comfortably on his growing length. She grinded against him to make him swell until he was completely rigid.
Clayton moaned into her mouth, holding her close like he didn’t want to let her go. His hands slid down the smooth skin of her back and cupped her ass. He squeezed her cheeks and she squealed with delight into his mouth.
He kept his tongue tangled with hers as his thumbs worked to remove her bikini bottoms. The strings undone, Kailani rose up just enough to let Clayton pulled them away.
They were both naked in the bubbling spring water. The warmth felt even hotter against Clayton’s skin, so hot he could feel it inside of him.
“Give it to me… Give it to me, Clayton…”
Clayton couldn’t resist no matter how hard he tried. He stood up, holding her in his arms. He had enough strength to carry her pixie-like frame without much effort.
Her arms and legs ensnaring Clayton, Kailani kept digging her tongue into his mouth to spur him on. But he wouldn’t take her so easily.
He set her down on her feet then placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her back to him. It was the first time he got a chance to see her entire body bare to him. The sight of her svelte curves made him harder than he already was.
He swallowed again, pumping his hand around his thickening shaft while Kailani bent over the edge of the springs for him. He looked down and saw the pink sliver between her golden skin. Her flesh seemed to be calling out to him.
His hand instinctively moved to her hip while the other moved to her shoulder. He moved forward, searching for her entrance with his tip.
“Give it to me, Clayton…”
Kailani’s voice was desperate as she pleaded for him. Clayton kept shifting his hips until finding her wetness. His tip pushed forward and plunged into her, making them both groan in ecstasy.
It hadn’t been that long since he’d taken someone but Clayton thrust into Kailani like he was desperate. A man in the desert who’d found an oasis. His thirst finally satisfied by the wetness between Kailani’s legs.
“That’s it… Just… Just like that…”
He pounded into her with growing fervor. His hilt slammed against her cheeks. The chorus of their wet flesh slapping together joined the spring water splashing around them.
Clayton moved his hands around her body, cupping both breasts and pulling her close. Kailani reached up and wrapped her hands around his neck. She turned her head just enough so their tongues could find one another once again.
Standing in warm spring water. Taking a beautiful local from behind. Holding her body close while their lips danced together. His thickening length throbbing inside of her wetness. It was the first time since he’d arrived Clayton was finally free from all of his troubles.
He gave it to her with such a fervor he knew he couldn’t hold back. His heart thumped harder and his breath grew shorter. His shaft was on the verge of exploding. The dam inside of him couldn’t hold back what was overflowing.
“Kailani… Kailani…”
Just her name was enough warning for her to know what was coming. She squeezed her hands around his neck, digging her nails into his skin as she tried to push herself to the same end he was reaching.
“Clayton… Ah… Ahh!”
Her mouth hung open, unable to return his kisses. A soft, high-pitched squeal came out of her mouth as she began to shudder.
Clayton held onto her as best as he could but her trembling body against him pushed him over the edge. He impaled her completely, digging his length into her deep. Thick spurts of his seed filled her. He held himself inside to make sure she took every drop.
He wanted the moment to last forever but his body submitted. He released her from his grip and she fell forward. He pulled out and admired the sight of Kailani bent over in front of him, his seed trailing down the inside of her thighs and into the bubbling spring water.
Kailani rested for a moment before pushing herself up and turning around. She grabbed Clayton for another kiss then pulled away.
“I know what I said. Regardless of what happens, I’ll get you off the island—”
“I’ll beat Mentu.”
They smirked at one another before she responded. “I know you will, BB.”
Chapter 12
Clayton twisted his lips as he observed his new abilities.
Zeal Blade
Core Level 7
Passion of Consort Faith - Vigorous: The blade requires less stamina to swing
Passion of Jalise the Sage - Torrid: Flames can be channeled from the blade
Passion of Regent Magne - The Queen’s Touch: More essence is gathered from creatures defeated by the blade
Passion of Monarch Velour - Intoxicating Thirst: Dealing damage with the blade absorbs essence and heals minor injuries
Passion of Queen Ixia - Rigid Bark: At the cost of stamina, the blade creates a shield, blocking all incoming attacks
Passion of Rena Ordain - Brisk Rhythm: The blade grants the ability to quickly dash short distances
Passion of Kailani - Deep Thrust: Leap into the air and strike the blade into the ground with force
“Hmm… I’ll have to try that out. But more importantly… Let’s see how much I got…”
Clayton and Kailani spent as much time as they could hunting in the forest before fatigue eventually set in. It was early in the morning when they were summoned back to the clearing where the end of the Fire Fights was held.
Clayton kept the Zeal Blade raised to his face while he examined his stats.
Clayton Brooks
Essence Level 49
Available Points 9
Hit Points 500
Stamina 100
Strength 15
Constitution 12
Agility 13
Dexterity 11
Wisdom 13
“Damn. Didn’t get to 50.”
Getting to level 50 meant an additional boost to his hit points. Clayton knew he needed everything he could get if he was going to win this fight. Even then, he was still in a precarious position. Now he had to figure out how exactly to distribute his stat points.
“I saw what fire did to him, so wisdom won’t do me any good. He doesn’t look like he’ll be hard to hit, so dexterity is a no. That leaves the other three… And I need all three.”
There was no time left. Every village had gathered to witness the final battle.
Mentu had arrived and stood on the other end of the circle with Iris by his side. The big man was somehow even more intimidating in the morning, the sunlight glistening off the obsidian hammer weighing down on the dirt. He stood with one foot on the hammer, leaning forward with his eyes locked on Clayton.
“Can’t spend all time dodging him… Just need to be able to push him out… But will it be enough?”
Another glance at his constitution reminded him just how low it was.
“I hope this works…”
He split the points, putting five into constitution and four into strength. As soon as he locked them in, he noticed an immediate difference. From his chest to his arms and down to his legs, his muscles felt larger and firmer. He wondered if that would be enough though.
“You done talking to yourself?” Kailani stood next to him, smiling as she watched him flex his new physique. “Hmm… You look a little bigger. I guess all that hunting did make a difference.”
“Told you.”
“Personally, I think it was the time we spent in the springs.” She reached up with her lips and bit his earlobe. Clayton wasn’t about to forget about an experience so soon, smiling as he looked down at her.
Kailani put a hand on his chest as she turned toward Mentu. “Remember… I don’t care what happens. My father and I will do whatever it takes to get you off the island. You don’t owe us anything.”
“Maybe I don’t. I still need to test myself.”
“Macho as always…” Kailani rolled her eyes as
she stepped out of the circle to join the other villagers from Tamwa.
Clayton watched as the flames around the circle were ignited. The sun was already beating down on him but the fire lining the ring made him sweat even more.
Joakim gathered everybody’s attention. “Today, the conclusion of the Fire Fights. We will decide who will lead the Hilamau Islands. And we will see who is worthy of carrying the title of overseer like the Gods who came before them. Mentu… Clayton… The time has arrived!”
The rhythmic banging of drums joined the cheers from the crowd. Clayton looked up toward the sky and closed his eyes to focus himself.
“No big deal… Just a giant man with a giant hammer who wants to smash you… You fought the Maledict… You’ve beaten giant beasts the size of buildings… What’s this guy?”
Clayton opened his eyes. Despite the reassuring voice in his head, he wasn’t completely optimistic. His past achievements no longer mattered. There was just a giant man with an obnoxiously big hammer looking to squash him.
“Lucky me, all I have to do is push him out.”
Clayton drew the Zeal Blade and held it up in front of him. Mentu had no expression on his face as he marched forward, the Falling Star slung over his shoulder.
“Don’t make this harder than it has to be, Clayton.”
“I’ll try not to.” Clayton dashed forward and swung his sword, slicing Mentu across the stomach, then dashing away. The streak of blood appeared across Mentu’s gut but didn’t deter him.
“That’s it, BB! He can’t keep up with you!”
Mentu walked forward again. Clayton gripped his hilt tight, waiting for just the right moment before dashing again and slicing Mentu on the side of his stomach. Another line of red appeared on Mentu’s tan skin but again, he didn’t seem bothered by it.
“Stay focused… Stay focused…” Clayton knew landing two slashes wasn’t enough to put him away but it was a good start. He was prepared to take as long as he could.
“Come on!” Iris yelled. “Stop toying with the offlander and finish him!”
Mentu moved nonchalantly, his hammer still resting on his shoulder. Clayton quickly moved forward with a blink dash. But just when he reappeared, he was met with the cruel swing of Mentu’s hammer. The blow itself wasn’t hard but the size of the Falling Star knocked Clayton onto his back.
“Crap…” Clayton quickly worked his way up to his feet and stumbled back. “How about that? I’m still breathing.”
Taking a blow from the hammer and surviving gave Clayton a renewed confidence.
“That’s one.” Mentu held his index finger up. “Are you sure you can take another?”
“I’m not trying to find out.” Clayton dashed forward again. Mentu raised his hands to swing but Clayton quickly dashed away again, moving right behind the big man and slicing him on the back of the leg. The cut was deep enough to make Mentu stumble down to knee but only for a second.
“Did you see that?”
“He made Mentu stumble!”
“That’s the first time that’s ever happened!”
The crowd murmured in surprise. Clayton’s confidence continued to grow. But a new uncertainty replaced it when he saw the angry look on Mentu’s face.
“Dammit… I warned you.” Mentu spoke through gritted teeth. He squeezed his hands around his hilt, his brow furrowing. Even his cheeks started to redden. “Leben must remain in control of the islands. I will not spare you!”
Mentu raised his hands up and slammed the hammer to the ground. Clayton moved out of the way but the blow was so powerful, he tripped over his own feet. He was too late in regaining his footing, taking a hard blow at the center of his chest twice as hard as the last one he took.
Clayton tumbled back to the edge of the ring, just managing to stay inside of it. If not for his constitution and the armor on his chest, he’d probably be dead.
“Finish him!” Iris shouted.
The crowd grew to a fever pitch, already sensing an end to the contest. Mentu walked forward with surprising quickness and raised his hammer up.
“Now!” Clayton just managed to gather himself, rolling to the side and stabbing upward into Mentu’s leg. He drove the blade as deep into his leg as he could, again forcing the big man to one knee. But Clayton was so focused on trying to cut through Mentu he didn’t see the blow of the hammer that cracked him right over the shoulder. His pauldron took most of the blow but Clayton still went tumbling back.
“Come on, BB! Don’t give up!”
The blow rang in his ears but he could still make out Kailani’s voice over the drums and the crowd and Iris’s screams. Clayton put his hands up to the sides of his head to steady himself.
On the other side of the circle, Mentu reached down and pulled the Zeal Blade from his leg. The crowd gasped at the gush of blood trickling down his leg. Mentu dug his hammer into the ground and pushed himself to his feet. His hammer slung over one hand, he held the Zeal Blade in the other.
Clayton blinked his eyes just in time to see the man approaching him. Mentu was terrifying enough. Two weapons turned him into a nightmare.
“Oh… Crap—”
“Get up, BB! You can’t stay down!”
Clayton rolled out of the way as Mentu roared and swung both weapons.
“Okay, okay, okay… I can still win this.” Clayton had recovered mostly but now he didn’t have a weapon and the man across from him was intent on killing him. Worse yet, he didn’t have access to the abilities he needed to make this an even fight. “What the hell do I do?”
Clayton searched for an answer while Mentu took another pair of violent swings at him.
“BB!” Kailani tossed one of her bone daggers onto the dirt in front of Clayton. He quickly picked it up then realized just how small it was.
“Uh… What do you want me to do with this?”
Kailani rolled her eyes. “What do you think?”
Another roar from Mentu warned of another attack that Clayton just barely managed to dodge. He stabbed Mentu in the arm, digging Kailani’s bone dagger as deep as he could. The big man howled in pain, dropping the massive hammer to the ground.
“That’s it,” Clayton said through gritted teeth. “I’ve got you now.”
Mentu looked up and shook his head. “I’ve got you.” He quickly grabbed Clayton by the throat and shoved the Zeal Blade into Clayton’s stomach, poking it out the other side of him.
Clayton immediately felt the blood spilling out of him and coming up his throat. “God, I’m getting tired of this feeling…” It wasn’t the first time he’d been impaled but this time didn’t feel much better.
“BB! No!” Kailani’s yell was louder over the gasp of the audience.
“That’s it!”
“He’s done!”
“No way the offlander can survive this!”
Clayton’s head dropped to the side. He saw the sadness in Kailani’s eyes along with the disappointment from everybody else in Tamwa.
“That’s it! Execute him!” Iris’s shrill screams filled the air.
Clayton fell to the ground while Mentu crouched over him, his hands still tight on the Zeal Blade.
“You fought well, offlander. But it was never meant to be.”
Clayton’s life was fading fast. He knew his death was inevitable.
“I might die… But maybe I can still win…”
“I will speak well of you. The people of Leben respect the greatest warriors. We will tell the tales of Clayton, the offlander.”
“Maybe… Maybe… I’ve got a chance… I hope this works…”
Clayton reached his bloody hands up and put them on top of Mentu’s around the hilt of the Zeal Blade. He gripped as much as he could and looked right into Mentu’s eyes.
“I’ll tell my story… myself…” Clayton gritted his teeth and focused his energy. Mentu’s eyes widened in surprise right before a sudden burst of green energy knocked Mentu on his back.
Clayton used all the stamina he had
left to activate the barrier and separate him from Mentu. But there was still the problem of his own broken sword planted in the center of his torso.
Clayton somehow managed to work himself up to a knee and pulled his weapon out of him. His hit points were rapidly declining. His stamina was recovering but slowly.
Mentu was still in a daze on his knees, having been so close when the barrier was activated.
The mouths of everyone in the crowd hung open in disbelief. The drums pounded even louder. The flames on the stakes burned even hotter.
Clayton blinked his eyes and coughed up some blood before getting up to his feet. He saw Kailani staring at him in amazement along with the other villagers.
“One last chance… Let’s hope I got that stamina for it…”
He closed his eyes and recovered as much as he could. With all of his strength, he tightened his hands around the Zeal Blade and pushed himself into the air. Sure enough, he leaped higher than he ever had before.
The disorienting feeling went away as he came crashing down, his broken sword digging right into Mentu’s shoulder. The big man let out a roar of pain, more frightening than any beast in the forest.
The Deep Thrust ability he’d gained from Kailani had done what Clayton needed it to.
He leaned against Mentu, his hands tight around the hilt. “Submit… Submit or you will die.”
“You are… You are already dead, offlander…”
“Maybe… But I’ll make sure you die first… Is death worse than five years under Tamwa leadership?”
Clayton looked right into Mentu’s eyes, twisting his sword deeper. The big man furrowed his brow in anger. But the anger slowly dissipated until it was completely gone.
“Submit, Mentu. There’s no shame in losing.”
“I…” Mentu coughed in pain before saying it. “I submit.”
The crowd gasped in disbelief.
“He did it!”
“The offlander beat Mentu!”
“Oh, thank God,” Clayton sighed. He pulled the blade from Mentu and fell onto his back.
The villagers rushed up to Mentu to tend to his wounds. Others moved next to Clayton.
