The Challenge

Gavin was nervous, his eyes were scanning the growing crowd and the importance of what he's about to do weighted heavily on his mind. Xanthe came to stand beside him. They were all gathering outside the castle so that the two of them could fight without destroying anything.

"Give it your all, if you don't I'll be upset."

Gavin smiled, "Don't worry, I won't dishonor the one who trained me."

Xanthe chuckled and gave him a pat on the back. They stood together and watched as the last of the demons gathered in the designated spectator spot. They could see the slight shimmer of the shield that had been erected to keep everyone safe. Today the Lord's second in command was being challenged and no one wanted to miss the battle between Xanthe and the Hero.

Once everyone was gathered Caine stepped out into the field and motioned for the two opponents to come out. Gavin took a deep breath and followed Xanthe. They both genuflected before their Lord and rose when he waved them up.

"Remember to give it your all. You can start anytime once I'm gone."

Caine smiled and glanced at each one in turn before disappearing from the field. Gavin and Xanted faced each other and bowed to show respect before moving into their starting stance. Gavin drew the blades sheathed on either thigh, he had chosen to place them there because of their small size and maneuverability. Xanthe drew her sword and both held their blades up, ready to attack.

They stood facing each other for so long that the spectators had begun to wonder if they were going to move at all. It was Gavin that made the first move, rushing towards Xanthe. She blocked his blade with her sword and he quickly followed up with his second blade, leaving a cut across her stomach.

Because of her naturally thick skin and an added layer of magical protection the blade only left a surface scratch. If it hadn't been for the dark energy that surrounded the blade he wouldn't have been able to make that. Gavin continued with the momentum of the slash and disengaged his other blade from her sword and used it to slice at her back as he moved away.

Gavin only managed to make another shallow cut on her back. Both wounds healed quickly and the only sign that he had gotten her in the first place was the slashes in her shirt. With his speed he was able to get through Xanthe's guard easily enough, but every time he was only able to leave shallow cuts that healed almost immediately. On the other hand, Xanthe had managed to get in a couple good hits. Even with his strong healing ability he was still left bleeding from his wounds.

Xanthe wasn't certain why he was only doing these weaker attacks. She knew that he was capable of actually cutting through her defenses like she has done his. It was too late when she realized what he was doing.

She found herself becoming exhausted after only a short time. Xanthe was worn down enough that she felt the energy being drawn out as his blade cut her arm. How did I not notice it before? It shouldn't come as a surprise since she knew how quickly he had taken to the dark energy. 'Life drain' is a basic dark spell. The fact that he had incorporated it into his blades pleased her.

When Gavin felt the moment was right he sheathed his blades and stepped away from Xanthe. He called up a ball of dark energy. It wasn't anything spectacular but it was enough to cause damage.

He could see the displeasure in her face as he created the ball and threw it at her. It may have been enough to cause damage, it wasn't anything for Xanthe. She knew that he was capable of creating something stronger.

Xanthe held up her sword and swung it at the ball of energy to disperse it. Once again she realized her mistake too late. The dark energy dispersed to reveal a ball of light energy that rushed down her sword and consumed her body.

"Remember." Gavin spoke in an even tone, his right hand closing in a fist.

The light that surrounded Xanthe flowed brightly for a moment then wounds appeared all over her body. Every cut that he had made before suddenly reappeared. Each cut was deeper than it had initially been and blood poured freely from every wound.

Xanthe fell to her knees, sword rolling free from her hand. She didn't have the energy to move, her body was filled with pain, blood in her eyes clouding her vision. She had underestimated what he was doing each time and had paid for it. She wasn't upset, instead she was filled with respect for Gavin. He had changed so much in such a short time. She couldn't even compare their first fight to this one.

"Do you concede?"

"Yes."

Xanthe was barely able to get the word out. Once she spoke the crowd cheered, their cries deafening. Gavin walked over to Xanthe and placed a hand on her shoulder. His healing ability was weak but he put in what he could, enough that she could focus and speak.

"You did well."

Her eyes were filled with pride as she looked at him. Having her look at him like that helped him to understand what she had said about losing. Most people would be upset, but here she is smiling and full of pride after being defeated.

"I told you I wouldn't dishonor the one who trained me."

Caine came out to join them and the crowd grew loud once more.

"Xanthe, would you like to see a healer first?"

She shook her head and proceeded to stand. Gavin's healing had given her enough strength to stand on her own. She would have been upset at herself if she had needed assistance. Her wounds were severe enough that she would have to see a healer to properly recover.

"I'm ready."

They turned to address the crowd. Caine stood between them, purposely putting Xanthe on his left and Gavin to his right.

"Xanthe concedes her title and is now third in command. Gavin, the victor, now claims the title of second in command. Tomorrow when we start marching the Hero that Edicia summoned to destroy us will stand to my right. Victory will be ours!"

They were louder than before, roused by their Lord's words.

Caine turned to Gavin, "You should say something."

Gavin nodded his head and took a step forward. Silence surrounded them as everyone present focused on Gavin.

"I may not have been given a choice on the kingdom that summoned me to your world, but I do have a choice in what side I stand with.

I am honored to stand at Lord Caine's right side and fight for every demon in Yisa."

Gavin stepped back as the crowd roared to life once more. He found himself unable to stop grinning. It was intoxicating; the fight, the victory, the energy from the crowd. He felt like he could single handedly take on the world.

Xanthe waited until the crowd dispersed before she allowed herself to be treated. That left Caine and Gavin alone.

"Are you ready to head out tomorrow?"

"Probably more so now than I will be tomorrow. I've never felt this energized after a fight before."

"Then you've never put your all into a fight before. The rush of adrenaline that comes with a fight where losing means you actually lose something is an amazing high."

Caine can see the battle lust in his eyes and plans to take advantage of it. His kiss catches Gavin off guard, but instead of fighting it or just passively accepting it Gavin returns the kiss with as much heat.

It didn't take long for the kiss to progress into more as hands came into the mix. Caine teleported them to their living quarters. They made it as far as the table in the main room.

When they were done Gavin carefully sat down on the chair, not caring that he was naked.

"I could get used to that."

"You would have to fight every day to get it at that level."

Caine grabbed a box from one of the bookshelves and placed it on the table.

"What's this?"

"A proper celebration gift. You did well out there. Not only did you earn your new title but you earned Xanthe's respect and loyalty. That's not an easy thing to do."

Gavin looked at the black box in front of him and was almost afraid to open it. He carefully lifted the lid and looked inside.

"They're beautiful…"

He stood up and took out the blades that were laying in the box. They were short swords in the tanto style that he had been using. The blades that he had been using were of average quality. These blades were made of a dark steel with decorative lines that were a part of the blades and not etched. The handle and guard were black with a gem secured to the tip of each handle.

"They are demon forged, Damascus blades. The gems came from the staff, a reminder of where you started. They should be able to handle however much energy and magic you want to put into them."

It was all too much for Gavin. It felt like the world around him was rushing at light speed and he was stuck in the middle of it. The pastry had been a sweet gesture. The blades, on the other hand, meant so much more.

Gavin carefully laid the blades back in the box and walked up to Caine.

"Thank you."

He wrapped his arms around Caine's neck and kissed him. Gavin had a feeling that thanking him with actions and not just words would have more of an impact. Caine kissed him back, his arms moving to encircle Gavin's waist and hold him close.

"I may have to give you gifts more often if this is the response I get. I think that today is a good day to make up for the nights you stayed awake.

I will take the rest of the day off and we can just stay here."

"Make up for every night all in one day?"

Gavin tried to move away but Caine just chuckled and held him tight.

"Why not? You and I both heal quickly."

"I feel like I need more than one of me to survive this."

Caine grinned, "That might be fun. You know, demons are all about free love and having multiple partners."

Gavin shook his head, "I don't need more than one of you."

"Of course not, someone this amazing can't be duplicated."

Gavin snorted then kissed Caine to try and distract him from talking. It worked because Caine turned his full attention on Gavin and the two of them made their way to the bedroom. Gavin still had five nights to make up for.