Warriors of Prophecy

Sweat dripped down over Rhiannon’s upper body, soaking her shirt between her breasts, as she stood in the scorching mid-day sun. Her golden hair was plastered to her forehead as some of it hung in her face. She already had calluses forming on her palms from training with the boomerangs. Yet she wouldn’t give up. She needed to master these weapons in order to rescue her sister. Reaching up she pushed her sweat soaked hair out of her face. Taking another deep breath she focused on her target.

“Focus on what you want to strike and then do it.” Prophet’s deep voice came from behind her.

Her eyes focused on the glass bottles that lined up on the rock ledge in the distance. Each time she hit the bottles Prophet would move more bottles back further to test her distance. Right now the bottles were lined up at 100 feet. Rhiannon got in her throwing stance and let the first boomerang go. It flew in the air with a perfect curve. It sailed through the air and slammed into one of the glass bottles. Behind her Prophet let out a small chuckle as if he knew she could do it all along. The weapon began to turn to make its approach back to her. She prepared for its approach and as it came to her she caught it in her hand, against her palm.

Whipping her head around, Rhiannon looked towards the bottles. A ripple of satisfaction went through her as she saw she smashed one of the bottles. Her lips turned up into a smirk. “I did it!” She then looked back at Prophet.

He nodded. “You’re definitely improving.”

Arching an eyebrow Rhiannon put her hands on her hips. “Improving? I think I’m getting dangerous with these.”

“Don’t be cocky. There is a big difference between glass bottles and Shadow Men.” Prophet retorted. “Shadow Men don’t break as easily.” He had to get her to tone down her confidence a bit. Yes, she was doing well. However she had to be great with those weapons. If anything went wrong they could lose her to F.E.A.R and that was not acceptable.

“I know that but I’m getting better. I think once I master these we can go get my sister, right?” Rhiannon pressed him.

Prophet put up his hand. “I think you have a lot more practicing to do before I consider going to get your sister. There are many more lives at stake than just your sister if we go to that prison.” He had to get it through her head that there was the Legion at stake as well. Not to mention all the innocent people that F.E.A.R was holding in the prison as well.

Grinding her jaw, Rhiannon’s eyes narrowed as she stared at the leader of the Wild Ones. “You promised me you’d help me.”

“And I will. But first I need to make sure that you are ready to go into battle.” Prophet reminded her. “I refuse to lose you if you’re not ready to fight. Soon with these weapons you will be ready to fight and you’ll have an upper hand.” He motioned with his hand to her boomerangs.

Rhiannon wanted to scream at him. She wanted to tell him off and ask him what made him such an expert. Yet, she knew he was right. Her eyes roamed over him and she bit her lower lip. It wasn’t as if she was the only one suffering in this heat. Prophet was wearing his black leather pants and his vest was taken off hours ago, leaving him bare chested. His upper body was covered in a fine sheen of sweat, making his tattoos stand out like badges of honor. His hair was also sweat soaked as hers was and he had pushed it back a long time ago. It was hard to concentrate with the man looking so damn good.

She sighed and pushed her hair back off her face. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I just hate leaving Morrighan in there longer than necessary.”

Walking over to her, Prophet put a hand on her shoulder and rubbed softly. “It’s alright. You’re coming along, really. You just need to focus and then soon you’ll have mastered the weapon. Come on, back to work. Destroy the other bottles and then I’ll move more back a bit.”

Reaching down to grab her canteen, Rhiannon took a swallow of the water. It was refreshing to her parched throat. She nodded her head. “Alright.” She tossed the canteen on the rocky floor of the desert. Wiping her forehead on her arm, she once again took her fighting stance. Then she let the boomerang fly as it sailed. It hit the second glass bottle before it came back to her. She caught it in her palm with grace. Rhiannon turned around to face Prophet. “Did you see—“

“Shhh!” Prophet put his hand up.

But it was too late. All of a sudden out of the thin air two Shadow Men appeared. Instantly Prophet and Rhiannon were on high alert. They moved closer to each other and each took a fighting stance. Instantly Prophet took out his Legion of the Black medallion from out of his back pocket and held it up in front of him for protection. The Shadow Men began to bear down on them. The Shadow Men held their golden staffs in front of them as if to beat the two humans to death. Prophet used his body and medallion to shield Rhiannon. He couldn’t let her die. She wasn’t ready yet. She had so much more to accomplish.

“I can fight.” She whispered to him. “Let me do this.”

“Just stay behind me!” Prophet ordered her. He wished at this time that he had the rest of the Wild Ones here. He should have known better than to get caught this far out from base. However he needed the wide open space to allow Rhiannon to practice. He should have been more careful. He needed to be able to focus.

Rhiannon was tired of being treated as a child. She knew how to use her boomerangs. She couldn’t just sit here and let Prophet get hurt, or worse. Instead she moved away and took her stance. She focused on one of the Shadow Men. That’s when she let one of her boomerangs fly. It went flying and smashed into their enemies’ head. The Shadow Man flew back onto the ground with such force that his head bounced hard off the desert ground. Rhiannon rushed over and grabbed his golden staff and stabbed him with the sharp end as hard as she could. Black blood flowed over the cracked desert dirt. Then she threw the staff to Prophet as she palmed both boomerangs.

Prophet caught the staff as he turned to face the Shadow Man in front of him. The Shadow Man that faced Prophet looked between him and Rhiannon. She glared at the Shadow Man. “I dare you. Go ahead. I’ll do to you what I did to him.” Before she could say another word the Shadow Man disappeared on a wisp of air.

Once they were alone Prophet dropped the staff and whipped around to face Rhiannon. “Are you ok?” His voice was husky. His blue eyes roamed all over her. He raised his hands and cupped her face. He stroked her cheeks as he felt her trembling beneath his hands. Before he could stop himself he pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. He buried his face in her hair as he closed his eyes. The only thought that kept running through his head was, I almost lost her.

“I’m fine.” Rhiannon whispered. Her arms went around Prophet’s waist as she clung to him. She wasn’t scared at all. She was still running on adrenaline. The feeling of those arms around her helped her calm down and she found herself nuzzling against Prophet’s chest. “Really I’m fine, Prophet. It’s just the adrenaline in my body.”

Prophet pulled back but not before brushing his lips against her forehead. “I thought he was going to kill you.” He confessed. He closed his eyes and in his mind he saw the Shadow Man standing before Rhiannon again. It filled him with a sense of fear that he hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Hey, you trained me to fight. That’s what I did. I destroyed the Shadow Man just like you taught me. It’s because of you.” Rhiannon stared deep into Prophet’s blue eyes. “You’re the reason I reacted as fast as I did. Your training.” She couldn’t help but reach up and caress his cheek. She could see the fear in his eyes and she had to take it away. Because of him she was now a much stronger person, inside and out.

Her words had the desired effect because Prophet found himself nuzzling against her hand. He realized that she was right. Because of the training she received Rhiannon was quick to act and kill their attackers. Her reflexes were fast and accurate. Not only that but she had incredible control of her weapons. She got into her stance quickly and made sure to strike just as quick. She had become a warrior and a great asset to the Legion.

“You’re ready. You’re one of us fully now.” Prophet nodded his head. “In fact, you will sit on a meeting that the Wild Ones will have tonight.”

Rhiannon cocked her head. “A meeting? For what?”

Prophet’s lips twitched up into a smile. “A meeting to discuss battle plans to go rescue your sister from the prison.”

Her eyes widened as she lunged forward and hugged him tight. “Thank you Prophet!” She buried her head in his chest as she squeezed him tight. It seemed like her greatest wish was being granted. Her head lifted and a huge smile was plastered upon her face. “Thank you.” She whispered before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

The feel of her lips upon his cheek had Prophet unconsciously pulling her tight against his body. In that moment he would have done anything for her just to see her eyes sparkle like that and to see that smile on her face every single day. He let his forehead rest upon hers as he smiled back. “You earned it. You proved you were ready when you fought off the Shadow Men today. You are a true member of the Legion.” He couldn’t help but stroke her cheek again.

“Tonight we plan the attack?” Rhiannon asked eagerly.

Prophet chuckled. “Yes, after the last meal.” He kissed her forehead again. “But right now we return back to the base. We’ve already been attacked once. I don’t want to repeat the experience. I want to keep you safe. Come on.” He kept his arm wrapped around her waist as they turned towards the direction of the Legion’s base. Rhiannon slid her arm around his waist as she smiled up at him. Pulling her closer to his side they both took off towards the base and to tell the Wild Ones of the new developments.

~ ~ ~

Last meal was an eventful experience. The Legion was still buzzing about the attack on their Prophet and Rhiannon earlier in the day. Many couldn’t believe that F.E.A.R would even dare try to attack their leader. Last meal was almost over and people were finishing up and talking about the events of the day. The Wild Ones were sitting off to the side and discussing about the meeting that was going to take place. Deviant and Mystic were talking about some subject or other. Destroyer was trying to talk to Prophet about heading to the Council Room but Prophet’s attention was drawn elsewhere. “Prophet…are you listening? Hey….hey…Andy!” Destroyer used his friend’s given name.

Prophet’s head whipped around. “What?”

Destroyer turned to look at what his leader was looking at. Rhiannon sat by the fire and she was surrounded by the children of the Legion. She was smiling as she held a baby in her arms. The baby was waving its arms as the woman rocked it in her arms. The children by her side were enthralled by the beautiful woman who seemed to be in the middle of telling them a story. Destroyer could definitely see why his friend’s attention was not on what he was saying. “I know she’s a sight to look at but I need your attention for five minutes.”

Prophet ran his fingers through his hair as he tried to hide the blush that stained his pale cheeks. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. I’m just making sure she’s safe. Especially after today.”

“I’m pretty sure she is safe in our base. I don’t think the kids will let anything happen to her.” Destroyer teased him. “Did you hear anything I said?” He nudged the man’s leg.

“Uh…yeah. Of course I did.” Prophet scoffed.

“Oh really?” Destroyer raised his eyebrows. “What did I say?” He smirked.

Prophet stared at his friend. He tried to think of what his friend said but nothing was coming to mind. In fact he was staring at Rhiannon. Seeing her surrounded by children and holding that baby stirred something inside of him. It made him think of her and what it would be like if she were surrounded by children that she bore him. He had no idea where that image came from but he couldn’t shake it. “You know that’s not important right now. We need to get to the Council Room.”

Destroyer burst out laughing. “Yeah, I thought so.”

“Fuck you.” Prophet growled. He stood up as he glared at his friend. The last thing he wanted to do was share the thoughts he was having with Destroyer.

“Sorry you’re not my type.” Destroyer snickered.

Ignoring him, Prophet looked to the other Wild Ones. “Council Room, five minutes.”

“Sure thing.” Mystic nodded. He and the others stood as they began to head to the Council Room.

Then he looked off into the distance at Rhiannon. She was laughing at something one of the children said. A smile slowly appeared on his face. He took off towards them as he kept his eyes on her the whole time. She was playing with the baby as the children clapped their hands. She would be a great mother someday. She had a great rapport with everyone it seemed.
As he approached the group Rhiannon looked up and smiled brightly. “Prophet!” She looked over to all the children and grinned. “Children, can you say hello to Prophet?” She turned around the baby and made the tiny child wave its hand in a mock wave.

The children giggled as they jumped up and down. “Hello Prophet!” They all said in unison. They all waved to him as they were excited to see him.

Prophet couldn’t stop the smile that appeared on his face. All too often he forgot that even though they were in a war, there were still young ones who were innocent in all of this. He squat down so he was at eye level with them. “Hello kids. I see you guys are having fun with Rhiannon?”

“Yup! We like ‘annon!” One of the little boys jumped up and down. “She’s so cool! She was telling us how you saved her today. When I grow up I want to be just like you!”

Prophet’s eyes snapped up to Rhiannon’s and he licked his lower lip, flicking against his piercing. “That’s what she told you did she?” He chuckled as the little boy nodded. “I can’t take all the credit. Rhiannon fought like a true warrior. She saved my life as well. She’s a great asset to our Legion. We’re lucky to have her.”

“I wanna grow up to be like you ‘annon!” A little girl giggled.

“You’re very sweet.” Rhiannon blushed. She couldn’t stop her heart from beating against her ribcage as Prophet kept staring into her eyes. His eyes were so sensual and blue that she feared becoming lost in them.

“I hate to steal her away but Rhiannon and I have some business we need to get to.” Prophet told them. He chuckled as all the kids frowned and groaned. “I know. I’m sorry. But it’s almost your bedtime anyway. Maybe tomorrow you guys can play with her.”

Rhiannon gave the baby a kiss on the cheek and then handed it off to its mother. “I’m sorry guys. But I have to go with Prophet. Like he said, I’ll be back tomorrow. You guys go to bed like good girls and boys tonight and we’ll play tomorrow.” She stood up. When Prophet held out his hand she took it and stepped away from the fire. “Thank you.”

Pulling her close to him, Prophet wrapped an arm around her waist. He smiled at the children. “Goodnight guys.”

Rhiannon leaned against him as she smiled. “Goodnight everyone.” She blew them a kiss.

“Night Prophet! Night ‘annon!” The children called out.

Laughing softly, Prophet turned around and led Rhiannon away from the fire. “They are adorable.” He couldn’t stop grinning.

“Aren’t they?” Rhiannon laughed. “After I ate my meal I saw Anna trying to calm her baby girl. So I offered to help. I sat with her by the fire and then all the little ones came over. We began to talk and I told them stories of what it was like living in the palace and how I’d play tricks on my sister. Then they’d tell me stories of how it’s like living here.” She giggled. “You know they really look up to you. You’re a hero in their eyes.”

Prophet looked over at her and sighed. “I’m no hero Rhiannon. I do what I have to do to take down the darkness and F.E.A.R. I’m just an ordinary man.” He kicked a stone as they walked. He didn’t want to be thought of as anything special or extraordinary.

Reaching out, Rhiannon put her hand on his arm. “But you are a hero Prophet. At least to those children. They have so little to look forward to in this day and age. All they know is that F.E.A.R is coming to get them. Then there is you, and the Wild Ones. You protect them from that. You honestly have no idea how much that means to them.”

He stopped in front of her and stared into her eyes. He never sought to be anything more than a man. This mantle of leadership had been thrust upon him. All thanks to a prophecy that had been told long before he had even been born. Now all he wanted was to see his people safe and liberated from F.E.A.R. “We’re here at the Council Room.” Prophet brushed past her as he entered the room.

Rhiannon sighed heavily as she turned around and followed him inside. She knew that this topic was making him uncomfortable. What she didn’t know was why. That was a mystery she’d have to solve later. Right now her main priority was her sister. Walking into the Council Room she saw the rest of the Wild Ones were already there. She gave each of them a smile as she hung towards the back.

“You all know what happened today as I was training Rhiannon.” Prophet looked around the room.

“It’s a miracle that you two are still alive.” Deviant put his hands on his hips. “They are moving closer and closer.”

“It’s not a miracle. Prophet is a damn good fighter!” Rhiannon piped up. “He had my back the whole time. Just as I had his. It was because of his training that we survived.” She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at Deviant.

Destroyer’s lips twitched with amusement as he looked over at Mystic. Mourner looked over at Prophet out of the corner of his eyes as he tried not to show any emotion, yet he was trying not to laugh.

“Yes well, thanks to Rhiannon and her boomerangs we survived the encounter. She is quite dangerous with them. In fact so dangerous that I think we’re more than ready to go rescue her sister in the prison.” Prophet rested his palms on the wooden table.

“What?!” Destroyer exclaimed. “Are you serious?”

“I’m very serious.” Prophet nodded his head. “She’s assured me that her sister can be a solid asset to us just as she’s been.”

“But this is F.E.A.R’s prison we’re talking about!” Mourner pointed out. “The place will be filled with Shadow Men!”

“That’s why we’re going at night and it will be only us, the Wild Ones. The fewer of us that are going in, we can sneak in there and then sneak out.” Prophet told him. “Rhiannon knows the layout of the place. She’s was held in there for a long time. She knows how to take care of Shadow Men as well.”

“You can get us in there and back out safely?” Mystic turned to look at her. His eyes drilled into her. The last thing he wanted was to risk his fellow Wild Ones. Especially for someone they weren’t even sure could help.

“I can. I’ve been in several places in that prison. Including the so called Imperial cells.” Rhiannon told him. Her face softened. “I would never put your life or the lives of any of the Wild Ones in danger, Mystic. I know how to defend myself and defend each of you. Prophet taught me well.”

“So we’re really going to do this?” Destroyer looked around at all of them.

“Any of you object?” Prophet asked. When no one said anything, he nodded. “Ok we do this tomorrow night. Before we go we make sure the base is secure and that they are all secure underground, just in case.”

“We’ll lay low until tomorrow night then.” Mourner agreed.

“During the day I’ll meet up with you boys again and I’ll give you the layout of the prison.” Rhiannon looked at each of them. “Or at least the portions I’ve been to. I’ll give you the parts that Morrighan is likely to be in as well.”

“What does your sister look like?” Destroyer asked.

Rhiannon chuckled. “She’s my twin. Exactly like me with one small difference. My eyes are blue. Morrighan’s are lavender.”

“Lavender?” Destroyer’s jaw dropped. “Can someone actually have that eye color?”

Rhiannon giggled. “I assure you they can. Her eyes are beautiful. I’ve always envied her eyes. I always thought there was something wrong with me because my eyes were plain blue and hers were like sparkling amethysts.”

“There is nothing wrong with your eyes at all. They look like beautiful blue topaz.” Prophet spoke up.

Rhiannon’s head spun around to look at him as she blushed. “Thank you.” She pushed her hair behind her ears shyly.

Prophet nodded as he stared at the floor. He couldn’t believe he burst out saying that. In front of the other Wild Ones too. He ran his fingers through his hair as he cleared his throat. “So um tonight we’ll just head out. We’ll meet up here tomorrow after mid-day meal?”

“Sure, sounds good.” Mystic smirked as he shared a look with Mourner.

“Ok well I’m headed over to Trixie’s place.” Deviant wiggled his eyebrows.

“Make sure you double wrap it or one of those kids by the fire tonight could end up being one of yours in the future.” Destroyer smirked.

“Fuck all of you.” Deviant drawled as he made his way towards the door. “Well all except you sweetie.” He gave Rhiannon a kiss on the cheek.

She chuckled. “You be a good boy.” She pushed him away playfully.

“Never!” Deviant called out and then he was gone.

“We’re out of here as well. See you all tomorrow.” Mystic gave a wave as he dragged Mourner and Destroyer with him.

“Bye boys.” Rhiannon grinned.

“Do I have to remind you three to stay out of trouble?” Prophet stood up and walked towards the door.

“No Dad, we’ll be good!” Destroyer called out as they all walked out.

“They keep you busy.” Rhiannon laughed as she turned to look at Prophet.

He groaned as he ran his hands over his face. “Too busy.” He pulled his hands down and flashed his trademark smile. “I think I need a vacation.”

Rhiannon burst out laughing as she put her hands on his chest as she let her head fall against it. Since she met him, Prophet was always making her laugh and smile. He had definitely changed her life for the better. “You love those boys like brothers. You’d be lost without them.” She lifted her head and smiled up at him.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, Prophet cocked his head from side to side. “Meh…maybe.” He chuckled. They both started laughing. “Yeah ok you have a point.” He brushed her hair from her face. “They are the only family I have left.” He sighed.

“What happened to your family?” Rhiannon asked as her brows furrowed.

Prophet looked down and his shoulders sagged. “After F.E.A.R took over we were all hiding out in any safe haven we could. By then I was having the visions. I had no idea what they were at first. I had a vision in my dream of us being attacked by a dark cloud. I had no idea what that meant. It bothered me for weeks. Then one day shortly after dusk the Shadow Men attacked. They killed nearly everyone in our hideout. The only people that escaped were me, and the rest of the Wild Ones, along with about twenty other men and women. My parents were some of those that were killed. In fact all the family of the Wild Ones died.” His voice was hollow.

Rhiannon threw her arms around his body and hugged him tight. “I’m so sorry Prophet.” She buried her face in the crook of his neck. She tried to comfort him as best she could. She knew exactly what it was like to lose your family. At least when she lost her father she had her sister with her. He had no one.

He cleared his throat as he hugged her back. “You know, since we’re alone and we’ve gotten to be so close maybe it’s time you called me by my given name.” He whispered.

She continued to cuddle up to him as she ran her fingers through his hair. “I would love to hear it. After all you know my dreadful name.” Rhiannon joked.

“Hey now, your name is beautiful.” He tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. “Mystic told me it meant Great Queen.” Prophet caressed her cheek. “It fits you. When this is all over you will be a great queen.”

“What is your name?” Rhiannon quickly changed the subject. She leaned against his hand, loving the feel of his skin against hers.

Once again he broke out into his trademark smile before biting down on his lower lip. “My name is Andrew, or as everyone used to call me, Andy.” He spoke softly. It had been such a long time since he had used his real name or even heard it on anyone’s lips besides his fellow Wild Ones.

“Andy.” Rhiannon tested it out. Her lips formed a warm smile. “I like that. It’s a pleasure to meet the real you, Andy.”

He took her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles as he stared into her eyes. “It’s a pleasure and an honor to meet you, Rhiannon.”

She laughed shyly as she reached up to cup his face. “You know how to make a woman blush.”

“Already?” He laughed. “And we’re not even near a bedroom!” He joked.

Her eyes widened as she pushed at his chest. “You’re bad!” She blushed again. The thought of doing anything with him in a bedroom had her biting her lower lip. She could feel the heat from her face and she knew she must look like she had horrible sunburn.

“What’s the point of being good all the time if you can’t be a little bad once in awhile.” He teased her. His lips brushed against her ear.

Rhiannon clung to the sides of his jacket as she closed her eyes. The images floating around in her head were not ones she had ever thought of before. The feel of his full lips brushing against her ear sent tingles throughout her body. It was a feeling she never felt before. “I—I should get to bed. It’s been a long day.” She looked up into his eyes. She sucked in her breath. Prophet or Andy’s eyes were no longer just normal bright blue. They were glazed over with a lustful look as they bore into hers. She swallowed hard. “Goodnight Andy. I’ll see you in the morning.” She whispered.

“Goodnight little one.” He cupped her chin and lightly brushed his lips against hers. “Sleep well.”

A spark exploded between them as their lips touched. Rhiannon felt her body go weak and it took several seconds before she gained control again. She finally pulled herself away and smiled shyly at him before turning to walk out of the room.

Watching her go Prophet licked his lips. Never before had he wanted a woman as badly as her before. He knew then he’d do anything for Rhiannon. Anything.

Notes

Next chapter is when we meet Rhiannon's twin sister, Morrighan and we see how Destroyer reacts to meeting her.