BLACKOUT

I don't own anything related to this story, be it Troy or something else, I do own my own characters and universe!

New chapter, hopefully this one is up nice and fast. I haven't been feeling well of late, had to have a brain scan. I cri.

But it seems nothing is horrible with me, so here we are. (I HAVE A BRAIN!)

Note to everyone asking what is happening with different characters, I don't stuff everything into one chapter if I can help it, I will elude to things, but some characters won't be mentioned for awhile at a time. Like Helikon.

I already introduced someone important really early on, try to guess who. (He's a big Greek 'hero')

Thanks for all the reviews, follows and favorites!

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Witches Are Tricky

Asha walked into her room to a strange sight, Hector was dozing on her bed, arm draped across his face. She wondered how long he had been here for and strode over to him, gazing down at his open mouth.

Giving a sigh, she pulled the blanket she had over him, not stirring him. Asha then turned to her bath place, making sure that the door was locked she grabbed the buckets of hot water Hector must have brought with himself. Pouring the water in she slipped out of her clothes and into the steaming waters, it wasn't as hot as it could have been, Hector had obviously been here for awhile.

She scrubbed the salt from her skin and washed her hair, giving a sigh she sunk into the water and closed her eyes.

A noise came from her bed, alerting her to the fact that Hector was waking up. She jumped out of the bath and slid her nightclothes on, basically an oversized tunic and tried to dry her dripping hair.

"Goodmorning princess." Asha called to Hector, walking to her bed and sitting on the edge, giving the prince a smug grin.

He gave a groan and opened his eyes, "When you didn't come back I got worried." Then his eyes landed on her, and that she barely wore anything.

"Sorry about that," Asha sighed, she jumped back up and grabbed her backpack, "I went through the tunnel, met an evil god and ran into Silva. He wants me on a 'Witch Hunt'. Oh and I have powers."

"I'm sorry. What?" Hector asked, he sat up straight, his eyes narrowed, "You just took a bath and are packing, are you leaving tonight?"

"Hmm? No. I'm leaving in the morning, but Silva wants me overnight. So he can have a great nights sleep. Luckily his bed is super comfy." She shoved some tunics and leggings into the backpack, then rolled her underwear away as well, she glanced to the bed, where Hector had gotten up.

"You will have to fight me, before I let you go." He growled.

She shook her head, crossing her arms, "I am a big girl Hector, and Silva is somewhat friendly, he hasn't tried to kill me like most people."

"You don't know what he wants with you." Hector stated, his eyes trailing over her, her clothes were soaked and goosebumps were on her arms.

"I know he doesn't want me the way you think he does. He's truly a dragon god. More dragon then god. And he is utterly peeved at this witch. I'm happy to go with him if it means I get to learn more interesting things. And control my power." Asha explained, she walked forwards and grabbed Hectors hand, holding it reassuringly, "I will be back in a couple of days or so. You won't even notice I was gone."

He shook his head, "At least come out to the party and meet my father."

Asha sighed, she shrugged and grabbed a pair of leggings, slipping them on in front of a blushing Hector, "Come on, I'm just a girl that you have seen almost naked already." She winked at him, grabbing her blue trench coat that Lupaz had given her and slipping it on, "Lead the way."

"You..." Hector started, obviously about to state something but then chose not to, instead he turned around and out the door, Asha walked beside him quietly, "Asha. Please don't get hurt."

"I won't. I know so because I have so much to do. And I need to do it." Asha said sternly, "I want to protect you, like I was never able to protect my family." She stopped talking.

"Your-" But the look she gave him stopped the Prince from asking the questions rolling in his mind, "I believe you. I will try and keep Sophia and Kyle behaving."

Asha laughed, "That's impossible."

"You can always try." He said, then they fell into a companionable silence.

Asha was still smiling as they entered the main courtyard, Goldem was there talking with Lupaz, and when she entered his eyes were on her instantly.

Lupaz disappeared and reappeared beside her, "You went missing. Even I couldn't find your aura."

"I was in the Dragon Realm. Went through the wrong portal. Met your uncle, cruel brute." Asha explained, continuing to smile.

She felt Hector stiffen when he saw Lupaz's shocked look, the look of surprise that she was still standing here in one piece, "You poor thing." Lupaz murmured, he waved to Goldem and the brother came over, "Shadow had a go at Asha."

"God's." Goldem shook his head, "You look no worse for wear... Your neck."

"Yeah. He grabbed me by the throat when I first said hi. Then broke my arm."

"Asha!" Hector exclaimed, "Are you ok?"

She shrugged, "Yes. I healed very fast. He stole the coin off of me. Then my powers kicked in and I ran into Silva."

"What affinity do you have? I had a bet with Goldem that it's for fire, he said earth." Lupaz asked.

"Wind. You both lose." Asha stuck her tongue out at the God's and grinned, "So Silva is my mentor. I'm going on a 'Witch Hunt' with him."

"Exciting!" Lupaz stated, "I might stalk you. I love annoying my big brother."

"You won't see me around. Witches have a strange thing they do to me." Goldem said, shivering.

Asha was intrigued, "Do they tickle you?" She asked off handily.

The God gave her a glare, "They want to use me for some rituals of theirs. And dances, and anything to do with them."

"Oh no! So horrible." Asha exclaimed, she gave a grin, "so they do tickle you? That would be hilarious. Maybe I should tie you up and bring you with me."

"How about I tie you up?" Goldem purred, he stepped closer to Asha, but was blocked by Hector, "Prince, get out of my way. I am getting tired of your interference."

"Ten drachma's that Hector tries to attack Goldem." Lupaz whispered in Asha's ear, the material of his silk tunic brushing her arm, "We cannot interfere, just stand here and say nothing."

Asha pondered it, then glanced back to the two men, "Deal. I bet you Hector won't attack him."

Lupaz shook her proffered hand and gave her a wink.

Then they stood and watched the magic unfold.

Hector took a step closer to Goldem, "You may be a God, but I can tell you what to do at this palace. I am going to protect Asha from you until the day I die."

Goldem grinned, his eyes flashing in challenge, "That won't be long, the way the fates tell it. Maybe I can make that inevitable time come faster mortal?"

Lupaz gave a pained look when it became obvious that they would have to interfere to save Hectors life.

Asha tugged his shirt, "How about we go dance? They will notice and stop."

The God of the Jewel gave a wicked grin, "I can chose the type of dance?"

Sighing Asha nodded, "Nothing too raunchy."

Grabbing her arm and leading her towards the dancers Lupaz shot her a grin, "No promises." Then he slung an arm around her waist and started to waltz with her.

Her feet moving fast Asha gave the god a glare and spun with him, placing a hand on his shoulder, they both glanced over to the two they had left and both laughed.

Goldem and Hector had spun around the minute they had left and were staring open-mouthed at the two dancers.

Asha laughed, "I guess I win the bet." She wiggled her eyebrows then flung out her arms as he pirouetted her, "Hey, no fancy moves, I don't have the training."

Lupaz sneaked his hand into the pocket of her coat and she heard the jingle of money, "I will have to give you lessons." He made her bend backwards like in the dance shows.

"Stop with the moves mate." She laughed, Asha was having fun, she spotted Sophia and Kyle dancing together slowly.

Lupaz twirled her once more, then as the music slowed he placed her hands on his chest, "Are you mentally prepared to be in Silva's presence on a witch hunt?" He asked.

"You say it like I should be meditating and putting layers of armour on," Asha raised her eyebrows, "It's nothing I can't handle, I think. Why?"

"Silva, can be very bossy at times. And there will be people on the way to the witch that will try to kill you Asha, and he will be unpleasant company when that happens." Lupaz stated, he gestured to Hector, "He won't protect you like the prince would, or even as Goldem would," Then he cocked his head, "But he will also need your help, he's a god stuck in a form he is not used to, he doesn't understand the limitation's even a gods human body can have. He won't be able to destroy monsters with a flick of his fingers Asha, he is used to that. He once destroyed an entire civilisation in his dragon form by blinking an eye."

"Charming." Asha stated, then she shrugged, "I don't mind him Lupaz. He is still extremely powerful. And I can defend myself. More often then not I would bet that enemies would target him, that reminds me," She released the god, pulling away and narrowing her eyes at him, "Promise that you will protect Hector, someone wants him dead. And if he is hurt when I return I will hurt you."

"I haven't promised anything yet Ash." Lupaz laughed, "But you have my word. I know that even Goldem won't hurt him. We shall both take turns protecting this city and its inhabitants against the darkness."

That reminded her of something, a certain god of chaos, "Shadow, he's trying to kill Hector?"

"He's the mastermind behind an organisation that is attempting to slay the prince, yes. And I know that he will be watching your every move. You escaped him Asha, unscathed," He nodded, "Yes, he does worse then just choke you and break your arm to the people who come into contact with him. I fear Frisia has succumbed to that pain, and the things that come with worshipping him."

"She did seem to like being used as a toy." Asha said bitterly, biting her lip, she gestured to the drink table, "I need a drink. Badly."

Lupaz nodded and followed her to the table, they were soon joined by Goldem, who brushed a hand down Asha's back.

"I would like a dance after you have a drink Asha." The Sun God stated, he grabbed a blue drink and took a sip.

Asha grabbed one that smelled of moonlight, if that had a scent, it was a molten silver and she sensed that it was chock full of alcohol, "You finished fighting with Hector?"

He scoffed, raising his glass in a toast, she clinked hers with his, "The prince had to go to his father." Goldem gestured to where a stern looking man was standing, with Hector beside him.

"So that's king Priam," Asha took a gulp of her drink then started towards the royalty, "I will save you a dance."

Goldem nodded, turning away from the retreating girl and conversing with his brother.

Crossing the floor and dodging several couples of dancers, groping hands and waiters carrying a hefty amount of pork Asha waved at Hector, "Hey there."

King Priam raised a silver eyebrow at Asha, his hair was tinted with golden threads, but was mostly greyed, he was a strong looking man and Asha could see the resemblance in Hector from him, he rubbed his bearded chin as he regarded the woman in front of him, "Why are you not marrying this girl my son? She is very beautiful."

Asha's cheeks flamed and she saw Hectors look of surprise, "I don't understand father-"

Priam laughed, the sound strong and sure, "I was playing with you, though it would be smart to take her as your mistress. She would make a fine turn in the bed."

Asha wanted to hide in a corner, this was the Priam from the series by David Gemmel, that character was lecherous, and well, downright into getting into peoples heads.

Hector's cheeks were brushed with pink as his eyes shot to Asha's, they were apologetic, "Asha is my friend father. And the Chosen One of the Gods."

"Ha! Being the Chosen One does not mean she cannot lay with a man!" Priam chuckled, he walked to Asha, who stood flabbergasted before them, "Look at her, those legs that any man would like to have wrapped around-"

"Excuse me!" Asha snapped out of her daze, she glared at the King, "I don't think you have the right to talk about me that way in front of so many people, King or no." She took a step backwards and crossed her arms, "I for one will not tolerate it! Hector is a dear friend of mine and I will not have you shaming him in front of such a crowd!" For there was a crowd indeed, many men had been agreeing to what Priam had been stating. Heckabe was to the side, laughing at her son.

King Priam raised his eyebrows and everyone expected him to hit Asha, "You dare talk to a king like that?"

"You are no King of mine. And I will only respect you if you respect me!" Asha growled, in the corner of her eye she saw Lupaz make a bet with Goldem about something and wished that he wouldn't win.

"You are a woman."

"I may be a woman. But I will bleed blood, sweat and tears for my friends and comrades and will certainly not stand disgusting remarks as those that you have stated!" Asha growled, "Back in my land women are treated equally, and I expect you to respect that fact!"

Everyone was silent as Priam studied the girl in front of him, he nodded appreciatively, "She would make a fine wife Hector. A shame you are promised to Andromache."

Everyone let out a sigh of relief, even Asha gave a sigh, "Andromache is a fine woman too." Asha stated, she wiped her brow giving Hector a small grin.

His eyes were wide in shock, he hadn't expected what his father had said to her, but Asha had, afterall, his character was a perv.

"Hmph." Priam gave Asha a once over, then said, "Enjoy your stay in this city." Then he turned, his robe trailing along the ground, the Kind walked over to a pretty brunette girl, wrapping his arms around he the King whispered something in her ear.

"I was expecting that." Asha laughed, she turned to Hector, "He's so in character."

"And you are taking my breath away." Hector stated, he closed his eyes, giving a small laugh, "I didn't expect that. I thought he would try to do something lewd to you and we wouldn't have a King any more."

"Hey, I was expecting that too!" She grinned at him, walking over she patted his shoulder, "Hector, come on. It's ok. The test has been defeated! We have prevailed! The planet has been spared!"

Hector gave her hair a ruffle, "You make no sense sometimes Asha."

"Ah, that's why everyone loves and worships me! Now kiss my feet and beg me to spare you a thought!" Asha gave Hector a wink, "And I might think of giving you a dance. Though I have promised Goldem one."

"You can't give him a dance!" Hector suddenly said, he looked away, "He's just using you."

"I already knew that Hector. I wasn't born yesterday." Asha laughed, she grabbed her friends arm and pulled him to the dance floor, gulping down the rest of her drink she gave it to a passing waiter and placed both hands on Hector's chest, pulling him by his shirt and forcing him to place a hand on her waist, "Come on, dance!" She knew she was drunk, on one drink, she was a mean drunk, very bossy.

Hector followed her orders, but they didn't do any extravagant moves like Lupaz had forced her into, instead they danced normally, twirling around, never losing touch of each other.

Asha smiled fondly up at Hector, his beautiful eyes mesmerising her, "You really are awesome."

"I have no idea what that word means." He stated, then looked up quickly as someone tapped his shoulder, it was Goldem.

"She promised me a dance." The God stated before Hector could say anything, the prince relinquished his hold, giving the God a glare and stomping over to the drinks table, Goldems warm hands wrapped around Asha's waist, "So Shadow stole the Artefact from you?"

Asha gave Goldem a frown when his hands wandered, she slapped his arm, knowing he couldn't feel it, "I had it safe in the place you put it, and he grabbed it from me!"

Goldem's eyes seemed to burn, "He dared touch you? He hates humans."

"He found me interesting, he was going to 'finish up' what he and Fresia had started in his room with me. Which didn't seem very pleasant for me!" Asha whined, "I even stabbed him through the chest! The guy has no heart."

"We God's cant get hurt by wounds like that Asha, we can pretend, but we are immortal." Goldem stated, he leaned forwards, brushing Asha's cheek with his lips, "When you are with Silva he will not attack you. But make sure not to stray or part with that God. Silva is strong, and Shadow fears him."

"Because wind is great against shadows?" Asha asked, her cheeks were flushed as the God pulled back and spun her around, his hand brushing her stomach.

"No, it does nothing against shadows, fire does. Silva has an attack that Shadow fears, it's brilliance destroys the darkness."

"You would be pretty useful against him, can I get a miniature version of you somewhere? So I can take you with me." Asha asked, Goldem spun her away from the dance floor and to the drinks table.

"I'm afraid not. And I will be nowhere nearby. But Lupaz will be around, right brother?" Goldem stated, releasing Asha.

She gave Lupaz an inquisitive look, "This scrawny guy? Nah. He can't help one bit." She grabbed another one of those silver drinks and saw Lupaz raise his eyebrows.

"Those drinks will make you very drunk Asha." Lupaz stated, "And I am not scrawny, I just don't rely on brawn as much as I do brain."

Asha laughed, she took a large sip of the drink, "I'm retiring soon, so it's not you who has to deal with me."

"I feel sorry for Silva." Goldem muttered.

Asha shrugged, "Well. He told me to be quick. Give my regards to the peeps!" She gave a mock bow, almost falling over, giggling she reached up on her tippy toes and gave Goldem a kiss on the cheek, she copied the action on Lupaz, then on a staring Hector.

"See ya!" She laughed.

"Silva is a lucky devil." Lupaz muttered.

Going through her doors Asha finished her drink off and placed it on the beside table, forgetting it was there instantly, she grabbed her backpack with was packed and prepared to make the journey to Silva's room. Giving a moan as the world swam around her she muttered, "Fi...gore oabler."

The portal didn't open.

Asha gave a groan, pressing her hands into the wall, "Figore Oahr." The portal did open this time and she fell forwards, landing in a heap.

Rubbing her head Asha stood up, eyes glued to the silver thread, ignoring the pulsating black one, she flipped the bird at that thread, hoping that Shadow felt her hate even from the portal.

After stumbling for what felt like hours Asha reached Silva's room with a huge headache, "Figore Oahr." She mumbled, stepping through the portal and hearing it close behind her. She found Silva's beautiful eyes on her.

He was naked, again.

"Did you know!" Asha held a finger up and grinned at the God, "Wearing no clothes is improper around a lady in the human world."

Given the slight narrowing of his eyes Asha knew that she sounded drunk, "This isn't the human world."

"Well then." Asha shrugged, "I had two of those silver drink thingos that Lupaz brought to the party. I do not think I was meant to have drunk them." She moved forwards, towards the bed.

Silva's eyes followed her, "They are for Gods to drink, you humans cannot stand having so much alcohol."

Asha nodded, not really listening, "They made me dizzy." Not even noticing that she was doing so, Asha started to get undressed, her coat falling to the floor with her pants.

Silva didn't seem fazed, instead he moved over to his side of the bed, "Go to sleep the-" He broke off when she discarded the rest of her clothes, eye's widening, "And is that appropriate in your world?"

Asha gave a shrug, jumping under the sheets and rubbed her eyes and yawned, "This isn't my world."

Then she rested her head to the side and closed her eyes.

Lupaz gave a sigh, knowing that when she woke up she would probably yell curses, but he didn't care. Slipping into the bed beside her and ignoring the softness of her skin he too fell into blissful sleep.

Asha groaned as she woke up, rubbing a hand through her hair and stretching like a cat, she felt Silva's arms wrapped around her naked waist.

She froze and leaped out of bed, swearing colourfully to the sound of the god laughing.

"Goodmorning Asha." Silva stated calmly.

Asha blushed, pulling her clothes on quickly she turned to the god, "We didn't... you know."

An eyebrow rose and Silva cocked his head, "We slept Asha. I wasn't the one who snuggled to you. It was the opposite. Your quite aggressive when drunk, and asleep."

"I uh, oh gods. Sorry. Those drinks, well they defriently made me drunk. It won't happen again!" Asha frowned.

Silva shrugged, "I sleep naked, I do not see your worry about it. I am a dragon Asha, your human body is not appealing." He stood up, giving a slight smile as she looked away quickly, "I see it is not the same for you."

"No, it's just I am not used to men parading in front of me naked!" Asha exclaimed, "Your a good enough looking guy, but, your you." She shrugged, opening her eyes and giving a frown, "It's early."

"It actually isn't. Time passes slower in this realm, and in the realm we shall cross to it shall be even slower." Silva explained, he shimmered in silver light and was clothed in his usual kimono like robe which suited him, "Good enough." Asha heard him mutter under his breath and saw the frown of confusion on his face.

"How many realms are there?" Asha asked, she shrugged her backpack on and followed the God as he walked outside the door. He held it open and they walked side by side down the moonlit path, this time they were heading away from Shadow. They brushed past several plain looking people.

"Those are serfs. Humans who wish to serve the dragons." Silva explained, "there are countless realms. We have no count on them."

"Wouldn't you try and keep a count on them?" Asha asked, she dodged a huge boulder like man who glared at her.

"Terra." Silva said in greeting, pausing on the path.

The boulder man stopped, still glaring at Asha, "Lord Silva. You have a little bird following you. Stay ten steps away from the Lord."

Asha blinked, looking to Silva for help, finding none she stepped backwards fast, almost slamming into a passing woman. She instantly recognised her, Fresia.

The woman recognised her too, eyes wide, "Hello again," She curtsied to Silva, "M'lord." Then she turned around and headed back the way she came.

"She's going to inform Shadow that you are here. Come Asha." Silva snapped, he strode off, Terra giving him a deep bow and shooting a dark look at Asha, "Terra does not like humans." Silva explained as they walked.

Going down a flight of stairs that were made out of quartz she nodded, "Or maybe he doesn't like sharing you." Giving the silver god a wink.

Silva shook his head, "I do not think that is the case Asha."

She shrugged, "Believe what you want. I shall stick to my theory."

Giving her an annoyed look they passed through a low archway and into a bright courtyard, the flowers growing in it were beautiful and exotic. There were massive roses of all colours, the one Asha liked the most was a light blue with tips of purple, she stared after it, "Nice gardens."

Following her gave Silva shrugged, "They have been cultivated for almost a millennia, I think nice is an understatement."

"Got to have some skills to look after things that old." Asha stated, she watched a faun leap around joyfully with a swirling bunch of leaves, "And I thought this was the dragon realms, not the every mythological being realm."

"The Dragon Realms, or Iccial Realm as we call it, are a middle of the realms. Many pass through to go back to their own realms, or get back to Earth. Some stay to enjoy the delights this realm offers. But we are not passing through for sightseeing Asha. We need to get to the portal before Shadow finds us." Silva snapped his fingers.

Asha smile fell from her face and she hurried after the God, they passed through a cold marble tunnel and into a round room.

Her mouth fell open. Rainbows danced around pillars made out of precious jewels and reached out into the sky. The ground under Asha's feet was glass and she could see a beautiful golden liquid flowing underneath with small fairy like being wading through. The air sung with beautiful noises, like an Amazonian forest full of birds. In the middle of the room was a huge mirror, it was as tall as a tree and framed by gilded gold.

"This is the room which will take us to the Witch's Realm. Each Realm has a room." Silva explained, he walked over to the mirror, his feet leaving imprints in the glass, "The room remembers who comes through, a security feature."

"Nifty." Asha stated, she followed Silva until they stood in front of the mirror. She stared at herself in it, then looked back in shock when she found she hadn't left imprints, "Silva..."

"I made it forget you. Don't want Shadow knowing where you went to." The god explained, he gave her a small smile, then clicked his fingers.

The mirror started to swirl with unknown energies, then it settled to show a dense swamp.

"Swamp, witches, got it." Asha grumbled.

"Hold my hand." Silva stated and she did so. The god pulled her forwards, "This might hurt a bit."

And then walked into the mirror.

Shortish chapter. Heck, not really. Considering I just wrote another 6K chapter for a different story I think I did good.

Next chapter will be muddy. Yay.

SB7 Reporting Out!