"Swords for duels?" Selam Alex's eyebrows shot up in disbelief as she eyed the weapon Razz held out. "You've got to be kidding me." She hesitated before reaching out to touch the handle, then tracing the intricate designs carved into the hilt. "Where did Wonder Woman learn to use a sword?"
"I'll take you to her teacher as soon as I get a chance," Rile promised, his tone laced with a determination that gave Alex pause.
"You may choose daggers." Razz gestured towards a table covered in various weapons. "Your first challenge awaits."
Without hesitation, Selam Alex snatched up the largest dagger and swept out of the door, her heart pounding with adrenaline.
The Anolis female, her hide glistening, paid no attention to Alex's arrival until Alex was charging at her full force before the go signal had fully left the moderator's mouth.
With a fierce battle cry, Selam Alex punched the Anolis in the muzzle with one hand while simultaneously slashing across her chest with her dagger. The Anolis stumbled back, dazed by the unexpected attack. Taking advantage of her momentary weakness, Alex quickly hooked her leg and brought her down to the ground in one smooth motion.
The wounded female lay on the ground, writhing in pain as Alex held her down. The metallic tang of blood filled the air, mixing with the musty smell of sweat and fear. "Hey, do I kill her or not?" Alex's voice was cool, belying the brutality of her actions.
"I give her points for asking," Razz remarked from his spot in the audience.
"I don't," Rile replied tersely, his face etched with disapproval.
"This was a traditional challenge, not to the death," Razz called out.
"Whatever." Selam Alex let out a frustrated sigh as she delivered a final bloody swipe across the female's skin before rising to her feet. She turned her attention towards the male that had been nervously standing by. "You're mine now. Do you know how to give back rubs?"
"I'll learn," he promised eagerly, obviously wanting to please his new mate.
In just one week, Selam Alex had gathered over half a dozen new mates. She was living in luxury, receiving back rubs, foot rubs, manicures and pedicures on demand. Rile couldn't help but wonder how her skin hadn't shriveled off from all the baths she took. It was probably because she was constantly being oiled like a prized machine.
"I should thank you," Selam Alex said to Rile as her latest mate learned the fine art of scalp massage. "This is a sweet deal."
"You're supposed to emancipate them," Rile reminded her sternly, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.
"That was your arrangement with your honey-bun, not me," Selam Alex retorted. "I treat my mates right, don't I boys?" She looked around at her adoring partners, who all nodded eagerly in agreement. "Plenty of food, rest, and medical care for my boys." Alex caught sight of the disapproving look on Rile's face and couldn't resist adding, "I guess you were just so good in bed that she never needed anyone else, huh?"
"Stop talking about her like that!" Rile finally snapped. He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Rile passed Razz in the dimly lit hallway, his expression a thundercloud of fury. Razz wisely kept to the shadows, allowing the tempest to pass unchallenged.
"Rile looked most upset. Was that your doing?" Razz asked as he stepped into Selam Alex's quarters, his voice tinged with curiosity.
All of Selam Alex's companions tensed and exchanged uneasy glances. The mere mention of Rile was enough to darken their mistress's mood like an ominous cloud blotting out the sun.
"I'm sick of hearing about the Amazing Queen of the Universe," Selam Alex grumbled, her irritation palpable. She leaned back and closed her eyes. "Hey, don't stop rubbing my scalp, sweetie."
The little male resumed massaging Selam Alex's scalp, smiling up at Razz.
Razz raised an eye-ridge. "I wonder why he even mentions her to you. My fellow emancipated males and I are deeply grateful for your assistance."
Selam Alex sighed. "You're welcome. So how did Miss Perfect meet her end, anyway?"
"Morgan killed her," Razz replied solemnly. "After he starved and tortured her."
Selam Alex's eyes snapped open, blazing with anger as a string of colorful curses escaped her lips.
"I see that I have given you something to think about," Razz observed calmly. "Perhaps you should remain here instead of returning to your home world."
Selam Alex's eyes filled with uncertainty and hope. "Can I do that?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I thought I didn't have a choice in assignments."
Razz's smile was gentle as he reached out to touch her shoulder. "You would resign as a Guardian."
The weight of this decision settled heavily upon Selam Alex's shoulders, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of relief at the thought of staying in this enchanted world forever. "I can do that, too?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Razz simply shrugged. "Why not? Just do not step through any portals."
Selam Alex's gaze wandered over to her harem, their faces full of concern and love for her. She knew they would support whatever decision she made, and their presence brought warmth and comfort to her heart. "What do you boys think?" she asked them, hoping for some guidance.
Their answers were filled with reassurances and promises of loyalty, their words washing over her like a soothing balm. In that moment, Alex was determined to hold onto this happiness and never let it go.
***
A/N
Do you think Alex's decision is justified?
Dedicated to
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Guardians - Alternate Universes
FantasyAU's are addictive in all fandoms and I am no exception. Here in the AU, I am free to do what I want and kill whatever character I want. So buckle up, buttercups, here we go!
