1 The Goddess and her Fox

Chapter 1

Dario-

Watching her walk through the garden, I couldn't help but see just how gracefully she truly moved. It was as though she floated across the ground. Her long pure white hair nearly reached the ground. Her face, almost fairy-like in appearance, was soft and sweet, her round arctic blue eyes were almost white around her pupil. She was perfect in nearly all aspects, and I was born and raised to protect her. My Goddess, Aria the Lioness of God, the woman I have fallen madly in love with.

"Dario, would you please accompany me to my library?" I stood straight, her soft and easy voice reached me as I heard a branch break. Always armed, I braced myself for any danger to come to my Goddess. When the dark mass flew from the tree line, I rolled into action. I was blocking Aria, my shield braced in front of me and my sword ready to strike. As the mass of darkness dropped to the ground in front of me, looking like a blob it formed into a monster with one single eye, and a grinning set of long, sharp and jagged teeth, running on all fours, damn Morphling. It's teeth stained with blood from a recent kill, I wasn't going to let it top off it's dinner with Aria.

I swing my mighty sword down, the monster jumping back and only being grazed by the tip. It screeched in pain as black ooze dripped from the wound. Bracing myself, I got ready for the monster to strike to make my next move. I'd fought enough of these masses to know they aren't patient fighters. As I suspected, it charged me I pushed my shield right into it's face knocking it back, and drove my blade through it's head.

The screech the monster let out slowly garbled into nothing as it died. Arias hand was suddenly on my shoulder. "Thank you, Dario. I am lucky to have a warrior like you watching over me." I looked up into my Goddess kind eyes, her eyes showed me love. However, I knew that love only went so far…

Aria-

I looked into my warriors eyes, seeing the depth of his love for me broke my heart. I wanted to tell him I loved him, but I am to be married to another God. Father wouldn't have it any other way. Knowing that I could never be with the man I loved made me wish for a life that wasn't immortal. One where we could be together, grow old like the mortals. But alas, it couldn't be I moved my hand from his shoulder, and moved to leave the garden. I didn't have to look behind me, I knew Dario was there. He was always there, making sure I was safe from the dark creatures that plague our world.

Deciding to forgo the library, I went straight to my fathers throne room. Currently empty, I looked around. "My Lady…" Dario cleared his throat, I didn't turn to look I know I'm not supposed to be in here. I wanted to look at the room that I would one day sit in, along side my father and brother. My father named me Aria, he calls me his 'Little Lioness', wanting me to be a strong Goddess. I have been trained to fight, I could defend myself if needed. But, with Dario, I never need it. My father wanted me to be able to fight in any wars the Gods may get into. My Goddess status isn't official yet. I have to prove myself in some way, I hope to do this before I am married off. I want to make a name for myself, not carry one one.

Dario cleared his throat again breaking my inner tangent, I looked up to tell him we would leave in a moment. But instead I was Dario standing at full attention, with his head bowed. I looked up, "Hello father."

His stern face settled on me, "Aria, you are not supposed to be in the Throne room. This is a sacred place reserved for the Gods and Goddesses of note." My fathers voice was always stern with me, but I could feel the love behind it. He knows that I am just eager to join them, but he is right. I am not supposed to be in this room until I have earned the title of "Goddess".

"Father, my apologies. I just wanted to come in here, feel the energy of this room and maybe get a sign of what my meaning is."

Dario-

I couldn't believe I didn't hear Lord Cyril approach. Listening to them but not daring to look up, Aria explained why she was in the room. Aria wasn't the type to lie, her fathers words softened. "I understand, but my Little Lioness, you needn't worry about it. Your time will come when it comes, you could prove yourself in a way that you may have never seen coming. When the moment comes, you'll know it." He turned to me, "Dario." His voice was bordering on angry, "Look to me warrior," I looked up. His blue eyes pierced through my soul, his long black hair was braided and hanging over his shoulder. I stood only a few inches shorter than him, and we nearly matched in muscle build. Yet, I felt so much weaker than this God. Lord Cyril continued to speak to me, "Take Aria to her Bed Chamber. She will have visitors tomorrow and needs to rest."

I felt my heart sink, the visitors had to be the potential suitors to Aria. "Do as I command warrior." I bowed my head, "Yes Lord Cyril." Lord Cyril turned to Aria again, "Sleep well Little Lioness." With that he left.

I looked to Aria her face was sad, there was nothing I could really do. "I'm sorry, Lady Aria. I will need to escort you to your room at this time." Aria started walking out of the room, I followed as she took the familiar path, when we got to her room, her room guards opened her door, "Good night, Lady Aria. Sleep well." I bowed my head to her, she sighed, "Yes, good night Dario. I hope you sleep better than I will." She closed the door, I stood for a moment. Almost waiting, I wasn't sure what for. I shook myself and nodded to the guards, "Contact me if there are any problems." They bowed their heads to me.

I turned on my heel and left to go to my quarters. Walking away from my Goddess, knowing that tomorrow she will meet the Gods who have earned the right to her hand. I will have to accompany her on any outing with them, and make sure she is safe at all times. Fuck, why couldn't I have been born to be a God…