Dark clouds churned in the skies above the floating islands of the Skybound Realm, growing heavier as a swirling vortex emerged. From its center, a portal tore through reality, and an unending swarm of winged demons poured forth. Their guttural roars echoed across the realm, and the air grew thick with malice.
Standing at the edge of the largest island, Jareth gritted his teeth. His eyes burned with determination as he turned to the survivors cowering behind him.
"Stay where you are!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "I'll handle this. None of you are to engage—your lives aren't worth losing over these pests!"
He raised his hands to the sky, his aura surging. Ancient runes ignited beneath his feet, spreading outward in intricate patterns. Golden light erupted around the islands, forming a dome-shaped barrier that sealed the realm.
"Let them try to break through this," Jareth muttered.
A Display of Power
The demons crashed against the barrier in a frenzy, their claws and weapons bouncing harmlessly off its divine light. Jareth's lips curled into a smirk.
"So desperate," he sneered, stepping forward. "Fine. Let me show you what happens when you challenge a god's chosen."
With a deafening roar, his body erupted in light. Scales of molten gold covered his form, and his wings unfurled, casting an immense shadow over the islands. His draconic Godform stood fully revealed—a towering figure of power and majesty.
The demons faltered for a moment, their advance slowing. Sensing their hesitation, Jareth bellowed, his voice a thunderclap of fury.
"You dare invade my skies? You dare challenge ME?!"
The demons surged forward in response, but their numbers didn't intimidate him.
"Come, then!" he roared, his voice shaking the heavens. "I'll show you what despair feels like!"
The Wrath of the Dragon
The first wave descended upon him, spears and claws aimed for his heart. Jareth raised his hand, gathering energy into a crackling sphere. With a guttural shout, he hurled it into their ranks. The resulting explosion obliterated dozens, their screams drowned by the roaring flames.
"Pathetic!" Jareth spat, diving into the fray. His claws tore through demons with ease, sending their lifeless bodies plummeting. A deep breath later, he unleashed a torrent of fire that engulfed the sky, turning countless enemies to ash.
More demons surrounded him, spears poised to strike. Jareth smirked.
"Is that all?" he growled, raising his hand once more. Energy crackled around him, forming a massive sphere.
"This is the power of a Champion!" he shouted, releasing the sphere in a blinding explosion that consumed nearly all the remaining demons.
Ash drifted from the sky, veiling the battlefield in a ghostly shroud. The cacophony of war had faded, leaving only silence and the faint cries of the defeated. A handful of demons remained, their once-mighty roars now broken into pitiful, trembling sobs. Bloody tears streaked their faces, a haunting testament to their despair.
Jareth's resolve to fight wavered as he took in the sight. The fire in his heart dimmed, replaced by an unsettling pity. With a firm yet weary voice, he turned to the captain at his side.
"Take them into custody," he ordered, his tone steady but heavy with emotion. "Let them face judgment under Eden's laws. No more bloodshed."
Claiming the Realm
Jareth landed on the largest island, his Godform dimming as he reverted to his human state. His glowing eyes scanned the skies, ensuring no threats remained.
"Bahamut," he called, his voice steady. "The realm is secure."
The Dragon God's voice echoed through his mind. "Well done, Champion. But you must wield your power with care. That last attack could have endangered the islands if not for my barrier."
Jareth chuckled darkly. "Then it's good you were here to babysit."
Bahamut sighed but let it slide. The dragon raised his claws, weaving an intricate spell. Above the realm, a massive golden sigil appeared—a dragon's emblem. It glowed brilliantly for a moment before fading into the ether.
"This realm is now protected," Bahamut declared. "Only a god of equal strength could break this seal. The Skybound Realm is yours."
The survivors cautiously emerged from their shelters, their faces a mix of awe and reverence. They dropped to their knees, bowing before Jareth.
"Oh mighty Champion," one of them said, trembling. "Please, accept us as your followers. You've saved us. You've given us hope."
Jareth shook his head, his expression firm. "Stand up. I'm no god, and I won't have you worship me. Pray to the Goddess. She is your salvation, not me."
The survivors exchanged hesitant glances before nodding.
Jareth turned to Captain Eryndor, the leader of the Skybound survivors. "Return to Eden. Rebuild your faith in the Goddess. If you do, she'll restore your city and bring back your fallen. That's your task now."
Eryndor saluted, his face filled with determination. "It will be done, Champion."
The Skybound's Future
As the survivors began to organize, Jareth turned his gaze to the horizon, his Godblade humming faintly in his hand.
"This is only the beginning," he muttered. "Let's see where fate takes us next."
With that, he spread his wings and took to the skies, leaving the newly protected Skybound Realm in his wake.