Who's Your Daddy

[Erik Vrell]

Erik internalised a long, exhausted sigh. He knew he should have let Victor handle this, he would love this girl. Although, on second thought, Victor meeting Ash was the last thing Erik needed. 

“Well, welcome to the glorious city of Nippur, the pride of the glorious King Gilgamesh.” Erik said, gesturing to the city and attempting to be enthusiastic. “Please, come with me.” 

Erik led the demoness through the city gates, Sand Hawk tailing behind the pair. 

“Now, if you want clothes, I'm sure we can find someone to help.” Erik thought out loud. “Just let me show you to the bazaar and-”

“Nobleman Erik!” A guard said, jogging up to the psychic and shooting the bandit and demon a look. “Lord Victor is requesting you at a nearby bar. Alone.”

“Oh, I didn't realise I was rescued by a nobleman.” Ash said, a hint of… Excitement? In her voice. Whatever it was, Erik couldn't quite place it, which just worried him more. “You don't have any clothes in your noble’s quarters, do you?”

“Victor needs me? Okay, show me the way.” Erik said, ignoring the bedroom comment from the demon. “Sand Hawk, you can get her some clothes, can't you?”

“Sure thing!” The bandit said, a little too excited for Erik’s liking. The pair went their own way as the guard led Erik to the bar, where Victor awaited him. The psychic couldn't help but wonder what Victor wanted to speak to him about. If it was private, it had to be important, unless the assassin intended to seduce his subordinate. Erik almost stopped in his tracks at the thought, realising that Victor might actually attempt that. Banishing the idea, Erik continued towards the bar, running theories over in his head.

“Could he have a job for me? That sounds most likely, but what could be so important. Perhaps the King is in danger…” The psychic thought before the guard spoke up. 

“We’re here, sir.” He said, motioning towards the silent bar before going back to his post. Erik looked the bar over, somewhat impressed at the fact that it had remained in one piece since the King had been gone. The priest guessed that bandits hadn't wanted to jeopardise their booze supply any more than their supply of bread. Erik rapped his knuckles on the door a couple of times before the bartender opened the door a crack. 

“Knight Erik?” The man asked.

“Nobleman Erik.” The psychic corrected, before the bartender opened the door and let Erik inside. The priest was met with the sight of Victor alongside a woman and a small girl, no more than ten. Erik was confused for a moment, before he caught a glimpse of the girl’s blood red eyes and realised that no, the King was not in danger, it was worse. 

The psychic remained silent for a moment, a little too shocked to know what to do. He remained still through the ‘no dick chomping’ comment, until he couldn't take the obscene banter any longer. 

“Lord Victor.” Erik said, giving the assassin a bow as the trio turned towards him. 

“Ah, Erik, good to see you.” Victor said as he stood up, walking over to the noble. The assassin’s characteristic grin dropped a little, and his hand dropped to his dagger as he saw the gory mark left when Erik was impaled. 

“Who did this? I only get to penetra…” Victor trailed off as he glanced backwards towards the woman, and what Erik begged was not the assassin’s daughter. “Erik, this is Gabriella, and my daughter, Valerie. Maybe cover your gaping chest hole before you say hello.” 

Erik bowed as he shifted his cloak over his wound. “A pleasure to meet you.” He said while internally screaming to himself. Victor was enough of a handful, let alone a kid and a... Wife? Erik somehow doubted that.

“Is this the one I get to play with?” Valerie shouted excitedly. Erik couldn't help but feel like her definition of play was not the same as most young girls.

“No, this is Erik, he's a good… Friend, of mine.” Victor said with a grin before turning to the priest. “Come on, let's talk.”