Inanna's Anger

By SR Brown

This shape-shifter is back and ready to fight even more gods.

After becoming Inanna’s champion, Val is an ordinary starchild in an ordinary cult with ordinary humans. The war over and branded with a star on their shoulder to mark them as her personal fighter. While the outside of the temple looks as if it could fall under the slightest breeze, inside is teeming with women and eunuchs serving the goddess. The roof garden is full of life and a lazy river in the temple perfect for relaxation. The strays that roam the streets and ships that fly in the night sky kind of the same as the forest back home. It’s not the worst life while waiting to learn what battle they might fight next.

But things change when a woman is found dumped at the door. Nearly beaten to death and Inanna the only one who has the power to save her in time, a starchild’s world is about to become a lot more violent, again. The human speaks of a man nicknamed “Jackie” taking prostitutes off the street as part of a game. The closer to dying, the more points earned. A rumor he competes against others in a twisted competition. But when it seems that is the worst Jackie could do, he murders his family and goes missing.

When Inanna’s twin and god of the sun and justice teams up for divine law and order, it becomes far worse than they ever imagined. The one man with a knife quickly turning into five gods and a demented plan they can only guess what the end goal is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SR Brown
• Release date: Jan 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463390580

SR Brown

Author SR Brown writes fiction inspired by a caffeine-fueled muse and childhood of reading in the dark after lights out. A proud LGBTQA author, Brown enjoys to include characters with all kinds of lives and from various backgrounds in any walk of life. Tales range from fun and sweet characters going on adventures in town to a stranger holding out their hand promising adventure, but both usually leads to something much darker. Battered and bruised by the end, most come out alive. Unlike Brown, if placed in most written about situations. But they may stand a chance having fought the darkness of a narrow flight of stairs and faced the shadow people that often visit at night. They are wonderful at suggesting ideas, but never subtle in entering the door.

Book preview

Hello, my name is Valentine, but you can call me Val or Warrior Val. I don’t like such a title as the third, but if you are in a situation you have to, I won’t hold it against you. Most of the ladies at the temple must address me like that, and the eunuch boys wouldn’t dare say anything else. Inanna sometimes calls me Starchild, but she is a deity, she’s expected to use whatever she desires that day. Either way, as long as I live with the war goddess, there’s not much I could do. A deal is a deal. Besides, all the women are nice and spoil me.

Yeah, I need to wear clothes different from my taste (stuff you would see overpriced in the mall) and a star branded on my shoulder to mark me as hers. And I can’t visit my friends or go home, so it can grow lonely. Also, I have no idea when I will be used for battle after all the work Inanna did to win me... Ah, who cares. I am content to know everything after the war worked out. That is all that matters.

I have to get over the fact this all started because a talking dog I befriended revealed an old evil awakened. Or it ended up torturing the town and kidnapping my best buddy who I’ve known since she was a baby. And there is no way I can’t let go of the information a war goddess, Sekhmet, released it and my friend, Willow, worked for her. And she was in on the plan. Or how she was given powers that allowed her to be reborn and release a shout that caused people to become insane with blood lust. Her goddess’s need for a champion alerting the one I serve now, the deity deciding to take me as her own. 

No desire to stay angry as both made me kill to know for sure I was the being they wanted. Until I murdered Inanna’s whole temple and was sent to the underworld in her fit of rage. Passing through the seven gates to escape the land of the dead was interesting, to say the least.

The final and most memorable event that all of this leads up to is the war I start with both. Only way fitting to determine if I can go back to my quiet town and maintain a peaceful life. The death of Sekhmet and my elder god friend, Choanque, paying for that when Inanna absorbs them and declares she is the winner and goddess of all the universes. Now required to be her fighter and live in her house. Waiting to see how she would use my abilities.

Where was I? Yes, I am content where I live and can’t complain for any real reason yet.

Come on, sit back and relax. The pool is warm under the defeated sun god’s orb, and there’s plenty to eat. We can start with our next tale.

***

The sun shines outside, but today I spent the late afternoon inside the temple by Inanna’s throne. I could have gone to the rooftop on the rare occasion the goddess doesn’t sit indoors and listen to music or enjoy rich foods, but I decided against it. There are a few women servants with me waiting for her to return, watching the place of worship. She had chosen to spend the whole day in the back rooms with her priestesses, and I was fine laying on my cushion.

When I went over there, I heard some moaning and was warned to not disturb when a rosette hangs on the door. Prostitutes were over and she didn’t like to be interrupted. I had asked what they were doing for so long. When the lady said sex, I told her I wasn’t interested in the rest of the explanation. Have always hated any creature’s form of reproduction. I was born of a dying star, what would I need with such disgusting information?

Now laying by the lazy river that runs through the center of the temple, I look at the fire that burns behind the glass along the wall. The flames about the size of my hand because the large orb in the ceiling brightens the room quite well. Yeah, this is enough light for me, and with less wind that would force me to wear a sweater. And there is no way I would find one that would keep me warm when it can’t go above my chest at all. The star that marks my shoulder having the rule it must show at all times. Not that I could hide it, visible no matter the form I choose. Even the time I turned into a giant beast with legs as long as a full-grown human and hair like a bison. The mark a bright yellow on the brown fur.

I let out a sigh and strip, sinking in the water while a servant hurries to fold and lay my clothes where they can’t get wet. A second comes over and sits with a towel in her hand. My eyes watch as she gives a flirty smile and blows me a kiss. A moment’s concentration all it takes to grow a pair of gills, a grin given to her as I sink under the surface. Another second and I web my fingers and toes, a long tail a good rudder.

The quiet is relaxing underwater. Alone but not lonely, this is wonderful when I have spent so long surrounded by humans in the temple. I wonder if I can ever become used to that after so many decades of having more than an hour or two of calm on a tranquil day. More than minutes to dive into a romance novella I convince someone to pick up for me. Most unwilling to do it because of where we are and how a lot of the ladies dress. Turns out some have issues with a six-foot-tall woman with a beard in a blouse and skirt. Oh well, when they got over it I gain some new ones I had been waiting months to get a hold of.

Two miles’ worth of laps in the river and I’m ready to surface. My hands and feet turn normal while my chest stitches up where the gills were. Sitting on the tiles by the edge, the servant dries me off and brushes my hair. A kiss on the forehead when she finishes and the other dresses me. One look enough for her to know she should bring me some sweets or deal with a cranky starchild. Back on my cushion as my tail slowly moves side to side, a tray of soda, fruit, and exotic chocolates by my foot.

I thank her and stuff a truffle in each cheek, the strawberry drink washing it down.

Warrior Val... I hear a voice purr to my left as I chew on a chunk of mango.

I turn to watch the alien Firtzzz stand by the curtains that hide the back rooms, a hand on her hip as she strolls over. With a peach pink body similar to a male human, she walks with an extra swish in her wide hips as if a woman. Can only guess it’s to make sure you see her move under the clothing on her lower half, the article like the bottom part of a robe and the belt. Her top is just baggy sleeves attached to strips of fabric in the shape of an X that cover her nipples on a flat chest.

She now sits next to me and wraps an arm around my shoulders, a chocolate square held up to place in my mouth. Do you not want to go outside on a day like this? The sun is so bright, and no helicopters are out searching for me.

No, feels odd to be in the garden when it’s still sunlight.

I understand, a watermelon cube carried in her lips as if to tempt me to use mine and get it.

I pluck it out with my hand and eat it anyway. The alien gives a flash of annoyance then quickly puts on a smile.

So, did you need something? I ask.

Should I not feed and spend time with the only other non-human who can talk in the temple?

You do more than most of the servants, what would Inanna think if she saw this? I’m not sure if she’d be pleased.

Say you want me gone and I will go, her face lowering and sets down a grape picked up.

No, don’t, I blurt. In a softer voice adding, I am just saying. Most of the humans show a little restraint when with me for some reason.

Of course, Warrior Val. I am sorry to cause you worry or to become stressed by the situation. Being around you calms me...

That’s what starchildren do. That is how we make friends with almost any being we meet.

She smiles and gets closer so I have to look at the crown that only sits on the line that separates her forehead from a head full of very long black hair. Both hands on either side of my feet. You are so kind and sweet. Why not let anyone do more than kiss your face? Why can’t us ladies peck you on the lips?

None have ever asked...

Would you be mad if I changed that, Warrior?

I guess it depends how you ask, really.

I wish to do what no other woman has and place one on you right here, a finger running over my bottom lip.

Sure, I don’t mind.

She smiles and moves closer, inches from my mouth when she slides into my lap. Both hands on my cheeks, pulls me close, her lips on mine.

I would be lying if I said my heart didn’t bound at the touch. The kiss as gentle as those placed on my face, but so much more intense. That she wants to do this and not just out of courtesy making it all the more wonderful.

That is until someone flings her across the floor. In a heap on the stone by the lazy river while I stare. The sudden weight loss a punch in the gut.

Warrior Val! says a muscular lady in a sundress. A palm on her large chest as the other touches my shoulder and asks, Are you alright? Should I call the goddess?

No, I’m fine. Why did you do that? I don’t push away her hand, but there is a pang of annoyance she did this.

The woman was on top of you. We realize you can fight, but all must watch that no one does what is out of line. I do not know if she manipulated or threatened your kind nature.

Firtzzz asked, and I said yes. There was no issue for either of us...

Oh, never assumed that...never mind. How shall I make this up to you?

Well, you can pick up Firtzzz and apologize. Then both of you will leave me alone. I’m in a sour mood now and want to return to my tray of treats.

She does as I ask and both bow out of the temple to the back rooms while another, smaller woman comes over and we retire to my bedroom. Quiet as she brings over the book I had slowly made progress on. Staying silent as she pets my tail and feeds me.

I finally get into the story and find myself several chapters in. The main character had met the man and was on a first date. Things were going well, a spark had formed, the stars were holding off on becoming crossed. Would they kiss at the end of the night, or will one want to wait?

The door slams open and the book falls out of my grip right when the couple goes to the car. Another bang making both of us jump as we stare at the vacant doorway. I turn to the woman and see her. Hands on her hips, skin white like bleached bones, hair a rust red. Black eyes an empty void waiting to suck me in.

A form Inanna only uses when the deity is seething with rage. Ire powerful enough to destroy all she wishes in a blink.

Starchild, she almost whispers, the whole building shaking.

Goddess! I whimper, getting on the floor to face her.

Is it true what a woman told me? Did you sneak behind my back while I was with the prostitutes? Go with the servant Firtzzz for pleasure? The final word shakes the ground so hard I fall over. Sharp pains in my spine when I land on the soft carpet.

No, ma’am, it was nothing. All she asked for was something, only a kiss.

Yes, but one on the lips. All know where they may touch you. To break the rules is enough for her to join my sister in the underworld.

It was my fault, I swear. I let her do it.

But she did anyway. And while I was busy as if I wouldn’t find out. The betrayer shall be ripped apart and stitched together. I can have the lions consume her broken body. I will make every moment that is a joy for me constant agony for that fool!

No, please! I beg, now on my knees to look up at the scowling face. I didn’t know she had such a rule she must follow. Firtzzz wanted to cheer me up and offer affection that most don’t show me. I was bored and liked that someone spoke to me as a friend...

She will pay for this, no matter what you say.

I wrap my tail around me and grow out my hair so the locks go past both shoulders. The cold in the room growing the more I shiver.

Do you think that could hide the mark?

What?

The symbol will always appear, a mirror in her hand to show the shoulder with the star. Any of the hair that covers it colored white. You are mine. For as long as I want a champion, you are my starchild.

I know. A deal is a deal. Tears well up and it’s all I can to not wipe them away.

Oh, my good warrior. Come, I think all need to learn a lesson. Her skin is now a soft amber and locks a caramel brown like her eyes.

She takes my hand and lifts me off the ground. A snap and I wear a warm sweater that covers my collarbone for once but still shows the shoulders. My feet shoe free, but long socks go up to just below the shorts that hug my thighs. Seeing how the outfit looks, she smiles and leads me out of the room, my hair shortened to fall around my neck.

At the throne, she sits and pulls me into her lap. An arm pushing me close as I look at the now full temple. Every woman and boy assembled as trays of food wait to be eaten. Eyes on me from where they watch on cushions. Heat in my core at the attention as I hope this punishment is quick.

Hello, my ladies, she calls out to the crowd.

All return the greeting and bow their heads.

I am sure you are aware of the building shaking and the reason why. She waits for all to say they were before she continues with, Good, then I can speed this up. I won’t punish the one who broke the rule because Warrior Val was so kind as to plead with for a change of heart. However, I want all to know this is the only warning given. Anyone tries this again and you will join my sister.

I have enough time to glance at the scared faces when she grabs mine. Forced to stare at her, she flashes a grin. The other arm presses on my back and she murmurs so all can hear, I have to give you another mark it seems. This one shall not be visible, but all best remember to be cautious.

Inanna gives one final look at the watching temple and yanks me in for a kiss.

There is no point in lying. I can’t say I hate this despite how hard her lips press on mine. An energy that fills me to the core with something Firtzzz could never give. Her powers of love and lust used so I cannot resist. But I still have trouble stomping out the thought of how it was stolen instead of asking. No choice in the wonderful experience.

When she leans back, I want more. A tingle that goes through my whole body has me rest my head on her shoulder. Hoping she means it when promising to give more brands on my skin after dinner.

I Didn't Mean To

The sun sets behind the abandoned buildings around us, my eyes on the shattered windows of the temple. I still find it strange how she couldn’t make this one look a little nicer than the rotting offices next door. At least having the doors not appear rusted and falling off their hinges would keep me from wondering when they might come off in my hand. I know that will never be the case, but this is not what I used to imagine somewhere I would worship a goddess in.

A priestess once told me it works with her contradictory nature. That it is a symbol of poverty and wealth, an invitation and warning. When I asked what that meant, she smiled and said doctors would never let her be the woman she was. Rescued from the violence that would have waited for her back home if it had remained standing. Such a place as this a blessing for her, and a curse for all who wanted her dead.

I can only nod and have her continue on her way.

Now I sit on a chair in the garden. On the edge close to the railing, out of the path of the eunuchs as they run through the potted plants. Almost certain they play a game as several lion cubs chase after, knocking them to the ground when a cat catches one. Their faces soaked with spit and clothes muddied as they laugh. An ache grows in my chest the longer I watch.

When the sun is replaced with the moon and stars shine in the sky, I get the strength to stand and walk over to the pile of children. The game has lost any order it had and the whole thing has turned into a mass of black skirts and tufted tails.

Hello, dudes! I call out, making them stop. What are you all doing?

The boy at the top of the hill shuffles to the ground and bows. He fixes his skirt and greets me before he says they were just playing, sorry if the noise annoyed me.

That wasn’t the issue. I was only asking a simple question.

He nods and looks at his feet. It was tag...

That’s what I thought, but then you did this, sitting on the crumbling concrete to be face to face. Would you mind if I joined?

Now all of them stand up and watch me, their eyes wide as if my forehead grew another mouth. Some mumble I didn’t have to, but most stay silent.

What’s the matter? You don’t want me to?

All of them shake their heads.

Is it because I’m older or because of my status?

The first boy says, We don’t wanna do nothing to make you angry. Or have Inanna get mad.

Oh, I see... Then I will leave you alone. Pretty sure Inanna would like to speak with me.

No, please, Warrior Val! a hand stopping inches from mine. You can play, we’re sorry.

I wasn’t threatening you. Are you that scared of me? Sharp pains in my chest when the boys withdraw and nod. I apologize, I am so used to having kids wanting to spend time with me in my hometown. Was wrong to assume that would be the same here.

Don’t be sad.

I’m not.

Why are you crying?

What— a finger touching my wet cheeks. Guess you’re right, I miss my friends that’s all. Been so long since I left to visit Willow or Kai.

Did they die?

No, just gone.

Why?

Both went home. Hey, I got an idea. Because you aren’t comfortable with games, how about ice cream? I can ask the goddess to let a servant walk us to the nearest place, have a scoop or two, or three. Sprinkles if you want. Then we’ll chat and get to know each other.

The group nods and I notice the light in their eyes at the promise of a treat.

This is enough for me, drying my face with the back of a hand. Great, I’ll meet her tonight after hymns. I don’t see why she won’t say yes.

I shouldn’t make promises I have no clue if I can keep.

Absolutely not, the goddess says when we sit alone in a back room. She had put a star on the door so none would disturb her. Wasn’t like when with the rosette, only a sign she was having drinks, but who knows what could happen next.

Why not? They would love to go.

I know you may not understand, but it would be dangerous for the children to leave this temple. Physically and mentally if the wrong human were to find them. The rest of humanity follow rules different from mine and might react badly.

I would be with them. And a taller lady could come with. It’s just a quick walk through downtown.

That attitude may work in your town, but this is the city and none have heard of us outside of stories and myth.

Why did you make the kids fear me... There’s no one here but you to do anything with.

Stop acting as if you deserve a friendship with children. I have servants, priestesses, and animals. All will do whatever you say. Use the ladies how you wish.

But I don’t want that. I prefer someone who chooses to be with me, not ordered around like a mindless thing. That feels wrong.

Oh, didn’t realize I won you to make new friends in the temple, her fists raised as one grips my arm, the other close to my face. I give you everything you want and it is never enough. Grow up and stop acting like I am your elder god friend. You do what I want, not the other way around.

Sure, goddess. I will do just that. I’ll find a woman to spend time with.

What, going to take a servant and get the ice cream yourself? Win them over and hope none expect gifts to be your buddy?

Not anymore. But I promised them a treat.

Make it worth my while.

There is a bottle of fine wine on the table now, a large glass in front of her seat. The cork has gone, and she holds out the cup, red liquid pouring out as I watch my arms so they don’t shake. The lip at hers and empties the whole thing in one long swig. A sparkle in her eyes as I fill it again.

Have a drink, she says, the alcohol on my lips.

I let her tip some down my throat, the burning beverage going all the way down my gut. Another sip accepted and she motions for me to fill it a third time.

Taste good?

A shake of the head and I drain most of the refill. The room spins and the wine is taken back.

She has a soft smile on her lips. Her full, red, kissable lips. She doesn’t look a day over twenty right now and is in a tight dress. Hair black as a starless night and as smooth as silk between my fingers. If Inanna was...not...with him. Dumb sheep god.

"Since when do you care about Dumuzid? He’ll be with my sister soon, then we can spend more time