2015 Introduction for new readers:

* This is heavily, but not entirely based on Wc3's DotA lore.

* I refuse to acknowledge WoW lore.

* The T age rating is a lie.


Prologue: Freedom is at hand

Midnight draws closer upon the high plains. As the dark moon's luster manifests itself onto the swaying grass, the night's rhythm could also be heard blowing with the wind. As the slender tone entered within the cracks of the castle walls, it would not be strange for one to be joyous and appreciative of the sudden change of scenery in the cold night. Marvelous, the castle is not. Archaic however, it is. Withstanding the test of time was one of the many goals the builders had originally had in mind, and one could not bash their evident success, even if it did lack certain "finesse". The people living in the castle could not care less for the attractiveness of the walls that protect them from outside harm, though. They are simply content with the fact that they were able to lead a normal, peaceful life. In this land of the Forsaken, little else can be expected from its citizens. Of course, mattered not how small or seemingly insignificant a population of a castle is, it still needs its ruler. Up on that high tower in the far north, away from sights of the mere residents, stands a majestic chateau complex, built and designed fit for those of the royal class. Guards are patrolling every corridor, making sure no mishap, even the slightest of magnitude, were to happen in the middle of the night.

"Is she asleep?" The guards, having identical uniforms, are hard to distinguish from one another. Thus, the conversation going on within the highest of corridors within the chateau could not be identified properly. However, the subject of whom they are discussing is all too familiar.

"I believe so." His associate nodded in response, both trying their best to stay relatively soundless. The royal family is sleeping; after all, meaning should they mistakenly wake someone up, they might as well hang themselves before the guard captain got to them. "I just hope nothing funny happens tonight."

"Yes, I quite understand." With that, the first guard moves ever so quietly, nears towards the key hole, belonged to the door separating the corridor and a very particular room. His right eye deliberately swirls, doing his best to take a good glimpse at the inside of said room, through the certain socket. "Nothing's going on. I think she's asleep."

"That is reassuring; let's just hope she stays that way." The other guard sighs voicelessly as his friend pulls away from the wooden door. The two of them seem rather exhausted, having to keep extra watch on the bedchamber for the entire night. Incidents have happened before, and they would do anything to not be at the mercy of the king's wrath. "Let's get the others and tell them to station up here. Tonight is our last night on duty here; I don't want anything to turn amiss."

"I second that."

The footsteps of the two soldiers sounded, and then vanished, as the hall's fires fluctuated profusely by the moving air. Its noise masked the sound of the expanding bed sheet, expanding itself a ridiculous distance, all the way from the room's window to the ground below. A slim figure, with haste, slid down the pane and landed firmly on the meadow earth, eyes skimming through the air. As if deciding that the coast is clear, the figure rapidly made its way across the darkness and towards a very precise part of the concrete wall. With its footsteps unheard and its actions unseen, the figure proceeds with a carefully disguised rope, pulls its way up onto the confine while cautiously avoiding alerting a pack of guards nearby. Unluckily, it was met with an obstacle it has not suspected. A hungry guard dog was close to the proximity and has sniffed out its sense, begins to bark loudly, notify the nearby guardsmen to its position. The figure could not make it up the wall fast enough, and was caught by the patrol. The alarm was also sounded during the process, warning people of the happenings. Soon, an entire platoon of soldiers was at the scene, and light was shed onto the shadowy figure.

"Princess," It was the guard captain who broke the silence. He seems rather agitated, fearful of whatever may happen should the dog have not act as their siren. That moment passes quickly, however, as a smug expression returns to his face when he approaches the female captive. "You almost got away this time."

The princess chose to stay silent. She had no more focus to get lippy with anyone else for the rest of the night. Her plan had failed, and that was that. She was not in the mood for small talk.

"If you don't want to talk, that is fine as well." The guard captain was unimpressed with her display of retaliation. He knows his place as well, for he cannot possibly do anything against her well being. She was also aware of that fact, thus existed a mutual understanding between the two parties, both simply want to get this over with. "Return her to her room and lock her down, men. It would be wise to do so before her father finds out."

"You need not be so naïve." A cold, sinister voice was heard from behind the guards. They knew all too well who it belonged to, yet none could find the nerves to be the first to turn around and confirm their suspicions. A moment of stillness passes, as the guard captain forces himself to turn and face his majesty. "Captain, what do you have to say for yourself this time?"

"Your majesty, I assure you the men responsible for letting the princess get out of her room shall be found and properly dealt with!" It was one of those things that he had said so many times, yet was forced to do so repeatedly. Unfortunately for him, this ordeal would happen to him and his men constantly, yet they never could quite find an efficient way to stop it. It was a good thing that the princess plan had never truly worked, however, or else he would not have been here talking. "Disciplinary actions shall be handed out."

"I am sick, and tired of that talk, captain." The king's slow vocal seems to crawl into every fiber of his underling's beings, terrifying them to the core. However, none could bear the burden of mentioning such a thing, as one would be easily pinned down as had crimes of treason and promptly executed. "It is quite clear to me that you are unable to handle this matter. Lucky for you she was not able to escape. However, I would take the matter into my own hands; to make sure things like this would never happen again."

"What is your bidding, sire?" The captain is already set to go along with whatever his ruler was comfortable with doing. Nothing short of tying the princess down like a prisoner could have been done to prevent her from running away for the up tenth time, and if the king has any better idea in mind, the captain is all for it.

"Take one of your men and take her." The king turns his head and swiftly heads away from the scene. "Follow me."

"We shall do as you wished, sire." The soldier, who was holding the princess, is signaled to follow the two men. As the four casually stroll back to the complex, each has their own agendas in mind. It is, however, quite easy to grasp the fact that the princess is the one who is upset. Nothing like this has ever been done to her before, and for many reasons she does not feel like surrendering to whatever method her father has in his twisted mind. They entered the basement of the castle, down hundred of steps of stairs to a dark space as the steps ended. No one mutters a word, before the captain decides to do so. "What do you want us to do now, sire?"

"Leave her here, and leave." The king's stern voice is like god's will to the men. They do a quick salute, then retreat themselves up the flight of stairs and soon disappear from sight. The king chuckled at the view. He is comfortable with the blackened vista around him, effortlessly locates a light source and lit up a fire. "Cowards…"

"What do you intend to do with me, father?" The princess, chains locking her limbs together, callously inquires. She knows she is within the king's hand of benevolence now, but her eyes had yet to cope with the new source of light, disabling her from inspecting her surroundings. It did not take long for them to do so, however, as the princess can finally deduct what kind of mischief would happen in such a place.

"Do you like this dungeon, my dear?" The king seems amused by her fighting spirits. She never has any shortage of that, ever since she was just a little girl.

"I said, what do you intend to do?" The princess' grunts appear to pass her father's notice completely. He has been enjoying the spectacle before him. The "dungeon" is actually a rather neat room, clean of any stains and dusts, holding within it, strange contraptions and various chests. His indulgence clearly does not please the princess, however. "So?"

"Oh, there would be nothing too harmful or permanent." That alone has her mind at the end of its rope. Whatever this chamber is used for, she knows she is not going to like it. The fact that she could not make a break for it either troubled her severely as well. No one would like to be chained up, especially if that one has been living the life of royalty since she is able to remember. "I would have to keep you in… good condition if you are to be offered to the Lich King as a tribute. It is for our people, do you not understand?"

"I refuse to continue living the life of a mere item, father." The princess has nothing but determination in her voice. It is unnerving to heed, and it makes her father very unhappy. "I long to be the one who decides my own destiny, and I don't intend to be anything for you, or anyone else."

"Tsk, tsk… my own daughter." The king only shakes his head in apparent disappointment. He has plans, big plans for the future, and she is his assurance. Thus, it was perfectly understandable of him to have such disheartened thoughts of her usefulness. "You were born as an offering, my dear. I have no idea of what nonsense those books you have been reading had poured onto your mind, but you have been neglecting your purpose."

"My purpose is for myself, not to sacrifice so such a demon like you would be able to comfortable sit behind your chair of power!" Words became a scream soon enough, as the anger of the confined rushes through her assertion. She is not going to back down, and her father knows that. However, his smirk would like to prove that notion wrong. "You do not have the good of our people in mind! You are simply a greedy bastard."

"Oh, don't forget, darling, I also happen to be very… cruel at times." The king stated, definitively. Even though she was still not buying to his threats, the princess has to stop to consider her situation. She is bound, and she knows of rumors of her father's methods in dealing with prisoners, or betrayers. It makes her gulp, and it only amuses the king even more. He coughs and gets back to his speech, however. "This brings us to your irresponsible action tonight. I don't like to count, but this must have been your sixth try or so. The guards are obviously too incapable of handling something like this. That is why I have decided to seek help."

"Help?" The princess narrows her eyes. She does not like the sound of that one little bit. If it were her father, then at least she knows he would go easy on her. However, if it were simply someone with a sick twist, then she stands no chance.

"That's right dear, a professional, if you will." The king's smile becomes wide and devious. There is nothing short of malevolent in his tone now. "I acquired her assistance in this case. Her job is to simply break you, until escaping would be the last thing on your mind."

"You do not scare me!" Despite saying that, she is afraid. Thoughts of bloody murder pass to her mind. Rather, she would die before wanting someone to just break her spirit. If what her father said was to be taken seriously, she is in for a world of pain.

"Funny you should say that." The king's expression seems to light up even more as he heard that. It becomes almost cheery, only ever so bemusing to his daughter. "I have to tell you though, she is already here."

"That is preposterous." The princess is simply not buying into what her father just said. The room is small enough to see around, and there is no one here with them or coming down at all. There is simply no reason he could know someone was here and she would not.

"Is it now?" The king, with his back to the wall, grinned at her. His eyes show nothing but malice. "She'll be here faster than you can see, so don't miss it. Keep that in mind the next time you blink."

With that, the tension tightens up within the cold chamber. The princess is horrified of her father's wicked expression, and has definitely taken what he just said to heart. She is trying her best to keep her eyes open, looking all over the room and up to the stairs where they came down from. She spots no one else. As her gaze returns to her father, she knows he is still smiling, waiting in completely silence. She does her best not to blink. However, one can only hold out for so long. Her eyes dried out soon enough, and the lids were closed.

Now, standing before her, is something she has never seen before. The easiest of clue she could see is that whoever it was, it was female at the very least. Twin horns to the side of its head, bat-like wings covered in black growing out of its back, small fangs hanging from the side of the mouth, sapphire skin on top of the humanoid figure and a voluptuous body taking up the rest of her eye sight. She knows that her blinking is a mistake, but it is already too late.

"Akasha, at your service." The succubus female hissed in the dreariest of voices, which only frightens the princess more. The king, however, seems positively excited to see ser. "What is your purpose of calling me here."

"I have made a deal, asking for your service." The king explains his proposition, as his daughter freezes in fear. The succubus, on the other hand, appears to be clearly enthusiastic. "I ask, with your expertise, to turn this daughter of mine a little more… obedient."

"I see." Akasha is obviously pleased with the offer, if nothing else is concerned. She takes a better look at her "subject" as the princess squirms in her own body, trying her best to avoid the succubus' glare, but ultimately failed. "That would be easy. I just expect my payment up front."

"Everything in this dungeon would belong to you, as soon as this is done." The king chuckles. His plan is unfolding perfectly. Soon, everything would fall into place. "Trust me, you will find out that the "tools" I have here are nothing but the highest of classes."

"That sounds intriguing indeed." Akasha has little problems agreeing with such a proposal. She is just here to have a little fun, after all. Everything she gains from doing so would just be a plus in her book. "Would you like me to get to business immediately?"

"Oh yes, please do so." The king soon escorts himself to the staircase. He has no intention of staying around while Akasha does her work. It might actually stir him up, and considering how malicious such a man is, it would only be a testament to the succubus' methods. "I shall give you privacy now."

"So, dear..." Her hands run through the princess' face, taking in the feel of the young girl's blue skin. It is simply marvelous, in her professional opinion. "I wonder what you did to deserve me."

"I…" The princess is barely able to murmurs up words, as it was soon shut down.

"Oh don't be shy. I won't bite, much." Akasha prods each words through the ears of the girl, lets every bit of reality sinks into that confined mind. Having enough of probing, she points to the machinery at the far end. "Do you have any idea what that is, princess?"

"No…"

"Isn't that just too cute." Akasha chuckles at her innocence. The young girl has a long way to go, if she does not break under me first, the succubus thinks. "We would try that out right now."

"What?" The princess is barely comprehensive of the idea getting past her. She has honestly never seen such a thing before. However, she knows very well that no such abomination could bring her any good. Akasha lifts her up and moves closer to the apparatus. This close, the girl realizes that there are cuffs imbued onto the device, human-sized of all things. She tries to fight her way out of the chains, but alas, her strength is no use for such task. Akasha, however, could easily break them with a breath of her voice, which the princess could not understand, even until she is tied up onto the contraption. It is soon lift up straight, as Akasha stares at with great interest.

"Truly amazing… silver hair, simply perfect body, eyes sparkled with the essence of the moon, build of a virtuous… it would pains me so to break something so spectacular." Akasha speaks the word of truth, as her eyes feats on the sight of the blossoming figure in front of her. The princess, however, finds those words entirely alien. She cares not for beauty, at least of her own. "But you know what they say, you hurt what you love."

Akasha momentarily retracts from sight and approaches one of the chests the king was talking about earlier. She is not so sure what to expect, but as the mystery unfolds, she yelps with anticipation. The princess sees, in the hand of the succubus, a long and thick object, falling to the side of its handler. Gasping, she soon realizes what it is.

"Such a fine tool, I must say." Akasha circles the whip around her own hand. She seems to be filled with excitement, even more so as the princess freezes, unable to truly grasp the situation she was about to be in. Akasha approaches her, hands gently trace up the curves, tickling the nerves in the girl's body. "This should be an out of body experience, be sure to savor it."

They struck, again and again. The whip and the horrible realization of hopelessness were literally beaten into her. She would scream every time that leather device touches her, rips off bits and bits of her skin, exposing her red fluid. She is soon covered with blood and tears. Her body is starting to go numb from the pain, but that was just too good to be true. She could not speak, she could not move and she could no longer breathe properly. The pain has gotten to her so bad that it has robbed her of control over her own body. She is twitching all over, reacting to every new wound, feeding Akasha's delight. Only a few minutes have passed, but the princess felt like centuries of suffering has fallen before her. So severe, it is; that she simply cries out the pain.

"How was that dear?" The rain of whips briefly stops, as Akasha starts stirring up a conversation with her victim once again. It satisfies her to no end to see them give in. It is all such a sight.

"Stop…"

"I did."

"No… more" The princess practically chokes on her own blood, trying to calm herself and her speech. However, blood is still dripping and tears are still falling, as she could not be fooling anyone to think that she can actually take something like this.

"Aw…" Akasha playfully pouts. The girl has no interest in reacting to that, however, which makes the succubus less than happy. "Fine, have it your way."

It takes a few moments for that sentence to be perceived. The princess knows she is not well anywhere on her body, but at least she hears it clear enough that Akasha is stopping with the whip. However, whether it is for another, more painful torture is unknown to her. Soon, her questions are answered, as a succubus pulls out a small jar from the chest. Holding it like it was treasure, Akasha asks.

"Do you know what this is dear?" The princess could only shake her head in response. It does help the succubus get into a better mood, but that does not necessarily means that it would turn out better for the girl. "You'll see."

As the lid opens, Akasha pours out a bit of white particle-like substance on her hand. She sways it from side to side, waving it in front of the princess just to tease her. The girl, however, has had her eyes too blurred from the tears to perceive anything clearly. Akasha soon notices this, and shrugs. The quickest way to get her point across is to simply do it. Soon, both of her hands were covered with the substance. The princess could see her approaching, but not sure what to expect. That is, until they make the touch.

The princess screams, loudly and clearly; as those slender hands rub onto her wound with the most highly concentrated salt. It feels as if she is being punctured inside out by a thousand needles at once on every part of her waking body. It is helping to contain the injuries of the whip wounds, but only made the pain a hundred times worse. She squirms as her skin burns in pain, her eyes tearing themselves out and her mouth gasping for air. It does not help that Akasha does it forcefully either, purposely pressing the salt into the wounds themselves, doing her best to get a "proper" reaction. The vicious cycle continues on, with the tortured passing out more than she could have counted, but was brutally brought back to consciousness either by violent jabs at her delicate skin, or even more terrifying instruments brought about from the various trunks lying about. It was an indefinite amount of time, before the entirety of her body gave out and refused to take anymore punishment. She simply blacks out, because she has no strength left to do otherwise. Akasha seems rather disappointed, but the succubus knows that a body has its limits. There would be no use in pushing it, if she does not want to accidentally break her new toy along the way. The salt she has been using before is starting to work as disinfectant, shielding the exposed and ripped skin from interior injuries, considering how useless the torn dress which has been covering it has become.

"I guess that's enough for today." Akasha smiles gently; as satisfaction fills her mood. It has been a long time since she has had such a fulfilling job after all. She is going to savor it, day by day, until she can pull no more response from the poor girl. With that note in mind, Akasha has no problem with simply leaving the girl here for the rest of the night. Of course, the chains and cuffs have to be loosened up first. Experienced as she is, she knew fully well how dangerous it is for a victim if one's skin were to be in contact with metal for too long. She would have to remember cherish that later. In her head, Akasha makes sure to bring some food the next day, surely such a thing would not be lacking in a place such as this. In a blink of an eye, the succubus has disappeared from sight, just as swift and as silent as she came.

"Ugh…" The princess' slight grunt is not at all expected. It appears that she does not really pass out, simply wanting her captor to think so. Where she found such perseverance, she does not know. However, her mind has never failed to grasp the ultimate goal of her efforts: to escape. There is simply nothing except for down right killing would be able to make the princess lose sight of her goal. With her bounds released, she can finally move again. The pain has nowhere near disappeared yet though. She still feels it all over her body, as if her body is turned inside out. She must make her escape now, as there are many reasons for her to believe that the next time Akasha returns, she would never be able to see the light of day again. The princess knows that there was no way she would be able to make it out of the castle with these conditions, especially since it risks her being captured again. This dungeon is an unfamiliar sight, but she feels like it would hold promise. It is abnormally close to the north wall, almost as integral.

With that in mind, she stands up, slowly and painfully. Her limbs are weak, and her mind struggles to stay sound. She is aware of her own critical conditions, and apprehends that she must make haste. She starts to walk, ever so sluggishly, around the chamber. She refuses to believe that it was so small. Her father has built this for a specific reason in mind, and it is also one of the few places she has never visited before. Busting open the chests, she finds numerous weapons of all shapes and sizes, and it is rather evident how the whip from before is simply one of them. She considers her options quickly and grabs with her an oak bow before moving on. Her resilience is immense, and it is rather apparent at this point. At a further corner of the compartment, the princess comes across a door. It takes her just about all her leftover strength to unlock, open up a dark tunnel before her. Closing the entry behind her, she embarks on what seems to be the longest journey she has ever betaken. It is not actually a long path, simply the muscular limits of her has already been reached.

Before long, though, she arrives at the exit, blocked by yet another door. The amount of effort it takes her to open it is simply enormous for such a body, but she made it nonetheless. Dawn seems to be approaching, as she could see the light of day up at the distance. Smiling, she picks herself up again and heads out onto the woods. Her consciousness is already fading away quick, and she knows that she must find a good place to hide and rest, should the king and his guards realizes that she has escaped. Passing the forest is almost impossible at this point for her, thus she seeks shelter. She spots a large and dark cave at the distance, emerging as the best possible spot for her to take refuge. She does just that, with the idea of freedom finally descends on her. She is now liberated, saved from a fate of sacrifice and abuse. Her happiness is short-lived, as she runs out of energy and faints almost immediately. However, the smile she still has on, along with the sweats and tears, is still very noticeable. Having gone through such a treacherous ordeal, she now has her whole future to be whatever she makes of it.