Iblis was calmly carrying his prize back to his secret hiding place. He needed to reestablish his connection with her.
"Why?" she asked him softly.
"You know why," he said as he carried her.
"You don't love me."
"Hush," he muttered. "I know I'm being hunted. I know I'm endangering myself and you."
"And you don't care," she whispered.
"When it comes to what happens to me, no. But…I do care about what happens to you. So, I'll keep you hidden away. I'll feed you and care for you."
"I am not a pet," she growled.
"No. You're my equal," he said and chuckled softly at her slack-jawed look.
"I can't be that now…" she whispered. Then she cried out when he swiftly moved to bite at the mark to reclaim her. A kiss was pressed to her mouth shortly after, and he turned when he sensed Mephiles. Iblis wasn't showing any form of irritation, though. He had time to prepare.
"You're in trouble," Mephiles smirked.
"I know," Iblis shrugged.
"Vol is hunting you."
"I don't care."
"I can take her back and this can be avoided."
"No. She stays with me. She's mine. Go back to Fate," Iblis growled and called up a wall of glowing lava rock to block his brother out. Mephiles was taken by surprise at this. When he got around the blockage, Iblis was already gone. He sighed hard and shook his head. Then he paused when he sensed Cydaea.
"I just missed him?" she asked.
"Yes. The wall was from him," he said. She scanned around and noticed where the portal direction was. She spread her wings and followed the direction. Mephiles was now a touch impressed. As an older demoness, she would know portal directions if they were fresh. She had a small window to try and track it down.
Iblis was back in the volcano he kept Trishna at before. This time, it wasn't dormant. If it wasn't for her succubus blood, her dragon side would have been very uncomfortable. She was ice and mist based as a silver hybrid.
"I have…specific needs…" she whimpered softly. At this, he seemed to laugh.
"I did my research on you," he said and moved to a back wall to open it. A treasure vault was there for her to sleep in. Another offshoot of a room was filled with racks of raw meat that were enchanted to stay fresh in any environment. She was completely shocked.
"I…" she shivered. Then she gasped when he set her down on the treasures and removed her silk clothing. He wasn't just removing them, though. He was ripping them off her.
"You're getting new clothes," he growled and moved his mouth over her panting form. "Anything that…he touched…is now garbage to me…"
"But…" she whimpered and cried out when he began to mate her.
"You can't tell me," he purred. "That you didn't miss me."
She hated herself. Her succubus side did miss him. Her dragon side longed for Sonic. Iblis knew what her succubus side needed and wanted. He was a worthy mate to her. But Sonic respected her and loved her. He was a worthy mate to her dragon side. She was completely torn. Even after the needy mating was done and her back was getting massaged by heated hands, she was at a loss of what to do. She loved two males. In the end, she could only choose one. She hated it.
Back at Sonic's home, a plan of action was being discussed. Vol and Orion had to wait to see what Cydaea found out. Mephiles confirmed that Iblis was hiding Trishna away. Lilith knew where some of Iblis's old haunts were, and she was there to tell them all where to look. The dormant volcano was one of them, but now this was going to be conflicting. The volcano was no longer dormant and would cause confusion. It was what Iblis planned on.
What she also didn't know was that Iblis was constructing a small base of operations. A series of catacombs and underground mazes were being created to have them all get lost in. The volcano center was going to be the heart, but like hell was he going to make it easy to reach. Even Mephiles was going to get redirected around with false energy patterns. Iblis definitely had time to plan ahead. No one bothered to check on him.
"Sonic," Shadow said when he walked over.
"What?" the blue hedgehog asked.
"What did you do with Trish for three days?" he asked now. Sonic sighed and decided to be honest.
"I had sex with her," he said bluntly and walked off to leave his friend stunned. Sonic was too overcome with grief to really be that much help, but it was Vol that understood the most. If any tried to get Sonic to do anything, it was Vol that was quick to appear to force them to back off.
"Sonic, Cydaea is searching. Just keep that in mind," Vol would remind him calmly. "When she wants her prey, she's relentless. It was how she found me."
"Was it?" Sonic asked.
"Oh, yes," Vol chuckled. He easily relayed the story of the Grecian vase. Sonic was very surprised at all of this. Then he learned Trishna's age. He was in shock that she could be his ancestor. But, dragons lived very long lives. As he continued to talk to Sonic and stand up for him, Fate was silently meditating in Trishna's room. She was hoping to try and contact her. Even Lilith was trying to focus on Trishna to try and get into some kind of a telecommunicated conversation in another room. It was a secret the three girls kept to themselves. On being linked together from their powers, they discovered this by pure accident. After that, they made use of it whenever they wanted. It was a touch draining at times, but this was urgent. They had to find Trishna.
~Anything?~ Fate asked her sister.
~Nothing! It's like she's just…she's gone…~ Lilith whispered bleakly.
~Let's try working together.~ Fate suggested. At Lilith's agreement, they combined their thoughts together and reached out. It worked.
~Fate? Lilith?!~ Trishna gasped.
~Trishna!~ they both cried out. They had to keep their thoughts in sync to reach her. If they separated, then the link to her would be lost. ~Where are you?!~
~A…volcano…~ Trishna gasped in the link again. ~Iblis…is with me…and…massaging me…so…~
~It's fine. Just stay calm.~ the twins said together. ~If we separate our thoughts, we'll lose you. Are you being abused? Are you hurting?~
~No…~ she admitted. ~He's actually…spoiling me. And he…said…I am his…equal. But…I love Sonic! And yet…love Iblis, too. My sides…succubus and dragon…they are conflicting. I really can't…focus…~
~Tell us where you are!~ they pressed together.
~What was sleeping…is no longer sleeping.~ Trishna had to say to them in a riddle. ~Iblis…is keeping close watch. He's prepared. He's waiting. You have…been warned…~
The connection abruptly disconnected, and the twins were quick to meet up physically to discuss what she meant.
"What was sleeping no longer sleeps?" Fate frowned.
"Hmm. Let's ask Daddy Vol. He's good with riddles," Lilith said. Fate nodded and they rushed over to him. "Daddy Vol, what sleeps, but no longer sleeps? I know that Iblis likes volcanoes…"
"Sleeps but no longer sleeps?" Vol mused. "And volcanoes…of course! It was dormant before! Asleep! Now it's awake! Trishna may be being held in an active volcano!"
"So, Iblis made a sleeping volcano…" Fate gaped with shock. Vol would have asked what made them think of this, but was too busy trying to track down his daughter now.
"He's clever. I'll give him that," Mephiles muttered out when the new plan was being told. "I should help out here. I can help you prepare for him."
"No," Orion said. "You can help us by tracking down the volcanoes that your brother liked to hang out at. So, you need to join Cydaea in the search."
"I would rather stay here," Mephiles growled. He really wanted to keep an eye on Fate. He didn't like how Shadow was encroaching on her.
"No. Join the search," Orion ordered with a growl of his own. Mephiles scowled, but he didn't want to lose what trust he was starting to rebuild. Even Vol was glaring at him. They were much older than him, and the two of them together was something even he didn't want to tangle with. Protective fathers were always a handful. And Vol was clearly the deadlier of the two right now.
"Hey," Shadow said when he saw Fate.
"Hey," she said softly. He rested a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"We'll figure something out," he said. She could only nod and sigh.
"At least…he's not hurting her," she said.
"Still a dirty thing of him to do."
"Yeah."
"How do you know that she's okay?" he asked now.
"She's my sister. I just know," she smiled. She couldn't tell anyone of the secret link she had. Such things might become lost if they became known. He nodded at that and turned to leave. Mephiles watched the little scene in the background. He was not happy about it.
"Iblis!" Trishna scowled. He had her dress in silks ranging from silver to deep blue in colors. Her clothing seemed to be a simple sheet of silver silk that draped over her chest. A rope of silver clasped to each dangling piece to loop around her neck in the form of an ornate necklace with sapphire gems. Another rope of silver was around her hips with the same shimmering silk along the front of her hips and back with just enough room for her tail to maneuver. She looked every bit like the royal princess she was meant to be.
Now he was placing select pieces of silver and sapphire jewelry on her. At the delicate circlet he placed on her now, she thought it was too much. It settled neatly on her brow to simply bond into her striped hair. The single, large teardrop star sapphire shimmered in the very center of it, as ropes of silver twine held it in place with elaborate decorations. He was amused to discover that her pointed ears could hold piercings, and she now had matching stones in loops of silver hanging off her ears. Matching armlets decorated her upper arms, but bracelets and rings didn't work from her dragon-based hands and arms. From her elbows down, they were fully draconic limbs. Her legs were draconic from her calf muscles to her feet. Iblis found her body simply fascinating.
"As my equal, you are to be dressed as such," he said. "Do not complain."
"I just don't understand why you are doing this," she frowned.
"It's been long overdue," he muttered and pulled her into his arms. He knew she was still upset. He was keeping her from her friends and family, after all. Despite the tainting she did to him, he was a bit surprised at how he never bothered to notice her before. She was overlooked by a lot of men. It was actually something that Vol planned on. He didn't want her succubus nature to awaken. He knew that something like this would have happened.
"I don't like this," she whispered. He only ran a hand through her hair to force her to relax. She was more than just a succubus to him. She was a very beautiful and stunning creature. He made no plans to lose her again.
"You're mine," he hissed and breathed in her rain-like scent. With her succubus side out, the rain seemed to carry a scent of smoke with it. It was much like a smell of rain incense now. It made him crave to have her even closer than before. He doubted that Sonic truly understood exactly how powerful she was now. The way he saw it, she was stronger than Lilith. "He will never understand your true nature like I do."
"You don't know that," she whispered.
"Your mother knew," he said and nuzzled into her hair. "She knew the true power you held. You hold the power of ice, seduction and the twinkling night sky. You may even hold some small control over fire. Even as your eyes smolder with the same light your mother has, you do not complain of the heat here. Even of the heat that I give you. I know you hold more secrets within you. I intend to possess them all."
"But…" she started and blinked at a sudden swerve he did with a hiss.
"Someone is here. And I don't want you to leave. I hate to do this, but I must."
"Do what?" she frowned. He scooped her up to kiss her intensely and carried her into a different room. In this room was a gilded gold cage with a keyless lock. She gasped with dismay when he quickly tossed her in it and sealed the door. Cushions and small treasures did line the bottom of the bowl-like floor, but he now suspended the cage over a pool of lava with a gold chain. The intense heat was something she wasn't used to. The cage was hanging just enough to keep from getting the bottom seared. She was effectively trapped.
"Only I can remove that lock. If anyone else tries to free you, the cage will fall. Ice will not last long, and the lava is too hot to be cooled quickly. Just stay put," he warned. At her look of complete hurt, he actually winced. But he had to ensure that she couldn't escape him. When he left, she only curled up on herself and cried softly.
It was easy for Cydaea to get into one of the many volcano tunnels. Mephiles was close behind her. They both had night vision, so it was easy to see down the black depths that stretched before them.
"He's been busy," Mephiles growled.
"Tell me about it," she snorted.
"Tell me this," he asked. "Do you regret asking Iblis to help you?"
"Hmm? Oh. Well, after all he's pulled, yeah. You can say that," she muttered. "Maybe Vol was right in her being better off left as a virgin. I hate it when he's right!"
"Not much else to do now," Mephiles smirked. "Fate could reverse time…"
"No. That would damage something else. And Trishna's developed too far along. It would be a waste," she admitted. "And something tells me that this would have happened the moment she had sex, anyways. With the way she is now…and how she looks…"
"I saw her make stars. I know why Iblis desires her. She's…very unique. In the wrong hands, she could be used in ways that could easily turn any tide of war. Heh. Makes me wonder…" he mused. Then he sputtered from Cydaea's tail smacking him hard on the back of his head.
"Don't talk about that with me present. That's how you get hurt," she growled. Her burning pupils were glowing with solid warning. "Just remember. We may be looking for my daughter, but we are in a dark hallway. And the things I could do to you now would make you cringe."
To further the warning along, a scent lightly filtered through the air. Mephiles's reptilian eyes went round. At the throaty, purring chuckle in his ear, he tensed. Then a delicate, warm hand gently trailed down his furred chest in a way that held far too much expertise. Just when his resolve was ready to snap, the sensations were gone. He was still gasping with shock when she murmured, "If you behave, then so will I. I don't want to spoil you for Fate, but I will if you piss me off. Don't mess with a succubus. Especially me. Do we have an understanding?"
"Sure…" he managed to voice out. She only grinned wickedly. It would take a while for him to calm down. That was the whole point. She could easily do whatever she wanted with him right now, but it was all fun and games. She didn't want him to touch her. She did remember how fun it was playing with Orion that way, but he dared her, in a sense. And that was before he got married. She also had, sort of, brought that on herself. And he was nothing like he was then than he is now. She actually trembled a little at the memory and had vowed to say nothing. That little secret was buried deep in their past and still kept a secret to this day.
But now she had a problem. She was in the mood. Such was the price for teaching someone a lesson. Grumbling to herself, she refocused on finding her daughter. After her daughter was found, she'd reward herself. Humming softly now, they came upon a fork in the tunnel.
"Let's split up from here," she said. "I'll go left."
"Fine," he muttered. Being away from her would help him refocus. It was what she had planned. It was also planned by Iblis to have them split up. The moment they did, Mephiles was confronted first.
"Brother…" Iblis smirked when his glowing form materialized.
"Brother," Mephiles said in kind.
"One chance. Leave now," he said.
"I can't," Mephiles muttered. Iblis only nodded and the cave began to glow with super-heated lava rock. His brother's jaw dropped at this when the lava cage formed.
"I can't really hurt you, since you're blood. But I can make you very uncomfortable," Iblis chuckled. Mephiles now tried to freeze over the prison, but the ice was melting far too fast. And the light from the lava kept shadow teleportation away. "And you were right about me being busy. I also know how make things even worse for you. That little bit with Cydaea amused me. I think it's time you and her got to…oh…know each other better."
"What?!" Mephiles hissed. Iblis snapped his fingers to put Mephiles in a well-lighted chamber to effectively trap him. The room was too warm for ice to keep solid for very long. As his brother now studied the chamber he was in to try and effectively fail to get out, Cydaea was now being approached.
"Where is she?" Cydaea asked when he appeared.
"Safe," Iblis said.
"Take me to her," she said.
"Sure. But first, I need to show you something," he said. At the scent that filtered in the air, he laughed. "And that has no more hold on me. I claimed Trishna as my equal. I marked her again. I still have her mark, too. Your seduction is useless to me."
"So…that's why you wouldn't let me take over the mark…" she blinked.
"You assume correctly. Now, let me show you something," he said. She sighed and grumbled when she let him teleport her into the same room that Mephiles was in. At her look of confusion, Iblis's voice rang out, "Reward yourself first, Cydaea. Then you will see your daughter."
"Oh, you…!" she hissed with shock.
"Reward yourself?! What the Hell?!" Mephiles spat out.
"Iblis! Let us out of here!" she snapped. Silence was all she got. "Great. We have to have sex to leave."
"WHAT?!" Mephiles asked in complete shock and disbelief. "I refuse to touch you!"
"The feeling is mutual," she growled. "So…I guess we just have to wait."
"Damn him!" he scowled and fumed. Cydaea fretted, but she had to admit one thing. Iblis had definitely improved his tactics a bit too much for her taste.
Iblis was very pleased with himself. Two were now out of the way. There were quite a few left, but they would be dealt with in time. He simply had to wait for the next group to come in. Until then, he wanted some quality time with Trishna. He went back into the room with her suspended cage and pulled it back over. When she looked at him, he realized something. Her succubus side was fully blown out. Her dragon side was too depressed to appear.
"It's about time you let me out," she frowned. Her burning pupils were the only way to tell that this side of her was in control. "I was getting bored!"
"Sorry about that," he smirked. Now he was completely amused and pleased about this.
"I want to have some fun, too, you know," she pouted.
"And what would be considered fun?" he asked and clamped his hot hands directly on her chest from under the hanging silk. She gasped and gave in to the kiss he gave her. He pulled her up into his arms and carried her to where he made himself a new lava rock throne. Settling her in his lap, he grunted when she turned to position herself on him. Her wings were neatly pressed into his chest and his hands moved over her form.
"Playing with someone to make them suffer," she murmured and gasped at a hard thrust he did.
"I don't know," he muttered and moved her hair aside to clamp his newly formed mouth on her neck. "You might have too much fun. Besides…who did you have in mind…?"
"Someone…from the royal family…" she grinned wickedly. He paused at this. Then his green eyes narrowed. But it was with a solid form of amusement.
"A male figure?" he grinned.
"Of course," she thrummed softly.
"One with…a silver crown with a sapphire gem?"
"Correct," she grinned wickedly.
"His mate would slaughter you."
"If he told," she murmured and turned her face to kiss him hard. "Succubi have ways to make things seem like realistic dreams. He'd never tell the difference. And I need practice in that art."
"I'm still not sure," he growled. "You might want children."
"No!" she snorted. "I don't want kids right now!"
"Good to know," he mumbled and brought them both to their peaks of pleasure. She managed to twist herself around carefully to make him tremble with another spasm of pleasure, and she rested her head against his chest with a slightly drowsy look. He completely loved this side of her. After several minutes of rest, she sighed. "Hmm?"
"You would think," she pondered. "That this place would be crawling with underling minions. Or something."
"Never needed them. Besides, none ever listen," he shrugged.
"I can make them listen and obey," she grinned. "Of course, it would compromise our position."
"Hmm. Well, if you did want to test a new skill…" he thought aloud.
"Just keep the others back as I make a call," she grinned and he laughed. "Oh. We should have Mother and your brother bear witness, too. Maybe it will push things along for them?"
"I can open a window," he mused and got up to let her walk with him at his side. "I must say, though, this new side of you. It's very different. I like it."
"Oh, I do, too!" she chuckled. "That dragon part. Ugh! Always saying that there's a consequence for such an action. That Dad wouldn't like it. Blah, blah, blah! It's good for that side to finally shut up! I can do what I want at last! Of course, that's when we disagree. Almost all the time. But, when we agree, it's fine."
"So, why isn't that side awake now?" he asked.
"Too depressed over poor, little Sonic!" she smirked. "And just basic things in general."
"Interesting to know," Iblis admitted. Depression was the key to keeping the succubus out.
"That side just doesn't understand why you do things as you do. I understand, but that side? Hah! Anyways, do you have a tall platform here? The taller the better," she said.
"This way," he said and began to walk up a set of newly formed stairs with her. Even as he watched her from the corner of his eye, he realized how glad he was that he took up the offer to break her virginity. This was the most fun he ever had in centuries.
"Something's wrong," Vol muttered. "By now, Cydaea would have gotten back to us with a report."
"Same with Mephiles," Fate said. "It's been, what? Four hours?"
"Just about," Orion thought aloud. "I'd check on your mother, but she's fine. I don't want her here."
"Yeah," Lilith nodded. Sonic, Shadow and Tails came over now.
"We need to go after them," Sonic said.
"It's time," Shadow agreed.
"Tails, I need you stay here to monitor the city. We don't know what will happen with us gone," Sonic said.
"Really?" Tails seemed to pout. At Sonic's glare, he caved. "Okay, okay! I'll stay."
"I have Cydaea's last imprint. We'll go there," Vol said and already made a portal. Fate and Lilith were very worried. They had no luck getting in touch with Trishna. Her mind was completely unbalanced. When they walked through the portal and it closed behind them, they stared in shock at the massive volcano. The outside outer layer looked like a solid wall of black rock. Veins of new lava glowed and pulsed like a beating heart as they ran down in rivulets from the mildly overflowing top. But it was the topmost ledge that Vol recognized a glow that he knew well. And he was not happy about it.
"Is that a twinkle?" Shadow asked when he saw a light spark and fade out.
"No!" Vol hissed and leapt into the air. "Find another way in!"
"All right!" Orion shouted after him. He knew that Vol had to confront his daughter directly. He glanced at the others with him, and they quickly searched for a way in.
When Vol flew at the twinkling lights, he saw Iblis standing near his daughter's glowing form. A fierce hatred rose up in him when he landed, but the fiery demon rose up his hands.
"This was her idea. Not mine," he said.
"What?" Vol asked.
"Her mind is severed," Iblis said. "The dragon side is locked away."
"Hmm?" Trishna asked when she stopped glowing and turned. "Dad! Good to see you."
"Trishna?" Vol asked and blinked at the hug she gave him. Then he saw her eyes. "Trishna, this isn't you!"
"But it is, Dad!" she chuckled. "Just a new part of me. That's all."
"Where is your mother?" he asked.
"Oh. Iblis locked her and Mephy up together. They have to have sex to leave their chamber," she beamed. "Isn't it clever?"
"What?!" Vol grimaced with disgust.
"Iblis can show you where they are. I'm not done here yet. I'll join up with you both later," she chuckled. She pressed a loving, daughterly kiss to her father's cheek and moved back up to the platform. He was completely confused. He knew it wasn't really the Trishna he knew, but she fully regarded him and hugged him as she always did. However, instead of following Iblis, he watched Trishna's body start to glow again to twinkle out. Then she outstretched her hands and began to sing.
His jaw dropped at how the twinkling seemed to amplify her call for aid. He had no idea that twinkling could amplify sound or strengthen skills. Her succubus side figured out a lot of things that her dragon side didn't. She even curled her wings around her form to even further amplify the sound, too.
"What is she doing?" Vol asked in a form of awe.
"Calling for support. For me," Iblis smirked. Vol glared at him, but Iblis rose his hands up again. "Like I said, Vol. This was all her idea. Not mine."
"Right…" Vol grimaced and shook his head. Then he sensed something familiar. Her dragon side was reaching out to him. She was terrified. He focused on her slightly to show that he was there. "Hang in there. Daddy's here now. I won't do anything as long as you don't shed any blood."
Her succubus side heard this, too. It would be remembered. As long as she shed no blood, he agreed to stay out of her way. He would only watch. Iblis seemed to nod at this, too. He did respect Vol for giving him Trishna. He would not harm her father, but he would detain him if he had to.
"This way," Iblis said now and led Vol to a small viewing window to see Cydaea and Mephiles.
"Can I talk to them?" Vol asked.
"You can," Iblis nodded. "I will allow it."
"Thanks. Cydaea! Mephiles! It's Vol. I understand that the two of you need to go at it to get out. Do it now. The others are on their way. Your help will be needed," he said.
"What?!" Mephiles said with disbelief.
"Are you serious?! Vol, what's going on with Trishna?" Cydaea asked.
"Her dragon side is…hibernating. It's the easiest way to describe it," Vol said. "I vowed not to get in the way. However, if Trishna sheds blood, I will intervene. So, Mephiles, suck it up! I won't say a word. You have to do this."
"No! I can't do that!" he retorted. Iblis had already closed the window.
"What do ya think, Mephy?" she asked softly.
"I don't want to be touched by you," he growled.
"If Vol said that the others are here, then you know that Fate is out there, too," she said. Now he paused. And he cringed. "I know you like her. I won't say anything. If all we have to do is have a quick fling to get out of here, then what's stopping us?"
Mephiles glanced over at her and weighed his options. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to focus. "I need incentive. And, after it's done…I am having some…serious words…with my brother. And Fate is not to know anything. Agreed?"
"You have my vow," she purred and let her scent fill the air. If he wanted incentive, he got a lot more than he bargained for. She had all of that covered.
The small group outside the volcano was stunned when they heard Trishna start to sing. It was eerie and haunting. It pulled at them all to come join her side. When they saw what manner of creatures were obeying her call, Sonic could only grimace with revulsion.
"Don't think about it," Orion warned him. "Act like one of them."
"Okay," Lilith nodded. The small group fanned out a bit and managed to walk into one of the many entrances. When the darkness threatened to swallow them, Fate summoned forth a floating fireball to give them the light they needed. Iblis watched them all from afar and smirked. And he knew that Trishna wanted to speak with Orion alone.
He walked over to her singing, glowing form and whispered softly in her ear. The singing took on a slightly different pitch. At a sudden commotion, a fresh team of new minions jogged down the path and purposely split the group up. Orion was sudden carried off down another path. The rest were left together.
"Father?!" Fate called out.
"He's fine. We got separated. We'll find him again," Shadow said. She swallowed and could only nod. As they continued down the path, Orion found himself moved to a well-lighted room. As he looked around for a good five minutes, he didn't hear the small entrance open behind him and seal shut.
"Orion," Trishna whispered. He turned and blinked at her with surprise. Her finery had him catch his breath at the way it only enhanced her beauty. Iblis was busy diverting Vol's attention to other parts of his volcanic domain. Even he could agree in keeping Vol's eyes away from what was going to happen. And Iblis didn't want to see it, either.
Before he thought of how to talk to her, he noticed how much like her mother she was. Then something clicked into place for him. An old side of him that was pushed down for so long threatened to come back up. It was brutal side. A very clever, demanding and roguish side. A darker side of him that he thought was lost. He had locked it away the moment he got married to Solina. Now he remembered something and various events fell into place. It had threatened to come out in his gardens before Cydaea intervened. Now it was free to try something.
Could it be true? He thought to himself. He knew what this old side of him wanted to do. He knew what his refined and current side had to do. He had to go with his refined side first. He had to remember that this was Vol's daughter, too, and he was his best friend. He took the cautious way out and carefully locked the hidden side of himself back down to regain control.
"Trishna. It's good to see you," he said. "Did you see your father?"
"I have. Iblis is entertaining him," she smiled. Orion nodded at this. Then he saw her eyes. Now a form of fear gripped him. Even when she stepped towards him, it was in a sultry way. He knew his darker side was already telling him what was to come. And what may have to be done.
"Trishna, I want to tell you a story," he said calmly. "Is there a place I can sit?"
"Oh," she blinked. She seemed to shrug and sat on the ground. He chuckled at that and did the same. He took a deep breath and regarded her silently. He had to try and reason with her.
"A very long time ago," he started. "Before I met Solina. Before I even met your father, actually. I was wandering the world and just trying to make a small name for myself. It was a small quest, really. Nothing major. I heard a rumor that someone was causing havoc to the local populace along one of the main traveling roads. So, I went to check it out. Needless to say, it was your mother."
"What?" she asked with a small grin. He chuckled softly.
"Yes. She…took one look at me and smiled. I told her that the populace was not supposed to be her playground. Then she asked…" he grimaced. "If I would replace them. Naturally, I said no. She had other ideas. She bargained with me. I remain at her side for a week, she would move on. If I said no, then she would go into the town directly. So, I'm sure you know what my answer was after that."
"What did she…do to you?" she asked softly.
"The same thing that you want to do to me now," he said softly. "Trishna…I held you as an infant. I claimed you as my daughter to be with my other daughters. I see you as my daughter. I…"
"I saw how you looked at me in the garden, though."
"I know. And I am ashamed of myself for doing so. Solina has my heart. She bore me two beautiful daughters and took you in as her own, too. And I know you are very beautiful. Stunning. Everything. But I see you as my daughter. Please…tell me you see this…"
"I…" she shivered. Something started to shift within her. Her dragon side was fighting to come out. Her succubus side was trying to push it back down. "Daddy Orion…help me…!"
"Trishna!" he grimaced and moved to hug her. He pulled her into his lap and crushed her to him in a very protective, fatherly way. She began to cry, and he rocked her. Her pupils were shimmering from burning coals to black. She was struggling to gain control of herself.
"I know. It's scary, isn't it? A new side of you that's coming out. It makes you do things you don't want to do," he winced. It was as though he knew exactly what she was going through, and it was because the same thing was happening to him as they spoke. She would have questioned it, but her mind was in turmoil.
"Make it…stop…!" she gasped and sobbed. "I don't…want…to do this…anymore!"
"I know you don't," he swallowed and nuzzled her in a fatherly way.
"It makes me…want to hurt…so many…" she whimpered. "I don't want to…hurt them…"
"Easy," he soothed. "We'll stay right here. I'll be right here with you."
"Until Iblis…looks for me…" she cringed. He only nodded slightly. He moved to press a kiss to her forehead. Then her succubus side snapped into focus and moved her mouth to meet his. He was shocked. Speechless. Even when she looked at him with a new, burning glow in her eyes, she said, "Sorry. I don't know what came over me."
"T-Trishna…!" he shivered. A thrumming came from her throat now from how she pressed into him. Then it suddenly died when she fought with herself again and pulled herself from his lap.
"No! I can't!" she shrieked and fell to her knees. She was truly suffering now. "I…want my…!"
"Wait!" he said and moved to pull her back to him. He didn't want her to call for Vol. He didn't want his only best friend to see him with her like this. It would simply crush him. But, already, his hidden side knew that this was the moment he was waiting for. What he was truly waiting for. That it was time to act. At her trembling, he knew there was only one way to fully and safely fix this. As much as he didn't want to agree with his hidden side, there was no choice. He knew what he had to do, and he pressed his muzzle to her ear to whisper, "I'll bargain with your succubus side."
"No!" she whimpered, but he continued to hold her to him.
"I'll give you what you want for a full hour," he muttered. "On several conditions. Solina CANNOT know of this. No one else can know. You are to also release her dragon side to come back to us. And you will never let yourself get this out of line ever again! Yes, you need to come out. But, you must reform yourself. If you do not want to agree to any of my conditions, then I'd like you to explain to your father why we are here like this. Alone."
For a solid five minutes, she was deep in thought. She was shivering with resentment and with excitement. Finally, in a soft, broken whisper, she said, "I agree…"
"The hour starts now. And may this never happen again," he growled, tilted her face up to his and kissed her deeply. His hidden side was elated and began to break free again. He lost his resolve to keep it locked away. Even as he moved to claim her furiously on the floor, her dragon side was crying internally. Her succubus side was simply enjoying herself.
It was thirty-five minutes into the hour when Orion had to rest. He was letting himself enjoy her. It was the only time he would ever do this, and he knew it would be the last time. He didn't want to do this with her again. As much as he was completely taken with what she had to offer, he knew it was wrong. His hidden side was rather pleased, though. It knew it was already time to come out of hiding at last. When she went to move, he growled and pulled her back to his side.
"The hour isn't done. You're still mine until it's over," he muttered. "Trust me. I've been keeping to the time."
"Possessive much?" she teased. He grinned. He actually missed feeling like this. As his old self. As much as he needed his refined self in public, this hidden side of him felt elated that it was free again.
"This is the first and last time I'll get to do this. I'm being lenient," he smirked. "But, you are sure about this? No one can see us?"
"No. Iblis fully agreed that he would not wish to see this. He does still see me as his, but even he knows that a succubus has needs, too. As long as I go back to him, it's fine. Besides, I added my own shielding here. No one can look in. If they try, they get redirected to another area," she chuckled. And it was a solid truth. He just seemed to nod and sigh. "Tell me. Do you regret this?"
"If you keep to your bargain," he said softly. "Then I regret nothing."
She gave a soft nod, and her eyes began to flicker out. At her trembling, he growled and kissed her hard to bring the succubus back out to play. He couldn't let her slip right now. At her whimper, he said, "I know. It hurts. But I made a bargain. A vow. I have to keep it. You have to keep it, too, Trishna. We'll both suffer a little after this. But, I have to keep to my word. The others are counting on us right now. Think of it this way. I'm protecting you, too, like this. Iblis can't touch you. So don't slip just yet."
"But…if it happens…again…" she whispered. He narrowed his eyes and kissed her.
"It won't," he muttered. He nuzzled into her neck and paused at an odd scent. He found her mark. He scented Sonic and Iblis on it. It actually enraged him. He forced himself to try and pull away, but the instinct to overpower them was suffocating. It was intense. And it was all because he was with her as her succubus side was out with his hidden side trying to make an intense comeback. The moment he discovered her mark, he sensed submission from her. It empowered him. It was a feeling that he experienced before from his hidden side. From when he lived in a darker time long ago.
His refined side tried to pull back. To cry out a warning to cease all action. It was ignored in full. There was only one thought raging in his mind. This is what I was waiting for. At her heightened gasp when he claimed her again, he gave in to the instinct. His mouth locked onto the mark, and she cried out with complete shock.
"Orion!" she cried out at his muffled shout. He continued to hold her down a bit until he released her and licked the small wound closed. A sick shame engulfed him, but he squashed it. He shook himself free of the guilt he felt. He'll feel it later for sure. That part wasn't supposed to have happened. His hidden side won. It signified that he would want her again. That he would find her again. There was already a shift in his mental consciousness. His refined side was slowly getting shoved into a corner at long last. He forced himself to stop trembling to make it seem like it was all from the pleasure.
"We'll discuss that bit later," he muttered and kissed her in a branding way. The new instinct to dominate her was there, but he knew it would vanish when his time was up. Or so his refined side only hoped. As he finished out the rest of the hour with her, Fate was busy helping the others get past some of the trickier parts of the volcano.
"Fate…" Mephiles said lightly. Iblis honored his word to let him free. "Are you hurt?"
"Huh? No. I'm fine!" she chuckled. "We lost my Father, though. When we were coming in from the main cave where other things were appearing. We were hoping to find him as we looked for Trishna."
"Don't worry about Trishna," Cydaea said when she appeared. "Vol has an eye on her from what I know."
"Okay," Lilith said. "But our Father is missing."
"We'll find him as we move on," Sonic said. "I want to find Vol. If we find him, then we find Trishna."
"We know," Shadow muttered. Sonic was Hell-bent on finding her.
"You know," Cydaea mused.
"Shut up," Mephiles muttered.
"What?" she frowned.
"When you 'wonder' it becomes something not needed," he grunted.
"What are you wondering about?" Shadow asked. It was only to piss off Mephiles and it worked. Fate pursed her lips to keep from laughing. Lilith gave a small giggle, though.
"Just that, oh…" Cydaea sighed. Now Mephiles saw that it was a definite worry. "If Orion was being set up to meet with Trishna for some, ah…fun time. That's all."
"No!" Fate said with disgust and shock. "That would never happen!"
"Father sees Trish as our sister!" Lilith growled. "He would do no such thing!"
"You'd be surprised what one would do around a succubus," Cydaea sighed again. "Especially if a mark was discovered. But, maybe you both are right. I'll just have to hope with you that nothing happens like that."
"What do you know?" Sonic asked now.
"When you've lived for as long as I have," Cydaea smiled softly. "You see things that happen that weren't supposed to happen. Vows get broken. Relationships that were strong suddenly shatter apart. Whether I was involved or not, it does happen. I've seen kingdoms get built and crumble down as fast as a wave crashing on a beach. Such things are…hard to forget. I also know that there are hidden sides to people that are never known until they wish to become known. There are hidden sides to everyone. But, it's best not to dwell on it. I know that when we find Vol that everything will likely be done here. He'll insist on it."
"I'm only going to say this," Sonic said with a low, dangerous growl. "I respect Orion. But if he touched her, I will not tolerate it! She's my fiancée. I don't care what parts she has that make her up. She is mine."
"Sounds like something Iblis would say," Mephiles mused out. Sonic glared at him with hatred and charged forward. He just felt like he was insulted.
"Claiming a mark brings out that side of people. A raw dominance to own the other. See what I mean?" Cydaea said lightly. Fate was stunned. Lilith was taken by complete surprise. Even Shadow was shocked by his friend's new mood. It was completely unlike Sonic.
"If Orion does see her like his daughter," Mephiles said. "He'll be immune to her."
"Then let's hope so," Fate said softly. "Because Trishna is my sister. I won't see her as anything less."
"Yeah," Lilith swallowed. They all nodded at that and moved after Sonic before he did something stupid.
Back in the chamber, Orion and Trishna were still enjoying each other. He judged there was another ten minutes left, and he focused with his ability to mildly foresee the future.
"Twenty minutes," he muttered. "I'm extending my bargain with you for another ten minutes."
"Why?" she murmured. He had her draped over his muscled, Persian blue-furred chest, and he was completely relishing in her warmth. He licked her cheek affectionately and focused on putting his thoughts into words.
"You brought out a part of me that I thought I lost," he admitted. "When I was younger…much younger, of course…I had a rather ambitious streak."
"More story time?" she smiled. He laughed softly at that.
"You could say that," he nodded and stroked her hair. "When I met Solina, yes, I was quite taken by her beauty. She knew how handsome I was, too. But she was completely turned off by me. I was brash, over confident…everything a real king or prince shouldn't be. Even a noble would have laughed at how I was. As if I cared, anyways. I never took my role seriously enough. When I realized how prim and proper she was, I had my doubts, too. But…in the end…her parents decided that I was the best match for her. So, I decided to make things work. I turned myself around and put my youthful side on a shelf. She was surprised at this and gave me another chance. You know it obviously worked out."
"Obviously," she agreed.
"But…after being here…with you…" he swallowed and sighed. "I realize…I miss that part of myself. To be that brash and bold youth again. It's a nostalgic feeling."
"Have you tried to tell Solina this?"
"I did. And she gave me a look like I went off the deep end," he said with a roll of his eyes. She giggled. "And I realized what you meant about this…possibly happening again. I said it wouldn't…but…"
"Yeah," she said with a soft, sad smile. He sat up with her now and cradled her in his lap. "I do need to tell you something, though. I'm very scared about it."
"What is it?" he asked gently.
"Sonic…I was with him for three whole days. In my room at Dad's home. After the garden incident…" she shivered. He stifled a jealous growl and cleared his throat. "He…claimed my mark, too. Like you did. He wants me to marry him. I didn't actually give him an answer for it."
"You didn't?" he blinked at her.
"No," she said sadly. "Because Iblis claimed me, too. It…felt unfair to me…to solely belong to one…when…"
"I see…" he muttered darkly.
"And now…you see me as yours…" she trembled. He glanced at her. Then his jaw dropped. She was right. "But…it's even worse now…"
"Because of me?" he asked.
"Not…exactly…" she choked up. This was her succubus side. Now he was concerned. "My dragon side…Sonic asked if I would bear him children. As a succubus, I said no. But my dragon side was considering it. If it fully agrees…and with Iblis having me…and now you…"
"Oh…my…" his eyes went wide. He closed his eyes and sighed. "I will not worry about this now. I'll talk to your dragon side when she wakes up. Just remain here with me and keep calm."
"Okay," she said and closed her eyes to rest against him. He pressed his muzzle against her skin and breathed in her scent. It relaxed him and excited him all at the same time. She was simply amazed that he reminded her of both Sonic and Iblis. He had Sonic's passion and heart. He bore Iblis's determination and stern fury. Orion could easily satisfy both her dragon and succubus sides. It was very scary for her to think about.
"I wonder," Orion mused and gently moved a finger along the scaled line of her chest. Each line on opposite sides neatly covered the sensitive tips and ended in a small, pointed stripe near the center. It was very flattering on her, but he noticed one main scale that was much larger than the rest at the very top. It looked like a cover. She popped her eyes open when he gently lifted up the largest scale and felt under it. Her jaw dropped. "So…you do have them…"
"I…!" she gasped and shouted when he moved a thumb over the now hard nub. It was clearly the most sensitive place on her body for never being revealed or touched.
"You never knew. Did you?" he muttered in her ear. "The scales really are like clothing. Aren't they?"
"Ah!" she whimpered when her other set of chest scales were lifted carefully to have what was revealed gently pinched. Now he knew that these were instant turn-on spots for her.
"Did any others know this?" he growled and shoved himself back into her. She could only shake her head as an answer. "Good. This is for me to know only. Understand?"
She could only nod and moan out her pleasure as he worked with her. Then she shouted when he clamped his mouth over her mark again. He was going to fully brand her as his now. He couldn't give her back to two males that had no idea how to be with her properly. He was slowly drowning out their scents with his. And he planned to give her right back to her father instead of handing her over to any others. Vol would be immune to scenting the mark. It was the safest thing to do, and it would cover up what Orion was doing perfectly. Cydaea might catch on, but he knew how to work with her.
When she was a gasping, whimpering mess, he only chuckled and pulled her back over his chest with his own contented smirk. Then he thought and said, "Trish, my dear, do tell me. Did you mark either of them?"
"Iblis…" she panted. "Out of…revenge…"
"I see. What about Sonic?"
"No…"
"Good. So you didn't mark Iblis to really make him your own. Perfect," he grinned. "Solina won't know what to look for, so I'll be safe enough. I want you to mark me."
"What?!" she gasped and looked at him. He pointed to a particular spot near the bottom of his right side.
"Right there. No one would know except for us. And put a lot of care into that bite, would you?" he chuckled.
"No!" she whimpered. He narrowed his eyes and growled in warning. This was his brash side. His arrogant side. Only Trishna would be able to see this side of him when they were like this. He was about to bear his teeth at her, but he stopped and reigned himself back. It was time to pull out the charm. He knew what to say from his refined side.
"Trish," he whispered softly against her ear. "I'm only thinking of your best interest here. I do care about you. Greatly. I was there for you all your life. They weren't. They don't know you like I do. They can't care for you like I do. Yes, our relationship will be secret. Vol wouldn't approve. Solina would despise me if she found out. But those two…do you really think they could really give you what you truly need?"
"Iblis…couldn't love me…" she shivered. "Sonic does…but…"
"Do you love him back?" he asked and nuzzled under her jaw.
"I care…but…" she gasped and let him claim her neck with his mouth.
"We can come…to love each other…" he muttered and ran his hands up her back to massage between her wings.
"Tell me this," she said and rested her hands on his chest. "Why didn't Fate and Lilith have other siblings?"
"Solina…" he muttered at the massage she gave him now. "Was never really one to…express her sexuality…"
"And it left you on a back-burner?" she asked and began to trace over his muscles. He tensed and grimaced, but it was all from pleasure.
"For so long…I had…nothing to…" he panted. "Please, Trishna! Mark me!"
"Where?" she asked. He pointed to the spot again, and he shouted at the feel of her teeth sinking into his furry skin. She held it there until his trembling stopped. She licked the bite mark clean of blood and gasped when he moved his mouth over her mark again.
"I'll still be…with Solina…" he muttered and licked over her mark. "I have to be…the father…to my daughters. I still have…a kingdom to rule…"
"I know," she whimpered and succumbed to the kiss he gave her.
"And when I need you," he whispered and crushed her to him. "I'll make time to see you."
"Just…for needs?" she trembled. At the smoldering look he gave her now, it was filled with unspent passion. He now saw her as something more. Something even more than Solina ever was.
"No. For much more than needs," he said and kissed her in his branding way again. He was going to ensure that no others could touch her. He had ways to make it happen.
Iblis moved to the chamber to fetch Trishna. He wanted her again, and Vol was hot on his heels. When he got to the chamber, he paused to see Orion cradling Trishna in a very protective, fatherly way. When he checked for scents, he was curious that none were found. Orion had a very secretive, hidden talent. He could erase various scents and area effects within a two hour block of time. It was why he made sure to only have a little over an hour with her. He was able to cover his tracks. He wasn't a bit of a Timekeeper for nothing!
"Vol. Take her home. Now," Orion said sternly. "I talked to her very calmly about everything. She doesn't want to hurt anymore. Sonic and Iblis need to stop seeing her for now."
"What?!" Iblis growled. "She's mine!"
"No. Not by her standards," Orion said with a narrowed gaze. Vol walked over quickly and saw that Trishna's eyes were the familiar silver orbs with black cat's eye pupils. Her succubus side agreed to give the dragon side back. She also decided that having children right now was a bad idea. Orion could only hope that he got through to her in the limited time he had. "Vol. Go now!"
"Done!" the burnished silver male nodded and quickly left through his portal. When Sonic and the others showed up, Fate and Lilith ran to their father to hug him.
"I'm okay. Trish is back with Vol and away from here. We're going home," Orion said and kissed their foreheads.
"Just like that?" Mephiles blinked.
"Yes. Unless you want to pick a fight with me?" Orion said in a rather dangerous way. Cydaea blinked at this. He was showing off a side of himself that she hadn't seen since she first met him.
"What?" Mephiles asked with complete surprise.
"I'm following her," Sonic said.
"No. You're not," Orion said. "She needs rest. You going to her will only hurt her. Besides. She told me that she never gave you a straight answer on marriage. And she's not ready for kids, either."
His jaw dropped. Now Shadow looked at him with complete surprise.
"Orion?" Cydaea asked carefully.
"Trishna was in a lot of pain. Mentally and physically. I won't let her hurt anymore," he growled. Fate knew that her father got like this sometimes, so it was nothing new. Lilith was the same. But Cydaea knew better, and she would find out in time. "Sonic. Iblis. Leave her alone. When she's feeling better, you'll be notified."
"This isn't fair!" Sonic scowled.
"Neither is life. Get over it," Orion seemed to glare. Now Iblis realized that an intense change came over the king. "Come on, girls. Home. Now."
"Yes, Father," Fate smiled. Lilith nodded back and they both made the portal to leave. "Um…"
"Cydaea can help the others get back," Orion said with a small glare at the succubus. "And I'm sure she'll talk to me later about what was discussed."
"You know it," she muttered. He smirked at her. Now her jaw dropped. She recognized this attitude. Trishna woke it up. And this attitude was a very dangerous one. Not only was he brash in his youth, but he was also a bit of a villain. But only to those he truly detested. It was a very hidden and secretive alter-ego of his, and now it was out in full again. It even made Mephiles pale in comparison. But now it made sense. How else would his daughters gain such dark alter-egos?