Aah, it hasn't been too long now, has it? I struggled quite a bit with writing this chapter, which surprised me a bit since I assumed it might be a little easier given what I've already written. So yeah, this chapter might be a little crap. I don't have a beta reader anymore since I've decided I want to try and finish this while I still have the time (while I'm still livin' the freeloader life as a high schooler), and waiting weeks for it to get a look at was just taking too long seeing as it already takes me months just to type up a chapter.

At the very least, we get to see Cul again. And some new semi reoccurring characters, aw yis.

Word Count: 3,750

~START~

Time crawled by as the days drew on, leaving Anon paranoid with every fleeting thought of the Princess, regardless of how silly she knew it all was. After all, the Dragoness surely had better things to worry about, right? She wouldn't care that 5,000 bits had somehow jumped up to 8,000– She likely hadn't even realized Anon had walked off with the wrong amount to begin with!

In all likelihood, Cul had probably dropped a handful of coins in the bag without checking and just called it a day. It wasn't like she knew beforehand that Anon would be stopping by. Unless, of course, Cul had that lying around just in case she crossed paths with something she found to be...exotic.

Anon shook her head to clear that thought process, earning her a quizzical look from Kanon as they waddled along to the loading carriage, dragging with them a multitude of heavy crates full of their harvest. The taut rope that wrapped around her waist served as a slight distraction, what with the occasional tug or jerk from the carrier cart getting stuck, but other than that, her mind was far from focused.

It seemed even Miku was giving her odd looks, and she hardly noticed anything!

The short-haired blonde sighed as she trudged to a stop next to the carrier. Kanon had already unfastened her own carrier cart and was busy tsun-ing it up with the teal Siren while Akaza and Akiko sized up the loads. This left Anon to slowly untie herself from her cart and go over her own harvest alone, which, surprisingly, was more than what she expected all things considered.

Her mind had been swamped with the constant fear of running into the Dragoness. Just going outside, where any winged demon could spot her, had been a hassle these past three days. She jumped at the slightest sound despite knowing Cul would never personally seek her out.

Heck, Cul probably didn't even remember her name anymore. It was just the stupid fear of another incident occurring that kept her on edge. Regardless of what she'd told Kanon, that fear would never fully go away. It was likely never going to go away, as things were.

No matter how nice Cul might have treated her, at her core, she was still driven by greed. In Cul's mind, Anon's body had a price. She knew nothing about Anon except her ethnicity and her culture. She only wanted what a Succubus could offer.

Cul had no reason to see her as a person.

She was just another low-class demon the rich were free to manipulate and take advantage of for their own pleasure…

Crunch.

Anon blinked in startled confusion, glancing down to the crushed turnip that rested in the palm of her hand. Pieces of the lilac vegetables slipped through her fingers and back into the cart. She could only stare as Kanon reached out to hold her gently by the shoulders, mumbling something to Miku that didn't quite register in Anon's ears.

"Come on, Ano. Let's get you inside." Kanon shook Anon slightly, jolting the younger twin out of her stupor. "I'll go with the others into town and sell our harvest. You can stay home, but promise me you'll put on the Cuff this time."

Anon could only nod as her twin took the smashed turnip from her grasp and dumped the pieces onto the ground, smiling weakly as she wrapped their tails together and started them off towards the house. It wasn't long before they were out of sight, though Miku watched them curiously all the while.

She hopped down from the carriage to snag another crate from the cart and huddled close to her work partner with a small frown, nearly falling over with the weight of her pigtails as she craned her neck in the twin's direction.

"What do you think is wrong with Anon?" The Siren murmured quietly.

Akaza only grunted before bumping Miku with a crate to get her moving, continuing her path to the carriage.

"She's lost the light about her— They all do eventually. Even Kanon will someday, it's just how they are." The white-haired demon's voice was almost drowned out as she dropped the crate into the gig, sparing no time in rerouting back to the remaining cargo left in the carts.

Casting one last glance back, Miku couldn't help but frown as she forced herself back into work mode, putting the twins out of her mind for the time being.

"Well, I hope she finds her light again soon."

"Anon, we're heading out." Kanon's voice seemed to echo around within the small bath chamber, drawing Anon from the half-dazed state she'd fallen into. She pulled herself up from the lukewarm bath water and called out a faint, "stay safe," before fiddling around for the plug and popping it up with her tail.

A fading chuckle from Kanon's side of the door signaled to Anon that her twin was retreating, likely off to bear the brunt of the Demon Market's hazzings alone while she sat around being useless. Wonderful.

With a sigh, Anon stepped out of the tub and padded over to the counter where she'd left her towel, careful to avoid her hostile reflection in the mirror. She made sure to keep her gaze firmly locked on the floor as she wrapped the fuzzy red fabric securely around her body, only then feeling comfortable enough to sneak a peek at her reflection— Big mistake.

The world felt like it was tilting; distorting and shuttering in and out of focus. It left Anon feeling faint as her towel nearly slipped from her grasp, eyes glued to her tainted mirror image as it stared right through her, lips curled back in a sneer.

"What a slut," it growled, echoing in her head like the beat of a drum.

Emerald irises widened in surprise at the utter contempt burning behind their very surface. She stepped back, nearly drowning in a sea of nausea as eyes once familiar glared daggers into her very core, stabbing right through her only defense with ease.

"Look at you," the distant voice roared in her ears, "Hiding away like a coward are we? You sure had no problem whoring yourself out to another woman before, what of your modesty then?"

"I-..." Anon choked on her own words, unable to force anything out but frazzled half breaths.

"Poor little Anon," the voice continued, dragging out every syllable in that sickly familiar tone. "All ragged and scarred; what right-minded demon would ever be twisted enough to think twice about the likes of you? You can't even do anything on your own. You're so pathetic, making Kanon waste money to ensure you don't do it again. What a joke you are."

Anon found herself backed into the wall, eyes brimming with tears.

"Are you feeling sorry for yourself? Are you honestly feeling sorry for yourself? What a joke that is! You've done all this to yourself— Never forget that! This is all your fault! Yours! Don't act like you were raped! You had a choice in this! You did! You did you didyou did—!"

"Stop!"

It took an intense amount of willpower to break her gaze from the disfigured image of herself, but once she did, her legs had her bolting out the door as soon as she could get it open. Her heart practically beat out of her chest as she scampered down the hall and into her room, slamming the door and throwing herself at her bed without any care as to what she might land on.

She hurriedly discarded her towel and scrambled to put on the clothes she'd laid out, neck prickling with irritation as her skirt continued to get caught on her tail. Eventually, she leaped up from her bed, hands immediately darting for the newly purchased Inhibitor Arm Cuff Kanon had gifted her and snatched it up off the bedside table. The golden band sunk its teeth into her right arm as soon as she'd clipped it on, a wave of relief washing over her as the embedded needles started to work their magic.

A shaky sigh escaped her as she slid down against her bed, dropping her head back to rest against the scratchy surface.

"I hate this…" She mumbled, allowing her eyes to slip closed.

That had been the second attack in one day, a new record for her.

Anon groaned and opened her eyes, leaning away from the bed as she noticed her wet hair had created a damp spot. She stood and walked over to pick up her towel from its place on the floor before drapping it over her pillow and lying down on the bed. Rolling onto her side, she strung her tail through her legs and held it to her chest like a teddy bear, nuzzling it close all while minding the sharp edge.

She wouldn't want to poison herself after all.

…er.

Oh, right. She'd nearly forgotten but, her tail contained a lethal neurotoxin, as did most Succubi… It was why she struck Cul with it in that alleyway... The poison had acted as a neutralizer in the past, rendering victims immobile for a Succubus to— Feed from them, for lack of better term. It was only actually deadly in large doses or if left untreated, so...

Wait-

Anon bolted upright with a panicked squeak of alarm, nearly slicing her wrist open on the sharp blade of her tail.

"Did I poison her?!"

Knock-Knock.

A faint noise broke through her frazzled mind before she could continue to freak out further, drawing her attention out of her room and toward the front of the house. The noise was coming from the front door, persistent, and even-tempered. It left Anon with a sinking fear of what someone could be doing so far down the dirt road in the first place…but then it occurred to her that maybe Kanon had just locked herself out, nothing malicious.

So, with that in mind, Anon stood from her bed and trudged through the house to get to the front door, where the knocking persisted even still. She gripped the doorknob tightly, willing herself to believe that it was only Kanon. Who would be out in the middle of nowhere anyway? Don't be so paranoid, Anon.

She pulled open the door.

And, predictably, what stood there wasn't Kanon.

"Hello, Miss." A kind-looking man greeted her, dressed fully in the armor of the Dragon Palace royal guard. He offered a smile, "Would you happen to know where we could find a Succubus named Anon? We've been told she lives around here."

Anon found herself too stunned to speak, only managing a weak gasp.

"Don't be so formal with 'er, Leon. The skank probably doesn't understand half the shit yer saying," a silver-haired guard gruffed, shoving his dark-skinned companion aside in order to grab Anon's wrist. "'sides, this bitch is the only Succubi we've seen for miles. Let's just take 'er and go."

"W-Wait-! No, I-" Anon stuttered and stumbled over her words, finally grasping the situation at hand; the very thing she'd worried over these past three days.

The dark-skinned demon simply sighed and placed a hand on the silver-haired demon's shoulder, careful to keep his temper in check. "Listen, Dell, if it's not her-"

"Who cares if it's not?" The man snapped back immediately. "We've been out here all goddamn day on this wild goose chase just for that uppity bitch who won't even bat an eye at us! She's been so drugged out of 'er goddamned mind these past few days that I honestly don't think she'd even know the difference between a Succubi and an Imp even if one fucked 'er up the ass!"

"Watch your tone, Dell. That's our Princess you speak so lowly of," Leon scolded, tightening his grip on the other's shoulder. "She sent us here to find a Succubus named Anon, not discriminate against innocent demons."

"I concur," the third member of the trio finally spoke up, brown eyes flashing with amusement. "You're terrifying the poor girl, just look at her. Is that any way we should be treating someone our Princess has spoken so fondly of?"

The brunette stepped forward, placing himself between the Vampire and Succubus before laying a hand on Dell's arm as a silent warning. Dell grumbled something under his breath and released his death grip on Anon, prompting Leon to let go of his fellow guard's shoulder as well.

"There, all friendly now." A sharp look was shot Dell's way before softening and shifting to Anon. "Now, if you could be so kind as to tell us your name."

"I...um." Anon shuffled uncomfortably, clutching her injured wrist to her chest. "A-Anon. I'm...Anon."

"See! I tol-" Dell was cut off by a smack to the back of the head courtesy of Leon.

"Ah-ha. I see," the brunette smiled. "Well Anon, my name is Kyo, and this fellow over here is Leon. Oh, and the unpleasant bloodsucker over there is Dell, I say just ignore him. That's what I do."

Anon tittered nervously. "Oh, well, uh… Nice to meet you, I guess…"

"Likewise. Now, if you could just follow us-"

"I'm sorry, but I can't," Anon immediately cut in, stepping further back into the house in preparation to shut the door. "My sister is away, a-and I'm not feeling all too well myself… Maybe take another Succubus in my place? I'm sure it'd be fine..."

Kyo's smile fell away to a frown as he shot a confused glance over to Leon while Dell just continued to mutter darkly to himself. The brunette lifted his hands in an attempt to show he meant no harm as he stepped closer to Anon, who's fingers tensed around the doorknob, ready to slam it closed. He drew back slightly, hoping Anon would return to her prior position. She did not.

He sighed, bringing a hand up to massage his temple.

"Listen," he started slowly, "I know the thought of going off somewhere with three strange men you just met and don't know sounds scary, but trust me, you need to come with us now rather than later. We have to report that we've found you, so even if you don't, I know the Princess will come for you herself. You don't want that, right?"

"I just won't open the door…" Anon hesitantly moved back, as if to prove her point.

"Trust me, she'll find a way in."

"But what if my sister were here? She wouldn't… She wouldn't try anything then, would she?"

"I mean, as much as I want to say she wouldn't…"

Anon's face fell.

"I don't...have a choice, do I?"

"Afraid not."

A sigh escaped her.

When have I ever...

"Ah, so that's what happened."

The gig bumped and rattled down the dusty dirt road as Anon merely nodded and sunk further into the little corner she'd pressed herself into. Kyo let out a small chuckle and reclined back against the stiff carriage seat, turning his honey brown eyes up towards the dotted blue sky with a soft smile. He let the atmosphere simmer in the afternoon sun for a moment more, before turning his attention to the Succubus with curiosity lingering in his expression.

"Are you worried?" He asked gently, drawing Anon from her own musings.

She turned to him with a frown, glancing down at her hands that rested in her lap, before nodding her head once again. A faint sigh escaped her as she brought her knees up to her chest as best she could from her position on the cramped seat, gazing sadly over the bar to her side that kept her in the speeding carriage.

They'd long since left the rolling countryside behind and entered into the city limits, bringing them closer to the Dragon Palace, and closer to Cul… Anon wondered briefly if that were the only thing they were rushing toward.

What would she be charged with, she wondered; what would Cul say when she saw her? Would Cul even remember her name? Or would she simply be, "that Succubus Cul fucked."

Anon wondered if maybe Cul was mad about being poisoned, or perhaps the fact she'd been attacked to begin with, regardless of it being self-defense. She wondered if Cul thought she'd stolen from her, or if she merely wanted her money back. Maybe it had all been a set up from the start, and Anon was going to be executed for sleeping with the Princess under the false allegations of it being rape.

Who really knew?

Not Anon.

She exhaled sharply into her knees and closed her eyes, wishing for a painless death at the very least. But then again, she wouldn't hold her breath.

"You seem distraught." Anon glanced up to meet Leon's gaze, the Elf having turned around in his seat to see her better. He offered her a small wave, flashing a comforting smile. "We're almost at the Palace. Do you think you'll be okay?"

"Please tell my sister I love her." Anon ignored his question, turning her head toward Kyo instead, who barked out a laugh. The Dragon wiped away an invisible tear and reached over to ruffle Anon's hear, momentarily marveling at the soft texture of it before drawing his hand back.

"No need to sound so grim, my lady," he chuckled, shooting a pointed stare at Dell who snickered to himself. "The Princess didn't sound angry when she asked for you. If anything, she sounded happy to be able to meet you again. I'm sure you have nothing to worry about."

"Do you know why she wants to see me?" Anon tilted her head curiously, before catching herself and glancing back to the rows of houses the carriage rolled past, seemingly embarrassed.

"Unfortunately not," Kyo paused.

"She's probably pissed the little skank poisoned her," Dell chipped in before Kyo could finish his thought, shooting a smirk over his shoulder at the Succubus. "Here's hoping she throws the guards a bone for once and decides to 'donate' a new target for us to shoot our loads at, if you catch my drift."

"Dell!" Leon snapped, punching the Vampire roughly in the arm. "Stop trying to scare her!"

Dell loud out a boisterous laugh, one that echoed ominously in Anon's ears.

"What? Yer all thinkin' it! Why else would the Princess call for a Succubus to meet 'er?" The Vampire scoffed and snapped the reigns, causing the horse to give a low cry and push itself to close the lessening distance between them and the Palace. "She's obviously either fucked or fucked up. Why sugar coat it?"

"We don't know what the Princess plans to do with her, and you shouldn't pretend to know, either," Kyo rationalized.

He reached over to Anon, who had gone quiet, and gave her shoulder a quick pat, not missing the way she flinched away and lifted her hands quickly as if to stop him. The Dragon's eyes softened, though he said nothing as he turned back to face the looming Palace sneaking up on them.

That marked the end of their conversation, and Anon almost felt relieved.

She brought two fingers up to caress the golden band around her upper arm, wincing as the needles jostled slightly under her touch. It served as somewhat of a cruel reminder for what was to come, reminding her of what she'd lost to Cul, and what she was sure to lose again.

Would Cul show her mercy? Or would she throw her to the dogs to be…preyed upon?

Maybe it'd be best not to think about it.

Time seemed to slow for Anon as she was lead through the halls of the vaguely familiar castle, subjected to the harsh glares of Palace staff as they went about their duties. She refused to lift her head as Leon and Kyo practically dragged her to their destination, not seeming to notice her pale complexion or shaky knees. Maybe they just didn't care. Then again, it wasn't like Anon was paying much attention to them either, as her mind was busy blaring with panic.

She's going to kill me, was Anon's first thought as Leon and Kyo escorted her into the throne room; Dell having broken away from them to peruse the attention of a Brownie, much to the other guard's chagrin.

She's going to use my body until it breaks, was another, more morbid thought that crossed her mind as Leon excused himself to go inform the Princess of their arrival.

I'll never see my sister again, something Anon had fretted about since stepping foot into the carriage.

She seemed to be drawing a blank as Kyo mumbled something to her, unaware of her internal shutdown in the process. Ideas were being tossed right and left with none sticking like Anon had hopped. She was running out of hypothetical situations to escape from, most with minimal success.

I should kill myself now, before she gets the chance to torture me, Anon mused, knees buckling as Kyo's grip on her went lax.

It would be so easy… My tail is right here... Fingers curled around the squishy appendage, slowly drawing it from around her waist.

One clean line across the jugular… Quick and easy… Before she-

"Anon~! Ma chérie, comment vas-tu?"

Two firm grips locked around her wrists, preventing her from fully unfurling her tail. Her frazzled green eyes snapped up to meet with cherry red irises staring intently into hers, daring her to remove her tail and see what happens. She couldn't find the words to speak. How could she?

Cul had kneeled down in front of her, smiling widely at her fearful expression and…

She had kissed her.

The Dragoness had closed the distance between them, breathing softly against Anon's lips before springing forward to claim the other's mouth in a gentle peck, evaporating within seconds. It left Anon with a strange feeling of familiarity, one not lost on her.

When Cul drew back, smirking smugly at the Succubus in a way that seemed so familiar; so fitting of her, Anon couldn't help but stare speechlessly up at the redhead.

A clawed finger pressed itself to her lips, and a squeakish giggle reached her ears, childish and giddy with excitement. Anon couldn't say she was surprised when Cul beamed at her.

"Bonjour, ma biche. You left without a good morning kiss."

~END CHAPTER~

Haha, yis. So much is gonna go down in the next few chapters, the plot is finally taking off. I've decided there will be around 41 chapters, and don't worry, I have most of them all planned out. I have so much planned out and I'm pumped to share it, I may even write a few spin-offs just to fit in all the lore I've crafted. A funny little side joke me and my friends have come up with is that Kanon really likes her crops, so maybe expect something to come from that.

Another few handful of things to mention revolve around this chapter itself. You'll notice I described Leon as "dark-skinned" and that's because I'm using 77's fan-design for him. I just really like how swanky he looks. If you have the time, try looking up "77 Leon Vocaloid", that seems to get the right results for him.

More will be explained about the Inhibitor Arm Cuff next chapter, so don't think it was just thrown in with only a vague hint at what they do. Originally Anon was meant to always have one on her arm, but I accidentally forgot about it and had to shoehorn it in somewhere else. The use of it has also changed, as originally it was just an accessory.

Another thing I want to touch on is that most demons who have tails use them as if they're an extra limb. As seen with Cul, Dragon's (specifically female) use their tails for mating purposes, while Succubi use (or more accurately, used) their tails for "hunting" purposes. Most demons have a liquid stored in their tails, whether it be poison, sperm, or some form of drinkable fluid. The longer it goes unused, the more it builds up. Anon was worried due to the poison build up, seeing as even the smallest amount could have killed a demon by that point.

And that's about it for now. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, I'll be sure to get right to work on the next one. Since it's spring break I'm hoping to at least knock out one more before it ends. I'm so slow oh jeez.

Anyway, French translations real quick since it isn't much:

Ma chérie, comment vas-tu - My darling, how are you.

Bonjour, ma biche - Hello, my doe.

Reviews would be nice, but I won't hold it over your heads.

See you guys next time!

Bye-Bye!