Having finished with that particular woman, and leaving her in blissful unconsciousness, Mordiggian decided to make his way into the red-light district, looking for far more "experienced" companionship. As he did so, someone ran into him, causing the demon in disguise to stumble backwards slightly, as the new arrival took this as a moment to catch his breath.
"S-Sorry." The new arrival said, giving him a charming smile.
"Perhaps you should pay more attention to where you are going." Mordiggian suggested as he dusted himself off.
"C-Can't help it. I'm in a bit of trouble, but I'm really sorry for running into you, um…" The stranger said, pausing to get a name.
"Mordiggian."
"T-That's a cool name. I'm Folwin Tagliaferro." The half-elf informed in a friendly manner, raising his hand for a handshake, to which Mordiggian ignored.
"Folwin! Do you think you can run from us!?" A loud growl bellowed from the same direction Folwin had emerged.
When the duo looked in the direction, they saw an approaching trio of minotaurs. Their attention was clearly on the half-elf, as they seemingly didn't even notice the presence of Mordiggian.
"I'll guess I will leave you to your troubles." Mordiggian pointed out, beginning to take his leave, just for Folwin to step in his way.
"Come on, don't be like that. I might have taken something from them, but they're rich. They won't notice it. Can't you help me out, I'll lead you to where you want to go if you do." Folwin said
"How do you know where I want to go? Or that I can help you?" Mordiggian asked with a raised brow.
"F-Fair enough. I actually saw what you did to that drunk from a distance. Perhaps you could do that here. And I'm good at reading people. I believe you want to find another source of 'entertainment', right?"
As soon as he was finished speaking, the minotaurs stopped next to them, with one pushing Mordiggian aside, as they circled Folwin, who could only smile awkwardly as he seemed to shrink in the presence of the large brutes.
"Give back what you stole." The oldest of the trio growled
"C-Come on, Vatir. I have no idea what you're talking about." Folwin said rather innocently.
"Liar! I know you have my gems in your suit-pocket." Vatir pointed out in agitation.
"Is this what you are looking for?" Mordiggian calmly spoke up, as in his left hand rested a small leather pouch.
"Wha!? What is this treachery?" Vatir growled, his attention going between Folwin and Mordiggian.
"It seems you had the wrong guy." Folwin suggested, with a much calmer tone.
Vatir let out a frustrated grunt, as he ignored Folwin, his attention now on the bag in Mordiggian's hand. He and his trio now stared him down, trying to use their size to intimidate him.
"Give me the bag." Vatir growled.
Mordiggian went to act, but saw Folwin behind the trio, the half-elf currently in the process of signaling him not to.
"I shall be keeping it." He casually said, further angering the minotaurs.
At this point, Vatir has had enough of this charade. His left hand swiftly went for the bag, but it was intercepted as Mordiggian's free hand met his. When contact was made, Vatir felt the effects immediately, as his body began to be overtaken by a strange, yet not completely alien, heat. His breathing became labored, his body began to feel weak and tremble, with Vatir soon enough being driven to his knees. Only at this point did their arms fall to their sides.
"Is that enough?" Mordiggian asked in a neutral tone.
"Y-Yes." Vatir replied in a shaky voice, as his right hand moved between his legs as if wanting to hide something.
"Good. You can leave now."
Vatir simply gave out a growl, before stumbling back to his feet and walking away, with his companions doing the same, even if greatly confused.
"Whew! Nicely done." Folwin laughed, as he approached Mordiggian.
"Are these stones really worth this much trouble?" Mordiggian asked as he threw the bag to Folwin.
"I would say that they're appropriate compensation for what you just made me go through. I was under the impression that Vatir had some particular tastes, but I didn't need to see this. That being said, these 'stones' are very much worth the trouble. Vatir is also a very sore loser, robbing him was the easiest way to get my winnings back."
"Yet, it seems you failed to rob him properly."
"Haha. Well, I might have miscalculated, but what matters is that everything worked out in the end." Folwin said, as he seemed to turn and prepare to leave.
"Aren't you going to show me a source of entertainment?"
Folwin turned out to look at him with a confident smile, when in all honesty he was a bit worried. Having seen Mordiggian in person, he realized that this man was a rather difficult read. Still, he had managed to correctly determine that he wanted something to entertain himself, and if he was to take into account him shamelessly picking up that married woman, perhaps he wanted a similar form of stimulus.
"Well, if women is what you are looking for, then just follow me." Folwin declared, as he pointed in a certain direction.
"Women?" Mordiggian asked with a head-tilt.
"Oh? Is that not what you're looking for?" The half-elf asked, beginning to worry that he had guessed wrong, however he was met with an indifferent shrug.
"I'm partial to any sex of any race."
"Hah! What broad tastes you have. Well, don't you worry. I know exactly where you want to go."
Finding themselves in the red-light district, the duo was mostly silent, with Folwin being the only one to begin any exchange of words as he pointed something out, or gave Mordiggian some seemingly random piece of trivia.
"You do all of this without any magic or special skill?" Modiggian asked in genuine curiosity.
"Hehe. That's right. All that I do, is done with my mind and a few tricks." Folwin chuckled.
"Wouldn't you like to have more than that?" The demon asked with an unusual sincerity to his voice.
"Uh? Like magic? Or some ability that would make seeing what people want or talk them into things easier?"
"Correct."
"Well, can't say I would mind. Hahehe." Folwin laughed whimsically.
"Still, I'm happy with what I can do, which is much more than what most would expect. But, having abilities to fall back on if something goes wrong would be very helpful." He then added with a tired sigh.
"Then, that's a yes?" Mordiggian asked expectantly, causing Folwin to raise an eyebrow at him.
"I feel like I'm being pulled into making some kind of questionable deal." The half-elf remarked, causing his companion to laugh weakly.
"Hahahe. I suppose it would sound like that. Just... keep it in mind." Mordiggian said, as they feel into silence once more.
Eventually they arrived at the entrance of the grandest establishment in the city, which only existed here and in the Empire's capital. Its name being "Grave Vault of Adipocere". This establishment had been founded by Shalltear Bloodfallen, in an attempt to create a business of her own, which led to these brothels which were made to satisfy any kind of want that any kind of customer might have.
"Well, you did seem to have money on you. Perhaps I should have asked." Folwin mumbled, as they looked at the large building.
"Indeed. I did have some gems fall into my pocket." Mordiggian said with a smirk as he stared at Folwin.
"Yeeeah... Sorry about that, but I needed to distract them." Folwin said with a meek chuckle as he scratched the back of his head.
"Perhaps you would prefer somewhere smaller? Where the use of your 'tricks' would go unnoticed?" Folwin suggested.
"And where I would have a greater freedom. This place seems to have a rather high level of security."
"Got it. Then let's continue walking."
After another period time of walking, they found themselves in front of a much smaller establishment named "Elven Forest", which was the same name of an establishment that existed in the elven capital. Folwin took the lead as the two entered the building. It was rather empty, while the entrance was very welcoming with several sofas, a large fountain in the middle, and several plants decorating the area. There were no customers present, only a female elf acting as the receptionist.
She was the woman in charge of the establishment, having also "worked" in the one that existed in the elven capital. Her name was Phinara Caiven, and she had creamy skin, a slender and well endowed body, emerald green eyes, and red hair. A bang of her hair covered her left eye, on her hand rested on a pipe that emitted a pink colored smoke. Her dress left her arms exposed, and in the center was a heart shaped opening that gave a "generous" view of cleavage. While the dress was long enough to almost reach her ankles, it was opened on the side to showcase her long, toned legs.
"Oh... It's you Folwin." Phinara said, sounding somewhat disappointed.
"Well, it's great to see you to, Phinara." The half-elf remarked with a smile before continuing, with Mordiggian led to the reception desk.
"This is Mordiggian, and he is in need of your 'services'."
Having done this, Folwin began to looked around the room, leaving Phinara with the role of taking care of Mordiggian, as it was expected of her.
"Oh? Then welcome good sir. May I know your name?~" She asked with a seductive and welcoming tone.
"Mordiggian."
"My, what a very interesting name you have, Mordiggian.~ You are in luck, since as you can see we don't have that many customers right now. So what would you like~?"
"What do you have?" Mordiggian asked with a curious smile.
"Ah, I should have told you, Phinara. He has very... 'broad', tastes." Folwin informed, as he appeared next to them.
As he did so, he placed a large book on top of the receptionist's desk. Upon its cover was the title, "The Maid and The King", and a drawn illustration of Alucard taking the hand of a maid.
"Hehe. He might even want to buy this." The half-elf chuckled.
"I'll let you know that these are very popular with our female customers, and even some of the male ones too." Phinara pointed out with a playful grin.
While the duo continued their exchange, Mordiggian turned the book around to see if the back cover had a description, which it did. Said description being: 'Faylen was born in a small and conservative home. Having with no special talents, she worked on preparing herself to be a house wife or maid. Luckily for her, fate was on her side, when she was accepted to work as a maid in the palace of the Elven Royal Family. At first she was happy with the good pay, but little did she know that a sudden change in her schedule left her with the duty of assisting the King of the Elves himself, Alucard Zetsumei. Once a simple maid, Faylen soon found herself being held in the King's undivided attention'.
Mordiggian let out an amused grunt as his attention went from the book, to Folwin and Phinara.
"I'll consider taking it. For now, I would like everyone you have available." He informed matter-of-factly, causing her to chuckle.
"Well, now~! I'll admit that you have spirit, but why not start with something more... manageable?"
"Hm. Very well. Two girls, I'll leave choosing them to you. And he will be joining me." The demon in disguise replied, pointing at Folwin.
"Eh? Wait, what?" Folwin said, completely dumbfounded.
"Oh? Is that so~?" The elf asked, looking at Folwin in amusement.
"Um... I'm flattered. But I'm not really the type to join in…" Folwin began, just for Mordiggian to speak over him.
"You misunderstand. You will also be 'entertaining' me."
"Oh my…~" Phinara mumbled, as it dawned on her what this stranger was saying.
"Again, flattered b-but I'm not into… guys." The half-elf said, seemingly looking for a way to escape the situation.
As he did so, Mordiggian suddenly took his hand, effectively stopping him in his tracks. Then his mind went from finding a way to leave, to trying to rationalize what was the feeling that was suddenly seeping into his body was.
"I understand, but you would be wise to reconsider. In exchange for showing me around, and providing me with entertainment, I shall show you the greatest of pleasures."
Phinara looked on in wonder as Folwin seemed to tremble, his face growing red, and his breathing labored. To the point his legs began to weaken, with the half-elf eventually stumbling forwards, not falling because Mordiggian took it upon himself to allow Folwin to fall into him. With Folwin's weakened form now resting against him, Mordiggian leaned into his ear and whispered.
"That was just with my hand. Can you imagine what will happen if you do share a bed with me?"
Folwin trembled under the sound of these words. This coupled with the heat, and what seemed to be electricity that was surging through his body. Trying to push himself away from Mordiggian he found himself failing, as if his body did not want to let go, and was actually all for accepting his suggestion.
"You'll pay for me correct?" Mordiggian whispered.
"B-But…" Folwin tried to argue, yet his companion was quick to speak.
"It will be a worthy way to use those gems. You can tell I'm not lying correct?"
"Y-Yes." The half-elf replied, falling onto his knees.
"Are you alright?" Phinara asked, now visibly worried.
"Um... I-I'm fine. I'll be paying for this."
The half-elf managed to get back to his feet, using the desk to stabilize himself, before presenting Phinara with a bag full of gems. This shocked her, as those gems represented a rather large amount. Even higher than most nobles were willing to pay.
"T-This is too much." She openly stated.
"That's not a problem. I'm sure that your establishment will earn it before the day is out." Mordiggian said, his smile calm and charming.
"Ahem... T-Then, will you follow me?" She asked, doing her best to hide how flustered and oddly excited his smile made her.
"Lead the way."
Mordiggian didn't follow her right away, as he noticed Folwin still struggling to recompose himself. Not that he would ever be able to do so without Mordiggian's help.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure to pay you with... proper attention.~" The demon declared with a confident and superior smile.
Back in the arena, the exhibition match between Clementine and Fabia was just a few moments away. To the extent that each combatant was already standing on the opposite entrances to the arena, waiting to be given the order to enter. Clementine seemed somewhat bored by the situation, wearing an all crimson outfit, composed of boots, long stockings, a battle skirt, and a breast plate that left her arms and abdomen fully exposed, and also a black choker. Naturally she was carrying six of her stilettos.
"What are you planning to do?" Alucard asked, as he stood behind her.
"Play with her a little.~ Then, win.~" Clementine replied in amusement.
"Take this seriously, Clementine. The trick you pulled last time was not acceptable. Especially when it seems to have affected her that much. I want a clear winner. Also, keep your guard up. She might try something." Her superior said sternly.
"Very well.~ I'll give her the fight she wants.~"
"Good."
On the other side of the arena, Fabia was waiting, and had completely changed her approach from when they had met in the previous tournament. She was now wearing all silver armor and weaponry, and all of it having been enhanced to maximize its effects. Especially against the vampiric Clementine, who was overall stronger than her.
Her armor was rather light, with knee high boots that had small spikes decorating them, with her torso fully covered, and gauntlets also protecting her lower arms, with these also having some spikes on them. She carried a small pouch on her side, filled with several approved items, and her main weapon being a large silver staff.
"Why are you here?" Fabia hissed, as she noticed that Sariel was standing behind her.
"I wanted to see what had you so silent and serious." Sariel replied nonchalantly.
"I'm not in the mood to put up with you. Shouldn't you be going to see Don Elias?" She asked in a hostile tone.
"Well… I think he won't be that happy with what I said, so I will be staying around here before putting up with him."
"You will show him respect!" Fabia roared.
"Shouldn't you be calm for this? From what I understand your opponent is not an easy one for you, and seems to be a sadist."
"I know exactly who she is!" She spat, as the voice of Mar began to echo through the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's finally time for the opening exhibition match between the 'Crimson Gardener' Clementine, and Fabia Maja. Now, welcome the 'Crimson Gardener' herself Clementine!" Mar announced in a showman-like fashion.
Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There! - Rory Mercury - Apostle of War
It was tradition for each fighter to pick theme music for themselves from Alucard's [Music Box], as something to add-on to themselves. Hopefully used to showcase more of their personality, all the while adding to the spectacle of the event.
When the music started playing, the gate to Clementine's entrance opened, and the vampire began to saunter her way to the center of the arena where the referee Touka was already waiting. Clementine got a rather mixed reaction from the crowd, as many had a negative view of her from everything she was known for doing, while some had cheered simply for her being a servant of Alucard, or genuinely enjoyed what she did. Stopping next to Touka, she gave her superior a smile and waited for Fabia to emerge.
"And her opponent, Fabia Maja!"
WWE - I Won't Do What You Tell Me
The gate to her entrance began to open, but before it had even completely done so, Fabia was already making her way towards Clementine. She seemed to march towards the vampire, her eyes filled with a certain fierce fire that showed determination, yet hinted at the fact she wasn't going into the match with a completely clear mind. It showed that she did not want to win, she wanted payback.
She completely ignored everything around her, stopping only when she had reached Touka's side. Even so, she looked ready to attack without the match having officially begun. When the music stopped, Touka placed herself in between both combatants, a microphone in hand as she began to speak.
"I will now inform you on the rules of this match. Rules that are applied to all of this tournament's matches. For starters, these are NOT deathmatches. If a fighter kills their opponent, said fighter will be disqualified, and fined for the cost of the resurrection. If said fighter has a supporter, the value will be appropriately split between the two. This means that any attack that I perceive as a killing blow will be stopped. Any magic used with the intent to kill the opponent will also be stopped. Now, in order to win a match, one has to either knockout the opponent, immobilize them for a period of 10 seconds, force the opponent to give up, or knock them off the platform. Understood?" She firmly informed, looking at Clementine and Fabia.
Both fighters nodded, leading to Touka lifting her right arm. This then led to the circular platform they were standing on to rise into the air, until it was floating in midair. This was used in order to make sure the crowd got a better view of the fight. For the people that might be under it to see, the platform's bottom was appropriately enchanted to allow those individuals to see through it.
"Now. Combatant's get ready…" Touka began, jumping back so she was no longer in between them.
"…Set…"
Another paused as she kept her eyes on them...
"Go!"
Fabia was the first to act, swinging her staff with a horizontal motion that went from right to left. However, this was met with Clementine simply stopping the blow with her left hand. Clementine gave her a wide smile, but Fabia was far from done. In fact, she was expecting this result, and with a slight motion she activated one of her staff's features, opening a small hole which sprayed Clementine with some clear liquid.
The reaction was visible as Clementine threw herself back. However, the liquid had made contact with her skin, and given the fact a certain portion of the left side of her face began to redden, along with her trying to clear something that seemed to be bothering her left eye, the liquid was something made specially for vampires.
Not wanting to give the vampire time to recompose herself, Fabia lunged right at her, all the while bringing her staff down on Clementine. Ultimately, Clementine escaped the incoming blow, resulting in Fabia hitting the arena floor with her attack. A failure she was quick to recover from, as she removed a small blade from her pouch and threw it at Clementine.
The vampire swatted the projectile away, before taking up one of her Stilettos with her right hand and going on the offensive. As she quickly closed the distance between herself and Fabia, her opponent threw a crystal at her, which Clementine naturally swatted out of her way. When contact was made, the crystal easily broke, bathing Clementine in holy light as a result.
The vampire let out a hiss that was a mix of pain and annoyance as she stopped in her tracks, and her vision momentarily impaired. This seemingly was the opening Fabia was waiting for, as she charged at Clementine as fast as she could. Activating a spike in the tip of her staff, her intentions to stab Clementine became clear. Touka watched this from a distance, and while this could possibly become dangerous for Clementine, she didn't stop Fabia as she could see that the focus of the attack was not a fatal point.
Fabia let out a war cry as she rammed her staff into Clementine's exposed gut, before turning it slightly to her left, resulting in four other spikes being activated. These had two coming out of the vampire's sides, another from her right shoulder, and one final through her left thigh.
In Alucard's room, all of those present were rather surprised by what they were seeing, since none were exactly expecting Fabia to be able to do this.
"That idiot. She was completely open from the start." Zesshi pointed out in annoyance.
"I told her not to take Fabia lightly." Alucard said, his hand going to his face.
"Can't she still come back from this?" Talia asked, looking at Alucard.
"Y-Yes, she can. Especially when she has such a high resilience to pain and damage, and not to mention Mathius' augmentations."
In the platform, Fabia turned her staff to the right, causing the spikes to retract as she removed the staff from Clementine's body, leaving the vampire to fall onto all fours, smoke emitting from the holes created by the attack. Fabia took a deep breath as she looked down upon the woman who had humiliated her long ago. The woman who had looked down upon her, and her ego began to grow as she took pleasure from seeing a downed Clementine.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time." She hissed.
"I'm sure you have…" Clementine mumbled, her calm tone further angering Fabia.
"[Garden of…"
Clementine began the incantation for her next attack, but Fabia quickly jumped back in order to get out of its range. This silenced Clementine as she lunged at Fabia. With her superior speed, Clementine tackled Fabia mid-air, throwing the woman onto the ground so she now was on top of her, with Fabia's staff rolling out of her reach.
"Someone got cocky.~" Clementine laughed.
Fabia let out a defiant grunt as she went for a right handed punch, which was easily stopped by Clementine's left hand. This led to Fabia placing her left gauntlet in front of herself, clenching her fist so as to fire all the small spikes that decorated it. This did little to Clementine, yet worked as a big enough distraction for Fabia to use her left hand to reach out, grab one of Clementine's Stilettos, and used to stab it into Clementine's right thigh. Using the knowledge she had gained of these weapons from her time preparing for this, she activated the [Fireball] spell contained within it.
The following explosion, forced Clementine away from her opponent, having now lost her right leg, while Fabia was left with some burns and slight damage to her armor. Still, as she stumbled back to her feet, she could see that Clementine had taken much more damage than her. Seemingly finding some safety in this, Fabia looked away from the fallen Clementine, as she picked up her staff, before turning her attention back to the vampire.
"You can give up now." Fabia growled, as she began to approach.
"Never." Clementine hissed, showcasing her fangs to the human.
"Good."
Fabia continued her approach, her plan being to fully immobilize Clementine, making sure she couldn't get up no matter what, right now she was going to remove the rest of her limbs and see what happens.
"Got you.~" Clementine said, when Fabia got close to her.
Suddenly, all around Clementine spears of glowing crimson erupted from the ground. One of them going straight through Fabia's right foot and lower portion of her leg. It was then that she understood that at the moment she looked away from the vampire, she had set up [Garden of Vlad], which she had now just foolishly walked into.
While Fabia was left stuck, doing her best to recompose herself and ignore the pain, she saw Clementine easily regrow her leg, along with recovering from the damage created by her holy weapons.
"I-Impossible!" Fabia declared, as Clementine raised back to her feet.
"Not really.~ I was lucky to have been very well fed before this. Not to mention not all my abilities come from my vampire nature.~" Clementine declared, as she raised the spears with a mental command.
Fabia stumbled back as she tried to regain her footing, but Clementine was done playing around. She gave Fabia a spinning kick, sending the staff flying out of her uneasy hands. Clementine laughed at the sight of this, quickly unsheathing another Stiletto, which she proceeded to ram into Fabia's right arm, and activate. The effect was immediate, as her opponent froze in place, ultimately falling onto the ground after a small push from Clementine. Soon it became clear that Fabia had been affected by a [Paralysis] spell.
"Damn you!" Fabia roared.
"I know.~ Now give up, or I'll drag you and throw you over the edge." Clementine coolly informed.
"Keh! F-Fine…! I yield!" Fabia declared.
Right away Touka came in between them, removing the Stiletto, and using two scrolls on her. One to free her and another to heal her, all the while the voice of Mar filled the arena with news of Clementine's victory. Clementine declined healing, as she extended a hand to Fabia to help the woman back to her feet. However, much like she expected Fabia declined.
"I must say... I wasn't expecting you to actually give up.~" Clementine said in puzzled tone.
"I'm not foolish. I was not about to have you drag me across this platform and throw me outside. I wanted a fair fight with you. One with a clear finish, and I got that. As it was, I never really thought I could win."
"Oh? How smart of you.~" Clementine chuckled.
Eventually the platform lowered back to the floor, so the women could walk back to the entrances they had used.
"The first match of the tournament will begin in 30 minutes, with Lyra Aecan vs Josep Bret! Be sure to take care of all your needs before then!" Mar announced.
Waiting for Clementine was Alucard, with his arms folded, and his face painted with an expression she couldn't fully understand. Even if she was certain he was going to scold her.
"I gave her what she wanted.~" Clementine informed, as she kneeled before him.
"That you did, and I approve of you doing so. Good work, Clementine." Alucard replied.
"Your words fill me with worth, Alucard-sama.~"
"Still, you should've been more wary of her."
"Agreed.~ I took her a bit too lightly. Still if not for that, I would have easily disposed of her.~"
"Fair enough. You are dismissed for the time being. Go feed. I imagine that having to heal that type of injury, even for you, may have left you drained."
"Thank you, Alucard-sama~" Clementine said, as she got back to her feet.
In the case of Fabia, no one was there waiting for her, leaving her to get herself cleaned up, and change back to her usual attire. Only then did she return to Elias' chamber, and there she was met with silence. Sariel was standing perfectly still behind the Don's chair, who upon Fabia's return, spun around so he could face them. Understanding what was going on, Fabia placed herself next to Sariel, and waited for him to speak.
"Fabia, you lost." Elias said with a calm tone.
"M-My apologies, I-I have failed you, my Don." Fabia said as she bowed.
"Failed me? How so? I don't remember having ordered you to win this fight. I would instead understand if you had failed yourself by losing. Is that the case?"
"N-No. I expected this result, even with my preparations."
"And have you put this behind you?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now you may return to my side." Elias instructed, which Fabia was quick to do.
"Sariel, you put yourself and all of us at risk, with that speech of yours." Elias said in an obviously displeased tone.
"To be fair, I didn't lie. I might have exaggerated, but everything I said was correct." Sariel argued.
"That's not important. What matters is that you decided to insult not only nobles, but also the Supreme Beings. It could've been disastrous."
"It was a calculated risk. One that as you can see payed off, and given the fact nothing happened, I'm certain it amused them greatly." Sariel argued with a light smirk.
"The Supreme Beings aren't a matter to take risks on. I will NOT accept anything like this ever again. If you go against that, you'll lose my support."
Honestly, Sariel could care less to begin with. He wanted to do this alone, but he wasn't that much into himself to not see that his alliance had benefits, and that Gedo had put a lot of work into making it happen.
"I understand. I promise that it won't ever happen again." He said taking a small bow.
"Hmph. We'll see." Elias said derisively.
While the match between Clementine and Fabia took place, the Rings of the Demon God continued with the progression of their plans. At the Crescent Lake, the duo of Donaxith and Morbius emerged from it waters. An invisible barrier was being used by them in order to keep dry, and prevent any inconvenience the water might present as they arrived at the shore. Floating near Morbius, enveloped in a magical bubble, was a piece of flesh from the creature they had gone into the lake to see.
"Why did you insist on taking that from it?" Donaxith asked with a head-tilt.
"Because it would be a waste not to do so. Our lord could use it to create a much grander creature." Morbius replied, a certain eagerness to his tone.
"You mean you're still going to go back to the island to give him that?"
"Correct. Better to do it now while the sample is fresh."
"Just make sure to return before we're called into action." She said with a bored tone.
Morbius simply gave her a dismissive nod, before opening a portal with a wave of his hand. This causing the air in front of him to crack like glass, walking into the opening in space as he vanished, leaving Donaxith alone.
Looking around she wondered what she could do, having already placed her influence upon the creature. Perhaps she should find a vessel to use and influence the elves and other residents of the area. Looking around she was happy to see a young looking male elf who seemed to be fishing. He also seemed to be alone with no one nearby. He was perfect.
As she began to approach the elf, she made herself look as attractive as possible, not wanting to scare him away or risk him not being focused on her. When she got close enough, she cleared her throat and spoke out.
"Hello.~" She said with a smooth and innocent tone to her voice.
"H-Hello." The elf replied, dropping is things as he turned to face her
He looked rather average, wearing old looking clothes. Probably because he didn't want to risk dirtying new ones. He had short brown hair and blue eyes. He was mediocre looking, which in her mind was perfect, as she was certain no one would notice his disappearance.
"What's your name?" She asked, getting closer to him.
"F-Folen." He replied, seemingly unsure of why he was answering her so openly.
"Nice to meet you Folen. I am Donaxith.~" She cooed, closing the distance between them.
Feeling that she was getting too close to him, Folen wanted to step away. However, he was stopped when he found that his gaze could not leave hers. As if his body did not react to his mind's commands.
"Will you do something for me?" She asked, their eyes still fixed on each other.
"O-Of course."
Those words left his mouth even before he could think of them. It made no sense. Why would he so easily agree to this stranger's request? He continued to look at her, to take in her features, slowly in his mind the answer became clearer and clearer. Of course he would agree. Why shouldn't he? This was Donaxith after all, it would be rude of someone as lowly as himself to deny any request from her. Especially when her beauty was undeniable.
"Oh, what a darling you are.~ Then... will you kiss me?" She coquettishly asked, with her hands going to his chest.
"Anything you desire."
With that they began to approach for a kiss, but as they did, Donaxith bit her lip with enough force to draw blood. Something that Folen was quick to notice, as he stopped his advances.
"Y-You're bleeding!"
"Am I now? Then... why don't you kiss it, and make it better?~"
Finally, the kiss happened. It was a prolonged affair, as the rather weak and simple Folen found himself being practically overwhelmed by her. To the point he could feel the taste of the blood from her small wound mix in his mouth. It went on for what felt like an eternity. Until eventually Donaxith simply stopped and gently pushed him aside.
"T-That was breath taking." He declared.
"Teehehe...~ I hope that wasn't the only effect it had on you."
For a moment he looked at her in confusion by what her words might mean. Then suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. His arms swiftly wrapped around his gut, but the pain quickly began to spread to his entire body. Folen found himself going from complete bliss to total agony in a matter of moments. He fell over on the ground as his body began to convulse, coupled with the sound of flesh tearing apart, and mending back together.
His hair turned black in color, growing longer in the process, with his eyes turning into a darker shade of blue. His screams eventually turned feminine in tone, until eventually he went silent, having apparently died, leaving behind a body that was the exact copy of Donaxith. This "death" didn't take long, as the body suddenly sat up, looking around for a moment as if examining it's surroundings, before getting back up to face Donaxith.
"Hello me.~" Donaxith chuckled.
"Hello, Lady Donaxith." The being that was once Folen replied.
"Go into the city. Begin amassing followers. Also, get better clothing while you are at it." The original ordered, and while the duplicate silently obeyed.
Having arrived at the island, Morbius was quick to make his way to the chamber where his god rested, all the while making sure the bubble, and the flesh within it were kept untouched. Arriving at the chamber, he was greeted by the several succubi that acted almost as nurses for Azathoth, whenever Carillyn wasn't present.
"M-My lord. I bring to you what could be the seed for a mighty creature." Morbius declared, as he kneeled next to his god's bedside, presenting him with the bubble.
"What is this?" Azathoth asked in mild curiosity.
"Flesh from the creature that resides within the lake. It is a powerful creature just like we were led to believe. However, I'm certain that my lord can make it much more so."
"I see that time has not made your senses any less sharper than they were in the past. You are quite right. I too see great potential in this flesh."
Raising his right hand Azathoth made the bubble float towards him, so now it was just above him. His keen eyes examinied it extensively as his mind went through all the possible enhancements he could do to it.
"Return, Morbius. I'll handle it from here." The Demon God commanded.
"As you wish, my lord."