-CHAPTER 5-
Kakariko Village had been happy to see D, but became a little cautious when they saw Enya and Ax. Markus wasn't really a problem. then again, all the girls giggled and turned away with a blush tinting their cheeks when they saw the super-sexy man. Markus had changed forms to where he still looked the same, minus the wings. It was his preferred look in public.
When they passed the Kakariko Inn, Markus had to leave the group, saying he'd be back by sundown; he was insisting that he check up on Menroc. It didn't take any time at all to notice which room Menroc was staying in; the windows were shut firmly, dark curtains securely put over them to keep out the sunlight.
They didn't stay in Kakariko. Enya and Ax went to the Shadow Temple to help the sage there, a Sheikah woman named Impa that attended to the queen, secure the temple from any attacks. Sora and D's sights were set on the Wind Temple, which was situated in Northern Hyrule, near Death Mountain, on the opposite side that Kakariko was on, about a mile or two away from the Sheikah Village on a separate road, which was littered and difficult to take because of the debris of Death Mountain that the winds had blown down. Hiking up the fallen rubble, D helped Sora along the way, always staying behind her in case she fell back.
The Wind Temple looked like an ancient ruin. Fallen marble pillars along with the sections they had held up scattered the landscape. True, what was left of it was certainly worth bragging about, with at least five stories easily supported by a still-strong foundation, with a balcony in the high tower.
"No one could find the courage to come here," D told her with a heavy sigh, "This place. some say it's haunted. It's stood for far longer than I've been around, and somehow, I can't seem to blame anyone."
But it was sacred. How could anyone, under a crisis like this, be afraid to come here? The place was falling apart, true, but Sora saw a. peaceful aura about it. Like a home she had never had.
Wind was tossing both D and Sora's hair and any loose clothing, and D had to take off his fedora. They had left the DL-4 and Orion back in Kakariko, as any horse would be thrown about by the winds if they got too close to the temple.
Sora clung to D as they got closer, using his body to block the wind. Both of his arms were around her tightly but gently. Had they not been in these kinds of conditions, it would have been romantic.
After making some well-footed steps based on timing of the winds, they finally reached the door to the temple. D pounded on it, still keeping one arm around his fiancée. Sora helped him, shouting pleading requests for someone to open the door, although the howling wind kept her from even hearing herself. She moved her head to keep D's hair out of her face, and was suddenly swept forward by D as the door opened.
The howls were still audible, but not so much. The Dunpeals' hair was in tangles and their pale cheeks were tinted pink from the cold wind. Sora looked back at the door, seeing that it had been opened by magic, and was closing the same way. She collapsed to the ground, her legs weak from fighting the winds. D knelt next to her, gathering her in his arms to help her sit up. "Are you alright?"
She leaned against his chest, hearing his heart beat as fast as hers was. "I guess so." She let out a purr when D's hand brushed against her cheek, and welcomed his lips when they touched hers. Their kiss was short- lived, however, when D pulled back and helped her stand. Sora let out a groan of disappointment, but uttered no other protest.
"Hello?" he called out, his voice echoing in the room. Sora could have sworn she heard footsteps descending stairs in the distance, but she couldn't be sure, not until she heard the trademark grinding of a stone door as it opened.
A woman, not young in age but not old at the same time, came into the room, her soft blue eyes resting on the both of them. Her dark honey colored hair was wind whipped, but somehow she made the style look good.
"Morian," she said, with the slightest hint of an Irish or Scottish accent in her voice, but Sora couldn't tell. Her lips curved into a smile. "I was hopin' ye'd come when I suggested yer help."
So this woman was the one who had sent Nabooru for them. Sora looked at the woman's build, which was slightly muscular, and not too stocky. Remembering what Enya had told her, Sora knew that the woman was a Sheikah, and obviously the sage of this temple.
"Anything for an old friend, milady," D replied, his voice sounding warm and kind. Sora blinked a couple of times, confused, and stood on her tiptoes to whisper into his ear. "Who's the old broad?"
"Wrong question," she heard the parasite whisper back to her. D walked towards the sage, and Sora followed. She looked at Sora, then at D.
"Ye neva told me ye had an apprentice, Morian. Who is this young lass?"
D pulled away from Sora to stand to the side of both of them. "My fiancée. Sora, this is Shurai, the Wind Sage of Hyrule. Shurai, Sora."
Shurai nodded her head in greeting, and Sora did the same thing, and looked to D as he gave her a warm smile. She quirked an eyebrow at his look, wondering what it was about. "What? What is it?"
"Sora. and Shurai. This may come as a shock to both of you, but." D froze for a moment, looking at both of them.
"Sora, Shurai is your mother."
=-=-=-=-=-
Markus slipped into the room, trying not to let much light in. Only only a few candles lighted the room, and the figure of a young man sat in the corner.
He walked to him and knelt down, taking him into his arms. "Hey. how you been?"
"Miserable. I hate being cooped up during the day," Menroc replied, his tone somewhere between a whine and an angry growl, and despite how old he looked, his voice was a little high and feminine.
Markus smiled, pulling back the curtain of black hair that covered Menroc's face; he still looked like a seventeen-year-old boy, the only way you could feel doubt in the age was his pale face and, whenever a rare occasion came that he smiled, the fangs in his mouth. "You won't believe who's here."
"Try me."
"Our old Dunpeal friends, D and Sora."
Menroc sat up straight, allowing Markus to slip behind him and pull him into his lap. He leaned back, resting his head on Markus's chest. "Oh, I could believe it alright, Pet. where are they?"
"They went to the Wind Temple," the Incubus replied, tilting his head forward to kiss Menroc's temple. Menroc smiled, reaching back with his hand to caress Markus's cheek as he continued to speak. "The Gerudo Priestess Enya and her young cousin are also with them, but they're at the Shadow Temple right now, helping Impa. They were wanting to know if you and I could join up with them as well."
"You can. you know I'm not a fighter."
Markus sighed, kissing his lover's neck lovingly, then nuzzling with his nose the spot behind Menroc's ear. "I don't want to do anything without you by my side, Menny." the statement itself sounded like an over-used cliché, but Markus meant every word he said to Menroc. While anyone else would have seen their love as sinful, and even go so far as to attack them for it, Markus wasn't ashamed of the fact that he was a bisexual, and he didn't think Menroc was ashamed either, although he never showed it.
"You wanna go out tonight?" Markus asked. Menroc shrugged. "I guess. where?"
The demon shrugged. "I don't know. maybe to a nightclub for a couple hours. You really look like you need something to clear your mind."
"Sure, why not. When are your 'friends' due back?"
"I don't know. with Ax and Enya, they might stay with Impa a few more hours. With D and Sora, the Wind Temple's a good ten miles away from here, and they left their horses here. It will take them awhile to get back."
"If they don't use any powers for speed," Menroc added. Markus nodded.
"They usually don't."
"How long until sundown?" the vampire asked, anxious to get out of this damned room. Markus let out a soft chuckle, and stood, walking to a window and peeking out of it, only a bit of light spilling into the room. Markus closed the curtain and leaned against the wall. "Maybe four hours at best."
Menroc stood, and unconsciously dusted off his pants, the same blue jeans he wore when he came back to Hyrule. What he would give to wear Hylian clothing again. a lot more comfortable than the crap Sora had been used to. He had bought a cloak at a nearby store so he could walk short distances in the sunlight, with the hood covering his face so much that any skin that was exposed, but covered by shadow, only felt like it was sunburned. Well, the feeling from what he remembered being sun burnt as a mortal. He envied Markus sometimes; he was a demon, but he could walk in the sunlight.
No one could tell which of the couple was more dangerous; Menroc with his fangs and heightened senses and superhuman strength that could track down anyone and kill them by draining their blood, or Markus, with Incubus powers so strong that he didn't have to have intercourse with anyone to steal their soul. He could simply pose a display of affection, such as a hug or kiss, or even a caress, and they would drop dead, their body completely soulless. He was the only Incubus of his kind that could do that, and the only one, well the only living one of both Incubi and Succubi that could change their form into either a man or a woman. Vivian, his wife, the first one he had Turned, could do that, but he killed her before she could evolve enough to steal souls by affection.
"Do you need to feed, darling? You look worn out," Markus said, a concerned look on his face, walking over to the boy and gently holding him. Menroc's arms went around Markus's neck, and he gave a single nod, then a shrug. "Don't really need to, but always want to."
Markus took Menroc's chin in his hand and tilted his face up to kiss him. Menroc weakly returned it before kissing his chin, then his jaw line, feathery kisses leading him to the Incubus's throat. Menroc kissed the soft skin once as Markus drew his hair away from his neck, then licked, feeling his fangs itch to pierce. He gave a quick but gentle bite, barely hearing Markus as he drew in a hissing breath. Menroc's lips closed around the area of the wound, not letting any blood spill.
He let out an animalistic growl as Markus slowly pulled him back, and Menroc lashed his tongue out to catch the remaining droplets. The wound healed almost instantly before his eyes, but he quickly subdued his hunger, telling himself that he was sated.
=-=-=-=-=-
Sora and Shurai just stared at each other, speechless. Shurai was. Sora's mother? Her mother was still alive?
Shurai's gaze drifted to Sora's left eye, which was covered over with windswept red hair. She slowly stepped forward, reaching out and pushing it away, a shocked gasp creeping from her throat when she saw the scar. "Oh, sweet Nayru, it is ye."
Tears flooded Sora's eyes and she practically leaped forward, tightly hugging her long lost mother. Shurai returned the embrace without a second thought. Questions ran through Sora's mind. Why did Shurai abandon her? Why did D know about Shurai and not tell her? So many questions, but right now, Sora was happier than anything she'd ever been happy about. She was with her mother, after all these years of not even knowing if she was dead or alive.
They reluctantly pulled back after what seemed like an eternity, but Shurai clung to Sora's shoulders. "I neva thought I'd see ye again."
"I never thought I'd see you at all," Sora said, choking out a laugh. She turned to D, breaking away from Shurai and embraced him, kissing his cheek and lips more times than she could count.
"Oh, God, D, thank you so much!" she cried. She then playfully slapped him, grinning. "That's for not telling me about her or bringing me here earlier. wait." she pulled back and looked at Shurai. "How did D know that you're my mother?"
"I told you I've been here before." D told her, his voice barely audible through the howling wind outside.
"When I had t' give ye up," Shurai began, "Morian was th' one who spirited ye away an' out o' Hyrule."
Sora's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked up at her fiancé, unable to believe what Shurai had just said. "D.?"
"She's right," D said, "When I left Hyrule, I took you with me and gave you to the home you grew up in."
"And now I'm his fiancée. damn, talk about coincidence," Sora mused aloud.
"I didn't expect you to be in Romania when I saw you again."
Shurai laughed, wiping away a tear, and ushering them to the door she came from. "Well, come on into th' temple! Ye donna want t' be here stuck in th' entry hall, do ye?"
*
When they got to the second floor of the temple, the wind wasn't as loud. The walls were thicker, and magic barriers served as windows rather than glass. This room seemed like a sitting room, with floor cushions, a small, coffee-table-like object in the middle.
"You actually live in the temple?" Sora asked. Shurai nodded.
"Aye. Th' place is fallin' apart; I have t' be here t' take care o' it, don't I?" she said, sitting on a floor cushion and gesturing for D and Sora to sit as well. Sora took up on the offer, while D kindly turned it down, preferring to stand and setting his fedora on a wall hook.
"So," Shurai began, "What brings ye two 'ere t' th' Wind Temple?"
"Just wanted to check up on you," D answered. "With the current situation and all-"
"Auc, Morian, ye know I've been strong. Believe me, this temple is th' safest o' all th' temples in Hyrule. Lilu canna get in 'ere unless she gets 'er body back."
That made both Sora and D feel a lot relieved. Still, D had a worried look on his face. "Shurai, no one knows where Lilu is right now, or who she's possessed. She could be anyone, and you're a Sheikah. If you take one step out of the sanctity of the temple-"
"I told ye I'll be fine 'ere. I won't be goin' anywhere fer some time except fer th' ceremony."
"Ceremony.?" Sora asked.
"Th' one where th' Triforce o' Power chooses its new owner. All th' sages 'ave t' be there. An' I mean every sage."
=-=-=-=-=-
Markus and Menroc stayed in the booth in the darkest corner of the Hylian Pub, mostly just talking between small sips of wine. They had gone out early, and Menroc brought his cloak. The way he wore it around his body made him look like a woman, something he wasn't unfamiliar with. It only added to the feeling that he was just Markus's 'girlfriend' that he brought in with him.
The darkness made Markus's ice blue eyes glow just barely, enough to make anyone that looked at him shiver at turn away.
Menroc's head was on Markus's collarbone, and it made Markus feel uncomfortable. It wasn't that he didn't like it, but he hadn't fed in a couple of weeks. His hold on Menroc froze, not holding him tighter or lightly brushing a thumb along the vampire's arm, afraid that his Incubus powers would emerge from nowhere and kill his lover. The boy looked up at him, his eyes narrowed in concern. "What's wrong?"
Markus slid away from him, giving him a light kiss of apology. "I have to feed. I can't help it. Stay here, alright?"
He nodded, and Markus kissed him again, pulling back before he got too carried away. His back ached as his wings wanted to just come out, let his eyes glow and his powers take over. His breathing came out in shaky rasps, a cold sweat was running down his forehead, and he was vaguely aware that he was halfway running through the pub, heading for the exit. His pale hands fumbled with the knob, swinging it open and coming outside into the night. He looked back at the pub, to the window he and Menroc were sitting by. Menroc was staring at him, but turned away, drawing the hood of his cloak over his face.
His knees were buckling; he couldn't stand still. He moved to the alleyway near the pub, leaning against the wall of a brick building, slowly sinking down. He calmed the moment he felt a nearby presence.
Looking to the side, Markus saw a young woman standing at the alleyway entrance, her black hair pulled back into a braid. She looked at him, and called out, "Hey! You alright?"
Markus let out a weak smile, his powers calming. Standing, he nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
She approached him as he used his charm to will her towards him. "You sure? Should I get you a potion or something?"
"No, really, I'm fine. Just nausea, that's all."
Reaching a little deeper, Markus willed the girl to say her name. "Alright, then. my name's Denise."
"Markus," the Incubus said, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. A light blush rose to her cheeks, and she felt herself leaning closer to him. Markus's arms wrapped around her, and she felt her eyes close as his lips touched hers.
He let himself loose, and his grip tightened on Denise, his eyes flying open, glowing that bright ice blue. Within seconds, Denise fell limp in his arms, her body free of her soul. Markus gently held her, then laid her down, propped against the wall. Spotting a bottle of wine with just a few mouthfuls in it, Markus grabbed it and poured a little of it into her mouth, then set the bottle in her hand. It would look like nothing more than that she just drank herself to death.
He walked back to the pub, feeling a lot better. Markus paid no attention to the man that brushed against his shoulder angrily, as if he were hurrying somewhere. Menroc was still at the booth when he came back, and gave a light smile to see Markus all right. "Better?"
"Much," he said, returning the smile. He sat next to him and took a sip of the wine, which had started to go warm by now. "Anything happen while I was out?"
Menroc shrugged, holding the goblet between both of his hands. "Not really. Some guy really left in a hurry a couple minutes after you did, but that's all." He set the goblet down and leaned back, sighing heavily for no apparent reason. Markus slipped an arm around his shoulders, and was about to close his eyes when something caught his vision in the corner of his eye.
A young girl moved along the crowd, and Markus's eyes widened in horror at the black braid hanging limp on her back.
It was Denise.
Markus slapped down a few rupees on the table and grabbed Menroc. "We have to go."
"What?"
"Now."
Menroc pulled his arm away from Markus's grasp when he stood. "Markus, what is it?"
He didn't know how to explain. "That girl I fed on. she's back."
"Huh?" Menroc was confused. Why did this mean they had to leave? "So you left a little of her soul in her. Big deal."
"No! She was dead when I left her! I took all of her soul! I never leave anything behind!"
Markus leaned forward and whispered into Menroc's ear, "I think it's Lilu."
Menroc just stared at him and held back a laugh. "Pet, you're overreacting. Maybe she just had a twin."
He shook his head. "No. It's her. Menroc, please."
Menroc sighed, and headed for the exit with Markus. "Alright, fine. I still say you're just paranoid."
"Better paranoid than dead," Markus muttered, pushing the door open and holding it until Menroc came out. Menroc began to walk back to the inn when he passed by the alleyway that Markus had met Denise in and obviously killed her in.
"Mark."
Markus turned to him. "What?" he asked as he walked towards him.
"Everything I said at the pub? I take it back." Menroc extended a hand, pointing at something on the ground. Markus walked over to it and tapped it with the toe of his boot, then used his heel to kick the body face-up.
Both he and Menroc nearly screamed.
"That's the guy that left the pub in a big hurry." Menroc whispered. Markus knew him too; he was the man that he bumped against on his way back. He was dead, his face contorted in a horrific, painful scream, and his body looked like it had been dead and rotting for a couple of days, while just a minute ago, he looked healthy and normal.
That was Lilu.
"Menroc," Markus began, "Go to the Shadow Temple. Tell Impa. I can go to the Wind Temple."
Normally, Menroc didn't take orders, but right now, they were dealing with a goddamn Goddess. He backed up out of the alley and started to run towards the Kakariko Graveyard. If he could just climb the wall that stood between the graveyard and the temple-!
Menroc faintly heard the ruffling of clothing as someone fell, and soon he was on the ground, someone standing firmly on his shoulder blades. He held back a scream as heels dug into his spine and a growl came from his throat when his attacker bent down and grabbed his neck.
Now feeling threatened, Menroc whipped around, his sudden movement catching the woman off guard. Not even bothering to look at her, Menroc's mouth instinctively went for her throat.
A loud 'snap' was heard as Menroc's fangs bit down on air and Lilu jumped back. Now Menroc had a chance to look her over; she had the long black talons like the demonic vampires did, but no fangs. She wasn't powerful enough yet. Menroc didn't have any talons, and all he usually did when fighting was head for the throat and that was it; they were dead after that, or, if not, got the hell out of there.
Suddenly a flash of silver, white, and dark blue blanketed Lilu as Markus pounced on her, his wings out. Before Lilu pushed him away, Markus slashed her collarbone with the talon of his right wing. A screech echoed through the village as she cried out in pain, clasping a hand to the wound and snarling. How long had it been since she had felt pain?
Markus easily landed on his feet, but into a stance that after he touched the ground he immediately shot at her again, his speed nearly blinding Lilu. Dammit, she had just gotten a new body! She couldn't handle this!
Menroc watched the ordeal, not sure on what to do. Help, watch, or go get help? Surely Lilu was baffled that two demons were actually attacking her rather than trying to side with her.
A clawed hand swiped at Markus, and he reeled back. That gave Lilu the chance to bolt. She leapt up onto the roof of the pub and then from roof to roof, eventually out of sight. Menroc watched her leave to make sure she didn't come back, then ran to Markus. "Did she hurt you?"
Markus pulled back the side of his jacket to reveal four deep claw slashes on his chest, and a faint fifth one from Lilu's thumb. He drew in a hissing breath as he moved. "This'll take awhile to heal... better not get infected, dammit." Menroc offered for Markus to lean on him, but the Incubus turned the offer down, preferring not to stretch the muscle in any way.
"What now?" he asked.
Markus looked in the direction of the Kakariko Graveyard. "We have to tell Impa that Lilu's nearby."
=-=-=-=-=-
"You WHAT?!"
Menroc grimaced as Enya threw Markus across the antechamber of the Shadow Temple, the demon's body firmly hitting the stone. He just sat on the floor cushion, knowing Enya would kick his ass if he tried to help his lover.
"That's gotta hurt." Ax said, giving a low whistle as he sat in the cushion next to Menroc. The Hylian shrugged. "He's used to it."
Enya angrily trudged over to Markus, picking him up by the collar of his sleeveless jacket and pulled him up, slamming him up against the wall, easily lifting him off of the ground. "You GAVE Lilu a BODY?"
"Enya, relax," Impa said calmly. "At least we know what she looks like fer now."
"Yeah, until she finds another body," Enya said with a scoff, not keeping her eyes off of Markus. "I knew you were gonna be trouble."
Impa walked over to Enya and put a hand on her arm. "Lass, come on, he's wounded. We need t' tend t' his wounds."
"Oh, by the time I'm done with him, he'll have wished that Lilu didn't run away."
She released Markus, and he grunted as he hit the floor abruptly. One of Markus's wings was limp, broken when Enya first attacked him. Minor fracture. Heal overnight. He stood with the Sheikah Sage's help and sat on a cushion.
He took off his jacket as Impa got out a bandage and potion. Enya looked over at Menroc. "Who's this guy? Your partner in crime?"
"My lover," Markus said firmly, as if Enya were looking at him as a potential mate and he was protecting him.
Enya blinked in disbelief and stared at Markus blankly. "You're gay?"
"I'm not gay, I'm bi." A growl came from Markus's throat as he said that, "There's a difference. You got a problem?"
She shrugged. "No, I'm fine with it. Look, I live in a community that's full of nothing but women and currently only two men. And before you ask, the answer is no. I'm straight as an arrow."
"Wasn't gonna ask," Markus replied.
Impa wasn't listening to the conversation and handed Markus a blue potion. "Drink that."
He did so, trying not to gag on it. Impa had said it was made with forest mushrooms. ugh. He set the bottle down after he was done and let Impa wrap the wounds.
"How long will it take you to heal?" Ax asked. Markus looked down at the bandage as Impa finished it and moved his arm a little to make sure it wouldn't do anything.
"I give it a week, tops, but maybe two or three days if I don't do anything."
"It'll be a week," Menroc said bluntly. Enya nodded in agreement.
Impa stood and leaned back against a wall. "Where did ye see Lilu?"
Markus shifted to get comfortable, using an arm to hold up his broken wing as it healed. "Just outside of the pub in Kakariko. She took the body that I left. I told you, I had to feed, and I couldn't think of any other way to destroy the evidence without drawing attention."
"Why'd you have to kill an innocent Hylian?" Enya asked, her eyes narrowing angrily.
"Either her or one of our precious team members. If I hold it off for too long, I go insane and I kill everyone I see."
"It's true," Menroc said quickly before anyone else could speak, "I've seen it, and it's not pretty."
Ax sat there for a moment, pondering. He looked up at Markus. "Hey, Markus? How exactly do you steal souls?"
"Why do you ask?"
The boy shrugged, pulling the sleeves of his Gerudo uniform over his arms and picking at a frayed string. "No big reason, just wondering."
Everyone but Menroc directed their attention towards the Incubus, expecting a reply, as if they all had some sort of secret about him. He finally spoke, "Either the old-fashioned way that most of my children use, but I prefer the way that I do it, which is through any display of affection. Hug, kiss, you name the affection, I can take their soul through it, but I have to be physically touching them."
"Quite a talent, lad," Impa said, grimacing. A grin lit Ax's features. "So you can help us."
"Huh?"
Enya let out a chuckle. "I got a message from Zelda yesterday saying that the two Dunpeal Bounty Hunters we hired said they knew a soul- devouring demon that could be capable of pulling Lilu's spirit into the open."
"So you're going to use Markus as your guinea pig and have him bring out Lilu, then banish her soul?" Menroc asked. Enya nodded.
Markus smirked and spoke before anyone else could, gazing in Enya's direction. "You're on."
Kakariko Village had been happy to see D, but became a little cautious when they saw Enya and Ax. Markus wasn't really a problem. then again, all the girls giggled and turned away with a blush tinting their cheeks when they saw the super-sexy man. Markus had changed forms to where he still looked the same, minus the wings. It was his preferred look in public.
When they passed the Kakariko Inn, Markus had to leave the group, saying he'd be back by sundown; he was insisting that he check up on Menroc. It didn't take any time at all to notice which room Menroc was staying in; the windows were shut firmly, dark curtains securely put over them to keep out the sunlight.
They didn't stay in Kakariko. Enya and Ax went to the Shadow Temple to help the sage there, a Sheikah woman named Impa that attended to the queen, secure the temple from any attacks. Sora and D's sights were set on the Wind Temple, which was situated in Northern Hyrule, near Death Mountain, on the opposite side that Kakariko was on, about a mile or two away from the Sheikah Village on a separate road, which was littered and difficult to take because of the debris of Death Mountain that the winds had blown down. Hiking up the fallen rubble, D helped Sora along the way, always staying behind her in case she fell back.
The Wind Temple looked like an ancient ruin. Fallen marble pillars along with the sections they had held up scattered the landscape. True, what was left of it was certainly worth bragging about, with at least five stories easily supported by a still-strong foundation, with a balcony in the high tower.
"No one could find the courage to come here," D told her with a heavy sigh, "This place. some say it's haunted. It's stood for far longer than I've been around, and somehow, I can't seem to blame anyone."
But it was sacred. How could anyone, under a crisis like this, be afraid to come here? The place was falling apart, true, but Sora saw a. peaceful aura about it. Like a home she had never had.
Wind was tossing both D and Sora's hair and any loose clothing, and D had to take off his fedora. They had left the DL-4 and Orion back in Kakariko, as any horse would be thrown about by the winds if they got too close to the temple.
Sora clung to D as they got closer, using his body to block the wind. Both of his arms were around her tightly but gently. Had they not been in these kinds of conditions, it would have been romantic.
After making some well-footed steps based on timing of the winds, they finally reached the door to the temple. D pounded on it, still keeping one arm around his fiancée. Sora helped him, shouting pleading requests for someone to open the door, although the howling wind kept her from even hearing herself. She moved her head to keep D's hair out of her face, and was suddenly swept forward by D as the door opened.
The howls were still audible, but not so much. The Dunpeals' hair was in tangles and their pale cheeks were tinted pink from the cold wind. Sora looked back at the door, seeing that it had been opened by magic, and was closing the same way. She collapsed to the ground, her legs weak from fighting the winds. D knelt next to her, gathering her in his arms to help her sit up. "Are you alright?"
She leaned against his chest, hearing his heart beat as fast as hers was. "I guess so." She let out a purr when D's hand brushed against her cheek, and welcomed his lips when they touched hers. Their kiss was short- lived, however, when D pulled back and helped her stand. Sora let out a groan of disappointment, but uttered no other protest.
"Hello?" he called out, his voice echoing in the room. Sora could have sworn she heard footsteps descending stairs in the distance, but she couldn't be sure, not until she heard the trademark grinding of a stone door as it opened.
A woman, not young in age but not old at the same time, came into the room, her soft blue eyes resting on the both of them. Her dark honey colored hair was wind whipped, but somehow she made the style look good.
"Morian," she said, with the slightest hint of an Irish or Scottish accent in her voice, but Sora couldn't tell. Her lips curved into a smile. "I was hopin' ye'd come when I suggested yer help."
So this woman was the one who had sent Nabooru for them. Sora looked at the woman's build, which was slightly muscular, and not too stocky. Remembering what Enya had told her, Sora knew that the woman was a Sheikah, and obviously the sage of this temple.
"Anything for an old friend, milady," D replied, his voice sounding warm and kind. Sora blinked a couple of times, confused, and stood on her tiptoes to whisper into his ear. "Who's the old broad?"
"Wrong question," she heard the parasite whisper back to her. D walked towards the sage, and Sora followed. She looked at Sora, then at D.
"Ye neva told me ye had an apprentice, Morian. Who is this young lass?"
D pulled away from Sora to stand to the side of both of them. "My fiancée. Sora, this is Shurai, the Wind Sage of Hyrule. Shurai, Sora."
Shurai nodded her head in greeting, and Sora did the same thing, and looked to D as he gave her a warm smile. She quirked an eyebrow at his look, wondering what it was about. "What? What is it?"
"Sora. and Shurai. This may come as a shock to both of you, but." D froze for a moment, looking at both of them.
"Sora, Shurai is your mother."
=-=-=-=-=-
Markus slipped into the room, trying not to let much light in. Only only a few candles lighted the room, and the figure of a young man sat in the corner.
He walked to him and knelt down, taking him into his arms. "Hey. how you been?"
"Miserable. I hate being cooped up during the day," Menroc replied, his tone somewhere between a whine and an angry growl, and despite how old he looked, his voice was a little high and feminine.
Markus smiled, pulling back the curtain of black hair that covered Menroc's face; he still looked like a seventeen-year-old boy, the only way you could feel doubt in the age was his pale face and, whenever a rare occasion came that he smiled, the fangs in his mouth. "You won't believe who's here."
"Try me."
"Our old Dunpeal friends, D and Sora."
Menroc sat up straight, allowing Markus to slip behind him and pull him into his lap. He leaned back, resting his head on Markus's chest. "Oh, I could believe it alright, Pet. where are they?"
"They went to the Wind Temple," the Incubus replied, tilting his head forward to kiss Menroc's temple. Menroc smiled, reaching back with his hand to caress Markus's cheek as he continued to speak. "The Gerudo Priestess Enya and her young cousin are also with them, but they're at the Shadow Temple right now, helping Impa. They were wanting to know if you and I could join up with them as well."
"You can. you know I'm not a fighter."
Markus sighed, kissing his lover's neck lovingly, then nuzzling with his nose the spot behind Menroc's ear. "I don't want to do anything without you by my side, Menny." the statement itself sounded like an over-used cliché, but Markus meant every word he said to Menroc. While anyone else would have seen their love as sinful, and even go so far as to attack them for it, Markus wasn't ashamed of the fact that he was a bisexual, and he didn't think Menroc was ashamed either, although he never showed it.
"You wanna go out tonight?" Markus asked. Menroc shrugged. "I guess. where?"
The demon shrugged. "I don't know. maybe to a nightclub for a couple hours. You really look like you need something to clear your mind."
"Sure, why not. When are your 'friends' due back?"
"I don't know. with Ax and Enya, they might stay with Impa a few more hours. With D and Sora, the Wind Temple's a good ten miles away from here, and they left their horses here. It will take them awhile to get back."
"If they don't use any powers for speed," Menroc added. Markus nodded.
"They usually don't."
"How long until sundown?" the vampire asked, anxious to get out of this damned room. Markus let out a soft chuckle, and stood, walking to a window and peeking out of it, only a bit of light spilling into the room. Markus closed the curtain and leaned against the wall. "Maybe four hours at best."
Menroc stood, and unconsciously dusted off his pants, the same blue jeans he wore when he came back to Hyrule. What he would give to wear Hylian clothing again. a lot more comfortable than the crap Sora had been used to. He had bought a cloak at a nearby store so he could walk short distances in the sunlight, with the hood covering his face so much that any skin that was exposed, but covered by shadow, only felt like it was sunburned. Well, the feeling from what he remembered being sun burnt as a mortal. He envied Markus sometimes; he was a demon, but he could walk in the sunlight.
No one could tell which of the couple was more dangerous; Menroc with his fangs and heightened senses and superhuman strength that could track down anyone and kill them by draining their blood, or Markus, with Incubus powers so strong that he didn't have to have intercourse with anyone to steal their soul. He could simply pose a display of affection, such as a hug or kiss, or even a caress, and they would drop dead, their body completely soulless. He was the only Incubus of his kind that could do that, and the only one, well the only living one of both Incubi and Succubi that could change their form into either a man or a woman. Vivian, his wife, the first one he had Turned, could do that, but he killed her before she could evolve enough to steal souls by affection.
"Do you need to feed, darling? You look worn out," Markus said, a concerned look on his face, walking over to the boy and gently holding him. Menroc's arms went around Markus's neck, and he gave a single nod, then a shrug. "Don't really need to, but always want to."
Markus took Menroc's chin in his hand and tilted his face up to kiss him. Menroc weakly returned it before kissing his chin, then his jaw line, feathery kisses leading him to the Incubus's throat. Menroc kissed the soft skin once as Markus drew his hair away from his neck, then licked, feeling his fangs itch to pierce. He gave a quick but gentle bite, barely hearing Markus as he drew in a hissing breath. Menroc's lips closed around the area of the wound, not letting any blood spill.
He let out an animalistic growl as Markus slowly pulled him back, and Menroc lashed his tongue out to catch the remaining droplets. The wound healed almost instantly before his eyes, but he quickly subdued his hunger, telling himself that he was sated.
=-=-=-=-=-
Sora and Shurai just stared at each other, speechless. Shurai was. Sora's mother? Her mother was still alive?
Shurai's gaze drifted to Sora's left eye, which was covered over with windswept red hair. She slowly stepped forward, reaching out and pushing it away, a shocked gasp creeping from her throat when she saw the scar. "Oh, sweet Nayru, it is ye."
Tears flooded Sora's eyes and she practically leaped forward, tightly hugging her long lost mother. Shurai returned the embrace without a second thought. Questions ran through Sora's mind. Why did Shurai abandon her? Why did D know about Shurai and not tell her? So many questions, but right now, Sora was happier than anything she'd ever been happy about. She was with her mother, after all these years of not even knowing if she was dead or alive.
They reluctantly pulled back after what seemed like an eternity, but Shurai clung to Sora's shoulders. "I neva thought I'd see ye again."
"I never thought I'd see you at all," Sora said, choking out a laugh. She turned to D, breaking away from Shurai and embraced him, kissing his cheek and lips more times than she could count.
"Oh, God, D, thank you so much!" she cried. She then playfully slapped him, grinning. "That's for not telling me about her or bringing me here earlier. wait." she pulled back and looked at Shurai. "How did D know that you're my mother?"
"I told you I've been here before." D told her, his voice barely audible through the howling wind outside.
"When I had t' give ye up," Shurai began, "Morian was th' one who spirited ye away an' out o' Hyrule."
Sora's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked up at her fiancé, unable to believe what Shurai had just said. "D.?"
"She's right," D said, "When I left Hyrule, I took you with me and gave you to the home you grew up in."
"And now I'm his fiancée. damn, talk about coincidence," Sora mused aloud.
"I didn't expect you to be in Romania when I saw you again."
Shurai laughed, wiping away a tear, and ushering them to the door she came from. "Well, come on into th' temple! Ye donna want t' be here stuck in th' entry hall, do ye?"
*
When they got to the second floor of the temple, the wind wasn't as loud. The walls were thicker, and magic barriers served as windows rather than glass. This room seemed like a sitting room, with floor cushions, a small, coffee-table-like object in the middle.
"You actually live in the temple?" Sora asked. Shurai nodded.
"Aye. Th' place is fallin' apart; I have t' be here t' take care o' it, don't I?" she said, sitting on a floor cushion and gesturing for D and Sora to sit as well. Sora took up on the offer, while D kindly turned it down, preferring to stand and setting his fedora on a wall hook.
"So," Shurai began, "What brings ye two 'ere t' th' Wind Temple?"
"Just wanted to check up on you," D answered. "With the current situation and all-"
"Auc, Morian, ye know I've been strong. Believe me, this temple is th' safest o' all th' temples in Hyrule. Lilu canna get in 'ere unless she gets 'er body back."
That made both Sora and D feel a lot relieved. Still, D had a worried look on his face. "Shurai, no one knows where Lilu is right now, or who she's possessed. She could be anyone, and you're a Sheikah. If you take one step out of the sanctity of the temple-"
"I told ye I'll be fine 'ere. I won't be goin' anywhere fer some time except fer th' ceremony."
"Ceremony.?" Sora asked.
"Th' one where th' Triforce o' Power chooses its new owner. All th' sages 'ave t' be there. An' I mean every sage."
=-=-=-=-=-
Markus and Menroc stayed in the booth in the darkest corner of the Hylian Pub, mostly just talking between small sips of wine. They had gone out early, and Menroc brought his cloak. The way he wore it around his body made him look like a woman, something he wasn't unfamiliar with. It only added to the feeling that he was just Markus's 'girlfriend' that he brought in with him.
The darkness made Markus's ice blue eyes glow just barely, enough to make anyone that looked at him shiver at turn away.
Menroc's head was on Markus's collarbone, and it made Markus feel uncomfortable. It wasn't that he didn't like it, but he hadn't fed in a couple of weeks. His hold on Menroc froze, not holding him tighter or lightly brushing a thumb along the vampire's arm, afraid that his Incubus powers would emerge from nowhere and kill his lover. The boy looked up at him, his eyes narrowed in concern. "What's wrong?"
Markus slid away from him, giving him a light kiss of apology. "I have to feed. I can't help it. Stay here, alright?"
He nodded, and Markus kissed him again, pulling back before he got too carried away. His back ached as his wings wanted to just come out, let his eyes glow and his powers take over. His breathing came out in shaky rasps, a cold sweat was running down his forehead, and he was vaguely aware that he was halfway running through the pub, heading for the exit. His pale hands fumbled with the knob, swinging it open and coming outside into the night. He looked back at the pub, to the window he and Menroc were sitting by. Menroc was staring at him, but turned away, drawing the hood of his cloak over his face.
His knees were buckling; he couldn't stand still. He moved to the alleyway near the pub, leaning against the wall of a brick building, slowly sinking down. He calmed the moment he felt a nearby presence.
Looking to the side, Markus saw a young woman standing at the alleyway entrance, her black hair pulled back into a braid. She looked at him, and called out, "Hey! You alright?"
Markus let out a weak smile, his powers calming. Standing, he nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
She approached him as he used his charm to will her towards him. "You sure? Should I get you a potion or something?"
"No, really, I'm fine. Just nausea, that's all."
Reaching a little deeper, Markus willed the girl to say her name. "Alright, then. my name's Denise."
"Markus," the Incubus said, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. A light blush rose to her cheeks, and she felt herself leaning closer to him. Markus's arms wrapped around her, and she felt her eyes close as his lips touched hers.
He let himself loose, and his grip tightened on Denise, his eyes flying open, glowing that bright ice blue. Within seconds, Denise fell limp in his arms, her body free of her soul. Markus gently held her, then laid her down, propped against the wall. Spotting a bottle of wine with just a few mouthfuls in it, Markus grabbed it and poured a little of it into her mouth, then set the bottle in her hand. It would look like nothing more than that she just drank herself to death.
He walked back to the pub, feeling a lot better. Markus paid no attention to the man that brushed against his shoulder angrily, as if he were hurrying somewhere. Menroc was still at the booth when he came back, and gave a light smile to see Markus all right. "Better?"
"Much," he said, returning the smile. He sat next to him and took a sip of the wine, which had started to go warm by now. "Anything happen while I was out?"
Menroc shrugged, holding the goblet between both of his hands. "Not really. Some guy really left in a hurry a couple minutes after you did, but that's all." He set the goblet down and leaned back, sighing heavily for no apparent reason. Markus slipped an arm around his shoulders, and was about to close his eyes when something caught his vision in the corner of his eye.
A young girl moved along the crowd, and Markus's eyes widened in horror at the black braid hanging limp on her back.
It was Denise.
Markus slapped down a few rupees on the table and grabbed Menroc. "We have to go."
"What?"
"Now."
Menroc pulled his arm away from Markus's grasp when he stood. "Markus, what is it?"
He didn't know how to explain. "That girl I fed on. she's back."
"Huh?" Menroc was confused. Why did this mean they had to leave? "So you left a little of her soul in her. Big deal."
"No! She was dead when I left her! I took all of her soul! I never leave anything behind!"
Markus leaned forward and whispered into Menroc's ear, "I think it's Lilu."
Menroc just stared at him and held back a laugh. "Pet, you're overreacting. Maybe she just had a twin."
He shook his head. "No. It's her. Menroc, please."
Menroc sighed, and headed for the exit with Markus. "Alright, fine. I still say you're just paranoid."
"Better paranoid than dead," Markus muttered, pushing the door open and holding it until Menroc came out. Menroc began to walk back to the inn when he passed by the alleyway that Markus had met Denise in and obviously killed her in.
"Mark."
Markus turned to him. "What?" he asked as he walked towards him.
"Everything I said at the pub? I take it back." Menroc extended a hand, pointing at something on the ground. Markus walked over to it and tapped it with the toe of his boot, then used his heel to kick the body face-up.
Both he and Menroc nearly screamed.
"That's the guy that left the pub in a big hurry." Menroc whispered. Markus knew him too; he was the man that he bumped against on his way back. He was dead, his face contorted in a horrific, painful scream, and his body looked like it had been dead and rotting for a couple of days, while just a minute ago, he looked healthy and normal.
That was Lilu.
"Menroc," Markus began, "Go to the Shadow Temple. Tell Impa. I can go to the Wind Temple."
Normally, Menroc didn't take orders, but right now, they were dealing with a goddamn Goddess. He backed up out of the alley and started to run towards the Kakariko Graveyard. If he could just climb the wall that stood between the graveyard and the temple-!
Menroc faintly heard the ruffling of clothing as someone fell, and soon he was on the ground, someone standing firmly on his shoulder blades. He held back a scream as heels dug into his spine and a growl came from his throat when his attacker bent down and grabbed his neck.
Now feeling threatened, Menroc whipped around, his sudden movement catching the woman off guard. Not even bothering to look at her, Menroc's mouth instinctively went for her throat.
A loud 'snap' was heard as Menroc's fangs bit down on air and Lilu jumped back. Now Menroc had a chance to look her over; she had the long black talons like the demonic vampires did, but no fangs. She wasn't powerful enough yet. Menroc didn't have any talons, and all he usually did when fighting was head for the throat and that was it; they were dead after that, or, if not, got the hell out of there.
Suddenly a flash of silver, white, and dark blue blanketed Lilu as Markus pounced on her, his wings out. Before Lilu pushed him away, Markus slashed her collarbone with the talon of his right wing. A screech echoed through the village as she cried out in pain, clasping a hand to the wound and snarling. How long had it been since she had felt pain?
Markus easily landed on his feet, but into a stance that after he touched the ground he immediately shot at her again, his speed nearly blinding Lilu. Dammit, she had just gotten a new body! She couldn't handle this!
Menroc watched the ordeal, not sure on what to do. Help, watch, or go get help? Surely Lilu was baffled that two demons were actually attacking her rather than trying to side with her.
A clawed hand swiped at Markus, and he reeled back. That gave Lilu the chance to bolt. She leapt up onto the roof of the pub and then from roof to roof, eventually out of sight. Menroc watched her leave to make sure she didn't come back, then ran to Markus. "Did she hurt you?"
Markus pulled back the side of his jacket to reveal four deep claw slashes on his chest, and a faint fifth one from Lilu's thumb. He drew in a hissing breath as he moved. "This'll take awhile to heal... better not get infected, dammit." Menroc offered for Markus to lean on him, but the Incubus turned the offer down, preferring not to stretch the muscle in any way.
"What now?" he asked.
Markus looked in the direction of the Kakariko Graveyard. "We have to tell Impa that Lilu's nearby."
=-=-=-=-=-
"You WHAT?!"
Menroc grimaced as Enya threw Markus across the antechamber of the Shadow Temple, the demon's body firmly hitting the stone. He just sat on the floor cushion, knowing Enya would kick his ass if he tried to help his lover.
"That's gotta hurt." Ax said, giving a low whistle as he sat in the cushion next to Menroc. The Hylian shrugged. "He's used to it."
Enya angrily trudged over to Markus, picking him up by the collar of his sleeveless jacket and pulled him up, slamming him up against the wall, easily lifting him off of the ground. "You GAVE Lilu a BODY?"
"Enya, relax," Impa said calmly. "At least we know what she looks like fer now."
"Yeah, until she finds another body," Enya said with a scoff, not keeping her eyes off of Markus. "I knew you were gonna be trouble."
Impa walked over to Enya and put a hand on her arm. "Lass, come on, he's wounded. We need t' tend t' his wounds."
"Oh, by the time I'm done with him, he'll have wished that Lilu didn't run away."
She released Markus, and he grunted as he hit the floor abruptly. One of Markus's wings was limp, broken when Enya first attacked him. Minor fracture. Heal overnight. He stood with the Sheikah Sage's help and sat on a cushion.
He took off his jacket as Impa got out a bandage and potion. Enya looked over at Menroc. "Who's this guy? Your partner in crime?"
"My lover," Markus said firmly, as if Enya were looking at him as a potential mate and he was protecting him.
Enya blinked in disbelief and stared at Markus blankly. "You're gay?"
"I'm not gay, I'm bi." A growl came from Markus's throat as he said that, "There's a difference. You got a problem?"
She shrugged. "No, I'm fine with it. Look, I live in a community that's full of nothing but women and currently only two men. And before you ask, the answer is no. I'm straight as an arrow."
"Wasn't gonna ask," Markus replied.
Impa wasn't listening to the conversation and handed Markus a blue potion. "Drink that."
He did so, trying not to gag on it. Impa had said it was made with forest mushrooms. ugh. He set the bottle down after he was done and let Impa wrap the wounds.
"How long will it take you to heal?" Ax asked. Markus looked down at the bandage as Impa finished it and moved his arm a little to make sure it wouldn't do anything.
"I give it a week, tops, but maybe two or three days if I don't do anything."
"It'll be a week," Menroc said bluntly. Enya nodded in agreement.
Impa stood and leaned back against a wall. "Where did ye see Lilu?"
Markus shifted to get comfortable, using an arm to hold up his broken wing as it healed. "Just outside of the pub in Kakariko. She took the body that I left. I told you, I had to feed, and I couldn't think of any other way to destroy the evidence without drawing attention."
"Why'd you have to kill an innocent Hylian?" Enya asked, her eyes narrowing angrily.
"Either her or one of our precious team members. If I hold it off for too long, I go insane and I kill everyone I see."
"It's true," Menroc said quickly before anyone else could speak, "I've seen it, and it's not pretty."
Ax sat there for a moment, pondering. He looked up at Markus. "Hey, Markus? How exactly do you steal souls?"
"Why do you ask?"
The boy shrugged, pulling the sleeves of his Gerudo uniform over his arms and picking at a frayed string. "No big reason, just wondering."
Everyone but Menroc directed their attention towards the Incubus, expecting a reply, as if they all had some sort of secret about him. He finally spoke, "Either the old-fashioned way that most of my children use, but I prefer the way that I do it, which is through any display of affection. Hug, kiss, you name the affection, I can take their soul through it, but I have to be physically touching them."
"Quite a talent, lad," Impa said, grimacing. A grin lit Ax's features. "So you can help us."
"Huh?"
Enya let out a chuckle. "I got a message from Zelda yesterday saying that the two Dunpeal Bounty Hunters we hired said they knew a soul- devouring demon that could be capable of pulling Lilu's spirit into the open."
"So you're going to use Markus as your guinea pig and have him bring out Lilu, then banish her soul?" Menroc asked. Enya nodded.
Markus smirked and spoke before anyone else could, gazing in Enya's direction. "You're on."
