Tooth and Claw, Part 33

This... isn't how you were expecting this meeting to happen.

Internally, you're left scrambling, off-balance as you reassess you position, how you can respond to the Lust Queen's unanticipated arrival. Worse, you know that she can sense exactly how shaken you are, no matter how perfectly you control your outward expression. Which, in turn, only makes it that much more unnerving.

To put it mildly, you're not at your best.

And yet... you still don't back down. All this time you've been hunted by the succubi. Hunted because of this curse. Hunted because of the legacy of one selfish parasite. Which, in turn, is endangering your efforts to save Lily, when the succubi should otherwise have been your closest allies in such a fight.

You're sick and tired of it.

Despite everything that would lead you to think otherwise... you want to believe that you can get them truly on your side. You want so desperately to believe that you can convince your fellow Lust demons to take a chance on you. The emotion burns in your chest, so powerful that it's an almost physical ache. If you could only just make them see.

If you could only just find the words...

You meet the Lust Queen's piercing gaze directly. And when you speak, you try to put all that fervent feeling into your words. "I'm glad for this chance to talk with you, face-to-face," you tell the ancient succubus. "I completely understand why you've been hunting me. But it doesn't need to be this way. I know we can find a solution. One that will save everyone. If we could only just help each other, instead of letting him separate us."

Lehatial is silent, her face impassive. When she finally speaks, her voice is rich and alluring. "You have helped us much already. The location of the Incubus King's artifact alone was a gift beyond all price. You have brought us hope that this long nightmare may one day end. And for that... for that I thank you."

"I don't intend to stop there," you say, pressing your momentum. "I asked to speak with Taharial today because we've made a new discovery. I've gathered a group of extremely powerful mortals to my side, including a genius spellcaster. She was able to perform a close analysis of the geas that binds you. And she's created a counterspell that will grant some measure of protection from it, albeit temporarily. Enough to give you a fighting chance, even if the worst should happen."

The two succubi exchange startled glances. Whatever they were expecting, it clearly wasn't that. The Lust Queen turns back to you, studying you. This claim you're making is undoubtedly a wild one... but hopefully she can sense how genuine you are.

"Such a spell would be indeed be invaluable to us," she finally says, her voice thoughtful as she regards you. "In fact... such a spell could easily be used as a bargaining chip."

"It probably could be," you admit. "But I'm more interested in stacking the deck against the Incubus King. Our goals are the same, in the end. We both want that old bastard dead. I don't see any point in holding this knowledge over your head. Anything that would help you fight him is something I want you to have. Just as anything that would help me fight him is something you should want me to have as well. For your own sakes."

Lehatial's perceptive gaze focuses in on you, immediately noticing something subtle in your demeanor. "Perhaps you are right. But those words are not truly describing a hypothetical, are they? There is something particular that you desire from us."

You incline your head slightly, conceding the point. "There is a request I would make, yes."

"I see," the Lust Queen says. "Then speak, son of the Second Circle. We will hear out this request of yours."

Gathering yourself, you take a deep breath. "It is a gift that would cost you nothing... but it would strike a grievous blow to the old king's chances of survival. We are preparing for another ritual. One that will create a powerful dream-weapon I can use against him in our mental battles. But the magic requires something of my own. An object that is precious to me."

A look of comprehension dawns across Lehatial's face... along with a tiny smile as well. "Ah, now I understand. Yes, I do recall from Taharial's report that you were... not able to take much with you, at the time of your summoning."

In other words, you had to flee the Second Circle as naked as the day you were spawned. You crack a brief, lopsided grin at the memory yourself, before going serious again. "Please," you urge. "You would lose nothing at all by passing such an item along to me. And if you do, it will make the king's return far less likely. It truly is the best choice for all of us."

The Lust Queen studies you even more intently, searching you for any hint of deceit. Then she looks away, glancing wistfully around at the memory of your old House of Sin that you conjured up for this meeting.

You'd intended it merely for Taharial. But you wonder if it kindles any memories for her. Memories of her own humble origins.

"It may not mean much to you..." she finally says, her voice quieter now. You can hear an ache in it. A bone-deep vulnerability that tugs at your heart. "Not as one who has been so unfairly forced to bear the cost. But... I do regret what has become of the Second Circle. I know I have committed many crimes against Pleasure. Crimes that can never be forgiven. What I have done to you and your brother incubi... especially to the previous bearers of that mark..."

Her voice trails off, lost in memory and regret. Then she turns back to you. "But once again... you have brought us hope. Hope that we can find an answer to this threat that is not a betrayal of the very principles that our Circle is built upon."

A surge of elation wells up in you at her response. Looking into her eyes, you can see her own desperate desire to find a better solution than the one she's been forced to use for so long. The very same yearning that you yourself came into this encounter with, mirrored in her gaze. "Then you'll give me what we need for the ritual?"

The Lust Queen nods. "I will. Though... there remains the difficulty of actually getting this item into your hands. As well as conveying the details of this marvelous counterspell to us." Here she glances over to Taharial.

"The easiest way would be for your summoner to temporarily release your summoning," Taharial says. "You would reappear where you were summoned from, and we could meet you there to make the exchange, giving you what you need. Then she could summon you back again."

Before you can speak, Lehatial places a gentle hand over Taharial's. "I... fear that may be too much trust to ask of him, especially at such an early stage..." she tells the other succubus. Though you can detect a hint of regret in her voice. "However... am I correct in surmising that it was also you who arranged for the summoning of the young succubus who you encountered? Rysanial, I believe her name was?"

"Yes," you say. "She's here with me. Her help was invaluable in creating that protective spell for you."

"Then... if you deem the risk to yourself too great... perhaps the best remaining option would be to send her in your stead?" Watching her, you get the sense that the Lust Queen doesn't entirely like this plan that she's suggesting, the idea that you'd send a succubus into danger in your place. But she hides that feeling well, probably in service of making this exchange work at all.

"Or, if you gave the item to one of your servants, I could ask my ally to summon them to the mortal realm," you observe. "And then she could give that demon the counterspell to bring back to you, before she releases their summoning."

You can tell that the Lehatial likes that option least of all, having one of her subjects walk into the lion's den for her. But she also has no grounds to object, and she clearly knows it. "True enough," she agrees. "That is certainly an option as well."

"Then I will discuss the matter with my summoner," you say. "Whatever we decide, I will inform you of the time and details once we have settled on them."

"We can ask for nothing more," says the Lust Queen. "Whichever option you choose—whenever you decide you are ready—simply contact us again. We will be waiting."

It's everything you can do not to visibly shudder with relief, as the most crucial part of the negotiation concludes. And the response could hardly have been better, the Lust Queen showing every sign of the good faith you were so earnestly hoping to see from her.

Still... there is one more question you had for Lehatial, before you depart. "Then we have a common goal to strive for together," you say. "But... I must also ask... what about after that? When the old Demon Lord is finally dead, when his mantle is truly torn from him at last... what happens then?"

"I do not know," admits Lehatial. "Not for certain. The passing of the Mantle of a Demon Lord has happened so rarely in the history of the Planes. All have been under extraordinary circumstances... and most are myth and legend now. Perhaps you would be able to bestow it to anyone you wish. Perhaps it would simply return to the Abyss, to be born anew in a more worthy holder. Or perhaps... perhaps the victor would simply gain the spoils."

Then she fixes you with a look more smoldering and intense than any you have ever seen. "So perhaps it is I who should be asking the question of you, son of the Second Circle?" she muses. "If it came to pass that you gained Lordship over all of us... what kind of Demon Lord would you be, I wonder?"

"Nothing like that madman," is your immediate response, the words cracking slightly on your suddenly-dry throat. "Nothing like him."

Lehatial regards you closely for a while... before nodding once. "Yes. That much, at least, is clear."

"Would I need to leave this mortal realm, if that happens?" you ask, still a little unsteady. "There are... many things I need to accomplish here. How long could a Demon Lord remain as a summon, before it began to cause problems for the Second Circle?"

The Lust Queen gives you an approving look, pleased that you are considering those larger political angles. "By the strict letter of the Celestial Treaty, there is nothing that prohibits a Demon Lord from being summoned, just as any other demon," she says. "But those technicalities aside... it would still be seen as a move of unparalleled aggression. If you were to remain for long, no doubt many gods would begin making similar moves against us in response."

Then she exhales. "Not that it would likely come to that. The true difficulty lies not in politics... but in your summoner. If you grasped the mantle of Demon Lord—fully manifest in all its might—no mortal soul would be able to bear the weight of its power for long. Perhaps a matter of weeks, at the very most, for an exceptionally strong mage."

It makes sense, and only reinforces what you already suspected. The power of a Demon Lord would be invaluable in facing Melca, if you can claim it. But claiming it will also send you careening toward the endgame, whether you're ready or not. Not only would it cause Melca herself to drastically adjust her view of your threat, but it would also impose a time limit with regard to Lily. You would only have a narrow window in which to strike. After that, you'd need to either find some way to relinquish the power... or else leave the mortal realm forever.

You look down at the runes glowing crimson on your palm. Six out of ten. The inevitable countdown toward the test of everything you've built, and all the allies you've seduced. Will your preparations be enough?

Eventually, you look back up. "Thank you for your insight," you say, inclining your head in gratitude. "I will contact you again once we have reached a decision on how to move forward. Or if I learn anything else that might be of use."

And with that, you withdraw from the dream, leaving them to their own deliberations.

That encounter turned out to be even more intense that you expected, and you spend quite a few hours in your quarters mulling it over. Still, you eventually move on to your next dreamwalk. Keeping it simple this time, you decide to pay a visit to the Vampire Queen, who is still assisting your corrupted drow down in the Underworld.

The undead queen responds quickly to your summons, and soon the two of you are seated across a richly supplied dining table from each other. You provide her with an elegant black dress—stylish and low-cut—as well as an ornate goblet of blood sitting on the table in front of her. She accepts it graciously, offering you a silent toast as you settle down to talk.

"The new Matriarch was a timid little thing, at first," says the queen, as she lounges in her chair, reflecting back on the recent past. "Truly a puppet's puppet. Installed as a sacrificial offering amidst to the chaos, while others controlled her from the shadows. But I must admit, she's coming along nicely now. We've targeted all the key threats to her power with either seduction or assassination, and her reign is... about as secure as it could ever be for a drow ruler. I don't expect you'll be facing any surprise complications from down here."

There's a glint in her eye as she speaks, and you get the feeling that she is actually enjoying this change to her centuries of stagnation. A new chance to strive for something again, alongside her trusted bodyguard. Certainly it's an ideal hunting ground for them, with their one great weakness of sunlight completely and utterly unavailable to the drow, allowing the ancient vampire progenitor free reign to act whenever and wherever she desires.

"And how is Moghi doing?" you ask. "Are the two of you enjoying your new... closeness?"

Now that question actually rattles the vampire queen's composure a bit, and you expect that she would be sporting a slight blush were she still capable of it. "...very much so," she admits. "It has been... like nothing we have ever experienced. I thought that the taking of blood was the greatest thrill that we could still feel... but you have proven that wrong. And when the two are combined..." She shivers slightly. "Well. Moghi and I have spent some very enjoyable nights down here, with our new harem of thralls that we have seduced from among our foes."

You grin knowingly. The conversation lapses into silence for a bit as the undead monarch drinks some of her blood to hide her embarrassment. But soon enough, she glances back up at you. "Has... there been any progress in my request?" she asks. "Have you learned anything about the fate of... the original Moghi? Did she ever find peace, after her death at my hands?"

"Not yet," you say. "I'll see if I can find the time. But it may need to wait until the threat of the heroines is concluded."

"I understand," the queen replies. "I have waited for a long time. I can be patient a little longer."

"Thank you," you say. Then, after a moment's thought, you ask a question of your own. "In the event that I do find time to investigate before then... do you have any ideas on where would be best to start looking?"

The Vampire Queen gazes down into her goblet, watching the blood as she swirls it. "I bear no illusions as to what we did while alive," she says quietly, lost in memories that are not technically hers... but that she nevertheless cannot help but claim as her own. "Even if it was to satiate Melca's appetites, we waged brutal war without end. It is... not difficult to guess the judgment of Oriva in such a case."

The Seventh Circle. The Hell of Violence. Home to the greatest warriors and killers in the history of the Planes. Endlessly locked in combat, fighting each other again and again, forging their skills eternally in a crucible of warfare and slaughter. That's where she thinks the original Moghi must have went.

And if so, it does suggest one possible method of investigation. If you were to craft a particularly specialized summoning request, you could search the Seventh Circle for any demons who might know of her. That could allow you to summon a demon who could tell you what the Vampire Queen wishes to learn. In fact... on the off-chance that Moghi transcended her mortal state while she was there... you might even be able to find the original herself.

Granted, you could always investigate after the crisis is over. On the other hand... if you're preparing for war with a goddess, having something as powerful as a Violence demon on your side might not be the worst thing either. Especially if it's a Violence demon with a particular reason to hold a grudge against Melca.

"That's a good lead," you say. "I'll bear that in mind." And with that established, you spend the remainder of the dream discussing the more intricate details of how the vampires might direct their efforts, now that they've taken the time to make the Underworld secure. You don't come to any firm decisions just yet, but you feel better prepared for when the question will inevitably come up in the waking world.

Eventually, however, you do release the Vampire Queen, leaving you alone in the dream. Then—judging that you have time for one more visit before you leave off for today—you decide to check in on Janessa.

You summon the former soldier into a dream of her home back in Vekmar, into the bedroom where the two of you first made love. She fairly leaps into your arms, delighted to see you once again. You hold her tight, letting her savor the touch, the scent of you, as she buries her head into the crook of your neck.

She moans as you slowly start to touch her in ever more immodest places. Slowly stoking the fire that already burns inside her. You sit down on the bed, pulling her down into your lap after you. Your hands drive her wild with their expert touch, as her lean, fit body squirms helplessly under your molestation.

Once you've swept her off her feet and then settled into a comfortable rhythm, you start to inquire about what has happened since the last time you spoke. "Did Lady Alicia say anything about what happened in the Great Forest?" you ask, murmuring right into the woman's ear. "And did she ask your opinion again? About which heroine I might try to convince next?"

"No..." Janessa says, her voice breathy from your assault. "I... think she suspects that I'm feeding you information. She hasn't taken me with her on any of her missions. And I'm essentially confined to this building. Even if the guards she posted try to claim it's 'for my protection'. I haven't been able to figure out where she thinks you might go next. But... I think that I know at least one place she won't be."

"Really..." you say. Then, with a wave of your hand, you shift the dream to dive into her memories, searching for the moment that Janessa is even now calling to mind. You find yourself in Nelin, back in that same room in which Lady Alicia spoke with Janessa before. This time, however, there are two additional figures present, and familiar ones at that. The dryad Elysandria, and the logging camp leader Ragath.

The dryad doesn't look well; her eyes are slightly sunken and bloodshot, and her skin has an unhealthy pallor. Ragath watches her, concern in his eyes, while Elysandria stays focused on Janessa. The dryad is trying to hide it, but you can tell that she's wary of the human.

"How did it go?" the memory-Janessa asks. "Did you catch him?"

"Unfortunately, no," admits Lady Alicia. "I was too late to stop him from seducing Fallhazel to his side. The Great Forest may be lost to us, for the time being. These two with me barely escaped him themselves. They have asked me for sanctuary... and they have also asked to aid in this fight in any way they can, in hopes of one day rescuing their ensnared friends."

The memory-Janessa looks down, feigning regret. "I'm sorry. If I had only guessed better where he would go next..."

"Don't let it trouble you," the paladin says kindly. "It was a plausible theory. Predicting his movements based on what little we truly know of him was always going to be a chancy affair, no matter what."

Then she rises to her feet, beginning to pace. "I didn't think he would go after Fallhazel so soon," she admits. "It's clear that he's willing to exercise more ambition in his attacks than I expected. And with this, he's taken almost all of our most powerful spellcasters. Fallhazel... Ceriss... Nevati..."

A shadow passes over her face. And you can tell that, despite her efforts to portray a brave front for those following her, she's taking the loss of her friends very hard.

"With them gone, the only dedicated caster we have left among all the heroines is Elianna, with her divine rites," Lady Alicia continues. "If this demon takes her as well, we'll find ourselves at a serious disadvantage in terms of the magic we have access to. Which is why I suspect he may go after her next. If we must guess his next move as we hunt him... I intend to lay my next trap there."

In the memory, Janessa shows support for Lady Alicia's idea. You, however, turn to the real Janessa, who is pressed up against you in your lap. "But you suspect that she knows you've been passing me information," you say. "So you think this is all a ruse. A way to misdirect me as to where she will really be."

"That's right," says Janessa. "And that's not all. When Lady Alicia isn't speaking with me, I've taken to sneaking about as much as I can manage, to see if I can see or overhear anything useful. There's one window on the upper floor that I particularly like to use, since it gives me a good view of the entire courtyard. I can sometimes see who Lady Alicia is meeting with out there, even if I can't hear the details."

Janessa glances back over her shoulder at you. "And on the evening Lady Alicia left for her new mission? I caught a glimpse of her loading up the saddlebags on her steed. Except she was loading far too many travel rations for a simple trip into the city. I don't know which heroine she is going to guard... but whoever it is, I don't think it's Elianna."

You consider that for a moment, turning it over and back again in your mind. Then, putting that aside for now, you pull your thoughts back to the lovely older woman in your lap. "Thank you," you say earnestly. "This will help me a great deal. The more I can predict Lady Alicia's movement, the better my chances of making my case for peace to as many of the heroines as possible. Without any unnecessary clashes."

Then you roll her over, shifting the scene back to her old bedroom as you do. "But for right now..." you say, a hungry note entering your voice. "...it's you who deserves your reward."

You rip open the front of Janessa's tunic, your hands sliding up to her breasts as she absolutely melts under your touch. The rest of her dream-clothes disappear with a wave, and soon you're fucking her into the mattress. She clings for dear life to the sheets beneath you, crying out in unintelligible gasps as she shudders from wave after wave of uncontrollable pleasure.

On and on you go, barely giving her a chance to catch her breath. She looks up at you with adoration in her eyes, then with a burst of focus, wraps her legs around you to pull you even tighter. The passion of your mating continues to escalate, until at last you finish inside her, leaving her a gasping, sweaty mess amdist the tangled sheets.

You lie down beside her, sliding one arm around her, and for a while you simply lay there together as she recovers. Soon, she pulls herself together enough to roll over, resting herself atop you, her breasts pressing into your chest as she tucks her hair behind her ear, while giving you a brief, flirty look that looks good on her normally-composed face.

You continue to lie there together, drinking in each other's warmth. Still, inevitably it does come time to part. Once again you say your goodbyes, and the dream fades into darkness and you pull yourself back to the waking world.

The willing dreamwalks you had planned are all done, save for one... which means that tomorrow you'll also finish up with the one serious attempt. The attempt that can be done in secret, without the permission or knowledge of the target. And what you've learned in these dreams has certainly altered your options. Not least in how you've now truly met both Melca and the Lust Queen. Face to face and soul to soul, not just through their images and memories.

And neither of them know about your incredible new synergy power, which should allow you to remain undetected even in the dreams of such powerful beings.

Of course, there is also Elysandria, who has apparently been taken under the protection of Lady Alicia. Any number of possibilities present themselves with her. And you could also take this opportunity to have a conversation with the goddess Havti, with potentially less immediate but more long-term benefits.

So many choices, all of them potentially crucial. Still, in the end, you'll need to make a choice. Who will you target with your serious Dreamwalk?