"I.... don't feel thats an accurate description for yourself." He said. "But I don't know that for sure. Haven't known you for very long."
"Well, my soul belongs to Asmodeus, and I do tend to bed others easily. Though I do tend to prefer only one partner at a time." I informed him.
"Well, I would definitely try and find a way out of that. He's not a fun one to owe a soul to." He said.
I shrugged. "His power saved me when I needed it most."
"Well he does have plenty to spare." He said.
I nodded. "Weren't you leaving or something?"
He smiled. "Yes. I was on my way out. I hope you have a pleasant rest of your day."
I didn't really have anything to say to that. "Yeah, well, don't get mugged on your way to wherever."
"I haven't been mugged yet. Who knows, perhaps today would be the first. I'll be sure to let you know if I survive the encounter." He said.
"Ok. Hey, do you know where I can talk to a glass craftsman?" I asked.
"Yes, I believe there is a good one in Ymir's Town in the desert, and a skilled Glassmith in Dueling Rivers." He said.
I thanked him for the information, and waited for him to leave before I left my home. I was kind of depressed in a way. I wondered towards the sea. I reached it at nearly sundown. I noted there as a house on the beach, but I ignored it. I went past and leapt to a rock, where I sat, just staring at the darkening waves.
A man's voice hesitantly called out, "Are.. are you alright?"
I glanced back at him and said, "I'm fine.. I apologize for disturbing your home."
"That's.. ok. You'd be surprised how many people come here just to be sad." He said. "But I look at it a other way. This place makes me very free. Very happy."
"The ocean is a good place to think." I said. "What is freedom like?"
"Well, that's hard to describe. But if I had to say, it's very liberating." He said. "Peaceful. But a little lonely."
"It would be nice to be free... I live nearby-ish." I said.
"Why aren't you free?" He asked.
"My aunt found out I survived her latest attempt to kill me." I replied.
"That means you're hunted for sure. Which is certainly not being free." He said. "If you don't mind me prying, why is she trying to kill you?"
"She wants the legal rights to rule our homeland. She already possesses the authority and everything else." I shrugged.
"Well, this isn't one hundred percent ethical, but if she's trying to kill you, why don't you just kill her?" He asked.
"That would make sense, wouldn't it? I don't even have an answer. She had me drugged, kidnapped and held for almost four months before they docked in a southern town on this continent. But hey, I met some interesting people." I told him.
"Yeah, you'll see a lot of interesting people on this continent." He said.
"Who is the most interesting person you've met?" I asked.
"Well, that would have to be my old adventuring partner Bibs. He's a goblin who is well beyond his years." He said.
"Oh, I met him almost a week ago. He has that big stone Goliath fella, right?" I asked.
"Yes, that would be Kershka." He said.
"That Gregor fellow was a bit of a jerk. Well, he did apologize." I said.
"Ah.. Gregor can be a little rough around the edges.. did you meet Tilton as well?" He asked.
"I don't believe so. Kershka is kinda cute. But not as cute as Dirthin." I said.
"Well, you certainly have a type, huh?" He asked.
I turned to face him, the nearly fully set son barely illuminating the area behind the man. "What do you mean?" I asked.
"Large and strong." He said.
"Well, I am a Tigrine. It makes sense biologically. Plus large people feel so safe." I pointed out.
"I have never felt safer than when Bibs is standing next to me. And he is very small." He said.
"True. That woman.. Ashtar took me to see him." I said.
"Oh, I wonder why she would do that." He said.
"They had concerns about me.. the other part of not being free is that my soul is owned." I told him.
"Huu." He said. "I know a lot about that."
"Oh, you too?" I asked.
"Well, my entire existence was owned by a devil until very recently." He said.
I nodded a little. "Archdevil has mine."
"... Well, it's uh.. I may have downplayed it a little.. It may trump yours, just don't like talking about it." He said. "He is the self proclaimed king of hell."
"... You know, I should have seen that coming." I sighed, getting down and approaching him. Knowing he couldn't see in this condition, I cast Produce Flame. Illuminating myself with it.
"Aaah." He said, then, "Aaah!" And he ran away.
As soon as the door was slammed shut, a flame appeared at my side, and a man in a garrish and perfect red suite stepped out. Grinning ear to ear. Dark brown hair, neatly combed back, and blue eyes, a strong jawline.
"Ahh, back in the mortal realm." He kicked some sand. "Dustier than I remembered. Hello Vivi, I see you have met one of my favorite toys. He scampers in such a refined way, don't you agree?"
"I suppose. Do you want to walk to my home with me?" There was little point in being rude.
He eyed me up and down. "You know, most people either try to run or fall to their knees when I show myself to them, and what are you doing on this continent? I had a plan for you when you took over, it was going to be great fun. Even though you always try to avoid my power....it's very rude." He smiled broadly.
"Well, I don't know if you would bother to recall, but I only used your power when my cousins nearly killed me. I'm here because my aunt drugged me and put me on a ship." I stretched. "Besides, you're kinda hot."
"I am the hottest thing on this piss poor planet." The sand around him became glass. "I don't know this ant who played with my toy, but it will suffer for ruining my fun." The air around him warped. "I will burn that shitty empire to dirt it squats on." All the heat stopped, "But what's this about taking me to your home?"
"I found the ruins of a place called Wellspring Town. I've been working on turning it into my personal home. It's definitely not great yet, but it's mine." I shrugged. "Plus I could let you have some soju."
He thought on it. "Alright let's go see where you're staying."
I started to take a few steps, but my feet started to heat up. By the time I glanced back at him, we were at the villa.
"Sorry, seemed like that would take a bit." He said..
"Nice." I said. "I'll fetch the soju."
"How should I put this..? Your new home is a little more run down.. and useless." Asmodeus said.
"You're right." I said, heading into the hole in the wall. "But I'm working on it."
He peaked around the hole, "You know, there is a front door. They made those a long time ago.
I grabbed the drink, and a cup and brought it for him. "Eh, I found the place this way. I haven't gotten to working on it yet."
Once I offered him a filled cup, he took it and said, "You know, we could make a deal. Obviously not for your soul, I already have that."
"Then what would you get? Frankly I've got little worth besides being yours." I said.
"What you are and what you can be are two very different things. I'll fix this place, and you'll simply bring people in." Asmodeus said.
"I insist on not using you for such a small task." I said.
"Oh, but I do." He said, grinning.
"Is the soju to your liking?" I asked.
"It's a nice drink." He said. "If you don't want me to fix your town.. then how about this? You convert one person. Just one.. and I'll let you hide your symbol, for let's say.. five years, hm? Around here that could be very beneficial."
"Is that the case? So what am I supposed to do back at the Isla? Or was I supposed to do something with the Empire?" I asked.
"If you had played it out correctly you were going to be the empress of the damn empire. Lots of bloody wars and coups, oh the drama that would unfold." He said.
"That sounds incredibly grand." I commented.
"Exactly. That was the whole point. Yet, here you are, in a mansion, with a giant hole in it!" He said voicing his frustrations.
"I apologize for your frustrations. It was certainly not my intent to end up in your play ground." I said.
"Well, then, why don't I send you back home so we can get this back on track." He said.
I didn't want to go back. But laughed, "Oh, that'd terrify them."
"Oh, I'm sure it would." He said. "Alright then, let's get you home."
"Is that what you want?" I asked.
"Child, I wish to be entertained. And that was oddly direct of you." He said.
"Your chosen form of entertainment is fleeting, I think. Most unfortunate." I said.
"What do you mean by that?" He asked, very seriously.
"Well, you're perpetually bored, and incredibly powerful." I shrugged, "You've probably seen everything and know more than enough about anything. You're basically a god. I understand why you'd be bored."
"Basically? I'm trying not to take offense to that. But what are you getting at?" He asked.
"Oh, I'm just a silly girl chatting to you. I don't know a solution. Anything I could suggest you've seen before." I shrugged shaking my head, "Like I'm a sure you've helped people take over Empire's before."
"Whereas you are correct, performing coups, forming empires and causing wars are just some of the best ways to find any sort of entertainment." He said. "How about this? You can start an empire here. And then I could start a war between the other empire and here. You'd be long dead by then. You could watch the results from hell."
"That is an interesting idea. But are you sure your enemy in the North would allow such a thing?" I asked.
"What enemy in the North?" He asked.
"Bibs." I said.
"Oh, little Bibsy. I wouldn't call him an enemy.. just a persistent itch." He replied. "And I may not know when he'll die, but he will eventually. All mortals do."
"That's true." I agreed.
"Then it's decided. You'll start an empire here and I'll drive it to war in the future." He said. "Oop, I feel a cult forming. So I must be on my way."
"Good day." I said.
"You know, you could try forming a cult, too." Then he snapped his fingers and poofed.
Even with as late as it was, I headed for Valor's Crest. I always had to do things by myself, there was no one I could rely on.. But I was going to try this time. I bribed my way inside the Capital and used the portal to get to Hearthstone. I then traveled through Hearthstone to head towards Dueling Rivers. It was around three in the morning, and once I was close enough, I noticed the gates were shut.
I chose to not bribe my way in this time, I climbed a tree and napped until the sun rose. I climbed down and entered once the gates were open. I stopped in the tavern to have a meal, and once I finished eating, I paid and went to Bibs' house. I saw the Goliath getting comfortable on the bench and taking some things out for wood working.
I was intrigued, but I didn't feel like I had the time to see what he was doing. I approached him, starting to make myself seem friendly, "Hi, Ker-"
I was so focused on my goal, I hadn't noticed the danger approaching from behind until I'd been stabbed and stumbled forward towards the Goliath. I gritted my teeth, and turned to face my Taiga attacker, they were poised to make another attack. I briefly heard the bench make a creeking sound, then Kershka was on the Taiga.
He got the Taiga pinned. I heard the door, and something cool get spread across my wound. "Good morning. Seems you've had a rough start." I glanced at him and saw him wiping his hand off.
"Er.. sorry. I should have been more observant.." I said. I glanced around ensuring the Taiga was the only one.
"What are you apologizing to me for? I didn't get stabbed. And Kershka is getting his work out early." Bibs said. "Do you know this particular individual?"
I crouched next to the men, and moved the Taiga's cloak, revealing the symbol. I took it off him and said, "Thought so.. My aunt sent him. I don't have all of the spies and assassins memorized."
"Well, what do you want done with him? I don't think Kershka wants to hold him all day." He said.
I told the Taiga in our language that I've been ordered by my owner to take my rightful place. To be scared. Then I said, "Can you send him home?"
"I don't have a way of teleporting people. He'll have to go back the way he came. Or we'll have to speak to someone who can." Bibs said.
"Good to know." I looked at the Taiga. "You'll head home as soon as you're let up, yes?" He gritted his teeth. "Try roaring, I'll counter it." He nodded.
Kershka stood up the Taiga, remove one hand, and pointed it in the Taiga's face. They were nearly the same height. "That was bad. Do it again and Kershka will break you."
The Taiga curled a lip, glanced between me and Kershka, then said, "Fine. The Mǔgǒu will not be touched."
Kershka looked at me, "Is that mean?"
"It's fine. I prefer bitch to princess." I shrugged.
Kershka frowned, shook his head. Then looked at the Taiga. "Kershka is disappointed in you." He then chucked him towards the wall.
The Taiga recovered quickly using a scroll to teleport. I closed my eyes for a moment, sighed then said, "Thanks, Kershka and Bibs."
"Not a problem. Let's step inside before someone else gets stabbed." Bibs said.
We went inside and he gestured to the table, "Take a seat, what's on your mind?"
"Well, firstly, I accidentally severely distressed a friend of yours that lives on a beach nearby where I've decided to renovate and live. Which leads to a bigger problem. I've been told to build an empire on this continent. So eventually this place and the Southern Empire will go to war." I informed him. "Your friend was nice. He should be perfectly safe again. I won't go there again."
"I'm going to assume you mean Jack and assume you mean Asmodeus stopped by." Bibs said.
"I didn't know his name. But yeah, Asmodeus.. stopped in." I answered.
"And he wants you to build an empire to go to war against another continent." He sighed. "His sense of time is... I don't think he realizes that's a multi generation thing."
"He did say I'd be long dead and could watch it from hell." I sighed. "He was miffed I was here, and more miffed I don't use his power, and probably more so that I didn't take any of his 'offers'."
"Sounds to me like you've annoyed him in several ways." Bibs said.
"It's a problem, yeah." I said.
"Well, did you come for advice? Or are you trying to recruit me to your empire?" Bibs asked.
I half laughed, "Both?"
"Well, as for dealing with Asmodeus, it's best to do as he wants, but in just a small enough way that there is no progress." Bibs said.
"Then, it's not that big of a problem?" I asked.
"Well, it is if he deems it not enough. Because then he'll just burn it down and tell you to do it again." Bibs said.
"I see. Balance does seem touchy." I said.
"Indeed. You'll have to be careful with it. Just enough progress so he thinks you're doing something with it. But not enough to actually reach any of his goals." Bibs said.
I sighed a little, "I knew I'd catch his attention at some point.. just didn't think it'd be so fast."
"That was just a bit of bad luck." He said.
"I appreciate the advice." I told him. "Ah, I heard from your friend you are beyond your years. Might you know anything about Wellspring Town?"
"Oh yes, that poor place was filled with lovely people. They died in a very gruesome and extreme way." Bibs said.
"I had the help of Plight and Nia to lay their bones to rest." I told him. "I also burned the.. research papers."
"That's for the best. There is no need for that research to ever see the light of day again. I'm glad they received a proper burial after all this time." Bibs said.
I nodded. "You were aware of what the contents were?"
"I tried to dissuade him from his research but he wouldn't listen to me. I saw where it could lead as soon as he began. Many innocents lost their lives because of him." Bibs said.
"The war forged that had been dorment.. was it's soul willing to be bound like that?" I asked.
"He was indeed a volunteer. He wanted to be stronger, and be of more use to those around him." Bibs said.
"I read the manual.. I left Trevor- the warforged- with the Hearthry's. Understanding he was once a person, it didn't sit well with me that I couldn't free him of his coding." I said.
"Ah, so he is active now. I knew trevor when he was a man. He had quite the mouth on him." Bibs said.
"He did help me not get blown up when I recallibrated the machine and restored the magic there." I said.
"That's just his runic instructions. I don't think he is even aware of himself anymore." Bibs said.
"You're right." I nodded.
"So, how will you do just enough empire work to get by?" Bibs asked.
"That's gonna be difficult. I suppose I will speak with Nia and Plight and explain to them my situation. I'll have to work harder on the rebuilding effort, and get the glyphs for the defenses to keep from. Having more attacks like the one here with the Taiga." I detailed. "Then I guess I should invite just a few more people to stay there, though as I am anti social I don't want to."
"Well, if you expand it enough, you'll hardly have to see them." Bibs said.
I started getting intensely nauseous. "Mm. Yeah, that's true."
"..Are you alright? You're seeming a little woozy." He said.
My ears angled back and I covered my mouth, "Probably got poisoned."
"Ah, yes. That would make sense. Hold on, just one moment. Do you happen to know what type it would be?" Bibs asked, getting down from the table.
"Foxglove and oleander. Probably laced with opium- ow!" I said. Feeling a painful cramp sensation in my lower abdomen.
"Oh, I have just the thing, give me just a moment." Bibs said.
I moved, going to Kershka, I tucked myself under his arms and into his lap and curled up. He stroked my back lightly and hummed, rather than admonish my action. Bibs returned with something.
"Now this is going to taste quite sour, but it should help." Bibs said.
I accepted it, with thanks and drank it obediently. It was sour, and bitter. It took a few minutes but the nausea dissipated. However, my lower abdomen still hurt. It took a few more minutes for that to ease.
"How are you feeling now?" Bibs asked.
"The nausea cleared quickly, but my abdomen cramped." I said, putting my hand over the area. "It's still a little cramps, but it seems fine." I looked up at Kershka, "Thank you for comforting me."
"I am sorry you were hurt while Kershka was nearby." He said.
I uncurled myself and stretched up, knowing most people enjoyed hugs, I wrapped my arms around his neck and said, "There is no fault on your part."
He patted my head, "I am glad you are feeling better."
I rubbed my head against Kershka briefly, then I removed myself from him. I looked at Bibs, "Do I owe explanation about the assassin?"
"You owe me nothing." Bibs said. "If you wish to explain anything, by all means, I won't say I'm not curious."
I shrugged, "My late parents were akin to the ruling class of the Isla. When they made a deal, they lost their lives and gave away my soul in exchange for making the Rakshasa return to hell. My aunt stepped in as a 'caretaker' to me and signed regency papers saying she'd relinquish her claim when I came of age. That didn't happen, nor did I try to take my place. But nor have I given up my legal rights."
"Well, if you excuse my saying so, that sounds like a bit of a mess." Bibs said.
"It is. I never got why it's so important to make me sign the papers when I've never tried to take over." I told him. "If she's ever treated me better, I'd've probably signed."
"Have you ever tried sitting her down and trying to discuss what is actually going on?" Bibs asked.
"I cannot. Most attempts are met with open hostility, or with me being attacked. I don't think reasonable people have their nieces drugged and bound for nearly four months in an effort to get rid of them. It has been clear since I was a child, the best thing I can do is abdicate or die." I said.
"Yes, that's not typical of a stable individual." Bibs said.
"Though it's also true that I killed two of her sons while they were hurting me." I said.
"Ah. That may make it a little harder to come to a more amicable agreement." Bibs said.
"They'd not have harmed me if I was better cared for." I shrugged. "It's a lot."
"It may be best to just have quite a few guards around yourself. And one a trained mage." Bibs said.
"Jaden said similar." I noted. "Back home I had no one I could trust, here I know very few people, and they are all busy."
"Well, I could recommend some adventurers who are looking for a more permanent job than adventuring offers." Bibs said.
I mulled that over. "Alright, what's the cost ratio in these parts, and how good are they? I'm reasonably strong as is. Though I am not match for Dirthin."
"Well, I'd say the four of them together could probably beat him.. though not without sacrifices." Bibs said. "The going rate to hire them would probably be six to eight hundred per year."
"They won't be bought off to turn on me?" I asked.
"If that was an option I would not have recommended them." Bibs said.
I nodded a little. "I believe I could manage that. It's a fine option and can give credibility to attempting to build an empire."
"Indeed. You could even call them your royal guard. I'm sure they'd get a kick out of that." Bibs said.
"I can't be responsible if they piss off Asmodeus and get turned into barbecue. He's distracted with a cult right now." I said.
"Oh, a briefing would be good. They dealt with a Devil-not Asmodeus, so they'll know relatively not to interfere with the Archdevil. A description of what he currently looks like would help them." Bibs said.
I nodded, "Makes sense. There is plenty of rooms in the mansion, so I don't need to worry about building a house for them immediately."
"Might I suggest going to Hearthstone Town and hiring some craftsmen?" Bibs said.
"I should do so." I said.
"Is there anything else I could help you with?" Bibs asked.
"Mm. No, but if you guys like sweets I'll bring you some snacks when I visit again." I said.
"I like sweets." Kershka said.
"Mm, depending on the sweet. More of a hard candy kinda fellow." Bibs said.
"What if it's hard on the outside with a chewy middle?" I asked.
"Could be interesting. I would try it." He said.
"I'll make you a rainbow box." I said. "I'm sure you like it. It's candy that looks like jewelry."
"That sounds interesting. As I said, I'll try it." Bibs said.
I looked at Kershka and said, "I can be bigger than you."
"Oh? I am very big." Kershka said.
"Yup. I just have to take on Guardian Form." I grinned.
"I don't know what that is." He said.
"Wanna see? Outside of course." I said.
"Sure." Kershka said. "Could be fun."
With the men intrigued, we went outside and I took on the guardian form. Growing twice my original size, making me nearly twelve feet tall, and four and half feet wide. "See?"
"Well, you are certainly bigger than Kershka." Bibs said.
"I can't move much this way." I admitted.
"Oh? Puts a severe restriction on your ability to move, hm?" Bibs said.
"Kershka has never seen a lady bigger than him." Kershka said.
"I could pick you up." I joked.
"I prefer my feet on the ground." Kershka said.
I returned to my normal size. "I like heights. Jungle trees are enormous."
"One time I was made into a giant." Kershka said.
"Sounds fun." I replied.
"It was." Kershka said.
"Until Kershka tripped." Bibs said.
I laughed. "We all do occasionally. I should let you guys return to your day. I have some things to handle, it seems."
"Indeed. You will be busy for a while. Stop by any time." Bibs said.
"Goodbye pretty cat lady." Kershka said.
"Thanks again for the help." I said, before leaving.
I went to the square and asked about a magic shop, then went to the magic shop that was recommended. Tibin's shop. Which I entered. A man was behind the counter. When he spotted me, he waved.
"Hello, I'm Tobin, what can I do for you?" He asked.
"Hello, I'm Vexie. I was hoping to purchase an item capable of long distance teleportation." I said.
"Ah, that's an expensive one. Let me see what we have." He said, going to another room. He came back with a scroll and said, "As long as you can picture where you want to go clearly, there is no limit to this scroll on distance."
"Alright. One time use?" I asked.
"Yes, I do have another if you need it to be a round trip." He said.
"And the price?" I asked.
"Eight hundred a pop I'm afraid. I did say they were expensive." He said.
"Alright. Can I make a deal with you?" I asked.
"And what might that be?" He asked.
"I pay you what I have now for two scrolls and you hold onto my sword. It's value is guaranteed to be higher. When I return I pay you an extra eleven platinum." I offered.
He coughed. "Eleven platinum, you say. May I see this sword?"
I unequipped the sword Dirthin had given me and offered it to him. "I have some sentimental value to it, so I assure you, I'll uphold my end of it."
He rubbed his ring and ran it down the course of the blade. Then he looked up at me. "We have a deal. I'll safe guard your sword until your return. I wish you a safe trip, wherever it takes you." He placed a second scroll next to the first.
I placed the money I promised on the counter and took the scrolls. I left his store to be polite, before using one of the scrolls to head to my old bedroom in the castle. A storage closet, really. It'd pretty much been stripped of anything valuable. That was fine. I cast Pass Without a Trace, then started running down the halls until I could reach my Uncle's quarters. He is my father's little brother.
Once he'd been an adventurer. But he'd gotten cursed and grew sickly. People kinda ignored him. He held no political power, and no influence. He'd never been able to shield me. Not once. Still, I slipped through his chambers and found his bedroom the guards had realized someone was here, but hadn't been able to catch me.
"Uncle Barak." I greeted the aged orange Tigrine.
He set down the book he'd been reading. "Oh, Sevexine. So good to see you, girl."
I hugged him when he opened his arms. "Uncle, might I have your old adventuring bag?"
"Ah. That relic." He didn't sound happy. "Alright, Sev. You may."
"Thank you, Uncle. I've found a safe place to live. I know you wanted me to inherit, but it's not for me." I said.
He took a breath. "Just don't let them catch you."
"I'm gonna stir up trouble on purpose, Uncle. Would you like to move and live your days elsewhere?" I asked.
"Don't you worry about me. My days are numbered." He replied.
"Then this is going to be the last I see of you, Uncle." I said, a little sad.
"It's been a good life, Sev. I hope yours can be, too." He said.