A week had passed since Zōken and Tae's mating session.
Zōken had been hearing stories about the Blighted Beast, the very creature he had been hunting, a legendary creature that could wipe out all life as he knew it.
Zōken with the addition of Raven and Tae, went looking for a way to power himself up, knowing he would eventually encounter the beast.
After hearing about the summoning ritual, he figured the best way to grow stronger was to gain another summon, and was rewarded with the knowledge of the Succubus Summoning Ritual.
Zōken later waited for nightfall, making sure Tae and Raven were sleeping before he went to summon the succubus.
After walking into a forest, he could hear a voice.
The voice emanated from all around him, an indistinct mouth was paradoxically unsettling yet melodious, akin to leaves whispering secrets to one another on a breezy day. This voice didn't assault his ears so much as it seemed to seep directly into his consciousness, feeling more like a thought implanted in his mind than an audible sound. As its talon-like finger traced a delicate, chilling line across his cheek, he felt an unnerving blend of fear and fascination.
"???: What is your wish, my Prince?"
The woman's inquiry was laced with a sweetness that belied the danger it represented.
A mocking laughter, foreign yet oddly familiar, danced through Zōken's thoughts, its presence as invasive as smoke wafting into every corner of his awareness. Surrounded by shadows that seemed to shift and watch, Zōken felt a resolve hardening within him.
"Zōken: I don't know who you are, or what dark corner of the world you've crawled from, but my journey isn't over. Not by a long shot. I am bound by a vow, a vow to hunt down and destroy the monster that ravaged my mother's village, that extinguished her life...this I swore..."
His words were a testament to his desperation, a raw declaration of his willingness to embrace death over dishonor. The idea of allowing the woman that had brought such devastation to his mother and her village to continue existing was unbearable to him.
Even without laying eyes on the mysterious entity, Zōken could sense a shift in its demeanor, an air of curiosity now mingling with its previously unidentifiable aura.
"???: Oh, how intriguing. You have yet to uncover the true architect of your sorrows. What a tragedy it would be if the curtain were to close on your quest without revelation."
The exchange, chilling and cryptic, left Zōken with a renewed sense of urgency. The path ahead was fraught with unknown dangers and veiled truths, but his resolve remained unshaken. He would uncover the mystery, confront the darkness, and fulfill his vow, no matter the cost.
The entity before him performed a curious gesture, tilting its head to the other side, a movement that seemed both alien and eerily human.
"???: Unless..."
That singular word resonated within Zōken, striking a deep and discordant chord. 'Unless' a word fraught with uncertainty and often a harbinger of unwelcome propositions. It was a word he had grown to despise, its promise always tainted, except when it had fallen from his father's lips, where it was usually followed by words of hope or wisdom.
"Zōken: Unless?"
He echoed the word, his voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Standing alone in the shadow-draped forest, he was acutely aware of the silence around him, save for the gentle crackle of the fire that kept Tae, still asleep, safe and warm. The solitude of the forest weighed heavily upon him, amplifying the sense of isolation and the surreal encounter unfolding before him.
"???: I could reveal all to you... Everything you seek to understand or desire to know..."
The voice offered, its tone silky and enticing, yet underneath lay a chilling promise. A sensation, cold and precise, traced the contour of Zōken's face, sending shivers down his spine.
"???: Or I could aid your escape from this predicament, should you choose to summon me."
The proposal hung in the air, its implications as vast as the night sky above.
Zōken scanned the dense forest for any sign of the speaker, but found none. The voice, despite its mysterious origin and unsettling proposition, carried a warmth that contradicted the cold touch he had just felt. It was a voice unlike any he had ever heard, its timbre resonating with an inexplicable familiarity.
"Zōken: Summon you? And just how am I supposed to do that?"
His question, laced with skepticism and a trace of desperation, echoed between the ancient trees.
"???: C'mon now~ You've done it before, master~"
The voice teased, its tone playful yet ominous.
The term 'master' jolted Zōken, sending a wave of shock through him. The familiarity and recognition in the voice's address were disconcerting. Why was this unseen entity calling him 'master'? And more perplexingly, how did it claim to know him? This revelation added layers of complexity to an already baffling encounter. Zōken stood rooted to the spot, the darkness of the forest suddenly feeling more oppressive, as he grappled with the implications of the voice's claims and the decision that lay before him. The paths ahead were veiled in mystery and danger, yet the promise of answers or even salvation tempted him with a force hard to resist.
A torrent of questions surged through Zōken's mind, each more perplexing and unsettling than the last. Amidst this whirlwind of doubt and speculation, the chill of an unseen wind seemed to caress the edges of his consciousness, its whisper almost tangible in the quiet of the night.
"Zōken: Alright then, come!"
He declared with a defiant hiss, extending his hand forward as his eyes ignited with a deep, ethereal blue glow. Around his feet, shadows writhed and surged as if alive, and his sclera darkened to an abyssal black, signaling the invocation of a potent, dark energy coalescing in his palm.
A giggle, light yet carrying an undercurrent of dark amusement, echoed around him as he harnessed the shadows.
"???: There is a teeny tiny price to pay for summoning me, master~"
The voice teased, its tone playful yet ominous.
Zōken's expression turned steely, a scowl etching itself across his features as he glared at a tree standing sentinel before him. In truth, his animosity was not for the tree but directed entirely at the elusive entity that whispered secrets and temptations into his ear.
"Zōken: Let me guess, my soul, that's what you want?"
He retorted sharply, his voice laced with skepticism and disdain.
There was a momentary pause in the woman's laughter, a brief silence that Zōken met with a derisive scoff.
"Zōken: Oh please, how stupid do you think I am? I was taught to never trust a demon. Do you really think I'd make a pact with one I've just encountered?"
The laughter resumed, this time imbued with a distinctly feminine quality, confirming Zōken's suspicion that he was indeed conversing with a female demon. The realization did little to clarify the situation, leaving the nature of his adversary shrouded in mystery.
"???: Oh darling~"
She cooed, her voice a blend of seduction and formality that chilled the very air.
"???: I will require a little bit more than that~"
She continued, her words dripping with implication and leaving a trail of unease in their wake.
Zōken stood firm, though the demon's demands hung heavy in the air between them. He knew well the dangers of dealing with demons, the cunning with which they bartered and the steep prices they exacted. Yet, the promise of power or knowledge, especially that which could lead him to avenge his mother and her village, was a potent lure. The true cost of this summoning, however, remained to be seen, and Zōken braced himself for whatever twisted bargain the demon would propose next.
Now he was sure of it, he was dealing with a Succubus or Incubus, he was trained that members of either sex were not to be trusted.
(Note: In the vibrant world of Fiore, Succubi and Incubi occupy a unique niche. Unlike the stereotypical demons of our world in the Bible or religions, they are neither inherently malicious nor paragons of virtue. They exist as a mostly neutral force, driven by their own desires and whims.
However, if you find yourself captivated by the allure of a Succubus or the charm of an Incubus, tread carefully. While some may simply seek companionship or a fleeting dalliance, others might develop a more profound attachment. Should a Succubus or Incubus take a particular liking to you, be wary of forming a master and servant contract. These pacts, while potentially offering power or pleasure, come at a steep price.
A Succubus or Incubus, fueled by their newfound devotion, may twist the contract to their will. Imagine a bond that extends beyond the mortal realm, ensuring you remain eternally bound to them even in the afterlife and next life. Instead of a master, you become an object of their singular obsession.
So, the next time you encounter a captivating stranger in Fiore, remember: their beauty or charisma might mask a deeper purpose. Choose your interactions wisely, for the affections of a Succubus or Incubus can be a double-edged sword.)
Zōken's laughter echoed through the night, his eyes shimmering from gold to a profound azure blue, illuminating the darkness around him. Sapphire Holy Flames danced into existence at his feet, encircling him in a ring of fire, while his tail moved with a life of its own, swaying with an almost hypnotic rhythm behind him.
"Zōken: The hell-" How much more are we talking?"
The demon's voice, silky and purring, carried an unusual gentleness, an attempt at disarmament that instead sent shivers of ominous anticipation down ZÅken's spine.
"???: It appears you're open to dialogue."
Anger surged within him, a tempest threatening to break free, as he harnessed an ever-growing power within his palm.
"Zōken: Name your terms, demon."
His declaration came as the sphere of shadowy energy he had been conjuring abruptly shifted hues, from the darkest abyss to the same deep azure blue of his eyes, signifying a transformation from dark to light energy. Zōken's resolve hardened; he would not be manipulated or subdued by this entity.
"???: Are you certain, master~?"
The demoness's inquiry, now devoid of its prior echoing quality, signaled her impending manifestation into the physical realm, her presence becoming more tangible by the second.
"Zōken: Did I stutter? I said come. Now."
His command was a growl, fierce and impatient, as he forcefully drove the orb into the earth. The impact birthed a celestial summoning circle, a divine sigil that began to glow with an ethereal light.
The demoness's laughter, smokey and elusive, filled the air once more, a sound both mesmerizing and foreboding.
"???: Be aware, this bond is eternal. Once I cross over, I shall belong to you forever, master~ A source of delight and a weapon of vengeance, at your beck and call~"
In that heavy moment, the air itself seemed to crackle with magic, thick and oppressive. The weight of decisions, each with the potential to irrevocably alter the course of his life, pressed down on Zōken's shoulders. His heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs, a drumbeat echoing the perilous dance between power and destruction that lay before him.
He raised his head, eyes blazing an unnatural cerulean against the backdrop of the rapidly changing sky. One moment, the moon cast its silvery glow, the next, the first rays of dawn painted the horizon with streaks of gold. Zōken watched, mesmerized, as the celestial dance mirrored the turmoil within him.
"Zōken: What that beast did."
Zōken rasped, his voice raw with a barely contained torrent of emotions.
"Zōken: It can't be undone. It took my mother, half of what I am, was erased from this world that day, I lost my family, I was found in the embers of the fire, my mother, even in her last moments, shielded me."
A tremor shook him, a physical manifestation of his internal struggle. His once pristine tail, a source of pride, darkened dramatically, its ivory hue morphing into an ominous jet black. The same fate befell his hair, the snowy white strands mirroring the color of despair that threatened to consume him. His golden eyes, usually alight with warmth, deepened into a fiery amber, reflecting the embers of vengeance that burned within.
A voice, smooth and seductive, slithered into the silence.
"???: Oh?"
She purred, amusement lacing the single word. Was this woman toying with him, attempting to goad him into a rash decision fueled by anger? The tactic was almost successful. He could feel the tendrils of frustration coiling within him, a viper poised to strike. Instinctively, his hand twitched towards the orb of divine energy that pulsed with untapped power. A single, focused thought, and its benevolent light would twist into a torrent of destructive energy.
"???: But is that enough?"
The voice continued, its amusement morphing into a hint of something....else. Curiosity, perhaps? A challenge?
"???: Is that enough to vanquish the monster when you finally confront it?"
Zōken's heart, a frantic drumbeat moments ago, stuttered to a halt. The question hung heavy in the air, a chilling counterpoint to the rising sun.
"???: A toll must be paid for my assistance, master~"
The voice continued, a touch of impatience creeping into its tone. A sigh, soft and almost melancholic, followed the unspoken question that hung between them.
"???: Let me repeat the question."
It pressed, a hint of urgency now coloring its words.
"???: Are you willing to sacrifice everything, even your own life, to hunt down and slay the beast that stole your mother from you?"
The playful lilt in the voice was a strange counterpoint to the disembodied words. Zōken flinched, the unexpected delight woven into the tone shattering his concentration like a cleaver through bone. The weight of those words, both playful and profound, hung heavy in the air.
Regaining his composure, Zōken allowed a smile to grace his lips. He wasn't naive. He knew he'd need help, not just in finding the monstrous beast that had done this, but also in exacting his revenge. It was a primal urge, a thirst for retribution that resonated deep within his being.
He lifted his gaze skyward, truly seeing the sun for the first time in what felt like an eternity. Its brilliance, the way it painted the vast canvas of the heavens with its ever-growing light, seemed almost blasphemous in the face of his grief.
But this… this entity wouldn't wait forever. It pulsed with a strange, expectant energy, and Zōken knew silence wouldn't suffice. This beast, this harbinger of death that had snatched his mother away, had not only hunted him, but his entire family. The very thought sent a surge of white-hot fury coursing through him. It deserved an eternity of suffering, a fate worse than death itself.
But what of the others? The innocent souls who had also fallen victim to this woman's wrath? Did they too yearn for vengeance from beyond the veil?
The answer flared in his eyes, a brilliant, burning gold. He wouldn't sully himself by selling his soul. He'd rather face oblivion than succumb to such darkness.
With newfound resolve, he lowered his head, the intricate sigils of the summoning circle glowing a brilliant white and gold as they absorbed the tendrils of his righteous anger. He wouldn't become a slave, a puppet dancing on the strings of a malevolent entity.
A resolute command, firm and unwavering, rolled off his tongue.
"Zōken. Yes, I am. Now come."
The words flowed effortlessly, imbued with the quiet power of a stream carving its way through solid rock.
The air crackled with dark energy as the summoning circle responded. A grotesque pillar of inky blackness erupted from its heart, coalescing into a monstrous maw. The gaping mouth stretched into a parody of a smile, thin lips pulled taut over a maw lined with jagged teeth. A long, sinuous tongue flickered in and out, tasting the very essence of the world around it.
Then, above the gnashing maw, two sapphire eyes snapped open. Slit pupils constricted, gleaming with an unholy intelligence that sent shivers down Zōken's spine. This was it. The harbinger of his vengeance had arrived.
Soon there is a phantom sensation of two small yet strong clawed hands and a pair of brown arms manifested and wrapped around ZÅken's neck from behind gently.
"???: There is no turning back master~ Once our contract is fully signed, I will be at your side even in death~ Always willing to serve my master~"
The skittering voice laughs, a hand soon begins tucking one of Zōken's locks out of his face.
"Zōken: If you're done playing around, quit the theatrics and get on with it."
Zōken's sapphire eyes blazed with a chilling intensity as a smile stretched across his face, a predator savoring the hunt.
But the moment was fleeting. The hand that had rested on his cheek shimmered and vanished, replaced by an unsettling emptiness that hung heavy in the air.
A tremor ran through the air, a ripple of anticipation.
The obsidian gateway pulsed with an otherworldly light, an ominous portal giving way to something unseen. A monstrous jaw unhinged first, revealing a chilling glimpse into the inky abyss beyond.
Then, a black, taloned hand grasped the threshold, pulling itself up with unnatural ease.
Silhouetted against the swirling darkness, four enormous, jet-black wings unfurled like tattered sails, catching the flickering light of the divine flames that danced around Zōken's feet.
The scratching of golden claws echoed through the forest as another hand, then arms, materialized from the inky void. Golden talons tipped the dark, brown fingers, glinting with an unearthly gleam.
The monstrous form heaved itself fully free, its true shape hidden by a veil of swirling shadows. The only sound was Zōken's ragged breaths and the eerie crackle of the divine fire.
"Zōken: Oh god, just what have I brought into this world?"
His voice rasped, a mix of excitement and trepidation.
A shift, a tremor in the darkness. The inky form began to writhe, the shadows solidifying into a breathtakingly beautiful woman.
A human-like figure emerged, her form draped in a veil of shimmering sapphire hues.
A hint of a smile played on her lips, hinting at both amusement and a touch of cruelty.
This was the succubus. Her skin, the color of polished ebony, gleamed with an unnatural sheen. Her curves were accentuated by an otherworldly outfit that clung to her form, barely concealing the promise of her voluptuous figure.
Long, raven hair cascaded down her back, framing a pair of pointed ears that twitched with predatory awareness. A magnificent dragon-like tail swished behind her, echoing the movement of her four immense wings that now fully spread, dominating the chamber.
Her eyes, when she finally opened them, mirrored the sapphire glow of the gateway. A stark contrast to the ravenous hunger that gleamed within.
Her full lips, painted with a glimmering gold lipstick, stretched into a smile that hinted at both sensuality and danger. Row upon row of sharp, pearly white teeth peeked out, a chilling reminder of the woman she truly was.
With a feline grace, she sauntered closer to Zōken.
The edges of her veil danced with an unseen wind, whispering secrets and promises.
Zōken found himself unable to tear his gaze away from her mesmerizing beauty, his thoughts overtaken by the power she exuded.
As she reached him, she gently cupped his chin, her touch strangely familiar yet utterly foreign. It was a touch that sent shivers down his spine, a touch that promised both pleasure and pain. She tilted his head upwards, forcing him to meet her gaze. Her voice, a melodious purr, vibrated through him, sending a delicious tremor through his body.
"???: You summoned me, master?"
She breathed, her words laced with a seductive promise.
"???: What is it you desire?"
The hissing voice that comes out from the vaguely defined mouth is skittering but sweet, like the sound of rustling. It echoes in Zōken's ear, registering more as a thought than sound. Its claw finger draws a line on Zōken's cheek.
"???: What is your wish, my sweet lord~?"
The acrid stench of sulfur coiled around Zōken's mind, a time machine plunging him back to a charred, spectral house. Moonlight painted the ashen walls a false white, highlighting their unyielding, fire-scarred reality. They would never be clean again.
The winter wind, a ravenous beast, tore through Zōken's ragged clothes and gnawed at his exposed skin. Blood, a metallic tang heavy in the air, dripped relentlessly from his torn palm, its rhythmic patter a macabre counterpoint to the wind's mournful howl. Each drop splattered onto the crudely drawn circle etched with arcane sigils, a crimson stain on the canvas of his desperation.
Clenched in his other hand was the same knife, a testament to his past glory. It was the very blade that had carved through the hide of a Greater Elder Dragon in his youth, a reminder of the warrior he once was and the monstrous depths he'd plumbed for vengeance.
The whispers in shadows, faces obscured had promised a return. A pact forged in blood, a woman born from his rage that would grant his every desire. Wholeness, they'd said. They'd lied.
He stood there, in the heart of the moonlit forest, the throbbing pain in his palm a dull echo in comparison to the inferno that raged in his chest. Hatred. Unquenchable hatred, its flames fanned by the cold wind and the ever-present smell of sulfur.
Yet, the circle remained inert. No monstrous maw erupted from the ground, no infernal being answered his call. Zōken's entire body went numb with incomprehension, a chilling counterpoint to the boiling rage within him.
Suddenly, the air shimmered and a figure materialized before him. Woman. No, not woman. Succubus. Golden brown skin shimmered under the moon's caress, a cruel smile splitting her face. It was a scene ripped from a feverish dream, a grotesque mockery of beauty.
Zōken's mind reeled. He forced his dry lips apart, rasping out a single word.
"Zōken: You already know what I want. Revenge."
He declared, his voice laced with a newfound power. Azure flames ignited in his eyes, a holy counterpoint to the succubus' incandescent glow.
Light pooled in his mouth, mirroring the flames. A tail, sleek and muscular like a wolf's, swayed behind him with a predatory grace.
He reached out, his touch a searing brand against her delicate wrist.
The succubus, taken aback, gasped in pain. In all her eons, she'd never encountered the searing touch of a holy warrior. Her cheeks flushed a vibrant crimson, her reptilian eyes widening in surprise as her smile stretched further, twisted into a mask of perverse pleasure.
"???: Yesss, Master~"
She hissed, her voice a purring velvet. As Zōken's grip tightened, a pair of golden bracelets materialized around her wrists, bound together by a tendril of holy light. A leash, a symbol of her servitude.
The succubus relished the delicious pain, a novel sensation that thrummed through her being.
"???: Now, Master."
She purred, her voice dripping with anticipation.
"???: What name shall I bear? For our pact to be complete, you must bestow a name upon me, binding me to your will for eternity."
[Note: In this world, the act of "Naming" (名付け nadzuke) a monster holds immense power, shaping the fate and potential of both monsters, gods and individuals.
Master-Subordinate Naming: A Binding Ritual
This form of naming establishes a hierarchical bond between the namer and the named. It's a ritual not to be taken lightly. The namer, acting as a master, imbues a portion of their power into the creature, effectively claiming them as a subordinate. The stronger the being being named, the greater the cost.
Risks and Rewards: A Double-Edged Sword
This process is a gamble. Overexerting oneself by naming creatures too powerful or attempting to name too many in rapid succession can permanently drain a namer's magical reserves. However, the potential rewards are equally significant.
Soul Bond: The named creature forms a powerful connection with the namer, fostering loyalty and potentially even granting them access to a portion of the namer's abilities. This connection can be a wellspring of strength for both parties.
Evolution: For monsters and specific regressed demi-humans, the act of naming can trigger an evolutionary leap. They ascend to a new form, unlocking greater power and potential.
Beyond Masters and Subordinates: The Universal Power of Names
The act of naming isn't restricted to master-subordinate relationships. Simply receiving a name, regardless of the source, empowers a being. Monsters, gods, demons, angels, and even humans can all undergo an evolutionary process as they grow stronger with their newfound name.]
A tremor ran through the woman's shifting form, ripples distorting its surface like a reflection in a disturbed pond. The hint of a mouth stretched, pulling into a chillingly human smile. Zōken found himself recoiling, a prickle of unease crawling up his spine.
"Zōken: Oh?"
He ventured cautiously, cupping a hand over his mouth to project his voice. The forest echoed with the hollow sound.
"Zōken: So, you require a name? A binding tether to fully submit to my will?"
The woman tilted its head, its entire form swaying slightly as it balanced precariously on its tiptoes to meet Zōken's gaze. The word "name" hung heavy in the air, a foreign concept echoing strangely within Zōken's chest. He shook his head, a gesture almost comical in the face of this bizarre entity.
"Zōken: Not just yet, at least."
He clarified.
"Zōken: Because. Earning a name comes with proving your worth. You see, I don't crave some cosmic balance. I crave vengeance. I want the one who wronged me to drown in a sea of their own misery, utterly annihilated by my own hand. Justice won't quench this fire. So, you, demon spawn, show me what you're made of. Show me you're worth the infernal contract I'm contemplating. Otherwise, consider this little excursion back to the hellscape you crawled out of a one-way trip."
His words hung in the air, heavy with mistrust and a desperate hope. The woman's form rippled again, a wave of movement that mimicked a thoughtful human tilt of the head. It was a gesture both unsettling and strangely familiar.
"???: A prideful master, are we?
Her voice slithered into the silence. It was a sound both melodic and unsettling, like the high-pitched screech of an eagle mixed with the haunting whisper of wind through a graveyard.
The woman stretched, pulling her arms back and tapping a taloned finger against her chin in a gesture that mirrored Zōken's own contemplative pose just moments before.
"???: You understand, of course, that such a binding would irrevocably tether me to you upon your achieving this vengeance?"
The question hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in a curious inflection. He looked down at the woman, her form barely reaching five feet tall even on her tiptoes. Despite her rather beautiful and voluptuous appearance, there was a flicker of something in her eyes, something akin to amusement.
Zōken straightened, his own height dwarfing the woman's. He couldn't bring himself to speak, but a curt nod served as his answer. The die was cast. The choice now lay with this....demon. Would she become his instrument of vengeance, or would this bizarre pact end in mutual destruction?
The action feels automatic. He hated that his thirst for revenge attracted a Succubus to him, but at the same time, he had always wondered what a Succubus looked like.
He had never seen one before, and now he had.
How he would phrase his desires so he would get exactly what he wanted. Zōken's feelings on the matter have not changed and his conviction has only grown.
The woman trills and thrusts her hand in front of him.
"???: Of Course, master~ I will gladly show you the might of the Succubus Queen?!"
He locked eyes with the Demoness. Their depths weren't just blue, they burned a cerulean fire that seemed to sear into his soul. A primal certainty washed over him this wasn't just any succubus, this was Narayan, the fabled Queen of the Demon Realm.
He'd always known succubi and incubi craved a deeper connection. They yearned for a master who would bestow upon them a true name, forging a magical bond that defined their existence. But Narayan, a being of such immense power, bending the knee to him so effortlessly? It echoed the words his father had spoken words that whispered of the unparalleled potential that resided within him.
He, after all, was a living anomaly. A hybrid, born from the forbidden union of Human father and Lycan mother. Such a pairing was unheard of, a taboo etched into the very fabric of society. Yet, his father, a noble with a will of iron, had defied tradition. He'd declared interspecies marriages no longer illegal, paving the way for a future where bloodlines intermingled.
Taking Narayan's hand as she dipped into a low bow, a strange dissonance settled over him. Everything he thought he knew about succubi, seductive temptresses with malicious intent seemed to crumble before this woman. Her form, though undeniably voluptuous with soft curves, held none of the demonic grotesqueness he'd been led to believe. Instead, there was an unsettling grace, a regal air that defied her supposed nature. A million questions swirled in his mind, each one a spark igniting a fire of curiosity that burned brighter with every passing moment.
Soon the night turned to day, he had done it, he succeeded in summoning an ally who would be able to help him to seek out the beast.
Zōken, a cruel smile twisting his lips, gazed upon the shimmering bracelets that held the succubus captive. Her true name, Narayan, Queen of the Demon Realm, was a mere whisper on his tongue until he deemed her worthy of a new title. He is Zōken, firstborn son of King Nolan Briggata, he raised a hand, his yellow eyes flaring into a brilliant crimson as they were blazing in tandem with the flames licking at his feet.
"Zōken: Hear me!"
His voice boomed, a command laced with dark power. Flames erupted from his outstretched hand, splitting the air and forming a swirling vortex. From its depths, a fiery essence coalesced, taking the form of a monstrous entity.
"Zōken: Heed my call and arise Ifrit! Blaze anew and drive my enemies to death! Burn with the might of 10 suns!!"
This was Ifrit, the God of Death, a far cry from the benevolent deities worshiped by mortals. He was a living embodiment of fire's destructive fury a hulking nightmare cloaked in fire. His exposed flesh glowed with an infernal heat that shimmered the very air, while a mane of white hair defied the inferno around him, framing a fearsome visage.
Ifrit's head was a predator's dream, a powerful wolf-like muzzle lined with fangs capable of tearing through flesh and bone alike. Burning embers for eyes pierced the darkness with a malevolent intelligence, and two massive horns, black as night, added to its menacing silhouette.
Its powerful build hinted at immense strength. Razor-sharp orange claws, both on his hands and digitigrade feet, were designed to rend flesh and stone with equal ease. A sinuous tail, ending in a four-pronged thagomizer, whipped behind him, a living inferno capable of incinerating anything it touched.
With a deafening crash, Ifrit landed before Zōken, the ground trembling beneath his immense weight. A bellow of pure power erupted from its throat as it pounded its massive chest.
A collar and chain, forged from holy fire, materialized around its neck, a reminder of its servitude. Yet, despite the chains, a fierce loyalty burned in Ifrit's fiery eyes as he positioned him protectively behind his master.
Zōken turned his gaze to the right. Another portal pulsed into existence, accompanied by a screech that tore at the very fabric of reality. A soft smile stretched across his lips as he threw back his head and bellowed a laugh that echoed through the forest.
"Zōken: Pyrrhix!"
He roared, his voice tinged with dark anticipation.
"Zōken: God of Rebirth, heed my call! Come forth and do my bidding!"
From the portal erupted a magnificent avian creature, its wingspan dwarfing even the mightiest eagles.
Its plumage was a spectacle in itself a gradient of crimson embers flowing into jade tips, with flashes of azure shimmering on its wings like scattered sapphires.
The tail feathers were truly magnificent, each one unfolding like a peacock's but adorned with the five fundamental hues stark black, luminous white, fiery red, sunlit yellow, and the very green that draped the rest of its body.
But these weren't mere feathers; they pulsed with an inner light, an ethereal warmth hinting at the creature's fiery essence.
Yet, emanating from its chest was a different light a celestial blue, symbolizing the divine spark that animated this magnificent being.
This was no ordinary bird; this was Pyrrhix, the Phoenix of the Divine Flames. Reborn anew from its own ashes, it embodied both the destructive power of fire and the regenerative cycle of life itself. A perfect complement to Ifrit's raw power, Pyrrhix is a devastating weapon in Zōken's growing arsenal.
The air crackled with raw power as Pyrrhix, a colossal avian monstrosity wreathed in vibrant flames, unleashed a deafening roar. His titanic wings beat the air, whipping gusts of scorching wind towards Narayan. Instinctively, she shielded her eyes, echoing the fiery Phoenix's action.
Landing beside his master with a thunderous thud, Pyrrhix assumed a protective stance, his fiery essence bound to Zōken by a shimmering chain forged from holy fire.
Zōken's voice, laced with a chilling authority, boomed across the chamber,
"Zōken: Narayan, witness the fruits of my prowess as a tamer! These, the Eikon of Rebirth - Pyrrhix, and the Eikon of Death - Ifrit, stand testament to my might. Conquering and binding such legendary beasts marked my ascent as a hunter. Now, at the prime of my 24 years, they fight alongside me, along with the very essence of fire itself."
He said as he petted both his beasts. His gaze flickered to Narayan, a predatory glint igniting within its depths.
"Zōken: As your new master, it's time to demonstrate your worth."
A subtle tug on the chain holding Narayan sent a blush creeping up her neck. Her alluring form swayed as she approached, the heat of her own arousal mirroring the inferno surrounding Pyrrhix and Ifrit. Millions of years had passed under her reign as the Queen of Succubi, yet never before had a mortal, god, or even a single deity evoked such a potent response within her. She reveled in every moment, her body thrumming in response to the power radiating from Zōken's eyes.
"Narayan: Yessss, master~"
Narayan's voice dripped with honeyed temptation, a stark contrast to the predatory edge simmering beneath the surface.
"Narayan: The Queen of all Succubi shall make you forget all others! Your heart will forever belong to me and only me!"
In a swift flash, her pearly white fangs sank into Zōken's flesh. A crimson blossom erupted, followed by a steady trickle that soon became a stream. But this wasn't a simple wound. As Zōken recoiled, a gasp caught in his throat. The blood, now imbued with divine power, shimmered and transformed. It writhed, taking the form of intricate golden holy chains that burrowed beneath the surface, their path a searing brand against his skin. They weaved a serpentine path up his arm, the agonizing tendrils finally disappearing with a sickening crunch deep within his chest.
A primal scream threatened to erupt from Zōken's lips, but he choked it back. His knees buckled under the relentless assault of pain that lanced through him like a white-hot poker. Yet, even amidst the excruciating agony, a bewildering sight unfolded before his eyes.
The shadows clinging to Narayan began to peel away, dissolving into shimmering gold petals that fluttered to the ground. In their wake stood a figure of breathtaking beauty, her form as flawless and lithe as a predator poised to strike.
Luscious, full lips curved into a captivating smile, revealing razor-sharp fangs that gleamed ominously against her sun-kissed skin.
Her once raven hair became as white as snow, it cascaded down her back, contrasting with an outfit that mirrored the night sky.
Her eyes, vibrant pools of electric blue framed by impossibly thick lashes, held him captive. They were eyes that spoke of eternity, devoid of any semblance of human mortality.
The sheer audacity of her act momentarily surpassed the searing agony radiating from within Zōken.
Annoyance, sharp and biting, surged through him. Here he was, bound by her unholy power, facing a being of unimaginable power who had just invaded his very being.
The situation was far from ideal, yet a strange sense of intrigue flickered within him.
This woman, Narayan, was unlike anything he'd ever encountered, and Zōken, despite the overwhelming pain, couldn't help but be curious.
His golden eyes gleaming with amusement, watched the Succubus fidget under his gaze. A cruel twist of his lips formed a smile as he basked in her anticipation.
"Zōken: Well, well."
He drawled, his voice dripping with sadistic glee.
"Zōken: Isn't it high time we got this little soiree started?"
With a thunderous shout that echoed across the battlefield, he bellowed.
"Zōken: Pyrrhix! Ifrit! To battle!!!"
A surge of energy crackled through the air as both beasts stirred.
Pyrrhix, the magnificent phoenix, rose with a majestic cry, his wings, ablaze with golden fire, stretching wide enough to blot out the sun. Ifrit, the obsidian beast, mirrored his master's gaze, his own eyes flaring to life with an eerie golden glow.
A deafening roar erupted from his throat, a challenge that vibrated through the very ground.
Narayan, perched precariously atop a crumbling monument, responded with a peal of laughter that sent shivers down Zōken's spine.
It was a sound both intoxicating and unsettling, laced with a hint of madness that danced in her eyes. Was this woman a mere Succubus, or something far more malevolent?
Ifrit wasted no time. In a blur of obsidian skin and razor-sharp claws, he launched himself at the unsuspecting Succubus. With a sickening thud, his powerful tail connected with her slender form, sending her hurtling skyward.
A surprised gasp escaped her lips, quickly morphing into a blush that stained her pale cheeks. Even in the face of such brutality, a flicker of amusement danced in her eyes. Could a mere beast tamer truly command such creatures, or was Zōken something more something far more dangerous?
Her laughter, a melody both beautiful and unsettling, echoed through the air as her body slammed into the ground. Unfazed, she sprang to her feet with unnatural agility, her golden talons glinting with deadly intent. But before she could retaliate, a searing pain engulfed her.
Pyrrhix, the fiery phoenix, had descended upon her with blinding speed, his massive talons wrapping around her like bands of steel. With a mighty beat of his wings, he soared high into the sky, the Succubus a tiny, struggling form in his grasp.
Unfazed by her predicament, Narayan continued to smile, a maddeningly cheerful expression that stretched across her face. With a flick of her wrists, she unveiled wings of shimmering obsidian, catching the light of the sun. In a breathtaking display of defiance, she launched herself towards Pyrrhix, their forms a whirlwind of feathers, claws, and fury against the crimson blaze above.
Zōken watched the aerial battle unfold with a smug grin. Reaching up, he affectionately scratched Ifrit behind the ears, the beast rumbling in response. A single, sharp point of his finger sent the obsidian beast rocketing towards the airborne fray. Ifrit, a blur of black fury, let out a bone-chilling howl as he propelled himself towards the fight, ready to join the chaos.
"Zōken: Despit being a God, Ifrit. Was no pet, and this beast who wielded power comparable to the elder gods, saw me as his master, same goes for Pyrrhix, but it is this trust they place upon me is why I cannot be weak, I must defeat the Blighted Beast."
Zōken's smug grin, melting away and leaving room for anger, his aura flared around him, a mixture of blue and gold, suddenly the power of Ifrit and Pyrrhix shot up, the beasts would quickly end this, proving to their master that they were all he needed to defeat the Blighted Beast.
"Narayan: If I win this, the master will name me! I must succeed!!!"
She says pointing to her chest with a black-gloved hand. Ifrit, emboldened by Zōken's praise, tore after Narayan in a blur of obsidian and crimson flames. The force of his leap rippled through the ground, sending tremors that threatened to topple nearby trees. As he soared through the air, his fiery mane billowed behind him like a comet's tail, casting an eerie red glow across the skies.
Narayan, momentarily stunned by Pyrrhix's assault, twisted in mid-air to face her new attacker, seeing the massive jaws of the Fire Beast. Her smile, however, never faltered.
A guttural screech erupted from her throat, a sound that seemed to claw at the very fabric of reality.
The air shimmered around her as she raised her hands, conjuring a swirling vortex of electric blue energy that pulsed with an unholy light.
The vortex met Ifrit head-on with a deafening boom. The force of the impact sent the massive beast flying backward, his fiery aura flickering precariously. But Ifrit was a creature of unwavering rage.
With a snarl that shook the very earth, he righted himself in mid-air and charged once more, his burning claws outstretched.
Meanwhile, the aerial battle between Pyrrhix, Ifrit and Narayan raged on. The phoenix, a creature of pure fire, clashed with the winged demon in a dazzling display of power.
Pyrrhix's fiery feathers rained down upon the battlefield as Narayan weaved through the inferno, her golden talons leaving streaks of light in their wake. Their screeches echoed through the skies, a symphony of violence that seemed to herald the coming of a storm.
Zōken watched the battle unfold, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He raised a hand, his fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air. As he did so, the air around him crackled with unseen divine energy. A low chant escaped his lips, a language older than time itself, a language of grace and control. The very ground seemed to writhe beneath his feet as the power of his command surged outward, empowering his beasts and amplifying their fury.
The tide of the battle began to shift. Ifrit, fueled by Zōken's magic, slammed into the vortex with renewed vigor, pushing it back inch by inch. Pyrrhix, sensing his master's will, unleashed a torrent of holy fire that engulfed Narayan, forcing her to retreat from the sky, landing on the ground. The air crackled with anticipation as the two monstrous beasts closed in on their prey, their eyes burning with a shared hunger for victory.
Narayan, though momentarily thrown off balance by the combined assault, wasn't about to surrender. As Ifrit pressed his attack, the obsidian vortex pulsed with a malevolent light, tendrils of dark energy lashing out at the God of Death. Ifrit roared in defiance, his flames flaring brighter as they met the tendrils head-on, sizzling and dissolving into wisps of smoke. He lunged, his massive jaws snapping at the vortex itself, tearing a ragged hole through its swirling mass.
The fire beast howled, a sound laced with fury and fresh rage.
The clone met his gaze, her own eyes burning with power reflected from Narayan's magic. The air around them shimmered with raw power, the very fabric of reality warping under the strain of their combined fury. In that charged moment, the very sky seemed to hold its breath, the only sounds the crackling flames and the ragged gasps of the combatants.
Then, with a screech that tore through the skies, they were upon each other. Ifrit, fueled by a primal rage, had unintentionally slammed into Pyrrhix. The force of the impact sent both beasts hurtling through the air, a tangled mass of fire and fury, they soon crashed into the ground.
Narayan saw her opportunity. With a burst of speed, she dove towards her master, the air around her crackling with dark energy. Her plan was clear: to take advantage of her magic working on the beasts her master commanded and trying to strike him as the controller of the beasts.
Zōken sensing her approach, cackled. He raised his hand, the air around him shimmering as he unleashed a wave of pure, divine energy.
The wave met Narayan head-on, engulfing her in a blinding flash of light. A bloodcurdling scream pierced the day, then silence.
Then, slowly, the light receded, revealing Narayan, battered and bruised, but still standing. Her eyes, however, burned with a new intensity, a flicker of defiance mixed with a terrifying hunger. The battle, it seemed, was far from over.
A sharp crack echoed through the air as Zōken snapped his fingers. The deafening sound jolted Ifrit and Pyrrhix out of the crater they were in. They blinked, disoriented. Shamefaced, they lowered their heads and bowed apologetically to one another before dashing back to their master's side.
Narayan, however, remained frozen in place. The playful sparring session had taken an unexpected turn, and a flicker of uncertainty flickered in her crimson eyes. Zōken's lips curved into a knowing smile, a stark contrast to the Queen of Succubi's sudden vulnerability.
"Zōken: Narayan."
He addressed her, his voice a smooth caress,
"Zōken: You've done well. It seems you've earned a name for yourself."
His words sent a jolt through her. A vibrant blush bloomed across her cheeks, and her tail swished nervously in her hand. Narayan fidgeted, the picture of a powerful entity reduced to an eager pup awaiting praise.
Zōken watched with a hint of amusement, a sliver of morbid fascination twisting within him.
Here she was, this near-omnipotent ruler of the succubi, reduced to a blushing mess at the prospect of a mere name. Did all monsters possess such a capacity of devotion? Was it simply a facet of her kind, or something more?
The thought hung heavy in the air as Zōken savored the moment. He reveled in the power he held over her, a power not yet solidified by a formal claim, yet undeniably present.
This was his opportunity to stake his claim, to bind her to him not just through force, but through a carefully chosen name. A name that would forever be tied to her own, a constant reminder of his dominance.
A barely perceptible twitch crossed Narayan's face. Zōken noted it with a keen eye. Had she truly believed he would offer her praise so readily?
The question was answered by the pout that marred her previously radiant features. It was a fetching look on her, he mused, a dark counterpoint to her breathtaking beauty.
But Narayan was nothing if not adaptable. With a practiced flick of her wrist, she brushed aside her irritation like a pesky insect.
Then, in a move that surprised him further, she leaned in close, tilting his head down towards hers.
The air crackled with a tension that had nothing to do with the battle that had just transpired.
"Naraya: Master, what will my name be?"
She murmured, her voice a silken whisper.
"Zōken: Hmph, it will be Sapphira. Sapphira Narayan Isvalda."
The corners of her lips quivered upwards in a genuine, unadulterated smile. It was as if Zōken's little barb had been nothing more than a playful breeze. Yet, even as she exuded pure joy, a flicker of something in her eyes caught his attention. Perhaps a hint of defiance? A subtle challenge masked by her jubilation?
Zōken met her gaze, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"Zōken: I think it suits you."
He replied, his voice devoid of any emotion. He watched as she practically leaped for joy, the image of a loyal servant rewarded. But beneath the surface, a question lingered. Despite her undeniable power, was there a flicker of humanity beneath the succubus queen's seductive facade? Only time would tell.
Too be continued....