TITLE    : Demonic Submission Ch. 33
STORYID  : demonic-submission-ch-33
SUMMARY  : Celestine tells him what she can, and welcomes Rena home.
AUTHOR   : TheLastChaosLord@lit
DATE     : 2013-11-22
CATEGORY : lesbian-sex-stories
FLAGS    : h
TAGS     : |incubus|demon|red head|


Celestine opened her eyes to only find darkness surrounding her, with no floor under her feet, and no sky hanging over her head. Instead all she found was herself standing in some sort of dark void, though she could still see her hands and feet as if she were perfectly lit. It vaguely reminded her of some of the dreams she'd had, but something told her that this wasn't exactly dreaming right now. Yet even as her mind seemed to reboot and she could think more clearly, suppressed memories began to flow back into her mind... 



What happened during her encounter with Saul came crashing back into her conciseness, and she couldn't help but feel a chill at the memory of that thing deep inside her trying to push its way out... How could she have forgotten that horrible cold? Hell, it had happened only yesterday, and yet she knew she hadn't recalled it earlier. Yet despite that, somehow Celestine began to remember more and more... memories on top of her existing memories. Memories of times when she had felt the entity inside her stir, only for her to immediately forget again. Yet at this moment, she understood with perfect clarity, that it was indeed there... Even now she could feel it locked away somewhere in the darkness surrounding her, watching her from behind the bars that sealed it away. But knowing it was there, did not answer the question of what it was...



<i>It is you... you are it. Just as I am you, and you are me. </i>Her inner voice sounded gently. <i>Just as I am it, and it is me... we three are one, just different sides of the same coin...</i>



Celestine frowned, confused and more than a little lost. "I coin only has two sides. Stop talking in riddles and give me a clear answer!" 



Celestine heard her sigh, before speaking again. <i>I have given you the answer, you simply do not understand it, for now anyway. But don't fret over it. What is important is accepting that thing inside us, is in fact part of us.</i> 



Yet as Celestine listened, she began to realize her inner voice was speaking as if she were right behind her, floating in the void with her, rather than in her head. Instinctively, she turned to look, only to catch the faintest glimpse of long red hair flowing around and behind her. Celestine couldn't have even been sure it wasn't her own hair, yet something told her it wasn't. That same something told her that her spectral partner had ducked behind her again, staying hidden in her blind spot...



"If you want me to trust you, to listen to you, then show yourself to me!" Celestine demanded. 



<i>What makes you think you can see me here, when you've never seen my face anywhere else? </i>She asked curiously, and slightly surprised. Yet even still, her words came from behind Celestine again.



"I don't know..." Celestine replied honestly. "But somehow I know I can, in this place... Somehow I know I can see you here, where I can only vaguely feel you anywhere else. Please, show yourself." 



<i>I can't... or rather I won't. You are not ready to see me just yet...One day soon maybe, but not today. </i>Her inner voice replied, sounding apologetic. 



"If you are me, and I you, then how can I not be ready to see you?" Celestine challenged firmly, confused and annoyed by the riddles and games. 



Her other side's giggling eased Celestine's mind though, even as she replied. <i>Because as much as we've changed and grown as a person, and despite the fact that we can acknowledge that those changes are by and large positive, you still are not ready to accept who we may end up becoming.</i>



"Who said all of the changes that have taken place in me are positive?" Celestine asked, not wholly trusting her invisible companion's words. 



<i>See? Your words only serve as proof that you are not ready to see me.</i> 



Celestine sighed tiredly but shook her head. "Fine, be all mysterious. But if I cannot see you, then at least tell me what you are? You claim to be a part of me, but what part?" Celestine asked hopefully. 



She was surprised when she felt her companion lean back-to-back with her and sigh herself again. <i>That is hard to describe. But I suppose it is only fair that I try and make sense of it for you. The simplest way to explain it would be to say that I could be partially described as a reflection of our conscious and unconscious desires, hopes and dreams. In essence, I am a representation of the things you want.</i>



"I know you're trying to be clear here, but you're still not making sense." Celestine replied carefully. "A person's hopes and dreams don't talk back to them after all." 



<i>Don't they? </i>She asked curiously. <i>Aren't dreams just reflections of out subconscious, trying to make sense of our own emotions and how one truly feels about something? Just because it may be vague and unclear, doesn't mean that it isn't trying to tell the conscious mind something.</i>



"Okay, I can see the parallels you're trying to draw, but the extent you're actually 'talking to me' isn't like any dream I've ever heard about.<i> </i>To use your own words, dreams are usually vague and unclear, yet I can understand you perfect clarity." Celestine pointed out. "How do you explain that?"



<i>It's amusing that you think that you understand everything I'm saying. Didn't you say just a moment ago that I wasn't making any sense? </i>She asked with an almost playful tone.



"Seriously? Are the voices in my head using my own words against me?" Celestine groaned out. "Fine, we'll explore the idea that you might be a representation of my subconscious desires for now at least. Not that I'm wholly buying into the idea just yet." Celestine agreed idly. 



<i>Is it that surprising that I'd use your words against you? After all, didn't you just try and do the same thing to me?</i> She teased, much to Celestine's annoyance. 



"Can we get on with the example please?" She asked as she tried to push things along, even if she was fully aware that she was caught red handed. 



<i>Very well. To actually answer your question on how I come out so clearly to you is because... well, frankly we are not a normal human being. </i>She paused again to give Celestine a moment to process it. 



It was a good thing to, as Celestine went quiet for a long moment as she mulled the idea over. "So..." she eventually began. "If you are a reflection of my subconscious, then it means that I've accepted that fact completely then huh?" Celestine asked hesitantly. 



Celestine felt her partner nodding lightly before she replied. <i>Yes, though to be honest, we've had suspicions since before Vestiem dropped that particular bombshell on us. Even before we met Tristan we've always wondered why even our own family kept their distance. As we grew older we could sense there was some sort of difference between us and them, even if we never noticed is consciously. As a result of that difference people grew further and further away from us as we grew older. By high school almost no one would approach us willingly. That is until Cameron came along... After our initial fight we welcomed the idea of making a friend who didn't seem to wander off just because we existed...That probably was the reason we ignored the signs when she used and manipulated us. </i>Her inner voice finished solemnly. 



Celestine grit her teeth as she tried to accept what her partner was saying. Despite herself, she couldn't deny it. Elementary school seemed to mimic her whole life. Early on it was fine, and the other kids liked spending time with her, but by the end of it, those she used to call friends rarely spent time with her. It wasn't like they actively shunned or avoided her, and some of them even went out of their way to maintain contact. But she could always tell something was off... That deep down the other kids felt off put and awkward when they were around her. High school had been more of the same beyond Cameron and their circle of friends. Though thinking back on it, the majority of them only kept close because Cameron held them close, and probably never gave them an opportunity to pull away from Celestine. 



Vic had been different... But then their relationship had been relatively short lived.



"Heh." She began dryly. "That's kind of pathetic, tolerating someone's abuse because they actually enjoyed being around us..." Celestine replied to herself. 



<i>I think what you really mean is that it is tragic, rather than pathetic. </i>Her inner voice replied confidently. <i>We couldn't help how we were born after all. Yet even despite our situation we still did make meaningful relationships. Not all of our friends in high school and university hated us. Vic loved us, and Talia and Kent were good friends. Looking back on it, I think it seemed like they were often trying to warn us about Cameron. But we were too blind to see it at the time.</i>



"Hum... Looking back on it, I think you're probably right. But now that we're done our depressing little walk down memory lane, can we get back to the topic at hand?" Celestine asked after taking a deep breath and shoving the unpleasant memories aside. "In summary, your theory is that you are some sort of reflection of my subconscious desires and the like. Correct?" Celestine asked trying to keep everything sorted out. 



<i> Yes, but that only makes up a part of whom I am. I could also be described as the person we hope to become.</i> She explained cautiously. 



"What?" Celestine asked a little taken aback, even as she leaned back against her invisible companion, somehow comforted by its presence. "So... you're saying that I want to stop being me and become you, a sultry voice that sounds a lot like how I imagine myself sounding in my fantasies where I would seduce and tempt men like some femme fetal instead of just being myself? I hate to tell you this, but I like who I am, and while I admit I have changed a lot recently, that doesn't necessarily mean I want to become the person in my fantasies." Celestine posed half sarcastically, half worried that her companion was completely serious. <i> </i>



Her inner voice chuckled lightly and shrugged. <i>You have an incomplete picture of me, but that isn't surprising I suppose. In truth, even we don't know who we want to become exactly... Subconsciously we have an idea, and that rough idea is reflected in me. Because, despite what you might consciously think, deep inside you want to grow and evolve, and a very real and powerful part of you wants to be like the person in our fantasies, because we see them as powerful and independent. But you know we're more than just a temptress like how you see yourself in our fantasies, which is why I am more than just a vixen with a smooth sultry voice. In me are also our subconscious wishes and hopes of who we'll actually become, versus our conscience desires, which is sort of your domain. Once upon a time those two facets of us were very separate and far from one another, but now they are coming closer and closer to being aligned, hence why I seem to be growing stronger. </i>



"You are evading my question." Celestine replied coolly, becoming unsure if she could trust the voice of the individual who wouldn't even let Celestine look at her.



Celestine felt her shaking her head. <i>I didn't answer your question because what you're expecting the answer to be is wrong. It isn't that you want to stop being you, it's that you want to grow and become something more. I know I keep saying this, but it is true so it I'll keep on saying it... I am you, you are me... Even if we grow to become me one day, that doesn't mean we'll stop being you. Who we are tomorrow, is nothing more than who we are today plus the experiences and growth that take place between today and tomorrow. No matter how hard one tries, one cannot simply throw away who they are and become someone completely new. They may try, and they may even partially succeed and create a new persona, but ultimately, we are the culmination of our experiences, decisions and outside influences.</i>



"...I'm surprised. You got kind of philosophical there for a moment." Celestine commented curiously. 



<i>I told you, we're more than you think we are.</i> Her inner voice replied lightly. 



Celestine nodded slowly and thought on her other side's words. An array of questions and thoughts came and went, but ultimately, Celestine couldn't help but ask one question that could very well have been utterly unimportant in the grand scheme of things, yet her curiosity gnawed at her. "I'm beginning to see that. But maybe you'll help me see the parts I'm still missing. You only ever seem to speak up when you feel I'm not allowing myself to accept and act on my desires, so it's hard for me to understand exactly what you're all about. Or rather, what I want myself to be... Can you tell me more about who I want to become?" Celestine asked curiously. 



<i>The answer to that is already inside us. Look at yourself as we are today, and what do you see? </i>She posed pleasantly. 



Celestine pondered that for a moment but began to rattle off traits she associated with herself. "Am I strong? Do I have the power to protect those I care about?" 



Celestine wasn't reassured when she heard her other side chuckling lowly, but her words lifted her spirits. <i>We are still strong yes, though perhaps not exactly the way you are thinking about right now. But more importantly, we don't have to fight alone anymore. Not like we once did back before we met Tristan. We have friends and companions who fight with us, who are stronger for our presence. </i>



Celestine felt her heart swell at such words, and couldn't help but smile lightly. "I think I know the answer to this one, but do I go back to being a control freak, having to plan everything out?" Celestine asked amusedly. 



<i>Pfft no! We revel in our spontaneity, and the freedom that comes with it. Yet we are not foolish, and do not rush headlong when we know better... Well...</i>She giggled lightly before continuing.<i> Most of the time at least. </i>She added mischievous amusement shining in her voice. <i>We'll probably get in trouble sometimes, but our wits and cunning get us out again.</i>



"Am I happy?" Celestine asked calmly, not really sure if she can expect any valid answer. 



<i>Yes. We are surrounded by friends, true friends that are loyal to us and who we are in turn loyal to. And we know love, a love greater than anything we've ever felt before. </i>Her inner voice chimed dreamily. 



"Love?" Celestine asked disbelieving, even as memories of Tristan tried to force their way into the forefront of her mind. Yet she forced them back, not willing to feel the pain of hope brought with it when she knew that it was a false hope. "That sounds nice." Celestine replied noncommittally, trying to hide her aching heart. 



Yet Celestine was surprised, when she felt her spectral partner pull away and seemingly turn around to take hold of Celestine from behind, her grip gentle and caring. <i>We are no longer plagued by doubt either, and we no longer delude ourselves into believing that something that would be wonderful, shouldn't be. </i>



Celestine shook her head gently but smiled at her other side's attempt to comfort her. "I'm not someone's plaything am I?" Celestine asked suddenly, still not wanting to become anyone's fuck puppet while wanting to change the subject quickly. 



<i>No, of course not. </i>She replied, and to Celestine's ear, she sounded as if she were smiling. <i>We are defiant and rebellious, and our will is stronger than ever. </i>



Celestine nodded some, smiling to herself and the picture that her companion painted. "The way you sound and speak... It's like my fantasies...?" Celestine paused, leaving her question hanging in the air as a slight blush came to her cheeks. Seeing herself like that excited her, and made her feel powerful. The idea that she could be someone like that no longer shamed her... Hell, it excited her.



<i>Do we become a seductress? Yes, but in a way we become something so much more.</i> Her companion promised lowly, her lips brushing Celestine's ear. <i>Men hang onto our every word, shivering with lust as we speak, only to groan in desperate want when we offer them a smoldering glance. There are of course women who see us and feel bitter resentment towards us, even as they wish they had what we have, though we owe them no ill will for their envy. But then there are those women who don't resent us, and instead are smitten with us themselves, and flock to our side, purring for our attention and affection. And we revel in it all without hesitation or restraint. Offering and accepting such attention and dark promises in equal rapturous pleasure. </i>She finally paused, letting out a long slow pleasure laced sigh. 



Celestine shuddered heavily at such thoughts, and found herself smiling as she pondered what that would be like... "It sounds nice..." Celestine replied more earnestly this time, before she paused to think about it. The dream of herself amongst others who actually enjoyed being around her, and longed for her with such intensity that they hang off every word... "I mean all the attention and stuff, not the jealousy thing. That part isn't really my thing..." Celestine added hastily. "Is it? I'm not a bitch who tries to make others jealous and stuff like that am I?" Celestine asked worriedly, desperate not to become like...



<i>No, we won't become Cameron. </i>Her inner voice replied, already knowing Celestine's fears without ever having to ask.



"Am I still kind?" Celestine continued. 



<i>Yes, to those who are closest to you and deserve such things. </i>Her inner voice replied without hesitation. 



Yet her words confused Celestine slightly. "And to others? How do I treat those who are not my allies and friends?" 



<i>With clean decisiveness. </i>She replied vaguely. <i> </i>



"...Well that's not foreboding at all." Celestine replied dryly. She pushed such fantasies to the side though; fully aware that she was entertaining the idea that she would grow into some alternate persona that was already somehow talking to her or something... "Ouch... when I think of it that way it sounds really crazy... no offence." 



<i>Are you offended by the idea that we may be insane?</i> 



Celestine pondered that for a moment... "Surprisingly... no. Sanity and insanity don't have quite as much meaning to me as they once did." Celestine replied, fully aware that wasn't a normal perspective nor a healthy one, not that she cared. "But what you said earlier, about how you are sort of the person I hope to become...Does that mean you change as I grow and experience new things?" 



<i>Yes, but only slightly and in small steps. Even big changes in our life only effect me marginally when compared to the combined experiences of our life. We know what we want, and who we want to become, so it isn't likely that is going to change that much. After all, I am you...</i>



"And you are me." Celestine replied without hesitation and with a bit of a smile. She used to hate hearing that, but now it was beginning to make more and more sense to her. But that drew another more serious question. "But... But what about <i>her</i>?" Celestine began cautiously. "What about that thing locked away deep inside us? That thing that tried to tear its way out of my chest and nearly killed us... You said it was part of us, but how?" 



Her companion went quite for a time, but eventually Celestine felt her partner's hands upon her shoulder blades, directing her to turn and look a specific direction. Celestine balked at what she saw of course, looming over her and glaring right back down at her. There <i>it</i> was, strait out of her nightmares; tall, dark and menacing. Its eyes glowed green and matched the shade of her own eyes. Above its head, hovered a halo of black fire, even as its toned and lithe body was held back by something beyond her recognition. 

<hr pg="2" />Celestine just stared at it for a long while, and was unable to avoid looking it over entirely in its dark majesty. Her eyes eventually settled on its hands, impossibly large with long thick fingers to match the long almost apelike arms. Yet each digit seemed to end in a sharp point, though there was no visible claw that was separate from it's dark flesh. "W-...What is it?" 



<i>She is you, you are it...</i> her companion repeated solemnly. <i>You are one side of the coin, she is the other. Right now, the coin is laying flat upon the table of the world, with your side facing up, hiding her in darkness. Hiding her here.</i>



"Then what am I?" Celestine asked sharply, "How could I ever become <i>that </i>thing!?" 



<i>We both know the answer... Tristan knows it too, but was merciful enough not to tell us right away. Vestium was less kind...</i>



Celestine's eyes went wide. "F-...Fell Born?"



<i>We suppose that is one name for it... Though honestly she does not care what we call it. All it cares about is its function. </i>



"Function?" Celestine asked, still amazed by the thing that was supposedly part of her. 



<i>Her func-</i> But her inner voice was cut off by the low emotionless response that came from the dark entity's mouth-less features, which resonated within Celestine like the vibrations from a drum. 



<b>We will wipe clean all sin from this world. We will purge it all, and bring balance back to reality. </b>



Celestine's mouth fell agape as she heard it speak, again using her voice, but lacking in any and all emotion yet still holding a terrifying intensity. "W-what do you mean? How could you wipe out all sin? You would have to wipe out all demonic life on the plant to pull that off!" 



<b>That is incorrect. We will wipe out all demonic and human life... For all the vice of demons, humans create just as much disharmony. Both must be cleansed if all sin is to be purged. </b>



"N-no..." Celestine staggered back, not believing what she was hearing. "I thought the Fell Born<b> </b>were supposed to be anathema to demons, not humans!"



<b>All who bear sin must be cleansed, whether they are demon or mortal, it makes no difference.</b>



"Holy god... Is... Is she serious?" Celestine asked, hoping her other side would have some insight.



<i>Deadly so in fact... and the first person to die will be us Celestine... we will die when she is born...</i> Celestine reeled as she heard her inner voice's reply.



"How do we stop it!?" Celestine demanded. 



<b>You can not. </b>It replied bluntly. <b>You may lock me away temporarily, but I will break free eventually. </b>



"No! I won't accept that!" Celestine roared out defiantly. "I won't let you kill this world, or me or anyone else for that matter! If I have to lock you away forever, than so fucking be it!" 



However it simply shook its head. <b>Resistance is pointless. Every day the mortal side grows weaker, and I grow stronger. Soon our call will be strong enough, and he will not be able to resist us. You are but a vassal, meant to bring me into the world...</b>



"Wha-... What is she talking about?" Celestine asked her hidden companion. 



<i>I'm not entirely sure to be honest with you. Like me, she's a subconscious aspect of us, and because of that, she can actually hide things from me, unlike you. Believe me... I've tried to pry it out of her, but she won't tell me anything, even though we're technically linked. </i>



"Wait... What?!" Celestine asked even as she tried to whirl around and face her inner self properly, even as anger surged through her. Not that it helped any. Her companion seemed to keep up with her, and Celestine felt her lean back to back with her again. "What do you mean the two of you are linked?" Celestine demanded again.



Her inner voice sighed tiredly but eventually replied. <i>That entity is part of us. More specifically, I believe it is part of our soul, as it seems to go deeper than just our subconscious while still somehow reaching into this place... </i>She paused, as if trying to think of some way of wording it that wouldn't piss Celestine off. 



"Just say it." Celestine replied, looking at the monstrosity that apparently lived inside her. "At this point I don't think how you say it is going to matter..." 



Her invisible partner sighed again before speaking up. <i>I am the culmination and reflection of all aspects of our hopes and desires Celestine... including hers. </i>She explained honestly. 



Celestine swallowed hard as she tried to comprehend what she was being told. Yet even as she looked at the beast inside her, her head grew fuzzy and she found it hard to think... A sign that she was beginning to panic. Yet she forced it down, unwilling to come apart at the seams while facing this abomination. "Does that... Does that mean you're on her side?" Celestine asked carefully, dreading the worst.



<i>No! </i>She replied firmly. <i>She has but one desire, and while it is a powerful and terrifying thing, it is unimportant compared to all our wants and desires. I won't lie, and say she has no influence on me or you, but that doesn't mean I want her to succeed. If I did, why would have helped you lock her away again when Saul tried to kill us? </i>



Celestine ran her hand through her hair as she tried to think, but her head felt full of chaos and confusion. "Then... Then why are you telling me all this?!" Celestine asked desperately. "I would have been happier not knowing!" 



<i>Happier maybe... in the short term at least. But that isn't what you wanted... What you wanted was to know what happened to you when you blacked out with Lavanna... </i>She explained apologetically. 



"Than what did happen?! I thought you said we'd have to die for it to be free? But it still managed to kill Lavanna. Not that I'm really upset that she's dead." Celestine replied, clearly confused. 



<i>It didn't actually kill her, or at least it didn't do so directly. Truthfully, it was you who killed Lavanna. In essence, it influenced your thoughts and feelings sort of like how I do when I want you to remember something or feel something, even though I don't really have a physical body to touch you with. </i>



"You're not inspiring the greatest of confidences here. What's stopping that thing from doing it again; using its power on Rena or someone else I care about?" Celestine asked angrily, desperate for a way to stop it.



<i>Well in there is the silver lining. From what I can tell, it only managed to influence you so directly because of the song Lavanna was humming... somehow the tune resonated with it and allowed it to surface without either of us getting a chance to stop it. If we avoid that song, then we'll be fine. </i>Her cohort explained gently, trying to calm Celestine down. <i>Otherwise, it only reacts when we're in dire peril, like when Saul attacked you. Honestly speaking, it seems that even though it wants us dead, it still needs us for some reason. Thought what that thing is or why it needs it is beyond me. </i>



Celestine frowned but was beginning to calm down again, making it easier to actually think things through. The idea that she wasn't alone in her head against not only the dark entity in front of her but also her own desires was reassuring. "Than what about all the other times I've been in danger? Where was it then?" She asked, even as she watched it stare at her. 



<i>If I had to guess, it probably didn't have the strength to actually act before the incident with Saul. Either that or it figured we were not actually in any life threatening danger. </i>



"Great... I apparently have a monster inside me with the power to annihilate sin with some sort of black fire... On top of that, I only have theories as to when or how it rears it's ugly head. Joy." Celestine replied dryly.



<i>That isn't quite right... The part where it has the power... In reality, it's you that does Celestine, not it. It is only a part of us, and not the dominate part either. </i>



<b>Yet...</b> It corrected, making Celestine take a half step back at its sudden injection into the conversation, and making it very apparent that it was listening to everything they were saying. 



<i>Oh shut up you. </i>Her companion replied, clearly annoyed that it was speaking at all. <i>What I'm trying to say is that even if this abomination happens to be better equipped to use your powers, it doesn't mean you don't have access to them. Maybe we can figure out how to use them to our benefit. If you're not in life threatening danger where there is no chance of protecting yourself, like with Saul, maybe it won't come out again. </i>



Celestine saw its gaze shift away from her and towards her hidden cohort, who was several feet behind her and beyond Celestine's field of view. Its gaze narrowed after a moment, and Celestine got the feeling that it was recalculating its actions and plans in response to her suggestions. "Maybe... Though the idea that I'd be slinging around black fireballs kind of doesn't sit right with me." She replied cautiously. "How do I know this stuff won't kill me or something? Or that using the flames won't make this thing stronger?" 



<i>I don't know, but that might be a risk we have to take. Besides, as far as I can tell, you don't actually conjure the flames... Rather it seems like you ignite a demons existing sin... like you will their mind body and soul to combust...The greater the sin, the hotter they burn. </i>



Celestine nodded and began to ponder what that meant if she could figure out how to use such power... Hell... she might even be able to wipe the floor with powerful demons... Maybe even Tris-



<i>Stop it. </i>Her companion demanded firmly.



"Stop what?" Celestine replied confused. 



<i>Stop thinking that you want to kill him, either with the third demonic mark or with your power. You might be deluding yourself into thinking that you want him dead, but I know better. </i>



"What do you know really?" Celestine asked sharply, suddenly immensely annoyed that she knew her thoughts even as she had them and maybe even before. "Besides, where do you get off calling me delusional? What bigger delusion is there than the idea that Tristan <b>isn't</b> going to eat my soul one day? Look... I'm thankful for this little talk we've had, but frankly, as far as I know, this is all one big hallucination from bumping my head too hard or something." Celestine replied firmly. "But I do know this... Tristan is a demon, he is evil, and he needs to die... What I want or don't want isn't important; it just needs to be done in order to keep anyone else from becoming his victim. Period." 



<i>Bullshit! </i>She snapped. <i>I'm telling you, we do not want to kill Tristan! You're just telling yourself these lies in order to hide how we really feel! Because you don't know if he'-</i>



"Be quiet!" Celestine barked, suddenly full of anger and rage over everything that had been said in this dreamscape of hers and all the implications such words made. "That's enough! If you really are the manifestation of my desires and hopes, than you should know that I want you to shut up!" Celestine tried to turn to look at her again, as if to accent her point, but just like every other time, her spectral companion stayed behind her. 



Yet she was surprised when she felt her invisible minder gently lean her forehead against Celestine's back, as if she had been pummeled by Celestine's words into submission. Eventually she spoke again, her voice mirroring Celestine's anger, though it was perhaps a little more restrained. <i>Fine. I'll be quiet, but I have one more thing to say before you wake up... If you kill him... If you betray him... we'll hate ourselves forever... Even if we somehow survive the fallout of such a deed, we'd know nothing but despair and self-loathing...</i>



Celestine was about to reply again, but the abomination that they had been ignoring spoke up as well. <b>I agree with our desires made manifest... Slaying the demon would be... detrimental...</b>



Celestine frowned and looked up to the creature, still looking down at her with a strange intensity. "Why... why don't you want me to kill him?" Yet the only answer that Celestine got was silence. "... Whatever... I'm done here." Celestine finished as she turned away from the abomination. She fully expected to feel her invisible escort spin behind her again, but instead there was nothing. She was gone already, having retreated into the depths of her own mind. 



Looking around Celestine was surrounded by darkness again. "So... no one's going to tell me how to get out of here huh?" She asked loudly, hoping for some reply. Yet when none came Celestine was left with her own thoughts and memories. The most recent of which were Tristan flying with her in his arms... Of how protected she felt when she was in his grasp.... 



Despite her declarations to the contrary, when Celestine spoke, her voice echoed with longing as her want to see him again gnawed at her. "...Tristan..." 



Yet even as she said the words, her world began to fill with light again, washing everything away in its radiance...



~~~~~



The light began to fade and the world became one of color again, as Celestine looked up to see the canopy of her bed hanging above her. Blinking once she realized that she was awake again. She began to move, only to feel something warm in her hand, and glancing down, she found Tristan sitting beside her, watching her calmly as he held her hand in his. 



"Well... It's good to know you think about me in your sleep even when I'm not trying to get into your dreams." Tristan said calmly and with the same easy swagger he always had. Yet despite knowing she should be upset at his annoying confidence, she could only smile lightly as she looked back at him. Her heart warmed at him being one of the first things she saw when she awoke.



"What do you mean? I wasn't dreaming about you..." Celestine asked with a bit of a croak. Before he replied though, Tristan reached for a nearby pitcher of water and poured her a glass before handing it to her. 



"Are you sure? Cause you just kind of called out my name a moment before you woke up... But maybe that's because I've been with you ever since I found you and Lavanna." Tristan explained simply.



Celestine took the water and was about to drink when she realized that based off the angle of the light coming through the windows, she'd been asleep for hours at least... It was easily past noon already. But then that only made the fact that Tristan had been there with her the whole time all the more surprising. "Why...why did you stay with me for so long? I figure you have better things to do than watch over me while I sleep..." Celestine asked, even as she fought to hide her own blush at his actions. 



"I have been busy actually, though I've managed everything from here, instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off." Tristan assured. 



Celestine cocked her head as she sat up. "Busy with what? Dealing with the fallout from what happened with Lavanna? Which, by the way, I'm sorry for lighting her up like a matchstick." Celestine sort of apologized, fully aware that it might have caused Tristan problems. 



"It did inconvenience me yes, but such is the way the world works, so don't worry yourself about it too much. Lavanna's loyalty was questionable at best, so it isn't like I've lost something of great import." Tristan assured. "More curious is the fact that you lit her up at all..." Tristan commented calmly. "Do you know how you pulled that off? Or what happened to you afterwards? You kind of went all emotionless for a while there, like something else had taken over."



Celestine looked away, a worry beginning to form in her gut. She knew that demons naturally saw Fell Born with a more than appropriate level of fear and distrust, so after seeing what she could really do, Celestine feared he'd caste her out or something like that... Or just kill her. Still, the idea that he was the only one she could talk to about this pushed her to open up, despite the risk. "Honestly, I wasn't really the one who did that. I think anyway... I know this may be confusing, but inside me is some sort of... I don't know... entity maybe? It was probably the emotionless unfeeling thing that you saw puppeting my body around. I don't know much about it, but I've had nightmares about it killing demons and humans alike." Celestine explained, pausing long enough to glance his way, still worried that he'd react badly. 



Yet what she found in his features was not fear or disgust, but instead bore a calm concern aimed at her. The idea that he as worried for her despite the danger to himself, flustered Celestine, and she couldn't help but look away entirely. Yet even as she did she heard him give a light 'humph' before she felt his fingers gently taking her chin and turning her to look back at him. "Here now..." he began, voice calm and assuring. "Where are you looking? I'm right here Celestine." 



Celestine's blush only grew at his words and instinctually she began to look away again. But paused midway through and thought better of it before looking back at him. "I'm... I'm just confused and embarrassed. I figured this would have been the last straw for you or something like that... That you'd finally say 'fuck it' and be done with me. Instead you look at me like that and it confuses me... I know I shouldn't be surprised by that. You've always managed to confound things for me, but still." Celestine half explained, almost tripping over her own words.



Tristan cocked his head lightly as he frowned, clearly perplexed by her words. "Be done with you? Please Celestine, you of all people should know I've only just begun with you." Tristan promised, his features pulling into a smile. "Nothing you could do would ever make me want to be 'rid of you'. I value you far too much to simply throw you away." 



Celestine couldn't help but smile a tiny bit at his words. Words that made her feel wanted and like she actually fit in and belonged somewhere. "Damn it all, there you go again." Celestine replied, clearly flustered but still enjoying the attention. 



Tristan chuckled and nodded lightly. "Alright alright. I'll lay off the touching words on one condition." 



"Oh?" Celestine asked, amused by his words. "And what pray tell might that be?" She asked sarcastically.



"Admit that you enjoy it." Tristan said simply. "Admit that in at least some very specific situations, you actually enjoy my attention." Tristan finished honestly. 



Celestine sat a bit stunned by his words. It took her a moment but eventually she shook it off and replied, still trying to keep her amused tone going. "Jeeze Tristan, do you really need a verbal pat on the back so badly? Kind of sounds a little self serving when you ask me to do something like that." She playfully chided. 



Tristan shrugged. "I can go first if you like." He offered.



"Wait, what? Don't be silly. I'm not going to do this." Celestine replied, becoming completely flustered.



"Hum... Well, if that's how you feel, than I'm sure you won't mind if I still go, even if you don't want to." Tristan began lightly, though with earnestness that surprised Celestine. 



"I... no, Tristan you don't have t-" Celestine tried before he began to speak.



Tristan's voice was both nostalgic and almost dreamy in tone, as if each memory was something he savored greatly. "I delight in every moment where your attention is on me. I adore every look you favor me with, and long to see you give me that sexy mischievous glance from over your shoulder. My heart races when I see you glare at me defiantly, daring me to just try and overcome your will. It's a battle not to get hard when we exchange wits, and you surprise me with your verbal parries and strikes. I have to keep myself from shivering when you walk away from me with a grace you <i>know</i> ignites my desire for you. I yearn for the times when you're kneeling in front of me, and looking up at me with a hungry lustful gaze before you lean in and gently kiss the tip of my co-" 

<hr pg="3" />"S-Shut up!" Celestine cried out as she almost leapt out of bed and covered his mouth with her hands. "That last one never happened!" She exclaimed, her features beet red, though whether it was out of embarrassment or not was up for debate. 



Tristan chuckled into her hands before gently pulling them off his mouth to speak again. "Forgive me. I was getting lost in a fantasy. But regardless, the rest did happen, and I am supremely thankful for each and every instance. I love when you heap your attentions on me." Tristan explained with simple and undeniable adoration. 



Celestine slowly sat back and found herself wanting to look away from him, still highly embarrassed. Yet for some reason she found that she couldn't tear her eyes away from the man in front of her. Instead her eyes were locked upon his handsome features, as she couldn't help but feel a sense of near supreme happiness at hearing such words... Her embarrassment melted away and instead of looking away, Celestine took one of his hands into hers and simply held it for a time, before finally replying. "I... I like it how you look at me, because your gaze show's me how much you honestly l-like what you see... I enjoy it when you show me it's not just my body you care about, but that you really care about who I am as well... I love how e-easily you can compliment me, like you don't even have to think about it, or that saying it is almost redundant, like it's obvious, even though it isn't to me. It makes me feel powerful and s-sexy when I feel how much you want me, and can see it burning in your eyes... But... A-above all those things, I'm most fond of the times when it's apparent you don't care about furthering your own goals or anything else for that matter, when all you really care about is me... Just like right now. Like how you knew that I'm actually terrified of what happened to me, of what I did, of you just killing me for your own safety... Only to turn it around and make me feel at ease... how you made me feel safe..." Celestine finished, her voice sheepish during her whole explanation. 



Tristan smiled warmly as he listened to her words and by the time she was finished, a tight knot of pride had formed in his heart. Admitting things like that to anyone would be hard for anybody, and especially hard for someone like Celestine, who wasn't completely aware of what she truly wanted or how she really felt yet. Never mind the fact that she was admitting these things to a demon like him... "Thank you." Tristan replied honestly. "I was hoping that your reasons would be a bit more graphic like mine were going to become before you stopped me but, meh. I still loved hearing them." Tristan said with a slightly cocky smile.



Celestine tried to hold back her giggling, but failed miserably. A few moments in she gave him a swat for his less than pure thoughts and shook her head. "Alright. Can we get back on subject now? Or we going to keep embarrassing me over and over?" 



"While that would be entertaining, we really should focus." Tristan agreed. "Are you alright to talk about what happened with you, or would you like some more time to mull it over?" Tristan asked, not rushing her. 



"I'm fine now I think." Celestine replied easily. "It was just too much to think of all at once, but I suppose the best place to start is with the entity inside me... Honestly speaking, I've had nightmares about this thing already. Nightmares about it walking through a city, lighting every person he comes across alight in those black flames."



Tristan frowned. "Everyone? I know demonic legends don't say Fell Born attack or even effect humans, even if our experiences are to the contrary, but why would it attack random humans?" 



"Because of its 'function' isn't to hunt down and kill demons. Its function is to eradicate all sin and vice the world over. Given that humans are capable of sin, it would attack them as well. Demons might get picked off first I suppose because they are higher concentrations of sin and vice, but honestly speaking I suspect it would just attack anything it came across rather then start with demons and work its way down." Celestine explained. "This thing won't hesitate at all no matter what it might happen upon. To it, everyone is the same." 



"Wait... hold on. You're saying this thing, if it ever comes into existence it's going to try and kill everyone?" Tristan asked, not really sure if he could believe that.



"Yes. The strange thing is that it won't do it because it hates anyone or anything like that. As far as I can tell it lacks emotion entirely, and acts more like a semi-aware machine rather than a living thing. Instead it will do it because that seems to be it's only driving goal, like that's how it was programmed." Celestine explained. 



"Peculiar and very concerning..." Tristan began as he leaned back and pondered this. "Do you think there is some way we could extract it from you?" he asked gently. 



"I don't think so, no. It's part of me and as far as I can tell and while it's buried under layers of conscious and subconscious thought, it is awake and aware. On the positive side, I don't think it's nearly strong enough to actually just break on through by any means. From what I understand, it needs something to happen first before it can take over completely, not that I have any idea what that something is." Celestine admitted frankly. "But I'm not going to let it out. I'll kill myself first before I let it wipe out the whole damn world." Celestine declared firmly. Yet as she said the words she was startled by the suddenly very angry look across Tristan's features. "What's wrong?"



"Never say that again Celestine." Tristan replied flatly. She could feel his frustration and anger at her words through the demonic mark, but she was confused about what had set him off. 



"What? Don't say wha-" She began, but he cut her off sharply.



"That you'll kill yourself. Being willing to commit suicide without even looking at other options first is not only stupid, it's remarkably foolish. Think about how your death would affect those around you. Rena would be devastated, and Markus would have no one to protect him from me or any other demon. That is of course assuming he didn't follow in your footsteps and kill himself too." Tristan explained bitterly. 



Celestine was a bit floored by his words, and despite her resolve, felt shamed by them. "That wasn't what I meant... It... It's just better than everyone dying Tristan." she tried to reason. 



"Which is better? To die proudly for a cause, or live for it instead in simple humility?" Tristan asked bluntly. "Do you even know if suicide will work? For all you know that might set it loose." 



Celestine frowned. "I'm not sure. I do know that it won't risk me being killed by someone else though. If I'm in serious danger it wakes up and takes action, or at least tries to. When Saul attacked me it tried to rear its ugly head, which is why I passed out while Salana and Tamana were trying to reason with Saul. I had to fight it back down, though I had no idea what it was at the time." Celestine explained. "But I never meant that I was just giving in. I meant that I was going to fight it, to whatever end might come. I'm not giving in Tristan... you know me better than that." Celestine replied, her voice confident again. 



Tristan's features eventually softened and he chuckled. "I apologize for the harsh words... It's just the idea of you just giving up like that..." Tristan tried to find the words for it but shook his head after a moment. "Never mind. There is no point dwelling on it. But you said that it was active when you were facing Saul? Maybe that's why I couldn't sense you?" Tristan asked curiously. 



Celestine cocked her head a little confused. "You couldn't sense me? I thought the Demonic Mark let you know where I roughly whenever you wanted?" 



"Normally you'd be right, but after I heard you calling out for me I got nothing else from you and I couldn't find you at all. Rena only knew where you were because she could track your scent but that's all. It seems whatever that entity is; it has the power to disrupt demonic influence. Not terribly surprising given its apparent purpose in life." Tristan proposed. "Regardless of that, are there anything else that might incite it into action?" 



Celestine nodded lightly. "I'm not so sure about this one, but I think when I see someone already driven mad or infected by my power, it acts like a beacon to this thing. It didn't act when Lavanna was tossing me around or anything, but as soon as Lavanna's mind finally came apart when you showed her that illusion, it lashed out, as if it were ready for her to finally lose it." Celestine theorized. 



"Hum... interesting... and more than a little concerning. However, given that we know that if a demon doesn't use their powers on you, your natural defenses won't kick in and start tearing the demon's mind apart. If that doesn't happen we should be able to avoid any further incidents. Almost all the demons here would never risk using their powers on you, save for the few examples to the contrary. So no need to worry about that outcome." Tristan assured. 



"I'm surprised. I figured you'd be taking this badly... or at they very least be a little worried." Celestine replied curiously.



"Oh I am quite concerned, just not so much as to be seriously worried yet. I frankly believe that you can beat whatever it is that is inside you Celestine. And barring beating it, you can at least keep it contained." Tristan replied, clearly confident in her. "What is perhaps more curious rather than concerning is the concept that you now have these completely new and untested abilities..." 



Celestine shook her head. "I don't know if I can actually use them Tristan. Frankly speaking, I'm not entirely sure I want to. It has been growing stronger, which is why I have the ability to sense supernatural entities and the various vices in individuals, but actually trying to use the fire is... well I don't want to risk making it even more powerful." Celestine explained, even as the idea of turning them against Tristan lingered in the corners of her mind.



Tristan nodded slowly. "A very human way of thinking, though perfectly reasonable I suppose." Tristan replied with a slight smile, though it waned quickly. "I wanted to talk to you about something else though. That hymn that Lavanna was humming, have you heard it before?" 



Celestine pondered that for a moment before answering him. "I got the feeling that I have, but I don't recall a particular time when I have heard it. It was familiar, yet at the same time not familiar, if that makes any sense. Lavanna said it was the song of my soul or something like that." 



Tristan nodded. "If I have to be honest, I'd agree with her. I've told you before that your soul has a sort of pull for stronger demons while repelling lesser demons at the same time. I felt like I had heard the tune before myself when she was humming it, though I'll say your soul's song is much more beautiful when it comes from the source." Tristan complimented. "Lavanna must have first heard it in Odeon's memories, and when she started using her powers on you, she probably heard it directly, giving her a dual dosage of your defensive abilities, which might explain why she fell apart so quickly." He theorized. 



Celestine frowned lightly before replying. "I hate to tell you this, but as far as I can tell, the speed that Lavanna fell apart at is only the tip of the iceberg when compared to the thing locked away inside me. In my nightmares, the entity seemed to just skip that step, and everyone around it just lit up like a fucking torch. If my abilities keep growing, there might not be any time between it hitting you and killing you..." Celestine warned carefully. 



"What's wrong Celestine? Are you worried you're accidently going to kill me?" Tristan asked with a confident grin. 



"Wh-... No! Nothing like that. It's just a general warning, that's all." Celestine replied, fighting to keep herself from blushing, even as she realized that was exactly what she was worried about, even as she thought about doing exactly that...



"Well, it shouldn't be a problem. I'll ensure my staff keeps their distance from you and that no one tries to use their powers on you. Rena and Claude know better so it shouldn't be a problem for them to enjoy your company. I'm pretty sure Rena wouldn't listen to me even if I told her to stay away from you." Tristan said with an amused smile.



"Speaking of Rena... where is she?" Celestine asked curiously. 



"Hum... The best way to describe it is that she is off cleaning up with Claude." Tristan said with a slightly cruel smile.



~~~~~



Rena was almost neck deep inside the torn open chest of one of the few remaining wrath demons that protected Lavanna's estates, busy devouring its soul as the last few pockets of resistance were being wiped out. By the time she pulled up, and looked about, the side buildings of Lavanna's home had begun to burn and somewhere off in the distance Claude was tearing an Envy demon in half... 



Their combined forces easily overpowered Lavanna's few defenses, and the bloodbath quickly followed. Thankfully, Lavanna's home was far from the city limits, and far off any road, making it unlikely that someone would come looking any time soon. Not that there hadn't been problems. The other nobles that were in on this never stopped asking questions about why they were attacking Lavanna, who most of them knew as an ally at the very least. Thankfully her Master carried enough clout that they did what they were told, even without him here. 



The majority of her house had attempted to flee when they realized how badly outnumbered they were, and the fact that no less than four demons of noble status or the equivalent power had taken the field. Claude and Rena were technically not nobles, as they lacked the social status, but in terms of power they were probably the two strongest demons for miles. Lavanna's champion had proven a decent enough opponent though, and had actually scored several hits on Rena, but even his blade eventually faltered, especially when Rena had ripped his stomach open and he couldn't help but trip on his own intestines. 



His soul was especially satisfying, and Rena felt the wonderful surge of power within her as she digested it. She noticed Claude had abstained from feeding on any of the others, but then Lavanna happened to prefer envy demons mostly, so he had slim pickings to begin with. All told, those who did eat ate heartily in an orgy of violence and cannibalism. It wasn't often that battles like this erupted, where the victim was so badly outnumbered that the demons responsible for the attack had the time to feed properly. 



In a few minuets more, it was all over. There were no prisoners of course. Lord Durial had ordered the whole estate be leveled, and that everyone who served Lavanna be butchered. Losses on their side had been light, but a few demons had been gravely wounded and wouldn't last much longer if they were still alive at all. Assuming of course their own companions didn't turn on them and consume their souls themselves... Not that Rena particularly cared about the fallen. 



Rena began looking around for Claude again after surveying the battlefield for a time, her battle rage fading and leaving her dripping in gore with a savage smile on her demonic features. She found him after a while only because the mansion proper had begun to burn, and she saw him and several others leaving the building. In moments the flames billowed out of every window and quickly consumed everything they touched. 



When Claude approached Rena turned to him. "Think we can stick around and watch it all go up?" She asked, as if they were perhaps watching fireworks. 



"Alas no. Clean up is already under way and when it's finished, we will have to go, before anyone comes looking for the source of the flames. I also have to contact Lord Durial's financial people and make sure the insurance is collected by him. No point it leaving it to the dead." Claude explained calmly. 



"Damn it all. We never get to stick around and watch it all burn." Rena replied angrily, before kicking one of the corpses fiercely enough for bones to splinter and punch out of the cadaver's body.... 



"If it is any consolation, Celestine may be awake by now. I'm sure she'll like to hear all about the battle." Claude answered, fully aware that the idea of seeing Celestine would likely convince the little hellion to return home.



Rena seemed to perk up at that idea and nodded quickly. "Alright! Well then let's get going already!" She exclaimed excitedly. 



"We still have to finish cleaning up Rena." Claude said, unable to keep himself from smiling lightly at her enthusiasm. 



Rena frowned and looked to the battlefield and those cleaning up. "You!" She bellowed, pointing at several of the demons responsible for clean up. "Hurry the hell up!" She ordered dangerously, making the already laboring demons attempt to accelerate their work. Yet even as less than a minute passed, Rena saw that the other demons simply didn't have the manpower to meet her demands. After giving an annoyed snort, Rena leapt to go help them in order to speed things along. Though her definition of helping was hurling the mostly intact corpses towards the large dump truck they were going to haul them in...



And while Rena's actions accelerated the work, she didn't realize she had an observer. Claude watched her; a bit surprised that she was willing to do this at all. Clean up was something that was normally far beneath Rena, and it usually took twisting her arm to get her to do anything like it. Yet here she was fully throwing herself into the job... 



It was just one more piece of evidence on a growing pile of little things that Claude had noticed changing in Rena. Things that made him worry where her loyalties really were. He had no doubt that she still loved their lord, but almost everything she did these days was for Celestine... Even attacking Markus had been for her, even though Rena knew that their true master wanted the Arcanist alive... Perhaps it was something to discuss with Lord Durial later, but for now, he let her work.



~~~~



Markus had parked the barrowed vehicle and was currently walking through the maze of streets and back alleys. A few vagrants and hoboes thought to approach him for change or to try and shake him down, but they all seemed to think better of it before getting too close. Yes, Markus still was limping some, and several of the bruises and cuts were still painfully visible, but the intensity in his gaze seemed to ward off anyone who thought to approach him, even during the instances when he just seemed to stop and go back the way he came. 



But Markus wasn't wandering around the city aimlessly, no matter how it may have looked. He was following the path of the maze that Arzal had created, and it didn't take long for Markus to make all the appropriate turns and changes in direction. That said, when he finally came to what was supposed to be the end of the maze, to a casual observer it would look like Markus was just standing in just another nameless alley, far from the eyes of anyone. Yet he reached out and began to draw symbols in the air, apparently at random, but it was only when he neared finishing the sigil in question that its outlines began to glow, floating in the air without solid form or substance. 



This had been the hardest part of cracking Arzal's maze, mimicking Arzal's actions and the sigils he created even though Markus couldn't see them for more than a fraction of a second. Not that he had time to revel in his achievements today, he was rushing to save Ella, who as far as he knew, could have already been dead. When the sigil was finished, Markus simply stepped forwards, and walked through the veil that brought him to Arzal's library. In reality, the true location of the library was somewhere in Europe, yet Arzal was a demon that traveled almost constantly, and therefore required some way to access it without going around the world every time he needed a book. 

<hr pg="4" />As a result he created an intricate system to transport himself, or anyone else who took the proper steps, to his library. And while Markus didn't like to admit it, he had to acknowledge the fact that Arzal had known what he was doing when he set up what Markus saw as a freakishly complex system. As far as he could tell, the main limitation it had was that while it seemed able to bring anyone from anywhere in the world to the library, it could only put them back in the same location they left from. 



However, the maze had to be completed in a very precise manner, and one could not rush through it as the timing was part of completing the maze just as much as the motions were. Never mind the fact that you needed some place to actually conduct all the turns and the like without running into a wall or something. Frankly speaking, it was useful as a means to avoid costly travel, but it couldn't be used as an escape route or anything like that.



When Markus stepped through the veil he found himself in the old library and was immediately struck by the comforting scent of ancient well cared for books and old wood. Looking around he saw the library, easily large enough to fit a two story house into, lit with low light bulbs that wouldn't damage any of the books themselves. The air was well circulated and smelled clean, again, for the distinct purpose of saving the books from damage. There were a few windows high on the walls to allow some natural light into the room, even though it was dark outside on this side of the world. 



However there was one thing missing from the library: a door out. In fact the only door there was the one he just came through, and if one looked through it, one would see that it simply led no where. In essence, the only real way out of here, was by using the portal, which meant that this acted as much as a prison for Ella as it did a library for Arzal. Markus asked Ella how she had managed to survive here for however long she had been locked away here, but she had explained that she didn't mind. Ella's love of books was almost unnatural, and it seems that she had allowed herself to be locked away in here. The reason she simply couldn't use the portal to leave wasn't because she didn't know how to use it, but because she hadn't used it to come in initially, and therefore had no destination that it could send her. 



From what Markus understood, she was here when the place was first built, and she was walled up inside the room with no means of escape. Food was regularly delivered by a system chutes and the like, but she honestly had no means to really communicate with the outside world. Which meant that her style and presence was very much a woman from the early sixties who had been exposed to a world that had begun to change drastically, but never had the chance to explore that change and grow herself... Not before Arzal took her in and locked her away for decades anyway. 



But now he was dead, and that meant Ella might die soon as well if he didn't hurry. "Ella?!" Markus called out as he began to walk into the library proper, glancing down each isle trying to find her. "Ella, where are you?" He asked again, fully aware that she couldn't have been anywhere else, but here. Markus went up to the upper level where Arzal's study was, and just as he rounded the table he saw her lying upon the ground...



"Ella!" Markus barked as he knelt down along side her, ignoring the pain in his body as he checked to see if she were still alive. As he turned her over he found her features streaked with dried tears, as even now her face was one of anguish. "Ella!" he tried again, shaking her gently to try and wake her up. The shock of his death might have made her faint... More importantly, she didn't look a day over twenty, exactly as he remembered her, so at least that was a good sign. 



Yet as she slowly awoke she looked to Markus and fresh tears began to well up in her eyes. "M-Markus... he's... He'd dead!" she almost wailed as she held onto him almost desperately, stunning Markus almost completely. Her despair was because Arzal was dead? 



"Ella... I... I know he's gone. I saw him die. But why are you so upset?" Markus asked clearly confused. In the few times that they had spent time together, Ella didn't seem overly attached to Arzal, or at least never defended him when Markus vented his frustrations with him to her. "I mean... you hated him because he locked you away in here... didn't you?" 



Ella looked away for a moment, even as she fought to keep more tears from flowing. "I... I didn't hate him... He took care of me... me and all these books. And I respected him for that. But there was more... I cared for him deeply, even if he never would have ever returned such feelings. I mean I'm just a human, he is... was... a demon. He couldn't love me..." Ella replied weakly before giving a quiet sob. 



"Wait... what?" Markus asked astonished. "How could you have loved him? He locked you away in this place, never letting you see the world or live your life!" 



She shrugged weakly. "I didn't want to live out there... The world was terrifying when I lived in it... people hated the way things were and were always fighting with police to try and change them... Drugs were everywhere, and even my friends stopped being themselves. Anna... bless her heart, she was corrupted by some man who led her into a life of vice and decadence. She probably died in some gutter a long time ago with a needle in her arm... He might have gotten his claws in me too if Arzal hadn't saved me." Ella explained to Markus. "He kept all that away from me... shielded me from it. And I was thankful for it. I didn't want to become like the rest. All I wanted was my books to care for and look after... And Master Arzal gave that to me, and praised me when I did well... But what now? What am I going to do now?!" Ella asked desperately. 



Markus looked at her utterly stunned. Normally she was polite and utterly poised. Even her laughter was usually kept to a quiet chuckle or relaxed giggle. Yet here she was breaking down right in front of him. "I... look, Ella, I need to make sure you're alright. You aren't feeling sick or anything right?" Markus asked, knowing that it was a terrible thing to ask when someone was clearly distressed, but he needed to know. 



Ella shook her head. "N-no. I just... I don't what I'm supposed to do. I can't go back into the world surely..." He reasoned, still holding tightly onto Markus like he was her only lifeline. 



"It's okay Ella, I got you." Markus assured as he let her take a second to gather herself. "But before we go, I want to check to see how far your demonic marks have faded to try and gauge how much time we have left." 



Ella blushed hard. "Wha-Wha-What? N-No I... I can't let you see them. It'd be indecent!" Ella stammered out. 



Markus blinked once, further surprised by her unique reply. "uh... Are they on your breasts or something? Even if they are Ella, I need to see them. If they're nearly gone we don't have much time to get you to someone who can save your life!" 



Ella frowned. "What do you mean? Am I in danger or something?" Ella asked before looking around suspiciously. This had been her safe haven and fortress for more than five decades, and she clearly didn't think she would be attacked here. 



"Sort of. Now that Arzal is gone, the marks that are keeping you young and healthy are about to fade. I need to get you to another demon so that he can mark you... Otherwise you're going to die from fifty years of aging all happening at once." Markus explained, gently pulling her up to her feet. "So please, even if it's embarrassing, show me, so I can gauge how much time we have left." 



Ella looked to him strangely. "You... you want me to serve someone else? Someone other than Master Arzal?" 



"Well... yea. If we don't you're going to die Ella. I don't want that to happen to you. You don't deserve that..." Markus explained, even though Ella's blush perplexed him. "I know it's hard to take, but this demon likely doesn't want anything from you other than for you to keep looking after these books." 



"But... how do I get there? I can't use the portal..." Ella replied weakly. 



"You can't get through on your own, but I suspect that I can bring you through with me. Will you give it a shot?" He asked hopefully. He had made this offer before, hoping to get her out into the world for short periods when Arzal wouldn't notice, but she had always politely turned him down. He knew she was scared of the outside world... but it was either hide here and die or go out there and live... 



Ella looked to the empty doorway that, for the better part of fifty years led no where for her... "I... I'll trust you." Ella replied, holding onto Markus's hand tightly. 



Markus nodded. "Alright. But I need to see the marks first, alright? I need to know how hard we have to push to get there in time. If they're nearly gone we're going to have to break a lot of traffic laws..." He implored lightly. "I promise, I won't look at anything other then the marks."



Ella seemed even more confused, but eventually she nodded, before pulling away and turning around. A moment later he saw her undoing her sweater jacket and lowering the shoulders of her shirt. All told the measure of skin shown was small by today's standards, but Markus realized that for Ella, who seemed raised to be as demure and reserved as possible, this was essentially like stripping naked... 



Yet what he saw stamped on her flesh was curious. On one shoulder blade looked to be a mark that resembled a quill pen, but instead of a normal quill, it was writhed in thorns. The other was an open book, one half of its pages bearing what appeared to be a calm lake, the other alight in angry flames... Markus shook his head and focused, trying to determine how much time he had left. Thankfully they didn't seem to be that faded. Some of the thorns had dimmed and the flames looked less pronounced that they should have been, but there was time yet. He gently moved to turn her lightly to allow better light, but the fearful gasp she gave made him think better of it. 



"Sorry about that. You are okay to put everything back on now." Markus told her, somewhat embarrassed himself. For whatever reason her uneasiness seemed to be catching on...



She quickly moved to comply and looked to him, face still red. "Do I have enough time?" 



"I think so. We won't have to rush too much." Markus offered her his hand and after looking at it for a long moment, she eventually took it. He then turned and the two of them went through the door, passing through the veil together.



~~~~



"Wow..." Ella whispered as the two of them drove through the city. "Everything is so bright..." She continued in awe. 



Markus looked out the window and frowned lightly... It was beginning to get dark already, but already the city was lighting up for the coming night night, filling the world with sites and sounds. "Is it really? I mean... back before you came to stay with Arzal, you must have seen city lights at night before. Right?" Markus asked curiously.



"...Not like this." Ella admitted bashfully. "I came into the city occasionally from our small town, and there was a growing night life, but nothing like this." Ella explained, still awed. 



"I see." Markus replied. "Well, in that case, once we get everything sorted out I'll show you around and let you see how much the world has changed." Markus assured. 



"Th-thank you Markus... But I think I'm okay with my library... There are too many people out here..." She said looking to the streets, cluttered with people coming and going. Though to Markus, it didn't seem like that many people. Then again, he hadn't been living in isolation for the majority of his life. 



"We'll take it slow alright? I don't want to overwhelm you or anything." Markus assured again. "I think you'll like today's world. The internet for example allows users to search out all sort of information." 



Ella nodded. "I've read a little bit about the internet, through some of the scientific journals and the like that Arzal brought me. It does intrigue me, but I think I'll always be in love with paper and hard covered books." Ella answered sheepishly. "I must seem like a fossil to a young man like you." Ella joked lightly. 



"Nah. Your way of looking at the world isn't wrong Ella, just slightly more conservative from the norm." Markus answered. 



As they rolled to a stop Ella seemed to look more closely to the people walking down the sidewalks. A moment later she turned her head quickly away, blushing slightly. "I... I think I'm more than just 'slightly more conservative' than the norm today Markus..." She announced, clearly unsure of herself. 



Markus glanced out the window to see several men and women waiting to cross the street together. One of the women in particular was wearing a shirt that revealed more than a little of her midriff and wore shorts that toted the line between being legal and indecent... "Uh... no. It's just that some people really push the limits of modesty you know? She isn't an example of the norm." Markus hastily explained as they began to roll ahead again. 



Ella seemed to ponder his words for a long moment before speaking up again. "What about the Celestine girl you told me above during your last visit? She... she doesn't dress like that does she? From the sounds of it, she's a nice girl... Maybe a little too forward but still a good woman." Ella replied.



But then it was Markus's turn to be embarrassed. "Ah, no. She doesn't wear things quiet so revealing. U-usually anyway. Durial, the demon I'm bringing you to... I think he forces her to wear things she knows will embarrass her, but she bears with it."



Ella nodded and smiled. "You do deserve a nice girl Markus... I hope you can keep her safe from Durial, but it'll be hard... Demons have a way of getting to people. Even you should be careful otherwise he might try and control you as well." 



Markus shook his head. "Unfortunately, I already sort of work of him. But I don't have a demonic mark. Celestine offered to make a deal with Durial if I worked on that sword for him, even though I have half a mind to run him through with hit." Markus exclaimed angrily. 



"If anyone could do it, it would be you." Ella responded, a hidden smile on her lips. "But you have to be sure to keep her safe Markus. Turn her away from Durial before it is too late." 



"I know. What is concerning though is that she's admitted to the fact that she's beginning to slip up. I don't know how much longer she can take being around him..." Markus shared with Ella. "She's been forced into some bad decisions, and while I don't think she can't come back, it's going to be hard for her. Durial is insidious and evil." Markus explained bitterly.



"Humm... Well maybe between the two of us we can help her? We just show her that she has human companions, and to remind her of what she really is." Ella said with a smile. "You'll see, we can do it. Deep down inside, I'm sure she's a good woman." She assured confidently.



~~~~~



"It seems like she's back." Celestine announced, clearly amused as she heard fast footsteps come rushing down the hall towards her chambers. A half moment later and Rena was passing through the doorway and bounding to Celestine's side. 



"Celestine!" Rena called out, reaching out and taking Celestine's free hand into hers. "You're awake!" Rena announced the obvious with clear happiness. 



"Indeed I am." Celestine replied. "And I've been awake for a while now actually. Where have you been off to though?" Celestine asked curiously. "Tristan was being all cryptic and didn't give me a strait answer." Celestine teased lightly as she glanced to him, still sitting at her side. 



"Oh! We were at Lavanna's estates. Me and Claude went there with some of the nobles sworn to Master and we raised the place to the ground!" Rena replied proudly. She turned to Tristan and continued. "No survivors either Master. We tracked all the ones that tried to run down and killed em." Rena reported eagerly. 



Celestine couldn't help but smile at Rena's enthusiasm and how elated she seemed to be. The notion that she had just come back from battle was secondary in her mind to the fact that she was happy. "Really? I assume by your demeanor you had a very good time of it." Celestine asked lightly, not noticing the slightly approving tone in her own voice. 



Rena nodded quickly. "Yea, it was a good fight. Really one sided though, after we overcame their only real defense, it kind of turned into a massacre. Still, it was fun. Do you remember that one wrath demon that won the competition at Lavanna's place the last time we were there? I got to fight him!" Rena explained excitedly. "He was even stronger than when I saw him last, and even managed to score a few hits on me!" Rena explained before she pulled up her shirt to reveal three shallow lacerations that crossed her body. 



Seeing her injuries took a bit of wind out of Celestine's sails. "Are you going to be okay?" she asked as she reached over and inspected the wounds more closely. Yet her touch only seemed to tickle Rena, as it made her giggle some. 



"Yea I'll be fine. They hurt like a son-of-a-bitch though when I first got them. The guy's sword seemed to be able to burn demons somehow. Not that it matters, because I still got to gobble up his soul!" Rena exclaimed proudly. "So I should be healed up soon enough." 



Celestine nodded. "Good. I hope Claude is alright as well?" 



"Indeed I am Celestine." Claude replied as he stepped into the bedroom as well, though he stood nearer to the door. 



Celestine smiled to the formal butler and gave him a slight nod. "I'm glad to hear it. Though why you went into battle without your leader is a question that vexes me..." Celestine explained as she looked to Tristan expectantly. 



Yet Tristan only chuckled at her. "What is the point of having Champions if I never trust them with anything? I knew they were perfectly capable of taking Lavanna's estates apart, even without the help that I sent along with them." 



"Still, don't you think you should have been there?" Celestine pressed, squeezing Rena's hand lightly, even as she crawled onto the bed and cuddled up along side Celestine. 



"I would have normally, but I was preoccupied with something with something far more important." Tristan replied calmly. 



Celestine was about to argue further when it clicked for her that he was talking about her. Staying with her and making sure she was alright was more important to him than killing Lavanna's cronies. Still, that realization stirred unwelcome feelings and only worked to confuse Celestine. "Damn it all Tristan..." She grumbled. "Why do you have to go and say things like that?" Celestine responded awkwardly. "It's confusing as hell, especially given everything else you've told me." 



Tristan cocked his head lightly and smiled. "You're assuming that I was referring to you." Tristan replied, clearly amused. 



Celestine blushed lightly as she realized her error. "Oh... shit. Sorry, I just kinda jumped to conclusions there didn't I?" Celestine replied, embarrassed. 



Tristan shrugged. "It's alright. You did wake up with me sitting next to you after all." Tristan replied before standing and beginning to take his leave. "But I've got other things to look after right now, so I'll see you later." 



Celestine nodded, but before he was out her door she spoke up again. "Then what was so important that kept you from looking out for Rena and Claude?" 



Tristan paused and looked back to her, a devilish smile crossing his lips. "Why you, of course." He replied, his calm confidence resonating with every word. 



Celestine frowned, as her blush deepened. "But you sai-" Celestine began, but he cut her off before she could finish. 

<hr pg="5" />"I said that you assumed that was the case, but I never said you were wrong Celestine." Tristan explained before stepping through the door and disappearing from sight, Claude following him. 



Celestine sat there surprised and embarrassed at the same time. On one side she wanted him to keep saying and doing things that reinforced her secret hopes that there was something more between them, while at the same time cursing him for confusing the subject even more for her. Yet that was all pushed to the side when she felt Rena's lips up against her neck, kissing her lightly. "H-Hey Rena... What are you doing?" Celestine asked, her stress lessening as she focused on her friend. 



"Humm?" Rena asked intelligibly as she gently nipped at the soft flesh of Celestine's lower neck. "Oh nothing much, just reacting to you. I can smell that you're a bit hot and bothered right now... So I figured I'd help you out some." Rena replied, a mischievous undertone to her voice as one of her hands slipped under Celestine's covers and towards her pussy. 



Celestine couldn't help but giggle at Rena's brazenness. "Oh really? Because to me it looks like it isn't me who's the horny one right now..." Celestine teased lightly as one of her hands slipped under the covers to catch Rena's, keeping her from reaching any further. 



Rena's face went red before she quickly looked away, apparently embarrassed at being caught. "I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so forward it's just..." Rena worried at her lower lip as she tried to come up with some sort of reasoning. Little did she know that seeing her like that, looking small and vulnerable made Celestine's heart begin to skip a little faster. "I was worried about you okay? I didn't know if you'd wake up again, and I'm mad at myself for not being there to protect you... If you hadn't woken up, it'd be all my fault... I'm supposed to be your guard and all an-"



Celestine cut Rena off with a single finger across her lips. Her touch drew Rena's attention back to her and Celestine smiled brightly at Rena. "Hush... No more of that alright? Everything that happened, just happened okay? No one but Lavanna is at fault. Least of all you." Celestine assured her. "Besides, I'm thankful for everything you did at her Estate..." Celestine began as she gently pushed Rena from her side onto her back, and then climbed atop her, hovering above on her hands and knees. "I'm guessing you and Claude went to her home to wipe out anyone who might have learned about me... Lavanna wasn't one to mark her sworn demons, but still, you didn't take any chances instead of risking someone finding out about me. And I am very thankful for that." Celestine explained before leaning her forehead against Rena's. 



Rena gave a pleased purr as she smiled to Celestine. "You're welcome... I'd do anything to keep you safe. You know that right?" Rena asked, her voice clearly dedicated to Celestine. 



"I know, my beautiful vengeful champion." Celestine replied before leaning up and kissing Rena's forehead. "And because of that, I think a reward is in order..." Celestine continued, voice low and suggestive. She settled onto her knees, planted just outside Rena's hips before reaching down and taking each of Rena's hands and lifting them up above her head towards the headboard of Celestine's bed, where she gently wrapped Rena's hands around one of the vertical bars there. Rena looked up a little confused before looking back down to Celestine, who still smiled at her. "I want you to hold onto those bars. No matter what, you can't let go until I tell you to, alright?" Celestine commanded lowly, her gaze meeting Rena's violet eyes. 



Rena, not really sure what was going on, but finding her heart racing in erotic excitement, nodded without hesitation. "Yes..." She finally managed to respond, her voice light and little more than a faint whisper. 



Yet her acceptance made Celestine's smile grow a few millimeters more before she slipped further down Rena's body, low enough that her features hung just above where her shirt met her pants. Celestine's gaze never left Rena's eyes, as her hands slowly reached down and took the hem of Rena's shirt and began to edge it up gradually, revealing more and more of Rena's toned body with each passing moment. 



Rena found her breath accelerating as her shirt came further and further up, and soon, Celestine was pulling it up and above her head, taking special care to pull it up without issue. When Celestine looked down again, her breath caught lightly as she looked upon Rena's beautiful body. She glanced up to see Rena's eyes, still locked on hers, confused, vulnerable and silently pleading for Celestine to keep going. 



Celestine didn't hesitate a moment more before she leaned down and gently began to rain feather light kisses along Rena's collar bone, even as her hands began to knead Rena's ample breasts. A few moments in and Rena couldn't help but let out a moan that signaled how much she enjoyed what Celestine was doing, but it seemed like her mortal companion wasn't through with her. As Celestine's kisses continued to migrate further south, she came upon the first shallow cut upon Rena's flesh. It was just above her right breast, and had already begun sealing itself up. She paused for a moment to meet Rena's eyes again and couldn't help but smile wickedly at Rena's helpless gaze. 



"You were hurt, defending me and my secrets..." Celestine commented lowly, her voice like velvet to Rena's ears. The demoness under her could only nod weakly at Celestine's words before Celestine continued. "Than shall I kiss it better for you Rena?" She asked, her lips already hovering hardly more than an inch above Rena's pale skin. 



Rena nodded quickly, her breath coming quickly, almost to the point where she was panting. "Yes." She eventually managed to respond hesitantly. 



"Yes what?" Celestine asked in response, her voice dominant and expecting, yet not cruel or harsh. 



"Yes please." Rena replied quickly and obediently, stirring something in Celestine that pushed her to continue. 



Celestine lowered her lips upon Rena's wound and began with a single long but still light peck, while at the same time, one of her hands was busy twirling and teasing the nipple on Rena's opposite breast, sending ripples of pleasure out through Rena's body, mixing with the intimate delight that Celestine's lips brought her. Soon Celestine's single kiss ended, but was quickly followed by more short light kisses along the whole of the wound. All the while Celestine's hands remained busy, playing with Rena's sensitive nipples and making her squirm delightfully under Celestine. 



Soon Celestine pulled away a few inches and took deep slow breaths, letting her breath wash over Rena's warm skin. Celestine could still vaguely taste Rena's blood upon the wound, and for reasons beyond her understanding, she found herself enjoying the coppery tang... Still, she smiled as she watched Rena, still panting sharply as she waited for more, and Celestine did not disappoint. Celestine continued to lower herself along Rena's body, her head dipping down to flick one of Rena's nipples with her tongue a few times as she passed over Rena's ample bosom until she reached the second cut... This one was below her left breast by half a dozen inches, and this time Celestine didn't hesitate to look up again at Rena. "Another wound, taken on my behalf." Celestine commented lowly, before cocking her head lightly, looking to Rena expectantly as if asking a question with her eyes alone. 



Rena, half lost in the attention she was having heaved upon her tried to focus, and was able to eventually reply. "Yes Please." Rena repeated again through sharp breaths. 



"Yes please what?" Celestine asked teasingly, her breath tickling the flesh around Rena's wound. 



Yet even as Rena tried to focus on answering Celestine, she felt her friends hands slip down her body and begin to slide under her jeans and towards her crotch, where Rena began to feel Celestine teasing the outermost edges of her pussy... 



"Please what Rena?" Celestine asked again, voice more commanding this time, snapping Rena back for a moment. 



"Please kiss it better!" Rena began to beg. She didn't know why, but she felt helpless right now... She, who not hours ago had been tearing other demons to bloody ribbons was utterly helpless under the touch of this mortal... Many demons would call her weak and pathetic for this... she knew that. But she didn't care. All that mattered was the ecstasy Celestine's touch brought to her. 



A pleased and approving sigh from Celestine made Rena quiver in expectation before she felt Celestine's fingers slip just a little closer to her pussy, rubbing her sensitive flesh in order to arouse her even further. A moment later Celestine's lips came down upon the wound again, and while Rena knew she should have felt at least a minor twinge of pain, all she knew was bliss at the feather light touches that came from her suddenly dominant friend... 



Yet it all paused as Celestine pulled back suddenly, looking up past Rena's features and to her hands. Without even realizing it, Rena had begun to let go of the rails, apparently intent on reaching down and touching Celestine. Yet her unyielding gaze made Rena come to a jerking halt, before she snapped her hands back up to the rail and hold it firmly. "I'm sorry!" She pled quickly. "I wasn't thinking! Please don't stop." 



Yet Rena was in for disappointment as Celestine shook her head and instead of returning to her feather light kisses, slid further down. "I warned you Rena." Celestine replied. "Don't do it again, or I'll stop entirely, instead of just skipping ahead..." Celestine warned sternly. "Am I understood?" Rena nodded quickly and firmly, much to Celestine's glee. "Very well then. We'll continue..."



The last cut was just above Rena's hip, and much of it slipped across the center line of her body under her pants. This time Celestine didn't bother asking Rena what she wanted and simply started kissing the wound from its highest point and working her way down. It was then that Rena realized that each inch further down brought Celestine that much closer to her oozing cunt. And it was that realization that made Rena have to fight not to let go of the bar that Celestine had ordered her to hold onto... Celestine was still working her way down of course, but Rena wanted to push her down into her crotch so she could eat her out... but she couldn't, and she knew it too. She couldn't let go of the pole, and it felt like ecstatic torture to just lay there and let Celestine slowly play with her. Yet torture or not, Rena didn't dare let go of the bar... Celestine told her to hold it, so doing anything else was tantamount to heresy...



Yet when she reached the hem of Rena's pants, Celestine seemed to pause, and looked to Rena expectantly... "P-Please... d-don't stop..." Rena managed weakly, her shuddering voice surprising even her. She felt weak and helpless, but it didn't matter because she was in Celestine's hands. Even if Celestine wanted to hurl her into the pit, Rena doubted that she could deny her at this point... 



"But your pants seem to be in the way." Celestine replied, her voice sending shocks of unrepentant desire clawing through Rena. 



"I can take them off!" Rena replied instantly. "But... I-I need to let go of the ba-" Rena continued before she was cut off by Celestine's sultry voice. 



"You haven't forgotten already have you?" Celestine asked. "You are not to let go of that bar..." She commanded.



The creaking of metal sounded as Rena was stuck between the urge to reach out and touch Celestine and obey her commands. It left her pulling at the metal bar, making it flex further than a normal human could possibly pull it, while still not breaking free. Eventually Rena nodded. "I... I didn't forget... But if I can't... Could... you please take off my pants?" Rena quietly pled, embarrassed and aroused by her words. 



Celestine nodded lightly, before her head dipped down and she began to use her teeth to close around the button in Rena's jeans and attempt to undo the simple button. It took several moments and attempts, leaving Rena to simply sit back and watch desperately wishing Celestine would hurry. Each attempt that didn't quite work left Rena whimpering and fighting not to squirm. Yet after a few seconds, Rena felt her jeans slacken slightly making her gasp, unsure if Celestine was successful. Yet a moment later Celestine's mischievous gaze came up and met Rena's eyes in triumph, and the demoness couldn't help but give an excited squeak as she began to hear the tipper beginning to come down, the tag being pulled by Celestine's teeth. 



"P-please... Celestine... hurry..." Rena begged desperately as the bar she held creaked angrily again. Celestine's response was nothing more than seductive giggle only made Rena quake for more. "Please!" 



Yet her answer came when she felt Celestine begin to pull her jeans down revealing Rena's thong. Seeing her underwear, Celestine gave Rena a naughty look before she tossed aside the jeans continued down the shallow wound, kissing it lightly over and over, and coming closer and closer to where Rena really wanted Celestine to lay her lips... 



Yet even as she was thinking it, Rena bucked hard as she felt Celestine begin to rub the knuckles of her middle finger up and down Rena's sodden panties, along the mound of her pussy. In moments the pressure was almost forcing the thin fabric into Rena's cunt, almost revealing her lips around the sides of the narrow strip of cloth. Yet for all her squirming, Celestin kept on top of Rena, controlling her with little more than kisses and a light grinding touch. Soon though, she came to the end of the wound and her lips pulled away, leaving Rena wound up like a spring... 



"P-Please!" Rena gasped out, her back already beginning to arch lightly as she looked to Celestine frantically. 



"Please what Rena?" Celestine asked coolly, as if Rena's writhing and needy body was not under her. Rena's pale skin went beet red as she tried to get the words out. Yet her embarrassment kept her befuddled. It was only when Celestine began to pull away did Rena finally find the words. 



"<i>Please! </i>Please kiss my naughty little <i>pussy</i>!" Rena almost screamed, even as she had to screw her eyes shut to avoid the lustful gaze of Celestine. Over and over Rena tried to understand why and how this was happening. She was the demon, she shouldn't be the one begging the mortal... But frankly that didn't matter to her... She loved it when Celestine was dominant and powerful... she loved it when Celestine ordered her and lived for her praise and rewards... And so she spread her legs wide to give Celestine all the access she would need.



Rena found herself about to scream out again as she waited for what felt like an eternity. Yet just before she formed the words she felt Celestine's lips against her sodden slit through the thin strip of semitransparent material. Rena still screamed of course, though it was a wordless cry of bliss rather then hungry begging. Soon Celestine's light touch grew more forceful, and her mouth opened to cover more of Rena's damp cunt through her thong. New waves of ecstasy struck Rena silent as she felt Celestine's tongue pressing against the fabric of her underwear, keeping it from slipping inside her squeezing walls. 



Yet for all her pleasure, Rena knew that if not for the thong, she would have been blessed with more. "Celestine... L-let me take off my panties!" Celestine didn't even pause in what she was doing, not bothering to reply as she continued to lap up and down Rena's oozing cunt. Celestine's silent response only made Rena moan in frustration. "<i>PLEASE</i>! I've been good haven't I?" 



Celestine pulled away before firmly taking both of Rena's legs in hand and closing them quickly, only for her to reach down and take a handful of Rena's undergarments as she met the demoness's eyes. "You have been good." Celestine replied, her voice husky with desires of her own. "But is that enough Rena?" She asked, mostly following her desires and instincts, not really sure where this would end up taking her. But what Celestine did know is that she loved every moment of it. Heaving so much attention upon Rena like this excited her, and seeing her friend look up at her with such wanting anxious eyes was almost more then she could take. It made her want to simply tear Rena's panties away and feast on her delectable cunt. But she knew that it was her control over Rena that made the demoness look at her like this, so she never broke her guise, even as she reveled in the power it gave her. 



Rena seemed to be considering Celestine's words, unsure if she had indeed done enough to earn such a reward. Yet even as she tried to think of what else she could do, nothing came to mind. The bar Rena held creaked again, making Celestine smile as she saw Rena's frustration at trying to find a way to please her. Eventually Rena looked to Celestine, her gaze apologetic and wanton at the same time. "I don't know... But I'll do anything you want me to! Anything at all, I promise!" Rena managed breathlessly. 



It was that utter dedication that finally flipped the final switch for Celestine, and it was in that moment that Celestine grasped how much Rena adored her. In response, Celestine smiled to Rena, clearly pleased by her answer, as she began to pull Rena's panties down and then force her legs apart again as the undergarment hung from one of Rena's ankles. Rena giggled in glee only to yelp when Celestine didn't drop her head down between her legs, but instead pulled Rena's hips up to meet her hungry mouth. 



The moment her tongue touched Rena's flesh, her back arched and she began to moan and writhe in Celestine's grip. Yet for all her struggles, Celestine did not let her go, nor did she accidently bump Rena's clit. She took special care to leave that little node of hypersensitive flesh alone, fully intent on using it later. Then again, she might not have had to; given how Rena was responding to Celestine's exploring tongue. Celestine could taste Rena's pussy as it oozed with even greater speed and could feel Rena's hips jerking involuntarily as she rocked them against Celestine's face. 



Despite herself, and wanting to draw this out as long as possible, Rena found herself quickly building into an unstoppable climax. Every little motion and flick of Celestine's tongue made Rena's toes curl, and soon her breathing was coming at such an intense rate, Celestine feared she was going to hyperventilate. Yet for all the outward signs of distress, Rena kept up with Celestine, moaning for more even as she could feel the looming climax ready to crush her completely. 



"I'm... <i>uhn! </i>I'm... <i>Oh FUCK! </i> I'm about to cum Celestine... Just... Just a <i>little more!" </i>Rena howled as her legs straightened slowly as they hung from over Celestine's shoulders, pointing almost ramrod strait into the air as she began to fall over the precipice. Yet the final shove never came as she felt Celestine's head pull back just enough to rob Rena of all contact. Hopeless desire filled Rena's eyes as she looked to Celestine, lustful dominance shining in her eyes. Instinctually Rena wanted to reach out and grab Celestine's head and force her into finishing her off, but even before her hands let go of the bar, she saw Celestine's gaze fall on her hands, as if she were thinking a step ahead. 



"Don't you dare let go Rena..." She warned lowly, threat thick with her own lust... 



"<i>Celestine!" </i>Rena wailed franticly, even as the metal began to whine in protest again, her powerful grip twisting it and squishing the metal bars. 



"Don't. Let. Go." Celestine ordered again, her voice brooking no argument. 



It was all Rena could do but nod weekly, and shiver in fevered want as she felt each of Celestine's slow breaths wash over her pussy. Yet Celestine wasn't blind, and could feel her shuddering every time she exhaled. So to add to her torture, Celestine took a deep slow breath, and ever so lightly blew over Rena's clit. The ensuing gasp that came from her friend made Celestine's heart skip a beat and make her own pussy juices run down her legs. Seeing Rena like this made her hot and horny, and desperate to find her own satisfaction. Yet she sat still for a long moment, watching Rena fight not to come apart at the seams with raw undiluted desire and lust. 

<hr pg="6" />Rena by this point was seeing stars and everything else was a blur. Her heart hammered in her chest and every inch of her body tingled with erotic joy... Celestine was holding her up on that edge, and she knew it too. But that in itself only added to Rena's ecstasy, knowing Celestine had such utter domination over her... Her thoughts would have gone further, if she had not heard Celestine's voice, only slightly muffled by her own body. 



"Good girl."



And then Rena's world exploded in a world of white blinding bliss as she felt Celestine kiss her clit, pressing hard enough to send Rena flying over the edge into her climax. She couldn't help the erotic scream of joy that ripped from her mouth as she felt her eyes begin to roll back and her whole body felt like it was exploding. <i>"FUCK YES!"</i> Rena began before her words became an unintelligible string of obscenities and thanks for Celestine. With her howling, the shriek of metal could be heard, as the bar she held finally gave way when Rena pulled at it reflexively, tearing it in twain, before bringing her hands down at her sides to help stabilize her, pieces of the bar still firmly held in each hand...



For a time beyond Rena's recollection or grasp, she simply let herself be held by Celestine as her body continued to pulse in pleasure and mind numbing joy, made to last longer still, as she could still feel Celestine raining soft pecks upon her swollen pussy and clit. Yet when she was finally beginning to come out of it, Rena vaguely realized she wasn't being held up any more, and her eyes opened worriedly, as if she were afraid Celestine had disappeared. Yet what she saw abolished any such fear, as she saw Celestine standing above her, having stripped at some point... 



Without word or consideration, Celestine began to lower herself towards Rena's still pleasure drunk features, bringing her pussy just above her face. Holding Rena's gaze with hers, Celestine spoke again, voice calm and powerful. "You said you'd do anything for me?"



"Anything. Anything and everything!" Rena replied dreamily, before opening her mouth and sticking her tongue out happily, ready to eat Celestine out without hesitation. 



Celestine smiled down to her, reveling in the drunk worship that Rena's eyes lavished her with. "Good Girl." Celestine repeated before she lowered her hips down onto Rena's waiting features. 



Almost instantly Celestine could feel Rena lapping at her dripping cunt feverishly, as if desperatly trying to please Celestine with every facet of her being. <i>"Ah... mmnh! Very... Very good girl!" </i>Celestine managed as she began to rock her hips against Rena's face, loving the feeling of her tongue darting in and out of her wet pussy. Without realizing it, Celestine reached down and ran her fingers through Rena's hair, taking hold tightly and almost pulling her deeper into her pussy. Rena seemed to get the hint, as she felt Rena's arms reach up and wrap around her hips, as if pulling her down farther. 



Celestine didn't last much longer than Rena did, having already been made horny and pressed to the edge by her dominance over Rena. Soon enough she was panting out and moaning as her own climax enveloped her, wiping out everything in her mind but this moment of carnal lustful bliss as Rena was happily lapping up every drop of Celestine's pussy gave. 



Soon though, the two of them were laying along side each other, both naked and covered with a sheen of sweat, painting an almost perfect erotic picture. Yet as weariness began to tug on Rena, Celestine only felt alive and awake. Still, she did not begrudge her companion not being able to go further. She was more than satisfied, and just as Rena was beginning to fade, she leaned forward and gently kissed her, before letting her fall to sleep with that to fill her dreams...



~~~~~



"What did you do?!" Markus asked angrily, as he quickly fell to Ella's side as she slumped to the ground. 



Lord Durial looked to him and raised an eyebrow. "Exactly what I said I would do. I marked her, to keep her from aging to death. You do recall that's why you brought her here, right?" 



Markus was about to curse him out when he felt Ella's grip upon his shoulder. Looking down, he saw her features were one of drunken pleasure. "You... you gave her pleasure..." 



"Instead of pain?" Tristan finished for him. "Of course I did. I'm not a fiend like some demons." Durial explained bluntly. 



Yet even as Markus watched, Durial's demonic mark began to form on Ella's skin. He watched as the curving and sensual lines stretched across her right hand's index and middle fingers, swirling around and covering much of the digits. It was unlike any other mark he had seen, in both location and shape. Yet even as Ella seemed to come out of the sheer physical pleasure Durial had leveled her with, she seemed to be perplexed and worried. "You shouldn't fret..." Markus told her calmly. "You are not betraying Arzal... He's gone." 



"Indeed he is." Durial replied. "Though his legacy is not. Ella was it? I want you to see to transporting every book and scrap of information from Arzal's library to my home. I'm not going to go back and forth from there every time I need something, nor am I going to leave it for some other demon to find and start poaching from. It might have worked well for Arzal, but for me, it's just a liability. Can you do this for me?" Tristan asked calmly. 



Ella looked to him before holding her hand out to Markus to help her stand up. Yet when he took her hand, a surprised squeak came from Ella, and her face went red again. But before he could ask, Markus felt her take his hand with her left hand instead and pulled herself up to face Durial. "I... I can Lord Durial. It will take time to ship them all, but it can be done." Ella answered, manner of factually. "But I will need assistance. Much has changed in the world since I've been isolated and I won't know what needs to be done logistically beyond keeping the books in an environment that will keep them safe and undamaged." 



Durial nodded. "Of course. I'll send Claude through with you next time you go to the library. He'll handle the legalities if you can keep the books preserved." 



Ella nodded obediently and Durial turned and was about to leave them with each other, but Markus spoke up. "Wait... what about the second mark?" 



"She shouldn't need it." Durial replied. "She might start aging as one with a single mark would, but the crushing weight of the ages won't come crashing down on her with just the one, so she'll be fine." He explained idly. 



"Oh... good." Markus replied, glad for that at least. Markus turned to Ella to find her looking at the new mark, her face still flush as she gently rubbed her thumb against the marked skin. "Ella?" Him calling her name seemed to startled her, and she looked up at him like she had been caught doing something wrong. 



"Y-Yes?" She asked worriedly. 



"What's wrong?" Markus asked worriedly. "Does it feel wrong or something?" 



Ella quickly shook her head no. "No no! It's fine... Just... My other marks were all in places that I didn't feel them often... This is just different." She tried to answer. 



But her odd words made Markus look more closely, and it was then that it dawned on him. "Oh... oh god..." Markus whirled to look at Durial, still walking away. "With the mark there... every time she opens a book or turns a page..." 



"Correct." Durial replied without looking back, his voice one of perfect confident calm. "She'll feel physical pleasure every time she touches anything, including when she turns the pages of a book. I've essentially turned those two fingers into an erogenous zone." Durial turned and looked to Ella. "I'm guessing Arzal never gave you any physical comfort, and I'm guessing it's been decades since you've pleasured yourself, let alone been pleasured by a man. So I figured this would be a nice gift for you Ella." Durial explained, seemingly with kind intentions. "After all, there is no reason you can't enjoy your work in more ways than one, right?" He finished before turning and leaving it at that.



"Yes... Thank you very much Lord Durial." Ella responded meekly, still not sure how to feel about what happened.



Markus bit his tongue as rage swelled in him. Durial was a liar and he <i>was</i> a fiend, the most insidious kind... The kind you thanked for pushing you over the edge and into the pit of depravity... 

