TITLE    : Demonic Submission Ch. 40
STORYID  : demonic-submission-ch-40
SUMMARY  : She awakens to Numbness, Agony, and Vengence.
AUTHOR   : TheLastChaosLord@lit
DATE     : 2014-03-13
CATEGORY : non-erotic-stories
FLAGS    : 
TAGS     : |demon|revenge|hand job|


<i>Hello again all! 



This time I'm posting much sooner than last time, as this chapter is significantly shorter than the last, and I had fewer things keeping me from working on it. 



This chapter largely deals with the fallout from the last chapter, and helps us get a glimpse of the relationship between Navira and Elanace, though it doesn't go into great depth as that will likely be in a later chapter. 



We also see Collin begin to break free of his status of being a Doll in this chapter, and the responses of those around him.



Anywho, as always, thank you to everyone for their positive comments over the last few weeks. I know it takes a while to post stuff up, but I hope you continue to enjoy my story. 



Cheers, and happy reading.</i>



~~~~~



Celestine slowly woke as she vaguely realized she was floating in something. It took several long and uncomfortable seconds for her mind to start up again, and she found herself having to force her mind to wake up, even though all she wanted to do was fall right back into a deep sleep. But Celestine knew she didn't have time for that, and for all she knew she was in some new peril. She doubted Navira would tolerate her simply lying about and sleeping. But even as the thought crossed her mind, Celestine remembered that she seemed to be floating, and after a few moments more, she began to recognize the sound of liquids splashing lightly all around her. 



Slowly she forced her eyes to begin to open, only to wince at the uncomfortable light that filled her vision. Still, she forced herself to adjust and soon the blinding light became less coarse, and shapes and colors began to come into focus. Somewhere along the line she realized she was in a large tub, floating near the surface of the water that filled it. How she was floating exactly was beyond her, but as she looked around, she realized that there were others in the tub with her, holding her near the surface as they washed her down with sponges and gentle cloths. 



Celestine tried to ask what was going on, but little more than a confused groan came from her lips. However, someone still answered her, her voice familiar and amused. "Ah... she does indeed live. Here I was wondering if you were going to ever wake up." Navira announced as she walked into view, standing outside the large tub. "How do you feel? I'm curious if there were any after affects from Jillian's toying around with my venom. Usually you would only feel worn out, and perhaps a lingering desire for me to bite you again, but I wonder if that's the case now..." Navira queried curiously.



Celestine tried to speak again, but again only mumbles and incoherent sounds escaped her lips. It was strange though. It wasn't that she was having trouble breathing or anything. It was more accurate to say that she could hardly feel her tongue in her mouth, or even her lips for that matter. Frowning, Celestine kept trying, and slowly words rose from her slurred speech. "Can'th feel my tonguth or lips." Celestine began to explain, before glancing down and seeing one of the women in the tub with her rubbing the sponge against her breast. Instinctually she glared at the woman who was touching her like that, but only received a blank look from the woman in return 



"Oh relax Celestine. They are just washing you down. You were quite a mess by the time you were done, so I figured a nice bath might bring you back to life." Navira chimed in lightly, as if this small favor made up for Celestine's situation. 



"N-no... it isn't that... I can barely feel her touching me..." Celestine replied worriedly, her voice beginning to come back to her. "Or... or any of them. I should be able to feel them cleaning me... but there is hardly any sensation at all..." Celestine added as she looked around to withness that the other two women were in fact still cleaning her. A moment more and she looked up to Navira, unsure if this was normal or if it was even permanent. 



Yet Navira's confused look was hardly reassuring. "Wait... you can't feel anything?" She asked as she stepped over the lip of the tub and waded closer to Celestine. She looked down to one of Celestine's arms floating in the water and lifted it out before pinching the skin some. "You don't feel that?" 



Celestine looked on at what Navira was doing before slowly shaking her head. "No... This hasn't happened before with you?" Celestine asked quickly, dread beginning to fill her. 



"No." Navira replied simply, still looking down at Celestine's arm, even as she began to pinch harder. Hard enough that it would rip a normal human's flesh. Yet when Celestine gave no response at all she eventually let go, letting her arm fall into the water. It would bruise, but Navira knew the Demonic Marks Celestine bore would heal the damage quickly enough.



"Than what is happening?!" Celestine asked sharply, glaring at Navira accusingly.



"Careful Celestine." Navira warned. "One might be offended if spoken to like that." Navira continued with a cruel grin. 



"Offended? And what would that person do to me then?" Celestine asked, utterly unfazed. "Would she beat me, or maybe cut into my flesh?" Celestine continued, her voice still cold and bitter. "What good would that be, when I can't feel any pain that person might want to heap upon me?" Celestine asked, trying to get her point across. 



Navira was about to open her mouth to respond, only to realize that Celestine did in fact have a point. "Oh... huh... if you can't feel the pain, there's really no point in hurting you, is there?" Navira asked herself more than anything. 



"Oh wait, it gets worse." Celestine replied bluntly. "If I can't feel pain, it probably means I can't feel tactile pleasure either, meaning that the next few days are probably going to be very boring for one Demonic Duchess." Celestine continued, even as her own mind began to rev up, despite the lethargy that still gripped her. If she couldn't feel anything, would Tristan even care anymore? Plus, this wasn't a mental thing, so how could he possibly fix her? Nefas might be able to, but if he couldn't, would Tristan just toss her aside? He said he wouldn't, but this was a unique situation... What good was she to a lord of sensation and pleasure, when she could feel neither...?



Yet when Navira heard her words, her shoulders visibly slumped. "Well fuck me." She groaned. "Seriously?" She asked, even as her hand dipped between Celestine's legs and into the water. Celestine watched as she assumed Navira was playing with her pussy, but given that she couldn't feel any of it, Celestine's response was lacking. "Well fuck me again." Navira repeated as her hand pulled free from the water. "Shit... alright... let's get you into bed and hope this wears off. Most side effects usually do, so hopefully in a few hour's you'll be back on your feet again."



"How could you not know about this?" Celestine asked, her voice stunned at Navira's response. "It's your venom isn't it?" 



"Only in part Celestine." Navira replied with a grim smile. "It was probably cut with chemicals and other compounds that were meant to make it more addictive or intense. Unfortunately, the only person who might be able to tell us something about that, is dead. Because... well, you did slit her throat." She reminded, amused by the irony that the only person that could have helped Celestine, was someone Celestine had butchered to make a point... "So, the only option we have at the moment is to wait, and hope it wears off." 



Celestine frowned at Navira's words, hating that she was so willing to dismiss any other possibilities. "We should see if Jillian left any notes behind." Celestine replied, unwilling to simply sit and wait. 



"She may have, but it's likely that no one but her could really understand them. I don't know about you, but I've never tried majoring in chemistry." Navira teased cruelly. "Still, I'll have someone look into it. Perhaps we can find something that can help so we can get back to our games as soon as possible." 



Celestine grit her teeth as she realized how little of a commitment that actually was on Navira's part. Still, she supposed Navira had some interest in her wellbeing. Without the ability to feel tactile sensations, Celestine was more or less useless to her. However, soon the dolls were finished bathing her, and helped Celestine level off and stand. It was a strange sensation, in that it was a complete lack of feeling. Walking and the like felt odd, even in the pool of water, as the only signal she had showing that she was making any progress was her eyes. She didn't even feel a sense of balance or the sensation of her feet against the floor of the tub. However that lack of balance slowed Celestine down, and it took her several long moments to get out of the tub, and even longer for her to get dressed in some simple clothes the dolls offered her after they dried her off.



Unfortunately, while her sense of touch was nearly non-existent, Celestine could still feel the aura's and power of demonic souls all around her, and as she stood outside the tub, she began to sense another presence, somewhere in the large bathroom. She began to look around for it, but her search was interrupted by the sound of a low scratchy voice. "My Lady... I have a proposal..." The harsh voice announced from one of the dark corners of the room. Looking towards the source of the sound, Celestine found nothing in the corner, but realized that the voice hadn't come from ground level... Looking up, Celestine found it, lurking near the ceiling with four legs spread out to keep it hanging up in the ceiling, as the black orbs that she assumed were its eyes, stayed focused on her...



"Oh, and what is that Grimwald?" Navira asked, glancing towards the demon casually. 



"She... She has such supple flesh. It would be a waste to ignore such a fine canvas..." Grimwald announced, before he began to crawl along the ceiling towards Celestine on the four legs that sprouted from his lower torso. Yet each step brought with it the jingling of metal on metal, and as he came closer to her, Celestine began to recognize him. He was one of the demons that had accompanied Navira during Vestiem's Court, though at the time he had been wrapped in tight leather and wore what appeared to be a gas mask. Now though, his flesh was largely bare, save for a sort of helm he wore that covered most of his face, allowing sight only threw three parallel slits. It was through those slits that Celestine could see his dark eyes, full of dark glee. "Perhaps this lack of sensation is a boon... I could do so much with her if she were not writhing in agony... She could perhaps be one of my greatest works." Grimwald concluded as he finally stopped, hanging above Celestine, looking down at her in wonder and want, his needling like fingers and talons clicking off each other as they shivered excitedly. "Give her to me for even an hour my lady, and I make her glitter in gold and silver..." 



Celestine instinctively backed away from Grimwald as best she could, certain that she wanted no part in whatever machinations he had in mind. Yet Navira spoke up first, moving to put herself between Celestine and Grimwald. "You want to turn her into your canvas Grimwald? That's surprising... normally you enjoy causing your subjects pain. In fact you've said that you live for such suffering on more than one occasion. What is different this time?" Navira asked, looking up to her eager servant. 



Grimwald snickered lightly, causing the multitude of piercings covering his back to jingle. "I do it for you my Lady... I know you love the sight of your dolls, pierced and tattooed... Diana and Troy were the last you had me work on, and while I am grateful such an opportunity to serve you, I know you want more... I think this mortal can provide you with more... I know exactly what I would do... First... the breasts... I would pierce her nipples and give her red-gold rings. From those rings a silver chain would hang, with a single blood red jewel to dangling from the middle, pulling the chain taunt." Grimwald shivered from his perch above them, as if he was getting off on merely imagining Celestine once he was done with her. 



"Mnnn...." Navira replied, as if the image Grimwald was painting was quite tempting indeed. "What else?" She asked breathily. "Tell me more." She demanded, even as Celestine shuddered. Celestine had no doubt that some of what Grimwald suggested might be alluring, she also knew that she wanted no part of him ever touching her. 



"The clit would be next... I'd pierce it with a heavy ring with a ball in it... Large enough that someone could slip their tongue in it and pull it, or maybe hook a fine chain into, to lead her around by her clit..." Grimwald explained, even as he began to shudder again. 



"Yes... yes that would do nicely." Navira announced absently as she imagined Celestine in such a state. She glanced to Celestine and gave her a wicked smirk, but before she could commit, Grimwald continued.



"No my lady... That would hardly be enough for a canvas such as her." Grimwald announced absently, as if he was more focused on his own thoughts that correcting Navira... "There would be so much more... I'd pierce her navel, her eyebrows... the tongue of course! Ears, lips, everything!" He announced giddily, looking away from Navira before he began to approach Celestine again from above, his multi-jointed and long talons reaching out for, even as Celestine continued to back away. "Come here lovely!" Grimwald rasped again, eyes alight with perverse cruelty. 



It was that response that broke the deal however, as Grimwald found Navira placing herself between him and Celestine once again. "Be wary Grimwald... the way you speak, it sounds like you want this more for yourself than for me..." Navira warned sweetly, even as Celestine felt her power gathering round her. 



Yet to Celestine's astonishment, Grimwald looked as if he was going to risk raising his mistress's ire, as his own power began to wax within him. Navira too seemed surprised that he would even think about lashing out at her, and the Demonic Duchess could see Grimwald contemplating defiance. However, after a moment more, his own hungers seemed to gutter out suddenly, as reason and logic took hold once again. 



"No! No I'm sorry my lady! A thousand apologies!" He began as he backed off some, bowing at the waist, even though it only brought his head higher due to his unique inverted position. "Forgive me my most beneficent queen... I lost myself to my own hungers for a moment!" Grimwald pled desperately, hopeful that Navira would not simply destroy him outright. 



Yet instead she merely giggled lightly, as if amused by his surprising defiance. "Be at ease Grimwald, for you seem to have caught me in a charitable mood... Come down from the ceiling..." Grimwald quickly obeyed, turning over midair as he dropped down to the tiled floor. Once he was down, Navira stepped up alongside him, almost sitting on one of the four legs that bore him up as one of her hands slipped around to his back. Celestine could hear the jingling of his piercings, and she suspected that Navira was running her hand along the blanket of metal studs, rings and chains that covered Grimwald's back. 



"It's okay Grimwald... I like seeing you be a little more aggressive." She whispered to him gently as her free hand feathered down his chest. "Just remember your place, alright?" Navira asked playfully, her hand dipping down between his forward two legs. 



"Of c-course my lady." Grimwald replied eagerly, his voice shaking in excitement. It was at that point that Celestine saw Navira rubbing the heel of her hand against a knot of scales where Grimwald's crotch would have normally been. At first she didn't understand, but as the seconds ticked by, the scales began to pull apart, and Celestine was immediately filled with revulsion as she saw a slimy tendril begin to slide out from Grimwald. 



"Mnnnn..." Navira purred at him. "I could sense how badly you wanted to work on her Grimwald... I of all people understand the urges of those loyal to me... If she were anyone else I would offer her to you happily, and shiver in delight as you had your sick way with her... But alas, I've given my word that I would not allow those demons loyal to me to bring her to any harm." As Navira explained, her hand slipped away from his body and beginning to stroke the slime covered tentacle, taking her time with each long pull and tug. "I can sense how you still want to though." She murmured to him. "I can sense how you would long to drive your wonderful tool into her after you were done filling her flesh with your wares, and watch the silver and gold glitter every time you drove into her pussy... despite my orders." 



Celestine shuddered as she numbly backed away not wanting any part of their sick fantasy. Unfortunately, it was like watching a train wreck. You knew you should look away, but you simply couldn't. Still Grimwald eventually replied. "I do not deny it my lady..." he rasped, even as he continued to look at Celestine, eyes desperate, and hands constantly moving, as if unable to sit idly. Still, when Navira's hands began to accelerate, Grimwald couldn't help but shudder. "I... I would cover every inch of her in my works... and hang her from my racks... It would be from there that I would violate her little pussy... I'd pierce my own member, especially for her..." Grimwald began to lose himself in his fantasy again, and Celestine had to fall further back as he began to step forwards again, Navira moving along with him...



"What would you do to her after you were finished with her?" Navira asked, looking to Celestine from the corner of her eyes, mischievous delight filling her gaze, even as her fist pumped faster and faster along Grimwald's cock, which now leaked copious amounts of clear fluids... 



"I'd... I'd... I'd take hold of her and..." Grimwald shuddered once again before continuing, his voice holding an almost dark reverence as he pictured it all... "And y-yank her from the rack... tearing her flesh free from her body and filling her with intoxicating pain... and then I would eat her soul tainted with pain and suffering..." He admitted openly, even as his body continued to vibrate and his cock began to buck in Navira's hands. 



"Rip the rings from her flesh? Perhaps... you mean like this?" Navira asked darkly, before the hand she held behind his back suddenly jerked away, each finger now bearing several of the rings from his back, blood and meat still dangling from them. But what should have made him scream in pain, made Grimwald cry out in ecstasy, before his cock began to spurt thick gouts of cum, painting the floor with it... 



It was all Celestine could do but gag as Navira ran her fingers through the stream for a moment before continuing to stroke him until he was finished, leaving a puddle of his seed steaming on the floor. A moment more and she brought her stained fingers up to her lips to lick clean as she continued to look to Grimwald. "But you won't do any of that... will you, my servant?" Navira asked coolly. "Because you serve me... with everything you have, yes?" Navira continued between the moments her tongue licked up and down her digits.



"O-of course... Mistress." Grimwald replied, his legs shaking under him as he rode out the aftershocks of his orgasm...



"Good... Your continued loyalty will not be forgotten Grimwald... One day you may even have the opportunity to have me under your tender mercies..." Navira assured, before she slipped away from him and looked to Celestine again. "Now go... and do not approach her again unless I order it." 



Grimwald bowed deeply, as he began to back away from the two of them, disappearing out the door and into the shadows. "Of course my Mistress." He announced from the darkness, his voice growing more distant...

<hr pg="2" />"Good." She replied more to herself than to him. "Now... let's get you back to your room shall we?" Navira asked aloud, taking Celestine's hand and pulling her along. Celestine didn't resist, though she took special care avoid the puddle Grimwald left behind.



Celestine found herself supremely thankful for Tristan's deal with Navira. Yes, she might not have been able to feel any of Grimwald's 'work' on her right now, but that hardly meant she'd survive having her skin torn off... Yet as she stumbled after Navira, Celestine didn't miss the feeling of Grimwald's power, hovering near the edge of her perception. She could tell he was following for a time, but eventually he backed off completely leaving Celestine be for now. Still, Celestine didn't fool herself into thinking he was going to let this go so easily...



~~~~~



It didn't take long for Celestine to seek out a bed once Navira had brought her back to her chambers. Thankfully Elanace was not occupying it, so Celestine didn't hesitate to climb under the covers, not bothering to change her clothes. However, even as weariness dragged on her mind, she felt Navira linger near the doorway, as if she were watching Celestine for some reason. Not that she was alone for long, as soon Elanace approached her from behind, and spoke up with little more than a whisper. "I see you're back..." She announced off handedly, failing to fool anyone with her feigned attempt at seeming like she didn't care. 



"Indeed we are." Navira replied before turning away from Celestine and heading deeper into the main living room, making it harder for Celestine to hear, though still not impossible. "Sadly, the poor girl is all tuckered out, and can hardly keep her eyes open anymore." Navira explained easily, amused by her own words. "But to be fair she end up being pretty heavily drugged, so all in all I suppose she earned a good night's sleep." Navira explained easily, while still being vague. 



"Drugged?" Elanace asked, trying not to sound too curious. "Did someone slip something into her drink or something?" 



Navira gave a chuckling purr before eventually replying. "Or... something." Was all she said, teasing Elanace with bait Navira knew she couldn't ignore. 



"<i>Tsk</i>." Elanace replied at first, turning away from Navira and beginning to head towards one of the side halls. However, before she even got half way she snapped around and glared angrily at Navira. "You know you really are the worst. A fiend and monster..." 



However Navira only chuckled before replying. "Oh you flatterer, though I must say you're going to have to be more specific if you want to win any favor from me." 



Elanace's fists balled up at her sides as she grit her teeth in empty fury at Navira's words. "You bit her didn't you? How could you?! You know Durial will find out!" Elanace hissed. "Why would you do that? You know you'll regret it later!" 



Navira shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe I figured it would be worth it. And maybe... just maybe... it was." Navira elaborated before leaning forwards and smiling to Elanace. "I must say... even exhausted, that woman's tongue is..." Navira paused just long enough to allow a shiver to run through her. "Well... let's just say she isn't inexperienced like some people I know." 



Elanace took a step back as if she had been struck and looked away from Navira instantly, indignation written across her face as her cheeks reddened. "That was a low blow..." 



"Of course it was... I'm a demon after all." Navira replied before stepping forwards and putting a finger to Elanace's chin and pulling her gaze back to her. "You're upset with me again..." Navira observed aloud, her voice sounding surprisingly worried. 



"Of course I am!" Elanace hissed. "You used her! You forced her to do your bidding like some sort of slave even though you knew she probably couldn't take it! More than that, you did something you knew would piss off Durial and possibly provoke him into an all-out war. A war you know you can't win right now!" Elanace replied, her voice shaking in anger and worry. 



Navira sighed. "I told you not to worry about that." She said, her voice trying to be soothing. 



"How can't I? I know that your forces are depleted Navira... I know because my kin and I are the ones who depleted them!" Elanace snapped back quickly. "We butchered over thirty five demons before you managed to bring us down, and two of those were nobles! Not so many as to break the back of your forces or be immediately noticeable, but enough that even a few more losses and other demons will start asking questions. I'm not stupid Navira... I know that I was brought to court to distract others from the fact that there were two fewer nobles sitting at your side. I'm guessing you told anyone who asked that the two nobles simply couldn't attend, but the court would have started getting wise to your lies by the next session if they didn't show up again. That is unless you had something to distract them with, which was why I was there..." 



"Hush Elanace." Navira replied, her voice still trying to be soothing. "I know it was perhaps too soon to bring you to court... But it is as you say. I won't lie and say that I almost bit off more than I could chew when I ambushed you and your kin... But the dangers aside, I still think the rewards were worth it." Navira assured, her hand coming up and cupping Elanace's cheek gently. "Because now I have you." 



Elanace's anger sputtered for a moment, stalling as Navira gave her such tender attention. However after a moment she shook her cheek away from her touch and looked to Elanace again, eyes still hurt. "Then what did you need her for?" Elanace asked bluntly. "If I'm enough, than why is she here?"



Navira smiled a bit impishly before speaking up once again. "Are you angry with me because I've used Celestine? Or are you angry because you think I bit her and filled her with my venom, when you wish I would only pierce you with my fangs?" 



Elanace took a step back quickly, panic beginning to grip her. "That... Don't be preposterous!" She rasped back to Navira. 



"That isn't an answer Elanace." Navira replied, stepping forward enough that she was pressing herself against Elanace. "That's an evasion. Tell me the truth Elanace." 



Yet Elanace still turned away and fled Navira, hating where the conversation was going. "No! Get... Get away from me! Leave me be!" She pled as she tried to flee, only to end up cornered by Navira. 



"No... tell the truth now Elanace... I did leave you alone... I did... But then you grew lonely... You grew to miss my touch, didn't you?" Navira asked, leaning in so close that she was almost whispering her words into Elanace's ear. 



"Y-you're wrong... I don't need you... I... I don't want you!" Elanace whimpered back, screwing her eyes closed as she looked away from Navira. 



"You're lying." Navira replied, sounding as if she were somehow proud of Elanace for it. "I know you are because I taught you how to lie... I know you're lying because I'm the only person in the world who has ever treated you like a woman, ever touched you like one... Even though I treated you badly, I also treated you with such care, and gave you such pleasure..." Navira explained, even as her hand began to run down Elanace's side, measuring the curves of her body slowly with nothing more than a feather's touch. "Admit it Elanace... you miss me, don't you?" Navira asked, her voice light and knowing...



"No... how could I?" Elanace replied stubbornly... "You're a demon... a fiend!" 



"And yet you still want me... And that makes me very happy Elanace." Navira cooed as she wrapped her arms around Elanace, embracing her affectionately. "It was a mistake to leave you alone for so long, despite your demands to the contrary." Navira explained, probably coming closer to apologizing than ever before. 



"S-stop it." Elanace replied back weakly, squirming feebly in Navira's gentle embrace. 



"I won't... Not now or ever again." Navira pulled away from her before looking Elanace in the eye. "You belong at my side Elanace, and no where else."



"But what of Celestine?" Elanace asked hesitantly. "You are not going to leave her be, are you?" 



Navira shook her head slowly. "No, I can't. It isn't in my nature to stop once I've begun something like this. But that isn't because I care more for her than I do you." Navira replied honestly. "She is only a mortal. Nothing more than a distraction or possession... you know that, don't you?" 



Elanace nodded simply. "Yes I do." 



"But you still like hearing me say it, don't you?" Navira probed lightly, a smile upon her lips. Yet Elanace could only smile bashfully, before nodding once again. "Mnn... you are adorable when you're envious, my dear precious Elanace." Navira announced before gently taking her hand and beginning to pull her towards the exit. 



"Where are you taking me?" Elanace asked, her voice confused but also carrying a hopeful undercurrent. 



"My chambers of course. We have reunited after long days and nights apart, haven't we? I feel that such an event is worthy of celebration of the most un-celibate kind, or do you disagree?" Navira asked pausing as she stood out in the hall, still holding Elanace's hand as she stood in her chambers. 



Elanace hesitated only for a moment before she smiled sheepishly, her cheeks going slightly red. "No, that sounds fine to me... Mistress Navira..." She added hesitantly, her voice hopeful and almost adoring. 



Navira only smiled before pulling Elanace out of her chambers. "Then come along my fallen one... there are many wicked things left for me to show you..." 



~~~~



Celestine lay curled up in the bed as she wandered in and out of sleep. It had probably been an hour or so since Elanace and Navira took off, leaving her to the silence that she longed for. Yet proper sleep remained elusive. It was almost uncomfortable, not being able to feel anything at all, and it made it increasingly difficult to sleep as long seconds turned into long minutes. As odd as it sounded, Celestine found herself missing the comforting sensation of blankets wrapped around her, and the warmth that came with them. But as she was, she was left with an empty numbness, which constantly reminded her of her current predicament. 



That in turn brought her thoughts back to Tristan, and the fear that he would want nothing more to do with her if this wasn't something that was just going to fade away. She wanted to believe his words... words that assured her that no matter what Navira did, he would always welcome her back. But she worried that this was not something he was prepared for, or had even considered. He had prepared for her to come back with a broken mind, not necessarily a broken body.



Still, Celestine tried to shove her doubts aside and attempted to get to sleep. However, just as sleep was beginning to engulf her, a prickling in her foot snapped her awareness back into focus. Frowning, Celestine tossed off her blankets, only to see there was nothing poking her, even as she continued to feel the prickly sensation run along the sole of her foot. It took her a moment, but eventually Celestine began to think this might not be a bad thing. It wasn't utterly unlike the tingling sensation one felt when one's foot falls asleep. If anything, this might have even been a good sign. Celestine could feel the sensation spreading as well, as if every inch of her skin was slowly waking up. 



Without even thinking about it, Celestine pressed her foot down upon the ground and was rewarded by the sharp sensation of the prickling in her feet intensifying. She pushed a little harder as she tried to stand, only for the sensation to become too much, forcing Celestine to hop backward onto the bed once more... "Ouch." She grumbled to herself, as the tingling sensation went from intense too painful for the moment she stood on it. "Alright... let's just let this work itself out... The fact that I can feel anything is a good sign." She assured herself, even as she rolled her ankles out. Moving around seemed to cause the sensation to spread faster, and soon Celestine felt it crawling up her legs. 



However, just as it began to reach her knees, she found that the intensity of the sensation was still growing, and soon Celestine found herself panting in exertion, trying to manage the feeling which was quickly evolving into pain. What had started as prickling along her skin, was turning into feeling like someone was stabbing needles down to the bone over every square inch of her legs, and the pace of its expansion was only accelerating. "Ah... <i>fuck</i>!" Celestine cursed as it continued to climb up to her legs, before it began to creep closer towards her groin. "Oh... oh shit... no no no NO!" Celestine cried out until the sensation of pain invaded her sex and the sensitive flesh surrounding it, inflicting Celestine with some of the worst pain she could possibly imagine. 



In a few moments more, it only continued to get worse, dwarfing any pervious perception of pain Celestine knew, as soon it covered every inch of Celestine's body, leaving her a howling, thrashing wreck, as she writhed in agony on the floor. It didn't take long for Celestine's perception of time to fade, leaving her in locked in a prison of pain which didn't seem to have an end in sight... Yet even as the maddening pain clawed at her mind, Celestine managed to hold fast onto a few thoughts to stave off insanity. Not the least of which was the idea that just like the numbness that had afflicted her, so too would this torturous pain eventually fade. However, beyond that, Celestine held onto the idea of seeing the others again, that when she was through with all this suffering, she might be able to feel again, and enjoy Tristan's touch once more... 



Still, beyond all those thoughts, Celestine's mind always circled around to a single undeniable fact... A fact that helped her focus and fight on despite the misery that threatened to tear her mind apart. This was happening to her because of Collin... Because of the venom he had dosed her up with... This was all happening because the pathetic little doll didn't know his place... 



"I'll... see.... you dead... for this..." Celestine managed to rasp out between screams of blinding pain... "No toy will ever h-hurt me again..." Celestine continued, her breath coming in desperate gasps. Even the air in her lungs felt like scalding liquid lead searing every inch of her flesh, inside and out. "Y-you hear m-me doll?" Celestine howled, her voice screeching out like that of a banshee. "I've had m-my pleasure! Now I'll have my vengeance!" Celestine swore, before another wave of pain crushed her, making her body arch so far that she thought her spine would snap... 



Yet through it all, Celestine held tightly to her murderous intent, as every iota of pain only stoked the coals of her rage...



~~~~~~



Collin sat in his room in the dorm, looking out the window that overlooked the grounds surrounding Navira's home. He had gotten no sleep, indeed no rest at all, as his mind continuously churned over the thoughts that Celestine's words had evoked within him. He felt as if he were reaching an impasse... As if some great choice was soon upon him that would forever change his life, and the way he lived it. Celestine had called him a doll, even when she was in the throes of pleasure induced by Navira's venom... She had even laid examples before him, using them as evidence and proof of her claims. 



Yet even as he examined her explanation, Collin found himself unwilling to accept the truth of the matter... Or perhaps it was more accurate to say he was unable to accept the truth? It wasn't as if her arguments didn't make sense though. If she had laid out similar evidence for someone else who had acted as he had, he would have no problem accepting her hypothesis as truth. Indeed he had come to such conclusions about many of those living within the dorms... So why was this so difficult, so impossible? He knew he should be able to, yet it seemed so hard to absorb the information in front of him and explain it in such a way that proved he wasn't a doll. Instead, every thought resolved itself down to little more than roaring out that he was free and not some pawn, of Celestine's or Navira's, while still not being able to substantiate it.



But even as he analyzed his reactions, Collin soon realized that he could not react in any other way... He tried of course, but it always came back to that same response. But even that realization ground against his impulses, leaving him with nothing more than an aching head and the same confusion that had plagued him all night. How could he be a doll, and yet be defiant as he always was? How could he be defiant against authority, when that same authority expected him to be exactly that?



It was only when night began to give way to dawn, and Collin saw the sun half hidden behind the world that another way became clear to him. He stood slowly as he pondered his new notion, finding that it didn't grate as badly as the earlier contradictions. And after running it through his mind several times more, the weight of his confusion began to slide away from him, as he choose a path other than what was programmed into him... "I am a doll." He admitted to himself reluctantly, before he continued to speak, his voice growing firmer. "But I will cut my strings free and become a human being again!" He promised himself standing and looking at the sun as it rose, as if taking his oath upon the first rays of light in the day. 



Those words alone seemed to slam against the walls in his mind that kept him from thinking to deeply, or kept him from even considering an action beyond their predefined responses. Yes, Collin didn't lie to himself and pretend he was free just yet... But his oath had cracked the walls Navira had placed there, and new thoughts began to rush into Collin's mind, filling it with dreams and hopes...They were incomplete yes, and he doubted that he would be able to defy his own defiance just yet, but it was a beginning. And in that beginning, the world looked completely different from how it had a moment ago. It looked as if it were full of wonder and opportunities, to grow and mature; to be a human once again. He hadn't always been this defiant brute. Yes, he was strong willed, and yes, he defied authority often, but he was capable once of more than just defiance. And despite the damaged programing that still remained in his mind, Collin found himself longing to be the man he once was before Navira ever sunk her claws into him...



Nonetheless, Collin's epiphany seemed destined to be interrupted, as the roar of splintering wood filled his senses, and Collin felt chunks of what he guessed was once his front door speckle off his back. He looked back after collecting himself, fully expecting Navira in her demonic aspect standing in his doorway, ready to strike him down for even this modicum of freedom. Yet even as the thought formed in his mind, Collin realized that Navira wasn't like him... that she was in fact a demon... It was like that realization had always been kept away from him. Yes he had always known that she was different, but actually acknowledging that difference was never something his mind could fathom before. Instead he somehow just ignored it... even in her terrifying and alluring demonic form.



Yet it was no demoness that stood in his door, though its occupant's mane bore a similar fiery bent as Navira's. Instead Collin found Celestine looming in his door, her features a contradiction of what he had seen the last time he looked upon her. "There you are." She announced more to herself than him, her green eyes glaring at him frostily, her lips forming a slight but vicious grin. A moment more and she stepped into his chambers, beginning to approach him slowly.

<hr pg="3" />Yet even as threatening as she seemed, Collin found himself scoffing at her. "What? Didn't get enough of me earlier so now you want another round? Well... I'm kind of tired, but I supposed I can let you suck me off." He replied brashly, voice dripping in bravado he only half felt. It was strange... he knew his words were nothing more than a response he was being forced into, yet he still felt the emotions that would come with such words, even though a part of him wanted nothing more than to ask for her to leave him alone... He was too busy with his own thoughts to have any time to deal with a woman out for revenge, not that she was giving him much choice. 



Yet Celestine only laugh at his words before shaking her head. "Ramble on and on you wretched doll, it makes no difference to me." She announced as she continued to close with him. 



Fear began to grip Collin, as he realized that she might just be here to kill him. After a moment's hesitation, Collin dove over to his bag and pulled out the dart gun and pointed it at Celestine once again, hoping that it would keep her at bay. "Hold it right there you bitch." Collin threatened angrily. "You think you can just kick my door in and get away with it?" He asked sharply. He wanted her to leave, so he could explore his small step towards freedom. The fact that he had hurt her earlier meant little to him, all he cared about right now was the change he was experiencing and nothing else. 



Celestine looked down at the dart gun with cold disinterest for hardly more than a moment before she looked back up to him again. "Go ahead..." She announced, utterly unimpressed and unintimidated. 



Yet Collin could only stand surprised at her uncaring response. "What? Oh... oh wait! Maybe you want me to shoot you up again! Jillian said this stuff could be pretty fucking addictive. Or maybe you just want another excuse to ride my dick again?" Collin asked brashly, even as the mind behind the programmed responses was running full tilt, trying to think up how he was going to get out of this. Even if he did shoot her, she'd have a few seconds before it kicked in, and he had seen her lash out with enough force to kill a man in less than a few seconds...



"Hardly." Celestine replied dryly. "Alistair and Jacob were much better partners than you, and I'm pretty sure that if they weren't there, I would have fucked you to death before I ever found any real satisfaction. But whatever... Go ahead and shoot me. Prove that you're just a bitch with a gun... Come on, Collin... Do it!" Celestine roared at him, daring him to fire as she continued to approach him. Eventually she got close enough that the barrel of the dart gun was pressing against her sternum, as she glared into his eyes threateningly. 



But even as Collin tried to think of what to do, he felt the walls in his mind beginning to press in on him to defy her demands, and to his horror, he watched as the hand holding the dart gun began to fall. Instantly he fought to keep it leveled at her, fully aware that it was the only chance he had of keeping this situation under any form of control. Yet even as he fought desperately, the programing in his mind continued to drag his arm down, and he shuddered as he watched his own hand toss the weapon aside, leaving him utterly defenseless. 



After a moment he looked up to her, only to find her lips curled up into a dark smile. "See? You're just a doll." She said whimsically, as if she were not surprised by his reaction. But she didn't give him a chance to respond, as her hands snapped out and caught him by the collar of his jacket. A moment more and Collin felt himself being swung hard, back towards the door Celestine had smashed in. When he landed, he realized she hadn't thrown him through the doorway, but the landing was still painful enough, as he felt the shards of wood scrap him through his jacket. Not that he had long to recover, as he saw her beginning to approach him again, murderous intent shining in her eyes. 



Not wanting to stick around and find out what else she had planned for him, Collin got to his feet and hands and almost dove through his door out into the dorm proper. His room was up on the third floor, and he soon found himself pulling himself up on a table near the railing, which looked down through the hallow core of the dorm. The table shook as he pulled himself up, scattering the table settings that resided on top. 



"Careful Collin." Celestine ordered frostily. "Stay away from the railing; or you're going to end up falling over." Celestine continued to command, her voice demanding and hard. 



Collin scoffed at her words, confused by why she would care at all for his well-being, other than perhaps because she wanted to kill him herself. But even as he decided to start running down the corridor, he realized that his body was moving against his will again, as the prerogatives that pressed his mind forced his limbs to move. Soon enough Collin found himself up on top of the table, which was high enough that he could easily trip and fall over the railing... 



Realizing the danger he was putting himself in, his survival instincts tried to fight against his programing, hammering itself against the walls that were in his mind and screaming at him to get down... He knew he wanted to, yet at the same time the responses in his mind pressed harder, beginning a battle in his consciousness between Navira's programing, and his will to be free and survive. It didn't take long for his hands to begin shaking in exertion, and again Collin felt fresh blood running down from his nose as his head felt like it was being pounded by jackhammers...



"Don't do it Collin!" Celestine yelled out, her voice carrying an unyielding command. "Don't jump off!" She continued, even as her eyes glittered in cruel delight, her voice bouncing around and echoing in the large hallow building. Soon several of the others came out of their rooms, to look at what the early morning disturbance could possibly be. 



But soon Collin looked back to Celestine, eyes wide as his mind reeled at her demands. He felt the pull of the commands in his mind... pushing him to defy her every order, to show that he was not her slave. Yet he knew that was exactly what Celestine was banking on... He knew she was telling him these things specifically to get him to jump down the three stories and kill himself. Yet despite knowing that, he saw and felt one foot stepping closer to the rail, even as he fought against his programming. "N-No... no stop..." Collin rasped out, even as the taste of blood began to assault his senses. "Don't do this..." He continued, his tongue thick in his mouth, even as he managed to say something beyond what his programming demanded. He felt the urge to threaten that he would do exactly what she warned against, but he fought against it, knowing she would happily call his bluff. Looking at it now, Collin realized how childish such responses were, as they were nothing more than defiance for the sake of itself... Still, a moment more and he found himself standing on the edge of the railing, looking down the three stories of empty air that seemed to be calling him...



"How does it feel," Celestine asked coldly, her voice taking on a razor's edge, "to be utterly unable to control yourself? Tell me Collin... Tell <i>me</i>!" 



"I...." He croaked weakly, fighting to reply to her... to tell her how it actually felt. The walls inside his mind would demand that he stay silent, but he knew that was a death sentence. "I'm... afraid." He continued thickly. "I don't like this... this feeling of being under someone else's control... Stop... please stop..." He begged, looking back to her, even as his whole body shook like a leaf in the wind. "Y-you're not evil... I know you're not... d-don't do this..." 



Celestine frowned, as if this was the first surprising thing he had done since she had kicked in his door. But after a moment she simply smiled again. "Well, didn't see that coming... I figured you'd tell me to go shove it or something like that." Celestine shrugged though, her voice amused but uncaring. "Not that you're wrong... but it doesn't matter. Collin, I want you to step away from the edge of the railing. I don't want to see you jump off." Celestine said clearly and firmly, stepping up close enough now that she was just out of arms reach... Close enough that she could see him fall over the railing and eventually hit the ground...



Collin fought of course. He fought against the mounting pressure in his head as Celestine's orders triggered his unwanted defiance. Yet it didn't seem to matter, as soon enough, Collin saw one of his feet beginning to step into the yawning chasm... "I... I don't want to die..." Collin whispered to himself even as he began to feel his weight lean forwards, even as he slammed his will against the walls inside his mind that would send him to his death. 



For what felt like the thousandth time, Collin resisted the unnatural urges inside his mind, and for the thousandth time, they didn't budge. Yet he didn't want to give up... he didn't want to die, especially as nothing more than a doll... Maybe this was his lot in life, but he would be damned before he just sat back and let it happen. So it was perhaps a surprise for him, when for the thousandth plus one time he hurled himself against those demanding barriers, that he felt them crack and shatter, freeing him from their suicidal orders...



For a long moment Collin just stood there, feeling what true freedom was like. Feeling the ability to think and feel and act without the ever constant pressure in his own mind demanding he act one way or another, even when he knew it was foolish and dangerous. "Ha...." He began, laughter bubbling up in him as he realized that despite Navira's hold on him, he was free now... "HA!" He shouted out again, stepping back from the ledge and holding his hands out high above his head. "I'm free!" He roared out at the top of his lungs, before turning to Celestine, a wide victorious smile upon his lips. "You cannot order me any longer Celestine! I have cut my strings, and I am no longer a slave or a doll!" Collin announced in glorious triumph. "I am <i>human</i>!"



Celestine looked on in shock as Collin celebrated his victory, celebrated his freedom. Yet even as he cried out in joy, Celestine only felt her thirst for vengeance boil. Celestine didn't even begin to consider the fact that Navira was probably going to kill him for breaking free of her domination. All that mattered was that he had done her wrong, and now, instead of paying for it, he had somehow earned his freedom, almost entirely at her expense...



"Than..." Celestine began, her voice cruel yet full of dark amusement, "like any doll that's had his strings cut, there's only one thing left for you to do..." Celestine paused, giving Collin enough time to look at her, perplexed by her words. "Fall." Celestine announced with vengeful glee... She watched as the understanding dawned on his features, giving him just enough time to realize that whatever freedom he had gained, was utterly unimportant to her. He began to dive down off the table, trying to get down and far from the railing where it was safer, but Celestine stepped forwards, and pressed her hand upon his stomach, stopping his attempt to flee, and then pushed him back.



Celestine watched, and saw with a clarity she rarely experienced, as if the whole world had slowed down just so she could savor this moment... She saw and felt him try and resist the force with which she pushed him, and saw how he realized that he couldn't stop her, and that it was, in fact, already far too late. She saw his features go from desperate determination, to being simply overwhelmed with terror, as one of his heels caught the railing, and he began to tumble backwards. She saw him desperately reach out for her arm; frantic to catch something and keep himself from plummeting to his doom, even though she was already pulling away from him. She saw her hand slip past his grasping fingers, instinctually brushing his skin just enough to give him a moment's hope, only to see it dashed as she slipped free of his grasp... A moment more and the momentum she imparted upon him had him falling backwards, and his face fell out of view, leaving Celestine to watch as his legs and arms began to flail helplessly, achieving nothing as his head continued to come closer and closer to pointing directly down towards the ground. Celestine half noted all the other onlookers heads pivoting down as Collin fell, watching as gravity condemned him to his extinction. 



Yet her gaze quickly fell back upon him, as the hurtled towards the ground. He started to scream as he past the second floor, but it came out more as an abrupt yelp, quickly cut off when he finally met the marble floor. As she watched the carnage unfold, Celestine wasn't certain what was more gruesome; the sound his body made when it hit the floor, or the sight of his corpse, chin first with his feet over his head. Celestine looked closely at his body, and was pleased as she realized that Collin was hardly recognizable any more, mangled and mutilated by the impact with the cold ground...



~~~~~



Navira purred as she walked into the dorms, supremely pleased with how things had turned since Celestine's arrival. Navira hadn't even had her for more than forty-eight hours and yet the impact she had had was remarkable. Yes, there had been a few casualties, Jillian chief amongst them, but it was all worth it. In fact those casualties had helped inspire change in Collin, and had forced him to try and take revenge against Celestine for Jillian's death. As a result, Celestine had forced him to begin accepting that he was, in fact, one of her dolls; something which Navira wasn't certain was possible once Collin's programing was complete. She had hoped that he might throw off his programming entirely, in which case she would have the pleasure of breaking him in all over again. The idea of simply killing him was boring, but consuming his soul after poisoning him again was a prospect, as was marking him and turning him into a proper servant, not utterly unlike Diana and Troy were, even though they were still just dolls. 



But even more importantly, Celestine's presence had spurred Elanace to come back to her side, after long days of self-isolation after the debacle at court. The presence of someone else posing a threat to Elanace's position by gaining her mistress's favor had forced Elanace to reevaluate her own feelings. As a result, Elanace found herself missing her demonic mistress, just as Navira suspected she eventually would. As a result, Elanace had come back to Navira's side, unwilling to let anyone else take her position, and even now, was still strapped down to the pleasure racks back in Navira's chambers. Navira had spent the remainder of the night drawing more pleasure from Elanace's body than ever before, and reinforced the renewed bonds between them in a carnal celebration that had left both of them well and truly satisfied, though it had also left Elanace exhausted.



With their roles of mistress and willing slave restored, Navira had come to the dorms, hoping to enjoy a few hours of watching the drama she had staged continue to play out. She wondered how the repercussions of Celestine's actions would continue to reverberate amongst the population, and was curious to see if the rogues would be more willing to prey upon the innocents, now that Celestine was proven not to be their savior. 



Yet even as she left the connecting tunnel between the two buildings, Navira was surprised to hear Collin yelling out at the top of his lungs. "HA! I'm free! You cannot order me any longer Celestine! have cut my strings and I am no longer a slave, or a doll! I am <i>human</i>!" Collin announced triumphantly, voice full of joy and elation.



In hearing those words, Navira's heart sang in delight. She had figured it would take longer for Collin to come to this conclusion, if he ever managed to at all, but it seemed she had underestimated his ability to grow and evolve. She increased her pace, as she realized he was yelling from the top floor. Yet even as she continued, she realized that Collin was speaking to Celestine, and that meant she was up there with him. She strained her senses to listen, and heard Celestine reply to Collin's words, her voice cruel but full of fell revelry. "Than... like any doll that's had his strings cut, there is only one thing left for you to do... Fall." Celestine concluded, pushing Navira to hurry a little bit more, not certain what she was talking about. 



But just as she was reaching the hollow core of the dorm, she heard the sound of fluttering air, and stopped just under the overhang of the above floor. Just in time too, as she heard him scream before she saw Collin falling into view. A fraction of a second more, and he slammed into the ground in front of her with a gut wrenching impact. A moment more, and Navira felt blood speckle her face and body, as she saw Collin's body standing almost upright on his chin and upper chest, his legs and lower body dangled over his now destroyed skull. The sound of the impact wasn't utterly unlike a watermelon exploding from being hit by an aluminum bat, just a little meatier. Unfortunately, with the acoustics of the building, the sound echoed all around her. 



Then again looking at him was probably worse than hearing it... His lower jaw had half exploded from the impact, and half been driven through the back of his head, leaving bony protrusions poking out behind his ears... Not that his skull was any better. His face looked half folded in, from where his jaw pushed up into before it came apart. His upper torso was also a ruin, his arms having folded the wrong way as he tried to stop his impact, and splintered ribs punching our his sides, sort of helping to help hold the body upright. It dawned on Navira that the spray of blood she felt probably wasn't from blood exploding from his body, but likely from air being forced from his lungs by the impact, which was pushed through his ruined face, carrying blood and spittle with it as it escaped... Not that many would find such a fact particularly comforting. 



Soon though, Collin's body slumped over, finally falling with a wet broken splat, leaving Navira a moment to simply look at the mess that had been created... At first she felt frustrated, realizing that any plans she had for him had gone splat right along with him. However as she stepped out from under the overhang and looked up to the third floor, she found her anger fading, as she spied Celestine standing up there at the railing, looking down at the now very dead Collin. If nothing else, Celestine seemed satisfied, and as Navira watched, she merely turned away and disappeared from sight... once she was gone, Navira looked back down to Collin and couldn't help but chuckle at the mess in front of her as she wiped away some of the blood from her face. She knew Celestine hadn't planned for Navira to see this, but the fact that she felt no impulse at all to apologize or even justify it, was a wonderful turn of events in Navira's eyes...



~~~~~

