Melting, liquid, black, the death

  Feelings, not, the fight drowns, color gone

  Cold, without life

  Heat devoured

  The darkness became my ally

  Friend, I called the shadows

  Sister, was the evil

  Kin I was, to the darkness in my soul

  If the depths of Hell had not extended its hand,

  would the Lord God have let us fall?

  Fall deep, past the lands that know no love?

  The apple, brought, me not knowledge

  Dry, no juice, no God-likeness

  No desire, to hide, shame, to clothe my sin.

  The orange, tart like blood, deep as the searched

  Nothing

  How...

  was this right...

  to us?

  Out of our control?

  There is no fate, but Fate herself

  And she does not know

  In the night, shadows, stables, the wicked sleeping

  Embraced it all

  Foolish is wisdom

  Our eyes, the night, you were

  Balance to the scales

  The left of our right

  Your two, became three

  That three became six, seven, eight...

  The roots set

  Evil, darkness, now shown

  It recoiled from itself, coward unto its own!

  Evil sifted, is evil remained

  Sin balanced, is sin steadied

  God is God

  Good is Good

  In his great goodness, he gave, our blind eyes, the darkness

  Never was I, allowed to see, until my eyes, lost sight

  Ours hands, you held, and grasped

  Both saved us

  Led us

  Forgive this fool, not my lack of wisdom

  My failure of truth

  Two of the dark, two taught and showed us light

  Two of evil saved, protector and deliverer

  Evil was washed of it’s wrong

  Cleansed pure, remained deep

  Smiling, the Lord looked and saw what was good

  If evil, the darkest of the wicked, gone,

  why then, was this good?

  Evil... sister... deceiver… brother...

  Father...

  Too bright

  Darkness, it blinds...

  Help me, darkness

  Sight has fallen me!

  ~The Rest is in the Light

  ~Feldyn Goldchord, the Endless Bard

  * * *

  “You sure this is the place?” Adam asked the large vampire-ninja in the backseat. Masque chose not to reply. “Of course it is,” Mike answered, shutting the vehicle off. His dark skin was almost pale from letting the vampire feed. More than once. He lost anymore blood he would have turned white. Adam felt a bit bad about Mike, but no way in Hell was he going to let a vampire drink his blood. Nope, noooot happening!

  Opening the passenger door, Adam got out, and looked around. Sure as heck didn't look like the entrance to a secret underground Order fugitive hideout. Though he guessed that was the point.

  Masque was worried. The entire trip he had feared the outcome of the battle with the Terrors. Who survived? Had Feldyn defeated the Witch Queen? Had Caleb been rescued? Was Reba still alive?

  Adam stretched, looking around, nothing felt different than any other rural area in the Pacific Northwest. Turning to open the back door for the vampire, Masque appeared beside him in a pop of black smoke, startling the shit out of the man. Adam stood holding a hand over his heart, other hand leaning on the SUV. "I am sorry," Masque droned. The vampire had been so adamant about not expending energy in order to heal, Adam had not expected him to teleport -or whatever that was-!

  "Hope your friends are okay," he told the vampire that was (more or less) at eye level. Okay, so the vampire was taller by a few inches! But it felt like he should be muuuuuuuch taller. Adam needed to not only appear the equal of this monster, but also to not appear as rattled as he still was at things like teleporting. "They are," Masque affirmed the belief he had been adamant about.

  The door to the cabin flew open and AWOL Corporal Adam F. Black about shit himself. Seeing it was a little blonde girl didn't make him feel any better. It took every once of self control he had not to draw and shoot it (her) in the head.

  Gigi jumped into Masque’s arms; him kneeling to catch and embrace the sobbing child. She didn’t get it, but she got Masquie was back, and he was alive! And it made her feel... good. And it made her cry. If Masque was gone, that would have been bad. He was her hero! And if she wanted to cry she would cry!

  Masque didn’t say a word, but he was smiling under his shadowcloth. Gigi had made it! That meant, to some extent, they had won, or how would she have made it here? Adam stepped back near -also AWOL- sergeant Michael White, who had exited the drivers side of the vehicle. Mike was also smiling. Adam sighed and shook his head. Mike was the one to believe in people. The one who always, somehow, guessed right on the good guys.

  Others now ran from the cabin. They were rushing the vampire with looks Adam knew all too well. Looks of bothers and sisters in arms that discovered one of theirs they feared dead, was alive. And that was when Adam finally began to relax. It helped he recognized the blonde teenager, and the child next to him. Sure, he about shot the kid when she had appeared, but you never could be sure anymore. Was wild times.

  “I knew you could do it!” Feldyn congratulated, punching Masque in the shoulder, after he set Gigi down. Ally squealed and unable to contain her joy, jumped, wrapping arms and legs around him; and Masque couldn't resist spinning her in a circle, struggling to contain his own emotions. He had not expected this... joy from the others at his return!

  Soon as he set her down, John, grinning from ear to ear, took the demons hand in a firm grip, then, unable to contain his own happiness, gave the vampire a hug as well, patting him on the back and laughing.

  Caleb, more controlled, just shook the vampires hand. “Thank you, Masque,” Caleb said and meant it, getting only a nod in reply. Looking past them at the only other that had come outside, Masque's eyes fell on a young beautiful brunette child.

  And startled the living shit out of Reba (eliciting a shriek) when he appeared in a pop of block smoke, and lifted her into his arms. “I am glad that you are alive,” he said softly before setting her down. She was stunned! 'Masque… recognized me? It must be my scent or something.'

  The vampire was not sure why she appeared a child, but knew Reba was special, and her injuries had been grave. No matter; she was healed, still beautiful, and her eyes he would always know, regardless of how they changed.

  Taking in those gathered around, Masque felt his own eyes burning. His heart thumped, jolting him. “You’re crying,” Gigi pointed out. The vampire wiped his eyes, looking at the moisture on his hand. This was was the second time in so many days such a miracle had befallen him. “Yes I am,” was all he said, and there were more congratulatory laughs, and slaps on his back.

  “John,” the priest introduced, extending a hand to the nervous looking tanned-skin man in military fatigues. “Adam,” was the reply as he took John's hand. “Mike,” the other soldier introduced, offering his hand next. “Wait-” Adam said, a truth dawning on him, “the John? The renegade priest?”

  “I’m not a priest,” John answered by reflex. “Holy shit,” Adam laughed and rubbed the side of his face. He knew who might be here from the vampire. Still, being face to face with John himself, it was crazy!

  “Who are your friends?” Feldyn asked Masque. The large man nodded, “Everyone, this is Michael-”

  “Mike,” Sergeant White corrected. Masque nodded in consent to the correction and continued “Mike, and Adam. After my battle, I was... debilitated. The Order found me. I fear they would have killed me, or worse, if not for these two men. They sacrificed everything trusting me."

  “You’ve seen me naked,” Gigi abruptly informed Mike. Before he could answer, Ally spoke. “Oh, it’s you! Guess you’ve seen me naked too,” she said with a giggle, doing her best embarrassed and cutesy expression, throwing in a little stealth lewdness. Was an awkward as fuck situation, so may as well take control of it. Mike indeed looked awkward. But he was much more stoic than the moment he woke Ally and Gigi in that shed, on their reckless journey back to Castle Rock.

  Ally hadn't paid much attention to the guy’s appearance that day, just that he was black, an adult, and a soldier. And that he hadn't had the usual prickish authority vibe. She also remembered being able to fluster him. Which brought on the usual shame. And like usual, she ignored it.

  Giving the man a closer inspection this time; Ally didn’t want to relegate one of Masque’s saviors to random military dude. Michael “Mike” White was technically tall, but six foot to a bit over, was average in this group.

  For guys, of course. Tallest girl here was Reb- oh. Ally was the tallest now. And she had been close to Reba’s height nowadays anyway. Weird, and a bit sad… Anyway, back to the topic!

  Mike had a pretty average -in shape average- build, though is shoulders were broader than normal. Ally guessed he was in his thirties or maybe early forties. Old, but technically kinda young, far as old was concerned. His hair was super short. Like, growing back from shaved bald short.

  And even though he was black, his skin had a weird paleness she had never seen on a black person before. Which was weird; she never thought of black people as able to look pale. Though Castle Rock was almost completely white, and she didn't exactly get out much, so maybe it was normal?

  Glancing at Adam, her first thought was hyper. The guy just exuded energy, even if he was acting calm. She couldn't tell how old he was either, but if she had to guess, an older guy that looked young. Sooo, probably early thirties? He was about average height, but it made him seem short next to Caleb and Masque. Hair longer than Mike's, and a scraggly five-o-clock shadow, mostly in the goatee area. His light-tan skin had a look that just made her think natural skin hue, and not tanned, even though he looked pretty normal white guy. Just with… flavor?

  Ally didn't specifically recognize him, but he was more than likely one of the soldiers chasing her during the great nude escape. Ugh. A part of her life she wished never happened. Why had so many normie men seen her naked? She was ashamed and irritated. Both these guys should be blushing and stuttering! Them acting all fine made her feel gross.

  Or, was it her self that felt gross…

  No. It was was definitely because of these perverts. She would forgive them, for now.

  “You two were there, outside the barrier,” Reba realized, remembering the mercenaries and interrupting the teenager’s thoughts, “when we saved Ally and Gigi from Ted.”

  “If you mean that spider freak, yeah,” Adam confirmed. “Don’t recall seeing you there though.” Reba laughed, “Yeah, well, welcome to the weird.”

  She shook both their hands. “Reba,” she introduced herself. “Oh shit, the homunculus!” Adam insensitively exclaimed; which he realized pretty fast from the scowls. “Don't mind him. He gets a bit excited, and his mouth tends to run faster than his brain,” Mike apologized for his friend. Adam bent his head and rubbed the back of it. “Sorry,” he apologized sheepishly. “You and John there are legends. Not- I mean, I don't care what you are, or why you look like... that. I'm good with the weird. Have to be these days.” There was absolutely no shame on Adam's face. Mike groaned.

  “Where is Stryker? Bryan and Pazely?” Masque inquired, and the mood went somber fast. “Are they...” Masque's question trailed off. “Pazely and Bryan were taken,” Feldyn told him, "a portal was opened and a general of Antioch; Darlothz, came through with some legionnaires. I... could not stop them from being taken."

  "We, could not stop them," Caleb chimed in. Feldyn smiled at the boy. It was true, not just he had been there at that moment. Caleb had almost died. Lance saved him, whom was also there, and no doubt feeling a touch of guilt as well. “Stryker is alive," Feldyn continued before more questions about the abducted duo could be asked. Now was not the time and place for a prolonged discussion. "Although, he was gravely injured.”

  Masque looked to Reba. “He’ll live,” she assured, “but I can't regrow limbs.” Her words were harsh, though her expression one of frustration and apology. “How?” Masque pressed, mind spinning. The man had lost limbs?! “The dog monster,” Gigi explained, “he killed it.” She helped too, but didn’t get hurt so nobody cared.

  “Stryker killed the lycanthropeire?” Masque asked to clarify. Geeg nodded. "Alone?" he looked to the others, whom smiled and added nods of their own.

  The little blonde wanted to murder them all.

  "Well, not completely alone," Caleb pointed out. "Gigi saved his ass near the end of the fight, letting Stryker get the upper hand." He smiled to the stunned child, "Right?" She didn't know what to say, so she stared at him unblinking.

  Masque spoke to her now, making her turn that wide-eyed vacant gaze. “You got your revenge,” he stated in a congratulatory tone. Gigi was confused. That had been happening to her a lot lately. “Stryker got my revenge,” she admitted to Masque. If the confusion she felt right now was growing up, she wanted to stay a kid.

  Appearing to swell with pride, Masque patted her on the head. He was indeed full of pride. Officer Stricksent had slain the lycanthropeire, taking disfiguring injury. Masque was eager to congratulate the man on his win! He was sure Reba could heal any injuries the man had received, despite her attempt at being humble.

  “Ye have a lot of catching up to do, friend,” Feldyn told him, putting a hand on his shoulder. Masque looked about to reply, and his eyes moved to look past the half elf to the cabin. Eyes that filled with terror and then hatred. Feldyn looked to see Iiyni standing near the door. “Bloody hell...”

  “Masque no!” Caleb shouted, manastorm ripping through the air as Masque charged the imp with nightblade in two hands. Adam quickly pulled a .45 caliber avenger class weapon, Mike hurrying to grab an avenger-class combat rifle from the cabin of the SUV. “She’s one of us!” John tried to calm the two mercenaries while also blocking their shot.

  Masque heard both Caleb and John - stopping his swing before the blade could connect with the unflinching imp’s forehead. “’Sup!” Iiyni greeted with a crooked grin. Masque, using all the self control he had, tried to wrap his mind around what he was seeing.

  The Mark of Christ was on the demon's soul.

  “Impossible!” he stepped back, slowly shaking his head, weapon still raised. “Nice to see you again too,” Iiyni chirped and rolled her eyes. “The whole impossible,” she mocked the word with exaggerated theatric shock, “thing, people really need a thesaurus, y’know?”

  “Get out of my way, man!” Adam snarled, niceties gone. John, feeling a bit of guilt at still doubting Iiyni until Masque could confirm her mark, was having trouble blocking the two armed men; Caleb and Feldyn moved to help. The girls standing by the SUV were not concerned with the drama. Other than watching it of course.

  “Move!” Adam pointed the gun at John’s face. “You need to calm down,” the old man warned in a stern, deliberate voice. “Do you have any idea what that thing is?” Mike asked, unsureness in his voice. “Aye, we do,” Feldyn answered. “She’s with us now,” Caleb said, and added, “she accepted Christ. She’s a Christian.” Adam spit on the ground, not looking away, “Bullshit. MOVE!”

  “It’s true,” Masque deadpanned, still in the same stance, “the mark of Christ is upon her soul.”

  “No fucking way!” Adam snapped with no small amount of hatred.. “Way,” Iiyni chimed. “I will tell you this once-” John started- and sighed, having not even gotten to finish his warning. Both men moving as if they intended to fire their weapons. Which would have more than likely not seriously injured the demon, but that was not the point.

  Before the two newcomers even knew what had happened, they were on their backs, guns taken. Caleb had quickstepped into Adam, grabbing the weapon, and flipping him onto the ground; Feldyn doing similar to Mike.

  “My friends!” Adam snarled to the imp as he rose to a sitting position. “Did you kill his friends?” Ally asked, as she absentmindedly brushed some gravel off her foot. “Not sure. Probably," Iiyni admitted walking over to the group, and trying to ignore their judgmental stares. Masque having backed all the way up to where the three girls stood, still had his weapon drawn. "Had to tear through a lot of rando soldiers about a month back.”

  Adam looked murderous as he got to his feet. "Leave it, corporal," Mike ordered. “Fuck you!” Adam shot back. “Rank doesn't mean shit now!”

  “Hear what they have to say.”

  “Are you kidding me?! You were there, Mike, you saw what she did! This bitch ripped them to shreds! And you want me I just leave it?!”

  “Was it in Montana?” Iiyni asked walking over to Adam. John gave her a ‘shut the fuck up’ look, but she ignored him. “I’m going to kill you! You murderous evil bitch! Creature of sin!”

  “Creature of sin?” Iiyni tone had changed at the comment. “Fuck you, faggot.”

  Adam may as well have been slapped by a unicorn, his reaction was so extreme at her words. She took the initiative. “Yeah, I killed most of your group. The fact any of you escaped is amazing, and you should be proud. Y’know why? I’m a demon, you stupid shit-dick. I was born in Hell! We kill! There is no evil, or good, or friend, or enemy, just win or lose: you and your friends lost. I didn’t murder anyone; didn’t slip into their goat-fucking rooms in the night and slit their throats while they came!"

  Iiyni was visibly agitated. She turned as if to leave, took a half step, and whipped back around. “Y’know, just- FUCK YOU!" Iiyni’s voice broke in a squeak. “I won’t apologize! I won't! Because that would disrespect your friends! We met on the battlefield, we fought, they lost. Period. The why doesn't fucking, fucking matter!

  “I was never given a choice to pick my side! I didn’t know I even had a damn choice! And when finally given one, I chose. And here I mother-fucking-am!" she was furious, though kept it controlled. "I will tell you sorry for your loss. I’ll even tell you I feel bad I killed them. But I won't, no fucking way, will tell you I’m sorry that I won. I’m here because I won.” An unnoticed tears ran from her eye. Unnoticed by her, anyway. “Grow up and accept the shit, corporal.”

  There was a good silence. Even Trixie and Lance (who had finally come outside) were quietly standing there listening.

  Adam’s mind was racing. This things words were right. In a sense. Harsh, cruel, vulgar... but right. His choices had led him, had led all of them, to this point. They may have been -most recently- fighting demons, but they still had chosen to follow masters whom had proven to be just as bad. He supposed actual demons never got to choose. Though... now they could? Or had they always had the choice and didn't known? That… didn’t sound right. At all. Had to be more to it.

  He was confused, and he was angry. But… if she really was saved… he… had to do what Christ wanted. Even if it was ripping his heart to shreds. Even if his soul wailed with agony: he had to be better than the monsters his life had been filled with.

  “I can’t see souls, or marks on them, or whatever,” Adam began. Mike was wondering what conclusion his friend would come to. He hoped for peace. Forgiveness. Mike still didn’t fully get this whole Jesus thing, but he was figuring it out. And right now, was begging Jesus to be with Adam. To give him peace. Mike himself was colder inside. For now. Because lately a warmth had been at work in him. “… so, gotta ask," Adam continued. "Do you accept Jesus as the Christ, Son of God- your Christ?”

  “I do,” Iiyni answered.

  “Not just like a demon knows the truth, but really accept him, and choose to follow him?”

  “Yup.”

  “And you admit you are a sinner, and only through the blood of Christ you can be forgiven? And in that belief, you have decided to turn from that sin?”

  “Yes. And can promise it was a helluva lot more dramatic for me than it was for you.”

  “Then… you are my sister,” Adam admitted. “Spiritually,” Iiyni clarified, with a shrug. Adam almost laughed, triggering a severe wave of nausea. Laughter now, when he should be full of vengeance and pain, the taste of positivity on his tongue made him sick with guilt. “I forgive you,” he said without thinking more. Shit, he had to think or it was pointless, huh? “I forgive you.. I forgive you for… killing… my friends. My brothers.”

  The sobs he expected to keep down never happened. The shame and guilt he expected, dismissing the death of his comrades so easily, began to rapidly fade. And that scared him. Badly. Yet it also made him feel something else. A power that was infinitely more terrifying than any he could imagine.

  The power of the Lamb.

  “Iiyni,” the tiny demon said, in her tiny, innocent voice, extending her hand.

  Adam finally knew everything had changed. That room had been real. It was not a delusion. He had really seen… that… thing. The ghosts, demons, monsters, magic… His entire life had been one of denial. Now, as simple as choosing to take a step, it was accepted, processed, moved past and normal. Adam would always be Adam, after all.

  He took the proffered hand (it was so small...) and gripped hard as he could. “Adam.”

  “We good?” Iiyni asked, and he groaned. "Good enough," the imp consented, then looked around at the group. “Should we head in, then? Jeff is shitting tacos someone is gonna see us all out here. Satellites,” Iiyni explained with an eye roll.

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

  * * *

  It didn’t take long for proper introduction to be made. Masque was so flabbergasted by Stryker’s injuries, it seemed to cheer up the officer. After a good bit of awkward chitchatting, and rearranged seating, the newcomers began to settle a bit.

  Mike was noticeably uncomfortable with the girls’ choice of attire. Especially Ally. Which she used to torment the man. Adam didn't seem to care one way or the other, more focused on asking Reba and Jeff a million technical questions regarding Quicksilver, alchemy, and the base. Most of which went unanswered. The group was overly trusting, but not -completely- stupid.

  Since everyone else had already ate, and there were minimal leftovers, Ally heated up a quick lunch (or dinner, given the time of day) for the two men, using things that were on hand. They wolfed it down like starving orphans at a Thanksgiving dinner.

  During this time, it was agreed to let Feldyn finish his tale. Why not? There was no vital intelligence contained within that could be used by the Order if the two ended up being spies. Mike and Adam had been offered the chance to share their own stories, but declined. Either they were hiding something, or doing the standard man thing of wanting to keep shit inside.

  The two did at least explain their motives and intentions, which were simple: they wanted away from the Order. With the current chaos, they saw a way out in helping the vampire. He was, after all, part of the group that everyone was talking about. Kids and renegades giving demons a run for their money. Mike and Adam swore they had no ulterior motives. Both simply wanted to be free, and if possible find somewhere they could put their skills to good use. Which, at the moment, was Jeff's.

  After asking if they could be permitted to stay, promising to eat minimal and work as security for the group, Jeff demanded if this was agreed to, they be his security and not that of the groups. Didn’t take much discussion for Jeff to get his way. And like that, Adam and Mike, two strangers, were now Jeff's personal security guards. Which was all in all a bit ridiculous, but it was his property, so the conditions were his to set.

  With the distraction caused by the arrivals, Feldyn tried to skip the rest of his story, deeming it unimportant; which the others were not having. Especially Stryker.

  The disfigured man played the sympathy card without an ounce of shame. He wanted to know more of Aethra. Didn’t exactly have T.V. to watch or anything. Gigi had also been really into hearing Feldyn talk about his past. Stryker had noticed. He liked it when Gigi smiled. Even that creepy -if not a bit adorable, in her own annoying way- little demon was happy listening to the bard. He couldn't help but think of her as a kid. Freaky as fuck or not. Trix was also loving the story-time, and she needed a distraction from recent events more than any of them, being the most innocent.

  Stryker wasn't worried about Ally or Reba. In fact he was trying to ignore them. Ally... needed pants. And Reba looking ten years old was all types of awkward for reasons he was not willing to think about.

  Feldyn gave in, though did insist on waiting until the morning. Stryker guessed he would have to accept that.

  As everyone began to move around, trying to figure out what to do, Mike mentioned they brought gifts, but wasn’t sure if it would all be appropriate with the kids. Alcohol. And a ton of junk food. They had raided a gas station on the way, and dipped into the adjacent liquor store. Jeff had a private liquor stash, though sharing of it wasn't something he was open to. Giving Feldyn some whiskey for his coffee earlier had been mercy on the elf having a breakdown.

  “But she's a kid,” Mike lectured to Feldyn, when he told him to let Ally have a beer after stopping her from taking one. “I do not think age matters much for us, friend,” Feldyn laughed. “The things I have seen this girl go through, I tell ye, she can handle a beer. And has drank plenty in her time too, I would wager.” Mike frowned, not convinced. Ally was giving him the 'seriously?' glare of doom.

  “Gigi doesn't like alcohol,” Geeg randomly informed the frowning man. Relieved one of the little ones wasn’t going to press her luck, Mike figured Ally and Caleb were old enough. What teens hadn’t been to a party or two at their age? Moving out of the way of the cooler (of course they had the foresight to get ice), he made sure to avert his eyes, when the young teen bent over. Mike was not a prude nor a pervert, he simply had that societal programming that girls, plus skin, plus underage, equaled: danger.

  Caleb rolled his eyes at the dramatic guy trying to not look at Ally, and took a beer for himself. Trixie was drilling holes in Jeff’s head with her gaze. “Fine,” he gave in and she beamed. Mike epically frowned. “No hard liquor! Just a beer! One! Drink it slowly!” Jeff lectured. She was ecstatic! Until she opened and tasted it. Her joy faded pretty quickly. Ew. Beer; the poor girl had chosen an IPA.

  John, Feldyn and Reba all opted for whiskey. Feldyn blanched at the taste. He had drank some good whiskey since coming to Earth, and this was not it. What Jeff shared with him before had been decent enough, mixed with horrible coffee... Oh how he missed dwarvish whiskey! Mead, ale, and whiskey - dwarves did it better than any other! Do not let gnomes tell ye otherwise! Though gnomes make wicked brandy, and their wine could outsell elvish on the market.

  Though, he supposed it was about the company. And Feldyn was in damn good company,

  * * *

  Her lips were always too red; hair never red enough, though at least it wasn't orange. Puckering lips in the mirror, and batting her lashes, she smiled, satisfied. Makeup wasn't really her thing, and she refused to let anyone else do it. Stage makeup was the occasional exception if in a hurry. Her features didn't wash out as easily as most do in stage lights, requiring only the bare minimum. Why let some random makeup artist with no investment in her appearance be the one to apply it? Most of the girls here preferred to their own, or each others’. All complaints aside, it was fun to glam up from time to time, needed or not.

  “Ten minutes!” some grumpy lady wearing a mic'd headset told -snapped at- her, quickly popping back out the door. Radi frowned into the mirror, adorably as she could. This whole underground popstar thing was tiresome, even if she loved it. She got to act like herself, and not some persona created for the audience. Not to mention avoiding paparazzi and the media. No worries about cancel culture for her! That was way more than most starlets could say.

  A couple years ago, girl kpop really blew up in the western world. Which meant the cancer of Western perverts back-washed into it, and drew attention to other idol cultures that it couldn't corrupt. You see, Western censorship and judgment is hypocrisy at it's finest. The reality is they want everything dripping with sex, so you have to eliminate too pretty, and / or underage; your required intent to be lust and lust alone. Heaven forbid you simply think a girl is cute without needing to be a pervert.

  Can you imagine trying to sell the idol industry in the Western world? Young pretty girls modeling, dancing, and singing, to an audience of predominantly middle aged men? In an innocent yet provocative manner? People screech child pornography seeing a sixteen year old in a swimsuit!

  Perverted prudes or not, anyone not sticking their fingers in their ears, closing their eyes, and going "la la la" could see their was a huge untapped market for idols. Real idols, not the big bootie Americans flapping their butt cheeks around at award shows, and singing about bodily fluids and dicks. Which was apparently good and wholesome for children, and the ones that accused others of being gooners.

  Trying to find a way to tap into such a hidden market was difficult, it was some random white dude that took the first step. His attempt at a legitimate U.S. based Idol company gained more traction than anyone would have guessed. Though it didn't take long for the internet to come for him, and he folded rather easily.

  After that, another opportunistic -this time Jewish- guy, looked at the shattered pieces and said, hey, why not make this an underground thing? Deep web, torrents, bootlegged DVDs, crypto currency, the whole nine yards. Only problem with that was the nutty alt righters. When you delve into the digital shadows, it isn't helpful being a Jew. The wannabe Nazi loons liked their safe spaces Jew-free. Not to mention nothing united the social justice wackos (on both sides of the aisle) like underage girls NOT doing something wrong.

  Yet, into the shadows, seeds of an underground idol world were planted, and the screams of pedophilia actually helped to shelter it; the vigilante spotlights aimed at whatever the Nazi, Woke, Incels, and Christians, were screeching child porn over instead. RIP anime and JRPGs; they really took one for the team.

  Once the idea had been firmly cemented in myth and conspiracy theories, some videos of the underground idol groups 'leaked' to a big named pirate uploader. The torrents took off and soared. It only took a few more months for the underground phenomenon to go viral as such a things could go, without being mainstream.

  The entire thing really was genius. Keeping it underground avoided pretty much every problem media tended to lob at things it didn't like. Sponsors and advertisers of the more... controversial, soon found safe ways to invest, lining up to be first. The founder refused them all.

  Idol Gate quickly became a name spoken of in every pop community. Some spoke of it in awe, wishing to be part of it. Others with fear, and judgment. Rumors of exploited girls, or how it would destroy the asian pop market.

  Hard to classify, the -aptly named- Idol Gate was called such not only as a mockery of conspiracy theories (valid or not), ad fandoms being destroyed by tourists; but because it was a gate to an idol wonderland. Girls of any age (as long as they were young enough to still be casually referred to as a girl and not a woman) could join. They simply needed to have talent, and agree to the rules. Once within, all their basic needs were met, as they spent their time training, performing, and competing.

  The School was where training was conducted. Very often also filmed. Not much for academics were taught within, instead singing, acting, modeling, and all things that go alongside side them. Like learning instruments and physical conditioning.

  The Theater was the portion of Idol Gate that produced the concerts and model shoots.

  The Ring was was the third and final main category, and it was all about competition. Not only friendly competitions for the fans, but the Ring also handled auditions, and if weak links would remain or be ejected.

  Which never really happened. Any girl that followed the rules, and was at one point an idol, was allowed to remain, and some job or other was found so she could be useful. Even if you aged-out. Those that ran things were incredibly kind to the girls that made them their millions, and despite what you read on social media- not a single girl was ever taken advantage of.

  What were the rules that were required to be an idol? Other than the age requirements, you had to be attractive, and a triple threat. Attractive, not one could do much about. Being a triple threat was not as daunting of a goal as it was in Hollywood. Literally anyone could learn to dance, sing, and act. Some were just better than others. As long as you were willing to train in the bare minimum, were cute, and others enjoyed watching and listening to you- triple threat status achieved.

  The other rules were both simple and difficult. You need to have either cut ties with your previous life, or have no one. The reasoning for this was the simple legality of having people looking for you. Since the Idol Gate was predominantly juveniles, it was important to give the law as few excuses as possible to cause trouble. This meant that the vast majority of the girls were orphans, street kids, or -rescued- victims of humans trafficking that had no one, nowhere to go.

  Another big thing was no American's, Canadian's, Australian's... you get the pictures. Those were not only the main legal enemies of the Idol Gate, but children that had spent their early lives there tended to have the disgusting ideals of the West pounded into their heads, and couldn't be trusted.

  No sex was allowed, and no relationships. Girl-girl was fine, if caught holding hands or sharing a kiss in public, all that happened was fans spent more money. But nothing involving boys. The girls were allowed to leave whenever they wished, but would lose their idol status instantly if caught with a boy. The last rules were about getting along (no mean girl antics), and secrecy.

  The staff? Aside from the ones at the top, it was a mix of men and women, to whom the idols were completely off limits; only allowed to interacted with the girls as part of their job duties. The handful at the very top, the idols never saw. Mostly because of who they were.

  The Idol Ring was greatly funded by organized crime. Big time players from across the world. People with their hands in the pockets of all the right politicians and law makers to keep the Idol Gate safe and in the shadows. And that was the big reasons the girls were safe. You see, the penalty of harming one of them was death, and those in charge were more than happy to oblige. Radi had once seen a stage hand beheaded with a hacksaw for slapping an Idol's ass as she ran past him. She wasn’t supposed to see, but with her level, it was rare to be told no.

  The cons to being a part of Idol Gate? There really weren't any. Not for the idols, at least. No slipping a blow job to your manager for a good gig, or letting the event planner lick your butthole every Tuesday to guarantee you didn’t get your show canceled. Nope. If you had the skill and checked out, you got in. Simple as that. And could leave whenever you wished.

  Well, one small con, she supposed, was that you didn't technically get paid or get to keep gifts, but wasn't like you were lacking for in luxuries, since The Gate provided everything you needed and then some. That said, if you didn't complain, most of the time you got rewarded. The last big show, Radi had made about twenty thousand in cash and gifts, and didn't get to keep any of it. She didn't bitch, simply happy to perform- and you know what? The guys running that show -Irish mobsters mostly, that time around- returned to her some of the jewelry, and five thousand in cash. Five grand, and half that in jewelry? From one night of doing what she loved? What idiot would whine about that?

  And it was time for her to shine once again! Radi had a large fan base. Mostly middle aged men, of course. Not that it bothered her; her fandom was super polite, and she attracted mostly business guy types. A lot were pretty cute, if not boring. Seeing a bunch of dudes in expensive suits flipping out in the audience while she sang and danced was pretty flattering, if being honest. Her female fans were mostly in China, Brazil and the United States, and didn’t get to the live shows much.

  Walking out of her hole-in-the-wall dressing room, Radi resisted the urge to pull her shorts from her butt. More they climbed the better. In the back, anyhow. You wanted a little climb in the front, but too much was poor taste, if not uncomfortable. They were booty variety, which always wore with a short skirt combo, and of a material she wasn't familiar with, but felt like some kind of pleather hybrid. Shorts were a bit cheeky, which she also wasn't used to outside of bathing-suit bottoms. Was a thrill for her, and would give a little extra fan service at the right angles.

  Radi's belly was exposed, and her blemish free, white, fifteen-year-old skin sparkled from, uh, actual sparkles. Glitter. Just a little though.

  There was also glitter in her red (fierce blood orange, really) hair. Hair that currently had the body only a beauty shop of lab sacrificed animal products could bring. Or a direct blessing from God. Radi had to admit it was a bit of both. Her hair and skin were radiant, making her name kismet.

  Radiant was her legal -and stage- name, but she always went by the shortened (and cuter sounding) Radi. And no, she didn't name herself that. It was what she had been called literally her entire life, so that was the 'legal' name she adopted.

  Her crop-top was custom made, and designed to match the skirt. Tighter around her chest, it gave the illusion of a loose shirt, without the risk of flying up. Truly genius design.

  She had a petite but perky bust. Breast size was overrated in her not so modest opinion. Big boobs or tiny, it was the shape of them, and the elasticity of your skin that really mattered. Radi didn’t bother with a bra. Now or ever. Costumes could be designed for support as needed. Occasionally wearing a top designed to make you think you saw a bit too much as she danced. Had to wear those sparingly though, so it appeared accidental.

  Shoes she also didn’t usually bother with. Toenails painted red like her fingernails.

  “What songs?” an attractive older guy with a clipboard asked when she reached the immediate backstage area. Lucky Fate was performing right now. She was number one where Radi was number two for the pure solo artists. “Pretty Pretty,” she answered, and bit her bottom lip thinking. The man tensed, looking at her with impressively contained lust. “And Dreillilium,” she decided, and he scurried away. Radi smiled. It was nice when attractive men looked at her the way he did. You could tell how bad he wanted to devour her, yet he gave everything he had to either look her in the eyes, or not at all.

  The music stopped, and Radi listened as the audience screamed and yelled and applauded. She hadn't been paying attention, but she was pretty sure the song was one of Lucky Fate’s originals. Then the audience started chanting for an encore. Which was the usual. What was unusual was that LF obliged them. The guy with the clipboard returned, informing her that Lucky Fate was going to do two more songs. Radi didn't mind, but it definitely had her curious, so she moved to stand close as she could without being seen by the audience.

  Lucky Fate (or LF) didn't have friends, kept to herself, and was super quiet. Polite if confronted, otherwise she came across fairly emotionless offstage. She was gone from the Ring a lot too, which wasn't a big deal, the girls could come and go as they pleased. Not like they had contracts to fulfill. Still, this last time LF had been gone a lot longer than usual. Radi had only heard a few hours ago that the kid was back, and they were bumping her above Radi in performance order. Dramatic returns and all that.

  Which was fine, of course. None of the girls really did the whole jealousy thing here. It wasn't because of rules or comradery, it just wasn't practical. You were either good enough to be out there making money, or you weren't. Your stage time hardly reflected your popularity either. You wanted to do a performance or a video or photo book, then you got to; outside of a few rare exceptions, like all star shows, or age / ethnic photo shoots. It was a lot less taxing to just get along with each other. Easier on the psyche as well, since it could feel pretty isolating spending all your time within the Idol Gate compound (more like caravan) without any friends to chat with.

  True, you could come and go at will, however the Idol Gate didn't tend to setup camp in the safest of areas during their travels, and the rules of not harming the girls only applied to the staff, not locals. You could easily get approval to bring a bodyguard or two if you needed to go out, but leaving to chill or have some free time - you were on your own.

  Music starting, Lucky Fate returned to the stage, the audience completely losing their shit. With a smile, she evaluated the little brown girl that had pranced back out.

  Any that considered themself a fan of hers knew she had never before done an encore. Ever. They would be the first to experience it. Embarrassing, but Radiant also wanted to be one of the first, since she was as a bit of a fan herself. A fact she preferred not to share.

  LF was about ten years old. If she was human. Enough time hadn't passed yet for Radi to be suspicious (girl sure did age slowly...), and she was the only idol with an unknown age in her profile. Never did know for sure! Anyway, she usually wore her dark hair in tons of thin tight braids, either loose, or binding them into a ponytail of sorts.

  Skin was light brown, but Radi wasn't sure her actual race. Lucky's Idol Gate profile listed her as Brazilian. Who knows it that was true. Rumor at The Gate was a mix of black, Mexican, and Philippina. Trivial, of course; stars had to have their trivia, and the starlets their gossip.

  The kids style and dress wasn't terribly different than anyone else here, but she did have her specifics. For one thing, Radi had never seen LF in a one-piece. Everything she wore showed her belly. Bottoms were always tight, if they be full pants, leggings, or shorts. Tops varied in tightness, but were never baggy.

  Watching her perform, Radi's smiled had grown. Lucky Fate was one of those little girls that was so talented, it felt insulting to call her cute or adorable.

  Radiant had the presence of mind to compose herself as LF wrapped up her second song of the encore. She needed to focus on her own performance, and push the inner fangirl away. She didn't really get nervous about going on stage; what she got was… prideness? She had to do awesome. Radi could sing better than most idols if she was drowning, even without using her ability she had never failed to captivate the crowd.

  That same pride was why she liked to start with stupid songs like Pretty Pretty, even if the lyrics were cringe. It challenged her to captivate using personality and body movements right out the, erm, gate. She wasn't a dancer, she was a singer- set that bar high, or not at all!

  Lights were flashing, her twinkly introduction music beginning to play. The crowd, as expected, went nuts. Which was a little teeny tiny bit surprising. Not them being thrilled, but the level of it. Lucky had just preformed, she expected the audience to be a worn down a bit from freaking out over that encore.

  Oh how she wished for more girls in the audience! Even some younger boys would be nice. She was -sexually- attracted to men, however a bunch of boys her age or younger, losing their minds while she performed? That was a compliment she had yet to receive.

  The audience sounded they were were having a meltdown. She never made them wait this long. They screamed for her. Screamed for her songs. They just screamed for the sake of screaming! They begged, and shouted for the girl of their dreams! For their wish to come true! She was used to it. It didn't bloat her ego or anything. It was Radiant they were so obsessed with, not a real person. Not her but the character she gave them. Most people faked things in their professional life to some extent, didn't they? This wasn't really all that much different, and she was getting to act how she wanted to act, so her persona wasn't all that far from the truth.

  Radiant took her mic, and ran out on stage- igniting a new round of shrieking from the audience. "Sorry to keep you waiting!" she apologized. The screaming continued. Radiant giggled, and scrunched her nose in a silly smile - making it impossible for the audience to resist her charm. "Now, I gotta ask," the audience quieted to listen to her, "is this outfit pretty enough to perform in?" She bounced around in a circle, posing. Their screams said yes. The music for Pretty Pretty now beginning.

  The choreography for this was as cringy as the lyrics. Silly super cutesy dance moves, that still managed to feels scandalous. Maybe it was the embarrassment? Whatever it was, she enjoyed the feeling.

  "Pretty pretty pretty, she so knows

  pretty pretty pretty, her smile, she glows!

  Well what you see, ain't what you get-

  There's much more than legs and hips!

  Yep, mm hmm, legs and lips!

  Ooo ooo ooo, pretty pretty

  Ooo ooo ooo, pretty pretty

  pretty pretty

  I'm so pretty

  More more more,

  you know there is

  More more more, more

  she's yet to give

  Pretty pretty

  What you saw is what you got,

  What I have is what you're not!

  Ooo ooo ooo, pretty pretty

  Ooo mm hmm, pretty pretty

  pretty pretty, pretty pretty

  Stars shine bright, not cute

  I know what you see,

  you see what I shoooooow

  Ice cream cake, jewels too dull, ha ha, radiant!

  pretty pretty

  pretty cute

  pretty pretty!

  Such a hoot!

  She will dance, and she will sing

  She will dance and she will bling

  bling bling!

  Ugh, she’s just so radiant!"

  Acting like a bratty child, she stuck out her bottom lip, and dramatically marched offstage.

  Radiant's music was two sided, meaning costume changes were fairly important. With how bad the lyrics were, she needed to stand out. Talent, gimmicks, and quirks- the real triple threat.

  A stage hand in all black hurried to where Radi stood, and handed her a stack of folded items for her costume change. She took them and whispered in the stage hands ear. They hesitated for a moment processing the request, before hurrying away.

  This was a risk, since she hadn't gotten approval. But her numbers were high enough, it shouldn't cause any problems. And it would make the organizers a lot of money after she announced a special video of her performance tonight. Everything was recorded on stage. It was so the girls could spontaneously announce special limited videos.

  Sooner or later this performance would end up online, of course. But not before the small fortune in limited run physical copies were sold.

  Quickly removing her top and tossing it to the side, she took one of the towels embroidered with her name and patted down. She then put on the custom bikini top, and changed into the matching bottoms. The stagehand returned with what she had requested. Radi winked to her, and the girl looked like she was going to faint. How adorable. Hurrying, Radi tossed on the loose crop top, and stepped into the baggy short shorts, before putting her hair into pigtails- the hair-ties being what she had requested.

  She was about to about to perform in tear away clothing, that would be removed mid song, to reveal a bikini. It was custom designed for her, but there was always a chance of costume failure. Which in this case would equal never stepping on stage at The Gate again. That was why bikinis were risky. Nudity was inexcusable (or so they said. Radi had her suspicions); and the fans knew it.

  Taking a deep breath, she ran back out on stage, towel around her shoulders.

  "Last song, no encores from me tonight," she told the crowd once they quieted. Their reaction was mixed, more focused on wrapping their minds around her outfit. She could feel their, uh... hope. "However, I did decide to do something a little special for this last song. As you all know, I've never done a photo book, or worn a swimsuit." Okay, now there were cheers. "Tonight, on this stage... Well, let's just say to make sure you order your limited copy of my performance."

  The cheers had changed to screams, and some very loud gurgling choking noises. "Well don't die! Good grief, is everyone okay, who was that? You?" A nerdy looking man held up a hand, drinking some water, and coughing, looking embarrassed as those near him laughed. "Come here, up front," she motioned. He was already close, and security would make sure he got a spot. He looked like he was going to choke again, but did as instructed. When he got as close to the stage as the audience was allowed, he was brought closer- the coveted behind the barrier spot. She took her towel, kissed it, and tossed it to him. Something else she never did.

  It was important -to the fan- that no one touch it, other than who it was intended for. Catching it, the poor guy didn't know what to do, starting come in for a sniff, he thought better and held it away from himself. There were a lot of boos, though people were smiling, some leaning over past security to pat him on the shoulders.

  Radi nodded to one of the security guards, and he retrieved a baggie for the man to put the towel in, to not taint with his own stink. "Make sure he gets first dibs on on a video after the show, okay?" she pointlessly told a guard. Security had no say, but the eyes in the sky would make it happen. The nerdy guy started crying and thanking her. She then picked out a couple more nearby, and added, “they get second dibs!” and their was collective cheers from the audience for their perverts-in-arms!

  Walking back to center stage, she took her pose, and the band began to play. This song had a short and long. The short was haunting and powerful, the longer one grew into something powerful, with solid choregraphy in the middle. That was what she would do, tearing off her outer clothes during the dance, and finishing it in the bikini, giving all she had to her vocals.

  Figured she would try and toss the torn clothes into the audience if they came off in a solid piece. Maybe just toss it all to nerd guy. He was being super respectful, and was cute in a not cute at all, type of way.

  "Do you hear the whisper?

  Deep, and low, it calls,

  Grabbing me,

  it's calling me,

  the ebb and the flow,

  the heart wrenching show

  it wants me to see

  it’s not calling calling calling

  Seeing it show me, pulling it’s pulling

  Ho~t

  Co~ld

  She’s split and melting, torn, and now tearing

  Seeing the way of knowing

  the way to going

  Her sirens song

  Face otherworldly

  Humanity, not her toy

  Rocks, waves, the gravity of the dreillilium

  Dreillilium

  Beneath this new moon, shed

  Underneath it all, call

  Truth that was-

  dreillilium

  And she's now drowning, heart glitters and shines

  Glowing in my heart

  dreillilium..."

  * * *

  Radiant was pretty out of breath when she left the stage. Didn't happen to her often, but whew, she had gone all out for that! After finishing up her second song, got the signal it was okay to continue, so performed two more, after asking the audience if they really wanted to see her sing and dance in a bikini, and how inappropriate they were. The Gate obviously wanted more fan service shots, and she was inclined to give it to them.

  The guys back stage were staring at her much more intensely than usual. To be expected she guessed. What wasn't so expected was how dirty she felt. Like she had done something wrong. It's just embarrassment, you've worn revealing things before! It’s just a swimsuit!

  Doing her best to appear confident (Why freak out now?!), she kept her pace casual as she made her way to the exit. When she saw the pretty teenage girl she smiled. “Slut,” Radi greeted. “Cunt,” Fru-hii replied, voice filled with hate, unlike the red-head's playful tone. “She wants to talk to you,” Fru-hii told her after she had passed. Radi stopped and sighed. “Why?” she asked the pissy succubus, and turned to face her. “Don't know. Not like your skinny human ass can be of any help.” The human frowned and and put hands on skinny hips.

  Fru-hii was by far the bitchiest of the demons that were part of Idol Gate. There was a handful of them, and a couple self proclaimed 'witches', though from the way the demons treated them, Radiant assumed that claim was ridiculous in some way or other.

  The organizers, muscle, stage hands, they were normal people, far as she knew. The idols were where the magic and mystery were. Literally. Radi was also the only human idol that even knew about such things. She had found out by accident, and hardly cared, there for deemed no worry of her saying anything. Sure, Radi was curious, but not much more than that. Demon, humans, whatever- life was weird. And cute sexy talent, was cute sexy talent. Not like she was religious or something.

  “Tell her I need to clean up and change, then I'll come find her. Or she can come to my room? Whichever works.” Fru-hii nodded her agreement, and left. Radi couldn't help from checking the succubi out as she walked away.

  Demon or human, kpop girls always looked so young! Radi didn’t mind, nor was she jealous. Well, maybe a little envious. She was perfectly fine being a skinny red head teenager. Some day her body would grow old and fall apart, but that day wasn’t today or -hopefully- anywhere close.

  As Radi reached the exit door from the backstage area, that would lead to the hallway out of the building; the door flew open, and Sissy almost ran into her. “Hi Radiant!” she beamed, waving, after nimbly dodging the redhead. Radi laughed and waved back, once again turning to address one of the succubi, who was walking backwards hurriedly. “Nice wedgie gurl!” Sissy complimented loudly, and Radiant turned to face her butt towards the demon and hiked her bottoms up, getting a cheering hoot and giggle.

  Sissy wasn't the traditional beauty, but she had a nice body, and her smile could light up a room. It was one of those that was so big and beaming that her eyes squinted shut. She was always overflowing with energy! If she wasn't bouncing around, she was giggling and laughing. Often times both.

  Radi really liked that family. Even bitch face Fru-hii had her likable moments. The only unsettling one of the bunch was their leader, Yuna. Who currently wanted to talk to her...

  Leaving the building, Radi returned to her personal trailer. The trailer she knew as her personal home. Starting to take off her bikini- she froze, seeing herself in the mirror. And that guilty feeling returned. This was the first time she had seen herself wearing this. Sure, she had tried it on, but hadn't looked in a mirror... Letting her fans see her in it first had sounded fun. Now she felt... filthy. But why? It was just a swimsuit! Sure, she had literally never worn one before, but there was nothing lewd or over immodest about it? The cut wasn't super revealing or weird! It was very jpop photobook vibe, which was why she picked it. A bit cheeky, but wasn't a thong or anything!

  Taking off the bathing suit in hopes it would also remove the ick she was feeling inside, Radi was relieved when she again looked in the mirror at her naked body. She had always found herself to be cute. Maybe weird, but she couldn’t help it. Though she only found herself attractive when looking in a mirror. Never when looking down at her body, or pics or anything. Nothing wrong with a little vanity.

  Posing a bit, she had to laugh at herself. Was it weird to get aroused looking at your own naked body? Not for the first time, she though of setting up a camera, and dismissed it just as fast. Then, frowning, she looked to see if she had locked her trailer door. All she needed was Yuna walking in while she gave herself a show.

  Oh well. She needed to freshen up quick, and go see what the queen of KittyQuTe wanted. It honestly felt like Yuna was secretly in charge of the entire Idol Gate. Whatever she wanted to happen happened, and everyone referred to her, no matter their position.

  Getting a change of clothes, Radi saw herself in another mirror and smiled. Then felt a little sad. No one would ever look at her like she looked at herself. Nonsensical as that was… it stung.

  * * *

  "I don't think it's a good idea," the petite succubus advised. "So you've said," the only other succubus in the room replied to her, eyes not leaving the monitor in front of her chair. The two were watching Radiant look at herself in the mirror, appearing unhappy with her appearance in the bikini she wore. "She is just a human. A special one, yes, but I don't see-"

  "You don't need to see."

  "Mother-"

  "Don't call me that," Yuna told her daughter, as she watched the pretty redhead on the color HD monitor remove her swimsuit. It wasn't just for appearance, she hated the sound of mother.

  Thia sighed. Her mother annoyed her. Greatly. "Yuna," she restarted, in a dry flat tone, "this girl is obviously too focused on the carnal to be an asset. Look at her! There is no one watching, and she is acting that way! Fru-hii was told to tell her to come see you, yet she is admiring her own body instead!"

  "Would you fuck her?" the succubus with the bobbed hair asked her daughter. Thia was momentarily taken aback. Her mother rarely used vulgarity. "You know I prefer men," was the uncomfortable reply. "Not what I asked," was the stern reply. Thai tensed. Her mother was serious. Clutching the clipboard she held to her chest, she watched as Radiant posed and admired herself.

  Thia and her sisters -the succubi- were different. Yuna had raised them to be. Where they could never truly experience things like physical pleasure, their mother had learned tricks over the years. Ways for them to understand emotions better. To experience them stronger.

  "Are these recordings really necessary?" Her mom didn't reply. For whatever reason they kept secret recordings of all the girls at The Gate. Recordings that were then locked away, and never shared. Yuna told her daughters they were the exception to being recorded, and Thia had spent much time -some alone, some with help- looking for cameras, to no avail. Not that it would stop a certain someone, nor would it surprise her to find out their mother had lied.

  Knowing Yuna still expected an answer, "I would," the small succubus hesitently admitted, feeling what she would best describe as embarrassment. Thia and her twin sister were tiny, not much larger than an imp. Though their bodies had hit puberty, their breasts had grown only enough to mark them as no longer children. That said, either twin could easily pass for a preteen. Their horns, however, had fully grown.

  "And that is why," Yuna finally responded. Radiant now made her way into the bathroom, Yuna changing to the next set of cameras. "If even you want to fuck her, surely the Dragonheart would as well."

  "You want her to seduce him? Why her? She’s a bit… toxic in her views, is she not?"

  Yuna laughed, finally glancing at her daughter. “Does that really matter? No, the simple fact that she could attract you, is enough. We don’t need him to fuck her, we need him to trust her. And she isn’t a demon, which removes her as a threat."

  "I don’t understand. How can you be sure? Why does any of this even matter?"

  "Because the prophecies say so." Yuna turned in her chair to look into her daughter's confused eyes, and smiled, "I think it's time we talked."