Chapter 4– Ashen Remains Left Behind
Charon… Mistress…
That was the last thought…the utterance of her name…as his home was now in plain view, mere yards away and unsuspecting… Ditching his motorbike, he opened the gate and headed towards the front door, face beaming proudly of his success and his hope that she was home… Releasing Vivian from her ball, he opened the door and the two yelled out his accomplishment…
“I passed Mistress!!!”
“He passed Mistress Charon!!!”
Their echoes filled the house… only to turn into complete silence… Their smiles… had quickly left as they found her lying on the floor, horribly beaten as she weakly looked up at the three people in her blurred vision, a broken smirk adorned on her bruised face. Charon mouthed out a word, the powerful arcane incantation of the black magicka coming forth in a loud, sudden explosion of intense fire and pure magical might all around them. Flaming shrapnel filled the air as the house blew apart from the force, not into the three she wanted to take with her who had easily teleported before then, but… unsuspectingly sending it all… to Juno and Vivian. The shockwave sent them flying backwards, out the door and onto the lawn. Ragdoll bouncing and tumbling, Juno came to a stop harshly against the fence. Vivian was not as lucky as the front door, now a solid flaming projectile following them struck her fully and knocked her completely senseless.
Lying before the flaming ruins, Vivian stirred and hazily looked about from where she lay. Tongues of fire and flaming ruin were before, on and all around her. Looking up slowly, she noticed the intact door lying right on her tail. Pushing it off and slowing getting up, she hissed as pain gripped her head and chest like a vice.
“…Master…?” she said with a raspy groan, though it was drowned out.
Scanning, she found him lying a few feet from her unconscious and on fire. Rushing to his side despite the pain, she began putting him out all the while repeatedly calling out to wake him up.
“MASTER!!!” She yelled out.
She continued, gripping him and looking about the neighborhood, seeing people running to see or going to get help, screaming out against the raging flames behind her.
“For the love of Gods SOMEONE HELP US!!! PLEASE!!!”
They did not hear the sirens, the people yelling and the commotion of what transpired today.
Just then…the flames, Vivian, and everyone else around instantly froze. A white haired woman walks up with another person, examining everything on the scene.
“Alright…rewind…” he said.
She nodded and everything began to slowly revert back to the way it was. It continued as they kept walking, right into the house and seeing Charon lie there like before.
“Keep going…”
She kept backing time up causing what looked to be a very interesting conversation happens between Charon and the three mystery people, all before a much closed in fight of various moves and techniques inside the house.
“They gave her a run for her money… but she held on… They also did not use the front door… Direct teleportation…”
She continued until stopping part ways, the scene now frozen.
“Here Master…” she said softly, playing the day before them now.
The scene showed Charon walking down the stairs, clutching a book in her hands. Sighing she went into the kitchen and set it down on the table. Chanting, they saw what looked to be an invisible force fill the whole house.
“A spell…?”
Looking at the simple, clasped book she says, “Juno…find this and continue on…for you will know the Truth…I’m…” Sighing, she casually looks up at the three people quietly appearing before her, donned in concealing hooded robes. An odd, black & gold symbol with what looked like a shattered transmutation circle was embossed on each one of them.
“So…the one who thinks this world should once again be purged with arcane fire and the relics of the past so that the special ones rise up from the ashes…or is it the true domain of pure humans gifted with what we are so natural with, casting us pokégirls as the true slaves that we are… sends his elite lackeys to finally find me almost twenty years after… He is slipping in that old age…for a human…”
One person chuckles, steps forward, grabs a chair and sits down. The person then removes the hood to reveal a bandaged face and messy, spiky, long black hair. Distant, white, almost dead eyes stare intently at the pokéwoman before her.
“Oh we knew all along where you were Charon…it was only a matter of simply dropping in on you…even if the hello has been only twenty years…”
“Of course Risen…or is it Carpenter…since you despise your Huntress moniker? I also see you brought Arcana, whom I thought left the organization or was some sacrifice from what the stories say and even Lycan with you as well… I guess the other Huntresses from the Reckoning didn’t put you down with silver after all.” Charon said, addressing them each coldly, knowing full well who they were under their robes.
“Carpenter Gar-Gal… You want to call me something, you call me Carpenter… That first title is from my past and it shall not be mentioned… As for these two, they wanted to come. Had high hopes to see the great Charon the Stone Knight in the flesh!” Carpenter laughed, propping bandaged and leather clad legs on the table.
“Any reason you are bringing your dead self here…as to already say that it’s because you were once the most beautiful woman we knew…before taking a Dark Flare, experimentation and a few numerous spells in the past…giving you the reason why you wear those bloodied bandages and leather like some wonton Bandame Penance cross-dresser?” Charon said, quietly readying a Dark Blade.
She was silent for only a second, “Only one reason… My employer… is a tad pissed of the past setback he encountered and his only wish is… that you return what is rightfully his…”
“And what…pray tell is that…Risen…?”
“Don’t play dumb with me Gar-Gal… You know what exactly he wants… And he should be about…let’s say…nineteen now…? More than perfect for what is in store…and I hear it’s quite the Olympian feat when they ready him…”
Her eyes went wide with shock…
Juno…? What could they…oh no…they couldn’t have…
“Am I right? I must be seeing as you are speechless…”
Charon was silent…still building up her Dark Blade to take her down, and the rest if she had to…
“So I ask you… Where is the boy…? That is all we have come here for. If you give him to us now or tell us where he is, you will not suffer before my hand Blessed One… But if you do not…well…you already know…” She said, a hand trailing to one of her knives at her side.
“I do not know Carpenter… I never kept tabs on him… I only watched Joshua…but you know what happened after that…murderers…”
Carpenter raised an eyebrow, all before laughing, “Oh that’s right! He went out with a bang! Quite the spectacle he did…for a human turned pokégirl… Guessing the power…and his new form was too much for him!” Charon’s eyes began to glow a deep red as the table they were sitting at split in half. Carpenter stopped laughing and rested her legs. Removing her robes and revealing more of her bandaged and tattooed, pale skinned self; she pulled out her twin knives and donned her featureless mask.
And so it begins.
“I was hoping I did not have to resort to this…but if it’s the only way I’ll carve an answer out of your bloody beaten corpse…lets go then…” she said, twirling her knives.
Charon yelled and kicked part of the table slice at Carpenter, who aimlessly diced it to bits, followed by blocking Charon’s incoming slash.
“Oh you got to do better than that lady! Come on! Show me what you GOT!”
Pushing her back, Carpenter let loose what looked like a pale green skull from her fist directly at Charon. She smirked as it was sliced in half, followed by a green explosion. Carpenter stood silently but quickly dodged and blocked a torrent of thrown Dark Blades aimed right at her. Arcana had protected Lycan and herself with a barrier as Carpenter and Charon continued to fight, decimating more of the kitchen and some of the hallway with each blow. This went on, each trading hits and more attacks until Carpenter sighed and said, “Alright, time to end this…”
She stood there, waiting for Charon to do another rage fueled attack, in the form of a controlled Dark Matter. Watching her charge the faux singularity in her hand, followed by anything and everything rushing towards it, she yelled and fired it straight at Carpenter, who smirked under her bandages and said… “Arcana…please deal with this.”
Appearing instantly, she immediately countered the Dark Matter with an equally powerful Dispel, making the singularity shrink until there was nothing there. Charon was stunned as her attack was casually tossed away like rubbish, all before being tackled and pinned to the wall by her knives. Charon screamed out, the knives digging deeply in her arms.
“Alright… I let you have your fun…now I won’t ask you again…Where…is the boy…?”
“What do you mean? You filth killed him…remember?” she said, spitting those words out like the foulest venom.
“Carpenter, come on. You do know she is not going to talk.” Lycan said with a slight accent.
“Yea. I don’t know why you continue this game of yours.” Arcana said.
“Because I can ladies. I know exactly what I’m doing. And don’t worry…. I have my ways of breaking people…. Well…I guess you know what’s coming next then…you infernal pokéwoman...” Grabbing her hand forcefully, Carpenter smirked and no sooner did it suddenly begin to turn to stone.
She gasped, “Stonetouch?!”
“Yes! 10 points! The lady gets it! Heh…it’s funny seeing one of your kind in their…natural…and defenseless element…” Grasping one of her fingers, “Now…what happens… if I do…this…?”
“Now she should have done that in the first place…” Lycan said, surveying the damage.
Charon began to growl and curse in defiant pain as the petrified hand was bent in the opposite direction. Cracks began meandering around the wrist before it broke off completely.
“Oh that didn’t hurt, but that’s what you get. Now…please…just answer my question.”
She fought the pain, glaring more intensely and barring her fangs at her tormentor, “I would rather die you rotting demon!”
“Uh oh… there’s that…other… title again…” Arcana said.
Carpenter froze as she said that familiar but hated nickname, knowing it fully, only to laugh and repeat the action. Adding her other hand, it was immediately smashed with a convenient hammer.
“Bzzzt!” Wrong answer Gar-Gal!”
“Now a hammer? What will she do next?”
Charon struggled against her captors and continued pain but couldn’t break free. Even with what her sister granted to her in the past seemed to somehow work against her and not for her.
“So I say again… and this time it will be your lovely wings and tail, where…is…the…boy…?
Charon still defied, yelling and thrashing for freedom.
The hammer was twirled in a deft manner, “…So be it…Charon…”
The man and woman turned away from the pain they brought onto Charon, hearing her pained screams as blood and rock filled the air. Bruises and the like scored her skin and face from the repeated interrogation and futile breaking attempts. The loudest came when they forcefully ravaged her wings and sliced off her graceful tail. Letting their defeated victim fall to the ground, Carpenter stood there staring.
“She lost…and they interrogated her…for what?” The man said.
“Hm. You were useless Stone Knight…you were…”
Turning back, she donned her robes and stood silently as the others surrounded her. Charon came to, catching a blurry glimpse of them standing right together. Looking at them with a cracked smile, she mouthed the word of what she casted earlier.
“Flare… one of strongest of the black magic spells, coming before Meteor and Ultima… Jesus Christo…” John said.
The woman stopped just before the house went up again, just before seeing Juno lit up once more.
“Master…”
“I know… now its positive… No copycats, no imitators…they are back on the grid…”
“Who..?”
“Team Magicide Solana… they…are back…” An orange furred, blue haired person said, walking in on the crime scene.
“Joyce…” he said softly.
“I know John… I already knew, ever since the attack in the forest…it was them… And now…from what I watched…they are back again…and this time for Juno…”
“So…”
“Yes John… Joshua was an unfortunate slave…and died a martyr… Juno… we don’t know what he is needed for…” she said, pulling out a flashlight and looking around herself. Examining the time stopped crime scene, she looked at where Charon had fallen. Seeing the scene play in her head, she noticed a large hole in the floor from the recent collapsing of the roof. Jumping down and landing with a grunt, she looked over the burned basement.
“Still some hidden embers here…”
Picking up a piece of debris, she noticed an intricate hexagonal burn etched into it, the pattern very familiar. Also on it was dried blood, caramelized from the heat.
“Solana, play the scene from there!” she yelled out.
She did so, seeing new evidence of what happened during the blast.
“The blast force blew open the floor… She landed here…” she said, watching the scene carry on with Charon rising from the pain and chanting some spell. She then yelled out, a golden aura and a multifaceted barrier surrounding her body. Charon screamed as the spell began healing back her lost hands, wings and tail.
“Looks like…Mighty Guard to be precise from the aural glow… and it’s the healing version… granting her, albeit painful, the use of her lost limbs again… She had a Plan B all along…”
Looking about her, she found another one of Charon’s placements as well, seeing the afterimage beginning to hastily but correctly draw it with her bloody new hands. A simple transmutation circle below her feet and a bloody handprint, smeared in the middle. Joyce watched her chant once, clap her hands and slam it right down the middle. Charon’s body began to fragment and disappear, just as the house collapsed from the fire and heat.
“The older, circle version… not her chant… She…got out…” she said, eyes wide, “But…where did she go…?”
“Alright…stop!” she yelled out.
So…you are alive…yet Juno will have to live with you being dead…and the visage of your attempted murderers…
Thinking, her thoughts roaming as to where Charon went, John’s voice called her.
“You alright down there?”
“Yes John… come down here. You too Solana.” She said, looking up, no sooner catching the man in her arms. Her partner quietly teleported seconds later.
“You found something?”
“Yes… I did… But… it may not be enough…” she said, showing him the circle and debris.
“How so Joyce?”
“Because no one knew what had happened. No one saw anyone suspicious, odd or just downright out of place around this neighborhood. Nothing…”
“But that can’t be true. Someone must have seen something.”
Joyce sighed, her orange and white tail swaying from side to side. She pulled back her long, dark blue hair and threw it over her shoulder, “I just…ugh…the body in the forest, the abandoned hospital, this attack and now Juno and his Pokégirl... What is the meaning behind this…?”
“It doesn’t add up to you?”
“No…”
“Well… Do you think they are connected to this, and what happened in the forest?”
“Yes… And then there is Juno… He was right there… Right in the explosion…”
“He did see her… But he did not catch the mysterious three, who we now know their names or aliases, as they teleported seconds before the explosion Charon caused… Seeing her go up like that… has made him not want to talk to anyone…”
“Which is why he is always quiet every time I visit…and Vivian being a touch hostile every time I ask for him. All he does is spend his time at his brother’s grave …now Charon’s as well… and at his grandparents… I saw to it he have her ‘remains’…”
“If only we could get someone to dive into his head. What he experienced may shed some light on this situation.” John said.
“I can get Samantha or Beatrice to do it, but she is in Windy Shores and Beatrice headed north. Samantha will not be back until the end of the week...master…” Solana said, returning time to normal, making the burned house become blackened and hollow.
“Damnit…” Closing her eyes, Joyce yawned, jumped back up through the hole with John, sat him down and headed out the door.
Time to make my rounds again…
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going to see that boy John. Maybe he will talk this time.”
John shook his head as he quickly stopped her in the hall.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“Blocking you. You should let this sit for now. A week now… other than the three he has been there is good, but tiring. It’s not like he is going to suddenly just say something. Did you forget what happened?”
“I know. Moreover, I do not care. We were there John. We brought them in, twice now. And then something else happens to befall those two. This is more than just coincidence…I know it. Someone has it out for this boy…” Joyce said, her arms crossing her chest, expecting his rebuttal.
“Then what is it really? Instinct or something other?” he said, crossing his arms.
“No…” she said as she balled up her fists, looking away from him and down the hallway, “I have seen two deaths already… two deaths that should not have happened... I do not want this one, this boy, to be a third… John… not this time…”
John shook his head, looking at the serious eyes now staring at him, “It won’t be… You think-“
“I know they are out there! I know for goddamn sure they have returned!!!” she yelled, cutting him off and causing a slight commotion in the hall. “I know, John…”
John sighed and brought his hand to her face, “Alright. I’m sorry… I will not say anything else. Just… you know…ok?”
“I will… commander… I will…” she said, coming close to nuzzle him.
With that, Joyce waved and left, passing others dressed just like her entering the house. John turned and saw someone standing before him. She stood a bit taller than he was, he being at an even 5 foot 10. This slightly built yet athletic person with long, spiky blonde hair and a smile on her muzzle looked down at John, who quickly went at full attention. “Capitan West ma’am!” he said, standing straight as a board with Solana saluting as well.
“At ease you two. It’s ok.” She said with a smile, looking at Joyce who just turned the corner, hopped on a motorcycle and left.
Sighing, “She still at it?”
“Yes ma’am.” John said.
Capitan West looked on and shook her head, “She shouldn’t go through with this. I told you all to go on leave, clear your heads from this. You have done so much for this case, more than I imagined. Everyone else can take it from here now.”
“Yeah, but you know how she is. Ever since the case nine years ago, anything involving something remotely close sets her, off, such as when the John Doe was discovered, the recent incident in the abandoned hospital with Sean and Juno, plus his home suddenly exploding into flames, with the reason now shed before us. All of this has reminded her.” James leaned against the burnt wall, looking up at the sun shining through the roofless home.
“I remember it vividly, those years still fresh in my mind. She finally cracked the case, its pattern finally meshing together. All of it was pinned to the man who led the copy group like Team Rocket, but to all who knew the safe side of it only saw him go up in a ball of light.”
“Nero…that was his name was it?” she said.
“That was his nickname, like the pre-Sukebe Caesar and what Joshua referred him as. His real name was Adrian Mortono Osborne, the de facto leader of the now destroyed Team Magicide group, and which the case was named after as well. He was once known for being a well-respected scientist, specializing in the field of tech and medicine, but after a few years he became their leader and a powerful rogue mage to boot, going by the code other rogues seemed to follow which was; ‘you live by magic and die by it’. Its term really meant that if you are caught; commit suicide via magic, which always leaves the same evidence, thus coining the term ‘magicide’ and the Team’s ‘odd’ name.
“I see…” she said.
“But when further Intel was found, everything about Nero changed greatly. His entire group was not that well known because as soon as they popped up, they would disappear shortly after. We believed that they were simply some debunked ex-tamers and the like making a name for themselves like the others. However, what happened nine years ago was just a small glimpse at what they were capable of in their sense. From the light they are just like any team, capture Pokégirls for profit or worse; shake down Tamers and the usual, but underneath... Anything involving his field, now adding illegal genetics, magic, forbidden technology, or a horrid combination of them all was their true colors.”
West went slightly wide-eyed, listening to John continue on about the closed case.
“I don’t want to say what I caught sight of, what was seen and can’t be unseen the day my undercover mission went through those years, but… Why? What… what drives someone to do that to a pokégirl and human captives…? What was he accomplishing…? All the pain and misery they all went through…simply because he was playing God…or attempting to become better than that?”
John was silent, and then spoke again, “Nevertheless, I guess it comes with the territory. Cases are solved, reopened and closed. Simply another day done….like always…”
He laughed for a second, “I should correct myself, because Joyce believes this one is not done, not by a long shot. And it’s all because of one boy. He was just your run of the mill tamer, experienced mind me and one of the greatest blue mages I have ever heard about…straight out of this League.
“Joshua…” she said.
“Yea…Joshua Nathaniel Lucius…” John said, shaking his head.
“How were we to know he was also connected to this case? Was he a suspect or just an innocent pawn caught in Magicide’s grasp? Either way, Joyce and I found out that year. The case reached new ground when we realized that Nero had his last and main base of operations here, just a few good miles off the beaten path up in the northern mountainous forests. He was there, and Joshua was soon after as well. We arrive, reinforcements soon subsequent as well. It is raining… Commotion is heard in the base. We all surrounded the perimeter. Then, it happens. The base lights up brightly. Everyone is still with shock as it is engulfed in a dome of silent bright energy. It remains like this for a few seconds before exploding mutely as well. The cloudy sky lights up, there is no blast wave, no noise, no anything, which is strange for a magical related explosion. As the light begins to dim, the base is reduced to a crater and flaming ruins. And ever since then… and what has happened over the span of these four weeks… she thinks that there is a connection. One that I don’t see or is eluding us… It could be real… or not… I know for sure it couldn’t be someone out for revenge… or a copycat… though that is a pricy gamble right?”
“For her sake… I hope that it is not…” West said, “Well you three have done a great deal. Inform her when she returns that you are on leave. I will still have some work coming your way though so expect something.”
“Like always boss.” He said, saluting once again.
*-*-*-*-*
Joyce was halfway down the street when she made her way to the PokéCenter, checking to see if he went there first. The thoughts of what happened still replayed in the Lawfoxx’s head, trying to piece it all together. She knew who did this. The team had risen from the ashes once again. But why would they attack a seemingly normal house, killing those inside? What was their motivation to target Juno and his family? Moreover, how were he and the body linked to this?
“Was killing him just a way of saying ‘we are back’?”
Sighing, she continued down the street, passing people on their way when she finally reached the PokéCenter. Parking her bike, she sighed, walked quickly, stepping through the doors and up to the front counter.
“Oh. Hello Joyce.” Rosa said happily to her.
“Hello Rosa. You can probably tell why I’m here.” Joyce said.
“Of course. You have been here for the following week, though I should say month to see him. Unfortunately, he just left ten minutes ago. Came to pick up his remedies and the girl he was rewarded from the test, you know, the one from the hospital attack?”
“Ah. Great… I just missed him… Do you have any idea where he would go?”
She thought for a second, “The only places he would have went to is up to the restricted area or back home. He told me that he was not going to leave town just yet, so him being on the road is out.”
“Alright. Thanks Rosa.”
“Anytime Joyce. Anytime. Oh! If he does come through here again I will let you know!” she yelled to Joyce as she headed back outside. Revving her bike, Joyce peeled out of the parking space and headed to the restricted area, hoping to catch him.
*-*-*-*-*
It was quiet… Quiet among the twisted ruins of the former base where Magicide made their last stand yet failed. The very air, aside from the strange, slight rain pouring onto the ground gave off an ominous vibe, more so it being empty and cold as to what it witnessed those nine years ago. The glow still remained; the very arcane essence of Joshua’s Supernova blast permeated the entire cratered perimeter, its testament of how magic can show its true colors.
“Hello brother… surprised that I was seeing you today? I bet you were. I’m just here to tell you that I passed the test and have decided to walk in your footsteps as a blue mage. But I…am hesitant in finally wanting to start…as Mistress…was killed…murdered… I miss you, and mom, dad, even gran and gramps… Where is their guidance when I need them the most…especially now? What… did we do to deserve this…?” Juno said softly, looking at his headstone and the new one next to it, placing another bouquet of flowers down on it, the petals a very deep crimson... her favorite color… Standing up, he sees all three of them looking at him.
“Are… you going to be alright Juno…?” Holly said with a sigh.
“Of course Holly… and that’s a first coming from you…acknowledging my name…”
She raised an eyebrow, “Don’t get any ideas now….”
“Whatever…that just tells me I’m doing my job right...I hope… Well… Vivian… familiar new girl I have yet to name and tame… is there something you want to say as well…?” he said, glancing back at them.
“No…master…what you said was enough…” she said.
The girl simply nodded like Vivian.
“Alright then…time to go… home…” he said, returning them one by one, except for Vivian. She stared curiously when he walked up to her and said, “Are you sure… should I be crying…? I want to…but that…is…?”
“A form of weakness… We all know… as will everyone else… This has taken a big toll on you…it is yours…not ours… You will still need some reassurance…to lift this burden at least…” she said, pulling him close and carefully rubbing his head.
“I don’t know if that will be enough…”
“We will make it enough…all of us…any others we meet…even Holly when she decides to listen…” she said, gripping her ball and pressing it to her. Juno sighed and watched her return into it. Clipping it on his belt, he got on his motorbike, revved the engine and headed to his grandparents, ignoring the cloaked woman walking up to the gravesite with a similar bouquet of flowers. As he sped off, the lady kneeled down before the two headstones, touching one softly and speaking, “The one who died a martyr. A simple Light that was lost in the grip of Darkness. Expunging the evil malice with your power of the arcane, you now walk in the nether, among the quiet fields of Purgatory. It is your home until judgment’s calling.”
The person then stood and looked up, eyes wide behind the hood at the distant visage staring back at her from the distance, mouthing out some muted words and pointing before fading back into nonexistence.
“Ghost…of the past…you still haunt this place…soon you will have your retribution…”
Standing, the person quietly fades out of existence, leaving the ruin behind.
*-*-*-*-*
The sounds of general conversation filled the home of his grandparents. Vivian was conversing with the new girl and even Holly having a talk or two as well with them. Juno was slowly walking up the stairs and heading straight into the bathroom. Flicking on the lights and seeing how much bigger the bathroom was compared to back home, he shook his head.
“I guess that’s what money and being rich gets you.”
Turning on the faucet, the large showerhead blasted water, spurting at first from the mains being unused, but finally pouring out its stream of fresh, hot water.
“Not even this water can wash it away…all of what I have experienced…” he said softly, disrobing his clothing and looking at his long, disheveled hair in the mirror. Searching the cabinet, he spied a common hair band, brush and a comb, perfect for what came after freshening up. Stepping in, he sighed and simply let it pour all over him, the droning of the flowing water all he heard as he leaned on the wall. The bathroom door was open, not a care as it alerted his sounds of showering throughout the house.
“He is still…” the new girl said with a slight muffle, softly undoing the bandages on her arms, causing them to slither around her bosoms.
“Yes… We are not to talk about it until he wants to…it is his demon…” Vivian said, followed by Holly snorting from the word. Ignoring it, she began sorting out everything the police had recovered from the fire. A large, black, time worn yet tough Kattlehide travel pack completes with a provisions satchel was one survivor of the blast. Numerous pairs of simple clothing were other things, a few family pictures and personal heirlooms, plus anything else of varying importance was all before her.
“He will have to do some final searching for anything else before we set off…if there is anything left…” she said. Setting them aside with what Juno had on him already, she sighed and looked at Holly.
“Yes…?” she said, looking up from her book.
“If it is too much to ask, could you please check on Master Juno?”
“Why… All we hear is him taking a shower or something… Afraid the demon may slit his wrists from depression and personal damnation…?” she said.
“No…” she stared… “It’s because I am doing inventory of what we have and the new girl is going to help me sort out the jumble. This is just a small, simple favor, something so easy that you can do and that’s all. Master basically lets you do whatever you want anyway since he lets you be free as he tries to get you on his good side. Oh wait…that’s all the time…”
She snorted, ignoring Vivian’s nail of a speech, “Humph… Fine…”
Closing her book, she sighed and stood up, muttering to herself as she began walking on towards the stairs.
“Why’d you do that?” the bandaged girl said.
“She needs to learn not to act like that, despite her being in his care. He also needs more interaction with her because if she is going to start respecting him and hopefully become a better person, master needs to do this. He actually needs to sort out interactions with all of us.”
“You become master’s alpha?”
“Me?” she said curiously.
“Yes. I no umm…I..um…”
“Non-combatant. Yeah. He told me that. You were the rescued girl, among all the others during that fight right?”
“Yes. You and your master save me, save all the girls.” She chuckled.
“I know. I was unconscious during that…and was graced with the form I have now.”
“How is Master not…sick…?”
“You mean not poisoned?”
She nodded, listening to Vivian.
“He is taking poison therapy to become fully immune to me, starting today. And the day he is fully immune to me is coming…” she smiled, pulling out a flask holding her diluted venom tightly.
The bandaged girl smiled and nodded.
“Now I wonder how Holly is doing with him.” She said, placing things in their places and looking at the staircase.
*-*-*-*-*
Juno was still relaxing in the shower, mind wandering and water still pouring atop of him.
Mistress…
Lathering himself up and rising off, he turned off the water and stood still for a second. Holly was already at the door, quietly watching her ‘demon’ caretaker step out of the shower. His long, wet hair was drooping over his face as he turned towards her, full view. She noticed the slight scars adorning his body, some pockmarked all over him like birdshot. It was the prevalent wounds catching her eyes that caused her to slightly gasp. On his chest was a jagged, healed scar, denoting where Sean had stabbed him with one of his many scattered weapons, if not for the Heavy Metal taking most of the blow. The scar on his left arm showed where the fractured bone protruded after suffering from a Fire explosion, tying in with the faded bruising of it also being forcibly dislocated. Despite that, and not knowing of the ‘other self’ that lay chained and dormant within the confines of his head, everything else about him screamed the averagely fit, nice demeanor, light sided, pure blooded human before her.
Looks about the same as you…all eight of you…before number nine changed…
Her silence was broken when Juno softly said, “Do you see something you like Holly…? Are you simply enjoying the view or is it that you want a taming, because I do not mind getting wet again with someone else...”
She gasped when he draped his soaking wet hair back, brown eyes looking right at her.
“Um…” she said, causing him to smile.
“Well…?”
“Um… Vivian wanted me…to check…on…you…” she slowly said.
“Oh did she now…?” he said, donning the towel around his waist and the other on his head.
“Yes… and I see you are alright…” she said, speech now returning to her and a blush clear on her face.
“Thank you Holly…” he said, grabbing the comb, brush and band from the cabinet.
That is when her blush immediately left and she said, “Why… why are you nice to me…? It’s not like I don’t want you to…or anything…but…why are you…doing this…?”
“Is it wrong of me to be nice to you Holly and not care if you are the complete opposite to me..?”
“No it… it is…” she said, blushing again, her face twisted in a small pout.
“Because your previous tamers led you to be what you are now…? Never showing you a single shred of loving since you were a Bimbo, basically mistreating you for every little thing, battles, or otherwise, practically claiming you to be useless pokégirl with little to no skills, besides being eye candy, as what the dex states and a guess from me?”
She remained quiet…now feeling a bit hurt at the truth coming from him. The other eight only cared for her in some value. It was only until the ninth truly broke what she was and what he was not to become.
“Well you will get that here Holly. I, like my brother before me, treat all my girls, even the ones that are not my own with respect and let them have their freedom. If something does happen, I take their responsibility, no matter the problem. So…” he said, now standing before her.
“…oh…” she said, moving back and still fuming silently to herself.
“Don’t be angry, please. I now know of your kind from what the dex has told me. You will yell, complain, disobey and berate me all the way until I get you to regain some sort of respect towards me, no matter how big or minute so that is what I have to do. What you are doing now is the start of my road getting you there, evolving and finally listening to me, even if it’s a temporary master relationship. But seeing that it was a demon… as Samantha says… that finally did this, that road is bumpy… though maybe another of demon blood can change you into your desired form.”
He then grabbed the band and comb from off the sink and headed out into the hall. “Just a note; you don’t have to take what I say to a grain of salt, even if it is the truth. Like I said before, feel free to do as you wish, come to me if you want anything, even if it’s as simple as a desire for taming. Now I must get prepared for the day. You can return to Vivian and let her know I’m alright.”
She actually nodded to him, quickly though yet still not fully obeying.
He smiled and walked down the hall, heading straight for his grandparent’s room, humming to himself.
Holly was now alone and still standing in the hallway, a lack for words striking her at what he simply said to him.
He sees the cracks and knows what you put up. He knows what you will do to him… He even told you to believe his truth or not. But the shell, your shell still stands… Soon the Light will come forth…
Her head conflicted with the simple act of him being nice to her, what he needed to do to get her goal achieved, and the modest fact of firing a salvo of her ego, complaints and whatnot all clashed in that small conversation. Shaking the thoughts as her usual bravado returned, she straightened herself out, pressed up her glasses and walked back down the stairs. Turning the corner, she saw Vivian still going through inventory; now actually having it all prepared in their respective places when she said, “Is Master alright?”
“Yes…he is Vivian. Just finished washing himself up... and is getting dressed.” Holly said, returning to sit and go over her book she always carried.
“Oh darn…he needs his new clothing!” she said, grabbing a set and quickly sithering up the stairs.
Holly sat back down and immediately dove into her book, but sighed when the new girl looked at her curiously.
“What now…?” Holly said, glancing at her.
“May I ask what you are reading?”
“Ugh…why?” she turned.
“Ummm….just curious…”
“Something that does not concern you…” she said, staring.
“Oookkkkk….” The girl said, raising her hands and backing slightly.
Just then, the trudge of footsteps filled the air as Juno stepped down the stairs combing his damp hair, Vivian in tow and donned in much cleaner and familiar clothing.
“Farah…” he said, pointing to the new girl. She tilted her head in confusion, but immediately smiled when she realized that was her new name. Moments later she was now hugging him, smiling and remaining quiet. He patted her on the head and headed into the living room to sit on the ground. Vivian was in the chair behind him, taking over on combing and telling him everything she did today, all the while he nodding as she spoke.
“So what now Master…?” she said, now gesturing for the band.
“I’m going to stick around here for the time being... but we are setting off today…possibly at night or early morning tomorrow.” He said, handing it to her as she continued combing.
“So you are going through with it.” Holly said.
“Of course… I have nothing else to do, don’t I? Don’t want to make my brother look bad by not starting.”
She dismissed his answer and returned to her book.
Juno shook his head and sighed, leaning against the chair. Juno patted Ishtara on her head and yawned.
“You are still tired…aren’t you…?” Vivian said, finishing up her combing, tying his hair into a simple ponytail and placing the band on the end.
“Only a little… and thanks for the new ‘do” he said, tossing it forward.
“Welcome.” She smiled back.
“Rest…we don’t mind... you can…ummm…” Farah said, looking up from her position on his lap.
“I will when I awaken… all of you…if you want…” he said, resting a hand on her head. The two nodded, not a care of turning down his offer.
Yawning as Farah removed herself from him; he got up and headed over to his pack. Opening it, he pulled out a poison flask, popped off the cork and chugged it down. Noting its sweet, yet bitter aftertaste, he placed the empty flask back into the pack and headed straight towards the large couch. Shaking slightly from the effects he crashed on it, grabbing a nearby pillow. Sighing, he hugged it and let sleep take over, trying his best to ignore the soon fresh sickness coming from the poison. Vivian smiled yet still felt concern as she watched the slight tears in his closed eyes.
“He fights through the sickness, and lets out his sadness when he sleeps… He knows he doesn’t have to hide it from us…we understand Master…because that is what you are to us…your pain…is our pain…” she said softly. Walking over, she lifts him up, sits in his spot and rests his head pillow first on her lap. Humming softly, she heard him mumble Charon’s name softly. Farah came to her side and sat on the arm of the couch, watching him as well.
“This is going to be something…” Vivian said.
Just then, after her sentence, a knock is heard on the door, turning the attention of the three girls.
“Farah, go see who it is…”
The girl nodded and did so, her bandages slightly hanging off her as she walked to the front door. Turning the knob and pulling it open slightly, she was greeted by a blue haired, orange fox eared person on the other side.
“Hello you.” The woman said.
“Farah…” she responded.
“Ah. A good name for you. Is your master home?”
“Let her in Farah…I know what she wants…” Vivian responded from in the living room. She did so, shutting the door behind her when she walked inside.
“Hello Joyce… what seems to be the problem? Vivian said, looking at the Lawfoxx before her.
“Oh nothing. Just came to check on your master is all.”
“Well he is sleeping right now. We have been through a lot and do not want to be disturbed. Did we not tell you everything we knew?”
“Of course you did. But Juno may have seen something, anything Vivian…”
She sighed, “I don’t know what my master saw. But I do know this. He saw someone he loved dearly in his family just go up in flames. He saved Farah from a madman, plus many other girls from meeting the same fate. He has almost died, twice, and those scars have shown it.”
“Hmm. I see I have come at a bad time... Well… just tell him I came by and he is to see me at the precinct before he sets off, okay? We just need his point of view to finish this.”
“I will let when he wakes up.”
“Oh, and give him this as well. She said pulling out a card and a small package wrapped in paper and twine. Setting it on the nearby foot table and bidding her greetings, she left, heading right out the door. Vivian sighed when she heard the sound of the motorbike speeding off into the distance.
“Who was that Vivian…?” Juno said in his sleep, looking paler from the poison.
“Just someone who wants to see you Master. Rest now…let the treatment do its work…” she said, placing a hand on his head, easing him back. He weakly smiled and went under once again.
“That was brief…?” Farah said, walking to the door and locking it.
“I’ve already told her what we knew. They want someone to dive into Juno’s head and figure out what he saw.”
“Wasn’t that enough…?”
“No…not for them…But since we are leaving today, he should go see them so they can leave us alone.”
“Well on to other terms, your master there is crazy drinking that poison…” Holly said sighing, looking at his sickly pale face.
“No he is not… He is doing this for me.”
“Well? Have you looked into alternates?”
“You mean…different…evolutions…?
“Yes. Something that he can tolerate and it would be better for you in the long run.” she said, fetching the pokédex out of the pack Vivian placed it in. Booting the device, she immediately went through all the entries, looking up Vivian’s species.
“You sure know how to use that.”
“Yeah…my…master…or should I say one of the many… taught me… Heh….one useful thing…”
Mumbling to herself, she stopped and tossed it to her. Vivian looked at the variations and the means of achieving them.
Arbust Evolutionary Table:
Basilisk (Dragon E-Metal)
Seduca (Delta Bond + Orgasm)
Kissitalcoatl (Angel Stone)
Note: Please click breed name and scroll down to continue…
“Hmmm…” she said, reading them. Two had expensive means and the other was to be the greatest achievement if their bond was to go that deep.
“Well it’s not my decision…it’s his…”
“I will keep that in mind…” she said, tossing it back to her.
“Well…what are we going to do…?”
“I’m going to put him in a bed. Farah, come with me as well.” Vivian said, easily picking up her master and morphing into her familiar form. Smiling, she silently slithered off up the stairs with the Bandame in tow. Holly simply waved as they headed up the stairs, “Don’t worry about me. I’m totally sure he will come up with something to do for me when he awakens…or I will just ask… like he said…” she mused.
Sighing as they entered the hallway, Farah and Vivian simply had small conversation heading towards his grandparent’s room.
“Ummm…how is…?”
“How is master?” Vivian said, glancing at her.
“Yes.” She said, opening the door to his grandparent’s room. Spying the strangely Victorian look and décor, Vivian placed him down on the bed, and then turned her sights to Farah.
“He is fine. The sickness will pass so do not worry… Actually…can you keep an eye on him? I’m going to take a quick shower.”
She nodded and sat on the bed as Vivian left. As she did, Juno stirred from his sleep. He looked about, finding himself in a very ornate room. Farah was sitting on the bed, minding herself and looking out the door. It was then that he caused the girl to jump in fright when he placed a hand on her back. Chuckling but coughing from the poison’s effects, he gestured her to sit.
“You scared me!” she said, embarrassed and punching him in the arm.
“I didn’t mean to.” He said softly, crawling over to rest in her lap. She sighed, shook her head and looked down at him.
“Are you enjoying yourself here? Do you feel comfortable being with me?”
“Yes…Master Juno…I do…” she said, looking away from him.
He raised himself up slightly, “Something wrong?”
“No!” she said quickly, looking back. “It’s just…”
“Just what…?”
“I still remember… what happened…what you did… The look on your face after you…fought my…our... tormentor…”
“I know…and I am going to ask about it later…document it and see what it is, but for now, we are not to dwell on it, alright? I’m feeling a bit better if not still sick...”
“I know…all for her…” she said.
He nodded, hearing the shower running, “She in there?”
“Yes. And Holly is downstairs…”
“Well that just means I must find something to do. Any ideas Farah?”
That is when she blushed, looking away again, “I don’t mind with what you may come up with, Master Juno…”
That’s another question I’m going to have to ask…even though I know it has already been answered.
He smiled, “Ok... But only if you want to Farah... We do not have to rush this. Take all the time you want until you feel ready to do this…” He said, lying back against the pillows. She turned and got on the bed, hesitant at first, but was soon straddling his waist. He looked up at her with some concern.
“I…do… I want this…master… That will not slow me down…” she said, looking into his eyes.
Juno was still a bit concerned, “Are you sure…?”
“Yes…I am. They healed…the damage…” she said softly.
He placed a hand on her bandaged shoulder, thinking on what to say to her response, yet nothing came to him. She really wanted this, despite what the two endured almost a month ago still on their minds, especially what happened to himself. He really wanted to wait a while longer, just to let her get acclimated into the harem and his presence. But seeing Farah look at him, her determination to not let that scar, that weakness put her down, was winning him over.
“Alright…” he said, slowly removing her bandages. Juno took note of her dark, sand colored skin, free and uniform, not covered in blood, fluids and what have you from their first encounter. Her ample chest bounced free as the bandages were still removed from her, it about the same as Vivian’s new form. Removing the ones covering most of her face and head, he took notice of the tattoos marring themselves intricately around her lapis lazuli eyes, denoting her Egyptian base as the great Jim intended. Farah’s long, ebony locks fell down her shoulders and chest as the last of the bandages were unwrapped. Setting them aside and encouraging her to move up slightly, she was now before him. A soft moan escaped her mouth as she felt his warm breath against her nether regions.
I do want this…
Meanwhile… Vivian was casually taking a shower, the water washing off the soap and poison that covered her. Humming quietly, Vivian rinsed out her sudsy hair and turned off the faucet. Wringing it slightly, she tossed it back with a relieved sigh, grabbed two nearby towels and stepped out.
“He probably already knows what he will do, so I should not bring it up.”
Wrapping herself and her hair in each towel, she headed out the bathroom, muttering her thoughts about today. Walking up to the room where she left Juno with Farah, Vivian immediately went silent at the sight as she looked from the doorway. Bandages strewn about the bed and Farah was gripping the headboard with one hand and covering her mouth with the other. Her master was busy teasing and tasting her cunny, looking up at the expressions she gave off as he hit something she enjoyed. Crossing her arms, Vivian leaned in the doorway.
Started early already…? Hmm… Maybe I’ll enjoy the show…
Farah let out a muffled gasp as he continued tasting and teasing her. Juno hummed as he placed a hand on her wrist.
“I want to hear you…Farah…”
She nodded, placing it down on the headboard as he went back on her. Vivian smiled as she watched him. His eyes were completely focused on her and giving her what she wanted.
Putting us first Master… That’s it…I can’t wait…
Farah looked away, crying out, “Master…maas…massster…” with each moan and gasp.
Vivian silently entered the room, unnoticed to Farah and her master as she made her way to the front of the bed. Quietly removing his pants, Juno finally took notice to her joining in, softly chuckling. Vivian stared at the rigid member before her, free from its confining prison of clothing.
“Hmmm….what to do…?” she said quietly, thinking on what to perform on Juno, when she settled on simply working him. Moaning out, Juno felt her slightly cool hands caressing his cock and balls, moving at their own pace. Juno then began working Vivian’s pace with his pace on Farah, tongue teasing her clit and fingers probing inside her cunny. Her gasps and moans became louder as the speed continued.
Picked up on it…well lets go faster…
Vivian began to become more pronounced, her strokes and caressing longer and varying. She felt him tensing up in her hands, his buildup coming soon. Farah was on her way too, hands now gripping Juno’s head softly. Vivian moaned softly as she continued, loving the way he tensed when her hand rubbed his head instead of the length of him, hearing an audible “Gods…” escape his lips. Her speed increased as she heard Farah cry out more and more, her moment coming with a yell, locking her master’s head in her embrace, fluids spilling into his mouth. Juno came as well, seed spilling out and onto Vivian’s hands. She stopped for a second, feeling him shudder a bit as she started again, making sure all of it came forth, before releasing him to clean herself up.
Juno sighed, seeing Farah finally slump forward onto the headboard, only to see Vivian lie her down and take her place in straddling him. Rubbing herself against his still hard member, his Arbust look into his eyes, staring with intent as she readied herself to take him within.
“My turn…master… and ‘Im getting all three weeks in…” she said, licking her lips slightly before softly biting him in the neck.
“Ah! Isn’t that…dangerous?” he said, feeling her fangs sinking into his flesh.
She released the bite with a gasp, “Don’t worry master… You will know…as you will keep on until either of us pass out…”
“I don- His words stopped. Juno’s eyes were wide as the venom began to take over, it now being saddled with the treatment already flowing within him. Rising up as blood rushed all throughout him, Vivian looked at an awaking Farah, who looked at her then back at Juno.
“Oh… Gods…” she said, eyes now wide.
“Nope, just him!” Vivian said with a grin, seeing their master stare at them with a lascivious smile.
‘Hmmm…this poison is interesting… Loss of control…intense blood rush, adrenaline pumping… yet with only one focusing thought…the urge to mate… She is good…very good… Go on my Source…fuck their brains out…’
Downstairs… our Celestial tempered Holly found it really hard to concentrate at the audible moans and groans coming from the room.
“My Gods why don’t they simply shut the door!” she groaned, face well into her book as their sounds of debauchery were slowly getting to her. Groaning some more and shutting it, she got up and went to the nearby window. Staring out and seeing the weather becoming overcast, she turned to look at the stairs, trying her best to ignore them.
Why don’t you just go up there and jump his bones when he is finished?
Shaking her head from the intrusive thoughts of him being ravaged by her, tired or not, or he actually turning the tables on her as his girls held her down or something, like they could, or simply being awkwardly close would settle enough, before a mix of anything that was thought of before made her thoughts go haywire once again.
“Argh! I can’t stand it!” she yelled into the window. The thoughts were now vivid fantasies, playing from start to end as she got up and walked over to the stairs.
“What control does this demon have over me…?” she fumed, imagining some sort of hidden spell Juno may have cast on her and only her just to spite their spectrum opposites. Entering the hall and hearing the moaning and groaning become even louder, her face began to slightly blush. A slight sweat glistened on her neck as the scent of sex hung fresh in the air.
Just go in. Ask him or get right to it. It is as simple as that.
Peeking around the open doorway, Holly caught the two in the latter throes of taming. Farah’s head was softly pinned beneath Vivian’s legs, both moaning lustfully as she felt every hammering pound he gave, and her harem sister feeling her tongue tasting her honey pot. Juno was sweating heavily, his hair very disheveled and breathing intensely as he worked his venom controlled pace. His skin began to rapidly pale as the poison ran its course, but not as intensely as it should. Farah was moaning and screaming into Vivian, also caught in this continuing bout of fornication, her cries of lust coming from the digits and tongue probing her sex. Hearing his grunts coming more to the forefront, Juno exhaled loudly as he came once, seed filling Farah and triggering her expectant orgasm to follow suit. Farah cried out, locked for a moment in pleasure as the warmth filled her, all before happily passing out.
Juno pulled out of Farah and was already lined up with Vivian, pushing his still hard cock within her in one stroke. Vivian hissed loudly from the action, grinning as she glanced back at him, seeing her poison continue its effects yet noticing some semblance of control in his eyes.
Just enough left for me…
Gripping her hips, Juno began thrusting into her, grunting each time with every fleshy smack. Vivian simply laid there, arms finally giving out and taking all he gave. Holly noticed what was different about him, seeing its evidence clear on his neck.
She poisoned him…
Gasping quietly, Holly began to feel a bit light headed as their romp continued, feeling the urge to jump in as well grow that much stronger in her head.
“Oh Gods…” she said silently, feeling everything about her just runs amok.
A cry of ‘Master!’ broke her thought when she saw Juno’s pace speed up. His hands were gripping her sides strongly as his orgasm began to draw itself out.
“Yes…! Yes!!!” Vivian screamed out, taking blow for blow as she heard him finally growl out his orgasm through gritted teeth, cum filling her insides as he remained locked to her. Juno’s haze left that instant, mind finally coming to as he collapsed right on her back. Breathing heavily with her, Vivian looked at him, seeing all was well, though he probably will not be taming them anytime soon.
“That will…take it…out of ya…” Farah said, rising back up and looking at them.
“But we…love him…for it…any…ways…” Vivian said, looking at him, seeing that he was still passed out.
“He will also need some healing as well.” Holly finally said, walking into the room, surprising the both of them.
“How long?” Farah said.
“Long enough, and torture enough for me.” She responded, walking into the room and over to a chair.
“Torture? How is it- Oh that’s right…” she said with a smirk and glare.
“Not funny…serpent…”
“Oh it is funny. But since I don’t want to make you angrier than you already are… I’m off to take a shower…again.” Vivian said, rising up and out of the bed, all before planting a kiss on Juno’s cheek. Farah followed suit, bandages now around her body. Holly sighed and walked over to Juno.
“Gods…what have I done to get myself in this situation…?” she said, concentrating on one of her healing spells. Seeing her hands crackle with a sparkling green energy, Holly threw the energy at Juno, causing him to inhale deeply, and then exhale as the lingering toxins were removed from his body. Holly sighed and built up another spell, causing a simple white light to surround Juno in healing energy. This caused Juno to chuckle softly and catch her doing this to him with an opened eye. Sighing and sitting down back in the chair, Holly opened her book and read quietly. Juno finally awoke, feeling much better than he was before, turned and said, “Thank you Holly.”
She waited until he was decent enough to respond back to him, he pulling the covers over his naked self. “What for? I don’t want you dead, seeing as you are my…guardian…and I simply kept you alive.”
“I know. Thank you. That was…good of you to do that…seeing as Farah has yet to learn some healing techniques.”
“If you want…since…even asking this….is hard enough for me…do you…want me to teach her what I know….? She said, the last part being very quick.
“Well…? What do you know Holly…?” he said, now fascinated by this small conversation they were having. Maybe he was doing something right after all.
“Only two healing spells. Esuna and Cura…Juno… The rest are not…”
“Of course Holly. Teach her, for me, and I may learn something as well.” He said. She of course blushed and looked away from his affection. He smiled, deciding to have his fun with the Celestial tempered Hyperdoll, “Something wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
“I’m fine! Just fine! Why do you care?” she said quickly, trying not to eye him again and what was made apparent in the room.
“Because I do… are you sure?”
“Yes I’m sure! I’m just letting you rest from your…session…and healing.”
“That I am glad for. In a few minutes, I shall be good to go for another bout if they want to.”
“Of course we do!!!” the two screamed from the bathroom, somehow hearing those exact words and chuckling.
“So…is there nothing wrong…?”
“Of course de…Juno…”
He noticed the slip, “Ah? What was that…?”
That’s when she turned redder, making him enjoy the moment even more.
“Shut the door…if you want…”
She did do with a flick of her hand.
Magic…
Yawning and sitting up, he simply stared and said, “Let it out.”
“Let what out…?” she said.
“It. Go ahead. Get whatever you want to say off of your chest. I know it’s been burning away at you ever since I got you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do not play. Go ahead Holly. Let it out.” He said, staring seriously now.
“Are you trying…to make me angry…?”
“Am I? I shouldn’t be, because all I’m asking you to do is one thing.”
She tensed, balling up a fist.
“So do it.”
She remained silent…
“Come on. I’m not egging you or anything.”
Anger and annoyance began to rise.
“Holly…”
“You…”
“You…what?”
“You…YOU DEMON!!!”
“Demon?”
“Yes! Demon! Just like him! I do not even know why I am a part of this!”
“Because you have no choice…? And since everyone will not put up with you but me…?”
“YES!! And it’s not like you can help me! No one can, due to what I am! A fucking Hyperdoll!! And yet here you come, waltzing in as some high and mighty Paragon!”
“So? Is that what causes our little schism?”
“No!! It’s…it’s….what you have!! You are offering me everything I lost in my life, every shattered piece now made new before me!! I can have a new start at that but what I want is being stopped by one thing! I must respect you!!
First shell…broken…
“Anything else?” he said calmly.
“Oh I could go all day demon! All day on what I want! But the one thing that heavily irks me is what you are, and where your stance lies… Infernal…” she said, now simply just being a bit calmer in words.
“Same to you…Celestial…and it’s not my fault I was born into a family of demons…”
Holly went on, ranting and yelling, speaking her mind while Juno took it all like a tidal wave. Whatever was on her chest, she said it, the majority all being about him as a demon, comparing her even worse master to him, basic name calling and the like. When she was finished Juno simply nodded, wrapped the covers around himself and stood up.
“Are you finished?”
She huffed, not looking at him, save for the thought of now slugging him into the wall, like one of the other nine.
“Now it’s my turn to talk about you. Even though you have been with me for this short time, I’ve been noticing many things about you.”
“Noticing? Noticing what? That I can kill you with my bare hands instead of simply and verbally chewing you out? And that I so want to shove your head into the nearest wall right now or inflict some magic on you?” she said, pressing up her glasses.
“That and just little things. You healed me out of your own spite, not because I was inflicted with Vivian’s poisons. A few antidotes would have fixed that all up… Then there is the way you talk when you just confronted me... I allow you to yell and be who you are because we are breaking the ice and getting to know each other. Heck I even make you blush when I tell you something you think you are not...” He said with the evidence clear before him.
“That’s not true!” she said, looking away from him.
“Oh it is. You hide behind the natural bravado of your kind, since I am your new ‘moron for a Tamer’ right?
“All Tamers are morons, sleazebags, and what have you. You are just another part of that percentage.”
“And so what if I am? What if I am the moron…?” He stood there, seeing her trying her hardest to look him in the eye once again. He smiled and turned away, “You are a tough one…I’ll give you that Holly…because you know I’m your moron lady…”
“…So…?”
“So that’s it. All of what I said about you is simply a cute expression of yourself wanting to let out your true feelings of finally finding a shred of happiness, respect, and love that I will always offer, willingly. In your head I know you see me hugging you and telling you ‘It’s alright. You have a new family now.’ Soon, it will all lead to yourself achieving the fabled Redeemer status, and you will have that mantle soon enough. I’m doing my part no matter the challenge and I will get you to respect me in some way…though your temperament of being Celestial may hinder that…”
“Why is that…?”
“It is because I have a fear of them. You are strong, yet not as strong as the one I met recently. She had me on pins and needles so to speak.” He said, telling her about Beatrice.
“Then that will be added as well… Becoming a Redeemer will probably scare the crap out of you so I will never achieve that. That’s a lost cause…for me and especially for you…”
“So you say… but not me…Holly.” Juno said seriously, making her look at him like he really was a demon needing to be slayed.
“Alright…fine… I just have one last thing to say to you and I’ll leave you alone. And it’s actually something I’m bestowing so don’t abuse it or I will simply ball you and keep you inside it, which would probably please you more than anything else.”
“And what could that be…?” she said, rolling her eyes.
Juno smirked and walked back up to her, noticing that she did not move. He leaned in and said, “The first is just something simple, that I know you won’t turn down whether you want to or not.”
She raised an eyebrow. Perfect…
“Yes…my proposition is simple. I know I asked you to come to me if you want a taming, but this is much better for you in your special case. I’m letting you get advantage of that.”
“That’s it? Free taming whenever I want?” she mused and chuckled.
“That’s it. From now on until you respect me and evolve.” He said, walking into the hall.
She began to laugh.
Now for a challenge…
“Oh I forgot to add one more thing. You actually have to go through Vivian if you want a Taming from me, since I’m making her Alpha of this harem. If your performance is good with her and she tells me so or has me watch, then you can come to me. You are practically immune to her anyway.”
That is when she stopped laughing.
And the bravado takes it like a Minotaura in a china shop…
“I’m preparing lunch after I get ready, then we are heading off to shop for goods to prepare for our journey. Either you get your taming now or later.” he said.
Ah… He is good…really good. Free taming, yet a bit deceptive with that…idea of his… but good… Is the challenge accepted?
“That’s not…” she said angrily.
*-*-*-*-*
Juno and his ragtag harem were now in the kitchen, all seated at the table, save for Vivian taking residence on his lap.
“You are gonna need some clothing that’s waterproof master.” She said, tracing her finger down his ponytail, and feeling her poison begin to soak into his clothes.
“I have that on the list, though I still need to be careful around you too.” He said, stabbing a morsel of food with his fork and bringing it to Vivian’s awaiting mouth. Farah chuckled as she watched the two eat, while Holly was ever present…silent…
“So how is it?” he said.
“It is delicious master. I never…knew that you can…cook?” Farah said curiously.
“Yeah. Who taught you?” Vivian said.
That is when he went silent for a second. Vivian went from smiling to slightly worried if she said something wrong. She then sighed when he smiled and looked at them all.
“My mother actually taught me…as with Charon…” he said, continuing to eat.
“You may have to teach us a few things master.” Farah said.
“Oh I will…and I may learn something as well.” He chuckled. His attention then turned to Holly.
“You enjoying lunch Holly?” he said, looking at her quietly eating away. She did not speak after what he said earlier; possibly taking what he spoke to heart or was silently fuming.
“Oh master, Officer Joyce came by and left something for you.” Farah said, quietly getting up and heading into the living room. She returned a second later with the package and card.
“What could this be?” he said as she handed it to him. Nodding his thanks, he motioned for Vivian to get up. Opening the package, his eyes widened slightly at what he was holding.
“So…the fire did not get everything…”
“What is it master?” Vivian said.
“An intact picture of Charon, Mom and Dad, the family harem and my brother’s journal. Not a single burn on it…”
Flipping through it for a second, he noticed a good section of it was still blank and unused.
I’ll add my thoughts here, just as you did brother…
He smirked and shut the book. Sighing, he looked at them all and said, “I’ll be fine if you are all worrying right now.” With that he got up and cleared the table of finished dishes and headed into the kitchen. Starting the sink, Juno began doing the dishes and humming to himself. This also got the attention of his harem, causing all of them to look at him in complete confusion.
“Is he…?” Farah said.
“Yes he is…” Vivian said.
“But…” Holly managed to say.
“Why am I doing dishes? Is that your question?” he said, not looking back at them.
Noting their silence, he continued, “Because something so mundane and usually a simple chore for you all, is completely normal for a person like me. We all pull our weight, even me. That and I thought you all don’t mind if I be on your beck and call and fawn all over you… right?”
That got Vivian to chuckle and come over to him, shaking her head and smiling.
“We know Master… It’s just surprising that you are doing this mundane thing. That is what we are here for, well…what some think anyway. But not you…”
He nodded, finishing the dishes and cutting off the water, her saying that reminding him of the test.
“Now that I’m done and everyone has eaten, let’s go do some shopping before setting of shall we?”
[Scratch that… Not Yet…]
Well…before the shopping actually started… Juno was now in the hospital, with Joyce, Capitan West, Major John, Solana and a small squad as they all watched what happened three weeks ago. Juno saw every last detail, following everything from start to finish.
“Here is where you girl was fighting.” Solana said, resuming time as he watched Vivian taking on the crazed Mini-Top before her, winning, and passing out. After that, he saw her evolve where she lay in a bright intense light.
“She evolved after the fight.” Juno said, following the cops as they continued seeing the scene play. Walking on, Juno gasped as he saw the afterimage of himself run right past him, followed by Sean, screaming his head off, holding a butcher knife, and wielding the Fire spell in his hand. Juno saw himself duck into the room he hid in, a futile attempt as Sean blew the doors completely.
“Do you want me to forward the rest Juno?” Solana said, seeing Juno knowing what was going to happen and trying to fight back his oncoming fear.
No. Don’t. I must see this. I must know, what happened to me.”
She softly nodded and let it continue, Juno watching all the way until the crucial part that changed everyone’s view of him.
“This is it huh?” he said, seeing himself snap so to speak. His eyes were completely bloodshot and dilated. He watched himself unleash the blue magic he unknowingly learned, tossing each spell at Sean with dark control. He was a complete 360 of himself, completely and utterly…a demon…
“That’s me…isn’t it? That dark person…is me…?” he said.
“Yes it is Juno.” Joyce said.
“And we would like to know. Do you remember any of this? Anything at all?” John said.
“No I don’t. Not a thing after... I snapped… I can’t believe I fell for something so…”
“Innocent? Well that’s Liz’s charm for ya. And I also can’t believe she is still alive.”
“She is?”
“Yeah. Vivian didn’t really do anything fatal to her. That syringe was simply sleeping poison. She’s on lockdown, as with Sean, who so wants to meet ya kid.” West said with a smirk.
“That is everything.” Solana said, the scene fading.
“Is this what you needed me for?”
“Yes. That is all Juno. We have your word in now so the case can be finished. Im sure Joyce has something to say to you?” West said, elbowing the cop in the arm.
She stepped forward, only to look at John, who urged her on.
She sighed, “I’m sorry for bothering you to come in these last three weeks.”
Juno walked up to her, looking into her eyes. He smiled and surprised her with a hug.
“Thank you. For the closure. Now I know what happened.”
“Ok… You can stop hugging me now.”
He released her and walked up to Capitan West, whom nodded and made her way out with him, explaining a few more things he had to do before he was released to be on his way. John walked up to Joyce and said, “So? Are you going to tell him?”
“No. He must not know she is alive somewhere. I just have this gut feeling about it.”
“I see. So you want him to figure it out himself, and take the backlash of believing you?”
“If I must. This is the only way I can keep him safe. We don’t need him running off and becoming another martyr.”
“Alright.” He said.
[Minutes Later]
“Alright Mr. Lucius. The bounty on Sean has been transferred over to you.” An officer said, handing him back his pokédex.
“Thank you.” He said, tipping his hat and heading out the station. Humming to himself as he stood outside, he looked at the amount he received and went wide-eyed.
[Elsewhere]
“I think that is more than enough.” Mephisto said, seeing handcarts filled with clothing, potions and pokéballs.
“I’m hoping.” He said, setting them down on the counter for Ceres to sort through.
“Have you figured out where you are going?”
“Not just yet, going to stop by the PokéCenter one last time before I just head out, see where the road takes me.”
Mephisto nodded and puffed his cigar. He saw him armed with the refurbished rifle and revolver, now he needed one more weapon to complete his look, even if he was or was not going to use it. Stepping downstairs as he and Ceres tallied up what was owed, he rummaged through a particular chest, looking for the final weapon for his arsenal.
“He has long and midrange covered, now all he needs is something for close range and I believe this other old lever action will suffice.” He said, pulling it out and blowing the dust off of its case. Coming back up the stairs, he saw him handing Ceres his pokédex to finish his transaction. Setting the case with his things, Meph motioned to Vivian, whom immediately came over.
“This is also for him.” He said softly, pointing to the gun case, a cleaning kit and now to the odd tome with a small card placed in her hands.
“He shouldn’t rely on these things since he has you all but you never know when he may actually use them. This tome will teach him a spell instantly, though he must practice if he wants to get better at it, and speaking of which, here is someone he must contact in the next town. She will guide him on his way, but the rest is up to him.” He said, now patting her on the head. She nodded, gripping the items to give to him later.
“Alright. A dozen pokéballs of the Great type, one suit of protective clothing finely tailored to look like your blue mage outfit and waterproof; already adding in to that Heavy Metal vest you keep on yourself, an amulet of moderate regeneration, 3 boxes each of assorted ammunition including the last weapon Master has graced you with, weapon maintenance kit, camping supplies and a box of assorted medicine and potions. Total amounting to 95k even Juno.”
He nodded, handing over his pokédex to complete the transaction.
“That is a lot Master.” Vivian piqued.
“Yep. Who knew that crazy guy had a large bounty on his head.” He said, taking back his pokédex and pocketing it.
“Well that’s it.” Meph said, looking at him and nodding.
“Thanks. I’ll see you when I see you.” He said, putting on his travel pack, now filled with his items.
“Good luck Juno!” Ceres said with a wide grin. He smiled and waved, leaving the store with Vivian at his side.
*-*-*-*-*
“Oh! Juno! Vivian!” Rosa said, eyes happily beaming at the two.
“Hello again.” He said, casually walking up to the front desk.
“What brings you here?”
“I’m setting off today. Already have everything prepared.” He said, motioning to his filled travel pack.
“Gosh! Feels like you will be doing more than just being a Tamer with what you are armed with.” She said, eyeing the third weapon on his assortment.
“I can thank Mephisto for that.”
As the two conversed for a small second, Juno felt familiar eyes glaring right behind him.
“Oh…look who it is. The pureblood demon that almost died and his weak pokégirl. Ready for our challenge?” Gavin said, this time not accompanied by his lackeys as per the terms. Juno turned around and stared at him, Vivian silently hissed at the small comment.
“You bet.”
“Alright you two. Follow me please.” Rosa said, directing them both to the recreational area of the PokéCenter.
“Seeing as I will be refereeing this match, what are the terms?”
“One vs. one.” Gavin said.
“And the stakes?” Rosa said.
“Whatever the demon wants from me.”
“My license. I will revoke if I lose.” Juno said, looking at Rosa. She gasped slightly, but nodded to the terms.
“Alright then. This is a one versus one battle. First to fall wins. Tamers, ready your pokégirls.
Releasing his other two girls, Juno motioned to Vivian, who came to his side. Holly and Farah immediately sat at the sidelines.
“You ready for this?” he said, looking at her.
“I am… Master. I will give it my all.” She said, shifting her form to her serpentine look.
Gavin smirked and tossed a pokéball, releasing his girl. The light spiraled around him in a strange, familiar form as the girl appeared. ‘Standing’ a bit taller than Vivian, sporting vermilion red scales, long blonde hair and purple eyes was this snake woman before him. She slowly left his side and was a few feet before Vivian, smiling coldly. What was also strange about her was that the very air also felt cold, like a fresh winter day.
She is a Garter Juno… Vivian will be at a disadvantage…
Vivian sucked in air through her teeth slightly, knowing that this battle would probably end with her frozen and beat but was not going to stop her in the latest.
“This should be interesting.” Holly said.
“Ready…? Begin!” Rosa shouted, no sooner as an Ice Beam left the Garter’s outstretched hands. Vivian immediately dodged, feeling the cold snapped air as it passed by. Hissing, Vivian followed up with a counter Slash, striking the Garter in the chest. She reeled back, hissing loudly as an article of clothing was now rags.
“Bitch! That was designer wear!!!” She screeched.
“Kara! Don’t let this bitch get to you! Finish her off already!” Gavin yelled.
Vivian hissed, watching the Garter’s every move. “Vivian, strike with Venom Bite when you see an opening!” Juno said, just as Kara launched herself at his Arbust. She did so, dodging the quick strike and latching onto her arm, pumping as much venom as she could muster. Kara screamed, generating an Ice Punch and knocked Vivian off of her. Dazed, she felt the chilling effects of the hit right to her very core.
“I’m at a disadvantage here… Another one of those and I may be frozen or knocked out completely.” She said softly, “But I will not let Master down.”
“Go Vivian!” Farah cheered, causing her to smirk.
Gonna have to get her to come to me.
“Come on bitch! I ain’t got all day!” Vivian hissed.
That’s right. Get in her head.
“Fine…lets finish this.” Kara said, blaring out her claws.
“Go Kara!” Gavin said, seeing her speed off with a sudden Quick Attack.
I know that too. But you won’t be expecting this.
Vivian quickly lowered herself just as Kara was about to make contact. Seeing her swipe right in front of her eyes, Vivian grabbed her arm and immediately stopped the attack. Gasping suddenly, Kara let out a grunt of pain as she was double punched right in her gut and smacked away with Vivian’s tail. Holly raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Counter? How does she know that?”
Juno was stunned, as was Gavin who was fuming that his girl was getting showed up. Kara rose, screaming loudly and an aura of ice forming around herself. She slithered forward and part of the arena was covered evenly with ice.
“Ice Floor…” Rosa said.
“Shit…” Vivian muttered.
Kara yelled again and launched out an Ice Beam with her left hand, seeing as the right was now limp and useless.
“At least my poison is working!” She quickly said, dodging the erratic beams headed her way. Kara slammed her tail on the ground, causing a slight but quick tremor, enough to distract Vivian. Caught in a stagger she yelled, “Got you!!!” Vivian gasped as the beam headed right towards her.
“This is the end!” Gavin yelled as the bean struck her.
Vivian was on the ground, unmoving. Rosa gasped.
“I win! Now revoke you demon spawn- Wait!” Rosa interjected.
Vivian grunted and slowly rose up from the ground, left arms completely frozen.
“It glanced her?!” Gavin yelled.
“Juno’s girl is not down. The fight is not over.” Rosa said.
“Viv. You alright?” Juno finally said.
“Of course Master. Im not done with her yet.” She said, staring at Kara and hissing.
“You will wish you stayed down there girl, because I won’t miss next time!”
Vivian clutched her fists, which started smoldering from her building energy and anger. Juno stared, trying to place where he seen this before.
“Is that?” Farah said.
“It is.” Holly said. “This may turn the tide if she lands it.”
Vivian knew what to do, knowing that it all came down to this.
I wont lose…
“Kara…” Gavin said. “End it, now…” She hissed and charged up another Ice Punch.
“Time to put this game to rest…” she said, before charging again at Vivian, who simply morphed back into her near human form. Watching her approach in slow motion, Vivian’s right arms were now coated in flames, signaling her attack for Kara.
“No… Im ending it…” she said, charging at her. The two’s approach became closer and closer, both giving everything into their last ditch attacks, until they finally connected in an explosion of flame and ice. Everyone gritted their teeth as the haze surrounded them both, only to see a person flying up into the air and landing on the other side of the ring. The other was still standing amidst the dissipating haze.
“Its…its…Vivian! Vivian still stands! Juno is the winner!!!” Rosa yelled out his victory. Farah cheered and Holly simply smirked, “Knew she would win.”
Gavin was speechless…
Juno let out a heavy sigh but immediately ran over and clutched Vivian from behind, startling her from her angered state with an ‘eep!’
“You did it!” he said happily, which brought on a blush.
Gavin went from speechless to grumbling as he returned an unconscious Kara.
He got lucky…
“Fine fine. You win Juno…” he said. “As per out agreement, you get to have whatever I got on me.” Gavin handed over his dex and Juno immediately thumbed through it. Other than Kara, he settled for his second girl.
“I’ll take her.”
Gavin snorted, “The runt? Heh, fine then.” He said, transferring the girl over to him and dropping her ball on the ground as he made his way out of the room. Juno picked it up as it rolled next to his foot.
“I swear…” Rosa said.
Returning everyone to their balls, he sighed and looked at Rosa. She smiled, “Come on, let’s get her healed up.”
*-*-*-*-*
Juno sat in the lobby of the PokéCenter as Rosa healed up Vivian. He had already seen to the girl he won off of Gavin, already tamed yet lacking a name at the moment. Farah was fine and Holly had yet to approach, though he had a feeling she would later today.
“I’ve done everything I needed to do here…” he said, thinking to himself as he sat, looking at the people come and go. Sighing, he heard Rosa call his name, signaling that Vivian was healed up. Walking up to her, he took her ball and clipped it onto his belt.
“So that is it…?” she said.
“Yeah… All I need to do is go where my feet take me…” he said. Tilting his hat, he bid his goodbye to her and stepped out the door. Rosa sighed and smiled as he left, seeing that he was ready, and it was all on his shoulders now.
Juno had reached the borders of the town he called home, seeing the familiar buildings now just in the horizon behind him. Looking on at the expanse of wild before him, he took his first step, not into the wild, but into a generous and familiar bosom.
“Leaving without saying goodbye?” Samantha said, dressed casually instead of her usual work attire. Juno suddenly eased back out of the slice of heaven before him.
“Well I…you see…” he managed to say. She bonked him on the head.
“Don’t do that again!” she scolded.
“Ow! Sheesh! Yes ma’am!” he said, followed by her laughing.
“Oh how I love to mess with you.”
“I know.” He said, rubbing his head.
“So…leaving it all behind are you?”
“Nope…just the ashen remains… Can’t dwell on that.”
“Huh…” She smiled.
Juno gasped again as he was brought into a hug, but this one was more caring than the playful crushing she would give him.
“You be careful out there alright? I don’t want to see you dead or anything, and have me worrying just like your mother and Charon.”
He looked up at her, “I wont. I will call you when I reach the next town…ok…?” he said.
“You better. Or I’m wiping your mind and keeping you here!” she playfully scolded.
Releasing him, Samantha waved and teleported away, leaving Juno by his lonesome once again. Seeing the late afternoon sun beginning to set, he put one foot forward and set off on the start of his journey…
Notes:
Finally done after fighting RL to a truce. Chapter 5 is in the works. As always, comments, criticism, questions, tips, etc. are greatly appreciated.