FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Author's Notes: I have no idea what to say here. The second story posted here gathered no less than 18 favorites, and 218 views, in two days. I imagine I'm doing something right. Yes, there will be a part two, as I highly doubt my private audience would appreciate it if I didn't do so. This is one-half of the two and a half of my challenge left. I can only ask for appologies for getting out of hand and writing such a long section. I hope that you enjoy this story, and any comments / thoughts are most welcome. Thank you and enjoy part one of two.

Characters (including spaces): 47,976. Pages (in .docx format): 34

The Summoner and the Succubus

The room glowed in mystifying colors, as I chanted my spell. Colors meld, dissolve, and create amongst the chaos in front of me. The source of this chaos was a rift, pure white in substance, expelling wave after infinite wave of energy from its vast depths. I grimaced, my long hair whipped back by a wave of eldritch energy.

"Elspek Correl, sharlip ernopo sintropos!" I chanted, my voice echoing through the room. I breathed easily, remembering the motions. I drew more power from myself, feeling my blood fuel my spell willingly and so easily. It was almost euphoric in feeling.

The rift reacted to my increase in power, pulsing more and more rapidly. Another wave of power washed over me, almost making my knees buckle. I steadied myself, feeling my own power surge with the new waves from the rift. I needed to have this rift stabilized, now!

From my hip pouch, I pulled a small crystal made of ruby, and crushed it in my palm. Pain washed over me, but I needed my blood to complete the stabilizing, and I could not sustain this for much longer. I breathed deeply and focused all my power for this.

"Ssavron boloxo naxalop! Sheva formak SOPAK!" I screamed, as I threw the blood stained shards and dust into the heart of the rift. As desired, the rift, though pulsing with untamed magic, began to stabilize, the edges of the rift softening and beginning to look like an actual portal. I began to attend to my wound, but a voice stopped me.

"I wouldn't do that, if I were you," the voice said. Obviously feminine in sound, I turned to the speaker. It was staring back at me, from the other side of the rift. The rift was less unstable, but I knew that it would find what I sought. Through the rift, all I could make out was the silhouette of my target. But the reverse was true, as well, as the demon would not be able to know who I was. Through the demons voice as it spoke, it was the one I was specifically looking for.

"Were you looking for someone?" the demon asked lightly. "I could look for whoever it is, if the price is right."

"No, I thank you for your consideration," I answered, smiling widely. "I have already found who I was looking for."

The demon hesitated, but continued unperturbed. "So this isn't a social call," the demon said, the voice becoming more sensuous. "You're looking to form a Pact."

I nodded. "Indeed I am," I said, to the demon.

"Then let us meet eye to eye, so that I may hear your side of the bargain, warlock," the demon said, and pushed through the barrier.

The thin film extended, surrounding the offending human-like limb with invisible silk. The demon's leg then presented itself, sensuous in its beastly appearance. Cloven hoof, carefully managed fur around her legs, and a graceful body followed the human like torso. Her wings and tail, both a sadistic blood red in hue, covered in scales and hair. The bubble around her began to pulse slowly, and disappeared from around the succubus, allowing her access to our world. Her face was what you would expect from a human, from her beautiful auburn hair, to her pleasant almond shaped blue eyes, and ruby red lips. The illusion was shattered when you noticed the demonic horns jutting of the top of her head. Twin spires of demonic bone, that are strong enough to pierce armor and gore a person through. Her tail completed the ensemble, from the wicked spines that lifted and rested to her whim. A barb sat at the end of her tail, twitching in betrayed anticipation to its owner calm, and even amused, demeanor.

"So, you wish to make a Pact, warlock," the succubus said, her razor sharp teeth clicking eagerly. "But, pray tell, do you think you can offer me?"

I smiled, flashing my own teeth. "I can offer you much of what you desire, either it be wealth, power, pleasure, or the outlet to let out any frustration that may come to you."

She pursed her lips in contemplation, her tail still. I looked for any body language, which may hint at what might attract this demon to my cause. Unfortunately, her tail was still, and none of her other extremities were betraying the demons feelings. I stood my ground, as I awaited the demons reply.

She smiled at me. "You're very patient," she stated

"I always find that if you have your power, but temper it with patience, you get much more done," I said, stating truth. The succubus nodded, and returned to her silent vigil. This time, though, a smile was on her face.

"Would you like a chair?" I asked, interrupting the silence

"That would be lovely, my dear," the demon said, her smile growing

I waved my right hand, and two chairs came from the stack in the far corner of the room. As one settled behind me, another was behind the succubus. She sat, tail curled around one of the wooden chairs legs, her legs locking at the hooves, and leaning forward.

"A table would be ideal right about now," the succubus whispered

I nodded, and waved my right hand once more. A small table jarred to seemed life and positioned itself in between the demon and myself. It was big enough to have your personal area, but small enough that you could grab someone's attention easily. It was very convenient, especially when the other is eager for your touch.

"You fascinate me," the succubus said. "You're not a warlock, but neither a wizard. What are you?"

I smiled gently. "I am a sorceress, my good demon," I answered, leaning forward. I felt as if I had an advantage, and I pressed forward oh so gently.

She retreated; pulling her hands off the table to have them lay on her lap. The portal behind her bubbled and frothed, the stabilizing mixture finally beginning to deteriorate. I sighed, and pulled another gem, and I was about to crush it again, when the demon stopped me.

"I agree to help you, but you must answer three questions to me," she said, smiling.

"If I satisfy your curiosity, will you form the Pact?" I asked.

"It all depends on how I like those answers," she replied evasively

A step in the right direction, although a bit cryptic for my liking. I stood and faced the portal, while the succubus held onto my hand. Her womanly figure pressed tightly against me as my power surged through me. Her long nails pressed against my skin, feeling sharp as a knight's sword against flesh. One of those nails met her skin, and slashed, leaving a shallow wound on her pale pink skin. The wound dribbled deep red blood on top of my arm, and she began to draw a small pattern, which glowed when she blew her warm breath over it.

A sensation I have never felt before flowed through me. So much power! I held the reins of it, and drew from my own formidable strength, and it heeded my call. I focused my power on the portal, and I willed the wild magic to obey to my needs. Instantly, the portal stopped teetering on the brink of collapse, but for a moment, it stopped even pulsating. The edges were perfect, the sight through the portal crystal clear. I looked at the succubus, and we both shared a smile.

"That was amazing," I whispered

"Never had that much power?" she asked, knowing full well the answer

I blushed, and hurried to clean her wound, but she quickly dismissed it. "I take care of my wounds," she said, and began to lick the wound clean.

I nodded, and she smiled in between her licks. Her forked tongue was sticking in my direction for a moment, before it retreated into its home. Was she toying with me? It was an all possible answer. This is a demon I am speaking with.

"Alright, demon, you may ask your questions," I said, sitting down

"Before we begin, I suggest we name each other," she said, smiling wide. "It will make no sense to keep calling me 'demon' or you 'human'."

I nodded. "I will call you Amara," I said.

"And I will call you Bell," she said, nodding. "Now, may I begin?"

I nodded. She took a breath, and spoke.

================= ======================== ====================

"Who is your Sire and Mother?" I asked this mortal woman. A woman I have named Bell.

"I have no idea who my sire is, so I am sorry I cannot offer much," she answered, bowing slightly. "I am actually in the process of studying dragon lineages, in the hopes that there may be something to find there. My mother was a daughter of a powerful but corrupt lord. That is all I know, and that is from the heaps of books and ruins I have uncovered in my explorations and knowledge."

I looked at my summoner, and noticed that she was not frail. Her figure was slim, but had underlying strength of resolve and fortitude behind her beautiful olive skin and brown eyes. Her long hair, auburn in color, matched her beautiful face. I smiled freely, enjoying my time. It wasn't very often I had the opportunity to answer the summons of such an interesting person, let alone someone as gorgeous as this!

"Well, I may ask you that you show me the fruits of your research," I said, wiggling my eyebrows at her. She smiled, her cherub lips parting, revealing white teeth. My heart skipped for a moment at her smile. I was fascinated and almost forgot my next question!

"Alright, then perhaps you may satisfy my curiosity with this answer. I have never encountered a sorcerer, or any magic user of any kind, that matches your raw power. Where do you draw it from?"

She continued to smile. That beautiful, gorgeous smile of hers, before speaking and breaking the spell it had over me. "Well, no true wizard or mage has been able to tell me where I draw my power from," she said, frowning for a moment. "But from what I have found, through self-training and my findings, is that a sorcerer's blood is the source of their strength. Upon testing this, I found that sorcerer blood can be used for all kinds of magical and non magical uses, from augmenting a spell, to even cleaning windows."

I blinked in surprise. "Cleaning windows?" I asked, perplexed

"Yes, glass made into panes to put on a wall, so that you may enjoy the outside world, but not allow pests and such inside," she said. "They are very nice."

I nodded. I was about to voice a question, but I realized that I have fallen into a trap. I had asked three questions, and she allowed them. I frowned, feeling extremely foolish of myself. I cannot, will not, let this beautiful creature out of my sight! My heart swelled when she smiled at me, placing one of her hands, the injured one, palm up, revealing the skin deep cuts from the gem. I placed my hand on top of her, and grasped at her wrist, as she mimicked my actions.

"Do you agree to be my familiar, to aid me in my times of trouble, and help me uncover the secrets of my past?" she asked solemnly, as her hand began to glow a bright green under mine.

"I do, Mistress," I said. "I swear upon my life that I will aid you in whatever may be your desires, until the Pact becomes to fruition, or you release me from my bonds."

My hand glowed red, and the two colors intertwined for a moment, before becoming calm, and disappearing. She stood and I stood immediately, almost knocking the chair over. She smiled at me, and I could feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment. I cannot fail my Mistress!

"Can you help me close this rift?" she asked gently, offering her hand to me

I gladly took it, gently taking it in both of my hands. I reveled in how smooth her skin felt to my touch. I gathered my thoughts, and found the link to her power easily. I fed her all I would dare, but she didn't need so much. Her powers swelled inside of her, and made my own formidable strength look like an ice block brought to the heart of Hell itself. I was awed by this display of power, and I wasn't sure if it was to intimidate me, or she needed this much power to close the spell. Either way, I held on to her arm, supplying her with my support and power.

The rift began to consume itself, slowly at first, but quickly gaining speed. Her eyes glowed with a mystical light, and I shivered in delight. Power, beauty, and knowledge, all inside a single being! I could not wait to explore this world that I have been summoned with my Mistress at my side.

The rift closed, but I no longer cared. I smiled at my Mistress, and she guided me outside of the room we were in. I could not stop admiring her strength! Of course, there are other demons and some that are stronger than this mortal. But they would be exhausted if they used so much power constantly. Not this human, which seemed to radiate it, and still have so much a deep reservoir of power.

She attempted to wave her arm, but I was still holding on to it. I reluctantly let it go, but she smiled and offered me her hand. I gladly took hold of it, and she waved her other arm, and lit the lamps with her power. A small greeting room was there, and she pointed to the small kitchen and the door that led to the basement. She took me down a small hallway and we entered her bedroom. Plainly decorated, except with, what probably were ancient heirlooms and lost treasures. The bed was huge, with what looked like soft silk sheets. I gasped in amazement at the feeling of the silk against my skin. Everything felt so charged with her power.

I was about to speak, but all thought left my mind as I looked forward, to see my Mistress undress. She undid the clasp of her robe, falling like a cascade of wool from her, pooling around her. The only things on her body covering her body were two individual pieces of clothing, one over her breasts, and one protecting her nether region. For some reason, I found myself blushing, and quickly looked away before she could see me stare.

She made her way around the bed, and covered herself with the soft sheets. I trembled, not wanting to damage anything so beautiful with my wings, hooves or tail. She saw me hesitate, and smiled at me.

"You may join me, if you wish," she said gently. "And don't worry if you rip anything, I'll fix it. I wouldn't be the first time, and I highly doubt the last."

She chuckled softly as she closed her eyes. Her breathing slowed to the pace of one deep in sleep, but it wasn't for a long time to come that I would join my Mistress in that wonderful place of dreams.

=============== ======================= ===================

Time passed, and life returned to normal. Or, at the very least, what passed for normal in my Mistresses life. The occasional adventurer, or group of them, asking for directions from the city, that is named Volanar, to other neighboring towns or villages. They would ask anything, from any interesting news, a bit of enchanting, potions, or looking for the latest gossip around the city. I was always surprised that the visitors would treat me with the utmost respect, and never like a 'thing' or object to ignore. By the Divine, sometimes I was the subject of discussions! I would smile and answer their questions. They were always very polite, and they didn't ask any rude questions, or at least, any I thought were rude.

Today was different, though. I could feel something heavy in the air, as I untangled my hair with a brush my Mistress purchased. Just for my use and tastes, the simple bones untangled my hair perfectly. I made my way to the kitchen, and smiling at the fresh basket of eggs, milk, and bacon sitting on the dining table. Taking the basket, and with full knowledge that Mistress was just studying her grimoirs, I began to create breakfast. I smiled at my newfound strength, enjoying the side effects of the Pact. To my Mistress, a few grimoirs were written in high Demonic, but with my aid and our Pact, she knows how to speak it quite fluently now. Daily, her powers grow, from our Pact. And as my Mistress's powers grow, so does my own strength increase.

I smiled as I merely thought of what I wanted, and it appeared, how, where, and what degree of power. Such control! I may see it every day, and I'll never stop in amazement at how this frail looking human can contain such force. I shook myself out of my reverie; for fear that my own arousal may stop me from my morning duty, which was cooking breakfast for the both of us. I smiled at the ordinary chore, but when she did it that first morning, I saw her in her full beauty, the sun seeming to make her radiate. Her long hair tied behind her head in a ponytail, a few locks of hair just seemingly in the way of her eyes. When she turned...

I shook and scolded myself, for losing control of myself so easily. As the eggs cooked to edible levels, I mused as to how or why my powers were not working on my Mistress. I have never encountered a human that seemed to be completely immune to my powers, or any succubus, for that matter. I shrugged, and didn't let the matter bother me anymore, as I focused on the iron skillet. I smiled as I heard the heavy wooden door of the basement open, and I turned to see my Mistress, clothed in a plain brown robe and hood. She flipped the hood up, to reveal her smiling, beautiful face. My heart, again, skipped a beat, and only the popping of the eggs broke me out of my reverie.

I quickly prepared everything, putting the foodstuff on simple ceramic plates, and hurried to the table. She was just sitting down when I placed her plate in front of her. She smiled again, and I could feel the blush burning my cheeks. I didn't know how she never noticed! I smiled back, as warm as I could, bowing slightly.

"You don't have to bow every time, Amara," she said gently.

"I'm sorry, Mistress," I said, not sitting down yet. It's been like this for two months now. I would never sit, unless my Mistress allowed me to. We looked at each other for a few moments, until she smiled and waved. I smiled back and sat, and began to eat in earnest. We ate in silence, both enjoying the food I have prepared. I was impressed by my own ability to prepare food, and my Mistress always complemented me. As we both finished, she took my plate with hers, and smiled lovingly at me.

"Thank you for a wonderful breakfast, Amara," she said. She has said those same words all this time, and every time I heard them, they made my heart soar. I didn't know, nor did I care, why I acted in such a way, or how she had such a strong influence on me. All I knew is that as long as our Pact lasted, there would be no one else that would take me away from her, willingly or otherwise.

================ ========================= ===============

"Mistress, what are we doing today?" Amara asked, smiling at me. I didn't know that a demon could be so affectionate. Maybe it's the way I treat her? I shrugged inwardly, but I smiled at the succubus.

"We're getting some visitors today," I answered gently. "Someone that I promised I would help him, five months ago. Bastard paladins don't know when to make up their bloody minds sometimes. In either case, he wasn't been warned that you would be here, but he's going to put up with it, if he wants my help."

Amara stayed silent for a moment, before replying. "Do you wish me to hide while your visitors are here?" she asked

I shook my head. "No, it would be worst if we did. Paladins can sense any demon or corruption in their near vicinity," I answered, explaining. "It would be better for him to see you at my side. He'll be confused, but he'll cope. That man needs a mental exercise every now and then."

A solid bang on the door, and the door almost swung off its hinges. Three men entered my home, weapons drawn, with looks that would send most running for their lives. I crossed my arms until the full armored fellow bellowed and charged. Amara, startled, did nothing, and almost seemed to cower. I rolled my eyes and erected an invisible wall between the two, and the sword the fellow was using clanged with a satisfying reverberation. He looked surprised, but then his eyes turned to me, a confused look on his face.

"An-"

"No!" I exclaimed, putting my foot down. "You come in, BARGE into MY home, attack MY familiar, and then expect to answer your questions?" I asked, fury bubbling from me. Magic began to rise inside of my chest, but I contained it. He did not need to die that kind of painful death, but my patience was becoming very thin.

"But why is a demon your familiar?" he asked, his calm voice betrayed by his stance, and his sword-arm gripping tightly the hilt of his sword.

"None of your business, as it has always been, Fenron," I said, using his name. "I am going to politely ask you to leave under your own power, and not charge you for breaking my door. I suggest you take up my generous nature and do so, and come back, when, or if, you are ready to be presentable in front of me.

"That is," I continued, smiling cunningly, "if you want this report to stink up your perfect reputation with your Order."

It was a low blow, indeed, but it showed how far I was willing to take this. I didn't care about myself, my business, or this home. I could easily live in the wilderness and use my contacts to guarantee wares and business for myself. I didn't want to deal with the inconvenience of bandits and wild animals sniffing where they shouldn't be.

He nodded politely, and sheathed his sword. He turned and walked away, before stopping and counting a few coins and throwing them at me. I caught them deftly, and smiled at the ten gold pieces. His friends left with him, and I smirked in satisfaction. That'll teach him for breaking into my home like that! At least, the last time he had someone pick the lock.

I turned to Amara, as she was still standing, looking paralyzed by fear. As soon as I touched her, her legs gave away, her hooves knocking against the wood of the table, hands against the floor, barely catching herself from her face meeting it.

"Amara, are you alright?" I asked soothingly, gently brushing her hair away from her face.

"I'm sorry, Mistress. I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me. "I was so terrified! I couldn't do anything, and if he would have attacked you, I..." is all I understood, since she began to cry, her body shaking like a leaf thrown into a windstorm. I sighed and gently brushed her hair with my hands. Somehow, I felt that today, was going to be a very long day.

====================== ================== ==================

"So, we're supposed to believe you, Ana?" Fenron said, acid dripping from his tone. "I'm supposed to trust you?"

"Fenron, you've never trusted me, after that night," I said dismissively. "And yet, you seem to have this miraculous power to swallow your pride for a day or two and come ask for my help whenever it is to your' convenience. Tell me; does it ever occur to you that I may have plans?"

He flustered visibly, taking a swig from the mug I had handed him earlier. Water, as I was grateful to not have purchased any liquor. The man may be a paladin, but give him alcohol, and he'll be drunker than a dwarf.

"That doesn't change the fact that your consorting with demons," he said, confidence in his voice

"Oh. I wasn't aware that your Order suddenly allowed 'That filth that practices the art of so-called Magic, and that they should be eradicated at once'. Or am I mistaken that your Order suddenly had a change of heart?" I asked, smiling my innocent smile

He shut up after that. I was glad, as well. I was getting quite bored of his ignorance. One of Fenron's companions spoke some comforting words to him, a soft spoken young man with golden hair and deep cyan eyes. His smile looked kind, though the symbol on his armor and chest suggested that he and Fenron were in the same Order. I smiled politely back, though, not wanting to prove Fenron or any of his psychotic order right.

"So, we are agreed?" Fenron asked, gathering his wits. "Will you help us? We may be able to go deeper with your knowledge of the ruins."

"Oh, well, that's fine and dandy, but where is this ruin?" I asked, exasperated. "You never mentioned a ruin until just now!"

The other companion, a tracker, by my understanding, produced a map from his jacket. He unrolled it and I began to study it, ignoring the occasional blood stain or tear on the actual parchment.

"May I see this under better light?" I asked the man

His deep features hardened, but nodded. "Yes, you may."

"Amara, I need you," I said. A crack of sound and my familiar was at my side. The others jumped back, startled, but I ignored them. Her arms were placed on my shoulders, and I could feel her tips of her wings gently touching my arms. Her power added to mine, as I used my own power to trace the edges of the map. I smirked when I saw that this was just a piece of a map, and that it was a lot more to this than just this piece of parchment.

"You better come clean with me, tracker," I said, smiling. "Where did you take this, and who did you kill to take it?"

"I made it," he said gruffly

"By the Hells you didn't, unless you killed a man for a piece of parchment," I said, smirking at him. "And, pardon me being rude, you don't look like a man that would sit there for months to draw an accurate map."

The grim man looked at his compatriots, and Fenron shrugged. The man scowled and revealed the rest of the map, and I studied a bit more carefully. I trusted the man enough that he wouldn't pull another fast one, but I gave it a quick glance over, to make sure that there were not any more 'missing pieces'. I sighed as I looked at the location centralized. The Dragon Wastes, where all Dragon-kind went to die, before old age, or enemies, took their venerable wisdom filled lives in dishonor.

"You're planning to make an expedition to The Dragon Wastes," I said without preamble. "Do you have any fathom of a clue of the repercussions of such an expedition?"

"We've prepared for the worst," was all Fenron said.

"Maybe to die, you bloody idiot, if that is your definition of 'worst'. So, you're prepared not only for The Watchers, but the countless undead, looters, other dragons, ghosts of dragons, or possibly you didn't take the unstable magical weather that can conveniently open a portal to ANY of the inner planes?" I asked

"If you're going to do this, give me three months to prepare, and I'll have all I can possibly want, with some luck," I said, rolling the map and handing it to the man.

"You have half that time," the man said, his face scrunching up even further than before. If the situation wasn't any more serious, I would have laughed.

"No," I said. "I will not be intimidated into going earlier than necessary, if it means I die with no one to pass my knowledge. Three months, or you can find yourselves a more willing magical user that isn't scared shitless of you or your companions Order."

"The Mages Guild would just love to he-," was all he managed to say before my familiar's tail wrapped around his throat and gave it a tentative squeeze.

"Oh, I don't think so," I said, feeling a very evil grin growing on my face. "In fact, did you know that a succubus needs to feed regularly on sexual energy to be at full power? No? Well, how about I let her have her way with you, and see how long you last. Literally, by the way, as in, let us see how long your' heart keeps beating."

He eyes bulged in panic, and I laughed, shaking my head. I touched Amara's shoulder and nodded, indicating that she should let go. She did, but not before giving one last squeeze before parting. I smiled warmly at my guests.

"Any more questions tonight, gentlemen? No? Then, I bid you farewell. I am tired, and this has been a rather exciting day. I have much to prepare for this whole ordeal for you, Zenron. Keep me informed of anything that you hear, use the usual connections," I said, waving them all out of my home, and slamming it satisfyingly in Zenron's face. I sighed dramatically and went to get a glass of water, but Amara predicted my movements and had one prepared already.

"Here you are, Mistress," she said, smiling at me

"Thank you, dear," I said, before practically swallowing the water in the cup

"I think I'm going to turn in early, and get a head start of all this tomorrow," I said, shaking my head. "Will you accompany me to bed?"

"If it pleases you, Mistress, I shall," she said, smiling. "Are you sure you do not want me to start investigating anything? I am fully rested."

I shook my head. "No, I'm sure. We don't have much time, but it should be enough. Thank you for your offer though."

I smiled as she took my hand, and almost guided me to my own room. She disrobed me, smiling as she lingered on my exposed skin. I took her hand and I hugged her gently, feeling slightly at ease in her arms. She stiffened for a moment, but then melted in our embrace, as she gently placed her head against mine. I moved gently to pull the covers, and fell asleep.

================= ================== ======================

The month passed quickly, as I labored intently under the time constraints I had placed myself under. My home was slowly becoming a madhouse of brewing potions, slowly popping sounds, and the poof of smoke that some claimed was a dragon I had chained up in my basement. The truth was that a visiting demon burped, but I wasn't going to disapprove them.

I wiped my forehead of sweat, as I gently mixed the alchemical contents together, and watched as both swirled together in the vial. I smiled and placed the vial to heat over an open fire for just a blink of an eye, and removed it, the crackling sound of the ingredients finally mixing properly. I put a stopper on it and placed it alongside the other completed potions and nodded in satisfaction. If we found any dragons, dead or otherwise, I would be prepared.

"Mistress, you look exhausted," Amara said, setting down a tray of food and water for the both of us. "You must rest."

I turned to see her eyes wide with worry, her lips pursed. I smiled and shook my head, using the sleeve of my robe to wipe my brow. But to allay her fears, I did stop, if for the moment, to catch my breath. I think I've been working too long today.

"How long have I been down here?" I asked out loud. I chuckled lightly, but took the offered towel that Amara provided

"All morning, and past noon," she said, frowning. "Mistress, it's almost sundown."

I sighed and I shook my head again. "I apologize for keeping you out of my area," I said thoughtfully. "A demon arrived to visit, and I had to entertain him. He put me behind schedule, so I had to make up for lost time. I took some shortcuts, but I think everything came out just right."

"Was he looking for me, Mistress?" she asked, her eyes wide

"He did mention that I had formed a Pact with a certain kind of demon," I said, shrugging. "Never any mention of a name. I confirmed that I had formed a Pact with a demon, but I had them go on an errand, so they wouldn't be able to join our lovely conversation. He took it well enough."

I shrugged. "No need to worry about that for the moment. If he complains, he'll get what every demon gets when they double-cross me."

"And what is that, Mistress?" Amara asked softly

"Do you really want to know?" I asked, placing my hands on hers. She shook her head, and I smiled gently. "Don't let it bother you. You have not disappointed me, nor have you used my trust against me."

I walked away from the probably confused succubus, humming a merry tune. I took the tray of sandwiches, and I passively noticed that they were placed in the shape of a heart. I widened my smile at the sight. Did she feel something for me? Perhaps, but it needed a bit more investigating. This whole Pact deal was becoming more and more interesting. Nothing in my grimoirs mentioned a demon or other creature falling in love with their 'Master'.

I walked outside, and was pleasantly surprised that Amara was correct. I shook my head, and sat at the table, quietly enjoying the meal. The chair next to me moved, and my familiar sat on it, pleasantly surprised that she didn't ask for my permission to do so. We shared a smile, before I offered her a sandwich that she made.

"I ate already, Mistress," she said softly. "I made these for you."

I chuckled softly, at the irony of the circumstance, and laughter soon bubbled out of me. I laughed merrily, but quickly stopped myself, just to make sure that I didn't let my familiar in on the joke.

"Zenron did the same thing the morning after his first time," I said, smiling. "He even said the same thing you just did. The situation just tickled my fancy, and it's nothing against you, dear."

Amara smiled at that. "So, you two were lovers?" she asked

I rolled my eyes. "I would listen to his complaints, and I, being slightly younger and more naïve that I am now, listened to him. I guess they don't have someone at the Order of his to listen, so he turned to me to do so."

"Do you regret it?" she asked

"Sometimes I do," I said, shrugging. "He's a good man, a strong heart and loyal to a fault. It is the thing that makes men corruptible by higher powers, believing that whatever they do, it is some order of an invisible being that apparently cares of your well-being."

"Do you believe in the deities?" Amara asked, head tilted in curiosity

"I do not pray to them, if that's what you're asking," I said, smiling. "I do believe that something besides humans made the world, and all of Them are more than willing to claim the credit. Most, if not all, of the deities, don't really care about mortal affairs, to my belief. I don't harm anyone, and I help who I can without hurting myself. It's the most that I can ask of myself, given the situation."

"Not many people trust you, Mistress," she stated. I nodded grimly.

"The Mages Guild wants to control and practically sell our talents for a select few to profit," I said, almost growling. "They treat any none-human like trash, and they savagely destroy a natural forest to harvest all their 'required' reagents. It's the reason most Elves distrust humans, and the morph clans have no business with any 'civilized' humans."

"Is there any chance that we'll be able to meet any of the clans, or Elves?" she asked

"We will," I said, nodding. "We have to cross three territories; two held by morph clans, the other by Elves. It's the most direct route, and we can resupply if we have to use anything along the way."

"But you said they don't trust humans, Mistress," she said

"It's true, but I'm not your normal human, am I?" I asked, grinning.

A churning in my stomach, and I gasped in pain. Could I have truly lost my sense of time while working? I stood, almost falling to my face in the process. Amara helped me stand, and I made my way to the window, only to see my worst fear possible. I've been managing to keep it under control, but tonight I must have completely forgotten to take my own concoction.

"Amara, I need you to go into my room, and please stay inside," I said, my voice lowering in pitch. "I am going to continue my research."

"No! I will not let you work yourself to exhaustion, Mistress! I-," was as far as she got, when I grabbed her hand. I turned to look see the most frightened I have ever seen her. Not even when the paladin was charging at her match the same level of fear as this.

"Please," I said. My hands began to shake on their own volition, and my body was suddenly wracked by pain. I gasped, a cry escaping my lips as I fell on the floor. I could feel my skin bubble as muscle grew almost disproportionate to my size. My body changed, painfully, but not the first time this has happened. I closed my eyes, not being able to bear the look on Amara's face, as I began to transform into a Lycan.

============ ================ ===================

I shook myself, seeing my Mistress transform in front of my eyes. I held onto her arm, and resisting the urge to embrace her. Fur practically exploded out of her skin, her face elongating to make room for the wolf-like muzzle protruding from her face. Fear gripped me, but I mastered it, not daring to leave my Mistress alone in such a harrowing state. Her form rippled, whatever afflicting Bell nothing that I have ever seen before. I have heard of lycanthrope before, but never seen it with my own eyes happen. It was fascinating as every part of her became more bestial in appearance, from her snarling growls to the way her uniform fur was kept.

"Thank you, Amara," I heard my Mistress say. Her voice was hers, just slightly deeper in tone. Her muzzle parted in a frightening grin, revealing gleaming sharp teeth.

"As you can see, I'm a werewolf. Or Lycan, wolf clan, whatever, I've heard a few different ways of saying it," she said, shrugging. "I'm sorry for startling you, Amara. It was not my intention to frighten you, or to make you fear for your safety."

"This happens to you at every full moon?" I asked, stroking her head gently

"Stop that!" she exclaimed, but stopped squirming when I scratched her chin. "You have quite a convincing argument, there."

"Don't avoid my question, please," I said, smiling.

"Quite true," she said, nodding. "Yes, the transformation occurs every full moon, and every new moon. It isn't very pleasant, as you may imagine, but it's normally very dull moments into the night."

"You can't sleep?" I asked

She shook her head. "Werewolves are nocturnal creatures, so I won't be going to sleep until the night ends. I might as well make my runs to check on the nearby morph clan. Do you want to come along?"

I nodded. "You won't scare me away that easily, Mistress," I said, smiling. She surprised me again, her arms easily and gently lifting me from the ground. I could get used to this, I mused silently, tying my arms around her neck. Her long muzzle looked at me, and I had to resist, with all of my will, to not kiss her. The moonlight, how it reflected off her dark pelt, her eyes, wild yet soft, drove deeper that she was everything that any succubus would dare to dream of.

She walked toward her room, and gently spoke a few soft words. Her bed gently lifted up from the ground, and the floor slid aside, revealing earthen stairs leading downwards. I thanked my fortune that I had good night vision, and so did my Mistress, but the stairs were even and had no obstructions. We reached the bottom quickly, and I was surprised that we weren't alone.

Two morphs, as I assumed they were Lycan as well, stood there. Both male, their proud stance telling me they were used to my Mistress looking the way she did. She set me down gently, and I could see her smile gently.

"Garn, Lokaz, good to see you again," Mistress said, extending her paw. Both males shook the offered hand, and one spoke.

"Luz, who is this?" the male asked, looking at me directly

"My familiar, Amara," she said, introducing me. I bowed gently, but stood my ground. The wolf snorted in, I think, amusement.

"You have always been quite different, Luz," he said, smiling a wolfish grin. "Our offer still stands, so you wish it."

"Thank you, Garn, but my place is still here. The situation still benefits the clan more than it hurts, and no one has to know," Mistress said, continuing to smile.

"That is still the case," the one named Garn said, bowing. "Do you wish to speak of the arrangements?"

"Yes, please. I only have two more months to prepare for this blasted romp through the wilderness, and I will not tolerate the other clan, nor the Elven nation get in my way."

"Do you think you'll find something, this time?" this coming from the other Lycan, Lokaz.

Mistress shook her head. "I would not ask of such a favor if the situation didn't merit it. While I cannot guarantee that what I seek will be there, I sure hope so."

Lokaz nodded, while Garn revealed a roll of parchment. "It isn't much, but here is a map of the surrounding areas." He pointed at different sections, noting any relevant dangers, from patrol routes, goblin encampments, bandits, and the Royal Guard. I had to admit, while crudely drawn, it had much information.

They sat on the soft dirt floor, as they discussed their plans. Mistress asking a question or three, but seemed mostly satisfied. The meeting was quickly adjourned, and all three stood as one.

"The sun is rising, we must leave before we draw attention to ourselves, or you, for that matter," Garn said, shaking Bell's hand. Lokaz did likewise, and they both bowed to me politely.

As they walked backwards, I was afraid of them hitting the solid wall, but they just vanished through it! I was dearly frightened, until Mistress placed a paw on my shoulder. She grinned at my surprise.

"Do not worry, Amara, for only a true Lycan may pass through that tunnel," she said. "There are quite a few ingenious traps for anyone not of Lycan blood, none very pleasant to experience." I nodded, shuddering for a moment, before I was guided out of the room. We stood in her room again, and she spoke the words again. The floor assembled itself again, while the bed lowered gently to the ground. The sun was gently beginning to rise, red and gold colors slowly rising from the horizon.

I turned to my Mistress, but she was fast asleep already. I joined her, deciding not to cover her body, but I embraced her. I closed my eyes, and slept peacefully. While I had found out more of her, more questions seemed to appear. Why is she a Lycan? How can a human hold so much power? And what did demons want with her? These questions and many more haunted my dreams until exhaustion claimed me.

================ ==================== =================

"You still have time to back out of this, Amara," I said, smiling. She shook her head and smiled back at me. I was carrying everything that I had possibly imagined that we would need to get to the Dragon Wastes. My only hope is that my guess is correct, and my grimoirs could predict the unstable elemental storms to as accurate as the month. This was going to be the calmest period, and I was hoping that we could capitalize on that.

"In your dreams, Mistress," she said with a smile of her own. We giggled, and enjoyed the gentle morning breeze, while we waited for the three thick-skulled men to come along. We chatted, as I explained to Amara the surrounding area with as much knowledge as I could. The succubus had a thirst for knowledge that astounded me. I would even question her, and she would smile and answer my questions, and even coming to her own conclusions. This was something I wasn't entirely prepared for, but was pleasantly surprised, nonetheless.

We continued to talk until a cough made me turn, to see the three men, loaded with travel gear, extra weapons, and loads of other supplies that I didn't guess at. I grinned. I'm very glad that I enchanted my bag with that spell so long ago.

"So, are you all ready to begin our little venture?" I asked. I didn't wait for an answer, as I turned and headed down the path. "We diverge from the path a good half a day's walk northwards. From there, we pass the first clan territory and-."

"What! You can't teleport us there!?" this coming from the tracker from before.

"I am amazed at your profound wisdom, tracker," I said, smiling. "Yes, I am not teleporting us there."

"And by Lord Justice right eye, why not?!" he screamed, spittle almost exploding out of his mouth.

"Because for a number a reasons. Number one, unstable magic is clouding the area, so the best I could put is landing somewhere within a vast target, and anywhere is viable. You saw your own map, or so I would hope so. From the swamp that could be filled with hags to the northern snow forest that's inhabited by Elves, to inside even a living maelstrom. I am not taking that chance.

"Two, it takes a lot of energy to create a portal, not to mention an accurate one. I would be exhausted by the time I was done and unable to render aid if your own belongings are lost. Three, while I can guarantee where I would appear, I cannot do the same for you. So, while I may appear on the surface, you might be thousands of leagues skyward, and fall to your very untimely death. You seem a bit flushed there, tracker. Are you sure you want me to continue?"

At his silence, I directed my attention to the other two. "Do you two have any complaints about walking?" I asked before turning around and walking. I didn't bother turning to see if they were following. I would go to this ruin, regardless if they followed me or not. I had too much invested into this site. The Elven kingdom has reported strange findings, and a possible link to my father's past. I could not let an opportunity like this pass me by.

We deviated from the well used road we were using, and began to go through pure wilderness. I smiled at the gentle smells of the wild, thoroughly enjoying myself and the fact that the men were so slow to cross the wilds. I chided them silently by pointing out that my familiar was keeping pace better than they were. It stung, but it got them moving faster, so I kept at it. Noon had passed and gone, and we didn't stop for a break, as much as the men kept complaining.

"You men are all the same," I said, smirking with satisfaction. "You get tired, and you want to eat, but don't bother eating while moving. Bloody idiots, the three of you are slowing us down."

"So, what's the hurry?" the tracker asked

"Obviously, you don't know this area very well," I said somberly. "They don't call it the Stone Wood for nothing. Basilisks live here."

That was enough to get their lazy feet up in the air and eating on the move. It was an old folk tale, and by my sources, the basilisks would be hibernating right now. They didn't need to know that, though. We continued until I brought the party to a halt, and I crossed my arms. Moments ticked by, until the tracker almost passed by me. I grabbed him, and he shook me off. He was sent flying by hitting the wall of force in front of him.

"Why didn't you warn me, witch!?" he exclaimed

"I did. I stopped walking. You, like the bloody idiot you are, kept walking."

He fumed, but I ignored the man. I had bigger things to wonder, as the brush rustled and moved, revealing two Lycan males. I smiled and bowed, and they returned the formality. I didn't bother with any more, since I didn't want to press my luck.

"My name is Luz, and I am calling for my escort through the Lycan clan lands to the Faladum clan territory," I said without preamble.

"We hear you, Luz, but we ask that you first stop at the village first. Garn wishes to speak with you briefly, and it is in your direction of travel," one of the Lycan males said.

"We will honor the chief's call," I said, bowing. "Thank you. May we pass?"

Both nodded, and waved their paws across the invisible wall. The wall shimmered, and unmade itself, motes of light the only trace of its existence. I moved across, and turned to the others, who were still dumbfounded.

"If you don't hurry up, I'll ask that they raise up the wall again," I said casually.

They moved after that, only hesitating when they passed by the two Lycans. The Lycans then traced the wall up again, sealing us away from our path. We fell in a straight line, following one while the second followed close behind, growling to keep the other males moving. I laughed at the sound, as I could almost hear them regretting ever agreeing with me.

We walked, seeing the sun set behind the tall trees as twilight took hold of the remaining light. Thankfully, we reached the communal Lycan grounds with the expertise of our guides before night truly fell. Garn almost charged at me, but he did pick me up to take me to show me off to the rest of the clan.

"This is Luz, the one that has freed us from slavery and gave us a home. We have much to celebrate tonight. We feast!" he proclaimed. I rolled my eyes, but I didn't bother to refute him claim. My companion's mouths and eyes were wide, while my familiar, her face with a grin of her own. I shrugged as I was put down, a mountain of cubs almost literally engulfing me. I don't think I've ever been called 'Auntie Luz', but I don't think this will be the last time.

"Care to explain?" Amara asked, as she helped me sit up.

"I will, once everything gets settled down," I said, smiling. At her frown, I laughed. "I give you my word."