User blog:AloofComputer/Dark Winds: Chapter 7

A/N: Warning, lemon (small)

The steps of two figures were muffled by the thick grass that grew on the forest clearing. “Are you sure about this, Alatar? Why didn’t you ask Veronica?”

“Veronica, while skilled, won’t attack me with the intention to kill, Wilmaria. Primera is a close second, but her fighting style is mainly hand-to-hand and archery. I’ll have to spar with her later, but right now, I must improve on what I lack.”

“Fair enough. My sword won’t kill you, but it will get you aroused. Will you be all right with that?”

"Veronica is nearby, training with a dullahan and a succubus. Which reminds me: I won’t use spells.” Alatar drew a silver blade, and fell to a fighting stance. “And I’ll have to train in the spell department with Pallanto and Mimil.”

Wilmaria mimicked him. “You know, we have fought before, and you did well. Why this sudden change of heart?”

“When I attacked, I did so on my own terms. I used stealth, battlefield manipulation, exploiting flaws in group attacks… but fighting one-on-one is an entirely different game. My last fight showed me that very clearly.”

“But you detained the guy-”

“That, I did. But the risk was too great for my liking. And it involved Veronica, too. So, training it is.”

After a tense moment, the two lunged at each other, blades shining under the morning sun.



“They seem very enthusiastic about it.” Pallanto mused, as he watched the two figures clash at each other.

“It’s only Alatar. I don’t get why he was so insistent, and Veronica wouldn’t tell, either. His target was badly injured, and had scorch marks on his arms.” Lucella answered, munching a cookie. “He practically made Wilmaria promise to train with him, and promised to aid her finish the backlog of her work.”

“Oh well, who am I to judge. The guy is just as reckless as he was back in his training days.” Pallanto smiled faintly, as the memory of Alatar asking for books and advice, still clad in his full plate, crossed his mind.

“You know, you could use a bit of training, yourself.” Lucella tossed nonchalantly. “That mage almost got you, you know. If I hadn’t been there...” she threw a side glance at his face, as the mage sighed.

“Yes, I know, I was unprepared. And that, for a mage, is a fatal mistake. Still, its not like I can read anything new here… most of the books in the library are not battle-specific, or usable by humans. And I’ve already read everything else...”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“I meant battle training, magic boy. You could use a few more tricks up your sleeve. And some spells, even if they are not battle specific, can be used for avoiding tricky situations. Tell me, how do you even prepare for battle? Don’t you just toss spells behind a wall of soldiers?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“That was the standard tactic, before Lescatie. But after that… let’s say that humans have quite amazing adapting abilities. You should know that quite well.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">The baphomet looked at Alatar and Wilmaria, who were still fighting furiously. “Well… yes, I do know. Still, sometimes it’s just not enough.” she commented, as the two fighters froze, Wilmaria’s blade almost touching Alatar’s neck. “See, that’s what I am talking about.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“What? Oh, he lost. Oh well, I get your point. But are there any mages with battle experience left in Lescatie? Mimil is with Lady Druella, Alatar is busy...” he paused as he caught a side glance of Lucella. “… you? You can’t be serious!”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“What’s the matter, magic boy? Afraid you’ll be beaten by a girl?” Her mocking tone was even more evident by her childish voice. “Come on, I won’t hurt you very badly.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“That’s hardly the case, flat chest.” Pallanto jabbed back.”It’s just that you have ridiculous mana reserves and no combat spell, or human spell, whatsoever in your books.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“You really think so, magic boy? Didn’t Mimil tell you it was I who turned her?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Hmmm… all right, girl, you got my attention. But!” his eyes hardened. “It’s just a magic duel. No strings attached. Or loosened, for that matter. If someone calls quits, it’s over. Deal?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Humph! You are no fun at all. Deal.” Her furry paw shook his gloved hand. “Just don’t cry when I hand you that wimpy ass of yours.”

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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Alatar fell to his knees, panting and drenched in sweat. Wilmaria fared much better; she was still standing.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Your improvisation is surely first class” she told in a dry tone of a drill Sargent to the man kneeling before her. “And your reflexes and agility are quite high, although you still have room for improvement. But your strength and stamina are quite lacking, especially for an incubus. While you can take on most human soldiers, I doubt you have the same chances against some of the more trained ones.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">She tilted her head, with a questioning look. “How is that? I do recall that our fights were short, but quite intense. Your strength should have only increased since then.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Alatar took some time to catch his breath, before answering. “I am not like most incubi. I was not turned through intercourse. Hell, for all I know, my transformation could be reversing, or even killing me.” He shot a toothy, nasty grin. “And that is something Veronica must never know. Not until I have found something to do about it.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Wilmaria sighed. “It’s not good to hide such things from your wife, Alatar… Maybe Lady Druella could do something about it.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“I doubt it. What I did, the way I was turned… I know that there is no precedent.” Alatar rose to his feet, using his silver blade as a support to prop himself up.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Have it your way. At least, have you spoken to the mages? You might find out something.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“I’ll do that. But, for the time being, it seems that my limit is about one hour. I’ll have to make do with that.” he stretched his sore muscles.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Whatever. I trust you not to be as reckless. Oh, here comes Veronica.” Wilmaria said, as the blond succubus rushed from the canopy to meet them.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Veronica flapped her wings hard, flying full force towards her husband, and inevitably crashing into him in a tight hug. She looked tired and sweaty, but satisfied.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Good afternoon hubby. Are you well? Lady Wilmaria can be rough sometimes.” she whispered in Alatar’s ear, smiling awkwardly.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“He’s fine. Don’t for get your promise to help with the backlog of the paperwork.” Wilmaria scoffed. “Now, get cleaned up. Both of you look like a mess.” A sudden smile crossed her face. “You know, I know just the perfect place. The Fluffy Tails onsen. That should get your strength up for tomorrow.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Thanks, Lady Wilmaria!” Veronica shared a knowing smile with her superior.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“No problem. Just be sure to show up tomorrow at 8 o’clock sharp. No excuses allowed.” Wilmaria tried to sound stern, but failed miserably to hide her smug tone.

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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“You sure held your own there, magic boy.” Lucella smirked.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“And you sure pulled no punches.” Pallanto felt the sting of her smug tone, but the scorch marks on his robe reminded him of the painful truth. “It’s no wonder you are considered a class A threat.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“I’ll take that as a compliment. So, are you in for another session tomorrow?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“I think I’m good for the week. Sheesh, I am exhausted. I could really go for some boar roast and spiced wine. I wonder if they are sold here.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“Ever the cautious guy? We do import human realm foodstuffs, you know.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“I didn’t have much time to pack my favorites when I left, and I am the type that likes to prepare. Oh well, I’ll see what safe food is on sale, and get rid of the demonic energy later.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“I know just the place...”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Later…

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“ Ahh, that hits the spot.” Pallanto sighed as he took a sip from a glass of amber brandy. “Thank you, miss.” he smiled at the kikimora waitress. The waitress smiled back politely, but left without a word, leaving Pallanto a tad disappointed.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“It’s madam,  not miss. She is married. Didn’t you notice the ring?” Lucella said, half amused, half annoyed. They were inside one of Lescatie’s fancy restaurants. Pallanto had changed his robe and applied an ointment to his burns, after the insistence of Lucella, and her following disappointment when he told her he would do this alone.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Pallanto laughed. “My bad. Still, I thought you would take me to some candy shop. Mimil certainly preferred those.” He leaned back to his chair. “How is it that they allow you to enter here, by the way? Aren’t kids prohibited to enter establishments that serve alchohol?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Humph! Who do you think I am, magic boy? I am decades older than you! Besides, it’s because of me that you were allowed to enter.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Why so?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“ Look at yourself. A guy with a dark cloak and magical barrier around him? You are suspicious as all hell. If I w asn ’t Lady Druella’s advisor, you would have been kicked out.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“My thanks to you, then.” Pallanto said, raising his glass in a mocking toast. “Let’s just hope that the restaurant accepts human currency. Is it still in circulation?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Nope. It stopped after the city was conquered. And it is a pretty expensive restaurant...” Lucella said in a nonchalant way. Pallanto’s hand froze.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“You are kidding, aren’t you?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“I do believe that people who don’t have money to pay have to pay with their bodies...”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Pallanto put his glass down, to hide his trembling hand. “Maybe Alatar-”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">He was interrupted by the baphomet’s childish laugh. “Oh, sit down, you. Seriously, the look on your face...” She kept laughing until a few disapproving stares calmed her down. “All my expenses are paid by the palace. And, since you are with me, that covers you too.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“You are really enjoying this, don’t you? All right, miss, how much will I owe you?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Besides that two times I helped you out?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“You begin to sound less like a baphomet and more like a… what is it called...”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“ Gyoubu Danuki. And no, I am not going to keep a record of your debts. With the dense, defenseless way you think and act, you wouldn’t have a chance against one.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“You dodge the question. I can’t leave all my expenses on you.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“ Such a gentleman!” Lucella said in a fake surprised tone. “I’ll find some kind of work for you, don’t you worry.” she smiled as Pallanto frowned. “Yes, I know you can’t return to Order controlled kingdoms, or any human kingdoms, for that matter. Veronica told me. So, you have better make yourself at home here. It’s your best bet, especially if you want to work on magic.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Pallanto sighed, and his frown deepened. “So the cat’s out of the bag. Fine, Lucella, you may  have a grip on me. Not a very strong one, but still, it’s better than everybody else.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Lucella’s eyes softened. “What do you know, so you can be serious at times. It’s a pity you are not like this more often. You should take some pointers from Alatar.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Pallanto’s face became grim at the mention of his friend. Leaning towards the table, he whispered “You know, actually it’s Alatar that has me the most worried.”

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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“ This is quite fancy for an onsen. They even have personal hot spring baths.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Lady Wilmaria’s suggestions are always spot-on, dear. Now, what will you have first? A meal? A bath? Or-”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Veronica was interrupted by Alatar’s kiss. They made out passionately, as their hands worked fast to relieve the other of their clothes. When the last garment fell to the floor, Alatar broke their kiss with a wet plop.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“-me?” Veronica said with a flushed face.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Alatar looked into her eyes, feeling the lust build up inside both of them. He smiled a wolfish grin. “I think I’ll have you  for a meal… in the bath.” He grabbed her by her butt, lifting her as she clung to him. His manhood was swelling fast, and the hot liquid dripping on it, courtesy of Veronica, just fueled it further. He entered the open air bath, and just as he lowered both of them into the hot water, Veronica moved, lowering her entrance and taking in his manhood. This whole process made both of them groan heavily, as the day’s fatigue melted away and the shoulder-high water filled their bodies with intense relaxation. That relaxation only heightened the intense pleasure of their lovemaking. Veronica started shaking her hips furiously, her hands scratching Alatar’s back, while he fondled her now slippery body, slamming her pelvis against his manhood, panting wildly. The friction between their bodies, while lessened because of the water, caused ever increasing pleasure in crashing waves.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Alatar nibbled on his wife’s ear, earning a surprised yelp and a tightening of her womanhood. He felt her shuddering, and smiled; she loved it when he did this. His action didn’t go unanswered, though; he felt her hand caressing and lightly scratching the back of his neck, while a silky moan caressed his ear and his brain. Grunting softly, he increased his rhythm, feeling her womanhood tighten, until their release hit both of them hard. After a while, Alatar’s vision dimmed down from completely white to normal.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">A light breeze swept at his face, and the cold feeling made him turn to see the source. It turned out that it came from the outside; the private open-air bath had a majestic view of the forest. Not that he was in any condition to notice it when he entered. He felt Veronica stir, no doubt from the same reason.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“It’s a beautiful view, don’t you think?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“I am hugging a far more beautiful view right now.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Oh, stop it, you silly!” Veronica giggled, splashing some hot water on his sweaty face. “We should come here more often.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Well, Wilmaria did make a good suggestion. I’ll have to thank her tomorrow.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">“ Honey, Lady Wilmaria knows her stuff when it comes to locations. She is the captain of the royal guard for a reason.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Hmmm…” Alatar hugged Veronica close, their cheeks touching as their bodies pressed together and their heads were turned to the sight of the forest.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“You know” Veronica whispered “we checked in an hour after lunch, and dinner will be served in four hours… “ she turned to him and smiled seductively, her violet eyes shining. “What will we do to pass the time?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Alatar traced his finger along her cheek. “I’ll think of a thing or two.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Later…

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“This is good! I’ll ask the cook for the recipe!” Veronica munched on some fried vegetables with spices.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Alatar smiled, as he fed her some fish tempura dipped in soy sauce. The low-seated table only had one seat, but that was intentional; Veronica was sitting on his lap, her soft warmth spreading through his body.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“We should come here more often, then.” he said casually. “I feel really revitalized after that… bath.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Veronica giggled. “Well, you did seem to have a lot of pent-up fatigue and stress. This onsen prides itself on restoring vitality and stamina.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Alatar’s smile flickered ever so slightly, as he remembered Wilmaria’s words. '' 'It’s not good to hide such things from your wife, 'Alatar. ''Veronica noticed his slight shift of mood.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Is everything all right, honey?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Actually, there is another reason for my decreased stamina.” Here goes nothing.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">He took a deep breath and his smile vanished. “The problem is actually… me. My transformation, that is.” He took a sip from his sake cup. “I wasn’t transformed like a normal incubus. My transformation… I think by body rejects it, little by little. And it destroys itself in the process.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“But…” Veronica seemed confused. “But we are together all the time. And you were quite powerful when…”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Alatar sighed. “We we first joined at the forest, I had five devil gems on me, that I stole from the market. I repaid the merchant later,don’t worry.” he said quickly, watching Veronica’s scowl. “The point is, all that energy you pumped into me then, I trapped it. And I used it to transform after my sealing. So, I wasn’t turned then. When I was turned, I had no feelings. The demonic energy couldn’t find lust to latch on. So, it began leaving my body. I kept it trapped inside me with my cloak and barrier, but still…”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Veronica stroked his head, and kissed him on the forehead. “It’s all right, honey. I’m sure that Lady Mimil will figure something out-”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“It’s getting worse. See, do you remember what happened after?” Veronica shuddered at the memory of Alatar using monster mana, his form sending waves of hate and anger. “When I first used monster mana, I fused it with my wrath. That is the lingering link of monster mana with me. That is why I can summon it… like that. The way I am now, I doubt even Druella can help me. I may even become like the demons of old-”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“NO!” Veronica cried, hugging him. “We’ll get though this. I promise you.” she whispered in his ear, stroking his head.

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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">Druella came out of the interrogation room, with Mimil in tow, her face grim. Wilmaria stood up from her chair, as two werewolves took the last prisoner to their den, awaiting orders.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Is everything all right, my Lady?”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Summon a council with the war leaders. Call Alatar and Pallanto, too. We have some serious trouble.”

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“Yes, my Lady.”

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<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">A/N.: Plot, foreshadowing, cliffhangers, you know the drill. Read and review.