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Fog; In Which Layla Tries To Do Some Good
Topic Started: Oct 16 2009, 02:21 AM (298 Views)
Air Sylph
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Edited by Air Sylph, Oct 24 2009, 11:16 AM.
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Layla - 52.2 | playground
Maikeru - 46 | I'm nowhere
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Prologue
Where a mother tells her son a story


Hey there, little one.

Hush, Id tell you a story if you keep quiet and stay in your bed like a good little boy.

Good.

Once upon a time, there was a little girl. Her hair was a bright carrot orange, eyes a lovely chocolate. Her skin was creamy, lips as pink as pecha berries. Just like us, she was lovely.

However, this little girl was special. She was never hungry. Everyone else needed food but she never did. When they offered her the best, the most delicious food, she smiled and refused. While everyone finished their food at every meal, she didnt eat. She thought it well to keep food live and happy.

Even the food begged her Eat me! Eat me! but she always shook her head in a kindly benevolent manner. Her friends asked her, Why dont you eat? She explained that she thought it was wrong. Her friends begged her, "Eat something please!" She shook her head. She thought it kind and wise to let food live. She wasnt hungry anyway.

An old wise woman told her, Dear child, if you do not finish your food, youd be eaten up. Your flesh will separate from your bones, your eyes from their sockets. They will crunch you up, swallow you and digest you until you were nothing but the gruesome waste that they produce. She just laughed it off. She told the old woman that she was stupid and her ideas were impossible. She even wanted to let all the yummy food go!

One day however, what the old wise woman said was true. Her food got up from the table and ate her all up. Her carrot hair was chewed, her creamy skin licked, chocolate eyes sucked on, candycane bones crunched up.

And thats why we ask you to eat, dearest son. I love you and wont want to harm you. Listen to me.

And maybe, when you do learn, you could teach that girl how to eat.
Edited by Air Sylph, Oct 16 2009, 02:33 AM.
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Layla - 52.2 | playground
Maikeru - 46 | I'm nowhere
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Chapter 1
Where the fog plays its tricks


The fog swirled and swished, my skin feeling the dampness of the area. I tried to see through the thick mist, using my will to push it away, but the strange vapor slipped over the invisible magic I tried to weave through the air. It worked for smoke before, but it didnt work now. I sighed, giving up. Jayde had tried to push it away with her wings, but she told me that it was impossible. A check with the Poktech told me that the only way to get rid of the fog was to find a Holy Mechanism called Defog that would destroy the impenetrable wall of mist.

I sighed. Little Jingle still sniffed forwards, his little brown body leaping through the wet air carelessly, tumbling head over heels. Looks like wed have to continue stumbling across the area. I referred to the map and realized it didnt help me what so ever now that I was enveloped in the rolling mists. Sighing, I took out the large tome that my parents left me. Despite being so huge, it was actually really light my fingers tingled with the intricate spellwork my dad put into it. Flipping through the pages, I saw a very simple spell on creating a compass. I hugged the book tightly to myself and it slowly dissolved into my soul. It was time to start the spell.

The fog swirled around me as I concentrated, building up an imaginary circle. It was harder than actually drawing a real circle, but in the fog, I couldnt see it anyway. The magic built up, circle formed. I lifted up the materials of the spell: a branch with a pointed end and a strand of my own ginger hair. I tied them together and willed them to point me the right direction. The problem was, I did not know exactly where Misthenge is and the electronic map couldnt be used to show the spell exactly where it was; electricity and magic tended to not go together. When they were used together, strange unpredictable things might result. It would have been better if I had a real map. Instead, I pictured in my mind an impression of the map that I had seen in the Poktech weaker, but better than nothing. Once I reached the place I aimed for, the branch would drop and I probably could fumble my way a while longer.

Jingle snapped at the branch that floated above and I ruffled his head, telling him that the magic was over and he didnt need to input any of his feelings into the spell this time. He nodded, yelped and headed in the direction of the branch. I moved forwards too, tentatively. I didnt want to fall, my feet bumping into the rocky floor. Agnis was helping me earlier, but I wanted to do this by myself. She was great but Somehow, she kept thinking that I was the temporary one; that I was going to ultimately be Airlia.

I was Layla, no one else.

My heart though nagged at me; I could be Airlia, deep down inside. In the end, what is the body compared to the soul? I knew that mind and body were both tied to the soul. When the soul leaves the body, mind still followed soul. Everything was inseparable. Then what was my mind now then? Was it a part of Airlia once? I shook my head; I hated to think about these things. I was still a newborn in the large world.

The wisps of mist scuttled about, their white smoky bodies whirling, twirling, spinning, jerking There was something wrong with their movements. I threw my hand forward, forcing my will through my palm, summoning light. Though not well-versed with the intricacies of magic, I instinctively knew the basics of magic after a week with my father. The miasma shuddered in the pale light that I conjured up. A low rumbling noise rose to a roar as it coalesced into a visible form.

A human stood before me, his cold eyes staring back at mine. With a slight of my hand, I recalled Jingle and called upon Xhaiden. I hadnt talked to him much since weve met, but I knew creatures of magic might be intimidated by creatures of the mecha. Their eyes met for a second, I thought the man might flee, but instead he threw his head back, cackling in laughter. His loud voice boomed across our distance, You think machinery will stop my magic? And I realized that he was no longer far away, but instead, right beside me, his tongue caressing my ear. I pushed him away but it was like a mouse pushing against a rhino; he stood firmly on the ground, hands playing with my hair. His saliva played with my ear; but even though I knew I was supposed to feel disgusted, I accidently let out a moan of pleasure. It was that moment when I realized that this guy was no ordinary guy but definitely not a wizard. No circles, no symbols, no evocation My mind struggled to concentrate as his long sharp tongue licked my face now, saliva filling my head with images of lust and need. Xhaiden begun to spin, electricity crackling all over his three spheres -

Fuck off!

A boy shouted from the side. His figure too blurred and appeared right beside the man beside me. As he gathered the speed into a punch, the man shifted to dodge but the punch were merely a distraction. The boys foot crashed into the mans head, the man falling backwards. He picked himself up and said, Thats ones mine. We agreed.

Shes one of my breed.

The man raised an eyebrow. A sickly dark red liquid, darker than usual blood, trickled from the side of his mouth. He simply stared with a strange ferocity as he shimmered into nothingness in the fog. The boy held my arm and said, You stupid fool. He was of the Blood. Why didnt you call up your demonic aspect a bit more so he could see youre under our protection? I myself almost couldnt tell.

I gawked at him, puzzled. He looked at me again, as if not seeing clearly enough. Letting go of my arm and taking a few steps backwards, he asked quietly, You are of the Lust, right? I shrugged, not sure about he was talking about, pushing the right side of my bangs behind my ear. He said, Im quite sure though But you, youre confusing. Youre one of us, but you dont seem to be Then he gasped, Are you Aludras kid?

Shit. Once I heard my mothers demonic name, I knew something was seriously wrong. Lucinda tried to capture me, and this boy knew my mothers old name now? I spun around, as Xhaiden shot the controlled electricity into the boys legs, paralyzing him as I ran. The electric Pokemon turned into a red light that chased after me, as I dashed through the smoke, hoping to escape, to be away from all this.
Edited by Air Sylph, Oct 24 2009, 08:53 PM.
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Chapter 2
When she believes


Wait! Come on, I dont want to hurt you!

His left leg was crumpled behind him, but he still moved at an astonishing speed, his fingers barely catching the fabric of my skirt. I pulled away to the side quickly, but instead of his fingers slipping, my skirt magically falls off in the grasp of his fingers and I found myself running in my underwear. Instead of being embarrassed, the dominant thought in my brain was, Thank god my parents got me nice undies. The black lacy bottom that I wore covered the essentials, but it was still easy to run in and I knew I looked good in them.

The boy was quite cute.

What the hell? I shook my head, pinching the flesh on my index finger with my thumb and middle finger. The small pain cleared my head a little and I returned to running through the forest. However, the moment of hesitation caused me to lose my edge. The boy clutched my arm, bent down and breathed in and out.

You run fast, even without your demonic aspect. I struggled a little but it was to no avail. This time his grip was vice-like he had no intention to let me escape again. Two of us stood as he caught his breath, his other hand holding onto my green skirt. I felt cold and damp in my undies. He cleared his voice before beginning, Wait, you must be Aludras kid. Im part of the Family! Weve been wondering if youd come this way. We mean no harm, I promise. Aunt Lucinda might have given you a bad impression, but thats what she is. All of us arent like that.

I raised an eyebrow. How am I supposed to know that?

He rolled his eyes. Come on, I just saved you from a baddie! How bad can I be? We protect our own kind, I swear. Id show you! And if you dont think we can help you at all, you can leave.

I looked at him. He did seem sincere. And it was true he saved me from the other demon. I wiped the saliva off my ear. As I looked into his eyes, I was reminded suddenly of Lucinda. I flushed at the memory, feeling the heat of the flames that burned my parents to death licking my face, smelling the sharp acrid smoke that engulfed the house, recalling the sight of her and her flaming red hair screaming at my parents... Lucinda might be there; I had to find out more. If going to see the Family meant a chance to get back at Mom and Dads killer I smiled. His eyes were blue, hair a warm shade of brown. I blushed and said, Okay. Show me. He laughed and did a little victory dance.

And erm, Id appreciate it if I could have my skirt back.

Oh yeah, okay, sure! He averted his eyes, passing me back my skirt, his cheeks turning pink. I blushed a little more as I pulled it on again, protecting my modesty. When it was done, he nodded and beckoned me to follow him. By the way, my names Luke, he said as he turned around to walk. I nodded, trailing behind in the fog like a lost balloon.



He paused at a spot that seemed very familiar. I looked around and in the midst of the rolling fog, I could feel the magical energies gathering at this particular spot. This was where Jingle had barked non-stop, where he struggled against my arms to leap away, to run. This was a part of the sinklands where the malevolent energies crashed like waves on the ocean on the shore. My blood turned cold and my skin crawled in fear and disgust. I had to get away.

I feel really awful here.

Luke turned to me and said, Dont worry. I stood beside him and he told me to close my eyes. I felt the demonic energy gathering around us and then it stopped abruptly. His voice came from beside me: Layla, you need to call up your own demonic aspect so we can go see the Family.

I dont know how.

He took my hand and as he called up his demonic magic, I could feel a part of me that was untouched stir. I recognized the demonic magic; I just didnt realize that even I could make use of it. The scarlet energies seeped out of my skin as I shuddered. In the past week, I only witnessed my father making potions, spells and the like; I never thought my mom had any other capabilities apart from using her razor-sharp hair. Then again, how did she do that?

With the bubble of magic covering us, we sank down deep into the swamp. I turned to him and said, Thats how you guys hide yourselves, huh? He frowned in his concentration and nodded. I closed my eyes as well as we went through the moist soil and when I finally opened my eyes, a whole city spread out in front of me. Luke turned and smiled at me.

Ready to see our Family?

---

Hey mom.

The blind woman sat there, her irises white with disuse, her smooth fingers curled up on the wooden table. She smiled at the direction of the young mans voice, her cloudy irises lighting up in happiness. It has been long since Luke came back. He went out hunting, brought back a few prey before leaving again abruptly. Lucille didnt like him to leave; to her, he was still her little baby the last time she ever saw him was when he was only four. It was then they had found her talent. Every of the Desire had a special gift. Because she was blessed with such power, she was placed under the apprenticeship of the previous Oracle.

The previous Oracle was able to hear the incoming conversations of the future, little of which anyone could understand, but some of it proved useful to the Family. Lucilles gift was a little different though. She saw things in pictures, like a little picture book, and she could narrate it out, like a story. The price of her gift though was her sight; she could not see anything else but the jumbled images of the future. That was when she turned blind forever cursed to not see her son Luke.

Whos the other person?

Lucille could hear anothers footsteps pattering gently beside him. She knew this was going to happen one day. Luke would find a succubus and that pretty succubus will take him away from his dear old blind mother. Lucille sighed and faced out of the window when Luke says, Mom, this is Layla. The girl smiled shyly, she was sure of it, and said, Hello. Lucille was intent on disliking this girl but hearing her voice made her sit up. It sounded so much like

Are you Aludras child?

Luke laughed and said, Yes she is! I cant believe she found us so quickly!

Lucille broke into a big smile. Both of them were like sisters. In the Family, they were always left alone to their own devices, scrambling through the foggy swamps of Murmur Valley, tricking both young and old men that they were lost little sisters in the mist, then nibbling on their life-force before running away again. Those men, she giggled upon reminiscing, always lusted after them while feeling guilty at the same time. It was easy to tell when they took a bit of their life-force to feed their hunger.

Does she know anything? Luke shook his head and Lucille could feel the movement, left and right, left and right. The girl cleared her throat. Aunt Lucille, Luke told me that you and my mom were greatest of friends. Could you let me stay here for a while?

Of course, my darling. Luke and I have many things to teach you.
Edited by Air Sylph, Oct 24 2009, 10:13 AM.
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Chapter 3
Where she learns


You mean you never felt the Hunger?

I looked at him blankly; what the hell were they talking about? Lucille didnt say much but Luke had been explaining to me for what it seemed like forever about this mysterious Hunger that lived within every Lust demon. My mother was a Lust demon, a succubus, so it meant that I was the same. Did my wizard self interfered in my demonic powers?

You'd have to be a Lust demon to be able to sink into the swamp.

The window showed me a lovely view - a quaint little town. There werent many Lust demons here. The houses sprouted in little clusters, the fog rolling across them. There was no sun here since it was underground, but it wasnt like it mattered. The magical energies of the fog glowed down below. It wasnt like above where it obscured; here, it revealed.

They explained to me the subtlety of our demonic magic. Our offensive magic was severely limited to the basics increased strength, speed and endurance. We enjoyed a heightened healing factor but that was about it in the battle. We could specialize in maybe one area of battling. My mom had found out about the talent she had with her hair when she was really young and got herself into a tight spot with a human adult. That was how she was so adept with using her auburn strands as razor-sharp knives - practice, practice and more practice, Lucille told me.

We were much better at the subtle games though. Lucille reminisced about how she used to cast Glamour herself to attract the humans. I didnt like how she said the humans like they were different from us I was human. I sat, quiet though, and listened. It seemed to be the most basic skill. Glamourizing was done even by little demon-children here.

I think thats what you have to learn first. Its really basic and easy. After that, you could learn other demonic magic. There are those that are easy, like magically removing clothes; those skills really help when we feed. I myself however am quite good at Relaying which has nothing to do with that class of lusty magic. He laughed at his own description of their magic.

I wondered if Luke had glamourized himself when he first met me maybe he was doing it now. He had the loveliest face. When he smiled, his blue eyes crinkled up in the most adorable way. Yup, he definitely did. I shook myself out of it, and asked, Whats Relaying? Maybe maybe you could teach me.

He looked surprised. Its not a very useful skill, just one that I was good at. Maybe youd like to look at some other skills But yup, Id be glad to teach you if you learned the most basic of basics Glamour. I nodded. Lucille smiled and said, I can teach her that. Itd probably only take a day or two for her to learn the basics. The rest would end up with her practicing.

Luke nodded. Most of us find Glamour so easy and convenient that we just leave it on. I dont like doing that though it makes our Hunger too unbearable.

Wed figure out why you dont feel Hunger later. It probably has to do with your wizard half.

I nodded. I thought so too. I had to find out more about the Hunger first before I could confirm that I understood what was happening to me, but since Lucille seemed ready to teach me, I asked her, Okay, Im ready. She looked at me with blank white eyes, seeing me and yet not seeing me. She breathed in and out and suddenly I was enraptured. Her ivory irises seemed to envelope me, taking me into the depths of her soul. The soft skin of her hands brushed against the top of mine, lips luscious and for the taking. She smiled and my heart blossomed in longing.

She was the most beautiful woman in the entire universe and I was willing to give up every single thing to worship her at her feet.

It took a while before I realized that Im not particularly interested in girls, especially not old women. She grinned as she let go of my hand and said, Do you see the power of Glamour? I nodded eagerly that was awesome. Making yourself so desirable That could help me a lot in my journey to seek my parents killers. It then reminded me; I had to find out if Lucinda was the killer. She had entered my parents house on the night of their death. She could be the one.

The lesson continued as Lucille taught me how to summon up my demonic aspect. It was easier for them because that was what they really were demons. I still had to shut down my wizardly side; I could feel the magical energies slowing down until they were almost no more and I could feel one that continued to whirr inside me. It was dark; something that was almost never touched. As I pulled it closer to my heart, something happened. It burst, blossomed, bloomed the red energies that I saw within myself covered everything. I had called it forth and when I opened my eyes, I could see everything for what it was.

First thing youd notice is that the fog is much more transparent.

I nodded. The fog had glowed earlier, but was still a nuisance even underground. Now, I could somehow see through it. It was hard to explain.

Thats the Sight. As one of us who have called forth fully their demonic aspect, you can see through most illusions and obscuring spells.

Thatd be useful. She continued to instruct to me, to allow the demonic energy, to think of desire, to think of Hunger, and pour it all over my appearance. I pushed hard, but when I thought I did it, she only gave a small tilt of the head. She said, Its probably working to some extent, but until you can influence a blind woman like me, youre basically a beginner. Maybe you should practice with one of ours in the Dollhouse?



Men all on one side, women on the other. They sat around, wearing only their underwear, eyes yearning, fingers tensed up. They ate the fruit placed on the table. There was more fruit in the iceboxes, some other kinds of food there as well. They could cook, but there was no cooked food anywhere. They looked tired and yet alert, as if they couldnt sleep. Their eyes were ringed with black, backs curved in hunches. There was a tension in the room, like they were waiting for something to happen. I could see all this through the one-way glass.

All they saw were themselves and that wasnt a pretty sight. These people were a shadow of what they used to be. Some of them were really attractive; but their sunken cheeks, puffy eyes and tired looks made them look like Death has knocked on their doorstep. A few had premature white hair, and wrinkles only old people had. Lucille walked confidently forwards, her white eyes looking around as if she knew where she was going.

This is the Dollhouse.

Lucille showed me the place with a sweep of her hand. I let out a nervous giggle, looking into the house. It was rather pretty actually, once I kept my attention away from the men and the women. Ornate carvings adorned each and every piece of wooden furniture. Artwork gave the room a more opulent feel. The sweet scent of flowers and perfume permeated the house without being too overpowering. It was a nice place to stay but what about these people?

I turned to Lucille but it was shocking. Two young men were already at her knees, caressing her, touching her with a desire so rampant it scared me. She grinned, closed her eyes and enjoyed the ride, her body plonked down on the nearest couch. She said, This is me when I apply the slightest bit of glamour. Of course, they know who I am and what I want.

Aunt Lucille, this is wrong!

She laughed.

Do you think we forced them here? Ask them how it is.

The women beside me touched my left shoulder and I turned quickly, pulling myself away from her. Her eyes were dark, hair still long and silky, as she stared at me and continued to pull the silver brush through her hair. We came here because we wanted to I came here for Luthor; Im his. He feeds on me and I like it. I stepped backwards in horror. Why would these people want to fraternize themselves with demons? The remnants of the Glamour that Lucille had put on herself earlier reminded me why. They were enraptured by these demons. Without the Glamour, would these people still want to be here?

You are all caught under their Glamour. Its wrong!

Another man stood up and put his finger to my lips. He smiled patiently and tiredly, as if he had seen this before. Who are you to judge what is right or wrong? We know their Glamour; but it is the only way we can fulfill our fantasies. Here, we do whatever we like theres no one to stop us.

That was when I saw the handcuffs, the leather and the whips. That was when I saw the other toys and all the other things that could not be classified. This was not a Dollhouse this was a mad sex party that never ended. I reached out with my wizard senses, my eyes closed, fingers outstretched and I could feel all of it, the thick layer of sexual energy that permeated every single pore of the area. I started to cough, choking on the potency, the potential of this power.

Our Glamour give them whatever they want. We are the living fantasies of these people. Thats how we get our power - through our symbiotic relationship. You have to understand, Layla. Its for their pleasure.

We are the victims here, not them our Hunger needs to be satiated or we lose everything. They have a choice to be here or not. We don't. Here, take Kevin for practice.

Lucille lazily pointed towards a man how she could pinpoint him I didnt know. I couldnt look at him. It was too painful, too twisted. I stepped outside the place and sat on the steps. I felt like vomiting.

The first time is always like that. We didnt know as children. Theres worse stuff that happens around here so get over it. I lifted up my head and saw Luke. He gave a small understanding smile, reached out with a hand to pull me up. I grabbed it and stood up. He said, Come on, and beckoned to me to take a walk with him.

Tell me what you dont understand.

How could you do this to these men and women?

He sighed. To be honest, I was as shocked as you were. I never knew we even had the Dollhouse until hmm, I cant remember actually. But you should know the humans chose this.

But you guys trick them by using your Glamour. They see you as perfect beings. They only desire you because you make them want you!

Thats not true, Layla. We tell them right after the first time. We tell them that we are using our own magic powers. They arent scammed. If they didnt want to be here, we let them go. But when they needed more

I took a deep breath. This was hard to digest.

Dont think too much about it. Thats how things work here. Say, why not show me how your glamour is.

I shrugged then concentrated. The red splashed through my mind, liberally covering my own features. He looked and mouthed at me: Wow. Then he broke into a chuckle and said, Thats a lot of power you have there Hmmm, youre a natural at doing this. You have roughly picked up on how to Glamour yourself. I think youre ready to learn how to Relay.

I wanted to learn that, whatever it was. If Luke could teach me, Id learn. He was a great guy. I nodded eagerly and he laughed again, hand patting my head.

Feel better? he asked after a while. I did feel better. I sort of understood how things worked here its like she said, it was a symbiotic relationship. Both species working together to benefit each other. He whispered, You have to remember that they are the ones who chose. Not us. I nodded. They chose. They wanted to be there.

I almost believed the stupid explanation myself after so many repetitions, almost thought that it was okay since they chose it for themselves but then it struck me. I could change this; I could set them all free. With this plan in my mind, without any means to complete it yet, I went back into the Dollhouse, pondering on the first step of my plan.
Edited by Air Sylph, Oct 24 2009, 10:14 AM.
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Chapter 4
Where she understands


I closed my eyes and let the curtain of red energy fall over her. This time I could see how I appeared as the red flushed forwards, subtly changing my features. I wasnt ugly, that was for certain, but the magic managed to bring out the shine in my brown eyes. The orangey color in my hair had somehow deepened into a lovely auburn, similar to my mums. How I stood now also showed fearlessness. The clothes I wore looked exquisite even when I was wearing the low-end streetwear my parents got for me.

Good job. Now, you have to learn that what you find attractive isnt what others find attractive. This is time you have to utilize your Hunger. Take a little of them with you.

Lucille pointed me in the direction of Kevin. He had his underwear off. This hid from me the kind of fantasy he favored but his dingdong just hung there nonchalantly. I was a little disappointed that my Glamour didnt manage to make him a bit more... erm, excited, I guess.

Dont worry. Just take him in. Hes interested. Thats more than enough. A single thought of lust is enough

I felt forwards, fingers spread out and a smidge of life-force entered me; it took my breath away. I couldnt believe it was happening. Kevin had no reaction though; his steely eyes just stared at me, waiting for something to happen. I went towards him, knowing what he really wanted now. I felt bad; I didnt want to perform this magic to innocents. I whispered in his ear, Im sorry, and changed. The red spread through my vision again and I put the little bit of his thoughts into the magic. I could feel myself changing.

Sorry for?

He held me by the waist and somehow his lust, all that energy, flowed into my system, and I couldnt help it as I feel the crimson energy slathering on more, my breasts engorging, hair darkening into the night-sky, skin shining like moonlight. I knew my eyes were bigger now, a strange color of purple. He looked at me and took it all in. Pulling me in, he stroked my back and I shuddered in pleasure, guiding his head into my neck. He nuzzled and I felt wanted, lusted for. His strength dissolved into the scarlet, and for me, it felt like a breath of fresh air.

But I didnt even need the extra strength.

Sorry for doing this. I am going to save you guys We could continue pretending for a while but weve got to come up with a plan.

He raised an eyebrow, before just continuing, but I pushed him away gently without being too obvious and whispered in his ear, I want to save you. Tell me all you can. As he breathed hard, his low voice, strangely velvety, rasped back Are you just playing with me? I shook my head. I did want to save them; I just didnt know what kind of security was there here. He laughed a little, and I hoped it didnt attract Lucilles attention. She seemed occupied with the same two men who had served her before, her white eyes misted over.

Is there something stopping you guys from getting back home?

We cant lift ourselves up back to the surface. We arent demons. There are also other reasons but

Okay. Id see what I can do.

And all the while we were talking, I found myself almost not being able to control myself and I was suddenly very scared by the red energy. Was this the Hunger they were talking about? Was this what they had to live with every moment of their lives? I pulled away quickly, putting my finger on his lips that planted kisses every moment they werent moving in speech. He tried to continue, but I pushed him away with more force, and said, Stop it. Now.

Thats really good better than what I would expect from a half-breed Better than what other full demons could do Lucilles voice seemed to snap Kevin out of it and he stopped, letting go of me. I reeled in the red, trying to get the excess energy out but some lingered stubbornly and I stayed the glamoured version of myself. Lucille frowned.

Why dont you just store your power? Once its gone, youd be hungry again. Sure, we have these people here but we dont want to take too much from them!

I cant take all my energy back Its just pouring out.

Her white eyes widened. You you really dont have the Hunger, do you?

I dont know. I think I did feel some of it just now while putting on the Glamour but normally

You should feel it all the time. You maybe thats your talent. You dont need to feed.

Thats lovely but

Lovely? Its better than lovely! You have an unlimited source of power thats why you learn these spells so quickly. You have enough demonic magic to play around with and learn. She sighed, then continued, You know how long it took for me to learn all the these spells? Even learning how to Glamour took at least a week. But you actually seem to have got it already. The energy exchange between you and Kevin For a first-timer, its unprecedented.

I smirked at this little outburst. So now I had an edge against all these old-timers. I had unlimited power their Hunger prevented them from going all out, but I had nothing stopping me. Clearing my throat, I asked, So Do you think I could start learning other spells? Lucille nodded, her chin resting in the palm of her right hand, finger on cheek.

Maybe you could go straight for the offensive and learn Razors, or you could

I think I want to learn Relaying from Luke. Can I?

What you choose to learn next is out of my control. But Relaying is truthfully quite useless.

I realized only at that moment I didnt really know what Relaying was all about. However, it was the only spell that Luke seemed to be good at and for any kind of plan to succeed, I needed to be out of Lucilles supervision. I replied, I think Relaying has its own usefulness. Lucille shrugged Dont say I didnt tell you.


Relaying wasnt easy. It also wasnt as useless as Lucille warned. It consisted of shifting thoughts from one place to another. Thoughts or more The possibilities were infinite but the most basic of the basic were thoughts. Luke had been trying to explain the foundations of Relaying to me and I understood. By using an image of a baton passing from one person to another, and creating a connection between the thought that I wanted to transfer and the baton with the power of my demonic will, I could effectively do it.

Understanding didnt mean that I could do it though.

Luke already had shown me once. All these explanations didnt come from a textbook. They all came from his head, directly from his mind to mine. He had done a pretty good job when the thoughts came to my mind, unlike telepathy, they entered seamlessly. I didnt even notice that he had done it until he had asked me, So, now do you understand the basics of Relaying? Jingle had nodded for me at that instance and I laughed. He had such faith in my abilities.

Now, try.

I closed my eyes and formed an image in my mind. The first thought that appeared was the girl I was obsessed with. Her dyed blue hair, blue eyes, that creamy white wing stuck on her head. She moved at the speed of lightning, fast on her feet, stealthy, almost invisible as the wind itself. Airlia filled my mind and I isolated her, my single thought. I put her into this little baton and I held this baton in my head, washing it with the crimson of my magic.

When I opened my eyes, I stared directly into Lukes eyes and the baton in my head shot out into his head; invisible of course, but I could feel it. He winced and muttered, A bit heavy-handed but well, you got the basics down. You could learn to be more subtle you know. No need for direct eye-contact. Of course it made it easier but I nodded and took down his notes. I had days to practice anyway.
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Chapter 5
Where she meets Lucinda


So this is Layla. Hello, my sisters daughter.

I turned and stared at the woman who attacked my parents the night they died. Lucinda. Her eyes narrowed onto me as she entered the room Aunt Lucille had lent me. There was a thick silence. My fingers tightened on my pen as I continued to write down short-cuts to Relaying. Lucinda looked like my mom, but her reddish hair floated around her head like a constant aura of fire. My mother looked much gentler.

My mothers dead. I presume it has to do with you? My knuckles turned white. I continued to grip my pen. Restraint, Layla, restraint.

Lucinda lifted up her head, raised her nose to the air and refused to look at me. Strutting down towards the table I was using, she did not answer me and instead calmly sat down on the table. I placed the pen on the table and stood up, legs apart as I summoned up my demonic aspect, allowing the red to flush through my body. I might not be able to rival Lucindas experience but I was sure my hungerless demonic-wizardly hybrid of magic would allow me to give this fucker some pain.

From this angle though, her eyes I squinted; the Sight cleared up the false pretence of this woman. Lucinda turned towards me, looking at me with a fierce intensity and there was the truth, bare and sincere. She was tearing up. I took a step backwards, swallowing as she growled, Dont tell anyone. I nodded. She swung her knees over the table facing me and sudden sobs racked her body. The back of her hand wiped her eyes free of the tears. She choked. I dont like the feeling of tears going down my cheeks. They feel disgusting.

And this was the same woman who attacked my parents, the very same one that pointed at me and said that I could be special to the Family. My heart softened and I kind of understood. That kind of sisterhood; it felt true to my heart, as if I experienced it before. Did Airlia have a sister? I would ask Agnis later. This was more than sibling rivalry. You could hate someone with all your heart with all the envy in the world but youd never ever want that person to ever get hurt.

Lucinda, could you tell me anything to do with my parents death?

She looked up reluctantly. Would it be too much to ask you to call me Aunt Lucinda?

I laughed. It actually would be. I thought you might have been the one who killed them since you did attack them.

She rolled her eyes. I already lost. You think Id fight them again so soon? I listened and her reason seemed plausible. Lucinda She wasnt what I thought she was. What had happened to her and my mother? I didnt think it was appropriate to ask now. What I needed though was a list of suspects. The only other people that might have attacked my parents were those of the Council my father was part of. I asked again, Did my parents have any enemies? Any that could have made such an elaborate spell right in their homes without them knowing?

She scratched her chin, cheeks sticky with dried tears. I cant think of anyone else but the Family or the stupid wizards group thing. You know its not me.

I dont know that.

Well, this has been fun and interesting, kiddo, but the reason why I came here wasnt to give you information about her enemies.

I raised an eyebrow.

I came here to talk to you about her. You were her daughter but you knew her for seven days. Im her sister; I know much more about her than youd ever know.

Fuck you.

She smirked. You can swear as much as you like but it doesnt change that fact. Im here to tell you about Aludra, or Louise as you knew her as. She wasnt an angel you know but I know that isnt what you want to hear.

Get out.

This isnt your house. Its mine. You have no right to tell me that.

Okay. I grabbed my notebook and pen.

Wait. Stay, you stupid girl. I just wanted to give you this. Im not good with words, I know. Always offending people, ticking them off. Unlike Aludra she had a way with them. Just take this and see for yourself what kind of person she was. She thrusted a little photobook at me and leapt off the table, walking out through the door.

I put down the notebook, pen and the new item that I just received. Sighing, I blinked seven days were enough for me to love my mother, but it was true. I did not know her at all and now that she was dead I buried my face in my hands, letting my ginger hair fall from my fingers in drabs and dribbles. Fuck the world for taking her away before I could understand.

Sorry babe, but could you look at me?

I raised my head at Lucindas voice. What? I asked, grumpy.

Do I look like I just cried or anything?

I shook my head. Lucinda nodded, saluting a thank you and finally left the room. I smiled to myself she had such a front. And her as Aunt Lucinda? I actually could get used to that. I fingered the book she had given me; it was true. What she said was true. Family was important and now I had no one but them. We could always hate our family, but blood was blood. The only way I could get to know my mother as who she was, was through them, starting with this book that Lucinda had given me.

I opened the first page and got sucked into a world that existed before I did.



My mother was a beautiful girl, always beautiful. So many pictures of her. Lucinda looked pretty but beside my mother she was nothing. Maybe that was why Lucinda was jealous. Or there might be more reasons than that. I would have to ask. I traced the large portrait of her at the last page of the book with my fingers, willing myself to see her again. There was a way to speak to her shadow, an imprint of her that she had left behind in the Book of Shadows but it was different getting to know her from others.

Words dotted the bottom-right corner of the photograph. To my sister, SUCK IT! Im leaving this hell-hole, but that doesnt mean Id forget you so dont forget me! Remember me and my awesomeness! Love, Alu! Alu what an awful name. I giggled to myself. Yes, I would talk to Aunt Lucinda a little more; shes the only family I have left.

Well, I wouldnt want to disappoint her. She was a wild girl, but always talented in her magical studies, especially at attacking people with her hair. Maybe I wasnt going to be good at that (at least not yet) but I was going to be so good at Relaying. I concentrated hard, put a thought into a baton and passed it onto Lucindas mind.

Hey, Layla.

The first time she called my name. I opened my eyes and rubbed my head, looking at her waiting for her to ask it.

Wanna go grab lunch? I grinned and nodded. Happy because we were going to spend time together; even happier because it worked. I planted a thought of myself into her head, and this was the result. Practice did make perfect.


The coffee was good here. Bitter but fragrant; not what I was used to but good enough. Luthor was a good cook. The Family made a small community, but it was enough for them to sustain. He earned money from cooking, just like how Lucinda earned money being an agent for the Family. She had one of the better jobs that allowed her to be out of this place once in a while.

So why did Mom leave this place?

Lucinda chewed on the piece of steak she ordered thoughtfully. She didnt tell me she was going to leave. Found the photobook on the day she disappeared. Never explained herself. She wasnt supposed to go.

Rebellious that was my mom. I grinned; but then stopped because Lucindas expression had turned sour. Forehead creased with deep wrinkles, eyes squinted, as she put another piece of Tauros meat into her mouth. I asked, Why? Is the food bad? She looked up, smiled and shook her head.

Its just that she didnt tell me she was going to leave.

She felt betrayed I could see that. When my mom left this place, she left her old life behind, along with a sister. I nodded and sipped my hot coffee, savouring the bitter aftertaste. Maybe thats why she was so hostile to Mom Mom didnt give her a reason why she left. Lucinda She was lonely.

I finished my coffee. That was nice, talking to you Aunt Lucinda. I better get back to practicing.

Why not just practice here?

Her long slender finger aimed at Luthor. I looked at the back of the busy cook and I laughed. I thought hard and in a snap, Luthor turned around, hands carrying the very things he was frying. A plate of fries, placed on our table. He gave a bright smile and said, For two young pretty girls! On the house! I smiled and nodded a thank you. Lucinda raised an eyebrow and I just nodded again. She grinned at me and showed a thumbs up.

Good job, girl.

I chewed on a fry. Relaying wasnt useless not at all.
Edited by Air Sylph, Oct 23 2009, 09:41 PM.
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Chapter 6
Where she meets the Elders


It is time for you to meet the Elders.

Lucille was one of them, I had heard from Luke. I hadnt seen her in a while, as I had been practicing Relaying, and I didn't venture into the Dollhouse to feed as they call it I didnt have the Hunger. That meant I hadn't told Kevin about the escape. I had it all planned out however. The power of Relaying was so much more than what everyone thought it was. So far, I had been able to transmit more than just thoughts emotions too could be transferred, though those could be easily manipulated by my Glamour.

What I was aiming for though, was teleportation, moving things through space, exchanging their places, just like how a baton was passed in a relay. One place to another. My goal in the end was to let Kevin run free by moving his form onto the surface along with me.

Meeting the Elders though would take me away from my planned experiment that night. I was about to try changing places with Jingle. He was a doll to train with; he listened to every single word. I didnt understand his little barks though, unlike the rest; I had to try to listen to his tones. Did he remember his old life as the Leafeon Jingle, or was it a totally new experience for him, just like I was trying my hand at life? I grinned at the little brown Eevee, tickling him under his chin.

He chuckled, falling over backwards, waving his legs. Lucinda tapped her feet, eyes narrowing down on me. Her voice Hurry Layla. We shouldnt make them wait. I nodded, putting the little Eevee on my shoulder as I strode over with Lucinda. She moved at an amazing speed and I had to call upon my demonic aspect just so I could keep up.

Soon we reached this huge foggy mausoleum. As we reached, the fog parted and we pushed through the magical defenses, confident they wouldnt react. The door pushed open by themselves and I could see a long table. Many people sat there, wearing dark gray robes, faces hidden from view. One of them pushed her hood backwards it was Lucille. Her face was bright and smiling suddenly young again.

She is Aludras daughter.

Their heads all nodded in unison, turning towards me. My skin stood up, hairs on their ends as they eyed me over; I called up my Glamour more strongly now, carefully controlling my powers. My nervous thoughts scrambling all over in my head quickly, I calmed myself down. Relaying could directly affect the emotions and thoughts of people around; being all over the place didnt help. Instead, I thought of acceptance. How easily Agnis and the others brought me into their family after my parents died. How easily Luke and Lucille took me into their house in the midst of the fog.

Acceptance. Acceptance.

Stop it, Daughter. A large man waved his hand at me, his voice deep and booming. He pushed his hood back, his dark black hair flowing back, thick eyebrows framing his green eyes. My heart skipped a beat as my head was rudely intruded and immediately, I knew what this guy meant. He could sense me Relaying.

We are the Elders. Stop playing games with us. You are a Daughter of the Family now, one that we werent sure if we would take in.

He paused.

I am Luthando, the Breeder. And the leader of the Elders.

He gestured to the rest of the group, mostof them taking down their hoods to reveal their faces.

Lucille, the Oracle. Luna, the Delirium. Ludovic, the Hunter. Lucasta, the Virgin.

Lucille smiled at me, ivory eyes sparkling with excitement. Luna stared at me with her uneven eyes, one a bright purple, the other a calm blue. Ludovic looked away, his strong jaw framed by black wild hair. Lucasta kept her hood on, facing downwards. I bowed and said, My name is Layla. It is nice to meet all of you. I couldnt help by feel intimidated by these strong individuals.

I hear you dont have the Hunger. Lunas voice was raspy, half-eaten, wormy; she tilted her head to the side as she looked at me, hair turning a seaweed green and it slid down her neck down to her shoulder. Her thin lips twisted into a knife-like smile and I shuddered. Struggling to find my voice, I whispered, That is true.

Well, thats pretty useful. It looks like you dont need my assistance. Ludovic played with the dagger in his hand, throwing it up and down as the shiny metal reflected light into my eyes. I shielded them, trying to still see. What did they call me here for? Luthando cleared his throat.

Layla, if you didnt know, some of us demons of the Lust are born with innate talents that can be developed. Cill here, he gestured at Lucille, gained her power to see the future when she turned blind. Na, head turned toward Luna, has the ability to create potent illusions made it a little hard for her to think clearly but Vics talent lies in the wilderness where he can hunt for specific types of people. Our Dollhouse was mainly gathered up by him. I shot him a fierce stare; and he smirked back a challenge?

My head turned to Casta (if that was what they called her) and I asked, What about her? Thando smiled, She is like you. She doesnt have the Hunger as well no need for the sexual energy the humans produce. And shes shes fading away. We need someone else, urgently.

I stared. You dont mean

No! Lucindas wild hair flew around her face like flames as she shook her head. Shes too young for something like this! She threw her fingers backwards, all of them turning into long razor-sharp nails. Even in this angry state, with all those veins popping up in her neck, she still looked regal. I stood behind her, confused.

Why do you need an Elder without the Hunger? Whats her function?

Luna looked at Lucinda with her mismatched eyes a smirk, and that was all that was needed. Lucindas nails retracted, her eyes now blurry with tears. Grasping onto my arm, she whispered, Dont, dont let them come near me. Gesturing wildly to the ground, she started backwards, her feet slipping beneath her, holding onto me for support. There was nothing on the ground they must be illusions conjured by Luna.

Wizardly magic never mixed well with demonic energy but I had no choice in this case. Since these illusions were potent on demons like Lucinda, maybe only a spell could clear her mind. The Book of Shadows floated in front of me now, as I summoned it from within myself. Instead of flipping through my book the old way, I manifested my ability to relay. The Book of Shadows was no mere ordinary book it was organic; it grew as I did.

To Strip Away Illusions I Relayed the thought to the Book of Shadows and the floating tome flipped away, pages rapidly turning. It stopped abruptly; and before the Elders could do anything, I drew a circle with my foot around me and Lucinda, creating a circle of protection from demonic magic. Lucinda couldnt use her magic; I wasnt sure about myself, but followed the simple evocation.

The Hunter hurled a ball of green energy and it shattered against my defences. My fingers dug into my jeans as I felt the hurt. Wrinkling my nose, I quickly summoned my magic the familiar blue glow surrounded my fingers; I missed that feeling. The energy slowly coalesced as I concentrated. My voice rose through the air, reverberating as the strength of my magic shot through the circle, crackling with the magical energies in the air. Lucinda scrabbled against me and I struggled to keep my balance, struggled to keep my voice strong.

I weaved the magic with my voice. It was an incredible feeling to be using my fathers magic again.

Grant me the power in this hour to cast away the fake; within this spell, all is well and so illusions break. Give me and my friends the ability to See; give us the power - mote shalt it be.

The blue glow now flashed from my hand, bursting into powerful light then it faded, leaving only azure mist on Lucindas eyes and mine. She sat on the ground, her fingers rubbing her head. Throwing her head backwards, she roared again.

If you cant keep control of yourself, wed have to get you out of here, by force. We do not appreciate you interfering Layla this is none of your business.

I stared. It is my business. Lucinda is my aunt! I dont appreciate you casting demonic magic on her; and if using my other magic was the only way to get around you guys, Id have to do it.

Daughter, you have no say in this matter. We want you to stay under Castas tutelage. You need to learn how to hone your skills now the Virgin plays one of the most important roles in the Elders. If you dont learn Our city will have nothing to protect us.

I shook my head.

I know nothing about the Elders. I know nothing about being a demon. Im just Layla and I just came. Im too young. Power is good only when tempered by experience. Im not going to stay here for the rest of my life before seeing the rest of the world.

Everyone stared at me this time; even Lucinda.

Lucille was silent. Didnt you say you felt part of the Family?

I nodded.

And by saying that, you didnt know you were bound to the contract? Being part of the Family meant staying here. Forever.

My mother left, and I can too. I'm less than a month old; I can't stay.

Your mother was different. You cant escape the contract.

I stared all of them. They were planning to jail me here? I didnt know. Why didnt Lucinda say anything? Why didnt Luke tell me anything? Fuck it. I didnt believe them; I turned and ran out of the mausoleum, sneakers crackling as I stepped out of the circle. Castas low strange voice You can try but youd never be able to escape. Tears started to fill my eyes and I shook my head, feeling my ginger hair glowing hot with demonic energy. I had to go. I had to try.
Edited by Air Sylph, Oct 24 2009, 10:15 AM.
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Chapter 7
When she tries to escape


There was no way out. I stood at the exact same spot where Luke had brought me when I first entered the city. There was no way in hell I was going to stay here for the rest of my life. I reached upwards, summoning every single ounce of demonic energy I had, trying to push myself through the surface above trying but not succeeding. I gasped, as I ran out of energy. I wiped the tears from my eyes, my throat dry and painful when I swallowed.

You cant leave.

Vic, the Hunter, stared through his black hair that crept over his forehead. Luke stood behind him, his hands behind his back. I strode up to him, finger prodding hard on his chest. What the fuck, Luke? You didnt tell me I couldnt leave. You didnt tell me anything! Luke grabbed my finger, his eyes sad and maybe he was guilty. He whispered, I didnt know. Im sorry. But for the first, it was different: it was clear to me that his thoughts were affecting my mind and suddenly I realised that this was not the first time.

All those other times that he had fiddled around with my mind... They all became clear. When I first met him. When I first saw the Dollhouse. So many times he had tried to keep me satisfied, content, distracting me, making me think of other things, luring me down here. All of this, for what? My mind shot back with an invading thought of anger and hatred and he knew that I knew. He let go of my finger. I continued, Stop playing around Luke. I dont know what youre up to, but you trapped me here and you have to set me free.

I cant I cant do that, Layla. You have to go back and see the Elders. Go under the Tutelage of the Virgin. I didnt know you had no Hunger; if I knew from the start, things might have been different. I have to go learn from Ludovic now. Im the next Hunter, cant afford to slack off.

I just stared at him in wonder.

How can you just leave me here?

He sighed. This This is just how things are, Layla. This is how we live. Us, demons. Learn to take the mantle of the Virgin and gain your freedom. I am given permission to go up while training with Ludovic or when given permission by him. You can keep trying and trying, but we, he looked at Vic, both know that youd fail and go back to the Elders. Just accept it, okay?

I shook my head but he turned around, not looking at me. Both he and Ludovic looked upwards and they dissolved into red demonic energy, flying upwards to the surface. I bit my lip, trying to hold in a sob. There was only one more thing that I could still try: Relaying myself up there, exchanging my position with Vic. I couldnt do it with Luke because he would know how to stop me since we both knew how to. As I summoned the last dregs of my energy, I was suddenly reminded why I learned all this in the first place.

It was time to go back to the Dollhouse.


I grabbed Kevins hand. He didnt say much, but wore his old clothes, his eyes with a strange determination. I had asked him if he wanted to run away, to leave the Dollhouse for freedom. The others all looked at us as if we were mad. I thought they were just afraid but I didnt want dead weight. I wanted someone who could decide for themselves their destiny. Kevin I didnt know what he wanted he just said, I want to follow you. Jingle kept a lookout outside the Dollhouse as he got ready and now we stood behind the house, hoping that none of the humans reported us.

I envisioned the two of us (not forgetting Jingle on my shoulder), shrinking, turning small. Relaying used the subtlest of demonic energies. This was different. This was Relaying physical objects. The red energy washed over me and Kevin as I concentrated very hard. Draining the last of my demonic magic, I pushed very hard, pushing both of us into the shape of a baton and at the same time, I imagined Ludovic turning into a baton as well. As I felt my magic reach a climax, a joyous scream, I sucked in a hard breath of air and switched both batons.

Immediately, the scenery in front of us slowly shifted. My head felt light and I knew there and then I was totally drained - but it worked. Thank god it worked. I could feel the tendrils of the Hunger crawling at the bottom of my stomach, asking for more and more but I couldnt give anything. I was weak, giddy and wanted to give in. My throat was drier than ever. Eyelids stuck hard to my eyes, refusing to stay open; muscles ached, the pain reaching the bone. Kevin held me by the waist as I leaned toward him, head lolling on his shoulder.

I never felt so weak before.

And yet, despite this, something came from within; the Hunger? I did not know but Kevins eyes gleamed with a powerful lust. My magic that I thought was drained out expelled from my skin, creating a powerful Glamour and I tried to hold it back in but I couldnt. Kevins lust fed me. And I was hungry. His hands ran over my body and I took it all in, ate it all up and I loved it. I felt him, felt him everywhere, took him in and understood what exactly he wanted. My Glamour reshaped itself, changing, adapting. Breasts increasing in size, hair turning midnight.

But the worst thing was, I didnt want this to happen. I struggled to stop.

And when I finally took enough from him to regain my mind, it was too late. It had made a difference to Kevin. He was already ruined there was madness in his eyes. I pushed him away, trying to turn off my Glamour. He still came for me, his voice rough and deep: I need you, Layla. You saved me; let me give you everything I have. His hardness rubbed against me and I hated it. His hands ravaged as I pushed and pushed I didnt want to hurt him, but I didnt want to get hurt either. My eyes filled with tears as it was my turn to be eaten. I slapped his face and for a moment, he paused and I shoved him.

He clawed at me but Jingle leapt in between us, growling at Kevin. He looked across, right at me.

I came out from the Dollhouse because I wanted you, Layla. Theres no one else Id rather have there.

I shook my head.

I need you.

I called Jingle back into his Pokeball and said, Find your own way back. Turning around, I ran, letting my instincts guide me to the safest place I could. I wanted to cast a spell but there was no time, nor did I have enough energy to do so. Arms wrapped around my waist Kevins hot sticky breath on my ear. He dragged me backwards; it hurt. Tears forced their way through.

Go away! I screamed, trying to summon enough magic to augment my strength but it was to no avail.

And then there was blood. Kevin choked, letting go, falling onto the ground. And there stood Luke, his claws bloody, eyes gleaming with bloodlust his voice was low and deep. He looked up from Kevins bloody body. What are you doing here, Layla? he hissed, eyes full with the madness of the hunt. He stood hunched, body covered in a dusting of gray fur, nose pointed what was he?

You shouldve eaten him alive when you had the chance. Youre still weak from expending your energy. Lucky I was here to save you from him.

I stared.

His luminescent eyes glowed in the fog. Always finish your food or theyd attack back. My mum always used to tell me this story-

Luke, what is happening to you?

This is my gift. And thats not the real question here, Layla. Why are you here? How did you even escape?

I looked away. I didnt know what to say. Luke stayed silent too. The full moon shone above, providing a clear peaceful light that cleared a bit of fog. The rolling mist felt good against my skin, as I breathed in the cold-wet smell of the air. I looked at the stars, then at the moon again the face of the moon flickered; and it was Lunas face. Her lips curled into a sinister smile, her voice ricocheted in the depths of my mind: Good job, Daughter. Castas coming to find you run while you can.

Luke howled.

Shes coming, Layla. Run, leave. I I didnt tell you because I wanted you to be there with me. But I guess its not meant to be. Run, Layla, run!

I muttered a word of thanks, hurling a Pokball up into the air, recalling Jingle while releasing Agnis. The large blue Blaziken dashed right beside me, plucking me from my feet as she moved agilely through the rocks. She was familiar with this place maybe not familiar enough to bring me to Misthenge, but good enough to avoid the obstacles. I clutched at her shoulders, as the watery mist brushed against my body.

Agnis froze.

Casta stood in front of me, her hood down. Her skin was cratered with boils, but her eyes gleamed amethyst. Nose high, cheekbones sharply defined, she stuck out her chest. Her voice was raspy and dry, fingers tight on her gray robes, as she spoke, Layla, stop here. You already exchanged places with Vic cursing him with the Contract we put on you. He cant leave the place now. You dont understand. Stay for a while and let us explain to you how important the role of the Virgin is.

She is a powerful figure one free from the Hunger. She represents the hopes of all the demons of the Lust, what they want to be. If the Dollhouse has no one left, the Virgin will be the sole protector of the whole city. Thats her responsibility.

Do you understand? Look at me, she pushed her robe upwards, showing the afflictions she had on her skin up on her bare arms, This is eating me alive, Layla. We need someone new to take over quickly. Theres no time to spare. When Lucille told us about you, I had such high hopes. You are a pretty demon youd learn fast. Thats our advantage, isnt it, Layla? Seemingly infinite power It is an honour to be the Virgin amongst the Elders.

She talked a lot for a woman who stayed silent during the meeting earlier. I however had only two words to say: Show me. She was startled, stepping backwards, as I walked forwards, Agnis quietly following. My eyes concentrated on the boils she suffered from, my witchs senses heightening. I produced the Book of Shadows once again Casta said, What are you trying to do? You cant defeat me with that. Her hair started to whip around her face, the green strands moving with a controlled velocity.

I Relayed the image into the tome.

Casta, youre suffering from a curse, placed on you by a wizard. You must have cheated him of his magic, didnt you?

Silence.

Thats where you get your infinite power from, isnt it? It isnt actually your talent.

She averted her eyes.

I can take the curse away.

She looked at me now.

For a price.

Purple irises shimmered. What price?

If you continue being the Virgin and letting me live my own life first. Id come back when Im ready to learn.

She nodded, eager. Agreed. I can even bring you to Misthenge.

This was too simple, somehow, but I could tell that Casta wasnt lying. She hated those afflictions and I could tell she didnt want to step down as the Virgin. I splayed my fingers outwards, blue lighting up at my palm as I concentrated, using a twig with my other hand to draw a circle around Casta. Agnis whispered: Do you still need me? I shook my head and the Blaziken disappeared into her Pokball.

Casta trusted me; the circle sparked to life, the blue crackling energy surrounding her. I could trap her here but there was no point. By giving me her trust, I in turn had to show the same respect. Bringing me to Misthenge was a good thing anyway; and I hated seeing her with those boils that marred her beauty. It was a good curse one that pierced through the thickest of illusions, the most powerful of glamours. It would be hard to remove but I found a loophole.

I need a lock of your hair.

She passed me a bunch of her emerald hair and I placed it right in front of the circle. That was one of the few parts of her that was clean and free from illness. I couldve asked for an eyeball, but I didnt have it in my heart to be so cruel. It would be easy to remove a curse from the victim by using a part that was free from the curse. I then proceeded to copy down a bunch of common herbs needed for the long-term treatment.

I spat on the lock of hair and then put my fingers above it, pushing my will through my palm, calling for the disease-free part of Casta to continue to push, to fight the affliction. Casta started to shudder as her hair moved out of its own accord, shriveling, turning into black ash. She screamed at me but I held out a hand.

Look at yourself.

She raised her hands they were smooth and unblemished. She grinned immediately, feeling her soft skin. The ash that was left over from her vanished hair dissolved into the fog.

Every spell comes with an unknown price. I'm sorry, I shouldve warned you

Ah well, shit happens, she said, shrugging, "It's no big deal. As long as that illness is gone, and I'm not dying any longer, all's well." She proceeded to take the list of herbs from me, listening to the instructions that I had for her. She nodded and when I was busy explaining each herb's function, I could hear her mutter, "Thanks."


I stood at the entrance of Misthenge. Casta had left me specific instructions on getting here. I didnt know how things were going to get resolved back there with the Family. My mind mainly still lingered around Luke my heart beating as I heard his words again: Run, Layla, run. In the end, despite him using his magic on me, manipulating me, I was still inclined to think that he was on my side. I had liked him - but now it would forever be too late.

Lucinda was a good aunt, surprise surprise. At the beginning, I wanted to destroy her that was the main reason why I came to see the Family. I had thought she had a hand in my parents murder, but she loved my mother too much. If she could leave the demonic city for her missions, maybe she could see me again. She was my only true family left. Family with a small f, not the capital one.

And then there was dead Kevin. I felt bad. I wanted to save him; but in the end, I broke him. The way to hell is paved with good intentions. I stepped into the city with a heavy heart, eyes full of tears. He was a normal person just a normal innocent that I couldnt save. Luke killed him for me; so in the end, I was to blame.

I sighed. I managed to mess up so much in such a short amount of time but I had to forget about all of that. With the village looming over me, standing out from the fog, I tried to feel relieved that I was finally free. Free from all the obligations the Family had put on me, pushing me to be the Virgin all of that stupid nonsense; free from what Luke and Lucille had expected of me; free from Kevins needs and my need for him. Somehow, I couldn't. My pulse continued to race.

I was hungry, tired and weak - had to take a rest. I held the Book of Shadows in my arms - the imprints of my parents hovering above the pages, their loving eyes telling me to fall into a deep slumber and not think any longer about what had transpired. Their forms reminded me about their murder, the heat of the fire, the choking smoke, the magic that had trapped them so very well...

"Hey girl."

Lucinda stood in front of me, a smirk on face. I stared at her, stunned for a moment, then reached out to hug her. "Aunt Lucinda!"

"You did good back there. The Elders agreed to let you go for a little while - but you'd never know when they'd change their minds. Go away, go far away, just like Aludra did. Don't ever turn back and look at the Family again. They're..." she paused, eyes misting over, "They're too rigid for any of us. Go and fall in love and live a good life."

"Come with me, why don't you, Aunt Lucinda?"

She rubbed the top of my head. "I can't. I'm with them. The Family needs me."

She was tied firmly to them; she had obligations, her destiny was decided. She'd never run away like I did, or like my mother did. I wondered why she couldn't see that she actually could if she just had the guts to. I repeated, "Come with me. Just leave the Family alone."

Her fingers ran through her wavy red hair as she looked at the rising sun. "It's somethin' that Aludra would do, not me. We're pretty different despite being sisters, you know?"

"Tell me more. Tell me about Luke. And Kevin, is he alive or dead?"

"Luke's fine. In fact, you might meet him sometime. The Elders decided that since you had cursed Ludovic with the contract, Luke might as well leave to experience life outside the damned city since Vic can't teach him anything.

"And Kevin's back at the Dollhouse. What were you trying to do, bringing him up to the surface?"

"I wanted to save him, Aunt Lucinda. I wanted to save all of them."

She sighed. "Naive child. They're all broken dolls, shadows of what they used to be. They can't function in society any longer. All of them are sex-craved idiots."

I didn't want to think of them that way, didn't want to agree, so I looked away. The rising sun colored the clouds a quiet lavender. And there we were, me and my aunt, sitting there on a wet rock, watching the sun grow in strength, lightening up the sky with his strong rays. There was nothing to say - time spent together was more than enough. It would be a long time since I'd see her again. She got up from the rock and waved.

"Bye, Aunt Lucinda. It's been nice getting to know you." She nodded - "Same to you, Layla. See you some time. When you find out exactly what happened to Aludra, pass me a baton!" I giggled understanding what she meant. It might be difficult Relaying across miles and miles - but for her I'd try. She wanted revenge as much as I did. And Relaying myself through space... It felt good. Tiring but good. I was proud that I made the technique my own. As Lucinda's footsteps quietened into silence, I stood there alone, staring at the empty azure sky.

The freedom to be who you wanted to be - did being part of a family stop you from doing just that? Being the Virgin, being Airlia... A cloud drifted past the plain blue sky; I smiled. It didn't matter what others wanted me to be. All I could do was to be myself and hoped that they'd love me as much as I did them. I walked up to a person and asked, "Which is the way to the Pokecenter?" He grinned at me and pointed somewhere vaguely in the distance. I thanked him and walked.
Edited by Air Sylph, Oct 24 2009, 09:23 PM.
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Layla - 52.2 | playground
Maikeru - 46 | I'm nowhere
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Air Sylph
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Better.
THE END

I hope it was a good read. Thanks for Smodding!
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Layla - 52.2 | playground
Maikeru - 46 | I'm nowhere
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Shadowheart
Rayquaza
Your freeforms are always refreshing to read, Air. Dunno how you keep your skills nice and sharp, but I wish I can do the same. Always an interesting story into your characters lives and background, and you make good use of your words for the most part. Havent run across anything to distract me from reading, and Laylas exploration through the society of the Lust demons and her interactions with them and her aunt kept me to read it to its end. It was well-paced as well, maybe a bit abrupt in some places, like the sudden meeting with the Elders, but not too much of a problem. Keep it up.

So going to your goals. If I were going to award you based on exp, you would have earned more than enough to become a Baton Pass move tutor. However, Im afraid Im going to say not, for the reason that youve satisfied all other criteria for Move Tutor except one- the ability to pass the knowledge of the move to another Pokemon. But it doesnt mean its a failure. If you can manage that one aspect, youll become official (if you plan to attempt it again, you can count this freeform as part of the attempt).

So barring anything else, your freeform total is34.1 :exp. Thanks for playing!

Party APL: 38


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Thanks Mira for the sig! ^^
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