A Devil Hunter Yohko and La Blue Girl crossover: 

Dark Queen's Reign
Chapter one: Seduction

by: Dark Schneider


     The woman stood in the flickering half-light, her pale skin
unblemished and perfect, like alabaster.  She padded forward slowly,
sensuously, like a great hunting cat, clad only in shadows and her
lustrous mane of night-black hair.  Stopping in front of the large, orate
mirror that dominated one wall of the room, she regarded her
reflection with no little satisfaction.
     "Perfect," she whispered throatily, a sultry smile tugging at her
lush ruby lips.  She ran her hands over her body, gently cupping her
full breasts before letting them slip lower, over her flat belly, brushing
her mound and slipping down her thighs lightly.  Then she ran her
fingers along her neck, under her hair, and flipped it back, letting it
trickle silkily down her back.  She smiled again.
     "I am whole," she whispered.  Her reflection faded, the
surface of the mirror becoming cloudy, unclear.  She was unaffected
by the phenomenon, waiting patiently while a vague outline formed in
the mirror's surface.  It was definitely a female outline, but no details
could be determined.  In the background was a nightmare landscape
of colour and shapes, distant and unclear.
     "You are whole," a quiet female voice whispered from the
form in the mirror.  "It has taken time and all the resources I could
muster, but you are once again whole."  The girl raised her arms over
her head, pirouetting even though she could no longer see her
reflection.
     "I feel ... strong.  Stronger than I was."  
     "You are.  I have fed as much power as I could steal to you
while I was healing you.  You are not as powerful as you would be
had the ceremony of Convergence not been interrupted, but you are
quite powerful.  You are still our Dark Queen."  The girl frowned for
the first time.
     "A queen without a kingdom," she growled.  "And such a
queen is incomplete, is she not?"
     "Quite so," the voice agreed soothingly.  "But it will not always
be so.  You are now powerful enough to spread our sweet corruption
among the humans, to build our strength here while we await another
opportunity to extend our influence over this realm."  The girl smiled,
running one long blood-red nail over her lower lip thoughtfully.
     "Indeed," she breathed.  "That sounds like fun.  And I do like
to have fun."  Then she stepped closer, placing her palms flat upon the
mirror and leaning her naked body against its surface.
     "Mmmm," she purred.  "I feel your power, your nearness.  It
pleases me."
     "I am glad to hear that, Mistress," the voice said.  "For so long
I was afraid that I would be unable to save you, when the
Convergence collapsed ..."
     "But you did.  You held me within yourself and filled me with
your essence, and I am whole once more."  She turned languidly,
leaning her back against the strange mirror, and laced her hands
behind her head, watching with pleasure as her breasts jutted out.
     "Now I have another opportunity to bring this world to its
knees, where it can worship its Dark Queen," she murmured huskily.
     "There is still danger," the voice warned.  "She who defeated
you once before ..."
     "Yessss," the girl hissed.  "Yohko.  Oh, I have not forgotten
her, have no fear.  No, I have a very special fate in mind for that
troublesome bitch."
     "You must be careful, Majesty!  She has grown in power
since last you met!"  The girl turned, regarding the form in her mirror
with amusement.
     "Oh, I have no doubt of that," she purred.  "But then, so have
I."
     "But Majesty, she is a Devil Hunter!  With respect, it may
prove to be very difficult to kill her ..."
     "Kill her?  Oh, no.  I don't wish to kill her."  The form swirled
for a moment, appearing confused.
     "But Majesty, she is a threat to you.  Eventually, when you
have consolidated your power, you must deal with her."  The girl's
beautiful violet eyes narrowed as she regarded the mirror.
     "I fully intend to deal with her," she hissed.  Then she smiled
again, a lazy, sensuous smile, and she twined her fingers in her long
silky hair.
     "But I won't kill her.  No, that won't do at all.  This time,
things are going to be different.  I'm going to take my time with her. 
I'm going to stalk her, ensnare her, beguile her.  She is going to submit
to me, unwillingly at first, but eventually her resistance will crumble.  I
will make that haughty little Devil Hunter mine.  Once her will has been
bound and she has taken her place at my feet, there won't be anyone
capable of stopping me."  The form in the mirror swirled again, even
more agitated.
     "But a Devil Hunter!  Her will is strong ..."
     "Yesss."  Reiko shuddered pleasurably, tossing her head to
send her hair back over her shoulder as she gazed off at something
only she could see.  "Her will *is* strong.  She is deliciously stubborn. 
She will be very enticing prey.  It will take quite some time to break
her completely to my will."  She glanced back over one shapely
shoulder at the strange mirror.
     "That's why it's going to be so much fun," she purred.  "And
after our long struggle ends, you may rest assured that Yohko Mano
will be mine.  Completely."

***

     "All right, what's his name this time?"
     Yohko looked up from her half eaten lunch, startled.  Chigako's
weary tone irritated her beyond her actual words, and she scowled.
     "I don't know what you're talking about," she sniffed.  Chi
gave her a wicked grin.
     "Oh, don't you?  Come on, Yohko.  Which guy is it THIS
week?"  Yohko looked down at her plate, blushing.
     "I ... well ..." she stammered.
     "Hey, you gonna eat that?"  Chi expertly snatched Yohko's
last piece of chicken and gobbled it down before her friend could
react.
     "What?  Yes, I was gonna eat that!"
     "Mmmrph.  Too late now," Chi mumbled while chewing her
purloined treat.  "Now who's the guy?"  Yohko continued to glare at
her.
     "If you MUST know, he's the captain of the school swim
team," she gritted.  "Happy?"  Chi nodded.
     "Yup.  Now I can take some pictures to sell to you," she
sighed.  Yohko scowled again.
     "I'm glad my love life can be of so much service," she said,
her voice dripping with sarcasm.  Chi started laughing.
     "Face it, Yohko.  You don't HAVE a love life."  Yohko's
face fell.
     "That's mean!" she wailed.  "Chiiiiiii ..."
     "Oh, come on.  You fall in love with different guys at the drop
of a hat.  Your problem, Yohko, is that you're fickle.  You need
someone who can tame you."  Chi's eyes gleamed wickedly as Yohko
stared at her.  "Yeah, that's it.  A lover who can tie you down and
MAKE you stay in one place ..."
     "Pervert!" Yohko blurted.  "What are you thinking?"  Chi
sighed. 
     "I was thinking of the money I could make from THOSE
photos.  Ahhhh.  Money."  Yohko glared at her friend.
     "I'm not fickle," she gritted.  "I'm just ... undecided. 
Affectionate.  Looking for the right man.  I'm just trying to ... you
know.  Sow my wild oats."
     "Well then, you'd better actually get one of your dream lovers
to take you on a date, hadn't you?" Chi asked with feigned
indifference.  Yohko began wailing again.
     "That's not my fault!  Every time I try, some monster shows
up and I have to kill it!  I have problems that other girls don't have,
you know!"
     "Hey, just this morning you were saying how quiet it's been
lately, weren't you?  Didn't you tell me that it has been SO quiet that
your mom and grandma took off for a few weeks?"  Yohko dropped
her chin into her cupped hands and sighed.
     "Don't remind me," she groaned.  "They would have to go
while I'm in school.  Why couldn't they have waited a month until
summer break?"
     "Don't be that way," Chi scolded her, punching her lightly on
the shoulder.  "Look at it as an opportunity.  Azusa went to visit her
family too, right?  You have the house to yourself for the next little
while!  You could bring anybody you want over and do ... naughty
things."  Yohko's face instantly turned pink.
     "Chi!"
     "Oh, come on.  Don't tell me the idea hasn't occurred to you! 
What about what's his name ..."
     "Shin Asakari," she replied dreamily.
     "Yeah, yeah.  Or whoever it is NEXT week.  Invite your
sweetie over to help with your homework, then he leans over your
shoulder to correct your mistakes, and the next thing you know ...
touchdown!"  Yohko covered her face and shook her head in a frenzy
of embarrassment.
     "Chi!"  But this time she was secretly pleased at the thought. 
After all, she WAS in the flower of her womanhood.  After risking her
life all those times to fight monsters from the underworld, didn't she
deserve to have a little fun?
     "Think about it," Chi advised her friend.  "This is a golden
opportunity.  It'd be a shame to let it slip by."  The dreamy look on
Yohko's face attested to the fact that she was in fact thinking about it,
probably in a fairly detailed fashion.  Chi frowned, then waved her
hand in front of Yohko's face.
     "Um ... yoo hoo?  Yohko?"  Yohko giggled dopily and a thin
stream of drool escaped from the corner of her mouth.  Chi looked at
her in disbelief.
     "Oh yeah.  That's a good look.  He'll definitely want you if he
sees that face."  Then she grabbed her friend by the wrist and yanked
her to her feet.
     "What?  Chi, where are we ... yikes!  Hey, what's the hurry? 
Where are we going?"  Chi grinned, towing Yohko along behind her.
     "Why, we're going to the pool, of course, to watch the swim
team practice!"  The dopey look crept back to Yohko's face again.
     "Oh, Chi, you're a genius!"  Chi didn't bother trying to look
modest.
     "I know," she said breezily.  "I know."

***

     "Well," Chi said grudgingly from where they leaned against the
fence, "you certainly have good taste, I'll give you that."
     "Uh-huh," Yohko said, not really listening.  Her total attention
was directed towards the boys clustered around the far end of the
pool.
     "Mr. Asakari," she murmured, a dazed look on her face.  The
older boy was a beauty, Chi had to admit.  Tall and leanly muscled, he
stood at the front of the pack, with the others making room for him
while simultaneously trying to crowd around him.  It was quite funny to
watch, actually.  Even from this distance Chi could tell that he was
gorgeous.  His dark blond hair fell in artless bangs over his sea-green
eyes, and his smile sent gasps of appreciation up from all the girls
watching.
     Chi sighed, looking around.  There were QUITE a few girls
watching, actually, and most of them seemed to be fixated on Shin. 
And wasn't THAT just like Yohko.  She always seemed to go for the
most beautiful guys, which meant she always had plenty of
competition.  Chi hated to think it, but Yohko's track record actually
made her seem quite vain and ... well, superficial in her tastes. 
     "So, what's the plan, Yohko?"  Yohko turned to her, puzzled.
     "Plan?"  Chi sighed.
     "How do you intend to get his attention?"  Yohko frowned
prettily, turning back to watch her latest obsession.
     "Dunno.  I'll have to think of something, I guess."
     "Oh, good.  Good plan."  Chi sighed again.  Not that she
didn't enjoy watching good looking boys wearing nothing but skimpy
bathing suits, of course, but even this could get boring after a while. 
She wanted to DO something.  Preferably something fun and
profitable.
     Neither of them suspected that other eyes were watching.

***

     "Is it ready?"  The form in the mirror swirled, then solidified
into the silhouette of a voluptuous woman once more.
     "It is," the form said.  Reiko frowned at her tone.
     "What is the matter, Liliss?"
     "Mistress, this is very risky.  You should kill the girl, or avoid
her.  This path is madness!"  Reiko stalked over to the mirror and
stood before it, throwing her head back imperiously.
     "Liliss.  Reveal yourself."  Slowly, reluctantly, the form
emerged from the mirror, one shapely leg thrusting forth first.  The
form stepped daintily onto the deep plush carpet, the high heels of her
boots disappearing deep into the shag.  She pulled free of the surface
of the mirror and stood revealed.  
     She appeared human in form.  Mostly.  Her skin was a light
bronze, though, and she had leathery bat wings protruding from her
shoulder blades.  Her large, gold-pupilled eyes seemed to glow with
an inner light, and small horns curved up from her forehead.  Her
outfit, such as it was, seemed to consist mostly of tight leather straps
and glossy wedges of black leather that clung obscenely to her hips
and breasts.  Her wild, tawny hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders.
     All in all, Reiko thought her succubus was a thing of beauty.  
     As Liliss stood in front of her, Reiko began to stalk around
her.  Clad only in a brief red negligee, Reiko reached out and dragged
one long, blood-red nail down her servant's cheek.  She lingered at
the succubus's full lips, waiting until they parted before letting her
fingers slide gracefully under Liliss's chin.  Then she slowly tightened
her grip and tugged until the captive demoness was forced to meet her
gaze.
     "Liliss," she crooned.  "You saved me.  When the
Convergence collapsed, you were there to collect my essence before
it could be lost.  You stole the power of many other demons to
resurrect my body and my self, to return me to life.  You nurtured me
to this point at great personal risk."  Liliss smiled slowly.  Reiko
returned the smile and let her hand drop from the captivating
creature's face.
     Then, with all her strength, she backhanded the succubus,
sending her crashing into the wall.  Liliss cried out, sliding down to the
floor bonelessly.  Reiko, barefoot, walked with exquisite slowness
over to the fallen succubus.
     "I failed, and so any other of your realm would have
consumed my soul.  You did not.  But mark me well; I am still the
Dark Queen.  You are not to question my orders.  Ever.  Is that
understood?"  She noted with satisfaction that Liliss did not dare to
meet her gaze, cowering on the floor with her wings wrapped
protectively around her lush body.
     "I am sorry, mistress," she whispered.  She threw herself at
Reiko's feet, bathing them in tiny kisses.  Reiko smiled at the feel of
the succubus's hot breath on her bare skin.
     "Please forgive me," the trembling Liliss breathed.  Reiko
slowly crouched down, reaching out one graceful hand to once again
grasp the demoness's chin.  Slowly, she drew her servant up until their
faces were level.  A tiny trickle of blood snaked from the corner of
Liliss's lush mouth, and its scent drew Reiko.  She smiled lazily as she
felt her nipples stiffen and engorge.
     "I forgive you," she murmured huskily.  "Only because I
know that you act only out of love for your Dark Queen.  Isn't that
right, my sweet?"  Liliss's gleaming eyes rose to hers, and she nodded
slightly, not breaking Reiko's grip.
     "Yes," she whispered.  Reiko nodded back.  She knew it was true. 
She accepted it as her due, after all.  Lazily, she let her fingers graze
Liliss's jaw, sliding behind her head until they could twine in the silky
fall of hair.  Slowly, she closed the fingers into a fist and pulled Liliss's
face to hers until they were nearly touching.
     "Yes," Reiko hissed back.  Moving slowly, she parted her lips
and pressed them against Liliss's lush lower lip where it was bleeding. 
Then she gently closed her lips over the wound.
     And sucked.
     The taste of the succubus's blood exploded in her mouth as
Liliss arced against her helplessly.  Reiko repositioned her mouth and
drew on the girl's lips again, causing her to moan.  Reiko felt a rush of
power not entirely associated with the succubus's blood.
     There were very few creatures who could forcibly seduce a
succubus.  She was one.  She, who had been the human girl Reiko
Akashi, had been intended to become the demonic Dark Queen and
rule over the raping of the world of light.  When Yohko Mano had
interrupted the ceremony and nearly killed her, the process had been
disrupted.  But now, thanks to the lush demoness trembling helplessly
against her, she was whole again.  Not totally Reiko or the Dark
Queen, she was a combination of the two, still a very powerful entity.
     But she needed more power if she ever hoped to bend the
most powerful demons of the Dark Realms to her will.
     She pulled Liliss away by the hair, their lips making a soft
plosive sound as they parted.  The succubus's lips were slightly
swollen, and her eyes were lidded with helpless lust.  Reiko licked her
own lips and smiled tolerantly.
     "Liliss?"
     "Y-Yes, Mistress?"
     "Is it ready?"  Liliss blinked, bringing herself back under
control with difficulty.  This time she did not argue.
     "Yes, Mistress," she whispered, bowing her head.
     "Show me," Reiko demanded.  The succubus sketched a
pattern in the air, her wickedly long nails trailing fire.  A small sphere
appeared from the air, and she reluctantly held it up.  Reiko took it
gently, cradling it with reverence as she held it up to the light.  It
appeared to be made of glass, and tiny streaks of colour chased each
other inside the fragile-looking ball.
     "So powerful," she murmured, sensing the power contained
within.  "You must have stolen much energy to construct it."
     "Yes Mistress," Liliss said, head still bowed.  Reiko smiled. 
Liliss served her well.  If any of the rival Lords of Hell found out about
her existence, or Liliss's role in it, before she was ready, then the
luscious succubus would suffer dearly.
     And so would she, of course.  She wasn't worried, however. 
She intended to take her time, do everything just right.  Patience was
the key.  If she was patient, she could bring her plan to fruition.  Then
she would have the means to gather the objects of power that she
required.  She would storm the gates that guarded the path between
the Dark Realms and this world, a conquering queen, and bring the
eternal night to the ripe fruit that was the earth.  Only then would she
reveal her existence to the rest of her dark brethren, and they would
forget her earlier failure when she handed them this world on a platter.
     Then there would be feasting.  This world would lie at her feet.
     But first things first.
     "It is powerful enough to affect them all?" she asked.  Liliss
nodded, a ripple going through her glossy mane.
     "Yes.  It is not only very powerful, but very subtle and
complex as well.  The old woman, though, is beyond its reach now ..."
     "No matter.  That is merely because I have arranged for her to
be absent during this delicate time.  I will take no chances with her
detecting my presence and interfering.  By the time she returns, it will
be far too late.  Yohko will be mine."  She rose slowly, walking across
the shadowed room to the large, luxurious bed.  She sat on the black
silk sheets and regarded the glimmering ball raptly.
     "Oh, yes," she whispered to it.  "You are going to help me get
what I want, aren't you, my sweet?  Tonight."  She stared off into
space, an evil smile touching her full crimson lips.
     "Yes," she whispered.  "Tonight it begins."

***

     Yohko walked through the park, the lights along the path
casting pools of warm yellow radiance in the soft darkness.  It was a
wonderful warm spring night, just the sort of night to enjoy a walk with
your boyfriend.
     Except, of course, she didn't have one.
     It's not my fault, she told herself glumly.  I'm not like other
high-school girls!  Ever time I think my life is going to be normal,
something else happens.  Stupid monsters.  Demons and devils and all
those stupid things, always wanting to kill her or take over the world
or some dumb thing like that ... and they kept ruining her social life!
     "I don't want to die a virgin!" she blurted suddenly.
     "I hardly think that's going to be a problem," a throaty voice
said from behind her.
     Yohko whirled around, then clapped her hand across her
mouth.  Oh, no, she thought.  I can't believe I said that out loud! 
What's wrong with me?  Her face burned with embarrassment.
     Standing behind her was a compellingly beautiful woman a few
years older than her.  She was wearing a small light green dress that
revealed a lot of long leg and creamy skin.  Her dark emerald hair was
pulled back tightly from her face, bound up on the crown of her head
from where it cascaded down her back to her hips.  She had
mesmerizing eyes, an odd shade of olive or hazel.  She gave Yohko a
tiny smile, her wide set eyes slightly tilted like a cat's, her high
cheekbones and gracefully curved nose giving her a sophisticated air.
     "I'm sorry!" Yohko squeaked.  The gorgeous woman
chuckled, a lazy sensuous sound.
     "Don't be embarrassed, my dear.  We've all had nights like
that.  Surely you're not walking through the park looking for a young
man to proposition, are you?  A sweet, attractive young lady like you
could certainly do better than that."  Yohko blushed at the
compliment, grinning foolishly.
     Um ... thank you," she muttered, looking at her feet.  She
glanced up at the woman, still humiliated beyond measure ... in front of
a complete stranger yet!  She didn't know what else to say. 
Thankfully, the woman saved her the trouble.  Cocking her head as if
listening to something, the woman turned and started walking away. 
She stopped and cast a teasing look over her shoulder at Yohko.
     "I hope you find a way to solve your problem soon, sweetie,"
she smiled.  "If I wasn't busy, I'd help you myself.  Ta."  She strode
off, moving with sensuous grace, and Yohko stared after her,
dumbstruck.
     Had she meant by that what Yohko thought she'd meant? 
She blushed for the third time in as many minutes, totally embarrassed
now.  What a strange woman!  Although she had been very beautiful
...
     Yohko shook her head, and started walking again.  What a
dummy she was to have said that out loud!  A good thing Chi wasn't
with her, or she'd never hear the end of it!
     She hadn't gone far before her instincts warned her she wasn't
alone.  Instantly her thoughts focused on her environment, her
embarrassing gaffe forgotten.  Something moved in the bushes off to
her left, and she tensed.
     Something ...
     It burst from the darkness, streaking through the air to land on
the path in front of her.  It pulsed and throbbed, its green slimy body
morphing through many different shapes.  Facing her was a cavernous
mouth full of long, sharp teeth, and long tentacles sprang from its body
to wave dangerously in the warm night air.
     Tentacles.  Just great.  She HATED tentacles.
     Seeing that she was alone, she raised her ring and
transformed, her clothes exploding away to be replaced by her
high-collared red dress with the yin-yang symbol on the chest and the
skirt slit up to her hips on both sides.
     "I am the 108th generation Devil Hunter, Yohko!" she
announced loudly.  "I bear ..."  That was as far as she got before the
thing attacked.
     "Hey, I wasn't ... FINISHED!" she gritted, summoning her
soul sword and springing forward to engage the fiend.  She danced
around it athletically while it tried to snare her, slashing out at any
tentacles that came too close, looking for an opening.  Finally, she
spotted one and rushed in, bringing her sword down in a savage arc. 
Just as it buried itself in the fiend's body, though, she felt something
strike her in the middle of the back.  A blinding white light seemed to
explode behind her eyes, and she twisted frantically.
     Another one behind me!  But how ...?  She spun, sword
flashing out, only to meet no resistance.
     There was nothing behind her. 
     Her vision cleared, and she realized that she felt no pain.  Then
she realized that she'd turned her back on the thing she'd been
fighting, just as several slimy tentacles encircled her legs and waist. 
One tip prodded dangerously close to her closed thighs as the thing
reeled her in, and she squealed with outrage.  She twisted again, the
soul sword flashing out to sever the offending appendages.
     "You just don't quit, do you?" she snarled.  Free once more,
she hurled herself at the wounded fiend, dispatching it with one mighty
blow.  As the soul sword clove the thing cleanly in two, it turned to
dust and was swept away on a stray breeze.  Yohko sighed and
wiped the sweat from her brow, then regarded the slime that still slung
to her bare legs with disgust.
     "When I said I didn't want to die a virgin," she moaned, "this
was NOT what I had in mind!"  She swept the area with a puzzled
gaze, still troubled by what had happened during the fight.  Something
HAD hit her in the back.  Hadn't it?  She moved her body gingerly. 
No pain.
     Finally she sighed.  No one was around, and she wasn't hurt. 
She didn't want to stand here all night pondering the mystery, either. 
What she really wanted was to go home.
     And wash this damned monster slime off her legs.

***

     Reiko smiled from her perch in the concealing branches of the
tree.  Her pet had done just as she'd wished, keeping Yohko's
attention focused on it.  When Yohko's back was turned, Reiko had
fired the glimmering ball at her back.  It had struck the lithe young devil
hunter square between the shoulder blades, flaring brightly before
seeping into her body.  The girl had sensed the spell ball and been
thrown off her guard, to the point where Reiko had wondered if she
was going to be treated to the sight of her lowly pet plundering the girl.
     She wouldn't have allowed that to happen, of course.  Yohko
was hers.  But Yohko had recovered quickly and dealt with the
problem in a way that made Reiko's eyes narrow thoughtfully.
     Yohko was better than she'd been when they'd fought.  Much
more confident and experienced.  It HAD been a lesser demon, true,
but she'd handled it as if it were routine.
     Of course, Reiko thought, a slow smile coming to her lips, that
was hardly surprising.  Reiko had, after all, been Yohko's first.  Battle,
that is, as a Devil Hunter. But what she'd seen just reinforced her belief
that she was prudent to proceed slowly.  The girl could be a
dangerous, even lethal, adversary. 
     But she ought to be an equally dangerous tool.  In the right
hands, of course.
     She sprang from the tree, cloaking herself in the velvet
darkness as she headed for home.
     Tomorrow, it appeared, would be a school day.

***

     After Reiko had vanished into the night, a figure emerged from
the darkness nearby.  She peered thoughtfully at the now deserted
path, the gentle breeze stirring her dark emerald hair.
     She'd sensed the demon's presence, and had witnessed the
girl's transformation.  So, the sweet young virgin was a legendary
Devil Hunter.  She'd heard of them, although she hadn't expected to
encounter one here.  And the creature that had been watching her,
what of it?  She'd sensed power there.  It had hurled some sort of
spell at the unsuspecting girl, but just what the purpose of that spell
had been, she didn't know.  It hadn't had any obvious effect. 
Something subtle, perhaps.
     There were more forces at work here than she'd expected. 
She smiled, flicking her hair over her shoulder.  Well, what of it?  She
was a ninja and mistress of the Miroku sexcraft arts.  She had every
confidence that she'd be able to deal with whatever came.
     Kamiri turned and disappeared into the night, just like the two
women before her.

***

     Yohko stood in between realms, at the place where the Dark
Queen would try to throw open the gates to the demon realms.  The
strange, capricious winds, tainted with the scent of decay, stirred her
hair and torn dress as she watched Reiko stagger towards her.  The
soul sword protruded from her shoulder, blood pouring from the
wound.  
     Yohko felt a pang of conscience as the beautiful girl stumbled
closer.  Her expression was bewildered, confused.  She was once
again Reiko Akashi, innocent pawn of dark forces.  She stood still as
Reiko collapsed against her, breathing laboured and tight, and gazed
helplessly into Yohko's eyes.
     "I ... I didn't ..." she breathed.  Yohko's gaze softened
slightly.
     "Reiko," she said.
     Then she eased the girl's body to the stony ground.  The soul
sword glowed briefly and slid from Reiko's body on its own, much to
Yohko's amazement.  Then a black mist poured from Reiko's nose
and mouth, dissipating on the sterile winds.  Reiko smiled up at
Yohko, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
     "Thank-you" she mouthed silently.  Then her body grew light
in Yohko's arms, and she faded from sight.  Yohko stood, amazed,
and turned to see Hideki Kando, still frozen in place atop the strange
altar, also vanish.  
     Then a bright light flared, and the strange place between
worlds was gone, and she was leaning against the sakura tree outside
the old clock tower, and her grandma's voice was calling her, but that
couldn't be because grandma was dead wasn't she but it was and
Yohko was happy she was ...
     Awake.
     She was sitting in her bed, wearing her long striped nightshirt,
a cool breeze blowing in through the slightly opened window.  She ran
a shaking hand through her bangs and realized that she was sweating. 
And her heart was racing, too.  What the hell?
     That fight, her first as a Devil Hunter.  She hadn't thought of it
in some time, and now she was dreaming of it.  And a vivid dream it
had been, too.  It was like she'd been living the whole thing again, all
over.  The fight with Reiko, their swords clashing loudly in the
unearthly silence of that place ...
     And then, just as it had appeared that Reiko would triumph,
she'd launched herself into the air, cleaving downwards with the soul
sword, wounding Reiko badly.  Reiko had collapsed in her arms, and
the dark mist had left her body, and she'd vanished.
     Yohko frowned, squeezing her eyes shut tightly and rubbing
the bridge of her nose.  Why did it feel like she'd forgotten something
important, something that danced enticingly just out of reach?  Finally,
she sighed.  No matter.  It would come to her.
     She thought now, as she hadn't for what seemed like forever,
about Hideki and Reiko.  Hideki had been found wandering near his
home later that night in a daze.  He hadn't been badly hurt, having only
a small wound on his throat, but couldn't remember where he'd been
or what had happened.  He had transferred to another school soon
thereafter.
     And Reiko?  Yohko frowned again.  Of course.  She too had
been found near her home, her injuries serious but somehow not as
serious as they should have been.  She'd spent some time in the
hospital, then apparently gone overseas with her parents.  
     Oddly, Yohko couldn't remember ever going to see her in the
hospital.  Why hadn't she done that?  She should have at least
checked to make sure that Reiko's memories of what had happened
were gone, too.
     But it hadn't seemed important, had it?
     Not important.  No.
     Strange, her having this dream, though.  She hadn't thought
about Reiko since that night.
     Yohko found herself wondering what the other girl was up to
after all this time.
     Finally, Yohko plopped back down and yanked the covers up
over her shoulders.  She was suddenly very tired.  Yawning widely,
she burrowed down into the covers and closed her eyes.  The dream
stayed with her as she started to drift, and she found herself wondering
about it again.  Did it mean something?  Were the forces that had
brought about her confrontation with the Dark Queen returning?  She
sincerely hoped not.
     She drifted off to sleep, thinking, for some reason, of her dream
and of the way Reiko had felt in her arms.

***

     Reiko stared into the mirror that showed her prey settling back
to sleep.  She was seated on a throne-like chair, and Liliss was
crouched at her feet, arms curled around her mistress's legs.  Reiko
stroked the succubus's hair idly as she watched Yohko drift into the
arms of sleep.  Dream of me, Yohko, she called silently, knowing that
she would, and that those dreams would be ... pleasant.
     "It was completely successful, was it not?" she asked at last,
drinking from an ornate sliver goblet that she cradled in her free hand. 
Liliss turned her face up to Reiko's.
     "I believe so, Mistress.  She should now remember events the
way you wish her to.  Since the new memories follow true events so
closely, except for the end, she should not know that anything is amiss. 
And from her, it should spread to anyone with any memory of the
events in question."  Reiko laced her fingers into Liliss's sleek hair and
tugged, gently, to get the demoness's attention.
     "Should?" she inquired with an arched eyebrow.  Liliss
trembled slightly but held her gaze.
     "We won't know for certain until she sees you.  The spell was
triggered, I felt that.  It should have worked perfectly, just the way you
intended.  But ..."
     "But?" Reiko echoed in a dangerously quiet voice.
     "But there are portents.  Disturbances.  Trouble and danger
and mischief eddy and flow and swirl around this place.  I fear that an
unknown element has entered the equation, one that intends to work at
cross-purposes to our own ends.  More than this I cannot say."  She
watched her mistress anxiously as Reiko pondered this latest bit of
information.
     "And this involves Yohko?" she asked finally.  Liliss tried to
shake her head, but Reiko's grip, while not uncomfortable, was still
firm.  That didn't bother Liliss.  She liked being kept on a tight leash
by her mistress.
     "The portents are strange.  I see her, yet it is not her, but a
dark reflection, seething with anger and ... need."
     "What does that mean, Liliss?"  Reiko was watching her
carefully, and Liliss knew just saying she had no idea would not be
wise.  So she did the best she could.  
     "The unknown factor will be tied closely to the reflection, but
not to Yohko herself.  That much I can be sure of."
     "But we don't know what this ... reflection ... is?"
     "No.  I am sorry, Mistress."  Reiko smiled wickedly, pulling
Liliss up by the hair, urging her onward until the lush succubus was
curled in her lap, gazing raptly up into her eyes.
     "No matter, my sweet one.  When there is something to tell,
you will tell me.  And in the meantime, if this disturbance does not
stand between me and what I want, I will allow it to go unhindered. 
For now."  
     She gazed into the mirror, still showing the sleeping Yohko,
and her expression sent a sudden chill through Liliss's body.
     "And if it does eventually come between me and my desires, I will
destroy it utterly, whatever it may be."
     Liliss had no doubts that her mistress spoke the truth.  She
butted her head lightly against Reiko's firm breasts like a cat anxious
for attention, and was rewarded with her mistress's long fingers tracing
down over her face, cupping her chin and holding her face immobile.
     "My golden girl," she whispered fondly.  "You are mine, aren't
you?"
     "Yes," Liliss whispered ecstatically.
     Yes.  Hers, forever.

***

     One big advantage to having the house to herself was the
peace and quiet.
     One big disadvantage to having the house to herself was the
peace and quiet.
     She'd slept in.  Again.
     Now she dashed madly toward school, cursing herself for
being such an idiot.  Because she'd had all those weird dreams the
night before, she had kept waking up.  A few times she'd even felt an
odd sensation, like she was being watched.  A few times she'd woken
almost painfully ... aroused, and she blushed again as she remembered. 
She wondered who she'd been dreaming of to wake that way.  She
couldn't seem to remember at all.
     All in all, her night, which had started out badly in the park,
had only gotten worse.
     She was preoccupied, so at first she didn't take note of the girl
she was catching up to, the one wearing the same blazer and skirt as
Yohko was.  When she finally did notice her, something about the girl
caused Yohko to slow.  Something about her graceful, almost feline
stride, or the way her mane of hip-length, night black hair swayed as
she moved ...
     Then the girl turned, as if she had sensed Yohko's appraising
stare, and Yohko felt a cold chill ripple through her.
     Those red lips, always curled in a gentle, almost mocking
smile.  The way those cool, dark violet eyes gazed out with absolute
confidence from the dark forelock that fell enticingly across the bridge
of her aristocratic nose.
     "Reiko," she whispered.  What could it mean?  She'd
dreamed of Reiko, and now here she was!  Frantic, Yohko rubbed
her ring with her thumb, wondering if she was dreaming again.
     "Why, Yohko Mano," the other girl said, her voice just as
Yohko remembered it, like being caressed with velvet, low and
melodic.  "How very odd.  I was just thinking of you."  Slowly, Yohko
walked up to where the other girl was standing.
     "Reiko," she said, feeling dazed.  "I ... it's been a while.  How
are you?"  Reiko smiled, tilting her head toward Yohko in a small
gesture of intimacy.
     "Oh, much better, thank you.  I suppose you heard about how
I was injured, and how I lost my memory of the assault."  Yohko
smiled nervously.
     "Yes, I did," she confessed.  Reiko nodded.
     "It was hard, but I've made a full recovery.  My family will be
coming back to Japan soon, and they allowed me to return first and
get things settled."  Yohko eyed the familiar school uniform that Reiko
was wearing with understanding.
     "Does that mean you're coming back to our school?" she
asked, not knowing whether or not to be worried.  Reiko smiled.
     "Yes.  In fact, here it is, my first day back, and already I'm
late.  Quite a bad start, wouldn't you say?"  Yohko laughed, feeling
her nervousness begin to evaporate.  Reiko really was quite charming. 
How could she have forgotten that?
     "Oh, I shouldn't talk.  I'm late, too!"  Reiko laughed huskily.
     "Well, since we won't be in time for our first class, we should
take our time, don't you think?"  Yohko saw the logic in that, so they
set off together.
     Yohko found herself wondering about the wisdom of having
Reiko back at their school.  Suppose being there brought back
memories of what had happened?  Suppose some dark force came
after her again?  Yohko took a quick, stealthy glance at the other girl
as they walked.  She seemed normal enough, Yohko had to admit. 
Still, she'd have to keep an eye on Reiko for a while, to make sure
that nothing strange happened.
     "You know, it's odd that you should be the first person I run into,"
Reiko remarked as they walked.  Yohko blinked. 
     "Huh?  What do you mean?"
     "Well," Reiko said slowly, "when I was in the hospital, I
dreamt of you."  Yohko felt another chill.
     "You did?"
     "Mmmm.  Strange dreams.  In them, we were always fighting. 
I never knew why, only that we seemed to want to kill each other. 
Isn't that strange?  I mean, you are one of the sweetest girls at our
school.  Why should I dream of fighting you that way?"  Yohko shook
her head slowly.  It sounded like the dream that Reiko had
experienced was very close to her own.  Perhaps Reiko's return had
something to do with Yohko's own dream.
     "That is very strange," Yohko agreed.  Reiko glanced at her, a
sly smile tugging at her lips.  Yohko blinked.
     "What?"
     "Oh, I was just remembering," Reiko said slowly.  "In my
dreams, you were always wearing this sexy tight red dress."  Yohko
swallowed nervously.  How much did Reiko really remember,
anyway?
     "Really?"  Reiko's smile widened a little.
     "Yes.  And you looked really good in it, too."  With a tiny
laugh, Reiko tossed her head and strode off, leaving a blushing and
befuddled Yohko to catch up to her.

***

     By the time they'd reached the school, there was no chance of
making their first class.  Reiko had excused herself, saying she needed
to take some paperwork to the office.  Yohko had watched her go
with mixed emotions.  She was glad that Reiko had recovered from
their fight, since she'd been nothing but an innocent pawn of darker
forces.  But her return to Japan could spell trouble for Yohko, if she
started to remember the truth about what had happened to her.
     Yohko had decided, partly out of duty and partly out of guilt,
that she would have to find some way to stick near Reiko until she was
sure that the former Dark Queen's memory really wasn't returning.  In
the meantime, though, she'd been at loose ends, and so had wandered
on down to the school's track.  Shin's class should be out there now. 
She eased up to the corner of the gym and peered around carefully.
     Yup.  There they were.  She swept her gaze quickly over the
boys, easily picking out her latest infatuation from the crowd.  She
sighed as she watched him move gracefully, trading jibes and friendly
horseplay with his friends.  Shin.  He was so handsome, so perfect, so
...
     "What are we doing?" a low voice purred in her ear.  She felt
slim hands on her shoulders before she could move, and Reiko leaned
forward, using Yohko for balance.
     "Reiko!" she hissed with mixed fright and relief.  "You scared
me, sneaking up like that!"
     "Sorry," the other girl whispered unrepentantly, her hot breath
fanning intimately across Yohko's ear.  She leaned forward even
more, trying to peer past Yohko, pressing herself up against Yohko's
back in the process.  Her hair cascaded over Yohko's shoulders with
their nearness, brushing silkily against the bare skin of Yohko's neck.
     "So, which one's yours?" Reiko asked with a smile.  Yohko
blushed.
     "Um, none of them, actually," she muttered.  She was growing
uncomfortably aware of Reiko's closeness.  It made her feel ...
strange.  Reiko shifted her gorgeous eyes from the field to Yohko, her
frank gaze making Yohko want to turn away.
     "Well, you must like one of them," she said, a light teasing note
in her voice.  Yohko's blush deepened.
     "Um.  Sort of," she admitted under the other girl's continued
scrutiny.  Reiko just waited patiently until Yohko pointed Shin out.
     "Ohhh," Reiko breathed, her long fingers tightening slightly on
Yohko's shoulders.  Her long, sharp nails dug lightly into Yohko's skin
through the thin material of her blouse.  "He's beautiful, isn't he?" 
Yohko felt a sudden moment of panic.  If a beauty like Reiko set her
sights on Shin, Yohko wouldn't stand a chance!  Reiko seemed to
sense her thoughts, though, and smiled reassuringly.
     "I'm sure you'll catch him if you set your mind to it, Yohko.  How
could he resist such a sweet-natured and beautiful young woman?" 
Yohko looked away, embarrassed by the praise.
     "I don't know," she muttered.  "Every time I try, something
seems to ... come up."  Reiko pulled away from her, and Yohko felt a
sense of relief.  The other girl's casual intimacy had been kind of
unnerving.  Her heart was still beating a little too fast because of it.
     "Don't worry, Yohko.  Maybe you're just a late bloomer." 
Reiko eyed her critically, one finger against her chin as she thought.
     "You know," she said at last, "I have a strong feeling that your
luck is about to change.  Let me see your hand."  Puzzled, Yohko held
out her hand.  Reiko took it firmly in her own, turning it over so it was
palm up.  She studied it for a moment, then sighed.
     "Ah.  I thought so.  See this?"  She pointed to a line on
Yohko's palm with one slim finger.
     "Uh-huh," Yohko said slowly.
     "This is your love line.  See how it runs?"  She traced the line
lightly with her perfect ruby nail, and Yohko had to suppress a
shudder.  "See how it runs straight, then begins to curve?"
     "Is that important?" Yohko asked, interested in spite of
herself.  She'd seen real magic, and so palm reading seemed slightly
silly to her. 
     Strangely, though, she had no urge to tell Reiko to stop.
     "Yes indeed.  It means that your love life is about to take a
strange and exciting turn.  This line curves rather sharply, so the
change will be quite intense."  She looked into Yohko's eyes and
smiled.  "I think Yohko's about to become a very happy girl."  Yohko
flushed and pulled her hand away.  It seemed to her that Reiko was a
tiny bit reluctant to let go, but Yohko dismissed the thought as being
prompted by anxiety about the girl's unexpected presence.  And the
dreams, of course.
     "Does it really mean that?" she asked suspiciously.  Reiko
smiled.
     "Trust me, Yohko.  You should cheer up.  Your long lonely
days are nearly over."  Yohko smiled.  So that was it.  Reiko was just
trying to cheer her up.  She looked a her watch and squeaked in
alarm.
     "Oh, damn!  Reiko, we've got to hurry or we'll miss our next
classes!"  Reiko smiled.
     "We've got lots of time, Yohko.  Relax.  Come on, I'll walk with
you part of the way."  They set off across the grass, heading for the
main building.  As they walked, Yohko glanced up at the hulking form
of the old clock tower.  She suppressed a shudder at the sight, then
glanced at Reiko to see if she'd noticed.
     "Does the old clock tower spook you, Yohko?" she asked,
sounding puzzled.  Yohko breathed a silent sigh of relief.  If the sight of
the clock tower didn't bring back memories for Reiko, then hopefully
nothing would.
     "No," she lied.  "I just felt a chill.  Come on, let's go."  She
hurried along the path, anxious to see Chi. 
     She just wouldn't believe that Reiko was back.  And considering
what had happened to her during that time, she probably wouldn't be
happy, either.

***

     Reiko smiled as she watched Yohko dash off to her class. 
The girl was so full of innocence and life, energy and healthy young
longings.
     How delicious.
     Her plan was succeeding as anticipated.  Yohko believed the
false memories of how their first encounter had ended, and so
accepted Reiko's presence as non-threatening.  Others who had
known her before didn't seem eager to approach her, but she
supposed that had as much to do with her moods before she'd agreed
to become the Dark Queen as it did with her unexpected
re-appearance.
     No matter.  She would soon have what she desired.  
     She'd already begun, planting just a few seeds and waiting to
let them take root before proceeding.  After all, a proper seduction
couldn't be rushed.  It took time.  Delaying her pleasure only
increased it, really.  Only when the moment had stretched out to the
breaking point, when to delay any further would be to explode, would
she finally claim the girl for her own.
     Then nothing would stand in her way.
     She cast a dark glance over her shoulder, gazing smugly at the
decrepit old clock tower.
     Yes, nothing would stand in her way.  She would finally have
the power she desired.
     But now it was time to let her teachers know who was in
charge.
     Smiling with anticipation, she headed off to her first class.

***

     Yohko just couldn't believe it.  Just when she'd wanted to talk
to Chi, she had to go and get a detention.  Now Yohko would have to
wait until tonight to talk to her.
     Damn.  And she'd so wanted to talk over this Reiko thing with
someone.  She sighed as she walked out of the main gates, slinging her
satchel over her shoulder as she walked.  She was feeling moody and
half-wished a demon would appear for her to fight.
     "Yohko."  She looked up, startled.  Reiko was leaning against
the wall, legs crossed, satchel clasped demurely in front of her.  She
smiled as Yohko's eyes met hers.
     "There you are," she said warmly.  "I've been waiting." 
Yohko blinked.
     "You have?"
     "Mmm-hmm.  I want to talk with you, ask you a favour.  Can
I buy you a coffee?"  Yohko readily agreed, and soon they were
ensconced in a nearby coffee house, reclining in their chairs and facing
each other over steaming cups of coffee.
     Yohko watched as Reiko traced the rim of her cup delicately
with one elegant finger.  Her manner seemed somewhat tentative,
which surprised Yohko somewhat.  Reiko had always been very
confident, sometimes bordering on arrogant.  Yohko waited, curious
as to what this was all about.
     "I'm glad you came," Reiko said finally.  "Yohko, I know we
were never particularly close, which makes it hard for me to ask this of
you.  But ..."
     "What is it?" Yohko prompted.  Reiko sighed.
     "Ever since my ... accident, injury, call it what you will, people
have avoided me.  They really don't know how to deal with me
anymore.  When we were abroad, I really didn't know anyone and I
didn't have a chance to make any friends since I spent a lot of time
recuperating or with my tutors.  Now that I'm back, I feel ...
disconnected."  She stopped, took a sip of her rich coffee, then
cradled the mug in her palms and leaned forward on her elbows, her
bottomless violet eyes boring into Yohko.
     "I need someone to help me catch up on things, to help me get
re-integrated into life here.  My parents won't be back for some time
yet, and I really have no one to talk to about this.  I was hoping, if it
wouldn't be an imposition, that you would agree to help me out." 
When Yohko just sat there, stunned, Reiko's face fell slightly.
     "Please, Yohko, just for a little while," she implored.  "I know
it's asking a lot, but I'd really appreciate it."  Yohko thought quickly. 
She'd wanted to keep an eye on Reiko for a few days, after all, and
this would provide the perfect opportunity.  And, a little voice deep
inside spoke up, maybe some of her polish and poise will rub off.  You
might learn something that will help you with Shin.  That alone would
be worth the trouble.
     "Of course, Reiko," she answered brightly.  "I'd be happy to
help out."  Reiko smiled gratefully.
     "You really are so sweet," she murmured, looking into
Yohko's eyes across her coffee.  "I don't know why, but you were
the only person I thought of to ask.  It's almost as if we shared some
strange bond.  Isn't that odd?"  Yohko smiled back.  If only you knew,
she thought ruefully.
     "Maybe.  But I'm glad you came to me for help, Reiko." 
Reiko gave her a slow, warm smile in response.
     "So am I, Yohko," she said.  "So am I."

***

     "WHAT?"  Yohko winced, holding the cordless phone away
from her ear.
     "Chi, calm down," she urged.  She leaned back, letting the hot
water in the tub relax her tense muscles.  She smiled as she fantasized
that Shin's strong fingers were working on her, melting away her
tensions ...
     "Whaddaya mean calm down?" Chi hollered through the
phone.  Yohko sighed.  A pleasant fantasy, but the timing was bad. 
She brought the phone back to her ear, fiddling with one of her
ponytails with her free hand.
     "It's only for a little while," Yohko sighed.  She could tell Chi
was pouting.
     "You're going to blow off your best friend for some witch who
tried to kill you?  That's the stupidest thing I ever heard!"
     "Chi, that wasn't her fault.  She was being controlled.  As I
recall, you tried to kill me that night, too, when the principal was
controlling you."  Silence.  Chi couldn't argue with that.  If Yohko's
grandma hadn't shown up, Chi would have split Yohko in two with
that axe.
     "Well, maybe," she grumbled at last.  "But I don't see what
the big deal is.  I mean, does she remember what happened or not?"
     "That's just the point, Chi.  I don't know.  I mean, the dreams
she told me about are obviously of our fight in the clock tower.  I just
want to make sure that being here again doesn't bring out all the rest of
her memories of what happened."
     "Yohko, what are you gonna do if she DOES remember?  I
mean, that she was the Dark Queen and you are a Devil Hunter?" 
Yohko blinked stupidly at the phone.  She hadn't even thought of what
she would do then.
     "I guess I'll have to worry about that when the time comes,"
she said weakly.  Chi groaned loudly.
     "Yohko, you're hopeless!"  Yohko winced again, twiddling
her toes in the hot water, enjoying the feel of the heated waves as they
washed up the insides of her thighs.
     "Look, Chi, I'll just be spending some time with her over the
next few days, that's all.  It doesn't mean that I won't see you.  We're
in all the same classes, remember?"
     "Well, all right," Chi grumbled at last.  "But I'm still your best
friend, and your manager.  Don't forget that!"  Yohko laughed.
     "I keep telling you, Chi, a Devil Hunter doesn't need a
manager!  And you'll ALWAYS be my best friend, stupid."
     "On that note, see you tomorrow."
     "Okay.  Bye, Chi."  She rang off and put the handset on the
toilet seat.  Once, she'd tried to do that when she'd forgotten to put
the cover down, and had had to dry out the handset for an hour with
her hair dryer.  As a result, she always checked now to make sure the
seat cover was down.
     With a deep sigh of contentment, she leaned back in the tub,
stretching out like a cat.  Chi was a little miffed, but she'd get over it. 
She always did.  That was what best friends were for, wasn't it?
     Then Yohko smiled.  Now, then, where was I?  She called up
an image of Shin, clad only in his brief swim suit, and felt an answering
heat in her loins and a delightful tightening of her chest.  This was very
naughty, but for some reason she'd felt twitchy all day, possibly
because of her unremembered but arousing dreams of the night before. 
And usually she had to worry about one of her nosy housemates
walking in on her.  Right now she didn't have to worry about that at all.
     The delicious need called to her, its siren song erasing all
thoughts of resistance.  One hand slid over her slick skin to her breast,
fingers edging out tentatively to toy with her sensitive nipple.  She
gasped at the electric pleasure that seeped deep into her, that
seductive pleasure that urged her other hand lower, and lower still,
over her tight belly and into the water between her legs.  Her fingers
sought unerringly, and found, and began to trace a light, teasing pattern
over her nether lips.  She bit her lower lip gently, arching her back and
causing the water to splash against the sides of the tub.  The need rose
in her with a suddenness that was startling and would have been
frightening had its urgency not made such extraneous thought
impossible.  Yohko's hands settled into complimentary movements,
gently calling her need up from her depths so that it could be satisfied.
     Shin walked before her mind's eye, his lithe muscles rippling in
the golden afternoon sun.  He called her name, pleasure evident in his
voice, and walked slowly toward her.  His intentions were clear, and
Yohko would not fight him.  She wanted to give herself to him with
wanton abandon, to consummate this burning need that was
blossoming in her lower belly, spreading downwards toward her
womanhood.
     His eyes were sea-green, his hair shimmering bronze under the
sun.  And then he stood aside and there was ...
     Hideki Kando.  She felt a bolt of pleasure rise above the slow
rising tide at the unexpectedness of this.  Her memory had played a
sweet trick on her, casting Hideki's image out of her subconscious. 
She hadn't thought of him much since that day at the clock tower, but
she'd been very hung up on him at the time.  He was Shin's opposite
number, all darkness and mystery where Shin was light and bold.  She
waited to be ravished, wearing a long flowing white gown, perched
breathlessly upon a canopied bed while Hideki, wearing tight black
trousers and a loose white shirt unlaced at the throat, stalked her, his
willing prey.
     Yes.  Her body writhed slowly in an unconscious, ancient
rhythm, her hands working their magic, seeking to release her from her
torment.  Ah, yes, but not too quickly.  Her fantasy had changed
unexpectedly, but she was going with it, letting it take her where it
would, and enjoying the trip.  Her chest was full of molten pleasure
and her legs churned slowly in the water.  A whimper escaped her
throat and her tongue edged out, licking at her dry lips reflexively.
     He had reached her now, drawing her into his arms without
permission, and she beat at his chest with her fists in a show of
resistance, but it was a futile effort.  He drew her in, kissing her wildly,
his hands roaming her body at will, his will, and now they were inside
the loose gown and tormenting her all too willing flesh.  His kisses
trailed down her throat, melting any thoughts of resistance, and she
twined her fingers into his silky hair.
     She was close now, and she wanted it to last, but she couldn't
hang on.  Her climax was preparing to wash over her, an implacable
wave of pleasure denied too long.
     His hair was soft, and black as a raven's wing, his skin pale,
his eyes dark ...
     Just like Reiko's.
     As if the thought had summoned her, the image changed
without warning.  Hideki became Reiko, the flowing shirt opened to
the tops of her full, firm breasts, the tight pants clinging to her shapely
legs.  Her mane of hair was in an artful disarray, and Yohko found
herself trapped in the other girl's embrace.  With a sensuous smile on
her full, ruby lips, Reiko bent down and kissed her full on the mouth as
she 
     as she
     no
     Yohko tried to hold back, but it was too late.  The pleasure
rose up, smashing all uncertainty as it powered through her, making
her cry out with reluctant ecstasy as her traitorous hands finished her,
her body writhed in the womb of hot water, shaking and twisting
sweetly and, at long, long last, subsiding.  
     Yohko panted, trying to bring herself under control.  That had
been earth-shattering, no doubt about it.  But ...
     What the HELL had happened, at the end?  She'd been thinking
how much Hideki resembled Reiko, and suddenly he'd BECOME her. 
Reiko's image had replaced his just at the moment of climax, and
she'd been unable to get the dark beauty's image out of her head as
she'd trembled at the edge, then plunged over.  The hot, steamy air
seemed to settle heavily in her lungs as her breathing slowed towards
normal.  She leaned her head back, exhausted, closing her eyes and
groaning in frustration.
     Why had that happened?  Was she that worried about the
situation with Reiko that she'd be thinking about her at times like this? 
That just wouldn't do, now, would it?  She didn't want girls appearing
in her fantasies!
     (Reiko appeared again in her mind's eye, dressed in an excitingly
androgynous manner, white shirt unlaced dangerously low, her full
breasts straining the fabric, her black pants clinging to her tight full
buttocks and long slim legs, her hair cascading loosely down her
arched back to fall below her hips ... she hovered above Yohko, a
lascivious, hungry smile gracing her full lips ...)
     "Gah!"  Yohko opened her eyes suddenly.  This was crazy!  The
thought of being kissed by a girl didn't turn her on!  Not at all!
     She lay back in the tub, covering her face gently with her
hands, and repeated that last thought a couple of times until it became
a reassuring mantra.
     Oh, why was her life so strange?

***

     Reiko reclined in her chair, watching the image within the
enchanted mirror hungrily.  Yohko had put on quite a show for her. 
Under that innocent, school-girl exterior lurked a frustrated woman,
eager to be touched, taunted, and pleasured.  As her thoughts had
grown chaotic and her defences weakened, Reiko had whispered a
name into the mirror.  Yohko's subconscious had heard and heeded
her call, she was certain.  Then, as the girl had moved inexorably
toward her peak, Reiko had whispered another name.
     Hers.
     The shocked look on Yohko's face as she'd let herself go had
told Reiko all she needed to know.  Her little suggestion, slipping into
Yohko's thoughts along the path left open by her memory altering
spell, had taken hold and the girl had seen only Reiko's face at the
moment of her climax.
     Of course, she couldn't see into Yohko's thoughts yet, at least
not while she was awake.  But tonight, she would send her delicious
young prey dreams, such sweet enticing dreams, and watch the results
with great interest.  She would not allow her sweet Yohko any release,
however; all the next day, when Yohko was with her, she wanted that
delicious tension building in her again, approaching unbearable levels
while she innocently brushed against the girl, whispered guileless
questions in her ear, played little games with her ...
     Yohko's senses would become saturated, day after day, with
Reiko, her smile, her scent, her voice, as her need continued to coil
and thrash within her.  Only when she was confused, uncertain, her
own instincts craving for something unthinkable, would Reiko finally
claim her.
     It would be glorious.
     A pair of soft, skilled hands slipped under her hair, beginning
to knead her shoulders, and her eyes narrowed thoughtfully.  She
sensed Liliss standing behind her, eyeing the mirror hungrily.
     "She looks so vulnerable, Mistress," Liliss whispered.  "So
unguarded.  Easy prey.  Why not now?"  Reiko drew a deep breath,
not taking her eyes from the image in the mirror, watching with
satisfaction as Yohko's lithe body shuddered with tiny aftershocks
from her fantasy.
     "You succubi are so unused to having to wait for anything,"
she mused.  "If you want a mortal, you compel them instantly.  But
mark me well.  Pleasure delayed is enhanced greatly, my golden girl. 
You should remember that."  Liliss's hands hesitated, then slipped
lightly under Reiko's sheer silk robe, seeking out every point of tension
and melting it away.  Reiko smiled slightly but made no other sign she
was aware of Liliss's efforts.
     "I could play with her, if you want," Liliss offered finally.  "If
you enjoyed watching her pleasure herself, you would ..."
     "Liliss."  Reiko's voice was quiet, but the tone of command
was unmistakable.  Liliss stopped moving her hands and scarcely
seemed to breathe, aware that she had overstepped her bounds.
     "M-Mistress?"
     "Yohko is to be my bride.  She is for me, no other.  If you
touch her, I will be forced to destroy you.  Do you understand?" 
Liliss's hands shook slightly, causing Reiko's sly smile to return.  She
couldn't see the succubus's face, but she was certain she had made
her point.
     "Of course, Mistress.  I only sought to please you."  Reiko
nodded, satisfied with the succubus's response.
     "I know.  That is why I am not punishing you for even
suggesting such a thing.  You may continue."  Liliss's hands began
kneading her muscles again, moving in lazy circles, beginning to stray
lower.  When Reiko did not chastise her, Liliss became bolder and let
her fingers stray to the tops of her mistress's breasts.  Reiko closed
her eyes and arched her back slightly, then turned her attention back
to the mirror as she watched Yohko's slick, naked form emerge from
the tub and begin to towel off.
     "Sleep, Yohko," she whispered.  "Sleep, and dream sweet,
suffocating dreams of forbidden pleasure."  She made a contented
sound as Liliss took her full breasts in her hands and began gently
squeezing them.
     "Dream, Yohko," she whispered.  "Dream of your Dark
Queen.  Dream of me.  Only of me.  Soon you will be able to think of
no one else."
     Then she closed her eyes and let Liliss pleasure her as only she
knew how.

***

     Yohko sighed.
     It had turned out to be quite a strange week, even for her. 
Oh, there'd been no further demon activity after that one attack in the
park.  But other, more subtle things had been disturbing her.
     For one thing, she kept having disturbing dreams.  She would
wake up in a sweat, panting, incredibly aroused.  The dreams faded
quickly, but she was left with confused impressions of hypnotic eyes
and full, red lips, sometimes remembering the sensation of something
being fastened around her neck.  Even more frustrating, she never
seemed able to find any release afterwards.  She always ended up
feeling like somebody was watching her.
     It was maddening.  She had no idea what it could mean, unless
it was an obvious signal that her libido wanted her body's cooperation
in finding a handsome young guy to take care of this particular itch for
her.
     She was too embarrassed to talk to Chi about her little
problem, which left Chi wondering why her friend was so jumpy and
frustrated all week.  Chi's teasing didn't help at all.
     And then there was Reiko.  She'd been spending a lot of time
with her, helping her in little ways whenever possible.  After the first
couple of days, she'd come to believe that Reiko didn't really need
that much help.  In fact, she seemed to just want someone to talk to. 
Yohko didn't mind, though.  Reiko was charming and had a wicked,
sometimes even naughty, sense of humour.  It was no unpleasant task
to spend time with her.  In fact, she was enjoying herself more than
she'd thought she would.  And she paid Yohko a lot of flattering
attention, which Yohko certainly couldn't complain about ... although it
did make her unaccountably nervous from time to time.  Once she'd
remembered how Reiko's image had appeared in her fantasy, and
found herself blushing after Reiko had accidentally brushed against her
while squeezing past her in the stacks of the library.  To make matters
worse, Reiko had stopped there, her full body touching Yohko's along
its entire length, face to face, to ask why she was blushing so.
     That had been embarrassing!  What was she supposed to say? 
I was just remembering how you appeared in my bathtub fantasy? 
She was sure the beautiful girl would think she was a total pervert! 
And it wasn't as if it had been anything like that, after all; she'd just
been preoccupied with Reiko's reappearance at the time.
     That's all.
     And as for Reiko's memory, she'd made no mention of any
new memories of what had happened to her in the clock tower. 
Yohko was beginning to relax about the whole thing.  For once, a
potential crisis was going to pass without causing her any trouble. 
Maybe this wasn't such a bad week after all.
     She wandered down the street, satchel slung over her
shoulder, humming tunelessly.  Chi had stayed after school for her
photo club meeting, and Yohko was at loose ends for the first time all
week.  She walked aimlessly along the crowded sidewalk, wondering
what she should do. 
     She stopped suddenly, looking around.  She'd thought she
heard her name being called, for just a second.  Strange.  Then she
caught a flash out of the corner of her eye, and turned to look.  The
sun, perhaps, caught on a mirror.  She stared at the window that the
flash had seemed to originate from.  It was a small boutique, and she
felt the sudden urge to go check it out.
     What the hell, she thought, it isn't like I've got something else
to do.  She crossed the street and went in.
     Inside, low quiet music filled the air from hidden speakers. 
The plush carpet and carefully arranged racks seemed to deaden any
extraneous sound, and the smell was of faint perfume and new leather. 
There was a girl behind the cash, perhaps her age or a little older,
wearing a tailored red suit.  She smiled politely and nodded at Yohko,
then went back to whatever she was doing. 
     Yohko wandered deeper into the store, stopping to look at the
occasional item.  The clothes were all beautiful, and no doubt very
expensive.  Yohko grinned.  This was just the therapy she needed for
her weird week.
     She found her way toward the back, where there were several
racks of gorgeous dresses framing a rack of elegant shoes and boots. 
Yohko poked around, running her fingers over slick new leather and
sleek, exciting fabrics as she walked.  Then something caught her eye,
and she stopped, reaching into a rack to pull out a dress.
     She caught her breath as she realized what she'd picked up. 
It was beautiful, what there was of it.  It was a deep blood red, made
of some silky resilient material that would no doubt mould itself
shamelessly to the wearer's body.  She felt a warm flush rising to her
cheeks as she held the hanger awkwardly.  What had possessed her

to pick up this daring little number?
     Why, Yohko," a voice said from behind her.  "What a
pleasant surprise."  She whirled around to see Reiko standing behind
her, still wearing her school uniform.  
     "Reiko!" Yohko blurted.  Reiko walked over to her, smiling.
     "How very odd.  You've spent all week with me, and now,
we run into each other completely by accident."  
     "Yeah," Yohko chuckled nervously.  She tensed as Reiko saw
what she was holding.  The girl stepped even closer, her eyes
sparkling.
     "Oh, Yohko!  What an exquisite dress!" she breathed. 
Yohko blushed again, something she seemed to do a lot of around
Reiko.
     "I, uh, don't know why I picked it up," she said nervously. 
Reiko grasped her hand lightly and pulled it, and the dress, higher so
she could examine it.
     "Nonsense, Yohko!  It's perfect for you!"  Yohko gave her a
doubtful stare.
     "Oh, come on ..."
     "Really.  Look, why don't you try it on?"  Yohko squeaked.
     "I ... I couldn't do that!"  Reiko's deep violet eyes met
Yohko's and held them with a cool gaze.
     "Why not?  Just try it on.  Come on, what could it hurt?" 
Yohko stared at the dress, torn.  It really was quite something, but it
was so ... sexy.  She'd just embarrass herself, especially in front of a
real beauty like Reiko.
     Reiko seemed to sense her reluctance, though, and leaned in
close, giving Yohko a whiff of her expensive perfume.
     "Listen, Yohko," she said conspiratorially, her breath gently
tickling Yohko's ear.  "I'll try something on if you will.  Okay?"  At
first, Yohko had been a little unnerved by Reiko's habit of standing
close to her when she spoke, and of leaning very close to impart
particularly juicy or intimate tidbits.  But she'd gotten a little
accustomed to it, and realized that it was just the way Reiko was.  She
was just much more casual about such things than most people.  And
in this circumstance, it made her feel deliciously shivery, as if she was
about to do something quite naughty.
     As, in fact, she was.
     "Well," she said slowly, "if you put it that way ..."
     "That's my girl!  Here, go in and start getting changed.  I've
got to pick out something at least as daring as yours."  Feeling a
strange tingle of anticipation in the pit of her stomach, Yohko
complied.
     The changing cubicle was spacious, but it was only after
Yohko had finally donned the dress that she realized there were no
mirrors.  That meant if she wanted to see how the dress looked on
her, she was going to have to venture out of this cubicle.
     She sighed.  Maybe this had been a mistake.  Maybe ...
     No, she told herself firmly.  Why do you think you've been
having all those unfulfilling dreams?  Why do you think you're too shy
to introduce yourself to Shin?  You need to take a chance, one that
has nothing to do with killing demons.  Do it!
     She opened the door slowly, peering out into the area beyond. 
There didn't appear to be anyone else in the store, but the racks were
arranged in such a way that sightlines were limited anyway.  She
sighed in relief.  Reiko was still changing in another cubicle, so she
could check out the dress in private.  Then, if she looked foolish, she
could quickly retreat to her cubicle and refuse to come out.
     Yes, that seemed like the rational course of action.
     Barefoot, she walked gingerly over to where she could see her
reflection in one of the floor-length mirrors.  What she saw there made
her stop, stunned.
     The dress fit her perfectly.  It had a high collar that embraced
her throat.  From there, it swept down, widening to cover her breasts,
then hugging her narrow waist as it travelled downwards, hugging her
hips as it ended in a tight skirt.  Her arms and back were left bare, as
was a large oval that extended from the bottom of her breasts to her
navel.  Two narrow criss-crossing straps were all that covered her slim
back.
     It looked fantastic.  She twisted slowly from side to side,
watching with fascination as the strange girl in the mirror did likewise. 
Her long chestnut coloured ponytails caressed her bare back lightly as
she moved, a decadent and wonderful sensation.  She slowly raised
her arms, half expecting to fall out of the dress at any second.  Then
she caught a glimpse of someone in the mirror and froze, suddenly
self-conscious.  She didn't see the woman's face, just a swirl of long,
emerald green hair as she turned away, and for some reason that
twigged her memory.  Before she could figure out why, however, she
heard Reiko speak.
     "Yohko Mano, that dress is you!"  She turned suddenly,
embarrassed again, then froze.  Reiko was staring at her
appreciatively.
     "Remember I told you I dreamt of you in a red dress?" she
asked.  "Well, it wasn't like that, but you do look stunning in red.  It's
your colour."  Then she noticed Yohko staring, and smiled, spinning
slowly. 
     "Ah, do you like it?" she asked mischievously.  "Isn't it
positively indecent?"  Yohko just nodded, speechless.
     Reiko's dress was simply breathtaking.  It was black, and
clung to her ripe curves in a way that was almost obscene.  It had a
high collar like Yohko's, which extended down into long sleeves. 
Those sleeves should have made the dress seem more demure than
Yohko's, but somehow they made it seem even more daring.
     That was probably because almost all of Reiko's front was
bare.  The thin, silky material swept down from the graceful arch of
Reiko's throat, curving in over the middle of her full high breasts,
leaving a deep scoop of visible alabaster skin between the dark collar
and the thin strip of material that covered her nipples.  And only the
middle of her breasts were covered, because the material curved away
under her breasts as well, covering only her sides and showing
everything from the bottom of her breasts to the thin slash of her navel. 
The dress returned, reluctantly it seemed, to form a brief tight skirt.  A
slim leather belt rode low over Reiko's shapely hips, and she placed
her hands on her narrow waist and tossed her head back haughtily.
     "Well?" she demanded.  Yohko realized that she'd been
staring.
     "Wow.  Reiko, you should be arrested for looking like that!" she
breathed with clear admiration in her voice.  Reiko gave her a slow,
syrupy smile and strutted over to the mirror to examine herself more
closely.
     "You really look great," Yohko said enviously.  Reiko grinned 
at her.
     "WE look great," she corrected.  Yohko blushed.  She had to
admit that she looked pretty good, even next to Reiko.  But she was
beginning to get nervous again.  What if one of the sales clerks came
back and found then trying on such expensive clothes?
     "Here, sit down," Reiko said, pointing to a padded bench
nearby.  She guided Yohko there and urged her to sit over the other
girl's objections.  Then she wandered over to the footwear and
retrieved some items.  Yohko blinked at her when she returned.
     "Reiko, maybe we shouldn't ..." she began.  Reiko shushed
her impatiently.
     "Oh, don't carry on so, Yohko.  Loosen up, have some fun!" 
Then she knelt in front of Yohko and reached out, taking one of
Yohko's bare feet in her cool, slim hands.  Yohko stared at her,
amazed and embarrassed.
     "Reiko!  What are you doing?" she hissed.  Reiko drew her
hands along Yohko's sensitive foot, sending a shiver through the girl. 
Yohko sighed again at Reiko's forward manner.
     "Hold still, girl.  Here."  She held up a slim red high-heeled
pump that would go rather nicely with Yohko's dress.  Yohko blushed
at the sight of Reiko kneeling in front of her that way.
     "Reiko!  Stop that!  You're not a salesgirl, you know!"  Reiko
stared up at her, her eyes glinting with mischief.
     "Oh, am I not good enough to serve you?  I, Reiko Akashi,
am not good enough to kiss Yohko Mano's feet?"  And then, to
Yohko's delighted outrage, she leaned forward and did just that,
gently brushing her lips against the top of Yohko's bare foot.
     "Reiko, you idiot!" she giggled.  "That tickles!  Oh, very well. 
You may dress me."  Reiko nodded, smiling all the while.  Yohko
sighed as Reiko slid the shoe onto her foot.  The girl certainly had an
unusual sense of humour.  Still, Yohko sometimes got the sense that
Reiko was a tad reckless, unconventional, and might do almost
anything if the urge struck her.  It was a seductive notion, and Yohko
found herself enjoying the sense of uncertainty, and even danger, that
surrounded her new friend.
     She stood once Reiko had finished, regarding herself in the
mirror once more.  The high-heeled red pumps were a perfect match,
a slim strap encircling each ankle.  Yohko sighed.
     "You picked well," she told Reiko.  "You have really good
taste."
     "You think so?" Reiko asked casually.  She stood up beside
Yohko, and once again Yohko was struck speechless.  Reiko had
slipped on a pair of supple leather boots that rose over her knees,
lacing tightly behind her legs.  The shiny black leather hugged her legs
tightly, and the stiletto heels were wickedly thin and long, causing
Reiko to arch her back sensuously as she stood.  Reiko strutted
slowly around Yohko, her hips swaying in an easy rhythm.
     "What do you say, Yohko?  They go with the dress, don't you
think?"  Yohko could only nod.  The entire effect was one of
wantonness, and yet strangely erotic instead of slutty.  Yohko shook
her head.
     "I'm glad I don't have to go anywhere in public with you
dressed like this," she said.  "Nobody would pay me the least bit of
attention!"  Reiko gave a low, throaty laugh.
     "I think you might be surprised, Yohko.  Come on, let's get
changed."  With a surprising sense of reluctance, Yohko walked back
into the cubicle.  For a few minutes, anyway, she'd felt sophisticated,
elegant, and dangerous.  It was hard to go back to her mundane
school uniform.  
     When she emerged from the cubicle, Reiko was waiting for
her.  As Yohko started to walk back to the rack, Reiko reached her
hand out.
     "Here," she said.  "I'll take those."  Yohko stared at her,
puzzled, as Reiko took the dress and the shoes and started to the front
of the store.  She still had her black dress and the boots as well.  She
cast an amused look over her shoulder and raised a perfect eyebrow
at Yohko.
     "Coming?" she asked.  Yohko walked after her, puzzled.
     "What are you doing?" she asked.  Reiko laughed musically.
     "Why, I'm taking the lot," she said.  Yohko stared.
     "You can't be serious!"  Reiko stopped, turning to her.
     "But I am," she said warmly.  "You've been so good to me
this week, spending so much time helping me readjust.  I want to show
my appreciation."
     "But ... but Reiko!  That's too much!"  Reiko turned, walking
up to the counter.  The well dressed, severely beautiful young woman
with her blond hair in a tight bun still stood behind the counter.  Yohko
didn't notice how glazed the young woman's eyes were as she stared
at Reiko. 
     "Reiko, please!"  Reiko just smiled.
     "Yohko, please don't worry.  This is just my way of thanking
you.  And don't worry about the expense.  I can take anything I want
out of here.  You see, my father owns the store."  Yohko blinked.
     "Hah?" she asked.  Reiko laughed.
     "Silly," she teased.  "It's true.  See?"  The counter girl handed
the bags to Reiko without asking for any money.  Reiko took them
and handed one to Yohko.
     "Oh," Yohko said.
     "So, please don't worry.  Now all we need is an excuse to
wear these clothes ..."  She turned toward the door, then brightened.
     "I know!  To thank you for all you've done, I'll take you out 
dancing tonight!"
     "Dancing?" Yohko asked.  Reiko nodded.
     "Yes.  There's a nice club that I can get us into, very high
class.  Lots of good looking men, too.  We can show off our great
new clothes.  What do you say?"  Yohko felt a surge of excitement,
then frowned.
     "I don't know," she hesitated.  "I've been neglecting Chi all
week.  I promised we'd do something tonight."  Reiko frowned.
     "You've been neglecting your friend?  Because of the favour I
asked?  Oh, no.  Now I feel quite guilty.  By all means, ask her to join
us."  Yohko brightened.
     "Really, Reiko?"
     "It's the least I can do.  I"ll give you the address, and we can
all meet there.  Is it a date?"  Yohko nodded enthusiastically.
     "You bet!"  Reiko nodded back.
     "Good.  I'm glad to have this chance to pay you back for all
your ... past kindnesses to me, Yohko.  Come on, let's go."
     They left the shop, Yohko grinning from ear to ear.
     Her week was really looking up.

***

     Kamiri slowly emerged from where she'd been hiding. 
Following the Devil Hunter around had been quite a difficult task, but
hardly an impossible one for a ninja like herself.  She'd learned much
during the past week, but had also uncovered some curious questions.
     She walked over to the door, lowering the shade and throwing
the bolt.  Then she sauntered slowly over to the counter where the
sales clerk stood, looking a little lost.  Kamiri stepped around the
counter, walking right up to the girl.  The name tag pinned to her tight
blazer indicated that her name was Yui.  
     "Hello, Yui.  How are you?" she asked in a low, husky voice. 
Yui looked at her, appearing disoriented.
     "What?  I ... should you be back here?"  Kamiri smiled
tolerantly.
     "Yui, do you remember those girls that just left?"  Yui blinked
prettily, her eyes slightly unfocused.
     "Girls?" she echoed blankly.  Kamiri slipped one arm around
the unresisting girl's waist, letting the other slide around the back of her
neck, long nails scoring the delicate flesh lightly.  Yui trembled at her
touch, and Kamiri smiled seductively.  This would be fun.  She pulled
the confused counter girl into a white hot kiss, plundering her tender
mouth easily.  When she broke the kiss, Yui was panting, her eyes
closed.
     "Tell me what the dark-haired girl did," she whispered into
Yui's ear.  It was not a request.  She felt Yui's body tense in her arms
as Kamiri's order fought with whatever compulsion the lovely Reiko
had placed on her.  Kamiri unpinned the girl's long blond hair from its
prison with one hand, letting it fall free, raking her fingers through it
before taking a firm grip on the almost liquid silk.  She pulled the girl's
head back into a submissive arch, then dug her long nails into the small
of Yui's back.  She repeated the question in a throaty growl,
punctuating it by flicking her tongue into Yui's ear.  The girl
whimpered.  Finally, she whispered something too low to hear. 
     "Louder," Kamiri ordered.
     "She ... bit me," Yui breathed.  Kamiri reached down to the
collar of the girl's blouse, hooking it with her savagely long nails and
pulling it back.  There, nestled in the hollow of Yui's throat, an angry
red bite mark stood out plainly against her pale skin.  Kamiri nodded
thoughtfully.  A vampire of sorts, but not a mere nightfeeder.  No, she
was something much more dangerous, and potentially trouble as well.
     She lowered Yui to the plush carpet, letting her collapse
bonelessly in an enticingly helpless pose.  Kamiri considered staying to
pleasure herself with the girl, but thought better of it.  She had too
much to do, even though she hadn't had a chance to indulge herself
since she'd arrived here.  The girl would provide no challenge, though,
even if she weren't already bewitched.  Kamiri ached for a challenge. 
Sighing with regret, she stood gracefully and left.
     The presence of the Devil Hunter was a potential snag, but the
real problem was that girl, the one she called Reiko.  Kamiri had more
than a little experience with demons of all sorts from her failed
attempts to gain access to the Shikima realm.  That girl was strange.  
Not a demon, but not completely human either.  She was very adept
at hiding her true nature, however.  Even Kamiri had only managed
glimpses of her power, roiling just below the surface.  She wondered if
the girl mightn't be a half demon, like that brat Miko Mido.
     Whatever the case, she was a comely one.  More than once,
Kamiri had considered how pleasurable it would be to conquer the
arrogance in those mysterious violet eyes.  But she didn't dare reveal
herself, not until she understood more about the girl's true nature.
     She seemed to have her sights set on the virginal young Devil
Hunter, though.  That poor, foolish innocent didn't even realize what
her "friend" was up to, and Kamiri was willing to bet that by the time
she finally realized the true nature of Reiko's dark desires, the snare
would have closed on her.  That would be interesting to watch, if the
opportunity presented itself.  But it likely wouldn't.
     After all, Kamiri wasn't a big believer in coincidences.  That
creature was here for a reason, and she'd found traces of other
magics, searching magics.  And traces of a powerful Conjunction, not
terribly recent but very powerful.  One that had lead to the Dark
Realms.
     That girl could very well be from the Dark Realms.  
     And someone besides Kamiri was searching for the Book.
     That was just too much in too short a time to be mere chance.
     Kamiri had thought her quest would rely mostly on stealth and
guile.  It appeared she may have been in error.
     If she wanted the Book, she might have to fight for it.  Which
was fine with her.
     She'd be more than happy to add a Devil Hunter and a
seductress from the Dark Realms to her lists of conquests.
     She strode off, hoping that, before her time here was over, she
would have a chance to lock horns with those two. Now THAT
would be a real challenge.



Next: Reiko and Yohko hit the clubs for a night on the town, while
Liliss and Kamiri clash over some secret writings.  Azusa returns! And lots
more fan service!