Featuring characters from Devil Hunter Yohko and La Blue Girl: Last time: Reiko, the Dark Queen, returned with the help of a succubus named Liliss. She used a spell so that her reappearance would seem natural to Yohko, and then set out to befriend the young Devil Hunter ... but for unsavoury purposes. Also, a mysterious ninja woman named Kamiri lurked about ... Dark Queen's Reign Chapter two: Ensnared by Dark Schneider Reiko stood in front of the mirror, a wicked smile playing at the corners of her lush mouth. "Liliss," she said softly. "To me." The surface of the mirror roiled and churned, and soon the shadowy outline of a shapely female form appeared. It stepped gracefully from the mirror's surface, resolving itself into the form of the beautiful, tawny succubus. "You called me, Mistress?" she asked. Reiko nodded, reaching out to stroke Liliss's cheek idly. "How goes the search?" she asked. Liliss's lovely eyes fell to gaze at her feet. "I have narrowed the location of the writings to the university's special projects building. The security is quite high there, however. Could they know what they have?" Reiko smiled, slipping her fingers under Liliss's chin and pulling the succubus's gaze back to her own. "Unlikely, my sweet golden girl. The shipment from the dig contained many other artifacts, and there are rumours of delicate research being carried on in that building. No, they don't know what they have, and if they did, they would have no idea what to do with it. You've done well." The succubus squirmed with pleasure at the compliment, and Reiko slipped her hand around the beautiful creature's head, stroking her hair lightly as she leaned closer. "Thank you, Mistress," Liliss murmured. "Here is your reward," Reiko whispered, pressing her mouth gently against the succubus's own. Liliss's lips parted under the gentle pressure, and Reiko flicked her tongue into the demoness's hot mouth, drawing the kiss out until Liliss groaned with pleasure. Then she pulled back just far enough to break contact, breathing her words into Liliss's beautiful face. "This matter will keep for the moment. I don't want you retrieving the writings until after dark. I have something else I want you to do for me." Drawing the unresisting beauty against her, she moved her mouth until it was nearly touching Liliss's ear, then gave her her instructions. Liliss nodded. "Yes, Mistress," she smiled. "I understand." "She is not to remember afterwards, Liliss," Reiko cautioned. "I want her kept out of the way tonight, but I don't want her arousing Yohko's suspicions. Not now, not when I'm so close." A hungry gleam came into Liliss's gorgeous honey-gold eyes. "You will take her tonight, Mistress?" she asked breathlessly. Reiko's answering look was one of a woman who knows her desires are within her grasp. "No, sweet. Not tonight. Tomorrow night. The alignment of forces will be favourable, and everything will be in place. Tomorrow, I make her mine." Liliss frowned slightly. "Then what of tonight, Mistress?" Reiko gave the succubus a look that made her shudder all over and long to fall at the raven-haired beauty's feet. "Oh, tonight ... tonight is foreplay, sweet. Tonight I play. Tomorrow I feast." Then she threw her head back and laughed, a wild mad sound, and Liliss DID fall to her mistress's feet, her heart pounding with excitement. Dark pleasures were about to be loosed on the human world. *** Yohko flopped down on her bed, clamping the handset to her head. "You can't come? Chi, why not?" "I'm sorry, Yohko," Chi's voice replied from the phone. "I didn't know you were making plans. I have to watch my cousin. My parents volunteered me, and I do owe them one after they bought me that new camera ..." "Can't you bring your cousin along?" Yohko asked hopefully. "Yohko, he's three!" Chi laughed. Yohko sighed. "Aw. I just wanted you to come. It sounds like it'll be a lot of fun." "Next time, I promise. Hey, you can tell me all about it next time I see you. Deal?" Yohko smiled. "I guess that'll have to do." She sat up, dropping her towel as she walked toward the chair where her new dress was hanging. "By the way, wait till you see my new dress! You'll just die!" "Can't wait. Hey, Yohko, I'm glad Reiko turned out to be okay, y'know?" Yohko smiled. "Me too, Chi. Me too. Well, I've gotta go. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Bye." "Bye. Have fun." Yohko hung up and tossed the phone on the bed. Have fun, huh? She picked up the dress and ran her fingers over the material lightly. Oh, yes. THAT was definitely on the agenda. *** Liliss set the phone down, smiling at it evilly. "Yes, Yohko," she said in Chi's voice. "Have fun on your last night as a free woman." Then she sighed happily, straightening up and turning back to the bed. Chi lay there, struggling weakly. The busty red-head's clothes were in shreds, but she was unmarked. After all, Liliss's mistress wanted her unharmed. At least until after tomorrow night. Then Liliss might ask if she could have the little tart as a pet. She hadn't been able to indulge herself for a while because she'd been so busy serving her mistress, and this girl was not without her charms. Chi moaned and tried to roll off the bed as the lovely succubus swayed over to her. She easily flipped the exhausted girl back onto the bed, bending over her to gaze deeply into her eyes. "Oh come now, my dear," she purred kittenishly. "Surely you're not spent already? I've barely begun, after all. I'm allowed to have you to myself for hours yet, and the only restriction is that I may not kill you. Isn't that wonderful?" Chi struggled weakly, her sweat-soaked limbs thrashing ineffectually against the hungry sex demoness. "Yohko ... help ..." she croaked. Liliss smiled broadly. "Oh, no, my dear. Sweet Devil Hunter Yohko can't help you. Very soon, she won't even be able to help herself." Then she lowered herself so that the red-head was pinned lightly beneath her lush body, running her long nails teasingly over the girl's flushed skin and stiffened nipples. "Now, where were we ...? Oh, yes." Liliss let her fingers slip down between Chi's legs, finding the girl's cleft already soaked. Smiling in anticipation, she let two of her fingers slip inside, smiling with pleasure as Chi arched upwards with a gasp. She buried her fingers deeply, and then began to plunge them in and out, sometimes twisting her hand as she moved in so her outstretched thumb grazed the red-head's nub lightly. The seductive rhythm overrode Chi's feeble struggles, and soon her body was writhing in time to Liliss's gentle thrusts, animal groans tearing loose from her throat. Liliss enjoyed making the girl wait, but soon she'd had enough. She bent her head to take one of Chi's erect, tormented nipples in her mouth, using her tongue and teeth to good effect. That, as she'd expected, proved to be too much for the girl's lust-soaked body, and she came with a high sweet cry, her body tensing and twisting before falling back on the bed, limp and exhausted. Liliss crouched over her girl-toy, framing Chi's sweat slicked face in her hands and giving her a full, lingering kiss. "Well, Chi. That was a marvelous start," she whispered, seeing the girl's eyes widen as Liliss's words sunk in. What should we do next? Not that it matters; we've plenty of time." She grasped Chi's wrists and pulled them over her head. Chi barely resisted, and soon Liliss knew even that token resistance would fade. She smiled. "Yes," she crooned. "The night is young. Come, let me show you ... real pleasure." And she smiled. *** "Reiko!" Yohko trotted up, grinning. Reiko smiled back. "Yohko. There you are." "Have you been waiting long?" she asked anxiously. Reiko shook her head. "No, I just got here myself. Your friend hasn't arrived yet, though." "Chi can't make it," Yohko apologized. Reiko raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then I suppose I have you all to myself tonight. Come on, Yohko, it's Friday night. Let's cut loose and have some real fun!" Caught up by Reiko's enthusiasm, Yohko felt a sense of exhilaration. She glanced around at the lights of the city at night, thinking to herself that there did seem to be a sense of anticipation in the air, a feeling of reckless abandonment. She was tired of the restrictions placed on her life as a Devil Hunter. Just for one night, she was going to let go and get a little wild. "I'm with you!" she responded. Together, they walked down the narrow flight of stairs and entered the door under the neon sign that read, "The Siren's Lair". Inside, Yohko wondered if they were going to have trouble with the imposing doorman. However, he just looked at Reiko for a moment and waved them in. They moved through a second door and stood on a small landing above the club. Yohko stared in amazement. It was quite spacious, and the party seemed to be in full swing already. The dance floor was full of gyrating bodies, and the long bar and scattered booths were already half full. Multi-coloured lights strobed hypnotically and music that seemed to consist mainly of a throbbing beat reverberated through the hot, smoky air like a primal heartbeat. "Isn't this great?" Reiko grinned. Yohko agreed wholeheartedly. It was magnificent. They went downstairs and checked their coats. Reiko's dress looked as daring as Yohko remembered. Hers felt intimate and revealing as it clung tenaciously to her body, hot air feeling strange on her bare belly and back. Reiko grabbed her hand and they moved through the crowd. She led them to a plush, velvet-lined booth set back from the dance floor on a small platform. It was small and cosy, offering a good view of the action. A waitress appeared immediately, and Reiko gave her an order while Yohko was still distracted by the sights. There were all different sorts of people in the club, but she and Reiko were not overdressed by any means. Yohko felt her heart race as she watched the unbridled energy exploding all around them. She looked up as the waitress reappeared with the drinks. "You didn't pay her," Yohko frowned. Reiko winked at her. "I'll run a tab. They know me here," she said simply. Yohko tasted her coke, then noticed that Reiko's drink was a strange colour. "Reiko, is that alcohol?" she asked. Reiko stuck her tongue out in a strangely playful gesture. "Relax, Yohko. I can handle my booze. Anyway, after we dance the night away, this drink'll mean nothing at all." Yohko watched in amazement as her friend downed the drink in one shot, then slammed the glass back on the dark table. "C'mon, Yohko! Let's dance!" Yohko glanced at the table. "You shouldn't leave your purse there," she said. Reiko laughed and grabbed Yohko's hand. "Relax. Nothing will happen to it. Trust me. Now let's GO!" With that, she pulled Yohko out onto the dance floor. They bounded into the crowd eagerly and joined the party. Yohko quickly lost herself in the insistent beat of the music, bouncing happily through the milling crowd. Reiko closed her eyes and gyrated in time to the music, always moving in a lazy graceful manner that drew envious stares. She tossed her head, wove subtle seductive patterns with her hands, and undulated her lithe body like a creature that fed on music and heat and light. She was wild grace and sensuality personified, and Yohko was quite in awe of the easy way her friend let herself be caught up in the music. She found herself following suit, trying to keep up. She was having the time of her life. When the music sped up, Reiko held her long slim arms over her head and shook her body in a hard, hungry rhythm, her hair flying in a dark cloud as she flung her head from side to side. When the music slowed, she beckoned the unwary with enticing feline motions, slow and languorous. And always, Yohko followed suit, enjoying the sensation of recklessness and release, enjoying the attention they were garnering from others in the crowd, including not a few good-looking hunks. She'd lost all track of time when Reiko finally pulled her from the floor during a minor lull in the action. They made their way to their booth, and Yohko was astonished to see that not only was it still unoccupied, but their purses were indeed still there. Reiko just smiled, seeing her confusion. "I have friends on the staff," she explained. "I used to come here often." Even the noise from the dance floor seemed muted here, and they could talk without shouting. Weird. Yohko shook her head, her heart finally starting to slow, as the waitress appeared with another round of drinks. Reiko was halfway through hers before Yohko had even sipped her Coke. "Your an amazing dancer, Reiko," Yohko said, looking at the other girl with admiration and a little envy. Reiko cocked her head slightly, brushing at her dark forelock with the back of one slim hand. "Thanks. You're pretty good, too." "Nowhere near as good as you are, though." Reiko gave a low, throaty laugh. "You just need to learn to loosen up a little more," Reiko assured her, long almond-shaped eyes narrowing slightly. "I can help you with that, if you like ..." Yohko smiled. "Sure!" "Okay. First, let's make a pit stop and get touched up." She finished off her drink, then snagged her small purse and grabbed Yohko again. They headed off along the edge of the dance floor, heading back into one shadowed corner. "Where are we going?" Yohko shouted over the din. "The little girl's room!" Reiko answered over her shoulder. Yohko frowned. "But aren't they back there?" Reiko didn't answer, leading Yohko to a small alcove with a plain, unmarked door. She opened it and they went through into a dark tiled hallway. When the door shut behind them, it cut off the music totally. Yohko blinked nervously. "Hey, are we supposed to be back here?" she asked, looking around. Reiko smiled reassuringly. "Will you relax? You're such a straight girl!" She pulled Yohko after her, the stiletto heels of her high black boots clicking sharply on the floor. "But ..." "I'm a preferred customer, Yohko. The other bathrooms are always jammed. This one is much nicer, and much more private." She led Yohko down the hall and around a corner. Sure enough, there was a door marked Women. Reiko pushed through, dragging the reluctant Yohko in behind her. Once inside, Yohko's reluctance vanished. The place was absolutely gorgeous. Black and white tiles covered the floor. The walls were dark veined marble, and the fixtures were gold and spotless. There was a long vanity along one wall, with a well-lit full mirror behind it. Plush towels hung next to the sinks, and the facilities .... "Back there," Reiko said. "They're very nice. I think you'll like them." Yohko had to agree. Padded seats, spacious cubicles, and a bidet. Heaven. Afterwards, she washed her hands and dried them on the dark, clean towels and dropped them in the marked linen slot. She was quite impressed with this set-up; she'd never seen anything like it. She'd known Reiko's family was well off, but she hadn't imagined anyone could get service like this! She joined Reiko at the vanity, watching as the other girl regarded herself critically. "Hmmm. Perfect," she announced finally. Yohko had to agree. Reiko's outfit was nearly the same as it had been in the boutique, with the addition of red rose earrings and some silver bracelets. Her dark hair cascaded down her back, and she tugged at the long sleeves, smoothing out a tiny wrinkle, then reached down to run her hands down her long, glossy boots. Finally, she turned to Yohko and frowned. "You know, Yohko, you look great. Really. But ..." "But what?" Reiko frowned at her a moment longer, then sighed. "Do you trust me?" she asked finally. Sure," Yohko replied without hesitation. She was surprised to find that she did trust Reiko, without reservation. She wondered when that had happened. "Okay," Reiko said, as if reaching a decision. She reached out, taking Yohko by her bare shoulders, and moved her so she was leaning back against the vanity. Yohko reached down to grasp the counter top with her hands, startled. "Hey! What ...?" Reiko moved closer, straddling Yohko's legs, and those deep violet eyes locked onto hers, peering out compellingly from behind that lush forelock of hair. "Let's do something to tweak your look a little," she murmured throatily. "Like your hair, for starters." Yohko blinked. "What's wrong with my hair?" she asked indignantly. Reiko gave her a tolerant smile. "Nothing, sweetie. But that style is just a little young for this look." Yohko considered that. Her glossy brown hair was done up in its usual style, two thin braids held in loops above her head on either side, then hanging down in twin ponytails. Maybe Reiko was right, though. That wasn't a look for a night out on the town. Reiko saw Yohko's acceptance and nodded, reaching up to remove Yohko's hair ornaments, which she set on the counter. Yohko's hair collapsed in a silky wave to the small of her back, and Reiko leaned a little closer, combing her fingers through it slowly. Yohko swallowed as Reiko's scent washed over her. Damn that girl's habit of standing so close! Yohko began to feel a sense of relaxation, however, at the sensation of being pampered. Reiko toyed with her hair for a few moments, spreading it with her hands, then sighed. "Oh, yes. Yohko, you should definitely wear your hair down and loose." "You think so?" "Oh yes, it suits you much better. Now, let's see ..." She fished in her purse, having to lean into Yohko to reach it, the contents clicking and clattering quietly. Yohko suppressed a gasp as Reiko's body pressed against hers. She was suddenly reminded that she'd been having strange, erotic dreams all week, and hadn't been able to find any release since that night ... Since that night in the tub when Reiko had appeared in her fantasy. She cursed herself for thinking of this now, at the most inappropriate time. Her she was, leaning back against the counter while Reiko straddled her with her long, booted legs ... it might appear a little ecchi if anyone walked in, even though it was perfectly innocent. Perfectly. Reiko came up with a red ribbon, smiling with satisfaction. Then she gripped it between her lips as she gathered Yohko's hair in her hands, combing through it a couple of times before she gathered it up high on the back of Yohko's head. Satisfied, she held it in place with one hand while she retrieved the ribbon with the other, then tied it around the gathered hair. She pulled back a little, smiling, then started fishing in her purse again. Yohko squirmed, trying to turn so she could see herself in the mirror behind her, and Reiko clamped her legs tightly to hold her in place. "I'm not done yet," she smiled. "Now hold still." Yohko did so. It was easier just to let Reiko do what she wanted, after all. and she was curious to see what the other girl had in mind. "I'm thinking," Reiko said, regarding her critically, "that you don't need much enhancing. Maybe a more dramatic colour of lipstick." She uncapped a small cylinder and leaned in again, cupping Yohko's chin in one hand and tilting her head back. "Purse your lips, sweetie ... yeah, just ... like that. Goooood ..." Yohko closed her eyes as Reiko's soft voice soothed her. She felt the other girl's hot breath fan across her face, then something cool and silky smooth was gliding across her lips. First the upper, pulling gently as it moved, then the full lower lip. Reiko's bare stomach brushed lightly against hers as she moved, neither of their dresses having any material there. Finally Reiko blotted them gently, and Yohko started to try to push herself up, even though her body felt so heavy and relaxed. Reiko's hand on her chest between her breasts stopped her. "No," she murmured. "Keep you eyes closed for a moment, sweetie. I just want to ... okay, there. Now ... just hold still ..." Yohko felt deliciously decadent as Reiko traced a soft line around her eyes, then brushed at it with something feathery. She was drifting in a sea of sensations, the tension in her body being replaced with a delicious lassitude. Then she felt slim hands grasp her shoulders gently and she was almost disappointed that it was over. Reiko pulled her upright, whispering in her ear to keep her eyes closed, then slowly turned her around. "Okay, Yohko," she said huskily. "Take a look." Yohko opened her eyes and gasped. It was almost as if she'd been replaced with an older version of herself. Her hair was pulled up loosely to the crown of her head, cascading down in a long, lush tail that swayed enticingly as she moved. Her lips were a dramatic slash of crimson against her fair skin, and her eyes stood out, seeming larger and more defined. Reiko leaned in behind her, crossing her hands on Yohko's shoulder and leaning her chin on them with a sly smile. "You like?" she asked, the vibration of her voice travelling directly through Yohko's shoulder and into her chest, tingling pleasantly. Yohko could only nod silently. "I look ... different," she said at last, raising her hands to her face and hair with an expression of wonder. Reiko chuckled and stood up. "Yes, hot. Hotter, I mean," she grinned, giving Yohko's hair an insouciant flip. "Come on, I think we're ready for round two, don't you?" Yohko grinned back. "Oh, yeah," she said. Together, they headed back out into the chaos of the club. *** Reiko watched with satisfaction as Yohko's defences continued to erode. She'd infiltrated the girl's personal space constantly, to the point where she easily accepted Reiko's habit of casual touching, rationalizing the unsettling sensations those touches sometimes brought. She was her own worst enemy, refusing to accept what was slowly happening because it was unthinkable, explaining away every anomalous feeling Reiko's presence caused. It was nearly time. In fact, Reiko had nearly taken her in the bathroom. Having Yohko under her that way, her back arched, eyes closed, so totally in her power, the temptation had been great to lean down and drown the girl in a soul searing kiss. But no. She'd planned so long, she would wait one more night. When she took Yohko, it would only be after Yohko finally realized the truth. It would be sweet to conquer the haughty little Devil Hunter, to look into her eyes and see her realize that she could not resist, that she must surrender to the Dark Queen at long last. She watched Yohko move, her body looser now, her movements more natural. The music surrounded her, moved her, made her its own. Reiko slowly moved closer to the girl. One last, delicious tease, one last twist of her already tight desire, needing but finding no release ... By the time they had their final confrontation, Yohko's young body would be begging for release from its torment, the sweet hot torment that had been building in her all week. Yohko would have to fight not only the Dark Queen, but also her own urges. There would be no way for her to win. Reiko slid easily behind Yohko, watching her hair snake in a sensuous rhythm as she twisted with the throbbing music. Reiko moved up behind her and gently wrapped her arms around the girl's narrow waist, feeling the surprise in the sudden tensing of her body. "Yohko," she shouted into her ear, "let's dance together! Give the folks a show!" She sensed Yohko's hesitation, and gestured into the crowd. Two other girls were dancing together, getting a warm reception from the crowd. "Come on, we can do better than that! We'll show them! Let's make all the Shins out there wish they were your boyfriend!" That did it. Yohko grinned at her, all hesitation vanishing. "Okay! Let's do it!" she answered, taking up the challenge. Reiko started slow, undulating her body against Yohko from behind, making the other girl mirror her movements. She kept her arms around Yohko's waist, guiding her as they moved, a study in sensuality. Then, with a slow smile, she released the other girl, dancing in a tight circle around her. She swayed in and pulled away, always coming almost into contact with Yohko. Yohko picked up on the game, leaning back as Reiko leaned in, then following Reiko's lead. Reiko turned, lacing her fingers into her hair before flinging it out in a curtain, spinning around again. She beckoned Yohko with her long fingers, and Yohko came willingly. She drew the girl in close, then turned and edged backwards into Yohko's arms. Yohko, startled at first, began dancing as Reiko had in her place, and again they moved together, as one, hips swaying enticingly as they moved. Reiko brushed her hips back against Yohko's heat, feeling a sweet tension take the other girl's body at the brief contact. Another "accident", Yohko dear, she thought with a smile. She placed her hands over Yohko's, lacing her fingers with her partner's. They writhed together, the music increasing in tempo. Then, as Reiko sensed the song about to end, she whirled in Yohko's arms and threw her own arms around the startled girl's waist. As the music crashed to a crescendo, she threw Yohko back in a deep dip, holding her there as the music climaxed, staring deeply into her eyes as the moment held, and stretched. Their bodies were pressed tightly together in this posture, Reiko easily holding all of Yohko's weight as the music stopped and the crowd cheered. Finally, she drew Yohko back to her feet, noting with pleasure the look in Yohko's guileless brown eyes. "Wow," she breathed as Reiko smiled at her. "Sexy!" Reiko grinned. "I'll bet that gave those boys something to dream about tonight," she teased. Yohko blushed with pleasure, and Reiko knew Yohko enjoyed getting some revenge after all her romantic failures. "Reiko," she scolded, "you are soooo BAD!" Reiko chuckled, leaning forward to drape her arms on Yohko's shoulders, crossing her wrists behind Yohko's neck. "Yohko, sweetie," she said with a sultry smile, "you have no idea." Then the music started up again, and Reiko drew her back into the crowd. Yohko didn't resist. Reiko had known she wouldn't. *** Yohko sighed happily. The night was over, but it had been wonderful. She had cut loose completely, and she felt great! For one whole night, she hadn't thought once about being a Devil Hunter, or the responsibilities that her life had saddled her with. For one night, she had been just a carefree girl out for a night of fun. She blushed again as she remembered sexy dancing with Reiko. That girl was so daring! But she'd been right, after all. Yohko had seen the looks they'd gotten while doing that, and her self-confidence had been buoyed greatly. Those men had wanted her, and many of them had danced close, offering to buy her drinks. Reiko had laughed and told them to get their own dates, Yohko was hers, which made them all the more intrigued. Reiko sure knew how to handle men, Yohko thought enviously as she neared her house. She teased them and flirted effortlessly, and they ate it up. Of course, when she was around Reiko, Yohko felt like she could do that, too. In fact, tonight she'd felt that way, following Reiko's lead, enjoying all the attention without worrying about anything. Reiko had told her that she should just enjoy herself, but not let any one of these men monopolize her. She should hold out for someone great. And Yohko had realized she was right. She would enjoy the adulation of these strangers, and she would use her new-found confidence to snag the man she really wanted. Of course, she'd spent most of the night with Reiko. She felt safer with her. Reiko knew her way around. She was mature beyond her years, sophisticated and sexy. Yohko was glad Reiko wasn't her enemy this time. She wouldn't have wanted to have to fight her again. She opened the front door, then stepped inside and let it shut behind her. She had only taken two steps inside, though, when she froze, something cutting through her pleasant haze. Someone was in the house. No sooner had she thought that than a light flared, blinding her, and footfalls raced toward her. Damn! She raised her ring hand, preparing to transform. "Yohko! There you are! Where have you been, do you know what time it ...?" The other voice cut off sharply and Yohko sighed, lowering her hand. Azusa. The smaller girl stood in the hallway, dressed in her pajamas, gaping at Yohko. "Hey. I see you're back," Yohko said. Azusa continued to stare, and Yohko frowned. "What?" she asked. "Yuh. Yuh. Yohko. That DRESS ..." Yohko had slung her coat over her shoulder because of the warm weather, and her new dress was revealed. She blushed. "And your HAIR! And make-up ... WOW. Yohko, were you on a date?" Suddenly, the bouncy young apprentice Devil Hunter was in front of her, practically vibrating with excitement. "Tell! Tell!" Yohko laughed. "Hey, come on! Let me get cleaned up, okay? Then you can tell me about your trip and I'll tell you about my night. Deal?" "Okay!" Asuza chirped, following Yohko all the way to the bathroom. Soon afterwards, Yohko reclined on her bed, clad only in her striped nightshirt, and Asuza lay on her mattress on the floor. She related the news of her family, whom Yohko had never met, in eager breathless tones. Yohko smiled as she listened, still able to feel the throbbing pulse of the music pounding in her body, its siren call beckoning her to movement, to reckless abandon. As she remembered the night, her blood seemed to heat toward boiling ... the noise, the crowd, the heat, the music. She felt a warm, pleasurable tingle in the pit of her stomach as she replayed the events that had beguiled her senses. And strangely, she couldn't stop thinking about how it had felt to have Reiko preening her, standing over her and looking down with those bottomless violet eyes ... "So, Yohko, now it's your turn! Tell me about your date!" She started, realizing how easily she'd become aroused just thinking about ... the club. She'd had such a strange week, and the wild atmosphere of that place seemed to have seeped into her, stirring sharp longings in her that she would usually have kept under tighter control. And now, with Asuza back, it would be hard to find the privacy to ... deal with her growing frustrations. She sighed, then turned onto her side, showing Asuza a tolerant smile. "It wasn't a date. I was just out having fun with a friend." "Chi?" "No, not Chi. She was busy. This was someone else." "Who? Do I know her?" So Yohko had to explain about Reiko, since that whole thing had happened before she and Asuza had met. Then she explained why she'd been concerned, and how Reiko had decided to repay her kindness by taking her dancing at the club. She left out the details of what they'd done, though. In the heat of the moment everything had seemed quite natural, but she realized that in the cold light of this quiet room Reiko's joking flirtations might be taken the wrong way, and she didn't want to have to explain THAT to Asuza. "Wow, that place sounds really wild!" Asuza said when Yohko had finished her edited version of events. "And you're sure that Reiko doesn't remember ever being this Dark Queen?" "Almost positive," Yohko said, rolling onto her back again. "I'll keep an eye on her, of course, but it looks like her dreams were only a faint echo of what happened. I think she's okay." "Good. If she's Yohko's friend, then I want her to be my friend too!" Yohko smiled at the ceiling. "I'm sure she'd like that," she said, stifling a yawn. Asuza heard, though, and scolded her. "Hey, it's late. You should get some sleep, Yohko. No matter how quiet it's been, you have to be rested for tomorrow." "Why? What's tomorrow?" she asked sleepily. Asuza groaned. "A bad night for Devil Hunters, maybe. Strange astral alignments are expected, and several lesser forces are in conjunction! It's called the Blood moon in spiritual circles, and you just never know what'll happen on a night like that!" "Oh, yeah," Yohko said as if she'd known all along. "No problem. G'night, Asuza." "Night, Yohko." Yohko rolled herself in her blankets and closed her eyes. Her hair, unbound and loose, spilled across her pillow, and she frowned slightly as she breathed in a half-remembered scent. She turned her head a little, touching her nose to the silken spray and inhaling again. Ah. Reiko's perfume. She smiled. For some reason, having Reiko's scent on her made her feel warm, loose. With that thought, she drifted off to sleep. *** "Ah, there you are, Liliss," Reiko said. She stood gloriously naked in front of the mirror which was, for once, actually reflecting what was in front of it. She turned and regarded the succubus lazily. "How is Yohko's friend?" she asked. Liliss gave her a sated smile. "Exhausted, but unhurt. I used a minor spell to make her think she was actually babysitting tonight. It won't hold up for more than a couple of days, though." "That will prove sufficient, Liliss. By this time tomorrow, Yohko will be a bride of darkness, hopelessly ensnared in my web. I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight, but now that you've had your fun, I need you to continue your search for the whereabouts of the hidden shrine. It is in this city, I can feel it. Those writings will tell us exactly where to be at midnight on the full moon to open the way. I need that artifact if I am to regain the power I desire." Liliss nodded, her tawny mane slipping down over her shoulders. "Of course, Mistress. The university should be quite deserted at this hour. The human scholars have been unable to translate the ancient texts, but they should prove no problem for me." Reiko smiled. "Excellent. Everything is going so well. Soon, all will be in readiness for my ascension to power." Liliss looked uncomfortable, and Reiko walked over to her, brushing the succubus's hair back with her hand. "What is the matter, my golden girl?" she asked. Liliss looked up slowly, her expression carefully neutral. "Mistress. I am only a rogue succubus. Were I a more powerful demon, I might have found the location of the hidden shrine by now. And these portents, they augur ill-fortune around the Tome of Craxus itself. I believe someone else is seeking it, but I can not see ..." Reiko brought her hands up to the succubus's face and drew her into a savage, passionate kiss. Liliss gasped and answered her mistress's passion with her own as Reiko thrust her naked body close. After long, delirious moments, Reiko pulled back, looking deep into Liliss's golden eyes. "Liliss, my sweet," she murmured into the happy succubus's open mouth. "You are loyal. Without you I would have nothing. I do not begrudge you your limitations. You have gone beyond what you were when first we met, and you shall go further still. Merely do what I command of you, and I shall never be disappointed. Disappointing me, after all, would be a very bad idea." Reiko noted that Liliss's eyes were lidded, her breathing heavy, and she knew she had best turn the lush beauty loose or neither of them would get any work done that evening. She pushed Liliss lightly away, turning back to her bed. "Go now, Liliss. Events are moving quickly now, and we had best be prepared. Make me proud, my sweet." "I will," she promised, bowing deeply before leaving. Reiko moved through the shadows, making her way to the sideboard where she poured herself a goblet of blood-red fluid. She lifted it to her lips and sipped gently, sighing with pleasure. Ah, she had missed the pleasures of the senses when she'd been trapped, a mere essence, within Liliss. Yohko had been responsible for that, of course, and Reiko's defeat should have been the end of her. But the unexpected had happened. Liliss had fallen in love with her and, instead of consuming her helpless essence, had set about stealing energy from her own kind so that Reiko could live again. And now she did. She could touch, she could taste, she could smell. She could seduce. She thought again, as she did often lately, of Yohko Mano, her own private obsession. It had been so hard to put off her pleasure, but it would be well worth it. She had brought the girl so far, and now Yohko was ready. Ready for the betrayal which would bring her to her knees. After her defeat, she would have given anything for the chance to kill the girl but, during her slow recovery, her obsession had grown, changed. Now she wanted to possess the girl, to ensnare her and corrupt her and break her to the will of the Dark Queen. Oh, how she lusted to see the girl at her feet, a collar of submission around her proud neck, an expression of helpless lust in her pretty eyes. That would be a hundred times better than merely killing her. She would be Reiko's toy to do with as she pleased. And she would please to do many, many things. It would take her quite a while to run out of humiliations to heap on the girl. That night had been perfect. She'd gone as far as she could go without tipping her hand. Tomorrow night, under the light of the Blood moon, she would claim her prize. But first, one last task. Sweet, suffocating dreams of erotic need that would wind the poor girl's frustrated desire to a quivering, fever pitch. At the club, she'd practically vibrated like some sexual tuning fork, and it had taken all of Reiko's guile to deflect the men and women drawn to that subconscious signal. But Reiko could raise Yohko's trembling need one more notch, one more sweet maddening level. She walked over to her enchanted mirror, touching it and watching as Yohko's sleeping form appeared. Then she pursed her full lips and placed a tender kiss upon the image of the sleeping girl, smiling wickedly as she began to thrash in her sleep. "Until tomorrow, Yohko," she whispered, "this dream of me to keep you warm." *** Yohko wandered through the strange house. It was dark, and she held her soul sword in front of her cautiously. Something was here, of that she was certain. Something dangerous. She approached a door, easing it open and slipping inside. The room was large, but seemed close and claustrophobic somehow. As she crept through the shadows, she saw a large mirror against one wall that reflected nothing. A huge bed with a canopy and dark sheets was across from it, and a high backed chair sat in front of the fireplace. As she approached, a figure stood up from the chair, and she tensed, expecting an attack. "Yohko. Welcome, I've been expecting you." Yohko felt a chill rush through her. It was Reiko. She was dressed in the tight black pants, high boots and unlaced white shirt she'd worn in Yohko's fantasy, and her appearance sent a bolt of electric pleasure though Yohko's body. Reiko gave her a sultry smile, as if she knew what affect her appearance was having on the Devil Hunter, and strutted slowly towards her. Yohko, gripped by some nameless fear, backed away. "Why are you running from me, Yohko?" Reiko asked in a teasing voice. "You came here looking for me, didn't you? Well, here I am." "Stay back," Yohko warned, her voice unsteady. Reiko kept advancing. "Or what? What will you do?" Yohko backed into a wall, and Reiko stopped just out of reach. "I don't want to hurt you," Yohko breathed. "Please, Reiko." Reiko just reached out and touched the blade of the soul sword lightly. To Yohko's amazement, it melted, slipping to the floor in a molten silver puddle. As she stared at her empty hand in shock, Reiko slowly closed the remaining distance between them, bracing her hands flat against the wall on either side of Yohko's head. Yohko stared at her, disarmed and helpless, as she leaned closer. "Yohko," she murmured. "Dear, sweet Yohko. Dance with me." With that, she swept the unsuspecting girl into her arms, spinning her out into the middle of the floor. A low, throbbing beat started up somewhere, and Reiko held Yohko close, so close, forcing her body to mould itself against Reiko's. Reiko wasn't wearing a bra, and her stiff hard nipples scraped Yohko's own through the thin sheer material of her shirt. Her eyes captured Yohko's, their dark violet depths drawing her in, drowning her, swallowing her resistance, sapping her will. Reiko's smile widened, and one hand moved up to the back of Yohko's head as she began to move her face closer. Yohko knew what she intended, knew that if Reiko kissed her she was lost. "No," she moaned softly. Reiko ignored her. "Nuh ... no. Please s-stop." Reiko's lush, blood-red lips parted, and she drew even closer. Yohko's whole body was melting in molten pleasure now, and she trembled with helpless need. "Reiko ... don't ... stop ..." "Don't stop?" Reiko asked, gently mocking. Her moist lips came ever closer, and Yohko's heart hammered wildly in her chest. "No ..." "You're mine, Yohko. Say it." "No ... I ... NO ..." "Say it." "Nuuuh. No. Oh please, don't ..." "Say ... iiiiiiit ..." The lips closed to hers, brushing against her mouth oh so gently ... "NO!" "Yohko!" She took a shaky breath, then another, pushing frantically at the hands on her shoulders. Someone cried out, and she looked up, confused. She was in her bed, sitting up. Her body was trembling, soaked with sweat, and her nipples poked arrogantly at the thin material of her nightshirt. Her arousal was exquisite, and for a moment she thought she would come just from breathing. Then the moment passed, and the cursed need that had maddened her all week subsided into the background once again, albeit with incredible reluctance. Only then did she remember the hands she'd pushed away. "Azusa!" she gasped, looking over the edge. A very cross Azusa was picking herself off the floor slowly. "Geez, Yohko," she winced, standing slowly. "What was THAT all about? First you start thrashing around, saying "no, stop", then you deck me?" She stared at the dishevelled girl, and her anger faded quickly. "That must have been some nightmare, Yohko. Are you all right?" she asked, sounding truly concerned. She perched tentatively on the edge of the bed as if afraid that Yohko would lash out again. Yohko crossed her arms over her chest to hide the evidence of her arousal and nodded, feeling the hot flush of her cheeks. "I'm okay. Sorry, Azusa. You startled me." Azusa smiled. "That's all right. Hey, you wanna tell me about it?" The dream returned full force, and Yohko's blush intensified. "No! I mean ... no. Please. It's okay, it was nothing." Azusa looked at her critically, clearly not convinced but not knowing what else to do. "Well, okay. If you say so. Are you SURE you're okay?" Yohko nodded. " Fine. Listen, I'm sorry I woke you. It's been a weird week. Go back to sleep, okay? We'll talk in the morning." Azusa nodded. "Well, okay. Good night, then." "Night." Yohko flopped back down on her bed, trying to will her heart to stop racing. She remembered more of this dream than she had of the others. Unfortunately. Why had she dreamed of Reiko that way? Was she turning into a pervert or what? And how the hell was she going to stop these damned dreams before they drove her insane? That's it, she thought desperately, pulling her blankets over her head. On Monday, I'm gonna go talk to Shin and get him to go on a date with me before I die of sexual frustration! Of course, she would probably see Reiko before then, and she had no idea how she'd look her friend in the eye after this. Her body singing with unreleased sexual tension, she buried her head under her pillow and groaned. It was going to be a long night. *** Kamiri moved down the dark corridor with easy stealth. Ninja training was very useful when one wanted to break in somewhere, after all. The place was nearly deserted this late at night, but because the university had some valuable artifacts there was a guard in the building. An armed guard. Like that mattered. Kamiri was actually looking forward to dealing with him. It should be fun. She could use her ninja skills, of course, but her sexcraft abilities would be much more ... diverting. She stopped at an intersection of hallways, remembering the layout of the building. The special projects area was to the left. That was where the writings she wanted were being kept, according to the young clerk she'd left exhausted and smiling in his bed. Those writings should hold the clues to where the shrine containing the Book was. Kamiri knew it was her best chance. If this lead didn't pan out, she wasn't certain where to look next. The damned thing had been lost for so long, she wondered if there really were any clues left as to its true whereabouts. She slowed suddenly, her senses alert. Something was wrong. That smell ... The musky scent she detected on the air could be only one thing. Her sexcraft informed her that someone was exuding very powerful sexual smells, far too powerful to be human. Shikima? Whatever the case, she wasn't alone. Someone else WAS after the Book, and that someone was here. Her suspicions were borne out when she spotted the young guard sprawled on the floor. His clothes were torn badly, and thin bloody scratches covered his muscular chest. Her eyes narrowed as she scented the attacker's musk, much stronger now. A succubus. Very interesting. Unlike most humans, she would be able to hold her own against such a creature. Her sexcraft would serve her well in that way, but she was puzzled at the presence of a succubus here. Such creatures generally lacked subtlety, seeking only to sate their lusts on unwary humans. Why would one be seeking such an obscure artifact of arcane power? Well, no matter. Kamiri had to make sure that she didn't succeed. She crept closer to the open doorway that lay beyond the unconscious guard, easing her head around the corner. The room was full of tables and desks, and in the dim light Kamiri didn't see her at first. Then she moved, and Kamiri caught her breath. The succubus was a thing of beauty, all right, all gold-tinged skin and tawny hair, her wings fluttering lightly in the still air of the cluttered room. But it was what was in her hands that interested Kamiri the most. Several sheets of parchment, clearly the writings that Kamiri had been seeking. But if she had them, why was she still here? Well. Kamiri had been cheated out of her fun with the guard, and now this demonic tart had the writings she was after as well. That didn't sit very well with Kamiri. No, that didn't sit well at all. She slipped into the room. Stealth would be the way to go, here. She crept silently through the shadows, until she was directly behind the distracted creature, who appeared to be reading something in the sheets of parchment. Smiling thinly, she spotted a mummy wrapped in loose bandages in one corner. Perfect for her purposes. She clasped her hands together, index fingers raised, and began a low, guttural chant. Instantly, the succubus straightened, whirling around. "Who's there?" she challenged. Kamiri finished her spell, and watched with satisfaction as the bandages spun away from the mummy, snaking out to entrap the succubus's wrists and ankles. The creature howled with rage as she lost her grip on the pages, which fluttered to the floor. She tugged angrily at her bonds as Kamiri emerged from the shadows, walking slowly toward her. "Well, well. Caught so easily," she taunted. Many sexcraft spells centred on binding one's opponent. In this case, though, Kamiri thought it unwise to attempt to get too close. The succubus's nails were wickedly long and sharp-looking, and even strengthened by her spell those bandages would not hold for long. Fortunately, they didn't have to. Kamiri scooped up the pages and glanced at them briefly before rolling them into a tube and tucking them into her sash. "Bitch! Those are mine!" the succubus spat angrily. Kamiri gave her a maddening smile. "They're mine now. Tell me, why do you want these mouldering old things? What use are they to you? Or ... do you serve another?" The succubus thrashed angrily, and Kamiri's eyes narrowed as she had a sudden inspiration. "Reiko, perhaps?" she asked smoothly. The look on the succubus's face gave her away as she howled with rage. "My Mistress will flay the flesh from your bones for this outrage!" she screeched. Kamiri smiled. "Perhaps. But not if I find the Book first." She wanted to stay and play with the lovely creature, but if the mysterious Reiko was behind this, then she was dealing with something she didn't understand. She didn't intend to make the same mistakes she'd made before, the ones that had very nearly cost her her life. She judged she had very few minutes before the creature broke loose, and she didn't want to be around when that happened ... although it WOULD be an interesting struggle for dominance, succubus versus human sexcraft. Another time, perhaps. "If you or your Mistress are foolish enough to get in my way, I'll destroy you," Kamiri told the furious creature. Let them wonder just how powerful Kamiri really was. That would be to her benefit, after all. She turned and walked away, ignoring the creature's angry screeches. So, now she knew. She had competition for the Book. And the opposition knew, too. But she knew more about them than they knew about her, and that gave her the advantage. An advantage she intended to make the most of. She reached the doorway, then turned to sneer at the struggling succubus. "Give my regards to Reiko," she said insolently. "I hope she won't be too upset with you for your failure, my dear ... although if I was her I would be. Be seeing you." With that, she slipped away into the shadows, leaving the enraged demoness far behind. *** "Ahhh! Yohko, look at this kitchen! It's filthy!" Yohko grinned sheepishly. "I, uh, was gonna get around to cleaning it," she said. Azusa glared at her. "You haven't cleaned since your mother and grandmother left, have you?" Yohko sighed. Well, that was true enough. She'd had other things on her mind. Azusa handed her something. Yohko looked at it with a sinking feeling. An apron? "Azusa ..." "We're going to clean this mess before we do anything else! Got it?" Yohko scowled. "Hey, you're the apprentice, remember?" Azusa kept glaring until Yohko gave in. "Okay, okay. We'll clean the house. On a SATURDAY." Azusa sniffed in a superior manner. "That's better," she said. "Once we're finished, then ... maybe we'll go out shopping." She peered at Yohko out of the corner of her eye. "Maybe you could show me the store where you got that dress ..." Yohko made a strangled sound. "You little rat! Those clothes are too mature for you!" she lectured. Azusa pouted. "I just wanna looook," she wailed. Yohko pretended to consider it. "Maybe," she said at last. "If you do the dishes." "I will, if you do the laundry," she returned quickly. Yohko sighed. There was no getting out of it, apparently. "Deal," she grumbled. Placated, Azusa turned her attention to the kitchen while Yohko dug into the neglected laundry. This wasn't the way she'd envisioned spending her Saturday, that was for sure. *** Reiko paced slowly the length of the room, stopping at one end to slowly turn and walk back the other way. Finally she stopped in front of Liliss's bound form. She was wearing a tight leather corset and panties that were cut high over the thigh. Her arms were adorned with long black gloves, and her wrists, ankles, and neck all bore studded circlets. In one hand she held a coiled whip. Her high heeled boots, the same ones she'd worn to the club, clicked menacingly on the cold cement floor. She glared down at her succubus, her expression severe. Liliss was kneeling on the floor, her limbs bound tightly against her body by criss-crossing leather straps. Her arms were fitted into a supple sheath that was laced tightly from her wrists to her shoulders, and her long legs were bound tightly to metal spacers that held them apart. Liliss quivered in her bonds, magicked so that she could not escape without Reiko's aid. A ball gag was strapped tightly into her lush mouth, keeping her from talking. Reiko stood in front of the helpless beauty, legs apart and hands on her hips. "So," she said at last, her voice stern. "Let's hear what you have to say for yourself, Liliss." She waved her hand imperiously and the gag fell away, leaving the girl gasping. She stared at Reiko's booted feet submissively. "Look at me, girl!" Reiko snapped, and instantly Liliss shifted her gaze to her mistresses eyes. "I'm sorry, mistress," she whispered again. Reiko's expression didn't soften at all. "I'm very disappointed, Liliss, and I warned you about disappointing me, didn't I? I needed those writings, and you lost then to a mere HUMAN." Liliss opened her mouth to speak, and Reiko uncoiled the whip in her right hand. "You will not speak unless I tell you to," she commanded. The girl shut her mouth instantly, and after a moment, Reiko nodded. "Better. Now, then. Tell me about this woman that surprised you and took the writings." "She was human, but not like any I've encountered before," Liliss said in a low, meek tone. "She seemed unaffected by my power, and she used an unfamiliar magic to trap me." "And she knew my name," Reiko said slowly. "Yes, Mistress." "Did you tell her? Did you let it slip?" Reiko asked dangerously. Liliss paled. "No, Mistress! I swear it!" Reiko stared at her, then nodded once. "Go on. What else?" "Two things, Mistress," she breathed, obviously glad for the opportunity to finally talk. Reiko had flown into a rage and bound and gagged the succubus after hearing of her defeat at the hands of a human, and dragged her down here. "First," she snapped. "I brought back a scrap of the cloth she magicked. It may tell you something about her." Reiko's expression didn't change, although she was impressed that the succubus had shown that much initiative. "Good," she said shortly. "Second." "I read through the pages quickly before she arrived. I believe I know how to find the shrine's entrance, even without the writings." This time, Reiko's expression did soften. A bit. "I see," she said. "That is fortunate, but the fact remains that you were beaten by a human. I can't let such a lapse go unpunished, Liliss. You realize that, don't you?" Liliss bowed her head, her lustrous hair obscuring her face. "Yes, Mistress," she whispered. Reiko nodded, and walked over to the far end of the dank stone chamber. A red pentagram was inscribed on the floor, and she held her hand out to it, closing her eyes and concentrating. Finally, a reddish light flared and something appeared in the centre of the pattern. She heard Liliss's gasp of dismay and smiled. The thing she'd summoned was a low-level fiend, much like the one she'd sent against Yohko in the park that night. Only this time, it would find its prey much less ... troublesome. Liliss whimpered as it slithered toward her unerringly, leaving a thick trail of slime. Such a disgusting, low level creature could normally never get anywhere near a beautiful succubus. The encounter would be quite humiliating for Liliss. Which was the idea. "Think well on your failure, Liliss," Reiko admonished as thin, whip-like tentacles snaked out towards the helpless beauty. "I'll return later to see if you've learned your lesson." Then she strode briskly out of the chamber, the last sounds she heard a soft whimper and the heavy, sucking sound of a slimy body moving over the cool stone floor. *** When the house was finally clean, Yohko called Chi to see if she wanted to go downtown with them. Chi begged off, saying she felt incredibly tired and thought she might be coming down with something. So, it ended up being just Azusa and Yohko for the afternoon. That was quite pleasant, though. Being around her perky young apprentice took Yohko's mind off of the disturbingly erotic dreams she'd had the night before. She was starting to wonder if the half-remembered dreams that had been tormenting her all week might have been similar. If so, what could they mean? There had to be a rational explanation for why she'd suddenly started having sexy dreams about other girls! Well, so far, just about Reiko, actually. And she still figured that her preoccupation with Reiko and whether or not she would remember her role as the Dark Queen was responsible for her inability to get the girl out of her mind at the most ... inopportune moments. God, she REALLY needed to go on a date. Azusa caught her not paying attention on more than one occasion, and naturally demanded to know what the problem was. Yohko just laughed it off, saying she was a little tired. Azusa seemed mollified by her explanation, but Yohko resolved to try to stay focused. "Hey, Yohko." "Hmmm?" "Will you show me the clock tower?" "What?" Yohko tried to follow Azusa's conversational flitting. "You know. The one where you fought Reiko ... I mean the Dark Queen." Yohko was puzzled. "Why would you want to see it, Azusa? When we fought it was during the Convergence of the Moons. We weren't really in that old clock tower, we were in some sort of dead zone between realms. Reiko was going to sacrifice Hideki and open the path between the Dark Realms and our world." Azusa seemed disappointed. "So if we went there now, we wouldn't see anything interesting?" Yohko smiled. "Afraid not. I'll still show you sometime, if you want, though. It's kinda creepy." Azusa brightened. "Really? Like it might be haunted or something?" Yohko winked. "Well, you never know." "All right!" Laughing, the two girls went looking for someplace to eat as the afternoon slowly wore on. *** When Reiko had judged Liliss had learned her lesson, she returned to the underground chamber. She hadn't really wanted to be harsh with the succubus, but she really couldn't give the impression that she would tolerate failure. She was certain Liliss had gotten the message. She sent the bloated fiend back to where it had come from easily, then turned to the succubus. Liliss was lying on the floor, her skin and hair soaked with thick viscous slime. There were tiny bite marks on her buttocks and breasts, but Reiko knew they would heal quickly. She stood regally over the exhausted beauty and spoke in a cool tone. "Well, Liliss, have you learned your lesson?" she asked. The succubus nodded her head as much as she could, and Reiko sighed. "I don't wish to be stern with you, Liliss, but failures of this sort could jeopardise everything I am working for. Do you understand?" Liliss nodded again. "I ... am sorry, Mistress," she croaked, slime running from between her stained lips. Reiko made a gesture and Liliss's restraints fell away. "Get yourself cleaned up," she told the bedraggled demoness, "and then report to my bedchamber. I have a task for you, a very delicate one. I won't have anything spoiling my wedding night. Now go." Liliss rose slowly, painfully, to her feet, and moved toward the door. "And Liliss," she added sternly, "don't touch anything." The girl muttered a meek reply. Reiko watched her go, satisfied that she had disciplined the girl sufficiently. The next time she assigned her to do something, she would not be taken off-guard by a mere human. Although perhaps "mere" was not the proper term. Reiko walked through the secret chambers beneath the house, heading up the stairs to the main floor. Her examination of the magic used on the scrap of cloth Liliss had retrieved was most revealing. It had been a form of sexcraft, a powerful magic practised only by two rival ninja clans, the Suzuka and the Miroku. Both clans used sexcraft techniques and magicks to combat and control both human and demonic opponents. Reiko had to admit that this was a clever strategy. Those of the demon realms had voracious and perverted hungers. Any human who could use sexual skills to their advantage could control almost any demon. Of course, if the human lost, they would end up being enslaved by a denizen of the demon realms, hardly a pleasant fate. At any rate, it appeared that her opponent was not a demon, which would make her harder to find and anticipate. Also, she might even be strong enough to resist Reiko herself. That notion intrigued Reiko. She would like very much to match wills against such a female ninja, each struggling for sexual dominance. It would be exhilarating, even though she was quite certain she would win in the end. She smiled at the thought. Perhaps she would have to hunt the bitch down after she had the Book. After all, the woman HAD thwarted her attempts to retrieve the sacred writings. But her efforts were all for naught. Those writings were in an ancient demonic text, one which any demon could read, but no human knew. Even though she possessed the writings, they were useless to her. Liliss, though, had read enough before she was attacked that Reiko could figure out where and when they needed to be to get the Book. And of course, even if her opponent had the ability to translate the texts, Reiko knew a secret about the Book that would make even that information useless to her. So, in reality, no damage had been done to her efforts after all. That made her happy. And night would soon be falling. Her wedding night. That made her even happier. She entered her bed chamber, striding across the room to stand before her mirror. She idly traced one hand down her body, letting her touch ignite tiny flames of desire in her flesh. Soon, she thought triumphantly. Soon, Yohko, you'll be here. You're being drawn deeper into my web; already you're too entangled to escape. Soon you'll be struggling, helpless, in my embrace. And then I'll finally make you mine. Soon. *** Next: Reiko springs her trap! It's Yohko vs. Reiko in a battle for dominance! Also, things get more complicated as Ayako and Azusa 2 show up, and Kamiri proposes an alliance. And, of course, lots more fan service!