Last time: Reiko discovered the existence of Ayako, a second Devil Hunter, and sent a parasite to hide inside Azusa and spy on our heroes. Yohko continued to falter as Reiko brought all of her seductive abilities to bear on the captive DH. And Ayako got a shocking, close up lesson in why the Miroku clan call it sexcraft ... A fic featuring characters from Devil Hunter Yohko and La Blue Girl: Dark Queen's Reign chapter 6: Complications by: Dark Schneider Reiko stroked the sleeping girl's hair, smiling fondly at her where she lay sprawled beside her on the large bed. Things were going quite well as far as Yohko was concerned. The girl was confused, uncertain. And now, after seeing the visions of terror and lust in the halls during her escape attempt, she was beginning to know despair. When they'd returned to the room, Reiko had pulled the dazed girl to the bed and pleasured her for over an hour before letting her collapse, sated and spent, into an exhausted sleep. Even Yohko could not resist her forever. Here, in this place, the young Devil Hunter's world consisted of submission and pleasure, and the two experiences were inextricably tied together. The darkness on her captured soul sword was spreading like a cancer, the dark overtaking the shining light slowly but surely. Yohko continued to struggle, but she was beginning to forget why. And every night, Reiko forced her tainting blood into the girl, unravelling her defences even more. Eventually, Yohko's humanity would be overwhelmed and she would become wholly Reiko's creature. But Reiko had to walk a fine line. She needed to drug the girl with her blood, for even the dark enchantment of the slave collar would not be enough by itself to keep Yohko under her control for long. But she also needed her human, and still a Devil Hunter, to get the book. She couldn't fully corrupt the girl until after that. A pity, really. It would make controlling her a little tricky, but Reiko thought that by the time of the full moon, obedience to the Dark Queen would have become something of second nature to the ensnared Devil Hunter. She let her hand slip possessively along Yohko's smooth skin, tracing lightly the red welts her own long nails had left on Yohko's back. Then she cupped the sleeping girl's breasts lightly, smiling as she moaned in her sleep, tossing her head slightly. "Sweet dreams, my slave," she whispered. "Sweet, dark, delicious dreams. Soon, you won't be able to tell your dreams from your waking life, after all." She slid down next to the girl, smiling in anticipation of the way in which she planned to wake her for dinner. *** The papers were spread out over the table, the group poring through them as they ate supper. Ayako was conscious of the fact that she was avoiding Kamiri's gaze, but she didn't know what else to do. She had hardly spoken to the woman since the shocking exhibition at the school, because frankly she didn't know what to say. She knew she had to talk to Kamiri about what she'd done, but that could wait. Right now the priority was finding Yohko. "Damn," Chi grumbled, stretching. "This is getting us nowhere." "Well, at least these records support what the newspapers said," Azusa said, tugging nervously at her yellow hair ribbon. "Reiko disappeared without a trace. She wasn't found wandering near her home the way Chi and Yohko remembered." "Pretty sloppy work, leaving all these records around," Ayako mused. "Not really," Kamiri pointed out. "If the succubus had killed Chi and Azusa as she intended, Reiko wouldn't have thought there would be anyone investigating her, correct?" "Anyway, it might be riskier to try erasing them. There are hard copies somewhere, and the act might draw attention to what she wanted kept inconspicuous," Chi pointed out. "Makes sense," Ayako's Azusa said. She propped her chin in her hands, and Ayako frowned. The fake Yohko must have hit her pretty hard this morning. She still looked a bit out of it. "Hmmm," Kamiri said suddenly. "This is odd." "What?" Ayako asked. "There are excused absences from classes noted here, in the months leading up to her disappearance. Authorized by the principal himself." "Herself, Chi corrected. "And that's not really too strange. That witch was probably tutoring her in how to be the Dark Queen." "Excuse me?" "The principal was a demon, too. She's the one who seduced poor Osamu and put that spirit in him that nearly got Yohko's virginity." "Really?" Kamiri drawled in a husky, interested voice. Ayako felt herself flushing. "I don't think we need to hear the details of this," she said brusquely. "Oh, but I'd very much like to hear this," Kamiri said silkily. The Azusas also wanted to, so Chi told them what she knew of it. "Wow," Azusa said finally. "Kinky," Azusa 2 agreed. Then, seeing they were in agreement on something, they both immediately looked away from each other, scowling. "Well, in the end Yohko's grandma killed the bitch anyway, so we don't have to worry about her," Chi said breezily. Kamiri nodded patiently. "I suppose not. However, if the principal was involved, then a thought occurs. She may have entertained her prot‚g‚, or whatever, at her home. It would at least be a place to check." "After all this time, there's probably someone else living there," Ayako said doubtfully. "Still, there might be a clue, an indication of where she might go!" Azusa said, excited. "It's someplace to start!" "Her name is here in the records," Chi mused. "I should be able to find her address easily enough. And I guess it couldn't hurt." "Yes, I suppose you're right," Ayako said. "We should check it out tonight." Azusa 2 got up from the table, then had to grip the edge to keep from falling. "Azusa!" Ayako jumped up to help her. The smaller girl smiled apologetically. "Still a little dizzy from this morning," she said. "It'll pass." Ayako sighed. "Well, you should stay here, then, and I don't want you staying alone." She thought about it. No way was she leaving Kamiri alone with any of the others, not after what she'd seen earlier. She sighed again. "Azusa, you and Chi stay with her. Kamiri and I will go check out the house, see if there's anything there." "But I want to come, too!" Azusa protested. "We'll just check it out. If there's any sign of life, we'll make sure to get everybody together before going in. Okay?" Azusa pouted, but finally agreed. Ayako nodded, then glanced at Kamiri, who was smiling at her in an unsettling manner. "Great," she said, unconvinced. "Then it's decided. Let's get started." She just hoped she wouldn't come to regret her decision. *** Kamiri was delighted with the way things had turned out. It appeared that she would have Ayako to herself tonight. Which was just the way she wanted it. They walked through the warm spring night, heading to the principal's old address. Kamiri was amused by how uncomfortable the girl was around her. She figured it was time to get a few things out in the open. "You've been awfully quiet all day," she said suddenly. Ayako scowled. "I wonder why?" she asked darkly. Kamiri cocked her head and gazed at the girl frankly. "Something on your mind?" she asked. Ayako didn't answer at first. "What the hell was that?" she asked at last. "Back at the school, with that secretary. Were you out of your mind or what?" Kamiri smiled. "Not at all. I was just using my skills to get us what we needed." "Skills, huh? I thought you were supposed to be a demon-fighting ninja," Ayako said sourly. Kamiri laughed, knowing it would irritate the girl. "Oh, you have such a limited understanding of things," she said with a tone of dark superiority. "I AM a ninja. I was Mistress of the Miroku clan's sexcraft before the destruction of our village. Do you know what that means?" Ayako was clearly uncomfortable with the conversation, but couldn't avoid it. "It means you're a slut?" she asked archly. Kamiri arched an eyebrow and regarded the girl coolly. "It means that I possessed the greatest knowledge of any of the women in our village of the sexual arts. Sex to us is not something to be giggled about or treated as shameful, the way it is to you people. We use sexcraft in combat against others, including demons." Ayako's eyes widened. "You mean you ..." she began. Kamiri gave her a seductive smile. "Remember the succubus? Chi dreamed of her. Azusa doesn't know what that means, but I'll bet you do." Ayako's deep blush gave her thoughts away, and Kamiri chuckled throatily. "Yes, I see you do. Sex between those of the demon realms and humans is not at all unusual. We often use sex to entrap and control the creatures, although there is of course a risk of losing control, and in turn being enslaved by the creature one is attempting to conquer. I have studied sexual arts, both physical and magical, all my life. We could have argued with that snotty secretary all day, but I was able to get what we needed easily, without resorting to violence." "You MADE her cooperate," Ayako said accusingly. Kamiri nodded. "Yes. She wasn't strong enough to resist, so she had to submit to me. That's how life works, on many levels, Ayako. Your principal offense is your Devil Hunter abilities, mine is my sexcraft. I use it to get what I want. And," she added, looking at the girl out of the corners of her eyes lazily, "I'm very good at what I do. With me on your side, you will never have trouble getting anyone to cooperate with you." She smiled inwardly at Ayako's discomfort. She was pretty certain she knew the real heart of the young Devil Hunter's problem. That scene had disturbed her, but it had aroused her as well. And that had real possibilities. "There it is. Hmmmm." Kamiri stopped, looking at the indicated house. Then she frowned. "What?" "There is magic here." Ayako slipped up behind her, but not too close, Kamiri noted with amusement. "Yes. But not a defence. It's very subtle. I wonder what it is?" "I think I know," Kamiri said. "Look at the house. It's at the end of this dead-end street. The grass is untended, and there are no lights ... obviously uninhabited for a while. But in a good neighbourhood like this, it's odd that nobody's living there, don't you think?" Ayako frowned. "So?" "So, I think the spell keeps people away from the house, maybe even makes them not notice it. That would have served the purposes of the creature that was the principal, I think." Kamiri regarded the house, certain she was right, and felt a tingle in her groin. She could imagine the "principal" singling out Reiko, a beautiful, willful student, for her purposes. This house would have been a perfect place for some private tutoring in subjects that weren't in any school curriculum, and after having seen Reiko, she was certain that the girl would have been a willing and enthusiastic participant. The principal had chosen well. But Reiko was probably too smart to return to anyplace she'd been associated with in the past, especially now that she knew someone was looking for her. The house should be nice and empty, though. Just Kamiri and Ayako. Perfect. "WE can see it," Ayako argued. "We both have strong spiritual abilities," Kamiri pointed out. "And we know what we're looking for. Come on, let's go in and look around." Ayako sighed. "We've come all this way, I suppose we might as well. Do you really think we'll find anything?" Kamiri hid her sultry smile from Ayako as she answered. "Oh, I think you might be surprised at what you discover in there," she said softly. *** Ayako knew as soon as she saw the house that nobody would be there. The spell that kept ordinary people from taking any notice of the place was apparently working just as intended, but it didn't look as if it had been needed recently. Once they crept in the back door, she was certain of it. Yohko and Reiko weren't here. The place had a stale, undisturbed atmosphere. Still, they had to look around. Perhaps there would be a clue, something. Anything. At this point, Ayako was willing to grasp at any straw, no matter how flimsy. The lock on the back door hadn't slowed Kamiri, and once inside she flipped the lights on. "I thought as much," she said. "Power's still on." "Hey! Turn those off!" Ayako hissed in alarm. Kamiri just smiled tolerantly. "The spell will keep anyone from seeing the lights, dear," she said patronizingly. Ayako realized that Kamiri was right, and that she should have thought of that herself. She was nervous, being here. That was unlike her. "Well, let's look around," she said. She had transformed and held the Whip of Distraction in one hand, just as a precaution. It didn't look as if it would be necessary, however. The air was stale and heavy, as if it hadn't been breathed for months. They moved into the large kitchen, and from there into the main part of the house. It looked like a pretty normal dwelling, all things considered. Nothing that they found on the main floor indicated that the principal had been anything but a well-off Japanese woman with expensive tastes. Any guest would have had no cause for suspicion. Kamiri gestured toward a door and gave Ayako a wink. "The basement," she said. "Sight of all manner of nefarious goings-on, one supposes." Ayako scowled at her. "After you," she said. Flipping the lights on, they descended into the cool basement. Ayako was disappointed. She'd half expected to find old blood dried on the walls and floor, bizarre torture equipment, perhaps even some corpses. Most of the basement was empty, though, cold cement floor and unfinished drywall. In one closed off section, they found a chamber with black walls and floor, a large pentagram etched in red upon the centre of the floor. There were traces of magic, but they were old and weak. Whatever had been done there was of no further interest. "Rather anti-climactic, eh? Well, there's still upstairs." Kamiri seemed to be enjoying herself, and that irritated Ayako immensely. "Do I have to remind you that we're here looking for clues to Yohko's whereabouts?" she asked snappishly. "This isn't a picnic, Kamiri!" Kamiri just tch'ed disapprovingly. "Such a temper, Ayako. You should be careful, or you'll get wrinkles on that pretty face while you're still young." Ayako flushed at the taunt but said nothing. Together, they crept up the stairs leading to the second floor. The house was large, and they investigated many rooms, including a decadent bathroom featuring a very large tub that would easily accommodate two. But the biggest surprise awaited them in the master bedroom. Ayako opened the door, flipping on the light before moving inside. She stopped suddenly, though, when the light revealed the contents of the room. If the bath was decadent, this was dark opulence given form. The plush carpet and the walls were a dark, rich crimson. A huge four-poster bed crouched in one corner like a predator, the dark sheets pulled back invitingly, awaiting the bed's next innocent victim. Kamiri followed Ayako into the room and looked around with approval. "Now this is what I call a bedroom," she said. Ayako scowled. "You WOULD like it." Pervert, she added silently. The walls were covered with erotic paintings, and where there were no paintings there were racks filled with esoteric devices. Ayako wandered over, staring in amazement. She was neither naive nor sheltered, but she couldn't even begin to guess what some of these toys were for. She was able to identify some whips and leather cuffs, but quite at a loss beyond that. She fingered a collection of thin leather straps and cuffs and jingly metal rings tentatively. "Nice choice," Kamiri said, coming up behind her and pulling the strange thing off the rack where it ad been hanging. Ayako sighed. "Why does it not surprise me that you know what this is?" she asked archly. Kamiri smiled in a way that made Ayako uncomfortable. "Don't YOU know?" she asked in a light, teasing voice with dark undertones. Ayako shook her head, and the corners of Kamiri's lush mouth curled up even further. "It's a pleasure harness," she said, taking one end in her long, elegant fingers. "See, this collar fastens around your neck. Then these straps," she continued, tracing the route with her fingers lightly as she explained, "circle the breasts, forcing them up and out. Nipple clamps are optional, of course." "Of course," Ayako replied, her mouth strangely dry. "Then these straps come down over the belly and meet here, at this ring," she went on, her voice low. "This strap goes between your legs, and is brought under and around and then ... tightened." The last word was delivered in a husky purr that made Ayako want to shudder. Kamiri smiled as if she knew what effect she was having, then went on. "Then the strap runs up to these cuffs, which fasten your wrists at the small of the back. Any struggles simply heighten the victims's own pleasure. And of course, there are options, like straps for the ankles and legs, or sliding thongs which tighten around the nipples when ..." "Thank you, I get it now," Ayako gritted. Kamiri blinked innocently. "Just trying to be helpful," she said. Ayako wandered to the far end of the room, mostly just to get away from Kamiri. It figured that a sexcraft mistress would know about all these sorts of things. The obvious delight she took in that knowledge was just a little unsettling to Ayako, however. She frowned as Kamiri found a large, walk-in closet, and cooed with delight. "My, such lovely outfits! Our principal was a very naughty girl!" "No kidding," Ayako said absently. She sensed something, dormant and faint, but definitely present. Magic. Dark magic. She moved along, casting her gaze over the paintings that lined the wall. They all featured sex. Men with men, men with women, women with women, both with creatures from fantasy and nightmare. It was a cornucopia of filth and depravity, and yet the images were oddly compelling. She walked along, trying to determine what she was sensing, feeling disturbed by what she was seeing, and yet also sensing that her reactions to the images weren't totally negative. And that bothered her. She was a Devil Hunter, and she should be above this sort of twisted dark impulse. "Oh, yes. Silk and leather. I think I would have gotten along quite well with this woman. After the ground rules were laid down, of course." Ayako continued her slow examination, answering Kamiri idly. "By you or by her?" Kamiri chuckled, out of sight in the closet. "By whichever of us managed to make the other submit, kitten. That's how sexcraft works. No pretense, no facades. You either dominate or you submit. It's really just that simple." There. Strongest, right around here. Yohko looked up at the painting in front of her. It depicted a slimy, gelatinous demon engulfing several women with its tentacles. Ayako frowned. The women ... ... were all dressed as Devil Hunters. She reached for her whip. Too late. With a flash of light, something sprang forward from the painting, striking her hard and bearing her to the floor. She hit with a grunt, the whip flying from her hand. The creature from the painting was on top of her, its horrible, fever-hot slime soaking through her dress as its tentacles snaked out, grasping her wrists and arms tightly. "KAMIRI!" Another whip-like tentacle encircled her throat, tightening to close off her wind. As she gasped, she realized that a thick, slippery appendage was making its way up between her legs, and she desperately tried to keep her thighs closed. As she fought for breath, though, she realized she was losing the struggle. Black spots began to obscure her vision as the foul-smelling thing wriggled its bulk, pinning her more securely to the floor. No, she thought desperately. This can't happen. Please ... Then Kamiri was there, plunging her arm into the creature all the way up to the elbow. In her hand was a talisman with mystic symbols on it. She started a low chant, her other hand held vertically before her face, and through the gathering darkness Ayako saw the charm begin to glow brightly. Then there was a soundless explosion, and she was hit with a foul wave of hot goo. But at least she could breathe again, and she began coughing as Kamiri helped her sit up. "A booby trap. How charming," Kamiri observed dryly. "Are you all right?" She nodded, gasping. "Y-yes. Thanks. It was going to ..." Kamiri nodded. "I could see what it was going to do. Sit here, I'll check for any more traps." By the time Ayako had recovered, Kamiri had finished her check and determined that there were no other traps in the room. Ayako stood shakily, observing in the room's large mirror that her dress now clung wetly to her body, slime coating her from head to toe. Kamiri had a similar problem, having been caught by the demon's explosive demise. "This is just disgusting," Ayako growled, holding her arms away from her body. "I agree. Well, since the house is unoccupied and we've already sprung the only trap, I propose we make good use of that lovely bath we saw earlier." Ayako gaped at her. "Are you crazy? We can't do that!" Kamiri grimaced. "Well, I don't know about you, kitten, but I'm not going anywhere until I'm clean." Ayako scowled at her. "Don't call me that!" she growled menacingly. Kamiri ignored her and walked to the door, pausing to throw a coquettish glance over her shoulder. "Coming?" she asked. Ayako weighed her options. The slime was cooling rapidly on her, and she had a visceral need to get the unpleasant smelly stuff off of her body. Even her long hair hung wetly against her shoulders and back, soaked with the stuff. Reluctantly, she agreed. Once in the bathroom, Kamiri stripped her outfit off quickly, revealing her lush body as she began the task of filling the large tub. Ayako checked her out surreptitiously as she stripped. Kamiri was tall and had an incredible body, with large full breasts and a narrow waist, full hips and long, shapely legs. She pulled the long red ribbon that held her hair back loose, letting it fall around her face. That softened her appearance somewhat, making her look a little less harsh and cool. Ayako blushed as she realized she was watching Kamiri a little too closely, then chided herself for her reaction. They were both women, after all. But a part of her pulled back, afraid that Kamiri could see into the darkest corners of her, and so she mustn't think any thoughts that she didn't want known. Kamiri checked the temperature of the water, then stopped the flow as the large tub filled to the top. She rinsed herself first, with pails of hot water, to remove most of the slime. Then, sitting on a low stool, she began soaping up to remove the rest. The sight of the woman's hands sliding soapily over lush curves snapped Ayako out of her reverie, and she pulled up her own stool, turning her back so she wouldn't be looking at Kamiri. She rinsed herself with a bucket of warm water, then soaped up and rinsed again. Then she untied her two ponytails and began casting about for shampoo. "Looking for this?" Kamiri leaned over her shoulder, dangling the bottle lightly between her fingers, and Ayako nodded. As she reached for it, though, Kamiri pulled it back, settling herself down behind Ayako. "I'll do yours if you do mine," she murmured throatily. Ayako tensed as Kamiri gathered her long, wet hair up in her slim fingers and piled it on top of her head. "Oh, relax," Kamiri chuckled. "I won't ... bite. Not unless you want me to." Ayako knew that protesting would just make Kamiri taunt her further, so she sat back with a sigh. Kamiri poured the cool gel with one hand while holding the damp strands in place with the other, then began working the shampoo in with a slow massaging motion. Ayako began to relax slightly, although the incongruity of the situation was not lost on her. Sitting in a house kept empty by magic, having her hair washed by a sex-ninja after having been attacked by a demon was a bit strange even by her standards. "That's the problem with really long hair," Kamiri commented idly. "It's a pain to take care of." "True," Ayako agreed. It actually felt quite nice, having someone wash her this way. Kamiri had strong hands. "Although my lovers all appreciate it. They like to run their fingers through it, and I can get quite a rise out of someone by letting it slide over their bare skin. How about you?" "Pardon?" Ayako asked, a bit startled. "How do your lovers like it?" Ayako swallowed, and Kamiri's relaxing hands paused. "There have been some, haven't there?" she asked as she resumed. Ayako scowled. "That's none of your concern," she snapped. Kamiri leaned closer, and over the scent of soap and shampoo Ayako caught a whiff of Kamiri's own scent, musky and compelling. "Really? None at all? You're a very beautiful woman," Kamiri breathed. "I can't believe you've stayed pure so long. What a waste." Ayako's face burned, but before she could come up with a retort, she felt Kamiri's fingers slide under her chin, tilting her head back lightly. "Rinsing," she said lightly. "Close your eyes." Warm water sluiced over her head, washing the lather out of her hair, and then Kamiri was handing her the bottle. "My turn," she said, amusement lurking in her gorgeous, cat-narrow eyes. Resolving to ignore the woman's subtle taunts, Ayako returned the favour, lathering up the ninja's emerald mane, washing away the last traces of the rancid slime silently. She couldn't help but feel, though, that Kamiri was silently laughing at her. Finally, they were both clean, and they stepped into the tub together. Kamiri had drawn the water quite hot, but as Ayako sank gratefully into the tub, she quickly adjusted to the heat. It sank into her body, relaxing her muscles, and she leaned her head back on the edge of the tub, seat beading her brow. She gently kneaded her shoulders with her hands, closing her eyes, and just soaked for a while. Then she opened them again as something silky brushed gently against the inside of her ankle. "Kamiri," she warned. "So sorry, kitten," the other woman said lightly, pulling her leg back a bit. The tub was long, but stretched out the way they were, their legs overlapped, Kamiri's feet reaching almost to Ayako's knees. "I told you not to call me that," Ayako growled. She glared at Kamiri, who was regarding her with lidded eyes. "And what the hell are you looking at, anyway?" "I was just wondering about you," she said with a small, crooked smile. Ayako frowned. "Stop pushing me, Kamiri." "Pushing? I was being quite sincere, Ayako. You interest me." Ayako was beginning to feel acutely uncomfortable under Kamiri's gaze. "Interest you how?" "Well, for one thing, you are something of an outsider, are you not? Yohko is the 108th generation Devil Hunter, which makes you ... what? Extra? Unnecessary?" Ayako scowled. "I can hold my own, thank you!" she snapped. Kamiri smiled gently. "I didn't mean to suggest otherwise. But you've had to fight for everything, haven't you? Life hasn't treated you gently, kitten. There are scars, scars that don't show ..." "How would you know?" Ayako asked bitterly, her throat feeling tight at this line of conversation. "Oh, I know. I've been there, so I know the signs." Kamiri's voice was quiet now, no trace of the mocking tone that she generally used. "Even now, you are denied the one thing that you most desire, the title of 108th generation Devil Hunter ..." Ayako's sharp laugh startled Kamiri. "What my grandmother most desires, you mean," she snapped before she could stop herself. "Don't flatter yourself, Kamiri. You don't know me." With that, she pulled herself from the tub and went over to her dress. Wrapping a plush towel around her body, she rinsed the slime from her clothes and hung them to dry. Then, without sparing a glance for Kamiri, she stalked out of the room. She fought to control her breathing as she went to the master bedroom. Getting angry wasn't going to help things, she knew. In fact, letting Kamiri get to her was probably not a good idea at all. She needed to keep a tighter reign on her emotions. But dammit, the woman kept getting under her skin! Her pointed remarks, her sly looks, her sultry, inviting smiles ... And to top it all off, there was no clue here as to Yohko's whereabouts. While she'd been in a hot, relaxing bath, Yohko was Reiko's prisoner, probably being tortured. And Ayako had been completely unable to help her so far. Her mood blacker than ever, she stomped into the bedroom, towelling herself dry. She wanted something to wear while her clothes dried. She felt naked and vulnerable wearing only a towel, and that was bad. Very bad. She walked into the closet and gaped. There were business suits, cocktail dresses, evening gowns, leather catsuits, and all manner of other clothing and accessories. Most of it seemed designed to draw attention to the wearer, even the business suits featuring short skirts with high slits and low-necked blouses. She even found a dress made of some material that would fit like a second skin. She was puzzled by its outline at first, until she realized that the sleeves were attached to the body and deliberately ran down the back. A woman wearing this would have her arms held tightly behind her, and would be helpless. Blushing furiously, she moved on until she found some silk robes near the back. One caught her attention, and she picked it up gently. It was lovely, black with a blood red rose on the back, and a faint trace of perfume lingered on it. She raised the cool silk to her face and inhaled the scent. Bewitching. She let her towel slip to the carpet soundlessly, drawing the robe on over her bare skin. The sensation of the cool silk sliding across her flesh was electric, and she let a tiny gasp of pleasure escape her lips. "Mmmm," a low voice purred from behind her. "A floor show. How delightful." She whirled to see Kamiri standing in the doorway to the closet, watching her with a tiny smile tugging at her lush lips. She had disdained to use a towel to cover her nakedness, standing naked and unashamed, hands on her hips. "Dammit, Kamiri, don't sneak around like that!" Ayako snapped. Then she saw where Kamiri was staring, and realized that her robe had parted with her sudden movement. Blushing furiously, she pulled it closed and belted it tightly around her narrow waist. Kamiri walked in, still pinning her with that disconcerting gaze of hers. "Sorry," she said, sounding anything but. Ayako fumed silently. The only way out was past Kamiri now, and the closet was so full that she would have to brush by the gorgeous ninja to get out. For some reason, the image of Kamiri pulling the helpless secretary onto her lap flashed in her mind, and an uncomfortable heat echoed the image in her belly. Uncomfortable, but not unpleasant. "That looks great on you," Kamiri said. "Black is really your colour. Is there one for me?" The perfume of Kamiri's skin and hair and own musky scent was filling the small space, and Ayako was uncomfortably aware that her nipples were rock hard against the confining silk. "See for yourself," she said shortly, pushing her way by the naked beauty. She was determined to not to show what effect Kamiri's little games were having on her. Once out of the closet, her breathing began to slow, and she sighed, rubbing her hands nervously over her thighs. Damn that woman anyway! Just how far was she going to take this? She tried to ignore the tingle in her belly at that thought and walked over to a low vanity table, kneeling on the cushions in front of the mirror. Her face was a bit flushed, she noticed, and took a deep breath to compose herself. Then she let it out slowly. There. Better. She sighed at her still damp hair, then started hunting around the cluttered table for a brush. "Here, why don't you let me?" Kamiri asked, kneeling behind her. She was wearing a dark green robe with a red dragon design, and holding a hairbrush. Ayako tensed up immediately, and Kamiri sighed, holding her arms out. "Ayako, dear, I didn't save you from that demon just so I could beat you to death with a common hairbrush." Ayako scowled. It did seem a little silly, not to mention ungracious, to be so jumpy around Kamiri given what had happened. So far, she hadn't actually done anything to Ayako to justify being so angry with her, in fact just the contrary. She finally sighed. "All right." Kamiri settled behind her and began working the brush through the damp strands, pulling in long, firm strokes. Ayako fidgeted, somewhat uncomfortable. Kamiri nudged her lightly. "Hey, what's the matter?" she asked. "Girls are supposed to like being pampered." "I'm not used to it," Ayako grumbled. "Well, just sit back and relax," Kamiri scolded. "And stop fidgeting. I bet you drove your mother crazy when you were a girl, never sitting still when she did this." Ayako stared at the mirror blankly. "She never did this," she said dully. Kamiri paused. "Really? Never?" Ayako started, realizing she'd let something, no matter how small, slip. "That wasn't the way it was between us." Kamiri's eyes narrowed at the use of the past tense. "I see," she murmured, her warm breath stirring the hair at the nape of Ayako's neck. "Hey," Ayako growled. "Don't start acting like you know me, Kamiri, because you don't. I told you that already. You don't know me at all." Kamiri resumed brushing, a faint smile on her lips. "Oh, I think you'd be surprised," she said softly. "I think we are probably somewhat alike, you and I." "I doubt that," Ayako muttered. "I meant what I said before," Kamiri responded. "You do interest me, in part I think because I can relate to you." Ayako just snorted. The sensation of having her hair brushed out was actually quite relaxing, though, and she closed her eyes, sighing as some of the tension began to drain from her. The firm but gentle strokes, coupled with Kamiri's low, throaty voice, conspired to steal her edginess, leaving her feeling strangely contented. Kamiri worked on her for a time, the heat from her body seeming to warm Ayako through the thin silk of her robe. Her musky, intoxicating scent filled Ayako's senses again, and she hummed something under her breath. Finally she leaned in, her high full breasts pressing lightly against Ayako's back as she began working her fingers lightly through the nearly dry locks. "There. That wasn't so bad, was it?" she asked. Ayako had to admit it had been rather pleasant. Her hair had been brushed out to a glossy mahogany sheen, and she brushed a thick lock back over her shoulder with the back of one hand. "Thanks," she said. Kamiri smiled. "Not at all," she said cheerfully. "Now you can do mine." That seemed only fair, so they switched positions, and Ayako began working on Kamiri's heavy emerald mane. She began drawing the brush through, untangling the strands carefully as she worked her way down. An atmosphere of quiet intimacy had grown up around them in the room, and Ayako was lulled by it. At last Kamiri sighed, arching her back, not incidentally pressing herself against Ayako. Ayako protested, pushing her gently back. Kamiri gave her a slow, wicked smile. "Sorry, I got carried away. I LIKE being pampered." Ayako had liked it too, more than she wanted to admit. Her training regimen had always been about discipline and strength, with no time for luxuries. For a long time she hadn't questioned her grandmother's intentions. Lately, however, that was beginning to change. "Ayako?" Kamiri asked. "Yes?" "What did you mean when you said that being the Devil Hunter was your grandmother's desire? Isn't that what you wanted?" Ayako paused, then kept brushing, trailing her fingers through the heavy silk of Kamiri's hair. "I didn't say that," she muttered at last. "I know you don't believe me, but I DO understand you," Kamiri pressed. "I'll bet she's been grooming you for this for a long time, hasn't she?" "Hard training was necessary to achieve our goal," Ayako protested. "Our goal or her goal?" Ayako scowled, and Kamiri met her eyes in the mirror, her face serene. "All right then, Ayako, answer me this. Did she ever once, in all these years, ask you what YOU wanted?" Ayako froze, the brush in mid-stroke, her wide eyes trapped by Kamiri's frank stare. "Well, kitten? Did she ever ask you if you WANTED to be the 108th generation Devil Hunter of the Mano clan? Or was she just using you to revenge her own shortcomings, her own failures?" Ayako felt a lump forming in her throat, and wished she could avert her eyes, but Kamiri's mesmerizing hazel eyes held her, and she felt compelled to answer. "I ... I like being a Devil Hunter," she stuttered at last. Kamiri smiled gently. "Of course you do," she said, "but did you really want Yohko's position?" Ayako sighed. "I was always told that Yohko was unworthy of the position she held, and I believed it," she said ruefully. "But it turned out that she was more than worthy. I was the one who didn't understand, the one who put her pride before her duty. I was unworthy." "Do you feel you're unworthy because of the feelings you have?" Kamiri asked. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, irritated now. "Well, dear, you are a very controlled person. I noticed that about you right away. You tend to keep everything inside. But something about that scene with the secretary, Keiko, really got under your skin." Ayako felt a chill race through her body. She knew. "I ..." she began, with some idea of making a denial. "Keep on brushing, would you, dear?" Kamiri purred, tossing her head back lightly. Ayako gratefully broke off eye contact and resumed her task, her face burning. Her hands trembled only slightly as she tried to think of what to say. "The whole scene excited you, and I'm quite sure you are ashamed of that fact," Kamiri went on after a few moments. "After all, Devil Hunters are supposed to be above being aroused by such behaviour, one supposes. But I think there was something even deeper at work there. Want to tell me about it?" Had there been any trace of mockery in her voice, any sign of contempt, Ayako would have lashed out. There was none of that, however; Kamiri seemed genuinely curious. She swallowed, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. "No," she said. "Yes. No. I mean, I'm not ashamed, I just ...." She trailed off helplessly. She'd never had to speak of this before, and she was uncertain what to say. "I meant what I said before, Ayako. You are a beautiful woman, and to deny your innermost desires is unnatural. Surely Devil Hunters don't have to remain ... chaste?" The horrified tone in Kamiri's voice almost made Ayako smile. "Only until after we come into our powers," Ayako sighed. "But Grandmother disapproves of anything that distracts from ... OUR quest. She would want me to find a man once I had taken Yohko's position, of course, to produce an heir." "But what would her reaction be if she knew how much you enjoyed the show I put on today?" Kamiri asked softly. "She would think it weak and shameful," Ayako sighed. "She would want me to be above such things." "You are only human, Ayako. And you did nothing but watch," Kamiri reminded her. "That wouldn't matter to her." "Ah, kitten, you people are so strange," Kamiri sighed. "I told you to stop calling me that," Ayako grumbled, pulling the brush through Kamiri's hair in long, firm strokes. "So you did, so you did. But Ayako, I just can't understand the way people treat sex. To me, it is so natural. I was trained in how to do it from the time I hit puberty. I have been naked in front of large groups of people on a regular basis. I have seduced men, women, and inhuman creatures with equal ease. The way you deny your true nature is nothing short of criminal." Ayako tensed, and stopped brushing until Kamiri cleared her throat gently. Sighing, she resumed her long, firm strokes, pulling the thick mane back and drawing her fingers through it afterwards. "That's nice," Kamiri sighed finally. "Keep doing that." Her hair was almost dry now, and shone in the soft light. Hanging loose this way, it softened her appearance, making her seem less severe, warmer. Ayako was confused by the strange sense intimacy between them, as if all the troubles they were facing were being held in abeyance while they talked here in this place. "What did you mean?" Ayako asked at last, her heart pounding. "About my true nature, I mean." Kamiri's eyes met hers in the mirror, and she smiled. "You have denied the feminine side of your nature, my dear. I can tell. Your grandmother has driven you to become what she wanted you to be, a Devil Hunter worthy of the title. And I've no doubt she succeeded. But in pursuing her single minded goal, she has neglected to allow your other aspects to grow and develop. "You, kitten, are a woman. Perhaps you've never had the chance to be a woman first and a Devil Hunter second. Whatever the case, your sensual side has been stunted, repressed." "I haven't had time for boyfriends and such nonsense," Ayako protested. Kamiri sighed. "I'm not just speaking of sex, you silly girl. I'm talking about the sensual pleasures of life, revelling in touch and sensation. You enjoyed it when I pampered you earlier, washing you and brushing your hair. Don't bother to deny it." Ayako flushed, dropping her eyes from Kamiri's. "Yes," she muttered quietly. "Yes," Kamiri repeated gently. "I could tell easily that you craved such simple pleasures, things that have been denied you in your quest to become what your grandmother wanted. It is a mistake to treat that part of your nature as insignificant, however. You can't be a whole person if you don't acknowledge your desires, even the dark ones. For instance, when I ... persuaded the secretary to assist us, I thought your heart would burst, it was beating so fast." Ayako's flesh felt hot and sensitive at the memory that stirred, but she said nothing. There was no way Kamiri could know that it hadn't just been watching the two women that had gotten to her. After all, Ayako could beguile with her magic as well, although she'd never done anything like what Kamiri had done. Never. Not really. But the temptation ... "You would never dream of admitting that watching me take the haughty Keiko and reduce her to quivering pleasure aroused you, and that is a mistake. It leaves you weak, vulnerable." "Why are we talking about this?" Ayako asked irritably. The conversation was making her acutely uncomfortable, and she felt the need to steer things back into safer territory. "There's still Yohko to worry about. Remember her?" "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. In fact, since we have some time, there are a few things I need to talk to you about regarding Yohko." Kamiri shifted until she was facing Ayako, their knees actually touching. Ayako's mouth suddenly went dry as the sophisticated beauty's scent washed over her gently. She was finding it hard to breathe, aware that Kamiri's proximity was having an affect on her ... and aware that that was what Kamiri wanted. And aware that she hadn't backed away. "But first, kitten, I think our little talk has made you tense. Why don't I relax you?" Kamiri's hand reached out, long slim fingers tracing fire over Ayako's cheek. Ayako gasped out loud at the sensation, and she tried to turn away out of instinct. Kamiri's eyes, though, seemed to be holding her in a silken vise, drawing her in, drowning her in suffocating pleasure. Her breathing quickened as Kamiri's hand trailed down to her throat. "Stop that," she whispered, shocked at how strengthless her voice sounded. Kamiri smiled seductively. "Make me," she breathed. Through the fog of pleasure, Ayako realized that Kamiri was using her sexcraft the same way she had on the secretary. And if Ayako didn't do something, she'd end up Kamiri's helpless toy, just as that woman had. Part of her was excited at the prospect, but another part demanded that she fight, that she not be controlled. That was the part that had kept her going, sustained her through years of harsh training. Kamiri leaned closer, and Ayako could feel the woman's hot breath on her face. Those lush lips were parting slightly, and Ayako knew she had to do something, or she would be lost. She reacted, some instinct driving her to lash out with an aspect of her power that she rarely used. With a hoarse cry, she thrust out her arms, a bright flash lighting up the room as she let herself fall back, away from Kamiri. She landed on her back on the plush carpet, breathing heavily, feeling her pulse begin to slow. Slightly. It was better than nothing, however, as she began to reassert control over herself. She braced herself on her elbows, staring at Kamiri. The ninja was staring at her with an expression of mingled shock and respect. She shook her head slowly, her unbound hair flowing over her shoulders enticingly at the motion. "Some sort of beguiling spell," she said in a hushed voice. "It completely countered my sexcraft. Kitten, I am impressed." "Dammit, would you stop calling me that!" "I was right about you, wasn't I?" Kamiri dropped to all fours and began crawling after Ayako, who quickly scrambled backwards, clambering to her feet. Kamiri followed suit, standing to face the flustered Devil Hunter. "You bitch, you were trying to control me!" she spat. Her fingers curled, and a sudden rush of power made her realize she was still transformed. She thought about lashing out at the ninja, but if Kamiri was aware of her danger she didn't show it. In fact, she was regarding Ayako with a disturbingly hungry look in her eyes. "Yes, I was. I had to know if you could resist, you see," Kamiri said casually, beginning to slowly stalk around Ayako in a wide circle. Ayako watched, fuming, still aching to hit Kamiri for what she'd tried to do. "I won't be your toy, dammit!" she snapped. Kamiri's sly smile widened at that, and the dark hunger in her eyes deepened. "Good," she whispered, surprising Ayako. "But I'm not the one you have to worry about." Ayako fought to keep her temper under control. "You'd better start making sense, Kamiri," she warned, flexing her fingers. Kamiri continued her slow circle, her body swaying as she strutted, never taking her eyes from Ayako. The Devil Hunter thought she detected a new respect in those compelling eyes now. "I've been holding some things back, but I think the time has come to speak of them." "About Yohko?" Kamiri nodded. "And the Book." "Why does it not surprise me that you've been hiding things?" Ayako asked darkly. "Just hear me out. In the first place, Yohko is in no danger. At least not physically." Ayako was startled by that. "How can you be sure?" Kamiri gave her a slow, syrupy smile. "Just listen. Reiko could have just killed Yohko, right? She was in her confidence, after all." Ayako continued to follow Kamiri's circling form. "I ... yes, you're right," she said, frowning. That hadn't occurred to her. Why go to the trouble to capture Yohko? Killing her would be simpler. Unless ... "Maybe she wanted revenge," Ayako said after a moment. "Slow torture ..." Kamiri shook her head in a slow, languid motion. "That isn't it. You see, only a Devil Hunter can remove that book from its inner wards. Reiko can't do it herself. She needs Yohko's help." Ayako's eyes widened with understanding. "But ... Yohko wouldn't ..." she began. Kamiri's smile stopped her. "Not of her own free will, no. But if she were to be controlled, compelled ..." Her lush lips were twisted into a crooked smile, and her eyes flashed with lust-tinged amusement. Ayako swallowed. "Controlled how?" she asked, although she could see where this was going. "Reiko's had days to play with her. After the way she was flirting with Yohko, I'm willing to bet that she's using a form of sexcraft to bind her will." Ayako blinked. "Reiko? Was flirting? With Yohko? Come on, Kamiri. Yohko's not ..." "Maybe she is, maybe she isn't," Kamiri said easily. "It was subtle, but constant every time I saw them together. Tell me, does Yohko have a talent like yours?" Ayako didn't have to ask which talent she was referring to. "No. That ability was taught to me by my grandmother." "Then we should assume that when we reach the shrine, Yohko will be under Reiko's control. She will fight us." Ayako was beginning to get angry again. "And you were planning on telling us this when?" she snapped. Kamiri just smiled again, and Ayako noticed that her circle was beginning to get smaller. "I didn't want to risk giving away how much I knew in case anyone was captured. But now I know you can resist such compulsion, and I think it best if you know what we'll be up against." "And the others?" Kamiri shrugged. "We'll tell them on the way to the shrine, so they'll be prepared. But tell me this, in a fight between you and Yohko, who would win?" Ayako frowned. "Keeping in mind that if she's being controlled, she won't have any qualms about killing me? It'll be very close," Ayako said grimly. In fact, since she would have to hold back and Yohko wouldn't, she might even have been fooling herself, but Kamiri didn't have to know that. "Exactly. Reiko will be there, and we're not certain of the extent of her powers. And the succubus, and maybe even some more demons like that shapechanger." Kamiri was slowly moving closer to Ayako, and something electric seemed to be charging the air between them. Her heart was beginning to race again, even though she didn't think Kamiri was using her sexcraft. "So I'm assuming there's a plan?" she asked dryly. Kamiri gave her a sultry smile. "Smart girl. I think I can break Reiko's hold over Yohko ... if I have the Book." Ayako's eyes narrowed. "We're not taking that book out of the shrine," she said immediately. "It was considered so dangerous that it had to be sealed away ..." "Gently, kitten," Kamiri soothed. Ayako tensed at that nickname, but Kamiri charged ahead. "We don't need to remove the Book from the shrine. It wouldn't do us any good, anyway. It's written in a text only demons can read." She smiled sweetly as she said that, and Ayako found herself wondering again about her ally. Unfortunately, Kamiri knew too many things that she did not. They needed her. "If you can't read it, then how will it help?" "The Book itself is a powerful magical artifact. With it, I should be able to amplify my powers and break Reiko's hold over Yohko. That way, you won't have to worry about fighting your friend. After the fight is over, you can simply return the Book to its resting place, and we can leave secure in the knowledge that it is safely sealed away once more." "Hmmm. Nice plan, but I doubt things will be that simple." "Just get me the Book, kitten, and I'll take care of the rest," Kamiri said confidently. She was less than an arm's length away from Ayako now, and the electric tension between them was growing tighter. Ayako wanted to argue, to find the holes in Kamiri's plan, but she was having trouble concentrating on such mundane details. Kamiri cocked her head, smiling at Ayako confidently. "But enough of that for now," she murmured, allowing her eyes to sweep slowly over Ayako's body. "I think we have other business to take care of." Ayako fought back a shudder. "Forget it, Kamiri," she said stubbornly, glad that her voice sounded more confident than she felt. "I've already proven that you can't control me ..." "Yes," Kamiri breathed, anticipation in her husky voice. "It has been some time since I've been with a lover who was my equal." She reached out, letting one hand brush lightly across Ayako's belly, and Ayako gasped involuntarily. "Well, it's going to be a longer time ..." she began tightly. "You don't understand," the sultry beauty told her in a low, intimate voice. "I grow tired of easily manipulated, pretty dolls. Be with me tonight, Ayako, and you won't regret it. I will make your first time unforgettable. I can teach you such things ..." Her voice trailed off suggestively, and she let her hand brush across Ayako's body again, her heat seeming to burn the girl's flesh through her this silk robe. "I don't want to," Ayako said, her mouth dry. "You do want to," Kamiri purred. "You just don't think you SHOULD. You're holding back, because that's what you've always done. Come, kitten. You've been waiting your whole life for a night like this. You're not even sure why you're turning me down, are you?" Ayako scowled, forcing herself to ignore the pleasurable sensations that Kamiri's nearness sent racing through her body. "Kamiri, I'm flattered, okay? But this is a bad idea. Bad time, bad place ..." "We may not get another chance to be alone before the full moon," Kamiri breathed, her intimate tone trickling into Ayako's ears and sending tiny shivers down through her belly. "And let's not forget that I don't completely trust you," Ayako added, swallowing against the growing tightness in her throat. Kamiri stopped now, standing uncomfortably close to her, gazing directly into Ayako's eyes from only inches away. "I am a dangerous woman with a checkered past, kitten. You shouldn't trust me easily," Kamiri murmured throatily. "But my goals and yours are the same in this case. That's really the best you could hope for." Ayako breathed in Kamiri's scent, feeling the insane urge to reach out and run her fingers through the sultry beauty's hair, to pull her heated flesh close ... "Let's get our clothes and get out of here," Ayako said, as firmly as possible. Kamiri didn't move for a second, then took a deep breath. "Very well. If your mind is made up, then so be it. You are the stubborn type, I could tell right away." Ayako started to turn, and Kamiri put her hand out to stop her. "But," Kamiri went on, "I would like to ask a favour." Ayako sighed and raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "Yes?" "I would like a small boon, a reward for saving you from that demon earlier." Ayako was surprised by the request, but Kamiri's tiny smile gave nothing away. "What sort of reward?" Ayako asked suspiciously. "The traditional one for a hero who saves a lady in distress," Kamiri said huskily. "A kiss." Ayako felt the blood rush to her face as she flushed hotly. "Wh-what? You can't be serious!" Kamiri pouted slightly, putting her wicked mouth to good effect. "Am I so uncomely, then? Is a simple kiss so much to ask? You may refuse, if the notion is so repugnant to you ..." Ayako clenched her fists, trying not to lose her temper. "Oh, stop being so melodramatic," she growled at last. "All right, let it never be said that Ayako Mano is ungracious." Kamiri's lush, kissable lips curved into one of her knee-weakening smiles, and Ayako scowled fiercely. "One kiss!" she snapped, still feeling the heat of her blush radiating from her face. Kamiri nodded calmly. "Of course," she said. "That is all I ask." Ayako stood there, and Kamiri regarded her critically. "Ayako, don't look so apprehensive," she said soothingly. "I promise it won't be unpleasant." Ayako sighed. Then she leaned in quickly, brushing her mouth fleetingly against the corner of Kamiri's mouth. "There," she said. Kamiri shook her head. "Oh, please. I mean a proper kiss, not some schoolgirl nonsense. Shall I show you, or would you sooner leave your noble rescuer unrewarded?" Ayako flushed. "Just do it so we can go, all right?" she asked. Kamiri closed the remaining distance between then with one step, and Ayako swallowed hard. "Hey," she objected as Kamiri wrapped her arms slowly around the Devil Hunter's narrow waist. Kamiri placed her face inches away from Ayako's and spoke quietly. "One kiss, but a proper one," she whispered. She licked her lips slowly while staring into Ayako's eyes, her hands running up Ayako's back lightly under the glossy fall of hair. One hand came to rest lightly on the back of her neck, long slim fingers wrapping themselves firmly around it as the other traced down her spine. Ayako's blood felt like it was boiling, and she struggled to control her breathing. "Kamiri," she warned. "A proper kiss," the gorgeous ninja repeated softly. She leaned forward, and her incredibly soft lips slid over Ayako's, parting them with gentle, insistent pressure. Ayako felt a low whimper escape her throat as she raised her hands hesitantly, uncertain of how to react. Kamiri increased the pressure of her kiss slowly, expertly, her fingers tracing fire up the back of Ayako's neck to twine in her unbound hair. She raked her other hand down Ayako's back, her wickedly long nails scoring delicately through the thin silk, and Ayako arched into the other woman, a shocked groan escaping her, her eyes slipping closed. Kamiri insinuated one of her sleek thighs between Ayako's legs, pressing deliciously against the stubborn young Devil Hunter's heat as she pulled her head back gently by the hair, finally setting her tongue loose into Ayako's helpless mouth. Ayako felt her hands groping blindly in the air, finally coming to rest on Kamiri's slim shoulders. For a single moment she considered trying to push Kamiri away, but only for a moment as her hands seemed to move of their own accord, slipping around the taller woman's neck and pulling her even closer. The kiss went on and on, Kamiri effortlessly drawing desire from the depths where Ayako kept it chained, her hot flesh scalding Ayako through their robes. Finally, Kamiri pulled back slightly, her hot breath fanning across Ayako's sensitive mouth as they panted in the aftermath of the hungry kiss. "There," Kamiri whispered. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" She leaned into Ayako's body, smiling at the girl's gasp of pleasure, and gave her a knowing look. "I suppose you'll be wanting to go now," she sighed. Ayako didn't let go. "Damn you, Kamiri," she breathed. Kamiri looked surprised, although Ayako knew she was just playing with her at that point. "Why, Ayako, have you changed your mind?" Ayako's blood boiled with need, and she swallowed, trying to find the words to say what it was she wanted. Her body trembled with the force of the feelings that Kamiri had unleashed in her, and finally the beautiful ninja took pity on her. "The door," she whispered, "or the bed?" Ayako knew that it would be improper to stay, but even her control had limits. "The bed," she breathed. She found herself scooped up effortlessly into the ninja's arms, carried over to the bed, then deposited gently. Kamiri looked down at her, running one long finger down Ayako's neck to the point where her robe started. "I want to see you, kitten," she smiled. Slowly, she drew the robe open, and Ayako let her. The cool air was a delicate torture against her flushed skin, and Kamiri sighed with delight as Ayako's breasts were unveiled. Her nipples stood firm and erect, demanding attention, but Kamiri moved further down, pulling the entire front of the robe open. The sensation of the silk dragging across her skin was maddening, and Ayako reached up to grab the front of Kamiri's robe, dragging her down until she was lying on top of the aroused Devil Hunter. "Stop teasing me, damn you!" she hissed. Kamiri just smiled at her. "But teasing is part of it," she assured Ayako. "Drawing out the pleasure only enhances it. Sexcraft magic is one skill I possess, but I also know every way imaginable to seduce a woman using no magic at all. Shall I show you some of them?" Ayako bit her lip as one of Kamiri's hands brushed lightly against the inside of her thigh, and nodded her acquiescence. Kamiri gave her a satisfied smile and began doing something wonderful with her fingers. Ayako laced her fingers behind Kamiri's graceful neck, pulling herself up so she could kiss the tender flesh there. Kamiri's taut skin tasted of salty sweat, and Ayako let her open mouth linger there, Kamiri's appreciative sigh sending a shiver down her spine. Ayako gasped as Kamiri's hands sought out her sensitive breasts, cupping them gently before commencing an enticing, delicious rhythm that made Ayako arch her back and cry out. "That ... Kamiri, what are you ... doing? I've never felt ... AAAAAH!" Kamiri smiled, nuzzling her lush mouth up to Ayako's ear. "Do you like that?" she taunted. Ayako writhed, digging her heels into the bed, tossing her head helplessly, and Kamiri intensified her attentions. "Do you like that?" Kamiri repeated quietly. "Do you?" Ayako nodded, and Kamiri cocked her head. "Do you want more?" she asked innocently. "You'll have to tell me, kitten." Ayako glared up at her, her lithe body trembling with need. Ayako's arms slipped down to Kamiri's slim waist and tried to pull her closer. "Y-yes, dammit," she gasped finally. Kamiri tweaked one erect nipple playfully, eliciting a gasp from Ayako. "Yes, what?" Ayako growled and threw her head back. "Yes, I want more," she whispered hoarsely. "And I want you to show me ... what to do ..." Kamiri lowered her mouth to Ayako's, catching her in a hot, passionate kiss as her hands returned to having their way with Ayako's firm flesh. When she finally broke the kiss, they were both breathing hard, and Ayako had pulled Kamiri's robe half off. Kamiri smiled down at the girl fondly. "Oh, I'll show you exactly what to do," she promised breathily. "First, do this ..." *** Reiko was quite pleased. Yohko had been subdued after waking, and had allowed herself to be fed from Reiko's hand without any of the usual nonsense. Their evening had been diverting and pleasant, and that night in bed, Reiko had found Yohko succumbing more quickly than ever before to her advances. The despair and confusion in the girl were growing more evident as she fought to separate truth from lies while choking on the sweet venom of dark pleasure. As she lay panting in Reiko's lap, her eyes averted in shame at her body's latest betrayal of her valiant desire to resist her captor, Reiko muttered a quick spell, one she'd used the first night. It was the Medusa spell, and her raven locks lengthened, coming alive. They snaked down, sliding over Yohko's bare skin before she knew what was happening. Reiko sent thick strands to twine with exquisite friction around her captive's nipples, causing Yohko to cry out sweetly as they drew taut in an immobilizing silken caress. Reiko smiled in anticipation. Something different tonight, she decided. She drew the girl's face up to her chest, then reached down and opened a small cut just above her nipple with one long, sharp nail. Dark blood oozed out, trickling down over the engorged nipple, beading on it as Yohko stared, horrified. "Drink, my sweet. Drink and become strong." Yohko moaned and closed her eyes, trying to turn away. Reiko watched the girl's nostrils flare and knew the scent of her addicting blood was calling to the stubborn girl. Even now, though, she wouldn't surrender. Well, so much the better. When she did eventually beg for her Mistress's attentions, Reiko would revel in it. For now, though, she needed to suckle the girl on her blood. Cupping Yohko's chin in one hand and placing the other behind her head, she gently urged the girl's face toward her waiting breast. "Drink, Yohko," she crooned. "Driiiink ..." Yohko clamped her lips shut, knowing that the intoxicating blood would send her spiralling down into the darkness, trying to turn away still. Finally, her struggles lessened, and she whimpered, edging slowly forward. As Reiko waited with mounting anticipation until, with a gasp, Ayako's lips parted slightly and she pressed her mouth to the tiny wound. She stiffened as the blood hit her tongue, then with a moan she began to suck at it. Reiko sighed with pleasure as Yohko's mouth pulled eagerly at her breast, noisily sucking the tainted blood. Reiko rocked back and forth gently, watching through lidded eyes as her enemy's downfall continued inexorably. Soon, if she was careful, she would have everything she wanted. Very soon. *** Kamiri stretched like a cat, arms above her head, and gave Ayako a sated smile. The girl walked beside her, doing her best to ignore Kamiri's looks. Finally, Kamiri sighed. "Ah, guilt. I did figure we would get to this sooner or later," she said, shaking her head. Ayako scowled. "I said I didn't want to talk about it," she snapped. Kamiri tried not to let her amusement show too much. It would only make things harder, after all. "We of the Miroku clan have such an open attitude towards sex, I sometimes forget the charming hangups of ordinary people. Let's see, is it guilt over having indulged in pleasure? Guilt because you enjoyed yourself while Yohko is a prisoner? Guilt because we're not married?" Ayako shot her a dark look, and Kamiri chuckled. "Kitten, you are in a very poor mood for someone who just had the best night of her life." "Stop ... calling ... me ... that!" "But Ayako, I give all my lovers nicknames. And we WERE just lovers ..." Ayako stopped, clenching her fists angrily. "I shouldn't have let that happen," she said in a low, even voice. "It was a bad idea, okay?" Kamiri smiled slowly. "You didn't seem to think so just a little while ago," she teased. Ayako groaned under her breath. "Well, that was then and this is now!" "It really bothers you that you let your guard down, doesn't it?" Kamiri asked. "You're so used to being in control. Could it hurt to let go once and a while? Don't you deserve that?" Ayako whirled on her angrily. "Just why did you do that, anyway?" she asked, her eyes flashing with repressed anger. Kamiri was startled. There was definitely something else at work here, something that was bothering the girl. She decided to see if she could draw it out. "Oh, my," she murmured. "Not the "what did it all mean" speech. Look, Ayako. First of all, we are a couple of attractive, healthy women. Secondly, I wanted you." "Just like that?" Ayako asked flatly. Kamiri smiled. "I've done more for less reason, kitten. But also, your ability means you can hold your own with me." Ayako's stance shifted subtly, and Kamiri's eyes narrowed. So that was it. Something about her ability to beguile the unwary. Kamiri smiled. She should have seen it before. A girl as tightly wound, as controlled, as Ayako with such an ability would be an elemental collision waiting to happen. "You must know what that means," she continued casually. "Being able to control your lovers can be a mixed blessing, can't it?" Ayako turned away and started walking again. "I wouldn't know," she said shortly. Kamiri, with her longer legs, matched her brisk strides easily. "Oh, come now. You mean after being pure for so long you learned this technique and didn't feel the urge to try it out on someone?" Bingo. Ayako stopped dead, and Kamiri crossed her arms patiently. "Ayako," she said softly, "I trained sexcraft warriors for our village. I am well aware of the temptations, of the games the girls would get up to with their new powers. You can get drunk on the knowledge that you can bend someone to your will ..." "I've used it a few times," Ayako said in a low, expressionless voice. "Twice to draw away men Yohko wanted, to get her to fight me. I never did anything with them, though. But before that ..." "Before?" Kamiri prompted her. Ayako sighed and turned to her, jaw set. Kamiri was once again impressed by the girl's control. She always seemed to need to keep her true feelings bottled up. "It was only once. Just one time. He was the first guy I really wanted to notice me. Mostly I hadn't had time for such things, with my training and schoolwork and all the things I did to keep Grandmother happy, and then ..." She stopped, took a deep breath, and looked away again. "Grandmother emphasized to me when I learned that technique that it was to be used in the service of my duties only. And I agreed, of course. Being a Devil Hunter was everything to me, because it was everything to her. "Then I met him. He was an upperclassman, and soon I was thinking of him, seeing his face when I should have been working. I, Ayako Mano, known throughout my school as an ice-queen, had fallen for the first time, and fallen hard." Kamiri said nothing, letting her tell the tale at her own pace, even though she knew exactly where this was heading. "Of course, he only had eyes for his girlfriend, all big blue eyes and blonde hair and girlish giggles ..." She trailed off, and Kamiri wondered if she knew how bitter she sounded. "I ended up making a fool of myself over him, and he didn't even care," she said at last. "It served me right, for getting distracted that way, acting like a lovesick girl instead of a Devil Hunter. Grandmother would have been furious, had she known. But I became obsessed with the notion of getting back at him." "You entranced him," Kamiri said. Ayako nodded. "The idea wouldn't let me go. Finally, I rang his doorbell one night when he was home alone. When he opened the door, pow! He was mine. I pushed him inside, threw him down on the couch." Good girl, Kamiri thought. "I was angry, but aroused too. I told him to take off his shirt. He never hesitated. I straddled him, and ran my hands over his bare chest ..." Ayako shivered gently, as if remembering, and Kamiri felt a comfortable warmth blooming in her at the story. It reminded her of the things she'd gotten up to as a girl herself. "Then I leaned down and ordered him to kiss me. And he did." Ayako rubbed her hands over her thighs absently, her gaze distant. "That's what shocked me out of it." Kamiri blinked. "You mean, after all that, you didn't even ...?" Ayako shook her head. "It was empty, Kamiri. I felt ashamed, hollow! It didn't mean anything, he'd have done whatever I told him to, at least until the spell wore off. When I finally came to my senses, I told him to get dressed, and then I instructed him to forget the whole thing." She looked up at Kamiri, her gaze challenging. "I suppose you think I should have taken advantage of him. "Yes," Kamiri said simply. "I do." "You just don't understand!" Kamiri laughed, a low throaty chuckle, and moved closer to Ayako, gazing down into the girl's dark eyes. "Oh, you're wrong about that," she told the wary girl. "I understand completely. The reason I wanted you so badly tonight, after all, was that we could be together as equals. I couldn't control you. It is very hard to respect a lover that you know you can turn on and off like a switch. However, there CAN be pleasure in exercising control over another, too ... especially one who has hurt you. Yes, I'd have had him service me all night long, until I was satisfied. And I'd have let him remember it, too. It isn't as complete a pleasure as that we gave each other, but it certainly has its charms." Ayako blushed, and Kamiri smiled seductively. "For a tough Devil Hunter, you certainly do blush easily," she teased. Ayako scowled. "Only around you," she muttered. Kamiri caressed her cheek gently, startling the girl. "And I suppose when you saw what I did today, it brought that memory back ... the pleasure at having him in your control, and the guilt you insist on feeling." Ayako pulled away like a skittish horse. "Yohko wouldn't have done such a thing in my place. Just one more reason why I'm unworthy to be Devil Hunter." Kamiri sighed. "No harm was done, kitten. He doesn't even remember. Let it go. You know, something occurs to me. You probably could have beaten Yohko handily if you'd used that particular power on her during your fight." Ayako stared at her, and a bright crimson flush covered her entire face. Kamiri laughed at the sight. "I ... I never ... anyway, I wouldn't have ..." Ayako spluttered. Kamiri leaned closer. "Come now," she whispered. "What a feeling, making sweet love to your own double. I wonder what that would be like? That's something not even I have done! I envy you the opportunity!" Ayako made a strangled sound. "I wanted to beat her with my strength, to prove I was worthy, not seduce her!" she blurted at last. Kamiri shook her head ruefully. "Oh, kitten, that IS part of your strength. And it can be ever so ... diverting to defeat an opponent in such a manner. Stick with me, little one, and I'll teach you all sorts of wonderful things." Then she started walking again, and smiled as Ayako squawked indignantly and ran to catch up to her. Yes, and they would be pleasant lessons, too. *** "How are you feeling?" Ayako asked as she walked into the room. Azusa looked up from the futon mattress in the floor and smiled. "For the thousandth time, I'm fine," she said. "Just tired." And it was true. She'd just felt a little off since getting ambushed by the fake Yohko that morning. If only there wasn't the irritating sensation that she'd forgotten something ... She sighed, sitting up and watching her partner and friend undressing as she got ready for bed. "You two took so long, I can't believe you didn't find anything," she complained. "What took so long, anyway? We were beginning to think we should go after you!" Strangely, Ayako seemed to flush slightly at that. "We had to be thorough," she said. Azusa sighed. "Well, what now? How are we gonna find Yohko? Nothing we've done has worked!" "Reiko seems to have anticipated us at every turn," Ayako agreed. "If all else fails, Kamiri is certain she'll be able to find the shrine entrance tomorrow night. She's sure Yohko will be there." "Really? Why?" Ayako ditched her top, sighing. "Apparently, Reiko needs Yohko to get the Book. Keep that to yourself, okay? Kamiri didn't want to share that information." Azusa gasped, and Ayako glanced up. "What?" "What happened to your back, Ayako? It's all scratched!" This time, Ayako definitely blushed. "It must have happened when the demon attacked me," she muttered. "It's nothing." Azusa watched her friend as slipped her nightshirt on. Lately, she'd been a little worried about Ayako. She tended to drive herself hard, with single-minded determination. Azusa admired that quality in her, and many others, but since realizing that Yohko was not the unworthy airhead she'd been led to believe, she'd seemed distracted, distant, and wouldn't talk about what was bothering her. Azusa was certain that Ayako and her grandmother were still quarrelling over Yohko, though. Among other things. And Ayako had no other friends, really. She'd never made time, and she could seem cold and unapproachable to those who didn't know her. Azusa watched Ayako, who seemed even more distracted than usual tonight, a smile forming on her lips. She knew what Ayako needed. A boyfriend. Yes, that was just what she needed. And as her best friend and partner, Azusa would have to do what she could to help things along in that direction. Because, honestly, for all that she was athletic and gorgeous, Ayako just didn't seem to have a CLUE when it came to affairs of the heart. *** Kamiri settled back, stretching her long legs out with a sigh. The night had proven even more enjoyable than she'd hoped. The demon attack couldn't have been better had Kamiri planned it herself. She lay naked on the bed, closing her eyes and remembering the evening's events with a smile. Ayako had been a delight, her repressed sensual side breaking loose with a vengeance. Of course, after the heat of passion had faded, she'd retreated somewhat, but Kamiri was hardly surprised. It would take more than one session to draw the girl's sensual side out to the point where she was comfortable with it. It was strange. She dressed provocatively and acted in a cool, confident manner, but she was capable of so much more! And Kamiri would very much enjoy teaching her. She would make a fine prot‚g‚. Of course, there were other matters to consider. Kamiri had come in search of the Tome of Craxus not only because it was powerful, but also because she'd needed a goal. After Kugutsuumen's death and Zipang's destruction, she'd been left with nothing. All her plans, ruined so quickly ... by that brat, Miko Mido. Revenge was definitely in order, but she'd wanted to take time first to marshal her strength, perhaps harness the power of the Book, then strike back. The problem was that she felt drawn to Ayako in a way she hadn't toward anyone since Kugutsuumen. And Ayako wouldn't go along with removing the Book from the shrine. So she could end up faced with a choice. The girl or the Book? She stretched her arms over her head, arching her back and sighing. Well, it was so nice to have choices again. And being who she was, she'd almost certainly try to find a way to have both. She closed her eyes, and wondered if she could get Ayako alone again before the full moon. *** In the dark room, slow even breathing was the only sound. Then, without warning, Azusa 2's eyes snapped open. They were blank, glazed. She sat up abruptly, moving slowly and soundlessly as she stood. She looked down on Ayako, whose sleep seemed restless for some reason. Still, that was not her problem. Her last orders were to report while remaining undetected. Slowly, she left the room, walking through the dark to the bathroom, then locking the door. She walked stiffly over to the sink, gazing at the mirror with her oddly blank stare. She reached out one hand and traced a symbol on the mirror with her finger. The image swirled, darkened, then cleared to show a beautiful woman in a sheer black silk negligee seated in a throne-like chair. Reiko smiled at her. "What do you have to report?" she asked. Azusa's mouth opened wide, and the glistening head of the parasite emerged. It began chittering at the mirror, and Reiko sat calmly while it did so. "I see," she said at last, her expression neutral. "That is disturbing news. At any rate, you've done well. Remain hidden for now. Your Queen is gone, as I'm sure you've realized by now. Your strength is growing rapidly, but you are not to act until the time I've told you. If you obey me, I'll offer you the same privileges I offered your Queen. Understood?" The parasite chittered again, and she smiled. "Good. Return now, and remain hidden in the girl. Observe all that she sees and hears, and be prepared. That is all." The image in the mirror faded and the parasite withdrew back inside its warm, dark home, steering the unconscious girl back to her bedroom. It was hungry, but for now it would obey and wait. For now. But not for much longer. Soon, it would be time to feast. *** Next: The conclusion to the story, as Reiko places Yohko under her control in order to get the Tome of Craxus! The group plans an assault on the shrine, unaware of the creature in their midst! It's Devil Hunter versus Devil Hunter for control of the mystic Book! And more fan service! Usenet Web 1.0.3 (development) / webmaster@netimages.com