Ch 4. Darkness Is A Friend

[Asura Doppelganger POV:]

Standing before her Doppelgangers, Elvie smiled. Content to stand by her side, I waited for her first order. Scanning her troops in the morning light, Her Ladyship moved among them. Cataloging their form and function, her smile became ruinous.

"Oh Asura," She sighed, "They are truly beautiful. But I have one small question?"

Only one? She's cannier than that. She's been under Fortress Asura's tutelage all this time after all.

"Yes, My Princess?"

It feels so good to call her that, My Princess. I don't care if it's an echo of what Fortress Asura feels for her. I am an imprint of him, thus the attachment is mine too.

"My Shadows already act as infiltrators and Espionage agents. So how do you propose we use these redundant units?"

That seems an intelligent question, I wonder what she is planning.

"Simple," I reply, "Your shadows cost you energy plus one of your daggers to maintain and lack the ability to remove an enemy. These Doppelgangers are self-sustaining plus can soften targets for hardier troops. Troops that Fortress Asura is working on as we speak. They also can learn new skills and act independently. They can literally give us the keys to any castle we want."

"And you are in constant contact with them?"

You are going someplace with this, where?

"With no restriction on distance and I can take control of any unit at a moment's notice."

"Then I think this is what we will do," She contemplates, "Each one will be gifted one of my daggers to supplement their capabilities. I will link each dagger to the individual Doppelganger. Thus they will have something to supplement their capabilities.

And it would give her the means to double-check my intentions. Heh, Clever girl. She is learning. Trust but verify. There is more behind her eyes then she lets on. Good. Let Her will be done. Blessed Be.

"A splendid Idea, Princess Elvie," I concede, "We should all have allies in our darkest moments."

"As you were mine and continue to be." Elvie acknowledges, "As I wish it always to be."

Did she just acknowledge my point then threaten me not to cross her in one sentence? God, I love this woman. So much depth, wonder how deep I can plumb it? Or if she can handle the plumbing?

Nodding her head, she graces me with another smile, "Then we should scatter them to the winds."

"Your Wil Be Done. Blessed Be."

"Some final orders first," She commands, "They are not to take any high profile targets. I want them to get positions among the servants and guards. No deaths. Not Yet. We need information first. We need to see who among the occupiers can be turned to our side and who needs to be removed. I know my ascension will not be bloodless. But I would like as little death as possible."

Which ensures the stability of government when you take over. She's handling this like an old pro. I smile as she distributes the daggers, she already had them prepared. I wish for her sake that she can hold her ideals, I hope that this world will let her.

"What of the executions?" I inquire, "What shall we do about those? They smear your name and turn opinion against you."

Yes, what will your idealism allow you to do? Will it allow you to do what is required, I wonder?

Her smile falls, her mouth straightens as her eyes harden, "My shadows have already informed me which of the occupiers champions them. But even the Third Prince grows disgusted of his bloodlust. You and I will take a personal hand in this. Our first target will be Arch Duke Reginald Duckat."

God, that stern look becomes her. Blessed Be.

"You and I?"

"I think it is time I see things on my own. The Arch Duke has challenged me directly. My people need to see that I answer such things. You'll be my weapon and armor. He thinks he goads a silly girl into stupid action. He will find that he doesn't know what tigeress he antagonizes."

Oh yes, kill those that oppose you, let their blood run as water as a warning to others.

Her eyes grow cold, her mask falling, "That girl died after the first of my sisters slit her throat so as not to bear her rapist's child. If you hadn't answered my plea I would've been next. After the wedding of course. The only difference would've been the identity of my rapist. The third prince took a liking to me."

My own eyes flash as I realize the truth. I thought this girl Naive and Innocent. In truth she was desperate. One should never back someone with nothing to lose into a corner. I have done horrible things, but I have never been a rapist. My partners were always consenting. That society doesn't approve of polyamory is no concern of mine. But I think that Elvie is enough for me. The last person I need to love. Blessed Be.

[Displace Art: Ride]

Advancing forward, I reach for her hand. Darkness envelops me as I slide inside her. I will indeed be her weapon and armor. Inseparable from her unless drawn by her will.

It is as that darkness enfolds me that I wonder, how did she know of my abilities above the other Doppelgangers? What else does she know?

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[Elvie's Pov}

Elvie smiled as her Asura slid inside her without hesitation. I am so glad he is mine. From the second of his awakening til he betrays me. I don't think he ever will. For I will never betray him.

"Asura can you hear me?"

He is exactly where I want him, buried deep within me. Joined as only we can be.

"I can, how does it feel to have me inside you?"

Such a Jerk, I love that he never lies. He doesn't often tell the truth, but he never lies. His intentions are never hidden. Not like mine.

"Wishing for when I can take you into me for real," I purr, "I'm hungry for more than the one kiss you gave me."

I think that might be the first honest thing I have spoken in his presence. I have desired him since I first heard his voice in my mind. One of the reasons I choose this place over others.

"Name the time and place," He growls, "And I will give you what you desire. Your Will Be Done. Blessed Be."

I love it when he says those words. My Will Be Done. Blessed Be. Too long has is been his will be done. Now it is my turn. The thought sends shivers through my body. His loyalty and love for me are absolute. I wonder if he notices? How quickly he's bound himself to me? I wonder if he would hate me if he knew the truth. That although he never lied to me, I've only ever told him lies.

"Royal Duties first, Asura," I command, "Then pleasure."

I want him, I have plans for him. Plans that mirror his own. I called the one that would be my King. Victor was who appeared, trapped inside that necklace. I knew the fortress was dead. How could I not? I always knew his name, which might be his one lie. It was his last. I think Asura suits him better. With him, I had what I needed. He then proceeded to exceed my expectations.

I will tell him. I have too. He will be my king, I can not keep secrets from him. But I think not yet. After Reginald bleeds out at my feet. After Duchatt pays for what he did to noble Serrif. Then I will confess everything to Asura. I wonder what punishment he will demand, I look forward to it.

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[Fortress Asura's POV]

She thinks I don't know. That I haven't suspected all along. The fact she knows how my Displace works confirms it. She called me. She summoned me. Thus she knows my stats. Which means she's lied from the start. Which means she knows I lied about my name. But Victor is dead, Asura is what remains. I prefer Asura, Victor had too many attachments. I have but one. Just as she has but one.

"I am so proud of her," I mutter to myself, "Never have I met a woman more worthy of me."

I will let her play her little games. It amuses her and I enjoy the smiles it brings to her face. I don't need to hear the truth, I have her loyalty and she has mine. What does anything else matter?

"Arch Duke Reginald owes Elvie some screams. One for each scream he ripped from her sister's throat. He owes her blood. One drop for every bruise, Two for each cut. He owes her his pain for taking two lives from her. Her sister and that child. The debt will be paid. Our Will Be Done. Blessed Be."