Ch 8. A Hate Filled Love

[Princess Elvie's POV]

Stepping inside Fortress Asura, I glare into the darkened hallway. What could be wrong now?

"What is the meaning of this Asura?" I growl, "I don't have the patience or energy for any of your games."

"We have a problem," Fortress Asura whispers into my mind, "the latest version of myself got free before imprinting. I need you to get to your room as quickly as possible."

I bare my teeth, "A version of you that bears me ill will?" I snarl, "After both of you promised me such a thing to be impossible. I don't like being lied too."

All men are the same, all promise no action.

"He's not connected to me Elvie," Asura clarifies, "He has no knowledge of you. He is nothing but rage. Your room is a defendable position, I can shepherd it back into the pits once you're safe. But it's connection to you will cause it to hone in on you."

"And what makes you think I need to be defended?" I chuckle, "Honestly. I fuck one of your bodies and you think I need protecting? Such arrogance. Guide me to my ritual chamber. The ones I had prepared are mostly exhausted. Plus, I will need the weapons I store there."

I hear the wolfish glee of the Fortress as it laughs into my mind.

"I do apologize, Princess," Asura acquiesces, "Your will be done. Blessed Be."

Glowing stones lite my road through the dark, as walls shift to my Asura's will. Ghosting through the twilight, I glide along forgotten ways towards my salvation. Finally, the door to my ritual chamber lies before me. Reaching for the handle, a crash sounds to my left. Green Baleful light flickers ever brighter as something draws closer.

A scream pierces the darkness, "EEEEEEEELLLLLLVVVVVVIIIIIIEEEEEEE!!!!"

Rushing in, I slam the door. Engaging the locking seal, I shout to my Asura.

"I thought you said that it had no knowledge of me!" I demand, "Start telling me the truth Asura! NOW!!!!!"

"I swear Elvie," Asura stammers, "There is no way it should know of you. It broke free before I began the download. This is impossible!"

"Many things are impossible, even more improbable, but this is what is." I snark.

"Where did you hear that?" Asura questions.

"It's the basic tenant of all linear magic."

"Ahhh."

Stepping into my circle, I impale five of my daggers on the sacred points. My last four falls at my feet, settling into the sacred directions.

Gathering my power, I am undisturbed by the rattling of my door.

"I call to the otherworldly, lend me the angels charm."

Something crashes against the door, green light shimmering around the edges. But still, it holds firm.

"I call to the old gods, teach me the tongues of the tricksters"

The door shakes and struggles against the terrible thing outside but still does its duty.

"Finally, I call to Myself, that I might know love."

The door shatters, pieces flying past me, but too late as I sweep up the eastern dagger and cut my palm. The gash burns as the magic takes effect. The creature before me pauses. It is my Asura, but not. It's taller, standing a full seven foot. Broad shoulders frame long massive arms, connected to its barrel chest. The arms hang down the knees, its bulging legs and torso grotesquely short in comparison. Flames of bilious green pour eternally out of it scorched eye sockets and consume the top its head. It's mouth opens, revealing three rows of pointed teeth. The fire within blazes as it screams.

"Eeeeellllllvvviiieeeeee!!!!!!"

"Come to me," I entice, "take what you need."

The creature pauses, its eyes darting around the area. It snuffles searching for the trap. I smile, knowing he'll never find it.

Extending my hand, I beckon a second time. "Step inside. Come claim your prize. You desire me, you want to take me. Here I am, ready to be taken."

As the Creature stalk inside, the first circle is triggered, a barrier of blue energy enclosing us both. The creature snarls at its captivity.

"Shhh," I coo, "It's time. You've needed this, I've needed this. For the third time, I bid. Come and take what you want."

As the beast advances, I draw him into my embrace. My ritual threads its way forwards, weaving him to me. His long arms pull me close as I pull him down into a kiss.

"Claim me," I coo into his ear, "make yourself mine."

We descend unto the ground, my dress riding up as he pushes himself between my legs. His claws tear my panties as I lock my boot-clad legs around him. I gasp as he enters me, the enchantment taking full hold. I pull him in for another kiss as I complete the binding

"Your name shall be Malum," I whisper as his mouth silences mine.

The naming complete, his thrusts bind him unto me. Smiling into the kiss, I sigh. I now have insurance against betrayal from Asura. Malum, though built by Asura, is my creature. Bound only to me.

______________________

[Fortress Asura POV]

I curse as I observe Elvie's domination of Malum. He will be hers and thus all those created to serve him will be hers. I will have no control over that brood. Glancing over the monsters brewing in the pits I debate disposing of them all.

His Stats flow into my mind, followed by theirs:

[Malum: Right Hand Of Princess Elvie]

[Str: 5]

[Dex: 5]

[Sta: 5]

[Per: 5]

[Int: 1]

[Wits: 3]

[App: 0]

[Man: 1]

[Cha: 3]

[Skills]

[Alertness: 5][Athletics: 5][Awarenes: 5][Intimidation: 5][Brawl: 5][Melee: 5]

[Disciplines:]

[Fortitude: 5]

[Potence: 5]

[Celerity: 5]

[Arcanoi:]

[Outrage: 5]

[Pandiamonium: 5]

[Dark Arcanoi]

[Chains Of The Emperor:5]

[Collogue: 5]

[Larceny: 5]

[Tempestos: 5]

[Tempest Weaving: 5]

[Angst: 10] [Pathos: 10] [Willpower: 10]

___________________________________________

[Golem Model: Haints]

[Str: 4]

[Dex: 2]

[Sta: 3]

[Per: 3]

[Int: 1]

[Wits: 2]

[App: 0]

[Man: 1]

[Cha: 1]

[Skills]

[Alertness: 2][Athletics: 5][Awarenes: 1][Intimidation: 5][Brawl: 3][Melee: 3]

[Disciplines:]

[Fortitude: 2]

[Potence: 2]

[Celerity: 2]

[Arcanoi:]

[Outrage: 3]

[Dark Arcanoi:]

[Chains Of The Emperor:5]

[Collogue: 2]

[Larceny: 3]

[Tempestos: 3]

[Tempest Weaving: 1]

[Angst: 5] [Pathos: 5] [Willpower: 5]

Withdrawing my hand, I decide against it. Let Elvie have her royal guard. Let them be loyal only unto her. The Doppelgangers are still mine. Chuckling I turn to my next project. Elvie will need her Diplomats. And I have the perfect template to follow. Nephwracks. They will be ideal. Much easier to imprint as well. Those will not fall under her sway.

_________________________

[Asura: Doppleganger POV]

As I finish my review, I step from the alleyway. I smooth my clothing and glance around the causeway. Shaking the fear from my mind, I start forward. Thankfully, I was unknown to the people and was thus immune to their gossiping eyes.

[Colloge Art: Shared Whispers]

"All agents, I am on my way to the next target. Elvie is no longer with me. I need Agent 2 for oversight and Agent 5 to act to clear an escape route. Agents 3,4, and 6 are on escort duty to get her Highness back home."

[Colloge Art: Swarm Network]

Watching as my pack follows orders, I chuckle. Each of my Doppelgangers has grown as individuals. Agent 2 grabs the rifle he personally crafted from his own self and settles into his lookout. Agent 5 rapidly moves over the rooftops, a combination of Argos, Moliate, a newly learned Inhabit, mixing well with athletic ability, Agents 3,4, and 6 use their newfound training as poachers plus their Moliate to escort the Princess unobserved.

"I am so proud of all my children," I remark to myself.

Moving closer to my objective, I breathe deep to clear my mind. My confident strides belaboring the anxiousness I feel. I need this to go well and overthinking this will not help.

[Mnemosynis Art: Memory Vault]

Looking deep into my mind, I remove all that is not desirable. Thankfully, I'm backed up to the fortress thus everything I'm losing can be restored.

Stopping before a nondescript monastery, I once more straighten my clothes. My marks I will be unable to conceal with Moliate, so I will have to be honest. Truthfully those inside suffer from greater problems.

Stepping inside, I'm greeted by the statue of a nun. As I approach it turns to intercept me, eyes open revealing pools of liquid silver.

"What does a royal golem wish with the Order of the Black Rose?" The woman asks, "Although I see by your marks you share our curse."

"I am in service to Princess Elvie," I begin, "My marks are the result of my abilities, they are not part of your curse. I am here on her behalf. Whom do I have the honor of addressing?"

Another voice echoes into the room, "It is rude to ask for a name when none has been given."

Bowing my head, I apologize, "I meant no disrespect, my name is Asura. I fear in moving as the Princess's left hand I've forgotten my manners. I beg your forgiveness."

The stone nun nods her head, "I am Sister Christine, the one you can not perceive is Sister Brigid. So the youngest princess makes her move. Yet you've not answered my question."

"She seeks your support, as you supported her oldest sister. Or at the least, you not interfere with her plans. In return, she offers you the same deal you made with Princess Magnhild."

Sister Christine casts her gaze downwards, "For all the good our support did. She was torn asunder by starving wolves for her rebellion," tears of silver splatter on the floor.

A gentle touch sweeps through my mind. I make no indication I felt the probe. Nor do I resist, I need to be seen as nonhostile.

"You've planned for this to go badly," Sister Brigid approves, "You're a new type of Golem. I have not met one such as you."

"Her Highness has many such surprises. What is the answer of The Black Rose?"

Sister Christine sighs, "We owe a debt to Princess Magnhild, one that transfers to Princess Elvie. Tell Her Highness that when she makes her move the Black Rose will assist. We can no longer take the battlefield. But we can move among the darkness of this world. Our curse condemns us to it."

[Colloge Art: Shared Whispers]

Releasing my held breath, I order my agents to stand down. Smiling, I bow before I make my exit.

"I am glad we could come to an agreement. My agents look forward to any assistance you can provide."