Earth Time (IRT): Day 3.5

Ethos: Day 7

News Outlets: Scrolling banner: Asura aka Angela Maher asking for migrants to Realm of Ethos (ROE).

Tabloids: Asura’s wild life RoE; Alcohol and sex... can Hunnington Corporation trust her? Better yet, can you?

I mumble to myself about Peter’s surprise at the migration proposition. I don’t blame him... surprised me too.

Countess Dang Ozkan, “You are correct, he didn’t know how to handle the request for migrants.”

Nodding my head, “Yes, but that went live to millions of people. I will have continuous interviews according to Harb... bitch.”

This got me looks from the countess and Ishtar.

Shrugging my shoulders, “What? She is a bitch. I won’t say it to her while I am the liaison. Ok?”

The two nod their heads, but still don’t look happy.

Lady Ozkan informs us, “The date for your confirmation ceremony is not yet established. I will send word when it is.”

We rose and left the queen’s island garden. Arriving back at Ishtar’s I grab another drink.

Callisto joins me, “My kind of woman. Boozing it up in the morning.” He taps his glass against mine in cheers and downs it. My head still hurts and now my stomach. I shouldn’t drink to excess... I know better and I know I will do it again.

Curious I ask, “What is the plan? We are in the capitol, how do you plan to continue training?” I know they have a plan if I am training at the Warehouse, but haven’t shared it with me.

Effrion informs me, “Ishtar stays here to pick up his duties to the queen. We will continue weapons training, start riding lessons, spend time in the place of power and then back here at night. You will spend your evenings training.”

Damn, best training ever. Who trains in a bar? Me!

Ishtar jumps into the conversation, “I will spend time in meditation with all of you. Not every minute is with the queen.” He looks at me with that pronouncement.

I head to my room and change outfits. Boonsri brought my armor, so it is easy getting ready. I ask Boonsri, “Will you travel back and forth with us?”

With a bow, “Yes Lady Asura.” Boonsri comes out of her bow with a smile.

I am glad to see her relaxing around me. It seems she and I will spend a lot of time together. Her and I meet with Callisto and Effrion in the floating home’s front entrance. With a nod the two disappear, looking at Boonsri’s neck shows an amulet. She reaches up and disappears next. Well, I guess she doesn’t need help with travel. I grab my amulet and think of the country house.

Effrion leads Callisto and myself to the barn. I am excited to see the mounts. I have ridden a horse before; I expect to do all right starting out. Walking into the barn I hear growls. Deep and throaty growls. In the first stall is a lizard. A flipping tall lizard.

“Not horses?” I ask and gulp down my fear.

Effrion face breaks into a huge grin and I grow nervous, “No. Horses can’t compare to our battle mounts. This is my mount Tosh.” He affectionately rubs Tosh’s face.

“Can I look at Tosh?” I ask.

With his nod I move forward, peek into the stall and freeze. I stare open-mouthed at the monster. Large teeth, horns on its head, long reptilian tail whips back and forth as Tosh looks at me. It stands about 15-hands high. Not bad for mounting. Looking at the feet I break into a sweat. Talons, the damn thing has talons four to five inches long. Its chest is broad and ripples with muscles. It's a lizard with cat-like aspects to its body.

Walking backwards away from the monster I ask, “I will ride one of these?”

Callisto quips, “Don’t worry they haven’t eaten a servant in a while.”

Rolling my eyes, I look back to Effrion, “Really?”

“Come on, instill your dominance and everything will go great.” Smiles Effrion.

A groom leads a battle mount out while Effrion walks us towards the thing. I watch it snap at the groom with its teeth. The groom is used to this, because he easily dodges while throwing a saddle on its back.

Effrion extends his arm and presents, “This is Liz.”

I snort, “Liz the lizard? Really?”

Effrion grins sheepishly, “I didn’t know what to call the beastie.”

Not a heroic name for a mount.

As I approached, Liz rears onto her back legs and snaps at me. I immediately transform into my battle form, spread my wings and punch Liz in the nose. I growl in a display of dominance and throw a hard slap at her head. My hit made Liz shake her head and snort. She settles, but watches as I walk around her staying away from the claws. I would hate to suffer a foot swipe.

“Good on you!” Came Callisto’s comment.

Callisto mounts a lizard of his own. He and Effrion await my addition to the group for my first riding lessons.

Willing myself to change back I look to the groom to help mount this tall lizard. The damn things look sleek and dangerous. With the shoulders heights matching mine, the thing is intimidating. The groom demonstrates a tapping command on Liz’s left front leg. Obediently, she lifts her knee and I use it as a step to mount.

And that is as good as it gets with Liz. We spend several hours in a dominance fight. I wanted her to go forward, she wouldn’t. I want her to stop... nope, not having it. Then, when I did get her moving and up to a low run, the shit start hopping and jumping around. I don’t fall off, but it isn’t a graceful ride. Finally, we finish with a demonstration from Effrion. The abilities of these mounts is scary. They can shred the enemy and their mounts to pieces.

We head back to meditate, eat and relax. I am happy to have this long day over and soak in Ishtar’s place of power. Sipping on wine, I hold me hand out, palm up and call essence. I made it dance around inches above my skin. Concentrating, I focus my will on shaping the essence. Sweat beads down my face as I shape the power to look like a tiny person. My mentors speak encouraging words as my construct displays ballet moves. I lean back as I release the power and watch it disappear.

A thought comes to me and ask Ishtar, “Can you reach towards to ley lines? You know with your power?”

With a nod of his head his eyes close and I feel towards him. I want to understand if I can follow where his power travels. Sinking into the surrounding stone I head towards Ishtar. Surprisingly, I can feel his power move towards the ley lines below us.

I watch as his power runs through three of the four ley lines. I wonder if he can’t go into the fourth because he doesn’t have an affinity with it? I wrap my power around his, allowing my power to follow as he draws power separately from his three affinities.

Curious, I reach towards the ley line can’t touch. I touch it and slowly pull Ishtar’s power to me. I do not force him; I tug and see if he follows. He stops close to the earth ley line, but doesn’t touch it. Pulling the earth into my power, I wrap myself around his and slowly swirl the three of us together.

I go very slow, a bit of earth at a time and as I see his power take control of the earth magic, I pull away. Molecule at a time, so slowly it hurt. Ishtar’s power takes off away from my power. He dives straight into the earth ley line, weaving his power over and through it. It is beautiful to watch.

Coming back to myself, I open my eyes and await Ishtar’s reaction. It takes several minutes, but when he gazes at me a huge grin splits his face. Launching himself across our soaking pool, he lifts and spins me around. He kisses me and throws his head back laughing.

Is this the same person... Mr. Stick Up The Ass Ishtar?

Callisto and Effrion are shocked at Ishtar’s action.

“My affinity for earth magic is open. I now have four affinities.” Ishtar replies smugly.

Callisto, in shock, asks me, “You did this?”

Shrugging my shoulders I ask, “Why is that shocking?”

“No one can do that. You can’t help others that way.” Is Callisto’s reply.

Effrion is quiet and I ask, “What’s up? Why are you withdrawn and quiet all of a sudden?”

Now everyone stares at Effrion and he answers straight to Ishtar, “What happens when this information gets out?”

Ishtar immediately loses his smile, “I see... We can’t tell anyone but Queen Lillith.”

Even the irrepressible Calisto looks concerned as I ask, “You guys want to explain why we can’t share this?”

Effrion states, “The problem starts when people learn that you can give them magic affinities.”

“Realms will go to war to control you.” Ishtar further explains.

I ask, “Even the elder races? As their champion, they should leave me alone, correct?”

Effrion faces looks hard in the dim lighting of the cavern, “No, some have spent centuries pursuing power. They won't care what it takes, they will have you.”

“I’ll add that to my to-do list: Don’t let people know... got it.” I huff and roll my eyes.

The three men look at me and I tell them, “Fine, no worries. Mums the word.”

“Mum?” Callisto asks.

“Never mind... Earth slang.” I mumble.

Looking at Ishtar I get a thought. If this is a great power, gift, whatever... what would they give for it? I need to think long term and I don’t want to lose my mentors anytime soon. I believe I will need the help of these three demon lords long into the future.

“I understand how to form chaos and then essence. What would you give for that knowledge? If I can impart that information... what would you do for it?” I ask and watch their faces, interested in learning their answers.

Everyone becomes thoughtful, even Callisto. I don’t need to push for answers, instead I look around for more wine. Might as well have another beverage while I wait.

Of course it is Callisto who speaks first, “I will offer terms and agree to form a blood bond sealing our contract.”

Ishtar splutters, “Are you sure?”

Callisto answers, “And what will you offer for this precious offer? An offer that may never come again. I know what I am doing Ishtar. You better think on what it is you want.” Then he waves a servant over and asks for a knife.

Why do we need a knife?

When the servant returns, Callisto stands and walks through the water to where I sit. Holding out a hand, he lifts me to my feet and cuts his forearm, “By my blood as a demon lord I offer you a 100-years of service as long as you never break faith to myself or our queen.”

I feel the guiding of fate or providence and cut open my forearm while the words come automatically, “By my blood as an Elder Demon Succubus and wielder of Essence, I accept your oath.” Then we place the bleeding forearms together and a warm tingling sensation starts.

The warmth blooms into pain and as quickly passes. I jerk my arm away from the sharp pain, looking for damage. It isn’t a burn. It is a tattoo. I have an intricate tattoo, a curled gold dragon peering out of flames. From the flames is a firebird that looks like Una. In the tattoo Una’s head is thrown back, beak open as he cries out in anger or defiance. It is so lifelike that I imagine the dragon’s eyes follow me.

Now Callisto hugs me, “Not just a blood bond, you gave me a mark of power. We thought these a thing of the pass.”

“What does it mean?” I ask not taking my eyes away from my forearm and the dragon’s eyes.

“It means you are more powerful than we expected. This is a power from our old realm, from Logos. No elder race has performed a calling since we were stranded in this realm. The mark will fade, but think about it and it will reappear.” Callisto answers

Looking at Efrion and Ishtar, I try to gauge their reactions to the mark of power. I decide to leave them to their thoughts and head to meditate. Una shoots from my back leading our way to my favorite spot. The fall of the sheeting water is invigorating. Slogging my way to the rock outcropping, I climb on and lay back. Una swoops down and curls next to my head.

I think back on the last few days. I think about the fear that's seems behind me now. The fear of falling and of heights seems much better.

I wonder if that is a game mechanic? If you meditate on shortcomings then the AIs help your cognitive process?

I concentrate on my area sense and forming a force-type barrier. Then I move to my aura, agility, constitution, self-healing, intelligence and wisdom. I hear Una’s approving coo at each ability I think about. That reminds me to concentrate on our bond. Final, I bring it all together in a picture of the build I am working towards. This isn’t broke into stats, there aren’t concrete numbers, it is my evolution towards an end result.

Part of that picture is a strong succubus. One that can deny the will of a God. One that owns their decisions, their morality and their ability to lead. I will become a strong and capable succubus. And these thoughts bring up a swelling wave of power and desire.

Sitting up, I concentrate on Ishtar. It is time to confront his stern demeanor and learn about my powers and his. I move into the center of my large pool of water behind the waterfall. Closing my eyes and throwing my aura out, I call Ishtar to me.

His aural response knocks my body back a step. I change into my combat form knowing he did the same. Unlike Effrion, Ishtar doesn’t fight the call. Instead, he is drowning me in his power. The torrent of water opens with his magic like a tunnel through a mountain. His eight and half foot form is impressive. Massive horns extend from his forehead, sweeping back and outward.

The tunnel through the water closes as he steps through. Ishtar’s eyes are hungry and dominating. He sweeps his wings open, stalking towards me with a knowing smile. As he approaches his aura continues to shove against mine.

If he thinks he will dominate me with his power, his is in for a surprise.

I extend my wings in answer and lean into his power. Instead of letting him run me over I wrap my aura with his. I add thoughts of longing, kisses...

oh hell... lets go for broke...

My thought get nasty and smiling back at him, I picture various sexual positions. Then I picture where I want his tongue.

His step stutters for a moment and surprise flows across his face then determination. He holds his body inches from mine. Even at my extended height, I only come to the bottom of his chin. Looking upwards never intimidated me.

Ishtar commands, “Kneel.”

“In your dreams, buddy.”

His aura is a mountain crushing down on my shoulders. It isn’t close to the pressure of Varuna’s aura. If I can’t handle Ishtar’s aura how can I take on the gods? Not that I want to challenge a god, but that is where Varuna states my power level needs to reach.

I continue to swirl my power with his, dispersing the weight. Where he is using his aura as a hammer, I am using mine as a paintbrush. His can build and smash while mine makes beauty. Looking into his eyes I picture where I want to rub my tongue. I use my aura to slide along the areas I picture.

Ishtar chuckles, “I believe I like your use of aura compared to my method.” He places a palm on the back of my head and pulls me in for a kiss. During our kiss I notice Ishtar’s aura wraps and swirls with mine.

Our hands roam and the kiss lingers. I provide feedback to every sensation, ensuring I subject Ishtar to double the sensation. I get a groan from him when I share my feelings and sensations as I rub my hand down his abs and, going lower, I take a firm grip to stroke his wonderful girth.

I send him my feelings about his looks, powers, and strength. Ishtar pulls his aura back, lifts me in a princess carry and carries me out from my area behind the falls. He makes a tunnel through the water so it does not touch us. As we clear the water Ishtar launches us into the air, flapping to the top of the falls and then over it into the dark. Una sweeps ahead, light radiates from his body and sparks fall from his feathers.

These caverns are amazing. This whole experience is amazing. I am in a new world of magic, flying with a demon through magical caves led by a firebird. Not the everyday experience. I feel like a fairytale princess. Well... an erotic fairytale? I mean it’s not PG and Disney isn’t putting this movie out.

Landing and taking my hand, Ishtar leads me to his private space.

I didn’t know this series of caves existed. Ishtar places my feet onto a precipice, waves a hand to ignite magical lights and I scan the wonder of the area. The space feels like a deep well of open space going downward. Small waterfalls ease their way along the walls into waiting pools of steaming water. Thick lichen-like fauna cover various ledges and give off a fresh scent. The space feels exotic and sensual.

Taking my hand, Ishtar leads me downward. Una is zipping around and testing the various pools out. Soon he is bathing in a shallow spot of water while singing to himself. We end in an area of many pools with a central area covered with the carpet-thick fauna.

With another wave of his hand and a muttered word small fires ignite. Ishtar picks me up and lays my body onto the soft cushy surface.

Ishtar lays his body next to mine and in his deep voice Ishtar gruffly tells me, “Now succubus, we will work on your aura.” As Ishtar leans forward into a kiss his aura, once again, crashes into mine.

Using his power against mine, Ishtar tries to restrain my limbs to the ground as he kisses down my neck. He is successful for a good minute before I weave my aura into his. Then I release the pressure from my limbs and move. Bending my head towards his neck I bite deeply.

Ishtar growls and physically restrains my wrists as I taunt him, “You aura can’t keep me down? What’s up with that demon lord?” Ishtar pulls his neck away from my mouth and I watch as blood slides down the side of his neck. I lick my lips while staring into his eyes.

“I may not be able to restrain you with my aura alone, but I can and will win this contest.”

I have only one answer, “Bring it.”

The concept of time fades as we both work at conquering the other. I use mine in seductive ways to surprise him. I have to admit this is damn good practice and sweaty fun all wrapped together. I learn to use my aura as if it is part of my body.

I picture it licking up Ishtar’s pelvis and make it take small nips across his back. I watch Ishtar’s face as he goes between frustration and determination to win. Next, I use the aura to simulate fingernails running up his back. This makes him throw his head back and groan. I go for the gold and picture sucking him. His concentration breaks and I roll him over.

With his concentration broken and no longer restraining me, I leap into the air. I am pretty sure he will catch me, but he will work for it. Flapping my wings I try to gain distance. As I reach a ledge to put my back against a wall, I feel a hand like a vice grab my ankle.

Crap.

I can’t pull away and he stops beating his wings, letting our combined weight pull our bodies downward. With a flare of his wings, Ishtar slows our decent and catches me before I hit the floor.

Ishtar smirks, “Nice try, but you will never out fly me.” And he seals his lips to mine.

I weave my aura through his again and try for graphic thoughts with corresponding physical actions. All without my hands. I begin to wonder how much I can do at once. Like chewing gum, walking and playing on a phone... no problem, right?

Using my aura to go down on him, I also concentrate on his neck and back at the same time. I lock my lips to his as my aura stimulates his body. Smiling into his mouth I envision what I want for myself. This involves picturing me on my hands and knees while Ishtar enters from behind pulling hard on my hair.

And that does it!

Grinding his teeth Ishtar whispers, “We are calling this a draw. You didn’t get away but I am not going to last with everything your powers are doing to my body.”

Licking his lip I ask, “So, you going to finish what I started?” I let out a laugh as I am picked up and placed exactly how I envisioned.

God, I love my hair pulled!

After our initial rush we slow ourselves down to enjoy more positions. The entire experience is mind blowing. I have to hand it to Varuna, he did me right when he made me a succubus.