Bloody Redemption [Eteru/Richard]

Of course the threat that these Ghouls posed to Valai would naturally be something that Richard would think would trigger the reignition of Little Light like it did when they two met within his own mind. But much to his surprise he didn’t feel the same overbearing pressure nor the righteous fury… He felt a cold apathy as Lincoln barely seemed fazed by the fact that his home was a feeding ground for Richard’s wayward race. It seems that it will take alot to reignite that simmering fury like his previous cowardice and near betrayal of his sisters conviction. It was like… Something that normally served to ignite that righteous flame was now missing when it came to matters that didn’t involve family… Though the reality could be more broad but given his current evidence it may just be that.

Richard was certainly surprised by his friend's inaction, but he certainly wasn’t going to follow that example. This place was important to Lincoln despite his current behavior, he wasn’t going to let his wayward people do as they liked to this world. Even as he would soon learn that they were… A problematic people for someone like him, a freak occurrence amongst his own kind who were similarly a, normally, Matriarchal species. The Existence of the King is an exceedingly rare and powerful mutation amongst the Ghoul’s. A single King can potentially enthrall tens of Queens in theory, much harder in practice depending on the individuals involved. Despite that difficulty Richard was going to make sure that Valai, and more importantly anyone important to Lincoln, are kept going blissfully in their day to day without the threat of becoming a meal.

As Maya arrives and Lincoln starts to walk over to meet her it is rather hard for Rich and Maravi not to look at the pair of them as they have their reunion. Rich was surprised that this important friend of Lincoln’s looked so bland. So norm- Hmm. Well no one is ever normal, though it was odd that his mind came to that immediate conclusion. Despite that small tangent he did see that she was a very laid back person, though he did take special notice of how she brightened up when she saw and got close to Lincoln. They watched them talk, watched as their barriers lowered and even as they ever so casually held hands like it was no big deal, not that it is but it was easy to see implications in such actions. And while she was not the nosy type, Maravi couldn’t help but look to Richard with a look that demanded context. Unfortunately for her he had none to give, he didn’t know anything about Maya since this was the first time he’s even heard anything about her. Though he was just as curious as she was.

Though ultimately Maya seemed like a passive person, willing to go along with the flow that she liked. And that flow seemed to very much include Lincoln… It was strange. He couldn’t put his finger on it for the time being.

As the introductions went around and he and Maravi introduced themselves they followed Lincoln’s lead in not giving away too much of the truth. Though it did seem univoidable to not out himself as something not really human, he wasn’t sure what a cryptid was but for now that will have to suffice since the implications of his people’s real name would likely raise some negative opinions. It was pretty hard not to notice that Mata didn’t take any genuine interest in the actual situation and instead was just happy enough to be here with Lincoln. Mildly annoying to say the least, not everyday you get caught up in a shady tale that is definitely more than it seems.

He wanted to hear the story behind this more than just ‘close friend’ relationship these two have but now it was about time that Richard got to learn more about the otters and their strangely familiar ways. As he listened his expression never ventured too far from relevant reminiscing. Of course Ghoul society was more about the limits and potential of those within it, but certain lines did cross here and there. Men made up the bulk of the Peasant and Unranked class… Unranked being those amongst the Ghouls who have no ability to create a Blood Art and are no stronger than normal humans. Females made up the bulk of the Noble and Royal Classes so it was hard for there not to be some bias and privilege to be present. But Male nobles and Royal’s were seen as something precious, something to be lorded for their gifts. Though it can teeter on the brink of coddling and pandering since they are of a minority all their own. Because they were so few most nobles or royals will never see the night sky for worry of assassination or kidnapping for enthralling under a rival Queen.

There were afew times where he nearly kidnapped when he was younger, but Melissa and his mother certainly would have none of that nonsense. Ah… A memory of a better time. Heh… A soft smile graced his face before he was brought back to the situation at hand. The Valian’s troublesome view on gender was going to play havoc since Maravi was going to be in danger if some Ghoul figures out her connection to him. Not that Maravi couldn’t fend for herself, but she more specialised in nature control and healing magic. He started to nervously chew on his thumb as he heard more about this, to be regulated to clinging to alleyways and avoiding eye contact if he didn't know people… This was going to be troublesome.

Sensing Richard’s slowly mounting tension, Maravi clasped her hand in his as she smiled at him, trying to get him to ease up. He shouldn’t worry so much now that they were so close. “Don’t worry, you’ll be close by and if anyone tries to make a fuss I can yell louder than those close minded furballs. No offense to the people you grew up around Lincoln.” Rich gave a soft sigh, letting his shoulders rest as he nodded, he definitely agreed with Maya and Lincoln. If they linger then things will definitely turn sour. He smiled back to Maravi as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze as a silent thank you.

With that he nodded to Lincoln and led them towards the city that he had felt Melissa’s presence when they briefly connected. He wondered how she would react to all this… Thankfully he wouldn’t need to think too much on this for too long. While Richard was oblivious, Lincoln could feel the subtle sensation of a pair of eyes looking on them via some remote viewing magic. It looks like someone is looking to keep tabs of them, or more specifically Richard since that is where the gaze is solely focussed on, with shifts in gaze being directed to him and those around them as they make their way into the city.

It was likely that other Ghouls were bound to come looking for Richard too since he had accidentally made so many of them aware of his existence. An unclaimed King of limitless potential… Who could pass up such a bounty?

Richard was more right on target than he would think. The very catalyst that spurred him to a life of heroism at a very young age was to precisely protect his family. At first it was just his town and the neighboring districts. Then his first mentor came along and brought him on a better path. The horizon extended beyond his personal family. But no matter the countless responsibilities he undertakes. It all leads back to them. It’s a reason he didn’t mind being brought across the globe because as his family grew they left the nest to find their own paths in life. Scattering across the States like seeds in the wind. Thus one of the reasons he protected the States so fiercely was because his family lived in it. It was their home. The entire planet was their home. It was only when his people spread to the stars that he began helping out in the rest of creation much like his godly friend has been doing for millennia.

In contrast the world of Valai wasn’t home. It rejected him as being one of their own. Yes, he feels connected to the friends he made here. But at the end of the day it never felt like it was home like his birthworld did. So much like the very early years of his heroics. While he heard all about the warring alien empires in the greater galaxy. It didn’t concern them, therefore he didn’t feel the need to intervene. That was of course when their issues washed up on their shore and threatened the normalcy of his family. Then he very much got involved.

At the end of this he doesn’t know how to conclude his thoughts on Valai. He certainly can’t take this move to Trikon as a way to cut Valai off permanently from his life. It’s unfair to both himself and everyone he came to befriend here. For all sense and purpose he did live a long time here. He touched the hearts of many people and in turn touched him as well. The prismatic flame that courses through his veins is proof of that. But at the same time he accepts the fact that he simply doesn’t belong here.

That thought lingered in his mind as he became more aware of Maya’s weight against him. Admiring how pretty her brown hair was in the soft ambience of twilight. The way her feminine hand seems to mesh so well with his own. The soothing lub-dub’s of her beating heart. His lips press into a line. Perhaps he was too hasty with that thought. He felt he was exactly where he should be. However, that raises further thoughts that he doesn’t want to entertain right now.

So he set his focus on a nervous Richard. Watching Maravi comfort him gave him an idea. Giving a coy expression he digs into his back pocket, “There’s one way for men to walk on the main streets with other women.” He pulls out a black choker with a small hoop on the end of it that’s attached to a thin leash.

Lincoln’s eyes were shifty, clearly avoiding the gazes of Maravi and Richard. Especially Maya who for some reason gives him a fluttery feeling in the stomach. “Women don’t mind men near their establishment as long they are clearly ‘owned’ by a woman. It’s a lingering byproduct of Valai’s history of using men as no more than breeding livestock for millennia. Sex slavery was banned a few centuries ago when it joined Iammelon but to this day there is still lingering traces of that history.” His explanation was truthful but everyone there could tell that it wasn’t the reason why he had something like that around with him.

“Are you suggesting...that you would wear it dear?” Maya spoke with dark eyes. There were more words on the edge of her tongue that she couldn’t find the will to vocalize. Thankfully it would seem that Lincoln could sense what was on her mind. Becoming noticeably sheepish.

“Y-yeah I don’t see why not. That way we’re all together. Here Maya do you want to hold the leash?” Lincoln held the end to her to which she silently took with her other hand. Rolling her wrist to wrap it around her palm a few times before resting her fist on her chest.

“I don’t mind things since you don’t”, Maya diverted her gaze elsewhere. Besides that her composure was remarkable to say the least. Even with such a brazen shift in the atmosphere there were only superficial cracks to her calm demeanor. Her breathing was a pitch heavier. Eyes marginally dilated. It was clear that even with all of this that she was using a great amount of willpower to hold her composure in place.

Which seemed to be melting away bit by bit when she looked up at him. They were very close now. The two gaze into each other's eyes. Their lips separated by mere inches. She opens her mouth to either speak or possibly kiss considering the sheer tension between them before she softly turns her head to Richard and Maravi. Then diverting her eyes to the side. The barest hint of a blush rising to her smooth cheeks.

As Richard looked at the two he would come to remember something when he looked at Maya in particular. Now lookalikes are a known concept and with a population as large as Iammelon there is bound to be people who look similar to another. In this case, Maya bears striking similarities to one of Lincoln’s sisters in his artwork. Even down to both facial and body shape. The latter being very rare for lookalikes.

Whatever Richard goes with, Lincoln and Lisa stuck together as they head into the city. Now given Lincoln lives nearby the women on the streets have heard of him. Many gave a small grin seeing him leashed up. Some even lob a demeaning comment his way. Noting how much of a cute pet he was. And he very much was treated as one. Many tried to give him pets but Maya pulled him away with a sharp tug of the leash while giving them a glare. If Richard does the same the reactions are different. They don’t know Richard and so don’t try to shower him with ‘affection’. In short, Lincoln and Richard could be compared to a gorgeous Labrador to a ugly Pitbull in their eyes.

Richard thought that having their movement hindered like this was going to be an issue. Once Lincoln brought up a way that they could move through the city streets more easily, with Richard looking both sceptical of this plan and curious as to why he had that leash in his back pocket, the Usurper was starting to reevaluate how much he should put his trust in Lincoln. What's more. Maravi was looking to the collar with quite the telling look of fascination and mischief on her face.

His immediate knee jerk reaction was a resounding ‘No’ the Ghoul still having pride enough to find it beneath him to have a collar around his neck like some kind of dog. But once Lincoln and Maya have their strangely touching moment, with Richard getting a look into a completely new side of his friend that shattered yet more of the image he had been piecing together since the first few hours they knew each other. It certainly didn’t change his stance on the leashes, but seeing as it was the easier option that will let him stay by Maravi’s side… He trusted that she wouldn’t abuse the control she was about to have over him. It was too bad that she was getting caught up in the example of Maya along with some especially scandalous ideas of keeping Richard on a leash and having the usually dominant King tending solely to her with a submissive look on his face. He grit his teeth with a groan under his breath, his cheeks flush with frustrated embarrassment before he moved his collar and looked to Maravi. “L-Let’s get this over with.”

Maravi blushes with her mischievous smile growing ever deeper as she used the nature around them to weave a fitting leash that fit nice and snug around the Usurpers neck, even giving it a teasing tug as he was pulled into Maravi’s plump chest with a giggle. While Richard just looked up at her with simmering worry. “You’re already enjoying this aren’t you…” He muffles into her chest as she strokes his hair, not replying outright but her cheeky smile said it all. Though their little moment was overshadowed by the sheer tension the pair would witness from Lincoln and Maya. In that fleet moment of tension that almost turned to burning passion… He remembered something, a likeness sprang to mind from the works that had seen from Lincoln’s personal collection. The art he had drawn of his sisters. And Maya in particular held a remarkable likeness... It wasn’t only that but it was the sheerly absurd closeness the pair shared for Maya to be nothing but a ‘close friend’ to Lincoln. It couldn’t hardly be a coincidence…

Maya is certainly an oddball in this, even having Lincoln wrapped around her fingers and melting...

Well he’ll get the time to question Maya on just what or who she was later on. For now they needed to get going, into the city. Of course he kept his gaze down once they went into the city, keeping it so that Maravi was at his side. Of course once they get into the city and he starts to see Lincoln get showered with ‘affection’ as Maya does her best to assert herself in minor ways with the slight pull of the leash to get him to her side, the reactions he was getting was not better. He really shouldn’t care about this, but in this compromising position it seemed to hurt more. It was so bad that his overall attitude towards them and his desire to help keep his people from hurting them seemed to plummet from ‘I’ll keep the peace’ to a crushing ‘maybe…’.

Of course, Richard wasn’t the only one that did not like the leash that now adorned his neck. Through remote means someone was grinding their teeth at the oh so deplorable visual of having Richard chained by an Ialoa. Given the [b]very bloody[b] history of conflict between the two species Lincoln may have made a poor choice in this harmless accessory. The remote viewing stops, the sight was enough to cause the certain someone to take action after they figured out what street they were on.

Meanwhile Richard was not having a good time with this, no matter how many times that Maravi pet him. Admittedly a poor move given his situation, the petting only made him irritable. He was just repeating a little mantra in his head to keep himself calm.

Walking down the sidewalk side by side with Lincoln was intense for Maya. The sheer lewdness of the situation made it hard for her to think of anything else beside the situation. Whose thoughts revolved a singular word.

Mine.

That word resonated throughout her very being. Pulling apart the last remaining wires strung around her heart. Spilling out long suppressed emotions from the fog of her mind. Things click into place. The realization of what she wants dawns on her.

It was supposed to be her by his side instead of Alcra. While she knew it was too late to separate him from her. There was a glimmer of hope for she knew many things. More than he could possibly know.

The day she learned who he is was back when they first met at that gaming convention. A series of events led her to discerning the true nature of her friend. And inheriting the last wish from a long departed quantum spirit.

She knew that he couldn’t replace the brother she had lost when she was but a young child. For all sense and purposes they were different people with vastly different stories. One was brought to a close far to early. Hardly worth remembering. The other is a chronicle of epics spanning countless years across space and time.

The last few years were spent digging through the metaphorical cache of bestowed memories of bygone days. She dreamed that the man who was Little Light fought the Mad Titan, the God-Butcher, the Forever Walker, the Void King, the Great Corrupter, and a slew of other prominent foes in his former rogue's gallery. She beheld his greatest days and the lowest.

He was quite literally a little light in her bleak universe. An amazing man who has done so many great things at the sacrifice for too much personal happiness. Which led her back to the wish she was given. To fulfill his selfish desires that he neglected for so long.

How she would go about it she did not know until a while ago when Alcra’s adopted daughter started to hang around with him. She was never there in person but she can see the evidence of what that tramp was doing. The sheer audacity to defile a man who once lived a heroic life.

Yet she could not come to hate her or even undo her handiwork. Because once again history was repeating itself. Although not to the same extent, Lincoln has been corrupted before. By his other, darker half. When Lincoln got into a relationship with some of his older sisters. The accumulating paranoia of their safety heighten. And Sincoln whispered into his ear. Saying that by having them close, they will be safe and happy. They wouldn’t have to worry as much.

One by one Lincoln dominated the mind, body, and soul of his sisters. And he didn’t stop there, oh no he was concerned about the wellbeings of his friends as well. The life of a superhero was a dangerous one after all.

For obvious reasons he couldn’t bring everyone he knew into his polygamous relationship. So he only seduced the ones he felt the closet to. From his very own former mentor to nine other women. Apparently feeling the need to keep things balanced. Cute.

And this large relationship had certainly helped Lincoln cope with the overwhelming responsibility he took upon his shoulders. Yet like the ghost, she wished things went differently in a way he wouldn’t have to suffer so much. The wish is what made her realize who the ghost was, and why it gave her these memories. It was an echo of her very own counterpart.

At first she didn’t believe she was worthy of making him happy. But a combination of loneliness, guilt, admiration, and other emotions she thought were lost once had made her reconsider. Maya was very much a Villainess. Therefore isn't the duty of the gallant Hero to conquer the nefarious villain?

In ways she became sympathetic of Talmia’s purpose for influencing Lincoln in such a way. Then later coming to fully adhere to it. Especially when she takes into the account the sheer injustice Lincoln went through on Valai.

Lincoln didn’t deserve to be treated like this. He deserved so much more than this. He, like everyone else, has the personal right to have happiness. Yes, Lincoln has earned this and so much more.

Now as she continues her pace down the street she ponders on how she’ll do this. It was risky, something she wouldn’t normally do for she doesn’t like taking risks. She needed to use Lincoln’s conditioning to her advantage. Prod his own deep, dark emotions. Make it overwhelm him in a surge of lust and yearning.

She felt a dull throb in her core. And she made her final decision. Seeing the storefront of a game store beside them she spoke up, “You guys go on ahead, I want to show Lincoln a new game that came out. Don’t worry we’ll catch up.”

Without another word the woman dragged him inside. The former superhero was so preoccupied with her weird behavior that he didn’t notice how the clerk didn’t seem to notice them. Unbeknownst to him, Maya made them disconnected to the space in this room. Meaning no one can perceive them or catch the debauchery that is about to unfold on camera.

Lincoln was brought over to a corner of the store with a concerned expression, “What’s wrong Maya?”

Maya was silent for a moment before turning to him. Little space left between them if at all. Her gaze wandered for a bit before setting on his baby blues, “This made me...realize how much I’ll miss you.”

The confession brought a downcast to Lincoln’s mood, “Oh Maya…” seeing that expression on her face dug open a very old scar. While he doesn’t know who she is, his subconsciousness knew that face. He had always hated seeing her and the rest of them look so sad.

On Maya’s end she felt a tad guilty for doing this to Lincoln. But she knew the trigger to his conditioning. When he gets sad it kicks in to make him solve the problem so that there is no more unhappiness.

Lincoln went to speak again, likely to reassure her and promise that he’ll visit Valai as much she wants. But Maya silenced him with eyes brimming with sadness before yanking the leash to send his lips crashing against her own.

The onslaught of the last hour and seeing those sort of eyes on her face spark a dark flame in his body. A dance of prismatic bands swirl over his eyes as it takes hold of him. The sensation of her velvet lips grinding against his own spur the passion that drowned all sense of reason.

Be happy Lincoln! Turn that frown upside down! Your shining smile will brighten everyone’s day! And everyone will be happy!

Talmia’s influence silenced his inner voice. Lowering his mental restraints to let go of years worth of repressed desires and wants. The biggest being the desire to never let anyone he loved leave him.

Lincoln wrapped his arms around Maya’s petite frame. Pressing her against the transparent display case filled with games behind her. Their kiss deepened vigorously. Coiling their tongues with the other. Mewls and moans left the both of them as they descended further into depravity. Any thoughts about their other friends have long exited the building.

Their continued walk down the main streets of the city as their search for Melissa continues on with Richard wondering why it was so silent. He figured that he would at least see one of two Ghouls trying to tail them but so far he couldn’t see or sense any of them… It was entirely possible that they sensed him first and they all moved to spots where he couldn’t see them coming. It was a possibility he didn’t like…

Of course he was at least content in the knowledge that Lincoln was here to give them backup if something unexpected happens-

[“You guys go on ahead, I want to show Lincoln a new game that came out. Don’t worry we’ll catch up.”]

Richard’s opinion of Maya was taking a Valorian nosedive.

Of course he couldn’t vocalise his detest of such an action right now since a simple negative word can get him into alot of trouble in this city. He’ll have to bottle up that little issue for now, that and the pair of them vanished into a store and even out of his ability to sense the both of them… He couldn’t even hear their heartbeats inside the store. I knew she wasn’t normal. She’s done something.. I can’t sense them, she’s done something that’s outside of my ability to pick them up… Wait. Ah, I can still sense their souls. That small relief didn’t stop the worry that started to mount again as his shoulders tightened.

All the while Maravi was finding a sort of enjoyment out of this though she was very much just swept up in the depravity of such a thing since the idea of it was rather exciting, but the initial allure of it started to fade as she continued to see Richard’s general displeasure of this. A slight frown curled on her lips as she realised she was being rather selfish, and felt rather guilty about putting Richard in his situation while she was only thinking of how she can enjoy this. Her frown subsided as she went to turn to him but a sudden lax in the leash as it’s collar hit the ground had her looking back at an empty leash. What's more the street around her fell into total silence. “Wha-? Huh?” Her vision pans up to see that she was no longer in the city streets, it looked like the interior of an apartment. Or more accurately. The Broom closet of one. “H-Hey! Let me out!” She immediately began to bang her fists against the study door, finding out that they were made of metal instead of something more flimsy.

Outside said broom closet, was a large and lavish apartment that spanned an entire floor of one of the sky scrappers that surrounded them on the streets below. Right now they seemed to be in an open and empty room that had quite the familiar style… It reminded him of home. Even done to the stone tiles beneath his feet. Once he realised that he had been teleported he was nearly walking face first into an closed elevator door, which did spook him “What the bloody-” Confusion and alarm filled his mind as he immediately felt for the collar around his neck to find his neck vacant of it, his expression filled with worry as he then began looking around the immediate room. “Maravi??”

“So that was her name… The one who leashed you?” A familiar voice rang out to his right, one that filled his heart with nostalgia. He found himself frozen for a moment, hoping that this wasn’t some sick trick… Slowly he forced himself to turn right, meeting the eyes of the person he set out to meet… The sister who stayed so long in hope of his escape or tried so desperately to break him out. Those eyes of piercing crimson, staring back into his own as his own immediately betrayed the guilt and turmoil after seeing what she had gone through. The crimson of his eyes peeled away to reveal the truthful Golden shine as they welled up with tears, his heart pounding in his chest as he felt weak in the knees. “Melissa… I- I’m so- so sorry… You- You waited-”

She had dyed her hair, even seemed to have gotten some sort of treatment to remove the scars that were on her face the last time he saw her, but those eyes… Those eyes that screamed of doubt yet wishing for hope. Seeing the change in her brother's eyes, seeing his face well up with such emotions as he even seemed to say sorry for her waiting that struck a note inside her heart, even seeing that he still stayed true to his strangeness in persisting to walk everywhere barefoot so he could be closer to the bones of the world… She’s changed in notable ways, but he’s still the same. Her stern and untrusting gaze faltered in the face of her realisation, what caught Richard off guard was the fact that before he even realised it he had been pulled into an entirely different room. Out in that entryway she was dressed in a full suit, but now that she was sure. Seeing into his soul and learning it really was him.

She dressed more comfortably. A simple white shirt and shorts that… Did very well in showing off her best features. Of course that wasn’t her immediate intent, but knowing that it was truly Rich, she wanted to be comfy again… Now the pair of them were in her living room with Melissa laying back across the couch with Richard pulled against her, nestled firmly into the soft valleys of warm cleavage that adorned her chest. She was… So much faster than him now. And stronger too. Then again he wasn’t exactly heavy. But while he should be worried about what she would say to him, what he should say to her. He felt… Content. Letting himself relax and cuddle up close as she gave out soft shushes as she ran her fingers through his hair. “We can talk about it in asec. Just… Let’s just enjoy this moment yeah..?” He could both feel the quiver in her voice and her own need for this. Over 9000 years of wanting to feel his touch only to get it after she had long resigned herself from ever hoping such a thing could be possible.

Richard only seemed to nestle further into her soft and inviting pillows after she said to enjoy the moment, wrapping his arms around her just like he would all those years ago, with each hand snaking into the lip of her shorts. He did bring one hand back as he lifted it up, shortly for it to be taken into her own as she squeezed tightly.

They both get rather caught up in this, getting familiar with each others scents once again while the misery and tension of thousands of years seem to melt from Melissa’s ody as she revels in this miracle. Though that was all before the thumping of distant fists catches their ears with Melissa looking to the broom closet in the corner of the room with disdain. “That Ialoan… I thought I could forgive them but to see them leash up. The f*cking audacity of that bitch.”

Richard realises that he hadn’t cleared the air about that yet as his eyes widen before he bolts up to match her eyes and break her line of sight with the closet. “Wait! We just needed to use the collar so I could walk on the main street. Maravi isn’t a bad person. The Mooncrests sacrificed her so she could keep me locked up. Please. Don’t judge her harshly…” He looked at her with his best puppy eyes, watching as Melissa’s angered eyes started to get lost in the begging eyes of her younger brother before she gave a small ‘Urk’ before prying her eyes away “Nnnng.. Okay fine… I’m going to have a chat with her in a sec. And I can see WHY you had to, I could see the displeasure on your face when it was brought up so I thought you were being forced into it. Still… The Valorian’s are… Well they’re pretty backwards for rats who achieved spaceflight-”

“Mel… I agree that they’re backwards but you can't just call them that. Even if I’m not overly fond of the bigotted little bastards…” Melissa looked to Richard with surprise to see him show displeasure like this. In the past he was very much someone who was very tolerant of a race’s shortcomings, something that he would try to see from their angle. She gave a weary smile to this, she wasn’t entirely sad to see that her brother had changed… But she could see it in his eyes and feel it in his heart. The well of despair and loneliness that had opened up where love should be. Like it had opened up in her own.

“Look’s like we’ve both gone through so much… Yet…” She could feel it, Richard’s body was weaker than it was the last time she saw him, his magic circuits atrophied yet pried open by his consumption of mana. Destructive. His haste had left its mark as he had trudged and warred his way here against his screaming body, even saving face in front of Lincoln and the girls as agony gripped him. She frowned as she looked up to him, the both of them seeing just how far Richard had pushed himself to get this far. Yet if anything… She was relieved. “You careless dummy… You couldn’t take more care of yourself, you just had to find me huh..?” She smiled brightly as she leaned up and pressed her lips against his own, a gesture he returned sheepishly before he felt his body being enveloped in a splendid radiance. The atrophied mana circuits and pathways within his body started to heal, growing back in strength to their former glory while the damage he had carelessly done to himself was wiped away.

Melissa reluctantly pulled away as the light faded as Richard got up on his knees and looked to himself. “W-Woah… I… I feel great.” His astonishment and childlike awe made Melissa smile as Richard was drinking in the fact he was so thoroughly healed, some things clearly never change. Though his expression changes again as he realises that he, again, forgot that Maravi was stuck in the broom closet. “Oh, could you please let her out? She’s… One of the reasons I was able to find you. She helped push me this far.”

Melissa’s eyebrows furrowed as she started to read into what that meant, narrowing her eyes as he started to look more and more sheepish under her discerning gaze. She raised her hand and opened the door with a flick of her wrist before Maravi fell onto her back, having sat with her back against the door, to look up at Melissa and Richard looking down at her. “Richard!” Maravi started, rolling onto her side to get up before Melissa gestures simply for her to stop. Melissa and Maravi meet eyes as the Ialoa starts to understand the serious tone of her gaze. “What are you to my brother… His handler? A jailor??”

Maravi’s face turned red but she shook her head as her chest welled with guilt. “No, I’m not his handler. Without Richard I would have long resigned myself to a miserable death in his prison… If I had not grown to need him. Desire him. I would still be a pile of bones! I love him!”

Melissa quirks an eyebrow up before glancing at Richard out of curiosity, thinking that this girl has some screws loose or maybe he had compelled her to think up this strange narrative. But Richard’s own embarrassed blush was genuine. “A-Ah, well her soul was bound to a ring she wore, and a friend of mine, the same guy that freed me from my prison, made Maravi a body. And without her… I don’t think I could have made it here. To you…” Melissa’s eyebrows furrowed again as she recalls seeing another man with them, a human that she remembers hearing about thanks to local ruckus some years ago. “Lincoln… That strange orphan with an even stranger soul… Okay, I’ll believe you. He has something of a reputation already. Seeing him again I mistook him for some pervert once he pulled that leash from nowhere.”

“You were watching..?” Maravi piped up, still sitting on her knees in the middle of the living room as they seemed to be overlooking the fact that Melissa was sitting out in direct sunlight.

Melissa just brushed her hand through her hair with a slight smirk on her face, she had become quite the competent mage in her thousands of years worth of free time. “Of course! I’m quite the capable sorcerous~. And my Blood Art has evolved with all my experiences, it’s no longer shock nullification. It’s now Supernatural Nullification. I can even walk out in sunlight without worry of harm!” She looked to see Richard’s whole face light up in awe while Maravi pouted, it was really impressive. “Now!” Melissa sat forward, crossing her legs as she set her hands down in her lap. “Did you plan on pissing off all the vampires on Valai with that little stunt? You basically announced yourself as a free Royal.”

Richard snapped out of his awestruck state as he started to rub the back of his neck. “Ah… I didn’t mean to do that. I got caught up in making the new spell that it just kinda of… Happened… But it's okay! Because I intended to dig up our people from infesting this planet and bring them back to Carrad.”

“... Why?”

“... Well… Because I haven’t given up on my desire to correct the wrongs of our people.” Richard said as he looked into Melissa’s eyes, who didn’t seem to like that idea as she scowled. It was this kind of talk that got him imprisoned in the first place. “You-”

“I don’t plan on getting imprisoned again. Never again. Last time I was hoping they would follow my example, this time I won’t give them the choice… Those who lack the will to resist will be enthralled to see things my way. Those who can’t… Will be made to kneel. I will rebuild our house from the ground up and correct the wrongs our race has inflicted on the unknowing galaxy.” Richard’s eyes glowed in their golden splendor as his dark aura roared more intensely than when it simmered off of him before. His former strength partially returned thanks to Melissa’s healing technique. And Melissa, she was surprised. This was a stark change to the gullible Richard she had once known… All that time alone had changed him. Naturally… But it may have been a good thing. She did not revel in the fact that he was colder now, more willing to use force and enforce his will upon the others of their race… But… It might be the best move. Their people were leeching off of Iammelon’s glory and it would not be able to turn a blind eye to them forever.

She didn’t like that he changed so much, but… She did like how he planned to rebuild their old house. It especially brought a smile to her face that she could now stand at his side and show that bitch Camilla what for. “I’m in!” She says before she leaps forward and smothers Richard in her ample valleys. “Someone has to protect the prospecting King to be~”

Maravi scowls softly and leaps forward to hug Richard from the other side. “And you can continue to count on me too!” Melissa may not have been fair to the Ialoa girl at first, admittedly she didn’t like her very much as is, but she had to admit her devotion to her brother was nice to see… She didn’t mind sharing him… As long as that loyalty persisted. “Hmm… Fine by me.” Richard was just overwhelmed as he was swimming in plump flesh on all sides, enjoying himself for the moment as he soaked in the heat.

In any other time Lincoln would have been able to admire how there can be a sense of relativity for all things. From days slipping by as if they were a transient dream to a battle that lasted only minutes felt as if it lasted for hours or even days. Most notably how the whole world comes to a halt when it comes to moments of love. And the sense of eternity when one is away from the one they love. Time is truly an enigmatic force he long came to respect and tremble in awe.

Time is not the only abstract force he often comes to ponder on for hours at a time. But Space, a force that is deeply intertwined with time. It’s nearly impossible to articulate the experience of being surrounded by infinity. Even with his senses, there’s no way to wrap his head around the vastness. If he wanted to he could hear the heartbeat of every person in the city. Feel their vibrant and colorful emotions. See the streams of life around him as if he were in a sea of light.

With love, that all falls away. For all she knew at this very moment the universe didn’t exist. Everything around him was a sublime void. The only sound. The singular sound that emanates in this void was coming in front of him. He could hear the sound of the fabric of her clothing slide around her smooth skin. The crisp sound of her heavy breathing. The loud thumps of her beating heart. The flow of blood rushing faster through her body as she becomes more aroused and heated.

If it was any other moment he would have wept. Because it was the sound of life. Beautiful, delicate, precious life. A sound that kept him sane in the latter half of his eternal journey. If it weren’t for Franklin and the Lifebringer being near him. It was likely he would have gone mad from the deafening silence. That cold, hollow, motionless roar that often follows him to his very dreams. As a child he very much loved the magic of life. And the experience made him even more awestruck by the beauty of it.

The spiral in his mind rouses more of his innermost thoughts and emotions to light. Traces of Talmia’s voice dance at the edge of his awareness. Beckoning him further into the radiance. Her voice rings with innocence and truth. She only wants to make him happy. To take off the heavy coat that he stubbornly wore for so long. And he, a man who has been through so much. Mentally weep as he lets himself be submerged in that blissful sea. And ever the caring soul, Talmia wipes the tears from his mind and gives it warmth he so desperately yearned for so long.

His body shudders. Eyes closed to immerse himself more deeply in this intimate moment. Savoring the texture of Maya’s tongue as he entwines it with his own. More aware of their hands traveling all over their bodies. Petting and groping more vigorously as time goes on. Heh, there it was again. The mention of time. This moment felt timeless. He didn’t know how long he was peppering her sweet lips with loving kisses. And he found that he didn’t care. Why would he when he has what he wants the most in his arms? He kissed her again and again to make sure he’ll remember the warmth of them for weeks to come.

He felt Maya shiver against him. Her hands clutching the fabric on his back. Holding him tight against her to prevent him from possibly escaping this storm of long pent up passion now released. Not that he would ever want to stop this even if he was sound of mind. Moans rumble deep their throats. He opened his eyes to find her lidded browns staring back. It was very clear she was already drunk on the love he was giving her. He let himself get lost in her eyes. His hand rose up to rub her slender neck while sometimes drifting north to brush a thumb over her blushing cheek. She was still being pressed against the display case. To show him how turned on he was making her she hitched her leg up his own. Rubbing her groin along it. And Lincoln could feel the heat radiating from it. And the hot trail being left on his pant leg.

His hand on her cheek migrated south. First stopping to slip underneath her brazier to settle it on her breast. Relishing how he could feel her now hard nipple beneath the frantic of her undershirt. Giving her breast a squeeze drew out a long moan from her. Made her buck her hips against his leg. He kept palming and groping her breast. Contrary to what other people might think. He does prefer breasts on the smaller end of the spectrum. Large breasts are good and all but there is only so much you can hold in your hands. While smaller breasts on the other hand not only do they fit comfortably but his hand was close to her beating heart. The organ that gives her life in this cold and uncaring totality.

He memorized every curve of her slender body with his other hand moving around her body. Sliding down her ribs and over her hip he motioned around to cup her butt. Nice and full beneath his fingers. It wasn’t too big that it looked out of proportion with the rest of her body. But it was evident that she sits around quite a bit. A firm squeeze earned a sharp moan from Maya. The hand on her breast went around to the small of her back to push her against him as well. His thoughts were fuzzy and warm. Like Maya he was becoming swept away by their love.

The way her small form seemed to mold so well with his own stirred deeper memories. The certain smell of her sweat and arousal reminded him of someone he lost so long ago. He kissed her deeply. Both of them taking turns sharing a breath. Her hands moved up, one to hold on to the back of his neck and the other threading through his white locks. At this point neither of them knew how many times they pepper each other's faces with kisses. Obviously not enough for they continue to passionately make out.

There came a point where eventually both of them were starting to overheat. Slowly but sure their hands moved around again. Maya pulled up Lincoln’s shirt over his head. Disposing it to the said before leaning back against the case to briefly admire his toned musculature. Lust pools more thickly in her eyes. Lincoln only managed to slip her brazier off before she made her assault once more to worship his body. She ran the backs of her fingers over his collarbone and used her tongue along the underside of them. The clavicle and the grooves below it can be highly responsive to light touch as evident when Lincoln gave a louder moan. His body gave a shiver of pleasure every now and then as Maya sought to taste every sensitive part of his form.

The bottom half of his face was buried in her brown locks. Inhaling more of her body odor brightens the spiral in his eyes. Craning his neck he brushes his lips over her ear. Blowing softly into it, “I have a girlfriend you know.” He gave a lick behind her ear. His hands going up beneath the back of her shirt. Enjoying how hot and sweaty it was beneath it. He massaged every inch of her smooth back. For a moment they went further up to take a feel of her shoulder blade. Taking notice that she was braless. His lips went further down. Leaving a trail of kisses over her cheek and jawline, “But that’s not what you want is it? No, it’s something else. I wonder what it could be.”

Maya moaned loudly when he began nibbling and love biting on her neck. No doubt it’ll be covered with hickies after this. On Lincoln as well given the trail of her own love bites along his neck and shoulder, “I want…” She struggles to catch her breath, “for you to have all of me. Body, mind, and spirit.” Her core throb at her own words. The table of dominance and submission has been flipped. Especially when she had taken his choker off and threw it to the growing pile of clothing.

“You’ll go that far to be with me?” He spoke softly. Coming back up to kiss her sweet lips once more. The thought of having her in entirety made his own core throb. His asset having long grown tight in his pants. Once upon a time he did come to exhibit greater dominance over those he loved. Whether it be fear, paranoia, yearning, or a combination of it all. He wanted them to be together and happy. And they very did come to enjoy long blissful lives. In a sense it was these past acts of dominance that made it easier for Talmia to corrupt him. After all, when you do something once you have established the fact that you can do it again.

Those memories were coming back more vividly now. Up to that point he had only got into a relationship with three of his sisters. Luan, Luna, and Lynn. For a time he was content with the three of them. But an accumulation of varying factors set his eyes on his other sisters. One by one he came to them when they were in their bedrooms. Smoothly seducing them, guiding them over to their bed. And before they could properly form rational thoughts he was already making them squeal wantonly. Pounding away at their every hole until they leaked with his love, thoroughly claimed. Light and Dark briefly merge to become Twilight. Dark desire bloomed in his chest. A desire to make them utterly dependent on him, he made them desperately crave and longed for his massive cock because they knew that no other guy would ever be able to satisfy them as much as Lincoln did. It was this dark desire that was emerging once more in his chest. Gazing deeply into Maya’s eyes he understood what he wanted.

Maya shivers deeply. A hot wetness gushed down her pants. The look in his eyes finally pushed her over the edge. She knows that look, her counterpart ensured the memory of it was engraved in her deepest thoughts. And it made other aspects of that meeting make more sense. Largely why she passed on her memories to her and she came to a conclusion. Her counterpart wanted to take her place. Fill the empty void she has left behind. Combined with the spiral in his eyes pulling her deeper into a sea of bliss. She understood what her job was, her sole duty as his sister. Counterpart or not. She was to be at Lincoln’s complete mercy and she was expected to let him do whatever he wanted.

Finally Maya found the voice to answer his question, “Yes, I’ll do anything and everything for you. I don’t care what I am to you.” That was it. She could feel the metaphorical collar snap around her neck. There was no going back to her old normalcy. And she couldn’t be happier. Partly because she found these chains much better than her old ones. For centuries she has been the pawn for some nefarious force. Never allowed to contribute anything meaningful to society. Always burning bridges wherever she went. Not allowed to exhibit any emotions. Her only respite was the vast wildlands that was the internet. She was very much the poster child of a female NEET. Isolated within the confines of a room. The only source of light being the glow off her monitors. Being a faceless person it was fitting that she felt at home in the kingdom of anonymity. But now this was no longer the case. She was no longer a question to the masses. She was finally an important somebody. Needed, desired, wanted.

He cupped her cheek with a hand. An action which prompts her to nuzzle it. He brushes a thumb over her lips. It lightly slipped between them to which was met by Maya’s tongue that caught it. She then to lovingly suck on the tip of his thumb as he spoke to her, “Is that so?  Will you be a sweet kitten for me and Alcra? Will you follow us around on your hands and knees? Will you allow Alcra to pet you as she pleases?” His words weren’t absolute as he wanted to see the extent of her commitment. To see how much dominance he already has over her.

Maya took in more of his thumb. Her legs clenched tightly around his thigh as a second orgasm rocked her body. Finally she let go of his thumb to speak, “Yesss.’, she hiss out in pleasure while reaching up to cup his face with her hands, “Yes.” She pulls him in to seal it with a deep kiss. And she continues to pepper him with kisses. Letting out a small yes in between each kiss. She didn’t care what she was to them. A slave, a pet, or even a fucktoy. She might very well be an extension of his being.

At last the intense make out session progressed to the next step. Lincoln slowly pulled her undershirt over her head. Drinking in the amazing sight of seeing more of her skin inch by inch. Then once he tossed her shirt to the pile he took a moment to take in how beautiful she was. Reaching up with his hands he set them on her heaving chest. Loving how amazing her small breasts felt beneath his hands. He roughly massages her breasts. Such treatment made more sweet moans to leave her lips. Subconsciously jutting her chest out to help his ministrations.

Lincoln continues the foreplay as his lips seek out a certain area between her jawline and shoulder. It is an erogenous zone, but there’s one particular destination that’ll spark more goosebumps than any other part. The little indentation where the neck connects with the collarbone. The skin is thinner there and there’s not as much fatty tissue underneath, so the sensations are stronger. As he kissed her neck, he moved one of his hands to trail the tips of his fingers from one shoulder to the dip in the center, lingering to swirl his fingers in a slow, circular motion. Then he moves his mouth over to the spot and kisses it, using his breath to warm the area.

A string of pleased noise left Maya. Clearly enjoying the sweet lovemaking she was receiving. But she wasn’t inactive either. Snaking from the bottom of the rib cage to the hips is a powerful nerve. She knows that when one touches this area, it reflexively causes the pelvic-floor muscles to contract in both men and women, which increases arousal. With this information she began to firmly stroke the areas on his body. Riling him up further.

Lincoln kissed her again. Then another for good measure before speaking to her, “Turn around love.” Without even thinking about it she was already moving to his words. Lincoln leaned in to press her up against the display case. Her arms resting on it for support. The sight of her bare back was mouth watering for Lincoln. For a moment he rubbed along her sexy back with his hands before closing in. Resting his body against hers. One went around her chest to group her breast while the other went southward. Slipping into her pants it felt he was dipping his hand in a hot swamp due to how soaked she is down there. He cupped her mound. Enjoying the sensation of how her core muscles were twitching against his palm. Maya was panting more heavily. Electricity coursing through her body in sweet anticipation. Soft begging unknowingly left her lips to which Lincoln smiled at. As per her wishes he dipped his fingers into her core. Slowly thrusting in and out while also paying attention to her clit.

“Kiss me dear.” She moaned out in such a sweet tone that Lincoln couldn’t resist. He crane his neck to start making out with her once more while making a mess downstairs. Eagerly sucking in her moans as he pushes her over the edge again and again. Showcasing that out of all his skills it’s surprisingly his lovemaking that is the most refined. They stayed in this position for awhile. Savoring every tantalizing second of it. Time once more loses its meaning here. Neither knows how much she came so far. All that is known is the inside of her pants are completely shocked and there was a large wet spot on the floor beneath her. Lincoln finally pulled out his hand. Now soaked with her essence. Pulling away from the kissing fest, Maya rested her head on the display case. Deeply panting as she watch Lincoln perform the erotic act of holding up his hand then proceed to lick and suck her essence of it it. Making sure he was doing it in her line of sight and sensually to. “As expected, you taste wonderful love.”

Maya shivers at such a lewd statement, “That makes me happy to know.” She grinds her butt. Feeling the shape and heat of his assets in his pants, “Please use my body to your satisfaction now.” Lincoln couldn’t argue such a request. Stepping a bit back he pulled her pants and panties down off of her. The stench and heat hit his face fully. Throwing aside her remaining articles of clothing he groped her bare butt. Playing with it for a moment before placing a kiss on it. He very much was going to enjoy tanning it red with his palms. And to use her so thoroughly that she’ll be walking funny for days afterward.

Standing up fully he set a hand on her arm, “Come on Maya, let's find something more safe to use as a surface.” She gave a wide smile. Azure hearts burning brightly within the black of her eyes. Her past has very well been spilled out between her legs. And deep down she knew her counterpart would be pleased with her. Getting off the display case they glance around the place. No one is still noticing them nor the heavy musky stench that now fills the room. Then Maya saw a wide, clear table nearby used for BattleHammer games. The azure hearts in her eyes pulsated at the ideas of the things they can do on it. Taking the lead she sauntered forth. Making sure to strut sensually to turn Lincoln on.

She got herself up on the table. Turning around she laid down on her back. Spreading her legs nice and wide she reached down. Using her fingers to pull her lower lips open for him. Her gaze she was giving to him was that of utter submission and love, “Come use me master.” Her position and those words were the nail to the coffin that housed his original code of morals. While there needs to be final touches to his conditioning, he was miles deeper into Talmia’s hold than he was before.

Lincoln came up to her while pulling his own pants off. Then he was towering over her. Loving the sight of her rising and falling chest. The river of arousal was already coming out of her. Her expression of passionate emotions. Then something finally clicked inside of him when the feeling of recognition befell on him. In the lust filled haze that clouds his mind he finally realized what was bothering him. Everything fell into place in front of his eyes. Maya shudders at being met with such a heavy and dark gaze. Right there and then she knew. What he said next proves it, ”Lisa…”

Outside of this space, every ghoul and magic sensitive soul such as Maravi would feel a spiritual shiver. A feeling one gets with an approaching storm. Richard most of all would know this feeling for he felt a brush of it before. It was back in the apartment during Lincoln’s emotional meltdown. Richard could see it in his eyes. How much he was holding himself back and he knew it was suffocating him. And another moment inside of that memory. Now he was no longer isolating himself. He is free.

Richard was rather enjoying his time amidst such wonderful warmth, something Melissa would notice with his excitement poking into her, while she did entertain the thought of finally crossing the line that she had started inching over all those lifetimes ago, well she did more than entertain she could feel her core start to tighten with the thought of it. Even with Maravi here she always did want to see what it was like to ride the face of one of her people’s longest enemies. Though with a soft sigh she set aside such a wonderful idea for later, they needed to get more re-acquainted first. “Well then, if you plan on rounding up the naughty boys and girls of our race then let's hear how you plan to start?”

Richard reawakens from his nap in the valleys as Mel starts to question him, he reluctantly wriggled free and got to his feet while Mel and Maravi sat back on the couch, of course his Ialao lover knew what he had in mind but didn’t know how he was going to go about it now that Lincoln wasn’t here to hand him the freebe’s. Not that she doubted that he couldn’t do it himself, he’s just out of practice when it comes to fighting. “Well I’ll need to find out if this planet has a House of nobles hiding on it. My botched sensor spell let me sense the presence of a good hundred thousand or so ghouls, but it was already far too much for me to handle sorting out… With more practice I could use the spell to remotely enthrall our weaker brethren.”

“A noble house… I think one did move in a hundred or so years ago. Memory tends to fade on unimportant stuff. I know there is one but the name eludes me. But I think the ghouls you sensed were their sired forces.” Melissa sat back as she started to ruffle her hair, thinking on how she could help with this little campaign of unification her brother wished to wage with just the three of them. “It might be better to NOT piss off the massive Noble house more than you already have. We can easily go after some gangs and lower groups to gather up some fighters. Plenty of Peasant Class with high combat power.”

“... Do you not have any working under you? I mean… We're nobility.” Richard asks as he gives his sister a curious look, sure they were from a now broken house but it shouldn’t have stopped her from trying to do something here. And from the looks of it she had clearly gained a fair bit of influence to have an entire floor of a skyscraper as her personal housing.

“We were nobility. But the rest of our house left with Camila, as far as I know it still exists under her rule alongside Conny and Simon. I’ll need to explain about her…”

So Conny and Simon are with Camila… Two birds with one stone in that sense. That’s good… Richard shook his head as he gave a look out to the dawning sun peeking out between the other monolithic structures that dot the city. “I saw her anger at what I had done, how you defended my honour while I was clasped in ritual irons. I regret that she saw it the way she did, as a betrayal, but I do not regret sacrificing my life to save all of yours. I’ll deal with her in time… Do you know where they are?”

A look of astonishment washed over her as he said that she never included a recount of what happened all those lifetimes ago between herself and Camila… Even the small skirmish the pair had when she fled the planet before war after war consumed the nebula. The astonishment passed her by soon enough as she accepted that he must have seen it all then… To watch all those years as her faith was tested. Now she sat back as she tried to recall where they were, anything she had heard about them was before they left Carrad 2000 years before she left the planet herself. Her face twisted with a simmering anger at the thought of even accepting Camila back after she slandered him for everything he did for them. “Haaaahhh… No. I haven’t seen anything about her in a very long time. We’ll have to look into them. Anyways… I don’t have a house, so no ghouls work under me. I’m an Exile, saying that I’ve been approached by afew house envoys over the years. Fleeting minor houses and some longer lasting dynasties. But it was always either you or no one.” She says with an encouraging smile that made Richard’s face turn a bright red with a warm smile to accommodate it.

“I have started to absorb a Cadet house back on Carrad. They call themselves Helfrieg. Is that familiar?”

A ping of recognition does pass her as she tilts her head to the side. Scrunching her brow as she gives a slow nod. Those freaks were all shadow users… All of them. No variety or deviation. “Yeah, that house took over watching your prison once the Mooncrest and Zantines abandoned the planet. But you said they were a cadet house? They must have married into a larger house and got where they are now. When I fought them they said they were doing it to ‘stop the ascension of a new dark god’ or some bull… They’re religious nutjobs. Or at least they were. If what you say is true.”

Richard’s face contorted at the absurdity he was hearing. He never thought of himself as any sort of god, why the hell would he ever go down such a route… How would he even start? “As flattering as that sounds I’m sure being able to become a god is useful and all. I lack any sort of means or the hubris to anoint myself as any sort of profane deity. Still I’ll learn more once I get an update, I’ll need to take over their house if I want a crack at the houses allies to them and the House they are a cadet of. But for now… Valai. Any suggestions bar just smacking around random Ghouls and gaining a militia?”

Maravi, who hasn’t said much in this conversation yet, does give a look to Melissa as she had an idea in mind. Ghouls by their nature were normally territorial yet were not opposed to creating conflict when none were needed to keep their underlings in line. Some of these underlings might not be fond of constant combat or manipulations. “Are there any rogue factions that oppose the House that lives on this planet?”

A soft chuckle rings through Melissa’s throat as she lays back, her chest stretching the poor tank top to its limits as she gives a smile, knowing where Maravi was taking this. “Looking to make use of internal struggles huh? Not a bad idea. But sadly I wouldn’t know. I do know of some minor gangs of Ghouls… One that stands out from them all is a gang or afew thousand strong. Led by an Abnormal Class.”

Maravi and Richard look at Melissa with clueless expressions, which Mel did give a sigh too as she scratched the back of her head. “Right right… So our race had had a bit of a shift in the last thousand or so years. New classes have started to appear, ghouls with brown/orange hair and afew new eye colours, especially orange eyes. These new classes are Abnormal, Ghouls that have no class constraints to their growth besides royal levels, these are the orange eyes I just mentioned. And Knight, a rank above peasant with strength comparable to Noble but lacks the magical qualities. Me and Conny are both likely abnormal but lack that orange eye colour. A point in our people’s growth.”

“Abornals… Now that sounds good. But I imagine they’re hard to get control of, correct? If I can get that Abnormal to serve me then I’ll have a decent leg up on starting to take over the House here on Valai.” He says as he tries not to take too much notice of how strained her tank top was, it looked like it could snap open at any moment.

Melissa gives a soft nod as she had a growing smile as she could see how Richard couldn’t even help himself from staring. Even Maravi couldn’t pry herself away as she pouted on the couch, though she beat Melissa in being capable of handling a full strength pounding from Richard. “You might be biting off more than you can chew. He’s no joke, and you only just got back your former strength thanks to me. If you had your Focus you could- Wait… Where is it?”

Focus was the name of the strange orange cube that Richard had made out of pure amber and half a century's worth of mana to engrave magical circuits into it. An artefact that would allow any mage to use magic without their chants and removing half the process by having a simple schematic of magical arrays etched into it. Half the work and effort removed for the price of a full power spell.

“I left it in the hands of Tessa, she’s totally enthralled so no worry of betrayal. That and Focus has been programmed to gather mana and disperse it amongst the growing legion I tasked her with creating. It limits the harm on Carrad’s tourist population with feeding.”

“Huh… I didn’t know you could program it to do that… Well at least it's safe.” She didn’t appreciate that the treasure she kept safe for him was lent to some minion but at least he thought ahead… They’ll need more of them if he’s hoping to get their entire race off of feeding on others.

“As for the abnormal, I'm stronger than most of the current Royal class. That. And I want to stretch my limits, it's been so long since I did anything akin to my pushing my limits. So, dear and lovely sister mine, where is the Abnormal?” He says with an ever confident smile, of course casting his caution to the wind. How like him… But that's exactly why she loved him so. That unending optimism and courage. “Flattery will certainly get you places dear brother~ If only we had the time. Mmm… Well the lad’s name is Jeremy. He’s… An oddity to say the least. As for meeting him I think I can swing it. I can set up a meeting since he and I do have a sort of history, but the rest is all you.”

“A history?” Richard was getting interested, and protective, as she brought that up. Something Mel picks up on as she smirks. “Oh you’re the only one I could see myself being with so don’t you worry. I met him when he was younger, it's… Pretty grim. He was so absorbed in his demons that he wouldn’t let anyone near him and screaming bloody murder about how he didn’t want some guy called Victor to eat them. I assumed it was the kid's father who went total cannibal on other Ghouls… I ended up raising the poor kid after a while of seeing him now and again. Now he’s leading his own gang. So… I guess I technically do have followers. But only through that kid.”

“So… Do I even need to fight him?” If he didn’t have to and get himself an army that easily then he wouldn't give the effort to enthrall the guy.

“Oh if you don’t ask then he will. The kid likes a good fight. Must have been quite the fighter in his past life because he fights like a demon.” She says as she starts to get up from the couch and walk over to a shelf next to the door back into the main entryway before she taps away at a phone of hers.

“A demon… Is it a really good idea to fight- Ah” Maravi was worried that this Jeremy guy might be a bad choice to go after first but as she looked over to Richard he had an all too delighted smile on his face. It looked like he wanted to have a fight with the guy. “I guess you’re ready to go then?”

Richard was about to say how excited he was to meet this kid even though he would have a hard time fighting him. Everyone in the room felt a spiritual shiver that put them all on pause, Melissa looked back to Richard and Maravi after it had passed with a concerned look on her face. “Uh… Should I worry about that?”

Maravi looked slightly shaken by it, the sensation of something greater on the horizon. All the while Richard had walked over to the window to look down into the streets below, seeing little more tan blurred lines even with his eyesight… “It should be fine. Lincoln’s just cutting loose.” Now Maravi looked a little more worried for the girl that was with him.

---

In the sprawling underground complexes of Valai many ghouls make their homes, mostly the likes of unranked ghouls with nowhere to go or exiles who were kicked from their small houses for petty acts or framed for far larger ones. In this cesspit many tried to make their lives better but were easy targets for Ghouls with House’s backing them, giving them free reign to push them around or even just straight kill as they pleased with no repercussions. There was no order or laws bar the ones that the Valorian’s held, but no law had to get involved if there were no witnesses or evidence left behind.

The unaffiliated Ghouls had to do what they could to survive, bad together in their small gangs. But in that undercity there was one gang that stood up to the tyranny and absurd cruelty of the Noble House that ruled over the majority of the Ghoul population of Valai. It was known simply as ‘The Saiya Syndicate’. An over flashy name for a group of a thousand plus ghouls that have banded together under one man that has stood up to the actions of House Eisenhardt’s lower ranking goons. An Abnormal Class that despite being young has the combat prowess of an aged veteran.

Jeremy, possessing no last name since according to him ‘The last one was the death of me’ he possesses some titles given to him by the local ghouls and even some hated enemies.

Sun Walker

The Tailed Demon

And an ever long list of derogatories from his enemies. Though he mostly stays with his title of ‘The Tailed Demon’ since he was born with a memento of his past life even if it didn’t come with the benefits of such. His appearance and tail, reminders of his old life that he doesn’t do much to hide since no one but one other believes him about.

Jeremy’s Syndicate controls alot of underground tunnels and complex territory where homeless and powerless Ghouls can live without the worry of getting murdered for sport or attacked in their sleep by other warring Ghouls or angry Valorian’s. And with some help they do try to help those who can’t feed with donations from some parties in the know of them and just wanting to keep a faction of them on their side. In this way his group has more than 20,000 ghouls in his care but only around 1000 of them that can actually fight. And it is within one of these complexes that Jeremy does his best to help these strange and downtrodden people that he finds himself a part of.

Though now he finds himself standing in the middle of a large underground arena of sorts that he had built so people in his community could hash out their differences without things leading to death. Now he’s stood in the centre of this large concrete ring as he stands apart from a Royal that his old friend explained to be her wayward brother that was imprisoned… The bastard looks good for someone who was imprisoned for close to 10,000 years. The arena was built like a colosseum with Melissa and Maravi sitting in a private box away from the rabble in the crowd that was now filling the stands around the main arena.

Richard was stretching as he looked across rough and gravelly ground to Jeremy. The young man was only 20 yet his eyes had clearly seen truer horrors than he has… For some reason those eyes reminded me very much of Lincolns, but they have only known pain… No reprieve. Only the misery of rock bottom getting deeper.

The young man had short white hair and his left eye was a strange white too despite the right being orange. By no means was he blind but it was just that way, the long and rough looking tail that swished slowly behind him was a similar white. He was dressed in some standard clothes, a white shirt and black pants, though he had black gloves on that he tossed off with his overcoat that he had on out of the ring.

“So what's the deal then Mr Royal?” The troubled youngest asked, never breaking eye contact as he stood favoring his left arm… Letting his right go limb like it was natural for him to completely ignore his other arm. Or at least used to not using it… “Your sister told me that you wanted my help taking on the House that lives on this world… Gimme a good enough reason why I should put the lives of my people in your hands?”

Richard could hear the distrust in his voice, something that he could hear in the boo’s and general hatred he could feel from the crowd around him. Ghoul’s of the Royal Class were all seen as Tyrants, violent power mongers who only sought more power… In that way he was no different. He sought these people out to increase his power. But his cause was just one. To unite his people and end their days of skulking in the shadow of other civilizations. And seeing it here. In the eyes of the downtrodden and desperate… He knew in his heart that he needed to help them. “I want to make a place where no Ghoul has to fear sleeping, where they have a bed and a place they can belong regardless of Class or personal power. I want to remake our people into an empire that totally eclypse the warmongering feudal states that have come before it. One that will be seen as equal to all those who see us as nothing more than squatters and vermin! I want to make a safe place where we can live and never worry of losing ourselves to our hunger ever again! And to do that, I need to beat down the oppressive houses that keep these status quo and make them accept my truth. Because I tried it the nice way once. And they fucked around with my family… Is that good enough a reason? Or are we going to call it at talking?” He says as he keeps his gaze stern, of course he wanted to fight Jeremy. He just wanted to tease the young man.

To Jeremy this sounded like the babbling of someone who wanted to take advantage of the hatred of the class system and use it to their advantage… What’s more the crazy bastard looked whole hearted in his belief too. With Melissa backing him… It wouldn’t be impossible. With his people backing him… He might be able to do it without too much bloodshed. The bastard was a good talker… But now his blood was boiling, his pride as a leader being stocked into a raging flame as orange mana started to rise off of his shoulders. “Not a chance, pretty boy. You and everyone else came here for a fight, and by whatever Gods there are I’m gonna give you one.”

Seeing the dense mana start to rise off of his body had Richard raising an eyebrow. It wasn’t just his disposition of the aged look of horror in his eyes, his soul gave Richard all the information he needed. He has only seen something like this once before, a soul that had a different feel to it than any other… The first time he saw it was with Lincoln. And now he saw it in this young man. That’s two souls from different Universes now… I wonder how many others there are out there... Thoughts for later. Now Richard had to rise to the challenge, the rise of the orange energy off of Jeremy’s shoulders gave the Usurper ample reason to cut loose and outdo the boy.

With a smirk and a simple change in posture, a pitch black energy filled the arena in a dome. Richard’s mana only hindered from filling this entire cavern thanks to several of the Ghoul’s on Jeremy’s side working to keep up a protective barrier around the arena. In comparison Jeremy’s own mana was a candle light in the pitch black of night, something that the young man was becoming aware of as a slight smile appeared on his face despite the enormity of Richard’s reserves that seemed to dwarf his own, the pressure it was putting on him was enough to crack flatten the gravel and crack the ground beneath their feet. “And people call me a monster. But I have a fix for this!”

Jeremy slightly crouched as he shifted his foot back with his arms clenched at his sides, teeth gritted and bared as the orange energy that rose off of his body started to spill forth. The orange flicker in the darkness rose into a mighty beacon that seemed to push back Richard’s own dark energy to the point of the dome having half and half fighting for dominion over the dome, pushing back against one another. The young man’s white hair started to spike up and turn orange while his white eye turned a light blue.

Richard covered his face with one hand out in front of him as the sudden storm engulfed the arena around them, even feeling the strange feeling of having the pressure he exuded at full tilt being pushed back so casually. The space between them was that of a football field, certainly more than your average ring but it meant that both fighters had useful breathing room if they needed it.

The suffocating energies the two were letting loose were pulled back to thinly veil their bodies so that the crowd didn’t have to watch a whole light show instead of the fight. Jeremy started it off as he filled his hands with mana and proceeded to scatter it all across the field, laying down a dense minefield of energy between himself and Richard with balls of energy floating in the air, shifting around in random directions before he kicked off the ground and vanished from sight.

Richard watched the energy field of mines being laid out around him with a curious glance. Limiting my movement huh? No a bad plan. His eye flicks to the side as he raises his hand up behind his head, catching the heel of Jeremy’s foot as he tries to spike into the back of his head, the ground beneath the Usurper buckling with massive cracks while the King barely even moves an inch. Though internally he was surprised from the sheer downward force being exerted on him, muscles groaning under the weight before grabbed hold and pulled the whole body of the young man over his shoulder and threw him into his own minefield, detonating most of the field and filling the bubble with dust.

The dust was blown away as Jeremy threw his arm out to the side to clear it, no worse for wear besides a huge smile on his face. With another quick flash the man vanished as Richard nonchalantly raised his foot up to waist height to block an intended nut shot with a very sour look on his face. “That’s dirty, but I admire the tenacity. Here, let's go more my speed.” Richard’s arm was engulfed in the midnight cloak to throw a very straight punch yet missing Jeremy as he leaned under the blow, pushing off of Richard’s leg with his whole body to force the Usurper back several feet. Jeremy lands on the ground, presumably not a scratch on him until a cut appears on his cheek from where the blow of Richard’s punch had grazed him.

This warm sensation in his cheek, this oozing feeling as he reaches up to wipe the trail of blood away with his thumb and rub it against his index finger. His smile only grew more wild as his tail wrapped itself around his waist. “So this is what a real ‘royal’ can do… This isn’t going as fast as how I used to be but it's still pretty fun.” The young Ghoul’s attitude started to shift to excitement and competitive pride as worry and doubts of Richard’s true intentions fell into the back of his mind, arcs of energy spiking all around him as his hair became more jagged and longer. His energy and magical output rising even higher with a primal roar in his throat that stunned most of the crowd bar the selection of Jeremy’s personal troops that just seemed to smile in a ‘not again’ sort of way.

Richard was taken back by the increasing absurdity of this guy’s constantly escalating power. Was everyone born from another universe just as strangely unique? Despite the even gap, he didn’t feel scared. His grin only grew wider as his own magical output escalated to match this man from another universe. His golden eyes shining like stars against the shine of Jeremy’s power. The fight continued to drag on, Jeremy was far more capable in a close range engagement and could physically tank against Richard’s more explosive spells but he needed to recover from them. And Likewise Richard could keep Jeremy at a range with his magic, but when he broke through into close range his options were to switch up into a self destructive slugging match as he tried to catch Jeremy blow for blow. Both now gasping for breath as their magic starts to run thin, they both exchange a look. An all or nothing move, at this point they just wanted this to end with a wonderful finish. Their minds are far from the bloody glory that this was all about in the first place.

From opposite ends of the ring the pair looked at each other with renewed energy, both subtly leaning forward before the pair were mere steps away from one another in a flash. Richard had his fist winded back as mana coats it, bursting into flames while it seems to gain a metal shine as his arm gets coated in what seems to be steel. Jeremy in turn had his own winded back, brimming with a flame like aura of power while it seemed to shimmer as a barrier surrounds and strengthens his arm. Both rush forward, fist missing fist as the crack of bone and stray teeth fly from mouths as they both clash into each other's jaws, in the first second of impact both stood strong, not giving an inch. But the blow had the both of them reeling back.

Richard’s brain was spinning in his head, his parallel processing doing it’s best to keep him from passing out unconscious from the blow as he stepped back three steps. In comparison Jeremy had only stepped back a single pace with his head reared back, not because Richard’s blow was weaker. Richard’s blow tore up more area behind Jeremy, it was just that he’s taken far more punishment than this, his head tilts forward slightly as his shining eyes glare with wild enjoyment over the recovering Royal. Another roar passed his lips, embolding an snapping Richard from his daze as a gritted smile crossed his lips again. Richard lifted up of the ground as whole arrays of magic sounded in the air behind him, lighting bolts and flaming pillars crashed against Jeremy’s body before the Ghoul cried out in pain and rushed through it all, tanking it as he reached out and grabbed Richard’s face to slam it into the fractured ground beneath them. A gasp filled the air before hands reached up and grabbed hold of Jeremy’s face, the palms of his hands glow dangerously with yellow energy before an explosion ripped the pair apart, sending Jeremy’s spiralling into the air before he stops himself in the air, as he hacks up his lungs from the surprise blast.

As he lowers himself to his feet he slumps forward, a mighty tremble in his body tells him everything that he needs to hear as his vision starts to fail. “A-Ah.. That.. Hurt.” As Richard was only starting to get to his feet, Jeremy fell forward, landing face first in the broken ground as the orange energy around him all faded away with his hair returning to its natural white with the arena in silence for a whole 3 seconds. After those seconds passed a thunderous roar of applause sounded out from the crowd as the barrier dropped, several healers came out to tend to the both of them before Maravi pushed past most of them to get to Richard to do the job herself. Worried sick from having to watch Richard get the tar knocked out of him for about 20 minutes straight. Melissa joined in on healing Richard as Jeremy regained his consciousness pretty quickly.

After the two of them had recovered Richard and Jeremy moved into the private booth that Maravi and Melissa were sitting in to talk. “Well you won fair and square. It’s been a good while since I fought someone who could keep up and match me like that. You’re definitely Melissa’s brother.”

Richard rubbed the back of his neck with a shy smile, the two of them were just laying into each other like animals but now they were as civil as noble souls. “Thanks, you’re only the second strongest reincarnated person from another universe I know though.” He says with a sly smile while Jeremy’s expression twisted with a curious look. “Oh? You know for sure..?”

“Well of course, your soul has that quality about it, otherworldly beyond common sense. There’s also that look in your eyes, the wisdom and agony beyond your years. A normal person will just see a sour look, but it takes someone who’s lived long enough to know. But… It isn’t as old as the other guy.” Richard said as Jeremy seemed to give a soft sigh, getting some actual recognition seemed to lift a weight from him… To know that he wasn’t mad but was actually real helped him more than he thought it would.

A long and shaky sigh passed his lips as she slumped back into the chair, looking to the ceiling as he found little solace in the fact that it was all real however. His second chance was seemingly his alone. His adopted sister and friend were still absorbed by that freak… Gone forever. “Thanks…” At the very least they live on inside him. A clone whose only purpose was to be a soldier for an organisation that hunted down the abnormal and strange to seal it away or understand and use it for the betterment of humanity. He sat back up and looked Richard in the eye “Okay. So the deal was that me and my men join you in taking on the house that rules this planet. We’ll do it. But I get to tag along with you so I can check if you’re truthful about your desire to fix all this.” He says as he holds out his hand.

Richard gave a smile as he reached out with his hand, it was going to be rather hard to explain the lewd antics that can crop up now and again, but he was sure that the young man would get used to it. “Deal, and to sweeten that pot you get first dibs at fighting whoever you like amongst our enemies. How’s that sound?” Richard says as he takes Jeremy’s hand, in response the young man’s grip tightens as a smile creeps across his face. “You’ve got a deal, boss.”

Once again time came to a standstill. Only this time everything slowed down around him as his perception heightens. A million thoughts firing off from his neurons at the realization of who Maya was. And he could feel the oncoming effect that the revelation had on his already compromised psyche. A key to the door he kept locked for a very long time because he believed he didn’t need it anymore. In reality he was locking himself away in the confines of his own mind. In this infinitesimal moment he was in an odd state of lucidity. Everything was crystal clear while at the same time being distorted by Talmia’s handiwork.

He looks down at Maya or rather Lisa. Mind buzzing with thoughts. One prominent one was how he didn’t notice who she was before in all the time they were together? Did he subconsciously turn a blind eye? Why? What reason was there for him to indulge in the bliss of ignorance?

...No. He does know the answer to these questions. The door was now open. The truth is bare for him to see. In the end he should have expected it. No one can lie to themselves for so long. Especially when those like him possess an ironclad set of values.

Lincoln rose an open palm over Lisa’s still chest. Skin coated in a sheen of sweat and arousal. There was a greater sense of awareness of how delicate her body was. How infinitely precious. He could perceive every layer of her biology. Or rather the parts he chose to pay attention to. He ignored the old surgical scars, her tampered genetic code, the hidden augmentations, scar calcification in the lungs, the layers of fracture scars on her skeletal structure.

Stop looking…

He heard his young voice. In the corner of the eye he could see him. Kneeling in a patch of bloodstained snow. A phantom breeze carrying the bite of winter rolled across his skin. Eating away at his warmth. The door is open. He has to look outside.

We don’t have to do this anymore...we can rest...please…

He was a child garbed in torn winter attire. Caked with dry blood. The child was pleading to him to not look. Just leave it alone. This is supposed to be a new life to turn a new leaf. Because if he did.

You wouldn’t ignore it.

A femenine voice came from the other side of him. A phantom image of sweet Talmia. Eyes a kaleidoscope of colors. Within is a glimmer of understanding and sympathy. At the end of the day she wasn’t an evil person. Contrary to her methods she’s doing this because she knew that this is who he is. The child wept.

That’s not who you are. You were never a bystander. Where there was genocide you intervened. Where there was oppression you stood against it. Where there was cruelty you brought justice upon it.

So much fighting. It never stopped. The child whined. Why can’t we just stop this. We don’t have to fight anymore. Let it be someone else's problem. I just want us to be done.

You know why.

He does.

Because you can’t go back to who you once were. Lincoln ‘died’ that night.

He did.

The child had no eyes. A wet veil of red covers his white hair and frostbitten face. He was the corpse that was his childhood. A remnant of his mind that has been dredged up as a result of being a kid for the second time. It wouldn’t have mattered if he had spent his childhood anywhere else because…

You can never be anything different. You have always been the person who stood up on that night. Who you always will be.

He could see snow building up on the child. Slowly burying him back into the grave he rose from. Talmia was right. At the end of all things he knew who he was. He wasn’t Lincoln. He wasn’t Human. He wasn’t some eldritch entity. He wasn’t a Man. He wasn’t a God. He was who he grew to become since that night.

He was Little Light. A Avenger.

Even if one story ends and another begins. The author’s hand remains the same.

Talmia places a hand over his own. While she was a mere figment of his imagination. She pressed his hand down. Setting it upon Lisa’s chest. On the surface level he can tell Lisa was submerged in a sea of lust. But he didn’t see the sea floor. Because deep down he could sense what it would do to him.

You’ve seen it all around us yes? A nebula that is teeming with fantastical people.

He had. Over the years he came to learn of the many stories and fables that surround extraordinary individuals. He read about the epics of the Zantine Warmaster. Of her supposed heroic feats and demigod status. Seen the famous picture of her holding a decapitated Psion head countless times, most of them being pop culture references in other media. Came across old reports from various people who witnessed Eunike using her awesome power against Eskalivi ships. Leaving nothing behind.

He came across plenty of stories that detail Dannika’s warpath through Eskalivi space. A great bane to all who dare to cross her path. A Warcheif who raided untold worlds and always brought home great riches. She was a living embodiment of war who craves the taste of victory. He doesn’t think he ever saw anything that suggests the notion she could ever be defeated in combat.

The news of the marriage between Heulyn and Anrak was fairly widespread in recent years. The former being a mysterious woman due to being a newcomer to the wider galaxy and having managed to seal the knot with the progenitor of the Anubite Empire. And from what he could tell from the videos of her, even through the screen he can see the gleam of her power. And if he closed his eyes. The image of a heavenly throne wreathed in fire behind her comes to mind all too easily.

And they aren’t all the legendary few who walk in the present. He came across tales that speak of others with their own stories of grandeur. With all of them in mind, who does the Union have? If all things head to the worst possible direction. What do they have that can defend a newborn democracy surrounded by ancient empires with imperialist ambitions and backed by celestial powerhouses?

You’ve always been a force of good. A champion of truth, justice, and liberty. An antithesis to all which is Bad.

So he had to turn a blind eye. Take Valorian stereotypes to heart to cage his mind. To deny his very nature. Never did he even look at the news during the Civil War. It was especially hard when he had to nurture children affected by the war. Afterwards he could see how the empires came out stronger than before. All the while the Union was in its infancy. Along with all the other dangers that could potentially harm a newly formed democracy.

Open your eyes and peer into her. What do you see? And what will you do about it?

At long last he finally acknowledged the rotting elephant in the room. The hallucinations went away as he truly gazed into Lisa’s eyes. It all came out in a dark deluge. A grand canvas depicting the horror contained within her soul. All the misdeeds she has ever done. All of her pain, fear, anguish, despair, and disappointment. All the agony she caused to other people. Peak at how the other counterparts of his sisters have suffered. Learn how many of the nebula supposed heroes are no more than puppets to some unseen force that doesn’t have Iammelon best intentions in mind.

The impact created a domino effect with the rest of his mind. The sheer wall of blackness brought up every memory of pain and loss in his own life. All the suffering that made him who he is. And he had been through a lot. It wasn’t a surprise that a part of him tried to pull him out of it. Being a Superhero is admirable to be sure, but it’s a life no one can go down so easy. For it’s a path of thorns. It’s a burden which not everyone can carry on their shoulders. Many tend to crack under all the responsibility and stress that comes with it.

He visited alternate worlds that took a wrong turn. One was engulfed by a virus that turned the counterparts of those he loved into zombies. One fell beneath the reign of the forever Walker and it was plagued by a virus as well, of the techo variant. One where several key villains decided to band together, many heroes and countries fell as a result. One in which everything fell beneath nuclear flames and only an emerald behemoth remained standing. And so many others during those grand adventures.

No matter how fast he was. He can’t be everywhere at once. And with the more responsibility he took on the more places he was obligated to be. Oftentimes he is brought off world and/or other dimensions entirely. Therefore when something bad happens elsewhere. The amount of times he came back to find the dead bodies of loved ones was a constant throughout his life. Even when amidst a battle between forces by the nature of his inherent human flaws something will slip. And he will be unable to prevent someone on his side being cut down.

As per nature of his job he often comes across grisly sights done by horrible people. At times it’s his friends who become the center of cruel experimentation, tourture, brainwashing, and other trauma that leave scars for life. And deep down he takes it as a personal failure that he was unable to save them from the dark experience.

He has been involved in wars. Seen grand armies clash both on land and in the stars. Witness entire worlds being broken apart. Wander among blood soaked rubble across many battlefields. War is a fire, the ash travels far and settles slowly. Even decades later he could still see the lingering scars in cities and people.

Like that night where he lost the warmth of childhood, he stood up again after every loss and defeat. A singular thought serving as the lynchpin to the foundation of who he is. A mantra on loop in his head that still rings. Constantly pushing him to do better the next time.

No more.

His body settles back the relative speed of everything around him. Only a split second passed since he realized who she was. He could feel Lisa take in a breath. Her gaze drawn to his own. Enthralled by the azure luminosity that radiates from them. Creating miniature cerulean coronas of energy that lick at the air around his eyes.

No more.

There was a noticeable weight in the outside world that would be felt by the mystically inclined such as the Ghouls. To the Ghouls who have sinned in particular would feel as if a Sword of Damocles was now dangling above them. A great force of nature finally awoke after years a slumber. A being who’ll one day eagerly serve as Tyfrondor’s champion. And on this day, a warning shot is sent.

NO MORE.

Across the stars a woman with sunfire hair sat at a desk. Near her was a candle with its flame flickering for a brief moment. Her amber-gold eyes glance up to it. Amusement curls the corner of her lips. Having distinctly sensed a rising power on the playing field, “Such noble radiance. Unfortunately I can tell that whoever you are, you chose poorly. A shame, I wish more people would come to realize that there is no point in defying the inevitable.” No matter she mused. All will eventually be buried beneath the eternal sands of Tombuiron.

Further across the sea of stars a certain green-eyed devil was in the middle of playing chess with one of his slaves. He was in the process of moving his king when he stopped. Then softly chuckle in amusement. ’The sleeping giant awakens. About time brother, I was despairing that there wouldn’t be any actual challenge in this new universe.’ They were contradictory forces who only work together when they’re one. But when they’re separated like this. Well to put it simply it’s best he gives the paragon of goody two shoes a planetary berth.

Other parties were sure to have sensed the metamorphosis of a righteous soul. Very much like a new blue star in the night sky. There is a great change on the galactic horizon in the coming months. Like all things it’ll start out small. The quivering woman on the table who was entranced by the azure glow. His asset is tall and firm. Resolute to do its purpose. Shimmering with unseen power. One For All has an unseen side effect on his skill of lovemaking. Not only is the process normally physically. But he fucks his partners both mentally and spiritually.

His sexual prowess along with a melting pot of powers related to carnal bliss is a reason why he is an efficient dominant as seen with his mirror half. Who came to conquer thousands because of this special trick. It’s why Alcra was slowly becoming addicted to him because the sex is so garsh dang good. And as soon seen will be how Lisa will lose whatever strings are connected to her. By literally pounding it out of her. There will be no other outside influence than his own.

Amidst all of this he knew she wasn’t really his sister. No matter the counterpart he may ever face. No one will ever stack up to the original. If his other half knew he wouldn’t be interested. He was long done with counterparts and doppelgangers. And he agreed with that sentiment. But for himself, he had a soft spot for them. Whenever he comes across evil counterparts of his friends and family he’ll try things to try to redeem them. A choice that came to be rather successful for the later. Recalling that he supposed this was similar. Because like then he’s cleansing by giving them a good lay. By painting their black souls white.

Lisa Loud of Hoshizora is not his sister. She had done many bad things to be sure. But he’ll bring her into the light of Tyfrondor’s nation. Her mind will be cleansed with his love. Free of everything Bad and Mean. In the end she’ll become worthy to be in his land. Most importantly she’ll be his. He’s not worried about Alcra. Lisa is not his girlfriend, she’s a part of him in a sense. And he’s sure Alcra will understand. Talmia assured him on that front.

And so the last traces of Lisa’s old life evaporated when Lincoln took hold of her forearms and gently inserted his rod of justice into her. Pulling her arms to hold her body against his. Because the moment his head slipped a inch her folds her mind went blank. Her core twitching hard at something hot and amazing entered her. And Lincoln was doing it on purpose. Wishing to take a moment to watch Lisa slowly start rolling her hips. A string of whines and heavy pants leaving her lip in need of more pleasure. Her legs firmly locked around his waist, “Please! Stop teasing me Master! I need it! I want it! Pleeeease!” The combined mass of all his sexual powers and skills already drove her to the edge of madness.

He moved his hip back before promptly slamming into her core. The mere action makes Lisa arch her back from the please. Taking a sharp inhale of air and before she realized it he did it again. His tempo and force increased overtime. Lisa was simply overwhelmed by the constant onslaught of godly pleasure. Her legs went limp, convulsing and twitching like a salt thrown on a spider. Her upper body tries to flail and flop around like a fish stuck on dry land but Lincoln manages to keep her in place by moving his grip to his biceps. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as the pleasure filled every part of her body.

Lincoln felt pride in seeing Lisa be reduced to a puddle of bliss. He’s the only one to see her like this. The only one who can ever make her feel this good. And after this she will never want to be separated from him. Pleasant moans left his lips as well. His hips were quickly becoming wet as he kept pounding her even while she’s orgasming. Love juices were constantly squirting out of her as if he was wringing her soft body like a wet rag. And he kept railing into her because if there was one sound he loves above all us. It’s the erotic sounds his partner makes when they have sex. Considering it has been so long since he heard it he will spend quite a while hearing all the high notes that Lisa can reach. And watch how vigorously her breasts shake.

Later he felt the need to truly powerwash the grime off her soul. He used his telekinesis to bend her legs back. Getting on the table he now loomed above her. He cupped her face with his hands. Finding it cut how pleasured her face looked. Now in a mating press he began to rail into her once more. He drank up her moans by kissing her deeply. His tongue wrangling her limped one. Thoroughly dominating her physically. But this is not the end to his dominance. A sheen of prismatic energy enshroud his groin. Prompting much harder orgasms to rack her body as he’s began to fuck her both mentally and spiratually.

Lisa’s soul was being pleasured so much that due to her innate connection to the dimensional places. Ghouls who can sense souls such as Richard can sense the sea of ecstasy the soul was being bathed in. Lincoln doesn’t seem to mind that the Ghouls could hear their loud lovemaking. In a sense it’s as if he’s sending a message to them. One of intimidation and to flex over them.

MINE.

While in this position he started to comb through her mind. Replacing every bad memory with a good modified one. The entity’s programming was erased. Made it so that at the very beginning she knew what she was born for. Ever since she lost her own brother she felt incomplete. Her holes were unable to do their purpose. And every day she craved his touch. To feel her womb swell up with his seed. To sire as many children he wanted. She masturbated practically every day since then.

Then a decade ago when she met him online her core tightened. Right there and then she knew who the person was being the username. They met up in real life soon after. She practically fell to her knees when she saw him. Few moments later they were having sweet, passionate sex. Beginning a loving and very messy relationship over the next decade. Lincoln planted memories of them all the time. From watching movies, to having sex while playing video games, cuddling out in public, going to social events together, having dates. Her life was GOOD.

It doesn’t bother her in the slightest that Lincoln is with Alcra. Not only does she feel that people should be worshiping him at his feet but also because she knows she’s just one woman. His sexual appetite is endless so she’s grateful that he’ll have someone to satisfy him when she’s worn out. The final touch was making her loyal to the Union. Lisa now believed that everything would be better if they were a part of the Union. While she’s excited to serve Lincoln the most, she's very eager to help Tyfrondor any way she can. For the first time in her life, she felt complete.

This intense love feast went on for hours. Lisa’s modified genetics and her status as being the strongest sister contributes to the stamina she has to hold out against the passionate storm that is Lncoln. The home shop was quite literally drenched with fluids due to the couple moving about the place. It was fortunate that Lincoln had the mental clarity to set a prismatic field on the door infused with his sanitary powers. Ensuring that anyone coming out will be just as clean as they first came.

Lincoln was currently sitting against the translucent counter that held display racks for used Gamegirl games. A content Lisa was resting atop of him on her side. Making slow circular movements with his hand on her warm back he slowly came back to his full senses. Finally remembering about the people he came to Valai with. ’Oh right. How’s Richard doing. Hopefully nothing too wild happened when he was busy. Reaching out with his mind he sent a telepathic message to his friend.

Hey man everything doing alright over there? We got distracted with some good games over here. Even played a few. Richard would be able to feel the sheer afterglow radiating of his words. We’ll be ready to come to where you guys are at in a bit.

By the time that Lincoln and Lisa were done after the rigorous hours that they spent together, Richard’s growing group were now back at Melissa’s apartment. Of course every Ghoul and magically inclined soul felt Lincoln’s reawakening… Maravi and Melissa were completely taken back by the sudden spike in spiritual power. As well as the intimidating display of his dominance and ownership of Lisa’s soul. To the newly recruited Jeremy, who was now just loitering around the apartment he grew up in,

For Richard, he could see the aftermath of Lincoln’s power move, Ghouls of all kinds were fleeing the city in droves either out of fear or because they couldn’t stop themselves from being overwhelmed by the sheer godly ecstasy that was pouring from him, nearly found himself being so overwhelmed by this that he found himself mounting Melissa and Maravi the moment they got back to his sisters apartment. Though Jeremy was rather resistant to the star that was Lincoln’s reawakening. Though Richard had still bound him up in magic bindings, not one to share his woman with anyone as they dirty just about every conceivable surface of Melissa’s apartment. Making his sister and lover into quivering messes, leaving streaks of their love across entire surfaces as he fills them fully with his own.

Of course once everything calmed down, Richard apologised to Jeremy for binding him up while Melissa cleans up the apartment after it was practically caked. Not that she minded at all, she could still feel the satisfying throbbing in her core as she uses some magic to keep it all inside with a smile on her face. Maravi was much the same, keeping what she could of Richard’s love inside after their hour-long session.

And once Lincoln called in via telepathy he just listened to his friend with a coy look across his face as he could only wonder what kind of ‘games’ he and Lisa were playing. Deciding to reply back with a semi-sarcastic tone. Well we’re not fucking each other senseless thanks to the ‘games’. Though I have a surprise. You aren’t the only person to come across from another Universe. I have a boy here, born into my race with power enough to get me to a draw just because he wanted to fight instead of win. He’s pretty interesting… He’s a unique case though, he has some kind of tail that's not standard to our race. And I’m pretty sure he died young, and went through quite alot. He isn’t opening up about it now but I don’t want to rush the lad, or subvert his will… So far he’s sworn to help me as long as I’m about helping my people. The kid has a decent moral compass.

Lincoln and Lisa snuggled for a bit. Enjoying the feeling of their nude bodies against each other. After a while their bodies began to cool down. As a result they become more aware of the cold, hard, and wet surfaces they’re on. She rubbed her thighs lovingly. Still feeling the phantom pleasure she was subjected to. Lincoln was enjoying roaming his hands over her body. Sensually massaging her much to her pleasure. Blissfully happy that Lincoln continues to love her this much, “I love you, Lincoln.” She gave a sigh of content. Resting her head on his chest.

“I love you too. Always and forever.” He of all people would know the weight of that promise. Making it all the more special when he says it. Leaning down he planted a kiss on top of her head. Like Lisa he was very happy as well. He couldn’t wait when she officially came into his and Alcra’s relationship. Something told him that Alcra would have fun as well. He could see her making Lisa nurse her large breasts for hours on end if she wanted to. It was a cute mental image. One he ensures to make it become true. “Come on love, we played long enough in here.” With no complaints she eagerly got up. Giving Lincoln a nice view of her slightly swollen belly full of his love. Fully claimed on all levels.

Getting up as well they went to clean the place up. An action which didn’t take long to do with their power sets. Cleaning their clothes they redressed. Lincoln liked how Lisa was giving a show while putting them on. He had heard Richard but he wanted to give Lisa his undivided attention for a moment. When she got the last article on he firmly pulled her to him into a hug. Lisa let out an excited moan before Lincoln locked lips with her own. The two passionately make out before stopping otherwise they’ll make their clothes dirty again.

Lincoln finally responded back to his pal when leaving the game shop. His arm wrapped snugly at Lisa’s waist while she hugged his arm. If this was Biryehtaker, she would be one of the characters with permanent hearts floating around her head. Must have been through a lot to be sure. If you say he’s a good lad then I have no issue with it. A soul from another universe wasn’t much of a surprise to one who has often been involved in incidents with people outside of their native universe. That thought aside, they eventually went in the direction of Richard's life force and came up to the apartment they were in. Knocking to be let in.

When Lincoln knocked to be let in the doors would open up for them, remotely opened by Melissa. Who would have let them up anyways considering they would have needed to use an elevator just to get the entire floor that belonged to her. Quite the casual flex, having the entire floor of a skyscraper to herself. Though likely lonely, until recently.

Once the elevator doors opened up they would walk out into a mostly empty entryway with an unfamiliar face sitting in the air with his legs crossed, a saiyan like tail swishing in the air behind him. The White haired man was sitting in meditation, circulating his mana in much the same way a Saiyan would train their Ki. If Lincoln had met the warrior race in his last life as Little Light then it would be pretty easy to tell what he was supposed to be. If Saiyan’s existed in this universe remains to be seen. Richard neglected to say, moreso unable to tell as his senses were not as strong as Lincolns, but the Saiyan’s soul bore many fractures. Like parts of his soul were torn away and fitted with new parts. Suffering innumerable years of experimentation as he was pieced back together and taken apart again and again. Something that could manipulate life like it was mere playdough toyed with his mind, body and soul with little regard for longevity or sanity. Every ripple of spiritual essence was smothered in grief yet the strength to endure. The very fact that he has the moral capacity to still care for the downtrodden and abused in his state… He isn’t like any of the Saiyan’s he may have known from his universe, pride obsessed battle maniacs who would put their universes in danger for combat.

Once they stepped out into the large entryway there were three ways that they could immediately go which was north/west/east, mostly styled in how a gothic castle interior would look, even down to the luxurious carpets and stone tile floor, the meditating Saiyan opened his eyes as his mismatched eyes looked up to the man he felt shining like a spiritual star. Jeremy got to his feet, no longer hovering, as he looked at Lincoln for a good moment he gave a small sigh. The hidden tone of relief buried underneath it as he realised something. Likely that he was not who killed him in his last life. “I don’t recognise you, so Richard was right in saying you’re from a different universe to me. Jeremy. Nice to meet you.” He says offering his hand to his comrade in isekai-hood.

Richard was currently in a room to the north alongside Melissa wth Maravi seeming to be meditating in a garden room to their direct east. Likely something Melissa made to keep herself occupied over the years.

In his time as Little Light he never met the Golden Warriors. But his nature reminded him of the Viltrumites. Those he came across many times throughout his life. If he was anything like that race of warriors and planetary conquerors then he has a strong spiritual lineage. As seen that even with his badly scarred soul he retains a clear set of values. Hearing that kind of sigh brought him nostalgic amusement. He heard that plenty when he was in other continuities from people who don’t know him as it seemed like it was a low chance for him as a concept to have ever gotten powers in other worlds. Later on he came to learn the reason for that was due to his power originating outside of time and space. Therefore his existence was a singularity. Meaning any alternate universe/timeline of himself would have a watered down version of his power much like a mirror’s reflection or more commonly it never happened.

Lincoln shocked his hand, “Nice to meet you Jeremy. I’m Lincoln and this is my friend with benefits Lisa.” Said friend with benefits was currently too busy being joined at the hips with Lincoln. Although she does give him an acknowledging look. “Well, we’re going to have a chat with Richard and his sister. There’s something we want to give them first before we all gather around to come up with our next step.” The moment back at the game store was an eye opener for Lincoln. Before he always was a supporter for the taboo that was incest. And he loved when he saw those kinds of relationships. Now he felt a greater need to be proactive with it. Not only does he want to mend family ties. But to also show them a way they can be even happier.

And so the pair went on up to their room. Along the way he thought of the rest of Richard’s family and his own counterparts. The latter is a bit too complicated at the moment so he’ll push that off. He could sense the strength of Richard’s and Melissa’s bond. It brings him great joy to see that even after all this time it remained that strong. Very good. But it can be closer, stronger, eternal. The other thing was about how to reach Conny and Camila. It would be very tricky to reach them, impossible for him to do it alone given his range is not that far. But if he were to give Richard a special connection and then give him the Trigger. Richard could act as a relay which they can then use the familial connection to reach them. And bring them down from the inside to show them the errors of their way.

The young recruit to the team raised an eyebrow as he did give Lisa a nod of acknowledgement back as Lincoln introduced her, after he said he was going to find Richard he just gave a soft nod as he gestured behind him to a door with his thumb. “Ms. Melissa took him into the library past the gallery and common room ahead of you. Just go straight through the two doors, you can’t miss it. But… Eh I’d say knock. I think I heard the Mistress call dibs and then pulled him into the library. I could be entirely wrong, but I’ve never seen her so giddy in all the time I’ve known her.” He says as he ruffles his hand through his hair, letting the pair pass him.

Once they do pass through the first door into the common room it was essentially just that, a sitting area with a skylight that was currently covered over to not let sunlight in. The room had afew couches, coffee tables and even an entire corner devoted to a total immersion VR POD. One can only guess what Melissa has that thing set up for. The walls were made of dark stone tiles, keeping up with the gothic style.

Heading through the next set of doors led to the gallery, a room that seemed to span a good length of the penthouse, not only where painting houses here but so were collectors items and artefacts from numerous Nebula cultures, with a definite focus on Anubite culture, all in enchanted casings of her design to prevent thievery.

Of course Licoln could tell that the pair weren't getting down and dirty in the next room over, the pair were just cuddling away while Melissa seemed to be regaling Richard with tales of her own adventures across the ages since she came to Valai and as she moved around exploring after things calmed down after the red menace and Psions were defeated.

Once the pair of them would enter the room Richard would look up from behind the back of a couch they were laying on and offering a wave as he lay back down. “Hey guys, what’s up?” This library they would enter had three floors to it with Book cases reaching the ceiling, while the large room was at least 10 metres across… There was one more display case next to an enchanted fireplace that Richard and Melissa were currently laying before, it seemed to hold an item of considerable power like the Focus that Richard created for himself. A glance at it revealed it to be some kind of jewelled bracelet, three interlocked silver rings with two red gems surrounding a golden stone.

“The ceiling.” he said dryly with a small grin. “Joking aside, we're doing well.” They went to sit on another couch facing them. It was quite clear to the other couple that they became quite close. Like them they too were being quite snuggly once they were sat down. While Lisa was making brazen advances with her hands in the open. Lincoln felt like getting down to business. Rolling around and fucking eachother brains out was good and all. But he liked being a productive spirit. A nature he’ll especially need on Trikon. Watrike were heavy workers. His girlfriend has two jobs. Neither being something she can distract her with. Therefore it was a good thing he has special friends that can attend to his needs so he doesn’t go insane.

“If I may, I like to give information telepathically to get you guys up to speed. After that, we like to teach you something. Then we’ll follow it with a strategy to have Richard claim the rest of your sisters.” When granted consent he brought them all into a mental chatroom. There the two of them learned the basic gist of what went down at the game store. They learned that Maya is actually a counterpart of one of Lincoln’s sisters, Lisa. The identity of several other prominent figures in the galaxy and how they were under control by some Eskali for centuries before said Eskali went radio silent for eleven years.

He showed them his conquest of Lisa. Cleansing her of the evil that Eskali put inside of her. While they were counterparts he made Lisa his much like he did before. The context he happily provides. Telling them about how he brought his family together and showed them glimpses of happy moments for years after. Lisa then mentally spoke up, specifically to Melissa, “It makes me blissful to see that you still hold a potent bond with your brother. That is very good. All sisters should innately understand the reason they're born and the obligation they're designated to uphold. And while you require polishing. You're prodigiously superior to Conny and Camila. Those apostates committed a grave offense to Richard while you remained staunch for millennia. Having only lived for a tenth of that myself, I can verbally express with confidence that is an astonishing accomplishment.”, Lisa gave a mental pat on her back.

Lincoln nods in agreement before getting to the next point he wanted to make. Telepathically giving them basic information on how more of his power works. Most notably being able to bring certain bonds into a special chat room of sorts where they have got to have special privileges out of the bond with Lincoln. The largest being that he can give up to 34 people a ‘Trigger’ that when used have full access to his reservoir of power. If they are near Lincoln they can remain in the powered state indefinitely. But when separated by long distances such as being on a separate world then there is a timeline and they need to recharge between each use. Another big part during that state is that their minds are in sync with Lincoln’s. Meaning they have a visible view to his memories. And vice versa. Lincoln doesn’t mind in fact he sort of encourages it. He lived a long time and there are a lot of heroic stories that he likes people to know about. Then he gave them the idea for the plan, “I have confidence this’ll work. By the time Camila shows up she’ll fall to her knees and beg for Richard to make proper use of her.”

Richard gives a soft huff of amusement at Lincoln before he looks over as Lincoln and Lisa sit down on the couch opposite them, the fire roaring to their side. The siblings both raised an eyebrow when he said that they would have a chat telepathically, both of them rather curious as to what needed to be said in such a secure place when it couldn’t be said aloud here, in a place that Maravi had enchanted and reinforced herself with her own hands.

Once inside the shared mind-scape however things started to become clear after Lincoln mentioned that he would teach them something before getting to the plan to get the rest of his sisters and listen to Lincoln as he does his show and tell of how Maya is now Lisa, explaining she did in her past life and rewriting her to be as she is now.

Richard wasn’t that initially phased with the reveal, he could sense the wrongs of Maya’s soul in how she hid herself, unnaturally plain and unsuspecting. Though as he paints his own picture of how he liberated the woman that embodies his sister he can’t help but feel some internal anguish but for one such as Maya, a being mired in the filth of her sins, the sentence is fitting. His expression lightened as he could already start to fathom what exactly Lincoln had in mind for his remaining sisters… The ideal initially gave a knee jerk reaction of anger. Though that was all down to his protective nature when it came to his family. But at the advanced ages and developments they must have gone through… Getting control over them again if Conny is hostile too will be beyond him. Camila will be hard enough since she has a combat oriented Blood Art… He will need Lincoln’s help. He needed to trust in his friend, even as his base instincts scream at him not to. He will have to trust in Lincoln. “A strange sentence but I actually think it’s fitting. She’ll do better at your side instead of being used by someone else. Then again I’m completely biased.” He says without shame, it was thanks to Lincoln that he could begin righting all the generational wrongs his people have wrought in their shadowy expansion.

Melissa however was slightly more sceptical about it, then again she didn’t have the same insight into Lincoln that Richard did. But it wasn’t up to her to accept what happens next, to her as long as Camila gets punished for her transgressions then she doesn’t care how it is carried out. As Lia speaks to her she does raise an eyebrow to that comment about polishing her rough edges. But she does give a small smile as she was complimented on how she stood metaphorically beside Richardly, loyal to the final day. Still there was a tinge of guilt. “I… Thank you. I often looked back and regretted not staying longer. Plagued by ‘what-ifs’.. But now I don’t have to wonder, I owe Lincoln for bringing my brother back to me.”

“Melissa doesn’t need polishing, the flaws are what make me love her all the more.” Richard says to Lisa before he looks to Lincoln,he agreed that he needed the help. There was no way that he could make Camila see reason, even with those he has here besides Lincoln. He was going to argue about how he at least wanted some semblance of their flaws intact, he wanted his sisters not drones… But that was before he felt the information of Lincoln’s power, One for All, fill his head while his crimson eyes shined with their true royal luster. Remote and limited access to the same strength that he used to rewrite his rebellious family. Richard was silent, looking deep in thought.

Melissa was rather overwhelmed with just how deep the scope of Lincoln’s power went. She could see now why his reputation was earned, and certainly well earned at that. “Well… The fact you would trust Rich with this. You must trust him a great deal.”

“A tremendous deal.” Richard adds as he looks up to Lincoln, at an overall loss for words but still managing to string together how much this meant to him. “Lincoln… I… You’ve done so much for me and mine already. My debt seems to keep piling up.. I’ll need to repay you eventually.”

Lincoln gave a soft smile, “Once you see all that I am. You will find I rarely ever collect my debts.” Richard will mentally see an image of Lincoln holding an open palm to him. Hovering over it was a thin strand of prismatic light in the shape of an infinity symbol. “Take it, whenever you need it feel free to tap into it. Through it we are one. A star is never alone in the night sky after all.” It was something he learned very young. He never had to bear to take on anything alone. With friends and family by his side he felt truly invincible.

He gave a hum when Melissa noted he was very trusting of Richard, “I like to think I’m a good judge of character. And there are times where it doesn’t take long for people to become the best of friends in a short amount of time.” Especially friendships forged in fire. Richard will know what that means once he uses the Trigger. As he does so there wasn’t any awesome surge of power that threatens to liquidfy the flesh off his bones. No electrifying, otherworldly chill across his nerves. Not even a grandiose show of energies upon his form.

Instead it was far more subtle. The only sensation was the vast shadow of the sublime. It felt as if he was on a space walk up in the sea of stars. He would become far more aware of the vastness around them. Furthermore the greatest of all was seeing the world through Lincoln’s eyes. And it was beautiful. This is how he sees them, all the time. Everything was connected, nothing ever truly ends.

The bonds Lincoln has made over the years shone like stars in the sky. To Richard it would feel that he has always known what powers have been mixed in the melting pot of One for All. And instantly know that in comparison to his past life that Lincoln was only 0.46% of when he was the last time he was near thirty. Yet the world felt incredibly small and grand at the big time.

Richard would feel a sense of Oneness with Lincoln’s psyche. As a result of such a close synchronization he would be able to see the life of Little Light in its entirety. The information didn’t cram into his head. Rather it’s more close to the feeling of already knowing it despite this being the first time he heard of his endless adventures. Lincoln’s civilian life was also noteworthy. Having become an activist at a young age and overtime got more involved into politics. Even becoming President of his country for two terms in a row.

Beneath the grandeur that is sure to stimulate the senses. There was an unseen side effect. In short the crimson of Richard’s eyes would intensify. One can not open their eyes to the splendor that is life and not be touched in return. That touch being Lincoln’s love for everything. It will permanently make him more loving but due to the underlying corruption that neither of them can see. It made him more dominant, more horny. It will come to Richard’s mind that he could now give Melissa the same pleasure that Lincoln gave to Lisa. The memory of what he did on the train smothers any remaining logic.

But Richard would feel Lincoln nudging him back to focus. The ghoul can drown his thick sister in a sea of utter bliss later. Now they needed to go find Richard’s two other sisters. Lincoln didn’t need to mentally assure him of anything as Richard would simply know his intentions. He will happily let Richard conquer his sisters thoroughly. If they were a rocket, Lincoln was the thruster and Richerd was the main body. Melissa and Lisa didn’t feel what they felt but they could sense being dragged along for the ride as Lincoln telepathically carried them to where the other sisters were. After all, Melissa is sure to be interested in settling her vendetta against them by helping Richard dominate them.