Arc I - The East Horizon [Eteru/Melon] [Non-Canon]

The pain came

It wasn’t often that he felt pain on a spiritual level. Much like in the past, all he was in that moment was pain.

His senses fail to receive stimulus as his very being was wholly focused on not falling apart at the seams.

In the center of this maelstrom of agony in the purest of sense. As his mind threatened to give way. There was enough of him there to be…nostalgia.

The sensation triggered a certain memory. A memory distorted by the haze of pain.

Yet he knew it was a memory of paradise.

He could see the Blue of that sky.

The Green of that field.

Upon the horizon that separates it. Stood the Tree of Fantasy. Flying towards it in the distance were his friends. Unable to bring the tree down. Not before the defenses have fallen.

Not before she falls first.

At first she didn’t suspect anything when she saw them. She thought they were here to chat with her again. It was nice to chat with visitors not from the city.

She didn’t suspect anything when he began charging a spell. For she knew that he was aware that she had the perfect protection. It was futile to attack her.

She didn’t suspect the depth of his madness when he casted that spell.

Silence hung in the air.

Her beautiful eyes widened in realization and horror of what he had done. Locking her eyes on him with shock and pity. “Why?”

He didn’t see Qayin as he hugged his sister while burying his knife into her gut. The sound of his tears failed to reach him.

He didn’t hear the great cracks as the Tree fell by the barrage of his friends' treasured mysteries.

Even if the Lostbelt began to crumple away over the course of a few minutes due to the small size.

It might as well have been an eternity for him.

Kayin’s sister, Hevel, was the Lostbelt King.

The Bearer of the World’s Sins.

The First Martyr.

One of the three gifts that she was given was one that takes the form of the phenomenon present throughout the entirety of the Lostbelt. When any resident of the Lostbelt commits a ‘sin’ against another being, Hevel will take the place of the intended recipient. Since the Tree is considered ‘Alive’ it too is protected.

In a normal world, there would be many people who could commit horrific acts without believing in their own sin, but here, perhaps as a result of living in a society exposed to Hevel, humans are encouraged to be aware of their own sin.

In fact, they are encouraged to express it as much as possible in order to feel the relief of the Mark of Hevel, one of her other gifts.

In that sense, it can be likened to an addiction.

It was a divine gift. One that couldn’t be destroyed.

But he could take her place as the Martyr for Humanity Sin’s.

If he did, the phenomenon would not protect the tree because it required constant concentration.

So that is what he did.

And he only knew pain for a short while before the divine gift return to nothingness.

He wasn’t Hevel who had learned to bear it as humanity grew little by little. It came crashing down upon him akin to a ferocious storm of wicked knives.

Every evil that Humanity has performed in that Lostbelt.

Every evil that humanity ever committed.

Suicide. Aggravated Assault. Pedicide. Rape. Sororicide. Arson. Drive-by Shooting. Homicide. Jaywalking.

In the back of his mind. He could feel it. The weight of a stare from above. So far away. So vast.

Staring at him in judgement.

Torture. Regicide. School Shooting. Enthic Cleansing. Genocide. Armed Robbery. Bitcoin Mining. Human Sacrifice. Vandalism. Domestic Violence.

He didn’t know who was staring at him. It was giving him questions even if it didn’t speak.

Was it himself?

Was it the manifestation of gift?

Was it God? Giving him the same question that he gave Hevel and his Son in his world?

Domestic Terrorism. Coercion. Female Genital Mutilation. Hostage Taking. Hate Crime. Mass Murder. Filicide. International Terrorism. Child Abuse. Sabotage.

That question stood out to him amidst the maddening sea of sin.

Was Humanity worthy of Love?

This wretched, putrid, sinful race?

Is it worth giving them love even when they’re bringing upon their own mass extinction?

Betrayal. Hit and Run. Matricide. Child Pornography. Fascist Eugenics. Environmental Destruction. Uxoricide. Mass Rape. Drunk Driving. War Crime.

The question broadened its scope. Instead it addressed the entirety of life. Of how it’s filled with misery, darkness, and death.

Is Life worthy of Love?

…

…

…

“Yes.”

In that storm of pain and darkness. He found himself in the eye of it. The roar of the storm became silent.

In that moment, he found his clarity. Digging himself back up through the layers of consciousness.

There was a mob around him. Bringing down instruments of all shapes and sizes upon him. Spewing curses and hatred. Hundred eyes bore accusing stares into his soul.

Details shift. They were under the sky at dusk. The mob now had darker skin with older forms of clothing.

The cry of a young boy left his lips. And he knew whose memory this was.

The memory of the boy who was chosen to be the source of all evil. Similar to Hevel, only this was involuntary.

The villagers commit every vile act, every sin, every curse upon the poor boy. Then, they threw him down a well.

Over the years, that boy would become the God of Evil and Darkness in the culture of the surrounding lands.

He hated Humanity. And yet he came to forgive them. Accept them even. Both good and evil.

In a sense, he loved Humanity even as he hated them.

The scenery changed again. His back roughly against a wooden pole. A pole that he’s tied to. The mod remained. Their appearance changed once more.

This memory he knew as well.

A woman was tied to this post. One who committed herself to God.

But the mob didn’t believe her. They called her a witch. A blasphemer.

So they set her on fire.

Even as her flesh blackens.

She still loved them.

“Ah…”

Pain continues to rack his soul. Despite that…

He was happy.

He has the absolute freedom to make this existence of agony and death meaningful to him.

And that’s his choice.

His mind took him back to that field. Where he stood over the kneeling siblings as they made their last embrace.

Qayin was silent. Half out of sorrow for having to do this and awe when he noticed his Master standing beside him.

Hevel was crumbling into golden motes. Her head was resting on Qayin’s shoulder. Having only enough energy to look up at him.

She gave a ghost of a smile.

Even though she didn’t vocalize it. He could hear her words.

I pray that you never forget what you experienced.

With that, she was gone. Taking the Lostbelt and the gifts with her.

He was back in the station now. The spectral chain is embedded into his chest. Tears were rolling down his cheeks.

But he was smiling.

“O come…O come…” With pained labour he began to sing. It was the last song he heard with his family. Before the world became empty and stained with blood. It’s a song that only he would understand.

He sings because he’s happy.

He accepts the pain just as he accepts the good and evil in life.

For that’s who Lincoln is.

He continues to stand. His feet are much more stable than they were mere seconds ago. Watching the spectral chain slowly be pulled out of his chest.

Once it was wrenched out of him. His legs would wobble momentarily. His ragged breathing would turn into soft, rapturous laughter. “Aaah! That was rough.” He took another deep breath. Rubbing his eyes with a forearm he looked up to Tulam’s newly reconstructed body.

As the chain quickly flew out of Lincoln's chest, and went to merge with the Psion body, Lincoln would notice that Tulam's spirit form had faded away and disappeared. But the first thing that happened was a chuckle from the side.

The origin was Nilana, who was smirking, "Well look at you, little one, you survived! A fairly difficult task. And from the looks of it that was a very stressful..." She put a finger to her chin in thought, and then spoke again, "30 seconds. Oh yes, I am sure it felt much, much longer. But the mind's perception of time is quite something when under extreme stress. Still, well done for surviving. Most wouldn't! Might want to check if all your memories are in order, however." She tapped the side of her head for emphasis, and then chuckled again.

With that however, the main cube in the middle came to life. The fluids of the tube were filtered out, leaving the body alone. Next, the tube itself split, before the entire Creation Cube itself split, allowing the body within freedom. And a complete vision of the new body of Tulam'Run came out. The Psion stepped forward, stretching the body. Lincoln could sense that this was Tulam, but his psionic presence had intensified immensely. Far more on the scale of Nilana now, if not more so.

Holding out one hand, psionic energy crackled to light. Within Tulam's palm there was an orb of Psionic energy, which he played around with for a moment before dispelling it. He then gave a nod. His voice was the same as before, still telepathic, as it seems Tulam simply preferred speaking that way, "Satisfactory results. My body has been reconstituted, and I can feel my full strength returning. Excellent. Well, Vessel..." He paused for a moment, mulling that over, and then shook his head, "No, not Vessel. Not anymore. That task is done. Lincoln... Not a full name but it will have to do. In any case, you have done your part well. As promised, you are free of any further obligations to me, and any further interaction is your choice. I'll be making preparations to leave this station now, for good. Need to find a new world to set up on. In kindness, I can inform you of that world when I have properly set up a new home there. This station is yours to do with as you please from now on, if you wish to use it. Or not, I don't really care for its fate."

He then sighed, "Hm, I suppose just teaching a few lessons isn't exactly showing full gratefulness. Very well, I'll make a single additional offer. My profession is creation. Once I have set up a new laboratory to work with, if you desire lessons in creation, I can provide them. And as a nice treat, I'll offer one free... commission. I believe that's the best word. Should be interesting to see what creature you come up that you desire to be made reality. There we go, that's enough. Time to pack up what little I do wish to take with me."

As Tulam turned around and got to work on his console again, preparing the equipment in this lab for transfer, another voice piped up. Nilana'Ran had walked up behind Lincoln, and gave him a teasing rub of his hair before stepping back, "And now, little one, time for your other choice! You've gotten my offer to go with me on travels, and now it's time to tell me if you're taking it. I've seen Tulam's new body, so I'm quite ready to leave, now. If you intend to join up with me, I'll be in the hanger. Whether I leave aboard your ship or by myself, that depends how quickly you get there!" She didn't seem to indicate whether leaving aboard his ship necessarily meant with Lincoln on board it, which got a grunt out of Tulam.

Nilana turned to walk out, but paused at the doorway. She looked back and smirked, "Do it fast enough and I'll even let you give a suggestion of where to go first! I have ideas of my own, but I'm quite content to see anything interesting this galaxy has to offer." And then she started walking again, humming a tune, leaving it up to Lincoln if he wanted to follow.

Tulam’s full glory was quite the impressive sight. It made it more apparent how much it was an honor for him to refer to him by his name. Something he could tell that it was not something that most Psions would do to a non-Psion. The words were easy to come to him. “Thank you for everything, Tulam’Run. I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for you, and Nilana’Ran but that’s beside the point. For that, I want to keep in touch with you. You definitely have been in my head long enough to know I can’t ignore that generous offer either.” He chuckled softly. “I’ll leave you be. I have a feeling that you would like to have some quiet time to yourself.”

It was a risky endeavor he knew. Years of living on the edge honed that instinct that the road he’s about to tread will be a rocky one. “I’m going to go see the stars. I feel it would do me good and I know practically that I won’t do well on my own. Even if I go back to those lobsters, that same gut feeling is telling me that I would get tangled up in some mess. It would be better if I have a travel ‘partner’. That and I feel I can expand my horizon some more. I admit that my pick is dangerous, but perhaps this could be a form of test for me to come back to you with my hip bone still in one piece.”

He blushed slightly from Nilana’Ran’s tease. Hearing her saunter away he gave a breath. “Again, thank you for everything Tulam’Run. I’ll definitely see you again. Maybe I can find some souvenirs for you!” Finished saying goodbye he turned around. Boosting himself with a glimmer of magic to catch up to the smexy yet dangerous Psion before she got into the elevator. Skidding to a halt inside just before the door closed. He turned just in time to look at Tulam’Run before the doors shut.

Feeling the elevator go up he looked over up to Nilana’Ran beside him. Sporting a small smile. “I’ve decided to travel with you, Overlord Nilana’Ran. I’m excited.” Was all he needed to say. He gave a mental command to his last two homunculi. Dos was to go with Shiki to Elkisni space to pose as the real Lincoln. Tres is going to wait until Tulam gets everything out of the station before starting to set up some projects that he had in mind. Lincoln directed his face forward again to the elevator doors. Letting out a sigh. “Aaah, right I should do what you said a few seconds ago.”

The months leading up to that tragic night being a different sort of hell because his big sisters walked around in their panties, in towels, all the time? That they were so hot, so sexy it drove him nuts when he was going through puberty? And that was why he had started spending so much time with his friends then because he needed distance from the capital of the sexiest girls in Royal Woods that was his home? Yeah, his childhood years seem to be in order.

Those dreary teenage years seem to be intact. Not that he could tell all that much. It all blurred together which was usual. Back then everything was just one canvas of gray hues. He can remember that dark hallway that he spent way too much time in and that it was fortunate he didn’t send himself to the loony bin.

His time in Chaldea for the most part seems okay. It’ll probably be for the best to meditate on it later for a more thorough check. His thoughts came to a halt when he saw the doors open to the hallway. It was a good thing that the only thing he needed to take is the laptop and that’s on the way to where they need to go.

Getting exactly that, he hugged the laptop to his chest while keeping pace with the grand Psion. “I don’t really have any place in Hoshizora in mind to go. Well, except my world. Can’t believe it’s alright, still feels like a dream. Anyway, I’m just interested in seeing more of Hoshizora. So I’m down with whatever you have in mind, Overlord Nilana’Ran.” It didn’t need to be said that he was very much intrigued with what ideas she has in store. Along with Tulam’Run’s offer. So many people back home would strangle him for getting this blessing. Mad that he can pretty much get his own ‘catgirl’ but they’re stuck with a memelord.

The obvious thing is that it has to be something better than just bringing an anime girl to life. Tulam’Run deserved to use his talents better than that. No matter how badly he crushed on some of them. That or just wanting to hug them because they deserve better like Shinobu. “Mmm, I feel like I’ll get a stroke of inspiration out in Hoshizora.” He says to himself.

As he turned to Tulam as he exited the room, Tulam looked up from the console again. He gave Lincoln a little wave goodbye, and then turned back to his work. After Lincoln and Nilana were gone, he sighed and spoke to himself softly, "Wonder just how long they'll go without getting in trouble... Won't be long, that's for sure." The grand scientist had bigger matters to attend to however, so for now he let that thought slide. Besides, it was indeed time to enjoy some peace and quiet, on his own terms.

As for Nilana, she smirked a bit as Lincoln followed her. She chuckled as he gave her the choice, "Well, let's see, for destinations... I'm a little split. I want to go West, see the sights over there, but that is a decent bit of travel. For you, that is. Not so much for me. The other place I'd like to go is far south of here, to a fascinating little land I've heard of. Hm, choices, choices... Oh! Actually, we're going South for sure, to the land of the so-called 'Artodeme'. The slaves should be interesting but the real reason I want to go there is I remember a certain friend of mine went there before. You'll like her, little one. She's another Psion friend of mine and Tulam's! Well at least as close to a friend grouchy Tulam can have."

She thought back, smiling on the memories, "Ah yes, the three of us were quite the group! I was the greatest, of course, but the others aren't slouches. I'll tell you more about it when we meet her. I doubt she would like me giving you an introduction to her without herself being present to do it herself. But safe to say, it should be fun. Otherwise I've heard that these Artodeme slavelings are slavers themselves! Means plenty of interesting people to meet, and wares to browse, so to say. They'll already have filtered in the interesting bits, hoh-hoh!" She chuckled, and then Nilana smirked, "Ah I do have much, much to show you. For instance I've seen your little power, little one. It's nice, on the right track... And very crude. Much to learn on that front. You're very lucky you've never really had to deal with a true problem. Okay perhaps that is a little mean, but my point is that I am just as capable of being a teacher as Tulam is, and in ways he can't think of!"

As she was self aggrandizing, they got to the hanger. Nilana looked over the ship Lincoln had used, and tapped her chin in thought, "You know, little one, this is a mere slaveling vessel. Now, I am no Run, so building mastercraft spacecraft isn't my trade. But I do know a thing or two about building a proper Mythkuttar. You should've seen mine back in the day! It was big, pretty, and very luxurious. Shame how it went down with my last body, but you just gotta live and learn! I'll rebuild it at some point. Perhaps I'll give you a demonstration when we get to the Artodeme place! No real being should be aboard such a simple vessel. Still, you have no Mythkuttar, and neither do I. And you're a little too fragile to survive the trip without a ship. So, this slaveling vessel shall have to do!"

Snapping her fingers, Nilana went towards the ship, which opened up upon her seeming command. As she hummed a bit walking in, she paused, "Oh, right. I hacked your ship while you were busy in the week. Good news, I already put our destination in the navigation console! In addition I made some adjustments. I... 'borrowed' some of the smart tools and components Tulam left behind to improve the engines and navigation computer. We'll get there faster than we would have otherwise on the slaveling designed engines. And yes, I put the tools back, so Tulam wouldn't notice." This was an accidental reminder that Nilana, although not as specialized in the matters of creation as a Run Psion like Tulam would be, was still a Psion. An immensely intelligent creature, and she had likely absorbed the experiences of starship engineers before in her life as well. The sheer casual nature by which she expressed it seemed to indicate that it was quite normal to her, and perhaps it was by Psion standards. It wasn't even a humble brag, it was simply an afterthought.

"Bad news, you'll have to clean a little fur off the beds. This body is nice and fluffy but it does leave behind some fur here and there. I'll have to give it a good washing and conditioning some time. Wonder if this ship has a shower, I didn't check before..." She wandered inside to go investigate, leaving Lincoln to go get the ship moving.

Hearing there was another Psion in this seemingly rare friend group made him perk up in interest. Wondering why Tulam never mentioned her. Of course, there will come a time when he will understand why the Run values peace so much. But for now, he could only look forward to meeting another Psion. “It’s nice to hear that you two have another friend! I would be happy to go to Artodeme to see her then” He says, completely oblivious of just how deep of an end of the pool he’s diving into.

It was pleasant to hear her talk about her friends a bit. While he could understand why Psions in general tend to prefer a solitary existence. He felt that life was more interesting when you have company. No matter how volatile, it may be. His thoughts centered on Artodeme when she said that this place was some sort of slaver haven. Flashes of old memories pop up in his head. Looks like he has another thing to look forward to in Artodeme. ’On that thought, I should invest into normal people. I’m no longer in an isolated environment where I can have a lot of Servants around.’

He looked away bashfully when the Psion mentioned that part of his mystical repository. “No offense taken, Overlord Nilana’Ran. It’s very much shabby. Much of my understanding in the arcane is overall rough. I’ve seemed to carried on my jack-of-all trades, master of none mentality from my youth into those long years. The things I studied and learned were catered to what I needed to know and/or overcome. That is also an area that I’ve pretty much used training wheels the whole time because I used the nature of Servants against them. By the time I got around to normal people, I’ve relied on of my Servants to do the hard work.” It was very fortunate that he never ran into many issues in that regard.

Safe to say, he has much to learn. “I’m honored to have a great teacher such as yourself, Overlord Nilana’Ran. No doubt, I have to keep in mind of ways to repay such generosity.” He’ll have to keep eyes peeled on Artodeme. Maybe he could find a fine specimen that she would like. While getting some himself, of course. That nagging feeling was still persistent. Perhaps at a later date he should refine his clairvoyance.

He wasn’t bothered by the vixen tinkering with the ship. She was far more experienced at this, beside the fact that she was a Psion. Hearing her mention her last body made him wonder what her fate was but felt it was rude to inquire on. “That’s good to hear, Overlord Nilana’Ran!” It didn’t bother him either when he was tasked to do her bedding. Doing chores was a cathartic experience. “I’ll keep on top of that, Overlord Nilana’Ran.” He gave a smile towards her.

The duo strode onto the ancient vessel. It was a decently sized ship for a small group of people. And it was apparent that it hasn’t been used for a long time. The last owner was a thief who stole it off the Ark and just left it sitting in the garage. Not even making use of the space inside. Every thing was empty. Lincoln spent the time coming to the station cleaning it to get rid of the dust.

There were plenty of rooms. Three of which could be used by their slaves. No doubt, Nilana was putting his former Servant into one. Said rooms were all empty, saved for the necessities such as the bed. Next to the door into the engineering room was the door to the bathroom. Inside was the usual, the shower was a large standing shower. Enough room for three people to use it. As a testament to products built to endure the last seconds of eternity. It had cleaning supplies that are still in good condition.

It was good that Nilana’Ran upgraded the engine. Overall, the ship had been constructed with technology so advance that the materials that make up it is are immune to the effects of entropy. However, since there was little need for speed beyond flying around the ark as it sailed a black and silent sea, it wasn’t fast before Nilana’Ran got her hands on it.

Getting into the cockpit. He sat down in the seat. Feeling that same sense of age off of it. The true owner likely had used this ship for a very long time. “Let’s get you fired up, girl.” He said to the ship. Powering her up. ’Take care, Tulam’Run. See you in a bit. Hey, we might bring back that other friend that Nilana’Ran mentioned!” The ship then flew out of the station.

It amazed him when he found just how much Nilana reduce the travel time. From what the console is telling him, they will be in Artodeme in a few days rather than two weeks. “I can only imagine what a Psion with a passion for building would be capable of.” He comments to himself.

In those few days. He felt like binge-watching some movies. So he wirelessly hooked up his laptop to the table between the couches. It was capable of projecting up an amazing holographic screen. Wishing to build a cozy atmosphere, he offered the Overlord is she would like to watch movies or shows from his home world. He would position himself on the opposite end of the other side that she would likely sit on. Although, knowing her, she would do something else to tease him.

They split movie choices. He chose a variety to expand the palette. Ran like having a spectrum, after all, so he felt the need to cater for that. One was the first part of a trilogy. About a mythic and emotionally charged hero's journey as he travels to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. Another was a very sad story about a dog who waited for his owner to come out of the station, but he was dead. The part where the camera pan up to him to catch the tree in the background as it rapidly cycle through the seasons gets him tearing up every time. And again at the end of the movie where the dog close his eyes and went to sleep one final time. Then he started crying for real.

It will be interesting to see what she would pick. Helps give him a idea of what her general tastes are.

It was indeed true they would be there rather quickly, far sooner than they should have. Which was likely good for Lincoln, as being effectively alone aboard this ship with Nilana for a few weeks was not a good proposition for Lincoln's sanity or survival. Otherwise, she seemed content to settle in for a few days. She set up Raikou in one of the rooms, which was close to the one she picked for herself.

As she implied she made sure to use the shower nice and quick, and Lincoln would note Nilana seemed to like long showers. She did clearly care about keeping her body nice and clean, and despite the chance for teasing, she never did something as one might expect by inviting anybody in, for instance. In general she seemed to prefer some privacy in there, in contrast to her general attitude.

Nilana would accept the offer of watching movies, happily sitting herself down in the middle of the couch, before stretching herself out to lay across the whole couch, her legs not really caring if anybody else was there. After seeing the options, Lincoln put, Nilana gave a general nod of approval. While the second of the two movies Lincoln chose seemed more interesting to Nilana, she would be up to see the former anyways and got decent enjoyment from it.

For her two choices, she decided to look back towards more of what would be considered classics in the films she could find from borrowing Lincoln's laptop. She decided on two films she found, that she decided to go for based on whim more than anything. The first she selected was a tale of seven warriors from a far eastern land, who are recruited by a village to fend off some vile bandits who threatened the villagers. A dramatic tale with action, some romance, and a rather bittersweet pyrrhic victory for the warriors who save the village, but lose a number of their members in the process. Nilana liked the movie for its themes and an interesting reflection on how much the bloodthirsty bandits and supposed honorable warriors overlapped thanks to the ravages of wartime. The second movie she chose was a more uplifting one, that being a tale  of a girl traveling a path in a strange world to get home, along the way encountering a metal man, a straw man, and a beastial man, each having lessons taught to them along the way. Despite its rather tame subject, Nilana enjoyed it. She was able to get plenty of enjoyment from simple concepts as well. She teased that she could've chosen a more carnal movie, but that would be rather too easy.

He would indeed come to be thankful that it would only be a few days of being confined with the Psion. While he felt he was getting used to it. He knew that if it had been longer, Nilana would have likely put in more pressure on him. Speaking of the dastardly Psion. Much like a cat, she didn’t care for where the silly hooman was. It was one thing to be trapped under her legs. But it was another thing with her tails that he couldn’t be sure whether she’s intentionally or unintentionally moving around. Likely both. He had to ensure he didn’t sneeze whenever she batted him in the face with her tail.

Sometime during a movie it dawns on him that he was still holding himself well in the horny department. No doubt Niliana knew this as well his new thoughts in that week. The way she laid on the couch on him was also like a cat. Stirring the temptation to want to lay a hand on her. She was so cuddly to look at. It was especially strong during some scenes in the movies that he wanted to hold one of her tails because he wanted something fluffy to hug. He thinks of Tulam during these moments. How much he would be disappointed in him if he embraced the danger fox. And it helps keep his cool.

Lincoln liked the movies she picked. They could have easily watched more movies but knew time was better spent working on other stuff. Hearing her teased that she could have chosen a more lewd movie was funny. He had considered going for Basic Instinct as one of his picks because it has one of the most iconic femme fatale in it but felt the choice was a bit too on the nose.

Nilana's tails were definitely able to be controlled by her, as when she was paying attention she was quite good at making them play along with her movements and expressions. Which made sense due to Nilana's enjoyment of the dramatic. However that seemed to mostly be the case when she was specifically doing it. When she was distracted, her tails wandered more, their movements simply erratic as they effectively floated about. Still graceful but clearly not intentionally moved. Which to say that during the movies, it was indeed hard to tell whether or not she was doing that on purpose. She could be doing it out of teasing, doing it accidentally due to watching the movie, or both.

In any case, Nilana seemed to enjoy the movie binge overall. It was a good way to pass time, and passing time was a good thing for Lincoln. As on the last day of the four that it took to make the journey, Nilana seemed to have gotten restless. She roamed about the ship, pacing about, trying to find things to do. Her movements slowly turned more into prowling, and her eyes gained a predatory look. Schemes were coming together in her mind as she looked upon Lincoln, going beyond the mere teases and uses of enticing clothing and movements. It was fortunate for Lincoln however that as those schemes were coming to mind, they would soon no longer be needed, as they had arrived at Artodeme space.

Specifically, they were above the world of Dorcoth. The planet was surrounded by various orbital structures and spacecraft, going about their business. Some of the structures were spacedocks and refueling stations, and the larger ones seemed to be major orbital marketplaces. All around were also floating advertisements, waving potential customers towards said marketplaces. While at first it held similarities to major commercial worlds in Iammelon like Avalantus, looking a bit deeper showed a number of notable differences. There was some wreckage around the planet of destroyed starships and satellites, which were currently being scavenged by scavengers and scrappers, something everyone else seemed to just ignore. The stations that were still operational had clear and present major weapon batteries, likely the only reason they hadn't been destroyed like their competition, and various reminders were around that stealing would see a response employing maximum force. The biggest difference however was the ads themselves. In Iammelon, most of the ads were flashy but innocuous, just advertising various consumer products. These Artodeme ads were however very different. Their adverts were instead things like weapons, security services, and most concerning of all... slaves. The slaver ads advertised not only the slaves themselves, but various equipment for aspiring slavers and slave owners, such as whips, collars, and other instruments of "obedience training". With graphic imagery attached.

As the ship came closer to the planet, off in the distance a ship approaching one of the orbital marketplaces suddenly launched a barrage of missiles at the station. On open channels, it began to blast messages towards the station it was attacking. One such message was "Repent for your sins! Free those in bondage! Give yourselves to Delviatu's mercy and forgiveness, or burn with the rest of the damned! Give yourself to the tenants of Life!"! The station's owners, having been already attacked by the religious zealots, responded with the station's weaponry opening fire. This skirmish breaking drew temporary attention from other ships, which seemed to watch, but none cared to intercede. Rather they were waiting to see who lost, and what they might be able to pick from the wreckage. Sadly for them, the battle ended as soon as it started, as the Zealot Frigate quickly retreated, having done the damage it wished and now it withdrew. No additional wreckage to be picked clean this day.

Nilana watched that from the ship, and spoke out in amusement, "The slavers may be interesting to go and see. Of course, slavers among slave species are usually rather pathetic, but perhaps they have some interesting grabs for me to counter-grab. The advertisements showed a few interesting specimens! But I can do that on the ground. We still need to go meet my friend, and frankly these orbital stations seem a bit too open to getting attacked. Forward towards the surface, I remember she was around there somewhere!"

She pointed towards one section of the planet, which did seem to have a number of cities present directly where she pointed. This area of the planet was rather lush and green, at least from orbit, although there was a big desert as well on the continent fairly close to the destination she presented. Specifically, she then went over to the navigation console and typed in some more specific coordinates, bringing the ship towards one specific city; Osmos.

When they got closer to Osmos, Lincoln would be able to see that this was a massive city, which was also heavily fortified. It had multiple active starports and busy, bustling streets. The markets here were certainly very active, although based on the ads they had plenty of unsavory products present here too. Nilana looked over the city as they approached and chuckled, "Well, this is a lovely place. Too active for me to be toooo open, so I'll be a bit more on the stealthy side! Just a little. Based on this environment, I have a simple idea." She turned about in her seat, and snapped her fingers. This caused her most of her tails, except one, to become translucent and her general form to soften out a bit. She also dawned what seemed to be the clothes of nobility, still fairly revealing towards the chest, legs, and even back, but still something that wouldn't be too crazy out in public. She stood up and put her hands on her hips, "Taa-daa~! I am now what the slavelings call a 'Viscan'. Or at least that is what they will perceive me as. Viscans seem to be present here so I can easily pass myself off as one. Very simple yet effective, huh?"

She then put a finger to her lower lip for a moment, as Nilana seemed to remember something, "Ah, right, I should say this ahead of time. I am sensing a few... powerful psionic signatures. Now, one of them is the friend I mentioned, and she appears to be currently in the outskirts of the city. I say we go meet her after a little touring around! But as for the others, of which I sense... two, it is better to be careful. I don't recognize them at all, and at least one of them is a Psion for sure. The other eludes me. Might be a Psion, might be something else. And elsewhere on the planet I get other faint feelings. So, little one, this calls for not making too much of a splash. Lest we draw too much attention, too quickly. Psions are awfully territorial. But of course, that doesn't mean we can't have some fun! Make yourself presentable, and let's get going. We can leave the slaves here, let them guard the ship. Something tells me that leaving a ship unattended in this horrible place will encourage the work aspects of slavelings to come out..." With that, she went off to prepare herself a bit more before they touched down in the starport, and could begin their wandering through Osmos.

It did put him on edge when he noticed Nilana becoming restless. The way she stalked around the ship gave off an alluring air of power. He started to get heat flashes. Imagining Nilana picking him up against the wall. ‘Devouring’ him as she pins him against it. The spooky part is that he doesn’t know whether these were his own thoughts or one planted by her. He knew it goes to show how terrifying Psions can be if it was the case. He was glad when they came to the planet called Dorcoth.

It was about as lawless as he expected. Plus there is an inkling that something hideous was in plain sight but didn’t know what. Something about the planet itself made him want to get annoyed. Odd. That aside he shifts his attention to the vixen who seemed rather happy to be getting out soon. He couldn’t blame her. Being confined into a limited space is something he knows very well.

He gave a small applause when Nilana don a more discreet appearance. “You’re looking very sly, Overlord! I’m sure no one would notice anything strange!” He complimented. Her comment about there being multiple Psions did give him the sense to be in caution. Along with the realization of how those other Psions might see him as. There was something else that he sensed on the planet. It was in the very same city that they were landing in. He knew this kind of old and powerful presence. The presence of a divine.

Looks like this will be an interesting day. “Thank you for the heads-up, Overlord Nilana’Ran. I’ll go get ready!” He was rather excited to go see the sights. There was an inkling that he’s going to have very fun here. Following Nilana out of the cockpit he went to his room to change. In his prior downtime he established a connecting to his personal vault now that he knew it’s intact. To fit with Nilana’s theme, he summoned some fancy clothing to wear that was gifted to him once.

By the time they landed he was at the door ready to disembark. Still on an eager high. More so than usual. He does feel like his old happy self however so that was a good sign. It’s just that there was something or someone in the city he needs to find. He felt this feeling before a few times. It was sort of a sixth sense that draws him to women that he finds desirable. A very specific sense but what he has. He had summed it as some ability that came with his Origin.

“I’m ready to go, Overlord Nilana’Ran. Let’s have some fun! Oh, and as your faithful student, I Iook forward to any pointers!” After all that’s the reason they’re traveling together. “I don’t have my training wheels anymore. It’ll be a learning experience for me.” For numerous reasons that was obvious enough that it didn’t need to be said. One being that he has no grasp of how the myriad of races here think and feel.

Nilana gave a nod of approval to his improving mood and positive attitude, "Good to hear, this will be a great place to learn from after all!" With that, it was time to go.

Stepping out of the ship and into the starport, their ship was lodged in a small but private hanger. It was a bit dirty, but seemed mostly capable. There were a few bullet holes in the wall that were currently being patched up by two droid janitorial units. Their landing was noticed, and this was technically not a free hanger that Nilana had pointed out. As such an attendant was walking up, carrying a small datapad. She was a young human with long red hair, with a small nametag on her blue uniform that identified her as "Vale". She was also noticeably armed, with a pistol holstered at her waist, and there was a small cut on her lower left cheek. It seemed violence wasn't uncommon here, and Vale was certainly no stranger to it.

The attendant looked over Nilana, noting her fancy clothes, and that seemed to reassure her that this potential client was worth greeting. She waved a hand, "Welcome to Thestan Starport, this is Hanger 14-B. We would be happy to house your ship for as long as you need it, and even provide maintenance and refueling, for the right price of course. The prices are as follows..." She held up her datapad to begin reading it off.

However while Vale was speaking her rehearsed welcome and beginning to read off the script of prices, which were certainly going to be exaggerated and overly expensive, she didn't notice what the vixen in front of her was doing. Nilana looked Vale and, more importantly, her well defined figure. The Psion gave a small smirk and a small spark in her eyes as she decided she liked what she saw. As such, she moved forward at an incredible speed, putting herself right in front of Vale. Taking advantage of the starport attendant's shock, she moved her datapad holding arm to the side, grabbed her by the chin, and pulled her up into a kiss.

Instinctually the attendant's free hand had gone to her holstered weapon, but she lost will to draw it near instantly. Then her relaxed hand let go of the pistol, before going slack entirely, just like the rest of her body. Nilana pushed her unresisting body away with just a finger, and looked down in pride at her work. Vale was now entirely captivated by the Vixen in front of her, mouth slightly ajar and shock had been replaced by awe. The Psion chuckled, putting her hands to her hips as she spoke softly to the entranced woman, "Oh the price doesn't really matter, not for me. I'll be staying here as long as I like, and I expect you to refuel the ship as well. That should be payment enough for my gracing of this unworthy starport with my presence, and allowing you the honor to safeguard my ship while I am out. If you have to give money, it will be out of your own pocket. But in exchange for that, I will tell you this. Do a good job, little slave, and I'll reward you for it. That sounds lovely, doesn't it?" Vale, her mind still reeling from all the revelations the Psion had given her in that brief moment, now given an offer that was truly generous from the Goddess in front of her, could only silently nod in agreement. Nilana clapped her hands together, "Excellent! Give your life for my ship if you must, but it had best be here in good condition when I get back."

With that affair handled, Vale wandered off, still weak in the knees, and Nilana walked forward, gesturing for Lincoln to follow her. On the way out she made a small comment, "Money, such a silly thing between slavelings. But I haven't any need for it. Quite easy to convince slavelings of that fact as well. What I want, I get. Besides, the offer she got was far more worthwhile than money could ever be. I gave purpose, and a potential reward for fulfilling that purpose. A good deal, right little one?"

Her smug satisfaction aside, when they left the hanger and went through the Starport's lobby to leave the building, they finally exited into Osmos proper. The streets were crowded, as the many inhabitants of the city moved about doing their business. Its architecture was odd. It had many sights which were grandiose and modern. Such as tall skyscrapers, modern office blocks, and more. There was the clearly fancy if out of place, such as a large Mansion with walls around it that Lincoln could note in the distance, the residence of some rich important citizen of Osmos. Other buildings were more rundown, like dirty apartment complexes. As for the people on the streets, they were also a varied bunch, of many species. Lincoln could note in the street the crowds were dispersed slowly as a high esteem citizen's car was making its way through the crowd, with a batch of bodyguards forcing aside any travelers that got in its way. The police seemed to just allow that, and were more focused instead on watching the poorer looking folks.

Nilana looked out and then pointed towards a street going East, "That way, that's where I can feel my friend. Seems to be a more rundown district, but really that fits her. I doubt she would care for the fancy spots, nothing good there to fight except obesity!" She then began to hum as she walked eastwards.

Northwards, Lincoln could see what was clearly the higher class area, where the car was headed. It was far clearer up there, as well as more elevated. It was towards the center of Osmos, which seemed to be centered around a hilly area, upon which were built the various mansions, exotic high-rises, and more. There was a street going West, and that seemed to lead to an industrial zone. Massive factories were that way, and the people headed there were mostly poor workers. They were coming from their destination, the Eastward street. Down that way, as Nilana said, it was more rundown. It seemed to be a mix of a residential district and marketplace. Many apartment complexes, smaller houses, and even shacks were noticeable. But also a great market square! One which they would have to pass through.

As they walked East, they got to the marketsquare, around which Lincoln could see a number of stores. Many were mundane, and a few were more interesting like that of a gunstore, a place that was vocally and openly advertising exotic drugs and spices, a brothel, and a "Found Goods" Pawnshop, which was fairly obviously selling items that had been stolen and was offering their return, at a "reasonable" price naturally. But most notable was one special area of the market square... The slavers market. Both having stores that stole equipment for slavers, and the slaves themselves. Where the slaves were being kept was kept deliberately obscured, but large display screens were happily cycling through the "merchandise" on sale. And on a large stage, live auctions were being held, with the current living being for sale being a young M'hassari. The feline was marked with clear signs of abuse. And as for the stage itself, one could notice it had many a patch of dried blood.

The disturbing sight was mostly ignored by Nilana, who looked around a bit and commented to Lincoln, "Slavelings in their natural habitat. Look a bit closer, little one, and you can note that very few of the slavelings here are even remotely free. Look in their eyes, their clothing, and their soul. There is the slave up on the stage, of course, but look further. The travelers follow routes they have walked a thousand times, and will walk a thousand more. Getting off those paths is simply out of their capabilities, and they lost the willpower to do so anyways. The auctioneer, so proudly standing tall and announcing prices... His scarf hides a bomb collar. Under the façade of the salesman's confidence, I can taste the faint tinge of fear at what will happen if he fails. This entire place, a true slavers land. Body, mind, and soul. Under all the apparent life, there is nothing but dread, and perhaps a little boiling anger. Of course, being slavelings, that boiling anger will never be channeled to improves themselves or their own positions. They'll just lash out in the smallest ways, for little petty displays of power, to make themselves feel better. Won't get them anywhere, but they'll feel happy for a brief second at knowing they are at least above somebody else. As such..." She gestured towards a shop guard, who had just apprehended a shoplifter, and began to beat them. The beating went beyond anything reasonable of the already caught perpetrator, breaking their ribs before finally relenting.

"Slaves, in every way. Slaves to the expectations lumped on them, and slaves to those above them. They'll never do much to change that, they'll just ensure at least somebody else is below them. Enslaving themselves by keeping themselves in such a silly hierarchy. Amusing, no? I'd never accept that. My destiny is my own, and I'll take it fully! In any case, my friend is over there." Nilana pointed over towards what appeared to be a large tavern. It had a big sign advertising "BEER AND CHEAP ROOMS", and apparently that was good enough as it seemed to be popular. But something was going on. Most obviously shown by the yelling coming from within, and shortly after Nilana pointed the Tavern out... a wall had a hole punched into it by a rapidly accelerated male Taurus, who was flung out of the Tavern along with the wall, and into the street, completely knocked out.

Lincoln watched the enthralled woman walk away. “I know this is something that doesn’t need to be said but wow, you’re a master!” He was impressed by Nilana’Ran. It was true that from her perspective it wasn’t that impressive. But to him who haven’t seen much yet, it was eye-opening to watch just how effortlessly his travel buddy was able to mold the mind to her liking. His thoughts drift back to that museum. Remembering how much he wanted to pin that Locip guard to the wall. Slipping his hand beneath her shirt to feel her toned abs. The short recollection made him think about the possibility of using that spell again. It would be a lot more efficient here. Being fundamentally a form of stealth magecraft meant for going through places without any issue. But it wasn’t for other purposes such as a heist. While he could have gotten away with it, all it would take is for someone to check inventory, see that something is missing, and ask someone who was near it where it went.

At the moment he felt safe with Nilana’Ran, but he’ll keep it in the back of his mind in case something happens. Perking up when she referred to him, he gave a nod, following the Psion Overlord. “I certainly can’t argue that! I’m sure she’ll carry the memory of that kiss to her grave. Which I intently observed with respect. I could watch you strut your prowess all day.” The mental   image of Nilana dominating women was a stimulating one. It sparks another thought that had him tilt his head in thought. “I wouldn’t be a surprise if you have something similar, but if you’re interested you can look at my memories of the Girdle of Femininity and if you want I could make some later.” A Mystic Code that is a rune array embroidered (or inscribed, in cases with harder materials) at an article of clothing (traditionally a belt, but it can be any kind of clothing or accessory). When worn for the first time, the array will activate. Removing the object won't halt or remove the curse, and when the transformation is completed the wearer is now permanently female.

It was true that she didn’t really have a preference, but he figured to just put it out there anyway. “I know this is dumb of me to say to you, but I experimented being a woman once. It was a pleasant experience!” It made him realize that he was non-binary afterward. He was still attracted to women, while he couldn’t handle a woman with a cock through a spell, there was no issue with a woman using a strap-on.

Walking down the street with his companion, Lincoln softly whistled a tune. Leisurely taking in the surrounding sights. He grew quiet to listen as she points down the road. A picture was slowly forming in his mind the more she talked about her friend. “Hehehe, not wrong about that.” He said to her joke. Coming through the marketplace he was more aware of his surroundings.  His eyes drew to the live auction of a slave. A small sigh left him. Not understanding why slavers have the tendency to try to sell beaten slaves. These thoughts were answered when Nilana began speaking.

Lincoln gave a nod in understanding. “So with that auction it’s less about selling a product. I was comparing it to a car show or the typical auction house. If someone tried to sell me something that seen better days I would be turned off by it. But here, the condition of the slave is not the point in the grand scheme of things.” She wasn’t wrong either that while sad, it was amusing in a gallow humor sense.

Right after the wall burst outward, another unexpected thing happened. A burst of light and smoke came out of the ground. The hair rose on his skin when he felt that same presence he felt earlier much closer. So close in fact that the smoke quickly vanish to reveal a strange being striking a pose at a staggering posture. ”Greetings, my lovelies! Please do excuse me for my oh so rude appearance. But I just had to come here to see something very, very interesting.” He croons in a loud but pleasant voice. Strutting around them, his size in flux. The sense of power that emanates from him was unquestionably divine.

He had gone to being as tall as Tulam’s physical body to only being a few inches taller than Lincoln as it slung an arm around his neck. Planting the cane topped with a precious gem in his other hand on the ground. ”And now that  I’m seeing you in person my little pea, you really do remind me of someone I’ve seen before. What’s your name son?” Now that he was this close to him, Lincoln could see the chimeric traits that he possesses.

This entity had the body of a weasel. The wing of a purple starling and a pheasant. The leg of a ram and a badger. The arm of a tiger and a cougar. At the end of his tail were large, rooster-like tail feathers were colored red, black and ivory-white. His head was that of a deer with viper eyes and fangs. He is wearing a long tailcoat and a top-hat. Lincoln noticed that people around them were shying away. They were afraid of this being. Gulping he then responded, “My name’s Lincoln Loud, sir.”

The reaction was immediate. ”Lincoln Loud!” He exclaimed loudly. Extending his arms to his sides as he reverts to his large size to look down on him with a very pleased yet predatory smile. The way he purred his name was strange, more so when he drew parts of it out longer. Crossing his arms behind his back he curved his long body to look closely to him. ”No wonder I sensed something odd. Next you’ll tell me that you’ll tell me that you have ten sisters?” Lincoln widening his eyes in surprise was all this being to know before rearing his head back to let out a chime-like laugh. ”Hoh hoh hoh, how very interesting~”

The being then held a hand to his chest. ”Ah! Where are my manners. The name is Touha. Owner of several establishments around the worlds of Artodeme.  You can even see one from here!” He points with his cane eastward down the street. In the distance he could make out what looks to be a large circus tent in dark hues of purples and pinks. ”A good place to check out, I wager there will be things there that will get you rock hard. Not to mention that because of your friend,” He looks over to Nilana’Ran. ”I have a policy that allow certain groups privileges. You two in particular, very cute by the way, are allowed to take anything or anyone for free. It does sting to be sure, but it has its benefits.”  

Lincoln supposes that made sense. You can’t say no to a Psion after all. ”But that aside for now!” Touha said, shrinking down back to their height as he floats around them. ”As I said, such a cute pair you are. A black fox and a white rabbit. Why, the poetry just writes for itself!” Been a long while since Lincoln was called a rabbit because of the untamable cowlicks at the back of his head. Touha came to a stop in the air before Nilana’Ran. Looking at her as he rests his cheek on his tiger-like hand. ”And look at y~ou. I’m amazed that someone like you haven’t turned him into your personal dildo yet! You really do feel like a step-up beyond the others in these wretched systems of sin. No wonder you’re flaunting around a golden egg for all to see and feel. They’re so beneath your concern.” He said with a smug expression.

Touha stood back on the ground in front of them. After overcoming his shock, Lincoln managed to speak up to Touha. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you know about my sisters?” That drew a low chuckle from Touha.

”Let’s just say that creation is truly a small place. I think you can guess, after all, you’re a lo~ng way from home, little rabbit.” It would slowly dawn on him what Touha was talking about. There was a variant of him and his family in Hoshizora. ”A word of advice, little rabbit. But do view yourself with great importance. It doesn’t matter if you think that you aren’t really special, other people will not. Much like myself really but fret not, I won’t take from your friend~. Rather, I’ll be keeping a close eye on you. Now! I overheard that you’re all here for an adorable reunion, so I won’t take up more of your time. I would love for us to chat some more, so please do feel free to stop on by!” He would stick around in case Nilana said anything to respond before snapping his fingers to vanish in a dramatic burst of smoke.

Lincoln blinked a few times before looking over to Nilana’Ran. “That was something.” Was all he could say. His mind was still catching up to everything Touha said. “He is right, isn't he? I should be more aware of how other people might see me as.” Lincoln looked down the street. Felling Touha going inside that large tent. “What do think? I’m interested in seeing what he has after this.” Speaking of, he looked back to the now exposed wall. Seeing that the Taurus haven’t moved yet. Poor guy was probably dead. “Enough of that, I’m eager to see your friend!” He was very interested in seeing the third Psion in this rare group of friends.

Nilana observed the newcomer with a degree of suspicion. It was never really normal for somebody to so openly and willing approach somebody like her if they knew who she was, or more accurately what she was. It implied at least a fair degree of confidence on the part of the approaching one of their strength to do it so openly without fearing the consequences. But, more importantly to Nilana, it was quite disrespectful. She didn't like this fellow one bit.

She let him get out his speech however, and then gave a yawn in response, "Are the eccentric theatrics quite done yet? What I do with the little one is my business alone, menagerie. Refrain from further advice, I am quite aware of what is around these parts, and what I happen to be bringing with me. Being a step up is simply implied. Since you already seem to know who I am, I think I will leave it at that. All the same, if your offered emporium is interesting, I will take a look later. Once my present business is accounted for, that is. If there is anything of value, I will take it." She then crossed her arms, and gave a dismissive wave.

Only after he was gone again did Nilana uncross her arms, rolling her eyes, "Irritant. 'Divine' creatures are always among the most annoying." She then looked over at Lincoln, "Word of advice, little one, don't take advice from creatures who appear to you on the street and start mentioning personal details. When somebody knows such information and throws it out so openly, it's rarely out of kindness. It's usually out of wanting something, and that information being spread works to push you towards what they want. As for being special, that's up for you to decide really." She then smirked, "Besides, if I want anything of his, I'll take it regardless of whether or not it is offered. Out of kindness and because that creature annoyed me, I'll extend the same offer to you. We'll go visit his establishment, and take whatever we want, offered or otherwise. He did say 'anything' and 'anyone', and I see no reason not to take him at his word on such a generous offer. When it comes to somebody like me, there are no takebacks on such deals." Her eyes glinted with mischievous glee.

She then twirled around back towards the bar, "But, first thing's first! Let's go inside because she gets bored and leaves." With that, Nilana walked straight inside.

Once Nilana and Lincoln got into the bar, they would instantly be met by another Taurus being flung at a nearby wall, right next to the door. It was a female one this time, and she collapsed after thudding against the wall. The wall didn't break this time, and this time they seemed to be breathing, so they were alive at least.

From the main bar area a voice rung out, "Barely an effort. Still, I like your spunk, so you get to live this time. Put some effort into having some strength behind your words, make them mean something. Then perhaps you'll do better next time." The source of the voice was at the other side of the building, at the main bar table. If Lincoln looked towards the source, she would see the individual who had launched the Taurus, an unusual yet imposing figure. Lincoln could also sense a great deal of psionic power coming out of them, an extreme amount. Similar in fact to Nilana. It was different however, for while Nilana gave an aura of desire and grace, this one instead exuded strength and authority. This was a Psion, a Rex, and very likely the friend Nilana was talking about.

After dusting off her jacket, she looked back at the bartender, who didn't seem all too disturbed by these events. In fact he was smiling. She spoke calmly, "I was expecting something more troublesome. Seems I was right in assuming there was nothing worthwhile to fight or recruit around here. Disappointing, but their money will pay for the drinks." She sat back down in her seat.

That was when she finally actually looked over at the door, noticing Nilana and Lincoln. She glared for a moment, sizing the two of them up. She raised an eyebrow, clearly recognizing Nilana, but uncertain about the one next to her. And then suddenly out of nowhere, she moved in a flash. Without even standing up from her barstool, she grabbed two knives out from her jacket and tossed them at Lincoln and Nilana, which became charged with psionic energy as they flew in the air. One for Lincoln, and one for Nilana.

For her part, Nilana was unconcerned. For her knife, she simply stepped forward and held up a finger. The knife struck her finger, and instead of cutting into her... It simply melted on impact, the molten remains falling to the floor. She did nothing about the knife that was hurtling at Lincoln however, which meant he had to act fast!

Lincoln nodded in agreement, For the first time he felt like he was on the same wavelength with Nilana’s annoyance in the divine. “They do tend to be like that. But that’s what makes it so cathartic to make them get on to their knees and kiss your feet, no? It’s hot to see their mind figuratively gush out between their thighs as you continue to make them squeal like swine. The biggest thrill of all, is when they start to worship you.” It would be much later that Lincoln will realize how much the both of them are going to bond over this mutual fetish in screwing the divine and other personage of high society such as the nobility.

He agreed with everything else that was said. Walking alongside her into the establishment. The first thing he noticed was Nilana’s friend. She looked rather neat. That was the extent of his thoughts on her. The instant throwing of the knives did surprise him for a split second. The course of the knife aimed at him was steady and true. Then something strange happened when it reached halfway. It went off course. Flying harmless pass him before stopping as it became embedded in the door behind them.

Giving Nilana and her friend were Psions. They would be able to feel what he did. Having finally embraced the Crown of the Beast who Harken the End, he was empowered by it. He spent some time in the last few days thinking on how to recontextualize the conceptual power he now has as Nilana taught him about when it came to being the one to define himself. Rather than fulfilling the ultimate purpose of being a Calamity, he aims to bring it down to a much smaller scale. Using the ability to induce finality on small things around him. One being the nature of Probability. At this moment he collapsed the probabilities of the knife hitting him to zero. In short, he started to come up with techniques that deal with acausality.

Considering Nilana was her friend he felt it was only proper to wait for his turn to speak up. His eyes glance to the Taurus woman slumped against the wall. It was very evident that the Rex was a tough woman. He can only imagine how tough she is. Nervousness still clung to his bones from the knife throw. Not knowing whether the Rex is interested in a ‘friendly spar’ of sorts or not. Even though he came a long way since Tulam found him at the lowest point in his life. He doesn’t seem him being able to throw hands with a Psion for a long. Close quarters combat wasn’t a place he found himself in all that much. He relied on the Servants for that while he provides support.

From Nilana's grin, it was quite apparent she agreed with sentiment Lincoln had. But for now, she would say nothing more on that topic.

Regardless, the knife did indeed harmlessly fly past Lincoln, off towards the door. Nilana looked to Lincoln and nodded. However the other Psion grunted. She got up from her chair and walked over towards Lincoln and Nilana, arms crossed. She spoke with an annoyed tone, "Nilana, you did the same technique as last time. You're lucky I didn't account for that, you predictable fool. As for you, unknown, that was sloppy. To kill you all it would have taken was a correction as it flew past your neck. Remove the threat, don't just redirect it." She then reached a hand over his shoulder, calling the knife back to her hand before putting it away. She then waved her other hand at the pile of molten slag at the ground, which suddenly reformed back into the knife that it once was, and it joined its twin back within her jacket pocket.

Nilana simply chuckled at her chastisement, "You haven't changed at all, Kar! Ah yes, introductions. This little one here is my current travel buddy, I got him off Tulam! Well, him and this, of course." She put a hand to her chest to signify the new body. "Oh, and his name is Lincoln, by the way."

That got a grunt from the other, "Hmph, I doubt he gave that to you willingly, and I'll have to ask the story of how you got that new vessel later. For now..." She looked down at Lincoln, "My name is Karsera'Rex, Psion Overlord and Master of the Will. Remember and respect the name. Prove yourself capable of improving and I'll care about yours. You survived my test at least, which I expected if you're still alive in the presence of this witch." She pointed at Nilana, who rolled her eyes, and then continued, "And I can sense there is a bit more to you than just the dough face and weak body. Hmph. We can talk outside."

She seemed to say this as many of the other patrons within the bar were staring. Karsera made a look around and growled, making them all very quickly make the appearance of minding their own business. They had seen what she could do three times now, and they weren't going to invite a fourth demonstration. With her point made, Karsera walked towards the door. She paused temporarily to kick the leg of the knocked out Taurus, and then nodded, "Alive. Good. Would've been a shame if you died despite my mercy." And then, she walked out.

As she went, Nilana chuckled, "Karsera is the same as always. Still, do be careful, little one. She's very powerful, one of the few on the same level as me! But if you want her respect, speak up for yourself out there. That's what she respects, so long as you show her respect in turn. Kar is odd in that way, with all these concepts of mutual respect. Don't get it myself, but to each their own. After all, she can enforce it." With that, she walked towards the door. She also paused at the Taurus on the ground, crouching down to inspect her. The Ran then smirked, and waved a hand over the unconscious Bovine's head. While still unconscious, she was now smiling. Nilana's smile grew, "I borrow your memories, and in exchange I spruce up your memories of Kar. No more anger at her. Now you get to look back on this memory and appreciate her... form. Enjoy that weird feeling~!" Her mischief done, she walked outside as well, where Karsera was waiting.

Lincoln didn’t raise any thought in confusion or protest. One of the first things he came to understand about martial ideologies is that everyone has their own view on whether or not something is correct. This creates a large amount of rivalries between fighting schools in his world. For instance, his answer would have been another redirection because flow or ‘be like water’ is what his eastern physical trainers tend to talk about frequently. But again, what he knows is irrelevant before Kerasera because ‘What is the perfect form’ is fundamentally not the point of martial arts. Or something like that. It has been a while since he studied those kinds of philosophies.

He gave a bow of his head, no matter his age he’ll always fall in line before someone far more experienced than he is. Felt similar to the time when he got into classes run by some grandmasters. Now that he thinks about it, he never did advance far up the ranks. “I understand. Especially now where I have to adapt to a more aggressive fighting style to make up for the fact that I’m no longer in the sidelines of a fight providing support.”

He watch Nilana introduce himself. Not minding the manner he refers to him. He’s very much aware of just how lucky he is with what he got. His attention went back to Karsera’Rex who, knowing that she’s much closer, was able to get a better look of her respectfully. It was cool to hear that she is a Overlord as well. “To give proper respect, which title do you prefer me to use? I just want to make sure because my thoughts tend to default to ‘Master’.” It felt smoother to say ‘Master Karsera’ as well, But he needs to make sure.

Seeing her leave, he heard what Nilana said. “Thank you for the advice, Overlord Nilana’Ran. I’ll keep that in mind,” he went to leave as well while Nilana went to spread the big gay. Something tells him that he’s going to see a lot of gay being spread wherever she goes.

Karsera simply called back as she was walking out, "Just call me by name. Or Master, if you've just got to be formal for some reason." From her tone of voice, it seemed she didn't really care whichever one he chose. A difference to Nilana who was visibly pleased by being called "Overlord".

Outside, Karsera was waiting. One hand on her hip and the other spinning one of her throwing knives around in the palm of her hand. She looked at Lincoln and Nilana as they came out and she grunted, looking to Nilana first, "I'll leave the story of how you stole that vessel from Tulam for later, as I am sure you will find a way to tell me it later. For now, how'd you die?"

The blunt and direct question seemed expected by Nilana, who despite not being surprised, decided to play up her response. She made an exaggerated 'shocked' face, putting a hand to her mouth and speaking quietly, "Not even going to ask me how I've been? How cruel, Kar! I thought you cared!" She then put her hand down and chuckled, "As for that, I'll tell you later. Or maybe not at all. It's a bit embarrassing. I can tell you how Tulam died! I just saw him remake his body, with the help of this little one." She patted Lincoln on the head.

"Hmph, so he hitched a ride, and that's how you got dragged into this, boy? Must have been desperate. And I bet his new body is the same as the old, no attempts to spruce it up?" Nilana shook her head in response, and Karsera grunted, "Typical. Makes all three of us even on that front then. Good, now he can't hold that over me. Now to why you're here. This just some social visit to show off your new form and remind me that the universe hasn't been able to kill you yet? Or just touring the area?"

"All of the above, Kar! I wanted to come see how you were doing, and also visit these planets. Very depraved thus far, quite interesting. Real reason I'm here though is that I agreed to bring this little one along with me to see the galaxy, explore the stars, see the sights! Help him develop a bit more. Awfully charitable of me, I know, but he gave me a gift, and I do sense potential in him. And where there is potential, there's adventure and fun to be had! Keeps me close to the action." Her hand now ruffled Lincoln's hair, and then she chuckled.

That resulted in an eyeroll from Karsera, who's attention now properly turned to Lincoln, "That so? Guess I can sense some potential in you. Fair bit of power in there, and some more interesting things within your soul. But confused and directionless. Not to mention you've already shown yourself to be rusty. Not just with my knife test either. You weren't at all a surprise given I could sense you since you got within the atmosphere, and the only reason it took that long is because you're like a gnat in Nilana's shadow. And I doubt I was the only one who noticed. Others who would be more interested in plucking out that soul of yours. But, if Nilana keeps you around and Tulam felt you had enough worth to teach a thing or two, then maybe there's something to you. I'll beat it out of you."

Nilana held up a hand, "Now Kar, you can't just kill him. He is mine right now and beyond the usual test I can't just let you kill him. We do have business to attend to around here. Lots of sights to see and barely any sightseeing done! It is nice to enjoy such things with company, you know."

Karsera grunted and shook her head, "If I wanted to kill him I'd have done it. This is an offer. The best way to see what somebody is really made of is to beat them to their brink, and see what happens. There's no better way to channel one's willpower than in a fight. I've learned that, and so have you. Even Tulam, if unwillingly. I see no reason not to extend the courtesy to greenhorn. Or greenhorny perhaps, if you're with him. But that's besides the point." She gazed straight into Lincoln's eyes, "This is an offer to spar. You won't die, probably, but I'm going to beat the crap out of you, find your limits. Not here. Outside the city, a fair distance away. You can tour around here for a while before then, it matters not to me. But this is a good thing for you if you accept. It tells me more about you, and it's an exercise that has helped Nilana and Tulam both when they were in their developing stages. Of course with them, I was trying to kill them. I'm being very charitable here by promising you survival and yet all the benefits. You up for it?"

If Lincoln were to look back at Nilana, she shrugged, "Don't look at me. It isn't now, so we can still look around more. And although Karsera is rather too... direct, for my preferences, I can't say she's wrong. And up to you really if you'd like her to help you. By hurting you. A lot. She isn't very gentle... In more ways than one." She gave a suggestive wink at Karsera after that. The Vixen subsequently had to dodge a knife thrown at her, but it didn't wipe the smug smirk off her face. After recalling the knife, Karsera looked down at Lincoln, waiting for an answer.

The blunt question didn’t surprise him all too much either. After Tulam and Nilana he got the sense that Psions tend to treat death as an inconvenience. Or rather to those who died more than once. Because he can imagine that dying for the first time would be the one that stick with them. It was a harsh lesson that they weren’t indestructible.

Strange, even though he knows little his mind drift to Tulam’s children. He never did ask about them. Even though the concept of family was different for Psions it was still intriguing to learn more about.

A small grin grew on his face when Nilana pat his head again. It didn’t matter if he was an adult, it felt nice.

A second later it clicked.

’Clever fox’

Not that he’s going to complain about it of course.

Beside being slowly groomed to desire more head pats. He figured that she was able to sense them. Psions were demigods in all but divinity. If anyone were able to notice him right away it would be them. Beside them, he was quite good at suppressing his presence. A necessary skill he needed to learn in urban warfare. A magus trying to be stealthy is impossible when their mana is a shining beacon in the night.

Therefore, a magus must learn how to limit their mana to deceive others of their true level of magic. It’s easier said than done, especially the advance form where a magus keep limiting it their entire lives. Such a task is equivalent to a person trying to maintain a controlled breathing pattern 24/7.

On top of this, Mana fundamentally increases in proportion to the years of training a person accumulate. Making it more of a challenge to constantly compress it. At a point many just stop doing it.

He is not one that can keep doing it around the clock. During a Singularity and Lostbelt sure, he can do it enough and not make it look unstable either, since that’s something that can give away the con. Whenever he comes out of there and is in an area, he relaxes. Here, he was putting some effort into it. Relying mostly on Nilana to eclipse him in her presence.

The offer to get a beat down did catch his interest. Despite preferring a different sort of physical activities with someone. He didn’t mind a spar. Quite enjoys one in fact. “I’m thankful for the honor you have given me. I would be happy to have a spare with you.” He says. As if he’s going to pass up what is a very rare opportunity. The pain that will come didn’t deter him. It’s one of those things that separate the east from the west. For practitioners in the East, if you don’t want to get hit then don’t get hit.

On a side note, it was a good thing he held a clear head at the moment. He's getting rather good at keeping himself proper around Psions. However, an addiction being an addiction, he will get horny eventually. Once he sates his hunger in that regard he would be a lot more mature during the spar afterward.

Karsera seemed to detect that final thought and rolled her eyes, "I see now why Nilana keeps you around, Greenhorn. Promising yet debauched. You should look into overcoming that particular weakness. But I doubt you will. In any case, whenever you are ready, come to me outside the city. Since you're around Nilana I won't bother with instructions, she'll just find me. I have a few things to attend to in the meanwhile, so enjoy your sightseeing. I'll be done plenty before you are. This you can be sure of." She cracked her knuckles, indicating that whatever she intended to do likely involved her fists.

She then turned around and began to walk away, before pausing, "Make sure you handle your problem before seeing me again. If you show up at the spar with such thoughts I am going to make it hurt more. Especially if you aim them at me before I deem you worthy to even conceive of such things. As for things to look at, there's something over there to look at. Have fun, kids." She pointed off towards the left, at a large slaver's den, and then kept walking.

Nilana put a hand on her cheek, "Something to look at? What does she mean... Oooh! Oh this might be interesting indeed. You should duck by the way, little one."

The reasoning behind her suggestion became apparent soon enough, as suddenly the building Karsera had pointed at exploded. Debris started flying everywhere, with two large pieces of burning metal that was once wall flying at Nilana and Lincoln. Nilana simply swiped her hand, redirecting the piece that was coming at her to the side, which resulted in smashing into a different building's wall. Not that Nilana cared. She swiped again, and the piece coming at Lincoln flew off in another direction, once again embedding itself into another wall, where its sparks started a small fire. The Vixen was, again, unconcerned. Instead she was more interested in watching what was going on.

At the sight of the explosion, a number of slavers and their guards had been flung out by said explosion. Most of them were charred and likely dead, with the other soon to be so thanks to their wounds and the fact nobody around seemed to be interested in helping them. A few enterprising souls even began sneaking over to look for anything of value to loot.

But if one watched more carefully they would see that a stream of people were leaving out a side door, which was conveniently outside the blast radius. Given by their looks and variety, they were slaves. Of various sorts, a lot of Humans, some Valorians, a M'hassari, a Locip, and so on. All the while one taller figure, who was obscured by the smoke, seemed to be guarding their escape, occasionally firing some form of plasma rifle back into the burning building at pursuing guards. This figure was yelling instructions to the escaping slaves, who were headed for a small hut nearby, and disappearing into it. With how small it was, it shouldn't have been able to fit so many, but they were all filing in, and seemingly getting away, suggesting there was more to it than met the eyes. Some sirens were going off, and it was clear the police would intervene soon enough.

Still obscured by the fog, the figure of the one who was directing the escapees ran off in a different direction. As they ran out of the smoke and began to escape into the city streets, more features about them became clear. They were tall, had a tail, and they had a distinctly reptilian shape to them. They were wearing armor, but despite that their figure was clearly female. With great speed, she dashed off into an alleyway. The few remaining slaver guards, busting out of the burning building, were distracted and went after the armored figure. The escaped slaves seemed to have gotten away thanks to the guards focusing on the savior's different route of escape.

Nilana chuckled as she watched, "Now that one has some fire. Somebody actually bothering to try and free the slavelings, how touching. I could sense the dedication in them as well. She's running away quite fast, and chasing might not be the best idea. But that's somebody of interest, now isn't it? Perhaps we can find her later. There is fun I could have there... Or you, I suppose. Depends who catches them when they show themselves again! "

She then paused and turned around. She was looking at a crowd that had gathered to watch the burning building, and looked at one figure in particular. A black haired woman who was blending in, but their attention, if one looked carefully, was clearly on Lincoln and Nilana. As soon as she Nilana turn around however, she slowly tried to leave. Nilana smirked, "And there's something else. Somebody is watching us... How delightful. I do always enjoy preying on those who think themselves predators. Especially fun to break. Curious who sent them too. Perhaps another of the local Psions? Or somebody else entirely. I could feel our spy's attention on both of us, of equal value. Quite silly really if they were sent by a Psion to focus on you, given I am the far more notable sight as an Overlord. And not somebody focused on just you either, so that rules out some form of specific curiosity. Questions, questions. How exciting~."

"Well then, little one. It seems we have three different things we can go and look into, depending on your interests. There's the dashing hero fighting a broken system, there's the watchful eyes with an interest in us both, and of course there's that gallery we were offered to visit. Seems to have been undamaged by the explosion, so that means its still open as far as I am concerned. None seem to be going anywhere, so we can pick and choose what we want to do before seeing Karsera. What grabs your attention most? Or is there something else?" She was curious what Lincoln would find most interesting, so this was gauging him as well.

A blush rose to his cheeks. One of these days he knows he’s going to get slapped. Sure, Karsera will give him a righteous beat down. But she would more likely give him a knuckle sandwich. “I promise you, Karsera. By the time we meet again I will be pure of mind.” Just need to find someplace or rather someone to vent out the ‘weakness’ within him. And he has a feeling that he’s going to get the opportunity very soon.

Moments later he witnesses the slaver’s den explode with a fiery force. Hot air blasted him. He could see burning metal flying at him. Before he could even well up the power to remove the threat it was not needed anymore. He gave a blink in confusion that only lasted a split-second. It made perfect sense that Nilana wouldn’t really care about what method Karsera believed in. They were both Psions. In a way he wonders if the way she did was intentional in order to send that little message.

The new fire didn’t concern him too much either. Not in this place. Standing next to his companion he watched the scene unfold in front of them. His eyes were drawn to the sidedoor where slaves were making their grand escape. But it wasn’t them that he focused on. They were irrelevant. No, the one he’s looking at with great intent was the taller figure.

There was a great desire burning in his chest. Looking over to Nilana he nodded in agreement, she was very interesting. “Heh, yeah it would be a race to see who gets our hands on her first. I take it Psions always scramble to get what they want, huh? Just more violent I wager.” It was fortunate that their competition is more laid back. He could never win against a Psion in that department. “But I do have a strong need for her strangely enough. As if I can’t let her get away.” He look back to where the tall figure fled. “I will need help, so this would be a good way to learn from you!”

What they’ll do next was quite the conundrum. “As much as it pains me to not go after right away, it’s best to let her find someplace to settle down and not be pumping with adrenaline.” He just hopes that she stays around. “Let’s go to that place in the meantime. Whoever is watching us seem to not be going anywhere either, so we can do something cheeky later.” If his plan was accepted then they would head on over to the rather fancy establishment given the location.

Stepping inside he could see a large hallway. A large chandelier of blue flames with a floral design hangs from the ceiling, along with other blue floral lanterns on the walls. Straight ahead he could see that the hallway opened up to what looked like a cross between a diner and a theater. On the sides of the hallway there were smaller entryways that led elsewhere in the facility. Above them were neon signs in pinks and blues that label what they lead to.

He could her voices and erotic noises coming from multiple places. Then before his eyes he saw a puff of blue smoke that revealed a familiar face. “Welcome to my lovely adobe you two! So glad you decided to stop by!” Touha idly twirl his cane. “Now, I would offer you a seat as I do to all my lucky patrons. But I know that’s not we’re here for. No no no, you yearn for a different sort of feast. Head down that second hallway to the east wing. That is where the exhibit is and fortunate for you, I had my patrons be barred from entering to give you two all the time you need~” He vanishes once with a grin.

Down the hallway they would find themselves in a very large room. So much so that it defied physics. The lighting was soft, giving the room a sexual tone. Spaced out from each other were rows of high quality mattresses in rose colored sheets. Above them was a layer of plush pillows both small and big. Most importantly, on top of them were what must be many slaves of all races and gender.

What was interesting was the lack of restraints, barriers, and anything that would impede them from leaving. But it was obvious why with a glance. They were all lost in a haze of lust. Dry humping pillows, laying on their backs to self-masturbate, licking each other out if put into pairs, or sleeping. “The strongest chains are ones that are invisible after all.” Touha’s voice came from nearby, and he could see him floating about the room. “Please, look around, And feel free to get a feel of my merchandise. I like having my potential buyers know what they’re buying.”

Lincoln’s eyes were wide. The sight was very stimulating, but he manages to keep a cool head. Breathing in the musky air he noted with surprise with how clean the mattresses were no matter how hard a slave squirted. His gaze sweep the room before he felt something unique from a pair over to the corner of the room. “Hey Overlord Nilana’Ran, I found something.” He called to her as he went on over. As if on instinct, the two slaves got into a more presenting position. Their eyes clouded over with lust. Smiles dopey and content.

Coming before him, he got a better look at the two women laying down on the mattress. They were very pretty. The left has brilliant cyan scales with a pale turquoise underbelly. The other has brilliant gamboge scales with a light gold underbelly. The both of them also have a wonderfully defined musculature. “Good eye there my sweet pea.” Touha says as he shrunk himself down to Lincoln’s size to slung his arm over his shoulder.

“These gems that you’re currently fucking with your eyes…” His blunt words made Lincoln blush. “...are actual dragons! Long ago in the age of irrelevance, there’s a planet named Equus where the first dragons learned very potent magic. Magic that paved the way for them to build a grand and mighty civilization that still stand to this very day. What makes them stand out from Heord and Shyr dragons as you can guess, that they learned how to sculpt their bodies however they please with magic. Shrinking themselves to a much smaller size and can take a step further by anthropomorphizing themselves.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.” Lincoln says in awe. And to think that Touha managed to ensnare some of them. It was evident that he aims to sell product that is the best quality around. Looking back forward he saw a small stand next to the mattress that had a plaque on top of it detailing their names, species, sex, world of origin, and price. His eyes widen at the amount of zeroes.

Touha gave a chuckle, “As I said before. It’ll sting. But alas, with folks like you two. It’s best to let you take whatever you please. Anyway, what’re your thoughts with these gems?” He inquired. Already knowing what he feel but felt it was only polite to ask regardless.

Lincoln looked over to Nilana’Ran. Recalling the figure he saw minutes ago. Knowing that it was for the best to give you something to chew on. Literally. “I feel they should belong to you, Overlord Nilana’Ran.” If agreed, Touha would snap his fingers to change the words on the plaque to ‘SOLD’.

“Good choice, good choice. Now, I think I know what would interest a degenerate soul such as you my sweet pea. Come with me~” Leaning off of him he blinked a couple of mattresses down the row. Beckoning Lincoln to come over to him. Intrigued, Lincoln does so. Coming to his side he looked over to the mattress to see a beautifully, voluptuous woman who was laying on her back. Legs spread wide to present herself to her potential buyer.

Given the tightness in his pants, he was very much turned on by her mature proportions. Touha chuckle to his side. “Oh my adorable, horny monkey, that’s not the best part about this ladybug. Like the rest of her kind, known as Changelings, they have the ability to shape-shift into whatever they please. Even create clothing when they do so. Go on, try it out. Project a thought to her of whom to turn into.

With a surge of excitement he eagerly projects a thought to the Changeling. A ripple of green fire wash over her in an instant. Giving way to her new appearance that Lincoln desired. The result made the flame in his lions rage more fiercely. Touha give a whistle. “You have good taste my sweet pea.”

“I need her.”

Touha snap his fingers. Her plaque now showing that she had been sold as well. “Anything else or is this ladybug enough for you?” He was curious on the answer.

“Oh, uh I do want someone to give to a good friend of mine. He’s a geneticist and I want to find him something that he would like.” He did promise a souvenir after all.

“Since we’re on a Equusian theme today, here’s a pony.” Touha snap his fingers and a random mare in the room plopped downright in front of Lincoln in a daze but manage to get herself quickly into a kneeling position.

“What a cutie, she’ll do!” Lincoln exclaims.

“Pleased to have made you a happy costumer. Now feel free to exert your control, they’re yours now.” Touha says before floating off into the air. Returning to his full size. Lincoln’s eyes shone with an azure radiance. The eyes of his two new slaves gave off a blue glow for a moment. Chrysalis returned to her true form. Crawling over to kneel beside the mare. Reaching forward he cupped both of their cheeks with his palms. The both of them started to nuzzle against it affectionately. Looking up at him in worship.

The sight was driving him insane. If this was in Chaldea then he would have them both pulling his pants down to attend to his boner. But he grown since then. And he wasn’t going to have two fuckable beauties make him slip back into bad habits. That and he knows that Tulam wouldn’t like it if he brought him the mare that he had been using repeatedly. “Stand up slaves, you have a new glorious purpose in life.”

Without missing a beat they do exactly that. While he won’t use the mare like a wet rag, he was free to do whatever he damn well like with Chrysalis. Gripping her thick waist he pulled her roughly to him. Making her gasp with excitement. Her dark gray, full bosom pressed against him. Locking her lips with his own he hungrily made out with her. She moaned blissfully, melting into his tight embrace. Her arms wrap around him, letting him dominate her mouth as much as he wants.

In testament to his newfound self-control he didn’t let himself be swept away from his lust. Pulling himself in by disengaging the hot make out session. Both of their mouths were slick with saliva. Lincoln gazes into her green eyes. “You’re going to serve me so well my slave.”

Chrysalis gave a lidded gaze in return. “Thank you for granting me this wonderful purpose, Master.” She purrs in delight. Lincoln kept a hand around her waist where her carapace was in the color of a gradient from dark arctic blue to moderate green. Gesturing his second slave to follow he went back over to Nilana’Ran.

“I’m very happy with what I got. How about you? Say, should we take these back to the ships real quick?” Lincoln asks the Psion.

“A good thought, my sweet pea.” Touha chimes from above. Circling around them. “People love to try to rob my lovely costumers of the product they bought from me. Generally either I or my customers use some way to teleport them back to their ships.” That was a discreet way to hide bought slaves, Lincoln thought.

Nilana smirked at Lincoln's feeling, "A strong need, hm? Oh very well, I'll not throw my hat in that ring, and I'll help you find that one. Somebody has a building desire, a feeling of destiny, hm? Who am I to get in the way of that? Besides, it is indeed a good learning experience. So, I'll grant you that treat. In any case, visiting the place is fine by me. Go on, little one."

With that, she went along with him inside. Nilana clearly still found Touha annoying, and she rolled her eyes at his presence, but she did have some interest in the exhibit. She made a vocal comment on such, "An interesting method of keeping the slaves here in check, and one I have used myself. Fairly recently, in fact. Mine are not quite the same, but interesting to see the technique is used by more than just me. If a bit oddly."

After Lincoln called out his findings and Touha explained, she put a finger to her chin, "Hm, they're clearly weaker than the other Dragons I encountered. Very lacking defenses. But still quite the find indeed. Weaker perhaps, but in a body shape I do much prefer myself. I am curious how they were caught, but I suppose I can take that answer from their minds myself. In fact, I prefer it that way. Very well, I shall take them. An honor really, some of the first slaves I have laid permanent claim to for a long time. Seems to be a trend recently, wonder if it will go on." She had never bothered to look at the price, likely never having considered it at all. She was more interested in whether or not she wanted them, and this time she deemed that she did. The Psion blew at a kiss at the two newly claimed slaves, which materialized into two kiss marks of red energy, which soon impacted each of the two, sending shockwaves through their minds and bodies. Nilana stood proud with a smirk as they were overwhelmed and remade.

With that done, she watched Lincoln take two choices of his own. She let that happen, and then chimed in at the end, "I will handle it. Besides, I actually have a lesson to teach. Time to go." With that, her eyes flashed red, and Lincoln's world would shift around him.

After a brief moment of dizziness for Lincoln and the four new slaves, they were back on the ship. Lincoln was next to Nilana, and the four slaves were lined up. The Psion patted Lincoln on the head, "Now, little one, time for a lesson. These are four nice claims, but you must always remember this when acquiring used goods... Never take them at face value. Inspect closely. Time to see if that Touha fool left anything behind that we may not want."

Suddenly psionic power gathered in Nilana's left pointer figure, which she then pointed at each slave before doing a little swipe. She explained as she did it, "Simply asserting your will is never enough. You must look for anything at all left over within their minds. Any sort of overriding trigger, some odd area of memory that is locked off, any sort of mental blocker that is foreign in nature to their minds, and finally... Aaaah, there we are." She had stopped when her finger pointed at Chrysalis. "Any sort of backdoor. Hoh-hoh-hoh, time to teach a second lesson. One that even that annoying idiot seems to have failed to grasp!"

Nilana curled her finger, and then suddenly pulled. From Chrysalis, painfully forced out, what looked like a psionic shadow of the Changeling was ripped out of her body, a figure of blue psionic energy that lacked distinguishing features, but appeared as a silhouette of her body. Nilana then made a fist with her pointing hand, as if crushing a bug within her palms, and the shadow shattered like glass before fading away. The Psion had a big smirk on her face, and then she began to explain, "That, little one, was an Thilka, a Psion technique. Specifically one of us Ran Psions. It is a special weave of psionic energy left within the target's body and soul, laying dormant until activated and entirely invisible unless you are specifically looking for it thanks to how well it merges. Upon activation by the Psion who left it, it assumes control of the host's body and mind via a direct soul link to the Psion who created it, making them an effective puppet. It is invisible to the host as well, nor pleasant for them. The control of a Thilka is ultimately temporary, but it is quite powerful. Effectively impossible to force out until its energy runs dry without killing the host, the few minutes it has control is all it needs to make what was by all other accounts a completely loyal and uncompromised slave into a deadly turncoat assassin. I am not quite sure who created this Thilka, but it was well made. Oh, and besides the Thilka, this slave also had a small tracking weave that could be sensed by somebody specifically looking for it, which also had the capacity to serve as a little spy to transfer whatever the slave hears to the tracker's owner by borrowing their sense of hearing. Seems this slave was meant to be a Trojan Horse of sorts! Wonder who did that, since they did pretty decent work. Not the best work, as I of course found it, but it's a better try than most!"

Calming down from her excited explanation, Nilana looked back to Lincoln, "I don't blame you for not finding it. You couldn't have. You didn't know what you were looking for and you lack the trained senses to find it anyways. Takes training to discover such Psionic Weaves that Ran Psions can create, and it's another thing entirely to be able to remove one without hurting the host slave! I can help with that, if you please."

Patting him on the head again, she chuckled, "But that's for later. FIrst, let's do a different little lesson, a more fun one. Now, this is personal preference, really. Another reason I don't like used goods besides the possible spying and treason, is frankly because I like to break things in myself. No fun really using a slave that has already been broken in by somebody else. It's not fun, and besides... Such a slave is never really yours, in my opinion. They're somebody else's creation that you've simply borrowed. So, for fun, why not turn back the clock a bit with your new slave? I'd do it with my new ones, but this is lesson time, and I can do this on my own spare time."

She put her hands on Lincoln's shoulders and turned him towards the Changeling, "Reach into her mind. Look at her memories, specifically those of a time before she was broken in. Take our the programming she has since received, restore her personality. No use giving up the memories of her prior enslavement, as those can be valuable to us as both information and a tool, but let her past self be restored. And then... We take that newly restored older self, and give them a nice, lovely, and fresh bit of education in their new purpose. After all, is not the fun of a slave taking their own individual personalities, all unique in their own ways, and then molding them as you see fit? Something you can't do with used goods in an already pliant state, that's for sure."

Nilana then released Lincoln's shoulders and stepped to the side, "Of course, if you're no fun like that, you can just keep her like this. Rather boring, personally, but she is yours, not mine. I might take her for a spin of course, as that power is a fun one, but how you mold her is up to you. Still, would be a shame. Based on my gleaming of this one's memories, she would be fun to break in. Besides, I'd like to know how all four of our new slaves here were captured. So looking into their memories, even if you don't want to set them back, would be useful, no?"

He was grateful for the master to let her student having time in the sun. It’s not something that will happen often. After this he’ll need to help her in her own desires to repay that generosity. Heh, Touha was right that it’s rather poetic. The white rabbit leading others to the den of the black fox. That picture led to Lincoln getting a flash of inspiration for a separate matter that he’ll go back to in a while. He and Nilana need to enjoy themselves first.

Later, he wasn’t surprised to hear that Nilana does a similar way in keeping her slaves in one place. Lost in an all consuming haze till their Goddess return to let them fulfill their purpose. Lincoln didn’t realize at first just how deep in Cloud 9 these slaves were before he and a second later Nilana took a closer look. What they found were the true chains that kept them in one place.

Their minds were wrapped in a layer of divine energies not too different from wrapping paper for presents. It was just as easy to peel it away as well. From the inside it was impregnable. The layer forced all sense of ‘Self’ into dormancy. Preventing them to even make short or long term memories. And the only thing that was allowed to exit the brain and through their neural network are primitive instincts. The reason these slaves never take the chance to escape is because they are no more than farm animals in terms of intelligence and awareness.

Glancing at other slaves, Lincoln could get the sense that they were kept this way so that the buyer could be the one to properly shape them to their desire. For a lot of them their last conscious thoughts were before they were plucked out of their former homes. With others, he could feel that their minds have been scrubbed clean of some things. Such as the two Dragonesses. Likely their previous owners so Touha put them through a factory reset of sorts, so he’s not selling a broken product.

Nilana’Ran’s encroaching energy showed another purpose of the layer. Acting at an emergency restraint as her energy easily moved through the layer. The divine layer quickly evaporated. Their ‘Self’ couldn’t rise from the depths of their mind fast enough to comprehend what was going on. This is the same with what happened with Lincoln. Taking advantage of Chrysalis’s defenseless mind to mold her to his liking while also making sure she was spotless of any malignant surprise. He was used to scanning his soon-to-be slaves in case they had curses or diseases that he needed to be aware about before putting his dick into them.

Niana could see that there was a rather large discrepancy in memories between the dragonesses and the Ex-Queen. Smolder and Ember memories were in a time that according to Chrysalis’s perspective, happened several millennia ago. The last that both Smolder and Ember saw was a young Dragonlord Spike holding up the Dragon Scepter to them before everything faded to red then black then Nilana’s gorgeous figure. Nilana, being a Psion, could easily recover what was put into the recycle bin. There was a tiny nugget of divine energy resting near where the layer was. This was where the scrapped years were put into. Possibly as a reassurance for buyers if they wanted to know their past history.

As was evident enough, looking into that nugget they would find that these dragonesses were turned into Spike’s pets. While it was true that the purpose of the Dragon Scepter is meant for another dubious use, it was still a powerful artifact with psionic capabilities. Normally, Dragons were immune to being taken by it. It requires a dragon to trust another, as then they would have their guard down enough for the other to take them by surprise. And because they were being within Equestrian borders, there weren’t many who know what the energies of a Dragon Scepter feel like to notice it. Letting the Dragonlord to go uncontested for over ten thousand years in his rather distant domain of the United Dragon Isles.

There were a grain of Touha memories in here to give outside context of how he came across them. A few decades ago, Touha was cruising around Equestria. Searching for quality products.  He sensed an unusual amount of magical activity occurring over in the Isles. Popping on over above the main island it wasn’t hard to see that a rather age-old battle was taking place. Spike, now a fully grown adult dragon was angrily fighting a battle mage. One whose appearance shares shocking similarities with Lincoln. Touha knew that he was Link of House Melody, Blueblood’s apprentice.

Spike kept shouting a certain phrase in an increasingly frustrated manner. For even though it seemed to be having an effect, causing Link to stumble and freeze, he kept snapping himself out of it. Something that for all sense of purpose should be impossible given the power of those words. While Touha could watch the fireworks, he was in the mood to rob the mighty Dragonlord of some of his goodies because he enjoys swiping slaves away from other people.

Smolder and Ember were both fully grown as well. Both were sleeping deep within Spike’s castle. Spike didn’t like calling for his slaves because he doesn’t need help squashing an ant. Touha used his divine powers to force the both of them back into anthropomorphic shape and put them under in his control. Pleased with his catch, he teleported out of there. This event was a decade ago. Smolder and Ember had been in his stock waiting to be bought. It’s thanks to their high price that many potential buyers were put off by it.

Chrysalis has a much more eventful life across the millennia. Hailing from the Changeling Courts of the Hive Lands. Subregions that are united beneath of imperial control of King Thorax. Who had overthrown her rule through a fierce civil war that lasted for many months. Because of her failure for taking Canterlot years prior, she didn’t receive much sympathy from the Courts. In short, in the end, she's alone with nothing more than fanatics and failures.

After the Civil War, she was banished to the Winter Court. The Winter Court is one of four seasonal Changeling Courts and, like the Autumn Court, is an informal one. Unlike Autumn, however, the Winter Court contains the lowest dregs of Changeling society, including murderers, oath-breakers, and practitioners of dark magic. Almost every member is vile, cruel, and remorseless, and for their crimes, they are driven out of proper Changeling society forever. In time, much to her bitterness, she has been forgotten. Touha found her a few short years ago. She put up a good fight, but she wasn’t a god like Touha is. Since then she had been passed around a few times before coming back into his collection.

On a side note, Lincoln was surprised at just how degenerate Equestria society was. Seeing memories involving the Love Gardens, The Clocktower Society, there was even a slave auction much like the one outside only the ‘slave’ was panting and dripping with arousal. It seemed Touha took note of his observations and gave a sigh. “Quite the sight, no? Imagine being born into the domain of lust, passion, and ambition only to see that Equestrians were already painting the streets silver. It’s part of the reason that I went elsewhere in creation to spread my work.”

Then a moment later, Lincoln found himself warped back to the ship. Years of being instructed by mentors conditioned him to ‘feel’ that a lesson was about to take place. Quieting his thoughts to have his full attention on Nilana. The continued head pats were rather nostalgic. Reminding him of some of his former teachers. In a way this fits. He was a child while Nilana was a wizened woman who lived for more than a millennium. Listening to Nilana he understood what she was telling him. It was why he disliked that slave auction. If that slave was damaged on the outside then who knows what there was internally.

It was fascinating to learn more about the Psions. Reminding him that sometime in the future he should inquire more about them. He didn’t have much time with Tulam since he was focused on other matters. Thinking of Tulam, that gives him something to think about that he’ll have to bring up after this lesson is finished.

Lincoln nod his head in agreement with Nilana’s personal preference. “It’s boring to have them be completely pliant. I’ve read mind control smut fanfiction for research and more often than not, the story have the brainwashed victims sound exactly the same. Any sense of their former personality gone. You know, the main thing that makes a person interesting to begin with. This is why I made my slaves like Ada, Raikou, and Shiki retain their personality. Give them a bit of autonomy and even let them question me. I’m not fond of a yesman, I’m not perfect and there can be moments where I can be compromised.” He doesn’t want to be that villain in a comic book where their thrall says that someone is breaking in, and the villain punish the thrall for suggesting his defenses are imperfect, cue shocked electric mouse meme when the villain gets attacked by the intruders.

He gave a small grin to his mentor desire to take the disgraced empress for a ride.”I won’t mind in the slightest. Shapeshifting is such a fun kink. Some people like to have their partner shape-shift into actual people, but I find that a bit cheap and creepy. Reminds me of all the photoshopped nudes that people make based on celebrities. Fictional characters on the other hand? Well that’s free real estate.” He could imagine it already. The two of them watching a movie, Nilana takes a liking of a character, so she brings Chrysalis over, order her to turn into the character, and have her eat her out. And that’s just the tip of all the fantasies one can do with shapeshifting.

If it wasn’t apparent already. Lincoln didn’t mind letting Nilana’Ran have fun with his slaves. Otherwise, she would be left out, and it didn’t take a smart person to know that Psions don’t like being left out of something. Besides, he’s trying to foster a warm relationship with his mentor and trying to hide his own slaves away from her would be counterproductive in that endeavor. It helps that he loves watching her dominate others.

Lewd fantasies aside he refocuses his thoughts on the present. With Nilana’s instructions in mind he delved into Chrysalis’s mind once more. Her ‘Self’ was not yet fully shaped it as he mainly ensured that he had a strong grip on her. Thankfully, with how much her brain was flooded with endorphins, she wouldn’t come around for a long while. “She’s quite the piece of work.” He comments.

Chrysalis is very amoral, selfish, and petty, and several of her heinous actions served to completely estrange her from her own family. During the second Changeling war against the Equestrians. She becomes less psychologically stable throughout the course of the war, regularly massacring ponies and even her own changelings. It is regularly seen that many Changeling leaders questioned her sanity and wished to remove her from power. Some of them later switched sides to aid Thorax. She doesn’t care about her people so much that in one instance she had gassed the Changeling city in Vraks in desperation, killing tens of thousands of her own changelings.

He opened his mouth to ask if he should make her a tad less ax-crazy but promptly shut his mouth. Instantly seeing the hypocrisy of that thought when he remembered all the murder-happy Servants he enslaved. That out of the way, he want to work. Ensuring that everything was truly pulled out of her and went to learn more about her. Seeing that she’s itching for revenge for a very long time. During her banishment she tried many plans against the ponies, later she got imprisoned in a volcano for a period of time before managing to break free. In short, has quite the grunge against Equstria.

Speaking of, he wonders if Nilana was thinking the same thing he did when he saw those lovely Alicorn Goddesses. Seeing a useful tool with Chrysalis’s vendetta, he weaved that into the narrative of how she wound her way to them. Keeping the general course of her growth in those millennia the same where she went from a hateful, nihilistic, power-mad tyrant to a bitter, deflated woman who doesn’t care about power anymore, she just wants to see those Alicorn Princesses be brought down to their knees. This is where he starts altering her memories. She became obsessed with revenge that for the first time in her life, turned her sights on distant gods. Or to be more precise, was willing to make a contract with the devil if it meant her revenge becoming a reality. She was willing to give anything to make it happen, even her immortal soul.

Of course, in this telling she didn’t meet a devil but a godly rabbit who came to her in her dark adobe. Telling her that he can grant her wish. Those Alicorns will one day be reduced to squealing swine. But she would have to swear herself to him. And undertake her newfound purpose in life. For Chrysalis, millennia of failure after failure, agreed without a second thought.

On the outside, Lincoln paused where he was as he finished resetting her and started on giving her a new purpose, but he waited for Nilana instructions on that. “Alright, I got her ready for the next steps.” He didn’t ask how Nilana liked to have a slave purpose be defined since it was obvious that she’s going to explain that for the next step.

Nilana found the snippets of information about the common homeworld of the slaves interesting, and she made a mental note on it. There were a couple things of interest. First was that it seemed fun, which was most important. Second, that word of power she noted from the memory, she could tell there was more to that, which could be worth looking into. Third, the later memory of those other fascinating "princesses", which Nilana saw as good marks. And finally, there could definitely be extra fun to be had bringing the slaves back, since they seemed to have been notable figures, which meant for all the more possible entertainment.

Regardless, Nilana focused on the now, which was the lessons. She nodded to Lincoln and smiled, "Good, good initiative! While it is good fun to simply use psionic enhanced charisma to cultivate desire in slaves in order to control them, true control requires motives, reasons. You've given her one, an agreement. Now we just need to keep going with that, reinforce it and provides additional vectors for motivating service. We need to ensure that their minds create a sort of self-perpetuating internal logic to encourage continuous loyalty and devotion. That is where the concept of purpose comes in!"

"On that front, there are a couple of things we can do. But purpose must be fulfilling to truly lodge itself within their minds, so make sure you play into their personalities and personal motivations in life. A twisted creature like this one may seem complicated but they are in fact rather easy, because their personal motivators and styles are simple. Let us create for her a role she will serve you in. Soldiers like to soldier, cooks like to cook... A deceiver like this one enjoys deception. So we use that. We shall craft a narrative to suit it. So, she has agreed to serve you in our narrative thus far in exchange for enemies she dislikes being brought down to the same level as her. Gives her a reason to serve but no reason to enjoy it. So we shall refine it. Her initial swearing of fealty should be to something she would logically see herself agreeing to. Such as, say, a spy or other sort of information gatherer. This way her mind notes her as having agreed to serve, yes, but also in a way that compliments her personality. Understood so far?"

After a pause, she continued, "From there we can create developments. Add thoughts, emotions, memories. For instance, let's take advantage of her pride. Her memory of recruitment should be as being taken from a slaver who captured her, such as perhaps a particularly annoying mixed creature, and then in comes you little one, saving her from a life of slavery, and then offering her the deal of a lifetime. This creates memories of gratitude, which we can amplify, as well as leave behind a kernel of attraction. For true attraction and love, little one, does not just come from standard lust. Of course, we want that too, so we throw that in as well." She gave a wink, and then went on, "In any case, this gives us more to work with. The specific recruitment for her skills allows us to make her appreciate that she was chosen for things she is personally proud of, in turn making her appreciate you, amplifying loyalty and giving us yet another place to plant seeds of attraction. And, finally, with that appreciation... We can then redefine why she is proud of those skills. No longer for selfish aims, which we can throw in as her realizing as fruitless and unfulfilling, but because these skills make her valuable to you. Useful to you, and that part is important. It redefines her skills as valuable tools of service, it redefines her life accruing these skills as a mere stepping stone to using them for what really matters. It gives the skills, and by proxy herself, purpose."

Nilana smirked, "Do you see what I'm giving you, little one? She is given purpose more than 'happy slave'. She is given purpose as your shadow, your skilled changeling servant. One whom life has humiliated again and again, all her fruitless wandering and selfishness becoming hollow, until finally now. Where her skills become useful, where she can feel truly fulfilled. She will love you not because of a spell, but because when you twist her this way... She will come to fully believe that this is what her life has led up to. Destiny, fate, purpose. And of course, it'll add more passion to affairs when you decide to do the fun parts, since it'll be true, real passion. Pleasant, no?"

She patted Lincoln on the head, "Those are just my suggestions, feel free to use them or use a variation. I'll be personally applying a similar method to my new slaves over there later, when we have some time. I'm thinking using the fact that a seeming friend of theirs abused their trust and stole their minds, then losing them to a devious god later in an irresponsible lapse of duty. And then in comes me, their gorgeous savior, restoring their minds and autonomy. So grateful they shall be, they'll willing accept becoming mine for what is first a temporary period of time, but then becomes permanent as they fall for me totally. Admiring my power... And looks, naturally. That way their worship becomes true. And hm, I'll probably assign them a mental role as that of being agreeing to become my protectors. That would play into how Dragons think. Guardians of a Goddess, a role to take pride in. And then it'll make them doubly grateful when I choose to enjoy more intimate time with them. Yes, that's what I'll do. A great idea, if I do say so myself!" Nilana put a hand to her chest and assumed a triumphant pose, and quickly peeked at Lincoln to see if he agreed with her clearly masterful plan of mental manipulation.

Very entertaining, especially with how mature the Alicorns proportions are. Even Princess Twilight has a gorgeous figure that would good with the glow of ecstasy. There were juicy memories where Chrysalis had fun dominating Princess Candance, the Alicorn goddess of Love, and the current ruler of the Crystal Empire, a long time ago. Giving Lincoln and Nilana a good close up of her thick thighs, childbearing hips, and a heavy bosom that jiggle oh so wonderfully. It wasn’t big as Celestia’s and Lincoln is confident in his inkling that Nilana want to see Celestia’s chest bare. He couldn’t blame her, Celestia was wonderful to look at. It’s an arousing thought to imagine Nilana dominating a warm, graceful, soft mare like Celestia.

All goof stuff, but that was a bit in the future. Right now, the main focus was shaping the fallen empress into a new woman. Lincoln nods along to everything that his mentor was saying. Crafting new memories and experiences for Chrysalis all the while. He very much agreed to Nilana’s plan. Beside why wouldn’t he? She’s the master for this, it would be silly to not follow her words. He then gave a grin as he listens to what she has in store for the Dragonesses. “Delightfully devilish, Overlord Nilana’Ran. I do like it when this sort of brainwashing blurs the line between truth and fiction. Make their thoughts be based on logic rather than empty-headed ‘happy slaves’ as you said.”

Putting in his final touches on Chrysalis, he liked the deceptive role he gave her. His valuable shadow. A thought then came to mind. “She’ll be good for taking down that mystery woman.” He says. Chrysalis is very powerful. While she is a fallen ruler, she is still a Queen level Changeling. Not only can she shape-shift into other people. But also replicate their mannerism, magic signature, divinity (to an extent) and even memories. The important wrinkle is that all this depends on how much she knows about the person. If she were to turn into someone she saw on the street an hour ago and didn’t look into their minds. She’ll only have fragments of their memory stretching a month back at best. If she were to change into the love goddess, it would be practically flawless. If she wasn’t so arrogant and disregarded critical information about Candance relationships with others, she would have never been found out.

Lincoln finished utilizing Nilana’s suggestions. He was quite happy with the end product. If his mentor has nothing more to give and Chrysalis was ready to properly wake up. He snap his fingers for theatrical effect. Chrysalis softly blink as if she was rousing up from a deep slumber. Her brilliant green eyes fell on her magnificent master. A sultry grin spread across her face.”Master~” She purrs seductively. No longer frozen still, she became probably animated. Moving in a flirtatious way. “It has been too long since I stood in your presence.” She ran her hands over her body. Evidently very happy that he was here now. “I was starting to get restless. Feasting is not the same without you.” Referring to how Changelings sustain themselves through extracting emotions from their prey. For Chrysalis, it only tastes good when prey is for her god rather than herself.

“Rejoice then, my precious ladybug. Because you’re going to help me show the truth to a woman who have been blinded by a false sense of purpose.” He explains. Chrysalis was deeply pleased knowing that she was going to help her god direct a lost soul.

“Grand! When will we depart then? I’m eager to stretch my limbs.” She drew closer to her Master but didn’t engage in physical interaction until she was allowed to do so. Chrysalis took notice of her god’s companion. “I see your friend is with you. My, oh my, this is going to be an entertaining day with all of us here.

Lincoln wanted to reach out to knead Chrysalis’s heavy chest. But he knew if he does so then he will be distracted. So he just gave a smile, “Very much so. The day is still young and there’s a lot of fun to be had.” His thoughts were now back to that figure. Very interested in seeing what lovely figure was hiding beneath all that smoke and armor.

Nilana did have much consideration towards the figures she saw in the memories. She definitely would need to visit that planet someday, perhaps once they were done here in however long that was. For now however, she focused on the present. And she smirked at Lincoln when he approved of his idea, "I am glad you agree. And yes, not only is it better for me personally, as it allows the slaves to be who they are and logically confirming their own enslavement to me, it's also more practical. It's much easier to break somebody out of mental slavery if their mind can be convinced of the situation's irregularity. Being empty-headed is an incredibly easy method to exploit, and that's important to remember when dealing with Psions, little one. Logic is a shield against manipulation of our kinds, true, but it can also be a weapon to self enforce our changes and defend against any unwanted intrusion at the same time. Best to twist it to our advantage. In any case, I'll handle my two slaves later. For now, they can rest. As can your new gift." She flicked her finger, and the three other slaves would all fall into a slumber. Nilana was not one to waste time however, as the dreams her two new personal slaves would see were to be visions of their new lifestories, setting the groundwork for Nilana to finish later.

She then watched Lincoln finish up, and the Psion seemed generally pleased with the result. She enjoyed seeing her properly animated again and thinking, just in a way that was more suitable. However Nilana did have one thing to address with the slave very quickly, and that was how she had just been addressed. She ended up pushing Lincoln aside for a moment to grab the Changeling by the chin, pulling her forward a bit and tilting her head up to look at Nilana, "Oh there will be much entertainment, slave. But remember closely to address me properly. I am not merely the little one's friend, I am his tutor. You will address me either by my name or show proper deference to my superiority in the future." She then pushed Chrysalis back a bit and smiled, "Remember that, and believe me, this will be a fun day indeed."

Then she looked back to Lincoln, "She is your slave, little one, but I do take my position as an Overlord quite seriously. I will play with you and you can play around a bit with how you address me, but slaves must always show respect. That is the duty of those who are below me. Now, with that lesson done, we can move on to the fun."

She took a few steps back before she started speaking, "Quite clearly little one, you wish to have a date with destiny. I said I would help, so I shall! But you will have to put in most of the work all the same, I am just here to guide. And watch, because it should be fun. In any case, we have a general idea where the one who has grabbed your attention went, but now we must track our prey! This is part of the Hunt! We can do that a variety of ways, but I can tell you ahead of time that from what I have discerned about that individual we saw, they're on a personal quest of liberation. This means she is very likely now preparing another daring plan, so she is likely near yet another slave pen. All we need to do is track the direction she went, find slave pens there, and then look for any sort of nearby hiding spots. And this is the value of your latest tool..."

Nilana gestured over to Chrysalis, "This slave's skills are quite suited to that of a covert tracker. Something you personally don't seem to be very good at, and I am not just going to track down your prey for you. So, we use the tools available to us. A perfect time to use your new tool, and get a sense for delegating a task to a slave. If you wish to  act from the shadows without issue of too many prying eyes on you, it is essential to use your tools smartly. And would you look at this, this new tool can track while also putting on disguises to avert worry and notice. Particularly useful if, say, hunting down a clearly trained and skilled individual who doesn't want to be found and will likely disappear at the first sign of open trouble. Time to get started. To make this easier..."

The Psion snapped a finger, and suddenly the three of them were transported back out into the city. They were back in the city square near the destroyed slave pen, which had finally been reached by local authorities. The firemen were currently negotiating prices with somebody, likely a local landlord who was paying to stop the fire before it reached their property, and it seemed things had calmed down. Nilana had reassumed her disguise, and Lincoln would have his as well. He would also see Chrysalis was given some regular clothing, similar to that of the other regular civilians around. With a smirk, Nilana looked to Lincoln, "So, what step to take first, hm? Show me what you can do. I'll help if you get stuck."

He noticed that quiet allowance for him to be looser in referring to her. Whether it was because they were becoming friendlier or he was saying her title too frequently in repetition, or a mix of both, it was a pleasant feeling that progress was being made, no matter how little it may seem. “Of course.” He nods with a smile. It was notable that she was going to watch. He had felt she would give more of a hands-on approach to teaching. But it made sense to watch the show, porn is popular for a reason after all. There wasn’t time to ask about something before they were whisked away once more.

He glances around to take in his surrounding. ’You’re right that I should delegate a task to my slave rather than do it myself. The less you show your cards out in public the better.’ He could sense that mystery woman again. She was quick to get around. Fortunately, while he could sense that she was nearby, she came after Chrysalis went out of sight. Like a moth vanishing into the sacred dark. It was almost frightening how well she could vanish without a trace. If she wasn’t firmly bound to him, he wouldn’t have known where she went.

But he knew where she was. Could feel her. Like a bug scuttling across his scalp. ’Can you track her?’ He directed the thought to his Changeling slave. Intrigued to know how good she is now that she’s refined and not clouded by arrogance and ineptitude. If she had been smarter, she would have been in a much different position.

’I can already taste her.’ For some reason her thoughts had a noise to it that reminded him of mandibles clicking together even if she doesn’t have any. ’A flower in a sea of sludge. No doubt you would be able to see her clearly as well. Such a sweet love in her, maternal at that.’ Learning that the armored woman was a mother is interesting to know. And she was right, he could use his senses to see her. But as said before, no need to do the work if you can have your slaves do it.

’Lend me your sight for a moment.’ He ordered. Not a second later he could see what she saw. And found her to be correct. The buildings were translucent to her, life around her was stained with twisted love. Heartbreak, lust, greed, narcissism. But straight ahead he could see her. A shining tread mist a black forest. Her body was outlined in a saturated glow. His eyes darken when he saw what her figure was like beneath that armor. ’Thank you, that’s enough’. His own vision came back to him.

He glanced over to where she was. ’We got her location, now for the next step.’ A direct assault was out of the question. As Nilana said, she’s not in the mood for a chat. And he doesn’t want to be risky with setting up a trap. That leaves the other option. ’Use your best method to knock her out.’ He could sense that Chrysalis was excited. Happy that she was being useful for her Master.

He felt her change. Slipping into another form that reminded him of Winter. She has taken on the form of the Alicorn goddess of the Moon and Night, Luna. Her facsimile of a divinity was clearly a shadow, but it was still divinity regardless. Her form became more fluid. A shadow that flowed through other shadows. In the space between breaths she was already near the woman. Her presence undetectable. The armored woman would find herself being overtaken by unconsciousness as slumber took hold of her.

Lincoln was amazed how Chrysalis’s spell was softer and quieter than a whisper yet had enough of a punch to take out a fully grown dragon. He realized that it was very fortunate that they have Chrysalis. Otherwise, he and Nilana’Ran wouldn’t know the capabilities of these Alicorns. He definitely wouldn’t be had been able to sense Luna’s magic if he didn’t know her mana signature. It was good to be prepared after all. If Chrysalis managed to keep the woman asleep, he would internally smile. ’Excellent job, slave. Keep her in dreamland. We’re on our way.’

’Of course, Master.’ She thought with a purr. All the while she was keeping the armored woman asleep. Who was currently dreaming about her adoptive daughter. Pleasant dreams are good for keeping them under.

Lincoln looked over to his mentor. Visibly happy with how things are going so far. ’Ready to see the catch?’ He sure was.