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Chapter Text

“……..and so the great Demon Lord with one mighty swing of its awful blade of hellfire breached the city's walls and set its unholy minions to prey upon the good people of Sanctum’s Bliss. As its fire rained down upon the innocents and its smoke blocked out the sky, all seemed lost as the Demon Lord’s darkness threatened to consume everything.”

“Then what happened?” an innocent, very young female voice asked as she listened intently to the story.

“A brave, nameless hero appeared in the city’s darkest hour and with all his skill and magic stepped forth to clash with the Demon Lord. The battle was hard fought but with the Chief God’s blessing, he was able to stand against its overwhelming evil and eventually overcome it. “You shall not take another step upon this holy ground” he shouted as he drove his sword into its dark heart and extinguished its hellfire once and for all,” a gentle, yet youthful womanly voice uttered as she continued her story.

“So, he won. He managed to beat that no good demon,” a very young male voice inquired with excitement, already imaging himself facing off with the hell beast.

“Yes. Thanks to the virtuous life he lived, he was deemed worthy of the Chief God’s light, and thus able to prevail. However, the burns and wounds he received were too much and he sadly passed not long after his hard fought victory. So, in honor of his sacrifice, a large statue of him was built within the city that you can still visit to this day. However, if you ever plan on visiting it, you must promise you live up to the Chef God’s principles, just like he did,” the storyteller continued as she finally shut the children’s book she was reading from.

Sitting upon a recently cut stump, surrounded by children of various ages, was a young woman, no older than twenty-two years of age, named Diana Cinis. Moderately long, carefully braided, ashen black hair rested just above her gentle amber eyes and soft facial features while a modest and plainly designed, hand-woven, sky-blue dress concerned her hidden feminine features masterfully. Her gentle, peerless beauty made her the village’s hidden treasure, although Diana’s humble nature helped her to avoid seeing herself in such a light. Regardless, she had a talent for attracting people to her side, and right now that just so happened to be nearly every single youngster who called the village of Cedar’s Fields home.

The very picture of the peaceful, simple life; Cedar’s Fields was an insignificant but tranquil little village nestled deep within the most secure and sacred kingdom in the world, Numinis Cordis. Far from all the troubles of the world and divinely protected from all the monsters thanks to the Order and the Chef God’s deep connection with the land itself, the people of this kingdom had little to fear from the corruptive dangers lurking outside their territory. While the faith of some kingdoms wavered, even enough to cause them to fall at the hands of monsters, such a concern was laughable here, as the people of Numinis Cordis prided themselves on their unmatched faith to the Chief God. After all, it was by her grace, and her grace alone, they were able to live such peaceful, bountiful lives without the threat of the Monster Lord ever making past their doorstep.

“Ms. Cinis, do you think the Chief God could make me a hero?” one of the younger boys inquired bashfully.

“If you work hard, live by her values and pray to her everyday, I’m sure you can gain her favor. But first, you need to prove yourself to your parents and help with the chores. Since they're all working on setting up the festival, you all can be a big help to them by doing some extra work around your homes while they’re busy,” Diana elegantly answered as she prepared to let loose the children from her care.

‘Come on, Ms. Cinis. Just one more story. We promise to start helping out after,” one of the slightly older girls tried to negotiate.

“You all said that last time and the time before that. I’m afraid I have no more stories to tell today, so off you go. I have my own jobs I need to get done to help prepare the harvest festival,” Diana softly shooed away her young audience.

“Fine but could we get some more stories tomorrow?” one of the younger girls requested with pouting eyes.

“Of course. You know I love reading stories for all of you. However, there is a time for play and there is a time for work, and now is the time for work. Now go on, see what you can all do for your parents before everything starts. I’ll see you all than, ok. Take care now,” Diana politely bid her junior fans farewell before heading off to resume her own duties.

While the children all appeared to be disappointed, they did as they were told and ran off to see what little tasks they could help out with back at their respected homes. Diana could only smile to herself to see how well-behaved they all were, truly shining examples of their proper upbringing. Diana couldn’t help but reminisce of how she was at that age, how she would try to balance her time running around in the corn fields with her friends and trying to be as helpful to her parents as possible, despite her limited abilities back than. However, that was than and nowadays she had more than her far share of duties to take up her time. Aside from taking care of the goats and chickens on her family’s small farm, she also made sure to volunteer at the small chapel to the Chief God and babysit any youngster when asked. Many already considered her to be one of the most responsible in the village despite her young age and that was a fact Diana couldn’t help but take some pride in, despite it being a little sinful.

As Diana made her way back home down the same familiar dirt roads she had traversed a thousand times, she couldn’t help but check in on everything and everyone she passed. As the cool autumn winds blushed past, she watched as the villagers she saw as her extended family set up tables and tents for the festival later tonight while the scent of various dishes in the air gave away what was being cooked behind closed doors. The trees which made up the nearby forest were already turning to delightful shades of red, orange and yellow, creating a colourful backdrop to the whole scene as the residents of this small village went about their business. It was times like this, that the young woman was truly thankful to have been born in such a peaceful, remote village.

“Diana, there you are. Where have you been? There is still much to do for tonight. There are goats to milk and tarts still to bake, young lady,” Diana’s mother, Avery Cinis, called out from their home’s doorstep as she spied her oldest daughter make her way home.

“I haven’t forgotten, mother. I was just finishing up a story with the children and you know how invested they can get,” Diana replied as she joined her mother’s side.

“I swear you must stop telling them those stories of yours. You might give them nightmares or fill their heads with unrealistic expectations if you keep reading to them from those overly adventurous books of yours,” Avery lightly scolded.

“We’ve been over this, mother. There’s nothing wrong with them learning a little bit about history and the outside world. Besides, I wasn’t that late, and you still had Milani around to help you. She did stay put this time, didn’t she?”  the daughter retorted as she soothed her mother’s concerns.

“Your younger sister was with me, until she decided to go help your father with bringing wood to the bonfire for tonight. So, if you don’t mind, could you finish milking the goats before you come inside to help me with the baking,” the mother sighed as she held the door open for her daughter to enter.

“Of course, I don’t mind. Just let me clean myself up first and I shall get it done right away, don’t worry,” Diana happily complied as she entered her home.

“That’s my darling star. If only your sister was more of a proper lady like you, than maybe you wouldn’t have to finish so many of her chores. Now come along. There is much to do before tonight, but all the work will be worth it,” Avery reminded her daughter as she prepared to resume her work.

“Mother, she's still only eleven, give her some time. I certainly don't mind finishing up her duties, especially knowing what comes later. I can’t wait for tonight, but I would be lying if I didn’t admit I’m most excited for the barn dance. It’s been too long since I was able to break out my dancing shoes and be twirled around like a princess,” Diana expressed her controlled excitement.

“Yes, you and all the boys who will be lining up again for a chance to woo you. Honestly, it’s shameful how you lead them all on like that. You know the neighbours are already beginning to spread rumors as to why you haven’t settled down yet,” Avery forewarned concernedly.

“You shouldn’t let them get to you so much, mother. I’ll figure things out, eventually. Just give me a little time,” Diana carefully pushed aside her mother’s woes.

“I know, I didn’t mean to pressure you. I know you’ll find your own answer in time, but as your mother, it’s hard not to be a little worried is all,” Avery continued.

“It’s fine, really. I only ask for a little faith in my decision making is all, and who knows, maybe I’ll find my answer tonight,” Diana reassured her mother one last time before heading off to complete her tasks without compliant.

The evening sun was well on it’s way out to invite the approaching night, as a lone figure of unimaginable power and influence, drunkenly stumbled her way through the darkening forest. Her short hair was as white as freshly fallen snow and was stylized in a wild pixie cut, but one could find blood red highlights dashed in there that almost looked like lightning bolts. Her skin would have normally been as pale as a pearl, however thanks to the large amounts of magically enhanced liquor currently flowing through her, it was flushing a rosy red, especially around her stern, sharp angled face. A piecing set of glossy, ruby red eyes lined with black mascara lazily scanned her surroundings in befuddlement as three jagged, electrical blue and yellow horns erupted from her forehead and temples like some makeshift crown.

A set of skeletal like leather wings which matched her horns in colour and theme sprouted from her shapely back while a slender, cord like tail swayed about her tight, yet ample rump.  Her perfectly sculped, divine like proportions were as clear as day to anyone as her torn, ashen grey tank top did little to hide her firm, straining breasts and alluring midriff, although her matching trademark, black leather jacket did help make up where her undershirt lacked while adding a more serious tone to her image. A spiked choker adorned her neck, fingerless gloves covered her hands and numerous metallic knobs lined her jacket while a bright red, stylized number thirteen could be found pastured front and center on her tank top to help complete her rebellious, punk persona. Although, for most bystanders, their view would be more distracted by her hefty thighs and tone ass as they struggled to be contained by her shockingly short, worn-down jean shorts.

This being was a Lilim, a child of peerless supernatural might born from the union of the Mamono Lord, Lilith and the legendary hero whom she married. However, amongst all of Lilith’s children, this one stood out, as she was considered by many to be her most rebellious, and irresponsible offspring. Her name was Fulgora, and she was the thirteenth born among the Mamono Lord’s daughters, although if one ever met her, one would be hard pressed to believe she was raised by such an unmatched lineage. For Fulgora cared not for her mother’s dream of a unified world or the advancement of the mamono kind. For all this Lilim desired was to party and have the time of her life whenever such an opportunity presented itself despite the consequences. Her never-ending, self-indulgent quest which combined with her notorious poor attitude, had gotten the poor thing in trouble countless times and earned her quite the infamous reputation among the realms, for if Fulgora arrived in your lands, peace and quiet were the first thing to disappear.

In fact, it was due to the consequences of her most recent actions that gotten her in her current mess of being completely lost in these unknown woods. One minute she was tearing it up with a bunch of Jabberwocks, Mad Hatters, Cheshire Cats and various other mamono in Wonderland and the next minute she was getting berated by her miniature bitch of an older sister, the Queen of Hearts, before ultimately getting kicked out of her dimension and thrown into this unknown forest for partying a little too hard. Sure, the party had gone nonstop for months, and maybe they broke into her big sister’s castle to “borrow” some of the good shit she was hiding away in there, but her response was a complete overreaction by Fulgora’s standards, even if her big sister was notorious for having a short fuse and she really should have seen this coming.

All well, nothing much she can about it now, the wild Lilim thought as she continued to stumble through the towering, autumn coated trees. While Fulgora could easily teleport to any destination of her choosing, she had to admit the fresh air around here, wherever she was, was quite refreshing; so walking around a bit to clear her head of her latest buzz wasn’t the worst idea she ever had. However, as she continued on her aimless trek, she couldn’t help but notice a few lights peering through trees up ahead. Curiosity getting the better of the inebriated Lilim, she couldn’t help but investigate and what she saw put a ditzy smile on the fiend’s flushed face.

It was some pitifully small, human village, tucked all away out here in the boonies. There were only a handful of buildings and fields while woodland surround it all, and only a single road that led into the settlement. However, what really caught the Lilim’s attention was the fact they were clearly in the midst of some local festival. While this wasn’t Fulgora’s preferred scene, she had to admit it was a little cute how they had set everything up from the little lanterns hanging everyway to the tents where everyone were eating their fill and laughing about. It seemed both young and old were having a pleasant time despite the obvious lack of proper thrills and outrageous entertainment, which made the whole scene admittedly dull by the Lilim’s standards.

While she could easily fix that one little problem any number of ways, including summoning some of her more wild friends or making some new ones amongst this private mass, Fulgora decided against it, as she knew even in her intoxicated state, causing that kind of trouble while having no idea where she was, was perhaps not the best idea. Sure, she singlehandedly had the power to do basically whatever she wanted with these people and anyone sent to stop her, but such actions really weren’t her kind of thing in the slightest and even if it was, the earful she would get from her all-powerful parents was more than enough of a deterrent for her to never take such a consideration seriously. Leaving the conversion of the human lands were better left to her more motivated sisters anyhow. However, that didn’t mean she didn’t wish to take part in these festivities. After all, what better way to work off a crazy party like the one she just held in Wonderland than by partaking in a much smaller one hosted by humans of all things. While it had been ages since she last quietly partied with humans, if anything else, the whole experience should at least serve as a good laugh for the party hardened fiend.

Of course, simply walking in was out of the question, not with her looking as she was. Not only would she have to don a human disguise, but she would have to heavily reprise her aura, despite both being a total pain in the ass. Not to mention, being out in the open and mingling with everyone as a complete stranger was also a poor idea in terms of the long run, especially if she wanted to avoid discovery, so finding a more isolated spot with fewer, more open-minded people would be best for everyone. So, as she scanned a possible spot to kill a few hours, that’s when she spotted it. With light beaming from its windows, a lone barn set aside from the village was obviously playing host to some kind of event. Most likely some stupidly dull barn dance, if the Lilim had to guess but boring is what she needed right now to help fight off her buzz.

“Welp, beggars can’t be picky. Let's at least give these yokels a chance. How dull could they really be?” Fulgora uttered to herself as she took a hearty swig from her bottomless flask of endless booze she kept hidden away on her at all times.

This dance was exactly what Diana needed to help spice up her typically repetitious, problem free life, as per usual, she was quite literally the belle of this humble ball. As much as she hated to admit it, despite how vain it sounded, Diana couldn’t help but drown in all the attention she would receive during these dances. While there was no single man she was deeply interested in, despite being raised alongside many of them since childhood, she loved the fact nearly all of them wanted a chance to dance with her, despite all the other available female dance partners. This conceited pride was her most secret sin and one she refused to let anyone else know about, aside from the Chief God herself whenever she she visited her chapel for forgiveness. But, she just couldn’t help it, the feeling of being so desired was too addictive for any young maiden.

 As she was being twirled about the dance floor for the fourth time tonight, this time by a young man one year her junior named Adam, Diana lost herself to the synchronized movement. Truly there was no greater nor more freeing feeling than whenever she was allowed to express herself through dance. Which made it all the more unfortunate she couldn’t express it more often throughout the year, at least while in the presence of company. Apart of her always wished she could have found some way to purse this passion of hers to a more professional degree, but given her well-knitted community, there was no room for such selfishness in the village. However, it was this acceptance which allowed Diana to cherish these dances as much as she did.

Just as they reached the end of their performance where she would lean back and allow Adam to catch her in his arms, she instead felt only gravity take hold of her dainty body, causing her to fall onto her well-cushioned behind. It took Diana a second to realize what had just occurred as she remained stunned sitting there on the barn floor for a good few moments, before eventually coming back to her senses to confront Adam for his failure in catching her. However, to her shock when she turned to address him, he was already walking away from her and towards some gathering as if he were in some kind of trance.

“Adam, where are you going? What about our dance? Adam?” Diana dumbfoundedly asked as she stared up at her fleeing partner.

“Just give me a second. I just need to see what’s going on and introduce myself, real quick,” Adam cryptically uttered as he abandoned Diana on the floor.

“What….what just happened?” the prone dancer inquired to herself as she struggled to make sense of what just played out.

Forcing herself back onto her feet and dusting herself off, Diana looked back at the crowd which now seemed to be composed of everyone attending this dance. Both men and women alike were hurdled around something or someone, but with how densely huddled they were, Diana couldn’t tell what was hidden in the center. With the way they were all acting, it might as well have been an angelic herald of the Chief God herself as far as she knew, but even if that were the case, that was no excuse for dropping a lady on her butt. Of course, whatever the reason was, there was only one way to find out what this disturbance was and that was to march right up there and see what the big deal was with her own two eyes.

As she approached the dumbstruck crowd, what she saw both surprised and underwhelmed her at the same time. It was just a woman, a strangely, extremely attractive woman and one dressed in the oddest attire she had ever seen on a lady, but just a woman nonetheless. Speaking of which, she had never seen such oddly and provocatively designed clothes in all her days, but she knew right away such an ensemble was completely inappropriate for a woman of any age. After all, she should be covered in a simple dress that left everything to the imagination like a proper lady, not showing off whatever that sorry excuse for pants was supposed to be or that strangely textured, masculine jacket. On that note, what was the point of all those spikes on her or that collar around her neck. Was she trying to dress up as someone's pet? The whole imagine perplexed the young maiden as she couldn't make a lick of sense of it. Everything about her image was completely alien to the devote woman, and yet like everyone else in this crowd, Diana couldn’t help but feel her heart race when she stared at her.

However, whatever strange thoughts she was feeling when she looked at her flawless face and perfect body, didn’t mean she didn’t realize this woman, this stranger, didn’t belong here. Surely everyone here realized that simple fact, and yet no one spoke up. Instead they hung on every word this strangely dressed outsider spoke, and she was barely speaking. She was mostly just unenthusiastically brushing people off as they all tried to introduce themselves to her. Occasionally she would ask a question about what there was to drink or do around here, but the responses were always overwhelming, much to the stranger’s distain. It seemed obvious to Diana, this strangely alluring woman was uncomfortable being surrounded by so many people, which made her presence here all the more questionable to her. Nonetheless, if no one was going to address the elephant in the room, it was up to Diana to speak up, even if a part of her wanted this stranger to stay.

“Ummmmm….excuse me, miss……” Diana spoke up to address the scantly clad stranger, although her own bashfulness when she did so even caught herself off-guard.

“Yeah, yeah, I know, you want to know how I got my skin so smooth or if I want a drink, or if I want to be more than just friends with you….” the disguised Fulgora dismissively groaned as she tried to wave off the newest groupie she attracted to herself.

“Actually….I think…..you should leave. I don’t know who you are, but you shouldn't be here,” Diana timidly addressed the newcomer in their midst.

“Excuse me?” Fulgora blurted out in surprise, although her tone oddly enough came off less insulted and more intrigued.

“I’m not sure what your story is, or where you came from, but this is a private festival. So, I’m….I’m afraid you must be leaving now.” Diana demanded as politely as she could, despite for whatever reason finding it difficult just to get the words out.

A soft chuckle escaped the woman’s glossy, cherry red lips before she kneeled over in pure hysteric laughter. Diana couldn’t help but be become a little concerned over her reaction to her fair request but what truly unnerved her was the fact everyone else started to laugh, as if this was all one big joke. The mystery woman went on for a good few seconds before she stopped and actually gave Diana a hard lookover, although Diana swore she was paying extra attention to her chest, as if the bountiful surprise she kept hidden beneath her cloth was laid bare. She couldn’t help but cover her bosom in response as her face went red with embarrassment, causing another giggle from the outsider.

“You serious? Like for real?” Fulgora asked for reassurance despite not being able to wipe away the mocking grin she had on her face.

“You….you heard me. You need to leave and this is not up to debate,” Diana stood her ground, even as the eyes of the silent crowd grew more hostile against her.

“Ok, I think I see what’s going on here. Don’t tell me you’re jealous I took away all the attention from you, wallflower,” the disguised Lilim teasingly pointed out.

“There’s no need for hostilities if that’s the case, Diana. She’s our guest, and needs to be treated as such,” Adam pointed out as he spoke up.

“Yeah, there’s no need to be such an envious shrew,” one of the other young women added from the crowd.

“That….that is not my reason. There is just something about her that isn’t right, can’t any of you see that,” Diana defended herself, even if deep down the sin of envy may have taken root in her heart, much to her shame.

“Don’t be talking crazy just cause your eyes turned green,” another one of the women raised her voice in accusation.

“Yeah, this woman here is the most interesting person to ever stumble upon our village. Who are you to decide if we should chase her away just because she’s prettier than you,” another man blurted out.

“I am not jealous….you’re are putting words in my mouth,” Diana rebuked although she was stunned by how quickly the crowd was turning against her.

“Everybody relax, and take a chill potion,” the outsider uttered out causally, although everyone else seemed to take it as a demand, “You know, wallflower, you’re a riot, I'll give you that. In fact, I think I’ve decided. You’re going to be my buddy for the night. Lucky you.”

That was the last response Diana was expecting as tried to find any sense of reason to what occurred. However, before she had a chance to respond in kind, the mystery woman without warning hung her arm around her shoulder as if they were long time drinking buddies and started to walk off with her away from everyone else. For whatever reason, no one else followed as if there was some unspoken arrangement to give the mystery woman some privacy. Diana’s heart was racing when she was just talking to this stranger but now it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest and explode due to this bodily contact. Even her scent, despite reeking of alcohol and smoke, added to her allure now that she was this close. The vulnerable maiden hadn’t had a clue of the situation she had just gotten herself into, but that didn’t stop her from stuttering out a question or two.

“What….what is this? What is happening here?” Diana stumbled out as she was led away from the crowd.

“Listen, a party is only as fun as the company you keep, right? Well, you are by far the most interesting person here, which means you get the honor of keeping me company for the night. So, lets try and have a good time, and who knows, maybe I’ll get you to loosen up enough to remove that stick up your ass,” Fulgor casually stated as if they had known each other for years.

“That…that is so rude. Didn’t your parents teach you any manners, or how to dress properly,” Diana retorted in disbelief at this woman’s brazen attitude.

“Ha, they tried but as you can see, they got mixed results. Besides, your friends don’t seem to mind how I dress, especially the guys,” Fulgora boldly answered as she looked back to give the crowd a suggestive, teasing wink to emphasize her point.

“Have you not an ounce of shame,” the maidenly wallflower questioned by the sheer boldness of this woman.

“Not an ounce, I’m afraid. Anyways, I’ve been meaning to ask someone this, but where exactly is here? You know, just out of curiosity,” the altered Lilim questioned as if it was no big deal.

“You’re in Cedar’s Fields. How did you not know that? Did you not see the sign when you wandered in uninvited?” Diana scoldingly answered, surprised by the fact this woman appeared to be somewhat lost.

“Wow, you are a feisty one. I think you're growing on me already, wallflower. However, I was more curious about which kingdom or empire or whatever territory I’m currently in?” Fulgora continued to inquire in a carefree manner.

“Could you please stop calling me wallflower. My name is Diana and we’re in the kingdom of Numinis Cordis. How could you possibly not know that? Just who are you?” Diana divulged although her serve suspicion of this stranger only continued to rise with each passing question.

Fulgora’s heart nearly stopped dead in its tracks when the name of this kingdom was dropped by this country belle. What was her stupid older sister thinking, kicking her out here. Was she trying to get her killed or worse, in trouble with mom and dad. Granted, there was the strong possibility her sister didn’t know where she would end up when she banished her from her private realm, but knowing how spiteful the Queen of Hearts was, Fulgora couldn’t entirely dismiss the strong possibility she one-hundred percent did this on purpose. Regardless, the lost Lilim was glad she decided against making a big commotion when she arrived, considering all the trouble that would rain down upon her if her presence became known here. She knew it was in her best interest to bail as soon as possible, but she felt she could savoir a few more hours here before trouble came looking for her. After all, she could never resist a party, even a disappointingly small one like this one, and besides, she wanted to learn more about this local nobody who was somehow able to partially resist her charms, as such a thing was by far no small feat, even if Fulgora was heavily restraining her aura a good deal.

“Friends call me Fulgora and I’m….well, you could say I’m a…ummmmm….traveler of sorts. Kind of got lost out in the wilderness and I just so happened to stumble into your little shithole of a village,” the hidden Lilim tried to explain, since it wasn’t a complete lie.

“You were just out walking through the woods? But we’re in the middle of the kingdom and you certainly don’t look like you’ve been lost for days out there?” Diana pointed out all the obvious holes in her guest’s tale.

Fulgora couldn’t help but cringe a little as this dainty pushover was able to see through her cover story so easily, “Well….I was….ummmm…ordinary in another kingdom before I was….ummm…..transported here after pissing off a self-important bitc…..I mean, sorcerer.”

For whatever reason this explanation made more sense to the young maiden, despite her growing concerns regarding this Fulgora. Her strange clothes, and foreign behavior supported the fact she came from some far-off place, and if she didn’t know where she was, being brought here by magical means would explain that as well. Actually, the more she thought about it, the more realistic it was sounding to her and the more she felt convinced to believe the stranger’s words, even if her slow shift in opinion wasn’t completely of her own doing.

However, another realization occurred to the sheltered maiden as she pondered about the true identity of this stranger. This woman, this traveler, must have had first hand experience of the outside world, and did she say a sorcerer sent her here? Did that mean she also knew about magic? Maybe she was some standard adventurer, the kind who fought off monsters and saved innocents, like the ones in her stories. The tales she must have were just too irresistible to ignore, as she felt a long extinguished flame of curiosity rekindle deep in her chest. Suddenly, this stranger wasn’t so strange. In fact, Diana was beginning to realize that perhaps being alone with this inappropriately dressed harlot wasn’t such a disaster, in fact, if she dared say, it was maybe a blessing in disguise.

“I see….are you…..are you an adventurer perhaps? What is your homeland like? Can you also do magic?” Diana cautiously inquired as she struggled to contain her own inquisitiveness.

“Well, that’s certainly a change in tune. Is the little wallflower curious of the world outside her village perhaps. Ha, can’t blame you for that. Personally I think I would have gone mad if I had to live here. As for your million questions, I’m not an adventurer like you’re probably thinking. I’m more of a thrill seeker, so less traversing dungeons and tombs, and more seeking out the next thing to fight off my infinite boredom. As for if I know magic……” Fulgora coyly answered before stealthily conjuring a few currents of red electricity through her fingers in a showboating manner, “…..I might know a bit.”

“That’s….that’s amazing….” Diana uttered as she stared transfixed by the display of magic before her very eyes.

She couldn’t take her eyes off it. Those miniature blood red bolts Fulgora was summoning between her fingertips were the first true showcase of magic the sheltered maiden had ever seen. She had only ever read of tales of mortals performing such feats and yet here was this woman showing it to her in the flesh. It was simply amazing to her, even if she knew that to the rest of the world such a thing was probably less impressive.

“What else can you do?” Diana couldn’t help herself from asking.

“Oh, plenty, but considering where we are, I don’t think it would be wise to continue. After all I don’t want to be burned at the stake, so I hope I can trust you to keep this a secret between us, Diana,” Fulgora half jokingly replied.

“I suppose….there’s no harm,” the typically responsible woman felt compelled to go along with this.

“Great. Anyways, now it’s my turn to ask a question. What exactly do you do for fun around here?” the restless Lilim inquired of her relucent host.

“Well, there’s…ummm….the dance here and….ummm…..the baking contest but that’s over by now….and….and there are plenty of people to talk too,” Diana struggled to list off all the activities that could be considered fun.

“Ok, so basically you got jack all going on here. Fantastic. Well, at least I got you and this to keep me company before I split,” Fulgor uttered disappointedly before taking out her enchanted flask and taking a big swig of it.

“Is….is that alcohol? You shouldn’t be seen with that?” Diana warned as she couldn’t believe she had such a thing on her person.

“Oh, it’s just a bit of…..wait, is alcohol banned here or something? That’s absurd, and pitiful, if true,” Fulgora replied as she continued to leisurely chug away at her limitless booze without concern.

“It isn’t outright ban, just heavily monitored. After all, alcohol can lead to a lot of easily avoidable trouble if left unchecked, you know,” Diana divulged despite the fact her explanation came off more as lecturing.

“Well, can’t really argue with that, but that still sucks. Don’t supposed you want to sneak a slip of mine. Do ya?” the Lilim offhandily offered, “This shit will be the best you ever had, promise.”

“Oh, well, I wouldn’t know. I’ve never partook of alcohol before. Thank you for offering but I mustn’t,” Diana honestly answered.

“Are you for fucking real. Wow, that is sad. A little bit of liquor isn’t going to kill ya,” Fulgor retorted, as if insulted by this reveal.

However, when the Lilim looked back down to her flask, she realized the mistake she almost made. She couldn’t believe she almost offered a human a sip of her personalized brew, that shit would have corrupted her into a Succubus in an instant, then all heaven would have rained down on her. She was glad she still had enough sense on her to avoid that disaster, thank goodness. However, that didn’t mean she didn’t have an answer to Diana’s little problem.

“You know, on second thought. Maybe this stuff would be way too strong for a newbie like you. Thankfully I got something a little more beginner friendly on me too, if you’re interested,” the Lilim reassessed her offer.

With the slightest of hands, Fulgor reached into her jacket pocket and created an unseen portal within it to gain access to her personal stash back home. Slowly she pulled out one of the very few bottles in her vast collection that didn’t contain an ounce of mamono mana and presented it to the sheltered maiden. It was a very ancient bottle of whisky brewed by an infamous tribe of Dwarves before they were corrupted, making it one of the last pure bottles of their craft. It was still stupidly strong compared to the shit humans drank, but at least it wouldn’t get her or Diana in trouble by accidently corrupting the wallflower. Besides, she wasn’t going to give her that much, so worst case scenario she would get a little tipsy and provide the Lilim with some much desired entertainment. What was the worst that could happen from that.

“I don’t know…..” Diana uttered softly, although she would be lying if she wasn’t tempted by the opportunity.

“You sure? This stuff was lovingly made by Dwarves, and trust me, they know their alcohol. I can’t imagine you will ever get another chance,” Fulgor offered once more before taking out a shot glass from who knows where.

For whatever reason, Diana felt enticed to partake of the amber coloured liquid, and Fulgora’s convincing words were not helping. She had only heard of dwarves in stories but knew of their famous hearty lifestyles and how they had assisted legendary heroes in the past. This was quite literally her chance to get a taste of the outside world, and perhaps her only one. This once in a life time opportunity was just being offered to her freely, so how could she say no. Besides, it was only going to be one small taste of it, how bad could that be.

“Just one sip?” Diana nervously asked for reassurance.

“Yup, but only if you want to stop there,” Fulgora teasingly replied, already imagining how foolish this wallflower might act once she got this into her system, “Come on, the night is still young. Let’s loosen you up a bit.”

“Ok, I suppose just a little bit couldn’t hurt.”

Diana awoke with a splitting headache in the dead of the night as she realized she was somehow back in her room. She couldn’t recall a thing of what had transpired during the rest of the festivities or how she got back here, but there were worst places to awaken in the middle of the night than your own bed. Last thing she remembered was confronting that oddly attractive woman and questioning her about her foreign origins before taking her very first sip of alcohol. It felt like she had a fun time after that but she couldn’t recall any details.

Despite the mystery retaining what happened after her chance meeting with that stranger, there was nothing more the sheltered maiden wanted right now than to return to slumber. However, this drunken induced head pain and this odd, overpowering sense that something was off with her, prevented such an outcome. She could only stir beneath her covers as she questioned why it felt like there was less space on her bed than before. Not to mention there was also this strange smell of smoke lingering about. Perhaps a window had been left open somewhere in the house and the scent of the died-out bonfire was sweeping in, but even then, that explanation didn’t quite explain the pure strength of the smell.

Curious, Diana forced herself out of bed, although her balance felt off and she swore her feet made a clomping sound when she set foot on the wooden floor. Did she leave her shoes on when she went to bed? If that was the cause she was glad her mother wasn’t around to see it, otherwise she wouldn’t hear the end of it. Nonetheless, whether they were on or not, if she didn’t find the source of that smoky smell soon and put an end to it, she would never get back to sleep.

However, as she got up, she couldn’t help but notice a glow reflected in her standing, full body mirror. Actually, as her sight adjusted to the darkness, there were really two sources of this earie light. Two tiny, bright orange orbs were burning back at Diana, almost like a pair of hellish eyes. However, as Diana got a better look, she realized they were eyes, her eyes. Shock, fear, and concern all raced through the devoted woman’s mind before more and more of her new features came to light, as her distress seemed to cause her entire new body to glow with heated radiance to reveal what she had become.

A massive twin pair of spiraling, volcanic horns now twisted towards the sky from her skull and her legs were now adorned with ashen black fur like her hair and were now clearly cloved like a goats. Wings seemingly partially composed of the darkness itself laid folded on her back and a stupidly long tail which reminded her more of a bullwhip was hanging off her and her bed. But the worst was the fire that was starting to ignite all over her body, burning her dress to ashes, while threatening to consume every inch of her, as her fear and worries only seemed to feed the flame. She wasn’t staring at herself anymore, she was staring at some mocking demon that had crawled its way out of the hottest pit of hell.

Unsure of how such a thing could have happen to her, or what she could do to stop this, Diana did the only thing her mind could allow her to do as she remained frozen in fear and covered in roaring fire. She screamed. She screamed so loud her ungodly shriek could threaten to awaken the dead, for she cried knowing she was damned, and her life was unjustly over.

Chapter Text

The fire only continued to grow and spread from her body as it started to creep onto her bed, and yet Diana remained frozen in terror thanks to her own altered reflection. Her own scream was still ringing in her ears as she started to hyperventilate, unknowingly raising the temperature of the room with each breath, as the shock of her discovery was beginning to wear off and she was forced to accept the reality of her situation. This wasn’t a nightmare, or some hallucination. This was real. That was her face and her body, but this was impossible. She looked like some freakish hybrid of her former self and that demonic beast illustrated in her favourite collection of stories. How could this have happened, what did she do to deserve this fate.

Oh gods, this must be some divine punishment from the Chief God herself to penalize her for her hidden vanity and pride. Why else would she be condemned to become a demon, a living embodiment of sin, otherwise. She knew her heart had faltered to the temptation of attention, but surely her faith and devotion to the Chief God and her vision were more than enough to balance things out. Had her faith truly wavered so much unknowingly to deserve such a punishment, and if so, just where did she go wrong?

Wait, what the hell was she thinking. Why was she questioning her own faith when it had not once ever faltered in the past. There was no way that the cause of this, not when there was a much more obvious answer. Fulgora! It had to be that damn Fulgora who had cursed her with this affliction. It had to be her, who else could have done this. That provocatively dressed trespasser, was some damn witch in disguise. Yes, that was it. She was some witch who enjoyed going around cursing helpless maidens and ruining their lives. It was all so clear to her now. Her strange attire, her devil may care attitude, and her talent for magic. There could be no other suspect, but why did she have to target her of all people.

Diana cursed herself for being such a blind fool to have even trusted her for a second. Wait, why did she trust her back than? Why did anybody when she first arrived? Sure, they were all curious about the newcomer, herself included, but Diana knew deep down that wasn’t how they would have normally reacted to a woman like her. Was she manipulating everybody right from the start? If so, did that mean Diana’s interest and attraction to her were not her fault? If so, surely that meant she wasn’t beyond salvation, even looking as she did now. Perhaps there was a way to reverse this. Perhaps there was still a way to save her soul, and she knew exactly who she was going to start with to get some answers.

Diana never considered herself a wrathful person, or someone even familiar with the feeling of anger, but the more she thought about that smooth talking deceiver, the more she imagined her stupidly smug face, the more her fear shifted to an all-consuming rage. Her hands clutched into her bedsheets as tears were forced out her burning eyes before evaporating from the inferno of heat she was starting to emanate due to her rising emotions. The more the newly born demonic maiden struggled to come to terms with these foreign feelings, the more the flames surrounding her reacted in response. Unfortunately, her rageful distress also blinded her to the fact nearly everything flammable around her had ignited into flames and causing a thick smoke to fill her room, as she let out another woeful cry over her predicament.

“Diana, what’s wrong!” the masculine voice of Diana’s father boomed out from beyond her room.

“Oh, gods. The house is on fire!” Diana’s mother cried out soon after.

The sounds of her parent’s distress managed to snap Diana out of her own as she finally noticed the results her internal turmoil too upon her surroundings. Not only was everything she once cherished set ablaze, but the flames had made it out of her room to spread to the rest of the house. Her family home was on fire, and her sheer existence was the cause, yet now that she thought about it, the fire didn’t seem to be affecting her at all. Despite the suppressive heat that must have been around her, it was hardly noticeable to the fallen maiden, in fact it was borderline comfortable. Oh, why wouldn’t it be, she was some god forsaken hell spawn now, being surrounded by the fires of damnation was where she belonged. No, this wasn’t the time for more self pity. Even if she was some demon of destruction now, even if she was the cause all this havoc, she had to do something to put out this fire, or at least stop it from spreading. The only problem was, she had no idea how she was even doing this, yet alone put a stop to it.

“Diana help! Everything is hot and I can’t breathe!” a very young voice wailed by Diana’s doorframe.

Diana’s head snapped towards the direction of the frightened voice, as she spied her younger sister, Milani, hurdled over and choking on the fumes. Any despair the corrupted demoness may have been drowning herself in was immediately set aside as the wellbeing for her sibling took over. However, as she stood up, her legs buckled under her like a newborn fawn’s as she toppled over onto her hands and knees. It turned out walking on hooves while finding her new balance was going to be tricker than she could have imagined, but as she struggled to get back up, her little collapse caught the attention of her little sister. Diana froze like a startled deer as she made brief direct eye contact with her sibling’s watery, smoke assaulted eyes. Instinctually the newly demonic older sister shielded herself with her newly obtained shadowy wings to hide her appearance, but it was too late.

Despite being partially blinded by the hazardous fumes, little Milani, could make out the horns, wings and hellish eyes of a monster in her big sister’s room. While she couldn’t tell said monster was in fact her older sister thanks to the roaring flames and thick smoke, that didn’t stop her from acting like how any frightened child would from seeing such a creature.

“MOMMY! DADDY! THERE’S A MONSTER IN DIANA’S ROOM! SAVE ME!” Milani cried out in terror as she began to weep.

Every part of Diana’s being wanted to go over there to counsel her and save her from this inferno, but she stopped herself. She was the cause of this and if she went over there, she would only end up harming her and putting her at greater risk. As much as she wanted to wipe her sister’s tears away and carry her to safety, who knows how badly her mere touch would burn her if she tired anything. Not to mention how terrified she would be if she realized that her caring big sister was the monster she was currently wailing about and setting fire to their home. On that note, how would her parents react to seeing her like this, or the village? Would they hear her out and try to help her in her time of need? No…no that was naïve of her to even think of such a possibility. They would damn her, cast her out or more likely try to eliminate the evil she had become.

No, no, no, no, nooooooo! That wasn’t fair! This wasn’t her fault! She didn’t deserve this, not when the real culprit was still out there. She could fix this, find some way to redeem herself, she just needed time. However, she couldn’t have that if the entire village was after her. So, in this pivotal moment, Diana did the only thing she could think of. While still cowering behind her shadowy wings, she willed that whip like tail of hers to lash out at the door to close it and it did as it was commanded. With a crackling impact, her demonic tail slammed her bedroom door shut to separate her from her sister, as it left a searing scar on the wood where it touched.

“Milani, I need you to listen to me, ok. You need to keep your head down and get out of the house as fast as you can, ok,” Diana called out to her sister on the other side of this oversized piece of kindle wood.

Despite the terror she was feeling, Milani felt a tinge of reassurance when she heard her sister’s voice on the other side. However, if she could hear her in there, then that meant she was trapped in there with that monster. A new sorrow swelled in the young girl as she began to desperately start banging on the heated door, despite how hot it was to the touch.

“What? No! I saw a monster in there with you. What about you?” the younger sibling cried out as she didn’t have a full grasp of the situation.

“Don’t worry about me. You need to focus on getting out of here. You need to leave me behind, I’m……I’m holding off that monster, so you need to flee while you still can. Don’t…..don’t worry…..I’ll….I’ll be fine. So just go,” Diana stuttered out as she fought back her own tears, as it pained her to lie to her sibling like this.

“I’ll get help. I’ll get mom and dad and everybody. You just wait, we’ll save you from the monster!”  Milani tearfully declared as she set off to rescue her only sister.

“You do that, Milani. I’ll…I’ll be waiting here when…..when you get back,” the tainted older sister uttered as she pushed her away for her own good.

Diana couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief wash over her as she heard her sister’s little footsteps move away from her bedroom door. It pained her beyond belief to leave her little sister to fend off the flames by herself, but she knew Milani could handle it despite her young age, after all this wasn’t a very large home. Not to mention mother and father were nearby to take care of here and ensure her safety. She had to trust in them, in Milani, to focus on their own wellbeing as she focused on hers. Speaking of which, despite the concern for her family and her condition, apart of Diana was just glad she seemed to be fireproof, otherwise she would have been reduced to crisp skeleton by now.

Although now that she thought about it, if she was the cause of this fire, maybe, just maybe she could stop it. It made sense, after all everything she knew about demons and the eternal hellscape they came from led her to believe she should be able to do more than just set everything on fire. Perhaps if she concentrated and thought really, really hard, maybe she could put the flames out and stop her house from fully burning to the ground in the process. She had to try, she couldn’t just stand by and allow everything her family built be destroyed.

“Ok, fire. Go away, go away, go away……” Diana chanted to herself as she held out her hands in the belief it would do something.

However, nothing happened. In fact, things may have gotten hotter, if only slightly. Frustration, impatience and hopelessness was swelling in the corrupted wallflower as her failure to make any noticeable, helpful difference was becoming painfully clear.

“FOR THE LOVE OF THE CHIEF GOD, JUST GO OUT ALREADY!” Diana screamed in anguish over her own powerlessness.

This time the flames did react to Diana’s will, unfortunately it was not in the way she desired. The flames roared to triple their previous size as they responded to Diana’s rising stress. Once more the newly born mamono freaked out as she only made her situation worse. Perhaps testing her new unholy abilities while her house was burning to cinders was a terrible idea in retrospect. It was becoming obvious she had zero control over whatever this new corrupted body of hers was capable of, but she had hoped she could do as little as extinguish a fire. Nevertheless, perhaps she needed to shift her focus from controlling these powers to getting rid of them, and for that, she couldn’t stick around here any longer, and she knew it.

She needed to escape, preferably unseen, before she somehow found a way to make this situation even worse for herself and her family. Thankfully there was another exit other than her door, the window. Despite being on the second floor, despite questioning whether she could even fit through it with her new additions, the window was her best and only option to get out of the house without being spotted by her family, and hopefully anyone else for that matter. As she approached to open the window though, she was shocked to see the glass immediately begin to melt into a molten slurry from her mere touch. Such a sight was beyond alarming, as she couldn’t even comprehend how much heat she must have been producing to accomplish such a feat, but such a sight reinforced her decision that it was wise not to get near her little sister when she was like this.

Soon the entire window and a good portion of the wall had been seared away, as Diana realized she could probably just burst through the weakened section with absurd ease if she so desired, not that she had a choice in the matter if she wanted to escape. She really wasn’t looking forward to this, as the drop would surely be painful, but that’s when she was reminded of her brand-new wings of darkness. While she had no idea how to use them, or if she could even fly with them considering they seemed to be only partly physical due to their shadowy makeup, but if her experience with her tail was anything to go by, then it seemed controlling her physical aspects would be far easier than whatever supernatural ones she now processed.

With a deep breath, the demonic newborn took a wobbly, running leap at what little remained of her window wall. She easily bypassed the scorched barrier as if it were paper as she tumbled into the cool open air of the night. She spread her smoky wings and for a brief moment she felt weightless as she truly thought she accomplished the art of flight, however much like the gravity that took hold of her, reality came crashing down on the inexperienced mamono. Before she even realized it, she had belly flopped, limbs spread apart, onto the crisp grass that surround her home, before it too ignited from her presence.

She was stunned for only a moment, but oddly enough she didn’t feel a tinge of pain from her fall despite her rough landing. If anything, the only thing wounded was her pride, as failing at such a stunt was more embarrassing than anything to her now, as the one thing she was glad was that no was around to see it. It appeared flying was still something beyond her reach, which was going to be an issue considering she not only needed to get out of here asap, but a sky eye view would have been extremely handy in the task of locating Fulgora.

As she stumbled to get back on her cloven feet, she was met with the unblinking stare of one of her family’s goats. It seemed the little farmland critter still recognized her as it showed no fear, but the way it was nuzzling against her new ridged horns showed it was curious about her new head accessories. However, the fact she could see it illuminated by the scorching light she was putting off, reminded her that she was still on fire, which meant she was practically acting as just one giant lit torch, easily visible to anyone despite the surrounding darkness.

That really wasn’t good, in fact that was a huge problem as the flames covering her body meant hiding would be near impossible, but it also reminded her she was also currently butt ass naked thanks to these stupid flames burning her dress to nothing. While she didn’t want anyone seeing her as a horrific fire demon, she also really didn’t want anyone seeing her in the nude; her little maiden heart just wouldn’t be able to take it if the whole village caught her streaking like this.

She needed to find to that accursed enchantress as soon as possible, but where to start? She could be anywhere; hell, was it even reasonable for her to even to consider that Fulgora would still be in the village anymore. Was there any reason she would have stayed? Considering how brash she was, it was possible she was lurking around here somewhere if only to cruelly watch Diana suffer, but it made more sense she would just bail to leave her to her fate. Diana was second guessing her course of action already, but her mind was made up as soon as she saw lights in her neighbours’ homes began to appear and commotion break out in the distance.

“The Cinis house is on fire!”

“Quick, wake everyone and get as much water as you can!”

“I think I see someone by the house! They’re on fire!”

That last remark was what finally decided what course Diana would take. Forget finding that scantly cladded heretic, she needed to find shelter before she was discovered and bye some time until she could get her new unholy powers under control. But where? She was a walking fire hazard, and she couldn’t risk burning down the whole village. Even the woods were a no go, considering how easily it would be for her to start a forest fire with all the dead leaves on the ground. What to do, what to do, what to do, she pondered as the voices of her village grew closer and closer. Why couldn’t there be someone here who could actually help her and remove this tainted affliction.

That’s when it hit her. There was someone here, someone who has always been by her side and had the power to soothe and remove these demonic flames of hers, the Chief God. How could she have been so stupid as to not consider her aid until now. This was her holy land, and it was under her divine protection just like everyone who lived upon it. If she could get to the church, she could pray for a miracle, perhaps even divine intervention to save her from this damnation. Not to mention her demonic flames could do nothing against the saintly protections such a sacred structure held, thus making it perhaps the only building in the village her demonic curse couldn’t burn away. Reaching the chapel was her only chance at salivation, and for the first time she felt hope regarding her situation, because surely, the Chief God wouldn’t allow someone as devote as her to be unjustly stolen from her light, not when she did nothing deserving of this fate.

Without giving it a second thought, Diana bolted towards the church. While it was awkward at first given she was still unaccustomed to moving on her newly hooved legs, she quickly found her stride as she ran towards her one hope as she left blazing hoofprints in her wake. Unfortunately, her haste made her a very noticeable target to spot even from a distance, as she appeared as some great fire ball rolling through the hillsides to those witnessing her make her way through the darkness. However, even as Diana started to hear the shouts and hollers increase behind her, she didn’t dare look back as she made the long way around to her village and beelined it to the chapel within its center.

It was far from the grandest, largest or most luxurious tribute to the Chief God, but its humble makings made it the perfect representation for everything the greatest of deities stood for. Diana had spent so much time volunteering and maintaining this small chapel, it was practically felt like a second home to her. However, that didn’t stop her from shoulder checking the locked doors open as she forced her way inside. Despite the mess her head was in, the moment she entered the sacred building, she felt more reassured and safer, as if the protection of her goddess was already reaching her. Her flames even died down a good deal due to her lowering stress, however, to Diana this was just another sign that the Chief God was looking out for her. However, regardless of her new found relief, Diana wasn’t foolhardy enough to believe she wouldn’t need to take precautions to ensure her desperate plead to the Chief God wouldn’t go undisturbed.

With concerning ease, Diana lifted and dropped the massive log which acted as bar lock for this church to stop anyone from entering the chapel after her. With the door secured, Diana turned to stare down the wooden figure of her divine protector waiting for her at the other end of the chapel. Slowly she made her way towards it, unaware of the scorch marks her hooves left on the carpet or the embers which were already forming on the rows of benches as she timidly passed. As she stood before the image of her goddess, despite being in its grace a thousand times before, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy as she kneeled before the alter of worship given her new unworthy form. Yet despite her remerging fears, she clasped her hands together, shut her eyes and started her prayer.

“My dear goddess, please forgive my appearance but I am in desperate need of your aid. A foul and undesiring fate has befallen me and only her grace and mercy can save my soul now. Please, I beseech you, save me, save my family and my home from whatever I have become. Remove this affliction that has been forced upon me, don’t let this darkness swallow me and conceal me from your loving light. Please, please, please…….save me,” Diana desperately pleaded as she repeated these words over and over again.

For minutes, Diana held her submissive position, refusing to move until a sign appeared. The longer it took, the more desperate and disheartened she became, but than it happened. A light appeared; one she could sense despite her closed eyes. This was it; her goddess was answering her pleas, her faith wasn’t misplaced nor wasted, she was going to be saved from this damnation. However, as she excitedly opened her eyes to see the miracle before her, all she saw was the figure of her faith set ablaze just like everything else in her life. Her hear sank deeper than it ever had before as she was left speechless. What did this mean? Was this her goddess telling she wouldn’t save her? That she couldn’t? Was she being abandoned? Discarded? But why? What did she do wrong? Why would the Chief God forsake her?

“It went into the church!”

“Dear gods, I think it’s trying to burn it down too!”

“What should we do? It’s clearly some kind of monster or demon!”

“We surround it and trap it in there! Let it burn by its own fire!”

The encroaching voices of her fellow village folk snapped the forsaken maiden back to reality as she realized her presence in the chapel had been discovered. As she peered out sheepishly through one of the stained-glass windows, she saw her literal worst nightmare. A good portion of those she cherished and trusted had formed an armed mob and were surrounding her, under the correct belief she was some threat to be vanished. A part of her wanted to go out there and explain things, but she was beyond scared of their reactions, of their judgement. They would hack her to pieces and ensure she never had a proper burial. Her soul would be disgraced and lost forever. Yet, despite all the horrific fates that would befall her if the villagers got their hands on her, she was most scared for her family. What if they turned their fear and rage towards them? It was all too awful to imagine.

Yet all she could do was curl up on herself beneath the stain glass, as the fire spread throughout the church just like it did in her home. The people would surely grow impatient soon and try to break down the door any moment now, of that Diana was sure. Even as the ceiling started to cave in, all she could do was wait for all hell to break loose as she awaited her punishment from her fellow villagers. Despite wishing they would show her mercy, she understood as devote followers of the Chief God it was their duty to purge the world of evil if even the chance, so why would she be an exception.

However, as the voices grew more and more restless, they all suddenly went silent. For a moment Diana thought her own ears were playing a trick on her, but as she listened more closely, they really had gone quiet, with only the crackling of the burning wood around her now audible. Carefully and very stealthily, Diana peered through the window once more, but this time she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Everyone, and she did mean everyone was now lying on the ground, unmoving, unresponsive. She couldn’t believe it, what happened? Were they dead, sleeping, or fallen under some curse? Despite her current affliction, she needed to go out to ensure they were fine, and if they were, well, she wasn’t going to waste this chance to get away, even if she had no destination in mind.

Sheepishly, Diana opened the large wooden doors and stepped outside, her blazing eyes keeping a close look on everyone as she got closer. She was really hoping this wasn’t some trick designed to get her out of the burning chapel and they would spring up to ambush her, but her concerns were for naught. Everyone remained where they laid and thankfully, they all seemed to be breathing, some even snoring loudly, as she realized they were all just asleep. Yet, despite the wave of the relief that came over the infernal woman, she was now puzzled over how this happened.

“Relax, I just put everyone to sleep. But you know, I got to admit, burning down a church of the Chief God is pretty hardcore, but you didn’t need to go to such lengths to impress me, you know. So, if you’re done showing off, you need to put a lid on things before you burn down the whole village and attract the wrong kind of attention,” Fulgora announced her presence from atop of the blazing chapel.

Diana looked up to spot the woman who had corrupted her sitting leisurely on the edge of what was left of the church’s roof. However, Fulgora didn’t look the same as she did when Diana first met her at the barn dance. Sure, she was still wearing the same clothes and her body looked mostly the same, but now her eyes were a gleaming blood red and she had horns, and wings, and a viper like tail. She was no witch, she was a demon, just like Diana was now. Oh, it made too much sense, but what did this devil want with her now?

“You!” Diana shouted in anger, her rage fueling the fire consuming the chapel causing it to erupt around the Lilim.

“Yes, me. What the hell are you so angry about? What you mad I put your boyfriend to sleep or something? You can take care of him after we get out of here, so try and have some god damn patience,” Fulgora groaned out as she flew down to unite with Diana, although she was genuinely confused by the hostility her new companion was showing her.

“Boyfriend? What the hell are you talking about? I’m mad because of what you did to me!” Diana screamed in disbelief of the demoness’s attempt at ignorance.

“What am I talking about? What the hell are you talking about? What exactly did I do to you to have you start thinking you can act like such a bitch to someone like me,” Fulgora growled back, clearly not accustomed to such disrespect.

“This! All this!” Diana frantically roared as she pointed to her entire body, “You did this to me, you made me this…this…this terrible thing!”

“That’s what this is about? Bitch, you asked for this, like specifically to become a Balrog. Damn girl, I knew we were both drunk when you asked but how the hell do you not remember something like that? Don’t tell me you’re going to say you don’t remember our super hot make-out session next,” Fulgora more blankly responded as she was becoming just as confused as Diana was.

“Wait…no…no….noooo. That isn’t what happened. That couldn’t have been what happened. I don’t even know what a Balrog is? AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE MADE OUT!” Diana erupted in disbelief as she went stupidly pale in the face from hearing this reveal.

“Ok, calm your tits down. I’ll explain everything and remind you of what happened. We started drinking and talking since there was nothing else to do but you like really loosened up once that alcohol hit ya. Like you have a crazy constitution by the way, especially for a newbie because you drank most of that bottle of dwarven rum by yourself without passing out, which is crazy impressive. Anyways, you told me some personal shit, I told you some stories, and next thing I know we were headed back to your place. You initiated things by grabbing my ass, respectably bold move by the way, kudos, and we started making out on your bed,” the Lilim began to divulge her story of tonight’s earlier events.

“No…no…no, you’re lying! Even if I was drunk and acting strange, there’s no way I would sleep with some…some foul demon,” Diana denied the punkish enchantress’s words.

“Ok, first all I’m not a demon, I’m a Lilim. Notice the lack of blue skin. Anyways, we didn’t sleep together if that’s what you’re worried about. We just messed around first, second and third base is all. By the way I’m amazed you were able to get those cow utters of yours so compressed in that dated dress of yours,” Fulgora unashamedly corrected.

“Don’t talk about my breasts!” Diana blurted out as she covered her chest bashfully, “and…and let’s say I was willing to believe your blatant false accusations. Why did you turn me into this…this Balrog or whatever I am now.”

“Well, I was getting to that. You see there are consequences to aggressively kissing something like myself. My mamono mana may have been transferring to you the entire time our tongues were wrapped around another, so you were already quickly corrupting yourself. I would have stopped, but even a quick peck on the cheek from me would have eventually changed you. Besides, its kind of goes against my nature to say no to a good time, if you know what I mean. Anyways, I may have felt a little bad and let slip I could change people into mamono to you. So, since you were changing anyway, I decided to randomly ask you what kind of monster you wanted to be if given the choice. I don’t think you took my question seriously at the time, because you just brought out this random book, pointed to a picture of a fucking Balrog of all things and said that’s what you wanted,” Fulgora continued to reveal the truth of Diana’s transformation.

“And you just went along with it! I was drunk, helpless, incapable of making a good decision. Why would you make me something so clearly dangerous. How could you be so…so…irresponsible!”

“To be fair, I was not expecting you go full Balrog. I thought your body wouldn’t be able to handle a conversion into something so insanely powerful, since, well, no offence, you were a powerless nobody. I really thought you were only to become something much more manageable like a Pyrow or a Succubus, but mother be damned, you surprised me, yet again. So, my bad,” Fulgora went on to defend herself with a half-hearted shrug.

“Your bad. YOUR BAD! That’s all you have to say! My family is going to be homeless now and winter is just around the bend. Not to mention I burned down the most sacred building in my village and all you have to say for yourself, is your bad!” Diana scolded as harshly as she could manage.

“Listen, bitch, I already cleaned up your mess back there after I woke up, hungover by the way, in that little barn of yours with all your goats. The fire is out, your home is still mostly standing, and your family is safe and sound. They’re unconscious on the ground like everyone else in this pitiful village. Not to mention, I did not tell you to start burning shit down, that’s all on you. So, if you don’t want this eyesore of a building behind me to burn down too, just put it out yourself. Honestly, why even start this fire, if you’re only going to blame me for it,” the Lilim rebuked back, insulted by the odd claims of her newly birthed Balrog.

“I can’t!” Diana blurted out.

“What do you mean, you can’t. It’s simple, you’re a Balrog, fire is your whole thing, so just listen to those new instincts in you and put it out already,” Fulgora argued back, finding such a claim absurd.

“If I say I can’t, I can’t. I already tried but I have no idea what I’m doing. Nobody taught me how to be a Balrog, let alone control fire. All I seem to be able to is indiscriminately burst everything around me into flames. I’m out of control and I can’t stop it!” Diana whined as she expressed her discomfort over her lack of control.

Fulgora looked at the distressed Balrog with a newfound look of uncertainty, before looking back at the chapel. Now that she thought about it, the heat Diana was giving off was increasing the more she got heated, plus she wasn’t behaving how most newly corrupted mamono tended to act. Normally the recent flush of mamono mana in one’s system caused newbies to act overly energized and excitable, at least until they had some time to mellow out and return to normalcy. While, it wasn’t unheard of for different emotional reactions to take place after corruption, the fact Diana claimed to have little to no control over her newfound abilities surprisingly puzzled the usually carefree Lilim.

“Just out of curiosity, can you fly?” Fulgora asked, seemingly out of the blue.

“I did try but I fell on my face,” Diana bashfully answered as she looked to the ground in embarrassment.

“Odd, but not completely unheard of. Ok, what about this, what do you feel when you look at all these people on the ground, like specifically the guys,” Fulgora continued her line of questioning.

“What dos that have to do with anything! Why are you asking me these stupid, pointless questions! I’m still very crossed with you!” Diana argued as she didn’t understand what the Lilim was trying to get at.

“Just answer the question, and I’ll put out the fire myself,” Fulgora offered the Balrog to continue playing along.

“I don’t know. I’m glad they’re ok, but I’m not sure if leaving them asleep on the cold ground is the best idea,” Diana honestly answered, unsure of how she was supposed to respond.

“Ok, but what about that guy over there. Wasn’t he the one you were dancing with before you met me. How does looking at him make you feel?” the Lilim curiously inquired further.

“Who? Adam over there. I guess I’m happy he’s ok too. Why do you ask?” Diana questioned the demoness’s questions.

“So, he doesn’t make your heart beat crazy and make you feel the urge to take care of him, give him special treatment and fuck him everyday for the rest of your lives,” Fulgora bluntly asked without a hint of mockery or regret in her tone.

“What no. Why would you ask me something so….vulgar,”  the newly born Balrog was quick to answer with sheer disgust in her voice.

“Ok, relax,” the Lilim uttered as she couldn’t help but notice how the fire behind her reacted to Diana’s rising emotions, “Is there anybody you can think of who would make you feel that way here?”

“No, why would they. Why are you asking me these things? What does that have to do with anything!” Diana blurted out as she accused the Lilim of playing games with her.

“I know it may not seem like this has nothing to do with all of this, but it might actually have everything to do with this. I’m not exactly sure yet myself, after all I’m not an expert on this shit but that was good to know,” Fulgora expressed as Diana’s answers only raised further questions.

This situation was getting stranger and stranger for the punkish Lilim. Becoming something as powerful as a Balrog should have raised her sex drive to crazy levels, especially right after monsterization. Yet again, Balrog’s were rumored to be notoriously picky when it came to whom they picked as their mates, not to mention being highly spontaneous when they did decide on somebody. Perhaps, that quirk was a big part of this, although that didn’t exactly explain the lack of self control she held. Maybe she just needed some more time to cook in the oven as they say, maybe all she needed was for her body to grow more accustomed with itself given more time. After all she was defiantly a mamono now, that fact was of no doubt, so things should balance themselves out eventually, at least that’s what Fulgora told herself.

“Well, are you going to put out the fire or what!” Diana aggressively asked Fulgora to remind her of her promise.

The Lilim was snapped out of her unusual moment of deep thought as she turned to the bossy Balrog, “Right, right. I’m on it.”

Fulgora looked upon the burning chapel of her mother’s most annoying rival as she began to conjure the power she would need to subdue this inferno. Red electivity jumped between her fingertips as a howling wind the likes of which Diana had never experienced appeared from nowhere. A visible vortex of wind appeared around the chapel, blowing out most of the flames out while depriving the rest of their beloved oxygen. Just as promised the fire was put out and the small church remained standing, at least most of it anyway.

“There, you happy. Just don’t tell anyone I saved a church to that stuck up hag, ok. I don’t think my reputation could survive that news getting out in the wild,” Fulgora groaned as she couldn’t believe she just did that.

“Ok, that’s great, but now turn me back!  You did this, so you can undo this, right!” Diana demanded as she put her hoof down.

“Excuse me? Oh, wallflower, I’m afraid there has been a misunderstanding, I can’t undo this, no one can,” Fulgora informed bluntly.

“What do you mean no one can? Are you saying that I’m…I’m…”

“Stuck like this forever. Pretty much, but if it helps I know some spells that will allow you to be more flexible with your appearance, if that’s your thing. In the meantime, I’ll hang with you for a bit longer until you get the whole being a Balrog thing down, how does that sound. Now, lets get out of here, before actual trouble shows up,” the Lililm offered as she suddenly took Diana by the hand, only to have it tugged away.

“I’m not going anyway with you. I’ll find my own way to fix this. I’ll visit every priest and priestess in this kingdom if I have too,” Diana defiantly proclaimed as she took a step back from her corrupter.

“Don’t be stupid. Those prudes would vanquish you before you even had a chance to explain yourself. Now come on, I doubt we have much more time before our presences starts to attract……” Fulgora urged as she tried to make her new relucent companion see reason, however she never got the chanced to finish.

Without warning, two orbs of blinding light appeared from the night clouded heavens and descended towards the fiendish duo. As the lights grew closer, Diana had to partially cover her blazing eyes, but she could make out two humanoid shapes within them. Both were female, with gorgeous sets of golden feathered wings upon their backs and were adorned with heavy plate armor one would expect to find on the most devote of paladins. They both shrined with unrivaled, obsolete brilliance as their divine origins would have been obvious to anyone who looked upon them, however, it was clear even to Diana that they appeared to be quite unamused by the sight of the two demonic entities standing below them

“Who….who are they?” Diana nervously asked Fulgora as she felt the newcomers’ judgemental glares upon her.

A deep, almost annoyed groan escaped the Lilim’s lips, “Some actual fucking trouble.”

Chapter Text

“Those…those are angels aren’t they. She heard me, my goddess actually heard me and sent help from the heavens to save me from your foul wickedness,” Diana uttered with tearful eyes as she couldn’t help but clasp her hands in worship from the sight of the two holier-than-thou entities.

“They’re Valkyries actually. Sure, they may act all chivalrous and virtuous and shit, but don’t buy their act. They’re nothing but a bunch of preachy, snobby guard dogs with their heads so far up their own tight asses that…….Diana what the hell are you doing?” Fulgora ranted before stopping herself after seeing what Diana was doing beside her.

Plopped down onto her knees, the woman the Lilim had just corrupted into a Balrog was conscientiously praying to the descending celestials. Never in the hundreds of years since the Lilim has been around had she ever seen such a ridiculous scene unfold. Did this idiot not realize these Valkyries came here to eliminate her from their bitch of a goddess’s precious soil. Fulgora’s eye couldn’t help but twitch as she realized this stubborn hothead was going to be more trouble than she was worth.

“I’m praying for forgiveness and salivation. What else would I be doing,” Diana aggressively informed her corrupter before returning to chanting under her breath.

“Don’t….don’t fucking do that. They’re not here to help you, they’re here to get rid of us, one way or another. The only thing they’re going to give you is jack and shit, so get up and stop embarrassing yourself. You’re a fucking Balrog for crying out loud, at least try and act like one,” the rebellious Lilim murmured as she thought she was about to die from second hand embarrassment.

“Why should I? If there is anyone who can help fix what you did to me, it’s angels. Besides why should I believe you. You’re a lying demon trying to steal me away for some unknown, probably sinister purpose,” the praying Balrog whined at the Lilim looming over her.

“Ok, technically I am trying to steal you away, but it really is for your own good, dumbass, especially now that these self-righteous freaks have shown up. Those chicken winged divas aren’t going to fix you. They couldn’t even if they wanted too. Now stop being such a baby and get up,” Fulgora demanded as she grabbed Diana by one of her grandiose horns and lifted her up with surprising ease.

“Enough! It’s disgraceful enough a Lilim has dared set foot on our Lady’s most sacred land, but you were brazen enough to give birth to something as heinous as a Balrog within our territory. Did you truly think your presence here wouldn’t go unnoticed, unchallenged. I knew your ilk were prideful and vain creatures, but even I didn’t believe any of you were foolish enough to think you could get away with causing such mayhem in this kingdom. Just what is your game here, whorish offspring of Lilith,” the taller, more physically imposing of the two Valkyries addressed as she fluttered only a couple feet above them

Now that they were nice and choose, Diana could finally get a good look at the pair of celestial warriors. Both were adorned in nearly identical silver plate which were embellished with the same golden rimes and symbols, as well as processing matching winged helms that completely protected the top half of their faces while concealing their judgemental glares. The only difference between them appeared to be in their physique and the weapons they wielded, as the one who had just spoke held a great spear in her hands and appeared to be the more mature and heavily built of the two. The other one was only slightly shorter and slimmer but the massive bow she had firmly in her grasp indicated she was no less a threat. However, despite the sanctimonious splendor the two radiated, there was something they mentioned that caught the young Balrog’s attention.

“Who’s Lilith? Why does that name resonate with me so?” Diana uttered as it felt familiar despite the fact, she knew she never heard that name before.

“She’s my mom, didn’t you hear the blowhard. You know, the Queen of Succubi, the Mistress of Lust, the current Mamono Lord, does any of that ring a bell?” Fulgora lectured as if this was basic information.

Diana’s face went pale upon that reveal as her voiced began to stutter, “Wait, wait, wait, that would mean you’re…you’re…”

“Yes, a daughter of the Mamono Lord. That’s what a Lilim is, dummy. Wait, did I not mention that to you before? If so, I guess that is also my bad,” Fulgora thought to herself aloud wondering if she had actually forgotten to inform Diana of that important bit of information regarding herself.

“I….I…I….drank…..kissed…..with…..daughter….Monster….Lord…..” Diana madly stuttered out as she went pale in the face trying to wrap her brain around the true extent of her newly acquired sins.

“Oh, snap out of it. It’s not that big a deal,” the rebellious Lilim uttered before getting a good look at her fiery companion and seeing she was on the verge of fainting, “Oh, wow you’re taking this news harder than I thought. Jeez, it isn’t that mind blowing, is it?”

“Don’t ignore the question you harbinger of degeneracy. What was your business here? What were you after? Tell us and we may show some leniency,” the spear wielding Valkyrie demanded with a growing scowl upon her face.

“Leniency? Oh, that’s rich. Let’s see, considering you pigs wouldn’t believe me if I told you, let me just say instead that I decided to invade your little wall-offed utopia by myself because I wanted to reck what little tranquility was here, corrupt every single soul for the hell of it, and force your precious little Chief God lick my clit. I even made this hot piece of ass to help me do it, too. How does that sound for an answer,” Fulgora smugly answered as she made an inappropriate motion with her tongue and fingers.

“That’s why you came here? I knew it! I knew you were evil!” Diana shrieked as she came back to her senses upon hearing the provoking proclamation.

“What! No, of course not. I was just messing with these pious birdbrains. How was that not obvious?” the Lilim reassured despite being dumbstruck by her new Balrog’s lack of social awareness.

“Oh…well….you shouldn’t be lying to angels than,” the devote fire demon retorted as she maintained her moral superiority.

“No more games, Lilim, whatever your scheme was, it ends now. Return to whatever dark hole you crawled out from but surrender that Balrog you created. Your blatant blasphemy against these lands can not be allowed to walk free,” the bow wielding Valkyrie proclaimed as she readied her weapon as a glimmering arrow of pure light formed in her hands.

“Oh, please, the only reason you mid-tier grunts want to let me go is because you know you can’t hope to face something like me. Is that why there’s only two of you, because your boss is worried I would taint too many of her lackey’s pretty little wings black tonight. If so, why exactly should I consider this insulting offer for even a second,” Fulgor inquired in a tainting manner.

“There are only two of us, because only two are required. We know the creation of something like a Balrog uses up an absurd amount of power, even for a Lilim such as yourself. While we don’t stand a chance against you even in your weakened state, we can dispose of this evil you gave birth to here tonight. We will not allow that insult to our Lady’s honor, this Cedar’s Bane you created to remain,” the larger of the two angels declared as she pointed her spear as if ready to strike.

“Holy shit, I keep forgetting how crazy loyal you girls can be. You hear that Diana, they already christened you with a title, isn’t that hilarious. Not going to lie, Cedar’s Bane isn’t bad. In fact, you could really rock with a name like that,” Fulgora amusingly uttered to her now cowering friend.

“Wait, wait, wait. May I please be allowed to speak, oh holy ones. I did not desire this, I am but a helpless victim of this…..this…fiend beside me. I am not this Cedar’s Bane you have dubbed me as. My name is Diana Cinis, a child of this land and of the benevolent Chief God who watches over it. I’ll surrender myself, so if you could…..not kill me….and save me…instead…that…would be…..great?” Diana exclaimed passionately at first, however her confidence dwindled as she felt the unseen, critical eyes of the two Valkyries bore into her burning skull as she spoke.

The divine archer looked to her taller sister-in-arms with a clear look of confliction, “Sister Theliel, is it just me or does this Balrog speak oddly respectfully. You don’t think she’s…”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s already lost and even if the corruption hasn’t by some miracle affected her mind just yet, doesn’t mean it won’t. It’s only a matter of time before she succumbs to it. I’m afraid her soul is already beyond trying to save,” the Valkyrie known as Theliel declared coldly.

“No, no I’m not. It was by my prays that you were brought here, right, so that must count for something. Please, I beseech you, remove what this demoness did to me, I know you can do it, you’re angels for crying out loud,” Diana desperately argued as she still couldn’t believe this was happening.

“Considering her willingness to surrender, perhaps elimination may not be necessary with this one, Sister……” the winged bowwoman put forth.

Diana nodded her head frantically as she overheard this, “Yes, yes. I knew you would see reason. I’m not a threat, I’m just…..”

“……Maybe we can simply seal her away for all eternity, instead?” the Valkyrie continued her line of thought.

“Wait, no, no, no. That isn’t necessary either. Can’t we talk about this!” the Balrog nervously begged as her flames around her hourglass figure started to increase once more due to her rising stress.

However, before the Balrog could continue to plead her case, her eyes widened in horror as she watched the angelic spearwoman pull her arm back before launching her divine weapon right at her. Diana froze in place as time seemed to slow as she witnessed the tip of that spear get closer and closer to her, until a sudden tug on the back of her hair caused her to take a few steps back and avoid incoming polearm all together. The spear embedded itself deep into the dirt, right between the Balrog’s dark furred legs as Diana was left to think of the dark outcome that could have occurred if she had remained where she stood. However, before she could truly allow her near death to sink in, she suddenly felt Fulgora’s hands on her slim waist, before she was hoisted into the air and flung over the Lilim’s shoulder like some trophy. Diana was taken aback by this sudden bold move before she felt Fulgora give her ass a playfully slap which caused her hefty cheeks to wobble slightly from the impact, while also snapping the Balrog back to her senses.

“It seems negotiations have fallen through, go figure. Come on, lets get your sexy ass out of here,” Fulgora casually declared as she made a dark portal appear with her fee hand.

“Don’t you dare! You corrupted me, ruined my purity! I’m not going anywhere with you!” Diana pitifully whined as she started to bang on her captor’s back like some desperate damsel in distress.

“Relax will ya. I’m trying to save you here. So, please do something about your temperature already, you’re fucking blazing right now. At this rate you’re going to burn my favourite jacket,” Fulgora groaned as even she had to admit the heat coming off of Diana was starting to get off-putting.

The punkish Lilim casually approached the growing mass of swirling darkness in the hopes of leaving both these overbearing celestials and this overly traditional village behind, in the hopes the Valkyries would be smart enough as to not try and stop her exit. However, before she could step through to finally escape, an arrow of pure light was fired through it, completely disrupting the quickly conjured portal and dispelling it entirely. Fulgora looked back with a glare at the archer who dared destroy her exit, although she seemed more annoyed than anything else.

“Fucking really? You, dummies really on intent on doing this the hard way, aren’t ya” Fulgora acknowledged with a sigh.

“Did you really think we would allow you to simply walk away. Your arrogance truly knows no bounds,” Theliel roared as she divebombed down to meet he Lilim on the ground and retrieve her spear.

In one fluid motion, the well-trained Valkyrie removed her weapon of choice from the cold earth and proceeded to instantly move into a daring lunge against the powerful fiend. Despite carrying Diana like a sack of useless potatoes, Fulgora was easily able to sidestep the desperate thrust as she glided backwards as if she were skating on ice. Again, Fulgora attempted to create an escape portal only to have it vanquished by the divine archer up above. While Fulgora never prided herself on being a fighter, even she could see through this duo’s strategy. At first Fulgora was confused as to why the archer wasn’t firing at her more aggressively but she quickly realized the celestial simply didn’t wish to accidently strike any of the unconscious humans lying about with a stray shot, which even the Lilim had to acknowledge was admirable. It appeared she had resigned her job to simply being the removal of any escape routes Fulgora created while her more frontline comrade kept up the pressure on the ground. As long as she held onto Diana, the Lilim knew she couldn’t simply fly out of here, so it was obvious the Valkyries were trying to force her hand to abandon her fiery luggage so they could separate them and focus their attention on the Balrog. It was a simple but good plan, but Fulgora wasn’t going to play into their hands, she was too stubborn to do something like that.

“We got to increase the pressure! We can’t let them escape!” Theliel howled as she continued her relentless assault despite her growing frustrations of not being able to hit either target.

“I know, but what of the humans, Sister? There’s too many of them about for me to fire recklessly,” the nameless celestial bowwoman responded as she shot away another portal.

“We got to take the chance. Another opportunity to rid the world of one of the Whore Queen’s wretched offspring may never come about again!” the golden winged spearwoman rebuked as she got a little wilder with her attacks.

“Ok, I don’t know about you, but I think this has gone on long enough,” Fulgora declared dispassionately as a rush of mana surged through her free hand.

With a barrage of snaps from her fingers, portal after portal began to appear one after another, as dozens of swirling masses of darkness now littered the landscape. The Valkyrie high above wasted no time trying to shoot away as many of them as she could but there were simply too many for one bowwoman to handle by herself. It took a few tries, but Fulgora was finally able to reach one of her conjured exits before it could be dispelled by the archer’s barrage of radiant arrows. Theliel witnessing her targets about to slip away between heir fingers, made one desperate lunge to piece the heart of the fleeing Lilim while her back was turned but Fulgora appeared to have anticipated this.

With a wicked grin, just before she dived into her dark portal, Fulgura gave a quick glance back and prepared to fire a bolt of corruptive red electricity from her fingertips at the spear wielding Valkyrie. Behind the veil of her helmet, Theliel’s eyes widened in terror as she knew she was moments away from joining her fallen sisters, but instead the blast of mamono rich lightning flew right past her face and somehow missed her completely. It took the Valkyrie a moment to understood how the Lilim had missed her from such a close range, but that’s when she saw it. The Balrog’s tail had wrapped around the Lilim’s wrist and changed the direction of the spell just in time so that the strike would just barely miss its mark. As the two fiends disappeared into the portal, never to be seen again, Theliel was left dumbstruck by the fact that a Balrog of all things had just saved her from corruption.

“Sister Theliel, are you alright!” the archer concernedly inquired as she flew down to check in with her compatriot.

“I’m….I’m fine, Sister Hael. But they got away,” the melee focused celestial uttered in a disappointed tone as she still struggled to come with terms over what just occurred.

“I know. I’m sorry for not being quick enough to cut off their escape but that Balrog, did my eyes deceive me or did she prevent that Lilim from striking you down before they escaped?” the Valkyrie known as Hael expressed her confusion over the scene she just witnessed play out.

“I’m not sure, but it certainly did appear that way. Regardless, they’re both gone now, far from our sight and jurisdiction. Not to mention we failed to uphold our Lady’s honor and missed our best opportunity to dispose of one of those despicable Lilims,” Theliel reluctantly admitted as she couldn’t help but blame herself for their shortcomings.

“We did all we could, Sister. But I think we should report what we just witnessed here tonight. I believe there is more to that Balrog than meets the eye. Perhaps her claims of maintaining her soul were true, perhaps she even holds the key to rescuing our fallen sisters,” Hael proposed with a glimpse of hope in her tone.

“Don’t say that. Don’t give me false hope. Our Sisters can’t be saved from the corruption that ravages them, whether its from that accursed Mamono Lord or that irredeemable Fallen God. However, I agree we must report our findings and if possible, find this Balrog, this Cedar’s Bane, to confirm any suspicions about her unique condition,” Theliel sorrowfully uttered.

“And what of the humans. We can’t leave them like this. What if the Lilim infected some or all of them with her corruption,” Hael put forth concernedly.

“It appears she only enchanted them to sleep, but we’re not leaving until everyone here is checked and their wellbeing is confirmed. Come, the morning shall arrive shortly and there is much to do,” Theliel ordered as she turned to inspect the closest human near her.

Despite their recent loss, the Valkyries wasted no time attending to their holy duties as they checked the spirit of each and every unconscious human affected by Fulgora’s sleep spell. Thankfully, by the grace of the Chief God, at most only the faintest trace of corruption could be found on any of them, no doubt residue left over from the enchantment. However it was nothing that wouldn’t naturally dispense from their bodies after an hour or so. While they could have awakened them themselves, both angels knew they would all wake up on their own in a few hours and they didn’t wish to disturb the peace here anymore than it already has by having their presence discovered. However, as they attended their humble work, the cry of a child off in the distance caught both their attention.

With shift haste the two Valkyries flew towards the sound of the disturbance until they came across the smoldering remains of a partially burned down home.  Just like the town centre, there were a group of humans shattered about on the ground also unconscious. It didn’t take them long for the two celestials to piece together that this was the origin spot where the Balrog was first created. As they peered down, they spotted the source of the distress as they witnessed a small elven year-old girl trying desperately to wake up someone who appeared to be their mother as tears rolled down her face. However, both Valkyries were more stunned by the fact a child of all things, was even found to be awake unlike every other human in this village.

“It is all right child; your mother is safe and sound. She will wake up shortly, you need only be patient,” Hael softly uttered as she glided down to counsel the little girl.

“But I…I need her…to wake up….now. My sister…I need mom’s help to find…her. She’s missing….she was fighting off….a monster and now…she’s missing. Where….where is she? Where is my sister?” the eleven year old tearfully cried out as she didn’t even bother to look up to see the entitles that were now addressing her.

“Grant us your name, young one. Tell us, what happened here?” Theliel more sternly inquired, although even she felt sympathy for the child before her.

“Milani. My…my name is…is Milani. I….I heard my big sister cry out but…..but when I went to her room there was fire….everywhere and…and there was a monster on her bed. She…she stayed behind to….to fight it off, but…but I can’t find her now,” Milani whined as she finally peered up to get a good look at the two angelic figures around her, “Who….who are you people?”

“We are humble servants of the Chief God, so please continue with your story little one. What happened after that?” Hael gently requested the young girl to continue.

“The monster…got out….but….but than a strange lady walked out of our barn and…..and everyone flew asleep, even….even me. I woke up first…but….but no one else has yet. Why….why won’t they wake up?” the young girl continued to cry out.

“I’m afraid they have been put under a spell by a foul fiend, but thankfully it will not last long. However, we must know, how exactly were you able to wake up so early?” Theliel interrogated despite doing her best to come off as gentle as possible.

“I don’t know…I….I just did. Please, if you’re helpers of the Chief God lady….find my sister….find Diana!” Miliani weeped as she leaned over her slumbering mother.

Hael turned to her sister-in-arms to talk with her privately, “Sister, I believe that was the Balrog’s former name, that means she was this poor girl’s sibling. What should we tell her?”

“We tell her the truth. That her sister is gone and that only a monster remains,” Theliel advised coldly.

“But Sister, she is only a child. This news could scar her for life,” Hael expressed her concerns over the child’s wellbeing.

“Concealing the truth of her sister’s fate won’t bring her back to her. It’s best she finds out now before she thinks she can save her or some other foolish belief. I know its cruel to inform someone so young such a harsh truth but it’s necessarily for her to move on,” Theliel lectured her less experienced battle sister.

“I see your point but can’t we…can’t we just leave out the part where her sister became something as forsaken as a Balrog, at least until she’s older. For her sake,” Hael requested humbly.

“And what if her sister returns for her, for the rest of their family? How do you expect her to resist the temptation of being reunited with her sibling when she doesn’t understand the evil she has become. You would only be putting her at greater risk of being taken away and corrupted herself,” the older celestial warned with a more stern tone.

“But there is still hope in that Balrog. We saw it when she saved you from corruption,” Hael reminded her companion of the mercy that fiery beast showed her earlier tonight.

“There is hope in her for now but who knows how long that may last. One day, maybe one day soon, she may fully lose herself and return to reclaim what she lost, and what than. How can this child know to run from her own kin if she doesn’t understand what she is now,” Theliel argued back.

“Then I shall look after her. I shall become her mentor to prepare her when she gets older, and her shield if her sister ever returns when she is still young,” Hael declared with full resolve.

“Out of the question. A Valkyrie can not assign herself to any random person, not without the Chief God’s consent, no matter how desperately they may need our aid,” Theliel exclaimed with a disappointed groan.

“But she isn’t some random person. Can’t you feel it, there is something special about this little one. She was able to shake off a spell cast by a Lilim quicker than anyone here. While the enchantment was a very weak one, the fact she even managed it despite being so young is a testament to her potential. She may even share whatever trait which allowed her sister to retain her dignity after being corrupted. If there is anyone here deserving of our Lady’s blessing, it’s her,” Hael rebuked passionately, emboldened by this discovery.

A deep, diffident sigh escaped the veteran’s lips, “I suppose we can bring up the potential this girl holds when we issue our report. If the Chief God deems that girl worthy, then I will recommend you as her mentor, but no matter what she says, or what she decides, remember her word is law and you must accept any decision she makes. Of course, we can’t ignore the fact, this girl herself may even reject the idea, so that’s something you’re also going to have to accept if that happens. That being said, are you sure you want this duty, it is a high responsibility and you know the high risks of taking such a path. There is a good possibility you both may end up corrupted by the end of whatever journey you both take and I…I don’t wish to lose another Sister.”

“I understand the risks and dangers of taking such a course of action, but this is the only way change can happen. This is the only way we can discover how to fix what has been taken from us. There can be no glory or salvation without risk, Sister, were you not the one who taught me that,” the younger Valkyrie reminded her sister-in-arms.

“I remember but I just want you to understand what you’re getting into. But let us discuss this in more detail when we return back to our home plane, Sister. We must finish our work here first, and swiftly too before the other humans awaken, and learn of our presence here,” Theliel more softly replied as she turned with her sister-in arms to inspect the remaining humans and to further counsel the now sisterless girl.

From one world of darkness to another, Diana was pulled away from her home to some unknown location by her Lilim kidnapper, before being dropped unceremoniously onto a bed of sand. Diana immediately spat out bits of glass after some of the sand got into her mouth and was superheated into tiny shards. Ignored, yet curious, the newly born Balrog got up and dusted herself off before she turned to scan her new surroundings.

It was night here as well, but it seemed darker thanks to numerous thunderclouds that blocked the sky overhead. Only the oddly red light of the moon and the occasional bolt coursing through the clouds above proved any illumination here, despite Diana’s eyes having already become adjusted to seeing in the dark. The sound of wave after wave crashing onto the sandy shore she now found herself on was the main source of noise aside from whenever a crackle of thunder decided to bang out from overhead. Yet despite the clear sign of a storm above, oddly enough there was no sign of rain, at least none that the newly born Balrog could sense.

Despite having never been to one before, Diana was able to recognize her new environment as a beach thanks to her countless hours of reading, which meant that endless body of dark water before her was the ocean. She had always desperately desired to see the ocean, to taste its salty water and explore the wonders beneath its surface, but this was not how she imagined she would never end up here. In fact, she wasn’t even sure if she could survive in water anymore considering her new fiery nature.

Returning to her senses, Diana turned to her corrupter and now adductor only to witness her flinging off her jacket and revealing her sweat cover body as she tried to put out the flames ravaging her jacket by smothering it in the sand. The Lilim seemed to be awfully pissed her favourite jacket was now slightly burnt and even more so by the fact the flames were refusing to die out easily. However, Diana couldn’t bring herself to feel an ounce of pity for the Lilim’s dilemma, considering that fiend had just ripped her life away from her forever.

“What did I tell you about keeping your heat down, gods damn it. That shit was heat resistance too, how the hell did you manage to leave holes in it?”  Fulgora complained as she inspected the damage left on her leather jacket after extinguishing the last ember.

“What do I care about your jacket. You kidnapped me. Take me back this instance!” Diana demanded as her heat increased even more, causing the sections of the sand around her to glassify.

“First of all, let me remind you what I just did, saved you. Those angels wanted your head, and they weren’t going to listen to you, no matter how much you begged. Secondary, you can’t go back, at least not as you are now. Learn some self-control first and than you can think about seeing your family again. How does that sound,” Fulgora declared as she put one of her fingers through one of her jacket’s newly aquired burn holes.

Diana’s flames and heat died down instantly, as that wasn’t the answer she was expecting. She didn’t think this fiend would ever let her see her family again but that answer actually gave her some hope. Perhaps, not everything was lost after all.

“Wait, I can see them again? Truly? This isn’t some trick, is it?’ the Balrog carefully inquired.

“Of course you can visit them, why wouldn’t you be? But considering you lack control of your new abilities, and they seem to be heavily affected by your emotional state, we need to get you under control first, otherwise you’re just going to end up burning the whole village down if you return as you are. Plus, it would be best if you learned some basic magic to help disguise yourself when you visit and have the means to teleport there and back. I promise to give you a free trip back there the first time, but after that you’re on your own,” the rebellious Lilim offered as she flung her partially burnt jacket over her now exposed shoulder.

“But I need to get back as soon as possible. I have to let my family know what happened to me, they need to know that I’m….ok?,” Diana uttered although her voice dipped when she considered if she was truly ok or not.

“Well, you’re going to have to wait a bit, because you got a lot to learn before you can even consider doing that. So, in the meantime, I’ll let you crash at my place for the time being and I’ll even let you borrow a few of my clothes, since I can’t have you running around here butt naked, can I. Consider this my apology of sorts. Now, come on, my beach house should be just around the bend,” Fulgora stated as she began to take her leave.

“Wait, now hold on a minute. At least tell me where you brought me. I deserve to know that much after everything you put me through,” Diana insisted with a scowl.

“Hmmm, oh right, I suppose that is important for you to know. We’re at my home away from home, the island of Saida. So I hope you’re ready to get your party on, because there is no better place to let loose than here.”

Chapter Text

Of all the dwellings for some supposedly all-powerful creature of darkness to call its lair, this was not what Diana had in mind. With heavily weathered, graffiti covered walls, suspiciously darken windows and a staircase that appeared to be on the verge of collapse, the shabby looking seaside building stood ominously above the shadowy beach it loomed over thanks to its warped looking stilts. Diana had never seen such an odd, or poorly maintained structure before, although in its own strange way it still reminded the fledgling Balrog of the homes she once read about that would house nobles or other high-class citizens back home, even if this manor was on the much smaller side of things and was possibly haunted. It was astonishing anyone would call this place home, much less a daughter of the Demon Lord who threatened to extinguish all that was pure and virtuous in the world. Actually on second thought, maybe it did fit Fulgora's style after all.

“This is where you live?” Diana squeaked out timidly as she wasn’t looking forward to what sinful horrors could be lurking inside.

“Yup, this is home sweet home. My own little hidey hole to crash when I need a breather and a moment to kick back after I party a little too hard or when I’m forced to attend more stressful family matters,” Fulgora divulged impassively.

“I must admit, this isn’t exactly what I was expecting…..” the nascent Balrog uttered as her voice trailed off.

“What? Were you expecting some big, fancy castle or something?” the punkish Lilim teasingly questioned her new compatriot.

“Kind of. Maybe some kind of massive, scary fortress or something of the like. You know, one with a lot of spikes, the kind of place where you would hold all your minions of evil in and compose your dastardly schemes?”  Diana continued to confess her dashed expectations.

“You’re joking right? Do I strike you as the kind of girl who lords over that kind of place. Although, that being said, I did used to have a castle, but it was so empty and boring that I decided to sell to a Dragon instead,” Fulgora divulged with a carefree shrug.

“You gave up a castle for…..this?” Diana heavily questioned as she continued to look over the hazardous structure before them.

“It just wasn’t me, ya know. I prefer my dwellings comfier and filled with less overbearing servants who question every little thing I do,” Fulgora continued to divulge her reasoning as her tone got a little more venomous.

“So, what exactly is waiting for me in there? This isn’t some trap where you’re going to sacrifice me to your parents or some other dark power, are you?” the newborn fire demon inquired as she was having second thoughts about stepping inside.

“Seriously? Wow, the Order has gotten to you good, hasn’t it. Come on think, why would I do something as pointless as that after I busted my ass to make you a fucking Balrog and went out of my way to make sure you weren’t skewered by those Valkyries,” the rebellious fiend corrected with a snicker.

“I suppose, but don’t think for a moment I’ve come to trust you. Who knows what you have lurking in there,” Diana retorted with a huff.

“Well, to be honest I don’t know who’s waiting for us in there either. It’s been like what, two or three years since I’ve last stopped by? I let some of my other pals crash here sometimes and look after the place in my stead, so who knows how many are in right now?” Fulgora casually stated.

“Regardless, if you’re joking or not, I’m not sure if I want to meet anyone you would consider a friend,” Diana more harshly commented.

“Oh, don’t be like that, I’m sure you’re going to love them. I don’t just hang with anybody you know, so I can vouch that they’re great gals. In fact, some of them used to be human, just like you, if that helps,” Fulgora mentioned in an attempt to help subjugate some of her reluctant cohort’s fears.

“Really? So, there are others who are in the same boat as I am,” Diana asked in a hopeful yet cautious tone.

“Well, maybe not the exact same boat as you, but sort of. They’re a little more….thankful for their changes, so to speak, but you should find something to connect over once you meet them. Now come on, lets get you settled in and covered up in something a little more fashionable,” Fulgora uttered as she gave a playful slap onto Diana’s back to get her moving.

“I guess…..not that I seem to have much choice in the matter,” the infernal demoness begrudgingly complied as she peered up those run down steps before her.

“That’s the spirit. I’ll get you set up in one of the guest rooms, provided that they’re not all already taken. Worst case scenario I create some kind of interdimensional space for you to sleep in temporary while you’re here. Now come on, I’m in desperate need for a nap and you’re in desperate need for, well, let’s be honest, anything really,” Fulgora half jokingly invited her newest creation while taking the first steps up to her shady looking beachside home.

Diana however stayed frozen on the cool sand as her nerves got the better of her, as evidenced by the fact her left hand was now subconsciously rubbing her right arm. Why was she following this demon, this herald of sin and debauchery so willingly? This was the creature that had just leisurely strolled into her life and managed to ruin it within a few hours by warping her into the very antithesis of everything she believed in. Oh right, it was because thanks to her, she literally had nothing now, not even the clothes on her back as she had to remind herself that she was in fact currently completely naked thanks to her new combustible nature. As soon as this irresponsible, demonic delinquent provided her some more information on her situation and some new clothes to cover herself with, she was out of here. After all, there was no way a devote follower of the Chief God like herself would be so easily deceived by this demon’s lackluster attempts at kindness or false words. There had to be a way to reverse these changes and regain her humanity, she refused to believe otherwise that it wasn’t possible. Surely her divine goddess wouldn’t abandon her to whatever foul plans this fiend had for her. Right?

“You coming or what? I swear you’re starting to remind me of a nervous stray cat than a mighty Balrog,” Fulgora called out as she ascended higher.

“Huh, oh right. I’m…..I’m coming,” Diana nervously squeaked out as she was snapped out of her train of thought, although another unexpected question came to mind as soon as she set foot on the first step.

“Fulgora wait. Aren’t you worried I might, you know, burn down your house too? What if I lose control again?” the volcanic mamono stuttered out, as despite her growing hatred for the Lilim, she couldn’t stand the thought of history repeating itself.

“Not really. My place is a lot studier than it looks, so don’t worry. Plus, I think I might have a solution for your little heat problem inside that should help tide you over until you learn some actual control. Now stop stalling and get your plump ass up here already,” the punkish Lilim hollered as she her impatience was starting to show just as she reached the top of the steps.

“Wait, you do! Why didn’t you mention that earlier!” the Balrog called back as some hope to escape this nightmare returned to her.

“Did I not? Shit, sorry about that, must have slipped my mind,” Fulgora lazily apologized as she realized her blunder.

 “I feel like that’s an important thing to forget, especially considering everything you did to me,” Diana grumbled out as she wasn’t too impressed by the impassionate response.

“Well, I was a little busy securing our escape, so forgive me for not having that at the forefront of my mind at the time. Although, that being said, I can’t promise you that it is still here. As far as I know someone could have pawned for some quick cash while I was away, so don’t get your hopes up too much, ok. Now do you want to stop being a walking fire hazard or not?” the Lilim tauntingly rebuked as her fingers started to tap on her splintered railing.

“Fine, fine,” Diana softly growled out as she carefully rushed up the stairs, her hooven feet clopping loudly against each rickety step she took.

Reuniting with her apparently royal hostess atop the steps, Diana took a nervous gulp as she reluctantly followed the electrically charged Lilim inside her questionable home. However, as she stepped through the doorway, what awaited her on the other side didn’t quite match the condition the exterior of the building was in. It still wasn’t the nicest looking living space, thanks to the mess that littered the place and the lack of care that was clearly displayed by how everything was thoughtlessly arranged, but unlike the outside, the interior managed to retain an air of fanciness to it that the Balrog couldn’t help but be impressed by.

There were only two stories to the beachside building, with the bottom floor being composed of one, very large, open space that connected everything from the kitchen to the living room seamlessly without the need for any walls, while the second housed numerous doors to other rooms. However, most surprisingly was how large the interior appeared to be as there was no way all of this, and especially that second floor she spotted up above could have fit inside that tiny shack on stilts she saw on that stormy beach. It had to be the work of some trick, or magic, or some other affront to the natural order, but Diana was too afraid to ask in fear of being manipulated or tempted by whatever dark means created this place.

“Seems everyone is out at the moment, so I guess we got the place to ourselves for now. Well, make yourself at home, grab whatever you want from the kitchen and don’t mind the mess. I’m going to go take a well-deserved nap in the meantime, so we’ll deal with your issues after I wake up, cool,” the Lilim exclaimed with a hearty yawn as she smacked her lips lazily.

“Oh no you don’t. We are dealing with my arson problem first, then you can go to sleep,” Diana demanded with a scowl as she refused to allow this harlot to shrug off her problems like they were nothing major.

“Fine…..follow me,” Fulgora groaned with heavy eyes as the foreign feeling of exhaustion was starting to take a hold.

Begrudgingly Diana continued to follow behind the demonic ruffian, stepping over discarded pillows, old food containers, and many, many empty liquor bottles as they made their way to the next set of stairs. Upon reaching the second floor, Diana realized all these doors were most likely the private dwellings of whoever else Fulgora housed in this dump, and considering the sheer number, it appeared she had quite a few friends staying here. Diana could only hope no one would return or burst out of one of those rooms before she got what she needed and had a chance to escape, otherwise she would hate to imagine what they might do to a helpless maiden like her.

“So, this is your room?” Diana timorously inquired as the Lilim led her to a worn-down, dart covered door near the left end of the floor.

“Last I checked it was. Hopefully no one has broken in and ransacked the place while I was gone but there’s only one way to check,” Fulgora stated as she opened the doorway to her private chambers with a sluggish flick of her wrist.

The inside of the room was just as messy as the rest of the house, with clothes and somehow even more liquor bottles were carelessly scattered about the space, while torn posters and damaged paintings stuck to its grimy walls. Even the bed was still a total mess from the last time this lazy whore slept there, as apparently she didn't seem to see the need in fixing it before leaving years ago. Regardless, Diana, being the greenhorn mamono she was, just felt dirty just being in there, and the sight of those cucumber shaped objects on the floor weren’t helping with that feeling either, even if she herself did not fully understand why.

“Let’s see. If I recall correctly, I last stashed it with the other trinkets, so hopefully it hasn’t been misplaced or stolen since than,” the Lilim groaned as she bee-lined it to her surprisingly elegantly crafted drawers.

Ripping open the first box and skimming her long nails through its unseen contents, the slight chime of metallic objects clinging against one another could be heard, and from the sound of it, there seemed to be a good number of them. At first Fulgora seemed annoyed as she rustled through whatever she had stashed in there as she scoured for whatever miracle to Diana’s problem she claimed was hidden inside. Eventually as the rebellious princess’s impatience grew, she started to toss out numerous treasures as she continued to dig for her unknown target. Jewelry of all forms, from necklaces to bracelets to circlets, were carelessly hurled aside as Fulgora continued her reckless search. Yet despite how elegant, or expansive or magical a piece appeared to be, it was never what the testy Lilim was looking for, so it was always sent flying across the room to join the other discarded treasures. Eventually the entire scene just became absurd to Diana as she dumbfoundedly stood back and watched Fulgora tear through her apparent hoard and somehow make a bigger mess within her room while she was at it.

Eventually after what seemed like an eternity, a prideful grin formed upon Fulgora’s pale, flawless face as she held up a single gold ring. The living embodiment of desire held the minuscule treasure up close to her meticulous, crimson eyes to ensure this was indeed the solution she was hunting for before turning to the greenhorn Balrog with a wicked smile and tossing the accessory to her.

Instinctually Diana caught it without thinking as she looked down to inspect the inconspicuous piece of jewelry that now rested in her fiery grasp. It had a dull, rustic shimmer to its golden coat with numerous, tiny symbols engraved along its frame, however there was a single minuscule, dark purple jewel implanted on it as well, one that oddly enough appeared to be designed like an eye considering it had a blood red pupil within its center. All in all, while it definitely appeared valuable, the clueless girl had no idea how this could help her in the slightest.

“So how exactly is this going to help me?” Diana curiously asked as she continued to inspect the ring in her hand.

“That, my little wallflower, is a ring of heat absorption. Very handy little tool for those traveling to regions known for their heat and aren’t used to handling such extreme temperatures or just need protection from fire in general for one reason or another. Some duelists even use them as a countermeasure when they know their opponent specializes in heat too, at least that’s what I’ve been told. So, in theory, that little scrap of metal should be able absorb any excess flames your body may produce if you get overly excited or stressed again, at least for now anyway,” Fulgora divulged before another yawn crept up on her.

“What do you mean it should? Wait, no, scratch that, what did you mean when you said for now anyway? Is this going to help me or not?”  Diana accusatory questioned as her palm clutched hard around the ring.

“It will, but you just need to understand it has limits and you are a fucking Balrog. Eventually you are going to be able to naturally produce heat that will be unrivalled by the majority of mamono kind, even Lava Golems, and those bitches are made of lava. A little ring like that won’t be able to hold everything you got back forever, but lucky for you, it won’t have too. Once you learn how to handle your new body and abilities, you won’t need it or any other clutch ever again. So, the sooner you get with the mamono program, the sooner all your problems will disappear, you’ll see,” Fulgora explained while neglecting the worried concern that had formed on Diana’s face in response.

“You make it sound so easy. I don’t even know what a Balrog is, yet alone how to act like one? Why did you think it was a good idea to make me one anyway? I never asked for this!” Diana whined as she glanced down at her corrupted body.

“Need I remind you, you one-hundred percent did ask for this and besides, after that night we shared, I had to corrupt you into something special, otherwise you would have just become a regular old succubus after you kissed me. That being said, how was I supposed to know your new instincts wouldn’t take hold in you? A mamono not knowing how to control their new form after corruption is unheard of, you know. If any of my sisters find out I somehow messed up your rebirth, I’m never going to hear the end of it,” the prideful Lilim moaned out in frustration before turning to lazily bee-line it to her unkempt bed.

“So what, I was just supposed to instantly know how to be….this, when I woke up? I was just supposed to magically know how to fly, and control fire, and whatever else a Balrog does?” Diana continued to rant as she could feel her rage and the heat that came along with it slowly start to boil to her surface once more.

“Pretty much, yeah, that’s how it works. I don’t quite get it myself, never really looked into it, but I do know that once mamono mana gets inside a human, regardless of how they were before or what kind of mamono they’re corrupted into, their minds adapt to their new existence along with their bodies. At least that’s how it’s supposed to go. Not sure why you’re having such problems, but like I said, I’m not an expert on this but I can get you to some girls who are much smarter on the subject than I am to help you out after I regain my strength with a nice power nap,” Fulgora hazily informed before collapsing onto the misshapen confines of her bed.

“Are you telling me my mind was supposed to warp along with my body? That’s awful….you’re awful! Why would you need to go so far to ruin me, was my appearance not enough? Did you really have to target my very identity, my humanity, as well?” the fledging mamono questioned sternly as flames were beginning to appear on her shapely figure once more.

“Oh, relax will you, it’s not as bad as you’re making it. You would have still been you, mostly, if that’s what you’re worried about, just hornier and more in control of yourself. In case you haven’t realized it, those new instincts are a necessary thing for newborn mamono like yourself to have in order to avoid an identity crisis or losing control of themselves. Must I remind you that you nearly burned down your entire village because I screwed up your corruption, now just imagine all the chaos that would erupt if every single person who got corrupted struggled to control themselves after becoming a mamono. I know getting your head messed with even a little sucks, but even you most see why it needs to be done,” the punkish Lilim groaned out as she smothered her face into he soft, welcoming embrace of her blankets.

“You’re really not sorry about what you did to me, are you? You really see no problem with turning me into some hellish monster and stealing me away from my family, do you?” Diana spat back, although her tone sounded more depressed than angry.

“I’m not going to apologize about corrupting you into a kick ass Balrog, if that’s what you’re hoping for. I’m a Lilim, corruption and temptation is to me as fire and heat is to you. Considering how draining it is to create something as powerful as a Balrog, as far as I’m concerned, I did you a major favor by granting your insane request. However, I’m not enough of a bitch to not acknowledge I screwed up your life a good deal, which is why I’ve decided to take you under my wing and help you out,” the stormy Lilim retorted with an exhausted tone.

“Unless you can make me human again and send me back home, I don’t want your help,” Diana defiantly countered with crossed arms that unintentionally pushed up her hefty bosom.

“Oh don’t give me that, we’ve already been over this. Neither I nor anyone else can return your humanity to you. Hell, not even my mother could do it, not that she would. However, that being said, it isn’t like you lost everything in your life. You can get most of it back. It will just depend on how much you’re willing to take, is all,” Fulgora cryptically informed as a yawn escaped the tired fiend once more.

“What is that supposed to mean?’ Diana growled back.

“It means exactly what you think it means, wallflower. Now, could you cool down and put that stupid ring on already, you’re already making my room too hot for my liking,” Fulgora moaned out as she tried to make herself comfortable as she became increasingly drowsier.

Diana complied as she realized she was getting heated once again. The moment that ring slipped onto her index finger, she could immediately see it taking effect. While she didn’t feel cooler, she did notice the few flames that had ignited on her body started to shrink until eventually fizzling out. Oddly enough she could feel apart of herself flowing into the ring as if naturally drawn to it as the tiny trinket glowed molten hot as it absorbed whatever excess power she was producing. However, despite how hot to the touch the little ring seemed, it rested comfortably on the Balrog’s delicate finger. In fact, to her it even felt cool to the touch despite appearances.

However, despite that problem being temporary solved, it still amazed her how hot her body could get without her even noticing it, and if the Lilim’s words were true she had to expect she would only continue to produce greater and greater surges of heat as time passed. Just how powerful was this new body of hers, and why in all of heaven did this ditz of a Lilim think it was a good idea for someone like her to wield such catastrophic power. Surely, she had accounted for the fact a powerless village girl like her couldn’t handle being a Balrog, she couldn’t be that stupidly reckless, could she? No, this was all obviously a part of whatever grand scheme she had concocted, and Diana refused to play her part in it, whatever it may be. Despite how she looked, or what she was now, she was still a devote follower of the Chief God, and come hell or high water, she would return to her light one way or another.

“Oh, that’s much better. I can tell the difference already. Now help yourself to whatever clothes you can find in my room, I don’t mind, take whatever you want. Once I wake up, I’ll take you into Saida and treat you to a night on the town. We can grab some food, do some mingling, hit some clubs, the works. That should help loosen you up and get you accustomed with the new you. I know all the best places here, it’ll be great,” Fulgora moaned out as she tilted on the abyss of slumber.

“I’m not sure how comfortable I am with that plan. Don’t you think we could instead…….Fulgora? Fulgora, are you listening to me? Oh gosh darn it, you’re already asleep,” Diana groaned out as she realized by the Lilim’s comically loud snoring that the fiend had fallen deep into slumber.

 With the Lilim now lost to whatever endless, depraved dreamscape she had conjured for herself, Diana was now left naked and alone in the rebel’s disaster of a bedroom. To say she was uncomfortable and disgusted with her surroundings would have been an understatement, but if she wanted to stop being a flaming nudist, she needed to find something to wear amongst this mess. It was obvious by the similarities amongst the scattered garments that the Lilim had a preference for a certain style that didn’t quite match Diana’s own. She was hoping to find something resembling a traditional dress but there was nothing but dark coloured t-shirts and pants of various fabrics and lengths that were all riddled with holes for some reason. As for the undergarments, well they all appeared to nothing more than string with a little bit of leather on the front to cover the naughty bits, so they hardly counted by Diana's standards. As for bras, Diana couldn’t even find any, causing the Balrog to correctly assume the Lilim simply never wore any, which was a shame considering Diana desperately needed one to hold back her naturally monstrous breasts.

Eventually after much reluctance and compromise, the fledgling Balrog decided on an outfit, even if it was normally the last thing she would ever be caught dead wearing. She had adorned herself with a black coloured t-shirt that was decorated with the words “Wings of Malice” on its front and draconic like wings on its back. Although due to the fact she couldn’t find a bra, the sheer mass of her unrestrained tits meant the fabric couldn’t fully cover her as much as she would have preferred, resulting in good show of her midriff to be on display as a result. To compensate for that embarrassing show of skin, Diana found a denim jacket with a furred collar to pair with it in order to help cover herself. Finally, after deciding it was better not to wear any of the thongs once worn by that Lilim, the corrupted village girl picked out the longest pair of leather pants she could find for obvious reasons. All in all, Diana was extremely uncomfortable with her new look, as she didn’t even know what she could compare herself too looking like this, but hopefully with any luck, she wouldn’t have to wear this shameful outfit for long.

With her nudity problem taken care of, Diana posed herself in front of one of the cabinet mirrors to examine what she had become one last time. She still couldn’t believe all these demonic features sticking out of her body now were real. Even as she opened her mouth to inspect her new fang like teeth, she noticed the back of her throat now emitted a hellish glow as if it were a blast furnace to show the sheer heat that now resided in her core. As she continued to look over her new form, Diana also started to notice the other changes Fulgora did to her body. Her breasts, well, admittedly they were always so shamefully hefty even when she was human, but she knew for a fact her hips and more importantly her ass were not ordinary so…..noticeable. Even her thighs appeared a bit fuller, although Diana couldn’t imagine why the Lilim would go out of her way to make her figure more hourglass in shape, aside from maybe for her own perverse pleasure. Actually that made a lot of scene in hindsight. How was she to ever return home looking like this?

After a couple of minutes of mopping about her now slutty, demonic visage, Diana’s attention returned to the snoring Lilim sleeping a few feet away from her without a care. If Diana wanted a chance to finally get away from this all-powerful lunatic and find some actual help, there was no better chance than now. Sure, she had no idea where she was, still didn’t know how to fly and was most likely in an area full of monsters just like her, but anywhere had to be better than here, right?

However, as she snuck quietly past the slumbering fiendess and out the door, another realization occurred to the newborn Balrog. Fulgora was completely defenceless. Even someone as passive as Diana understood that such an opportunity may never come again. Fulgora was a daughter of the Demon Lord, and thus one of the great evils tormenting the world. Her existence was sin incarnate and had to be vanished in order for peace to return to the world. Not to mention, it stood to reason if Fulgora was slayed, then the curse she had inflicted her with could be lifted as a result. That just made logical sense, since Diana had read countless stories involving heroes saving themselves from such ailments by defeating whoever cursed them. Although there were also stories of heroes being cursed after defeating the villain, but that was a chance Diana would have to take if she wanted to be human again.

The only issue was, Diana wasn’t a fighter, yet alone a killer. She was too passive, too weak to have ever considered taking a life till this point. Even when it came to the goats she raised back home with her family, she could never be the one to slaughter one when the time came. That dreadful reasonability was thankfully always father’s job. Even if Diana had the stomach for it, could she even pull off such an impossible task as slaying a Lilim. Sure, Fulgora was sound asleep and vulnerable to any attack, but she had no idea what it would take to fully put the powerful creature down for good. Legendary monsters always needed something special to kill them, like a magic sword or some long forgotten spell, at least that’s how the stories always went in her books.

 Although technically she was a legendary monster herself now too, so did that cancel things out? Could a Balrog even take on a Lilim by itself? Oh, why was she even asking something stupid like that? It didn’t matter if a Balrog could or not, Diana knew she couldn’t given how green around the horns she was. She didn’t even have anything to kill Fulgora with anyway, aside from maybe her horns, but that would just be awkward, not to mention messy.

However, there was that kitchen and kitchens were known to hold knives and other sharp things, and sharp things were naturally dangerous. Maybe, just maybe there was something there that could accomplish the dark deed. Maybe, just maybe, if Diana went through with this, then the spell would be lifted or the Chief God herself would reward her by returning her humanity for vanquishing such a powerful pest. It was risky, extremely risky but all great deeds were.

It was stupid to even consider, she knew that, but that didn’t stop Diana from making her way downstairs and towards the kitchen. If there was nothing there that the Balrog deemed suitable for the task, then she would simply leave and never look back. But if there was a tool capable of such a job than….well, Diana would think about what she would do after she found such a weapon.

As she moved through the second floor and down the stairs, she couldn’t help but notice the few paintings on the walls, many of them damaged or outright torn out from their frames, however the few that retained their images intact all caused the freshly born Balrog to blush with the shameless scenes they displayed. Diana was starting to think this entire house was designed to make her as uncomfortable as possible, but at least she didn’t have to stay here for much longer. As checked the kitchen and did whatever she needed to do, she would be out of here quicker than a startled hare in a cabbage patch.

Once she arrived in the kitchen, she wasn’t as shocked to find it was also in a complete state of disarray. Dishes and utensils were left uncleaned in the sink while the counter had clearly not been washed for some time if the stains and crumbs adorning its rough surface was anything to go by. But criticizing the state of Fulgora’s kitchen was not why she took the time to make a detour here. She came to find a means to hopefully eliminate that ancient demon once and for all, nothing more, even if her stomach did growl after getting a whiff of the food hidden around here.

Ok, so maybe she was also hungry, but that was natural. She had just been turned into a fire demon, kidnapped and forced to converse with her kidnapper all in a short amount of time. Such a chain of events would stress anyone out and make them a little hungry. So, it was perfectly reasonable that the first thing the Balrog decided to do was raid Fulgora’s pantry. The Lilim did technically give her permission to help herself anyway when they first arrived, so what was the harm.

While the condition of the kitchen was abysmal, the food she found was quite the opposite. It was simply delicious, more so than anything else that had ever graced her lips and all she had found so far was dried meat and bread. She had never had bread so sweat or dried flesh so tender, it was unnatural, but she didn’t care. She didn’t realize how ravenous her transformation into a Balrog had truly left her as she gorged herself with everything she could find. She even eventually found the stash of hidden sweets in the back, and that was when her tastebuds truly erupted with unmatched flavor and she lost herself to her awakened cravings.

However, as she continued her relentless feast, she was eventually brought out of her gluttonous trance when she heard the front door of the beachside home suddenly burst open and slam into the wall. Instantly the scavenging Balrog froze up as she realized she had overstayed her welcome and felt numerous glares focused on her back. Slowly and very subtly, Diana peered behind her in terror, mouth still full of unswallowed food as she noticed the four, oddly shaped figures that now stood in the darkened doorway.

One was transparent and had a gown formed of blue flames, steel bars and chains. Another was tall with purple hair, a white dress and a matching hat with an extremely wide brim. The third one was scaly and possessed wings instead of arms while one great horn sprouted form her forehead. And finally, the forth one who stood in front of the pack and oddly the shortest amongst the group was adorned with long snow like hair, twin horns and a teethy grin pastured on her irritated face. However despite her size, the massive clever like weapon she held in her grasp showed she was perhaps the most fearsome of them all.

“Holy shit, girls! We got a fucking Balrog raiding our stash!”

Chapter Text

The intense stare down lasted for an untold millennium within the confines of Diana’s overwhelmed psyche as her crackling, fiery eyes remained frozen on the four monstrous newcomers. What was she to do? What could she do? Despite how oddly feminine they appeared, they were still merciless beasts and they had just caught her intruding upon their home without Fulgora by her side. Without the Lilim around to explain anything, surely they were going to tear her delicate form to shreds for this irredeemable violation. Her startled body was screaming for her to flee, but her brain was too preoccupied going over the millions of scenarios which all ended with her gory demise for her to even move an inch.

“Ummm…..do you think she’s alright? She’s just staring at us,” the winged, reptilian mamono spoke out with concern.

“Is it just me or does she seem a little spooked?” the tall, shapely woman with the wide brimmed hat pointed out with sultry curiosity.

“Balrogs don’t get spooked stupid. I would say she appears more out of it than anything else.  Most likely took a bad batch of something, got high off her ass and wandered in here by mistake,” the ghostly figure harshly divulged her own theory.

“I don’t care what her reasoning is. That bitch is eating my cookies. NO ONE EATS MY SNACKS! NO ONE!” the horned munchkin blurted out with overdramatic fury.

Raising her oversized, jagged cleaver in the air, the cookie-obsessed slasher made her intentions clear, and that was all that Diana needed for her to finalize on her own course of action. She ran, she ran as fast as her newly acquired hooven feet could take her. She didn’t even bother swallowing the mouthful of baked sweets that were currently held prisoner within her stuffed cheeks before bolting out of the kitchen and making a break for the stairs like her life depended on it.

“Don’t just run away you with your tail between your legs, you big titted ash tray! Get back here and face punishment for stealing my sweets!” the loud mouthed, goblin like woman roared out in pure annoyance.

“Regardless of whatever circumstances brought her here, Maesie, I don’t think chasing after her is the best idea. She is still a Balrog after all so….oh, never mind, you’re not even listening me anymore,” the pointy hatted woman attempted to forewarn her shorter compatriot before watching her take off.

With an almost comedic level of determination, the five foot mamono hoisted her colossal clever above her head and made a mad dash towards her infernal target. However, the other three did not seem to share Maesie’s fury, as instead they all simply let out a collected groan at the sight of their half-sized friend’s overreaction. As for Diana, her eyes nearly bugged out of her horned skull and nearly choked on her half-chewed meal when she saw the miniature berserker rushing towards the stairs to cut her off.

“How dare you help yourself to my hard-earned, precious treats! Do you have any idea how hard I worked to get some of those! DO YOU!” the enraged mamono cried out before preparing her first strike.

It was at this time the spooked Balrog finally noticed more details about her deranged assailant as she drew closer. Despite how squelched up with rage it was, her face had a very youthful appearance, and her silvery white hair was oddly silky and straight as it flowed well past her well-defined hips. An oddly red, leather cap rested behind her narrow horns, and she had numerous mismatched piercings lining her pointed ears. She also wore a small, red leather top lined with noticeable decorative stiches that barely covered her chest and stomach, along with a matching skirt adorned with an oversized belt, and leggings that were covered in a skull pattern that ran up her dainty thighs.

If she wasn’t charging at her with an oversized butcher’s tool and glaring at her with furious intensity, Diana could admit she was strangely cute in her own way. Of course, the little menace was trying to kill her, so she wasn’t sure why her thoughts wandered onto her appearance instead of focusing solely on getting away from the obvious threat, but that was a question for later. Perhaps if she survived this encounter, Diana would than have a chance to properly question her brain’s priorities in these life threatening situations later.

As Diana raced her enraged pursuer towards those poorly kept steps, she turned her head just in time to spot the cleaver wielding madwoman make an impossibly high leap towards her. The comically oversized instrument glinted with menace as it reflected Diana’s warm glow on its metallic surface as the furious mamono prepared to bring it down on the Balrog who dared to steal her sugary snacks. Diana barely had time to take a step back to avoid the makeshift guillotine from crashing down and splitting her in two before the jagged blade slammed into the first flight of steps.

 Splinters of wood and far too much dust for Diana’s comfort erupted from the site of the impact as the horned menace embedded her cleaver deep into the now devastated stairs. Diana expected her attacker to follow up with a second swing but surprisingly it never came. Instead, the Balrog was greeted with the amusing sight of the agitated girl struggling to pull her intimidating weapon from where she had managed to lodge it. It appeared the little psycho somehow managed to get her oversized tool stuck as she gritted her fangs and went red in the face as she struggled to pull it free.

Honestly apart of Diana felt a little bad with how pathetic her assailant was turning out as she watched her try with all her might to retrieve her blade, but considering the little menace was just trying to kill her over cookies, she wisely chose to ignore any further sympatric thoughts. Instead, the volcanic demoness saw this as her opportunity to get around the half-pint slasher and ascend to the second floor while she was distracted. With an impressive hop of her own, the Balrog managed to avoid the damaged steps before her and start her ascent to an actual solution to this mess. As much as she hated to admit it, right now her only hope to avoid being torn apart by those freaks was to wake Fulgora up and have her deal with them.

“Do you need a hand there, Maesie?” the scaly monster girl called out as she tried to sound sympathetic despite having to cover her mouth with her wing to hold back a laugh.

“Screw off! I don’t need no stinking help! I….got….this!!” Maesie grumbled out with clenched jaws as she continued to pull in vain, “Move….you….stupid….thing.”

“Just ignore her and go help her Yaiza, otherwise she’ll be complaining about it later,” the witch hatted woman moaned out as she directed the winged mamono to assist Maesie with her predicament.

“Well, if the rest of you are just going to muck about, I guess I’ll go see what the story is with this Balrog. I swear, she better have a good reason for trespassing,” the ghostly woman grumbled out as she drifted forward before sinking beneath the floorboards.

“Thanks, Cynane, you’re a peach. I’ll get some drinks going in the meantime to help soothe things over once…whatever this is, is dealt with,” the bewitching woman said with an oddly carefree attitude as she stepped towards the kitchen.

“Sure, get the bar going, don’t help out or anything. It’s not like we’re dealing with a Balrog or nothing. I swear you’re just as lazy as Fulgora is sometimes, Hazel,” the blazing phantom known as Cynane murmured with annoyance just as her head disappeared from sight.

Diana could only barely listen in and make out what her monstrous huntresses were up too as she raced as fast as she could up those ill-maintained steps. No matter what nefarious punishment they were cooking up for her, she knew it wasn’t wise to look back and waste what valuable seconds she might have separating herself from them. The only issue was her newly gained demonic legs couldn’t exactly dash as shiftily as her fearful mind would have preferred them too. Oh, why couldn’t Fulgora have made her into a demon with normal humanoid feet instead of one cursed with these fiddly coven hooves.

Unfortunately, as soon as Diana made it too the second floor, it wasn’t long before she received the jump scare of her life when her route to Fulgora’s room was abruptly blocked. Emerging with chilling fluency from the dusty floorboards below appeared the infernal and metallic image of the ghostly mamono to block the path forward. The startled Balrog nearly jumped out of her superheated skin as the translucent girl appeared before her like the gatekeeper to the afterlife itself.  

A broken, barbaric crown of twisted iron rested on her scalp as a tangled mess of gloomy, greenish blue hair flowed over her fair, blue tinted face. A torn, sleeveless black top with the words “Harlots of the Underworld” plastered over it rested snuggly on her bountiful chest, sculpted shoulders and well-defined arms. However, the oddly causal attire seemed to flow unnaturally seamlessly all the way down to the blazing, meshed sphere of metal bars and chains that appeared to make up the lower half of her undead body. Numerous spikes lined the globe like cage and rustic hooks could be found at the end of each chain as they dangled menacingly from the floating spirit. However, none of that compared to the ominous bonfire of hellish, sapphire blue flames that was barely contained within the centre of the haunting wraith, its sinister glow matched only by those dreadful, judgmental eyes that seemed to pierce Diana’s very soul.

“Ok, little miss firestarter, I’m not sure why you chose to break in here of all places, but I feel it’s only fair to warn you that you just broke into the home of a Lilim, believe it or not. I’m going to give you one chance to explain yourself before things get messy. So, do us both a favor and just spill why you’re here, ok,” the malevolent spirit demanded with a hiss as her sapphire flames crackled ominously to highlight the intensity of her request.

Diana took a hard-fought swallow as she finally managed to gulp down the mashed-up sweets that were clogging her mouth. Yet, despite having the ability to speak freely again, the frightened Balrog remained speechless from the mere sight of the looming phantom. She knew only the most cursed and wretched souls remained tied to this world after death, as it was preached only the punished were denied the Chief God’s eternal paradise that awaited all decent souls when they passed. In fact, now that she looked closer, this one reminded her of the vengeful spirits heroes would have encounter in her stories, the ones who ripped out innocent people’s souls and tortured them just to satiate their hollow existences.  

Cynane peered down at the petrified demoness for a few seconds before letting out an impatient sigh, “Listen I’m not the biggest fan of the silent treatment. So, if you don’t give me an answer by the time I count down from five……”

“YOU CAN’T TAKE MY SOUL!” Diana abruptly cried out before turning around and making her way to the railings.

“What the hell are you talking about? I don’t want your crummy soul! Get back here and just talk to me, damn it,” the fiery spirit blurted out in confusion.

Diana slammed herself against the railings as she overlooked the floor below her. The reptilian, winged monster girl was now right beside her shorter companion and had her tail wrapped around the lodged cleaver. With absurd ease, she was able to yank the weapon free with a simple tug, much to the goblin woman's annoyance. As for the woman with the massive hat, she appeared to be minding her own business in the kitchen while a bunch of bottles were somehow just floating in the air around her, almost as if they were alive. Was she some kind of witch or sorcerous? That would explain her choice in headwear and her oddly normal appearance compared to the others. Even that seamless, white party dress that formed perfectly to her insanely shapely figure could be explained away if she was some kind of magician.

Oh, who cared what she was, all Diana needed to know right now was how she was going to get away from them and the clock was ticking. As she continued to scan the floor below that’s when she noticed there was literally no one guarding the door. Screw waking Fulgora up to save her, if she could just make it down there and to that door, she had a shot at leaving all this madness behind her. No more Fulgora, no more scary ghost lady, and certainly no more of that insane, cleaver wielding munchkin. Now if only she could find a way to get past them all?

Wait, she did have her wings. Sure, she still didn’t know how to fly and the last time she tried she’d belly flopped into the dirt, but now wasn’t the time to be second guessing. That ghost was getting closer so there was literally no time to waste on doubts. So, taking a deep breath, Diana leapt over the railings and spread her ashen wings out as she willed them to obey her. As she flapped her demonic wings, she could feel the stale air catch under them, and for a second it felt like she had actually achieved the impossible.

However, once again, gravity had other plans.

As soon as it felt like Diana had an idea of what she was doing, she dropped like a stone to the floor below. Like a pathetic, burning meteor, the fledgling Balrog crashed into the floor below, just like she had done back home. The floorboards cracked beneath her as she laid there face down with her limbs spread out in all directions. If she were still human, such an impact would have proven to be crippling but now all such a devastating fall caused her was a moment of shock and an annoyed groan to escape her infernal lips.

“Oh shit. That was quite the wipeout. Are you alright?” Yaiza called out as she wasted not a single second to rush over to the fallen Balrog.

Diana turned her head just in time to see the winged mamono stampede towards her as her massive, hook like talons scrapped across the floor. The dazed Balrog couldn’t help but focus on the sheer size of those claws and those massive, leathery wings that made up her arms, as she shivered at the thought of what a beast like her could do with them against someone as frail as she was. However, much to Dana’s shock, when the scaly woman arrived by her side and kneeled down to inspect her prone form, instead of a vicious mauling, she instead offered a winged claw to assist her.

Diana peered back speechless into those slitted eyes with a look of pure confusion as she soaked in the rest of the draconic girl’s visage. She had a warm yet tomboyish complexation to her face, heighted by her short blonde hair, singular horn sprouting from her forehead and the scaly ridges that adorned her scalp. Her bust was ample but seemed smaller compared to some of the others, but her waist and thighs defiantly made up for it, especially in those form fitting, black leather pants of hers. Although, oddly enough she appeared to have the exact same “Wings of Malice” shirt as the one Diana now found herself stuck with, even if hers was much more torn and worn down.

“That was quite the nasty fall. Do you need a hand getting up?” Yaiza offered with a soothing, toothy smile.

“Don’t help that thieving bitch, Yaiza. She ate my cookies. She doesn’t deserve shit!” Maesie objected scornfully as she walked up behind them.

“Relax will ya. You saw what just happened. She wasn’t able to fly, so there must be something wrong with her. Maybe she came here for help?” the reptilian woman proposed with clear sympathy in her voice.

“Fine…….but I’m not doing it because you told me too,” Maesie groaned out as she laxed her stance and dropped her weapon to the ground.

“That would certainly explain things. Maybe she’s a friend of Fulgora’s and came here looking for her?” Hazel added as she mixed herself an overly colorful drink and brought it to her plump, purple lips.

“Well, she’s certainly a rude guest, if she is one. She thought I was going to steal her soul or something like that. Can you believe it,” Cynane grumbled as she floated down to join the others.

“Her nerves just got the better of her, I’m sure she didn’t mean it, Cynane,” Hazel put forth as she conquered another glass from thin air and turned her attention to their combustible guest, “Would you care for a drink? It should help with your jumpiness and loosen your lips enough so we can have a proper chat. What do you say?”

Diana wasn’t sure what to do, yet alone how to respond. She was surrounded but they weren’t taking advantage of her misfortune and attacking her. Even the one who was swinging about that jagged cleaver and screaming about her stolen treats wasn’t trying to take her head anymore. Had hostilities died down? Was she even in any actual danger to begin with? It was all so confusing, and their behavior didn’t make a lick of sense to her. Yet again they had their own form of twisted logic, they were monsters after all.

But technically, so was she.

Regardless of that painful fact, deep down Diana really didn’t want to be lumped in with these creatures of darkness, but especially with Fulgora. After all, how could she. She had lost everything because of her and despite the Lilim’s promises of being able to get some of it back, she wasn’t foolish enough to fully believe her, just like she couldn’t bring herself to believe these girls’ phoney attempts at sympathy and kindness. They were connected to Fulgora after all, so how kind and caring could they truly be. So, mustering what little, shaky inner strength she had left, she had decided to draw her line in the sand.

“Listen, Fulgora and I….we’re not exactly…….” Diana nervously began to confess, only to be cut off by a much louder, much more domineering voice from up above.

“WHAT THE HELL IS WITH ALL THE RACKET! I’M TRYING TO TAKE A NAP HERE!” Fulgora roared out as she leaned against the railings in a half-dazed state.

“Fulgora!” cried out all four mamono in delighted union at the sight of their estranged companion.

“Oh, there you girls are. I was wondering where you ladies were at when I got back. I see you already met Diana,” the drowsy Lilim uttered as she looked over the scene below, as well as the damage done to her residence, “I also see you wasted no time in making another mess. What did I tell you girls about wrecking my shit?”

“Oh, please, everyone just got a little excited seeing the new girl. Besides we can get all this fixed up in a jiffy, you know that. So, no harm, no foul, right?” Hazel responded with a carefree shrug.

“Yeah, it’s not like a few new cracks are going to change anything here. Now what is important is where the hell have you been? And what’s with the Balrog? Are you trying to burn this shitty shack down or something? We got enough fire hazards here as it is,” Cynane more belligerently questioned as she floated back up to face the Lilim.

“Yeah, we haven’t seen you in ages, sis.” Maesie called out with a more meek, subservient expression.

“Oh, come now. It hasn’t been that long. I only left you girls alone for what, two years or so?” Fulgora sluggishly retorted as it took some effort for her to recall the last time, she’s actually been home and checked up on them.

“It’s been more like three, going on four years, since you last stopped by actually,” Yaiza spoke up to correct the exhausted mamono princess.

“Oh shit, really. Wow, I really lost track of time again, didn’t I. I guess time really does fly by when you’re having fun. Sorry about that, didn’t mean to be away for that long,” Fulgora lazily apologized despite herself being a little shocked by that reveal.

“Well, you’re back now, and we can finally hang out together again, so that’s all that really matters. Anyways, what’s the story with your new friend here? I’m dying to hear the story,” Yaiza cheerfully inquired as she continued to kneel beside the prostrated and befuddled Balrog.

“Actually, we are not….” Diana once again tried to speak up only to have her sheepish voice cut off by the more commanding Lilim.

“Oh, well believe it or not, she’s only been a Balrog for a couple of hours now, I think. I found her in some little backwater village somewhere in the middle of Numinis Cordis of all places, if you can believe it. Anyways we hung out, one thing lead to another and she impressed me, so I corrupted her into a Balrog. Simple story,” the electrical Lilim explained with an insultingly nonchalant demeanour.

“Backwater village?” Diana mumbled under her breath after hearing the Lilim’s comment on her hometown.

“Why the hell were you in Numinis Cordis of all places? Were you trying to get yourself killed?”  Cynane concernedly berated her long-time confidant.

“Oh relax, nothing happened, aside from a run in with some stuck up Valkyries. Anyways it wasn’t my idea to go there. My bitch of an older sister, accidently sent me there after she kicked me out of Wonderland. At least I think it was an accident,” Fulgora continued to divulge while second guessing her sister’s motives.

“Well, that still doesn’t explain why you decided to make fire tits here a Balrog? Let me guess, she was some cocky hero who thought she was a big shot and you decided to show her what real power was, right, sis,” the cleaver wielding munchin confidently guessed.

“Nope,” Fulgora bluntly answered with a smug grin.

“Oh, was she a magician who prided herself on her fire magic?” Hazel gleefully pitched in her own hypothesis.

“Not even close. Guess again,” Fulgora responded as she was starting to enjoy this little guessing game.

“Oh, I know. She was some…ummm…..outcast who was secretly studying ways to summon a demon so she could…ummm….escape the confines of the Order and live freely. That’s it right, it has to be,” Yaiza chimed in excitedly as she came up with her answer on the spot.

“Why would I want that?” Diana softly muttered as she struggled to comprehend the conversation around her.

“Oddly specific, but nope. You girls are never going to guess it, but please, keep trying,” the punkish Lilim invited her friends to continue.

“Enough with the bullshit, you conceited bitch. Just tell us already, otherwise we’ll be at this all night,” the fiery phantom grunted in order to move things along.

“Fine, fine. Have it your way killjoy. Believe it or not, Diana here was just a simple village girl when I found her. Her family raised goats and I think chickens for crying out loud,” Fulgora revealed with an amused chuckle.

“You got to be shitting me. You made a simple country girl a fucking Balrog? Why?” Cynane immediately questioned as her blue flames seemed to ignite with a bit more intensity.

“I have to agree with her on that. Even for you, making a Balrog out of someone so…..average, is a questionable choice. There must be more to the story that you’re not telling us,” Hazel pondered as her typically blithe nature suddenly took on a more serious air.

“Don’t question, sis, Hazel. I’m sure she had every reason to turn this nobody into a super powerful fire demon, and gave her giant boobs, and decided to make her a member of our crew,” Maesie barked back to defend the only woman she truly respected.

“Actually, those orbs of fat hanging off her chest are all natural and I didn’t have to do a damn thing to improve them,” Fulgora quickly corrected her miniature follower.

Maesie looked over to Diana as the Balrog instinctually covered her bountiful bosom in embarrassment before peering down to her own, barely noticeable chest, “Oh, that just isn’t fair.”

 “Anyways, back to the main topic. There might be a few other reasons, but truth be told, I made her a Balrog because she simply asked for it, if you can believe it. Long story short, after getting tipsy with me, and taking in some of my mana, the crazy bitch was ballsy enough to pull out a book and point to a picture of a Balrog when I asked her what she wanted to be corrupted into. So, naturally I had to respect her guts and by some miracle, her body was actually able to handle all that mamono mana I pumped into her. Wasn’t expecting that to happen but, yeah, we now have a newborn Balrog among us,” the rebellious succubus disclosed in a matter of fact manner.

“That’s a lie. I never wanted this!” Diana finally spoke up loud enough for everyone to hear as she forced herself to get up onto her knees.

The other four mamono suddenly turned their heads in shock upon hearing Diana’s claim. It was almost as if her words were impossibly alien to their ears as they struggled to comprehend her response. Not a single one of them had ever considered the possibility of someone having negative feelings regarding their own corruption, yet alone having encountered someone who did. For a brief moment they were left speechless as they looked to one another for an answer before setting their eyes back onto their rebellious leader.

“Diana, we’ve been over this. I know you don’t remember because of the booze but you one hundred percent did. Now can we just move on already and focus on you getting comfortable with the new you,” Fulgora retorted as she clasped her throbbing skull.

“Fulgora, what’s going on?” Yaiza uttered as she requested an explanation from her all-powerful friend.

“Ok, listen, Diana here, well, she doesn’t seem to have completely accepted herself yet and it seems to be affecting her control over some of her body’s more flammable abilities. And since I feel a little guilty, I have decided to put her under my wing until she can work out her issues and understands her new life as a Balrog. So, try and be nice to her, ok. There is a lot, and I do mean a lot, she still doesn’t understand about being a mamono,” Fulgora addressed her fellow party animals with uncharacteristically stern resolve.

“Don’t you under play it. Because of your…your reckless decision making, I burned down my family home and nearly the entire village. Not to mention you made the Chief God reject me and made her send angels down to slay me because of what I am. Oh, and we can’t forget the little fact that I can never see my family or friends again because of all the issues you caused,” the irritated Balrog accused with a hearty huff as she couldn’t believe how negligent the Lilim was coming across.

“I suppose when you look at it that way, I did kind of screw you over….a little, but I promise you, wallflower, I’ll make it up to you. Hell, I already saved your town from burning down and I’ve already dealt with your little fire problem by giving you that ring, didn’t I. Just give us some time and we’ll handle the rest of your issues, promise,” the Lilim assured as she attempted to calm her reluctant fiery companion down.

“You don’t get it. I don’t want your help or theirs’s. For goodness sake, that one tried to kill me only a few moments ago before you woke up,” Diana rebuked as she pointed an accusatory finger at Maesie.

“Oh, don’t be an overdramatic baby. I was just going to slice you up a bit for you stealing my snacks. It was nothing serious,” the cleaver wielding mamono snapped back with a bratty retort.

“You can’t be serious. That thing would have cut me in half if you hit me with it,” Diana quickly responded as she called out the half-sized menace.

“Ok, I see the problem here. Listen, Diana, believe it or not, that oversized butter knife is incapable of harming anyone, yet alone killing somebody. It’s made of mamono silver, so you had nothing to worry about,” Fulgora claimed as she realized the misunderstanding.

“What does it matter what it’s made of? Look how sharp that thing is. There’s no way that weapon isn’t deadly,” the Balrog retorted in disbelief.

“Mamono silver only cuts the spirit, stupid. Everyone knows that,” Maesie hissed back.

“Don’t be rude, Maesie. It isn’t Diana’s fault she’s so ignorant of our ways,” Hazel uttered as she came to the fledgling mamono’s defence.

“She’s right, Maesie. Diana literally just started her journey as a mamono. Which is why she needs our guidance,” Fulgora added.

“Yeah, if it’s anybody’s fault, it’s Fulgora’s for being too lazy to explain shit to her yet,” Cynane tacked on with a groan.

“The hell it is. She’s only been a mamono for a couple hours and I was in dire need of a snooze when we got back here. I haven’t had the chance to actually talk to her about our way of life. I was going to once I woke up, honest” Fulgora defended herself as she was put on the spot.

“Yeah, sure you were. Was that before or after you dragged her into a night on the town?” the infernal phantom continued to press her royal cohort.

“A little before, a lot during, and a bit after,” Fulgora answered honestly.

“Actually, a night on the town does sound nice right now, even if we did just get back from one ourselves. We can make it a welcoming party for Diana here and show her all the best spots to help ease her into her new life,” Hazel put forth before taking another long sip from her colourful glass.

“Exactly what I was thinking. Nothing puts the mind at ease like a good, rocking party. So, just let me freshen up, and we can head out. Sound good to you girls,” Fulgora proposed to her fellow party junkies.

“Oh, hell yeah! Getting drunk with sis is the fucking best!” Maesie screamed out as she relished the idea of hanging out with her favourite Lilim again after so long.

“Count me in. I’m not going to pass up such an invite,” Yaiza accepted as he happily clasped her talon tipped wings together.

“Sure, why not. But you’re paying for everything since you ditched us for past three years,” Cynane accepted, despite secretly being delighted by the prospect of hanging with Fulgora again.

“Of course, it’s only fair. It’s not like I don’t have the funds, right. Ok, you girls just give me a second, then we can raise hell on this island, just like we used too,” the punkish Lilim replied with a smirk as she turned to head back to her room.

“Wait, wait, wait a gosh darn minute. I’m not going anyway with any of you. I don’t even know you people, and I certainly don’t trust any of you,” Diana spoke up as she couldn’t believe these monsters were now making decisions regarding her as if she wasn’t even in the room.

“Oh, my gods, we haven’t even introduced ourselves to you yet, have we? Shit, I’m so sorry, Diana. I’m Yaiza, as you can see, I’m a Wyvern. That grouch up there is Cynane, she’s a Will-O-The-Wisp, but she’s not as mean as she likes to pretend to be, so don’t let her fool you. You already met Maesie and her prized cleaver over there, she’s a Redcap by the way, and she’s really nice once you get to know her, I swear. And finally, that woman over there with the bottles floating around her is Hazel. She’s a Dark Mage but she can mix drinks just as well as she can make potions that sometimes I swear she was a Satyr,” Yaiza quickly introduced herself and her housemates with upbeat glee.

“Ok, that’s…nice to know, but that still doesn’t change the fact I don’t exactly feel comfortable going anywhere with you girls. Can’t I just stay here and be left alone for a bit to mourn my old life?” Diana sheepishly explained, despite knowing deep down her pleas were once again going to fall on deaf ears.

“Nonsense. We can’t let a fellow mamono mop about, not when there are memories to be made. Oh, and don’t worry, Diana. We’re watch over you and make sure nothing gets in the way of your first outing as a mamono. This will be a night to remember, that we can guarantee,” Hazel chimed in to reassure the hesitant Balrog.

“Yeah, you just stick with us, and you’ll be acting like a proper mamono in no time. Just don’t eat my sweets again, or we really will have problems, got it, newbie,” Maesie stated along with a childish threat.

“What did we say about taking it easy on the new girl, Maesie. Now we got to decide on which clubs will be best for the fledgling here. It has to be something not too overwhelming, but on the other hand I don’t want to get my freak on at a snoozefest,” the Will-O-The-Wisp pondered as she mentally went over the list of her personal favourite hangout spots.

Diana could feel the peer pressure start to dog pile on her as her confidence started to dwindle once more, “But…but….I don’t think any of this is….”

“Oh, I’m sure Fulgora already has an idea in mind, don’t you, Fulgora,” Hazel put forth as she eyed her trusted leader.

“Naturally. Now that we’re all friends and everything is soothed over. I was thinking we would hit up an old favourite of ours that I think Diana is going to love. So, you girls better pretty yourselves up, because we’re headed to The Hound House,” Fulgora declared to her crew of party loving monsters.

“Oh, I do not like the sound of that,” Diana uttered under her breath in defeat as she shivered at the thought of what horrors could be waiting for her in such a questionably named location.

Chapter Text

So, this is what culture shock felt like, Diana thought as she stood in the centre of a city so blinding that it defied everything she once thought was possible in this world.  Every single building easily eclipsed the ones back home in terms of scale and all of them were covered with these oddly colourful, yet inappropriately designed signs that glowed with the same intensity as the lightning that crackled overhead. Jagged, rocky cliffs appeared to surround the entire city and dominated its dark skyline from all sides, while strange ships floated above it all as if the stormy sky was a tranquil sea like something out of a dream. Even down here on the street, there were strange sights for the Balrog to behold as she spied the most bizarre food stalls handing out the most over the top dishes she had ever seen in her life and every where she turned her head she could find a band that was playing the most bizarre, and honestly loudest instruments she had ever heard. It was the very definition of alien for the simple country girl, and that wasn’t even taking the locals into account.

There were so many monstrous women scrolling about, all of them adorned in the most outlandish clothing while all manner of strange features were attached to their bodies. Some of them had the bodies of serpents, while others appeared to have fangs, horns and claws one would expect to find on wild beasts, and some just looked like they crawled out of a grave. Some even looked like they ventured from the ocean with their fins and fishlike scales or wiggling tentacles proudly sprouting from their bodies. She even saw one who appeared to be fully metallic prowling about alongside a woman who appeared to be made of some sort of jelly. They were all so strange, but by far the most common monsters she spied were ones who had the limbs of brightly feathered birds and those that slightly resembled Fulgora with similar demonic features, even if none of them even came close to carrying the same air as the Lilim did despite having an identical fashion sense.

And yet despite all these voluptuous creatures and fiends strutting about, they were somehow not the strangest residents Diana spotted in the compact crowds. While it made sense a city ruled by monsters would naturally be crawling with them, what truly puzzled the fledging Balrog was all the seemingly normal, clearly human men accompanying a good portion of them.  Were they heretics or just simply just victims like she was? Either way, they all seemed to be oddly friendly with whatever monster or devil they were hanging around. They even dressed like them, almost as if they were a couple or something equally ridiculous. But that would be impossible, not to mention disturbing if somehow true. After all what sort of man would find such chaotic beings attractive?

“So, what do you think of Saida so far, Diana. I know it was a bit of a trek to get here from my place, but isn’t it everything I promised and more,” Fulgora inquired of her newest crew member as she took a deep breath of the familiar air.

Talk about downplaying the experience, Diana thought as she reflected internally with an eyeroll. Their journey to this surreal city of neon lights was nothing short of a nightmare for the young Balrog. Apparently, they could have just used magic to get here but oh no, the Wyvern decided it would have been a waste of an experience for Diana if they didn’t fly here instead since she felt sympathetic for the Balrog’s inability to soar yet. However, the winged lizard failed to mention they would have to fly through numerous storm clouds and over jagged rocks to reach the summit before she latched those talons onto her shoulders and took off. Diana had never screamed so hard in her life as she did being carried about by that reckless reptile.

“How is any of this possible?” Diana uttered with disbelief as she soaked in one strange sight after another.

“Oh, well, a little bit of magic here, a little bit of ancient technology there, and a ton of thunderstones to power it all. Although if you really want to get specific, I suppose you would have to thank the guidance of the island’s Diva and her Song Maidens for all this,” Hazel softly revealed despite such an explanation being entirely lost on the Balrog.

“I have no idea about anything you just said,” the Balrog honestly admitted.

“Oh, who cares about all that crap right now. You can learn all about Saida later. All you need to worry about is having the time of your life,” Fulgora announced as she took in the lights and sounds of her favourite stomping grounds.

“Ya, less talking and more getting shit faced!” Maesie excitedly exclaimed as hopped about the others like an excited puppy.

“Ok, I know you’re all dead set on dragging me to this Hound House place, but can’t we just take a tour of the city instead? I mean shouldn’t we try and ease me into all this? Not to mention, the last time I partook of the demon lord’s beverage, I ended up like this,” Diana attempted to convince the others one last time to do anything else.

“Will you stop being a giant baby and trying to ruin the mood. Hey, sis, are you sure it’s a good idea if this snack stealer can hangs with us? She just seems so lame? What the hell do you see in her?” Maesie questioned her one and only leader.

“Oh, trust me, Maesie, Diana here is much more than meets the eye. You’re see once she loosens up a bit. Hell, you might not be able to keep up with her if she gets enough booze in her. That girl is crazier than even she knows,” Fulgora cryptically reassured as she bent down to correct her pint-sized slasher.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Maesie muttered with an eyeroll.

“Oh, but you’re going to love the Hound House, Diana. It’s the best place on the entire island for mamono like you,” Yaiza stated as she put a reassuring wing on the Balrog’s shoulder.

“What do you mean by mamono like me?” Diana anxiously asked.

“Oh, you know, those of the combustible variety and who prefer hotter climates to get their freak on” Cynane mordantly answered.

“You mean like other Balrogs than?” the novice fiendess curiously inquired. 

“Oh no, no, no, no. Balrogs like you are a super rare sight. There really is only one other Balrog on the island but she lives deep underground to ensure the volcano all this is built on stays dormant, so I doubt we’re going to run into her tonight,” Yaiza revealed.

“Not to mention she’s too busy dominating her man with that fat ass of hers to come up here anymore,” Maesie stated with a sinister giggle.

“The kind of mamono we’re talking about are girls like Salamanders, Hellhounds, and Pyrows. Maybe the occasional Lava Golem or Ignis. You know those a little lower on the volcanic hierarchy than you are, Diana. Although that isn’t to say other mamono won’t be there either. There are always a few adventurous spirits who want to experience what it’s like in such environments or want test themselves against the heat,” Hazel informed as she followed the group as they were led into the crowded streets.

“Wait, how hot is this place? Should I be worried? Because it sounds like I should be worried,” Diana uttered as she wasn’t liking the sound of this place already.

“I can assure you, the clubhouse will be as pleasant as a mild summer’s day for someone like you. Besides even if you didn’t, they give out free potions of heat resistance for anyone less fireproof who enters, as long as they buy a drink that is,” Fulgora continued to converse to help ease her newest greenhorn’s worries while she spear headed the way to their destination.

“Yeah, the place is great! It has this super cool, giant furnace in the center and an awesome stage covered in spikes for the bands that play there. Oh, and they got the best pyrotechnics out of any venue in the city too. It’s so sick,” Maesie exclaimed as she causally swung about her cleaver carefree.

“Right……” Diana uttered as she pretended to understand anything the little psycho said before turning to the others, “Out of curiosity, is it ok for her to have that with us? Isn’t it a little bit too dangerous?”

“Oh, it’s fine. We already told you it’s harmless. Besides, Maesie’s a Redcap, so it’s her pride and joy. We couldn’t convince to leave it behind if we tried,” the easygoing Dark Mage assured.

“Yeah, what if I finally met a single guy I wanted to marry tonight. How am I expected to cut him up to make him feel good if I don’t have my cleaver with me,” Maesie expressed with annoyance.

Diana simply looked down at the Redcap with bewilderment and discomfort. There was just so much to unpack there that she didn’t even know where to begin. However, it did bring up something else that was bothering the novice Balrog.

“Right, how couldn’t I consider that. Off topic, how come I’m only seeing monster girls and human men walking by. Where are all the guy monsters?” Diana cluelessly inquired.

“You’re looking at them,” the punkish Will-O-The-Wisp bluntly stated.

“What Cynane is trying to say is that there are no male mamono, not a single one. That’s what the human men are for,” Hazel informed as a devious smile crept on her face.

The fledging fire demon looked at Hazel with a mortified expression as she started to connect the darts, “I’m afraid I don’t follow. You’re making it sound like you’re using these men for…..”

“For fucking yeah, obviously,” the unbridled Redcap recklessly cut in.

“No, not just for fucking, although we do a lot of that once we get to settle down with a man. Human men are so much more, and we love them with all our hearts. I’m sure you’ll understand once you find your special someone,” Yaiza corrected to help soothe this bit of information over.

“So, all these men, they’re actually in some sort of relationship with those monsters beside them?” Diana uttered in shock as she eyed every couple that scrolled by.

“Oh it’s more than just a relationship, they’re all married to them. Can’t you tell?” Hazel questioned curiously.

“Bunch of lucky bitches, the lot of them,” Cynane grumbled as her blue flames got a little wilder to reflect her jealously.

“Yeah, it’s so damn hard to find a single guy here nowadays. I swear the moment one of them sets foot here, he’s instantly taken. At least in Dragonia I used to have a chance to at least meet a guy before someone swooped in to steal him away,” Yaiza sighed dishearteningly. 

“Ladies, ladies, your time will come. Remember what I always say, just relax and let fate do all the work. It will guide whoever you’re meant to be with to you in time,” the insouciant Lilim preached as she guided her rebellious flock through the busy streets.

“You only say that to justify the fact you don’t have a man of your own yet despite being an all powerful bringer of corruption,” Hazel tauntingly teased.

“I will remind you a lot of my sisters are still single. Even my overrated sister Druella hasn’t managed to tie the knot yet, and you know how much of a hypocrite that makes her considering her station. How many times I got to tell ya, we Lilims can’t be paired with just any body. So, if I can wait, you can wait,” Fulgora off handily rebuked with a carefree shrug.

“It still sounds like bullshit to me,” the sassy Will-O-The-Wisp commented with a snicker.

“Then how do you explain your situation than, Cynane. Hell, you’re the biggest proof of concept here given how your story is playing out so far,” the Lilim causally debated with her ghostly lackey.

“My circumstances are the furthest thing from being governed by fate or whatever nonsense you use to justify your lazy ass,” the Will-O-The-Wisp spat back as she crossed her arms in defiance.

“Say whatever you want, but I know how shit plays out. Happens every single time. Now enough of this dribble, we’re here,” Fulgora announced their arrival as she stood before their destination. 

Before the miscellaneous group of mamono, stood perhaps the most intimidating structure Diana had ever seen. Extremely coarse grey bricks covered in scorch marks made up it’s looming walls while the few windows that were shattered about its surface were obstructed by charcoal black iron bars. Atop its spiked roof, twin bonfires roared above the main entrance with overwhelming intensity as two heavily enforced doors, each one looking like it weighed a solid ton, blocked the way in. If it wasn’t for the out of place, and admittedly goofy looking sign that read “The Hound House” hanging above those doors, Diana imagined this is what fortresses in hell might look like.

“Ok, I’m really having second thoughts about this. Plus, I don’t have any money and I’m sure I would only end up embarrassing you all, so maybe we can try this again some other time,” Diana muttered out as she dared not imagine what was behind those doors.

“Relax, I’ll be paying for everything, so there’s no reason to be chickening out now. Besides the owner is a good friend of mine, so I’m sure she’ll treat a newbie like you well. If this place can’t help you awaken your inner fire, I don’t know what can,” Fulgora exclaimed as she strutted over to grab one of the skull shaped handles and pulled the door open with absurd ease.

“But I don’t want my inner fire awakened, I want it blown out,” the Balrog whined as she took a step back, only to find both her arms interlocked by Yaiza and Maesie to stop any hope of escape.

“I know all of this seems overwhelming, but it will be fun, I promise. We’ll be by your side the entire time,” the high-spirited Wyvern reassured with a fanged smile as she led the timid Balrog inside.

“Ya, grow a spine will ya. Mamono like you shouldn’t be scared of anything, so would it kill ya to act more like sis, already,” the Redcap chastised the volcanic demoness’s cowardice. 

Despite some meek protests, Diana could do very little to prevent herself from being escorted into that hellish bastion. However, when she got inside, she wasn’t sure if the interior was everything she should have expected or not at all. Everything was so blight and blazing, not to mention she could easily see the thickness of the humidity hanging in the air, and yet she could barely feel any of the heat on her skin despite knowing it was there. She supposed that was due to her new infernal nature, but it was still a strange feeling none the less.

The entire building seemed to be split into two designated areas. The front half reminded Diana of a tavern except everything seemed to be made from slabs of dark stone from the benches to the tables while bright, glowing streaks of fiery orange seemed to run through everything. The bar was roughly the same aside from the adornments of various liquor bottles, armor pieces and weapons that adorned the wall behind it. There was also a corner that seemed designated to host games and entertainment as dart boards, pool tables and some metal man in a box simply called the “Kiss Tester” were all held there.

The second half in the back was much more open and was at a slight lower level than the front. It retained the same flaring, rocky visage except there was a massive stage composed of warped iron and steel set up at the back. A row of spikes lined both the top and bottom of the apron giving the illusion that the stage was a giant set of metallic jaws while chains dangled from the ceiling above and a set of unused instruments were left scattered about the centre stage. The grand platform was so much larger and more elaborate in design than the simple stages Diana was used to seeing being set up back home, let somehow it still didn’t compare to the true centre piece of this nightmarish venue.

Just as Maesie mentioned before there was in fact an insanely massive, infernal furnace erected smack dab in the centre of the building, practically acting as the divider for the two sections. The titanic cylinder of savaged metal bellowed fire from it’s exposed top and the numerous slits that adorned its sides, giving it the appearance of some sort of demonic doomsday contraption. There was no way such a thing wasn’t a hazard to the clientele her, monsters or not, and yet none of them seem to care, in fact a lot of them appeared to enjoy the heat it was blazing out.

However, despite the vast space and numerous seating arrangements, there wasn’t actually that many monsters lounging about the premises, not that see was complaining. From what Diana spotted there was only a group of pig women in deep discussion with a massive one eyed giant, a duo of girls with lizard like traits that had a trail of fire running down their tails playing darts, a man sharing a drink with some fiery imp girl,  and strangest of all a girl made of actual fire gossiping with a woman who looked she was composed of glowing orange goo and the same dark stone the building was made of. 

Then there were the two waitresses strutting about covered in ashen black fur and had distinct canine like features from their arrowhead shaped ears to their busy tails. Diana instantly identified them as Werewolves, although the fact their eyes were literally blazing with hellfire, made her second guess her answer. All in all, it was a strange assortment of evil to behold, although Diana had to admit they all looked like they belonged here. Just like her.

“This is what the underworld looks like, isn’t it,” Diana utterer slacked jar as she struggled to take in everything she was ogling.

“Nah, the underworld is much cleaner than this,” the Will-O-The-Wisp acerbically stated.

“Huh, doesn’t seem to be too busy. I guess there’s no band scheduled tonight,” Fulgora uttered as she scanned the venue.

“Oh, thank the Chief God,” Diana muttered under her scorching breath knowing she may have just lucked out.

“Doesn’t seem like it. Everyone’s probably at some big Diva show or something. Which is fine by me,” Cynane grumbled as she floated by. 

“I think I heard there was some big surprise show here last night though. I believe it might have been the Wings of Malice, so I guess we already missed out on all the excitement,” Hazel commented as she adjusted her hat.

“Wait, they played here last night, and you didn’t tell me! Hazel come on, you know they’re my favourite band, how could you keep that from me,” Yaiza poutingly scolded.

 “I only heard about it after the fact, Yaiza. You know I wouldn’t keep that from you on purpose,” the Dark Mage lovingly apologized.

“Who are the Wings of Malice?” Diana mistakenly asked, unaware of the whirlwind of fanaticism she just unleashed upon herself.

“Only the greatest band ever! I try and go to all their shows if I can. I know you’re only wearing their shirt because Fulgora gave it to you, Diana, but you would love them. They play the most passionate and free-spirited music you would ever hear. The band is run by a Malef princess named Luna and her super talented husband, Philip and the chemistry they share when they play together is just so magical. Then there are her Dragonewt backup players, and they’re so damn humble despite how crazy amazing they are. I even got them all to sign my tits once, and it was the greatest moment of my life,” Yaiza went on a crazed rant as she proudly showed off how much of a super fan she was.

“Oh, great you got her ranting about her favourite band. She’s gonna be on this for hours now,” Cynane grumbled out as she rolled her translucent eyes back in annoyance.

“Yaiza please, can we talk about anything else. I don’t think I can survive going through this again,” Maesie whined in agreement with the burning ghost above her.

“Girls, girls, this is no time or place for bickering. We came here for Diana and to have a good time, right. So, let’s have one,” Fulgora intermediated as she flung her arms around the Wyvern and Redcap, “Listen, you ladies go find a table and help Diana settle in. I’ll got to have a word with the owner, so I’ll catch up with you all in a bit. Sound good?” 

“If you insist, sis. But she better be as cool as you claim and not damage our image with her wussyness,” the Redcap mumbled out.

“Alright. Come on, Diana I can tell you all about Luna and her band once we find a spot to sit down. Oh there is just so much to go over,” Yaiza excitedly offered as she led Diana deeper into the volcanic bar by her hand.

“Are you sure we can’t talk about anything else. Like I don’t know, how one might hypothetically stop being a mamono or something like that,” Diana stammered out as she began to begrudgingly follow the draconic woman to their seat.

“Hey, you got Yaiza started on this topic so you’re the one who has to hear her out until she has her fill,” Maesie lambasted as sweat was already starting to form on the miniature menace’s face as she trailed behind them.

“Don’t worry, Diana, we can answer any questions Fulgora neglected to tell you. In the meantime, I’ll show you all the best drinks they have here that I think you might enjoy,” Hazel replied gleefully as she followed suite, her mouth already getting parched and anticipating the exotic liquors that will soon pass through it.

“Don’t take too long, Fulgora. We just got you back and I got the feeling that little Balrog you made is going to need all the help she can get tonight,” the Will-O-The-Wisp snickered as she flew off to join the rest of their motley crew.

The Lilim only gave a silent carefree shrug in response before splitting off to head to the main bar while the others took a table close to the back. Plopping her firm tush onto one of the stone stools, the rebel princess patiently waited at the currently deserted bar. It didn’t take long for one of the Hellhound waitresses to notice her pressence as their tail wagged into a frenzy upon recognizing the familiar fiendess and rushing over to greet the daughter of the Mamono Lord.

“Auntie Fulgora, I didn’t realize you were back in town,” the tattered clothed Hellhound welcomed as she slid right beside the Lilim like an excited pup.

“What did I tell you about calling me Auntie, Roxanne. Anyways, where’s Betty. I need to discuss someone with her,” Fulgora causally addressed the young Hellhound.

“Oh ma, she just went on break with pops. So, it’s just me and Polly here to hold down the fort till she gets back. She should only be half an hour at most but I can go get her if you like,” Roxanne offered as she wondered what this could all be about.

“Oh, there’s no rush, let your parents have their time together. I’ll just wait here till they’re done. In the meantime, you see that Balrog over there with my girls,” Fulgora pointed out Diana sandwiched between the other mamono at a table in the far back.

“Oh yeah, I was wondering who she was. I can’t recall the last time we had one of them pay our little place a visit. So, what’s the story with her,” Roxanne inquired with curiosity.

“Well, let’s just say she’s fresh off the presses. And by that, I mean I just recently corrupted her into one like not that long ago. Point is, she’s very, very new to being a mamono and she is still a bit confused about everything. So, give her anything she wants and be extra friendly with her, got it. I’ll foot the bill for the entire table, so don’t worry about anything they order or how much of it,” the voltaic Lilim blithely instructed.

“Oh, so she’s a newbie, that’s fun. Alright than, I can do that. So shall I pour you a drink while you wait for ma?” the Hellhound inquired, knowing full well the Lilim’s taste for the good stuff.

“Well, I would be lying if I didn’t say I haven’t been eyeing that bottle of Wendigo Spirit Water, so a glass of that on the rocks sounds really good right now. Actually, you know what, leave the bottle, I’ll take the whole thing,” Fulgora requested, knowing full well it was one of the rarer drinks on display.

“Well, you never cheap out when it comes to drinks, do you Auntie. Alright, I’ll get you set up than I’ll take care of your new discipline,” Roxanne teasingly complied as she went to work preparing the simple drink.

With her alcohol to help pass the time, Fulgora began her long wait. Five minutes became fifteen than thirty until nearly a full hour passed for the impatient Lilim. Of course, Fulgora kept an eye on the table hosting her crew just to make sure everything was going smoothly. In fact, the more she peered over, the better things appeared to be progressing. Diana was drinking along with the others and appeared to be opening up more and more as time passed. She continued to keep an eye on the scene until a looming, dark mass appeared to block her view as the woman she had been waiting on finally entered from the back and resumed her role behind the bar.

The Hellhound known as Betty dwarfed her twin daughters both in terms of height and mass, as she proudly radiated with muscle mommy energy. Even by Hellhound standards she was a sight to behold, as she was not only much taller than the average Hellhound but she used to be three times wilder back in her prime, if the insane length of her mane and the trophies she carried on her body as proof of her past reckless exploits were anything to go by. Just like her daughters she only wore a torn set of booty shorts and a pure white tank top, although hers were noticeably more snug around her larger, more pronounced curves and had the words “Big Boss” written sloppily on her chest.  As she rounded the corner, the beast of a woman readjusted her top over those massive dark orbs of hers as she reeked of that oh so addictive scent of mixed hormones, sweat and fresh essence, revealing exactly what the motherly hound was up to on her break with her hubby.

“Well, if it isn’t my favourite Hellhound, Big Bad Betty. I see you haven’t lost your touch at keeping royalty waiting,” Fulgora greeted her old friend in jest.

“It’s just Betty now. Nobody calls be by that nickname anymore and you know it. Anyways when did you start referring yourself as royalty you conceited bitch,” Betty joked right back as if no time had passed between them.

“Dark gods above, how I missed your bark. So, how’s the responsible life treating you nowadays,” Fulgora amusingly inquired.

“Oh, just peachy. The kids are all right, Rowan is more than alright and contrary to how quiet it is right now, the business is all right. Although it helps that a certain Lilim hasn’t been around as of late to wreck the peace,” Betty mentioned with a toothy, coy grin.

“Don’t act like you haven’t missed me, you uptight mutt. You know shit’s a lot more fun when I’m around,” Fulgora retorted with an unserious chuckle.

“True that. You certainly know how to whip things into a frenzy. Anyways, it is good to see you again, but how come you’re not over there drinking it up with your latest batch of miscreants,” the mature Hellhound pointed out as she peered over to inspect the Lilim’s crew.

“Well, like I said I was waiting on you. Believe it or not, I need some advice,” the fiendess admitted as she took a swig of her exotic, frosty booze.

“Now this I got to hear. I can’t think of the last time you came to anybody for advice. Please tell me you didn’t come to me for help just because I’m a barkeep now,” Betty jokingly said as she leaned down to talk with her almighty customer.

“Well, that might have something to do with it, but I’m asking you because this involves that Balrog over there. You see I just corrupted her, but I think something went wrong when I turned her. So I thought maybe you heard anything about this sort of thing happening anywhere else,” Fulgora confessed as she leaned in to ensure no one would overhear this conversation.

“What you talking about, Fulgora,” the Hellhound uttered as she raised her ear in attention.

“Well, for whatever reason she’s not taking to her transformation like she should be. She’s still acting like the same restrained, falsely innocent girl she was before. Like none of her new instincts seemed to have taken root,” the punkish Lilim admitted with an uncharacteristically amount of shame.

“Well, that’s nothing too out of the ordinary is it. You know some girls just don’t take to the whole mamono thing right away. It’s nothing a bit of patience won’t solve,” the Hellhound responded, unsure what the big deal was.

“No, what I mean is, mentally she is still completely the same. Like she doesn’t even have the instincts to have even an ounce of control over any of her new abilities yet. She nearly burned down her entire village because she freaked out over her transformation. She can’t even fly yet for crying out loud. Like have you ever heard of such an absurd thing,” Fulgora exclaimed as she ranted her disbelief over the solution.

“Oh, wow that is bad. Can’t say I’ve heard anything of the like. But if it’s that bad, why the hell did you bring her here. Don’t you think it would be better to take her to one of your sisters, or hell, even your mother to see what the issue is?” Betty proposed shocked by this troubling reveal.

“I am not going to any of my sisters, at least not before I have a chance to solve this myself. Could you imagine if Hecate or Minerva, or mother forbid Druella found out about this,” Fulgora stated as she already dreaded the potential comments from her family members about this blunder.

The motherly hellhound took a deep sigh as she placed a reassuring paw on the dark princess, “Listen, I know you’re a Lilim, and a prideful one at that, but if you’re embarrassed about messing up her corruption….”

“I didn’t mess up. There’s something special about her, something that is blocking those instincts from settling in. They’re in there, I sense it, but something is stopping her mind from accepting them,” Fulgora defensively replied, “Besides my ego isn’t why I don’t want my sister’s involved, at least it’s not the main thing. I’m just worried of what they might do to Diana if they find out about her. I now for sure Hecate would subjugate to her wild experiments and Druella is, well, she’s Druella, so enough said.”

“If you say so, but you still haven’t answered my question of why you brought an uncontrollable Balrog here. You do know Saida is built on a dormant volcano and my place connects right to its core to get its heat, right,” Betty questioned how much the Lilim truly thought about this course of action.

“Oh please, you think I haven’t considered that. I took precautions. I gave her a ring of heat absorption to help keep her heat in check. Won’t last forever but should last long enough for me to figure this shit out. Besides even if she did cause a disturbance with the volcano, Onera is down there to prevent any disaster from breaking out,” Fulgora confidently replied.

“Speaking of Onera, why not take the newbie to see her. I’m sure she could show her the ropes, after all she was a Balrog way before your mom changed things. She’s as ancient as they come and therefore experienced as they come for this kind of thing,” the maternal Hellhound proposed.

“I’ve thought about that, but Onera might be a bit too extreme of a mentor for someone like her. Hell, her entire little lair down there is basically one giant BDSM dungeon and I don’t think Diana could handle such a place as she is now. Maybe latter, once she grows up a bit. Anyways I decided to bring her here instead of Onera’s club because, let’s be honest, it’s the clear tamer one of the two. Besides I figured the more volcanic atmosphere here might trigger something in her and might help ease her into her new life,” the rowdy Lilim explained her thought process.

“Well, I suppose I can see your reasoning, but I also think I figured out a little flaw with your approach that you may want to fix asap,” Betty obscurely pointed out.

“Oh, and what would that be,” Fulgora challenged.

“It seems to me you’re too focused on the Balrog part of her and not the Diana part of her, you know what I’m saying. Maybe you would be better off winning her over by figuring out what she wants to do, instead of what she’s supposed to be doing,” the Hellhound wisely suggested, much to the surprise of the Lilim.

“Yeah, but the Diana part of her isn’t the part of her that might accidently reshape an entire location with her mere presence,” Fulgora pointed out as she tilted her glass for another sip.

“Maybe, but if she is special like you claim, than it seems like it is the Diana part that is preventing the Balrog part from wrangling in her powers. Besides when did you start sounding so damn dogmatic. You’re starting to come off more like one of your radical sisters than the incautious smartass I used to party with,” Betty identified as she pointed out the Lilim’s change in outlook.

“Gods damn it, you’re right. I really was starting to sound like Druella there, wasn’t I. What the hell am I doing? How the hell did you get so smart despite being so much younger than me, Betty” Fulgora jokingly questioned while showing her appreciation for the advice.

“Considering I started a family and a business to support them, I kind of had to grow up a bit. I couldn’t raise hell with you forever. Plus having a former paladin for a husband and having to talk to so many people as a barkeep helped open my eyes to some things,” the Hellhound humbly bragged.

“So, you keep reminding me. Well, now that’s settled, do you think you could turn down that damn furnace of yours. It’s actually starting to get hot enough in here to make me sweat,” Fulgora jokingly complained.

“Now that you mention it, it does feel like it’s getting warmer in here,” Betty stated as she too started to notice the rise in temperature.

Suddenly their attention was brought to the stage once they heard one of the unmanned mics turn on with a screeching pitch. Much to their surprise they spied a staggering Diana struggling to figure out how to operate the magical device as she glared at it with hazy eyes. However, once the clearly intoxicated Balrog was done fooling about, the most unexpected slurry of words erupted from her mouth.

“Hello….is….is this stupid thing on? Oh, whatever. I’ll come to make an……an announcement. The Chief God is backstabbing slut…..and……..and I’m going to personally drag her down from her stupid throne and make…..make her my personal cunt licking….bitch! So who wants to raise hell with……with the Bane of Cedars of whatever the hell those uptight Valkyrie tramps called me!” 

Chapter Text

One Hour Earlier

“You just got to love these heated benches. Keeps the ass nice and toasty while we enjoy our drinks and have some girl talk,” Hazel remarked with a delighted moan as she slid right beside Diana on her left.

“I just hope they come with the drinks soon, I’m already sweating buckets here,” Maesie grumbled as she joined the same side as the Dark Mage.

“I don’t know, the humidity doesn’t feel that bad tonight. I guess the lack of clientele is probably the cause for that,” Yaiza mentioned as she took the right side of Diana.

“That’s easy for you to say, you overgrown lizard. You got all your dragon bits to help you with the heat. Until the drinks get here, I got jack shit to keep me from cooking like a potato,” the Redcap whined as she slumped over the craggy table.

 “Oh, stop being a baby. You don’t see me or Hazel complaining. Hell, even the new meat here hasn’t yet out a peep yet,” Cynane mockingly replied as she leisurely hovered above.

“Is it really that hot in here?” Diana sheepishly let slip as she found herself surrounded on all sides by her new monstrous “friends”.

“Oh, shut it. You’re dead, she’s a flipping Balrog and Hazel already took a potion to keep herself cool before we even left. How is any of that a fair comparison!” the Redcap growled at the teasing Will-O-The-Wisp above.

“Now, now, everyone. We’re not here to make a fuss, we’re here to show Diana a good time and make her feel welcomed within our little gang,” the Dark Mage intervened as she turned her attention to the Balrog in their presence.

“Yeah, now spill. We want to know everything there is to know about the new Balrog on the block,” Yaiza chirped playfully as she gave the fire demon a reassuring pat on the back with her leathery wing.

“Yeah, like how did a snack stealing nobody like you managed to win sis’s flavour. I refuse to believe she let a scaredy cat like you hang out with her for more than a minute,” Maesie barked as she wiped some sweat from her pale forehead.

“Honestly, I’m a little curious myself regarding what you did to impress Fulgora enough to corrupt you in such a risky place. She doesn’t just corrupt anybody personally, you know. At least on purpose,” Cynane inquired as she showed an uncharacteristic level of interest in Diana’s story.

“Well…umm….I…I’m not exactly sure how to answer any of that, if I’m being honest. Whatever I did….I mean, whatever Fulgora claims I did, I didn’t do it. All I do remember is when she showed up at my village’s barn dance uninvited and suddenly had everyone started drooling over her. I went to confront her since she didn’t belong, then somehow I ended up instead chatting with her and before I knew it, she talked me into trying some drink brewed by dwarves. After that, everything is a blur,” Diana tried to explain as she did her best to recall any new details.

“Sounds like you fell under the influence of Fulgora’s aura, although that’s to be expected, you were only human at the time. But it sounds like it didn't effect you to the same extent as the others if you were able to confront her. You must of had some real impressive mental resistance to pull that off, even for a second, Diana,” Hazel deduced as she thought things over.

“So, what you’re saying is…..it wasn’t my fault this happened to me. I was under some sort of spell, and I wasn’t thinking straight when I decided to drink her evil brew. Does that mean there is still hope for me yet. I can’t be truly forsaken if that is the case, right?” Diana uttered as her tone become more hopeful from this news as she clasped her hands together faithfully.

“What the hell are you talking about? I know you came from that creepy holy land, but don’t tell me you actually still care what that stuck up goddess thinks of you? That’s so lame,” the Redcap berated as she tried in vain to make sense of the newbies whining.

“Well, here’s the thing Diana, what Maesie here is trying to say is that Fulgora’s influence may not be solely responsible for your situation. While I wasn’t there, the way Fulgora’s aura usually works around humans besides the usual increase in lust, is that it tends to make people more embolden to act on their latent desires,” Hazel tried to explain to the fledgling Balrog.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Diana sheepishly inquired.

“It means she didn’t make you do anything you didn’t secretly want to do. Maybe you don’t know yourself as well as you thought you did. Maybe you’re deep down, you were always just a massive deviant,” the Will-O-The-Wisp mockingly teased.

“I am no deviant. I am…..I was a respected member of my village. I did everything that was expected of me. I never talked back, never questioned, and always did what was asked of me. I lived as expected like everyone else. There is nothing perverse about me. At least there didn’t used to be,” Diana uttered depressingly as she reflected on what she had become.

“Oh, enough with the sweet and innocent act. There has to be some twisted little desire that drew Fulgora to corrupt you. Something she wanted to see bloom to the surface with your new form. So, just let your desires run wild already,” the Will-O-The-Wisp rebuked, having grown tired of the Balrog’s whimpering.

“That’s enough, Cynane. Can’t you see you’re upsetting her. We’re supposed to be cheering her up,” the punkish Wyvern reprimanded before turning to counsel the Balrog, “Listen, Diana, there’s nothing wrong with being a mamono. In time you’re see how great it is. I know you’re having trouble now but we’re willing to help. I can teach you how to fly, Hazel can handle magic lessons, that grouch up above I’m sure can help with your heat problem, and Maesie can….ummmmm…..be there for emotional support.”

“Why the hell do I have to be the emotional support? I don’t even know what that is!” the Redcap blurted out.

“Yeah, maybe having Maesie being support of any kind, isn’t the best call,” Cynane chuckled.

“Shut it, I would be great emotional support!” Maesie called out in defiance, despite contradicting herself.

Diana could only look on at the carefree bickering amongst the party she now found herself stuck in the middle of. They all seemed so untroubled and vivacious. If she could tell her past self this was how monsters acted, she would have never believed it. Yet she couldn’t stop to think that something was off. They had to be hiding something from her, weren't they? After all she wasn’t truly, without a doubt one of them yet, right?

“Well, if it isn’t my ma’s favourite makeshift group of troublemakers. How you girls been. Oh, shoot is that a Balrog I see snuggled between you all. Now what mischief could you all be up to tonight with someone like her?” a female voice called out to interrupt the chaotic merriment.

Diana turned to find one of those imposing wolf girl waitresses standing before their table. Despite the welcoming front she put on, she was beyond intimidating. Fur as black as the ashes of hell, fangs and claws that glistened like a butcher’s blades, and eyes that glowed as fiercely as the fires that had consumed her home. The fire she set. Because despite a difference in appearance, she was no different from this demonic canine.

As she gave the waitress a second glance over, it was only then did she notice the almost puppy like cheerly expression on her soft face, the numerous silly little pigtails that lined her mane like hair, and the bundle of fluff wagging happily behind her. Despite everything that spoke to the contrary, this woman wasn’t a threat, she was just someone trying to serve her. Just another reminder of how Diana’s world view had been turn upside down, if someone like her was working as a bar maid of all things.

“Polly!” everyone at the table cheered at once, minus a certain confused Balrog.

“This here is Diana, we’re showing her the ropes. Fulgora just corrupted her like, yesterday I think? So, we came here to celebrate,” Yaiza spoke up as she informed the waitress of the situation.

“Oh wow. Not everyday a new Balrog struts her stuff around here. Well, Diana, it’s a pleasure to meet ya. I hope you come by often, because you won’t find a hotter place for music than here. Anyways, what can I get you all to drink to start this celebration off?” Polly asked as she placed a hand on her fuzzy hip.

“I’ll have my usual starter. An alchemist mixer,” Hazel ordered first as she flipped a few bangs aside.

“Oh, I’ll have…let’s see….oh, I’ll take a Wyrm Twister tonight,” Yaiza requested as she finally made up her mind.

“A Sour Styx, and don’t forget the pomegranate this time,” Cyranne more backhandedly asked.

“Ale, lots of it,” Maesie groaned out as she panted like a dog.

“Ok, easy peasy. Now what about you hun,” the hellhound said as she looked to Diana for the final order.

“Oh, I don’t know. I’ve actually never drank before. I’ve never even been in a tavern. Actually, can I just have some water, or milk if you have it,” Diana nervously ordered.

“Oh, come on Diana, seriously. We’re celebrating your new birthday here, your corruption day. Live a little. If you want, we can recommend some drinks if you don’t know your boozes,” Hazel playfully offered as she gave a reassuring pat on the Balrog’s shoulder.

“Yeah, you don’t need any more milk. Your tits are big enough. Besides it’s not like you can get any more corrupted if that's what you're worried about, you big baby,” Maesie scolded with slight envy.

“Oh wait, you said Fulgora gave you liquor made by dwarves right. Clearly you liked it, so how about that,” Yaiza proposed before turning to Polly, “You got dwaren brewed stuff here, right, Polly. She’ll take whatever you got.”

“Oh, we got quite the collection of Dwarven liquor. I’ll start you off with a shot of some watered down Pickaxe Whisky. That should be a good starter for a newbie like you. Does that sound good to you, hun,” the hellhound asked.

For some reason the mention of whisky made Diana’s mouth water as if she was reminded of that first forbidden sip Fulgora gave her. Before she even realized it, she was nodding in approval as she uttered the words that just seemed to slip out, “Actually, that sounds pretty good.”

“Okay than. I’ll be back shortly with all you drinks in a jiffy,” Polly stated gleefully before walking away to prepare their order.

“There you go, good on you, Diana. I know you’re still iffy on the whole being a Balrog thing, but some liquor should help loosen those worries. And once you’re up for it, the real fun can start,” Yaiza exclaimed joyously at the sight of Diana taking her first steps to accepting her new life as a mamono.

“If….if you say so,” Diana timidly replied as she waited for the cause of her corruption to return before her very eyes once more.

Thirty minutes and two entire bottles of whisky later.

“Oh, this stuff burns so good,” Diana cooed as she finished her latest bottle and slammed it against the table with pure satisfaction.

The fledgling Balrog, once so reserved and timorous while in the presence of her fellow mamono, was now acting as if they were her most cherished friends. Fear and uncertainty had been burned away to make room for a foreign sense of tranquility and a growing assertiveness. Even her twisted horns began to produce a lukewarm glow of heat as her body temperature and confidence rose. It seemed liquid courage really was the perfect fuel to feed her innerfire.

“I’m surprised to see how easily you can pack that stuff away. I think I’m starting to figure out why Fulgora wanted you so badly,” Hazel cheekily commented as she took a sip from her third cocktail.

“Shit, you could even give the best drinkers from my old raiding party a run for their money,” Cynane uttered in disbelief of the Balrog’s talent for destroying drinks.

“You sure you don’t want to slow down? That’s a lot to have in such a short time, even for living furnace like yourself,” Yaiza stated, hoping she and her friends weren’t pushing Diana too far.

“No, I’m good. Like really good actually. Like everything finally feels right….."BBBURRPPPP"……oh excuse me,” Diana confessed before an unladylike belch interrupted her before turning hr attention to the Dark Mage, “Actually I’ve been meaning to ask something of you Hazel? How come you look….normal?”

“Whatever do you mean, dear,” Hazel curiously asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Like, you don’t seem to have a tail, or horns or anything….extra. You just look like a normal attractive person,” Diana questioned, unsure if she was missing something or not.

“Oh, I see. I suppose it only makes sense you’d be curious, after all I’m sure I’m one who sticks out the most in our like gang. But rest assured I’m just as much as a mamono as you. You see, before I became a Dark Mage, I used to study in a university for magic, but I’d be lying if I said I was an ideal student. I was lazy and always looking for shortcuts, and let’s just say it cost me my humanity in the end. Not that I’m complaining. My old life wasn’t exactly anything to be envious of,” Hazel divulged with a reminiscent sigh.

“How, exactly did you lose your humanity?” the Balrog pressed further, both for her desire to finally relate with someone who had gone through something similar as herself and for some odd reason, simple curiosity of what juicy bits of info Hazel’s story entailed.

“Well, I was getting fed up with my classes and one night I ventured out to blow some stream by visiting one of the shadier arcane stores in the city. I picked up the wrong book, performed the wrong ritual and accidently blew myself up with concentrated mamono mana. It seemed my body was well suited to the stuff, because next thing I know I’m tall, super hot and have this gorgeous purple hair. Unfortunately, the explosion also alerted everyone in the building and it wasn’t long before the guards showed up to arrest me. They found out I was corrupted and were going to put me to death if Fulgora hadn’t happened to in the city and freed me. We’ve been friends ever since,” the Dark Mage revealed her story before taking a long sip from her colourful drink.

"So you can be a mamono and still look human? Why couldn't have Fulgora made me into a Dark Mage like you or something similar. Maybe I could have stayed home and kept my corruption a secret," Diana lightly whined as she considered what could have been.

"Oh, I doubt it would have been that simple. The Order would have sniffed you out eventually, they always do. Besides you look so good as you are now. Honestly I wished I had horns as alluring as yours or something to spice up my look," Hazel earnestly confessed.

"You do?" Diana questioned in surprise as she hadn't expected that response.

"Oh, yeah. You're super hot. You are hard core rocking the Balrog look," Yaiza chipped in.

"Even i got to admit I'm a little jealous of of those wings of yours," Cynane admitted with a huff.

"Gods, I wished I had your boobs," Maesie grumbled with pure jealously.

“I guess I do look pretty good, don't I. But back to the point at hand, does that mean you were all human once too?” Diana continued her questions as she now spoke to the whole group.

“Oh no. Me and Maesie here are naturally born mamono. We’ve been like this since the day we were born,” the Wyvern informed with a toothy grin.

“Yeah, we never had to deal with all your stupid human shit,” the Redcap uttered before drowning herself with an ale mug that was perhaps too big for her.

“Oh. So, what about you Cynane? How did you end up like this?’ Diana inquired of the Will-O-Wisp.

“I died,” the fiery spirit said plainly.

“Oh, right. I suppose that should have been obvious,” Diana uttered, almost jokingly.

“Oh, come on now, Cynane. There’s more to your story than that. Now are you going to tell it, or do we have too,” Hazel teasingly threatened the floating phantom.

A heavy groan escaped her transparent lips before Cynane relented, “Fine……I’ll spill. I used to ride with a band of marauders all along the hills of Bellet, privileging and raiding and all that good shit. Naturally, one day the king’s forces came to deal with us and we got into a bloodbath. I got targeted by a bastard who thought he was hot shit just because he had a handsome face and we ended up killing each other. But, the thing is I really fucking hate losing so my spirit refused to pass on, even as it withered away as the years passed. However, as luck would have it, Fulgora passed by and slept too near where my bones were buried. My spirit started to feed off her mana, and puff, I’m a Will-O-Fucking-Wisp. End of story.”

“Aren’t you neglecting a certain somebody from your tale? A certain Ansel?” the Wyvern brashly reminded her undead companion.

“She doesn’t need to know about him,” Cynane blurted out flustered.

“Oh, but it’s the best part, Cynane,” Hazel teasingly stated.

“Who’s Ansel?” Diana inquired.

“He’s the guy who ran a spear through her gut before she cleaved her axe through his face. Basically the guy she has a huge crush on and plans on revenge fucking for eternity,” Maesie bluntly called out.

“Shut the fuck up you little twerp,” the heavy metal Will-O-Wisp grumbled as her eyes and hair flared in response.

“Well, it’s not like she’s wrong dear,” Hazel proclaimed with a sly smile.

“Wait, wait, wait…..but you killed him. So, is he a ghost too, or something?” Diana spoke up as she tried to make sense of this revelation.

“Not yet, but he should have been, if a certain somebody didn’t screw up the ritual to pull his spirit out from the underworld,” Cynane grumbled as she stared daggers at the Dark Mage.

“I told you before we even started, I’m no good at necromancy and we should have gotten a Lich or something to perform it instead. But no, you had to be impatient and cheap. It’s not my fault we ended up pissing off Hel and accidentally reincarnating his soul instead,” Hazel dismissively commented as she drained the last remnants of her cocktail.

“The hell it isn’t. That bastard should be burning in my cage by now, completely at my mercy but instead I have to wait till he’s no linger a brat and slightly resembles the bastard who killed me,” the vengeful spirit complained.

“How many years you got to wait now, anyway? He must be getting close by now,” Yaiza more causally asked.

“Six years and five months until he reaches his twenty-ninth birthday and I can have my proper revenge,” Cynane answered rather quickly.

“Wait, if he’s reincarnated, does that actually make him the same guy who killed you or someone else entirely. Does he even remember anything from his old life?” Diana questioned more curious than mortified by this tale.

“Doesn’t matter. As soon as he reaches the same age he was when he slayed me, I’ll make him remember. There are plenty of potions and spells to bring back past memories, and I want him to know what he did to me before I lock him in my cage,” the Will-O-The-Wisp exclaimed almost proudly.

“Doesn’t that seem, I don’t know a little harsh?” the Balrog uttered, unsure what to make of the situation as it felt like her brain was being pulled into two separate directions.

“Oh, don’t take Cynane’s words so literally. She loves that man dearly; it’s why she’s waited this long despite her impatience. She even already has him marked by her mana to ensure no one else takes him and checks up on him from time to time, even if he doesn’t know it. She once even watched over him while he was ill and secretly helped nurse him back to health. Point is, he isn’t in any danger, if that’s what you’re worried about,” the Dark Mage confessed on her ghostly cohort’s behalf.

“You shut your mouth too, Hazel!” Cynane shrieked as her ghostly cheeks went a little red.

“Calm, down Cynane, your affection is nothing to be ashamed about. It’s really sweet you’re waiting for him to become the man you remember before grabbing him. Now let’s all relax, I see Polly coming this way with more drinks” Yaiza intervened as she waved down their Hellhound waitress for another round.

An additional twenty minutes and two more empty bottles of whiskey later.

“Where….where has this shit been my whole life….”hiccup”…..” Diana uttered as she worked through the first half of her fifth bottle, sounding thoroughly sloshed as her horns now radiated with a molten glow.

“Damn, Diana, you might have to start thinking about entering competitions if you’re going to be drinking this much. You sure you can handle it all,” Yaiza inquired, already feeling a little buzz herself.

“I….I can handle anything. I’m a….I’m a Balrog. Nothing….nothing can hold me back…..anymore…..”burrrppp”. Although I could go for something meaty right now…with a side…a side of potatoes. Good potatoes,” Diana slurred out as she felt a warmth build up inside her like nothing she had experienced before.

“Pretty sure four and a half bottles of whisky is your limit, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying this side of you. You’re acting like a real Balrog now,” Cynane commented as she lazily drifted above the table.

“Well, now that you’re feeling more comfortable in your skin. Perhaps we can finally start asking you the important questions,” Hazel sultry cooed with a mischievously glint in her eyes.

“Fucking bring it,” Diana sloppily accepted before taking a hearty swig from her bottle.

“Tell us about the fuck boys back home. Surely there must be a certain someone back home you want being squeezed between your thunder thighs,” the now rosy cheeked Redcap demanded.

“Yeah, it’s not every day you meet someone from Numinis Cordis who can reveal all the tasty details about the men they safeguard behind those walls,” Hazel claimed with a sultry smirk.

“You want to know…to know about the guys from my village, do you. Don’t bother…..they’re….they’re a bunch of losers. I bunch of…..fake ass….choir boys with……with no balls among them. Always pretending to be…dependable and innocent……despite only thinking about groping my tits when….when talking to me. Even my local priest….probably. They…they didn’t fool me….I knew they thought about it….daydreamed about it, but none of them could ever hope to handle my boobs…or my butt….or any part of me. They’re all a bunch of….limp dick pushovers. Like….like everyone else from my village. They couldn’t even be bothered…to…to look at me and admire what I’ve become,” Diana drunkenly ranted.

“Damn, I knew Balrog’s were picky but that’s a little harsh even by my standards,” Cynane uttered.

“Oh, I’m sure they’re not that bad. You just haven’t met someone up to your standards yet is all. Don’t worry, you’ll find someone. We all will,” the bubbly Wyvern assured as she wrapped her wing around the Balrog in a halfass attempt at a hug.

“Well, what kind of guy do you want to bang than, fire tits?” Maesie bluntly probed.

“I….I want a guy who’s a real’s man…man. Someone who doesn’t take shit…..from anybody…and will defend my honor at…at the drop of a hat, but….but he needs to know who’s in charge behind….behind closed doors….me. And if he’s good….I’ll let him worship my…my sexy body….then I’ll fuck him, then Fulgora can take a turn…..than it will be me again…..than he’ll fuck both of us together….” Diana spouted off, not even entirely aware of everything she was saying.

“Wait, Fulgora. Don’t tell me you want Fulgora in your little fantasy life as well. Does she know about the little girl crush you have with her,” Hazel tauntingly acknowledged with a scandalous giggle.

“She….she owes me. She made me like this…so…so her and that tight….tight ass of hers is going to take….responsibility. I don’t….care if she’s the Demon Lord’s kid……I’m going to take her….because…I’m…I’m a Balrog…and we take whatever we want…..I think,” Diana babbled with a slurred tongue.

“Ha, I knew Balrog’s were bold and ambitious but taming a Lilim, yet alone a disaster like Fulgora, that’s the balliest thing I ever heard. Good fucking luck with that,” the Will-O-The-Wisp mockingly dismissed before gulping down a large swig of her specialized brew.

“I can do it….I can do anything now. There’s nothing….nothing holding me back anymore. No stupid teachings….no….no stupid village or…..or traditions. Not even the Chief God or my….my mom can stop me now. I don’t…don’t have to listen them. I…I never did. And….and when I figured that out…they…they tried to kill me...with flashy angels. Didn’t matter how much…of…of a good girl I was before…..they were going to kill me just because…..I wanted to do what I wanted….one time. Well, fuck them and…and that Chief bitch. No one…no one is telling me what I can or….can’t do ever….ever again. In fact…..I’m going to say what I’ve always wanted to say…..right now…..in front of everybody,” the intoxicated Balrog haphazardly spat out before her eyes wandered to the stage.

Diana slammed her hands down before crawling onto the table, knocking over her bottles and a few other glasses on the way. With wobbly legs, the now inebriated fiendess stood up and spread her ashen wings before leaping off the table. However, this time Diana successfully took flight as she glided towards the stage, even if her flight path wasn’t one-hundred percent straight due to the liquor coursing through her burning veins.

Her cloven hooves clicked against the stage as she stumbled towards the mic. She wasn’t entirely sure the purpose the oddly shaped metal stand had, but some little voice in the back of her head told her if she wanted to be heard, she needed to speak into it. So, as she grasped it in her hand, Diana took a deep breath before saying her drunken peace.

“Hello….is….is this stupid thing on? Oh, whatever. I’ll come to make an……an announcement. The Chief God is backstabbing slut…..and……..and I’m going to personally drag her down from her stupid throne and make…..make her my personal cunt licking….bitch! So, who wants to raise hell with……with the Bane of Cedars of whatever the hell those uptight Valkyrie tramps called me!” Diana blurted out to the entire establishment without a shred of worry.

Diana’s alcohol fueled words echoed throughout the Hound House as they reached what few mamono were enjoying themselves within it’s walls tonight. Yet, their reaction to the drunken Balrog on stage were mostly positive, as they found her to be quite amusing or agreed with her words. Although the Orcs sharing the table with the Cyclops couldn’t help themselves from shouting back “Preach sister!” and “Yeah, fuck the Chief God!”

However, before Diana could continue, Fulgora flew on stage to join the tipsy Balrog. She looked more amused than anything else but that didn’t stop the Lilim from flicking the stand from Diana’s loose hands to stop her from saying anything else.

“Well, seems someone had quite the hour. You’re already sloshed to high hell. Got to say I’m impressed. Didn’t think this would happen till a few more hours in,” Fulgora playfully uttered with a proud smirk.

“Fulgora….hey……there you are. Look….I got….got myself under control and….stuff. I feel better….than ever. So….are you gonna….gonna join my crusade….and fuck shit up with me? Please…please say yes. We can party…and…and party…than you can take me home….and I’ll give those Valkyrie bitches a piece of my mind……light my village on fire and than we can make out…..” Diana blurted out as her thoughts got more slurred by the minute.

“Tempting, definitely ideas for later, but I think your night is over for now, wallflower. While the idea of unleashing a drunken Balrog upon the island to liven things up sounds fun, there’s no point in continuing our night if you’re just going to forget everything by tomorrow. Now come on, we can still continue this party back at my place,” Fulgora serenely suggested.

“But….but we just got here….and it’s so….so warm in here, unlike the rest of this…this dreary place. It’s all stormy and…..miserable outside. I like it here…..with the fire….and heat….” Diana sloppily replied before her eyes turned to the enormous furnace at the centre of the building.

So much fire, so much irresistible heat. Diana’ eyes widened at the sight of such a wonderful structure as she suddenly flew towards it like a moth drawn to the literal flame. Diana chaotically flapped her wings before slamming into the side of the colossal furnace, arms out stretch as she embraced the scalding metal in an awkward hug. The feeling of the heat surrounding her, flowing into her was magical, addictive even.

Unfortunately, she was unknowingly literally absorbing all the heat the furnace was putting out. It only took a few seconds of contact for the massive fire to start shrinking and the temperature in the entire superheated building to noticably drop. Even as the fire resisting ring on her finger glowed with a molten shine, she knew she needed more, that she could handle so much more. She knew there was no fire she couldn’t tame and make her bitch, so why not take everything this furnace had to offer and than some. Hell, she could make this entire island her personal paradise once she heated things up a bit. She could do it, she had the power.

“God damn it, she’s taking all my damn heat. Get her off before the island diva or worse, Onera finds out she’s trying to sap Saida dry,” Betty, the owner of the establishment groaned out to Fulgora.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m on it,” Fulgora dismissively uttered before flying under the content Balrog.

Despite the Balrog’s best effort, the furnace still roared with superheated breath, although it barely fazed the Lilim as she stood right beside the searing steel. Looking up, she say Diana’s stupidly long whip like tail dangling under her, although her attention was also on her own handy work as she peeked up to admire Diana’s ample ass through those tight pants she had on. Grabbing a hold of the demonic lash, Fulgora gave a single yank, causing Diana to fall into her arms, before the Lilim tossed her over her shoulder just like she did at Cedar’s Fields.

“No fair…..no fair,” Diana drunkenly whined despite not putting up a fight as she slumped over the Lilim’s shoulder.

“An alcoholic and a heat addict. Well, aren’t you full of surprises. Whatever would your parents think of you if they saw you like this,” the smug fiendess teased before slapping Diana’s bountiful rump in a show of ownership.

A light moan parted from Diana’s lips upon the sensation of Fulgora’s hand grabbing her butt, “Who cares……just let me have a little more….”

“Oh, don’t worry, wallflower. I got a different kind of heat in mind for you once we get back,” Fulgora suggestively hinted at as he gave another playful slap.

“Remind me to put a limit on her drinking the next time you bring her here. Nothing is worse for business than a drunk Balrog, you know,” Betty spoke up as she walked over to her old party buddy.

“Well, I’m glad to know we’re still welcomed here. I guess you’re getting soft in your old age,” the Lilim teased as she gave a light punch to the Hellhound’s arm.

“I haven’t gone soft in the slightest. It’s just that I’m not going to hold anything against her for something as inconsequential as this. Besides, this chick is just starting out. Who knows what kinds of business she might bring to my place once she’s set up in the world,” Betty blithely proclaimed with a hearty laugh.

“You’re a…a really nice doggy. I…I always wanted a dog…but…but my mom said….no….because she’s a controlling…..bitch,” Diana drunkenly mumbled as she continued to hang over Fulgora’s shoulder like a limp noodle.

“Oh, I can already tell this one is going to be a hellraiser once she figures herself out,” the Hellhound owner claimed with high spirits.

Fulgora with a snap of her fingers opened a shadowy portal before whistling towards her gang to get their attention, “Come on girls, we’re headed back. Diana here needs to burn through all that extra heat she took in, so let’s show her how we mamono like to deal with our problems.”

"I....I wants....chicken," Diana mumbled out as she nuzzled her horns into the Lilim's back.

"Oh, can we get some chicken wings to go, Betty. Make them extra, extra spicy," Fulgora inquired one last favor of the looming Hellhound before heading out for the night.

Chapter Text

Diana’s head was a total mess of groggy confusion and bewilderment as her eyes shot open to introduce her to a new, yet familiar environment. She now found herself in total darkness, tucked sloppily under some oddly damp blankets with only the faint burning glow emitting from her horns to reveal she was now in someone’s bed which was for some reason littered with chicken bones. In fact, the more she looked around the more it became clear she was once again within Fulgora’s messy bed chambers.

Had she fallen asleep? Diana couldn’t remember. In fact, she could barely recall much of anything really. She remembered being dragged to that hazardous tavern and being forced to interact with those monstrous friends of Fulgora. Then there was that dog lady who brought them drinks and things got a little hazy after that. In fact, the last thing Diana recalled was this sensation of heat building up insider her. A heat so overwhelming that just the mere memory of it was enough for Diana’s mind to go blank for a moment. But by the Chief God, did those smoldering embers of sensation feel heavenly.

No, no, no. There was no way such a feeling was of the divine. Whatever that addictive heat was, it surely couldn’t have come from the grace of the Chief God’s vison for the world. No, it had to be some curse bestowed upon her along with this body by that devil, Fulgora. It had to be, there was no other explanation. Her body would never shiver like that on its own from a mere thought unless some foul magic was at play. And considering the current hellish state of her body, that much was already obvious.

As she continued to peer about her slobbish surroundings, that’s when she noticed she wasn’t exactly alone. Slumbering on her left with an empty wine bottle held firmly in her grasp, was the Dark Mage Hazel who was murmuring drunken gibberish in her sleep. To her right, hanging off the side with most of her body already on the floor was Yaiza as she lightly snored contently despite her awkward position. Both of them were as naked as the day they were born, although they seemed to be the only one’s keeping the flaming fiendess company at the moment. There was no sign of the others as far as Diana could tell, something Diana was extremely thankful for.

However, something still didn’t feel quite right. Feeling a disturbance, Diana quickly lifted the covers to peer under them to check something.

Oh, Chief God, she was naked too! Again!

That’s when she felt something shifting between her supple legs and brushing ticklishly against her inner thighs. Rightfully, startled, Diana didn’t waste a second tossing the cozy yet steamy blanket to reveal the intruder violating her most sacred sanctuary. As the blanket flew away the first thing she spied was a pair of straight horns poking out from a mess of white hair.

Oh crap, it was none other than that five foot menace Maesie. Why was she of all monsters between her legs!

“Oh, hey sis, you’re up. Don’t suppose I could get another snack on your tits real quick….ahhhhh!” Maesie yawned out before finding her groggy train of thought cut off quite literally.

Like a flytrap shutting with lightning speed to catch its prey, Diana clasped her thighs together in a panic, resulting in the Redcap’s face to me smushed firmly between them. The Balrog eyes darted about, unsure of what to do with the entrapped deviant and concerned of how the little psycho might react if she was released. However, when Diana peered at the miniature slasher, her expression was not what she expected.

“Harder…..HARDER!” Maesie grasped out with heated, enthralled breath.

Somehow that was the most terrifying reaction the horned munchkin could have given. Without wasting another second, Diana undid her soft hold and bolted off the bed with all the clumsy finance of a frightened deer. She didn’t care she was butt naked or had to crawl over a still slumbering Yaiza, she needed to get out and she needed to get out now.

“Wait, sis, comeback, I’ll be a good girl, honest,” the Redcap longingly cried out for the Balrog to return, “Ah, screw it. She’ll be back. I better get some sleep before she starts whipping my ass again.”

Diana didn’t look back as she rushed out the room in silent distress. Yet despite the fact her lips were sealed, her brain was screaming as it tried to make sense of Maesie’s perverse reaction to getting her head crushed between her thighs. What the hell was wrong with these monsters and why was she now damned to have to live amongst them! She didn’t stop running as she passed through the twisting hall, down the spiral stairs and past living courters down below complete with the hot tub that acted as it’s centerpiece.

Wait.

That wasn’t how Fulgora’s beach house was. In fact, Diana was pretty sure this wasn’t Fulgora’s dwellings at all. Everything was different, from the layout to the furniture. Was she brought to someone else’s home? But that couldn’t be right, she was sure she just ran out of Fulgora’s disaster of a bedroom. It was impossible to mistake a mess like that as anybody else’s. Just what was going on?

“Oh hey, wallflower, surprised to see you the first one walking about after everything you put the others through. As you can see I did some redecorating while you were out. Couldn’t leave the place a mess after Maesie wrecked up the joint. Anyways, I imagine you’re quite thirsty, want some juice?” the alluring yet carefree voice of Fulgora greeted.

Diana turned to find the rebellious Lilim casually strolling out from the kitchen, taking a swing from a glass pitcher containing an odd purple liquid. As per usual the Demon Lord’s spawn carried herself as through nothing was wrong. Except something was wrong. Very, very wrong.

She was also naked.

A mouse like squeak forced its way out from Diana’s trembling lips as the young Balrog instantly covered her eyes to hide her blushing cheeks and wandering eyes. Those perfectly perky pale breasts, those rod-like piercings poking through her sharp nipples, that lean midriff, and that cute little tuff of snow-white hair trimmed in the shape of a lightning bolt just above her eye drawing slit.  Wait, why in the Chief God’s name was she thinking about that devil’s features so intently. No one as awful as her should look that damn good. Oh, curse these new thoughts of hers.

“Why…why are you naked? Put some damn clothes on or something,” Diana sheepishly demanded an answer as she kept her hands glued to her eyes, refusing to give the Lilim another glance until she covered herself.

“Oh please, this isn’t anything you haven’t seen in depth already, sulfur tits. Why you suddenly acting all shy and shit again? You’re acting as if…..wait….how much of yesterday and last night do you recall?” the Lilim inquired as she picked up on the obvious.

“I don’t know, I remember going to that tavern with you and chatting with your friends, after that I have no idea. Now could you please put something on,” Diana squirmed out an answer as she pleaded once more for some relief from Fulgora’s nude glory.

Holy shit, the bitch actually reset all the way back to square one, Fulgora thought to herself. In fact, she seemed more opposed to being a mamono than before. How was that even possible, considering all the sex that occurred last night. Sex she was clearly into considering she pulled out every sex tactic in the Balrog playbook and than some. Granted she was drunk but surely some of it had to stick, right? Maybe alcohol had more of an impact on her than Fulgora imagined, or at least whatever was blocking her corrupted instincts from taking root. This shit really wasn’t her expertise, not that she had any expertise to begin with aside from partying and causing trouble. All the Lilim knew now was that she was still going to have to treat Diana with the kiddie gloves it seemed. A real shame too, Diana fucked like a molten beast in bed and Fulgora was really looking forward to having another tussle with her beneath the sheets.

“Fine, fine, hold your horses. There, is that better,” Fulgora hastily reassured before dressing herself instantly with a wrinkled tank top and baggy sweatpants with a mere snap of her fingers, “Now, are you sure there isn’t anything else you can remember. Like nothing at all. Maybe a certain conversation about who you may or may not like.”

“No…….should I? You’re looking at me like I did something weird. I did something weird, didn’t I? It’s bad isn’t it,” Diana hesitantly inquired as she kept her hands on her face, now terrified of the answer she was about to receive.

“Bad? Naw, nothing like that, at least not by my standards. Well, you see cupcake, you got hammered impressively fast at the bar last night and let’s just say you were acting a lot more comfortable in your new skin. Like a lot more comfortable,” Fulgora tried to explain despite awkwardly dancing around the question.

“What exactly did I do, Fulgora?” Diana inquired as she braced herself for whatever nightmarish reveal that was about to befall her.

“Well, you flew on stage and announced to everyone that the Chief God can lick your cunt,” the electrical fiendess divulged.

“Oh gods, I’m going straight to the hells,” Diana whimpered out.

“Then I think you tried to suck out all the heat in the bar,” Fulgora continued.

“Ok, I guess that isn’t too bad. I didn’t know I can do that,” Diana replied, feeling much less guilty about that action when compared to the words of blasphemy she spouted.

“Oh, yeah, controlling heat is like a Balrog’s whole thing but we can go over that shit later. Anyways, we couldn’t allow that so we left early and took some chicken wings home with us to chow down on,” the Lilim explained further.

“Well, that explains all the bones on the bed,” Diana uttered before noticing one said chicken bon had nestled it way into her cleavage, which the Balrog quickly flicked away.

“And after that we had a massive orgy to try and burn your buzz off the old fashion way,” Fulgora plainly stated as if it was the most nonchalant thing imaginable.

“I’m sorry……..we did what now?” Diana stuttered out, dumbstruck as her jaw remained slacked with shock.

“Oh yeah, it was great. Ordinary I was just going to have Yaiza and Maesie fool around with you, but they weren’t enough so I threw Hazel in the ring as well, but even she couldn’t handle you. So ultimately, I had to get involved and even than it took me a few hours to wrangle you in. But mother be damned, those hours were a real test of my skills. Even I have to admit it was impressive how you managed to dominate the others while drunk off your fat ass. Like I’m pretty Maesie is calling you sis now, and if that doesn’t mean you made her your bitch, I don’t know what does. Your tail and tongue are no joke, wallflower, I’ll give you that,” the Lilim went on to entail with perhaps a little too much enthusiasm before taking a hearty swig from her pitcher.  

The Balrog’s eyes went wider than ever before, “So we really….we actually….you know…”

“Fucked, oh yeah we did. That’s what an orgy is, right. We all joined in, well, except for Cynane since she considers herself a taken woman and decided to float off somewhere. But her aside, there wasn’t a single one of us you didn’t get a nice, long, intimate taste of. You are like a natural born top by the way. Like, you fucking refused to act submissive to anyone other than me, but even than that was struggle, but I expect nothing less from a Balrog of my own making,” Fulgora let slip with a strong sense of pride.

“I wouldn’t…..I would never…..there is no way I would do that. Especially out of wedlock. Especially with all of you. Oh lord, I think I’m going to be sick,” the fledging mamono denied a she felt a dry heave coming.

“Don’t be so dramatic, you loved every second of it. Besides the evidence is all over your body plain to see. For mom sakes, you still got our hickey marks and lipstick smears all over your tits and babymaker,” Fulgora pointed out with a smug smirk.

Diana eyes instantly looked down to give her body a thorough inspection. True to the Lilim’s word, there were signs of where those monsters had left their sensual marks all over her body. However, not to Diana’s surprise, the most prominent clutter of kiss marks were centred around the tips of her twin milky peaks. The evidence was impossible to deny, and the more she peered herself over the more certain familiar sensations were starting to be unearthed from the depths of her physique.

“Oh, the dirty stories I could tell you….huh…ummmm….Diana? You, ok? Are you blanking out on me? Oh, shit you are! Snap out of it, wallflower. Is the news really that shocking?” Fulgora uttered with a hint of panic as she stormed over to counsel the malfunctioning Balrog.

Diana just stood there giving off a thousand-yard stare into the void as her mouth started murmuring off gibberish as she attempted to rationalize her disrupted thoughts. Her brain was quite literally overheating as a cloud of volcanic steam started to form above her skull. Her awareness to the world dwindled as she struggled to process the truth of her intoxicated behaviour. The poor thing looked like she was on the verge of self-destruction, until Fulgora walked over to slap some sense back into her.

“Get a hold of yourself, bitch. Finding out you had a little bit of fun is nothing to get so worked up over,” the Lilim scolded, as if a little insulted by the reaction.

“But…..but….how else am I supposed to react to the fact you all forced yourselves on me. You all stole my innocence and virginity!” Diana whimpered out as she rubbed her cheek after the slap.

“First off, from what I saw and experienced you forced yourself on the others and it was hot as hell. Second, I made sure I was the one to get you off first, so your innocence safely belongs to me. There, does that make things better?” Fulgora informed believing she had cleared up everything.

“No….no, in fact I think that makes things worse. And why do you keep claiming I asked you for this. I’m getting sick of it,” the Balrog called out as she once again refused the Lilim’s claims.

“Ok, I can see you are still a little upset about everything and that’s fair. It’s a shame, but I will admit I was worried I would never see this bashful, cute side of you again. Tell you what, I’m starving, you’re probably starving after everything, so how about I treat you to some grub to talk shit over, just you and me. We can go over whatever junk you want and come up with a proper plan as to what to do with your situation. What do you say. I don’t know about you, but I got a craving for some ramen right now,” Fulgora offered as she tried to soothe things over with surprisingly honestly.

Just the mention of food was enough to awaken Diana’s slumbering stomach and cause it to let out a timely rumble. It was as if her body recalled all the energy it had wasted during whatever scandalous activates Diana’s drunken state put it through and was now demanding high compensation. Getting a bite to eat did sound like a good idea at the moment, even if it was with the demon who ruined her life.

“I guess, we could do that. I’ll be honest, there are some questions I need to get off my chest with you, although I have no idea what ramen is? It’s not something that’s going to damn me even more than I already am, is it?” Diana hesitantly accepted.

“What, no, ramen is a human invention last I checked, but it’s so fucking good. I know the best spot for it in Zipangu. I’ll take you there. Trust me, once you get a taste for it, you won’t be able to stop yourself from ordering another blow to slurp down. It’s the best, aside from maybe pizza,” Fulgora informed of her personal tastes.

“Where’s Zipangu?” Diana continued to ask.

“On the other side of the world. Jeez, I can understand ramen but how do you not know about Zipangu. It’s an entire country for fuck sakes. Jeez, does the Order not bothering teaching you shit out in the boonies or something?” Fulgora scoffed with disbelief.

“Just because I don’t know much about the world or other nations, doesn’t mean you can make fun of me for it. I’m sorry my little backwater village didn’t deem it important for me to know stuff other than helping my community,” Diana pouted slightly embarrassed by how little she actually knew of the world.

“Relax, wallflower, that wasn’t directed at you, it was directed at the chumps who kept you in the dark. But don’t worry, it’s an easy mistake to correct now that you got me in your corner. I’ll show you the world and than some. Then you’ll realize becoming a Balrog was the best thing that ever happened to you. But first, you need to get changed. Zipangu is pretty modest by mamono standards, and we can’t have you walking about naked, not with tits like yours hanging out. The people of Zipangu loves girls with big boobs a little too much, if you catch my meaning,” the Lilim half joked.

Channeling mana in the palms of her hands that crackled like thunder, Fulgora without warning fired a spell at the startled Balrog. As soon as the magic made connect with Diana, it began to wrap around and spread over her form in seconds before becoming fabric. In an instant, Diana found herself wearing a strange black robe held together with a single sash around the waist. The fabric felt supernaturally smooth and was covered with artwork of stormy clouds and lightning, but the designs were so strange and foreign looking. It immediately caught the fledging mamono’s curiosity and awe.

“What is this? What am I wearing? Why can’t it cover up my chest better?” Diana shot off her questions as her hands went to work trying to close the cleavage window that had formed around her rack in order to hide the generous view it created.

“That is called a kimono, it’s like a traditional outfit over there. It should help you fit in better. And for your information that kimono is one of mine, so I’m sorry it’s a snug fit since I don’t got tits as big as yours,” Fulgora playfully divulged before waving her hand to summon a portal.

“Ummm…aren’t you going to change?” Diana asked as she pointed out the Lilim’s sloppy state of dress.

“Naw, I’m fine like this, we’re just going there for a bite to eat after all. I know the owner and I don’t give too shits what others think of me. Besides, it’s not like the spot I’m taking you is the nicest or fanciest place around, but it does serve the best damn ramen in the whole country if I do say so myself. That I can guarantee,” Fulgora claimed as she started to head towards her portal of shadows.

“Then why am I dressed like this than?” Diana bluntly interrogated.

“Oh, ummmm…..you know to help give you a taste of the culture and shit. I know this is a quick visit, but you want to know more about the world don’t you. Well, best way to do that is to experience stuff and immersing yourself with the local culture. It’s not like I put you in there just to drool over your curves or anything crazy like that,” Fulgora stated with a nervous, fake laugh as if she wasn’t telling the whole truth, “Now come on. You haven’t lived until you get a taste of Zipangu cooking.”

“Fine, I’m coming. But only because I need some space from the others right now and I’m actually pretty hungry,” the newbie Balrog uttered with some reluctance as she followed the Lilim into the darkness.

Just like before when she entered one of those dimensional corridors of shadow, one moment Diana was in a place familiar to her and the next she found herself in area completely alien to her. Except this time the culture shock awaiting for her on the other side hit a lot harder and a lot faster than when she arrived in Saida, as the greenhorned Balrog now found herself in an ally overlooking one of Zipangu’s many bustling streets.

The buildings were designed so oddly with their tiled roofs and sliding doors. Everyone seemed to be adorned in robes or armor she had never seen before. Any chatter she could pick up on appeared to have a very distinct accent she had a hard time believing was possible of being produced with the human tongue. Of course there were also more mamono strolling about, just as strange and diverse as the ones roaming Saida, many accompanied by a man who for some reason found such odd features and beastly traits attractive.

However, the strangest sight had to be the human women she spied sprinkled throughout the crowds. Just going about their day alongside these monsters without fear or concern as they walked beside or even made chitchat with the more freakish residents. Why weren’t they getting attacked or tricked? Did they enjoy living alongside monsters? What was going on? All Diana knew was that she was a very, very far away from home.

“What exactly is this place?” Diana inquired as her head continued to survey the area like a bright-eyed tourist.

“Zipangu. I just told you that like ten seconds ago. Although to be more precise we’re in the city of Hiwatari. You won’t find a city more dedicated to fucking your tastebuds than here,” Fulgora replied as she appeared from the darkness and closed her portal.

“No, I mean why are humans and mamono just, you know walking about together? Shouldn’t they be fighting or attacking each other or something?” Diana questioned as her mind struggled to comprehend the obvious.

“What? Oh, right, I knew I was forgetting to mention something. I suppose this would seem strange considering your background and all, but Zipangu is a country where humans and mamono get along just fucking fine. Sure there are some human controlled regions here that are still holding out, but for the most part they got the whole harmony thing down,” the punkish Lilim divulged with a shit-eating smirk.

“How….how is that possible? The Chief God nor the Order would ever allow such a thing,” the volcanic demoness continued to question.

“You know the Order doesn’t control every human nation, right? Sure, they got their claws in, I want to say, over half the human population, but there are plenty of other nations just like this place who don’t see mamono as their enemy. And that number is growing, wallflower, slowly but surely, it’s growing. But enough about dumb politics, our stop is just across the street,” the electrically charge temptress proclaimed as she pointed to a building Diana wasn’t expecting.

Even compared to the other weathered buildings beside it, this one seemed especially rundown. The sign, if it could even be called that, had most of it’s red paint peeling away, making it nearly impossible to read. That was if Diana could even read it, considering it was written in Zipanense, and the Balrog was struggling to make sense of what those symbols meant. However, the picture of the bowl with sticks poking out of it, did help provide evidence it was a restaurant of some sort, even if the picture was in just as rough shape as the rest of the sign.

“You sure that place has the best, what did you call it, ramen?” Diana questioned the Lilim with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, yeah, trust me. Sure, it doesn’t look the best on the outside, but you won’t find a better bowl of the stuff anywhere. Believe me, I’ve looked,” the carefree Lilim claimed as she walked over to hold the door open for Diana, “Newbies, first.”

With some hesitance, Diana took the offer and stepped inside. The interior was in better condition than the exterior, but not by much. Th walls were covered with odd signs, cobwebs and shredded wallpaper, each stool appeared to be threatening to stick a splinter up her rump and every table appeared to be on the verge of collapse. The entire atmosphere of the place felt steamy and a little muggy, something she noticed was caused by the open kitchen that was in plain view for all to see. However, in truth the extra heat was something the Balrog had little problem with and even found comfort in.

The clientele on the other hand were a different story. They appeared rougher and more savage than the mamono from The Hound House. There were a trio of weasel like women who Diana pretty sure were the kind of people who rubbed others in a dark ally at knife point. A pair of red skinned, horned juggernauts wearing nothing but animal furs chugging down countless pitchers of ale. A mixed group consisting of man, some ice woman, a green spider like mamono who also appeared to be part cow, and a scary looking undead warrior who appeared to be holding her young daughter. Then there was the musclebound cat monster covered in stripes who despite her intimating appearance seemed to be acting extremely bashful with a man who appeared to be her date.

Then there was the chef. Another spider, but despite her thin, striped javelin like legs and the bulbous abdomen sticking far out from rump, at least her upper body was clearly human, with flawless tanned skin, noticeable purple eyeliner and long black hair as smooth as silk. Something that should have been impossible to maintain considering the humidity in this place.

Beside her was a young man who Diana for some reason instinctively realized was her husband with pale skin and short black hair. Both of them shared the same outfit, consisting of white robes covered in stains tied firmly around their waists and topped with a matching bandana wrapped around their foreheads.

Both appeared hard at work, preparing numerous dishes at once as they danced around one another to keep up with the demand. Yet as soon as Fulgora stepped into view, the ballet of labor came to a screeching halt as the multi-legged cook dropped what she was doing to rush over to the Lilim squealing excitedly like an over excited child.

“Fulgora, where have you been girl! Come sit, sit. We have soooo much to catch up on. Oh, and who’s this? A new member of your little gang of miscreants, perhaps?” the arachnoid chef cheerfully greeted as she wrapped her arms around Fulgora in an overly enthusiastic hug.

“Hey, it wasn’t that long ago when you were one of my miscreants, you stuck up bitch. But anyways its good to see you too, Yume. Anyways this is Diana, corrupted her myself but her situation is a little more complicated than most, but long story sort, I brought her here to try your ramen to make her feel better.  So, how about you whip us up two of your best bowls of Tonkotsu Ramen with extra soy sauce on the house for old times sake. What do you say,” the Lilim pestered her old friend for a free meal.

“Nice try, but even co-owners need to pay. How is somehow as loaded as you still such a cheapskate. Anyways it’s nice to meet you Diana, I’m Yume, welcome to the crew. Word of advice with Fulgora though, make sure to keep an eye on her. Bitch gets sidetracked way too often and likes to wander off to cause trouble. But I’m sure that’s something you’re already well aware of. Anyways, welcome to my little ramen place, make yourself at home. While I get your meals ready, can I offer you any drinks while you wait. I’ve got quite the collection from sakes to beers,” the spider woman offered.

“It’s….ummm…nice to meet you, Yume. I’ll just have a water, if that’s alright,” Diana sheepishly requested, as she feared another alcohol related black out.

Yume seem surprised by the order, considering the people Fulgora typically chose to hang around with, but she didn’t question it, “Alrighty than, what about you Fulgora. Let me guess, you want an entire bottle of my best sake, again.”

“Tempting but I’ll stick with a cold beer this time. I’ve got the feeling I’m going to need my wits about me today. We’ll just be over there in the back. We’re in no rush so take your sweet time,” the Lilim casually informed.

“Ok than, two Tonkotsu Ramen, a water and a beer. Easy peasy. Shouldn’t take too long. I’ll be over with your drinks as soon as I can,” Yume uttered before taking her leave.

“So, your friend, what is she exactly? Some kind of spider woman?” Diana asked as she followed the Lilim to their table.

“Oh, Yume. Pretty much yeah, but she’s what you would call a Jurou-Gumo. Classy bitch out in the streets, but a total freak in the sheets, if you get what I’m saying. We go way back, used to party with me all the time until she got married and settled down to open this place up with a little finical help from me. But I suppose no one can party forever. Real shame too, she was a total riot once the sun went down,” Fulgora reminisced, sounding a little downer.

“So that’s why she called you a co-owner. So, do you partly own this place or something?” Diana inquired.

“Technically on paper, but I let them make all the decisions and shit. All I really do is help financially when needed and take a very small percentage every year. I do the same for a lot of my friends when they feel the need to move on with their lives. It’s the least I can do,” Fulgora replied with a carefree shrug.

“So, you use your friends to line your own pockets. I should have expected no less from someone like you,” Diana rebuked with a judgmental glare.

“Oh, it’s not like that at all,” Yume interrupted as she placed their drinks down, “If it wasn’t for Fulgora I would have never been able to afford this place. Hell, she paid for the whole thing, just so I could have my dream of running a ramen shop with the man of my dreams over there. Contrary to her bad reputation, she does take good care of her friends, even if she doesn’t want to admit it.”

“Don’t go getting all mushy on me, Yume. Don’t you have some ramen to prepare or something,” Fulgora playfully scoffed.

“See what I mean. Miss Badass over here is really just a big softie deep down, aren’t you, Fulgora,” the Jorou-Gumo teased with a giggle.

“Off with you already, you overgrown creepy crawly. You’re ruining my image,” the Lilim jokingly snarled.

“Oh, right away your majesty. I’ll get your food here as fast as I can so it can get to your fat ass as soon as possible,” Yume poked fun right back before skittering off.

“What a bitch, am I right. Still, I miss her and her sass all the same,” Fulgora uttered under her breath as she took a swig from the massive glass of ale.

Diana appeared conflicted as she thought Yume’s words over, before finally making up her mind to finally ask something that’s been eating away at her ever since this all started, “Fulgora, why did you do this to me?”

A deep sigh passed the Lilim’s lips, “Again with this? I already told you, you asked for it.”

“That’s not what I meant. I want to know why you targeted me. There were a bunch of other people at the barn dance, but you focused on me, and I want to know why,” Diana softly yet firmly demanded the princess of darkness to answer.

“Oh, well, about that….jeez, how do I say this. I guess it was because you didn’t exactly fall under my influence the moment you saw me and that was a nice change of pace,” Fulgora admitted as she took another gulp of cold beer.

“What does that mean? Wait, is that why everyone was so infatuated with you when you first arrived. Did you cast a spell on them!” Diana accused as she stared the Lilim down.

“Technically yes, but also technically no. Remember how I once said temptation and corruption was to a Lilim as fire and heat was to a Balrog, while I wasn’t exaggerating. You see, as a Lilim I’ve got this aura of charisma or some shit, and it’s like nearly impossible for humans to resist. It even affects mamono to some extent. I can’t drop it, not fully at least. Best I can do is turn it down, which I did when I arrived mind you, but you were somehow able to resist it. I don’t think you realize how impressive that is, especially for a human,” Fulgora claimed as she wiped some bubbly foam off her lips.

“So, because I didn’t instantly swoon over you, you decided to fuck up my life?” Diana pressed further.

“What, no it ain’t like that. Granted I’m a bitch, but I’m not that big of a bitch, usually anyway. Do you have any idea how refreshing it was to hang out with someone who I know for a fact liked being around me not because of my aura. But your resistance may not have been the only draw, ok. Aside from thinking you would look super hot as a mamono, I was attracted by all those little secret desires you held deep down. The ones you couldn’t even to admit to yourself. That yearning for a more interesting life beyond your village. Your longing to tell your mom and the rest of your village to fuck off so you could finally do what you wanted to do. Even your bi-curiosity. And that’s not getting into your dirty little fantasy of being the one charge behind closed doors. It was all so hard to resist,” Fulgora revealed with gusto.

“None of that is true. I was happy where I was. Sure, maybe I would of liked a little more independence and excitement in my life but that other stuff, I would never desire such things. I don’t even know what this bi thing you mentioned means,” the now blushing Balrog exclaimed in denial.

“Oh, it just means you like chicks as well as cocks is all. No big deal,” Fulgora nonchalantly informed.

“I’m most certainly do not!” Diana denounced despite going fully red in the face.

“Oh, sure you do, wallflower, no shame in it. Myself aside, I distinctly recall a conversation we had after we both got tipsy where I asked you who you thought the hottest person in your village was, and you mentioned it was someone by the name of Mrs. Daintly. You said and I quote, that she had the nicest smile and rack in the whole village. So, it seems you got a thing for older women. Just thought you should know,” the Lilim pointed out with a smirk.

Diana nearly choked on the mouthful of water she had taken in when Fulgora mentioned Mrs. Daintly. She was her neighbour for crying out loud. She would never harbor such impure feelings for her. She helped look after Diana when she was younger and even used to sneak her treats so her mother wouldn’t get mad at her. For goodness sake, that woman even showed her first hand how to fit her massive breasts into her outfits more comfortably to help hide their size.

Oh wait…maybe there was some truth to the Lilims claims after all.

“I….I don’t even know how you came to that conclusion. Or any of your claims for that matter,” Diana uttered with disgust as she turned her head away to avoid looking at the smug fiendess.

“Figuring these things out is what we Lilims do. When we see someone, we just naturally get a sense of what they’re into and what they want, even if they can’t admit it or even realise it themselves. Like take that harem behind us. That Ushi-Oni is surprisingly submissive for one of her kind and has a praise kink, the Tsurara-onna is an attention whore, and that Ochimusha holding the brat while staring daggers into the back of my head really likes it up the ass. See, us Lilims can read others like a damn book. Now do you believe me,” Fulgora practically bragged.

“Not at all. You could just be making that all up,” Diana denounced with crossed arms.

“Believe what you want but deep down in your heart of hearts, you wanted to escape your old life to forge your own. So, I gave you exactly what you wanted and now the world is your oyster. You’re now free to do anything you want, do anyone you want, and yet you still can’t seem to accept that. So, now let me ask you a question, Diana. What do you want to do with your new leash on life? Nothing is off the trouble. Get as crazy and wild as you want. I’ll make it happen one way or another. I promise,” Fulgora inquired as she turned the conversation on its head.

“I don’t know, it’s not like I ever had a chance to think about it. All I ever had was my stories to go off of, and now I’m realizing the world in those tales doesn’t even exist anymore. Besides what does it matter what I want, I’m a walking catastrophe who can’t even go home to see my family again. This is the last thing I wanted,” Diana mopped as a single tear of fire sizzled out from her eye.

“Ok, things didn’t exactly go as planned, and there was a higher price for your corruption than either of us could have expected. I get it, I fucked you over more than I thought I did and for that I’m…..I’m sorry, ok. Not a lot of people can get an apology out of me, but you just did, so cherish it or something,” Fulgora declared as it was her turn to look away flustered, clearly not used to apologizing in such a manner.

“Ummmm….thank you, Fulgora. I realize that probably wasn’t easy to do for someone like you,” Diana accepted, taken aback by the Lilim’s honest attempt at an apology.

“Yeah, well don’t get used to it and don’t you dare think about blabbering it to the others. I got a reputation and all that, you know,” Fulgora murmured before taking another deep swig of ale.

“So, where do I go from here? Even if your claims about me are true, I have no idea what I want to do with my life now. This was all too much too soon,” Diana admitted as she stared deeply into her glass of water to peer into her own fiery reflection.

Fulgora eyes slipped to the side as she peered over to Yume and her husband as they worked happily away in sync with one another, “You got eternity to figure out what you want to do and who to spend it with, no need to rush that shit. Just keep an open mind about it. For now, just focus on the small goals than. You said you wanted to see your family again, and I told you before you could. We just got to get your abilities under control and than you can get whatever closure you need from them. Or alternatively I could, just you know….”

“Know what?” the Balrog was quick to ask.

“Head over there myself, corrupt them and bring them back so you can all be a family again and shit. Then I’ll help set you all up somewhere and you can forget all about me,”  the Lilim offered as she neared the end of her drink.

“OUT OF THE QUESTION!” Diana roared, her horns and eyes blazing as she slammed her fist into the table. Her little outburst being loud enough to momentary turn every head in the joint towards her before returning to their own business.

“Fine, but I had to ask. This is your family after all, so you decide what to do with them. But if you do want to see them again, we do need you to get the basics of being a Balrog down at least. I know I said learning magic would also be helpful, but since Hazel is still around, I’m sure we get her to whip up some potions to help disguise you so you can see them sooner,” the punkish Lilim stated as she respected the Balrog’s demand.

Diana’s horns instantly cooled and the aggression lessoned from her eyes as Fulgora showed no signs of arguing back, “Thanks for understanding, but how exactly am I going to get this body under control. Being like this, it’s just so damn weird. I got hooves for crying out loud and this tail is too damn long for its own good”

“Well, there are classes for the freshly corrupted, but to be honest from what I hear all they do is just teach you about finding a guy and fucking his brains out. That being said, I may know someone capable of teaching you how to control that fire of yours so to speak,” the rebellious Lilim claimed despite not be a hundred percent comfortable about the mamono she was about to recommend.

“And who would that be?” the fledgling mamono inquired.

“She goes by Onera and she’s a Balrog like you. Ok, not exactly like you, because she existed way before mamono were even a thing. Like she’s older than my mom if you can believe it. Anyways, she actually is the Balrog in charge of keeping the volcano dormant back at Saida and runs a club down there, so the good news is we don’t have to go far to find her. The downside is, she may be a little….intense for someone as dainty as you. But if there is anyone who can get you acting like a proper Balrog quick, it’s her,” Fulgora proposed.

“Are there any other options?” Diana requested.

“Well, we could ask the others for help back at my place. I believe they offered, but I can’t exactly vouch for how helpful they will be,” the Lilim admitted with an awkward smirk.

“They’re probably end up wanting to fuck me again, won’t they,” Diana pointed out as she rubbed her forehead ashamedly.

“After what you did to them last night, you bet your plump ass they do,” Fulgora claimed with a crude chuckle.

“I’ll take my chances with this Onera person than. But are you sure she’d be willing to help?”  Diana questioned, afraid of getting her hopes up.

‘Honestly, not that sure but I got a gut feeling she would be more than happy to tutor a newborn Balrog to mold to her liking. She is a mother at the end of the day after all. I can set up a meeting with her but mother or not, she’s likely to whip the shit out of you, and I mean that literally. Like what you did to Maesie, she’s probably going to do to you,” Fulgora warned one last time.

“If it means seeing my family again as soon as possible I’ll take my chances. She can’t be that bad, right?” Diana nervously uttered.

“Let’s just say she’s considered an empress in the BDSM community. Like Dark Elves and Manticores come to her for pointers for trying out loud,” Fulgora admitted.

“I have no idea of what any of that means,” Diana confessed with confused, blinking eyes.

“Oh, dark gods above, she’s going to eat you alive,” Fulgora nervously laughed to herself.

“Well, I have no idea what you two are talking about, but if anything is getting eaten today it’s my ramen. So, eat up you two,” Yume interrupted to drop off their order before taking her leave.

The two bowls of steaming hot ramen were slid before the two powerful fiends, their attention instantly being dawn in by the overwhelmingly rich aroma radiating from the thick broth.  Numerous slices of fatty mamono pork laid beside a molten split egg as they rested upon a bed of golden noodles. A layer of sliced onions, carrots and ginger were sprinkled on top of it all, which only added to it’s all ready mouth-watering presentation. Perhaps Fulgora wasn’t bluffing about how good it was, Diana thought to herself. However, what she didn’t understand were the two sticks that came with the dish.

“I see that gluttonous look in your eyes, Diana. I told this shit was the best, didn’t I,” Fulgora gloated with an amused glint in her eye.

“Ok, while I wasn’t expecting it to be a stew, this does look good. Like really good. But where are the utensils? How am I supposed to eat this without a fork or spoon?” the Balrog asked as she scanned the entire restaurant for a single tool to dig in with.

“Oh, right, another thing I forgot to mention about Zipangu, they eat everything with chopsticks around here. That’s what those sticks are,” Fulgora informed.

“Do I…do I just stab the meat with the stick than? If so, how do I drink the broth?” Diana continued to question with befuddlement.

“Oh, you just slurp that crap right from the bowl. As for the sticks, you hold them like this. See. Just do like I do,” Fulgora demonstrated as she picked up a nice juicy slab of broth drenched pork and slurped it up, “Oh, that’s the good shit.”

“Like this?” Diana asked as she attempted to imitate how the Lilim held her sticks.

“Close, but you’re supposed to hold them more like this,” Fulgora uttered as she reached over to correct the Balrog’s fingers, “Ok, that’s better. Now try and pinch some noodles or meat between them.”

Diana did as instructed and with a shaky hand manged to bring a piece of pork and some noodles to her jaws for a taste. As soon as that supple piece of corrupted meat and string of pillowy soft noodles reached her tongue, one could have sworn they saw supernovas appear in her eyes. It was the most foreign thing that had ever passed her lips, and yet at the same time perhaps the tastiest meal she ever had. It certainly bested any meals she had back home, not that such plain slop was much competition. As it melted on her tongue, she needed more as she began slurping the entire bowl down without pause until nothing was left but the broth. She could get addicted to these flavors. Oh, who was she kidding, she already was.

“Damn, girl, you packed that away fast. So, let me guess. You want another bowl,” Fulgora smugly asked.

Diana guzzled down the remaining liquid with alarming speed before slamming the bowl back down, “I would appreciate that. Thank you.”

Chapter Text

“Come on Diana, you got to really flap those things. You did it before, I’m sure you can do it again,” Yaiza cheered on as she soared over Diana and the dark sands below.

“I’m trying but this is as high as I can go! I don’t get it. What am I doing wrong?” Diana whined as she struggled to hover more than a few mere inches above the loose ground.

Only a dreary breeze wisped around them as Yaiza took on the surprisingly impossible task of attempting to teach the amateur Balrog how to properly fly like a true airborne mamono, however the results had been less desired. Despite all of Diana’s efforts, despite how much she beated her ashen wings to gain lift, the most she managed to accomplish kicking up a heated whirlwind of sand all around her. She couldn’t understand, Yaiza made it seem so easy as she flew through the air as if she was as light as a feather. However, the Wyverns instructions and motivations were less than ideal.

“Come on, just imagine there’s a hot stud falling from the sky, and you need to fly up to catch him. Then after you rescue him he’d be so thankful he’ll ask you to marry him on the spot,” Yaiza called out to help inspire the Balrog to take flight.

“Why is that the only way you know how to motivate me! Are you sure you haven’t left out any details about flying? Like some secret trick? What am I misisng?” Diana replied with frustration as she finally gave up for the day.

“I don’t think so, but if I’m being honest, I’ve never really had to think about how I fly before. I just do it, simple as that. It’s been like that ever since I was born and that’s true with everyone I know. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, Diana,” the Wyvern explained with an apology as she landed next to the volcanic demoness.

“It’s fine….it’s fine, Yaiza. It’s not your fault, it’s this stupid body of mine. It doesn’t want to listen to me unless I’m drunk apparently. I don’t even know how that’s possible,” Diana languished over the fact she still hadn’t any control over this new corrupted form of hers. 

It’s been nearly a week since Fulgora had brought her here to this island of debauchery and eternal night, and she was still no closer to learning how to control her heat, or her tail or these damn useless wings of hers. Flight was the biggest skill she wanted to learn, if only so she could fly away from this sinkhole of lust and the monstrous bimbos that called this place home.  Than maybe she could soar away to find some actual help and a way to return to being human.

Although as much as Diana hated to admit to it, the residents weren’t as terrible or frightful as Diana ordinary thought them to be.  In fact, the more she got to interact with them, the more she realized their claims about being peaceful and easygoing were turning out to be true. She even got to learn the name of the species names around here. Names that surprisingly came easy for the lost maiden to memorize. Almost as if such knowledge was already dormant within her.

 Although despite how her once justifiable fears had been dwindled, the fact that modesty and personal space appeared to be the most foreign concept to these mamono was by far the biggest issue she still had with them. Hell, it was difficult to have a conversation with one that wouldn’t eventually devolve into them gushing about their husbands if they had one or if they didn’t the amount of sex they were going to have once they obtained one. In fact, such awkward interactions were the main reason Diana tended to avoid any more night outs on the town. Only being tempted to venture out if invited by Fulgora to try more of the divine cuisine she had learned existed on the island. If there was one major positive being around these hedonist beasts, it was their food.

After the ramen shop in Zipangu, Diana couldn’t help but get more curious what other dishes existed, a weakness her Lilim keeper was quick to focus on. It wasn’t long after that Diana was feasting on meals she once thought were reserved  for nobles and royalty. Pastas, seafood, barbecue, it was as if she was being served dishes straight from heaven. But by far the greatest meal was pizza. Diana had to give that devil Fulgora her due on that one, she was right. Pizza really was perhaps the greatest of feasts. There were so many variations, so many toppings to choose from, oh and the way the cheese and sauce just mixed together, it definitely beat out the simple, tasteless dishes back home. She did not miss the boiled cabbage, plain potatoes and whatever tasteless meat she was once served.

How she wished she could share a slice of pizza with her family. Especially her little sister, Milani. She knew she would love it most of all.

However, for now she had to focus on her training. The sooner she figured out these new demonic features of hers, the sooner she could figure out how to remove them all together and reunite with her family. And in order to do that she was even willing to get closer with Fulgora’s monstrous friends and her new roommates.

Just like the rest of the residents of this punkish island, while they had grown on Diana slightly, they were still a mixed bag, both as individuals and as a group. Collectively they didn’t seem that helpful, they were very slobbish and lazy, often preferring to venture out as a group to focus on their own base pleasures rather than stay at home and clean up whatever messes they made, But in a way their constant partying was a blessing in disguise. It certainly gave Diana some much needed time for privacy to think her situation over, and the fact that Fulgura somehow made an entirely new room for her to stay in with her magic definitely helped create some much-needed space from the others. Although the fact it was pretty empty, kept inviting some much unneeded and oftn absurd recommendations from her fellow house crashers

Yaiza was by far kindest of the group and the most willing to offer aid, but she didn’t seem to be the brightest and or most focused, for as soon as someone else suggested something more fun to do, she would often be the quickest to agree to run off. Hazel definitely processed a lot of knowledge on magic, but due to how lazy and airheaded she was, it was hard to get anything useful out of her, not that Diana understood what few lessons the Dark Mage did spill. The Will-O-The-Wisp, Cynane definitely had the worst attitude, but at the same time she was the most straightforward and least luxurious of the group. She even taught Diana some breathing exercises to help out in case she ever felt too overwhelm or overheated, which was ironic considering she probably hasn’t taken a breath in over a century.

“Jeez, sis, how can you be so awesome drunk but so damn lame sober,” a bratty voice berated off from the side.

And than there was Maesie. After Fulgora, the feisty little Redcap was by far the mamono Diana had the most complicated relationship with. Despite how aggressive she was when they first met, after that night of drunken passion Diana still couldn’t believe happened, the little shrimp became very clingy around her. Aside from now calling her sis, much to the Balrog’s dismay, Maesie seemed hell bent on trying to convince Diana to drink anything that would get the Balrog tipsy enough to act like the dominant, sexual powerhouse she apparently was when intoxicated. In fact, Maesie apparently enjoyed being whipped around by Diana so much, that the mouthy little brat still flung insults and tame bullying tactics at Diana in an attempt to bait the Balrog into punishing her. Her submissive desires being so obvious that even a sober Diana could see right through them in a heartbeat.

Seriously, what the hell did she do to that Redcap on that awful night to make her want to be her bitch so aggressively?

“Relax, Maesie, she’s trying her best. But since you’re up, can you run back into the house and fetch little old me another bottle. I don’t care which. Surprise me,” Hazel requested upon her lounge chair as she flicked her sunglasses down and pointed to the empty wine bottle in her hand.

“I’m not your damn maid, bitch, get that shit yourself. It’s not like you’re doing jack shit anyhow,” the Redcap barked back.

“Oh, but I am, dear. I’m moon bathing. Good for the skin you know. Anyways about that drink,” the Dark Mage cutely rebuked with a wink.

“Oh, both of you can cram it! Haven’t either of you dumbasses heard of a little thing called peace and quiet. I’m trying to read here,” Cynane growled as she floated above, a slightly scorched romance novel held tightly in her ethereal grasp.

“When did you start reading that crap?” Maesie called out.

“Since…like, a while ago, ok. I’m….I’m trying to teach myself something here,” the Will-O-The-Wisp defensively replied with a slight stutter.

“Oh, does this have something to do with Ansel? Are you getting ready to impress him when the time comes?” Hazel sniffed out with a humorous chuckle.

“That’s…..that’s none of your business,” the vengeful spirit denied with a flustered face.

“Oh, it totally is,” Yaiza whispered to Diana before giving the Balrog a playful elbow to the tit.

As the group had their fun with the blushing ghost, a swirling mass of shadows appeared near by. Fulgora stepped out, dressed in her usual spiked choker, black leather jacket and matching shorts as she peered over the scenario she had walked in on. It appeared everyone was poking fun at Cynane’s little revenge crush again, a familiar sight which caused a smile to creep over her face. But alias as much as she wanted to join in, she had come to keep a promise.

“Yo, Diana, if you’re done fucking about, it’s time to see Onera. She’s ready to meet you, but the old hag is punctual bitch, so we got to split like now,” the rebellious Lilim hollered at the Balrog.

Diana started to panic a little, “Really, like now? I’m not ready? We haven’t talked about what I need or what I should do when I meet her, or……”

“Relax, cupcake, she isn’t going to bite your head off, at least not literally. Just don’t disrespect her or show her any sign of weakness and you’re golden,” Fulgora reassured as if such vague things were simple to do.

“Don’t show any weakness, are you hearing yourself. She’s a flipping Balrog. Like the Demon Lord from my book,” Diana rebuked.

“Last I checked, so are you. And also like you, she’s a mamono, she may come from his era but isn’t anything like that ancient ass Demon Lord you used to read about. Times have changed drastically. So may like to act a little bossy, grouchy and daunting, but I’m pretty sure she means well. Now stop being a scaredy cat and get your plump butt over here,” the insouciant Lilim beckoned before disappearing through her portal.

“Chief God give me strength, Chief God give me strength,” Diana muttered a near silent pray to herself before mustering up the courage to jog through the portal in pursuit.

“Good luck, Diana,” Yaiza cheered on.

“Bring me back a whip or gag or something,” Maesie requested as she waved the Balrog off as she disappeared through the shadowy portal.

“None of us told her what Onera’s place is like, did we?” Cynane asked her cohorts without even tearing her eyes off the page she was on.

“Nope,” the Redcap was quick to answer with a smirk.

“Oh, crap did we not?’ Yaiza uttered with a hint of concern.

“Oh, it’s more fun this way. I’m sure our little Diana will be in for quite the fun surprise,” the liquor obsessed Dark Mage stated with an amused laugh.

The entire group shared a laugh at the unprepared Balrog’s expense. They couldn’t wait to hear whatever humorous story was sure to be born from this experience.

Diana found herself somewhere halfway up the summit of one of the numerous mountainous cliffs that surrounded the crater city of Saida. The high winds and the never-ending crackling of the lightning that eternally hung over head there at full force to greet the Balrog as she wandered over to the rocky edge. The near blinding neon lights of Saida sparkled down below like distant torches as they lit up the volcanic crater the entire city was nestled within. Diana didn’t think she would ever get over the fact how striking the city’s lights could shine in this never-ending night.

Once Diana had her fill of the illuminated distant scenery, she turned to face the entrance of the jagged cave that had formed out from the cliff’s side as if it were the mountain’s stone maw.  Firey orange and striking yellow lights lit the way inside and formed the sign that dangled just above the entrance’s stone jaws. “The Smouldering Lash” it read. A name Diana would never forget as those simple words burned its way into her memory.

Fulgora was there standing by the entrance waiting for Diana to finish with her sight seeing, but she wasn’t alone. There was an entire line of numerous mamono that snaked its way deeper within the cavernous tunnel before reaching a set of formidable looking, spiked iron doors guarded by two fiery demons that Diana had come to recognize as Pyrows. In fact, the entire line was made up of mamono that Diana had come to learn the names up since her short stay here on this restless island. There were a handful of non-affiliated Dark elves, a High Orc, two Ogres, a blue skinned Oni, three different Manticores, a Beelzebub, a Hellhound, a few Nereids and at least two Thunderbirds all crammed within that chaotic line, but oddly enough each one had a man snuggling into their side. There wasn’t a single group of lonely mamono or free agent among them. They were all loving couples.

Diana didn’t understand the collars at all, and a part of her was afraid she was about to find out.

“Ok, move aside, party royalty coming through,” Fulgora cockily called out as she made her presence known.

Without much class or care, the punkish Lilim walked right past the well-established row of patiently waiting mamono, much to their severe annoyance. Complaints and venomous eyes quickly followed, all trained on Fulgora as she strutted by like some entitled V.I.P. Which Diana realized was perhaps not to far away from the truth considering who her parents were. Unfortunately, those same death glares and harsh words also fell upon her as she followed sheepishly behind the Lilim.

“Fucking Lilim privilege,” a Manticore grumbled as her spined tail flailed about menacingly as she dug her claws into her husband, causing a stupid grin to form on his face.

“They can’t cut in line, can they? That isn’t fair, we waited months for a spot here,” A Thunderbird whined to her lover as she wrapped her wings around his waist to draw him closer looking for some comfort.

“I thought this was a couple’s only club. What gives?” the Beelzebub uttered, confused by the two bachorlettes.

“Who’s that Balrog bitch with her? She doesn’t look like one of Onera’s spawn,” one of the men boldly questioned to his Dark Elf mistress.

“No idea but she looks nearly as submissive as you, baby. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more pathetic looking thing in my life,” the Dark Elf cruelly mocked with a haughty giggle.

That last comment didn’t go unheard by Fulgora.

“Oh, fuck off all of ya. We’re not here to take one of the spots down there from you perverts, we’re here on business with Onera herself. So, you can all suck our tits, you pack of crabby tramps! the Lilim scornfully ranted as she flipped off every one of their haters.

“Fulgora, don’t antagonize them,” Diana whispered as she pushed the Lilim forward.

“Those bitches started it and I’ll piss off anyone I like!”  Fulgora hissed out in irritation as she had to be physically moved away before she could cause any more trouble.

The duo of hoody cladded Pyrows guarding the door finally acknowledged the little commotion before them as they put whatever conversation they were having with each other on hold. One of them could only groan as she realized that she may have to actually perform her duties as a bouncer while the other simply chuckled to herself as she realized Fulgora was involved. After all the Lilim had a well-known reputation for her wild tendency and not taking shit from anyone.

“Damn it Fulgora are you trying to make our job harder. As for the rest of you, quite your bitching. You’ll all get your chance to whip or get whipped. But if you can’t wait, you’ll just have to settle being punished by us but it won’t be in the fun way,” the one Pyrow bouncer warned to quell the worked-up crowd.

“Big Sis should be ready to see you both. So, this is the new Balrog on the block everyone’s been talking about? I can already tell Big Sis is going to have a lot of fun breaking you in,” the other Pyrow ominously greeted as she held one of the iron doors open for them to enter.

As those menacing, spiked doors screeched open, Diana was surprised to only find a small, metal box waiting for them to walk into. No grand hallway complete with a hoistess or rooms full of depraved mamono doing whatever they came here to do. It was just a cube of iron with a single, dimly lit lantern in the shape of a fireball hanging overheard. And yet despite the strange room, Diana followed the Lilim inside all the same as the door shut behind them.

“So, is there a magical trick or some secret to get into the actual club?” Diana inquired as she worked her hands curiously over the metallic walls, looking for any secret doors.

“What? Naw, nothing like that. This is just the elevator to get down there,” Fulgora informed as she gently slapped Diana’s hands away from the walls.

“An elevator? Oh, like those things miners use?” the Balrog inquired.

“Yeah, like that. Onera’s domain is deep under the island’s surface and so is her club. I would have just teleported us down there, but the bitch loves her exclusivity and thus has teleportation blockers lining her territory,” Fulgora groaned with slight annoyance.

As if on que, the room trembled with a slight jerk as the descent downward started. This was it, Diana was going to come face to face with an actual Balrog, just like the one from her favourite story. The very thing that once clashed with the Hero and almost brought ruin to Numinis Cordis and the entire world in ancient times. The very thing she was supposed to be but was completely failing at. She was not looking forward to this conversation regardless of whichever direction it took.

Diana was already sweating arrows. This was a bad idea. A very bad idea. How did she get talked into this. It didn’t matter to her if she knew how mamono acted or not, if this Onera was anything like that former Demon Lord from her story, she was more likely to flay her alive or take her as a slave than help her.

“Hey, Fulgora. Quick question. What did that Pyrow mean when she said Onera would have fun breaking me in? It’s just that, people usually only say stuff like that when they’re talking about taming a horse or some other livestock. She’s not going to do anything weird to me, is she?” Diana expressed her concerns as she could already feel her legs weaken.

“Well, I haven’t exactly gotten the chance to explain your situation to Onera herself, I had to go through her little secretary to set this whole thing up. So, we may have to clear a few things up when we get down there, otherwise she may end up giving you a hands on lesson of her favourite craft. Still can’t believe she wouldn’t see me herself and made me have to wait an entire fucking week for this. Just who does this bitch think she is,” Fulgora groaned as she leaned against the elevator with crossed arms.

“Ok, but what exactly am I walking into? You haven’t mentioned a lot of what goes on down here or even what this BDSM stuff is,” the fledgling Balrog inquired with worry.

“Oh, you’re understand what it is once we get down there. Just keep an open mind and understand that no matter what freaky shit you see, that they’re into it, ok,” the rebellious Lilim cryptically stated.

“Oh, that….that isn’t reassuring at all,” Diana squeaked out as they descended lower and lower.

An anxious silence soon overtook the elevator as it descended deeper into the heart of the island. A looming dread that persisted around Diana all the way down until the lift reached its destination and those doors opened to a world the greenhorn Balrog was never prepared to experience.

As they stepped into a short hallway lit by pillars of magically contained, oozing magma the space quickly opened up to a scene Diana could only describe as a playground from darkest pit of the underworld.  There was enough heat down here enough for even Diana to notice and the heavy scent of sulfur, sweat and sex dominated the space.  Floating orbs of molten rock illuminated every depraved scene, somehow flickering between a smoldering orange to a scarlet red tint to match the sensual yet eery music that echoed through the cavenous room.

Cages containing dancing captives, both male and female, hung from the stone ceiling. Stages containing mamono and men locked in various contraptions while their partner or partners punished them in obscene ways served as the center pieces of the entire room. There were even poor souls chained to the walls, gagged and blindfolded who were left to the mercy of whichever depraved couple walked by them as they mingled amongst the leather clad crowd.

Holy shit this really was a glimpse of hell wasn’t it, Diana thought, no screamed in her head.

“Fulgora…I…I can’t do this. Take me back, take me back right now,” Diana murmured as she squirmed from just the mere sight of this place.

“No can do, the elevator already left and on it’s way back up,” the Lilim bluntly informed with a shrug.

“Then….then open a portal or something,” the Balrog pleaded.

“Didn’t you hear me before, this place got portal blockers. Couldn’t open one if I wanted too,” Fulgora reminded.

“Then we stay right here and wait for the elevator to come back,” Diana insisted as she attemoted to put her shaky hoof down.

Fulgora rolled her eyes, “We could do that, or you could grow a spine and go see Onera. Listen, wallflower, I know this shit might come off as freaky and confusing to you….”

“That is the biggest understatement of all time. For goodness sake look at what those two doing are doing to that poor girl over there. What could she have possibly done to deserve to be thrown into a pillory and be assaulted like that,” Diana questioned as she pointed to a Kikimora getting her ass spanked by both her husband and Weresheep co-wife.

“Well, you wanted to know what BDSM is and what this place was about, and this is it. And that little whore is having the time of her life if you can believe it. Look how wet she is. There’s practically a waterfall running down both those thighs,” Fulgora stated with an amused tone.

Diana’s head looked like it was about to implode after receiving that bit of culture shock, “What the hell is wrong with these people….I mean monsters. Isn’t there some other Balrog we could go see, one who doesn’t own a place like….this,” the fledgling mamono inquired with her panic being as clear as day.

“Listen babe, don’t knock it till you try it, but lucky for you, we’re not here to try it. We’re here to see Onera and her office is just on the other side of that crowd of perverts. We’re already here, I already went through the bullshit to set this meeting up and there is no better teacher to help you get your shit under control than her. So, let’s just take deep breaths, ignore all the freaky shit going on and power through. Just remember why you’re here. To see your family and to make sure I didn’t waste my money,” Fulgora uttered to motivate the Balrog.

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right. This is my best shot to see my family as soon as possible and….wait, what was that about money?” Diana muttered to herself to find the courage to see this through until becoming distracted by the Lilim’s last statement.

“Listen this place isn’t exactly cheap, and they don’t do refunds. But that’s not important. What is important is seeing that volcanic hag about your issues. So, move that sexy tush of yours and let’s go see the head bitch down here,” Fulgora commented before stepping behind the Balrog to push her forward.

The further Diana ventured in, the more unsightly the attractions became. Thorned chairs with way too many locks and straps on them. Men and mamono hogtied and left swinging from contraptions. Mamono getting tiny pieces of metal inserted through her nipples, bellybuttons or even their sex by tattooed artists. There was even a bed of nails some succubae were fooling around with a guy on top of and Diana was pretty sure that giant statue in the corner in the appearance of the Chief God was actually an iron maiden built for two.

The guests weren’t any better. If they weren’t apart of the exhibitions they were gawking at them as if they were attractions from a circus. All of them were clad in black leather, usually very little at that, but their outfits didn’t exactly cover what clothes were supposed to.  Like with how little they covered, Diana was questioning what the point of them wearing those outfits were at all. If they were going to be strutting about with their tits, ass and in the case of the guys, members out, what purpose did the outfits serve? Like they might as well be naked at this point, it wouldn’t make that much of a difference.

All Diana could do was shield her eyes and keep moving forward. However, despite her confusion and disgust, she was incapable of holding out against her own curiosity as she took in quick peeps of her surroundings as she passed them by. She didn’t like what she saw, but some dark part of her mind demanded to make sense of it. However, as she did, she couldn’t help but notice she was drawing in her own attention as she wandered though the perverted crowd.

“Fulgora, why is everyone staring at me?” Diana quietly inquired of her Lilim escort.

“Well, I assume there’s a few reasons. One you’re a Balrog they’ve never seen around here before. Two you’re with me, a Lilim. Three we aren’t exactly dressed to fit in right now. And four, and I think this is the big one, you’re trembling like a leaf and I think there are more than a few sadists in the crowd who would love to have some fun with you,” Fulgora informed with an unconcerned tone.

“Oh gods……they’re not going to try anything are they?” Diana whispered with fear.

“Mmmmm….probably not. Not unless you asked of course. There are rules down here you know. Like I’m pretty sure they need your consent before they tie you to something,” the Lilim answered with a shrug.

“What do you mean you’re not sure? Haven’t you been here before? I thought you were the empress of parties or something stupid like that,” Diana muttered more aggressively.

“Unfortunately, this is one of the very few clubs I haven’t messed around in before. Thing is, this place is technically a club for exclusive for couples, so we’re technically not supposed to be down here until we got a little lover to string along. Hell, the only reason Onera agreed to let me finally come down here today is because of her interest in you,” Fulgora admitted.

“Oh great, that’s just…that’s just….oh, you make me want to say something vulgar,” the fledgling Balrog grumbled as she held her tongue.

“Hey, you can swear to your heart’s content around me, you know that. It’s not like we’re back at your stuffy old village. Seriously, live a little. Call me a bitch or a cunt or whatever your little head can come up with. Don’t take shit from anybody, especially me,” Fulgora edged on as they continued to snake through the leather-bound crowd.

“Well, I’m sorry I was raised properly and don’t share your nasty tongue,” Diana rejected with a spat out tongue.

“The drunk you heavily disagrees with that statement,” Fulgora laughed off.

“Oh just….shut up, will you,” Diana rebuked with flustered cheeks.

“Better but there’s room for improvement. Oh look at that, we’re almost past the mingle area,” the rebellious Lilim happily uttered as she gave Diana a slap on the back.

“Mingle area? Are you telling me there’s more to this place!” Diana inquired with concern.

“Oh yeah. This is basically just the lobby where they keep all the tame shit. All the hardcore stuff they keep in the back behind closed doors, at least that’s what I hear,” Fulgora revealed.

“This is considered tame?” Diana squeaked out as a new level of panic washed over her.

“It is in this community. Seriously never get a BDSM fanatic started on their hobbies. They will never shut up,” Fulgora advised with an uncomfortable smile which hinted she spoke from experience.

“I’ll keep that in mind, not that I plan on talking with any of these degenerates,” Diana uttered in a hush tone.

“Well, you’re about to talk to the biggest degenerate here. So, I hope you’re ready because this is her office,” Fulgora stated as they reached the other side of the crowd.

Nestled behind of the many exhibition stages against the furthest wall from the entrance way, was another set of massive iron doors. They truly looked like what Diana always imagined the doors to hell would be like, although much smaller. Skewer like spikes lined its arch and depictions of fiends tormenting men were engraved on the metal frame, although no longer to Diana’s surprise the men clearly approved of the treatment they were receiving. A sight Diana still couldn’t believe was possible.

Each door had the sculpted head of a horned demon with a massive snake in the shape of a ring to act as the entrance’s doorhandles, a design that made Diana feel especially uneasy as it reminded her of the ancient Demon Lord she used to read about. Fulgora on the other hand had zero issue with them as she reached out to bang those very rings to announce their presence. The knock being so howling loud, that the echo could easily be heard over the music that haunted the entire club. It wasn’t long after that those very imposing doors squeaked open to reveal yet another Pyrow. This dressed in a very revealing dominatrix uniform despite carrying the air of a secretary.

“Hello there, do you have an appointment,” the Pyrow professionally inquired.

“Sure do. We’re the four-o-clock,” Fulgora replied.

“Oh, excellent. Onera has been looking forward to this little teaching session. She so rarely encounters one of her own kind after all. Please follow me, Onera is just finishing up with her last clients,” the Pyrow informed as she invited the fiendish duo inside.

On the other side was yet another short hallway also lit by volcanic columns. Two metallic doors lined both opposing sides leading to a final entranceway at the very end with the fiery words private office hanging over it. However, judging by the moans and screams emitting through the walls, at least a few of those rooms were preoccupied.

“So, these are Onera’s infamous private rooms. Never thought I would ever be allowed back here without a whipping boy of my own,” Fulgora uttered to herself.

“Oh, yes about that Lady Fulgora. Onera only wishes to meet with the Balrog here. So, if you could wait outside until this is done, we would really appreciate. The rest of the club is of course open to you for the time being. As long as you agree to follow our strict rules of course,” the Pyrow stated a little nervous of how the reckless Lilim might react.

“Fiiinnnneeee……I’ll just go find some cute asses to smack or something in the meantime. You ok going alone, Diana?” the electrical Lilim sighed before looking towards her less than eager fiery companion.

“No, not at all,” Diana quickly replied with sheer panic in her eyes.

“It’s ok, Onera is a very generous mistress. She’ll make sure to take very good care of you. You have nothing to worry about,” the Pyrow assured as she took Diana by the hand and began to lead her away.

“See you’re fine. I’ll be back once the hour is up,” Fulgora waved goodbye before leaving Diana alone with the Pyrow and whoever else might be back there.

“An hour! Wait…wait..no wait….gosh darn it, you’re already gone,” the greenhorn Balrog muttered to herself in defeat.

“You’re quite adorable for a Balrog. I realize this is your first time, but you have nothing to fear, big sis takes her role very seriously. Now if you will just wait in this room, she will be with you shortly,” the leather clad secretary informed before leading Diana to one of the empty rooms and closing the door behind her.

Diana looked around her new candle lit surroundings and what she found scared the shit out of her. This was practically a private torture room complete with rack, wooden horse, chains and an entire wall dedicated to displaying numerous instruments designed for the art of pain. This wasn’t a room designed for pleasure, it was a room meant to induce nightmares.

“Oh no, oh no no no no no,” Diana mumbled with fear.

Terror had a firm grip on her, enough for her to remain frozen for a good few moments as she attempted to comprehend the situation she found herself in. However, before Diana even had a chance to back out, the sound of the door creaking open behind her and the noticeable increase in heat caused her heart to drop. The crackling sound of hoofs against the stone floor reminded Diana of her own, although she could have sworn these steps sounded heavier, more demanding in their approach. A cocktail of anxiety and anticipation kept the young mamono in place and her eyes away from the door, but eventually she managed to muster up the courage to face her would be mentor.

She was not prepared by the being she saw however.

Shoulder length hair as full and grey as a cloud of thick smoke above an inferno flowed primary on her left side. She had a face as stern as it was alluring, with only a hint of age despite how those striking eyes of her burned with the intensity of a thousand lifetimes. Her twin volcanic horns curled back, riding along the dome of her scalp before shooting past the back of her skull. Her wings despite having more wear and tear when compared to Diana’s, somehow managed to still look much more grand and majestic in their scope. Her lash like tail was neatly rolled up and hung by her hip as if it were a true whip ready to discipline any one she saw fit.

 She was tall, and although she was actually only about half a foot taller than Diana her presence made her come off as if she was the size of a mountain. Her skin was a pale bronze, but she maintained a lean physique with just enough muscle definition to be noticeable especially around her shoulders, biceps and thighs.  Although her curves were also impressive as she had a narrow waist which led to a near perfect hourglass figure, which when combined with the leather leotard, matching garter belts and fishnet leggings she donned which highlighted her best assets gave her an appearance that demanded worship.

So, this was what a true Balrog was like. A being that radiated with as much confidence as it did smoke and fire. She wasn’t anything like Diana.

This was Onera and her mere visage was enough to make Diana’s brain a confused mess. One half demanding the newborn Balrog to flee but the other half couldn’t stop drooling over the much older Balrog. The two thoughts clashed against one another like oil and water, refusing to mix or concede, leaving Diana unsure of how to respond. Perhaps Fulgora was on to something when she pointed out Diana had a thing for older women.

“So, you’re the new Balrog, this Diana I’ve been hearing rumors about. I thought I sensed someone trying to siphon my heat a while back,” the older Balrog cut through the silence with a husky voice that commanded respect.

Diana was quickly shaken out of her bewildered stupor upon being addressed by her corrupted elder, “Huh, oh that. Ummm…..I don’t exactly remember…I mean I didn’t mean too…wait…I mean…I came here to….”

“Hush little one. I know why you’re here and I’m sure that little incident at Betty’s place was simply a misunderstanding on your part,” Onera uttered in a way that was as comforting as it was direct.

“You could say that, booze may have been involved and….wait, so you do know why I’m here?’ Diana managed to squeak out despite struggling o get her thoughts back on track.

“Naturally. A big part of my job is getting a read on my clients and what they want from me. It’s obvious you are greatly lacking in the confidence department, and while I don’t usually do as much direct work as I used too, as a fellow Balrog this is something I can not ignore,” Onera coldly yet soothing uttered as she stepped right up to Diana and seductively grasped her chin, “And yet despite your seemingly meek persona, I can sense a raging fire deep within you begging to grow and dominate those around you. I can help you feed this flame and forge you into the Balrog you always imagined yourself to be.”

Onera’s mere touch was enough to get Diana’s thought screaming with confused sexual panic. So much of what she said resonated with a part of her she didn’t even know she had. And yet, Diana couldn’t help but realize there was definitely some confusion over why she was here.

“Well, that sounds….nice, but I’m actually here because…..” Diana attempted to speak up before finding the tip of Onera’s smoldering tail on her lips to hush her once more.

“Don’t interrupt your new mistress, little one. When I’ done with you will have legions licking at your hoofs and be able to make the man of your dreams submit to being your most loyal pet. But before we can get you to that peak, you most start at the very bottom. Only by experiencing total submission will you be able to properly care for those who submit to you in the future. So, I will break you down and build you back up one mind breaking orgasm at a time,” Onera harshly yet enticingly whispered into Diana’s ear, “Perhaps we could start with the wooden horse and some clamps on those udders of yours. Does that sort of punishment sound good to you, little one.”

The sheer overpowering heat of the more mature and dominate Balrog’s breath on her ear was enough to make Diana’s cheeks glow a burning red and send an earth-shattering shiver down her spine. Holy molly, was this lady talented at pressing buttons Diana didn’t even know she had. How was she able to be everything Diana wanted and feared at the same time and yet so much more as well. Diana couldn’t believe she was thinking this but a part of her wanted to be treated like a toy by this elder fiendess and just for the chance to end up like her someday. Truly the darkest thought that had ever crossed her mind and Onera was somehow preying on it like a wolf stalking a helpless sheep.

But she couldn’t give in. Becoming this Balrog’s bitch and submitting to her whims was not why she came down here today. So, with a weak, yet somehow effective light push, Diana was able to put some much needed distance between her and her self-proclaimed mistress.

“Listen, I didn’t come down here for those kind of lessons. I got no interest in this kind of stuff. I just need your help,” Diana managed to confess despite struggling to regain control over her breathing.

Finally, it was Onera’s turn to look bewildered as she tried to make sense of the younger Balrog’s claim. However, such an expression only lasted for a moment as the more mature Balrog’s eyes sooned narrowed and stared right through Diana as if she was studying her past her physical form. Her hand went to massage her chin and her left hoof tapped against the floor rhythmically as she analyzed Diana from head to toe, as if probing to see how true the fledging mamono’s claims truly were.

“Well, I wouldn’t say you have no interest, but if that isn’t the case, what are you hoping to learn from me than?” Onera straightforwardly inquired as he dropped her seductive edge.

“I…I just want to learn how to be a Balrog really. I need to learn how to control this body and these powers but I haven’t been able to get a hold on them,” Diana went on to reveal as she ashamedly rubbed her left arm.

Onera barely reacted aside from a cocked eyebrow, “Forgive me little one, I can see the earnestly in your words but I still don’t fully understand it. What exactly do you mean you can’t control yourself?”

“It means I don’t know how to fly, do magic or control fire. I can’t even get the hang of this stupid tail,” Diana lightly ranted as she explained her predicament.

The ancient Balrog merely continued to study Diana and her distress without judgement before deciding on a new course of action, one that caught the fledging completely off guard, “Would you care to join me for a bath, little one.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Did you say a bath….with you….naked…I mean, if you need one I can just wait till you’re done. I don’t need to intrude or anything like that,” Diana uttered as she struggled to form a sentence after hearing such an unexpected offer.

“Yes, a bath and your company wouldn’t be an intrusion. I’ve had a long day and I could use the break, and from the sounds of it so do you,” Onera suggested before a mass of heated ash and fire was conjured in her palm.

Just like Fulgora, Onera was able to effortless summon a portal of darkness, although hers had a much more hellish quality to it thanks to the fire that swirled within its center. Diana was no stranger to being teleported by this point, but she was still unsure it was a wise idea to go anywhere with the older Balrog. She had just met her and who knows what ulterior motives she had. Plus the offer was just so out of nowhere. Just what was Onera’s game here.

“Thanks, but I don’t see how a bath is going to solve anything,” the fledgling Balrog managed to muster up a rejection.

“A bath may not solve anything, but I imagine you would prefer to continue this conversation in a more relaxing environment. Trust me when I say this, nothing relaxes us Balrogs more than a nice steamy soak,” Onera stated with a warmer expression as she fully dropped her dominatrix act and took on a more motherly role.

“I suppose a change in scenery isn’t the worst idea,” Diana admitted as she gave her torturous surroundings another look over.

“I figured. Now come along. You can tell me all about your dilemma once you’re nice and comfortable,” Onera uttered in a surprisingly nurturing manner before disappearing into her portal.

Not having anything better to do and no longer wishing to stay in this room dedicated to sadism, Diana reluctantly followed. Yet, despite expecting the worst, what awaited her on the other side was simply a subterrain cave, one that glowed with immense heat as numerous pools of molten magma filled its corridor. Diana realized she should really stop following demons through random portals.

“So….ummmmm….where’s this bath you promised?” Diana nervously inquired, afraid she already knew the answer.

“You’re looking at it, little one. These are my private pools, open only to my family and very special guests. This is a very special privilege, little one. Now go ahead, nothing melts a Balrog’s worries or exhaustion away like a dip in some molten rock,” Onera uttered as she dipped a hoof into one of the pools and let out a content sigh.

“I’m….good,” Diana declined as politely as she could.

While Diana was aware of how heat proof she was, there was no way she could survive a swim in that volcanic deathtrap, could she? For goodness sake those pools radiated as brightly as the melted steel the blacksmith used to work with back home, and she was always warned how dangerous that stuff was. Sure, Onera probably could handle this without so much as a burn, but she was a Balrog from ancient times, and Diana was a newbie who couldn’t even maintain her own heat. What if there was some trick she didn’t know about needed to avoid melting or combusting into flames? There was a very real chance she could die if she ventured in.

Onera however had no such concerns.  As seeing the greenhorn hesitating and showing fear at the sight of something so harmless to their kind was borderline embarrassing.  So, while Diana was distracted staring into the molten abyss, Onera snaked her tail down and slithered behind the frozen Balrog in position to strike.

With one quick snap, the more mature Balrog’s tail shot up to smack its junior across her ample behind. Onera got the reaction she was hoping for as the impact and sheer shock of getting her ass whipped like that stuttered Diana enough to force her to leap forward in surprise as a small eep escaped her lips. The fledging fiendess barely had a moment to realize she was now airborne and plummeting towards the liquified rock until she found herself fully submerged in the molten pool.

Unlike moving through water, Diana found her new fluid surroundings to be very dense, almost as if she was swimming through some sort of thick goo, and yet she had no issues moving through it at all. However, the pool’s molten nature made it near blinding to the point of discomfort, forcing the young Balrog to the surface. As her horned skull breached the surface, Diana was just thankful she could not only easily endure such overwhelming heat, but actually found it to be quite pleasant. In fact, she found it heavenly as her body naturally relaxed as if thankful to be submerged in such a hazardous liquid. Like no other hot bath could compare, especially after she became a Balrog. Content and pleasure washed over her as she couldn’t help but moan as the heat seeped into her very core and soothed every muscle and thought she had.

However, while her body was immune to the lava’s touch, her clothes weren’t so lucky. Although Diana barely noticed or cared as they combusted and were burnt to ash around her, leaving the lost maiden as nude as the day she was born.

“See, isn’t that better,” Onera commented as she stood over the edge.

Diana didn’t have a chance to respond before a certain sight made her jaw go slack. Onera’s leather outfit also suddenly combusted into flames and as the older Balrog did away with them in a matter of moments, leaving the much more mature mamono in a state of shameless nudity. Her hefty breasts revealed their true size and the skull shaped piercings their dark nipples wore now that they were no longer trapped behind such a constrictive outfit. They were nearly as large of Diana’s own impressive chest but that slight sag to them revealed they were somehow much denser and heavier than they appeared. Her stomach was lean and tone with another piercing on her bellybutton in form of a chain lined with crystal-like beads dangling down agonizingly close to her smooth, mature sex. Her skin was nearly flawless, except for one little thing, a massive well aged scar on her left side just above her pelvis that reached from her ribs all the way to her navel. There was certainly a story there, but Diana was a little distracted by the rest of the nude demonic milf standing before her to inquire about it.

Diana was left speechless as new ideas stormed in her skull. Ideas she wasn’t sure were truly her own. Curse these stupidly confusing sexy thoughts. Fulgora had to be behind this too somehow. There could be no other reason she could be attracted to such a dominant woman like Onera or a reckless hooligan like that Lilim.

Wait….no, no, no that wasn’t right.  Why was she thinking about Fulgora at a time like this? That fiend messed with her head more than she thought or maybe the last remnants of her humanity were finally slipping away. Either possibility was disastrous, and yet she couldn’t deny there was some lingering part of her begging to finally put this self inflicted hatred of her new self out of its misery.

Diana could only shake her head in self disgust as Onera stepped into the magma to join her junior. A soothing hum flowed from the older woman’s lips as she floated over to Diana, her firm breasts proving to be the perfect displacer to spearhead through the molten rock as they bobbed atop the surface to pave the way.

Don’t stare, don’t stare, don’t stare, but they’re just right there and she’s so hot….I mean don’t stare, don’t stare. Diana kept repeating in her head as she did her best to avoid shifting her eyes down and all the awkward thoughts that followed from such a sight.

“So, now that we are all nice and settled, let us get to the matter at hand. You claim you can not fully control yourself. Is this correct” Onera inquired as she leaned back to rest at the edge of the pool.

“That’s about the size of it…I mean sum of it,” Diana bashfully answered as she recovered from her slight slip of tongue and peeled her eyes from those very distracting orbs.

“It’s obvious you were human and only recently corrupted and I’m also willing to bet ten tons of gold that Fulgora is responsible considering she arranged this meeting,” the older Balrog commented as she conjured a cigar out of smoke.

“That’s correct,” Diana confirmed with a nervous gulp.

“I’m sure she had her reasons, but if a Lilim corrupted you that only provides more questions than answers. Surely you must feel something within you. An instinct o at least an idea of how to handle yourself?” Onera inquired as she dipped her cigar into her volcanic bath to light it.

“Not really. I’m told they’re supposed to be there, but I got nothing. I just know when I get scared or overly emotional, I tend to get hotter. I even burned down my home and almost my entire village because of it after I woke up like this thanks to Fulgora. I even have to wear this stupid ring so I don’t get out of hand again,” Diana revealed as she lifted her hand out of the hellish soup and showed off her ring of heat resistance.

“Is that so. I’m sorry to hear that, it must of have a difficult experience to go through. I can’t say I’ve ever heard a story like this one. Although I wonder if this has more to do with your Balrog side or your succubus side,” the older Balrog pondered as she slanted back and took a large huff of her cigar.

“My succubus side? I have a succubus side? I didn’t know that. I thought Fulgora only made me a Balrog, not some demonic chimera. Maybe that’s it. Maybe that’s how she screwed up and I’m still able to be me on the inside. But if Fulgora finds out, I won’t be me anymore,” Diana muttered to herself, thankful to have some idea of what was going on but also fearful of how this could lead her further down to ruin.

“The hell are you taking about with that crap. You’re not going to change like that and having a succubus half isn’t the issue. All mamono are part succubus, it’s the one thing we all have in common besides this accursed lust that plagues us. Even me, thanks to that horny bitch leading us. Why else do you think we look like this, like a humans wet dream made flesh instead of the raging beasts we once were. It’s because ever damn one of us got fucking succubus mana shaping us,” Onera explained as she pointed towards her mouth-watering chest to make her point.

Diana’s eyes widened as of she just had an epiphany, “I…I actually never actually pondered why we look like this. Why we still look vaguely human. Wait, so does that mean you used to look like….you know….”

“Like the towering nightmare that made any servant of the Chief God shit their pants upon seeing me. Damn straight I was, but that was so long ago now and I don’t think I can even consider myself the same being I once were. I mean I was once destruction and hatred incarnate, designed to slay all who opposed me before being slayed myself. And that was how I was for thousands of years, how I survived through countless Demon Lord regimes, until Lilith showed up and made me…..this,” Onera divulged as she gestured to her entire body.

“So, this change was forced upon you too,” Diana softly stated as for the first time she actually felt like she could relate with one of these horny monsters

“Listen, I know you humans think you have it rough when you get corrupted, with your new lusts and body changes, not to mention how uncontrollable your urges tend to get for the first few days until everything settles in, but that will never compare to what I and every other monster experienced when the current Mamono Lord took over. She gave us things we were never meant to have. A conscience. Feelings. A soul. Every foul act we once relished in, every murderous instinct we once possessed, it all faded until eventually only disgust for such acts remained. Hell, many monsters didn’t even have the capacity to think before she came along to burden them with thought and rationality. Let me tell you, the first few years were rough as we all tired to figure out our new thoughts and forms. A lot of us didn’t want to understand,” the older demoness reminisced as she blew out a puff of smoke.

 “If that’s true I’m surprised none of you revolted. I mean, if I was as powerful as you, I would it,” Diana questioned.

“If you say so, but make no mistake, many of us did, the stronger ones at least, myself included. At first it was the weaker monsters who changed, something that didn’t really bother us, it just made our minions easier to abuse or make meals out of, but as the weeks passed stronger and stronger monsters fell to Lilith’s new design, until it eventually reached beings as mighty as myself. If you think you had a rough wake up, you should have seen my reaction when I realized I was now a tiny mockery of my former glory and carrying around these shoulder boulders,” Onera bitched as she shoved her cigar into her mouth and lifted her hefty tits.

“So, what did you do than?” Diana inquired as she listened to the story with more keen interest.

“Naturally I summoned my sword of hellfire and stormed straight towards the bitch who did this to me. I was once a general for the most feared Balrog in history, the Demon Lord Krell, and I survived long past his rule, so my pride demanded I challenge this lowly Succubus who had ascended to the throne and crowned herself this new Mamono Lord. I along with oldest of Dragons, the mightiest of Krakens, and the most crafty of Archdemons  attempted to steal the throne to undo this change but I like all the others ultimately fell to her and her husband. Although as much as I hate to admit it, I doubt I could have taken her by herself at the time, although that didn’t make my defeat sting any less,” Onera revealed her ancient shame.

“So, you lost and just submitted? Fulgora’s mom is just that strong,” Diana expressed, actually showing sympathy towards her volcanic elder.

“Not exactly. I grew a newfound respect for her granted, after all monsters always respected strength and thankfully that still carried over to our new mamono selves. However, after my defeat, I decided to retreat to my old mountainous bastion to recover and sleep for a few hundred years, hoping by the time I woke up a new Demon Lord would appear, and I would return to my former glorious self. Naturally that didn’t happen, and I woke up the same little pipsqueak you see before you, surrounded by a bunch of minions who had ventured out to get a husband. It wasn’t exactly the sight I was hoping to awaken too,” Onera continued on with her life story.

“Then what happened,” the younger mamono inquired as she got more invested.

“Truth is, I started to lash out. I really had no idea how to handle my new thoughts or thinking, and for the first time in my entire existence I felt actual fear. I couldn’t recognize myself or the world I once knew anymore. Every glorious conquest, every human I stepped on and battlefield I turned into a hellish bloodbath I used to take pride in, I could only recall with shame, and yet my thirst to domination persisted even in this new body. So, I ventured out and tried to cause mayhem to feed the last piece of my former self and perhaps regain some other lost part of me. I fought countless warriors on my travels, but I could never bring myself to kill any of them like I once easily could. I couldn’t even vanquish the weak and helpless. Hell, I even helped some of them. If that didn’t show I had truly lost my way, I don’t know what else could have. At least I did, until I met the love of my life, Cedric” the ancient demoness exclaimed as she took a more joyous tone upon the mention of her partner.

“And how did he do that?” Diana expressed with curiosity.

“With unmatched spirit and the ability to take punishment like no less else could. He was at the time some sworn peacekeeper between his village and some local Dwarves. I decided to mess with the relationship, just to cause some chaos until he steeped forth to challenge me. He wasn’t the greatest warrior I ever met, but he certainly had the most bravado. Bastard wouldn’t stay down and something about the way he stared me down as we fought made me wish to dominate him in a way I had never considered. I didn’t understand what I was feeling at the time, but when he managed to land a strike right across my belly, I knew he was the one. I felt no pain or rage from my wound, just pride and happiness I had found someone I resonated with. He was perfect in my eyes,” Onera confessed as she herself got a little rosy in her cheeks.

“So, you lost to him too?” the younger Balrog questioned.

“Oh hell no. After that lucky hit, I knocked his ass out cold. But instead of leaving him face first in the dirt, I felt a little sorry for him and decided to drag him back to my hideout. I mean he had potential but I thought he could use some lessons so I thought I would at least offer. He was hesitant at first, and so was I if I’m being honest but eventually agreed. So, we sparred and that eventually turned to flirting, and the next thing I know we’re having the roughest sex imaginable. Let’s just say the need for something to properly dominate was finally satiated that night and every night that came after. Gods, his cute little whimpers will never fail to spark my embers,” the older fiendess cooed as she thought back on their many, many years of lovemaking as she took another inhale from her cigar.

“I see….so, is that how I’m supposed to act? I mean, as a Balrog, am I supposed to go out, beat up a guy I like and hurt him until he likes it?” Diana uttered as she took an awkward pause, unsure of how to proceed further.

“Of course not, little one. You got your tastes, and I got my mind, so there is no reason for you to adapt my methods of precuring my mate. I know my kids sure didn’t when they bagged their own men. In fact, they don’t resemble the Balrogs of old at all. I got into domination play because it was the closet I could get to my old self and regain a sense of control I’ve been missing every since I became a mamono. Someone a lot of other mamono I learned relate too, which is why I made this club so we could act a little like the monsters we once were while still embracing the new urges in us. In fact, I myself have even learned how good it feels to be the one dominated, as we now rotate our roles every night. Although, I will admit I did make my husband earn the right to have his way with me though many years of being the one on top. I’m sure he relished the chance for some payback,” Onera confessed with a husky chuckled before letting out another thick breath of smoke.

“I suppose that is a little contorting to hear, the doing things my way not your way part, and while I appreciate you sharing your life story, I’m not sure how it helps me get myself under control,” Diana bluntly stated as she was unsure if this meeting would turn out to be another dead end.

“I told you my story for two reasons. One because I sense a dying urge within you to gain some control over your own life and to help put you at ease with your changes. While I’m sure this isn’t the root cause of your issues, the fact you seem to be so conflicted over your new form will only cause further problems for you. The sooner you accept all of yourself, and I’m not just referring to your mamono side, the less problems you will have in the future. Take it from someone who wished she received that kind of advice sooner than she did,” the older Balrog proclaimed with a heavy sigh.

“That’s easy for you to say. You were born with this power. I had to forced upon me. Confidence is nice to have, but what good is it if I’m a danger to everything around me,” Diana somberly declared as she splashed some magma away in frustration.

“We may of come from different origins, but we are both Balrogs now. This heat inside us, it is not what we control, it is what we are. You may not have the instinct to handle it, but you have the capability same as any other of our kind. We just need to remind your body of what it already knows. I tell you what, I will come Fulgora’s place and help train you for as long as you need. I’ve let my husband and Pyrows handle the place while I’m with you. How does that sound,” the ancient Balrog offered as she put her arm around Diana in a motherly manner.

“I suppose if you’re willing to do that for me. But where would we even start. I’m a complete failure at this mamono stuff,” Diana confessed with doubt.

“I suppose we will have to start at the basics. I’ve raised five daughters into fine Balrogs, and I can do the same with you. But before we begin, what have you been taught already? Surely Fulgora or her little gang have taught you at least something about being a mamono,” Onera inquired as she got straight to the heart of the matter.

“Well, truth be told, not really. I mean they tried, like a little bit but they’re not exactly the best teachers. Honestly, it seems even they don’t even understand how they do the things they do. They’re just like it’s too hard to explain or it just comes naturally so we never had to think about it. Like just today I was trying to fly and the best advice they could give me was to beat my wings harder,” Diana ranted as she left off some much needed steam.

“Seriously? I knew Fulgora’s little gang weren’t the brightest, but didn’t they mention anything about mana control or anything basic? For crying out loud Fulgora is a Lilim, for darkness sakes, she should have been able to offer something,” Onera groaned from second hand embarrassment.

“Well, Fulgora said it would be best to discover this for myself and that she doesn’t understand how Balrogs work because she’s not a Balrog. As for the mana thing, I’ve heard it mentioned and that it’s what corrupted me but no one really explained it. Is it that important?” Diana inquired with an unsure expression.

“Of course it fucking is! How we control our mana is how we do anything. Magic, our strength, our heat, all of it. Do you think we fly because we flap our wings like some common pigeon. No, we focus our mana to help us take flight. Same goes for any other mamono,” Onera spouted out flabbergasted the younger Balrog hadn’t been taught that much.

“Oh…..that does sound awfully important to know,” Diana grumbled a little upon realizing some very handy information had been denied to her.

“Well at least we now know were to start your training. That being said, to your friends’ defence, while it isn’t difficult to teach one’s body greater control over their mana, at the most basic level it’s something that doesn’t need to be taught. You just feel it, like taking a breath or moving one of your limbs. When someone gets corrupted, everyone is blessed with that much knowledge thanks to their new mamono instincts. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s why those instincts exist in the first place, to ensure no one loses control and has to go through what you did. So, what I think we have to do is, we got to teach your body how to act from scratch and get your mind familiar with interacting with your mana until it becomes instinct. With any luck, once you get a feeling for it, the rest will come naturally,” Onera proposed as if it were the easiest solution in the world.

“That sounds like a good start as any. Thanks, I mean, I actually appreciate getting some solid advice for a change,” Diana uttered, a little hopeful she might finally be able to get a handle on her unwanted form.

“No problem, little one. Although, I admit you have me curious. How did a sweet little thing like you get the attention of a troublemaker like Fulgora enough for her to make a Balrog out of you of all things?” Onera inquired as she tossed away her cigar and summoned a replacement.

Diana let out her own sigh as it was finally time to tell her own story, “I’ve been wondering the same thing. Well, it all started…….”

Chapter Text

“Very good Diana, but you need to focus on your stability. Right now, you are reminding more of a drunken moth than a true daughter of fire with how unevenly you are fluttering about,” Onera called out through the cigar she had firmly clenched between her teeth, “Remember, imagine your mana rising within you like the heat from your family stove. Let if lift you and take you where you demand it too.”

“Yeah, you got it, Diana. You’re doing so much better than last time. Oh, I know. How about another race. That should help break your wings in faster,” Yaiza proposed as she flew circles around the island’s newest, struggling flyer.

“For the last time, Yaiza I’m not racing you again. If you recall, I got zapped last time because you flew us too high. We have a little thing called baby steps for a reason. Just let me focus on the basics first,” Diana muttered out as she awkwardly drifted a good few meters above the gloomy beach.

For two long weeks Diana found herself under the tutelage of Onera and her whip. After their first meeting, Onera wasted no time keeping true to her word, as she literally arrived early the next morning without so much as a warning to her would be protégé. Appearing dressed in a black iron plated bra adorned with spikes, a matching chainmail draped loincloth, and a cigar already lit firmly held between her plush lips, the older Balrog appeared as some demonic barbarian ready to drag Diana off to war. And not surprisingly, there was some truth to that description.

While the much older Balrog had proven to be someone Diana could surprisingly find solace in back at her private lava pools, as an instructor she didn’t seem too keen on holding back her punches, or in this case tail. One moment she would be calm and motherly, helping Diana come up with some mental visualization tricks to assist her in manifesting and controlling her mana, and the next she went full military drill instructor making her run laps around Fulgora’s private beach. She knew those intense workouts were ment to get her accustomed to power her body truly held but she was sure if she wasn’t a Balrog, she would never survive Onera’s training regime. She even made Diana deadlift boulders. She didn’t even know she could do such an absurd thing until Onera gave her the proper motivation with a simple, searing flick of her tail.

In fact, it was safe to say the young mamono became much more acquainted with Onera’s infamous sadist side as her training went on, as the ancient fiendess clearly had no qualms about unleashing her fury upon her tender ass whenever Diana showed even a hint of weakness or hesitance. Both figuratively and quite literally in many cases. Diana wasn’t sure how many more smacks on the bum from Onera’s demonic, natural lash she could take. Even if it didn’t actually hurt and the tingling sensation it left behind was starting to feel a little nice, the fact Fulgora and her friends were often around to see it made it feel like she might die from embarrassment.

Aside from the running, squats, deadlifts, wing lifts, tail strikes and whatever physical task Onera put her through, the main focus was thankfully on the visualization and mental training aspect.  Onera made it clear to Diana from the start that if she wanted control over her body and the immense power that flowed through it, she needed to master her own mind first. Whatever that meant.

Onera told her that since Balrog’s were all about fire and heat, that’s how she had to think of her mana. If she wanted to control her fire, she had to think of herself as a fire. If she wanted to fly, she had to imagine getting hotter and rising like smoke. If she wanted to unleash the full fury of her tail, she had to think of it like a spark jolting out from her to sear her target. They came up with a lot of simple mental images like that, many of which Diana thankfully found useful when she was forced to experiment with her hell forged body.

Yet despite the progress, Diana still only understood Onera’s words on a surface level, anything deeper was lost on her and it showed whenever she put such things lessons into practice. When it came to more physical manifestations, she managed to find something to grasp onto, but when it came to the more arcane and elemental aspects of her body, control still seemed so far out of reach for the young Balrog. The beach still held onto its glass scars from her numerous failed attempts to control and manipulate her fire. Each attempt ending in humiliating failure while creating quite the blazing light show for Fulgora and her gang of degenerates.

Eventually Onera had agreed to put such practices on hold, but Diana knew it wouldn’t be long until she would have to willing let herself become engulfed by her flames again.  She really wasn’t looking forward to feeling that again.

However, as exhausted as Diana was with Onera’s methods and the sensation of her tail cracking against her rump, she couldn’t argue with the results of her training. In those two, torturously long weeks, Onera had done the impossible and managed to get Diana ready enough for Fulgora to uphold her promise and return her home to see her family again.

Despite being sloppy and amateurish, Diana was now capable of the miracle of flight and while the use of her fire was still off the table, the adequate control she developed over her tail more than made up for it. She had even gotten skilled enough with her lash to strike bottles off a post a few yards away, even if she usually did take out the post along with it…..and whatever was near said post.

However, the greatest lesson Diana received regarding her once troublesome whip like appendage was how to holster it on her waist like Onera did. Apparently keeping it rolled up on one’s side was something nearly every Balrog did, and considering their absurd length, Diana more than understood why. After Onera gave her a special hooked belt to hang her looped tail off of, it was like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Finally, no more worries about people stepping on it or it knocking anything over. Not to mention how good it looked hanging off her like that. It certainly made one hell of a fashion statement when paired with the right outfit. Something her new “friends” were more than willing to experiment whenever they dragged her out shopping.

“So, how is our little wallflower looking,” Fulgora inquired as she appeared behind Onera through the use of one of her portals.

“Much better than how she started. Although she could be much further along if you brought her to me sooner or at the very least bothered to teach her the fucking basics regarding mana yourself. But no, you thought it would be best to fuck about and party,” Onera criticized without taking her eyes off her protégé and the Wyvern as they flew overhead.

“I wanted to cheer her up and give her some time to see how much she could figure out on her own, so sue me,” Fulgora shrugged with her characteristic carefree attitude.

“I still think she needs more time,” Onera commented before removing her cigar and blowing out a cloud of thick smoke from her lips.

“Maybe but she needs the closure more. You have no idea how much she’s been begging me lately for a chance to see her family. She’s reached the requirements as far as I can tell, so why not,” the Lilim stated nonchalantly.

“Barely, she’s barely reached them. After everything you two have told me regarding how you met, going back there so soon is too dangerous. I still can’t believe you took her from Numinis Cordis. What were you thinking? Were you trying to start a war?” the ancient Balrog accused sternly as she turned to face the Lilim.

“First of all, we’re already at war with those chumps. Second, that’s rich coming from someone who actually once ransacked the place. Besides I already told you I didn’t mean to get sent there. That was all my sister’s fault,” the demonic princess defended herself.

“Even still, you’ll both lucky just to be alive after your little stunt. I hope corrupting her was worth all the trouble you caused her and her homeland. Not to mention your parents,” Onera grumbled before tossing her cigar away to sizzle out in the dark sands.

“I sincerely doubt my little trip there and Diana’s absence is going to cause enough of an uproar to reach mom’s ear or the Chief God’s. They’re all too busy with other crap to care about a missing peasant girl,” Fulgora countered without a hint of concern.

“You say that and yet that peasant girl managed to resist not only your charm but your influence. Regardless of the limitations you placed on yourself, such a thing should have been impossible from someone like Diana. Not to mention she is producing far too much heat for a mere unwedded fledgling. Are you sure there isn’t anything special about her?” Onera questioned as she placed her hands upon her hips.

“Oh there definitely is, but neither of us are aware of what it might be, but who knows how screwed up her family history might really be. What I do know is that whatever it is that makes her special, the Valkyries who harassed us weren’t aware of it. So, we should be able to at least scratch off some divine protection or experimentation from the Chief God for the time being. As far as I’m concerned, Diana's resistance is just an aberration of the soul, one unique to her and one that is now safely in our care,” the punkish Lilim uttered in reply as she worked over Diana’s situation.

“Either way, are you sure no one else from her homeland is aware of her condition?” Onera bluntly questioned.

“Quite being such a worrywart. None of those dumb angels or villagers were aware. No one knows, no one is after her, so she is completely safe,” Fulgora reassured with a hint of irritation.

“Even still. Are you sure this isn’t something you wish to inform one of your more intellectual sisters of or better yet your parents,” the ancient Balrog suggested as her tone got a little more stern.

“Relax, I got this under control. There’s no need to get my family involved. Besides knowing mom and dad, they would be too busy dealing with politics or fucking to be of any real help,” the electrical Lilim groaned.

“I know you believe that, but I also know you’re not as stupid as you like to pretend to be. Keeping her a secret I hardly doubt is the correct course of action,” Onera argued as she kicked a bit of sand with one of her volcanic hooves.

“Listen, she’s overwhelmed enough as it is without having to meet my sisters, or dark gods forbid, my mom. What she needs is time to relax and figure shit out for herself, not a bunch of other people trying to tell her what to do or fix her or figure out what went wrong with her or some other shit,” Fulgora rebuked with much more attitude.

“Isn’t that exactly what you’re doing?” Onera pointed out as she raised a brow.

“No…..not exactly. I’m just trying to get her used to being a mamono while she figures out what she wants, since you know….. in a round about way, I’m kind of responsible for her current mess,” Fulgora uttered a little more somberly as she scratched the back of her skull awkwardly.

A light chuckle escaped the older woman’s smoky maw, “Yes, in a round about way. You know, I don’t think I’ve ever known you to go to such lengths for someone you only just recently met? You must have taken quite the liking to her.”

“What the hell I that supposed to mean,” Fulgora inquired cautiously with her own raised brow.

“Just the obvious,” Onera cheekily shot back.

“Ha, ha, ha…..shut up” Fulgora snapped back with a hint of frustration, “Anyways, we’re headed out. If you got a problem with it, I dare you to try and stop us.”

“Just make sure Diana stays out of trouble and doesn’t overstay her welcome. That’s all I ask,” Onera requested with a reluctant sigh.

“What the fuck are you, her mom? I know what the hell I’m doing. Besides Hazel’s coming with us as extra protection. Also, because it was her fee for the potion. Worst comes to worst, I’ll teleport everyone out without delay. Trust me, we’ll be fine,” Fulgora waved off as she stepped away from the ancient mamono.

Fulgora continued leisurely making her down the dark sandy shore until she was overlooking a slumbering Hazel. The Dark Mage was blissfully asleep upon her favourite lounge chair, an empty wine bottle and paired glass near by showcasing her impatient as she waited for this latest training session to end. There was apart of Fulgora that was tempted to wait and allow the slothful witch to finish her nap before they left.

But where was the fun in that.

With an easygoing kick, the Lilim swiftly shoved Hazel off her spot, knocking her face first into the sand, “Wake up, bitch. You better have that potion ready.”

“Fulgora what the hell. I told you before, if you want to wake me up you only need to tap my shoulder. I’m a light sleeper you know,” Hazel groggily replied after her rude awakening, before the curvaceous sorcerous picked herself up and brushed some sand out of her long hair and cleavage.

“Yeah, but that’s no fun. Now about that potion,” Fulgora repeated.

“Yeah, yeah, I got it. But do you have our sexy little disguises,” the Dark Mage teasingly inquired.

“Naturally, but sexy isn’t how I would describe them. Its not like the Order is known for their fashion sense. But you know the deal, if you want to come you can’t alter them or bitch about how stuffy they are. Got it,” Fulgora reminded the ditzy Dark Mage.

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t forget the university I used to attend was practically run by them. That being said, I am looking forward to this nice little day trip to Numinis Cordis. I always wanted to visit it some day,” Hazel uttered before a yawn interrupted her line of thought.

“Well, don’t expect too much there, it’s not like we’re visiting a city or nothing. Seriously, I don’t understand why you wanted to tag along so bad,” the punkish Lilim questioned her friend’s decision.

“What? I can appreciate a nice quiet afternoon in some far-off village. Especially if it is full of easy men to tease like Diana says it is,” Hazel admitted with a wink and spat tongue.

“I should have known, you slut. Oh, well, do what you want. Just make sure Diana doesn’t catch you trying to lead someone astray. We’ll never hear the end of it,” Fulgora uttered before looking upwards to wave to Diana, “Hey, Wallflower, it’s time! Get your fat butt down here! Do you want to see your family or not!”

A large cloud of sand was the only response the Lilim received as Diana crashed down before her. The young Balrog stepped awkwardly out of the tiny crater she created, her legs still a little shaky from the rough landing but at least she was still on her feet unlike the last few times. A mix of optimism and caution made up her entire body language, but thanks to her long two weeks of training, there was noticeable amount of newly acquired confidence within the volcanic maiden as well. Fulgora would even dare say it seemed Onera had managed to rub a little of herself off onto the young fiendess.

“You sure? I mean, its really time. I can finally see my family again,” Diana inquired as her tone ringed with hope.

“That’s right, wallflower. You’ve been busting your ass for weeks, so you should be ready. Hazel, hand her the potion, will ya,” the rebellious princess ordered her housemate.

The sleepy Dark Mage reached into one of her pockets and pulled out a small vial containing a multi-colored liquid, “Here you go, one specialized potion of anthropomorphosis. This should get you looking like your old self.”

“So, this stuff will really make me human again?” the Balrog questioned as she took the potion into her grasp and peered it over with awe.

“It will only make you look human, as well as help hide your mana. This stuff will only last for a few hours since this is a small dose, but it should give you enough time to do what you need to do,” Fulgora corrected.

“But if I return as my old self, won’t the villagers recognize me. How am I going to explain my disappearance? What if they realized I was the demon they were chasing that night? If I return as myself like nothing has happened, there’s going to be trouble once they see me,” Diana uttered as she grasped the fact she may not be as welcomed in her old home like she once hoped.

“Already thought of that, which is why you won’t be returning as you. I brought some disguises which will allow us to dupe those moronic neighbours of yours long enough for you to reconcile with your family,” the stormy Lilim divulged as she looped her arm around the Balrog in a friendly gesture and gave her a toothy grin.

“What kind of disguises?” Diana inquired, already sensing trouble with Fulgora’s plan.

Hazel joined in as she nodded towards the Lilim before turning to give her full attention to the fiery country girl, “Oh, you’re going to love this……”

“……I hate this so much. This is just pure blasphemy. Where did you even manage to get your hands on these?” Diana grumbled as she tugged at the dark cotton garbs that now flowed over her shapely figure.

“I got them from my sister, Judith. She messes with sisters of the Order all the time and thus has quite a collection of their clothes. Don’t ask why,” Fulgora answered with an amused chuckle while she worked her hands over aligning the veil that now adorned her hornless head.

“I don’t know about you two, but I’m kind of digging this look. Like it hugs my curves so nicely and makes me feel so sinful,” Hazel commented as she ran her hands along her sides and over her shapely hips.

All three of them steeped forth from the swirling mass of shadows as they ventured from the sandy shores of Saida into the concealing groves of Numinis Cordis. As they appeared amongst the company of the towering oaks and maples, not a single corrupted feature could be found among them. No tails nor wings or even a single horn. Not even their exaggerated curves remained. Instead, each one was adorned in the traditional robes and veils usually reserved for those who had dedicated their eternal lives to the service of the Chief God and her Order.

Despite being monsters in priestess clothing, they all appeared as human as could be. A fact no one was more thankful for than Diana and it was all thanks to Hazel’s little alchemic concoction. For the first time in a long time, the lost maiden felt a little like herself, despite knowing this feeling was literally only skin deep and sadly only temporary. But alias such concerns were easily ignored as she overlooked the soothing serenity of the local forest she once played in as a youth and took in the familiar country air. Finally, she was home.

“Ok, here’s our cover story. We say we’re a bunch of Order zealots here to pray for the residents and bless the ground or whatever in response to what went down the last time we were here. We specifically want to see Diana’s family since they went through the most and if anyone asks us to do anything else, we brush them off. When we find Diana’s parents, we isolate them so Diana can say her peace and go over some shit. Then we cry, get all sappy and ultimately all feel a little better about ourselves before saying goodbye. Sound good,” Fulgora laid out her vague infiltration plan.

“I suppose….that’s a plan, but there’s one little one problem with it. They can still see my face! Everyone down there has known me my entire life, they’re going to recognize me and rightfully freak out when they see me rolling into town wearing this,” Diana pointed out as her nerves began to get the best of her.

“Relax, I’ve thought of that too. Here, just wear this and you’re golden,” Fulgora proclaimed as she conjured a golden mask for the disguised Balrog to wear.

“Wait….isn’t that a holy mask of divinity? Aren’t only mother superiors closest to the Chief God supposed to wear that? How did your sister….wait….no, I don’t want the answer to that. Just….just hand it over,” Diana reluctantly accepted as she stared into it, only to find the face of the Chief God staring back.

“Oh, I’m sure there’s a wild story there but sadly I don’t know it….yet. Anyways, if anyone asks, you’re our mother superior, so you get to boss us around while we’re down there. So have fun,” the Lilim jokingly informed as she slapped Diana on the back.

“I don’t like how you phrased that. If I wasn’t already sentenced to the hells, I would hate you so much for this,” Diana groaned before placing the mask over her own face to hide her identity.

“If you say so, but you pull off the priestess look damn good, wallflower. If only you still had your Balrog features, then you would look perfect. I might have even let you try and exorcize me personally, if you catch my drift,” Fulgora shamelessly teased.

“Oh, just….just……shush! Why do you have to be just the worst,” Diana shuttered out as she grew flustered from irritation before calming herself down, “Just…just make sure you don’t ruin this reunion for me when we get down there, ok. I’ve waited long enough to see my family again and I don’t want either of you mocking things up before I get a chance to even see them.”

“We would never dare to do such a thing. Have some faith in your loving subordinates, mother superior,” Hazel teasingly stated while holding back a laugh.

“I’m starting to think you girls picked these disguises just to mess with me, didn’t you,” Diana bluntly questioned as she led the way to the treeline to reach the road.

“Maybe, maybe not. Although I can’t promise there won’t be any ragging later, mother superior,” the divinely dressed Lilim utter with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“We promise to be on our best behaviour, mother superior. After all, we are humble servants of the Chief God and are guided by her loving light,” Hazel mockingly declared, clasping her hands together as she did her best satirical impression of a devote follower.

“That…that isn’t funny. Cut it out before someone overhears you,” Diana grumbled behind the false golden face of her former goddess.

“Of course, mother superior,” Hazel and Fulgora gently uttered in unison before bursting out in laughter.

“AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!! I hate you both so much right now,” the disguised balrog roared out in frustration as they made their way through the rows of looming trees.

It was a short trip through the still forest, if a mentally long one for Diana as she suffered through her cohorts childish pestering, before they reached the woodland’s edge and the scenery opened up to a more spacious view. The rolling hills, the fields of various crops and of course the lone dirt road that led into the village were all there to greet Diana as soon as she breached the treeline. The familiar sight was enough to bring a tear to her eye as it fully hit her that she was truly, finally home.

If she wasn’t in the company of two monstrous escorts or disguised as a holy woman of such high authority, she would have raced down that road in a full sprint. However, instead she restrained herself, forcing herself to move as slowly and as dignified as the holy figure she was pretending to be. Her reunion with her family depended on how well she carried herself in this sacrilegious disguise. She couldn’t afford to screw this up.

As Diana began her trek down the road to return to the centre of her homeland, that’s when she realized that wasn’t entirely true. She also had to rely on the two jokers flanking her not to screw things up. How in the hells were Fulgora and Hazel of all monsters going to be able to pass themselves off as holy women. Oh, this was never going to work as long as they were around.

Let, as Diana turned to check in on her wicked company to ensure they weren’t making mocking faces at her or doing anything else that would blow their cover, she was utterly shocked by how they were acting. They appeared so divine, so respectful as they silently walked behind her, like true sisters of the Order. They even had their veils properly covering their eyes and a strand of divine beads wrapped around their hands as they quietly whispered prayers below their breath.

Wait, had they done this before?

Diana was rightfully shocked by the disturbing amount of talent they were able to pour into their conflicting roles, but at the same time it did give her some hope. Maybe this was going to work. Maybe she had a shot. But such a thought was one she could not dwell on as her first test came strolling up on a horse drawn wagon.

As that empty wooden box on wheels pulled by two ragged draft horses drew near, Diana instantly was able to recognize the driver as Mr. Crasp, a good, sturdy man and farmer who her family sometimes did business with. The man lived far on the outskirts, but he usually made regular visits to mingle and drop off loads of hay to those who needed it, a duty Diana realized he must have just finished doing if he had both his horses with him and was on his way out. If anyone had a grasp on the current situation in town, it would be him.

Mr. Crasp, dressed in his hole ridden overalls and a poorly held together straw hat, pulled harshly on his reins to bring his cart to a hard stop as soon as he noticed the trio of holy woman walking down the road. Despite not being the strangest sight as of late thanks to recent events, the moment he saw another woman donning a golden mask enter town, his jaw went slack causing the strand of straw to tumble out of his mouth.

The farmer respectfully removed his hat and placed it near his barrel chest as he went to greet the divine envoys, “Greeting sisters, we weren’t expecting another visit from the church so soon. And we certainly weren’t expecting to be graced with the presence of yet another mother superior.”

Diana wasn’t sure how to respond. Did he say another mother superior had already made her way out here? Would that affect their chances? What if she was expected to know about this or the name of this other holy woman? Was this ruse already over before it even had a chance to start?

Almost as if sensing her panic behind the mask, Fulgora placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder before addressing the burly man, “Greetings, fellow follower of the one true light, allow us to introduce our mother superior, Lady Veilara. We apologize for our late arrival, but we have come to investigate the demonic incursion that occurred here a few weeks ago. However, we were not informed that anyone other than ourselves were assigned to this incident. Pray tell, do you know the name of this other mother superior who stopped by? Just to ensure this is not some additional demonic plot.”

“Oh jeez, well…ummmm…I believe her name was Mother Constance, but you shouldn’t need to worry about her being some fiendish spy. The Valkyrie who stayed behind after the attack vouched for her personally,” Mr. Crasp uttered cautiously as if he was stepping through broken glass.

“Lady Constance, I see that makes sense. She has always taken a special interest in these matters. It appears this was just a simple mix up. Either way, we would love to do our own quick investigation, just to ensure nothing was overlooked and the villagers are all safe and sound,” Fulgora gently requested as she spoke on Diana’s behalf.

“Of course, no one down there is going to have a problem with some extra divine protection. In fact, I’m sure they’ll welcomed it, especially after what happened with that Diana girl. Still can’t believe she turned out to be such a rotten egg,” Mr. Crasp claimed as he shook his head in disapproval.

“I’m sure….” Diana finally spoke before stopping herself as she realized her voice sounded fair too young for the position she was impersonating. Quickly readjusting her voice to make it sound as old and mature as she could manage in such short notice, the concealed Balrog was completely unaware she was about to accidently do her best Onera impression with how husky she was about to come across.

 “I’m sure there is more to this Diana’s story than meets the eye. I’m sure she’s just another victim in all this, one who was led astray by some self-centred, deceptive demon with no sense for boundaries,” Diana declared with as much authority and grandeur as she could muster to defend her honor.

“That’s not the story I’ll been hearing. Turns out she’d been praying to demons and doing all sorts of witchcraft out in the woods for ages now. Real shame how she turned out, considering how good natured her parents were. But it’s like the good books say, wolves like disguise themselves amongst the sheep. I’m just glad it was only that awful, ungraceful girl who lost her soul that night. Just goes to show that there is still just some justice in this world, I tell you what,” Mr. Crasp calmly decreed with a humble nod of the head.

“Excuse me? I’ll have you know….” Diana sternly muttered as she couldn’t believe what she was hearing, until she felt a sharp nudge in her ribs.

 Fulgora’s had her elbow deep in the Balrog’s side to shut her up before addressing the judgemental, ignorant farmer, “What our lady here means to say is, it wouldn’t be right for us to pass our judgment before gathering all the facts. Even the most sinful of us deserve a fair trial after all, especially if their soul is on the line. Now if you will excuse us, we have a town to inspect and cleanse. We thank you for your time. May the Chief God’s light forever guide you.”

Chapter Text

“Oh, I feel like I want to hurl after talking like that. I can already tell I’m going to need to scrape my tongue off with that sandpaper stuff from the Mist continent when this is all over,” Fulgora grumbled as she dramatically spat out her tongue for emphasis, “Anyways just ignore that crap that hick was spouting, Diana. People like him only cling onto rumors like that to avoid actually having to learn shit.”

“Ah huh,” Diana weakly mumbled out from behind her divine mask.

“Yeah, just because he was a little hunky for an older guy and had great pecs, doesn’t mean you should let his words get to you,” Hazel softly uttered in an attempt to cheer her companion up.

“Ah huh,” Diana repeated even meeker than before.

“Listen, let’s just cut through the shit here. After that little chat, I think we both know what’s waiting for you down there. If you’re not ready to face it, we can head back and try this another time if you want,” the Lilim offered with surprisingly sincerity.

“NO! I mean….I have to do this. But you’re right, I know what’s waiting for me down there, after all I’ve lived with these people my entire life. But I didn’t come back here for them, I came for my family. My parents. My sister. I need to see them again. I need to know they’re ok,” Diana lightly spoke as she regained her composure behind the false golden face of the Chief God.

“Ok, I can respect that. But perhaps it’s best we avoid making small talk with the locals as much as possible. I’m not sure how much of their backwards thinking I will be able to stomach before I’m tempted to corrupt everyone here,” the robed Lilim proclaimed with gritted teeth as they neared the sleepy little village.

“Don’t even joke about that, Fulgora. They may not understand what happened to me but they don’t deserve….this,” Diana somberly proclaimed as she looked over her hands and past the magical disguise she donned to keep herself looking human.

“Well I can’t argue with that, I’m sure most of these jerks don’t deserve such a gift….oh, wait you meant that in the other way. My bad,” Fulgora quickly apologized as she realized she misinterpreted Diana’s words.

“Oh, I’m sure not everyone will be like that once we get down there. Like you were a popular girl, right? There must be people down there who miss you and know better than to believe in such rumor mills,” the disguised Dark Mage positively claimed as she tried to reassure her fiery cohort.

“Yeah…yeah you’re right. I mean I had a lot of friends around here. They know how I was. They wouldn’t believe such absurd hearsay so easily,” Diana spoke up, sounding more chipper as she placed her faith in the people who once truly cared for her.

“That’s the spirit. And perhaps once you’ve reconciled with your family, you can introduce us to some of these friends of yours. Specifically, the guys,” Hazel not so subtly put forth.

“Yeah…..not happening,” the country Balrog immediately dismissed.

“Worth a shot,” Hazel easily accepted with a shrug.

As soon as the trio reached the first buildings lining the village, Diana couldn’t help but get a little choked up as she led the way down the very roads she must have walked a thousand times. She had only been gone for a few weeks and already she was feeling reminiscent of her familiar surroundings, as if some part of her was reminding her this place was no longer her home. It was an odd feeling. A somber feeling. But how she felt about the sight of her old hometown didn’t hold a candle to how she reacted to seeing the people who gave it life.

People she used to interact and work with on the daily. Neighbours she once felt confident speaking with regarding what ailed her. Children who often looked up to her and begged to hear her stories. Friends she once cherished dearly over their shared passion over seeing the world beyond this little village.

But those connections were lost now. Because they still retained their humanity, and Diana was now some smoldering hellbeast. She now existed in an entirely different world from them, one they could never hope to understand unless they joined her on the other side. No, what a selfish wish that would be. Diana hated such a thought even crossed her mind. She wasn’t like Fulgora or her friends. She didn't wish to intrude in the lives of others

“Ma, look! Look! More sisters have come. More sisters have come,” a very young girl excitedly called out to her mother as she grasped onto her sweater to get her attention.

“I see, darling, but stay close. Good girls don’t stand in the way of Order business. Especially if they’ve come to save us,” the mother calmly informed her little one as she combed her fingers through her hair.

More and more villagers who were once going about their business soon took notice of the small group of holy envoys as whispers and gossip soon brought out amongst the masses. The sight of another mother superior was especially a subject of high discussion, as no one expected to see another of their standing in their lifetimes. Many questioned the purpose of her arrival, others feared what her presence foretold. Fear and curiosity reigned supreme amongst their words as none had the courage to walk up to the divinely touched women to actually inquire the purpose of their visit. At least until a lone little nine year old boy ran right up to Diana and stopped her in her tracks. It was someone she was once quite familiar with, as he was a boy she once looked after often, a boy named Samuel, Adam’s youngest brother.

“Hey, hey. Are the demons coming back? I know how to swing a sword, so can I help?”  Samuel boldly proclaimed as he posed in front of the religiously cladded group like some hero from a story.

Diana couldn’t help but chuckle from his attempt to sound valiant. She knew all too well that his sword practice actually came from swinging sticks around as he pretended to be the heroes she once read to him. She couldn’t help but be glad that some things hadn’t changed after her disappearance.

“Ummm….fret not…..little one. I hardly think any more demons are on their way here. After all this is a land protected by the Chief God herself. I’m sure the foolish fiends who intruded upon your village were reminded of that fact after being chased away,” Diana proclaimed as she spoke in her disguised, authoritative voice to avoid being recognized.

“Oh, yeah, those Valkyries really reminded them of their place,” Fulgora added as she couldn’t help but let out a snicker before being silenced by a swift back kick to her ankle from Diana.

“But….but I trained so hard,” Samuel uttered disappointedly.

“Oh, my gods, you are just adorable,” Hazel squealed out, “I can already tell you’re going to make some girl really happy someday.”

“But I don’t want to make a girl happy. I want to fight monsters and demons,” the little boy complained with a pout.

“Well, you might be surprised to know….” the Dark Mage was about to say before Fulgora nudged her in her tit to remind her of where they we, “I mean, girls really like a boy who can save them from big scary monsters. So don’t be surprised if your heroics attract a flock of damsels to you, ok.”

“Gross, I don’t want that. Can’t I just fight monsters and stuff,” Samuel grumbled as he knew when he was being teased.

“Sorry about that sisters, you’ll have to forgive him. You know how kids can get when they’ve heard too many wild stories,” a young male voice called out from the side.

Diana knew that voice and as soon as she turned her head to face the new arrival, she wasn’t remotely surprised by who she saw. She recognized that rusty red hair and smooth, freckled face anywhere. It was Adam, of course it was him. With Samuel's energetic imagination, his older brother could never be far behind to look after him, lest he’d get an earful from his parents. He was a welcomed face to say the least as Diana hadn’t seen him since the night she was taken away, the night of the barn dance where they twirled around one another……until he dropped her on her rump the moment he caught sight of Fulgora. What an asshole.

“Oooohhhh my…I mean, you must be this one’s responsible older brother,” Hazel couldn’t help but exclaim in a sultry manner paired with fluttering eyes.

“Ummmmm….that’s correct, sister. I hope he wasn’t brothering you lot too much,” Adam apologized, although he felt a little uneasy with how the devout sister was looking at him so intently.

“Oh not at all. In fact, I think he’s a little hero in the making. I can only imagine he gets his bravado and dashing nature from you. You must be like, really good with kids,” the disguised Dark Mage continued to shamelessly flirt, at least until Fulgora delivered another jab of the elbow.

“Kind of ya to say, sister, and not to brag or nothing but I’ve sort of become a mentor for all the kids in town as of late, not just my brother,” Adam boasted and wait a second, was he puffing out his chest. Was that son of a bitch actually flirting back to someone he believed to be a sister of the Order. The hell was wrong with him.

A loud, fake cough erupted from Diana to cease whatever this conversation was devolving into, “It’s good to see that this flock is in good hands than, Ad….I mean, young man. I am Mother…ummm….Veilara, yes that’s it. We have come to investigate the demon incursion and we would appreciate any information you can provide us. You have already met Sister…ummmm…Grazel here…..”

“Sister Grazel?” Hazel cluelessly interrupted.

Diana groaned through grinding teeth, “Yes, that is the name the Chief God granted you, Sister Grazel, or did you forget again, dear. Anyways, the other sister with me is ummmm…..”

“Sister Aria Von Celine Firtina the Fifth, but you can simply call me Sister Anny” Fulgora gracefully introduced herself with a bow, although it was obvious to Diana Fulgora was simply fucking about with a name like that.

“Ummmm…ok, Sister Anny? You know, and forgive me for saying this, but I can’t shake the feeling like we’ve met before. You just seem so familiar,” Adam uttered as he intensified his stare as if trying to peer through the short veil hanging above Fulgora’s flawless face.

A soft, but noticeable “tsk” sound emitted from Fulgora as she lowered her head to better hide her face. It appeared the Lilim once again was gathering the wrong kind of attention with her looks and aura of attraction. This was a concern Diana shared when she too realized the mistake they had made. Damn it, they had focused too much on disguising herself to notice that Fulgora might be also recognized. It wasn’t like Fulgora had a face that was easily forgettable, quite the opposite really.

“I hardly doubt one of my subordinates would have found the time to make a trek all the way out here. Unless of course, you are trying to accuse her of the sin of abandoning her divinely bestowed post and lying to me,” Diana quickly but sternly stated to get Adam to drop the subject.

“Of course not. Perhaps….perhaps I was just confusing her with the last group of sisters who came by. Yeah, that’s got to be it. I meant no offence,” the young bumpkin quickly dropped the topic.

“I thought as much. I know Mother Constance was already been out here to investigate but we’ve come to take a second look. So again, I ask, what can you tell us about the incident,” Diana rigorously inquired as she continued to struggle to keep up the act.

“Oh….ummmm…. I actually didn’t get to experience much of that night myself, what I do remember was that a woman I’ve never seen before arrived at our barn dance and started speaking to Diana. I know now that was the demon in disguise, but the way she was talking with Diana, it was like they’ve known each other their entire lives. After that they just left to cause mischief elsewhere. It wasn’t until later that night when everyone was asleep that the attack happened, but I still can’t believe Diana was behind it all,” Adam informed.

Adam’s response gave Diana a shiver of hope she hadn’t felt since before this entire mess was forced upon her. It seemed not everyone had fully forsaken her to the rumors. Maybe…..maybe Adam could help her, vouch for her, be the key to getting her old life back. There was only one way to make sure.

“It seems you knew this Diana quite well,” the false mother superior gently inquired, hoping to hear any positive word of mouth.

“You could say that. She was a pretty thing, she even had one heck of a crush on me, but I could never return her feelings. However, it was only recently I learned that any attraction I felt towards her was due to the dark magics she learned from devils to make herself popular and charm those around her. Thankfully I was raised with an iron will and was able to resist it. It’s a shame she had to go to such length just to feel noticed here, but I suppose she got her just desserts in the end,” Adam boldly stated as if it was scripture.

Diana could only tilt her head in complete and total befuddlement as she heard those words. What in the flaming fuck was this backwater, pigheaded buffoon on about? Her having a crush in him? In his fucking wet dreams! Last she checked he was always the one begging to dance with her! The nerve of making such claims with a straight face. Just how delusional was his bravado! In fact, what was the point of even mentioning it to a bunch of people he thought were sisters of the cloth? Was he trying to sound impressing? Was he trying to woe them? If she wasn’t trying to keep a low profile, she had half a mind to slap the living shit out of his lying face!

“Excuse me??????” Diana hissed through an anger locked jaw as she did her best to hold back all the repressed fury that was boiling behind her golden mask.

“Oh my, that’s quite the claim. You must fancy yourself quite the ladies' man,” Hazel uttered, sounding more amused by the country boy’s story.

“It’s all true sisters, we saw it,” a more middle-aged woman claimed as she approached with her more elderly mother.

“That’s right. We’ve seen her walk into the woods to dance in the nude for her demonic patrons under the cover of darkness,” the older woman cruelly stated as she hopped closer to get her words heard.

“I’ve also seen her devil magic at play, sisters. She had a mighty hold over my boy until I set him straight,” an older man spoke up as he rushed over.

“Yeah, she made a pact with the demons to make herself pretty and give herself a body boys would lust after,” a younger woman around Diana’s age declared, not even attempting to hide her envy.

“She even went after our youngest. Corrupting their minds by telling them how great the demon lords of the past were,” a concerned mother cried fearfully as she held her daughter close protectively.

It wasn’t long before a large mob had gathered and surrounded the disguised trio. Their judgmental words melded into one another, each accusation sounding more fearful and ridiculous than the last. They spoke of Diana as if they had always known she was a monster, despite their time together being to the contrary. They even begged for protection of their livelihoods and souls from her in the fear of her return. It was as if her history with them meant nothing in the face of their collected distress.

Every cruel word was an arrow piercing the young Balrog’s heart, every baseless accusation a club bashing her pride and every lie a jagged axe cleaving through the faith she once cherished in her community. It stung. It hurt. It was pure torture having to stand there as they unknowingly unleashed their onslaught of scornful allegations against her. They had totally and completely abandoned her. It was taking all her will power not to choke up, break down into whimpers or burn them all to cinders. For the first time Diana was thankful she was wearing the mask, because otherwise she would never be able to explain the river of tears flowing from her watery eyes.

The only one to have picked up on Diana’s distress through all the mob induced madness was Fulgora. Even through the mask and the heavy robes, the bundled Balrog was radiating with sorrow and who could blame her. Hearing what people thought of you behind your back always sucked, but having your entire village turn against you because they were too stupid or scared to figure shit out for themselves must have been the worst feeling in the world. It wasn’t like Diana did anything wrong, hell, if these uncultured morons had even an ounce of common sense among them or bothered to do their own homework, they would have known it was her fault for sweeping her away. For dark gods sake, it wasn’t like she hid her presence the last time she was here. Hell, she even had most of these hicks drooling over her when she was exploring the village along with Diana. But the Lilim knew it was easier for a community to create a scapegoat than address their own flaws and weaknesses. She’d seen it a hundred times before, but it was an outcome that never got any easier to swallow.

Yet despite the Lilim’s concerns over Diana, especially as she was starting to literally feel an increasing heat radiating from her, another problem was becoming painfully clear. Everyone in the crowd had turned their attention and words mainly to her despite only posing as a subordinate. Shit, it must have been her damn aura unconsciously attracting them to her. Despite suppressing it as much as she could, despite hiding a part of her face and actively choosing to speak as little as possible, these Order loving yokels were still far too weak-minded to resist her mere presence for more than a few moments. While the irony wasn’t lost on the punkish Lilim, this was going to become a problem the longer she allowed it to continue. She needed to get herself and Diana away from this self-proclaimed victimized mob before it blew their cover.

Thankfully Fulgora knew how to think on her feet.

“We apologize but the good mother simply does not have the time to address all your concerns personally. She came here to attend to the matter of your demonic trespassers and her time is very valuable as you all know. So please make way so we may continue with our divine duties. But fret not, Sister Grazel here will stay behind to attend to your questions and concerns,” Fulgora announced as her powerful yet soothing voice silenced the crowd.

“Wait, I’m going to do what?” Hazel blurted out in surprise of this declaration.

“I have faith you can soothe these people’s worries. Simply allow the Chief God’s teachings to guide your tongue and you will have everything you need to help shepherd these scared souls,” Fulgora uttered as she put a reassuring hand on the Dark Mage’s shoulder.

“Ok, but….but shouldn’t you be the one to…ummmm….guide them? I mean, you’re much better suited for this kind of thing,” the false priestess lightly protested as she was thrown under the wagon.

“I would sister, but I must attend to our mother superior, and I might guide this flock a little too well, if you catch my meaning,” the undercover Lilim more sternly stated as her eyes darted to Diana to make her point.

Hazel glanced over and finally noticed what Fulgora was pointing out, “Ok, ok, just don’t leave me here for too long.”

Without so much of another word, Fulgora put a reassuring, comforting arm around Diana and began to guide her though the parting crowd. Fulgora had to admit she was impressed by her mental fortitude, despite sensing how torn apart her spirit was, she wasn’t making a peep in order to keep her identity a secret. Of course, she already knew she was a strong one, it was how she managed to earn her respect in the first place after all. If only her fellow villagers had even an ounce of her willpower, otherwise they wouldn’t be unconsciously obeying her without needing to say a damn thing.

As soon as the Lilim got Diana a good distance away from that crowd, she turned back just to ensure none of those brain-dead yokels were falling behind them for some personal blessing or any other dumbass reason like that. Thankfully they all seemed content with bitching whatever woes they had to Hazel instead. Although Fulgora did feel a little bad leaving the Dark Mage hanging with a bunch of clueless zealots like them, but she knew she could handle it. Perhaps she should gift her a special bottle of liquor from her personal stash once this was all over.

“Hey, how you holding up,” the divinely dressed Lilim quietly inquired.

“They hate me……they always hated me,” Diana finally whimpered out.

“They don’t….they’re just, you know, scared and dumb. That shit makes for a bad mixture, like a shitty cocktail. Of course that doesn’t excuse them for saying that crap. So if you want, I could, you know…..” Fulgora said as her tone got harsher and a collection of electrically charged darkness started to form around her hand.

“No! No…..don’t….just….don’t,” Diana weakly but firmly answered as she swatted away the magic forming around the Lilim’s fingers.

“I hear you loud and clear. Babysitting these losers after corrupting them would be way too much of a headache but I just had to check with you…..you know,” Fulgora coolly agreed as she attempted to save some face.

“I just…I just want to find my family and get out of here,” Diana requested somberly from behind that false face of gold.

“Sure…..of course. The sooner we find them, the sooner you can put all this behind you,” Fulgora uttered trying to come off as supporting as possible.

The two made their way through the dusty, dirt drawn streets, passing and shrugging off any more curious residents along their way to Diana’s old family home.  Both Diana and Fulgora knew it was unlikely they would find her parents there, but revisiting it was going to be a much needed stop on Diana’s journey of moving on. There were simply far too many memories there for the young Balrog to ignore.

As they finally reached the charred remains, Diana was surprised to see more of her home standing than she originally predicated. Granted the entire side where her room once resided was barely standing with numerous collapsed walls and beams burned to near cinders, but the rest of the home appeared to be in half-decent shape. It appeared Fulgora wasn’t lying when she said she was able to save most of her home from the flames back during that awful night. However, despite its surprisingly still stable condition there was one noticeable fact that still managed to fill Diana with dread.

It was completely and utterly abandoned. There wasn’t a sign of a single soul. Not even a goat, as all the livestock that once called this property home were also nowhere to be seen.

Diana figured there would be no one living here due to the damages but to find not even a trace of repairs was odd. Her father was the kind of man who always believed anything could be fixed with some good old-fashioned handwork, ingenuity and some sweat. So, seeing not even a nailed board or new supports dug in immediately alerted to Diana that something was off.

Leaving Fulgora to guard the outside, she rushed inside as swiftly as her long, heavy robe would allow as the door nearly splintered from its hinges as she rammed through it. She scoured the empty hall, poked her head into the now dust lined kitchen and even checked inside the storage room. They were all empty. Not even a set of plates or a bag of grain remained.

Diana made her way to the stairs next but found them to be in quite the hazardous state. Many of the steps were burnt to a crispy black, with many having already fallen through or were very close to collapsing. Yet, such a sorry obstacle would not deter the fallen maiden. She may have looked human, but she was still a mamono, one who had survived being trained by Onera herself. So, with one mighty standing leap, Diana launched herself to the second floor, the boards beneath her threatening to give way from her landing but thankfully remained secure for now. Her investigation started with her parents’ shared bedroom, before moving onto her sister’s. Both were stripped of their personal belongings, from clothes to portraits to even Milani's stuffed animals. It was all just gone. Which meant they were gone.

But that couldn’t be that big of an issue. After all, how far could they have moved from here. Diana bet they were probably stationed up with one of the neighbours to wait out the approaching winter or until they could properly start the repairs. That had to be it. That’s what she had to believe. A few questions around town and she would be with them again in no time.

With her doubts reassured, Diana couldn’t help but check in on her old room next. Naturally as ground zero, it was the most destroyed and singed part of he house. Only the ashes of her bed and the burnt skeleton of her wardrobe remained along with her standing, soot covered mirror, which still barely stood despite losing most of its wooden frame.

The undercover Balrog couldn’t help herself from wiping away as much of the ashen residue from the mirror’s surface to peer upon the woman who would appear in its reflection. Removing her mask, Diana found her old self staring back, the real Diana Cinis. Her eyes were red and her cheeks were stained with tears, but it was her. Same adorable face, same amber eyes, same carefully braided black hair.

No, it that wasn’t true. What she was seeing now was nothing more than an illusion. A trick. A lie. A phantom of the past who only reappeared to remind her former self of everything that she had lost.

The real Diana Cinis no longer looked like this. The real Diana Cinis was no longer human. She was a Balrog. A reluctant follower of one of the Mamono Lord’s own spawn and a demon of hellfire who apparently had a drinking problem.

Just what has her life become?

She couldn’t help but clasp her glove over her face and laugh at herself for how absurd her existence had become. Fate had certainly taken her life for a wild ride, but where it planned on dropping her off, she no longer dared ponder. In fact, she dared say was starting to feel an apathy over her situation grow inside her. She was already lost herself and her family, what more could life strip from her?

As she turned her head away from the joke her life had become, she couldn’t help but notice something out of the corner of her eye. Amongst the singed wreckage was her old, favourite book, ‘The Collection of Heroes Past”. Somehow it had survived the fire apart from some scorch marks and ashen smudges here and there. She couldn’t help herself from picking it up and flipping through its pages to land on her treasured story, “The Tale of the Nameless Hero”.  How such a simple yarn used to give her strength and fill her head with the wonders of the miracles mankind was capable of producing in their darkest hours.

And yet it was also this very story that had apparently motivated her to request becoming a Balrog if Fulgora’s claims were true. Sure, she always had an unnatural draw to the Ancient Demon Lord of Ash and Flame, it was easily her favourite villain in the entire collection after all, but to think in her most vulnerable state she would want to become something like it instead of the Hero himself, that still made no sense to her. There had to be something missing from this story, but with only Fulgora’s word to go on, Diana feared she would never know the full truth of that faithful night.

“Excuse me? Are y’all the new sisters strolling through town by any chance?” a familiar, very motherly voice called out from outside.

Diana knew that voice, it belonged to her lifetime neighbour Mrs. Daintly. Diana quickly threw her mask back on and peered through the massive hole that now lined her bedroom. And as luck would have it, there she was walking along the fence with her long ginger hair and mature physique, and on a straight collision course with Fulgora as she guarded the entrance way to her home.

Crap, she had to get down there before that impulsive Lilim decided to turn her into mamono too. She would probably frame it as a good thing too knowing her. She’d probably say, “Hey look I made your old girl crush into a busty mamono like you so you won’t feel so bad. She can even come live with us, and you can keep gawking at her tits since you like girls so much.” That’s exactly the type of shit Diana knew Fulgora would try and pull if she were left alone with her. So, book still in hand, the disguised Balrog quickly rushed back outside to ensure sweet old Mrs. Daintly wouldn’t be stripped of her humanity like she was.

Aggressively pulling the door out of her way, Diana was relieved to find Mrs. Daintly seemingly having a normal conversation with Fulgora and even offering her a freshly baked cookie. Oh, how Diana missed her home baked treats. One of the many reasons Diana liked her so much. In a completely platonic way of course. Sure, she was pretty but that didn’t mean anything. Nope, not at all.

As Diana approached, Mrs. Daintly finally noticed as she gave off her trademark sunny smile, “Oh, you really aren’t the same Mother Superior who has here before. Welcome to our cozy little village. Are you finding everything to your liking?”

“Oh…ummmm, I’m just glad to find that recent events haven’t hampered everyone’s spirits as much as I originally feared. It’s heartwarming to see that the faith is still……strong out here,” Diana uttered calmly as she attempted to recapture her false persona.

“I see you’re looking over the old Cinis place. I remember the last Mother Superior did the same but she didn’t find anything suspicious. I know the rumor mill is running rampant over what happened to Diana, but I know she was a good girl. I’m sure she was a victim in all this, so if it isn’t too much to ask, I don’t suppose you could give her prayer when you get the chance. I’m sure her family would appreciate it,” Mrs. Daintly humbly requested.

“I’ll…..I’ll consider it, depending on what I find. You’re a very considerate woman asking for such a thing,” Diana uttered as her tone couldn’t help but soften, “Although speaking of the girl’s family, I don’t suppose you know of their whereabouts. I have many questions for them which are of the upmost importance.”

“Oh, I thought you knew. The Cinis family were escorted away for their own safety after little Milani was deemed to have the qualities of a Hero. They left with Mother Constance and one of the Valkyries who saved us well over a week ago,” Mrs. Daintly informed, a little surprised the two holy women before her were unaware of this fact.

“Sadly, we were not informed of that little detail. It seems Mother Constance got ahead of us and decided to take matters into her own hands. She always was poor with communication. Very well, if that’s the case, our business here is concluded. Thank you very much for informing us,” Fulgora butted in.

“Where are they? You have to have an idea,” Diana suddenly inquired sternly.

“I’m not sure. All I know is that they were headed to one of the big cities to start a new life overseen by the church,” the village woman replied, suddenly a little intimidated by the mother’s more aggressive stance.

“That’s it? That’s all you know! You must know more, you have to,” Diana demanded for more intel as she stepped forward, causing the older woman to step back.

“I swear, that was all we were allowed to know. Just ask Mother Constance,” Mrs. Daintly more meekly answered.

Suddenly a firm hand grasped Diana’s shoulder, “Mother superior, if she doesn’t know, she doesn’t know.”

Diana turned to face her false subordinate as heat started to radiate from her, “But…..”

“I know what you’re thinking, but they’re not here. Let’s calm down and relax. We learned what we needed to know. So, let’s just head back before you do anything you’ll regret later, ok,” Fulgora stealthily uttered as she leaned into her ear.

“But…she can….she knows….we’re so close,” Diana muttered with searing words.

“Diana, I’m serious. We got to go. You’re starting to burn holes in your robes.”