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"
"
Kalika looked on, tired of the resistance of the pregnant demon women. Out of deep irritation, she glanced back with narrow eyes. "This is so annoying, she doesn't even listen. But if it'll get Zelak to look for Rakon in this stupid dream, then I suppose it'll be worth it…"
"Hmm… ?" Kalika glanced back further and realized that the scarred wolf was staying back. " And here I was hoping to keep her around… Oh well…"
Kalika quickly returned her focus on the path ahead, ensuring not to get too close to the plethora of frog monsters that stared at them intensely. And it was all thanks to Bretta's reckless squirming and screaming. Despite this setback, Kalika managed past the nest of frogs and back into familiar terrain.
With Bretta being so loud, it didn't take long for everyone's attention to draw to Kalika. Even Zelak stood at attention, breaking away from his clairvoyance with his bloodied eyes..
"I'm back." Kalika finally announced. She pulled the deer and Bretta front and center. "I stole a deer from some Goblins… And I think I found that demon you were looking for Zelak."
Zelak's eyes widened, and became speechless, laying it upon Bretta. Even Bretta, who struggled fiercely just moments ago, ceased.
Seeing their reactions, Kalika cut Bretta loose and in an instant, Bretta fled to Zelak's side. She cuddled up to him and placed her head on his lap.
Zelak shook. "
Donovan took to Kalika's side, somewhat curious, yet cautious of the new demon. "So… She's your mate…?" his eyes drifted to the demon's chest, noticing a crescent symbol, similar to Charla's. "What's with the symbol on her chest? It looks kinda like Charla's…"
Kalika shot a glare and grumbled. She turned, paying no mind to Donovan.
"What did I say?"
"That symbol is the sign of a slave under an enslavement contract," Bjorn explained.
"W-wait. So she's a slave too?" Donovan glanced back, surprised.
"Yes," Zelak said. "In truth, I traded for her since my father pushed for my will to be passed. For generations, my blood magic has been passed down through our village chiefs. By all rights, I should have led our village, but… well…" Zelak gazed at his bloodied hand. "Since I didn't have long to live, my father had to take my place."
"But what's the point of-!" Donovan forced himself to stop. He turned away, unsure how to put his thoughts into words. "Weren't there other women in your village?"
Zelak chuckled. "Sure… But the funny thing about blood magic is that its not guaranteed to pass if our other mate carries blood magic just as strong…."
Bjorn huffed. "So by taking a woman without ties to blood magic, you're ensuring your blood magic is passed on, correct?"
Bjorn glanced at Bretta, who seemed more confused than before. Her gaze darted around, terrified of everyone around her and Zelak.
Not garnering a response, Bjorn spoke back up. "So how much did it cost for Zigfred to hunt that woman down, anyways?"
"Hunt?" Donovan glanced from Bjorn back to Zelak. Kalika followed suit, raising a brow.
"Bretta was half dead when Zigfred found her on the side road. It just so happened that he needed an extra hand for carrying crates of his vials and material. All I had to do was exchange some crystals and materials for her. It was a good exchange."
Zelak lifted Bretta, seating her right beside him. "
Beretta leaned her head on Zelaks's chest, staring blankly.
"
"Dark one," Kalika crossed her arms and glared at the women, indignant.
Beretta tucked her head in deeper, leaving Zelak to comfort her. '
"
"
"Grrr…." Kalika puffed her cheeks and remained silent behind Donovan.
"So, how long do you plan on keeping her as a slave? Until she gives birth?" Bjorn asked.
Zelak turned to Bjorn, trying to read his expression. "Only until we've reached Oar's. I don't want to risk scaring her once she regains some of her will."
"What do you mean?" Donovan cocked his head, curious. Suddenly, Charla blocked his view, pouting.
"
Zelak smirked, amused by the succubus. "Unlike you humans. My will is much stronger. Because it surpasses Bretta's will, her very will and independent thoughts are suppressed, becoming perfectly obedient. Not that she needs to be, of course. She'll be bringing our children soon."
"Stronger…Will?" Offended, Donovan pushed past Charla and pumped his fist, ready to fight. "My will power is just as strong if not stronger than you demons! C'mon, let's put that to a test here and now!"
"Pah! Don't kid yourself, you still can't punch the air with your contract to that blade."
'Grr! I can't wait until I figure out this magic thing so I can kick your cocky ass!"
"Did you forget? I'll be long dead before you can do anything of the sort, Dumbass."
Suddenly, a wall of earth sprouted from the ground, separating the two.
"That's enough, you two!" Bjorn exclaimed. "And Donovan… I think Charla wants something from you."
Donovan glanced back, finding that Charla was trying with all her might to touch him. "What the…."
From further behind Charla, Kalika watched, simply snacking on their emergency rations of jerky, entertained by the spectacle. "Bjorn. Stop interrupting their fight."
Donovan exhaled. "Seriously…?"
Kalika grumbled, realizing her entertainment was now over. "Gee Thanks for ruining the mood Bjorn…"
"
Donovan turned back to Charla. "Okay, what is it?"
"
"She wants your attention," Bjorn explained. "Why don't you two work together and pass around the stew, I think it should be ready at this point."
Donovan , although reluctant, relented to the idea. "Okay fine I'll help, but I'm pouring the stew."
"Sure."
"Hey Charla, pass me some bowls for our food."
On command Charla' body moved. Although confused at first. She quickly came to understand her order and happily helped.
As Charla passed the third bowl to Donovan, she glanced at Bretta who seemed content. She pouted. "
Donovan stiffen. He then turned to Bjorn. "Bjorn. How do you say 'no' in your language?"
"
Donovan turned back to Charla. "
Charla fell into a deep depression. Forced to work as she held back her tears.
Kalika continued to watch, slightly entertained by Donovan and Charla. "She sure is determined…"
Donovan passed Kalika her share of meat stew. But despite her initial excitement for the food, she found herself staring into the broth, her reflection barely visible. She turned to Zelak who patiently fed
"Hey, Zelak…" Kalika called.
Beretta tensed, hearing Kalika speak.
"Yes?" Zelak answered.
"Since I found that women there, I'd like you to do something for me. I want you to find Rakon for me."
Both Donovan's and Bjorn's ears perked. Zelak sat the spoon down, surprised. "And why do you want to know where he is?" Zelak asked.
"I have a bone to pick with him. that's all."
"Kalika" Bjorn spoke. "Finding Rakon won't help us. And remember. Our contract was to lead you out of the pit once I regained my legs."
"Yeah." Donovan agreed. "And I don't think finding Rakon will help anyone."
"Still. I want to know where he is at least."
Zelak sighed. "Ok fine. But You'll have to give me some time."
"As long as you find him, I don't care." Kalika said.
"Zelak. Don't waste your time looking for Rakon," Bjorn scolded. "There's no point in killing yourself"
"Shut it. Doing this is the least I can do for Zorbian's champion. Besides, what's a couple more years off my life?"
Bjorn looked at Zelak, more skeptical. He watched on as Zelak led Bretta somewhere more secluded and began to immerse himself in his clairvoyance.
Wit a growing concern, Donovan glance back at Kalika, and saw as she lumped to the ground, uninteresting in her food. "You're not hungry?"
"I lost my appetite." Kalika slowly drifted her hands to her head, but ceased, stopping short of touching her horns. "Hey, Donovan. can you make some of that meat porridge tomorrow night."
"I'll try... But don't hold your hopes up too high."
********
In a stone chamber filled with an assortment of stone and wooden furniture. Seven elder demons gathered around a long table that stretched to a circle. The wrinkled leather, blue and red skin, and white eyes stood clear as a testament to their experience. Their impatience grew with every ticking moment.
After waiting what seemed like another eternity, Rakon stepped in and into the center before all the elder demons.
Among the demons, the most wretched and with a crooked, hooked nose stood up. "
"
The elder demons looked amongst each other.
"
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"I've come to create a contract for a prisoner in the heavens. But the one I need to make requires… A very rare material that I can only procure in the ancient castle, Voltrox.
The wretched Elder demons sat back down and scoffed. "
"
Just before another could speak, the wretched elder held his hand up, ceasing any further conversation. "
"" Rakon said.
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"Tch!" Rakon turned the cheek, with a deep irritation settling in.
"
""
"
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Rakon and Gaz turned the corner and walked past a group of demons.
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A blue demon with short white hair and a beard scurried past several guards and other demons roaming through the hall. He stumbled through with several scrolls in hand, attempting to balance them along with a crystal-like monocle on his left eye.
"
With Ease, Gaz caught the tumbling scrolls. He placed them back on top for the demon.
"Ah~ Thank you. Thank you-" The demon stopped as he laid eyes on Rakon and Gaz.
"
"" Rakon gazed keenly at the forehead of the demon, then down below. "
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Rakon smirked and turned his back to Cyrus. ""
Cyrus looked on, stunned. "Wh..What??? I-if he's dead then y-you're… O-oh God…."
Rakon waved him off and departed. "Try to get out of your shed more often. It'll be good for your health.>"
Cyrus's arms slumped. The scrolls, once contained, were scattered across the ground, displaying their contents. "Impossible…" Cyrus gazed back upon Rakon, more terrified, and muttered. "I can't let that monster be king."
********
In the black of night, Zelak wiped his eyes clean of blood and sighed from exhaustion. "
"Did you find him?" Kalika asked.
Zelak glanced up and saw Kalika waiting in the tree above. She dropped her empty bowl and awaited his answer.
"Yes. Right now, he's in Oar's."
"He is?" Kalika stared straight into the sky, pondering. "Good. Then the quicker we get to Oar's the better."