Ch10. The Rising Darkness
[Fortress Asura POV]
We Chuckle as we feel my Doppelganger self's reaction to Princess Elvie's activities. Some of which are still ongoing.
"We don't know why he's so shocked, we always planned on bagging Elvie in every one of our bodies," we scoff, "We're glad that some of our Agents are adapting and changing. We'll have to research new variants on the Dopellganger model based on Agents 2 and 5. But we better put a pin on that project until the Haints and Nephwracks are done."
Glancing briefly at the progress of Elvie's new army, we chuckle. They will be done precisely according to our projections. Shifting to our next viewpoint, we review the data feed coming in from the golem we posted outside her ritual chamber.
"She and Malum are still going strong, girl has stamina, we'll give her that. Besides, the activity seems to be forcing the foreign energies from her body. Malum is literally fucking her better. We have to wonder if our Elvie planned that."
Bundling up the latest updates and upgrades for Asura: Doppelganger Model, we send them out into the hive mind.
"We really need a shortened designation for our Doppelganger body," We considered, "Perhaps Asura(D) would be more appropriate?"
We reach out into the hivemind, scanning Asura(D)'s immediate area, We correlate it with the views of Agents 1 through 6. Observing the collective's reaction to the upgrades, we take notes. Agent 2 seems fine. 3,4, and 6 are happy. Asura(D) is determined to do Elvie's will. Agent 5 seems annoyed. Huh, We suppose of those upgrades didn't really help or change Agent 5 or Agent 2. We will have to monitor them both.
"Everything going to plan, with only minor hiccups. Time to proceed."
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[Asura(D): POV]
Falling back into my mind as Fortress Asura subsumes me, I felt my body turn in a new direction. The next task uploaded directly to my mind. This target was prepped, it was time to move to the next. Agent 1 was to continue on task. Agent 2 would keep up the liaison with the Black Roses Agents 3, 4, and 6 will shift between the poachers and guards providing plenty of avenues for access. Agent 5 is now leader, it will do Princess Elvie's will in this city. I can not be everywhere.
[Moliate Art: Imitate]
[Moliate Art: Sculpt]
[Mnemonysnis Art: Further Reflection]
[Mnemonysnis Art: Muse Of Lies]
I shrink as Fortress Asura changes me into Princess Elvie. I feel my mind shift as I acquire her memories. Then I am her.
Striding forward I breeze into the counting-house, Agent 5 close on my heels. Winking at it, I watch the cutey chuckle. Agent 5 is so adorable. The slender man skitters out of the back, being pulled by some call of Agent 5's. I'm so glad that my Asura made the doppelgangers. They are the lynchpin of my current plans. Curtsying, I turn my attention back to the taxman.
"I am glad that David could make contact," He wheezed, "I am afraid all of this spy and counterspy is a little much for me."
Twittering, I greet my newest subject. He will serve me well. Once I take power, his retirement will be restful.
"As am I Sir Reginald," I answer, "I'm just here to pick up a small sum, use the rest according to our previous conversation, the particulars I leave to you."
"It is a great trust you give me," Sir Reginald nods, "I shall not let you down, your majesty."
"I know that you won't," I reassure him.
The thin man reaches into his bottom drawer and pulls out a jingling pouch. Placing it on the desk, he motions for me to take it.
"This should be sufficient until you reach the next city. Once you have, the office there will have orders to cooperate. Any trouble and send me a missive. I will handle all problems as promptly as I can."
Curtseying my thanks, I take the bag.
"Your assistance will be remembered," I assure him, "All that acknowledge my authority and do not seek to harm my subjects will be shown mercy."
Nodding to Agent 5, I leave. Meeting with Agent 5, I move to my meeting with the Black Roses. He leads me to an empty building, inside robed figures encircled me.
I kneel before them, "I am glad that we can once more reforge our old agreement."
A voice echoes out, the origin not clear.
"We eagerly wait to move forward, your majesty," it declares, "we can no longer take to the field but we can provide friends in the darkest places."
"Thank you, my sister will rest easy knowing that you honored her memory by looking after me."
Rising from my knees, I am unsurprised to find them gone. Nor that I and Agent 5 are someplace else. Bidding him farewell I move out into the causeway.
I feel Fortress Asura pull itself away from me. Elvie's imprint leaves and I'm once more myself. Stepping sideways into an alleyway, I lean on the nearest wall.
[Collogue Art: Manifest Arcanoi]
[Maleficence Art: Empower]
The Upgrade hits me and I'm on the ground. Changes scream through me as I'm reforged. Reforged by a will that is both mine and not. New stats flow into my mind. Somethings have been lost and others gained. I grin, this is the edge all those bound to the fortress have. Besides our own growth, the fortress can share that growth with all of us.
[Physical Body: Asura(D) v0.0a]
[Str: 4] [Dex: 4] [Sta: 5] [Per: 5] [Man: 4] [App: 3] [Int: 4] [Wits: 4] [Cha: 5]
[Alertness: 5] [Larceny: 5] [Bureaucracy: 5] [Athletics: 5] [Leadership: 5]
[Enigmas: 5] [Awareness: 5] [Meditation: 5] [Investigation: 5] [Brawl: 5]
[Melee: 5] [Firearms: 5] [Persuasion: 5] [Stealth: 5] [Occult: 5]
[Arcanoi:]
[Argos: 5]
[Inhabit: 5]
[Intimation: 5]
[Mneomysnis: 5]
[Displace: 5]
[Behest: 4]
[Moliate: 5]
[Way Of The Scholar: 5]
[Usury: 5]
[Dark Arcanoi:]
[Collogue: 5]
[Larceny: 5]
Modifications:
Caster (Model: Utility v0.0b): Variable firearm concealed in the left forearm. Can't be dropped or disarmed. Telescopic Scope can be used without extending the full weapon. Has both a mid-range shotgun setting and a long-range sniper setting. Pathos or angst used for ammunition. Angst can only be used in sniper mode. Pathos rounds are armor-piercing and Incendiary. Angst rounds are Maggot Bullets
Kukri (Model: Hidden v0.0b): Sheath in back hides kukri. Pathos point heats blade and allows for cutting through metal. Cauterizes wounds. Can be disarmed or dropped. Agent will provide material to replace all lost blades.
I laugh as the numbers flash across my mind. Rising once more to my feet, I scan the area. The whole town is brighter, the auras and life force of the mortals around me display a flickering clarity. Shaking myself from my reverie, I move onward. I have my marching orders. Elvie's will must be done. Blessed be.
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[Princess Elvie POV]
Malum withdraws himself from me at last, his cum leaking out of me and staining the floor. The hulking beast of burning inferno lays down next to me, a low hum echoing outward from him. I lean my head against his chest as he pulls me close, the warmth of his fire easing the soreness of our fun.
"So, your just a big cat," I chuckle, snuggling against him tighter, "you certainly purr like one."
An indignant snort is my only answer. Humming myself as I nestle my body against his and his head rests on mine. His flame does not burn me, it gives off a pleasant chilled warmth. Soon we are both asleep.