34 Plan of Infiltration (2/2)

”What do you want with me?” Nye finally spoke, keeping a stern gaze on the succubus.

”Me?” Horrifica started laughing in response, before calming herself with an expression of superiority. ”No-no. See, I don't like Amygdala. Your kind are far too asexual to be of any interest toa sexual creature like myself. My charm just doesn't work with you, so what would be the point? This introduction and polite behavior is solely for the benefit of my darling Aoba, love. I could care less what that Terra would do to you, actually I might enjoy watching.” She gently covered her lips with the tips of her delicate fingertips. ”I wonder if an Amygdala can be... well... Penetrated.”

”Enough! You're trying to throw me off with your vulgarity. You haven't explained anything, so answer me this! Why was I brought here?!” Nye demanded with a sneer of anger.

”That is not for me to say, love, it would ruin Aoba's surprise. I wouldn't dare step on his toes like that. So you'll just have to be patient, not like you won't find out eventually.” Horrifica explained, grabbing Nye's arm to make the Amygdala stand. ”For the time being, we'll have to get you cleaned up for a proper introduction to the Grand master. Come along, Aoba has been wanting to meet you for some time now.” She said, forcing Nye with her out of the cell block.

Meanwhile, under the light of the waning moons, Solitaire and Zyron reached Dragon's keep; the tower that lead to the heaven's above. Surrounding the tower was a moat of water, and a draw bridge that was held up by chains inside the entrance.

”Well, this is it.” Zyron shrugged, as the two stopped at the water's edge. Their hands were locked together, much like a couple.

”Halt! Who goes there!? State your business!” A sentry demanded from an opening on the stone wall.

They Quickly stopped holding hands, upon becoming startled. Both knew subconsciously that their relationship risked the death sentence. Zyron appeared the most startled, nearly jumping at the sound of the voice. From a third person perspective, someone seemed to be observing the two as they turned to notice the guard that addressed them. A bush rested several feet behind them amongst other plants and trees of the trail. Peering at them from a dark opening in the bush, was a wooden hand-painted mask.

”Umm... We seek an audience with the spymaster.” Solitaire stammered, trying to act like she knew what she was talking about.

An arrow flew, as the man pulled a bow from behind the wall. It struck the ground at their feet, making Solitaire and Zyron jump back nervously. ”Leave at once, you aren't welcome here girl! Take your leashed and get lost, before we use you at target practice!”

”Oy! Watch it mate!! We were invited here, I'll have you know!!” Solitaire snapped, angrily.

”Yeah right, and I'm the King of Crimson.” The guard snorted sarcastically, keeping his bowstring drawn. ”Move along, girl!” He spouted.

”Crap... This was a really bad idea.” Zyron muttered, under his breath.

”No kidding, you arse!” Solitaire slightly shoved Zyron, in irritation.

”Hey! What the fuck!?” Zyron snapped back, nearly stumbling too close to the edge.

Both the canine and the Morphious were on edge with that arrow aimed at them, however before the next move could be made, a hand was placed to his shoulder of the guard. As the man turned, he noticed Heath had came from around the corridor. ”Stand down, they're here upon my request.” He explained in a very calm manner.

Zyron noticing Heath made him very relived, while Solitaire was definitely confused, but once she figured it out, everything settled. The two looked at each other, with soft smiles of relief, and their frustration seemed to have been quelled.

”Oh! Heath, yes-yes of course. I wasn't aware.” The sentry stammered, urgently shifting away his bow to prepare the draw bridge. ”Stand back, I'm lowering the bridge.”

Solitaire and Zyron cautiously took a step back as they watched the bridge descend before them. Meeting them halfway was Heath, the Terra that Zyron had met sometime back.

”It's good to see you again, I'm happy that you reconsidered my offer. Please, come inside. There is much we have to discuss.” Heath cheerfully spoke to them, as he lead Zyron and Solitaire inside.

As the three of them reach the entrance of the tower, the bridge began to ascend back into the air. However, before it was too high, the silhouette of the mysterious masked individual leapt onto it, and slid down to the doorway unnoticed, before quickly taking cover.

Inside the tower, a few floors up; Sally was overlooking the starry night sky from the balcony of the tower. She seemed lost in thought, gazing with much less sorrow than before. Trotting approach her rear, and she turned to notice Maxwhyld.

”I know I yabber a lot, but it ain't because I'm only looking to have a naughty, like some blokes. I really like ya, and bloody oath I'm gonna keep telling ya until you tell me to piss off.” Max smiled to her.

”I doth not intend to impede thee, fair Maxwhyld. Twas impious for a mare to love her lord, only anon can I seeith it. Tis true that I hath been swain by thine words of admiration and comfort. Daresay... mine heart...” Sally blushed, holding her chest as she turned nervously from him.

Maxwhyld drew near, placing his fingertips to her cheek as he helped ease her worry of gazing upon him. Their eyes met, but Sally's face only grew more cherry in tone. ”I ain't gonna ever bail out on ya, Sal. Promise.” Max spoke gently, as he tenderly leaned in for a kiss.

To his surprise Sally returned the action, however the moment was broken as footsteps approached. ”Eh-hem.” Came the sound of Heath clearing his throat. Quickly the two centaur nervously pulled away from each other to spot Heath with Solitaire and Zyron.

”S-Sally?” Solitaire stammered in surprise, concerned if they were pulled into a trap or something.

”Oh. Young maiden, Solitaire. Tis been many cycles of the sun since I hath last spoken with thee. Pray tell, how beith thou?” Sally seemed thrilled to see Solitaire, which relieved the Morphious. Max kept beside her, looking to the two of them curiously.

”Was sorta rubbish, but It got better. How bout yourself, mate?” Solitaire asked, more at ease.

”Me thinks twas very much the same. Perish the thought, tis now feasible.” Sally explained. ”Where for arte thou's feline companion?”

”He couldn't make it.” Zyron spoke up, trying to cut the conversation short.

”Oh, tis a shame.” Sally replied softly.

”Well this is a surprise, I was unaware that you two were previously acquainted. This should make introductions far easier. Shall we continue? I'm certain Lady Spymaster and the others are awaiting us.” Heath spoke up, getting everyone's attention to follow his lead.

Entering a large war room, Eclipse was at work going over battle strategies on the massive map she had positioned on the table. Rocky was reclined on the opposite end with his feet on the table and arms behind his head. He was seated not far from Ronan, who was lost in thought. Then there was Talis, peering over Eclipse's shoulder, with a large pregnant belly peeking out.

The red haired Terra and the feline seemed to taking to each other however, despite Ronan being lost in thought. ”I can't stop thinking about her...” Ronan muttered.

”Then maybe you ought to go talk to the broad, instead of acting like some pussy.” Rocky scoffed, jokingly behind closed eyes.

”I don't know about that, Rocky... I think she might be too feral. I doubt she'd like a domesticated thief like me.” Ronan shrugged.

”Don't be so sure, Ronan. She's probably still out there in the woods, all by herself. You won't know what she thinks unless you go see for yourself.” Rocky lazily stated. ”Besides. Girls put out more often than you think. I bet she's all hot and bothered out there, like some cat in heat.”

”So like you to be discussing intercourse just earshot from the Lady Spymaster. You lack decency, dear brother.” Heath teased.

”Ain't that the truth. Oh, what have we here? Seems the dog decided to bring his master after all. She's a cute one too.” Rocky flirted.

”You touch her and I'll-!!” Zyron Snapped, but was interrupted by a pat to his shoulder from Heath.

”You need not worry, I assure you my brother is only teasing. You're very protective of her, that's good.” Heath spoke, claiming the frustrated canine's nerves. Heath however turned to face Eclipse. ”Lady Spymaster, this is Solitaire and her canine companion Zyron.”

Eclipse looked over, and smiled. ”It's a pleasure to meet the both of you. Heath has spoken highly of you two. Please join us, we're about to speak over matters.”

She motioned her hand to have them take a seat with the others. Zyron and Solitaire decided they had no choice, but to join the others in meeting at the war table.

Elsewhere, inside the rickety old hut that resided within the slums of Skyworld. Vaugn was sleeping on the ground, but Grave had decided to sit on top of his stomach with her legs crossed. She whimpered softly, as she stared at him. She started prodding her finger at his face, muttering, ”Master Vaugn? A-Are you dead?” She whined softly. ”Master Vaugn!?”

”...” Vaugn narrowly opened his eyes, as he shoved her off of him in annoyance. Quietly he sat up, looking to the pestering canine who immediately got beside him, wagging her tail like an excited puppy.

”You're still alive! I was so worried I was gonna starve... I'm so hungry master Vaugn. Leashed can't get food, we don't have monies to exchange for it... But-But people like you have Zircon. We're supposed to help each other, right master?”

”...Stop calling me that.” Vaugn gets to his feet, and turns to the door. ”I'll get you food, alright? Just stop pestering me when I'm sleeping.” He grumbled softly, before pulling his cloak over his fully exposed wing, and proceeded outside the hut.

”Hey! Wait for me!” Grave called out, and she rushed after him. ”Master!!! Don't leave without me!”

Back around the Skyworld castle, Horrifica had brought Nye to a room. Inside was a queen sized bed, and many fancy furnishings of a noblewoman. Nye seemed perplexed by this, not understanding what the Rhyme intended to do with her.

”Grand Master Aoba has some prior engagements to attend to before you're to meet him. So until then, I can do whatever I want with you.” Horrifica stated, before shoving Nye onto the bed, and crawling over Nye to hover on top of her.

Nye flinched slightly, unsure what the Succubus was planning. ”Get off of me.” Nye hissed.

”Oh, come on love, I'm just messing around. Do I really need to reiterate just how much I despise your kind?” The succubus made a pouting face, as if to mock the Amygdala.

”...” Nye didn't respond, allowing the Succubus to continue talking.

”Didn't think so. By the end of this evening, you'll be begging Aoba for redemption. He's the chosen one, the most pious under the Maker. He's the god amongst men, and you will join the others in worshiping his grace. You know why?” Horrifica grinned, with her devilish tail swishing about.

”...” Nye continued to remain silent, leering at Horrifica from beneath her.

Horrifica leaned in closer, her plump lips resting besides Nye's ear, before she gently whispered. ”He is the most feared man in all the Land, Sea, and sky. No one dares go against the will of our King, for if they do they will receive a far worse punishment than death. Speak ill of him, and you'll pay the price. Look at him the wrong way, and you'll never be the same. Go against his command, and you'll pay the ultimate price. For whatever be your greatest fear, you'll think nothing of it after you've angered his majesty. What he does to you... it's indescribable.” Her lips curled, in a terrifying manner.

”So all the suffering the Templar inflict upon the less fortunate, if under the direct order of your 'Grand master'?” Nye inquired seriously, as she held back anger.

”Oh, very much so, love. You have no knowledge of just how powerful our King and his holy sword Excalibur are. That's not even including what benefits he's gained by enlisting a powerful succubus under him. Almost anyone can fall prey to my spell, and in turn will loyally follow my Master without question. Even a savage beast like that Terra that brought you here. Kee hee hee.” Horrifica grinned, before she licked Nye's cheek.

She decided to get off the bed, and stand to her feet, before proceeding over to a walk-in closet, across the room. She turned back to Nye, as she was about to open the door.

”It's time we prepare you for the masquerade.” Horrifica chuckled, looking to Nye with an intense gaze. ”I assure you, it'll be to DIE for.”