[GearRyu]

The time has come for the final chapter. As a bonus, you get the Epilogue, too. And, perhaps soon, some After Thoughts. (Hope you stick around for those, too ^^)

It has been a long road coming to this point...
Now, please, relax, and enjoy...
(I feel so relieved)

?Don?t you ever, be sad
Lean on me, when times get bad
When the day comes, and you know you?re down
In a river of trouble, you?re ?bout to drown
Hold on, cause I?m coming
Hold on, I?m coming?

~Sam & Dave, ?Hold On, I?m Coming?

Chapter Six: Beyond the Last Hour

Part 1: Prodigal

?You may call me Tormivol, the Bastard.? The half-angel spoke with extreme firmness, displaying a commanding aura that filled both his child and the human spectator with knee-shaking awe. When he turned to face them both, his eyes held them with heart-rending beauty and resolve. Drazz?mik and Rick were powerless to move, powerless to speak.

?Speak,? said the illustrious half-angel.

Drazz?mik and Rick awoke as though from a daze.

Drazz?mik was the first to speak.

?Father?? she said, with intermingled awe and horror, ?Is that- really you? How- How?d you find me??

The half-demon?s head shook disdainfully, and his long locks shifted back and forth.

?Idiot son? Did you not disown your father?? He did not bother to look back into Drazz?mik?s eyes, but brushed his locks back from his forehead. ?Your aura trail in the Dreamscape is about as well-obfuscated as a stampeding herd of elephants in the Quiet City. I have simply followed you since you left home, observing your arrogant attempts at attaining demonhood.?

Rick interrupted, but there was an audible tremble of both fear and hatred in his voice, one which he could not disguise. ?Y-you?ve be-been watching us the whole t-time?!?

?Mm?? Tormivol?s eyes twinkled as he turned slightly toward Rick. ?The human speaks... Amazing what hyperactive emotional activity will do. Yes, I have seen everything, or rather, everything I have cared to observe. I could have even stepped in and prevented the situation. Then it would not have made a good learning experience. Tell me, son,? said Tormivol, turning away from Rick, and then staring at Drazz?mik with his expressive eyes, speaking with an air of acidulous disdain, ?what have you learned, if anything??

?Wh-what do you mean?? shouted Drazz?mik, feeling small despite her vociferous complaint. She bared her teeth. ?Learned? I?ve learned I?ve gotten totally fucked over by some bastard incubus! He?s fuckin? stealing all the hard work I did, and he?s gypping my ass! That?s what I?ve learned!?

And so Tormivol began a slow clap. ?Congratulations,? he said. ?You?ve gotten your first royal screw-over by demons you cut a deal with. So proud. Let?s review. You sucked the proverbial horn of an Elder Incubus, and as a result, are now female, fucked, lost, and in danger of losing your own life.? There was no room for discussion in his tone. His eyes fell with amusement on Drazz?mik, whose legs nearly gave way at the knees, as she felt the fight flee from her.

Rick tried to interrupt. Tormivol gave him a mean sidelong glance, and he suddenly found his words choked off.

Drazz?mik was stunned. She grit her teeth. She felt hot tears starting to well in her eyes. ?P-please, you?ve got to-? she choked a little on her words.

Tormivol actually quirked an eyebrow at this. He craned his neck upward a bit and let one eye pass over Drazz?mik?s face, as though testing her sincerity. ?I have ?got to? what??

?? help me?? she said. The succubus? voice was a hoarse whisper, a susurrus hardly audible, but given strength in its pleading. ?I want revenge? he? I?ve fucked up?? The hot tears almost scalded her cheeks; the pulchritudinous face was warped with deploring and anger.

Tormivol continued to appraise Drazz?mik with one eye. After a few seconds of soul-searching, he spoke?

?I could help. I could reach into the Dreamscape immediately. Perhaps I could slay the demon. In the least, I could make him flee. I could spirit the girl?s dreamself away, or seal it. But why should I help you? Why should this human?s death be any different than all the rest? Certainly, it seems she was little more than fodder for you less than 20 minutes ago. Why not just have me hide you??

?Y-you can?t! I fucked up, okay?! Dammit, I fucked up, and I?m not going to take this shit! If this is the way things are going to be with that asshole, fuck it? just- just fuck it!? she yelled. ?I want to kill him. I?ll even save the human!? Drazz?mik clenched her hands, and her fingernails drew blood from her palms.

Tormivol smiled by degrees, revealing his perfect white teeth. ?Aye, then you are learning? small steps, son, small steps. But I do not expect any miracles from you. This will do.?

?Then?? Drazz?mik looked hopeful. ?? you?ll help me??

?? not precisely, no.? The elder half-pure shook his head. ?I?m not going to fight your battle. But? I will let you fight it yourself. Refuse this opportunity, and I will kill you myself. It would spare you the horrors you would otherwise face? Now,? he said, his tone resolute, ?this is what I shall do.?

Part 2: Drazz?mik?s Task

?First,? he said, ?I will be opening a portal to the Dreamscape. You will step through it, and you will confront the demon yourself.? The half-pure?s grey wings unfurled suddenly, then closed. The atmosphere before Drazz?mik shifted in a way imperceptible to human vision. It seemed that reality itself was rippling in one small spot, like a thin but long pane of fountain water.

Drazz?mik?s face paled, and her legs quaked all the more. Her tail drooped down and almost coiled there against the ground. She stole one more glance at her father. He nodded, ever-so-slightly, to her, and she felt her confidence bolster. Closing her eyes and biting her lower lip, Drazz?mik the succubus stepped through the portal into the Dreamscape.

Part 3: Rick?s Aid

Tormivol continued speaking, as Drazz?mik vanished. ?Now,? he said, turning toward Rick, ?you, I suppose, wish you could be of some aid to your girlfriend.? His eye twinkled, and Rick felt he could speak. He held his throat and took a couple of deep breaths, before commencing with that task.

?Yes? anything? It?s my fault. If I?d maybe? earlier in the day, if we?d??

Tormivol shook his head. ?You have been a pawn, human, nothing more. Had you tried any earlier, the same result would have occurred. To put it simply, there is nothing you could have done. However, yes, you can be of aid. Hold still.?

Rick really did not have a choice. He stood frozen there, a silent statue watching the short approach of the supernatural. A pale white hand pressed softly upon his left shoulder, and an electric jolt sped through the young man?s body. His eyes suddenly turned upwards, and were forced to meet the half-angel. Something deep within those sparkling depths caught him in a minute rapture, and he felt his vision blur as something welled up from within him. His pupils dilated rapidly; his hands trembled and shook. Morphiated fire ran lines up through his arms, dulling the spiritual pain the process inevitably invoked as part of his spirit was drawn directly out from his shock-widened eyes. As if on some unspoken command, the spirit zipped away from the two standing figures, hovered over Alex?s eyes, and plunged into them.

Tormivol released Rick?s body, which fell limp to the ground. He walked over to Alex?s pale and quivering figure; his long deep lavender coat swayed slightly. Again fell the ponderous hand, now upon the catatonic girl?s forehead. Gentle digits pushed back her brown hair, clearing the forehead for the palm, which became feverishly warm.

Tormivol stared deeply into Alex?s eyes and began to chant in tongues.

Part 4: Dreamscape Defined

The Dreamscape is a strange place. In some places, the Dreamscape is much like our own world, with only the most subtle of differences; perhaps a bookshelf is off-center, or the carpet?s color is just slightly different than usual. However, there is little which can be deemed considerably exceptional. But, as one plunges into the depths of the Dreamscape, the world becomes increasingly fantastic. A familiar room may exist (perfectly preserved) just where it was, but an entire building may have vanished completely. Existence becomes defined by degrees of desire. Where people dream, the most beautiful, stunning, horrific, and astounding of places come into existence. In many cases, it depends on what the viewer wishes to perceive. And that is just scraping the surface? suffice to say, this portion of the Dreamscape much resembled Rick?s room on one level; stacks of manga and anime toppled against each other, their dream-selves exceptionally preserved by Rick?s imagination and recollection. On another level, the entertainment came to life; the world was simultaneously a martial arts dojo, a space battlefield, and a harem, just to name a few of the dozens of all-too-real dream-realities focused in Rick?s bedroom. The sheer number was overwhelming, but Drazz?mik finally settled on the ?normal? dream reality for the moment. And that is when she made a happy discovery.

Part 5: A Foolhardy Challenge

?I?m male again,? Drazz?mik said to himself, staring at his hands in wonderment. He grabbed his shirt, and pulled it forward. ?No breasts!? he said, ecstatically, and felt at his crotch. ?It?s back! I?m a guy again!? He danced a small jig.

?No, you?re not a male?? replied his father?s voice. Drazz?mik turned to his left. His father was standing there, staring at him. ?This is a prepared message for you? remember, Drazz?mik, your dreamself can be an idealized version of yourself. Normally, the enchantment you are under would prevent such, but a minor dream-push has provided your current form. You are still female in almost any other realm. Now, search, and find your foe.? Tormivol vanished.

Drazz?mik sighed to himself. Shit. This was only temporary? He muttered angrily to himself. Well, he would make the best of it. With that, the young incubus turned and looked around the room. He muttered to himself, and with a little concentration, shifted his planar sight. Suddenly, everything became clear.

Part 6: Confrontation

?Ultormiglok? you bastard?? said Drazz?mik, growling at the demon hovering over the girl with a sickening smile on his perfect cheeks. He was dressed as dapper as ever, a conniving devil in an expensive three-piece suit. Besides the hovering, he may have well passed for human at this moment. As it was, he was engaging Alex?s attention.

She was enraptured. Before her floated the most perfect man in the world, and she knew he loved her, just as she loved him, and would do anything for him. Her eyes begged for the chance to prove her devotion. Needy hands grasped at the demon?s pant legs. Her self-debasement was beyond her control; her will was shot to pieces before Ultormiglok?s overwhelming presence.

The masterful demon turned toward Drazz?mik with a slow spin. His hands, with their manicured fingernails, were clasped behind his back. His first expression was one of slight anger, then vague disappointment, and finally, amused derision. He allowed a small impolite chuckle to part from his lips.

?Ah,? he said to his unexpected visitor, ?Drazz?mik, my boy, what an unexpected, and, I might add, most pleasant surprise. I had thought I should need hunt you down, but I see you have come to me most directly. Commendable. Now, if you would be so good as to prepare yourself, I shall take your soul once I have concluded my first meal. Drop the false male aspect while you are at it.?

?You ? sick bastard!? growled Drazz?mik, balling his hands into intimidating fists. ?I?m going to kill you!?

?Language, language, my dear Drazz?mik?? The demon chuckled. He dropped altitude, planting the soles of his fine leather shoes against Alex?s breasts. She shivered in pleasure, and hugged him all the more readily. She spoke half-dozen servile names, calling him ?sir?, ?master?, and anything else she could think of; she begged him to touch her, to even just smile at her.

?Fuck you?? said Drazz?mik. ?Now, you listen to me? you lied to me! You promised you?d make me a full demon if I did all like you asked! And I did it! I did every single thing! I even spent three days trying to get these two humans to fuck! All for what? To find out you shafted me the whole fuckin? time?!?

?Precisely, Drazz?mik.? Ultormiglok pushed his feet down with greater pressure upon Alex?s breasts. Lactate flowed forth generously. She shivered, and begged for more.

?As I told you, I never expected you to accomplish your task. And I was correct. You were incapable of completing the task set before you, without resorting to tricks ? breast expansion, lactation, increased sensitivity, all at Sella?kib?s urging, I might add. And so crudely done. No art in your style.?

?I don?t need any fucking art to tear you in half!? Drazz?mik?s tail cracked back and forth in angry arcs. He searched for some tool, some weapon, but found none. He prepared to pounce.

Part 7: One Final Lesson

The Elder Incubus tossed his head back in an uproarious laugh.

?Such a simplistic fool! You would kill me?? The room became subtly darker, and shadows leapt from every crevice. ?You cannot understand, much less comprehend, what you stand against. I have lived centuries beyond your ken, child. I have loved women whose beauty, whose smallest smile, would enslave your puerile mind for a lifetime! And when I have chosen, I have even played the muse to mankind?s sexual fantasies. Can you understand, boy, what art you would seek to undo in your foolishness? Look, see how this girl fawns over me.? He tilted Alex?s chin up. She shivered in delight at his very touch, and kissed his palm.

?Allow me to provide one last lesson, child. There is an art to our existence as incubi, a perfect art combining every form of sexual pleasure ? every thought, word, and action! With the merest of thought, I subjugate this girl to my whim ? with a word, she would do anything for me; give her physical virginity, her life, or even tear her boyfriend?s throat out, just to please me. I will eat her soul, and with every bite, she will thank me for my kindness, my generosity, and she will love me eternally.?

A deep laugh welled in the demon?s throat. ?Pathetic, isn?t it??

He gently pushed Alex?s cheek aside, and she again wrapped her arms around his legs, moaning in unquenchable desire.

Part 8: To Stand Against A Giant

?Well, bastard?s son, what will you do now? Will you stand, ?fight?? Toss yourself at me in some pea-brained effort to topple the giant?? More laughter.

?Watch me!? Drazz?mik pounced toward Ultormiglok, a bloody scream of boundless rage welling within his throat as his fury-fueled body attempted to simultaneously seize his former servitor?s body, and shred it limb from limb.

The effort ended in futility, as the Elder Incubus smirked, raised his left hand, and watched in derisive amusement as an invisible wall of force flung Drazz?mik?s body back to the ground at high velocity. At a gesture from the right hand, a plethora of books, CDs, DVDs, and games rose from the ground and promptly hurled themselves at the young incubus at impressive velocities, bruising and breaking flesh as though they were bullets.

?Dance for me! Entertain me!? Ultormiglok clapped his hands. ?Show me what all your training has taught you! How effective it has made you! Impress me, o clown!?

He chuckled as the collection of Japanese paraphernalia arose, coalesced and amalgamated into a vaguely humanoid shape, where within the innumerable items twisted and shook. The golem smacked Drazz?mik back and forth, knocking him off-balance and shoving him backwards against a wall, doing little physical harm, but keeping him heavily preoccupied.

Part 9: Time to Feast

Ultormiglok turned toward Alex and smiled at her. His very smile made her beg him with renewed vigor for his caresses.

?Ah, this never gets old?? he said, dropping one hand to her forehead to touch her. His hand barely grazed her flesh, or he thought it did, when something blue and electric sparked and forcefully shoved his hand backwards with a small shock.

He examined his hand. ?What??? A snide expression crossed his lips, and he stretched his hands forth to seize her face. A beautiful electric blue aura sparked once more, thrusting his hands back once again. ?Damn!? he growled. ?Someone is interfering? She is protected. No matter? I will simply remove the enchantment??

Alex continued to tremble with pleasure and hold him. The sparkling blue aura now surrounded her body like a halo. The very touch forced Ultormiglok to retreat a step. ?Damn? Tormivol?s doing? This has his signature on it?? He growled, and seized the girl around the neck, speaking words to break the enchantment. The horned protuberance once more grew forth from his forehead. The words were strange, and difficult to pronounce, and nonsensical to the human tongue and ear in any case. However, they took every ounce of concentration he had.

Which made it extremely easy for Drazz?mik to side-smack him in the left temple with an artificially bent golden baseball bat.

Part 10: Bases Loaded

Ultormiglok felt something smack him sideways, and in his total loss of concentration, it dropped him against the bed and shattered his concentration. He looked up and saw the baseball bat descend upon his face, smacking him upon the nose, rise again, drop again, and his hand seize it in its descent. His face twisted into an expression of angered derision. A single powerful grip squeezed tight on the bat, crushing it with a dull metallic sound, and then ripping it from the user?s hands. A fist fell to his face, and was caught. With a roar, he tossed the fool off the bed with the ease of a doll, flinging him across the room, against the far wall with a dull thud that cracked the plaster with impressive force.

The foul-tempered demon rose from his position and sneered at Drazz?mik. ?Congratulations. You have regained my attention.?

He stepped forward once, and was now directly in front of Drazz?mik, planting a fist in the latter?s gut. Drazz?mik?s eyes widened and he coughed up blood. Ultormiglok?s fist wound against the cotton fabric of Drazz?mik?s tee-shirt, yanked him rudely from the wall with a loud puckering noise, and drove him headfirst against the ground.

?Up and at it!? a foot slammed into Drazz?mik?s side, and impossibly lifted him straight into the air, where an equally impossibly fast hand swung in and seized him by the throat. It began to squeeze his air pipe. Even as he choked, Drazz?mik?s defiant glower remained.

?I?m going to kill you? I?m going to kill you, and I am going to make it very painful.? The Elder Incubus effortlessly flung his weak opponent upwards, and watched in idle amusement as Drazz?mik?s face collided with the nigh-unbreakable dream ceiling.

Drazz?mik fell to the floor, his descent hastened by a hand which grabbed his left leg, yanked the bone from the pelvic socket, and swung him down hard enough to impale his battered frame upon a conveniently-located jewel case standing on its edge.

Drazz?mik?s eyes lolled backwards. Dizzying darkness began to take him. Fists, heavy as jackhammers, and just as quick, descended upon his chest and face with maddened fury, drawing blood with every blow. He heard every thud, loud as a heavy drum beat. Then the noise stopped, and he heard nothing more.

Part 11: Open Negotiations

A hammer quietly pulled back, and a gloved finger pushed gently on a trigger. ?Stop.?

Ultormiglok paused his next fistfall in mid-air. He did not need to turn to know his attacker. He sneered and looked to his right peripheral. ?Tormivol the Bastard? This is no affair of yours... Leave and stick your nose in someone else?s business.?

?No. You will release my son, and you will quit this field. You will do, or you will die.?

?Do you think you?re faster than me, then? That I won?t simply vanish before your bullet emerges from the gun or that I won?t simply make it vanish? Do you think yourself a match for me here on the Dreamscape, Tormivol the Bastard?!?

?Perhaps,? responded the half-pure in a calm voice. ?He has done as I asked. Release him. Now.?

?Heh?? The demon closed his eyes.

Tormivol fired. Ultormiglok vanished, reappearing behind him. Just as he leaned forward to attack, his left arm exploded. He hissed in false pain at the inconvenience and pulled back reflexively. Tormivol turned to face him.

The limb (and disintegrated suit sleeve) readily regenerated itself, silently reappearing intact. He stared at Tormivol with disbelief. ?You?re serious?!? the Elder Incubus spat. ?You?ll actually risk your own life to save his? To save that worthless piece of shit?! You?re as foolish as ever! Gra?mib was right about you??

Tormivol leveled a deep lavender pistol at Ultormiglok?s forehead, effectively silencing further argument. ?If we fight here, one of us will probably die. The Dreamscape will be torn asunder in this area, and even if you survive, your wounds will heal very slowly. And if I survive, I will destroy you utterly. Will you go to war against me here? Now? Will you actually risk all your other plans falling asunder, for the sake of hurt pride??

Ultormiglok grinned and stared behind Tormivol at something.

Part 12: No Bad Deed Goes Unpunished

The voluptuous Sella?kib appeared behind Tormivol, her claws outstretched, prepared to attack him, an animal gleam in her eyes. She vanished.

Sella?kib reappeared in a martial arts dojo.

?What? What is this?? she demanded of the ether, looking around. She heard footfalls approaching her.

?Who is there?! Show yourself!? she demanded, forcing her frame to alter: she became frightfully tall, equally muscular, and decidedly wrathful. Large muscles rippled within her intimidating frame, while salivating razor teeth snapped shut and open and yellow eyes searched the room. Her large naked breasts bounced heavily, her tongue lolled back and forth, and her claws scraped along the dojo?s floor. ?Show Yourself, Damn You!? she roared.

A woman stepped into the dojo from within the woodwork. She wore a long white robe with golden embroidery and a hood. The robe seemed alive, greedily clinging to her large, considerable cleavage, her small waist, her curvaceous hips, and her slender legs. The sleeves of the robe tapered over a pair of vicious-looking gauntlets: the fingers had been replaced with razor claws. Her skin had a faint copper tinge.

The silent woman?s hood slid back, revealing her burnished copper hair. The clawed gauntlets now blazed with hell- and heaven-fire. The enigmatic woman broke her silence, and she spoke in a firm, yet gentle voice.

?You have hurt my son?? she said.

Sella?kib?s eyes widened with trepidation. She edged back. ?No??

?I do not care that you are vile, or evil. But? for what you have done to my son, for the tortures you have forced upon him? for that?? Her eyelids opened, and her copper irises blazed with intense fury. ?I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!? She vanished, reappeared several paces closer to Sella?kib, vanished again, reappeared closer, and closer, and closer-

Sella?kib shook with fright. ?NO! You Can?t Kill Me! It Can?t End Like This!? She swung where the woman was, only to miss as her target vanished. The copper-eyed woman reappeared directly before Sella?kib?s face. Her left hand was extended; her right, aglow with heaven-fire, was retracted. She let out a bloody roar, and thrust the right claw forward.

Sella?kib screamed.

Part 13: When Devils Bargain

?Your assistant has been disposed of,? stated Tormivol matter-of-factly.

Ultormiglok bit his lip. ?Damn you! This is a hard bargain you drive?? He glowered at Tormivol with a baleful eye. ?But I shant leave empty-handed. I have taken some aspect of the boy?s essence, and I will keep that. Further, I will never allow him to reassume his former gender, for as long as he lives. And someday-?

?And some day, he will come and kill you. In the meantime, you will not further interfere with his life, or that of these two mortals. You will release them from the enchantments placed upon them, and you will do so immediately. If I should see you interfere with my son?s life again, I will cut your horn from your head.?

?Then it is agreed,? replied Ultormiglok in an acidulous tone. ?And as it is agreed, so it shall be upheld. I eagerly anticipate the day your son enters my chambers, for it will be on her knees!? He lifted his left hand, with glowed with a baleful light. Alex?s entranced body glowed with a hideous yellow aura, which snapped, and vanished. She fell into a deep slumber, even here, and did not stir. A similar aura appeared around Drazz?mik, and it too promptly vanished.

?Now leave,? said Tormivol, aiming the gun at Ultormiglok.

?As you say, Tormivol the Bastard? Farewell, and wish that child of yours some luck? I am not the only one who shall take interest in him? You can bet your foreskin on that.? Ultormiglok vanished.

Tormivol turned toward his son. A young woman appeared beside him and smiled at him. Her clawed gauntlets, and much of her robe and face, were splashed with dark blood. Tormivol smiled back, and nodded. The claws vanished; the woman leaned over, and lifted her son. She and he vanished.

And now for the final task?

Part 14: Problem Solved?

The half-angel?s hand rested against Alex?s forehead.

?Awaken,? he said, in a strangely soothing tone.

Alex?s eyes opened, and she sat up. She looked around the room, but she was alone, save for the strange man standing before her. Somehow, the room seemed entirely too surreal, alive, animated. She looked into the strange man?s calming eyes, and asked, ?Who? are you??

?You may call me Tormivol, the Bastard. I am here to tell you that you are free.?

?Free?? she asked, bemused. ?What do you mean??? She rubbed her head. ?I remember? something about a demon??

?You have survived an encounter with an incubus. The demon that would have eaten your soul is gone. He will not bother you again. Nor shall my son.?

?Your son??

?You know him as Drazz?mik.?

Alex?s eyes registered a sudden wave of fear, which a second later was muted by a minute gesture from Tormivol.

?He is an idiot, but for what it is worth, he has learned a lesson today. I expect he would apologize to you if he were here. Instead, he is healing his wounds. Now, he is gone, and it is left to me to fix you.?

?W- wait, wait, fix me? What do you mean?? she asked, a little concerned, while scooting back on the bed.

?First, this?? He placed a hand upon her left shoulder and concentrated. Alex felt a warmth roll over her entire frame. She sighed peaceably, as though encompassed within a delightful hot bath. The sensation slowly faded, and with it, her breasts had reduced to a normal, but generous size. She looked down at her breasts in utter surprise. ?M-my breasts! They?ve shrunk!? she exclaimed. ?How did you do that?!? She was clearly impressed.

?With ease. And, now?? said Tormivol, crossing his arms, ?about your gender problem??

Alex saw his determination clearly apparent in his mien. She shut her eyes and said, ?I- I want to stay a girl!?

Tormivol sighed and shook his head in a thoughtful gesture. ?Hm? as I suspected.?

?Then?? Alex?s eyes rose hopefully, ?You will let me stay a girl??

?I did not say that.?

?But? I don?t want to turn back into a guy! I love Rick!?

?The decision is not up to you-?

?But you can?t do this!? she exclaimed, infuriated, rising, as though to grab him by the shoulders and restrain whatever power he might exercise upon her. A startling glance forced her to sit back down.

?You did not let me finish. The decision is not up to me, either.?

?Then, then who-? Who?s deciding?!? The young woman was completely bewildered.

?Both of you,? he said, reaching forward with a snake?s swiftness. His hands crossed over each other, and clamped down onto her shoulders in an almost painful vise.

?Wait- wait, what?re you doing?!? she yelled. Suddenly, her vision became blurred and doubled, and a split-second of pain flooded her as she felt herself being torn apart.

Part 15: Personal Judgment

A second later, there were two Alexes. One female. One male. They sat next to each other upon the bed, groggy-headed, as Tormivol continued to speak.

?As a female, your mind is blinded by love and the remnants of magic. You cannot be expected to make a clear decision. As a male, your emotions are clouded by your logic and detachment. Same problem, different angle. Neither of you deserve to make the decision alone, and thus you both shall. But hurry,? he said, watching their shocked reaction as they turned and stared at each other in bafflement, ?for your time is short.?

Alex-F spoke first. ?You?re? me,? she said, staring at her male counterpart.

?? Y-yes,? Alex-M responded, nervously. ?Yo- you?re me? a? a female version of me.?

Alex-F became slightly indignant. ?You say that like I?m lesser than you. Don?t forget, you became me. I?m the real Alex.?

?N-No, you?re not,? responded Alex-M in a somewhat decisive tone. ?You?re just- just some fantasy, me with a- a demon?s curse! You?re supposed to turn back into m-me, remember?!?

Alex-F furrowed her eyebrows. ?I don?t- I don?t want to? when I said I love Rick, I meant it. I knew I never wanted to turn back into a guy? no matter what!?

Alex-M shook his head and turned away from her slightly. ?This- this is ridiculous! You can?t- you can?t just make me leave all my friends and family, my school, my home, EVERYTHING, and go off and play girlfriend. This is the real world, not some chat RP! People?ll get hurt if ? if you just up-and-leave!?

?I don?t care!? Alex-F shouted. ?What about Rick?! He loves me, I love him, we?re happy. I can build a new li-?

?He does not love you! He loves your body!?

?No, that?s not true!?

?It is? you don?t- you don?t give a shit about anyone else but yourself. You- you can?t be this selfish! I can?t let you!?

?Why should I listen to you?! You?re not in love with him!? Her eyes grew baleful.

?I?m ? a ? guy! He?s ? a ? guy! He?s nice, yeah, and my best friend, but I?m ? not ? a ? girl!?

?But I am!? Alex-F retorted. ?He?s my best friend, AND my love! You can?t take that away from me. I won?t let YOU!?

?I?m not going to let you steal MY life away from ME!?

Tormivol interrupted. ?Compromise.?

Part 16: Compromise & Resolution

They both turned to stare at him. ?What?? they asked, simultaneously.

?Compromise,? he repeated. ?Male Alex, you do not wish to leave your former life, is that correct? You wish to return home, continue your life where you left off, uninterrupted??

?Y-yes?? Alex-M nodded. Alex-F gave him a sidelong glance of anger.

?Female Alex, you do not wish to leave Rick, is that correct? You wish to remain where you are, with Rick, as a female??

?Yeah, really bad, please?? She looked hopeful. Alex-M shook his head derisively.

?I shall, then, grant you both your wish, and you shall both be happy.?

?You mean-? said Alex-F, ?you?re going to? split us into two people??

?What-?? Tormivol quirked an eyebrow. ?Do not be ridiculous. Do I look like I have that type of power? I am an incubus, and part-angel, but my powers are over the Dreamscape, and those that dream or have dreamt, not the entire waking world, nor even the entirety of the Dreamscape. No, I shall not spare the effort to attempt such a feat. However, I know a thing or two about loss and love. ?? He sighed. ?My dear, loving wife would kill me if I did not provide some degree of aid.?

?Well, wh-what ARE you going to do?? demanded Alex-M.

?Alex,? he said, speaking to both of them, ?you will be going back to where you live. I will return your physical form to male, as it is intended to be. I will make some minor alterations to your family?s minds via dreams, to account for your absence.? Alex-F?s head drooped down a bit. ?But your mind shall reflect your female experiences. You will vividly recall what being female was like. Your personality will remain otherwise the same. You are Alex, no matter what, not some new identity. Essentially, you will retain the desires you just expressed to me,? he said, looking at Alex-F, ?but your rationality will rein you in until you are certain of what you want,? he continued, looking at Alex-M. ?You must ultimately decide for yourself what you truly wish to be, male or female. It may take days, or months, perhaps years, but you will inevitably reach a consensus with yourself. When you do, your gender will become that which you choose.?

?In the meantime?? he continued, ?you will always be female in your dreams, and when both you and Rick sleep simultaneously, you will always be together in the Dreamscape.? He now appraised them both with a severe gaze. ?Now, do you both find this agreeable and reasonable??

?You mean? I get to see Rick, keep my personality, and? and someday, there?s a chance I might be together with Rick some day?? Alex-F asked, a little hopeful.

?If that is what you ultimately wish, it is most likely.?

?And? I get to continue life as normal, until I get this figured out?? asked Alex-M, glancing at them both with some small measure of suspicion.

?Mostly. You are still the same person, no matter which aspect is dominant. Now, are you both somewhat happy? I do not have to do this, you understand. It would be easier to flip a coin and decide who wins.? He gave both of the impertinent youths a ?want to test my bluff?? look.

Alex-F and Alex-M looked into each other?s eyes, as though seeing their soul thusly reflected. Emotions and logic mixed and mingled, and a dozen thoughts and a hundred possibilities flooded through their beings. They stared at one another for what felt like eternity, probing each other for questions and answers. Finally, Alex-M nodded his head to Alex-F, just slightly. Alex-F nodded in the same agreeable manner. They slowly turned back toward Tormivol, and said in unison, ?We accept.?

?Then close your eyes, dreamers?? said Tormivol in a morphinating tone, ??and sleep a deeper slumber?? From his back, his grey eagle wings unfurled, and began to flap. ?For this is all but a dream waking?? The wind they span forth from within their feathers speeding a gentle cool breeze forth, whereupon were carried the quiet sands of sleep. ??And hope itself is found first within the purview of dreams.?

The twin Alexes eyes closed, and their heads touched each other. As they fell into the great void of deep sleep, they felt their bodies carried high in some giddy warm wind. The living susurrus cradled and caressed them, whispering sweet promises that only dreams can hope to provide. The last thing they heard was a cry of power in the darkness, followed by the flapping of eagle wings, somewhere far, far away, in the muffled distance.




Epilogue: Four Stories and A Thought

Retraining

?Now, remember, dear, when you focus on expanding your breasts, you usually need to moan, as though the process is exquisitely pleasurable.? The beautiful copper-haired succubus was instructing her daughter, an equally gorgeous succubus dressed in a tomboyish black dress shirt and black jeans.

Drazz?mik looked at her mother with a severe expression. ?Do I really have to do that?? I mean, it doesn?t even feel that good, dammit!?

?So, um,? said the man strapped down to the bed, ?I didn?t expect there to be, like, two.?

?Silence, fool!? spoke the copper-haired succubus.

?Yes, ma?am!? the man nodded.

Drazz?mik?s mother giggled. ?Now, dear,? she said, returning her attention to her daughter, ?if you?re going to keep seducing people, you need to learn a few more fundamentals, right? Beside, you?ll get used to it in time.?

Drazz?mik sighed, defeated. ?Yes, mother?? She rolled her eyes and began to concentrate. Slowly, her bust began to swell and strain the buttons of her shirt.

Time

Ultormiglok was reclining in his tall leather-backed chair. He had a severe expression on his face, unalleviated by the large number of gorgeous succubi tossing themselves at his feet, kissing and sucking on his toes, his member, his chest, his neck, his hands, his arms, his lips.

Suddenly, the succubi drew away from him, as though on an invisible command. A tall, handsome incubus, with faintly blue skin, long silver hair, and deep emerald green eyes, entered the room with a military step. He approached Ultormiglok?s desk, then bowed to one knee.

?My liege, I humbly request the opportunity to avenge my fallen sister?s death, she who served you and was called Sella?kib.?

The Elder Incubus made a small hand gesture, indicating the younger was to stand. For a long moment, he said absolutely nothing, instead merely appraising the visitor.

?Sal?mus?? he said at last, ?You will have your opportunity, but not today? Now, let me show you my latest work of art??

Shopping

?And I?ll take that, and that, and that!? The dark-haired girl was pointing at any number of cute costumes.

?Murphy?? said her friend, ?this is ridiculous??

Murphy turned and beamed at her friend. ?What? These costumes are all half-off!?

?You?re not supposed to be a girl, dammit.?

?Nonsense. I?m just lucky, s?all.? She grabbed a blue dress. ?Does this come in pink??

Once Again

Rick sighed heavily as he clicked the IM icon. The service loaded up instantly, but it did not make him happy. Very little did today. The last thing he recalled was waking up, only to find his room deserted. Had he been dreaming? No? Alex?s things were still here, but she was not. He had searched the entire house for her. He could not find her. He had called her name. He had even called Drazz?mik?s name, though he fouled it up and could not recall how to pronounce it properly, nor that of the demon?s father?

Something had happened to her, he just knew it? had she tried to contact him? He had unplugged all the phones in the house for last night?s romantic interlude, and all the messages were gone.

Depressed, bored, he turned on his computer, hoping some idea would strike him.

An IM box opened.

SkySearcher: Hi, handsome. :-)

Rick scanned over the IM box, then back over to the other monitor and sighed. Then he quirked an eyebrow and returned to the other window. He responded.

MasterofManga: Alex? is that you?
SkySearcher: Yep, in the IM! *beams*
MasterofManga: But? where are you?

Alex explained the entire situation?

MasterofManga: ? damn, we have to wait?
SkySearcher: Just for a little while, dear. The angel guy was right, though? I guess I really shouldn?t just up-and-leave everyone. I?m? going to wait a little while? I?m not completely ready to let go of my current life? I?ll have to make arrangements. It?s harder than I expected.
MasterofManga: I understand :-) ? I still miss you, you know?
SkySearcher: Same here? *blushes*
MasterofManga: Well, I?ll wait for you. When you?re ready, I'll be waiting. I?ll get your tickets out here, buy you a new wardrobe, etc. I can find some place to custom-fit those bras?
SkySearcher: That?s sweet of you, but? I think my breasts are smaller now.
MasterofManga: You mean you turned back into a girl already?! Yes! Why didn?t you tell me?
SkySearcher: What? No. Not physically, yet. But soon, probably. Just? look, you?re making me blush. *blush*
SkySearcher: *smiles* So, want to chat for a while? Maybe RP?
MasterofManga: Why not? But, it?ll be a little different for us, won?t it?
SkySearcher: I really hope so, Rick... I really hope so. *smile*

Exita, A Half-Pure?s Final Thoughts

Tormivol watched on the monitor, observing the actors in this play called life.

He sighed, smiled at the monitor and said to himself?

?Heh? Humans?? He shook his head. The monitor shut off. ?It never ceases to amaze me?? he stated, looking up, ?how from one story, so many spring. What else can I say?? This is life.?


Finis