Twist , Turns and Negotiative Change

Taelin spoke as an elven boy to Finn "Hey Mr.Finn,I wonder if Aniki is okay…" Finn understands this poor Elven child that recently got rescued yesterday from the subdued previous two cults "He's-" Astra came after meditating a bit and Pat Taelin's head to cut Finn off "I am right here and alright, so….Finn, I do hope this isn't too much to treat so many newcomers in our chambers"

Finn nodded and addressed Astra, "No problem at all, Astra. We have the facilities and resources to accommodate them. It's essential to ensure their well-being and recovery after what they've been through. If you need anything specific or have any concerns, please let us know, and we'll do our best to assist."

And then he added "Ad Astra, still good work today" The leader nods with no words as Taelin wants to be clingy yet Astra asks to stay with Clifford or Cheshie for company he still isn't finished with work as the Elven boy obediently nods "Aniki!!! Be well!!" He says aloud before we transition to Vespera ask Ignatius despite not being faced off by the actual shadow Knight how was he defeated by mere members of his.

Ignatius, feeling humiliated, grumbled, "It was those shadowy bastards, the Shadow's Resurgence and their leader, Astra. They came in force and overwhelmed us. Astra, that enigmatic bastard, was too much for me to handle. I couldn't anticipate their coordinated attacks and fell into their trap." Vespera listened intently, intrigued by the story.

Vespera spoke, "Wait I face the real Astra so what gives?" Ignatus gasp as Astra entered the room "Oh you were fooled by silhouette's reality-based magic called 'Mirror Illusion' She did follow others leading my other members and she is part of the special unit Nebulis amongst the best that were loyal to me" Vespera laughs why Ignatius is so scared his face got pale before she relaxes and giggles "So, what do you need from us by being spared..."

Astra, still keeping a vigilant eye on both Ignatius and Vespera, replied, "I need information, specifically about Estella's plans and any other threats she might have set in motion. You two were high-ranking members of the main cult branch, so you might have insights that could be useful." Ignatius and Vespera exchanged glances before nodding in agreement, realizing that their best chance of survival was to cooperate with Astra.

Ignatius then spoke, "Erm, when Estella is alive she really didn't share such secrets with her favorite and left hand?"

Astra nodded, "Estella kept many things close to her chest, even with me. She had a penchant for secrecy. But now that she's gone, there's a power vacuum, and I need to ensure that nothing remains that could endanger Coloria or my organization.."

Vespera spoke in aww "Yet I know they recently formed under your influence..especially just when you just killed Estella 9 days ago..then the members are all the cult bases of 5 that you subdued..save for only me and Ignatius haven't been killed yet-" says calmly as Astra felt irked from this mad woman before speaking up "how long has such 5 bases cults that are secretively formed when Estella ruled Coloria for Centuries?" dodging Vesperal's query

Astra replied, "It's true that my organization formed rather quickly after Estella's downfall. It's been in the making for some time, but we seized the opportunity to act when her reign was weakened. As for the exact time frame of the cults, that's information I'm not inclined to share with you. It's irrelevant at this point." He was determined to keep his motives and plans hidden from Vespera.

Then Ignatius "Well, how can we negotiate if you can't share intel?" Astra uses his kunai to scare Ignatius to behave with his roaring soulless blue eyes "Dare to paddle your way out I might change my mind and just kill you.."

Ignatius nodded quickly, realizing that Astra was not in the mood for negotiations. He decided to remain silent and cooperative.

Vespera smiles "My my , I wish that were me ahem..Estella's plan no..yet I hear she has an intent..to create a new artifical army..her own golem yet I assume your now dead rebels sacrifice to ended that plan..hmm..I think base on sneaking away to research such…she intends to Protect Coloria from an unstoppable prophecy from the deities above called the Final Dispute…" Astra spoke "I think I heard that Prophecy before.." Vespera chuckled "then let's cut to the chase….she created an automated curse that activated whoever killed her and the side effects varied since it's a self-made spell only known to her…so since it reflects whoever killed her..recall anything Shadow Knight? Any side effects after you killed her lately?"

Astra frowned as he thought back to his recent experiences. He recalled moments of emotional turmoil, confusion, and strange visions. He spoke, "There were some unusual side effects, like strange visions and emotions I couldn't explain. It's possible that this curse she mentioned is affecting me."

Vespera smirks "Ahh that explains it..anything else?" Astra gulps he recalled when his avatar awakening was so painful and the thirst for consuming souls to regain mana faster for he admits "I had this soul-eating urges and my avatar awakening is unstable…" (avatar awakening only happens to individuals with Ecto-mana and strong body to carry it out).

Vespera seemed quite pleased with this information. She nodded and continued, "Yes, that's consistent with the effects of her curse. It seems she wanted to leave her mark on you. But don't worry, I can help you remove this curse."

Ignatus gasped and even Astra gasped "What?" Ignatius spoke as he and her still tied "Why? I thought all cults were devoted to Estella and her hierarchy rule called the Order. Are you insane?"

Vespera smirked, "Oh, Ignatius, you see, I've always been a bit of a free spirit. While I admired Estella, I never blindly followed her. And now, with Estella gone and the Order dismantled, it's time for me to make my way in this world. Don't you think, Astra? Perhaps it's time for a new alliance."

Astra still won't forget her sadomasochistic comments and mentioning how she carried out her cult as he groans , flick his finger to ask Cheshie and Silhouette to deal with Ignatius in another room for intel as he spoke Vespera privately (she is so excited) "So? What game are you getting at CULT leader? I recalled when we recently fought…you said you worship HER and me as the one she raised and insist there must be she did despite killing or ruining the Ecto-mana born children.."

Vespera leaned closer, her tone almost seductive, "Well, you see, dear Astra, I have my own ambitions now. With Estella gone, it's time for me to take the stage. And who better to join me in this new venture than the enigmatic Shadow Knight himself? You and I, Astra, together we can shape the world in our image. The cults are a thing of the past; it's time for a new order to rise."

Astra felt then by reflexes grip his hand to block her face (he doesn't know why yet her aura is familiar) "You're a demonoid aren't you? Succubus type? And why are you so insistent I can align the same goals as you?"

Vespera chuckled, her voice sultry, "Well, you have a good eye, Shadow Knight. I am indeed a succubus demonoid, and my goals may not be entirely dissimilar from yours. You see, I have a fascination with power and ambition, and I believe we could accomplish great things together. Your connection to Estella and her secrets, my talents and charisma, it's a match made in the shadows, don't you think?"

He felt more conflicted than with Anastasia or Cheshie as Vespera got a softer voice "Speechless? I can tell, she ruined your natural need to live…Lust..everyone needs lust to express love and joy from it..tell me I can tell most of your life you truly never experienced a true enjoyable sexual desire. Did Estella also cause such an issue? Poor boy"

Astra clenched his fists and looked away, unable to meet Vespera's gaze. "You don't understand the weight of my actions and the burden I bear. Lust and desire are meaningless in the grand scheme of my mission. I won't let you use this against me." He struggled to maintain his composure, torn between his emotions and his duty.

Then she spoke "If you are aware of Succubi like me , as you probably killed some before.. You old you would have killed me if dared order yet now you taste free will and lost..I can help..I won't force it onto you" hops due to her tied up body "Ohh right your upset I did necromancy and gave the vague idea to other cults about reviving the remains of Estella and Prime Entertainer? Hahahaha..it's just my experiment if it can be used as a motive…I am aware of your revenge..you also had a desire and revenge is one of it…you still feel lost" Astra then spoke "Then tell me what's wrong with me, we both killed people yet for your case you consciously do it" She hush him with her demon tail "Hush, wrong liar…..You did Kill by your own volition…ever since you rebelled against the order and her eminence..which you did succeed whether by revenge or justice, it's still vengeance.." Astra then cornered her to the interrogation table as he felt affected by an aphrodisiac oh it's the stinger devil tail slithering back to Vespera "Come on, you need this..since you suppress it out of fear or due to how Estella treated you..you became numb with such a thing you became detached, disconnected..you want to feel like a normal mortal right?" Astra felt aroused as he looked away "No ugh I can't…."

Astra struggled with his conflicting emotions and the aphrodisiac's effect. His mind raced, and he knew that giving in to his desires could compromise his mission and principles. He clenched his teeth, trying to regain control. "I can't afford to indulge in such temptations. My duty comes first," he muttered, trying to resist the allure of Vespera's words and her demon tail.

 Then as his shadows subconsciously locked the doors for this interrogation room, a single light no windows as Vespera spoke softly (revealing her true succubus demonoid form) "I was actually one of the targets you spared back then since your only ordered to kill my brother an Incubus from the Nation south beyond the end borders called Forbidden Valley..familiar right yet it's actually called Gradience…I am aware Estella did that to isolate Colorians the truth to prevent true peace with creatures or monsters from Gradience.." then she notice him sweating and his body is in heat as he slowly unchain her "Ohh can't take it anymore? It's okay take it slow.." Astra get confuse that the voice is like Anastasia's.

Astra's resistance wavered, and he was struggling to maintain control. The conflicting emotions and sensations made it difficult for him to think clearly. Vespera's words echoed in his mind, and he was torn between his duty and the allure of this succubus demonoid. He couldn't help but hear the voice of Anastasia in his mind, further complicating the situation.

Then he breathed , kissed the demonoid as Vespera kiss back , her legs wrap around his waist as she traces the muscle onto the fiber cloth to him and whispers "that's it..it's okay that suppressed distress would vanish and you can thank me later.." Astra says between kisses "what did you do to me?"

Astra's mind was clouded as he asked what Vespera had done to him. He was trapped in the moment, torn between his suppressed desires and his duties. The aphrodisiac had taken a toll on his self-control, and he couldn't resist the succubus demonoid's advances.

Succubus nudge his chin and chuckles "My specialty~ besides I too love you in my own unique way…and I want to make you happy…since discovering someone can make you break that detached shell I was jealous obviously yet also happy I might take the opportunity to take your attention-" he kissed more aggressively as Vespera use her tail to undress his shirt for he tried to weakly stop her yet he spoke "ugh... why is my body enjoying this? Tell me now or I might-"

Vespera continued to tease and seduce Astra, and his internal struggle grew. He wanted to resist, but his body was betraying him. The aphrodisiac, combined with Vespera's alluring presence, had a powerful effect on him. He was torn between his desires and the fear of losing control.

Then she spoke, "Come on it's okay this time to make you feel better I shall make sure no one will bother us.." Astra grunted and slowly held her close for he slowly undressed her cloak first with a lustful gaze and still trying to resist "I can't that means I am as terrible as her…aren't we technically not gonna work out?"

Vespera whispered seductively, "It's not about being terrible, my dear Shadow Knight. It's about embracing your desires and letting go of the pain. Sometimes, giving in to your desires can be liberating. And with me, it's all consensual." She continued to tempt him, trying to help him break free from the shackles of his past.

Then he grunted as they tumbled on the table as she enjoyed seeing his real face unmask and his body "Promise..a succubus promise to always satisfy her target and don't worry I will be allies with you and you can make my surviving associates help you expand your secret faction-" then he spoke "Shut up fine..You want me so badly?" Glares before blushing as he finally undresses completely and she as well to asks as she stares at his eyes "You're quite resilient so you see? Are you special? A normal mortal would've given in too easily.."

As they continued, Astra found himself wrestling with his inner turmoil. Vespera's seductive powers and words were taking their toll, but a part of him was still conflicted. He felt a mixture of pleasure and guilt, unsure of what path he was truly on.