Vampirism 101

With a small twitch of satisfaction Katherine Bishop watched as her Arrow pierced the throat of a Hydra Agent who was standing guard in front of the Hydra hideout.

This would be the third base she took down with her new team.

The others were already heading inside, while she remained on the rooftop, staying on lookout for reinforcements.

Honestly, they weren't a full team yet, just the foundation of one.

Steve Rogers, the legendary Captain America himself was their leader, taking the fight to Hydra once more. Rachel Leighton, or Diamondback if you prefer, was their second member... did she trust the former spy? Not even remotely, but the Captain had asked them to put their distrust of her aside for now and give her a chance.

Mockingbird was their next member, another Shield agent, Barbara Morse, she'd been the volunteer to test the most recent attempt to recreate the Super Soldier serum that made Captain America the man he was now. It hadn't worked completely, but she was still stronger and faster than any normal human. They'd bonded over their mutual distrust of Rachel.

Next... was Rebecca Ryker, or Death Locket. She was... a weird one? Half-machine after she was almost killed by a suiciding cyborg from the future which had been sent back to kill her father (which was some Terminator stuff right there), her father had saved her by using the cyborg parts to 'fix her'.

She'd been under Shield observation for a while, but with everything that was happening Fury had decided to put her and her technology to work.

The last member of the Avengers, for now, was Natasha Romanoff... but she was off making sure that Hydra didn't manage to capture their potential future member, Kuro Tepes.

Did she approve of trying to recruit a teenager? Not really, but desperate times and all that.

She was somewhat sad that her mentor, Clint Barton (the original Hawkeye) had retired to be with his family, to raise his children in person instead of being on assignment constantly, she didn't blame him though. He was getting older, and unlike the Black Widow he was just a normal man, who aged at a normal rate. She wasn't completely convinced that Fury had left him in retirement, that was what the super spy claimed but it just didn't sound completely true to her.

She also wasn't convinced Clint would actually sit out the war with Hydra...

For now however, she had another Hydra base to take down.

- Kuro -

Staring at her I have to bite down my annoyance, am I young? Yes, basically a baby depending on how you count my age. Am I inexperienced? Also yes, I have little experience in truly ruling, Overlord was a dictatorship enforced by violence so that doesn't count.

But if she'd come up to me and said, 'I think you need someone to help you learn to rule' then I would have agreed, I would have happily kept her by my side as an advisor without the seduction.

Would I have put my dick in her? Probably, but I try and put my dick in every girl I meet, it's nothing personal.

Releasing my control of her I glare at her, watching her shake her head in confusion before her eyes widen, I tried to not remove her memories this time, I felt it earlier with Amana, when I cancel my hypnotism there's a memory altering spell, this time I just skipped that part.

"My Lord- I..." she starts before I hold up my hand with a scowl, watching her start to pale, fear starting to grow in her eyes.

"I am the son of the Dark Priestess and Dracula himself, I'm not only a Vampire, but a Mutant and a Mage at the same time. Did you think my age made me a fool? That I wouldn't catch on to your lies, you can claim to long for me all you want, it doesn't change the anger and resentment in your eyes." I say coldly, watching her shiver. It's a fairly cold spring night, and the windows here don't completely stop the cold air from sneaking inside, but it's not the cold that's making her shake. "Do you know why you're still alive?" I ask casually.

"My L- My King, I'm-" she starts before I glare at her, making her words die in her throat.

"You are alive... because I like Amara, and because killing the former Royals isn't the best first impression of me to my new subjects.. but that can change quickly, and my patience has it's limits." I say standing up, closing the distance between us as she cowers back slightly.

Death... can I use the chains on non-target enemies?

"How spoiled, was me twisting time itself not enough of a gift... you try my patience."

Err.. Sorry?

"Nah, I'm just fucking with you. Sure, I don't care about what happens to mortals like her." she adds, a hint of amusement in her voice as I take a deep breath, shaking off the growing fear.

+5 Affection with Death [30/100] for amusing her.

You're pretty bored, huh?

"You have no idea, Mojo is just broadcasting trash again. At least this is a decent show. Get on with it."

"I'd say you have a choice here... but that option left the moment you tried to deceive me. Get on your knees." I order coldly, as she hesitates (a Queen is probably not used to kneeling after all) I simply grip her shoulders and force her down with my enhanced strength, gripping her neck as she looks up at me with big fearful eyes, my chains manifesting as they move down my arm, coiling around it like a snake before it wraps around her neck. "You might have been a Queen yesterday, but from now on you're nothing more than a slave. If you'd been smarter you could have been a trusted advisor, but that option has passed." I say, using my Unnerving Presence to it's fullest.

"My K-" she starts before I tighten the chains, cutting of her breath.

"In private, you will address me as Master. In public, My King or Your Highness will suffice. These chains are highly magical, enough to bind even Selene herself, if you waver in your loyalty and service, I will know. I will know, and your punishment will be swift." I say coldly, letting go of her neck as the chains vanish.

"I... What would have have me do... M-Master." she says as she rises slightly, a warning hand on her shoulder stopping her.

"Right now? Your attempt at seduction achieved only one thing, arousing me... and you'll be taking care of that until I am satisfied. In the future? You will be my loyal Queen Regent, neither me or Amara are old enough, nor experienced enough to rule unadvised, you will do so in my stead... but I will be watching, any sign of disobedience and both you and Nova Roma will pay the price." I say shrugging off my toga, leaving myself bare. After a moment she goes to reach for my shaft before I grab her hand.

Lifting to her feet easily, I carry her to the window, opening it and bending her over against it, her head sticking out as I move behind her.

"My K- Master... please, not here..." she begs quietly making me smirk as I grip her hips, guiding my shaft to her dry lower lips as I run the tip along her slit several times, casting arose as I do. After a mere moment she's dripping with arousal, her cheeks flustered and red.

The moment she goes to speak again, I make my move, thrusting forwards in a swift and brutal move, my shaft piercing straight to her womb as a moan leaves her, her hands turning white as she grips the windowsill.

"This is your punishment, don't hold your voice in... I want the whole mansion to know the proud queen is getting fucked like a two-bit whore." I say as I start thrusting into her, one hand moving up and clutching her hair, forcing her head up.

"I... ugh... I'm S-sorry... M-master... P-puhlease go slower..." she begs in between moans, the sounds heading out into the cold air, I don't know if anyone is close enough to see her but whatever, there were some servants lingering beneath my window earlier, handling the gardens.

"No." I say calmly, spanking her firm ass hard as she yelps, leaning forwards as I rail her against the windowsill I kiss her neck slightly, testing my control as I feel her pulsing blood against my lips.

"T-they can see..." she moans out, making me look over her shoulder, my eyes picking out a slave girl watching us with wide eyes, a wave sends her running as I laugh. She hasn't gone far, just around the corner, every so often I spot her eyes peeking around, watching Queen Ilithyia's bouncing breasts, listening to the moans and pleas as she bites her lip.

"Should I stop then?" I ask as I kiss her neck again, sucking slightly on what I instinctively know is a weak point for her.

"I... My reputation..." she says, she can make excuses... but I am in her mind. A night with a Incubus is more than someone in a political marriage, with the occasional secret affair with a gladiator or an obedient slave's head between her legs could ever be. My chains connection to her tells the truth, she doesn't want me to pull out.

"Then tell me to stop, and I will. You can leave for the night, and tomorrow I'll have your daughter instead." I say as she moans again, her lack of answer making me chuckle.

"How... I can feel your hands... but they aren't- Mmmm..." she trails off as I gently play with her clit with the power of Phantom hands, another pair groping her breasts and ass.

"My powers are vast..." I chuckle as I speed up, the overwhelming feeling finally pushing her over the edge as she lets out a loud scream, trailing off into a moan as she collapses over the windowsill, her tits hanging out of the window as I start to really fuck her, putting some vampiric speed into it as I pound into her ruthlessly, her eyes wide as she climaxes again and again, it's hard to tell if I'm just dragging her one orgasm out or she's experiencing a dozen miniature ones, but in the end it doesn't matter.

"Oh Gods... Oh G-gods... don't stop..." she moans, unable to do anything but take the brutal fucking, I lose track of how long I take her for, but as my climax approaches she's coated in sweat, her thighs drenched with her love juices.

With one final thrust I paint her insides with my seed, thinking for a moment before I pull out, coating her ass and back, before spinning her around and forcing her to collapse to her knees, the last of my increased load covering her tits and face as she pants wildly, not even flinching as she is stained with my seed.

"The last part of your punishment..." I say moving back and pulling my toga back on calmly. "I want you to take a walk around the royal mansion. If anyone asks you what you're doing, tell them that you tried to seduce me to keep your power, and were put in your place." I order making her eyes wide. "I will know if you don't... and if you obey, we can do this again." I say with a smirk as her eyes widen in hope before she blushes deeply looking away.

"I... I understand... Master." she says as she rises, looking at her fallen gown before I simply grab it and toss it from the open window making her take a deep breath as she looks at the bedroom door with hesitation.

"Now get going." I say sitting on the bed, watching as she pauses before she opens the door and steps out, closing it behind her.

It's late, nearing midnight actually... but that doesn't mean that the mansion is empty. Slaves work into the early morning preparing everything for the next day.

+5 Reputation with Nova Roma [30/100] for degrading the Queen where the Slaves she looked down on could see it.

+40 Affection with Ilithyia [10/100] for fucking her brains out, and not just killing her for her deception.

+40 Obedience with Ilithyia [90/100] for putting her in her place.

-30 Relationship Loyalty with Ilithyia [24/100] for blowing her limp-dicked husband out of the water

Huh.

Rome was a pretty degenerate place, so I wasn't expecting any major consequences but I figured it'd at least get me a bad rep as a pervert. Which would A... be correct, and B... make people underestimate me. I don't mind people naively looking down on me if it gives me an advantage in the long run.

- Queen Ilithyia -

Walking through the mansion corridors she was never happier that the slaves were so submissive and well trained, she had passed a few already but despite their wide eyes and shocked expressions none has questioned why their Queen was completely naked and coated in a thick load of cum, it was already drying on her face and breasts, not to mention leaking from inside her as I ran down her inner thigh.

She looked like a well-used whore, or a slave who'd been incredibly well fucked. Which wasn't wrong, she supposed but normally those slaves had been with a group of men, not one incredibly virile one.

As she turned the corner, she froze looking into the eyes of a pair of patrolling guards as their jaws dropped.

"M-my Queen... what has happened to you?" One of them stuttered making her wince. He was a good guard, had served as a royal guard since he was barely a men, it must surprise him to see the Queen he guarded for so long in such a state.

Despite his shock, she could see the lust in both their eyes, the one who didn't speak was staring right at her cum-stained breasts with a dropped jaw.

"I made the... error of attempting to seduce our new King in the hopes of making him let me keep my power... so he fucked me long and hard like the cheap whore I am. Nothing you need to worry about, I suspect this won't be the last time you see me so utterly used." she replied obediently, watching the first guards jaw drop in shock.

She'd said more than she needed to... but she couldn't stop the cheap thrill as she watched the two fail to speak. She was a Queen, at least until tomorrow, and yet...

"You don't have to look so surprised, I overestimated myself and underestimated our King. This was a mercy from him, pounding my tight pussy with his thick cock until I screamed for more instead of ending my life for my attempted deception. I imagine I'll be paying him back back for his mercy on my knees and back for many years to come... or I hope I will be at least." she giggled, the thrill of having a gladiator for the night in secret was nothing compared to this. "Perhaps next time you will be lucky enough to catch the show live, instead of simply seeing the... aftermath." she said, reaching down and scooping some of the cum from her inner thighs as she licked it clean. "Good night, I hope your dreams are sweet." she said, walking past them calmly with her head held high.

This wasn't any better or worse than the degeneracy that went on behind closed doors all over Nova Roma, she had no reason to be ashamed.

The rule of Nova Roma was that the Royals made the rules, if King Kuro wanted to have her show off how utterly and completely he fucked her, so be it, none could judge him.

Besides, she'd gotten what she wanted, Master knew of his own inexperience, and in his wisdom sought to counter it even before she bumbled in and almost ruined it.

- Kuro -

...Okay, I think someone has a Degradation fetish they never explored.

"Are you having fun?" Elizabeth asks bluntly making me sit up with a slight smirk, seeing her sitting on the windowsill calmly, she must have flown in.

"I am, is there something I can do for you? Or did you want a turn?" I ask making her roll her eyes as she stands up.

"And there is the Tepes arrogance, I would only take you into my bed if you were bound and gagged first. No, I am here to teach you how to use your newfound powers, I would have come earlier but you were... busy. Follow me." she says before she simply jumps from the window, landing silently on a nearby rooftop.

Quest Added

[A Harsh Taskmaster]

Objective: Impress your mentor.

Reward: Increased Rep with Elizabeth Báthory, A Grimoire on Hemomancy

Challenge accepted.

Taking a running start I leap through the window, watching her amused look as I go clean over her, massively underestimating my jumping distance.

Panicking, I focus my new skills and transform, my body shrinking and twisting as my arms become wings, my tiny bat from flying through the night. Flying is... instinctive, I don't know how I know how to do it, I just do, and my eye sight is fine as I fly down to her and turn back, landing in front of her in what would have been an impressive save if I didn't misjudge my lengthening legs and land on my hands and knees instead.

"Hmm... already worked out transforming as well as Hypnosis? That is... impressive, perhaps there is some logic to this 'adaption' thing, you certainly took to your new life quickly... except your habit of breathing." she says making me frown as I focus. "It's instinctive, you've done it for years after all, it will take a while before your subconscious realises you don't need to do it any more, and it's a good habit to keep for blending in anyway.

"So... what did you bring me out here for?" I ask as I go to get up, making her hold a hand out.

"Try a more bestial form." she says calmly making me focus as I change again, thick black hair covering my body as her eyebrow raises ever so slightly. Claws dig into the rooftop as my nose lengthens, maybe it's a vampire thing but again my eyesight stays the same despite my changing eyes, nor does my sense of smell. I suppose my vampiric one is already better anyway. "Hmm. Change back." she orders as I switch back immediately, getting up.

"I don't like you." she says bluntly. "And I won't apologise for trying to capture you, your actions were a threat to my race, and I won't apologise for trying to deal with a threat." she says making me nod reluctantly. I can see her point after all, I don't like that she attacked me... but I'd do the same in her position. "I have given you my blood, the Blood of the Báthory Line, the best Hemomancers... Blood Mages in the world, I did this because I hate Dracula and want to see him dead, a necessary sacrifice if you want to be able to beat him. I will teach you to be a Vampire for the same reason, but if I agree to teach you Hemomancy, my family's secret arts, then you must first agree that it puts you in my debt." she says coldly as I hesitate.

It's... not unfair. Again, I'd do the same if someone wanted my Family's Secret Magic's. Still... I can't say I am eager.

"And what would that entail?" I ask hesitantly.

"While I am teaching you, you will refer to me as Mistress, you will obey me without hesitation... within reason, I will not command you to do anything too unreasonable, if I do you can simply stop the training. And if you manage to defeat Dracula, I want something from his Horde of treasures. A Gem, blood red embedded in a silver necklace, that greatly increases the effectiveness of Hemomancy. I know it's there since he stole it from me in the first place. If you don't defeat him? Well, I imagine I, along with the others, will be joining you in death shortly afterwards and it won't matter." she deadpans making my lips twitch.

Again... she isn't unreasonable, and she's given me an out if she tries commanding me to do something I really don't want to...

Pride or progress, is essentially the question here.

"As you wish... Mistress." I say with a small smile, of all the sins, I'd say Pride is the one I indulge in the least, well pride and wrath. Besides, Master and Apprentice relations have existed for ages, and apprentices should be respectful to the ones teaching them.

I'm a Greedy, Lustful, Envious, Slothful, Glutton. I will happily admit that. But anger is inefficient, and Pride gets in the way. Do I have a temper? Well, Ilithyia's current state and the gossiping is proof of that, I don't like people trying to trick me after all.

"Interesting, a Tepes who isn't convinced he is the greatest thing on the earth, that he needs no teaching? Even Lilith is arrogant, her unique resistances made sure of that. Very well... then I want only one thing before we begin. Kneel, and kiss my foot." she says with a smirk as I pause.

Elizabeth Báthory, The Bloody Countess

LVL – ?

Faction – Báthory Sect

Thoughts about you – Smugness, she thinks she is exposing your hidden pride.

Unique Skill – Master Vampire

Reputation – -10

If there's one thing I like, it's proving people wrong. Kneeling on one knee I take her foot gently, lifting it and placing a light kiss on it as her eyes widen. Why am I not surprised she is doing this in high-heels?

+20 Affection with Elizabeth Báthory [10/100] for disproving her preconceptions about you (and your Tepes blood)

Standing back up I give her a casual smile, am I willing to do something so trivial to get on a powerful Master Vampire's good side? Obviously.

"I... very well. Let us begin. I have brought you out here for two reasons, one, to teach you to hone your new senses, and two, to give you the tools you need to deal with this little rebellion so we can focus on more important things." she says calmly. "I found the King of Nova Roma's hiding place, and right now in the dead of night, he is having a meeting with his Loyalist's, planning for the battle ahead. Your task is to find him and his conspirators before the meeting ends." she says gesturing over the large city. "I have removed my own scent with magic, I will not make this easy for you." she says... huh, I'm going to have to learn that spell.

"So... I just-" I start looking over the city before I look back, seeing the empty rooftop.

...Right, just me then. I can see a bat watching me but an Observe shows that it is her dominated familiar, not Elizabeth herself.

Turning back into a bat and setting off into the city, I think this through, first of all... there is plenty of chatter but most of it is quiet, servants mostly. I doubt the nobles and false king would be whispering even in a secret meeting. Secondly, where would they go? My thoughts, a nobles mansion. The king has to be sleeping somewhere, and I have his scent from his bed that I've stolen. It won't be easy to pick it up but he has to have at least gone to one of the mansions recently.

Flying from mansion to mansion, it takes me a good half an hour even at my speeds to cover them all... right before I find it.

The mansion smells somewhat heavily of him, but he isn't here... what is here is the trail of scent heading into the city alongside another mans, a conspirators? Following the scent I track it all the way to... the coliseum?

Huh... never would have checked there.

As I land on the roof I frown, well I try to, I'm not sure what it looks like on a bats face... the arena floor is soaked with blood, it can't be seen but I can smell it. Blood and Death. Piss too.

It takes me a moment to focus, I can feel my fangs lengthening even as a bat. Flying down into the audience stands, I turn back into man as I land. A deep breath later and my teeth are back where they belong.

I can hear them talking, but the blood is... distracting. I have a feeling this is another test of Elizabeth's, some of the blood is fresh... too fresh for even today's fights.

Growling beneath my breath I jump down into the arena, rushing across the sands as I follow the voices, blocking out the smell.

The coliseum is a twisting maze beneath it, and plenty of gladiators sleep in cells as I silently rush through the hallways, moving faster than the human eye could probably track.

Reaching my destination, I stop outside the room they are within, the door isn't even closed but I wanted a look at the conspirators, to learn their faces.

The room is lit up, but the corridors dark and shadowed, so I have little fear as I look inside, seeing five men sitting at a table.

One is old,with white hair surrounding the bald crown of his head, a fancy and expensive looking robe covering him. Another is younger, short black hair and another expensive robe. The one that gets my attention is middle-aged, wearing what is clearly high-ranking armour, he's the one who came here with the King. The last conspirator is middle aged, his clothes are cheaper and his scent is all over the coliseum. Finally.. the king himself. An old man, nothing more to say about him. He smells of wine and sex.

"My King... are you sure about this? Bringing outsiders into this will only-" the Commander says before the King bangs his goblet down, which is what I'm calling him until I get a name. I could observe them, but I have everything I need. A face... and a scent.

"Outsiders are already involved, that's the problem. We can't beat the Black Priestess without outside help. My allies will deal with the fool who thinks he can be king and the Priestess. We'll free ourselves of her control at last..." the king rants.

...Even if outside help is coming, isn't Nova Roma time-looped?

"I'm not the only Abstract involved in this, Sire Hate is playing her games again... I fear they will find their way in regardless." Death admits after a moment.

Dammit... more problems to prepare for. An Abstract isn't a foe I can deal with, but I can try and handle the mess she's caused.

"And when it is done?" the Commander prompts.

"You can marry Amara, Glaber. Just do your part, Crassus needs to be dealt with, his decision to support the Usurper must be his last, defeat the forces loyal to him and you will be the next King of Nova Roma." the king promises making me scowl as I resist the urge to just walk in and slaughter them. Amara is mine. MINE. I'm going to make this... Glaber suffer for his presumption.

"My Gladiators will be ready, they can serve as good front line forces.. they're replaceable after all." the poorer one says.

"And we will help handle the... political side of this, I have enough friends in the Senate to soothe their ruffled feathers after the battle is over." the richer one says, getting agreements from the old one.

If I just kill them, the civil war stops right here. But the invading force will arrive regardless... and I need to know who is coming.

Heading back through the tunnels, I climb back to the rooftops. They're just finishing up, and I have some stalking to do.

Watching the king head back into the night after a few minutes, the commander with him as they head back into the city, a hooded cloak over the king.

Watching two more head into the night, I frown not seeing the final member. I know where they are going now, I can track their scents to find any of them which means I have time to see where number five is.

Dropping back down I sneak through the corridors, immediately hearing what is taking so long. Grunts and the sound of slapping flesh, peeking around the corner I roll my eyes watching him take a slave girl from behind with a scowl on his face.

The interesting thing is the dark-skinned Gladiator glaring through the bars, a look of hatred and resentment, not at his situation... he's not angry at his slavery, he's furious at... ahh... he's married. And his wife? Currently taking it from behind by his master. I can work with that...

Waiting until the man is done (like two minutes at best) I watch him take the girl with him and leave. Watching as a fellow gladiator pats the dark-skinned ones shoulder supportively.

Casting my sleep spell on each gladiator, I pick out the angry one and alter his dreams, he'll dream of vengeance tonight, dreaming off massacring his master over and over again. Will anything come of it? Hard to say, but the worst case scenario is that he gets a night of pleasant dreams of what he isn't brave enough to do. Afterwards I lift the spell, they stay asleep but they won't be kept asleep by it so it shouldn't attract attention.

Best case? I'll have one less conspirator to deal with, and the man is arrogant enough to not see the danger of cuckolding a slave, especially one so much stronger than him, the man is all muscle and covered in battle wounds. Compared to the soft fleshy civilian? He could slaughter him in seconds if he wanted to.

Chains only hold people so much, would I fuck his wife? Maybe, she is pretty cute. but I'm a motherfucking Vampire.

Heading out I pause, the Commander didn't seem like he was tired at all, I'll go to him and the King last, give him time to fall asleep before I go after the King.

The old man can be first, following his path by turning back into a bat, I quickly reach his house. Why did my old games with following missions never have the ability to just turn into a bat? It makes it so much easier than all that Parkour and hiding, Guards don't even think twice about you.

Flying through one of his open windows, I transform back and listen. Some servants, but the old man himself has headed straight to... a room with a sleeping woman in it.

Heading through the corridors I take a moment to contemplate how wrong Hitman and all the other stealth games was, this is so easy. Vampirism for the win, I couldn't have done this nearly as easily even if I had my spirits right now (I can't count on them being as unseen in this world after all).

Heading into the room, I watch the old man cuddle the younger woman... lovingly.

Casting my sleep spell on her, I hesitate before I clear my throat, he isn't in a deep sleep yet, but he still stays slumbering until I roll my eyes and kick his bed.

"Wuh-" he mutters as I cover his mouth, pulling him from the bed.

"Stay quiet, if this turns to violence, I assure you I can kill you... and her before your guards get here." I promise him as I let go of his mouth, watching him glance at his... wife before he nods.

"You are playing a dangerous game, stranger. I am the Magistrate Titus Calavius and-" he starts.

"And I am the next King of Nova Roma... you however are a traitor, conspiring with the stubborn fool of a King to cause a war." I say watching him pale.

"You.. already know?" Titus asks cautiously.

"Would I be standing in your bedroom if I didn't? I'm the son of the Dark Priestess, does it surprise you that I have unnatural powers? I was standing right outside the room as you all discussed your treason." I say making him pause before he sighs deeply.

"Then our gambit has failed before it began. What is to happen now? Death? Torture? I assure you, I told my family nothing of this, the guilt is mine... let the punishment be the same." he says with his head held high.

"If I killed you all, and I could, I'd be the villain. Unfortunately I need the civil war to start before I stop it. Then the Lucius is the villain to this tale." I say easily watching him pause.

"I see, you don't want Nova Roma's first impression of you to be that of a conquering barbarian, but a protecting King? We underestimated you... your Highness." he says.

"...Tell me, what would it take to get you to switch sides, to join me?" I ask making him pause before he sighs.

"I owe King Lucius much... too much, I'm afraid. When he starts his gambit, I will assist him. I expect I will be killed for the act, but I must do it. I would only ask that you spare my wife and son, don't let them be stained by my actions." he pleads.

"I see... a shame, I think I could have liked you Titus." I say as I move and open the window. "I'll protect them from the consequences of your actions, I can at least do that much." I say as I turn into a bat and fly away, catching a gasp of shock from him as I do. I need answers, but I can get them from the King himself.

Could I force him to join my side with threats towards his family and a bit of magic? Of course, but I can respect his decision to stay loyal to his King, which is a loyalty I wouldn't get if I used force and threats to make him work for me.

Next, the nobleman... heading through the night sky once more I follow his scent to a impressively sized mansion, as I turn back I pause as I listen. There's... only one person awake in the entire mansion, no guards and all the servants are asleep.

Heading through the mansion I reach the only person still awake, raising an eyebrow at the sight of the noble sitting alone at a table, a glass of wine in his hand.

He's... afraid? He's pale, not looking anywhere as confident as he was in the meeting.

"Mind if I join you?" I ask, unable to resist as he jumps violently, spilling his wine over his robes, before he can shout for help I close the distance between us, placing a finger on his lips as his eyes widen. "Now, now... is that any way to act when your King is visiting your little estate?" I ask as the fear in his eyes grows.

"K-king? Oh gods..." he whimpers, backing away as he falls on his ass, staring at me in terror.

"Yes, King. And yes, I know about your little meeting..." I say with a small smirk. He is far less impressive. "Let's talk..."

- Later -

You know, everything I've heard tells me that the former king was a good one, but I'm not seeing it.

"Oh gods... Oh gods... you can't do this!" he whimpers as I hold him by the throat. He doesn't seem very kingly, but then being held over the edge of the tower would do that to a person I suppose.

"I think you'll find I can. It's a shame that you killed yourself, the despair of losing your position just overwhelming you and driving you to drink, in your drunkenness deciding that it isn't worth living without your throne." I say casually looking down over the edge of the tower I'm holding him off.

"I... no one would believe that." he says quickly making me smirk as I look at the wine stains on his nightwear.

"You reek of wine, and sure maybe your little group will know the truth, but with you gone their little rebellion will lose it's edge, even if they try and tell people, they'd just be letting everyone know that they are traitors to the rightful king. Still... I have an offer for you, you're a good administrator after all... drop the rebellion and accept the inevitable and I'll make sure you get a good position." I offer making his eyes widen before they narrow in barely restrained fury, a glob of spit hitting my cheek making me frown.

"Accept you as king? Never, you took everything from me, I dragged my way up the ranks, and you think I'm just going to... sit back and watch it be taken away?" he growls making me sigh as I let go of him, watching him plummet.

Speeding down the tower's stair, I reach the bottom quickly and catch him, running back up to the top. I've put the lookout who was stationed here to sleep, so we're nice and far away. Plus, I used a law to stop him from being loud, which stopped him from even screaming as I dropped him.

"Well... I tried being nice. You have allies outside Nova Roma coming to help you, who are they?" I ask coldly, his eyes widening in fear and shock as I do. "Yes, yes... I know, I was there for your little meeting earlier, who are they? How did you arrange for them to help you and when are they coming?" I ask making my eyes glow as I hypnotise him.

"They called themselves Hydra, they approached me after Selene told me to step down, they are coming tomorrow." he answers making my blood run cold(er than normal, I am a vampire after all).

...This was supposed to be an easy victory, some guys with spears and swords versus a Vampire Mage.

Instead I get to deal with fucking Hydra. HYDRA. Possibly the biggest antagonist in the Marvel universe, certainly the biggest on earth.

"What do Hydra want? Who are they sending? When are you planning on starting your war? Why would you agree to this?" I growl, resisting the urge to snap his neck.

"Three things... to use Nova Roma as a stronghold, to capture Selene Gallio and to capture you. I don't know why they want you. I don't know who they are sending. During your coronation tomorrow. I was desperate... I couldn't beat the Dark Priestess alone." he says blankly as I facepalm.

Natasha Romanoff is spying on me. Shield is infiltrated by Hydra. Whatever Shield want me for... Hydra know about. The Multiverses Most Popular Man has it's downsides, and Hydra aren't the type to ask politely. I can only guess they already had an agent in here, hell they probably have Agents everywhere, from Atlantis to Wakanda. Fucking Hydra getting their tentacles in everything.

Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck fuck. Fuck.

Fuck.

Tossing him back into the tower I glare down at him.

"You have no idea the danger you've put all of Nova Roma in... you will continue your current plan, meet they Hydra agents and start your attack as you planned... and you will tell no one of this meeting. Swear it or I'll rip your throat out here and now." I say making him nod quickly, he's covered in a cold sweat from his fear, unnerving presence has done it's job.

I can feel Soulbound Agreements trigger, sealing the pact.

If I kill him, Hydra won't just go away. This way, I know when and where their attack will begin. I need to keep an eye on him and find out exactly who is coming, Hydra agents go from D-list nobodies anyone could beat to S-List threats who I'd need to flee from.

Brightside, I have Selene on my side, Amara as well since her power is pretty good. Downside... they're coming for Selene so I can only imagine they will bring a way to deal with her.

Grabbing him roughly I rush through the streets, avoiding the few patrols as I take him back to the bed I pulled him from and toss him into it.

"I want you to know that I'm going to make you suffer for this, you have made what should have been an easy weekend into a big fucking problem, and for that? I'm going to enjoy destroying you." I growl before I fly through the window with a fierce scowl.

Just once, I'd like things to go normally for me.

Landing on a nearby rooftop I watch as Elizabeth does the same.

"Not bad, you certainly have our speed and senses down already... I take it you're worried about this Hydra?" she asks making me sigh.

"Yes, I am very worried about Hydra." I deadpan. "Tomorrow is going to suck." I sigh.

"And yet you've left the conspirators alive." she remarks. "Even with the coliseum covered in enough blood to send a newborn into a blood-rage." she adds with a smirk as I give her a dirty look.

Called it.

"Oh don't give me that look, forcing you to deal with blood is the best way to increase your resistance, and I was nearby to step in if things went wrong." she says casually. "Getting them to meet there was childs play with a little hypnosis, I can do far more than just get some answers after all." she adds smugly.

"I'm glad you find this amusing, Mistress." I add deadpan as she smirks.

"I do... still, you've surpassed my expectations, normally it'd take a lot longer for a vampire to reach this level of skill and self-control. Perhaps this won't be so... irritating." she admits reluctantly as she pulls a tome out from under her dress...

[A Harsh Taskmaster] Complete

Objective: Impress your mentor.

Reward: Increased Rep with Elizabeth Báthory, A Grimoire on Hemomancy

+10 Affection with Elizabeth Báthory [20/100] for impressing her

"Take this, start studying the beginning parts. I'm not wasting my time with the beginner spells." she says passing me the black leather tome, red writing on the cover.

[The Art of Hemomancy, by Elizabeth Báthory] added

A Grimoire on Hemomancy, written by Elizabeth Báthory over the decades of studies and experimentation.

"Than-" I start before she holds up her hand.

"Don't, just do your homework." she deadpans. "I won't teach you until you have the basics down." she says as she turns back into a raven with blood red eyes and flies into the night.

Putting it in my inventory I turn into a bat myself again, flying into the night. One last visit before I call it a night, the one who cucked the Gladiator. If things don't go right with my plan, I want to know where he lives in case he tries to run.

As I arrive at his house, I smirk. Called it, he isn't nearly as rich as the others... he tries to act like he is but I honestly doubt he's even a full nobleman.

The moment I saw him he struck me as one of those people who wants to be rich and powerful... but just isn't.

Heading into his house, I move through the building silently. I'm not planning on waking him up, I just want to confirm that he's here. Heading into the bedroom I pause, staring at the woman laying next to him.

…Okay, I'm starting to realise that something weird is going on, cause that is Lucy Lawless. I'd recognise Xena anywhere, even if she's older now. Focusing my gaze I use observe on the sleeping woman.

Lucretia Batiatus, Spy

LVL – 19

Faction – The Cult of the Black King

Thoughts about you – Ambition

Unique Skill – Espionage, Plotting

Reputation – 40

…The name sounds familiar enough, but I can't place it.

Whatever, I found out enough after all... another Cult member and this one is a noble, so she's bound to know more than the slave girl. Putting her husband into a deep sleep, I pull the covers off her slowly, looking over her sleepwear with a growing lust. The long sheer dress barely contains her breasts, and she wears nothing beneath it, leaving her exposed as the see through gown fails to cover anything.

...I mean, it's Xena, can I really call myself a man if I miss this opportunity?

Still... I have an idea.

- Lucretia -

Looking around the throne room in confusion, she blinked several times as she tried to remember how she got her.

Looking up she paused, seeing the young man sitting on the throne, his red eyes locked onto hers. She'd never seen him before, but that didn't stop her from knowing who he was. She, like all the cult, had been given a description of the Black king after all.

"Your highness, you called for me?" she said without thinking, hesitating before she realises what was happening, she was dreaming.

She'd gone to bed in her home after all, and now it was the middle of the day in the Royal Palace. She'd gone to sleep in a gown, and now she was dressed in the most expensive and luxurious dress she'd ever seen.

"I did... approach." he ordered. It was improper for anyone, especially someone as... middle-class as her, to approach the throne directly, the proper behaviour would be to kneel at the bottom of the steps up to the white throne after all.

But then, this was a dream wasn't it? Her status didn't matter here, she could do whatever she wanted.

Sauntering up the steps, she watched the King's eyes linger on her swaying hips with a smirk, dropping to her knees directly in front of him, her hands resting on his thighs.

If this were real, she'd probably have an arrow sticking out of her back now, but in her dreams she could do whatever she wanted.

"Do you know why I have called you here?" he asked as his hand stroked her cheek.

"I'm afraid not, your highness... but I live to serve." she said with a sultry smile, her hand moving up his thigh.

"That's good to know..." he said before her vision blurred, when it cleared, she struggled slightly, unable to free herself from the stockade, her dress gone and her body exposed as she looked up into the kings eyes, bent over at the waist as the cold dungeon air struck her body.

"Your husband supported the former kings last gasp at power, his Gladiators caused death and destruction on his orders... so tell me, why shouldn't I destroy your traitorous little house in return?" he asked harshly, his hand gripping her chin.

"My King! I... I warned the cult, I did what was asked of me" she pleaded, this was just a dream... but the cold iron digging into her wrists felt so very real. As did the fear those glaring eyes caused in her chest, her heart pounding. "Please, with him gone I can help you. The Gladiators are mine now, and what is mine is yours." she pleaded.

"Who do you get your orders from? Who leads the cult?" he asked insistently making her flinch.

"I... I don't know, Lady Laeta recruited me but I'm not high ranking enough to know who leads us." she admitted making him sigh in annoyance.

"You lot do like your secrecy don't you?" he asked rhetorically as he walked around her, his hand running along her sore buttocks, she could feel the sting of the whip she had been struck with in her time in the dungeons. "Do not lie to me, I'll know... we are in your head after all. Why did you join the cult?" he asked as he groped her red ass roughly, the unmistakable feeling of a hard dick grinding between her buttocks.

"I.. for wealth and power..." she admitted, wincing as he spanked her ass slightly. "But I truly believe in our cause, in serving you! I swear it." she promised, immediately falling forwards as the stockade vanished.

Before she could collide with the cold stone floor the scene changed, and she suddenly started falling backwards, the floor being replaced with a ceiling as a soft bed caught her, still naked she watched her King crawl over her, now as naked as she was.

"Is that so? Then you'll do whatever I want?" he asked, his thick shaft prodding her lower lips as she spread her legs slightly to give him room to work with as she nodded.

"Of course, my king. The cult exists to serve you in the shadows, in whatever capacity you desire." she promised truthfully. She'd been a disbeliever when she'd been recruited, but over time she'd come to see things differently.

Leaning down he kissed her almost lovingly, his hands grasping hers as she was penetrated, closing her eyes she opened them again with a slight frown.

This was really getting disorientating... on her hands and knees on another, bigger bed she moaned as her King took her from behind, looking around the room with wide eyes as she watched the debauchery unfold, dozens of noblewomen and slave girls alike naked and lustful as they played with themselves and each other while they watched her become one with the king.

Queen Ilithyia and Princess Amara were making out on the bed next to her, even the Dark Priestess was here.. though she was chained to the wall with several sex toys inserted into her.

"That's good, we really should do this when we meet.. in person so to speak." he said with a laugh as he gripped her hips.

"I.. what do you mean, my King?" she asked before the scene changed again, this time he was still inside her... and they still had an audience as she rode him while he sat on his throne, the entire Senate watching them.

"This is real, well... somewhat. I was investigating your husbands little alliance with the former king when I found you, so I entered your dream. So we could speak privately." he answered calmly making her eyes widen.

"This... you're real?" she stuttered as he smirked, the scene changing back to her bedroom, him laid back on her bed as she bounced in his lap, her husband chained in place as he was forced to watch.

"I am... I wanted to know more about you, whether you could be trusted or not... it's nice to know you can be." he said calmly as he gripped her hips and thrust up into her, his cum flooding her womb. "Still... consider this a glimpse of the future, Lucretia. I like you already, and if you stay loyal, I'll make sure you are rewarded..." he said as the scene changed, she had the luxurious dress back on as she looked over her home, the massive extravagant estate that was hers and hers alone with wide eyes, barely even noticing the kings hand as it slipped under her dress and groped her ass, the scene changing to the parties she'd hold with nobles begging for her favour and attention. "If you betray me however..." he said as the scene changed again, a slave collar around her neck and her body bare as she stood on a raised platform, people bidding for her, men she knew placing their offers. Her being bought for a pittance as she was taken to a brothel, being passed between shadowy men, used as little more than a toy... her on her knees next to the other cult members as they were sentenced to death by an glaring king. Watching as they were crucified one by one before it was her turn.

"Well.. I'm guessing you get the message." he said just before they nailed her to the cross as they were suddenly back in her room, causing her to drop to her knees as her legs failed her. "You have to be careful when you deal with cults after all... tell the cult I want to meet it's leader, do this for me and you'll have my favour." he said stroking her hair before she sat up in her empty bedroom, her husband sleeping besides her as she steadied her breath, looking at the wide open window with wide eyes... she'd locked that when she went to bed.

Getting up she walked to it, looking out over the city before she froze, seeing the unmistakable figure of a man standing on a nearby rooftop, the moon silhouetting him before he just... vanished.

...She needed to go to her sisters in the Cult, she had a message to pass along.

- Bonus Scene – The Council -

"And that is what happened!" Shiklah finished, leaning back in her throne as she completed her explanation of everything that had happened to the Council oft the Monster Kingdom.

She'd originally tried ruling alone, but eventually she'd realised that things were easier with people supporting her, the Council had been formed consisting of the twelve strongest and most influential monsters in the Kingdom. Some represented their species, essentially being voted in by their race, and others were simply too powerful to not be given a seat.

The Succubi Representative, her own cousin Jenny, looked thoughtful.. and amused. No doubt at her admittance that she failed to charm Kuro, she'd be hearing about that later. Jenny got the position simply because Shiklah couldn't both be Queen and Councillor, but she was a firm ally, and always supported her.

Deacon Frost had gotten a position purely due to his power, though he lacked deeper ambitions thankfully. He had made himself into an artificial vampire and his Doppelgänger ability made him a very dangerous enemy... the other Vampires didn't consider him a true member of their species. That said, he was a wildcard... he hadn't joined any faction, or made any alliances, simply voting however he felt like. He seemed interested in what had happened, but then he was a scientist, he was almost always interested when something like this happened. She could sense his interest in Kuro... and more importantly his adaptability, she'd have to stop him from trying to experiment on Kuro.

It wouldn't be something he did out of cruelty, he was just a scientist.

Lily Cromwell, the 'Baroness Blood' was another who had gained a seat due to power alone.. and a major pain in her majestic backside. Aside from consistently voting against her in every single issue, no matter what it was about, she was a Vampiric Suprematist with the belief that Vampires were the Supreme Monsters. Oh, and she was almost certainly a thrall and spy of Dracula himself, not that Shiklah had ever managed to prove it... or that it would matter if she did. Power meant everything to the Monsters, after all. She seemed... far too interested in a son of Dracula, something to keep an eye on.

Next was the Representatives of the Vampires in her Kingdom, Nosferatu. Dracula might be the King of Vampires, along with the most powerful... but Nosferatu was one of the oldest. Dracula was allegedly the First Vampire but no-one really knew where Nosferatu came from, he had just always been

around. Thankfully he was a tired old man who cared little for politics, like Dracula he could take her position if he truly wanted to, but he simply didn't care enough to do so. He seemed... bored, uncaring.

Next was Marysal the Dragon, a rather strange one. She was mostly an unknown who had simply arrived in the Kingdom one day and decided to stay. She was... wary of her, Marysal was a nice enough woman, but Dragons were amongst the most powerful beings on Earth for a reason. She couldn't read the dragons expression, even in human form, she had no idea what went on in her head. She'd been given a seat simply because it would be an insult not to do so, she was simply too powerful to be ignored.

Demona Hellstrom was another... strange one. They didn't have many demons in the kingdom, but when the Granddaughter of Satan asks to join, not demands... asks, your nation, you can't really say no. She gained the position by pure power, though she cared little for politics. She wasn't paying attention to the meeting.

Next, another Vampire. She'd always been somewhat concerned at the amount of power Vampires had gathered, but then she'd realised that they fought amongst themselves too much for them to ever fully team up. Vampirella was an... unpopular one, she had too much of a history of hunting monsters to be popular in a kingdom of monsters. She seemed more interested in the idea of them fighting Dracula than anything else.

Sister Nil was next, the Lilin/Succubus hybrid. She was another mysterious one, the Daughter of Lilith was a potential threat, but she seemingly didn't care about trying to claim her position.

Dario Agger the Minotaur was a very different story. He was firmly an enemy, and he was obsessed with taking her Throne. He was probably the most ambitious of all the councillors, and his position and influence in the human world as the CEO of Roxxon made him a danger and a threat... she just hadn't been able to deal with him yet. His furry snout was twisted in a scowl as he glared at her.

Delphyne Gorgon was far less of a threat, the Descendant of the Gorgon sisters cared for one thing alone, the death of Athena and the lifting of her curse. She joined the Monster Kingdom to use it's resources in her quest to slay the Goddess. She was doing the smart thing and not getting involved, if Delphyne wanted to commit suicide by Olympus so be it.

Damiella the Unicorn was weird. Honestly, Shiklah was not sure if Damiella counted as a Monster given that Unicorns were creatures of light but the Kingdom never turned a non-human away if they wanted refugee and Damiella had needed it badly. There was a madman called Kraven out there who wanted to kill her simply so he could say he had killed a Unicorn after all.

The Twelfth and last Councillor was Raizo Kodo. A Japanese Samurai Vampire who led the Vampire Sect called the Forgiven. Officially they were enemies with a hostile and occasionally violent rivalry, in truth he was her trust General, they used their fake rivalry to deceive and ferret out traitors and threats to her rule.

Satisfied for the moment, she looked over the council trying to pick out the potential... problems when Kuro eventually joined them, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Dario.