Chapter 26: A Gift from Down Under

Chapter 26: A Gift from Down Under

When I finally soared over the top of the familiar forest that was my home. I couldn't help but feel a small fondness in my chest. I think I’ve grown quite attached to this little piece of the world. I guess leaving it for a while reminded me of this. Well they say one only misses the sun when it starts to snow...

I was originally planning to find another phoenix but after flying around for another day I couldn’t find any. I guess if I wanted more I would need a more concerted effort. Maybe next time when I have the time.

As I look down at the trees I found I was able to instinctively navigate the forest even from above. Soon I found the spot where my little home was and I swooped down through a gap in the trees. When I landed I smiled as I looked at the cave entrance but then I noticed something on the ground...

I looked down and saw it was a book with a note...

I picked up the note and began to read...

Dear Firstborn

This book is a priceless text carrying knowledge that is all but lost to most of all that draws breath. Guard this knowledge well, for if one were to find it, it would be a clear indication of what you actually are.

You are not ready to face the armies of heaven and hell. You are not even ready to face the strongest the humanoids have to offer. This tome will help you disguise what you actually are.

Regards,

Your friend from down under, A

I tilted my head as I read the last part. My friend from down under, A? Australia?

No no, don’t be stupid...

Hmm, could it be the Syndicate? Then again, why the A? Thus far I know Nemesis, Theseus, Persephone and Heimdall... none of those start with an A... most of them don’t even have an A in the word...

Some other party? Down under... hell? Do the demons know about me?

As I was traversing the mountain I kept getting the feeling that I was being watched. Was it them watching me? I need to be careful, it looks like my presence is not as good a secret as I thought...

I should probably read this in the base, I’m not exactly inconspicuous with my gold feathers. So with that thought in my mind I entered the room. The first thing I noticed was a scent in the air, it was a musky scent, a familiar one...

Ahh... princess!

And there it was...

Looks like I walked into something...

I silently slithered towards the room that Cecilia was staying in and when I looked in I saw what I expected to see. I saw Cecilia between Lily’s legs and thrusting roughly. It looks like she had this thing strapped around her privates. I have a suspicion on what it is, but I fail to see the reason for it. Maybe Cecilia just liked watching?

“I’m back.” I said calmly and I watched as Cecilia flinched at the sound.

“Oh friend, you scared me. I didn’t hear you.” Cecilia said breathlessly as she turned around.

“If you could hear me so easily I wouldn’t be a very good predator.” I replied dryly.

“I suppose you are right.” Cecilia said as she got out from between Lily’s legs. As I suspected she was wearing this strapped on phallus. It was made of metal and I saw glowing runes on it.

“Where did you get that?” I asked curiously as I gazed at the wet tool sticking out from her nethers.

“Oh this? I made it back in the cradle. It gets awfully lonely after a while and one tires of your own fingers after a time.” Cecilia said as she unstrapped it and I watched as she took it off. Strangely even with the strap off the device was still held in place.

I watched as Cecilia shuddered as she pulled and revealed there was another end on the other end of the metal phallus. Cecilia dropped the strap on the bed as she looked up at me. Lily meanwhile was still panting on the bed.

“What’s the point of having two ends to it? Were you expecting company?” I asked curiously as I gazed at the device.

“Well the two ends are different, one is bigger and thicker. I prefer that one but if I use it too much I get sore. There's a smaller one to use in between. It’s easier to enchant one long rod rather than two separate ones.” Cecilia replied with a shrug.

“I see, anyway I think someone was here...” I said and Cecilia’s eyes widened in shock at those words.

“They left this note and this book on our doorstep.” I said as I handed both to her.

Cecilia didn’t say a word and her eyes widened as she read the note and the cover of the book.

“Yeah, I know. An account of the Firstborn by Primordials.” I said.

“Friend from down under... hell? This sly tone seems like something a demon would say...” Cecilia said.

“What demons have names that start with a A?” I asked.

“Hmmm... I only know the most famous ones. I’m not that familiar with daemonology.

The most obvious one is Asmodeus, Demon Prince of Lust.

Astaroth, Demon Duke of the Ars Goetia, the Ars Goetia are a type of demon nobility.

Then there’s Alastor the Archdemon, a mortal man turned demon, who serves under Mammon, Demon Prince of Greed.

The last one I can think of is Azazel the traitor, he was an angel that defected to hell.

Anyone of them could be involved, they have plenty of minions to do their bidding. Pretty much all demons are schemers, so this could be some scheme from any of them.” Cecilia said.

“Azazel the traitor? Angels can become Demons?” I asked in surprise.

My feathers I think I’ll change the colour slightly, make it more of a yellow gold...

I think maybe a crown of feathers on the top of my head would be good, to give it a more majestic feel...

My wings looked awfully like wyvern wings in structure and they don’t fold very well... hmm I may need to enter buildings at some point... the wings would get in the way...

Let me see if I can change the shape so that it folds a little better... there much better it folds seamlessly now on my back...

Huh what’s this... oh so my new wings are smaller so it has reduced flight mobility and leaves some excess power that can be allocated into other places...

Hmm... how about I turn my wings into an additional weapon? I'm a better fighter on the ground anyway...

How about I put some bone blades and spines on the tip of the wings. I could use the wings like a long spear to stab at further targets. Would make me more dangerous as well... ok so that works... still have a little excess power though...

How about I increase my fire breath ability? Hmm not enough power for that though... What if I strip some of my armor? Yeah I can reduce the armor at the lower armpits, there’s nothing important under there anyway. Well technically I have what looks to be a spare set of kidneys but nothing that will affect my ability to fight. With my regeneration I could just heal that back after the battle.

Now for my arms... if I can’t change my appearance once the humans know about me then I would need two combat arms and two hands for fine motor skills so might as well specialise them to fit those roles...

So stronger upper arms and more dextrous lower arms. Those talons on the fingers could be shorter, handling books is a pain when I’m constantly in danger of slashing it up...

I could use an extra finger as well, so three fingers and an opposable thumb...

Maybe I could alter my vocal chords to make speaking easier. I still sounded quite bestial, like I was constantly growling... ok... done...

Damn my original body is really bad for mixing with humanoids, then again that probably wasn’t a priority. I’m not exactly a domesticated animal after all...

Ok what else...

◦◦,`°.✽✦✽.♚.✽✦✽.°`,◦◦

A man in black and red suit hummed happily as headed back to the portal back to Hell. Well a man is a bit of a stretch. It had a man’s face but he had a set of curved goat horns protruding from his head under his neat black hair. His pupil glowed an ominous red, the red flickered like a flame, as if the first of hell burned with his eye sockets. As he teleported the rest of the way and appeared at a far away mountain peak. He saw a man standing next to the gate. He wore a greek style helm with a red plume that obscured his face. He held an aspis in one hand and a spear in the other.

“Theseus, what brings you here?” the man asked cheerily as his mouth widened into a smile. His smile spread so wide it looked like his face would tear open.

“Alastor... What is an Archdemon doing in Terra?” Theseus asked.

“Oh nothing, just having a stroll...” Alastor replied with a laugh.

“I know you gave the Firstborn a book. What do you want?” Theseus asked, although his tone seemed threatening, his body language was calm as if he wasn’t expecting a fight.

“I want what you want, Heir of the Firstborn. I think Heaven has outstayed its welcome here on Terra.” Alastor said as his smile widened even further and his pupils narrowed into sinister points.

“You are a deal maker, why give a gift? Not your style Alastor.” Theseus said.

“I like putting my money where it can breed great returns. You should tell Lady Nemesis, if she wants to sit and watch for too long I may snatch the Firstborn right from under her...” Alastor said.

“If you’re telling me this, it means you aren’t going to do it.” Theseus replied calmly.

“You’re no fun... hahaha...” Alastor said with a light laugh.

“Do the Princes know? I assume your master Mammon knows?” Theseus asked.

“Prince Mammon does not know, even if he did, he would send me to do his bidding... he cannot enter this world without an invitation after all...

As you know only myself, Ibilis and of course the one you mortals love the most, Grand Succubus Eisheth Zenunim can enter this world freely. The rest of them have to sit on their hands.” Alastor replied.

“Hmph, just remember that if you cause trouble the Syndicate will not sit idle.” Theseus said.

“If you have any concerns I would be happy to bring you to Prince Mammon and you can speak to him yourself.” Alastor said with a sly smile as he extended a hand.

“No thanks.” Theseus replied with a scoff.

“Ah... disappointing... don’t worry Theseus, all will be as it... should be...” Alastor said with a grin.

“Is that so?” Theseus asked.

“Of course, don’t worry I quite like the Syndicate you know. I wouldn’t be standing here if not for Persephone’s deal...” Alastor said.

“Right... just behave when you’re in our house. We don’t take kindly to troublemakers.” Theseus said as he turned to look at the gate, indicating to Alastor that it was time for him to leave.

“You wound me Theseus...” Alastor said with another laugh as he walked towards the gate. Right before he entered the gate he turned to look to Theseus. Alastor tilted his head and another impossibly wide smile appeared on his face like gash.

“Besides I think you all prefer my company to the Angels, no? All the Seraphim have sticks up their asses, well... maybe except Mihael. He took the stick out of his ass and started beating people to death with it.

HAHAHAHA!

Besides...” Alastor said as he leaned it slightly as his smile turned from sly to malicious.

I always honor my bargains

I always aim to please...

Hahahahaha...