Balthier

That sounded quite workable. If things got too restrictive here, she could always find somewhere new, a different area, a new world, though starting over was a pain. She liked it here. He wanted an empire, she just wanted survival and to play her games with mortals. "I believe we should have a harmonious existence then. A mutual beneficial defense arrangement, shall we call it?" She crossed her long, shapely legs as she relaxed her impeccable posture slightly, sitting back a little. "I intend to feed on the energy of the mortals. Use them as my toys, perhaps infiltrate some of their lives and cause some mayhem. I may have my fun hopefully, without distrupting your schemes." She regarded him, as he seemed like the cautious planning type. "How will you investigate the bunny girl? If I may ask? Did you plan to capture her?"

Fujiko sat, listening intently and paying attention in case there was any slight if hand going on here. One could never be to careful with cards. She found it interesting her first card seemed to be spot on. She made a slight nod in agreement as she listened to the explanation, it made sense. She definitely carried scars from Gyumao's service. Next she listened to the explanation of the present. She thought she knew what she wanted... did she? She felt that weird pang of emotion welling up deep inside her as she looked at Elie. She felt sone kind of connection, and had to look away. Except her vision landed on Daimond, and she felt conflicted immediately. How close should she get to her potential enemy, she was looking good though, and Exzel would love to experience having fun with this leader of Magical girls. She undressed Daimond with her eyes, and shot her a look that said she wanted her, before turning her attention back to Elie, and a little emotional connection coming back as soon as she did, surpress it as she tried to. As judgement was revealed, she took a deep breath, and listened. She fully believed there were going to be big choices in her future, the question was what, and when. "No, in fact. It is as I suspected so far. The pieces are falling I to place. By all means, please continue." The next card, focus inward? Interesting. Did she have information within her hidden or... suppressed. She suddenly had a worried feeling about the emotions she had started feeling at this table again, between Elie and Daimond. Would inner contemplation help. If she didn't sort herself out, would she continue to be conflicted? There was a look of utter surprise on her face as the lovers card was revealed and the card itself seemed to have an effect at all on the table. Her body was already keyed up, in expectation of a sexual encounter, the feeling of warm love mixed with that, made her take a hard few breaths as she looked at both girls. She may very well secretly desire someone to love her, but she couldn't quite admit it to herself yet. She started to feel it, but tried to surpress it again. Swallowing hard. She was tough. Independent. Wasn't she? Her mind was coulded with doubt. Did she desire more? She didn't want to admit it right now. The two of cups, who was it talking about? Her new marked human property, or Daimond, with who she fulling intended to bed and develop some kind of... friendship? Seeking power over people through relationships, would they end up friends? Would Elie end up forgiving Exzel for taking her so forcefully, and that be the one it meant? "Has actually given me mush to consider." Her brow furrowed in contemplation. "Some seem immediately clear to me, others I feel like I may have to discover as life unfolds. It gives me ideas... of what to watch for." The cards my actually have revealed truths to Fujiko, the last one, made the 'independent' yokai worry what fate had in store for her. But also, ignited a fierce curiosity in what the future would bring. "There is a lot here I must consider. Thank you, for this."

A lot going on in the reading at the con. Will need to go o er it a second time and digest before I get a reply out for it. (Hopefully tomorrow, though I work 12 hours).

"By all means let us commence the reading. I've been looking forward to this, let's see what fate has in store, shall we?" Her eyes flicked down, noticed her erect nipples. Exzel put a finger to her lips, gently biting it, then trailed it down her face, her neck lightly, and felt down her own chest before putting her hand on the table. Her other hand rest on Daimond's leg, slowly inching higher towards her thigh, discreetly, under the table. She breathed a little deeper, causing her chest to heave slightly in her dress, the excitement plain on her face. "Show me what lies in store for me."

Exzel smiled at Elie, "Sometimes you just have to endure a harsh mistress." The way her eyes overtly looked down Elie, then back up to her eyes, they said, she wanted to take her. "Mmmmm. Yes, I would very much like a reading from you. The 5 card reading seems to suit me best. Will it show all my desires?" She threw a playful glance at Daimond Sorceress. Under the table, Fujiko grazed Daimond's knee with a light touch, then she did the same with Elie, delighting in teasing them. She could feel the lust building in Elie from the mark, and Daimond was looking more distracted by the moment. She started to get more excited about the possibilities by the minute herself.

I do not see her trying to mark Alexandrine at this time. Nor did I think it we would wise to reveal her true form to her just yet. Unless you wanted it to go that way now. Alexandrine seems to have fairly strong feelings about fighting the bad guys, and Exzel is a bad girl, for the time being. Now getting her to come back for more, that sounds exactly like what she would want. Zef would be all about taking Daimond if he ever got the chance. I do think that would be a good direction to go, but I get the feeling Alexandrine should get comfortable with Fujiko before she tries to turn her over to Zef. Do you really think she should try and corrupt her so soon? I didn't think Alexandrine would be up for sex with an Oni just yet. Is she getting to that point? Aside from that, Fujiko is definitely down for fun with both. Down the road, I had imagined being a shape-shifter, Exzel would try being a futa at times with certain characters, but probably not when she's masquerading as Fujiko.

***** Exzel did like to look good, she felt most at home, in a good dress. So she did dress like this often. She did, however wear this one, for her guest. Not because she was trying anything per se, but just to see if there was any interest in his eyes. She didn't like to match power for power with strong beings, she did like to use soft power, if she could find an advantage however. "About that girl..." She looked at him, his features. Recalled the girl. "Is she... related somehow?" If he had claimed some of the Diamond Witches old team, for had some fun with a girl back then, that little bunny girl appeared to be around the right age. It was only a suspicion, wild speculation for the moment, but the pieces fit enough to spark her curiosity of the possibility. A magical girl-demon hybrid, that would be challenging, but interesting, if that's what she was. It would explain her aura though. If she could be turned and used as a weapon, Exzel thought that would be delightful. "Investigating further, sounds like a good plan. Perhaps we can work together? All I want is dominion around this fortress, a city of humans near ripe to explore and exploit, and feed on their energy. I should see no reason I would interfere with your plans. In fact, perhaps we my join strengths when necessary?

The cold stare was not expected, was it judgement? "Please do not misunderstand me. I seek to understand the nature of fate, not to challenge it. For I am no expert. My questions were genuine." Fujiko looked back at Elie with a warm look in her eyes that could melt an iceberg, "I do not doubt your powers in the slightest." She had zero doubts there, it was true, and she had witnessed her power first hand. What she didn't understand was if she was fated to fight Elie and Daimond endlessly because of what she was. "What I seek to know, is if fate can take different paths. Can different paths lead to the same place, in other words? Do the little details make a difference? Or is it absolute? I wish to understand. I have often felt an unseen hand guiding my choices at key moments, is this fate?" Which was true, she had never really given deep thought to fate before, but wanted to understand as much as she could from someone knowledgeable. She felt by achieving a deeper understanding, she might understand Elie better herself. Also keen to unlock any advantage she could gain.

"Fate is a powerful thing. I do believe in cosmic forces wanting us to dance to their tune. I also believe in free will, so I tend to think one can bend fate, even if not escape it. But my understanding may not be as expert as yours. I have only my personal observations. But fate may have some chance, much like the drawing of a card no? Or have I misunderstood?" There was something exotic and wild in Fujiko's eyes as she looked into Elie's then Daimond's, talking about fate. Something... a little bit dangerous. She uncrossed, then crossed her legs the other way, letting her foot lightly brush up Daimond Sorceress' leg as she did, though made no excuse or reference to it this time. It was only their little shared moment. "How about you Daimond Sorceress, if one is born with magical gifts, are they fated to fight demons? Is there no choice for you?" She looked back to Elie, "Or is it we just can't see it?" There was a mischievous look in her eye now, "Until it hits us?"

Exzel indicated Hellhound with a nod, "Quite an addition to just come wandering in. Chance? Or fate? Either way, a useful addition perhaps, though she seems to have a strong wild streak." "I could sense power, I believe you." Exzel was pretty sure she did not want direct confrontation with the Daimond Witch. There were other ways, she might have fun with that one. But that was a private thought. "There is no denying the witch has strength. The question then, what are her weaknesses? You are right to investigate before attacking. My compliments to a wise choice." Exzel watched Hellhound begin to rest, the healing would likely take a day if not days, from such wounds, depending on her natural healing abilities, amplified as they were now. "Please join me for a little before you go." Exzel gestured for him to follow her deeper into the fortress, a small Japanese style castle. She offered a seat to Zorn at a table, and walked into the next room. The sound of clothing hitting the floor coming out of the room as she dropped her dress and undergarments, and emerged minutes later in a translucent, V-neck gossamer gown, that hugged her waist, and stopped just short of her knees. A mazone servant pouring unfiltered saké into wide drinking dishes before the two demons. "A local drink, I've become quite fond of. If it suits your tastes, Lord General? To new beginnings, Kompai! Exzel raised her drink in a toast, not taking her eyes off Zorn, mostly because he was an unknown element for now. She hoped for an ally but that remained to be seen.

On the off chance that happened some day, that would mean she's Exzel's and not Zorn's, so I don't think he'd get his way. Exzel would certainly be possessive of her marked conquests, I would imagine. This is all hypothetical anyway. She probably wouldn't overtly want any conflict with the local powers that be anyway. Was just wondering "what if."

Just for the sake of argument. If demon's had the power to mark more than one conquest, and Exzel somehow managed to mark Alexandrine some day, I imagine that would cause a lot of drama with Zorn if he found out?

Fujiko carefully sat down with the women, crossing her legs under the table, as was careful in her delicate white dress. There was something in her body language, more relaxed, sexy, she was putting out a vibe after her meeting with Jumi. Addressing Daimond S first, "I thought you would enjoy some time with your friends, and we had talked about a lot, I needed to process all of it. Besides, I wasn't sure if a new acquaintance tagging along would be proper. As it turns out, I am sometimes affected with a curious wander lust, and I needed to check some things out." Her eyes were subtly on Daimond with veiled desire as she said 'lust,' and 'check some things out.' But soon she turned to look at Elie in the eyes, feeling a desire for her building as well. She had thought often of the night she had taken and marked Elie. It had been extremely enjoyable, the intrusive emotions aside. "I would love to see a demonstration of your abilities. But I do wonder, can one change one's fate if the direction is bad? With a dedicated effort and free will, or is it all written for us, no matter who, or what we really want to be? Does chance figure in?" Fujiko was intrigued by Elie's powers, she had witnessed them manifest first hand, and wondered how powerful her astral divining powers were. She touched her chest, and briefly adjusted her dress, sitting between the two women, a small tell of the excitement she was internalizing. A slight pursing of moist lips, an elegant bat of eye lashes, her attention on her pet. The mark on Elie, the strongest she coupd make, as she had marked her while taking her virginity.

"I welcome you here as well, General Zorn." Exzel executed a polite, short bow, not taking her eyes Zorn in case he was up to something. "Ulburnus, the name was unknown to me until recently, but I have heard rumor of some great exploits, which is what brought me here." She listened to his explanation, "I would likely have done the same in an unknown circumstance. That is wise. The Daimond Witch is quite formidable. I would like to hear more, if you would indulge me some time, perhaps? Let us attend now to your..." She paused searching for the right word, as she did not know their relationship, "retainer. This way, if you please." Exzel nodded and the beautiful Mazone approached, lifting the beast-girl and carring her to the fortress. Once there, in a back room by the garden, there was a tub, filled with a warm green liquid, which had a rather pleasant smell. The mazone lowered Hellhound into the liquid bath, the girl would be feeling an immediate warm, and slightly pain numbing effect, as the mixtures and potions began their work. "Please rest here as long as you'd like. It heals, and boosts greatly your natural healing. Curtesy of the shadow elves."

She did not react negatively, that made Fujiko breathe a lot easier. It could be the slight alterations to appearance, combined with the trauma and the large crowd, or the effects of the mark that blocked her from completely recognizing Exzel in human guise. Probably a little of everything if she had just had an emotional breakdown. Whatever the case she felt releived, but she could feel her mark reacting now. Normally it would make the marked one more reactive to sexual advances, horny, however it would be to less effect with the limiters, it might still giver her a warm feeling in certain places. It might work more the closer she got, it had been a long time since she had had a marked "pet," and had put limiters on. Though the dangerousness of the situation excited her deep down. "Oh hello!" She waved to Elie sitting with Daimond S. She did move closer, looking to get a read on Alexandrine, to make sure her presence was not off putting. She had put work I to making a good impression, and did not want to upset that now. "I have been enjoying the musical performances and looking around, I don't wish to intrude, butwould you mind if I joined you now? I noticed Tarot cards earlier. I hope it's not too forward to say I'm interested to know more about that." She looked between both girls, trying to judge if they actually wanted company.

Exzel's voice was calm, even, "I meant no disrespect Hellhound. Perhaps you're more right than you know." She thought back to when she was an operative for Gyumao. Thought about how she used her power through the centuries. All the black ops, infiltration, exploitation and assassintion. Some of it had been for survival. Some it, she had enjoyed some of the work, if it hadn't been under Gyumao, she really might have lost herself in it. She had liked the subterfuge and manipulation best. "I do not deny it." She gave a gentle reasurring smile, as she knelt next to Hellhound, her dress having seen better days. "Let me help you for now, if I may? Let us get you healed up?" She could be an interesting friend to have, her offer was sincere. It wasn't long before Zef returned with the Mazone women, corrupted tree spirits in human form. Standing prepared to assist, but for the go ahead from the beast-girl.

Fujiko scanned the crowd visually as she went, walking with a purpose, it was a little harder to find her mark with the power limiters on. That and focusing on keeping her aura suppressed just in case. With all the magical girls and cosplayers around, it was harder than she liked. But after long minutes, she was able to zero in, and find the right direction, threading her way through the crowd. She did a double take as she passed the picture area. That bunny girl, not what I want right now. She continued on, eventually finding her mark. There she was, sitting at the table, with the Daimond Sorceress. It looked like they were eating desert or some such. She decided to get a green tea from a vender, and walk closer, not straight at them, but near them, casually, as to not attract extra attention. If she could get close enough to activate her mark, perhaps it would ease her mind before see saw her. Perhaps not, no telling how much the limiters would block any effect. She would be prepared to run if needed, marking clear escape routes, and large crowds to get lost in, if this went bad. She was passing the table, behind Daimond S, looking at Elie seeing if she would catch her eye, and trying to read what her reaction would be.

***** Fujiko flashed a flirtatious smile at Jumi, "Yes perhaps your right." She ran a hand down her side to her hip. "I might be able to find something, I should look around more. Thank you for your suggestion." Fujiko thought she could definitely pull off the short skirt that seemed to be popular with magical girls. "If I find something, perhaps you might rate how well I pull off the look? Your opinion would be most welcome, I hope to see you around later." Fujiko could feel the emotions from her marked human receding, though she was still curious as to what was happening. She felt the need to go check out the situation, as much as she wanted to chat up Jumi more.

@Warning The thought process was, she saw Hellhound pinned and the fight going out of her. Exzel assuming a killing blow might be coming very soon, Exzel having a feel that Alexandrine was powerful and fairly remorsless in combat, whether that was true or not. I was picturing a spear, that didn't hit anything critical like her heart. Thinking that she'd be able to remove her, retreat, and give her enough time for her demon healing to compensate for blood loss. It was time to go, and she didn't want to suffer Hellhound's fate, nor want to leave her alone to her alone to die. She's got things to aid healing at the fortress as well. So that was the thought process. It I write something that seems off, by all means, I'll hear anyone out. Can always go back and change it up if necessary. Though it sounds like Alexandrine would pull it back when Exzel came over to her, so I think we're good now, everyone? As to getting back, I'm assuming thay forest wan't terribly far from the City? If someone has a cell phone, I'm thing they could just GPS their way back, or at least find the closest civilization for a Uber so something?

Fuck! Exzel watched the demon dog get effectively handled by the daimond sorceress. She thought quickly. She could summon reinforcements, gather her energy and start going all out, but to what end? She much preferred to set an ambush later, and try to capture one then commit her minions to a pitched battle rashly, the only thing to gain was victory, maybe a meal for Zef, but at what cost? No it was time to fade away. Exzelcryth closed the portal back to the city the girls were so close to, sprinted a short distance at high speed coming up behind Hellhound and grabbed the monster girl. "With me monster! Now!" She immediately opened a portal to her fortress and stepped through pulling Hellhound with her. No sooner where they through than the portal closed in a flash. Leaving the magical girls and a knight alone in a dark, starlit daimond oasis in the forest, and a few flames quietly smoldering on the edge, the smell of carbon drifting through the air from a like campfire. **** At Exzel's fortress **** The portal opened in the zen garden out back and Exzel stepped through, bring Hellhoumd with her. The portal closed as soon as they stepped out. Exzelcryth took a deep dreath, letting the monster girl go, setting her down on some grass under a cherry blossom. A large stone stood in the center of the garden, a 10 foot monolith, with runes etched down the sides, an ancient demonic script, marking this a waystone. Serving a homing beacon for Exzel, once you knew what to look for. It was different than sensing a demon or a magical girl, a waystone like this you could sense only after placing your hand on it and attuning to it. It also carried enchantments to mask evil energy in the area, a gift Hagitha had set up for her days ago. It was dark in the garden save for the glow of the waystone and two long buring torches that flickered orange light by the pond. "They were stronger than I had hoped. That damned Daimond Witch especially. Though the spikey one was also quite adept..." She brushed herself off, recalling the last time she grabbed the boy as she did. His body was surprising solid for a mortal, though she did manage to find one soft spot to grab when she threw him. "Is every in order, my mistress?" Asked a deep booming voice. Zef a 7 foot tall red Oni with white markings, baring an iron studded club over his shoulder, walked out of the fortress to the new arrivals. "I had a run in with the most beautiful girl, Zef. It was all going well until her friends showed up. A tangle with this planet's guardians was unavoidable it seems, but not before I claimed one. But perhaps... I may have found a new ally?" She turned to Hellhound, addressing her in a polite tone, "You got tangled in my fight, apologies. You fought well, despite the Daimond Witch. I'm am Lady Exzelcryth, might I have your name, monster?" "Summon the Mazone, I would have this one healed tonight."

"Do you think so?" Fujiko looked down at herself, and did a half spin, as if trying to picture what she would look like. A show, more for Jumi's sake than her own, to give her a glimpse of more angles of her body for her next question. "Thanks! Who would I dress as though? Could I pull off anyone, do you think?" She looked thoughtful for second, "I'd have to find something that fit just right, and I'd probably need help to be any good. Maybe I should just watch this time and learn?"

"Uhh!" The boy ducked her high kick, and came forward, leaving Exzel feeling exposed briefly, in more than one way. His attacks were precise, and they actually hurt. Gritting her teeth she stumbled back in her dress, just as fire engulfed her surroundings. She made sure to stay clear of the magical flames enough to not be hurt. She was resistant but not immune to fire, especially magic. Soon after she noticed the ground turning to some kind of crystal looking substance. Dancing through the flames as they covered her movement, she saw Toshiro distracted, the fire catching him off gaurd. Stepping quick with a circular movement that wood have looked at home in earth Bagua style martial arts, Exzel got behind him in a flash and grappled him. Her arms going around his chest, her soft breasts smashing against his back, she executed a thrust of her hips to break his balance. Running one hand lower down his front, she grabbed him, and leaned back further throwing him toward the portal. Leg swinging in a wide circular arc after she released him, she stood up in a defensive stance taking in the situation.

***By the merchandise*** "I don't have a costume. Even if I did, I'm not sure I'd be so good dressing like someone else." She lied. "If I was interested... where would I even start? It seems like it'd be a lot of work. Do you think I could pull something like that off?" Fujiko did consider it. She actually did find it fun dressing as other people, even if she tried to present the opposite as true. Even more fun taking their appearance perfectly, but that was for another time, and for other uses. She could sense sorrow suddenly. Her marked plaything was close, and feeling strong emotions. Sorrow tended to make people volunerable, and Fujiko wondered what was happening to cause such a strong emotion. It peeked her curiosity, to say the least.

Was thinking BladeRunner would want to post next, most likely.

"Of course that makes sense, thank you." Fujiko/Exzel turned towards the rooms, wondering if any where occupied. The rituals of these earth humans where different, but she's seen far stranger. What were they doing in there, really? She went back to looking at the art. Finding a good one of Daimond Sorceress, and pulled it out to set with the other one. These would be good to show her subordinates later if nothing else. She did come across another of Jumi, completely naked. Lookong it over if she really had that form, she was quite attractive. Fujiko pulled it out, turned and held it out to Jumi for her to take, of she wanted it. "I imagine you are looking for these. I would completely understand, in your position, I might do the same. Although, this one does seem fairly tasteful compared to some, there's a certain elegance in the lines, but they paid special attention to you face. There, the gentle expressionl, yet eyes of someone ever alert and on guard. Still probably not for the general public eh?" She handed her money to the man for the art she had pulled out, and he put it in a bag for her. "I wonder what else there is around here to see? Did I hear correctly there was a cosplay competition tomorrow?"