{"sf1_id":115642,"sf2_id":"keN7Y9wm","title":"Virgin Virus - Ch16: Light","author":"Aitos Saibankan","words":4334,"posted_at":"2009-12-31T23:06:00.000Z","tags":["Dark","Demon","Drama","Hybrid","M/M","Magic","Plot Development"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/115642-virgin-virus-ch16-light","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/keN7Y9wm","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/96/cd/96cd328b-344f-4d94-a148-216979611c81","description":"#19 of Incubus: Virgin Virus","content":"\u0026nbsp;\n\nIncubus: Virgin Virus\n\n-By FurryYunSeong/AitosSaibankan-\n\n-Chapter Sixteen-\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- Last Chapter: -\n\nThe Beta Group woke up inside the base of Apollo, a fellow military blue blood. \u0026nbsp;It was a brief meeting, the leader of that base ultimately agreeing to help the demons in their campaign, even if it is all based on his superior's orders. \u0026nbsp;They were ready to head back to the human world, the other two demons that accompanied Apollo acting very reluctant \u0026nbsp;Duty is there to be done...\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHayden was tasked with waiting for both Boto and Jason to arrive from their individual assignments: talking to their families about the Virgin Virus and requesting their help. \u0026nbsp;The dark haired incubus waited patiently, the other three demons having left a mere half hour ago. \u0026nbsp;They soon arrive, only minute apart, Boto wet from the underwater journey and Jason exuding much heat.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Hayden, where are the others?\" - Boto is the first to notice.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"They went to the Wind Hole.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"So you're here to accompany us there?\" - Jason then asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Yes, I am. \u0026nbsp;Shall we go?\" -\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBoth Boto and Jason nod. \u0026nbsp;The demons take the skies in slow ascension, with Hayden leading the trio. \u0026nbsp;The panorama ahead was dark, the sun was past the horizon. \u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"What could you find, Boto?\" - Hayden asks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Well, my family gave me this jewel. \u0026nbsp;It's supposed to give me a lot of power. \u0026nbsp;I guess that's useful.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Yes, it can be very useful.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"My father wasn't very happy to see me, but my brother gave me a jewel too. \u0026nbsp;A similar excuse here.\" - Jason spoke.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"So we have a pair of family jewels. \u0026nbsp;That sounds promising.\" - Hayden remarks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I don't see myself using this, but I guess I'm the only one who can.\" \u0026nbsp;- Boto ponders.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Yes, you are the only who can activate your family's jewel. \u0026nbsp;It only makes sense.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"My father had already used it once. \u0026nbsp;He's always looked different, but I never knew why, really.\" - Jason added.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Most of the time, the changes are permanent. \u0026nbsp;Depends on how you unlock the jewel's power.\" - Hayden says.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You seem to know a bit about the jewels.\" - Boto looked at Hayden.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I was raised with a lot of information.\" - Hayden answers simply.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I'd say.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAriyoshi and Rude stayed at the edges of the Wind Hole, the massive dimensional phenomenon that kept the Wind Fortress absolutely safe. \u0026nbsp;Rude was not one to stand losing control of his earth wielding powers, and going inside the wind castle would mean that he would be defenseless there. \u0026nbsp;Ariyoshi, always accompanying him, stayed behind as well. \u0026nbsp;They hoped that the meeting with the wind wielders would be brief.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Jason, Boto, Sebastian and Rafael know can visit their families one way or another, but Hayden, me and you, we have no idea. \u0026nbsp;Plus, Hoyt seems to be very secretive about his. \u0026nbsp;And there are a lot of other families out there. \u0026nbsp;I've only heard of a few.\" \u0026nbsp;- Ariyoshi thinks out loud, to Rude's ears.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Ari, what exactly happened to your family?\" - Rude looks at the green-eyed demon, who only kept his eyes on the floating island above the abyss.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I've... never been able to tell... One day, they were not there, and I was alone...\" - Ari looks down, some sadness seeping in.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I know that some of them liked being able to control aspects of time a little too much. \u0026nbsp;It drains you badly, you know. \u0026nbsp;And you can only manipulate some aspects of that instant. \u0026nbsp;Although I'm not sure what the others can do. \u0026nbsp;For all we know, some of them might be dead.\" \u0026nbsp;-\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I sometimes think about that. \u0026nbsp;My story's no easier, but different. \u0026nbsp;You know...\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I know...\" - Ari looks at Rude, his normally serious face looking adrift.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You really want to know where they are, don't you?\" - Ari asks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It's conflicting.\" - He replies.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Sometimes, I think you could be happier. \u0026nbsp;Maybe if you shared more of yourself. \u0026nbsp;I'm not the only one in this world, you know.\" - Ari smiles.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You're the only one I care about. \u0026nbsp;Probably the only one I ever will.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"That's just being blind. \u0026nbsp;I'm sure the others really want to know you better.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"That's not gonna happen anytime soon.\" - Rude grunts, approaching Ariyoshi.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You can be a really complicated fellow.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRude was now very close to Ari, the time wielder turned once again looking at the abyss.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"If I didn't have you...\" - Rude's arms slide around Ariyoshi, his breath caressing his neck.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe next instant, Ariyoshi was a few yards behind Rude. \u0026nbsp;The earth demon almost stumbles at Ari's instantaneous movement.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You and I both know what's going here. \u0026nbsp;You know how to make it right.\" - Ariyoshi smirks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"And you say I'm complicated...\" - Rude growls lowly, looking at the time demon. \u0026nbsp;Frustration showed in his whole body.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAri's just looking at the earth demon with calm, serene eyes. \u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAnother instant and the whole world adopts a yellow glow. \u0026nbsp;The howling sounds of the Wind Hole become silent. \u0026nbsp;Rude becomes immobile. \u0026nbsp;Time is still, he knew this feeling. \u0026nbsp;But it wasn't his doing.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAriyoshi looks around, trying to find the source of this time manipulation.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Brother, I knew I would find you.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBehind him, a golden haired incubus, his same height, with white eyes and very light fur. \u0026nbsp;He approached with open arms.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Happiness fills me deeply. \u0026nbsp;How have you been?\" \u0026nbsp;- He speaks in a soft voice.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"See for yourself.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Well, that doesn't answer much? I'd say you've been fine.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAriyoshi nods, turned reluctantly at this strange time wielder.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"What do you want?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Brother? Don't we share the same happiness?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I believe we don't. \u0026nbsp;I would prefer if you left.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"But... I was going to ask you about our family. \u0026nbsp;I wish to find them.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Not my concern. \u0026nbsp;And, how did you find me? \u0026nbsp;How long have you been tracking me?\" - Ariyoshi was becoming exasperated.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I only noticed you an hour ago, deciding the moment to address you. \u0026nbsp;I froze time, I didn't want any interruptions. \u0026nbsp;And of course, you'd be the only one unaffected by the manipulated continuum.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Well, you saw me. \u0026nbsp;You can be on your way.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I am... disappointed.. and concerned.\" - The stranger's face gained a sad form, he looked away.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"That's just a fraction of how I felt for a long time.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I understand... This will be like it never happened.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You can count on that.\" - Ariyoshi growled.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAnd then, the world had its normal lighting, the howl returned, and Ariyoshi felt confused and angry. \u0026nbsp;The stranger was no longer there. \u0026nbsp;Time manipulation only stops instants, those instants can be as long as the controller wants, and the influenced can act freely. \u0026nbsp;But the physical world cannot be easily manipulated in frozen time. \u0026nbsp;And the strain also affects them, heavy use of their abilities can make them very weak and make them age very quickly. \u0026nbsp;So, the instant in which Ariyoshi met and dismissed the lost, unknown brother, it was like it never happened. \u0026nbsp;But it did, still, Ariyoshi was not sure if he needed to let anyone know. \u0026nbsp;Maybe it was nothing.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Here they are.\" - Rude says, looking to the west.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBoto, Jason and Hayden were descending. \u0026nbsp;The land a moment later, quickly grouping with Ari and Rude.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"So this is the Wind Hole.\" - Boto could not stop looking at the abyss.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"The general and the other two are already on the island.\" - Ari tells the just arrived.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Hopefully this will be quick.\" - Hayden adds.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"What did you guys get?\" - Ari asks out of curiosity.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Me and Boto got jewels. \u0026nbsp;Supposedly they'll boost our powers.\" - Jason replies, pointing at Boto with his thumb.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Family Jewels... we'll have to see what Hoyt says about it.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nRafael, Sebastian and Hoyt stood on the floating island, looking upwards, absorbing the sheer scale of the structure.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"How do we get in? \u0026nbsp;I don't think knocking will do.\" - Hoyt asks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You're right on that one.\" - Sebastian replies, keeping a hand on the cold steel.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe raises an arm at shoulder level, takes a deep breath, then knocks the door. \u0026nbsp;It resonates in a different way, more loudly that it normally would. \u0026nbsp;It's thickness and strength could be felt out of that knock. \u0026nbsp;Wind seemed to carry Sebastian's fist, the sound it made similar to that of a fist a few times larger.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Who goes there? \u0026nbsp;We expect no one.\" \u0026nbsp;- From inside, the gatekeeper answers.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"This is Sebastian. \u0026nbsp;Let me in, Ludwig.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You? \u0026nbsp;A traitor cannot be allowed inside. \u0026nbsp;Leave the way you came, or there will be blood.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLudwig's voice was not too deep or too sharp. \u0026nbsp;The echo from the structure's inside seemed to amplify it. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt steps beside Sebastian.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Can I address the stubborn one?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You can't. \u0026nbsp;He won't hear you.\" - Sebastian looks at the ice general, then back at the gate.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Why so?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Our voices are carried by the wind. \u0026nbsp;They're amplified by it.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I see... and could you apply that to me?\" - Hoyt seemed intrigued.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I believe I can, but what good will it do?\" - Sebastian seemed skeptical.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Don't doubt my persuasion skills. \u0026nbsp;Before I take drastic measures, I like to be polite.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Fine, just step in front of me, and speak when I say so.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHoyt does as told, Sebastian presses a hand on the ice demon's firm back. \u0026nbsp;The wind demon could feel Hoyt's naturally cold fur. \u0026nbsp;Sebastian pushes wind into Hoyt. \u0026nbsp;The ice demon could feel the difference, the wind coursing around him wildly and swiftly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Speak, sir.\" - the wind wielder gives the cue.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Gatekeeper, this is the ice general. \u0026nbsp;We have urgent matters to attend.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"A military demon? \u0026nbsp;That's some stained blood, you'll do well not to cross paths with us.\" - Ludwig seemed unconvinced.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It will be brief. \u0026nbsp;If you'll just let us through.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Not going to happen, ice demon. \u0026nbsp;Leave the same way you came.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Fine then, I'm left no choice.\" - Hoyt growls.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe temperature around Hoyt drops drastically, forcing Sebastian to retreat. \u0026nbsp;He holds onto the steel gate, growling in concentration. \u0026nbsp;His eyes gained a blue glow, then ice began creeping from under and around the door, creaking and crackling and solidifying. \u0026nbsp;Within moments, the massive metal gate was crystallized \u0026nbsp;Then, Hoyt grunts as he pushes the ton heavy doors. \u0026nbsp;More cracks are heard; the hinges had been broken. \u0026nbsp;The massive gate begins to complain as it gives way.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThis was an amazing display of strength; the door was soon falling into the fort. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt always seemed like a powerful demon, but this clarified that he is stronger than many thought. \u0026nbsp;Sebastian seemed half worried about Ludwig, who probably was standing under the falling giant doors, soon to be squashed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe crash and explode, scattering thick, icy debris and lifting dust. \u0026nbsp;Rafael and Sebastian covered from the shockwave. \u0026nbsp;The gate had been toppled by a demon a fraction of its size, and now the fort was completely open.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"We enter.\" - Hoyt said to his accompanying demons, arm extended in invitation.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe trio moves crossing the icy debris, but stop on their tracks moments later. \u0026nbsp;The wind around the growls and flows to a center, then explodes into gusts, lifting the remains of the gate and clearing the center of the floor, only to fall and further break and split. \u0026nbsp;Ludwig emerged.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You're a daring group. \u0026nbsp;More than daring, I'd say!\" - He had his fangs bared.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLudwig was of average height, with a silverish undertone to his brown fur, and a silver mane, as well as very large wings. \u0026nbsp;He was angry and ready to strike. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt kept moving inside.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Are you going to face us?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It would seem like I don't have to. \u0026nbsp;But you wouldn't like it if I did.\" - Ludwig smiled.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I believe you won't have a choice.\" - Hoyt growled in reply, Sebastian stepped behind him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It's three against one. \u0026nbsp;Do we take him?\" - Rafael asked in whisper to Sebastian.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Well, Ludwig is more capable than he looks. \u0026nbsp;I'm just waiting for Hoyt's course of action.\" - Sebastian replied just as softly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Sebastian, amplify my breath.\" - Hoyt beckoned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLudwig approached further. - \"That's right, just stay there frozen for me to blow you all away.\" - He grinned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe ice lord inhales deeply, Sebastian holding onto both of his shoulders. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt blows, his breath deeply frigid. \u0026nbsp;Sebastian flexes his wings back, then forth in a powerful flap. \u0026nbsp;A powerful gust is brung forth, and Hoyt's icy breath is turned into a powerful gale of frozen wind. \u0026nbsp;With no time to react, Ludwig is blasted by it, resulting in instant frostbite \u0026nbsp;His feet are frozen to the ground, and his bones begin to shake uncontrollably\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"W-w-what?!\" - Ludwig reacts. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt steps beside him, the gatekeeper following him with his eyes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You will not have any part in this.\" - Hoyt grabs the gatekeeper's arm.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Just breathe. \u0026nbsp;You will not die.\" -\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIce begins to envelop Ludwig. \u0026nbsp;The wind demon could be heard taking his deep breath. \u0026nbsp;It didn't take a minute before he was fully encased in an ice crystal, immobilized. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt releases his grip, the ice around his hand breaking. \u0026nbsp;He massages his wrist for a second, and sighs.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Hoyt...\" - Sebastian mumbles.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I just didn't want him to be in the way. \u0026nbsp;He'll be fine.\" - Hoyt looks at Sebastian, answering the unspoken question.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe three demons step fully inside the structure, admiring it. \u0026nbsp;The lighting was minimum, it was shaped in a circular fashion \u0026nbsp;The ancient stone walls had a set of spiraling stairs installed. \u0026nbsp;It would seem that the original owners had no wings. \u0026nbsp;As they looked skyward, expecting a ceiling blocking their view, only darkness was seen. \u0026nbsp;It seemed that the abyss was above them, the stairs loosing themselves the further upward they appeared.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"So, we go upwards... Ready, general?\" - Sebastian asks, being tasked with carrying the general due to the lack of wings on the ice demon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I believe so, lad.\" - Hoyt nods.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThey ready, but they are interrupted. \u0026nbsp;In a fashion that seemed as if the Wind Hole itself was inside, they are blasted by a powerful current, forcing them to kneel. \u0026nbsp;The roaring wild wind immobilized them and deafened them. \u0026nbsp;From above, the source lands powerfully before them, a majestic towering demon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Why do you intrude my abode? \u0026nbsp;And why is my gate missing?\" - His voice was sharp, strong.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHoyt steadies himself, facing the tall wind demon. \u0026nbsp;He has long silver hair, a darker gray undertone to his fur, and wings of an even larger span that Sebastian's. \u0026nbsp;The wind lord glanced at each of them, then fixed his sights on Hoyt, expecting the answer.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I came to talk to you, Crono.\" - Hoyt half-bows.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"This is an odd and intrusive fashion to request my time.\" - Crono growled.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It will be brief.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Then speak.\" -\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It's about the Virgin Virus. \u0026nbsp;I believe you're well informed about it.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I am. \u0026nbsp;What does it have to do with anything?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"We are working on a campaign to restore our species.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You possibly think that I could help? \u0026nbsp;The lesser demons have never been a royal's concern.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"That hasn't always been that way.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"General, some things happen because they are meant to.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Now I ask you, did the disappearance of all our succubae have a reason?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I... no...\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Crono...\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Don't pressure me, ice demon. \u0026nbsp;I already stated that it is not my concern.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Then what will it be?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I will think about it. \u0026nbsp;Perhaps it would be possible for the royal succubae to restore part of it, but I believe that more royal demons prancing around is not... convenient. \u0026nbsp;I want as little do with this as possible.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"What do you think of your life, Crono?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"What kind of a question is that?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"A question you answer... we are not mere animals, Wind Lord.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I am satisfied with my life. \u0026nbsp;I ask nothing more of it, and I don't want anyone interfering with it.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I see...\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"See yourselves out.\" - Crono growled. \u0026nbsp;Concerned had seeped deeply into him, it showed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"How will I know your final answer?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Either a messenger will tell you, or the wind itself. \u0026nbsp;Now, get out.\" - The tall demon points outside.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHoyt nodes, then signals Rafael and Sebastian to leave. \u0026nbsp;Rafael turns, but Sebastian hesitates, looking insistently at the Wind Lord. \u0026nbsp;Crono did not acknowledge anyone else in his presence save for Hoyt. \u0026nbsp;Crono turns about-face, and flies upwards, back to wherever he was. \u0026nbsp;Wind howled behind him. \u0026nbsp;And Ludwig remained frozen.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAt the edge of the floating island, Sebastian creates a wind sphere, surrounding Rafael, Hoyt and himself with it to safely cross the deadly chasm of the Wind Hole.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTeam Gamma was once again whole as a group, a few miles away from the Wind Hole, which still remain in sight range. \u0026nbsp;They sat in a circle, recapping and resting.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"So, Boto and Jason both got a family jewel from their respective families.\" - Hoyt began.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nJason and Boto, sitting beside each other, nodded in unison.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"And we are going to get some sort of answer from Crono sometime around. \u0026nbsp;At least, there was no conflict.\" - He adds.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Where to from here, general?\" - Rafael wonders.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Well, Hayden, Airyoshi and Rude's families are gone... Rafael, will your family be hostile?\" - Hoyt asks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Yes... they definitely will.\" - Rafael nods, then looks away concerned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Before we return to the human world, we should visit them first. \u0026nbsp;Later on when we return, we'll explore the other families we don't originally know about.\" - Hoyt declared.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe demons stood, Hoyt looked at Rafael.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Lead us, then.\" - Hoyt makes an inviting gesture, and Rafael turns.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe group of demons take flight, quickly ascending as they travel northwest.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n...\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe castle that held Rafael's family sat a few miles from the city most of them were originally settled in. \u0026nbsp;They arrive after a few minutes of travel. \u0026nbsp;The fortress catches the eye, as it was brightly lit with a chromatic glow. \u0026nbsp;In the past, it would be constantly monitored by patrols, but in the present situation, there was no need for such things. \u0026nbsp;They land approximately four kilometers apart. \u0026nbsp;The sky was now very dark.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"How will we go about this?\" \u0026nbsp;- Hoyt asks Rafael.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"You may go, and they will probably answer. \u0026nbsp;They are not hostile towards other blues. \u0026nbsp;But they will be towards me. \u0026nbsp;I'm just wondering if I should accompany you, sir.\" - Rafael answers.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I see... still, move with me and stay close and ready.\" - Hoyt finally says.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHayden, Boto, Jason, Ari, Rude and Rafael nod, each with different expressions in their faces. \u0026nbsp;They glide closer to the castle, it began to seem bigger, now that they were grounded. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt walked towards the gate, knocking on it moments later.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA tall, blond demon with angel wings half-opens the door.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"State your business.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It is Hoyt. \u0026nbsp;I come to see the leader of this family.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe gatekeeper of the angel castle lets Hoyt in, and closes the door.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLight emanated from a wide variety of jewels that were encrusted in the marble walls of the great castle. \u0026nbsp;It was a different feel from most of the other demon lairs. \u0026nbsp;It was almost soothing and inviting. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt had to adjust to the extra light that bathe him. \u0026nbsp;The gatekeeper lead him along two sets of stairs, going to a third level and stepping across a tapered hall. \u0026nbsp;The glass windows had mosaics of ancient art, the glowing jewels illuminating them perfectly. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt enjoyed looking around, but then he is stopped. \u0026nbsp;The gatekeeper steps through set of granite doors, signaling the ice lord to wait for a cue. \u0026nbsp;A second later, a slight nod from the gatekeeper means that he can step inside.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Kafziel, the ice lord Hoyt is here to see you.\" - the gatekeeper stood behind the closed door, head in bow and hand extend. \u0026nbsp;Hoyt gently walks through. \u0026nbsp;The gatekeeper then steps outside, closing the door behind him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nKafziel, Rafael's father, was a very large demon. \u0026nbsp;He stood slightly taller than Tobey, around 9 feet tall. \u0026nbsp;White feathers covered his wings, and his eyes seemed to glow, even if they didn't really. \u0026nbsp;He looked down on Hoyt.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Hoyt, always proper.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Thanks for seeing me.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"To what honor is this visit? \u0026nbsp;It is rather unexpected. \u0026nbsp;Come, have a seat.\" - Kafziel sits on a large piece of embroided furniture behind him. \u0026nbsp;He gestures to Hoyt with an open hand signaling a smaller version of said piece to his left. \u0026nbsp;The ice lord takes the seat.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It is about the Virgin Virus.\" - Hoyt said firmly.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It couldn't have come at a better time. \u0026nbsp;Don't you agree.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"We're actually working on restoring the species.\" - Hoyt felt a pang of anger at Kafziel's sarcasm.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Oh... and who is 'We'? \u0026nbsp;The rest of the military?\" - Kafziel growls.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"A group of demons that were all joined with Dr. Oscar.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Dr. Oscar....\" - Kafziel seemed heavily annoyed at this information.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Yes.\" - Hoyt nods.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Why would you do such a thing, ice general? \u0026nbsp;It... does not make sense to me.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"It makes perfect sense to me. \u0026nbsp;We're going to restore the world as it used to be.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"The world was dirty in the past. \u0026nbsp;It is clean now, just a fraction away from perfection.\" - Kafziel's voice felt exasperated.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Do you really believe such a thing.\" - Hoyt was deeply restraining himself, keeping a clean face and hiding the diverse types of anger he was feeling from Kafziel's reaction.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Don't question me, ice lord. \u0026nbsp;And to answer your question; you will get nothing from us. \u0026nbsp;Is there anything more rational you need?\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Look, Kafziel. \u0026nbsp;If the time comes for us to cross paths while were working on this, I expect you to keep on your way and not interfere. \u0026nbsp;That would be quite sad.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I have the right of way, general. \u0026nbsp;Don't expect me to just let you slide.\" - Kafziel looked awfully serious, his muscles tensed, his wings extended and his sight capable of boring through diamond.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I may have overstayed my welcome, then. \u0026nbsp;Don't be an ignorant fool, Light Lord.\" - Hoyt stand, and turns.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I don not fight without reason. \u0026nbsp;But when I do, I do not lose. \u0026nbsp;I don't expect to fight you, I don't want to have to do anything with you. \u0026nbsp;But believe me, Ice Lord...\" - Kafziel growls.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHoyt grunts, and angrily opens the door, startling the gatekeeper. \u0026nbsp;Kafziel stands, arms crossed behind him, looking triumphantly. \u0026nbsp;The door is closed.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe gatekeeper sees Hoyt out, neither speaking a word. \u0026nbsp;The door behind him is closed, he regroups with the other six demons.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"What happened?\" - Rafael is the first to ask, noticing Hoyt's frustration.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I may have forgotten how it is to talk to Kafziel...\" - Hoyt replies.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"So it's another no go.\" - Ariyoshi remarks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"That was to be expected.\" - Rafael sighs.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"I don't expect to cross paths with any other blue-blood that hasn't agreed to help. \u0026nbsp;I'm just hoping, if we do, that there is no conflict. \u0026nbsp;But you never know.\" - Hoyt takes a deep breath.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"So, we return now?\" - Boto asks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Yes. \u0026nbsp;I'm growing increasingly tired, I'm sure you all do.\" -\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n- \"Let's get ourselves back to the human world. \u0026nbsp;To warmth...\" -\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"Incubus: Virgin Virus","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/114569-virgin-virus-ch15-dust.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/116788-virgin-virus-ch17-evanescent.json"}}