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Seth hit 'reject' on his phone once more, ignoring the call. He didn't know how to feel about Orias right now, and it wasn't like he could go to Davin for advice. He wasn't sure who he could talk to, other than Lucian... which he'd already done, and that had only filled his heart with confusion. The bench creaked under his weight as he looked up into the night sky; the lake looked peaceful as he took another drag from his cigarette. He still trusted Orias, but if everything Lucian had just told him was true... what should he do? Could he really just carry on like usual? Another call... another rejection as he tapped the red button on his phone's screen. He'd stopped even looking at the texts, but that was what was prompting the calls right now he assumed. He was about to throw his phone in the lake out of anger when he felt a strong hand clasp around his wrist. Expecting it to be his father, he looked up to see an unfamiliar face.

"That would be a waste of energy," the man said, shaking his head before letting him go. "Turn it off, if it pains you so."

"...You're Fortitude," Seth said, recognizing the voice immediately. It wasn't as powerful as when he'd heard it upon his conversion to daemonhood, but there was enough there that he knew him.

"Yes, though you can just call me Ethan. Is now a bad time, or...?"

"...No. I'd ask how you found me but I already know that," Seth said, pocketing the phone before bringing out the token to show him. It was some ordinary pocket item, yet he could still feel the power in it. Pocketing that once again, he moved to stand before Ethan stopped him.

"I'll stand," Ethan said, simply moving off to the side. Even in the dim light, Seth could see he was quite attractive with his short black hair and trimmed beard; it looked quite professional, with how it followed the jawline and met the goatee. He looked well-built too, under that suit... but while normally he'd entertain such thoughts, he pushed it from his mind as he looked out over the lake.

"I don't love him, before you ask," Seth said, and Ethan simply nodded. "I just didn't know he was..."

"Nobody told you, so it's understandable," Ethan said, his voice calm and steady. "Even I was shocked to hear Orias was back, at first. I do not hate him, but I don't agree with what he did. Even if our rules didn't forbid it at the time. That was more our failure than it was his."

"It's still not okay," Seth said, though Ethan didn't respond this time. "Right?"

"You'll find most debates about morality will fall flat with us, Seth," Ethan said. "We don't think the same way mortals do. And in time, neither will you. That said, I happen to agree with Davin as far as all of that goes. But I did once call Orias a friend, before... everything. We were all arrogant, once. Even Temperance. I cannot say I am humble now, but if we spend all our time judging each other for the past or holding onto grudges... we'll all go insane. We are immortal, and we do not forget so easily. You will understand this as well, one day."

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Seth asked, sighing. "I mean, I appreciate it, but..."

"I don't like conflict, but I have endured it time and time again. It's probably why I became elder in the first place," Ethan said, calm as always. "But Fortitude is not just persevering. It is also about having the courage to face your fears. I don't like conflict, but I am not a pacifist. I fight for what I believe in. Do you?"

"I don't know what to believe in anymore," Seth said, before a hand rested on his shoulder. "What are you..."

"I sense a bit of his venom in you," Ethan said, surprising Seth. "He always did like that part of his form. The snake... the one that trailed behind as his tail, but struck with ferocity all the same. It seems he's adapted it however. Would you like me to remove its influence from you?"

"...I need to think clearly, so... yes," Seth said, before holding up a hand to stop him. "But only remove the venom. Just so we're clear."

"I wouldn't take advantage of you. But it's good you clarified," Ethan said, closing his eyes. Power flooded through Seth, burning slightly as it traveled through his veins. Instead of an unpleasant feeling like he was expecting, it merely felt like something was being removed from him. "How do you feel?"

"...The same, more or less. But calmer, maybe," Seth sighed. "I'm still just as confused, really."

"Then those are you true feelings. I'm a bit surprised," Ethan said, removing his hand from his shoulder. "I suspect he did manipulate you, though."

"He did. But I already forgave him and... well, I even encouraged it, to an extent," Seth said, clenching and unclenching a fist. "Honestly, I sort of suspected it the first time I met him. I still went with it, though. He... intrigued me. I wanted to see what would happen. Maybe that was a mistake? It's too late to regret that, even if I did."

"We'll have to chastise him for that, but to punish him for it would mean becoming hypocrites at this point. You were once Ortun, after all. You have been as much a victim of Virtue as you have been of Vice, and we did not intervene then. Perhaps we should have, but Prudentia said it would be better not to. And we trust her sight."

"Can she see the future, then?" Seth asked. He'd been curious about that for a while now.

"Yes, and no," Ethan said, frustrating Seth a little. "I don't mean to be vague, but that's just how it is. She can see possibilities, and she can determine which one might be the best one to pursue. But she does not control it, nor does she completely anticipate it. She'd have to be a god to be able to do that. Think of it more as... choosing the best option out of the ones you're presented. I don't understand some of her decisions, but I do trust her... though not blindly. I have questioned her more than a few times."

"I appreciate you telling me all this, but why are you stalling?" Seth asked, calming himself despite his urge to yell. He didn't want to be angry, especially when Ethan had been nothing if not reasonable. "Aren't you here so I can take you to Orias?"

"Only if you are willing," Ethan said. "We'll find him eventually, but it would be easier with your help yes. The fact you're still holding that token, however... I think it took a lot of courage for you to do that. Knowing you'd have to face Justice and I, two faces you had yet to see. Two powerful elders you know very little about. Were it not for Lust, I think you would have been of my aspect. Though Lucian would argue with me about that one."

"I see. Then... I'll take you to him," sighed Seth, though he wasn't happy about it. "I want to talk to him about this, anyway. Just not over the phone. I'm... I'm afraid, honestly."

"Why are you afraid?"

"I don't want to lose him," Seth said, admitting it to himself. "But it seems like I don't even know him. He didn't lie to me, but there's a lot I don't know still. Or maybe I was too afraid to ask?"

"I can't answer that for you, unfortunately. But I am ready to follow after you," Ethan said. "Don't worry about traffic. Just hold on to that token and we'll be there soon enough."

"...Yeah. Okay," Seth said, feeling a knot in his stomach. He did feel a clarity he hadn't felt in a while, though he didn't exactly like it. He knew what he was, but instead of adrenaline and power he just felt weak. He hated being weak, but... he needed to be weak for now. If only a little bit. He stood, stamping out his spent cigarette with his boot before turning toward the trail. He didn't look back, even as he heard Ethan following after him. When he reached the parking lot, he saw a car he didn't recognize but simply walked past it on his way to his motorcycle. It didn't matter right now. Bringing out his phone, he opened his texts for the first time and shot off a message to Orias.

'I'll be home soon. We need to talk.'

*******

"You're home," Orias said, once Seth had entered the realm. "Ah... I see. You're bringing guests."

"Yeah. Sorry," Seth said, scared out of his mind. Yet, his clothes hadn't shifted to the dominant leather style he was used to here. Instead, he wore a suit much like Davin had when they had first met. Something that could pass for church attire, and yet clearly was meant to flirt with how the top buttons were left unbuttoned. "I guess you hate me now."

"...No, I don't. I knew this would happen anyway," Orias said, though there was a bit of a disappointment in his voice. "You know who I am now, don't you?"

"Lucian told me," Seth said, feeling a presence behind him. "I didn't tell Davin though. Not before I hear it all from you later. And I will hear it from you later. Right now I just want to get this done and over with; I already feel like a traitor as it is."

"You're not a traitor," Orias said. "This does need to be done. Especially... with how I was... but it's good to see you, Ethan."

"You know why we're here," Ethan said from behind Seth. He could also tell there was someone else with him, though he resisted the urge to turn around. "Though, I do like what you've done with the decor... at least, the parts that aren't mortals."

"It's not quite like the realm of Lust, but I am proud of what I've been able to accomplish," Orias said, chatting as if they were old friends and nothing had changed between them. Were all older daemons like this? They were so much older than Seth was, yet he didn't allow himself to feel intimidated.

"Do you need me to do anything, or..." Seth began asking, though a hand on his shoulder reassured him.

"No. Not any more than you've already done," Ethan said, a sense of gratitude coming from him. "I know you don't feel good about this. But we'll be done before you know it... assuming you will cooperate, Orias?"

"I have nothing to hide," Orias said, though Seth could detect a bit of worry in his voice. "Forgive me, but the last time I dealt with a Virtue she was ripping my power and title from me and giving it to Davin. As per our agreement. I was... severely humbled that day."

"Not enough, it seems," Seth heard a rougher voice saying, though surprisingly not harsh. "Still... we shall judge for ourselves. Will you permit us free reign of this realm, for the sole purpose of judging the decisions and desires of every mortal currently in your service?"

"I will," Orias said, shrugging. "I don't have a choice if I want to keep my head, but like I said I have nothing to hide. I've even summoned the staff for you to start with while we were speaking. They should be ready by now."

With a snap of his fingers, every mortal serving under them that could move entered the large room and began lining up. Most were butlers, but some were gardeners or other roles... though all had skimpy outfits of some kind, and each held out a piece of paper that the wolf assumed was their contract. Seth merely stood to one side while the other two daemons moved past him, and for the first time Seth was able to see just who Justice was. He was also in his human form; while he wasn't as muscular as some of the elders he'd seen, his bald head surprised him. As if to make up for the deficit, he had a full beard that grew out down to his chest, the color matching his brown bushy eyebrows. He should've looked older because of it all, but somehow he had a youthful energy that Ethan seemed to lack. Quick to judge? Seth sure hoped not.

"This will take a while," Orias said, approaching him. Though his steps lacked confidence and his eyes had a harsher look to it. "We'll know my fate soon enough, but in the meantime... let's have that talk."

Seth merely followed after Orias as they entered a smaller room. He wasn't sure the purpose of it, but he merely stood as the cobra sat and made himself comfortable. He declined when Orias gestured for him to sit next to him, causing him to sigh.

"You hate me, don't you?"

"No," Seth said, crossing his arms. "But I don't know what to think about you. Why couldn't you tell me all this yourself?"

"If I had, would you be here talking to me now?" Orias asked, and Seth realized he didn't have an answer for that. "You needed to hear it from someone else first. Though I admit, I was afraid to tell you as well. What would you think of me? What must you think of me now?"

"What happened to them? The mortals you..."

"Enslaved? They were set loose, for the most part," Orias said, talking as if it were just a fact of life. "Some decided to stay in the realm of Lust, however; I imagine they may be there still. After that, I was 'executed', in a sense. You think a sword through the heart hurts? Try having every ounce of energy ripped from you all at once. I only had enough to float around, like all the others around us. I think the Unity expected me to become a creature of instinct and never return, but I held on somehow. But that isn't what you asked, is it?"

"I would have," Seth said, his voice firm but not unkind. "I think the more important question is... if given the chance, will you do it again?"

"Even if I wanted to, which I'm still not sure of myself..." Orias said, causing Seth's hair to stand on end a bit. "Well. To go against the Unity would be folly. I learned they added rules because of me. I've been following them as best I can, I just hope they see it that way. I have tried, but you must understand what it's like to go from what used to be normal to something... entirely new. Different. But what has helped me is that I have found mortals who actually enjoy someone taking control of them. They not only crave it, they get off on the idea. The world has progressed drastically in the years I was gone. It usually doesn't do that."

"So that's a no, though it seems like you've got a lot to learn still... or unlearn, maybe," Seth said, causing Orias to nod. "Davin is going to kill you if he finds out you're back. You know that, right?"

"He'll have to get in line," Orias chuckled. "I hear Uther's back. The Pendragon."

"...Oh, yeah, he was at my party," Seth said, causing Orias to look at him in alarm. "Davin introduced me to him. He's kinda cute."

"Well he and I... or rather, several of his past lives have a grudge against me. Most likely, at least," Orias said, and for the first time Seth could tell he was very nervous. "I'm less afraid of Davin, and more afraid of what Uther will do once he finds out who I am. His sword... it hurts a lot. That such a powerful blade was given to mortals... but let's talk about something else. How are you doing right now?"

"Honestly? I'm confused and angry, though whether I'm mad at you or myself I'm not sure," Seth said, sighing. "I'm not mad as far as you manipulating me and using me though... I sort of accepted that once I found out you were a daemon. Not many mortals would be, by the way, but I found the idea you wanted to feed off me kinda... hot. Plus, I dunno. I was curious?"

"I persuaded you a bit, too," Orias said, causing Seth to nod. "But I didn't force you to do anything you didn't already want to do. I simply gave a push, here and there. Was that wrong?"

"Honestly? I don't know," Seth said, shrugging. "Maybe? But I never felt forced to do anything. Still, it reminds me of some old problem. The one whether or not someone's a prisoner if they're doing what they want to do anyway. It's a moot point now, though. I'm a daemon, so rules don't apply to me other than what Pride sets out. I guess."

"And most of his rules are just 'don't piss off the Virtues'," Orias laughed, though there was less merriment to it. "I'm inclined to agree with him."

"...I'm tired," Seth sighed, after an uncomfortable pause. "How long will they take?"

"A while, I imagine. I'd go into the whole process, but it'd just bore you. What I'm most concerned about is the trees, however. They all ate willingly, but... it's different, because the original was from when you were a mortal. And from what you told me..."

"I was like that because of Davin, yes," Seth sighed, now worrying for his boss. "But I used my magic to 'enhance' it a bit... yeah I can see why you'd worry about that one. It's confusing who's to blame for that. Davin? Me? You? Temperance?"

"In the end if there's a price to pay, I will probably have to pay it. This is my realm," Orias sighed, a wry smile on his face.

"OUR realm," Seth argued, reminding the cobra of what he'd said to him. "And besides, I gave you the seeds in the first place. Still, if this Justice is as fair as everyone says he is..."

Seth didn't get to finish his thought before a knock on the door startled him. Opening it, he saw the Virtues standing there. Ethan's green and Justice's black eyes looked back, staring through to his very essence.

"We're ready," Ethan said, prompting Seth to nod. "May we come in?"

"I don't see why not," Seth said, moving aside. Allowing them to enter the room, he closed it behind them before walking over to Orias' side. "So... what happens now?"

"An introduction is in order, first," Ethan said, glancing over at Justice. The man snorted before straightening his posture.

"I am the elder Justice. I have had many names, but you may call me Maxwell Ramiro in this life."

"Just call him Max," Ethan said, rolling his eyes. "He's a bit big on pomp and circumstance, but his heart's in the right place. I promise."

"I assume you know who we are already, but I'm Seth. This is... Orias."

"We know him, despite his new form," Max snorted, glaring at the cobra. But Seth got the feeling he glared at most people, judging from how he'd been carrying himself so far.

"Sorry you had to come out all this way," Seth said, bowing his head. "This was all a bit sudden for me, as well."

"We appreciate your time and effort, all the same," Orias said. "Even despite how I feel about the Virtues."

"We're also aware of that," Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "We can deal with that another time. This isn't the night to bring up old grudges or rivalries."

"We have wasted enough time as it is," Max said, his voice gruff and business-like. "Back to the topic at hand: it would seem Orias... has been following the rules. So far. Even though those trees were a bit... handsy? Is it handsy if it's vines?"

"Yeah I was worried about that," Seth sighed, feeling kind of guilty about it. "I assume they didn't do anything, ah, compromising to you?"

"No. Especially once we mentioned you by name," Ethan said, looking at him with curiosity. "They seem to regard you as their 'father' or something. Mind telling us about that?"

"You'd get more information from Stellan," Seth said, shrugging. "But when I was still a mortal, I spent some time as a tree from Christmas until past the New Year. The details of the fruit I bore are in his notes. This was also before I met Orias, so..."

"I see," Ethan said, before turning back to Max. "Well? What do you think then?"

"I see no reason to pass judgment on either of them. Not yet," Max said, eyeing them both warily. "But considering Orias' history, I will leave you both with a warning: do not enslave mortals against their wills. I cannot be truly angry with Orias the first time since our laws were... lacking then. But much has indeed changed since you've been gone. I suggest you familiarize yourself with it."

"I have been," Orias said, nodding in relief.

"We are also aware you have influenced Seth when he was mortal. While I'm not exactly sure how, make sure that stops from now on. We cannot do anything but warn you against it since Seth has chosen to become a daemon. Unless he wishes to press the issue?"

"I don't. Influenced or not, my choices were my own," Seth said, confidence in his voice. "We'll keep your warnings in mind, however. Won't we, Orias?"

"It was not necessarily expressly forbidden, but... I will refrain from doing so from now on," Orias said, though he clearly wasn't as happy about it. "Though perhaps you should outline what I can and cannot do later?"

"I'll send an email, assuming you have one. I've left the details with one of the, ah, 'help'," Max said, readjusting his tie before fixing his glare on Orias once more. "You must feel we're going easy on you. You certainly came back sooner than any of us expected, but the sentence from before has been served. Consider this house call part of your new probation; should you fail, I will take great pleasure in tossing you back into the ether myself."

"Assuming Lucian does not get to me first," Orias chuckled, causing Max to smile for the first time.

"Indeed. We'll be taking our leave now, though don't be surprised if one of us pops in from time to time to... check up on you."

"I'll have to prepare a guest house," Orias joked, though Seth wondered if he was actually considering it or not. He wouldn't be surprised. "Until next time."

"Take care of your mortals. They seem to really enjoy this place," Ethan said, though Seth couldn't help but feel it was a partial threat. "And thank you for your cooperation, Seth. Whatever your reasons, you did the right thing."

"Thanks, I guess," Seth said, feeling once again like some sort of traitor. He couldn't feel good about it, no matter if it was right or wrong. "Will you tell Dylann?"

"That is our business, but... we see no reason to do so. This shall stay between us and those who already know," Max said, his voice softening despite his glare. "You are not the first daemons I have passed judgment on tonight, and you will not be the last."

"He means this is confidential," Ethan said, shaking his head. "Need to know basis. And Dylann doesn't need to know unless you give us a reason to tell him."

"Okay, okay. I get it," Seth said, feeling the pressure in his stomach deflating. "Thank you. Would you like me to see you out?"

"We can manage, but the gesture is still appreciated," Ethan said, before turning away. "Let's go, Max. I still have a place to be tonight."

"You owe me that nightcap first," Max said, seemingly more friendly now as he followed after Ethan. The two of them faded from the realm after a few steps, causing Orias to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"I never like dealing with them," Orias said, shaking his head. "Always so serious."

"I got the feeling they were very powerful, despite looking just like any other human," Seth said, finding himself relaxing muscles he didn't know were clenched. "Especially that Max guy... er, Justice I mean."

"...Well, after all that, what will you do now?" Orias asked, turning to him. Seth looked into his eyes, though there was no glow or mischievous wink. He was regarding him as if he were an equal... but wasn't that what he had wanted? Seth kept waiting for the inevitable, but it never came. Closing his eyes with a smirk, he shook his head as if it were the dumbest question he'd been asked.

"You've done nothing to me I haven't wanted already, but if we're going to keep seeing each other? I need you to promise me never to hurt Davin again. Even if he tries to hurt you."

"I had no intention of doing so in the first place," Orias said, smiling. "But I promise. I will defend myself, however."

"I know. But that will have to do," sighed Seth. "I do trust you. And so long as you do not abuse my trust, I will continue trusting you. As for them, I'm sorry for not giving you any warning so... I'll understand if you don't trust me in return."

"I was disappointed, but not surprised," Orias said. "I suppose I expected it to happen a bit more slowly. Lucian really gets things done these days, doesn't he? Perhaps I'll go talk to him later. Formally present myself, as it were."

"Might be a good idea," shrugged Seth, though he was uncertain. "You've known him longer than I have, anyway. But... I'll leave now."

"Why?" Orias asked, causing Seth to look back at him in confusion.

"Well I mean... how can you trust me? I betrayed you to the Virtues. I..."

"Like I said before, you betrayed nothing," Orias said, his voice soft and gentle for once. "Honestly, it's better you did it this way. Now I can relax without that burden on my shoulders. I can understand why you feel that way, but you swore no oath and you have no contract with me. I am not your lord, and you are not in my service. There is no betrayal here, as far as I am concerned. But as for me trusting you? Well..."

Orias rose from his seat, walking up to Seth until they were almost touching. Seth waited in anticipation as the cobra wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him in close as his other hand rested behind his head. As their lips touched, Seth found himself falling into that familiar embrace as his hands roamed up and down his back. He broke the kiss before quickly digging into his neck, causing Seth to moan as those dangerous fangs grazed against him but kept from piercing his flesh.

"Does that answer your question?" Orias asked, whispering in his ear as an arm caressed his thigh, drawing Seth's leg up to his side. The result brought Seth chest to chest with the cobra.

"I don't know. I might need some more convincing," Seth said, arousal dripping from his voice. "I've been bad. Can you really trust me so easily?"

"Perhaps I should punish you?" Orias chuckled, though he grinned much wider when Seth only nodded in response. "Well then, if you insist..."

Seth moaned even as those fangs penetrated between his shoulder and neck, digging in deeply. He was sure if he were mortal this would have been far more dangerous, but he only felt pure bliss as venom invaded his very being. It was the most he'd ever handled at once, but soon he didn't care as his wobbly vision was tinged with rainbow hues. He felt no ability to resist what was happening to him as he stood there and enjoyed the sensations, his expression slack-jawed as Orias' eyes came into view.

"You really do trust me. Amazing," Orias said, his voice everywhere and nowhere at once. Seth nodded, feeling his knees buckling as dizziness overtook him. Instead of falling, however, he was vaguely aware of those wonderful coils wrapped around him. When had Orias shifted into his naga form, and when had they gone to the garden? Such questions left his mind as quickly as they entered, the wolf thrusting his hips against those scales. He didn't need to see anything but those eyes, but he realized even those were bigger than normal.

"You're so big..." he moaned, trying to move his arms. He was wrapped up to his shoulders, he soon found. It didn't stop him from trying to explore Orias' upper body. He smelled so strong, so masculine...

"I have more power now," Orias whispered, though to his mind it was almost a commanding shout. "Not as big as I used to be, but that's okay. Do you like it?"

"Yeah..." Seth grunted, feeling some of the air being squeezed from his lungs as his body was massaged over and over by Orias' powerful muscles. The coils were getting so tight now, yet he only craved more. He was unable to thrust his hips anymore, but nothing mattered except looking into those eyes as his mind slowed to an absolute crawl.

"I have a punishment in mind now. Do you want to know what it is?" Orias asked, teasing his chin with one of his fingers.

"I accept... whatever it is... sir," Seth panted, struggling for breath. Granted, he didn't actually need to breathe; with a thought, he could change his form to not need oxygen. But even if he were coherent enough to do that, it would require more energy to maintain such a form without a suitable substitute for it. Besides, he relished in it; somehow, the feeling of being prey in this predator's grasp was all too exciting for his addled mind.

"Good. Then this will be easy," Orias said, slipping something around his neck. "I trust you. And you trust me, yes?"

"I do..." Seth said, happy to hear those words. Orias still trusted him, even after everything that had happened. Sensing his happiness, Orias smiled back at him.

"You'll spend the week as me, then," Orias stated. Had Seth been in any other mindset he might have asked questions, but he simply nodded as whatever was around his neck began glowing. "You will look like me, think like me, act like me. Though you will not know everything I know, of course."

"Of course," Seth said, his voice already starting to match Orias' a bit. He assumed the naga meant knowing his true name at the very least. "When will...?"

"Right now," Orias answered, bringing him in for a kiss. A light was coming from Orias' chest, the same color of red-orange as whatever was glowing around his own neck. Whatever else was happening, he was lost in the moment as his hair and fur flattened against his skin, turning into leathery scales of black and red and orange to match Orias. Eventually, he broke from the kiss as his body sunk more and more into the coils squeezing and surrounding him until finally his head was covered, making him feel as if he were in some sort of cocoon. He felt safe, hissing in pleasure as his body began expanding. Muscles bulged, matching his lover's own as his legs knit together. If he could have seen his own markings, he would have realized they were slowly being replaced with Orias' patterns even as his lower body began thickening and lengthening from the hips down. As much as Orias tried to keep him contained no matter how much time passed, Seth finally freed himself as he slithered his body up and through the coils. Flaring his new hood, he opened his orange eyes and winked at the sexy naga before him.

"Hello, beautiful," Seth said, licking his fangs as he flashed a cocky grin. His own changes were still finalizing, but he couldn't help but feel his own hemipenes hardening at the sight before him. "Seems you're taking well to your new form."

"Am I, now?" Orias chuckled, his voice an echo to Seth's own. "I'd say the same of you, but I get the feeling we'd just end up arguing in circles for eternity."

"I get the same feeling," Seth agreed, coiling some of his body around Orias' as their coils began to intermingle. "Just like the Ouroboros as it feasts on its own tail... so let's just enjoy the moment, you and I. After all, that pendant won't come off for an entire week as it links you to me."

"That wolf inside you, us, asleep yet awake," Orias said, finishing his thoughts. "My mind, your mind... they are the same for now."

"I did say this was a punishment, though perhaps in the end you will beg to stay this way?"

"Perhaps you will," Orias said, the both of them laughing. "What would Lucian think, I wonder?"

"Perhaps he'd join us, 'brother'," Seth said, winking at Orias. He knew what the other was thinking; it would be hot to pretend to be twins. A shame he'd have to let the wolf go once the magic wore off. Looking down at the identical pendant on the cobra's neck, he admired the beauty of the silver cobra's head. Its expression seemed so lifelike it could strike any moment, the tongue and fangs almost seemingly dripping with venom despite being metal. The eyes of the pendant glowed softly, the magic inside the orange jewels connecting the two of them. It was the most intimate he could get with the wolf, short of merging with him completely... but he didn't desire that. He wanted an equal, a daemon as powerful as he was to rule with him. He would see the truth of it, once he remembered his time as Orias.

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. I'm sure he'd change his tune if we were dragons, though..." Orias joked, tweaking Seth's nipples. They were wrapped around each other now, their upper bodies drawing closer and closer together. Every touch was pleasure to Seth, who knew just how to please Orias in return. It was his own body, after all. Who better to hit all the right spots than himself? He could feel the wolf beneath the surface sedated with pleasure and magic, though with their link it was impossible to tell who was the real Orias and who was Seth. He would soon lose track of who was who if he wasn't careful. Perhaps he already had. The idea turned him on even more as he made out with himself, groping and massaging the muscles of his exact copy.

"It's been so long since I did this last," Seth sighed, and Orias nodded in agreement. "This will be..."

"...so much fun, yes," Orias finished. "Though temporary."

"Yesss... I much prefer my big bad wolf, after all," Seth said. "But he's in timeout for now."

"A mental cage..."

"Psychic bonds..."

"He did want to be punished," Orias said, shrugging. "But I think once he wakes, he will have enjoyed himself immensely."

"But in the meantime, what do we call each other? I know I am Orias, but you?"

"I am Orias as well, but I can see how this will get confusing yes," Orias said, some confusion on his face already. "And we'll both be Onyx if we go outside... hm. But still, it could be funny..."

"...seeing how confused they get, trying to..."

"...pick us apart. Let's just be brothers, for now."

"Yes, brother. But let's just both go by the same name..."

"...for we are the same, after all. I agree."

Whatever else their intentions, they simply took the time to explore each other as they kissed and frotted, their coils sending shivers up their spines as they pleased each other in every way imaginable to them. And they were very imaginative, even as the line between who was who faded and winked out of existence. They were both Orias. They were both a transformed and possessed Seth. They'd find out the truth in a week, and what a long week it would be.

*******

"Forgive me for calling on you so late, but I had a prior appointment," a man said to Davin, causing Vance to look over from where he was cleaning his station up. "Too urgent to reschedule. You know how these things go sometimes."

"Of course, Ethan," Davin chuckled, before turning to Vance and beckoning him. Confused, the arctic fox put down what he was doing and walked over to him. "This is Vance."

"Aha, I see," Ethan said, fixing his green gaze on him. It reminded Vance of Liam, but it was a darker shade. The rough features of the man didn't seem to match the sense of agelessness he saw reflected in those eyes. He was a daemon. He had to be.

"Are you... an elder, sir?" Vance found himself asking, causing Ethan to smile and nod.

"You could tell so quickly. Amazing," Ethan said, before ordering one of the classic drinks. Davin went to make it while Vance was left to chat with him. "I am Fortitude. Davin called me earlier, but I had to make a last-minute house call. Sorry for the wait."

"It's no problem," Vance said, smiling his best smile. "Even if I knew I was supposed to be waiting for something, I like being here."

"What do you feel out there, by the way?" Ethan asked him, just as Davin came back and placed the drink in front of him. Nodding his thanks, he turned back to Vance as he waited for the fox to answer him.

"...Courage. Someone is nervous about asking another one out, but they know this is their last chance. So they're going for it, even though they're afraid they'll be rejected," Vance said, pointing without looking. "And... someone is dancing their heart out. They're holding out until the song ends, enduring it despite their burning muscles. They should probably get some water, if you ask me, but... they're in the moment. That's what I feel. There's other examples but..."

"Some are best left unsaid," laughed Ethan, causing Vance to nod awkwardly a bit. "I felt the same things you did, though you seem to possess a clarity uncommon among new daemons. At least, for one newly come into their aspect with no mentor to teach him otherwise."

"I really should have guessed this would be his aspect," Davin said, seeming to mentally kick himself despite his smile. "Everything about that contest between Liam and I practically screamed it."

"You'll have to tell me about it later, Davin," Ethan said, reaching out to shake Vance's hand. The arctic fox felt awkward doing so, but he found the man's grip to be gentler than he expected. "When will you visit my realm? Any plans?"

"I'm not sure, sir," Vance said, shrugging. "I don't want to stop working here, and... I'm afraid if I visit you, I wouldn't want to leave."

"Understandable," Ethan said, nodding. "Easily remedied, but understandable."

"He does have a contract with Liam," Davin offered, causing Vance to chuckle.

"Oh right. I guess I forgot about that," Vance said, smiling sheepishly. "It's just... this job feels like home to me. Even if it is literally, right now."

"Then I'd have no right to keep you anyway," Ethan said, reassuring him. "But take your time. Acclimate to who and what you are. I'll keep in touch, see how you're doing. I might even be able to offer you advice, if you wish."

"...I'd like that," Vance said, grateful to the elder. "To think, I was frustrated this morning and now... well. I'm glad I didn't give up and take an easy way out."

"Not that I'd have let you," Davin said, shaking his head. "You wouldn't have been happy as a Lust daemon. Not around here, at least. We tend to focus more on carnal desires above all else; mortals are just... biologically programmed for it, it seems."

"Did you just call them 'easy'?" Ethan asked, amused as Davin simply whistled innocently. "Still. He isn't wrong. More lust daemons tend to turn out incubi than anything else these days. Or succubi, I suppose. Depends on their pronouns, really."

"Anyway, I'm ace. I think," Vance said, shrugging as he blushed. "Maybe."

"You've got a lot of time to figure that out for certain," Davin encouraged, glad for the change in subject. "Don't worry too much about defining it right now. I mean Maeryn alone has changed his identity more times than I can count so... just do you. But your shift's over, Vance. Go clock out."

"...Aww, do I have to?" Vance sighed. He'd honestly hoped Davin had forgotten, even though he'd already sorted his station out ahead of time. "You know I don't need breaks like the mortals do."

"Yeah but we don't do free labor, and you need a life outside of work. Especially now that you can leave the bar," Davin said, smiling. Vance's eyes widened at that remark. He could leave the bar. Did he want to leave, though?

"Why don't you come with me for tonight after all?" Ethan asked, snapping Vance out of his rising panic. "Besides, you'll have to face the world sooner than later. You're a Fortitude daemon, remember?"

"...I am," Vance said, smiling nervously. "...Okay. But I have work tomorrow, though, so..."

"I'll bring you back, no worries," Ethan assured him. "I'm not about to anger Liam and besides, this job will be good training for you. The fact you enjoy it is just a bonus."

"Have fun," Davin said, moving aside so that Vance could move out from behind the bar. Vance wasn't sure what he should do with himself as he walked beside Ethan; he was about the same height as the human, though he wasn't sure what to expect from him otherwise. He knew a lot about Temperance and Pride, as well as Lust... but, they had been the ones responsible for his genesis at least in part. This daemon was a mystery to him despite the growing kinship he was feeling.

"Are you ready?" Ethan asked him, causing Vance to pay attention. They were at the front door already. "Go on. Take the first step."

"Okay," Vance said, calming himself. He was just going outside. His energy wasn't going to deplete itself with no hope of sustenance around him. He wouldn't lose his form. Quelling his fears, he opened the door and stepped out into the cold air, Ethan following after him.

"...I'm... still here," Vance said, drawing a few strange looks from some passersby. "I'm solid."

"You must have spent a lot of energy getting here in the first place," Ethan said, his jacket already around his shoulders. "It's not like that now though, is it?"

"...I was... or the golem I formed from... well. It wasn't created to last long," Vance said, wondering at his own existence for the first time in a long while. "I just knew I had to get here, where Liam was. Where the bar was. Filled out an application and everything, though I'm not even sure where I got that from. It feels weird, not losing so much energy just trying to hold myself together and... I'm a bit overwhelmed, really."

"You've been in there since...?"

"Around Christmas, I guess," Vance said. "A month then? I didn't want to risk it, coming out here. Even though Mr. Connors offered to help me plenty of times, I refused. I wanted to work for my energy, you know?"

"So you persevered. Yes, you are definitely Fortitude material," Ethan said, smiling as he held out a hand. "Let's go. You need energy, and my realm has plenty. If you're worried about accepting charity, there is work you may choose to take part in. But remember: you are a guest, not my subject. It's not often I get to show a new daemon around, so this will be a treat for me as well as you."

"I understand. Thank you," Vance said, before hesitantly taking his hand. "The cold doesn't bother me, by the way."

"Yes, I noticed," Ethan chuckled, before they walked out of reality together.

*******

Jared sighed, having just arrived for his shift. He sometimes felt like nobody ever noticed him, what with all the exciting things that had happened in the past month or so. He was happy for Vance figuring out his 'aspect' thingie last night, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. His own improvements were overlooked as if he didn't matter, meanwhile people like Seth got to take days off like he was a kid in a candy store. He'd been there longer than both of them, but he just didn't see his job going anywhere.

Was it because of what he was? No, that couldn't be it. Davin had been nothing but kind to him when he did pay attention to him, and he couldn't really be mad at him. He'd had a crush on him for a long time, ever since he'd first started coming here. It was the whole reason he'd even applied here, despite not having much in the way of skill. But Davin wasn't like most other employers who expected you to have ten years of experience or something stupid like that. He'd actually put up with him a lot despite his mistakes, which only made him feel even worse because now that he could make most of the drinks on the menu without any trouble it was like he was invisible to him.

And now Liam was in charge. He didn't really understand much about how elders were selected, and Davin hadn't really given him any more details than what he'd told the rest of the staff, but the panther still worried about keeping his job. Liam had been nice enough when he'd still been a bartender, but now that he had responsibilities for the entire bar he had changed a lot. Maybe he was just too important for them, now? Jared didn't know, but he grew frustrated as his thoughts kept spiraling more and more into negativity. Reaching toward his punch card, he hesitated. Why was he even bothering? He should just quit. He just stood there, considering his options when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Jumping almost a foot in the air, he felt himself being steadied as he nearly fell against the wall.

"Whoa, hey! Careful," he heard that familiar voice say, causing him to blush as he allowed himself to be turned around. Jared was suddenly very aware that he was between the wall with the punch clock and Davin. Even in his human form, he was still a little bigger than himself. "Are you alright?"

"...No, I'm not," Jared sighed. "I... do you think Liam would be mad if I put in my two weeks?"

"No, he wouldn't be... but why would you do that?" Davin asked, concerned. "I thought you liked it here."

"It'll just sound selfish. Don't worry about it," Jared said, his ears flattening as he looked down at the floor.

"In case you haven't noticed, selfish is one of the things I specialize in," Davin joked, though his smile faltered when he realized Jared's mood was unchanged. "I mean... I enjoy when I can help others to be happy. I think they call that... hedonistic altruism? Something like that. Besides, something's bothering you. What is it?"

"Forget it," yowled Jared, pushing past Davin. It hurt him to do that, but he just couldn't face him right now. "I quit."

"You say that, but..." Davin said, catching his wrist with one hand. He was tempted to just yank free, but the way he was being held caused him to pause. It was tender, almost. "I don't think that's what you really want, is it?"

"Like I said, I'm selfish," Jared sighed, deflating as he sat down in one of the break room's chairs. It was where they clocked in and out, and despite the minimalist nature it still was a bit above and beyond anything he'd ever been used to at previous jobs. "I try so hard to get better and make you proud of me, but I'm not even a blip on your radar. I guess it was stupid, applying here in the first place in the hopes you'd go out with me or something."

"...Why didn't you just ask me?" Davin asked, placing his hands on his shoulders. "I'm not the 'boss' boss anymore sure, but work sometimes consumes my thoughts. I didn't even know you had a crush on me until a while ago... it seems your desire to have me not notice outweighed your desire for me."

"So it's my fault, then."

"No... I should have noticed anyway," Davin said, sighing. "I thought you were finally starting to come into your own, too. I trusted you to do a good job, so I didn't feel the need to check up on you so much anymore. Did you think I was ignoring you?"

"...Kinda," Jared said, his cheeks burning. "God I'm such an idiot."

"Hey! Stop that," Davin said, tapping the top of his head. It didn't hurt, but Jared felt the admonishment all the same. "You're worth so much more than that."

"Not worth enough to you, apparently," Jared said, not knowing why he was being like this. Why was he being such an asshole to the one guy he wanted to be with? Instead of the barbed retort he expected however, he felt himself being pulled into a hug from behind. He relaxed into it, even if his guilt kept his stomach in a knot. "I'm sorry."

"I didn't know you were this unhappy. But I need you to understand a few things, Jared. First, no one owes you their affection. That seems harsh, but it's a lesson I've had to teach mortals more than once these days. Do you understand that?"

"...Yeah, I know. I just... wish I had whatever it is everyone else seems to have. Like Mark or Zale or..."

"I didn't tell this to much of the staff, but Mark, Zale, Seth and I went through many years together in Dylann's realm. Longer than you've been alive. So whatever connection you're seeing there is the result of time, not some magic spark they possess. I think you deserve to know that much, at least. But I wasn't finished; the other thing I wanted you to understand is that if you wanted my attention, you only had to ask for it. I've actually been waiting for you to make the first move for a couple weeks, now."

"Really?" Jared said, blushing.

"Really. I thought about asking you, but I think you wanted more than just some casual fun... and I didn't want to make you feel like you couldn't say no, since I'm technically still your manager and all. I take care of a lot of important decisions concerning the bar for Liam, even if I no longer own the business; technically, I made it so only whoever is Lust could own it, so that it'd be protected. But back to you; tell me what you want. Leave no doubt in my mind, or yours."

"...I want you," Jared said, his ears flattening again in embarrassment. "I... don't really deserve you though, after being so dramatic about it just now."

"I think I can decide that for myself," Davin chuckled, squeezing him tight before releasing him. He allowed the daemon to stand him up before turning him to face him once more. Taking a few steps back, Davin smiled and placed his hands in his pockets. God, that smile. "I'm here. You're here. So... ask whatever it is you've wanted to ask me. I won't laugh or judge."

"...Um," Jared said, feeling his mouth go dry. "This is hard."

"Most things worth doing are. Take your time," Davin encouraged, smiling a bit more warmly than before. It was different than his usual cocky grin. Taking a moment to compose himself, Jared clenched his fists as he fought through his own nervousness.

"Will you go out with me?" he asked, immediately averting his eyes. He felt like he could go crawl in a hole and die. Had he really just said that? Oh god, Davin must think he was such a dumbass now...

"I'll go out on a date with you, if that's what you mean," Davin said, and Jared felt his heart flutter even as he looked up in surprise. "But I'm not monogamous, just so you know. Are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, that's fine," Jared said, blushing. "I know it's dumb to want to date a daemon since, like... I'm not one. But I can't help it with you."

"That does make me wonder, though," Davin said, closing the distance between them. "What about me fascinates you so?"

"Everything," Jared said, willing himself not to reach out and touch him then and there. As if reading his thoughts though, Davin gently wrapped his arms around him and drew him closer. Inhaling his scent, he smiled as he nuzzled against him. He had dreamed about this for a long time now, and it was even better than he'd hoped it would be. "I mean, you're handsome and all that... but I see how you are when you help someone figure out what they want to be. You just... light up, you know? I wish I could make you feel like that."

"...That's very sweet of you," Davin said, rubbing his back with one hand. "I can't promise anything, but I'll go on a date with you. Did you have something in mind?"

"Ah... I honestly didn't think I'd get this far," Jared said, suddenly feeling very foolish. "Um... maybe a movie?"

"A movie sounds lovely," Davin said, and the knot of anxiety melted as Jared sighed in relief. "But you have to promise me one thing in return."

"What's that?" Jared asked, curious.

"You'll stop being so negative about yourself," Davin said, prompting Jared to look up at him. "I know, easier said than done. Just try, okay? For yourself, if nothing else."

"...I'll try," Jared sighed, hugging him. "You smell nice."

"So do you," Davin said, and Jared felt he was being genuine. "But we both have a job to do right now. Are you okay to work for now, or do you need to go home? I can tell Liam you're not feeling well today."

"Ah... no, I'm okay," Jared said, feeling a rush of emotion threatening to burst out. "I mean... maybe after a few minutes. If I go home I'll just feel... ah... well I won't be able to sit still."

"You were going to say useless," Davin said, causing Jared to nod. "You caught it though. I'm proud of you. Now that said, don't feel like you have to deny your feelings and seem positive. Just... rephrase things when you feel tempted to be down on yourself. It really does help. But is there anything else you need, before I clock in?"

"Ah! I need to do that too!" Jared said, totally forgetting he hadn't clocked in already. "Ah... but there... is one more thing you could do, maybe. If it's okay."

"Tell me on the way, then," Davin said, allowing Jared to pull away and clock in first. Punching his own time card, Davin held Jared's hand as they walked out to the main area. As Jared told him what he wanted, he could see Davin smile knowingly as he nodded. "I see. Do you want some mental changes as well, or...?"

"N-no, I want to change that part by myself," Jared said, though he had to admit it was tempting. No more fear or anxiety? But something about that didn't appeal to him. It felt too easy. "I think that's just something I need to do. But everything else is fine."

"And I assume you want it to be permanent," Davin said, causing Jared to nod. "We can do that. Though, I can't demand the normal price I would for a human turning into a fur. And you already work for the bar, unless you still want to quit?"

"I did say that, huh? I didn't mean it though," Jared sighed, biting his lip. "Sorry again about that."

"We all say things we don't mean in the heat of the moment," Davin said, brushing it off. Jared couldn't help but smile as big as his heart felt. "But I have an idea. You'll have to pay in lust, which I usually avoid when I can... so what turns you on? Besides me, I mean."

"Ah... well..." Jared said, looking around nervously. He knew if he was being asked that so brazenly though, that his boss was making it so no one could hear even as they began setting up behind the bar. Still, he really couldn't bring himself to say it. "A few things. More than a few, I guess. Um..."

"Well we can explore all that later, then..." Davin said, before he began mixing a drink together. "We'll figure it out after our date; speaking of which, I'm free just about whenever the rest of the week, so don't worry about the time. Though let's get you sorted out first, hm?"

"It's really okay?" Jared asked, causing Davin to chuckle as he nodded. "I always wanted to... but... you know."

"I know," Davin said, an almost sad tone in his voice. "I've been in that headspace before. Where you think you don't deserve any happiness, even as you strive toward it. Believe me, I know. But you do deserve it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, okay? Here. This turned out just right."

Jared watched as Davin slid the glass over to him. Taking it in his hands, he looked up at Davin once more before he began chugging it. Sure, he probably could have savored it... but he had a job to do after this, and he'd lose his nerve if he didn't just do it all at once. It was non-alcoholic at least, so he didn't feel tipsy even as the changes began. He had always been a bit on the slim side, though he'd only had a six pack of abs before. But now, he could feel his muscles burning as his abs turned to a well toned eight pack, the creases deepening under his fur as the muscles bulged all over. His spine ached as he grew several inches, though what he gained in height he more than tripled in the width of his musculature. His biceps - he actually had biceps, now - ballooned and stretched until they were what he had always dreamed of having, with a matching set of pecs bulging forth and stretching out his poor shirt. Widening his stance, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the pleasure of his legs thickening even as his cock grew longer and wider, a set of heavy balls replacing his previously humble package. Snarling as testosterone flowed through him, he used his claws to rip off his tight clothes as a tingling sensation raced across his fur. Where before his fur had been a solid black color, orange stripes now began forming all across his body even as his front turned white from his chin down to the treasure trail now peeking out of his new denim jeans that hugged every curve.

Aches and pains hit his mouth next as his mouth adjusted for the two fangs bulging and thickening, stretching from the top of his mouth as they grew downward and out of his mouth. He half expected himself to start drooling, but he found his mouth was adapting to the changes faster than he realized. He felt piercings on his face now; reaching up hesitantly, he smiled as he felt the metal on his eyebrows and in his ears. If they were what he had asked for, then they would appear gold when he looked in the mirror later. He opened his eyes at that thought, before jumping slightly at the sabertooth tiger in front of him staring at him with piercing ruby eyes. Taking the mirror from Davin, he pinched himself a few times to make sure this was all real. Some of the changes were still finalizing, such as the shape of his ears or his tail... but he found himself almost crying out of relief.

"Why a sabertooth, by the way?" Davin asked. It was a question of pure curiosity, the smile on his face putting Jared at ease.

"I dunno," Jared said, amazed at how his voice sounded now. It was much like his old one, but just deep and sultry enough to even turn himself on without any difficulty from his new teeth. "I guess I just... liked the idea? It's hard to explain. When I said sabertooth tiger though, I didn't expect the colors to be like this. Also didn't expect the stripes."

"Would you like to change it?" Davin asked, before Jared smiled and shook his head.

"No, it's... even more beautiful than I thought it could be," Jared said. "Maybe I always wanted to be a tiger too, though. Gods, I look a bit like a himbo though... uh, and I mean that in a good way. This is what I wanted, Davin. Thank you."

"I'm only sorry it happened because you were in pain," Davin said, taking the mirror from him. "I do care about all the employees here, but even daemons make mistakes."

"Nah, I... it's just as much my fault for not telling you how I felt sooner," Jared said, shaking his head. "I'm sorry for... being an asshole, earlier, too. That's not me being negative, that's just the truth. Forgive me?"

"Only if you forgive me as well," Davin said, causing Jared to laugh.

"Deal," the sabertooth said, jumping a bit as he remembered where he was. "Oh, right. We should probably..."

"Here's my number, first," Davin said, handing him a piece of paper. "Text me when you have a movie lined up for us. I'll be looking forward to it."

"Y-yeah, sure," Jared said, glad his fur could hide his deep blush. "I'll pick out a good one, just you wait and see."

"I have every confidence you will," Davin responded, smiling before gesturing to the customers. "They'll see us soon. So let's work hard to mix drinks and change some lives, yes?"

"Sure thing," Jared said, feeling very confident. He knew there were no mental changes in his drink, yet he couldn't help but feel more self-assured as he worked. He drew some odd looks from the staff at first, though Davin was quick to reassure them and assert his identity. But what Jared liked the most was that the eyes of those he served lingered just a bit longer, or some were prone to chat with him a little more about their night. It was a huge ego boost that he realized he'd needed, even if it wasn't why he'd changed his body in the first place. He no longer felt scrawny, or short, or underweight... he felt like how he had always imagined he would feel at this age. How he would have been if his body hadn't fought him every step of the way since he was born. Shaking his head, he stopped himself before he began to spiral down that dark path again. Instead, he turned to the next customer, flashing a grin like how he imagined Davin would before welcoming them to the bar.