Alptraum wakes up feeling well rested, with none of the soreness that should be the result of his activities in the dagger-world. He's also greeted by the loud purring of his nest-mate, Tulani, who is pressed against him but still asleep. An aroma in the air tells him that Mave is awake and smoking her pipe somewhere within the bunker as well.
Even though Tulani is sleeping ... Alptraum starts feeling her up. Why? Probably to mess with her dreams; why should only he have weird dreams, after all?
This causes the Sphynx's lips to part and a 'mew' to escape. It's terribly cute and would probably be very embarrassing if she were awake. But she does start moving a bit more, so may actually be waking up.
Alptraum gets more devious. Before she wakes up, Alptraum slips himself down a bit lower and starts licking her in a rather sensitive place.
This wakes Tulani up! Even if she was already at the 'morning dew' stage of arousal, it's enough to make her giggle, which is enough to wake her up! "Yeee!" she squeals, "the log awakens with a vengeance!"
And that prompts a rather deep kiss upon her dew-covered flower. Call him a log, will she? Right now he's acting like a pollen-seeking insect with an impressive tongue.
"I shouldn't be surprised!" Tulani squeaks, but is still purring. "You were poking me all night. Pleasant dreams?" she asks, and grabs onto Alptraum's ears - lightly, holding them just between her thumbs and index fingers.
Right now Alptraum is trying to make things pleasant for her. It's not rushed, but it is thorough, and his ears flick a bit once grabbed. He's holding onto her thighs by this point.
Tulani does try to guide him. When he does something she really likes, she rubs the ear-tips between her fingers. So far she hasn't had to resort to tail swats of discouragement though. The purr is 'hard' enough that Alptraum can feel it through his tongue now. The secret weapon of the felines!
Alptraum seems quite content to keep kissing Tulani this way, and he does use her guidance in trying to follow and keep doing things she really likes. He's also wiggling his muzzle a bit intip he gets his nose between those flower petals so that it can rub the extra sensitive little orb within.
Now Tulani laughs maniacally, and the claws come out! Luckily they don't pinch though, as she does a little hip-wiggle and hooks a leg over one of Alptraum's shoulders. "You should wake me up every day!"
Alptraum laughs at that, which is rather muffled-sounding! Though it does vibrate rather nicely. His revenge for the claws is playfully nip Tulani a few times down there, enough to be felt, anyway. Then it's right back to the deep kiss and a whole lot of sensual nose-rubbing against sensitive bits. It might come to Tulani's thoughs that while nose rings look silly, they could feel nice in this way. He isn't wearing one right now, though.
"Maybe more tongue studs.. or lip.. BIIIIITS!" the Sphynx gasps, getting Alptraum's nose even damper than it already was. Some of the spring in her spine seems to uncoil as well, but not so much that it couldn't be rewound.
And the evil bat tries to rewind her a little; or at the worst case, keep her riding the wave that is making her rather wet, and extremely musky.
Since Tulani isn't fully physically awake, her body is a lot more responsive. Once he's got his nose to the throttle, as it were, Alptraum is able to rev her up or down - or redline her if he really wants to.
Alptraum is currently in an evil mood ... so he tries to push her to the redline, figuratively speaking. Plus, he's enjoying the musky scents this is producing.
This effort results in a rather powerful burst of hip bucking, which could potentially clog nostrils. There's also yowling and a bit of leg-flailing, along with an bit of knee to the ribs. "You.. monster!" Tulani accuses.
Alptraum keeps it up a few moments more, then has to roll to his side and grab it. While giggling, he complains, "Ow!"
"Why are you stopping?" Tulani gasps. "I didn't even draw blood!"
Alptraum's brow goes up, then he rolls right back on top her and buries her face unceremoniously back into her crotch. He resumes right where he left off, too.
"Ahahaha!" Tulani laughs. There a bit of a draconic edge to that maniacal laughter. But there's also still purring, and the Sphynx's spasms are slightly less violent.
Alptraum goes back to enjoying; even if it'll mean he's going to smell like a cat in heat, or something. It's a fun way to kiss someone, certainly.
Eventually, Tulani puts her hand on Alptraum's head and says, "Enough.. I need to catch my breath.. starting to get too sensitive.."
Alptraum stops the kiss. Then he smiles a bit evilly, slides up, and Tulani finds herself both, impaled and bitten next!
"Oog!" the cat cries out, and arches her back! She's practically frictionless at this point, but also so sensitive that she quivers more than purrs now. And she tastes a bit buzzy as well.
Alptraum is at least kind and doesn't move his hips once he's part of her. He mostly focuses on nursing on her shoulder and petting her back.
This seems to calm her (although the slight drop in blood pressure could also be part of that). She was already a bit light-headed to begin with, and now she starts to lick the inside of Alptraum's ear while he nurses at her neck.
It's a few minutes in before his hip movements start. A few minutes more and his jaws are releasing her neck. "And good morning to you too," he says, quiet and amused.
"Mmmmrrrr," Tulani responds, and starts moving back at Alptraum. "Is that all the nursing you're going to do?" she asks.
Alptraum takes that as a cue to dip his head down and properly nurse the cat. He even alternates between them!
It takes a few switches before the magic kicks in and kitty-bird milk flows. It also coincides with another shudder from Tulani, as she squeezes the bat between her legs.
Alptraum keeps up slow and steady movement, as well as nursing. It's a good few minutes more before the bat is shuddering, and Tulani is, well, getting something from her lower body 'nursing'.
The Sphynx lets out a long sigh, and goes back to very loudly purring. "Definitely a good wakeup," she notes, and playfully nips at a bat ear.
Alptraum remains where is is for quite a bit. But, all things must end and he's drawing back now. "Missed you and your scent," he comments and winks.
"You'll need to wash your face and brush your teeth before going to the Temple of Rephath now," Tulani points out, sitting up now. "Where do you want to do the Skreekening?"
"Why? I'm not ashamed of you," Alptraum points out. "As for where, that's a good question. Here would be problematic given his former role. Do you have any suggestions?"
"Well.. where will the new Skreek end up?" Tulani asks. "We did Jank in the Temple of Gorphat and gave Jan to Fluffer. I imagine you have more of a public service role in mind for Pi? Laxus? Pixus?"
"Well, I may assign him over as a Yodhmabb, which is basically a skreek worshipper of Gorphat. Seems appropriate," Alptraum says, then smirks. "Also, Pixus as a name works too."
"So.. we could do it all at the Temple of Gorphat again," Tulani notes. "At least the fixing and reinforcement part. I have no idea what condition Pi is going to be in once the Yodhrephath are done. But I assume you'll take him out of there as-is to avoid anyone figuring out the new identity? Or do you want them to see?"
"Well, the Yodhrephath will know, either way. But, I figure it would be better to shape him all at once, then fix, to make sure nothing slips. So, take him from the Temple of Rephath as-is, to the Temple of Gorphat," Alptraum says after some thought. "So he is dedicated in-place to his new life. As long as he can be moved alive, that is."
Tulani's eyes widen a bit at that last sentiment. "You did tell them you wanted him alive right?"
"Of course," Alptraum says.
"I'm sure he'll be moveable then," Tulani says. "Will you be able to move him by yourself, or do you want the dragon-taxi?"
"Well, probably dragon taxi. I'm not some overly-muscular horse-cat, after all," Alptraum says with a toothy grin. "I doubt I can carry him for long distances."
Tulani stretches! "Alright, I'll head out about an hour after you then? I don't want to loiter around too much with the Yodhrephath having me in their sights. A dragon shouldn't be held to the no-flying rule for non-Yodh, but it'd be safer if you were there waiting for me."
"An hour sounds about right, it gives me time to stabilize him if I need to," Alptraum agrees. He rises, then heads a bit deeper, noting, "I'll go get cleaned up, then get going."
At least the bath is already drawn, because Mave is in it. "Need to borrow some soap and water?" the Yodhinala asks.
"Yes. Also the creeper," Alptraum says as he grabs a cloth, goes over to the tub, and dips the rag in it to get it wet. Then it's a bachelor's bath time; aka, cleaning yourself with a towel.
"Did you find a female one then?" Mave asks.
"A nasty one, but yes," Alptraum confirms in the middle of cleaning up.
"Hopefully it will produce a variety of offspring then," Mave notes with a smile and a smoke-ring. "And then you're going to the Temple of Gorphat it sounded like. Mabb.. Cerise's Skreek goddess, yes?"
"Yes. Serves him right, really," Alptraum notes. "To go from this ... to that."
"I don't know.. it sounds like it might be a fulfilling position," Mave notes. "A life of service isn't so bad."
"Depends. He may get assigned to be a breeder by Mabb," Alptraum notes and shrugs. "I really don't know. Once he's changed, not my concern anymore."
"It'll be the High Priestess's concern then," Mave suggests with a grin. "You look clean enough for the Yodhrephath now."
"Mabb doesn't have a high priestess currently," Alptraum notes. He then takes some time to brush his teeth, then his hair. "Right, time to get dressed. I'll grab the urn on the way out."
Carrying an urn through the Temple of Rephath did get a few curious looks, but since everyone knew the Barsunala was coming to pick up a criminal for 'final punishment' they didn't question it. It was only yesterday that Alptraum had brought Laxus to the Beastmaster, but it felt longer. Not long enough for him to have forgotten the route though. What he finds when he gets there is an Eeee that seems so much smaller without his wings. His entire upper torso is wrapped around with bandages, as are his hips and loins - whatever is left of them. He keeps curled up in a corner.
The Beastmaster, Scabberzerka (or Yodhrephath Scar as she prefers) is sitting at her desk with the female Creeper, giving its hump a massage. She's not wearing her half-mask, so the damaged part of her face is on display.. but she also smells freshly washed and has combed her hair nicely. She otherwise isn't wearing anything.
Alptraum winces a bit when he looks at Laxus. "I've returned," he says, trying to sound like what he just saw isn't bothering him. "I also brought the creeper for you to attempt to breed. I'll remove ... her for final treatment elsewhere." He feels horrible, even with what Laxus did, torturing someone has never really been something he could do well. So, of course he looks at the Beastmaster ... and can now see how badly her face was damaged.
Part of Scar's smile shows up through the hole in her cheek. "I think the female is receptive now," she says. "The.. ah.. the special meal helped. Can you take out the male for me?"
"Yes, I can," Alptraum agrees, and tries to not think about the special meal. "I can repair your face, if you want," he offers as he works on trying to open the urn up. He remembers how Mave did it, at least.
"You mean close up the.. hole?" Scar asks. Alptraum does get the cap unscrewed, revealing the odd fluid that the Creeper lives in when it isn't doing anything else. It's just a matter of reaching in and grabbing it..
"I could do more than just close the hole. I could make it look like it never happened," Alptraum points out. He then makes a bit of a face as he reaches into the fluid and grabs the creeper. The face is, of course, one of, 'oh ew!'.
The long tri-limbed creature is extracted. Compared to the female, it seems a bit insubstantial. Scar stops stroking the damaged part of her face to reach over and scoop up the Creeper. "I wouldn't mind not having to wear the mask," she notes hopefully, and then starts arranging the two small monsters. The male doesn't plug into the female at the expected place - so that must really be a mouth after all. Arms are entwined, masses shifted around.. and a pinch of salt sprinkled on the male's back. This last part seems to wake it up, and it begins pulsing, with parts of it inflating and deflating.
Alptraum watches this ... from a few steps away in case the things try to latch onto the closest person. "Well, your decision on your face. I don't think it looks too bad, but I know it probably makes some uncomfortable," he says.
"Well.. I would like to have it fixed," Scar admits, but seems uncertain. "I don't think that violates any rules. Or if it wouldn't matter because you're the one doing it. But I can always hide it under my mask for a few more spheres. What do I need to do?"
"Nothing other than sit down and relax," Alptraum notes without looking away from the pulsating blobs. "I do have to ask, though ... why are you naked...?"
"The Creepers are very damp," Scar notes, then spreads her arms and does a turn for Alptraum. "You were going to make love to me too, so.. I figured I would save time?" She then sits on the edge of the bed-cot, and wipes her hands on her knees a bit nervously. Laxus seems dead to the world though - he's likely under heavy sedation.
"I'm surprised you didn't wear a collar or some sort of breeding harness, then," Alptraum jokes as he sits on the edge of the cot. "I recommend you close your eyes," he says as he brings his right hand up to cup her damaged cheek. "It won't hurt, but it might feel a bit weird."
"I only have harnesses and collars for the Groks though.." Scar starts to say, then goes quiet and closes her eyes, although her nostrils flare a bit.
"And you've never tried them on yourself, out of curiosity?" Alptraum has to ask. Probably to keep her a little distracted so that she doesn't panic at the feel of the shadow soon oozing over her face and sinking into the damaged part. He knows Eeee anatomy really well, and this is mostly soft tissue ... so it shouldn't be too bad to fix, he hopes.
Scar doesn't answer, but does stiffen up as half of her face goes numb. She is a Yodhrephath though, and doesn't move. After all, it can't be any worse than when she got the damage in the first place.
So, for now it's slow nudging and pushing to try to get her face to fill back in to, well, normal. He has to concentrate now, too, and close his eyes as he has to do this by shadow-feel, and looking at stuff is distracting.
It really is almost a cell-by-cell process, because the damage is old, meaning lots of scar tissue, missing or damaged blood vessels and nerves. Even with the repairs.. he can't be certain there won't still be numbness or nerve damage. At least the worst parts don't require muscle, just cheek skin. The very last thing will be regrowing fur, but fur is easy and can have extra tricks applied - certainly easier than turning an iris silver.
Alptraum decides to be a little creative; and let her keep her name of 'Scar'. He tries to adjust the fur tones so that it takes on a sheen like that of a grok, a chitiny sort of gloss. So, she will still have a colorful 'scar' from the injury, but just one that looks attractive instead.
Throughout it all, Scar has no idea of what's happening since she can't feel the area. But once Alptraum finishes with the final artistic touch, there's another issue. The woman can feel the new fur and skin with her fingers, but there isn't a mirror in her chamber so that she can see the difference. She also spends time poking her tongue against the inner cheek, to make sure it's really there. Her eyes are very wide.
"It's not quite back to normal," Alptraum claims as he draws his hand away, "You still have a bit of a grok mark, I'm afraid. It's ... distinctive."
"How?" Scar asks, rubbing the area as if it had fallen asleep and just needs some blood circulation. "I don't feel any scars.."
"It's ... rather shiny and colorful," Alptraum says vaguely. "Looks like grok shell from a distance."
"Shiny and.. pretty?" Scar asks. "Can I see it?" She starts to get up, but looks to Alptraum for final permission.
"If you can find a mirror, yes," Alptraum says, "And I think it looks good."
Scar gets up and goes to the larger urn that held the female Creeper, so she can look at her reflection in the liquid it hold. She turns her face at different angles, and moves around to see how the light hits it. "It's too nice for me," she says, and has to wipe her eyes. "It's pretty. Thank you so much, Nightmare!"
"You are very welcome," Alptraum says. "It's the least I could do." It also seems weird to see a Yodhrephath ... cry.
Coming back over to the cot, Scar asks, "Now.. what can I do for you? Do you still want to teach me about lovemaking.. without harnesses? Is there something you really like? I can kiss you now without having to worry about drool!"
Alptraum laughs. "I was joking about the harnesses," Alptraum admits as he returns to the cot. "As for ... other stuff with me. I probably need to teach you things in general first before you try to do things on your own. So ... for now you should lay back and relax."
Scar does so (while still stroking her new fur). At least she isn't body-shy, but then the Yodhrephath tend towards the same body type anyway, with a few special exceptions (such as Wynona, who is still on the short side for a Yodhrephath).
And so Alptraum starts showing her how places that can cause pain, can also cause quite nice feelings if treated more gently. Instead of bites and strikes, it's kisses and licking. Nipples are nursed on. and yes to the point she actually produces milk. Her gate is kissed and intimately explored with his tongue. Once she seem suitably relaxed, he starts showing her how to touch a guy. When she seems to understand that guys like being kissed and licked, and even nursed on ... he even dares to let her try licking and nursing even more sensitive areas. Granted, there are probably times he has to remind her not to bite, but hopefully no blood will be drawn.
For a Yodhrephath, Scar does have a light touch and gentle manner. This is could be the result of, or reason why she is the one caring for the often violent animals that still need to be nursed to health and treated well. She knows how to touch without causing alarm, and also makes 'soothing noises' as she does.
And once the instructions on how to your tongue, tongue, and lips to cause nice feelings, then it gets onto the actual ... lovemaking. Alptraum pushes her back on the cot and slides up onto her. With experienced and practiced movement, soon part of himself is buried deep on her gate. That's also when he tilts her head to the side and bites her. Not enough to draw blood, but his fangs can be felt.
"This is good," Scar notes. "You're very good." Is she using her beast-talking voice? She's willing enough to let Alptraum lead, certainly, but is also a Yodhrephath - which means she eventually asks, "Will you teach me to lead too-oo?" just before the big climax.
Alptraum keeps her in that spot and squirmy for as long as he can, making sure her first experience is rather, well, explosive. Then when she's recovering, he rolls them carefully on the cot until she's on top. "Just lead me like you would one of your groks," he suggests with a bemused and playful smile.
"But.. I don't have my training crop, or the muzzle.." Scar notes.. half-seriously? Instead, she more or less repeats what Alptraum did - making use of what she has on various erogenous zones, and being the one who moves their hips the most. She is a bit rougher though, and likes to hold Alptraum's wrists to control where he puts his hands; but there's a definite 'only because I can't tie you up right now' vibe to it. Yodhrephath do have elevated testosterone levels after all, even if it's all just from the extra muscle mass.
Alptraum rather enjoys this. "Just bring the crop and muzzle next time," Alptraum suggests at some point, grinning a bit toothily. The second round is actually helped by the roughness; even with the training from Mave, anything that spices it up makes it easier to be ready for a second round. But, that's all he really has time for too; he has to get the Eeee to being a rat before he, well, dies. So, while he'll enjoy and not try to speed things up, he can't let himself get talked into staying longer too.
Scar actually finishes sooner this way - but she didn't have as far to go after the first round! "So, you'll visit again?" she asks, then laughs. "Oh, right! You'll want to come back to see if the Creepers have reproduced. I looked thinks up.. so it'll be at least ten days before I know for sure."
"Right, so I will be back. Remember the crop and muzzle for next time," Alptraum says and winks. Unfortunately now it means he has to deal with the more unpleasant job ahead. Laxus. He looks to the damaged Eeee and sighs. "This one ... tome for her to begin her new life," he remarks grimly.
The Yodhrephath does help get Laxus to his feet, where he is very shaky. Not surprising after losing both his center of gravity and a quarter of his body weight, which used to be on his back. So he seems forever on the edge of lurching forward onto his face. He doesn't even try to talk though.
Alptraum doesn't really feel up to saying much more, either. He balances the Eeee, then starts the slow walk out to where Tulani should be.
The Yodhrephath clear a path for the pair. Once outside, it isn't long before the silver dragon shows up, causing a lot of squeaking and alarms before Alptraum and his charge reach her. There's not way to secure Laxus to her back, so Tulani has to carry him in her foreclaws while Alptraum rides her back.
After assuring the squeakers that the dragon is okay and works for him ... it's dealing with Tulani herself. "I'm trying to not think about it too much," Alptraum admits quietly to Tulani as he climbs upon the cold dragon's back. At least he remembered to wear an extra layer underneath his pants! "Kooshka, hooskes, koosha," Alptraum declares right as he lightly nudges her sides with his ankles.
There's a grunt from the dragon, but Tulani refrains from giving Alptraum a cold lick. Instead she takes to the air, and is soon over Mt. Gorphat. "Do you want to go in through the front?" she asks. "I need a spot to change."
"Through the front is fine," Alptraum agrees, "You won't fit well through the back entrance." He refrains from stating similar about himself, at least.
"I'll have to drop you off and change somewhere else," Tulani points out. "Not going to be wet and naked in public!"
"You're too shy! Be more bold!" Alptraum nudges with a grin.
"I'm walking into the Temple of Gorphat unattended," Tulani points out as she makes for the main plaza before the temple. "They're used to seeing me there by now. First time coming in as a dragon though!" Down below, the approach has been noticed, and people are clearing away.
"I can make you one of the Yodh there if it would make you more comfortable!" Alptraum claims before they descend. Of course he's kidding, but Tulani is rather squeamish about Nicora! "But it's okay, I don't need you there for the shift, but afterward I do."
"I'll show up shortly, just need to dry off and get dressed first," Tulani claims, and then she's landing. Since she can only use her hind legs, there's a lot more flapping than usual, which flutters the fabric on some of the tents. She waits for Alptraum to get down before handing over Laxus. At least the former barinala looks like someone that would be brought here.
Alptraum slides off, then takes Laxus. This time, though, he carries the Eeee. "Thank you," he says politely to Tulani, then nod-bows to her. The Eeee then turns and heads towards the temple with Laxus in his arms. "You are to become a Yodhmabb, Laxus," he whispers to him. "Or should I say, Pixus. A female rat in service to their Goddess of the sewers and pits."
There's some billowing effects with Alptraum's hair as he ascends the steps of the Temple, due to a dragon taking flight behind him. 'Pixus' doesn't comment, but seems to be conscious at least. Maybe there just isn't anything for him to lose at this point. The Yodhrinala in the main temple bow as Alptraum passes, and there are a several female Skreeks and Eeee wearing plain burlap shifts around as well. Once deeper into the mountain, it's time to decide where to take the Eeee for the transformation. There are plenty of unused cells still, since there's only a few permanent staff, and Penance still 'lives' in the Horrib Lair.
A cell it will have to be as she adjusts to her new life, after all. I doubt she will be particularly eager at first. So, Alptraum heads off into the cell-wing, which is rather unused these days. A good thing, truth be told. Far better than the one time he was here and saw a fox named Reynard as a prisoner. Hopefully Gorphat won't be offended with him being here as, well, himself, the Barsunala.
The cells have been cleaned. There's even 'fresh' straw for the beds. It's either the work of Sil or Otto, most likely, keeping busy. The main difference between them and the 'patient rooms' is the lack of the altar-operating-table and the addition of a door that locks. There are a few candles that have clearly been constructed from the remains of other candles, even though the glowing lichen already provides a green glow.
Alptraum sets Laxus down carefully on the straw. He knows the Eeee must be in agony as it is and does not wish too much more upon him. He then closes the door and returns to the bat, kneeling beside him. Alptraum lays his hands upon Laxus now and takes several deep breaths. On the last breath out, the shadow flows from his hands and starts to engulf the Eeee. This means he cannot help but ken him and learn how badly he was injured. Then it's the slow change to a rat. A female rat. One not as pretty as any Igorina, of course. A bit shorted, plumper in various areas, wide rat-breeder hips, and if he can manage it, a green mohawk, green hands and feet, and a green crotch, to mark her as part of Mabb's rats. Well, that's the plan, anyway. It's going to be slow and difficult he knows, and he thinks, "Soon, Gorphat ... Mabb will have the first of her new daughters..."
Once the shadow withdraws, and Alptraum can take a breather, the results lay on the straw before him. Pixus is not as pretty as her name might imply. A few crooked teeth protrude past the green lips on her face, and even her nose is green.. along with all other bare skin, from her ears to her tail to her exposed furless crotch and nipples. She has a healthy build, if not exactly young, thanks to the fatty deposits. The mohawk is stringy, and there's a general impression of moistness about the Skreek, even if it isn't anything visible. Her eyes open, and here there's no green or much of any other color, giving them a gray look. Even her tongue is green! Hands reach up to feel her face, and there's some struggling to sit up. "Glurg," Pixus says, then coughs and rubs her throat.
Alptraum sits back and leans against the wall. "Welcome to your new life, Pixus," he says as he watches the rat curiously. "You're a street rat, and will be claimed as a Yodhmabb. It's kind of like being a Yodhgorphat, you might say. That's why your skin is green ... and why your crotch has no fur; signs of street living. "And yes, you are now completely female. Likely even fertile."
"What.. now?" Pixus asks, struggling with the words.
Alptraum becomes aware of approaching presences now, both familiar: Tulani and Otto.
"Feel your crotch if you don't believe me," Alptraum remarks, sounding bored, probably yo make it seem like this is something he does all the time. "And you have breasts."
The new Skreek explores things a bit, expression unreadable but aura mixed - despair, but not as much as before the change. And fear.
"Would you have preferred to die and go to Magog?" Alptraum asks. "At least this way you get to live ... and repent as one of those you wronged." He also then reases over and grabs Pixus' crotch so that she gets the experience of what someone else touching it may feel like. It's brief, though, especially since Otto and Tulani are soon to be here.
The Skreek lets out a squeak of alarm at the grab, and moves her hands to protect the area once Alptraum lets go. Then there's a scratching at the door. Since it's the only one closed it isn't a surprise that it was singled out. Otto has a good nose, as well.
"You may enter. Pixus is waiting," Alptraum calls to the door.
Otto opens the door, holding it for Tulani. The Sphynx enters, one hand on the hilt of the Light of Nala, and nods to Otto who closes the door again, waiting outside. "No trace of Inala left I see," she says of Pixus. "Ready for the reinforcement, or do you need to rest?" she asks Alptraum.
"Let us get her re-enforced," Alptraum says. "And Otto may have to teach her how to be a proper female skreek soon."
Tulani nods, and without hesitation draws her saber and stabs Pixus right through the gut. The shocked Skreek makes a 'glurk' sound and stares at the blade before losing consciousness. The Sphynx keeps the blade in for a good two minutes before pulling it out, leaving no mark behind - but Pixus does seem to glow slightly from the ordeal. "All charged up!" Tulani says before sheathing the blade again.
Alptraum then uses the shadow to check Pixus and make sure that everything looks stable and that there is no 'feel' like the body wants to change back. He also used that two minutes to try and charge himself as well from proximity. Large shifts are always extremely draining. "And now she should probably sleep for a while," Alptraum says as he stands. "We can lock the door. Otto, can you check on her every so often until she wakes, then give her some food?"
"Of course, Lord Death," Otto says, opening the door to let Alptraum and Tulani out. The 'lock' is just an outside bolt, but there's no way to reach it through the small barred window in the door. "Is she sick?" he asks.
"She is ... sick in some ways, yes," Alptraum says. "Her name is Pixus, and she will be a new project for an offshoot order of skreeks in service to their ancient Goddess, Mabb. She is allied with Gorphat, of course."
"Yes, the others spoke of Mabb," Otto says. "They've been waiting for... something. Started arriving a few days ago. Acolytes for Gorphat too."
Alptraum's brow goes up. This is worrying. "Acolytes for Gorphat? How many? How is the High Priestess handling this?" he inquires. Nevermind he does know she isn't right now, but he cannot seem to know that. "And how many other skreeks?"
"Eight women, three men so far for Gorphat," Otto notes, looking nervous. "More Skreeks. A dozen women, four men. They don't seem to know what to do. But they must want to be Yodhmabb and barmabb, they just haven't heard those words yet."
"That is ... a lot. Hmm. But then this is not my Temple to manage," Alptraum says, "So I should not pry too much. I hope that it all goes well." Of course he's thinking, "What are you up to, Gorphat...?"
"I can talk to them," Tulani says. "Find out why they decided to start showing up."
"All right. It would less of a trespass if you did that," Alptraum agrees.
"I'll get to it then," the Sphynx says. "You probably need to.. report to the Kindly Ones or something?"
"I should report what has happened, yes," Alptraum agrees and bows to both. "Thank you for your assistance in this matter. It is appreciated by all. I will take my leave now." And with that, Alptraum turns and heads back towards the Temple entrance.
Alptraum makes a detour to the High Priestess' chambers. He closes the door, then locks it. Off go the clothing too, and they are folded up and put away so they don't get messed up while in here! Then it's to the bed, which he sits upon. To commune properly with Gorphat, it's only proper to be one of her children. So, he closes his eyes and relaxes out the shadow. Then the worst part is to come; becoming Nicora is basically relaxing and letting his body take on its default shape, which is that of the heavily cursed Yodhgorphat. At least the shift should be generally quick and so as the shadow withdraws, Nicora takes stock of her body to see if she feels like Nicora now, down to all her itches, swellings, and pains.
At least the fly-factory hasn't kicked in yet - there's always a bit of a grace period after the change. "I'm so very proud," Gorphat says from behind Nicora, resting her chin on one of the pale furless shoulders. "They've answered my call.. because they can hear it now. They can hear it! It has been a very long time since that last happened."
Nicora reaches up to massage her own breasts to try and get them started. Why? BEcause she's used to having uncomfortable pressure in her chest and it feels weird when it isn't there. She also leans her head to the side and nuzzles Gorphat's muzzle. "So, that explains the new people, both for Mabb, and for you. My works on your behalf have worked. The sacrifices I made of myself and my body bear fruit," she murmurs.
"Oh, and they must continue," Gorphat assures. "Hoshuosin is not ready yet to take on his role.. but the buck and the doe are. And it is a very important role, for I will not let this new generation of my children be without protection. The Path of Affliction.. is not very relevant in this new era. The Streets Below are emptied. Oh, I think Penance will take it.. it's important for those at the top to understand history, after all."
"The path of affliction was important to me. It made me beautiful," Nicora claims as her hands continue to knead. "Are you also saying that even with the new ... blood that I am still needed? That I have duties to perform?"
"This is the purpose of the buck and the doe," Gorphat claims, and then changes shoulders - only now she has the head of a Skreek.. of Mabb. "To be Yodhgorphat, they must birth their own guardians - their own Hoshim. The buck will handle that. The men.. well, the doe will serve as host for their Hoshim. In the future, the new one.. Pixus? Yes, Pixus will serve in that role."
"I think the Yodhmabb will participate in this new tradition as well," Mabb notes.
This makes Nicora's stomach sink a bit. "The doe is to be a breeder?" she asks, sounding nervous at that prospect. "Who will guide and lead the Yodhmabb?"
"The Prophet Cerise would be logical, but that is problematical," Mabb notes. "So, for now, they will serve under the Yodhgorphat.. side by side as it were. Together with their Hoshim, there is no place they will fear to tread, and no task too gruesome for them to handle. Skreeks have always been the one who dealt with carrion. They will sanitize this city together. An important, essential task."
"Do you .... want Cerise for a Yodhmabb as well? Even if only now and then?" Nicora asks as she looks over at the skreek's head. "But otherwise ... I would be their head for now?"
"It would be helpful to have Cerise explain their duties," Mabb notes. "But it in the end, they all answer to Gorphat's High Priestess."
"To me. All right. I can ... arrange for Cerise to be inducted and explain things," Nicora agrees; being Cerise isn't that bad, after all. She's more worried about the comments about the buck and doe now!
"You will need to address the acolytes, welcome them into the fold," Mabb says. "Penance can handle the logistics and organizing. Then the buck can implant their guardians. The bargorphat and barmabb will have to be handled by the doe, but there are less of them and due to the time involved, they will need to be dealt with one at a time."
"So ... the doe will be around more? She is .... a mindless rutting beast," Nicora says, her voice still sounding rather nervous at that prospect. "When do you wish me to address the Acolytes?"
"Sooner is better, when you are ready," Mabb says, then switches shoulders again, once more becoming Gorphat. "Isn't it exciting?"
"Exciting is one word for it, yes," Nicora says, trying to sound enthusiastic about it! Then there's a horrible grumble from her gut, and her wound parts as it releases both a foul sound and a foul smell, then the spattering of a slimy green discharge. This causes her to clutch her gut and groan in discomfort. Interesting days are ahead, it seems. And flies. Soon her crotch will be overflowing with flies and dripping out maggots. But, the Yodhgorphat forces a smile back on her face. "Anything to serve you, my Mother. Anything you desire," she claims.