Year 27

While conflict can be good for business, there sometimes is a point when it starts becoming a hindrance. Especially when the wrong side is winning.

"The Joachimites are starting to break this stalemate and win this religious war you know. The Yagites are gone and so are the followers of Karn. The Dornans are still around, but they've decided to just put up a force field around their temple and ride it all out. That just leaves the Temple of Fel and rumors are that they expended a lot of their power taking down the Karnites." Vera says.
"Dey ain't gonna last long against dem purity fanatics. They're worse than those Neroth cultists were and there is a lot more of dem." Warts adds.
"Yeah, an' more people are starting to join. Maybe not in their fighting ranks, but that isn't our problem. What IS our problem is these folks are the same ones preaching for purity and living a clean life to everyone. We're going to start having serious complications if they win and have complete influence over the city as the only religion."

The concerns that Vera and Warts both bring up aren't lost on you, in fact you've been having them yourself. You've already been seeing a drop in profit in most of your business ventures.

You were hoping to avoid getting involved and you certainly didn't anticipate the Joachimites being so violently fanatical as they've been. Then again nobody really did.

What you don't understand is why the hell they've even been allowed to get this far. There was always the rumor that Baroness Varsakken herself was a worshipper of Fel so you would have thought she might have intervened in some direct way. But maybe it was just rumors.

You can't help but wonder if the Ebony Claw Syndicate was still around if the Temple of Fel would be doing much better than they are. It might be a case that you're going to have to be the ones to help instead.

You're not exactly on friendly terms with the Felians, but you've never really had any problems with them either. Your issues with them are just like you have with any religion and that's that you find them to be too restrictive. Honestly, if you had it to do over again, you might have sided with the Yagites since they seemed the least fanatical, though even Warts didn't think much of them claiming that people shouldn't organize to worship Yag in the first place.

In any case, you aren't even sure if the Felians will be receptive to an alliance or what it might even entail. You have to try though because you can't afford to just sit by and do nothing anymore.

"Guess I need to have a meeting with whoever is the head of the Temple of Fel. Do we have any actual information on that?" Vera remarks.
"Um, not really boss. You know the Felians, they're a pretty secretive bunch. In fact, don't even know where they're all holding out at actually now ever since their temple was directly attacked and partially destroyed."
"Mm, well put the word out that I want to talk with the high priest or whoever. I'm sure it'll get back to them eventually."

Your orders are carried out and life continues as usual for you. Weeks pass and for a while you think you're probably not going to get an answer. In fact you start to wonder if the Joachimites already succeeded in wiping them all out.

However, one night when you're in bed you awaken and sit up with your pistol drawn from under your pillow.

A dark figure that you can barely make out sits in the corner of the room.

"Not sure why you're bothering with that thing. I could have killed you several times over already and that's even before you actually woke up. My name is Shade." The figure says.
"Appropriate name. Was wondering when one of you lot would show up." You say, lowering your weapon.
"We've been a little pre-occupied as of late. Defending the faith of Fel is a tireless cause, but one we take very seriously."
"I suppose its even more tiring when you're on the losing side."
"It may appear that way to the ignorant faithless, but I assure you that is not the case. We are merely biding our time and will strike when the time is right."
"Sure you are. And that's why you're here wondering what I might have to say to help quicken that wait time."
"You presume much for a petty criminal."
"Pet…okay, you know what. I'm sick of this. We can sit here all night and verbally kick each other in the balls, but the point is, I wanted to speak with you about a mutual enemy, which are those fanatical Joachimites. Now they haven't been a direct threat to me and mine yet, but I imagine when they finally are through with you, we'll be next in their purity crusade. Since I'd rather not have to deal with them by myself, I reached out to you for a possible alliance. I figured since you once had a similar set up with the Ebony Claw Syndicate, you wouldn't be opposed to the idea."

You hear a snort of laughter when you mention the ECS.

"Something funny?" you ask.
"Yes, irony is always funny." Shade says.
"What do you mean?"
"Not everyone was keen on our alliance with the Syndicate. In fact I was very vocal against our alliance with them. I felt it sullied our faith to associate with such criminals. Allowing some of them into our shadow magic secrets. It was a disgrace to Fel's name. Joachimite's foolishly believe they have the cornerstone on the concept of purity. Let me tell you, purity isn't only found in the so called light."
"Well I can see that you have some strong feelings on all this."
"Damn right I do. Which is why I didn't kill you immediately even though I could tell you had your own agenda against the Ebony Claw Syndicate the first time I met you. Now here I am dealing with you again despite our temple's break from alliances with the unworthy."

You pause and realize who you're talking to exactly. You remember at the time after everything that happened with the ECS you wondered if you'd have to deal with this man again. You never thought it would be in this capacity though.

"So, you were sent by the Fel leadership to deal with yet another criminal group. Yeah, I can see where that would piss you off." You say.
"It's even worse since I AM the Temple's leadership this time. Shortly after the ECS started to collapse with the death of their boss which I have no doubt you had a hand in, there was another debate on whether or not help. It was then when I decided that our temple should seize the chance to discard our alliance and go back to basics. Let's just say the disagreement with the leadership at the time got heated and I took our temple back to what it should be focusing on." Shade says.
"And it looks like that worked out real well for you."
"It did. At least for a time. In any case, all of my actions would seem to have been for naught since I'm here. While perhaps I believe outside influences are a corrupting influence on our faith, I must also be pragmatic if our faith is to survive in this city."
"What I don't understand is how you lot let yourselves get in this position in the first place. I mean you fuckers sneak about silently, turn invisible, and are one with the shadows. I mean arguably that's why the Ebony Claw was so feared in the first place, due to your alliance along with its top leaders being practitioners of Shadow magic, and I imagine they couldn't even do everything your top followers could. What about other Fel temples elsewhere? You can't just call on help from them? Not to mention I thought you lot even had government influence. I mean I always heard the rumor that Baroness Ludmilla was a follower of Fel."
"Well the part of that is easy to answer, because it relates back to my break away from outside influence. You see, the next closest chapter, which exists in the Delantium Kingdom where they still maintain close ties to the ECS, doesn't exactly approve of THIS particular chapter. Hence I can expect no help from them. As for the Baroness, well let's just say she's a politician first and even more of a dabbler than a typical ECS lieutenant. It probably doesn't help that I cut most ties with her on our temple other than bare minimum cordial tolerance for her superficial intrigue on our faith."
"If you hadn't been so much of a fanatic, you might have had a few more friends to help you now."
"I remind you, that if I hadn't been so much of a fanatic, I would have killed you a long time ago. However, you are right of course unfortunately. Lately I've been wondering if all of this that has happened is Fel's way of punishing me for my hubris and past transgressions. I suppose it is equally amusing that my own rigid fanaticism caused my temple's downfall, while that same rigid fanaticism is causing the Joachimites' churches resurgence. Their god has been blessing them not just in the martial ways, but of magic as well. Our own shadow magic is practically rendered useless when faced with their light magic. Can't even get anyone close enough to stealthily assassinate their known top priests. Let alone the one who's actually leading them."
"Who is leading them anyway? I mean we've only got a few rumors and names."
"A bit of an enigma. So much so, it would actually make Fel proud. All we know is they call themselves The Inquisitor."
"That's the same name I've heard a few times."
"Yeah and that's about all that's known about him, assuming it's a guy. Have no real clue since whenever there have been sightings of the Inquisitor; the person is wearing a white mask along with a long white robe. Could be anything under there."
"You can't assassinate him?"
"Besides the fact that he moves around a lot, we've tried several times and we can't get close enough. He's also got some sort of magical protection that deflects projectiles of any kind. I suppose if we had more people maybe we could try to overwhelm him, but those damn Joachimites…they do not go down easy. Some of them rival a Karnite priest in their stubbornness to die and I should know because I've had to fight several of each. Yes, they are definitely not the peace and love pacifists they once were. I guess perhaps the Neroth cultists that were plaguing the city years ago lit that spark of hate back in them."

While all this is mildly fascinating, you think it's time to get to business.

"Shit, I was hoping this might be easier if we aligned. The way you're talking you make it sound like this Inquisitor is nigh invulnerable." You say.
"I'm sure he's not invulnerable. Peel away all that protection and I'm sure he bleeds like everyone else. It's just getting through it, that's all. As much as I'm loathed to admit, your help WOULD probably go a long way in the Joachimites' eventual defeat. For one thing they aren't expecting an attack from your group. Set it up right and you could probably do a lot of damage with your first attack. Be prepared for the retaliation though, because it will be fierce. Hope you're ready to take some personnel losses." Shade says.
"I'm more concerned by financial losses, but better to take a big loss now than a complete loss later if we don't help at all. Just wish there was another way rather than the slog that's going to ensue. If we could take out this Inquisitor leader immediately, I would imagine the rest might lose some of their fight."
"Don't be so sure. Remember, all of these people are motivated by their love and faith of Joachim, not this Inquisitor. He's just leading the charge. However, you may have a point in that if he was out of the picture quicker, then perhaps those of lesser conviction may indeed be shaken enough to no longer be a concern. While our attempts at breaking through the Inquisitor's magic defenses have failed, I can think of one group who might be able to and that's the Dornans."
"And I take it you're not on good terms with them either."
"No, however you are a neutral party and if you're willing, you might be able to talk with them. Of course there's a bit of a danger though. The Dornans as you might know have taken a cocoon like approach to this whole event with their protective barrier around their own temple. Only Holgard Watchmen who patrol through the area at times are allowed anywhere near the place. The Joachimites attempted an attack on it once and they were incinerated almost instantly. Even they haven't dared to do it again."
"So if I go to talk with them, at best they'll probably ignore me, at worst they'll turn me into ash."
"Essentially, yes. Up to you though if you want to take that risk. If you do and assuming you're successful, I believe on my end we can track down the latest where abouts of the Inquisitor and hit him hard. This brings me to my question to you. Regardless of what approach we go with, what exactly is it that you want of the Temple of Fel in exchange for your assistance in this matter?"
"Oh that. Well I haven't made up my mind on that exactly yet. Don't worry though, I have no intention on insisting that you teach me or any Nocturnal League members shadow magic or otherwise intertwine our two organizations. All I ask for is if there comes a day where I need a really need a big favor, I expect you to honor it." You say.
"How big exactly?" Shade asks.
"Oh not bigger than saving an entire organization from extinction I assure you. In any case, I know you're obviously a man of great faith so I expect you to make this promise to Fel that you will help me whenever that day comes. Do this and I will take your word as true."

You hear nothing for a moment followed by a loud sigh. This has to be killing Shade, but better his pride dies tonight than the meager remains of his temple.

"Very well. Assuming you succeed in helping us, I swear by the purity of the shadows provided by Fel that give us protection against our enemies that I will help you when you call upon it in the future and extend that protection to you. Now, do you have an idea of which way you want to go with the attack?"

You decisive Strike

If you have a chance to take down the Joachimites in an expedient manner then you're going to take it. Last thing you want is this to drag out any longer than you have to.

You tell Shade that you're going to try to meet with the Dornans. Shade sounds a bit surprised when you tell him but agrees that it is worth a try along with saying that they probably won't kill you just for asking for an audience. (You sure hope he's right.)

He goes on to tell you that their high priest is Elder Flynn and he tends to be a bit aloof and always involved in some magic experiment so you might not even get to speak to him directly as he prefers to let one of his subordinates take care of things. Shade also mentions if you've got anything magical laying around, that might help you get a meeting with any of them since they love collecting magic items.

Shade then tells you he'll be preparing things on his side and in the unlikely event that you actually manage to get Dornan help and depending on how much help, you two can plan out your next move at that time. With those last words, Shade seemingly disappears into the darkness completely.

The next day you explain the situation to Vera and Warts. Neither one is exactly enthused about the idea, but they're just glad you're not asking either of them to do it.

"Hope Yag's rolling in yer favor." Warts says.
"If he is, I hope he does better than he did for his loyal worshippers. Just wish I had something more than this pair of dried unicorn balls as a possible offering...Warts are you even sure this shit is magical?" You say.
"Itz from a unicorn ain't it? Itz magic trust me. Witch doctors grind dem up and make inta potions dat make yer dick HARD. Youz can last fer hours let me tell ya. One time wit Snuffit, I…"
"That's okay, don't need to hear the details. Anyway, guess it'll have to do."
"At the risk that you'll take me with you, are you sure you should go attempt to do this alone?" Vera asks.
"I'm literally going to speak to a bunch of people that practically eat, sleep and shit magic. If they decide to kill me, there is little anyone else in the League is going to be able to do to help so there's really no point in anyone else getting potentially disintegrated. That's probably not going to happen, but in case shit does go south and I don't come back, I guess it'll be up to you lead this organization."
"What seriously?"
"Well you and Warts are the closest thing I have to seconds and I doubt if Warts wants the commitment. So you're the obvious choice."
"Got dat right. Barely wanna do the shit I hafta." Warts interjects.
"Wow, that's a huge responsibility and a lot of trust in me. I'm not sure what to say, thanks I guess." Vera says responding to you.
"Well I'm not dead yet, so don't start sweating or celebrating prematurely. Okay, I'm off."

You set off to the temple of Dorna. Along the way you see several groups of Joachimite fanatics preaching their faith to passersby. Most of the citizens are just trying to go about their day and are meekly just accepting the various pamphlets the Joachimites are aggressively distributing. Your own League members should be so intimidating.

Yep, their ranks definitely need to be whittled down severely. You're just hoping the Dornans will help. That's what you're most concerned about, because if you don't get their help in some meaningful way, you know full well you'll be taking some losses if it turns into a straight up fight with the Joachimites.

The closer you get to the area of Dorna's temple, the less people you see around in general. The force field that shimmers in and out of existence and surrounds the temple has certainly done its job in keeping everyone away.

When you get so close to the place that you could actually touch the field if you wanted to, you notice that beyond the field there is a robed individual sitting on steps to the entrance and reading a book.

'Hello?" you say in order to get their attention. The robed individual looks up and you see it's a woman. She puts her books aside to address you.

"Oh hello. Not many people even walk this way anymore let alone get this close. Last ones who tried were those silly Joachimites. They learned the hard way of course. So anyway, my name is Heather and what brings the leader of the infamous Nocturnal League here?" she says.
"You know who I am?"
"Oh yes of course! We're the worshippers of Dorna! Goddess of not just magic but of knowledge! We try to make it a point of knowing everything and everyone that might be important for one never knows when the knowledge may come in handy."
"Hm, never realized I actually was all that important really."
"You're an underworld boss who not only orchestrated the downfall of the Thieves Guild, but also the Ebony Claw Syndicate chapter in this city. THEN you created your own organization, which has quickly started to gain the same influence as the ECS once did here. You are also known to be very dangerous with firearms, particularly your custom made one. While you're probably not important in the grand scheme of the world, you're definitely important in this city at least."

You chuckle at that brief history of yourself.

"Well I suppose that's all true, though I had good reasons for everything." You say.
"Of course you did. And I imagine you're also here for another good reason. So what is it that you want?" Heather asks.
"To cut to the chase, I wish to speak to your Elder Flynn as I'm seeking your help in taking down the Joachimites. I believe it is in everyone's best interest that they aren't allowed to spread in this city. Plus, I figure your group of all people would finally want to put an end to this religious war."
"Hm, well seeing as we've already made it impossible for the Joachimites or anyone else for that matter to attack us, the war is already over as far as we're concerned."
"But if the Joachimites win, they'll be coming for you next and just because they were turned back by your barrier before doesn't mean they won't try when they have no more opponents left. Hell, if they become very influential they may even gain the help of the government to kick you out."
"I do not believe that will happen. You are allied with the Felians are you not?"
"We came to an understanding, yes."
"Then the predictions came true. Elder Flynn was correct in predicting that eventually your group would get involved and side with what's left of the worshippers of Fel. He also predicted that such an alliance would result in your side's victory. So with that in mind, I don't believe the Elder would have any more to speak on the matter. The Joachimites will be destroyed. The Felians will be in no condition to do anything to us assuming they survive at all and your organization will be so weakened that even if you were any sort of rival to us, you wouldn't be able to do anything either."
"Look, I'm not asking you to put your asses on the line at all. I was just told that you'd have something to help take down this Inquisitor asshole who seemingly has almost as much magical protection as you lot do. I mean I can pay you guys."
"You have anything magical on you?" Heather asks.
"I got these!" you say and hold up a large leather pouch containing the unicorn testicles.

Meanwhile Heather stands behind the barrier doing something with her hands. When you realize she might be casting a spell, you get nervous.

"What're you doing?" you ask.
"Checking something. Hmm, interesting. Very interesting. Perhaps Elder Flynn will be interested in helping you after all." Heather says and suddenly an opening in the barrier appears. "Well? Come on in, I'm not supposed to leave this open for very long!"

Wasting no time, you enter and the barrier closes behind you. Heather tells you to follow her.

"Did you want these now?" you ask shoving the leather pouch at her.
"What? No and Elder Flynn isn't going to want those things either. In fact, just put those away."
"Then why did you let me in?"
"Because you've got something far more magical than a pair of glorified horse balls. You've got ties to the infernal realm! You were marked by a succubus!"
"…um…oh. Uh…" is about all you can spit out since you're taken off guard by the statement. Also you're not exactly sure what this means exactly. Heather seems pretty excited though.

"And it appears that you've been marked for quite awhile. Succubi aren't known for keeping their mortal mates alive for very long. Maybe a year a most and most non-magical humans can't withstand the drain for extended periods of time. How did you pull this off? Nevermind, you can tell Flynn all about it when I bring you to him, he'll be just as interested in all this as I am."

Heather leads you into the temple which almost resembles more of a library than a place of worship. Several other Dornans see Heather and you and disapproval already ensues.

"Heather! What the hell are you doing?!" one yells
"Why have you let an infidel inside our sanctum?" another adds.
"Guys relax! He's no threat to us and I have a good reason! Elder Flynn will want to meet this one!" Heather says.
"Oh? I will, will I?" another voice says before a set of double doors opens up.

There you see an old man in robes. He looks very much like what you'd think a wizard would look like, or in his case priest-wizard. Heather wastes no time in telling him (and everyone else) that you've been marked by a succubus and also how you want help against the Joachimites.

Elder Flynn does a similar thing with his hands that you saw Heather do and he comes to the same conclusion.

"I see. Well our criminal friend here certainly does have a unique condition. I would be very interested in learning how this came about exactly." Elder Flynn remarks.
"May I sit in on this Elder?" Heather asks.
"Very well, you may observe, but do not speak. As for the rest of you, return to your tasks. I will call upon you when needed. Now then you, follow me into my chambers and tell me your tale. Then perhaps we can come to some sort of deal."

You and Heather follow Elder Flynn into his chambers which contains a lot of tables filled with bottles, jars, and other laboratory equipment. More books of course and several strange markings on the floor.

Elder Flynn motions you to take a seat and you do so before explaining "your tale" as it were.

You talk about Tanya for quite awhile. Honestly, it's kind of nice to talk about her as you've never done so before. Not even to Warts, even though you know he's aware about what occurred between you two. Flynn sits and listens very intently, never interrupting and just writing notes on parchment. Heather on the other hand looks like she wants to ask you all sorts of questions and is doing her best to not speak.

While talking about Tanya is nice, you also remind yourself of the loss you feel without her around. You explain that it's not as bad as it was when you first parted ways, but every now and then you have that empty feeling. You also mention "the curse" which peaks Flynn's interest even more. He asks you several questions on that, which you answer.

"Interesting. It would seem that despite your girlfriend going against her nature she still managed to leave behind something that ultimately causes harm, even if it wasn't to you directly. Anyway, fascinating tale and I believe this is your lucky day." Flynn remarks.
"It is?" you ask.
"Yes, how would you like my help AND get rid of your curse?"
"You can do that?"
"I believe it is possible, however you'd have to undergo a ritual first."
"Um, what sort of ritual?"
"You're bonded with a demon. Doesn't matter if she wasn't born a pure blood anymore because she's obviously embraced her heritage fully now. That bond might be dormant and perhaps even non-malignant, but it exists. Which means at any time she can reach you, but it also means YOU can reach her. You of course don't have the means, but I on other hand do. I'm proposing that we perform a ritual to bring this Tanya back here."

This proposal is getting strange and giving you all sorts of mixed feelings. On one hand you'd like nothing more than to see her again, but on the other…

"Um, okay so when Tanya is brought back here, then what?" you ask.
"Well I bind her of course." Flynn remarks.
"What?!"
"Properly bound infernals can be very useful sources of knowledge as well as servants. She'll be a good addition to the temple. Also when I bind her, her hold on you will also be broken and you'll be free."

At this point you stand up and have to do everything within your power to not attack Flynn. You know he'd probably easily disintegrate you before you could even do anything, but the temptation is still there. However you aren't adverse to verbal abuse.

"No, fuck you and fuck this plan." You say as calm as you can.
"(Sigh) I thought you might say that. You're missing the big picture." Flynn remarks.
"What big picture?! You're talking about enslaving my fucking girlfriend! You didn't think I might get pissed about that?"
"Please just calm down. We were getting along before." Heather remarks.
"Yeah? Well that's probably because you lot weren't talking about imprisoning my girlfriend before and having me play a role in that! How would you like it if you had to be part of a magic ritual you didn't want any part in?"
"If it was in pursuit of greater knowledge and wisdom, I'd be willing to make that sacrifice."
"Glad to hear you say that Heather, because I will need your assistance in this ritual." Flynn remarks.
"Huh?"
"I need something to help call the demon back to this realm just to give the spell a little more power. Usually for most demons this requires a sacrifice of some sort, however given that Tanya is a succubus, I don't think blood will be necessary, so fortunately I just need you to have sex with him inside the circle."

Heather's face looks completely dumb struck. She has no words. You on the other hand are just shaking your head and giving a cynical laugh about it all.

"This just gets better and better. Tell me, are you going to be jacking your old wrinkled dick the whole time too?"

Your crude remark is enough to finally set off Elder Flynn's temper.

"Look, you glorified cut throat, just THINK for a moment! The Tanya you knew is GONE. She left you for the infernal realm a LONG time ago and probably forgotten about you. In fact you're very lucky she has because I guarantee that she is NOT the same woman you knew. She has most likely become a being of pure evil, no matter what she might have told you before she left. Any concept of love would be gone by now along with any affection for you." Flynn rants.
"You don't know that." You say.
"No, I DO know that! I've done far more studies and forgotten more about infernals than you'll ever know and there is one constant, they always…ALWAYS become creatures of mayhem, chaos and destruction in one way or another, and have no affection for ANYONE, let alone anyone far weaker than themselves."

Elder Flynn says this with such conviction that you don't respond and are just wondering if you're going to be able to get out of here alive.

"Now I know this is all very emotional for you, but I think you're smart enough to see that I know what the hell I'm talking about on this subject. And if that doesn't convince you, then consider this. By participating in this ritual, you'll be free of Tanya's grip on you. No longer will you feel the loss of her presence and better yet, you'll be able to love another without putting their life in danger. Doesn't that alone sound worthwhile? And I'm not even counting the help I will give you against the Joachimites. So you see, there is no downside to this deal."

You have to admit, Flynn is making a pretty sound argument. There have been many times you'd like to "move on" but it's obvious that you can't unless you go through with this ritual.

You do the ritual

Not exactly ideal circumstances but if this is what it's going to take to break the curse along with gaining help from the Dornans then this is what you need to do. Part of you still feels bad about betraying Tanya like this and you're not looking forward to when you "meet" her again. Still, Flynn is probably correct in that she is most likely not the same girl anymore.

"Very well, if this is the only way." You say.
"Glad to see you're finally thinking rationally. Okay, let's not waste anymore time, I'm going to have my acolytes prepare the summoning room. Heather can take you to it in about ten minutes or so. Since she's going to be directly involved in this ritual, I would recommend that you take that time to start getting yourself ready. I trust you like girls and I assume that Heather is attractive enough for you. However, I understand if these conditions are making you feel a little under pressure so if Heather's physical charms aren't enough, we can resort to magic means if necessary. I'd rather we didn't though since these types of things always work better under natural conditions." Elder Flynn remarks.
"Um, I think I can manage, but what about Heather? I mean are you fine to go along with this?" you ask.
"We all make sacrifices in the pursuit of Dorna's wisdom." Heather says and looks a little embarrassed and resigned by this whole situation.
"Indeed. I'll see you both soon." Flynn says and leaves.

You look at Heather as she looks at you.

"Heather we really don't have to if…" you start to say before she's all over you.

You don't really resist at this point though you do have to eventually stop her.

"Okay, okay, I'm suitably in the mood if that was what you were trying to accomplish, I think we better get to the summoning room before the magic happens prematurely." You say.

Heather just acknowledges the obvious and tells you to follow her. She seems to be trying to maintain a certain detachment about all this. You can honestly say if you were her, you certainly wouldn't be doing it, then again you've never had that much dedication to a deity either which seems to be her main motivation and perhaps intimidation by Flynn.

When you get to the summoning room, Flynn is already there with some of his people. Flynn nods when he sees you and Heather.

"Ah, there you are, if you two can get undressed and get in that circle, you can commence with the consummation." Flynn says.
"Um, is there anything else we have to do?"
"No. You two just focus on the physical part of this ritual and we'll be doing the rest. Though it is going to be vital that you last at least more than two minutes."
"Yeah, yeah, I'll manage. Sheesh."
"Very well. Also, and I feel I need to stress this again, when your succubus appears, it is vital that you DO NOT LISTEN to ANYTHING she has to say! In fact, you should just get the hell out of the room as soon as possible. You can wait elsewhere in the temple while we finish binding the demon."

You almost want to say something, specifically argue with Flynn, but you know that's not going to help and will be useless. You need to let Tanya go even if it is hard to do. This is going to be for your own good. It's also going to get you help with the Joachimites, which is sort of the main reason why you came here in the first place, but that seems more like a secondary concern now.

As you're getting undressed, Heather briefly says that she'd like to be on top during all this. You see no reason to disagree since it's all going to get the job done and you figure maybe it eases her mind that she at least is going to have some "control" over the situation. (Or maybe she's just more comfortable that way)

Soon you and Heather are in position and it's almost like she's read your mind about the awkwardness of an audience since she whispers in your ear…

"It's just me and you here, just relax and ignore everything else except me, I'm your whole world right now."

She then follows that up with a fairly passionate kiss and rhythmic motion of her body.

You don't know if Heather is using some sort of magic on you after all, or she's just that good, either way she knows what the hell she's doing and you're completely at ease and able to ignore the weird chanting of Flynn and his people.

Time passes and eventually in-between the moaning and grunting, suddenly Heather begins to cough and she starts to wheeze.

"You okay?" you ask.
"Yeah…I'm…fine…" Heather remarks.
"You don't seem fine, maybe…OW SHIT!"

Heather suddenly starts to dig her nails into your arms and is actively holding you down. It's enough for you to try to resist, but somehow she's a lot stronger than she appears. Not to mention she is putting all her weight on you and got you in locked in quite securely with her lower body. In fact it almost feels like she's crushing you.

"Heather, what the fuck! This is really fucking hurting! Get the hell off me! FLYNN!"

Flynn does absolutely nothing and just continues chanting, meanwhile Heather continues to look unwell and go on with her task. She starts to cough up blood on you.

"Oh fuck, we need to stop this right now!" you shout.
"Can't…gotta…finish…ugh…I feel…insides are on fire."

And at this point blood is no longer just coming out of her mouth and given some of the other orifices, it isn't all blood either. You are covered in blood, shit and vomit from nearly head to toe and that's not the worst of it.

The worst of it is whatever is happening to Heather isn't just expressing itself with bodily excretions, Heather's magical powers are also starting to go wild. Her nails that were digging into your flesh now feel like hot coals as you can see her hands starting to glow a red color.

Fighting the urge not to vomit yourself, you desperately try to get Heather off of you, but again she's firmly wrapped around you and pinning you down.

You call for Flynn to help you and even Heather starts to scream for assistance as it seems she is not completely in control of her own body.

No help comes though and it's apparent that Flynn doesn't give a shit about either one of you at this point.

You manage to finally get one of your arms free, but it's a little late since now part of your own flesh is in flames. Punching Heather in the face a few times only results in her instinctively retaliating with blast of lightning to YOUR face.

You collapse back to the floor as Heather's screams get fainter to your ears and your last sight before your vision fades, is Heather's body literally ripping and exploding into bloody chunks of gore and now a different form looms over you.

You can't make any detail out except the outline of a much taller impressive demonic looking figure.

"Tanya…I'm…sorry…" you utter before you pass the world.