Reaching New Heights (Amber)

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

Amber Stone, the Lioness of Errings Rising, blinked blearily as she heard a knock on her door, accompanied by a soft feminine voice announcing itself to be Medeia, the ace of the guild. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she rose from her bed and headed to  the door, pausing to throw on a dark gold silk robe and belt it loosely around her waist. Her head throbbed a little as she moved, a product of her late and somewhat rowdy night before. It was nothing very serious, so she willed herself to focus on what was in front of her instead of the headache and the rumbling in her belly that declared that she hadn't had anything to eat in quite some time.

The Lioness opened the door, supporting a little bit of her weight against it to maintain her balance, and blinked at the lovely woman outside her quarters. Long, dark hair, a buxom figure, and enchanting eyes. The two had met before, at a street festival in Reinford, but they hadn't interacted all that much. Both had been invited by their mutual interest Kyra, who had just recently been returned to the guild. And yet, both had had other things to ruminate about, or so it had seemed. The dark-haired woman had said little to anyone during that event, and Amber had been content to leave her be, as she'd had her own problems at that time.

Shaking her head slightly to refocus her thoughts, her golden mane of hair waving behind her and her balance wavering a little, she nodded to the Ace. "Um... Hello there, Lady Medeia. What can I do for you?" she asked, as politely as she could manage. She refrained from asking what time it was, though she wasn't sure. If the Ace had come all this way to talk just to her, it was sure to be something important, and she wanted to present herself as professional as she could in her state. Fortunately, she could already feel her hangover beginning to recede as the enhanced healing granted by her heritage asserted itself. She would be fine in a few minutes.

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

Amber blinked bemusedly as the Ace spoke. It was already afternoon? She had slept in later than she'd expected. That wasn't a big deal, however. What was a big deal was what Medeia was talking about. The Lioness closed the door behind the raven-haired woman and took a seat across from her, crossing her legs and unconsciously baring a generous swath of bare thigh beneath her robe. She propped her elbow on the arm of the chair and rested her chin on her palm as she listened fully to the Ace, her lion-like ears swiveling to better catch the woman's words.

When Medeia was done speaking, Amber remained silent for a moment as she digested both what the woman appeared to be offering and her question. After a short pause, she leaned back in her chair and folded her arms just underneath her chest. "To be perfectly honest... I don't think I could have. I realize that I am now a member of Errings Rising, one of the most notorious dark guilds in Fiore, but in my heart of hearts I am still a Rune Knight. A protector of the people. For so long I did what I did because I believed in it, believed that I was doing good in the world and that the world was worthy of it. That people deserved protecting."

She fell silent for another moment as she thought of what else she wanted to say. Something had prompted her to be perfectly honest with her guild's Ace, even though she was talking about something that potentially betrayed what that guild stood for. "Though my methods have changed, I still believe in what I'm doing. I didn't come to Errings Rising just because I sought retribution for what was done to me. I don't want just vengeance, or justice, or whatever it may be called. I want to make the world a better place. At the moment, I believe that that means tearing down the government and the laws it upholds, returning the power to the people so no one else has to go through what I did. So no, if the wolves were completely innocent, I don't think I could have slaughtered them as I did. That would not be serving the greater good, only spreading more chaos and misery than is necessary."

She finished speaking and fell silent again, regarding the dark-haired woman in front of her, wondering what her purpose was in asking her all this. It wasn't just appreciation for what she had done in tracking down Kyra, which she would have done regardless. The cannibal belonged in Errings Rising, not locked away in her family's home where they mistreated her. She had been prepared to make a fight of it if she'd had to, but was glad it hadn't come to that. She may be strong, and getting stronger, but she wasn't that strong. Some of Kyra's siblings made even her power look like a joke. But... If what she thought about what Medeia was talking about was true, that may soon change. To her, it almost sounded like the Ace was offering to train her.

As she waited for the Ace's reply, she contemplated what such an offer would mean, and if she would accept. She knew that Medeia was extraordinarily powerful. In fact, the witch was one of the strongest mages she had ever come across. She wouldn't be altogether surprised if the Ace wasn't the strongest dark wizard in Fiore. Such immense power undoubtedly came with, or stemmed from, enormous wisdom and knowledge. The older woman surely put Amber to shame with how much she had seen and experience. To have such a woman offer to mentor her... It was humbling, to say the least. A mage of incalculable power and wisdom thought she was worth training. The Lioness reached her decision in an instant. If Medeia were to indeed offer to teach her, she would wholeheartedly accept in a heartbeat. Such training would allow her to reach heights of power she would have thought impossible. Maybe eventually enough strength to go toe-to-toe against the likes of Kyra's older brother and the couple that currently headed the Rune Knights. It would be well worth it either way.

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

Amber was silent for a time as she digested the Ace's words. Everything Medeia said made sense... From Medeia's point of view. Amber didn't exactly agree with everything. Perhaps she was risking her position in the guild, risking the wrath of the Queen and her Ace, but she couldn't go without letting her thoughts be known. She leaned forward and laced her fingers together under her chin, propping her elbows up on her knees as she looked the Ace directly in the eyes, her golden, orbs showing no hint of hesitation, fear or anger, just determination and resolve. All signs of her hangover had now since disappeared.

"I believe that without the law, there would be no one who will use it to abuse those below them. The law is not perfect, and gives those who are corrupt too much power. Without it, there will be chaos, yes. There will be suffering, yes. But those suffering under the yoke of the law will be freed, and the yoke will be broken so that it will never cause another to suffer again. I know what this guild aims to do. I stand behind it, even though I do not agree with all of its methods." she said evenly.

"Furthermore, I disagree with your assessment that humanity as a whole is fundamentally evil. Yes, there are evil people out there. I suffered injustice at the hands of some. But I believe that there are some that are inherently good. Protectors who will rise up in the wake of the destruction we cause and help those around them. I believe that humanity imposes order upon chaos, and that what we wreak will not last for long. It will therefore be our responsibility to ensure that no one seeks to create yet another system in which they can abuse their power over others. If this does not align with the guild's goals, I will leave Errings Rising and seek to fulfill my beliefs on my own."

After that, she leaned back again and adjusted her robe to reveal more of her chest, gesturing at the Rune Knight mark on the left side of her ribs, crossed by a thick scar. "In regards to your question about the Rune Knights, let this serve as your answer. In my quest for retribution, I have killed half a dozen Rune Knights. While each individual Knight may not be inherently evil, the system itself is flawed. I will tear it down so that no one has to endure what I did. And anyone who stands in my way, who defends the corrupt system that does not defend them, I will crush. Including the Gods who stand at their head." she said, her voice and eyes hardening. "That being said, I will not willfully and wantonly murder innocent people. I seek to free them, not destroy them. I do not despise chaos. But I do despise those that kill innocent people and claim that it is 'for the greater good'. Those are the same kind of people who ruined my life. Those are the kind of people I will never follow the orders of again. If that means I must leave the guild, or that my life is forfeit and you must kill me, so be it. I refuse to compromise my morals, such as they are, ever again." she said, her eyes blazing. It took a great deal of self control to keep her magic from causing the earth to shake underneath their feet in response to her passion.

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

Amber calmed herself in response to the angel's words, forcing herself reign in her emotions and think critically about what Medeia had said. Of course she knew that her guild mates did not look upon things the same way she did. She hadn't interacted with any of them much, save for Kyra and Medeia, but she had heard rumors of things Errings Rising had done. It was hard not to lose faith in what she believed in sight of such atrocities. It was hard not to lose herself, giving in to her base desires, just as the guild wished for the rest of humanity, and just destroy. But she had decided a long time ago that she would be better than that. That she would use her powers for good; to help people instead of wreak havoc. It was part of the reason she kept her Rune Knight tattoo when she could easily rid herself of it. Though she had lost faith in the organization that had turned its back on her, the mark reminded her of what she stood for, what she had fought for.

When the Ace mentioned striking her in the mouth, the Lioness bristled. When she'd been a child she'd vowed to never let another person hit her like that again. She knew she stood a snowball's chance in hell against the raven-haired witch, but she would stand up for herself regardless. She had just opened her mouth to say something along those lines when suddenly she found Medeia sliding into her lap, a warm weight that was soft in all the right places and slim everywhere else, a perfect feminine form. She stared at the Ace in shock, a dumbfounded expression on her face and a soft 'Uhhhhh' slipping from her open mouth. Then the angel's lips hit hers, and everything else melted away. It had been a long time since she'd kissed someone, especially a woman as lovely as Medeia. To say she gave in to the kiss was an understatement. Her arms found their way around the Ace's waist without checking with her brain first, pulling the witch just a little closer, pressing their bodies together even as their lips pressed together.

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

To say that Amber enjoyed the kiss was again an understatement. Her last kiss had to have been... Five or six years or so ago now. And she had never kissed a woman as lovely as Medeia before. Not that she could remember now, anyway. For a long time, she didn't know how long, the connection between herself and the angel was the only thing that mattered. She fully gave in to her Ace's silent urgings, her careful and skilled hands roaming the witch's form with abandon.

When the kiss ended, she gave an almost-silent groan of disappointment, just barely managing not to voice it out loud. Her bountiful chest rose and fell as she panted, rose-colored lips still parted slightly as she gazed at her new mentor. When Medeia was finished speaking, the Lioness licked her lips and took a deep breath, steadying herself a moment before nodding. "I accept. Please teach me everything, so I can grow strong enough to challenge the Gods themselves and cast them down so they can't ever abuse those below them again." she said, her voice low and husky and just a bit breathless.

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

Amber shivered a little at Medeia's words, a thrill of pleasure at the thought of being so powerful running down her spine. At that height of strength, nothing would be able to stand against her. A mere thought would be able to rend the earth asunder, cause even the sturdiest of castles and cities to collapse, and even move mountains. The entire earth would be at her beck and call. The Lioness then blushed slightly as Medeia mentioned being in her arms, which made her realize that they were still wrapped in each other's embraces, the angel perched in the demoness's lap. And yet, Amber made no move to pull away or end the intimacy of the moment. In fact, a flex of her strong arms pulled the witch a fraction closer. Amber would welcome the warmth and love she felt as she spoke about her past. Freely, this time. She had never unveiled the entirety of her past to anyone, but she was about to now.

"Really, it began with my father." she started, her voice soft and hushed. "He was a Rune Knight, as upright and just as one could be. And powerful. So powerful, he attracted the interest of my mother, a succubus from the reaches of Hell. She seduced him, even though he had a wife he loved and kids he adored. A family man. They had a night of passion together, then a few more encounters over the next couple of months. Then... I was born. Half demon, half human. My mother didn't want to be saddled with caring for me, so she dumped me off on my dad. Just left me on his doorstep one night." She sighed softly and shook her head, taking a deep breath. "He was kind to me at first, but he began to resent me after a while. I was... born different, to say the least. The ears and tail you see I had when I was born, as well as... other things. His wife especially hated me. I was a sign of his infidelity, that he had cheated on her. And I didn't look like her kids so she couldn't even pass me off as hers. When I was five, they took me to an orphanage and just... left me there. Abandoned me. I never saw them again, even though I went looking when I was older. I joined the Rune Knights because I remembered him being one of them, and I thought if I was a member too I could find him in their system. But... I found out that he had been killed in the line of duty two years before I joined." By this point, Amber's head was resting against Medeia's shoulder, speaking into her collarbone. Her voice was subdued but she knew the witch would be able to hear her.

"After the Rune Knight Academy, I joined up with the Demolition Corps. I had already discovered my earth magic by then, after I accidentally destroyed one of my foster homes. I thought if I could use my power for good, I could at least make my father proud of me, wherever he was. I did my job well, and I loved it. I rose quickly within the ranks due to my skill until I lead a squad of my own. They called me 'Breaker' because of my geomancy. And a little bit because I broke the jaw of a cadet who tried to grope me one day. The jaw and the hand. I was... happy, for a while. I was helping people, and I enjoyed it. Then everything went wrong." Her voice shook a little at the end of the last sentence, and the earth beneath their feet trembled in response.

"My squad and I were sent to a small village just outside the Neutral Zone, in the southeast of Fiore. We were ordered to demolish it completely, as it had been abandoned. After we destroyed it, they would have specialists come in to determine what had happened, why it had been abandoned. If it was a disease or curse or something, they would have another crew come in and burn it or something. Our job was just to make sure no one else settled there in the meantime, just in case. So my team and I went and found a fault line just outside the village, and tapped into it to destroy the village in an earthquake. We were so good at our job, when we were done there was nothing left but rubble. Even the headman's house, which had been made of stone, had no stone left atop another. Nothing but rubble... And bodies. As it turned out, the village hadn't been abandoned at all. It was still occupied. We didn't see anyone in the streets because they had a mandatory rest period in the middle of the day, and everyone was inside. The quake was so loud, not even I could hear the screams as their world fell apart around them. There were no... no survivors. They had had no warning whatsoever before the quake struck. It was only after that my team discovered what had happened. Men, women and children alike. All dead. And it was my fault." Her voice broke, and the earth rumbled again. She took a deep breath and forced herself back under control. She would do herself no favors if she accidentally destroyed the guild hall they were in.

"I went to my superiors to ask what happened, why we had been ordered to destroy an occupied village. The only answer I got was a slap in the face. They branded me a criminal, a terrorist, a loose cannon who'd destroyed the village on her own. They kicked me out of the Knights and put a bounty on my head. Five hundred thousand Jewels, dead or alive. I was forced to hide underground for a few years... I don't even know how many. When I came back up, I went looking for my squad, only to find out that they had all been executed. Every single one of them." The Lioness sniffled a little, turning her head to wipe her eyes instead of wetting Medeia's dress.

"After I came here, I dedicated myself to hunting down the person responsible for the tragedy. Not just for vengeance. I wanted to know why. Why my life had been ruined, my friends murdered, comrades and bounty hunters sent to kill me. It took me a long time to find out, but finally I did. A man named Leonarde Clement, a political officer in Crocus, had signed the order and paid two and a half million Jewels to cover it all up. And the reason he did it all? A political rival of his had been visiting the town. In one fell swoop Leo had rid himself of a rival and garnered support for his platform. All by throwing me under the bus and executing my closest friends. Well, I made sure to repay him for that. I told the whole world the truth, right before I crushed his head like a melon with my hammer." The demi-demon sniffled again and shook her head. "My vengeance was complete, but I wasn't. I still feel... Hollow. Empty. Everything I had dedicated my life to was revealed to be a sham. The glorious Rune Knights, defenders of the peace and protectors of the people, are corrupt to the core. The leaders had taken a bribe and ordered the deaths of one hundred and fifty seven people. The officers looked the other way as my team was executed. The rank and file members were sent after my head. After that day when I murdered that bastard Clement, I knew that I would not be able to rest until the Rune Knights themselves and everything they stood for is destroyed, turned into so much rubble just like the village they had ordered me to demolish."

After her speech was done, Amber pulled back a little and dried her eyes again. "That is why I'm here." she said, her voice regaining strength and resolve, where it had been subdued, even broken, during her story. "Those so-called Gods of Ishgar that stand at the head of the Rune Knights rule over a den of corruption. I will destroy them and tear down everything they've built, everything they stand for. Everything I stood for. Never again will I allow corruption of those in power ruin the lives of those under them. Everyone that stands in my way will be crushed." she said firmly, her golden eyes blazing with determination and passion.

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

Amber shuddered a little at the angel's touch, looking up into her eyes, enjoying the warmth of Medeia's body. She had felt her mentor's arms tighten around her at key points of her story, and appreciated the support more than she could express. She closed her eyes and accepted the kiss, returning it with just as much passion. Inside, she could feel something break, nearly causing her to sob. She had never felt this warm, loved and accepted in all her life. Even when she'd been with her squad, there had been a level of separation between her and her comrades. It had been necessary to maintain such a distance as their commander, but she had always felt like they had never been her true friends because of it. Now, she had found true acceptance in the most unlikely place, and it hurt.

When Medeia pulled away, the Lioness rested her forehead against the angel's, wanting to maintain the closeness she felt. She listened to her mentor's story, which almost mirrored her own. Not finding acceptance from one's own family and being thrown out from one's own home. The only true difference was that Medeia had come to hate her father, while Amber had never been able to. Even after all this time, she still loved her father, and wished they could have met again.

Once Medeia's story was finished, Amber gave the angel yet another kiss, reciprocating the feeling contained within their second. She accepted the witch, just as the witch accepted her. There would be no more distance between them, and they would be bonded as mentor and student. And perhaps... Something more, eventually? Amber could only hope.

"Thank you." she said simply. Not just for the acceptance and support, but the trust Medeia was showing her in revealing her own history. "After being alone for so long... I feel like I've finally found my home. And my true family."

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

Once again Amber gave a soft groan of disappointment as the kiss ended, resting her head against the angel's shoulder and taking a few deep breaths to get herself back under control. She could feel herself right on the edge of letting her succubus nature out. If that happened, the results wouldn't be pretty. Or, actually, they would be. But probably not desirable at the moment.

The Lioness listened to Medeia's speech, smiling softly to herself. She knew now that she was not mistaken. This is where she was meant to be. Errings Rising was both her new home and her new family. "Thank you." she whispered again.

She pulled back slightly to look Medeia in the eyes, only for her own to widen as she found herself locked in a devouring kiss, far more intense and passionate than the ones that came before. Just prior to their lips meeting, she'd caught a glimpse of the angel's eyes, and had seen that they were filled with lust. Inside her, there was a brief moment of struggle before her succubus blood took over. With a noise that was halfway between a snarl and a purr, she threw herself into the kiss, hands ripping at clothes without care of whose body they were on. Things would only devolve from there.

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

To say that Amber was satisfied would have been an understatement. It had been so long since the last time she'd experienced something like that, she could barely even remember it. But if she had to guess, this time had been even better than that. Medeia had a stamina that far outlasted any human woman, and lifetimes of experience. The Lioness had never had it so good before. Things had eventually migrated to her bed, which now lay in complete disarray, golden silk sheets rumpled and mussed. The comforter and all but one pillow had somehow ended up on the floor, with the remaining pillow being under Amber's head. Medeia lay atop her, all smooth curves and feminine grace, possibly the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

She smiled at the comment about the festival, but thinking about it brought up some painful memories. She'd been going through something of a rough time back then too. An unexpected meeting with her mother had shaken up her entire world. Amber accepted the loving kiss, but only frowned faintly as it ended. It had occurred to her that she'd left something out of her story, some things her mom had told her about. Some things that had to do with the succubus blood Medeia mentioned.

"About that..." she started quietly, then hesitated. Should she go through with this? In a moment, she decided. Yes, she should. She could already feel the emotions welling inside her, telling her that she wanted to stay by Medeia's side as long as possible. Not just as a student. As a lover, if she would take her. "I forgot to mention something. My mother.... found me just before the festival. I don't even know how, but she just showed up one day. Told me everything about my heritage, my past. Turns out, she's the daughter of Lucifer himself, the Lord of Hell. Making her the first succubus. And one of the most powerful. She said... Since I share her blood, I share her powers. Not just... You know... Succubus stuff. My earth magic comes from my demon blood, straight from Lucifer, the Demon Lord of Earth and Fire. And my shapeshifting comes from her too. According to her, succubi can shift their appearance to match the desires of their lover. Not only that, but... I'm effectively immortal. I can be killed, yes, but other than that... I will not age any further." she said, then sighed. "That kind of put a damper on me enjoying the festival as I should have. Knowing I would outlive any person I fall in love with... That was hard to come to terms with. And now... There's you." she finished quietly. She knew, of course, that Medeia was an angel fallen from Heaven. Sort of the opposite of her, a demi-demon who had been raised from Hell. What she was unsure of was what Medeia had sacrificed to leave Heaven behind. Was she, like Amber, truly immortal? She knew that the witch was far older than her, lifetimes older judging by her knowledge and power, but she didn't know if that would last.

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

Amber listened to Medeia's story, her heart wrenching in her chest at the tale of suffering and woe. As she had thought, Medeia had experienced a lot in her lifetime, both good and bad. At the conclusion of the angel's story, she smiled a little and reached up, gently brushing her mentor's hair away from her face before cupping her cheek tenderly.

"I understand, Medeia, I truly do. I've had my ups and downs in the world of love before as well, though surely not as many as you. And yes, I do believe this is love. I've never met someone like you before, and I've never felt like this about someone before. You... Understand me far better than anyone else I've ever met. And what's more, you accept me for who I am, which I have never truly experienced before. That is... simply incredible. And I have decided that even when we transcend the relationship of mentor and student, I wish to remain by your side. As your lover, or perhaps even more than that, if you'll have me. As your friend if nothing else." she said, then leaned down and gently kissed Medeia on the forehead for a brief moment before pulling away once more. "I understand that it will be difficult. You've had your heart broken before, and it will take time for that to heal, for you to love the same as you did before. The fortunate thing is... We have eternity to figure things out, if you so desire." she said with a warm, loving smile.

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

Amber smiled and kissed her love's forehead again, relishing everything that was happening in that moment. She certainly did not expect this day to go as it had. It had started with her waking up to Medeia's knocking in the middle of the afternoon, then the Ace had confronted her about her values, offered to mentor her, and spoken to her about her past. Then the angel had revealed some about her own past, then the two had kissed. And now here they were, in bed together and in love. It was like a whirlwind had moved through Amber's life and turned it all upside-down. Not that she was complaining, not at all.

"I can be patient, my love." she said warmly. "As I said, we have eternity together." Even as she said so, her heart lurched in her chest. Even though they were both immortal, there was a difference between the two of them. According to Medeia, if the angel's mortal form were to be killed, she would be reborn. Amber, on the other hand, could be killed. Permanently. Or so her mother had said. Even among the demons of hell, Amber was unique. The only child her mother, the first succubus, had ever had with a mortal man. Even her mother had been unsure if Amber was killable or not. In her heart of hearts, the Lioness resolved to never find out. She would do everything in her power to avoid being killed, so that her love would never have to suffer another heartbreak.

"I certainly never thought it was possible, but I'm not upset about it." she said, trying to keep the mood light. "I feel just as comfortable with you as you do with me, which is almost a little odd considering the short time we've known each other. I guess... It was just meant to be."

Amber Stone

Be ready for the Queen of Rocks.

Tag: @tag
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500

"Well, surely you can admit that it is a little odd by normal standards." Amber said with a smile. "Less than a few days ago, we barely knew each other. We'd seen each other around, and went to the festival together of course, but we were hardly even acquaintances. But now, after one measly little meeting, here we are as lovers and partners, mentor and student." she said, giving a soft chuckle. She then leaned in and gently kissed Medeia on the lips for a brief moment before pulling back again. "That being said, I don't think I would have it any other way." the Lioness stated, becoming a little more serious. "As you said, we are similar in many ways, and I think you're right about us looking for someone to complement ourselves. Like pieces of a puzzle. Other pieces will work, sure, but only one piece will fit perfectly, and allow the picture to come together. I think... I think you're my puzzle piece, as cheesy as that may sound." The succubus then grinned, a hint of lust reentering her expression. "Be that as it may, most puzzle pieces can connect with just one other. Don't worry, I understand how that works, how this will work. I won't be offended if you seek another for a night, as long as you're the same, and we come back to each other eventually." Amber gave a chuckle, her face lighting up even more. "And, as you said, we can always share if someone catches our eye... Like Kyra, perhaps?" she said, grinning wickedly at the thought of the two having their way with the cute cannibal. She knew, of course, that Medeia had 'experimented' with the girl before, as had Amber a few times. The three of them together, all at once... Now that would be fun.