Forming the Company Read online

  Alpha World

  Book Two:

  Forming the

  Company

  Daniel Schinhofen

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons,

  places, or events is coincidental.

  © Copyright 2017 by Daniel Schinhofen

  All rights reserved.

  Chapter One

  “Greetings, master,” Stacia said, licking her lips nervously as if afraid he might reject her now.

  Alburet blinked at her as he took in the transformation from human to succubus. His mouth opened and closed a few times as he tried to make sense of Stacia suddenly appearing as a demon that he summoned. He was vaguely aware of Stewart yelling as he finally pulled his eyes from Stacia. He looked over at Stewart. Lilith stood there, looking much like her daughter with hooves, wings and tail stopping Stewart from advancing.

  “What did you do to my Goddaughter!?” Stewart snarled, his eyes blazing. Literally blazing, as sparks of flame leapt from his eyes. “I’ll kill you for this!”

  “Enough, Stewart!” Lilith snapped at him as he drew breath to continue his shouting. When the words left her mouth Stewart’s eyes glazed over and his face went slack. “Good. Now listen to me very carefully. Stacia wanted this to happen. She asked for my help and I gave her my approval. I helped her complete the ceremony to transcend her mortal limits and embrace her demonic nature. Finalization was contingent on Alburet summoning her. This has been done and nothing can change her back now, or would you rather he cast her off and leave her as a masterless succubus?” When she was done, she snapped her fingers before his eyes and Stewart seemed to come back to his senses.

  The fire had gone out in his eyes when Lilith dazed him with her magic. He glared at Alburet still but stopped trying to force his way past Lilith, “Did you know as well, Alburet?” The contempt was thick in his voice as he sneered at Alburet. “Did you convince her that this was the path for her?”

  Alburet glanced at Stacia, who stood there still uncertain, her eyes wide with fear as she looked from him to Stewart and back. Taking a deep breath, he turned back to Stewart, “I did not know. I was not informed that she was even a half blood, not that her bloodline matters to me. Some things that were tickling the back of my mind now make sense, like the daze I seemingly fell into when she bathed me. Frankly, right now I don’t know if I should be happy or pissed off at this whole situation. I have taken a liking to Stacia, that much is true. I also feel as if I might have been played for a fool.”

  He turned back to Stacia who was looking down dejectedly, her wings and tail slumping. “Stacia, the three pillars of any relationship are trust, honesty and communication. You failed to trust me enough to communicate to me your intentions which hurts the relationship we’ve started. I am very unhappy at the moment. What do you have to say about it?” His words were not scolding, nor were they warm. He spoke in an even tone that gave no hint as to his feelings.

  Stacia trembled as tears fell from her eyes. She slumped to her knees crying softly, “I’m sorry, master. I was afraid to tell ya, afraid ya would reject me. Half-blood Infernals are despised and looked down upon. I was afraid ya would cast me from ya side iffin ya knew. When ya agreed to let me call ya master, me heart near burst with joy. It also formed the first strand of a bond with ya. When I felt the bond begin to form I went to Ma’ and asked for her help. When we went shoppin’ the other day she also helped me prepare for this day. I’ve been so afraid since, afraid ya would grow bored of me, but then ya invited me to go huntin’ with ya. Ya stood up to Da’, Stewart and Unca Grim for me to go and me heart surged again. I belong to ya now, master. Ya have the option to reject me though, to cut me off and send me away as a masterless succubus. Iffin tha’ be ya will then I will go, but please I beg ya not to send me away.” She was sobbing deeply by the time she finished. She bent forward, touching her head to the floor before him.

  Feeling his protective nature stir, he looked down on the vibrant woman he had come to hold feelings for and felt ashamed. Was all of this his fault, had he led her on and brought her to this point? He knelt down on one knee next to her and gently reached out to stroke her hair. “Stacia, why? Why me?”

  She lifted her head to meet his eyes as tears fell from hers. Sniffling, she replied. “Truly master, I don't know what drew me to ya at first. The first time we spoke I felt somethin’ stir in my heart. The second time, when ya were generous, I felt it grow stronger. When ya made me promise to behave I felt a part of me sing in joy. When ya took me for the first time I felt my heart open as it never has before. When ya claimed me roughly and made me understand ya were in charge I felt part of me soul go to ya. When I asked to call ya master and ya accepted me heart bloomed like a flower in spring and the bond grew stronger. When ya fought to keep me by ya side even against me Da’s wishes it was all but done. When ya reached this level, I felt the last part of the bond form and I shivered in anticipation of ya seeing me in this form. All I ask is ya let me stay where I feel I belong, by ya side always there to assist ya, master.”

  Alburet didn’t know what to say to her heartfelt plea. He did feel himself melt at the idea that she cared so much for him that she was forsaking her humanity to always be with him. Lilith spoke softly from behind him, “Alburet, as a two-souled you might not know or understand what I am about to say, but please listen. Half-bloods cannot become bound to a Summoner, it is not possible. So when Stacia came to me and said this is what she wanted, we talked about how impossible it was. She still persisted and so I walked her though the ritual succubi undertake to ready themselves to be bound. Imagine my surprise then when Stacia came bolting to me a little while ago, telling me how she felt the bond form when you gained your sixteenth level. I hurried here to make sure I was on hand to witness it for myself. What the two of you have done here will go down in Infernal legend.”

  “Promise me Stacia, promise me that you will not hide anything from me again. Promise me that you will always speak your mind, never lie to me and that you will always trust me. If you promise me those three things I will accept you,” Alburet said, his eyes still locked with hers.

  Stacia’s face was a sight to behold as it transformed while he spoke, the hope and joy that radiated from her was almost blinding. “I promise ya master, I promise to always speak up, to never tell a falsehood and to always trust ya.”

  When she finished Alburet leaned forward and gathered her to his chest, stroking her hair. “Then I accept you Stacia Crowley, as my succubus. I will always treasure and protect you for as long as my time here lasts.”

  A happy sob was his only answer as she clung to him, this time crying tears of joy as they both felt a pulse of energy wash over them. Alburet slowly brought them both to their feet, turning with her clutching him until he faced Stewart. “I will accept any punishment you think is required, except for relinquishing her.”

  Stewart, who had watched the scene unfold before him, shook his head, “No, it is not my place. Besides, I can clearly see this is her desire. However, you will have someone to answer to.” Stewart's eyes went from Alburet to the passage that led into the hall.

  Alistern came running out of the tunnel, his face twisted in fury, “ALBURET!!

  Alburet went to put Stacia behind him, only to find himself behind her as she traded places with him. She threw out her arms and stretched her wings to their widest as she faced her enraged father. “Da’, stop it!”

  Alistern faltered at the sight of his daughter, his steps slowing and his rage fading away as he gazed at her. “Stacia? What happened to you? How? Why?” His voice faltered as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing.

  “Da’, this is what I wanted so please calm yaself. I always w
anted to be like Ma’ and me wish has been granted, due to the bond me and Alburet share. Iffin ya try to harm him I will stand in ya way, I will nay allow ya to hurt me beloved master,” Stacia spoke evenly but forcefully, her eyes glowing slightly. “As for how it even be possible, none of us know, but it has happened. Will ya try to take me happiness from me?”

  Alistern’s face twisted as emotions warred within him. Eventually he turned to Lilith, who had shifted back to human guise. “Lilith, what has happened here? How is this possible?”

  Lilith crossed to her confused husband and wrapped him gently in a hug, “Maybe the Dark Lord has blessed our daughter. I know of nowhere in Infernal history that this has ever happened.”

  Bettzle, who had been standing there the whole time in shock, cleared his throat slightly, “It never has. Nowhere in the IRS records does an incident like this appear. I am going to have to report this to my boss.” He vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving everyone staring at the now empty spot he’d occupied.

  Alburet gently ran a hand down Stacia’s spine, causing her to shiver and her wings to contract. Stepping around her, he faced Alistern. “Sir, I had no idea this was going to happen. I was shocked when Stacia appeared to me like this, but I have accepted her. I will not allow anyone to cause her harm, not even her own family. I ask that you give her what she wishes, which is your blessing.”

  Face tightening, Alistern eyed Alburet for a long silent minute before closing his eyes with a sigh. “It seems me girl has made up her mind. Even though it pains me I will not stand in her way. Be warned though Alburet, iffin ya hurt her, I will pay ya back three-fold.”

  “If I knowingly and willingly cause her distress that she doesn’t want I will accept your wrath, but only under those conditions, Alistern. I do have a question, though. Does the city have a ward or something that tells them if a demon is summoned inside the walls?”

  “Nay,” Alistern replied quickly. “However, iffin anyone sees a demon they be rewarded for reporting it, so Stacia can’t go in that form anywhere that she might be seen inside the walls.”

  Nodding, Alburet held out his arm to Stacia, “Come with me, Kitten. We are to have dinner and a bath before we retire for the evening.”

  Stacia moved to take his arm, suddenly surrounded by a puff of smoke which cleared to show her in her human form, dressed in her maid attire. “As master wishes, so shall it be.”

  As they walked to the teleportation rune, Alburet caught murmurs of conversation striking up behind them. Alburet paused in the graveyard outside the inn, spinning Stacia around to pull her into an embrace. He breathed in her scent as the cool night air washed over them. He was still shaken by what had occurred below. “Am I going insane?” he murmured into her hair as he held her.

  “Iffin ya be doin’ so master, then please hold me closer so we do nay lose our joint insanity,” Stacia whispered back to him, her fingers tightening on his back as she spoke.

  “I never thought I would really be in a relationship,” Alburet replied softly. “Much less after I committed my crime in the other world. Even less so when I agreed to be here as much as I am, yet now here I stand with a woman who has pledged her very soul to me.”

  “I will never be as happy as I am right now with ya, regardless of how long I will live. As I seem to have transitioned to full blood, it means I will go on long after ya are gone and I fear that day, may it be many years away. Do ya promise to stay with me as much as ya can, master?”

  Alburet kissed the top of her head, “Yes, my darling Kitten, as much as I can. Now let’s go see about dinner and a bath. I do hope you didn’t neglect those tasks before I summoned you to my side.”

  Stacia shivered against him, “I didn’t have time to ready the bathin’ room before ya snatched me away to ya arms, master. Be ya goin’ to punish me for tha’?” Her voice was breathless as she spoke the last few words, the heat and desire behind them plain.

  “Oh, I think I will have to punish you at least some tonight, Stacia,” Alburet replied, his voice going deeper. “A good, hard spanking at the very least.” He felt her squirm in his arms as her breathing became a touch quicker.

  “Yes master, use me as ya desire,” she said as she felt her body start to respond to the images that flashed through her mind.

  “But first, dinner and a bath. Come along, Kitten,” he smiled as he took her arm to lead her into the inn.

  Later that night, with Stacia in her new form with her head resting on his chest, Alburet smiled. She hadn’t lost any energy, that was for certain. If anything, her desire for the rougher sexual activities had increased. He was gently stroking her hair as his mind wandered back over him exploring her wings, lower legs and tail. A small shake of his head cleared his mind but he felt at peace and happy, a happiness he wondered if he really deserved.

  “Thank ya for making me the happiest person on this world, master,” Stacia murmured into his chest.

  Just as he was about to reply a system notification came up in big block letters before his eyes.

  THE SERVER WILL BE GOING OFFLINE IN THIRTY MINUTES.

  DOWNTIME IS EXPECTED TO LAST APPROXIMATLY TWENTY-FOUR HOURS WHILE WE IMPLEMENT EMERGENCY FIXES.

  ALL PLAYERS WILL BE CREDITED WITH ONE DAY OF GAME TIME.

  THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

  A timer began counting down from thirty minutes in the upper right corner of Alburet’s vision. Alburet sighed as he read the message. It had only been a week and Mindblown was pulling the server for a day. His eyes caught Stacia’s, who was looking up at him with questioning eyes. “Sorry, Kitten. It looks like I am being recalled to the other world for a day. I should be back right after that though, so don’t worry,” he said softly, kissing the top of her head.

  “Oh,” Stacia said quietly, her eyes locked on his. “Ya do promise to come back to me though, right? Ya not runnin’ away?”

  Alburet leaned down to kiss her gently, “I’ll be back. The other world and this are connected by a portal or bridge that lets our souls cross over. Every once in a while, the portal is closed to repair it, or upgrade it. As soon as it opens back up I shall be back here and we shall go hunting again, to test out your new-found strength and powers.”

  “As master wishes,” Stacia said, lowering her head back to his chest. “I will always trust master to do what he believes is best.”

  “I’ll vanish in just under half an hour, Stacia,” Alburet replied to her, “until then I shall hold you close to keep your beauty fresh in my mind while I am gone.”

  “Ya really like me in this form, master?”

  “No matter what form you take, Stacia, it is your soul that is bound to me. I have found love with you. But yes, both of your physical forms turn me on something fierce.”

  A small giggle escaped her lips, “Thank ya, master.” Time ticked away in silence after that with him just holding her close, his hands gently stroking her body as the clock ticked down. Thirty minutes later he vanished and Stacia let out a small cry as he did. “Please hurry back,” she whispered to the empty room, her words unsteady as she still feared he might abandon her.

  Chapter Two

  Seamus found himself in the room where he’d spent time with Victoria before entering Alpha World. As he turned around he saw Victoria seated behind the desk, waving him over to the chair across from her. “Greetings, Seamus. I hope you have been enjoying yourself,” her warm voice carried a hint of amusement.

  “Hello, Vicky. It has been interesting so far, that’s certain. I’ve had some fun times, but I want to register a complaint about the full pain threshold. I’m sure the waivers I’ve signed negates a whole lot, but having bolts of flame hit you or swords cutting into you is not fun in the least. Tell me that it can be arranged for the pain threshold to come down to even half?” Seamus finished his mini rant as he took the seat across from her.

  Victoria let a ghost of a smile touch her lips, “Only the slider was set to maximum, Seamus. You’ve been stabbed before. Did th
e pain really feel that bad in the game?”

  “Very, very close, Vicky. It was great when a heal would land though, the pain just faded away. I’m curious as to why we are talking, as well as what the patch is all about.”

  “Well, since the game is down for the day I thought we could chat. It gives me a chance to gauge your mental state after a full week of immersion as well as get feedback from you. As for why we pulled the game for an emergency patch after a week, would you like to see the patch notes?” Vicky was suddenly holding a couple of sheets of paper.

  “Yes, if that’s okay. I was also meaning to ask what am I allowed to tell people in game about me and my situation? That goes for players and the non-players as well. What are you guys calling the NPCs internally, by the way?”

  “Those are some very good questions Seamus. Would you like to review the patch notes first or chat? Both have information you might want to focus on.” Victoria leaned forward, gently fanning herself with the patch notes while wearing a small smile.

  “The patch notes can wait a few moments, then,” Seamus replied. “I’ve been putting people off who’re asking about me. I would like to be able to answer them.”