The Erotic Mind-Control Story Archive

Light and Shadows 9: Hidden Within the Shadows

By J. Darksong & Gbrn32e

* * *

Epilogue:

“Venus? Venus Satore?” Rose said gently, as the redhead began to stir. “Wakey-wakey. C’mon, you pretty little princess... it’s time to wake up. Open your eyes. I have a surprise for you.”

Groaning softly, sounding so very much like a young child being told to get up for school, the beautiful redhead, shifted, head twisting back and forth, fighting to stay away for just a few more seconds, before surrendering to the inevitable. Yawning, stretching, she opened her eyes... then gasped, sitting up ramrod straight.

She stared at her naked reflection in stunned silence, her hand moving of its own accord to her face, lightly stroking and caressing her skin. Her perfect, flawless beautiful and uninjured skin. She turned, glancing around, finding herself surrounded by mirrors on all sides, staring at her nude form, her restored physical perfection hitting her from all angles. With a groan, she sat back down on her bed, holding her head, eyes closed tightly.

“Hey! Venus? What’s wrong? Ar... are you okay?” Rose asked, pressing the button on the microphone. Not wanting to take any chances, she’d set up a PA system in the safe room allowing her to communicate with her target without actually entering the room with her. Still, her reaction concerned her. She’d done extensive research into the presumed Goddess Aphrodite’s history, her attempted takeover of the city, and her confrontation with Parker Albinn, the hero then known as Super Sonic. Examined by several doctors and psychologists after the incident, as well as Eva Snow, her Master’s psychic friend, the general consensus was that the loss of her achingly perfect beauty had caused a psychotic break, shattering the woman’s mind and sense of identity. She’d hoped that using MedTech’s dermal regenerating prototype to remove the scars would restore her sanity, but it now appeared that the sudden shock had proved to be too much for her.

“Wh... where... am I?” Venus’ voice replied slowly, coming through the speakers. Rose jerked, staring at the monitor in hopeful surprise. A simple enough question, but the woman’s voice speaking sounded infinitely more adult than she had earlier in her room. Her voice then had sounded high pitched and childish, but the voice speaking now was deeper, with a smoky seductive edge to it. As she watched, the redhead sat up straighter, lowering her hands, glancing around at her surroundings. “What is this? What’s going on here? Where is he? Where’s Albinn? Did he bring me here?”

Albinn? She mean Echo... So, she remembers him, Rose mused. I guess that’s a good sign. Hitting the switch, she tried adopting a soothing tone. “Um, just relax. You’re in a safe place. I’m a friend. And no, Parker Albinn has nothing to do with this.“

Venus scowled, standing up, glancing around her room. “Really? Well, ‘friend’, while I do enjoy the view, I must say your taste in home décor leave much to be desired. Who are you? Where are my clothes? And why did you bring me here?”

Rose sighed heavily. “Okay... try and take it easy, okay. Just... stay calm. I brought you here to rescue you... but not from Parker. I know this is going to be a little hard to believe, but... twenty-two years have passed since you fought him.”

Venus glanced up in shock. “Twenty-two years? What are you blathering about? There... there’s no way...” she said softly, as the reality began to take hold. “Has it... has it really been that long?”

Normally cool and unfeeling, Rose felt a great deal of sympathy for the woman, coming to terms with all the time she’d lost. I bet it will be just the same for Chloe if she... when she helps her regain herself as well, she thought with sympathy. “How much do you remember?” she asked gently.

“I remember the fight,” Satore replied slowly, replaying it over in her mind. “I’d just shot him, Parker, Super Sonic. He was down on the ground at my feet. I told him how sorry I was that it had come to this, that he wouldn’t see reason and join my cause... I pointed the gun at his head... and pulled the trigger...” She gasped, reaching up to clutch her face in memory. “P-pain,” she hissed, her hand clenching tightly. “Yes... yes. I remember now. Super Sonic... he destroyed the gun, made it explode in my damn hand! And... my face!” She glanced up at the mirror again in reassurance, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. After a moment she sighed, sinking back down onto the bed.

“Yeah. I, um... healed your scars,” Rose stated, causing the young woman to glance up sharply. “With some cutting edge technology,” she added, with a bit of a smirk. “It was really kind of complicated and involved, just getting the device. You don’t even want to know what I had to go through to actually pull you out of that place.” She sighed softly, glancing down. “I... kind of burned a few bridges in the process... ruined a few friendships... but well, you know what they say about crying over spilt milk...”

“I think I was dreaming,” Satore continued after a moment, head down. “I dreamed... I dreamed something bad had happened to me... that I was no longer beautiful. That something had happened to make me ugly... to turn me into a hideous monster. I... I couldn’t deal with that. So, I shifted the dream back to happier times, back when I was younger, back before my parents...” She sighed. “But that wasn’t a dream, was it? It was real. All of it. Twenty-two years stuck as a pre-pubescent girl, living out the fantasy of being ‘mommy’s little Princess’,” she said with disgust. She glanced up again, her eyes aglow with righteous fury. “Where is he? Parker Albinn? That so-called HERO, Super Sonic? Where can I find him?”

Rose swallowed. Few things unnerved her, but from the fury rolling off the young redhead in waves, she found herself suddenly very glad that it wasn’t directed at her. “Ahhh... um, I don’t know where he is currently,” she admitted. “I do know that he and his wife and child left town a few weeks ago, about the same time as some other... people, I know.”

“Really? A daughter?” Venus mused aloud, still scowling. “Huh. So he hooked up with that little teenaged slut, did he? It figures... he was certainly enamored with her... the stupid little bitch...”

Huh? A slut? That’s funny, coming from you. From what I read, the girl was a VIRGIN before you turned her into your cult’s passed around sextoy... Rose sighed inwardly. Truth be told, Parker Albinn and Patricia Sellars had both been so scarred from their experience as pawns of Goddess Aphrodite that the last she knew, they could barely tolerate being within fifty feet of each other. Still, there’s no need to point out the specifics of how her victims turned out in the aftermath of her downfall.

Venus let out a sigh. “Enough dwelling on the past. Tell me, girl... why did you do this? Why go through such lengths to rescue from my living nightmare. I find it hard to believe you would simply do so out of the goodness of your heart.”

Ah. Direct and to the point. “Well, Miss Satore,” Rose began, “there is something that I need from you. I have a friend... and she needs your help. She’s currently in a sanitarium in Crescent City, in a state similar to what you yourself were going through. I’d like for you to heal her... to restore her mind the way it used to be.“

Venus listened, saying nothing for a few moments. “I see. And if I refuse?” she asked idly. “What do you plan to do then? Knock me out and dump me back into the nuthouse where you found me?” Rose blinked in shock, a bit stunned at her harsh tone. “Or perhaps you were thinking of something a bit more permanent... like a bullet to the back of the skull, or slitting my throat?” She shrugged. “I would hardly call this a negotiation, after all. You have all the power here. I’m your prisoner. You won’t even do me the courtesy of asking for my help face to face.“

Rose frowned. “Well, excuse me, Miss Satore, but considering the fact that you could easily sway me and convert me into one of your love smitten thralls with a few choice words, I think I’ll be keeping my distance, if it’s all the same to you.”

Venus chuckled softly, her expression wicked. “Well, my dear, I’m afraid it’s NOT all the same to me. I prefer to conduct my conversations face to face. Now... come to me, right here, right now.” she said imperiously.

Rose shook her head. “Sorry. I already told you. I’m not about to let you get inside my—WHAT THE FUCK?!?” she exclaimed, suddenly realizing that she was standing inside the safe room, just a few feet away from Venus Satore. She’d walked out of the booth and phased through the door without thinking, even as she’d been stating unequivocally her desire to stay put. “Ho... how did you...” she stuttered, a chill running down her spine.

“Silly girl, I don’t need to speak to you face to face to command your actions,” the redheaded goddess chided her. “I don’t even need to use my voice at all to spread my influence. I merely prefer to do it this way. Now then... as to your proposal,” she said, continuing on with the conversation as if nothing had changed, “normally, I would refuse out of hand. However, you DID do me a great service in freeing me. So... I will at least consider helping your friend.“

Rose, despite herself, let out a loud sigh of relief. “Oh, oh... goddess! Thank you! You have no idea how much I—”

But Venus held up a hand. “Now, now. I said I would consider helping your friend,” she reminded her. “But first, I require something of you.” She yawned and stretched, causing her perfect breasts to jiggle slightly, drawing Rose’s gaze. “It’s been literally YEARS since I’ve been out in the world. My powers are drained to the dregs... even getting you to enter this room was harder than it should have been. In order to do what you wish of me, I need to replenish my power.” Her wicked twisted grin returned, as she glanced over Rose, raking her with her eyes. Hmmm. Not bad. A little rough around the edges, but there’s definite potential there. And with her powers, and her skills... yes, I can definitely use her. Aloud, she sighed dramatically. “And for that, I need followers, worshippers loyal to me, showering me with their praise and adoration.” She placed a hand gently along Rose’s chin, forcing her gaze to her own. “And to that end, my little flower, I need you to serve as my High Priestess.“

Rose shuddered slightly in her grasp. Oh god... she wants to make me her High Priestess? She wants to convert me... turn me into her adoring slave... Her heartbeat sped up to a gallop at the thought. A small part of her was wary of submitting to this woman, knowing from her history exactly what she was capable of. The plan had been to try and convince her to do this to repay the favor of rescuing her from the asylum, or in the worst case, barter for something to get her to agree. No part of the plan had included her being changed into Aphrodite’s willing sextoy, or even being placed in a position to be converted.

And yet... here I am, she thought dimly, still staring into the goddess’ eyes. Deep down... I knew it might end up coming down to this. I always knew there was a chance... a chance this could happen. And really... would it be so bad? she wondered, idly, contemplating. As much as a part of her feared submitting herself to this woman, a much larger part of her relished it. She was a slave, truth be told. It was the core of her being. Her ‘Master’ had wanted her to try and hide it behind a veneer of independence and strength, but the truth was that she wasn’t strong of independent. All these years, she’d wanted nothing more than to submit to her Master, to have him guide her actions, her very thoughts, to use her talents, her abilities and her body in any way he desired. And now... this woman—this Goddess—was offering to do exactly that, to steep her so deeply into submission that it would change her very sense of being.

It was almost too tempting to resist...

“Well, my dear,” Venus purred softly, causing Rose to gasp, shaking out of her momentary fugue, “what will it be? My powers are too drained right now to convert an unwilling subject. I can only imbue you with my powers and my essence if you accept me willingly. So... it’s up to you.”

Rose closed her eyes briefly, then nodded to herself. Taking a few steps away from Satore, she used her powers to phase, causing her clothing to pass through her body, fluttering to the ground at her feet. Staring Venus in the eye, she took one step forward, then knelt down on the floor at her feet. “My Goddess Aphrodite,” she said formally before placing her forehead to the floor. “I humbly beg to be allowed to serve you. Please... accept... this unworthy slave,” she managed, her voice choking up slightly, “as your loyal and obedient servant.”

Venus nodded simply, licking her lips. “It seems Fate has certainly smiled upon me this night. Indeed, my little flower, I will accept you,” she husked, walking slowly towards her kneeling soon-to-be-slave. “We have much to do, and there’s no time like the present to begin breaking in a new thrall...”

* * *

Yeah, it’s been a long and crazy day.

I lay in bed next to Devon, who was sleeping peacefully after our latest furious lovemaking session. Or, more accurately, after I’d pretty much fucked her brains out. After all the sexual tension Meridianilith had put me though, I was grateful to have an acceptable outlet for release. I’d like to think Dev enjoyed it too—though all she’d emitted earlier were screams and incoherent ramblings, the Joker-esque smile she had afterwards seemed permanently etched in place.

In the still of the night, however, I found myself unable to cross over into sweet slumber myself. I couldn’t help but think about what had happened in that dungeon. That demon had plugged into my psyche and pulled out my deepest darkest desires, even those I kept hidden from myself. Obviously, I had... unresolved issues with my cousin. I knew well enough that her love for me was purely platonic, and really, so was mine for her. I had Devon, and as I just demonstrated a half hour earlier, she was more than enough woman for me. And yet... the old feelings were still there, buried deep inside, all but forgotten until little miss succubus threw them back in my face.

And...what did that say about me, that despite all the erotic forms she’d taken, in the end it was Katie’s form that pushed me over the edge? Or that... I could actually rationalize my reaction to myself, that it really wasn’t as bad as I was making it out to be... that considering my own rather twisted family tree, incest was barely much of a taboo? I mean... dammit, we slept together in the same bed for years, and I’d never once thought of doing anything with sexual her. She’s my sister for fuck’s sakes! And yet, now that the thought was in there, in my head... I somehow knew that if I showed ANY interest in her that way, Katie would reciprocate in a heartbeat.

Even more troubling, however, was that forcing me to face those dark desires shook something else loose inside me, shattered a mental block of some kind. I’d learned at a very young age the importance of suppressing my stronger emotions, of pushing them deep down and keeping them under wraps, lest they affect my powers. Back home again, outside on the patio, on a hunch, I’d tried tapping into that power just a bit, to see what I could really do. I picked up a stone in my hand, and focused, concentrating. When Devon came up behind me, asking what I was doing, I turned and presented it to her, making her smile at the gift of a long-stemmed white rose.

Yes, I’d altered the physical state and reality of a common rock, changing it into something else just through sheer will alone. Can you understand that? Being able to fly, or shoot beams of light from your hands is amazing, phenomenal, and a true wonder in and of itself. But being able to change matter on the molecular level just by thinking it—that was a whole new level of mind blowing shit.

And to think, I used to be scared when the worst I could do with my powers was accidentally break someone’s arm by shaking hands too hard, I thought dimly, rolling over to stare at the wall.

“Baby?” Devon called out, causing me to turn over. “What’s wrong?” she asked sleepily. “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

“It’s... it’s nothing, Dev,” I assured her, forcing a smile. “Just go back to sleep.”

“Nu-uhhn,” she said, yawning as she sat up to look at me. “There’s obviously something on your mind. And you’re never going to be able to sleep tonight if you don’t get it off your chest. So go ahead, baby, tell me what’s going on.”

I couldn’t help but smile. She had to be exhausted, but she was more concerned about my lack of sleep than her own. I briefly considered playing it off, not wanting to burden her with my problems, but considering the argument we’d had earlier in the week, and our decision to share everything with each other without reservation, I instead came clean, telling her exactly what was on my mind. She blushed a bit brightly at the part about my concerns for my sister, but sobered quickly when I mentioned my fears over this new side of my bad luck manipulation. She listened quietly until I was done, and then she sighed.

“I’m not worried,” she said in the end, laying back down on the bed, to my utter shock. “Jimmy Frasier, you are the most conscientious, careful, and concerned person that I know,” she explained, sounding exasperated that I hadn’t somehow known this simple fact. “If there is anyone in this entire world who could be trusted with this kind of power, it’s you. Just relax, okay? You’ve had this power all your life, and you haven’t destroyed the world yet, as far as I can tell. I seriously doubt you’re going to start now.”

“Yeah, but—” I protested only to fall silent as she pulled me close, kissing me deeply.

“No buts,” she said gently. “You’re a hero, honey. You always try to do the right thing, even when it costs you personally. So just keep doing what you’re doing. Nothing’s really changed.” She smiled, closing her eyes. “I trust you, Jimmy. Your family and friends trust you. The only person who doesn’t... yawn is you...”

I nodded slightly, rolling over. ‘Don’t worry, be happy’, huh? It seemed a bit trite and simple an answer for such a complex concern... but maybe she was right. Feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders, I snuggled close to my lover and finally let sleep overtake me.

* * *

Katie let out a contented sigh, giggling slightly as her lover rolled off her, moving to snuggle next to her. “Mmm... Tone, my sweetie, you were amazing. Are you sure you’ve never done this before?” she said teasingly. The Nordic beauty, however, took it as an actual question, and answered truthfully.

“Oh, no, my Mistress,” she said with a soft sigh. “I’ve never been with a woman before tonight. Before now, I’ve never even considered it.” She ran her bare foot lightly along Katie’s calf, stroking her skin with her toes. “After tonight, however, I have to say I’ll be thinking about it and often.” She paused, as an earlier thought occurred to her again. “Mistress, I have to ask this of you. From the moment we first met, I’ve felt a... a connection between us, something more than just both of us being blonde Supers...”

“Awwww,” Katie smiled, leaning forward to kiss her. “That’s sweet. Truth is, I felt a connection between us as well... a strange kind of attraction beyond just your physical looks. And don’t get me wrong, sweetie, you have killer looks.” Not to mention that you live up to your name, she thought with pleasure, and what beautiful music you make when I’m playing your lithe little body like an instrument...

Tone blushed deeply. “Thank you, Mistress. Still... um... would you happen to be... a Vanir?“

Katie blinked. “Um... Van... ear? I’m sorry, I don’t know that word...”

“It’s Vanir. They’re the gods in this realm known from Norse mythology. My true name is Tone Jonsdottir, the daughter of a human man, and Fjörgyn, the goddess of the Earth and nature. You’ve probably seen the popular movie about Thor, right? Well, the movies take some liberties with the story, yes, but Thor, Odin, Frejya... they’re all real.” She sighed softly. “I know... it sounds crazy, real life gods and goddesses, and all—“

“No, no, not at all,” Katie said quickly, excitedly. “I get what you’re saying! I’ve never heard the word ‘Vanir’ before, but I do know the names. So... your mom is a goddess, huh? Guess that makes you a demigoddess then.” She shook her head ruefully. “I guess that makes two of us then. My mom’s a goddess as well, though I believe her people are called the Nornir, instead of Vanir.“

Tone blinked in surprise. “Wait... you’re a Norn?!?” she asked, wide eyed. “You mean, one of the goddesses that tends the great world tree Yggdrasil, and watches the Great Weave, the embodiment of all of reality?”

Katie frowned slightly. “Um... I guess so?” she said hesitantly. “Honestly, history and world civ were never really my strong suits at school. And I’m not exactly sure what my mom does when she goes there. But I DO know she’s the reincarnated spirit of Verdandi, the goddess of the Present, and my grandma, Urdra, is the spirit of Urdr, the goddess of the Past. And yeah, she talks about the Great Weave all the time, she just never mentioned anything about being a gardener or anything...” She blinked in surprise as Tone withdrew from the bed, dropping to the floor to kneel at her feet again.

“Mistress,” she said humbly, before shaking her head, “no, Goddess Katherine,” she said formally. “Forgive my impertinence. I had no idea... I had thought perhaps you would be my equal...” she said with a sad smile, “in rank at least, but I was mistaken. The Vanir and Aesir, the gods of Asgard, are indeed mighty and powerful. But the Nornir... they are to the gods what humans are to us! And of the Nornir, the three Holy Sisters are the most revered of all!” She finally raised her head, eyes shining with devotion. “My Goddess, I swear here and now to pledge my hammer and shield to your service! I shall defend you with my very last breath if need be!“

“Um... okay,” Katie replied, somewhat uncomfortable with the fanatical light shining in her thrall’s eyes. “Thank you, I appreciate your devotion. Truly. But, um... I don’t exactly need a bodyguard. Remember, I’m a demigoddess too—I’m pretty tough on my own. The best way you can serve me is to stick with the plan I laid out to you. I need other converts, other Supers that would be useful to my cause. Your roommate, for instance... Astrid? You mentioned that she’s a Super as well?”

“Yes, my Goddess,” Tone confirmed. “She goes by the name ‘Glacia’, you know, as in ‘glacier’. She commands the powers of cold and ice.” She sighed. “It’s a pity she had a photo shoot out of town this weekend. I would have loved to bring her to you straight away.”

“It’s okay. I’m sure we’ll meet soon enough.” Katie replied with a grin. “In the meantime, sweetie... why don’t you get off the floor and climb back into bed. We can discuss ways to further my cleanup of this city tomorrow. It’s been a long day, and right now, I just want to sleep with you next to me.”

* * *

“Sorry, my Goddess,” Rose said apologetically, as she pulled their BMW over into the small convenience store, parking next to the gas pump. “This should only take a few minutes, and we’ll be right back on the road again. Would you like anything while we’re stopped? Something to eat or drink? It’s been a few hours now, and you’re probably hungry...”

Venus considered. “Sure. A diet coke to drink, and... just grab me something sweet.”

Rose paused, blinking in surprise. “Um... something... sweet?”

“Yes. Damned health conscious pricks at the asylum were always stingy with the candy,” she grumbled, shaking her head. “As if I could get fat from overindulging!” She sighed. “Still, they did shelter and care for me for two decades, in their own boring mundane way, so I suppose I can’t fault them too much...”

Rose nodded softly. “So... a diet coke, and something sweet? A candy bar, maybe?”

“Yes, yes, something chocolate,” Satore replied dismissively, with a wave of her hand. “Surprise me. And hurry back,” she added, frowning, glancing about at their location. “I’m not exactly in the habit of frequenting gas stations, but this place looks a bit more rundown that most.” Nodding in agreement, Rose hurried into the store.

Reclining back in her seat, Venus closed her eyes, and inhaled, simply basking in the sweet scent of freedom. Aside from a few trips to see various psychologists early on, she’d rarely left the halls of the mental hospital. Even if it was just a grungy little hole-in-the-wall gas station, it felt good to be out and about, and in the world again—

“Hey! You! In the car!”

Venus frowned, cracking open an eye, only to blink in surprise. A rather scruffy looking man, with a thin whipcord lean frame, dressed all in black, stood just outside her door. His dark hair was greasy and stringy, and his face was covered with a dirty, stained, black and white bandana. He stared at her with a wild eyed expression, and if the hollowed out, malnutritioned state of his body hadn’t pegged him as a frequent drug user, the nervous tic, and rapidly roaming eyes sealed the deal. “Hey, you,” he said again, leaning towards her rolled down window. “Um... I’m having a... a run of bad luck,” he mumbled, glancing left and right again, before turning his gaze back to Satore. “I was... I was, um, wondering... could you spare a few dollars? You know... just to get me something to eat?”

Venus raised an eyebrow. “Truly? While you do look as if you could use a nice home cooked meal or three, somehow I get the feeling food is the last thing you’re after.” She shook her head. “And anyway, I don’t have any money on me. Sorry.”

“Oh? No money?” the man rasped, his nervous tic exasperated by his mood. “Huh. Nice car, nice clothes, with all that jewelry and shit... but you don’t have no money?”

“The car is a rental, the clothes belong to a friend of mine, and the jewelry is all from a family legacy far older than your bloodline runs,” she answered blithely. “Now, why don’t you be a good little addict and run along—hey!”

The addict, pissed off at this point, simply grabbed the door handle and pulled, momentarily surprised to find it unlocked. Pulling a knife from his pocket, he gestured wildly at the redhead. “Gimme that jewelry, now!” he barked, shaking a bit, glancing around back and forth. “Do it, lady! I’m not messing around here! The jewelry... or I’ll cut you!”

Far from being intimidated, Venus laughed. “I highly doubt that, boy,” she said smugly, stepping out of the car, “but it has been such a long time since I’ve had any entertainment that didn’t involve cell shaded cartoons or tear jerking musicals, that I feel like indulging myself.” She stretched lightly, cracking her neck and knuckles, before assuming a fighting stance. “Come on, boy. Cut me... if you can.“

He was being baited. It was obvious. And in a world of super powered individuals walking amongst the general population, the smart choice would have been to simply cut his losses and walk away. Of course, Gregory Bernard Marshall wasn’t exactly known for making smart choices. Wits dulled by too much ‘O’, and coming down hard from his last heroine fix, Greg thought of nothing but how much cash he could score off those fancy rings, bracelets, and earrings the woman was wearing. Letting out a cry of rage, he charged forward, slashing out with his knife.

Cutting only the air, as Venus Satore shifted slightly to the side, a mere moving of her ample hips.

Scowling, the would-be assailant lashed out again, striking wildly, with no discernable pattern, trying his best to bloody the smug redhead. Venus, however, managed to avoid every blow, her smug expression never fading for a moment. “You know, most people never get to see this side of me,” she commented idly, twisting sharply to the left to avoid a cut intended for her face. “Athena, and Artemis, everyone knows about their fighting prowess,” she continued idly, “so everyone just assumes I’m a pushover. Hah! Far from it! I might not be an unstoppable juggernaut like Heracles or anything, but I’m more than capable of holding my own in a fight,” she concluded, grabbing the startled man’s arm in midstab, twisting and bending forward, flipping him over her shoulder in a textbook snap hip toss.

“Gaaaahhhh....” the man gasped weakly, his knife tumbling to the ground. He stared up at her in stunned surprise, shuddering as she merely laughed again, walking calmly past him back towards the car.

“Goddess!” Rose cried out in shock, nearly dropping her groceries. “Wha... what happened here?” she asked, spying the downed man and the discarded knife. “Are you all right? Are you hurt? What did he—”

“I’m fine,” Venus replied smoothly, striding over to her, reaching into the bag, pulling out a Hershey’s Cookies & Cream chocolate bar. “I was just... stretching my legs a bit,” she added, slipping calmly back into the passenger seat once more. “Now then... get the car refueled, and get us back on the road again. I don’t care for this decor... and the locals are less than appealing.”

* * *

“Yer sure? Absolutely sure? Aye... verra well. Thank you for confirming it,” Eugene Frasier replied softly before hanging up. Wearily, he dropped his head in his hands. His hands clenched into fists, and as much as he tried to hold it back, he couldn’t bottle down the anger and frustration. “Goddammit!!” he roared suddenly, lashing out, dumping over his workstation, sending a shower of equipment and electronic parts all over the floor.

“Eugene?” Nigel Grimalde prompted, stepping inside. “Are you okay? I heard a crash...” he glanced around at the mess, frowning. “Well... either you’ve radically changed your creative approach to inventing,” he said dryly, “or you just received some bad news. Would you care to share?”

Gene sighed deeply, glancing over his shoulder. “Nigel. Aye... bad news I suppose. And no, I dinnae care to share. Thanks for the offer, mind.”

Nigel merely raised an eyebrow. “No? Something bad enough to make you use lose your composure, and you’re choosing to keep it all to yourself?” He shrugged. “Very well. I thought we were friends, the kind that share their problems and help each other, but—”

“Nae, lad,” Gene replied, cutting him off. “We are friends, Nigel. And that’s why I cannae tell you.”

Nigel blinked at that. “Wait. You can’t tell me... because we’re friends. Why? Is this something concerning me specifically?” No response. “Eugene. Surely you know you can’t to make a statement like that and simply expect me to let it go.” Silence. “Eugene!” Nigel growled. “Dammit man, tell me what this is about!” Still no reply. “Very well,” he said with an edge, turning to leave the room. “No matter. I have my own methods of finding out...“

Eugene sighed heavily, turning his wheelchair to face him. “Wait, Nigel... verra well. If you insist, I’ll tell ye. I just didn’t want to put you into a position where ye’d have to give orders to yer wee Patty and Angie, or lie to them...”

Nigel’s eyes narrowed. “First of all, Frasier, I don’t lie to my girls. Ever. Maybe I don’t always share ALL the information with them that I don’t think they need to know—which, as I recall, ended badly for everyone involved the last time—but I am always upfront and honest with them. And, as to giving them orders? Even if I were, for some reason, to break my vow never to do that, it wouldn’t work. Silver Girl freed them of my control, and their minds are their own.”

“True, but if you made it an order, you know each and every one of your girls would obey you,” Eugene countered, “trusting your word above their own natural reactions.”

“You know, old man,” Nigel replied archly, “you’re using a lot of words, but you’re not saying much of anything. Just spit it out. What’s going on?”

Gene nodded. “Do ye recall the phone call I made a few days ago? I was talking to Ghost Girl. I’ve been... concerned about her for a while now.”

Nigel nodded. “I’m familiar with her story. I read the dossier you gave me on her before sending Tawnya off to join her in rescuing young James. But please, continue.”

“Thank you. As I said... I’ve been worried about her. I know she’s been dealing with personal issues following the completion of her last mission, but she hasn’t opened up to anyone about it. The girl is very private, always keeping to herself,” he grumbled, shaking his head. “I reached out to her, trying to get her to open up... but instead it merely turned into a fight.” He sighed again. “I ken something was amiss. I’ve been pondering for a while now, putting together everything she’s been doing, everywhere she’s been going over the past several days... I had an inkling of what she might be planning, aye... but it seemed so far fetched, so incredibly against her nature that I dismissed it out of hand. And then today, I received a call. Nigel, Rose, she... she did something verra bad. Something terrible... reckless and insanely stupid.”

“Something that involves me,” Nigel added, frowning slightly, “or more accurately, Patricia and Angela?”

Eugene winced from the accusation, but nodded, not bothering to deny it. “Aye. She did. And when all is said and done, if ye want to blame someone, you can blame me. It’s my fault, Nigel... all mine. I should have acted when I had the chance. I should have stopped her.” He closed his eyes in pain. “After I rescued her off the streets, I tried to help make her the person she’d been before. I tried to restore her independence, and individuality. But that wasn’t what she wanted. She only wanted to be my slave... for me to be her Master. Aye... something I was, at the time, woefully unprepared to be. All these years... if I’d only accepted her, given her the love and protection she craved... if I’d only listened—”

“To me, you mean,” Eva Snow replied, entering the room, approaching her Master. “Sorry, I overheard part of the conversation. I know... you blame yourself for how things turned out with Rose. But Gene... there’s every reason to believe things would have still turned out wrong even if you’d tried. Your heart simply wasn’t into it back then. You were a different person. And simply pretending, going through the motions, would have probably been worse than what you did do for her. At least she knows you tried your best... that you did what you THOUGHT was best for her.”

“Aye,” Gene replied bitterly, “for all the good it did. You knew better, Eva... and you tried to tell me. Many times.” He sighed deeply. “Well... it’s fitting that you’re here as well. This concerns you as well as your sister.” Eva blinked in surprise at that. “Eva... Nigel... a moment ago I got a call from River City. Late last night, Ghost Girl infiltrated the Bellevue Asylum and Mental Hospital, disabled the alarm system, evaded the guards, and deactivated my power suppression system in order to release one of the patients there and sneak her out of the building.”

Eva gasped aloud, eyes wide in shock, while Nigel merely frowned, his confusion evident. “Oh goddess no,” Eva whispered. “She didn’t... please tell me she didn’t...”

“Aye,” Gene replied soberly. “She did. And I’ve been combing the entire city with my satellite’s scanners for either of their biosignatures, to no avail. If anyone knows how to evade being seen, it’s Ghost Girl. Hell, I myself gave her the training and technology to do just that. I just never imagined she’d use it against me...”

“Okay, I’m sorry, but perhaps you’d like to explain this for those of us unable to connect the dots,” Nigel replied with an edge. “WHO did Ghost Girl break out of Bellevue? Who is it that you’re both so up in arms about? And what does any of this have to do with Patricia and Angela?”

“Think back twenty years,” Gene replied with a sigh. “What one person connects Patty, Angie, Eva, Ana, and her son Parker, from that time frame?” After a second, Nigel’s expression changed, and his face went pale. “Aye, laddie,” Gene confirmed with a nod. “The true instigator of the trauma both Patricia and Parker shared, the one ultimately responsible for the feud between them and everything that happened afterwards. The one and only Venus—”

“Satore!” Nigel spat angrily. “That... that... unholy witch? That so called Goddess Aphrodite? Why on God’s Green Earth would your precious Rose go to so much trouble to unleash that... monster?!?”

“I can’t say for sure,” Eva said softly, shaking her head, “but I can hazard a guess.” Nigel glanced at her sharply as she continued. “All this time, Rose has had one main motivation in everything she’s done...” She glanced sidelong at Eugene. “Well, technically, two motivations, if you count wanting to please her Master and live up to his expectations.” At his dour expression, she moved on quickly. “Chloe. Ampere. Her former mentor, best friend, and lover. She still blames herself for hurting her so badly she ended up brain damaged when they fought over trying to free her from the Confectioner.“

“Yes, I recall that from the file as well,” Nigel replied. “But again, what does that have to do with Satore?”

“Again, it all stems from the past,” Eva replied wearily. “From that time. Aphrodite had converted a large number of Supers in the city, and had decided to set her sights on Veronica Mitchell. At the time, she was in the hospital, still in a coma from an unfortunate battle with Omega Girl.” She sighed deeply. “I’m sure you know all about this part of the story from Patty. Satore sent Parker to the hospital, and channeling Aphrodite’s power, he was able to awaken her, healing her damaged mind, and bringing her into ‘service to the goddess’,” she said with a scowl. “Immediately after that, Anastasia and I confronted Parker outside the hospital and, well, you know the rest...”

Nigel nodded grimly, knowing all too well what happened afterwards. “So, in summary, Ghost Girl, distraught about her poor brain damaged friend, and wracked with guilt, looks for a way to help her friend. She finds out about Satore, checks the history, and discovers that her acolytes have the power to heal as well as convert people to her service. So she sets out in a daring plan to liberate the would-be goddess who is apparently locked down inside an insane asylum, in the hopes that the faux deity would be so grateful that she’d reward her by acquiescing to her request and healing her poor brain damaged friend. That about right?“

“I wouldnae put it quite that way, but aye,” Gene stated. “But it’s a tad more complicated. Before she made her assault on Bellevue, she took a little trip to New York. I received a call a few days earlier from an old friend, the CEO of MedTek. Rose paid her a visit and made off with their new prototype dermal regenerator.”

“That’s it,” Eva said, snapping her fingers. “That’s the connection! It was really bothering me for a while, why Rose would so suddenly choose now to take a chance on setting free an unbalanced mental patient.” She turned to Nigel. “After the last battle with Parker, Satore ended up brutally scarred on her right cheek and hand. As Goddess Aphrodite, her very identity was tied to her beauty. With it gone, she snapped, regressing into a childlike fugue state. Several doctors, myself included, examined her, and tried to help her, but nothing could bring her back to reality.”

Nigel’s expression darkened. “I see. The idea being that restoring her beauty would likewise restore her sanity.” He shuddered slightly. “Honestly, I don’t know which idea I find more troubling—an insane childlike Venus Satore on the loose, or the clear minded, rational thinking version.” He shook his head. “You’re right, Frasier. I really do wish I didn’t know any of this. And you’re right—I can’t tell Angela or Patricia about any of this. So... what’s the game plan? What do we do about the situation?”

“Nothing,” Gene replied with a sigh. “At least for now,” he added at Nigel’s incredulous look. “We have to find them first before we can do anything. And Rose was my agent for twenty years. She knows how I think, how I work, and exactly what kind of surveillance systems I have in play. Add in the fact that her natural powers and abilities make her nearly impossible to detect anyway, and the fact that she knows I’ll be searching for her...” he shook his head. “The most effective thing we can do right now is figure out how to track them, and find out where they’re hiding.”

“Lovely,” Nigel groused. “I do so love playing the waiting game, Eugene.“

“Ach, neither to I,” Gene replied grimly. “But until they show themselves, this is all we can do...”

Eva shuddered, pulling her arms around herself. “Isn’t there something we can do right now?” she asked, anxiety etched on her lovely face. “What if we focus all our attention on Crescent City, on the hospital. She’ll go there eventually, after all—”

“Aye, I’ve already thought of that. I’ve dedicated an entire satellite on that location—right now its scanning the entire hundred mile radius around the city. But she’s too smart to straight there.” He shrugged. “Eva, I know you’re upset, but you have to calm down—”

“Calm down?!?” the blonde psychic glared incredulously. “Do you.... Do either of you fully realize WHO is on the loose right now? Neither of you have felt her handiwork personally, but I have! Venus Satore is a probably the most dangerous threat to this world with Duncan Frasier gone!”

Nigel frowned. “Surely you’re exaggerating a bit, Evangeline. I’ve spoken to my girls about it a few times, and yes, the woman is powerful and dangerous, but—”

“Nigel,” Eva said tersely, “Venus Satore is a walking, talking, mind controlling STD! She doesn’t even have to personally infect you to make you hers! She transformed my sister and I into her slaves when we were inside Parker’s head, trying to free him! Believe me, I KNOW personally how dangerous she is!” She shuddered again. “I honestly don’t know if she really is a goddess or not... before Lacie discovering she was a reincarnated mythical Norse Goddess, I would have never believed such a thing, but now...” She shook her head. “Satore IS magical, that much is an absolute certainty. And if you think I’m exaggerating about the comparison to an STD... anyone she fucks, she owns, utterly. Completely. Anyone that fucks someone she’s already fucked, she owns THEM as well. And anyone who fucks that person, she owns! And... it’s not even just that you become her slave—she owns your heart and soul. You love her, with every part of your being, no matter what she does to you.“

Nigel started at that, remembering part of the conversation between Parker and Patricia, when he’d tried to explain away his cowardice at not coming back to rescue Patty after breaking Satore’s control over him. He’d tried to justify it by saying that if he had, one word from Satore and his ‘beloved Patty’ would have stabbed him through the heart without hesitation. From what Eva was outlining, it seemed perhaps Albinn’s words were a bit more than mere hyperbole.

“You’re starting to understand now,” Eva replied, nodding at Nigel. “I still remember what it felt like after all these years. Lord, but I loved her so deeply. I was willing to kill my own nephew with my bare hands, and fuck my sister afterwards, merely because I knew it would make her happy. Nigel... if that bitch got into your head, believe me when I say you would happily, gleefully murder all of your girls, your wife and kids, if she so much as suggested she wanted you to.“

Both men stood in silence at that for several seconds. “Well, I suppose it’s a good thing I’m in this chair then,” Gene joked weakly, “since I’m currently not built for sex. Something I’m only now somewhat grateful for.”

“Master, her power takes hold if the person is so much as lightly aroused. Some of her converts can do the job with just a simple kiss,” Eva pointed out blandly.

“Well... shite,” Eugene grumbled, shaking his head. Sighing, he glanced at Nigel. “Well, lad,” moving his wheelchair back over to his workbench, “I think perhaps we should shelve that little project of making me to be able to walk for the moment, and work on adjusting and upgrading my scanners to be able to detect Rose and Satore.”

“Right behind you, old man,” Nigel murmured, as he and Eva began picking up some of the spilled components from the floor...

* * *

Pulling up to the parking lot of the Teton Springs Lodge & Spa, Rose Contreras let out a soft sigh of relief. “We’re here, my Goddess,” she announced, putting the car into park. Venus glanced around, looking slightly bored. “Sorry for the long ride, but I had to get us out of River City as soon as humanly possible.”

“Yes, yes, so you mentioned,” Venus replied, sliding out of the vehicle. “Personally, I think you’re just paranoid. No matter how tech savvy your friend might be, there’s no way he’d be on to you this fast.”

Rose chuckled slightly, moving to the trunk. “Forgive me for contradicting you, my Goddess, but you don’t know Eugene Frasier the way I do. He’s no doubt pieced it all together and is searching for us now. Please, just do me a favor and keep that bracelet I gave you on your wrist. It will mask your signal and make it hard to lock onto you.”

Venus rolled her eyes, but nodded. She doubted the man was as big a threat as her new priestess seemed to believe, but considering how long she had been out of it, she figured she should probably take the girl’s advice. She ran a hand lightly against the side of her face, smirking. This is a strange habit... but I guess it’s natural, all things considered. I suppose I do owe this girl for bringing me back. I was a bit on the fence about whether or not to actually help her friend, but perhaps, once I’ve regained my strength, I’ll truly follow through.

“We’re all unpacked, Goddess,” Rose announced, a pair of suitcases under her arms. Nodding, Venus followed her into the lobby of the Hotel. If nothing else, she had to admit that the girl had picked a nice hiding spot. They’d crossed over into Idaho, across to the border of Wyoming. Rose has advised that they not go immediately towards Crescent City, as her much feared ‘Eugene’ would likely search there first. Not that Venus herself had anywhere specific she needed to be. She was simply happy to be out and about again. And Teton boasted a top notch facility, with a fully functional spa, a masseuse, swimming pool with a Jacuzzi, and a five star restaurant on the premises.

“Welcome to the Teton Springs Hotel,” a lovely dark skinned young woman greeted them as they arrived at the front desk. “My name is Amanda. Will you be checking in?”

“Yes, yes,” Rose replied, placing the bags down to retrieve her pocketbook. “I made the reservation... under the name Chloe Summers.” She passed over her license and her credit card. Amanda took them both and nodded, tapping at her keyboard.

“Summers... Summers... ah, yes, here we are. Ms. Chloe Summers and guest. I have you booked for a weeklong stay.” She tapped the bell at her desk, and a tall muscular bellboy appeared. “Marcus, please escort our guests to their room,” she said with a smile.

“Sure thing, Miss Ryser,” Marcus replied. Flashing a smile, he knelt down grabbing up the two suitcases as if they were helium filled balloons. Venus nodded appreciatively, giving him a smile as well.

“Mmm... you’re quite the strapping young man, aren’t you?” Venus said with a subtle grin. She glanced at Rose, who immediately picked up on her Goddess’ wishes. “Why don’t I accompany you to the room,” she said, taking her key from the counter. “’Chloe’, I’ll leave you to finish up the details.”

“Of course, my G... uh, ‘Gina’,” Rose replied with a grin. Huh. Best not to use either of our real names, just in case. Besides... probably a good idea to get into the habit. As the lovely dark skinned manager passed Rose the forms to sign, a thought suddenly occurred to her. A wicked smile creased her lips, and she slid closer to the desk, leaning over it as she began processing her paperwork. “So, Miss Ryser,” she said in a low seductive tone, “interesting name. Is that because of the way your beauty affects all the guys around you?“

Amanda blinked, scowling, turning away from her computer. “Excuse me? What is that supposed... to... mean?” she asked, the edge leaving her voice as she turned to face her client. Amanda’s eyes widened slightly before drooping to half lids. It was strange. A moment ago she’d seem like just another customer, nice enough but nothing special. Now, however, there was just... something about her. Something that made Amanda want to listen to every word she said with complete and utter focus.

“Tell me, Amanda,” Rose said, moving behind the desk, taking the black girl’s hand in her own, “have you ever been with another woman before?”

“N-no,” she said hesitantly, breathing in deep. The woman next to her smelled so good... like fresh cut flowers on a spring day. “N-never... but, um... I’ve always been curious,” she added quickly, feeling a sudden burst between her thighs. Rose giggled.

“Well, sweetie, looks like this is your lucky day,” she announced, leaning forward capturing the woman’s face in her hands. “I think I can help you with that. You look like you’d be a good student. It would be a pleasure to... teach you.”

A small part of Rose marveled at her seduction, at the words coming from her own mouth. Before her capture by the Confectioner, she’d been a mousy, somewhat shy introvert, too concerned with her crime-fighting career to have much interest in dating. Afterwards, with wanton sexual need thrust upon her and her libido forced into overdrive, sex was more of a need than a want, fulfilled by whomever owned her at the time. And since being freed of her addiction, she’d resisted any and all sexual advances, afraid of ‘falling off the wagon’ again, becoming a slave to her body’s needs.

But this is completely different, she thought with delight, pulling Amanda into a deep sensual kiss. Somehow, I’m fully in control of myself this time... no, wait. Ah... I understand! Goddess Aphrodite is in control of me! That’s why I haven’t become so lost in my own arousal. She laughed inwardly. Ahhh... but let’s see if we can transfer a little of that ‘need’ to this sweet sexy little chocolate beauty...

A soft glow enveloped her, and she felt... something... flow out of her into the girl though her lips. Amanda moaned softly, shuddering in Rose’s arms, a pleasure sweeping through her so strong she would have collapsed had the lightly tan skinned woman not been holding her. “And that was just a taste,” Rose whispered softly in the dazed woman’s ear. “Let’s go back into the back, and begin your lessons properly.”

She sighed softly as she lead the entranced girl back into the back. So much to do, and so little time... but Rome wasn’t built in a day. And this looks like a good place to start.

* * *