"Why do we exist?

We're here, but what does that mean? We're not mortal, but we can die. Yes, even I can die.

We were all born into this world. And this world bred us to suffer. It tortures us simply because we're here. But is that why we exist? To be tortured?

Heaven seems to think so.

They call us sinners. They punish us for being different! They tell us we have no choice but to suffer.

They're wrong ...

... because we have a choice.

Our ability to choose is what makes us sinners! And that makes us greater than them! They invade us, force their rules on us! They try to eradicate us out of fear! And despite all that, we thrive! We're a testament to the power of choice! You, all of you chose to survive! Which is why I choose to fight for you!

Together we'll show them our strength! Show them that we deserve more than pain! Show them that our existence is not invalid!

And if they refuse to see that ...

... we'll show them what real suffering is."

Cheers surge throughout the Deep Continent as the queen addresses her subjects for Starve and Tempy's send-off. Everyone celebrates the Head Hunter and her troops, chanting her title with rhythmic stomps as her convoy makes its ascent through the city streets to the main exit where Starve waits with his own set of troops. The rest of her family stands just off to the side accompanied by Tegan. She brings her beast to a stop and hops down to hug Pop and Sleaze. Going down the line, she high fives Rock before punching Tegan in the gut. He playfully overreacts, bending over and holding his stomach, putting his cheek in range for Tempy to plant a tiny kiss on it. "Don't die while I'm gone." she says. Wraith is last, standing as poised as ever with her arms behind her back. Tempy walks to her and salutes but isn't saluted in turn. Instead, the colonel holds out her arms, welcoming a hug from her little sister which she immediately receives.

"Stay sharp out there, soldier." whispers Wraith.

"Don't worry. I'll be fine." she says, giving one last squeeze before returning to her ride. She shoots Wraith a look and points to Tegan so quickly that no one else notices as it transitions into a wave. With that, she departs with Starve.

"Heaven has no right to rule us! Our souls are free! Our hearts are free! Remember this! Remember those who ride today! They ride for fucking freedom! Our fucking freedom!
Sing with me!"

The entire city joins the queen in song. They all salute as they sing the anthem of the Deep Continent.

We the sinners are marching onward.
Who are you to judge our actions?
Fall before us, beg for mercy.
Join the ranks of God's forsaken.

We the sinners, march forever.
Whores and killers. Sons and daughters.
Fall to no one. March for freedom
To the gates of heaven.
Tear them down.

"The queen sure knows how to get everybody pumped." says Tegan to Rock through the noise of the joyous city.

"We believe in her, in her message. She stands for something no other ruler here stands for." says Rock.

"Freedom?" It'd be easier to not be ruled at all.

"Ah, but it's more than just freedom. It's the freedom to live a normal life, to have a family. This place is proof that we're not all deranged abominations. It's the calm in the shitstorm that is our reality."

"Well said, uncle." says Wraith. "This city was built on the foundation of her beliefs and we defend it with our loyalty."

"Si. We all owe our lives here to Quinn." says Rock just as he's tapped on the shoulder by Pop. She tilts her head in the classic let's go fashion and winks at Tegan before turning to leave with Sleaze. "It seems I'm needed elsewhere." He salutes Wraith and Tegan with a stupid grin then joins his sister and nephew.

"Mi hija bonita!" calls Pop while continuing to walk away. "If you're off duty you should show Tegan around! I'm sure there's lots of things he hasn't seen, if you know what I mean!" she sings, swinging her hips and tail with each step.

"I do know what you mean! Tu eres terrible!" Wraith calmly shouts back with the smallest of smirks.

"Love you too, mija! Byeeee!"

Tegan laughs. "Your mom's not one for subtlety, huh?"

"Correct." says Wraith. "Given recent developments, I understand why she, amongst others, would attempt to get you and I alone."

"Their attempt worked. So, I've been meaning to talk to you if you got a moment."

"Unfortunately, I am not off duty."

"Oh, cool." Of course she's on duty.

"However, there are some issues we need to discuss. You may accompany me to the barracks if you like."

"Sure."

With no sense of urgency whatsoever, Wraith casually strolls to a few hitched travel beasts with her arms once again behind her back. The creatures nod their heads to indicate that they're ready to be boarded but Wraith simply gives them each a pat on the nose before continuing on foot. Tegan smiles and follows her into the city.

They walk together for a bit. Neither can seem to start a conversation with the other without being interrupted by someone recognizing them. Civilians approach them with excitement, geeking out over seeing the pair amidst the city folk, especially because the colonel is rarely spotted outside of the barracks. Many flock to Tegan while keeping a respectful distance from Wraith who is visibly underwhelmed by the whole to-do. Tegan does his best to politely diffuse the admirers until he and Wraith enter a small military lookout tower. The second floor is made of two way windows all around. Wraith orders the guard on duty to patrol the surrounding area until her shift is over, which pretty much means she's being given the rest of the day off. The guard gladly accepts this opportunity to stretch all five of her legs and leaves her post in the colonel's capable hands.

"That was wild." says Tegan. "Someone grabbed my ass like they were trying to steal it." Pretty sure it was a guy too.

"Your duel has made you the talk of the town." says Wraith as she surveys the city. "It's a fair alternative to not becoming a general."

"Yeah, well the fame is literally becoming a pain in my ass." he laughs.

"Fame is part of the job. As prominent soldiers in the queen's army, we are constantly in the public eye. If you are anything like my siblings, you will learn to enjoy it."

"I take it you don't?"

"I am used to it. My physical appearance has attracted a considerable amount of attention for as long as I can remember."

"Basically you've been a dime your whole life."

"What does being a dime mean?"

"It means on a scale from one to ten, one being Terrace, you're a perfect ten."

His explanation almost makes Wraith laugh. She lets out a short amused sigh. "Speaking of Terrace, is she still refusing to grant you access to your room?"

"Yeah," That bitch. "but she let Ren stay so I guess it's fine."

"Is your girlfriend not attempting to help you?"

"I dunno. We haven't talked since I came back. Rock says I should give her some time," Which is fine with me. "so I been busy helping Tempy for the last few days."

"I will speak with Terrace. I am glad to see that you have not allowed personal matters to interfere with your duties." She continues to stand with her arms behind her back, eyes fixed on the street below. "However, it has come to my attention that you challenged my father for personal reasons."

"I did it to get your attention." he says bluntly.

The colonel tilts her head up slightly before turning to face Tegan. "You have it. Now what?" she asks calmly.

"Now ... I tell you that I think you're incredible. You're like winter on Earth. Everything dies and becomes still under the white snow, but that stillness can become a storm at any moment. It's tranquil and intimidating, the only place I've seen death be beautiful."

"You died to tell me that?"

"Heh, guess I did."

They look at each other for a moment before Wraith speaks. "You are a fool."

"Uh- guess I am."

"You are also brave. Some would find you endearing."

"I take it you don't?"

"Bravery is admirable. Foolishness, as you have learned, will get you killed." She moves closer to Tegan. "I would prefer that you refrain from dying ... again."

"Is that so?" He moves closer to Wraith. "Why's that?"

"Simply put, I find you acceptable, Tegan."

"Gosh, I compared you to the scary serenity of winter but you totally got me beat with acceptable." he teases.

"Your comparison could be considered romantic. Allow me to clarify that you and I will never become romantically involved." She stands even closer to him, their bodies barely touching. "That being said, I find you acceptable should you feel inclined to assist me with my more neglected physical urges."

Tegan gasps. "Colonel Wraith! Are you propositioning me?" She's such a machine. It's kinda adorable.

"To ensure that any distractions are eliminated, I surmise that a professional sexual relationship would be mutually beneficial for us. You may decline my offer if you disagree."

"Well lil missy, I know I'm an incubus and all but I'm not some cheap slut you can count on to fill you up when you're runnin on E!" he protests with a dorky smile. Oh, fuck. She has the sense of humor of a calculator. Please don't take that seriously. Why'd I even fuckin say that?

"We can do it now if you like."

"Yes ma'am I would like that." Thank goodness.

"I am glad we have come to an understanding." Wraith takes a step back and unceremoniously removes her armored leggings, uniform pants and shorts. Then she places them all neatly on the floor and stands before Tegan half naked. "Ready yourself for intercourse."

"Pfft- You haha! Oh my gosh ... you're so damn cute! No warm up or nuthin, huh?"

"It would be more efficient to skip any unnecessary intimacy."

"Haheh, ok ... so you wanna get right to it. I respect that." Tegan finds his composure and approaches the colonel. "I know you're used to being in charge but it's prolly best if you let me handle this."

"Understood. I am inexperienced."

"Right. First thing, loosen up, girl! Standing there like you're in a firing squad. Relax." He places his hands on her waist and gently sways her rigid body from side to side until she lets her arms fall limp from behind her back. "That's a start." he laughs as he takes her right hand with his left and raises it to his mouth to lick and suck on her fingers. "Do you play with yourself or are you brand new to everything?"

"All previous attempts to relieve myself have been unsuccessful."

"Got it." He lightly places her licked hand between her legs, coaching her fingers with his to rub her clit.

"Is this necessary?"

"It is if you don't wanna strip the skin off my junk. You're bone dry, haha." Their hands move together slowly in small circles. A short moan from Wraith prompts a little more pressure and she closes her eyes as she grinds into the rubbing. Her hips begin to twitch and jerk sporadically. Tegan tries to keep a steady pace while his fingers pinpoint the exact spot responsible for the twitching.

"Ahmph! Mmmgh." There it is. She tilts her head up as her hand stops moving to let Tegan take the wheel. His other hand makes its way to her ass to pull her closer with a firm squeeze. "Ahgm! We should ... mgh ... hurry." she exhales.

"I know. You're a busy lady." whispers Tegan. She's just wet enough for him to ease a finger half way in her tight pussy, making her inhale sharply before she clenches. He can hardly move his finger but manages to delicately work it back and forth, pushing it further in little by little. "Hey." he says softly. "Remember, relax." He leans in and kisses her on the mouth.

Bad move! Her lips are stiff and her eyes snap open as she snatches his face away from hers with her free hand! "This stops now if you cannot remain professional."

"Mno kissig. Gotdit." his words muffle through her palm. "Thissis thu opposith oph relassig by thuway."

They're interrupted by a voice. "C'colonel Wraith?" A dumbfounded guard stands completely petrified at the staircase behind them!

"Oh fuck-" says Tegan. Wraith releases his face and the two pull away from each other ... or rather they would have if Tegan's finger wasn't caught in the now vice-like grip of Wraith's snatch! He yanks it out, causing a clear PHwauP noise!

"State your business soldier!" orders Wraith with hands once again behind her back.

"I ... u'uh ... mhere for my shift ... m'ma'am." he says. "I c'can come back later." He turns to leave.

"Stay where you are, soldier!" orders Wraith. The guard stops in place with his back completely turned to her and Teegs.

"What do we do?" whispers Tegan.

"The public cannot know of this." whispers Wraith. "We should kill him."

"Kill him?" shouts Tegan.

"Kill who? Kill me?" screams the guard.

"Correct." says Wraith.

"Please! No! I just showed up for my shift! I won't say anything to anyone!"

"No one has to die!" says Tegan. "Nothing's going on here, right? This is just a training exercise."

"Yes! A training sexercise. Exercise! Not sex. Of course not sex. Not that there's anything wrong with sex if you were having sex. Which you weren't."

"Right." says Tegan with a squint.

"Having sex."

"Ok, stop saying sex."

"I mean y'know it's just I know sex when I see sex and it looks like sex but it can't be sex because everybody knows the colonel doesn't have sex and even if she did have sex it wouldn't be with an incubus."

"... alright let's kill him."

"NO no no! I'm begging you! I have a family ... life that ... I plan on maybe having someday. I'm optimistic! Things have been looking up for me! I just got promoted to this post from the FD like a week ago! Looking after the queen's pets is not the kinda job you brag about. I swear, there's not one outta the bunch that wouldn't eat you if it got the chance so I said to myself 'Jensin! Tell your superior officer you want a promotion and do not take no for an answer!' and I did and she said no so I broke down and cried and she relocated me here because I apparently don't have the backbone to work in the FD which really pisses me off now that I think of it because I had enough backbone to shovel monster shit when I was just a mute drone that she could push around but she had to find a way to make me seem weak for standing up for myself like I don't deserve some kind of self respect after we go on one date and I threw up a little on her but who wouldn't be nervous going out with their boss especially if she's only doing it because I caught her eating some of the pet food like thirteen times but I'm not one to judge because I think she's cute but that technically counts as theft so I kept the secret like how Vorndicley in the MD keeps some of the cadavers from the morgue stashed away in a utility room so he can cart them out on stretchers and push them around so it looks like he's busy and I do not want to be one of those cadavers because I refuse to help him slack off so please don't kill me!"

Both Tegan and a still bottomless Wraith stand wide eyed and speechless, staring at the back of the guar- screw it, Jensin's head. Neither are sure what to do with him but seeing as how keeping secrets clearly ain't his thing, eliminating him seems like the right idea.

"W'why are you two so quiet? Oh shit. Oh fuck. You're gonna kill me. Yhou're ghonna khill mhe fhor dhoing mhy jhob uhagh ubwaugh haughph."

"He wasn't kidding about that crying shit." says Tegan.

"He is quite pathetic. He reminds me of your girlfriend." says Wraith.

"Oh! Shots fired!" laughs Tegan.

"Bwaauull uhurrph aaaugh!" Jensin sobs.

"He sounds like her as well." says Wraith.

"You're not wrong but c'mon. You've made your point." says Tegan.

"WAAUGH Ghuhuhuhuu gasp UUUrrrgh!"

"Enough!" commands Wraith. "We will not kill you."

"Uhugh? Yhou whon't?"

"You have done nothing wrong. Which is why I am personally promoting you."

"Guh, seriously?"

"Yeah, seriously?" asks Tegan.

"I do not recall stuttering." says Wraith as she puts her pants and armor back on. "We must report to the QD immediately to get you situated."


After a short ride to the Queen's District, Tegan and Jensin follow Wraith to an enormous library. Every shelf, every pillar, every corner is filled with tattered books made of hide and paper thin cartilage pages. The halls are well lit with the same white orbs found floating throughout the city and even though there's more than enough literature in the place to assume it was made for the public, there's only one occupant. Tegan recognizes an unsettling sweet and sour aroma as they approach Gehenna standing on top of a large table, rifling through books that are stacked almost as tall as she is.

"Princess, this is Jensin." says Wraith.

"Stand there, Jensin." orders Henna while focused on the various open books in front of her. She points downward to the left side of the table and Jensin shuffles into position to await further instruction. "Don't move, Jensin." she says before putting both of her hands in front of her mouth like a bowl and whispering a small white flame to life in her palms. It's sharp and jagged like glass but it flickers like you would expect it to. Henna turns to Jensin and holds her hands over his head before dropping the fire on him! He instantly combusts but is frozen in place, screaming as the flames leave his body to form a solid white orb floating in front of his face! "Welcome aboard, Jensin."

The slightly charred guard doesn't respond. He just stands there like a statue with a blank expression, eyes devoid of life. The orb hovers away and joins the others floating around the room.

"Is he ... what did you just do?" Tegan asks.

"He's alive. I moved his soul." explains Henna, her face once again burried in her books.

"What about his body?" Tegan taps the body formerly known as Jensin on its forehead.

"What about it?"

"You gonna just leave him like this?"

"I could eat it. Why, you want it?"

"No, ha. I don't wan- Is this permanent?"

"Break the orb, he gets his soul back."

Tegan looks up at the ceiling filled with white orbs. "... Right."

"You two are good to go fuck now. I'm a little busy here, otherwise I'd join you." She looks up and bites in Tegan's direction.

"How'd you-?"

Both Henna and Wraith reply in unison. "Descil."

"How'd he- wuh?"

"You gonna worry about that now, pretty boy? You got a free pass for ass. Don't waste it."

"Indeed." says Wraith. "A soldier lost his soul for this, Tegan."

"Think about Jensin, Tegan."

Jensin's husk begins to drool.

I should feel bad about this but ... we didn't kill him. "So your place then?" he asks Wraith.

"That would be preferable."


With Jensin's body flung over his shoulder, Tegan follows Wraith back to their ride. This is it, bro. This is happening. They secure their silenced guest in the back and sit next to each other up front before setting off to finish what they started. Don't fuck it up. You almost fucked it up. The lady wants professional. Just be professional.

"You appear to be excited." says Wraith as she navigates the beast through the city.

"Honestly, I am." chuckles Tegan. "Is it that obvious? Am I making a stupid face or something?"

"You are noticeably erect." she says with her signature barely there smile.

"How pervy of you to notice." Something's wrong. "Huh?" Get off. "Get off what?"

"Pardon?"

Their ride is snatched by something from behind at full speed and dragged up the side of a nearby building! It cries out in distress as a bigger, stranger creature starts to devour it from its hind legs! With the street now far below them, Wraith and Tegan hang on as they look up to see something like a furry toad with rows of snake fangs and winged feet trying to hastily gobble them up!

"We have to move!" orders Wraith as she grabs Tegan by the shoulder.

"Jensin's body!" shouts Tegan.

"I will get it!" She chucks Tegan out of his seat, sending him into a freefall. Then she climbs to the back of their blood soaked ride, fumbles for a moment but frees their soulless cargo and chucks it down before jumping down herself. As she lands with a roll, the sounds of crunching and slurping are replaced by the panicking civilians fleeing.

"The fuck is that thing?" asks Tegan while holding Jensin's body.

"That is Jeri. She is one of the queens friends."

"Friends? She? What?"

"Get to safety. I will keep her busy until reinforcements arrive."

"Yeah right! I'm not bailing out on you! We could prolly fuck that thing up no problem!"

"She needs to be returned to the FD unharmed. You have your orde-." THOMPLE! The uneaten top half of their ride slams into the ground next to them. The shredded animal attempts to crawl toward Waith, leaving a short trail of slashed innards behind it as it nods its head at her until it stops moving completely. Wraith kneels and pats it on the nose. FWAAM! Jeri lands nearby, gnashing her fangs while gulping down what's left of her victim's back legs. "Do not move, Tegan. She only attacks moving prey."

"Is her vision based on movement? Like Jurassic Park?"

"No. She has far better vision than an Earth media Tyrannosaurus. She simply considers all moving things as potential food."

"Uh! You know Jurassic Park?"

"Temptation told me the story."

"Ha! Cause I'M the one who told HER! Ain't that just-"

He stops. What? No! His eyes throb. No! Not fuckin now! Unbearable pain. He drops Jensin and falls to his knees holding his face. Jeri looks right at him!

"Stop whatever it is you are doing!" yells Wraith.

"Hhhrrrrrgh ... soorryy but ... hrrraaagh we're gonna have compa-" He chokes out globs of blood and orange muck.

"Damn it!" Wraith waves her arms to get Jeri's attention but she's fixated on Tegan and the large milky tumour growing out of his face. Without a moment to spare, Wraith grabs the hefty half carcass next to her and throws it in front of Tegan just as Jeri lunges at him! "Her mouth is full! Either find cover or stay still!" yells Wraith as she latches onto the mass of flesh in Jeri's mouth, using it to pull her away from Tegan.

"Coooughaaah! Phhuuu!" He spits out the last bit of grime and frantically digs Ren out of the evaporating mush in front of him. "Real bad timing, lamb chop! Real fucking bad!"

Ren opens her eyes, looks at herself in a panic and begins shaking uncontrollably. Her voice cracks as she flails around, looking in all directions with tears of frustration and hopelessness pouring down her cheeks.

"We gotta go! We gotta go now! Can you run?" shouts Tegan. Ren says nothing. Her naked body trembles as he lifts her over his right shoulder while carrying Jensin on the other. "Fuck it then!" He books it!

Wraith and Jeri are still locked in their gruesome tug of war. The colonel yanks Jeri to the ground, causing her front row of fangs to snap off! A thick dark blue cloud spews from her mouth and swiftly blankets the area. Wraith stops in place and tries to stay completely still as Jeri leaps away after Tegan. THOOM! Wraith yells out to him and anyone else who might be near. "DO NOT MOVE IN THE MIST!"

Teegs continues to run like he's in a fuckin marathon but the heavy cloud passes and engulfs him. He keeps running, every movement he makes lights up the fog around him leaving a clear trail for Jeri to follow. Fwaam! Thoom! He can hear the creature jumping closer. FWAAM! THOOM! He can't see a thing but stops dead in his tracks. FWAAAM!! Jeri lands ahead of him! She would've dropped right on him if he kept running. He can barely see her since her motions don't light up the cloud but he can hear her winged claws scraping on the street as she searches for him. Clack! Scrrt! Clack! Scrrt!

"Ren," he whispers. "honey, I need you to stop shaking."

She screams "I CAN'T!" as her shivering generates a soft glow.

Jeri charges at them! Tegan drops to the ground and rolls over Ren quickly enough to avoid being snatched. Jensin's body tumbles a few feet away from them! Skkkrrrch! Clack! Scrrt! Jeri continues her search. Clack! Scrrt! She's close enough now that both Ren and Tegan can see her open her mouth and grow all of her fangs back. Clack! She's right over them.

"GET OFF OF ME!" Ren wriggles out from under Tegan and takes off!

"REN WHAT THE FUCK!" He doesn't have time to reach for her. Jeri whips around and instantly catches her with a massive chomp! Tegan can only watch as a screeching Ren is ripped to bloody shreds in the monster's maw.

It all happened so fast. Too fast to register. There are no words. No thoughts. He lies on the ground as Jeri leaps away having secured a kill. Nothing to see but blue fog and the shape of Jensin's body laying not far from him. He doesn't move. Even after the mist eventually clears. He stays there. Staring at Ren's blood on the street. He doesn't move at all. He waits for his eyes to throb again ... and they do. He braces himself for the pain that comes next. Unbearable pain. Just like before. The next thing he knows ... she's in front of him again. Slimey and naked.

Ren opens her eyes ... sees him ... and screams ...

... she screams and screams.