@[Hypno Dreamer](/user/show/2467185) Definitely more coming. I'm going to try to get at least one more chapter out before Halloween.

@[darkblade2814](/user/show/243317) Of course- take your time. I do think that while I prefer the idea of Gil getting a wake up call and figuring out how to not be so unhinged anymore is an interesting thought exercise in seeing how post-transformed individuals need not be horrifically sinister (and I do honestly prefer it), the sheer tragedy potential of everything becoming a demon is also a potential route to take. at the same time, it is typically the common route taken in such stories. Personally, I am more in favor of the former as it's more subversive and opens up the possibility of greater character exploration, but this is @Pcm's story, so it is up to them. Whatever happens, I will likely be curious (though also dreading for fear of what might happen to the characters (and that's a good thing because it means I'm invested), of what is to come. Realistically however, I think that with the established story- two routes are possible- gil is seduced by the promise of having Aaron and has his entire family fall to the demons and the west....or gil realizes Aaron is too far gone if he cannot be saved and works to save the family he can save. It'd be an interesting inversion to how he was at the start of all of this- his desire to unite his family and get his grandson back caused major problems in the demon invasion- so he might have to painfully make a sacrifice to keep the rest of his family safe. I think Daniel meeting Gil I think would honestly be necessary for Gil to develop should he start to be more like who he was. It would give Daniel some much needed catharsis (and also help in influencing the next generation such as with Marky/Marcus), and Gil would likely get to see how while he may have gotten a happy ending, there were consequences for other people that are now coming to affect him and his family in the form of the demon invasion. Granted, Gil's choices were likely to be made beastmen or wind up leaving to go to the eats, suffering eastern prejudice and then likely being made into demons to send back west once the demon invasion kicked off (because they likely would have managed to break in one way or another), so honestly them being as they are (beatsfolk) is ironically the better situation for the west in general. The north seems to be geographically isolated due to both the weather and possibly moutains as it seems somewhat more isolated, so hopefully that keeps them safe for a long while yet.

@Anon Assuming PCM's plans haven't changed, both Markus/Marky and Gill will get their wake up calls, Daniel will get a break, and yes, Aaron will met someone on his mother's side of the family, but this is all I feel safe sharing without braking my word to PCM that I wouldn't spoil the plans

@[darkblade2814](/user/show/243317) Honestly, even that much information is tantalizing. I won't push for anymore as that would likely include spoilers. Aaron meeting somebody on his moms side of the family would be interesting to see as now the people he was oppssed to and working to subvert his loyalty to the east and his father the king are now probably the best option to avoid being demonized. I suspect if things go well he might be smuggled out to the west (I hope so). Alternatively, if what Pcm says is true and this new rewritten reality is that the king freaked out and contacted the demons to save aaron- Aaron might genuingly he looking to escape his dad. The beastfolk are an ancient enemy of the east- but the demons are worse still. Aaron making a cost analysis and going west to avoid demonization would make sense- additionally in this new reality he might very well be frightened of his father- and i wouldn't blame him. But that's all likely spoiler adjacent information. These are but my musings. Regardless, there's a lot to think about.

@Anon Remember, Aaron also has one uncle in the North, the sane one

@[darkblade2814](/user/show/243317) I totally forgot about Hans....considering that in mind aaron might have left with Jason and the others. As dumb as the king is, I doubt he'd risk his heir...or if the king is fully drunk on the demon Kool aid- Aaron smuggled himself out before things got too bad. He might be with Jason and the others. The north is probabaly the safest area of refuge for the eastern diaspora. However, I also see many fleeing westward. Some truly desperate will likely flee south if they have no other choice. Hans will likely serve as an important figure between the north and west as well as the eastern diaspora. Since Aaron and Hans have a blood kinship, it's likely this will be developed on for political relations. Additionally, Hans would likely be a more palatable individual to work with than Marky or gil and his brothers/father at first glance for aaron seeking to gain allies. I also suspect Hans has some power in the north- not as a major figure but as a minor lord with some influence and is a diplomatic figure of sorts.

@Anon Aaron is the second prince, but they are together, Aaron's brother was born from the queen, I'm dying to tell more, but I'm biting my tongue

@[darkblade2814](/user/show/243317) Ah so there's another heir then and the main one no less (aaron is second born by what youve said i believe)...interesting. If such is true they may take up leadership of the eastern diaspora. Either that or his brother is already in the west with his mother. after all...we never saw him in dillema. I'm assuming you can't tell me that though. So I will wait and see. I'm so sorry that I'm poking around too much in my thinking but this story has me thinking a lot about its setting in a geopolitical sense. That's probably not how an erotic story should be read but here I am. So it'll be off to a month of analyzing and waiting for me. Which I don't mind- it's a testament to how rich the world pcm has built is. Though you mentioned "they are together"....Aaron's brother must be in the east still then....is he the mysterious apprentice of the necromancer? He must be up to something. Again, feel free not to answer that- it's probably spoilers. But I'm intrigued at the possibilities of who this prince is in the grand scheme of things, and I'm willing to wait for answers. However this ends (as I suspect the next chapter is the last or second to last)- it will be very significant for all the countries.

@Anon I really hope I didn't spoil anything PCM was planing

@[darkblade2814](/user/show/243317) Not that I'm aware of. I'm merely throwing things about. All you've given me is general hints. And these could change. Pcm threw a wrench with Eddie and subverted how I thought that would go to an extent- so he might yet suprise me. Don't worry about it- I certainly can't tell how this will end definitively as it is now. So many things could Flux.

@Anon Okay

@Anon Thank! I'm really happy that someone would go through the trouble of sparing so much thought into this world Im building. Im glad that my characters and storyline do strike a chord with you. With Aaron situation, he is pretty much a bastard of the King, though the King refuses to acknowledge the fact and construes tha Aaron is his second born son with the Queen. In the new reality, the King contracted Forlorn in order to cure his son of bestial affliction. Forlorn does so, but this time, he has an agenda in mind. What that agenda is, i wonder... With Gil in particular, remember that his ties to Aaron is extremely frail. He does not have any emotional attachmrnt to him because he does not even know him. The love he feels is more possessive in such manner that he felt he belongs to him. So no, demonization of Aaron would sadden and anger Gil but not enough to push him to (willingly) join the demons.

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) You know...the king really seems to be very stupid. Between opening up the east to bestfolk intrigue by commiting adultery, and now his deal with forlorn literally none of this will end well. Forlorn agenda I can imagine will be a dark inversion of what happened in dillema- probably use the notion of family to demonize him. And this the tragedy will hits its full descent, marking the full doom of the east as the nation it once was. As terrible as its issues were...the current situation probably wasn't the best solution for them. On the other hand...this might cause the remaining eastern diaspora to begin to really tackle the cultural and class issues affecting them. This will be a major factor in how dialouge with their host counties in the west and north will proceed. As for Gil, this would make sense. As much as Aaron being with them us the goal, he doesn't seem foolish enough to do high risk gambles to get to him...and with the demons around doing that has become a non option. As for the firstborn son, where he is becomes the new mystery...my bet is on him being the necromancer kings apprentice...the secret aspect of him we have seen. The question is- is the apprentice more resembling of the necromancer wrath and fiercer aspects, or a more merciful route? I suspect the former, as this apprentice seems to be different from the others. Overall, this situation will likely end with the royalty mostly becoming demonized, with perhaps a few escaping. The east as it was will continue in the diaspora, while the west will face some harsh reckoning on how its blind following of the primordials nearly ruined them and left them woefully unprepared to handle the current situation, while the north will likely be able to catch up to this situation more rapidly- they already had to deal with a local war between multiple spirits- the demons may be a new terrifying threat, but in some ways the board has been reset to how it was when that was happening in the north. I think overall however, the demons will eventually suffer setbacks. One way or another something will slip. No nation will ever last on top for long. Maybe not now, maybe not in the near future...but eventually something will slip...and it'll all come crashing down. Perhaps the doom of the east will come from the south and Albert's adventures. Perhaps from the west or this new mystery apprentice. Either way, i suspect that we haven't seen the end of the east just yet. Nothing ever stays static, and in the end- people who are enslaved by their desires will eventually find themselves betrayed by them- or consumed by them. All things have a price- the demons perhaps have not paid it yet. Then again...doom can be a tricky thing. The end of a thing need not be violent. Who knows really? But whatever happens, the demons will likely remain ascendant for some period of time. What happens after that is really the intriguing part. If they could be defeated once...they could fall again. Ultimately this story is a tragedy in some ways and hopeful in others. Collin and his family are happy but it really is dubious as to if that's even them anymore...and if they would have even wanted this before...everything (likely not). On the other hand, they were liberated from cruel class structures and harmful cultural norms that hurt them. It's a tragedy...but at times one must look beneath the veneer to scry that out. I suspect that should gil and marky get a wake up call, I think they'll look at the demons and shudder at what they could have become. Like I've said before...a dark part of me wishes to see far off in the future the demons faced with a horror they cannot deal with- an enemy that has no desires- that they cannot win. A thing that will undoubtedly wrought their doom. It'd be...darkly amusing to see the demons scrambling. The way things are, the demons will constantly try to expand to the other nations- likely making them reviled by all. In that sense, I would draw a connection to ninevah which in the end was so despised for its bloodlust it was damnned as the "bloody city" in jewish tradition and said that none would mourn it in the time of Nahum, fleeing from it. Ironically, this same city won itself great mercy in the decades prior in the time of Jonah. Much like them, the nations of the east, west and north all will face highs and lows in the coming years. That is certain. The question is then this...how will the nations change amidst the demonic invasions? Besides the east, and the soon to be eastern diaspora, how does this affect the north and west? How do they formulate defensive policies against the demons? What are the effects of the invasion on eastern religion and really the faiths of the other nations, their laws and customs? And there is the south as well...if what I suspect is true...Albert will bring great change there...and possibly in the east as well.

@Anon How much blame could you place on the king though? He could not possibly foresee tgat he was being tricked into having a child with a beastman who would in tirn be used to pervert his kingdom. He could have actually taken the easy way out by letting others kill his son or disown, but he didnt. Forlorn jimself is bound by the rule of previous reality somrwhat where he cannot demonize someone who has not been previously demonized in the previous reality... He still made a deal, and he intends to call on that deal. I will end the story with the next chapter which the the finale, titled 'a father's duty'. (Make of that what you will) I will leave the events after that to the imagination of the readers and other writers. I can tell that things will be open ended to serve that purpose.

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) And I do intend to explore some of the fallout on the end of my North Arc

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) You make a fair point that the king has treated Aaron well. On the other hand, the kings cavorting with henriette likely occured when the east knew the border regions and the west had issues with the besstfolk. Thebking being so reckless and getting a partner from there that wasn't vetted is unfortunately on him- though if his existing marriage was forced that might explain why he did what he did. If forlorn cannot demonize Aaron, then he'll likely do something else true. But considering how Gregory all those chapters ago vowed to see the king demonized and the kingdom fall....whatever it is likely won't be as simple as "healing" Aaron and leaving. The title of the last chapter...it is fitting. This whole story started with the love of a father going out of control in gregory....and will now end with the king and his son. You will then I'd imagine move to the kingdom across the sea of the empire- which will be intriguing in its own right. I also look forward to the southern, northern and dragonization arcs. But here's the othe question...did this deal occur in the new reality....or is it from before?

@Anon for the dragon story, as it is an what if, I will try to make it s one-shot, but ut may expand to more then it, but I think it will be fun

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) This is a bit of a sidestep- but looking back at this chapter- there is a very chilling exhibition of how terrifying Covetous is. While Covetous is naturally born from Leon's desire for his soldiers to be pleasured and safe and happy, but very twisted- the desire for spoils being shifted into outright looting is frightening...but makes total sense from the idea that the demons are fighting to end the eastern cultural understanding in favor of their own pleasure-dominated one...as well as defeat any who follow the former, or convert them to their side. Traditionally, then as it is now- war booty gained from the enemy was never really a major issue- gaining relics or artifacts from enemy forces so long as it was within a reasonable frame dependent on conduct norms of the time was and still is a thing. Call it souvenirs or what else, it is a thing. But looting carries a much more sinister implication- going after anything in the general vicinity of an army- including people in the area. At most, such was usually done to gain resources if depleted- but often as a way to demoralize- with some chilling affects on the people in the area that weren't soldiers. Covetous's remark of how there is a beast in every soldier that just needs to be manipulated to come out is a chilling note on how war can turn people into doing horrendous acts due to sheer desperation and the nature of war- and when considering the eastern policy blunders of over-exerting and misusing it's soldiers and not caring for their well-being we see in Ethan's chapter and with Collin's situation....it doesn't take much to realize why the soldiers got so seduced by the idea of being able to loot. In their minds, the enemy was now those who did not bring pleasure, and if looting ended this enemy...why not do it? And if they were outnumbered...why bother trying? After all, if they are now on the side of the demons...they can take spoils from the enemy...including captives and items from the enemy- which in the demon's case is the entire cultural system of the east and those who follow in it. From the demonic perspective...there may be a little fright at first but it'll all work out in the end. Such is likely Forlorn's and Covetous's views on the matter- some fright for liberation and pleasure. This is likely how the soldiers in the process of being demonized rationalized their actions- they are already doomed...so why try fighting? Why not get something for themselves rather than be pawns to an order that sees them as little better than puppets? The worst part is that these concerns are not at all invalid- as we see in the start of Ethan's chapter. On the other hand, Covetous's remarks could be in lieu of how soldiers can be mistreated and discarded by those in power over them...and that stoking those tensions to get soldiers to rebel can be very easy. There's a tragic terror in how they went after the people they tried to protect...but like I mentioned before- they likely saw this as them "saving" them in a twisted way and fulfilling their duties as oldiers- now everybody can be happy as a demon- so why not loot and make that a reality? Of course, for Covetous, all this looting and chaos is for a clear purpose- to spread the hellish horde and save people from humanity's struggles of despair and being left adrift in difficulty and sorrow. Essentially, a little pain goes a long way. His proclamation to turn the soldiers to his side and loot is an example of how he seeks to see this duty of his realized. It's not even a sinister goal in and of itself, but add demonic understandings and magic and it becomes eerie very quickly. Ironically, this makes him somehow less frightening than actual wartime looters in real life and historically- and so much worse- because unlike those looters, he isn't doing this to demoralize an enemy- in his mind he does this to save them- but he also completely warps their identity and sense of self in doing so- arguably killing them- or turning them into what they were not. This dichotomy is even seen with Forlorn- for all his sinister eeriness with Alfred and the older man he healed in his disguise- he genuinely sees demonization as saving people and thus in the spirit of what Collin would do- the irony here in this is tragic but striking and fitting- and when he speaks with Eddie...one can truly see he means that. It's interesting to think how Eddie and Collin in the what-if dragon arc would say to such a declaration. I'd imagine they'd be horrified- over how a desire so pure (to heal others and save them from despair) became something so terrible (actualizing this by demonizing people). But then again...the story of the demons is a story of moral ambiguities, ethical dilemmas, in some ways responding to actual problem in eastern culture (though going way overboard in doing so) and sinister undercurrents. And yet...one can see they truly do love themselves and their fellow demons. They are complex and frightening all the same.

@Anon You know, im glad that people focus on demons other tgan Forlorn. Covetous is an interesting character that I drew inspiration from how pre-modern era saw looting in battles. Your point regarding him is very poignant, and perhaps not one I have considered. Of course, during the looting, people are involved...but unlike in real situation, those people subjected to the soldiers whims dont remain unwilling for long. It is upto you to decide if that is a good or bad thing. With Forlorn, his desire to make others happy and the innate demonic desire is so deeply entwined tgat it has become one and the same. I cannot help but admit that his moral difference from other demons is only superficial. As for the king, his mardiage to the queen was unhappy, bu they loved their children. The Grandmaster had personally taken on the task of vetting potential match for the king... And yeah, the king being an idiot disregarded that. Forlorn deal is simple, the king humanity for his son. He is coming to collect that deal, and the king will realize that dealing with demons is not a good idea. Well, do you think a father duty pertains only to tge king?

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) Im some ways, the people eventually being willing is better and in some ways worse. Worse in that there is mind alteration involved, but better in that at least they aren't unwilling the entire time. At the same time, looting in medieval Europe was considered normal so them being seduced by it does make sense. And they likely see this as "saving" the unconverted from the struggles of humanity. I could easily see a partially demonized soldier looking at somebody he wanted to protect and going...well if I make them a demon I can protect and make them happy forever. They'd rationalize the short fear and resistance as something that's done out of ignorance and will stop once they see "the truth". Still chilling...but in some ways far better than actual real life looting...and in other ways worse. As for forlorn, what you say makes sense. They are very deeply intertwined. I wouldn't say that one overshadows the other though- it seems that the latter is how he explains his innate demonic desire. He definetly sees it as more than just pleasure. Though like you've said in a way the difference is superficial. If the king decides to take that deal he really will wind up being a bad king and a bad father. Saving yourself to throw a potential heir under the bus in such a situation (overrun by demons) isn't good. On the flip side....something tells me he doesn't know about that part of the deal. The king being in an unhappy marriage and lashing out to be wirh henriette makes sense. Ad dumb as the king was for ignoring Daniel's vetting...they shouldn't have tried pushing an unhappy marriage either. It may have been for politics but those don't usually end well. I'm reminded a bit of zuleikha- who I referenced many chapters ago- she did the same. So I suposse I can feel a little sympathetic to the king. I think the duty of a father isn't only to the king in a way. This entire story started with Gregory going nuts. Fatherhood serves as a key component for this story. How it is executed is the question. And as always deals with demons going sour is almost always how it usually goes...the kind seems to have at least been a good father...hopefully he will figure something out amidst all of this. I do agree with you that while he shouldn't have commited adultery...I don't think he ever wanted his son to have to deal with becoming a beast. Thats made him desperate and I suspect he's about to be in for a nightmare of a time realizing he's been duped. It's interesting how all this started with suppressing people's desires (the kings unhappy marriage), laying the groundwork for things to get so out of control as they are. The demons are essentially an overcorrection to eastern repression. A sinister one at times, but they are this. So if I'm reading forlorn deal right- he'll heal Aaron but the king will be demonized. Am I right? And im guessing once that happens (hopefully not) the king will try to pounce on Aaron.... ....this deal really won't end well for the king will it?

@Anon Hmmm... I see that out of all the major demons, Putridus is the least developed, isnt he? You certainly have not seen the extent of his horror

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) Oh his horror i think I can imagine well. Like how sauron crept into numenor and turned it into a horror- human sacrifice, darkness and evil- putridus would likely follow have people spiraling down the same path of ruin. Maybe not as bloody, but certainly terrifying. The filthiness he represents embodies gluttony, dirtiness, and excess. All things which ruin rulers. It's tragic to know oh so long ago this was simply because Frederick and his adopted son simply wanted to have some enjoyment in a difficult life. In ruining rulers, I also see them as resembling rot. Something tells me putridus is going to pop up next chapter. You've mentioned his niche is corrupting nobility and Highborn. As of now though...I do sincerely hope something comes forth to trip up the demons. They may think themselves invincible- but as the beastmen before them- perhaps something will outmaneuver them as well. Who is to say? Even if it may take a long time...things like the demons always wind up collapsing...or moderating themselves to avoid ruin. The larter may well night be impossible save for a few (youve mentioned that should a demon know it lost its loved ones to demons they may introspect (albert may do this), but this would be rare- so the former is more likely.

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) As a final question for now- based on comments in the past- you mentioned that the only way a demon might introspect on itself is if one of the promises of demonhood- reunification with loved ones- was broken because of demons (through the demon invasion or directly through individual demons). Though they may default to pleasure seeking to cope, you have mentioned this is a possibility- one that Albert will likely go through. In light of this, is it possible that perhaps in the far future, groups of demons will eventually do something akin to the north and kind of chart their own way without being stridently loyal to the demon lord and his overseers? This likely won't happen for a long time- if ever- but all things change. If something truly shifts within the hellish horde- that might be the only way I can see change occur. Introspection would likely only occur if demons realize demonhood has cut them off from certain pleasures- as they desire all pleasure. Alternatively, the demons might just wind up constantly chasing more and more pleasure- in the worst case scenario becoming unable to feel pleasure in smaller acts. In that case they become a tragic analogy to drug addiction. In seeking an escape from eastern cultural repression, they've found themselves in a much more sophisticated cage. I strongly suspect this is how the dawn won against them all those years ago- they essentially burned themselves out as they became unable to find what they are driven to seek out.

@Anon Well, that question is tineged on spoilers for JSN's story, and I think it is the major theme of Albert's story. However, it should be noted that unlike the Wolfmen who completely believe they are in the lright, the demons do not care if they are in the right. They dont care if they are hurting people or acting evil as long as it got their cocks going. Their sense of morality has been eroded by demonhood and now sees perverdion as fun. Take the information however you will.

@[Pcm](/user/show/10039396) I see....when you put it like that this really is a tragedy in the long run. Albert will likelu approach something akin to or outright does some introspecting, but the way the demons are essentially amoral is frightening. The only way then that they could be moral is if what brings them pleasure is somehow connected to something positive and somehow doesn't wind up too warped, and if they m0anage to introspect. That however would likely be very rare. Albert's mental journey in that sense is rather intriguing and would probably make them a black sheep in a way. Though that is more JSN's story. In your perspective, do you think this trait of the demons (not caring for nothing besides pleasure) could be a way they might wind up defeated? I mean...they did get banished once before. I think I'm kicking a dead horse asking this though. It seems to me that unless a demon is forcibly made to understand that it can't have pleasure because of what it is- they basically have no reason to change. Which makes sense. And it makes them so dangerous- there's basically little to no way any demon would ever become more than they are. It's a little tragic that rhe beastfolk actually care about right and not right which means they can be convinced- but the whole of the east is essentially doomed to pretty much endless hedonism at the cost of mass identity death. I mean...everybody is happy and the kingdoms repression isn't a thing anymore but it's mentions of how the demons really are benearh that happy lustful veneer that make me see how tragic this is. If this story is about the fall of the east, JSN's seems to be about how even in dark places- interesting circumstances can occur. Albert's means of gaining pleasure (his desire is to care for others and make them happy- one of the few desires which I think really cant be corrupted too much- warped to serve the demons yes, but outright corrupted no), make him more susceptible to introspecting especially considering his likely familial loss- a thing none of the others will ever do. I think in the end this all ties back to what I've mentioned about spirits. The demons are in the vein of the western tradition- near or totally malovelent...Albert might wind up taking cues from more eastern views or those or the germanic fae in being a more neutral being.

@[Rock Creek Werewolf](/user/show/10002145) It is something that _this_ is the story i get the most comments on--on this site and Ao3. This story was a commission and the guy ran out of money and we've fallen out of touch. _Maybe_ one day I'll return to it but I have other works that I'm much more interested in writing. I was thinking that when my SubscribeStar is up and running properly then I'll run a poll if anyone is interested in some of my older works being revised &/ continued. I kinda think it's strange that this is the work everyone wants. I'm sorry to say I barely even think about it or remember what I wrote as it was so long ago. All the same, thank you so much for the praise!

@Anon > This is a case to case basis of course- but for these two- it very much was- and is- both. Exactly what I was trying to convey. :) And to your point about how corrupted are the boys? Well, future chapters will explore that. After all, they aren't humans with magic powers, they are half-humans, half-demons. Are they sinful or sweet? Or both. :wink:

@[Dishrag](/user/show/228300) Thank you! Yeah, I needed a few weeks to recharge, but now I have at least 3 more story chapters to release over the next few weeks, a 2nd chapter to this, and 2 of the 3 endings to "Did you hypnotize me." Working on getting the 3rd and final alternate ending to that story now.

@[tenser13](/user/show/1280137) Thank you. This was just one of those ideas that appeared in my head and I had to write. Total detour from what I planned to write for the Halloween contest, but I can save that story for next year :)

@[Fred W. Kong](/user/show/476663) Thank you, sir. I am happy to report that there will be more chapters of this story, and I have finished Chapter 2 in time to be published before Halloween, but you will have to wait to get Seb and Te'lor's underworld exploits. We take a brief detour to Earth first, with Chapters 3 and 4 planned to be hellbound...