The Succubus

Once upon a time, a young boy exploring the forest came upon a shrine. There were all
sorts of offeringseverything from gourmet food and wine to gold coins and precious gems.
The shrine transfixed the boy. He couldnt resist taking a piece of it back with him. After careful
consideration, he selected a brass talisman engraved with an unknown symbol. Looking around
to make sure no one was watching, he slipped the talisman into his pocket. For an instant it felt
as though the talisman was red-hot, scalding his thigh. But the sensation stopped, and the boy
chalked it up to an overactive imagination.
Over the next couple of days, the boy found his mind wandering; thinking about the
shrine. He decided he needed to go back. However, upon arriving in the clearing where the
shrine had been, the boy was confused and disheartened to find that the shrine had disappeared.
He was sure this was the same clearing he had happened uponhe knew these woods well, and
he made sure to follow his previous path to the letter.
Was it all just a dream? the boy wondered. He reached into his pocket, sighing with
relief as his fingers clasped the talisman. After looking around for a time, the boy came to the
conclusion that whoever put the shrine up must have taken it down. Every day for the next two
weeks, he returned to the clearing, hoping to see the shrine again. Once it became clear the
shrine wasnt coming back, he realized it was time to move on. He made a necklace out of the
talisman so that he would never forget the serenity he felt that day.
Years later, the boynow a young manhad all but forgot about the shrine. However,
he still wore the necklace. In fact, he wore it every day. The man was not particularly
superstitious, but he found that the talisman always brought him good fortune.

One day, while out for a stroll, the man was confronted by a group of men in hooded
robes.
Kira Amanae?
Yes, thats me, what can I
Several years ago, you stole something that belonged to us.
Im sorry but I dont know who you are, and I certainly havent taken anything of
yours.
Then tell uswhered you get that talisman hanging around your neck?
Thats what this is all about? Here, take it back if it means that much to you
No! Do not remove it from your neck.
Just what is going on here? I was a child when I stumbled across your shrine, why are
you doing this now?
Weve been searching for that talisman ever since you first took it. It has taken us years
to track it down, but we did it.
You spent years looking for this? Why in the world
You should not have taken something from a holy place. You do not understand the
forces you are meddling with. The shrine you found served only one purposeto imprison a
violent demon. That talisman is the gateway the demon uses to travel between worlds. Our
shrine was set up to nullify its magic.
This must be a joke, how foolish do you think I am? In all the time Ive had this thing
no demon has ever come popping out. Who are you all anyway?

We are an elite group of exorcists, tasked with containing and destroying the most evil
entities Satan ever created. We have reason to believe the demon has bound itself to you, the
keeper of the talisman. This is good for us, but very bad for you.
Hows that?
Well, since the demon is still dormant within you, we have an opportunity to kill it once
and for all, and in a very simple mannersacrificing you.
Before Kira could process what was said, one of the exorcists hit him the head, knocking
him out. When he came to, he was strapped to a cross, a pile of dry wood beneath him. The
room he was imprisoned in seemed to be some kind of basement, illuminated only by
candlelight. He was also alone; none of the exorcists were in the room. After struggling against
his bonds with all his might, Kira started sobbing. Even though he realized how ironic it was, he
began to pray. Not to any deity in particular, but to any listening.
Please if theres any truth to this gods and demons business, and if anyone can hear
me please help. Im begging you, I dont deserve this fate!
Quite right, you dont, said a melodic, feminine voice.
The man felt the talisman around his neck heat up and vibrate. Suddenly, it tore itself off
the necklace chain and flew to the ground in front of the man. It was glowing a deep crimson,
and began expanding until it was large enough for a single person to stand on. A pillar of bright
red light shot upwards, and out from it stepped a young woman, the most beautiful girl Kira had
ever set eyes on, despite clearly not being human. She had wingsbat wings to be preciseand
a pointed tail, both a deep purple, contrasting wonderfully with her blood red hair and eyes. She
wore a black and red corset with a tight leather skirt. Kira recognized the pattern on the corset as

the same one on the talisman. The woman stretched and yawned, seeming not the least bit
concerned with the current situation.
Y-youre the demon of the talisman?
Yep, thats me. Although I find the term demon a bit derogatory. Im a succubus to be
specific. But you can just call me Lilith.
As if this couldnt get any worse! I pray to get out of the frying pan, and end up getting
tossed into the fire!
Lilith laughed kindheartedly. I think you misunderstand my intentions. It was your cry
for help that finally broke the talismans spell. Im free because of you, and I plan on returning
that favor.
As Lilith untied Kira, she explained to him how her kind and humans had once coexisted
in harmony, until the rise of puritan Christian ideals had turned mankind against them. Since
succubi live off the affection of humans, this had nearly eradicated the entire species. Only a
handful were strong enough to survive, and they had been sealed away in an alternate dimension.
So all you ever wanted was to give and receive love from humans?
Lilith nodded solemnly. We have been vilified by these so-called holy men. We only
wanted to live in harmony with human beings. We still do, the few of us left.
This heart-to-heart talk was cut short when the exorcists opened the door and saw Lilith.
The demon! Its free! We must act now!
The exorcists held up crosses and began to chant incantations. Lilith groaned and her
knees began to buckle. She was obviously in great pain. Kira racked his brain for anything he
could do to help her.

Wait if succubi get their power from the love of humans, then an intense display of
affection should boost her strength.
Lilith began to fall back. Kira caught her.
You dont have to live alone any longer, he whispered before pressing his lips against
hers in a passionate kiss.
Stop him! shouted one of the exorcists. Another pulled out a pistol and aimed for
Kiras head. Lilith sprung to her feet, rejuvenated and ready for action.
You, she growled at the exorcists, You are pure evil. Pretending to be disciples of the
light, committing atrocious acts under the guise of righteousness. And you dare call me a
demon? The crimes you have committed in the name of God are unforgivable, and must be
punished.
Liliths voice had taken on a deep baritone, and her eyes had begun to glow.
Theres only one thing to do with scum like you.
She closed her eyes and extended her hand. The exorcists were enshrouded in a crimson
aura. And then she spoke, her voice so deep it shook the room.
For dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return.
Their empty robes fell to the ground silently. Kira was speechless. Lilith turned around,
smiling.
Whatd you say we get out of here?
Sounds good to me.
Lilith grabbed Kiras hand and the two of them ran out of that unholy dungeon as fast as
they could. They both fell to the ground in relief once they were outside.

I have no idea where we are, Kira said, Its going to take a while to figure out how to
get back home.
Maybe not as long as you think, if youre willing to try an unorthodox method of
travel.
Before Kira could respond, Lilith hugged him tightly and took off, her powerful wings
carrying them up into the sky. Kira closed his eyes and rested his head just beneath Liliths chin.
She kissed him softly on the crown of his head as they flew off, silhouetted against the night sky.