Anonymous 2012/05/23 (Wed) 18:10 No. 24665 Ran didn't know how long she had been locked away in this dungeon. Blindfolded and gagged, she could only guess where Lady Yukari had taken her. Still, it felt like a dungeon to her with the constant patter of water droplets and the feel of the cold hard stone flooring on her bare feet. Small animals could sometimes be heard scurrying around, their tiny steps sending echoes bouncing down the passageways. It also stank, the kind of place that was forgotten by people and never cleaned nor set foot in if given the choice.
She shivered and wrapped her nine bushy tails around herself tightly, the icy air brushing against her naked body like cold daggers. Her throat was dry and hoarse and she hadn't eaten for a while. Ran was forced to remain in an uncomfortable upright position. A rope tied her hands together up over her head, which she guessed was attached to the ceiling. She flexed her hands and pulled, attempting to snap the ropes that held her firm but unsurprisingly she was once again unsuccessful. Breaking the rope wasn't possible despite her considerable strength. Clearly these were no ordinary binds, but had some kind of enchantment placed upon them. Her arms ached from being suspended in the air for so long, the ropes rubbing against her wrists. Ran had the yearning urge to itch them as they coiled around her like snakes, but her bonds would not let her.
Ran couldn't help but think back as to when he first meant Lady Yukari all those countless years ago. She had been so much younger and so full of fire and ambition back then. The strongest beast youkai in all of Gensokyo. Her very name struck fear into the hearts of spirits and mortals alike. When affairs in the human world had started to grow stale, she had left it in favour of new adventures and challenges elsewhere. As her reputation grew, so did the strength of those that came before her, trying to make a name for themselves. One day, a certain someone showed up in front of her and told her with great conviction that her antics had been causing far too much trouble in this realm and had been disturbing her rest.
Ran had laughed at what she figured was misplaced confidence.
"Settle down you say?"
With one simple movement of her hand, a path of pure destructive energy had cut a swath of destruction into the surrounding forest. Trees were cut in two, whole fields of grass set alight in a burning inferno. Ran stood in the middle of the roaring flames, unharmed.
"Do you know who you are taking to, stranger?" she asked.
The figure, a lady in a extravagant purple dress with long blonde hair tied with red ribbons, looked on unimpressed.
"Yes, I do," she said before sighing. She turned her parasol around in one white gloved hand absent-mindedly, while walking towards one of the burning trees. One singed leaf fluttered down in front of her and came to a rest at her feet.
"This is exactly the problem I was talking about. You've been causing me a lot of work, Ran. Could you please keep your behaviour in check?"
Ran took a step forwards, folding her arms across her chest proudly. Her annoyance at being taken lightly was clearly displayed in her irritated expression.
"Listen. I don't know who you are or who you think you are but you have made a mistake in thinking that I would reign myself in just because you asked me nicely. I only answer to myself, no one else. Now," Ran said, turning her back, "if you leave now I will overlook your insolence. I'm in no mood to play today."
Ran waited a few moments, tapping her sandal on the blackened grass. She had more important things to do today and didn't have the time to play around with someone who was quict clearly in over their head. Such a bother, she thought.
She turned back around, expecting that the stranger had thought better of things and left while they were still able.
"Well, I'm glad that..," her words faltered as she saw that the youkai was still standing there. What's more, rather than quaking with fear at Ran's thinly veiled threat, this person was grinning. Waves of power radiated from her, washing over the surrounding area before hitting Ran like a tidal wave.
The sky, which was still at midday, began to darken inexplicably. Shadows forming where they normally wouldn't, creeping across the ground like black snakes, swallowing everything up that they came into contact with.
"No," the newcomer said, "I didn't expect you to roll over at a simple command from me. That would be far too easy and quite boring in all honestly."
She paused, still with that smiling face that didn't seem all that friendly to Ran. It had a certain edge to it.
"How about this? We could have a battle, you and me, right here. The loser has to submit themselves to the victor, assuming of course that the defeated party remains alive. Yes," she held up a finger as if it had just occurred to her, "I think that would be the fastest way to resolve this particular matter."
Ran was not fazed as she felt the energy from the stranger increase still further. Her ears flickered. She rubbed the underside of her nose. So she was strong? So what? She had faced down powerful opponents in the past and emerged the winner. Perhaps this was just a show of force to frighten her? Well in either case, it wouldn't be a problem for her.
Ran spread her arms out to either side, claws forming where nails had been, her tails beating the earth behind her, each strike strong enough to leave craters. Her teeth became longer and shaper, her eyes lit up brightly, filled with the power coursing through her. She still wanted to known one thing though before they started, so she called out a challenge.
"Tell me, stranger. Before I wipe that conceded look off your face, what is your name?"
Still with that wicked smile, the stranger replied, "My name? My name is Yukari Yakumo."
Then Yukari rose into the air, the shadows following her like a cloak made from multicoloured purple and jet black. Ran let out a growl before crouching down and launching herself at Yukari.
Yukari had been much stronger than Ran had anticipated. That overpowering spiritual energy, the dimensional shifts that she now knew as gaps which allowed attacks from any or even multiple angles at once. The graceful way she moved and avoided attacks, almost like a dance. And most of all, that condescending smile that never left her lips throughout the entire duel. Like she had everything in her control, everything in the palm of her hand. That had been the thing that had irked Ran the most.
Still, Ran had given a good account of herself and had pushed Yukari every step of the way, never giving in no matter what new trick Yukari pulled, but she had eventually been defeated after a long drawn out battle which saw the surrounding area reduced to little more than aches and blackened trees. The last thing Ran had seen as she lay in the dirt was a triumphant Yukari standing over her before she had blacked out.
Yes, that was how they had first met. Ran yawned, suddenly returned to the freezing dungeon by her tiredness. How long would Lady Yukari keep her here? What would she do? Ran shuddered at the thoughts which popped into her head one after the other, each one more unpleasant than the last. She sneezed. Still, she mused; it would be nice in a way to receive some attention if Lady Yukari was feeling generous. She hadn't shown any interest in Ran for so long now. Not like when they had first lived together all those years ago. Not like that at all. Without realizing it, Ran slipped into a deep sleep and dreamed of days past gone.
Yukari peered into Ran's new room from the doorway and clapped her hands together.
"That looks great on you Ran. Just the thing you need on your first day as my shikigami."
Ran just stood in the doorway of Yukari's modest oriental home and grumbled. The white gown which covered most of her body was uncomfortable and the blue robe on top of that clung to her body. She couldn't believe it had come to this, dressing up and playing house. She formed her lips into a pout.
"Oh don't be like that Ran. I'm sure you will get used to it in time. Now, follow me."
Yukari lead Ran through a bare wooden corridor to an open walkway which overlooked a beautiful garden complete with a sparkling pond and antique looking oak benches. The part of the main building that she could see had a triangular design for its roofing which was richly decorated with intricate carvings. Tall trees with large canopies were spaced out along a grey stone pathway. A miniature waterfall was the centrepiece of the garden; its rushing water giving her the picture of a rare oasis rich with life.
Ran followed Yukari without saying a word. She was still annoyed at herself for losing and had, as the loser, been forced to accept the role of shikigami. Still, it was a lovely place to view; a treat for the eyes indeed. If she was to live here, well, it wouldn't be so bad.
"I'm very fond of my garden. I like to relax here when my job gets too tiresome for me," she looked over at Ran and winked, "which has been on the increase lately. Ah, let me show you my collection next. Follow me."
This was another side to Yukari, Ran thought. A more friendly, talkative side. A far cry from the intimidating, confident and sarcastic persona that faced her down in the woods. Ran was lead into a cosy dining room with gleaming silver cutlery laid out neatly, then down a corridor full of paintings depicting various events from places far and wide. One room contained many rare and exotic items, some of which were displayed in glass units. Old books, ornaments, wall mounted swords which glimmered in the light, crystals in a metal display case which contained a faint glow.
The tour continued for some time; the house was far larger than Ran had expected based on viewing it from the outside. Finally they stood outside the archway, the house in front of them in all its glory.
"And that is my-," Yukari cleared her throat, "And this is our home, Ran. What do you think?"
Ran gazed at the structure, taking it all in. "It's very nice," she said softly.
"Oh, come on now. You should be more impressed than that. Don't be afraid to show your true emotions in front of me, Ran. That's something that I value in my shikigami."
Ran pasted on a slightly awkward smile.
"It's..a lovely place you have here."
Yukari frowned.
"Well, that's a little better."
Yukari suddenly locked eyes with Ran, her expression was still cheerful but it had an edge to it that Ran couldn't identify. "But please, call me Yukari-sama."
"Yes, Yukari-sama."
"Splendid." Yukari yawned and stretched her arms above out above her head. She began to walk back towards the front entrance which was an eastern styled sliding door like most of the doorways in the household. She beckoned for Ran to follow her. Ran noticed that Yukari always had Ran follow her a few steps behind. The master-servant divide she assumed. She started talking to Ran while they moved back down the main hallway.
"I'm in the mood for a bath Ran. This will be your first duty; a very important duty indeed. Run me a bath but make sure the water is not too hot. Use the smelling salts and bath mixture contained in the white unit mounted near the mirror. Have a few towels ready nearby, the soft ones, not the everyday white ones plus two bathrobes from the airing cupboard. Well that should be all for now. You remember where the bathroom is right, Ran?"
Yukari certainly didn't ask for much did she.
"Yes, I remember."
"Yes, I remember, Yukari-sama," her master corrected.
"Yes, Yukari-sama."
"Good, Ran. It's very important to remember the correct etiquette, especially when we are in the company of others. Try not to forget that."
They walked in complete slience, heading towards the center of the house when Yukari suddenly stopped abruptly and turned around. Ran almost barged into her but managed to stop at the last minute. The two youkai were almost face to face now. Ran could feel Yukari's cool breath as she stared into her endless purple eyes. Yukari flashed Ran that wicked smile once more.
"Don't worry Ran. It won't all be work and no play. I can be a generous master sometimes."
And with that, she left Ran standing somewhat mystified. What did she mean by that? She bet Yukari's the type to play games on people. Ran made her way through the twisting wooden panelled corridors and headed directly to the bathroom. It didn't take her long to find the items she needed in the airing cupboard and various draws scattered about.
Ran dipped a hand in the bath to check the temperature. Just about right. She had spent a while arranging everything as Yukari-sama had specified. The bathroom was stunning in its own right. The bath was made from black obsidian, which had been polished down to a smooth finish. The flooring was tiled with angel white tiles, as were the walls. A bubbling jacuzzi sat in one corner A large mirror with expensive gold trimming around the edges dominated one side of the bathroom, large enough to see her entire reflection in.
Ran was busy folding the towels into a neat pile when she heard the door slide open behind her.
"Ah, hello Ran," Yukari greeted cheerfully. "I see that everything is in its rightful place."
Ran continued with her task, not looking back. "Yes, Yukari-sama. Everything has been arranged exactly as you specified."
With that, Ran turned towards the door and made ready to leave but the sight in front of her caused her to stop in her tracks. Yukari stood before her completely naked besides the big grin plastered on her face. She had long slender legs. Her skin was as smooth as velvet and had a healthy glow to it. She walked slowly towards the bath, her full breasts swaying slightly with the motion. She brushed a single blond strand of hair out of her eyes. Ran's jaw dropped.
"Ah, what's the matter Ran? Can I not dress as I wish in my own home?"
She was clearly amused at Ran's shocked expression and wanted to milk this moment for everything that it was worth. Ran wouldn't be a puppet in this game. She was tired of doing menial tasks and just wanted some time to herself. She quickly regained her composure.
"Oh course you may, Yukari-sama."
She gave a curt bow and began to move towards the open doorway. The door closed shut, Yukari's hand appearing from a dimensional gap in midair. She withdrew her hand and it returned back to its rightful place.
"And who said you could leave? I did say that everything was in its rightful place. That includes you as well Ran."
What did she mean by that? Did she just want to tease me? Ran's pulse started to quicken but she gave no outward signs that she was alarmed. Instead she made an effort to look impassive.
"Everything was prepared correctly, Yukari-sama. I shall leave you to enjoy your bath alone."
Yukari strode over near the bath and sat down on a small pink seat, her back facing Ran.
"No, you will stay here Ran. Do you see those oils by the sink?"
Ran glaced over at the collection of colourful bottles and pots.
"Yes, Yukari-sama."
"Good. Bring them over here for me, will you."
Ran hesitated for a moment, still taken aback by this whole surreal situation. Her master was stark naked and was acting completely normally (Well, normal for her at least) plus she wanted Ran to stay? Ran sighed inwardly and eventually walked over to collect the oil bottles. She brought them over to Yukari who was humming a tune to herself. Ran set the bottles down by the pink chair and waited.
"Good work Ran. Now, please take this and gather my hair into it. Gently now."
Yukari handed her servant a purple shower cap over her shoulder. Ran set about collecting her master's long, golden locks which were smooth and comfy to the touch into the cap. Yukari looked so different without her red ribbons. When she had finished, Yukari indicated an identical seat to the pink one that she was using and asked Ran to fetch it for her.
"Now sit behind me and rub the oil onto by back. I've been up and about for a while today and could use some much needed stress relief."
A lot of things flashed through Ran's mind in quick succession. Her ears fluttered about nervously. If this was a joke, how far would she take it. What, she gulped, if it wasn't a joke? Ran still didn't know Yukari enough to tell. Still, she didn't want to provoke her wrath by flat out refusing her so she decided to test the water, so to speak.
"I'm to massage your back, Yukari-sama? Surely you jest. I am a very capable youkai who could accomplish a great many tasks for you. Important tasks. This is..."
"The duty of my shikigami," Yukari interrupted. She didn't turn to face Ran but her tone was was stern.
"You are you carry out your master's wishes. And at the moment, I want you to wash my back for me. Do you understand, Ran?"
"Yes, Yukari-sama."
Yukari nodded her head. "Good. Use the pink bottle."
Ran sat down on the stall behind Yukari and picked up the pink coloured bottle. She flicked the lid up with a click, releasing a pleasing flowery smell into the room. Next, Ran squeezed some of the solution onto her hands and started to apply it to her master's back. She started to rub, her hands slick as she ran her hands up and down the contours of Yukari's back. She must have been doing a good job because Yukari moaned with delight.
"Ah, that's good Ran. My shoulders have been growing stiff lately. You seem have a real talent for this."
She worked her way down to the lower back region, stroking her body with her delicate fingers. Firm, but with careful pressure. Her hands snaked up her spine and then to the shoulder blades, where she used the palms of her hands to relax the muscles. Yukari's skin was creamy and felt good to the touch as it flowed between Ran's fingers.
"Yes, that's great Ran. Lets move on, shall we?"
No sooner had she finished her sentence, the room darkened, the reality tearing into another dimension. A shimmering gap opened up in the floor, red eyes looking up at Ran from the abyss before she averted her gaze. A massage table appeared out of the murk, and just like that, everything turned back to normal.
Yukari casually strode over to the table and laid down upon it, her breasts squeezed under her frame. She waved Ran over.
"Don't worry. You'll get used to the gaps in time." She wiggled her legs alluringly. "Please continue. My legs need some attention."
Ran selected another bottle and reapplied it to her hands. Here she was, the powerful and respected youkai Ran, reduced to little more than a pair of hands. Grudgingly, she began servicing her employer again, rubbing the oil in a circular motion all over the backs of her thighs.
As soon as things were ready she began to grope her hands across Yukari's perfect skin, the oil making it glisten in the mild light of the bathroom. She used soft, feathering strokes, working her way down to the feet. Once there, Yukari parted and raised one leg, expecting Ran to massage her foot as well. In doing so, she had exposed her pussy which poked out between her legs. Was that intentional? It was a healthy pink colour and was surrounded by a neatly trimmed patch of golden pubic hair.
"Ran? What's keeping you?" Yukari inquired impatiently. Ran couldn't see this but Yukari was smiling to herself.
The newly appointed shikigami realized that she had been staring and quickly grasped her master's foot in two hands and began to massage. She worked her hands over her master's feet, squeezing and caressing as she went. Instead of the body odour she expected, her nostrils were filled with a rosy scent, like natural perfume. She rubbed the toes, gently pulling each one in turn before lightly stroking in between. Yukari yelped as her wet hands touched her there. She lifted herself up on her elbows.
"Go a little easy, Ran. I'm ticklish."
She sighed, turning over onto her back. Now her entire form was exposed to Ran, all the way from the tips of her toes to the hair on her head which was still encased in the shower cap. Ran made an effort not to look at her full breasts which heaved with each breath. She was feeling progressively more and more out of place. This wasn't the kind of thing she had had in mind when the role of shikigami had been forced upon her. She had seen the bright side of serving a powerful youkai with the important tasks her role demanded and had felt much stronger recently with her master's energy flowing through her. But this...
"I guess you can start on this side now. I must say Ran, you're a lot better at this than I anticipated. Have you had experience at this kind of thing before?"
"I'm glad you think so, Yukari-sama, but it must be beginner's luck."
Yukari raised an eyebrow but didn't press the subject any further. A shrewd fox indeed. Instead, she waited patiently until Ran resumed her pampering.
Ran started on Yukari's stomach, her palms slick with oil so that with each motion came a delicious soapy wet sound.
"Hmmmm, that feels good. Higher, Ran," Yukari groaned.
Ran's hands slid up Yukari's body a fraction before stopping at her midriff. Ran was about to start again when Yukari said, "That's no good, Ran. Higher, higher."
Ran frowned. Yukari laid there, her eyes closed shut as she enjoyed herself. Ran detected a malicious smirk cross her lips as she mouthed the words "higher".
Ran's face turned a deep shade of red, so she was glad that Yukari could not see her discomfort. She squirmed in her robes, nervous for the first time in years. She let out the breath she had been holding in and slowly inched up her hands until they rested firmly on her master's breasts. She hesitated in embarrassment, not sure what to do next.
They were warm and felt soft but supple, definitely first-rate. Ran's hands lay still as she gripped the underside of each tit, not willing to proceed any further.
"What's the matter, Ran? You seem to have stopped working."
Ran sighed inwardly as she started to work her hands at a steady pace, rolling the supple flesh over in her expert care and lathering Yukari up as she did so with the oil provided. She averted her gaze, looking around the room as her hands worked by themselves. Hopefully her master would be satisfied with this. Yukari certainly was happy with her new servants attentions, as she moaned in pleasure at varying pitches with each and every masterful stroke from her unwilling personal masseuse.
Ran's fingers glided across Yukari's ample breasts, her long nails sometimes poking them in a delicious way. She squeezed them, rolling them around as she enveloped them with her wandering fingers. One of which accidentally brushed up and flicked Yukari's nipple, causing her to gasp and bite her lip in order to hold back a cry of delight. She was very sensitive and excited thanks to the debut performance of her new shikigami.
"Ah, that's the spot Ran. Now, keep playing with my nipples!"
Ran's eyes widened, her nine tails swirled around, mirroring the astonishment in Ran's mind. So this wasn't just a game. She was being used for this youkai's sick pleasure? Well, no longer. She pulled her arms back as if she had been struck by electricity but something gripped her wrists and pulled her back to Yukari's bosom. Yukari was looking up now, her expression was not a happy one.
"Who said that you can stop, shikigami?
It was actually Yukari's hands that were now tightly clamped around Ran's arms which had appeared out of gaps in midair. Her own wrists ended in gaps of the same kind. Yukari continued with her lecture, her irritation building with each word.
"And to stop when I was so close. This is absolutely unacceptable. I am the master of this household and you will do everything within your power to assist my needs. If you start your tantalising massage again I might be too overcome with pleasure to remember this little incident, is that understood?"
Ran was still trying to pull her hand away from their captor with increasing strength but it felt like a child trying to break free from its parent. She bared her teeth, snarling, the shame of her own helplessness combined with the way she had been used overcoming her composure. Why couldn't she break free?
"Still trying to fight me, Ran?"
The grip on the kitsune's wrists tightened so much that it felt like a vice was squeezing the lift out of them. Ran dropped to one knee, blinking rapidly at the pain. Yukari now stood towering over her with a look of pure contempt.
"You may have been able to fight me before but you belong to me now, in body and soul. You are my prize. You share my power, that is the bond that we share. That is, unless I decide to cut off the flow."
She twisted Ran's arm slightly to illustrate this point, causing the younger youkai's face to tense up but still she refused to give in and remained defiant, staring at Yukari with a burning intensity in her eyes, still struggling frantically to get away. Then, abruptly, Ran dropped to the floor as her hands were released. Her tails providing her with a soft landing. She looked up at her master, rubbing her wrists like a wounded animal.
"I may have lost in battle but I haven't lost my pride. I agreed to serve you but I will not be treated like a common slave," she spat out, scornfully.
Yukari sighed.
"You know, It's not like I enjoy hurting you but you are not making this easy on yourself. A shikigami who doesn't follow their master's orders cannot be considered a very good shikigami."
She paused for a moment then smiled in that unnerving way she did.
"I just thought of a more humane method to tame my troublesome familiar."
Ran was about to stand up when she was startled to find herself sinking downwards, like quicksand. It was the same black dimensional portal that she had seen before and it was just as frighting now as it was then. She had already been swallowed up to her thighs before she dug her nails into the floor to stop herself slipping in any further but the pull was just too strong.
Her nails cut a path in the flooring as she was dragged inch by inch into the seemingly bottomless gap, those large floating eyes that seemed to inhabit that realm locked her with their intimidating gaze. She twisted and turned, hoping to pull free but the forces dragging her down were just too strong. In desperation she punched a fist into the black pool but that only succeeded in trapped her arm. She gave a panicked cry as the shadows engulfed her legs completely.
"Don't fight it, Ran, just relax," advised Yukari.
When she had sunk down to her waist, the sinking sensation stopped. Ran stopped her fruitless struggling and looked down at herself. Her legs and lower body were entirety trapped in the gap; it looked like she had been cut off at the waist and stuck onto the bathroom floor. She wiggled her legs, finding nothing to stand onto, only empty space. It was as if she had fallen into a hole which was suspended above a shear drop. It was clear that there would be no escape.
"If you're going to kill me, Yukari, just do it already."