"No, I didn’t do anything to your heart. "You never stopped loving him, though you tried to hide that from yourself."

Silence fell for a moment, broken by a heavy sigh from Gloria.

"You’re right, Mr. Snow," she said to Lyden, though no one else had heard him speak. "Your children’s happiness is important to you, but so is finding out where Jessica is and stopping her. We must stop her. I might not be a Pillar, but I can feel the veil between the two worlds thinning. Had I succeeded in killing Gaia, I fear that reality would have soon crumbled. Since I failed, she will likely enact another plan, but she didn’t make me privy to what that might be. She’s smart, but she’s also naive. Sending me after Gaia was probably the worst choice she could make. I might weaken her, but it would take forever to try and kill the Pillar of Earth."

"True," Gaia spoke for herself. "Besides the fact that I can manifest in multiple places at once, there are other reasons that I won’t go into as to why killing me is nearly impossible. Which makes me wonder why she chose to send you after me."

Gloria gave a self-deprecating smile before she answered. "Because I advised her to do so. I know of some of your defenses, and knew that I couldn’t succeed. Of course, I didn’t know that any of the rest of you would be here, or how spectacularly I would fail. I wish I would have known that the key to breaking free from her control was loving someone."

Shelly wanted to take a moment to absorb that knowledge, but the conversation was continuing, and she didn’t want to miss anything to do with Jessica.

"Love helps you resist the Outsider’s control," her father was saying, "but I’m not sure about breaking free. How do we know that the second she gives you a new command, you won’t be compelled to obey?"

Gloria’s demeanor drooped at those words. "I wish I could assure you that I wouldn’t, but I can’t be sure. All I can say for certain is that I am currently not under her command."

"Shouldn’t the fact that our living lie-detector is here be able to confirm it?" Megan asked. She’d been so quiet and unobtrusive that Shelly hadn’t noticed the redhead in the room. She should have stayed quiet, though, and Shelly was more than happy to let some of her frustrations out on the woman.

"Mandy’s power only compels a person to speak what they believe is true," Shelly informed the woman. She tried to keep her voice informative, but even she heard the strong note of condescension. "The stronger they try to lie, the more the truth comes out. It won’t make them speak a truth they don’t know."

"Sheesh, sorry I asked," Megan grumbled.

Shelly didn’t know what it was about the other woman that rubbed her the wrong way, but she knew she didn’t like this girl who’d decided to stalk her brother.

"I’ve heard all I need to hear for now," Lyden said. "Unless there is something else you’d like to say, Gloria?"

The succubus looked grateful for the opportunity. "Jessica is cautious, and always moving, but she rarely ever goes to Earth. She stays in this world for the most part. She spends most of her time in the Pillar of Fire’s lands, but avoids any open flames to keep her mother from spying on her. There is only one place where she went to more than once while I was with her. A hot spring here in Gaia’s domain, frequented by fairies, and known for its restorative properties."

Shelly’s breath caught in her chest. She knew what hot spring Gloria was talking about. Why did Jessica keep returning to that place? She wanted to believe it was because she actually cared about Shelly, but a dark corner of her heart said that couldn’t be the truth. Did she require constant healing for something?

"Thank you. Anything else?" Lyden asked before Shelly could ask her own question.

"Only that I truly am sorry for the pain I’ve caused your family," Gloria said, her head drooping.

Shelly almost—almost—felt sorry for her. She had no doubt that Gloria regretted what she had done. And She understood what it was like to be forced to do something against her will. But Gloria was also an all-powerful goddess, ancient in her power and knowledge. And while she may, or may not, be completely free from Jessica’s control, she was outside of the of the woman’s reach. Gloria wouldn’t be giving birth to the child of a monster, the product of rape. There was little left in Shelly to give for pity to other people.

"Ambassador Snow," Gaia cut in, "If you and your wives and partners would see me back upstairs? There are some last-minute things to be arranged before you leave." Without waiting for a response, she walked towards one wall, and melted into it.

For some reason, Shelly’s father looked unhappy about meeting with the Pillar of Fire.

Shelly was anxious to go and visit the hot spring, but as she turned to leave the room, she lost her balance. Sonia was right there to catch her, one strong arm helping her stay on her feet. With one hand, Shelly rubbed her distended stomach, and cursed inwardly. She wasn’t going anywhere until this baby was gone. She wondered at losing her balance like that, until it occurred to her that her stomach had grown faster than her muscle memory. She’d been lucky that she hadn’t had an issue until now.

She wished she could just be done with this burden and get on with her life. She wasn’t ready to be a mother, much less one to this monster child.

How had her mother managed to carry twins; and to full term, no less? Shelly couldn’t imagine having to carry this burden for nine months. Though, she had to admit that it probably helped that Sheila loved their father.

Love was a powerful feeling. It could make people do unimaginable things, both good and bad. It allowed a person to endure more than they could otherwise, and sometimes even do the seemingly impossible.

Like break free from the control of an Outsider…

Why was Gloria looking at her like that? The captive woman’s face held a look of something sad, but also one of longing. Was she jealous of Shelly?

She found her hands holding her distended stomach, almost protectively. Sheldon’s ex-girlfriend was making her nervous, and she decided to leave before she said or did something she might regret.

A nagging voice in the back of her mind reminded her that she’d helped set Sheldon and the succubus up. Of course, she didn’t know about Gloria’s long and sordid history, and had only been trying to get him over Jessica.

Who she’d fallen in love with afterwards? What a twisted series of events. Thinking back on how events led to this moment, Shelly saw where she’d made mistakes, and where she’d made good choices, but other circumstances conspired to turn her intentions to shit.

She glanced at Sonia as they walked from the room. The android still held that cold expression in her gaze as she met the glance. No matter what else had happened, befriending Sonia had not been a mistake. But keeping her at arm’s length had been. Shelly was done running from her fears and concerns. It was time to take her life back under her control.

"Sonia, I—" Shelly started to say, but the other woman cut her short.

"Don’t." Sonia’s voice was firm and final. "I’ve seen that look a hundred times before. It’s too late."

Shelly closed her mouth, swallowing the lump that threatened to form in her throat. Sonia may not want her to say it, but she would act in such a way that showed the woman that she was sincere in trying to make things better.

No more running away!

A sudden squeal ahead of them, down the corridor, almost set Shelly into a run. After the second step, she had to stop and brace herself against the wall. Her stomach didn’t move in the right way when she tried to run, and threw her balance off again. Sonia moved past her, prepared for whatever enemy might be there.

Had that been Mandy’s scream? Who could have penetrated this far into Gaia’s domain to attack them?

With one arm bracing herself against the wall, Shelly walked as fast as she could, trying to coordinate her belly with her faster steps. She wasn’t prepared for what she saw when she rounded a corner.

Mandy’s upper set of hands covered her mouth as she stared down at Sheldon. Shelly’s brother was on the ground, looking up at both of his girlfriends. Shlee’s jaw hung open as she shook her head back and forth.

It took Shelly a moment to realize that Sheldon wasn’t hurt, but down on one knee. Both hands were raised, and she saw something sparkle in each hand. He was offering them something.

He was proposing.

Idiot! she thought as she continued to waddle towards them. It might not be a bad idea if it’d only been Mandy, but Shlee was still recovering from the betrayal from her last fiancée. What was he thinking?

Sure enough, Mandy snatched up the ring and placed it on her finger, bending down and hugging Sheldon. She was a strong woman, and easily lifted him onto his feet as all four arms squeezed him tight.

"I talked to Gaia after I woke up, and realized that I never wanted to be without you both in my heart," he was telling them as Mandy let him down.

Shlee was still shaking her head, and backed away a bit. Her eyes were filled with fear and tears.

"Eldon," she started to say, then had to swallow and try again. "Eldon, I love you. I truly do. I won’t deny that, but… but I don’t think I can agree to marry you right now. Not after…"

"I know I can’t fill the hole that Dimitri tore in your heart," Sheldon said. Well, it appeared he wasn’t a complete moron, at least. "I’m not asking to, either. What he did to you… It was inexcusable. But I would love to have the opportunity to spend every opportunity possible making you forget him."

"I… I know," Shlee said, but still didn’t move to the proffered ring.

Mandy stepped forward then, and placed a hand on Shlee’s shoulder. "Shlee, I can’t say that I understand fully how you feel, but I want you to know that I love you also." Mandy’s voice was soothing as she spoke.

Shelly realized that she was in the middle of watching something that should be private, but she couldn’t force herself to leave.

"If you’d rather," Sheldon spoke in, "we can hold off the wedding. It doesn’t have to be right away. I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me."

Tears streamed down the werewolf’s cheeks as she regarded the other two people. "I just need some time," she said after a few moments had passed. "I’m very happy for you two, and I don’t think you should wait. Mandy, I love you also. I love you both so very much. And Eldon, I know you will make a great husband."

"But…" Sheldon said. Shelly heard the note of hurt in his voice, though she suspected he’d tried to hide it.

"But I need some more time," Shlee finished. "I… I wish you would have waited a little bit. Mandy will be staying here to help Gaia, and you and I will be going to help your dad. I don’t want things to be awkward between—oomph!"

Sheldon cut her off, stepping forward and kissing her while pulling her tight into a hug.

Shelly couldn’t imagine a worse thing to do to a woman who was asking you to back off a little.

"I love you, Shlee," Sheldon stated when he finally pulled back for some air. "If time is what you want, then I will give you time. I will wait forever for you, if I need to."

"Both of us will," Mandy said, joining the embrace.

Shelly was surprised to see tears of happiness replacing the sadness on Shlee’s face. Maybe her brother understood his girlfriends better than she thought.

"I’m serious about you two getting married right away," Shlee told them. "Mandy, your mom is here, and so is both of Eldon’s parents. You should see if Gaia will marry you before we leave."

A sheepish look crossed Sheldon’s strong features. "I already talked to her, when I got her help with the rings," he confessed. "She said she would marry us as soon as we were ready. And, um, Mandy?" He waited for her to give him a curious look before moving on. "Your mom already has a few gowns ready for you to pick from."

"You already talked to my mom?" Mandy asked, shocked and swatting Sheldon’s chest in disbelief. He grunted at the impact, but grinned anyway. "I’m surprised she didn’t try to kill you when you did."

"I believe her exact words were, ‘Eh, she could do much worse.’" The three laughed for a moment, before Shlee pulled herself out of the group hug.

"When I agree to marry you, Eldon, I would like my family to be there as well," the werewolf said. Shelly heard the note of discomfort in the woman’s voice, and understood. Sheldon had spoken to Mandy’s mother, but not Shlee’s parents? Granted, the timing wasn’t that great, but apparently that wasn’t her brother’s strong suit. But then again, when did he have the time to get the rings, and talk with Alloria, much less the ever-busy-Pillar-of-Earth anyway?

"Gaia had one of her agents contact your aunt," Sheldon said. "And your father was already in the city. He had some choice words for me, but the fact that I am Lyden Snow’s son seemed to calm him down a bit… At least, he was almost human when Gaia ended the illusion call between us."

"My dad knows?" Shlee demanded, horror crossing her face. She backed away from Mandy and Sheldon as she started to visibly shake. "Does he know about…"

"I didn’t say anything about Dimitri," Sheldon said, holding his arms out to placate her fears.

"I think it’s about time we left them alone, don’t you?" Sonia whispered to Shelly.

Shelly jumped at the other woman’s words, having completely forgotten her. Feeling her cheeks burn, she realized again that she should have given them their moment a long time ago. With a nod, they backed down the corridor, and looked for another route back to their rooms. Thankfully, Gaia’s domain was a warren of hallways through her mountain home, and they soon found another path.

The wedding took place a few hours later. Between Sheila’s managerial skills, and Gaia efficient domain, the wedding was setup in record time.

Shelly suffered another feeding from Gaia as everyone else rushed around and prepared. Shelly feared that she looked horrendous as she stood next to Shlee. Her stomach stretched out, looking like she’d swallowed a massive ball, and her feet ached. She was dressed in a soft brown gown that did nothing to hide her situation.

Shlee was also dressed in a matching gown, but it looked much better on her, complimenting her strawberry blonde hair, curled and done up in intricate ringlets. Shlee was the Maid of Honor, and she looked stunning.

They stood near the cliff edge on an outcropping. Gaia’s reception room was transformed with ribbons and various decorations in brown and blue, the wedding’s colors.

Sheldon stood tall and proud, smiling at an equally smiling Shlee. They must have made up enough to be smiling that openly. He had on a deep blue tuxedo that fit his strong frame perfectly. Behind him, acting as the best man, was Brock. His upper half was in a blue blazer, but his fish tail was free in the water that resided in the bowl that was attached to his mechanical legs. Behind him stood Gokan, looking very uncomfortable in his tailored blue tuxedo.

Despite Shlee not getting married this day, somehow both her aunt and father had managed to get there in time. They sat close to Alloria who was doing her best to look stoic, but Shlee could see the tale-tell signs that she was on the verge of tears.

Shelly’s parents were in the front row as well, and her mother was doing nothing to hide the happy tears streaming down her cheeks. Even her dad, always the rock, looked like he was either getting ready to stand and cheer, or break into his own sobs.

Every living family member that Shelly knew was there, including Blue, who was ecstatic about her color being part of the wedding, (an event that she didn’t understand, but knew that it was important to the weak fleshy creatures). She was on another outcropping, to the side of the room’s opening. Torches lined the walls, and Shelly noted Angela’s face wreathed in flames as she observed the proceedings.

The gathering was marred by one notable absence though. Gloria was denied attendance. Not due to any argument from Sheldon, but by Gaia’s decree. Weddings were an event of love, and Gloria would have become ever more powerful during this occasion. If there was a chance that Gloria wasn’t free from Jessica’s ghost’s influence, that would be the perfect time to attack.

Shelly felt another lump form in her throat when she looked at where Sonia stood in the back of the large room. The android looked exquisite in a long flowing black gown that showed off her smooth shoulders and a bit of cleavage. She knew that if she started crying, everyone would assume they were tears of joy for her brother, or hormones from the pregnancy, but she held herself in check. She hadn’t realized how much she relied on Sonia being there for her, until she wasn’t.

After this wedding, she wouldn’t even have her brother, as he was leaving with their dad to stop the Paladonic Knights. It felt like everyone was abandoning her. She knew it was irrational, but that didn’t stop her from having to swallow her emotions.

She noticed that Sheldon was looking at her, a look of concern on his face. The idiot! Today was his day. He shouldn’t be worried about her. She forced a smile on her face and gave him a nod. The gullible fool smiled back, relieved.

The music changed, and everyone who wasn’t already standing got to their feet. All eyes turned to the entrance. Gasps sounded all around as Mandy stepped into view. While she was stunning in her lacy white dress, sapphire earrings, and her dirty blonde hair done up in extravagant braids, the gasps weren’t all for her.

Emmet, Mandy’s deceased father, walked her down the aisle. He wasn’t a zombie, or even a ghost. Shelly had never heard of the dead being resurrected in any other way, and she didn’t understand how he could be here, until she heard Shlee tell Sheldon.

"Gaia contacted the angel Amenadiel, and told him that he owed your family for what he did to your sister." Shlee’s voice was soft, and Shelly had to strain to hear her over the music. "Gaia formed him a body, and his spirit is inhabiting it. He has to return after the wedding."

A sob pulled Shelly’s attention back to the audience, where she was surprised to see Alloria smiling at her late… He wasn’t her husband, and by all accounts she knew, Alloria hated Emmet. They both loved their daughter, though. And when Emmet’s eyes fell on the last living elf, Shelly saw kindness and warmth aimed at the woman. Perhaps there wasn’t as much vitriol as she was led to believe between the two.

Emmet brought his daughter up to Sheldon, and the two men shook hands. "Take good care of my daughter, young man, or death won’t be enough to stop me from taking care of you."

Sheldon smiled in return before replying. "Sir, if I don’t take good care of her, I’m sure your daughter is more than capable of fixing that. You raised a very capable woman."

Emmet seemed to appreciate the response and they released hands. The bald man turned and saw that there was a spot next to Alloria. The elf nodded to him, and with the exception of an occasional glance between the two, they ignored each other.

Gaia rose up out of the floor between the couple, and the music stopped. The Pillar of Earth wore a flowing green and brown gown that was lighter than her skin, that strongly reflected her connection with nature. Around her head she wore a wreath of flowers.

She opened with the usual words of greeting and gratitude to those who had arrived, and what brought them all together today. Then she turned to the couple before her. "I understand that you have prepared your own vows."

Sheldon nodded, then reached out and took all four of Mandy’s hands in his two. "Mandy…" he paused as his voice cracked, and there were a few titters from the audience. He gave a visible swallow before trying again, his eyes already shimmering with unshed tears. "Mandy, we have been friends since childhood. In that time, we have had our differences, have fought together and apart, but you have always been in my heart. I promise to always be open and honest with you, regardless of any inability to do otherwise when you’re around."

He paused as though expecting someone to laugh at his joke, but no one did. Instead, it reminded everyone that there was no subterfuge in his words, and that he truly meant everything he was saying. He could only speak the truth.

"I will never try to hide anything from you. Though there will be times when we are apart, you will never be far from my thoughts. I promise to never take you for granted, to always work towards a common goal, and to one day raise our children to cherish you as much as I do."

Mandy pulled back one of her right hands to wipe at her eyes before gripping Sheldon’s again.

"Sheldon Lance," Mandy started, her voice full of emotion but coming out smoother than Sheldon’s had. "When we were kids, you once tried to bully me. My mother told me that all men were like that, and I should put you in your place. My dad told me that it meant you liked me. I’m so glad I took both of their advice. After I picked you back up off the ground, I remember our first kiss. Every kiss since then has led up until this moment. Every day we have been together is one I’ve cherished, though some have been hard. In the coming years we may have our differences, but I will always work with you—" she paused and turned to Shlee, holding out one hand, "—and all those within our hearts to make them the best days that we can." Shlee took the hand, and Shelly heard her give a small sob and nod, appreciating the gesture.

"It’s not too late to add you in," Gaia whispered to the werewolf.

Shlee looked to the couple getting married, then to her family, before shaking her head. "This day is theirs," was all she said before giving Mandy’s hand back to Sheldon.

"Then by my own authority, I now pronounce them married," Gaia said in a strong voice. "May this day, and every day after bring you closer together. You may now—" She cut off as the two were already caught in a powerful embrace, lips locked firmly together. "Just like both of your fathers. Never waiting for the right moment," she finished in a quieter tone and a rueful shake of her head.

Shelly moved to congratulate her brother and new sister-in-law, but a sudden shift in her abdomen, and a gush of liquid down her legs stopped her.

Her water just broke.

Shelly screamed as pain rent her body. She was in a sterile room, her legs spread wide as Gaia, Sonia, and a female goblin doctor worked together to help her deliver her child.

"That’s great," the doctor said in a soothing voice that rubbed against her nerves. "Keep pushing with the contractions."

She wanted to tell her where he could shove her advice, but another contraction cramped inside her, and it was all she could do to try and push as it felt like something was trying to claw out her insides. What kind of damage was this demon spawn of a child going to do to her?

Sonia squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her. Why was the woman even here? Hadn’t she made it clear that she was done with Shelly? At first, when her water broke, she couldn’t believe she was in labor. She hadn’t felt any contractions. Sonia, despite being in the back of the room, had been one of the first to her side as she was carried into an antechamber. She’d reassured Shelly that sometimes that happened, and been by her side ever since.

As the next wave of contractions overcame her, Shelly found herself alternating between being thankful that Sonia had killed Aecus, and cursing the Android for doing so. She wanted to inflict as much pain and suffering on the creature as she could for inflicting this suffering on her.

"Almost there," the doctor said, her hands spreading her most sensitive parts even wider.

She felt like she was being torn wide open. The pain was unimaginable. She was never having sex again. She didn’t even know if she could have sex again after the damage she knew was being done to her nether regions

"Almost…" the doctor droned as though her words were anything other than an annoyance. "Just a little bit more…"

The pain was excruciating and Shelly wished that she could just pass out. How did women ever go through with this? She’d asked for pain killers, or a spell, or anything in the beginning, and was told that it was already too late. She hated everyone. Hated that she had to go through with this. Hated everything. If she survived this—which she was beginning to doubt any woman could suffer so much pain and live—she was going to have some serious words with Gaia and the other original Pillars about how much agony this caused.

She felt a sudden relief. There was still a lot of pain, but the feeling of being split apart was gone. A moment later she heard a crack and a high pitched, though quiet wail.

"Congratulations," the doctor stood, carrying a bundle to her. The goblin was short, even for her species, and her head barely came up to the edge of the bed. "You have a healthy baby… child."

She lifted the bundle up to Shelly. She wanted to shy away from the thing. To push it away and scream. She wanted to curl into a ball, wallow in her pain, and ignore the rest of the world until she slowly died.

No more running, the thought flit through her mind. Grinding her teeth, and with an effort of will, she accepted the small bundle from the doctor.

It was so light. So fragile. Even in Shelly’s weakened state the baby weighed so little. She could throw it across the room, ending King Aecus’s terrible legacy forever.

Except that she couldn’t be that cruel. This child wasn’t to blame for its father’s actions. It didn’t matter to her that killing it would doom both worlds to slowly die as every ant colony went extinct. She was fundamentally incapable of causing harm to something so small. So innocent. So fragile. So… cute?

She pulled back a small bit of cloth coving the baby’s face. It was almost bald, except for a light covering of fuzz across its head. Its eyes were scrunched up as it wiggled the tiniest bit in her arms. It looked human as far as she could tell.

It gave a soft coo, lips moving just a tiny bit as it seemed to try and cuddle in closer to her.

If this child were raised properly, it would never become the terror that King Aecus became. This child could be raised properly, raised with love and care. Hadn’t she thought earlier about how love was one of the strongest forces in the universe? Could she do that, though? Could she push away the memories of how this child was created, and be a mother? And Gaia had promised that it wouldn’t be evil like its father.

Thinking of the mad, deceased monster, she wondered what gender the baby was. She remembered the way the doctor had avoided saying what it was. She opened the swaddling cloth a little bit, half afraid of what she would find.

King Aecus was a hermaphrodite. And so was his progeny.

"Shelly…" Sonia’s gasped use of her name brought her attention to the android, standing next to the bed. The android was looking at the floor in shock.

"They have come to pay homage to their new queen," Gaia said before Shelly could see what the fuss was about. "Don’t hurt them. They mean no harm for their queen, or the queen’s mother."

Shelly still wasn’t sure what they were talking about. She knew she should be bothered being referred to as the queen’s mother, but she was too tired to care.

Shelly felt her eyes starting to drift closed, but movement forced her to focus and look around. Sonia was shifting away from the bed, her eyes wide as she looked around.

Shelly realized she was still holding the child, and thought she should hand her—him?—off before she fell asleep. Oddly, her arms moved to re-wrap the child and hold her closer to her breast.

More movement caught her eyes before she could drift off, and this time she came wide awake.

Ants. Hundreds, if not thousands or more, of ants crawled onto the bed with her. Shelly had a flashback to her time in King Aecus’s bed chamber, and she opened her mouth to scream. Instead, her throat closed off, cutting short her shriek of terror. She couldn’t let them get her. Not again. She wouldn’t let them have her, or her baby.

Her baby…

Shelly looked down at the bundle clutched tightly in her arms, and gasped, her throat relaxing as she met her child’s eyes.

Her child’s multi-colored, shifting hued eyes. There were no whites to its eyes, and even as she watched, the colors shifted in a hypnotic pattern. The baby’s lips curled up into a smile as she cooed again, blowing a small saliva bubble.

"She’s so beautiful," Shelly murmured.

====================

From the Author

====================

And here we are with yet another cliff-hanger... I know I write slowly (my time to do so has become more and more limited over the months), but I promise this will be resolved. The chapter is already written, and posted to my blog.

I hate to shamelessly plug this, but I watch for comments all the time... I rarely get any. If you like what you read, or if you don't, leave me a comment and let me know. It also adds motivation to get me writing. So drop me a [legitimate] note below!!!

This story was taken from one these sites, check them out to find more sex stories:

https://www.allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=21796

https://forum.allkpop.com/thread/172172-do-you-have-any-debts-or-loans/?postID=4498353#post4498353

https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2806170#post2806170

https://forum.allianceofhope.org/threads/my-brother.66319/

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?t=79228

https://hub.alfresco.com/t5/alfresco-content-services-forum/download-settings/m-p/316450

https://forum.alfavirtualclub.it/threads/ciao-a-tutti.143937/

https://www.albumoftheyear.org/user/paulc/

https://www.alesisdrummer.com/index.php?topic=9230.0

https://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,22305.msg122914.html#msg122914