The Order was strong. It had control, power, influence. It formed a strong nation having an empire and various states supporting it. It had money, recognition, power, but most importantly, influence. Lies spread about the corruption of mamono had held millions under its influence. Using fear and ferocity to control armies and heroes in their war against the Demon Lord. People and leaders followed the lead of these religious leaders as they fought in their "Holy Crusades." Thats how it was for generations How it WAS. The Order HAD been strong. The Theocratic leaders once HAD influence. But as with all lies, you eventually see through them. It was inevetible then that the Orders grip would loosen. Its influence dwindle. Its people see the truth. Although few directly disagreed, still fearing the Demon Lord's corruption and Orderite's loyal armies, the powdered keg was already blowing. Resentful generations had risen, resenting the Pope's fanatic and extreme policies. Restrictions on sciences, introduction of new ideas, and its murderous hate for monsters. Five years ago the latest crusade was organized. Thousands of loyal fanatics joined. Some less earnest. Seope were forced to join. All inavded, many killed mamono and their husbands. Some deserted. None returned. A bulk of loyalists lost. The vast area of the Fringic States bordering Demon Realms were left mostly on their own. The Middle and Inner Order were more or less protected and controlled. At least superficially. With the human empire risking collapse a change and stand against spreading corruption was needed. And such things were brewing in the Fringic State of Diaspire:

Ecleus the Inquisitor drank water with a grim face and a sigh. He stared into nothingness, his face stoic and composed. He walked along thinking of what was to come.

He was young for an Inquisitor. A lad of 20 years. He had brown hair that curled over his forehead. He was tall but not bulky. Hus muscles were more toned for endurance and running than brute strength.

Generations ago he'd still be training. But then again, generations ago there was more volunteers and support for Orderite military operations.

He wore a sort of visor that covered his eyes. The color of these appeared blue but this was for looks. They didn't obstruct his vision rather served the purpose of making sure his eyes were safe and not blasted open during combat. He wore a golden cape and sleevless linen shirt with many intricate designs. His boots were soiled as were his pants and armoured plating that covered his shoulders, torso, and arms.

His first mission saw him under the supervision of Arcaic Fermin. He was a man in his mid thirties and was experienced in such operations. His black hair was cut very short and his build wasn't one of a brawler. Arcaics were powerful mages that specialized in pure deadly attacks of magic and telekenisis. He wore a purple tunic and some light chain mail.

Along came four Seekers. These had light armor of chain mail and padding. They carried a long sword, a lance, and javalines. They were keep away fighters that hunted mamono at distances.

A squad of local knights also accompanied them. They seemed tense at the presence of the Order's representatives.

They walked in silence, until two knights came sprinting at them.

"Sir Fermin our scout showed that there is a small settlemen ahead. Just as poor Henry to-", the scouting knight caught himself too late symphathizing for Henry, a casualty in the Arcaic's quest for purity.

"I mean the accursed Henry, of course, that umm no goo-," "So you feel sorry for him knight?" inquired the Purger.

"Well he just, he never, he just traded with them right? Is that so bad?"

Smiling the Purger said, "Ahh yes simple trade. May seem innocent, but he traded more than goods. He exposed himseld to their evil. Their manipulation and whats worst, their kind take kindness as an invitation to usurp his will. I also feel sorry for him. Poor lad. Poor fool indeed. But i dont think I shall end up feeling sorry for you too. Right Beltzar?" declared the Inquisitor, albeit with a somewhat forced smile and dagger eyes staring at the offending knight.

"Not at all Sir. They they are as you say. Dangerous." he said, downcast.

The other provisional knights nodded exageratedly in agreement. These knights showed lack of enthusiasm in chopping up monster girls. None believed the tales of man-eating beasts. Nor the tales they were inherentley evil. Not even the stories of them changing forms into horriying beasts of nightmares once they seduced a man. But because they knew the Purger's methods of correction well they kept to themeselves. Also the stories of corruption were true somewhat. The darker skies some distance ahead were an sign of the demon's corruptive abilities. So as long as some group offered protection from that, they followed. But they knew what this mission would lead to in their hearts.

"Dont forget this Ecleus, keep the men under you just as pure as your spirit. If you don't, they will be devoured by damnation and in turn they will make you fall. If one is a threat, kill it."

"Yes Sir."

"Keep your eye on that one. All of them as a matter of fact. I sense a rebelious spirit. Fools don't know about the dangers of-"

At this point Ecleus tuned out. He didnt bother listen to the carved in stone and heart speech of evil seductresses in disguise who fell weak minded humans. Truth be told Ecleus was anxious to see mamono for the first time. To see for himself if these beasts were brutish and worthy of being slaughtered or if the true enemy was something else. He would not hesitate to eliminate scources of corruption though. He valued his humanity and the human spirit and legacy.

As he looked around he marveled at the beauty of the forrest. The call of animals echoed throughout the land. That mossy smell was hard to hate if nothing else. Oddly comforting and homy. Growing up in a city and being in an achademy for so long helped to grow his appreciation for the contrasting brown and green shades amongs the trees. It almost felt like it was a beautiful day. Almost.

"--Arlight!" announced Fermin, who had ended his rambling and started the planing during Ecleus' "absence".

"Seekers. Sorround the area where they reside. Knights and Ecleus with me! As we planned, knights fire a volley of bolts, Seekers cut of escape and Ecleus and I deliver the Order's just wrath on these parasites. Are you with me?"

At this the crowd lifted their weapons and went to their positions. Seekers in their hiding corners ready, waiting, gripping their lances as the four of them hid in the woods. The knights approached slowly with the Inquisitors.

Off in the distance he saw them. He saw mamono for the first time, and time slowed down. A man was playing with a Jinko cub. They were wrestling on the ground as a large adult Jinko watched, laughing at their antics. She was strong, tall muscular, unlike anything the young Ecleus had seen before. She wore a basic leather top and short cloth skirt, leaving her chisled toned abs exposed. Defenitly a strong girl. Oh yeah. Her tiger tail swaying lazily as she contemplated her family. Laughing as her little cub delivered a "deadly" bite to her father, who obviously lost on purpose but didn't care.

Wow. A real live monster. A Jinko too! And thats her cub. Then thats her father. Where is that ferocious dangerous beast huh? Lies. Lies. Lies! I knew it. Just like my cousin said before he "disappeared.Look shes watching and smiling!Surley..surley, we don't need to bother them. They are a family for crying out lout! Fermin, are you not seeing this? Do we really need to "purge" them for living a life away from human cities like they are. No corruption here." As Ecleus had this shattering debate he hoplessly wished that maybe out of a freak of a miracle, his teacher wouldn't give the orders her had been raised to follow. His fellow knights seemed to have the same internal struggle, only they were showing it more.

Out of one of the simple wooden houses came a young looking man with his lich wife; who clinged to him as she whispered into his ear. No doubt something humerous concerning the father and jinko cub for she pointed at them as they walked outside.

The Purger frowned upon seeing the mamono daring to exist on this land. He clenched his fists and his breath was heavy and deep, as if containing his fury was causing pain. No pity in his eyes. No mercy or even hesitance. Just hate and disgust. His pupils glowed gold as he started powering up his attacks. Ecleus, recovering from his stuper, quickly started preparing. Why, he didn't know. No. He did. He'd be using his attacks, just not on husbands, wives or children

The Seekers were waiting to apprehend the runners. Knights ready to provide back up and shoot down the defending monsters. And then their was himself and his overseer. Their job was to find and kill mamono. Especially those with talents in mystical arts.

Everyone was ready. Eclues looked at the knights and signalled them an x with his index fingers and pointed at Fermin. Ecleus had been told of this practice by a freind of his. All of them nodded three times. So, betrayal it would be then.

"Now",whispered Fermin. The soldiers rasied their crossbows. They steadied their already loaded weapons and aimed. The firing part didn't come. They stood their. Targets easily in range and in the open. They looked at the mamono, at eachother, then at the Ecleus, then repeated again.

Eyes glowing in wrath Fermin scowled at the higher ranking knight, Beltzar. "Fire...Fire..Fire.!", he comanded hissing and spitting. The head knight started lowering his crossbow.

"Sir Fermin maybe-

"No I know. I know. Its ok. I understand. They pull the strings of the heart right?"said Fermin showing apparent understanding, but Ecleus knew better. The knight simply nodded, and Fermin winced and subtley crafted a spell.

"I see. Then in that case...DIE!" spat Fermin as a shard of gold light formed in the air and punctured the knights throat. He dropped his crossbow, grasped his neck, and fell to his knees then flat out on the ground

The Jinko mother's ears twitched as she heard such sounds quite clearly. Eyes widened she pounced infront of her family as she cried for them to go inside. The father grabbed the cub as he ran for his home. The jinko started an aggresive snarl at the group's direction. The lich ran along with her husband towards their home. As that happened the Jinko roared as she pounced closer to the woods.

"I heard you there! I can smell you too! Who are you? Leave! I can hear your armor clanking. Please leave us in peace!" she yelled.

Fermin used a spell to create a burning in the chests of the knights. He also set up light daggers benind their skulls.

"Fire at them you imbeciles!"

Fearing and panicing they aimed and let the bolts fly. Their aim was off though. The Jinko evaded two bolts.The othe barely missed the lich's husband. Just then a lance flew and stuck him to the wall. He was shocked. He howled. He slumped. He died. She froze. She slumped on the floor. She wailed. She sobbed. She screamed. And what a heart freezing scream.

The Jinko launched herself at the knights. It would have been a favorible fight for her against knights. But she didn't pounce against knights. These were two force wielding powerhouses. A Purger and an Inquisitor. Fermin froze her in place. A look of feirce anger was replaced by surprize as she saw Fermin step into the open.

Meanwhile the trained Seekers came in. One sent his lance through the unaware lich plunging in her chest. She immideatley reacted, forming spells that burned at the lance. As she was freeing her self, her cloak dancing and writhing as she powered up her attacks, another Seeker swiped his lance at her neck with the edgde facing outwards. It was fast, as expected from a Seeker. The lich formed a barrier that snapped the lance.She sent the tip into a Seekers chest propelled and controlled by her magic. He gasped and fell to the earth. Two more Seekers appeared throwing lances. They missed the lich by a lot. One impaled the other Seeker and the other punctured his neck. Just as he was dying, a vial of water was tossed onto the lich. She was engulfed in flames as her body contacted holy water.

"Thus you pay for the lives of the noble Seekers!" screamed Fermin. At this the traiterous Seekers scurried into the forrest to Fermin's annoyance. After being undecisive he bade Ecleus and the knights to follow him.

By now the knights had their crossbows reloaded. The remaining group stepped into the open as Fermin asked of them.

"Go after those accursed heretics men." said Fermin as he fried the Jinko mother with blue lightning. Her charred remains fell to the ground with a thud

"Kill them my knights!" yelled Fermin. "Ecleus come! We will kill the father and his evil spawn!"

They hesitaded. Looked at eachother. Then at the house. The last ones alive inside. Ecleus made his choice. So did the knights. They fired at Fermin. With an angry howl he stopped the bolts and sent them flying back. The knights blocked with their shields. Then drew their swords and started charging towards the Purger. As Fermin prepared a bolt felt a searing pain spread in his arm.

Creating a blast around him, he tossed the knights and Ecleus away. He recovered to see a golden cone stabbing his elbow. It left his right arm usless. His shock turned to anger turning to blind rage.

"Traitor! Hatchling of snakes! Ecleus! You dare side with the heretics and scum of this world! You idiot! You had a place in the Order! You hypocrite. You die along with them now!"

"No. No Fermin. You betray the basics of what we humans stand for! We are not followers of blind hate and I am no puppet. I have a place in this Order yet. While you, you have no place in it. Now I must do what I should have done a long time ago! With me my knights of the Order. To purge the real monsters of this world!"

Ecleus was talented in magics, but he had a talent unknown to most. His aim was superb. And this Fermin didn't know. Ecleus didn't just plan to use this, he needed to survive. He just needed an opening

The knights rasied their sheilds as Fermin sent a sprite of lightning at them. Ecleus created a shield. His powers humming as they stopped Fermin's. He felt his sheild crack though. Fermin was, after all, just as strong and had experience. Ecleus felt the searing heat consume him as he was tossed into a tree. By this time the knights had pushed forward, but these too proved unsuccesful. They were blasted back as well. Meanwhile, Ecleus got back up. Grasping some modified shurikens he charged at Fermin. He shot some light daggers and two shurikans. Fermin blocked these with a smug smile. Laughing he would send some flying back. In one of these tries Ecleus threw one in an angle that missed the Purger. At this Fermin laughed and quickly powered an orb of energy. He aimed it at Ecleus. However, the one shurikan was modified. As it whipped through the air it boomeranged back into the back of Fermins neck

Horror spread onto his face as he felt metal cut into the back of his neck. The powered ball dissapaited as he formed a spell of sorts to create a sheild and healing aura. Both were taxing on his injured body and both were shackily formed. Just then the Seekers reappered and rushed the Inquisitor with swords drawn. As they threw themeselves against the shield, the knights reloaded and fired more volleys at the murderer. He managed to block most of the attacks. Most. One bolt seeped through his weakened sheild and found his left shoulder.

"Gaaaahhh! Curse you all and may you all burn in hell! May I have the strength to die killing your irredeemable souls!" After saying this, his fingertips glowed and he swiped them down, creating a shock wave that sent his attackers tumbling back. Ecleus dug his staff into the ground and was pushed back but not much. Ecleus rolled out of the way of a stream of blue that obliterated the shrubs in the distance.

Getting up the knights and two traiterous Seekers regrouped behind Ecleus. Ecleus threw some knives on the ground in front of the Inquisitor. Not expecting this attack to the ground, Fermin failed to deflect the ricochet of these as they sliced into his shin and legs. Screaming in pain and weakened by loss of blood, he summoned the same orb of energy in his working hand. On his knees he looked up and said, "May I die for the Order's glory and legacy! As for you, die along with for your usless cause and dreams of fucking those monsters. Hahaha. Corruption lovers."

He let out a massive beam of energy that took all his strength. Ecleus spun his staff as a golden barrier formed. The force caused his heels to dig into the dirt. The men behind him clamped together and supported him as he slid backwards. He was focused. He was sure. He was steady. He was the Order. The Order. Corruption. Corruption was a real threat though. "Corruption. It does spread. What if I...? What if humans can't stop it. Cheif Goddess what will I-"

Ecleus' face was nervous, scared, and uncertain for just a moment. He was not steady or strong for just a moment. Thats all it took.

He lost his balance. The shield cracked letting some energy through that singed the left of his face, but reflected the final bursts of energy at the house where the father and jinko cub were. Fire and energy blasted the structure. The cracking of the walls and roof boomed. The dark brown of wood was charred or splintered. There HAD been a house. Now there was crackling, burning, crashing, screams, then silence. Silence.

"You Seeker whats your name?" asked Ecleus.

"Damien."

"Go to the house and see if anyones alive." The Inquisitor grabbed his sword and walked to Fermin. He was on all fours, trembling. Not saying a word Ecleus lifted him to his knees as he himself took a knee. Then he swiped his sword downward and let Fermins insides out, staining his cape and boots.

"Sir Ecleus! The jinko cub is alive!" Damien carried the jinko in his arms and set her down in fron of Ecleus.

Using his last reserves of energy, Ecleus healed the major burns and lesions on the cub. Afterwards, everyone sat or stood around watching her troubled sleep.

"Return to the city and report to this squire of yours. I must take this orphan to her own kind."

Some moments after the Seekers and knights recovered, the knights informed Ecleus and the Seekers that they needn't worry about his "betrayal". This land had a squire and a ruler who didn't care about the Order's extremist teachings. In fact the arrival of the strike force had been a surprise, not a request.

"So what now?" asked Damien. "You walk up to the edges of a Demon Realm, say hey I just killed her parents, but here take care of her I'm no sitter of children and then you come back?"

"Yes... Return and tell this squire you speak of that I wish to speak with him. Tell him I wish to give him the report of our dealings. I shall inform him of today's happenings. I'll be back before nighfall, I hope. The Demon Realm is only across the river. Its not nearly far enough."

"Well sure Ecleus. Damn. We should have done something before. If only we hadn't just followed like a hound then...,(sigh). Too late. Fix what you can Ecleus. Take care. Don't worry about us."

"Go on then. Thank you." Ecleus then picked ep the jinko and walked towards the East. The jinko cub drifted in and out of a mournful sleep in the arms of one of the "dangerous" men. But her instinct told her this one was different. Not like that tunic wearing older one that destroyed her family and almost killed her.

Along the way, the cub awoke and spoke some with her newfound ally. Her name was Saphire, and she had the eyes to show for it. She and the young Inquisitor managed to make peace between them and although sad she tried to find her inner jinko and act in control of her feelings. She tried. She wailed into the shoulder of the young Inquisitor for a good while. Ecleus would pat her head and rub ears in a vain attempt to rid her of her distress. Ecleus also was distressed over many things. What would happen at the Realm. Could he trust this squire? What was there left for a man like him? He wasn't about to join the Demon Realm army. So what would he return to? He pondered over this as they continued walking.

Demon Realm:

The lilim twirled in the air and preformpreformed many loops and dives. Who wouldn't after receiving their personal little kingdom? She was giddy and exploring her gift that came with her coming of age. She looked like the typical lilim. The exceptions were her youthful face and her hair was short. The little armor she whore was shiny and polished. Obviously yet to experience a true test of their integrity. She had been flying to and fro meeting her various subjects and talking with them.

" How exciting. Ima have my kingdom, find me a husband and spread the love as we both grow in love and power, and more love. Ooh i can't wait to fetch me an Order paladin, maybe a powerful mage. I know! A hero whose heart I shall conquer. Heee hee hee."

"Mistress Cassidy?" asked a dark matter.

"Oh! Melissa, your my freind. Enough of the Mistress!"

"Yes Mis- Cassidy, (ahem), I know your daydreams must be a thing of beauty, but you still have a land to rule, and defend. As much I love thoughts of corrupting and conquer, we should speak with the dullahans at the border. Just to make sure all is well. Those humans might be attemtping another one of their cute crusades. Who knows. Maybe they have a cute catch or a deserter." said Melissa, with a wink.

Sighing, Cassidy recognized the need to deal with politics and no fun policy. She glided to the ground and tucked her white wings. She crossed her arms and stood in front of her long time freind.

"Oh, all right. Lets go. We might even sneak into the land of yummy men!" After that, Cassidy took to the air as Melissa scrambled to keep up, tendrils of demonic energy writhing.

Ecleus:

Ecleus' heart beat fast. He had crossed the river and was inside mamono lands. He felt his small charms of protection buzz and emenate heat as the small trinkets fought to protect their user. He knew he wouldn't "turn" as soon as they burnt out, but still, no use in risking it.

"I am truely sorry Saphire."

"I know Mister. Th-Thanks for not being like him."

Ecleus nodded and kept walking. Suddenly he stopped. Ahead was a group of about 20 dullahans. As they saw eachother they all froze and took a defensive stance.

"An Inquisitor! In the Demon Real too! What does he want? Does this mean trouble? Look! A jinko youngster. Is she hurt? She better not be, I'd hate to have to mess up a body like his." Ecleus heard the dullahans say to one another.

One dullahan stepped forward, signaling for her squad to follow. Ecleus stood still. His stance neutral. These mamono were romoured to be more reasonable, or so he'd heard. Ecleus hoped at least.

"Inquisitor! What is the meaning of this. What did you do to her?" Don't try anything stupid. Be a good boy now." Her face went from cold to semi suggestive just like that.

"Monster girls." thought Eclues.

"Hear me out you! Her name is Saphire. Her parents were...murdered. She needs a home. I figured some of you wouldn't be too busy in.. certain activities so you could care for her." Ecleus spoke casually but with an elegant air about him.

"Who comitted this crime? It is our job to protect us from such muderers." The leader and her squad faced Ecleus and created a semi-circle.

"The Orderite did." said Saphire. Tears were already glazing her eyes as she ran into the embrace of the first dullhan to catch her. Her outburst granted her many sincere comforting glances. Ecleus, however, tensed as he received a scowel from the dullahans as they raised their weapons and pointed them at him

"Get him!" The lead dullahan and the rest approached Ecleus. He quickly stepped back' but lost his footing and fell. He winced and almost yelped as his crawling away was stopped by the firm grasp of many dullahans.

"Wait! Wait! It wasn't me!"

"Oh really? Well Inquisitor if not you then who? You might just have overestimaded our mercy for your type."

"Stop! It was another man! I saw him fight another older man from the window. He saved me. He tried to save us." said Saphire. She looked very downcast once she said that.

The perplexed dullanhs let go of Ecleus at once. Their leader stepped over Ecleus and helped him up. She ordered for Saphire to be taken back and for a messanger to report this encounter's events.

"So, a traitor. Forgive us, we misunderstood. Shall you be joining us?"

"NO! I mean no. I came to make sure Saphire was properly cared for and now I take my leave."

"Awww. Leaving so soon?" asked the dullahan with a wink. She certainly seemed to relax since finding out Ecleus was an "option" again.

"Why don't you stay? We won't mind. I could use a man like you to hone my combat skills, and other skills too. Hmm?"

Ecleus started to turn around and head back but suddenly, she reached out and grabbed his arm. She leaned into him and started rubbing his singed cheek. Then she whispered in his ear, "I'll take care of you dear. A soldiers life can be so strict and lonely. You could be mine. Imagine the strong pair we would make. The strong incubus you could be. Mmmm."

As she spoke Eclues' charms fizzled and melted. "Cheap trinkets! Time to leave this party." Casting a simple spell, Ecleus created a bright flash that blinded for a few moments. The dullahan and her squad flinched back as they tumbled and rubbed their eyes.

Ecleus shuddered as he heard the faint voices behind him telling to come back. "Nope. Nope Nope. No corruption today. Oh boy. Hope I don't run into some other husband hungry monster on the way back. Cursed usless charms. How can we fight such corruption with such an ill prepared and divided Order? This squire better not give me any more trouble. I have had quite enough" Ecleus thought as he drank a potion that gave him more speed as he ran for his virginity's sake. He had much to think about as he ran towards human lands.

Demon Realm:

Cassidy had taken longer than she wanted to get to the main exit in the borders of her land. To be fair theu mamono had many interesting stories to tell. As she approached the border, she noticed a large group of dullahans in a heated coversation over something.

"What is going on? Is everything all right?" she asked.

Oh, Mistress Cassidy, a group of dullhans going on their rounds outside the city ran into an Inquisitor. A young one at that." replied a dullahan

"A young Inquisitor? What? Where? Why was he around here?"

The dullahans informed her of Ecleus' account and his betrayal and "heroics". Mellisa arrived meanwhile, listening wide eyed as her black tendrils wriggled in excitement. Finally, the dullhans finished their acount.

Mellisa and Cassidy stared at eachother. A smile slowly crept onto their face. Cassidy's wings fluttered and her tail coiled as she imagined the brave, daring, handsome Inquisitor.

"Oh Mellisa! He is still out there. Mmmm. He's probably going to get in trouble. Oh no! No. He better not I need him healthy."

"What are you thinking?" asked the dark matter.

"He will be mine." The lilim's eyes glowed red as purple miasma radiated frim her fingertips.

Well there it is, my first fanfic. I will be expanding on the story. Some more characters, ideas, and concepts that have been gnawing at my brain. So till next time.