Brightly burning

You take a moment to look at your opponent. Kali is standing, fists clenched and aflame like a torch. She is tall, with long legs and a voluptuous body barely covered by what could only be described as a battle bikini, complimented by black leather thigh high boots, and a set of clawed gauntlets that go to her elbows. She is athletic despite her curves, the play of her muscles evident with the slight movements she makes. With her large breasts, wide hips, and toned body, she could be a fantasy come to life, despite the blue skin, purple hair and black horns.

You take a deep breath to calm yourself. You know that if you’ve guessed wrong, Kali can beat you, despite your confident words earlier. Your plan is dependent upon the longing and desperation you noted in your meeting.

You put on your most confident expression and slowly walk forward, tearing your eyes away from the beautiful demon girl to look at the smoldering tree.

“That was a nice tree. You know, you could have knocked, Kali. I don’t really appreciate you breaking my property every time you or your minions want to talk.”

The fires around her flare and she snaps at you. “I’m not here to talk! One way or another you’re coming with me today!”

You sigh. “Stop burning my grass, Kali. You’re right though. I am coming with you today. Where are your minions, by the way? I figured you would bring an army for this stuff.”

Seemingly caught off guard by your conversational tone and your questions, Kali hesitates. “I...there’s no one left, it’s just me...what do you mean I’m right? Are you surrendering?”

You shake your head. “That’s a downside of building an evil organization, Kali. Not a lot of willing self sacrifice amongst the bad guys. And no, I’m not surrendering, you are.”

“WHAT?!” Kali shrieks and seemingly reflexively hurls a ball of flame at you. You don’t even try to dodge, simply putting your hands in your pockets. The flame washes over you harmlessly, though you do hear Maya cry out in alarm. As the fire fades, you give her a reassuring smile before turning back to the staring demon girl, who looks at you with astonishment.

“Kali, I’m insulted that you think I’m an idiot. Did you think I wouldn’t prepare? I can explain some things if you’ll stop burning up my yard.”

Internally, you breathe a sigh of relief. The fire absorption worked perfectly, though it was a strain with the power Kali had. Outwardly, you try to project confidence, though the one taste of her power terrified you.

Kali glares at you, but the flames around her slowly subside as she gains control of her temper. “Very well, speak. But you better have a reason for your words.”

You look at the smoldering tree as you begin to speak. “Everyone talks about you like you’re a demon, Kali. And you are. But a special one. You’re the child of the demon lord. A Lilim. I’ve done some reading about Lilim, Kali. Most do not look like you. You look almost human.”

You approach the tree and place your hand on it, and the fire and smoke ceases, absorbed by your power. “Now, Lilim are very powerful, but focused in three areas. First, fire. I think you’ve demonstrated that nicely. I prepared for that, got myself a very nice fire absorption power.”

You walk back towards her, hands back in your pockets. “Second is physical strength. Now, you’re beautiful, tall, and obviously in good shape, but I know that you could break a normal human in half without much effort. I prepared for that too, a couple enhancement abilities and a physical shield. I could probably take you in a straight hand to hand fight, especially if Maya backed me up.”

You walk closer, stopping within arms reach. “Finally, your ace in the hole. All Lilim can use **** magic. I have no defense against that.” You step closer, staring into her eyes. “You could kill me right now. I couldn’t stop you. Who knows, maybe I’m strong enough to resist it, but I doubt it. But you won’t. Killing me makes you an exile here. And makes you a failure.”

Her eyes waver as you step even closer, nearly touching her. “You’re not an ordinary Lilim, however. You’re half human, Kali. That makes you special. Do you know why?”

Kali shakes her head, seemingly frozen in place. “A full blooded demon Lilim is little more than an extension of the demon lord’s will. They follow him without question. You are half human. You get the gift of free will. And there’s more, but first I have a question for you, Kali.”

She looks at you, her breath comes faster now. You brace yourself, and speak.

“Kali, tell me about your mother.”