4-05: To Resist Temptation

T'was still early morning, and all but Veronica was asleep. Veronica was thinking of what to do. She was wondering exatcly who she was. Veronica laid there in silence, trying not to wake the two sleeping women next to her. Cassidy and Aviris, sleeping soundly.

"What's bothering you, Dear?"

That voice. A Hakano succubus named Lilith. The thing that inhabited Veronica's body. It was her power. But controlled by Veronica. Perhaps she could answer.

'How do you resist the temptation to abuse these abilities. I mean, I could've used Charm to do something more... nefarious to Tisha.'

"Before I answer, I need to ask you something. Did you enjoy it?"

Her voice indicated a genuine question. Not a sly remark, not a joke.

'That's the scary part. I did. I wanted more. I feel like... if I was just a bit more corrupted, less in control of myself... I would have forced the girls to do something they didn't want to do. And just the thought makes me... I like it. And I hate it.'

"A Hakano's Charm is impossible to resist. Usually. It seems that this... thing, whatever it is that gives you these challenges and whatever, reduced your, or rather, my, powers a significant amount."

'What do you mean?'

Veronica wondered what Lilith meant by the reduced power, and she was curious why Lilith didn't know what to call the System.

"Your Charm skill, originally, was roughly on the same level as a newborn Hakano, without the whole breasts part. The change is that even newborns had some level of control. It was either active or inactive."

'So, my control was worse than a literal baby. Great. Really raises my self-esteem, especially when I'm trying to figure out who I am.'

"Well, yes. Anyway, as your Charm is now, it's nearly on the level as a weak teen. Basic races, like Humans and Elves, will not be able to resist your Charm. No matter what."

'Didn't you say, a few days ago, that those who are infatuated with me can't be Charmed?'

"Not at the level it was. Hakano children are usually with their parents all the time, as they naturally resist the Charm. You don't want to accidentally create a... moral issue. But, the point is, that Charm can, and usually will, work on ANYTHING."

'I see. So, will you answer my question then? How do you resist the temptation to make a harem of slaves?'

"By growing up. Hakano magic is taught from a very young age, and so, for a majority of us, we've learned and had it ingrained into us that we shouldn't abuse our abilities."

'You said a majority. Not all. So some Hakano fell to temptation then?'

"Unfortunately, yes. I was one of them."

Lilith's voice trailed. She sounded as if she regretted what she did.

"In my time, I was the strongest, both physically and magically. While other Hakano could use fireball to engulf a small shed in fire, I was able to destroy castles. My power made me... egotistical. The first time I saw an Elven woman... I couldn't stop myself. I used Charm, and I forced her to have sex with me. Although she kept saying yes, or keep going, it was all my Charm ability talking."

Her voice quivered. It was a painful memory for her.

"I learned afterwords that she was... not old enough, in Elven culture. Hakano guards arrested me and gave me two options. Spend an indeterminate time in prison, or join the military."

'And you joined the military.'

"That's right. I had to learn from my own actions on how to resist the temptation of my own power. And so, I say to you, if you are supposed to somehow copy me, from this System thing, you'll be stronger than any living being. You need to use that power better than I did. I beg of you."

Veronica stayed silent. She thought more and more. Reflected on Lilith's words. If she's telling the truth, it most certainly is a story to warn against the abuse of power.

'I see... But... I'll need help. I need someone to help me resist it. It feels too good. The control is...'

"Overwhelming. I understand. I'll jump in and try to stop you if you're about to go too far. But you're the only one who can truly resist. There's only so much I can do."

Veronica looked towards Cassidy, and then towards Aviris. The two girls were certainly into her. And surely, she would be making a large harem.

To harm them, that's the last thing Veronica wanted. To be dominant, and have a feeling of control, that would be nice. But to sacrifice those close to her for those feelings... It was dangerous.

Resisting the temptation was going to be difficult. But worth it. Charm should only be a last resort.

'Lilith... Please help me protect these girls. Especially from myself.'

"Of course, Veronica."

Veronica silently got up, trying to avoid waking the girls. When she successfully got out of the bed, she left the room.

The nearby window showed that the sun was just barely about to rise.

So she decided to sit on the sofa and think on how to avoid abusing her powers.

Veronica clasped her hands together and prayed.

"Oh Goddess, please protect those close to me from myself. My power is too much, and I don't want to harm them. Please. I beg of you."

"Your Goddess will not help you."

'So you keep saying. I don't know what your deal is with her. But please, grant me peace for this one moment.'

"Very well."

Veronica then repeated her prayer over and over again in the living room silently to herself and waited for the sun to rise, and everyone to wake up.

"Maybe I'll cook breakfast for everyone."

She rose from the sofa and moved to the kitchen. Veronica never cooked before, but perhaps trying to cook for the girls will help clear her mind for now.

"Now, let's see what we have..."