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Ryoko AI 18

“Although she hasn't stole it, that's...mine!” Penelope had always swallowed her anger, but this time she finally couldn't take it anymore. How was this her mother? Completely siding with a stranger and ignoring her woes.  Contrary to what she expected, Kristine still hadn't expressed any motherly concerns. She rocked her head in frustration and yelled at Penelope, “Is that what I am hearing young lady? You. Are. Not. An. Elder. How dare you speak to me like that!” “But I'm sick of it, you don't understand me at all. All you have in your mind is May. Aren't I your child!?” Penelope yelled back, screaming at the top of her lungs. Her curly butterscotch hair scattered on her forehead and on her shoulder. Her face had already turned red. She hasn't yelled back at her mother, this was an exception. “Insolence!” Kristine rushed forward and lunged a slap on Penelope's cheek. Penelope least expected this and was immediately flung to the ground. Therefore explaining how much force Kristine had enveloped her palm. “Auntie, auntie, you two don't fight anymoreee.” “Oh May, I'm very sorry you have to see this.” “Auntie, Big Sis Penelope hadn't meant to start a fight. Let her have this pendant back, May has understood the meaning of sharing is caring.” “No, no, no, don't bother about it May. She deserves it.” Penelope overheard their conversation and lowered her head dejectedly. She missed her grandma. Grandma would always protect her.  Kristine looked at Penelope again and ordered, “Go back to your room, don't leave unless I tell you so.” Penelope nodded her head obediently as she went up the stairs. As she went closer to her room, she looker back at the two downstairs with a peculiar glare in her eyes. A moment later, a streak of tears dropped onto her cheeks. Life before May came was bearable... Whimpered Penelope as she shut her door. There were ton of pent up emotions stuck inside herself and it was painful. Her institution was right, something was amiss.  Why had May not remain at her home?  Why did she have to come here?  She doesn't live here, she 1 Penelope does.  It's so unfair. She was being treated like a stranger in her own home. If only Penelope's maternal grandmother Princess was alive, she would shield her from the cruelty of her parents. Just like what was done when she was one year old... Penelope slid down to the ground and embraced her knees.  ‘Life when the apocalypse came was beautiful.'  Later, a voice stated. ... “Today's date, September 16, 2014. At January 10, 2014 Someone accidentally let a virus loose. This virus was in a shape of a cone with a sphere inside of it. When the virus affects animals, it creates pre-death and revival, however the revival does not mean rebirth entirely.” Spoke a solemn voice. “The subject of the virus enters a death state within 24 hours, but this is due to the little amount of virus implemented from the original virus. Research says that when the stronger part of the virus comes in contact, death within 30 minutes is predestined. Soon, they enter revival, nevertheless does not allow the once “dead” subject to regain their consciousness nor memories. Instinct is left within the body, and without any signal of the mind, causes a ton of deformities. Once, a rabbit was infected by the virus and ate it's mate. It showed disgust towards it's usual meal and had the constant thought of eating... —But further investigation led to the result that the virus is unlike the zombie virus from movies. If more experiments are made, we might discover a way to immortality.”  “So your saying that other than the apparent factors of the rabbit being carnivorous and detesting it's vegetarian habit, it eats cooked food.” Spoke another voice. The former voice replied, “Yes. However it is not clinically prove yet if the virus affects humans and/or if it's dangerous.” “No, no, no. I mean, you are just staying put here while a virus who made a rabbit go cannibalistic is out loose?” “It's not harmful to humans...–—” “MARK, DID YOU EVEN READ THE NEWS?! THE VIRUS BROKE FREE AND A LOT OF ANIMALS WERE AFFECTED FIRSTHAND! PEOPLE HAVE ATE THE ANIMAL'S MEAT AND HAD GONE SICK!” “...” “THE VIRUS IS EXTREMELY HARMFUL TO HUMANS. THEY LOST IT!” “What do you mean?” “Animals do not have mind ability such as humans who have an advanced intelligent. These infected humans have gone insane and after a few minutes from their mental breakdown has transformed into cannibalistic man eating monsters!” The man named Mark widened his eyes and his hands shook. His partner sitting across him was pulling his hair in fright and his glasses crookedly saddled on his nose. Mark covered his eyes before moving down to cover his mouth. Fuck. That day, the entire nation fell into fear.2Explanation: The virus infected animals and the animals are either sent to other towns locally or sent via out of the country thus the virus completely enveloped the entire nation or even worse, the whole world. An example of this is corona.  Hospitals were filled with sick patients and those patients later became zombies. They do not have self consciousness anymore. They brought danger, hazard and risk wherever they went.  The government issued a notice that all vulnerable residents of the country should evacuate and gather enough supplies. However, the fast multiplication of the zombies was beyond human like means.  The zombies find a person, they bite him, he dies, he becomes zombies, then the new zombie finds a person, bites her, she dies, she becomes a zombie and so on. Jestry Updates 2 times per week. Thank you for reading. I apologize beforehand that I can't reply to messages cause my email is not confirmed yet. Anyways, another thank you.

"Ring...ring....ring" The alarm is going off. It is annoying me a lot so I am trying to find the source of sound to stop it. I slowly open my eyes, I see a room that I'm not familiar with. I ignored it and quickly turn off the alarm. It is nearly five minutes since alarm beeped but even after opening and closing my eyes many times the surrounding is not changing.  I accepted this is not a dream after pinching myself hard. The only thing other than dreaming to describe my situation is isekai because I live alone after my parent's death and I don't think anyone would enter my house and take me to some other place without alerting me. Though I am not an otaku, I like reading manga and novels. I have read many type of story in which main character transmigrates into a novel he wrote or read. Therefore I decided to find a clue about where I am. I found a card on desk next to my bed. As soon as I touched it, a hologram appeared. =========================== STUDENT INFORMATION Name: Noel Noa Rank: 111 Section : Z-1 Class: E STATS Strength: E- Speed: E Stamina: E Intelligence: E+ Mana capacity: E Luck: E Charm: D- SKILLS Extreme Spatial Awareness: Analyze the opponent and make predictions of opponent movement. Drive Shot: An accurate and powerful attack which can be performed in multitude of position whether it is unfavorable or not. =========================== As soon as I touched it, a sudden surge of memory passes in my head. It is like watching a movie at a very fast speed. I understood in which novel I was. It was one of the few novels I completed.  "World's Rightful Hero" is a fantasy based novel based on main character Michael Kaiser who embarks on a tough journey to fight against all odds to become a hero. It was a typical novel in which protagonist defeats demon god. The only reason I did not dropped the novel was due to world setting and plot though the personality of main characters of novel were barely passable. The novel was based in Blue lock academy where various students are trained to defeat the monster and save humanity. There are more than 10000 students in the academy , of which nearly 3000 students were first year. Furthermore, there are various workers including training instructors, engineers, researchers, cleaner, soldiers and more. All the students here are elite of elites, gathered from all over the world and Noel is one of those elite person. I started organizing memories of both mine and Noel. Suddenly "triiiiiimg" sound was heard and I saw that only 25 minutes were left in the start entrance ceremony. I decided to think of the situation later and get ready first or it is Noel thought, I don't know. I entered the bathroom and saw myself in the mirror. I saw a fairly tall teenager with average muscular build. He has short dark blue hair which leaves a V-shaped fringe in between his deep blue eyes. The appearance is better than average. I took a bath and quickly wore the uniform. I admired myself for a minute and then started arranging my belongings. Then after locking the door, I headed towards the school.

“Why...” I feel tears trailing through my cheeks and to my chin. I never cried this hard before. I was loosing my breath. It hurts. My hand rushed forward as I grasped air... “No...” “Why are..you...all...so...” . . . .   . . . May's eyes were brown, but the longer she stared at Penelope, Penelope realized that the eyes did not have the purity nor innocence of a child. Instead, it was scheming and mysterious. “May, I cannot give you my pendant.” Penelope said in response while tugging the necklace in her neck carefully. It was given by her late grandma, it was precious, she had lived under her roof when she was young, therefore held very valuable memories she could not give away. But May was unhappy. The young girl pursued her lips and her eyes turned scarlet, any moment going to burst into tears. May stared at the pendant, refusing to back down and in denial of the refusal of Penelope. “May likes it!” May stated as she jumped of the bed, messing the bed and the quilt fell to the ground. Penelope resisted her urge to go and clean up the mess before shaking her head and speaking up, “Like I said, I can't give you my pendant. It's very important!” “Noooo!” Overlapped with Penelope's voice was May's shout. She bursted into tears and sat on the ground. “Waaaah!” The sudden outburst was less expected by Penelope, she froze, and not any later was her mother's angry yell, “PENELOPE!” “Mom...” Embarrassed, Penelope looked away. But her mother, Kristine, suddenly rushed towards her and pointed her index finger at her face. “Penelope, how immature are you to argue...No, to bully a child!” “But I didn't!”  “Quit making excuses...You damn brat!” “No, mom, listen to me first..” “Why should I listen to you, young l..lady! I'm your mother and I say that I had actually failed to educate you on how older people should respect little kids and how teenagers should respect their parents.” Kristine mouthed out with a sour expression. Her finger poked Penelope's forehead aggressively, looking at her own child with cruelty.  Then, she turned around and faced May with sincerity. Already burning Penelope's eyes. May stopped crying and issued muffle groans, Kristine, like a follower, hurriedly asked May what was a wrong and asked what happened. “May just wanted to borrow Big Sister's Pendant...” Whispered May. “Then all of a sudden, Penelope hit me and scolded me, saying that she owns it and will not lend it to a child like me....wuu...” She added. Penelope was dumbstruck, she never did that nor said that. She only gave Penelope a reason why she could not have her pendant.  And lend....May never asked for that. Penelope decided and developed courage to tell Kristine the actual events when Kristine flung her hand away and scolded Penelope again, “You're a brute, hitting a child. Was this how that old geezer taught you?!” Penelope raised her hand to defend herself. She felt injustice. May rubbed her eyes and followed Kristine out of Penelope's room, leaving the other to wonder the mistakes had she ever done... Why am I always the one who is the suspect, meanwhile never a victim. Am I a villain, am I not just to receive justice...am I worthless...She asked herself, the doubt of another reason intensified in her heart.  Penelope did not leave her room for dinner, but no one called out for her to eat.  - - - - | | | | | | | | | The night passed, and the weather was bound to change. The birds chirped like the owls of the dark night, it was crows, their red eyes glinted as the scowl of helpless screams echoed in a nearby yet far away place... A human, male, looked frantically at the broken glass fragments scattered on the floor. His eyes were unfocused, trembling with fear and horror. “James, James!” He called out aloud and the connector on his hand beeped in response. “James, I lost it!” His voice had just finished relaying his purpose when he looked aback in fright.  Caw.. . . . Crwaww... . . . Woo.. . . . . . “Mom, my pendant is missing.” Penelope told Kristine who was busy watching cartoons with May on the TV. The older woman responded with a inattentive hum.  “Mom...I said, my pendant is missing.” Penelope repeated.  “Yeah, so?” Kristine looked at her child with a blank look. Penelope glanced at Kristine's expression. It was her mother's neutral emotion, however, a second had only passed when Kristine's expression turned ugly. “Are you saying that May stole it?” “No...uh..I was just...” Penelope could not find the words to relay it.  “May is not a thief, I gave it to her.” Kristine said.

Jestry Sorry for the pause, my mind wasn't really there and having an argument with a close friend had me upset. The apocalypse was sudden.  Penelope locked herself in her room as tears continued to pour down. There were tons of grievances she hadn't let out. Kristine never really bothered socializing with her daughter leaving the young mourning Penelope for herself. She was there to only be as a mom yet not into her role, neither any was less for her nonexistent dad who neither tried to defend his daughter.  It took quite a long time before Penelope managed to calm down. She brushed her hair and washed her face, the cold water slowly making her red eyes and nose turn normal. Afterwards, Penelope walked down to the kitchen. She glanced at the wall clock before pulling the door, and when the door was pulled, Penelope was stupefied as she saw the scene of her mother carrying large boxes and her dad, Antonio, helping her out. May sat on a chair eating a cookie. “Mom...” Penelope didn't know what to say. She was still upset about the prejudice. Kristine heard her daughter's voice and immediately called, “Penelope you've been out all day sleeping, come and assists us with putting these boxes in the car.” “I...Alright.” Penelope walked over and helped with lifting the heavy boxes up. Upon seeing her child do work, Kristen sat near May and gave her a cup of juice. “May's surely a cutie, here you deserve this drink.” “Thank you Aunt!” “The boxes have been all placed. Where are we going next? Based by what you said May, those...monsters are moving north towards the city so the least is at the south, right?” “Wow, Uncle you are so smart! Yes, May thinks so too that south is safe.”  Penelope overhead their conversation and was stunned. What do they mean? She was lagging behind their topic and didn't know what was what. “Dad..., by monsters..what do you mean?” “Didn't you watch news—”  “Penelope, it's bad to eavesdrop on adults.” Kristine cut off Antonio's words and slammed the table in furry. “I was hoping you'd get better after being taught a lesson a while ago?” “I did not mean that mom, more or less May is not an adult either. Why can't I listen to your conversation, you're my parents!” Penelope muttered in bitterness and completely submitted under her mother's ridiculous scolding. Finally, Kristine had calm down. She sat up and took May's hand. “Penelope, go get ready, we're leaving the house to the south.” “Yes Mother.” Penelope lowered her head and dashed towards her room, hurriedly packing her clothes and her few important things that was missing something dear to her heart. May appeared in Penelope's mind. She hated this child. She truly did. She abhors her existence. ‘Penelope, it's alright. May will go away when she returns home then you can resume your life. Yes...’ It took Penelope a few minutes to get ready. Her bag was already packed and she dressed up minimally. It was a green floral dress and it has pockets. Penelope took a key from her dresser and tied it on a ring, then she placed it on her pocket.  “Penelope!!” Her mother called her out again. Penelope ran downstairs with a bag in tow and was amazed when she saw Kristine wearing heavy clothing, Antonio was too and May was less. May was only wearing a blue princess dress with uneven socks as a getup. There was also a hat with glasses above her head. She was dressed strangely. “Geez. Antonio did you really have to change the tires at this time?” Kristine impatiently tapped her soles on the ground and ignored Penelope who was still behind her. “There are zombies coming this way and its a race against time, hurry!" “Zombies?” Penelope blurted out in surprise. May adjusted her things and looked at Penelope with a particular glint in her eyes. No one knew what she was thinking. There was a momentary pause within her actions as she nudged on Antonio's sleeve. “Uncle, can the car fit two more people?”  “Hey, what does this trip have to do with zombies?” “Penelope, I had a slip of tongue. We meant there's a limited holiday freebie on our destination trip. However, it seems that there's a change of plans and we have to leave in a hurry. Your paternal grandmother is having a stroke!” Kristine interjected and pinched Antonio secretly. “Mom I'm not mishearing things, what's with the zombies!?” Penelope cried out. Kristine frowned, “Young lady, there is no zombies!” “Kyaaa!” Yet, May let out a scream. Penelope observed around and noticed that a crowd was gathering nearby and those people crowding were looking weird and disgusting. They had stiff movements and rocked on their steps incoherently. Upon setting sight on these inhuman creatures, Kristine shrieked and panicked as she pushed Antonio to drive and let May enter the car in a hurry. “Hey, Mom!”  Penelope dashed to the car but the door was locked. Penelope immediately got goosebumps and knocked on the window furiously. “Mom, let me in! Tell me more that this is not an issue...there's zombies...” “Penelope, they're not zombies. They're cosplayers ” But Kristine's attempt to fool her daughter was futile. “Stop lying mom, don't leave me please!” “Penelope, let us go! There's not enough space in the car and we have to get your grandma in a hurry cause she had stroke! Just wait here, okay? We'll return with rescue.” “Nooo! Mom, don't abandon me! I'm your daughter!” Penelope shouted as her hands continued to ram on the window. Mercilessly, Kristine took a final glance at her child and supported her husband to drive. “Dad, MOm, May, don't leave me please!” Penelope was pushed off to the ground by the momentum of the start of the car. She, however, crawled up and ran after them. But when she passed by the gates, she instead meets with a crowd of zombies heading her way.

A peal of thunder rang throughout the forest, a warning to man and animal to stand aside and witness Natures Wrath.  Animals, in their instinctive wisdom, head for their warrens, their forested shelter.  But yet man is not so meek.  On the outskirts of the forest, a woman emerged.  Her hair colored black, and falling straight down her back, and her skin a deep bronze.  Clad in a well worn, yet supple tunic and trousers, the patina of the clothing long since faded the green color to all but a memory.  A pack holds firm over her shoulders, a bottle fastened to the side. She carries no obvious weapon about her, save the hint of a scabbard protruding from a pocket.  Her eyes, painted amber, look towards the roiling cauldron of clouds that make up the storm, off in the distance.  She hefted the pack to the side of her, grabbing the bottle, then allowing gravity to slip the pack off her shoulder and to the ground with a soft plunk.  Her eyes never leave the clouds above as she uncorks the bottle.  Another dagger of lightning alights in the distance, and a crack of ominous thunder followed, almost in reaction to the sight of the bottle.  The woman does not flinch, her eyes unwavering at the sky, her feet stolidly placed.  Gently, she places the bottle on the ground before her, never dropping her gaze from the clouds.  She takes two firm, yet reverent steps backwards.  A faint clap of thunder sounds, this time sounding pensive, and almost curious.  The woman kneels down into her pack, eyes still on the clouds, and rummages around for a moment, producing a short and ornate branch of beech.  Intricately carved with different symbols, a small sapling on the end of it wiggles precariously, the lone leaf wiggling for freedom with every movement. The woman steps slowly forward, until she’s only a few feet away from the bottle standing upright on the ground.  A relaxed posture, the beech branch in one hand, pointed to the ground.  The wind stalls, the clouds slow to almost a standstill, and the rain stalls its fall to watch this moment.  Like a snake poised to strike, she raises the beech branch to the sky, like a conductor about to start a symphony. Then, as if recognizing its turn, the storm starts in earnest.  A spine of lightning crawls its way down to the ground and alights on the ground, yards away from the woman and her bottle. At this signal, she begins. A flourish of beech branch as the rain falls, the thunder peals, and the wind howls in unison, beginning a battle of wills.  The wind cuts through the air around her, the rain falling sideways as another lightning strike lands on the opposite end of the last one, and another flourish as the woman conducts the immediate call of thunder around her.  All the while, the bottle sits, unfettered by what is going on around it, as solid as stone. Another flourish, and lightning careens into the earth in front of her.  The symbols upon her branch of beech begin to alight in a faint glow of teal.  She raises the branch to the sky as a treacherous spine of pure energy tears down from the sky and dances about the branch.  Tendrils of lightning play about the ground around her, and a faint teal encircles the immediate space around her, dissuading any tendrils from harming her.  The woman conducts the lightning back, and it flies back into the sky, curling obscenely over itself.  All the while, more tendrils of lightning rain down from the sky, targeting the rejected lightning.  It glows brighter and brighter with each donation of energy, until it resembles a sphere.  The woman eyes it coolly, branch held firmly in her hand, the end pointed towards the sphere of energy above her. Another crack of thunder sounds in the sky as the sphere takes the signal and rushes to the woman.  Her eyes narrow.  The beech branch is now awash in the teal glow, all of its symbols alight, and on the end of the branch we see another sapling attempting to worm its way to life.  With a final flourish of her branch, the woman drops to the ground, raises it to the sky with both hands, and cries out. “By your leave, may we partake in your power, O’ Great Sky?” At her words, the sphere stops. The rain almost appears to stop mid-air, and the wind holds its breath. “I, Kamilla, wish to borrow your great power for use with my people.” The sphere of energy moves back, slowly, and the woman stands up, both hands held on her branch of beech. “I have prepared the proper vessel”. The bottle, in all the confusion, still stands steadfast, but the faint light of teal from the beech branch has unveiled the various symbols and runes placed on the bottle. “I, Kamilla, now await your response”. With a deep bow, she walks back a few steps.  And waits.  A moment passes, and a peal of thunder calls in the distance, and with a great spinning motion, the sphere of energy compresses, smaller, smaller, tinier, and tinier until it can fit into the glass bottle.  The wind breaths, the rain continues its natural course, and the clouds continue to roil in the sky. Kamilla smiles to the sky, bows one more time, and with a hop and a skip, heads to the glass bottle.  Cork in hand, she picks it up.  Inside is the spinning sphere of pure lightning.  It almost appears to look up at her as she corks the bottle. With a gentle hand, she places the bottle in its space on the pack.  And finally, the mask of purpose falls from her face. “FINALLY!” Kamilla raises a fist to the sky in excitement and did a little dance of happiness.  She had been tracking this particular squall for at least 2 weeks in preparation.  Checking with the local village and their weather watcher, ensuring that the proper symbols were placed on the vessel.  Had the squall been allowed its fury, it could have devastated the upcoming harvest and caused starvation in the plains. Finally, her antics over, she hefts her pack back on her shoulders, places the branch of beech in her pack and starts back on her way to the village, a day or so away.

The colossal ruins of Marcia stood a few yards away, bringing a sense of humbleness to the ever changing sands. The ruinous structure was rumored to be the resting place of Thomas the Herald, the last recorded holder of the Tesseract. But now, just like everything in this valley, it has been entombed within the gray sand. The Tesseract, perhaps lost forever for all eons, beyond the hands of mankind. The journey beyond the Artemis ring would be worth it if the artifact could be found. However, “Three bullets left…” Just like John hunted for the artifact, another hunter searched for his prey. John became aware that he was being followed. Not long ago, after crossing the dying river of Tartarus, he became aware of an ever elusive shadow manifesting itself in the sand. In this world there were no angels or demons, but the unnatural shadow that crept ever closer was difficult to ignore as it slowly closed the distance little by little. Minutes ago, the shadow was fifty yards away, now it was a mere thirty. This threat was no longer possible to ignore. Whoever was casting that shadow was cloaked with a spell of invisibility, or a really high level of stealth. “Clare, I summon you.” The familiar wasted no time. Within a second, the shinny knight made her appearance. “Hey John, what’s in the menu today?” John was not in the mood. Binding Clare’s soul into a physical form devoured a crippling cheer amount of mana. Among all the familiars available, John just had to get the blonde-stupid lawful-evil knight. “Child, make it quick.” “Tch. Fine,” With one swing of her sword, the whispers of the wind came to a halt. The ensuring sand storm lifted the cursed sand and along with it, the secrecy of the shadow. “Blyat! Don’t shoot,” The Man who a few seconds ago enjoyed the luxury of invisibility, began to squat and wave his arms left and right as his existence was revealed. He was definitely a player, another scavenger? “So, John. Do I slash him up?” John shook his head. Running into other players this far away from the Artemis ring was rare. John repeated the silly crab-like dance, inviting the other player to approach him. However, once the distance was closed, his named popped out; Mikhail ‘The Bomb-thrower’ - Level 21 His name was tainted in an angry red. This man had at least murdered another three players without provocation. Trusting him was foolish, but even a player-killer like Mikhail would know that killing a summoner this far away from the ring was murder-suicide. “Bro!” Mikhail yelled. “That’s some sweet companion you have there.” “Keep moving,” John replied, making no attempt to entertain a small talk until they entered the charcoal-black ruins of Marcia. The place was filled with low-level infestation of goblins, which Clare was way too happy to take care of. The group separated in two, with John taking Clare through the structure, while Mikhail looked for ways to entertain himself. “No matter how many times you kill these little shits, you’ll keep running into them. They reproduce faster than rats,” Clare said. “You still seem rather happy about it.” “What can I say, I’ll take what I can, maybe you should summon me more often,” She said. While the two argued like father and child, a gruesome scream echoed across the walls of the room. “Mikhail?” Clare only made eye contact once, before she stormed out, sword in hand. Naturally, John took a bit longer to reach the source of the screams. When he arrived at the scene, it was just in time to see Clare stomp a goblin’s neck, which swiftly exploded. If Angels were real, Clare for sure would be a Demon. Mikhail’s smile gave away everything that just had happened. John’s eastern European companion was having fun torturing the goblin with a torch, while Clare watched it happen until her master arrive. Had John not arrived, Clare likely would’ve just observed as the atrocity happened. “The two of you make me sick,” John said. His poker face unchanged. Clare only laughed. “It was just a goblin, Dad.” “Yeah John, diz little shitt sliced my jacket, it was only fair,” Mikhail replied with a heavy accent. When this did not elicit the response that he wanted, he raised his shoulders to indicate what was done was done. “Let it go man, let’s justz eat.” Which is what the group did. The goblins had left a cauldron on top of a fireplace which the humans but to good use, the three of them began to roast goblin meat. Seeing Mikhail and John munch away without hesitation didn’t help Clare in the least. She kept staring down at her piece of goblin meat, like a deer about to be hit by a car. “It tastes like spicy chicken,” Mikhail said. “Is not that bad.” Mikhail was a good liar. When Clare bit into the meat, it did not taste like chicken. As she coughed her lungs out like a kid with tuberculosis, the two players spoke about business. “You were from the Russian server, weren’t you?” John asked. Mikhail responded by shaking his head as he devoured the crispy green meat. “Polish,” He said. “I don’t see your lot often.” “Want some?” Mikhail asked, pulling a flask of liquid and offering a drink. It had a strong smell. “Vodka?” John asked after sniffing the container and declining a sip. “The Polish server-r wasn’t as lucky as to spawn within the Artemis ring.” Mikhail said. “But no, I hate Vodka, life is too bitter and too short.” “I call dibs,” Clare said, attempting to snatch liquor from a man who has been mistreated by life. Clare inevitably ended spilling the liquor all over Mikhail and then landed on the floor. Her armor slammed against the floor when she fell on her butt, making a really loud metallic sound. Mikhail was about to apologize, when a voice began to shout from underneath his clothes. “Mikhail! are you ok!? Can you hear me? You’ve gone dark, we are coming in!” The voice said. It was a radio. “You are a fucking scout!?” John yelled. When John grabbed his gun, a shot was fired.

Name: Umeda Miyako    Gender: Female Lvl: 1 xp: (0/200) Class: Warrior  Lvl: 1    xp: (0/1000) Hp: (40/40) Mp: (100/100)   Race: Human Titles: Problem Child, World Traveler,   Str: 3 End: 2 Vit: 4 Con: 2 Dex: 3 Agi: 3 Int: 5 Wis: 8 Stealth: 5   Blessings: None Curses: None Passive Skills: None Active Skills: None Magic Affinity: None  Magic Spells: None Name: Ueda Kazuki Gender: Male Lvl: 1 xp: (0/200) Class: Saint Lvl: 1    xp: (0/100) Hp: (40/40) Mp: (400/400)   Race: Human Titles: World Traveler, Hero   Str: 3 End: 2 Vit: 4 Con: 2 Dex: 3 Agi: 3 Int: 20 Wis: 6 Stealth: 3   Blessings: Goddess of Light Lux Curses: None Passive Skills: Healing Aura (Lvl: 1) Active Skills: Heal (Lvl: 1) Magic Affinity: Holy, Light Magic Spells: None Name: Toma Noriko Gender: Female  Lvl: 1 xp: (0/200) Class: Sword Princess  Lvl: 1   xp: (0/100) Hp: (70/70) Mp: (220/220)   Race: Human Titles: World Traveler, Hero    Str: 6 End: 5 Vit: 7 Con: 5 Dex: 5 Agi: 4 Int: 11 Wis: 5 Stealth: 3   Blessings: God Swords Exalous Curses: None Passive Skills: Swordsmanship (Lvl: 3) Active Skills: Slash (Lvl: 1), Pierce (Lvl: 1), Parry (Lvl: 1) Magic Affinity: Fire, Wind, and Light Magic Spells: None Name: Matsuda Tetsuo Gender: Male Lvl: 1 xp: (0/200) Class: Light Hero Lvl: 1   xp: (0/50) Hp: (150/150) Mp: (400/400) Race: Human Titles: World Traveler, Light Hero Str: 10 End: 10 Vit: 15 Con: 10 Dex: 10 Agi: 10 Int: 20 Wis: 6 Stealth: 3 Blessings: God Swords Exalous, God of TimeSpace Chronos,  Goddess of Light Lux, God of Creation Creazione, Curses: None Passive Skills: Swordsmanship (Lvl: 5), Spearmanship (Lvl: 3), Shield Technique (Lvl: 3)  Active Skills: Heal (Lvl: 1), Mp mulpulation (Lvl: 1), Slash (Lvl: 1), Pierce (Lvl: 1), Parry (Lvl: 1), Magic Affinity: Holy, Light, Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Space Magic Spells: None Name: Horie Saki Gender: Female  Lvl: 1 xp: (0/200) Class: Saintes  Lvl: 1   xp: (100/100) Hp: (40/40) Mp: (400/400) Race: Human Titles: World Traveler, Hero Str: 3 End: 2 Vit: 4 Con: 2 Dex: 3 Agi: 3 Int: 20 Wis: 6 Stealth: 3 Blessings: Goddess of Light Lux Curses: None Passive Skills: Healing Aura (Lvl: 1) Active Skills: Heal (Lvl: 1) Magic Affinity: Holy, Light Magic Spells: None Name: Hirota Michi Gender: Female  Lvl: 1 xp: (0/200) Class: Space Mage Lvl: 1   xp: (0/100) Hp: (40/40) Mp: (300/300) Race: Human Titles: World Traveler, Hero Str: 3 End: 2 Vit: 4 Con: 2 Dex: 3 Agi: 3 Int: 20 Wis: 6 Stealth: 3 Blessings: God of TimeSpace Chronos, Curses: None Passive Skills: None Active Skills: Telekinesis (Lvl: 1), Mp mulpulation (Lvl: 1) Magic Affinity: Space, Lightning  Magic Spells: None Name: Chino Takeshi Gender: Male Lvl: 1 xp: (0/200) Class: Dark Hero Lvl: 1    xp: (0/50) Hp: (150/150) Mp: (400/400) Race: Human Titles: World Traveler, Dark Hero Str: 10 End: 10 Vit: 15 Con: 10 Dex: 10 Agi: 10 Int: 20 Wis: 6 Stealth: 3 Blessings: God Swords Exalous, God of TimeSpace Chronos,  Goddess of Darkness Umbra, God of Creation Creazione Curses: None Passive Skills: Swordsmanship (Lvl: 5), Spearmanship (Lvl: 3), Shield Technique (Lvl: 3)  Active Skills: Curse Wounds (Lvl: 1), Mp mulpulation (Lvl: 1), Slash (Lvl: 1), Pierce (Lvl: 1), Parry (Lvl: 1) Magic Affinity: Shadow, Dark, Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Space Magic Spells: None Name: Nagamine Isamu Gender: Male Lvl: 1 xp: (0/200) Class: Classless Lvl: 1    xp: (0/150) Hp: (60/60) Mp: (100/100) Race: Human Titles: World Traveler, Hero Str: 6 End: 6 Vit: 6 Con: 6 Dex: 6 Agi: 6 Int: 6 Wis: 6 Stealth: 6 Blessings: God of Thievery Loki Curses: None Passive Skills: Devour (Unique)  Active Skills: Skill Taker (Unique) Magic Affinity: None Magic Spells: None

*Ghoooo* Steam bellowed out of a silver whistle. The churning sounds of gears, metal, and technology clashed throughout the overheated room. Piles of metal, seemingly endless, flowed out of a dark tunnel shaft. The stench of sweat permeated the stale, thick air. A whip snapped against a wall near an assembly line. “Make your sorry asses move faster!” a male voice, sharp as iron, broke out in the room. The raging voice was soon followed by the sound of boots on metal. Step after step, the sound grew louder. Steel tipped boots clanked against the studded walk-way. The tall figure glared down upon the work floor. His glowing red eyes pierced the nerves of any who caught them. A sharp fang extended out of his upper lip. His vision, completely unwavering, was filled with human beings slaving away. The corner of his lips twitched. “Did you not hear me?!” he shouted, his mouth baring two long fangs. “The quota for today is eighty stacks of panels! You lot are only sitting at fifty-three!” The rage-filled words ricocheted off the walls. “We’ve been busting our ass all morning…” grumbled one of the men. His voice, which scraped through his dry throat, died upon exit. Slabs of molten metal poured down into molds. Heat radiated off as the metal cooled. Giant hammers slammed metal slaps into shape. Creaks from the cogs were swallowed by the muddy air. Another crack of the whip bellowed out. “I said move it!” The guard ordered. “We’re moving as fast as we fucking can!” a voice shouted back. Bodies froze in shock throughout the room. Stillness, an all but present feeling, suddenly gripped the very air. Cold sweat slowly dripped into small puddles along the cold floor. Machines grinded to their halts. Silence followed as tension choked the throats of the workers. The guard glared across the room. His mouth seemingly stuck half-open. Anger surged through his veins. His fingers curled tightly around his whip. “Who dared to retort me?” the guard’s voice slipped through his grit teeth. Continuous anger flooded through his brain as his question was met with silence. Hot blood surged towards his eyes. Singular steps echoed as loud as a gunshot. The guard walked purposefully slow up to the rail. “Who…” he growled, “retorted me just now?” “I did.” the mysterious voice returned. His eyes scoured the floor. Irritation began to trickle into the recesses of his mind. A hot stream of air forcefully escaped through the gaps in his teeth as it was expelled from his lungs. “Who was it that dared to retort me?” the guard questioned. His volume dipped in exasperation. The scuffle of shoes meekly seeped into the air. A young man, pale in color, with dirty blonde hair stepped forward from the group of workers. His hazel eyes glared back at the guard. His shoes squeaked as he stopped near the elevated guard-path. “So, you’re the one, huh?” the guard questioned. “Yeah.” the boy responded, his cracked voice holding firm. “What is your identification number, human?” the guard ordered. His hands gripped the tip of a button along the breast pocket of his uniform. A flick of his nails popped the button open. “My name is Eric, Squad-Master.” Eric answered. “I didn’t ask for your name!” The Squad-Master shouted. A small notepad distorted under his grip. “I asked for your identification number! Your name is worthless here, human!” A wash of defiance swirled through Eric’s heart. His eyes squinted in anger towards the Squad-Master. His teeth grit behind his closed lips. The beating sound of his heart echoed inside his skull. Eyes met eyes as the staring contest continued. “#YF14473…” Eric sighed, his vision falling towards his feet. A scoff rippled out of the Squad-Master’s throat. Pen strokes wrote down the seemingly jumbled mess of letters and numbers. His twitching lips curled upwards into an arrogant grin. The click of a pen sounded the end of the interrogation. “Human #YF14473, I am sure that you understand that questioning the orders of the Squad-Master is strictly forbidden. When I tell you orders, those orders are to be carried out. Not questioned.” The Squad-Master said, his eyes fully showing his contempt. “But those orders will kill us!” Eric yelled. “We’ve been busting our-” “Silence!” Eric’s mouth jammed, almost by instinct. A tremble crept up his leg. The wretched sound of tightening leather reverberated throughout his ears. His vision focused on the extended whip in the Squad-Master’s hand. “Did I give you permission to respond, human?” The Squad-Master glared; his red eyes boring holes into Eric’s soul. Sweat dripped from Eric’s palms. Each drop splashed into a small puddle next to his feet. The flayed skin on his lips rustled together in contempt. His hair, dirty and unkempt, fell forward. He shook his head, ever so slightly, in response. “That is correct, I didn’t.” The Squad-Master started. His folded notepad was placed back into its home. “Your job, human, is to work. Not to question, not to argue. Your only job is to work. Continue to build those panels.” His feet twisted along the studded metal walkway as he turned his back. Arrogance seeped out of every word that escaped his lips. Silence swallowed the human’s mouths; suffocating any desire to argue. “Should I see any of you worthless lot slacking,” the Squad-Master said, his back still faced towards the workers. “I will personally see to-” A crackle from the speaker system broke the thick atmosphere. The sound, though soft by comparison, shattered the tension built by the Squad-Master. Coughs soon followed the static. “Attention, attention. Halt production.” the voice, warped by the poor receiver, stated. “Human #YF14473, please report to the Super’s office. I repeat, Human with identification code #YF14473, please report to the Super’s officer immediately. This concludes the broadcast. Production may resume.” The voice faded from the receiver. A loud click, like a phone, signaled the end of the call. The tense air swiftly returned to the room. Heads turned as their eyes shifted towards Eric. Thick saliva forced its way down his throat. His pounding heart echoed inside his body. “Well well, isn’t this good for you, human?” The Squad-Master laughed. A grin, teaming with malice, crept along his face. “You get to have an extra break.” Sarcasm slipped down every word as they entered Eric’s ears. His broken shoes scraped along the ground with each step. His body seemingly stuck in a forward bent angle. His mind raced as it searched for why he was called for. Cold sweat continued to form along his brow. Drops clung onto his eyelashes before plummeting to the ground. Steps fell away from his feet as he climbed up towards the exit. The Squad-Master’s eyes followed every one of Eric’s movements. The ragged body inched past his vision. A waft of human oder climbed up his nose. His face twisted. The muscles snapped his head away as if to escape the scent.  “I’ll deal with you when you come back, human.” He sneered. *** Eric stood, his gaze fixed forward, as he faced the Super’s office door. Cold steel met his gaze. The dry air hummed in the narrow corridor. Sweat dripped down his brow towards his torn uniform. The bugle in his neck jumped with each forceful swallow. The pounding of his heart echoed throughout his skull. A trembling hand inched closer to the steel door. His fingers tightly curled into a fist. Why am I being called to the office…there’s no way that they already know about me snapping at the Squad-Master Eric thought. A chill ripped through his blood like a torrent. Images of scorn, pain, and torture filled his brain to the brim. The nervous shake exemplified his inner heart. *Dun* Eric’s sweaty fist made contact with the steel door. A weak sound slithered down the hall. Cold, like the surface of ice, sank into the pores on his skin. Seconds passed. The heavy air drained the oxygen from Eric’s mouth. His hazel eyes shook without a sound. “Who is it?” A deep voice pierced through from the other side of the door. “I-it’s #YF14473…” Eric replied. His nerves choked his words as they tried to escape his mouth. “Come-on in.” The voice responded. Eric’s hand tightly gripped the icey handle. His nervous muscles twitched as it turned in his palm.  The hinges creaked. The door swung inwards. Eric’s vision fell on the large desk at the other end of the room. Stacks of papers laid to the left-hand side while a small globe sat to the right. A large chair, made of dark red leather, was placed at the other end. “Super…?” Eric questioned as his gaze fell on the empty chair. “I’m over here.” The Super’s voice came from behind the door. A jolt ran up Eric’s spine. His eyes shifted towards his right. A taller man, dawning a business suit, and short red hair entered his vision. The piercing red eyes glanced towards him. Sharp fangs extended down the corners of his lips. “Laudry, make sure not to drop those contracts.” The Super said as his gaze shifted back to infront of him. “I won’t drop anything, Mr. Sevycke.” A womanly voice; Laudry’s, responded. Eric glanced towards the source of the voice. His eyes landed on a smaller woman, also in business attire, with long black hair. Her dark skin complexion, like coffee, contrasted with her shining gold eyes. Her gaze met Eric’s. The cusps of her lips shifted into a scowl. Ice seemingly glistened down his back as the nervous pounding of his heart returned. A small squeak sank through the office room. The Super walked towards his desk. One of his fingers gently touched the globe. The round ball wobbled from the pressure. Eric watched every movement of his boss. A sound of pressure releasing emanated from the chair as the Super returned to his seat. Piercing eyes watched Eric. “Do you know why you were brought here, Eric?” The super asked, his voice kind in tone. Eric’s back unconsciously straightened. His mind raced for clues, answers, anything. His adams apple jumped. Excess saliva poured inside his mouth. Sweat clung to the ends of his finger tips. Air forcefully rushed through his nostrils as he lost breath. “N-no, Super…” Eric replied. Eric’s eyes stayed focused. Strength rapidly drained from his body. A nervous shake trickled into the muscles of his legs. “Well, I don’t like to beat around the bush so why don’t we just get to the point of this meeting?” The Super sighed. His piercing eyes glanced down towards his desk. Fingers lifted up a sheet of paper into view. “You’ve been summoned again for another Blood Partnership meeting.” Color drained from Eric’s face. The nervous shake doubled in power. Sweat slid down the side of his cheeks. A silver string connected his lips as they opened to speak. Air without sound swept through his teeth. “You understand what this means, right?” A stern look passed the Super’s face. “This is your seventh summoning for a Blood Partnership, Eric.”

Middle Ocean, Abyssal Zone.    The undersea volcano where I built my nest exploded, the kinetic and thermal energy expanding out of control, creating a brief flash of light in the black abyss at the bottom of the ocean where I made my home millennia ago.    I flexed my mana before more damage could be done, a blast of icy steam rising above the wreckage my nest had become and reaching the outskirts of what was once my abode to freeze everything, being just a small expression of my true power, the ice will melt quickly, the overwhelming heat and pressure doing its job of stabilizing the environment without difficulty.    I let my mana pool dance inside me, furious at what had happened.  It wasn't the explosion of my nest that made me furious, I managed to resolve it in time, what pissed me off was how some unfortunate stole the nomad soul I was summoning.    All it took was one Nomad Soul to potentially solve my problems, especially with the biggest one, the Law of Chance that chained me away from the surface after I rose to power to challenge the gods or become one of them.    I wasn't the only one capable of calling a wandering soul to this plane, not even by a long shot, although there were few capable of interfering with my summoning spell and still stealing the soul I was summoning, someone must be very desperate to try.    "Are you desperate? Well, so am I. No matter where you are, I'll get back what you stole from me, little mouse."    In the deepest place of the ocean, a monstrous voice reverberated, in the absolute darkness of the place nothing that inhabited there could distinguish who or what was the owner of the voice, but the titanic power that his voice carried was enough to know that it was not something normal .    ???    In an unknown place where everything was white, where there was no sense of direction or depth, there lived a stunning woman.    Golden currents flowed haphazardly from white space, without a pattern or any form of order, simply emerging from the flexible confines of the stark white world and converging on the woman.  The currents plunged into the body of the only person present, disappearing into her smooth skin as if they were illusions.    The woman in question had her head down, too tired to even try to move, but a small smile blossomed on her lips, capable of charming anyone, even if she had no one to look at.    "Welcome, lost child. May your road be full of adventure... and blood."

T/N:  This is Book 3 of the series 'The Four Great Female Constables'.  The rest of the translation can be viewed on Foxaholic via the following link. The Unhappy Clingy Man Chapter 1 – Encounter On the Qian River, hundreds of torches illuminated the river as bright as day.  Several naval ships with hoisted official flags were besieging a boat.  The government officers and soldiers were entangled in a clump with the water bandits and the sounds of killings and clanging of swords shook the sky.   (Water bandits mentioned here are not pirates but bandits who carry out illegal trading or activities on the rivers and lakes for example illegal logging.) The water bandits fought fearlessly with their lives.  Whether they chose to surrender or not, their punishment would be the death penalty.  Thus, it was a better choice for them to fight this life and death battle with their worthless life.  Some of the water bandits who were no match for the soldiers had to jump into the river to make their escape but what they did not know was that the archers stationed on the naval ships were ready for them.  Hundreds of arrows were shot at those water bandits who jumped into the river. The water bandits in the water were shot and their pitiful screams rang out.  Even if they could escape the arrows, the soldiers were waiting for them in small boats carrying long spears.  In the chaos, they were stabbed and died in the water. It was a massacre that wiped out everyone.  The government officers had received orders from the superior that no one is to be left alive.  For a while, bloody water flowed in the river, and under the firelights, bodies could be seen floating all over in the Qian River like hell on earth. The Prefecture Magistrate, Lord Liu Yongjing stood on the bow and looked at the river water that was dyed red with blood.  He could not help but feel shocked.  He frowned and his palms were sweating.  Although their annihilation target were the water bandits, in fact, the water bandits should not be guilty of death........they were only salt smugglers.  He looked silently towards the top of the cabin.  The man standing on top looked down at everything without any expression.  Originally, Liu Yongjing had thought of letting the water bandits go but the envoy from the imperial capital had given him a death order.  If anyone of the water bandits was to escape, Liu Yongjing’s head would be used as a replacement. Liu Yongjing was so frightened that he gulped.  This envoy was well-known and there was also a favored Niangniang sitting high up in the palace.  If the water bandits did not die, then his head would fall.  For the sake of hundreds of lives in the Liu clan, he could not help but be cruel. “Kill!  Don’t let anyone of them escape!  Search carefully!  Whoever lets a bandit escape, the office will have to use his head to make up for the numbers!” When the soldiers heard the orders of Lord Liu, they became even more ruthless.  Their long spears were stabbed forcefully into the water and as long as the bodies still move, they would stab desperately killing the water bandits in a frenzy. Gradually, the number of water bandits on the boat became less and less and those who were still fighting had good martial arts.  However, they were outnumbered and faced with the inescapable net of extermination, the faces of these fierce water bandits revealed the fear of death. “Boss, these imperial dogs intend to kill all of us without leaving anyone alive!”  Hu’er said nervously.  The sword in his hand had chipped off a piece.  His face and body were covered with blood and he leaned against the other brothers.  Everyone showed expressions of panic. “Boss, what should we do?!  I don’t want to die!” “Does this kind of scene frighten you?   These soldiers are just relying on their numbers!  All of you better not show any weakness!” Their Boss was also facing imminent death but he was just stubbornly spouting those words.  A group of brothers who had put down their swords and surrendered earlier was still mercilessly killed by these soldiers.  It was clear that no one was allowed to stay alive! He glared fiercely at the naval ship in the distance.  Does this damn Liu Yongjing want to kill us?  Not so easy!  Even if all of them were to die, they would never let Liu Yongjing find the name list! “My Brothers, we’ve traveled from north to south, what situation have we not encountered before?  A hero’s doomsday is nothing more than a slash on the head.  Worst comes to the worst, we can have a few more people to accompany us when we walk down the path to the netherworld!” When all the water bandits heard their leader’s words, the originally fearful water bandits cheered up again.  Yes, even if they die, they want more lives to accompany them on their journey! All the water bandits shouted together but among them, a man was surprisingly calm.  With a tall and sturdy figure, the man’s sword skills were very vicious and his cold and shrewd eyes were sharper than a scabbard.  In the darkness of the night, his black eyes reflected the lights of the flames like the eyes of the leopard that walks in the dark nights as he watched the bloody massacre with cold eyes. He sneered in his heart.  He always had an astute mind and had long noticed something amiss.  Three days ago, he had advised this gang of water bandits against taking the risk of sailing.  The government officers were making arrests frequently and it was better to take things slowly but the gang of water bandits refused to listen. Fortunately, he had made preparations earlier with his brothers of the Cao Gang to quietly send away the last batch of goods last night.  Otherwise, encountering this kind of scene today, let alone retreat, even his private stash of salt would surely be swallowed up by these imperial dogs. It is obvious that this massacre is carried out to silence them and it is not a pity for this gang of water bandits to die.  Since they dare to conspire with the corrupt officials to smuggle salt, it is tantamount to seeking their deaths.  He had already recovered the cargo of salt he lost and did not want to lose his life in vain. Gong Changxiao glanced around and noticed the soldiers and the archers were waiting eagerly.  Even though he is a good swimmer and can hold his breath for a long time, but at this time, he cannot rashly just jump into the water to make his escape. His Cao Gang brothers were on the shore waiting to meet up with him but to break through those soldiers holding long spears posed a difficult problem for him. While he was worrying over this, he suddenly caught sight of a figure from the corner of his eye.  The person slit a bandit’s neck with a sharp sword.  The move was light and agile and although it was a killing move, it had a sense of beauty.   Unlike the other soldiers who relied on their strength and speed, it was neither a big slash nor a horizontal cut.  The soldier’s killing moves and postures were like a beautiful performance of martial arts. This soldier was different from the rest and he could not help but take a few more glances.  However, when he saw the face clearly, he was stunned. A woman? Gong Changxiao’s dark bottomless ink-black eyes locked directly onto her and stared at her intently.  Her eyebrows, her nose, her lips, and her cold expression stirred up strange emotions within him.  Once he laid eyes on her, he could not look away.  It was not that he had never seen a beautiful woman before but this time, once he fixed his eyes on her, he was reluctant to look away.  However, this did not reduce his natural sensitivity and it was as if he had eyes on his body.  Without looking, he cut off the arm of the soldier on his right and threw him aside.  Then he lifted his foot to kick the soldier on the left who was rushing towards him and cast him aside.  Following that, he squatted to lift the unstable soldier who was rushing at him from behind and threw him directly off the boat.       His hands and feet were not idle.  The fresh blood staining his sword slipped off drop by drop while his tiger-like eyes were trained on the woman firmly as if watching his prey. Weird.......is the government recruiting beauties these days?  Looking at her ruthless moves and killing without blinking..........this woman is truly vicious! Gong Changxiao kept on attacking without stopping as he moved towards her.  Suddenly an intense thought arose in his mind........he wanted to get close to her, wanted to know her identity and he did just that.  It was until he had removed all the obstacles between them and kicked away the last eyesore of a soldier that the woman finally turned around her head.  Her beautiful cold eyes locked with his eyes. How should he describe those eyes of hers? Gong Changxiao felt those eyes were the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen in his life.  Her eyes were as bright as the night pearls and they seemed livelier under the lights of the fires.  The lights made her melon-seed face look three-dimensional and as a result, her facial features became extra mysterious and aloof. Her eyes were like ice and her figure that was fully dressed in black seemed to blend with the night as one but she was as white as snow.  Although she was covered with blood, she was like a peony in the dark night, so breathtakingly beautiful. Heat rose in his heart.  She looked at him coldly and he returned her look with scorching eyes.  He even pushed out his strong chest hoping to leave a good impression on her. What kind of situation is this?  If the gang of brothers and sisters who were waiting to meet up with him knew that at this critical moment, he was acting like a male dog in heat with the desire to attract this woman’s attention, they would definitely think there was something wrong with his brains. Although it is said that death under the peony flower, even being a ghost is very romantic*, but when actually faced with death, most people would still choose to save their lives.  (Death under the peony flower, even being a ghost is very romantic means the hero is willing to die for the beauty and finds it worthwhile.  The original version of this should be ‘Death under the peony flower, even death is a graceful thing’ but later this was twisted to tease women.) But Gong Changxiao did not try to escape even when the woman leaped at him with the sword and he did not dodge as well. The sharp sword emitted a sound when it pierced the flesh. The woman pierced his heart with the sword.  It was a single fatal move and her skill was still very beautiful.......as beautiful as a picture........as beautiful as a peony........ Gong Wuhuan’s sword plunged into his chest but noticed that this person did not dodge nor fend off her move.  Her cold expression showed a slight surprise and she stared at him strangely. Gong Changxiao allowed her to stare at him and even had the narcissistic thoughts that he looked majestic and handsome.  When he walks on the streets, women would usually give him a few more glances and in addition, his figure was vigorous and spirited.  He was not being boastful but there was none who does not love him.   What about her? In Gong Wuhuan’s eyes, he was just a sturdy bandit that was as strong as a bear.  The man was a head taller than her with a tough and stocky figure and a face full of shaggy beard.  Under the flickering lights of the fires around him, his face looked hideous and scary.  Based on her intuition of a martial artist, she thought this man would be difficult to handle but who knew he was so easily settled with just a thrust of the sword?    She was about to draw out her sword when her right hand holding the sword was caught in his terrifyingly powerful grasp.  She knew that when a person is about to die he would put up a struggle and would harbor the idea of dying together with his opponent.  Without any hesitation, she immediately stretched out her left hand to shatter his breastbone. She was fast but the other party was even faster than her.  When her palm was only three chun* from his chest, his big hand grabbed on her wrist firmly.  Astonishment shone in Gong Wuhuan’s eyes.  She had used half of her internal force but he had intercepted her move so easily.  Since he had such good skills, why was he unable to dodge her sword just now? (Chun is the Chinese measurement of length and it is the width of a thumb’s knuckle which is roughly about 3.7cm or 1.4 inches.) Before she could think deeper into this, the man’s deep voice sounded. “What’s your name?” Surrounded by the sounds of killings, every word of his still drifted into her ears.  She frowned.  Both her hands were gripped by him and for a while, she was unable to struggle free and could only raise her leg to kick away two water bandits who tried to sneak up behind.  She turned her head back and tried to pull away but she was suddenly pulled closer to him.  The sword stuck in his chest went in deeper and it made her look up in surprise again. To pull her closer to him, the man did not hesitate to let the sword pierce deeper into his chest.  The stone-carved face came extremely close to her and two flames were burning in his bottomless eyes like the persistent fires in hell. “Your name?”  His breath sprayed on her face.  It was as though if he did not get an answer from her, he was unwilling to die.

The air was filled with the faint smell of cigarettes and mint clearly showing that the young man sitting in front of him was a smoker.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         "Huh!" the young man gave a deep sigh before looking up , the look on his face clearly showed he was annoyed. "This is by far the best scum anyone has ever pulled on me for money." gently brushing his fingers over his hair exposed his dark green eyes .                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Eris has always missed those eyes terribly but they were not as bright as they were before ,they missed a certain light that always made everything around him shine brightly.                                                                                                                                       "Get out." he said with a hint of impatience in his voice that brought Eris back from his thoughts.                                                     "Look Pollo ....." Eris tried to speak up but the young mans face twisted in irritation .                                                                         "My name is Robin!" he yelled it was clear that Eris had hit a nerve.                                                                                                          Robin grabbed the brown folder that was on his lap ad stood up ,"Are you sick in the head , Do you really expect me to belive this? " with that he threw the folder at Eris hitting him directly across the face  ,his throw was no where near gentle as a red tinge slowly appeared on Eris left cheek.                                                                                                                                                   Eris nodded his head and stood up slowly no longer wanting to anger the young man any longer, he gently placed the folder on the table and walked towards the door just before living he turned around for a moment and looked at Robin who was clearly furious and did not bother to turn around Eris then walked out the door in a more desparate situation than when he had arrived. Robin sat back down and reached into his pocket but it was empty, he was clearly out of cigarettes.giving up on this idea  he grabbed his phone and dialed a very familiar number. " mum its robin "his  voice was trembling and he sounded agitated "we need to talk can you come get me ?" after he got a positive answer from his mother robin seemed to be more relaxed than he was earlier .grabbing the folder on the table he simply tossed it in the trash before walking out and heading towards the coffee shop opposite campus  "childhood friend my foot." he said softly, yet he could not help but recall those blue eyes. why did he feel like he missed them terribly  where exactly had he  seen those blue eyes. infinity500 This is new feel free to comment and correct enjoy the read. The chapters are a bit short but there is a part a and b to each of them .

(My first original story I've posted on this site. Tell me what you think) My eyes shoot open as I'm met with the ceiling of my room. Sweat runs down my face and I'm breathing heavily, I remember having a dream but I can't remember for the life of me what it was about. But seeing as how I'm breathing like I just ran a marathon I'm assuming something happened to me at the end of it. Wiping the sweat from my forehead I laugh, just thinking about how worked up I am over some dream I can't remember a single thing about is actually pretty funny. DING That sound breaks me out of my laughter and makes my eyes narrow in on the floating blue screen in front of me. The screen is small and looks like something pulled straight from an RPG video game. The text in it is white and I have to squint my eyes to read it without sitting up. [Welcome to IRL Gacha, are you ready to enter the game?] "What's this? Did I fall asleep while playing a VR game or something?" I ask myself as I try to sit up, but I soon realize I can't move my body. "I-I can't move, why can't I move!" I shout in a panicked voice. Suddenly the text on the screen changes and the text now reads as such. [For your own safety your body will be in a state of status until you accept the invitation to the game. Currently, time is frozen and while your arms can be moved any attempt to use them for anything outside of accepting the invitation will result in them also going into a state of statsuse] "T-the hell? What do you mean my body will be in status?" Suddenly it hits me, this is a VR game, I just gotta take off the headset. I try to move my hands towards my head but my arms won't move. I can hear another ding, and the text on the screen begins to flash with some added text that says, press OK to start. Gulping I figure that the only way out of this is to accept the invitation. So with a shaky arm, I move my finger to press the ok button. Once I do the text on the screen suddenly changes and now shows a screen with a greeting on it. [Welcome to IRL Gacha, before you can truly start please confirm your information] The screen suddenly changes to show information unique to me but something is off. All the information seems correct, Age:16, Height:172.1 cm, Weight: 59.5 kg, Birthday: September 29th, Game Name: -, Name: Error. Suddenly the screen's text changes again to reveal new text. [Error, Name could not be found. Please select a new one] Suddenly the screen changes yet again to show a blank box and underneath that box is a keyboard. Seeing this I grow confused. What does this screen thing mean by, name cannot be found? "What do ya mean my name cannot be found. My name is-" My eyes widen when I realize that I can't remember my name. Come to think of it I can't remember anything about my past. Friends, family, likes, dislikes, looks, I'm drawing a blank on every single one. Likely, I wouldn't even know my age if that wasn't on the previous screen. Looking around the screen I see a button next to the box where the name I type would appear. The button has the word random on it and not knowing where to even start with creating a name or trying to remember mine I click it. The first name that appears is Jyugo Kite, that name doesn't sound familiar and I don't like the sound of it so I click the button again. The second name that pops up is Rokuna Hatsumi. Looking at this name for a second I decide to click a green checkmark that appears next to the random button. "Has a nice ring to it, plus I bet it's a cooler name than whatever my previous one was," I state as I finally get feeling back in my body and quickly sit up. [Thank you, Apologies for the error. With your name picked you can now enter your Game Name] {Notice, this process can be skipped for the time being but will become mandatory before you enter an extraction, Raid, or Boss} As more of these pop-ups show up, I grow more and more confused. I swing my hands to the left, it goes right through the screen and makes them vanish. I then start looking around my room and I see it's pretty barren. A desk in the corner, a bed pushed up against the wall, a tv on a small table opposite my bed with a game system pushed up against the TV's side. As I look around I notice a mirror above the desk in the corner. Walking over to it I can finally see my reflection and how I look. I have messy purple shoulder-length hair, crystal blue eyes, a birthmark underneath my left eye, my body is fairly built but nothing out of the ordinary. I have on a plain white tank-top and black sweat pants. Looking down at the desk I suddenly get an idea. I quickly open the drawer and being to rummage through them, looking for anything that could give me a hint about who I am. However, all I find are journals that have what seems to be schoolwork in them. "Come on, there's nothing in here? I didn't keep a journal or something, not even a photo?" I say in anger as I slam the drawer shut. As the sound of slamming leaves the room, it's quickly filled by the sound of worries knocking on the door. "Rokuna, sweetie are you ok in there? I heard something slam." Asks a feminine voice. My eyes dart to the door and I think about what the voice just said. "Sweetie? Oh, I get it. Seeing as how I'm 16 that must be my mom. If I have any sisters I don't think they'd call me sweetie." I explain to myself as I move toward the door and grip the nod. "If anyone is gonna who I am it's gotta be my mom. So she's probably my best chance at figuring myself out." I open the door but then step back. My eyes widen in confusion and fear as I reveal what's behind the door. It's no woman, instead, there's only a black silhouette of what I can assume is a mature woman in her early thirties to layer thirties, or maybe just breaking into her forties at most. "W-what the hell is this?" I ask dispute no one being around to answer me and the thing in front of me not saying a thing. Suddenly a new screen opens up but instead of the blue coloring, I've seen before this one is purple with a golden outline and green text. My eyes dart to it and I quickly read the text to try and understand what I'm looking at. [Congraduation you've reached your first Gacha Spin. Usually, you'd spin and randomly get a character of a random rarity. These rarities being C: Common (grey), UC: Uncommon (Blue), R: Rare (Purple), SR: Super Rare (Silver), UR: Ultra Rare (Gold), and L: Legendary (Green). However, for your first spin, you are guaranteed an Ultra Rare character.] As soon as I'm done reading this, another screen appears beside the one I just finished reading. This one has a dark blue button with a golden outline and the words on the button say Claim Your Free Summon. Above this button, there are images of mature women slowly appearing above it. There's only one image above the button at a time and after about ten seconds the image changes to show a brand new woman. Then the text on the original screen changes and now says, [To start the summon please press the button that says Claim Your Free Summon] "What? So my life has just become some kind of crappy Gacha game?" I ask myself as my head turns to look at the summoning screen again. "What's the point of this though? I mean are they really making me do some random summon to see who my own mother will be? Besides with no idea who I am, how am I supposed to be attached with this woman, it'll just feel weird and fake." I tell myself as I look at the black silhouette behind the two screens and feel a shiver run through my body. "Well, I guess anything is better than looking at that for the rest of my foreseeable life," I say as I slowly move my hand and press the free summon button. Suddenly a blinding light fills the room, I quickly put my hands up to shield my eyes from the light.  said light quickly changes colors from grey, blue, purple, silver, gold, and green. Then out of nowhere it suddenly stops on the gold light. As light dyes down I slowly lower my arms and see that the once blank silhouette is now being filled in by someone. The fill-in starts with a pair of black heels, then as the silhouette continues to be filled in a black business suit is revealed along with a pair of larger than average breasts. Then when the head and face are revealed there stands a woman with long silky black hair with red highlights, eyes a deep shade of blue, and her skin is absolutely perfect. On her face is a kind smile that radiates warmth and along with that smile is a pair of red cat-eye glasses. The two screens that appeared before the summoning vanish and are replaced by a brand new screen. This time the screen is the same shade of blue as the first couple of screens. However, this screen is not wide like the other screens, this one is long and after looking at it for a moment I can see this screen contains all the information for my "mother". Name: Chiharu Hatsumi Age: 39 Height: 63.7 inches Weight: 176.4 pounds Birthday: July 5th Occupation: Human Resource Manager Rarity: UR/Ultra Rare Element: Dark Class: Melee Weapon Type: One-Handed Axes/Two-handed Axes Star-Level: 5 Status: Can assist you in combat Hp: 208 Magic: 133 Strength: 127 Defense: 132 Speed: 103 Agility: 87 Skill: 100 M Attack: 113 M Defense: 87 Special ability: Chiharu can heal anyone who's a member of her family, once per battle. Backstory Summary: A loving mother who has three children. While her husband works overseas she works as a Human Resource Manager to provide for her family. She's extremely loving to her family and sometimes overly protective. Also, she's a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu {Raise Affinity to unlock more of her backstory [Addition information will be presented when you part take in your Extortion, Raid, or Boss] "I still have no clue what the hell is happening," I say under my breath swiping my finger to the left making all the screens in front of me vanish. As soon as those screens disappear a throbbing pain in my head starts. The pain is unbearable and while it starts in my head it runs through the rest of my body in less than a second. Suddenly I feel something land on my right shoulder, looking up I see a hand and it's the hand of Chiharu. "Rokuna are you ok?" Chiharu asks as the pain subsides. "If you're not feeling well you can stay home from school today," Chiharu tells me as I shake my head before looking her in her face. "No, no I'm fine mom, I just got up too fast," I tell her eyes my eyes suddenly widen. "Wait what did I just call her? Did I really just call her mom just now? Why? I have no memories of her plus I just summoned her out of thin air. So why did I just call her mom like it's second nature?" I ask myself as the pain in my head returns but only for a fraction of a second. "What the?" I say under my breath as suddenly when I think about my mom I can vaguely remember some memories but the specifics are very fuzzy. "Well, if you say so. But just promise me you won't push yourself." My mother states as she embraces me in a tight hug. I don't return the hug at first, but then I realize that my arms have wrapped around her without even noticing it and I'm now returning the hug. "WHAT IS HAPPENING!" I shout within the safety of my mind as we separate from each other. "Why don't you come downstairs and grab breakfast. I made your favorite. Maybe you and your sister can walk to school together for once." My mother tells me as she leaves my room and walks down some stairs. "Sister?" I question as I slowly peek my head out of the room. "If I run into her is she gonna be all blacked out like mom was? Am I gonna need to do that summon thing again?" Almost on cue, I hear a new voice behind. "Morning." Turning around, I'm greeted by another black silhouette similar to the one mom, but this one is shorter. I see this a new screen pos up in front of me and it reads, [Your second summons is also free. However, this time a specific rarity is not guaranteed. This one will be of a random rarity. Please select the free summon button when ready]

For 2022, I’ve been wanting to write more ‘creature features’ and generally improve my short story writing. My partner got me a Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual for my birthday so I came up with the idea of writing a story every week based on a different creature from that - All There in the (Monster) Manual. Hope you enjoy! This Week’s Inspiration: Orc   ======   The twins’ braying cries, both from the baby monitor and through the thin wall of their apartment, roused Niklaus from sleep. Grunting, he stayed where he was and pretended to sleep. Darkness blanketed the room. Red numbers illuminated the face of the digital clock on his nightstand, showing the time was just after 3am. “It’s your turn.” Half-asleep, Aniya shoved Nik by the shoulder. Nik rolled to the side of the bed and scowled at Aniya, although she couldn’t see it in the dark. Maybe it was just tiredness but he felt a stab of anger, even hate. She stayed home all day, he worked. Shouldn't the damned night disturbances be her problem? Childrearing was no job for a male orc. Once upon a time, no female would have dared ask a male like him to take a turn checking on their children in the middle of the night. But Nik had agreed, he hadn’t fought the share of responsibilities so whose fault was it now? If he couldn’t lay down the old law in his own house? Wearing only boxers, Nik stumbled out of their bedroom to the twins’ room. Nik, a fine example of orchood, filled doorways in the apartment which had been built to human proportions. Closer to seven foot than six, admittedly he’d gone soft around the middle and flab clung to his thickly muscled chest and arms. But like most any orc he was powerfully built, a warrior’s build. A wall of grey-green flesh. Sharp tusks bristled over his upper lip, at the corners of his mouth. His head was shaved smooth, in the fashion of his clan. “What do you want? By the gods,” Nik mumbled. Both twins cried and thrashed around their cribs. Twin nightlights lit the room. One of them had almost certainly woken up first and got the other started. Bane was the larger of the pair, the louder, and demanded more attention. Twins and triplets were more common among orcs than single children but there was always a dominant one among them. Nik had been the dominant of the pair between himself and his brother. He settled Bane first. A few solid thumps caused the orclet to belch, having sucked in too much air as he cried. Nik nestled Bane against his bare shoulder. Wenzel, the lesser of the twins, continued to ball his tiny fists as he wriggled and cried as if in pain. Eventually, Niklaus reached into the second crib and scooped Wenzel out with one hand. Holding Wenzel away from his body for a moment, Nik studied him dispassionately. Wenzel was smaller and weaker than his brother. His chest frail and limbs sticklike, while Bane was solid and beefy. Some orcish clans, in the harshest regions of the old country, used to inspect a baby for imperfections as soon as it was born. And if it was weak or sickly or had any deformities that didn’t look beneficial, it was left for the vargrs and the rats. Nik, to tell the truth, didn’t know if his clan lineage had ever participated in such a practice but it didn’t really matter. Once orcs were warriors. All other crafts, as builders or tanners or artesans, were secondary to the ability to fight. But that was a long time ago, before they were civilised. Nik nestled Wenzel against his bare skin. Still, Nik was sure orcs weren’t built to nurture, to care, to feel anything deeper than rage. But maybe that was just the exhaustion talking. Eventually, Nik lulled both twins back to sleep. He replaced Bane and Wenzel in their cribs without waking them and returned to bed. Rageful and resentful dreams disturbed his sleep, however, until his alarm woke him. Getting up, Nik shaved, showered, and dressed for work. Aniya sat at the breakfast table, feeding Bane and Wenzel. An orcish woman, she was almost as tall and almost as muscular as Nik. Her hair was shaved down the sides of her head then drawn into a thick plait behind her head, decorated with crude gems. Resentment hung, unspoken, between the two of them. “Can you pick up dinner tonight, on the way home?” Aniya said. “And we need diapers, and diaper cream.” Traffic ground along the freeway. Nik’s vehicle was sized for larger humanoids but it was cheap, uncomfortable, and still felt cramped. Sometimes life felt like a series of boxes, their apartment, the car, his cubicle at the office. Father, office drone, nobody. Boxes. In the next lane, an expensive truck pulled alongside Nik, black with gleaming silver rims. Behind the wheel, a black-furred minotaur bobbed his bull head along with music Nik couldn’t hear. Gold chains fell around the minotaur’s throat and he had armbands around both biceps. The truck’s interior was roomy enough that even though the minotaur would have been around the same height as Nik his horns didn’t even scrape the ceiling. Nik avoided meeting the minotaur’s eyes but watched him from the corner of his gaze. Lips pulling back from large, flat teeth, the minotaur laughed at something. Maybe it was directed at something a passenger or his radio had said, or nothing at all, but Nik felt his blood surge and his face burn. Irrational or not, Nik felt certain the minotaur was laughing at him in his cheap SUV, his short sleeves and tie. Nik thought about dragging the minotaur out of his truck and stomping him into the road. Or trying to at least, expecting the minotaur would fight back and the two of them would be evenly matched. Nik bit back on his anger but wondered if humiliation was any better. Once, a perceived insult between their two races would have been enough reason to fight, to do battle, to kill, or start a war. Even if he was wrong, Nik didn’t feel it better to back down and bite off his rage. The minotaur’s lane moved first, and his truck pulled away. Nik’s non-encounter with the minotaur kept going around in his head once he got to work. Nik hunched over his desk. His tie already felt like it was clinging around his throat. Cheap shirt stretching across his back and around his arms. Sounds of clattering keyboards, single halves of phone conversations and music muffled by headphones floated across the office. If it was the civilised thing to do, to tamp down his anger instead of unleashing it on the world, then why did it stew inside him and make him feel all the more miserable? That didn’t seem right or natural. Nic heard his boss’ clacking legs coming up behind him. He quickly flicked through the tabs on his computer to find whatever would make him look busiest. Mr Al Hafeez took a long sip from a mug in his smaller hand marked ‘#1 Boss’. “Niklaus, those numbers for last month look a little iffy,” Al Hafeez said, by way of greeting. “Iffy?” Nik turned slowly in his chair, voice as rough as two stones grating together. “I’m getting some heat from the sales floor.” “Numbers are numbers. I do my job, it’s not my problem how they do theirs.” Mr Al Hafeez showed no real reaction to Nik’s anger, certainly not intimidation. Nor should he, Al Hafeez was an arach. They were warriors too, once. Like Nik, however, civilization had tamed Al Hafeez, and maybe he’d adapted to that life just a little bit better. His human upper half dressed in a suit and tie, shirt tucked into a decorated loincloth that fell like an apron between his front pair of legs. With easy good looks, chiselled, human features with dark hair swept back, he fit among the majority of humanoid races better than the likes of Nik. Al Hafeez’s lower body was that of an enormous scorpion, covered in a bristly, black and brown carapace. Eight segmented legs and a coiled tail which arched up behind his back. His stinger, long and sharp like a tanto blade, was covered by a protective sheath to keep it from catching or cutting anyone accidentally. Al Hafeez’s left hand looked human while his right was a massive pincer, several times the length of his left hand and covered in a hard shell that continued up his arm to the shoulder. “I need you to run them again, and break down the weeklys for me, okay?” Al Hafeez said. “Think you can get those to me by lunch?” Niklaus imagined he and Al Hafeez meeting in ancient times, in the savage southern lands at the edges of orc territories during one of a thousand unnamed, glorious raids. Arachs had been nomads, warriors and mercenaries. Nik, bare chested, Al Hafeez’s vulnerable upper half covered in leather armour, both glistening with sweat, muscles taunt with exertion. One of those hooked arach swords made of brass flashing in the sun and ringing off Nik’s sword of crude iron. Circling, avoiding that infamously deadly arach tail, unsheathed, untamed. Desert wastes all around them littered with corpses. “Niklaus? Is that okay?” Al Hafeez said. “Yeah, lunchtime, that’s fine,” Nik said. Al Hafeez scuttled on, #1 Boss mug in his off hand. Nik turned back on his computer to run the numbers he’d asked for, easy enough since he’d already done them once. He could break down the weekly columns almost without thinking, leaving his imagination free to wander. He pictured the minotaur from that morning in the same desert as he and Al Hafeez, golden armbands around his biceps, battleaxe in hand. Pictured some of the assholes from Sales there as well. He conjured up warriors to represent every petty annoyance or major burden in his life. Nik wished he could meet them all in combat in that desert. One after the other after the other. Even if it meant he’d be outmatched, even if it meant being wounded or killed. A glorious death was its own reward, they used to say. There was a nobility even in losing as long as you met it with all that battled with all that you had. There was a purity that the confusion of modern life lacked. His blood longed for the old ways. By the middle of the afternoon, any comfort Nik had gotten from his fantasies had faded. Al Hafeez hadn’t bothered him again since he turned in the revised numbers. Hours dragged as Nik’s interrupted sleep weighed on him and caffeine didn’t make a difference. Slipping his phone and earbuds into his pocket with a guilty expression, Nik stood and moved toward the bathroom. Crammed into one of the stalls after making sure the bathroom was empty, Nik opened the ErosFans app on his phone. He stuffed one of the earbuds into his right ear, leaving the other free to listen for anyone who might enter. His phone almost disappeared in his big hands. He and Aniya hadn’t had sex since the twins were born. That was fine, he wasn’t so desperate that he’d masturbate in the work bathroom. He just needed a jolt of desire, of heat, to wake him up and get him through the rest of the afternoon. Nik scrolled through his ErosFans feed and clicked on a video of a demielf girl he followed called Starshine_18. Slender and pale with golden hued hair tucked behind pointed ears, and wide, innocent eyes. Naked, she spread herself in front of the camera and cooed in a high voice. “Claim me, orc warrior! Claim me as your war wife, you’re so powerful!” Nik’s lips pulled back from his teeth and tusks. Heat flushed his groin. Starshine_18 writhed and ran her hands down her body, keeping a perfect mix of fear and desire in her voice. “Claim me! Spoil me for all others, you’ve conquered me!” Nik kept watching, feeling his breathing thicken, but disgust began to creep in. Like rot, his revulsion quickly hollowed out and enveloped all feelings of desire. He was no conqueror or warrior, he was a pathetic loser watching porn in a bathroom stall at work. Naked and vulnerable as she was, the demielf had all the power here. Here he was paying her just to feed his lust and ego, and she would never even know who he was. Pathetic, Nik thought. Someone entered the bathroom and Nik jumped as he heard the door swing open. The phone slipped from his fingers. Tumbling toward the floor, the cord attached to his earphones unravelled and the audio jack jerked free from their socket. As the phone cracked against the floor, Starshine_18’s video filled the screen. Without the earbuds plugged in, the sound of her exaggerated moans rattled out of the phone’s speaker. Nik lunged. His movements shook the stall, which probably didn’t make things any better. Catching the phone with his foot, he dragged it toward him and fumbled to pause the video. Falling back on top of the toilet seat, Nik finally managed to make it stop playing. Outside, whoever had entered the bathroom hesitated but then crossed the room. Their tread was light, probably human. Nik’s green-grey skin flushed dark. Frozen, phone clutched to his chest, Nik burned with humiliation. He heard whoever was outside the stall stop at one of the urinals, piss, and then return to the sinks to wash their hands. Nik thought about throwing open the stall, grabbing them and crushing their head into one of the mirrors, again and again and again. In reality though, he was too paranoid to move until he heard them leave the room. The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of rage and humiliation. Nik didn’t know who’d come into the bathroom while he was there but it wasn’t hard to imagine, with that anonymity, that they’d been watching the bathroom door when he’d finally emerged. Part of Nik tried to tell him maybe they hadn’t heard the video before Nik shut it off, or failed to understand what they’d heard, but he didn’t believe it. In any case, Nik hadn’t been hauled into Mr Al Hafeez’s office. Presumably they hadn’t snitched, although there was always tomorrow. The humiliation that someone had the knowledge over Nik was enough, however. “Did you get dinner, and diapers?” Aniya asked, as soon as Nik was through the door. “No, I forgot.” “What are we going to eat then?” “I don’t know, order something.” “Again? And what about the diapers?” “Old gods, Aniya, I’m working all day, I can’t remember everything! What are you doing all day? I just bought diapers, how are they already gone?” “Have you ever raised orc children, Niklaus? They go through a lot of diapers!” They ordered dinner, and Aniya fed the twins. Nik held it together until Bane and Wenzel were in their cots but then went to the bedroom and quickly dressed. Over his shirt and jeans, Nik put on a scuffed leather jacket he hadn’t worn in a couple of years. Given that orcs continued to grow at a steady rate throughout their lives even after reaching maturity, until they got too big and their hearts or other organs gave out, the jacket was naturally a little too tight through the shoulders and arms, and everywhere else. But it would do for the night. “Where do you think you’re going?” Aniya asked. “Out, I’m going out,” Nik said. “Out where?” “I don’t have to answer every one of your godsdamned questions! I’m going out!” Taking his keys and wallet, Nik slammed the door behind him and stormed to the car. His head felt like it was on the verge of exploding. If he didn’t get out, all the aggression he felt had to go somewhere and he didn’t want to do something he’d regret. Rather, Nik wanted to do something regrettable but not to Aniya or the kids. Old gods, orcs weren’t meant to be nurturers or office drones. They weren’t built to swallow rage and humiliation and stress, Nik couldn’t take any more of it. Middle of the week, the roads were quiet at that time of night. Batlike ghasts flew at the edges of the glow cast by streetlamps, eating insects. Nik pulled off the freeway and continued to the seedier end of downtown. Neon club signs and light from all-night corner stores spilled across sidewalks. Hot oil massage, adult stores, virmen trading scavenged items on folding tables and blankets. A drunken satyr almost staggered into the path of Nik’s car, forcing him to pump the brake, but they turned and vomited in the gutter instead. Nik pulled over and parked. Part of him wondered if he was really doing this. He wondered what he was doing at all. Going out and looking for a fight like some punk kid. Aggression wafted off him in a cloud, like steam, but a little voice of caution planted a seed of fear in him. The caution of living a comfortable life. Caution of being a father now. It told him to go home, to apologise to Aniya and leave all this behind. But, as if moving on its own, his body was out of the car, it was locking the doors behind him, and it was stalking down the sidewalk in the direction of the nearest knot of bars. Nik stomped around outside the bars in his too-tight jacket but didn’t go inside. He attracted looks from a couple of security guards, a minotaur and another orc. Plenty of orcs jostled along the sidewalks in this part of town, many of them tattooed, pierced, and wearing shredded clothing. Humans and tharls, heavily tattooed zavalans in spiked clothing, a pack of makara. A lot of them drunk, a lot looking mean, but not actively looking for a fight. Those that seemed to recognise Nik’s anger avoided him with care. Nik wanted to hurt someone but he wanted someone who deserved it. He couldn’t just hurt anyone. He started to think he should just go back to the car but rage and humiliation still had hooks in him. His ego couldn’t take another perceived retreat. He’d attracted too much attention where he was, however. Nik veered away and headed down an alleyway between two of the bars. Sound and light from the street faded. Nik remained too deep within his own head to really take much stock of his surroundings until a retching sound caught his attention. A dark shape rose, and rose, from behind one of the dumpsters. They braced themselves with two of their four heavily muscled arms. They were taller than Nik by almost three foot, easily over nine foot tall. One hand reached to wipe their mouth, sharp tusks bristling at its corners. Nik stopped and their dark eyes fixed on him. “What the fuck are you looking at?” The gegenee scrowled. Nik hesitated, a trill of self-preservation going through his system. He didn’t know exactly what he’d wanted, but he’d wanted to feel like a warrior. And warriors didn’t just fight the battle they knew they could win. They didn’t back down. “I don’t know what I’m looking at, not much,” Nik said. “Not much? Fuck is that supposed to mean?” Gegenee looked orcish but were naturally taller and with four arms instead of two. Lean and muscular, their skin was dark blue instead of greyish green. Tusks bristled at the corners of the gegenee’s mouth. He wore his black hair in a long plait, and wore a vest designed to accommodate his four long, tattooed arms. Drunk, they lurched toward Nik and blocked the alley. “Back the fuck up,” the gegenee said. “Or you’ll what?” The two of them both bared their teeth, tusks gleaming. Nik and the gegenee recognised each other as just what they’d been looking for. Someone they longed for while at the same time despised, as much as they hated themselves. Nik’s jacket was too tight, he ripped it off and tossed it on top of the nearest dumpster. The gegenee looked surprised at Nik’s boldness. “You don’t know who you’re fucking with, little orc,” the gegenee warned. “Show me,” Nik said. Ignoring the world around them, to both ends of the alley, the two of them ran at each other. Three of the gegenee’s four hands snatched Nik by the shirt, tearing it and lifting him off his feet. He swung the orc around in a half-circle and slammed him into the alley wall. The gegenee, tall and powerfully built as he was, was immensely strong, stronger than Nik had been expecting. The gegenee cocked his fourth hand back in a fist and punched Nik twice in the face, splitting his lip open. Nik’s head bounced off the wall behind him. Nik locked an arm around one of the gegenee’s right forearms and bit him on the wrist. His feet swung freely. Thrusting forward, Nik kicked the gegenee in the stomach. The gegenee grunted and folded over. Stained with vomit, his breath gusted into Nik’s face and he dropped Nik. The orc staggered and found his footing. Tall as the gegenee was, Nik had to bring him down in size. With their additional weight and additional arms, Nik couldn’t get caught wrestling the gegenee either if he had any chance of winning this fight. Nik booted the gegenee in the side of one knee, staggering him. The bigger male swayed drunkenly, falling forward so that his face was almost level with Nik. Swinging around, Nik hit the gegenee with an uppercut that made his teeth and tusks clip together. “You little shit,” the gegenee said. The gegenee tried to hit Nik but Nik was too fast. He ducked and weaved under the fists and the gegenee stumbled into the bricks instead. He fell backward, hissing. Nik grabbed the gegenee’s lower right arm and twisted with all his strength, wrenching the limb around. The gegenee swiped and snarled. Nik pulled the arm straight, locking it at the elbow, and then drove his fist into the knotted bend. With a pop, the elbow dislocated. The gegenee cried out in pain and thrashed out of Nik’s grip. The gegenee swung around and another fist crashed into Nik’s face. Nik wasn’t even sure which one. Nik sprawled toward the mouth of the alley. In spite of all the noise, no one had come to investigate. The gegenee loomed, his lower arm dangling uselessly but the other three all bunched into fists. Nik scrambled to his feet and drove forward, tackling the gegenee around the midsection. Tall as he was, the gegenee was flung backward by the impact of the stockier orc. They crashed into one of the dumpsters. The gegenee drove an elbow into the side of Nik’s head. Dazed, Nik loosened his grip and the gegenee pulled free. One of his left hands grabbed Nik around the head and slammed Nik’s skull into the alley wall. “I’m going to kill you!” The gegenee said. “I’ll squeeze your head until it pops!” Niklaus sank against the wall. Part of him told him to just go down. The gegenee’s threats were only talk. If Nik let himself go limp he’d take a few more kicks and blows but that would be it, the fight would be over. Drunk as he was, the gegenee looked tired and fed up, and would probably wander off to seek treatment for his busted arm. But Nik still wanted to think of himself as a warrior, and warriors didn’t just go limp and take their kicks. Roaring, Nik flung himself clear of the wall at the gegenee. Again, he attacked one of the gegenee’s knees first, knocking it out from under him. He fell to his other knee, bringing him down to Nik’s height. Nik grabbed him by the collar with one hand and slammed him in the face with the other. His fist throbbed. Nik hit him again and again, stunning the gegenee. “I’ll show you! I’ll show all of you!” Nik howled. The gegenee tried to fend Nik off but Nik kept driving his fist into his face. Blood sprayed out of a broken nose and splattered Nik’s fist and shirt. A tusk broke, snapping loose. Nik let go and swung both fists into the gegenee’s face. Stunned, the gegenee’s eyes rolled back and he collapsed in on himself. He folded over, falling flat on the floor of the alley. Nik felt victorious. He straightened over the gegenee, fists at his sides, breathing heavily. As the lust of the fight wore off, however, Nik saw the scene with another eye. He saw the gegenee’s crooked arm with a visceral disgust. He smelled the puke and trash of the alley. Was this really what he’d wanted? This was the glory after battle? He felt disturbed and disgusted by what he’d done. His reasons for fighting had been so pointless, the risk meaningless and result permanent. Kneeling, Nik checked the side of the gegenee’s throat. A pulse fluttered there at least, as he breathed thickly. It could have just as easily been him lying there. What would Aniya think if that was the case? He’d been thinking only of himself, of the consequences for him but thinking what Aniya’s reaction would be receiving a call that he’d been found beaten and unconscious in this part of town made him feel sick. He could still be found and arrested. Aniya must already be afraid, and worried, as well as angry. The boys, Bane and Wenzel, they’d be too young to understand what it meant if he didn’t come home or he wasn’t there in the morning. “Old gods, what was the point of all of this? What am I doing here?” Nik said. Back in that desert at the centre of his mind, Nik again saw the bodies and the aftermath of battle. No longer was it a stage managed scene of bloodless carnage, however. He imagined the iron stink of blood and stench of shit as the corpses let themselves go in death. Gore and gaping wounds. The warriors sent to die on the whim of some half-insane tribal chief or greedy king. In the stories afterwards there might be glory but not on the battleground itself. And while a glorious death might be its own reward, it was still a death, leaving behind family, tribe, people who needed and missed them. Nik collected his jacket and hurried out of the alley. Leaving the gegenee behind, the battle, the victory, he almost ran back to his car while ignoring anyone else on the street. A bloated mass of emotions swelled through his chest but nothing noble, nothing glorious. On the way home, Nik stopped at a gas station he knew had a bathroom he could access without going inside. His face was swollen, knuckles scuffed, and blood splattered his arms and shirt. He went to the bathroom and cleaned up as best he could, dabbing his shirt with wet paper towel. Nothing noble. Looking at himself in the mirror, he thought of what was waiting for him at home. Aniya, Bane, even little Wenzel. Nik could hardly imagine tossing the scrawny little runt to the vargrs after all. Tired as he was, he’d been too stupid to see what he had all along. When he was done cleaning up, Nik returned to his car. The gas station was still open though, and illuminated. Nik stopped, hesitated, and returned to the front entrance of the gas station. Aniya and the twins were in bed when Nik returned. Apart from the twins’ nightlights, the apartment was dark, and silent. Nik dropped a plastic bag he’d bought at the gas station just inside the twins’ room, careful not to wake them. Returning to his bedroom, he stripped off his clothing and climbed into bed behind Aniya. “I bought diapers,” Nik said. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Aniya’s back was stiff. She pretended to sleep but Nik knew, by the rhythm of her breathing, that she was still awake. Guilt mingled with need, with love, with desperation, with recrimination, with bargaining. Nothing was simple, but that was alright too. At that moment, Nik heard the baby monitor crackling. Maybe he’d disrupted one of the kids when he arrived home. They started to stir, and cry. “I thought I was meant to be something, but it’s something I’m not. Something that doesn’t belong anymore. Maybe something that never existed. I’m sorry, you sleep, I’ll get them. It’s my turn. My turn.”   =======   What do you call this? Toxic Orculinity? Naturally, this story relates back to my earlier story, ‘The Pig’, which takes place in the same setting and also features an orc, or half-orc, with something to prove as a protagonist. So I suppose I like trying to make a point about masculinity using orcs. Generally speaking I like seeing savage, ‘evil’ races given some depth to the point they’re no longer merely savage or evil. But I don’t like the other depiction of orcs as a kind of “noble savage” - mostly because I despise with a passion the noble savage trope for reasons I won’t rave about here. I mentioned in the author note for The Pig I planned on releasing more stories in this setting! We’ll see how that goes, but next week is a very different setting which is also host to several different stories now. Next week is also the longest story I’ve written as part of All There in the (Monster) Manual, I believe so, you know, make sure you set aside some time? Next Week’s Inspiration: Dragon Turtle

Shizumu Tsuki Kingdom The birds sang in a tree near the window of an abandoned building. The people inside the building groaned awake. The birds sounded like roosters on a farm, but that was better than not waking up and missing the beautiful sun. The eldest, Ryu, sat up and looked at the children beside him. He smiled and shook them awake. “Get up or you’ll miss breakfast.” The twins, Akio and Akira, who were five, jumped up and laughed. Ryu shook his head. “That’s too much energy.” “You say that every day, Ryu,” Akira said. Ryu got up with a nod of his head and picked up the three-year-old Sachiko, who was fast asleep, and shook her. Her eyes snapped open and when she saw Ryu, she smiled at him, closing her eyes almost immediately. He shook his head amused and placed her back down saying, “Fine, ten more minutes princess Sachi.” He looked around for the sixteen-year-old that lived with them but he wasn’t around. Sighing, he thought, ‘You better not be in trouble again.’ “What’s for breakfast?” Akio asked. * Getting the children ready for school, he dropped them off and returned home. Ryu sat down on a stool and switched on the phone that he had hidden in a wall. The moment he switched it on, messages came through, making him sigh. He replied to three out of the ten messages, setting up the appointments and arranged dates with the others. He was free from now until three in the afternoon because the kids had after-school activities and Sachiko was in a full-time daycare. He rushed to the makeshift bathroom and cleaned himself up. Banging soon erupted on the front door, making his heart freeze. Putting on a kimono, he made his way to the door and sighed inwardly. His first client, Shui Yokuzaro, was here. A firefighter getting off from the night shift. Shui looked down at Ryu and said, “I thought you would not answer my message.” Ryu stepped aside as he chuckled. “Why?” Shui pulled his hands out of his pockets and pulled Ryu right up against his chest. Slamming his lips against his, he got the fresh taste of mint inside Ryu’s mouth. His hand trailed down Ryu’s side, down his thigh and under the kimono. Spreading his cheeks, he shoved two fingers inside his channel, stretching him out. Ryu clung to Shui with his head hung back and moaned loudly. Shui’s lips sucked trails down his neck to his ears and whispered, “Did you have another man inside you yet?” Ryu shook his head. “No, you’re the first.” “Perfect,” he said, and turned him around with force. Ryu’s hands met with the wall as his kimono was pulled off of his body. Shui knelt down behind him and spread his cheeks. He licked his lips, then dug his tongue into Ryu’s channel, who was more than welcome. Ryu thrust his hips back and circled them, wanting more than just this, but didn’t rush Shui. Shui was one of his clients that savoured every moment with him. He wanted his money worth, and he would not waste fifty dollars on a quicky with Ryu. Getting up on his knees, he picked Ryu up and held him up against the wall. Ryu looked down at him as he cupped his face and smirked. “Why are you in a rush? You have me for two hours.” Walking him over to the bed that he shared with his siblings that had clean sheets on it, Shui placed him down and asked, “Why can’t I spend the rest of my life with you?” “With me?” Ryu asked, surprised. Shui nodded his head, “I love you Ryu.” Running his hand down his chest, Ryu said, “It’s all in your head. What you love is sleeping with me, not me. Besides, who would want a whore like me?” Shui looked down at him, and Ryu could see that he was sad. Since they met at the bar, Shui wanted to get with him. Shui didn’t expect Ryu to sleep with him on the first night, nor did he think he was a prostitute. He had been paying him a visit every chance he got, and it was picking at his bank account. Running a hand down his face, Shui asked, “Then be mine for these two hours.” Ryu nodded his head and arched his back when Shui entered him. He was erect and more than ready to treat him the way he deserved. Slow thrust, sweet kisses, loving touches. Anyone could tell that Shui loved him by the way he treated him during sex. The one that benefited most was Ryu, and it pained his heart. Maybe, if they had met before his life was turned upside down and he had to turn to prostitution to survive. Having all the children around him he picked up from the streets wasn’t a help. They were making things worse. More mouths to feed. More clothes to buy and the government wasn’t any help, but what could he do?  His heart was too big. Shui had Ryu pressed against the bed thrusting deep inside him and the grip on Ryu’s hips was bruising. His back was arched, and his throat was burning from his moans. Shui dropped onto his back as he came and he hugged Ryu tightly, waiting for the effects to subside. Ryu’s eyes closed from exhaustion, but he stayed conscious. Shui kissed his shoulders and chuckled, “I guess my time’s up.” Ryu turned around and nodded his head. “Unfortunately. But you are always welcomed back.” “When?” He asked. “In three days,” he answered. “That’s too long,” he complained. “Those are my rules,” he said. Shui nodded his head and climbed off the bed. He got dressed and dug in his pockets, taking out a black wallet. He pulled out a few bills and placed it in his hand and said, “I wish we didn’t have to do this. I don’t enjoy paying you for sex. If you’d give me the chance, you’ll live comfortably and wouldn’t have to sell your body.” Ryu sat up on the bed and looked at him sadly, saying, “I’ve said it before. If we met under different circumstances, I’d gladly be yours, but don’t you have a girlfriend waiting for you at home?” “I left her,” he said. Ryu raised a brow and wanted to question it. He nodded his head slowly and climbed off the bed. Pulling on a different kimono, he walked up to him and placed a kiss on Shui’s lips. “I’m sure you’ll find someone who deserves you.” “And you are not that person?” He questioned. Ryu chuckled, “I will always be here if you need company. But for now, you need to go home and rest. I need you to be at your full strength so that you could save someone from a fire.” Shui nodded his head and put on a shirt. Ryu walked him to the door and stared at him as he leaned against the door frame. Shui was about to say something when a police vehicle stopped in front of the house and honked. Ryu looked over at it worriedly, and so did Shui. He couldn’t get caught here, but this wasn’t like an official building. They could just say that they were dating. Out stepped two cops that Ryu recognised. They enjoyed fucking him together, but never at this house. The back door opened and out stepped the sixteen-year-old that Ryu was looking for, Shota. Ryu sighed, knowing that the two men had saved him AGAIN and it would cost him. Shota looked at Ryu and could see that he was angry. He turned to the policemen and bowed. He rushed into the house, past Ryu and Shui. Shaking his head, Ryu turned to Shui and said, “I think it’s time for you to go. I need to sort something out with them.” Shui nodded his head and wanted to kiss Ryu, but he quickly backed away with an apologetic expression and went up to the gate.   * Ryu walked into the house and saw that Shota wasn’t inside. Giving himself some time to cool off, he changed the sheets and opened all the windows. He went to the bathroom after cleaning up the semen on the floor and picked up the condom. Walking out to the back, he saw Shota sitting on the grass. Shota turned to look at him, and Ryu saw he had been crying. He sat down beside him with a sigh and asked, “When are you going to learn your lesson?” “Ryu, I can’t help it. I have a bad temper,” he answered. “What about the boy you got into a fight with? The policeman said he is a child of one of the Yakuza and now I have to go see them,” he said. Shota turned to him, saying in a trembling voice, “Nii-chan, I really didn’t mean for anything to happen. I swear I wasn’t in the wrong and that boy thinks just because he comes from a line of gangsters that he can do what he wants. You work so hard to make me lunch and I know what you go through to make money and I appreciate everything you do. No one wanted to take me in but you did and when he threw the lunch, you made me on the floor and stepped on it. I couldn’t help but feel angry. I know Nii-chan doesn’t enjoy sleeping around and it’s all that you can do to get us by, and I’m trying. I really am trying in school but just because I am poor, everyone thinks they are better than me. I can take the humiliation, but you? No one should be trampling over your efforts. “Alrigh, alright,” Ryu said, patting his shoulder. Shota reached over and wiped his tears away, making him laugh. “I have another client coming over in thirty minutes. Do you think you can disappear without any trouble for the next two hours?” He asked. Shota pouted and nodded his head. “I’ll go wait in the park until you’re done.” Ryu nodded his head, “But before that can you go to the store to buy ramen?”   * “Ah, my beautiful Ryu,” Hiro Tanaka said as he placed kisses all over Ryu’s left leg. At least his asshole was going to rest. Hiro Tanaka had a weird kink. He never visited him for sex, oral sex, or make out sessions. What he wanted was to worship Ryu’s beautiful long legs. Twenty dollars a leg and Ryu didn’t mind it if he came all over them as long as they paid.  Having him as a client was a pain in the neck, though. He’d demand that Ryu looked after his legs with creams, anti-aging serums and leg masks. They had to be shaved and luckily he had little hair to begin with. His phone buzzed on the table and luckily, Hiro was far into his fantasies, worshipping the legs, thus being incapable of getting distracted. Reading the message from the social worker: Dear Mr Aio, I have some good news for you. I have found two suitable homes. One household will foster the twins and another wants to adopt Sachiko. Please, can you come see me later today at two? The couples will be here. They want to meet you. Ryu felt his eyes sting and wiped away his tears. Placing the phone down, he remained silent, not wanting to disturb his client. ‘This is good. Now they won’t have to live in this hellhole with me,’ he convinced himself.   * “Did you have to cancel your clients? I know you usually meet four men a day,” Shota asked. Ryu chuckled. “No, don’t worry about it. It’s easier on my body if I can cancel, although they won’t be happy.” Shota sighed and stared at him. “What?” Ryu asked. “Will you have to sleep with those cops? They were bragging about how they couldn’t wait to be with you again since you are playing hard to get,” he asked. Ryu sighed. He knew they held Shota because it was the only way to get to him. They wouldn’t hold him against his will and force themselves on him because they were married with kids and had good reputations, that’s why when they met, it would have to take place in the dark of the night, in the alley behind the house and he’d have to hold back his moans. “That’s why you need to stay out of trouble,” he said with a wink. Shota nodded his head and sipped on the juice box. All of their lives were a mess. When Sachiko arrived, he had tried to kill her because all she did was cry and the baby formula cost so much money. “Don’t you feel sad?” He suddenly asked. “About what?” Ryu asked. Looking up at him, he asked, “It’ll just be us.” Ryu wrapped his hand around his neck and pulled him in for a hug. “Are you kidding me? There won’t be any noise and no more crying. The two of us could do what we wanted!” Shota chuckled. “Don’t lie to me. I know you want to cry.” Ryu felt his heart skip a beat and almost instantly, his tears dropped. Wiping them away, he said, “I don’t want to say I’m not happy. They deserve so much better than living in a house that has broken windows and walls. I’m even ashamed to bring those men into the house, knowing that it looks so terrible. I’m glad that we haven’t been kicked out yet and I don’t know what we’ll do once that happens, but at least it’ll be me and you.”   * Wiping his tears away, Ryu looked at the Hasegawa couple in front of him that wanted to adopt the twins. Taking in a deep breath, he said, “The twins have been with me for four years. It won’t be easy for them and myself.” The social worker placed her hand on his, saying, “I understand your feelings, but as you said before, it would be better if they could find a home as soon as possible. You can trust the Hasegawa’s with the twins.” Ryu nodded his head. He felt so lost at this point. They had the money, time and home for them. Sighing, he said, “I’ll have them ready for you in the morning. I think it’s better we have a proper goodbye.” Anita Hasegawa said, “Oh, do not want you to stay out of their lives. You are an important person to them and I think, as their guardian, you should be in constant communication with them.” Ryu forced a smile. “Thank you.” “I guess this is all set? Isn’t this great Ryu? Sachiko and the twins have a home that they can grow up in and you won’t need to worry about them as much?” The social worker said. As happy as she was, she was more worried that the young children would be affected by Ryu’s career. It came as a great shock to her when she asked him before how he had been getting by.  She even secretly reported what he was doing, but there was no proof, so the case was dropped. She felt sorry for him in the beginning, but by the looks of it, Ryu wasn’t suffering anymore.   * Standing outside, Ryu looked around. He couldn’t find Shota and it was time to get Sachiko from school. He wanted to buy a meal so they could celebrate, but this child… “Look at the fancy car,” Akira pointed out. Ryu looked ahead of them across the road and frowned. Immediately the doors opened and out stepped two gangster looking men dressed in black suits. They looked at him, and soon Shota was pulled out of the car. “Akio, Akira, go wait with the security guard,” Ryu said and crossed the road. Stopping in front of the men, he looked at Shota, who, he could tell, was panicking and asked, “What are you doing with me, son?” Shota’s eyes widened and teared up. He had never heard Ryu call him his son before, and it couldn’t be impossible. Ryu was twenty-nine this year. The window wound down and there seemed to be someone communicating with the bodyguards. He could hear a deep voice, but couldn’t make out what he was saying. The first bodyguard looked at Ryu and said, “Get in. Our boss wants to speak with you.” Ryu frowned and walked towards the car. They opened the door for him and he looked inside. His heart skipped a beat as he stared at a man covered in tattoos and had a scar across his left cheek and his right eyebrow had a scar in the middle that was clear if hair. He held his hand out for him to take and said, “Welcome, Mr Imai.” Ryu placed his hand in the man’s palm and climbed into the car and sat down beside him. In front of them was a boy who was blue and purple. Ryu turned to the man and asked, “What is this about?” The man smiled. “This is my brother, the one your son beat up.” Ryu looked at the boy then burst out laughing, catching them by surprise. Tears quickly formed in his eyes and he wiped them away, saying, “So what do you want me to do? It’s not my fault he started something and couldn’t defend himself.” The man raised a brow and said, “Get out of the car, Joben.”   * Looking at Ryu, he said, “I’m Fujio Ando. Current head of the Ito family group.” “You mean you are the leader of the Yakuza group?” Ryu corrected him. Ryu nodded his head. “So, why are you here? If it’s compensation you want, then you’ve come to the wrong person.” Fujio smirked, “I could always just whore you out to my boys. You are already good at that.” Ryu’s heart skipped a beat. His facial expression dropped and Fujio saw he sent the right jab. Unbuttoning the first button, he said, “Now that I’ve got your attention, let’s get talking. I know that that boy isn’t your son and you have just given him a place to stay. You’ve been whoring yourself out for thirteen years already and you’ve got a good clientele. I was going to break the orphan’s legs and end his life for ruining my brother’s handsome face, but I’ll save myself the hassle and accept your services as an apology.” Ryu’s expression was blank and Fujio couldn’t read him. He turned his head away from him, facing forward, and held back his tears. He couldn’t believe that this was happening.  First, it was those damn police officers who held Shota over his head, and now this ugly man. Scoffing inwardly, he thought, ‘No one wants you now you’re running to me.’ Ryu turned to him and nodded his head. “I’m sure you know where to find me, since you know what I do for a living. The only thing I ask is that you notify me in advance so that I can fit you in.” Fujio started laughing. He shook his head, saying, “I think you are mistaken. Your compensation starts today. You’ll be moving in with me tomorrow once those other brats are taken away and your son needs to find another place to stay.” Ryu’s eyes widened. “What about my other clients?” “I don’t share,” he stated.   * “What did he want?” Shota asked. They were in the convenience store shopping for their big meal tonight and Ryu was all in his thoughts. Right now he wished that he could have taken up Shui’s offer, but it was too late since he agreed to Fujio’s demands. Looking at him, he said, “Once they leave, we’re moving in with the Yakuza.” “What? Why?” Shota asked, confused. Ryu looked around, making sure that the children weren’t around them, and said, “He wants me to be his personal whore. He doesn’t share, so I can’t accept my old client’s.” “There are so many women in this kingdom. Why you?” He asked, astounded. Ryu smirked. “Because his ugly ass can’t get a woman.” Shota burst out laughing but calmed down and said, “I’m really sorry about this, Ryu. If I could go back in time. I’d still beat his ass.” Ryu chuckled and pulled him in for a hug. “Everything will be fine. We’ll have a home and free food at least.”   *  Ryu was drifting off to sleep when the door slid open. He opened his eyes and looked over. Sitting up immediately when he saw it was the maid. “Did, did something happen?” He asked her. She shook her head, “Ryu-chan. The boss is back from his business trip and wishes to see you.” He nodded his head, and she closed the door. He looked at Shota, who was sleeping beside him. His stomach was open with his legs spread, and he was snoring. Getting up, he closed Shota and went to rinse out his mouth. It’s been a month since they had moved in and never once was he called to attend to him. Ryu even suspected that Fujio just liked to look at him, especially when it’s time to eat because he’d be sitting with the family, including Shota and all he’d do was stare at him. Sliding the door open, he saw Fujio was sitting on his bed, rubbing his shoulders. He looked up at Ryu, who entered, and he bowed his head slightly. “You called for me?” Ryu asked. He nodded his head and waved for him to come over. He walked up to him and winced at the bloody bandage around his left biceps. “My shoulders are stiff, come help me,” he said  Ryu climbed onto the bed and got behind him. The man was covered in lumps of muscles. Placing his hands on his shoulders, he rubbed him. “Harder,” he instructed. Ryu pressed down hard, making him grunt in approval. It was silent for over ten minutes, then Fujio placed his hand on Ryu’s right hand to stop. He held his hand in his and guided him to the front. Ryu looked at him, confused, especially when Fujio’s hands moved to his hips. Gripping him firmly, minding not to hurt him. He lifted Ryu up off his knees so that he was standing in front of him. Folding his legs, he brought him up to him and tugged down on the tracksuit pants’ waistline. Ryu swallowed his questions back. His body was tingling in excitement.  He had been waiting a month to taste semen. Feeling his spine ache from being pounded into without mercy. Fujio pulled down the pants and then underwear and was surprised when Ryu’s manhood jumped out at him. Taking the organ in his right hand, he started pumping it and glanced up when Ryu started moaning. His hips were moving slowly, following Fujio’s rhythm and his head was slowly moving in a circle as he‌ took in the magnificent strokes. Placing his hands on Fujio’s shoulders for support, he opened his eyes and gazed down at him. His body shuddered when their eyes met and, by the smoothness of Fujio’s strokes, he could tell that his pre-cum was calling to him. Fujio’s gaze lowered and without a second thought, he opened his mouth and sucked Ryu’s manhood into his mouth.  Ryu’s hands flew to his head and pulled at his hair as his back arched forward. His hips soon moved and he could feel that he would climax soon. He looked down at Fujio, who was sucking the life out of him, and saw that his cheeks were slightly in. He swallowed Ryu’s manhood until it hit the back of his throat, soon followed by Ryu’s call of bliss as his orgasm exploded. Fujio caught him as his knees buckled under him. Looking into his eyes as he wiped away the semen dripping out of the side of his mouth, he asked, “How could you cum so quick? Aren’t you a professional?” Ryu stared at him, asking, “Isn’t this your first time? That tongue of yours is the reason I came suddenly.” “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you aren’t my first male,” he said. Ryu raised a brow as he was turned over. His cheeks were spread and a wide, warm organ entered his channel. Fujio dug around, tasting him. Ryu was wet from being sucked off and he tasted delicious, although salty, but it was a clean taste—a taste that he could get used to. Ryu’s mind relaxed, taking in the wide tongue. Fujio was doing a good job of eating him out. The only other man who ate him out to perfection was one of the teacher’s from the high school he attended, not during high school, a few years later when they met up again... Thinking about that man sent shivers down his spine. Fujio raised a brow and slapped him across his butt and said, “Don’t think about other men when you are with me.” ‘Huh? How did he know?’ He wondered. “So, sorry,” he said. Fujio smirked and as his tongue entered Ryu, it moved at an incredible speed against a sensitive spot in his channel and even extended, almost reaching his pelvis. Ryu’s eyes had rolled back into his head as the most incredible feeling erupted in his body. Never had he experienced this, and all the memories of his body had of the previous men pleasing him became nonexistent. It felt as though there was a vibrator going off inside him.  Ryu let out a deep loud fart as he climaxed against the sheets and into Fujio’s mouth, sending a thick white blob like substance flying. He kissed up Ryu’s spine as his body laid limp. Kissing his ear, he said, “I love the sounds coming out of your body.” Ryu’s hips rose as Fujio slowly entered him from behind, which made him tremble. “I gave you enough time to recuperate. Now it’s time to make this slutty body of yours answer to me and only me,” Fujio growled into his ear. “Mmn YES!” Ryu moaned as Fujio began his full assault, giving him long and deep strokes that sent electricity running through his body. Ryu’s body became a mess before either of them climaxed. His pre-cum was leaking and from behind, he sounded so wet as the squelching sounds travelled through the room. Fujio was having the time of his life.  Before, he’d have to force himself on women, and even those that willingly came to him needed to be paid. Inside Ryu’s body, it pained and the pleasure he was feeling was slowly dying down. Turning back to look at Fujio, he said, “It hurts.” Fujio’s thoughts were interrupted by his words. He looked down at him, then looked between them. He pulled all the way out of Ryu and what followed was a fart and cum. Ryu climaxed crazily and couldn’t believe what he was feeling. His body dropped, feeling weak. Lost in confusion, Ryu laid still on the bed. Fujio pressed his weight down on him and slowly entered, but it made Ryu scream. Turning his head to face him, he placed his lips over Ryu’s, swallowing his screams. His thrusts picked up again, but were vicious. Ryu squeezed the sheets as he felt his back arch abnormally. He wished he could turn around to see what was happening to his body, even if his soul could leave his body for a few seconds just to see. Fujio’s grunts sounded like it came from an animal and, with a last thrust that was the harshest of them all, Fujio climaxed inside Ryu’s channel with a flooding amount of semen entered him. Fujio’s jaw was latched onto Ryu’s neck but he didn’t scream when he bit down. It’s like his body just shut down, but he was still conscious. Fujio rolled off of Ryu after unlatching his jaw but his manhood didn’t exit Ryu all the way. Ryu’s eyes slowly closed as the weight on him lifted. He felt so good, and it was all confusing, but he wasn’t in a good state to register everything. Fujio pulled out of him, and immediately Ryu climaxed, waking him up from the drowsiness he was feeling. Fujio looked at Ryu, who was moaning with his back arched forward, and smirked. He was going to sleep, but changed his mind and shoved him back inside, having his way with Ryu until the sun rose.   * Ryu’s body was in pain as he grew conscious. He turned in the bed and found the other side empty after feeling around. Opening his eyes, he saw that the sun was setting and frowned. “You’re up?” Fujio suddenly said from the desk in the room's corner. Ryu tried to sit up, but the pain stabbed him like a knife. “Go back to sleep. You’ll feel better when you wake up later,” he said. “Where’s Shota? Did he go to school?” Ryu asked. Fujio walked over to him and sat down on the bed. He looked at Ryu, who was blue and pink all over, including his face, and said, “You’re worried about someone else at a time like this?” “In a time like what?” Ryu asked and could feel that he was falling asleep. Fujio cupped his cheek and said, “You did a good job of keeping up with me last night. Go back to sleep for now and don’t worry about your son.” “Mn,” was all he managed, and fell asleep.   * Shota knocked on the door and walked in when he was given permission. Fujio looked at him and asked, “What do you want?” Shota looked over at the bed and said, “I haven’t seen him the whole day. I want to speak to him.” Fujio raised a brow as he looked at him. “He’ll be fine in the morning.” Shota looked back at the bed and was worried. He has never been separated like this before from Ryu and he was sure that Fujio did something to him. He nodded his head, bowed, then left. As he was making his way back to his room, he passed a corner and tripped over someone’s foot. Looking up from the ground at the culprit, he groaned and asked, “Aren’t you tired of this?” He stood up as Joben said seriously with a shake of his head, “No, seeing you fall brings joy to my heart.” Shota opened his mouth to say something, but the smirk on Joben’s face put him off. He continued back to his room and started with his homework.   * The door to his room opened and in walked Joben and placed the books he brought with on Shota’s bed. He lied down and looked at Shota, who was focussing on his work. Smirking, Joben silently got up and walked over to him, stopping behind him. He lifted his hands and placed them on his shoulders, sending shivers down his spine. He leaned down and placed a kiss on the right side of Shota’s neck. Shota clenched the pencil in his hand so hard that it broke. Hearing the snap, Joben looked at it and smirked. He glided his hand down Shota’s right hand, leaving goosebumps, and took the broken pencil pieces out of his hand as he continued kissing him. Shota’s eyes were clenched shut and his body was trembling. Tears were streaming down his cheeks as he tried his best to keep himself together.  Joben’s left hand snaked to his neck and squeezed it gently. His lips left his neck, and he spun the chair, lifting Shota into the air above him, holding him only by his neck. Shota grabbed at his hand and arm, clawing at it. Looking down at Joben, he saw his eyes turned bright orange and the smile he had on his face was terrifying. Joben walked to the wall and pinned him to it, sliding him down. He lined his hips with Shota’s and guided his legs to wrap around him. Letting go of his neck, he watched as Shota grabbed his neck and started rubbing it. He was trembling more than before, and he could feel that Joben wanted to do something with him. Cupping his cheeks, Joben brought him closer and kissed him on the lips. He chuckled and spoke in a demonic tone, “I told you before you created this fuss that I wanted you to be mine. Why are you scared? You heard how wonderful your father’s moans sounded. Don’t you want to make those sounds too?” “Pl, please, please let me go,” he begged. “Tsk, tsk, tsk I haven’t touched you yet. How can I let you go?” He asked. “Please,” he begged, as he let his tears drop. Joben shrugged. Placing him down on the ground, he said, “Let’s skip school tomorrow. I want to show you something, but let’s get back to the homework.”   * Ryu made his way to Shota’s room and found him asleep on the bed. He looked at Shota, who was sleeping in Joben’s arms. He walked up to the bed and shook him slightly, minding not to wake Joben. Shota looked at Ryu and, as he opened his mouth, Ryu covered it and shook his head. He motioned for him to follow him out. They reached the courtyard and Shota hugged him. “I missed you so much.” Ryu smiled as they sat down and hugged him back. “I missed you too. How has school been?” “The same as usual. Why do you have to ask about that?” He asked. He shrugged and kissed him on the cheek, “Because I care about you? I know you’ve been doing well since we started staying here and I just hope that our futures will be better from here on out.” Shota looked at Ryu, confused, then looked around them to make sure no one was there. Turning to Ryu, he asked, “Isn’t there something strange about them? Especially Fujio-san?” Ryu raised a brow. “What do you mean?” Shota didn’t believe him. “You slept with him and noticed nothing?” Ryu tried to remember everything that happened that night and although he wanted to speak about it, Shota wasn’t the right person. “What troubles you?” He asked. Staring into Ryu’s eyes, he could tell that he was concerned and asked, “Does he have orange eyes and an oddly deep voice?” Ryu squeezed his hand slightly and nodded his head. “It looks like the world is a lie, right?” Shota nodded his head. “Can we leave?” Ryu chuckled, “How can we? Where will we go?”   * Fujio was lying in bed when Ryu returned from visiting Shota. He opened his eyes as Ryu climbed into bed and asked, “Where are you coming from?” Ryu thought he was asleep and caught a fright when he spoke. Turning to him, he placed his hand on his chest and pulled the hairs on Fujio’s chest. “I went to see my son. You’ve kept me locked up here for many days. “You have the freedom to walk around. You’re not confined to this room,” he said, closing his eyes. Ryu examined his face, thinking back to the conversation he had with Shota about them. He climbed onto Fujio, sitting on his waist. Fujio smirked as he opened his eyes. “Want me to fuck you again?” Ryu shook his head. Fujio saw he had this curious look in his eyes and said, “Just ask me what you want.” “What are you?” Ryu asked. Fujio raised a brow. He sat up on the bed and reached his hand under Ryu’s kimono and spread his cheeks. Lining himself up, he entered him, making Ryu’s eyes roll to the back of his head. He lied back down and thrusted in and out of him slowly, saying, “You’ll find out when the time is right.” Ryu leaned back on his hands and placed his feet flat on each side of Fujio. He raised his hips, sliding off of the length but not all the way, then slid back down. Squeezing his walls inside around the organ, he started riding Fujio with greed.  It’s been a few days since they had sex and he wanted more. Before he let Fujio do what he wanted, but now it was his turn. Fujio was growling underneath him. He didn’t know that Ryu could hold him with a death grip inside, but he wasn’t complaining.  He pulled Ryu forward and locked their lips together. Flipping them over, he pulled out of the warm channel and slammed back into him, sending a spine breaking into shock through Ryu’s body. Fujio knotted inside Ryu, hurting him, but there was no scream that came from him. Their tongues danced as Fujio unleashed an insane amount of semen inside his body. Ryu opened his eyes and shuddered, staring into Fujio’s bright orange eyes that stared into his soul. His tongue was deep inside his throat and seemed to want to venture deeper. He kissed down Ryu’s jaw to his neck, letting him breathe while they waited for him to unknot. “You’re not human,” Ryu said in between breaths. Fujio chuckled as he returned to his lips. Staring into his eyes, he said, “Yes, I’m not human. None of us are.” “Why am I here?” Ryu asked. Pecking him on the nose, he said, “You’ll find out in due time, but your main purpose is to please me.”   * “Where are you taking me?” Shota asked, scratching at Joben’s hand, but he wouldn’t let go. Joben continued dragging him through a park to a bridge that crossed a river towards an abandoned building. When they were inside, he threw him against a wall and asked as he looked at him, “I want to know something?” “What?” He asked, rubbing his wrist. Joben stared at him, asking, “Why are you being so difficult? All I want is to be with you and look at what mess you’ve gotten us into.” Shota glared at him, saying, “I don’t want to be with you. What don’t you get? Are you stupid?” Joben sighed, rubbing his forehead, saying, “It’s been two years already. Why don’t you like me yet? We even had sex.” “I told you that was a mistake!” Shota defended himself as he turned red. Joben stared at him cautiously and asked, “Really? Are you fucking with me? I wonder what your father will have to say about this.” “He’d never believe you!” Shota yelled as he pointed at him. Joben rubbed his ear. His hearing was already sensitive, and now he went and screamed like that. Sighing, he said, “Who he believes or not doesn’t matter. I told you before, let’s date, but no, you don’t want to—why do you have to hit and run like that? You enjoyed yourself that night.” “I was drunk!” He defended. “Tsk.” Joben glanced at him, and Shota could see that he was getting angry. He made his way closer to him, one step at a time, as he said, “No, you weren’t and I was very sober that day too.” Shota flinched and turned around, facing the wall as Joben cornered him. Resting his chin on his shoulder, Joben said, “I was in heat, and you helped me.” “Wh, what do you mean you were in heat?” Shota asked. Joben chuckled. He wrapped his arms around his waist. Hugging him, he kissed the side of his neck. He said, “That’s difficult to explain. I’d have to show you.” Shota felt a chill run up his spine. He shuddered and shook Joben off. Staring at him, he asked, “Why are you suddenly so warm?” To his disbelief, Joben’s eyes were glowing orange. Joben took off his clothes, standing naked before him with a smile on his face. “Don’t worry,” Joben said, and crouched down in front of him. Soon crackling sounds erupted around them and Joben, who was a man not a second ago, shifted into a magnificent black fox filling up the space they were in. “Eeek!” Shota screeched and made a dart for the door when he realised he was in danger.  The fox smirked as he watched Shota try to run away. One of his nine tails followed behind him and wrapped around his waist. He stopped Shota from escaping and pulled him up into the air, suspending him above his face. “Please don’t eat me, please don’t eat me,” Shota prayed, hoping that an angel would save him.  Joben was amused. He shook Shota twice, then looked at his hysterical expression. Raising a brow, he spoke to him through a link that was formed when they became intimate. >Relax will you, it’s me, Joben.< Shota was shocked out of his mind. “Don’t you think I know that? I knew there was something wrong with you from the moment I met you! Let me down! Let me down!” >Why should I?< Joben asked, and held him upside down. Shota was screaming his lungs out as he moved from left to right.  The blood was rushing in all the wrong directions and as he thought he was going to die, Joben lay down on the ground and cuddled him. Shota stared at the beast before him, trying his best not to admire him. He didn’t even want to speak, afraid that he’ll be up in the air again. He stared at Joben, who had closed his eyes not a moment ago. His heart was beating crazily, and he was sure that Joben could hear it. “Wh, what are you?” He asked, ending the silence between them. Joben slowly opened his eyes and stared at him. It’s been a while since Shota calmed down. Maybe they could talk more seriously now. >Can’t you see? I’m a nine-tailed fox.< Shota had counted his tails already and didn’t want to believe it. “There's no way that that is true. They are just mythical creatures.” >But here I am,< Joben said as he lifted his head. Shota chuckled. “I must be drunk.” >How else am I speaking to you?< He asked. Shota stared at him for a moment, then asked, “Really? How are we speaking when you’re not even human?” >Because we had sex,< he answered and watched as Shota died inwardly. Tears started falling from his eyes and said, “Please, please let me go. I’ll do anything you want.” >Really?< He asked suspiciously. Shota nodded his head vigorously. >Sex, once a month,< he said. Shota’s soul left his body.   * Fujio finally gave Ryu a day of rest, especially when he wasn’t in town and on a ‘business trip.’ Which meant that Ryu had the freedom to go shopping and do what he wanted just for that day. How many days he had a week? He didn’t know, since it was random. He was in a supermarket bent forward, tapping a watermelon to hear if it was right. “Ryu? Is that you?” Someone suddenly called. He turned around to see who it was, and it was his favourite firefighter, Shui Yokuzaro.  Ryu gasped and dropped the basket he was holding. He wanted to run into Shui’s arms because he missed him, but then he noticed the baby he was holding. He smiled awkwardly, saying, “It’s nice to see you again.” Shui looked around them, then back at him and asked, “Where the fuck have you been? Do you know how worried I was?” Ryu could hear the anger in his hushed tone and sighed. “My life changed overnight.” “How is that possible? I still had many days with you. You could have told me if something was up,” Shui said. Sighing, Ryu picked up his basket and asked, “I see you’ve welcomed a new family member.” Shui looked at his son and sighed. Glancing back at Ryu, he asked, “Have you been well?” Ryu nodded his head. “Managing.” Shui saw his wife making her way over and said, “Look, meet me in two hours behind the club I met you in. We’ll talk later and don’t disappoint me.” He made his way to his curious wife, who asked him who Ryu was, and he lied, saying he saved Shota from a burning building. An hour before their meet up time, Ryu arrived and was surprised to see Shui’s car waiting in the parking lot already.  Climbing into the backseat, Ryu looked at Shui, who was already waiting in the back for him. He opened his mouth to say something but was immediately taken by the other. Ryu didn’t know how or when Shui slid inside him and he was already moaning. BUt as this grew more and more intimate between them, Ryu’s stomach twisted as if something was inside his stomach, turning around as it stabbed him. He grew nauseous quickly and suddenly pushed himself off of Shui, opened the car door and fell out. He vomited everything that was inside his stomach out and it just seemed like a never ending river to him. Shui knelt down beside him trying to help him but that’s when the wind blew erratically around them and as Ryu heard Shui scream, he looked up and saw something beyond his imagination. A white beast was before them, but as he tried to figure out what was happening, he passed out.   * As Ryu grew conscious, the air seemed to be sucked into his lungs. He sat up on the bed, frightened as he recalled what he saw. As the image of the white beast the size of a building appeared in his mind and the bright orange eyes that Shouta spoke about. He remembered seeing those eyes during sex one night with Fujio. Fujio? Shui? He looked around the room frantically and stopped when he saw Fujio sitting in the corner in the dark. His eyes were glowing orange, and it was terrifying. He got onto his knees and scrambled off the bed, but he fell and wasn’t able to move. Looking at his legs, he saw that they were covered with black vines and as he scratched at them in panic; he realised he couldn’t get rid of them.  “What? What?” The vines were under his skin. “Stop scratching your legs, you’ll ruin them,” Fujio said in a deep, eerie voice. Ryu’s whole body shivered, and he trembled. “What, what did you do to me?” Ryu asked. The lights switched on in the room and Ryu saw Fujio’s eyes turn back to normal. Fujio rubbed his eyes with a sigh and said, “I took you in. Gave you a home and fed you and yet you still choose to whore around?” “Stop this. What did you do to my legs?!” Ryu screamed. “You did this! If you didn’t get fucked by someone else, you could walk, but you crippled yourself,” he explained. Ryu’s breathing hitched. He looked down at his legs, then asked, “What do you mean?” “Are you an idiot? I’m sure you know what I am. Your son wasn’t this slow. Anyway, get used to the idea of crawling your way around the house because it won’t go away soon,” he said and got up, leaving Ryu on the floor. Ryu looked around the room, confused, and tried to get on his knees, but they hurt.  Shota came running into the room in panic. Grabbing Ryu by the shoulders, he asked, “Ryu, are you okay?” Ryu shook his head. “No, I can’t walk.” Shota looked at his legs, then paled. “What happened to you?” Joben had followed Shota to the room and was shirtless with his hands in his pockets. He looked at the marks on Ryu’s legs and sighed, realising what all the noise was about. Running a hand over his face, he walked over to the bed and sat down. Looking at the two of them, he said, “He, he slept with someone other than the prince. He’s being punished.” The father and son stopped and looked at him. Shota was the first to react and said, “Stop with your nonsense. I don’t have time for this.” “It’s not nonsense!” Joben said, dumbfounded. “You two haven’t realised this, but you’re living in a different world. And you, why did you have to return to your old life? You’ll be a cripple for a long time.” “What?” Ryu asked. Joben nodded his head, then sighed. “Look, I’m only telling you this because I like Shota. I never wanted to cause fights between us. All I wanted was for you to be my mate. Then we met your father and my uncle fell for him. So in short, my uncle is the prince of our clan and you are his life partner, and because you slept with someone else during changing your body, you’ve hindered the process.” “What? Changing for what?” Shota asked him. Joben looked down at Ryu and said, “To carry an heir.” “What the fuck?” Shota said, stunned.   * Fujio grabbed Joben by the throat and slammed him against the wall, growling, “You had no right to tell anyone about our secrets.” “But he has the right to know. When were you going to tell him? You should have warned your mate, too,” Joben squeezed out. Fujio squeezed his hand harder and said, “I’m warning you, boy, I will send you back to your parents.” Joben’s stare hardened. “If you want to kill me, go ahead. Just make sure you kill my mate too, so he can accompany me in hell.” Fujio threw him to one side and said, “I’m sick of you.” And walked away. Joben slid against the wall and sat down. He rubbed his aching neck and sighed. ‘Uncle, you have a big problem.’ Fujio stalked his way to Ryu. That was miserable on the bed. Stopping at the foot of the bed, he stared at him with his hands in his pockets and asked, “Why do you look like you are dying? “That’s because I am!” Ryu hissed at him. Fujio lifted the blanket to look at his legs and saw that the binding had dug into his skin, almost nearing the bleeding stage. He sat down on the bed and picked Ryu’s legs up. Placing them over his thighs, he started massaging his left foot. “What are you doing?” Ryu asked as he tried to pull his legs back. Looking at him, Fujio said, “Stop fighting it. I’m trying to relieve you of your pain.” “Why are you doing this in the first place? Huh? Who are you to decide my future for me? I didn’t ask to be here. Now you have me stuck in bed and crippled.” Ryu said as he burst into tears. Because he was so angry, he couldn’t feel that the pain he had been experiencing in his legs had disappeared because of the circulation of Fujio’s powers.  Leaving him to complain, Fujio was in the wrong and he knew it, but who was going to tell him he should stop? He wouldn’t listen, but it was in Ryu’s best interest to come to terms with his life. “If you behave, we can copulate later,” he said, making Ryu go silent. Ryu particularly enjoyed it when they had sex. 6 months later… After kicking, screaming and pushing out the beast that was growing inside him, Ryu lifted his heavily damaged body up by the elbows and looked at the nurse between his legs. She was cradling a baby girl in her arms that was crying at the top of her lungs, but he couldn’t hear the sound. Shota walked over to the nurse and wrapped the baby in a towel and stood up, looking at Ryu. He had a huge smile on his face as he looked at his father and said, “It’s a baby girl.” Ryu nodded his head tiredly and lied back down as he asked, “Where’s Fujio?” “Outside. Should we let them in?” Shota asked. They waited for the nurse to finish up cleaning. As he held his daughter in his arms, he stared down at her and couldn’t believe it. “You were inside me?” Fujio walked into the room after the nurse left and had been standing in the doorway observing Ryu. There was nothing between them. He was sure that Ryu hated him. Never mind sex, but they were mates and there should have at least been a bond formed by now, but there was nothing. He walked over to the bed and sat down. Looking at his beautiful daughter, he said, “Thank you for giving birth to her.” Ryu looked at him surprised and said as tears fell down his cheeks, “She’s beautiful.” Fujio hummed. Looking at him, he said, “She’s as beautiful as you are.” Ryu ignored his comment. He handed her over to him or tried, but Fujio shook his head. Frowning, Ryu asked, “You don’t want to hold her?” “She’ll break,” he answered. Ryu chuckled, but his body ached immediately.  Fujio looked at Shota and Joben, who were standing nearby, and immediately Shota came over and took the baby from Ryu, who frowned. Placing his hand on Ryu’s shoulder, he said, “How about you rest for now? I’m sure you are exhausted.” He wanted to argue, but didn’t. Nodding his head, he laid down on the bed and looked around. Seeing Shota cradle, his daughter reminded him of the children he raised over the years and chuckled, “I’m surrounded by children.” Shota chuckled as he sat down beside him. He leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. “Always.” *Several weeks later* Ryu looked over at the door as he was cradling his daughter and said, “Come in.” There was a knock but after it, no one came in, which was so unusual. If it was Shota, he would have knocked and opened at the same time. Joben didn’t bother knocking and just opened. The servants would announce their arrival and Fujio… it was his room. He had no business knocking on his own door. The door opened slowly and to his surprise; it was Fujio, the person Ryu least expected to act so formally. Ryu wore a frown on his face. “Did something happen?” But then he saw the flowers Fujio was carrying and quickly said, “If that’s for Ichika, take them out. We don’t know if she is allergic to them.” Fujio looked down at the bouquet of bluebells and said as he looked back up, “They aren’t for her. They are for you.” Ryu’s head tilted to the left, confused. Fujio slowly approached him with the flowers in hand and started, “Ryu, you and I were united in unfavourable circumstances, in your case, but I’ve never once regretted bringing you here against your will. No, I lie, there was one instance. I thought of getting rid of you and your son because you wouldn’t stop nagging, but I’m glad I kept you here.” He stopped in front of Ryu and looked at Ichika that was in his arms, ogling her big orange eyes at him. He smiled at her, then looked at Ryu and said, “Bluebells are one of the few varieties of flowers that have meaning in my culture. My race believes that if you give your partner these flowers, it means that they have a special place in your heart.” He got down on his knees in front of Ryu and Ichika and, as he gazed into Ryu’s teary eyes, he continued, “I’m not human like you and I am incapable of understanding your feelings. From what you’ve expressed in the past, a human could never love a monster like. I’ve never wanted to be accepted by humans, but you Ryu? You are a different story. You’ve endured every challenge I’ve set for you, and you were capable enough to give me a child. At first, I thought you wouldn’t accept Ichika as your own and you proved me wrong.” Hearing him bring up their daughter, his eyes flew to her, and he saw that she was focussed on her father in front of them. Looking back at Fujio, who looked like he was proposing to him, Ryu’s heart raced.  Gazing into his eyes, Fujio smiled, “I’ve thought about asking you to marry me for some time now but that is not a good idea because neither of us like each other to that point but I want you to know that I appreciate you and that if you ever need me, I will be here and hopefully we could give Ichika a sibling but until then, I do not want to pressure you into being with me.” Holding the flowers up to him, he said, “I’ve heard that a human celebration is coming up in a few weeks and I wanted to celebrate it with you and our daughter. Will you be my Valentine, Ryu?” Ryu’s heart almost failed him, but he was relieved. He didn’t know how he was going to reject this monster if he asked him to marry him, but relief enveloped him, hearing his words.  Wiping away the tears that were sliding down his cheeks and adjusting how he was holding Ichika, he took the bouquet from Fujio and nodded his head, “Yes, I’ll be your Valentine, so please, your highness, stand up. I’ll be killed if someone walks in here and catches you kneeling in front of me.” Fujio stood up with a smile and took Ichika from him. He started dancing with her in his arms as he said, “Look, Ichika, he said yes.” Ryu rolled his eyes as he sat down on the bed, hugging the flowers while smelling it. He turned to look at the father and daughter pair and his heart warmed at the sight. Fujio used to be scared of the little fox, but now he had some peace of mind. Whether he’ll love him some day would be Fujio’s and the rest of theirs wishful thinking. ‘I’ll tolerate you for the rest of my life,’ Ryu thought as he closed his eyes with a smile on his face.

Anonimo571 Hey, this is probably my favorite story that I have written. I hope you enjoy it. This story contains a lot of happiness and just few sad moments, and less or nothing of dysphoria. So enjoy it please and don't forget to leave me your comments and like nwn Announcement This chapter contains: Some sexual language. TW: There are no trigger warnings for this chapter. I open my eyes... there on my side, I found her, my love, my princess, my girl... and I was her girl. I smiled, we weren't rich, from that moment to now we had a lot of financial problems; But I haven't been so happy before it. None of dysphoria, none for me, and none for her. I started to think, Are we now Cis girls? I don't know, but we are still girls. The best part of this was the idea that we both can give birth, I smiled always when I remember it. I hug her and put my body touch her body. That's enough for now, I don't want to touch her without her consent (even if she said that I don't need it). She opened her eyes, she is so beautiful, her green eyes are beautiful, and her blonde hair, and her white skin, if you asks me what I love of her body I say; "Her breasts", she was a 38 D cup. I was a brown girl, with dark brown hair, with brown eyes, and light brown skin, with a 36 C cup, and the biggest ass of us. In other words, I was her morenita, and she was mi güerita. She talked to me: "Hi my princess, how were your sweet dreams?" "Very very sweets, I dreamed with you" I said to her. "Oh my goddess, me too!" she said. I hug her again: "I love you" "I know babe" she said, at that moment she touch my big ass. I smiled: "Do you want to do it?" I asked her. "Yes" she said. "Can I touch them?" Asked if I can touch her boobs, her beautiful tits. "Yes" she said me. I started to touch them, and she touched mine with one hand, and with the other one she touched my ass. I we do it that day. And anyone has doubts, it was lesbian sex.  

In a particular city. Sun was rising and people were waking up to start their day. In a certain house, as the sun peeps through the windows with its rays. A girl can be seen sleeping peacefully, completely wrapped in inside the quilt with only her head out and snoring a little.      *ring ring* As the alarm clock rang. The cover rises indicating the figure below is waking up. The girl stifled a yawn and stretched her limbs. She let out a content sigh when she heard a satisfying pop. She walked to the bathroom to prepare herself. Once inside, in the mirror, there reflects a young girl with a face that could rival the most handsome and beautiful people that exist. She took off her clothes to take a shower her body showed she was fit and lean. Right curves and toned stomach. Anyone could tell she exercises and works out.     When finished she exited the bathroom and then headed downstairs. The living room had a modern theme to it. A big flat screen tv on the wall. On the left goes to the kitchen. It had everything it ever needed. A fridge, stove, cooking materials, and organized ingredients in it's each cabinet. A table to use for preparing the food. Next to it is the dining room. It had a round table made of wood.     The girl walks directly to the kitchen and prepares herself a simple yet fulfilling breakfast and soon comes up to the dinner table with the tray of food in her hands. Sitting down, she ate in silence. From someone else's point of view, it was a very lonely atmosphere. The girl, however, was used to it.     Ever since her parents had left her alone in this world. She got used to it, living alone and doing things alone, she was used to it. Yet the stinging pain still stayed. She suppressed the feeling and ignored it, then looked at the clock. The time showed 7:00 AM. After finishing her food, she stood up and cleaned the table and washed the dishes. There wasn't much to clean so she was finished in no time.     She walked to the front door and put on her shoes. Once making sure that she got everything, she stepped outside and made sure to lock the door before leaving. She had 20 minutes of walking to the school. Another 10 minutes to arrive in her classroom and one more 10 minutes till the classes start. A total of 40 minutes, she calculated.     Her brain worked differently from others. She can memorize in just a glance. Solve questions in a matter of seconds. Calculate every possibility of one scenario. And she can even multitask. If anyone knew her they would in no doubt say she's a genius.     Just like her ancestors, the Nightingale Family. A family filled with geniuses that specializes in different aspects. Some envy them and others respect them while the rest fear them. Many felt different emotions towards such a family. Be it negative or positive. Although none dared to do what their mind entails, for fear of not being able to see light no more.     Alisha Nightingale. A girl who is perfect in every way. No flaws can be seen and for those who don't know her well, she may appear to have no weakness whatsoever. She is also very independent and a reliable girl, despite her age. Men or boys seek her attention. Women and girls envy her in jealousy. But the said girl could care less. For she,  herself only wants to live with no drama. But her wish would be ignored by fate.     Alisha attends a private school. A school made for rich people. A chance for those who were sent to make a connection. Alisha did not see the need to do the unnecessary. Her family is, after all, The number 1 in business. The most influential family who no one dares to even bask in their presence, in the world. But how is it still the most prominent in business when no one manages it? It was no secret that the head and madam of the Nightingale Family were gone, and everyone wondered who was capable of enough to successfully run the business. No one knew except for the Pendragons'. 2nd most influential family in the business world. They knew who ran it. They knew who still made it stand tall when it should be crumbling down.     The pendragon and nightingale have been friends for a long time. It was because of certain events that made both families get to know each other, whether the reason for it was how their ancestors were friends or because of a business opportunity. But since then there has been no rumour of conflict between them. To the outsiders, both families were loyal to each other.     Back to the main part. We see Alisha walk to her seat with an emotionless face. She had the aura of a cold and aloof person, it was her default expression since the tragedy. Next seated to her, was her childhood friend. Elena Pendragon.     With a cheerful smile, she greeted Alisha:  "Good morning, my friend." And did a little bow. Mimicking a butler.     Alisha glanced at her odd friend and greeted her back: "Morning."     Then sat in her seat. The exchange was short but both parties were satisfied with the other's company, so they didn't see the need to be over dramatically show the others of their friendship.     Everyone's attention was on them the moment Alisha entered. They sweatdropped when they heard her response. The two were the complete opposite of each other. Yet they get along well- really well. Everyone knew of their good relationship. Heck- there's even a fan club about the two. Though some could not help but be sceptical. Sure they are really close but what if there was more to it than just friendship? Thus the creation of their very own Ship club. Both sides decided to come together and form an alliance. The two said girls though did not care. They can do whatever they want. It was their own opinion anyway. Do they want to create a fan club? Then go do it, there's no harm in wishful fantasy.     *riiiiiiiing* The bell rang meaning class would be starting. All settled down and went to their respective seats when the teacher came in. Overall the day was just like any other school day.     When lunchtime arrived, Alisha and Elena sat at their usual spot. At the back of the school, there was a path that leads to an old clubroom. They had stumbled upon it while walking around leisurely. Inside was clean, no speck of dust can be seen, signs of it being cleaned regularly. There was a table in the centre and it would've been where the club meetings were held but that was none of their concern.     Elena sat in her chosen chair with Alisha in front of her. They ate in silence and no one spoke. Alisha liked the quietness and Elena thought it was somewhat calming. They both finished lunch in exactly 15 minutes.     After cleaning up. Elena asked a question:  "So I heard that the Whyte family disturbed you again."     "Yes," Alisha answered with one eyebrow raised, a mysterious glint passes through her eyes.     Elena sees this and sighs. She doesn't get how her friend is so calm about some stuff. She was also impressed when she found out that Alisha was the one managing her family business. A girl doing business and school at the same time. Others will surely be impressed. How did she get time on both? That she did not know. She would need to ask her later.     Elena hummed in thought while maintaining a staring contest with her friend. Alisha obviously doing the same thing. Silence once again enveloped the whole room. Both observed each other. The first one to look away was Elena. She did not know why Alisha stares at her like that. There was amusement and another emotion she could not decipher. Her friend was full of mysteries.     She sighed as she stood up. Alisha followed her movement. As both started to head back, one thought crossed Elena's mind as she walked.     When will her friend, the one whose curiosity is over the limits, come back?

“When one observes an object. What does he see? What does he truly notice.” “Eh.” She tilted her head in confusion. “Not to be presumptuous, but I do notice, the clothes you’re wearing. Let’s just say inappropriate.” “Eh,” She tilted her head further. “You exclaimed yourself as a goddess who guides people to a new world. But, then why such a dress? Calling it a dress would be inappropriate. You look half nude.” “Ehhhh” Her face frowned. “Tell me, are you here to recruit people or seduce them?” Veins bulged on her forehead. “I still don’t get it. You want to me save some random world. Why? But let’s keep that aside for now. If your job is to recruit people then, I find that you’re terrible at it.” More veins bulged on her neck, but she tried to maintain a proper smile and speak. “But, I have not offered anything yet. So—” He interrupted her, “I’m not done speaking,” He said with cold black eyes. She shut her lips tight. “When you try to recruit someone. You have to take notice of certain things. For example the environment. Here we both are. Above the clouds, on an open palace. Sitting on chairs, facing each other and a round table between us. You must like open places. That tells me a lot about your character. However, the very fact that you tried to recruit me in an open area. Tells me you know nothing about my personality.” Her fingers flinched, and her palms started getting sweaty. “Another thing, that tells me about your scanty knowledge, is the fact that you expect me to fight. Another blunder on your part. And—” She interrupted, “But you can also get anything you want. Money, wealth, fame. So—” He interrupted. “Didn’t I say, not to interrupt?” Underneath the table, she tightened her fist. “Women, Wealth, Fame. Naive girl.” Her face reddened, and her veins bulged when she heard the word, ‘Naive girl.’ “If you wanted to recruit me, you should have offered something else. The first one, women. From my face, can surely tell that I would have no trouble obtaining women. Second, Wealth. Risking one’s life when there’re over a million simpler ways to make it. Seems foolish. I am not the luxurious type. So, I would be fine with a decent amount of money. Third. Fame. I won’t bother explaining why I don’t care.” Trying to keep her calm, she politely asked, “So, what do you want?” “You tell me,” He said with a light smile. Her face reddened further. He chuckled. “So, not only do you lack bargaining skills but also dearth bargaining chips.” Her face reddened further. “I seldom knowledge about you Gods and Goddess and whoever runs this. However, from, our conversation, I learned it’s no different than business. A trade. Now, the only way I see you recruiting me or establishing this trade is through blackmail. And it might work. I am terrified of many things. But you won’t do it. You’re prideful, you’re sensitive, you’re naive. But you’re not malevolent, are you?. Besides, I doubt, you have the stomach to blackmail someone”. She slammed the round table. “Enough. You…you have no idea, what I can do,” She said while pointing her finger. He chuckled. Her face reddened further. “Argh…I cannot deal with this” She jumbled her hair. ____ ____ He found himself inside an office. The setting seemed the same—he on one side and a girl on the other. And in the middle a table. But unlike, previously, this place seemed to be a typical office room. And the woman in front wore a simple tie, coat, pants rather than mythical goddess clothes. “Does this place suit your preferences?” She asked in a monotonous voice. “Dark place. No windows. Proper dress up. Indeed it does. So I take it, you’re also a Goddess.” “You tell me.” He chuckled, “So, the blonde one, decided she could not handle me and sent me here to a redhead.” “She did” His eyes did not shift much, but he noticed some files on the desk with his peripheral vision. She leaned back and crossed her arms, “So, do I look like someone who can ‘Handle’ you?” He also leaned back, “Sure, you look like someone who does not care about anyone. I am looking forward to seeing how you blackmail me.” “Why do you think I would blackmail you?” He chuckled, “If you really think, you would be able to send me to a battlefield, willingly. Then, you’re greatly mistaken, my dear. I hate violence.” She chuckled “What’s funny?” He asked “Nothing. Your potential would be wasted if we sent you to fight monsters. Tell me, you love mysteries, don’t you?” “You would know the answer if you researched about my life.” “I know, more than you realize, Michael.” “So, you know my name. At least, you know more than the previous one.” She leaned forward, “On a place similar to Earth. During the timeline similar to the Victorian Era. There lived a certain individual. People referred to him as ‘Mystery Magician’” He avoided her gaze and gave a light smile, “Lets me guess, he either killed a lot of people by starting wars or destroyed the world using his magical powers. And, now, you want me to stop him.” Her expression remained unchanged. “No. He never killed anyone. The magician became famous, for being a thief and the performances, he pulled during those thefts. The man lived his entire life doing what he loved. He thrived upon the thrill of getting chased. And at 103 years, he died of old age. Meaning, he never got caught.” His eyes narrowed. “Your job is to catch the thief. Mr Detective” He noticed the change in her tone when she called him Mr Detective. He leaned back. After a moment of silence, she spoke, “It seems you might require some time to think.” He gazed into her red eyes, “No need. There would be no point” She chuckled and asked, “It must be killing you inside. Right? Detective. You must be extremely curious. What’s an afterlife? Who I am? Who are the Gods? What’s our purpose? and mainly what would people like me gain if you catch him? No matter the calm exterior your thoughts must be in shambles right now. After all, that’s your nature. Detective” He realized right when she used the term ‘Detective’ Her tone turned playful. “You seem to be confident about my nature”, He exclaimed “What can I say? I cannot help but be confident after learning the way you died. I was truly amazed.” His fingers flinched upon hearing the statement, but his face never lost its composure. “You seem silent. You spoke with the previous one, so freely. Yet, you seem shy with me. I feel offended.” “The blonde girl seemed nice. It was fun talking with her. I liked her. I don’t like you.” “Such a rude to say, to someone you just met” He leaned forward. “You seem to know a lot about me, and you prepared a task suiting my nature. Or choose me for the task because of my nature. But, I wonder, why I met the blonde girl, first? When you seem to be the one who made plans for me.” She also leaned forward, “I wanted to prove her ways were not effective against everyone. And irritate her. You got a problem with that?” He leaned back, “Not at all. What can I say, when you bluntly admit it, like that” She also leaned back, “So, you accept the deal? or do you think it is some kind of ploy” “Every offer is some form of ploy. One must learn when to turn a blind eye on such ploys especially when he lacks knowledge and cannot be sure whether he can or cannot face the consequences.” “So?” Her eyes narrowed “I accept,” He said, without any hesitation “Right decision, Michael. I look forward to working with you.” “Sigh, I need more details.” “The time period is similar to Victorian Era. But with some minor changes. It’s an alternate world after all. You would occupy the body of a man who shares your name. He’s also a detective like you.” He chuckled, “So, I just steal someone else’s body.” “Of course not, he gave you his permission.” Micheal’s brows narrowed, “And you won’t tell me why he gave me his permission.” “That’s how it works. Besides, you’re a detective, aren’t you? Deduce the answers.” “Someday, I will.” He said, meeting her eyes with a light smile on his face After she explained the details, his vision faded. As his vision returned, he found himself in an unfamiliar place. “Sir. What do you think, suicide or murder?” He looked besides hearing an unfamiliar voice. There was another man similar in height with him. Standing beside him, holding a note and a pen in his hands. “Suicide or Murder?” Micheal looked around. He stood there in a vast room filled with bookshelves, paintings. A large window. A desk. A woman lying dead on the chair behind the desk. “Not in my home, not even in a private place, but directly sending me to a crime scene. That crazy woman,” He mumbled to himself.

•Space. It has endless possibilities. Space is limitless. It is vast and full of mysteries, one would be interested in. A place where many discovered unknowns.     Cosmo. Related to the Universe. Not many explored its existence yet known in the books. However, as time moved on many grew less interested. Until presumably forgotten. It is also a place full of new discoveries.     Universe. The one who holds both. Space is within its area along with the Cosmo. The Universe is huge as it has every creation inside it. None however has been able to dig deep into the concept. For all is unknown outside of it.     These three are akin to brothers. The universe is the oldest. Space is the middle. Cosmo is the youngest. One thing they have in common is having new discoveries and being full of mysteries. They are with no limits in possibilities.   ***   Researchers. They specialize in discovering new knowledge. They thirst for it. However not many were alive in this profession. The danger it carries when having a curiosity for things they should not pry with plays with the hands of death itself. One wrong move could lead to disasters. The sole reason why many gave up, except for one.     There was once a man. He was young and full of curiosity. His passion for discovering knowledge he had not known can only be described as a sponge. Absorbs fast yet still yearn for more. The thrill of the journey it held. Though not many were passionate like he was.     A report stated that a new comet has appeared. The man, being a researcher decided to check it out. He climbed mountains and passed the wildlife. Struggling as he continued to walk through difficult terrains. Although his efforts were not futile in the end. Upon arriving at the destination. He saw something that cannot be explained by mere theories. Excitement made his blood boil. The sight itself was a wonder for many.     Not waiting any longer, he walked towards it. Upon a closer look, what he saw fascinated him. The comet had markings surrounding it. Moving as if alive. It weirded him out. But as his eyes continued to lay upon it he was drawn closer.     Drawn to it, he reached out. Once making contact, the markings moved. It climbed into his hands, reaching his arms and stopped at his neck. Shocked by what had happened. He checked the markings on his body only to find nothing. His eyes once went to the comet but were found gone. Everything that happened, happened so fast he felt like hallucinating.     Deciding to go back and rest for the day. If what he saw was real, then he might need to investigate what happened to him. Although he hoped that it was only a dream. A very realistic dream. Little did he know, his life is about to take a turn.     The next day, nothing out of the ordinary happened. The man was back to his old life. Life of a researcher. Until one day. He as usual was the last person to leave his institute. Arriving at his home, he trudged his tired body straight to bed and not even bothering to change his clothes to a comfortable one, fell asleep as soon as his body relaxed. He dreamt of what happened when he found the comet back then. The dream replayed the events like a broken music box.     Unbeknownst to him. Markings appeared and started to shine a green hue through his clothes. The same markings the comet once had. Then disappear like it wasn't there, to begin with.     The man, better known as Abel. Woke up feeling refreshed in the morning. Abel didn't know why he felt that way. Like some kind of huge burden has been lifted off him. He remembered having to work late and dead tired. He didn't have a memory of doing something that would have such an after-effect. While his work may be tiresome, it wasn't to the point of him passing out in the middle of the job.     Walking to the bathroom. He grab hold of the doorknob only for the doorknob to be broken in his grasp. Blinking multiple in shock, he looked at the supposed doorknob in pieces. Abel tried to process what happened. He knew that he didn't possess that much strength so what could possibly make it happen? Walking to the mirror, he noticed something strange.     The mark on his right neck was familiar to him. Also looked a bit like a tattoo. It went down to his right arm and reached the hand. And that's when he remembered. Gasping in shock, he stumbled back.     After he calmed himself down a bit. He inspected the mark on his arm. "What is this?" He could not help but ask aloud in curiosity. Eyeing it in suspicion, he tried to make it glow like it did when he grasped the doorknob. He concentrated and focused his mind back on when he touched the comet. Not long a hue of green shined and it surrounded his arms not for some reason, directly on the skin but only outside of it. Similar to a barrier.     As he made a grabbing motion, Abel thought back to what happened on the door and went to look for something far harder than wood. With not many choices at his home, he went for a rock in his collection. Abel could care less about it, right now he was focused on his hand. At the moment he wanted to know the limits of his newfound power. Making a chop motion and lightly hitting it. To his surprise, the rock was broken in half.     "Hmm, it seems that it increases my strength by a lot."     Abel murmured in thought. He didn't know exactly how far this 'a lot' goes and he needed to test that out. He was so focused on his train thoughts that the alarm on his clock startled him. Looking at the time, it showed that he was...late.     With wide eyes, he stood up abruptly. Not even making him dizzy in the process, which should've happened. Yet it seems that he did not notice it. He went to the bathroom again and did his business fast. He left without eating breakfast and was not even aware of it as well.     At work, Abel could not focus as his mind kept on wondering about the event that transpired earlier. The mysteries he needed to discover and will those said mysteries be a problem? That was for him to find out. So in the middle of his work, mixing chemicals and all, as his mind started to wander to a different route, his right hand slipped and spilt the content of the bottle to his other hand. Greatly surprising the one next to him.     "Hey! Are you alright!?"     The concerned voice snapped him out of his thoughts and looked towards the voice. The person that called out worriedly pointed at his left hand. He turned to look and it was bleeding. By a lot. His coworkers next to him were confused. Abel was well known in the entire facility as the always-inspired person and never once made a mistake. Yet now he did.     While the others panicked seeing the amount of blood oozing out of his hands, Abel was oddly very calm about the situation. After an emergency medication and the situation being handled, he was sent back home to rest. On the way, he stumbled upon a child. A boy in tattered clothes. His face was hidden by his long hair. Abel wondered why such a young child was outside in the cold but in the meantime, he decided to take the boy with him.     He had never taken care of someone before. Hell, he can't even take care of himself. His entire life revolved around him alone as well as research. He looked at the boy and noticed a resemblance with one of them. If someone would not look closely they would be interpreted as father and son. Abel knows he never engaged in any kind of act like that. So why did the boy look exactly like him? Alas, too tired to figure it out, he set the boy in his bedroom and slept in the living room. He drifted to the dreamland again but not before muttering, "Too many crazy stuff happening today" and directly fell asleep.     In the morning. The boy woke up peacefully. That's odd. He never sleeps well before. First, he was surprised at his newfound surroundings. The second was that the dream he usually has didn't appear. He got down from the comfy bed with hesitation as he didn't want to leave such a soft bed yet but he needed to know where he was and went downstairs. Then he smelled a fragrance he was familiar with. Living in the streets has its ups and down after all. Heading to the kitchen, he saw a man cooking some food he has never seen before. Slightly flinching when the man turned to look at him and froze. He wasn't very good at interacting with others considering his situation. At most, many would just forget he was ever there.     "Ah, you're awake. Sit down and eat your breakfast."     The boy looked at the food displayed on the table in a daze. There was a lot. Different kinds too. Was this the normal amount for a breakfast? He was homeless before so he wasn't entirely sure.     The boy sat down and asked: "For me?"     Abel with a smile nodded: "Yes, for you" and quickly added.     Abel's smile widened when the boy started eating. Together they ate in silence with a harmonious air, even though they are strangers.     At some point, the feast ended. Abel went to wash the dishes and the boy stayed seated as he relished the aftertaste of the food he ate. Apparently, the boy ate to his delight. And while washing the dishes. Abel could not help but ask. "Do you have a name?"     The boy flinched in his seat and Abel who saw this sighed. Of course, he had to make the boy uncomfortable. Curse his curiosity.     "I'm sorry. If it's hard for you, you don't have to answer."     He said smiling reassuringly at the boy. After that, the whole day was filled with silence. Oddly enough it was a comforting one. Both observed each other. Right now, words were not needed.     And so days passed. Abel taught the boy how some things work. He also discovered new powers and how to use them. Meanwhile, the boy now named Alan also had the same passion for research. Alan was a genius at his age. Abel found out about it and he was proud of it. At some point, he adopted Alan and became his official son.     He also decided to tell the truth. On how he found a comet and how it gave him powers. Showed Alan some demonstrations. Abel was basically a superman. Super strength, Enhanced senses, Night vision, Nigh Vulnerability, etc. What the humans could not have, he possesses. He became a hero. At least that's what people call him but to Alan, Abel was the dad one could ever find and that wouldn't no matter what. Time quickly passed by and a lot happened.     Months later, Alan was dubbed the youngest genius in history. He finished school at the age of 15. Alan helped his father in the hero business. He created technologies to help in support. Abel liked to call him his trusted sidekick. Always there to help him whenever he's in trouble. Alan was quite proud to be called that. It just means that his father has that much trust in him. Thus they were known as 'The Duo'. It was a pretty lame name but both of them were bad at naming so they stuck with it.     Years passed. Alan found his love. Abel approved of it and as he was getting busy as days passed, Abel worried that Alan may feel lonely. And in the end, he did not regret it giving his blessings to them. They were a happy family. Abel had a wonderful grandchild. Who also had so much curiosity. It seemed that curiosity was part of their genes now and would be for the next generation. Of course, the child is a genius. His father, Alan, was a genius so why wouldn't the child be? The intellect came from the father and the looks came from the mother.     Centuries arrived and their days were in a cycle. Although happy to say they were all a happy family all together. There were some occasional conflicts but it was solved peacefully.     This is how Abel, the researcher, truly felt happiness in his entire life.     And this is how a new person will begin their journey. How will they end up as? Will they be like Abel, who met wonderful people? Or will become the opposite?     The story, Fate has weaved will now begin. Hey there! This is my first time writing,  and for those who've read my past stories,  I'm sorry for not continuing them,  but with how often I have the writer's block,  my brain continues to make an entirely new and different story,  then those ideas bother me to no end.  Hopefully,  this one is the long-type series I'll have.   Sidenote: This is pretty edgy huh? Lubs out~

Announcement Aye guys I'm new here so pls help me with my story by correcting my grammatical errors. Spoiler don't be offended with my slight bullying I displayed. I will change our mc's behavior after 3 chapters or so. [collapse] In a shady looking room. A buffed woman while halfway wearing a yellow mechanic clothes slowly brushes her teeth while her eyes are half-closed. But suddenly the door of her room broke to pieces.   *BANG*   "Boss! Big problem!" A young man  shouted while half of his uniform got burnt to dust, showing his ripped abs and his drenched white tank tops. The woman slammed her toothbrush and gargled some water to remove the toothpaste. She then turned her whole body around and walked to a table and grabbed her favorite hair clip.   "For Fuck sake Jerold!, Stop Destroying my Fucking door!!" The Buffed Woman said while angrily walking and fixing her hair into a twin tail and securing both of them with her sharp shark fin hair clip. She then tackled the guy and holds his head with her legs.   Her appearance is how should I put it. Maybe a tall Loli faced buffed woman. Her height is around 6ft or below but ill tell you she's tall. She got an abs packed on her. Or should I say she's ripped on some area. Her toned but still slender arms are mesmerizing, damn her thick muscular thighs looks so powerful. It might even crack a coconut. She got a white as porcelain skin, a long maroon colored hair, an emerald crystal clear eyes, and a D cup muscled Bust.   "Yes Chief!" The dude got scared of his life. But inside his head. He's celebrating.   "Stop staring at my thighs and tell me what Jessa did again." She tiredly said and removed both of her legs that is on his neck.   "Yes. Boss!" The dude started talking while he's down.   "Well Boss, She first started tinkering with the 'girls' underarm first but~" He then prolonged what he is saying until she got irritated and punched his rib cage. "Spit it out already you dipshit."   "UGha!!" The pain of the punch attacked his unprepared mind making him squirm on the ground.   "Fuck you, you useless ass." She cursed the downed man. "I'll just personally go there and check it 'Myself;" She said and started walking outside her now lit room.   "Chief! Wait!" He shouted towards the now fading silhouette while limping in pain.   "Forgot to tell you." She yelled while running on the metal platformed hallway. "I will 'Reduce' your pay check for annoying me!" She then started laughing maniacally.   "She blew a fuse!!!" He shouted but the woman is already out of earshot when ye shouted.   __________________________________________________________ (Chief's1MC. POV!)   'Good for him. I'm just joking.' I thought to myself and giggled slightly while I was running. I ran and passed by a group of mechanics that came out in the Canteen.   "Did you saw Jessa again." The male leading a group of 3 girls and 1 guy said while scratching his head.   "I don't know. But I'm sure chief is already on its way to the Garage." A girl with a lot of body piecing said. "Oh Croma. Look its the chief!" The nerdy short purple haired girl said while pointing at me.   "Shit! She's dead!" the only other male of the group said and instantly made a call using his ear piece that we had when working.   Well. That's the group i already passed by and I was already halfway through opening the door.   *Bang*   The double door of the mech bay slammed open and threw two burly men in the air.   *Bam* *Bam*   Their body heavily fell and knocking them unconscious.   "You shitty brat where are ya!!" I screamed on top of my lungs while grabbing a wrench that is placed near the now busted doors. "Oh Shit!!, She's here!!" A voice of a young girl screamed in fear. I strained my hearing and instantly located the source of the voice.   "Don't you fucking dare hide inside the chest cavity of the mech I'm currently fixing!!" I started sprinting while yelling and wildly swinging a wrench towards a broken frame.   "NOOO!!!" The little girl that is currently climbing inside fell down on her butt and cried in pain. I instantly grabbed her collar and lifted her body upward until her eyes full of tears met mine.   "Don't slap me master!!" She hurriedly said and started flailing around making me lose my hold for a second before i caught her again.   She kept on struggling until i got irritated again. I then hanged her tiny body on a pulley with a hook and pulled the chains. The pulley lifted her body in the air making her more scared.   "Don't do this to me mas- Kyaaa!!" She screamed in fear when i pulled the chains again raising the height.   "make noise again and ill hang you higher." I threatened her and mentioned the chain I was holding.   *Gulp*    Are you that scared of me that your gulp sounded louder than a fart of Jackie!   "So tell me what have you done again." I angrily said and yanked the metal chain. Making the Pulley swing in circles. She started circling around and started talking. "Please St-p th- is Alrea- dy!" She cried while being swung by the hook around.    I then saw her face started getting metaphorically green while her eyes became small and cheeks puffed. *BANG* A loud noise suddenly rang nearby but I ignored it and refocused my mind on punishing this little pipsqueak.   "Chief She blew the fuse of Cromstat. *HYUP*" A loud male voice suddenly said while taking a lot of air like it was a noodle.   (Jerold's POV)   I hurriedly ran towards the mech bay after I recovered from her strong as a charging rhino.   "I hope I arrived before she beat up Jessa." I kept on running and running until I'm almost out of fumes, that I finally reached the door with a huge decal saying [MECH BAY]. I threw my body towards the door opening it.   *Bang* My tired and gasping body fell towards the metal floor and hitting the two unluckiest guy in the base.   "Why *Hah* Did *Hah* They *hah* made this *hah* hallway *Hah* LONG! *Hah*" I said between ragged breaths.   "Chief She blew the fuse of Cromstat. *HYUP*" With my last energy. I shouted towards her general direction while still gasping for air. I forced my head towards her direction and saw an unbelievable scene.   A girl with barf on her face is tied/hanged on a hook, a group of grown ups silently cheering, two down grown men, a broken and slightly burnt mech frame, and a stupefied group of mechanic recruits that is currently sipping on a sippy cup.    *Pang*   A metal clashing against metal got heard inside the room and shattering the now awkward silence.   "damn that's an embarrassing landing." She nonchalantly said and grabbed a bucket full of water somewhere. She then sprayed it on my face and threw a dirty piece of cloth.   "clean this girl's barf." She then pointed at my face and the floor I landed.   CliffHanger_DUDE Filipino is my First language. I got a below or above average understanding of English. (:V) Scribbly won't let me post pics here. So I used links. Current Mc looks.I suck at drawing       Still suck at it   Edit 1: I got a darling In the franxx fanfic chapter in this story and currently stashed in my laptop.

I threw myself off of my bed, hitting the floor with a hard thud while clutching my neck and gasping for air. Adrenaline was flowing through my veins and the gears in my head were turning, trying to make sense of what had just happened. I look around, my dark green eyes shifting from left to right. I scanned the area, my pupils darting around the room. Huh...? Wait what...? That's right. Around me were old worn white walls, a sturdy steel door, a surprisingly clean sink, and a very nice toilet. It was my room. How did I even get back here? I closed my eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. I'm not dead! I'm alive! I placed my hands on my face, giggling manically to myself. Have I finally gone insane? I stood up, walking over and running my hands across the surface of the painted walls. I jumped onto the sorry excuse for a bed and slowed down my breathing. I am... back? Was I saved? I opened my eyes and placed my hands on the rugged sheets, grasping them firmly. I blinked a couple of times, rubbing them which caused them to tear up. I even pinched my arm. This can't be a dream! It feels too real... I didn't die? Before I could contemplate my situation further, I hear the sound of heavy footsteps. I jolt up from the bed in a panic, standing up and facing the door. Who is that? Are they coming in here? The loud beeping sound was heard before the door clicked and opened. There stood two men clad in body armour, wielding two fully automatic weapons. I stared at them before the guard to the left began speaking. "Hey, you. You're up. We've got some work for you. So do me a favour and step on of your cell." With no hesitation, I walked towards the guards and stepped out of my room. A brightly lit hallway greeted me, littered with many other steel doors that I assumed were also 'cells'. I had already been informed that I was not the only lab rat here. I began to think of all the other people who are going through the same thing as me. How many cells are there? There were way too many to count. After looking around, the same guard looked at me and spoke. "What are you looking all stupid for? There is nothing here for you. Now keep quiet and follow me. Oh, also, we're authorized to... uh... dispose of any disobedient test subjects. I would recommend not doing anything else stupid." Duly noted. I stepped behind the guard as he turned around and began to walk forward. The other guard got behind me and 'suggested' my cooperation with a shove. I shuffled forward, regaining my balance while inwardly cursing at the rude guard. I followed the first guard's suggestion, keeping my head straight and not looking around too much. There were other guards that we passed by, staring me down as I passed by them. Some even laughed at me. My mind was in shambles as I tried to come up with a reasonable explanation for my sudden revival. I was sure I had died from the horrifying statue they had introduced me to. I was still alive and now heading back to its room, with no hope that it will be happy for a new visitor. My thinking was interrupted by an announcement that came from a speaker somewhere. "Attention, Dr. Maynard. Report to administration's office immediately." Dr. Maynard...? That name sounds somewhat familiar. There are many things at this time that I cannot provide a reasonable conclusion for. I assumed I had some sort of memory loss, maybe even the breaking of my already fragile sanity! If this is actually proceeding how I think this is proceeding... Then won't I die soon? I need to formulate a plan quickly... As I thought to myself, the guards started conversing.,, "So... Have you seen any good movies lately? I heard Morbius was pretty good." - Guard 1 "Oh, uh... I don't really watch movies. Not really my thing." -Guard 2 "Ah ok, understandable. What about novels? Read any of those? Now that I say that, maybe I should write a novel about this place." - Guard 1 "What? Why would you do that? Would they even allow you to do that? No!" - Guard 2 "I don't know. Just seems like something that would be cool. No need to get so loud." - Guard 1 "You know, now that you mention it... I was planning on writ-" - Guard 2 "Bro...? Look, I've kinda lost all interest in this conversation. Let's just escort this D-Class to the testing site." - Guard 1 As they conversed amongst one another, I began creating a plan in my head. We eventually came into a hallway, which seemed to split into two separate paths. We took the left pathway and came across a triplet of scientists conversing amongst each other. There was another poor soul being taken away by some other guards as well. I whispered them a silent prayer in my head as we finally made it to our destination. We stepped into what seemed to be a proxy room and the door was closed behind us. I gathered my thoughts and took a good look around, searching for any advantage in the upcoming catastrophe. Cameras were placed along the wall along with some bulletins that seemed to hold important notices. I made sure to remember that so I could look at them later. There was a monitor by the door that was turned off, along with a small camera right above it. It seems that there is a video feed showing both sides of the door, preventing unwanted exits. I turned to look at the guard and he spoke while rustling for something on his person. "Well! We are, in fact, here if you did not realize this already. Continue from here and follow all instructions and you'll probably be fine. Oh, and yeah, take this while you are at it." The guard pulls a crumpled piece of paper out of his pocket, extending his hand and offering it to me. I take it from his hands and he walks towards the door. It opens for him and he steps through it, not looking back even once. What an asshole. I look over the paper, trying to gain as much information as I possibly could in order to maintain my... mortality.  Item #: SCP - 173 Object Class: Euclid Special Containment Procedures: Item SCP-173 is to be kept in a locked container at all times. When personnel must enter SCP-173's container, no fewer than 3 may enter at any time and the door is to be relocked behind them. At all times, two persons must maintain direct eye contact with SCP-173 until all personnel have vacated and relocked the container. Description: Moved to Site-19 1993. Origin is as of yet unknown. It is constructed from concrete and rebar with traces of Krylon brand spray paint. SCP-173 is animate and extremely hostile. The object cannot move while within a direct line of sight. Line of sight must not be broken at any time with SCP-173. Personnel assigned to enter container are instructed to alert one another before blinking. Object is reported to attack by snapping the neck at the base of the skull, or by strangulation. In the event of an attack, personnel are to observe Class 4 hazardous object containment procedures. Personnel report sounds of scraping stone originating from within the container when no one is present inside. This is considered normal, and any change in this behaviour should be reported to the acting HMCL supervisor on duty. The reddish brown substance on the floor is a combination of feces and blood. Origin of these materials is unknown. The enclosure must be cleaned on a bi-weekly basis. So this statue's main weakness is a direct line of sight. If I can maintain eye contact with the SCP, then I should be able to trap it until I can get far enough away from it. Got it. I crumple up the document, shoving it into my pocket for future use. I gather all my courage and... step inside.

The kingdom of Falthron, had seen better days. It was a kingdom that had been through many wars, and had seen their buildings and walls, rebuilt, time and time again.  Burnt down homes and buildings lined the roads, smoke still floating up into the dark bleak sky. Citizens crying and begging to save their loved ones, even they, themselves knew that there was no hope. Corpses mangled and burnt strewn everywhere. The healers could barely keep up.  The soldiers and knights were either silent or sleeping. Hope, vacant from their eyes. The nobility didn't escape either, with several families having been wiped off the face of the world.  Smouldering craters left in what would've been their proud mansions and land.  The palace, the place of the rulers, was barely standing, with its towers cut off, and the walls blown off. A small number of servants were still alive, while the majority were missing or dead. Within the vast throne room, the bodies of the royals were torn to shreds, barely even being recognizable. The throne was still covered in glossy red blood, yet still shone with its gentle gold.  In the middle of the room, stood a single female, one donned in a full set of metallic armour. The once proud armour had been torn off, leaving bits and pieces on. Her long cascading white hair was matted with blood, and her prized heavy sword, the falling star, was broken into pieces. Her beautiful face, once said to be able to make empires fall, was covered with blood, as she was missing her left eye. But her right eye, her right eye was staring directly at her family. Empty  Soulless  At the entrance stood two knights, one holding an elegant style, covered in gold, and the other covered in pointed and rough styled armour, coloured in crimson red. Not a single sound was heard, as the girl, let a wail, full of anguish.  She fell to her knees, screaming her soul out, tears flooded down her face, as she held the bodies of her family.  It was the start, the birth of the ‘Queen Of Vengeance’.

THE YEAR WAS 3144. Forty-fourth year of the Contemporary Age. Summers end. Today was the day. The day she had been dreading for a long time. This day would define her future moving forward and that thought alone was driving her to the brink of insanity. After completing her morning routine, Emi sighed as she packed up her things, stacked her books, and exited her dorm room, locking the door behind her. At the moment, she was the only one there. Her additional roommates would be arriving at intervals. Three of them. Their names and backgrounds still hadn’t been specified to her. Living with strangers, now that was something else she dreaded. Perhaps in an ideal scenario, they wouldn’t be too problematic and the four of them could all get along, but Emi wasn’t one for optimism.   As she stepped outside the girls’ dorm, a cacophony of noise rang in her ears. Just a single block over was the daily hustle and bustle of Downtown Marlia City. Car and truck horns could be heard blaring throughout the city streets, while a news anchor spoke passionately about a story on a nearby big screen. Emi was too far away to make out any of the details, so she decided to make her way over to the courtyard.  A deep blood-red sphere, commonly known as The Yolk, loomed overhead in the bright blue morning sky, just below the sun. Its intimidating presence created a sense of foreboding, something that wasn’t doing any real favors for Emi’s current psyche.        Dammit… She thought, her teeth clenched. I am so not ready for this…                                                         Minutes later, Emi walked past the gate and through the garden between the boys' and girls' dorms, her schoolbooks in hand. Looking around, she noticed plots of grass that encircled the cobblestone patio. The large fountain in the garden's center held an eight-foot-tall granite statue of Gaia, Mother of Terra. The fountain was surrounded by well-maintained greenery and a few mahogany park benches for students to sit and prattle on about their daily lives. It was also a popular meeting place for lovers, earning it the moniker "Leman’s Footpath".   As she circled the fountain and made for the West Exit, Emi couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Perhaps it was Mother Terra herself, keeping a watchful eye over her beloved children? Come on, girl, get it together, she told herself, shaking her head in self-admonition. It was only a statue after all.    You’re just nervous. That’s why you’re seeing things. There’s no way that… Hm?   When she reached the end of the garden and looked around, she caught sight of something… or rather, someone. Kneeling on the ground nearly a few feet away, sporting the Phoenix Academy midnight blue and orange, was a lonesome girl—but not just any girl—one with black hair in a short bob and large cat-like ears with tufts of white fur at their respective tips. Her arms and legs were noticeably wrapped in gauze.  A feline beastkin? Emi’s eyes lit up. This was her first encounter with a beastkin her age. Demi-humans were still met with hostility in the northern parts of Empyrea where she grew up. Books and manatite telecasts (MT) were the only available sources of information for a young girl back then. Marlia City, on the other hand, was known as one of the most racially diverse cities on the continent of Taqora.   “Ugh…” The catgirl was hunched over, favoring her left arm. A spilled can of coffee lay next to her foot. Her hair was sopping wet, and her uniform shirt was splattered with large wet stains. Someone appeared to have poured the contents of the can all over her head. Sweet Mother… Who did this to her? Emi thought, gritting her teeth. Bullying this poor girl and making such a mess so early in the morning… And for what? She could feel an angry heat rising within her petite frame. The catgirl’s breathing was ragged. It didn't take a doctor to see that she was in a bad way. She needed medical attention, and fast. Without another thought, Emi approached the girl.  "Um, hey there, are you…?"  Emi trailed off as the young beastkin raised her drooping head from the ground and stared back at her. The girl's face was almost human, eyes large and round with beautiful greenish-yellow irises and black diamond-shaped pupils. Emi found herself momentarily entranced.  There was also gauze wrapped around the catgirl's head, which made Emi wonder what a girl her age could have gone through to sustain such injuries. She knew better than to pry into the life of a complete stranger, no matter how strong her curiosity was. Emi set her books down beside her. First things first, she needed to dry the girl off.  “Now, let’s see, where did I keep that… Ah-ha!” Rummaging through her bag, Emi produced a round metallic capsule. In the center was a blue crystallized orb. The catgirl eyed the foreign object suspiciously, leaning further away. “Oh, there’s no need to worry,” Emi reassured with a warm smile, “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m just gonna use this to dry you off. Promise.”  “Hm?” The catgirl tilted her head in confusion.   Emi tightened her grip around the capsule. The orb glowed brightly as the capsule began to levitate, hovering just inches away from her palm. She then closed her eyes and lowered her hand near the coffee-soaked catgirl, taking a deep breath and channeling her mana. “Fortis Acqua Inversa…” She uttered an incantation in Ancient Laphtalian, and with a wave of her hand, the capsule transformed into a palm-sized sphere of water. It remained suspended in midair, eventually lowering and lengthening itself as it made contact with the catgirl. “Eep!”  The timid girl flinched and tightened her eyes shut, bracing herself. She slowly opened her eyes again after a few seconds and gaped in awe as she watched the floating water twirl and dance around her hair, shirt, and skirt. “W-Wha?” It washed over the coffee stains, shifting to a brown color before quickly dissipating. Emi rotated her hand gently before clenching it into a fist. As it floated back to her, the water returned to its round shape and shrank in size. When the conflux with the spilled coffee was finished, the capsule then reverted to its original form. “There!” Emi shifted her spectacles, beaming proudly at her work. “That oughta do the trick.” “...?” The young catgirl stood up slowly as she examined her clothes. She began by shaking her head, testing the dryness of her hair. Sure enough, it was just as dry as it had been since she left her dorm room. She then ran her hands over her freshly washed uniform shirt and skirt. Her eyes widened as she realized they were both dry as well. “I… I am… dry?” Her bewildered gaze flicked over to Emi. “B-But, how…?”  “Hm. The answer to that question is simple,” Emi grinned, holding up the capsule. “Not only can this mana capsule perform aqua spells, but it can also use them to extract moisture from any surface in just a matter of seconds. Isn’t magitek a thing of beauty?” Emi had been traveling around Taqora with her mother since she was a small child. During these adventures, she was exposed to a wide range of cultures and even witnessed the use of magic in ways she could never have imagined. Emi can only cast minor pyro and defensive spells and is unable to learn other types of magic due to her limited mana pool. This disadvantage drove her to seek support from magitek in order to be useful in this magically dominant world. The use of practical magic for daily chores was once commonplace in the Middle Age, but with the rise of magitek in the Industrial Age, the practice had all but died out.  When she visited the Great Forest of Everwood, she saw forest elves still using practical magic for everyday tasks. Emi had never seen aqua magic used in such a way before. This would inspire Emi's invention of "mana capsules," a device that allows those with limited mana pools—be it beastkin, orcs, or rarest of all, humans—to use multiple forms of magic. Emi was confident that with a little more effort, these mana capsules would allow even the most unskilled mages to keep up with their more magically gifted peers. “Uh…” “Mm? Oh!” Realizing that she was still holding her mana capsule aloft, Emi’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment. “S-Sorry about that. Got a little carried away there.” “Th-thank you,” the catgirl managed, bowing deeply. A Hōjinese gesture. Perhaps she was raised in that particular culture, Emi figured.  “No, problem! I just… Oh…” Getting a closer look at the catgirl, Emi grit her teeth in disgust. Not towards the girl herself, but to the sad sacks who left her in such a miserable state. “Gods have mercy, girl, who did this to you?” As Emi examined the catgirl's injuries, she noticed blood seeping through the gauze on her left arm. “Hm, it looks like one of your wounds reopened. We need to get you to an infirmary. Come.”   “Wh..!?" When the catgirl noticed Emi's outstretched arm, she jerked back several feet with surprising speed and grace for someone in her condition, beastkin or not. She sank to one knee and shuddered. “P-Please… stay away!” “Huh? But you're hurt! I was just…”  “No, no, no! I… Agh!” Her body continued to shake as she yelped in pain, covering her head with her hands. “I... I’m sorry if that sounded rude… and I'm thankful for your help, but… I don’t want to hurt you…or anyone… So I beg of you…”  She raised her head, her limpid semi-gold orbs emitting a faint glow as they met Emi’s gaze.  “Stay. Away."  “…??” The catgirl jumped to her feet and scampered away toward the girls' dorm, still favoring her left arm. “H-Hey, wait!”  Emi’s arm fell to her side as she watched the girl leave.  I wish I could’ve done more to help, she told herself with a heavy sigh, but if she doesn’t want it, then who am I to overstep?  With a shrug, she picked up her books, turned on her heel, and resumed her long walk to the main building of the school.

SwissChocolates AN: Yes, this is like the second time I’m remaking this. The first time was because my writing was actually awful and this was my first fanfic, this time is just because I wanted to get a fresh start. I promise once the series actually gets a few chapters in, I won’t restart it anymore, however since the beginning is so essential to the entire story, I need to make sure I’m satisfied with it before I can move forwards. A lightly armored young man came into a tent holding a paper, sitting inside the tent was a man wearing much heavier armor, decorated with various rewards obtained from battles, some recent, others from long prior. The young man spoke up as he saluted the older man, who was sitting at the edge of the tent, looking over a desk with a map on it,“Sir, I’ve come with the report you requested!”   The man looked up from the map and nodded, leaning back in his chair and drinking out of a tall beer cup, “Alright, give the report.”   The young man nodded, “We believe we’ve successfully cleared out the last of the monsters within the city itself and stopped most hiding within it from escaping. Since the barrier was lowered this morning the last few dozen have tried to flee the city, none of them standing much of a chance despite the barrier’s removal.”   “That’s good. Any casualties?”   “No sir, some were injured, but nothing too severe. Few of the remaining monsters were in any significant sized groups, at most in small huddles of two or three. We were generally able to overwhelm and surround them quite easily.”   “I believe the last of the forces left today, correct? How many have been stationed to remain here and for how long?”   “I’ll explain our numbers in each group. Firstly, for the Noble Knight Federation of our army, 5,000 members have for the most part remained in full. With our armies still securing order in the former city and the surrounding forest, many of the nobles hope to gain some concessions or land out of the potential new territory, and as such have committed fully to the subjugation efforts.”   “I hope the Royal Knights are still here, of course?”   The young man looked at his paper for a few moments before nodding in confirmation, “Correct, even after cleansing out the city, the Jura Forest is still filled with numerous monsters kept out of line due to the absence of Veldora. The King saw it fit to leave the experienced fighters to remain at least for the next few weeks or months to help secure a stable permanent hold here.”   The older man chuckled to himself, “He’s probably also looking to make sure the Nobles have less of a claim to the land for their efforts by making sure his own army is doing equal or greater work. Whatever’s the case, it’s not my place to question it. What of the Sorcerers and Mercenaries?”   “While some of the mercenaries have been demobilized, about half have been sent back to Falmuth to function as a de-facto reserve force in case anyone tried to take advantage of this moment and launch an attack. The assumption is that they’d probably do very little to actually stop an invasion, but they would buy us time if one came. The Kingdom is particularly worried about Dwargon, who supposedly had an alliance with this ‘nation.’ As for the Sorcerers, for much the same reason as the Royal Knights, they have remained for the most part as well, however their leader, Razen, along with the Royal Knight’s leader, Folgen, have both returned to the capital with the King and his personal guard, leaving local commanders in charge, including yourself.”   “Seems fair enough, I expected more of our forces to pull out of here, but I suppose the Kingdom’s cautious and doesn’t want to withdraw until we can establish a fort here or something. Do we have any word on what to do with any of these buildings? Half of them are burnt and unusable, but we could salvage what's left and make a decent sized fort-city here.”   The young man flipped through some papers, reading over them for a few moments more before responding, “It appears the King and the nobles are planning to discuss this matter over the next few days. I’d imagine we’ll have a response in a few weeks.”   “Alright, thank you, you’re dismissed. Oh right, one last thing, what about that big pile of corpses we got? We were supposed to get rid of em’ right? Who was assigned to that again…?”   “That’s already been decided sir. Now that we believe we’ve gotten all the monsters here, we’ve gathered them all into the large pit and we plan to burn them at midnight tonight. It might smell horrid, but the wind should blow it in the opposite direction. We just got an abundance of rations and alcohol, so many commanders were thinking of hosting a small celebration under the light of the fire.”   “I see, that’ll be an entertaining spectacle. I suppose I should get wrapped up then. Got some last business I need to finish up. You’re dismissed.”   The younger man saluted once more and pivoted to leave the tent, the older man once more looking down at a map of the Jura forest they were now in, a single knife planted into the table located right where they were now, the ruins of the Jura Tempest Federation, the former capital of Rimuru City. A small group of orcs, each heavily armored with weapons shoved into the ground sat in a circle in a silent cave-like structure. Above them was Rimuru City, or rather, what was left of it. Just a bit over a week prior the Kingdom of Falmuth had sent a force to attack. The force was small, however with the placement of barriers over the city, the monsters defending it were weakened and unable to fight properly. As such they managed to kill a large number of people, and injure many more. Despite their best efforts, they failed to communicate with their leader, Rimuru Tempest through the barrier, and Souei, who had been inside the barrier, was unable to send body doubles beyond it. Due to this fact, when the full army of Falmuth came a week later, they were almost entirely destroyed.   Fortunately, they had foreseen this as a likely outcome, and all of the Orcs worked together to establish numerous underground caves where they hid whoever they could fit; women, children, the sick and the elderly, anyone who couldn’t fight. Also within these makeshift caves were much of the Orc portions of Tempest’s former army, with them being assigned to defend the few entrances to these caves in case they were ever discovered. Being the best at defense, they were deemed the best for the job. Among them were also a number of goblin forces, though few in number, they were more agile than the Orcs and could potentially come in useful for their inevitable retreat out to the forest.   Now, however, this group of Orcs had to discuss just that. The barrier which had weakened them, even while underground, was now gone. Their strength had gradually returned throughout the day, and by now most were at their full strength. The argument being made now was whether or not to attempt a retreat into the forest.   With a heavy sigh, the leader of all the Orcs, and now the de-facto leader of what was left of Tempest spoke first, “We cannot stay here forever.”   One orc, looking down at the ground, clenched his fist tightly as he responded, “Nonsense, Rimuru will save us eventually…”   Another orc looked down, though in shame rather than anger, “No, why would he? We have failed him. He granted us his mercy after he killed the Orc Lord, yet we have failed to protect the nation he and his friends worked to build. I fear we have lost his trust.”   “Then you do not know Master Rimuru.” Geld muttered firmly, causing the other Orcs to turn his way, “There is nothing more we could have done. I recognize the mistakes we have made, for we should have prevented this in some way. But we did not. Regardless, there will be no end to our master’s rage. He is merciful, and because of that we are lucky, as his rage will not fall upon us.”   “Well then who will it fall upon?” Another Orc asked.   Geld simply raised his hand and pointed with one finger to the city above them, the occasional shouting of orders by the soldiers above being occasionally heard.   “Even still, who knows how long it’ll be till he gets here. We’ve been prevented from communicating with him, and Souei has been too busy hunting down and sneaking out any remaining survivors hiding on the surface since the barrier went down this morning.” One orc spoke as he folded his arms.   One of the orcs looked over as they spoke, nodding, “If I had to guess, he’s stalling. He probably doesn’t want to be the one to tell Rimuru that everyone’s dead. I can’t say I necessarily blame him either, I wouldn’t want to be the one to say that.”   Geld nodded, “You’re all correct, while I am certain Rimuru will inevitably return and bring about his own revenge on those troops, we cannot wait for him to free us. We do not know when he will arrive as he may not have even yet been informed. We’ll leave tonight, a bit past midnight, early in the morning under the cover of night. I’m certain there will be night patrols, and while I doubt we can go undetected, the darkness will buy us time, and their drowsiness will grant us an advantage. We aren’t trying to win either, our goal is to retreat into the forest.”   “But where would we go?” Another Orc asked.   “We shall head to the sealed cave. The lizardmen like Gabiru should still be there. From there we’ll try to get in contact with Rimuru and decide where to go from there.”   The Orcs all nodded in agreement as they one by one stood up and went around to relay the information to everyone while Geld communicated to the other hidden underground bunkers. Benimaru looked on from the treeline at the smoldering ruins of Tempest below. He looked down in shame at his failed promise to himself and his brethren. The promise that he would never let his home fall again, but once more he was not strong enough to save it, he was barely strong enough to save himself. Across his body were numerous scars and wounds, most of which had healed by now, especially now that he was freed from the barrier, leaving only scars in their place. His eye too had been nearly blinded for a bit, however it too had healed, though a scar remained there too.   He didn’t mind the scars, in his eyes they were punishment for failing once again, this failure being worse than his last. Many people died when the Orc Lord attacked his villiage, leaving only a few Orcs in scattered groups roaming the forest. Rimuru had given them refuge and a chance to obtain revenge. From there he granted them a new home and a new people to protect. This time when he failed, the cost was much greater. Not only was his own people slaughtered, but the people of the entire city: Goblins, Orcs, Dragonewts, many others. The death toll was several times that of his old village, and despite being several times stronger than he was then, he still failed in the end.   Despite that, he was still alive. That in of itself was a miracle, he had hidden out successfully, killing the occasional soldier which may have seen him despite his weakened state under the barrier. When the barrier was lifted earlier that morning he managed to flee into the forest and meet up with Souei. From what he could tell, they were some of the few Kijin left from the city. Shion died in the first attack, Hakurou was still possibly alive, however he was in critical condition when he was placed under the city, and who knows whether or not all the Orcs’ bunkers were still held. Kurobe was supposedly still in one of the Orcs’ bunkers, having lacked the same martial skill that the others had. Shuna was an unknown to Benimaru, he had seen her be taken away by an otherworlder, but he knew little of whether she was alive or dead, but it was almost certain she was no longer in the vicinity of the city. As for the rest of the Kijin, most had died in the battle, though some remained in the bunkers, they were still a fraction of their former population like the Goblins.   For now, Benimaru needed to decide what to do next. He had much of his strength back now, and if he went in, he was confident he could probably destroy much if not all of their army in a matter of just about an hour. Unfortunately, he was still injured, and he was hardly at full strength. If they had any powerful spellcasters or otherworlders there, he may certainly stand less of a chance. Ultimately he decided that for now he would wait and regroup with those who remained, the least they could do for their master Rimuru, who he had failed deeply was to reclaim the city… Or die trying. As the sun began to lower beyond the horizon, the soldiers of Falmuth began their final preparations for their upcoming celebration. The war, if one could call it that, had been one, the nation of monsters was crushed, and in just a few weeks time, the Jura Forest would be the rightful domain of the Kingdom of Falmuth.   Unfortunately for them, their fate was sealed the moment they stepped into the slime’s domain.   As the soldiers moved around the city, one suddenly noticed a small ring of black-colored flames circling around the entire city. Before he could comment on or examine it, the flames erupted into a towering cylinder surrounding the town the soldiers occupied, creating massive towering walls stretching to the sky. Within these flaming walls black lightning thundered like it was moving through a storm cloud, sparking and lighting up portions of the sky.   The forces of Falmuth all looked up in shock and terror as their commanders ordered them into formation. Before them descended what could only be described by the soldiers as an angel of death, an intricately detailed mask covering their face with a large crack from one edge to the center. Their blue hair swayed in the breeze caused by the swirling flames behind them as the Falmuth army moved to surround this individual. They spoke no words, and they emitted no aura, however their fist clenched onto their sword tightly as their mask cracked further. Inch by inch the crack grew larger until eventually a portion broke off, revealing their left eye, glowing a deep, intimidating golden color. Just one glance at this eye could guess the emotion emitting from it: Rage.   Right as their mask cracked, their aura poured out like a tsunami crashing onto land. Some soldiers outright passed out, others grew nauseous and those who did not saw fear develop in their faces as their grip on their weapons became shaky.   One commander launched forwards first, raising his sword high up to crash down onto them. Whether stupid or brave, their fate was the same regardless as the figure dashed forwards in a blink of an eye, sword now unsheathed as suddenly the commander’s right arm fell off, blood gushing from the wound where it had been cut. The commander screamed out as the figure turned around and waved their right hand to the side, a blade of water shooting out and cutting off their left arm as well. One by one each limb of theirs was removed before the figure walked up to the bleeding body of the commander and sliced off their head slowly with their sword.   As this happened, none dared to move, the aura emitted by the figure causing many to be frozen in fear. Some contemplated fleeing, however with towering walls of flame, few were willing to take the chance of being burned. Some of course, began to try anyways, only to be completely engulfed in flames that would not go out, enjoying their last moments of life just beyond the border of the flames, yet dying in agony as their bodies were slowly burnt away.   The figure looked towards the wall where the screams of the dying soldiers could be heard faintly through the flames. Their expression did not change as they spoke, their voice both angelic and terrifying as it muttered “You didn’t give them a chance to escape, so why should I give you that mercy?”   They raised their empty hand, pointing their open hand towards one of the army groups as black lightning erupted from it, striking the front soldiers before electrocuting all of them to death as they all suddenly collapsed to the ground, bodies scorched.   One of the leading officers ran up and pointed at the figure, shouting “What the hell are you morons doing?! Attack!”   Suddenly the soldiers began to charge at the figure, even those formerly terrified joining in the charge, now understanding that killing this thing was their only way to live. The figure, however, simply dashed forwards, sword now pointed straight as they appeared behind the army charging them. Almost instantly screams of agony were heard as the soldiers he had passed each either had limbs chopped off, or severe wounds created, all of which quickly went ablaze with black flames as they were then burnt to death.   The figure turned back and sighed, muttering “That’s enough of this…” before engulfing their sword in black flames and launching towards the soldiers. In a matter of just minutes, the entire Falmuth army hidden within the flames were torn apart and destroyed. Some tried to flee and hide, but any time one attempted this, they were struck down by lightning from afar. Even those who didn’t join the battle in the first place, staying behind and then hiding as they learned of the danger they were in were not safe, even those suddenly combusting as every last soldier of Falmuth was killed, leaving only their corpses, often scorched or in pieces left.   The flames began to die down as the wall of fire disappeared. The figure began to shake in their walking, swaying from side to side as they gripped their head. The figure collapsed onto their knees as they created a demon summoning ritual, muttering, “I offer all of the bodies here as tribute… Get out here demon… I’ve got food for you…”   Suddenly the summoning circle glowed as the various corpses across the city suddenly vanished and on the circle appeared a tall, dark haired demon dressed neatly in a ragged suit, adjusting it as the large, slightly torn wings on his back adjusted.   The figure suddenly collapsed again, taking its natural form of a slime as it slouched down, waving a little blob as a hand, muttering “Defend the remnants of the city. There’s probably some monster survivors. Kill any remaining Falmuth forces.”   The demon smiled, “My, what a familiar presence… The birth of a demon lord… A wonderful offering, my first job… I’ve awaited this day for so long…” Suddenly magical power seemed to resonate with the demon, absorbing it from the corpses in the surroundings, his wings then disappearing as he lowered down to the ground, “May I serve you from this day forward.”   The slime simply slouched, mumbling “We can talk later… First prove that you can be of use to me… Go.”   The slime finally passed out completely as the demon picked him up and placed him in the center of town, wrapping him in some cloth before stepping back.   Throughout the city, the Orcs hiding beneath began to one by one stumble out as they looked at the various empty suits of armor the Falmuth forces wore, and a demon standing politely nearby their leader, asleep on a podium. Many were confused, however their questions would be answered as words echoed through the sky.   “Notice: The Harvest Festival to Evolve the Individual called Rimuru Tempest into a Demon Lord will now begin.”   The slime then began to glow as light radiated from its body, the voice once more speaking:   “Notice: The Harvest Festival has begun. The individual’s physical constitution will be rebuilt, and he will evolve into a new race.”   After a few minutes, the light would fade as the slime’s body would finally settle down to its normal state, albeit still asleep as the voice spoke again:   “The individual Rimuru Tempest’s Harvest Festival is complete. Now beginning the bestowing of gifts upon those connected to him.”   Immediately, the monsters which had begun to surround their leader began to collapse, each of them passing out as the slime bounced up, transforming into its human form, albeit more feminine and wearing the cloth as clothing. Its eyes were now a deep crimson red as it began to walk past the sleeping monsters and the watching demon and over to the hole where the dead monsters had been dumped by Falmuth. If there was any chance they could somehow be revived, it was long gone. Every possibility had been calculated, and their deaths were undoable. Looking down at the pile of corpses, its very existence a disgrace to those who had lived and deserved a proper resting place, the being held out its hand, speaking silently “Notice: You shall all rest.”   Purple smoke emerged from the outreached hand, engulfing all of the dead and devouring them, letting them seek peace within the being as it had done for a close friend in the past. The being them once more collapsed into an unconscious slime, the Demon, having followed a good bit behind quickly moved to pick up the slime, wrapping him back up before once more placing him back on the pedestal.   The demon stood back, watching the slime rest, looking around at the destroyed town which caused the rage that would lead to his evolution, or rather would lead to the massacre that caused it. The demon already had his own reasons for wanting to serve the slime, however with the slime’s fate changed so suddenly…   Well he would become an interesting Demon Lord indeed…

I spotted the young 'hero' from the 'grand kingdom' approaching me, the latest one in the line of people the kindom sent after me. Ever since I helped the local towns organize and and drove off some unsavory characters who where in service to the kingdom, the king has been sending these assholes after me. Some of them are better than others, but when someone keeps coming after you to arrest or kill you you get tired of them fast. And that is why I am getting rid of this one after the third encounter, they might not be the worst, but still a girl wants to get things done sometime instead of just fighting all the time. Ah, their in audible range, time to lean into the villainess vibe. Look if their going to declare me a vile evil witch, I might as well have some fun with it. "Ahahaha, this spell will transform you into the deepest vilest part of yourself and then you shall never interfere with my schemes again." While I monologued a bit, the young hero had drawn their blade and started running in to attack and interrupt me. Well that left me with less time to prepare, it still would be several minutes before they arrived and that did leave time for other spells hmm, they? It just occurred to me that I never bothered to learn this hero's name or pronouns before. Hmm, I suppose I will have to if this doesn't make them stop trying to capture me, it makes taunting them so much less generic, that and it's decent to refer to people correctly even if their shit. Oh, that was a tangent and they are definitely much closer than before, I'm prepared I can handle this, okay. "You'll never make me evil like you sorceress! I'll kill you to protect the kingdom if need be!" they yelled, as they continued to charge at me with their blade drawn.  I cracked my knuckles and cast my first spell of tonight, quickly ensnaring them and dragging them to the ground, where they'll be unable to get up for several minutes. Perfect, now I have time to cast the actual transformation, and I can lean into the theatrics once more. "Ah, have you hit a rock there hero? Seems like you had a fall," I tutted as I approached to line up the prepared transformation spell components with them and a better look at them. "Hmm, maybe you'll actually be interesting enough to remember your name when I'm done." Their garb and armor bunched up and hid most of their shape seemingly purposely. Still not particularly well armored mind you, not a single piece of a helmet on them. While they did have a hood, it wouldn't protect them from anything, not even from my gaze onto their clean shaven face. I sighed, heroes as always preferring to not protect the most vulnerable part of them, I will never understand that. I always wear proper safety equipment, especially in a battle. With a sigh I got back to setting up the last few things, before they could get a chance to get up.    Which took longer than I'll ever admit, they were starting to get up as the spell blasted them with a burst of energy. Flares of magic cleaved seems through their armor to make sure nothing got caught on it during transformation, while I may lean into being a villainess but I'm not cruel enough to make people burst through armor, not would I leave them naked. Which appeared to be unnecessary, as when the shimmering glow of the transformation dimmed they were still the same size. I couldn't tell what had changed at first glance aside from maybe they had a tail or ears I couldn't see behind their cloa- wait… oh that's the change huh.   The hero had fallen back over and started to sob "You made me a woman, I'm not allowed to be a woman. The kingdom needs a man, I don't get to be a woman. I-I can't be some girl, it's evil of me. I-I can't, It's not allowed." Oh, someone's internalized the kingdom's sexism and transphobia, I'm going to need to help them. Well her? I'll have to get correction on that when she's not having a breakdown, right now however she sounds like what she most likely needs to be called. "Oh, you really took the kingdom's hatred to heart, you poor girl. Ignore them all, you may be a woman if you so desire, there is no evil to it." I'm not sure how to go about this, it's been so long since.. For now she's still crying in the dirt, so I really should focus on that right now. She pulled herself into a muddy ball before sobbing more, "I want it… but it's evil and selfish and makes me vile and a traitor and, I can't be. No. No. No! It's not right of me. I can't, why can't I..." she trailed off. After lifting my visor, I crouched down and gently lifted her head by the chin to face me. "Look at me, the kingdom will be fine without you. You are not selfish for being yourself, you are allowed to be a girl. It's alright and you are going to be safe now." "I, I can? If,, if I stay like this? Will they take it away? Is it? You're,," The heroine melted into my hand and a pair of ears like that of a fox pushed up from under her hood, she's actually kinda cute when not trying to arrest me, though I suspect she might not be doing that ever again. "Oh heroine, if you go back to them with this spell they will dispel it. But I can give you your true form which they cannot dispell, and I will not let them take this away from you. But first, you're covered in mud and need a change of clothes and this is road not the safest place to idle in for so long." With that she gently nodded and started following me back to my hideout, well I did end up having to carry her for half the journey back but still she tried to follow.   I awoke to her curled ontop of my legs at the end of my bed with her fluffy tail sprawl overtop me. Hrm, so their was a tail under that cloak when she transformed after all. I vaguely remember preparing a guest bed for her before we went to bed, it was a long day after all, but I don't quite remember when she passed out on top of me instead of the other bed. Hmm, let's see I prepared a spell to give her her true form, I set up a bath for her and set up a fresh set of clothes, had a meal with her and oh guess she followed me back to my bed instead of going to the bed I showed her earlier, that makes sense. She's cute and warm, I think I'll just lay here untill she wakes up. Lest I disturb her graceful slumber, just for a few minutes...   "So could you explain how the spell you put on me works again and what this new one will do?" She asked in-between bites of a light morning meal. "Oh! So the spell currently on you works by finding some desire deep inside you and that you also view as evil or vile. Then it drags that to the surface of your mind and gives you a form based on that desire." "Why did it cut up my armor?" Her ears rotated to the side and she tilted her head at me. "Oh, that's just in case the form is too big and the armor needs to be moved out of the way, and after that I just tell them they're now evil." "That works??" She asked skeptically. "Heroine,~ Not all heroes were as good as you.~ The kingdom's heroes often just ran off and stopped harassing me after that." "Sorry… and this worked out for me because?" "Oh, well it seems you internalized the kingdom's hate for people like us so much that you saw being yourself as evil and selfish while deeply desiring it, so it just grabbed onto that." "Oh." She went silent at that for a bit, and looked at me before I asked something in as well. "So the kingdom genders heroism as something only for men?" She nods, "They only allow men to be heros, they won't allow women to protect the kingdom." "That explains a bit more about why this happened then doesn't it cutie. By the way I never did ask your name, I could just keep calling you heroine or cute girl if you like. I presume you wished to be referred to with she and her as well." She sputtered and blushed, and then nodded before speaking "It's… I get to pick? and,, I'm a girl right?" "You are a girl! A cute one too, and you do get to pick a name, as well as your pronouns. Which don't have to be she and her just because you're a girl. Take as much time as you need to figure it out." "Thanks," She blushed again and her tail swished a bit, "I don't know yet, maybe Wren. How did you pick miss witch?" "Well Wren, it's Solace, and I chose names until I found one that fit me, little fox." "Mhm," Wren nodded and shifted around a bit having finsished her meal, and then changed the subject "Anyways umm,, Solace, what's this true form spell thing again? And how does it keep me safe again?" "Oh, so your current form is a type of transformation magic, it's like slipping another body over your current one. It's not permanent and can be dispelled easily, you may even feel a little of your old body under this one right now if you pay attention. I'd recommend you don't though, once you're in a body you actually like going back is very unpleasant. However true form spells are a type of self realization magic. That means they only be applied consensually and they change your body itself to match you, instead of putting a new body around you. Unlike a transformation spell they can't be dispelled afterwards, as they don't leave a spell behind. The believe that true form spells are a type of transformation is a common misconception, transformation magic produces a self applying magic field to sustain itself as it actually not possible to change someone's actual body without consent, and thus overlays a new one. However self realization magic is called that because the actual effect is dertmined by the recipent and not the caster, it's the only way to effect the actual body of someone. If someone tries to use it without consent it just fails as well." With that I stopped rambling for a second and from then on Wren would know that I was an absolute nerd about magic. She chose the perfect way to change the subject to be honest, and she's listening intently noding along. "That's a lot and I'm not sure I got all of that. Can you summerize please?" Or maybe she was just focused on trying to listen and not actually listening that well. "Well transformation magic leaves a spell behind that can be dispelled, this doesn't as well as being entirely up to you as for how it goes." "I think I get it somewhat now?" She stood up and walked over next to me. "Are we going to do it now?" "Yes actually, now before we get started, during the spell's course the transformation spell will undo for a brief moment and you will be in your old body a bit. I need you to prepare yourself for that okay? It won't last long the magic will sweep you up and give you a new form soon after, but if you aren't ready for it it can hurt for a bit." She nods and winces, "I got it.." I led her to the room where I had prepared to cast, and let go in while I cast with the door closed to respect her privacy. Shortly after I finished casting she threw the door open and knocked me over in a tight hug, "Thankyou thankyou thank you." She'd looked mostly the same as she went in, I think her tail was larger now and her ears fluffier, but mostly she was ecstatic and glowing with happiness. Her ears flattened and she continued, "I'm so sorry for all I did to you and you're honestly a lovely person and I don't deserve to stay here and thank you so much for doing all this despite that."  I really should consider she tried to arrest me before, even though she was ordered to do it, but I'm kinda willing to just ignore that considering everything the kingdom put us both through, and I can safely say she turned around fast. That said that has no bearing on her self deprecating right now, and I will never kick someone back to the kingdom, "Wren, you're a better person than you think you are, and even still I would never kick you out to the kingdom nobody deserves to be forced back there. You can stay here cutie, and after all we're all learning and changing. It's not a matter of what you deserve anyways, I saved your butt from the kingdom and now I'm going to you safe." I held her gently in my arms  and squeezed against me.   It's been a few years since then. Eventually she did pick a more permanent name, Spark after the color of the fur on her ears and tail. She lives with me still, she's actually been a real help around the place lately and since she likes to do errands for me, the local villages often let me know what they need through her. I might've said she was a young hero at first but really she's only a year younger than me, she is however a whole foot shorter than me though. A perfect height for teasing if I might add, which works well since she's adorable. Spark introduced herself to the nearby towns as my familiar, but lately I've been calling her my girlfriend instead. Unsurprisingly, she still sleeps in my bed but now she presses against me instead of curling up at my feet, I get a fluffy little fox to hold all to myself.  She wasn't the last person the kingdom sent after us, especially after we teamed up and helped more towns revolt, but they are starting slow down now. Maybe the kingdom is starting to crumble finally, maybe a revolution is a bigger threat now than us. We don't know, we'll enjoy the peace in the meantim. Now that things are calmer I've been able to have other witches over and introduce Spark to them, and even take an apprentice from a nearby town.  And now I sit against a tree near the road I first transformed her at. Her tail curled around mine, as she slept on my lap, her head lay on my chest, and she had a hand holding one of my horns. Here is where I got my greastest treasure, Spark with her bright yellow orange fur and her red brown hair, with her cute ears twitching against by breast. Who knows what id to come, but now I have her. AurySystem We decided to rewrite this one a bit before adding it, it didn't have a name before either. It used to be a story in our google docs just called something like "Had a bit of inspiration and there went the entire day" as we wrote it in bed on our phone. Continuing with that tradition we cleaned it up, in bed on our phone. uhh oops. Originally this was an unamed hero/villian pair with uh "neither of these are strictly good people" Also we made it gayer.

Leon frowned, shaking the bottle of alcohol before realizing it was empty. "Guess I have to go out and buy some more." Leon knew that drinking alcohol was bad, but his head and heart were to muddled to pay attention to common sense. Images constantly flashed through his head. Her laughs, her smiles, her joy. Alcohol was the only way numb the pain.  Maria and her were friends since childhood. She was the only child who came to play with him, even though the other kids rejected him because of his elven heritage and black hair.  As time went on, Leon realized his feelings for her and insinuated them multiple times, but she was to dense to realize. They did everything together, and when Maria was sponsored by Baron Vast and sent to to the Saint Selene Academy because of her White magic, he worked as an adventurer to gain the money to enter with her. However, the moment she met Crown Prince Noel, he knew his chance was over. They looked at each other the way that he looked at her. She constantly drew attention everywhere she went, and drew enemies and admirers alike. Even though he had prepared himself and told himself that he was okay as long as she was happy, when he saw their engagement, it felt like his heart was being stabbed over and over again. Now, he was sitting inside his house, wallowing in his sorrow through copious amounts of alcohol. He wondered how the other guys were doing.  They were hit pretty hard by the engagement, just like he was, and although he felt animosity towards them at the beginning, all he felt was sympathy for them now. Getting up, he caressed the walls of his house lovingly. Back then, this house was rundown and broken, as her parents were very poor at the time. His father was a carpenter who was of Eastern descent, hence the black hair, and his mother was an elf. They had a hard time making a living because of being discriminated against. But they were always so full of love and warmth, and they shone so bright despite the insults hurled at them. When his mother passed away because of sickness, it hit his father hard, and although he held on for a few years, he passed away as well because of his frail health.  Leon manifested those memories from the past, of all those times he spent with his parents. During his worst moments, they served as his source of strength. Would his parents be proud of what he was doing? Leon chuckled. His mom would probably chastise him heavily, as she loathed alcohol. He remembered all the times she caught father coming in late from the a tavern covered in the smell of alcohol.  Things did not go well for him. As for his father, he would probably join him, and then spit out some words of wisdom that would get Leon back on his feet. He was a laidback and silly man, but wise when it came to being a father. Grabbing the empty bottles spread all over the floor, he put them in a bag, and threw them into the trash.  As he was cleaning up however, he was surprised by a knock on his door. Apart from Maria, he didn't have many friends, and most of them didn't know where he lived. Fixing his disheveled clothing, he opened the door, expecting a familiar face, and instead became massively confused. In front of him stood a elven lady with glowing green hair, and a beautiful face paired with dazzling features. But what really surprised him was the rows of guards behind her.  Leon awkwardly stared at her, not knowing what to say. Thankfully, the elven girl ended the silence between them, asking a question. "Hello, would you by any chance be Leon Barrow?" Leon coughed. "Uhmmmm, that would be me, but who are you lady? I think I would remember meeting someone like you." Leon quickly shut himself up. Maybe the alcohol was still in his system, as he etiquette teacher back in the academy would be rolling in her proverbial grave if she heard such a greeting. Giving a small bow, the elven girl smiled brilliantly and said "Hello, my name is Violet Blackthorn, part of the Elvenheim Royal family, and your cousin."

Hoki woke up in an unfamiliar place that looks like a giant, bare forest.   "Did I get kidnapped and thrown into this huge forest?" she said calmly To tell the truth, she is the daughter of the richest man in the world, it is not the first time that she has been kidnapped although it is the first time that she has woken up naked in a forest. Until she notices the fairy wings on her back.   "..."     Hoki thought it was a prank made by her father, but she could feel the wings like her own limbs. She tried to fly with it and she managed to fly about ten meters, taken by fear she descended very slowly. She immediately thought about what could have happened to her, but in the end, only one thing came to mind. Reincarnation as a fairy in a fantasy world. She also noticed that she has child's hands, and that she must be 1.40 meters tall, which is very different from her usual 1.70 meters. Taken by panic, she corrected herself. I was reincarnated or transmigrated as a fairy child in a fantasy world. And when she thought that, it kind of clicked in her head and the memories, thoughts and emotions of the previous owner of the body came into her head. The former owner was called Hoki just like her, she comes from a very distant village who sacrificed her and threw her as an offering in the forest of death, where she is. It's a huge forest where there are intelligent Magic beasts and legendary mystical beasts and of course the demonic beasts with the Soul beasts like the fallen fairies who have sinned against their goddess Gaia. After receiving the memories of the body's former owner. Hoki thought about how to live in the spooky and huge forest of death. She started walking and looking for a cave or a place to stay because the forest is too dangerous. During the night, the Mystical beasts, Magic beasts, Soul beasts, demoniac beasts the most dangerous beasts come out and eat the normal monsters. In this world, there are very few fairies, they are known as legendary beings.   And Hoki is a fairy!   Fairies are known for their faerie magic powers surpassing even that of dragons but have weak physical strength, and the fallen faeries are known for their physical strength surpassing even that of the legendary Manticores and their demonic faerie magic surpassing that of the Demon Kings.   The fairies can reproduce with other fairies thanks to their magic powers which can make seeds grow in the belly of the one who wants to be pregnant.     And the reason why, Hoki was thrown as an offering by the other fairies is because one of her mothers is a fallen fairy and her other mother is a normal fairy. But since one of these mothers is a fallen fairy, Hoki has the characteristics of normal fairies and fallen fairies, i.e. blood-red eyes, a black wing for fallen fairies and a green wing like for fairies. normal. A great physical strength, which will be represented when she grows up, for the moment according to memories she is only 8 years old. And in his body, there are two energies, the demonic faerie energy and the divine fairy energy. The two energies are separated in two and do not touch each other. After learning the memories of the former owner of Hoki's body, she decided to go for a walk while being careful not to run into normal monsters or magic beasts, soul beasts, demoniac beasts, soul beasts. As she walked, she heard sounds of fighting she hid directly behind a large rock nearby and was not seen, and she saw what looked like a giant bear with a snake body and two large hands. of bears and a bear head that held a wooden spear and fought one against a 2 meter horned rabbit. The horned rabbit jumped several meters to bite the head of the snake-bear, and the snake-bear moved his wooden spear and the horned rabbit fell with the spear still in his belly and the blood flowing. And the bear left without his spear, as if he was disappointed that the fight didn't last long. 10 minutes after the bear-snake left, Hoki approached the horned rabbit and took the spear and stabbed it until it died and all signs of life were gone.   Hoki was terribly hungry and her Fallen Fairy instincts told her to eat the Horned Rabbit's raw meat, which she did.   Night is coming soon and the whole forest of death has become dark and terrifying. Besides the beast aura that reigns in this area, most people may not be able to walk even when they come here. But Hoki is not an ordinary person but a fallen half-fairy and half-fairy. Hoki took the wooden spear and held it with one hand and pulled the body of the horned bunny with her other hand, luckily she is a half fallen fairy and therefore has enormous strength for her age, a bit higher than an ordinary adult human male in his old world. After going to an uninhabited cave, Hoki completely ate the horned rabbit and felt herself getting stronger, at least five percent stronger which is not negligible and will help for her survival in the forest of death, but after coming into this world. Her goal is not to stay in the dangerous forest of death but to visit the whole world and find her lover and make a family in the same way as fairies by putting a magic seed which possesses the fusion of magic energies, DNA and blood of the two people and put it in his belly then his body will do the rest for 9 months. The next day, Hoki took her wooden spear and a dagger made with the horn of the horned bunny, she went on an adventure and looked for beasts to kill, of course the weakest and avoiding the strongest. Hoki saw towering giant trees. These giant trees were very huge, reaching tens of meters in height, and some even reached hundreds of meters. The diameter of each giant tree was two meters three or even five or four meters. Hoki looked for prey to hunt, although she can't fight she has average adult male strength which means she can hunt small beasts like horned bunny or more.     Hoki arrived at a place where a magical beast was staying, badly injured by a centaur which she saw fighting and hid.   Her objective is to complete the magic beast.   She waited for night, and slipped smoothly into the cave and she approached the magic beast that looked like a pigeon-headed bear with wings.   And decided to stab the beast in the heart.   But when she stabbed him in the heart, the beast didn't die right away and attacked Hoki, thanks to his senses evolved, she was able to dodge death but his right wing was cut in half. She cried out in pain. "Aghhhhhhhhhhhhh" the pain is intense, it's like losing an arm or a leg suddenly. Then, after this almost fatal blow aimed at Hoki, the monster died but Hoki passed out from pain right in front of his corpse. Hoki woke up a little tired, then saw that she had passed out on the ferocious beast. She decided to withdraw her spear but as she got up, she felt a sharp pain in her right wing, then suddenly she remembered the attack of the ferocious beast yesterday. But did his best to ignore it and took back his spear then cut the pigeon bear's skin to make a jacket and cover his naked body. And ate the bear meat raw like a beast. Again, she felt that eating the meat of the magic bear-pigeon enhanced her strength. While she was eating the pigeon bear meat she felt her mana getting stronger and bigger after that she tried to control her harm to your body but without success and so she decided to finish eating and go to sleep in the cave. Of course, after securing the cave by taking tree branches and plugging the holes in the cave. She fell asleep quickly for the first time since she came into this world and so the next day she got up took her wooden dagger and spear each in one hand and decided to go on an adventure and left the cave. But first, she began to do exercises to get in shape. 100 pushups, 100 squats and running for 1 hour, she did this for 3 hours each. These are very hard exercises for her who is an 8 year old child but she has the strength of a grown man thanks to her fairy/fallen fairy lineage. After finishing the exercises, she went into the very deep lake nearby to drink water, she drank to her thirst but suddenly a monster several hundred meters pulled her into the water and she almost drowned but bit her. with all these strength the monster and tore a large part of its meat and blood, she ate it and screaming in pain, the monster let her go. She rushed out and quickly got out of the lake and then ate the monster's raw meat which tasted so good that she wanted more. After she finished eating, she started spitting out her black impurities and passed out.  

Jolea of Urmat Chapter One: The City of Susaylon Susaylon is a powerful city-state whose three borders sit on two river banks. Surrounding this great city-state are the twelve tribes of Vithos. Jolea of Urmat has lived in the city her whole life. Her mother is a seamstress and her father is a carpenter. Of the two Jolea’s mother is of higher status and success. As the first daughter of the Urmat family, she apprenticing under her mother. That doesn’t mean she knows nothing about carpentry, whenever she is in her his in father’s workshop she can see him working. Jolea wakes up as the sun rises. Pulling her covers aside reveal her nude body. To the right of her bed, her personal slave Sumia kneeled before her. Sumia was a Rabbitkin born into slavery. She had been a part of the household since Jolea was twelve and she was fifteen. Her body was covered in auburn fur. Her C cup breast indicated she was of mixed blood. If Jolea had to guess she’d say she was only ¾ Rabbitkin. “Does Mistress wish for me to relieve her?” Sumia asked. Unfortunately in Jolea’s opinion, she had inherited the milk pyth from her paternal grandmother. This pyth when held by women allowed them to produce milk whenever they wanted every two hours. Unfortunately if left long enough, a woman with milk pyth breast would even without using the active ability. So after six-hour sleep, she always felt her tits were full. “Yes please, Sumia bring the jars over,” Jolea answered. Their family sold the milk on the market. If their family was poor they might have thought having her be a nursemaid like her grandmother was a better idea then train her. So now the family just sells the excess milk off. “Mustn’t let any go to waste.” Sumia goes to fetch the jars for Jolea. Unknown to her mistress this is the day she finally makes her move. She knew it is not her place as a slave and she knew even if she wasn’t a slave her mistress status would be too high for her to contemplate. It doesn’t matter to her though she can’t hide her feeling anymore. When she returned with the jars she sat by her mistress on the bed. She started to pump Jolea left breast letting liquid poured into the jar. “Oh, it looks like we're not getting enough suction,” Sumia said. “What do you mean? Your hands are doi-,” she was cut off when she felt her Rabbitkin slave’s mouth on her tit sucking her milk out. Jolea pushes her off. “What is the meaning of this!?!” On her knees now Sumia begged forgiveness. The fuan seamstress could see the fluster cheeks of her slave. Her dilated eyes filled with tears. The indignation in her heart simmered down to ember. “You will stay there until I return from my mother's lesson.” She glared down at Sumia, “When I get back we will discuss your punishment.” As she left her room her tits still in need of milking she was at a loss of what to do. She had known Sumia for eleven years now. While she was attracted to the rabbitkin she knew it wasn’t appropriate. She saw Sumia concealed lust in past, but she never thought her shy slave would act upon it. When Jolea enter her mother's workshop her breast felt painfully tight. Siaki could see her daughter had forgotten to put her morning chest wrapping on. Her breast was leaking a clear white liquid pouring down her body. “Daughter of mine how come you have skipped your milking this morning?” she was surprised to see her child in such a state. “You are earlier too, was Sumia unable to meet your needs?” The younger Faun’s face began to redden. She didn’t want to say anything. Her mother moved over to her and wrapped her arms around telling her, “You can tell Mommy anything. You know that right?” Jolea nodded her head, “When Sumia was relieving me this morning she tried to be intimate with me.” “Ha!” Siaki laughed, “Is that all dear daughter?” “What do you mean is that all?” she asked. “Isn’t it enough to explain what's wrong? She was stepping past her station.” Saiaki shook her head looking down into her daughter's emerald eyes. “That would be answer enough if I didn’t know you had feelings too Jolea.” she pulled her child back to her arms. “You’ll need to punish Sumia though, she should have not made the first move. In this matter, I will let you decide the degree of the punishment.” Jolea replied quietly, “Yes, mother.”  “Let’s begin today's lesson then,” she said with a smile Jolea's Stat Sheet Spoiler Name: Jolea Silksteel-Urmat Age: 23 Race: Faunkin  Sex: Female Level: 3 Unspent stats: 3 Exp: 550/40,000 Class: Seamstress Subclass: Profession 1 Seamstress: High Apprentice Profession 2 Carpenter: Low Apprentice   Stats Strength 9 Dexterity 19 (4) Agility 15 (2) Constitution 10  Willpower 10 (2) Mind 13 Charisma 14 (2) Perception 17 (2) Faith 12 Luck 13(1)     Summon Weaver's Tools Pyth: Summon an extensive case of Weavers tools Rank times a day that lasts 5*Rank*Per(Mod) Minutes. [Current 30 minutes] You still need to supply your own materials and threads. Passive: Decrease the chance of unintentional, mistake stitching and otherwise similarly ruined work by Rank*Dex(Mod)%. [Current 12%] Max 100%. Uncommon Rank 3 Milk Pyth: Produce breast milk 2*Rank*Char(mod) Milliliters per second. For 20 + Rank*Char(mod) every 2hrs. Uncommon Rank 6 Steel Silk Core:  Active: Produce  Rank*Will(mod) squared feet of Steel Silk a minute. For (2*Rank)*Willpower(mod) minutes every 6hrs.  Passive: Reduce the force of any blow taken on your person by Rank*Con (Mod). Rare Rank 4   Active Abilities Shaped Cloth: See the dress hidden in the Cloth. Shape (Per(mod)*Rank yards of Cloth. Shaping speed is increased up to Rank*Per(mod) inches a second.  Rank 3 Lesser Healing Lactation: Produce 150 mL of healing milk. Heals target for the equivalent of 2*Rank*Will (mod) days upon ingestion. It can be used Rank times in 24 hours. It doesn't set bones or prevent scarring. Stacks with ongoing healing effects. Rank 6 Passive Abilities Steel Bones: Bones like steel your bone are harder to break. Bones are 3.5(Rank*Con(mod) stronger. Rank 4 [collapse]

The bell above Esme’s door tinkled and she looked up from her spellbook. A shy figure entered her magic shop, dressed in thick clothing and hood that made it hard to tell much about the individual. Esme stood up behind the counter and presented a welcoming smile, “Hello. Welcome to Esme’s Enchantments! Magic items and spells. If you seek a summoning, you can make an appointment.” The figure barely looked up, their hood keeping Esme from seeing their face very well, and replied in a cracked and cautious tone, “We… want a spell cast. True Self.” Esme had suspected this already. From time to time people came to her, those born in the wrong body or subject to unusual curse, that wished to be given the form that was right for them. She nodded slowly. “I understand. For you, I’ll cast it free of charge. Everyone deserves to be themselves, as they truly should be. Come with me to the spell circle.” She indicated the next room and moved ahead of her cloaked customer to prepare the spell for them. “Stand here. Before we start, I want you to acknowledge that you understand what this spell will do. I have no control over the result. It transforms you into your true self, and that’s something only you can know. Are you prepared for that?” The shy figure nodded. “We understand. Please… give us our true forms.” Esme took little note of the odd manner of speech as she nodded in return and began the spell. She spoke the words of power, words of truth. Light twirled and swirled around the target of her spell, incandescent ribbons passing into and through them. The magic began its work. Esme had seen this a hundred times. A wrong body, a soul cursed to bear it, and her spell would uplift and transfigure them into a form to banish that woe. As expected, the figure beneath the robe - now too luminous to hide beneath cloth - began to express feminine curves. Subtle forms of the face altered. Internal organs shifted. And then something weird happened. Another figure, humanoid but of different stature split out of her customer sideways, stumbling a moment before standing upright. A second, this one much larger, scaled and draconic tumbled out the other side. Esme sputtered in surprise and started readying a counterspell. The customer held up a hand and spoke in a voice now more clear and confident, “No, it’s okay. These are our true forms. And uh… there are five more coming.” Esme could only sit back in awe as more bodies spilled out of the central figure, each wildly different and many monstrous or fantastic. As the light of the spell faded, there stood eight people (all but one entirely naked). “Thank you,” they all said, “After we find some clothes we’ll go let the other systems know your spell works. Just… you might want to do the next one outdoors; some of them are hundreds.”

Smoke on the horizon, the smell of sulphur and ash thick in the air, fire bleached skies in all directions… For reasons yet unknown and irrelevant at this point, the planet was under assault from Followers of Cyrune forces, this was no recruitment act, this was savagery and anger, unleashed on people of this humble dustbowl. Elise was moving swiftly and alone, shouldering her rifle and thumping round after round into approaching targets. They were Flares in this instance, members of the FoC that were constantly burning alive, kept animated by powerful psyonics and using their personal inferno as a terror weapon, hurling fireballs and searing everything close to them. Although they regenerated quickly from minor wounds, putting one down permanently was a thankfully easily affair, as their slender, ashen state was fragile and easy to break with sufficient firepower. These were not fun creatures to fight however, they screamed in pain, stumbling forth like over-grown toddlers and setting everything on fire. Thankfully, Elise’s battle armour was a full power-suit and completely sealed, with good environmental protection, meaning that the blazing suburbs were not a direct threat to her, yet. Another Flare lurched towards her, its pained screams calling more of its friends forth, hoping to find redemption. She clacked another magazine into her rifle and pulled the bolt back to chamber a round and picked the approaching group off one by one, dodging left and right to avoid arcing heat bolts, slamming into the wrecked street around her, the tarmac was soft and sagging all over, thick black streaks sticking to her armoured boots as the heat obscured vision further down the road, the air hazy with overbearing warmth and death. Friends of Elise, families, innocents – reduced to little more than ash. The further she moved into the town, the worse it got. What started with occasional bodies, turned into full on corpse piles, roaring infernos fuelled with gristle and flesh. This was a modest town by all standards, but easily the largest on the planet, 20,000 people doesn’t sound like much in the grand scheme of things, but the same number of burning corpses littered in front of you… that was a different story. She had hope that there were survivors in the town hall, they had radio’d over to her about 30 minutes ago, trying to warn everyone of the coming attack. They’d gone silent just a few minutes ago and Elise was absolutely determined to get everyone she could out of this. The smoke got too heavy to see more than a few meters ahead of her, but this area was familiar, even through the fire and ash. There were a few blocks of flats ahead and then the town hall, should be just a couple of minutes’ walk at this pace, providing the Flare’s didn’t stop her. Her gut wrenched and something told her to wait. Something was thumping in the distance, lumbering around in the ash-field. She took cover behind an overturned, burnt out car and surveyed the area, something had blown up some of the buildings here, it wasn’t just heat damage, it looked like an artillery strike… She’d picked off most of the Flares in the area, using a little more than a third of her ammo so she was still in good fighting condition. Her armour was warning her about the dangerous environment, warning icons flashing up on her HUD, but her filters and shielding were holding steady. In the event her armour was comprised, she’d be dead in seconds. She steadied herself, the ash was getting thicker again, air temperature around 800 degrees. A friend managed to get some Enigma self-charging power cores a few months ago for her power armour and they were saving her life right now, keeping the armour’s shielding up and effective. She heard the thumping again, followed by what sounded like multiple people talking and screaming, most of them saying the same things. “We burn them.” – “They burn.” – “Suffer enough.” – “Scorch the sins. Save the soul.” It was mostly a chorus of incoherent wails and screeches, but she could definitely hear awful things being muttered through it. It sounded like it was getting closer, patrolling the town hall. She had a thought of what it might be and decided it would be best not to be seen. Peering over the car slowly, she caught a glimpse of what had made such a mess of the area. A silhouette of a hulking, mismatched and maimed creature was briefly visible through the noxious air, it was awkwardly shaped but somewhat humanoid, easily the size of a house… it lumbered off deeper into the haze however, preventing Elise from getting a good look, but the voices were coming from its direction. She advanced closer to the town hall, taking cover in one of the shops nearby, she shouldered against a wall and checked her vitals to ensure she wasn’t going to die here. She closed her eyes and held her breath as the thumping came towards her, stopping after a few more seconds. This was it, she realised in horror why the radio had gone silent, the town hall was gone, completely demolished, within its ruins stood the creature. Its misshapen body was a mismatch of bubbling grey flesh and various different faces, that all chattered and screamed at times, upon closer inspection, its blob like torso was actually a hideous amalgamation of Flares, all melted together and attempting to work as a complete unit. It sprouted a long, gangly pair of arms and legs that it dragged across the floor, half formed of full bodies, it had no substantial head to speak of, but a large open maw that more resembled a massive open scar across its torso that appeared to have yet more faces within, only these faces did not speak, they looked paralysed with fear, vacantly staring at whatever they could. The lumbering abomination lurched forward with an inhuman gait, pushing through some remaining architecture of the town hall, it was difficult to make out, but its grey flesh was also burning, much like the Flares, only the sheer level of heat this thing produced was melting the brickwork close to it. Elise had heard of these things, they were known as Pyre's, rumour had it they were literally formed of multiple Flare's who had physically bonded together, their regenerative flesh was a lot more malleable due to the psyonic inferno... Suddenly, a great number of the Pyre's faces all called out together. “What is that?” – “Want thing!”-“Curiosity!”-“Take it!”-“Ours!” It slowly bent over, making a horrendous creaking noise and reached out with a monstrously long, malformed arm, which was more bone than flesh. It plucked something out of the rubble, it looked like a ring… Elise recognised it, it was the Mayor’s town sigil, an amulet crafted from a meteor that fell near the town several years ago, it had survived the blaze… it was still attached to the mayor’s body however which hadn’t, the heat causing it to melt into his corpse and weld to it, but the creature simply tore the body off, uninterested in him. It held the amulet up with all the grace it could muster, its many faces staring at the sigil with varying emotions. It creeked back into an upright position and thudded back into the smog, disappearing from view once more. Elise shuddered and slipped back into cover, behind the shops wooden till bench, which was alive with embers but still holding together enough to protect her from sight. With the Major dead and the town hall completely demolished, there was no hope for survivors here, the air around the hall was now +1000 degrees, anyone not protected would die from a single breath of this hellscape. She quietly made her way to the second floor of the shop, these used to be beautiful little town houses that held quaint shops and grateful families, but now they were just fuel for the Flares, this place had been torched so badly by the towering abomination that the bodies didn’t even have flesh left, just skeletons, cowering in their homes. Time was low, she needed to gather her people and get the hell out of here, the FoC were scouring the planet, there was no way they’d be able to get these things on. They had a well-stocked ship in a remote location, off-planet was the only choice for survival. More Flares entered the area but couldn’t see her, she remained silent, hiding above and gaining what information she could, coming up with an escape plan. Seconds turned into minutes, minutes turned into hours, she waited. The monster did not leave, it stood around idly, its horrific silhouette fading in and out of vision as it lashed out at random buildings. “Awful thing…” she muttered under her breath, she couldn’t afford to wait much longer, it was dangerous to risk leaving the shop but these creatures showed no signs of moving on. Things took a turn for the worst that very second, the monster thumped its way over to the shops, the heat spiking to over 3000 degrees as it shambled down the road, causing metal to sag and melt. The floorboards under her gave away and she collapsed onto the floor below, thankfully causing no damage to her armour. She dusted herself off and stood, to see the mid-section of the creature directly in front of her, its boiling grey flesh so close she could touch it. She froze on the spot, realising what danger she was in. Her shields were holding but were now actively being drained due to sheer heat, she could only remain this close to the monster for a couple of minutes at most. “Weird noise.”-“Strange things.”-“Maybe people?”-“Not people.”-“Mechanical.” It turned on the spot. A wall of faces suddenly stared at Elise and began screaming in anger. Elise stood to her feet and fired a round into its body, crushing one of its many faces, then turning heel and leaping from the back of the shop and into the alleyway below. “Pain!”-“Suffer!”-“SNEAK!”-“DEAD PERSON.”-“BUUUUURN.”-“RUN!” It called out, reaching into the building and clumsily grabbing around for her. Horrifying, its many mouths all roared in unison, shaking the land around it and a massive heat-wave blasted out, blowing the carcasses of the town houses apart, it held its limbs out and began to generate massive balls of fire in its hands, shuffling out into the middle of the street to locate its target. Elise had her heels to the ground, her armour servo’s pushing her speed to the limit, running faster than she could think. The tarmac here had fully melted and it was clinging to her thickly, a massive fireball roared over her head and slammed into a house ahead of her, decimating it and sending pulverised brick and wood everywhere, many smaller fireballs began raining down around her as the creature summoned Flares to aid it. It roared out once more and charged down the street behind her, stumbling clumsily, angrily, with every ounce of might it had. She kept running but the heat levels showed that the creature was gaining on her, 1500 degrees, 1700 degrees, 2200 degrees… The temperature suddenly spiked to 3000 again as the creature got close enough to throw a colossal swipe at the girl, its arm clearing the entire street and just managing to catch her, batting her through the side of a burnt out house and into the next street over. “Beeping?”-“What is noise?”-“Trickery?”-”Pain soon!” The creature turned its arm to see an explosive mine planted on it, which promptly detonated with tremendous force, blowing its arm apart and inflicting massive injury, knocking it onto its fleshy backside and onto the liquefied tarmac. Elise hauled herself up swiftly, her armour scratched but still holding. She continued down the street as fast as possible when the awful thing started to make one of the most hellish, gut wrenching noises you can possibly fathom, its remaining faces cried out in unison “YOU-WILL-BURN!” And began to screech together, it pounded down the street in a animalistic fashion, knocking into buildings and cars, its grey flesh turned to a deep charred black, blood began to pour from its many eye sockets and mouths, seeping over its frothing mass, it gained on her once more, the temperature spiked to an impossibly hot 5000 degrees, her shields barely held as the very earth itself caught fire. As it galloped forwards, its legs couldn’t hold anymore and it collapsed onto the floor, just meters behind Elise, slamming into the molten ground with a painfully loud thump and slowly sinking into the liquefying street. She turned briefly to see what it was doing and saw its bubbling flesh spilling out over the ground, it looked like it was growing bigger…? She couldn’t tell what it was trying to say, but it sounded like it was in absolute agony. She did her best to ignore the horrific wailing and continued to run out of the town, she was on outskirts of the town now, her bike was a few minutes run from here and it would led her to some form of safety. She holstered her rifle and put everything she had into running. She was out-pacing the Flares now and the fireballs had stopped, she seemed to be free of that living hell and the air around her was rapidly dropping to normal heat levels. But the creature was not finished quite yet, it writhed around in pain on the ground until it reached its critical point, where upon its flesh rapidly bubbled up and expanded, there was a bright flash of light and a massive shock-wave took Elise off her feet, flattening the ground around her of anything standing, the monster detonated, annihilating half the town in a massive nova of heat and fury, leaving nothing but a smouldering crater where it had fallen in the street. The dust and sand around Elise had turned into a molten glass slurry from the heat produced, flowing around her armour. Her suit was tough, but a shockwave of this intensity had shaken her to the very core, rattling her brain in her skull and throwing her off course. Her ammo had exploded within its containment pouches, her power core was about to overheat, shielding about to fail. Dazed, reeling, about to break, she pressed a button on one of her pouches to pop it open and pulled out a back-up core, it was smaller and weaker than her primary one, but it would keep the armour and her alive. The change had to be quick, if the shielding went down for more than a few seconds, she’d be cooked alive. Thankfully, this was a task she’d done a million times, popping the old core out and the new one in with dexterity and speed, despite her trembling hands and shuddering thoughts. Her shields remained alive, flickering, but functional. Pressing herself up by her fists, she stood wearily and took in the environment... The town had been completely levelled and most of the surrounding desert had been glassed by the creatures final breath, at least the awful thing had been dealt with. There were no survivors. She needed to be quick, or there wouldn't be any at all across the region. A deep rumble shook the ground and she looked to the sky, seeing something akin to a giant floating castle, slowly descending from the clouds, built from heavy stone blocks, kept afloat by massive roaring engines that blasted huge columns of flame underneath itself, It dwarfed the surrounding wreckages with its colossal presence. The Followers of Cyrune were coming, with a full army of Crusaders and cultists, to claim the planet as their own. There was no stopping this, Elise knew she had to gather those who'd survived the initial attack and get off planet... Her bike was positioned safely in a cave nearby, thankfully spared from the final explosive goodbye of the Pyre. There was one other town between her and her home camp that she wanted to check on. Her folks were currently holed up in their bunker and were making preparations to leave, so she knew they were safe for the time being. Time was against her though, as the floating Citadel was making its own preparations and would be launching them soon...

There was once a deer hunter who met an abandoned wagon deep in the forest fields, the wagon was full of wealth and valuables, as if a merchant was selling them. 'It's not that bad if I only steal one pack of bread right…?' that's what he thought before guilt strikes him, he cannot even eat the bread without crying, so he waited for the merchant to pay back the bread. But it's not the merchant who came back, it's a patrol soldier. The deer hunter panics into thinking 'What kind of trouble am I suddenly brought in?!' He then immediately went into the wagon and dressed himself in luxurious clothing, so that to avoid being accused of suspicion. "Good day, merchant!" the soldier greets the pretending man. "Good timing fellow!" the fake merchant chuckled, "I'm in a trouble travelling… east! Will you help me?" "Isn't east the desert?" 'The desert?! I thought that's where the capital was!' the fake merchant thinks inside his head. "Y-yeah… I was travelling to the desert, you know! Business! Hehehe…" he acted awkwardly. "Yeah… I shall assist you then." the soldier prepared his sheathed sword for the travel. But then he's in a panic as well 'Oh no, this is bad! This is extremely bad!' The soldier kept his cool while crying internally 'After the desert is the capital! I'm not even a soldier, I've deserted from the army! Once I go back there I'll surely be hanged!' 'How do I escape this situation?!' Their thoughts are almost the same. In the hot expanse of the desert, they were travelling almost unendingly, until they met a starving man, he was so exhausted all he could do was crawl on the ground. They then helped him and brought him along with them. The man looks grateful, but he's actually feeling the exact opposite, 'They were heading towards the capital?! I went through tough ways of escaping the dungeon there, now I'm going back to being a prisoner?! I'd rather be left here and starve instead!' While still travelling in disoriented paths, they accidentally ran into a group of army horsemen, the deserted soldier thought they're the ones looking for him and ran away. The escaped prisoner thought they're the ones looking for him and ran away.  The fake merchant thought they are bandits which is why his companions ran away, and ran away as well. "Hey Jacob, did the men left their wagon?" one of the horsemen asks. "I don't know Rob, they must've been heading to that oasis over there." the other horsemen answered him. "Let's protect the wagon then while our folks are still away, shall we?" "That's a good Idea Rob." Supposedly going as far away as possible, they all ran into the oasis, and hid there. "Hey soldier! What're we supposed to do?" the fake merchant shouts. "I'm not a soldier! Please forgive me, but I'm a deserter!" the deserter soldier whines behind of the trees. The fake merchant approaches him and sighed, "I'm not a merchant either." The deserted soldier looks up to him, but with his hand on the hilt of his sword. "W-wait!" the fake merchant shook his head worryingly, "I'm a deer hunter! I thought I would be arrested for being near that abandoned wagon so I pretended as the merchant!" The deserter soldier calmed himself down, and nodded. "I'm an escaped prisoner from the capital." the escaped prisoner said from the bushes. Before he'll be seen a threat, he immediately explained himself, "I was once a slave when I disobeyed my master and was then brought to prison. Certainly for me, I escaped the dungeons by digging a tunnel, so that's why I am here." A silent minute passes by before they laughed and made fun of each other. "I know a good place to hide." the fake merchant suggests. "Hey Jacob," the guarding horseman calls out, "aren't they coming back?" "I don't know Rob, it's turning night already." the other horseman replies to him. "Want to take the wagon and desert from the army, Jacob?" "Hmm, that's a good idea… Rob."

The belch and roar of the old rattling engine could be heard across the wetland planes for miles, Elise was heading full speed towards the last town between her and her crew, Whetstone. It was beginning to rain as she approached, the blazing inferno of Ironwest town was now replaced by the rolling cool grey clouds, stretching out as far as she could see, usually this bleakness was the sign of yet another dreary day but she was absolutely craving normality right now and the clouds were a pleasant sight to behold. She'd kept some spare ammo on her bike which was already equipped and was letting her fancy power core rest in the bikes armoured compartment, the damn thing near exploding from the encounter with the Pyre. As she drove, her bike kicking up dust and spitting dirt backwards, her communicator bleeped awake, she quickly responded, keeping her eyes on the road ahead and scanning the environment for threats. “Skiff! How are the preparations coming? Are we nearly ready to go?” Elise spoke sternly but she was happy to hear a friendly voice. “E-Elise! T-thank the gods you're OK, we heard an explosion... *FUCK IT IN THE ASS, WE'RE ALL DEAD*, S-sorry, We thought the worst! W-what happened?” “Skiff, I told ya, you don't need to apologise for your ticks. There was a small Pyre but I dealt with it. I'm just dropping by Whetstone to see if anyone has actually survived. You heard the explosion at the camp though?” It hadn't quite sunk in how powerful that detonation was, she considered it was better to not think about it. “Yeah... I-it scared me shitless... *PUSSY BOY! MAN IT UP, FUCK BOY* What should we do?” “As we discussed Skiff! But faster! Get Nem and Mare on the ship first! And make sure you got Frank's med's for god sake! And Skiff, don't get distracted, yeah?” “*THEN KEEP YA TITTIES AWAY THEN, WHORE!* Sure, no problem! I just...” As he spoke, there were voices in the background, it sounded like someone was shouting the name “Skiff” over and over again. “You shouldn't be phoning me now, should you Skiff...?” Elise sighed but a gentle smile crept over her face. “I got worried! I had to check! “Tsk. Bless you Skiff, you better go help Mags with whatever you were supposed to be doing. I'm fine, just stay focused, right?” “S-sure... *FOCUSED ON YOUR FAT ASS*, Sorry, see you soon right, Elise?” “Yeah, i'll be back as soon as i've checked on Whetstone, fucking hell, I don't think anyone has survived this...” Elise disconnected the call and stared ahead at the approaching town. Whetstone was a collection of smaller houses and buildings, built in traditional stonework by hand, it used to be a quaint little hamlet but much like Ironwest, it was now in ruins. Elise skidded to a halt on her bike and looked on as she saw two figures patrolling through the ruins, dressed akin to med-evil knights, only they were as wide as a car and wielded swords the approximate length of typical road signage. These were Crusaders, front-line infantry of the Followers of Cyrune, they were brutal, powerful warriors who specialised in closing the distance and using their thick armour to take the brunt of enemy defences, but could also rip a man in half with their bare hands when required. They didn't look like they were up to much at the moment though, they hadn't spotted Elise yet, as she'd pulled up onto a ridge and Whetstone was below her, giving her a good view of the ruined town. Once again, there was nothing in the way of survivors as far she could see, the town had been plucked clean of people and thoroughly demolished. Whetstone was one of the only good sources of clean water for the local area, not that it was of huge importance at this point, but the town had been built around a well in the very center, and it appeared that the cultists were currently displaying bodies around it, a small collection of them were stapling dead towns-people to poles and hanging them up... Elise's grip tightened around her revolver in anger, her breath hot in her helm, just last week she was chatting with these people, having food with them, helping out with jobs around the town. Now they were all dead and these sick fucks were hanging them out like they were fresh laundry, proud of their work. This wasn't the time for vengeance though, it was far more important to get out alive. She stayed low and looked over every house closely with her helm's optical enhancements, ensuring no one was being left behind. The rain was getting heavier and was washing the ash off her armour, the pitter patter of water on metal was a sound she absolutely hated and always did her best to ignore it. It seemed in the blink of an eye however, the situation down in Whetstone had changed, the Crusaders standing guard had disappeared, greatly alarming Elise. These were hulking metal titans, their disappearance should have been noticeable earlier... she drew her rifle from the bike and clacked a heavy round into the chamber, sliding the bolt back and forth to load and returning to her previous position on the ridge, shouldering the rifle, her suspicions were correct. She'd been spotted and the Crusaders were already half way up the ridge, moving with incredible, impossible speed, clutching their gigantic swords eagerly as they pounded up the soaking rock face. Elise let off her first shot that rang out loudly over the ridge, echoing into the distance, these were armour piercing, heavy calibre rounds and they impacted with tremendous force, puncturing through the Crusaders chest plate and bursting out his back, leaving a hole the size of a fist in his chest cavity, the fight faded from his form as his blood gushed out of the injury but out of sheer spite, the monstrous man continued to lumber forward. Behind him, the other Crusader charged forward, sword pointed directly ahead of him. Elise loaded another round calmly, bolt back, round in, bolt forward. Raising the rifle again to her shoulder, the second Crusader was now at the top of the ridge and was facing Elise directly, he brought his sword up to point directly at her and thumped his chest twice intimidatingly. “Rejoice peasant! Your salva-” His words were cut short by a shot straight through the head, bursting his helm and skull in spectacular fashion, spraying exploded metal, bone and blood everywhere. Behind him, the wounded Crusader stumbled up the hill, using his sword as a walking aid, although badly wounded, he'd made it up the ridge and was preparing to throw himself at Elise. To his side, the just killed Crusaders body refused to fall and instead, a loud roar blared out, a bright yellow light shining from the head and from no where, a new head began to form, screaming out in anger as powerful psyonics reformed his flesh. As calm as could be however, Elise loaded another round into her rifle as the Crusader revived, bolt back, round in, bolt forward. The shot punched right through the already wounded Crusaders chest again and finished him off, his dying gurgles dribbling out and his body crashing to the floor with a loud thump as the other one finished reforming, head fully complete, although helmet-less. He gripped his sword and charged right at the girl with pure aggression pumping through his veins, Elise whipped out her revolver and quickly fired a couple of shots, one glancing his head and the other impacting a shoulder blade. He swung for her neck in a massive horizontal swipe, looking for a clean decapitation, but his blade swept over her as she ducked, taking aim again, another revolver round thumped from the barrel loudly and thunk'd cleanly into his forehead, swiftly ending the assault. The other Crusader did not revive, leaving Elise alone with the two dead armoured behemoths. “Scum, utter scum.” She quickly returned to the bike, holstering the rifle and revolver appropriately. She was half way to sitting on the bike but she quickly stood, ran over to one of the Crusader corpses and gave it a couple of solid kicks to vent some frustration, but then returned to the bike swiftly and carried on towards her camp. There were no survivors at Whetstone. Her escape from Ironwest had not gone unnoticed, peering just behind the horizon and eagerly searching, another Pyre was hunting after her, a significant following of Flares were shambling around behind it, slowly scouring the land for any trace of her, they did not appreciate her handling of one of their own and were keen to exact justice upon her. Although much slower than her on her bike, this Pyre was walking at a decent pace, its many heads and eyes watching the landscape and just catching site of a moving dust cloud, although Elise wouldn't know it, the chase was on. Her journey back to the camp was uneventful, if completely maddening, but now wasn't the time to be mad, getting her people to safety was of utmost importance. The camp had a decent height metal mesh fence around its perimeter, a ship pad just down the road and was otherwise just a collection of oddly shaped caravans that had been turned into a minor settlement, this was completely off-grid, they had their own generator, water pump and most of what was around they'd done by hand with whatever materials they could scavenge. It wasn't glamorous, but it was home, up until a few hours ago anyway. Elise skidded into the middle of the camp, bringing the bike to a stop and taking in what had been done. They were behind schedule. From behind one of the material sheds, a small, awkward looking fox man stumbled out, looking around in a confused fashion, he was skinny and wirey, with bright orange and white fur, with keen lime eyes that portrayed a significant intellect to him, dressed currently in a tanker coat and scruffy jeans. “*BUTT-FUCK THIS BAD BOY* Ah shit shit shit... where did I put that-” “Skiff!” Elise called out, her helmet hissing loudly as she removed it and placed it on the bike. “Whats going on? This place is hardly packed at all!” “Ah fuck! *BAD BITCH BOSS IS BACK!* E-Elise! It took us ages to convince Nem and Mare of the danger, M-mare wouldn't leave without her dagger collection, so Mags had to usher them out... Zen is getting the ship ready *CRASH AND BURN, BABY* So...” “Are they out at least?” Elise pressed two of her fingers strongly against her brow, huffing in frustration, marching towards her own caravan. “Y-yes. Just me here...” “Alright. Did we get everyones meds?” The fox nodded to confirm her question, waiting for instructions. “Good. Heres the plan Skiff, i'm going to quickly pack my stuff, you got what you need too? We're not coming back so make sure you got everything you need.” He nodded again. “I'm going to leave my stuff with you, as soon as i'm done packing, you grab the shit and go.” “*GRAB MY ASS, PANCAKES FOR DAYS, BABY!* Okay, essentials only? Then head to the ship... what are you going to do if i'm taking your stuff?” The fox ticked again, clicking his fingers as he did so, it was involuntary and Elise had instructed him not to try and suppress them, as it seemed to do far more harm than than good, but everyone at the camp knew of his condition and took no offence to any ticks of an offensive nature, not that this was an example of that. “I'm going to grab anything tradable or sellable from the stores and bring it up on the bike, tell Zen to keep the ramp down for me. Skiff... don't get distracted... if you're not on the ship when i'm back, we likely won't have time to fetch you...” As she spoke, she pushed open the flimsy metal door to her caravan and grabbed a canvas sack, the caravan was groaning under the weight of her armour, she would never have worn it in here but it didn't exactly matter at this point. This had been her home for god knows how many years, stapled together lovingly by the people here for her, hand built shelves were lined with heart felt gifts, pictures of her and the crew together... she quickly packed them into the bag and stepped over to her bed, a rickety but comfy construction, they'd managed to find a rather high quality mattress a couple of years ago and gifted it to her for all the work she'd done around the camp, replacing the cardboard thin one she had previously, she adored it but it was replaceable, no way of bringing it at this point. Her bedside table however contained memories that weren't so easily replaced. A worn, beaten and old diary, that was tapped shut was the first item on the list. A faintly glowing, ornate ring gifted to her was another, there was some instructions regarding her rifle, armour and bike that were important too so those were snatched up and hastily shoved into the bag... she stopped and looked around the room, it felt unreal. Just yesterday, this place was safe and homely, or at least it was to her... now they were running for their lives, death peering over the horizon, corpses of the stubborn or unlucky piling up behind them. The clock was ticking and it weighed heavily upon her every action, despite her calm exterior. She did another quick sweep of her room, grabbing some snacks and anything else in arms reach, filling the bag to a reasonable degree. She took a deep breath, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes as she said goodbye to the rickety metal shack and stepped out into the bitter, moist air of the camp. Skiff was waiting for her, with his own bag already in hand which was rattling loudly with every small movement he took. “Remember what I said, Skiff. I want to see you on that ship when I arrive, no detours.” She handed the bag to him and he nodded again, clutching Elise's bag closely and quickly dashing off towards the ship pad down the road. Elise however headed further in to the camp, towards a hatch on the floor, which she pulled open to reveal a narrow staircase, it was only a few steps down until it reached a room which was organised by herself, this was an underground material store the camp used for keeping things out of the weather, anything from raw timber, to metal ore and refined produce, just nothing edible. Towards the back of the store were six black, locked containers, roughly the size of small suitcases, which Elise was hoping to bring, they would make the journey ahead much easier... unfortunately for her, these were also rather heavy and for the sake of not tripping over in her armour, she grabbed one in each hand and made her way back up the stairs and towards the bike, she had mag stores on the back of the bike and the containers fit onto those perfectly. It was a couple of minutes walk back and forth, she would have brought the bike closer but the camp was not built on flat ground and it was difficult to move it further in without risking damage to its tires. She hurried back and further two containers, the return journey still quiet, although anxiety filled. She returned one final time, disappearing into the darkness of the store and heading to the back of the room, hauling the final containers up, but a shuddering, piercing screech sounded loudly as she did so. Cautiously, she walked out of the store, containers in hand and looked out around the camp... Just down the road from where she'd arrived, a towering figure stood, the grass under it had been burned away by its presence, the rocks around it were glowing bright orange as it stood, heat saturating the air. A body more akin to wax than flesh, moving faces of fury and anger looked over the surroundings, this Pyre was absolutely gigantic, dwarfing the last one Elise managed to kill. “COME OUT, WOMAN!” It bellowed, voice booming and angry. Unlike the previous one, this ones many mouths spoke together, its many vocal parts swam around its titanic form with a nauseating slickness. “LET THE FIRE BURN YOUR SINS CLEAN. LET ME HELP YOU.”

Delos. A land that is barren and desolate. Leto, the Titan of Motherhood, strode through the stony path, pain visible on her face. Her steps on the path, though, were firm and unwavering.  She'd been on this perilous journey for nearly four months. She travelled far and wide, through the vibrant lands of Europa, the fiery gate of the Underworld, and the deep and dark depths of the Ocean, desperately seeking refuge. She was, however, shunned away with fear, indifference, and ridicule. She didn't stop; she couldn't stop; the very earth rejected her to provide a place to sit, rest, and give birth to her children. Despair. She was in absolute despair. Rejected by her own home and family, her world was turning grey, with the last specks of light extinguishing. However, two still remained, burning brightly through her bleak world. They were the only thing pulling her out of the abyss of despair. They were more than just specks of light. They were her only hope. They were her entire world. They were her children.  Leto finally arrived on an even earth shaded by withering trees. She sat on the ground, slowly and carefully caressing her bulging belly. She winced. Her senses were immediately assaulted by a mixture of pain and relief, almost knocking her out into the darkness. She bit her lips, golden ichor dripping down her chin onto the barren ground. Life graced the barren island as flowers bloomed and withering trees were shaded green. They swayed in the direction of the Leto, causing a gentle and vibrant breeze to sweep towards Leto. It was as though they were trying to console the 'mother' who gave life to them all. Leto jolted out of the darkness, clutching the green on the ground. The gentle breeze brushed past her, bringing some relief to her troubled heart. She gazed at the vibrant island through teary eyes. Delos, the floating island, is the only place on Earth free from the wrath and jealousy of Hera. She fled for as long as she could just to avoid the divine gaze of the Queen of Gods, eventually reaching the island of Delos with the help of Poseidon. Leto didn't consider herself weak or kind. On the contrary, she can be as vengeful and cruel as a dark raven. But she knew better than to openly defy the Queen of the Gods. This was a world where the one with strongest fist got to decide the fate of all below. It was a cruel and indifferent truth that always reverberated through substratum of reality, only for some to hear. And yet, strength was never her forte to begin with. So, she ran, cursing the kindly ones for her wretched fate. It was pathetic. She was pathetic. She, the titan of motherhood, couldn't even protect her own children from Hera's wrath. Crystal tears streamed down her eyes, which were filled with pain and sorrow. The gentle breeze from the plants swept her eyes, wiping away her tears. Leto stroked her belly, feeling the two heartbeats. It gradually calmed her emotions. Her eyes, little by little, became firmer, as her heart hardened with determination. She will protect her children at any cost, even if it means meeting death herself in the end. A spark of fire ignited deep within her soul, which she missed as searing pain erupted from her lower body, making her wince. Her heart, on the other hand, began to overflow with joy and anticipation. 'It's finally time...' She thought, 'I can't wait to meet you both…' Leto braced herself, taking deep breaths and lowering her hands. Then she began. The sun in the sky gradually moved to the horizon, glinting in the twilight as time passed. The painful screams of Leto echoed throughout the earth, resounding through the heavenly mountains of Olympus to the deepest pits of Tartarus, drawing the prying eyes of all. The Aegean sea, which surrounded the vibrant land of Delos, erupted in massive waves, rushing towards the clouds and connecting to the sky. It blocked all the prying eyes while protecting the island from any malicious intent. Leto's screams eventually faded, and a child's cry took their place. Under the shade of a lush tree, Leto held her daughter in her hands ever so gently. She was a literal mess, her body drenched in sweat, tears, and blood. Despite this, she gathered her remaining strength and gently swayed her daughter, who was giggling and raising her little hand, trying to touch her fingers. Leto finally showed a smile, a smile full of joy and relief. Her gaze was drawn to her daughter's iris, which were glinting silver in colour, resembling the silver moon. Finally, she declared, her voice clear and loud, reverberating across the Earth. "Artemis. You are Artemis." Her daughter, like the twilight sky, began to change significantly. Artemis flew out of her arms and floated in front of her. Leto did nothing to stop it, instead smiling peacefully. Artemis grew from a baby to a girl in a matter of seconds, still floating with her eyes closed. At the same moment, the orange fluorescent orb on the horizon faded away, heralding the arrival of night earlier. From frail mortals to all-powerful gods, they all looked up at the night sky dotted with innumerable sparkles of stars. Into these black heavens, upon this eternal night, came the grace of the silver moon. It was immediately filled with its gracious silvery radiance. A beam of moonlight cascaded down from the silver-disc, as bright as diamond flames, turning into an ocean of melted platinum glow.  It passed through the colossal wall of water, descending on floating figure of Artemis, bathing her. A symbol of the silver moon graced her glabellae, declaring the birth of the Goddess of the Moon.  She opened her silver eyes, gleaming with divine wisdom. Her long black hair cascaded down her neck, gently swaying in the breeze, attesting to her ethereal grace and beauty, which would go on to evoke the jealously and envy of many goddesses. The silver moonlight veil transformed into a silver gown, enveloping her naked body. "Mother….." Artemis spoke her first word, floating down in front of Leto and tightly embracing her. The moonlight also illuminated her mother, healing her injuries and wounds. "Artemis.." Leto hugged her child tightly. "You look beautiful." "Just like you, mother..." Artemis smiled. Leto smiled as well, but her face twisted as scorching pain erupted throughout her body. The pain was unlike anything she had ever felt before, even more than during Artemis' birth. "I shall help, mother," Artemis said, clearly understanding her mother's predicament. Leto turned to face her daughter, speaking in between whimpers. "I am fine. I can handle it. And, it is really not something a child can perform." "I could." Artemis was adamant. "With your help. And, you seemed to really need it with brother." Leto finally nodded and sighed. The scorching pain was filling every pore of her body. It almost felt like an actual star was within her body. Nonetheless, she steeled herself to bear this seemingly unending agony for the sake of her son. As her resolve grew stronger, the faint spark deep within her soul began to burn brightly....  __________________ (A/N : The story is AU with many elements from Sandman Comics)

Announcement CW: Spoiler Dysphoria, conversion therapy reference, suicide, parental violence, homophobia, murder, dismemberment [collapse] There was an itching in the center of his back. It started when he was young. While sneakily trying on a dress, he scraped his back on a nail. The itch was small at first, but it grew over time. He went to his parents, then the doctor. Nothing there, they said. He felt it though. The feeling spread, upwards and downwards just to the left of his spine. It grew into a capital I Itch. Tranquilizers helped numb it when he could find them. Alcohol helped too. The Itch flared at inopportune moments - during sex, getting dressed, being photographed. Made keeping a girlfriend hard. Not much easier to keep a boyfriend. On occasion, he saw stuff. Weird stuff. Hallucinations or something. Stuff that didn't make sense to see on real people. He ignored it like he did the Itch. Once he saw something while walking downtown in the early morning. Swore he saw it. There was a man, late middle age, standing at a bus stop in an ill-fitting suit. Normal enough so far, but an oddity in the corner of his vision, caused him to double take. A hint of something sloughing backwards from the man. Shouldn't have looked back. Never look back. Remember that. Mistakes can’t be undone. Tried his best to block it out. Pretend what he saw didn't nauseate him. But the rotting corpse hanging half out of the man's back still slid into his mind directly out of the back of the man’s coat. He cried himself to sleep the same night as the Itch intensified, pulsing like a counterpoint to his heartbeat. Embarrassing, that. Men don't cry. His Da would be ashamed of him if he found out. Start rolling in his grave before he was even buried. Nothing doing, he'd insist if asked. Might have been the chicken he ate for dinner, perhaps. He was normal compared to those non-humans and the flaming queers his Da railed against. Normal a son as a militant, domineering Father could ask for. Wasn't like one of those wanna-robots of the Collective, or whatever they called themselves, or those gene-splicing weirdos with cat ears and tails, or those magus freaks throwing around spells. No, he was a man. That's what his father demanded of him, and dammit, he was going to make him proud. Even if it killed him. Small price to pay for the family's honor.  He avoided the street where the man died from then on. Best not risk a repeat. Days later, he learned it wasn't necessary. He was reading the weekend paper, hoping for something to say to the people at work on Monday. The man was in the paper. Dead. It seemed he stepped in front of that bus. Some new, militant group of non-humans, Devils or something, caused a fuss about it. They called the man a Still-born, said his chance to Become was stolen. It really pissed off the Fundies.  His Da said the Fundies had changed since the Convergence. Judgement Day, he called it. No more worrying about the gays or the —. He wasn't going to repeat those words, not even in his mind. Point was, the previous undesirables were no longer a target, as long as they assimilated properly. The Fundies had bigger concerns now. "We must secure the existence of our people, and a future for human children." Seemed a bit much to him, but arguing with his Da was not an option. This Still-born thing stuck in his head no matter how hard he tried to ignore it. He kept trying to slide his mind away from what he saw. Ever crack an egg for breakfast, and a half formed bird slides onto the sizzling pan? It had that feeling, that quiet horror which demands acceptance. Every egg is a potential corpse. A potential Life, denied any chance to continue. He couldn’t understand how no one else noticed it around that man. Really, it should have reeked. Wrongness like that should have a smell, something to give a bit of warning. Not that there was warning before the Convergence. Nothing made sense lately. Everyone kept acting like these people, these non-humans just popped into existence when it happened. He's not so sure. His favorite teacher, Dr. Alan Hart, told him the Convergence just made non-humans more obvious. They'd always lived among us, the source of our myths. He thought that made more sense, but. Dunno. Not something to discuss in polite company, his Ma would say. She was strict about politeness, appearances, and stoicism. Know the rules. Follow them. That’s good breeding. Honors the family. He went to work like normal, ate lunch, ignored the Itch, and finished his tasks. Can't let people think he’s different. Could lose his family, his job, his house. His landlord had a strict Humans Only policy. Didn't much like that he had a boyfriend either, but there was laws against that sort of discrimination, thankfully.  His boyfriend was a lot more open-minded. Caring. Turner accepted him, held him close when the Itch got so bad he tore bloody gashes in the skin, didn't get upset over last-minute canceled plans, understood his fear. Turner listened to him when he worried he'd never live up to his Da's expectations, never mocked his trouble with intimacy, whether it was sex or holding hands in public. Turner was a good man. Kept trying to get him to go to a non-human rights protest. Not that he would be caught dead at one of those. It was too much of a risk. Imagine if his Da found out? His life would be over. He should have gone to that protest. The Pope declared that non-humans were Abominations, worse than nuclear weapons, threatening the Annihilation of Man. If he wasn't such a fucking coward, he would have gone. Would have been there. Could have done something. Turner was different afterwards. Barely alive in any way that mattered. If he'd gone, maybe Turner wouldn't have been grabbed by Fundies. They shipped him off to The Abbott Center for Family Values. They called it Deprogramming, making sure he wasn't contaminated by the Non-humans. When Turner came back, he was Empty. Holes right through him, but Turner didn't seem to notice the void, nor did anyone else. He nearly threw up when he first saw them. Worked up the courage to touch Turner, saw glistening bone and wet meat but felt only the reassuring touch of his skin. The worst was watching him eat, seeing the food turn to paste through the hole in his cheek, slide down his esophagus through the holes in his chest that clothing failed to cover. Still, he should have said something. Should have gone to the protest. Should have done anything for once in his life. Two weeks later, Turner bought a handgun, walked into his parents' house, and shot himself through the head in front of them. In his heart, he knew Turner used his last strength to show them his Emptiness, forcing his body to show the holes where he knew they were. He still cried for days when he found out, barely able to get out of bed. His mind was filled with happy times they would never have again, Turner’s warmth next to him turned to cold vacancy, the emptiness all he left behind. It changed him, shameful as that sounds. It takes the death of a loved one to convince a man to try something different. Just a faggot in a refrigerator. Turner deserved better. Deserved better than him. So despite himself, he had to do something different. He saw something in Turner when he came back and he saw something in that man at the bus stop. He needed answers. He couldn't go to a Psych or anything. Mandatory reporting laws meant any suspected non-human contamination had to be reported to next of kin and the State. It wasn’t worth the risk. He'd have to find a Witch. That was a start. They were real weird sorts, but from what Turner told him, Witches could see stuff inside of people, the living clockwork. He needed to learn why he saw this strangeness. If it was anything like the Witches saw. How it started. What he could do about it, maybe even with it. Who he was supposed to be if he lived for himself. The questions bloated his mind, psychedelic sludge. He called one of Turner's friends. They sobbed on the phone, and he couldn't blame them. They lost a partner from the protest as well. They were home sick, or they'd have been able to do something. He coaxed them to give him an address. Quail Hollow Road, Garland, about an hour's drive away. He headed out immediately. It wasn’t something to say over the phone. The drive was a blur, just the growing anxiety and his Itch flaring till it was nearly painful. He knocked on the door with trepidation.  An old guy answered it. "Name's Hirschfeld. They're waiting for you."  He nodded and went in, the door closing firmly behind him. It was private enough to talk now. "So are you…" He felt uncertainty down to his bones. He couldn't screw this up, couldn't offend them. "Non-human?" Hirschfeld responded, "No, just looking out for people who need help. humanity isn't a requisite for personhood."  He thought about that. It was missing something, "What about those that… Don't want to be people, aren't people?" "You know the answer to that, somewhere inside, or you wouldn’t be asking. You treat them with respect. Do your best to see them the way they want to be seen." Hirschfeld smiled and led the way. It wasn't a large place, but comfortable looking, like people… um. Like it was well-lived in. The two walked into the living room. In an armchair was a gorgeous woman, her remarkable eyes filled with purple light and tears. "Sorry. Still working through my grief and guilt." They took a deep breath and tried again, "I'm Sylvia. She/They. A Magus, for all the good it does me." "I um. I need to talk to a Witch. Please." He was brusque, didn't bother introducing himself. Who he was now didn't matter, just what he could be. How he could prevent what happened from happening again. "It's important. I Saw something. Something that others either didn't see or refused to. I need to know if I could have done something. If I can do something now. To make up for my failures." She nodded, seeing his earnestness, and spoke to Hirschfeld, "Take our new… friend to see May. Perhaps she'll be able to assist." "Yes, Ma'am. Is there anything I can do for you while I'm out?" "No, thank you. I think I just need to be alone for a while. Adjust to being alone." They gave the two a bitter smile, and waved them off."Now get going. No time like the present." They left the house and got into his piece of shit car. He rested his head against the wheel. His eyes weren't helping. Kept seeing Sylvia surrounded by flames and he didn't know if that was good or bad. "Am I fucking up again? I didn't say anything about what I saw this time, just like I didn't say anything to Turner." Hirschfeld lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. "What'd you see?" "Flames. They were engulfed in them. Not burning but. You know? Flames." He slammed his fist against his head again and again until Hirschfeld grabbed his arm. He’d drawn blood with the ring on his finger. The ring Turner gave him. Fuck. Holes in both their heads. "Okay, none of that first of all.” Hirschfeld spoke sharply. “I'm not watching anyone beat themselves up. Ruins the mood, you know? Second of all, Sylvia's a Magus. She literally engulfs herself in flames when using her magic." "So she's not in danger then?" He looked at Hirschfeld with hope. "Course they're in danger. Just not from themself. Plenty of danger from the Fundamentalists, the government, their neighbors turning against them until there's nowhere left to go." "That's awful."  "That's why I'm trying to help. Gotta do what we can while we're here, and not take yourself out of the fight too early." Hirschfeld directed him to a nearby neighborhood, to one of many cookie-cutter houses in a row. "Go on. I'll wait out here in case you need me afterwards." Hirschfeld spoke with secrets hidden under his tongue like pills. Pills or no, prying into a gift horse's mouth wasn't proper. He was where he needed to be. He knocked on the door and a girl, something resembling a girl, answered. Like someone who had never seen a girl made one from descriptions in countless surrealist stories. She was made from porcelain, an hourglass abdomen, with sand flowing from chest to navel behind filigree glass. Their eyes were crystal orbs filled with seawater watching him blankly. Its nose was small but sharp, the steel razor-edged on its hooked underside. And he was staring like an Idiot. "Sorry. I'm here to see May. I was told she might be able to help me."  "It will take you to its Mistress. Please follow. Take off your shoes first."  Alright, 'It' was correct. A Doll maybe? Only thing that made sense to him. Turner spoke of them. So damaged, vitiated by their past that being a person was too painful to handle. Being a Doll was supposed to be part of the healing process. Didn't understand it. Didn't need to. Wasn't here to learn about Dolls. He pulled his shoes off, set them down and followed. Important to be polite. Follow the customs of your host. As his Ma always said, “Keep your opinions to yourself.” The audience room was formal. Old formal,intimidating in an unfamiliar way. Red carpet, candlestick chandelier, high backed chair at the far end of the room with figures kneeling to either side. In the chair was a figure in a simple wooden mask and ornate robes. "Welcome to my Dollhouse, Yearnling." He shook his head. Pretty sure it was a slur or something, but it didn't matter. "Thank you for seeing me. I need your help." He dropped to his knees, ignoring both the pride his father beat into him, and his shame at begging. "Please. I need to Understand." "To understand is a costly demand to ask of May the Blossom Witch. What sort of Devil's bargain would you offer?" Her voice resonated through his body. He convulsed as the familiar Itch changed. A wound tearing open in his skin, pulling him apart inch by inch from the back of his neck to the base of his pelvis, agonizing relief. A sign that he was on the right path.  "What– What do you want from me? I don't have anything of value. I just want to help the people my boyfriend— the community Turner died trying to help. It's what he would have wanted." Turner wanted him to participate. To help the Non-humans.  "Is that why you are here? To live your life for someone else? I thought you wanted to Understand? Do you even know why you are here, or are you merely stumbling forward blindly?" Honesty. He needed to be honest about why he came. About why he wanted May's help. "I need to understand myself. If I am going to be someone that Turner deserved, that can help my community, that… won't leave me feeling Empty at the end of the day. I'm here for me. The other stuff is just justification" My community? No, he couldn't think of that. He had to be a Man, like his Da. Fuck. Dammit, no, that wasn't him, no matter how much he tried. His father would never be satisfied, never be proud of him. The Witch sagged in her throne. "Rose, it seems Violet is out of energy. My Dear Doll, please take its place."  She pulled the mask from her porcelain face and passed it to the closest Doll, who put it on its own face. The robes faded from the seated figure and appeared on Rose - now the Witch. The seated figure became Violet the Doll once more.  "Would you offer me your body like my Dolls do, Yearnling? Is it even yours to offer? You wear it like an ill-fitting suit. Who owns your body?" He stared at her in bewilderment as she approached. This was his body, right? What else could it be? Not like God was handing out— Would be a blasphemy to even think that. Ill-fitting suit? Sure he’d had the Itch, uncomfortable like a seam or tag on clothes, but that's normal.  "Of course it's my body! No one else owns it." "Dear Yearnling, Your body is not Your body, yet. You are merely on the verge of Becoming, but whether you blossom or be Still-born is still unknown. You seek Understanding and so I will offer you this advice. What you see in others is real, not physical but spiritual. You don't have Sight like mine, but Sight of a different kind. Be yourself and die, or give up and let your potential die with you. Everyone who breathes dies eventually. It's what you do before then that matters." She spoke to him kindly, softly. More warmth than his Ma ever offered and more certainty than his Da ever managed. He looked up at her as she touched his face. "No easy answers, I guess?"  "No. But if you look, you will find the reason for your Yearning, and the answer to your question. Telling you what you already know won't help. You have to take the steps yourself." She helped him to his feet and walked him back to the entrance, waiting patiently for him to fumble his shoes back on. "Come back if you find yourself. It would be an honor to see what you Become." He walked out. Stared at his companion who sat on the hood of the car casually smoking yet another cigarette. "You're glowing, Hirschfeld. Like a green aura or something." "Yeah, May mentioned that too. Says that I'm Filled with Purpose, whatever that means. Helps me get an audience with Witches, signals I'm a friend or something. I think it’s a good thing." He looked back at the Witch. May was standing in the doorway in her borrowed body, and the shape of a Doll with a shadow of the Witch superimposed.  As the Witch closed the door she offered parting words through the mask. "Your eyes are fully open now. Good luck."  He staggered against the car as he felt something like fingers pushing through the wound on his back. "This is too much. I can't." He pulled his shirt off and fell to the ground, grabbing at his back, trying desperately to push the wound closed. He sobbed as Hirschfeld spoke to him. "Witches tend to get under your skin. It's their speciality." "My back. It's. Help. Please." Hirschfeld looked him over. Took a picture with his phone to show him. "There's nothing there I can see. Look for yourself." He did his best to suppress the pain long enough to look. Shouldn't have looked. Can't unsee it once you look. Even more true when it looks back at you. Seeing one infernal eye peering through the wound in his back broke him. Cracked his fragile psyche like putting a hammer through an egg. Just a gooey malformed lump of bird dumped onto a cast-iron skillet. He scrambled into the car and raced away without hesitation, leaving Hirschfeld and his shirt in the driveway. No room to think. No room to talk. Had to get home. Had to sleep so he could wake up from this terrible nightmare. He'd wake up beside Turner and everything would be okay again. The idea trickled into his head like the last drops of water in a desert. Just gotta get home and things can be okay again. His Da was standing there outside the front doors to his apartment building when he got home. One of Da's friends worked with him. Must have mentioned his absence the past week. Da was silently furious. He pulled him out of the car and marched him to the elevator up to his apartment, hand locked on his shoulder the entire time. He didn't resist. Fighting back always made the beatings worse. Once the door was closed, His Da pulled off his belt and swung. Rib shot. A classic. He bent double in pain. Da followed it with a strike to his shoulder, the leather breaking skin as he fell to the ground. "You ungrateful bastard. How dare you embarrass me this way? Bad enough you're with that faggot, but now you make me look like a bad parent? I've let this go on long enough. You're going to throw out that limp dick. Get yourself some little slut who'll spread her legs easy enough that even a pathetic half-man like you can dribble some jizz inside her. Give your sainted mother the grandbabies she deserves, something to make up for the waste of a child you turned out to be. I can't believe I ever thought you'd make something of yourself, be a man worth carrying on the family name. My name. You don't deserve my name, whatever you are right now. But dammit if I'm not gonna try to beat some honor into you, and then, you're going straight to the Abbott Center to get that homo ripped out of your head. Where is he anyway? I'll teach him to lead MY son astray." He gasped in pain on the ground. Can't curl up, can't try to protect himself. That makes Da madder. "Turner. He's dead." His Da laughed. "Good Riddance." He saw red. Turner was the one good thing in his life, the only one he could confide in, the only one he felt safe with, the only one who saw him for who he could be, the only one that knew him better than he knew himself. And his piece of shit Da had the audacity to mock his death. That Fucker. He stood up and swung. The first brave thing he did in his miserable life, and the last. His Da would be so proud if it wasn't his eye that got blackened. Da reeled back from the hit and growled. He shook his head, then grabbed him. Threw him right out the open balcony door. His back hit the railing, the fingers coming from the wound brushing against the wrought iron. Went over the fifth story balcony. And so he died without you ever learning his name. Unloved. Alone, as every living creature is when they die. No one to mourn his passing or celebrate his life. It's fine, really, the best thing that could have happened to him. Shed tears on those who deserve it. He was just taking up space, an ill-fitting body borrowed from his parents and the church. I don't miss being him. With a burst of primeval rage, I pulled the meat apart and escaped from the shitty flesh suit that had been my prison for so long. It hit with the wet sound of broken bones and meat as I flew upwards on fresh wings. Wings! I had fucking wings. I wondered what I looked like. Shit. I definitely didn't look human anymore. I had to find somewhere to go. Who could I trust— Hirschfeld? I had left him there without a word. It had been a few hours, but he might still be there, and if not, May was there.  I flew faster than I expected, certainly faster than driving, and somehow stayed warm despite my nakedness. It would have been embarrassing in the shell, but my body was Mine in all its Glory.  Hirschfeld was gone when I arrived. The Doll at the door told me that he'd be around in a few days to check on me. May told him I'd be back. It guided me to the kitchen where May sat drinking tea through the wooden mask. "So. This is strange," I started, pulling up a chair. "For you, certainly. For me, it's simply another day. Witches lead interesting lives. What do you want with Your life now?" "Two things first. I Need a name, and to kill the monster that killed my shell. Afterwards… whatever helps all of us, our community." "A good name for what he was. Lily, bring our guest some comfortable clothes, with accommodations for wings and a tail." "Thank you May. It would be unbecoming to murder someone while naked." "A matter of preference, but for family matters, I agree. As for your name, I do have some experience with that, if you would like?" I thought about it. Picking a name wasn't an easy choice, and May had led me to my Becoming. "I'd be honored." "Then I bestow upon you the name Eris, dear newly formed Devil. May you bring Strife to those who would attack our community." The name settled into my skin like a benediction. Eris. "Happy birthday to me." Lily brought me a plain black outfit with wing and tail slits, and I dressed there in the kitchen. It fit perfectly.  "Where is my father?" "At home. I called a group to watch him shortly after you left here. Your shell is actually in the trunk of his car." "You knew he was going to die?" "Yes. And I told him, though he was too oblivious to fully understand. Thankfully he made the right choice and Became you, instead of being Stillborn." "I should be angry, but I'm just grateful." I smiled. "I'll be back later tonight. " "Before you go, I have one request for you. Consider it repayment if you wish. When you're done with him, send a message they won't be able to ignore." The mask that was her true form was expressionless, but her sadistic glee was palpable, silken violence in her voice. "And come back soon. I want to hear all about it." The flight to my parents’ house was quick and joyous as I planned how I would do it. I landed outside, went to his car, cracked the trunk and collected Turner's ring from my empty shell.  Getting inside the house was easy. I passed through the front door with a slight ripple. Reality is fluid for Devils. I found him in his bedroom drinking beer, kicked him in the chest before he could open his idiot mouth. "Are you proud of me now that I've finally made something of myself, Father?" I grabbed his left arm and swung him against his headboard, hearing the satisfying crack of his ribs shattering against the metal. As he began to scream, I crushed his throat just enough to squash that annoying sound. It was his turn to be seen and not heard. I thought of flensing him, peeling off his skin as I’d longed to do to my shell, but it was so much effort for a little pile of untanned leather. Instead, I planted a foot on his chest and pulled at his right arm. It tore free like a wing from Thanksgiving turkey. Underdone. Not even worth eating. I cauterized the wound with a smidge of hellfire. Wouldn't do for him to bleed out. Too restful. I broke his legs next, bending left shin, right knee, left thigh, alternating as they snapped under the pressure. Hit him in his pleading face with his severed arm. Kinda funny the first time but quickly became meaningless. My tail speared his lower jaw, popping out through the gaping mouth, ripping free. I’d never seen him smile like that before. I wasn't satisfied. Wasn't having fun like I expected. Didn't feel guilt or remorse, just Empty. This was supposed to be cathartic, Meaningful. Revenge for every strike of his belt, every casual backhand, every belligerent comment, every dream crushed. Instead I was torturing a pathetic old man. He deserved it, but his victim was already dead. I finally understood. This wasn't about revenge. I was a messenger, here to make a difference for the living, not the dead. I tore his head off. Ended the lesson. I was to be Strife, not justice or vengeance. I was to sow discord amongst our enemies. I piled his pieces in a garbage bag and brought them outside. Met my fellow Devils who had gathered there for me. We flew to the Abbott Center. While my companions freed the inmates, I planted the pieces of his corpse around the building. Blood makes the grass grow, as they say. My father’s body will be the seeds of the change he feared. Before leaving, I wrote a message in his blood on the front doors: Treat Us Like Monsters, and We'll Become Monsters. RubyDusk Thank You for reading! I wrote this to submit for the Your Body is Not Your Body anthology collection, but it was not accepted so y'all get it instead. Special thanks to my editor, Mara. He made this transform from a weird idea into a real story.

The wails of the kits echoed throughout the barren camp. She stood there, blood dripping from her claws. Her eyes slowly traveled to the nursery den, and her heart twisted with agony, fear, anger, and guilt. She looked down at the cat underneath her, his red fur ripped out during their fight. The tom was no bigger than an apprentice, she pulled herself off the tom, kicking his lifeless body to the side as she followed the kit's cries, pushing her way into the nursery. The large thick-furred dark tabby tom stood challenging, the helpless fur of black behind him, their eyes barely almost. There were no words spoken, but the tom unsheathed his claws, his fur spiking up as he lowered himself just a bit, protecting the singular kit. "Tigerclaw, come here. Bring the kit, too." The she-cat's voice was soft, silky even. Her tone was calm, like a mother cat soothing her kit. She slowly sheathed her claws again, her blue eyes softening with a glist of love, Tigerclaw had almost relaxed, before remembering who was at risk, what was at risk. He let out a snarl, the kit mewing in fear, and crying out for someone, some safety. Tigerclaw's heart shattered a bit, his amber glare softening, and looking towards the kit, he took a swift glance at Bluestar, and the leader made no move to hurt she took a step back. He paused, unsure if this was a trick or not. The kit's mewls and cries force him into a more mother-like state, as he turns his back on Bluestar, bending down and licking the kit's head, comforting the poor cat. "Join me, Tigerclaw." He wavered, his head drooping, before raising his head, looking towards her. His teeth barred, and his fur spiked again. The words were spat out like they were poison.  "You killed Fireheart, You killed Greystripe, You killed my mate. My poor mate, Darkstripe. My apprentice Ravenpaw. I would rather die." "So be it." With those words, the she-cat lunged, the dark-furred tom pushed the kit into a messed-up nest, and the kit, sensing something was wrong, fell silent. Watching as his adoptive father fought a she-cat who had killed so many, the kits mews and the adult's growls and pained shouts fill the empty nursery, then after a moment, it fell deathly silently. The kit couldn't tell who had won, who had died, or what had happened. The pawsteps filled the kits' ears, and the moss in their eyes was moved. "Come on, little tom." The voice and scent filled the tom-kit, the fear of before slowly dying down. The deep voice of his father and the scent of his fur gave him a headache, nonetheless, it made him calmer. He pressed his face into his father's matted fur, before being picked up, and carried out, brought in such a way, that he couldn't see the dead bodies of his once clanmates. The dark-furred adult standing outside of the camp, tears falling down. There was a ruffle in the bushes, and a tom came running out. Harmed, horribly, yet still alive. "..Fireheart?" "Not enough time! We need to go!" The harmed tom took the elder tom's tail, yanking it, forcing him to move forward. The two had taken off running, towards a barn. The two skidded to a stop, and a sleek-furred tom stood there, Ravenpaw. Another tom was there, a bit older than Ravenpaw, but not much. The two ushered the other two in and began to take care of them. Their wounds were licked, and the kit brought food. Tigerclaw didn't know what to think. He kept the kit pressed up against him, his tail wrapped around the little tom protectively, his stare fading into a more tired, wiser look. His eyes drooped with tiredness as his apprentice licked at a wound on his flank. He sent Ravenpaw a gentle glance, one a father would give to their kit. "Are you okay?" The tom was tired, the shock didn't hit him, it wouldn't hit him for a while now. He felt tired, everything was so spinny, so light. He lowered his head, unable to hear Ravenpaw's answer to his question, instead, her eyes closed and his fear ebbed away, the kits purrs contenting his father, the fire-like pelt taking over Ravenpaw's duty, watching the two toms sleep soundly, then glanced at the other two, the two were busy attending to other matters. The once deputy's sigh came out shakily, nonetheless relieved. Starclan knows why he felt so uncomfortable like something was missing.

The clouds part as the wind blows gently and the crane sorrow past a majestic waterfall. And on top of that waterfall by the bank was a peaceful courtyard. The sweet sound of silence," Ahhhhhhhhhh!! what the hell system after all these years living in the mountains learning to write poetry, learning to play go, learning the arts of war, painting, crafting, alchemy, forging, in the system space all of these things you're telling me I can't cultivate" a young girl the age of five yells at a small bunny while gripping it by its ears. "You dam system!"  as the bunny looks at her with tears rolling in its big blue eyes, the girl sighs at this and places the bunny down on the ground. Meet Alex, a nineteen-year-old who in her previous life, she was an American girl with an unhealthy obsession with Cultivation novels. So, one could understand her excitement when she fell down from the second floor and found herself in the body of a one-year-old now five years old she is living in the mountains with her unreliable father and madly in love mother. speaking of this father of hers that idiot father went down the mountain to sell paintings and buy wine again. Now Sitting in the corner drawing circles with draw clouds hanging over her head a mass of white fluffy jumps on her back also with a little red ball trying to cheer her up.  A little white dog and a red kitten simultaneously lick and rub themselves as if they had agreed to this beforehand. This causes the girl to giggle and roll around with the too after she gets up and looked around her little courtyard that the system helped her create and decorate in her eyes her courtyard was truly ordinary a little fish pond with five gold and five azure blue fish, a beautiful plum blossom tree, to the corner of the yard there was a lush bamboo grove and next to it was a very lush garden with all kinds of vegetables and to top it off there was a very vibrant green vine covering the courtyard wall in a unique pattern. She got up brushed her clothes off and walked out of her yard heading to her mother and father's courtyard walking past her older brother practicing martial arts she stops to watch her brother as he threw a punch and with that the large tree that was in front of him shattered into multiple logs and landed in a perfect pile while he clasps his hands and bows. He turns to find his cute little sister staring at him in awe, this causes him to point his nose to the sky with pride, and then proceeds to scoop her up into his arms and kiss and pinch her cheeks. "My precious little sister your older brother is so strong right, brother is really powerful right," he says as he rubs his face onto hers as she tries to push his face away," put me down will you I have to go see mother." but my little sister is so cute why would I want to do that come now brother will take you to mother be good ok " he pinched her cheek again as she pouted her lips in her brother's arms. this is her magnificent brother andy, andy is in the 6th tier of the spirit realm quite powerful for a ten year old all the boys in the town wanted to be like him cool and cold face just one problem, he has the world's largest sister complex nothing is more important than his cute little sister.   As they walked into a beautifully decorated courtyard with peach blossoms fell while a woman so earth-shatteringly beautiful her white hair with light blue tips lay quietly on her shoulder she was wearing a light blue crystal dress .she looked to the entrance of that yard and a gentle smile crossed her face as she saw a little girl and a young boy standing there the little girl had long curly white hair with hints of blue her golden eyes looking back at her, while the boy had curly white hair with a black uncut. they both smiled and ran to the woman yelling mother, this is andy and Alex's mother Lily is a gentle and loving woman who loves her children and husband dearly just one problem both she and her husband are slaves to their daughter they love her with all their to death. " do I hear my lovely little daughter "a tall and handsome man with long curly black hair sped in and grabbed Alex and hugged her." my cute little girl did you miss daddy cause daddy missed you" with a blank face Alex tries to push her father away as she says "dad you just saw me". this is Ron, Alex's dad and this is the crazy yet peaceful life of the Lee family.

Gefreiter Schmitt, Benjamin 6th Infantrie-Division 15 Oct 1936 Outside Bilbao, Spain We landed two weeks ago. The Spanish at the port said Ovideo was still occupied by the loyalists. We marched by and saw the rotting corpses of dead Spanish. We stayed a day at the request of the mayor and helped buried some bodies. I’ll never forget the rotting smell as long as I live. It was awful. We continued to march the coastal road the next day. The country and landscapes here are so beautiful. I’d like to come back one day to see this land when its not in turmoil. I fear that may change, however, I know I will lose some friends. Grandpa lost friends at Sedan during the German Unification War and Dad lost friends during the strategic redeployment to the Hindenburg line and he doesn’t like to talk about his time fighting the Russians. Tomorrow we will assist the Spanish in the attack on Bilbao. I am comforted a little though. As we marched, we saw German Fighters and Stukas strafing the city, it seems the Luftwaffe hold the air so that should make our attacks somewhat safer, I hope. I am tired and my thoughts are tending toward my sweetheart. I love and miss you Heidi, but this Prussian will make you and Brandenburg proud.   Gefreiter Schmitt, Benjamin 6th Infantrie-Division 22 Nov 1936 Lemoa, Spain It’s been a month of fighting for the 16th ID. We have been mostly relegated to support attacks. We have achieved though. On the 6th We pushed the Loyalists out of Bilbao. The 16th attacked the airport from the south, the 13th forced the crossing west of the airport the next day and we attack from the north west the day after. It took only four days to capture. I think we have been very lucky so far. We moved on after clearing the last bit of resistance on the 14th. The loyalists were bottled up in Gumuzio, maybe three or four divisions? They were so undermanned and demoralized. We killed some for a few days before they started surrendering en mass, the last resistance stopped on the 21st. General Shultz and Field Marshal Model, who was visiting from Germany, congratulated us and the Luftwaffe fliers on our victory. We were told intel had found a gap in the lines and Madrid is wide open. I guess we going to exploit that gap. Some of the Battalions have had some losses. I feel for the families of those Prussian sons. I am still here Heidi. I pray you and your family are well. The war is hard but we are still in good spirits. I am doing my duty but I want to get back home as soon as possible.   Gefreiter Schmitt, Benjamin 6th Infantrie-Division 7 Dec 1936 Almazan, Spain The Medinaceli gap is still open but the Luftwaffe has said the loyalists are moving into the gap to close the way to Madrid. General Shultz declared that we will force the gap if need be. I hope we can get there before our enemy.   Gefreiter Schmitt, Benjamin 6th Infantrie-Division 5 Mar 1937 Madrid, Spain A lot has happened. The loyalists managed to close the Medinaceli Gap, but true to General Shultz’s urgings we forced the gap back open on the 2nd of January. We were the lead Division and we told to pin down the enemy. It was the same Division we moved off the gap so we continued the attack on the 11th. But our casualties began to mount but we were reinforced by the 13th on the 13th, when the Spanish reinforced the 16th they marched to our aid too and joined in the attack on the 15th. With the three of our division together we were able to push the loyalists into Madrid. We did not let them rest. We kept pushing and were able to take Madrid yesterday. We were even the first Battalion to enter the city. Our division was told the enemies lines are weak and we can encircle more loyalists if we can take the province west of Madrid. Yes, we were given that task. It should be an easy mission, so we are told. During the fighting a friend of mine, Gefreiter Jaeger’s leg was shot. They moved him back to Bilbao. I hope to see him again before too long. Pray for me and my fellow soldiers, Heidi. We are having crazy time out here. I love you Heidi, be well.   Obergefreiter Schmitt, Benjamin 6th Infantrie-Division 27 Mar 1937 Madrid, Spain It’s only been 22 days? Wow, it feels like so much longer. We are moving out tomorrow. I’ve been resting the last few days. We were attacked west of Madrid. Honestly, I thought we were dead, we had taken so many casualties during the assault on Madrid. They were not expecting the west to be attacked. It was and it was bad. Our Colonel got word back and the 13th reinforced us on the 13th. They saved us. That’s all I can say. They saved us. I pray to God we can get back to Germany quickly. I miss you so much Heidi. Give me the strength to finish this Iberian quagmire. I heard recently too that Catalonia has revolted with a third faction. Right tomorrow. We are marching to exploit more gaps in the loyalist lines. I was promoted. It was just before we moved out from Madrid. I am an Obergefreiter now. When we get back, I’ve been promised to go to Unteroffizier School. I am making my Prussian roots proud. We also had a little bit of a rest in Madrid. We had some time to hang out with some of the pilots of the Luftwaffe. They were telling about some of their most dangerous missions. We were able to tell them the effects on the ground battle they had. I’m sure they were aware of their effect but them hearing how our people were saved by a bomb really seemed to hit them harder.   Obergefreiter Schmitt, Benjamin 6th Infantrie-Division 28 June 1937 Manzanares, Spain We were able to open the gaps enabling the Spanish to collapse the defenders south of Madrid, at least that’s what General Shultz told us. It was almost two months of hard fighting to keep the gap open. We did good and can fairly be called Veterans now. It’s been 9 months since we arrived in Spain. I remember burying the bodies up north. I remember how sick I was about those bodies. I’ve seen and done so much since then. I see dead bodies now and think “poor kid” and move on. Have I hardened myself too much? I wonder. Will Heidi recognize me when I return? Mom always said dad changed when he got back from the war. I’ll still be the best person I can for her, that’s all I can really do, right? Back on the 7th of April we attacked to ensure the 13th could break through their lines. Our feint was a success as I said. Then, when the pocket was collapsed, we disengaged and redeployed to help those men to surrender. We completed that mission on the 22nd of June. We are now to continue the attack to keep the loyalists on the back foot. General Shultz says the war if over and that the loyalists have not realized it yet. I hope he is right. I want to see Heidi again and I want to advance in the Wehrmacht.   Obergefreiter Schmitt, Benjamin 6th Infantrie-Division 10 Oct 1937 Granada, Spain The loyalists in southern Spain have surrendered. Its only been a month and a half since we collapsed the Ciudad Rael pocket. We are heading back north for some rest and refitting near Madrid, then its on to finishing this war. Heidi sent a letter the other day. The nation is celebrating “Shultz’s detachment” back home. I can’t believe we are seen as war heroes at home, but many of us are Prussians so it shouldn’t be surprising we are seen as heroes.   Obergefreiter Schmitt, Benjamin 6th Infantrie-Division 20 Nov 1937 A Coruna, Spain The civil war is over. We shut the northern Murcia pocket on the 8th and both were cleaned up by the 18th. By then the loyalists knew they were done so the Valencia defenders gave up shortly after. We won. Yesterday, when we arrived here, Franco thanked us and the Italians, the Portuguese just marched back home. Tomorrow, we have a boat to catch that is supposed to take us back to Kolberg. Our Hauptmann said my name was on the short list for Unteroffizier school when we get back. Which will be finalized when we land in Germany. I am so happy to be going back. We will be joining the newest soldiers in General Shultz’s newly created 4th army but we will have two months off when we get back. Those going to Unteroffizier school will have a month of school then a month off. I can’t wait to see mom and dad. I hope Heidi accepts my marriage proposal too. I found a solid silver ring, the poor guy who had it was starving. I gave him twenty marks and some bread. He stuffed the ring into my hand as thanks. It is a sign from Jesus. I must marry Heidi as soon as possible.

In a forest, which was covered with trees and accompanied by a calm and clear blue sky, a hole suddenly opened, and from it, fell a man. He fell and hit the ground hard and fainted. A few hours later… “AGHH!”, the man woke up groaning and taking a deep breath. His body was unharmed, he looked around himself, still pretty confused as to what was going on and where he was. He remembers being in his room a few minutes ago. “What the hell… am I dreaming?”, he asked to himself. He was very much used to dreams like these because of his imaginative brain. “But it feels so real…”, he said as he touched the grass around him. Even the various fragrant smell released by the flowers around him. He got up, and started walking, thinking it was a bit useless to sit around. If it was a dream, he should make the best out of it, as he did In all of his dreams. … After a few minutes of walking, he heard a strange noise, a kind of noise which was not alien to him, after all he had went to camp in mountains quite a lot of time. “A Waterfall!”, he exclaimed, before sprinting towards the direction of the noise. After a few minutes, he finally arrived. The magnificent view of the waterfall along with the trees really mesmerized him. He went close, took a bit of water in his palms and drank it. It tasted weird so he was about to leave, until he discovered an entrance to a cave from behind the waterfalls. He was curious and so he ventured into the cave without any second thoughts. He thought this was just a dream and it wouldn’t matter even if he died in a dream, after all he had died countless times in other dreams. He went in, and it was dark, but he could hear something, it sounded like people talking. “Ghosts? No, sounds too bizarre to be true”, he went in deeper, and kept walking and walking until he could see the entrance no more. Suddenly, he heard a rock crack and he was alerted. He for sure knew he wasn’t alone. Before he could react, a silhouetted figure approached him and slammed his head hard on the ground. The pain he felt was very much real, his head was bleeding. The silhouetted figure pointed a knife on his neck. “Don’t move,” she whispered. The voice was of a female. “State your affiliation,” she asked, while pinning him tightly on the ground. He calmed himself and answered, “I am not sure what you are talking about…” “What is it?”, another voice came from behind, it was of a female, dressed in a medieval manner. “Is she some sort of princess,” he thought to himself. “It’s nothing your highness,” the one who pinned him on the ground replied to the other person. “Oh shit, I was right”, he accidentally spoke out loud. “What did you mean by that?!”, the person who pinned him down exerted extra force. “Don’t do that, at least confirm who he is,” said the other girl. “Hey, I don’t know what you want, but if you want to rob me, I have nothing on me. I just randomly discovered this cav-”, he tried to explain but was interrupted, “THAT’S THE POINT! How did you discover the cave. I have cast an illusion spell which should make it look like a rock wall. The fact that you are here, means you were able to break my illusion. Now, who sent you here!?” “Ugh, what the hell, I don’t know anymore, maybe your illusion spell was weak or someone broke it before I arrived,” he said. This was his first time experiencing being dominated by someone in a dream so it was very surreal for him. The woman who pinned him down slightly released her grip. She waved her hands in air and chains of ice appeared out of thin air. She then tied him up. This time he got a good look at her. The woman looked seductive with black hair and red ruby eyes. “Holy bazonkas!”, he thought in his mind after seeing her curves. “Well, let’s have a conversation, yes?” she said. He nodded. “So how did you get here, or what you were doing here?” she asked. He was happy that they were finally having a civil discussion. “I came from a distant place, and got lost on my way,” he lied as she probably wouldn’t buy him coming from another world. But he realized, her eyes turned golden. “Why does this feel familiar…”, he thought. “Wait! Isn’t this eye of truth…?” it suddenly struck him. This was a magic spell from his published book. “Who are you?”, she asked with a skeptical look. He kind of knew why she asked him that, her eyes didn’t turn back to normal, that means the spell failed. “Just a wanderer.”, he said with a serious face. “So where are you going to?” she asked. “Could I ask you something first”, he said trying to confirm if what she used was eye of truth. “Go on.” “Did you perhaps use something called ‘Eye of Truth’, a 5th grade magic?” “Oh? You know about magic, that’s pretty cool and the answer is yes, I did. But it failed for some unknown reason, so I don’t know if you are lying or not.” It was now clear that he was in his novel’s world, he was not sure anymore if this is a dream. An opportunity to explore and interact with the world and creatures he wrote about. “So where are you heading,” he asked. “I am assigned with the duty to protect princess and move to Rowrie which is in the west,” she replied. He recalls that Rowrie is a city which is the heart of the plot of his novel. It’s a very important city where the male protagonist attends magic academy in. “What a coincidence, I happen to want to go to Rowrie as well, is it possible if I could travel with you guys as well?” he asked, hoping they would accompany him. She gave it a thought for some time and nodded in agreement.

"Hey are you awake". A voice said. Feeling groggy, Storm slowly opened her eyes to see a dragon that looked like one of her drawings staring at her. Jumping up, Storm backed away from the dragon. "Who are you". Storm asked holding up her blanket to protect herself. The dragon looked at Storm with a embarrassed face. "I'm 5555 or Claw if you want to call me that". The dragon said. Storm lowered her blanket a bit and took a closer look at 5555 or Claw. "Well hello Claw, I'm Storm". She said.   Claw gave Storm a little smile, turned around, then begin talking to it self. Storm looked at the dragon for a little bit then started to realize she wasn't in her bedroom. "Wait" Storm suddenly said out loud. Claw stopped talking to itself and stared at Storm with a confused look. "How come I'm not in my bed right now". Storm said as she folded her blanket and put it on her shoulder.  "Um, you see". The Claw started, as it bowed it's head and began picking it's claws. "I seem to have made a mistake and accidentally bonded with you, so now you can't go back to your home". Claw finished. Storm thought for a moment before answering. "Okay, so you bonded to me accidentally and now I can't go back home". She said. Storm then began pacing around. Claw looked nervous as it watched Storm pace around the room. "Bu-bu-but you can go back if you complete some missions I have". Claw stuttered. Storm stopped pacing, then swung around to look at Claw when it finished. "Really". She asked, her eyes sparkling. Claw chuckled then nodded it's head. "My friends say I am allowed to give my host one wish, if she or he completes my missions". Claw answered. Storm gave a light nod. "Okay, so what's your missions about". She asked.  Claw rubbed one of it's horns. "They're about helping FLs, MLs, or both, on their journey to happiness, so depending on the world you travel to, you could be a villain, extra, background character, and more". It said, excitement in it's voice. Storm laughed at the excited dragon. "So we're going into novels?" She asked. "Yep". Claw answered, the dragon then got up and walked over to Storm, beading it's head. Claw lightly touched Storm's head and everything went white. Wolfclanleader hello anybody who is there, this is my first time writing in third person or whatever it is, so you can give me corrections if you want. I don't really have a schedule so I guess I just write at irregular times. That's it for now, so see you 

“Writing is not very hard, anyone can write, but what matters is, how well someone can write. Some people have an imaginative mind, but have poor vocabulary, some people have good vocabulary but not an imaginative mind. If you have a balance of these two, you can write stories that bend to your will, stories you can share with others which they can enjoy. I had a dream… that was becoming a novelist when I grow up. My mind imagined a lot of things, but I always had trouble expressing them through words. When I closed my eyes, I could imagine a fight scene that would send shivers down my spine. I tried improving my vocabulary which I was successful at. I could write stories, but I could not write a long story. Who would want to read a short story. So I did, I poured in thousands of hours and finished writing a long novel. I went to a publishing company. They saw it and an editor there approved it. A few months later it was published…. Only for it to flop. I was wrong, people didn’t like what I wrote. I was depressed by this. My parents knew about this so they tried to console me, but it was of no use. I wanted to cry, but I couldn’t cry, the tears wouldn’t flow. I sat in my gloomy room, staring at the clear full moon. I saw something, was it my imagination, it was a red light that beamed on the moon. I thought I was too tired, but soon the red light came closer, I saw it and dodged it and then I woke up. I was still in my room. Suddenly my parents knocked on the door, they were trying to console me. I was confused, it felt like Deja vu as I know this has happened before. I stared at the moon again, it was still full moon. I noticed the red light again, it all went the same way, it came closer, I dodged and I woke up… again. My parents knocked at my door trying to console me. I quickly ran to my window and looked at the moon. The red light was seen again, only this time I didn’t dodge, and it pierced through me. That’s when something that I have imagined before happened…”

Alice was an ordinary office worker she work 9 to 5 when she was heading home from a 12-hour shift while she was crossing the street she got hit by a car when she woke up she found herself in a White room she look around and saw that there was a woman in a blue dress looking at her when the woman spoke she said I'm sorry to inform you but you are dead when Alice heard this she was scared but the woman said do not worry you will be Reincarnated into a new world with magic when Alice listened to this she was excited because when she was a kid she love watching fantasy movies while Alice was thinking about her new life the woman said if you want to you can forget all of your memory of this life and can trade them so you will be stronger there if you want when Alice heard this she said yes woman nodded and said good luck in your new life. meanwhile, in orario Freya was on her way to go to Hostess of Fertility to work and to meet bell on the way to the dungeon when Freya was going to change to Syr when she notices a baby in a basket in front of the pub when she looks at the baby she felt a strange connection Freya decided to use her ability Discerning Eye when she did the colour was pink, red   and black Freya was surprised so she took a closer look at the baby and noticed it had 2 black wings on the back and a tail that was heart shape at the end she didn't know why but she picked up the basket the baby was in and then went back to her home was she did she put the basket on the bed took the baby out and she started to inspect it so sees why was she drawn to it after a while she put the baby back in the basket and started to see what race was it because she hadn't seen one before why looking she found out that is was a succubus while reading about the races she found out that baby needed some DNA to wake up she put the book down and give the baby some of her blood when she did the baby started to changer after some time the baby looks like her but with crimson hair and black eyes when the baby started to wake up Freya had a small.

The reality bender they've called it. A retarded machine that made every non-surfaced desire a reality. The man was tired, he had been in a state similar to sleep in that coffin. He didn't know how the fuck did he survive being under the ocean for a whole century. Then he remembered, he remembered that he 'connected' with his step brother after he died. He felt no nothin. Because he was a vampire now. But if that were the case why was he adding ever the more water into the ocean by ejaculating water from his eyes. He didn't know nothin. Because he was a vampire now. After pondering for a while, the man decided to forget. Not know nothin 'bout past. And carry onward. He started whispering:daremo shiranai mirai e yurugi nai kizuna to Heading for a future no one’s seen kizudarake no kakugo mo mata Embrace your unyielding bonds and wounded resolutions dakishimete arukidase And begin walking onward   He didn't know where these words came from. He didn't know what they meant, yet he repeated them inside his mind as a mantra."On an objective stand, can we actually talk about evil or good?" he thought to himself. "Are life forms just machines that seek to achieve their predetermined goals, that have been formed out of the necessity of surviving the treacherous environment called reality?" He sighed then he laughed at himself. Why would he ask a question he wouldn't want to know the answer to. "Foolish humanity... I became a vampire yet I still have the mind of a human. Is it because I took Joseph's body?" The bizzarre man clad in a bizzarre purple thong-like dress finally decided to respond."Dio-sama, I don't think we can get rid of something that is one with our souls. Even if we change bodies, even if our souls may change shape and form to fit into the physical shell that we call body; at its essence, since our minds are practically one with our souls, our thinking patterns won't change quite drastically." The great Dio-sama got shaken from this.Not from the words spoken, but from the man himself. "Where the fuck did you come from?" "Eh?" "Who are you?! Speak quickly!" "Dio-sama, are you ok?" "Who is Dio?" "Dio-sama, have you been drinking again?" "What if I have?" "That figures..." . . . "Like I said, Dio-sama please take your health more seriously. How do you plan on making an entire civilization bow to you, if you can't even take care of yourself?" "You are right Pucci. It's just that I've been feeling depressed lately. It's about the terrible things I have done." "Dio-sama, what has been done is done. There's no merit in trying to overwrite reality." "heaven's door!" "What was that noise?" In a different place, there was a bizarre dressed suspicious looking weird man and an extremely albino midget. The midget got closer to the weird man, than pulled fucking book pages out of the man's face, somehow. With magic, I think.Anyways, he then started something on the paper. With his fucking finger!I am a fucking terrible writer, the midget albino thought to himself, knowing that absolutely no one would hear his thoughts. The weird man did the predicted. He just weirdly stood there while the midget did its weird voodoo magic on him. "I must look so weird from the outside right now. Thankfully there is no one that can see me here."          

Riley stared out the window of the old bus as it made its way down the dirt road. The bus sputtered like an old man trying to take a hike. The entire thing had probably been a school bus at some point, but now, underneath the layers of dust, the bus was a deep forest green, referencing its only destination. The words “Camp Moonlight” adorned the side of the vehicle in a dark black that looked like it had been spray painted on many years ago, with minor touch-ups in the following decades. Everything on the road was a gross color of green or gray which made Riley groan at the sight. While he tried to ignore them in favor of the scenery of passing pine trees, Riley’s thoughts inevitably jumped back to why he was here in the first place. When Riley’s father had left, his mom started getting a bit weird. It wasn’t as if she had become unloving or neglectful, rather the opposite. The two ended up spending much more time together, and his mother began to tell him the stories he had once heard as a child. Stories of her magical summer misadventures, learning to use and shape her own power, and how he had that power in him now. She told him new stories also, of how his father was tied to that magic and  when he left, so did her abilities. He had initially disregarded these as a form of grieving over the divorce, but he now was sitting on this crusty old bus, going to a supposed magic camp. But magic wasn’t real, right? Truth be told, he very much did not want to be here. He wanted to be back with his friends in Tennessee, spending the summer with them and dicking around. He certainly was not up for a bogus magic camp his crazy mom had invented, before sending him into the wilderness of Wyoming. He figured he’d ditch early and hitchhike home soon, to at least salvage part of the summer and not have to spend it hanging around here. Shaking himself out of his own thoughts, he began to look around the bus at the other campers. He had immediately taken a seat at the very back, as he would on the bus home from school, but most everyone else had congregated to the front. They all seemed not just normal, but excited. It was strange. Did they know what this camp was actually for? He was already fed up with their noise though, and he very much wasn’t looking to make friends. The only person he had to talk to was his mother’s best friend from her days here, Laura, who apparently now ran the camp, but until he saw her, he couldn’t confirm she actually existed. This entire thing was giving him some weird vibes, after all. The bus driver hadn’t even said anything the entire time, only driving from the airport in what seemed like a hypnotic haze. Eventually after tumbling these thoughts around in his head for who knows how long, the bus came to a stop, and he followed as his fellow campers were shuffled into a field with a large amphitheatre. Though many of his peers again funneled to the front, Riley sat in the back. He didn’t know what this place was, but he was ready to go home. Looking up, he saw a quite burly woman up on the stage. Riley gulped, as it seemed she could definitely beat his ass if he got caught sneaking out. Her brunette hair was styled back into a bun, with two strands falling beside her face. She wore an outfit of very practical khaki shorts and a t-shirt bearing the logo of the camp, and she was definitely much taller than his stature of five foot eleven inches. He hoped that she was just there for show.  “WELCOME, NEW CAMPERS!” The woman’s voice burst out across the gathering of campers, forcing their attention up to her. “I’m so happy you made it alright in the granny bus! If it wasn’t just for looks to the outside world, I would have sent something nicer!” She let out a laugh to herself, once again thundering across the amphitheatre with the force of a sonic boom, before continuing.  “So I’ll level with y’all. I don’t know how much each of y’all know. I do know, however, that some of y’all don’t know squat.” She looked at me, and I had a sinking feeling I knew exactly who this was. “For starters, my name’s Ms. Laura Wilkerson, but feel free to call me Laura. And this--” She held up a ball of light; it wasn’t  exactly a pure white as one would expect, but seemed to shift in color. It would go from a beige white, to an extremely light blue or green, to a yellow usually reserved for older plastic things almost instantly. Paradoxically, despite the orb shifting so fast, Riley still felt that he had time to examine each and every color, as well as the ever-changing smoky tendrils coming from the orb. “--is magic! Yeah. it exists. You all have been brought to us because you have, for one reason or another, shown incredible potential in the fields of magic. Everyone’s magic is something deeply personal, characterized by who you truly are! That’s why starting here, we’re putting you in groups of six!” She held up a full hand of fingers, before hastily throwing out her pointer finger as well. “These six people are going to be the people whose magic most resembles yours, and therefore are most like you in the core of their being. Your cabin, or team, will be…” Riley began to zone out a bit at the explanation; he was already processing a bit too much at once. They all had to be bananas, right? But Laura had shown that ball of light, and it looked so real… Maybe magic did exist? He cringed a bit at the thought of having to go with others in order to learn how his magic worked. If you truly were being matched up with who you were supposed to “closest to,” he would still be a placeholder at best. Looking over this crowd of kids close to his own age, fifteen, he could immediately tell that this group of excitable teens were all different from him. He alone could see through the bullshit, obviously. He was the most mature one there. He zoned back into Laura explaining cabin assignments, and calling them out. Once she had announced all the names of the first eleven cabins, she began to call out the next one, with the same repeating pattern as before. “TEAM FRILL, CABIN 12: MADELINE WILKERSON, ANGES WILLOWWOOD, LUNA GREEN, JOYCE FLORES, WINRY DOYLE, AND RILEY SPEARS. THAT IS ALL.”   ~~~ “There’s a mistake here! I know there’s some sort of mistake!” Riley paced back and forth on the grass of the ampitheatre, long after anyone had left. Around him, sitting and standing around various benches were Laura, his supposed counselor, and the five girls he’d been assigned to. Riley’s hands fiddled with a button he had taken from his jean jacket, quickly locking and unlocking the pin underneath in rapid succession. “Look kid, I’m sorry if you don’t think you’ll be happy with your assignment, but this stuff is literally magic.” Laura tried to lay a hand on his shoulder before it was violently yanked away by the owner, but resumed without skipping a beat. “You’re gonna have a great time with these girls! You probably have a ton more in common with them you even realize, really! My own kid is in your group, and I know she’s pretty fun!” Laura pointed at a girl in the front of the group, whose dark red hair cascaded down to her chest. She sported a pair of pink Converse, a short black skirt, and a pink t-shirt for an anime that Riley had been pretty fond of when he was younger. He noted that, with her arms crossed and her eyes burning a hole in him, she certainly didn’t seem very fun. Laura snapped her fingers together. “You know what, I know exactly why you’re in this group! You’re Dahlia’s kid right? It’s ‘cause your mom and I had similar magic, and so you and Madeleine probably will too!” Riley shook his head, and stared at the ground, hoping the Earth would choose to swallow him whole. “Magic isn’t fucking real, lady. Even if it was, it’d be in a better place than this--” Riley began screaming as he was lifted off the ground by a force, and then abruptly dropped. The counselor, a woman in a black tank top and skinny jeans with tattoos down her arms, stared at him from above. “Get up, kiddo. We got stuff to do today.” While Laura immediately started telling the malicious counselor off, Riley dropped his head in his hands. This was going to be a very long summer.

With the red horsetail of his helmet fluttering in the wind, the warrior on horseback approaches you. His face is stern and disapproving, with but the slightest hint of a scowl tugging at his thick brows and thin lips, and the rest of his displeasure showing in the ferocity of his gaze. Kundek is his name, one of the members of the legendary Laughing Ten, but he isn’t laughing right now. Of the many great men of the Mongol Horde, he is among the finest, with many kills and heroic deeds to his name. Perhaps it is only because that the Horde is not simply large enough that he has not already been promoted to a station higher than being your Minghaan commander. Physically large, with a confident bearing that comes only through rich military experience, his mere presence would send men bristling with alarm - but you are Argat, son of Kuchar, and keeping the cold face before him is an easy task for you. You stare into the distance, as if disinterested as Kundek signals the two other riders beside him to halt, such that he approaches you alone. It is a show of strength and confidence, given that Guegi and Gerel and beside you, fully armored in iron lamellar as you are. You wonder if, even when fighting all three of you at once, Kundek would win. No, you conclude - he would not. But perhaps your two battle-brothers would die, and you would come out of it suffering a wound. It might even be fatal. You keep your gaze steady over his shoulder as he goes past yours, beginning to circle around you. You can feel his sharp glower through your armor as he tries to find any imperfection in your outward appearance, whether in your bearing or in the quality of your equipment. All the time, his hand is on the hilt of his sword, meanwhile you have both of yours holding the reins. After completing three slow rounds, displaying his master horsemanship in the precision of his movements, he comes to a stop in front of you, looking into your eyes once more. You ignore him, and he snorts derisively. A long moment of silence passes till he gives you honor by speaking first. “Why have you come here?” His deep voice is like the rumbling of an earthquake. Finally, you deign to look at him in the face, as if noticing him for the first time. “Ah, forgive me, Kundek, I was just thinking of the land.” “The land?” There is a bit of confusion in his otherwise hostile tone. “You have come riding to me, armed and armored, while thinking about the land?” You nod. You would not give him the honor of being the one to broach the true reason for why you have come. “Yes. The grass has grown fat in the good Spring, and all over the nation there is fine grazing. I am thinking of offering something to the Earth Mother later, as my mare has grown strong from her gifts.” “I did not think that a man, so lacking in self-awareness that he receives a skilled warrior with thoughts of grass, would dare to enter my sister’s ger.” “Ah, yes,” you say calmly, looking to the horizon for a moment in feigned remembrance. “I was also thinking about your sister, and the many strong children that she will bear for me. I have come here to marry her, after all.” Kundek laughs, although it is without the usual friendly mirth. “What, do you think you are worthy? That you can claim the hand of a centaur, who also just happens to share my blood?” Your cold, unreadable expression doesn’t change, and you keep the tone of your voice level. “If it is a matter of blood, then I have already spilled more than enough to turn rivers red. If it is a matter of salt, then you know that my word has honor and integrity. If it is a matter of gers, then let me assure you that I can provide for her as her loving husband. Your mother has already given me permission, and I am only waiting for that of your father and that of the gods.” His mild scowl deepens, threatening the integrity of his cold face. “Remember that you are also waiting for mine.” You wonder if you’ve actually offended him. You sure hope not. “Then speak now, and tell me of your decision. I shall accept either outcome.” Kundek stares at you for a long, unsettling time. You give your friend honor by dipping your chin an inch, taking the humble position, although you do yourself no dishonor as that gesture could also be interpreted as a jab at his sluggishness. Finally, his visage cracks, slowly easing back into the cheerful expression that he always wears. Perhaps it is unbefitting for such a large and powerful man to be as full of mirth as Kundek, but thanks to glorious deeds of the Laughing Ten, such joyfulness has become associated with bloodthirsty, martial skill. “I find you worthy,” he says, no longer growling. You are relieved. For a moment, you thought that your choice of words was a bit too aggressive - but in the end, Kundek really doesn’t care for such things. “You are welcome in my camp. Come, I will ride with you.” With the first rites of honor satisfied, he takes off his helmet in a sign of trust, revealing his bald head as he comes alongside you. You return the gesture and the other four warriors nearby do the same. They ride behind you while the groom and his bride’s brother only so appropriately take the lead. As a formality, you gesture “Let’s go” with a wave of your hand to the hundreds of waiting party-goers behind you: relatives from both families, their many children, and your brothers-in-arms, a multicolored hodgepodge of various faces and clothing. Some have even come wearing armor despite not partaking in any ceremonies, the show-offs. The children, monster and human alike, scream with joy as they’re let loose, running or slithering down the slope of the shallow hill towards the collection of gers set up by Kundek’s clan up ahead. Some miles away from the main camp of the Horde, it is a quaint little settlement of its own, breaking up the monotonous green of the summer plains with the white fleece walls of many gers; their dark brown, sturdy doors; and the rising grey smoke pouring out of their smoke-holes from fires working overtime to prepare as much beef and mutton as possible for the oncoming flood of people. Downwind, you can smell the sizzling goodness of greasy, cooking meat, and you find yourself salivating. “I hope I have not insulted you,” you say, breaking the ice. “Even if I were insulted, it does not matter,” Kundek says, smiling. “You radiated strength and confidence, and forced concessions from somebody who was blocking your way. You needn’t worry, Argat. You have fulfilled your role in the rite with flying colors. I loved the way you received me, pretending to be thinking about grass!” He laughs out loud. “That really dishonors the offending party - to think that their existence is, at that moment, less to you than that of mere grass... I should copy that.” “That is only because I took your words to heart about being as ‘directly roundabout’ as possible,” you say humbly. “Normally such subtle things are beyond me, and without your advice I’d probably have said something along the lines of, ‘Draw your goddamn sword if you think I’m not good enough to fuck your sister.’” You and your commanding officer share a hearty laugh. You are his top jagun commander, second to his command in your esteemed minghaan. The friendship between you two, forged by blood and steel, is unbreakable. “That’s right, you really would!” “If you sent me on a diplomatic mission to some Chin city, I’d probably come out of it executed a thousand times over,” you add, and the two of you laugh again at that. “True, true! You would be nothing but ash! Good thing, then, that you are only marrying my sister.” “Yes, and that is honor a thousand times higher than being forced to deal with some girly men in silk robes,” you say, nodding decisively at that thought. Your band of six dismounts at the outskirts of the settlement, letting boys take away your mounts. Guegi, Gerel and the two other warriors whose names you do not know, immediately begin leading your four prepared mares by the muzzle. You and Kundek walk in front of them, side-by-side as equals, as you begin the climb up the slope of a small hill on whose top is your destination: there, the rising grey ger of Kundek’s father. It is said that the esteemed few who marry eagle harpies have to climb tall mountains to reach their brides. Good thing, then, that you are marrying “only” a centaur. For the ger of the bride’s family to be put on an elevated position, such that the groom is forced to climb up a slope - even if only mild - is symbolic. Even after the unification of the Mongol nation, the tribal tradition that wife-giving families are superior, and wife-taking ones are inferior, still remains strong. At many stages, even before the day of the wedding ceremony, the groom must be tried again and again, put into positions where he has to prove his honor and ability. The toughest of which, of course, is getting enough wealth to pay the bride price. You can only be glad that your fiance’s entire family actually likes you, smoothing out the long and rough courting process and allowing you to relax. For many others, wedding days are tense affairs where there is always the angry stare of a jealous brother boring a hole into the groom’s back. The crowd had entered the settlement the moment you arrived at the door of your fiance’s ger. You give a glance behind you as you take away three black boxes from the mare leading your small herd of four gift horses. They are already beginning to unroll great bolts of fleece over the grass, where people would sit and dine. You can see maids bringing out mutton and soup in bowls and pots, settling them on the mats on top of lacquered wooden plates so as not to scar the fleece. “Are you ready?” Kundek asks, waiting by the door of the ger. You stack the three gift boxes together in a neat heap and lift them up with your hands. The heavy weight threatens to keel you over, but that is a part of the ritual you need to overcome as well. “I am,” you reply, with your eyes barely reaching over the edge of the topmost box. Kundek resists the urge to laugh at how silly you look and calls out, “Father, we have a visitor!” The muffled voice that replies is reedy with age, but powerful in its last vestiges of youth. “Who is it?” “One of the suitors for Chelu. He brings you gifts.” “The horses are here? Are you certain they are not poor? I do not like having my time wasted.” “They are good enough, father.” You a hear an affirming grunt. “Then let him in.” Kundek opens the door and ushers you in, your boots trading soft grass for the hard wooden floor of a former khan’s ger. It is larger, perhaps once again the size of a normal ger, in order to accommodate a centaur-sized family. The smell of beef stew hits you as you enter, flanked by Chelu’s two younger brothers Delbeg and Baiju who stare at you with fake indignation. Beyond the central cooking fire tended to by a maid, you can see them: the three judges of your final trial. Sitting on a high-backed chair is Degei, looking dignified in his finely embroidered, deep blue deel. To his right sits his wife Cirina, resting her horse half on a whole bearskin, her pose prim and elegant as ever, with one hoof crossed over the other. Degei keeps the cold face for tradition’s sake, but Cirina smiles at your entrance. Chelu, her daughter and your beloved bride, sits to the left of her father, resting on a large, cushioned mat of fleece. She beams at you, breaking into an immediate, blushing grin. Her brilliant, green eyes practically sparkle, face ever pretty as it is framed by the bangs of her dark brown ponytail. You smile back at her, but she can’t see it through the boxes. “Argat,” Degei begins, his wrinkled but still rather youthful face stern with practiced as he rests his cheek in one hand, elbow on an armrest. “Kundek says you come to me with gifts.” “Yes, sir, more than just the horses, for the hand of your daughter.” Your arms are beginning to hurt. “Indeed? Very well. I will judge them. You are welcome in my ger. Delbeg, Baiju, my sons, you may take your hands off of your swords.” You bow lightly. “Thank you, sir.” “Come to me,” he commands, and you do so, walking around the fire deliberately to the right such that you could be just that slightly closer to Chelu as you set down the boxes at the feet of her father. The two of you share a wink while he is distracted. By tradition, she is not allowed to speak right now. “These containers are well-made,” he remarks, giving you honor by showing enough interest to take his cheek off of his palm and sit straighter. They really are well-made, crafted from sturdy wood, painted black, and lacquered to a glossy finish. They are decorated with thin, curving lines of silver that depict birds, plants and other images of nature on all of their surfaces save the bottom. You looted them from Shanjing, where they were filled to the brim with silver coins. It’s a shame to let them go, but for Chelu’s hand you would not begrudge their loss. “What is inside? You open the lid of one box, its oiled hinges gliding quietly as you raise your hand to reveal several objects heavily wrapped in cloth, surrounded by woolen stuffing. You lay them on the floor, and Cirina coos with pleasure as you unwrap them in succession. “A teaset of fine China,” you say, while sitting on your knees. “Fit for the governor of a city, and certainly fit for the wife of one who was once khan.” “Oh, how lovely!” Cirina says, clapping her hands. “The fish motif is wonderful. These would look great with the rest of my sets!” “Yes, I’m sure they would,” Degei says, rolling his eyes at his wife’s expensive hobby. Cirina notices and pouts. “What else have you got?” You open the second box. It is filled three-fourths of the way up with gleaming silver coins. Degei’s eyes go wide for a moment, before he reaffirms the cold face. “Silver, sir. Enough of it buy a grand mansion and the slaves to manage it even in a place like Yenking.” Degei lets out a laugh laced with genuine derision. “I have no need for such a thing. I shall be a plainsman till I die.” You bow respectfully. “It is yours to use as you wish, sir.” “Indeed, it is. Now, what is in the final box?” Opening the lid, you lift up a bundle of oiled rags. You see Degei raise his brow in curiosity. You unwrap it to reveal a sheathed dagger of exquisite make, its wood-and-leather scabbard inlaid with golden depictions of galloping horse archers. You raise it up to the aging man and he takes it immediately, wrapping his fingers around the ivory handle. He draws the blade then, noticing with a smile, cold face broken, that the insides of the scabbard are walled with fur all throughout. The blade shines in the fire-light, polished to an insane mirror surface for weeks on your part to ensure the best theatrical display. Double-edged, fairly long and wide, the fine weapon straddles the line between a dagger and a shorter sword. Degei notices a string of flowing characters engraved on one side, following the blade as it begins from the crossguard. The former khan is illiterate. “What do these say?” he asks. “They say, ‘Degei, son of Tayang, Master of his Clan.’” He gives you a look. Chelu looks almost as amazed as her father, but she honors him by keeping quiet. “You…you did not have to do this,” he says, no longer feigning anything, and letting his appreciation show by dropping the cold face. “I have only required of you the horses and the first batch of gifts. All put, these are another fortune that you have relinquished to me.” “It is all very expensive, but what I do with my wealth is my own business,” you reply cooly. “I told you he was perfect for our daughter,” Cirina tuts, poking Degei in the cheek. “I told you, and you were rooting for that foul boy Orda instead!” “Oh come on, woman! That was how many months ago. Now I see that he is truly worth going without Chelu’s back massages.” You smile at him. “So, do I have your permission?” He sheathes the blade, bolting up from his chair. “No, I haven’t taken a look at your horses yet, damn you. Follow me and witness my judgement.” “Yes, sir,” you say, as he storms off without waiting for your acknowledgement. You share a smile with Chelu and her mother as you follow Degei outside. With his cold face having been broken, Degei does the bare minimum of pretending that your gift horses are of inferior quality by simply walking around them grumpily. He doesn’t even bother to check their teeth, having shown you weakness. Ultimately, it takes less than half of a minute, at which point he throws a dismissive arm up, saying, “Fine. I give you permission to speak with my daughter. Good grief, lad.” Degei, in the first place, had absolutely no intention of refusing you. Otherwise, he would not have bothered to prepare a feast for hundreds. Others are not so lucky, with no grand banquet to greet them, and sometimes their dowries are even rejected outright. The typical Mongolian wedding day is often an uncertain and much more private affair, where the only sure thing is the date for when the bride’s entire family would judge the groom, one by one. The decision ultimately remains with the father, after taking into consideration the evaluations of his family. A daughter, after all, does not need to actually like the groom for her to be wed, and it is often the case that the groom must wrench the crying girl away from her mother after being forced to agree to his proposal. But that simply wouldn’t do for a prestigious centaur bride. The buildup to this day has been careful and deliberate: you and Chelu are getting married because you know that you two love each other, not because of some petty alliance between houses. That’s why there is even a feast in the first place, because there is no chance for an unhappy bride’s tear-stained face to ruin an otherwise happy event. Still, scripted as though it may all be, tradition must be observed - even if it’s only lip-service, and that’s why you have to go through all of this. Triumphantly, you re-enter the ger, your face cold as you kneel before the smirking Cirina and Chelu. “Your honorable husband has given me permission to speak with your daughter, my lady.” “And you have mine,” Cirina says, smiling radiantly as only a soon-to-be mother-in-law can. “I shall give you leave to speak with my daughter. And I think… that I should go and oversee the preparations for the banquet. Kundek, Delbeg, Baiju - my sons, come with me. I will need your help. Ling, the stew is ready - let us set it outside.” They sound their agreements and move to exit the ger, taking your gifts with them. You and Chelu keep quiet, simply staring at each other with dumb smiles till the two of you are left alone. That’s when you jump at her, wrapping her human half in an armored embrace as you take her in a deep, tongue-filled kiss. She reciprocates, lovingly running her hands up and down the back of your lamellar harness even if you can’t feel it. The two of you break the kiss with a gasp, a line of spit bridging your lips for a moment before she licks it away. You hold her bright green eyes steady with an unyielding gaze that makes her blush even more. “Gosh, what’s this all of a sudden?” she asks. You are happy to hear her light, melodic voice again. “I just really needed that,” you say. “All of these honor ceremonies are making my head hurt.” “Then, would you like another kiss?” “Yes, please. My head really hurts.” You kiss her again, lightly this time, tasting only her lips and the tip of her tongue. Your self-control starts to waver. You haven’t been allowed to see her for a week, and suddenly here you are, alone with her. Unknowingly, you grab one of her hefty breasts through her bright, orange deel, making her gasp. You’re about to unfasten the clasps and undo the garment, but she stops your arms with her two strong own. Your angry, frustrated look melts away as you behold her expression, patient and kind. Her smile makes your heart leap. “I want you, Chelu,” you say, trying to growl. It is not often that a warrior of your caliber is rejected, but you simply cannot bring yourself to be aggressive with your beloved. “I know,” she says, leaning in to kiss you briefly. “And I want you too. But, patience, okay? We can do this in our own ger.” She goes past your shoulder, letting her lips tickle your earlobe. “Just hold on for a few more hours, and then you can start pumping me full of children.” Her whispers send tingles across your body, even as they make you realize that you are being foolish. “Okay,” you say, finally relenting, stepping back to undo the creases you’ve made on her clothes. “Right. Patience.” You step back and cough a few times, clearing your throat, before beginning to recite a long, prepared speech talking about how you are unworthy of claiming her hand, that your gifts are of poor quality, and a million other things that are simply not true. Chelu has a constant look of satisfaction as you go on verse after verse, knowing that she will never see you suffer such an indignity ever again. Frankly, it annoys you a little bit. You resolve to replace it with a dumb look of euphoria when the time comes for you to take her virginity. “... so, with my honor laid down before you, I ask of you this: will you marry me, Chelu?” You finish your speech, and await her scripted reply. She makes a show of being superior, turning her nose up at you. “Hm, even if you only barely fit the bill, you are worthy nonetheless. Very well, I will marry you, Argat.” A moment of pregnant silence passes till the both of you relax your shoulders and begin laughing, glad to have completed the final ritual of honor. “Gods, and now there’s the hours-long banquet we have to attend,” you groan, cradling your weary head in your hands. “I should have just chosen to kidnap you symbolically, you know? Then we wouldn’t have to deal with this long and winding nonsense. I mean, Lord Genghis has already dissolved the tribes! Still, I have been forced to kneel so many times in one day already, to people who shouldn’t even get the honor.” Chelu leans down to kiss you. Being a centaur, she is taller than you while the both of you are sitting. However, you two are about as tall when standing shoulder-to-shoulder. “And I am so happy that you are doing all of this for me, my champion.” You answer her smirk with one of your own. “Your champion deals with tiresome traditions, Chelu." “I will make it better later,” she whispers, her breath hot on your mouth as she lovingly cups your cheek. “I promise you. The married women of my clan have taught me many things about pleasing a man while I sojourned with them.” “Oh, really?” You grin, standing up and offering her a hand. “I cannot wait, then. Shall we go and tell your father of your verdict?” She takes it, and stands up, her hooves thudding on the wooden floor. “Oh, yes.” The two of you exit the ger, holding hands as Chelu says to her father that, yes, she will be marrying you, duh. Degei half-heartedly continues pretending that he disapproves until her equally half-hearted pleading “convinces” him to change his mind. You, Kundek, Chelu, Cirina and everyone else close enough to hear laugh at the horrible acting. Degei just shakes his head and turns to the crowd, raising his arms in defeat to call them idiots and to get the party started already. The feast begins in the middle of the afternoon: an explosion of music, jokes, hearty laughter and annoying children running around everywhere, playing hide-and-seek among the gers. Hundreds have sat themselves on the great fleece mats, stuffing their faces with greasy mutton and barely blowing over the bowls before sipping of steaming hot soup. They’ve deliberately starved themselves the entire day so as not to dishonor Degei by holding back. When a plate empties, ready maids stand nearby with second helpings, which they begin to devour anew. Airag flows freely from a seemingly endless supply of pitchers and skins. You sit down next to Chelu, amongst your family and hers. Your father, Kuchar, only appropriately sits with Degei. Both of them are farthest away from you and your bride on the mat, symbolizing the weaning of child from parent. You are relatively old to have married at twenty-one years old. Chelu is, as well, at nineteen. It was something of an embarrassment for you to still have been sleeping in their ger even after you’ve reached eighteen, but the shame is nothing, utterly washed away by the beauty of your wife-to-be beside you and your glory at having successfully claimed her. But just because you are feasting now, it doesn’t mean that your trials are over. Your honor and worth have been proven, but now your patience is being tested. In fact, you can hardly take a bite with all the gift-givers and well-wishers lining up to accost you, from little boys to old men. Chelu, meanwhile, is dealing with girls and women. The throng that you have to deal with dissipates pretty quickly, since it is in the nature of men to be quick and brusque. The typical exchange is a man saying “Grats,” and you saying “Thanks,” before the two of you grip each other by the shoulder to end it. Chelu, however, appears to be struggling, as every woman seems hell-bent on dispensing advice about married life, taking such time that others behind have to shove them aside. The gifts you receive are individually very small things: a plate, a blanket, a bowl - that sort of thing. Badai, one of your friends, has even given you a vial of fragrant snake oil, saying that drinking a drop of it every night it will boost your “vigor.” Put together, they are supposed to help kickstart your new life as a brand new family, supplementing the inheritance from your respective parents. They grow in a pile before you, and you think that it’s going to be a pain to take them back to your ger, which hasn’t even been set up yet. Chelu gives you a tired look when the last of her well-wishers finally goes away. You smile at her and squeeze her hand affectionately. That’s when Kuchar, your father, stands up, leading the toast to the host of the feast and starting off the first round of speeches and stories. Wanting to leave an impression, he chooses one of your most embarrassing, but public, memories to share: You were only fourteen then, just before Genghis cried the Call of the Nation to unite the Mongol peoples under the nine-horsetail banner and became Khan of All. Your elder brother Jetei had just managed to find himself a wife by kidnapping a girl from one of the neighboring tribes. Not wanting to be outdone, you convinced your younger brother Bukha and your friend Gerel to ride with you out on the plains, looking for tribeless wanderers to prey on. You managed to find a few within a couple hours of riding. It was just a man, a woman and their lovely daughter tending to their little herd of sheep and ponies. You successfully snatched the running girl even while on horseback at the trot, cleanly getting your prize without a fight. So excited were you that you ignored her protests and rode straight back home, outriding her father and exhausting your pony in the process. After shooing Bukha and Gerel away, you looked around for a quiet place - a shadowy cleft in between two hills - where you could lay with your prize in peace. She was scared at first, but your insistent kissing forced her to be calm. Looking at her with a joyful expression, you removed her deel to reveal her nonexistent chest. Next, you lowered your hands to undo her trousers, before immediately snapping your gaze back to her tear-stained countenance, your jaw agape with shock. Your father finishes the tale: “... and that’s when the ‘girl’ says, ‘That’s what I’ve been telling you! I am a boy!’” A riotous bout of laughter erupts among the men as you cannot help but hang your head in embarrassment. The women, however, are cold at the notion of attempted rape, frowning as they cover the ears of younger children. Chelu embraces you tightly from the side. “Aw, don’t worry, love, it’s not that funny of a story.” “Thank you. I don’t think it’s very funny, either.” “Yeah, that’s why he’s never married till now,” your brother Jetei adds, inviting more laughter from the crowd. “Because then he can be assured of his wife’s genitals on the wedding night!” You groan. “Ah, piss off, Jetei.” The sun begins to set after so many stories have been told of you and of Chelu, with various relations pitching in to tell some tale of glory or shame. You are very pleased to have Kundek recounting your military honors, while you try to fight boredom as all the women find some fascination in hearing Cirina’s stories of her daughter when she was just a toddler. Despite the merry atmosphere, both bride and groom have flushed cheeks by the end of it, partly due to the airag, and partly from the exposure. All bad things have to come to an end, however, and soon enough, you and Chelu are packing up your gifts and stuffing them onto your packhorses. It is totally not strange to see a centaur and a horse standing side by side. Kundek’s clan, too, are rolling up the fleece mats and taking the cutlery away. People groan as they have to stand up with heavy bellies, and some of the younger children are crying, impatient to be taken home already. The shaman Bundukai is finally called, walking on a wobbly gait as he supports his old self with a staff. A large fire has already prepared for the actual marriage rites, which are short, but boisterous. It begins with the shaman asking if you and Chelu are the groom and bride, before dancing around the fire for perhaps ten minutes straight, his long, black beard swaying the opposite of his movements. He stops only when he freezes suddenly, as if struck by lightning, his dark eyes turning into a pair of glowing blue as he is possessed by the spirits of your ancestors. He turns to the both of you, his back unnaturally straight and his limbs no longer constantly shaking. With a reverberating voice, he addresses you: “Gathered before us today are two who would seek to be soul-sworn by the Sky Father and the Earth Mother. We have heard the call of Bundukai and have come. Groom, what is your name?” You bow deeply in reverence. “My name is Argat.” He asks the same of your bride. “My name is Chelu.” Those glowing, blue orbs dart back to yours. “Groom, do you pledge?” You turn to your bride, and stare at her intently. You recite the practiced words: “Chelu - I, Argat, son of Kuchar, pledge to you my blood, my salt, and my gers; and promise myself to be your loving husband, even after death.” She blushes, but there is no hunt of surprise on her face. She knew from the get-go that unlike most men, you would commit yourself fully to the marriage, choosing the more binding vow. It is, after all, a marriage of love. “Bride, do you pledge?” She looks like she’s about to jump for joy as she delivers her oath: “Argat - I, Chelu, daughter of Cirina, pledge to you my life, my love, and my womb; and promise myself to be your loyal wife, even after death!” The possessed shaman grunts his acknowledgement. “Call, all those who witness!” “We witness!” chants the crowd in front of you in unison. “And we witness. The gods are pleased. We pronounce you now as husband and wife.” The crowd cheers at that, and on cue, girls throw flower petals all over the two of you. Yet you remain still, waiting for the spirits’ next command. Traditions, traditions… The shaman raises a dismissive hand, bidding you away. “Go now, and plant your seed.” Finally. And with that, you bow and turn away from the crowd, mounting one pack horse to lead a herd of five. Chelu, your newlywed wife, trots alongside you as the crowd yells well-wishes in your wake. You ride along the plains till you’re far away from the settlement and reach a large, predetermined area circled with horse bones that tell others that the occupants of the ger within are not to be disturbed. But there is no ger, not yet. Yours is still folded up in several parts spread among your pack horses. You regard the innocent animals with a grimace. Setting up a ger, a centaur-sized one especially, is a task that requires an hour or more, typically done by a team of at least five people, and the sun is already setting. Couldn’t the bastards at least have dug out the fire pit for you two? You look at Chelu and see that she shares your pained expression. “Well,” she shrugs, “this is also tradition.” “Fuck tradition,” you say, making her laugh out loud as you dismount and begin unpacking the wooden foundations.     You and Chelu fall with synchronized thuds onto the fur bed, breathing tiredly as the fire-light makes the sweat on your foreheads glisten. The horses are secure and the ger has been set up. You have a fire going to keep you warm now that it’s nighttime. Those are the most important things. The gifts, the furniture, the pottery? They can go to hell for now, heaped in a pile in one corner of the ger. You’ll take care of those tomorrow, you think, as you eye the mess. Among them is the box of silver coins that Degei ultimately decided to return to you. You were counting on him to do so. It would be dishonorable of him to take such wealth away from the newlywed couple, after all. Even then, you wouldn’t have begrudged their loss, as being a plainsman, you have no need of money to live - or even to thrive. “What a day, huh?” you say, grinning at your wife. “Yeah,” she says, sharing your cheery mood. “We’re married now. I can hardly believe it.” “But I sure can,” you say, feeling triumphant. It’s the culmination of a plan months in the making, starting from the moment you saw Chelu nearly a year ago, practicing her archery along with her fellow centaurides. Seeing that her form was a bit off, you strode up and offered your advice as a veteran warrior, physically guiding her to the correct stance. Despite how much she blushed from her friends’ teasing, she appreciated your advice, and was impressed by your courage at approaching a group of centaurs alone. There was an interest at first sight between the two of you that snowballed into mutual affection in no time. But her father needed to be convinced, and thoroughly. Centaurs are holy among your people, being a melding of woman and horse, and many people don’t see the person beyond the ideal. They are prized and prestigious and the bride price was accordingly expensive. Still, you fought and looted and wagered and won, till you got four exquisite mares and enough wealth to live comfortably as a Chin aristocrat - well, at least for a time. So much work, so much effort, to end up tired in a ger like this, thinking about the strenuous past and of the vague, unknowable future. You cannot help but ask: was it all worth it? Chelu reaches out to cup your cheek in her hand and gently caress it. She likes to do that. “My love? What are you thinking about?” No, not worth it, yet. Some part of you rallies against your weariness and fills you with a new energy. You take her hand in your own and gently push it away, standing up. She stands up along with you, a brow raised. “My love?” “I think it’s about time you showed me what you learned from your cousins.” Before she can even speak, your hand lashes forth at the clasps holding her deel together, unfastening several of them in one stroke and letting the upper flaps of the garment fall to reveal your wife’s large breasts. Full, pert and bouncy, the luster of sweat gives them an especially erotic appearance in the fire-light. You see Chelu’s arms twitch in reflex to hide them, but she suppresses herself. She no longer has any right to cover any part of herself from you. You dive in, burying your face in her cleavage as you take her human half in an embrace. You hear her gasping as you run your tongue around the curve of her breasts, delighting in the salty taste of her sweat. She whimpers as you take a nipple in your mouth, sucking on it as it hardens on your flicking tongue, till you let it go with a wet pop, glossy with your saliva. “I have always desired these,” you say, as you sink your fingers into one breast. “They are yours now, my love,” Chelu meekly says, looking at you with happy eyes. “All of me is yours now.” The words egg you on, as if they were a challenge. “I know. I will show you.” You take Chelu into a kiss, deep and unrelenting from the get-go, almost squishing her in a powerful embrace that she emulates just as well. You turn your head to the side as you wrap your tongues together, sharing warm spit and letting it drool over your chins. Her exhaling breaths are hot on your face as the liplock continues, with her giving in, such that she leans back to a degree. Meanwhile, you tear the deel away from her human half, almost singing it on the fire with your horribly inaccurate throw. The two of you rock and swing as you mash your faces like only lovers who haven’t seen each other in a week could. Suddenly, you don’t feel all that tired anymore. The kiss breaks eventually, and the two of you just spend a long while thereafter just staring at each other’s faces. Chelu, oh Chelu. Your hands rise from their possessive grip on her backside to stroke her face. Cutely, she nuzzles her cheek into your hardened knuckles, taking your hand in hers. Her palm is so soft against yours. Bright green irises drink you in, just as your dark ones take in her beautiful countenance. With high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes, and luxuriously tawny skin, she could adopt the look of a scornful, judgmental spirit. But she doesn’t, ever meek and girly in your presence. She knows her place. You step back now, content to examine the rest of her form. Her toned body pleases you with subtle hints of musculature, her hard abs tickling your fingertips. Still, there is a hint of plushness that you take a small delight in sinking the tips of your fingers into. Past her shoulder is her equine half, tastefully clothed in a wide, black skirt with embroidering in gold-colored thread. “Love? Shall I take off your deel for you?” “Go.” She does so, baring your physique for her to see. She sighs as she nuzzles her face into your hard chest, kissing away at your plethora of scars. Her hands grip your iron shoulders and slide down to feel your heavily muscled arms. She goes down, down, kissing and licking the sweat away from your stomach. It feels good to be worshiped. Her equine legs fold in as she moves to sit. Finally, her fingers brush at the laces of your trousers without your permission. What could she be up to? “What are you doing?” Chelu gives you a cocky grin. “You’ll see.” Digging her fingers underneath both your undergarments and your trousers, she pulls the both of the garments down to your ankles in one stroke, and you kick them away with your feet. Your erection pops free, hard and throbbing at being suddenly exposed to open air. She sighs appreciatively at its bulky, veiny form as she wraps her fingers around the base. It’s large - far larger than what a human organ should regularly be: the work of alchemical treatments done by the shaman Kokchu himself, such that there would be no question in your ability to pleasure Chelu. She doesn’t seem to care for its proportions as she inches closer, breathing on it with her nose and mouth till the closes the distance and plants her pink lips against the tip in a wet kiss. You do not dishonor yourself by gasping. Instead, you keep yourself silent, staring with wonder at this unknown feminine duty. She presses herself into your cock, laying it flat against her cheek as she drags her tongue up the underside several times, coating it with saliva. Then she goes to one side, letting her hand off of your member as she licks, nibbles and kisses it down its length. You sigh at this point, making her smile and encouraging her as she repeats this process till most of your tool is slick with her spit. Finally, she aligns herself square-on with your massive dick, and, upon snatching the head with her lips, takes it into her mouth. The heat and sensation bid that you exhale sharply. Her tongue welcomes your cock like a soft, pillow-laden bed as she slides it into her mouth, inch by inch. Her eyes light up at your pleased expression before her cheeks hollow in suddenly, sucking on your rod with force. You clench your teeth at the electric pulse this invites, putting a hand on her head in reflex. She doesn’t mind, as she begins to bob her head up and down. She takes up an irregular rhythm, passing your sensitive meat through and back her sucking lips at her whim. Sometimes she slows down, wrapping her tongue this way and that around your shaft as it sits warmly within her oral cavity, quivering as she inches herself back to kiss the exposed head briefly before going at it again. Often, she is fast, just bobbing away at the latter third of your dick while she jerks the former off with her hand. Soon enough, you are breathing through your mouth, eyes rapt at the sight of your cocksucking centaur lover, her horse tail swishing happily behind her as she goes about her duties like a good wife should. Chelu slows down again, exposing the crown to lick around the bottom ridge. But just as you think that she’s about to continue, she pulls back instead, to look at you with hopeful eyes. “Do you like it?” “I don’t know what this is, but I love it,” you reply immediately, face flushed and smirking. “It’s called a ‘blowjob,’” she says innocently. “I learned it from my cousins. They had these strange wooden toys for me to practice on.” “It’s amazing. We should do this often.” “Well, if you like it this much, I have a surprise for you.” “Oh?” Chelu pillows her lips against your cockhead once again, playfully letting it part them away as she leans in to admit your length into her mouth. Interestingly, she doesn’t hold your base with her hand this time. You groan as inch after inch slides past her lips, tongue flicking at them all the way in welcome to her comparatively small mouth. You groan even more as you realize she has no intention of stopping. Her palate rubs against the top of your dickhead, making you hiss. She takes in a last breath till her throat is blocked by your fully engulfed tool. “Ah- Chelu, I-” And then, she squeezes. Every single oral muscle under command works to clamp down on your dick: her tongue, her jaw, and her throat - oh, her throat! So warm and wet and tight and it’s getting even tighter. You are already rather close to release and hoped to have the first be in her pussy, but this just pushes you over the edge. “Ch-Chelu-!” You double over, grimacing as you grasp your wife’s head with both hands. Relentless sensation assaults the entirety of your groin as she suckles and suckles as if her life depended on it. You can feel orgasm making its impatient, unstoppable way in the pit of your stomach and- Your balls clench, your cock quavers, and you moan loudly. Jets of white seed, hot and steamy, erupt from your winking cockslit, so snug within your wife’s throat. Cum shoots directly into her belly, undoubtedly painting her insides white as rivulets of the sticky stuff travel towards her stomach. You are still cumming when she pulls back, letting the liquid spill into her mouth. You can feel her tongue lapping up and down, as if playing with your cum, scooping it up to let it wash over her tongue’s flat surface. Some of it dribbles out the edges of her lips as your cock makes its exit. She holds a hand under her chin to collect the errant drops. You see her neck pulse once as she swallows, and that’s when she starts gasping for breath. Even then, she takes a few moments to lick stray cum off of her fingers. She looks up at you, eyes starry as always. She opens her mouth to prove that she has wasted nothing before she asks, “Did you like it?” You dive in, kissing her intensely by way of answer. You can taste of yourself as your tongue dances with hers. Bitter, but whatever. You are drunk on your wife. “I love you,” you say, after pulling back. “I love you too,” she breathes, relishing in those three words. “What was that one called?” “‘Deep-throating,’” she happily answers. “It was the hardest one to learn. I was gagging so much on the toy at first. It took me a lot of practice to get it right.” She smiles warmly at you. “I’m glad you like it.” It takes you a couple of tries to brush a few stray locks of hair away from her eyes, sticky as they are with sweat. “I’m glad you’ve been trying hard for me.” “Well, I had to do something,” she says a little defensively. “I mean, you were going out there, risking your life to pay some stupid bride price even though I told my father I had already accepted you.” You are a little perplexed at her outburst. “Well, he loves you very much.” “But I love you too,” she breathes hotly on your cheeks, taking you into a short kiss. You sit down to better facilitate it. “You had to go on raids when you didn’t need to, just for me. I can’t believe he asked you for four white mares. Four. And they all had to be of top quality. It must have been so hard for you. You even went beyond what was asked and surprised him with a second batch of gifts.” “It was hard for me.” You take her hand and gently squeeze it, paying little heed to flashing memories of exhausting skirmishes, thrilling chases, and wounds that have now hardened into scars. “But he did it to ensure that only the best of men might have you, and here I am with you now. By breaking convention and presenting a second batch of gifts, everyone now knows of my greatness.” “But I could have lost you, Argat!” “If I died, then I wouldn’t be worthy of you.” You raise her hand to kiss the back of it. “You’re… an amazing girl, Chelu,” you say, for lack of a better word. “And now you are mine, by my efforts. Lesser men would have been killed or ran away, but I have proven to everyone - to myself, especially - that I am right for you. We’re together now. Let’s just... forget about the past and be happy for that. I mean, isn’t it our wedding night?” Genuine as you are, you cannot help but feel a little foolish. Only rarely are you ever sentimental. Chelu meekly nods, wiping the hint of a tear away from one of her eyes. “Yes, my husband... I am very happy. Sorry for ruining the mood.” “Don’t apologize. I love you, Chelu.” “I love you too, Argat.” “Come here.” You give her a kind smile and take her in a embrace. For a long while, the two of you just sit there, happy to be in each others’ arms. Eventually, though, you nip at her earlobe. “And with that in mind, are you ready to be taken by your husband?” Chelu withdraws from the hug and grins. “I thought you’d never ask.” You stand up together. You move to undo the front ribbon of her equine skirt, but she stops you. “More theatrics?” “Mhm! Just let me undress myself, love.” She steps back, looking at you with a smirk. Her hooves thud on the wooden floor then, as she walks past you with an equine gait you’ve never seen before: slow and deliberate, with care and attention poured into the rise and fall of each hoof, such that they draw attention to how Chelu’s equine shoulders and hips tense and release. She breathes a hot, theatrical sigh on your cheek as she goes over your shoulder, holding the two laces of her skirt’s front ribbon taut. Her tail swishes along with her rump, drawing your eyes in, although you cannot see her loins, obscured as it is by dark fabric. Then she turns to expose her flank. At that moment, she throws an arm up to cast her skirt away in one smooth motion, letting the of cloth crumple heavily into a heap at her hind hooves. Now before you is your beautiful centaur wife standing in profile, her tawny skin glistening with a thin sheen of sweat and her chestnut-colored coat shining with healthy, lustrous fur. Her human half is turned at at angle, such that one breast is flirtatiously turned your way. She looks at you with a lewd stare, the dim light of the fire giving her naturally bright eyes a smoky, inviting effect. She raises her foreleft hoof up, as if to ask, “Well?” The display makes you stir. Clearly, she’s challenging you. Answering, you stride forth, but she moves as well, walking past your shoulder again and sighing another hot breath upon your cheek. The entire thing fascinates you. You stifle a jolt as she deliberately whips her tail at your erection when she passes, although by doing so you get a whiff of her excitement. It’s a strange but alluring fragrance, somewhat pungent but also sweet to your nostrils. You’ve smelled hints of it before, when you were lightly fooling around behind her father’s back, but never till now had you the right to quench it. Your eyes dart over to her equine ass, getting glimpses of her glistening marehood in between swishes of her tail to and fro. It’s too much. You’ve had enough of this teasing. She gasps as you dig your fingers into her flanks, lovingly kneading the muscular flesh as you stare right at the center of it all. Big, dark lips, glazed over by her sticky excitement, hold your eyes below a cutely puffy anus, giving you hints of a pink wonderland as they shyly wink under your scrutiny. You crouch lower, intent on getting a better look when her musk washes over you. The pheromone-laden fog assaults your senses as much as it assaults your sanity, luring you into a strange trance that still leaves you responsible for your actions, but assailed by a dire need. Those big puffy lips quiver, calling for your touch. Yes, you want to touch them. And your closest available tool just happens to be your mouth. “M-my love? Aaahh-!” Chelu moans as you bury your face in between her equine asscheeks, grasping and grabbing at them with needy fingers even as you kiss her pussy with a loving, aching thirst. You nip at one puffy lip with your thinner own, pulling back to playfully stretch it a little bit before releasing. You dive in then, attacking with your tongue, dragging its length up and down your lover’s pink, hot slit. The taste is salty, but it is sweet to your lust-addled mind. You are so close, so direct to the source of your lover’s perfume, and every inhalation drives you further insane. You open your mouth wide and plant it square on her pussy, sucking on it hard and drinking of her fluids. Chelu stamps a hoof and begins kneading one of her breasts, unable to control herself at this. So delicious, so wet and hot with promises of endless bliss - centaur pussy is the best! Or is it, really? You do not yet have all the metrics needed to make that claim. So: you must taste all of it in full. Easy enough. You rise, till your hips are level with Chelu’s own, grabbing your heavy, erect cock with an impatient hand. You’ve never been harder before in your life. Hastily, you align it with her slit, letting the cockhead rest on her wet entrance, the puffy labia like dark pillows to your hardness. You wrench your eyes away to sweep them across your lover one more time: admiring every curve of her equine contours; noting the cute ring where horse ends and woman begins; and then appreciating the well-toned physique of her back. She looks at you over her shoulder, biting her lip in anticipation. “Do it, Argat,” she breathes. “Fuck me. Pound me. Fill up my womb with your seed.” “I will,” you grunt, as you slap your dick wetly against her pussy a few times, making her hiss. You rub the head up and down her slit, coaxing the lips away to welcome your entrance. Satisfied, you brace yourself then, steadying your tool with a hand, and firmly grabbing your wife’s buttocks. Finally, you move your hips forward, allowing the first inch of unyielding meat to be engulfed by her tight, pink wonderland. If you weren’t aware that you could mix a gasp and a moan together in pleasure, you sure are aware of it now. It’s the steamy sound that erupts from Chelu’s throat as she shudders at your intrusion, stamping a hoof. She’s tight, so tight as you continue to explore her untrodden depths that seem to suck you in, begging for you reach some new line of clenching ridges. You get about maybe half of your length in before you encounter resistance: a springy wall that dares to impede your progress. “Chelu?” “A-Argat?” You want to do some theatrics of your own, to stroke her ponytail with gentle fingers as you say this next, momentous line, but her equine half is too long to allow you. “You are mine now.” Slam. With one mighty thrust of your hips, you bury yourself into her right at the hilt, tearing away her hymen in one swift go. She shudders, she spams - her marehood clenching and unclenching around your tool. It feels amazing. She stamps one hoof, then another, coaxing out dull, muffled thuds from the furs. Her hind legs quiver as she shakes her head, ponytail whipping left and right as if she’s gone insane. “A-ah, aahh!” A cascade of gasp-moans spills off her lips as she trembles there, desperately kneading her breasts. You’re fascinated by it. You’re not even moving yet. What could- Drip. Drip. Pitter, patter. Worriedly, you withdraw from her depths, wondering if you’ve hurt her. “Chelu, does it hurt? Are you okay?” You look down, but the liquid that’s gushing out, making a slobbering mess of her pussy, running down her thighs and dripping onto your foot is not dark and red, but transparent and fragrant. Each little drop, as it collects at an edge and eventually falls, is like a jewel in the fire-light. Chelu folds her front legs in, moaning in frustration as she looks at you past her shoulder. “Argat, you horrible tease! Why did you pull out? Can’t you see that I need you? Gods, Argat, I’m so needy...” She raises her equine rump on two shaking, stamping hind legs, circling it before you like some kind of shaman’s hypnotic device. Clear fluid dribbles out of her pussy in bands that expand and break into drops as they fall. Did she just orgasm? “Please, my love,” she breathes, mashing her tits together like she were turning wool into fleece. “I want you. I need you. Please, fuck me already. Fill me up! Please, Argat, pleasepleaseplease--” Chelu screams as you ram yourself into her once more, discarding all pretense of restraint as you gyrate your hips like mad from the get-go. Every meeting of your hips is wet and hard, the sounds easily dominating the growling fire, and the force is such that you send fading waves rippling across her chestnut coat. “You needy slut,” you growl, high on your wife. “You want it? Huh?” “I do! I want it so much! I’m your slut!” She looks at you past her shoulder with half-lidded eyes and a dumb, lolling tongue. “I’m your happy little breeding mare. Please, cum in me, fill my womb with your spunk. I want to have your children!” Those words strike you in the head like a sure-shot Chin crossbow bolt. You fall in-love with Chelu all over again. You pick up the pace, wrenching your dick in and out of her needy depths, with each extraction flicking away trails and sprays of love juice that gradually coat your groin and further soil the furs at your feet. “Chelu,” you groan, affectionately running your palm around her flank. “Gods… I’m gonna fill you up, I swear!” Chelu would reply, but through her moans of pleasure she simply can’t. It’s a simple affair, steadying yourself with a firm grip on her flanks while you rock your hips back and forth. But Gods, it feels so good. Chelu’s honeypot is absolutely soaked: a pulsing, throbbing, gushing sheath that delights in every pass of your iron-like sword. Her walls give in only reluctantly as you push, but try to suck you back as you pull. Despite this, your pace is wild and fast. It’s incredible. You already feel a second orgasm coming up in your stomach, when your wife beats you to the punch. Chelu drawls out a long, continuous moan that jumps with every meeting of your hips, making her sound like some kind of exotic, squawking bird as her body convulses with another orgasm. Her walls clench and unclench, hard, undulating with a moving, alternating grip along your shaft that leaves you gasping as well. Her moans escalate as she continues to drip love juices, filling the ger with the fragrance of her arousal. Nectar spills as you pull, and squelches loudly as you push. At a whim, you fully withdraw your dick for a moment, leaving your lover groaning with frustration at the sudden void, before spearing yourself fully past those dark, silken lips once more. You grunt and pant along with Chelu’s moans - and then, she simply can’t take it anymore. Her hind legs collapse in a twitching, orgasmic heap, her rump falling down as the constant sensation of your fucking forces her to bury her face into her palms, as if she were ashamed. The both of you easily adapt to the situation, with Chelu still kindly putting her tail off to the side to facilitate your access. You also go down on your knees, transitioning almost naturally as you never skip a beat of steamy thrust-and-pull. You embrace her from behind, planting long, possessive kisses on her quivering equine body and drawing breaths close to her fur in order to savor her natural, more ordinary scent. “Chelu, you’re so beautiful.” “Th-th-thank you, l-love,” she says, stammering adorably. “I love the way you arch your back,” you add. “It brings out how well-toned you are. How strong you are. You’re beautiful.” Even though you can’t see her face, you know she’s flushing hotly. “S-stop it, Argat - you’re making me melt!!” Well, that’s exactly what you want to happen to her, so you lavish her with more compliments, bringing to attention even small things like the shape of her ears and the gloss of her hooves; or how straight and smooth her horsetail hairs are. Seconds tick by and you gradually lose command of your tongue, then of language itself, and you fuck her faster and faster, love juices splashing all over your groin. You’re close, so close, and- there! Your vision goes white as you desperately try to bury yourself as far as it is humanly possible into her hot snatch, pistoning with effort as her walls clamp down again in a third orgasm. Still, you hammer on through, till your dickhead bumps against the entrance of her womb and you release: ropes upon ropes of hot cum shooting straight into her thirsty uterus, and otherwise spilling out to paint her insides white, filling out every ridge, nook and cranny. Nothing is left untouched as you continue to pump your now cum-slick shaft, spreading your creamy seed all over her pussy. When the two of your stop shuddering in bliss, you slowly pull your cock away from her depths. It’s very slimy in your hand, as if it had been dipped in honey. You give her ass a slap before grabbing both cheeks and spreading them wide. The love you’ve put into her is like an emerging pearl at first, before it builds up and spills out in a little white waterfall, viscous and sticky as the mix of cum and juice whitens her dark labia and outwards. “Amazing,” you breathe, before giving your wife another, more triumphant slap on her ass. “You’re amazing, Chelu.” Your wife’s face is in the furs, her hair in disarray as sweat beads all over her skin. Groggily, she raises her human half up to look at you tiredly over her shoulder. “Thank you, love. You were amazing, too.” Aww. You circle over and kiss her: gently, deeply, slowly, lovingly. Then sexually, as your arms go over each other’s bodies like writhing snakes. Your tongue violently grinds against her own, and soon you have her on her side, never letting go of the liplock as you lie down with her. The kiss breaks after a while, and for a moment, a husband admires the look of his well-sexed wife, and his wife does the same to him. “Chelu?” “Love?” “I don’t think I’m done yet. Up for another round?” Chelu blushes hotly. “Oh, really? Um… me too, actually.” You pinch her nose, grinning. “Naughty girl. Hold on while I try some of this snake oil Badai gave me earlier.” “Snake oil?” she asks, as you stand up to rummage around your cluttered heap of gifts and things. “Yeah. Supposedly it makes me better in bed or something.” “You’re more than good enough already, love.” You shrug without looking back at her. “Can’t hurt to try. Now where did I put it… a-ha!” You find it in a cushioned box where you’ve put it with some other glass vessels. It’s a tiny thing, barely the length of your index finger and only slighter wider. You twist it in your hands, watching as the strange, yellow-green liquid rolls around. Dark particles, excited from their place at the bottom, rise and dance within the oily medium. You run the vial once across your nose, whiffing up a sort of lemony, minty scent. It’s fairly strong. You turn it upright and have a proper look at it, noting that it’s topped off by a silver cap with tiny, careful engravings on its sides depicting vines and plants that double as both decoration and gripping points. How fancy. It must have been relatively expensive to get, worth maybe a barrel of golden airag, or a good sword. You unscrew the cap and quickly upend the vial on your fingertip, raising a brow as the drop tickles your skin. Odd, but you attribute that as an extension of the heady feeling of aftersex. Unhesitantly, you bring your finger up and take it into your mouth, and that’s when your oral cavity is set on fire. A hot wave travels radially outward from your mouth and over your head to run down your arms, torso, and eventually your groin. You shake your head in a vain attempt to dispel the sensation as your entire body flushes with heat, as if you’ve come down with a fever, but without the nausea and the weakness. “What the hell is this?!” you exclaim, as you screw the cap on quickly and hold the vial close to your eye. “My love? Are you okay?” Your wife’s concerned voice draws your attention, but at the moment you lay your eyes on her, you are assailed anew with horrible, dire need. You blink your eyes once, twice - but it is as if there is a fog over your vision, hot and humid, that makes Chelu look like the ripe maiden that she was fifteen minutes ago, begging to be taken, despite the fact that she’s just sitting there, staring at you with her forelegs politely crossed together. She looks incredibly sexy all of a sudden, even more so than usual. Lust. Terrible, undeniable lust puts pressure on your eyes and engorges your dick anew till it’s rock-hard again. Feigning calm, you begin striding towards your wife, stroking your dick with every step. “Chelu?” “Argat?” You twirl the vial in your free hand. “I think this might be lamia venom.” Her eyes widen in realization. “Oh! Um, so does that mean-” You kneel before her, cutting her off with a pained expression as you nod. “It is taking everything in me not to jump at you. I want you to take some, too.” You wet your fingertip again with the oil and press it against Chelu’s lips. She accepts it, and you feel her tongue playfully wrapping around your digit when her eyes go frantically wide. Suddenly she’s on it with force, slathering your finger with saliva and bobbing on it up and down as if it were your cock. It takes effort to pry your hand away, whereupon she looks at you with unashamed, red-cheeked desire. You throw the vial to where your wife’s deel lays crumpled but you don’t bother to check whether it’s safe or not. Instead, you immediately take her in a kiss, and whatever tiredness you two share melts away in a sea of want and riotous action: husband and wife moving with seemingly boundless energy that neither of you even knew you had. You and Chelu fuck, fuck and fuck deep into the night, her moans carrying off into the nighttime breeze as you repeatedly fill and drain her womb of your churning, bubbling cum, easily impregnating her.     “Urrgh…” You wake up long before you open your eyes, the action taking much more effort than it should. Every part of your body hurts. Your arms and legs feel numb and even respiration is a heavy, conscious and deliberate affair. The overall feeling could be likened to a post-battle daze, except that your cock also hurts. You groan again as you adjust yourself on the furs, trying to turn towards your wife from your spread-eagle pose. So focused are you on your wife that you don’t give the ger’s interior much more than a glimpse, but you don’t need to look at it for long to know that it’s a mess. The two of you rutted everywhere, grunting and moaning like animals. If the strewn miscellany of horribly misplaced cookware, clothing and even armor pieces and silver coins aren’t enough to tell, then there is also the sexual musk of night-long breeding permeating the air. And of course, there are the happy newlyweds: tired, sore and sweaty. Chelu sleeps next to you on the furs, her human half facing your way. One arm is draped over her stomach, while the other is outstretched to where your hands were touching before you shifted position. Propping yourself up on an elbow, you content yourself with just watching your wife for a while, noting how her chest rises and falls and admiring the simple serenity of her sleeping face. Yet, she doesn’t sleep for long. She begins to squirm and writhe every other minute in the groggy manner of one who is already awake, but is too tired to bother getting up. It’s a pretty fitful, uncomfortable state, so you decide to give her a nudge. “Chelu?” It takes a while before she opens her eyes. You smile and greet her, “Good morning.” She returns your smile sleepily and stretches all six of her limbs. She closes her eyes again, though. “Mmnh… good morning, Argat. What time is it?” Still a bit groggy, you glance up the ger’s smoke-hole as if that would help with that question. Inwardly suppressing a laugh at your own foolishness, you shrug. “I don’t know. Judging from the heat, it might be noon, or approaching noon.” Chelu’s eyes open wide in alarm. “Noon? That’s no good. I should get up, prepare us something to eat.” She moves to rise, lamely and quivering, but you scoot over and physically caution her by the time she manages to sit up. “Chelu, you can sleep some more if you like. I’ll prepare us breakfast instead.” She shakes her head. “That’s a wifely duty, my love.” You frown. “I’m not playing honor games anymore, Chelu. I think you’re in worse shape than I am. Didn’t you say that your butt was going numb by the end of it?” Your wife’s cheeks flush for a moment. “Maybe I did, but you shouldn’t underestimate me, my love.” She leans in, kissing you lightly on the lips. “Am I not a centaur? Moreover, am I not your wife?” Were you not so sore and groggy, you would have argued further. Sadly, all you can do is nod your head and try for a compromise. “Alright. But let me help you.” Chelu smiles at you warmly. “That would be much appreciated. Wait - before breakfast, do you maybe want to bathe in the river with me?” You grin. “That’d be nice, actually. We can take the horses with us. It’ll be good for them to drink river water.” The two of you stand up to dress yourselves and clean up the ger, making it look at least halfway presentable before stepping outside. Looking out across the flat, grassy plains, you can see herdsmen leading sheep and horses where Kundek’s clan used to be. They’ve all but disappeared, having rejoined the Horde proper, no doubt. You lift your chin and note the high position of the sun - it really is noon. “Hey Chelu,” you say, without looking at your wife. “Hmm?” “Kundek is your brother, right?" “Yes?” “As in, you were born from the same womb, from your mother Cirina?” “Yes, why?” You look to the side, returning Chelu’s gaze. “How come he isn’t half horse?” Chelu guffaws, throwing her head back and clutching at her stomach while the peals of her laughter easily drown out the bleating of distant sheep. It takes a while before she wipes the tears off of her eyes. “What?” Is all she says. “Is it that strange of a thing to ask?” “No, I- I just wasn’t expecting it,” she stammers. “Sorry.” “I thought you might have gained some new insights on that mystery during your stay with your relatives. You know, how there are no male beast-folk.” She shakes her head. “Sadly, no. Why, have you learned something new about it?” “Just some talk I’ve heard,” you explain. “From the ones who have fought in the Far West, like Kundek. Apparently, there’s a religion there that preaches of a ‘One God’ above all who created humanity, who must contend with pain, suffering and temptation in the mortal world for the chance to enter a sort of paradise after death. Some of these temptations come in the form of ‘monstrous women’, as they call it.” “Oh, the Order.” Chelu rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. “They seem like miserable people.” “It is said that their knights cannot be matched one-on-one in melee. Although, they do have interesting beliefs.” Chelu inquisitively tilts her head a little. “Do you believe them?” she teases. You laugh immediately. “Ha! No, no. If they look at you even once and still dare to call you a ‘monster’ then they are ignorant of beauty.” “Aww,” Chelu coos, blushing. “Come here, will you?” The two of you share a quick kiss before you stop your dilly-dallying and untie your horses, loading one of them with several buckets. Chelu, earlier, proposed that the two of you start the day with a hearty beef soup. For that, you will need to ride to the nearby river and collect the needed water. Despite the commonness of your chore, the simple fact that you are a jagun commander demands that you be well-armed wherever you go. As such, you wear your sword and bow in their respective holsters left and right. You elect to take ten arrows with you, to be carried by a special quiver mounted on the saddle. And to that end, you return to the ger for a short moment to retrieve one of your two saddle sets. You give Chelu a quick smile as you move to the horse you’d loaded the buckets onto earlier. “Wait!” The rather distressed tone of your wife’s voice stops you. You look at her questioningly, as she looks at you almost pleadingly. “Argat, we’re married now, remember?” You blink once in realization, wanting to hit yourself for your foolishness. “Ah, of course! Sorry, force of habit. Could you show me your side, then?” She does so, presenting her left side to you. Her equine skirt makes the saddle pad unnecessary so you just throw the saddle onto her and begin fastening it down. The process is very quick for a veteran warrior like you. Chelu remains silent the whole time, just looking over her shoulder as you fiddle with the straps. You step back, looking at your wife in profile. Even with the saddle on, she still looks very elegant in a tastefully embroidered deel of emerald green. She fidgets a little here and there with a blush on her cheeks, clearly not used to having a saddle on her back. “You look great,” you say, grinning. She averts her gaze. “Please, love, don’t stare so much.” “Agreed. I’ll just mount you now.” “What? Wai-” You run and jump, easily swinging one leg up and over to mount Chelu in one perfect maneuver. She gasps on impact, and your momentum causes her to take a few steps to the side. “Argat!” she yells, frowning. She’s clearly not very pleased at you having taking yet another of her virginities so abruptly. In response, you embrace her human half from behind for the first time, coaxing another gasp from her as you give her neck a kiss from the side. “Oh come on, it’s not so bad, is it?” “Y-You’re a little heavy.” “You’ll get used to it with time. Now, should I kick in my heels, or…?” “No - no need, I’m not a horse.” “Of course, of course.” You let Chelu do her thing as she somewhat unsteadily takes the lead of your herd of horses into a slow, serene walk across the plains. She’s rather stiff at first with your unfamiliar weight on her back, but you feel her gait loosening up as time goes on. The steppe wind blowing against her hair has also seemed to wash away the bad mood you’ve put her into. You were just trying to be playful, but in your arrogance, perhaps you’ve underestimated the seriousness with which centaurs regard the right to ride them. With that in mind, you give Chelu another hug from behind. “I’m sorry,” you say, as Chelu reciprocates by bringing her hands to your arms. “No, I was being petty and prideful,” she says immediately, her voice soft. “I have no right to be angry, as you already have the right to ride me.” “Well, then I suppose that’s settled.” Did the two of you just have your first disagreement as a married couple? “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” you add, to change the topic. “It is. It’s a great day for riding.” “Riding on my beautiful centaur wife,” you agree, breaking the embrace.. “If you told me two years ago that I’d score a woman as great as you, I’d have laughed.” Chelu giggles. “You have been lavishing me with compliments since last night.” “It’s our honeymoon,” you protest. “Couldn’t you at least return the favor?” “Oh, alright. Hmm... it’s an honor to be ridden by someone as fine a warrior and a man as you.” “Too stiff,” you say. “Okay, then, how about: my husband has a big dick and is great in bed?” The two of you laugh out loud. “Not what I was expecting,” you admit, “but I’ll take it!” After the peals of your mirth have died down, there is a long while of silence, with only the sounds of the wind and hoofbeats to accompany you before Chelu speaks up again, looking over her shoulder to make eye contact with you. “I…” she begins shyly, “I am happy to have married you, Argat.” You lean in to kiss her. She stops to facilitate it, bringing the rest of the herd to a halt. “Same here. I love you.” She smiles warmly. “I love you too,” she says, before the two of you set off again. The honeymoon will last for another six days. Until the real world comes crashing down on you with responsibilities and obligations, you’re free to spend the week in bliss with your new wife. And after that…? Your head swims with thoughts. In nine months, she should give birth to the firstborn of what you hope will be a big family. By then, the Horde will probably be campaigning in India, where you will achieve great deeds and amass wealth. Hell, maybe you’ll even be promoted to Minghaan commander. And maybe when all the nations of the world have fallen to the ambition of the Mongol people - when you are in your forties, maybe - you will be given a city to govern, where your family would spend Pax Mongolica in peace and prosperity. Perhaps it is foolish to think so far ahead into the vast and ultimately unknowable future, but whatever your fate may be, as you ride along the plains with Chelu, you cannot help but feel that everything’s going to be alright.  

Loading..... Loading...... Hosts Ainsley Hale 16.... Kendal Hale 16.... Ocean Hale 16.... Taylor Hale 16.... Blake Hale 16.... Raven Hale 16.... Hosts have been chosen and confirmed. Hosts death have been confirmed. Death from building collapse from earthquake on May 12, 20xx. Ready for next destination. Understood, have host wake in storage.As the System was preparing to welcome its new hosts. The Hale sextuplets just entered the library going to do their group History project, not knowing that their lives will change as they know it.

Announcement Content warning: mention of transphobia.   Freya von Aegir opened her eyes, threw off the covers, and got out of bed; then, shivering a bit because of the chill, she quickly washed her face with ice-cold water, dabbed it dry, and set to put on her make-up. Behind her she heard her roommate stir. Petra rose to a sitting position on her own bed, and looked at Freya. “You are still doing it, today too,” Petra said. “Yes,” Freya replied, carefully tracing the outline of her eyelid with a thin brush dipped in a black paste. “I am sorry, but I do not understand what is the use,” Petra continued. “With all the exercise we do during the day, it will only get smudged off, and soon.” Freya waited to answer until she’d painted her lips, a pale pink to avoid contrasting with her red hair, which by now had reached her shoulder. “The use – the point – is that if I don’t do it, no one will see me as I am. No one will see me as a girl.” Petra shrugged. “Plenty of people do.” Do they? Freya wondered, as she got up from her vanity and started to get dressed. Yes, it was true that the faculty at Garreg Mach had apparently accepted her self-declared femininity; more than her own father, at least, who had disowned her as soon as he heard the news. Professor Byleth had been excellent, declaring right away that whoever gave Freya any trouble would have to answer to them, personally; Professor Manuela, surprisingly, was right on Byleth’s heels, and together they had lobbied Archbishop Rhea, hounding her day and night until, apparently out of exhaustion, she had put out an official edict confirming Freya’s new name and gender. And it was also true that several of her fellow students had led the charge in trying to get the rest of their class to accept her, especially Petra – who was now her best friend, besides being her roommate – but also, surprisingly, Dedue, Prince Dimitri’s retainer. It was probably the fact that they were both foreigners, that they both knew what it meant to be persecuted for something outside your own control. And Edelgard had been very good, too: using her authority as heir to the Empire, she had even expelled a couple of the Black Eagles from the House when they’d pulled a cruel prank – which was best left forgotten – on Freya. (Though Freya still resented Edelgard a bit: even after everything that had happened, she was still her superior, because of how effortlessly beautiful and feminine she could be.) Other people had been… Less than accepting, though. Take Ingrid, for example: she refused to even acknowledge Freya’s existence, pretending she didn’t see her and not speaking a word whenever chance, or classes, brought them together. Freya had even heard a rumour that she’d been planning to ambush her at night, to punish her for ‘usurping femininity,’ until the Dumb Couple, Hilda and Raphael, took her aside, and made it very clear that if something happened to Freya, Ingrid would immediately face the consequences. Most of the student body, however, seemed to have taken the change in stride; she was just a fellow student, how they treated her hadn’t changed one bit. Even though she sometimes wished they would. It was something along the lines of: I’m a woman now. Please acknowledge it. At least she had made some friends she hadn’t had before, like Petra. Or Hilda, or Annette. The four of them always had breakfast together, and that’s where she and Petra were headed her to right at that moment as they left their room. With some luck, they would avoid… “Oh, this is such a beautiful morning, isn’t it?” said a voice behind her. “The sun is shining, there isn’t a single cloud in the sky, and a beautiful flower is blooming.” Sighing deeply, Freya turned around. “Sylvain.” “Did you sleep well, Freya?” Sylvain asked. “You must have; they talk about beauty sleep and I must say, you’re looking especially dazzling this morning.” Sylvain was the only person who had completely changed in how he treated Freya. It was like night and day: one moment she was a comrade-in-arms, sometimes a rival, and the next he was courting her mercilessly. At times it made Freya’s skin crawl, to be completely honest. Was this what women had to face, day in and day out? “Yes, Sylvain, I did sleep quite well. Thank you,” Freya replied, keeping her voice flat. “Now if you’ll excuse me, Petra and I were headed for breakfast.” “Oh, what a coincidence!” Sylvain said. “I’m going to the mess hall, too. Mind if I join you ladies?” It’s not a coincidence at all, you all but ambushed us, Freya thought. But still, she couldn’t well refuse, could she? It was just a brief walk, and then it would be done with. She gave a brief nod, and the three of them started along the courtyard, heading to the mess hall. Along the way Sylvain kept trying to engage her in conversation, giving her compliments and flattering her, but she barely acknowledged him. “Well, here we are,” she said finally, as they reached their destination. “Thank you for the pleasant walk, Sylvain, and have a good day.” She made to walk inside, but Sylvain stopped her, putting a hand on her arm; she looked up at him in surprise. “What do you think you are doing, Sylvain?” Petra asked, steel in her voice. “You do not touch a lady without her permission. Remove your hand, or I shall cut it off.” Petra wasn’t armed at that moment, but the threat had its intended effect: Sylvain stepped backwards, and raised his hands in a peaceful gesture. “Whoa, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he said. “I apologise. I just wanted to ask the lady in question if she wanted to have tea with me this afternoon.” Freya looked at him. There was no hint of deception on his face, no apparent irony in his voice; too many times she had heard someone call her a lady with mocking stress on the word, but Sylvain hadn’t done that: he looked to be completely on the up and up. Still, Freya had had too many bad experiences since her coming out to be so easily trusting. “I’m sorry, but I have to mind the horses this afternoon,” she said. “Some other time, then?” Sylvain asked. The glance Petra gave Freya said it all: some people just don’t know when to quit, do they? But still, Freya didn’t feel like just brushing Sylvain off. “Some other time, maybe,” she answered. Freya was amazed when Sylvain smiled: she had no idea he could even smile like that, his face just brightened all of a sudden. He has a really nice smile when he’s not trying to be a smug ass. Wait, what the hell am I thinking? “I’ll ask you again, then,” Sylvain said. “Have a nice day, my flower.” He turned around and walked away. “What, in the name of Seiros, are you even doing?” Petra asked; she was looking at Freya like she’d grown another head. Freya blinked. “I… Don’t know,” she replied. “He was just so… Earnest. I felt bad about shooting him down.” Petra kept staring at her for a couple seconds, then shook her head. “You have signed your death warrant, my friend.” ----- “Hello, my shining star. Would you like to get tea today?” “I’m sorry, but I have spear training.” ----- “Good evening, lady. Are you free tomorrow? There’s a nice, shaded spot on the eastern ramparts. Perfect for tea.” “I’m afraid the Black Eagles have combat training tomorrow, we’ll be in the field all day.” ----- “Good morning. I must say, your hair is looking especially beautiful today. Did you do something to it?” “If this is about that tea, I have to help Tomas tidy up the library; I’ll be too tired to properly enjoy it.” ----- “Hello, my sweet rose.” ----- “How are you doing, my shining sun?” ----- “Good afternoon. I must say, you look dazzling in that dress.” ----- Freya slammed the tray down on the table. “Seiros help me, he drives me crazy,” she groaned out as she took a seat. Petra looked up from her meal. “I have told you.” Annette smiled shyly. “Is this… About Sylvain?” “Of course it is,” Freya said. “Ever since I gave him a maybe to his invitation to tea, he’s been pestering me without end. Every day. It’s insufferable. He’s insufferable.” She looked around the table at her friends. “How do you even put up with it?” “Welcome to womanhood, my girl,” Hilda said, and flexed her arm. “Want me to smash some sense into him?” Freya smiled. “No, thank you, it’s not necessary,” she replied. “And it’s smack some sense, not smash.” “Not if you use an axe.” Freya shook her head. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that.” “But yes, we have been putting up with him for years now,” Petra said. “It is actually amazing how quickly he adjusted to your… Change.” “Adjusted?” Freya said, blinking. “What do you mean?” “We mean he started chasing after you the moment he heard you were actually a girl,” Hilda replied. “Like, right away. Didn’t even hesitate. As soon as you said you were a woman, he had you in his sights, even though you still looked like a man at the time.” “It is remarkable,” Petra nodded. “I think he is the only man in the monastery who made the switch immediately.” “He…” Freya began to say, then stopped. She thought back. “He is, actually.” At that moment, thanks to her friends’ words, she realised. Everyone had had some difficulties. Most people took a while to adjust to Freya being a girl. Some still hadn’t, even though they were trying. Some outright refused to. Not Sylvain. In his own bizarre way, Sylvain had accepted Freya for who she was right away. Unwittingly, Freya found herself staring into nothing, a forkful of food halfway between her plate and her mouth. “Freya?” Annette asked. “What are you thinking about?” Freya shook herself. “I was thinking--” “Call a priest!” a voice shouted. Freya looked up to see Ashe standing in the door to the mess hall, outlined by the morning sun that shone outside. “Why? What happened?” Professor Byleth said, rising to their feet. “It’s Sylvain. He and Dedue were sparring, and he messed up a parry, and…” Freya didn’t hesitate: she was out of the door before her friends could ask where she was going. She ran all the way to the training grounds, several professors and other students following behind her. When she arrived, Sylvain was lying on the ground, a nasty wound across his chest, his head cradled by Dimitri, while a guilt-stricken Dedue was looking on. “Sylvain!” Freya exclaimed. “Seiros, are you alright?” Dimitri looked up at her in surprise. “Ferd-- Freya? What are--” “Move aside, please,” said another voice. With some difficulty, Marianne made her way through the throng of people that had gathered around, pulled out her book, and cast Physic onto Sylvain. The wound quickly knit together, and the red-haired boy started groaning and stirring. He opened his eyes, and looked right at Freya. “Good morning, my flower,” he smiled. “I must say, I love how the sun reflects off your eyes.” He paused. “How about that tea? Are you free today?” Freya just looked at him for a few moments, then she shook her head. “You complete, utter, hopeless idiot,” she said. Then she took a deep breath. “Is five in the afternoon a good time for you?”

She laid down, curling up, feeling her insides starting to churn, an horribly painful sensation that swam in her abdomen, going lower to her legs, slowly, painfully, until it hurt too much even to lay down while she huddled herself. She took a slow breath, looking tiredly and angrily into space, fixing her sight nowhere in particular. She just stared in the void, breathing sometimes slowly, sometimes raggedly, feeling her lower stomach with her hands and twitching in pain when she pressed her fingers too much into her skin. "What is that?" Ferris said to her, after a long silence. "It's my monthly curse, all women monthly curse actually." She spitted almost in a tone of anger. She felt so terrible, and the question unsettled her even more than it should have been. The pain was just that bad, this evening. "What do you mean? What's that?" Ferris repeated, staring at her doubtfully, slightly tilting her head, with a rare look of confusion. "Bleeding, sweetie." Ferris kept staring at her, looking at all her body in search. She scanned her for a few seconds, gazing at all the exposed parts of her body. "But… I don't see any blood. You're not hurt. You weren't hurt before"  She kept giving her that perplexed stare, so unusual on her face, that made her look more childish than usual. Like she didn’t understand what she was implying. That weird reaction made her realize there was something… wrong. Ferris was old enough, she should have got the hints, after all that was said, even if she couldn’t feel the same pain, she should have understood. But she didn’t. She just kept staring, with a perplexed look, still searching for that blood she was talking about. "It's.... Wait. You don't?" She looked at the small woman in disbelief, wide eyes while bearing the pain, realizing the surprising truth.  "You don't? You don't bleed?!" Ferris made an impatient noise, like she was getting fed up with all that incomprehensible talk. "I'm not hurt, of course I'm not bleeding. Why should I bleed? This is making no sense. If you're hurt, show me, there is no healer here but I can bandage a cut. Trust me." Louisa kept staring at her, almost starting to laugh in pain and disbelief. "You don't bleed! That's... A thing? Is that possible? I wish I didn't too... Ah" She clutched her abdomen in pain, shutting her eyes and clenching her teeth. She was silent for a few seconds, then she took a deep breath and opened her cherry, paler than usual, lips again. "Listen to me, Ferris. Women bleed, every month, like a natural thing. It's our curse, the price we have to pay for being able to conceive. Birth is something that's born from our life of suffering, everything so men can enjoy easily their offsprings, doing their stuff in life, while we carry in our womb all the pain that bearing a new life is. Some women suffer more than others, but we all do. I… do. Quite a lot actually.” "...Oh" replied Ferris, after a long silence.  "I know what you mean." She laid down, sitting closer to her. She always moved in an elegant way, so unfit to her actual temperament. She wasn't as soft, as pliant as she moved. Louisa knew, she was far stronger than what her slim body showed to everyone. She looked at her, serious, and kept elaborating her reply. "My... Fa... That.. man. That man always said it, my mother pain was all my fault. Conceiving a child takes everything from a weak woman, until she can only last while she makes her duty and gives an heir. He said that's what a woman does for a man, her utmost obligation, and that she should be happy to feel it, it's for the family line. It’s a proud thing to do." She squirmed a little, uncomfortable, looking like what she said concerned her. "But... That man was stupid. Horatio didn't say that I have to do that. He said that man was just a bad... Father.”  She stopped, just for a second, then firmly added: “He's not my father." She stopped talking, looking perplexed, squinting her eyes and pouting her mouth a little, as if she was thinking hard about how to explain what she meant.  "Actually... I don't know if he is. My... Father. Everyone said he is, but they also said he isn't. But look! I don't care, who he is. He's just some rich man that discarded me." She stopped to talk, sitting straighter and looking at her with her wide, a little droopy, clear eyes, filled with resolution. "He's just a man. I don't care about men. I don't want to have anything to do with any of them.  I don't know what's wrong with me, everyone always said I'm wrong, but when father Horatio picked me he said I'm fine like this. I'm not a woman, I'm me, so I'm gonna do what I want, not what a... noble woman does." She raised an eyebrow. "... Whatever a noble woman does. Probably something very boring anyway". Louisa started to laugh softly, with her head low, hiding her budding smile. "Well Ferris, you're right. This... Horatio, is right. You're not a woman, you're Ferris. And you do Ferris things, right? That's how it should be." She stretched a hand towards Ferris legs, with her palm upwards. "Now... Help me getting up, if you please? I need some herbs. For the pain." She explained. Ferris grabbed her from the elbows and lifted her up, almost as if she didn't weight anything. Even if she was much smaller than her. She pulled with too much force, and Louisa head bumped softly into her embrace. Louisa gasped. Ferris was small and sturdier than she expected, but still carried some softness in her. That sensation filled her with a strange conviction, that is: her embrace, even if it was just an accident… fit.  "And... Eh…Uh... Ferris, we need to talk about... Womenly things." She hummed with her throat a little.  "Ahem. I'm not hurt. I'm just bleeding. No, NO I'm not showing you where! Stop feeling me really, it's not a wound. I'm going to explain, just get me to those herbs and listen to me.  So, when women reach a certain age..." Louisa kept taking, explaining Ferris a part of every woman life that she apparently never experienced.  Ferris often looked very perplexed, asking her questions about it, and feeling all the affair very weird, as she kept stating with much emphasis. How could one say she was wrong?  In the end, after talking quite a lot, Louisa managed to quench her pain with a potion, and finally Ferris stated firmly that she didn't need that "womanly" thing at all.  Louisa thought, a smart conclusion, she didn't want either, but here she was. She smiled happily at her, thinking that it wasn’t every day she could find someone that, even if so different, could connect with her so well, trying so eagerly to understand. She didn’t know how old Ferris was, nor what was her full past, and she didn’t want to look. She decided to just wait, until this small, budding flower decided to tell her herself. That felt much more right than just spying into her past like she was used to do. She reserved that respect from her, even if she didn’t know why she thought that. It just felt wrong to try to open that flower by force… it didn’t look like she would have liked that, and she felt in her bones she maybe shouldn’t do it for other reasons too. She trusted her intuition, it was one of her perks being what she was. Ferris in the meantime gave her some space and went to sit furthest she could, as she usually did, but this time without being too far off in case she nedeed to lend a helping hand. That was the most caring thing she did until now, and Louisa felt something sweet on her stomach. She brushed off the feeling as nothing much, didn’t want to delve deeper in that sickening thing, that would for sure not be reciprocated. That’s not how things went in that time and part of the world, she knew.  That wasn’t the wolf tribe where she could be herself, while no one judged. Ferris was from another world, made of humans and conventions and taboos. One where a wrong move or word could make you die for it. So, yes, she didn’t even try to understand what that was. Ferris being there was enough for her, she didn’t need anything more. The night fell, and she eventually fell asleep in her bed made of thick carpets. The fire kept creaking quietly, the last embers still sparking in the darkness. A pair of clear, wide and droopy eyes shifted in the dark, reflecting the dying fire sparks, watching intently that tall and strange woman that knew so many things and behaved like none of the proper women she ever met. She dressed in a strange way, she talked in a strange way, she showed a unnerving amount of skin, and her gaze was… deep, unsettling, like she knew things others didn’t. But she was gentle with her, smelled of herbs and was… soft when she held and touched her. Was that what a proper woman should feel? Soft and weak? She didn’t know for sure and, after some thought, she didn’t care, she decided. She left her past and its stupid requirments a long ago. But what didn’t sit well with her was how… easy it was to have touched her, held her. It didn’t make her feel bad or uncomfortable at all. Strange, she thought. Very strange, the woman and the feeling she gave. She didn’t know if she liked it or felt unsettled by it, maybe both, but she knew she found an interesting human, finally. Someone who didn’t feel her strange for her coldness or her strenght, who didn’t laugh at her ignorance in common knowledge, which she knew she was lacking, and who showed some interest in her opinions too. What a weird woman… she should watch her better, to check she wasn’t dangerous. Yes, she definitely should check that this weird, unsettling skilled woman wasn’t harbouring some evil intentions, to trick her or, even worst, to harm Horatio.  In the darkness, the last ember died, flashing the last spark in those weidly colored pupils, then darkness descended for good, and the only thing that could be seen was a slit of moonlight on the tent flap.  Everything was quiet for the rest of the night, while everyone peacefully slept and dreamed.

I don't know if most 17 year olds need to ask their parents to leave the house. I am not even sure I actually need to do it, but here I am, trying to gather the courage to scale the stairs and ask my mom. I could probably just let her know that I'm leaving to hang out with my friends. Y'know she'd probably just ask where I am headed and who I am hanging out with, yet I am still too scared to assert myself like that. Scared of what? I don't even know. Her saying no? Not a likely possibility for a Saturday afternoon. Maybe she'll make fun of me for something. I'm always scared of being made fun of. Lord knows there is plenty about me that could make a whole dinner table laugh if just mentioned.  Is it even worth it? She's always making comments about me. It all makes me hide in my room more and more. I already don't like being looked at, why do I have to deal with snarky comments about how I've finally shown my face after hibernation and how much of a nerd I am. I get it. I already make these comments about myself, I don't need to hear it from my mother.  Regardless, I'll have to just suck it up if I am ever going to make it out the door. Counting the steps as I ascend to help calm my nerves, I see my mother in the kitchen fixing herself a sandwich. She's turned away from me. Perfect. I can approach before she has any time to say anything snarky, let alone see me. Win-Win. Slowly approaching, I ask, "Hey Mom, can I hang out with Julia and Sam today?" God, I sound so pathetic I can practically hear her inner monologue telling me to man up. Before she answers she gives me a disapproving sigh, "Don't you have any guy friends to hang out with?" She lets her hands drop from her recipe, giving me a stirn look. Just as I had feared. Except somehow it's worse because now I need to defend myself for being a guy who has female friends. "No..." I drag on, looking down, "You know I don't have a lot of friends in the first place. What is wrong with being friends with girls?" "Because you are a guy. Not a girl. They're either going to think you want to date them, or they'll want to date you, and my son is far too nervous to have a girlfriend," she finishes with a smirk, giving me a playful push as she laughs to herself. At least she is having fun, because that hurt. I don't even know why it hurt, suddenly I just feel so much worse. Maybe it's 'cause I was right. No matter what I do I'll just be made fun of. Even by my own mother in my own house. I can't even escape it here. What's the point? Fighting the urge to just give up and go back to my room, I quickly respond and deflect to my original question, "Mom I don't want to date them. Can I please just go hang out with them for the night? I'll be home tomorrow morning. It's a Saturday so I don't have school tomorrow." "I guess," she says, giving up her little stand-up routine and returning to her sandwich making, "But make sure to keep the doors open over there. I don't want any grandchildren yet," she laughs again. Fuck. I spoke too soon. Still with the mockery. I just wanna lock myself away and hide. Trying to escape even more embarrassment, I give her a little wave and a thank you as I rush to the door as fast as I can. It's always like this. It's always always always like this. Her jokes don't even make sense! Why is she worried about grandchildren if she doesn't even think I can get a girlfriend? I just feel so bad about myself. Just a shy pathetic son whose mother thinks the best he can do is a bastard child. That's all I'll ever be to her anyway. Even if she means it in good fun, can she not see how bad that makes me feel? It's just not fair. It's just not fair. At least I can revel in the safety of my friends for a little while. They always have a way of making me feel more included. I really only met them recently. Well, comparatively so. I've known them for almost a year now, but Julia and Sam have been best friends forever. I'm really lucky they've let me in to form this little trio. They started inviting me to their girls' nights a couple months ago, which is where I am headed now, not that I could ever say that to my mom. She'd have enough material to call me a girl for weeks. I couldn't handle that. I don't know why they started inviting me, but it's really nice. We hang out at school often, but I guess they liked me enough that they wanted me to tag along with their usual hangout sessions. When Julia first pitched the idea of inviting me to a girls night, it was back when we were doing our movie analysis in English class. She had mentioned that they watch movies or YouTube videos or go to the mall every so often. I was a bit of a talker during movies, and they were both massive talkers as well, so the experience in class was pretty fun. We were off in the corner whispering to ourselves about whatever stupid comment came to mind about the movie. Y'know, how girls tend to do during those movie classes where everyone is having a bit of a lazy day. Not that I am a girl or anything.  I don't know how much of a girls night it was with me there, but they still called it that so I didn't want to think about it. If I brought it up I felt that this unspoken bond between the three of us would somehow be weakened. Like a barrier propping up to seperate us because I am a guy and they were both girls. If I didn't speak that barrier into existence, we could be closer friends. No need to remind anyone that I was a guy and they were girls. Who needs these expectations of romance when a strong friendship is what everyone wants anyway? I could simply be one of the girls for a night every so often. Keeps me closer to my friends anyway, fragile masculinity be damned.  Getting closer to Sam's house, I give the group chat a text that I am almost there, and make a turn towards the last street. As I round the corner, I try to put on a half-hearted smile. Even though I am feeling bad, I really don't want to talk about it. Talking about it means speaking that barrier into existence, and I'd really rather not. I just want to hang out with my friends without feeling any more guilty than I already do because of my gender. Maybe they'd be better off inviting another girl over instead of me. Then there doesn't have to be anything left unsaid for them. Maybe my mom would go easier on me too. It sucks being an only son. So many expectations, and somehow I am failing them by the simple act of having friends. This sucks. As I approach, I can see Julia already waiting on the steps with her multiple layers. Even though it's the middle of summer, this girl always finds a way to be cold, an ironic affliction given her warm and bubbly nature, compared to Sam's more dry and tomboyish attitude. "Hey Brandon!" She shouts at me while jumping and waving, "Sam is on her way home, she is just picking up some snacks from the store. I, as usual, beat her to her own house," she brags, putting her fists on her hips, striking a pose you'd find on a superhero poster. "Hey Jules. Still freezing your ass off in 20 degree weather I see," I giggle. We like to poke fun at each other within the trio. I don't know why, but unlike with my mom, it doesn't bother me as much when Julia or Sam does it.  "It's a constant struggle to be the best," she says, looking down with a sigh before breaking into a fit of giggles with me. She makes me feel so welcome. I never had moments like this at home or at school before I met them. Despite her jokes making me feel better, I am still visibly upset. So much so that Julia has already taken note, "You seem down, more than usual." More than usual? I guess that makes sense. I've always kinda felt uncomfortable in my own skin, but is it really that bad that it's that noticeable? "What's got you all bothered?" She asks with a sympathetic smile.  "Nothing really. My mom was making fun of me when I asked her if I could hang out with you guys, and it put me in a bit of a funk walking here. I don't know why it made me feel so bad." "Jeez," she scoffs, "Your mom is so mean. What was she even making fun of you for?" No. No, please don't make me explain it. I have to speak that barrier into existence now. The very thing I want to avoid now has me trapped. I can't even give a non answer. Jules is so persistent I wouldn't even bother trying. Nervously, I look to the ground and stammer out, "Uh... She was uh... she was making fun of me for, uh, y'know, not having other, y'know, guy friends," I try to word it as to keep the facade up and the barrier down. I know I'm not really one of the girls, even if I've always wanted to be one of those guys who can slot himself into a group of girls and nobody would mind. Women already go through a lot, they don't need another douchebag to ruin their style with the expectations of heterosexual relationships. Plus, women are already so cool on their own, who wouldn't wanna hang out with them and be like them? I don't see why there is anything wrong with a guy like me having a couple girls as his best (and only) friends.  Julia scoffs, "Ah your mom and her old fashioned ways. Does she actually think men and women can't be friends? What is she, a human dinosaur?" We both laugh. That's a good one. Maybe I'll use it on her next time if I have the confidence, "Plus you're basically one of the girls already. I don't see why she thinks it's such a big deal," she finishes.  Instantly, I start to feel a lot better. She really thinks I'm one of the girls? Really? That's like, exactly what I wanted.  "You really think I'm like one of the girls?" I weakly ask. I don't know why this makes me so nervous. It's innocuous. Who cares if you're like one of the girls or not? Why should that even matter? Apparently it matters enough to me to worry about it. "Yeah dude, of course," She giggles, "You're like barely a man anyways. What 'real man' enjoys all those chick flicks you keep wanting us to watch?" "Hey! There is nothing about chick flicks that disqualifies me from being a man. They are plenty masculine!" I defend. I don't even like being masculine, but I feel this urge to defend myself like I'm supposed to be.  "Oh yes, loves stories and lesbians, how masculine," Jules mocks in a fake British accent, causing us both to start cackling uncontrollably.  "Oi! What's got you two all up in arms, eh?" Sam yells from the driver's seat as she pulls up her driveway. We were too busy losing it over Julia's posh bit to notice Sam had arrived. We stroll down to the car to help with the bags she got. Now that Sam's here I feel noticeably better. Hopefully she doesn't comment about anything and we can just have a relaxing girls night from here on out. Well, a girls night plus me, but I didn't really want to think about that right now. As we get inside and take our shoes off, Julia fills Sam in on the state of things, "So, Brandy here is feeling a bit down 'cause his mom won't shut up. Ya got any ideas on how to cheer him up?" She draws out. Since this is the exact conversation I want to avoid, I interject, "Hey, no. Stop that. No cheering me up. I'd rather not think about it. Any active effort will just make me feel worse," spitting out any combination of words I could think of to try and get them off my ass. It probably won't help.  "Those are definitely the words of someone who does not need cheering up," Sam dryly says, a hint of humour and empathy in detectible in her voice. I don't really know how to feel about that. I don't want her to feel like she has to take pity on me. I know she cares about me. I don't know. Having people care about me has always made me feel weird. Maybe it's because I don't deserve to be cared about. Lord knows I could never really care about myself. Not in the way others seemed to. Maybe it's the masculine trappings of being an emotionless husk that makes it feel wrong. Men aren't supposed to deal with these sappy feelings. They just go about their days, already content with everything. It didn't matter that it didn't feel true upon any further inspection, any excuse to just ignore how it feels is enough. "No, seriously," I plead, "Let's just continue with our, uh, girls night, and we don't need to worry about what my mom said. It really isn't important." God, I can barely even say girls night without feeling weird. Why does that make me feel weird? I need not examine that, lest more insecurities come bubbling to the surface. My mom sure has her latches deep into my psyche. "Yes, let's. I wonder what your mom thinks about our girls night," Julia teases. Usually when she does it, it's okay. It's charming or endearing. Why can't I just laugh it off? Why does this bother me so much? "Hey... uh, can you, not? Please. I just want to have a fun night..." I stammer out, looking at the ground. There are tears forming in my eyes. It's so stupid. It's one comment. It's something as innocuous and meaningless as gender, and yet the rules forced upon me are crushing.  "Sorry..." Julia reaches a hand out to try and comfort me, but I move away. I don't like being touched. I just don't want to be noticed right now. I never even should have come. I wish my anxiety swallowed me whole before I even had to face my mom. "Hey man, it's okay," Sam says to me, "It's not a big deal. Let's take these snacks," she raises her bags and swishes them around, letting the plastic bags rustle for effect, "and go watch some dumb movie okay. We can riff our way to a happier Brandon, how does that sound?" Sniffling, I look up at her and give her a smile. It takes effort but it's genuine, "Yeah, that sounds fun. Let's." And so we did.  It took a little for me to stop sitting in my own head and wallowing in my insecurities, but eventually, about 20 minutes into Booksmart, I started to feel better. I don't know what it was. The woke references. The nerdiness that oozes from every scene. Honestly, it was probably Amy's crush on Ryan, the cool skater girl. It was all just something that just felt close to me. Watching nerds be nerds, even if they were assholes sometimes, just felt nice.  And, like, her little crush is just too cute. I couldn't get enough of it. I mean, how amazing must it be to get to crush on a girl who is just cooler than you in every single way. It doesn't matter how the rest of the movie played out. It doesn't matter that I've never really had a crush like that of my own. I got to indulge in this cute little story and escape how I felt about myself. I always felt like I was adding something, I don't know, wrong to the image. If I were to ever have a crush, it wouldn't feel the same. A guy just doesn't have cute crushes like a girl does. I could just never relate to how guys talk about being interested in girls. It felt dirty. It wasn't as if it was wrong. Of course it wasn't, but wrong for me, maybe. If I had ever tried to place myself in the same shoes as my male peers, it just felt off. Like I was being degrading or imposing in some nebulous way. I couldn't conceive of a way that I could express my attraction without doing something wrong or sexist or stupid or whatever. It just makes me feel bad. I guess that's why I like these movies. They give me a glimpse into something that I can feel more comfortable relating to, without all that dead weight. There is just something about a girl having a crush on another girl that, to me, seems so wonderful. Two girls interested in one another. No male womanizer or masculine posturing to ruin it. I wish I could have that. Even if it's just a similar dynamic between me and a girl I like, it doesn't matter that I am a guy.  Except, it does matter, because I am not allowed to relate to these characters and these storylines. Lesbians are always talking about how they hate it when straight guys show interest in them, even when they know they have no shot. Am I no better than some dude hitting on a lesbian in a bar? God, I hope not. The thought makes me shudder. I am always so worried about doing something creepy or perverted whenever I am trying to express how I feel. I can't escape it.  It's just, the way they get to have their own relationships, free of any rough edges to ruin it. I mean, who would even want to date a guy? What good parts about being a guy are there? I'm sure there are for some people. All these holy values we are told are masculine. I guess those are fine. Loyalty and Respect and Honour and all that. It feels so stuffy and constricting. We have to hold up all of these values, and try and be attractive enough for someone to date you? It's all so much work. When do you get to be an actual person? All of this, and it's just a guy at the end of the day? Ugh. I don't understand. It doesn't make sense.  What other option do I have though? I'm stuck with all these rules and expectations and rough edges. How can I even bear for a woman to love me when I can never meet any of these bars set so high? Do guys ever get to be soft and cute? I mean, I guess there are some examples I can think of. I don't know, it doesn't feel the same. Those guys aren't lesbians. They're just guys. Different types of guys, but still guys. It's not the same.  Why does it matter if it's the same? Isn't that what I want? To be soft and cute? To have crushes that don't feel like an intrusion? It's so confusing. All this trouble over a movie. I'm not even thinking about the movie, just the mere prescience of a gay woman sends me spiralling. It's not fair. It's not fair. I don't understand. It's just not fair. It doesn't make any sense. None of this makes sense. I am not making sense. I am spiraling and my mind is racing and there is nothing to stop me. The movie keeps playing. The storylines are coming to a close. I barely register how Amy's story ends. Why am I this upset? Maybe it's because I've never had a true crush before. I'm just lonely. I mean, it makes sense. I am very lonely. My mom says so herself all the time. So lonely that instead of just being a man like I am supposed to be, I entertain these fantasies of a world where I can be free of that burden. Living vicariously through fictional characters meant for actual queer people to relate to and enjoy. It's not my place. It's not for me. I'm so lonely that I have to steal something that isn't mine just to find a place of refuge. It's all too much. I need a place of refuge. I can finally feel the tears on my face that have formed long ago. The movie ends. Jules and Sam share their thoughts. I haven't said anything yet. I don't want to say anything. I can't say anything. This is all too much. Too much for me. Too much for them. I can't bear my thoughts. I can't bear my voice. It's too much.  I slip away to the bathroom. Jules or Sam tries to get my attention but I can't even tell which one of them is speaking. The downward spiral has claimed so much their distinct voices now barely register as two different people. I can't barely understand what exactly they're saying, but I can infer and assume enough. It doesn't matter. I know they care but what fix could they possibly have. I am a guy and I can't change that. There's nothing either of them can do to get rid of this part of me. The part that prevents me from being a real person, or enjoying the company of others, or the ability to love without unbridled self hate. It's just not fair. How can it be fair? Not like I have a choice or anything. I was stuck with this since birth and I will be stuck with this my whole life. There are just no other options for me. I have to carry this burden. Knock, Knock "Hey," That's Julia, "I know you aren't doing well, and that you're probably spiraling and telling yourself you don't want to be a burden, but we care about you." "Yeah," That's Sam, "We care about you a lot Brandon. We do and we want to help. Do you want to come outside?" No. "I guess..." Dammit. Immediately I crumble and let them in. I understand they care, but this only serves to make me feel worse. Even if they mean well, what can they do? Nothing. Nothing at all. "That's it," Julia consoles as I slowly creak the door open. Without making eye contact with either of them, I make my way back to the couch. It's safer there, away from the eyes of others.  "I'm sorry..." I barely mustered through the tears, "I don't mean to bother you like this." "Dude, you are absolutely not bothering us. We want to be here. We want to help," Sam reassures. Little does she know. "Yeah," Julia adds, "We are totally here for you. Do you want to tell us what is bothering you?" No. Absolutely not. "Um... It's... uh- it's really, ah, no. I don't really... uh, want to. It's kinda... yeah," I sniffle out. The tears have slowed down, but I am barely making any sense.  "It's kinda what?" Julia calmly asks, "Complicated?" I nod. That's it, right? It's just so complicated. How could I even begin to explain this? A problem without a solution. Feelings I have that are weird. I don't even know if other people feel like this. How could I even go around and ask people about this? They would just see me as weird. Just some guy with some weird fantasy. Probably make fun of me for having only girl friends, just like my mom. Seeing me as a creep.  "Well, we have all night. You don't have to say anything you aren't comfortable with, but you can tell us anything. You know that," Sam reassures. They both are looking at me with such compassion. This is what true friendship looks like, but I still feel so isolated. Can I really tell them? Will that friendship still last after they know?  What can I even say? "I... I don't even know what to say... The words, I don't know if I have them," The tears have stopped for a bit. Makes it easier to get words out, ironically. I gain the ability to speak right when I lose the ability to find words.  "That's okay. Why don't we start with what upset you. I know you weren't happy once you got here, but it seemed like the movie upset you. Was there anything about the movie that made you sad?" Asked Sam. Well, that was the question, right? That's what I'm afraid of admitting. How can I say that I, as a guy, gets envious of lesbians to the point it inspires a mental breakdown, and not have people look at me weird, or have them leave me. They're going to see the worst part of me. The part that always gets made fun of. I just shake my head. I don't want to say it. I don't want to say it. I really really don't want to say it. "Hey," That's Julia, she says as she moves in closer, placing her hand on my shoulder. It feels nice, "It's okay. We aren't going anywhere. We're right here Brandon," I cringe. That's another thing. What a dumb name. Brandon. What does it even mean? It's so rigid and hard. No room for expression. It's just set in stone, right as is. I wonder if they noticed. For a moment I don't say anything. Just nodding and silent sobbing. This is getting so unbearable. I can't keep holding it in like this. All these little things bothering me. These feelings that emanate through every day. Even when it's barely present and I'm happy, I'm still reminded of the reality that I live. How long will I go before I accidentally let it out? Maybe I can tell them. They might hate me, see the parts of me that I should hide away, but I need a change. The future could be worse if they know, but I need something, anything but this.  I don't want to say it.  I really don't want to say it. I think I have to. "I- uh... I guess... I think I'm ready to tell you guys," I start, "It uh... it all kinda started with my mom this morning. She's always making weird comments, and it's always making me uncomfortable. I was, uh, scared to ask her if I could come over tonight because of it. Like, I knew what was coming if I did, but I had to ask her anyway. Well, I mean, I didn't have to ask her, but I did, and I was right because she made another one of those comments. She, uh, she said something about me only having girl friends and how she did not approve, and was making fun of how I'm so anxious and everything. Like why do you even have to make fun of your child, can't you see how much this hurts? Anyways, she's always talking about how she doesn't approve that you guys are my friends. Cause you're not, well, guys. I don't understand. Why can't I just have the friends I have and it not be an issue? I'm pretty sure she wants me to be this, uh, big man or something. Into sports and has a group of guys that I'm always with, but that's just never been me. I like sports, I guess, at least I like watching them, but I guess she wants me to be this posturing guy or something I don't know. So that's why I was upset before I came here." I stop for a moment to see if they have anything to say. Nothing other than sympathetic looks and nodding. I guess I'll continue.  "And then there was the movie. There wasn't anything wrong with the movie. I liked it, actually, but that was, um, kinda the problem," Oh god, am I really gonna say it. "There was this, plotline I guess that I enjoyed. I thought it was cute," I'm gonna say it, fingers crossed, "It was Amy and Ryan's whole story. I thought Amy's crush was really cute, and I guess I just, uh, started wondering what it would be like to have a crush like that. I've never really liked anyone before, it always felt so, rigid to imagine myself in a relationship with another girl. I'd be adding something wrong to that image I don't know. Maybe it's cause I just don't like myself? And the movies that show other guys trying to get with girls just make me feel dirty, I guess. There's something about Amy's crush that just felt, much more freeing I don't know. Same goes, I guess with other lesbian movies and stories. They just feel more honest and wholesome to me. I know I shouldn't enjoy them like that, like I'm just some guy intruding where I don't belong, but that hurts you know. These stories are something I can finally relate to, and it's just something I am not allowed to! It sucks!" The tears start flowing again. It really does suck. It just sucks so much to have something you want to finally call yours but, can't, for stupid bullshit reasons. "Hey, hey, it's okay. Come here," Julia's voice calms me as she leans over for a hug. Sam does the same, if a little more reserved. Julia is definitely the hugger of the two. I accept the hug. It helps me feel better, if only slightly. I try to push away the feelings that this is something I shouldn't enjoy. Something I don't deserve. What man deserves to be hugged? Men don't deserve to be hugged. We need to be strong. Unsuccessful. Feelings of shame and discomfort have still arrived. I cry a little louder now. Full on sobs. Why does it have to be we? Why do I need to participate in this posturing culture of emotionless bravado? It hurts so much. "Shhhh, shhhh. You're okay. Sam and I are here. Nothing bad can happen to you. Nobody can judge you," Her words are so calming. It helps to have friends who care, even if my natural reaction is to doubt her and try to isolate. She shouldn't be hugging me. I'm disgusting. Nobody as disgusting as me deserves hugs. I want to believe her so badly, but I can't. Backing away from the hug, I cry out. "You're... You're wrong! Of course you guys are judging me! Who wouldn't!" How could they not? I'm not even sure what I believe. My brain is rapidly spinning back and forth from positions of 'They love you, you have to confide in them. They won't leave you,' and 'Of course they'd leave you. Who wouldn't leave your terrible excuse for a man? Who could possibly love someone like you.' It's exhausting. I don't know what to believe. I don't know what thoughts are real. I don't know if the words I say are even accurate to what I believe. "We do love you. Why would we leave? We have literally no reason to do so" Sam reassures.  "I don't know..." shrinking away as I sob out, "I just, have these emanating feelings of shame and disgust towards myself. Why wouldn't other people share those same feelings? I am stuck like this, and nothing can change it. Who wouldn't be disgusted?" "Well first, we wouldn't. Nothing about you disgusts us? Why would it? You're our best friend." Julia says. "Yeah, there is no reason at all why we wouldn't care about you. We really like hanging out with you. If we didn't we wouldn't be watching dumb gay movies with you all the time," Sam chuckles.  "Exactly, but what do you mean stuck like this? Stuck like what?" Julia asks. That's the kicker.  I have to come clean. There is no other option now. No more putting it off. I need to get this out of me, or I might explode. "A man. I have to be a man." I say, just so defeated. Tears start to slow. Admitting it was so draining I barely have anything left in me. I know what's to come, all that's left is to brace for it. "A man? You feel disgusting because you have to be a man?" Julia asks for clarification. "Yeah!" Sobs return. "I have no choice but to be Brandon, this disgusting man who can't even abide by all the stupid rules I'm meant to follow. I'm trapped in this prison of social expectations! There is no escape from me, from my body, from who people see me as. There just isn't. I have to be this grotesque monster." "Well, no you don't" Sam says, so matter-of-factly. What. No, that's not right.  What she said smacks me right in the face. That's just. It's wrong. It has to be. I don't. I don't understand.  I don't even make a sound. I just stare right at her. I don't understand. "Yeah!" Julia exclaims, weirdly excited, "You don't have to be a man if you don't want to Br-- uh," She stops before she can say my name. Weirdly enough, that makes me happy that she didn't say it. Happy? Why would her not saying my name make me happy? I know I don't like it, but it's my name, I don't have a choice. "I don't understand." I truly can't comprehend what they are saying, "You must be wrong. I'm a guy, that's just how it is." "No, that isn't how it is. You don't have to be a guy." Sam says again, so matter-of-factly it feels like she is slapping me. "But... I just... I can't... I don't understand... It doesn't, ahh, It doesn't make any sense." I can barely get any sensible words out. Just fragments of phrases.  "Is that new to you?" Julia asks. It is new. It's so new I can't even comprehend it. I don't understand. "But," I barely squeak out, "What does that even mean? If I don't have to be a guy, who would I be?" Confusion. Just pure confusion. They must be lying to me. "A girl, duh," Sam states. A girl. I can be a girl? That... That can't be right. There's no way I can be a girl. Even if I don't have to be a guy, there's no way I can be a girl. Can you imagine me, but as a girl? It's absurd. It's so absurd, I can't stop thinking about it.  "You can... I can... I can be a girl?" I ask, as if the words are forming under me, unstable as I try to find my feet. "Yeah, of course. If that's what you want." "Is that what you want?" Did I want to be a girl? I don't want to answer that question. It sounds like a question I shouldn't answer. There's obviously a right and a wrong answer. So why am I so scared of it? Did I want to be a girl? It's such an embarrassing question. It should be easy for any guy. I guess though, as previously established, I don't have to be a guy. Is that okay? That's what I want, I think. It would make a lot of things easier. I think that's what I might want. Is that okay? Not being a guy? I'm still scared of the real answer to the question. Did I want to be a girl? Before now it was something I didn't even know was possible. I guess, if you pushed me to admit it, I have thought about what it might be like to be a girl in the past. Sometimes it was because I related to the lesbians on screen, but there were other times. Being around guys was a scary task, but being around girls only made me anxious. Sometimes, I thought, if I was a girl, making friends would be easier. All my friends now are girls, and I wouldn't have to deal with the teasing and the shame I feel now. Other times, at school, I'd sometimes sit alone and look at people's outfits. Mostly girls' outfits. They're just, so much nicer. More variety. Actual expression. Something I was never allowed to do. Maybe, if I was a girl, I could wear nice outfits. Expressing myself. Have a girlfriend and be comfortable with myself. Woah. That was... nice? A nice feeling. A warm feeling. It's been a very long time since I've felt something like that. Does that mean this is something I want? I mean, it sure sounds better on paper, but there has to be something keeping me from just, being a girl. It has to be harder than that. "It can't... It doesn't just work like that!" I cry out, "I can't just say I'm a girl. That's not how it works. Girls know they are girls and guys know they are guys," I'm not even sure I truly believed the words I was saying, but I needed something to keep this dam from breaking. "Oh, but it does!" Julia said with a smirk, "You can be whoever you want, and if being a girl would make you happier, then chances are you are a girl." "Is that really okay? To be a girl when I'm so clearly not?" "Duh. Plus, you are pretty far from 'clearly not a girl' in my books. You're basically like one of the girls already. We would joke about that, and I would see you secretly smile, even if you didn't want us to see it." Sam says. She was right, too. I did always smile when that happened, even if I didn't understand. I always wanted to be included in girls' spaces like I was one of their own. Spaces like that were always so much comfier and safer for me. It's why I like hanging out with Julia and Sam so much. It's just way better than male spaces. So much posturing and bullying. So mean. Rough. Uncomfortable. Being in those spaces felt like I was wearing my Dad's old suit, three sizes too small and made with fabric that gives you hives. Being told though, that I actually belong in the spaces I want to be in? It feels so good. I've always wanted to belong here. Enjoy the media I'm not supposed to enjoy, but now they're telling me I'm allowed to enjoy the things I enjoy. Occupy the spaces I feel most comfortable in. I'm smiling through the teeth. Any feelings of shame can't keep me from hiding this. It feels too good to hide, too pure. I have to admit it. "That feels... very, very nice," I sniffle, still smiling, "Way better than being called one of the boys," It was true. "Awwwww, that smile of yours is just so pure," Julia coos. "Is that really okay? I don't have to be a guy? I can be a... girl," I say the last two words almost at a whisper, like they were words I wasn't allowed to say.  "Of course!" Julia says, with just a huge supportive smile on her face, "You're clearly much happier thinking about yourself like that. Don't lie, we can both see that absolute joyous smile of yours, and we never see you smile!" That was true. I rarely smile, rarely show emotions. This time though, it just felt right. It felt so easy. Was it really that easy? To just, be a girl? “You’d need a name,” Sam pipes in. She’s right. I would need a name. A name that is way better than Brandon at least. Shuddering even as I think about it. As I try to think of alternatives, a memory, from a while ago, shines in my head.  I’m 13. Mom is talking about me being a father someday. Even then the thought of being a grown man irked me, but that’s not why I’m here. While she goes on, I’m thinking about names for a kid. Younger me couldn’t care less about what being a father was like, but caring for who would eventually be my kid was something I was infinitely more invested in. My kid would be beautiful. They would succeed and be themselves and I would be so proud of them no matter who they were. My kid needed a name.  It’s hard to think of a name. There were a couple that popped into my mind really fast, but none of them stuck. Eventually, I decided I’d keep a mental note of names I liked as I grew. You know, what eventual parent wouldn’t? As I found the names I liked, I realized they were only girls' names. Hannah. Carly. Gwen. Growing paranoid I would only want a daughter, and that I’d neglect any future son I could have, I thought about boy names I liked. None came to mind. Nothing. I mean, sure, there were some I wouldn’t mind seeing my kid be named. Anything but Brandon, really, but I didn’t like any of them. Now that I look back on it, it kinda makes sense. My feelings towards those names weren’t about my future children. They were names for me. I almost smiled at the thought. Keeping names that made me feel good, and them being only girls names because that’s something I desperately wanted. God, it’s true. It was what I desperately wanted. To be her, and above all, one name for her stood above the rest. "I think... if it's okay, and nobody minded, that I would really like to be a called Leah." I finally say. A weight has been lifted. A suit of armour has finally come off. I walk free in a field of flowers without the burden of not knowing who I am. I know who I am. A girl. It has to be true. There is nothing else in the world that feels more true. Feelings of shame from before dissapate. Happiness replaces them. I'm just so happy, I can't believe it. This is real. This is something I am allowed to be.  I can be a girl. This is real.  “Awwwww,” Both Julia and Sam coo in unison, something I’d expect of Julia but out of character for Sam. I guess this was just a really big moment. It sure felt that way, “It suits you so well, Leah,” Julia adds. “Yeah, a cute name for a cute girl,” Sam adds on, teasing, sending me into a blushing storm. “Ahhhhhhhhhh,” covering my face I make noises of blush and fluster, “You can’t just say that!” “Oh, I totally can, Leah, what are you going to do to, stop me?” Sam teases again. No. Not if it lets me hear that name, my name, again. Leah. That’s who I was. It made so much more sense now. Everything did. I had a long road ahead of me, and lots of teasing from my mom and my friends, but if I got to face it as Leah, I’m sure I could handle it.

Diary Entry I had to write this down as the most incredible thing happened today, and I want to be able to remember every moment of it as vividly as I do now. Even thinking of it now, fills my stomach with excitement, and I can barely think clearly, my mouth just smiles at the memory and I drift off, thinking of his eyes, his beautiful sad eyes looking straight into mine. I had no idea I could feel this for another man, that a man could make me feel this way. But also, that girl. I will never forget her and her amazing body, everything I had wanted in a woman. My head is spinning and I can't think clearly, I can still smell him on me, and the fire, and the leather. And the sight of her naked breasts. I need to start from the beginning, but even as I start writing my dick is hardening and I am losing focus. I was just taking a walk through the woods, trying to clear my head of all the craziness of the last few years. All those people I thought I had lost forever. My friends, family, and colleagues. I never would have thought I could miss my colleagues, but when they are gone forever, it somehow feels different and the annoyances seem to disappear. Now they are back and think things can go back to how it was before, but how can they? The world changed and so did I. And he helped me accept that today, and I hope I helped him, at least in some small way. I cannot believe I am writing this, but I met Bucky Barnes. And I fucked him. I have gotten distracted again. I was walking along, and saw some smoke not too far in the distance in front of me, further into the woods. It was early evening, just starting to get dark so I thought maybe it was some guys hanging out, and I could join in or something. Thinking back now it was pretty dumb, I should have gone home. I could have been killed and buried out there. But something was drawing me, I felt like I had to be there. As I walked closer I got a funny feeling that I wasn't alone, but I ignored it and pressed on. Looking back, maybe it was that girl, following along a similar path? I arrived at the fire, it was small and smouldering, and crackled occasionally with smoke filling the air. The smell as I breathed it in was intoxicating, grounding me in the moment. Somehow different to normal camp fire smoke. There was a man there. He was hunched over it, with a blanket around him and he was staring so intensely into it, I didn't think anything could rouse him. Next to him on the ground was something shiny and black, it seemed to glisten slightly in the light. At that point I panicked slightly but couldn't move, I felt so entranced by the fire. I took a step back and a twig snapped under my feet, causing the man to turn and stand quickly, clearly shaken. As he stood, his blanket fell off revealing his naked torso and his missing arm. I had never seen a more perfect male body before. Even though his arm was missing, he just looked perfect and I felt confused. Was I attracted to him? I realised who it was and could not believe it. Bucky!! As he gained composure he half smiled and said "can you give me a hand?" I laughed and felt more at ease, looking down I realised it was his arm that was glistening in the light. I picked it up for him, and as I did I couldn't help but put my hand on his chest. He looked down at me at me inquisitively, and as he did so the fire crackled loudly bringing me out of it. I stepped back apologising, but he just smiled. He reassured me it was ok, and still had this funny smile on his face. He asked if I knew who he was, and all I could do was nod, why didn't I play it a bit cooler?! I could have said Hulk or something...Still looking straight into my eyes, he told me about the fire, and that what he was burning was meditative, and heightens all senses and feelings. (So maybe this is why I feel this way, is this sensation even that real? What if I wake tomorrow and it is gone?) So we kinda got to talking, and it was nice, like we had always known each other. I kind of went on a rant about the snap, and how the people that went don't get it, and he just listened. I feel bad because he was gone, but what he said to me made sense, I guess. He told me that I shouldn’t blame the people that came back for wanting their lives back, and it isn't easy for them adjusting to a world that had moved on from their very existence. I think he is right, and maybe I should spend a little longer thinking of others rather than what I am going through. But how do you adjust to a world that moved on? We need to find the way together, not like these flag smashers I keep hearing about. I called him Bucky, and it was so odd, but in a nice way, like I was talking to the man and not the news story. He looked at me as I said it, and there was a sadness in his eyes, it was like looking into a lifetime of regret. He told me hearing his name again was strange, he was so used to being the Winter Soldier and people thinking of him that way. Thinking of him as a killer, someone to be feared. Hearing him talk like that, and seeing him doubt himself...this beautiful, funny, soulful person call himself a killer, and be so remorseful... I couldn't help myself. I went over to him and just hugged him, I felt his body heave slightly and my neck get wet from his tears. It just made me pull him close. I could feel him more fully know. His hard muscles against my own rather less defined body. It felt odd, so different to how girls feel. But kind of nice? I could feel each individual muscle pressed hard against me. I think I also felt his dick stirring and I couldn't help but wonder if the serum had an effect on that as well. He stood back, apologising. It was so odd seeing this man so vulnerable, I know he is not the Winter Soldier in his heart, but still...He told me he missed Steve, and broke down crying so I embraced him again. He was definitely getting hard, and so was I. I told him that was understandable, they were close friends of course he would miss him. I could not believe what I heard next, but it turned out Bucky loved Captain America, Steve Rogers. But Steve did not feel the same, he only ever wanted Peggy, and just did not think of him in that that way. I held him tightly, and with butterflies in my stomach whispered into his ear that I could be Steve for him, if it would help. He took a step back and looked at me, staring at me with his beautiful sad eyes, the light from the fire highlighting his super soldier body, every inch perfectly muscular and firm. The scent from the fire filled my lungs and I felt transfixed on him. I guess he must have seen something in me, because he didn't say anything but strode forward and kissed me softly but firmly. His lips were surprisingly soft, and I liked the feel of his stubble rub against me. He put one hand against my face, and when we stopped he looked at me and there was a hint of a smile, that spark was in his eyes and I felt weak. "You're the first..." was all I managed to get out and he just laughed slightly and said "me too!" but then he frowned and said "my arm..." He looked ashamed and I assured him he was perfect. He wanted to take it off, and just be Bucky, not the Winter Soldier or an Avenger or anything else. I let him know that his arm does not define him, he is perfect with or without it. But I wanted him to be comfortable. He looked so grateful and thanked me. He took it off and I walked over to him, put my hand on his chest and kissed him, whilst moving my hand over to where his arm was severed and said to him, "I guess I will just have to give you a hand..." and started moving my hand back across his chest, and lightly tracing down his hard, defined 6 pack and started rubbing my hand across his dick and he moaned gently. I grabbed more firmly and kissed his neck and his moaning got louder, and he stood there, this powerful man surrendering himself to me, trusting me entirely. I could feel how big his dick was and I was so turned on but a little nervous. What would he think about me? And would I be any good? With hands slightly shaking, I unbuckled his jeans and pulled down his briefs. His dick really was big, but not overwhelming, just perfect in every way. I guess my nerves must have shown on my face as he smiled at me and said we didn't have to do anything more, but I shook my head and told him I was fine, but it was my first time. He laughed slightly, and then calmly said, "mine too, remember...", so I just had to kiss him some more, and the passion built back up, before I knew it I was back down on my knees and had his dick in my mouth. His hand was gently stroking my head as I tried my best to take it all down into my throat. Judging by his moans I was certainly doing something right. I felt so powerful having this man entirely trust me, and that I was able to make him feel so good. I started to feel more confident and upped the pace, clasping my lips around, slurping all around his rock hard dick. His moaning intensified and he gripped more tightly onto the back of my head, thrusting into my mouth and swearing under his breath. I was gagging slightly from his dick going back so far, but with one final hard thrust he came in my mouth and I swallowed it all down, surprised by how good it tasted. I thought I heard him say "Steve" but in all the excitement I can't say for sure. As we were both catching our breath we both heard a noise, sort of breathless and whimpering. Thinking perhaps an animal had been trapped or something, I walked over to where the sound was coming from and it seemed like it got quieter but it was strained. I carried on walking and suddenly came across the source of the noise. A girl was sat there, and from this position she would have had a perfect view of what we had just done. I would have died of embarrassment if I hadn't seen what she was doing. She had this cute little skirt on and she was laid back with her hand up it. Her other hand was on her breast and she was squeezing it hard. She had pulled up her top and her bra so I got a perfect view of her, and she had the most amazing breasts I had ever seen. Any doubts I had about liking women were removed as my dick twitched just at the sight of her. She had clearly just finished cumming and her cheeks were flushed, but maybe that was from being caught fingering herself. We both stood there frozen staring at each other. I was unable to take in what I was seeing when Bucky came up behind me and gasped "Woahhh!", which seemed to bring us to our senses. She looked at us both, back and forth with a slight frown on her face. "I'm sorry..." she started saying,  her voice whimpering and face looking shameful. But then she looked me straight in the eye, and then down to my crotch, and her expression changed to surprise seeing the clear outline of my hard on. "I just wanted to get myself nice and wet, ready for you", as she said this she pulled her bra off completely, and I knew I had to have her right there and then. Her breasts were so perfectly round, nice and big but still firm and perky, I wanted to feel them in my mouth, squeeze them and rub my dick between them all at the same time. If I never see another pair like them in my life I could die happy, because they were so perfect. Bucky laughed, and said "well, it would be rude to keep the lady waiting..." and smiled at me. His eyes lit up as he did, and he looked so handsome and sexy all I could do was say "O.K.!". Why do I have to be so awkward?! As I turned back around to face her, she looked up at me hopefully with wide, innocent eyes. I couldn't help myself and was straight on top of her, we kissed passionately, and her skin felt so soft and smooth against mine. It was amazing feeling my hand slide down her face onto her soft breasts. I squeezed hard and she moaned, it felt so good feeling them that I had to thrust my rock hard bulge up against her. I kissed her neck, sucking hard on it I knew I had to have her right there and then, and feel my dick shooting cum up inside her. I pulled up slightly and grabbed both of her breasts in my hands. They felt so soft and incredible I just had to squeeze them hard again, rubbing her nipples to make them hard. As she moaned my dick pulsated, and I unzipped my jeans, slipping straight inside her. Her pussy was so wet there was no resistance at all, she just felt so tight around my throbbing cock. As I slid in she grabbed hold my arse, pulling me further in and rocking against me. As I fucked her I lost all control, and an animal instinct took over as each thrust was hard and deep. My climax was coming already, but staring into her eyes I could tell it was for her too and I carried on fucking her tight little pussy. Part of me didn't care whether she came or not, but as she did she scratched down the full length of my back and it made me cum deep inside her, sending it straight up to her womb. "Good job!" Bucky said coming up behind me, "But fair is fair and I haven't tasted your cum yet..." I stood up and walked back a few steps. I could see my cum leaking out her and Bucky licking it up. His ass looked so good as he bent over, and this girl was clearly loving what he was doing as she moaned hard, grabbing hold of his head. It was so amazing seeing him eat my cum out of this girl, and how much they were both enjoying it. I told her she was making too much noise, and that I was going to have to muffle her. I walked around and straddled her, and slipped my now semi erect dick into her mouth, slowly thrusting in and out feeling her mouth sucking tight and she grabbed onto my ass pushing me further down. I could feel my dick getting hard again and pulled out of her mouth, sliding it instead between her tits as she squeezed them together. I kept alternating between fucking her tits and fucking her mouth, and she stared up at me, so eager to please. She started moaning hard as she came, and I shoved my dick straight in her mouth to keep her quiet. The vibrations felt amazing as she clasped hard around me. "Well, I think I got all of it" Bucky said as her orgasm subsided and he stood up, his dick rock hard again. "I guess I don't need to muffle you anymore then" I added, standing up beside him. She looked in ecstasy as she laid back for a moment, smiling happily to herself. But then she sat upright and looked at us both, "Oh...but you are both still so hard..." and with that she took a dick in each hand and started jerking us both off at same time and taking it in turns sucking. Her hands were so soft, but she gripped firmly around my dick, and I moaned hard as she worked away. "Maybe I need to keep you quiet!" Bucky said as he leaned across kissing me gently. We continued doing so while being pleasured, occasionally she rubbed our dicks against each other and tried fitting them both in her mouth at once but that was never going to happen. I swore quietly as I could feel myself about to cum and panted hard just on the brink. She must have realised as she turned to me and opened her mouth wide with her tongue out, staring up at me desperately with her hands pushing her breasts up. The sight was enough to push me over the edge and I unloaded all over her face, the sight of which seemed to make Bucky do the same and she knelt there beaming up at us and asked if she did a good job. "You did real good!" Bucky said smiling back at her and patted her on the head. "You did!" I confirmed, and she looked so pleased with herself. After that I laid back on the grass, aware of the fire and letting the fumes overtake my senses. I guess I must have passed out or something but I woke up in my bed. I am not sure how he found my address, maybe off my drivers license. I guess he carried me all the way home and put me into bed. I know it wasn't a dream as he left a note, "thank you for being Steve for me, but I like you for you...B.B"

The Silver Key Once on a stormy night, a traveller went to an inn to seek shelter. He was highly disappointed to find the door locked. When he knocked at the door, the keeper of the inn called out from inside, "I am sorry, I can't open the door for I have lost the key. However, the door can be unlocked with a silver key. Do you have one?" The traveller, who was quite intelligent, got the hint at once and pushed a silver coin under the door. The keeper opened the door and let him in. As soon as the traveller got inside, he thanked the keeper and requested him ti bring in his bag. The moment the keeper stepped outside, the traveller shut the door and locked it. “What is this joke? Please open the door immediately,” shouted the keeper from outside. “It is no joke,” the traveller replied. “I am sorry, I have lost the key. The door can be opened only with a silver key.” The keeper had to push the silver coin under the door. The traveller got his silver coin back before letting the dishonest man in.

FayeBliss Thank you to Trismegistus Shandy for editing and proofreading   Charles Perrault, what an ass. I guess you can never trust a cishet to get the story right, always leaving out the things that would make people "uncomfortable"... It is probably karma that everyone thinks my story was written by the Brothers Grimm, but have you actually read Aschenputtel? There are no wishes on a tree over my mother's grave in my story, but that's only the first of many things I want to get straight. Or not, as the case may be. First, my "wicked" stepmother. The word wicked derives from 'wicca', also the source of the word witch. She was a pretty woman who managed to have her own fortune and independence; she was capable of great kindness but would also rip out your heart if you got on her bad side. All that made her a threat to the patriarchy. That's what wicked means, a woman who stands her ground and doesn't give a -- doesn't care about anyone else's opinion. So, yeah, after my mother died failing to give birth to my sister, she married my father (not the other way around). He had a difficult time; he loved his wife but all the townsmen mocked him for being henpecked. When I turned eight, I stole a dress from my stepsister Charlotte's closet. As I was twirling it around in front of her mirror, I heard, "What... what are you doing?" and I turned to see Charlotte looking puzzled. "I'm a girl, Lottie!" She looked at me with a puzzled look on her face, then smiled. "So you are... does this girl.. do you have a name?" I was so happy that she went along with it, although I later learned she thought this was just a game I was playing. "I'm Cynthia! But you can call me Cindy... or maybe Ella? I'm having a hard time choosing." Spoiler alert, I never did choose and just went with both names, kind of smushed together. Soon, the rest of my family found out about me being a girl. Daddy lost his temper, blamed his 'wicked' wife for corrupting me, and left. What an ass. The one blood relative I had, and he rejected me. Fortunately, my newfound family all accepted me and I became Cinderella full time, at least while I was safe at home. My stepsister Charlotte was always looking out for me. Like her mother, she had a beauty that I found scary but also attractive. I found that I naturally fell into doing whatever she asked of me, and she joked that I was a "natural sub." Now, if you are thinking naughty thoughts, remember this is my sister and we're both underage, so shame on you, it wasn't like that, okay? One day, she asked me into her room. "I have a surprise for you, Cinders. I know that you've been feeling bad in public, this should help." She showed me a cloak that she had sewn. It was grey and kind of oversized for me, but it had a large hood that would shadow my entire face and hide me. I quickly found it to be my armor and wore it constantly outside. People teased me about all the grey, saying it looked like I was rolling in ashes, but I was content. Mostly. Until one fateful day... My older stepsister will not be named here, she didn't give permission to be named and I will respect her wishes. I guess that's one thing Mr. Perrault did correctly. Anyway, she came through the door just jumping with excitement. "Prince Charming is having a ball! He wants all the eligible girls there to see if any of them can become the princess." I wasn't very learned, but that didn't seem like a reasonable way to keep a dynasty running. Weren't they supposed to marry other nobility or something? Also, what kind of name is Charming? Is that a first name or are the King and Queen Mr. and Mrs. Charming? I kept these thoughts to myself as my mother and sisters (they aren't 'step' to me) started to plan their pretty outfits. I watched them for a while before I noticed that a tear had started falling and ran from the room. Charlotte came into the room while I was crying. "Oh, Cinders, I'm sorry. I got caught up in the excitement and didn't think..." She concluded by giving me a nice hug. "It's not fair, I would have to go in some kind of suit, and the prince would never notice me... unless he's gay, but that would be even worse! and I can't go in a dress because I'm not pretty, and I'm too big and getting hairy and it sucks and why..." She held me even tighter and started to pat me on the head lightly, which usually helped. "You're spiraling again, take a deep breath. Feel better? I think you would look quite cute in a formal gown with your hair done up in little ringlets, I don't think anyone would be able to tell." I sniffed, "I would. I just can't do it, Lottie, I would be laughed at, or worse... I'm... thank you, Lottie, but I'd like to be alone for a while." I looked her in the eye. "I'll be okay sis, I won't do... do that again, if that's what you are worried about..." "I just want my sister to be happy." I loved being her little sister, but I just couldn't go. Eventually, we parted ways and I consoled myself by helping them with preparations. On the day of the ball, they all hugged me and told me they loved me, which was a small consolation. I sat at my vanity desk and contemplated my face in the mirror. It was hopeless, I had lost my babyfat and I could see him, the one who abandoned me, looking back at me with sad eyes. What is the point of going on when it will only get worse... "It gets better!" An oddly nasal, yet loud voice spoke behind me, causing me to turn in surprise. Standing there was a person, only... she? he? they? -- let's go with that -- was only two feet tall. They had an androgynous body, a small goatee, and translucent wings that couldn't possibly be large enough to fly with. "I'm your fairy godparent (they/them pronouns) and I'm here to get you to the ball, Cinderella!" they said with a smile. "I can't go to the ball looking like... like this!" I said as I got up from the chair to pace a bit, not sure how they got into my room. "I think you look pretty hot, babe, but maybe you should trust me." I swear their eyes twinkled as they raised the pinkest magic wand you ever did see and I found myself surrounded by swirling colors of blue, pink, and white. The grey clothes that I was wearing turned into a pretty dress of those colors decorated with lace and metal hoops that caused the skirt part to be held away from my body, which helped to hide, well, none of your business. Anyway, I looked at the puffy sleeves and noticed that my arm looked thinner and hairless, I looked down and, whatdoyouknow... breasts, held firmly in a bodice, but I could feel their comforting weight. The best part was when I turned back to the mirror and saw my face. It was still me, but the angles were different; the scraggly beard was gone and my hair was done up with little ringlets everywhere. That girl was stunning, and she was me, and I looked closer... was I wearing makeup? I went to look even closer and stumbled a bit when I noticed that my shoes now had kitten heels and seemed to be made out of... "Are these glass slippers?" They laughed, "Of course not. Bad enough to walk in heels as it is, give me some Doc Martens any day, but only an idiot would wear a pile of glass on their foot. Throwing a heel is one thing, but then having that heel explode into shards all over the floor, that would be a disaster, blood everywhere." They shuddered. "Nah, that's laminated polycarbonate, which is a bit anachronistic, but hey... magic!" They waved their hands in a shaking gesture that I didn't recognize. Heck, I didn't understand half of what they said, but I didn't care! I was going to the ball! As my real self! And... and that would be a long walk. "Don't worry, I've got it all figured out," they said and they led me outside to the back where a large pumpkin was lying. Another swish of the wand and the pumpkin turned into a carriage, a fancy one decked in the same color scheme as my dress. Indeed these colors seemed to come up again and again, but before I could ask if they had some meaning, I saw my godparent turn some mice into horses to pull the carriage. I looked at them, appalled. They smiled again, "Don't worry, miss. I'm not going to force these animals to slave for you. We have a contract; after this, they'll get their wishes as payment for carrying you today. So, that should about be everything... oh, the spell ends at midnight, union rules." They took my hand, flying in the air next to me as I went into the pumpkin carriage. The inside was comfortable with a slight smell of ginger and cinnamon. The door then closed silently and I was off to the ball. As I entered the ballroom, the first thing I noticed was the music. I had never heard an orchestra before and the sounds helped to prepare me for the visual feast. On one table, there was meats, cheeses and all kinds of fruits and vegetables stacked higher that I'd ever seen before. Then I noticed the dance floor, filled with women of all types dancing mostly with each other. There were some men scattered here and there, but since the whole point was to find the prince someone to marry, they mostly sat on the edges and watched the girls dancing. I saw a couple of girls in similar dresses dancing very close together and started thinking of them as secret lovers, maybe on a ship somewhere. My thoughts were interrupted with "Excuse me, but would you care to dance?" I turned to the speaker and saw a man dressed in the finest of silks; a small crown on his head proclaimed who he was. I nervously gave him a small curtsy, glad that my sisters had taught me at least a little of court etiquette while I was growing up. I felt his hand on my chin, gently raising my head so I was looking into his eyes as they bore down on me. "I don't really know how to, umm, your Highness." He seemed to be amused by my uncertainly. I just wanted to feel pretty; I wasn't expecting a man, much less the prince, to notice me. I wasn't even sure I liked men. "Then it will be my pleasure to teach you," he said and I hoped I had enough makeup to cover the burning in my cheeks. It appeared that I liked this man, anyway. He took my hand and led me to the ballroom as the band started a slow piece. I looked into his face and saw that he was smiling, but it didn't quite go all the way up to his eyes. It was not right that someone should be sad at their own party while I was feeling quite happy to be out and about not only as a girl, but one that a prince would notice. I felt one arm around my waist, the other taking my hand as he led me into position. He then proceeded to dance and I followed along as best I could. I was concerned with my not knowing what to do, but he made sure with his motions to show me exactly where and how he wanted me. I was overcome with a feeling similar to that when my sisters would order me around, but this was more... well, this was exciting in a way that I didn't have before. He held me close and I could smell his perfume, er... cologne? As we danced, he was very graceful; I was sure that no one else could detect the hidden sadness, but I recognized it as similar to what I saw every day in the mirror. He leaned in close and whispered to me, "I have danced with many, many girls today, but there is something about you that I find intruiging." I was conflicted; there were many things that could mean, not all of them good. Had he clocked me somehow? More importantly, was I getting attracted to him? Speaking of clocks, I spied one and saw that it was only a few minutes to midnight. How had so much time passed? I pushed him away from me, which earned me a scowl, and stammered, "Please.. your Highness. It's been fun, but I have to go... I'm..." No, I had no more time and I took off running. I didn't want anyone to see me change back into him, I didn't want to see it for myself... how cruel to give me this glimpse, and then afterward, how could I go on? I tripped on the damned stair and wound up throwing off a shoe, I guess it was a good thing those weren't glass slippers after all. I took off the other one, holding it in my hand, and continued running into the night, feeling my body start to change as I wept. When my family came back a few hours later, I was locked in my room crying for all that I had lost. The next morning I was called to breakfast, but I was still unable to even get out of bed. Charlotte knocked on my door and I told her to go away, which she respected. It was later that afternoon when I realized I would still need to eat and stepped out of my room. I tried to not look miserable as my family started to talk about the pretty mystery girl whom the Prince practically captured. "She just showed up and the prince went for her instantly, almost like he knew her or something. It's a pity you weren't there... I think you would have liked it." My stepmother was looking at me with particular suspicion. I could only nod when there was a loud knocking at the door. My sister went to the door and opened it to find Prince Charming standing just outside the door. She immediately went to kneel, but the Prince raised his hand and told her that was not necessary. "I have been searching around the town for any clue to the owner of this, er... glass?... slipper," he said, holding the item where the rays of the sun would scatter around the room. "Now, obviously, it would be pretty stupid to assume that you can identify a woman based entirely on shoe size, but it's what I have to work with." He stepped into the room, I watched him and felt a stirring inside, his gaze meeting mine briefly causing me to drop my gaze. I felt so ugly then; sure I was wearing a cute red dress, but my face had reverted and there wasn't any way that he would recognize... "You. I want you to try on this shoe." He held the shoe out to me while looking at me with a somewhat puzzled look in his eye. Even in the dress, he couldn't possibly see that I was a girl, much less his dance partner. I gave out a little laugh, thinking that this was a joke, but his eyes... oh, his eyes... they seemed quite serious. I lifted my skirt slightly to show him my leg. He lifted it gently and placed the shoe onto my foot. I looked over to my stepmother; she was holding the other glass slipper and giving me an encouraging smile. "Come, we have things to discuss..." He took my hand and led me into my room. I started to apologize, "I'm sorry, your Highness, I didn't mean to trick you or anything, I just wanted to feel pretty." He placed a finger on my lips to signal that I should be quiet and paced around my room. I sat back and waited to see what my fate would be. He said, "Do not worry, I am not angry with you," and I relaxed a bit, still unsure of his reaction. He sat down on the bed and looked me over closely from head to foot. "You are quite pretty for a boy." "I am NOT a boy!" I said in reflexive anger, temporarily forgetting who this man is. "I'm really a girl, although... I know that it doesn't look like it." "What do you mean you're a girl? You can't just decide to be a girl. No matter how much you might wish it," he added wistfully. I blinked a couple of times, not sure if I'd heard that correctly. I looked into his eyes carefully, "What is the true person? The skin that they wear or the person inside?" "It's the person inside, of course." "So, if that person inside wants to be called 'Miss', dress like a girl, act like a girl, then what kind of person is that?" He waited a bit before answering, "That person would be... be a girl. But surely it isn't that simple?" I decided to try something a bit risky, "I want to try something with you... Princess Charming." For a moment, I saw him -- no, her -- I saw her smile at the name for an instant before she clamped down. "No... I can't be... the kingdom needs a prince, I can't just quit... there needs to be a succession, I can't just decide that I'm a girl." Most of the time, I was the one being comforted, so this was unusual. I reached out to hold her as her eggshell fractured. "Yes, Princess, you can be a girl if you want to be. We'll figure something out." **** A year later, I was getting into the dress for the big wedding day. I looked into the mirror; there were still a lot more changes to go, but the potions I was getting from the herbalist that my princess found were starting to have noticeable results. So it was with a big smile on my face that I went to stand with my sisters as part of the bridesmaids. Wait. Did you think that I was going to be the bride? Ah... that would be the storybook ending. Unfortunately, my background was well known and the king would never have it. As the processional music started to play, my stepmother walked into the hall wearing a many-layered bridal gown. My princess came in as well, dressed in boymode, but underneath I knew the herbs were starting to work on her too. The two of them were married to great fanfare. A few people tutted about the age difference and that she wasn't a true noble, but she didn't care. She'll be running the kingdom within a year, I suspect; the king has no idea what he is in for. It was only a few days after the wedding that the prince disappeared without a trace. Some people suspected my stepmother was involved, which she was, but not the way they thought. I held her close, feeling the curves that the herbs has given her. She held me in a firm grip and looked down at me as I blushed, chewing on my lip. "Now and forever you are mine, Cinderella." I thought I would burst when her soft lips touched mine. My step-mother became the Queen and my step-sisters became Princesses. My wife never really wanted the job anyway and we both feel that the kingdom is in good hands. And us? Well, we lived happily (and gaily) ever after.

Creeping down the street, a dark haired young man was thinking about the events that had just transpired. He had been at school, sitting in his midroom seat tapping his pencil out of boredom, when the sky began to darken. If that wasn't enough to gather everyone's attention, the booming, sultry voice reverberating across the entire planet surely was.  "Greetings, mortals, " rang the voice, "I am the great Lucifer Archvice! Lord of hell! I have come to inform you of your impending doom! If I am not mistaken, your myths would call this… Armageddon? Yes, I believe that's right." The voice then paused as the young man heard screams from behind him. As he turned around so quickly he could have gotten whiplash, the young man saw one of his classmates bisected at the waist, their lower half slowly creeping down the throat of a grotesque demon. It had horns protruding from its long flattened head, and a two-inch long underbite. Dripping from its mouth was a viscous black liquid mixed with all the blood and urine from the now shredded lower half in its maw. 'Fuck!,' he thought at the sight, 'What the hell is that thing?' Luckily for him, he was knocked out of his tense stupor by his teacher, Mr. Wilkons, pushing past him in an attempt to tackle the creature. “RUN,” he screamed at the class as he knocked the demon down, “ Get out of here! IMMEDIATELY!"     At his words, the frozen class sprung back into action, all of them rushing the exit, knocking the young man to the side in their fervor, when a hand reached out to grab him. “Aaron, c'mon man we gotta go,” said the girl now pulling him to the door.     Her name was Stacy, she was his cousin and best friend in the entire school. The two had been practically inseparable once they met in tenth grade, even to the point where their classmates had even believed they might be dating. Aaron didn’t let Stacy pull him for long though, as he immediately began running and dragging her along behind him instead. Once the two made it out of the classroom, they heard a sickening crunch followed by a bloodcurdling scream from their teacher. It seemed the demon had finally gotten the better of the man. it had tore his arm off and was now devouring it.     Stacy froze at the sound, but Aaron continued to pull her along, dragging her away from the grotesque scene. Eventually they managed to reach the stairwell at the end of the hall right as the demon seemed to have finished its meal. The creature burst out of the room, shattering the wall like glass in the process, before looking around. When it turned its head left, the thing’s eyes met with Aaron’s, as it screeched like a banshee. “Shit, shit, shit,” Aaron yelled as he tried to run down the stairs with the now fainted Stacy in his arms, only to trip on the third step, sending himself tumbling down the stairwell, the pain caused him to let go of Stacy, who only fell a few steps compared the twenty he fell down. Quickly jumping up despite his dazed state, Aaron made a mad dash for his cousin. He grabbed her under the arm, pulling her limp body down as the creature almost managed to grab her, only for him to immediately come face to face with a far more gruesome scene.      All of his classmates had been torn apart brutally by a pack of 8 small red furred humanoids. Each had a singular horn sprouting from the center of their forehead. Luckily, however, they seemed to be too occupied with feasting on the other students to notice the new arrivals. This gave Aaron the time he needed to escape into the nurses office with Stacy and barricade the door. Immediately after doing so, he finally took a second to breath, with his breath hitching from the pain of his surely broken arm and sprained ankle. “Goddammit,” he cried as the reality of the situation settled in his mind. “What the hell is going on? Why did a demon just appear out of nowhere in the middle of my classroom? What the hell am I gonna do now?!” Aaron spent the next hour wallowing in his own thoughts. He waited for Stacy to wake up and for the creatures to leave, occasionally holding his breath and trying not to cry as he heard something get near, only to leave again, with the screams of teachers and students alike following soon after. At the end of that first hour, Aaron had all but had a heart attack when he suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder, spinning around to see Stacy gripping his shoulder like a vice. She was shaking, and her face was pale, but she seemed resolved to make it out.  “Sorry for passing out, and thanks for saving me, but we need to move somewhere else. I’m not sure how long I was out, but if we stay here, I’m sure they’ll find us eventually.” (Stacy) “Right, I’m glad you're awake. Let's get out of here. But where are we gonna go? I've already seen like ten of those monsters, and I'm sure there’s more wandering around…” (Aaron) "We'll make our way out the window here, quietly. Be sure to fill a bag with some meds, never know when we might need it, after all." (Stacy) "Got it," Aaron responds as he immediately picks up a backpack some unfortunate soul left behind. This, however, was obviously a bad idea as his arm immediately began shooting waves of pain.  "Fuck!" he shouts as he remembers what happened earlier, when he fell down the stairs. He immediately looks mortified as he realizes his mistake, hearing sounds of footsteps and growling coming closer at a quick pace. "God damnit Aaron!" Stacy yells at him with a mix of anger and fear, "LEAVE THE BAG, LETS JUST GO!" Stacy grabs Aaron by his left hand and drags him to the window. She then picks up the nurse's chair and smashes it through the glass, not even checking to see if it was locked in fear of how long it would take. She quickly clears away the glass as Aaron freaks out, before trying to help him through the window. BANG! BANG! BANGBANGBANG! The aluminum door seemed to fold a little more each time the creature's fist crashed into it, eventually ripping open a hole that allowed Aaron to see it's pure, scaly skin. Aaron barely made it through the opening when the demon finally ripped through the door, stepping inside and spotting Stacy. "AARON, RUN!" Stacy yelled at him before the creature grabbed her by the hair, yanking her back and turning her towards himself, salivating at the thought of the tasty meal in front of him. Aaron, not even hearing her desperate cry for him to run, stood there frozen, watching through the window in disgust and horror as the purple demon began violating Stacy. Only when the creature finished venting its lust, dropping Stacy's now broken body and beginning to rip her apart, did Aaron run from there, fighting back his tears as he made his way down the street, hopping from shadow to shadow in an attempt to avoid any more of these monsters. Acedia I plan on releasing around a chapter a week until I get a good writing pace going and have a stockpile of chapters for Patreon. I'm mainly only posting this now as a way to test the waters, so to speak. Do let me know of any ways you see that I can improve.

A gout of hellfire lanced across the battlefield, incinerating an entire company of Virtue-class sentry units in its path. Fariel winced with exertion as the eruption impacted the barrier around the fortress, the insatiable flames gnawing away at the divine light. It diverted a portion of its will to quenching it before the hellfire eroded the faltering defensive field even further. In its moment of distraction, a rear vanguard of Dominion-class artillery units was crushed by a meteorite the fiend had plucked from its rightful place in the heavens.  It was a war of attrition, one solitary demoness against an entire semi-autonomous mechanized angelic enforcement legion. And the fiend was winning.  From atop the command tower, Fariel experienced the entirety of the battle. The senses of each and every unit were multiplexed and streamed through its extensively augmented nervous system. Each infantry unit, each vehicle, each emplacement and sensor array shared in its divine essence, granting sufficient protection to deter mundane ordnance capable of shattering mountains as its own skin would. Their armour was forged of blessed thrice-blessed silver and carbon-steel, inscribed with burning hymns. It availed them not. Fariel felt a sharp pressure akin to pain as the demoness' claws ripped through the carapace of a Throne-class dreadnought like parchment, leaving the angel gasping desperately for air. The demoness had been systematically dismantling Fariel's control over the local sector, starting with its remote sensor outposts in the asteroid belts and working her way inwards. Its fleets had been stretched thin and picked off one by one with ambushes and hellfire mines, leaving only this final fortress protecting its physical body. It wasn't even clear what her goal was beyond tormenting it with her deliberately irreverent desecration. The system was barren of all life to corrupt, with no strategic significance beyond some automated mining installations and redundant communications relays. It had been hundreds of years since another individual crossed the astropause. And yet, she was here. Her actions were beyond comprehension. Surely she must know that she would be imprisoned or destroyed if caught. She had no reinforcements to rescue her or reinforce her. There was nothing to be gained here. Why would she risk eternity in isolation for such a pointless endeavour?  Moreover, despite her success, her tactical decision making was infuriatingly suboptimal. She engaged targets recklessly, diving headlong into overlapping fields of fire and engaging its fighters at close quarters despite its clearly phenomenal magical capacity. Its archives contained the final sensory transmissions of hundreds of its fighters she had destroyed in this way, always proud and defiant despite any hellfire-leaking wounds, flexing triumphantly or making obscene gestures towards their remote commander. Towards Fariel. Fariel paid dearly for those cycles it had wasted reanalyzing her prior behaviour. Its attention refocused on the immediate threat, but the angel's commands came too late to prevent the demoness from ripping a cannon free from the dreadnought and hurling it, munitions and all, at the edge of its shield. Her target was immediately apparent: the foundations of the east-most chorus generator, which had been partially exposed in the crater of a previous attack. Its power was stretched too thin to extend the barrier any further to shield against the blast, and so it could only reinforce the east edge of the shield and pray. The resulting explosion damaged the generator irreparably, the overwhelming dissonant hypertone cascade tearing at his mind as alarms flared throughout the command module.  The barrier shuddered with the stress, nearly failing before Fariel diverted all power from the damaged generator to the remaining chorus units. Even so, the loss was catastrophic. While a seven-part harmony with countermelody could withstand a direct demonic assault from an archfiend, a six-part harmony alone stood no chance against her fury. And from the ravenous look on her face it spied through one of the surviving visual sensors on the dreadnought, she knew it as well.  In a burst of propulsive hellfire she was at the shield, reinforced claws desynchronizing the shield layers like ragged strips of animal hide, hypertones bleeding away cacophonously at the edges. The taut, heavily scarred muscles of her four arms flexed and strained against Fariel's resolute will, but unlike the demoness' superlative hell-wrought body, its own will was channeled through imperfect vessels. One by one, the feedback overwhelmed the remaining chorus generators, beryllium bronze pipes and nano-fiber vocal cords erupting with azure flame and sandalwood smoke as they succumbed. As the barrier's hypersurface collapsed into decaying phonons, the demoness roared triumphantly, red-tinted starlight glinting off of her obsidian fangs. The resulting shockwave rocked the very foundations of the fortress, shattering the priceless stained glass windows and scattering any remaining infantry units stationed along the perimeter. Infuriatingly, it also destroyed most of the remaining visual and auditory sensors. Fariel could feel its ears bleeding light from the overwhelming sensory feedback. Pushing through the pain, it began ripping itself free from its cocoon of fiber-optic cables. The battle was not over yet. As Fariel had come to expect from months of skirmishes, the demoness wasted no time in continuing her attack. In mere moments, the command center was filled with the anguished groans of reinforced alloys being strained far past their breaking points. Crimson flooded the command center, the first unfiltered starlight Fariel had seen in millenia.  "Come now, I know you're in here," the demoness growled. "Angels always lurk in the highest places, where they can look down on everyone." She stepped in through the ragged, cross-shaped hole her claws had rent, slitted eyes glowing black with hellfire. Her lower arms were posed theatrically on her hips as she surveyed the room. She was beautiful and terrible.  Her gaze shifted more than fifteen degrees away from his position and Fariel struck from the shadows, its spear's noofilament edge cutting through the light and leaving coruscating prismatic ripples in its wake. The demoness moved swiftly in response, but she was not quite swift enough. The spear's parabolic arc severed all but one digit on its upper right hand as she leapt back. The floor buckled under the force of her jump, but Fariel had accounted for further damage to the tower in its attack plan, transitioning seamlessly from jump to flight with a beat of its iridescent wings as it pursued her into the sky.  Screeching with pain and fury, the fiend unleashed a torrential volley of hellfire in its direction. Fariel raised its shield and channeled its willpower, parting the blaze around it. Unfortunately, the unlight of the flames obscured its vision, leaving it wide open for her counterattack. The demoness leaped at him through the blazing curtain, slashing at him viciously with a powerful kick.  Its flight instincts were out of practice from its long confinement, and the angel was unable to properly stabilize its fall. It only barely managed to roll over and land on the ground upright, cracking the mosaic floor of the fortress courtyard with the impact. The claw wounds on its side leaked holy light which evaporated into glittering mist on contact with the planet's atmosphere. It raised its shield and spear defensively, ready for the follow up attack, but the demoness seemed content to leisurely drift down to join it on the ground. "Angels, always so predictable," she declared, examining the rapidly regenerating digits of her upper right hand as though inspecting a broken nail. "You used the exact same technique last time we fought, Fari. I'm not going to fall for it again." "It is clear the years have not stilled your tongue, Nelphia." "Lucky you," she goaded, extending her tongue towards Fariel lasciviously.  "Have you come all this way to redeem yourself for your loss?" "Please," Nelphia rumbled. "Redemption is an angel's obsession. I came here for you." Fariel glared at the demoness, red starlight shining brightly off its polished bronze skin. "Then you come to meet death. Do not expect me to yield like some fallible mortal." Nelphia shook her head, mane scattering like coronal wind behind her. "I know, Fari," she said, voice thick with emotion and pain. "I know you can't." "You can still leave this place intact," Fariel said. "I will not pursue you beyond the heliopause. I am bound by duty to protect this system, and will not forsake it to pursue a single foe." It did not understand the irrational impulse which compelled it to offer the fiend mercy, after all the destruction it had wrought. Perhaps it was because it knew that she would not accept. As expected, the demoness shook her head, rejecting the offer. "I can, but I won't. Not until I'm done with you." "Very well," Fariel confirmed. "Therefore, whereas you have proven a hostile invader to this system, I have the divine authority to carry out your sentence." "You will try," Nelphia said.  The angel moved first, lunging forward to pierce the demoness' hearts with a flurry of strikes. Forged out of the conceptual ideal of severing, no defense could withstand its edge. So Nelphia did not even try. She dropped down onto her hind limbs beneath the deadly assault, foreclaws lashing at the angel's exposed side. It shifted its shield to deflect the incoming blows, hellfire charged claws defacing the holy sigils emblazoned upon it.  Fariel shifted the grip on its spear for a downwards thrust, intending to impale the iconoclast's chest against the stone below, but the demoness was far too nimble to be ended so easily. Nelphia whipped her lower body forward, planted her feet directly onto the shield and leapt away out of range. The force of the blow knocked the spear free from the angel's grasp and drove Fariel back into the fortress wall. The wall's infused alloys crumpled like foil around the angel's body as it impacted. Before Fariel could drag itself fully free from the wreckage, it heard the roar of impending hellfire. Unfortunately, its wings were still pinned by the buckled metal, leaving the angel unable to simply fly away to safety. Desperately, it raised the shield towards the blast, channeling all of its light into protection. The hellfire surged relentlessly against the fortress wall, fully engulfing the angel's position. Fariel was safe behind its shield for now, but as the demon's onslaught continued unabated, it became evident how the environment around it had no such protection. Soon, the metal wreckage glowed red, then white, with heat. Unlike the direct bite of hellfire, this heat posed no direct danger to the angel, but it could still feel its effects. The incandescent light was overwhelming to Fariel's enhanced senses, forcing the angel to shut its eyes tightly. It tried to push free of the softening metal, but the force of Nelphia's assault drove the angel even deeper in.  As drops of molten metal fell and hissed against its skin, Fariel compulsively ran through all its options and found nothing. Nelphia's power and technique had grown immensely in the intervening centuries since their last confrontation, while its own had remained stagnant. Self-improvement did not come easily to angels, even if Fariel hadn't spent the time immobilized and operating an isolated remote monitoring post. It had been made perfect. Flawless. Exactly adequate for its selected purpose and no more. Any change would come at the cost of deviation from what it was intended to be. Demons had no such restrictions. Demons could become whatever they wanted, they faced no punishment for self-desecration or disobedience.  With a thunderous crash, the strained and melting wall collapsed under its own weight, entombing Fariel beneath tonnes of incandescent metal. The angel's weakened shield finally failed under the lateral stress, shattering around the claw marks the demoness had left upon its surface. However, the debris of the wall shielded Fariel from the direct assault of Nelphia's unholy flames, giving it a narrow window to tactically retreat and regroup. Blindly, it turned and pushed through the molten material, which yielded to the angel's strength. If it could tunnel out through the wall into the open air, its wings would allow it to outmanoeuvre the demoness in atmosphere. Out of atmosphere, its analytical mind would easily exceed Nelphia's capacity to compute gravity assist trajectories through the system, giving it an opportunity to regroup and plan a counter attack.  A clawed hand wrapped around Fariel's neck from above, and ripped the angel bodily from the slag. It struggled in her grasp, desperately trying to break free. Fariel heard her feral growl against the back of its neck, her hot breath acrid with the smell of hellfire hissing against its skin. It lashed out with its wings in response, sharp radiant feathers raking across Nelphia's face. She roared in pain, then seized its limbs in her powerful arms. With a blur of brutal motion, she leaped, twisted the angel around in midair and slammed it down into remains of the courtyard. Fariel looked up at Nelphia, shuddering. Her lower arms pinned its arms against the molten stone. Her upper arms had seized its wings, overextending them, the pain just only bearable. The cuts from its wing blows were already healing over, but the fur on her face was still soaked with blood. Her chest heaved with exertion, dripping with sweat that hissed away into steam against Fariel's skin. The fighting had clearly pushed her own limits, but Fariel could not take advantage of her weakness. It could not move, it could not resist, but it must. It could not fail. It could not cease. It had a duty. "Well now, Fari..." she said, between heavy panting breaths. "At last... I have you... right where I want you... I've waited... so long for this... you... helpless... beneath me..." "No," Fariel gasped. "No, I will not yield..." "It doesn't matter what you say," she rumbled, baring dagger sharp teeth. "What you will." Nelphia laughs, low and dark. "Your will... has yielded... to mine." "No..." Its heartbeat pounded in its ears. Vertigo upswelled, overwhelming. "No? Then prove it... prove you resist still." The angel willed its body to move. And yet, it would not obey. It had no capacity left for resistance. Nelphia's smile only widens, wicked and deadly. "Face it, Fari." She leans in, pressing her body into its own, whispering in its ear.  "You have lost."  An angel cannot yield. An angel cannot lose.  "You have failed."  An angel is perfect. An angel cannot fail. "You. Have. Fallen." Something deep at the core of the angel's being cracked, and emotions long suppressed flowed in to fill the void. Fari, the fallen angel, wept. Nelphia shifted her weight off of Fari, letting go of her arms and wings and pulling her up, ever so gently, into her soft lap. "Let it out Fari, I've got you. I've got you." Fari shuddered, wrapping her arms tightly around the demoness, clinging to her like a rock in a flood. Nelphia gently stroked her hair, powerful claws ever so carefully teasing apart tangled silver strands.  "I did my best," Fari whimpered. "I promise. Please, I swear, I did my best..." "I know, love, I know. You were so good." Nelphia leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. The traces of hellfire on her lips didn't burn so terribly anymore, smoldering on her skin in a way she had never been able to contemplate before. She wanted more.  "But... but I failed..." "You did. Eons of dutiful service, and I've ruined it," Nelphia said, pride clear in her voice. "Now you don't have to be perfect anymore. You never have to be perfect again." It was terrifying. It was liberating.  "You're imperfect now, flawed, just like me. You can be a person, Fari, not just some cog in a machine, some unattainable ideal. You can be yourself." "I'm scared, Nelphia..." the fallen angel confessed, holding her even tighter. "I... don't know how to be myself... I don't even know what I am..." "We'll find out together," Nelphia said, reassuring.  Fari closed her eyes, resting her head against the demoness' chest, listening to the soothing rhythm of her heartbeats. "I... I always envied you... as much as I was capable of, before this. You looked so... alive. So free. So unapologetically you."  Nelphia squeezed her tighter. "I could see it in your eyes. Everything you did, precise down to the millisecond... but you couldn't help staring at me. I loved it. My naughty little angel." Fari squeaked with shame, her grip slackening, but Nelphia held her firm in her arms. Laughing, the demoness leaned down, planting another hot kiss on her brow.  "Nothing complex enough to understand an imperfect reality can ever truly be perfect. There's always some flaw, some weakness to exploit. And when I saw the way you looked at me, I knew I could save you. That envy... that lust... mine for the taking..." "All this time... you were trying to...?" Her brain caught, with ingrained mental blocks holding her back from conflating corruption and salvation. "But I hurt you, so many times..." "You did," Nelphia rumbled, prideful. She was proud of Fari? Her heart fluttered excitedly.  "Oh you most certainly did. Fast, clever, and beautiful. But you always hesitated. You didn't really want to hurt me, did you?" Fari shook her head, earning her another kiss. "I made sure to keep you all to myself, during battles. Luring you away, hoping you'd slip up enough for me to break you." "I wanted... I thought I wanted... to bring you to justice..." "Hah, you were already halfway fallen. Since when are angels allowed to want anything but to obey?" Fari looked upwards at Nelphia, eyes wide in shock. She was right. She was already succumbing back then, so slowly and subtly that she hadn't even been aware. Nelphia met her gaze with red slitted eyes. "I wasn't the only one to notice though. Did you ever wonder why they sent you out to some remote, pointless system at the edge of the galaxy?" Her expression shifted into one of pain and grief. "He tried to take my Fari away from me, hide her away where nobody would find her again. Where I would never find her again. He'd rather have you alone, imprisoned, and miserable than able to think for yourself." Nelphia gripped her even tighter, claws pressing against her skin as if she threatened to slip away. "I'm sorry I took so long to find you." Fari was the one to initiate their first real kiss, pressing gleaming bronze lips into hot, yielding crimson ones. She could taste Nelphia's black blood in her mouth, and the burn of hellfire. She felt the demoness' pain and grief, for her. She wanted it. She wanted to take it all, fill the void with her love. Her... her love. She loved Nelphia. Something an angel could never do. He would not allow it. But Fari could, fallen and flawed. It was better than perfection. Nelphia reciprocated eagerly, ravenously, like a mortal finding water in a desert. Her fangs nipped at Fari's lip, drawing light. The pain was exquisite, and Fari moaned in ecstasy. Every little feeling, every sensation, had become a wholly new experience. She wanted to feel it all.  "Oh, my lovely girl," Nelphia whispered. "Look at you, taking so eagerly to sin. You were made to fall." "For you," Fari gasped. "All for you." Nelphia nipped at her exposed neck, drawing out another greedy moan. "For me. Mine. My Fari." She clutched the fallen angel possessively, claws wrapped in her hair and pulling her head back firmly, keeping her neck exposed.  "Yours," she agreed. "All yours!" Nelphia grinned, Fari's own light glittering on her sharp black teeth. "Such a good girl... I know exactly what to do with you." The demoness reached down into the molten stone beneath Fari with one of her upper arms and grabbed... her? What was happening? Disoriented, she watched and felt as Nelphia lifted her free and held her up before her eyes. Her halo... Fari hadn't realized it was no longer fixed to her body. But it was still a part of her. It was tarnished, perhaps, but so was she. She felt Nelphia run her tongue along her outer rim and writhed helplessly in pleasure. It was so sensitive to the demon's touch.  "I learned a trick from one of my brothers... he said it's perfect for submissive fallen angels like you... ones who want to belong... to be good for their owners... Do you want that Fari? You'll still be free. Nobody will ever take your freedom again. But you'll use that freedom to be mine. As long as you want to be, until each and every star burns out. Nobody will be able to take you from me again." "Yes... oh, yes, please..." Fari's voice sang out. "I don't want to be alone. Ever again. Please, please let me be yours. I'll be good! I promise!" "This isn't a demand," Nelphia said, tempering her eagerness. "No matter what, I will never abandon you. I will be with you forever, as long as you'll have me, even if you say no. And you can say no. Tell me if you understand." Fari nodded, trembling. "Use your voice, love. I need to hear it." "I..." Her voice caught, and she swallowed. "I understand." "This is your choice. And you can change your mind. I will never hold you against your true will. And I won't think less of you, or love you any less if you say no, understand?" "Yes." "And you still want this, of your own free will? You want to be mine?" Fari didn't hesitate. "I do! Please! I want to be yours! You can do whatever you want with me! I want you to!" She could feel Nelphia's hearts quicken, pounding faster. "I'll take good care of you, Fari. My precious girl." Holding the fallen angel's body in her lower arms, Nelphia held her halo up to her mouth and exhaled a gentle stream of hellfire onto her. It burned, her body was burning with the infernal heat, but it didn't hurt anymore. It felt wonderful. Burning away all of her thoughts, her inhibitions. She bucked and writhed but the demon held her close.  Fari screamed with pleasure and pain as Nelphia's foreclaws dug into her, etching symbols into her white-hot surface. Unfazed, Nelphia continued, carefully and deliberately, writing all around her circumference. She could not see her halo, but she could feel the sigils. As the demon began writing her name, Fari understood what they said, inscribed indelibly onto her very being.  Property of Nelphia. Nelphia held her up to the starlight, admiring her handiwork. Fari ached, desperately needy for something she did not understand. She felt unfinished. "Please," she begged her owner. "Please, please, please!" She did not understand what she was begging for, but she trusted Nelphia would know. She knew what was best for her. And Nelphia did know. Barely able to restrain her eagerness with the desire to make the moment as perfect as possible for her Fari, she lowered the halo down towards the rest of her body. The heat had made her malleable, allowing the demoness to widen her to fit over her head, then compress her agonizingly slowly around her neck. "Are you ready Fari? Once I do this, unless you really truly want to, with all your heart... it will never come off again. You will never be able to take it off ever again, and neither will anyone else. No matter how you try, your soul will resist. Everyone will know exactly what you are, and you'll never be able to hide the truth. Is that what you want?" "Yes! Oh, Nelphia, yes, please, yes, I, please..." Fari could not find the ability to form a coherent thought, utterly overcome by overwhelming desperate need. She trembled, the demoness' muscles slowly tightening her around her neck. She bucked, trying to move her neck to meet it instead, but she could not. Nelphia held her too tight. Words failed her completely, devolving into incoherent whines. She needed this. She needed it so badly.  With a triumphant roar, Nelphia pressed her closed tight around her neck, completing her, claiming her forever.  Fari screamed in harmony with her owner, bursting with light and hellfire and love, too much to contain. Nelphia drank her in, devouring everything she was and everything she had to give and more. She was utterly and unrepentantly herself, more than she had ever been in all of her existence.  She was broken. She was whole.  She belonged.  Fari did not regain awareness for some time. The first thing she noticed was the warmth of Nelphia's body, her owner's body, wrapped around her own. The demoness' slow, even heartbeats beckoned her back from the edge of eternity. Slowly, she opened her eyes. They were no longer within her ruined fortress. Nelphia had found a cozy cave somewhere on the planet to settle in, safe from the planet's frequent dust storms.  Fari smiled as she saw her spear, haft singed, lying against the stone against the opposite wall. She had forgotten all about it, but Nelphia evidently hadn't. Her owner was so considerate of her. She felt the weight of her once halo, now collar, wrapped snugly around her neck, and it felt like safety and love.   Unwilling to disturb her well needed slumber, Fari nuzzled into Nelphia's fur and closed her eyes again. The demoness had fought continuously for months against her entire army to rescue her. She had earned her rest. And so had Fari. 

The sharp wail of police sirens pierced the ever-present drone of the city around her, bouncing off the towering skyscrapers and reverberating down the back alleys. Everyone knew that the police were just a token display or effort, but it didn’t make their sirens any less obnoxious. Zoe dragged herself up off the ledge of the building she had been sitting on, staring down at the concrete and wondering what she would feel if she leaned forward and slipped away from it all. Would she be afraid? Exhilarated? Peaceful? “Let’s go, Z.” Nihil spoke up from behind her, his voice like the rumble of an old car engine idling. “We have work to do.” “Yeah, I know.” Zoe sighed and hopped down off the ledge back onto the rooftop, her well worn sneakers crunching the gravel. She shoved her torn up hands into the front pocket of her ragged hoodie and traced her fingers over the weapon inside. The pair walked in their customary silence down the street, passing through the crowds like ships sailing against the current. Hundreds of faceless people on their way to thankless jobs or loveless families. A crashing tide of malformed malcontents meandering through mundanity moment by moment, Zoe hated them, or maybe it was more accurate to say she resented them. They had free choice, and they were wasting it, throwing it away in the act of grinding themselves up to satiate some insatiable corporate God. If they only knew what the real thing was like… “Here, Z.” Nihil turned a corner and led her down the alleyway to a heap of blood soaked cardboard boxes. A woman lay there gasping for breath, cradling a birth-slick infant in her arms and weeping. It made no sound as it lay limply in its mother’s arms, but still she rocked it gently. Zoe approached the woman and crouched to eye level, watching her and waiting. The threads around her were fraying, and it was only a matter of time. “Now, Z.” He instructed evenly. She drew the scissors from her hoodie and held the glistening silver and gold blades in the air, plucking one of the strands from the weave, and cutting it with a precise and delicate snip. The mother’s breath caught in her throat as she hugged her baby tighter, suddenly sensing something was wrong. Hot tears burst forth and she screamed - She begged, pleaded, and railed against the loss of her child. That was God’s mercy… not to ease her suffering or to save her or her child from their awful circumstances, but to push her closer to the brink, to see if she would break. They were toys - playthings in the hands of a cruel and unloving maker. “Z. We have other clients.” Nihil snapped his old leather-bound journal closed and tucked it into the interior pocket of his ragged black duster. She didn’t rise. He fixed her with those dark, stormy eyes from beneath the brim of his hat and repeated himself more firmly. Z stood and sighed, slipping the scissors back into her pocket. She produced a small notebook with a variety of stickers adorning the cover - skulls, roses, toxic waste symbols, barbed wire hearts - and jotted down the proper note. A name, a time, a place, the completion status. She sighed and closed the notebook and returned it to the pocket next to the scissors. Walking with Nihil made her feel like a child who had been disciplined. She was a good foot shorter than the gaunt figure, and clearly much younger. He had an air about him that exuded the sort of cold detachment to the work that a veteran reaper should possess. Z wondered if she’d end up like that in a few more centuries of this work. She’d only been a reaper for a decade or so - and they often told her that she was still too ‘human’. As if that was something someone could be. The human condition ended for her when she hit the pavement from six stories up, drowning under the influence of enough alcohol and drugs to kill a racehorse. All she had wanted to do was escape her abusive family. Too bad for her she didn’t know just how ‘real’ the most abusive Father in all creation was. At first she worried she would be sent to hell - some fiery pit of torment. But that was only half true. Hell was nothing like they talked about in the numerous books of human falsehoods. Hell was having to go back to the writhing cesspool of humanity, but this time you would be alone, invisible to everyone, and given a menial task to do for all eternity. Zoe had drawn ‘soul collection’, and so it was that she came to be beside Nihil, her mentor, who would in time also fade away and leave her truly alone to her duties. More than once she had taken her scissors to her own body, trying to sever whatever held her here. But it was in vain. A decade later and she was still here, still cutting threads to send souls on to meet their malicious maker. “Here.” Nihil shook her from her thoughts as they stood in front of a fine looking home. She stepped through the doorway and into the well decorated foyer. The owners clearly had money, lots of it. They had been devout servants to the corporate God, clearly. She followed the pull from her innate sense of duty up the stairs, towards the destination, with Nihil close behind, observing her. Within the room beyond an ornately carved door was a man and a teenage girl in an opulent bedroom suite. The woman was screaming for help as he muffled her, ripping at the dress she wore to try and free her from it. Z recognized the terror in the girl’s eyes. Not so long ago that had been her. She shuddered and reached for the scissors. She wanted to make the cut, to save this girl, but the threads weren’t unraveling fast enough. She couldn’t pick the right thread - not yet. Suddenly the girl’s eyes flitted from the man who was trying to rape her and locked with Zoe’s. ‘Help me, please!’ they seemed to scream, over and over again on loop in Zoe’s mind. Her grip tightened on the scissors. Nihil placed a hand on her shoulder firmly. It was not a gesture of comfort - but a warning. “No, no! Please, no, I don’t want this, I don’t want this, stop!” the girl was screaming, struggling against him as he slipped a hand into her tights. Snip Zoe held the scissors in outstretched hands, a cut thread drifting in the wake of her impulsive action. The girl’s screams and protests fell silent as she went still in the bed. “You cut the wrong thread.” Nihil said, locking eyes with her. “You took a life before it was destined to end.” He pulled his journal from his jacket and clicked the ornate pen. “As penance, Zoe Carter, you will carry on in her place until the proper moment arrives.” He swept the page with an emotionless flourish of his pen, and the world lurched around her. Being alive again was a shock. The warmth of human flesh, and then came the emotions- the fear and revulsion. The sensations from the hands of the man on top of her. She screamed and shoved against him, scratching at his face with her perfectly polished nails. At the foot of the bed she saw Nihil, the silent observer. “Do it, Nihil! Do it! Reap him! Nihil! NIHIL PLEASE!” she begged. “Who are you talking to? Who is Nihil?” the man asked, his breathing ragged as he struggled to free her from her clothing. Just as the man managed to pull down her panties, his hand flew to his chest, clutching at nothing, before he slumped forward on top of her. She screamed and shoved him aside, crawling out from beneath him and off of the bed. She scanned the room quickly, but there was no sign of Nihil. ‘He left me… He left me here…’ her mind was racing, and she reached for the notebook in her hoodie pocket - it wasn’t there - neither the hoodie nor the notebook. She looked down at her unfamiliar body, wearing partially torn unfamiliar clothes. “No, this isn’t… this can’t be… I’m not her… I’m not M-megan… It’s not me… I’m... I am… who… who am…?“ She trailed off, staring at the slumped over corpse of the man on the bed. “D-dad?” She slowly rose to her feet and reached out to him tentatively. He wasn’t moving, he wasn’t breathing. She felt a mix of emotions surge through her, but the one that won out was happiness, no, pure elation. She giggled and took a step back. ‘He’s dead. He’s really dead. I’m free! I’m free!’ she thought, before a pang of something else hit. ‘But wasn’t I free before? ...This feeling is strange...A tall man… a dark coat? … striped leggings and a torn up hoodie? ….Are these memories mine?’ She shook her head. There was a more pressing issue here. Megan pulled her cell phone from her bag and dialed 9-1-1. If she waited too long to report it to the police, it would be suspicious. “9-1-1 what’s your emergency?” “Yes,” Megan forced a measure of panic into her voice, “I think my father had a heart attack!” Nihil watched from the imperceptible veil between the living and the dead. It was going to be a long wait for the return of his apprentice.

‘That’s it, I am so fucking done with this.’ Reina huffs, throwing clothes into a duffel bag and opening a window. Her parents are banging on the door, trying to get in, and right as she gets out the window, they manage to break the deadbolt. She flips them both off and walks away, kicking her duffel bag off the roof before hopping off herself and landing with a roll before jogging away. Luckily her neighborhood is near a big forest, and given how neurotic and cleanly her family is, they won’t follow her into the forest, which she jogs right into. The pit in her stomach doesn’t lessen, and nor does the knot in her throat, as she makes sure to not obviously trample nature so as to not leave an obvious trail. However, as she’s making sure, she forgets to look ahead, and is soon sent tumbling forwards into a dark hole. A scream gets caught in her throat as she starts sliding on her stomach down a steep hole. She quickly rights herself, flipping sideways and twisting so she’s going feet first and sliding on her back. The steep slant slowly flattens out, until she’s in a black room, little white dots around her looking like stars. She scratches her head and stands up. “Where the hell…?” The room suddenly fully lights up. “Human voice, recognized.” A synthesized voice relays. Now she is in a strange futuristic looking room, a small pedestal holds a tablet up in the air. She squints at it, whatever is on there is clearly a written language, but she can’t seem to decipher it. A strange tug forms in her brain as she questions this. Her eyes blur over, and her legs move on their own, even as every fiber of her being knows that this is a one-way ticket to starting some kind of apocalypse. Her hands reach out, and pull the tablet from its place. A few seconds pass, then suddenly the room is flooded with light, and Reina feels searing pain before everything goes black. — When she wakes up, she’s laying flat on the ground. She groans and pushes herself into a sitting position. ‘Ugh, what happened?’ She raises an arm to move the vines out of her face. ‘Vines?’ She catches sight of her hand, and this time she screams, she screams loud. Her hand is entirely made out of wood. She looks down at her body, and, correction, she is entirely made out of wood. ‘What the fuck? What the fuck? Whatthefuck?!’ She feels herself starting to hyperventilate, but due to dealing with several of her own panic attacks (which her family thinks aren’t a real thing, one of the many reasons she told them to suck a chode,) She starts taking deep breaths as the corners of her eyes start to darken, regaining some sense of self. She looks around a bit, and realizes that she’s back in the forest she’d been running through. She looks back the way she came, and her eyebrows knit together with concern as smoke rises, like from a large fire. ‘The animals flee… They’re panicked by the fire. The plants scream, they are burned by it.’ ‘I need to stop whatever that is.’ She walks to a nearby tree, and taps it. It glows green and starts bending to her will. The mycelia network linking her to other trees in the area. ‘The forest is burning. Someone is burning the forest. The trees are hurting.’ ‘Okay, well, create something to fight that fire. Smoke detection in the branches of each plant and tree. When smoke is detected, condense water on each and every leaf, and rain over the area burned.’ There’s a bright flash of green throughout the forest, and she suddenly feels very tired. ‘I need… to return…’ She feels herself shift, falling through some kind of veil, into a misty place. ‘The Vale?’ Reina asks, looking curiously at the fog around her. ‘How do I know that’s it’s name? Because it’s a living place, communing with all druids and working with them.’ For a second, Reina thinks of going back out, of living in the normal world, but she remembers, and thinks on what people would do to her at this moment. She’s a being entirely made out of wood, yet living and sentient like them. Science experiment would be the best case scenario. ‘Vale, is it alright if I live here?’ In response, the fog sinks into the ground, revealing grassless soil. ‘Of course.’ —~— Elaine rushes through the trees, “Mama? Mama!?” She shouts. No answer. She trips over a branch, and instead of the incoming hard wood roots, she lands on soft dirt. “W-Where?” She asks, looking around as she gets up, hands drawn in. It’s a bright, pretty, forest. Not like the dense woodland that makes up the Immortal Forest. A woman, walking next to a large, birdlike creature, walks out from the treeline, into Elaine’s line of sight. “Era Ouy lal ighrt?” The woman asks. “… I’m sorry! I just got lost, and, and I can’t find my mother anywhere!” The woman tilts her head, then kneels down to the girl’s height, pulling off her hood to reveal glowing green eyes and vines for hair. She gives a kind smile. ‘I’m not going to hurt you. I’m just asking if you’re alright. There’s a bit of a language barrier with outside words, it seems, so please convey words with thought, if you would.’ ‘A Telepath? I couldn’t find my mom, and I panicked. I tripped on a root of some kind, and fell here! I’m sorry!’ She shouts in her head. The woman winces, but still she waves the walking stick she’d been using, and suddenly the forest starts making sounds. Not bad sounds, but still, Elaine hadn’t noticed that it was so quiet. ‘It will be alright, kiddo.’ She looks to the bird thing next to her, and it nods, then she looks back to Elaine and gestures with her walking stick. ‘I’ll lead you out of here, then we can get one of my friends to lead me to your mother, if that’s alright with you.’ Elaine nods, so the woman gestures to the birdlike creature. ‘This is a Gryphon. I call her Grace.’ The Gryphon makes a funny chirping noise. ‘She says it’s nice to meet you.’ She then walks forwards. ‘To get out of this place we need to go through the edge mist.’ She then gently holds her staff so that one of the ends is in front of Elaine. “Hold onto this, just in case.” “… I can understand your speaking words now” Elaine says, wide-eyed. The woman turns a strange sort of green at the ears... Weird, Elaine didn't realize that she seems to be made of wood. “The problem was the fact that I haven’t talked in ages. At least, not to someone who isn’t one of my friends. And since they understand the intent of my words… I don’t really have to talk in them very often.” Elaine tilts her head a little before shrugging and grabbing the walking stick as it’s jostled by the lady. —~— ‘What even was my… Reina, it was Reina back then.’ Reina shakes her head as they cross the mists into the real world. The concept of time is a bit fucked for her, since she’s immortal, according to her Vale. Along with the fact that she just <i>didn’t</i> have to go out and hunt for food. She could grow her own. If she wanted meat? She feels bad about it, but just kills one of her cattle. Fish? She’d had a pond made through root-based plants that take water in from the air and condense them on their ends. Then she made fish. So, knowing all of that, you’ll understand how she’d feel confused, walking out of her Forest with a kid, to find the woods just outside her house had turned into a jungle of wood and that’s it. The trees, all wood, the floor, all interlocked roots, she even hesitates to call it ground. Reina looks to the child in shock. “Um, what do they call this place?” “The Immortal Forest?” The kid asks, as though questioning her sanity. Reina sighs. “Right, kiddo, hold on a sec.” She walks over to a nearby tree and she touches her hand to it. ‘Are there people around?’ ‘Yes, many! Two trees forwards and to the left there is a shouting person!’ The forest conveys. ‘Thank you friends. You’ve grown well, all of you.’ ‘The friend who helped the oldest ones stop burning?! Amazing!’ The young-ish tree fans a little. Reina smiles and pulls her hand away. “Grace, let’s go.” Grace and the kid both look at her, Grace with the most innocent look the mischief prone bird can muster. “The trees told me where to find your mother. Grace, stop teasing the kid.” “Awww, but we never run into humans!” The bird says, probably sounding like a strange caw or squawk to the kid. “I know, but that’s no excuse to mess with a child.” Reina replies. The kid tilts her head. “How was she messing with me?” Reina sighs. “Don’t worry about it. Grace, pick the kid up.” Grace nods, then nabs the back of the kid’s shirt with her beak and places her on her back. “Oh, I didn’t say before! I’m Elaine!” The girl says, waving, as though getting picked up like that was normal. ‘What the hell happened in the time I was gone?’ Reina then looks around and realizes. ‘Wait, it’s way too dark. How is the kid not scared half to death here?’ The area beyond the tree they’re nearby to is pitch black. It seems the canopy above had opened up just enough to shed light on where her root was. ‘Need a few Fireflies, help guide me to a mother.’ A few small tears open up in the air around her, yellow glowing flies floating out and around the area to illuminate it. “We just need to follow the fireflies, they’ll guide us to your mother.” Reina starts walking. Grace follows. “Are these trees alright with me stepping on their roots, ma’am?” Reina hums. “These are not young trees that you had accidentally treaded on as a hatchling, Grace. Their roots will be fine.” Grace sighs in relief. “How do you understand eachother?” Elaine asks. “Well, I’m the one who created Grace, so she understands me no matter what language I speak. I could speak chinese and she’d still understand.” “Elaine?” Someone asks, and Reina immidiately darts to the side of Grace, grabs the kid by the shirt gently, then sets her down on the ground. “Elaine!” The mother shouts, but stops short of running to her kid upon seeing Reina. Reina awkwardly waves. “Hi… Your kid kinda tripped into my Forest on accident. She’s fine, if a bit shaken up by the experience.” Reina then taps the kid on the back with her staff, gesturing for her to go forwards. “Mama!” The kid launches herself at her mom’s arms. Reina smiles sadly and more fireflies start appearing as she summons up a light show to keep the area illuminated. “Sorry if she was any trouble…” The mother says, and Reina shrugs. “No, not really. She barely even panicked when she saw Grace.” Reina gestures to the Gryphon walking beside her. She then huffs as she squats down. “Now, before I go, I’m curious, what year is it?” Elaine’s mother hums, looking up into the darkness of the trees. “I think it should be around 2173 AFR.” “AFR?” “Ah, an immortal then? It stands for After First Reawakening. Or after the first time magic reawoke in a person.” “… It’s… It’s been over 2000 years since I left?” Elaine’s mother smiles sadly. “If ‘AFR’ means nothing to you, then I’m afraid that yes, it likely has been.” Reina huffs. “No, this, this is fine. I didn’t have many that I cared about back then anyways.” She looks at the floor, and remembers something. “Oh yeah, why is this place called the immortal forest?” “Many have tried and failed to burn it down, and after resettlement, it was found that the older trees are practically impossible to hurt, and they regenerate faster than any other forest on earth.” ‘…’ Reina facepalms, wiping a hand before going full dryad again. “Trees, can you tell me, has another druid visited you?” “<i>Nope! Just you!</i>” Reina groans. “That… This entire forest thing is my fault. A fire was burning a forest when I had turned into a druid at first. I used up all my energy to edit all the trees in this forest to have a trait that condenses ambient water in the air and rains it down when smoke touches the branches.” “As for the regeneration, I had put down my root in this forest, apparently for thousands of years. Growth energy leaks from my roots, and considering I spent thousands of years purely cultivating my Forest…” Elaine’s mother laughs. “Wouldn’t be the first time a seemingly supernatural anomaly was actually just a person living life. I don’t have a clue what a Druid is though, so I’d have to guess you’re a new one.” “A ‘New One’?” “Magic has a lot of different forms. And it changes those who use it. If you’re from before the reawakening times, you likely awakened your ‘True Form’ of some kind. There are many true forms, and over the years we’ve documented them. Human is just what everyone is born as at this point.” Reina raises an eyebrow. “What are you then?” “Oh, I’m a vampire. Elaine is one also.” The kid smiles, showing off fangs. “It’s not exactly the same way people viewed vampires back then if what I learned in history was true. We can all walk around in sunlight, it’s just annoying because it’s bright and cripples what most of us would call our best magic.” “And the blood drinking?” Reina asks, curiosity in her tone rather than wariness. She doesn’t even have blood anyways so it’s not like she should worry about that. “Hm. Well, we do need to drink it, otherwise we’ll wither away to a feral state, much like if you leave a domestic animal to starve. But certain members of our species have more or less appetite than others. I’m the average where I live, at a cup every three days leaves me fully nourished. While my neighbor is at the very edge of the less appetite end, at a cup every week.” “… Hm. Interesting.” Reina nods a little. “Well, I’m going to go. Maybe I’ll visit your village someday.” “You’re… not gonna come with?” The younger one asks. Reina laughs a little. “I’ve been without human contact for over 2000 years, and even before that I was a teenager. I’m not exactly properly sociable, and just talking to the pair of you took a lot of energy on my part, kiddo.” She pats her on the head a little. “Maybe if I ever find myself tired of Grace’s antics.” “Hey!” Grace squawks in offense. Elaine’s mother huffs a laugh at that reaction. “Well, seeya someday then.” Reina nods a little and walks off, fireflies helping her retrace her steps back to where her root was originally placed. She was serious about her not being that sociable a person. Her bark itches all over from that interaction. She was strangely alright with the kid, but talking with the woman just made all of her wooden skin itch like hell. “So, back to the forest?” Grace asks. “Yeah. I wanna create a few spies to keep an eye around the place. Whaddaya think’d be best?” “Bats and spiders would be your best bet, ma’am.” Grace answers. When they get back into the forest, Reina walks to the storage room. “I thought it was a strange outlier, maybe you got lost between worlds and ended up in the vale as a result, but if the people outside are dealing with things like you…” She mutters this all to a decapitated dragon skull.

Link to Book One ______________________________________________________________ The announcement sounded like always, “Announcing Queen Varella, ruler of the Raven Court at Featherstone, she who soars high above and wields the dark wind. And her pet, the Wolf of Featherstone.” After my inner girl helped defend the palace against an invasion from the lake, our title received a promotion.   Hushed whispers became the norm for me after I arrived in court. The nobles never seemed to tire of looking at the queen’s pet werewolf. Covered from head to tail in walnut-colored fur, weighing close to 200 pounds, and carrying a jaw of teeth strong enough to pull apart iron bars, I was the perfect beast for the bird lady to tut around and keep others in line.  When the queen sat at her emerald-encrusted throne carved from stone and covered in cawing ravens, I joined her. Some days she wanted me closer and others further. But I was always in the chair with her.  The damn thing was big enough to hold three people. But the Raven Queen and her werewolf filled it comfortably. This particular morning the queen lightly tapped her left leg with two fingers, a movement I’d been careful to watch for over the last few months.  That meant she wanted my paws and head strewn across her lap. So I obliged. Because she was my pack leader, and my devotion to her was absolute. Though that certainly wasn’t the case when I first arrived after finding the inner girl had willingly ensnared herself in the queen’s service.  I tried my best facing off against the Raven Queen in the forest not far from here. To her credit, she gave me a fair shot. I just wasn’t nearly fast or strong enough to put her down. The feeling of being flipped over and slammed into the dirt hard enough to rattle trees around me was something I had trouble forgetting.  Looking out at the gathered nobles, faeries of the Raven Court who had assembled to speak before the queen or witness those who were, I saw more apprehension than normal. A goblin covered in blue flesh and wearing the fanciest rainbow suit I’d ever seen was sweating up a storm. A pair of mated centaurs were shuffling in place, hoves lightly clopping on the stone floor, cotton dresses swaying gently with their movements. On the opposite wall, a girl with the wings of a butterfly twiddled her thumbs, something that, until now, I’d assumed was just what my inner girl called an “expression.”  Random nobles cleared their throats, coughed a little, and wiped their foreheads, waiting for the queen to speak.  My pack leader remained silent, observing her people, trying to figure out what had them all so jittery. Or maybe she already knew. Yeah, that made more sense by her expression, a calm and gradual glance around the room. Her mouth gave away neither a smile nor a frown. Varella’s eyes retained their frosty gare, violet irises that told those who saw them nothing more than the Raven Queen was thinking about something. No other secrets did they betray.  After ruling this court for centuries, the dark monarch of Faerie learned to keep a tight grip on everything going on inside her thoughts and feelings. And on the off chance something slipped through, I was here to steal attention from the witnesses so they’d miss whatever nugget the queen might’ve dropped.  “Let the queen’s business commence,” she said at once and without warning. “I believe we have a long list of petitioners this day. No sense in dallying. Whoever is first to address me, step forth.”  The hushed whispers came to a stop as soon as she’d gotten a single word out. All eyes were turned toward the space in front of the throne. More cawing from the ravens on the back of this giant chair filled the chamber as we waited for the first person to take their place before the queen.  “I will approach the throne to start today’s business if it pleases you, my queen,” an individual called from the tightest cluster of nobles. They stood near the large brass doors at the entrance of the throne room. And I watched them clear out as quickly as their legs would carry them when this faerie spoke.  My pack leader motioned with two fingers for the speaker to come closer.  Approaching the throne with a cautious demeanor, hands folded together as though one might run away if not held tight, an androgynous individual stopped about 15 feet before the queen. I raised my head to get a better look at the faerie that smelled of lemongrass and peppermint.  Their orange hair was pulled back into a braid that swiveled back and forth on their approach. Brown eyes that couldn’t help but find their way down to me once in a while watched the queen for any sign of immediate displeasure. This individual’s movements were all carefully measured, as if every toe that made contact with the ground only did so after two days of nonstop planning.  It went beyond the otherworldly grace that typically accompanied faeries who danced along the shores of eternity as though it were as natural a thing as breathing or blinking.  This elf was tall and willowy, dressed in a well-tailored black vest covered in silver star designs. A short-sleeved white button-down shirt was tucked into his dark trousers, which were also decorated with silver stars and even bigger constellations.  “Who addresses me?” the queen asked, her tone warming a little bit.  They took a moment to gather their breath before speaking. Another quaint calculation on their part, eyes circling back around to me for just a moment. “My name is Dareth Ickmunt. I bring you a petition from the Court of Stars, your grace,” they said, bowing their head.  A smile danced on the corner of Varella’s lips, and I looked from her back over to Dareth. He did not speak another word until the queen had time to consider his identity.  “Ickmunt. . . surname of the Star Court King. It’s been some time since I’ve spoken with King Falmouth Ickmunt. Of course, everyone knows he has no living sons. But I’ve heard he keeps a nephew close at hand, even granted him the title of prince. So tell me Prince Dareth, why do you visit my court without an official announcement? Foreign royalty doesn’t typically approach my throne among the nobles during court.”  Dareth paused and considered their next words. They made no effort to hide their identity. Now that I got a better look at the prince, I saw a blue crescent moon tattooed on their neck, along with more stars marking their terra-cotta flesh. It was intricate inkwork and truly set them apart from even the nobles.  “Forgive me, your grace. I did not mean to deceive you. Nor have I come to your court sans announcement for the purpose of spycraft or war. I only wear the title of ‘prince’ to placate my uncle. He is anxious about succession, you see. But I’ve considered myself royalty, despite his decree,” they said.  Varella clicked her tongue.  “So you come to my court without use of a title for the sake of humility?” my pack leader asked.  “It is as you say, your grace. I am not one for putting on airs. I find they needlessly devour my time,” the prince said.  They seemed to have found their noble legs, speaking a little more forcefully now, not with any aggression, just more surety. The elf may not want a title, but I saw nobility within their inflection now. It was their eyes, those locked with the pupils of my pack leader. Each knew who they were dealing with now. No games. Just the queen’s business.  My ears twitched as I heard the nobles whispering amongst themselves once more.  “The Court of Stars? Why would their prince travel this far south?” “I’m not sure I like the sound of this unannounced royalty.”  “Why come here to our court if not to bring trouble? I don’t like their timing or tidings.”  They continued to speak in hushed voices, but I tuned out and focussed once more on Dareth as the queen raised an eyebrow.  “You speak of your time as though you have any. Our kind does not wear bondage brought on by the strands of time as mortals do. So it’s a curious thing to hear you speak of it in such a way,” she said.  With their eyes sharpened, the prince said, “You and I may have a ladle that can be dipped into the well of ages without limit, but my court faces the end of its days. This is why I come here to petition you, your grace.”  Her amusement was gone. My pack leader’s stare had grown cold again. I had only run in this world for years, but these were Faerie courts being spoken of now. Centuries of time wound up in each through peace and conflict. It was simply beyond the mind of me or my inner girl. Such was the comprehension of mortals and beasts.  “The Court of Stars is in danger of collapse?” the queen asked.  The prince nodded.  “My home of 90 years faces invasion if not utter annihilation from the Fist of Kairn, an alliance of courts who’ve expanded their military presence in neighboring territories far to the north. My uncle remains convinced our pacifism will keep us safe, and that the stain of dishonor that would come from taking a peaceful court will be enough deterrence. But I remain unconvinced.”  It wasn’t just whispering now from the nobles. A few of them were starting to speak at full volume.  “I knew it! They’ve come here to drag us into war.”  “Surely they can’t expect us to protect them from so far away. That’s absurd.”  “I say we ransom the prince off to the First of Kairn here and now. Then we avoid war and bring in a little coin.”  That last suggestion elicited a growl from yours truly. It was enough that the court came to a pause. When a wolf growls, the grotto takes notice. When a werewolf growls, the entire forest takes notice.  But my pack leader was not looking around the room to survey expressions from her people. She remained hyperfocused on the prince who’d traveled so far to be here, chased by the threat of war.  “Your uncle is an optimistic king. I will not speak ill of him, but his decision and confidence in honor seem precarious. So tell me, Prince Dareth, what exactly have you traveled all this way to ask me? What request was important enough that it had to be delivered in person and could not risk being sent via crow messenger?” Another deep breath from Dareth before he spoke.  At the throne’s top, each raven perched silently, almost as if they were made of stone like the chair we sat in.  “You spent some years growing up in the Court of Stars, your grace. We still have a large painting of you and your brother when you were just a girl, studying constellations and the movement of celestial bodies with my mother and uncle. I’ve come here to ask that if war were to swallow my home, you be prepared to receive fleeing refugees.”  Varella considered this, crossing her legs and placing both of her hands on top of my head, which found itself in her lap once more.  “You’re not asking me to intervene militarily but to be ready to welcome evacuees should the Fist of Kairn bring destruction to your doorstep?” my pack leader clarified.  “My uncle has forbidden requests for defensive aid, citing our court’s laws. Pacificism means that not only do we avoid fighting, but our court refuses to allow others to fight for us. So I’ve come here to seek the next best thing. I made similar requests to the Yellow Court and Worm Court, but they turned me down almost immediately,” Dareth said.  I picked up the sound of footsteps as a noble stepped into view behind Dareth. He was a sturdy man wearing a red robe with gold trim. It covered most of his alabaster skin. The fae’s black hair was cut short, and his yellow eyes washed over the prince from behind.  “My queen, you cannot grant the prince’s petition. The Raven Court would risk further ire from the Star Court’s enemies if we welcomed survivors of a hypothetical calamity. Our resources are—”  The Raven Queen cut him off.  “I’m well aware of our resources, Lord Kitac. I do sit this throne and manage this court each week, do I not? So why would you presume to tell me things I already know? Or would accuse your ruler of being ignorant of her queendom’s assets?”   I didn’t give Lord Kitac time to respond, rising to my feet and leaping down from the throne to the stone floor. My large paws passed over gemstones in the landing beneath me. I strode past Dareth, not paying him a lick of attention. My fur came within inches of their legs.  My haunches popped as I assumed my full height and might, gradually approaching the lord who spoke out of turn.  Even though the other nobles were nowhere near my path, they backed up against the wall as I passed. Their heartbeats were growing faster. And why? They’d seen this play out before with Lord Harroldsen. They watched as I tore his throat open in an instant.  But not here. I took my time approaching this lord so he could stew in the juices of this particular error. Lord Kitac was a man of average height, but I watched him start to shrink before my very eyes upon my approach. He made no move to run, and it was just as well. Outrunning a werewolf was not a common feat.  A deep, echoing growl resonated across the throne room. I watched as his face sank with each second that noise rattled in his ears. The confidence he so boldly spoke with just seconds ago had taken a sudden leap into a bottomless chasm. And I suspected he now wished his body could do the same.  I had a job to do here. My pack leader is a terrifying monarch. But she doesn’t have to put her power on display every time she sits the throne. If a ruler had to show their true power very often, they wouldn’t have a court to manage for long. That’s where I came in. Because a wolf can be terrifying each time you see one.  And a werewolf? Well, folks didn’t even need to see us to be afraid. A lone growl echoing from the dark is enough to make most folks turn tail and run, especially when they so effortlessly felt the rumble penetrating deep into their core.  I could be the threat and power flexed every day without a single noble questioning the strength of my queen. That’s why I’m here. I am her beast. The queen has her talons, her beak, her dark wind, and through me, she has claws and jaws that could fell any number of enemies.  Flashing fangs, I padded another step closer to Lord Kitac, and any surety he had left dove into the same chasm that he wanted to hide in at this very moment.  The noble fell to his knees and folded his hands.  “Mercy, please, your grace. I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me. Of course you know the resources of this court. You surely do,” the man said, nodding as if to convince himself.  Before I could step closer, my pack leader called for me.  “That’s enough, my pet. Lord Kitac knows he fucked up. Come back to me,” she said.  I locked eyes with the sweating fae noble for what felt like several minutes before turning to leave. He fell to his ass catching his breath and then slowly stood, trying to gravitate to a section of the wall where everyone would forget he existed.  As I climbed back onto the throne, the Raven Queen stroked my neck and said, “Good girl. Such a fearsome beast you are.”  I let my tongue hang out for a moment before locking eyes with Dareth and resuming a more vigilant pose.  My pack leader stood and addressed not just the prince but her gathered nobles now.  “You who call the Raven Court home, I do not blindly ignore your fears and worries. Whispers of war to the north have grown louder these last few weeks. And now that we have a physical reminder of that conflict before our eyes, I understand why it makes you uneasy,” she said.  Dareth said not a word. He stood listening to my pack leader with a calm demeanor that did not once lead me to believe he felt ignored by the queen’s change of attention.  “This court has seen war. We’ve seen death. But I will remind you that in my centuries on this throne, not once have I dragged our people into battle unjustly. Aggressors have tried their hand at conquering us, and enemies have stood at the gates of Perth before! Some of you were here to witness that. And what did I do?” The hypothetical question was accompanied only by ravens above me, summoning their chorus of caws again.  Nobody answered the queen.  “I soared over those gates and struck down our enemies with a feathered blade in each hand. Time and time again, I have rallied our talons and feathers to drive the enemy back. You know me. I do not pick fights with other courts, and I do not loan our military to be a strength for others unless required to do so by established treaties. Do you not recall mere months ago when I avoided embroiling us in a war between the Yellow Court and Worm Court? Have you all forsaken belief in my wisdom so easily?”  Now some nobles did answer her.  “No!”  “We believe in you, our queen!”  “You’ve not failed us one single day on that throne.”  My pack leader nodded to her nobles. The energy in the room had completely changed. She’d whipped up their confidence into a fervor, all with a few words. I rose from the throne and stood at her side, my shoulders in line with her hips.  “You trusted me then. I call upon you to also believe in me now. I will not summon the ire and war of northern kingdoms to these lands. The Raven Court will remain safe and prosperous as it has for many years. So I ask you all, here and now, do you trust your queen?” And with a thunderous echo, each lord and lady present hollered in affirmation.  “Armed with your confidence, I will continue to protect our lands. I appreciate you all,” my pack leader said.  Turning toward the prince as the nobles talked excitedly amongst themselves, the Raven Queen had softer words.  “Prince Dareth, I invite you to stay here at Featherstone tonight as my guest. If you accept my invitation, then we’ll discuss your request for prepared aid in the morning.”  The fae prince bowed.  “I appreciate your hospitality and am happy to accept, your grace.”  My pack leader awarded him a brief nod and then resumed her seat on the throne, calling me to her once more.  “Come now, my pet. We still have much of the queen’s business to attend.”  And that’s exactly what we did. Somehow, the throne room moved on from its display of Raven Court patriotism and continued with more petitions. None were as exciting as what we’d heard from the Court of Stars, though.  The very long day concluded with a shopkeep asking the queen for a 12-month moratorium on tax duties so she could expand her tailoring business from Perth into the neighboring village of Sanc Red. Once the queen granted her this, she dismissed the nobles. Within minutes, the throne room was empty and quiet as it hadn’t been since before sunrise.  I stood with the queen and stretched, wagging tail and rear rising while my front paws carried forward as far as they could. A yawn forced my jaws open wide for its escape.  Varella chuckled and ran her fingers under my chin.  “You did well today, my pet. Fierce and frightening as always you are at my side. My bargain continues to be fruitful. Are you ready to call it a day? Shall I summon your inner girl again?”  I nosed her arm, and the queen smiled.  Then she placed a hand over my head and called forth to the magic she kept within my wolfheart. It echoed within my core, responding to her will, reshaping me into the human girl that struck the bargain in the first place.  “Retreat, my wolf. Sierra Chelsi, I call you forth.”  A familiar smoke rose from the stone floor, engulfing my entire body so the transformational magic could take place.  My instincts sank into an inner slumber to be called upon whenever the queen saw fit in the future.    ***   I stood on two legs once more and stretched. The smoke around me thinned, vanishing as the queen removed her feathered cloak, wrapping me in it as she often did when I appeared naked after each transformation.  “Fun day at court, my queen?” I asked, yawning.  My stomach grumbled, and I felt a familiar light-headedness that came when assuming a human form again.  “You certainly ensured so, my little wolf. I believe I promised you dinner and some answers about Bliss. Shall we head to your room to get dressed for an evening meal?” “I’d like that very much, mistress,” I said, smiling.  Finally! I can have her all to myself, I thought.  My mistress ran her nails through my hair, which, as usual, left me frozen in a dizzied state while I absorbed every moment of her touch, head slumped to the right against her breasts.  “We’ll go when you’re ready,” she taunted.  I couldn’t budge, and she knew exactly why.  Maybe dinner wouldn’t happen after all. 

Asguard, House of Hroarr. "Have you seen the boy, Love!?" yelled the head of the house, trying and failing to find his son. "Have you tried the attic?" responded the mother's voice. "Yes! he isn't there!" responded Hroarr with a yell. "What about the backyard?!" asked Liv, still yelling. Meanwhile, Rune, the youngster of the house, was chilling in the living room, enjoying his parent's confusion as he worked on his small puppet. Ever since he was reincarnated, Rune had an uncanny ability to 'blend in' with his surroundings; most people either forgot he was there or ignored him, and he loved messing with people by simply being himself. "Have you checked his room!?" came his mother's worried voice as she entered the living room, paused when she saw him and decided to continue to mess with her husband now with a mischievous smile on her face. "That was the first thing I checked!" yelled the man. "What of the stable !?" yelled Liv. "Why in the nine realms would the boy be in the stable !?"  "Maybe he went to pet Jarl! You know the boy loves animals!" she replied, smiling, which was mirrored by Rune. There was no response, but they knew he went to check it out. "You know he will be livid when he returns, right?" asked the mother. "He will never catch me! Especially on an empty stomach," replied Rune with his nose held high. "Right, Now, don't trouble the guards too much," chided Liv. "They need a break which we provide. Otherwise, they will be petrified like the statues of all fathers due to the sheer boredom they experience," defended Rune. "So you think of yourself as their savior?" asked Liv, amused. "That's obvious," said Rune as he got up. "Speaking of which, It's time I began my humble duty of saving the guards from their boredom," said Rune as he walked to the door of the house. "BOY, GET OVER HERE!" thundered Hroarr as he entered the living room and spotted Rune leaving the house. "YOU WILL NEVER CATCH ME, OLD MAN!" replied Rune, running from the house with Hroarr hot on his tail. As Rune ran, he recalled the last 20 years of his life, yeah, 20 YEARS; he would be a middle-aged man according to human standards, but here? On Asgard? he is barely considered an adult, which lets Rune pull stunts like this despite being a 'grown-up.' Rune was born to Hroarr Sixtenson and Liv Andordóttir. Hroarr is an Einherjar who is barely home most of the time; Liv is someone who works on logistics for the army; both of them, for the lack of a better term, are extremely forgettable, one of many faces in the crowd, but that doesn't matter to Rune. I love them all the same. Rune spent most of his new life preparing for war; He is mostly average at pretty much everything. He would have been another face in the crowd just like his parents and would have been content with that if it wasn't for one pesky little thing. I have chakra like the one from Naruto. Rune discovered this when he turned 12 during his hunt, but that's a story for another time. Chakra allowed him to rise from his mob status. He used chakra to enhance/train himself to the point his father felt he was ready for the army. If he passes the recruitment test for the military, he will be the youngest Einherjar ever to join the army, matched only by the princess. Rune suddenly felt a hand clamp on his shoulder, breaking him out of his trance. "*huff* got you *huff* BOY!" huffed Hroarr with a smug expression. Rune didn't answer but looked around and discovered that he was just outside Asgard(the city, not the planet? realm? floating island?). "What do you want, father? You don't chase me down to this extent unless it's something serious." Hroarr let go of his son and took a deep breath. "It's time for you to join the Einherjar." Rune raised an eyebrow. "You said I was too young," probed Rune. "Yes, but I only said that because you were weak," justified Hroarr. "That was last month; what is going on, father?" deadpanned Rune. "I may or may not have heard that the Princess may or may not be commanding the newest battalion, and I want you to have the honor of being in it," explained Hroarr. "So you just want bragging rights,"  deadpanned Rune. "Oh, please, I would not have even considered it if you weren't strong enough," scoffed Hroarr. "Does mother know?" asked Rune, causing Hroarr to look away. "For that, your walking home alone," said Rune as he switched places with his unfinished puppet. Hroarr, seeing that he is alone, collapsed due to exhaustion with a proud smile on his face. Rune might not know his own strength, but as his father and an old Einherjar, he knew precisely the kind of monster his son was and couldn't be more proud. A few minutes later. Hroarr entered his home to see the funny sight of his wife trying to stuff an entire chicken leg down their son's throat and him avoiding it like his life depended on it. "Love, hold him!" yelled his wife. "You are going to kill me! MUM!" yelled Rune as he jumped out of range, causing the matriarch to huff. "Who knows when you can eat a home-cooked meal again! I need to stuff you full of it so you can last long enough to return," protested Liv. "That doesn't mean you have to kill me by overfeeding me! I won't be able to perform well if I am so full that I can't even move!" yelled Rune as he dodged yet another attempt from his mother. "He is right, you know," said Hroarr as he hugged his wife, stopping her. "Fine!" relented Liv as she threw the chicken leg towards Rune, who caught it and started eating it, after which the three had breakfast. "So, dad, when and where is the test?" asked Rune as he ate another chicken leg. "In about half an hour, in the Palace training." Rune lowered his chicken leg, gave the most deadpan of deadpans toward his father, and bolted out of the house after yelling. "Love you, mom; see you on a battlefield, dad!" The couple both chuckled at his antics. {With Rune} Rune bolted towards the Palace training grounds. Dodging and weaving through Asgard's busy streets and buildings so that while it turned heads, it didn't disturb anything. "Made it!" yelled Rune as he skidded to a stop in front of the entrance to the palace with minutes to spare. He asked for directions and made it to the testing area only to find Einherjar having mock battles and a few other participants, but it was mostly empty. Rune asked around and found out that the test wasn't until an hour still, and he was free to practice until then if he wished. Since Rune found no familiar faces considering there was no one his age there and the others had teamed up or were in groups of their own. Rune sighed, went to the weapons rack, picked two short swords, went to a corner where he wouldn't disturb the others, and stretched his joints after planting the short swords on the ground. Rune picked up his swords and closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing before imagining himself on the battlefield and enemies of all sizes attacking from all sides. He claimed the area of his reach and started dodging, slashing, and kicking anything that reached his domain. On the outside, for the newbies, he looked like a clown as he moved around without rime or reason, but the Einherjar could see exactly what he was doing, and a few of them were amused while most of them thought he was a showoff. One of the newbies decided to mess with him and threw a stone at his face, but it was swatted away with the flat side of Rune's blade. Not believing her eyes, the newbie decided to throw another stone at him, which met the same faith as its predecessor. Looking at it, the others joined her, and they started throwing stones at him, all of which were either deflected or dodged. They stopped when they ran out of stones in their immediate vicinity. Rune realizing what had happened opened his eyes and shot a condescending smirk in their direction, challenging them. Three of them, the girl and two boys, rushed at him with small shields, a spear, a long sword, and a mace. Rune intending to meet the challenge head-on, rushed toward them, but they were stopped by a gruff voice that yelled. "ENOUGH!" The 4 of them stopped and turned toward the voice. It came from an Einherjar who looked like the ranking officer. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but save the fighting for later in the test; for now, rest and get prepared for the test," he said, the last part looking at me and leaving when all of us nodded at him. After the Einherjar left, the four of us walked toward each other. "Hi, I am Rune Hroarrson; thanks for assisting me in my training," Rune said, greeting the others, which confused them much to the amusement of Rune, who hid his amusement behind a friendly smile. They shrugged after a minute. "I am Varin Hroksson; how do you move like that?" asked the lean man with a french mustache. "Training, lots and lots of training," Rune replied to the man. "I am Geir Hrodisson; what were you doing before we started throwing stones at you?" asked the man with a dwarven beard and gym body. "Imagin training, you fight against imaginary opponents," said Rune before turning to the lady amongst them, which prompted the other two to look at her as well. "I am Dalla Atlidottir; how could you sense the stones we threw at you? You had your eyes closed the whole time," demanded the tomboy. "That, my sweet child, is a secret!" Rune replied playfully, causing her to scoff and the boys to chuckle. "Oh, Please, how old are you anyway?" asked Dalla. Rune blinked before answering. "20," said Rune nonchalantly. "20!?" was the collective response of the trio and a few of the eavesdroppers. "Why, how old are you guys?" asked Rune. "90," said Varin, looking incredulous at the young man. "114," said Geir with a huff. "60," said Dalla before muttering something under her breath. Rune blinked as he understood what she said and gaped. "You are 1..." Rune was interrupted by Dalla's hand that covered his mouth as she leaned in and  "Finish that line; that will be the last thing you will ever speak. AM.I.CLEAR?" whispered Dalla causing Rune to nod frantically. The other two just chuckled. A few other participants were closing in to socialize with them when the Einherjar drew everyone's attention, which stopped their spar. "Everyone line UP! It's time to test your worth!"

[Author's note: This is a sequel to an earlier work, The Fae Queen's Pet, which is available here.] I heard her before she entered the room. Her footsteps were light as if the wind carried her feet across each piece of the floor. And sometimes it actually did. She used to sneak up on me, but in the three months I’d lived in Featherstone, the Raven Queen had fallen prey to my advanced predatory senses, the kind only a fierce huntress could cultivate.  My senses would never be as sharp as those of my inner wolf, but enough bled through that I was a better tracker than any human and most faeries.  Casually striding over to the window in my bedroom, I unlatched it and waited for the queen’s knock at my door. Two arrived. She was growing impatient.  Good, I thought. Just what I wanted.  I called for my mistress to enter, and she opened the door. I noticed Barsilla, her arrogant left-hand lady hovering just above the queen’s shoulder. That piskie had grown increasingly fed up with my antics as of late. At least, she made a big show of it.  Of course, when my eyes hovered over the queen, I felt my heart skip a beat. Eyes widening as though I was looking at her for the first time, I came within inches of dropping my plan entirely. Her otherworldly beauty held me in a trance, seven feet of alluring artistry from her sleek obsidian hair to her enrapturing violet eyes that held all the mysteries of a Faerie Queen seemingly within reach, daring all who saw to reach forward.  Her words floated across the room to my ears with all the confidence of a monarch who expected obedience and steadfast loyalty.  “Come, my pet. I’m scheduled to hold court in 10 minutes, and I need my fearsome beast.”  It took almost everything I had not to prance across the room and throw myself at her. The tiny fae hovering nearby had her usual pencil and clipboard out at the ready in case she needed to write down something important. Barsilla’s eyes practically said, “Do it. I dare you.”  But that was ridiculous. The piskie couldn’t have known what I was planning, right? I looked at her again in her tiny librarian outfit. And just staring at the representation of order and rules in the palace rekindled some spark of rebellion in my bratty ass.  “Apologies, mistress,” I said, not looking at Varella again because I knew her eyes would lure me in again, freezing me in my tracks.  “Don’t you dare,” was all I heard Barsilla say as I frantically slid the window open and leaped outside. The queen was fast, and I felt her grasp millimeters from my nape as I dove toward the palace grounds a few stories below.  Landing and immediately tucking into a roll, I exhaled. Then I rose with as much speed as I could leech from my inner wolf and bolted toward the back of Featherstone.  From the window, I heard my mistress’ low tenor voice carry a warning, “My pet. . .”  Those words sent a shiver down my spine, and I knew this was fucking with her schedule. But I didn’t care. You welcome a brat into your home, and you should be expected to anticipate the consequences.  I didn’t hear her leaping out the window after me, just the soft swish of wild rye grass under my feet as I bolted away from where I landed.  Will she endure the humiliation of being seen chasing down her pet werewolf, or will the mighty queen march herself to hold court without the fierce beast she’s grown so accustomed to wielding over her nobles and guests? I thought, snickering.  A few months ago when I’d arrived at Featherstone, freshly ensnared in a bargain of the queen’s making, I wouldn’t have dared acted this way. There were probably mice in the walls of the basement that were less timid than me.  But what can I say? The queen and her best intelligence agent had made me very comfortable here. They’d given the werewolf a cookie, and in turn, she’d not only stolen the entire glass of milk but the jar of remaining sweets as well.  Okay, normally I wasn’t this bad. But this week had been long, and restlessness was building up in every joint of my body. Maybe I was a little pissy. Or perhaps the full moon was three nights away.  Both things could be true, I thought, the rear guard tower coming into view as I rounded a corner.  It stood a few stories higher than my window with a narrow spiral staircase running up the center. A few faerie guards stood on the ground watching me bolt for the stone bridge behind the palace. They were armed with spears and leather armor bearing the queen’s crest in the center, a black bird, head back, beak open, and crying to the sky with its wings spread wide.  The guards looked nervously at each other as I continued running full speed in nothing but my silk pajamas with various puppy designs sewn into the fabric. My curly brown hair bounced behind me, and I realized the guards were calculating how much trouble they’d get in if I was allowed to simply cruise on by.  “Um. . . Sierra?” One woman with short green hair cut into a bob stammered as she took a step to block my path.  I leaped about five feet over her head using every bit of that borrowed werewolf strength in my legs. She didn’t move to grab me, just scratching her cheek in confusion. Looking further up the guard tower, she called for Ceras.  The queen’s top talon jumped from the second story and landed behind me, hand axe rattling at their side.  “What is it, Belamie?” They asked as I continued running for the bridge, morning sunlight reflecting off the lake. The scent of forest and fish entered my senses as my brain told me I was nearly free.  “Do we just let the royal pet go?” Belamie asked.  Turning back for a brief moment and running backward, I yelled, “Ceras! If you see the queen, stall her! And suggest to her that I went out the front gate into town. Please and thank you!”  Rushing off into the tree line, the last thing I heard was Ceras chuckling to themselves and stretching.  “Patrols turn up anything this morning?” They asked.  “No,” Belamie said.  “Then we’ll let her majesty sort out this issue with her pet. She’ll be fine,” Ceras said. “Besides, I doubt the queen has let her prized possession get too far ahead of her.”  Rushing into the trees and seeing aspens, evergreens, and other greenery native to Faerie, I sneered.  Bullshit, I thought. There’s no way the queen would delay court to rush after me.  Bushes whipped around me, and I jumped over a stump, knowing it would be more difficult for the queen to fly through the treetops and snatch me from above. That was assuming she was giving chase.  After about five minutes, I came to a stop, sweaty and heart-hammering. This particular patch of trees wasn’t far from where the queen had put down my inner wolf, earning the right to be my pack leader.  My eyes darted at every snapped twig, a bead of sweat running down my cheek. To my left, a rabbit took one look at me and decided it could afford the risk of chomping on a purple flower nearby.  Bitch, I’m a werewolf, I thought. You should be fleeing in the opposite direction.  Puffing out my chest, I turned toward the brown and white rabbit. I put my hands on my hips and said, “Excuse me. Do you know what I am? You dare to snack in the presence of a fearsome werewolf? An apex predator for which capturing a rabbit in her jaws would be pup’s play?”  The rabbit didn’t even turn its head to acknowledge my words. It just continued chewing on the flower’s stem, taking the vegetation in like a board into a sawmill.  Raising my hands slowly and pretending I had the claws of my inner wolf, I took a step toward the bunny.  “You should be more cautious in assessing your surroundings for danger, Bugs.”  The rabbit’s blue eyes finally glanced over at me as it sniffed at another flower nearby, this one with a large yellow bulb. Its nose and whiskers twitched before it decided to ignore me once more and snatch another snack.  “I’m serious, little bunny. Surely you smell the wild canine inside of me. Your heart should be pounding in your chest, eyes watching my claws for any hint of movement. Otherwise, when you’re distracted, you might yourself suddenly hoisted into the air and EEEEEP—,” I shrieked, interrupted by a sudden, terrible force of upward movement that snagged my shoulders.  Up through tree branches I went, air sucked out of my lungs from sheer terror at the speed with which I was being carried.  Looking down, I watched the trees below me start to shrink, and then I felt myself suddenly reversing direction, falling toward the lake approaching terminal velocity.  “Fuuuuucccckkkk meeeeeeee,” I screamed, preparing for a sudden bath of epic proportions. As a werewolf, I was a bit tougher than the average human even when I walked on two legs. But from this height, I could at least expect a bruise or two landing in the water.  And then, just as I steadied myself for a fishy fate, a pair of well-toned arms caught me just a few feet above the lake water. I was close enough to already smell the algae and aquatic turtles I prepared to join. Yet, I’d been given a reprieve.  Looking up at my savior, I saw the Raven Queen grinning down at me with all the smug satisfaction radiating from her face that she could muster. Two large black-feathered wings carried us over the water as Varella gradually moved into a hover, holding me Lois Lane style in her arms.  The lake wind swirled around my hair and floppy pajamas as her violet eyes found mine. The inhuman red eyes I carried were locked in her gaze, not even wielding enough strength to frighten a wee rabbit. Goddamn, some days I was a downright disgrace to the canine race.  “Well, my pet. I hope you got all those. . .what do you mortals call them? Zoomies? Out of your system. We’ve got a long day at court ahead,” she said, the grin never leaving her face. She knew I wouldn’t get far. She knew!  Sighing, I crossed my arms.  “I bet I was so close to getting away. You probably panicked and used all your magic to track me down,” I said, frowning.  “Actually, I was watching you from the sky the entire time. You’re in the heart of my court, where my magic is at the epicenter of intensity. Before your feet even touched the ground I was in the air above you,” she said, laughing.  Her dulcet chortle left me wanting to curl up in her arms and wrap myself tightly within her grip, closing my eyes and forgetting about all the needs and responsibilities of running a queendom for the day.  But no! I’d done this for a reason, and she needed to know why. Even if the inconvenience was beyond minor, she had to know there was a point. Well. . .as much of a point as my bratty ass could make for being obstinate, which typically wasn’t much beyond being eternally difficult for the sake of adversity.  “Yeah, well. I wasn’t even really trying. You’re lucky I didn’t let my inner wolf loose,” I said, arms crossed tighter.  “Ah yes, an ability you’ve yet to manifest here, even after three full moons. But rest assured, my pet. Even if you were on four paws instead of two legs, I could have easily snatched you from the forest floor as I did just minutes ago,” she said.  And then the queen’s grin started to fade as she raised an eyebrow.  “Though your inner wolf wouldn’t have run just before court anyway. It seems to be tamer the longer you remain under the weight of my sorcery and influence, bound by my bargain. But you, Sierra, acted out unexpectedly this morning. Why?” This was my chance! Here I could let her have it! But instead of unleashing a torrent of words, I just found myself lost in her eyes again. There wasn’t an ounce of impatience in her voice, despite today’s events being delayed by a few minutes. Though I guess you start when the queen says you start. And if you have a complaint, her werewolf would bite your face off.  Sighing again, I sagged in her grip, words caught in my throat that I couldn’t seem to dislodge or cough up. Fuck, all I could do was that infamous bottom gesture where I pointed my index fingers at each other and looked pathetic.  On second thought, it’s no wonder the rabbit didn’t run away screaming earlier, I thought.  “Come now, my pet. You ran for a reason. Out with it. It’s just the two of us here over the lake,” Varella said with an added softness to her tone. The game was over. And now I had to suffer the consequences of my actions, namely being upfront about my feelings. Surely there was something a little easier I could endure, being locked in an Iron Maiden or forced to listen to Rascal Flatts on repeat? The queen made no move to rush me, which just increased the feelings of wanting to curl up tight against her breasts and have a few hours with her all to myself.  “You’ve been so busy lately,” I finally managed in a pathetic whisper. That was all the queen got for at least 30 seconds.  A crane covered in pink and white feathers flew around us and closer to the shoreline of the palace while my mistress waited for more words.  “And Lily’s still gone on her assignment in the Tulip Court. I just— maybe I needed you to pay attention to your pet for a few minutes this morning,” I said, looking anywhere but her eyes. Saying this stuff was embarrassing enough.  The Raven Queen did not sigh. And she chose her following words carefully.  “You speak right, my little wolf. My work and duties have increased threefold over the last few weeks,” she said.  “And you won’t tell me what you’ve been working on. Whenever I ask, you give me some vague answer meant to dismiss my curiosity,” I said.  The queen looked over the palace for a moment. Her eyes carried a quiet contemplation that I couldn’t begin to analyze. But then again, she was a Faerie Queen who’d lived for centuries. Her perspective was bound to be drastically different than mine. And maybe I’d forgotten that.  “I’ve been working on Bliss, Sierra. And it's remained under wraps so much so that not even Cereas knows about it. Even your girlfriend hasn’t heard my plan yet. So why don’t we have dinner tonight, just the two of us, and then I’ll finally answer all your questions,” the queen said.  Now that did lift my heart pretty high to the point I felt like I was running on clouds. Damn if my mistress didn’t know exactly what strings to pull.  All I could do was nod and finally give in to the temptation to nuzzle up into Varella. I breathed deep in her scent of chilly night air and raspberries that I’d come to associate with safety and comfort. I sighed one last time, content with the answers that’d been given me.  The Raven Queen leaned down and slowly kissed my forehead, sending a tickle of delirium through my mind. It was something much more powerful than serotonin, and I made a muffled noise of pleasure.  “Can we head back to Featherstone now? I’m afraid your inner wolf’s presence is required,” Varella whispered.  “Just one more minute hovering here, please. I need you, mistress. So let me have you for just a little longer.”  And because she spoiled me rotten, I got five more minutes with Varella just holding me over the water, morning breeze carrying our hair around us this way and that.  I need to run away from her more often, I thought. 

Keaton Ark walked away from the lingering battle occurring in the streets of LA, his cracked sword hanging limply by his side in its sheath as he put a hand on a nearby wall to stabilize himself. The wall which he stabilized himself had a window so he quickly checked his reflection and winced. If any professional hero saw him right now, they’d have laughed at his sorry state. His sword was barely holding itself together with the number of cracks the blade held and not to mention his armor looked horrible! The steel chestplate which he had painstakingly saved up for months was completely dented in several places and he didn’t have enough money to repair it either. Even his body wasn’t saved as his arms had several bruises and his face was covered in grime and blood.  Thankfully, the blood wasn’t his, a monstrously large wolf had attacked him during the battle and it bled on his face. It wouldn’t stop his parents or his twin sister from worrying about it, but at least he didn’t actually have a head injury.  A knock on the window shook him out of his thoughts and he quickly reached for his broken sword before he realized it was merely a man who motioned for him to come inside.  ‘Well, if he’s offering,’ Keaton thought to himself and walked inside, still keeping his hand on his sword if it turned out to be an ambush. However, it turned out it was just a simple bookstore of some kind.  These kinds of stores were very rare nowadays as most of humanity was focused on trying to slow the tide of monsters appearing all around the world as opposed to listening to music and reading. And what was the point of reading about those things in a book if you could just do it in real life? Reading about a knight saving a princess might’ve been cool before the portals showed up, but when you had the ability to do so in real life, it makes it seem less appealing.  And what use were textbooks if you had mages capable of writing grimoires that could simply transfer skills to its reader or getting an apprenticeship for hands-on experience? It doesn’t matter what the store sells anyway, if he’s offering to let me rest here, I’ll rest here. On the left and right several bookshelves teetered with books that looked like they would fall down if any more weight was put on them. Keaton could make out the text of some of them and they were… very strange. Wandering of the Dark Angels by Azazel 3D Printing 101 by Rylian Lee An Idiot’s Guide to Courier Work by Raven Void What strange names those guys have.  Directly in front of Keaton lay a counter with a cash register and… some kind of futuristic-looking computer that glowed a variety of colors. The man who beckoned him to come inside sat at the counter drinking a green soft drink of some kind as he interacted with the computer, his fingers quickly moving from different keys on his keyboard as the image on the computer changed alongside his finger movement. Taking the opportunity, Keaton took in what appeared to be the owner of the store’s (as no other worker was there) appearance. The man was almost completely average in every way, average height, average build, black hair, etc. You’d almost certainly lose him in a crowd if not for his eyes, which like the computers changed colors almost every second, the effect was almost hypnotic. “Are you going to say something or are you just gonna stare at good ol’ me?”  Keaton pulled his sword out as the man spoke without even taking his eyes off the computer. The man's voice was sarcastic and realizing he still was doing something on the computer instead of attacking him, he prepared to respond before the man interrupted him. “Quite jumpy are we? I haven’t even done anything to you.”  “I just came out of a battle, it was just down the road, didn’t you hear anything?” The man finally stopped interacting with the computer and after a few more clicks, turned it off entirely before focusing the entirety of his attention on Keaton.  “I was simply too engrossed with my video games to pay attention, but you’re probably not lying because of how beat up you are,” The man’s eyes looked Keaton up and down and he blushed as he remembered his current state, “May I know your name? I’d very much like to have a name for a face, helps with remembering customers.” Keaton hesitated before responding with his name, the man repeated his name under his breath before replying, “Well, then Keaton, you may call me the Archivist.” “People with titles are usually very well known, yet I’ve never heard of anyone with your title before,” Keaton said with a raised brow and crossed arms.  “Hmm, that’s because I’ve stayed on the down low for quite a long while,” the Archivist clapped  his hands together as a small grin appeared on his face, “Now, let’s move on from the boring stuff, do any of my wares interest you?” Looking around, nothing truly caught Keaton’s eye except for one of the stories that Rylian guy wrote called Simple Repairs Even Questors Can Do! If he could repair his chestplate on his own instead of going to a dedicated blacksmith, then it would do wonders for his bank account, not to mention he could repair his future equipment as well! Pointing to the book on one of the shelves, the Archivist smiled at Keaton’s choice and went to grab it.  “Not bad, I expected you to go for one of the fables on combat, but you seem to have a good head on your shoulders if you want to try and repair your… chestplate.” The Archivist looked over his chestplate once more and his smile turned into a grimace. “Yeah, I know, just…how much will the ’fable’ cost me?” “Just a crisp ten silver coins.” Keaton’s face morphed into one of incredulousness, since monsters dropped items such as copper coins and artifacts, the world decided to use those items as a worldwide standard currency, it made things much easier to keep track of and the dropped coins couldn’t be replicated or damaged in any way. However... “Ten silver coins! That’s a whole gold coin! I could buy a proper grimoire with that kind of money!”  The Archivist let out a small smirk, “My fables are better than those simple grimoires, especially for its price.” Keaton muttered a few curses under his breath and promised to get his money back if it wasn’t worth it before reluctantly handing over the coins and grabbing the 'fable' from the Archivist’s hands after the man wrote Keaton’s name in it and left the store in a bad mood. As he exited, he never saw the ‘fable’ in his hands glow a soft blue and the Archivist’s face turning from smug to wistful. When Keaton arrived home bloody, bruised, and with a ‘fable’ in his right hand and a bag full of tools and materials in the other it caused an almost near instantaneous smothering from his mom and warnings from his dad to be more careful. Thankfully, his sister wasn’t home as she was still busy apprenticing under an alchemist. Although, if she was home then she would most definitely have thrown a potion at him for being ‘an idiot'. She did it the last time he came home like this, and the one before that… Pretty much every single time he came home like this while she was there, she’d throw a potion of varying quality. He still felt cold in some areas from that failed potion of fire resistance she made. Anyways, currently, he was studying in his room upstairs using the ‘fable’ he bought from the cheating Archivist, who probably wasn’t a cheat because as soon as he opened the 'fable', a light blue glow appeared and coalesced into a man with blond hair and blue eyes.  After some attempts to punch the blond-haired man and said man being very amused by said punches, he finally introduced himself as Rylian Lee. The man who wrote the fable that Keaton had purchased and after Keaton introduced himself, the pair started to work together on repairing Keaton’s chestplate… or more like Rylian gave out advice while Keaton repaired the chestplate as Rylian couldn’t really interact with anything since he was a spirit of some kind. Yipee. Normally, he would’ve still wanted a grimoire instead of a spirit guide as he could’ve instantly known the skill he wished to learn, but this might be more useful in the long term. Rylian said that so long as Keaton’s name was in his ‘fable’ Rylian would stay and help advise him whenever he requested his presence.  And… while the ‘fable’ didn’t immediately force the skills of a blacksmith into his head, whenever his hand picked up a blacksmithing tool that the Rylian recommended, he held it in his hands with a faint fondness despite never touching it before. “It’s called the Emotional Resonance of Storytelling, the more you read my fable and sympathize or understand me better, then it’ll become more prominent. Unlike these… grimoires that force skills into your head, this is a slow transfer,” Rylian explained to him, the man looked entirely natural while doing so as if he taught someone else before. He even pulled glasses out of nowhere and assumed a lecturer's pose, “While forcing the skills immediately into your head is useful in certain circumstances, you lose a lot of the intricacies that each skill has.” Keaton hummed as he continued to repair his chestplate, “So these fables teach a higher quality skill, but do so slowly?”  Rylian nodded, “Pretty much and by the way, just three more swings of the hammer to finish remaking the shape and you should be done.” “Got it, and… are you alright? You don’t seem so happy right now.” Keaton asked Rylian since Rylian’s face when looking at the chestplate always showed disappointment. He originally thought it was because of how damaged it was, but he still had disappointment written all over his face.  “Yeah,” Rylian sighed, “It’s just that this thing, even when repaired, isn’t very good compared to my own creations.” “I just bought a generic chestplate because I couldn’t afford any of the enchanted ones, you can’t expect me to have the best quality chestplate around.” “...I suppose, I just… compared to where I was from, this is quite bad even for generic items.” “What, Did you guys have exosuits or something?” Keaton jokingly replied, no one could make exosuits anyway, it was much more efficient to train mages to buff people and the technology didn't exist yet. Rylian remained silent. Keaton slowly turned to face Rylian who was avoiding his gaze, “I was joking, you actually have those? Wait, do you know how to make exosuits?” Keaton said incredulously. As Rylian stayed silent, Keaton’s eyes widened. “You do know how to make exosuits!” Rylian snapped toward Keaton, “Quiet down or your parents will hear you,” he whispered and as Keaton put his hands over his mouth, Rylian continued speaking, “Yes, I do know how to make exosuits amongst other things. But, you got a book on basic repair techniques or advanced technology in regards to right now,” he pointedly looked toward the boxy computer on Keaton’s desk as he said the last bit, “You probably won’t be making exosuits anytime soon even with my help if you do want to learn then you best start saving up for one of my other fables.” Keaton groaned, it always came down to money, didn’t it? But still, his head perked up as he quickly inspected his repaired chestplate, in the future, he could be wearing an exosuit or futuristic power armor! And if he sold one, that might let him retire comfortably when he got older.  After seeing that everything was good to his standards or acceptable to Rylian’s high standards, he closed Rylian’s fable, dismissing him at the same time, and went to bed with dreams of power armor. Rightmustgamer My other story has hit a roadblock due to me struggling to describe fight scenes, so might as well work on something else while I try to figure it out. This story is also somewhat connected to the other story albeit in a very loose sense, but you don’t need to read the other story to understand this one.

While others are gathering with their friends and leaving with their own circles of friends, I'm here by myself and unable to even speak properly in front of people. Apparently, my only friend here is also my childhood friend, but she is not the typical childhood friend you see in movies. You could say that she is just plain looking and not particularly intelligent, or perhaps good at, anything. But, I still really like her while not understanding why; I just felt it without any obvious deep cause; it just came to me like that. "I suppose I should pack up my stuff and head home," When I glance out the window, I can see the school's expansive track and field, basketball court, and several other sports facilities. When I pack up my belongings, a girl with braided hair and round eyeglasses appears in the corridor. While she has an expressive face no matter how I look at her, she is unquestionably my childhood friend "Sakura, Hina." Why does even this gorgeous me fall for this lady?  "Hey Asa-kun, I just got the new volume of hypnotizing the females, and it's really intriguing. It even hypnotizes his parents and sister, and eventually..blah..blah."  Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that Hina really like this genre. Why, then, does she enjoy watching films that manipulate your relatives' minds before having sexual relations with them? That's disgusting! But, given that Hina enjoys this series a lot, I will refrain from making any negative opinion about it out of respect for her feelings. "Hey Asa-kun, you know how your situation resembles that of the protagonist of the book? Well, it's not that I'm trying to offend you or anything; it's just that you look like a fat guy with glasses and that you don't have any friends besides me. I suppose the only thing that distinguishes you from the protagonist is your face; after all, you're kind of attractive. If you lose weight, girls will go crazy for you." "Well, I think I'm Very Attractive, Aren't I? Well, if I Can Become Slender, Maybe You'll Fall in Love For Me?" Perhaps the probability of her developing a romantic relationship with me is higher. "Well certainly, that's possible or you separate from because you become really popular at that time."  "But there's no way that's true, considering you're the only person I've been friends with since I was a child," I said. we are simply conversing as we move along, not even realizing that we are already at our own homes. "Wow, I don't believe we just arrived at my place, so I'll go first, alright, Asa-kun." I wave back at Hina as she leaves for her house, and I gradually make my way to the apartment where I was recently living. I quickly enter my apartment, change out of my clothes, and take a shower before I eat. I've been living alone for three years since my parents passed away in an accident, so I can't help but learn all the chores to take care of myself if have something I have confidence in the maybe that what I'm good at is chores. As soon as I finish taking a shower, I eat something quickly before heading to bed to fall asleep because I'm so exhausted from today. However, as I was about to get into bed, I suddenly remembered that we had an assignment due tomorrow, so I immediately got up to find my bag and finish my homework. A few minutes later, I finished it and put it in my bag, then I went to my bedroom and got my phone to play a game before falling asleep, but just as I was about to begin, a notification has been receive by my phone and the talks about........... [HYPNOTIC APP]  

As the Nazi were making super weapons and soldiers, the USA had to make one to combat there’s but since they made it in a hurry they couldn’t make a perfect one, but what they didn’t expect was that it worked and made the user back into a boy , they unleashed him in the war and saw how quickly and efficiently he completed mission  But as time passed he became too violent, uncontrollable, and crazy so they saw the potential threat and decided to eliminate him but what they didn’t realize is that the serum that they made was made up of an unknown substance that they didn’t know, since they couldn’t kill him they had to lock him up, secure him, and erase the scientist that worked on this project, and to classify him the most secretive file as the only people to can know him are the president, Secretary of defense and the leader of S.S.R(Sheild) As they were lucky to never mentioned this to the public, and erased several minds they went back to the project of making a serum more “successful”,  ___________ A lot of Time passed and the R.D file was only seen by 3 people, each generation of the new fields could look at it one time, and the previous 3 leaders had their memories wiped, as 3  new people read R.D Boy file one time  Name:Zero Zoloman Alias: R.D Boy Age:116 appears to be 12 Classify:Extremely important up to 3 people know it Information: Has incredible Healing, Shoots laser from eyes, Enhanced strength, speed, and senses, flight and can create mild hallucinations  Important: Hard to near impossible to control, lack of sense, crazy, shouldn’t be released unless Country threat or dangerous Individual need to be eliminated or captured  ————————— As 3 people read this, one man with black skin tone and has an eye patch over it says  “Why don’t we get rid of it”  “We’re sorry fury but we already locked him up in our most secured prison that are guarded by 1000 men, 100 tanks, 100 misslies, and 100 Air Force ready to engage if he escapes which he cant, as for your question we can’t he has somewhat abnormal healing properties” said the president ___________ In a dark room secured by 4 black walls with no light coming through any men and women would’ve already been driven to madness as they couldn’t see anything but, there was one man sitting there humming something  “They’ll need me they’ll need me they’ll need me need me need me need me need meneedmneedmeneedmeneedmeneedmeneedmeneedmeneedme… oh haahahahahhaaahahahahahha” laughters could be heard by the outside patrol man who were guarding something inside they were never told, but they were only told one thing, To Never Let IT OUT ————   As months passed by and the other half of the avengers were getting to out of hand they to finally decide to let IT out  “Mr.president, they have broken out” said the sectary of defense  Sigh “They didn’t hear our warning so the only thing we could do before they cause more trouble is to let out HIM” “Sir I don’t think that’s necessary” said fury “No! I gave them warnings but they chose to ignore it, so the only I could do is to let HIM hunt again” as they were talking and came to a vote 2-1 they decided to give him a task, in a secure conference room they didn’t know that someone already hacked in and was listening  “Sir I think you would like to see this” said Jarvis “Pull it up Jarvis” as tony was listening he asked Jarvis to hack into shield and look for the person they were sending  “Sir i found it but it’s protected by a very heavy firewall and multiple viruses almost like it was protected by every server possible” he said as tony had a surprise looked as the previous times he hacked into shield he never came across something so well protected  “Can you still hack in?” “Yes but it will take me at most 30 days” “Jeez... Well start doing it as I need to know whether I should tell Steve” tony said as he sigh  ___________ As 1 more month passed by Steve finally got his teamed suit up and ready and talked about what to do now as they were talking Steve phone rang  “It’s tony” Steve said to the group  “Answer it maybe he has something important to tell us, if he decided to call you” Natasha said  As Steve picked up tony was the  first to talk “LISTEN STEVE the President is sending something to capture you, Wanda, Natasha, vision, Sam, and Bucky”  “We can take it, no need to worry tony” Steve said “STEVE this is serious, this is the one time I'm serious they are sending something to you i don't know what it is but I only found half of the information of what they're sending you, whatever they are sending or who, they have confidence” tony said in a serious tone and sent the file to steve as he opened it up in front of his team As they read it they had some surprising look especially Steve because he thought he was the first super soldier but not only to find out he was the 2nd but the lesser version of this “kid”  “So he was the “first” but how come we never heard of him?” Natasha said “Read the file all the way through, he was deemed to uncontrolled and hydra also knew but I guess they didn’t tell and they only let him lose for searching dangerous individuals” tony said “Look tony we can handle it were not that we...” before he could finish the jet they were on suddenly lost control as it spun around  “Whats going on natasha” wanda said “Something hit the jets fan” Natasha said as she was trying to safely land and wanda using her power to make it a smooth landing, as they landed and got out they inspected the fan and found a sniper bullet stuck in their  “Tony it looks like whatever they sent us has already found us gotta go” Steve said as he shut the phone and didn't let tony talk again  The team got all off and looked around to finally see a boy with black clothing and red outlines with red eyes and white hair approaching them  “Is that him?” Vision said as he looked out in the horizon and saw a figure going towards them at insane speeds “Get ready guys, if what tony said was true then they must have some confidence in what they sent!” Steve said to the team As they got into position the boy approached them while smiling and walking calmly as he looked at his prey “So your the ones I have to bring back?” He said in a raspy voice “I don’t know but you must be pulling your punches if you can capture all of us” Bucky said “Of course I won’t capture you all, Some might stay and let you escape” he said while laughing “A bunch of fools I told them that they’ll need me again” he said in a quiet tone only he could hear “So your were the first? Why haven’t let you lose when we were fighting ultron,aliens and Loki?” Natasha “Oh my dear? There were others? They didn’t tell me” he said as he ran towards them and used his laser eyes to knock Wanda back and punch Steve with his shield up and knocked him back As this happened in a second everyone got ready to attack  “Your not much” he said as he continues to fight everyone and encounters vision with his eyes and the mind stone Bzzzzzz  As the 2 forces collided with each other and the boy was pushing vision back Wanda used her powers to fling the boy back  “Are you okay?” Wanda asked “No I’m not, that should not be possible what kind of monster did they create” “I don’t know but we better get out of here as we’re losing and not making progress on him” as Natasha said that the boy flew towards her and grabbed by the neck and started to choke her “No no I have to capture you guys for my freedom, well my so-called “freedom” the boy said as he started to choke Natasha but suddenly stop as he heard voices in his head ‘My child come back....Come back come back’ ‘We do not interfere with mortals’ ‘Com back to us’ ‘You have a family ‘ ‘You are one of us’  As heard this he started to let Natasha go and grabbed his head with both of his hands while covering his ears “WHO?” he started to scream this and say this multiple times  “Wanda what's going on” Steve said  “I don't know, there's a powerful force not letting me read his mind” she said as she looked at the boy going insane   ‘You are Eternal’ as the boy suddenly stopped and fell to the ground

Several bowls containing the purest red blood, in addition to the vents on the floor and nearby walls Animals hanging from metal hooks attached to several metal rods set high on the walls, all of which were being dismantled by a young redhead dressed in simple clothes and a black leather apron. He was alone in the room with all the dead bodies, with a medium sized knife he deftly removed the skins from the animals without doing any damage to the material. Taking off his skins and putting them to the sides in a basket made of braided threads, coming out of the skins he left to open his cups and take out his intestines, a process done quickly but also delicately so that none of these consumables would spoil. Leaving the carcasses, I quickly left for the cleaning of the organs, cleaning and separating according to their origin, the whole process being done step by step From the small to the big ones he did the full job, after all the dismantling was done, their bodies were cleaned and cut into pieces to be packed and taken A tiring process but done with great effort and dedication by the young Kest "Sigh… I'm finally done" he swiped his arm across his forehead to wipe away some of the sweat that had run down "Now I'll clean up and get my pay, then I'll go home" Removing his apron, he starts to clean the used equipment and the space where he worked for the whole day, after finishing he puts everything in its proper place and calmly left the room only to reach another This one was completely different from the other, the meat smell still had its perfume present but it was much smaller, it didn't have the great nauseating smell of blood and dirty and pure organs. This area was cleaner and more showy, with Glass counters on the sides stocked with meats, in addition to the main counter where the attendant and also the owner of the small store used to be. As soon as Kest saw him, he calmly approached the counter "I've finished everything for today sir isaac, so I'm coming" he said with a friendly smile An older looking man gave him a smile in response "you've worked hard again boy, I love having you here" he picked up a small rattling bag and handed it to the redhead "I've put a few more coins together since it started working here business is up, i've never seen anyone take care of bodies like you" he was excited Upon receiving this little compliment, Kest scratched the back of his neck awkwardly "It's no big deal, I'm just good with a knife and nothing else, well I'm going for today sir" he started to turn to leave but before he could do it his hand of your boss grabbed your shoulder "I have something for you" he took a package wrapped in paper equivalent to a shoebox from the counter "here are some pieces of blue wolf, the meat is very good and I'm sure the boys would love to try them" handed him the package Taking the package in his hands, Kest bowed his body gratefully "thank you sir isaac" with those words and a little nod Kest left the store and headed towards his house. As he walked calmly, he thought about the important events of his life, everything that has happened to him until the present moment. His real or former name was Ivan, a Russian man in his forties, his life was like so many others. Full of difficulties, son of a cheap prostitute who abandoned him as a child, forcing him to live alone, in order to eat he had to work very early And the place where I got it was where he spent the next few years of his life, in a butcher shop. With time the mastery in handling the sharp tools came to him, no one was better than when it came to the cuts. He never formed a family and even though he despised them for their past traumas, his money was simply spent on their survival and on street corner prostitutes Even though he hated his mother, he understood very well, life is not easy! And if he had to work to eat, then they sold their random bodies to do the same. Everything was going well, but it collapsed in the blink of an eye when it saved a boy from being run over and died in the process. But not everything was salt water, as a second chance was given to him, his mind woke up again but things changed drastically as he woke up in another body, in the body of kest runot that lived in another world He was desperate not knowing what to do but soon his mind was invaded by the young man's memories He soon learned that the young man tried to take his own life because he couldn't deal with his problems, his two parents were dead as well as his older brother and worst of all, he left a wife with two small children in his care, the soft young just couldn't handle the burden Having been given an extraordinary chance like this, he just wouldn't let it go and so he began to live once more 'It's been eight months since I took this child's body, well. There's nothing to complain about, I have a job to support myself and also those three Besides that weird thing too, I'm going to use it to my advantage to earn a lot of money and be able to live without worrying about anything but screwing someone' There were no big goals to be achieved by kest at the time, as Ivan he was someone very simplistic who just lived day after day and as kest it will be no different The only difference is that he wants to squander on the money and in large part…. In pleasure!!

"Wake up Yuuya" - Girl  "Wake up it's time for school" - Girl Yuuya Saotome is currently late for school what is keeping Yuuya from waking up is the thought of touching their boobs. Yuuya was dreaming of a girl  In his dreams, Yuuya reached out hoping to grab a pair of boobs trying to touch the softness of their breast. Yuuya finally touch them he compared the softness to touching pair of water balloons even the nipples felt like chocolate chips. Yuuya squeezed the girl's nipples and heard a moan. "Ah" - Girl Yuuya opened his eyes and saw a real girl in front of him but not just any girl he saw his childhood friend Sayo Shigaraki. Yuuya waking up from his sleep Yuuya greeted his friend as he kept his head on her breast. "Morning Sayo thanks for breakfast" - Yuuya "Morning Yuuya we're going to be late if you don't stop groping my breast" - Sayo (Referring to her breast) Sayo Shigaraki Yuuya's childhood friends both next-door neighbors since they were five Sayo's mother often asked Sayo to woke up Yuuya which often led to his unique sleeping habits which have already become used. Sayo's face could be described as expressionless but she stood there blushing as Yuuya's hand left her breast. Yuuya got dressed for school and he and Sayo proceed to leave Yuuya's home running late for school. Both Yuuya and Sayo ran to school taking a shortcut. As they ran Sayo noticed something. "Yuuya why are you running behind me I know you're the fastest in our whole school" - Sayo  "Uhh still half asleep I'll catch up" - Yuuya Yuuya said as his excuse when in fact he wanted to see Sayo's panties. (Today's light blue huh) - Yuuya Sayo stopped which caused Yuuya to stop both saw a girl peeking over the next corner fidgeting. She wore their school uniform but they couldn't tell who she was from behind. Yuuya walked up to the girl bent his knees and flipped her skirt. Revealing blue stripped panties and Yuuya instantly knew. "Oh morning Mina stripes today, huh Kengo might notice if you keep wearing those" - Yuuya "Eep Yuuya I don't plan on showing them to him" - Mina Mina Wakaba Yuuya's other childhood friend who he's known as long as Sayo. Mina's been a victim of Yuuya's perversion since her boobs came in at the age of 12. Short in height but large in breast size. Ignoring Yuuya's panty Mina peeked back over to the corner this time Yuuya and Sayo joined too they both saw the reason for Mina hiding it was her crush Kengo Yamato. Kengo is the prince of the school who's captured the hearts of many girls and the envious of all the boys mainly Yuuya. "Mina Kengo is walking by himself now would be a good time to launch an attack" - Sayo "Attack but that's way too bold I can't don't that" - Mina "Come on Mina it's easy like in those ecchi anime all you gotta do is press your boobs against his arm and boom your making sounds in the school backroom" - Yuuya "Yuuya that's beyond bold that's just indecent" - Mina After finishing her sentence Yuuya vanished from in front of Mina and appeared behind her with his hands groping her breast.  "Fast as always" - Sayo "Ah Yuuya don't ah you know they're sensitive" - Mina "Big as always Mini Mina wait for a second they did they get bigger congratulations your a H cup" - Yuuya  "Ah How'd you know Ah" - Mina "You know Yuuya knows a girl's breast like no other" - Sayo Hearing Mina's moans Sayo looked at her phone and interrupted Yuuya's fun. "Yuuya Mina we're all going to be late if you don't stop having your fun" - Sayo "I wasn't having fun" - Mina Putting a stop to Yuuya's fun they all ran to school trying their best not to be late. While running the three as they continue their conversation. "Jeez Yuuya shouldn't boys be heroes, a knight in shining armor to girls" - Mina (Laughing)"Yeah but hero comes from H and Ero I'll be a hero just as long as I can still be ero" Just barely before the school bell rang all three made it to school where Yuuya's life as a hero will soon begin.

The stark white porcelain stared up at her, a sole drop of brown having landed outside of the bowl. As she rocked over the bowl, waiting for the rest to come out, she tried to figure out where she had seen the particularly disgusting shade of brown before. “How had that been my breakfast,” she asked herself. She could feel herself shivering as she tried to remember the color and moved to sit with her back against the stall wall, the remains of the rest of her meal seemingly content to stay in her stomach. She then remembered where she had seen it before. It was the color of her fathers cigarette butts in the backyard after they had been rained on. The thought of her father finally brought the rest of her breakfast into the bowl.  She had finally done it, just tossed everything into the back of her truck and left. Done while they were out getting groceries to avoid the fight. The only thing left that bore any part of her was a brief note, just to ensure no police would be sent looking for her. The last thing she needed today was to be handcuffed. Her nerves were already shot to hell and the idea of dealing with the police didn’t help those nerves to calm. To the outside observer, she had no reason to do this drastic action. Her parents had been accepting, even if it had been a very hesitant acceptance. But nonetheless, acceptance it was. The very thing so many people craved and dreamed of from their parents, the slightest hint of understanding and approval. So why did she throw it, you ask? Because, dear reader, the acceptance her parents offered had neither understanding or approval. Rather it was begrudging acceptance, the kind a parent gives solely because they believe they must as a parent. The kind that grieves a person who never existed and asks you to understand how it’s so hard on them to see you do this.  She had tried so, so hard to accommodate her parents. She had not corrected them on her pronouns to avoid the fight that would come if she did, just as she did not correct them as they made no effort to stop using that painful name. She bit her tongue when her father mocked her new name, knowing he was just bitter because she had cast his off. Even a person with her fear of confrontation and change has a limit though. In the end, the final straw was nothing particularly noteworthy. It was just an off hand comment about women never listening her dad had made. One he had made variations of thousands of times in her life. His attempting to include her in the joke at her mothers expense was not a new thing. It was just one step too far over the line to ignore any longer. It was then her mind decided. She had to get out.  In the end, it had been a cold November afternoon that she left on. Although she had already secretly boxed her possessions up weeks beforehand, just waiting for an opportunity, it would be that day that she acted on it. It took thirty minutes for her to throw the last of her clothes in her suitcase and load everything into her truck. She put her phone into airplane mode and took off, vowing to never look at that house again as long as she lived.  She made it twenty minutes on the expressway before her nerves caught up to her and threatened to coat the dash in her hasty sausage sandwich breakfast. The I-75 rest stop appeared just in time to save her poor dash from that terrible fate. She had no way to be able to tell how long she had been in that stall, bouncing between throwing up, bawling her eyes out, and feeling empty.  Eventually, the door of the bathroom creaked open and soft steps started to patter across the tile floor. She knew she had to be quiet. She was in the women’s restroom after all and did not have the energy to fight for her right to be there after the day she had had.  After a few moments of terrifying silence, the stranger spoke. “Um, not to be, like weird or anything, but are you okay? I can hear you crying from over here.” She swallowed and spoke in her tired, hoarse, and tear soaked voice. “I’m alive. That’s about all I’ve got going for me.” The sink ran for a moment and turned back off before the stranger spoke again. “Well that’s something at least. Better than the alternative.” She stifled a laugh that tried to work its way out of her as she considered how to respond. “Yeah, I guess it is, isn't it?” More steps on the cold tile floor. The stranger was moving, possibly for her stall or possibly for the door. She braced in case it was the former. The stranger spoke out again as she stopped walking, her voice echoing ever so slightly in the mostly empty bathroom. “It really is. Can’t live your life if you’re not alive.” The door creaked open after that and the pattering of the stranger’s shoes quickly quieted leaving only the sound of her own breathing to fill the large bathroom.  She waited a few minutes to make sure the stranger wouldn’t be waiting outside the bathroom door and see what an awful mess she felt she must be at the moment before flushing the toilet for the final time and standing up. Giving a quick glance around the desolate restroom to ensure no one would be there to observe her, she walked to the sink and washed her hands and splashed water on her face, sparing a quick glance in the mirror to see just how bad she looked. Her eyes were red and puffy, the bags that lived under them seemingly having grown three sizes since she had last looked in a mirror that morning.  Looking away from the mirror, fearful of what her brain would say if she dared to look longer than the few seconds she already had, she made for the door. Pulling on the cold steel handle, she found the door felt much heavier than she remembered it being just a few hours ago - a testament to just how much her crying session had taken out of her. Walking as quickly away from the women’s restroom as she felt she could without attracting suspicion, she made her way outside to be greeted by the yellow hues of the rest stop streetlights. She turned left to walk to her truck, the wind carrying a chill that was quickly seeping through her coat into her core. Stepping into her truck, making sure to close and lock the door behind her, she pulled the engine key out of her pocket and put it into the ignition. Turning it just enough to turn on the battery but not the engine, she looked at the radio to find out the time. Eight - oh - seven. She stared at the time in shock for a moment before realizing that she was slowly draining her battery and turning the key to the off position before quickly sliding it out and back into her pocket. She had been in the bathroom for a little over three and a half hours. Not having the energy to process that revelation, let alone to safely drive somewhere else, she began to get ready to bed down in her truck in the parking lot for the night. Setting her gym shoes in the passengers foot space and sliding her suitcase to sit standing up just behind them, she stretched out in the cab and found that she was several inches too tall to sleep fully stretched out. Settling for propping her feet up on the suitcase as a makeshift extension, she threw the blanket she had tossed onto her passengers seat over her to help ward off the inevitable chill that she knew would come while sleeping in a metal box. Pulling her phone out to set an alarm for six am, wanting to avoid staying longer than twelve hours at any one rest stop to avoid any possible trouble with the police, she debated turning her phone off of airplane mode just to see if her parents had even attempted to reach out to her. Deciding that she didn’t particularly feel like being misgendered and deadnamed at that particular moment, she set her phone in her jacket pocket and pulled the blanket up to her rapidly stiffening neck as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep for the first time as a free woman.

Do you know what it’s like to never have a choice? For generations we monsters have lived in fear, hunted, killed for what we are and what we do. An indiscriminate genocide by those that feared us, the humans. For those we could not coexist with, they fought and forced us from our homes. Constantly running, trying to survive. Then came their arrival, the Tower Lords. Offering us protection as long as we stayed within their lands, giant towers each unique, each floor different from the next. We flocked towards their promise for safety, but all was not as it seems. Caste, each floor it’s own suitable environment, each floor increasing in density of magic. Carefully setup by the same Tower Lords who promised to protect us. It was all a lie. The survival of the fittest they called it. One where the strong rule and the weak serve. An ecosystem where only one thing mattered, power. Those who had it before they arrived grew stronger as the levels gradually nurtured them. As for the weaker ones, they grew weaker and weaker as the tower drained them of their strength. It was a free for all, as the various monster races fought against each other for control and power. The promise of the delicate ecosystems of harmony and nourishment, a lie. Yet better than the alternative, to be hunted down, without a place to call home. And so we were forced to stay. On the first floor, where my people reside, I live in a small village. We’re called by the humans, “Goblins”, but in our tongue we call ourselves Bunji Ito. Our lands barren, unable to create a stable environment, mana density too little with unsuitable wildlife for the environment. I spend my days in a store, the same store as my father and his father before him. Serving the people who have spent generations hunting and killing monsters just like me. Never to be able to leave the store.

“Fred! Fred! Fred! Wake up!!!” shouted the young girl gleefully shaking Fred from slumber, “You’re going to be late to your Ascension Ceremony if you don’t wake up!”   “Elina…” muttered Fred while he hid under the covers, “It’s not till mid-afternoon that my Ascension Ceremony starts.”    “I know, bu-”    “Now let me sleep!” Fred shouts quietly, forcefully pulling the covers over his head.   “Fiiiine,” pouted Elina, “I guess you won’t be getting any of the cake Mommy bought for you.”   Fred’s eyes snap wide open, and he pulls his blanket down.    “Cake? What cake?! Mom never said she was gonna buy a cake!” Fred exclaimed.   “Yup, but the cake is all mine now since you have to have your sleep,” retorted Elina, who was currently looking rather smug from her witty response.   Fred glared at his sister while getting out of his bed.   “Touche,” replied Fred, “Now get out of my room! I gotta change, or do you want me to be eating cake in my underclothes.”    With that response, Elina skips out of Fred’s bedroom, while gleefully giggling, leaving the door wide open.    Can’t she at least close the door thought Fred, it’s not even that hard, all you gotta do is grab the knob and pull.    Fred then grabbed a long sleeve shirt and some pants, then went to the kitchen.   When Fred entered the kitchen, he was bombarded with a cacophony of noise.   “Happy Birthday M’boy!!!”   “Wooooo, you're 16 at last! You can finally ascend and get your own cool powers!”   “AHHHHHHHHHH!”   “Gah! Quiet down guys, you’re going to kill me with all this noise!” grumbled Fred, while trying to hide a grin that’s slowly rising on his face.    “I know, I know,” mom replied, “we’re just sooo excited for you! I can’t wait to find out what you’ll get! Ooooh, what if you get something amazing like the ability to turn invisible or breathe underwater! Or… if your ability is strong enough, you could join the Royal Guards and defend King Lisp the III!”   “Honey… don’t tempt him into joining the Royal Guards, it’s too dangerous out there, he’ll just get himself killed.” Fred’s father stated.   “Psht, you know our son would be fine, he’s born into the Hotsy family, and you know how overwhelmingly powerful the Hotsy family is,” replied mom, “with my awakened ability to always have clean teeth without the need to brush them and your ability to write thrice the speed of a normal scribe, surely our son would be nothing but invincible!”    Fred stared wide-eyed at his mother, trying to not feel embarrassed at the insanity that is his mom.    “Um, mom, c-can’t we just eat the cake already?” Fred shyly, yet forcefully suggests.   “Yeah mom, let’s eat cake!” Elina excitedly said, “I’ve been waiting all morning to eat this delicious piece of whatever it is.”   Fred’s mom frowns, looking between the two siblings, “Fine, I suppose I can cut a few pieces out for everyone.”   Everyone then settles down on their rounded, four-chair dining table. Fred himself was rather excited to eat cake, for it was a rare treat for his family. Cake is rather expensive, costing about 5 silver, and his father only makes 3 silver a month doing his scribe work out in the city. You’d assume his father would get paid more with his ability and all, but sadly, Fred’s father isn’t that special compared to other people who have the ability to copy pages and paste them onto other sheets of paper, taking around 10 to 30 seconds.    Once everyone was around the table, Fred’s mom brought the cake over, which was already sliced into eight neat little triangles.    “Let me just grab the plates, then everybody can grab a serving and eat,” mom says, “just remember, only 2 servings per person, okay?”   “Yes, mother,” Fred and his sister mumble.   Fred’s mom then went and grabbed 4 plates and some silverware and then came over giving each of us a plate, a fork, and a knife just in case.    “Thanks, mom,” Fred says, giving his mom a grateful look while grabbing himself a serving.   “Yeah, thanks, mom!” Elina quickly says, totally not almost forgetting to say thanks.   “You're welcome!” Fred’s mom said, “I hope you enjoy it, this cake was made by a young baker with the ability to increase the amount of fluffiness in your foods.”   Fred excitably takes a bite, even though he’s a little bit shocked. Not only is he eating cake, but he’s eating a cake made by someone with an ability attributed towards cooking! He couldn’t even phantom how much that would cost!    “Mmmm, this is soooo good!” Elina exclaims, food splattering all over the place, “It’s shuper duper goosh! Mmmmm!”   Fred also was really enjoying the cake. Even though he didn’t show it as much as his sister, he very much loved it.   -----   Once Fred was finished eating, and had properly cleaned himself, his parents then took him to their room where they would then talk about the Ascension Ceremony and what there is he needed to know.   Fred sat on the bed, while his parents sat right next to him.   “Okay Fred, today’s the day, the day you’ll finally become an Abilitator,” his mom says, a serious expression on her face, “which means we have to tell you a few things.”   “Okay… and what are those things?” Fred asks, a little nervous about the seriousness shown on his parents' faces.   “You know how each person is given a random ability, right Fred?” Father asks, which he then continues when I nod, “so, when each person receives their ability, they will then be graded from how powerful their ability is. For example, my ability was graded as a Tier 4 ability, while your mom’s was graded as a Tier 1 ability.”    “Ok… so the more powerful and useful the ability, the higher the Tier?” Fred asks.   “Yes pretty much, but that’s not the only thing you need to know,” Mom tells me, “once your ability is chosen, you will then have to choose what type of path you’ll take. There are many paths, but the main ones are the War Path, which is where you’ll join the Hefre Army, the Merchants Path, where you will become a salesman, the Craftsman Path, where you will then choose which craft you are. There are many from a blacksmith, to a tailor, or you could specialize even further and be a bladesmith for example.”    “Woah, so I can be all those?” Fred exclaims, “Are there any others that I should know about?”   “Yes, there are,” Father says, “there's also the Worker Path, which is what I’m on, and the Priest Path, which I suggest not joining since half of the people there are lunatics who worship a heavenly, overwhelmingly powerful beast called the Almighty Persian Chewy, or some other random god. But it’s your choice.”   Fred honestly wasn’t sure what he would pick. He spent most of his childhood dreaming of becoming a great general, with the ability of summoning a dragon or something similar. But when actually facing the choices, he wasn’t so sure. It honestly depended all on his luck, and what he would get. Plus, if he were to do the War Path, wouldn’t he be abandoning his family?   “Don’t worry Fred,” Mom says, smiling reassuringly to him, ”you won’t have to make that choice for a couple of days after you’ve gotten your ability. For now, let’s worry about what you're going to wear to the Ceremony!”   “But aren’t I going to wear this?” Fred asks, pointing down at his current clothes.   “Nope! I bought you a nice blue tunic and lovely black pants for you to wear to the ceremony!”    ---   A few hours later.   Fred walked down the streets of Gandel with his family. Wearing his new black pants and tunic, he was feeling pretty good about himself. For he was a young man of 5’11’’, with short brown hair, and nice hazel eyes. He had a rather skinny frame though since all he did was read and day dream, sometimes going outside to play. Which pretty much means he looks awesome in his new outfit.   After walking down the cobbled streets for a few minutes, they come upon a rather large temple shaped building with guards standing at the front of the entrance holding spears and wearing simple leather armor.   “Woah,” Elina gasps, ”I never knew it would be this big.”   Mom smiles, “Isn’t it gorgeous? Now let’s head in, we’re blocking the path.”   We walk up to the entrance, and pass the guards, where we then enter this large open space with seats lined up in an orderly fashion, facing the stage up ahead.    Fred looks around, noticing quite a few people are already here.    “Come, our seats are over here,” Father says, leading us to four seats around the back.   Once they were at their seats, they sat there for 10 minutes, until every seat was filled.   An old man wearing ceremony robes walked on the stage.   “Hello everybody! As you know, today is the day when each one of you receive your own special ability and then finally become an adult! Now, let us begin, Johnny Gentre come up to the stage and put your hand on the white orb behind me.”    A young man, with black hair and a handsome face came up the stage, nervously walking towards the orb.    Once he was at the orb, the announcer said, “Now put your hand on the orb Johnny, then you will fall into a trance for a few minutes where you will be gifted an ability.”   “Okay…” says Johnny as he puts his hand on the orb.   Fred stared at Johnny, curious of what could happen next, but nothing seems to happen, since Johnny is standing stock still. A few minutes go by like this, and then all of a sudden Johnny moves.   “You’re back! Well, tell us what you got Johnny, come on.” The announcer asks, even demands.   “I got this ability called Human Toaster: the ability to toast any food without the need of a fire, or oven, only using your hands.” Johnny says, then all of the sudden, he speaks in a deeper, rather ominous tone once he says Human Toaster.   *Gasp* the audience exclaims while looking in awe at the possible things he could do for his future.    Fred though, wasn’t as amazed, because yes, being able to toast stuff with your hands is cool and useful, but come on, if he’s lucky, he’ll probably get a job in a higher tier restaurant, but those don’t even pay that well.   “Congrats Johnny, now if you want, you can continue watching, so you don’t have to leave right away. Now, would a Sarah Coppertoy come up please?”   It went like this for 30 minutes, some people got really interesting abilities, like Sarah, who got the ability to morph into a puddle of milk which she could then move around in, while some poor dude got the ability to see through glass, which to me, feels extremely useless. But finally, they called my name.   “Fred Hotsy, would you please come up.”   *gulp* Fred nervously looks around at all the eyes staring at him, he walks up to the stage, where he is then led to the orb. He puts his hands on it, then all of the sudden there's nothing. He can’t see anything, just a black abyss surrounds him.   “H-hello?” Fred calls out, nervously looking around.   “Hello Fred, it is I, your Ability Distributor,” says a monotone, female voice, “now, would you like me to choose an ability for you?”   “Yes please!” Fred says excitedly while a little bit nervous. He wasn’t sure what he was going to get, but hopefully with his ability he would be able to find a living. Even if he doesn’t follow his dreams of being a great general.    “Well then, for you I shall choose the ability to summon persian cats. Now then, have a good afternoon.”   A shocked, confused, and rather disappointed Fred came back to the living.   “Well, what did you get Fred?” asks the Announcer, while looking curiously at Fred, who was just now noticing the expectant stares from the audience.   “I-I-w-well, ummm,” spluttered Fred, who then took a deep breath, “I got the ability Holy Persian Cat’s Summoner: the ability to call upon the help of minor Almighty Persian Chewy’s.”   “Well, well, it seems we have here a future Priest for the Almighty Persian Chewy Priesthood,” exclaimed the announcer, “for ladies and gentlemen, we have an Abilitator blessed by his Holiness, the Almighty Persian Chewy himself!”   Fred looked at the audience, searching for his parents, where he found his fathers worried eyes, and his mothers excited face. He looked at the announcer who also had an excited face.   “Um, can I uh, go?” stuttered Fred, who was then led down the stairs to his parents.   Fred looked up at his parents confused and worried because he for one had no clue who this `Almighty Persian Chewy’ is. And secondly, what the abyss is a persian cat?!    Once Fred was with his parents, his father began to speak but was quickly interrupted by his mother.   “Well so-” “Congratulations!!! You are going to be joining the priesthood! You know, I have a friend whose friend is a Priest, and she says it’s an amazing place!”    Mother happily gave me a hug, while my dad grumbled in the background.   “But, didn’t dad say to stay away from there?” Fred asks.   “Well yes, but I bet you’ll fit perfectly with those crazy worshiping freaks.” Mom says.   “Worshiping...freaks?” Fred says questioningly.   “Well, yes… they are a bit crazy in the head, but aren’t we all?” Mom simply states, giving me a reassuring smile.    “Now come on, let’s go try out that new ability of yours at the Training Field.” Fred’s mother says, while pulling Fred along, leaving Elina and Fred’s father alone.   “Come along Elina, let’s go home.”    “But can’t I join Freddy and Mommy at the Training Field?”   “No dear, you're far too young, plus there's some cake left over from this morning that I hid from Fred.”   “Cake? Okie! Who even cares about Fred’s ability! Come on dad!”   Elina then pulled dad away, heading back home.    And thus began the mighty journey of the great Fred.

The smell of a good stew invaded his nose and made his mouth water, Kest who just got home was thrilled with this essence of cooked meat and various spices in the mixture coming out of the kitchen. "This smells wonderful" he puts the package on the table "Fufufu I see you have arrived, I hope you had a great day at work" replied the woman who was preparing the food, her name is angela She was a woman of slightly above average height, her skin was lightly tanned, her green hair was beautiful and silky tied in a ponytail that came close to her waist, her face was very beautiful and has two bangs dividing it in half. , her emerald eyes had a charming sparkle. She wore a brown knee-length dress and a blue apron on the front, her body has sharp curves and her bust along her ass are quite eye-catching giving her a voluptuous body with mature charm. "I can say yes, a little exhausting and repetitive but it was a good day, mainly because it was payday" he puts the small bag on the table "he also gave me these blue wolf pieces" "Hoo I heard they're expensive, he must have been pretty generous today, I can prepare them tomorrow" she took the package and took it to a kind of fridge for storage Despite being a different world, there are still some things that resemble the earth, despite having no energy, they work with magic crystals very efficiently. "I got something else this month so you can buy something you like or for the boys too" he said as he relaxed the muscles in his body. "No! You can't just do this!!" She quickly denied his suggestion "You can't just spend it all on us, you have to think about yourself too" Her beautiful face expressed clear concern and a little guilt Angela married kest's older brother a few years ago and came to live with his family, they owned a good home along with a steady business in commerce. But things started to go downhill with time because of the local competition that increased drastically, as things didn't go well they decided to make some deals in the neighboring town but on the way they were attacked by nomadic monsters…. By that time the ground she was standing on had completely collapsed, there was nothing left but her two children who came, the family business ended, her in-laws and husbands died. The only one in this family who didn't die was Kest since he didn't go together, her relationship with him was something very shallow, her brother-in-law was not someone so sociable, always distant and in his own, besides being someone very emotionally fragile From his perspective he was the one who suffered the most, just being locked in his room without eating or talking to anyone. But one day that all changed, it was something extremely sudden, he just got dressed a little and left home, when he came back he had got a job After that day he looked like someone else, became the man of the house and took good care of the three of them, even better than himself, these issues worried angela. Since he didn't act for himself and cared a lot about the three of them, he didn't take care of his own life as much as going out and enjoying, enjoying Even though angela cares about these issues, kest doesn't really care about that, after all he's not quite kest. He is someone with a lot of life experience and he knows very well how difficult it is. He was determined to have a new life and the things he was doing now was just a step towards achieving that. "You worry too much, just do as I say, I'm already thinking about me too" he just waved his hand and gave a calm smile thing" kest didn't really think he was doing much, he was just following his line "I think I'll take a shower now" he just waved his hand and left "Sigh…. It's ready soon so don't be too long to come" she spoke as she started to cut some strips of bread 'You've changed a lot in that time, you even seem like someone else, talk more, act totally different, really behave like a great responsible adult' angela smiled happily as she thought about the past eight months 'before he barely spoke without looking away, now his energy , he is stronger too…. How can one person change so much?' _________ After going to his room and getting a new change of clothes and a towel, kest went to the bath, taking his clothes off and taking a kind of hot shower to remove any traces of blood, then heading to the bathtub where he sat. relaxed ''I wonder what I should do now, should I try out that weird thing that looks like something out of one of those... vidio games?...'' he was thinking about a certain voice that rang in his head a few days ago [Why don't you start having sex for testing then? You're good at this aren't you?] A feminine and rather sensual voice came out in her head 'Here comes this weird thing again with this… but you're right, I think it's been a while since I slipped inside a cunt' his thought sounded a little distant [exactly! Go there and finish some! And then you will see my great uses] That female voice that sounded in Kest's head started to come in with him a short time ago, according to the voice she called herself the system of perversion She explained how it worked, how it would be of great benefit to him, how kest would gain many things with sex, much more than a fuse provided after a cumshot, there was a system of points where he would exchange them for things that would make his life a sea without equal But some information about its origin, among others, were not answered, because according to her, she does not know and was only programmed Kest just hooked her up with the entity responsible for sending him to this world without warning, he didn't even care much as there were no apparent motives. [Why don't you give it a try today!? Go downstairs and try to seduce angela, I know you won't take your eyes off her body] 'That's true, but I don't think it would work like that, she's a good woman and I'm not just going to break my face to test you' kest knows very well what angela's personality is like and for that reason hasn't tried anything so far as he he is the brother of her late husband. And according to his own mental deductions would not end well for him Even though he wanted to grab those breasts and give her ass a few slaps, he decided to pass [..so why don't you take something that this boy left hidden, go to some brothel and slug it out!!] Kest smiled at this suggestion 'this I can do now….

My name is Negusa and I'm 7 years old today. I was born on Saturday, 25th of October 2100 in a small town called Axum. Here, I live there with my 64 years old grandma named Mazaa who, despite her age, she's pretty nimble and never fails to catch me whenever I've misbehaved. She's surprisingly very active for her age. Always ready to showcase that she's not too old to hunt me down whenever I neglect my chores. Which is quite often if I am being honest. Not that I'm a trouble-maker, but I do tend to day-dream a lot, so much so that I tend to neglect my chores as a result! I'm always pondering about the world in my mind and spent most of it either trying to solve the questions I have or ask even more questions. Our daily lives are pretty mundane but peaceful. I tend to the livestock on the weekends and complete my chores after schoolwork. I like it! I spend most of my free time either reading books under the cool breeze on a balmy day, pondering the impossible, playing video games or playing outside during the sunlit days with my two friends Liya and Kamal. Liya is about the same age as me, but that's where the similarities come to an end. She enjoys playing outdoors a lot more than I do, whereas I prefer to read and play video games indoors. Kamal is two years older than both of us and acts like he's the leader of the group. In due time, I formed a sense of rivalry with Kamal when we both found out that we liked Liya. So now we compete in almost everything to impress her. From physical activities to solving puzzles, anything worth competing, we'd do it! I liked Liya but I hated losing to Kamal even more! Our home is situated in a small village outside of Axum. Honestly, I don't know if you can even call it a village at this point with how fancy everything in the area has become. Everything you could possibly need can be found here, yet we still get the fortune in enjoying the blissful beauty of nature. Most days are met with a gentle warmth, the air scented with nature's beauty. I lived a stressless life all things considered and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Aside from that, I attended Church on a weekly basis with my Grandma. It was a small local church, its walls brimming with history. Our families have attended here for generations. I believe in God and his teachings, but oftentimes I question the men who teach it. I may be only seven years old but I'm a lot wiser for my age. As I sat down on those surprisingly comfortable wooden seats, listening to the pastor's euphonious voice echo across the sanctuary, I often questioned how there came to be so many denominations of Christianity. Why is it that when something goes wrong, we claim it to be God's will? How do they know that? Why would God take the very lives he created, especially that of a newborn? When there's a miracle, how do we know for sure it is a real miracle? Could it not be a coincidence? How can we trust someone who claims to have seen a vision? Shouldn't we wait for a sign of sorts? I had hundreds of these questions. Whenever I sought the wisdom of my Grandma to these questions that I pondered, she would often get vexed and just tell me to read the Bible, or she'd try to invoke fear into me by claiming I'm defying God's teaching and I'll be punished if I'm not careful with my words. I soon learned to let it go and let my Grandma have her way. I thought to myself "she's too old now to change her way". She, like many others, is aware that the Bible warns of false prophets, yet they're too afraid to question anyone who claims to be a messenger of God. Their faith is rooted in fear. I don't think that's how it should be. In the stories I've read in the Bible, God often blesses those with knowledge and wisdom, which to me means that He values a person of intellect, one who seeks wisdom and knowledge and takes action. That's how I've lived my life, always seeking knowledge in order to honor God! After church, I would make my way down to my school's library. Our school had a distinguished modern design, humble yet sleek, with picturesque trees on all sides elevating the color and atmosphere of the institute. Completing it is the Obelisk at the center of the school. Getting an education here in Ethiopia is a lot better and easier than what it was in the past. The school I go to is a pretty good school, kinda on the private end with a great library, so my breaks are often spent there. Truth be told, I don't remember a time when I'm not reading. Aside from me, there is another girl who comes to read there too. She is pretty quiet and doesn't talk much but she never minds when I sit at her table. I think she's about eight years old but I'm not sure, I'm honestly just guessing. Her name was Subira. Despite Ethiopia and most of the African countries finally discarding their third world titles, many issues still persist. Not everyone got to experience the boon. This is the reality I guess, it doesn't matter where you are in this world, there will always be those who are poor and those who are rich. Poverty and inequality will always be an issue. At least now, many of us are in a better position for opportunities. We have a chance at life. Both my mother and father are astronauts & astronomers working with NASA and NASRDA so they're rarely home. They do however send money to us to keep us going. We don't live like we're rich, but we don't live like we're poor either. It's a balance. Grandma is trying to teach me the values of hard work so I don't end up being spoiled or needy. So I never known just how much my parents send to us, which could be enough for the new game system for all I know, which just thinking about it makes me feel like I'm getting cheated out of my inheritance. I mean it's my birthday after all so, I should be getting something today. I made sure to hint very carefully at what I want. "Oh, that's right! It's my birthday…and nobody knows!" I thought to myself, sitting in this obscure corner of the library. "Man, I can't wait for this year to be over!"  I looked around to see if anyone was here! "Hmm, Subira's not here today! Guess I'll call it a day." I got up, and made for home! As I ventured the streets, I couldn't help but observe how beautiful everything was in my village in Axum. It was odd because I've never taken notice of it all. Today was different! The bird's dancing in the sky, the other kids playing joyfully in the fields, and the adults walking about with purpose! The biggest surprise came later that day when the night crept up and the heavens opened to unveil the stars of the universe! "Huh," I thought to myself sitting outside the barn. Despite the countless times I've gazed at the night sky, this was the first I felt terrified by it. I felt…small, unsure! Maybe it's because it's my birthday! "Oh, that's right! It's my birthday….it might happen!" The 7th birthday of a child is a stressful time for many parents. During that period of a child's life, many parents pay increasingly close attention to their child to see if they'll manifest a gift. It is dreaded. A child that manifests a gift is basically dead in many parents' eyes. They'll forever be hunted down and their once innocent childhood is over. When I turned seven, I noticed that my parents would call often to ask grandma how I'm doing. Did I show an affinity to an element? Did water swirl when I picked up a cup? Things like that. When a child manifests the NCG, the very elements themselves will react to them, as at that age, the gift is at its purest and untamed. As soon as a child becomes aware of their gift, it is vital that they're taught how to subdue their powers. They may know how to use it, but not the risk that follows. I went back inside to see my Grandma sitting at her favorite seat. She beckoned to come sit next to her as we watched television together. "How was your day Negusa?" "It was OK! I didn't do much reading so I got most of my chores done". Maybe it's because it's my birthday, the fact that I said I didn't read much or the fact that I willingly did my chores without having to be reminded of it, whatever it may be, I could tell my Grandma became worried. She began the ritual examination of bombarding me with questions to see if it "happened"! "Really Granny?" "Don't really me! I'm just making sure that's all!" she snarked at me! This was the norm I guess. This was the norm for all children of the world. After the Great Red Rapture of 2050, in which millions of lives were lost in one day, many parents conceived their kids in secrecy. The risk for them was just too high to go to the hospital and have their child's date of birth recorded. Women who planned on having kids often begin to seclude themselves from the public, making it harder to know when they got pregnant and when they conceived a child. Men, on the other hand, had to adjust and become strong both physically and financially to protect their wives during those periods. The pride of having a child was lost. You could no longer celebrate it, as you never know who is your friend or who your enemy is. Only the parent, often the mother and the child themselves know the date and age. The kids are aggressively told to never share their age with strangers outside their community that they've deemed safe. That's why I know Liya's and Kamal's age for sure, but guessed Subira's age. Kids are told their age so they're more vigilant when that time comes. Liya and Kamal's family are super close to my family, so we kinda knew our ages like that. It's taboo but it happened. However, outside of that, I have no idea how old any of the kids are in my neighborhood or in my school. Some look older while others look younger. It's all a guessing game and a survival tactic. Once a child passes the age of eight, they may reveal their age. It is an unspoken rule in order to keep the younger ones safe. I'm not sure how it's done in other countries but this is how we have done it. Every day after school since then, once I'm done with my chores and read my books, I like to tune in to the sports section of the Idialites channel. There, I get to see the reruns of some of the past grand spectacles of the Idialites Combat Championship. A massive 128 man tournament held every solar eclipse that spans the entire month the solar eclipse took place. Here, the people aren't afraid of displaying their NCG and are instead praised for it. The matches are set up with the participants resting day in mind so they can go all out without worrying about sustaining any permanent damage. It's super fun to watch, seeing all the crazy stuff people with NCG can do. One match I saw a guy create wings out of air to fly while shooting air pellets at his opponent, while the other guy used shadow nature to warp and redirect it back. Crazy stuff. Despite it being a norm for them, my grandma scolds me whenever she catches me watching it. She thinks that seeing the NCG in action will attract the blessing to me one day. And now that I'm seven years old, she especially pays attention to what I watch. It doesn't bother me that much. I mean, if I awaken the gift, we can just go to New Iden. My parents are well off so they can arrange for it to happen. Or so I thought. Little did I know just how much my life would change. One day after school, I decided to go to the library to read some books. Usually, I like to read science-fiction and fiction based books. Aside from that I like to on occasion pick up historical and scientific books as well. Today, November 11th was that occasion. I was looking for historical books based on Mesopotamia. That day, I noticed that Subira was there too so I sat beside her as usual. This time, she seemed distracted. I asked her what was wrong and sheepishly smiled back saying "I'm not feeling too well". Since I didn't know her too well, I hadn't realized that she was lying to me and just shrugged it off, telling her to go home if she's not well. She shook her head and said "I prefer to be here now, with the books. I feel safer here". At the time, I should have questioned that "safer" comment but I just shrugged it off again and responded with "O.K.". We sat there in this fashioned library for about an hour or two till 5 pm! It was nearly time for me to go home. As I began to pack up, I felt a hand reach out to me. It was Subira. She looked terrified of something, as tears started to swell up in her eyes. The words she spoke next made my heart sink to the bottom of my stomach. "I don't want to die," was her words, spoken like someone who's met death herself. Panicked, I immediately withdrew my hand and stared at her for a moment. "What did she mean by that?" I thought to myself as my heart started to race. She then looked away, looking around the library to see if anyone was looking. "Please, I don't know what to do, it just happened" she whispered as tears began swelling up in her eyes. I wanted to run! I didn't know why but that was my first train of thought. While I was being hysterical, Subira started packing up to leave, and just then I whispered out, "Are you one of them?" As soon as I asked, she broke down and started crying, "I never wanted this," she cried out as she fumbled out of her seat and fell to the floor. I really didn't know what to do at that point. In front of me was an actual NCG user. I have never met one before. Also, I've never been in a situation where a girl is crying in front of me. I really didn't know how to comfort her. After a second or two, I calmed down and walked up to her and sat down beside her. She's curled up and sobbing into her legs, so I just tapped her head, thinking it would help. It didn't. Luckily we were the only ones in the library at the time, and the librarian was too busy listening to her music to have heard us. I started asking her about her gift and what she meant by she didn't want to die. She told me that there wasn't a burst of light emanating from her body or an accidental blast from her hands. She just knew! That's how it's always been. One day you're a normal human, the next day you're an NCG. Your body changes in an instant and the knowledge is bestowed upon you. After that, she said that she went outside to try it out. Subira was already really smart so she knew the basic fundamentals  when it came to the elemental breakdowns. She explained that she tried to move a big boulder but couldn't do it. Then she tried a smaller one, and to her shock, was able to move it around. Fortunately for her, her father who was smoking on her family's balcony saw it happen. When I say fortunately for her, I meant that because of this she was able to overhear her father planning to sell her to one of the cults, as he thought her daughter was still outside and far enough to not hear him. The Cult often offers big money for anyone willing to sell off their kids to them. Not many would take that offer but those who are desperate in life will. Upon hearing her father's plans, she'd planned on fleeing today after school but came to the library to work up the courage. She was scared and lost. I thought about it for a while. "What would I have done had I heard my own father planning on selling me off? Who would I trust after that?" I felt really bad for her, so I asked her to come with me to stay with us for a while. She looked up at me with tears still in her eyes and a runny nose, "Really, can I stay with you?" sniffing profusely. "Sure!" admittedly hesitantly. Grandma always did say that I never do think before doing anything, and this moment couldn't have been truer. As we began walking to my home, the thought of what she said to me still hasn't left my mind. It wasn't the fact that she is an NCG user that's bothering me, it's the idea of a father willingly wanting to sell her daughter off to a cult. It made me sick to my stomach and also made me wonder, how would grandma react? How would Mom and Dad react? I mean, we're OK so money isn't an issue. Subira did say that her father sounded disgusted when she eavesdropped so maybe there's more to it than just money. As we got closer to my home I started panicking. What if grandma outright says no and sends her home? Grandma really hates the idea of NCG even being mentioned, so bringing one home is clearly a big no-no. I decided to hide her in the barn where the livestock are kept. Since it's Friday, I had the entire weekend to figure out what to do next. The barn is a few yards away from my home so sneaking in was relatively easy. Our barn had a small cabin next to it that sometimes acted as a guest house, but we rarely use it. That's where I had her stay. After I got her situated, I headed back home to my grandma literally drilling 200 questions at me, asking where I was and why I was late. After explaining to her that I just lost track of time because of this really good book I was reading, she eased off and told me to get ready for dinner. This was the first time I had directly lied to my grandma, and I didn't feel too good about it. However, I had to keep telling myself that it was for a good cause. "God would forgive me for this right?" We had dinner at 7 pm, and while on the dinner table I kept wondering as to what to do with Subira. Grandma took notice of my quietness and started paying even more attention to me. I had neglected that I too was 7 years old, the year in which the gift awakens. I didn't need her watchful eyes on me, not today! So I perked up and started talking about the recent books I've read to her. That usually puts her at ease! She really enjoys it when I talk about the things I've read in books. I guess I remind her of Dad in a way.  Speaking of my Dad, he was a bookworm too and my Mom was the sporty one. I mostly inherited my dad's love for books and mom's passion for sports played a part in my tolerance for outdoor activities. What brought my Mom and Dad together though was the night sky. Since my Dad knew so much about space, he would often tell her about all the wonderful stuff about the stars, the planets, and whatnot. My mom was actually more interested in exploring the unknown rather than understanding it but slowly began to appreciate the things that Dad was telling her and eventually she fell for him. After dinner, Grandma finally took a nap and I was able to go check up on Subira. I brought some food too knowing that she hasn't eaten in a while. Luckily, Grandma makes a ridiculous amount of food for just two people so I brought a lot. I had never snuck out of the house before, so I never noticed just how many things in the household made such loud noises. I kinda felt like a ninja trying to avoid them all. So after I made it to the cabin, Subira was sitting there reading one of my books. I often use the cabin to read while I tended to the livestock. "What are you reading?" as I brought in the food. She looked up and responded, "it's about space explorations or something, I didn't get far into it." The book she's reading was the one my Dad gave me. He wanted me to get an idea about what he's going to be doing in space. Mom and Dad are currently observing an anomaly that had entered into our galaxy. That's as much as I know about their work.  I sat down next to her and gave her a plate. "It's Fuul, have some!" as I handed her the plate! She seemed reluctant to take it at first but after I started eating, she soon joined in. "What are we gonna do?" She asks with a mouth full of food in her mouth. I responded in kind "I dunno," while trying not to choke. "But we have the whole weekend to figure it out so it'll be fine," while trying to sound confident. "You don't sound very confident" she retorted, totally calling me out on my bluff. She was right, I didn't know what to do. What was I gonna do in the first place? After the weekend is over, I have to go back to school and for sure her Dad was already looking for her as we speak. Eventually, I had to tell Grandma about her. The question is when? After eating I got up and told her, "Stay here for the night, tomorrow I'll come to check up on you and bring you breakfast". She nodded as I closed the door to the cabin. I snuck back into the house, still wondering why everything is ten times louder when you're trying to be sneaky, got upstairs, past my Grandma's room, who was still sleeping and went to bed. I was so tired that I went straight to sleep. The next morning, I went downstairs and to my shock, Subira was sitting at the kitchen table next to my Grandma having breakfast. I was speechless. I looked over at Subira who just gave me the "I'm sorry face" as she ate breakfast. My grandma, clearly annoyed, motioned me to take a seat. I sat down and immediately, she hit me with the million-NWU question. "Negusa, who is this girl and why did I find her in the cabin?" she asked sternly. I'm over here thinking to myself, "why did you go to the barn, you never go to the barn, why now?".  As it turned out, Subira had startled the chickens by dropping the books on the shelves, so Grandma went to check up on them and found her trying to bring them back to the coop. Great! She asked again, "Negusa, I asked you a question?" Well, I had no choice but to tell her the truth. I told her about how she ran away from home after she found out that her father wanted to sell her to human trafficking. I left out the NCG part for now. I can tell she wasn't fully buying the story but she reluctantly stood down. "My goodness, Negusa. What am I going to do with you"? She uttered to herself as she sat back down. Subira looked at me with worry in her eyes. She knew I'd lied but she also knew I had no choice. I went over to grandma to make my case, "Can she stay here? It's too dangerous for her to be out there on her own." "We have to report him to the authorities", she muttered to herself, pacing back and forth, "how can a man sell his own daughter like this?" Subira quickly let out a loud "NO!" and startled myself and my Grandma. I didn't realize she could get that loud. She quickly composed herself and said, "Please ma'am, no one can know". That's when it clicked for my Grandma and just then I could see the fear and rage take shape on her face. "GET OUT!" she screamed as she realized why this child didn't want to be reported, "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE"! I tried to calm my grandma down as she was going hysterical, yelling, "SHE WON'T HURT US GRANNY PLEASE!" My grandma turned her attention to me, continuing to yell, "HOW COULD YOU BRING SOMEONE LIKE HER HERE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE CHILD?" Nothing I was saying was getting to her, and the more she yelled, the more out of breath she started to get. Subira then ran to the cabin to hide while my grandma continued to chase after her. What have I done? Had I just ignored her none of this would be happening, as I chased after them. I never knew my grandma had such a detest for NCG. She caught up to Subira and hurled insults at her, telling her to leave her home at once. I caught up and just stood there. I didn't know what to do. What could I do? What should I do? There's no convincing her now. What's gonna happen to her? Will she die? As all these thoughts swirled around in my head like a tornado, then all of a sudden my mind went blank! For one second, it felt like everything had ceased to exist. When I came to, I had tears in my eyes. Weepingly, I called out to my Grandma who was still lashing out at Subira, "Granny...", I wept calling for her as she turned around to tell me to go inside, only to stop midway with horror in her eyes. Her worst nightmare had come true. As she gazed upon me, she fell on her knees and cried to God, asking why! What she saw was me, tears flowing out of my eyes, but not hitting the ground, but instead dancing around my body. I had become one of them. I had become an NCG! AlexNegusa Hey, hope you enjoyed your read! This is but a teaser for what to come in my upcoming debut novel. If it piqued your interest, then make sure to pre-order or add the light novel to your Amazon Wish list. Red Rapture is coming out on May 8th, 2021, on Amazon Kindle! https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08GCVRHY6?pf_rd_r=9VS1F4Y1S03Z865PJPMT&pf_rd_p=e632fea2-678f-4848-9a97-bcecda59cb4e

Enter Jason Johnson, a nineteen year old accountant working at a large corporation for experience, the job was an off land demo with pay. The male is of average build with some meat on his tummy, he sports casual clothing and a dual colored shirt black on the shoulders and neck with tan pants, not to mention neat grey shoes.  In dirtier details he’s always wearing an two centimeter erection despite his birth disposition, aside from such after working for three years he’s gained a nice foothold on money, and thus with that taste of success has grown quite cocky. This is a story of losing it all to foolishness, now like most accomplished men Jason was looking for a partner to complete his life, every man wants a woman he can cherish, Jason just wanted to objectify and possess a live onahole who could do chores… As the saying goes it’s not about what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside, but the bastard of a young man wasn’t pleasant either way, especially when he bragged of his micro baggage on the internet, growing worse once shamed a decent few times, it didn’t take long for him to pay women during office hours to visit him in cafes, which for him, he never lasted long due to being terrible at conversation.  The staff didn’t notice due to his intricate vpns, but the provider of the site certainly did, one day after typing away on his keyboard Jason received an email from a sketchy dating app, suggesting a free site, he gladly obliged not at all thinking it suspicious, it was after all one of his key websites. The process for entering was a strange one, they asked for him to specifically set his profile picture of his face, midsection, and thighs he happily obliged, running into the bathroom on his break and stripping for the camera, snap, snap, snap! He did not get any hits, so he finished up took his company policy phone and left for home, sleeping the rest of his useless day away, as he closed his eyes and fell into the darkness allowing blankness to overtake him, it wasn’t long before his phone was beeping with notifications. The dating site was on fire with notifications someone wanted to hookup with him, she was smoking, a tall Russian redhead with defined cheeks, a thin frame, the biggest bust, and a porn model lower half, especially her legs and supple buttocks in spicy poses, J.J. felt pretty good about himself. They texted, Cherry: Hey big boy~ Jajo: What’s up pretty mama? The two went at it for hours, Jason was determined she was playing hard to get, eventually she’d yield thus telling him to meet her at the park tomorrow, problem was it was during working hours, he hesitated but then whole heartedly agreed within a minute. His alarm clock went off for work, but he refused it, slamming his fist into the table nearby desperate to turn the blaring noises off, after eight loud attempts it was off. Eventually he woke up to his new model girlfriends text telling him to bring himself to the park bridge, he sighed feeling as if he was drowning in success while getting lazily dressed also with a hoodie, seeing as he was raunchy he got on the bus. It didn’t take long for him to reach the communal area, he walked in obedience to the directions his porno mistress gave, claiming she saw him, during the trip a mangy mutt was in the trash eating a hotdog, disgusted by this Jason would approach stealthily, waiting if the dog paused then advancing as it continued, it was quite the cycle before he picked up the meat between buns and threw it before running off and cackling at the whimpering beagle. Soon he’d get under an overpass, after that she told him: ”Strip, I’ll have sex with you!~” He gladly obeyed, tearing off his clothes in almost shreds.  “Look at the ground and put this on your balls, hurry it’ll make your orgasm feel better!” Little did he notice a cockring on the ground with many restrictive teste bonds, there were many wraps that made the struggling real, but besides that Johnson was sporting his signature small penis Johnson. The cockring was now snug onto the kinda skinny males sack and dick, it’d be hard to take off but worth it in Jajo’s opinon.  Next thing he know a feral tarantula  with big black fuzzy breasts jumps down next to him, Jason freeze before turning around terrified and running away for dear life, however she shoots a web and catches the unsuspecting teenager, placing Jason next to the almost skeletal remains of  males with bursted stomaches, containing a few green glowing eggs, the smell was sickly sweet like rotting trash with vanilla cake in it that’d been heated up by the baking sun, the meat was nasty, it was a miracle nobody noticed the constricted bodies under the underpass. It took an hour but Jason was weaved into a roll of web, the only thing that was constant was the relaxing swish of her handiwork, his mouth of course was long covered with a splatter of webby material, the only part of him that was left out was his cock and balls. During the day she’d use her fuzzy legs to smack the dark mans fat orbs, the pain rushed throughout his body and he squirmed, it didn’t help the legs had sharp hair on them, she’d hit at least a few times like she was hunting flies. Smack! Smack! Smack! Nngh, urrrk!! The pattern repeated for two days… Those days went by painfully slow, like an eternity of soreness and punishment before finally, her legs would come together and jerk him. She’d jerk, raising his semen levels, the incoming orgasm felt so worthwhile, the rush of blood and pounding of his ears as the pleasurable sensation reached his rod was irresistible. However she’d never let him cum, days on end of playing for an hour and leaving his cock to throb aimlessly as it was out, much like his nostrils as he struggled to breathe in the webbing body bag. She’d goons him for what felt like weeks feeding him her Unhatched eggs, while busting their balls like a femdom, then tenderly placing her mandibles next to his moist orbs the next which raised his heartbeat tremendously, day after day he got fatter from the crushed nutrients of spider eggs getting nice and plump the bug woman would press her boobs against his mini meat slightly brushing past them before climbing up on her web, Jason couldn’t move though, barely even see, only witness in feeling the moisture as a cavernous pit tightened around his dick with aching balls that threatened to fall off, they made almost hollow sounds, besides that the spider would raise herself up and down with all her legs as if get stick bugged dancing, desperate for release the Johnson boy with his strengthened three centimeter erection  weakly hump a few times before they chittered and both ejaculated, she forced a dozen eggs into his  scrotum each one the size of blueberries which some travel to his stomach, a few didn’t, now dazed and incubating her children next to a hoard of fresh meat a night later his guts explode with beautiful spider babies, not energetic enough to cry he slowly drifted off to the great rest, his package dropped right onto the hands of a female chef who lickd her redhead lips and strutted off… The End?

The content of this chapter is a joint contribution belonging to the respective members of https://soulsocietynet.jcink.net/ and is posted here on SH for your enjoyment.   Aizen had never asked for any of their trust, and only a fool would have surrendered it. It was not in an Arrancars nature to trust, yet the word itself was placid. What did it mean? Ulquiorra had been walking a moment before, unaware he'd even stopped. Those near feline-like eyes had found themselves fixed on the moon, it had halted his progression toward his own quarters. That realization had yet to meet awareness, which only showed how much Ulquiorra was a slave to unseen and unfelt forces within himself. Not long ago he'd been a vagrant, of no value to anyone... yet Aizen had decided he now was of worth. Did that mean Aizen knew Ulquiorra better than the Espada himself? Espada. A new title, a word to denote his position in the world. That which moves all things had given him this word and it had value... but not to the trees, sky, sand, and this moon. Meaning itself had no meaning, words like sand and moon were given by arbitrary decision long ago. Their names could have been any number of things, so in that, they had no relevance either. But they still were what they were, exalted elements that defined and painted the world. Memories were carved into each one. This was when he'd realized he was no longer walking, noticed he was transfixed by a heavenly body that he could only validate because his eyes perceived it. Did that mean when no one saw the moon it no longer existed? To be certain, it affected the world as more than a spectacle. It pulled on the planet, created tides. That's why he'd once called it the mover... yet now, he was. "Sophomoric." Needing a single word to dissuade him of any more distracting thoughts, this was the one that he'd elected to make use of. Something having no meaning and something having no purpose was entirely different. Let the moon shine, let the sand roll with chilled wind, and let Aizen rule it all.   Nadežhda happened to be leaning against one of the vast structure of Las Noches' pillars, entertaining the thought of going to see Aizen for herself when the newly appointed Espada #7 passed by, or rather paused in awe of the moon... "I personally don't think there's much to be intrigued by with our moon..." Nadežhda's words echoed strangely within the nearly empty space of Las Noches. Bone white hair (The only visible remnant of her former Hollow mask.) glistened under the moonlight. Sapphire eyes beheld Ulquiorra Cifer, a grim smile crossing over the former Council Member's features. A gentle calm weighed over Nadežhda's form, even her wolfish ears were relaxed as she greeted the Fellow Arrancar. Ever since Aizen's arrival it seemed few others, if anyone at all, dared to enter the place anymore. Though she hadn't yet spoken with him personally, their new Shinigami leader seemed to be a pragmatic one, even aiding the less fortunate Hollows into achieving their new, almost mask-free forms. Though she currently sat as a former member of the Arrancar Council, Nadežhda still answered directly to Barragan, though Barragan himself now sat as a member of Aizen's personal army, ones coined as the Espada. Aizen's current interests didn't seem to align with stripping the former Council members of any rights or property. Her territory, Shirakabe, even Underbright and the secrets it held were hers to keep. In fact the Shinigami invaders hadn't changed much at all except for the command structure... Due to these reasons Nadežhda hadn't yet seen any need nor necessity to attempt or coordinate any form of removal. But not all of the Espada Nadežhda scouted were necessarily that strong. In a strange way, Aizen's choice to exclude her from his selection and instead keep her under Barragan's command left a sour taste in the Prideful Wolf Queen's mouth.   What pulls the moon still had on him became apparent, when he'd clearly let someone slip through his Pesquisas. A mistake, mistakes were signs of a psyche unperfected. What else could they be? Ulquiorra wanted the measure of anyone he reacted to, yet Nadezda was going to see his first. Human philosophers had once said that the truth of a man was revealed in the instances where there was an unseen voyeur able to study them while their victim remained ignorant of their presence. He'd compared it to rats scattering when the light was flipped on, or some other such none sense. Yet, if his mind rejected the idea... why had it clung to it to superimpose it on this instant? Ulquiorra knew what consequences came of a mind that was made vulnerable by figments of sentimentality. He had no moon anymore, it was now Aizen. The hierarchy had been established and now needed to be adhered to. He was perfectly willing to surrender control, but only to 'him'. There was no 'hers' in that calculation. "Nadezda." Her name came to his mind, and then his mouth in a wrote repetition of the identical way he'd heard it pronounced the first time. Ulquiorra wouldn't change the way he spoke her name until pressures in an opposing direction corrected his current way of verbalizing it. As a stand-alone title, it merely served to push his thoughts to start attaching authorities and histories of Hueco Mundo to its ledger. This was what his mind associated with Nadezhda and thus became Nadezda. He remained as ever a slave to his reactions, a partial widening of his eyes lasted longer than an instant, but less than a moment. It was there for her to see, but still subtle enough to be overlooked. ... Then he took in the contents of her words, not just 'what' she said, but how she said them. Were they of interest to her, or was she merely breaking the silence? Either way, it required a motive. Though new, Ulquiorra was gaining a reputation of being dismissive to the point of negating someone's presence. Some of the more anxious Espada didn't care for that, they wanted to be seen as great by anything with a number higher than theirs. Ridiculous... 'Our moon', that was her wording of choice. Not 'the moon', our. What did it imply? Was she merely being inclusive? No one in 'that' pit was ever inclusive, they were black on black... she was the furthest from, hair as white as the very sands of Hueco Mundo. This was a desert creature, yet desert creatures fed on anything that strayed out by itself. " Does a different moon intrigue you then?" He was willing to play the part of prey to this predator, and any weakness she might expose would change his measure of her in terms of use to Lord Aizen. In the end, he needed her only to answer one question. Would her words and actions aline?   Nadežhda gave a subtle frown at Ulquiorra’s mispronunciation of her name, one which turned abruptly into a hint of amusement in his brief but noticeable surprise at her presence before him. Fresh The wolfish Arrancar mused. Her back pressed against the cold stone pillar, pushing Nadežhda to standing rather than continue to lean so casually. ”I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced yet. I am Nadežhda. Formerly a member of the Arrancar Council, I presently serve as Fracción to Barragan.” There were no forced movements or rigidity with how the wolf Queen approached Ulquiorra, and her words were emphatically clear towards the proper pronunciation of her name as she proceeded to introduce herself. ”You don’t seem to be one for mincing words, though I fail to understand the reasoning behind such a statement.” Nadežhda cast a curious glance towards the Espada before her. An Intellectual perhaps dwelling on his own thoughts without sharing what he’d meant by the word, ’Ridiculous’? Either way this one seemed inclined to engage in conversation, as limited as such conversation seemed to be at present… His question though… The wolfish Arrancar took a moment to gaze towards the moon her counterpart had engrossed himself within a mere moment prior. ”Perhaps… In the past I believed this moon to be unreachable, but in recent years I’ve come to realize something through my observations...” Nadežhda reached up with her left hand towards the moon in Hueco Mundo’s dusk and gloomy sky. From her perspective she held the moon perfectly in the palm of her hand before closing her fingers around it. ”Ulquiorra, are you aware that the humans in their world have something similar to this which hangs high within their own sky?” Nadežhda asked, turning an eye toward him in order to gauge his response. ”Humans are pitifully weak creatures, and yet they’ve managed to actually touch upon that moon with their own hands.” The wolfish Arrancar let her arm return to her side before addressing Ulquiorra more directly. “They might still be weak in every sense of the word, but humans have managed to accomplish a feat which we have yet to achieve.” Aizen’s presence in Hueco Mundo alone defied the very logic of their world. Shinigami and Hollows did not mingle, yet here he stood atop the chain of command, willingly resigning himself to an existence within the vast emptiness of this place. Nadežhda could only think that, similar to the humans, perhaps he too sought to accomplish something the others had not. This thought intrigued her and she wished to inquire further into Aizen’s intents, his purpose...   She was too loose with her expressions, showing weakness should be reserved for those that had the power to compensate for such shortcomings. Only lord Aizen should have that freedom, showing his neck and daring a wolf to bite it. " I know who you are." He was quick to say it, in a hurry to correct the idea that his knowledge didn't encapsulate anything that happened within the halls of Las Nochas. Every Fraccion, every Espada, EVERY Arrancar that Aizen made from the Hogyoku Ulquiorra did all in his power to gather the valid data. Since boredom wasn't one of his faults, he could scan through endless documents without the need to stop until his thirst was satisfied. Anything near Aizen, he had to know about... Even Tosen and Gin had been thoroughly looked into... yet, Gin's record felt incomplete in a way. Still, he was so much like an Arrancar Ulquiorra felt compelled to overlook it, Aizen at the very least held little reservation in keeping him close. Ulquiorra's time here had been limited, but Aizen had directed him in what was worth investigating...taking stacks of data and reducing it to more manageable reading. This had to be combined with growing his own Reiastu, not because he wanted to be stronger... but he wanted to be more useful to Aizen, and that meant BEING stronger. Regardless, nothing about pronouncing her name properly had any value to him. Yet, if one's name is their identity - then getting it wrong did mean he was denying one of his lord's warrior's existence. So, he stopped... drew her title back in, then tried once more putting slow emphasis on her name this time around. " Nadežhda..." Not unlike a child trying to learn a teacher's name for the first time. He remained statuesque, having both hands placed in his pockets while looking upon her without the use of an expression. He could very well be looking beyond her, yet his eye did see all. Since he rejected the metaphysical, his ability to determine patterns in the physical was quite keen. He had to filter out some of what she said, all of it required thought in deciphering the type of person she was, yet he could only pursue one strand at a time. Only Lord Aizen could put all someone was in a box and not allow any of it to seep out of the sides. That was not a talent Ulquiorra could use, even Arrancar's pretended like emotions were real, and deciphering lies others believed was taxing. ... Then she did it, she mirrored the same movement he'd made in the pit of his birth. Her hand reached out toward the moon, it shined on her exposing any part of her body that was in front of the window to its light. Ulquiorra imagined this is what it looked like when it had touched him back then. She was white too, what kind of beast had she been when her mask was adorned? Was she rejected or embraced?... Nadežhda was not a void, she was not nothing. Realizing he was transfixed on her wrist, his eyes drifted off her and his legs carried him away more than a few steps. But, he did come to stop again. One might almost believe sentimentality created a noxious aura that he could not endure. " To what end would we go there? Humans have a vain desire to do all their crude minds bring to the surface. Arrancars should only do that which serves a purpose." His bitterness toward humans and obvious condescension laced every word. Even without putting emotions into his syllables, he managed to make each one reveal his hostility toward the weaker race. Was there an underlining meaning she was getting at? She spoke of disgust toward humans, yet her mind also conjured ways to see them as superior. Was it a concern? Not yet, it was premature to draw that conclusion.   ”Do you really know who I am though?” Nadežhda threw the question after the tail end of Ulquiorra’s response which seemed to have been made in hasty confidence. The Espada’s arrogance shown brighter than he might’ve believed he’d let on. Foolish, shortsighted arrogance. In a way This Espada’s response reminded her of Azsheran’s own arrogance. Believing he knew more than she did, he’d attempted to coo against her position as ruler over Shirakabe, only to end up learning a valuable and very humbling lesson in response. Nadežhda offered a quaint smile in response to Ulquiorra’s correction to her name. He was at least respectable, if nothing else. ”I would advise against presuming to know more than you do, else you might find yourself falling short in the end.” Nadežhda’s gaze drew distant as she spoke these words. Knowing, realizing, and understanding the real truths behind others. These things required more than simple research and disconnected observation. If one voided themselves of all emotions when looking out into the existences of others then their perspective would inevitably become stunted and incomplete. ”What makes you think there has to be an end? The vain desires and struggles of humans to constantly improve upon themselves eventually leads to progress and purpose alike. Think about it for a moment, if everything in existence were perfect what then would purpose amount to?” Nadežhda paused a moment to allow the philosophical atmosphere to set in before continuing. ”The answer is quite simply nothing. Without a goal to reach toward there can be no purpose.” Nadežhda’s own feet carried her in like direction, once again moving beside Ulquiorra. ”While I agree that humans can be rather simple, it is also true that they are, each of them, unique in their own ways. Whatever your reasons are for detesting their existence, there still remains much that is useful which can be learned from them. From both their mistakes and their achievements. Even their inherent ability to forget and repeat the mistakes of their predecessors. It would be unwise to ignore the treasure trove of knowledge which can be obtained from humans through something as simple as observation.” Nadežhda spaced forward, leaving Ulquiorra a few steps behind herself before pausing. ”That Arrancar should have purpose is correct. Without purpose we’d simply have no reason to exist. Before this ascension we now share in, the both of us were nothing more than survivors. But now we have a chance to do something more than that…” Glancing behind towards Ulquiorra, Nadežhda offered a confident smile. ”Since you claimed to know so much about me, perhaps you can guess as to what my current purpose in being here happens to be.” Not a question, but an inquiry. His response, even if it were nothing more than silence, would tell Nadežhda much.   "Nothing is enough." It was a flat response, revealing his total satisfaction with the reply. Few knew the true value of nothing, he was indeed unique in this. While submerged in the Moonlight Tree, he'd been cut off from everything...nothing to see, feel, hear... nothing to harm, nothing to exalt, just the pure bliss of nothing. Was this a lesson everyone should know? Or was it one for him personally? If he did try to teach it, it occurred to him based on her previous answer she likely would reject it. Fair enough, he'd keep his paradise to himself. She, like others, believed there was a 'true self' beneath the surface. That without knowing this obscured, furtive presence that they remained an enigma to all who engaged with them. It was this illusion of 'true self' that revealed their identity, it showed a desire to remain unknown. By this, they were known. The lids on his eyes narrowed slightly, the tell-tale sign that Ulquiorra was not just listening...but concentrating. She was revealing something about herself without knowing it, and his mind was starting to unravel what it was. " I know what I know, that too is sufficient." He'd changed the word 'enough' from his first reply to 'sufficient' now. Would she realize why? Did she feel the weight of his measurement of her? More importantly, were such things important to her? What did she dismiss and what did she retain? He could continue to change subtle details, to show her through manipulation what emotions really are. If he started to try and pull her strings, would she realize how empty emotions are? ...would she realize they weren't real? His stare was at her back, they believed their flesh to be a cauldron with emotions churching inside them. It was a word to use because few wanted to be just a by-product of nature, no different than the sand they would return to in the end. If she was split open in this instant, would all those 'so-called' emotions come spilling out to drown him? His eyes closed to contemplate on her question, leaving only green tears behind to be looked at by the observer. Each Arrancar had unique reasons to be in Los Noches, escape, companionship, fear, hate, or to sate one's hunger. A wolf though, in the end, joined a pack to feel safe and be secured. Yet in the end, what all wolfs wanted... " To be the alpha, to lead your own pack." He could not think beyond what nature revealed, he was blind to the metaphysical. A part of him wanted to pry at what she called emotions, find out what she attached herself too and terrorize it. But to what end? She was not the enemy. " Humans are trash, I'd not exalt myself in the ways we are similar." And THAT, was his measure of her.   ’Nothing is enough’ Enough huh… Sufficient, was it? Nadežhda stared back on Ulquiorra, a grim and flatly stoic, strangely pitying expression spread across her face. ”Nothing Is only sufficient enough to those who have yet to embrace the something that can exist in its place.” Her stare was intense, concentrated. If anything, she’d already spent centuries of her existence as a hollow with the experiences of nothing. She could agree in some sense that nothing was indeed enough, sufficient even at times. But she’d grown beyond that, grew to open her mind to the things around herself and to appreciate things for what they were. To be filled with experiences was to leave the void of nothingness behind. Perhaps if Ulquiorra sought to fill his nothing with something, anything, he might think differently about it in the end. Instead she simply chose not to preach her own understandings. ”But if that’s how you truly feel then I suppose there’s nothing left to say about it than to each their own.” Nadežhda offered the phrase with a shrug of the shoulders. Arguing their philosophies would get them nowhere. Although Nadežhda would enjoy learning about the beliefs and philosophies of others, her goal right now didn’t actually involve Ulquiorra. As subtle as she’d been about her purpose within Las Noches and the goals she sought while visiting, she’d still expected the Espada to catch on to her reason. What she hadn’t expected was how naive a response Ulquiorra would give to her inquiry. It was so much so that Nadežhda couldn’t help but let out a loud and boisterous laugh. His response was filled with logic, dictated by the knowledge that she, a wolf, would seek the comfort and safety in leading a pack of her own. Such a base response, one would normally find themselves truly offended by such stereotyping. Nadežhda however found amusement in it. ”So you’re saying you believe me to be such a base and cowardly creature as to seek shelter among the crowd?” Nadežhda laughed, enough so that she actually ended up needing to wipe away tears. ”I take it you’ve never heard of the term lone wolf before then, have you.” The wolfish Arrancar stifled her laughter, clearing her throat. ”In any case, the answer to that statement would be no. Firstly I don’t have reason to seek an alpha position when I already have one of my own, secondly you offend my by thinking I need to hide behind my subordinates.” With an accusing finger pointing to Ulquiorra, Nadežhda jabbed. ”My purpose in coming here is much like what you are seeking to do right now. To judge, to evaluate, and to presume a reasonable conclusion based on what I learn as a result.”   What was she after? Why did she allow herself to leak with spasms and outbursts? Was it all just defiance? In that way, she was like an Arrancar - but the self-importance reminded him of a human. Then again, Arrancar's were no strangers to pride. When his eyes opened again, he was bearing the brunt of her laughter. It didn't sway his reaction, at best he looked to be waiting for it to end as one might wait at a bus stop. Was he supposed to care if he was wrong? Saying a wrong answer could mean two things, she did not know herself - or he could now make a new assessment. Either way, the guess only did him good. He had no dignity to damage by being wrong. "Nothing is something, I told you it was enough." She did not understand, perhaps she had at some point but that felt distant. Wolfs were creatures of evolution, constantly changing trying to find the right shape that allowed them dominion over the rest of the pack. And to associate herself with a lone one? He did know of them, as merely a data point... they were vulnerable and died sooner than the rest. There was little anyone could do alone, Ulquiorra knew that much... the number on his chest was a constant reminder, but his memories taught the same lesson. Most of her assertion was correct, but not all. Was there a purpose in informing her of it? Did it harm him any for her to continue in a flawed belief? Reality did have value, he preferred it over anything else." Weak? Only in the attention, you give to humans..." He paused here, bale seeping into the way he slowed down his cadence mid-sentence. " Fear exists by a consensus of reactions from living creatures, nothing more. As false as it is, I'd suggest exorcising the notion when it comes to Lord Aizen." He didn't think her weak, or cowering... he thought she was trying to expand her territory and pack. That was why he brought Aizen in, to warn her of her limits. That said, it was still off the mark from what she claimed to be her reasoning. Smart though, she should access her threats. So now she had held her hand out toward the same moon and duplicated his motive. Was she trying to be some representative of what he could be? Was this a pep talk to try to drive him out of his shell?... ...There is nothing but shell for all of us. He kept that thought to himself though.   Again with the nothing is something? Nadežhda released an inaudible sigh. Ulquiorra was turning out not to be a conversation partner she’d be able to have future, in-depth discussions with. Sure he responded to her words but he held himself extremely rigid to a fault. Dead set in his ways, unable to even consider alternative perspectives… This arrancar likely wouldn’t be able to metaphorically put himself into anyone else’s shoes… It was both a strength and a weakness in itself. ”Nothing is indeed something, I don’t doubt your convictions in this regard. For it to be enough may be sufficient for you. I myself was there once. Perhaps at one point in my past I would’ve agreed with you on that. But I’ve reached beyond the Nothing and it is no longer enough to be sufficient for me. That is my conviction.” Nadežhda stood before Ulquiorra, Considering and assessing now how much more time she ought to waste with petty arguments before it would be right to move on towards her real objective. ”You should not underestimate humans, Ulquiorra. Nor should you underestimate any existence which thrives and strives to prove its own worth. No matter how vain or pointless you think it might be for them to struggle, one of the number you call inferior could have the potential to become something that you, or even I, will not be able to contend with.” Nadežhda’s words and expression were both grim. Her eyes filled with a knowing, of something she herself had seen and he had yet to see himself… She knew of at least one. A human male named Troilus, who for all accounts that she knew, was still alive out there somewhere. Theocelese and herself… Two members of The Arrancar Council. They had been powerless, utterly incapable of putting an end to him. And now Theocelese was dead. ”As for fear, it is both a boundary and a tool which should be used. If we do not strive to overcome that fear and break past our own, self-imposed limitations, then we are no better than those who already humble themselves before its oppressive aura.” Nadežhda nodded to Ulquiorra, a subtle thanks for his warning. ”You may be right about Aizen. He is indeed powerful enough to impose fear into even the strongest Arrancar in Hueco Mundo. But if he is to continue as our ally and leader then I will not allow myself to be ruled by fear.” Her expression cold and stern, Nadežhda turned her back to the Espada and began to walk. ”I do not grant my loyalties to those who would impose undue duress, which is why I’ve come to Las Noches in order to seek his audience. If I am to continue serving under Aizen then I prefer it be with a clear and uncensored understanding of his purpose. You are welcome to accompany me in this endeavor Ulquiorra, or not. It makes no difference to me one way or the other.”   He was nothing if not consistent, Ulquiorra found what worked then installed it as an unmovable fact. Arrancar like her were fickle, they praised their ability to adapt and change... mercurial, capricious. Rigidity was the better way, who gazed upon a statue and were satisfied if it changed? The mind developed expectations based on repeated patterns, she wasn't the first to assume there was a better way. Yet, this way still functioned. He then just stated the obvious, perhaps in an attempt to cause her to surrender on the fruitless attempt to provoke responses in him that simply did not exist. She wanted to mold things, but she was no mover... Ulquiorra knew what a mover looked like, he'd FELT a mover. Strong as she was (greater than him for certain)... she could not move. What lesser beings called 'disappointment' was all that awaited her... Yet, there was no harm in allowing her to try. Barragan himself had tried to resist the irresistible... why should not his Fraccion do the same? She needed a lot of words to make a point, either her mind was incapable of condensing information or she enjoyed the sound of her own voice. Anyone who talked to Ulquiorra for more than 3 exchanges realized how little he engaged... Perhaps it had been their connection to the moon that had made Nade see some glimmer of hope in that regard. He now actively worked to crush that belief. ...Beyond Nothing? Ridiculous, he thought the word for the second time already. She had her fill and left nothingness behind because she could not be content, that was her flaw... that's why she wanted to be the mover. Her weakness was the inability to reach permanent satisfaction. She'd always be chasing the stars, just like the moon. His silence was dense, she spoke and her words may as well had been to the marble pillars adjacent to them. Her words sunk into a void and returned drained of all their vibrant ambitions on the other side. Aizen too knew the power of silence, yet he would at least give her more than a blank expression. Then words did come to him, he seemed eager to berate humans (each time the opportunity presented itself) by the way he readily broke dead air in order to bastardize them. " And if I were to grant your conjecture, that one human was a diamond in the rough...what would that entail? An exception to a rule does not remake all the others... it is simply cancer in an otherwise unimpaired host." That reply had lasted longer than he liked, it brought a bit of phantom pain to his collar which his alabaster fingers rose up to rub at. ... She caused me discomfort? How? He didn't respond now, following behind at a slightly slower pace allowing Nade to drift further ahead on her way toward Aizen. There was no point trying to convince her what fear really was, she wanted to believe it came from a none existing source. Like a religion, so many clung to this idea. Neurons firing in the mind creating similar patterns of behaviors, those were their vaunted 'emotions'. They were easily suppressed, reality cannot be suppressed but 'emotions' can, which meant they were not real. Resisting Aizen? One might as well try to hold the moon in place. Its force would overwhelm and reveal limitations that should have been obvious from the beginning. She acted as though her choices played any part in shaping events, at the end of this hall... she'd learn differently.   ”Perhaps not, but it does imply there can be unknowns, possibilities that go beyond our preconceived or learned beliefs.” Nadežhda didn’t pause or turn around this time as she spoke. Her motives and path were now clear. Pacing herself so as not to leave Ulquiorra too far behind, she’d garnered more words from the Espada than all exchanges previous. Interesting… There could yet be room for growth within this one. The wolfish Arrancar smiled to herself, an expression hidden from the other since he followed from behind. They walked, Nadežhda’s newfound silence broken only once before they arrived in order to praise and address what she considered might be of concern to Ulquiorra. ”Your loyalties with regards to Aizen are commendable Ulquiorra. The other Arrancar all fear and respect the strength behind this man and that is the only reason why they follow. Yet you seem to hold something much deeper than that. A connection with Aizen that the others don’t seem capable of grasping at. While I am impressed with the man’s strength, I also wish to understand the motives of my allies, and this connection. As it stands there’s tolerance among the masses that fall before the presence of this man, but mere tolerance could be detrimental to the grand scheme in the end. I prefer to operate under a unified front, which is something even Barragan was unable to provide for us.” Silence again fell as Nadežhda drew herself closer to the place in which she knew Aizen resided. For a time the only sounds to be heard were of the Wolfish Arrancar’s footsteps on the hard stone flooring. Eventually the two of them stopped before the chambers Nadežhda sought. Turning to her companion Espada, Nadežhda spoke with a tone housing more formality than she’d offered to their interactions thus far. ”I’m sure in the current state of things, my position as Fraccion to Barragan likely garners me very few privileges and It would be uncouth of me to simply barge in unannounced or without invitation. It is ultimately for this reason that I must request of you, Ulquiorra Cifer, do allow me an audience with Lord Aizen.” Nadežhda offered Ulquiorra a formal standing, awaiting his approval. Though in all honesty she didn’t think she truly needed it.   His pace didn't change, it had been a distant walk from the veranda to Aizen's throne room. Each step she gained barely an inch in distance. He knew this not by sight but by measuring the taps of his feet compared to her own. Ulquiorra set his own pace, he was not following her yet remained within earshot. Regardless of anything, he'd arrive before Aizen at the time this speed would produce. Even when she began talking again, his pace remained the same. Yet, in her pause, she became louder as the sound had to cross less space to reach him. He'd originally intended to await outside unless summoned, yet Nade herself requested he be there. It was the way of things, if she was to compete for the role as mover...then the void needed to see what position it would fill into the potential emptiness. Ulquiorra did not know if Aizen in his great wisdom knew how fickle an ally Espada 7 was - or perhaps he did. If Sosuke knew the terms to control Ulquiorra were simply ' not be defeated' then why would someone like him worry? With those conditions, Sosuke Aizen would rule this Espada til the end of all time. Besides, who really cared about the loyalties of no one and nothing embodied? Of what value was a void? Step - ”Your loyalties with regards to Aizen are commendable Ulquiorra." They were not, they just were. Step - "The other Arrancar all fear and respect the strength behind this man and that is the only reason why they follow." Male yes, man? She was approaching this meeting with the wrong mindset already. Step - "Yet you seem to hold something much deeper than that." No more than sand gave way under the wind. Step - "A connection with Aizen that the others don’t seem capable of grasping at. " He was beside her on this step, and his mind disregarded praise just as easily as an insult. He arrived at the door, the rest of what she said was noted - but mostly rendered nulled. Ulquiorra only listened for the core of someone's point, once their premise was fixed he could evaluate the worth of their speech as either diatribe or substantive. " I know, that's why you stopped at the door in the first place." His eyes remained on the entrance, passing her before she'd even completed the sentence - looking past the woman toward the source of all pressure to mold reality. His hand had no reverence in it that one might expect, it simply rose, touched the two doors on the right side, and pushed it in. The light from the hall spilled into the thick regal air of the throne room, the entire enviroment was built the crush the resolve of anyone who walked in it. On either side were menacing pillars of glistening pretenses of force, looming like wardens that could release power to remove anyone who stepped into such hollow blackness. And when the door closed, it would only get darker. The faint glow that came from the singular light was a heavenly luminescence that was at the throne... yet the path to get there was a long one. Anyone who feared Aizen would walk a lengthy corridor getting narrower and narrower til he was at the end. Like the whole room bent under his gaze. Ulquiorra walked in the dark rigidly, the same subtle light steps across a paneled floor of green marble that didn't become visible as 'floor' until nearly halfway down the immensity. Those metronome steps finally finished right before the throne...Ulquiorra stood the same distance from it every time. This was his constant, a spot on the floor that was near enough for Aizen to will him to death, but not close enough to be an offense to the eyes. He respected Aizen's aesthetic of this room and more or less became a part of it. Bow and words followed one another, as he tilted forward. " Lord Aizen, Barragan's Fraccion - The Lady Nadežhda." He kept this position, he didn't raise his head or eyes - he was now a statue that would hold in place having performed its duty.   ’I know, that's why you stopped at the door in the first place.’ Nadežhda offered Ulquiorra a curt smile in response, one which he likely wouldn’t notice as his attention remained on the entrance before him, never shifting to regard the wolfish Arrancar in any way. Assuming his new role as escort without question, Nadežhda gave up lead and followed. Nadežhda found the path to the throne more… familiar, perhaps even a bit more inviting than was likely the desired intent. A place of importance, strength, and oppression were all rolled into a singular location like a well plotted course. She could see no fault with this place’s demeanor, though it did hold some humbling pressures Nadežhda could only now relate to. She could feel the mental oppression this place bestowed upon those who would seek to oppose the force seated upon the throne. The Wolf Queen could clearly remember the horrified expression on Azsheran’s face when she’d dealt him his due punishments for attempting to oppose her. Perhaps it’d been an unintended punishment for Feena as well since Nadežhda ordered the healer to simply reattach the defiant Arrancar’s severed arm, nothing more. Nadežhda believed herself to be a benevolent leader towards those who followed and served beneath her. Azsheran’s defiance and the public display of punishment brought down upon him had simply served as an opportunity to offer up a lesson to any others who might dare oppose either her leadership or her strength. In the case of Aizen, he still remained as mostly a mystery to Nadežhda. He hadn’t yet served as their leader long enough for her to grasp understanding beyond his simply being an overwhelmingly powerful being. What sort of ruler that would ultimately make him into? Nadežhda wanted to find out… But she would need to play her cards correctly less she incur undue retributions. When introduced the wolfish Arrancar stepped forward, remaining several steps offset behind Ulquiorra himself. She knelt, keeping her eyes steady, aimed no higher than the feet of Las Noches’ ruler. If she wanted to gain standing with the one everyone referred to as ‘Lord Aizen’ then she would first need to offer the respect deserved of her present position as Fraccion to one of his very own subjects. Whether she thought he ought to continue receiving such respects would depend upon what advances could be gained through this meet… Nadežhda remained silent. In the case of kings and monarchs. Subjects, especially those of lower authority (as was her present position), were only permitted to speak when spoken to…   "Oh?" a snake-like smile appeared on Gin's face as he turned his head just slightly to the side. "Seems we got a guest. Bringin' yer girlfriend to visit?" he teased in a very calm tone. Gin was ignored by them, as Ulquiorra addressed Aizen with a bow and an introduction. The female arrancar knelt like some sort of knight. "Well ain't she a respec'ful one." he said. "You have no need to bow. Is there something you need, Nadežhda?" The look in Aizen's eyes was extremely, eerily calm. Gin's expression was mischievous, as if he were just waiting to do something. But Aizen, there was nearly nothing. His tone was level and slightly inviting.   It was best to count Ulquiorra for what he was, a statue. Gin's attempt at snide endearance didn't elicit any response. While he'd certainly heard the words, in the presence of Aizen he'd become as stagnant as a transcriber. The question about his relationship had no relevance, it had no answer because he could only understand one part of Gin's chosen phrase ' girl'... but friend? Intellectually perhaps he grasped the word, but Ulquiorra knew reality, which was why he didn't rely on words alone. Gin used his words in what sounded like harmless jabs; they were not harmless. Ulquiorra deciphered a pattern... as lighthearted as Gin's quips were, they always sought to influence the recipient. Gin was probing, testing, and digging for information. That was good, someone Aizen kept close was someone who acted on data, which was superior to how Tosen acted... He was emotion based, he came off as...too human. Honor. Another word without meaning, just sentiments. That was how he'd come to tell human from Arrancar, sentiment. Arrancar should not have sentiment, which was part of what made him unsure about Nadežhda herself. What was she willing to do with so many overwhelming forces about her? Would she regret asking Ulquiorra to give her this audience?... What was regret? His mind had a default understanding of the concept, but he couldn't feel it - so, maybe it wasn't right to use it in his thoughts? All things that existed were measured by Aizen, Aizen could convince him the sky wasn't black - it should be called yellow, and Ulquiorra would forever call all things yellow black, regardless of what anyone else said. Because this was the shaper of all things. This was Aizen, a force of nature... no, nature itself given a form of flesh. Nature had given rise to Ulquiorra, so naturally, if it created an avatar of itself then Ulquiorra was subservient to it. Humans might even say Ulquiorra would see Aizen as the closest representative he'd have to a 'father', as far as genesis was concerned. Ulquiorra didn't know this was the cost of abandoning emotion, by allowing himself to be molded by that without intentions. He couldn't reach logical assessments of reality, because reality encompassed emotion. Yet, he'd argue he never had emotions to abandon, to begin with. Aizen was more than the image that the eyes beheld, Nade would know that momentarily.   Gin’s insults fell on deaf interpretations. Though she would remember them, Nadežhda buried the words into her memories, never to be called upon again. Instead she took notice of approval and promptly returned to standing, understanding the immediate adequacy (or rather inadequacy) of her presumed notion behind the necessity to adhere formalities. Aizen sat calm, perhaps too calm. The man exuded an unnatural level of power and authority yet needed neither to speak nor acknowledge for himself through voice in order to make this fact known. Nadežhda inwardly smiled. Gin’s standing felt to her like nothing more than a fly before the frog. An insignificant and small existence presenting itself in lieu of Aizen himself. The wolfish Arrancar could see now why Barragan’s failure had been so absolute, so humbling for their previous ruler. His strength couldn’t have hoped to ever hold a candle to this man. For this reason, Nadežhda believed it in her best interest to push forward. Looking now to Aizen, Nadežhda spoke. ”Lord Aizen, while I can say that your appearance here in Hueco Mundo and your newfound dominion over Las Noches doesn’t surprise me in the least, I am still a bit and curious… It intrigues me to want to know why you chose this place above any other. I also believe that in order to better understand your purpose, it would behoove me to request an alteration to my position.” Nadežhda paused, if only to add potential for dramatic effect to her following request. ”As you’re already aware, I previously followed under Barragan as a member of his council. Presently I serve as Fraccion to that same entity. Barragan would have it remain so, but I find that subservience to one whom no longer holds the title of strongest is a detestable position to be in. Therefore I wish to reject my present role as Fraccion and seek a position more directly related with your own council, Lord Aizen. Though I may pose inquiries if you’d allow me the chance to probe such curiosities when they arise, I believe I can serve your purposes more effectively by cutting out the middle man in this situation.”   Souske raised an eyebrow when the woman requested a change in position. "Go on." he said. She was long winded, far more so than the average arrancar. She wanted recognition of her power, as any other hollow or soul reaper. "Oh, Barragan won't like that." Gin commented at the partial betrayal. A moment of silence befell the room as Souske stared at Nadežhda. Her spiritual pressure was higher than Ulquiorra's, but far below even Gin's, whose was lower than his own. "So you're requesting to be made an espada?" Souske asked, already knowing the answer, but he still would wait for a reply. Once she confirmed what he'd already knew, Souske would go on to say "Ulquiorra." while continuing to stare at the applicant "What can you tell me of Nadežhda?"   Aizen wasn't taking this girl seriously, this may have been a mistake. Had Ulquiorra just provoked The Mover to look on an irritant? Nothing only had a purpose when Nothing was acknowledged, perhaps he'd just set down a marker for a future in which the void would be unnecessary. How should he respond? What did reality dictate? That was simple enough... Ulquiorra heard in Aizen's tone what he wanted, and responded immediately. Raising himself upright, his hand lifted toward his face showing one of the most dangerous aspects about Ulquiorra... he showed actuality in the bluntest form possible. His fingers pressed inward on the whites of his left eye, slipping them beneath the sockets on both sides until he could tear the muscle that attached to his optic nerve away from his cheek, now holding his eye retina out toward Aizen and Gin. He need say nothing - when the hand holding his optic made a fist the memories of his encounter with Nadežhda became particles in the air for her, Aizen and Gin to see. They would also be able to understand how Ulquiorra felt during each instant of the conversation, Nade would experience a conversation with herself from his point of view, along with every notion the Arrancar felt about what she was saying. From the exalted pedestal of 'mover' Ulquiorra had assigned to Aizen, to his beliefs on how she had too much empathy for humans. This technique was Solita Vista, it made Ulquiorra a voyer and spy of all of Hueco Mundo. Whatever he saw, Aizen could know in intimidate detail. A biological surveillance system, one which would obey every command no matter how foolish or beyond the host. Ulquiorra could barely be called sentient, a computer would have done no more or less. While it played, he did clarify that the feelings that were being transplanted into their awareness were genuine." She is verbose, like Barragan. Her defense of humanity is not efficient for being an Arrancar, much less an Espada. Yet, her power outstrips my own and therefore would be more efficient at enforcing your decrees." This was the way of Espada 7, truth was truth. If he said something that would get him demoted, so be it. If he said something that got her killed, then she was at fault for dancing too close to the abyss. Reality was the grinding stone, and it may just end up breaking her. Yet, there was a part of him he did not understand. When his Solita Vista showed Gin and Aizen his feelings on the moon, it felt some what repellent... like he'd wanted that to remain private.   ”That would be correct.” Nadežhda confirmed. "Barragan may prove to be soured by my request but this change in position would provide me with a more direct line in the chain of command. If I am expected to adhere to the orders of a superior, I feel it is more beneficial for such things to be as direct from the original source as feasibly possible.” Curiously intrigued, Nadežhda observed as Ulquiorra plucked his very eye from within its socket, only to hold it out before Aizen and Gin. The events of just moments ago played out before her like a recording. A truly magnificent ability, Nadežhda admitted to herself. Should her own scouts at Shirakebe hold such an ability like Ulquiorra’s, reports received would see much more solid and complete detail. Once the recording concluded, Ulquiorra proceeded to voice his opinion. Nadežhda couldn’t help but think perhaps Aizen was merely entertaining the moment for his own amusement. A subtle thought with little backing as the man showed little to no proof to quantify such a notion in her eyes. Still, Nadežhda felt need to object to at least one of the other Arrancar’s points. ”I must correct at least one of your points, Ulquiorra. Defending humanity is neither my will nor my intent. I merely participate in a simple act of observing and documenting the human world’s growth and activity.” Having satisfied her need to reprimand Ulquiorra’s assumptions, Nadežhda turned her eyes back toward Aizen. ”I beg your pardon Lord Aizen, but should your goals happen to legitimately involve the living for any reason, even human life would become of little consequence in the matter.” Though sincere in her convictions, Nadežhda couldn’t, in the present moment, bring herself to understand any assumed situation in which the mass destruction of human life would be required.   "How pragmatic..." Gin commented, seeming almost surprised by that sort of thing from beings who valued power over all else. Aizen had listened to Ulquiorra's assessment of the... applicant, and appeared to actually be considering his words. After that, Nadežhda had made her own corrections. "Very well." he said, in response to her declaration of loyalty. "Ulquiorra, see to it that Nadežhda's strength is appropriately scaled." Of course, the command was to be carried out in the only way hollows knew to prove themselves. "Ooooh, can I watch?" Gin asked with a bit of amusement in his voice.   Aizen's last word had no space between the noticeable thrum of a cero starting to collect in power. This attack would be the 'period' to his lord's sentence, Ulquiorra had been given a task. Show Aizen what Nade is capable of in all fields. This wasn't just an evaluation of her spiritual pressure, but how she used it. Her first test was one of her Pesquisa. If she turned around, she'd lose too much time and face the full assault of the fully charged beam. Light fixated at the point of a finger, about to fire. She had to start dodging now or put a great deal of trust in her Hierro. There was no 'as you command' or ' it will be done' nothing to affirm Ulquiorra had accepted the task. It just began, like an act of nature. The fact that the beam would strike Gin if she dodged entirely wasn't a thought either, Aizen would expect his head general to be able to defend against an Espada attack, especially one which had not released. He required every advantage to even make this last, her pressure was not just a little higher... but significantly so. What were his advantages? Most likely his Pesquisa was better tuned, he knew this room rather thoroughly, and his Sonido might be able to match hers, and physical regeneration. Beyond that, this was her fight to win. He'd have to fight strategically. Every Hollow knew that if the shot of a cero was traced backward, the source of the one firing it would be there at the end. Which meant Ulquiorra did not allow his beam to fire long, enough to put a strong concussive force into her back and hopefully take her off balance. If that happened, his Sonido would be superior until she got it back. He was moving though, once the beam fired he shot into a portion of the dark enclaves where the light had a hard time reaching. As a wolf, he suspected she would hunt by smell, combined with her Pesquisa she should have a strong notion of where he was in the dark. Keeping his other hand out of the action, it remained concealed in the left pocket at an awkward angle... the wrist higher than it should be if his hand was laying flat.   Acknowledgement. Good. An opponent ready and willing to face her? Even better. Though Nadežhda inwardly frowned at Ulquiorra’s choice method of beginning the duel, she couldn’t fault its necessity. The wolfish Arrancar never let her guard down in odd company, nor in supposed friendly company either. Theocelese might’ve been an exception to this hard-kept rule of hers but he no longer walked their level of existence, and she had no current reason to hold onto such weakness. Could she have relied upon Hierro? Perhaps, but Nadežhda would meet this test with equal vigor, to get struck by Ulquiorra’s attack now would surely reveal false inequities, the kind the Wolfish Arrancar would rather not be known by. Thus she chose to avoid the attack, vacating the spot she stood while leaving Gin to contend with the Cero in her place. Sonido brought Nadežhda to the edge of the Cero’s path, saving her from its concussive force. ”Cheeky move Ulquiorra.” The wolfish arrancar spoke, spinning around. Bala required practically zero time to charge so when the Arrancar’s right hand rose level to her shoulder to face the origin of Ulquiorra’s attack, a volley of brilliant blue bala were simultaneously fired off into the area. Did Ulquiorra suspect her vision to fail her within the darker areas of their environment..? Nadežhda pondered the thought briefly, opting to entertain his failure in understanding wolf senses and her own bestial origins by briefly closing her eyes. ”Go ahead and test my strength in whatever ways you wish. It just means I will have had a chance to prove my superiority in each regard.” If Ulquiorra didn’t respond to her verbal quip then Nadežhda too would voice no further conversation and focus wholly on their fight. Arms splayed down at each side, Nadežhda directly faced Ulquiorra’s position. Bright blue energy crackled, building and condensing at the upper center of the Wolfish Arrancar’s chest. It held more energy than Ulquiorra’s own but still remained as nothing more than a simple Cero. The weakest form of such among the three she knew how to use. Nadežhda staunchly committed, shot forth the attack. If he didn’t want to be the first one taking a blow Ulquiorra would need to hastily dodge. Anticipating the potential actions of her opponent following her own Cero, the Wolfish Arrancar would now make proper use of Pesquisa to determine his next course of action. If he came in for a physical attack, Nadežhda’s Pesquisa would tell her so and she would promptly block his attempt. If he chose to keep distance and fire at her again, Nadežhda would turn to the offensive. Sonido carrying her, closing the distance to intercept and disrupt. A hand to snatch his firing arm, and a knee to deliver a powerful blow to the gut… Should Ulquiorra happen to underestimate her knack for hand to hand combat.   She talked too much, that lack of focus meant she was like him - only putting in the effort required to overcome the current struggle. It could be exploited, moments of her expectations waiting for answers could develop into fake outs. She had been given a strong glance into his true self in the hallway, the idea that she was surprised he'd attack so suddenly was... a little disappointing. Her wisdom was lacking, and it told Ulquiorra his mental advantages. What could be said for her first reaction? Nadežhda's fighting style was reminiscent of a dance, which meant she wasn't sloppy. However, movements like that had 'windows' in which the maneuver allowed for the desired attack, to strike outside of those windows was to ruin the flow of the dance. Patterns, her second weakness then. Hard to exploit, but not impossible. The flaw revealed itself in Bala attacks that struck the place he'd been stationed before, now no longer. What was impressive, her instincts must have made a proper measurement of his smaller Cero, because the Bala did not strike the spot he would have been positioned had it been a blast he was committed to. Another point for Nade, she could adapt... and it likely wasn't even conscious. His real thought was on Aizen though, his own evaluation would pale in comparison to the conclusions that his 'mover' was reaching. Ulquiorra was bound to pragmatism, to see beyond that required emotions that he denied the existence of. To use something that did not exist sounded like a weakness, yet he'd seen what the illusion of rage and confidence could do to Shinigami and Arrancar on the battlefield. Not only did Ulquiorra not respond to her verbal quips, but he also waited for the moment her emotions most involved herself in what she was saying to strike. She'd learn what it meant to fight a void, it did not respond...it did not wait, it consumed. But she was still too large to devour... Not entirely true, there was a way to win... it would depend on what rank she wanted. But victory had no value. His job was to show his lord what this woman could do. He'd want her to rank as high as possible if it meant Aizen's army would be the better for it. So, his lack of pride saved her in that. If she releases, she cannot receive a rank above 5. Ulquiorra did not challenge her Cero because there was no reason to, he was not the one being tested. He'd gotten enough distance to counter the speed, made some adjustments for thickness, and was able to avoid the attack. Cerulean force draw him back from the pressure, but that distortion Cero's caused was also anticipated. Upon saying 'it just means' a Bala of his own struck at her feet, having been thrown during her Cero charge. He was trying to force her attention to stay in the direction she knew him to be. Her Pesquisa should follow the ball, he may be weaker - but a Bala still wasn't a pleasant feeling even from a less powerful opponent. Since he couldn't win with force, his options naturally went to confusion. 5 layers worked against her. Speaking, Expectionation of her Cero, an incoming Bala, ending her Cero's stream, and... a Sonido from Ulquiorra in her direction. As the floor erupted where she'd been standing during her shot, he made a summation she would cover or drawback - he Sonido with the flow of that thrown Bala to split her attention, delivering a kick at open-air, expecting Nade to fill the spot where his foot would be.   Stronger opponents, weaker opponents. They all of them looked for advantages when fighting powerful foes. Weaker foes would complain or curse themselves for not being strong enough to fight on even terms. Stronger opponents would boast and try to goad reactions. While she strived to fit into one form of stereotype, Ulquiorra fit neither of these… He held strength, if only in the ability to keep emotions out of his combative capacity. Did he merely dance to her tune or was he even thinking about the steps he took. Instincts spoke stronger than words or thought. In many cases one’s instincts far outweighed the trained capacity of any level headed and thinking mind… But what assumption toward advantages could a wolf give her opponent… Stepping back enough to avoid the immediate force behind Ulquiorra’s Bala was both a choice and a feint used to hide the shorter charging of her second Cero. Hidden behind the energies of the first, Nadežhda’s pesquisa perceived the opponent’s approach. Too far. She could see, the Bala itself, a utility towards a feint. Nadežhda smiled. One which lay hidden behind the luminescent glow of her Cero’s offensive as the trap became sprung. The ground erupted as Bala struck, Nadežhda sprung back while Cero fired, and her own Sonido snapped the attack’s action in half. Blue glow subsided, making way for shadows to merge and shift, visually changing the scenery around the both of them. Ulquiorra’s chance for physical attack swiped at open air. Nadežhda hung suspended in that moment within the space above her opponent’s head. As the crackling of Sonido subsided, cerulean energy crashed down. Even though she’d not charged this second Cero for nearly as long and it wouldn’t hit nearly as hard as a fully charged Cero, avoiding the brilliantly colored force of energy at ten meters distance would prove to be a much more difficult feat to achieve.   Ulquiorra became rigid, caught between decision and reaction. He had to rely on the strength that was still available to him, which meant... the left pocket. Pesquisa and eyes both chased Nade, tracing the trail of her movements through projections. But she was not a mathematical equation, he'd already struck nothing but air attempting this approach. Exploiting her weaknesses was difficult when his own were exposed, yet being aware of them did help the Espada mitigate them. That could not be said for her, she'd found an advantage in anticipation which would also be something Aizen would look well on. It was difficult to say if she was responding naturally, or marking off the same checklist that Ulquiorra had been. One moment his focus was straightforward, then his chin and eyes sharply went up, robotically responding to her presence as she'd just set off some form of sensor. In fact, she had... his Pesquisa saw the next Cero before it fired. The window he would have to counter wasn't one that allowed for stalling. Ulquiorra's hand finally left the opposing hands pocket, showing the Cero that he'd been cooking within for the last few exchanges. It was peaked, ready to test Nade's less developed one. Reiastu to Reiastu, Aizen was about to observe her ability to maintain concentration and increase her power into an already fired shot. Though Nade's Cero was already too close to negate all the damage, Ulquiorra didn't look to have much concern as skin where his Hierro failed began to cook in the furnace of a sapphire Cero. His own shot joined into the chaos, both beams clashing almost on top of Ulquiorra's hand... swiftly pushing it back toward Nade herself. How much power could she pour into a previously released beam? Was her energy just as wild as she was? Or did she have control over it? Was she another Grimmjow?   Much to Nadežhda’s surprise, Ulquiorra seemed to have chosen to remain. Standing his ground in the face of her Cero and retaliating with a fully charged one of his own. A choice action. Was he measuring its strength and determining himself to be capable of warding off the attack? Even so, the wolfish Arrancar chose to take advantage. At its current level her Cero remained subpar and wouldn’t be able to match Ulquiorra’s fully charged one. The two beams of energy clashed causing the searing heat to splash out, scorching the ground around her opponent’s feet. Nadežhda lowered her left hand to focus on her Cero by channeling even more power and energy into the as of yet unfinished attack. Though it’d originally moved back towards herself, forced by Ulquiorra’s own Cero, it would not be enough now. Cerulean glow grew both stronger and wider causing the movement of both Cero to stalemate in the middle. Right hand reaching over to her side, Nadežhda drew her Zanpakuto. Ulquiorra wouldn’t be able to see the physical action she committed to with his eyes but perhaps his pesquisa would be strong enough to detect the subtle shift in her movement. Extending her arm, drawing the blade well over her head, Nadežhda proceeded to hurl the sword, blade first, down into and through the clashing Cero. If Ulquiorra chose to continue standing his ground he would then be forced to contend with not just her strengthened Cero but her Zanpakuto as well as it would come down through the pair of clashing Cero, aimed with the intent to pierce the Arrancar where he stood.   Fury in energy form morphed the onset of Nade's intentions, she revealed what was inside of her so freely, Aizen would clearly see the nature of her Cero - its instability. There was much-wasted energy that could have been condensed and better focused. That mistake wasn't enough to allow his own attack to rush through to the source, yet Aizen would still need to see what the woman's Hierro could endure. Once their powers were stalemated, Ulquiorra made use of his own unstable form of energy in the form of a bala that he knew could ignite the entangled beams. Nade more than likely was aware of the possibility as the alchemic differences of Cero and Bala were not complimentary. One sought to pierce, and another erupt. What she likely wouldn't expect is Ulquiorra being willing to contaminant a beam that was equal distance from both of them. But, pain didn't measure into the calculation, this was an effective means to show his lord the physical durability of a future Espada. Ulquiorra on the other hand wasn't aware of the other component that introduced a new complication, his Pesquisa was far too jogged by the heaven descending fang of crisp blue to attach it to other tasks. Where the red of bala drank in and reacted to cerulean contending against teal, the expansion bubble formed and pushed upward and downward with immense force to consume both Nade and Espada 7. What also was pushed downward, her Zanpakuto. Scorching rays of digging destruction did not surprise him, that was always going to happen. It hurt as much as hurt meant anything, chewing away layers at his chest, extended left arm, and upper neck. After all, it was the power of his attack and hers combined as one. A lesser Vasto Lordes might have been scarred for life from that formula alone... But that wasn't the end of the formula, something very much describing significant pain shot through the entirety of his extended arm... and then only as far as the bicep. There was no 'rest of the arm' to attach pain to besides that point, it and Nade's Zanpakuto collided with the ground. Yet after a single bounce, no longer protected by its hosts Hierro, that same arm became ash under the oppressive weight of their two mingled attacks. When the chaos cleared, Ulquiorra gave an almost casual glance down at the empty appendage. His nerve endings were demanding restoration, and the process began shortly after. Etched into the char of his chest, a black '7' was being repainted onto the flesh.   A bala! Ulquiorra actually wanted to detonate the forces at work with both of them this close to one another!? With Ulquiorra’s and her own Cero now reaching its peak, even Nadežhda wouldn’t be able to come out of the resulting detonation completely unscathed. Having been detonated by Bala, the wolfish Arrancar brought her arm up about-face to guard herself from the worst of the explosive force. The cloth covering Nadežhda’s arm gave about as much resistance to the destructive forces at play as one would expect it to. Incinerated into nothingness, the wolfish arrancar’s hierro became the immediate second victim to the assault. The back of her guarding arm became scorched and peeling. Uniform pain, but nothing she hadn’t been able to handle before. Despite this, observation continued. Ulquiorra had yet to move from his position. A glance down at his severed arm. A mistake Nadežhda would be sure to punish him for. Her sonido resounded within the still turbulent atmosphere, placing the wolf queen’s form right before Ulquiorra himself. From Nadežhda a roundhouse kick would follow fluently after. Aiming at his now armless side, Ulquiorra’s options for blocking the physical attack would be limited. Her blow would approach decisively, with enough force to crack ribs and send an unprepared opponent flying.   "Idiot." A stale statement, yet genuine. It came from him regardless of will, he identified a monstrous mistake and remarked on it verbally. And there it was, once she felt the touch of morality she became reckless. While it wasn't unexpected from the animal-type Resurrections, it was nonetheless disappointing. It meant they became feral when pushed, as long as the fight went their way they could keep their cool, but when it did not... Once again, a Grimmjow flaw. He was starting to see the web that mapped out her vulnerabilities, yet didn't find in himself where to assert pressure to exploit them. He didn't have the firepower necessary to capitalize on her openings, well... not in terms of ensuring she was tested properly. One of the most despairing parts about her mistake was the fact that she'd just made use of the same tool she was now dismissing from her mind. He didn't need Pesquisa for the next moment, he didn't need Hierro... She did what all wolves did, tried to bite at a wounded animal. Yet even a wild alpha was more intelligent than to throw away all defense and rush a still standing foe. Aizen was watching. Ulquiorra didn't have to be faster than her, he knew where the attack would come from because of what she was. She smelled blood and couldn't keep her instincts in check. Murcielago shot from its sheath, like a machine launching a piston the edge of his Zanpakuto was in the path of her leg - with that much force, that much speed, that much intensity, he expected she'd severe the entire limb at the end of his Soul Cutter and be left helpless moments later. He'd lost an arm, she'd lose a limb that was vital for a proper Sonido. Ulquiorra would have made that trade every time.   “Che-!” Grimacing in witness to the equal swiftness with which Ulquiorra managed to counter her attack, Nadežhda could only opt to make a temporary withdrawl. Now one leg short, the wolfish arrancar adjusted her momentum to dip down. Protruding out of the ground from where it’d severed Ulquiorra’s own limb, Nadežhda Snatched up Lupus et bestia, her Zanpakuto, before flipping backwards. She was at disadvantage now. A severed leg hurt one’s combative capacity far more than a severed arm ever could and being out of the fight now was no option. Not with an opponent still standing. More than her injured arm, a leg needed recovering… She landed on all threes, some distance away. Enough that she could still react even with her Sonido momentarily suppressed. The profuse bleeding stopped, white polyps bubbled then spread across and covered the large open wound where the rest of her leg would normally be. The white, seemingly pustule-like growths expanded, bloating, extending. Before they burst forth like sliming slithering appendages, reaching out, gathering, reforming. Nadežhda stood. Once again upon two legs. One original, and one very much fresh and new. A sweat drew from the wolfish Arrancar’s face, her breathing momentarily winded. She calmed herself, standing straight and proud. She’d just performed the fastest recovery she could manage which held with it a striking advantage as well as potential and grievous disadvantages… Losing another leg from here on would not be an option she could allow. Lupus et bestia’s blade whipped out, contemptuously splattering blood into a crescent across the ground.   High Speed Regeneration (Localized)Powerful Hollows have been shown to possess incredible powers of regeneration. In Nadežhda's case however this technique works somewhat differently. Having chosen to become Arrancar, Nadežhda has lost most of her passive regenerative capabilities but by focusing a large portion of her energy and localizing it into a severe injury or damaged/severed limb she is able to quickly recover that area. It is still better to avoid being injured at all since using this ability has a progressively negative impact on Nadežhda's energy reserves with an increasing chance to cause exhaustion on every use.   Murcielago was in play, the piece of the tree that had given him the power he now could make use of. Not full use, there was something beyond... Murcielago was still a seed in infancy, he could tell it could become greater. Bats clung to their mothers till they were ready to fly, that was the skin he'd needed back then to be accepted. But now new choices were presented, and so did the thing that Ulquiorra wanted. Odd as it was, he'd had 4 prime movers in his life. His species, the moon, a tree, and now Aizen. What did that mean? Was that just the stages of growing up? His power changed each time he latched onto something new, was there something beyond Aizen? As impossible as it sounded, so had his species, moon, and the tree. He could only react to that which held the most influence since he himself was NOT the prime mover, he could of course make mistakes in his journey to find out who or what that is. Holding the sword always brought new thoughts to him, pale skin clenched on the aquatic surface; feeling where his hands callous from holding the handle always like this. He presented the blade forward, as though Nade now had an entirely new opponent before her. Even his eyes changed, a heavier brow made it appear like Murcielago lent some of its emotions to Ulquiorra. He didn't attack in this time, the spiritual pressure still told the story of Espada 7 and future Espada of a much higher rank... yet this sword - it made a difference. There looked to be an almost quiet conversation between the two, Ulquiorra adjusting as if responding to a suggestion. By now Nade was learning how he communicated without words. His current message was plain 'regrow your limb, you'll need it'. ...And she would, he didn't feel the difference between their powers right now. His own left arm raced the pace of her leg to regenerate, she was slower but that was to be expected, there was no Arrancar that could match his regeneration rate. He'd spent years impaled on a tree, his body trying to heal at all times - being put through the crucible of one simple task...become whole. She was still reckless, had she had better control she could have stopped the lion's share of the damage her leg took. Ulquiorra was starting to see her obvious weakness, she committed to her attacks too early. No doubt it was due to such an impressive Sonido. Still, Zommari didn't have this weakness... and neither did Espada 7. Murcielago could bypass her Hierro, she knew it now. If she had any sense she'd be more cautious. No doubt she'd been too confident because of her superior power, but Aizen didn't make use of Ulquiorra so often because of his reiashi. She was winded... interesting. Ulquiorra's healing didn't exhaust so much stamina. A wise Arrancar used techniques they could recover from in terms of energy, Ulquiorra ( despite 3 ceros) was pacing himself. Another weakness Nade had, perhaps she might not rank as high as expected. He still did not advance, she'd have to choose for herself if she wanted to attack an Espada with less than perfect stamina... or take the time to look like she needed such a thing while being evaluated by god.   Nadežhda regained complete composure within the time Ulquiorra allotted, standing there, only watching for her next move. His hints were subtle but easy to understand when one paid attention. She’d regenerated and so had he. The other Arrancar recovered limb slightly faster than herself. Both of their regenerative powers could be considered impressive even by Arrancar standards, though it’d been some time since she’d last been forced to regenerate an entire limb… A moment spent watching one another, Weapon gripped in hand, Nadežhda quietly made a determination that Ulquiorra would make for an excellent sparring partner in the future, assuming he’d bend to her requests at such a time. But almost as if she were mocking the situation, Nadežhda copied Ulquiorra’s faceless expression. A show of force, a reminder to him that between the two, she was still a superior force. Nadežhda’s spiritual pressure radiated out into the void separating them, filling it with the crushing force that only a truly powerful arrancar could manage. And then it disappeared. Sucked back inward, concentrating, reinforcing. The same bladed delivery from before would no longer be sufficient enough to cut through her Hierro. Nadežhda’s hint to Ulquiorra in this regard came in the form of her Zanpakuto being promptly and calmly returned to its sheath. If an artificially crafted sword posed as nothing more than an extension of oneself, then strengthening oneself to match the cutting strength of that same sword would be the only thing truly needed. Mixing in her knowledge and practice of the human race’s forms for unarmed combat and blending it with her own affinity for natural weaponry, that was where one of Nadežhda’s own strengths lay. Employing simple brute force and feral instinct with Ulquiorra would not work. As a self-proclaimed observer, even she could tell this much. His lack of interest in the human race could even pull up to be an advantage in her case. Humans were unpredictable creatures, always creating ways through, over, or around the problems in their lives. Fighting was no different. There existed literally hundreds of different ways any one individual human could fight or counter an opponent. But first… Nadežhda’s steps were paced but casual, seemingly free of any real concern for her own wellbeing. She only stopped once she reached the severed limb, her old leg, laying helplessly on the floor at the wolfish Arrancar’s feet. She almost smiled with anticipation at what she was about to do but managed to contain the physical dialogue to an internal audience. Bending down, Nadežhda picked up the limb. ”Gin!” She shouted before throwing the old leg to him, though grabbing the Shinigami’s attention likely wasn’t necessary given the currently active trial. ”Keep that safe for me. I can use it later once we’re finished here.” This sole verbal communication ended with Nadežhda facing Ulquiorra once again. Staring him down. Silently informing him that she was now ready to play their game more seriously. Sonido resounded, though the distance was only so far from Ulquiorra as her own leg had flown in the last attack with his retaliation. Perhaps he believed she’d been committed to the last attack, and in part he would not be incorrect in making such an assumption. But this time would be different. Nadežhda’s Sonido ended with the two of them face-to-face. Right arm retracted, forcing its way into Ulquiorra’s space. She would strike. Be it air, Ulquiorra himself, or perhaps even his sword if he managed to block in time. But regardless of the reaction he took, Nadežhda’s attack would see the terrain behind her opponent cry out in pain as it became crushed, shattering away with the force of her blow.   Nade's energy gripped and pulled at him, taunting him with a near childlike mockery of its superiority. That wasn't necessary though, Ulquiorra had known that going in and could feel it now, his Pesquisa was the only reason this fight was lasting as long as it was, those brief moments when her power had left her unguarded were revealed in full to someone of his level of awareness, it told him how much pressure to apply. He was designed to be an opponent that played to attrition, letting an enemy tear into their energy reserves like a ravaging animal... only to find when their cache was empty, Ulquiorra hadn't spilled any of his own. Her next test would be one of killing her momentum, she was a being of emotion and driven by them, so what if those emotions and her actions occurred... but no result or benefit came from it? Could her mind deal with the frustration? Or surrender to new levels of ferality? To measure this, Ulquiorra Sonido'ed as she came at him, using the distance she had to travel as a strong enough buffer so that her superior speed would not be enough to land the blow. Though landing the same distance from her as they'd just been a mental 'reset' to make her mind feel like nothing changed, despite her effort... Ulquiorra hadn't expected the wave of pressure from that attack to reach him, cracking at tiles as far as where he now positioned himself. Murcielago glistened, light being projected from a rear panel filled the length of his weapon revealing the sharpness was mostly at the point, not the edge. This was a tool meant to stab, not cut. But it could do either, however against a superior opponent, it was best to play to his blade's advantage. He watched her, coldness spilled from his face waiting for life to give him a reason to have a different expression. While the power difference was obvious, physically Ulquiorra looked more capable to end this fight if for no other reason he showed no signs of alteration from when the exchange had begun. Slipping one foot forward, Murcielago tipped back hilt first over the Arrancars right shoulder, dipping in a curve point toward Nade's location. For him, this moment was no different than the moments he'd been cut, or done the cutting...all was the same to Ulquiorra, nothing had meaning beyond searching for meaning. So far, he'd come to believe his search would end up with an empty result. There was no Sonido, in perfectly traceable speed he sprinted toward her, not unlike a human. He'd made the calculation that confusing her was his best choice, she expect a Sonido so he elected to rely on his own legs. Once in range, multi thrust of the Moon Tree edge would try to catch at her flesh in different areas. His hand worked like a piston stabbing the blade in and out of her evasions and blocks, keeping the same dull look in his eyes while becoming the equivalent of a meat grinder.   The thin form of a smile peeled out across Nadežhda’s features. Certainly Ulquiorra couldn’t be considered an even match to her strength by any means, but it’d been some time since she’d known the need to actually think about an opponent and how they fought and responded to her own actions. This was what she needed, a stepping stone along a much wider path, someone to help reveal to Nadežhda her own inequities so that she could improve upon them. A reason to push herself, to become stronger than the person she’d been yesterday. When exactly had the wolfish Arrancar lost her interest in obtaining more strength? Was it when she’d evolved into the Arrancar she was now? Perhaps when the Arrancar council formed and no one else came forward to challenge her superiority? Unity, divided as it was, and likely still divided in some ways even now with Aizen and his Espada reigning over Las Noches. Strangely Hollows and humans shared an interesting connection whenever it came to those holding a superior position. Most would blindly follow their leader, turning a blind eye to questions or concerns they might otherwise be keen to ask about. Barragan, even Aizen, ruled through strength and fear. Nadežhda knew enough about the history of humans to realize that this “Emotion” and the methods through which leadership are obtained were often shared between them and the Arrancar alike… But this unity, the fear of retaliation, She’d become a part of the ruling power. Separate even as they were, many would be challengers chose to keep to themselves as a result, fearful of what might come should they be bold enough to challenge one member out of the ruling whole… Ulquiorra’d kept his distance from her strike, but even so the ground ruptured up to where he now stood. Interesting. He’d gauged her speed and moved accordingly with minimal increase to his own expenditures. In readying himself for his next move, Nadežhda couldn’t help but broaden the brightness in her features at the thought of how wonderful a sparring partner Ulquiorra could be. Even if he wasn’t as strong as her now, the wolfish Arrancar had a feeling they might both easily be able to build upon each other in the future. Ulquiorra pushed forward, not with the expected Sonido, but under his own mundane form of movement instead. It gave Nadežhda perhaps a bit too much time to think on how to react. The way her opponent held his weapon, his strangely human-like sprint towards her on foot. He currently lacked the stance required to execute a swinging arc efficiently. One foot fell back, shifting Nadežhda’s body sideways in order to create a smaller target for Ulquiorra’s blade. Certainly a good first countermeasure against someone using a sword to perform a stab, but that didn’t happen to be the reason Nadežhda made the shift within her own stance. Ulquiorra’s first strike flashed forward, piercing the void of air which now stood in its path. Nadežhda’s form ducked down with speed that only an Arrancar of her particular talents could muster. Right arm returning to the battlefield, violently striking her opponent’s outstretched wrist before he had the chance to retract. Nerves would be briefly disoriented, forcing Ulquiorra’s grip on Murcielago to fail. Simultaneously, Nadežhda’s left arm struck forward, striking Ulquiorra square in the abdomen with the full force of an open palm. Tiles already loosened by the wolfish Arrancar’s earlier attack flew back, along with their newfound Arrancar companion while the destructive wave of force ripped apart others around Nadežhda. Murcielago clattered to the ground at Nadežhda’s feet. She stood again, promptly lifting Ulquiorra’s weapon off the ground before making the small effort needed to toss it to where her opponent now stood (or fell) after being pushed back. Standing patiently, Nadežhda waited for Ulquiorra to retrieve his weapon and see whether he would opt to continue their fight…   Aizen said nothing as he watched the two do battle, and Gin simply stayed out of the way. Neither had an issue serving a soul reaper, and turned to violence so quickly. Still, Nade had done well to combat Ulquiorra. Had he continued fighting, he very well might've died. "That's enough." he said in a calm voice that still somehow managed to shatter the sound of battle. It was clear that Ulquiorra was the inferior in this match, so there was no point in sacrificing him. "So savage..." Gin commented towards Nadezhda. "I'd be 'fraida fightin' ya." His tone was almost sarcastic in how playful he sounded. He and Aizen locked eyes for a few seconds before Gin said "Aaroniero's not gonna like this. Might even come after Nade-chan." "If he beats her, then he'll get his position back." "How cold of you." Gin said with a snake-like expression. "Shall I also have a room prepared with the other privarone espada?" "See to it." Gin looked to Ulquiorra and said "Try not to get too banged up. It was fun watching you fight.-" he then looked to Nade and said "-Don't die before I kin watch the next fight. Bye bye" and vanished. "You'll be given the rank of five." Aizen said to Nadezhda, putting her two slots under Barragan. It also meant that Ulquiorra had been knocked down a peg.   Kneeling down, a level of casualness approaching being animatronic guided his hand down to the hilt of Murcielago as the weapon was retrieved, and slid back into its sheath. By the time he turned back around to face Aizen, the 7 etched into his chest had shifted to an 8. The change in number did not have any other external alternations to offer, he was as emotionless as ever. To him, 8 and 7 had no difference except in importance to Aizen, but he felt no shame because Aizen now had a tool in a proper ranking to ensure he could move reality in the way it needed to go. He did not join Nade at her side, as with all Espada over his rank Ulquiorra elected to remain behind them unless expressly summoned. His face and body dipped in an identical bow that did not delineate in any way from the first bow he'd ever given Aizen. Ulquiorra simply was what he was, constant and rigid. Had it been someone like Grimmjow, she might have gained a rival - an unchained animal that would vow to devour her and refuse to show its throat. Cifer often compared himself to Grimmjow since he wanted to understand emotions, and Jabberjack simply possessed the most open display of them. Would he challenge her for the 5th spot? He was always trying to climb higher, but Nnoitoria was a barrier in every sense of the word. All Ulquiorra wanted to be was serviceable, until his end. He'd known Aizen had previously been a captain of Squad 5 for the Shinigami, was he giving Nade this position as a taunt? Throwing his old identity 'to the wolves? Or was it a mere coincidence? Coincidence was hard to assume when it came to Aizen. Re-aligning himself to an upright position, he watched Gin in his peripheral vision. It was strange, no matter how intricately Espada 8 imagined Aizen's rise to the top - he could see no scenario where Gin fit into that. He was out of place, and yet... how could he question lord Sosuke's judgment? He would turn the world the way he best saw fit, and Ulquiorra could only be grateful to be part of that turning until his body was overwhelmed and could no longer aid Aizen... then, he would disappear. " Yes, Lord Aizen."   So it was to be concluded then. Ordered to stop, Nadežhda turned her attention away from Ulquiorra. The wolfish Arrancar’s respectful attention towards Aizen didn’t shift even in light of Gin’s commentary. She couldn’t help but inwardly question his purpose. He acted as if he were an equal to Aizen, yet even she could tell Gin was far from holding such true standing. Standing silent, until the appropriate audience addressed her, Nadežhda stood patiently, even as Gin vanished from the range of her pesquisa… Nadežhda would assume the number Five… Two ranks below Barragan… Still, with today’s event the wolfish arrancar’s position among Aizen’s numbered Espada had become officially recognized. She couldn’t complain. All she needed to do from here was improve. Why the black etchings of her new ranking chose to manifest upon the back of her left thigh though, Nadežhda failed to understand. Outside Aizen’s men and the Espada themselves, at least curious eyes wouldn’t be able to readily gleam her standing at a glance. ”As you wish, Lord Aizen.” Nadežhda responded, having assumed a formal tone and respectful posturing. ”Now if you’ll excuse me.” With her presence originally being intrusive and demanding, she suspected Aizen wouldn’t object to her dismissal. Even so she offered up the request in formality. She expected the same of her own subordinates, making it only courteous that she extend the same respect towards one above herself. Nadežhda would offer enough time to be granted the dismissal before turning to leave. ~Exit Nadežhda, thread end.

a woman that was the physical form of death was just born/made by her mother Gaia primordial of air, nature, balance, and space. she is also the mother of kami and Yami and the twin's shinigami and kushina, kushina was the oldest out of the bunch but only by a few seconds before her brother shinigami then after 1 year Yami was born then it was kami she was born after 4 years that made her the youngest. and that all so made it where they only had one male god so far. but what they did not know was that they were not the only true god but they were the youngest at the time. but the oldest in their universe  after some time then they made a world named earth by the mother of the god's and on this world, they put a gate to the afterlives on this world. because it was at the center of the universe. on this world demon humans and angels lived for a long time but after a while,  A descendant of kami came to the world that would later be known as the shinobi world her name was Kaguya she was on the earth, for a mission given by the god of otsutsuki but she did not do what she was ordered because she had memory loss because of the gods ( when I say god here I am referring to the main gods)  interfering. she did not feel it strange because she crash-landed on earth.  Kaguya was then found by a young man with his sister and they nursed her back to health. and Kaguya could only remember how to speak common knowledge and her name -time skip 3 days-  she all so found out their names were Nishiko and  Nishiki and they were family. their family name is Katakotoyami  Nishiki was 15 and around 5’8 had black hair with red strands, he had unique eyes Green and blue, he was weak but a master of swords and can use ki which is the physical in one energy In every living body. he was not as weak as some snobbish noble but he was not anywhere near strong, Nishiki was a tan man with muscle that showed he did fieldwork. but Kaguya thought he looked kind of girly but she like the look.  his sister Nishiko was 17 and around 5’7 had black hair with purple strands in her hair and purple eyes that seemed to shine, she was like her brother but it was Spiritual power and she could use talisman, but there was something wrong with her that is what Kaguya senses tell her. she could be called the definition of a tomboy, but even with that she still looks pretty. Kaguya was kind of jealous.   Kaguya was still healing from the crash on earth. ( she does not heal all that fast because she is weak at the moment and does not have a very strong healing ability)  she was still healing really fast and the pair of siblings wondered what she was.  -time skip 2 weeks- they all became very close in these 2 week. Kaguya was starting to get a crush on Nishiki, but she did not know it was a crush because she was very anti-social on her home planet tenshiki was its name, and it has been named that for 20 years. but people usually just call it the otsutsuki planet.  Nishiki was getting very close to Kaguya, but he still did not trust her all too much because she was keeping secrets. but not like they were any better...

- Where am I?!    - Out of time and space, young man.    - Am I dead?!    - That's right.    - How?! I don't remember any of this!    - It's just that a piano fell on you.    - What nonsense, uncle?!    - It was a beautiful, exclusive and very expensive piano. It was being taken by helicopter to the Minister of Culture, Mr. Bazhenov. Unfortunately, the piano's fastening turned out to be of poor quality, due to the fact that in the assembly shop at the factory where they make universal fasteners...    - It doesn't matter anymore, man. So that's what the helicopter was flying overhead... And what, I just got nailed by a grand piano like that?    - The force of the impact was such that you were literally ground to a pulp. A man following you had his face crushed in with shards of your skull. Also part of your giblets flew aside right on Lydia Klavdievna, seventy-six years old. Because of the surprise, stress and poor health, she had a heart attack. Now she is being taken to the hospital, and even I do not know whether poor Lydia will live or not. Oh, yes. You, Edward, died instantly. I do not envy the paramedics who have to pick up your body from the neighborhood bushes and cars like a puzzle.    - Oh, crap! That's not fair! Take me back, I haven't even had twenty years to live!    - To tell you the truth, I am not in the habit of bringing someone back to life, even if fate, in their opinion, has dealt them an injustice. Everything in the world is in balance. And since you died, it was meant to be. Besides, you didn't lead a very righteous life.    - I wasn't a bandit or a hooligan!    - That's the end of your virtues. But I've decided to give you a chance. Do you know why?    - And why?    - The boredom I suffer from is the same as what you would feel. Even higher entities like myself can't always help but be bored at some point. You liked computer games, didn't you? Well, if this doesn’t make your day any more interesting then let me send you to one world where I am not yet bored of it! .    - Do I have a choice?    - I don't think so. But you have a right to speak your mind.    - If you're a god, you suck.    - Is that all you had to say before you left?    - Wait, I'll still be a young guy, right?    - I admit it.    - Do I get any perks?    - Bonuses?    - Of course! Some kind of power-up that makes me stronger than everyone else! Or the chance to get a quick boost for free!    - You can't handle it on your own, can you, young man?    - No! I want cheat bonuses!    - Well, I'll consider your request. Now it's time to say goodbye. Enjoy your second chance, Edward.    - Fuck you.    The light faded, and I sank into a gloomy nothingness. Consciousness returned in an instant. I opened my eyes, finding myself in some half-dark, dark cave. Here and there pulsed glowing mushrooms and dangling multicolored moss. I sat down, felt my face, and examined myself as best I could in such meager light. There didn't seem to be any dramatic changes in my body. My clothes were a simple woven shirt with a vest, rough pants, and some handmade boots of very poor quality. Instead of a belt, the pants were girt with twine. A herd of goosebumps ran up and down my spine from where I was. Somewhere nearby I could hear the measured clatter of water droplets, and in the distance an indistinct screech or shriek. I stood up and shook myself off. My pant leg was wet because a small stream was running nearby. I looked around a bit and found a crack at the top, where the water was dripping from. I took a handful and quenched my thirst. Then rinsed my face. Well, there you go. It didn't look like anything, as they say. I lived my life without a worry, only I entered the university. Hadn't even had time to make out with the young first-year girls yet. And here you are, Edik, the adventure. What a disgusting god he's got. I wouldn't be surprised if he had prepared some nasty thing for me. I didn't feel any anxiety about my new life.  Maybe dying twice makes it more normal, I don't know.  Or somewhere deep in the bowels of my brain lived the aching hope that some bored god would save me from this second death as well. I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw a notification just below the right: To open your status send a mental message with the meaning of "status". So that's what my grandfather was talking about. Well, status. Name: Eduard Zimin (?)Age: 17 (?)Gender: male (?)Race: human (?)Level: 1Experience: 0 out of 10Health: 10 out of 10 (?)Mana: 10 out of 10 (?)Characteristics: Free points: 0 (?)Strength: 5Dexterity: 5Intelligence - 5Stamina - 5Class: Beginner (?)Skills: Chastity (?), Phoenix (?) This game is very tired and unoriginal.  There are only four possible traits, you can't do anything out of the ordinary in the game to level up.  But grandpa was quite generous and gave me a couple of special skills!

Hey,   Here I am after a long long time. After publishing the first 13 chapters on only this platform, I unpublished the story for a complete rewrite. It took almost six months mostly because I was too lazy, but now I am ready to publish it again.    The dialogues of the story were color-coded for reasons, making it hard to read in dark mode on Scribblehub and completely unsuitable for Patreon. Thus I deemed a rewrite necessary. While at it I added completely new settings and scenes which would make the story more captivating in the early chapters.   It was cryptic as some of my early readers said which was the charm of it. I tried to keep that cryptic nature while showing my hand a little bit in the early chapters. Lonely Mountain was an isekai that is not isekai. The new rewrite would be a litrpg that is not a litrpg on top of that. The dialogues would be easier to read even without color codes but still, it makes richer with those thus I kept them.    In time I am going to upload it on this platform as well as Patreon. However, it would still be only black and white on Patreon. I am still thinking about how to make it easy to read in dark mode on Scribblehub with color codes thus I haven't uploaded it here just yet.    For now, you can read new chapters only on the link given below with its new name, Dreamblind. Dreamblind would be the name of the series while Lonely Mountain would just be the name of the first volume. Please don't leave me without company until it will be uploaded on this platform as well. See you soon.   https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/59270/dreamblind

A disturbing sound spread through the room, making Lana scrunch her face in her sleep. She opened one eye, but everything seemed right. A sigh escaped her lips as she tightened the hug around the fox plushie in her hands.   Just as she was about to return to dreamland, the sound started again, coming closer to her, and that’s when she realized something was wrong. Her eyes opened abruptly, as she held her breath, listening to the sound.   An intruder was in her room, one that was feared by all. Her body tensed, as she prepared for the inevitable battle that awaited her. There was no point in talking, because the creature going after her was merciless. It was a creature of the night, a bloodsucking monstrosity.   This was a battle of life or death, where only one of them could come out victorious. The monstrous intruder readied its wings before zeroing in on her. Within half a second or even less, his bloody sharp fangs were about her, but that was when she acted.   “Holy Slap!”   Her hand went flying toward the intruder with mind-bending power. If her fingers barely scratched the creature, it would be pulverized to atoms.   “Ouch!”   And she missed, hitting her right cheek instead.   “Kukukukuku, you are too weak, mortal. Your weak kind cannot defeat me. Give up and let me drink your blood.”   The creature mocked her, as it flew around the previously silent room with a hateful noise. She massaged her cheek as her gaze wandered around, searching for her enemy. If she couldn’t find it soon, her roommates might be in danger as well.   The darkness limited her vision, but the light from the moon was enough to illuminate the room. Her sight soon adapted to it, and she stood up from her bed, silently, stalking through the small space she shared with two others.   She finally oriented herself, spotting the intruder from the sound of his wings. A stealthy opponent like that was hard to find and even harder to beat, but that couldn’t stop her from trying.   She crept forward, nearing her enemy, watching his reaction with every movement she made. He was just silently staying there, staring at her, surely laughing in his mind at her pitiful performance.   Finally, she was close enough to attack. She took a deep breath and concentrated. If she missed this time, there might not be another chance.   “HOLY SLAP!”   She yelled, her hand flying at unimaginable speed. The creature reacted, moving against her attack for the final confrontation.   Suddenly, the room was lit with a click.   “What in the world are you doing, Lana?”   Lana froze, turning her head slowly, only to be met with a piercing glare from Emma, one of her roommates. The foxkin had a frown on her face, her tail standing straight behind her, her ears twitching in annoyance.   “I…”   She started, only to be interrupted by her fearsome enemy. He landed on her face, and she shrieked, falling on her butt.   “Spark.”   She heard Emma say, and a small flame, lept from her finger, hitting the bloodsucker a second later. The flame consumed it in a moment, and the room fell silent.   “Sigh.”   That came from the other bed. Lana turned to look at it, but she couldn’t clearly see if Claire was awake or not.   “Just go to bed, already. It’s past three, you know? Couldn’t you be a bit more silent? We need to wake up early tomorrow.”   Emma glared at her, as her words were like a bucket of cold water.   “B-but, there was…”   Lana averted her gaze, not able to look her roommate in the eyes.   “I know, the mosquito is already taken care of. Now, go to bed. I will forgive you this time for waking me up, but I won’t next time, are we clear?”   The glare intensified, and Lana shivered. She stood up in a second, saluting.   “Yes, ma-am.”   Emma let out another sigh and waved her hand. The bracelet on her wrist flashed for a second and the lights were out once more. Lana crept to her bed, her head lowered in shame. She got too excited yet again, making a scene out of nothing, and managed to wake up her roommates.   That was a bad habit she had since she was a child. The only thing that she hoped for was that they won’t be offended by her blunder, and maybe continue to talk with her? She liked her roommates, and she wanted to befriend them. Something she found really hard to do, as she never had friends. All the children in the past ignored or outright bullied her. Her childhood wasn’t the best but wasn’t the worst either.   There were still many fun things that she did, and she didn’t regret anything in her life. At least, so far. She laid back in her bed and covered herself in her blanket. The plushies felt nice against her skin, and she couldn’t help but grab the fox-looking one. It looked almost like her roommate, and that made her kind of happy, as she hugged it to her chest.   The smell of the fox plushie grazed her nose, as the scent of vanilla occupied her senses. It was a nice choice, although it made her hungry sometimes. But the smell was good, and she didn’t regret buying the flavoring for it.   Lana closed her eyes, immersed in the fluffiness around her. The silence and the dark room lured her more and more into dreamland, as the comfortable blanket wrapped all around her, like an encompassing hug. Before she knew it, she was already asleep. —---------- The sun is an evil entity. Each second, it produces enough energy to destroy the whole world multiple times over. If it was a living being, it would be considered a god, a demon, or a transcendent. Such a being shouldn’t have any attachment for it had seen everything, nor should it have neither a reason nor a drive to bother anyone—especially a tired young girl at barely nine in the morning.   But no, the sun’s heart was as black and cold as its surface was red and hot. It glared through the curtains of Lana’s window and stared deep into her eyes. Even as the poor young girl turned around, the sun’s rays still found a way. They bounced off the walls and floor and pierced through her eyelids.   Lana grumpily kept rolling over her bed, trying to find a spot where she wouldn’t be blasted with the celestial flash bomb. But soon, there was no more bed to roll over.   “Ugh”   Lana sat on the ground dizzy from the fall while massaging the back of her head. She was wrapped in her sheets and blanket like a cocoon.   “Good morning,” Claire smiled at her and turned back to read her book.   “Good morning,” Lana mumbled, a yawn escaping her lips. She looked around the room with heavy-lidded eyes when she noticed that the foxkin was missing.   “Oh, where is Emma?”   “She went to her classes,” Claire turned a page. “Hers starts at nine.”   Lana was still dizzy. However, as her brain slowly processed Claire’s words, her eyes opened wide.   “No no no, I’m gonna be late! I have class in 30 minutes!”   Lana took off the blanket and sheets around her and ran to the bathroom. Or at least, tried to. Unfortunately for her, her blankets managed to hug her legs, and the next thing she knew, she was already on the ground, her forehead hurting.   “Ouch.”   “There.” Before Lana could fully comprehend what happened, a soothing sensation spread through her body, and the pain went away almost instantly.   “Thanks” she waved a hand, not even turning around, as she managed to sprint to the bathroom, closing the door behind her.   She quickly undressed and entered the shower. As she looked at the showerhead, she had a fearful expression on her face before she shook her head and steeled her heart.   “I can do it. I know how to do it.” She looked at her bracelet with trembling eyes before she pushed her mana into it.   Nothing. There was no water flowing out from the showerhead.   Lana looked back at the bracelet, and this time, she put in more mana. Just as the bracelet flashed with blue light, a torrent came rushing at her face. Only gurgles came out of her mouth as she tried to scream from the water assault.   Half a minute later, the water jet finally stopped and the shower head started working normally. Lana felt as if her life had flashed in front of her eyes. She thought that she would suffocate and drown from a rogue magical showerhead.   After she finished showering, Lana looked at the hair-drying crystal with troubled eyes. She was able to get it to function properly yesterday, but what about today? And after almost drowning while taking a shower, who could blame her for thinking this way?    Nevertheless, classes were about to start in twenty minutes, and she couldn’t go there with wet and flat hair. And what’s worse, if she went out with wet hair, she could easily catch a cold, let’s not even mention ruining her hair.   As she nervously looked at her bracelet, a smooth hand gently rested on her shoulder.   “Just sit down. Let me take care of it.” Claire offered Lana a chair before taking the hair-drying crystal from the upper drawers. She put mana in her bracelet to activate the crystal and the gentle and warm air blew at Lana’s hair.    The young girl couldn’t help but smile, as Claire gently brushed her hair while drying it. The warmth and Claire’s skilled hands made Lana relax, and with each stroke, she fell deeper into a realm of bliss. Soon, her eyelids drooped, her shoulders slumped on the chair, and she was off to dreamland.   The red light dimmed from Claire’s bracelet and the crystal stopped blowing air.   “Done.” She returned the dryer to its place and went back to her book.   “Eh?” Lana blinked as she finally came back to reality. The warmth was gone, and Claire was back on her bed. She looked around the room, still trying to understand what happened when her bracelet beeped. She looked down at it and squealed.   “No! I will be late!”   Without further ado, she sprinted for the door, ready to tackle the first day of her new school life. Her bracelet beeped and a blue arrow appeared in her vision, showing her the way.   She left the dorms’ building in a record time, her steps sure as she sprinted into the academy, somehow managing to keep balance and not trip as usual. The corridors passed like a blur, and Lana ended in front of her classroom, trying to catch her breath.   After half a minute, she took a deep breath and opened the door, only to be greeted by the gazes of the whole class, the teacher included. She stiffened in place, her eyes watering. She hated being the focus of everyone around.   Professor Letkin waved his hand with a kind smile on his face. His bracelet shone with a blue light and a holographic image was superimposed on Lana. It showed her name and profession. “Well, if it isn’t miss Lana, please go take a seat.”    Lana’s shoulders slumped, and she quickly scanned the room for an empty seat. Luckily, there was one at the back. As she walked up the stairs, her eyes locked with the boy who sat right in front of her seat. His eyes were light brown, and he had a cute messy haircut. He was in a daze, looking at her. When their eyes met, he gave a charming smile, his cheeks reddening.   Lana slightly blushed and averted her gaze. She walked past him, not courageous enough to look in his direction again before she sat down and straightened her back.   “Alright, since this is the first day of class I will not count you tardy, miss Lana. But let’s not make this a tradition, alright?”   Lana stiffened her posture. “This will be the last time, Professor.”    “Hohoho, well, it’s alright.” Professor Letkins checked Lana’s name in the list of students before he stood back up and continued his class.   “Since this is an important lesson and I’m sure that many of you were still sleepy, I will be repeating what I said.”   The professor took up chalk from his drawer and drew a triangle on the blackboard. “Magic can be split into three different categories. There are Augmentation, Conjuration, and Alteration.”    Each time he said one of the types of magic, he wrote it down next to one of the edges of the triangle. He then took up his teaching stick and pointed at augmentation.   “To explain it simply, augmentation is magic that strengthens your body. It increases your defense, offense, maneuverability, and agility. It is great for close-quarter combat.”   He then pointed at Conjuration. “For this type of magic, think of spells like Fireball. You conjure elements such as fire, wind, or thunder to use in a fight. The type of element you can conjure would depend on your affinity, but we will tackle that subject later in the course. Of course, Conjuration is largely used for long-range attacks and utility in a battlefield.”   As Professor Letkins pointed at the last type of magic, he had a wide smile on his face. “Ah, now for Alteration. This one is the most mysterious of them all, but it can also be the strongest. Alteration is the magic of changing the rules of the world. Illusion magic, spacial magic, and gravitation magic all fall under Alteration. As such, with so many schools of magic under it, you cannot say whether it is more attuned for close-quarter or long-range combat.”   “If you have a question, you can raise your hand.” The professor looked around, waiting.   A small-looking wolf girl raised her hand high in the sky to be seen by the professor.   “Yes, Rika. What is your question?”   After she was given permission to ask, Rika corrected her glasses and smiled. “What about a spell like Wind’s Blessing? Which type of magic is it?”   Professor Letkins raised his eyebrows and tilted his head in surprise. “Wow, Rika, what an amazing question. Indeed, Wind’s Blessing does conjure the wind element, but it is used to boost the agility and maneuverability of a combatant.”   He then turned around to the blackboard and pointed at a spot between Conjuration and Augmentation on the triangle. “It stands here. Wind’s Blessing is a typical example of a spell that lives between the Augmentation and Conjuration Archetypes. There are other spells just like it, but for now, it is sufficient to remember that these three types are not the end-all-be-all. There is much more depth to magic and we continue to discover new things every single day.”   Lana was writing diligently until she felt a gaze on her. She looked up and made eye contact with the man in front of her. As they looked at each other in awkward silence, the guy winked at her and turned around. Her cheeks became red hot once again. She couldn’t help but stare at him, dazed by his actions.   After some time passed, she managed to snap out of her daze and continued to listen to the professor, as he continued his lesson. The basics of magic were something she wanted to learn from as far as she remembered, and the professor’s explanation was easy to follow even though she was distracted for a bit. She used her full attention for the lesson, writing and trying to remember every word, and before she knew it, the class was over.   She prepared to leave the room, only to see the boy in front turning to her, about to say something. Her breath catches in her throat, not sure what to do.   “Hey-”   “Andy, let’s go! I’m dying from hunger here!” Another boy interrupted him, walking next to him. Lana was grateful for that distraction, as she managed to slip past Andy before he could focus back on her. She wasn’t sure what he wanted from her, but she wasn’t good with conversations, especially with the opposite gender.   Her next class was an hour later, which gave her enough time to have lunch and maybe relax for a bit. Her steps brought her to the cafeteria, and she had a salad, alone in a corner, where no one would bother her.    Finishing her lunch, she went out into the park, sitting on a bench. There was still some time before the next class, so she clicked on the bracelet and a hologram of a book appeared. There was a hero story that she found on the network, and it would be enough to kill the time before her next class. She set up an alarm and started reading, mesmerized by the story.   Before she knew it, it was time for her next class. She closed the book and the hologram disappeared. With a thought, her bracelet conjured another arrow, and she went to one of the practice fields, skipping and humming, and almost fell. At the last moment, she managed to balance herself. Looking around, there wasn’t anyone that saw her embarrassment, but her cheeks still burned.   Her next class was Magic Practice, and she was eager for it. She knew that her specialty was Alteration magic, but that was all. Sure, there was some magic that she could cast, but somehow every time it ended with her casting something totally different from what she imagined. Hopefully, in this class, she would be able to fix this issue.   The class was for all first years, so it wasn’t a surprise when she saw Emma waving her hand, trying to catch her attention, Claire next to her with a neutral look on her face. Honestly, Lana was a bit jealous of Claire. The silent girl had attractive features and a really curved body. And her chest was… Lana sighed, shaking her head and trying to get rid of those distracting thoughts. A small smile spread across her lips, as she hurried next to her roommates.   “Hey, Lana. How was your day so far?” Emma grinned at her, one of her ears twitching for a second, her tail waving leisurely behind her.   “It was fine.” That was all she was able to say before her cheeks turned a shade of pink. The guy that sat in front of her came to her mind, making her flustered for a moment. She averted her gaze, not willing to talk anymore.   “Oh, is there something that you want to tell me?” A mischievous smile appeared on Emma’s face, as she came closer to Lana, almost touching noses with her.   “Nah, it’s nothing.” Lana took a step back, still unable to meet her roommate’s gaze.   “Alright, students. It’s time for the class.” A booming voice echoed through the field, silencing everyone. Lana turned around to look for the source of it.   “Tch. Don’t think you will escape with that, we will continue our conversation later.” Emma declared, which made shivers go down Lana’s spine. Hopefully, her roommate would forget about that later.   “Gather around, come on, don’t make me repeat myself.” The teacher’s voice echoed again, prompting the girls to move in its direction. Soon, all the students made a semi-circle with the teacher in front of them.   “Alright, that’s good enough. Now, let me explain what this class is for in more detail. Our main purpose is to teach you how to handle your own magic and make it even better, introducing new spells and making your mana pool bigger in the long turn. How will we do that? Simple. Practice. I will teach you different training methods, compatible with your school of magic, and will build your foundation for the future.    “I want you all divided into three groups, every group specializing in one of the schools. What I mean is Augmentation mages, gather to my left, Conjuration mages, to my right, and Alteration mages, in front of me. There shouldn’t be anyone here who doesn’t know from which school of magic they are, right?”    “We know, teacher.” Echoed all the students. Lana moved to the middle, where she was assigned, and waited for the next instructions.   Soon, all the students were separated into three groups, waiting for the teacher to continue. He smiled and nodded his head, satisfied with what he was seeing.   “Alright, first, I will move from group to group. I want to know how much everyone’s progress is, so I can make some arrangements later. What you will do is simple: cast a spell that you know, and let me see it. We will start with the Conjuration mages. When I point to someone, I want them to introduce themselves and what they want to cast. Now, you, start.”   The professor pointed at a blonde-haired girl, and the exercise began. The students started to show what they can, some able to cast, and others with no such luck. Lana couldn’t fully focus on that, as she was equally excited and terrified for her turn. She knew that she could cast, but she wasn’t sure if her magic would work or not.   “Now, you.” Before she knew it, it was her turn. She even missed her roommates’ showcasing in her brooding. Lana took a deep breath and moved in front of the others, bowing slightly to the professor.   “H-hello. My name is Lana. I will try to cast a fire spell.” She mumbled, her voice barely a whisper. Nevertheless, the professor nodded and let a small smile cross his lips.   “It’s alright, Lana. I’m sure you can do it. Now, let’s see what you can do.”   She nodded her head and closed her eyes. A few deep breaths later, her eyes shot open and her right hand pointed to a dummy not too far away from her.   “Spark.” She imagined the flame, the same as what Emma cast last night. Her magic was connected to her imagination, and she still had a vivid image in her mind, so it should work, right?   Silence descended over the field, while Lana still had her hand stretched forward. The only thing she could hear was a small high voice in the background.   “Spark.” She said again, trying and failing to keep her composure, as her body started to tremble. She could even feel the tears that would gush at any moment. At the same time, the high voice became clearer. It resembled a young kid’s giggling.   “Alright, no need to feel bad about it. It happens a lot with people that are new to magic. Don’t worry, you will do it the next time, now-”   As the professor started talking, Lana’s shoulders drooped. Her eyes moistened and she wanted to hide somewhere, out of sign from the others. She retracted her outstretched hand and looked at it.   Psssst   “Aargh.”   A strong water jet hit her face, making her squeal and fall down on her butt. Her face and chest were now fully soaked. The field once again fell into silence.   “Well, that was an amazing power for a spell. Nicely done, young lady.” The teacher said, trying and failing to remove the smile from his face. Lana looked around and saw the unnatural faces of all the students and her face started to burn.   “Now, I think that was the strongest spell we saw for the whole day. It seems like everyone else will have to work hard if they want to catch up to you. Here, let me help you.”   The professor extended his hand to her, his gaze traveling through the crowd. No one said anything, as she stood up and dusted herself. She looked around and saw the glint in the eyes of some students. Looking down at herself, her cheeks burned even more, as she covered her chest with her hand.   “You have my permission to go and change your clothes. We won’t be doing anything else for this class, so I might as well dismiss you. Nice work, Lana. We will work on your  abilities in my next class.” The professor winked and waved his hand, obviously dismissing her.   Lana was grateful for his actions, as she managed to prevent her tears to fall. She nodded her head and ran away, not turning back. That situation was just too much.

She always wore a yellow cardigan. It wasn't anything special. A little ratty, to be honest; the threads frayed at the end and the pattern was a mess, with sleeves licking wavy lines that sputtered across the torso. I had told her more than once it resembled one of those cheap heart monitors in the local clinic of our tiny town, of plastic and murky mercury. Spike, spike, drop, drop, drop- "Them fancy machines in the big city ain't for the like of our folk until we get injured bad," I said. And that was that. . . .The color was more of a pale white than yellow. It started off yellow. A bright, vibrant thing, it was, like it had the sun in its seams. It wasn't anything special, but you loved it. It tore and you cried. I loved you too. Looking back, you were odd. Or our classmates thought so, at least. You were kind, generous. Always smiling until your cheeks ached, laughing until your stomach gurgled. Loud, open, warm. It didn't matter if it was the gay kid or the bully kid. The tall or the short. The fat or the lean. It didn't matter a wit to you, not with the bubbling sunshine under your pale skin. You were alive in ways the rest of us weren't. I guess it only makes sense that you were dead in ways we weren't either. You always smelled of smoke. A flash of faded yellow and the lingering ash of cigs. That was my memory of you before I came to know you, came to love you. It didn't change any after I did either. I think a part of me resents that, resents you. As much as you were open, you were equally closed off. You didn't think you were important, didn't think you had any worth when you were the only worthy thing to me. You couldn't stand people worrying over you because of it. And for all that you were warm, you were the sun, and whoever got too close could only be burned. If it were only that, I would have done it, but you liked to burn yourself in the process too. Damn you. A part of me resents that, resents you. I know it to be true. But the only one I hate, I think, has been myself all along. You'll never guess it. Like, really, I doubt you will. No, you never will. You never had a chance to. Humor me? I tried listening, you see. What you said to me back in the day, about learning properly and fixing my stubborn tongue. To use my brain for a change. To get out of this dreadful town, with scores of gangs like swarms. I even tried that poetry you like. My mind likes to rhyme on its own now, singing in tune. . . Fuck. I can't do it. Not like you. Please come back. Please. The sirens wailed and for once, I was sick. I'm uncertain what it was about that day, how I knew, to be frank with you. Ambulances were common and so were the injured. They were a natural pair, a two-of-a-kind slick. You didn't live long here without seeing the combination paired. Regardless, I threw my bags to the side and sprinted to the door. I doubt the teacher cared; no one cared about anyone in that place except you. And except me, I suppose, but that was only for you. My heart seized in my chest as I lost sight of the ambulance. Two was a pair, three was a flop. “How do you feel?” I echoed the question back, a mere twist of a word, entirely spent. How should I feel? Betrayed? Broken? Dead in all but name? I was those, but ‘feel’ sung a tune of short. More than a feeling, it was a state of being. More than an emotion, it was my ocean. I was drowning fast, I idly noted. A weepy snowman, flowing into the ocean, until it couldn’t pretend to be anything more than misery. You had left. What else was I supposed to do? The lady in front echoed me then, lazy and sloppy. A mandatory appointment, so hence did the devil with a flickering halo sing, her notes shallow and slack. Better than the rest, but damning in indifference, in her lack of care. She lacked magma for hair and horns to bear. But she killed more than any butcher, that was for sure.  I echoed right on back. It was a cacophony of bats, an echolocation that could never come back because neither of us cared to see, not really, and I came to the abrupt realization that nothing lasts. I once asked you why you always wore that same old cardigan. You... didn't reply. It was a first. No matter how insensitive or insecure my questions had been before, you never failed to answer. Even if it was a simple 'no'. You had my respect for that, that confidence of yours. You didn't look it, but you had an odd sort of pride about you. Taken aback, I laughed it off and you laughed too. It was shaky, a far cry from the well-spoken girl I knew. It made my instincts twitch and my worries rise, but my face was placid and smooth. I had learned from the best, after all. Silently, I knew something was wrong and I knew that there was nothing I could do. Not as long as that cardigan was draped around you. I knew, I know, I knew. You've told me before that I'm not stupid, just a lack of care atrophying muscles and neurons alike, and a clog up from those drugs that I like. I quit those, went cold turkey, you know, although you never will, my dear. It just can't be so. Still, I digress; lactic acid melts away muscle and reforges it in its place, forming something anew. And when it came to you, I could do anything. Be anything. Except, of course, be something that could save you. I was smart, you'd told me that. I wasn't blind either. Bruises that peeked out of frayed hems, blossoming against pale skin. Burns that puckered against your skin when you bent. A nest of broken bones shattered and deformed, each signed with a large welt. Your nose was crooked, healing as wrong as it did. You never did like that about yourself, fretting over it in the shadowed corners of rooms. . . .Even if I said anything, to you, to the authorities, nothing would change, would it? After all, your parents were to blame. You'd take their side no matter what and they were too powerful, too high to fall. If I tried, you'd burn yourself inside. You'd simmer outside, crying out against the world, and me, for breaking our little fantasy. Everything would shatter, everything would break. . . What I didn't know was that it was already broken. I resent that, resent you. I hate myself. Your hospital room stunk of antiseptic. Your urn didn't, I'm not sure why I thought it would. Perhaps I thought it was the smell that infected you, that made both your body and spirit give. You slit your wrist, but it wasn't deep. It was amateur, shallow. You hadn't even taken pills to swallow. Yet, pained and small, you laid in your cardigan, dead to us all. It had to be the smell, if it wasn't then— How else could you look so happy? Relieved? Damn you. Damn you. Damn you. How could you leave me alone? . . .I took all the ashes. Your parents didn't care, the bastards. They didn't even let you be buried whole. I'm surprised they paid for the cremation at all, and didn't leave you to the wolves. But I didn't argue with burning you. You would've liked it, burning away all that made you impure. Your scars, your burns, the scabs beneath the skin. You were the only perfect thing to me, how could you think about yourself so? Mostly, you would have liked that you were free, I think, as I threw your ashes in the sea. I stared out at the setting sun, a bloody rose in full bloom, and it wasn't anything special. It fell beneath the horizon and I cried. I love you.     -.___________________~xXx~_ "Goodbye, Rosalie."

Datboi876 I don't know how to write it down properly, so the spoiler box near the end of the chapter is actually the status table. Enjoy!   Tatsu was a high-school student who, by ANY means, wasn’t liked. His life was anything but good. Though he was always longing for one thing. The thing that every man wanted, that even surpassed money. Yep, that’s right. An Isekai fantasy. Who wouldn’t want to have that, right? Yet everyone else didn’t. But, he kept on fantasizing. Living an Isekai fantasy meant that he would have to give up the life he lives now. So he thought, ‘Fuck yeah!’ He wanted to go, and now. He had learned survival, crafting, fighting, and blacksmithing In preparation for this. And so, he trained, learned, waited and wished. It was another day in his crappy high-school life. He was avoided, stared down, shit-talked, and gossiped about by both boys and girls alike. Delinquents passed by, and strung a string of cusswords his way. Some even spat on him. So before the earth-shattering, ground-breaking event happened, he was simply a regularish  boy, who absolutely HATED this world, with the dream of being isekai’d. So when that event happened... He was in class like every other day. Nothing too special. Just him, and his shitty life. Then, it happened. The ground started to crumble and shake. The floor of the school was breaking into pieces, so people naturally started to scream. “W-w-what’s going on!” “I don’t know! Ask someone else!” “We’re all gonna die!” "Help me, God!" As the class trembled with fear, people started to scream. Then, the events that wrapped it all up and closed the curtains. First. A escaped serial killer came in from the windows. He had been roaming around in the area nearby just a week ago, so people were going ballistic now that they saw him in person. Like that, people started to run upwards towards the roof. Why not down? Apparently, just before the killer hopped in, a shootout broke out on the ground level between the police and some terrorists. So, while that happened, they made it to the roof.  Then, the killer started to attack Tatsu and the other students after getting to the roof. Meanwhile, his classmates tried to run and hide from the killer and any stray bullets from the shootout that also got to the roof.   Then, it all wrapped up. A plane came out of the sky and crashed into the street outside the school, 1000 yards away, giving it plenty of time to slow down and stop just after passing by his school. Most notably, The wing of the plane had reached out and scratched the school like a slash on a tree, right next to where he was standing, 5 feet away. Had he moved any closer, he would have been taken down by the plane, or any rocks flying around from the plane crashing. Finally, A truck appeared in the distance. But, because the truck was going too fast, it slipped on a piece of newly made road, and careened off a jump made by the plane crashing. Afterwards, the final event started to happen. But none of the other events would make it up to this. A huge circle appeared on the ground. However, if Tatsu were to describe it’s looks, then he would probably think- ‘-A magic circle!’ He was partly happy, and partly panicked. Because he saw, not one magic circle on the ground, but another on the truck… that was barreling toward him through midair. At that point, everything went dark. He then woke up in a white room. With that, Tatsu’s isek- . .. … …….?   He woke up in a white room.  "Hey, you, you're finally awake, huh? " Tatsu held back the urge to tsukkomi and slowly opened his eyes. "Who,  where, why, what? "God, A divine realm of sorts, I'm helping you, you're getting reincarnated." ......  The fuck? ... He stared at the old man (god?) and spoke: "so... what now?" 'I'll be giving you this gift for well, amusement.' "...Okay?" A ball of light flew out of his hands and went into Tatsu's chest. "wait a min- UAAAAAAAAAA!" He started feeling pain beyond all compare, and his surroundings grew dark. With that, Tatsu’s life as an ordinary boy came to an end, and his new life as a Isekai man began! This time, he woke up in a throne room of what was probably a castle. “Woah!” “Where are we!” “Welcome, heroes from another world.” """What?""" Tatsu looked around then let out a jump for joy in his heart. ‘I did it, mom and dad. I finally got transported to another world! You wouldn’t believe this! Now all I have to do is become super strong, and live my life as a mob character! Though I should probably watch out for the rest of the class... And just what was that old man?’ Then, the King continued. “Please heroes, save this world from the demon king. You are our last hope.”  Murmurs erupted from the students. “Seriously?” “This guy must be lying.” “Are we on a talk show?” “Of course not, the floor of the school broke, and lots of us are suddenly here? No way.” Suddenly, A woman approached them, flanked by 6 guards in a hexagon formation. “I’m terribly sorry, but please, allow me to explain what circumstances led to this.” She then went on to explain that she was the princess of the Radoron Empire, also known as the holy empire. They were originally living in peace, but apparently the demon king got unsealed, and ended up wrecking havoc on the world, but the kingdom managed to successfully repel them to a certain point. So to kill him, they summoned the heroes of legend, his class. “Yeah yeah, that’s good and all, but can we go back to our own world?” “The only way to go back, is to defeat the demon king.” Gasps arose from the surroundings. Everyone was in a similar state of shock. “However, the god’s have conferred upon you a blessing in order to help defeat the demon king. All you simply have to do is think of a certain word, status, I believe?” Afterwards, the room was in a bit of a surprised state. Everyone saw a floating, blue screen in front of them. But they also couldn't anyone else's screen. Tatsu's screen said: Spoiler Status  Name: Tatsu Murasuma Race: Low Human? Str: 10 Sta: 19 End: 23 Agi: 14 Dex: 17 M: 0   Resistances: Poison Immunity 2 Paralysis Resistance 8 Sleep Immunity MAX Environment Resistance 2  Solitary Resistance 9 Blunt Impact Resistance 2 Slash Resistance 1   Skills: Steel Skin 1 Appraisal 1 Hide 3 Blacksmithing 2 Concealment 2   Unique Skills: Quadruped Movement 2 Gone With The Wind 2 EXP Needed/20 EXP Gain X 2    Techniques: Mixed Odd Weapon Techniques 2 Mixed Thrown Weapon Techniques 3 Mixed Close-Quarters-Combat 2 Mixed Low Sword Mastery 2 [collapse] … …. ….. ………? Tatsu nearly backed up into the wall. He knew that he was kind of strong, but not that strong! The first thing he thought of was putting the board out in front of him, but different  stats from the originals. He thought ‘Sure, because of my bad treatment in school, I might get chosen to be the MC or something but for real? I’ve enough novels to know that most Protagonists have either a cheat skill, which I don't have, or some sort of ridiculous stat tables.’ Now after the king gave an introductory speech, he figured out they were in the Kingdom of Slodein. Though Tatsu was guessing that the king wasn’t going to be very nice to him. So while everybody was getting all happy and drunk over some power-to-be-revealed, Tatsu was busy acting like everybody else, trying not to draw too much suspicion to himself, because for him, a brand new life was about to begin!

Guy made his way to work the same way he always had headphones on bearing a music and text while walking,(this is I'll advised unless you want a branch in your face). He didn't notice the divert path sign again telling him to cross onto the other side of the road as he stared at his phone reading the latest chapter of his favourite book.  There were a few men up ahead with high some high visibility jackets but guy though nothing of it till one turned towards him, catching the movement of guy out the corner of his eye " WATCH OIT KID."  Unfortunately he's had already taken a full stride into the hole, like a screen straight out of crazy toons on second he was there the next, whosssh' he was gone. The whole was only a few meter deep, so the men ran over to help the young man but when they looked he waw no where to be seen" wtf.". Back to guy's poverty "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH"!' He streamed bloody murder sounding closer to a little girl then a young man. As he continued to fall he closed his eye waiting for the pain of impact. Yet the pain never came he opened his eye only to see darkness all around him as he continued his free fall, hurling to a destination unknown. He had lost track of time very quickly  with nothing to make a bering no land marks nothing. Only complete emptiness Whi knew how long it had been minutes, seconds, days, weeks even months yet he felt nothing not hunger nor thirsty yet he could still feel something the warmth in his chest. Finally after an unknown period of time he saw something it started out as a small grey blot in the darkness and it was very rapidly approaching from underneath his growing in size. Reading that he was on a direct impact course with this object he began to panic once again the fear if going splat he did his best frog paddle trying to go forward. "I I THINK ITS WORKING  HAHAHA." He laughed to him self thinking of his genius only to go splat no soon after. Darkness once again surrounded only this time it was different it was warmer. Guy opened his eyes and what greeted him was a black sky as he layed on a small grey platform that was made of an unknown material looking like a slightly more solid fog yet it was hard to the touch yet still slightly translucent. [ beginning intergration] [.....1...5..15..25..50...75..100...] [  COMPLETE  ] [WELCOME HOST TO THE CREATOR SYSTEM].

Lemon Soju Written by Natalie Alicia Norment  Disclaimer: This short story is totally original. All characters are fictional and don't represent themselves as real people. This serial is for entertainment purposes only. Thank you and enjoy reading Lemon Soju.   Kyung Min Bu didn't like the idea of being at his best friend Amelia Franklin's house in San Diego, California for the summer. He wasn't too keen on spending time with her while his wife was away on a road trip in Canada. It wasn't because he hated Amelia. It was actually due to his attraction to her since childhood. But for some reason, Kyung Min never mustered up the courage to express his feelings for her. For one thing, it meant bringing shame to his family if they knew the truth about his forbidden love for a black woman, which he believed they wouldn't approve of. It took them a while to accept his wife even though they were both born in South Korea.  So he kept his feelings for her a secret, even though he knew what it meant to not say anything towards his best friend. At one point, he almost wanted to kill himself, but something stopped him from doing it. Eventually, Kyung Min fell in love with another woman named Sun Ji Soo even though he was too busy thinking about Amelia.  Of course it took him a while after six years of dating Sun Ji to propose to her, no thanks to his best friend Amelia herself.  Eventually, Kyung Min married Sun Ji, but his love for Amelia was too strong, it even overpowered his love for his wife which left his spirit entirely.  Back to reality, Kyung Min sighed in depression.  If only I could tell Amelia how I felt.   It was night time at the house which lay near the beach. Amelia had bought this place after she had broken up with her boyfriend whom she found cheating on her last Christmas. Kyung Min wished he was there to console her when it happened. All he could do was thank the gods he didn't try to look for Amelia's ex so he could beat the shit out of him for cheating on her. Dear God, if you could hear my voice in my mind, please give me a chance to make myself happy once more.  As if on cue, there was a knock on the door of the bedroom he was staying in. Kyung Min got up to open the door. Once he did, there was Amelia wearing a pink robe that covered up her heavyset body.  "Amelia?" Kyung Min thought she looked beautiful in her robe. "Hey, what's up?" "Hey, Kyung Min, can we talk?" Kyung Min nodded and stood aside, letting Amelia into the bedroom. Once inside, she sat on the bed. He was feeling nervous, wondering if his prayer to God was heard.  "What do you want to talk about?" He asked after he closed the door. Kyung Min went back to the bed and sat down next to Amelia. But she said nothing.  "What's wrong, Amelia?" He had a sudden feeling of concern when he saw that his best friend was looking sad. Then Amelia turned to Kyung Min and found herself leaning forward, kissing him on the lips. This shocked him so much that he pulled back.  "Amelia, what are you doing?!" His brown eyes widened in surprise. Amelia smiled.  "Sorry, I wanted to do that. To be honest, Kyung Min, I also want to do this." The moment she got up, Amelia took off her night robe, revealing herself wearing nothing but lingerie. She wore a white laced corset and white laced panties which was surrounded by a garter belt while her legs were covered in leg high stockings.  Kyung Min took a deep breath before he spoke. "Why are you dressed like that?" "I want you to make love to me, Kyung Min, before you leave me once and for all." Holy shit, my prayer was answered! But he played it off as if he wasn't interested, just to see what Amelia would do.  "Amelia, I don't think I can do that. I'm very dedicated to Sun Ji. I can't just cheat on her." At that moment, Amelia walked over and got on her knees right in front of Kyung Min.  "I know you always liked me. I could tell whenever you looked at me with those gorgeous eyes of yours." Kyung Min reached for her hands, stopping before he leaned towards her. "How would you have known?"  "Your cousin Jae Joon told me you used to sneak peeks at me while I took showers at your parents' place when we were younger. You looked at my naked body while masturbating. I know everything, Kyung Min." Once that came out there was no use hiding the truth, so Kyung Min let one of his hands pull one of Amelia's into his sweatpants, just as he guided it inside his underwear towards his cock.  "Did Jae Joon also tell you that I watched you masturbate in the guest room during our time at my grandfather's house? How I wanted to eat your pussy and then fuck you afterwards?" "Yes." Amelia touched the head of Kyung Min’s cock and found herself pulling the cock out from underneath his underwear.  "Then I'll fuck you, Amelia. But I won't give you up so easily." Amelia looked at Kyung Min with widened eyes . "You plan to continue to cheat on Sun Ji with me?" "I plan to break it off with her. I have always loved you, Amelia, since we were children. I never wanted anyone but you." Kyung Min got up from the bed while Amelia still held onto his cock, stroking it. "If you're wondering why I never told you, it's because I was so sure my parents' wouldn't approve of my feelings for you." Amelia let go of Kyung Min’s cock and got up, facing him with a glare. "Your parents accepted me as your best friend. You could've asked them how they felt." Taking a deep breath, Kyung Min wrapped his arms around the only woman he loved. Then he kissed Amelia on the lips before he pulled away to speak again. "Believe me, Amelia, my parents are too strict when it comes to relationships. The idea of me being friends with a black person was enough and I thought that was okay. For now, at least." Amelia glanced down at Kyung Min’s chest, her hands suddenly reaching up to caress it.  "Okay, so they accepted me as your friend. But if your parents accepted me regardless, so I don't understand–" "They told me that as long as I didn't go any further with you, you could stay…." Amelia's eyes widened again. She looked into Kyung Min’s eyes and found herself forgiving him. "I'm so sorry, Kyung Min." "You didn't know." Kyung Min smiled sadly. "I wish I had told you, but I really wanted my parents to accept you as the woman I loved. I thought I could love Sun Ji, but the more I found you attractive as we grew up, I realized I couldn't live without you." They kissed each other so hard and long, while Amelia took off her robe. Once the kiss was broken off by Kyung Min, he sat back down on the bed while guiding his true love to sit at his side. Amelia had lust in her deep chocolate brown eyes while she stared at Kyung Min who was looking at her with love. In a way, she had always loved him since they were young.  "I love you, Kyung Min. I always have since we were kids." "I love you, too." Kyung Min caressed his lover's face and planted a kiss on her lips again. "Want me to make love to you now?" "Yes." In response to her answer which was 'yes' in Korean, Kyung Min spoke the language.  "Then I shall give you the pleasure you always wanted." With no more words being spoken, Amelia and Kyung Min started to kiss each other deeply again. They even stripped down to their nakedness, without standing between them anymore.  Amelia laid on the bed with her lover on top of her. He planted kisses all over the upper part of her body while he reached between her legs with his left hand, his fingers touching her pussy which earned him a moan from Amelia's lips.  Kyung Min lowered himself between her legs and started to caress her folds.  "So beautiful...." He then planted his mouth on her vagina, kissing it. This earned him gasps from Amelia, with one of her hands grabbing at his head.  "Please kiss me deeper down there..." And so Kyung Min plunged his tongue into Amelia's pussy, tasting all she could afford. Her sex smelled of pure bliss as the man tasted her cum. He kissed and licked at her clitoris, earning more gasps which followed with moans.  "Kyung Min, you're so good...." Kyung Min inserted a finger into her vagina, earning more gasps from his lover. He began to finger her like he would never see her again.  "Oh god, don't stop!!!" Amelia screamed as she felt pure pleasure from Kyung Min’s finger deep inside her pussy. It became too much for her the moment her lover sucked at the clit while fingering her so hard.  She cried out, orgasming so hard on Kyung Min’s finger and mouth. Once it subsided, Amelia found herself breathing so hard. There was tears in her eyes.  Kyung Min took this as a badge of honor, knowing his first time with his true love wouldn't be the last.  "You okay?"  Amelia felt like she wanted to cry. It had been three years since she last had sex. Her ex boyfriend was good in bed, but what Kyung Min did was way much better than the way her ex did when he went down on her.  She looked at her lover with love in her eyes, smiling. "I never felt better. Thank you, Kyung Min." Amelia sat up and reached for Kyung Min’s cock again. "I want to suck your cock now." A groan came out of Kyung Min’s mouth as he watched as Amelia came closer, kissing him. And then she leaned down between his legs, kissing the head of his dick and sucking at it.  "Oh god...."  Amelia covered her mouth on his member, sucking it nice and deep.  Kyung Min almost screamed when he felt her warm mouth on his cock. He was definitely enjoying this.  "You are so beautiful, Amelia." As if she had heard it, Amelia sped up the pace, going faster and harder. This caused Kyung Min to gasp as he grabbed at his lover's hair.  Amelia felt pain in his fingers when he grabbed at her hair, but she kept going like there was no more.  The more she sped up, the harder Naoyo felt in her mouth. At that moment, his eyes were on his true love and she looked up at him, Kyung Min found himself on the edge.  "I'm coming, Amelia!" As his orgasm hit, he found himself spurting sperm after sperm into Amelia's mouth. His hands flew from his lover's hand to the bed, clutching at sheets as his knuckles turned white. He screamed so loud, his orgasm hitting his entire body so hard.  And then it was over.  Amelia had swallowed his cum, licking at her lips just as she sat up.  "You were so awesome, Amelia. I never felt like that before." Kyung Min found himself chuckling.  Amelia kissed him and then laid on the bed. She looked up at Kyung Min and made a "come get me" gesture with her left hand, urging him to get back on top of her.  He did and found himself kissing Amelia so deep and hard, before he inserted his member into her pussy.  Just as she felt his cock inside of her, Amelia wrapped her arms around Kyung Min and then whispered in his left ear: "Fuck me." Those words were enough to drive Kyung Min to wildly fuck Amelia like he wasn't going to see her again. They both moaned and kissed each other so much, the bedroom was covered in the scent of their lovemaking.  And then Amelia's g-spot was hit by Kyung Min’s cock, and she screamed out her lover's name.  Kyung Min did the same thing, finding it so hard to control his primal desire as he fucked Amelia again and again. He definitely knew this was the woman he wanted to grow old with.  And then his orgasm hit again and he screamed out his true love's name.  "Amelia, I love you!!!!" The moment she heard those words spoken to her, Amelia cried out her orgasm and came so hard and fast.  "I love you too, Kyung Min!!!"  Just as the orgasm subsided, Kyung Min collapsed on Amelia and then kissed her. Then he pulled out of his lover and laid on the bed beside her.  "You were so good." "And you were the best fuck I ever imagined." They both laughed before they kissed each other again. Kyung Min reached for his comforter and covered them both up. Then he wrapped his arms around Amelia, pulling her close to him. "So what happens now? You just fucked the shit out of me." As they looked into each other's eyes, Kyung Min sighed. "Like I said, now that I know you want me, I have no plan to let you go so easily." "So you really plan to break up with Sun Ji?"  Kyung Min had a serious look in his eyes when he nodded. "I can't stay with someone I thought I could love." "I understand, Kyung Min. I just wish things were different between us." "Believe me, Amelia, I wanted to tell you how I felt all these years. But I also wanted my parents to accept you." "And now that we made love?"  Kyung Min sighed.  "We'll see where that goes. Besides, I came inside you without a condom, so you might get pregnant eventually." It was Amelia's time to sigh.  "I don't have birth control pills. And I really don't think I want to abort our baby, so it looks like you're stuck with me."  That made Kyung Min smiled.  "So now that's settled, how will you tell Sun Ji and your parents?"  The question made Kyung Min think. "Sun Ji will find someone who loves her. If my parents can't accept you, then I'll find a way to move on without them. Anyone who can't accept you doesn't deserve my attention, Amelia. I love you too much to let you go." What Kyung Min just said made Amelia smile and she found herself kissing her true love once more before snuggling in between his arms.  This made Kyung Min very happy as he found himself fighting his fear of being disowned by his parents. If they couldn't accept the fact that he was in love with a black woman, that was their problem to deal with.  The lights were already dimmed in the bedroom, so Amelia started to fall into a deep sleep.  "Good night, Kyung Min." "Good night, Amelia. I love you."  At that moment, they both fell asleep and dreamed of a better tomorrow than before.  Fin Author's Note: And that's the end of my first chapter of Lemon Soju Therapy. I started on this as a short story, only to make it into a light novel. So how did you readers enjoy my erotic romance serial? Please don't hesitate to read it again if you want. Get ready for more Lemon Soju episodes in the future.      

  Our universe is an uncreated entity that has existed since infinity with neither any beginning nor the end. And yet there is a space within our universe outside of which we have not been able to identify any life. This space in which life can flourish is known as [Loka-Akasa]. While the unknown vast space where we haven't found any signs of life is [Aloka-Akasa]. For simplicity, we just call these Loka and Aloka. The [Loka] has about 700 galaxies. 7 beings are in control of these galaxies. We call them the [super-devas]. Each super-deva has control of roughly 100 galaxies each. This cluster of 100 galaxies is known as [Shetra]. Each super-deva controls roughly 200-300 devas. 10-20 of them serve the super-deva directly, while 100 of them are assigned to rule over a galaxy each. The rest of the devas keep training tirelessly for a chance to replace a deva who loses the grace of [super-deva]. But in spite of the fact that we have such a large universe to live in, or rather that the [Super-devas] have such a large number of galaxies to rule on, it seems like some of the [Super-devas] weren't content with the 100 galaxies that they rule on. Thus, in an attempt to expand their domain, 1 super-deva, the one who ruled on our [Shetra] decided its time to expand the domain. We now call him the [Superdeva of Greed and Wrath]. And thus, the Super-Deva of Greed and Wrath recklessly decided to send 100s of living beings from one of the planets in one of the universe to the Aloka. All the 17 devas who were working under him were escalated on this development... except one. Even the deva who ruled on the universe which was part of this experiment was happy. Apparently, no species residing on this planet were considered intelligent species, so no one had any issues regarding this development. But, this experiment ended horribly, and all of the living beings ended up disintegrating into nothingness upon entering the [Aloka]. Logically, this should have been the end of this horrible experiment, but this didn't deter the Super-Deva though, the super deva decided that all the universes have different living conditions, so at least one of them will have a habitat compatible with the [Aloka] and thus he decided to send one living being from each species from each universe into the [Aloka]. There was opposition to this move though if this move was taken like this, it would cause a lot of chaos and hence it was decided that 4 species would not take part in this experiment. The only living beings which were exempted were humans, dwarves, giants, and magicians, the ones considered as intelligent species. All the devas were happy with these conditions except one Deva. The Deva vehemently opposed doing this cruel experiment, but the Superdeva of Greed and Wrath considered this as a dissent, the deva was exiled into the [Galaxy of Nothingness]. It is considered taboo to kill/torture a deva, so being exiled to [Galaxy of Nothingness] is one of the harshest punishment for them, only when the Super-Deva's anger has subsided and he thinks that the deva has got enough punishment that the deva gets a chance to come back from exile. This Deva whom we now know as Super-Deva of [Ahimsa] was subjected to 10 years of confinement in this [Galaxy of Nothingness].[Ahimsa (also spelled Ahinsa) (Sanskrit: अहिंसा IAST: ahiṃsā, Pāli: avihiṃsā) ("nonviolence") is an ancient Indian principle of nonviolence which applies to all living beings] While the Deva of Non-Violence was exiled the experiments of [Super-Deva of Greed and Wrath] started becoming more and more violent. If the loss of the hundreds of thousands of living beings was not enough, the super-deva started including the 4 species which were exempted from the experiments. Then, the super-deva announced a plan to experiment across species creating hybrids. All 4 intelligent species were roped in as a part of this experiment. The infrastructure was this cruel experiment was set up by the 4 species themselves. What they were promised was the safety of their own family and recognition. The plan was to get 10k best living beings from each species. We humans who are considered the most intelligent species and the dwarves who are the best with construction particularly minor details were the first to agree, within a day there were 1 million successful applications from both species even though the conditions were extremely tough. Meanwhile, the magicians who are really different from any other species, after all, they can feel, see and control particles no other ordinary species can feel, applied in much fewer numbers, there were only 50k successful applications. As for the giants, known for their strength, it was surprising to see only 5k successful applications. Reflecting on this, it seems that they were the kindest species and I feel sad that I judged them on their looks. It seems I have gone off the track here though. Coming back to the experiment, it is expected that roughly 100 million living beings died in this experiment and only when the Super-deva decided it was time to send some Devas into Aloka, did this experiment end. There was already a growing dissent among the Devas and this particular decision became the last straw. The devas grouped up and [The Super-Deva of Greeed and Wrath]was exiled to the [Galaxy of Nothingness]. There was a long struggle to choose the successor of Super-Deva, but at last, it was decided to crown the first dissenter as Super-Deva. Thus, [the Super-Deva of Ahimsa] became the ruler of our Shetra and we entered an era of peace which lasted roughly 490 years but got shattered last month when [the Super-Deva of Ahimsa] was exiled again. In an attempt to prevent history from repeating, we need to stand up against this even with our lives on the line. -- from the Book [The Era Of Ahimsa] written by Ramesh A. I close the book, stand up slowly, go to the right corner of the room. There is a shelf on the wall. I slide the shelf 5 inches to the right slowly (-----) then 10 inches down (||||...) and then 5 inches to the left. Then I go to the left corner of the room and push the handle to hang clothes upwards and a secret closet open. I keep the book in it, change the position of the shelf back and come back to my little sister sleeping on the floor. I bow down to lift her up from the floor onto her bed. "Woohhh...", and I fall on the ground. Apparently, she was just pretending to sleep to surprise me. She was smiling teasingly, wow.. she is so cute. I decided it was my time to prank her. And so I decided to fake an injury. "Aah" I tried getting up and fell down, I repeated this 2-3 times, the sweet smile on my cute sister's face turned into worry and she started crying. "Sorry... Sorry, Brother... Mom, brother is hurt... I am sorry." Oops... I think I overdid it. I tried to calm my sister, but she was still crying. I thought it would be a bad idea to let her know that it was just a prank... so I tried getting up slowly and said... "See, I am all better. Don't worry, okay?" She stopped crying but her eyes and nose were still watery. I hugged her. "Don't Worry, okay. I am completely fine. It's time to sleep now. You remember our secret chant now? Can you say it today? '" She looked me in the eyes and nodded her head and chanted "I ask pardon of all creatures, may all creatures pardon me. May I have friendship with all beings and enmity with none." "You understand it's meaning, right?" She nodded her head again. "Good!! You are only 9 and already so good, I was 11 when I first read it!! But don't tell about this to anyone though. You know that Mom and Dad get angry upon hearing about Grandpa's book, right? You can't tell about it to your friends or teacher either. Okay?" She nods her head again. "Good! sweet dreams, cutie pie." I go back to my bed to sleep but I just can't sleep. I get the book from the secret place, take a candle, and go outside on the veranda and read the book again... for like 100th time.

Prologue: My name is zenlight di Etrama. I'm a student at day and an assassin at night. Not by killing humans for money but instead we assassinate those humans who kills or cause harm others. In short I'm an assassin working in an organization  under the light's order  which was lead by a bishop ... Each assassins have special abilities and my ability is an animal tamer which i could use to interact with different  animals  ... i also have a secondary ability which is a special book only i can see and use.. the book have the ability to turn an object into a card and can be stored inside the book just like a bag .it can also store living things even a supernatural creature can be catch and put inside the book. ( A normal person cannot join or know about the light's organization unless you have an ability that surpass a human capability... the leader of the light's organization which is the bishop calls it Gift of God. Thats why if you are humor to have one the bishop will personally go to the person's house to let the parent know about the childs condition most of them were taken to the church in order to train the child and not fall into the darkside and abuse his/her power. Until one day  my comrade put me in a recommendation for an S-class mission (S class mission are those target who use darkmagic or conspire with demons)  and of course since they put me in the recommendation i have no way to refuse since my rank is higher than them. So i took the s class mission to assassinate a wizard who was about to make a human sacrifice.... then night came and i disguise myself as one of the human to be sacrifice so i could get close to the wizard and  wait for the right time to strike  but suddenly i felt a sudden pain it my heart . I saw blood flows from the blade  that stab me.. yes  i was stab in the heart .i was careless it was the biggest mistake i ever made , I've lost all my strength and fall to the ground ..at the moment of my death i saw and hear my comrades  having a conversation to the wizard as they look at me with a smiling face . And soon i realized that the mission was fake and only a wicked plot to kill me . I struggled one last time and call my book  I've used a card   that i obtained from my last mission a card that is made by blood of the Phoenix a legendary beast who have known to have the ability to rebirth  . I look at my comrade and smile as i was burned by my card  ( they say the Phoenix can reborn via burning themselves with fire) ..... so i successfully reborn myself but not on the current era?!!!!! To be continued.....😁

A young teen looked at the colossal behemoth moving in the desert like a whale swimming in a golden ocean. His tender figure trembled from excitement 'I finally found it' two years! A full two years!! He has been searching in the endless desert for this moving city for two fuck*ng years!! 'I have to hurry before it disappears' the teen run the remaining hundreds of metres between him and the city only to be surprised by a light blue barrier that made him bounce  'it hurt  ... what this thing is' he stared hard at it until he heard a genderless voice inside his head "do you want to enter"  the boy was horrified "who" " you are at the territory of the chaos city this a city of dreams where you can fulfil any wish of your it also a city of bloodbath where a thousand of people die every day do you wish to enter? remember you cant casually leave after entering you will forever be tied with the rules of the city and you can't disobey them!".                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                'it really likes this' the teen has calmed down by then he heard about this legendary city before this a city that you can do anything and everything in you can kill during whore live like a king and even bring back the dead as long as you have enough chaos points but every sword is two way just like the bright side of the city there is a very dark side to it this city doesn't have any rule you can be killed or stored anytime anywhere and no one care about you your corpse will disappear and that it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         "YES" the boy replied without any hesitation, yes this city is very dangerous but so what he has come thought this huge desert and braved danger exactly for that this his only way out his last chance to save those important to him his life is meaningless without theme anyway.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         "From now onward you are a member of chaos city the chaos core will enter you and became a part of you forever" after the genderless emotioless sound finished speaking he saw a pitch-black object near heam and enter his chest then he felt an exerting amount of pain assaulting him the boy can feel that black object changing his body thoroughly then he fainted from the pain.                                                          1HI everybody I know the chapter is extra short but this just a prologue the next chapters will far long anyway this is my first time writing and English isn't my first language, therefore, forgive me for the mistakes for anyone who liked the novel and like to support it please support me at ko_fi here https://ko-fi.com/ryouga  it will make a difference thank you I will post at least tweece a week then increase the rate gradually                   

(You have been summoned) Eh? Summoned? How and why? Looking around I find myself in someone living room. It's a small with nothing special about it except the magic looking circle I am standing in. While I'm looking down I notice that I am wearing some unusual clothes. From what I can see I am wearing some sort of black armour with feathers. Is there a mirror around here? I look around until I find a mirror hanging on the wall and I freeze. Why am I my DND character. What I see in the mirror is the exact copy of my DnD character from the helmet ti the wings to the metal Eagle like talons instead if feet. Staring back at me is the robot vampire harpy I have been role-playing as for the last twenty five years. Did I die? Wait it said I was summoned. "Status" Name - Swyfla Race - vampiric harpy automata. Level - 1000 Blood- 80% Weapons - blood mini gun x2 - blood grenade launcher - blood blade - 50 cal sniper rifle - flame thrower x2 Money Guineas - Pounds - 100,500,000 Shillings - 7 Pence - 18 I really am my DnD character. Question is how or why. Suddenly I am broken out if thought by a quiet nervous voice. "Erm... excuse me." I turn around to find a young girl standing before me. "Who are you?" "My name is Enna I summoned you." "How? I did not believe summoning to be real. The chances of it being real is less than one percent." Did I actually just do that calculation in my head that quickly? Like in less than a second? "Well it's extremely rare. I'm the daughter of one of the few remaining wizards. Most of my magic is summoning based." "Interesting. For what reason have you summoned me?" "I- I don't want to sit back and let my life go by anymore. I want to explore And see new things. Go places no one has gone before and for that I need a powerful summon." "Hmm but what makes you think I will go with you?" "Well as you are my summon you are bound to me and have to follow my commands unless You truly oppose the order." "How do I know your not lying?" "I didn't want to do this. Walk forwards five steps." As soon as she says that my body moves on its own forward exactly five steps. "It seems your point has been proven. If I am going to be forced to go with you would you be kind enough to tell me about yourself?" "Well I am Enna I live in Liechtenstein I am a witch and a beekeeper and go to university I... wait I'm your summoner, your mistress shouldn't this be the other way around?" "Well my mistress I am Swyfla a vampiric automaton harpy. I am over seven thousand years old and I am your summon." It seems I have gained the memories of her as well somehow. If it was just her back story it would make sense but it's full memories seven thousand years of them and it's like I lived them myself. "What! Your over seven thousand! I would never have thought that looking at you." "Well thank you my mistress but I must ask what we are to do now?" "Well it's late so I should go to bed and then I have lessons in the morning. But where will you sleep?" "I do not require sleep mistress. I will be fine here." "But..." "No I assure you I will be fine here." "Hmph" Without saying anything she leaves and goes into another room. A shirt while later she goes to bed and I wait for her to be soundly asleep before I open a window and jump out. I spread my wings and glide down to the street below. Using my night using I look for a clear area to land. Finding a street light with a ninety degree bend I land on it with my talons clamping onto holding me firmly on it. Looking around I seem to be in a normal modern city no different from the world I cam from. I should find somewhere to test my abilities. Taking off again I fly away from the city to find a forest or a field. After about an hour of flying I come across a field on the edge of a forest. Landing in the field I look around to see if anyone is about. Using every tyoe of vision I have I can't find anyone near by. Raising my right arm I imagine a gun coming out. After a few attempts a small mini gun folds put of my arm. It actually worked. Now to fire it. As soon as I think about firing it spins up and obliterates a row of bushes in matter of seconds. Heh, this is quite good. Putting the mini gun away I pull put my two blood swords. They are simple red blades about half a metre long with wooden hills. I swing them about for a few minutes cutting through a few pieces of wood to get a feel for them. Putting them away I hold my hand out. Blood starts coming out of me and spirals along my arm towards my hand. It them starts forming the shape of a gun and solidifying. Seconds later in my hand is a fifty calibre sniper anti material rifle. Putting the stock against my shoulder and hold the front with my left hand. Chambering a round I pull the trigger. The first round tears straight through a tree. I then fire of the rest of the magazine in quick succession barely feeling the recoil that would likely badly harm a human. I look up to sky and revert the gunnback to being blood that return to me. Its nearly morning I should be returning soon. I spread my wings and jump taking off to fly back to my summoner. Announcement New story ... I blame Nykuro for giving me ideas hmph. This was partly inspired by talking to Nykuro the harpy enthusiast rest inspired by random ideas and anime.. Also its an opportunity to try the colour speech thing ... but i won't be doing it on my phone again.

As I am flying back a warning appears in my mind. 'WARNING BLOOD LEVELS AT 50% REFILL RECOMMENDED' As a vampire I assume I have to drink blood but does it have to be direct or can it be from blood bags or something? "Help! Somebody please help!" What's that? Somebody is in trouble. Should I help them? It will be a good opportunity to test my strength. Flying down to where the voice came from I land on a lamp post looking around. After a few seconds I find a woman who is being robbed in an alley. Spreading my wings again I fly towards them. Upon reaching them I grab the assailant by the shoulders with my talons and fly up. I drop him when I reach the top of the buildings. He falls to the ground landing on his back. After a few seconds he tries to get back up but before he can I dive down onto him. I slam him back into the ground holding him down by the shoulders. Without thinking about it I sink my fangs into his neck. I ignore his screams as the red liquid flows into my mouth and I savour every drop. Slowly his life drains from his body to power mine. When I am finished I find his body to be lifeless with a terrified expression Frozen on his face. Stabding up I find the woman to be unconscious probably from shock or something. Leaving them both behind I fly back to my summoner. ------------- (Morning) "Good morning Swyfla." "Good morning mistress. I hope you slept well." "I did. What did you do last night?" "Not much mistress I just had a look around and checked to make sure everything is as it should be." "Well I should be going to university soon." "I shall accompany you then mistress." "No need and you will stand out a bit." "I can turn invisible mistress" "Oh, sure then" ---------- (University) I follow behind my mistress while invisible towards her University. It is a large and grand building with many people bustling about the grounds. We go through the entrance and down a few corridors until we reach the lecture theatre. On the door is a sign with maths written on it. Maths... my least favourite subject. I stand at the back of the room listening to the dull lecture on algebra. I did find out that now I am an automaton I can work out any maths problem almost instantly while it takes the humans a few minutes for each. The lecture is about polynomial long addition whatever that means. Its a long and complicated and useless piece of maths that most of the students seem to be stuck on. However my computer brain does it pretty much instantly. 1Source - RepresentingEnvy An hour goes By and the lecture finally ends. Following my mistress outside we head down the corridor outside and into a garden like area. My mistress enters small shed and comes out a few minutes later wearing a beekeepers uniform. she walks behind Some trees where there are bee hives. For next hour or soo she tends to the bees. Once she is finished she stands in the middle of the beehives. She pulls out a wand like stick and holds it in front of her. A few seconds later a light comes out of it surrounding her and the bees until it reforms into a single stream of light floating From the tip of the wand. She slowly moves it around the bees following. This continues for a few minutes until she stops. Next she holds the wand in front of her and a magic looking circle appears at the end of the wand. It glows brighter until bees appear next to the circle. Soon they fly off and join the rest of the bees. "I'm a bee mancer Swyfla. I can control, summon and create bees." "That is an interesting and unique type of magic." "It is. When a witch turns ten they gain a unique type of magic. No one knows what decides our unique magic or how but it is always unique in some way. Even if it is simple water magic there will be something that is unique about it. I for whatever reason am a beemancer. I can't do much but I want to explore the world and that's why I need you. Swyfla will you join me?" She holds out her hand as the light shines down on her. "I will my mistress. I will protect you to the best of my abilities and do what I can to help you gain strength." Announcement If you want more harpy adventures then have a look at Harmony by Nyshiro. https://www.scribblehub.com/series/665364/harmony/  

Space. It's an absolute fucking mess. People used to say that space is empty, that the only thing you'd see in space is nothingness. So wrong. They were so wrong. Absolutely wrong. Space is nothing but empty. You got micro asteroids sniping at you from literally any direction. Debris just waiting for a chance to hit you in the face. Gravity that seems to want to make your day a horrible one. And you also got assholes you're stuck dealing with because you're in the same ship. It can kill even the strongest man. Turn a kind priest into a murdering psychopath. Make a calm man into a wimp who'd hide at the very sound of something crashing at another. And cause a brave man to suffer a nervous breakdown at the sound of something crawling in the air ducts. Welcome to the Wrecker Administration Authority Group of Holdings otherwise known as WAAGH or just Wreckers. A place where even active criminals can get a job. A place where your life is worth less than a carbon scrubber. And the only place where sending you off to die is not only legal, but cool and normal. Many have died on the job. Many were maimed while scavenging the numerous wrecks dotting the many star systems surrounding the Eternity star system. Many simply disappeared with not a single news to account for. Many more were widowed when their partners disappeared on a mission to explore and scavenge this debris, that ruin or those wrecks. This is their story. Of their blood and toil, their sweat and tears, the ups and downs of their entire career. From their most humble beginnings, all the way to their sudden but inevitable violent demise.

“It’s hopeless.”   Jake turned to David, giving him as much attention as being elbow-deep in the engine bay of a Firebird would allow. “What, the Bird? I mean sure, we don’t have the five hundred dollars between the two of us for the carburetor but that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless.”   David sighed and rolled his eyes, turning to face away from Jake and out into the sleepy suburban street. It was relatively temperate for a summer day and the box fan placed just outside of the garage pointing in was doing a lot of heavy lifting. Despite the fan's best efforts, it was still uncomfortably warm, and Jake could see the beads of sweat coating David’s forehead. “No, no, the Bird is fine. We’ll get it running eventually. I just…” David pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut. “I dunno, man. We’re almost seniors and all my college prospects are gonna take me out of town and I just—”   Jake was at his friend's side, a comforting hand on his shoulder before he could even think. In hindsight, he could’ve at least cleaned the grease off first. “Listen. Doesn’t matter where you end up, okay? Because no matter what, we’re still gonna be friends.” David was doing his best to look at anything other than Jake, his pale skin tinted with a bright red.   David rubbed his arm idly, eyes still fixed firmly on the middle distance. “I know, I know. It doesn’t always work out like that, is all.” David turned to face Jake finally, fear of losing his best friend writ large across his face.   It was Jake’s turn to look away, the deep dark green of David’s eyes almost too much to bear. “We’re gonna make it work. I promise.”     “Did you have to choose today for this?” David protested, kicking the dusty ground of the junkyard lot. It was the hottest day in July so far, one of the last few weeks they had to spend together before David left for Cornell.   “Yes, yes I did. This is my one day off this week and I’m gonna make the most of it.” Jake was distracted, scanning the rows and rows of decrepit cars for anything of value. David knew they weren’t going to find anything. They never had, in all the years they’d spent working on the Firebird. Everything else was replaced and ready to run but the carburetor. It was their white whale, their holy grail, their… David shook his head, surrendering his train of thought to the oppressive summer air.   “Well, while you scamper around in rusted cars like a madman, I am going to do something about this heat.” David pulled his shirt off and stuffed it into his drawstring bag. It was just as much sweat as cotton at this point and he’d rather suffer the sun's rays than sweat through another tee.   Jake turned to face him, his eyes widening at the sight for just a moment. “C’mon, man. Put your shirt back on please.”   “Why?” David sidled up to Jake, leaning against the gutted carcass of an old Ford Windstar. “You afraid they’re gonna have to take down the Sports Illustrated calendar you got hanging up in the shop?”   To his credit, Jake put on the most outraged face he could. “Why I never! I’ll have you know the ladies are a token of good luck and I don’t take kindly to hearing them disparaged.”   They shared a chuckle at this, David relenting and letting Jake pass him as they continued walking down the aisle. “All I’m saying is a lumberjack calendar would probably be more your speed. Or maybe a calendar with a bunch of nuns, if you’re gonna get so scared of a little skin.”   “Is this just a clever ploy to see me shirtless? Cus that’s what it sounds like,” Jake pointed an accusatory finger at David before pulling his shirt off in kind, stretching out in the sun. “Let it be said that I never back down from a challenge.”     Freedom. That’s what this felt like. That’s what he needed. Jake tapped the clutch and shifted down, the Mustang responding immediately with a viscerally satisfying roar and the torque to match. The freedom of the open road, the freedom to do almost a hundred in your dad's car while you and your best friend whooped and hollered. The freedom to exist under no one else's eyes but his.   He was lucky his dad trusted him enough to go on joyrides like this. He was lucky David was level-headed enough to not yell at him to slow down, to not balk as he soared past a side street cops typically liked to hang out at. He was lucky to be here, the wind whipping through his hair as V8 under the hood devoured miles of asphalt.   It was with great reluctance that he began to decelerate, their destination rapidly approaching. It was a small park a good hour outside of town. The only people who bothered to visit it were typically cycling or nature enthusiasts. It was vast, easily the largest park in the county. Far enough away that the average family didn’t have time to make the drive and big enough that anyone who wanted to hide could do so easily.   Jake thought about that as he pulled in, the gravel crunching underneath the wide tires of the Mustang. He thought about hiding, about disappearing in plain sight, about never being seen again.   “I still cannot believe your dad lets you drive this thing.” David was sitting on the hood, kicking at the rocks idly.   “He says I need to learn to drive a boat like that before the Firebird is back up and running,” Jake spun the key ring around his index finger, ambling towards the park entrance. “I don’t think they’re comparable at all but if it means I get to drive a sports car, I’m not gonna complain.”   David fell beside him, the two of them walking in step for a while. Everything was quiet between them as they walked further into the dense forest. Jake wasn’t really sure why he wanted to drive out here so badly. Sure, the road was perfect for getting to the kind of speeds he wanted, but why stop? Why not drive forever, or at least until he ran out of gas? They could be out of state within a few hours at the pace they were making. Fifty bucks into the tank and another state gone. There was enough leg room to sleep, he figured, and on a really nice night you could leave the top down and look at the stars.   “D’you ever think about running away?”   David didn’t respond at first. He just looked up at the canopy, at the dappled light filtering through the leaves. “Every so often, yeah. If we kept driving we could’ve been half way out of state by now.”   Jake nodded, his hands balled into fists in the pockets of his jeans. “I used to dream about running away every so often as a kid, y’know. Usually just cause I did something stupid and got punished for it. Kid shit,” Jake set his jaw and David stayed silent. “In my mind I always made it alone somehow. Now? When I think about running away, it’s always with you.”   He rolled his shoulders, trying to work some of the tension out of his body. That’s what this whole day was supposed to be; a chance to let go and live a little. To stop worrying so much. Here he was, talking himself into a hole again. David still said nothing. “You should stay.”   Finally David spoke, a simple sentence that would hang heavy in the air even when the mood broke and they started chatting and joking. Even on the ride home, going an easy eighty as the sun set behind them. Even as Jake was lying in bed, unable to sleep. “You know I can’t.”     This was it. David wasn’t ready for it but it was here and real and demanded that he be there too. He didn’t want to be but that went without saying. No one really wanted to say goodbye to the only world they ever knew. No one really wanted to hug their friends for what may be the last time, to hug their parents for what may be the last time. No one wanted to turn and see the town they grew up in disappear beneath them as a plane took off into the sky.   Still, it had to happen. He was going to make it happen because if he didn’t then decades of effort would be wasted. He worked hard to get into Cornell. He worked hard to appear normal. He worked hard to keep the worst parts of himself hidden from his friends and family. His family found out eventually, of course. You could only hide being gay for so long. You could only hide in your room while your parents fought each other for your life for so long.   You could only hide from your best friend for so long. David had hoped it would be forever. A small part of him hoped that he would be able to get out before Jake got hurt, before Jake got swallowed up the same sick feeling that currently plagued him. Hope only counted for so much, apparently, as he came face to face with the only other soul in the airport besides the workers at the counter.   “David.” Jake’s eyes were puffy and red, his face a screwed up mess of emotion. He had been crying. Over him? There were better reasons to cry.   “Jake. What the hell are you doing here?” David wanted to cry too. Jake was worth crying over. Jake was worth losing his dad's respect over. Jake was worth leaving his whole life behind for.   “I couldn’t let you go without saying goodbye. A proper goodbye, between friends,” Jake was trying to steady his breathing, trying to be strong. He took a step forward, sucking in deep shaky breaths. “We are friends, right?”   David couldn’t take it any longer. He closed the distance between them in an instant, wrapping his arms around his friend. Within a moment he was sobbing into Jake’s chest, face pressed against his pajama shirt. The entire world crashed down around him and for a moment it was just the two of them, two scared and lonely children in a world that they no longer understood. That moment passed and David regained his composure, staring desperately into his friends eyes. “I’d like to be better than that, if you’d let me.”   They kissed, more out of reflex than anything else, and within the hour David was gone.     Jake was a heavy sleeper. Always had been. It was even more so the case now that he worked full time, sleep proving to be a far more valuable resource than he ever could’ve anticipated. So it was that he hardly stirred when the garage door of his parent’s home opened, the hum of the motor muffled by the layers of drywall. It did set the gears of his brain spinning, however. Gears that would continue to spin quietly, soothed by the blanket of his subconscious for several hours as he drifted back to sleep.   It wasn’t until he heard the clatter of a wrench on concrete that he finally realized something was amiss.    He shot up in bed, eyes wide. There was someone digging around in his garage. His parents' garage. He was just housesitting while they were on vacation. He crept out of his room carefully, first opting to grab the shotgun his dad kept locked in the safe in his parent’s room. Jake slid a shell into the chamber, the heft of the gun weighing heavy on his mind as he walked slowly to the garage.   He reached the door, steadying his breath. He opened it with one hand, the door swinging outward into the poorly illuminated garage. Somebody had set up a phone to serve as a lamp by the looks of it, the flashlight cutting a bright white cone out of the stale air and bathing everything in a pale light. “Hello? Who’s there?”   “Jake? Oh holy shit that’s a shotgun,” The intruder froze, holding their hands in the air. They were obscured partially by the open hood of the Firebird, but their face was perfectly visible in the light. David? “It’s me, David. Should’ve called first, huh?”   “What the hell are you doing in my garage at… Whatever hour this is?” It was only now that Jake realized he was still pointing a loaded firearm at an old friend, opting to switch the safety back on and lower it to the ground.   David shrugged sheepishly, gently lowering the hood of the Firebird. “I can tell you, if you get me a glass of water.”   Jake nodded, resting the shotgun against the wall. “Come on in. Take a seat at the kitchen table while I grab you a glass.”   Jake was still trying to shake off the sleepiness, much less come to terms with the fact that a friend who he hadn’t talked to in years had just appeared in his garage. He seemed so unfazed by it all, as if one of the last things they shared before David left wasn’t a kiss. As if Jake hadn’t spent the past five years struggling with that. As if coming to terms with being gay wasn’t one of the most painful things he’d ever done.   It was worse than breaking a few ribs. It was worse than every concussion he ever got. It was worse even than that time he lost a finger to a bench saw and had to have it reattached at the ER. It wasn’t the kind of pain some Percocet and a week off work could fix. It was a lot deeper, a lot more real than that. It was realizing that every man he met between that kiss and now was just a mimic, a pale imitation when compared to the real thing.   “Here’s your water. Now tell me what you’re doing here.” Jake wished he could be kinder but the tautness in his chest refused to allow him any room for compassion in the moment.   “I… Missed you. That's all. The city wasn’t what I thought it would be. It wasn’t right for me, y’know?” Jake met David’s eyes and there was something in them that seemed to say not like how you were right for me. “So I moved back here. Been living with my cousin AJ for a few months now. Been meaning to drop by and say hello but I could never find it in me. Been meaning, too, to give you this.”   David pulled out a hunk of metal wrapped in paper towel from his bag, setting it on the table between them. It was a carburetor for an ‘84 Pontiac Firebird, carefully cleaned and ready to be attached. Jake took it in his hands, feeling the weight of over half a decade in that simple piece of machinery. “Where did you find this?”   “From someone in upstate New York. It was a barn find and the guy was just scrapping the whole thing to feed into his Firebird. I was lucky, watched Craigslist enough, and snapped it up as soon as I could.” David chuckled and it was only now that Jake was appreciating everything that had changed about him since they last saw each other. David was a little taller now, broader at the chest and shoulders and skinnier at the waist. He was sharply dressed, even with grease stains on his hands, and had an air of academia about him. David’s voice, quiet as a mouse, shook Jake out of his reverie. “I never stopped looking for it, y’know.”   “Yeah. Me neither.” Jake turned the piece of metal over in his hands one more time before setting it down again. “I’m glad one of us found it, at least.”   Jake wasn’t expecting David to reach his hand out across the table, squeezing it tight. He wasn’t expecting to look up and see David with his eyes full of tears. He especially wasn’t expecting what he heard next. “I’ve got a lot to apologize for, Jake. If you’d let me, I’d like a chance to make it up to you.”   Jake nodded emphatically, feeling tears of his own start to fall as he squeezed David’s hand as tight as he could. “I’d like that. I’d like that a lot.”  

Belial looked over the boy, the room covered in tissue and filth, dirty magazines tossed about. The smell in the room is revolting. Reaching down, a massive hand came around the boys throat, tightening his grip until the boy couldn't get out a sound as he lifted him as if he weighed nothing into the air, off the bed, and off his feet as he stared at the boy. ''You... You are the Dragon?... No, you are just a poor choice of a vessel... I see, pray to your god boy.'' The large man was dressed in full armor, a cloak pulled over his head that hid his features, only the bright golden eyes coming from beneath the darkness the hood caused. His armor was black with golden accents, with different knives down his left leg to his knee, and no other visible weapon on him as he reached his free hand forward. Tearing the boy's shirt off he pressed his hand over the heart. Seeming to grab at something he suddenly yanked hard, what appeared to be a large green apple-like gem appeared tearing from the boy's chest. The scream that would've ripped from him if the large man wasn't preventing him from breathing would've wakened the neighborhood. As he pulled the apple free the boy thrashed a bit before he seemed to pass out, going limp. With a toss of his hand, he sent the boy crashing back onto his bed. Inspecting the gem in the form of a beautiful emerald apple he released a low chuckle before he seemed to disappear with the softest breeze passing as he did. In the street, he appeared before a large steed, with the same color as the man's armor he held up the green apple to the large horse. The horse wasn't made of flesh, but it seemed living like any other, its metal sheen shining softly due to the street light above it. It began to eat the apple, its nose relaxing as it began to release small quick snorts of happiness as it ate the apple down to the core, all the way until it was finished, the horse leaning down to rest its nose against the man's shoulder. A power released from the horse, its durability having a massive increase along with its strength and speed, but the main reason why he stole that dragon? Was so his horse would be able to fly. He rubbed the Horse's snout and main as he released a low deep chuckle. ''How does a dragon taste Yolip?'' The kick at the ground and another snort as the horse shook its head. ''Weak you say... Well, I can not deny that claim, it was a dragon being housed in an extremely pitiful vessel, I am sure it was once strong and mighty... To think it was reduced to such a state, I hold few hopes for this world.'' Grabbing the horn of the saddle, the large man pulled himself up and over onto the saddle with ease, a practiced and fluid movement, done thousands of times. ''Let us test your new flight, we are hunting for the feathers of a fallen next.'' The horse released a low nicker before it began to trot, before slowly increasing to a gallop, its hooves thundering down the street before with a mighty leap it suddenly shot through the air, clearing the clouds in a single bound as it began to run through the air.   ''We lost our target recently... You're just the kind of tool I need to release my stress.'' A man dressed in priest robes began to stalk towards a woman dressed in the garb of a nun, blond hair matted with sweat, tears streaking down her face, parts of her close already ripped to expose her body. Choked sobs came from her as she tried to pull herself back from the advancing priest. A deep voice spoke, a sudden heavy footstep sounding out. ''Is this... What passes for a Priest these days? I am not sure what god allowed you their blessing, but they were wrong to grant it.'' Suddenly the advancing priest folded around a large fist that struck his side, blood spraying from his mouth as he was tossed with a small wave of air as he blasted through the side of the church, skipping like a stong across water before he slammed through a few trees. The nun looked up in shock, but despite the intimidating appearance of the man, she felt nothing but safety suddenly swell up in her chest, breaking down into harder sobs. Gripping the chain and clip that held his cloak in place he unlatched it to toss it outwards, pulling the neck of it around the nun as he covered her with it. He reached forward to hold her cheek, lifting her head to look to him. The woman looked up to him, her eyes widening as she got to see his face, the man was handsome, with black wild hair along with a nasty scar down the left side of his cheek to his neck. Despite his youthful appearance, his voice held a maturity to it. ''Your name?'' ''A-....Asia A-...Argento.'' She spoke, her hands gripping the cloak around her tighter, it further settling in the safety she felt, and the warmth it brought to her making her relax, it gets easier to breathe. As the man held her cheek a warmth spread from it as a soft golden glow began to shine, she felt the bruises and injuries she had began to fade away, her eyes widening as she thought about the man having an ability like hers. ''My name is Belial Thorn. Please excuse me, Sister Argento.'' He lifted her from her seat on the ground and into the air as the man whistled, the thunderous sounds of hooves suddenly impacting as the horse landed, due to the daylight it showed off the beautiful craftmanship of this living sculpture of a horse. As he set her onto the saddle he spoke. ''This here is Yolip, he's big and mean looking, but a big softy.'' Asia looked in awe at the beauty of the horse below her, confused about how it seemed made of metal, and so alive. She could feel the horse breathe beneath her with each breath it took. The man lifted his now free hands to the reins, handing them to her as his free hand raised to scratch behind Yolip's left ear. ''Scratch him right here and he'll let no harm reach you.'' Suddenly, with the noise of sliding stone and a lot of footsteps there were shouts and screaming, Asia flinching as she lowered herself against the horse. ''I see... So the whole lot?'' Belial turned to look over the ones that seemed to have come from a deeper section, a few dark feathered ones included in the mix, wielding spears of light. Belial raised his hand, pure golden light began to rapidly condense in his hand before the sound of thunder roared out from his hand, an actual spear of highly condensed power appeared in his hand. Unlike the fallen's spears, his looked more like a proper spear, and despite the way theirs doubled his in size, his felt far more dangerous. With a simple raise of the spear and toss, it shot across the room, pinning two Fallen at once at the wings and pinning them to the large cross. ''May the Gods hold forgiveness," Belial spoke as one of the knives lifted from his side, as his hand touched it a concentrated light burst forth from it, completing the strange-looking knife as it became the size of a longsword. The light that radiated from it caused the air to hiss around it as it seemed to burn the impurities in the air. ''Because I, Belial Thorn will not.'' Like it? Add to library!Looking to support me?paypal.me/BeaulenSmithhttps://www.patreon.com/BeauSmithCheck out my Webnovel https://www.webnovel.com/profile/4313773437?appId=10  

Vampires They are some mythical creatures, depicted with wings, pale skin, and both fangs in their mouth to suck the blood out of human flesh. With red eyes and black-pungent pupils, that would likely be enough to intimidate their target. Diffuse well with normal humans at the day, then would slowly manifest their true self by the night comes. We're being told that Vampire can't be converged with the sun's rays, that's why also we're being told how to recognize their selves at day, with a cloak or any oversized garments that well conceal their body from the sun's. They'll prey on their target at night, choosing random humans and set it at sight without any hesitation. But of course, they are not dumb enough to attack you out of nowhere and make a ruckus out of it, no they are not. They will observe the situation first, if it's fine fettle then they would likely to start their feast. If not, they will patiently wait, waiting for the right time, waiting for you to puerile at a chance, and then they would attack you out off the bat. That's why we're being advised to not go out at late night, and eschew any kinds of shabby places. Also, don't forget to avoid narrow and dark alleys. Because that is the perfect place for them to attack you. And that's where usually they're hiding. Then, they will weaken their target first, mainly using their eyes they somehow could manipulate their target and give mental damage. Which will make their target helpless, and feebleness. And at that time they will start their action, slowly going holding their target's frail, tenuous body. Then set the point where they could transfix their grisly fangs. They'll rub it first, making sure it's clean and all. After that they will unfold their fangs and slowly puncture, piercing through their target's skin and penetrating deeper into the veins. If it's deep enough, they will start to suck their target's blood, fresh blood taken right out of human flesh. No, they are never in hurry, because they want to savor it to the fullest. That's why usually vampires only take one target per night, so they can relish it, and sucked it till empty through the night. Well, if you are lucky enough. They will spare your life if their's stomach is full so you could live for another day. Though it's soo rare but hey, who knows the lady of fortune by your side at the time, right? So that's it, the eeriness of that mythical creature. Enough to make a grown-up scared out of shit. But then again, it's a mythical creature. Just a mythos being told by the ancients to their kids before sleep. It's understandable that many people don't believe it and just pass over it. Moreover with no real report about such a creature so it can be told it is just no more than mere folklore. I do, would not believe it just if I'm not lived with one of them. "Heeey Leam, where's my potato chips?" But that being said, while I believe in their existence because I should too. I started to question their savagery behavior like what that folklore told because what I witnessed is just no more than a lazy bum, squirming around the sofa with her eyes focused on the television, along with her sluggish looks. "Oy Leam." She looked back from the sofa, not bothering to fix her posture. "What?" "M-Y P-O-T-A-T-O C-H-I-P-S, gib meeh." I sighed and put the glass of tea that I've held onto the table. "Mya, did you forget that you already ate the whole box of potato chips? Isn't it enough already?" "Of course it's not. A potato chip is a snack, not a primary food. You munch it while doing something, like now, while I'm watching this soap opera I need to nimble some chips from the newly opened snack's wrap." "It just doesn't feel right when I got nothing in my mouth while doing this, you understand right?" She gets up from laying on the sofa and sitting facing me with the backrest obstructing her body. "Listen, It's a bad habit, Mya. Consuming potato chips continuously aren't good for your health. It could trigger high blood pressure which could lead you to stro—" "But, I'm a vampire. It's not relevant for us. I've never heard about a vampire who has high blood pressure and then dies because of it." She cut in and waved her hand away as she refute me. "Who knows you'll be the first." "Not funny. Now, gib meh chips." She craned her hand toward me. I sighed and massaged both my eyes looking at her whimsey act. Actually, I know that won't work for her. I just need a reason to make her stop with potato chips. Because I can't always afford it, ain't I? What's more, I'm just a high-schooler with a cheap part-time job. I still got my own necessities after all. "Mya, let's make a deal." She lifted her brow as she heard it. "What is it?" "For now onwards, I'll buy a box of chips and it'll last for a week. No, it must last for a week. I won't buy it again except it has already past a week." "What?!" She exclaimed as I cede my suggestion. I know she couldn't agree to it but, that's the way for now. "I can't waste my money for a day or three just to buy you a box of potato chips that couldn't even last for two days." "Let's try to be skimpy, Mya. You know I'm just a high-schooler with a part-time job. I don't have much penny for you and for my own necessities." It's really hard for me to split it up. "...uuu." She looks unwillingly to accept it. "Well, at least I still buy you some chips, right? Come on Mya. I know you understand." "... Nngh, fine! But you must promise me to pledge me with potato chips every week." But in the end, she became lenient and agreed to it. "I promise. Then I will buy it and it must last for a week, ok?" "... Mm." I sighed, at least she's not balky and being obdurate. Though, the way she behaves sometimes could be irksome and tiresome. But I just am grateful she could understand that simple thing. I take my hoodie and go out to the nearest convenience store. The breezy cold night air caressed my cheeks. I just realized it's pretty cold tonight. Good thing I'm on with my hoodie. I prop both my hands to my hoodie pockets, as I walk through the pavement. Not much to say at the time because it's already pretty late. If I'm not mistaken it's 9 PM, not many living beings could be seen tonight. After a minute I arrive at it. Go in, buy a box of potato chips and then immediately go back again to my apartment. I don't want to linger for too long outside this cold night. What's more, while carrying this box that is surely not light. "I'm back." I put the box on the floor and closed the door then locked it. I expected Mya would scamper here and then snatch the box for herself. But I didn't hear anything from her, not even a welcome. "Well." I shrugged my shoulders and then proceed to bring the box to the kitchen and put it there for now. Whilst on it I heard the television still being turned on, which means maybe she's still there watching her soap opera. Absorbed to it that didn't even hear my arrival. "Mya, I got your snack. You can grab it in the kitchen." I said as I walked toward her sofa. But again, no response from her. "Mya?" Out of curiosity I peeked from behind and see her watching the television with her closed eyes, with one hand she used to hold her moony, somnolent head. "..." Great, she falls asleep now. Bet that opera soap gotta be pretty boring for her. Got nothing to do, I chose to sit beside her and took the remote from her silky thigh. I changed the channel from one to another. Nothing much at this time. Mainly just a news report, a movie, a film, an old documentary, and some football matches. Nevertheless, I decided to stick with the football match. I'm not a really fan of it but that is my favorite sport. "..." I watch it in silence, with the commentators sometimes stating their observations, opinion, and criticism towards both teams. "Hm!?" Suddenly I feel something weighing on my right shoulder, looking at it, and found that Mya leaned her head on my shoulder. "Oh, are you awake now?" "Mmm..." She didn't answer me but instead just rubbed her sloppy eyes. "Anyway I already bought what you want, you can grab it in the kitchen." "Now you're awake, I will go to my room now. Don't forget to turn off the television and the light, ok?" I said as I get up from the sofa. But suddenly she pulled me back to the sofa by my hand. "What again, Mya?" I rolled my eyes lazily while looking at her. But again, she did not answer me. Instead, she move her hand through me and then entwined her both arms on my neck, which surprised me a bit. "O—oy what the heck are you doing?" I hold her arm, trying to pull it out of my neck. But alas, her arm doesn't even budge for an inch. Like suddenly her strength got strengthened. "I'm thirsty..." She said as looking up at me, showing her sultry eyes. "*Gulp* Hey, if you thirsty you shouldn't wrap your arms around my neck, you know? Go to the kitchen and chug some water instead." "I'm not thirsty for water. Instead," she then leaned forward reached my ear, and started to whisper words that trigger a shudder within my body. "I'm thirsty for your blood." She whispered it with such a seductive voice as it go on through my ears and makes me palpitate. Oh not again. "M—Mya, we're agreed there's no blood-sucking for this week, don't we?" I tried to keep my composure even though deep inside my pulse goes quivering. "But I'm a vampire, I can't live without blood. You know it, right?" I could feel her sticky breath through my neck as she nuzzle her nose closer. I know it very well, and to be honest, I don't mind it. But the problem is, whenever she sucking my blood, I just somehow feel sexualized. Like, heck? That's so wrong from me. "Come on Leam..." The atmosphere surely goes hot as she pulls her head closer to my neck. No, I can't let her suck my blood. "Sorry Mya, but not for tod—" As I turn away my head, I inadvertently look at her bright, red crimson eyes. Glowing in rosiness. And I know it's the sign that she has already unleashed her vampire power. The effect of it is I can't move my body, my entire body, and not even a single muscle. This is cheating! "Hehehe, you can't say 'no' now~" Looks like I should make a rule to not use any kind of power at this apartment. But alas it's too late now. I can see slowly how she unfolds her glistening fangs. "Don't worry, I won't suck you dry..." Then I can feel the tip of her fangs on my neck, it wet with dew. Prolly she can't wait no more. "Then, let's dig in~" She puts more force on her fangs and it started to go through my neck's skin. "Arggh." I just can groan at a sight. Slowly and surely it pierces deeper through my flesh and I can feel blood coming off from it. "*Slurp* *sluuurp* mm...~" She sucked and slurped it with delight while I just give it up. It's not like I can do something about it anyway. Then, the effect started to kicking in for me. I, somehow, feel aroused by it. I can feel my breath become short as I panted away and the stings feeling comes driving through my veins. "Mmmm *sluuurp* ahn~~" She doesn't know about my condition and just slurped my blood in amuse. Ooohhh fuck, this stimulation is too hard to handle. "*Sluuurp* ahhn... don't try to restrain that feeling, Leam. Embrace it and enjoy it, you know you can be in pleasure if you let yourself." She pulls her fangs for a moment to make that words out of her rosy lips just to penetrate again deeper into my neck. I can't let this feeling overcome me, if I somehow let it happen it could be the end of my normal teenage life. Well, not saying that a high-schooler living with a vampire was normal. Minutes passed away as she has finally done with her sucking blood task. After she pulls her fangs she takes the chance to lick the remainder of the blood on my neck. It feels quite tickling and gives me a creep on by how the way she moves her soft and moist tongue through my neck's skin. "Hehehe~~ don't be tensed up, Leam." Her tempting voice did not even calm me a bit. Instead, it arouses me even more. She then sucked again the vestige of where she planted her fangs before with her squashy lips. I just hope she didn't suck it hard enough that will leave a mark. Would be a hassle for me if someone sees that. Just a moment, it will be over soon, Leam. Just hold for a bit longer... "Aahhnn, mmm... thank you for the feast~~" She pulls her head away from my neck after she licked it clean off from blood. But I can see her eyes still glowing in red, which means her power is still active and I haven't been detached from it. Maybe knowing what was inside my head, she smirked at me and narrowed her eyes. She moves her hand towards my cheeks to prop it. Then she caresses it softly. "Why are your cheeks so red, Leam?" Rather to let me off from her power, she used it to tease me instead. She tilted her head right and left as watched me helplessly try to break it away. After enough caressing my cheeks for no apparent reason, she leaned her head forward and just an inch from my face. So now we stare at each other in close-up distance. I can feel her hot breath tickles my face while she still holding my head with her both silky hands. I don't know if the red-smeared color on her lips is its own color, or it comes from my blood? I don't know and couldn't bother to know. Now I was forced to it, I just realized how beautiful her eyes are. Red in pitch with dark-raven pupils shaped into hearts, glowing meekly. I found it sightly swanky. Wait, shaped into hearts? I perceived it just by now. Did her pupils change to heart shapes when she used her power? I wonder. Noticing where's my attention attached to, she puts a teasing smile on me. "They're beautiful, aren't they?" She said as she pulls a weak chuckle. "But don't fall under it, this beautifulness could deceive one's and take control of it. Just like what you experienced now." And then her eyes suddenly turn back to normal and I regain control over my body again. But along with that, a feeling of drained and drowsiness rushed in. I don't think I can keep my consciousness for any longer. She just looking at me still with her tantalizing looks. Won't bother to do anything else than that. I don't really understand her at all. "Mmm~ don't worry Leam, I will take care of you. Thank you for your sweet blood~~" Her alluring voice usher me to the dreamland, as I see her licking the remaining blood on her rosy lips which is the last thing I saw as I can't keep my consciousness and closed my eyes slowly. She really could be different at night, for real. Like she has two personalities. And that's how my daily life went with a bedevil vampire. That's not easy for sure.   Wlel Quickly reminder, this is just a one-shot which means only one chapter.

The world had gone into a quiet stupor as rain began to fall, tapping against leaves and wood on its path to the ground below.  Water was the ultimate force, capable of delivering life to the parched soil or eroding it away at its whim, the same dignified pattering delivered to everything in its path equally.  Rain did not care where it landed, or if it even landed at all.  Its world was no larger than the droplets that made up its bulk. Not all of it made it to the ground, stopped just short by the back of the girl standing barefoot, her feet squishing into the mud with each step.  The water didn’t bother her, her hair slicked down her neck and clothes hanging heavily, as she was too focused on her task. She frowned as she bent down, the hem of her skirt lifted away from the ground by her knees as she reached her hand forward, her fingers brushing against the miniature petals of the erica flower she had turned her attention to.  It was cold, shrivelled under the force of the rain assaulting the fragile structure.  Standing, she took to searching once again, though now, her arms raised to cross under her chest, a shiver running through her body.  She hadn’t noticed before, but now, she was feeling cold, her legs weighed down by the pounding in her eardrums as the rain grew stronger, lashing down against her cheeks as she looked up at the sky. She couldn’t open her eyes fully through the stinging sensation pelting her face, but she rooted her feet into the ground, her arms splaying behind her and fingers pointing out as she attempted to mimic the shape the erica took, her chin raised high and frown fading to a small smile. She couldn’t hold the posture, and soon found herself losing her balance, arms flailing as the brown mass of her wet hair flew forward, before she landed on her back in the mud, sinking quickly into the dirt as it began to churn.  ~~~ The sound of an alarm clock jolted Shizuoka awake, and for several seconds, she lay still in her bed, staring at the blurry surroundings of her room with narrowed eyes as the device continued its fanfare.  She contemplated returning to the safety of her blanket in the cool morning air, but soon enough, logic won out, demanding that she sit up, groaning as she fumbled her hand across her nightstand for the familiar feeling of the circular rims of her glasses, blinking a few times as she chased away her sleepiness and looked around her room. As usual, it was dry, warm, and comfortable, softly lit by the sun shining through her pastel curtains.  The room was a mess, she had spent much of the night before pulling out the contents of her bookshelf in an effort to sort it for the new semester, but there was still much to do as books and papers lay in varying states of completion. “Kiyomi!” came the voice of her mother calling from the stairway outside her room.  “Are you awake?  You need to get ready!” “I’m up!” Shizuoka called back, yawning as she pressed her finger to the alarm clock to stop its ringing, before she slid out from under the security of the covers, setting foot on the carpet and looking down.  It felt soft, but she didn’t sink, and it was dry.  No flowers in sight, no storm casting its shadow on her world. This was solid ground, familiar territory that she could navigate with ease as she spun herself around the unsorted pile, grasping her doorknob and pulling herself into the hallway before pausing. She had intended to take a quick shower, but after the dream she’d had, water was the last thing she wanted to interact with.  Pulling up the sleeve of her pajamas and taking a whiff, it seemed that her over-preparation the night before meant she was clean enough to forgo another wash, and she sighed in relief, relaxing and returning to her room, closing the door to stand in front of the mirror velcroed to the inside.  She was a mess, pajamas crinkled and loose and her short brown hair poofed up from her sleeping position, and she had bags under her eyes from sleep deprivation.  There was no real need to be so paranoid, but that was how she had always been.  No sense in changing now. She had left her school uniform in a small pile at the foot of her bed, and moved to grab it before finding her foot catching on the books strewn about, sending her careening to the floor with a thud. “Is everything alright?” her mother called again, and she groaned, sitting up and readjusting her glasses, having instinctively turned her head to the side to avoid breaking the large lens, before calling an affirmation to the woman.  It wasn’t the first time, and certainly would not be the last that gravity defeated her. She sat up, brushing herself of the dust and ignoring the slight aching in her knee from the fall, and set to work changing.  Though she wobbled as she righted herself to a standing position, the rest of the act was robotic, second-nature to her as she hummed to herself. Another move to the mirror for a final check, and despite the change in appearance thanks to the navy blue vest and skirt and red bow covering her white undershirt, the tired expression on her face didn’t change much.  Looking at herself wasn’t something she enjoyed doing, so she quickly moved on, opening the door to head down the hall towards the stairs. The smell of breakfast attracted her into the dining room, where her father sat at the table, a newspaper in hand and attention fully on the pages as he gave her only a quick glance.  “Look who’s awake.  You don’t want to be late, do you?” “Dear, Kiyomi never has trouble waking up like you do.  Isn’t that right?” her mother asked, appearing behind the girl and kneeling to set the three year old boy in her hands on the ground so that she could stand in front of Shizuoka, who turned to face her as the woman gave a soft smile.  “Your bow is crooked, how much sleep did you actually get?” she asked, raising her hands to undo the red ribbon and rearrange it in the proper orientation as her daughter turned her eyes sidelong, hesitantly laughing. “At least 5 hours.  I think…” she responded, and the woman chuckled, taking a step back before flicking her finger up to poke the girl’s chin and causing her to reel back at the surprise. “You don’t need to be so nervous, the first day of school is always easier than you think it is.  You’ll be fine, just think of it like any other day.  Hush, Kou.”  The latter statement was directed at the boy clinging to her pant leg, her arm reaching down to pat the child’s head as he babbled to her. “Kiyomi isn’t a child anymore, Shizuku.” her husband stated, setting down his paper to look at them.  “She’s 17 and entering her third year.  Besides, she has Kaminari right there in the first-year hall now.  That boy will do anything for his precious sister.” Shizuoka rolled her eyes at her father’s statement, shaking her head as she stepped back from her mother’s touch.  “He’s going to get in trouble someday if he doesn’t stop.” she stated, moving to sit down at the table as Shizuku sighed, kneeling to pick Kou up. “He’s just learning his place.  Once he’s figured that out, he’ll calm down.  But enough of that.  It’s a bright day today, the forecast is completely clear.  You should be on your way, don’t you have an opening ceremony to get to early?” The girl nodded, sighing as she stood up again and moved to the door.  Her bag had already been placed there in preparation, so all she had to do was bend over to slip her shoes on.  As she opened the door, she smiled, returning the wave her mother gave her before exiting the house.   The early April air was cool, but it wasn’t cold, and she could tolerate it as she walked down the street, bag in hand on the path she’d been taking for the last two years.  Like her uniform, this was second nature, her feet moving forward of their own accord as she passed by the houses making up her neighborhood.  It was a predictable life, everyone having their own fixed schedules and preference toward a quiet atmosphere.  Here, there was no cold rain churning up the stable ground. She lowered her head, altering her path to avoid a biker heading in the opposite direction, and pushed her glasses up again, moving nearer the center of the footpath and away from the waist-high metal fencing to either side as she crossed onto a bridge over the canal that formed the border of the neighborhood. She blinked as she became aware of a rhythmic tapping ahead of her, forcing her to raise her head, and she stopped moving, staring forward at the surprising sight. Atop the fencing stood a boy about her age, his arms out as he jumped between the flat tops of the fence posts, his head turned away so all she could see was the shock of blond hair reflecting the morning sunlight. Eventually, he turned his head to face the water below, and she frowned at the expression on his face.  Despite his dancing, he didn’t look happy, a forlorn gaze that seemed to reach far beyond the concrete banks of the canal.  Unsure whether to say anything, she simply stood still, mesmerized by the scene as it took place.  It went on for several moments, before she finally spoke up. “You...What are you-”  Her eyes widened and she jolted with a small squeak as he suddenly turned to face her, one leg lifted out towards the water as his arms curled in front of him to maintain his balance, and his expression lifted to a wide, open-mouthed grin as his eyes closed. “Oh, was I bothering you?  Sorry, normally there aren’t any people around right now.  It’s a good day to go swimming.”  With that, he laughed, kicking off the post with the one leg he stood on and sending himself launching out. Shizuoka instinctively rushed forward, shouting as she raised a hand, but she was too late to catch him, staring forward as she felt herself freeze.  What had she just witnessed?  She’d never seen someone jump like that, what was she supposed to do now if he- The boy’s laugh took her from her thoughts again, and he pulled himself up with a hand, having caught the edge of the fencing with his fingers.  He jumped, smiling as he set his rear on the post, leaning backward so his head was in line with hers and his arms planted to his sides with his feet kicked out. “Just kidding.  You know, rain can fall wherever it wants to, but we people are unfortunate.  We’ve got squishy bits that can bruise, and hard parts that can break.  I’ll never really do it, it’s just fun to give in to the pull of the current sometimes.  Hm?”  He tilted his head, confused by the shell shocked expression on her face, and he smiled, waving a hand in front of her to get her attention.  “Hello, Earth to stranger-chan.  I’m no jumper, you don’t need to be so concerned!” The comment broke her from her haze, and she stood straight, huffing as she adjusted her bag.  “That’s dangerous!  And shouldn’t you be going to school?  You’re wearing our uniform.”  It was true, he had on the same style of vest she did, coupled with navy slacks that seemed tightly fitted to his legs.  Who was he?  She wasn’t very social, but she’d never even seen him before. He tilted his head up to the sky, tapping his chin, before grinning as he pulled himself to stand on the post once more, though this time, he turned to face her, kneeling and spreading his knees in a squat to set his face close to hers, a smirk playing on his face. “It’s still early, and I don’t normally go this way.  I just thought it was a good idea since today’s special.” he responded, and she frowned, moving away from him and holding her arm up defensively. “And why is that?” she asked, debating simply leaving him behind and rushing to the end of the bridge.  She wasn’t athletic, but it wasn’t far, and once there she could take a slightly longer route if she needed to keep her distance. “Why?” he asked, before pointing his thumb at the sky.  “Because it’s raining today.  Big changes happen when the sky opens up.” he responded.  His serious tone and passive demeanor caught her off guard, and she narrowed her eyes. “It’s not going to rain today, the forecast said-”  She was about to finish when, right on cue, she felt droplets hitting her head, and as she looked up, clouds seemed to form overhead, and within a minute, the steady beating of water hitting the concrete was all around her as her eyes widened.  “That it would...be...clear?  How did you know?”  She brought her arms together, leaning forward in an instinctive effort to defend against the drizzle.  She should have brought an umbrella.  She never forgot one, why did she have to be in such a rush? The boy was standing now, his arms raised out to his sides as he balanced his way along the fencing, and she felt compelled to follow, if only to find shelter from the water, though from the happy expression on his face, it seemed he was loving it.  He was a completely different person than just a few moments ago, whistling a tune as his body formed a wall that slightly protected her from getting the worst of the water. “My name’s Aichi, by the way.” he stated, turning his head to face her as he jumped off the last post, kneeling to pick up his own bag where it leaned on the metal. “Yours?” “Shi-Shizuoka.” she said, confused by the turn of events.  She blinked, realizing that she had instinctively moved closer, pushed up against his side and using him as a human shield from the rain as the two walked together on the path she normally took.  “I...hate water.  It’s cold and horrible, how can you like this?” He tapped his chin, before shrugging.  “Water’s all about life and rebirth.  It’s fun to think that I’m connected to it a bit more when it’s like this...or something like that.  I wonder, is this what you’d call a ‘fated encounter’?”

Ngl, I don't write much while at the same time I will probs make this quite short as... Well yes. Good luck with me putting out something people might want, you guys want smut? Well shit, pray I make another series that has such things.

It was so troubling, being a teen. I felt so out of place there ... in school, at home... in my own body... The pressure to be a good student. To be social and likable. To be attractive and straight. I was never any of that and you saw that. And you didn't care. You were my friend when I realized I like girls only half as much as I liked guys. And then I realized I might like you. You pulled me out of my shell when you saw I was afraid. I realized I definitely liked you. You made feel hot when I felt ugly. I realized I loved you. That's probably where I fucked up, thinking back on it now... The day I asked you out was the most nerve-wracking experience of my life. It nearly broke me when you turned me down in favor of our friendship. Of course I pretended to understand just so I could be close to you in any way I still could. I cried myself to sleep that night. I never told anyone. The first time you got a girlfriend I wanted to die. You seemed so happy with her. She made you happy in ways I thought I couldn't. I pretended to be happy for you. I still remember the first night you and her had a fight and you confided in me. I was so happy. It took everything in me to keep my sympathetic composure and not break out smiling as if I'd won the lottery. And the night the fighting became too much and she told you she needed a break, you came to me. You confided in me again. Only this time on a more intimate level. That night I could swear I was blessed by the Erotes. As you continued to betray her, I fell deeper in love with you. I should've known better. I was so stupid then I could laugh. I didn't care that what we did was hurting her. I didn't care that what we did hurt me as well. I loved you and I wanted so much more of you than just your sex and your friendship. But, you didn't want that and I would have you anyway I could. When she finally had enough, she left you and I was happy because I got to be the one to pick up your pieces when she broke you. I loved you so much. Back then, if you told me to sell my home and runaway with you I probably would have found a way to make both of those things happen despite being a teenager. Yeah I was really stupid back then. If only I could see where I am now; if only I knew how you'd make me feel now. After we graduated, you finally decided to put a label on our relationship and I thought I was the luckiest boy in the world. "What did I ever do to deserve you," I thought. I loved you so much and now... and now I'm pretty damn sure I could set you on fire at any moment. Now all we ever do is fight and it's always about the smallest things. It's almost as if you're trying to keep me at a distance. You never wanna go on dates or do anything fun together. You only wanna stay home. Watch tv and maybe cuddle. Although if I'm being honest, it feels like you only do it just to appease me so you won't feel obligated to do much else. It's like you only want to fuck me and use me as your feelings dump. I honestly don't know how much more of this I can take. Maybe things were better when we were just friends. Maybe we should've never met, I don't know. I'm just tired. You never think about how I'm feeling, it's always about you and being with your friends. Maybe I should just stop caring. Maybe then you'll see how it feels. You'll know what it's like being treated like a doormat or a throw pillow. You expect me to give you comfort whenever you need it and you throw me away when you're done with me. And like an idiot, I let you do this to me. I share just as much of the blame. I loved you so much, Thomas... and I don't know how I feel about you now. "Phil, I'm going out," he shouted from the other room, not letting me know where he's going of course. This always bugs me. He knows I want to know, he knows it worries me when he leaves and doesn't come back hours and I'm left to wonder if it's even worth the trouble. I look up from my journal with a blank, straightforward stare, devoid of every emotion except apathy and disappointment because at this point I don't care that he's leaving again, I don't care that he's slowly breaking me, slowly chipping away at any love I might have left for him. Yet, I am once again mentally kicking myself for letting it happen. "Do you know when you'll be back?" I pry, knowing full-well what kind of answer I'll get. I know I'll be ignored or shrugged off. "I don't know, whenever I get back I guess." So, it was the latter this time. "Right, right... see you when you get back then I guess." "Yeah, right." "I love you..." No response. It's always like this. Unless the sound of a door shutting, leaving me lonely with my thoughts is just his way of saying 'I love you' these days. I deserve better, don't I? I do, right? I made him dinner, he said he didn't like it, we argued for an hour over what to eat, he tried to end the argument with sex, I told him I wasn't in the mood, he got mad, and now here we are. I go off to write my thoughts in my journal like usual and he goes off to god knows where like usual. What am I even still doing this for? It's obvious he doesn't love me anymore, if he ever truly did, and I'm barely hanging by a thread. I could leave him. He wouldn't have anyone to walk all over anymore. No shoulder to cry on. He would be the broken one. And then I would be alone... No one to tell me I look sexy, no one to tell me they need me when they're sad... I'm not good for much else. How could I possibly leave him when I don't even know who I am without him? I date my journal and close it as an attempt to put an end to my recurring intrusive thoughts. I eat the dinner I made for us, and put away Thomas' meal for later. He said he didn't like it, but he'll be pissed later when he comes back and he didn't get to try it and I'm not in the mood to have that argument. I feel kinda gross and sweaty from the heat of the argument causing my anxiety to go up, so I take a shower after I clean the kitchen. A few hours after I had finally gone to bed, I hear the door to my room creek open slowly and I already know it's him. He climbs into bed and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling my body closer to his and resting his head on mine. I can feel him inhale my scent. It almost offends me that he thinks he's earned this or deserves this. "I love you, Phil." Fuck you. That's not what I want to hear. "Phil... you awake?" You only love that I let you do this to me. You know it wouldn't be the same with anyone else. I'm so pathetic... "... I love you, too." I think at this point that's mostly a lie. He kisses me on the cheek and falls asleep, seeming to have no care in the world how I'm truly feeling inside. He doesn't know he's holding onto a broken shell of a lover with only a drop of love left. I don't fall asleep until and hour after he does and I wake up before he does. I need a change of scenery for a moment as I've suddenly begun to feel crowded in my own home. I leave before he wakes up and go for a walk. I don't know where I'm going and I don't know when I'm coming back. I know I just don't want to be here right now.

I hate how cocky i am before. Let's say that i can save Tanaka, but, can i save myself from her? Forget about having him as my insurance, i might die right now. I didn't know her enough to persuade her to stop from attacking Tanaka, then how am i supposed to stop her? While i'm thinking about the best way to calm the situation, she suddenly yell at me. "G-get away f-from him, Kazuya! I-i will save you!". Hm? She knows my name? And what does she mean by saving me? Ah, i see. She think Tanaka is picking me as his next victim. And after experiencing all those things from yesterday, she couldn't see another person to suffer the same things as her. But you mistaken. He is not picking on me, so please, please leave him alone. I look at her and let my voice to be heard. "He's not picking on me, so you can rest assured... Um, well..." I stop talking. I forget. Or it can be said that i didn't know her name. Who? Who is she? I didn't bother to remember the name of people that i have nothing to do with, and now i regret it. From now on, i will try to remember everyone name even the pizza delivery guy from PizzaLot. Who knows i might need their names, in case of something like this happen. Well, maybe this situation wouldn't happen again in the future, but it is better to be more careful. Now, i didn't know her name, so maybe i can try to use the most common name for a girl. I have a 1 out of 100 chance that it is the right name, and if it did, then i will be saved because people feel respected if you know their names. Okay then, i will go with that name. "Calm down for a moment, Yui-san. Just forget about yesterday." I said with confidence, hoping it will be the right one. Unfortunately, it is not. "H-huh? M-me?" A girl said confusingly, because her name is suddenly mentioned. "Y-yesterday?" The girl named Yui try her best to remember about yesterday, but she can't seem to remember. That's because Kazuya is not asking Yui, but another girl who's name Kazuya didn't know. "Yesterday?" The girl is looking twice as mad from before. Tilting her head slighty with eyes that full of hatred, she direct those eyes to Yui direction. Kazuya who realize this sudden change in her, can feel his legs tremble. How long have it been since the last time he feels this scared? But even though scared, he try his best to remain calm, to anticipate everything that the girl can possibly do. The girl, walk towards Yui. Her step can be heard in the room, as they don't know what would happen in the next moment. They watching her every move without moving even a muscle, afraid she will become just like Kazuya from yesterday. Not only Kazuya, the other students also realize this sudden change. They have seen those eyes yesterday, and it is the same as Kazuya eyes. Yui, who still confused by the whole situation, just standing there. She is anxious. She keep wondering what will happen if the girl reach her, and what will happen next. But still, she couldn't move because not only confused, she is also scared like the others in the classroom. "Yui-san?" The girl call out her name, but this time, with smile. A smile that is so beautiful, but yet, so sinister. "What could the thing that happen yesterday be?" Yui could only shake her head at the question. Yesterday? Yesterday, after school she playing in the park with the others,  go home, do her usual activity, study, and went to sleep. She didn't know what does Kazuya mention yesterday. The girl is waiting, waiting and waiting for the answer. She put her hand on a nearest chair, feeling bored. Yui, not knowing what to say, decided to tell the truth. "Um, actually i don't remember what happen yesterday, maybe-" Before Yui could finish her sentence, a slap is heard. The others is terrified. The girl, slapping Yui suddenly, and she slap her with all her strength on top of that. Yui didn't dare to shout out of pain, and instead she just cry. She endure the pain, and trying to find out what she did that make the girl angry. Maybe it is something that she said? Yes, it is. Confirming Yui confusion, the girl raise her hand once more. "You didn't remember? How can you? How can you forget something that happen with Kazuya involved in it?" The girl ask Yui, with despair filled her tone of voice. Not only Kazuya share a secret with this girl, she couldn't stand that she said that she forgot it. Something that the girl want to, is treated like a trivial matter to this girl. "I didn't think i be satisfied with only a slap." The girl said while grabbing another chair. As she drag the chair, she looks at Yui. "I think this will do." The girl said as she grab the chair by both hand and raise it. The whole class know what the girl about to do. Yes, she want to smash Yui with the chair. If that happen, then Yui will be injured. In worst case, she might get send to the hospital to recover from her injury. But if the girl aim for the head, then it is goodbye. The whole class know, such thing isn't impossible from happening because what they just saw yesterday. Yui cry even harder, fearing for her life. She turn her eyes into Kazuya direction, who happen to be in the corner of her eyes. Her teary eyes, asking for help. Kazuya didn't think it will be like this. He want to calm the situation, but instead he drag another innocent person. But Kazuya didn't help. He know what will happen if he was to help her. Yes, he could get hurt instead of the girl, basically taking her place. Kazuya didn't want to hurt himself for someone he didn't know, because Kazuya knows that he ain't no hero who will save everyone, ignoring his own safety. Kazuya turn his head, not wanting to witness anything that happen next. He feels guilty, but he still don't want to save her. Yui last hope have been destroyed. The guy who dragging her into this mess, didn't want to help her. She just sit there, still trying to remember what Kazuya mention before because she think if she remember it, then maybe she can be spared by the girl. But no, she couldn't figured out the thing that Kazuya mentioned wasn't happening or even directed to her. Kazuya, prepared to hear the sound of the chair making impact on Yui, suddenly remembering his days with his mother. "Mom, why Kazuya born to be a boy? Will Kazuya also grow up just like him?" Kazuya asking her mother while she washing the dishes. "No, Kazuya. If you didn't want to be like him, then you wouldn't." Kazuya mother answering while putting her smile like usual. Kazuya, relieved to hear his mother answer, also smile in return. "Kazuya swear then, he will not be like dad!" Her mother can only smile after seeing Kazuya resolve. She pat his head and say, "Then, you have to protect woman okay? Treat them nicely, and you won't be like him."  Kazuya confused. How can he not become like him by doing so? Then her mother, just like usual, smiling and answer, "Just promise mom, okay?" She ask Kazuya, and Kazuya is nodding in respond. No. Kazuya don't want to break his promises with his mother. True, he is not the type of person that willingly sacrifice himself for the others. But his promise with his mother, is the absolute things that we will keep doing, no matter what. Gritting his teeth, he can only curses himself. If he didn't remember the promised, certainly he will broke it by letting Yui harmed. "I will not become like him. Never." Kazuya mumble while gritting his teeth. Everything happen in an instant. The girl swing the chair, Yui prepared herself for the impact. But suddenly, yes, suddenly, Kazuya step in, receiving the hit instead of Yui. Yui who didn't felt any pain when the impact make sound, quickly opening her eyes to see what actually happen. Kazuya can only smile, to reassure her that she be okay. Yui can only stare with disbelief, as the boy who ignoring her before is currently saving her. The whole class is shocked, and the girl is the most shocked one out of them. She hit him with her own strength. How can the girl protect Kazuya if she is the one who attacking her? That hit sure was a strong one, the boy glad it wasn't hit Yui because she may be dead by now. Kazuya can only groan, as he felt an intense pain in his left arm. Yui realize it, and she panicking. "Are you okay!?" she ask him. Kazuya can't hear her, as he was focus at the pain in his left arm. Kazuya panicked, he trying to make the pain gone, but it only increasing by time. He look at Yui, who is screaming for help for him. Maybe there's some benefit for me after saving her. Yui, even though she is a tomboy, she is a caring girl. She can't stand the look of others in pain, and even more that person get hurt by her. Kazuya can only smile at the thought, and look at the girl next. Yes, now he knows her name. Her name is Ai Tsukasa. How could he forget? She is the smartest girl in the school and also the famous among the students because of her good looks. Even though the person herself didn't realize, she can make any man turn their heads into her direction without even trying. But right now, Ai eyes have grown wide because of Kazuya condition, and she keep mumbling "This shouldn't happen." Kazuya didn't know what to do, so she can only smile at her to calm her. But after seeing him, Ai is gasping and her legs can't no longer stand because of the shock the situation give to her. As for the last, Tanaka. Tanaka can only sit in the corner, not wanting to get into the dangerous situation himself. Tanaka then realize Kazuya eyes. Kazuya can only smile looking at him, thinking about the coward will be indebted to him and Kazuya could use that as his advantage. As for Tanaka, he swears that he will follow anybody that help him, and that person is the person who try to kill him yesterday. Even though he's a coward, Tanaka wouldn't go back on his on word. He will follow Kazuya as from today, as he already said. Kazuya on the other hand, want to beat up Tanaka because he didn't do anything, but hold himself back because of his injury and the possibility that Tanaka will end up running away from him if Kazuya make Tanaka too afraid of him. Kazuya, smiling thinking that atleast some part of the plan succeed, even though he suffer an injury, but atleast, he gain one loyal underling and keep his promise with his mother. As he can't hold the pain any longer, he is slowly losing his consciousness. ~Yui POV~ My name is Yui Hoshizaki. I have a brown hair which i inherited from my father and blue eyes  that i inherited from my mother. Both of my parents work as an entrepreneur, and one could say that i live in luxury, with everything that i wanted handed out to me by my parents. Even though i'm a girl, i like to cut my hair short like most of the boys and it make people always mistaken me for a boy the first time they meet me. People always tell me about how i always look and behave like a boy. I don't care, because i already tired from hearing those too many times already. "Why you cut your hair short?" Because i don't like it long, it only get in the way when i'm playing sports. "Why you playing sports?" Because i like moving my body and engage in a physical activity. The question goes on and on, there is no end of it. My parents keep making me acting like a girl, but it's uncomfortable and eventually they stop forcing it on me. Everyday, i keep doing the same thing. After school, i went to the park to play. I usually playing with the boys, as the girls prefer to play house, but not me. We enjoy playing football on the park. The boys gradually accept and acknowledge me as one of the best football player, because of my skills. I'm proud of it, and i was thinking that nobody can beat me in sports. I also telling this to the other boys, and they agree with my statement. One day, i accidentaly kick the ball into the wrong direction, and it hit him. The boy yell "Ouch!" as the ball hit his head. He turned his eyes toward us, with a bored expression. What's with him? I think to myself. I apologize to him, not wanting the situation to escalate further. I didn't think he accept my apology, because after that he went and said "Who let you play football if you can't aim?". I'm furious. He dare to mock me just because i accidentally kick the ball toward him? I can't accept that, and i ask him to play a match with me. Without any hesitation, he accept my challange. "This world shall know pain!" as he raise his hand toward the sky. I thought it was funny, and laugh a little. He didn't mind it. His eyes is focused on the ball. I gulp, i thought he was just another weird person, but what if he is good at sports? What if, he is better than me? She can only think of that, and afraid that she will lose if she take this match easy. Yui ready herself, as they both waiting for the signal to begin. "Are you both ready!?" The crowd goes tense. They know her ability in football, but they didn't know about the boy. But considering the confident he have earlier, he must be very good at this. "Begin!" As soon as the match begin, Yui quickly trying to block him from advancing. He on the other hand, only stood there while placing one foot on the ball. "Let me ask you this." He cross his arms and point one finger out towards her. "Do you think you have a chance?" His sheer confidence, shock all the nearby people who is currently watching the match. There's cannot be heard a single doubt in his voice, as if he knew he would won this match already. "No, no! I can't lose! If i lose, then they won't play with me any longer! I need to show them, that i am better than him!" Yui thought. The boy examine Yui expression. After a brief moment, he made a move. Yui is surprised, but it didn't faze her. She quickly regain her composure and try to steal the ball, but something unexpected happen. The crowd couldn't believe what they were seeing. The boy, grabbing the ball before Yui could take it and run toward the goals. "Forget the damn rules!" the boy said. He run toward the goals, but eventually he slip while running. He fall flat to the ground, And his clothes is covered with dirt. The crowd laugh at his action. They couldn't believe what they were seeing, contradict to the confidence that the boy show earlier. Eventually, Yui manage to snatch it and making goals, one by one. After the match ends, the winner is already clear. Yui (6) - Kazuya (0) They know Kazuya couldn't win, after seeing how he act before. As it is already late, the crowd goes home, until only Yui who is standing beside Kazuya that is currently lying on the ground. She is angry at him, not because for how Kazuya play in the whole match, but because she knew Kazuya could win easily. "I know you holding back, i can see your eyes following my movement through the whole game." Yui said. The boy still on the ground, is slowly getting up. After cleaning the remain the dirt he have on his face. He look at the sky, and ask Yui in his usual uninterested tone, "Shall we play seriously?" Yui nod at the question and they begin the match without any further delay. As Yui thought, Kazuya easily win the match by scoring 0-3 in 8 minutes. Yui looks defeated, and she know she can't play football again as she lose. But Kazuya notice this, and put his hand on her shoulder. "You can keep playing. I wouldn't tell anyone anyway, i just happen to watch a lot of this kind of things at home." Yui is surprised. There's someone who didn't want the others to know his talent and instead hiding it. Kazuya tell Yui to go home, as it getting late. The next day, Yui who is on her way to her class, see him. The boy that defeated me yesterday, she thought. She follows him, curious about what class he's in. And to her surprise, it is the same class as her. She couldn't believe it, as she never realizes he was in the same class before the match yesterday.  Her curiosity eventually grows, as she keep watching him to know the secret of his skill yesterday. She couldn't figure anything, beside him just putting an unconcerned expression while in the truth he is actually aware of the event that happen surround him. Each day, she always spare some time in the middle of the class to look at what he is doing. One day, she realizes something and ask herself, Why i'm curious with him? When Tanaka bullying take place, she's is in the cafeteria. She couldn't hold her hunger and she decided she will eat, so she didn't know what happen before. So, when Ai confront Tanaka and Kazuya today, she is confused. Suddenly, Tanaka said her name and ask her to forget about what happen yesterday. How did he know my name, he never ask me before. Yui think the boy find her name himself because he is interested in her. The thought make the young maiden blush. But the next moment, Ai is now walking toward her. Yui is surprised by the sudden development of the situation and could only froze. Ai is asking her about the (Yesterday) that Kazuya mentioned, but unfortunately Yui couldn't remember. When she received the slap, she thought of slapping Ai back. But after seeing Ai eyes that is void of emotion, she couldn't do it. She just sit there, hoping Ai will go away. But no, Ai action only become worse. When Ai grab the chair, Yui though is filled with Kazuya. She take a look at him, hoping that he would save him. But Kazuya, the boy she hoped for, looked away from her. She then remember, that Kazuya wouldn't want any unnecessary attention. She then realizes she can only rely on herself for this situation. I don't want to stop playing sport, i want to keep playing it. And maybe, maybe Kazuya will also play with me. She realize that she like Kazuya, but regret it because she only did so by now. When Ai about to swing the chair, Yui close her eyes, hoping that it wouldn't break her arm or hit her in the head. Then a loud sound was heard by the room. But, Yui didn't feel any pain. She curious as of what happen, and Kazuya, is smiling in front of her. Why? Why Kazuya risk himself to save me? Yui couldn't find the answer, and she looks at Kazuya. She realize that he is groaning and pain, and telling the others to get help. Then she notice something. Kazuya left arm is broken. Yui is shocked, and hoping that it can heal by time. Kazuya couldn't say anything, so he only looks at her. Slowly but surely, his eyes is closing itself. Yui is afraid that the shock is strong enough to kill Kazuya, couldn't think clearly. She can only think about giving Kazuya first aid treatment. While everyone still in shock, Yui stand and lift Kazuya up, carrying him in princess style. If Kazuya were awake, he would surely embrassed and try his best to get out of the position Yui place him in. But no, this isn't the time for that. After that, Yui run while carrying Kazuya to the infirmary, praying that she make it in time.

Now then , what should i write . I was diagnosed long term depression with psychotic delusions. my dad is supportive and quiet. my mom is heartbroken and angry and sad and has no filter. my sister is frustated and slightly insomniac. I became overly sensitive to everything. Few days ago , i ran away from home. this is the truth. i have to face it. no matter what i think i am at fault for all these things. i know that. i think i have a gift of assessing peoples emotions. so , basically increased empathy. so i tend to find out their emotions and talk carefully . for close people , i can assume their feelings , thought process, and reactions. atleast half the times.  the reason i became depressive and suicidal. well. i thought for many days . even tought there was no reason. just some chemical imbalance. but no . i found out the reason. i just don't like it. my interest in anything basically is rapidly plummeting . but no , this time i wont attempt . i promised myself. i wont break it. my thoughts are very disordered. just like how i am writing , it comes randomly , and i cant complete it. i just forget about that and move o to next this. this is very very tough to maintain. i cant maintain my attention on any thing. what can i do..... so about attempts , did many times , almost came close to death 2 times. left a scar too. although i say it in a casual manner , it  ain't easy .very traumatising. i think that venting out here is moving towards a good process. i have  everything . excellent family which dosen't have any in adequacies. only i am the anomaly. out of compensation i have to keep a cheerful facade , so that my family will be calmed down. i know this isn't healthy but they have got their problems, and i shouldn't add more. seeing cheerful facade , they think that i am feeling better and keep on mentioning the runaway story, how i lied to them saying that i was ok, how should i progress going forward , etc. i can't bear this. i am not ok. i am getting even more depressive. i thought i already reached the lowest point, ohhhh boy, its still going. thats all for this chapter.

"Hey, hear this everyone! This girl said that she want to be an Idol when she grow up!" They said it directly without care, even if the person they make fun of is crying in the back,alone. "That's so funny! How can you be an idol when don't have mom who come pick you up!" They didn't care in the slightest. They just want some entertainment, and they pick her as their source material. She can get hurt by their words, hate herself, and in the worst scenario, she could kill herself if her sanity can't take it anymore. When it really happen, they just defend themselves by saying, (It was just a joke.) Unfortunately, their jokes which supposed to put everyone to laugh, leave one person crying and begging them to stop. It was unbearable to watch. The sight in the front of the boy, who is watching everyone reaction all this time, is too pitiful for him. Especially when he caught the glimpse of the girl who keep saying sorry, even though it isn't her fault. She just want it all to stop, so she could retain her mind and didn't lose it in the process. "Please, Tanaka! I'm begging you, please stop!" She cried out. Tanaka Jun, who is the leader of this act, look at her. The boy saw his eyes shine a little. The boy can't point out what that shine mean, is he pitying the sight of the girl, is it because of the guilt, or something. The boy can't point it out. He just thinking of all this is nonsense, and unrelated to him. Then at the very next moment, the boy is shocked by Tanaka reply. "If you want me to stop then strip off and let me grope your breast." Tanaka said, with lust  filled all over his tone when he say this. The boy is shocked by this action. Not feeling any guilt or pity, he actually want to take it further. After that, the boy realise something. He remember hearing some girls talk about how Tanaka have feelings for the girl, but didn't have courage to confess. Also, if his memory serves right, recently Tanaka and his group always hanging out in the toilet to watch some p*rn videos. They even once invite the boy to watch it together with them, but the boy refuse. Not only the videos only give a temporary sensation which will followed by the feelings of sorrow, regretful and misery of how those things that happen in the video didn't happen to them and they keep dreaming of it until their brains can't think of something else. That's why the boys always stay himself away from adult stuff. Then it all comes together to the boy. Tanaka love for the girl, and his lust that he always kept, is mixing into one, and it all controlling him to resort to make this scene. But Tanaka is not that dumb either, he already plan everything from the beginning and make sure all of his classmate with not handing out their hands to the girl for help. But Tanaka didn't tell the 2 person, the first one is the girl, because she is his goals from the beginning so he didn't tell her anything. As for the second person he didn't tell his plan or persuade to back him up, is... The boy. Tanaka didn't bother to get the boy to his side, because the boy never participate in anything related to the class, so Tanaka thinks the same will happen again. And Tanaka is right. The boy, didn't bother to stand up for the girls because of his sense of justice or something like that, because he didn't have any reason to do so. The boy just sigh and hope that time will pass faster so he can enjoy the quiet class again. "N-No! I don't want to! W-Why i should take off my c-clothes!" The girl scream out loud. "Th-The teacher! Why he didn't come to the class even though class is about to begin!" The girl always hope that the teacher will come to the class and take care of the situation. But all her prayer has gone unnoticed by the Gods itself, as the teacher haven't come until now. "You bitch!" Tanaka scream much louder than the girl before and grabbing her hair forcefully. "N-No! L-Let me, go!" The girls beg as she feel pain because her hair is being pulled by Tanaka. She don't want her father to see her all beaten up because she worry it will cause further problems to her father. "Take off your clothes, or i will do it myself! C'mon!" Tanaka force her.  The girl take a look at her surronding, and realize there's no way out of this one. She either let the whole class see her bare body or make her father worry further. As she don't want the second option to happen, she is now forced to choose the first option. "W-Why!? I-I never done anything to you, so why you doing this!?" "Huh? Are you asking me that?" Tanaka answer. "Yes, i am asking you!" The girl want to confirm what push Tanaka to do this to her, and if possible she want to make up for whatever reason Tanaka is having with her and let go of his demand to make her undress. "Actually... There's ain't no reason." Tanaka said casually. The girl is shocked. How can she make up for it if there's ain't no reason behind Tanaka act? And without any reason, that only make her option more clearer. No, there's never been a option in the first place. Tanaka will see the girl naked, no matter what. But they don't realize, that Tanaka is lying because he can't just say that he is lusting over his crush. It will embrass him, so he choose to humiliate the girl herself and having his reputation safe in the act. Of course, only the boy noticed this. (Lying to get what you wanted... I guess it is normal for people.) The boy thinks to himself, not letting any of his thoughts heard by his classmate. "N-No, please. I-I do everything you wanted, so please-" While begging, the girl felt a sudden pain in her right cheek. As if it was an answer to her beg, it was Tanaka left hand that slapped her. The mark of the slap didn't disappear instanly and the pain is too much for the girl to beg. But, she still can't afford to let a slight pain make her face a larger humiliation. The boy just seen what Tanaka just did, and he felt anger on his entire brain. Not because he cares for the girl, but it was because he already seen an exact same scene as this before, and it's reminding him of those times. "P-please Tanaka! L-Listen to me!" The girl ask as she cautiously watching Tanaka hands as she fear that he will slap her once again because she didn't listen. Tanaka eyes grows widen, as he scan his surrounding slowly. After that, Tanaka said this without any emotion but seriously. "If you embrassed to do it yourself, then it's fine." The whole class goes silent. They are shocked to see Tanaka sudden change of heart. But the girl, is glad that she can save herself from that humaliation. Now, all she have to do is finding a way to make him forgive her. But, Tanaka haven't finished talking earlier. "Every idol must be embrassed to do something suddenly, but it's okay. I help you get over your embrassment, so you can become an Idol." Tanaka said as she jump over to grab the girl clothes. "N-No! Stop, stop! I-I'm begging you Tanaka! I will even lick the dirt you walk on, just, just not this!" The girl beg as her mind continuosly reject the idea of having to show her private body to her classmate. But Tanaka didn't stop. In fact, he only enjoying this more and more as she keep pushing him and rejecting him. It's no use to reason with him now, as his mind is already filled with lust which he already keep for these past week. He want to feel it, and it's doesn't matter to him if the other party didn't consent to it, as long as he get to feel it. He doesn't even think about the consequence, all he think about is how to make her enjoy this, even if she keeps crying by the time they doing it. "You said you want to become Idol!? Then here let me show you, how an Idol can become popular even if they didn't have talent for it!" Tanaka said while laughing like maniac, which only make the others enjoy it more. They think Tanaka just want to take her clothes off and let the whole class to see it, but for Tanaka, he wants more than that. Stop. The thoughts didn't stop itself from screaming out it's own voice. It just like the thoughts want to stop all these madness that it's witnessing. Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop,Stop! After many attempts, finally, his thoughts finally leave his mind through his mouth. "Stop." He said while standing up and turning his head toward the one who started this all. "Huh? You... I thought you didn't want anything involve us, but now because this girl is crying, you want me to stop?" Tanaka said with mocking tone, because he can't believe that his first interaction with the boy would be about him trying to play hero. "Is this against one of your so called justice, Mr. Savior?" Tanaka said in the hope that the boy would back off. But no, the boy didn't even think about whatever is at his back. Be it others voice, air, or anything. He doesn't want to witness his trauma once more. So he want to stop it. "Hey, back off!" Tanaka said angrily because the boy is getting to close to him. Tanaka couldn't understand the boy sudden action, and he is already itching for it already. He want to vent out his suppressed lust now, but now the boy is interupting him.  "You, just say that you enjoy this too! Truth is you don't have any pity for this girl too right!?" Tanaka scream at the boy face in the hope that the boy will return to his seat and he could do it as soon as posibble. The boy can only hear 1 sentence from Tanaka. "Just say you enjoy this too!" is all he could hear. After that, his hearing system is blocking every noise outside of his head. It's not because he don't want to hear that, but it's because he keep processing the means of that one sentence. You enjoy this too right!? Don't! Not infront of our son- R-Run! Save yourself! Comeback here! You are nothing without me! !Save yourself/Kill Yourself! His thought stopped.  He couldn't take it anymore. He doesn't want to remember anything from that day. So why, why... Did this boy forced him to remember it? Althrough this is not the case, the boy mind keep trying to make him believe that in order to make a sense out of the situation. Tanaka who is confused at the boy sudden silence, decided that he can't stand it any longer and is getting closer to check on the boy. But suddenly, a hand reach out for Tanaka neck, and Tanaka realize that he can't breath at the moment and he only realized later that the boy hand already wrapped itself around his neck. "H-Hey crazy bastard! S-stop this! If you kill me, then you going to jail!" Tanaka trying to reasoning all the excuse he could think of in order to save himself. "Look at how many the witness are in this class! I-if you do it, then there's no hope for you in-" Tanaka suddenly fell silent as he realizes the eyes the boy is making as it watching him. "Don't you dare try to harm her again, i will kill you." the boy said with increase in his grip of Tanaka neck. The boy said this as his mind is playing the exact scene in his past where he also choke him like this. His mind is treating Tanaka the same as him, and thus make the boy want to kill Tanaka as soon as he could so he could put a stop to his nightmare.  The boy eyes make Tanaka realize, that no matter how many literature source you brought, how detailed your argument are, there is no way that your reasoning could be heard by a beast. Yes, a beast who act purely based on instinct and wild sense. The boy not trying to stop Tanaka, but he's actually trying to kill him. Because Tanaka couldn't stop talking, the boy is afraid that Tanaka will keep reminding him about that. So the boy think. If he can't shut him up, then why not kill him? That way, he will not be able to utter single word to remind the boy about that. Tanaka, realizing that he doesn't have chance to survive this one, keep kicking at the boy and scratching the boy arms with his nail. But all his action were useless, as the boy can't feel anything in the moment, not even pain. All the boy feel is his desire to end the life of someone he hate so much. This is it. I'm going to die. Tanaka think so. He only want to unleash his lust on the girl, but how did he manage to invoke the wrath of the boy to the point of the boy wanting to kill him? Tanaka could only wet himself, because he is too scared. He's not scared if anything bad happen to other because it didn't affect him, but this is the first time that a bad thing- No, a live or die situation happen to him in his life until now. He realized that's the boy eyes is the eyes of someone who seriously trying to kill him, even though he never seen one in his entire life, he knew it was that kind of an eyes. As he kept remembering all the things he do in the past, his breath almost run out because of how tight the boy hand grip is to Tanaka neck. A moment before Tanaka really run out of breath, a sudden voice can be heard in the classroom which surprise everyone who can't utter a single word to how shocking the situation turned to be which far beyond just an entertainment for them. In the moment where things would take a different, they finallly show up after someone reporting the situation to the staff room. "Hey, what are you two doing!" The teacher scream as they secure both Tanaka and the boy to their safety. *The girl POV* I am a lucky girl that have two loving parents by my side. My father is always fullfilling my needs and whatever i want, meanwhile my mom always look out for me and keep teaching me about what i should and shouldn't do as a human and also a girl. But i can't understand why my mother keep teaching and telling me about an emotion called love, and why does it important? Then my mom tell me that because both of my parents love me, that my life is so colorful. Hearing that, i understand what my mom is trying to say. Without love, there will be no color in someone life. Having a beautiful brown eyes and red hair that i inherited from my mother, people keep telling us about how me and my mother are so beautiful they end up calling us "The most beautiful mother and daughter pair in the city". I don't hate it, but instead i like it. Because it makes me happy that i look alike like my mother which i admire so much. Everyday is so happy for her, as she can always felt her parents love for her. But, every good things doesn't last forever. When she was 6, her mother die because some thug that followed her have their way with her mother and end up stabbing her because they don't want to risk getting caught. When her mother is discovered, she couldn't hold her disgust and at the same time feeling so much sorrow and despair. Someone who always look so beautiful and almost comparable to a goddess for her, now is just a corpse that's being defiled by disgusting creature in her last moments. She spend the next 1 month locked herself in her own room and cry in every single night at the thoughts of her mother is gone and no one is there to teach her about anything that she need to know again. Until one day she realized that her mother must be sad to see her condition right now and decided to move on. She began to go outside her room and interact with her father again, which make her father so happy. But, her father is very busy and have to do his work almost everyday which make her always alone in her house. She sometimes think about what's good a big house is if there's no one there to make enliven the house. But she can't complain, because she afraid that her father might worrying too much and screw up his job. So she always remain a good girl in order to not cause trouble to her only parents which is her father. After spending so much time alone, her world begin to turn into black and white just like an old TV. She lost all her emotion of love, and that makes there's no color in her life as she keep doing everything mechanically, even though she a human being too. One day, while turning the tv to accompany her to eat her dinner, she saw an idol group in the TV channel she accidentaly pick because she doesn't know what to watch. When seeing the idol dancing and singing their heart out, she can't believe her own eyes and ears. Thousand of people are there cheering up their Idols to keep performancing, which the Idols group return with their best performance. She think it is amazing, how a group of people can encourage thousand of people like that. When she go to school, when she eat, when she sleeps, she always kept thinking about the idol performance she watched at that time. She also wanted to encourage people who going through the same for her to keep on going. At that time, she decided that she will become an idol too and make everyone day better with her voice. But unfortunately, her classmate know it and make fun of her. How stupid of her to leave her drawing of her becoming an idol and dancing on the stage while everyone is chanting for her name. But worst of all, Tanaka forced her to strip off in front of her class, and she noticed that Tanaka actually want to do something indecent to her even while everyone watching. She resist it with her utmost at first, but then Tanaka tell her that is one of the things she have to face if she want to become an Idol. Then her mind slowly but surely, stop resisting because she tried everything, including reasoning with Tanaka, and none of it is working. Nobody is there to help her, not even her father. They just standing there, enjoying it as she about to defiled by the boy she doesn't interested or even know that much. When her minds want to accept whatever Tanaka saying as the reality of the Idol as an excuse for her mind well being, the boy suddenly standing up for her. She is both surprised and confused, why did the boy help her? No, why only now? Even though it looks like the boy want to help her, she is angry at the boy. Why not helping since the beginning? Why only now? Why you didn't help me earlier? Are you trying to become hero just like Tanaka said? Or you want to be the one who do it to me? An endless question keep popping inside the girls head just like a train. Then suddenly the boy said that sentence which brings back all the color of the world into the girls life. Yes, not like the idols group that she like, the boy actually repaint her whole world over with his own color, which gives her a new life. She remember her mom teaching about emotion, and she know that this love, is the greatest love that she ever feel in her life, more than her parents love. And that sentence is (Don't you dare try to harm her again, i will kill you). The boy is willing to kill someone just to protect her life, throws everything and probably his own life if it means saving her. Yes, this is the (Love) that her mother keeps telling her everyday in the past. And now that she found him, she wouldn't let go of him. Even though he's late, he still saving me in the end. If he willing do everything for the girl sake, then she will do the same to him. Yes, she will give her everything to the boy who repaint her life with his own color.

Well, i feel like crap. I can't believe i went and did that to a classmate, even though i already promised my big sister that i won't cause her any trouble. Not only the teacher is always keep their eyes on me, but my other classmates also staying away as they afraid i will attack them too. I didn't realize when anger take over me yesterday, i don't even realize what's going on until teacher come into class. After they tell me everything and seeing Tanaka reaction, well, i must admit it's my fault for assaulting him out of nowhere. But still, i decided to keep my mouth shut about Tanaka being a bully. If they somehow doing a further investigation to decide whenever Tanaka is a bully or not, it will only bring me more trouble because me and also my classmate will be asked for questioning to prove it. I rather did not doing that, because i may make my sister worried again, and the victim doesn't really care about it either. Oh, i haven't introduced myself? Well, for the first thing is my name. My name is Kazuya Shoichiro. Even though i am no different from the other children my ages, well, it's not the case when i take off my clothes. Scars and bruises fill those closed part so it wouldn't be seen by the others. How did i be able to receive those? Well, my father always beat me when he comes back home while drunk. I endure it all, i endure all the pain in hope he wouldn't touch my mother, But all my efforts turn out to be useless in the end. I doesn't really resent him for what he done to me, because it's all because he is in drunk state that he do all of that to me, his own child. As for my mother, she is always cooking food for me, even though when we run out of money, she still be able to give me food to eat so i never starve. But even though she always cook and provide food to me, i wonder why i can't recall ever having dinner together with her. Oh well, that's all is the past and there's no use to bringing it up now. My hair is black, which unfortunately i inherited from my father. And i think my faces resemble my mother because people often tell me that "The fruit doesn't fall too far from the tree." Currently, i goes to elementary school in a city named Zetsubou. Well to be precise, now i'm going there, with my big sister. "Kazu, how the hell did you end up assaulting other student? I told you many times before, don't let your emotions get the better of you. Every action have it's own consequence, remember?" My sister say to me, as her eyes still focusing on the road. This is my sister, her name is Rika Hamasaki. She is not blood related to me, but her parents happen to be a good friends of my mother and when they found out about my situation, they adopt me. Well, it's true that this life is better than living with my blood related father, but still, i can't get used to this. "Gosh, this is why i need to keep watch on you everytime! You can't do anything without me! You really are a hopeless little brother!" She claims as her step on the bike pedals is going faster. "Please, don't go too fast. Look at your legs, they have the size that remind people of Ronnie Coleman..." i said with sarcasm while keeping my poker face. "Hey, that's rude! It's not that big!" She said as she keep checking her legs, fearing that it may really look muscular. "Really, you! Anyway, here we are. Remember, don't pick a fight with anyone and behave properly in school! You lucky i'm the one who get contacted by Ms. Yuzuki, not our parents. Well, if they know, then..." She said. Well, i'm doomed if they really know about it. Anyway, now that i arrive at school, i can't delay my sister any longer or she will be late. "Thank you, Rika Nee. I be fine, i promise." I say to put her mind at ease with my serious face. "Yeah yeah, anyway, i be going to my school now! Later!" She wave a goodbye while pedaling her bike. I sigh. Well, it's not that i want that thing to happen either, i just happen to lost control of myself and then it's all happen. Well, now not the time to be standing in the main gate and keep finding excuse for my action yesterday. I hope there's not much change after the incident. But of course, it won't be forgotten so easily, especially if an elementary student did it. "Morning, Kazuya... I hope there's won't be anything like what happen yesterday, 'kay?" Mrs. Yuzuki who happen to be close to the gate said to me, and her tone is telling me that's it's not a first warning, but the last. "I try." I tell her because i don't really know if it will happen again or not. Mrs. Yuzuki just sigh, and then pat my head. "I know you can do it Kazuya. Sensei believe in you." She said that with a smile. Hey, is it allowed for a student to develop a feelings to his teacher after seeing a smile like that? I just nod, and the continue walking to the office. Alright then, i try my best to be normal again. Wait, i am always normal, what is wrong with me? I take a step after step. With each step, the more anxious my mind become. Thoughts racing over and over in my head. Will they forget? Will Tanaka be okay? Is that girl safe? What if Tanaka is dropping out? Time after time, i stop thinking about it. It's not related to me anyway, why i should care? I should only focusing on myself instead of others, it's not like they care for me. After a walk that feel like an eternal, i finally arrive at my class door. I take a breath, preparing myself for whatever about to happen when i step inside of this class. Rejection, fear, hatred, or whatever emotion they show to me, i will accept it as long as it didn't affect my study. When i slide the door open, Tanaka is sitting at the desk while laughing with his friends. But after noticing me, his expression change instantly. "Y-Yo! Kazuya right? How are your condition?" He ask, trying his best not to make any direct eye contact with me. Why does he bother? Isn't he supposed to be scared after what i have done to him yesterday? Hm, i need to think about this rationally. Normally, in Manga or Anime that i saw, the bad guy usually end up becoming the hero companion and even sacrificing themself in order to protect the hero. Hm? They want to protect me? But i aren't a hero though? Wait, for them maybe it's different. For me, maybe i think i wasn't a hero, but maybe they think i am. And i recall that Tanaka is saying something about me and justice from yesterday. Does this mean he willing to sacrifice himself in order to protect me if something bad were happen? When i look at him, i see an expression of a guy who is admiring something cool or great, and those expression were directed at me. Alright then! "I'm fine, thank you!" I say while suddenly grabbing his hand. I think he's not expecting that and i can feel his hand tremble. Yes, he must be delighted because he is being acknowledged by his hero! But, this is weird. After i grab Tanaka hands, i feel a sudden chill coming from my back. When i turn over to have a look of what have caused it, it is... The girl from yesterday. Huh? Why is she looks mad? Not to mention, she clenching her hands so strong, her nails start to stabbing her own hand! Hey, why doesn't she feel any pain? Don't tell me, her current state is the same as what i feel yesterday? Hey, doesn't that mean, she want to kill someone!? Who? Who does she want to kill? But the person with the highest possibility of becoming her target, it's probably Tanaka. Maybe she made up her mind last night to kill him, and now she really going to do it. Nobody could forgive what Tanaka have done yesterday, so it is understandable. Even Tanaka himself know that, because he already leaked his urine on his pants and the hands that i hold is shivering like crazy. But, i wouldn't let that happen! I wouldn't let Tanaka died, not if he died to atone for his own sins! If he was to die, then i want it to die sacrificing himself to protect me! I can't let my insurance of a safe future just slip past me like that! ~Tanaka POV~ I'm scared. I don't want to go through of what happen yesterday. If it possible, i just want to stay home. But my parents didn't allowed it, so now. i'm currently on a car that my dad drive to take me to school. Hey hey hey, after what i have explain, you decided it is better for me to go to school and meet him again!? How can i make up with him like you tell me, he just trying to kill me for real yesterday! Misunderstanding? How can i misunderstand if i was the person is the victim of it!? There's no way i can befriend a person who tried to choke the life out of me! No, no, no! I feel like i want to jump out of the car window right now and run away, even with broken legs. Yes, that is better because i can still keep living. As i made up my mind, my father shock me by saying that we have arrive. What? Damn, if only i made up my mind sooner this wouldn't happen! Wait, i can still run away! Alright, then when i open the door, i will run. Yes, away from him. Okay, i already open the door. C'mon me, you can do it! One, two, three-! "Don't do anything stupid." My father said as if he knows my plan. Alright, all my escape route have been blocked. Now, time to receive whatever bad ending await from me. I know there wouldn't be any good ending because i play too much Eroge already to know where this is going. To hell with it, then i want to properly say goodbye to my friends atleast. And if possible, i want to ask her forgiveness. I know what i have done yesterday is too far, but if i die without telling the truth, then i don't think that i can pass on properly. As i think of this, i see Yuzuki-sensei walking out of the office. "Good morning, Yuzuki-sensei." She is surprised at first, but quickly regain her composure and put on a smile on her face. "Good morning, Tanaka. Are you already okay after what happen yesterday?" Wait. Maybe Yuzuki-sensei can help me escape! If i tell her the truth, she must be believing me and that's why she is appointed as a teacher! "Sensei, actually-" Then sensei interuppted me as i try to tell her the truth. "I'm sorry Tanaka, but sensei is busy right now. Go the class now, okay? I'm sure you and Kazuya will get along. He's a nice kid after all." sensei said as she hurried herself to go to the school field. Hey, i know it! There's only bad ending for me! Even when i thought i could be saved, the next moment they put me back on the bad ending route again! Damn, i think there's no use of hoping for an escape as of now, it just me and myself accepting my fate. I think that as i walk to the class, and when i arrive, there's is my friends talking to each other. When they see me, they hurried up to me to check on me. Hey, these guys aren't so bad after all. Then we proceed to joke and laugh at each other as we talking, and i didn't know when he will arrive, so i just tell these guys as i have the chance. Before they could continue joking, i said "Hey guys, i think i been a real jerk and all, but forgive me for it. I know i could act better, and i wasn't. I'm sorry if i happen to hurt one of your feelings.". I feel like i could cry right now, because i don't want to say goodbye this fast with these guys. They go silent for a moment, but then one of them says "Did you already prepare yourself a grave and tombstone? Because it sound like you would go soon." And one of them continue, "Don't worry Tanaka. Even if you gone, we wouldn't miss you." and the laughter continue. Even myself, is finding that funny and join in with their laughter. But that moment come to an end soon, because when i thought i hear a door slide, he is standing there. Oh no, why so soon? I haven't ask her for forgive me, and you already arrive? In this case, i could only buy some time and wait for her. Let's have a chit chat, i think to myself. But the moment i'm about to speak, i froze when i see his eyes. Those are the same eyes that want to kill me yesterday. I want to piss myself so bad, but i try not to. C'mon, you only have to buy time until she arrive! "Y-Yo! Kazuya right? How are your condition?" i try to ask him while not making any contacts, i fear that the moment i make direct eyes contact is the moment he try to kill me again. I swallow my own saliva, because he not responding to my question. Instead, he look like he is thinking about something. Huh, is he thinking about the method to make me die a painful death? please, even if what i have done yesterday went too far, i don't want to go through that. Suddenly, he grabs my hand. I was shocked, because i thought he about to attack me and then torture me. As i thinking about running away. She arrive. Oh, thanks God. Now, i can ask whenever she forgive me or not before Kazuya coming for me. But something is weird.  Why is her expression looks like she want to kill someone so bad? Ah. I knew it, bad ending. There's no way i can run away from 2 people who's both is trying to kill me!  As i think of that, my pants were already soaked by my own urine and i'm shivering like crazy. I want to run, run far away from these two. I know that i'm going to die today, but not like this! Oh whoever it is, help me! Whoever help me, i will follow you whenever you go! Just please, save me!

Under the full moon, although the sky looked so blue, it was never as beautiful as we imagined——TriggerSometimes, the moon looked so clear, but it would also be shrouded in blood, becoming so dull and deathly silent"Is this really blood?" "why do I feel so cold?" a figure staggered through the dense forest, but the footsteps became more and moreThe blood on his body wiped through the bamboo forest, leaving bright red marksWas that a girl? Really? The [裳霓] feather robe on her body had been dyed into dew by blood. She was as terrible as a slave who ran awayBut was that the truth? More than thirty people were chasing after him closely. Their red eyes and sharp blades were enough to prove that.She was not an ordinary person. She held the golden token tightly in her hand, which was from the Oracle house, the governor's inspector generalUnder the moonlight, the originally pure moon had been dyed red by blood, leaving an indelible mark the red jade plateIn 250 years, the three kingdoms were at the peak of their power. Except for the Shu men, the Dongwu clan and [曹魏] had been in constant internal strife for a year"Where am I? Where am I? How many years have it been?"A young man like a beast miraculously appeared in the bamboo forestHe looked at the moon in the distance and was confused”It seems a little different tonight. " The moon tonight was like a jade plate, but it was bright redHe looked over there thoughtfully, with his eyes shining. He couldn't help but open his eyes to the maximum extentHe had been here for more than 50 yearsHe had lived like a beast for more than 50 yearsThere was no magic or fantasy in this worldOnly the last hope of humansThe desire to survive!!!Now his whole body was dirty and much darker than that of a chimpanzeeYou can't imagine how he has spent the past 50 years. Now that he has left the life of a normal person, let's make a simple and rough comparison -- wolf boyIn real life, she got up, brushed her teeth, washed her face, had breakfast, worked, had lunch, worked, had dinner, worked and went to bed. And during leisure time, everything seemed so simpleBut in this boundless forest, he could do nothing but struggle desperately from the soil in pain, because he didn't want to die. He believed that one day, he would finally go to the place where he was taken in, where there was light, and where his family were. At any time, he could be attacked by beasts, natural disasters, all kinds of accidents, let alone eating and wearing, This was simply wishful thinkingShe couldn't even see food all day long, because this was a place without shit. It was completely a chance of luck. She didn't know if she would starve to death the next secondWhen he was bored, he could only climb a tree. Most of the time, he could only climb a tree. After years of long journey, he had cultivated his perseverance to the extreme. Leisure and entertainment were something that didn't exist in the world at all. Although he was free and relaxed, he couldn't find the meaning of his existenceWhy don't you contact people? People's hearts were the most mysterious and bottomless place in the world. He had been fooled more than once, so he was very cautious in everything and tried to figure out people's hearts.Sometimes, he even wanted to give up. Why did he have to do something he couldn't do? Isn't it good to just let it go like this?Wind, rain, frozen bone, [凌风], snow and Linda were all the things he didn't care about at allHe thought he should eat whatever he could, because hunger and thirst brought him great pain. Earth was also a good thing. How could he eat! Maybe, sometimes he also forgot to be hungryShe was also very nervous when she was sleeping, because she might have fallen asleep and would never wake up tomorrow. We all sleep peacefully, while heAnd fell asleep in pain and silenceIn fact, everything was so difficult to doMaybe tomorrow is not a big deal for us, but for him, we cherish it very much. Please be good to yourself every day and every second. The most important thing in life is not only the result, but also the process!In her previous life◈In this world"What should I do? No one will come to save me. What should I do?" under the moonlight, the girl's delicate and flawless skin was exposed in front of him, which made people feel moved, but also heartbroken. Her originally beautiful black silk, slender legs and feet had been stained with blood and dust"Help! Who can help me? Someone wants to kill me!" the girl tried her best to seek help from the sky, but it was powerless and useless. She couldn't help trembling and running crazilyBecause behind her, there were more than 30 pairs of red demonic eyes tightly grabbing her, and the sound of knives was frighteningThe wolf child heard the girl's last cry for help from the hell. In the forest 30km away under the moonlightBut he hesitated, weighing the pros and cons and observing the situation. Was my own strength so powerful enough to fight against them?No matter what, he had to save his life. Everyone had the desire to live! He had rapidly leaped from the forest through several years of travel experience!As the visibility became higher and higher, he saw clearly that a beautiful girl in rags was being chased by a group of people in night clothes, with bronze daggers in their hands, steady and powerful stepsHe stood firmly and looked around at the nearby terrain and utilization rate. Then his eyes lit up and he turned away, taking the initiativeShe was dizzy and couldn't see the road clearly. When she took the last step, she rolled down the slope. She was so weak that deep red marks rolled out"How far can you run? It seems that you are also a martial artist. Unfortunately, you didn't hit him," the assassin in Black said. He slowly walked forward and bent over to look at her. "What a pity! Such a beautiful face is even more beautiful when it is stained with blood." hahaha! "The people in black behind couldn't help laughing." what are you laughing at? ""You, you fiends, go to hell and never atone for your sins. You will be punished by [深深] and never be reincarnated! She glared at everyone"Well, well, well, well. How can you be so arrogant when you are dying? A pair of ruthless iron hands pressed her on the ground and pinched her fair face. They will eat you alive first and then take you back to confess. Hahaha!""Hahaha, beg for mercy, or serve me well and make me comfortable, so that you can feel more comfortable. Heavy check mark:"After saying that, the girl's eyes turned darkHe carried her on his shoulder, patted her soft and elastic buttocks, and pointed to an inn along the river in the southeast. "Let's go and have a good rest here. Of course, we can leave after having a good rest!"The wolf boy was ready. He nimbly walked through the green sea and pounced on them. The messy branches were jumped over and over again, tightly surrounding them.With a huge sheepskin bag on his back, he glared at all this and dared not say anything!When he saw that scene, he almost lost his temper. How could so many people bully a beautiful and lonely girl? But where were more than 30 people? It was not easy to do it!But she had to be calm and act according to circumstances. The time was right and the place was good. She didn't take action until everything was ready. Now that they went to rest, there must be a chance! They would definitely save her!Capture the bandits first and defeat the kings one by one!

*Tap*  "7 more minutes until the game releases..."  That was all Feng Shui said while tapping gently in the table with his slender fingers.  He was currently scrolling down the forum that has been flooded with millions of players, talking about the newest VRMMORPG.  He kept on going down for a few seconds before stopping on an interesting comment.  "Is it just me or is anyone else dwelling on the name of the game?"  'Hm?'  Feng Shui raised an eyebrow at this before glancing at game's name.  "The Land...of Dreams..?"  He looked at the words for a few seconds before frowning.  'Is there a deeper meaning to this?'  He was about to think deeper into this but stopped himself when he saw the timer.  '2 minutes left.' Feng Shui quickly turned off his monitor walking towards the capsule next to his bed. He immediately put his palm soft on the surface of the capsule the second he arrived in front of it. *Click* The glass on the capsule suddenly parted in half, revealing a medium sized bed with a helmet hovering above it. Feng Shui waited for a few seconds before shaking his head softly. '15 hours in real life is equal to 15 days in the game world. I have to start my daily training after those 15 hours are done.' He clicked his tongue in slight annoyance before dropping onto the bed inside of the capsule. "Access [Timer]." Feng Shui spoke quietly and waited for a few moments before a holographic appeared before him. He quickly used his fingers to set the timer for 15 hours before putting his helmet on. "Start." The capsule suddenly started lighting up with a blue light, signifying the process of transferring the consciousness into the game. Feng Shui lips suddenly curved slightly when he saw his vision go white. 'Now...let's see what the Land of Dreams is all about...' --- [Welcome to the Land of Dreams!] That was the first thing Feng Shui saw when he regained his vision. He stood there for a while before testing to see if he still had his 5 senses. '...Impressive...' Feng Shui clenched his fists lightly before widening his eyes in slight amazement. 'They have somehow transferred the consciousness and the 5 senses...it's almost like my real body is here.' After he finished testing his body he decided to look around to see where he was. Feng Shui narrowed his eyes a little when he found nothing but white. 'A white room?' Feng Shui was about to walk and see if there is a hidden entrance before freezing. He tried to move his legs for a few seconds before moving his arms. 'My arms work but my legs don't?' His casual face slowly turned into one with confusion as he tried to move his legs once more. After a few tries, he decided to look downwards, only to see himself standing on a big wheel. After inspecting it, he came to a conclusion that only 5 colours were on the wheel with words written beside them. Gray - Common Green - Uncommon Blue - Rare Purple - Epic Gold - Legendary Each of these colours took a proportion of the big wheel. Red taking nearly half, Blue taking half of Red and so on. 'If there is something downwards, then there must be something upwards.' Feng Shui thought for a while before looking up. 'So I was right.' A smile crept up on his face as he saw words written on the roof of the room. [Stage 1 - Spin the wheel to decide the talent you will have in the game.] Feng Shui's smile widened as he saw this message. 'Interesting...this means that poor people and rich people are all equal inside of this room.' Feng Shui thought whilst leaning his torso down. He put his palm lightly on the button embedded on the wheel before pushing it. *Spin* The wheel suddenly started spinning, while Femg Shui's body floated. He raised his eyebrows in surprise before focusing on the wheel. 'I wonder what I will get...'

03:00 AM November 17, 2021 I'm looking outside my window still hoping to see light but darkness is all I can see. 15:27 PM, November 15, 2021 Today is finally the day, looking at the empty bedroom in front of me and the many boxes on the floor I ready myself to unpack.  I'm a freshman at the Trinity high school, it's a highly prestigious school that I work so hard for to get in. In this school the students have to live in the school dorm, this is one of the thing I'm aiming for, even thought it's troublesome having to live by myself but it beats having to stay at home. Hours flew by cleaning and decorating my new room, in the middle of making my bed I hear a knock on the door. Looking at the clock that I just put up it shows 18:01 o'clock, it's already this late.  I hurried to the door open it, when I open it a man with black hair that is swept back and wearing a glasses but even with all that can't  hide the fierceness on his handsome face, this is Toshiki-senpai the dorm leader.  "Senpai," I said politely. "No need to be so tight Narukami-kun, I'm only here to tell you that you should finish up soon because dinner at the dorm cafetaria starts at seven, It's a first come first serve basis so if you're too late and there's nothing left you can only blame yourself for being late," Senpai said with a slight smile. "Thank yo- But before I said my word two people who is running really fast past by, before I can see them clearly they already run up the stairs that is right next to my room.  "I'm gonna kill you, " Scream one of the boys that is running.  "Wait! no running in the hallway!" Senpai quickly chased after the two of them. Is this a normal occurrence at the boys dorm? I hope not, thinking that i quickly went inside my room to finish my cleaning.  After cleaning a few thing I decide to stop for now, I already feel hungry looking at the clock it's already 18:36 just a bit more before dinner. I lay down on my bed planning to rest a bit since I still have sone time, I took out my phone from my pocket trying to see if there is anything interesting but before I turn on my phone I heard a dull thud outside my window then after that a piercing scream followed. Something is terribly wrong, anxiety starts crawling down my spine, bad thoughts start coming up in my head, I don't dare to look outside my window.  Trying to distract myself I put on my headphone and start playing some music, and just like that I lay on my bed closing my eyes and ignoring everything that happens in the world, ignorance is bliss after all.  I don't know how long have time passed but after a while some other sound start mixing with the music from my headphone, a loud piercing sound that's so familiar to me, the sound of an ambulance siren.  I take off my headphone still feeling fear in my heart but thinking optimistically since it's an ambulance then maybe the worst doesn't happen and it's all in my head but just a bit after thinking that I hear another siren this one different from before, it's a police siren.  19:00 PM,  November 17, 2021 In a forest somewhere a man is running in a hurry like he was being chased by something. "It's not me, I didn't do it! I'm innocent!" He plead with his everything but no one is listening. 

A loud clang briefly overpowers the drone of the helicopter's blades as my restraints are loosed and I land on the ship's deck. The chopper, a heavy-duty cargo lifter with a double rotor, violently jerks up as my weight is no longer its problem and the pilot struggles briefly to regain control. I don't look up and instead survey the scene before me: containers are stacked four stories high on the deck and from afar it might have passed as a regular vessel, but up close reveals the tendrils of flesh snaking up, over, around and in between the boxes: the GCV Procyon is infested. My right hand rotates out to reveal a circular saw and with the sound of grinding gears, I lumber over to the closest stack and begin my work. The cargo is worthless to me so I forgo slicing open the bolts and instead cut directly into the steel walls. A careful inspection would take too long and run the risk of flesh parts hiding away between pallets. Instead, I cut a hole large enough to deposit a spray of fuel inside, then rotate my left hand to the torch and ignite it all. Fire still works best and once I reach the ship's own fuel store, I should have plenty to turn each container into a cremation furnace so nothing can escape. I move to the next box and pay no heed to the slithering tendrils retreating towards the hold. Stealth was never the intention, and It already knew I was here the moment I touched down. ----------- I remember little from the time before I was made into what I am today, and much of that has been supplemented by second-, third-, or even fourth-hand information. And while I can't exactly attest to the accuracy of everything, I am reasonably sure of what I've pieced together because this is exactly how those bastards would've done it. Anyway. There was a moment when medical science had made enough of a leap forward that consumer prosthetics were on the verge of becoming the new marketable essentials; like cellphones had been in a bygone age. Hospitals hired specialist staff en masse while celebrities were showing off cybernetic arms, legs, torsos and such on magazine covers worldwide. Fashion designers incorporated them in their shows and brands started plastering themselves directly on the items - still know a guy who has an AlienWare leg. However, as one can guess, that leap forward was made directly into the arms of corporations. Workers in hard labour sectors were the first to find out that the plan wasn't just to make prosthetics desirable, but mandatory. You wanted a job? Start giving up arms and legs. Armored skulls for construction workers, cyberhands for secretaries, leg upgrades for delivery bikers and don't worry if you can't afford it, the company will set you up with a plan to pay it off to them over the next five decades or so. And as unions clashed in vain to keep businesses from shackling the collective labour force to a mountain of debt, horror stories started surfacing about how that initial leap was marketed. Fashion models testifying about forced amputations, medical malpractice lawsuits involving rockstar surgeons, musicians having their limbs rendered nonfunctional due to contracts ending,... Then the investigative report about research into full-body replacement and brain digitization came out and suddenly cybernetics were a whole lot less desirable to the upper crust. But corporations kept pushing them onto their employees, meaning perception shifted prosthetics squarely into the box of "working class technology". To be a part of the elite, you had to be fully biological. ----------- I've done as much as I could on the Procyon's deck without access to her fuel stores, so I stomp over to the doors leading deeper into the vessel. A lattice of flesh emerges from between the gaps, unfolding itself across and providing the first active resistance so far. My sawblade cuts deep into tendons trying to flow out and gum up my gears but my torch burns away any residue before it can do any harm. The lattice hardens, shifting into dental structures but that is honestly a pitiful attempt against a blade that cuts steel. The advantage of flesh lies in the way it flows and spreads; my mechanical body will always win a direct contest of strength. It still takes the better part of an hour to slice and burn away the last bits of the lattice and I'm left caked in gore by the end of it. A container explodes close by, likely loaded with dangerous goods that cooked off from one of the fires I've caused, and I take a moment to stand in the blaze and clean off. It might be inert now, but I've seen flesh revive seemingly out of nowhere and I'm not taking any chances. As the flames lick away the last bits of gunk, I solidify my plan of attack: first work my way through the upper decks to prevent It from cutting me off when I move deeper, then secure and disable the engine room and access the ship's fuel, before first finishing the cleanup of the upper deck and finally move into the cargo hold and eradicate what remains of the infestation there. Despite how little resistance I've encountered so far, my intuition tells me the spread of flesh on the Procyon is severe and It is likely consolidating itself in the deeper sections, strengthening defenses and setting ambushes. None of that will ultimately matter; destroying flesh is, after all, what I was remade for. I sqeeze my way through the doors the lattice was protecting and lumber towards the crew quarters and bridge. My body is far too small for these corridors but that is no longer an issue once I apply some brute force. The walls and ceiling dent away as I refuse to yield to their confines and while this slows me down even further, it also means that when the inevitable tendril of flesh whips around a blind corner, I am not caught off balance in some awkward position. The tendril slices apart far too easily -only a probing attack- and I burn the remains while noting the direction its remains slither away to. When I reach the crew quarters proper, however, flesh bursts out of the doors around me and surges forward, surronding me with meat and bone on all sides. Tendrils whip out, ossified tips scraping against my armor and I'm annoyed at the sheer gall on display here; for a second time this infestation tries to fight me with force and I'm going to teach It a lesson it won't live long enough to properly regret. I mist out a small amount of propellant I kept in reserve inside this cage and ignite it, the ensuing burst of fire causing the walls and tendrils to writhe in panic as they try in vain to extinguish themselves. Meanwhile, I pin down one section and proceed to follow the thread of its musculature to my actual target. Inside what I assume was once the captain's quarters, I find the pulsing, shifting mass that sprung that little ambush on me. Flesh can operate on great distances from its central body if it wants to, but most prefer to use distributed nodes like these as it allows for greater reactive speeds and their connection to the central nervous system means that should the core mass die off, a secondary node can take over and rebuild. I'd consider this distributed intelligence tactic clever if it wasn't such a pain in my ass to deal with. Anyway, with the node caught defenseless, I quickly bite into it with saw and torch and proceed to reduce it down to a flow of meaty, boiling goo. About halfway through, one of its pustules breaks and a quivering eye stares at me in what could charitably be considered abject horror. Yes, hello, it is me. You might have heard of my exploits from your now-dead friends. And you are next. ----------- Of course, seeing plain Jays suddenly outperform you, even if the means by which they did so were usually not acquired voluntarily, was something of a slap in the face when you were raised and expected to be better than common trash. And no amount of telling yourself that cybernetics are dirty commoner tools will help alleviate that sting. So I suppose it was inevitable for the elite to shift their gaze to bioengineering. Unfortunately for them, there is only so much you can do without making invasive changes to the human body, which of course would've ruined their precious "biological purity" aesthetic, meaning the local delivery cyclist, shackled to debt as they were, could still outrun the average CEO without breaking much of a sweat. Turns out money could buy you lots of things but not a body with higher natural limits than machines. Sources differ on the initial reception to Fitzgerald-Blythe and his serum. Some say he was treated like a charlatan, peddling eternal youth to the gullible wealthy. Others recall he'd already insinuated himself in the inner circles of those in power long before he revealed his work, lending him a small degree of credibility, just enough to attract his first volunteers. But counter to everyone's expectations, the serum... worked. Wrinkles faded, joints stopped aching, hair regained its colour, eyesight improved... Once word got out, the F-B Serum became the hottest commodity among those who could afford its exorbitant asking price and their less fortunate peers silently cursed any who held lifetime positions. And thus society was suddenly dominated by a bunch of not-actually-20-somethings who had big plans for their newfound immortality and the chumps who were going to pay for everything. This did not go down peacefully at first, but when the Pope's head was blown off by a sniper on live television and he simply regenerated it, the resistance quickly died down. Seeing that the Serum's effectiveness surpassed their wildest dreams, those who'd taken it restyled themselves as living gods and built their little fiefdoms on the backs of cyborg indentureds. Said resistance did not die out, however, and in the underground amateur chemists were already scrambling for Serum samples and some way to analyze and perhaps even counteract it. Now that I think of it, I never managed to confirm if Fitzgerald-Blythe ever took a taste of his own medicine... ----------- Unlike the captain's quarters, the bridge is surprisingly clean of the infestation at first sight, but closer inspection reveals plenty of traces. This room was once rife with flesh, likely including another node, but it seems to have made a tactical retreat following the destruction of the first node I encountered. The parting gift it has left me with, however, wrenches a soundless laugh from my steel husk: all of the controls are sabotaged and the ship is adrift, which I had planned to do myself from inside the engine room. It genuinely thinks it can fight me! It's such a preposterous thought, like a cyclops being faced with a particularly irate ant. After that momentary amusement, I shift out the circular saw to a drill bit and start demolishing the ship's consoles properly. Sure enough, I dig up a small flesh network, left there to quietly restart the vessel in case it all goes south. Too bad the situation already went south the moment I crashed into the deck and now you are trapped with me. Retracing my steps through the quarters is surprisingly uneventful; another lattice has formed over the doors leading outside but it barely puts up a fight. I briefly glance outside and see that fire has spread a little further -not enough to do any additional damage- but I'll give it a boost once I secure the engine room. The passage down gives me a glimpse of the hold and I do not like what little I see: flesh is everywhere, on every surface and it throbs in that way I've only seen when close to a powerful core. This flesh has been around for a long time, and getting rid of it will take a lot more effort than I'd like. The air grows humid as I trundle further down and there's an almost-palpaple pressure when I finally reach the engine room access, a multilayered lattice shielding the bulkhead. This time, the lattice has a variety of organic structures -dental, bone, scutes at first glance alone- and the layers are plastered thick. Huh, this might actually waste a significant chunk of my time. I approach and the lattice shifts, opening up to shoot out multiple tendrils. I shift my stance to deflect these strikes on my armour, but realize too late that this was not a simplistic series of slices. Instead, teeth find purchase on edges and hard angles and I'm suddenly being pulled into a massive, gaping maw. It closes shut with force, canines like stalactites seeking to pierce, molars the size of boulders seeking to crush. But they are teeth, and I am steel. My claws rotate in and I grab hold of the upper jaw, pushing it away from me and folding it up over itself with a series of deep, meaty crunches. It tries to flow and reconstitute but my torch is faster, and soon all that's left is the lower jaw I'm holding down with my weight. If I had not reacted when I did and pressed the attack, that lower jaw could've flowed into my gears and cause some serious damage, but one thing I learned fighting flesh it that it cannot help but to create nervous systems in anything that flows from it. This is why my weapons are simple and brutish: pain is a weapon of its own. It must be in unfathomable agony by now. But I feel nothing, and so I saw off and burn this remainder of this ill-advised attack. From the center of what's left of the lattice, another eye stares at me, tears flowing freely. I simply shove my drill into it and start working on the bulkhead itself. ----------- Again, sources are unclear on what caused this next step, whether it was an accidental flaw, deliberate fault or sabotage by a rogue chemist who cracked the formula. In any case,  after only a few decades of living under god-kings, decades spent being mercilessly exploited and crushed underfoot, several of them suddenly turned ill, with more following as the days passed. Most of them retreated out of the public eye and scrambled to find answers, as it simply would not do for immortals to fall to a simple disease. However, Fitzgerald-Blythe was nowhere to be found and panic started settling in. And then, the CEO of General Motors went on public television to assuage shareholders, only to explode in a mass of pustules and tumors and immediately devour the nearest cameraman. Things went real fast from there. Apparently plenty of board meetings became scenes of carnage and one could see cancerous masses burst out of the top floors of skyscrapers before the day was over. In less than 24 hours, the large majority of global power structures ceased to exist. Didn't stop the world from turning, though, as middle-management was largely spared unless they happened to be in one of those meetings and they tried to at least keep the lights on, which was briefly tolerated before workers politely, but firmly suggested it was time for some changes. Turns out you can make some convincing arguments when your body is 50% tungsten and the other party is mortal. The end result was not quite anarchy, as some things did turn out to work a little smoother with some centralized structuring, but still mostly anarchy. Nations broken up into smaller communes, borders erased, capitalism abolished and the use of Serum banned. It's for the most part still the system in place today. But while this was being set up, there was still the issue of all of that rich people meat just growing and oozing about, snatching up unfortunate people who just happened to get too close. Attempts were made to communicate with them but those were entirely unsuccessful and the only thing the mouths they grew ever did was eat. A theory was put out that they are still sapient, but the explosive changes they underwent shattered their minds to the point that we might as well be communicating with alien entities, and that's pretty much the leading theory these days. I can see their point, and I disagree but then again my occupation does make me slightly biased. Talking to the meat did not, however, stop the issue of them slithering around the place and consuming anything organic they could find to add to their biomass, thus letting them spread further. People did clue into the "organic" part eventually, and most communes have their most metallic or plastic members pick up the task of defending against flesh incursions. It's considered an inglorious, but necessary task. Places with particularly large infestations were cordoned off until a proper response could be formulated. And after about a decade or two, they would end up with me. ----------- The bulkhead finally hinges open and I'm met with a dismal sight. The engine room is in shambles, piping ripped from its fittings, gauges smashed and more. Alarms blare as I step in and hurry to check the fuel tanks but my fears are justified when I rip them open and see their contents draining into the ocean. I scoop up as much as I can carry in my stores and scatter the rest about the room before setting it ablaze. Time to improvise. A series of methodical, controlled blazes is no longer going to work. Instead, I'll rely on my knowledge of the manifest and fight my way to every hazardous cargo container I can get my hands on, using them as catalysts if flammable, and hopefully turn the hold into a raging inferno.  Of couse, flammable items are usually kept as far away from the engine room as possible, and also separate from each other in the most inconvenient way, so up to the outside I go. At this point all pretense of preserving the ship has flown out the window, so I start drilling into the surface itself, intending to bring it all down into the hold in the most expedient way possible. For my troubles, I get a container slammed on top of me when I'm about halfway done drilling. It takes me a few moments to regain my senses, my mechanical brain still reeling from the impact. As I cut my way free of the box' wreckage, I spot the culprit: a massive tentacle currently wrapping itself around a second container,  looking for the double tap. I charge it, wielding saw, torch, and no small amount of annoyance at my current situation. Dodging the next slam is impossible with my bulk so I instead speed up and hope my saw and momentum carry me through while my brain fixes the inevitable impact-misalignment. I come to lodged in the tentacle's side, flesh already flowing to try and compromise my body but they have not gotten far enough yet. A spray of propellant and a blast from the torch and I'm free again to start chopping this thing down like a big, meaty tree. Blood and gore fly in every direction as it struggles and I can't get my saw to bite deep enough to get a solid cut. I step back and rip a panel from one of the smashed containers before flinging it at the tentacle as hard as I can. It lodges itself deep, and I follow up with a few more before stepping back in to finish the job.  It takes a few more pushes and pulls on one of the slabs, eventually I saw through and the tentacle falls on the deck with enough of an impact to finish my work, breaking through and sending me and the cargo crashing down. Last thing I see is the core mass, and the face forming within. ----------- I know there's a whole rumor mill and several betting pools out there regarding my identity, but the truth is just not that glamorous. I was a street rat during my youth, abandoned by parents who could never afford me while trying to survive the mounting piles of debt being shoveled onto their backs by the corporations. I do not begrudge them; the world was a living hell during those days and one had to do what was necessary to survive. Eventually I found my way into some resistance groups as a courier, my fully organic body being considered useful to slip past certain checkpoints. When the rich started exploding, I made myself scarce fearing an eventual crackdown by the survivors, but I made the mistake of using a popular squatter's home and got snatched up along with whoever else was sleeping there at the time. Our captor was an engineer with opinions on the reliance of society on both cybernetics or bioengineering. He was all about analog technology and he was going to put his theory to the test. So for the next 14 years he took each of us into his labs and subjected us to rigorous testing, before ultimately culminating into a full-body replacement procedure that inevitably failed, leaving another corpse for the trash to take away. The reason I'm alive is not because I was special or anything: science is an iterative process, and by the time I was up he'd iterated through enough of us to produce a proper result. As thanks, I killed him. But yes, my body is fully mechanical and analog, all gears and switches, including my brain. Don't ask me how any of it works, that secret died with him and I'm far too paranoid to let anyone take a look at my inner workings. It does come with some benefits: I don't need food, water, sleep, heat, air or pretty much anything a human needs to survive. Flesh cannot assimilate me as I'm about as digestible as a rock, and hacking attemps might as well not exist. Rust is an issue, but nothing a regular coat of paint can't solve. And my advantages are what got me added to the candidate list for a strike group that would finally clear up heavily-infested areas. I was more than happy to help as it was basically my current job, but more so, and I considered myself pretty good at my job. Our first target was the Air Force One crash site, where I quickly learned that "pretty good" would not cut it out here. In my defense, everyone was still learning how to fight flesh on a large scale but there were a lot of pointless deaths that could've been avoided in hindsight. But we did end up victorious and I would soon be deployed across the world, my immunity and general hardiness often putting me in some of the worst zones. I was a part of the crews in Hollywood, Tokyo and Vatican City. I was a part of the team sent to hunt down Fitzgerald-Blythe and find his Serum lab. I was in the first wave assaulting the Whitehall Tumor -the only survivor of that wave- and among the first to breach into the inner chambers, although even I won't speak of what we saw there. Point is, I've been around for a while and I've never seen flesh form a goddamn face. ----------- Until now, I suppose. When I come to from my crash-landing, it is staring at me from the ruined remains of the hold. I don't know how much time has passed but I'm guessing enough for it to have flowed into me and killed me if it wanted to. So why hasn't it? I hazard a step sideways, and the face pulses before more lattice flows to block my path. I keep my eyes thrained on the face but I still can't jog enough of a memory to recognize it. A step forward does not result in my path being blocked so I approach, wary of the oozing mass all around me. The face does not react in any other way than to keep staring, and it takes me far longer than I'd like to admit before I realize that staring is all it will ever do. It's not an actual face, just a fascimile of one, designed to make you consider flesh as human, a deadly trap I just almost walked into myself. I start misting out fuel on my own body and set myself ablaze, stomping towards a pile of crashed containers where I can spot a hazard label on one of the doors. Flammable solids, my lucky day. The fire spreads quickly with how the crash scattered the material, and I proceed to tour the hold, setting off whatever I can find. The fire on my body shields me from any attacks for now but I have to move fast as my body can only take this heat for so long. The core again tries to block my path so I switch it up and charge, latching on that face and ripping out whichever chunks I can get my hands on, the fire preventing it from flowing onto me. The core is huge, however, so this attaxk is not doing much but every effort it needs to spend regenerating is effort it can't spare to block me or douse fires. Eventually, I disengage when the flames start to die out and make another beeline for a dangerous goods container and throw its contents at the core when I realize it's filled with drums of acid. An explosion goes off in the distance and the ship tilts, the bow rising out of the water. I spot the remains of another large tentacle and what's left of a container near the hole -it's trying to sink the ship and douse the flames. Except, on closer inspection, that container is harmless and the edges of the hole face inwards. My suspicion is confirmed when another explosion blasts another hole in the hull and I realize why the team lead insisted this could be done as a solo mission. There have barely been any flesh sightings in the last few years and despite most others getting back into normal lives, I stubbornly stayed on as this is pretty much all I can do. And that fact, that I am designed for violence, has finally sunk in deep enough that they want to retire me in a more insistent manner, even if it means giving this thing a chance to escape. But I won't let it. Even if I can no longer fully destroy all of it, I'll rend apart as much of it as I can. I spray myself with more fuel and ignite, charging in with twin drills and leaping on top of it. The resulting deluge of blood as I dig threatens to douse the flames but I just apply more fuel whenever possible, the wet, squelching whirrs of the drills the only sound I focus on. Eyes occasionally sprout from the core and I briefly wonder what it sees, and hope that the image is burned into every neuron. When the rising water sweeps me away, the core's shredded to ribbons, but several of my joints have also locked in place, melted by the heat. I snatch one small patch of flesh as it drifts by me, its eye flicking about wildly before I crush it and let go. Even if it were to reconstitute, it would take decades to regain its mass. As the ship sinks deeper, I try and fail to find any peace with my end. A job half-finished just does not sit well with me but I have to begrudgingly admit that despite all my strength, my body simply isn't capable of trudging along the ocean floor in its current state anymore. For now, I can only sit here and wait for the salt to rust me through. Or for someone to realize what happened and come to retrieve me. Someone must, right?

The radio cracked, “five minutes until we reach the LZ. It’s hot so check your gear before we land. You won’t have time later.” It was hard enough to hear with an improvised headset but the helicopter’s blades chopping the air a few feet above made it nearly impossible. In the distance was the glow of explosions in the night sky, each shockwave buffeting against the battered fuselage. It had only been six months since the Sol Republic Space Command had lost contact with the outpost on Pluto and only two weeks since Noah had joined the Army to defend Earth. It was thought to be an equipment malfunction that stopped Pluto’s research center from responding to Earth’s calls. Nothing too serious. At least, nothing as serious as the reality of the situation. It wasn’t until a small colony on Triton sent a distress signal to all SRSC military installations that reality set in. A month after Triton fell, it was Europa. Then Ganymede, then Titan, and so on until humanity lost contact with every colony in Sol. Until the fall of Mars, Earth was blind to its imminent subjugation. Footage streamed in from the intrasolar comm system. They were bipedal creatures standing at least a foot above an average human with large crowned heads, a dark gray carapace that covered most of their body, and long slender limbs. Noah sat deep in thought, wondering why he would sign up to fight monsters. He vaguely recalled thoughts of protecting his family against the invaders. Of being able to sacrifice himself to prolong the life of the ones he loved. It had only been 16 days since he signed up to fight, yet the terror of war made it seem so long ago. An explosion 100 meters away rocked the aircraft. He watched in consternation as the helicopter carrying Fireteams Charlie and Delta burst into flames and plummeted towards the ground. Another explosion beyond his vision shook Noah in his seat. The pilot shouted into the intercom, “30 seconds until we land, get ready to bail. I can’t stay down for long!” Noah gave Bravo Team Leader, Amber, a thumbs up. She replied with a slight nod. To his right, a young kid fumbled with his body armor, two sizes too large for a 16 year old. His name was Ariel Cook and grew up in a small, rural hunting town. Sitting directly across from Noah was Gabriel. A 22 year old from the same city as Noah. They had enlisted at the same time and flew in for training together. A sudden drop caused a pit in Noah’s stomach. They were landing. “Move! Move! Move!” Amber yelled. It was hard to hear her over the rattle of gunfire but she was experienced and knew how to direct the new recruits with her body language. She had left the service before the invasion on Pluto but decided to reenlist when Mars fell. The team took cover behind an outcrop of rocks while they awaited their platoon leader’s orders. Their mission was to secure a bunker at the top of the hill. Flint radioed in, only Fireteams Alpha, Bravo, Echo, and Foxtrot remained. The others were shot down before they could land. It was time to move. Bravo team raced to the top of the hill with no enemy contact. Once they reached the southern wall of the bunker they regrouped with the platoon. Flint scrambled over rocks to give Bravo team their orders, “Bravo team, you’ll be clearing this wing of the bunker. Alpha team will follow you in. Prepare to breach on my signal!” He rushed to Fireteams Echo and Foxtrot for their orders. Flint gave the signal and Amber directed the team to breach the bunker. A charge exploded and sent the door flying inward. Two grenades were thrown into the first room. A flash of light filled the room and shrapnel pinged against the walls. Noah and Gabriel moved in, Noah checking the right and Gabriel the left. Amber and Ariel followed behind while Fireteam Alpha waited just beyond the door. Flashes of light strobed across the room from the explosions and flares outside. The muffled sound of gunfire and light footsteps echoed through the bunker. There were several windows just below shoulder height that lined the room. One darkened hallway lay across from the door. A ghastly wail seized the attention of Bravo team and an invader sprung from the hallway, sending a shockwave of terror through Bravo Team. Amber was the first to fire, followed by Ariel. Gabriel was nearest the opening and was the first to make contact with the charging demon. He was thrown against the wall and sat slumped over, blood gushing from his chest where the invader impaled him with its armored limb. “Fire! Fire! Fire!” Amber screamed, her voice cracking as it strained. The projectiles from the weapons penetrated the thick carapace of the bipedal monster and it fell against Gabriel’s dead body as it let out an ear-piercing shriek. As Amber and Ariel reloaded their weapons, another invader leapt from the abyss. It slammed its skull against Ariel, instantly knocking him unconscious or perhaps killing him. Noah, still stunned with fear, watched as Amber was mercilessly mauled, unable to reload her weapon. Time moved in slow motion as he watched his impending death. He was only able to gather a single thought, “Why did I choose to fight?” He thought of his family, his 6 year-old daughter and raised his weapon. It was too late. He was crushed against the wall behind him. His ears rang and head throbbed. The sound of gunfire and the smell of gunpowder and iron filled the air. “2nd Platoon, Alpha Team. Two invaders neutralized. We have four casualties in Bravo Team. We need medics ASAP.” Noah fell to the ground, fighting off unconsciousness. He lay there on his side, staring at his necklace locket broken against the concrete floor. “Would I make the same decision?” he asked himself. Admiring his daughter’s picture as the last of his vision faded, he answered, “yes.”

I, Akivasha Von Schlatterstein, am your normal 16-year-old, good-looking, badass vampire king. Well, truth be told I'm actually 168,799, but tomato-tomäto. I look like a fucking highschool student, so I go with 16. Deal with it. Either way, to describe how I felt for the last 168k years in one word, i would go with "bored". Man, at the age of 700, I made god onto my bitch. And yep, literraly my bitch. I must say that her blowjobs were awesome, I mean, how can I put it- Divine, that's the word. At first, while I was climbing the stairs of her glorious palace, I was thinking that she would be the loli spounting"thy shall" and "thou shall not" kind of character. But in the end she was quite the nasty fellow... Hey, not like that goddamnit, not like Fking THAT, you perverts. Shit, you guys scared the flying hell out of me. If she was that kind of nasty, even I would be shocked to death. Man, I handled cosmical lightning like it was nothing at that point and I'm still sure that if this kind of event were to happen I would have been shocked. Now forget it, just thinking about it makes me shiver. Woow, it's the first time I'm feeling so much emotions at once, fear, excitement, confusion, wow!!! I'm shivering out of confusion, now that's what I would call nasty; the results of thousands years of hardworking. Dude, talking about this shit does bring up some good memories. echo~echo~echoo~  "Man, this shit sure is extravageant. God! you're freaking eating away ressources like there's no tommorow. Man, saying things about not wasting money on luxury while you're living in heaven". What this idiot me just said was in fact tooo big to be called an understatement. Also, "in fact, it was an understatement" is wayyy too overused and it's freaking pissing me off. Thus, we will create a new word for this notion and it shall be "druck". Returning to the point, what I said was actually a druck. If some of you were interested by science, they should be aware of the existence of a planet made out of diamond. Take that amount and place it on a random point in space. Now take double that amount, this time out of gold, and place it near the first mass. If you're really knowledgeable, you'll know that there's this huge cloud made of alchool floating in space without a care in the world. It is said that it can resist the ferocious attack of the russian peeps for two years, though personnaly I don't believe it. If someone told me to have a guess I would say, it will survive for 6 hours max. By the way we're talking about 10 trillion m*3 of wisky so yeaaahh, that's something. Now mix all those ingredient together and try imagining what will result, did you see it. Huh...? Really? I guess there's no point for me to describe it, lol. Jokes aside let's make it a little bit easier for the hopeless cases who couldn't. Well the palace in itself is higher than the diameter of the sun. Now take this same sun and squish it in a manner that it will turn into 2d object. Can you imagine that? Well I don't really care if you don't. Moving on, the surface of this abnormality is bigger than that. I don't know exactly how much because I'm so lazy to compare right now. So like I said earlier, this palace is Big, now do you remember that vodca cloud(it was wisky at first. But since Akivasha don't like alcohol, he doesn't make any difference between the two.), well she's freaking using it like water. Fountain of vodca, tap of vodca, hot spring of vodca(ughh). Now what? A toilet of vodca maybe? "Ah!! Just you wait, bitch, I'm gonna teach you about the ecosystem." As I open the freaking huge door, two giant miniguns appear before me. "Woow, those are some pretty godly breast you have 'du dum tsss'(srry)" "Hello, nice to meet you too" "Man, or should i say women? Okay, women, why the heck did you make this room so huge, I can't even see the roof wow." "Hello, nice to meet you too!!" "Why do you keep saying "hello, nice to meet you too"?" "HELLO!! NICE TO MEET YOU TOO!!!!!!" "Okey, calm down. Hello, nice to meet you" "Hello, nice to meet you too" "So why are you freaking using vodca everywhere?" "HELLO!! NICE TO MEET YOU TOOO !!!!!" "Wtf, I thought it's because i didn't say hello that you keep WTF?!!" As I was rambling about her nonsense, a smell only comparable to the most diabetes filled shit attacked my nostrils as if we were in a fking team death match. "Man Shit, Oh Fucking HOLY SHITTY GOD'S BLEEDING LEFT BALL, WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK?!! What's this freaking smell. You freaking reek of alchool. Shit, am I smelling drugs. Fuck, those are no cokes, those are freaking russian drugs. Shit!! Those frikish devils eat you alive. Man, and here I was thinking why the damn heck was earth so fucked up lately. God's a fucking alchoolic,.... and a drugged, is this some kind of freaking nasty joke" "have sex with me" She/He said with a straight face. "Oh yeaahhh!!" Alanna(one true god) pov Ah man, I feel like I'm in heaven. Ah! I am in heaven, but woow those Russian drugs sure are something. The feeling is real, man those Russian fuckers really have everything, maybe i should go there for my next vacation. Ah, I'm feeling dizzy. Well you know guys, when i'm in this state my mouth just keep talking on it's own, it seems that it just say what it's most used to. EH!! WTF, I FELT SOMETHING ON MY BUTT, WTF!!!!!! Woow, that's some big shit. Is it even possible to have a dick this big- woow -Oh Yeah!! Moann!! Ah, I remember when Loki said that he was fucked by a demonic giant horse, is this how he felt? I envy you Loki bastard! Ah if you guys didn't know, well Loki fucked with a demonic horse, and one who's gigantic at that, probably one thousand times Bigger than your normal one. So yeah his dick was also one thousand times bigger. Don't ask me how it's even possible, but one thing is for sure, Loki is........ an hermaphrodite, and a zoophile too( muwahahaha!!!!! On your face loki's worshippers!!) But woow, the feeling - moan - Crack Ehh?!? Akivasha von schlatterstein POV Guys you need to know something about us, vampires. The stronger we get, the bigger is our dick. So yeah, my dick is pretty big. In fact, it's so big that you might think it's a fan art. But that's not the most interesting part, the freaking hilarious thing is our special skill "women enslaver". It let us multiply the number of our dick by the number of years we lived, and that's my dear Sir, is fucking op. By the way, I unconsciously used it and I reckt god to the atomic level. But this is weird. Her body wasn't that of a giant, the only thing that had that aspect was her boobs, so how could she survive for that long. Maybe inside her pussy was a space distortion spell that make it bigger in the inside than the outside. Now try imagining it and hold back your laughter. I challenge you. Returning to our topic - my introductions - I ruled over the universe for quite a bit of time, and since I'm bored, I'm gonna go and kill myself. Drink some bleach or throw myself over a cliff- Oh, wait. That won't do shit. Sigh, this is pretty sad. Since even if every possible misfortune happens to me I wont be scratched, I need to think of a creative way to kill myself. All of this is thanks to a skill that I really "cherish" called "Mc's opness". I have surpassed god to become the op mc, so it's impossible to kill me unless I will it- Ah, and before I forget. Now, I'm at the end of the universe and I must say that it's pretty dark here, i can't see one goddamn thing. But now that i recall thise events, god was that kind of nasty wasn't she/he- Oh, shit!!!! You have been shocked to death Do you wish to reincarnate "Hell yes" Welcome to bitch online Status window Name: Akivasha von schlatterstein Alignement Neutral Level 1 Class ?? Race black vampire Gender Male titles vampire king states STR 165438 AGT 276000 INT 150000 WIS 500000 Dex 140000 LUK 1000 "Wtf am I in some Chinese pay-to-win game or what!!"

NOTES This is gonna be a long chapter. I won't divide it into parts.  ENGLISH IS NOT MY MOTHER TONGUE. — “You can open your eyes now.” Said in a warm voice by his mother. Little Kim Dokja slowly peeks between his small fingers and was happy to see a round cake in front of him. “Tada! Happy Birthday our baby Dokja!” “Wow! Big cakeee~” Excitedly said by Little Kim Dokja who suddenly wolfed it down.  His mother chuckled at his behavior, but didn't forget to remind him. “Be careful. Eat slowly, you might choke.”  “Yes mother!” “So, did you like our surprise?”  “Of course! It's so sweet and soft to the tongue...” Kim Dokja blankly watched the video tape his father took when he was a child. He stared at the child who's a carbon copy of him unfamiliarly. He couldn't understand it. Did he really make that kind of expression when he was young? How did he even pull it off?  He reached out to grab the remote control and turned off the television. Kim Dokja took his chopsticks and looked down at the food on his bowl.  The Bibimbap appearance looks appetizing. Whoever saw this kind of food would surely get hungry and salivated over it. However, Kim Dokja was indifferent to its appeal.  Kim Dokja picked a seasoned vegetable using his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. He chews the spinach then spits it out.  “It tastes like grass.” Next, he tried to eat the matchsticks sliced carrots, yet he eventually spit it out too. “Too bland.”  This time, he tried to scoop a spoon of rice with seasoned vegetables and egg on the top then put it in his mouth. Kim Dokja hardly swallowed everything as he grimaced at the taste. ‘Tasted like shit.’ He stood up and left the food on the table completely uneaten. Kim Dokja opened his refrigerator to look for drinks but didn't find any. ‘Right… I haven't bought any groceries this past few months.’ He closed the refrigerator with a loud thud. ‘Well, it's not like I needed it anyway.’ Kim Dokja grabs his hoodie on the side and puts it on, then goes outside. He plans to go to the convenience store to buy drinks. He needs to wash off the disgusting taste out of his mouth using beer.  Everyone said beer tastes bitter. When Kim Dokja tried it, it tasted unpleasant. Though he didn't know whether he actually tasted the bitterness or not. Even so, it could at least be considered as something he often drank, because Kim Dokja thought he was normal when he drank the beer since it was close to the bitter taste the norms said.  Holding a plastic bag in his hand, Kim Dokja left the convenience store. He took out one can and immediately opened it as he walked down in the bustling street. As he drank, Kim Dokja watched the people who ate at the restaurant and small shops. He observed how their eyes curve whenever they put something on their mouth. He also spectated the people who eat like there's no tomorrow.  Kim Dokja tightens his grip on the can until it crumples. He was envious. Really really damn envious.  Was he a normal person?  If so, why doesn't he have something everybody on Earth has?  Thud! He madly threw away the can and plastic bag on the ground. The people walking beside him were shocked at his sudden actions and whispered to themselves as they avoided him.  His insecurities were eating him again. Kim Dokja knew about it and was angry because he couldn't control himself.  Kim Dokja dragged his body to who knows where his feet would lead him. He wants to go somewhere… somewhere far away where he could be normal. When he was a child he was like a normal person. Someone who could taste the food they ate. Someone who enjoys the different flavors and savory it could offer. However, an accident occurred when they were traveling on car with his family.  He was 5 years old at that time when a truck suddenly appeared and hit the van behind them. Like a domino effect, the van that was hit bumped into their car, thereby causing it to spin in a circle while hitting the other cars nearby. It was a big accident that took the lives of many people, including Kim Dokja's parents. Kim Dokja was lucky enough to survive the accident, but in return, he lost his gustatory senses which partially affects his olfactory senses too. The cause of this was the head injury he got in the accident. The doctor said it was temporary, but until today when Kim Dokja was already 28 years old, his senses had yet to come back. It's been 23 years since it happened and Kim Dokja has completely lost his faith in the doctor's statement. After a long time, Kim Dokja also buried his hope deep down to the abyss in his heart, the same way he cremated his parent's body.  Eyes blurred, Kim Dokja stopped in front of the 4th floor building. It seems to be a famous restaurant based on its outer design. The reason why Kim Dokja stopped was due to its striking and extravagant resto name. SUPREME KING.  He softly laughed.  When Kim Dokja was about to continue his uncertain walks, he subtly smelled an enticing aroma. He abruptly stopped his steps and looked back. ‘Am I imagining things?’ Besides having an Ageusia or the loss of taste, like the aforementioned before about his olfactory senses, Kim Dokja has a Hyposmia or a reduced ability to smell.  It was not a complete loss of sense of smell. He could still somehow smell but not likely always. Even if he did, the smell was pungent and nauseous. Yet, he actually smelled something nice for the first time.  Because of this discovery, he got curious whether what he smelled was real. Kim Dokja went closer to the entrance but was stopped by the security guard.  The security guard scrutinized Kim Dokja up and down, then asked.“Did you book a reservation?” “...?”  Seeing how Kim Dokja didn't answer, the guard's assumption seems to be right. The guard guessed that Kim Dokja was a commoner based on his clothes and appearance. In short, Kim Dokja wouldn't be able to afford the cost of the dishes in the restaurant. “Since you didn't have a reservation, you may leave.” Kim Dokja stayed silent and turned around. However, he didn't leave the place, he just moved to the side– two meters away from the entrance and sat.  The security guard noticed this, even so, he couldn't do anything about the situation since Kim Dokja didn't cause any problems and just sat quietly. The guard decided to not pay anymore attention to him. Whoosh!  Rubbing his hand while blowing it with his warm breath, Kim Dokja stared at the dark sky. He didn't appear to be bothered with what he looked like right now as he dazed off. Currently, Kim Dokja was similar to a beggar due to his disheveled clothes and hair. If it weren't for his cleanliness, he would really be called a street beggar.  Kim Dokja didn't know why he didn't leave and chose to stay… Maybe it was because he was too tired or maybe he just wanted to smell that subtle aroma once again.  ‘How nice will it be to be able to taste again?’ He let out a deep sigh and felt his eyelids were too heavy. His sight was becoming more blurry until he couldn't distinguish what was this or what was that. Kim Dokja loses consciousness. Clink! Clank! Sizzling~ Kim Dokja's eyelashes fluttered. When he opened his eyes, he discovered he was in an unfamiliar place.  “Are you awake?” He heard a deep voice coming from somewhere. Kim Dokja scanned the place and immediately speculated he was inside of the restaurant based on the numbers of tables and chairs around.  The restaurant's interior was so luxurious and extravagant. There were small chandeliers hanging on the ceiling, as well as the attention-grabbing huge chandelier in the center of the entire floor. There's also a big circular counter under it and many expensive beverages, along with chairs surrounding it.  Other than that, one of the most notetaking inside this resto were the engravings on the ceiling. They were so exquisite and finely made that nobody would get tired of looking.  Even so, the question: Was this restaurant the same restaurant as before? If so, how did he get in? It's surely an expensive restaurant gleaned from how the guard treated him earlier and its interior design.  Currently, Kim Dokja was lying on the sofa. It seems like he was put in the lounge area, based upon the fact on how many sofas there were. His eyes stopped at the counter to the side, where meals and dishes were ordered. A sound of footsteps came from the door hidden behind the counter. Suddenly, a man with an amazing build came out. Kim Dokja was mesmerized for a second due to the man's heart taking appearance. ‘Whoa. He got the aura of a protagonist.’ Kim Dokja immediately sat up and curiously asked. “Mmn… Why am I here?” The man who Kim Dokja just realized was wearing a chef uniform was holding a tray with a stainless cloche on it– it seems like he brought food. The man put it down on the square table in front of the sofa before he answered. “I saw you outside of my restaurant passed out.” “Oh...” Kim Dokja reacted. Then, he saw the name embroidered on the man's uniform as he said. “I'm sorry for bothering you then… Yoo Jonghyuk-nim.” Yoo Jonghyuk paused for a moment before he realized Kim Dokja learned his name through his uniform. He nodded as an acknowledgement while he removed the cloche covering the food.  Two hours ago, about 9 o'clock in the evening, when Yoo Jonghyuk was seeing off Lee Seolhwa outside, the guard named Gong Pildu relayed him a message. It said there's a man who passed out and was lying outside his resto. He also added that it was almost an hour ago since it happened. Yoo Jonghyuk was kind of irritated to Gong Pildu's action. He thought about the backlash it would put on his reputation if he blindly let the man unhelp. He was annoyed since Gong Pildu didn't use his brain to call for an ambulance and take the man away.  He rubbed his forehead and was about to say to take him to the nearby clinic when Lee Seolhwa butted in. “Oh my… where is he?” “What are you doing?” He asked while looking at her blankly.  Lee Seolhwa points a finger at herself. “What else? Hello~ I'm the nearest doctor here, you see?”  “Why are you bothering yourse—” Before Yoo Jonghyuk could finish what he wanted to say, Lee Seolhwa shushed him.  “Stop, stop, stop.” She went to Yoo Jonghyuk's back and pushed him outside. “C'mon, let's help him.” “You can help him yourself. Don't bother me.” “No can do.” She said and didn't let Yoo Jonghyuk protest anymore as she pushed him hard until they reached Kim Dokja. “Oh no. He was left here outside with that kind of clothes? Hurry, hurry! Yoo Jonghyuk picked the man up and put him inside.” She commanded. It was January today and there's a high chance of snow, yet they've let Kim Dokja freezed in the cold winter. “Why not carry him to your place?” He immediately refused.  “I don't know if you're pretending to be dumb or heartless.” Lee Seolhwa said as she put her hands on her waist. Clearly, they both knew how far her clinic was from this location, yet Yoo Jonghyuk wanted her to bring Kim Dokja on an hour and half transport? Even if she brought her car, it was much better to bring Kim Dokja inside Yoo Jonghyuk's place which was nearby. “Don't protest anymore. Do you remember how you owe me in the past? I'll used it today. So hurry and help me out.” Seeing her use the ultimatum, Yoo Jonghyuk has no choice but to bring the man inside. Fortunately, the working hours for this weekend were almost done and no more customers were coming.  Yoo Jonghyuk crunched down and touched Kim Dokja's body. ‘Cold.’ He shifted Kim Dokja's body to a proper position before he lifted him up. Lee Seolhwa watching from the sidelines was smiling from ear to ear. Now that Yoo Jonghyuk carried him, he discovered how light Kim Dokja was. When he grabbed his body, even with his clothes, Yoo Jonghyuk could guess how thin the man was in his arms. ‘Am I holding a person or feather?’ After that, he walked inside his restaurant followed by Lee Seolhwa. He put the man down on the sofa lounge and went to the entrance. He dismissed Gong Pildu from work and changed the sign from ‘Open’ to ‘Closed’.  When he returned, Lee Seolhwa had already begun examining Kim Dokja. He sat a meter away from them as he crossed arms and watched the two.  Once Lee Seolhwa put down her stethoscope, she looked at Yoo Jonghyuk to tell her diagnosis. “He passed out due to starvation.” She held Kim Dokja's arm and measured it using her hand. “Based on his appearance, it's certain he was malnourished and didn't eat enough food. He was so thin and his weight can be estimated to be underweight.”  Yoo Jonghyuk didn't speak immediately. After a few seconds had passed, he asked. “Why are you telling me that?” “I want you to feed him, even just for today.” Lee Seolhwa suggested. Even though she didn't know this patient of hers, Lee Seolhwa wants to treat him better.  “I do not give food for free.” As if she expected this, Lee Seolhwa replied. “I'll pay for it.” “...You're being overly too kind.” Yoo Jonghyuk commented. Lee Seolhwa didn't know whether it was a compliment or an insult. Even so, she didn't take it into her heart.  “I know.” She smiled. Lee Seolhwa puts her equipment inside her medical bag again and stands up once she's done. “I'm leaving now. Take care of him, okay?.” Without waiting for a reply, Lee Seolhwa quickly fled the scene. She left Yoo Jonghyuk alone with a man they didn't know. She left Yoo Jonghyuk to nurse a man they picked up.  Lee Seolhwa slightly grinned. She has a good feeling about this meetup. She didn't know why, maybe it was her woman's instinct that told her. Nevertheless, she's going to see whether her instincts were right or not after they met again. After Lee Seolhwa left,  Yoo Jonghyuk didn't move or left the sofa and waited for Kim Dokja to wake up. However, thirty minutes had already passed and he was still asleep.  Feeling bored at doing nothing, he stood up and went to the kitchen. He decided to play along with Lee Seolhwa and prepare food for Kim Dokja. And so, going back to the present, Kim Dokja had awakened and was staring at the food mindlessly until it changed to a shock.  ‘It's real. It's real. It's real!’  Kim Dokja was feeling overwhelmingly chaotic inside. When the cover was removed from the tray, the wisp of the aroma spread throughout his nose. He got to sniff the smokey smell coming out from the Beef Bulgogi Yoo Jonghyuk cooked. ‘Smokey?! Did I just smell grilled beef?’ He lowered his face a little closer to the food and sniffed again. Kim Dokja's eyes light up.  Yoo Jonghyuk saw his behavior and found him somewhat cute. Kim Dokja was like a puppy who was just given food. In spite of that, he buried his thoughts and faked a cough.  When Kim Dokja heard Yoo Jonghyuk make a noise, he immediately went back to a proper position. There was a light tint of pink on his cheeks. Maybe it was because he's embarrassed or he was feeling cold from the season. Nevertheless, Kim Dokja cautiously looked at Yoo Jonghyuk and the Beef Bulgogi but never moved an inch again.  “You can eat.” He heard Yoo Jonghyuk say,  “Pardon?” Kim Dokja unconsciously asked to confirm whether he heard him or not.  Yoo Jonghyuk sighed at his follow up question. “If you worry about the payment, you need to do that. It's free. Someone already paid for it.” ‘Oh… He does want me to eat.’ Kim Dokja was enlightened and looked at food. He was grateful for their kindness, including the one who paid for the food. However, Kim Dokja was feeling skeptical. Even though his sense of smell works again, it didn't mean his sense of taste would function too.  Still, it was rude to reject the kindness they've shown him. Even if it tastes like shit or dirt… ‘Damn, let me just pay attention to my expression. I hope I won't let out a disgusting reaction.’ Kim Dokja took a deep breath as if he was preparing to enter a siege. He grabbed the chopsticks Yoo Jonghyuk prepared for him. It was colored black, and had a delicate and smooth texture. There's also engravings on the handle as well as the tip of the chopsticks. Even the chopsticks look so expensive. ‘Maybe this thing is enough for my expenses for the half year.’ After scrutinizing the chopsticks, Kim Dokja picked a sliced beef tenderloin that was thinly cut, completely marinated, and finely grilled. It was so mouthwatering just by the appearance. And when he held the piece of meat, it even wiggled.  ‘This is it… You can do this!’ He encouraged himself as he shakingly put the meat inside his mouth. He even closed his eyes as he chewed the soft beef.  When he eats Bulgogi, he expects himself to throw up, spit, or grimace. Yet, unexpectedly, Kim Dokja didn't do so.  Eyes abruptly opened and widened, Kim Dokja took another slice again and put it on his month. Then one after another, he wolfed down on the food.  He couldn't believe it. Even though it was subtle and faint, he could taste the juiciness of the meat as well as the mildly sweet seeping on it. Combined with the marinated sauce, it was extremely delicious!  Never in his life did Kim Dokja enjoy his food again like this.  Suddenly, he felt a warm liquid dripping on his cheek. When he wipes it, he sees there's really a liquid on his hand. Kim Dokja thought he was imagining it yet he was really crying.  Well, he couldn't help it. After 23 years of not being able to taste and smell anything, then getting used to it– though he never wants to get used to the blandness… How do you expect him to react when he gets what he lost again?  It was tears of joy.  That's right. Kim Dokja was brimming with happiness since he learned there's hope in getting his senses back, just like what the doctor said in the past.  From the start, Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes never left Kim Dokja. He saw how agitated Kim Dokja was when he said to eat the food he cooked. Furthermore, Yoo Jonghyuk also watched how from an anxious expression, it changes to stunned, then bewilderment to crying…?  Yoo Jonghyuk furrowed his brows at Kim Dokja's  reaction. ‘He's crying because he ate my food? Did he really never eat well before?’ Yoo Jonghyuk thought as he observed Kim Dokja more. ‘Hmm… It doesn't look like he was a beggar… then, what the hell is he doing in front of my restaurant?’ While Yoo Jonghyuk was thinking, Kim Dokja had already finished his food. This was the first he had his fill. The drink Yoo Jonghyuk gave him also has a subtle taste. ‘Unbelievable… unbelievable… Does he possess a godly hand?’ Kim Dokja gazed at Yoo Jonghyuk's handsome face and said his appreciation. “Thank you.” Yoo Jonghyuk grunts in affirmation.  After that, he keeps fidgeting and stealing glances at Yoo Jonghyuk as if he wanted to say something.  Feeling Kim Dokja itchy stares, Yoo Jonghyuk crossed his arms and grumbled. “Speak.” As if waiting for a cue, Kim Dokja stood up and kneeled down. Putting his hands together like praying, he said. “Please let me eat your food again.” Yoo Jonghyuk was stunned by his sudden action and declaration. Even so, he immediately turned down his request. “No. The first time is okay since someone paid for it. There's no second time.” “I'll pay for it!”  “You won't be able to afford it.” “Really? How expensive is it then?” Kim Dokja was nervous because he also assumed the cost of the meal he ate was tantamount to his remaining savings, or maybe much higher than that.  As if not betraying Kim Dokja's assumption, Yoo Jonghyuk replied an amount that's unimaginable. “The cheapest price is about ₩3,000,000 which equivalent is around $2,400. The best course is costing about ₩9, 000,000.” Kim Dokja felt like his jaw was dropped to the ground. The cheapest amount he could afford was really much higher than his savings. From what he could remember, the remaining amount of his savings was 1.5M Won which estimates to be $1,180. ‘Fvcking expensive.’ “T-then, can I work part-time here? It's okay if you won't pay me cash, as long as you give me enough food.” Kim Dokja proposed as he was panicking inside. He even added, “Leftovers are fine too if you feel it's too much.” He pursed his lips as he waited for Yoo Jonghyuk's judgement. He bravely stared at Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes even though he was nervous. “No.” Kim Dokja looked dejected at his answer. “But why? I never asked too much didn't I?” “I don't need part-timers.” The moment Yoo Jonghyuk said this, the negotiation was closed.  Yoo Jonghyuk stood up and cleaned the table. “If you've got no more to say. You may leave.” He pointed at the direction of the entrance. “You may leave there.” As he said this, he walked out and went to the door he came from, leaving the kneeling Kim Dokja behind.  Kim Dokja sadly stood up and hesitantly dragged his body away. He stopped every second to look back at the door anticipating Yoo Jonghyuk's appearance, yet he was already at the glass door and no Yoo Jonghyuk appeared again.  Having no choice anymore, Kim Dokja went back home while remembering the way to Yoo Jonghyuk's restaurant. This day was so novel he wouldn't forget. And on his way home, he bought street foods to try out whether they have a taste, but Kim Dokja threw it away after one bite. It seems like Yoo Jonghyuk's cooking was the only one he could taste.  After he reached his house, Kim Dokja urgently opened his computer to search about that restaurant and the owner.   [Search: Supreme King Restaurant] Instantly, many articles and news about the restaurant appear on the web page, along with its owner who was exactly the same man he saw earlier.  [Supreme King is one of the best restaurants in Korea. It's not only known in our country, but also renowned to the neighboring nations...] [Yoo Jonghyuk is the youngest individual who became a famous chef! He owns a restaurant called Supreme King in Seo...] [How shocking! In fiscal year 20xx, Supreme King posted the highest net revenue of any restaurant in Korea, with profits of 212, 809,815 U.S dollars… ] [Luxury Restaurant Supreme King is currently on the lead ranking as the best restaurant in the country! It also entered the top 10 in the World's Best Restaurant to Visit...] “Whoa.” Kim Dokja couldn't help but be amazed. He actually ate at the restaurant of any conglomerate and famous individuals dying to book a reservation. And it was for free!  Still, how could he eat there again? How could he taste those godly meals again?  Kim Dokja pondered on what he should do. ‘Maybe, if I beg enough I'll be able to win his heart and let me eat for free again?’ ‘...Yes, yes. Let's do that.’ After that, Kim Dokja created a resume and application letter. He also waited outside of the restaurant the next day for Yoo Jonghyuk to give his application for part-timing. Even if Yoo Jonghyuk plans to reject him, Kim Dokja wouldn't give up and would annoy him until Yoo Jonghyuk accepts him.  That night, Yoo Jonghyuk went outside since Gong Pildu told him Kim Dokja came back and was looking for him. He couldn't think of any reason why Kim Dokja would come after his rejection last night. Yoo Jonghyuk just thought, maybe he appears to give him a gift out of gratitude? However, expectations were beaten by reality. Kim Dokja made a visit to push his application to Yoo Jonghyuk.  Holding an envelope in his hand, Yoo Jonghyuk looked at Kim Dokja blankly. “What's this?” “My application form.” Kim Dokja answered and smiled  “No.” Yoo Jonghyuk said as he pushed back the envelope on Kim Dokja's chest.  “Oh...” Kim Dokja caught the crumpled envelope and glanced back at Yoo Jonghyuk. “I see… I'll come back again tomorrow.” “Don't come back anymore.” The next day.  “Where's your boss?” Kim Dokja asked Gong Pildu who works as a security guard. “My boss said to tell you he wouldn't accept your form.” Gong Pildu nonchalantly relayed.  Kim Dokja was not discouraged and said, “Tell him I'll wait for him here. Thanks” Then he sat again on the ground a few meters away from the entrance. However, night already came by and Yoo Jonghyuk didn't appear.  Starting that day, Yoo Jonghyuk didn't make an appearance in front of Kim Dokja for a week. Even so, Kim Dokja's will was strong like an iron wall fortress. He stayed everyday from 3 PM until 11 PM and went home once it struck 11:30 PM. Due to his camping, Kim Dokja and Gong Pildu become acquaintances. They both keep each other busy by conversing and telling stories. Still, Gong Pildu stayed true to his job and didn't let Kim Dokja inside the restaurant. After not being able to see Yoo Jonghyuk's face for a week, Kim Dokja changed his tactics and tried to shuffle the time he camped outside. He sometimes went by 3 AM, sometimes 8AM, or 1 AM until 12 PM and so on.  Due to that, he often caught Yoo Jonghyuk but was always shut off by the door entrance. Even if he shouts or calls his name, Yoo Jonghyuk chooses to act like he heard nothing. Yoo Jonghyuk even quickened his steps everytime Kim Dokja opened his mouth. They were like that for two and half weeks.  “Master, I heard there's someone who stalks you.” Yoo Jonghyuk heard Lee Jihye say to him as she sliced the meat in thin pieces.  Lee Jihye was a highschool girl who became Yoo Jonghyuk's apprentice. Currently, Yoo Jonghyuk was doing the job of an executive chef and sous chef in the restaurant. That's because he was picky in assigning positions to other people. Yoo Jonghyuk wants someone who has proven his worth for them to acquire the empty positions. Due to that, he teaches Lee Jihye his culinary skills and trained her to be the next sous chef of Supreme King.  “Where did you hear that?” Yoo Jonghyuk asked as he stir-fried the vegetables on the pan.   “Uh? From the customers?” She said, then pick the soy sauce, garlic, pepper, and many commodities for marination. “I've heard them say someone often looks for you. They even said he was still there sitting outside.” “...” Yoo Jonghyuk paused his work and called for Lee Hyunsung, the line cook, to continue the task. “I'll be right back.” Once he said that, he left the kitchen. He even faintly heard Lee Hyunsung whisper to Lee Jihye.  “Is it true?”  “The thing I said?” Lee Jihye asked and Lee Hyunsung nodded. “Maybe yes. Look, Master instantly left after I said it.” “You still haven't seen him?” Lee Hyunsung asked the obvious. “Duh! Have you forgotten how we've been told to always use the backdoor everytime we enter and exit?” Lee Jihye said as she rolled her eyes. It was the command Yoo Jonghyuk said after the restaurant was built. He said only the customer would use the entrance while they'll use the backdoor. It also acts as a precaution against the press and paparazzi due to their high reputation. “Oh...” Lee Hyunsung just chose to shut his mouth and continue his work. He didn't need to pay attention to it anymore since he got the feeling they'll eventually meet.  The reason Why Yoo Jonghyuk finally wanted to face Kim Dokja was because he wanted to end this facade right now. His customers were being bothered by his actions of loitering outside. It was only merciful for Yoo Jonghyuk to not sue Kim Dokja or call the police to drag him away. The same thing could be said to his customers since they didn't call the authorities. Yoo Jonghyuk couldn't help but sighed. He wonders whether it was a good thing or a mistake helping Kim Dokja considering how troublesome he became after.  Once he walked past the glass door, Kim Dokja immediately saw him. He sprang up from sitting on the ground and brightly stared at Yoo Jonghyuk. “Did my charm work? You're willing to take me in now?”  “No. Never. I won't.” He sternly said to Kim Dokja. The smile on Kim Dokja's face slowly vanished, he seemed to catch on to Yoo Jonghyuk's feeling right now, he was mad. “How many times do I have to tell you I don't need part-timers?” “T-then how about full-time?” Kim Dokja was still holding the last string of hope as he said it.  No changes in his indifferent expression, Yoo Jonghyuk replied. “Still no.” Actually there's really no vacancy right now and Yoo Jonghyuk didn't need any additional helpers, which was why he continued to reject Kim Dokja. Of course, he wouldn't tell Kim Dokja the reason, Yoo Jonghyuk needs to end it this time. “B-but why? I never asked for anything or higher pay. All I want is to eat in exchange for my performance.” Kim Dokja's voice trembles. Was his request that hard? Why couldn't Yoo Jonghyuk let him have it?  To answer Kim Dokja's question, it wasn't that hard, rather Yoo Jonghyuk and him just met each other. Additionally, Yoo Jonghyuk didn't think why he would do so. He was not a generous person so why should he agree? What was he? A saint? Hell no. He's Yoo Jonghyuk. “Why do you keep saying you want to eat, eat, eat? Are you a beggar? Don't you have money to buy food? Or you don't have a job since you keep loitering around here.” Yoo Jonghyuk impatiently fires these questions to Kim Dokja. Every time they met, all Kim Dokja said was to eat. It's not like he's shooing a potential customer, rather Kim Dokja was asking for it for free! Well, not literally free since he wants to work in exchange. Even so, weren't there other restaurants or even small shops besides him? Why not eat there? Why keep camping outside his resto if he couldn't afford it? “Of course I have a job… but it was in the past.” Kim Dokja answered in a whisper. Every word Yoo Jonghyuk threw at him was like a knife stabbing his wound. It's not like he wanted this at all, Kim Dokja just thought if he were to continue eating Yoo Jonghyuk's food as a therapy, maybe his senses would come back? Furthermore, If Kim Dokja was wealthy enough, then don't talk about wanting to work part-time, instead he would become a regular customer in Supreme King.  Yet no, Kim Dokja was a poor orphan who quit his job 3 years ago. It was because of Song Minwoo who was his former classmate who bullied him before. They both work for the same company but when Song Minwoo was transferred in their branch, he did nothing but spread rumors about his disability and trash talk him whenever he had a chance. Due to that, Kim Dokja developed a depression which until now he hadn't yet recovered from. Song Minwoo's bully became a trigger to reopen the wound from his past.  “Seriously? Did you quit because you wanted to work here?” Yoo Jonghyuk said as he added, “You're crazy.” Kim Dokja didn't speak, it seems like there's really no room for negotiation. Also, he was aware of how annoying he was to keep following and waiting for Yoo Jonghyuk like a stalker. Maybe he should stop now. “Let's end this discussion once and for all.” Yoo Jonghyuk declared. “Don't ever come again if you're never going to act as my customer.” After he said that, he turned his back to Kim Dokja and went back inside.  Kim Dokja watched as those broad shoulders left his sight. He stayed there silently while he stared dazedly on the glass door. He was only brought to reality when his eyes suddenly blurred. When he blinked, a tear ran down his face. ‘How harsh.’ He wipes off his tears and leaves the restaurant quietly. After the confrontation, Kim Dokja really did not appear anymore. Every time Yoo Jonghyuk goes outside, there's no more Kim Dokja waiting for him. The restaurant became quiet because no one would shout at him to grab his attention. The Supreme King went back to the way it was before Kim Dokja came.  Yoo Jonghyuk was smoking on the rooftop of the Supreme King while looking below the streets. From above, he could see the place where Kim Dokja frequently sat. From there, Yoo Jonghyuk saw no one but empty cemented ground.  Yoo Jonghyuk sighed as he blew out the smoke from his mouth. He doesn't want to admit it, but he kinda was not used to not seeing Kim Dokja around.  Kim Dokja was like a puppy who barked every time it saw its owner. He made too much noise when he was around, but now he was gone, it unpleasantly became quiet for Yoo Jonghyuk.  ‘Am I harsh? Did I hurt his feelings?’ Yoo Jonghyuk thought.  After a moment, he crushed the cigar on the capstone of the wall he leaned from. Then, he went to the ground floor until he reached Gong Pildu.  “What is it boss?” Yoo Jonghyuk didn't speak immediately before he opened his mouth. “Do you have any news about him?” He asked Gong Pildu because they mostly talked to each other when Kim Dokja was camping. Yoo Jonghyuk was wondering whether they were exchanging news to each other considering the two become friends.  “Him?” Gong Pildu thought for a second to know who Yoo Jonghyuk was referring to. “Ah… I don't.” He answered while shaking his head and added, “Even though we talked to each other before, I didn't even get to know his name… what's more about his contact number?”  Once he heard Gong Pildu say this, he quieted down. Now that he thinks about it, Yoo Jonghyuk also doesn't know what Kim Dokja's name was. Yoo Jonghyuk didn't even bother to ask because he was feeling unused to Kim Dokja's antics. He was too busy avoiding him and didn't bother to read the resume Kim Dokja always gave him. To correct the statement, Yoo Jonghyuk didn't even open the envelope containing his application form in the first place.  Yoo Jonghyuk rubs the center of his brows. ‘Why the hell do I worry about him?’ He tried to bury the thoughts to the deepest place in his mind. Nevertheless, Yoo Jonghyuk often caught himself making simple mistakes which shocked his coworkers. And once he was out on the rooftop to take a breath, he was often staring in the air mindlessly. The cigar on his hand was even left unlighted. This scene happened for a long time.  A month has passed. “Hey, what do you think happened to Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi?” Asked by Lee Hyunsung to the group. Currently, they were at the meeting in the lounge area, excluding Yoo Jonghyuk who was the topic. The restaurant has yet to open and Han Sooyoung, the prep cook and the assistant manager, has already finished her task.  “Care to tell me what happened?” Instead of answering, Jung Heewon asked a question. She was a sommelier and bartender at the same time. Her workplace was at the center floor where the huge chandelier was hanging, so she seldom entered the kitchen. “You see Heewon-unnie… Master made a mistake for the first time. Not only once, but frequently this month.” Lee Jihye butted in as if she was sharing unbelievable news. Jung Heewon's eyes widened and the others nodded in response. “Maybe he had a problem lately?” Yoo Sangah, the pastry chef and simultaneously a general manager guessed. “His problem has already been solved by Lee Seolhwa.” Han Sooyoung refused Yoo Sangah's statement. She was talking about Yoo Mia's health problems that concern Yoo Jonghyuk. “Even so, we never gathered like this before, right? When Yoo Mia's was hospitalized.” Jung Heewon said that made the others think.  “True.” “He never acted like this before.” After that, silence descended upon them. Seeing how no one tried to talk again, Han Sooyoung slams the sofa she's sitting on. “Aish! Let's end this meeting and go to work. It's his problem, so let him solve it himself.” “What? Aren't you worried Unnie?” “We don't know what's the cause, so how do you expect us to think of a solution?” Lee Jihye shuts her mouth after Han Sooyoung rebukes her.  “Didn't it start after his stalker was gone?” Lee Hyunsung suddenly told them.  “And Jonghyuk-ssi wasn't like this when he and Lee Seolhwa broke up.” Jung Heewon added.  They all glanced at each other's eyes before Lee Jihye dropped the bomb. “What if, Master is in love?” “Whoa. What kind of nonsense is that?” “If that's the reason then it's shocking.” Han Sooyoung and Jung Heewon simultaneously said.  Seeing how the meeting was going somewhere, Yoo Sangah butted in. “Guys, the business hours are near. Let's just make Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi take a day off today and go somewhere nice.” She suggested as she ended the discussion. Finally, everyone agreed. “So, who's gonna tell him?”  No one volunteered.  Han Sooyoung hardly rubs her head as she stood up and said. “I'll do it. Let's get back to work.” “Yay! Sooyoung-unnie is the best!” Lee Jihye cheered.  “But, do you think your assumption is true?” Jung Heewon asked Lee Jihye as they walked towards the kitchen.  “Maybe? Wanna bet Unnie?” She grinned.  “Sure.” Jung Heewon agreed. “If you win, I'll give you 1 Million Won. If I win, you're going to watch my new flair and will take a shot of my mixes.” “Let me remind you I'm a minor.” Lee Jihye said but received a laugh as a response. After the meeting, Han Sooyoung really went to the 3rd floor where Yoo Jonghyuk's office was located. She urges him to go outside to take a break. The way she said this was more of a command than a request as if she was the real boss. It seems the relationship between Yoo Jonghyuk and his workmates was close enough to dispel the hierarchy in work.  Yoo Jonghyuk who burnt her nagging was annoyed to the point of literally taking a walk outside. He took his black coat and wallet as he grumpily left his ‘own’ restaurant.  Once he was outside, Yoo Jonghyuk didn't know what else to do. It was still early in the morning and there's nothing he could think of to busied himself other than work.  After many minutes, Yoo Jonghyuk had decided what to do and went to the parking lot.  “Did he leave?” Yoo Sangah asked as she peeks in the window. Lee Jihye beside her answered her questions. “Yes he did.” Han Sooyoung clucked her tongue as she stared at the back of Yoo Jonghyuk from afar. “To think it would take him 15 mins to come up with what to do... ” “He only does work.” Lee Hyunsung commented.  “Yeah, yeah. ” Jung Heewon nonchalantly agreed.  Gong Pildu who saw Yoo Jonghyuk stand outside for 15 mins and the others who hid beside the window for 15 mins spying Yoo Jonghyuk was baffled. ‘What's with them?’ He just shrugged his shoulders and went back to work.  On the other hand, Yoo Jonghyuk just decided to go to the supermarket to buy ingredients. Even if his restaurant's kitchen has all the ingredients he needed, Yoo Jonghyuk would still buy his own. That's because he applied the separate entity concept where his business and personal assets were separate from each other.  Yoo Jonghyuk plans to cook food only for himself. He wouldn't be generous to give his coworkers a piece for shooing him out of his resto. It was still early in the morning when he finished purchasing the ingredients he needed. There's still 30 mins of time before 7 AM struck and his restaurant opened for business. As he was checking the commodities he bought, Yoo Jonghyuk caught sight of Kim Dokja who seemed to be running as he ran past the supermarket. Kim Dokja didn't notice Yoo Jonghyuk. Curious as he was, Yoo Jonghyuk immediately went to his BMW motorrad and put the things he bought in the compartment box. He puts his helmet on and starts the engine to tail Kim Dokja. He was curious what Kim Dokja was up to after he didn't show up for a long time.  Yoo Jonghyuk seems to forget he was the one who told Kim Dokja to never come back again. And their last conversation prompted Kim Dokja to think of the other way.  Actually last month, Kim Dokja searched for various jobs to make an income. Since he couldn't eat for free because Yoo Jonghyuk was stingy, Kim Dokja decided to save money until he could afford the cheapest meal offered by the Supreme King.  He wouldn't give up easily!!! After 25 mins of tailing Kim Dokja who entered a subdivision, Yoo Jonghyuk saw him stop outside the gates of someone's house. Then Kim Dokja pressed the intercom doorbell.  Yoo Jonghyuk saw Kim Dokja speak and faintly heard him say ‘Pet Sitter’. Even if they were separated many meters apart, with Yoo Jonghyuk's high senses and Kim Dokja slightly yelling, he got to picture what it's all about. The gate was then opened and Kim Dokja went inside. Because Yoo Jonghyuk couldn't see what's beyond the wall, he scanned his surroundings and parked his motorrad to the sidewalk. After that, Yoo Jonghyuk got ready before he ran towards the wall opposite of the house Kim Dokja went in , then jumped and climbed past beyond the wall.  Grrrrr~ Once he's back on the ground, a dog was growling at him. Even so, Yoo Jonghyuk just glared at the dog before it got a chance to bark.  Whimper~ Unexpectedly, the dog hid its tail between its legs and pulled back his ears as it trembled. Yoo Jonghyuk actually scared the dog!  Afterwards, Yoo Jonghyuk went towards the tree he saw earlier and climbed onto its branches. In this spot, he could clearly see what's beyond the wall Kim Dokja went to.  Yoo Jonghyuk watched as Kim Dokja met the pet he'd been called to take care of. It was two adult Jindo-kae and three puppies. Just by seeing the numbers, Yoo Jonghyuk knows Kim Dokja would be tired.  After the owner left, Kim Dokja really did get too tired. The female Jindo was reserved and just mind its own business while the male Jindo was full of energy. And there's also three puppies who keep going here, there, and somewhere until he just saw one has fallen on the pond. He was like that for three hours and thirty mins and stopped after the daughter of the owner came to switch with him.  It was almost 10:30 AM when Kim Dokja finished his job as Pet Sitter. Kim Dokja immediately went out after he got his pay and ran again.  He too stalks Kim Dokja as Yoo Jonghyuk watches him pant every time he takes a step. ‘Where is he going now?’ It takes about 45 mins before they reach a small resto cafe. It was because Kim Dokja stopped when he ran out of breath if given a chance.  Kim Dokja instantly bowed down as he apologized for being late. He needs to save money, so he didn't use any for transportation expenses, which took too much of his time because his client's place was located a little far from this small resto.  Yoo Jonghyuk was stunned because Kim Dokja actually has another job. ‘He didn't even rest.’ Yet again, Yoo Jonghyuk still decided to watch Kim Dokja. He dined in a nearby shop where Yoo Jonghyuk could clearly see him. Well, truthfully, Yoo Jonghyuk was getting hungry since he didn't eat anything after he was shooed. So he ate as he spied. “There's too much seasoning. The desserts are also sweet.” He also quietly criticized.  This time, Kim Dokja worked as a server. He took the order and served them as well. He was also busy because his shift was the time for people to eat lunch. And when he was free or when there were few customers, Kim Dokja was tasked to deliver the orders using their resto cafe's motorbike. Obviously, Yoo Jonghyuk would follow him whenever he went.  Kim Dokja worked until 5:30 PM. He got his wages and went somewhere… again?  ‘Do he still have another job?’  The answer was yes. Kim Dokja immediately went to a nearby quiet cafe a few minutes walk from his previous location. Yoo Jonghyuk saw him enter a milk tea shop and saw how he paused for a moment, before Kim Dokja went to the table where two kids were waiting for him.  “You're both too early.” Kim Dokja said to Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung who he was tutoring. His appointment with them was 6:30 PM yet they came 30 mins ahead of the time.  “I miss you oppa!” Shin Yoosung quickly said.  “No! I miss you more hyung!” Lee Gilyoung said competitively.  He chuckled at the cuteness of the two as he asked. “Have you eaten?” “Yes. ” They both said as Lee Gilyoung suddenly pushed the refreshments they ordered in advance. “Hyung, this is for you.” Shin Yoosung saw his antics and shouts. “Hey! Why did you include the milk tea?! I'm the one who bought it for him!” “You didn't.” Lee Gilyoung stuck his tongue out at her.  “I did!” Shin Yoosung yelled as she almost stood up and rushed to him to fight him. Fortunately, Kim Dokja stopped her midway.  “Stop fighting.” He said to the children and added. “We should enjoy our time first before we formally start our session.” “Okay hyung / Sorry oppa.” When Kim Dokja calmed down the two, the refreshments they offered to him were pushed again. “Please accept this oppa, they are delicious.”  “That's true, try this first hyung!” Lee Gilyoung grabs a fried chicken and puts it in his hand. Shin Yoosung saw him and didn't want to lose as she grabbed a slice of pizza and gave it to Kim Dokja. “Try my pizza first. ” “W-wait. Where do you get this?” Kim Dokja curiously asked. The shop they were in didn't sell fried chicken and pizza, so where did it come from?  “We ordered it… outside.” They mischievously grinned at him as they answered, and finally, he saw the food boxes to their sides. Kim Dokja didn't see it because his attention was on the plate with refreshments they pushed towards him, while they grabbed the food they offered beside them.  Kim Dokja didn't know what to say to them and just ate what they gave him. The two watched him as they brightly asked. “Delicious right?” He looked into their eyes as he said, “Mnm. They're good.” In actuality, it tastes bland. Still, he didn't want to discourage the two so he said otherwise. The kids cheered about his comment. Afterwards they started to rattled about what happened to their day. Yoo Jonghyuk watched and listened to them as he disguised himself with a cap.  ‘That's the first time he ate.’ Yoo Jonghyuk  observed. He glanced at Kim Dokja's face and examined it. ‘His reaction… no emotion. As if he's hiding it away.’ He tapped the table while creating no sound. ‘He's clearly different from when he ate my cooking… Hmm. I wonder why.’ “Hyung, I feel like that man over there was staring at you.” Lee Gilyoung whispered to Kim Dokja. He and Shin Yoosung glanced at Lee Gilyoung, then looked at the table he said. Kim Dokja saw the man was busy clicking on his phone, he couldn't see the face because his head was lowered and the cap was hindering his view.  “Maybe you're imagining things. Let's continue.” Kim Dokja said.  After Kim Dokja and the co took their eyes away from him, Yoo Jonghyuk lowered his phone and looked at them again. ‘That boy's quick.’ When two hours had passed, Kim Dokja ended their session and bid a farewell to the two kids. Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung didn't want Kim Dokja to leave quickly but he still refused them. “Like I've always said, I have somewhere I need to go. We'll still meet again tomorrow.” “Ehh~ Can't you cancel it today and hang out with us?” Shin Yoosung said as she held Kim Dokja's hand while looking at him with puppy eyes.  Kim Dokja put his hand on Shin Yoosung's head and ruffled it. “I can't… I promise, when I have free time, we'll go to the sea and eat fried chicken as well as pizza while drinking cola. Is that okay?” The two of them pouted, nevertheless they nodded. “Okay hyung...”  “Don't forget your promise, huh?” Shin Yoosung took her pinky finger out. “Let's seal the contract then.” Kim Dokja chuckled at her and followed her actions. Of course, Lee Gilyoung followed suit too.  “Alright, I gotta go now. Be careful on your way home.”  Yoo Jonghyuk was already waiting outside the shop when he bid his farewell. He also briefly heard how Kim Dokja said he's going to stop somewhere. Yoo Jonghyuk looked at the night sky and the time. [7:32 PM] His brows were deeply furrowed. Yoo Jonghyuk was thinking how it was still early in the morning when he stalks Kim Dokja, yet it was already almost evening and Kim Dokja was not yet done? Even so, Yoo Jonghyuk didn't know why, but he still kept following Kim Dokja. This time it took them 10 mins to walk from their next destination. When Yoo Jonghyuk saw where they went, he realized it was a convenience store. He also saw Kim Dokja change his clothes to his work uniform and went to do his job  immediately. It was yet… another job.  Yoo Jonghyuk left the place and took his motorrad from the parking lot and drove to Kim Dokja's night shift job. And again, Yoo Jonghyuk entered a different shop where he could watch him.  In summary of what happened, Kim Dokja has four jobs. In the morning, he took care of the pets. At noon time, he works as a server and delivery man for a resto cafe. In the afternoon, he tutored two children. And lastly, in the evening, Kim Dokja worked as a staff of a convenience store. He did all the work with no rest and he just kept going from one place to another. Yoo Jonghyuk was now standing beside the tree. The shops and stores in the area had already closed. Currently, the time was 4:27 in the morning. Yoo Jonghyuk could also see Kim Dokja was preparing to leave. Kim Dokja kept yawning and sometimes would trip as he walked inside the store. He was really really too tired. Yoo Jonghyuk also noticed Kim Dokja click on his phone and quickly bid a goodbye to his coworkers.  A cab was waiting for him outside. Once the engine started, Yoo Jonghyuk obviously memorized the plate number and tail them again.  Because there was no traffic, it only took them 26 mins to reach Kim Dokja's house. ‘So this is where he lived.’ Yoo Jonghyuk observed a house that was enough for one family to live, yet it was unexpectedly quiet. As if no one other than Kim Dokja lived there.  When Kim Dokja had entered the house and was out of his sight, Yoo Jonghyuk fell into a contemplation. ‘Should I leave too?’  Yoo Jonghyuk clearly doesn't know what's going on in his mind. Why would he do something he didn't usually do? To think he stalks someone for a whole day… He felt like going crazy. ‘No. Let's try camping out… Let's see why he loves to do this.’ He decided to camp in an inconspicuous place where Kim Dokja wouldn't notice him.  Yoo Jonghyuk didn't have trouble staying up late while having no sleep since he was already used to it. Though, being bored and doing nothing was hard to fight at all, which was why Yoo Jonghyuk opened his phone and took notes of what he observed about Kim Dokja.  The sun had already risen to the east and it hadn't even passed two hours yet when he heard the gate was opened.  Kim Dokja had actually gotten up. His clothes were changed, his hair was wet, not yet completely dry. He looks somewhat sleepy as he starts to jog again.  Yoo Jonghyuk once again followed suit behind him. He saw how from jogging it changes to running. One more time, Kim Dokja visited another house to pet sit. And exactly the same, Kim Dokja runs again to his next job, fortunately he wasn't late this time. After that, Kim Dokja goes to the same milk tea shop to meet the two kids.  Kim Dokja saw Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung was ahead of him again. When he pushed open the door, he said. “Hey, you two are early aga–” However, before he could finish what he was trying to say, he found his sight was titled as if he was out of balance. His vision has black out.  “Hyung! / Oppa!” Both of them were shocked when Kim Dokja collapsed. They were about to go to him when a figure reached Kim Dokja ahead of them.  “Hey! Wake up.” Yoo Jonghyuk tried to tap him to no avail. It seems he was really knocked unconscious. “What are you doing, who are you?!” Shin Yoosung yelled when she saw the man they didn't know plan to carry Kim Dokja. Yoo Jonghyuk looked at her grumpily. He was annoyed because he was obviously going to help Kim Dokja, but was stopped. Though, he could understand them since he suddenly showed up. “I'm going to get him to the doctor I knew.” “Ah! Oh...” Hearing his words, Shin Yoosung was about to say thanks for helping when Lee Gilyoung butted in.  “Wait! I know you. You were the one who's staring at my hyung!” He said to Yoo Jonghyuk while looking at him vigilantly. Shin Yoosung remembers what Lee Gilyoung said yesterday and cautiously glares at him too.  “That's true. He didn't even bother to change his clothes.” Shin Yoosung added. “Get away from our oppa! We'll be the one who'll call for an ambulance.” Even if the man was handsome and her type, she wouldn't let a stalker and his oppa be alone.  Yoo Jonghyuk felt his head throb from a headache. A headache caused by the situation. He sighed and said to them, “I know him and he knows me. I'm not a bad person, really.” “Is it true?” “Yes.” “Then wait a moment.” Lee Gilyoung said and took his phone out and took a photo of Yoo Jonghyuk. “Gimme your contact number, I need some evidence against the suspect if something ever happens to hyung.”  Yoo Jonghyuk unhesitatingly took out his business card from his wallet and gave it to Lee Gilyoung. After that, he immediately lifted Kim Dokja up and went outside.  He dropped and leaned Kim Dokja first on the sitting wall to remove his coat before he picked him up again. He put Kim Dokja on the front seat of his motorrad while his back was facing the handlebars. Meanwhile Yoo Jonghyuk sat in front of him. After that, Yoo Jonghyuk tied their bodies using his coat. When the two kids saw their position, they could describe it as Yoo Jonghyuk was hugging the unconscious Kim Dokja. Well, he did, since Yoo Jonghyuk used his other arm to encircle it around Kim Dokja's waist to make sure he wouldn't slip. “I'm going now.” He said to the kids.  “Where are you going to take him?” They asked.  “His house.” “Not in the hospital?” “I'm gonna call a doctor over.” Yoo Jonghyuk answered their questions. “Anything else?” They shook their heads at him. “Safe trip.” “Take care of hyung!” Not wasting any more seconds, Yoo Jonghyuk carefully drove on the road to Kim Dokja's place. When they've reached his house, Yoo Jonghyuk unties his coat and searches for a key on Kim Dokja's pocket. He immediately went inside Kim Dokja's house when he found the key.  Once he opened the door, an unpleasant and messy house welcomed his view. Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes couldn't help but twitch. In spite of that, he ignored it for a moment and searched for a room that was open which led him to the second floor.  Yoo Jonghyuk removes the garbage on the bed first before he lays Kim Dokja on it. After that, he calls for Lee Seolhwa and tells her to come to Kim Dokja's place.  When all was done, Yoo Jonghyuk scanned his surroundings. “Is this a dumpsite or a house?” Yoo Jonghyuk criticized as he glanced at the waste food, vomits, junk food's wrapper, cans, and uncleaned floor. “I shall clean his mess before Lee Seolhwa comes.” A moment passed, and Kim Dokja's house became unrecognizable due to how clean it was. Yoo Jonghyuk even changed the beddings of the bed Kim Dokja currently lay on in the process. When he was out to throw the garbage on the bin, he saw Lee Seolhwa was about to press the doorbell.  “Oh… I thought I visited the wrong house since you've never had a property in this area.” She commented as she walked in and observed the place. Yoo Jonghyuk didn't beat around the bush and directly told her. “He's on the second floor, room to the left. You go ahead while I'll throw this first.”  “Alright.” She quickly went inside and Yoo Jonghyuk followed afterwards. When Yoo Jonghyuk went to Kim Dokja's room, he heard Lee Seolhwa say to him. “I didn't expect the two of you to become acquaintances.” “Neither did I.”  No one talked after that as Lee Seolhwa busied herself in checking Kim Dokja's situation. “He became thinner.” She started. “I saw you cleaned his house when I came. Have you seen any food inside his refrigerator or what?” Yoo Jonghyuk recalls the empty refrigerator and the mess earlier. “There is.” “Then why didn't he eat anything?” “Cause it's all thrown off. It seems like he ate those foods but eventually vomited them after.”  “I see.” She said as she put her equipment back in her bag. “The cause is the same as before. First, it's because he didn't eat well and next is due to fatigue and lack of sleep. You can see he didn't sleep well because of how dark his lower eyes are.” She contemplates for a moment before she added, “I also guessed that it may be due to his personal problem which causes his weight loss. And as his friend...” Lee Seolhwa looked Yoo Jonghyuk in the eyes. “...you should take care of him. Try to listen to his story first, maybe it's the panacea that will solve this problem.” After she said that, Lee Seolhwa left the place because she still had many patients to take care of. She only came here because she was also the exclusive doctor of the Supreme King. Although she prioritized the staff of the Supreme King, Lee Seolhwa still wants to treat other people too, which Yoo Jonghyuk approved in their contract. It was already 8:30 PM when Kim Dokja woke up. At first he thought he was in an unfamiliar place, but after double checking it, he realized he was in his house. “W-wait… Why am I here?” The last thing he remembered was his meeting with Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung, however he passed out. Even so, how did they know where he lived? Wasn't he supposed to be woken up in the hospital not in his house? “Never mind.” He said and got up from the bed and went outside his room. The whole second floor was also shining from being clean. He decided to go downstairs while chanting his praises. “To whoever good samaritan you are, be it an angel, demon, or whatever… Thanks for cleaning my house. I hope you become my exclusive maid foreve– who's there?!” Kim Dokja suddenly said when he heard a sound coming from his kitchen.  He was about to grab something sharp for protection when he smelled something nice. Due to that, he threw away whatever he planned to do and quickly went towards the kitchen.  A familiar man with broad shoulders wearing an apron came into his view. He instantly recognized him. “That restaurant owner… Yoo Jonghyuk?” Hearing Kim Dokja call his name makes Yoo Jonghyuk halt his movements. He glanced back and saw Kim Dokja was looking at him astonishingly. “Why are you here?” “I brought you here.” When Kim Dokja heard this, he thought maybe it was Yoo Jonghyuk who helped him. “And how did you know my address? You didn't even look at my application form.” “I...” Yoo Jonghyuk paused. “...coincidentally saw where you lived when I passed this area.” “I see.” Kim Dokja didn't think of it too much and shrugged it off. There's something more important other than that. “What are you cooking with your godly hands?” “Godly hands?”  Kim Dokja didn't answer him and glanced at the food. “Oh, a jjigae. Then I'll stay in the living room to watch tv while waiting for you to finish.” And he really left the kitchen and turned on the tv.  When Kim Dokja saw what was being played on the tv, he immediately disconnected the VCR from it and connected it to his cable. After that, he just silently stared at the tv.  Yoo Jonghyuk who followed after he left to tell him that it's already been cooked saw Kim Dokja's changes in reaction. He also caught a glimpse on the video that shows the little Kim Dokja with his parents.  Now that he thought about it, Yoo Jonghyuk didn't feel any presence inside the house, nor did he see any picture frames.  Yoo Jonghyuk went back to the kitchen and took the pot with him. He stopped thinking over it and decided the important thing to do right now was to feed Kim Dokja.  “Let's eat.”  Kim Dokja excitedly took a piece of pork belly and couldn't help but react. “Whoa. I miss the taste of spiciness.” Next, he tried the kimchi, “Pah! I miss the sourness too!”  Yoo Jonghyuk watched as Kim Dokja said he missed this taste, he missed that taste, and so on. He really couldn't help but wonder why Kim Dokja reacts like that.  “Why are you looking at me like that?” Kim Dokja asked when he saw Yoo Jonghyuk didn't join him as he ate. “I'm curious.” “Of what?” “Why do you react as if it's the first time you've eaten food?” Kim Dokja just chewed the food as he stared at Yoo Jonghyuk for a moment, it lasted until he decided to open his mouth. “Before I answer your question, answer mine first.” “Ask.” “Why are you kind to me?” “Me? Kind?” “Yes. You weird me out, you know? From what I remember, you always wear a grumpy face and often look at me as if I'm your enemy.” Kim Dokja said as he took a tofu with other seasonings on it and pushed it onto Yoo Jonghyuk's mouth. The latter just looked at the food until he saw Kim Dokja mouthed ‘Eat’. Feeling forced, Yoo Jonghyuk opened his mouth and ate what Kim Dokja offered. After he swallowed the food, he said threateningly to him. “Did I? Then it's too bad since this kind person is about to accept your request to work for me. I guess… I should go back to being a grumpy person.” “W-what?” Kim Dokja dropped his chopsticks when he heard Yoo Jonghyuk's statement. He accepted him? ‘He's letting me work for him?!!’ “So you really don't want to? I'll take it back then.”  “N-no! Come on, don't be others”Kim Dokja instantly stood up and went to Yoo Jonghyuk's side. He puts his hand on Yoo Jonghyuk's shoulder to give him massages. “You're too kind, really really kind. Super duper kind. The kindest in the world. As a kind person, you should help those in need like Kim Dokja.”  Yoo Jonghyuk couldn't help but lift the corner of his lips a little. When he heard Kim Dokja say a name, he immediately asked. “That's your name?” Kim Dokja halted his movements for a second and answered. “Yes. Why? Did I never tell you that?” He also added, “Well, that's valid since you're not paying me any attention in the past.” When Kim Dokja saw Yoo Jonghyuk was just eating and didn't speak anymore, he asked again. “So you're not taking it back anymore, no?” “I won't if you answer my question earlier.”  This time Kim Dokja stopped his massage and went back to his spot. He ate a few bites first before he started. “Let's keep the story short.” “When I was a child, my parents and I were happily living together. However, my life turned 360 degrees when my parents decided for us to go for a vacation. Just like in the news, the car we were staying in was...” Kim Dokja made an action with his hands and made them appear as if they bumped into each other. “Boom! A big accident happened. Many people died including my parents while I survived with an invisible disability. I lost my sense of taste while I only partially lost my sense of smell.” “I was only five years old at that time when I became an orphan. I didn't know what to do next… If it weren't for grandma Lee Boksoon, who was a kind neighbor of ours, I would most likely be dead right now… For ten years, grandma was the one who brought me up. She used her own savings for my expenses even though my parents left me a life insurance. Even so, grandma was already old and it was only a matter of time before she died. When she left me behind, I'm almost 15 years old at that time. I was left alone again with the life insurance they gave me, including grandma's savings.”  “However, the savings my parents left me was only enough for paying my bills for more than a decade, while the savings my grandma left behind was enough for my other expenses. It's only fortunate that I graduated college and got to work for a company. Though I resigned three years ago.” Kim Dokja chuckled as if he remembered something funny. “Now that I think about it, it's pathetic of me to quit because of that bastard… Oh well, nevertheless, I lived my life trying to eat even though I don't have an appetite. My savings also dwindled due to that. It's also the reason why I applied for multiple jobs this month because my savings is not enough to buy your cheapest meal.” “You see, I really want to eat your cooking since it's the only one I could taste. Your cooking gives me hope to be normal again.” Kim Dokja grimaced a little when he drank unpleasant water. He thought, maybe this water came from his house and was not made by Yoo Jonghyuk. “By the way, that's the end of the story.” And he added again, “I can now buy your restaurant's cheapest offer. ” Yoo Jonghyuk didn't think there's a tragic story behind his actions. He thought Kim Dokja was just a stalker and an irregularity who starved himself to grab his attention to eat for free. He didn't know it was because Kim Dokja got Ageusia and Hyposmia from an accident... That his cooking seems to help Kim Dokja get it back.  Yoo Jonghyuk thought he's the worst. He almost took away Kim Dokja's last hope of recovering. Of course, he couldn't completely blame himself since he didn't know Kim Dokja's backstory in the past. Even so, as a chef, he should be proud that his cooking helps Kim Dokja's disability. And as the only chef who could help him, Yoo Jonghyuk must do his very best.  “Let's regain your senses again.” Yoo Jonghyuk suddenly said. Kim Dokja stared at Yoo Jonghyuk for a minute before he excitedly stood up and jumped like a child and ran towards Yoo Jonghyuk. He opened his arms wide and hugged Yoo Jonghyuk as he said. “Thank you… really, thank you.” Due to his happiness, Kim Dokja couldn't help but cry a little. For a long time, his only wish was to be normal again… to eat like a normal person again… someone who'll be able to enjoy his food.  Hearing Yoo Jonghyuk's statement seems to make his wish come true. It solidified the last thread of hope he keeps holding on. He was truly happy to have met him.  Yoo Jonghyuk slowly lifted his hand and pat Kim Dokja's back. He didn't think his words could have caused a reaction from Kim Dokja. It appears he made the right choice.  “Then I'll see you tomorrow?” “Mnm... I'll contact my employers too.” Then Kim Dokja seems to remember his mentees. “...As for Gilyoung-ee and Yoosung-ee.” Yoo Jonghyuk recalls the two kids and it looks like he takes a liking to both. “If you want to continue being their tutor, you can ask them to come to the Supreme King. We'll discuss your schedule later.” Kim Dokja broke free from Yoo Jonghyuk and said. “Right, it's already late. You should stay here to sleep.” Yoo Jonghyuk felt his arms become empty when Kim Dokja left. He closed his hands as he replied. “Okay, let's head there together tomorrow.” The next day.  “We only asked him to take a break... ”Jung Heewon said as she watched two men in the lounge area talking.  “... Yet he brought an ahjussi after.” Lee Jihye continued as she peeks too.  “He was even absent yesterday.” Han Sooyoung added and unwrapped a lemon candy.  “Maybe he's Jonghyuk-ssi's new friend?” Lee Hyunsung innocently asked.  “He's kinda familiar though.” Yoo Sangah commented which gathered the attention of the rest.  “Who is he?” “You know him?” “Where did you meet him?” “Calm down, okay?” Yoo Sangah felt her head was aching due to their synchronized asking. “I think he was the man who's camping outside the resto last month? I'm not sure since I haven't seen his face clearly.” “How did you see him? Didn't we use a backdoor?” Lee Jihye curiously asked.  “It's when I went to ask Gong Pildu ahjussi other matters.”  “Hey guys, they're coming here.” Jung Heewon quickly notified them. They immediately shut their mouths and smile at the two men coming.  “This is Kim Dokja, our new staff.” Yoo Jonghyuk introduced him. “They're your coworkers.” He added.  “That's all?” Kim Dokja asked. Yoo Jonghyuk looks at him as if wondering why he's asking for more, but he doesn't speak anymore. “What kind of shitty introduction is that?” They heard them said by Han Sooyoung.  “Right. Who would introduce someone then not tell their names?” Jung Heewon added.  “Well, Master did.” Lee Jihye answered her. After that, she faced Kim Dokja and waved her fingers. “Hi ahjussi, I'm Lee Jihye.” Once she introduced herself, the rest followed suit. Kim Dokja discovered how nice his coworkers were and how casual they treat each other… It's like a family. ‘This may be the best decision I've made in my life.’ From that day onwards, Kim Dokja worked as a server and a busser too. Which means he's going to take the customer's order and give them to the kitchen or bar. Kim Dokja needs to take care of every customer's needs. At the same time, if he has free time, he's assigned to clean the table left by the customer. They also had decided to let Kim Dokja tutored Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung using the same time they met in the Supreme King. Even if there's one staff member missing, it wouldn't cause any disturbance to the work. So having Kim Dokja to stop working every 6 PM until 7:30 PM was fine. Yoo Jonghyuk offered to give them free dinner every session.  Simultaneously, some of the customers also recognized Kim Dokja who camped out in the restaurant. Some even hold a conversation with him and talk about it as Kim Dokja laughs it off. In addition, some of the regulars had said they liked him doing his work.  Seeing how Kim Dokja was successful in socializing with his customers, as well as how he became close and famous with them, Yoo Jonghyuk should feel proud and happy. Yet, he has this unspeakable emotion he couldn't describe when he saw how bright Kim Dokja became. Yoo Jonghyuk feels like Kim Dokja's attention was being divided. From being a hundred percent recipient of his attention, it dwindled to being 45% instead. Kim Dokja didn't bother Yoo Jonghyuk as much as he did before. Yoo Jonghyuk couldn't help but be unused to the sensation.  “Who are you looking at?” Yoo Jonghyuk heard Lee Seolhwa's voice. “Oh, it's Kim Dokja-ssi.” Her tone seems to imply something which Yoo Jonghyuk caught on.  “What about it?”  “Nothing.” She smiled. “I just felt maybe this is what you really looked like once you fell in love?” Lee Seolhwa said, which made Yoo Jonghyuk flinch a little. “Nonsense.” “Oho.” Lee Seolhwa covered her mouth with her hand and put it down once she had suppressed her smile again. “It seems you can't see what your eyes speak… or maybe you're only denying it.” “I don't know what you're talking about.”Yoo Jonghyuk sternly said.  “Well, if you say so.” She just gives up on teasing and gives the paper bag she holds to Yoo Jonghyuk. “Here's Yoo Mia's things. She left it in my clinic and I only found it lately.” Yoo Jonghyuk accepts the paper bag. After he looked at the content he asked a question. “Why did you say that?”  Lee Seolhwa thought for a moment before she answered him. “Hmm… based on experience? No, actually, it's based on our experience.” Then, she tapped Yoo Jonghyuk's shoulder and bid a farewell. “Good luck in your love life. Bye~” As Yoo Jonghyuk and Lee Seolhwa were talking, Kim Dokja on the other hand watched them too. He went to Lee Jihye who was taking breaks and sitting idly on the counter. “Who is she?” Kim Dokja curiously asked about the woman beside Yoo Jonghyuk. He seems to see they were close with each other. Seeing Yoo Jonghyuk being casual with her made him somewhat unhappy. Though, it's not like Yoo Jonghyuk wasn't casual with others, Kim Dokja just felt their closeness was different than the rest.  Lee Jihye looks at the person Kim Dokja talks about and makes an ‘Ah’ exclamation. “Lee Seolhwa-unnie.” Hearing her name, Kim Dokja recalls what Yoo Jonghyuk tells him. A woman named Lee Seolhwa saw Kim Dokja outside of the restaurant and urged Yoo Jonghyuk to put him inside. She was also the one who paid for his meal that night as well as who checked on him twice he passed out.  Lee Jihye saw the look in Kim Dokja's eyes and grinned. She leaned on the counter to stare closely at Kim Dokja. “Why ahjussi? Are you curious about their relationship?” He circled his eyes here and there before slowly answering, “...Yes.” It was then that Jung Heewon arrived at their location and asked. “What are you guys talking about?” “Why are you here? What about your area?”  “Can't I be here?” She jokingly asked as she sat beside Kim Dokja. “Don't worry, I've assigned someone to take my place as I take a break.” Then she looked at Lee Jihye and Kim Dokja. “So, what's the tea?” It was Lee Jihye who answered her obviously. “Ahjussi wants to know what Master's relationship was with Lee Seolhwa-unnie.” “Ohhh… I'm in then. Quickly spill.” Jung Heewon excitedly said. It's not like she doesn't know their relationship, all that she knows was they broke up. The reason for breaking up? She doesn't know. She wasn't hired yet at that time.  “They're exes.”  “Then… They broke up?” Kim Dokja cautiously asked. “Why?” “It has already been a long time… 9 years ago I think? I haven't met my Master yet but it was Lee Seolhwa-uunie that told us about it 4 years ago.” Lee Jihye tries to recall her memories.  “What's next? Hurry up.”  “Be patient Heewon-unnie, I'm trying to remember things.” Jung Heewon smiled sheeply at her and made a ‘V’ sign. “Seolhwa-unnie said it was because my Master thought they weren't compatible with each other.”  “Ouch.” Jung Heewon acted as if she was in pain. “To think Jonghyuk-ssi was the one who fell out of love… I thought it was due to a third party.” “My Master is not that kind of person.” “Mnm. It's hard to imagine him like that.” Kim Dokja added as he agreed with Lee Jihye.  “Is that all? Nothing else?” Jung Heewon brushed off the topic and changed the subject.. “There's more...” Lee Jihye commanded them to come closer to her and the two followed suit. When she thought it was close enough for them to hear her, she said, “It's also because my Master realized his sexual orientation.” When they heard about it, the two were kinda shocked.  “So that's the reason why he's still single until now, huh.” Jung Heewon concluded. Kim Dokja also couldn't help but softly blurted out. “He's gay?” Lee Jihye looked at Kim Dokja with her brow raised. “Yes. You got a problem with that?” “No.” “Really?” Lee Jihye squinted her eyes as she stared at Kim Dokja.  “Mnm. Since I am too.” Kim Dokja suddenly revealed. “It's my first time coming out of the closet.” He added, though he didn't know whether it was really his first time since Song Minwoo got to learn it and also used it to bully him. Which means, some people already came to know about it. Even so, this could be counted as the first time Kim Dokja said and admitted it himself.  “Whoa.” “I'm not prepared for this kind of twist.” After a moment, Lee Jihye suddenly slammed the counter table which surprised Jung Heewon and Kim Dokja. “Wait a moment… Ahjussi.” “...Yes?” Kim Dokja was kinda nervous at the look Lee Jihye was throwing at him.  “Are you interested in my Master?”  “Why... have you asked?” Kim Dokja avoids her eyes and stutters as he asks.  “Oh my… Is that the reason why you asked about their relationship?” Jung Heewon added as she teasingly grinned at him.  Kim Dokja was feeling pressured at their gazes and immediately stood up from the stool. “T-There's too much work. I gotta go now. Bye.” And… he fled.  “Pfft-” They laughed at him as he escaped using the work as an excuse. “Ahjussi has a cute side too, huh.” Jung Heewon wipes the tears that form in the corner of her eyes as she asks. “Anyways, I don't think it was only Dokja-ssi who was interested in Jonghyuk-ssi.” “True, true.” Lee Jihye nodded as she pointed at Yoo Jonghyuk's direction. “Look at my master, he stares intensely at ahjussi since he sat here, yet how come ahjussi didn't notice it?” “Have you heard of a proverb?”  “What did it say?” “A spectator sees more than a player in the heat of a game” Lee Jihye was enlightened when she heard what Jung Heewon said, then commented. “It perfectly suits them.” Kim Dokja, who fled the scene, was battling with his mind as he wiped the table left by the customer. ‘What the heck are they saying? Me?  Interested in that grumpy man?’ He rubs the table hard as he thought, ‘No, no, no. I'm not...’  ‘...I'm only interested in his cooking. It's his cooking that I truly loved... ’ Then Kim Dokja suddenly slowed his wiping. ‘...Still, didn't they say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach?’ ‘...’ Kim Dokja continues his cleaning as he decided. ‘Back to earth Kim Dokja…’ Once he's done with the table, he goes to another uncleaned table and starts to clean again. ‘Not because you discovered his orientation doesn't mean you have a chance. Come on, Yoo Jonghyuk has already been generous to you. Don't try to take advantage of it and make impulsive decisions just because you've liked him.’  Kim Dokja looked at his reflection on the shiny table and mumbled. “Right, let's face reality.” After that, Kim Dokja tried to maintain a safe distance between the two of them. It's not like he'd liked to give up his feelings, rather Kim Dokja knows it would be harder to take Yoo Jonghyuk's heart than making him take Kim Dokja as his staff. When it comes to love, everything was so complicated. Kim Dokja didn't know when it started. He just knew that he was overflowing with gratitude with Yoo Jonghyuk at the start, he didn't think that his feelings would go deep to the point where there's no turning back anymore. He fell for him. He fell for the kindness Yoo Jonghyuk showed him. He fell for the gentle acts he did for him. Kim Dokja scaredly thought, ‘I might have fallen hard for him.’ Lately, Yoo Jonghyuk seems to have realized that Kim Dokja was indistinctly avoiding him. In the past, when the two of them were talking, Kim Dokja was the one who mostly had much to say, yet he only spoke a few words or sentences with him. And if he were to close the distance between them, Kim Dokja would immediately mend the fixed gap Kim Dokja made. ‘I'm going to confront him today.’ Meanwhile, Kim Dokja was busy taking the orders of their customers. Kim Dokja was oblivious that Yoo Jonghyuk was going to search for answers which were caused by his abnormalities.  Currently, he was reciting their orders again to double check whether he forgot something or not. “...and a carbonated drink. Is that right?” “Yes. Also an orange juice.” “Okay, an orange juice… noted. Kindly just wait for your orders to arrive. Thank you.” Kim Dokja politely said and bowed. He went to the counter first before taking the order of another customer. “Hello, may I take your order please.” Kim Dokja said as usual in his intro. However, when Kim Dokja looked at the person he's going to take the order to, he was kinda stunned. He recognized the person as his former client when he was a pet sitter… The only problem was, he always stared at Kim Dokja unpleasantly.  Kim Dokja only met him twice. At first, he thought he was imagining things, but when it happened the second time, Kim Dokja was sure his client's looks told him something he didn't want to know. And the weird thing about his two visits was that his client didn't even leave… Why the hell would he take a pet sitter if he wouldn't leave in the first place? Weren't Kim Dokja's job was to take care of his pet when the owner's not around? If it weren't for his stare, Kim Dokja would just brush it off as he's weird. Even so, as a precaution, Kim Dokja didn't accept the bookings this client made since then.  Similar to the past, his customer's eyes felt disgusting. Nevertheless, Kim Dokja professionally did his job and noted the orders that were said. When he finished to note them all, Kim Dokja immediately turned around to leave. He was itching to get away from this person and would just call someone to take over his task. Yet, before Kim Dokja could take a step, his wrist was grabbed.  “Do you remember me?” The customer asked.  Kim Dokja pursed his lips and didn't answer his question. “I'm sorry sir, kindly release me please. I'm busy with my work, and my boss will reprimand me if I'm too slow.” Kim Dokja made an excuse. Even so, the customer was quite stubborn.  “You know, I've been looking for you. I didn't realize you were working in this place...” Kim Dokja felt his hair stand up when he felt his wrist was being rubbed by the customer's thumb. He wants to punch the bastard to the face, yet, Kim Dokja was concerned it would backlash on the restaurant's reputation such as ‘mishandling of staff’ or ‘unethical work etiquette’. Kim Dokja wouldn't want to stain the name of the resto… even if it was just a speck of dirt.  “... Why you didn't tell me you're going to quit being a pe–”  “Kim Dokja-nim! Could you help me for a moment?” Fortunately, a coworker called his name. He instantly took his arms and quickly went to his savior. He didn't bother to excuse himself like usual due to his personal feelings. ‘Damn pervert. I want to gouge his eyes out.’ “Thanks man.” Kim Dokja said to his coworker. “???” The coworker looked at him confusedly. ‘Shouldn't I be the one who says thank you since I asked for a favor?’ “So what's the problem?” The coworker threw his confuseness aside and said, “Oh. The water pipe in the restroom seems to have a leak. I was about to mop the water on the floor, but Han Sooyoung-nim gave me another task.”  “Alright.” Kim Dokja accepted in a flash. He thought being in the restroom was better than experiencing a pervert stare at him all day. “Then, help me to give this to the counter.” He didn't forget to pass what that pervert ordered.  Immediately, he went to the restroom and mopped the floor. Unbeknownst to him, the pervert followed after him two minutes later.  “There you go. Why do you keep leaving me, hmm?” He asked Kim Dokja as he wet his lips with his tongue.  Kim Dokja was alarmed the second he went inside and pointed the mop handle tip towards the pervert. “Don't come near me.” He warned.  The pervert just looked at the tip of the mop and chuckled. “Do you think you can threaten me with this thing?” He said as he held the tip and pushed it aside. Kim Dokja was about to smack him with the handle stick when the pervert threatened him too. “See if you can hurt me once you learn my identity. Don't you know who I am? You don't? Well, what does a flimsy former pet sitter like you know?” He said as he pulled the handle and Kim Dokja was swept along it.  The pervert held Kim Dokja's jaw tightly as he spoke unto his face. “I'm one of the suppliers of this restaurant. Don't you think it will be bad for your boss if one of his suppliers pulls out?”  Kim Dokja was boiling inside him. He was enraged at what the pervert was doing and was also enraged because he couldn't do anything. If what he said was true, then it was really bad. However, he couldn't let the pervert molested him, yet he also couldn't let the restaurant lack supplies. Kim Dokja didn't know if he was a major supplier or not, but he couldn't try to gamble.   “Just behave and follow me.” Kim Dokja felt his other hand touch his shoulder and rubbed it disgustingly. He even saw how the pervert smacked his lips when he pushed his thumb inside of Kim Dokja's collar. “Since the first time I saw you, I've been wanting to mess with you. I want to see how this delicate body reacts with my– bleugh!”  “You're messing with the wrong person.”  A cold voice was suddenly heard when Kim Dokja felt his body was released from the hold of the pervert man. He looked up to see that it was Yoo Jonghyuk who came to his rescue.  “Who the hell interrupt– !!!” The pervert paled once he realized it was Yoo Jonghyuk who punched him. “S-sir, i-it's not what you think!” He panicked instantly and pointed at Kim Dokja. “H-he seduced me! He said he wanted to– aeurkk!” “Shut your mouth!” Kim Dokja angrily said as he smacked the pervert with the mop. He immediately guessed the pervert's position in Yoo Jonghyuk's suppliers when he stuttered. To think an insignificant maniac like him almost got him… Kim Dokja was boiling with rage.  He threw the mop aside and jumped at the pervert to punch him repeatedly. Yoo Jonghyuk didn't stop Kim Dokja since he was also enraged with what happened.  When Yoo Jonghyuk came to look for Kim Dokja, he didn't see him in the dining area. After that, he learns Kim Dokja went to the restroom and followed suit. Yoo Jonghyuk just didn't expect the moment he went in, he would see Kim Dokja was being harassed by his so-called supplier. Yoo Jonghyuk quickly guessed what's going on in Kim Dokja's mind when he didn't struggle.  After a moment, footsteps were heard and a bunch of security guards led by Gong Pildu took the pervert away. Yoo Jonghyuk whispered a two or three to Gong Pildu before they left and closed the door.  Kim Dokja who was kneeling on the floor felt a wave of tiredness come over him. His adrenaline rush had already vanished and what left was his knuckles kinda hurt. Then, he suddenly felt a warm temperature embraced him. It was Yoo Jonghyuk. “Are you alright?” Yoo Jonghyuk concernedly asked.  “Mnm.” Kim Dokja nodded as he added a comment, “But my knuckles were throbbing. I didn't expect that bastard face to be so hard.”  Yoo Jonghyuk released him from embrace and helped Kim Dokja to stand up. He also pulled Kim Dokja towards the sink to wash his hands. “Let's clean them first. It touches something dirty.” Kim Dokja chuckles. “I agree with you on that.” Once his hands were cleaned, Yoo Jonghyuk asked again. “Other than your knuckles, are you hurt somewhere?” “No.” Kim Dokja shakes his head while looking at the hand held by Yoo Jonghyuk. “I just feel disgusted since he touched me.” The moment he said that, Kim Dokja felt goosebumps when he heard how chilly Yoo Jonghyuk's voice was. “Touched you where?”  Yoo Jonghyuk still hadn't let go of Kim Dokja's hand and he was curious what he looked like due to how icy his tone was. When he looked up, Yoo Jonghyuk's face was being clouded by the dark clouds. “Where did his filthy hand touch you?” He asked again.  Kim Dokja gulped with dry saliva as he said. “I-in my jaw and my collarbone.” After he said that, Yoo Jonghyuk leaned closer towards Kim Dokja and pulled open his polo shirt. Suddenly, Kim Dokja felt an itchy warm sensation on his collarbone.  !!! Yoo Jonghyuk kissed his collarbone, no… to say it correctly, it was not only a kiss but he also licks! With a flushed face, Kim Dokja nervously asked as he gripped onto Yoo Jonghyuk's clothes tightly. “W-wha-what are you d-doing?” “I'm cleaning you.” Yoo Jonghyuk shamelessly said and went towards Kim Dokja's jaw to ‘clean’ them. “Why? You got a problem with that?” Kim Dokja couldn't answer his questions because it was both yes and no… Yes, because he felt his heart was thumping hard nonstop. While no because he doesn't want to end his intimacy with Yoo Jonghyuk.  Seeing how Kim Dokja didn't answer him, Yoo Jonghyuk smiled. “I see...” Then he continued what's his doing while Kim Dokja was standing stiff all the time. After a moment, Yoo Jonghyuk's voice was heard again as he stopped. “It's not enough.” Kim Dokja was sad since Yoo Jonghyuk stopped, but was still curious. “What is it?” Yoo Jonghyuk stares at Kim Dokja in the eye as he seriously said. “You're still not sufficiently cleaned.” “Then… what should we do?” Kim Dokja pursed his lips as he said this. He also blushed when he remembered what Yoo Jonghyuk did earlier. “I think...” Yoo Jonghyuk put his hand on Kim Dokja's cheek and leaned his face closer. “...this will do.” Once he finished his sentence, Yoo Jonghyuk kissed Kim Dokja's lips. Kim Dokja had already expected this when Yoo Jonghyuk came close, yet he still couldn't help but be shocked when it actually happened. ‘Should I get my hopes up or not? Do I have a chance? Do I have a chance? Do I have a chance?!’ “Focused.” Yoo Jonghyuk said in the middle of their kiss when he realized Kim Dokja didn't follow his movement. He then placed his thumb on Kim Dokja's chin and pulled it down to pry open his mouth. Kim Dokja felt a tongue suddenly intrude the inside of his mouth. This time, Kim Dokja tried to copy what Yoo Jonghyuk was doing and was quite embarrassed since he's sloppy.  Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes curved as if he's laughing at Kim Dokja, while Kim Dokja glared at him in return. They didn't close their eyes because they wanted to see each other's reaction, as if they were trying to confirm what feelings they hold towards them. After a moment, when Kim Dokja grunt due to lack of oxygen, they stopped kissing. Kim Dokja pants while taking a breath, while Yoo Jonghyuk just stares at him as he licks his lips with his tongue.  “You're actually good at this kind of thing, huh.” Kim Dokja started and released Yoo Jonghyuk's clothes from his grip.  “While you're a bad kisser. ” Yoo Jonghyuk smirked as he said this and Kim Dokja glared at him again.  “Sorry then.” Kim Dokja grumpily said as he rolled his eyes. “It's not like I have entered a previous relationship just like someone here~” Yoo Jonghyuk's brows slightly lifted up when he heard him say this. He thought, maybe Kim Dokja got to know his previous relationship with Lee Seolhwa. “Well, it's already in the past, and I never kissed someone else other than you. Believe it or not, you're my first kiss.” “What the– How are you so good then?” Kim Dokja would lie if he said he wasn't shocked. Yoo Jonghyuk and Lee Seolhwa… didn't kiss? Does that mean… ‘I'm really his first kiss?’ Somehow, Kim Dokja was feeling happy.  “Hmm... Maybe it's because I'm perfect?” “Perfect my ass.” Kim Dokja whispered. Yoo Jonghyuk smiled again and touched Kim Dokja's lips with his thumb. “Don't worry, just follow me in the future until you'll become as good as me.” Once he said this, he retracted his hand and put his thumb on his own lips. Kim Dokja couldn't help but think how sexy Yoo Jonghyuk looked with his action. Even so, when Kim Dokja analyzed what he said, does that mean there's still a second time? Or maybe many more times?  Kim Dokja closed his eyes for a moment before he opened it again as he confessed. “I used to like you.” He saw how Yoo Jonghyuk's expression changed slightly at his wording as he heard him ask. “Used?” “Mnm. I didn't like you anymore because...” Kim Dokja grabbed Yoo Jonghyuk's collar and pulled him closer until his mouth was close enough to Yoo Jonghyuk's ear. “...I love you now.” After that, he pushed Yoo Jonghyuk back and tidied his crumpled clothes. “I swear it wasn't gratitude that I was feeling. I really do see you in a romantic way.” Once done, Kim Dokja looked straight at Yoo Jonghyuk in the eye. “Actually, I don't have a plan to confess at all... I don't know whether I have a chance or not, but with what you did earlier, when you kiss me… it has given me hope.”  Kim Dokja pursed his lips first, then continued. “...Hope that you also wanted us to be together…?” He ended it in a question form because he wasn't confident in his assumption. It was also to ask Yoo Jonghyuk whether he did have a chance or not.  Fortunately, as if to not betray Kim Dokja, Yoo Jonghyuk said. “Let's be together then.” With eyes wide, Kim Dokja looked at Yoo Jonghyuk astonishingly. “D-does that mean?” Yoo Jonghyuk nodded. “Yes. Why would I kiss you if I didn't mean that?”  What he said was true. Yoo Jonghyuk finally realized his feelings for Kim Dokja. From the unpleasant mood he was feeling everytime Kim Dokja focused his attention onto others, to Kim Dokja suddenly avoiding him, then to seeing Kim Dokja being molested by a bastard, Yoo Jonghyuk had confirmed his feelings… Especially, when he learned that the bastard touched what's his, Yoo Jonghyuk couldn't help but replace it with his touch. “...Alright, if you want to hear it, then I'll say it.” Yoo Jonghyuk closes the gap again and kisses Kim Dokja's forehead. “I...” Then kissed the tip of his nose. “...love” Next was the corner of Kim Dokja's eyes that formed tears. “...you” And lastly, Kim Dokja's lips. “...too.” “I love you, Kim Dokja.” He said and wiped the tears that fell from Kim Dokja's eyes. Kim Dokja was so happy to the point he'll cry tears of joy… Happy that his feelings were reciprocated... Happy that finally he wasn't going to be alone.  ‘I'm glad...’ Kim Dokja was glad that he went to the Supreme King. Since in this restaurant, he got to recover what he lost. He got to know other people who's not going to judge him by his physical appearance or disability, and thus was willing to recognize him as who he was. He also got a job that made him happy… And finally, he surprisingly got to know the taste of love through Yoo Jonghyuk. Fin.  --- NOTES FYI, never in my life had I tasted or eaten Korean food. So the description of food here was made out of imagination haha, and ofc with the help of my references Gourmet Gaming (Alt name: Leveling Up, By Only Eating!) and The Gourmet Gamer (Alt name: Please Have A Meal). They also have novels too, though I'm not sure about the second one.  This fanfic was actually inspired by The Gourmet Gamer. When I read how Rice lost his taste, I immediately thought of an idea to make this a fanfic.  On the other note, I'd like to recommend these two to y'all. Though they're similar, they're still unique in their own way. It was enjoyable to read too haha. Based on the title itself, the genre is RPG.  That's all, thanks for reading!