/monster/ - The Last Bastion of Romance

>>347589

>You stop, and try to discern which path to take, when you hear metal groaning and straining.

>Black ooze begins dripping from the armor suits' eye slits, tendrils bursting from their backplates.

>”H-h-halt, heretic!” A gurgling voice reverberates out from one of the suits, as it grabs a decorative blade mounted on the wall behind it, quickly brandishing it as you felt it stare at you with violent intent. “Surrender to God and your de-e-e-eath will be merciful!”

>You don't even get a chance to respond when one of them charges, swinging their blade down towards you.

>With a frightened squeak, you throw yourself aside, and hear the floor crunch under the power behind his weapon.

>Another knight steps forward and swings a battleaxe for your head. You lean back, feeling the cold steel just barely nick your nose. Quickly bringing a hand to it, you feel blood stick to your fingertips, before twisting around and crawling away.

>”NO! STOP!!” Ricki's cry echoed from down the main hall, behind another set of doors.

>A cacophony of heavy armor closes in behind you as you get back up and run towards her voice.

>”I'm coming, Ricki!” You shout, unsheathing your blade while nervously looking back at the anomalous armor giving chase. As you approach the doors, you rear back, and kick at the space below the handles as hard as you could

>The doors remain stubbornly intact with an unceremonious thud.

>”Ow…” You groan, shaking the pain from your foot. But your embarrassment is short lived, as your desire for a manly entrance is quickly overtaken by a fear of your attackers getting dangerously close. You quickly turn the handle and duck inside, turning the lock behind you.

>Sighing in exhaustion and relief, you step further into the room, and kneel to take a desperately needed breather.

>”MAURICE! LOOK OUT!”

>You look up to see a massive black tentacle careening down on you. You leap away, just barely avoiding the appendage as it splats into the tile, leaving huge cracks behind as the slime seeps back towards it's source.

>The room you were in seemed to be a massive study. Bookshelves covered most of the walls, save for the one at the far end, where a massive window opened up to the darkened sky beyond. The small amount of light that permeated through the storm clouds was just enough to let you make out a massive black form, covered in tendrils, eyes, and teeth, with no rhyme of reason behind their placement and numbers.

>Wrapped tightly in one of it's amorphous limbs, was Ricki, her clothes and armor broken and torn, revealing skin covered in scratches and bruises. “Maurice!”

>”Ricki! I'm here! I'm here… to… s-s-save y-you…!?” You exclaim, choking back the crippling fear that gripped you as you took in the massive thing before you.

>Whatever it was, it began laughing in a fashion more reminiscent of hawking up phlegm. “No, child. I am here to save YOU. You have strayed from God's light, and for that, your soul is damned.”

>”W-what…?” You whisper fearfully.

>”Kill this abomination you naively call Ricki, swear your fealty to me, and I will allow you to live under service of my military.”

>”B-but- what-”

>”I am God, Maurice. Your creator. Creator of all. And as thanks for your pitiful existence, you have betrayed me for this DEMON!”

>”S-she's not a demon!” You stammer. “She's kind! And honorable! And I think… I think she's-” you hesitate to say your thoughts out loud, only to be cut off.

>”You will do it, or you will die, and suffer the fate of all sinners! …In the Pit…” It gurgles, lowering Ricki down to the floor.

>She only looks at you for a moment, before bringing her eyes down to the floor. “Maurice… I… I won't hold it against you… whatever choice you mfff-!!” She grunts as another appendage wraps around her mouth, gagging her.

>”SILENCE, BEAST!” It shouts, it's voice shaking the building, “MY PATIENCE WEARS THIN, MAURICE! DO IT NOW! DRIVE THAT BLADE THROUGH HER HEART! BEFORE I SEND YOU BOTH TO THE PIT!”

>Your heart was pounding, your hands could barely grip the blade from the sweat slicking your palms, tears stung your eyes. You just wanted to be like your father! Why… why!? When you finally found someone willing to mentor you… why must it be this way!?

>>347591

>You woke up in your bed to the sound of the entrance to your home gently shutting.

>Footsteps and quiet metal jingling made their way up the stairs, when a man appears in the door frame to your room.

>”Son? Are you awake?” Says a deep, comforting voice.

>”Dad?” You say, hope welling in your chest as you sit up excitedly. “Dad, you're home!”

>”Aha, no need to get up, son. I was just stopping by to see you before I go.” He says, walking up and kneeling next to your bed so he was eye-level with you.

>”Oh… You have to leave again? So soon?” You say, feeling disappointed.

>He looks down for a moment, “Yeah, and I'll be gone for a while…”

>”Where are you going this time? To the Capitol?”

>”…Something like that.” He chuckles, “You're the man of the house while I'm gone, okay? I want you to take care of your sisters, and be good for your mother, okay?”

>”Yes sir!” You say, mustering up a bit of sternness through your sorrow.

>”And… I want to give you this.” He slides off his old leather coat, before draping it over you like a second blanket.

>”Your coat…?” You utter, while feeling the rough, aged hide.

>Your father smiles, “That coat has seen me through many adventures, it's even saved my life a few times.” He laughs. “I want you to have it to remember me by…”

>Excited, you jump off your bed and put it on, the tattered bottom of the material dragging the floor.

>”Haha, it's a little big on you.” He smiles, as he looks at you pridefully. “But you'll grow into it in a few years. When you're a little older, I'm sure you'll make a fine merc.”

>You lift the hem of the coat to keep it from laying on the floor.

>”Now since you're going to be the man of the house, you remember what I told you about being a man, right?”

>You smile excitedly and cross your clenched fist over your heart in a salute, reciting the mantra your dad had drilled into you since childhood, “A man defends everything he loves, with everything he has!”

>”Good man.” He chuckles, reaching out to rustle your hair. He beamed proudly at you, his eyes glistening in the moonlight streaming in from the window.

>”Well… I'm off, son. I love you. I'll bring you something when I come back, okay?” He sighs, as he leaves your room.

>”I love you too.” You call back, as he leaves.

>You stand for a moment, listening to the footsteps, followed by the door creaking.

>”Dad! Wait!” You shout as you run after him.

>As you go downstairs, you see a paladin holding the door open for your dad, sword drawn in his free hand.

>”Go back to bed, young citizen. It's too far past curfew for a child to be wandering outside this late. Especially during a full moon… The monsters are always looking for prey on nights like these.” A grim voice echoes from behind his great helm.

>”Listen to him, son.” He says with a heavy smile, “I'll be back before you know it.”

>”O-okay…” You say, dejected and confused, giving your dad one last wave goodbye before going back to your bedroom.

>>347595

>You scream angrily, running towards Ricki with your sword in your grip.

>She closes her eyes and winces.

>Baleful, inhuman screams threaten to destroy your ears.

>”HERETIC! YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR INSOLENCE!”

>Ricki collapses to the ground, the tendrils that bound her dissolving away, as the severed stump flails about from the central mass.

>You ready your blade, and choke back your fearful tears as you charge for one of the lower eyes of the creature. “AUUUGHHHH!!!!!” You cry, as you drive it deep into it's yellow sclera, acrid, bile like blood spraying out as you pushed down to cut through as much of the flesh as you could, not even sure what you were even doing through the adrenaline rush.

>”YOUR DEATH WILL BE SLOW AND DELIBERATE AND WILL STILL PALE IN COMPARISON TO WHAT I WILL DO TO YOU IN THE PIT!” It shrieks.

>Several tentacles shudder, and form into dark gleaming spikes, before driving towards you at all angles.

>You pull out your blade from it's bleeding eye with a sickening squelch. The exercises Ricki drilled into you every day come to you almost naturally, stumbling into an inelegant but serviceable parry, just in time to deflect some errant spikes, while twisting out of the way of the others, before quickly lopping them off. You regain your stance, and holding the hilt with both hands, you start angrily hacking away at it's flesh blindly, each cut rewarding you with more pained howls.

>”NO! YOU CAN'T! YOU THINK YOU CAN KILL ME!? I WILL HUNT YOU DOWN FOREVER! I WILL KILL YOU! YOU CAN'T ESCAPE DIVINE RETRIBUTION, MAURICE! MY HOLINESS WILL NOT BE DENIED! I WILL-”

>”SHUT UP!” You shout, your assault slowing as you catch your breath, your voice lowering to a growl, “I'de never betray Ricki! She's the only person who believed in me after my father died!” Your throat starts to get hoarse as you scream out your anger with every swing. “I'LL DEFEND HER TO THE DEATH!”

>The creature's words devolve into pained screams and howls as you hack it apart, mind consumed by a numbing mixture of fear and anger. It's form slowly loses cohesion as it pools on the floor and evaporates.

>You continue your strikes until your blade fails to connect to anything, and hits the floor with a fruitless 'thunk'.

>Your throat and eyes burn from your outburst, unable to do more but gasp deep, ragged breaths. Fatigue setting in, you drop the sword onto the ground, letting it clatter onto the tile.

>You… you did it… some how you saved Ricki. You could barely believe it.

>If you weren't so exhausted, you would probably feel really proud about this. But right now, you just wanted to rest. “Dad, I hope I made you proud.” You mutter softly.

>”Maurice…”

>You feel a gentle weight press up behind you, Ricki's arms wrapping around and holding you close.

>”Ricki… are you okay?”

>”Mmhmm…” She hums, holding you for a few more moments before turning you around.

>Her eyes sparkle in the dimly lit study as she stares deeply into your own.

>Despite your exhaustion, your heart finds itself enough energy to flutter painfully as your cheeks warm up. You never realized how beautiful Ricki's eyes were, framed with long lashes that delicately brushed the air as she blinked. Her skin was pale and flawless, with cheeks that blushed such a delicate pink. Her lips, full, and soft, like sweet, perfectly ripened fruit that left you feeling parched. How desperately you wanted to taste them.

>You suddenly found yourself holding her tighter. You didn't want this moment to end. Your adrenaline rush from the battle had been slowly draining away, only to double back to fuel your rising passions.

>She was right there.

>You wanted her more than anything.

>And you knew she wanted you too.

>You were both alone here, safe from the raging elements outside.

>No one would bother you here.

>She was perfect…

>Almost… too perfect.

>She seemed… far cleaner than you remembered despite her shredded attire, which seemed to expose just the right places of soft, creamy flesh that set your desires aflame. And you could never recall her wearing makeup, but, she looked very well groomed. Even her hair, usually slightly frizzed and smelling of dirt with a hint of wet dog, seemed to be replaced with the scent of perfume…

>Everything about her was just intoxicating.

>How did you never notice before?

>>347722

>Your thoughts are silenced as Ricki pushes you away, squealing girlishly, before going into a fit of giggling.

>”R-Ricki… is something wrong?” Suddenly dreading that you had done something wrong. Did you move too fast? Did she think you were some sort of pervert now? Did she hear you sniffing her hair!?

>”Oh you!” She laughs, “You're so cute!” her voice changing to take on a slightly deeper, more mature tone.

>”Um… uh…” You babble, but go quiet as Ricki's body, clothes and all darken into an opalescent dark violet, before melting into a less defined shape. You freeze with fear for a moment, before diving back for the sword you dropped, only for another tentacle hanging from the ceiling to snatch it away and dangle it just out of your reach. You twist back at where what you thought was Ricki was standing, and see a strange woman in a maid uniform standing in her place. “What have you done with Ricki!?” You shout, rising your fists in front of you in an untrained boxing stance.

>”I'm sorry for scaring you, but I haven't done anything to young Mistress Barkmont.” The woman says, with a calm smile on her face, a tentacle from her lower body retracting with your black still wrapped within it. “I would never do anything to the Mistress's daughter.”

>”T-then prove it! Where is she!? Where's Double-Oh!?”

>”She's in the cellar, looking for supplies. She won't find any, of course. The cellar was cleaned out before the Mistress decided to move everyone to Ebonthorn Crag for safe haven.” One of her appendages seems to harden, and form into a block, which starts scraping against the blade of Ricki's sword, seemingly sharpening it. “…And that curious construct is with her. That little ruckus you caused got their attention, and they're on their way here.”

>”I…”

>The 'maid' shushes you with a small tendril, and closes the distance between you, “ I'm only here to make sure the young Mistress is safe… and to make sure her…” She looks you up and down slowly, lightly biting her tongue as she fails to repress a knowing smile, ”…Companion, was trustworthy enough to trust with her well-being.” The blocky appendage melts and softens into a rag, which she begins using to polish the sword, “Promise me you won't tell her I was here… and… keep her safe, okay?”

>Coming off of the high of your emotions, you're at a complete loss of words as you stare into the approaching yellow pinprick pupils of the maid's dark eyes. She tucks Ricki's sword back into the loop on your belt, and lightly pats your cheek with her hand.

>”Thank you. My Mistress will be relieved to hear her daughter has such a strong, reliable young man taking care of her daughter. Oh, and I believe there may be some treats the Mistress left in her desk behind you. Feel free to help yourself, and be sure to share them with Ricki.” She giggles again as she slides away, waggling her fingers before melting, her body absorbing into the cracks of the damaged floor without a trace.

>As the voice disappears with the strange maid, you're left dumbfounded, only able to go limp and collapse onto the cold floor.

>The double doors slam open, and Ricki and 00 charge inside. “Maurice! We're here! What's with all the screaming?”

>Why were you screaming? Why were you curled up on the floor? Why were you crying?

>You didn't even know what was going on any more.

>>347731

>”Uh… Maurice? Are you okay?” Ricki says uncomfortably as she walks up to you.

>”Y-yeah.” You murmur under your breath. “Did you find any food?”

>”I found some… uh…” She produces a musty old jar full of something off green, and squints really hard at the contents, “…Preserves? Of some kind… I'm sure it's still edible. And a few bottles of wine… we could probably just empty them out and use the bottles for water.”

>”Yeah…” You drone.

>”Maurice, I'm worried. You look like you went through hell…”

>Did neither of them see any of that? The manor flooding with slime? That giant monster screaming? You look over at where the tile cracked from the monster's impact, and see it was perfectly intact, as if it never happened. “I… I'm fine.” Your stomach growls as it's wracked with hunger pains.

>”User Maurice was previously showing signs of anxiety and paranoia. Low blood sugar and fatigue likely resulted in hallucinations and minor panic attacks.” 00 responds.

>”So you're just hungry?” Ricki clicks her tongue, “Maurice, I know we have to ration our supplies, but you still need to eat. You don't have to feel shy about asking for food you know. I can't train you if you're tired and freaking out on me. Come on, up and at 'em!” Kneeling beside you, she extends her hands for you.

>You take her hands absentmindedly and let her help you up to your feet.

>”We still got some meat if you like. Gotta eat it up before it goes bad on us.” She keeps a hold of your hands, smiling kindly.

>Still feeling dazed, your gaze drifts up to Ricki's eyes, lingering there. Images of her half lidded eyes closing in for a kiss flash in your mind, making your heart skip a beat before you quickly snap back to reality. Ricki was still a friendly distance away, simply looking concerned.

>Her eyes drift to the window behind you, before she lets out a deep sigh, “It's still storming pretty hard. Let's go to the kitchen and cook up what we have. I saw some firewood in the cellar we can use in the stove.” Hand still clasping yours, she begins to walk away.

>But she stops when she realizes you weren't really moving.

>”You coming, Maurice?”

>”Y-yeah… uh… I'm just going to stay here for a moment.”

>”Oh, alright. I'll be down in the kitchen if you need me. It's in the Western wing, take a ri-”

>”I know where it is.” You interrupt.

>”Oh. Okay. Just come down in a bit, then. I'll have some food ready.” Ricki says, hesitating a moment before leaving the room.

>00 Remains in the room, staring blankly.

>”Go help Ricki, Double-Oh. I'll be fine.”

>”…Understood.” She says, before going off after her.

>You stand silently, watching until the two of them were out of sight, before aimlessly wandering the room in thought, trying to process what happened. Did you really just hallucinate that? You walk past a mirror, half covered in a tarp. Looking at your reflection, you see a nick on your nose, a small trail of dried blood running down your face.

>Your stomach churned, threatening to empty out what little contents were in your stomach. The conflicting and strong emotions made the room spin, forcing you to grab hold of a bookcase to steady yourself.

>You look around for a suitable resting place as your vision became stable again.

>Spotting the large desk and chair in the center of the room, you trudge over, and fumble to get the tarp off of it, throwing it unceremoniously on the floor before plopping down on the lush leather seat.

>After sleeping outside in the cold for so long, this chair felt like heaven, even though the thought of another creature popping out of the shadows lingered in the back of your mind.

>But at this point, you were just too exhausted physically and emotionally to care.

>Your stomach gnaws at itself angrily, it's growls echoing out in the large chamber.

>”I want to go home.” You whine under your breath, reclining against the back of the chair and closing your eyes. Maybe when you opened them back up, your mom would be there nagging at you to look for a job.

>>347732

>”Maurice, sweetie. Heinrich next door said he's looking for an apprentice, and wanted to know if you were interested in becoming a potter.”

>”B-but Mom, a band of mercs is visiting the town tomorrow, I need to get ready to try to impress them so I can convince one to train me.”

>”Maurice, I know you want to follow in your father's footsteps… but…”

>”You stink big brother! You couldn't even cut grass with that dinky sword you bought!”

>”He couldn't even kill a frog, even if he stepped on it!”

>”Like he could ever even kill a monster!”

>”Monster's have to eat too, but Maurice wouldn't even taste good enough for one.”

>”Hey, he could probably kill a monster by making it choke on his bones-”

>”Now that's enough, girls! Watch your mouths, and go to your room!”

>”…”

>”Maurice. You're a man now. You… you can't keep chasing this, Maurice. It killed your father, I don't-”

>”I don't care! I promised him I would! I was going to travel the world with him!”

>”…”

>”Why don't you care about my dreams, mom…”

>”Maurice! We can't keep doing this! The savings he left for us aren't going to last forever! You need to find work-”

>”I will, I just need-”

>”NOW, Maurice. I'm working myself to the bone just to support this family on my own! Are you going to make your own mother work herself to death just so you can play all day!?”

>”I-”

>”Being an adult means sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, Maurice. I love you, and I've been patient with you and I wanted you to be able to follow your father's footsteps, but you're just… just…”

>”…”

>”Maurice… Your father didn't… hey! Don't run off when I'm talking to you! Maurice! Get back here this instant!”

>>347748

>A crack of thunder makes you wake up with a start, finding yourself still sitting at the dusty hardwood desk.

>How long were you out? It couldn't have been too long, the storm is still raging outside.

>You felt a bit better regardless as long as you didn't think too much about earlier, it felt like a distance memory already. Ricki probably didn't finish cooking yet though, or else she would have called you.

>Wiping the crust from your eyes, you stretch, reveling in the feeling of your back cricking back into place.

>As you open your eyes back, you spy a single sheet of paper laying before you. Maybe you were asleep for longer than you thought, and Ricki left you a note.

>Feeling a bit guilty for your laziness, you snatch it up and read it as quickly as possible.

Ricki. I know you probably hate me now, and I deserve it. But if you ever decide to come back home, you'll probably find we're all gone. We didn't abandon you, please don't think that. It looks like there's going to be a war, so we had to go to the city to keep the children safe.

I know I'm not your real mother, but please know I love you just as if you were my own flesh and blood. You don't have to come see me, but please, be safe, and come to the city where I know you won't get hurt.

Love, Mom

P.S - I left some of your favorite cookies for you, they're in the big drawer in my desk. And there should still be fresh clothes in the footlocker in your room. And don't forget to take a bath! And please remember to stay clear of the human's roads.

>Suddenly, you felt a bit guilty for reading something so personal, even though that wasn't your intention. And was there really a war going on? Your stomach dropped at the thought of Towerwood being raided, and your own family being slaughtered in the fray.

>Glancing over the letter once more, you shake the compounding bad thoughts away, fold up the document and tuck it away safely in your inner breast pocket.

>Remembering the strange maid's words, you mindlessly pull open random drawers in the desk at the vague promise of food. But they all seemed to be empty…

>As you pull open the large, flat drawer in the center, your attention perks up at the sound of clattering and shuffling paper.

>Inside you saw a couple of crumpled documents, and about a dozen hard looking cookies scattered about that were vaguely bone shaped. Could these be the cookies talked about in the letter? You're sure Ricki wouldn't mind if ate one. Scooping them up in your hands, you put them all into one of the larger pockets of you coat for safe keeping.

>You take the papers and look through them. The page on top was a letter written in clean, meticulously clear handwriting.

Mistress Barkmont, the increased aggression from Duskbreach's forces have me concerned. Your orphanage is so far from our capitol, and I'm unsure if our troops can safely defend you from this distance. I Implore you, your staff, and your charges all take refuse in Ebonthorn. The entire manor can stay in the palace as honored guests until we get a more permanent lodging sorted out.

>An ostentatious seal depicting a wicked looking barbed crown was stamped as the signature. Whatever this was, it seemed important. But this must be why the place is empty. And it's an orphanage? You began to wonder why Ricki never talked about her mother. She must be such a sweet woman to run an orphanage like this. But you guess she has her reasons.

>>347751

>The rest of the pages seemed to be unrelated notes scribbled in a more flowery, but less readable script.

Sequel to Squire and Succubus ideas:

Son of S&S travels to the west to discover new world, meats swarthy virgin girl(s?).

Younger son of S&S becomes a man with help of deliciously plump kikimora nanny.

Daughter of S&S has her pick of eligible royalty and nobility from around the realm, falls in love with poor but exciting and worldly bard. (On to something?)

Bard goes on adventure for inspiration so he can woo princess with a masterpiece song.

(Never mind stupid idea. Need more inspiration myself where is Mary with my

Writer gets losst in forst, stimbbles opun mansion where he falls in luv and seduces beutiful vampire that livs there.

Writer is queit and shi, goood with childrin, well mannured

Wrytes romants novils wih aksual pltt and noy js stipod smot wih n karectrzatin gd whi am I sucj a hakk–

Holds hendsss

Hlds me

Huldz mi donw bitz my nekk undil he mrks me as hs

Hairrry lik a beest fucs like oe tu

Oh gddd pls imrbemate me

>The rest of the notes just seemed to be illegible chicken-scratch, scribbles mostly consisting of phallic shapes, and puddles of ink mixed with wine stains.

>As you tried to make sense out of the rest of them, you absentmindedly take a cookie from your pocket and bring it to your mouth. It was pretty hard. Incredibly hard, actually. You couldn't even bite down onto it.

>”Phteugh!” You spit it out onto the desk, the cookie clattering on the surface. “Gross.” It tasted like stale fat and gristle. Not like you could chew it up any ways.

>Your stomach protested even louder.

>It was a bit of a walk back to the kitchen. Maybe you should go help out with the food.

>It took some will power just to pull yourself from the comfortable chair, and even more just to fight the urge to sit back in it. But you manage to resist the temptation. As you walk around the desk, you accidentally kick something with your boot, sending it sliding across the floor.

>You walk at a quickened pace up to the object, “A book?” After picking it up, you dust it off and look at the cover, “The Squire and the Succubus, by… Countess-” You stop and reread the author's name again, making sure you had read it correctly. Biting your tongue, you pop the book open to a random page and look inside.

The succubus writhed in the grass as the Squire plowed into her sopping folds with his hot, throbbing member, “YES! OH GOD YES!” She screamed in ecstasy, clinging to the earth for dear life.

>Shutting the book quickly, you look around again to make sure no one saw you looking.

>>347752

>”User Maurice.”

>”EEYAAAAUGH!!!!” You quickly hide the book in your coat and turn around to see 00 staring at you.

>”…User Ricki wanted me to inform you that the food is ready.”

>”O-okay!” Desperately trying to calm your heart down, your voice cracking mid sentence, “I'll be riIIght down!”

>”I will escort you. Your heart rate still seems dangerously high.”

>Still painfully aware of the smut in your coat, you shake your head, trying to find a way out of it.“N-no, go ahead! I-”

>”I have been trying to access my first aid functions so I can properly diagnose you, but they're still being recovered. I apologize for the inconvenience.” 00 bows stiffly, “User Ricki is also concerned for your health. She expressed worry that she has been pushing you too hard in your training.”

>”N-no, I'm fine, I-”

>00 steps forward and put's a hand on your forehead. “A fever as well.”

>”I'm telling you, I'm fine, mom!” You huff impatiently.

>The angel blinks, or more accurately, the light from her eyes flickers, “Mom?”

>”Sorry!” Too late to correct yourself, your face feels like it's going to pop from embarrassment, “Pretend I didn't say anything. U-uh, let's just go then, shall we?” You grab 00's hand and start leaving the study.

>Of course, you make little progress, as 00 was immensely heavy, and wouldn't budge at all until she began walking with you. You found yourself less dragging her along, and more walking at the pace she decided.

>You kind of wished you could just walk outside and douse yourself in the rain. All this embarrassment was burning you up.

>As you walked back down the hall, you did your best to ignore the now inanimate suits of armor standing guard, silently pulling 00 just a bit harder along, wishing she would hurry up.

>By the time you made it to the foyer, the smell of meat reminded you how long it had been since you last ate, coaxing you enough to let go of 00's hand and walk at a much faster pace.

>As you walked into the kitchen, now gently illuminated by candlelight, you saw Ricki gnawing at a chunk of meat in her paws, gristle falling indiscriminately onto the floor. Hearing you come in, she turns to face you, chin covered in grease, her smile exposing meat stuck in her teeth, “Hehr Moorish.” She swallows her current mouthful, and motions to the slab of game resting on the bare oven burner, “Help yourself!”

>Taking a knife to the meat, you cut off a manageable piece and join her in eating. Despite the charred exterior and lack of spice, it was the best thing you had ever tasted.

>”Marish.” Another swallow, her eyebrows arched in concern, “Are you okay? You've been acting weird recently.”

>You hold up a hand, waiting until you had swallowed your food before forcing a smile, “Yeah, I'm fine! J-just… tired! Yeah!”

>”Weird, we haven't traveled for that long today…” Ricki thinks carefully, before ripping open the piece of meat on the stove to peak inside, “I've been cooking the meat thoroughly enough, right? I know humans can't really eat raw meat like I can…

>”Yeah, it's cooked. I'm telling you I'm fine.” You insist.

>Her eyes shift to the side, before she sets her food down and walks up to you, grabbing your bandaged arm, quickly unraveling it.

>”What are you doing!?”

>”Making sure it's not infected.” Her worry melts away though, as she exposes your arm, little blood stained the bandages, and the injury was much smaller than before. 'Thank goodness.”

>Despite the lingering pain, you enjoyed the feeling of her hands on your arm more than you should have, quietly lamenting when she tied your dressing back up and stepped back.

>”You still look a bit feverish. Since this storm doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon, we might as well stay here for the night. The journey across the desert is tough, and I need you to be in good condition when we go.

>You can only nod, it's not like you could travel in that weather… though the thought of staying in this place didn't sit well with you.

>”I think I have diagnosed the root of User Maurice's ailment.” 00 Interjects.

>”Huh?” You blurt.

>”How long have you been traveling, User Maurice?”

>You count on your fingers, trying to remember, ”Uh, I don't know… weeks? Maybe a month?”

>00 clicks, “I hypothesize that User Maurice is homesick. I suggest he go visit his family or contact them in whatever way appropriate.”

>Ricki looks at you, and then looks down, taking a bite of food to distract herself.

>The realization that you couldn't return home weighed down on you since that day, but being reminded still hurt. You just wish you could see your mother and sisters again, just to make sure they were alright. “I… I can't go back home, Double-Oh…”

>”…Understood.”

>>347895

>You and Ricki eat in silence, the moment soured by the reminder.

>”S-so where are we going to go now?” You say, breaking the silence.

>Ricki sighs dejectedly, “I didn't really want to go back there again so soon… but we have no choice at this point. We're going to go to Ebonthorn Crag. It's the only city we can go to that's safe for monsters.”

>”How has an entire city been hidden from Duskbreach for so long?”

>”Ah.” Ricki quicky finishes off her piece of meat, before walking over to the stove and cutting off another piece, “They know it's there, I guess they just keep that knowledge under wraps from the commoners. But Duskbreach assaulted the Crag a while ago, unsuccessfully, fortunately.”

>You leaned back in your chair and tried to take it in. You had no idea your Kingdom had done any of this. But considering how they hid the truth about monsters for so long, who knows what else they were hiding.

>”I don't like it, honestly. The Crag, I mean. Too hot, too dry, too cramped, too crowded. The people are… I don't know, they're just, selfish, rude.” Ricki complains, “I can't explain it.”

>”My dad always said people in the capitol were different than they were back home. They had some sense of superiority, even the beggars, just because they lived there.”

>”Yeah, that's a good way to put it. But…” She stares at the floor blankly and trails off, “…I don't know.”

>”Ricki?”

>”Maurice, are you sure you're up to this?”

>The way she said that so bluntly scared you. “What do you mean?”

>”Maurice, if…” She hesitated for a moment, “If… When you get to Ebonthorn, if you want to stay there, for whatever reason-”

>”Are you telling me you don't want to train me any more…?” You whisper, fearing her response.

>She shakes her head frantically, ”No! I'm not saying that! I just-”

>”Is it because of earlier? Because I-” You stop yourself, and realize she would never believe what you saw. How could she? You barely believed it yourself, or you didn't want to.

>”No, that's not it! I said I would train you, and I keep my promises! You're a good pupil, Maurice, I just-”

>”But what?” You say more accusatory than you meant to.

>And that tone seems to upset her, “Hey look, I didn't HAVE to agree to anything just because I saved you! I could have just left you to fend for yourself!”

>You're taken aback, and start desperately wishing you could take it back. “I'm… Ricki, I'm sorry. I know I've been a burden on you.”

>She seems to try to keep her stern expression, but turns away as it begins to falter, “I don't know what's going through your mind, Maurice.” Ricki pulls out a handkerchief and wipes her face, huffing as she pulls the cloth away. “Maurice… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that… I would have never abandoned you like that. But you're not a burden!”

>”You don't have to lie to make me feel better, Ricki. I know you have to slow down just to let me catch up, you burn through your supplies twice as fast keeping me alive-”

>”Maurice! I know that, but I'm not doing it because I have to!” She says in a huff, calming herself down before she continued, “…I'm doing it because I want to, Maurice. If anything, I'm burdening you.”

>You give her an unconvinced look, ”Ricki…”

>”I'm telling the truth!” She retorts, “I need you, Maurice! …I need your help. I… You probably think I'm some experienced veteran warrior, or something.” She laughs nervously, “I spent years chasing my own tail like a damned fool. I only began to see the whole picture months ago when I read my mother's journal… this isn't something I can do alone. Even she couldn't do it alone.” Ricki buried her face in her paws in shame, “Maurice, I'm only giving you an out because I don't want to force you into this. I don't want you to think I'm using you.”

>>347898

>”Ricki, why do you even need me? I saw you hold your own against Sirius Dawn! Do you realize he's the Captain of the Church's military? You were amazing!”

>She laughs grimly, “No, Maurice. You just saw me get lucky. What you didn't see was how many times I ran away with my tail between my legs, how many times I would have died if I hadn't gotten lucky. All the times I had to crawl through the mud, bleeding to death, just because I got cocky. I can train, and practice, and study all I want. But it'll be all for nothing, if I make just one mistake at the wrong time in the wrong place. My mother and father had survived in their pursuit for years, and that's all it took to end them.”

>As saw Ricki in lament before you, you began to wonder if you father felt this way, too. When you were younger, he always seemed like an invincible hero to you. But even he met his fate, despite the decades of campaigns and missions under his belt.

>”Maurice, I can't promise you some grand, adventure that ends in riches and fame and your name sung in honor through the ages. In fact, it's very likely it'll end suddenly in tears with no glorious final stand.”

>”I don't care about that!” You say, mustering up some confidence, “If you mean it when you say you'll train me, then I mean it when I told you I owe you my life! I'll stay with you to the bitter end! A man defends everything he… uh…” You stammer nervously, not wanting to say something that would scare Ricki off, “A uh man… always keeps his word… yeah…” You fidget nervously, wishing you could hide after that stupid nonsense you just blathered.

>She smiles, but it's still tinged with sadness. “Thank you, Maurice. That really means a lot to me. It really does. Hah…” She sighs, shaking her head, “I'm supposed to be your mentor, and I'm acting like a kid. It's probably just… I think we're both tired. We should both go turn in, get an early start tomorrow. That alright with you?”

>”Yeah, that's fine.” You say, “I think we could all use a rest. Except, Double-Oh, I think.”

>”Alright.” Ricki walks up to you, and pauses, struggling to keep eye contact. Her tail twitches around her leg before she looks down at her feet and walks past you. “There's plenty of bedrooms upstairs, I'll get one set up for you, just follow me.”

>The two of you make you way back to the foyer, 00 following silently behind you.

>She leads you up to the second floor, and down the hall, stopping at the end of the hall, “This is my room, this house is pretty warm, so we won't have to huddle up tonight…” She walks across the hall to the room across the hall, and opens the door, “Yeah, you can have this room for the night. There's a bathroom three doors down if you want to freshen up.

>”So… this is an orphanage?” You mumble, trying to make more pleasant conversation.

>”Yeah… I grew up here.” She grins, a tinge of sorrowful pride in her eyes, “A lot of monsters don't have proper parents, since humans are scarce in these territories.

>”Oh, so you're an orphan?” You blurt without thinking. Of course she is, she just told you.

>Ricki goes quiet again, her tail sinking between her legs, “…Yeah. B-but it's not all bad! I enjoyed helping the maids take care of my sisters. I hope they're alright…”

>Remembering earlier, you pull the letter out from your pocket, and hand it to her, “I found this in the study… I uh… didn't know what it was until I read it.” You say regrettably as Ricki takes it from you.

>”It's fine…” As she reads over it, her ears lower, “Thanks for bringing this to me. I…” She turns her back to you, “I'm going to go to bed now. I… I don't feel too good right now. Good night, I'll see you in the morning.” Ricki quickly slips into her bedroom before closing the door. A lock latch clicks behind it before the hall goes silent.

>As you stood there the only thing you could think of is how you had forgotten to give her the cookies.

>”User Maurice. Where do you wish for me to stay?” 00 Says, rousing you out of your thoughts.

>”Ah, just stay out in the hall and keep watch I guess.” You walk solemnly over to your room, “Good night, Double-Oh.”

>”Good night User Maurice.”

>>347899

>You slung your pack against the bed and took a look at the room. The furniture was all of fine make, beautifully stained and lacquered hardwood. Fine silken sheets lined the four beds that dominated most of the space, and felt impossibly luxurious. Simple desks lined the wall opposite from the beds. Guess this really was an orphanage, just seemed oddly fancy for one.

>Laying down on the bed nearly sapped you of all of your energy, the sheer comfort after weeks of sleeping on the earth taking its toll.

>Despite that though, you really couldn't feel yourself going to sleep, even when you closed your eyes. Ricki seemed really upset, and you wondered why she seemed to be upset with her mom. Or her caretaker you guess, since her real mother was gone.

>It's probably not your place to get involved with that, though.

>But that frustrated you more.

>You shift and sit upright on the edge of the bed rubbing your temples before grabbing your belongings. It was mostly filled with books you had taken from the ruins. Looking through them, you saw the one with several bookmarks stuck between the pages.

>Pulling it out, you carefully opened it up, and looked at the runes filling it, annotated noted between each line. Ricki had said this was a language used to perform magic. You recalled a public execution of a witch you had saw as a child, and hesitated. But why were you hesitating? You're already wanted for other crimes, crimes that would no doubt give you the same sentence. Why not go all the way?

>Flipping to the first page, you saw it prologue that you was in your language. Sort of. It was filled with archaic grammar and spelling that made it a bit difficult to read as easily as other things you've read.

>”Syntax… okay… variables…” Yeah you think you could grasp this, it's not too difficult, “…Operators, spell I/O, strings, booleans…”

>Or maybe not. Your head immediately started swimming with the influx of information the text was assaulting you with. This book seemed to assume you knew a lot more on the subject then you did.

>You peeked through the other books you had, and found another one, but this didn't even have annotations, and was effectively unreadable to you. It must have been something far more advanced.

>For the time being, all you have is the one book on magic you could read. It was really obtuse, but if you read it over and over, you're sure you'll make some sense of it. Eventually.

>Lighting the lamp on the night stand, you lay back down on the sinfully comfortable bed, and resume reading.

>But just as soon as you got back in to it, a noise roused you from your study.

>Paranoia creeping back up your neck, you spring upright, and look for the source, preparing to flee. But it seemed to be coming from outside your door.

>You couldn't hear 00 reacting out in the hall, and peeking through the door, you saw her standing still where you left her.

>As you poked your head out into the hall though, the noise became more apparent.

>Sobbing, that went quiet as soon as you caught you. You thought it was just the house settling, but the silence is broken by a sniffle, followed by more restrained, muffled cries.

>They were coming from Ricki's room.

>Without a second thought, you carefully walk to her door and try to open it, only to forget it was locked.

>”Ricki, are you okay?” You utter gently.

>You freeze, expecting her to come out. But it only leads to her room going silent.

>She just wants to be left alone. You really shouldn't be bothering her right now, you tell yourself.

>Feeling defeated and useless, you slink back to your own room, and crawl back into bed, hiding yourself back in the book.

>You hoped everything would be better in the morning.

Oh snap are we on the old pace again? Time to start checking this thread obsessively again I guess.

Update please!

>>347927

>>349481

Sorry it took a while for an update. Working two jobs at the moment, it's making things tricky.

>>347904

>You're woken up by wet planks greeting your face, your body heavy and water logged, making it difficult for your aching body to lift itself up off the ground.

>A mass of tentacles slaps on the boardwalk next to you.

>”You're still as stupid and useless as ever I see.”

>Straining to push yourself upright, you see Ally scowling sadly down at you. Her harsh expression softens as her appendages wraps around your shoulders and hefts you up, “Don't strain yourself.”

>”W-wh-rhgh-” You gurgle, prompting Ally to firmly pat your back, knocking the sea water out of your throat. As you wheeze for breath, you manage to get your words out, “Where's… James? The others?”

>”He's already been taken to the infirmary.” She sighs, “You better start taking better care of my hus-… him…” Ally crosses her arms, “And that harlot wife of yours needs to be keeping you on a shorter leash. Surprised both of you haven't gotten yourselves killed already.”

>”Sir! You're still alive!” Naomi calls out as she runs up to you, standing at salute before you.

>Jaëger catches up to her side, looking worse for wear. “I… I told you he'd be fine.” He gasps for breath.

>”What's the situation, Naomi?” You say, doing your best to stand up straight.

>”The enemy attacking wall side have retreated, seems they gave up when allied forces took down their naval front.”

>”Allied forces…?”

>A large splash of water washes over the nearby pier, an odd looking woman landing on the end of it with a wet slap.

>Her most noticeable feature was below her waist, a long, rubbery looking fish tail that draped over the edge of the platform. She had pale white skin with dark blue skin on the back of her body and extremities, clad in bronze and silk armor. Her stern looking face was framed with white hair in a short bob cut, black eyes with icy blue pupils that seemed indifferent to your presence.

>Glancing back to the ocean, she pulls a bronze sword from her belt, and holds it aloft. Lifting her head, she opens her mouth wide, revealing two rows of razor sharp pointed teeth, before producing a series of loud, but hypnotically serene chords.

>Several more fish women wearing less elaborate splint bone armor breach the sea, lining up along the edge of the dock.

>”Presenting her eminence, ruler of the Southern Seas, Baroness Manami.” The first woman shouts.

>A large splash, and another aquatic denizen launches out from the waves. Her long, illustrious, teal hair flowed like water. Droplets kiss her fair, flawless skin, sparkling in the sun as she reached the peak of her graceful arc. A fine, billowing, silken robe flowed across her form, the wet fabric denying it's modest design from hiding the subtle contours of her body. She flies back down towards the boardwalk…

>And lands on the pier with the elegance of a fish out of water with a painful wet slap.

>The gray skinned woman panicked, running to the Baroness's side, “Your eminence, are you okay!?”

>She reaches out and grabs her staff, using it to push her self upright. Despite her initially grand entrance, she was much shorter in stature, and more frail compared to the others. “I'm okay, Morgan. I just…” Minami was looking at the wrong person entirely, blinking and squinting her eyes. “I… can't see. Morgan, would you please-”

>”Of course, ma'am.” Morgan and Minami carefully lower themselves down, crawling about on their bellies as they looked about the planks.

>Unsure how to introduce yourself, or what was going on, you glance down, and see a pair of glasses by your boots. Recoiling in a start at how close you were to stepping on them, you carefully kneel and pick them up, careful not to smudge the round lenses. “Are these glasses yours?”

>”I… think?” Baroness Minami says nervously, squinting towards the source of your voice. “I'm not sure.”

>Stepping up to her, you ignore the soldiers surrounding her tensing up, carefully slipping the glasses over her finned ears.

>Blinking a few more times, she smiles contently, “Ahh, thank you! Thank so much-” She stops and looks up at you, mouth agape as her cheeks turn pink, “…Sir.” Minami smiles sheepishly, “…Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to disrespect you with that display! Please forgive me!” She says, bowing over and over.

>”By the Light, how can fish be so damned thirsty.” Ally mutters under her breath.

>>349902

>Morgan conspicuously clears her throat, staring daggers at Ally, who simply scoffs and rolls her eyes.

>”Think nothing of it, my brothers and sisters in arms and I are indebted to you and your soldiers.” You bow in turn, “My name is Anonson, Demon King of Ebonthorn. But please, you don't need to put on airs around me.”

>”Oh, don't thank me, it was all because of Ally! She told us all about what was going on up here!”

>Ally huffs, looking at far away from you as possible with her arms crossed.

>”I'm… flattered. But if I may ask, why did you come to our aid?” You begin to feel slightly embarrassed, “I didn't even know of your existence… I mean no offense, I'm just new to all of this, you see.”

>”Oh, that's okay!” She smiles mischievously as she leans in close to whisper, “I'm new to this too.” Minami stands up straight, before rocking back and forth playfully, before a stern look from Morgan makes her straighten up. “Sir Anonson, I am the Baroness of the Southern Sea, a deep sea territory that stretches from here all the way to the coast South of Ebonthorn. You probably haven't heard of us, because our relationship with Ebonthorn has been rather uneasy for centuries you see.”

>”Well, Ebonthorn is in the middle of a desert, I imagine it's difficult to keep in touch.”

>Minami looks down and giggles, “It's more complicated than that, but I wouldn't mind discussing it with you over-”

>”James! Wait! You're not fully healed yet!” Magdalene shouts.

>”What-” Ally turns her head, just as James crashes into her.

>The mer-soldiers raise their weapons and close in on them.

>But you stand between them and raise your hands, “D-don't worry, everything's fine!”

>”Fine!? That man is attacking her!” Minami shouts in shock.

>”WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!? GET OFF OF ME YOU ASS! ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME!?” Ally screams, as James wrestles her wordlessly, holding a long coil of rope in one of his hands.

>”No, it's just a little lover's spat.” You explain.

>Ally tries using every single one of her human and non-human limbs to escape, but James uses her struggle to bind them in loops.

>”I SWEAR TO GOD, JAMES! I DIDN'T COME ALL THE WAY HERE JUST TO…” She reaches for a dagger looped to her belt, but before she can grasp it, James steps back and pulls hard on the end of the rope. As the loops tightened, Ally's arms get pulled behind her back, bound together with her tentacles, all of which rendered immobile by an intricately patterned woven net. “OW OW OW! THAT FUCKING HURTS!”

>Expression unchanging, James loosens the knot. “That better, dear?”

>”DON'T YOU IGNORE ME! WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE-”

>Crouching, James hefts her up and over his shoulder, “If ye need me, I'll be in my bunk.”

>”NO! GO FUCK YOURSELF YOU STUPID PIG! WHEN I GET OUT OF THIS I SWEAR I'M GOING TO…” Her voice disappeared, as James calmly walked back into the city.

>”Sorry about that.” You apologize, smiling politely, “Now about that discussion. That will have to wait for now, as I have to survey the damage done to Watchharbor and help the injured.. You are welcome guests here in the mean time.”

>Magdalene clasps your hand and sidles up against you, sighing heavily. You could tell by her face she was relieved, but also frustrated with you. You weren't looking forward to this conversation, but glancing around the city, your priorities were violently sorted back for you.

>”Ah, that's okay. I understand these circumstances are indeed dire.” Minami says, glancing over at Magdalene repeatedly with a less sincere looking smile. “I-I don't think you introduced yourself, Miss…”

>”I'm Anonson's wife, Queen Magdalene.” She grins sheepishly, “You can just call me Magdalene though.”

>Minami shifts her eyes to you and back to her, “Yes, of course. Well, please get back to me, Anonson! We can discuss new trade between our territories, in exchange for naval support of course!”

>”Of course.” You bow politely, before grasping Magdalene's hand, “But that will have to wait, I have deeply important matters to attend to. You are welcome to stay as long as you like as my guest, I only wish I could entertain your visit under less strenuous circumstances.” You turn to your wife, looking into her tired eyes. “Mags?”

>She nods and begins leading you back into Watchharbor.

>>349903

>The streets were filled with rubble, buildings collapsed, smoke still filling the sky despite the fires having been long since extinguished. Injured citizens and soldiers were being treated by the able bodied on the streets, while others were hard at work trying to clean the mess around them.

>”You know I'm mad at you.” Magdalene says as she leads you.

>”Really? We're doing this now?” You huff.

>“I've already done what I can to help the critically injured, there's no way I can heal this many people without harming myself. Practical medicine from our medics is all we can use for now.” She sighs, “So yes, we are doing this now.”

>“Well what else was I supposed to do? It kept them from firing on the life boats as you escaped, didn't it?” You snap.

>“And that required you to stay ON the boat?” She begins to sound irritated.

>“I had to try…-”

>“Try what!? Getting yourself killed? Again!?” She grips your hand tighter, almost painfully so.

>A man slumped against a building on the side of the street groans in pain.

>“You know I'm not trying to get killed, Mags.” You try to pull her closer, but she tugs back, keeping a distance despite her death grip on your hand.

>“Could have fooled me.”

>“I just… this is all a misunderstanding. If I could just-”

>She steps in front of you and stops you from walking further. “Honey, I know you're trying to be a good person… but have you considered that maybe our enemy isn't filled with good people who kill first and ask questions never?”

>“I-”

>“Let me show you something.”

>She led you to the chapel, outside, several bloodied sheets lined the ground, barely concealing the forms of countless corpses.

>“Casualties?”

>“Over a hundred. Most of them civilians.” She said blankly.

>“Civilians? But-”

>She shakes her head, “Apparently, when the invasion breached the main gate, they did their best to avoid skirmishing with our troops, went straight to the civilians to slaughter them. Even if it meant being killed themselves. Some even got caught in the crossfire from their ships' artillery.”

>You shouldn't have been surprised, why did you ever get your hopes up, “So diplomacy was never an option, was it?”

>“Unless you chained them up and forced them. Even then, probably not.” She leans up against you, resting her head on your chest, “Anonson. I know you want to avoid bloodshed where you can. But you have other people's lives in your hands now. They rely on you for safety, even if they're not thankful for it.”

>“I know that Mags. I thought, that because of that letter… the treaty… this all would have stopped. I thought they were willing to listen.” Your heart begins pounding, blood boiling. You grab the scroll box from your belt, and open it, taking the King's letter in your hand and crumpling it up angrily, tossing it on the ground before blasting it with a gout of fire. “He lied! He lied to me! He lied to all of us! AND FOR WHAT REASON!?”

>“Anonson, calm down-”

>“I WILL NOT CALM DOWN!” You shout, “What was even the point of this? He didn't even wait for us to let our guard down before attacking us again! Was it just to get our hopes up!? To insult us!? Is he just playing with us!? WHY!?”

>”Anonson, please. You're making a scene…” Her own anger seemed to shrink away at your tantrum, as she desperately tried to calm you down.

>“I can't! I just wanted this to end! I just wanted peace! I… I just…” You take a deep breath. It does little to cool your temper, but you manage to speak at a more appropriate volume, “First thing first. How did they get through the gate? Was it damaged?”

>Magdalene looked down at the ground silently.

>“Mags, why aren't you telling me what happened.”

>“Because you need to calm down first.”

>“Honey. This isn't the time, I need to know.”

>“It… wasn't damaged. It's intact.”

>“So it was opened from the inside. Who was in charge of guarding the opening mechanism for the gate, then!? Have they been reprimanded!?”

>“…The soldiers who were stationed there are dead.”

>“I… okay…” You were being hasty, you shouldn't be this way, you know it most likely wasn't their fault. But you found it difficult to keep calm. “So, the enemy managed to get around the wall like we did, then?”

>Magdalene goes silent.

>You look at her uneasily as she avoids your gaze. “Magdalene.”

>She closes her eyes. “It was Mayor Dominic.”

>Rage floods your body, nearly blinding you as you stomped off towards the prison.

>“Anonson, wait!” She says as she runs after you.

>“Is he dead?” Your voice low and silent.

>“No, but-”

>“Good.”

Sorry it's been a while. Bad week.

>>349904

Storming your way into the guard tower, you make a beeline straight for the dungeon.

“DOMINIC!” You scream, hearing a fearful yelp down the hall.

As you walked down the rows of cells, you looked inside each one. They were a lot fuller than before, you guess they must of have been some of the captured invaders. Oddly enough, a lot of them didn't seem upset or scared, many of them sleeping quite soundly.

Something bumps into you, and would have made you fall over if you didn't grab onto the bar of one of the cell doors.

“Oh, careful dear. Why are you in such a hurry?”

You look down and see Iris, who watches you with a subdued grin. A lizardman soldier accompanying her, “Oh, hello gramma… I-”

“Anonson! Wait!” Magdalene shouts, running after you.

“Oh my, is something the matter?” Iris asks.

Relaxing just enough to speak to her respectfully, you do your best to grin, “Yes, Gramma. Which cell is Dominic in?”

“Oh, you mean that timid man in solitary?”

“Thanks.” You walk past her, but then stop and turn. “Wait, Iris, what are you doing in here?”

“I was merely sanctifying the paladins we captured. Didn't want them invoking their god so they could escape, now.” She smiles, “If you'll excuse me. My old bones need a rest.”

After waiting for Iris to leave, you start walking back down the hall.

“Anonson, just listen to me!”

You ignore her, seeing a single cell at the end of the hall, isolated from the others with a heavy, wooden door. As you past the last cell until solitary, you hear it's occupants laughing under their breath.

“DOMINIC!” You snarl, bringing your face up to the small slot in the door to peer inside.

He slides back against the corner of the cell, whimpering fearfully.

“WHY!?”

“I-I'm scared… I was scared!” He cries.

“But we didn't do anything to you! Why would you do this when I bent over backwards just to show you our intentions are peaceful!?

“N-No, I didn't… when Duskbreach came, I knew they were going to execute me… I figured if I helped them get in, they…”

You glare at him.

“They would spare me…”

“So you opened the gate.” You mutter.

“N-no, I had some of the bums help me… I offered them my savings…”

>>350906

You can only look at him in disgust.

“I didn't know…”

“That's a lie. You knew they would try to kill everyone in the city.” Your voice low, “You just said so!”

“I wasn't… I wasn't thinking…”

You slam your fists against the door, wood creaking and splintering. “YOU WEREN'T THINKING!? YOUR OWN CITIZENS WERE SLAUGHTERED! AND YOU KNEW! YOU KNEW IT WOULD HAPPEN! AND YET YOU STILL DID IT!”

He shrieks as he fruitlessly crawls back against the corner.

“I DIDN'T HAVE TO KEEP YOU! I COULD HAVE EASILY REPLACED YOU WITH SOMEONE I KNEW WAS LOYAL!” BUT I DIDN'T! I PUT TRUST IN YOU BECAUSE I WANTED TO PROVE WE'RE NOT BLOODTHIRSTY MURDERERS!” Flames blast from your helm as you grip the door, pulling it towards you with all of your might. It cracked, and groaned, until finally breaking free from the hinges and lock in a blast of splinters and debris.

“P-Please! Mercy!” He squeaks.

You ignore him, tossing the door aside, and stepping into his cell.

“ANONSON STOP!” Your wife shouts as she grabs onto you, trying to hold you back.

“You said that talking wasn't an option.” You snarled.

“Whoa! Champ! Hold on!” You hear Kenneth say as another hand slows your progress

“Dear, that's enough! This isn't going to solve anything!” Gwen says as two more hands grip your shoulders, stopping you in place despite your best efforts.

“Save that for the real enemies!” Kenneth says as he steps in front of you. “Just look at him! ”

As you calm down, you look down carefully at Dominic, and see he was nearly covered in bruises, teeth missing, mouth crusted with smeared, dried blood.

“We had to put him in solitary because his inmates were trying to kill him.” Kenneth explains. “If we can help it, we do this in a civilized manner. We'll put him through trial later, when things have calmed down.”

“We don't have time to put him on trial! We-”

“He's not going anywhere. He can think about what he's done until the war is over!” Magdalene says, “Just please… I know you're upset. We all are.”

Dominic's sobbing broke the silence as he lay curled up on his side.

“What is killing him going to do at this point?” Your wife says. “It'll just make you look worse to the people…”

“Doesn't seem to matter what I do. I'll always be a monster to them.” You close your eyes and turn away, unable to look at Dominic any longer. “Hell, even my own solders seem scared of me. It's the only reason they're loyal, aren't they? They think I'll just incinerate them into cinders if they look at me wrong… What's wrong with me, Mags?”

“Anonson…” Magdalene mutters softly.

“Let's just get out of here.”

>>350906

>Bad Week.

Whoa mate, take your time. I'm sorry for snapping at you in that other thread, I can be a huge dick sometimes. Reading fucking Berserk for like a decade does things to a man's already frayed nerves.

casca's sane again btw you guys! Nothing to look forward to except seven more fucking years on the fucking boat again

>>350968

I didn't think you were acting like a dick, or snapping. I'm just trying to be more transparent in what's going on. I just don't want to blogpost either. Honestly only like posting if I have something to show for it, like this update for example.

>>350907

>Setting up one of the smaller ships with a table on it's deck, you met with Baroness Minami to discuss relations and trade. One of her guards approached the table, humbly serving her a cup of water.

>“Thank you very much.” She says, taking the cup, and setting it down, before her face sinks into a somber expression. “First of all, my condolences for the casualties suffered today.”

>“It's unavoidable.” You say, crossing your arms, “The only thing we can do is save what lives we can, and try to talk things out when possible.”

>“Yes, it's quite a problem, these paladins. We tried to rescue whoever we could from the wreckage of those ships, but the paladins seemed hell bent on drowning rather than let themselves be saved.” Minami's voice softens, “Lost some of my own soldiers in the process.”

>“I'm truly sorry for your losses, Baroness Minami.” Magdalene says.

>“It's not your fault. They fulfilled their duty, knowing the risks. Their names will be honored for their sacrifice.”

>The three of you go silent, the somber mood taking its toll.

>Minami claps her hands together and does her best to smile, ”But let us put that aside for now and discuss happier topics, like the alliance between our people!”

>”You're right. We have to see the bright side in these dark times.” You add. “So, where should we start?”

>“Trade would be a good starting point.” Magdalene says, “It would pave the way for our people to get to know each other and exchange goods and culture.”

>“Watchharbor would make a lovely trading port for us.” Minami says, happily smiling at you. “With your permission, we would like to set up accommodations to make this easier for us and our merchants to do business here.” She leans her elbows on the table, resting her hands on her cheeks as she awaits your response.

>“That sounds reasonable, what kind of accommodations would you need?” Magdalene asks.

>The Baroness quietly stares at you expectantly.

>“Minami?” Magdalene calls out, waving her hand in her line of sight.

>“Yes? Did you say something?” She says, half paying attention.

>You raise your finger for attention. “I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but my wife is far better with this sort of thing than I am. So if you're waiting for a reply-”

>“Oh, that's okay. I'm listening…” Minami titters, trailing off into giddy silence.

>Magdalene clears her throat, “The accommodations?”

>“Oh, that.” She says, enthusiasm suddenly draining from her voice, “Just a stone ramp into the sea, with a specially made square that would allow our merchants set up shop on the surface comfortably. My people can handle most of the construction, we just need your permission and input so it doesn't conflict with any of your own infrastructure. Standard fare, really.” She quickly leans in closer to you and smiles, “But enough about that, tell me more about yourself, Anonson.”

>“Uh, Well, Ebonthorn Crag has extremely rich mines. But Ebonthorn's largest industry is our glass, that we use in a lot of our goods. We also grow spices and herbs you would probably no doubt be interested in-”

>“No, silly, I want to hear about YOU!” She titters.

>Magdalene sighs under her breath, giving you an impatient sidelong glance.

>Her personal guard, Morgan, slithers forward and whispers harshly into Minami's ear.

>Minami groans, “Our people offer the seas bounty, fish and flora for food and practical applications such as sea rot-proofed textiles, and medicine. Our mines offer an abundance of tin and copper, which we use to produce a number of brass goods that are highly corrosion resistant. I'm sure you would no doubt find that useful in your war efforts.” She says in a bland monotone, like she had recited it from a script.

>Morgan nods in approval.

>“Well, I'm sure we can set up a trade route to Watchharbor for our merchants back home once the trading pier has been built.” Your wife says, “But some trade might be scarce… It seems this war will be going on for a quite a while, and that might cause some issues.”

>“Ah, but war can bring lucrative commerce, can it not?” Says Minami, “We can also help scavenge the ships we sunk, and help you repair them back to working order for your naval forces to use.”

>“Really? That would be great!” You exclaim.

>Minami smirks, “Of course, the price for such a service is quite steep. It's a very dangerous and labor intensive job.” She leans back, “And I value my subjects highly, you understand.”

>“I understand completely.” You say, trailing off as your thoughts drift to unpleasant memories. “And I would hope your soldiers aren't risking their life for free, either.”

>>351137

>“Of course not, but in exchange, I only have a single request.” She says, almost biting her lip in excitement. “Of course, I've heard all about your endeavors! Which is why I've decided on keeping my request reasonable. Charitable, even!”

>Magdalene rubs her chin, looking at her with suspicion, “What exactly are you loo-”

>“All I request, is for a husband.”

>You look at her and grin, before chuckling, “Minami, I can't put that on the table, because you're free to pursue that regardless of our trade. That's half the reason we're here, we just want a world where humans and monsters can live together in peace and safety. Surely there's something more… substantial, you would want in exchange?”

>“Anonson…” Magdalene utters quietly.

>“No! That's all I want! Please, in exchange for a husband, I'll put in all the work for opening up trade between our people!” She says, enthusiastically extending out her hand. “Do we have a deal?”

>“Of course.” You say, reaching out and shaking her hand, “May the relationship between our people be peaceful and prosper- huh?”

>Minami grabs your hand with both of hers, gripping tightly, her cheeks burning hot as she breathes with unbridled excitement.

>“Uh, Minami, are you okay?”

>“Oh, Anonson! You've made me the happiest girl in the world!” She squeals.

>“Y-you're too kind, Miss. If you like, I know some sailors who are looking for-”

>“Morgan! The ring, if you please!” Minami shouts, “Hurry! I can barely stand waiting another moment!”

>You stand there, at a loss at what was going on, unsure of what to do on the off chance you would offend her on some cultural level.

>Morgan looks at you with uncertainty as she presents a ring to you, a titanium band carved in fine swirling patterns inlaid with nacre, and studded with pearls.

>“Uh… thanks?” You say, taking the ring and looking it over in confusion.

>Minami pulls one of her hands away, and holds it out, fingers fanned and outstretched. “I'm ready…” She says, voice quavering.

>You look over at Magdalene, who gives you an awkward glance back.

>Realization strikes you, “Wait, you want me?”

>“Don't be so coy! What could ever hope to cement this alliance more strongly than their rulers bound in matrimony? Besides, when I heard of your heroic exploits, I knew, right then in there, I was in love! I love you Anonson, and I want no one else to be my husband!”

>Your heart drops with every one of her words, “Minami…” You sigh.

>“Yes, darling?” She says giddily.

>You take her hand, and turn it over, placing the ring in her palm before closing her fingers around it, “I'm sorry, but I'm taken.”

>“And?” She says incredulously.

>“I'm married? I thought this was clear earlier today when Magdalene introduced herself as my wife?”

>“Who cares what she says, you can always just ditch her.” She huffs, crossing her arms. “You're the King, aren't you? You can do whatever you want.”

>Morgan does her best to remain stoic, but you can hear her grit her teeth from here.

>“Yes, that's right.” You say, quickly losing patience. “And I WANT to stay with my wife.”

>“I-I mean… okay but…” She stutters, before flashing an uncertain smile, “You could make her share…?”

>You groan, “Look, I don't want-”

>She slaps her tail on the floor in a huff, and pouts, “But your ambassador said-!”

>“What ambassador?” Magdalene asks.

>“Yeah, what ambassador? My wife and I represent our people, no one else.”

>“Ambassador Ally said you were tired of your wife and looking for someone new…” She whines, looking despondent.

>Magdalene's neck pops a vein as she grimaces, “Ally!? Naomi!!!”

>“Right away ma'am.” Your guard says, before running off into the city.

>“Minami, please don't take this as personally. You're a lovely woman, but I'm faithful to my wife.” You explain as calmly as possible.

>“Yeah, but why does this book-” She begins pulling that accursed tome from her robes.

>“How did that book even stay intact in the sea!?” You yell, doing your best to relax, “Look, you're free to look for an unmarried man to court, but me and any other married man is off limits, and I will not help you in changing that!”

>Minami swishes her tail in an irritated manner, as she scowls in embarrassment, “I have never been more humiliated in my life! You'll regret-”

>Morgan loudly clears her throat.

>The Baroness lowers her head, and looks away nervously, “I mean… You drive a hard bargain. I will have to think on this before committing. If that is all, I will take my leave.” Without waiting for a response, she motions to her soldiers, and quickly moves to the edge of the ship before jumping into the sea.

>>351138

>Morgan waits until she's the only one left, before approaching you, her demeanor relaxing somewhat, “Please forgive my Lady for her rash behavior. She just took the Barony after the death of her mother not too long ago. I still have much to teach her before she's a proper leader. I tried to reign her in, but she gets so stubborn sometimes.” She bows, “I hope this does not make cooperation between us an impossibility.”

>“No, it's fine.” Magdalene says, looking relieved.

>“I feel like Ally is the one who owes an apology. She shouldn't have lied like that, and on our behalf no less!” You say.

>“Yes, impersonating an official is a grave offense indeed.” Morgan says, “I will have to reprimand the soldiers who let her so close to the Baroness in the first place.”

>“Ally isn't dangerous, she's just…” You struggle to come up with a polite way to describe her. “She's just obstin-”

>“She's a bitch.” Magdalene states bluntly.

>“I hope we can work this out again on better terms.” You ask. “Let her know that she and her people are still welcome here any time.”

>“Of course.” She nods, grinning, “It will take some time before my Lady gets over her embarrassment though. But I'll help her along.” Morgan closes her eyes and shakes her head, “I told her she wasn't thinking clearly about this. Maybe next time she'll listen more closely. If you please, I must take my leave now as well. I cannot stray from my Lady's side for too long.”

>Hand in hand, you and Magdalene say your goodbyes, waving as Morgan leaves the ship.

>A splash is heard overboard, and the two of you stand there for a moment, listening to the gentle sea breeze as you take it all in.

>As all goes silent, Magdalene's smile vanishes. “I'm going to kill her.”

>“Mags.” You reach out rest a hand on her arm, which she promptly wrenches away as she starts walking off off the boat.

>“I'm going to kill that… that…” She growls as she stomps down the boardwalk, shaking her fists, “UGH!”

>“Mags, calm down…” You say, walking briskly behind her.

>“I will not 'calm down', Anonson!” She growls, “That little… grr, she just, whored you off to some stranger!”

>You almost responded, but decided to keep your mouth shut.

>“Well?”

>“She still brought reinforcements.” You remind her. “Her actions most likely lessened the losses we suffered.”

>Magdalene raises a finger, before retracting it and crossing her arms.

>“I think her good deeds balances out her brashness, don't you?”

>“I guess… I still don't like her.” She huffs.

>“…She also saved my life-”

>“Yeah, after you pulled that stupid stunt. Which I'm still mad about by the way!” She grumbles angrily, “Stop making me feel bad for hating her!”

If it makes your week any better, I really like your writing and it has me checking for an update every day.

With all of this nice content you provide, the lease I can do is hope your week gets better.

>>351139

>“I don't like this at all.” Kenneth says heavily, as he looks over a map of the country. “It doesn't make sense that Duskbreach would attack immediately after offering a truce.”

>“Maybe they're just incompetent.” Jäeger says between sips of beer. “Some overzealous commander couldn't contain themselves and went against orders?”

>Kenneth shakes his head, “Those amount of troops? This far from Duskbreach Keep? Coordinated with a naval assault? It can't just simply be incompetence.”

>“I think it's clear, that that letter was fake.” Naomi says, “It was all a distraction.”

>“But what would they have to gain from this? They didn't even wait for this move to make a difference!” You shout, before thinking. “Maybe it's some sort of trap…”

>“What, they wait for us to retaliate? For what purpose?” Kenneth responds, sitting back in his seat, “What worries me though… even though they lost their naval forces in that attack, their ground forces could have kept us on the defensive for a much longer time. Yet they simply retreated, abandoning several of their own men in the process.” He kneads his forehead worryingly, “Anonson might have a point…”

>“Then why don't they just get on with it and attack us, instead of acting like cowards!?” Naomi snarls..

>“I don't know. We need to send scouts to see what they're up to. I don't like this at all, something suspicious is going on.”

>Feeling a flame of anger well up inside until you're unable to contain yourself any longer, you slam your hands on the table as you stand up straight, “I see no other recourse. We'll send scouts to track their actions, then we'll nip at their heels while their back is turned. They want a horde of bloodthirsty monsters!? Then we'll make their nightmares into a reality!”

>Everyone remains silent.

>“We can't just sit on our hands.” Dropping back down on your seat, you start tapping your fingers impatiently on the table, “It doesn't matter what their motivations are. What matters is showing them that we won't let ourselves be pushed around just because we've been willing to accept diplomatic exchanges.” You glance at Iris who looks at you

>Kenneth sighs, and nods, “Alright. I'll have the scouts do a sweep of the area out west, and we'll prepare the troops to mobilize by morning.”

>“Who's going to keep charge of Watchharbor though?” Magdalene asks, “We can't trust Dominic after that stunt he pulled. None of the other civilians are willing to help us, save for a few. But none of them are able.”

>Everyone at the table thinks quietly for a moment, before Iris breaks the silence, “Has anyone seen James? I thought Magdalene healed him up?”

>Naomi shudders, “He's fine. He's just… resting.”

>“Yeah, he and his squidwife were 'tied up' when we went to bring her in for questioning.” Jaëger adds.

>“I'm… sorry sir. I just didn't want to…” Naomi cringes and shivers before standing up straight and bowing deeply, “I didn't want to touch that. I just couldn't! Please forgive my insubordination, sir!”

>“I see. Don't worry about it, Naomi.” You say, getting up quietly. “I'll go get him myself, then. I need to take care of some things anyways. Mags, you coming with?”

>“No, I'm working on something really important right now.” She says, standing up to peck you on the cheek, “I'll see you later tonight?”

>“Yeah.”

>After her eyes linger on yours for a moment, she excuses herself and walks out of the tent.

>Just as you start to leave as well, Iris stands up, “Are you stopping by the smithy, dear?” She asks.

>“Yeah, do you need something?”

>“Can I come with you dear? I know you're keeping an eye on me, and Ms. Gina is sweet and all, but-”

>“Gramma, of course you can come.”

>She shuffles around the table, slowly making her way to you and grasping your hand, “Thank you, dear.”

>>352139

king's torso is a little too short

>>352139

where's that art of Gwen you promised forever ago

UPDAT DIS

I miss you, snail. We're all waiting patiently for the next update.

Fucking hell I have not read this since October I have alot of shit to catch up on.

>>355582

You motherfucker. Sage, goddamn it you newfag

bump?

I think its safe to say this story is dead which is unfortunate but not unexpected considering how the pacing went to complete shit

I am going to bump this when it gets to page 20

just telling you now, pls tell me before hand if that is against the rules

would really like if snail told us he wasn't going to finish, but we'll see

>>374353

Very sad, it's the best story here by far.

>>374353

I think snail just burned out. A lot of us have when it comes to writing.

>>374353

I don't think anyone will be mad, you did say you were going to do it after all.

However, this is the one bump it should get. If snail doesn't come and say something then it would be safe to assume that this story will not be finished and it is time to move on.

>>374408

yea that is the plan

Motherfucker.

Here, lemme complete the story for you: power couple kill evil empire, old hag croaks because I don't like her and OP is a fag.

The End.

P.s.: muh dick.

Like a year of waiting later and all I get is disappointment.

Wait, is this that story that started good but devolved into fucking threesomes between the "oh-so-in-love" main characters and whatever random whores they stumbled into?

Good fucking riddance.

Darn, I really liked this story. A little deviant for /monster/, but I still really enjoyed it. Sorry to see that life took our fluffy snail from us :(.

>>374353

Thanks for the bump anon, without it I would have never found this story. Only just finished reading the pastebin and I think it's easily the greatest story I've read on /monster/.

Shame that from the looks of this thread I'll never see it finished.

>>375132

you think we can get someone's else to pick it up?

is that okay to do?

>>375179

Well fuck. I've just gotten to the end. Took a couple of weeks.

Nah, I have faith that snail could come back. However slim it may be.

BUMP OF DESPERATION

COME BACK FLUFFYSNEK

>>377414

Anon its dead, I liked it too, but its time to move on.