Novel Everyone's a Catgirl!

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  1. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Everyone's a Catgirl! Volume One, Volume Two, and Volume Three are now available on Amazon!

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    Synopsis:

    The last thing Matt Kelmer expected at the gym was sudden death. The second to last thing he expected was an offer of reincarnation by a goddess intensely moved by his "valiant efforts" before his untimely passing.

    When the option of a world filled with catgirls hits the table, Matt is determined to live out one of his greatest harem fantasies no matter the extreme difficulty. What awaits him in Nyarlea will test the limits of his strength, courage, and patience. The monsters are harder, the Experience scarce, and the girls run circles around him.

    Join Matt on his adventure of fighting Encroachers and battling Defiled. Every precious Level and Party member will aid his survival in perilous Nyarlea. With emotional twists, steamy nights, and chaotic surprises, Everyone's a Catgirl! will subvert your expectations one genre at a time.

    Note: To comply with KDP Unlimited Guidelines, chapters 2-41, 43-81, 83-132, and their associated Side Quests have been removed. Some NSFW scenes after Chapter 29 are exclusive to the books and Patreon!

    Updates Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

    Cover art by GBSartworks
    Pixel art by Kiora

    Genre: LitRPG, Comedy, Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
    Advisory warnings: Profanity, sexual innuendos, gritty battle scenes

    Table of Contents:
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2024
    DoubleBlind, Sep 28, 2021
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    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 1: The Bench

    It all happened so fast. ‘You Died’ didn’t flash before my eyes. There wasn’t a guardian angel or that ‘light at the end of the tunnel.’ I didn’t even get the memory reel that everyone talks about.

    Just a giant vastness of nothing.

    When my consciousness returned, it didn’t come with a body. Well, it kind of did, but not the corporeal flesh golem I was used to. It was more like an outline, hinting at where the edges of my skin should be. I thought I’d lost all five senses before I found myself standing in a room, staring at the hinted shapes of other people.

    Dead people?

    There were a lot of ways I’d imagined the afterlife, and this definitely wasn’t one of them. I stood in the lobby of an enormous building flooded with stringent white light. Rooms lined the hallways to my left and right, extending farther than I could see. Each section was closed off by glass panels, allowing curious onlookers to peer into what looked like courtrooms. Stern-faced judges in black robes sat at the head of every room while other souls—at least, that’s what I assumed they were—stood at the defendant’s table.

    Tinkling piano music overlapped the solemn scene. It was bright and cheery; reminded me a lot of a dentist’s waiting room. Which, let’s be honest, has never had the intended calming effect.

    The whole setting had a dream-like quality that I couldn’t seem to shake, but something told me that this was very, very real.

    “Am I in hell?” I wondered aloud, happy to hear my own voice emit from a source that I was sure had lost its lungs.

    “I dunno, man. I just got here.” Another form next to me shrugged. “But this sure is my idea of hell.”

    This was all too fast and too damn soon—I’d just barely turned twenty. I couldn’t be dead yet. I still had so much I wanted to do.

    “Matthew Kelmer?” a kind voice called over the crowd. I looked up to see a young woman who couldn’t have been much older than me but possessed a more solid-looking body. Her blonde hair fell in waves just past her curved hips, and she wore a sharp black jacket with a tight skirt and brightly colored scarf. Made me think of a sexy flight attendant.

    “That’s me,” I said, stepping past the other souls.

    Her smile was brilliant and unnervingly comforting. Not that there was anything else to take comfort in. “Come with me, please.”

    “Hey! What’s the deal? He just got here!” a man in the back shouted.

    “This way, please,” she repeated, ignoring the outcry.

    There was an annoyed grumbling from the heckler. I squared my shoulders and fell into step behind the stranger.

    “Can you tell me where I am?” I asked once we were far enough away from the crowd.

    “Surely you’ve heard of purgatory?” she asked.

    “Well, yeah.” I realized that being called back so quickly probably wasn’t the best thing to happen in purgatory. “Hold up, I didn’t just stamp a one-way ticket to hell, did I?”

    “No, silly. Quite the opposite. Here, please.” She stopped in front of a large metal door and held it open for me. It was one of the only rooms not sectioned off by glass.

    I stepped inside and waited. “Who are you?”

    “My name is Leiana,” she said as she shut the door behind her and strode past me to her desk. She gestured to the chair before her, and I took a seat. “I’m one of the managers of purgatory.”

    “Managers?”

    “Your world refers to them as ‘goddesses,’ I believe,” she said, sitting down.

    I thought of pinching myself to wake up. But there was nothing to pinch. “Um. Okay.”

    “You see, Matthew—”

    I bristled. “Just Matt is fine.”

    A corner of her smile twitched downward, but her cheerful demeanor remained. “Your heroic death has earned you another chance. A new life in a different world.”

    My what? In a what? A dozen questions assaulted me. “Heroic death?”

    With a snap of her fingers, a virtual display appeared above her workstation. A movie in stunning high definition began to play, and I watched in silence. It was me at the gym I’d been standing in not an hour before.

    I was lying on the bench, preparing to do a bench press without a spotter. Who the hell needed a spotter? It didn’t look that hard. I’d never done one before, but I knew the other girls in the gym loved to watch guys compete against each other with the weights. And there was a girl there I had my eye on.

    “You battled against this metal beast with such courage!” Leiana exclaimed.

    The dots began to connect. Oh, Jesus Christ. In the video, it was clear that I hadn’t secured the weights well. Briana, the girl I’d been hoping to catch the attention of, had noticed. She’d jogged over to the bench just as I lifted the bar. Her lips were moving, and she was waving her arms, but I had my headphones in and didn’t hear her.

    “See how you struggled!” Leiana clasped her hands and swooned. “You protected her with all your might.”

    Yeah, I struggled, alright. As I pushed harder on the bar, my face turned beet-red, and the veins in my throat pulsed against my skin. I’d racked up almost three hundred pounds—nearly twice my weight.

    The bar tilted in my unsure grip, and my arms buckled. As my shoulders gave out, the bar hurtled toward me past the catches on either side and crushed my windpipe. I must have died instantly. Briana bent over and wrestled to get the bar off of me, shouting words I couldn’t make out.

    “And as all tragic romances end, true love’s kiss,” Leiana crooned.

    Briana had tried to give me CPR after the weights were off. I squirmed the entire time I watched. I wanted to crawl under Leiana’s desk. I hadn’t even stayed alive long enough to feel Briana’s lips on mine, god damn it.

    The screen went dark.

    “I could not let your judgment pass without offering another chance.” Leiana sighed. “These are the stories that go down in history.”

    God, I hope not. I had no idea what to say. “So, another chance?”

    “Yes. As a manager, you see, I can grant second chances to special cases such as yours. There are hundreds of other worlds that could use your strength and valor. With a few stipulations, of course.”

    “Such as?”

    Leiana giggled. “It depends on the world! Every world has its own set of rules.” She replayed the video from the beginning. “Goodness, I believe I could watch this for eternity.”

    And now I’m in hell. “Can we talk about the other worlds?”

    “Oh! Yes, of course. Let’s see what we have available.” With a flick of her finger, the window closed and a new one opened—something akin to a spreadsheet program. Names and languages I’d never seen scrolled by at a blazing speed. Her smile wavered. “Hmm.”

    “What?” I was beginning to wonder if I’d rather risk it with the judge. I hadn’t done anything too terrible in life to deserve eternal damnation, right?

    “Well, you see, I only have three worlds available at the moment.”

    “Out of that whole list?” I couldn’t hide my disbelief.

    “There are many specifications, requirements, and overrides involved in such a feat. But we’ll make the best of it, Matthew, I promise you!”

    “Matt,” I corrected flatly.

    “Of course, Matt!” The giant list condensed down to three names, all composed of symbols I didn’t recognize. She selected the first line, and a screen filled with bar graphs and pie charts overlayed the spreadsheet. “So, our first potential world has a moderate difficulty rating, a balanced monster score, and vast opportunity for growth!”

    “Difficulty rating? Monster scores? Like a video game?”

    “Yes! Very much like the video games of your world. You must complete tasks and earn yourself a place in their society by honing your attributes and gaining skills.”

    “Are you saying I have to level up?”

    “Something like that.”

    “Are all worlds like this?”

    “No. However, the three available are.”

    Okay, maybe this wouldn’t be too bad. I’d played enough games to have a handle on that sort of system. “What are the rules of this one?” I gestured to the graphs.

    “You must begin life anew as a dungeon.”

    I paused. “A what?”

    “A dungeon. It’s very popular, from what I understand.”

    I pictured dark, scummy caves filled with bats and spiders and bears. I imagined smelling like stale water and mold. “Who the hell would want to be a dungeon?”

    “Well, many before you have chosen this option, but we can move on,” Leiana mumbled, seeming disappointed. She quickly regained her composure and pulled up the second set of charts. “Our second world begins in the Kingdom of Rhodes. The difficulty rating is low, the monsters are on the gentler side, and magic powers the realm.”

    Boring. I’d played every JRPG on the planet. The last thing I wanted to do was live in a tropey, easy fantasy land. “Next.”

    “You don’t wish to hear the rules?”

    “No. Next?”

    Leiana sighed and pulled up the third name. The graphs for this one looked more intense compared to the other two. She chewed her bottom lip and glanced at me before looking back at the hologram.

    “What?” My interest piqued.

    “Well, the difficulty rating is quite extreme, and the monster score is on the higher end of what I’m familiar with. And, well—” she trailed.

    This sounded interesting. “Well, what? Go on.”

    “Everyone’s a catgirl.”

    If I still had a heart, it would have stopped. “Wait. It’s a world full of catgirls?”

    “Yes.”

    “Like girls with cat ears and tails?”

    Leiana narrowed her eyes. “Yes.”

    “Do I have to be a dungeon?” There had to be some stupid catch. This was way too good to be true.

    “I do not believe so.”

    “Do I have to be a catgirl?”

    She opened another document and glanced through the illegible script. “No. Per their stipulations, you would arrive just as you were before you passed. But your attributes and profile would be entirely reset. Matt, I don’t—”

    “I’m going there.” I leaped from the chair. My head swirled with pictures of beautiful, petite girls with adorable kitty ears and bells. “Send me there.”

    Leiana drummed her fingers along the top of her desk as she stared up at me. “Are you sure?”

    “Absolutely.” Catgirls wearing maid outfits, in silk lingerie, in bathing suits. It was like the ultimate dream come true.

    She paused. “The difficulties will be immense. We cannot change this decision once you’ve made it.”

    “I understand.” What part of ‘Send me’ didn’t she get?

    She frowned. “You are certain, then?”

    “I’m more than certain.” How many times was she going to ask me? I didn’t care how hard it was or how awful the grind could be. It was a whole damn world of catgirls. I wanted nothing more. “Send me!”

    “As you wish.” She stood and signed off on the bottom of the stipulations sheet. “Your necessary tools will be given to you after you arrive. Please check your inventory.”

    “Wait. How do I do that?” In a video game, my inventory was accessed by a button. How did someone pick through a physical inventory? Would I get a suitcase or something?

    She ignored my question and made a series of hand signals. A warm glow surrounded her hands, and her final gesture pointed toward me. “For your valor, Matthew Kelmer. Be reborn!”

    For the second time that day, the world went dark.

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    Last edited: Jul 19, 2023
    DoubleBlind, Sep 28, 2021
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  3. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    A note from DoubleBlind

    Chapters 2 through 41 have been removed to comply with Kindle Unlimited's guidelines.

    There are two ways to enjoy Everyone's a Catgirl!
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    Pick up Volume 1, Volume 2, and Volume 3 in the KDP shop.

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    Subscribe to Patreon!

    ---

    Chapter 2: The Beach

    My entry into the new world was rough, to say the least. I thought I might teleport in, walk through a mystical door, something like that. Leiana hadn’t given me a chance to ask.

    No. Instead, she’d warped me above the middle of an ocean, and now I was drowning. I’d learned to doggy paddle with the best of them, but somehow my desperate flailing led me to sink faster rather than bring me back to the surface. My arms waved around helplessly. Were all of those bubbles coming from me?

    Did I seriously get dropped into a new world just to die again?

    And then I saw her. A lithe, dark-haired girl was swimming toward me. Her expression was hard to read through the water’s blur, and my consciousness was quickly fading. I extended my hand and felt a tug at my wrist.

    That was the last thing I remembered.

    Chapters 2 through 41 have been removed to comply with Kindle Unlimited's guidelines.
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2023
    DoubleBlind, Sep 28, 2021
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  4. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    A note from DoubleBlind:

    Chapters 43 through 81 have been removed to comply with Kindle Unlimited's guidelines.

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    Chapter 42: One Cannot Step Twice in the Same River

    With another level beneath my belt and my gear situation figured out, we were ready to go to one of the other islands. I remembered Cailu saying that Ichi was a desert, but I couldn’t recall if he’d mentioned anything about Shi. The last man there was eaten by a dragon, but that didn’t necessarily mean there were dragons on Shi.

    The four of us found Portia on the dock, caring and crooning over her sloop like a newborn. You’ll have three of those soon, too, buddy. I pushed the thought of my future kids out of my head.

    “How’s sailing, Portia?” I called with a wave.

    “Oh, goddess in heaven, never been better!” Portia laughed. She hopped from the deck to the dock and greeted us with a smile. “She steers like a dream. And big enough to keep the damn roaches away.”

    “Heh. I have a feeling that it isn’t just the boat that keeps them away,” Ravyn snickered.

    “You probably have a point, there. Got a few new weapons in the kit to boot.” Portia stretched her tattooed arms and cracked her neck. “What can I do for my favorite customers?”

    “We’re on a quest!” Cannoli announced. Buttons scurried into her hair and took a seat on the top of her head, bobbing his head in time with hers. “We need to find the men on the other islands!”

    Portia ran a hand through her cropped hair. “Hmm. Well, ya know where Cailu is. Though his purse is a lot lighter.”

    “Right. Not Cailu,” Keke agreed.

    “We need to go to Ichi Island and Shi Island. But I’m not sure where to start,” I admitted.

    “Ichi’s dangerous as hell. There’s a lotta high-leveled Encroachers and more Defiled there than Nyarlothep, as I heard it.” Portia crossed her arms. “And the desert is a pain to cross without the right Equipment.”

    “I went there once. I’m not looking forward to going back,” Ravyn added.

    Portia nodded. “Shi Island is, er, well.” She paused and chewed in thought. “Shi Island is strange.”

    “Strange how?” I asked.

    “It’s pretty harmless, I think. But the girls there, they’re a weird bunch,” Portia said.

    “They can’t be much weirder than Ravyn, right?” Keke asked with a dry laugh.

    “Hey. Eat shit,” Ravyn snapped.

    Portia laughed. “If I had to choose between Ichi and Shi to visit first, I say Shi. It’ll be an overnight ride, but the sloop has plenty o’ room for all of us. We can take turns on watch.”

    “That sounds great. We should have enough Bells for the trip.” I dug through my [Cat Pack] and procured a section of the money left over from our Equipment run. We’d made a solid amount off of the four lizard Encroachers as well, so I knew we’d have enough money for inn stays and food. It was nice not scraping the bottom of the damn barrel for Bells.

    “Oh, Matt, I can pay my own way. It’s okay!” Cannoli said, also rifling through her pack. “We made lots yesterday!”

    “Let me have this one. You guys have done enough for me,” I insisted.

    Cannoli beamed. “Alright.”

    I paid, and we swapped to [Combat Mode] before boarding. Portia swiftly had us out to sea, and I sat down with the iPaw. I’d thought about where I wanted my points to go before I’d leveled, so it didn’t take much time to throw my Stat point into [Resistance] and the Class Point into [Adrenaline Rush]. After Cannoli’s explanation of [Resistance] and the Defiled’s Enchantment display, anything to resist that bullshit was welcome.

    Afterward, I took a seat on the stern near Portia while the girls relaxed below deck. “Did you have a good time on your own?”

    “Saoirse’s tits, yes,” Portia groaned in satisfaction.

    I laughed. “Saoirse? Who’s that?”

    “The goddess of this world. You didn’t know that?” She wrinkled her eyebrows. “You are a curious one.”

    I’d heard plenty of the girls talk about a goddess and a heaven, but it was the first time anyone had said her name. Was there a temple for her somewhere? Was she a ‘manager’ like Leiana? I made a mental note to ask more about her later. “Where’d you go?”

    “Made it to San and back in record time. Sailed around Ni for a day. I wanted to warm this baby up and get to know her better.”

    “Sounds like a great time.” The word ‘baby’ made me flinch. “Hey, Portia, you said your dad was around for a while, right?”

    “That’s right.” She took a seat next to me and dug two bottles free from a nearby bucket filled with ice. Passing one to me, she popped the cap and took a swig.

    I accepted the drink and did the same. It was ice cold and refreshing beneath the warm sun. “Does that happen a lot? I mean, dads staying around with their daughters.”

    Portia studied me for a time. “No, it doesn’t. I know I was really lucky to have him around for as long as I did.”

    I sighed. “How did he manage it?”

    After another drink, Portia replied, “From what my mom told me, for most of his daughters, he didn’t. I was the last of his kids, and my mom was his final partner. We had eight great years together.”

    “What happened to him?”

    She shrugged. “I remember a royal guard coming to the door and calling him away, and he never came home. Mom never told me what happened. She died a few years later.”

    Have all of you been alone for so long? “I’m sorry to hear that.”

    Portia gestured toward me with her bottle. “I don’t envy you, Matt. The men in this world have a hefty charge on their shoulders.”

    “I’m worried about the girls I won’t be there for,” I admitted.

    “Don’t be. We’re all more than capable of taking care of little ones. And if there’s trouble, there are plenty of nyannies to help ‘em out.”

    Nyannies. Jesus Christ. “I... see.”

    Portia clapped me on the back and chuckled. “You’re not a bad guy. Talking with you makes me miss my pops. He would’ve liked you.”

    I grinned. “Thanks.”

    “Ano sa! How will the watch work later?” Ravyn called from the steps.

    “Guess we can figure that out now.” Portia shrugged.

    The ride was relaxing, and I’m happy to say there were no roaches on the way to Shi Island. There wasn’t a whole lot of room for five people to sleep, so we took turns on who got two of the beds. At least, that was the intent. What this really meant is that Keke and Cannoli fell into comas while Ravyn ribbed me raw, so I escaped out onto the deck to talk with Portia for most of the ride.

    Admittedly though, I was able to get more sleep than I thought I would. And when the morning came, we arrived on the island.

    The sloop didn’t need to dock for me to realize what I was looking at. There, just a few dozen meters away, were catgirls. Not just catgirls, though. What I beheld was something many men would have committed murder over.

    “Hey, Portia. You said they were a bit of an odd bunch?”

    “Yeah, keep your wits about ya.”

    That’s gonna be difficult.

    The port was small, under half the size of the Port of Meow. The service, though... Oh, the service.

    “Welcome to Shi Island.” A pair of identical twins dressed like French maids curtsied at the bottom of the ramp. “We hope you enjoy your stay!”

    Amazing. I give this island a perfect ten.

    I shimmied my way through from the back and descended the ramp. Eyes lit up, and mouths hung open as I drew closer. The twin on the left, a beautiful girl whose hair was short and teal in color, elbowed the twin on the right. The wounded catgirl mumbled something back to the perpetrator with a look of irritation, sweeping her long, golden-blonde hair behind her—the only recognizable difference between the two girls.

    “Hey there. My name’s Matt,” I said with a brief wave.

    Each of the girls awkwardly shifted and fidgeted with their hands, but I was beginning to wonder if I’d get even a peep out of them.

    “Hello?” I repeated.

    “Just say hi to him,” Ravyn snapped from behind me.

    The girls wagged their tails, a visible hue of pink on their cheeks. “Uh, um,” the teal one started.

    “Destiny, Lara, stop wasting time and see to it that our guests are taken care of!” boomed a voice from behind them. Another catgirl in maid attire was approaching at a brisk pace, her heels clicking against the stone. She stopped just before running into the girls in front of me, and she bowed at the waist, shooting a nasty glare in their direction. “Your nonsensical fantasies can wait another summer. They have just arrived, and I’m sure they are most exhausted from their venture. Have you even bothered to find out where they are from?”

    “N-no, Madam Celestia,” the teal one replied.

    Celestia shook her head. “A disgrace, Destiny. An absolute disgrace.”

    The blonde catgirl, who I assumed was Lara, slowly began to exit. When her back was completely turned, Celestia grabbed her by the collar without bothering to look at her. “You are not going anywhere, Lara.”

    “Oh, come on!” Lara complained.

    “Told you they’re weird,” I heard Portia whisper from behind me.

    “That’s really not necessary,” I said. “I understand if they were caught off guard by my sudden appearance.”

    Celestia adjusted the pince-nez glasses on the bridge of her nose and bore her sharp eyes into mine. It was unnerving, and a little voice inside of me said that this was not a woman whose bad side I’d ever want to see.

    “Unacceptable. Your kindness is noted. However, I do not tolerate such timidity and hesitation in my cloister.”

    Is this a religion?

    Celestia let go of Lara’s collar and spun her around, staring daggers into the poor girl. “I better not witness this again. Man or not, you are expected to uphold your duties to the best of your ability. If you are unable to, then you shall be replaced. Is that understood?”

    “Y-yes, Madam Celestia.” Lara was shaking in her boots, and frankly, I couldn’t blame her.

    What a hardass.

    “Very good.” Celestia drew back and passed looks between them. “The two of you are dismissed for an hour. I expect both of you to practice our mantra while I take care of our guests.”

    “Yes, Madam Celestia,” they said in unison.

    I watched them as they walked away, and I couldn’t help but feel a lot of empathy. I’d worked under bosses like this before, and gee, she had the same look in her eye as a Safeway manager on a short-staffed Sunday.

    “My humblest apologies,” Celestia said once more, bowing. “This sort of reaction is abnormal.” She straightened and held a hand out toward the dock. “If you would allow me, I would show you to the inn and a number of our finest eateries.”

    “T-thanks,” I said, tilting my head nervously.

    As Celestia began her walk, Keke and Cannoli closed in and flanked me, each of them with their hands on an arm.

    “That… was a little weird,” Keke mumbled.

    “Maybe we should leave,” Cannoli suggested in a whisper.

    “Nah, we got a job to do,” I replied. “Don’t worry, you can depend on me. I’m betting the island is safe with girls like this here. They seem to take their jobs seriously.”

    “A little too seriously,” Ravyn said with a raised brow.

    After we switched back into [Civilian Mode] at the suggestion of Celestia, she took us on a tour around the town. Portia politely declined, saying she was more than happy to find her own food and sleep on the boat. Save for the catgirls in maid outfits, one of the most noticeable things about the island was how organized everything was.

    The dirt roads had the same tufts of grass hanging over the borders from beginning to end, never breaking in pattern, all virtually identical in size. Hedge animals decorated lawns and gardens, and gorgeous arrangements of flowers could be seen from anywhere you looked. Homes were built with gable arches and points, many of them having one, two, sometimes even three hexagonal structures attached to the building. It reminded me of the old Victorian homes I’d ridden my bike past when I was a little kid.

    The entire island was exceptional. Shulan and the Port of Meow were spectacular in their own ways, but this was on a whole other level. Shi didn’t have the grandiose or mystery of San Island, but their architecture and grid-like layout of the homes and businesses was close to the level of modern-day Earth.

    “They must be loaded,” I murmured.

    “I apologize, Master. By what you do mean, ‘loaded?’” Celestia asked as she continued to guide us through the roads and alleyways. I admit I didn’t realize I’d spoken out loud.

    “Oh, I-I mean, like… ahem. I’m referring to this city looking very, uh, profitable.” Nice word choice, dude.

    Celestia pointed to an alley on her left and continued onward. “If you are referring to whether or not it costs a great deal of Bells to construct our neighborhoods, then no, you would be incorrect.”

    “Just exhausting, bone-breaking work,” Ravyn said. I turned around to see Keke and Cannoli had gifted her the same look of astonishment as I was now feeling. “Eck, my feet ache just thinking about it.”

    Celestia’s sharp gaze caught Ravyn, and for a moment, I thought she was going to go Terminator on her and pull a laser gun from under her skirt. To my relief, her gaze lasted mere moments.

    “From where do you hail?” asked Celestia.

    “Oh. I’m from—” I began.

    “My apologies, Matt,” Celestia said in a rather strange monotone voice, “but I was referring to the one in red.”

    “The one in red,” Ravyn mumbled, pushing her tongue against the inside of her cheek.

    Keke gripped Ravyn by the elbow, casting her a glare. “What are you doing?” she whispered as low as she could.

    Ravyn shook her arm away. “Name’s Ravyn. I’m from Shulan.”

    “The third island,” mused Celestia.

    “The very same.”

    “Do the orphans still commit theft?”

    I really don’t like where this is going.

    Ravyn furrowed her brow and lied easily, “Wouldn’t know. Left a long time ago.”

    “I see.”

    To not only my relief, I’m sure, Celestia arrived at our destination—a smaller home than the other elaborate Victorian estates. The front and center were box-shaped and flanking the sides were two hexagonal towers. A black wrought iron fence surrounded the entire building, and a pair of dragon-shaped hedges flanked the red-brick pathway.

    Smaller, but still ridiculously sized.

    There’s no way they aren’t loaded. How in the hell do they manage something like this?

    “This is where you will be staying if you so choose,” Celestia said, presenting the estate with a half-bow.

    “What does it cost?” I asked while reaching for my [Cat Pack].

    She shook her hand, glancing over at Ravyn. “For you, Master, no cost. Naturally, that also means that your companions will not be expected to pay anything either. Venicia is a hospitable town. We take care of our own, especially the men.”

    I’m so confused. Is this the norm? Have I just been getting the short end of the stick all this time?

    “Um, thank you,” I said, putting away my [Cat Pack].

    “What’s the catch?” said Ravyn.

    Oh my God. Can you not leave well enough alone?

    Celestia didn’t hide her glare. But it quickly morphed into a smile. “Why, there is no ‘catch’ in the town of Venicia. We strive to provide great service to our men and their fortunate companions. ‘Service, Grace, Urgency.’” Celestia held up a single finger, reciting the words back as if counting them to herself. “These are the three pillars that we practice and abide by each day.” Her smile widened. “I understand if it is a shock to someone from Shulan. Their greed is reprehensible.”

    I could practically hear the teeth grinding in Ravyn’s mouth, and before it could escalate, I raised a hand. “So, uh, where do we eat?”

    “Inside. There is a veritable array of fruits and vegetables. Please help yourself and pay no mind to the speed of consumption. If you require further, then you need only ring the Enchanted Bell.”

    “Where is this bell?” asked Keke.

    “A fine question. You will find many of them. There is one for each room in the house, including the basement and attic. They are silver and rest upon wooden countertops where available.”

    “Thank you, Celestia. I think we can take it from here.” I held out my hand, and Celestia shook her hand in refusal.

    “Please. This is fine enough.” Celestia curtsied. “Thank you for visiting Shi Island, Venicia, and gracing this humble town with your presence. We wish to serve you again soon.”

    With that, Celestia left at a casual pace. I’m sure she had other places to be, so maybe it was just the hustle and bustle of retail and food industries that had instilled that sense in me, but she was awfully slow-paced for an acting head maid. Manager? I don’t know.

    “Well, why don’t we get inside and talk about what to do next?” suggested Keke.

    “Alright, sounds good,” I said, nodding.

    Just as Keke reached for the latch around the gate, she pulled back in a yelp. “Ow, what the heck?”

    “Are you okay?” I asked with my hand outstretched.

    “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a weird shock.”

    “Static electricity,” I said with a chuckle. Her cheeks turned pink, and I reached for the latch this time. Nothing happened. “Looks like an ordinary latch to me.” I flicked it back and beckoned the girls in behind me. Cannoli was the last to enter, shutting the gate behind her.

    The steps leading up to the home were made of varnished wood. Have to say, I was impressed. To my surprise, the door didn’t have any type of lock. I thought this was a little strange since even Ni Island had locks on their doors, and everyone seemed to know everyone there.

    Guess it’s just a super safe neighborhood?

    I reached for the door handle, and this time it was my turn to be struck by the electricity. My hand jerked back and I whispered, “Ow!”

    “Your turn!” Keke said with a laugh.

    I laughed with her. But at that moment, a strange sensation came over me. It didn’t feel any different than a regular shock, but the spot around where my ear was pierced throbbed for a split second. I fingered the earring, and Ravyn shot me a suspicious look, clicking her tongue.

    With a bit of apprehension in my movement, I went for the handle again and pushed the door open. The inside was just as beautiful as the outside. Wooden floors shined to perfection, white silk drapes, four-panel window panes, and a spiral staircase were the first things I saw.

    That is until I saw the catgirl to my right.

    “Welcome home, Master!” she said brightly.

    Well, this is going to make things a little awkward.

    [​IMG]

    Chapters 43 through 81 have been removed to comply with Kindle Unlimited's guidelines.
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2023
    DoubleBlind, Nov 21, 2021
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  5. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]

    Chapter 82: Blue Screen

    [Initiate ping: USER MATTHEW KELMER…]

    [USER MATTHEW is not responding.]

    [VITAL SIGNS: STABLE]

    [Initiate ping: USER TRISTAN ERATO…]

    [Connection successful.]

    [Transmitting feed…]

    There were already a thousand questions clouding Tristan’s head, and a hundred more joined them when Matt disappeared from the tavern.

    “What just happened?” He looked around at the girls’ blanched faces. Ara sat closest to him, rotating her jaw as if chewing the event itself. Ceres, the newest warrior to apparently join their ranks, gave Tristan a slight shake of her head.

    Jazz stood from her table and sauntered to theirs. Without asking permission, she slid into the seat beside Tristan, forcing him to scoot over. Ara frowned but silently did the same.

    “I’ll go check on him,” Keke said, butting her shoulder against Ravyn so she could escape the booth.

    “I don’t recommend that,” Jazz replied, twining her fingers together and leaning her elbows on the table. “I can’t imagine he’s in a fit state to speak to any of you.”

    “What do you want, bitch?” Ravyn snarled. Tristan flinched. His eyes wandered to the dark red streaks on Jazz’s fingers.

    “Ravyn,” Ceres warned.

    “No. Fuck that,” Ravyn snapped. “Speak plain, Jazz, or go back to your hole.”

    Ceres sat back, recognition flickering in her eyes, and hardened her stare.

    Jazz only smiled. “I would think you would all show more compassion to a leader who’d lost six of her tribe.” The smile widened, and Tristan shivered. “Especially when it’s your fault.”

    Cannoli, who’d sat watching the exchange with watering eyes and lowered ears, held her blazard close to her chest. Her mouth formed a tiny “o”-shape, and she blinked in confusion. “That…couldn’t be, though,” she murmured in her angelic voice. She looked to Keke, Ravyn, Ara, then Tristan for clarity. “Could it?”

    Jazz reached across the table and took a tendril of Keke’s long brown hair between her fingers. “Why did you do it, hm? What is it you’re trying to prove?”

    All eyes turned to the [Scout]. Tristan replayed the dangerous walk from Catania to Sorentina again in his head and could tell the others were doing the same. They’d stalked between tall grass and thickets, shying away from uncovered areas. They’d fought the slime and avoided a number of Encroacher nests and Defiled approaches. So, when could Keke have possibly shifted the attention of a monster to another group?

    “I-I don’t understand,” Keke stammered.

    Ball Gag hopped from Ravyn’s shoulder to Keke’s, snapping his sharp beak in warning mere inches from Jazz’s fingertips.

    “Hands to yourself, cunt! Squaaawk!”

    “Naughty bird.” Jazz tapped the top of his beak, and the blue parrot yawped in anger. “You threw that rock where Marianne’s group was hiding. You saved your own skins in exchange for six of mine.”

    Tristan had seen Keke’s terror when facing the skeleton and the [Necromancer]. How her skin lost its color to the point where her lips turned grey. But the look on her face now was worse than either situation. Her mouth hung open, and her eyes glistened. Her whole body slumped as if the strings holding her up suddenly snapped.

    “Keke wouldn’t have done that if she saw them!” Cannoli protested. Buttons nodded his enthusiastic agreement, though Tristan was certain the blazard would agree with anything his master said. “She was just keeping us safe!”

    “Oh? Is that all?” Jazz’s smile vanished, replaced by the fearsome facade they’d witnessed their first night in Catania. “Not out of spite? Jealousy, perhaps? As I understand it, Marianne so recently enjoyed the pleasure of his company.”

    Keke’s ears flattened, and she shook her head. “No. No, no. I didn’t know. Please,” she begged. “I had no idea. I’m so sorry.”

    “If only apologies were enough to bring them back,” Jazz mused. “I can’t imagine Matt is taking the death of an unborn kitten well, either.”

    “Enough!” Ceres slammed her armored hands against the table, her long braid bouncing against her shoulder. “I trust my Lord and his companions with my life. If Keke says it was unintentional, then it must be true. Your provocations are unnecessary and unwelcome.”

    “And what is it that I win in this exchange, hm?” Jazz replied. “From where I’m sitting, the only ones who have gained anything are your allies.”

    Silent tears streamed down Keke’s cheeks. Cannoli clasped her shoulder and murmured words of assurance in her ear. Ravyn accepted Ball back to her shoulder and looked behind her in the direction Matt had disappeared. The sounds of comfort and merriment from the other girls grated against their ears.

    Tristan traced the familiar shape of Desiree in his lap. Ever since they’d removed him from Venicia’s School of Etiquette, he’d felt out of place and like he’d just entered Nyarlea for the first time all over again. Matt had served as their party leader and face, and right now, he was completely out of the picture. I have to show them I’m not worthless. Matt can’t do this alone.

    “You’re right, Jazz. You’ve risked and lost a lot.” The surety of his tone surprised him. Ara’s surprised gaze emboldened him. “But you came here for farmers and foragers, right? And you still have plenty of girls willing to stay.”

    “Young Master is correct. There’s still much you can do for Catania. Their deaths will not be in vain,” Ara added.

    Ceres clasped her hands together and looked from Tristan to Jazz. “Allow me to clarify. You wish to leave girls here and take ours back with you?”

    “Ah, she does listen. Yes, little warrior. We leave a few fighters to train with you and help guard your precious Sorentina in exchange for your knowledge of farming and foraging.”

    Ceres frowned. “For lawful purposes, I assume?”

    “So, you’ve heard of me,” Jazz laughed. “I’m flattered.”

    “Just answer the fucking question,” Ravyn groaned. “This isn’t Nyarlean Court intrigue, for fuck’s sake.”

    “None of Sorentina’s people will be subject to anything unlawful. You have my word,” Tristan said.

    “And as we all know, Tristan’s word is gold,” Jazz teased.

    Tristan locked her gaze. “Jazz. Please.” He’d seen a side of her that he was sure very few had before. All he could do was hope that gave him some weight in the conversation.

    Jazz held her silence for a few heartbeats, then relented at last. “Yes. You have my word.”

    Tristan sighed in relief. Keke wiped the tears from her cheeks and touched Ravyn’s arm. “Excuse me,” she whispered.

    “Yeah. Sure,” Ravyn said, stepping away from the booth to let Keke free. She put a hand on Cannoli’s shoulder and shook her head. “Let her go.”

    Cannoli chewed her lower lip, and Tristan couldn’t imagine the war she was fighting with herself. But she conceded to Ravyn and slid back into the booth next to Ceres.

    “I’m close with the Captain of the Guard. I can arrange the exchange and have the girls ready in two days,” Ceres continued. “If your girls are comfortable sharing room arrangements, we can split them between the inn and the Guild Hall.”

    “We’ve lived in cramped spaces for years. They’ll appreciate the change of scenery, I think,” Jazz said.

    That’s an interesting ‘we’ considering your gigantic room, Tristan thought but bit his tongue.

    “Right. I will help pay for food and medicine for your injured. The guard should be able to assist me with the remaining bill. And,” Ceres gestured to the tattered garments dangling from Jazz’s lithe body, “we will find you more suitable attire.”

    “Back to playing servants, are we? What a glorious day.” Jazz gestured grandly.

    “Mattaku! Just thank her, you ungrateful twat!” Ravyn shouted.

    It was Cannoli’s turn to flinch.

    “Yes. Thank you. Saoirse bless you.” Jazz tapped Ceres’ forehead. A piece of dried blood flecked away and clung to her yellow hair. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have six rites of death to organize.”

    Jazz stepped away from the table and looked over her shoulder one last time. “Oh, I forgot, Happy Cherishing Day.” She smirked and returned to her table. Cannoli carefully plucked the blood from Ceres’ hair.

    “Thank you,” Ceres bowed her head toward Cannoli. “She is more terrifying than I ever imagined.”

    “I’m surprised Tristan escaped her gross clutches alive,” Ravyn noted.

    Tristan blushed. Ara saved him from having to reply.

    “I take it the aim was to retrieve you all along?” Ara said, staring straight at Ceres.

    “I don’t understand what you are insinuating,” Ceres replied levelly.

    “Your comrades dragged us through every hell on this island under the guise of showing the Young Master the poor conditions of the cities.” Ara’s hand moved to one of her daggers’ sheathes. “No one thought to mention that we suffered so Matt could steal another girl from this island?”

    “‘Steal another girl?’” Ceres scoffed. “How could you say such a thing after my Lord saved my life?”

    “No, Ceres, it’s okay.” Tristan rested a hand on Ara’s wrist and shook his head. “I don’t think the whole thing was a lie, Ara. I needed to see what Shi Island looked like. It’s really bad.”

    “Yeah, no shit,” Ravyn spat.

    Tristan ignored Ravyn’s comment, focusing only on Ara. “Don’t you think we should fix it?”

    Ara paused but dropped her hand away from her weapon. “It is my purpose to ensure your safety.”

    “I know. But what do you want?”

    Cannoli let Buttons roam free on the table. He dove into a bowl filled with peanuts and wrestled two into his mouth.

    “You have some time to decide,” Cannoli said softly. “But the original reason we came here was to find Tristan so all of Nyarlea’s men could meet safely in one place.”

    “Why?” Ara asked.

    “Because the Defiled are fucking everywhere, and it’s getting worse,” Ravyn supplied. “And as much as I hate agreeing with a waste of good air, the man who suggested it has the right idea.”

    Ceres nodded. “A united front will be much more powerful than, well, being locked away in a school.”

    “I don’t want that. Ever again,” Tristan said, heated resolve in his words. “I will never close my eyes to this again.”

    “Young Master, we must return to Venicia—” Ara began.

    “Eventually, yes. But we’ll meet with the others first and then decide where to go from there.” Tristan scratched the back of his neck. “If you’d rather go back alone, I’m sure we can find someone to go with you.”

    “No. My place is at your side.”

    “Then come with me. Please.”

    Ara’s cheeks reddened, and she placed a hand on her chest. “O-of course. You can always count on me.”

    “Mou ii,” Ravyn whined. For the first time that afternoon, Cannoli giggled.

    Please be okay, Matt. I can’t do this without you.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2023
    DoubleBlind, Feb 27, 2022
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  6. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 133: Desert Rose

    Portia drew her sloop up toward the dock while the rest of us took our first look at Ichi Island. Gently sloping hills glittered in the bright sunlight, pocked with tall palm—excuse me, pawm—trees. A small port town was built around the awaiting docks and, beyond that, sand. Nothing but miles and miles of hot, swirling sand.

    “Don’t suppose you can speak to sand, Lara?” I mused.

    Lara tipped her head and touched one finger to her lips. “Hm? But sand isn’t an element.”

    “No. Because you talk to fire, and sand’s hot—” I tried to explain.

    “Stop it, boy. You’ve lost the joke,” Ravyn sighed.

    Keke giggled behind her hand.

    “Wouldn’t sand be closer to earth element?” Cannoli wondered. “Since, you know, it’s on the ground?”

    Not wanting to let my bad joke fester, I asked no one in particular, “Actually, that brings up something else I’ve wondered about. Why ‘earth’ element? That’s what Tristan and my last world was named. Earth.”

    Ceres furrowed her brow and pursed her lips. “T-the place you both originate from is named after dirt?”

    Destiny clapped her hands together. “Tristan told me about that! It’s so wild. Their world had the craziest words for things. Like vagitus.”

    “Like what?” I raised an eyebrow.

    “Vagitus is the sound of a newborn crying.” Tristan shook his head and waved his hands.

    We all stared at him with similarly perplexed gazes. Not a venereal disease?

    “A-anyway. I’m sure you’ve noticed that there are a lot of terms closer to our world than words in the Nyarlean language. Like carrots.”

    I nodded. “Uh-huh.” Sure. Carrots. Vagitus. Same difference.

    He continued, “There are many different influences at play here. Seemingly every world that’s had a hand in Nyarlea since… Well, since its inception has influenced the culture somehow.”

    “Since Saoirse crafted the islands and the girls in her own aspect,” Cannoli added brightly. “Praise be her name.”

    Ceres, Keke, and Lara bent their ears forward and touched their fists to their lips, mirroring Cannoli’s sign of reverence. Ravyn rolled her eyes. The others shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

    “Alright. Emilio’s ready to moor. Everyone off,” Portia announced.

    Good timing. “What’ll you do while we’re gone, Portia?”

    She jerked her chin toward the city. “The girls here enjoy cards and company. A lot nicer than the Shi mai—” She stopped herself, and her gaze flickered between Ceres, Destiny, and Lara. “Well, anyway, I’ll be here until you lot get back.”

    “Thanks for everything, Portia. Really,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “We’ve really dragged you through the gutter with this.”

    “And I’m sure my pay will reflect it, yeah?” She flashed a half-smile and hopped off the deck. Bending at the knee, she expertly tied a long rope around an iron hook on the dock’s edge. There were only two other boats at the dock—one rowboat similar to Portia’s first ship and a sloop slightly larger than hers.

    “Of course, it will. With interest,” Tristan insisted.

    Says the guy without a Bell to his name.

    “We will do all that we can,” Destiny added with a deep bow.

    “Goodness, Water’s in such a bad mood,” Lara murmured.

    Cannoli hooked her arm in Lara’s and guided her to the dock. “Come, come, dear. Maybe Earth is feeling a little bit better.”

    I watched them depart before a low growl sounded behind me.

    “This is gonna be a long trip,” Ravyn murmured beneath her breath.

    “Oh, come now. This island seems welcoming enough. See? Even Portia enjoys the port city.” Ceres rested a hand on Ravyn’s shoulder and gestured to the square dwellings and colored awnings.

    Ravyn clicked her tongue. “Kuso. We’ll see about that.”

    “What’s this place called, Portia?” I asked once we’d all moved off the dock and taken our first steps in the sand.

    “Kandota.” Just as Keke opened her mouth to speak, she put up a hand. “Don’t ask me anything beyond this town. I haven’t had a reason to go in any farther.”

    Keke hummed her understanding and gave her a quick nod.

    “Come on. I’ll show you the inn.” Portia waved her arm, and we diligently followed in an uneven line. Like ducklings trailing their mom.

    “This is where Naeemah’s from, right?” I asked Ravyn.

    “Yeah. That was after my time, though. I’ve never been here.” She grabbed a cookie from her [Cat Pack] and passed it to Ball.

    He slowly crunched into it before announcing, “It’s fucking hot! Squawwwk!”

    “I know, Bally. I know,” Ravyn agreed.

    “After your time?” I asked.

    Ravyn froze, tail quickly flicking side to side as she considered her response.

    “C’mon, Ravyn. Just be straight with me.” We didn’t need to do this song and dance every time I tried to find out something new about her…Did we?

    Ravyn sighed and resumed her march in our caravan. “After Yomi and I were in Cailu’s Party.”

    Ball came alive and screamed, “Cailu the cunt!”

    “That clearly didn’t go well,” I noted. Their history had seemed complicated from the moment I’d met him on San Island. Even so, the more I traveled and fought, the more I had to admit the guy must be tired. I could never agree with his views on the girls, but doing this all alone? Even thinking about it was rough.

    “No. It couldn’t have gone worse.” She avoided my stare as she fetched the parrot another cookie.

    “How long ago was that?” I tried to ask as casually as I could. I didn’t want to push my luck with her, but I desperately wanted to know more about my Party.

    The sound of Ball’s powerful beak joined our soft steps in the sand, spreading out the seconds between my question and Ravyn’s response. I’d about given up until she said, just above a whisper, “At least ten years ago.”

    Jesus. I carefully kept my expression neutral and sifted through everything I could say that wouldn’t sound absolutely awful.

    “Mou ii. Can we talk about this later, please? This fucking heat is bad enough as it is,” she asked, saving me the trouble of what to say next.

    “Yeah. Sure. No problem.”

    Ravyn and I traveled the rest of the way in silence. Keke glanced over her shoulder to check on us a few times. Lara, Cannoli, and Ceres prattled on about whether Fire could truly be captured within Earth. Destiny and Tristan walked shoulder to shoulder, chatting and laughing softly to one another. And Portia stoically led on.

    The further we ventured into town, the more alive it became. There was an interesting dichotomy between the catgirls’ clothing. Some favored layers upon layers of light fabrics that wrapped around every inch of their skin and over their heads. Others preferred thin, wispy outfits with tops and skirts that barely covered their bodies. While a few lighter-skinned girls moved from doorway to doorway, the prevailing skin tones ranged between tan to ebony, accentuated by golden jewelry and headdresses. I found my eyes wandering to swaying hips and covert smiles from the few who caught my eye.

    “Matt? You alright?” Keke called.

    It was only then that I realized I’d stopped walking. “Yeah, I’m good!” I coughed and caught up to a smirking Ravyn.

    “This is the Desert Rose,” Portia announced, stopping in front of a colorfully decorated building. It was square-shaped like the others but had an intricate awning that appeared handwoven; decorated with thin geometric designs that were fitting but eye-catching. “You’ll be able to find me here ‘til you’re ready to leave.”

    “Why don’t we grab something to eat and try to figure out where we’re headed?” I suggested.

    “That’s a great idea, Matt! I’m starved,” Tristan chimed in.

    Various nods and hums of approval followed before we all passed through the shimmering curtain of the Desert Rose.

    The place was packed. One group of catgirls in San attire cackled in a corner, but the rest were Ichi Island natives. Sharing stories and deep cups, playing cards, and eating a variety of foods from dozens of small plates spread around the table. A handful of girls spared us a sideglance or two, but the stillness I’d come to expect from two men entering a building didn’t come.

    “Welcome to the Desert Rose,” a catgirl with short black hair greeted us with a smile and four tankards balanced on her tray. “Sit anywhere you like.”

    Portia looked around the restaurant and licked her lips. “I’ll find my own table. That is, if you lot don’t mind.”

    I fished a hefty amount of Bells from my [Cat Pack] and handed it to Portia. “Knock yourself out.”

    She grinned and slapped me on the back. “You’re a good guy, Matt.” Without another word, she vanished into the crowd.

    “This way,” Tristan announced, pointing above his head.

    We danced around the tables until we found an empty booth to accommodate us all in the middle of the tavern. We settled in, Keke and Cannoli on either side of me. The noise wasn’t as bad thanks to the tall backrests that went at least a foot above my head.

    The catgirl from the front of the tavern returned, now empty-handed, and flashed us a tired smile. She wore a skirt that dangled at her hips and a top composed of two triangles. Her full curves filled the ensemble well. “Two men under one roof? That’s something you don’t see every day.”

    “Well, about that. Before we order, I have a quick question,” Tristan said, raising his hand.

    “What’s that, sweet?” Despite all the waving hands and loud calls in the background, she at least looked like she was focusing all of her attention on Tristan.

    “Where can we find Magni?”

    Her grin faltered, and her ears twitched. She crossed her arms and studied Tristan for a few long moments. “Hm. Well, he’s in Rājadhānī, supposedly.”

    “Supposedly?” Cannoli asked, helping Buttons from her shoulder to the tabletop.

    “Yes.” She smoothed her skirt. “You see…Magni hasn’t been seen outside of the fortress in three years.”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Aug 13, 2022
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  7. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 134: Cactus Kiss

    I blinked. “Three years? Why’s he been in there so long?”

    Our waitress shrugged. “From what I hear, he’s convinced there are [Assassin]s out for his life.”

    “Mou ii,” Ravyn muttered and rested her head in her hand.

    “What’s your name?” Tristan asked kindly.

    Flipping on the charm switch, I see.

    The waitress’ cheeks pinked. “Kantha.”

    “Kantha, can you tell us more about Magni? Please?” Tristan asked with unwavering concentration.

    Careful, you’re going to give her the wrong impression with a powerful stare like that.

    The slightest hint of a smile reformed on Kantha’s face. “Sorry, sweet. Not sure. Last group that came in here from Rājadhānī said there were riots outside the fortress.” She shook her head. “The catgirls of Ichi aren’t too happy with current affairs, so I’d watch your back.”

    “W-what do you mean?” Cannoli asked with balled hands. Buttons stopped chasing his tail and gazed up at his master.

    Using one finger, Kantha pointed at me, then at Tristan. “These two might get you in trouble.”

    Par for the course, I guess.

    Kantha didn’t know much more beyond that. Very few catgirls were visiting Rājadhānī nowadays, and those that did were there for the political spectacle. Once she’d pointed out the general sour disposition toward men, I noticed more sharp side-glances and blatant stares from the patrons. We made a quick exit once we finished our meal.

    “So, thoughts?” I asked aloud, hoping one of the girls might have a better idea.

    “I’m fucking roasting,” Ravyn moaned. Ball teetered on her shoulder, and she steadied him with a heavy hand.

    Destiny’s chest heaved. “I’m melting,” she whined.

    “Well, first of all,” Keke said as she waved a hand in front of her, “we need to get different clothes. We’ll burn to a crisp if we walk around like this.”

    Ceres bowed her head and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I must agree, Sir Matt. I fear my armor may cook me alive.”

    “I’ll make sure I ask Water to help us soon,” Lara said.

    I shook my head. “It’s fine. With or without water, we’re going to need different clothes. We should wear less clothing, right?”

    Keke stifled a laugh behind one hand. “No. The opposite, Matt.”

    Tristan nodded. “She’s right. We’ll actually want to wear more clothing if anything. The important part is making sure your skin isn’t exposed to the sun for too long. Because if—” A gust of wind kicked up, blowing sand into our mouths. Tristan bent over, hacking up a storm. “Excuse me, I—”

    “I hate this place already,” Ravyn said with her hand to her mouth.

    “I’m going to fucking die, squaaaawk!”

    Cannoli covered her face with both hands, coughing and rubbing at her eyes. “B-Buttons, are you okay?” Out of the corner of my eye, I watched while the little dude squirmed his way out from under her shirt and a ran a few circles around her collar bone.

    “Seems just fine to me,” I said, specks of sand finding their way into the crevices of my body. “Let’s talk over there!” I pointed to an open spot between a pair of buildings wide enough to accompany two people standing side by side. The wind continued to worsen as we walked, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I made it into the groove. I brushed free whatever sand I could find away from my clothes. “You were saying, Tristan?”

    Tristan shook his hair free of the sand like a dog. “Phew. Sorry. Yeah, as I was saying, we need clothes. What Keke said was right. We need more clothes. If we keep the sun off our skin, we’ll be fine.”

    I caught a pair of chatty catgirls passing with attire that left little to the imagination. “What about girls like them?”

    “They probably live here,” reasoned Keke, “so they can afford to stay cool and wander around for a little bit. We’re traveling. We do not want to walk around like that. Haven’t you ever had a sunburn?”

    “Well, yeah, of course,” I said, laughing, “but I always just assumed less was more, I guess.”

    “No, no, no,” Keke said, the concern on her face worsening with every word. “Let’s go visit a shop nearby and find some clothes.”

    “Are they going to have clothes for us?” I asked, pointing to Tristan and then me.

    There was a pause. “Sir Matt makes a good point,” said Ceres.

    “They should at least have cloaks,” Keke said as she was already making to leave the alleyway. “Come on.” She beckoned us with a wave of her hand. “I’ll pick some things out for us.”

    Every step on the way felt like misery. The sun was blazing hot. Each time the rays hit my skin it felt like the frying egg on the rock I saw on TV all the time as a kid. As breathtaking as the Ichi Island girls were, it’d be seconds later that I’d end up with some strange gnat on my arm or a grain of sand in my eye or something. It felt like a small victory when we found a promising store nearby.

    As soon as we moved inside, another whirlwind of sand erupted from the ground and chased our backs.

    “Shut the door! Shut the door!” Ravyn screamed.

    “Hurry the fuck up, squaaaawwwk!”

    Ceres furrowed her brow, quietly shutting the door behind us.

    “I’m going to strangle that bird in a second if it doesn’t shut up,” Destiny snapped.

    “Hm? What was that?” Ravyn turned to Destiny with that half smile that put me on edge.

    “Quiet!” Tristan yelled next. His sudden outburst calmed the chaos that enveloped us, eliciting a squeal from the shopkeep.

    Ceres cleared her throat and bowed when she saw we’d garnered the eyes of several catgirls in the room. “My humblest apologies. Please forgive our rude intrusion.”

    “Wouldn’t be rude if someone didn’t open their mouth,” Destiny muttered.

    “Destiny,” Tristan said as he turned to look at her with a raised brow.

    “Hey, let’s just calm down,” I said next, taking the vanguard. “We’re here for clothes. We can talk later if need be.”

    “We’ll be talking for a while if Earth has anything to say about it,” said Lara. Her statement elicited mixed stares of concern and confusion from everyone in the room.

    “It’s a joke she makes.” I forced out a laugh. “Ain’t that right, Lara?” I nudged her between the ribs with my elbow.

    “No, I’m being serious. Why would I joke about that? You remember how Water was acting earlier.”

    And now you’re making yourself look like the fool. Just shut up while you’re ahead. “A-anyways. I’m going to look over there.”

    “I’m going with him,” Keke said with a sigh.

    Everyone went their own way, and I took Keke aside. “Mind helping me find something?”

    She smiled and hooked her elbow around mine. “Of course, darling.”

    I felt my face heat up, and I scratched the back of my head. A few grains of sand found their way between my fingernails, and I suppressed a groan. “Thanks.”

    It didn’t take long to find their limited cloak section. There were only a few different colors but, thankfully, they came in plenty of sizes. Eventually, Keke picked out a long, full black cloak for me and a white one for Cannoli.

    Keke threw a cloak she’d picked out for herself around her neck and tied it. She turned her body to the left, then to the right, then untied it and bundled it in her arms. It was dark and green like the canopies of trees you’d see in a forest.

    “That just leaves gloves and boots,” she said.

    “Are those really necessary?” I asked.

    Cannoli nodded. “Absolutely! My hands and feet got burnt a few times on the beach as a kitten.” Buttons perched on her shoulder, nodding along with her. “But gloves and shoes stopped that.”

    “You’re forgetting your face,” Keke said with a nostalgic smile. Cannoli’s lips scrunched together. “She’d try and find bunnies on the beach and spend hours outside. Usually, I had to go and find her.”

    “That’s because all the other kittens lied to me,” said Cannoli.

    Gullible kitten Cannoli is something I would’ve liked to see. “I thought we all had boots in [Combat Mode]?”

    “Well, Tristan doesn’t, for one,” Keke replied. “Better to be on the safe side.”

    We spent a few more minutes searching for the coveted gloves and boots. Once everyone had appropriate garments secured, we approached the counter and threw our hoard on top.

    A tall catgirl with dark skin and a narrow face mulled over our clothes as if each proceeding garment was more pitiful than the last. A pair of crescent moons dangled from the tips of her black ears as she set aside our items, her eyes drifting to Tristan and me on occasion. Otherwise, she seemed indifferent to our presence.

    Should I be concerned?

    “Thank you for waiting. The total comes to two hundred and sixty-six Bells.”

    I reached for my [Cat Pack], but Keke stopped me with her hand.

    “Where are the extra fifty Bells coming from?” she asked. I frowned, looking at Keke, then back up at the shopkeeper.

    “Tax.”

    “I’ve never heard of anything like that before.”

    She crossed her arms. “Welcome to Ichi Island. You may leave if you wish.”

    “How are you charging fifty extra Bells for all of this?” It was Ravyn who asked this time. She approached the counter and leaned on one arm. “That’s almost a quarter of the original price.”

    “Indeed.”

    “So, you’re not going to elaborate?” Tristan asked.

    The woman’s voice remained monotone. “I did elaborate. Tax.”

    “Fucking unreal,” Ravyn muttered as she reached for her own [Cat Pack].

    “Ravyn, stop.” I put my hand out and pushed Keke’s away. “It’s fine. I’ll take care of it.” The sand, the heat, and the random winds blowing whatever insect was flying in the air into my mouth were getting grating enough. I didn’t care what the tax was for; I just wanted our cloaks so we could leave. Whispers and mutterings from catgirls perusing the wares surrounded us as I spilled some Bells onto the counter. I ignored them while I counted, then I waved Tristan over. “Might as well get his done too.”

    There was a bit of discomfort in his expression, but Tristan didn’t put up a fight. “Thanks, Matt.” He carefully piled two cloaks and one pair of boots onto the counter, then stood back.

    “What’s the total now?” I asked.

    The catgirl prodded one cheek with her finger. Did she really need to think about this? “The price is three hundred and seventy-five Bells.”

    “Robbery,” Keke grumbled.

    I shook my head. It didn’t matter. “Okay, fine. Here.” I threw a heap of Bells onto the counter, then watched as she slowly counted each coin.

    “The money is accounted for. You may leave now.”

    Ravyn held her hands out at her sides with her mouth open as if ready to dress the shop keep down. I shot her a glare and shook my head. She tilted her head to one side and sighed.

    “Thanks,” I said.

    We exited the store and ensured everyone was in [Combat Mode], fitting our new gear on top of it. The wind had calmed down, making the heat all the much more unbearable.

    “Wind said that the ungrateful have paid their dues,” said Lara.

    “I’m happy for the wind,” I said.

    “Wind. Not ‘the wind.’ Just Wind. Wind is very particular,” Lara corrected.

    “Thanks,” I grumbled. “Let’s look for a ride.”

    “What about those over there?” Cannoli said, pointing to a pen in the distance. From here, it was impossible to tell. But it was worth a shot. “Sure, let’s go take a look.”

    As we drew closer, the silhouettes in the pen became clearer, and with them, my skepticism rose. I was standing a few feet away when I stopped. I turned around to see everyone else had similar looks of confusion on their faces. That was, save for Cannoli. She had the look of a child coming to the zoo for the first time. Inside the pen were huge lizards resembling bearded dragons from my old world. They had long necks and black, pointed scales along their bodies. The base of their neck flared out with small spikes lining the frills. I knelt down to see each of them bore gold bangles around their ankles inscribed with some lettering I didn’t recognize.

    “Ravyn,” I said, my gaze never wavering from the creatures.

    “What?”

    “What are these things?”

    “Gigashanks.”

    “Giga-what?”

    “I’ve heard of these!” Cannoli clapped her hands. “They’re only seen on Ichi Island! They’re distant cousins of blazards!”

    Ravyn approached and held out her hand.

    “Might not wan’ do that, missy!” A catgirl with fiery-orange hair and eyes as blue as the ocean’s depths called from atop the neighboring building’s roof. “Real rough one, ‘e is!”

    The gigashank crawled closer, the golden beads of its eyes observing Ravyn’s features. Its gaze lingered, and my nerves were suggesting we step back.

    “Ravyn, don’t you—”

    “Quiet,” she snapped. Her tone softened, and she crooned, “Come here, boy.”

    A long, thin tongue flickered from its enormous mouth, scenting Ravyn’s palm. It did this three times, then the gigashank tilted its head against Ravyn’s hand and nuzzled against her as it purred. Or, at least, it sounded like it purred.

    The gigashank whisperer.

    “Death is here, death is here, squaaaaawk!”

    “You’ll be fine, Bally. See? He has no interest in you.”

    “Whoa,” the catgirl above said in awe. “Madam, he right likes ya! Need a ride?”

    “These are for riding?” I asked, pointing at the gigashank.

    “What marvelous creatures.” Ceres moved to stand beside Ravyn. “A fine mount for any knight.”

    “We’re riding these things?” asked Lara quietly.

    “I think so, sister,” said Destiny.

    Tristan turned to look at them with a smile. “I think this’ll be a lot of fun.”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Aug 15, 2022
    #4
  8. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 135: Crown of Thorns

    “So, then, how does this work? We just ride to Rājadhānī on these things?” I asked. One of the gigashanks caught my gaze, flicking its tongue to the wind. Like a giant bearded dragon.

    “Hang on there for just a smidgen,” the orange-haired girl called. She vanished from the rooftop, her quick footfalls padding on the stone before she reappeared from the front door of the small dwelling. She was a lot taller on the ground than she was on the roof—at least a few inches taller than me. Lanky limbs draped in baggy clothing and a scarf tied around her throat. “Alright. Where was we?” Scratching her head, she looked around our silent group. “Right then. Well. I’m Agni. And if you want a ride, ya pay me to ride ‘em.”

    Ravyn frowned. “How much?”

    Agni grinned a brilliant white smile against her tanned face. “Depends. Ya can’t get ta Rājadhānī without goin’ through Madhyam, and that’s a full two day’s ride. Another three days, and we’ll reach Rājadhānī.”

    “Five days?” Destiny’s eyes widened. She inched closer to Tristan and tugged on his sleeve. He bent low, and she whispered a string of sentences too softly for me to understand.

    “Yeup. Five days, sugar. One of my shanks cost ten Bells a day to rent—the best offer around, ya know. If ya’ll are going, we’ll need—” Agni furrowed her brow and pointed to each of us, silently mouthing the count, “Four gigashanks. I’ll have ta guide ya, but you don’t have ta pay for my boy. So, that’ll come out ta—”

    “Two hundred Bells,” Tristan announced softly.

    “Right ye are!” Agni exclaimed brightly. Then her ears suddenly drooped, and her smile faltered, “But I have ta include the King’s tax, ya see—”

    “King’s tax?” Ceres asked. “This is the second time we have heard of such a thing.”

    “Er, right. King’s tax.” Agni scratched the back of her neck and looked between all of us, eyes finally resting on me. “Do ya really not have a tax on your island?”

    “Not that I’m aware of.” I touched Keke’s shoulder, drawing her attention. “I mean, do we?”

    Keke shook her head. “There’s never been anything like that on Ni.”

    “San would fucking explode if Cailu tried to tax them,” Ravyn grumbled.

    Agni shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “I’ve heard the other girls from San say somethin’ similar.”

    “Nothing like that was documented on Shi Island, either.” Tristan frowned. “I’ve read a few books on Ichi Island, but not enough to make an educated statement on its history of taxes.”

    “Where does this tax go, exactly?” I asked.

    “Someone from the Rājadhānī fortress collects it from all of us every month.” Agni’s tail twitched, and she chewed her lower lip. “We all have to keep journals with our business exchanges in ‘em. Or else, well…” Her words trailed into the wind.

    “Or else what?” Cannoli squeaked.

    Agni’s eyes trailed upward, and she pointed to her left. We turned, following the direction of her finger. At the edge of Kandota were four towering wooden posts. I’d seen a few of them framing the port town, but the swirling sands had kept me from examining them much closer. At their peaks were rusted metal cages swaying in the breeze.

    “Or else you spend a few days in the coop. Sometimes more, dependin’ on how bad they think you’re lyin’.” Agni dropped her arm and shivered. “Don’ think I’ve seen a girl last much longer’en three days.”

    “They let her down, right? If they reach that point?” Cannoli asked, her voice quivering. “They don’t make her really stay up there for that long?”

    Ceres put a consoling hand on her shoulder.

    Agni shook her head. “We hafta play by the rules, sugar.”

    Lara stepped forward and snaked her arm through Cannoli’s. “Wind says she tries to help them. Sometimes she forces Water to play nice and make it rain. They saved a few girls that way.”

    Cannoli nodded but said nothing.

    “Anyway. No long faces today, friends. No one’s in the coop, and the collectors won’ be collectin’ for some time yet.” Agni clapped her hands together. “Two fifty Bells even, and I’ll take ya’ll to Rājadhānī. I know the best stops for sightseein’ and the safest places ta set up camp. Then, if ya need me to help ya come back, we’ll go the same way. Sound good?”

    I was trying to push away the thought of my girls stuck in a cage at least forty feet off of the ground. What the fuck, Magni?

    “That sounds great, Agni.” Tristan fished out a sizeable chunk of Bells from the brand new [Cat Pack] that Ara had given him. All of us blinked in surprise, and he blushed. “A-Ara made sure I had enough money to take care of us.”

    Keke grinned. “That’s adorable.”

    Destiny puffed out her cheeks and shook her head. “Tristan—I mean, young Master, what of what I said?”

    “Oh. Right.” Tristan turned to my Party. “Erm, Ravyn, Cannoli. Destiny said she’s…low on [Alchemy] supplies. If it’s not too much trouble, could you help her purchase some before we leave?”

    “Mattaku. Seriously?” Ravyn groaned.

    Destiny turned bright red and fussed with her apron. “I didn’t realize the, um, extent of our journey, I guess.”

    Cannoli brightened. Her ears perked, and her tail was suddenly reanimated. “I would love to!”

    “Well, I assume we need food for the journey, too, yeah, Agni? Or does our fare cover meals?” I asked.

    “There won’t be much for forgin’ out there, no. I usually have enough for one or two riders, but eight? ‘Fraid not.” Agni tugged at her red kerchief. “But I can show ya what to buy that’ll make it go a lot easier. I don’ want any of ye goin’ hungry.”

    “Perhaps I may also be of service in that department, Sir Matt,” Ceres suggested. “Keke as well.”

    I nodded. “Why don’t we split up, then? Ravyn and Cannoli can help Destiny, and the rest of us can get ingredients for the journey.”

    “I can tell you which things Fire likes to eat!” Lara exclaimed. “I may not be able to talk back to him but…he is very loud.” Every time she spoke, her words were slow and airy—like she was still putting her words together just as they escaped her tongue.

    “Uh-huh. Glad that’s decided.” I flashed her an awkward smile. “Meet back here in half an hour?”

    “Guess so.” Ravyn sighed and clapped her hands. “Let’s go, ladies.”

    “There’s a right good potion and herb shop by the tavern!” Agni called out to them. Ravyn waved a hand without looking back.

    “And I’ll lead ya down to the grocer.” Agni smiled at those of us who remained.

    Keke’s eyes drifted back to the cages high in the air and took a step closer to me. I felt a shiver run through her shoulders.

    I entwined my fingers with hers and squeezed her hand. “We’ll do what we can.”

    She nodded but said nothing.

    ---

    Forty-five minutes later, we were…on the road? Hitting the sand? We’d finally left Kandota. Destiny’s [Cat Pack] was filled with supplies that she assured us she could work with during our first night at camp. I guess she didn’t need a fully functioning [Alchemy] lab to do her magic. Ravyn and Cannoli had offered to help.

    As for the rest of us, our [Cat Pack]s were filled to bursting with five days’ worth of food supplies. Tristan’s shock at the lack of item stacking paralleled mine when I’d first discovered Nyarlea’s ridiculous inventory system. We shoved as many spices as we could into my spice pouch that Shizen had gifted me, and Agni surprised us with a similarly crafted pack that could store multiple instances of foodstuffs.

    We’ve really gotta get on the crafting train when we’re done with all of this.

    Since it was two people to one gigashank, we paired off and picked out our own mini-dragons to ride. I had Keke with me, Destiny clung to Tristan, Cannoli and Ceres took the third, and Ravyn was left with Lara.

    I think we’d all hidden a chuckle behind coughs at her incensed expression. No one gave her the opportunity to argue, as Agni ran a brief “How to Gigashank” tutorial immediately after we’d split up.

    You would think a creature with black scales sitting out in the heat all day would at least be hot to the touch. But the gigashanks were cool and their scales silken. The golden eyes with thin black pupils were still a bit offputting, but they really did have a disposition like giant bearded dragons.

    “They move so smoothly!” Keke exclaimed as Kandota shrank behind us. She rested her hands on her thighs and leaned back against me. “Even horses are harder to ride than this.”

    I’d let her sit in front just in case the thing decided to buck us off suddenly. Better chances of me catching her. But really, the footfalls were so even and quick that it was more like riding in a car. Seemed I’d worried too much.

    “I think Buttons wants to grow up to be a gigashank,” Cannoli giggled. Their mount was only a couple of feet to our left, and the Encroacher’s footfalls in the sand were almost silent.

    Buttons had crawled up to the gigashank’s enormous head and basked peacefully in the sun with his tail wrapped around his body.

    Glad this island is welcoming to at least one of us.

    “Hey, then you’d have a sweet mount all the time,” I called.

    “But then he wouldn’t fit in my pocket!” Cannoli countered.

    Tristan and Destiny were on our right. Destiny was stroking the gigashank’s long neck and carefully touching the points on its frills. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

    “They’re native to this island. I’ve read that there’s one farm of them in Nyarlothep where you can similarly rent them,” Tristan recited.

    “There’re deserts on Nyarlothep?” I asked.

    Tristan nodded. “Nyarlothep contains multiple biomes and ecosystems, but there are still many species of Encroachers and crops that only come from each of the other islands. It helps keep trade alive and the economies thriving.”

    “Unless there’s a tax,” Keke grumbled.

    “Gigashanks can actually grow larger than this. Enough to carry four people, if you’ll believe it.” Tristan laughed. “But I don’t know what you’d have to feed that thing to keep it happy.”

    I recalled a few articles I’d read about giant pythons that could swallow deers whole. Catgirls, at that point, I think. “What keeps it from growing?”

    “How much you feed it, actually. They don’t go hungry, but if you give them bigger meals, they’ll grow accordingly,” Tristan explained.

    Agni rode the gigashank at the front of our caravan. She laughed and called back, “I don’t have the Bells ta feed them kinds of shanks.”

    Ravyn and Lara brought up the rear of our parade, following immediately behind Keke and mine.

    “You really can’t talk to Fire?” Lara asked.

    “No,” Ravyn snapped.

    “But you’re a [Sorcerer], right? And you’re attuned to him?”

    “...Yes.”

    “Hmm.” Lara paused, touching her chin. “I can hear Fire all around you. He seems…agitated. More than usual. Maybe he really wants to talk with you?”

    “Kuso. Fire does not want to talk to me.”

    “I could try to teach you, if you like—”

    “Matt! Switch me partners!” Ravyn whined.

    “Hang in there, Ravyn,” I called back, suppressing a laugh.

    “I really do think you should try talking with Fire. Both of you might feel better for it,” Lara continued.

    Ravyn groaned and rested her forehead on the gigashank’s neck.

    Just another day in Nyarlea.

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Aug 17, 2022
    #5
  9. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 136: Catatonic

    After the first few hours passed, I started to get nervous. There really was almost nothing out here. Dunes upon dunes stretched for miles, with no apparent end in sight. Heat waves arranged the terrain in wavering zigzags—something I’d only ever thought happened in movies. Occasionally, I’d catch the stray insect or reptile here or there, but they’d quickly burrow into the sand, never to be seen again. Once or twice, our gigashank stopped for something he saw in the sand, but he never managed to snag anything from its depths. I felt a tinge of pity for the dude.

    Seeing what Ichi Island was made of—or rather, not made of—had me wondering how in the hell we were meant to survive out here. Forget making money or developing a trade. I’d be more concerned about finding food or water. I remembered hearing about oases and rivers being the source of life in a desert. Probably saw it on TV on some late-night documentary about Africa. I was half-expecting to see catgirls walking by with jars atop their heads, filled to the brim with water. That hadn’t happened yet.

    Instead, the scenery only reminded me of the games I’d played back when I was a kid. Countless wasted hours had passed me by because it just so happened that every developer had the same idea of forcing the player to guess their way through the desert levels. You’d move in one direction and some sand or storm would hit you or bring you somewhere you couldn’t predict. Then the game would teleport you back to the beginning, and you had to try and remember where it was you’d walked the last time. All that progress… lost. This led to an annoying method of trial and error until, through a process of elimination, you finally stumbled upon the right path.

    Something told me this would’ve been one of those situations if not for Agni. I could not overstate my gratitude for her.

    I wiped at the sweat that’d collected on my forehead, then whipped it away into the sand below me. How much longer would we have to travel until we could take a break? “How are you feeling, Keke?” Something told me I already had the answer, but I decided to ask anyway.

    “It’s too hot.” Her reply came in a hushed, throaty response. “Water.”

    “Hang on.” I reached for my [Cat Pack] and retrieved the hand-sized water flask from within. “Here you—” Keke snatched it from my hand instantly. “Go?”

    I counted three large gulps. Keke held it out at her side to give it back. “Thanks. Here.”

    I put the flask back. “Are you feeling okay otherwise?”

    “Yeah, just a bit hotter than I’m used to.” She turned her head to look at me. Her face was flushed. A bead of sweat fell from the tip of her bangs and she flashed a weak smile. “I’ll be okay.”

    I was starting to feel like her mom. She looked exhausted. “Are you sure? I can tell Agni we need a break.”

    “Why’s it so fucking hot?” Ravyn bellowed. “I want off this fucking ride!”

    “Hey now, you best keep your focus. We can take a break right soon, promise ya that!” Agni yelled over her shoulder. “That’s [Energy] you’re wastin’, so don’t be doin’ nothing unnecessary, ya hear?”

    I could feel the blood vessels in Ravyn’s forehead popping from where I sat.

    I turned around to see Lara’s head sinking between Ravyn’s shoulders. “I’m sorry I can’t speak with Fire.”

    Ravyn’s head snapped around to look at her. Her eye was twitching.

    “W-why don’t we sing a song?” I suggested in hopes of stopping Ravyn from saying something she might regret. Maybe Cannoli could strike up a jaunty tune to raise our spirits.

    “That’s a stupid fucking idea,” Ravyn spat.

    “Gonna have to agree with ya there, feisty one!” said Agni.

    “Feisty one?” I barely caught Ravyn say.

    “Like I said, don’t waste no [Energy]! Calm breathin’, steady does it, slow sips of water. Try to talk less!”

    “It was a fair suggestion,” Keke mumbled. “You tried.”

    I smiled at her. “Thanks. It was worth a shot.” I turned to my left to check on Ceres and Cannoli. They’d been awfully quiet for the majority of the ride, and my protective instincts were kicking in. Both of their skin was so soft and alabaster that I think anyone who saw them would think they’d never seen the sun in their lives. They’d burn to a crisp if it weren’t for the capes. At least Ceres had a lot of stamina. Cannoli, however… “Cannoli, are you doing okay?”

    She slowly turned to me, giving me a faint nod. Not a great sign. “Yes.”

    “Ceres?”

    Ceres squinted, then snapped her eyes back open. She puffed up her chest and looked at me. “Yes, Sir Matt. While it is a struggle, it is… an experience that I am— U-um, sorry, I appear to be having trouble forming co… co…”

    “Coherent?” I asked.

    She snapped her fingers. “Exactly that. Yes, coherent thoughts. Let us wait until a respite reveals itself.”

    I wasn’t sure how helpful a short break would be for someone delirious from the heat.

    Agni’s arm shot into the air. “Halt!” With that, every gigashank stopped dead in its tracks. I was impressed with how much control she had over these giant lizards. “Let’s call it early and set up camp. Only another hour until the sun goes down, anyhoo!”

    “Thank Saoirse,” Cannoli squeaked.

    “Pitch a tent, pitch a tent, squawwwwk! Death is near, squawwwwwk!”

    Ravyn ripped Ball Gag from the air with impressive speed. She drew him close to her face, looking him straight in the eye as she whispered, “If you don’t shut the fuck up, I’ll cook you myself.” There was a pause, and then Ball nodded enthusiastically. “That’s a good boy.” She released her grip, and the poor guy flapped at her ear before perching on her shoulder.

    Scary.

    Agni was clearly in her element. While we were still descending from our lizards, she’d already taken the liberty of pulling out the necessary tools and equipment to assemble the tent. “When ya’ll are ready, could I get a few helpful hands over here?”

    “Sure thing!” I called back. I held out my hand to Keke. “Let’s get you cooled off.”

    “Please,” Keke whispered.

    After I helped her down, I looked toward where Ceres and Cannoli were standing. They’d already dismounted, and Ravyn was quickly approaching. Lara was abandoned several meters behind her.

    No matter who I checked, everyone looked the same. Red faces riddled with grains of sand looked at each other, their expressions sour and tired. Ravyn stamped her foot for some reason, but I couldn’t hear why from where I was standing.

    A hand touched my shoulder. I turned to see Tristan, who looked no better than the others. “Hey, Matt. How you holding up?”

    As hot as it was, I admit that I was confident I could go another hour or two as originally planned. But I wasn’t about to make everyone else suffer through it. “Bad, but could be worse. How about you?”

    Tristan nodded. “About the same.”

    “T-Tristan,” Destiny said as she gripped his sleeve, “water, please.”

    “Hang in there, Destiny.” Tristan turned to put two consoling hands on her arms before he pulled out his flask of water, giving it to her with a tremble in his hand. I hope he doesn’t push himself too much. “Drink slowly, okay? I know you want to guzzle it down, but that’s not good for you.”

    Destiny nodded, tears collecting at the edges of her eyes. She did as she was told, though, and took a few sips before handing it back. “Thank you so much.”

    Poor thing.

    I tapped my shoe against the soft sand, impatience sliding through my veins. Everyone needed a shaded place to rest. Now. “I’m going to go help out Agni. What about you, Tristan?” He took some time to answer. His gaze constantly switched between Destiny and me while he wrung his hands.

    “I’ll stand by her,” Keke offered.

    “Are you sure?” I asked.

    She smiled. “Yes, I’m sure. So, go on.”

    I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks. That okay, Tristan?”

    He nodded, smiling back. “Yes.” The two of us began to walk side by side, and he waved back. “We’ll get this done in no time!”

    Keke and Destiny waved back, walking in the direction where the others were quickly congregating.

    By the time Tristan and I arrived, Agni had already gotten two of the supporting poles in the ground. We each waved as we came near. “Heya! Anyone else?” she asked.

    We shook our heads, but then another voice came from behind us. “Please, Sir Matt.” Ceres put a hand on my left shoulder. “Allow me to assist.”

    “Are you sure you don’t want to rest?” I said with a frown. She seemed to have a tendency to overextend herself when she didn’t need to. But at the same time, I’d feel guilty robbing her of the pride she seemed to get from helping others.

    “It is my wish,” she said, splaying her hand across her chest. “Allow me to assist. I am feeling much better already. Please do not worry yourself over me.”

    Sorry, that’s asking too much. I’m going to worry. “If you say so.”

    “Thank ya kindly!” Agni said with a salute and a wink. She knelt down and grabbed one of the other support beams, turning to hand it outward. “Mind takin’ that one and pinnin’ it down where I put the marker? Should match the same color as this one.”

    Ceres stepped ahead of us to retrieve the beam from Agni, observing the yellow speck of paint at the bottom, then situated it across her shoulders. Ceres shuffled to where Agni had colored one of the many web-like arms spread across the sand.

    I watched the entire time, entranced by how the muscles in her back flexed. Damn, she has a strong frame.

    “Sorry, bad with names,” Agni said with a laugh, snapping me back to reality. “Matt, right?”

    I nodded. “Yeah, that’s right. What do you need from me?”

    Agni held out another beam. “Same as your girl there.” She tapped at one end, indicating the blue paint. “Don’t matter which way you stick it in.”

    Don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it.

    I smiled. “Thanks.”

    It didn’t take half as long as I thought it would. As soon as Agni signaled that the tent was ready, everyone made a mad dash to get inside. The difference was night and day. Even with nothing more than a thick piece of fabric over our heads, I swore it was a twenty-degree difference.

    I was amazed at how prepared Agni was. I mean, it made sense. She seemed to have lived out here her whole life, but still. Color me impressed. A tripod stood a few meters away from the tent that held an empty black pot over a fire she’d built from her own supply.

    “Considerin’ how ya’ll acted earlier, I take it you ain’t ever had a taste of Ichi Island’s cookin’, ‘ave ya?” Agni asked while she was putting the finishing touches on the campfire.

    Cannoli’s spirits had returned. She rushed over, practically sliding on her knees to arrive at Agni’s side. “I would love to taste Ichi Island’s cooking!” She rummaged through her [Cat Pack] for a few seconds, pausing when she’d grabbed hold of something. “Promise you won’t think this is weird?”

    Agni blinked. “It can’t be that weird.”

    Her eyes darted one direction, then the next. “Okay.” She procured her trusty frying pan from within, holding it out in front of her. “I take this everywhere I go! I can never learn enough about cooking!” There was a pause. Cannoli’s arms fell slightly. “It is weird, huh?”

    Agni turned and threw her hand into her own [Cat Pack]. Seconds later, she retrieved another frying pan. “Hey, me too!”

    Cannoli’s eyes lit up. “Oh gosh, I’m not the only one! Yay!”

    “Ya never know when ya might need it, am I right?”

    “Yes! Especially when you’re traveling! It’s a lifesaver!”

    “Couldn’t agree more, hahaha! Give me just one right moment, and we’ll learn together, you and I!”

    “Should I call Ravyn?” I asked.

    “Nah, this won’t take but a second.” She flashed Cannoli a big smile. “Ready to learn somethin’ new from Ichi?”

    “Yes! Please!”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Aug 31, 2022
    #6
  10. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 137: Catabolism

    Cannoli and Agni worked earnestly over the iron pot while I watched nearby. Agni withdrew a large pouch from her [Cat Pack], then procured a handful of what looked like dark purple marbles.

    “What are those?” Cannoli asked, eyes wide.

    “Water’s precious out here. I’m sure you’ve noticed,” Agni chuckled. Holding her fist over the pot, she continued, “These are vesi seeds. With enough pressure—” She paused briefly and clenched her fist. A surprising amount of murky liquid seeped between her fingers and into the pot. “They make for a good broth.”

    Cannoli gasped and leaned forward with her hands on her knees, watching the extract dribble into the pot. “But…won’t that take a lot of seeds to feed all of us?”

    “Nope! These seeds an’ their flowers sap water from all nearby plants. So our pot’ll fill tha more veggies we add to the stew.”

    “That’s amazing!” Cannoli exclaimed.

    Tristan could use those to help out Shi Island, I think, I noted, recalling the food shortages in Catania.

    “Flavor ain’t half bad either,” Agni added with a grin. “Better than starvin’, that’s for sure.”

    “Oh! Let’s see!” Cannoli took a spoon—where did she get a spoon?—and held it beneath the dripping seeds. She stole a drop and popped the spoon in her mouth. “Hmm. Matt, may I use your spice pouch?”

    “Yeah, sure.” I dug the bag from my [Cat Pack] and handed it to Cannoli. “Knock yourself out.”

    Cannoli blushed. “W-what? Why would I do such a thing?”

    I chuckled. “Sorry. It’s a saying. Use as much as you want.”

    “O-oh.” Her blush deepened, and she picked at the strings on the spice pouch, avoiding my gaze. “Thanks.”

    They worked tirelessly as the sun disappeared below the horizon, replaced by a nearly full moon. With Cannoli’s assistance, dinner smelled just as good as one of her homecooked meals, and I found my mouth watering. The stew simmered and carried a siren’s call of scents to the tent.

    “Alright, folks. Supper’s up!” Agni called.

    Keke and Ceres were already creeping toward the fire when she made the announcement. They flinched and Cannoli giggled. Ravyn, Destiny, Lara, and Tristan were soon to follow, their features at least somewhat refreshed from before.

    Agni passed modest metal bowls amongst the group, and Cannoli served us each a helping of stew and a torn section of bread. We ate in companionable silence. Keke and I scarfed our meals in minutes while Tristan, Destiny, Lara, and Ceres were very polite in their bite sizes and eating speed. Cannoli and Ravyn sat off to the side, whispering to each other while feeding bits of bread and stew to Ball and Buttons. Every so often, I’d hear a giggle or a snicker from their direction, brightening the atmosphere.

    “That was delicious, thank you.” Destiny patted her mouth with the corners of her apron. I wanted to mention that it’d been exposed to the elements all day but decided it’d be best if I left it alone. “Please don’t put out the fire yet. I’d like to use it.”

    “Ah, no worries there, li’l lady. We’ll want it going til we get ta sleep,” Agni assured her. “Whatcha usin’ it for?”

    “I’d like to use the [Alchemy] supplies we purchased earlier. I want to be prepared,” Destiny explained. “It’s easier if I don’t have to make a fire from scratch.”

    “Fire’s moody anyway,” Lara murmured.

    “How do you make potions without a lab, Destiny?” I wondered out loud.

    “I use [Alchemical Fire], for one. It’s a Spell that allows me to adjust the temperature of an existing fire for my needs.”

    “Huh. Like a stove,” Keke noted.

    Destiny nodded. “Yes. My Class relies on my preparation of potions, venoms, and explosives, so I need to be able to create them on the go.”

    “That’s pretty amazing,” I mused.

    “Thanks.” Destiny smiled and unfastened her [Cat Pack] from her side. “Now, let’s see here.”

    Destiny first unfolded a blue stretch of fabric at her knees, then laid the contents of her pack in a line from one edge to the other. A thermometer, two glass beakers, a large flask of water, an array of glass bottles, a dozen unfamiliar herbs, and a small copper pot with a thin hose jutting from its opening before bending down into a copper can.

    “What’s that?” I asked, pointing to the copper pieces.

    “An alembic,” Destiny said, touching it gently. When she noticed my confusion, she cleared her throat. “A-a portable distiller. Tri— young Master purchased it for me.”

    Tristan, who had sat quietly sketching away to Lara’s right, suddenly snapped to attention. “I thought she may need it. You know, for the trip.” He looked from Destiny to me. “It didn’t cost very much, really.”

    “But with the tax—” Destiny began.

    “Glad we got it. Your potions are excellent,” he interrupted, then bent back over his sketchbook. “Thanks in advance, Destiny.”

    Destiny pursed her lips but dropped the subject.

    Keke snickered next to me, her hand sliding across the small of my back. “They’re cute,” she whispered.

    “Yeah.” Too bad we’re all sharing a tent tonight.

    “Anyway. Nearly all alchemical creations require some kind of distillation. And a complete control of the temperature. Otherwise, you end up with sludge.”

    There were a few potions that I’d crafted with Cannoli that had turned into a thick, unrecognizable muck. So I could at least sympathize. “Right. Makes sense.”

    Cannoli perked up and scooted to Destiny’s side, peering over the tools with fascinated eyes. Buttons scrambled from her shoulder to her head, eyes glimmering in the firelight. “Um, is it okay if I watch?”

    “O-of course!” Destiny stammered, her back straightening and saluting as if at attention. Cannoli flinched, and Destiny replied with a breathy chuckle, relaxing her shoulders. “Sorry. Guess my school habits never really wore off.”

    “Did they test you a lot?” Keke asked.

    “Mhm.” Destiny selected a few herbs, the water flask, and one glass bottle from the pile. “But, really, now’s the real test.” She took a deep breath, then approached the fire. Replacing the black pot with a smaller pan of her own, she rested her tail on her calves and tipped the water flask over the pan. “Let’s start with a few bottle grenades.”

    Those sound lethal.

    Keke inched forward on her knees, shooting me a sly smile before turning her attention to Destiny’s craft.

    Destiny’s [Alchemy] was a lot like the few times I’d participated in brewing, but way faster and more precise. Her hands and fingers moved and shifted with perfect precision, like a practiced musician at their instrument. She’d glance at the thermometer, close her eyes, and murmur a brief word that eased the flame’s heat.

    “She doesn’t realize it, but she’s actually talking to Fire,” Lara whispered to Tristan. “Fire really likes her.”

    “She’s easy to like,” Tristan replied, scratching a series of lines with his pencil into his sketchbook.

    I don’t know if Destiny heard him, but her cheeks took on a pinker sheen than they had before. She meticulously tipped the brew into the copper alembic, then mouthed a silent count. The remaining droplets evaporated into steam on the pan while the rest bubbled cheerily in the distiller.

    “Alright, that should be enough,” Destiny announced after a few heartbeats of silence. She tipped the copper can into a glass bottle and corked it. The bottle glowed a transparent ruby red in the firelight, like Kool-Aid.

    “That’s a grenade?” I asked, tilting my chin at the bottle.

    “It is.” Destiny smiled.

    “Very potent when used by a [Chemist], [Alchemist], or [Saboteur],” Ravyn said suddenly, surprising all of us.

    “What if I threw it?” I didn’t want to. I was just curious.

    …Okay. Maybe I wanted to throw it.

    “It’d be like throwing a molotov cocktail,” Ravyn said flatly.

    “A what?” Cannoli, Keke, and Agni asked.

    “Didn’t know you knew that term,” I replied.

    “Yeah, well, that’s what it’s like,” Ravyn snapped, forgoing any explanation for the others. “In the hands of the right Class, though, it’s devastating.”

    Scary.

    “Wow. It’s like every time you speak, Fire gets more agitated,” Lara said, looking at Ravyn. “Are you sure you don’t want to talk to him?”

    Ravyn growled and avoided Lara’s gaze.

    “Erm, y-yeah. Well, my [Expedience] is only Level 1, so I’m still working on it,” Destiny said sheepishly. “But I’ll do my best! I want to carry my own!”

    “What does [Expedience] do?” I asked.

    “It makes everything I craft more effective. But at Level 1, it’s only ten percent.” Destiny scratched her head just behind her ears, her tail curling around her thighs. “Eventually, that’ll be fifty percent.”

    “Hey, that’s still great,” I assured her. “Sounds like you’ll be a real help if we come face to face with any roaches out here.”

    Destiny’s ears flicked, and her smile widened. “I’ll try!”

    “Mattaku. I’m going to bed,” Ravyn announced.

    “‘Afore we do that, we need ta decide who’s keeping watch,” Agni said, signaling Ravyn to stay a moment longer.

    Keke nodded. “I’m sure there are a few nocturnal Encroachers who smelled dinner.”

    “Well, I can go first. I have a lot to brew anyway,” Destiny volunteered.

    “I’ll stay with Destiny,” Tristan immediately volunteered, then flushed. “I-it would be better if we do it in pairs anyway, right?”

    “Yeah, that’s true,” I said, half amused and half wanting to help a guy out.

    “Why don’t Keke and I take the next watch, then?” I offered.

    Keke nodded her assent.

    “Cannoli, would you like to accompany the third watch with me?” Ceres asked.

    “O-of course!” Cannoli said, flustered.

    Ravyn looked at Lara, and her face fell. “Oh, come on, you guys.”

    “Ravyn and I can discuss Fire on the next watch!” Lara replied eagerly.

    A string of curses I dare not repeat fell from Ravyn’s lips. Lara didn’t seem to notice. The fire beneath Destiny’s pan suddenly emitted a loud crack and flared above the metal surface.

    “Maybe you really are pissing Fire off,” I murmured.

    “Shut. Up. Matt,” Ravyn snapped.

    “I’ll take the last watch until we leave, then,” Agni said. “I know what’s out here. I can handle it myself.”

    “Sounds like a plan.” I stood up and stretched, offering a hand to Keke. “Let’s get some sleep then?”

    “Sure.” Keke took my hand and stood, brushing the sand from the back of her pants.

    “Sweet dreams, folks,” Agni said with a wave. “And make sure to huddle close. The desert gets mighty cold at night.”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 4, 2022
    #7
  11. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 138: Catena

    I jerked awake when something touched my shoulder. I blinked furiously in the darkness until a familiar silhouette appeared. “Tristan?” I rubbed at the bridge of my nose. “What time is it?”

    “Late.” He motioned behind him. “Ready to switch?”

    I blinked a couple more times, my brain barely half awake. Sitting up, I glanced at Keke’s slumbering body beside me and drew a deep breath. Waking her was always an experience. “Just need a minute.” I turned back to Tristan. “How’d it go?”

    Tristan flashed a smile, the light of the campfire behind him creating a warm glow around his body. “Great. Destiny’s tending to the fire. Guess it takes some time to return it to its natural warmth.”

    “Yeah, I bet.” I wasn’t paying much attention. Our traveling had sapped more of my energy than I’d thought, and the exhaustion that followed sent me into a deep sleep. I was out within minutes of lying down. My body clamored to return to the dream world. A burning sensation forced my eyes shut, and I rubbed at them.

    “Don’t rub too hard; you could remove the film from the front of your eyes. Makes your eyes sting more,” advised Tristan. He turned to an approaching form behind him, nodding. “All right, Destiny’s done. Ready whenever you are.”

    “Okay.” God, keeping my head up and my eyes open was hard. With one lazy arm, I gripped Keke by the bicep and shook her gently. “Hey. Keke, it’s time to wake up.”

    She whimpered an incoherent response.

    I shook her again. “It’s our turn for the watch.”

    Another whine followed. “Really? Already?”

    “Yep. Come on, let’s get up so Tristan and Destiny can catch some sleep.” I wandered to the tent’s entrance and waited.

    Various grunts and mutters escaped her lips, none of which I could make much sense of. I sympathized. Eventually, Keke rose into a seated position and stretched her arms above her head. She rested them on top of her head behind her drooping ears and paused. I was grateful that Tristan and Destiny were so patient.

    “Okay…Okay, I’m up.” Keke yawned, then got to her feet and walked over to the tent’s flap where I was standing.

    Destiny moved to stand beside Tristan, looking at the small pile of sheets set aside for them. She gave us a bow, and Tristan added a casual wave.

    As a precaution, we all stayed in [Combat Mode] while we slept. We hadn’t seen anything more dangerous than the gigashanks thus far, but if there was any environment that scared me the most, it was the desert. Outside of the firelight, it was pitch black. Black, endless dunes of sand that protected Encroachers ranging from the size of Buttons to enormous gigashanks. There was no running to safety out here. No trees to climb or lakes to plunge into. I summoned my axe and found a little reassurance in gripping the handle.

    The fire crackled at our approach. Sparks floated into the air, and countless stars decorated the night sky. Keke looked to her left, then to her right, rubbing at one eye. “[Pinpoint Weakness],” she grumbled. I watched as she scanned the immediate area, her gaze running over the fire, the hills beside us, and the grooves in and around the campfire. Then after a few seconds, she shook her head. “We’re okay for now.”

    “Thanks for checking, Keke.” I smiled and took a seat in front of the fire, resting the axe against my thigh.

    Keke sat down beside me, then rested her head against my shoulder.

    “Any weird dreams?” she asked.

    “Yeah, but I can’t remember them now. Always thought that was weird, how quickly you forget dreams.” I grabbed a stick and prodded at the fire, scattering sparks into the air.

    “Me too. Have you ever thought of keeping a journal on them?”

    I raised a brow. “Nah. I guess I never saw much of a point.”

    She nuzzled against my shoulder. “I thought you might be a bit more, umm, would ‘romantic’ be the right word? For Earth sayings.”

    “Yeah, I suppose that would fit. What, no, hey! You don’t think I have any romanticism?”

    Keke sat upright, and I tilted my head toward her. She seemed to be thinking about it for a while. Then she drew her legs closer to her chest and smiled. “I think you’re the most romantic person I’ve ever met.”

    I could feel my cheeks growing hot. I averted my gaze and rubbed my cheekbones. Hopefully, that would calm me down a little. “That’s hard to believe,” I said honestly. “Don’t need to meet a whole lot of people to tell you that.”

    “But it’s true!”

    I shook my head. “You mean to tell me I’m more romantic than Tristan?”

    Keke blinked, then scratched the back of her head. “He has his charm for sure,” she said, lowering her voice to a whisper, “but he’s never spoken to me the way you do when we’re alone.”

    I swallowed hard. The soft yet erratic glow of the campfire captured her incredible curves. She watched me intently, bouncing her brow up and down.

    I groaned. “I don’t know half the things I say.”

    “But you still mean them. I can tell.”

    “Yeah, I do.” I ran a hand through my hair. Really, if I thought about it, I’d said—and meant—a lot of things that I hadn’t expected to. To a lot more girls than I’d ever expected. It’d taken me a while, but at some point in our travels, I’d started adjusting to my role in Nyarlea. Well, mostly, anyway. There were still many things about the world that bothered me. It left me feeling powerless at times. But all I needed to do was look at Tristan to see the positive impact we’d had thus far.

    I dislodged one of the wood remnants, pressing my tongue against my cheek. Judging from the look on Keke’s face, I’d made a concerning expression.

    “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” she asked.

    I shook my head. “Sorry. No, not at all. Just bad with compliments.”

    A smile quirked the corner of her mouth. “I know.”

    My shoulders slumped, and I threw my head back, sighing. “Anyway. I’m really hoping this place doesn’t turn into another Shi Island ordeal.”

    Keke breathed hard through her nose, her eyes wandering. I’d learned that Keke usually did that when she was thinking about something. It appeared like she was looking through her memories and experiences for a good answer. “It could.” Then she shook her head. “But I don’t think it will. We have you, Tristan, and to some extent, Cailu.” Keke stretched her legs out in front of her, leaning on the backs of her palms. “Magni can’t ignore the plights of three men and their Parties.”

    “I hope you’re right,” I breathed.

    “Even if I’m not, we’re all here for you. I know everyone in that tent would say the same thing. Even Ravyn. In her own roundabout way, of course.”

    I chuckled at that last part and leveled my gaze to the fire. “Thanks.”

    “Always, Matt. We’re a team.”

    “Yeah.”

    And then there was silence. To me, it was comfortable. All I wanted at this moment was to sit by Keke’s side, taking in her beautiful features while I thought about the future. Hopefully, my future wouldn’t end up like those of the other men so far. As tough as Nyarlea was, it was my home. I wanted to do anything I could to improve it.

    “So, what did you dream about?” I asked.

    “Ahh.” Keke scrunched her face and snapped her eyes shut. “Right! I remember! You and I were going for a swim.” Sounds like a nice dream so far. “When something slithery grabbed my ankle and pulled me under.”

    “Oh God, that sounds scary.”

    “It does. But it gets better!” Keke shifted her body so she was sitting on her calves. “As you tried to reach for me, I was dragged down, deeper and deeper, all the way until I reached the bottom. I couldn’t see the sun, your body, or much of anything.”

    I frowned. “This sounds like it’s getting worse by the minute.”

    “Hang in there!” Keke put her hands out like a businessman trying to sell me something. But wait, there’s more! “Then, I get pulled down into this cave, and when I come out the other end, there’s this incredible castle before me. There were portraits of hundreds of different men on the walls. Some big red carpet lined the bridge between me and the castle. Catgirls started spilling out of the castle once the portcullis is raised, and then—”

    She had my attention. “And then?”

    She shrugged. “I woke up. Weird stuff. I never found out where I was or what I was doing there.”

    “Dreams are like that, I guess. Mine have never been much different.”

    “Oh really? I found my dreams were usually pretty messy. Something typically bad happens in them.” Her gaze veered to the campfire. “Rough memories come up.”

    “So I take it this wasn’t a tough memory then? Sounds more…I dunno, thought-provoking if anything.”

    Keke nodded, snatching the stick from my hand. “That’s how I chose to look at it,” she said as she prodded the fire. “A lot of [Sorcerer]s and [Enchanter]s believe that dreams have power in them. My mom used to tell me things like that. Nyarlothep has an entire division of catgirls who study dreams.”

    “What do you think about them?” I had a feeling I already knew the answer.

    Her cheeks flushed. “I think they can be all kinds of things. Saoirse’s first followers healed catgirls through dreamwork.”

    “Like [Slumber]?”

    “Kind of. A lot less threatening than that.” Sparks flew into the air. “I’m sure Ravyn and Cannoli would know more than me.”

    “Maybe.” I scooted closer, so our bodies touched. “But I’m asking you.”

    She smiled. “I adore that feature about you.”

    Her statement caught me by surprise. “What feature is that?”

    “Your attentiveness. Whenever you talk to me, I feel you’re truly listening. That what I have to say is important and that my safety means a lot to you.” She breathed deep. “It gets my heart pounding every time, no matter how often I see it. I didn’t have a lot of that after my mom passed.”

    I struggled to think of something to say. I wanted to be that nurturing shoulder, but at the same time, I’d learned that sometimes it was best to limit my words. Maybe all she needed was to know I’d be there. If so, I was more than happy to oblige. I slid my hand into hers and gently squeezed. “You are important.”

    Keke rested her head on my shoulder and watched the fire. “Thanks, Matt,” she finally said.

    “I, uh, had a rough start, I’ll admit.” I danced on the knife’s edge of whether or not I should tell her how I initially felt when I picked this world. I had a one-track mind at the time. It’d make for a better story in the future. Perhaps once all of this had calmed down. “Thanks to you and Cannoli, I’m still here today.”

    “With a bit of tough love,” Keke said with a playful elbow between my ribs.

    “Yeah, yeah, I know. I was an egg head.”

    “Egg head?”

    I frowned. “Means I didn’t understand the realities of my situation. That I was, uh, out of touch, so to speak. Like a culture shock.”

    “You mean like how lost we were when we first arrived at Shi Island?”

    I snapped my fingers, pointing at her. “Exactly like that.”

    Keke giggled. “There’s still so much I don’t know about you.”

    “Don’t worry. It’s not very deep.”

    “Oh, I doubt that. I just hope you’ll continue to let me dig.”

    I scratched the side of my neck. “We’ll see about that.”

    “Oh?” Using two of her fingers, Keke walked up from my shoulder to my neck. She stopped at the lobe of my ear and pinched it. “‘We’ll see,’ he says.”

    I was getting more comfortable with her teasing nature. To think there was a time that would’ve put me into overdrive for the rest of the day. “We’ll see.”

    She hummed. “Well, let’s back up a bit, then. What’s the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?”

    I paused, but I already knew my answer. “How do you feel about turning into a spider?”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 6, 2022
    #8
  12. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 139: Catastrophe

    “Threadfins!” Agni woke us all with a bloodcurdling scream, enunciating the word over and over. “Threadfins! Threadfins!”

    I bolted awake, snatching my axe and shield that lay nearby. Keke was already on her feet, bow drawn and arrow nocked. Cannoli blinked her wide eyes in rapid succession at the groaning Ravyn, then me. Ceres was already halfway out of the tent.

    “Goddess damned threadfins!” Agni screamed again. “Get yer asses out here!”

    Tristan scrambled to his feet, tugging at the still-sleeping Lara’s shoulder. Destiny stood at the opposite side, yanking her sister’s arm. Lara hummed a sigh, and her head lulled back.

    “She’s a really deep sleeper,” Destiny explained.

    “We don’t have time for this,” I barked as Ceres vanished.

    “Right!” Tristan called back, abandoning Lara to join the rest of us in charging outside.

    The sky was alit with the royal blues and light purples of dusk—the sun still absent from its canvas. The dim light framed Agni’s thin frame a few meters away from the fire pit, standing poised and ready to attack. She wielded twin scimitars, white-knuckling one jeweled handle in each fist, the blades shimmering in the fire’s final flames.

    Just as Agni opened her mouth to call out once more, there was an explosion of sand mere inches from the toe of her foot. A jet-black, slender form emerged, towering over our caravan leader with shining scales and three aligned fins along its back. Round, beady eyes glimmered from the bottom of its head while a half-dozen pits framing the slit of its mouth searched the air for the scent of Agni.

    “What the hell?” I murmured.

    “Threadfins. Didn’t you hear her the first five times?” Ravyn smirked.

    A second burst of sand erupted from Agni’s left, then her right. The three threadfins waved hypnotically from side to side before all eyes focused on Agni.

    “[Spinning Slash]!” Agni cried. She spun on the balls of her feet like a dancer, the scimitar’s blades whipping through the air and slicing deep into the scales of the serpent-like Encroachers. Black blood spilled onto the sand and speckled the swords.

    All three threadfins opened their jaws and screamed, revealing multiple tiers of razor-sharp teeth dripping with spit.

    Tristan hissed in a breath. “Like an Arrakian sandworm.”

    He’d have to explain the reference later. The threadfin on Agni’s right quickly recovered and was taking a dive at her shoulder.

    “[Provoke]!” I screamed. The familiar sensation of the roach’s enmity coursed through my veins as it turned its hundreds of teeth on me.

    “[Pinpoint Weakness]!” Keke cried. Seconds later, she loosed a volley of arrows into the threadfin on Agni’s right. Another blood-curdling scream escaped its throat before it dropped to the sand and went still.

    Agni drew both blades across her remaining attacker’s throat, slicing two more gaping wounds and spilling viscous black liquid to the ground. The one I’d [Provoked] slithered toward me with terrifying speed. I raised my shield and readied my axe.

    The threadfin stopped at my feet and lifted its head high above mine. It roared, giving me a better look at all of its tiny teeth. Its breath smelled like blood and decay. Just as a serpent would a rat, it struck forward at my head like lightning.

    But I was ready.

    I thrust my shield high, catching it beneath its upper row of teeth with the metal’s edge. Spittle dribbled down the backside of my shield, mixing with the black blood from its wounded gums. It thrashed against the sudden barricade, and I wasn’t about to give it time to get away from me. I swung my axe with all my might, burying it into the threadfin’s side once, twice, three times. It shrieked and went limp at last.

    A new blast of sand sounded behind me as a second threadfin burst free and immediately moved to strike. I only had time to glance over my shoulder. My shield was still caught beneath the mouth of my prey, and the axe stuck in its corpse. Fuck.

    “Sir Matt!”

    Ceres darted to my side, lowering the point of her polearm, and thrust forward without hesitation. The spike buried deep inside the threadfin’s gut, and a thin, glittering layer of ice encased the surrounding scales. She gave her weapon another shove with a frown and a furious growl. A wet tearing sound preceded the spike bursting through the threadfin’s back. Ceres choked up the handle, then yanked it upward, leaving more icy remnants in the wake of the cut. Black entrails sloshed from the wound and spilled to the ground.

    “Thanks, Ceres,” I murmured, freeing my shield and axe while I blinked in awe of her quick work.

    “Of course. However, do not let your guard down just yet.” She kicked the frozen threadfin free of her weapon and turned to the others.

    “Another wave!” Agni called.

    Three more threadfins burst from the sand, barely a stone’s throw away from Tristan and Destiny.

    They must travel in threes.

    Destiny glanced at Tristan, rolling a glass bottle between her fingers. A shy smile played at her lips, and she gave him a quick nod. “Allow me first, young master. [Enchant Bomb]!” She chucked the bottle at the center of the three roaches. The glass broke against the threadfin’s head, and a white light encapsulated them before it could react. Like Cannoli’s [Illuminate] all over again. After the light was an explosion that made everyone flinch, followed by a tall wave of fire.

    Another Skill that blinds all of us. Gonna need a warning on that one, Destiny.

    The smoke cleared, revealing the triad of threadworms lying on the sand, weakly hissing and gasping for air.

    “[Fire Ball]!” Tristan cried next. Brilliant flames engulfed his hands and wrists, culminating in an enormous sphere before launching from his arms. It swallowed the powerless threadfins whole, reducing them to little more than ash.

    “Nice job, kouhai.” Ravyn flashed him a smile.

    That’s a new one.

    “A compliment? Are you feeling okay, Ravyn?” Keke called.

    “Never better,” Ravyn replied, eyes narrowing.

    “There’s more coming!” Cannoli wailed, pointing to a building wall of sand in the distance. “What do we do?”

    Agni moved closer to our group. “We need to throw ‘em off our scent. So long as they can smell us, they’ll keep comin’.”

    “A bath would help,” Tristan murmured, shielding his eyes and looking around. “But I haven’t seen a drop of water anywhere.”

    I glanced over his shoulder, suddenly remembering our one avenue out of this hell hole. The gigashanks were where we’d left them, leashed to a series of wooden stakes that Agni had pounded into the ground.

    “Threadfins don’t attack the gigashanks?” I asked. The threadfins were certainly big enough to eat them just fine.

    “Nah. Their scales’re too damn hard for threadfin teeth. Just gotta worry about our own skin right now,” Agni said. She jerked her head toward the tent. “They don’t usually attack this early in the mornin’. We can’t leave without our stores.”

    “I have an idea.” A groggy Lara appeared from the tent, rubbing the sand from her eyes.

    “Nice of you to join us,” Ravyn snapped.

    Lara yawned, either deaf to Ravyn’s statement or flat out ignoring it. “Wind? Are you feeling okay today?”

    “Mattaku.”

    “Here we go,” Keke muttered.

    “It is very hot. You’re right. Um, can I ask you for another favor? Please? This one’s for real…Oh, well, the other one was for real, too. But, like, my friends wanted to see you and…Yes, this is pretty urgent,” Lara continued, gesturing wildly at nothing.

    “What in Saoirse’s name is she doin’?” Agni grumbled, eyes flickering from Lara to the approaching cloud.

    “Magic. Apparently,” I said.

    “I could not imagine if I had to barter with ice like this,” Ceres mused.

    “They’re getting closer!” Cannoli squeaked, dancing from foot to foot.

    I stepped forward, readying my shield and axe once more. That was a big cloud on the way. I wondered if even Ravyn’s magic could hold that many back.

    “No, really, I’ll ask Earth or Water next time. Promise. Just one more,” Lara said. After a long, painful pause, she turned to the rest of us and clapped her hands. “Bunch up together! Please!”

    Tristan and Destiny didn’t let us ask questions. They herded all of us close together, shoulder to shoulder, in a clumped huddle.

    “Okay, close your eyes!” Lara cried. “[Whirlwind]!”

    A tornado of sand spun at our feet, then whipped high into the air. I slammed my eyes shut just as the first wave of hot grit struck me in the face. The cyclone sped, and I found myself grabbing for whomever I could hold onto, afraid the storm would rip me from the ground. The howling wind was deafening. I’d never experienced a tornado before, but I could confidently say that I’d like to never do it again.

    The sandy cyclone shifted away from us, leaving only a ringing in my ears and sand in every crevice of my skin and armor.

    “Wind! Wind! Go that way!” I heard Lara yell over the rushing wind and dull ring.

    I brushed the dirt from my eyes and shook as much as I could from my hair before gaping up at Lara’s tornado. The zenith disappeared high into a gathering of dark clouds. It swirled forward and drifted slowly over the desert in the direction of Lara’s frantically pointing fingers.

    “The hell was that for?” Ravyn snarled, pushing away from the huddle. She brushed the sand from her dress and sleeves.

    Cannoli gasped. “The storm’s carrying our scent!” She pointed at the floating clouds of sand kicked up by the threadfins. “Look! They’re following it!”

    “Well. I’ll be damned.” Agni cackled.

    “Nice going, Lara!” Tristan cheered. “Way to think on your feet!”

    “Don’t thank me. Thank Wind!” Lara smiled and turned toward the tornado growing smaller and smaller as it traveled into the distance. She waved and cried at the top of her lungs, “Thank you, Wind!”

    “Good job, Lara,” Keke complimented. “Oh. And Wind.” She cleared her throat and glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. “Yeah. I think I’ll carve up the roaches now.”

    “Good idea,” I said, still trying to process what had just happened. “Smart thinking, Lara.”

    Lara smiled sheepishly. “I think Wind will want a break from me after this. That spell took a lot out of her.” She looked around the camp. “So! What’s for breakfast?”

    Matt has gained: 70 XP!
    Keke has gained: 83 XP!
    Ceres has gained: 41 XP!

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 9, 2022
    #9
  13. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 140: Cataplectic

    Despite the rough start to the day, the rest of the journey to Madhyam was just as dry, hot, and uneventful as the previous leg. Our water ran dangerously low, and I allowed Keke to slurp the last drops from our canteen while she leaned back against me. Everyone’s cheeks were pink and lips chapped. Coarse sand and unforgiving winds were strong contenders against Ceres’ sun-resistant balm.

    “W-wait. What’s that?” Keke blinked, then leaned forward, squinting her eyes. “Is that a city?”

    I followed her gaze, shielding my eyes. The sun was beginning to set, and my stomach growled in protest of our light meals. Well, more like light snacks. Lunch was a few strips of dried meat and a tough-skinned fruit that Agni called a salak. It was oddly bitter, but that didn’t matter. To be honest, I would have eaten rocks at that point with a smile on my face.

    “It looks like it,” I confirmed, scanning the dark silhouette in the distance.

    “Good eye, sugar!” Agni called over her shoulder. “That’s Madhyam, alright.”

    “Thank Saoirse,” Keke murmured, slumping back to rest against me.

    “Earth says that our path is clear!” Lara hailed from behind us. “Wind still won’t talk to me, though.”

    “What the hell, Lara? Squawwwk!”

    “I’d like to know the same, Bally,” Ravyn grumbled.

    “Well, I mean, I did ask her for a really big spell today, so she’s probably going to want something in return.” Lara shrugged, the point sailing clear over her head.

    “What do the elements like as gifts?” Cannoli asked meekly, her cheek pressed up against the back of the gigashank’s neck.

    Lara touched her finger to her chin. “It depends on the element. Wind loves songs and happy sounds, like giggling. Earth really likes it if you plant new seeds and care for them. Water…Water I’ve had a hard time figuring out so far. But she seems to come around if I cry.”

    Ceres’ eyebrows raised. “That seems extreme.”

    “Water spells have always been that way,” Ravyn muttered, sounding as if the last thing she wanted to do was confirm Lara’s musings. “Difficult to cast, difficult to counter. It wouldn’t surprise me if tears were its favorite thing.”

    “What’s Fire’s favorite thing?” I asked, earning a sharp glare from Ravyn.

    “Hm.” Lara tapped her chin. “I don’t know! I bet Ravyn could ask it.”

    “I’m not talking to Fire!” Ravyn snapped.

    “I wonder if it likes to burn different things?” Tristan supplied from the right. “Like maybe different types of wood or paper?”

    “Or all of Venicia,” Ravyn grumbled.

    Lara giggled. “Actually, Fire would probably really like that. It can be a little…chaotic.”

    “That’s a terrifying thought,” Destiny noted.

    “Alright, gang, we’re fast approaching Madhyam!” Agni announced in the middle of our conversation. “Be on your best behavior now. Just gonna keep our heads low and stay the night.”

    That doesn’t sound good.

    “Sounds like they’re really sour about men,” Tristan said.

    Agni frowned and nodded. “It’s been some rough goin’. ‘Specially when we have folks who come in and protest the King’s tax. Paints a different picture of the other islands.”

    “I can imagine,” I replied.

    “Anyhow, they got good food and soft beds. No need for a watch tonight,” Agni continued, brightening the mood. “The next three days’ll be long ones, so rest while you can.”

    I sighed and rested my chin on the top of Keke’s head. Three more days of this. It made me miss the thick jungles of Ni Island. Or the forested roads of San. Being out in the open desert traversing miles and miles of endless sand was a war of attrition I wasn’t prepared for. Hell, I would have taken the grassy, zombie-plagued fields of Shi at this point. At least there were ponds and lakes and water.

    “It’ll be nice to have a bed again,” Keke murmured. “I don’t mind sleeping outside, but the sand is—” she paused, searching for the right word, “—lumpy.”

    The awkward knots in my back and legs agreed. “Yeah. Then three more days of lumpy.”

    She groaned. “Don’t ruin it, Matt.”

    I chuckled and squeezed her thigh. “Sorry. Happy thoughts. Cuddling on soft beds after a long bath.”

    Keke wiggled her shoulders and smiled. “That’s better.”

    We reached the edge of Madhyam just as half the sun vanished over the horizon. Catgirls in thin veils and light fabrics moved from building to building, large baskets propped underneath their armpits. Very few spared us a glance as they finished up the days' errands, and the ones who did turned away immediately, their eyes cold and shoulders rigid.

    “Feeling the love already,” I mumbled.

    Keke tilted her head back to look at me. “Do you think Magni’s being held captive like Tristan was?”

    “I thought about that, but, well, something tells me this is different,” I admitted. “So far, everyone’s been pretty candid about where he is and how long he’s been there.”

    She nodded, then relaxed. “That’s true.”

    “We’ll just stay on our toes. It’s all we can do.”

    Agni led us to a small building surrounded by wooden railings on all four sides. A pair of horses and a striped beast that looked like a mix between a camel and a tiger stood off to the side, chewing hay without a care in the world.

    A petite catgirl in a sky-blue dress that swished around her ankles with every step marched to Agni’s side. She gestured animatedly to the caravan of giant lizards. “One gigashank is bad enough to take care of, Agni. Now you’ve brought five?”

    “Aw, c’mon now, Sierra. I pay ya more ‘an fair, and it’s just for one night.” Agni hopped down from her mount and ferreted through her [Cat Pack]. “We’ll leave nice and early.”

    “Do you understand how much they eat?” Sierra grimaced, her ears drooping to the top of her head. She crossed her arms over her tan chest, bunching the long sleeves inside the bends of her arms.

    “I do, in fact,” Agni replied with a wry smile.

    “Just one of these things eats three times what a turus can,” Sierra continued, pointing at the camel tiger thing while her tail furiously twitched from side to side.

    Agni pulled a large sack of Bells from her pack and gave it an enticing shake. “I can take my Bells elsewhere, Sierra. We’re hungry and tired.”

    Sierra snatched the hefty bag from Agni’s hand, then thrust one thumb over her shoulder. “You know where to tie them. I’ll scrounge up their food.”

    “Knew I could count on you, sugar,” Agni replied.

    “Yeah, yeah.” Sierra waved a dismissive hand, finally breaking her gaze with Agni to study the others in our parade. Her eyes fell on me, then Tristan. “Oh. That’ll be fun.”

    “Appreciate it if you could keep it quiet for now, Sierra,” Agni cautioned. “We don’t want no trouble.”

    “Ha!” Sierra cackled. “I don’t have to say a damn word.” She looked pointedly at me. “Enjoy your stay, sir.”

    I wish I could say that Sierra was the only person in town we’d received such off-putting treatment from. However, no matter how quiet Tristan and I stayed and how nice we were to the girls we encountered, there was always a problem.

    The tavern took their sweet time to take our orders, prepare our food, and deliver our drinks. We watched another table have their drinks refilled twice before we got our first round, and our meals seemed to take ages. When it finally reached our table, it was cold.

    “My, my. This is the worst etiquette I’ve ever seen,” Lara commented. “Do you think they have a school here?”

    “They definitely don’t have a school here,” Destiny grumbled, poking at her ice-cold fish. “I don’t even know if this is cooked.”

    Ravyn snapped her fingers, sending a measure of fire from the tips to Destiny’s fish. Then copied the motion with her own meal. “Mattaku. Let me talk to that waitress—”

    Cannoli touched Ravyn’s shoulder and shook her head. “That would only make things worse, I think,” she said. “Let’s not cause a scene.”

    “This thing’s as hard as a rock,” Keke murmured, stabbing the hunk of meat on her plate with her fork. “They cooked it way too long.”

    My meal wasn’t much different. Maybe I wouldn’t be happy with rocks after all.

    I’d barely finished lamenting over dinner enough to try to eat the damn thing when a new presence appeared at the head of our table. She was tall, dark-skinned, and lithe. Her wine-red hair was pulled back in a waist-length, loose braid while two long bangs draped on either side of her face. Blood-red eyes studied the table, then flickered to Tristan.

    In the span of five heartbeats, she drew a shining silver sword from her hip—a katana?—then stabbed at our dinner plates in quick succession. I called my axe to my hand just as she withdrew the katana, turning the speared meat from side to side while she inspected it.

    “This is no way to treat guests,” she growled, clicking her tongue at the sword-kabob. “Allow me to entertain you in my home?”

    “Zahra! What in Saoirse’s name are you doing?” Our waitress stormed from the kitchens in a tizzy, rage tinging her face.

    “I could ask you the same.” Zahra thrust the tip of her sword into the floor, then loosed the hunks of meat from the blade with her foot. “You insult our island.”

    The waitress flushed with fury, clenching her hands into fists. But she made no move to fight. “Get. Out,” she barked at last, pointing toward the door.

    Zahra turned toward us, flashing a sardonic smile. “Well? Shall we?”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 11, 2022
    #10
  14. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 141: Pyrrhuloxia

    We abandoned our partially eaten food and headed Zahra’s invitation. She insisted we not pay for anything, but Tristan and I snuck a few Bells beneath the plates anyway. Enough to at least cover the ingredients, I hoped. Felt wrong dining and dashing.

    “What’s yer angle?” Agni asked Zahra, hooking her thumbs through her trousers.

    Zahra cocked her head. “No angle. Travelers shouldn’t be treated so poorly.” She took the lead, marching a handful of paces ahead of us. “You coming or not?”

    I looked over the exhausted, famished group, then jogged to Zahra’s side. “Hey, there are a lot of us. Are you sure you have enough to feed us all?”

    Zahra smiled, her bright white teeth glimmering behind her sheer mask. “I’m sure.” She stretched her arms over her head and glanced over her shoulder. “You know my name, but I don’t know yours.”

    “I’m Matt,” I replied. Pointing to each member of our entourage, I listed them off one by one. “Tristan, Destiny, Lara, Ceres, Keke, Ravyn, Cannoli, and that’s our guide here, Agni.”

    “Agni I’m familiar with. The rest of you, however, seem to be very far from home.” She trailed, her eyes resting on Tristan. “Two men especially.”

    Tristan was close behind and double-stepped to catch up to us. “We’re looking for Magni.”

    Zahra’s smile widened. “That’s an arduous journey.”

    “And it seems it’s only just begun,” Tristan murmured.

    “Wise of you to say.” Zahra nodded. She glanced up and ushered us to the right. “Ah, turn here.”

    We weaved between the tight alleys between the stone buildings, hugging the shade of colorful awnings and avoiding more resentful gazes from passing catgirls.

    A large part of me wondered if we were wandering into a trap. I imagined turning a corner and getting pounced on by a dozen of Zahra’s subordinates like we had with Jazz’s gang. But the truth of it was, I was too tired and too hungry to give it a lot of credence. If this girl wanted us dead, we’d be dead. She’d drawn and swung that sword faster than I could blink and summon my axe. It could have easily been one of our heads on a plate.

    Still, I held firm to the axe in my grip and noticed Keke had her bow drawn behind us, golden eyes never leaving the back of Zahra’s head. That was reassuring.

    We took two more turns to the right, then one to the left before Zahra drew a thick curtain to the side of a shadowed doorway.

    “Come on in,” she ushered us inside with her free arm. When Tristan and I hesitated, she smirked. “I won’t bite.”

    Tristan shrugged and walked inside. I followed close behind, keeping my eyes and ears on high alert for the first signs of foul play. Instead, I was met by the warm aroma of cooked meat and brewing tea. Barely three steps inside, and my mouth was watering.

    We moved single-file through a narrow hallway, passing colorful tapestries and canvases covered in stripes of heavy-handed paint. They didn’t really depict any one thing as much as they contributed to the overall colorful aesthetic of the walls.

    “I brought guests, Ma,” Zahra called. “Eight of them.”

    “Hm. We should have enough,” came the reply from another room.

    We passed one closed door to the left and another door that cracked open a few inches before arriving at the kitchen area at the other end of the house. I counted seven steps from the front door to our destination. An older woman with the same long, burgundy hair as Zahra’s—though hers was speckled with thin silver streaks—stooped over a tall slab of meat on a spit, studying it with an intense gaze.

    “I’ll buy enough to make up for it later,” Zahra said. “The tavern was treating them like roachshit.”

    Zahra’s mother looked up from her work, and small wrinkles crinkled at the corners of her eyes as she smiled. Her expression didn’t falter when she spotted Tristan and me. “Be patient with them, Zahra. It has been a difficult time for us all.”

    Zahra frowned. “It’s no excuse.”

    The older woman clicked her tongue, then turned to us. “Pardon my rudeness. I am Ishani, Zahra’s mother. It would be our honor to welcome you to our home.” She rested her hands against her mid-section and bowed.

    “Thank you, Ishani. It is our pleasure to have you receive us.” Tristan perfectly mirrored and returned the gesture.

    When I didn’t follow, he shot me a pointed look from the corner of his eye. I hurriedly copied his bow, not knowing if I needed to say anything more.

    Ishani straightened, and she favored Tristan with an approving look. “You are familiar with Ichi customs?”

    Tristan’s cheeks pinked, but he offered her a quick nod. “I, um, I read a lot.”

    A thin smile quirked at the corner of Zahra’s mouth, but she said nothing.

    “That smells amazing,” Cannoli called from the back. The others had huddled into the kitchen as much as space allowed, and all eyes were on the roasting meat. “What did you season it with?”

    “A family secret.” Ishani grinned and put a finger to her lips. Her green eyes glittered with mirth. “Passed down for many generations.”

    “I think I could eat that whole thing by myself,” Keke murmured.

    “Fire seems to really like it,” Lara noted.

    “Come. We have plenty of space behind the house to eat,” Zahra announced, pointing over the many heads for us to leave the house again.

    Then why did we come in here? I wanted to ask but kept my mouth shut as we moved single-file outside once again. We circled around the back to find a picnic-table-style set up with long benches and a large wooden surface.

    “Take a seat. I’ll help my mother serve you all,” Zahra said once more. “I’m sure I have enough bottles of Ichi drink to quench your thirst as well.”

    We situated ourselves around the table, exchanging unsure looks between one another. It was weird, being herded out of the tavern to a stranger’s house and then waiting for dinner. What was Zahra’s gain from all of this?

    “We’re not about to get poisoned, are we?” Ravyn grumbled, echoing my thoughts.

    “I don’t think so,” Tristan replied. “She seems sincere.”

    “So did Celestia,” Keke countered.

    Tristan frowned. “Zahra’s different.”

    “Why do you believe she’s different?” Ceres asked, tilting her head to the side.

    “Well,” Tristan paused, touching a finger to his chin. “It always felt like Celestia had ulterior motives for everything she said. No matter what it was. But with Zahra, it seems like she really does just want to help us. She sounded legitimately disgusted with the tavern.”

    “That’s a heavy gamble on feelings,” Ravyn murmured.

    Tristan scratched his neck. “There’s one more thing.”

    “What is it, Tristan?” Cannoli asked.

    “Ichi Island is astonishingly proficient in poisons, but using it against another person—catgirl or man—goes against the oldest laws of the island.” Tristan shifted uncomfortably. “But that assumes the perpetrator is caught.”

    I swallowed hard and looked around the table. Uneasy looks mingled with starved gazes. Agni stared off into space, seemingly disinterested in the conversation.

    “If Tristan trusts her, I wish to do the same,” Ceres said.

    “If nothing else, it’d be hard to hide eight bodies,” Keke replied.

    “Keke!” Cannoli squealed.

    “Gosh, Tristan, I hope you’re right. I’m so hungry,” Destiny whined. “I could eat this table.”

    “That wouldn’t be good for your teeth,” Lara mused.

    Destiny grimaced. “I know.”

    Lara’s eyes drifted to the ground. “Perhaps I can ask Earth to make an exception on growing plants in the sand?”

    “I don’t think that’s the best idea,” I said. The last thing we needed was a second element angry with our [Conjurer].

    Buttons crawled from behind Cannoli’s hair to her arm. His tongue flickered in and out of his mouth, and his head darted side to side.

    “Are you hungry too, Buttons?” Cannoli asked meekly.

    Buttons nibbled her finger as if in agreement.

    “Here we are!” Ishani reappeared, balancing four plates on her arms like a seasoned waitress. They were heaped with steaming meat and vegetables—the portions far larger than anything I’d seen since I’d arrived on the island.

    “Drinks are close behind,” Zahra announced, hauling multiple cups on a wooden tray. “Let Aja regret offending her customers.”

    I wouldn’t hate it if this were my last meal.

    It seemed my sentiments echoed across the table as we all tucked into our meals. The allure of a hot meal was too much to refuse, tainted or not. It was delicious, spiced, tender, and cooked to perfection. The vegetables had the perfect balance between crunchy and soft. I wouldn’t have died upset, that was for sure.

    When we’d cleaned our plates and our hosts had refilled our glasses twice, Zahra pulled a chair to the head of the table and sat down. She leaned her elbows on the surface, resting her chin on her folded hands.

    “Did you enjoy it?” Zahra asked.

    We replied in nods and murmurs of exhausted appreciation. At least it would be a fond memory while we traveled for three more days.

    “Excellent. You honor our house with your presence.” She smiled, offering another curt bow. “I have only one request in exchange.”

    “What’s that?” Tristan asked.

    Zahra leveled his gaze and crossed her legs. “Allow me to join you to Rājadhānī.”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 15, 2022
    #11
  15. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 142: Mockingbird

    The Jiuguan Tavern in Shulan didn’t hold a candle to the food and drink offerings in Nyarlothep, but Cailu would have to compromise somewhere. Shi Island was his to protect, after all, even if the capital of Nyarlea had become just as much as his to bear.

    Are you still alive, Matt?

    Cailu hoped so. For so many years, he’d hoped to meet another man in this world that possessed even a fraction of the perseverance and strength he himself had to display for the last decade. Too often had an island welcomed a new man only to see him die within a week or two. So very few reached the heights required to access Nyarlothep. The few he’d ferried over before they were ready turned out to be a catastrophe—dying during their residency or on their return journey.

    Just once, he’d like to congregate with the others. Devise a plan. Especially now, with the swarms of Defiled appearing on every island. It was too much for him to handle alone. Perhaps at the beginning of his life in this new world, he believed he was able to handle it by himself, but not anymore.

    And so he pondered alone in the Jinguan Tavern, praying for the safety of who he was sure was his last hope. Men didn’t live long in Nyarlea—that much he’d gathered over the years. Compared to his competitors, he’d ascended to a rank of divinity for the world’s citizens and wouldn’t be surprised if he kept it.

    Naeemah had turned in early for the night, and Kirti…well, he wasn’t certain that Kirti slept at all. Every member of Cailu’s past and previous Party terrified him in some way, and the [Witch Doctor] pushed his comfort limits further than he’d ever dreamed possible. But those were the ones he needed to keep closest—the ones that scared him. Much like Yomi’s demonic machinations, Kirti seemed to have her own brand of religious horror, keeping the souls of their defeated trapped inside of pebbles.

    “Another drink, Master?” the waitress asked softly. Her black dress swept low on her chest and hugged the curves of her body. White ears and a thick tail diverged from her dark outfit, punctuated by the warm lighting inside Jiuguan.

    “Yes,” Cailu grunted, leaning back from his cup.

    She tilted the silver pitcher, and cloudy, steaming liquid streamed from its lip and into his Ochoko cup. It spilled into the wooden box beneath it—the Masu, as he’d learned long before—and filled halfway before she stopped pouring.

    “May I get you anything else?” she asked with a warm smile.

    “No, that will be all.”

    “Of course, Master. Simply call if you should need me.” A glint in her eye suggested more than simple food service, but Cailu ignored it. Once he’d seemed to lose interest, she took the hint and turned her attentions to her other tables.

    While he drank his sake, a girl at a far-off table caught his eye. Emerald eyes and ebony hair punctuated by breaks of green. Her posture was perfect, as if raised in a noble house, and her long fingers gently cupped her glass of wine. A black, corseted top bared strong, lithe arms covered in the scars of beasts—ones she seemed to present as trophies rather than blemishes to be ashamed of.

    She was enraptured by her companion across the table, not sparing Cailu a glance. Her profile ignited a flame of memory he’d suppressed so many years before.

    Fera…

    Raven locks shone in the morning sun as Fera corralled Heiki back into the house for their midday meal. Glittering green eyes rested on his face, gently warmed by her smile. Ready for tea, love?

    Father! Look what I found! Heiki cradled a butterfly in her palms. She thrust the insect forward to show him, blue eyes identical to Cailu’s, searching his face for approval.

    The stranger’s ears flicked forward, and her eyes slid to meet his gaze. A thin smile curled her lips, and all nostalgic traces of Fera vanished, replaced with a sardonic grin vacant of his late wife’s brilliant warmth. She slowly rose from the table, her shapely legs covered by black pants and a heavy set of dark metal leg armor. Amongst the dark aesthetic of her clothing were moments of glittering silver—half-hoops, shining jewelry, and round sterling adornments in her hair.

    She stalked toward the table, eyes never leaving his. Her hair trailed over both shoulders, ending just above the dip of her corseted top. Her narrow, black, and green tail swung behind her like a pendulum, keeping pace with her steps.

    “Cailu, isn’t it?” Her voice was gruff as if hardened by the test of many battles. “Cailu Racken or something?”

    Cailu bristled. “Cailu Raloquen. First of his name.”

    She placed her hands on the table and leaned forward, stopping mere heartbeats away from his face. Black ash outlined her wide eyes, likely drawn on with a burnt match. “First of his name, huh? Sounds fancy.” She licked her full lips. “I’m Skye. Know how many girls have had my name?”

    Cailu frowned. “I could not say.”

    “Neither could I,” Skye growled, then leaned back. She meticulously studied him from head to toe, then continued, “I’ve seen you around. You walk and talk and act like we all owe you something.”

    “You do,” he replied carefully, setting his jaw. “I keep the Defiled and Encroachers at bay. It is I who puts my life on the line for your island every single day.”

    Skye crossed her arms over her chest. “There are plenty of us who do the same thing. We’re just not good enough for your Party.”

    Furrowing his brow, Cailu replaced his cup in the Masu and carefully picked through his words. “A Party has certain requirements that must be met to function correctly—”

    “Uh-huh. And your [Assassin] so lightly informed me that a [Fighter]-based Class would not be necessary.” She tapped her pointer finger against her elbow. “Are you afraid of being shown up in combat by a [Void Walker], First of His Name?”

    “Fear has nothing to do with it.” The first tinges of anger sparked deep in his gut. Maybe it was the lack of sleep or constant travel and battle fatigue. Perhaps the politics in Nyarlothep were wearing his emotions thin. “You would only get in my way.”

    “You say that with such conviction. Not everyone fights the same, you know.” Despite a lack of invitation, Skye took a seat on the bench across from his. She leveled his gaze and sneered. “The way you look at catgirls is something else. Like we’re all beneath you. Do you even realize that you’re doing it?”

    Cailu rested his gauntlets on the table and waited. He never left his quarters without his armor. Today, it felt far heavier than he’d ever remembered. What right did this girl have to say these things to him? Didn’t she understand the sweat and blood he’d sacrificed to get here? To keep impertenint citizens like her safe?

    She shook her head and continued. “And yet, when I caught you looking at me, it was different. Softer. Why?”

    “You mock me and expect an answer?” Cailu growled.

    Skye shrugged. “At this point, I expect nothing.” She reached across the table and stole the Ochoko cup from its box. Slowly lifting it to her lips, she paused and searched his face. “Shall I continue to do so?”

    He clenched one fist as she sipped the cup’s contents. Skye’s slender jawline and soft curves were painfully reminiscent of Fera. Her sharp tongue and boorish demeanor, however, couldn’t have been farther from the woman he’d once loved. Gritting his teeth, he forced a response. “You reminded me of someone. Your delightful conversation has since remedied that mistake.”

    “I see.” Skye chuckled, then swirled the cup at her chin. “Well, I beg you pardon my intrusion.” Finishing the sake, she set it down on the table, paused, then replaced it in the box with a final tap on the rim. “I’ll leave you to it.”

    As she stood to leave, Cailu caught her wrist. The movement surprised them both. Skye looked at his gloved hand, then to his face. She said nothing; her eyes asked everything.

    He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt a burning in his cheeks and chest. His heart sped. The thoughts racing in his mind were beyond Skye’s resemblance to Fera. When was the last time he’d desired someone’s company? He swallowed against the building lump in his throat. “Please. Stay.”

    “You sure? I don’t want to ruin your evening,” Skye chided, though her words were softer than before.

    “I’m sure.”

    She slowly took her seat, and Cailu raised his hand for the waitress, ordering two more Masu boxes.

    “I’ve seen those drinks a few times, but I never really understood the box thing,” Skye admitted. She gestured to the empty cup. “Whatever’s inside is smooth as silk, though.”

    “This sake is reserved for guests of honor. The boxes themselves are made of the same wood they use in the Temples of Saoirse,” Cailu explained, emptying the remaining sake inside the box into his cup.

    “Probably should have just let me order another glass of wine, then,” Skye replied with a wry smile. “The title of Guest of Honor doesn’t belong anywhere near me.”

    “You may be correct. Enjoy it while it lasts.” He cleared his throat. It’d been so long since Cailu had last made a joke that the tone fell flat. “Apologies, I meant that in jest.”

    Skye grinned, but her eyes searched his face. “You are all over the place.”

    He wanted to pretend that he didn’t know what she meant. Or disagree straight out. All over the place? Of course not. He was the most collected man in Nyarlea. He had the best handle on the situation and the strongest tools to take care of it.

    They accepted the presented Masu boxes, and both drank deeply.

    “Who did I remind you of?” Skye asked after a time.

    Cailu tapped his cup. “Someone I knew many lifetimes ago.”

    “A friend?”

    “A bit more, I would say.” Still images of his wedding flashed across his mind. For so long, he’d pushed them away, and, in truth, he didn’t want to think of them now. “Let us talk of other things. Were you born in Shulan?”

    Skye shook her head. “I grew up on the other side of the island. In Binh Lai. It’s pretty small—only a couple hundred catgirls live there.”

    “The name sounds vaguely familiar.”

    “Yeah. If I recall correctly, you walked over it about five years ago and never looked back,” Skye teased. “Your Party stepped in when the few of us defending the town weren’t enough.”

    “I cannot remain in place for very long, regardless of circumstances,” Cailu said. “There is always a new threat to take care of. A city that needs my help. Evenings like this one are rare.”

    Skye spun her cup in thought. “That must be exhausting.” Her tail flickered behind her, and her ears twitched low. “Maybe I judged you too quickly.”

    Cailu shrugged .”What brought you to Shulan?”

    “I wanted to pick up some extra work, and, well…” Her words trailed, and she drained her sake instead.

    “What?”

    She straightened her shoulders. “I want a daughter. But do I meet the qualifications?” Her tone sounded like a quip, but the unease on her face spoke volumes.

    He smiled. A genuine smile felt foreign and strained his lips—as if he was relearning the gesture all over again. “I believe you do.”

    “Oh?”

    “Mhm. I’ll prove it to you. Provided you don’t mind being beneath me.”

    Skye blushed, and her eyes glittered. “We’ll see about that.”

    Cailu fished a sizeable bag of Bells from his [Cat Pack] and set it on the table. He was quickly handed the key to The Jiuguan’s best room. Skye followed him wordlessly up the stairs, her leg armor clinking as she moved.

    They wound their way through two long hallways before stopping at an elaborate door at the far end. Cailu unlocked it and swung it wide, gesturing for Skye to enter first. She paused beneath the threshold and searched the room with wide eyes.

    “Does the Queen keep this suite?” she murmured.

    “Rarely,” he replied. The opulence wasn’t lost on him. A bed that could easily fit five catgirls was draped in all fashions of silks and satins in a decorative canopy. A fireplace crackled merrily at the far end, warming a table set for two beside it. The bathroom held a large porcelain tub with a faucet that ran hot at all times of the year. One final, separate room with a small collection of books and a desk branched off of the main room.

    “This room is bigger than my house in Binh Lai.” Skye slowly moved inside, eyes never focusing on one single thing. “Books, tea, snacks. You could live here.”

    A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of Cailu’s lips as he closed the door behind him. “At times, I dream of that very thing.”

    Skye turned to face him, locking his eyes for a few lingering heartbeats, then closed the distance between them. “We can call it home for one night.”

    Before he could reply, she swung her arms around his neck and captured his kiss.

    Cailu gasped.

    [​IMG]

    [Memory stored and saved for Catgirls. . .]

    When their breathing had steadied, Cailu drew away from her and joined her on the bed. Skye licked her lips and turned on her stomach, bending her knees and playfully kicking her calves back and forth.

    It was a sweet gesture. One he recalled Fera doing after they’d made love…

    He cleared his throat and brushed a hand through his hair. “I should tell you that this is usually the point where I collect my armor and leave.”

    “Oh? And is that what you want to do?”

    Cailu glanced at the table, noting a teapot and a modest container of sweets. “Hm. I was thinking we could share a cup of tea and see where the night takes us.”

    “That sounds…homey.” Skye grinned. “Just for the night, though.”

    He nodded and moved to the table. “Yes. Just for the night.”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 18, 2022
    #12
  16. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 143: King Vulture

    We all exchanged uneasy glances after Zahra’s request. Really, there was only one question to ask, and Ravyn beat us to the punch.

    “Why?”

    Zahra nodded, her face placid with understanding. “Your question is to be expected. The truth is, this is not the Ichi Island I grew up on. It’s not the Madhyam I was born into.”

    “How’s that?” I asked.

    She pulled her long braid over one shoulder, running her fingers along the twists and turns. It reminded me of a habit of Cannoli’s, twining her hair in tiny braids when she was nervous. “There was no such thing as this wretched ‘King’s Tax.’ The Ichi I remember had plenty of food and water to go around. Bells were distributed equally from Rājadhānī’s citadel to all the outlying cities, and we could come and go in the capital as we pleased.”

    “Ever since Magni took over and Naeemah disappeared, our fortunes collapsed.” Ishani appeared from the doorway with a circular dish that smelled of honey and coconut. “This is not the environment I wished for my daughter to thrive in.”

    Zahra nodded in agreement. “He’s locked himself in the citadel. Our ancestors built that place for war, so without permission to enter, trying to attack it is suicide.”

    I glanced at Ceres, then Tristan and his crew. I was positive they could feel the same pull they’d felt beneath Celestia’s reign on Shi Island. But this was so much worse. From everything I’d seen so far, an island’s man had free reign to do as he wished. Apparently, that meant locking himself in a castle.

    “Pardon me if I speak out of turn, but I believe it is important to note that Naeemah is alive,” Ceres announced. “Miss Ishani seemed quite distraught at the mention of her disappearance.”

    Ishani placed the sweet-smelling dish down on the table and clasped her hands together. “Oh, Saoirse’s Blessing. That is wonderful news!” She touched her thumb to her forehead, lips, and heart before steepling her hands again. “Naeemah, sweet girl. May the wind carry her desires and the sun warm her back.”

    “Did Naeemah live here in Madhyam?” I recalled Naeemah’s face and her lightning-fast movements. Her daggers at our throats and the fury in the depths of her dark gaze. I’d never thought of her as more than Cailu’s right hand [Assassin].

    “You really don’t know?” Zahra wore a look of genuine surprise.

    “She’s not exactly very talkative,” Keke explained.

    “We’ve only seen her a few times now. We haven’t had much of a chance to get to know her, really,” Cannoli added. Her gaze drifted to the blue blazard sneaking low on his tummy to Ishani’s freshly baked dessert. “Buttons!”

    Buttons looked up at her and blinked, his forked tongue flicking toward the pan. He shrank closer to the table and made a U-turn back to Cannoli’s hands.

    “Behave yourself!” Cannoli scolded lightly, then reached for one of the remaining roasted green vegetables on her plate. “Here, if you’re hungry, have some of mine.”

    Buttons accepted the fluffy green veggie, but his tiny slumped shoulders said he would have preferred the sweets.

    “Ah! Excuse me! Allow me to serve you a family recipe passed down many generations,” Ishani proclaimed. She fished a knife from her apron and dexterously sliced the thin cake.

    “That’s very kind of you, Ishani. Thank you so much,” Tristan said before turning back to Zahra. “Would you mind telling us more about Naeemah’s role here?”

    Zahra twirled the end of her braid around one finger, then put her hands in her lap. “Seventeen years ago, when I was still a kitten, Naeemah was a beloved member of Krethik’s Party—my father and the man of our island at the time.”

    “So you must have known him fairly well, huh?” Destiny asked Ishani.

    “Yes. Very well.” Ishani smiled and began to serve the diamond-shaped slices of dessert on each of our plates. “Kind and generous. Perfect manners. A little like your Tristan, here.”

    Tristan blushed. I made a note to work on my manners.

    Zahra continued, “When Krethik passed away, Naeemah took over the rule in Rājadhānī. Her meticulous nature and attention to detail saw Ichi thrive for twelve years. Two men came before Magni, but neither lasted long against the Encroachers and harsh climates of our island.”

    Lara’s eyes grew wide. “Wind says she was like a Queen.”

    “That is an accurate word indeed.” Ishani chuckled and served me the last piece of cake. “The vizier’s seat suited her, and she commanded it with a rare grace and beauty you don’t often see in our culture.”

    “It’s hard to think of her as anything but fucking scary,” Ravyn grumbled.

    A wry smile quirked at the corner of Zahra’s lips. “Fear was not the sole of her command. However, even while ruling, to make an enemy of her was a mistake.”

    “Which is why we never understood her disappearance. All of us were certain that Magni had…had killed—” Ishani stuttered on the word, then repeated the gesture of touching her forehead, lips, and heart. “I’m sorry, I cannot bring myself to say the words.”

    “None of us would have been surprised if Magni buried her,” Zahra finished for her. “From the little we heard from him at the beginning, he forces his ideals in the name of ‘progress.’ It’s a farce.”

    “So, then, what do you hope to do, Zahra?” Keke asked. “What will coming to Rājadhānī accomplish for you?”

    “To serve as a mouthpiece for my family and friends. Magni needs to hear our cries, and our way of life needs to be restored,” Zahra replied.

    “You can’t kill him,” Ravyn said flatly.

    “I’ve no intention nor desire.”

    “But, Zahra, if he would not hear Naeemah’s pleas for the island, how will you bend his ear?” Ceres pressed.

    Zahra shrugged. “I don’t know. Still, I have to try.”

    “It’s a dangerous road, and we’re not completely sure what awaits us when we get there,” Tristan explained. He looked at the silent Agni and scratched his chin. “Agni would also have to be okay with you riding her gigashank.”

    “If it’s money you need, I have it. Both for the travel and for myself. I am in no way asking you to support me,” Zahra replied.

    Agni shrugged. “Well, then I ain't got no problem with it. Up to you folks.” She chuckled and picked up her slice of cake. “I’m jus’ happy to have a hot meal and good company.”

    “What about in battle? Will we not have to protect you there?” Keke asked.

    Zahra tugged at the hilt of her katana swung around her waist. “I am a trained [Myrmidon]. I can carry my own weight.”

    Lara closed her eyes and sniffed the air. “Zahra smells like Lightning. I think Lightning really likes her.”

    Zahra raised a brow. “Uh…huh.”

    “Mattaku. Don’t mind her.” Ravyn coaxed a corner of the cake away from her slice and tossed it to Ball. “What assurance do we have that we won’t get there and you rail him through with your adorable sword, hm?”

    “Should we actually gain access, we won’t be able to enter the citadel armed. I’m sure eight of you can stop just one of me if things should go sour?”

    “Tristan! Tristan, try the cake!” Destiny cried, ditching the young master honorific in her excitement.

    Bottoms up. I took a bite of the cake. The honey coated my tongue, and the flaky layers crunched lightly beneath my teeth. Where had this thing been all my life? “This is delicious!” I said, mouth still full.

    “Speak once you are finished chewing,” Ishani gently chided.

    I blushed. Yeah, Tristan definitely had me on the manners front.

    Keke lightly elbowed me in the side. “Need to spend a little more time in the school of etiquette, Matt?”

    I leveled her gaze and rolled my eyes. After I swallowed, I repeated my compliment.

    “I’m honored that you enjoy it, Matt,” Ishani replied.

    “It’s so sweet I could die!” Cannoli squealed, licking her lips. “Goodness, I would be honored if you shared your recipe, Ishani!”

    “I will share it, should you accept my daughter into your Party,” Ishani said cooly.

    Cannoli looked at me with her shimmering ruby eyes, pleading silently with a slight pout on her lower lip.

    Way to get Cannoli hooked. But…something tells me I won’t be able to. “Summon iPaw.” I navigated to the [Party] window and tried to scroll further down. Sure enough, there weren’t any empty slots available. With Ceres’ picture, the [Party] window was full. “We can’t have another member. It’s up to Tristan on this one.”

    Cannoli turned her pout on Tristan.

    Tristan looked from my desperate [Acolyte], then to Ishani, then finally settled his gaze on Zahra.

    Zahra lifted the cake from his plate and carefully set it against Tristan’s lips. His eyes widened in surprise, but he took a bite. The tension evaporated from his shoulders, and his eyes rolled back to the sky. He swallowed and sighed. “How can I say no to that?”

    “No one can resist mom’s basbousa.” Our newest Party member laughed and fed him the rest.

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 27, 2022
    #13
  17. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 144: Kaminari Tori

    Zahra and her mother were hospitable beyond belief. In fact, at first, it made me a bit uncomfortable. A nagging voice at the back of my head kept saying that this was a trap; it was too good to be true—the usual suspects when I was overwhelmed by someone’s kindness.

    Zahra and her mother offered us their home as a place to stay for the night. It’d be a three-day trek from here to the capital. With no other cities or towns in-between, we wanted to ensure that we left with no shortage of [Energy].

    Basbousa was my new favorite treat. From what Zahra had told us, basbousa was great for maintaining and restoring [Energy]. I had no doubt that Cannoli could replicate the recipe point for point. Well, eventually, anyway. Just from my understanding, a generational recipe like that took a lot of time to master.

    Kind as Zahra and her mother were, I was surprised that they were willing to accommodate so many people with a home as small as theirs. Most of us had taken to the floor with blankets.

    Better than having to take turns on watch.

    When the morning sun rose, I rose with it. It gave me pause to reflect on just how much of a morning person I’d become. Gone were the days of staying up late, playing video games, and wishing I had a girlfriend.

    Thinking back on it, I was pretty pampered in my old world. Even if I did miss some of the first-world amenities I’d grown so used to—like cars, microwaves, and cell phones—I was missing those amenities less and less as time went on. I imagined this is what it felt like to be productive and to have purpose.

    I stretched my back and arms, and my bones popped. I sat up to see Keke by the window with her bow. A blue-gold glow outlined her features.

    Her gaze caught mine, and she turned around with a smile.

    “Good morning, Matt,” she said, smiling.

    “Morning, Keke,” I said back.

    “How’d you sleep?”

    I massaged the muscles between my neck and shoulder. “Not great. But I feel oddly charged up if that makes any sense.”

    “Must be the basbousa,” Keke nodded sagely. “I had trouble falling asleep. What’s your iPaw say?”

    “Good question. Appear, iPaw.” The device manifested in my hand. I scrolled over to where my Party was displayed.

    Keke

    Base Level 8
    Scout Class Level 8
    Health Points: 27/27
    Myana Points: 15/15
    Energy: 42/37
    Strength: 4
    Magic: 1
    Vitality: 2
    Dexterity: 5
    Agility: 5
    Resistance: 1

    “Huh. Well, this is interesting,” I said as I hunched over into a more comfortable position. “Your [Energy]’s at 42/37. You have 5 over your max?”

    “What?” Keke blinked. “Well, I do feel like I could take on the world right now.”

    I frowned, then went to where my Stats were listed.

    Matt

    Base Level 9
    Warrior Class Level 9
    Health Points: 54/54
    Myana Points: 7/7
    Energy: 33/28
    Strength: 6
    Magic: 1
    Vitality: 6
    Dexterity: 1
    Agility: 2
    Resistance: 2

    Sure enough, my [Energy] was higher too. Even so, I couldn’t help but find it strange that I had a Base and Class Level on Keke. Felt wrong when she was so clearly more experienced than I was.

    Guess these are the advantages to being a man in Nyarlea.

    “Matt. Matt?” Keke broke me out of my thoughts.

    “Oh, sorry. Yeah, my [Energy] is 5 points over my max as well.” I scratched my chin in thought. This would be a great recipe if Cannoli could master it. Zahra’s mom really knows her stuff.”

    “No wonder I feel so restless,” Keke said with a light giggle.

    Still, though, that was strange that the basbousa carried over to the next day. At the very least, I would’ve thought the effects would’ve worn off by the end of the night.

    Well, I guess it was best to consider it a blessing. The others were beginning to stir anyway—it would soon be time to leave. I’d learned a lot of things about traveling—one of them being that it was usually best to leave as soon as the sun rose. The longer that ball of fire was up, the hotter it was going to be. Desert or not.

    “Time to get up, everyone,” I said once I’d gotten to my feet.

    Ravyn shot up, her hair a tangled mess. Heavy bags rested under her eyes as she observed the room.

    “Ravyn? Did you sleep okay?” I asked.

    She looked at me, squinted, then nodded. “Fine.”

    Convinced she was lying to me, I left her alone.

    One by one, everyone got up. Zahra’s mother was up minutes after Keke and I, and she set to making breakfast for all of us. It was kind of nice. For a while there, it felt like we were staying the night at a bed and breakfast. Minus the beds, of course.

    After we ate a bunch of food that I couldn’t tell you the names of, Zahra and her mother shared a hug, and we were off.

    I wasn’t eager to return to the desert trail, especially knowing that we’d have to spend a minimum of three nights in tents. Three more nights of watch rotations. Despite that, I found a spring in my step and held no hesitation in hopping up on the giganshank and getting back on the road. Erm, well, as much of a road as could be expected.

    We had enough supplies to last a few days by the time we left. Tristan was adamant about ensuring Zahra, Destiny, and Lara had everything they needed. Zahra assured him she needed little more than the katana around her waist.

    The iPaw was pretty vague regarding second Class advancement and Skills. I knew [Myrmidon] was a branch from the [Warrior] path, and, honestly, that was it. So, before we left, I did what any guy would do and asked Zahra about her Class while she and Tristan were discussing necessary supplies.

    “I trained to become a [Myrmidon] on San Island. I was a [Warrior] before then, like you,” she explained.

    “Do you use any axe Skills?” I asked. I was struggling to picture how a [Warrior] became a [Myrmidon]. Transitioning from a Class that used axes to a Class that used katanas just didn’t make much sense to me.

    To my surprise, Zahra nodded. “[Myrmidon] has plenty of axe Skills.” She tugged the handle of a small axe from her belt—a throwing axe. “[Myrmidon] Skills incorporate the axe as a weapon of utility.” She allowed the axe to fall in her grip until she held it just below the head. “Most of my time was spent relying on the katana for close-quarters combat and falling back on the throwing axe as needed.”

    Listening to how Zahra described the [Myrmidon] had me leaning away from it. As appealing as the katana looked, it also seemed to require a lot of technique and finesse that I wasn’t sure I could handle. I thought back to Erina, briefly wondering how she was doing after the loss of her arm and whether or not she’d still feel able and up to teaching me what a [Battleguard] could do.

    “I was nervous to learn at first,” Zahra continued. “But my master was one of the few who was able to become a [Samurai] on San Island.”

    “So what should I expect in a fight?” Tristan asked. Not wanting to take up too much of Zahra and Tristan’s time, I let them speak for a while, listening in so I could better understand.

    “I’m fast.” She paused, frowning. “Much faster than you might be comfortable with.”

    “Yeah, I was a bit worried when you stabbed our food,” Tristan said with an anxious laugh.

    “Sorry about that,” Zahra said as she played with the end of her braid.

    “It was actually pretty cool,” Tristan said, shaking his head.

    “Thanks. My attitude was a problem that came up quite often when I was training with my master. She said I was too much of a showoff.”

    “I don’t mind that too much.”

    “Oh, that reminds me. Since it sounds like neither of you have ever seen a [Myrmidon] in action, I take it you’ve never heard of the extra factor called [Perception]?” Zahra asked.

    Now that was a confusing thing to hear out of her mouth. I hoped this wasn’t some extra, hidden Stat on my screen that I’d neglected up to this point. Then again, neither Cailu nor any experienced catgirl had ever brought it up.

    Tristan and I shook our heads.

    “Well, then you’d best let your Party know about this too. I’ll try and give as much warning as possible, but whenever [Myrmidon]s are in battle, they’ll receive a [Perception] bonus. It took me a long time to adjust to it myself, but I can pass it along to my friends on command.” Zahra put the axe back into her [Cat Pack], then pressed the tips of her fingers together with a rather girlish smile. “If your [Perception] gets high enough in the heat of combat, time may look like it slows for a split-second.”

    “What do you mean?” I asked. “Like, you control time?”

    “No, I think what she means is that how we perceive time changes,” explained Tristan. “Am I right?”

    “So smart,” Zahra said, her smile growing more prominent. She nodded. “Exactly right. To any onlooker, nothing will look different. To those who are fighting, the flow of combat might feel distorted. That’s something only [Myrmidon] can do.” At that, Zahra puffed out her chest and rested her hand on the sheath of her katana. “It especially works great if you have more points assigned to [Agility] and [Dexterity] like I do.”

    I thought back to what Espada had said a while back when she snatched the iPaw out of my hand—how [Agility] would be important at some point. Maybe this was one of those times she was talking about. However, I was willing to bet that I had more [Strength] and [Vitality] than Zahra did.

    “So, just keep that in mind. When it happens, the people and objects around you might feel like they’re slowing down. They’re not. That’s just how you’re perceiving things. It can be a little scary to see the battle play out in slow motion.”

    Tristan visibly swallowed. “That’s an eerie thought. Thank you, Zahra! I’ll let everyone know. Anything else?”

    The [Myrmidon] shook her head. “Nothing I can think of. Shall we depart?”

    I nodded, wincing at the thought of the impending heat. “The desert won’t cross itself.”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 27, 2022
    #14
  18. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 145: Sacred Ibis

    While we waited for Sierra to corral our gigashanks, Ravyn marched deliberately to Agni’s side. Zahra was only a few steps behind her, coming to a sudden halt as Ravyn raised her arm like a stop sign.

    “Hold it right there. I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you.” Ravyn narrowed her eyes, one sharp tooth peeking between her lips as she flashed Zahra a smile.

    That can’t be good.

    “Lucky Zahra! Lucky Zahra! Squawk!” Ball Gag shrieked on Ravyn’s shoulder.

    Zahra flinched with Ball’s piercing cry, then cocked her head at Ravyn. “What’s that?”

    Ravyn’s smile widened. She balled her fist and pointed toward our clueless [Conjurer]. “Get to know your new Party mate. Ride the gigashank with her.”

    Zahra glanced behind her, following Ravyn’s finger. Lara giggled with Destiny, unaware of their conversation.

    Damn, Ravyn. You really hate riding with her that bad?

    Keke snickered behind me. As Zahra turned her gaze back to Ravyn, her eyes lingered on Keke before settling on the [Sorcerer] and her parrot. “Why?”

    Ravyn’s grin faltered, but she recovered in the blink of an eye. “Nani? Do you not wish to meet your companions?”

    Zahra’s eyes narrowed. “What language are you using?” She thought better of it and shook her head. “No matter. I’ll do as you say.”

    “Excellent. Enjoy your ride.” Ravyn’s shoulders slumped in what I could only imagine was relief, and she ran a hand through her long hair. “No takesies-backsies.”

    “That’s, uh, a cute thing for you to say,” I noted.

    “Baka,” Ravyn hissed behind her smile. “Like you would know.”

    “Seems like you won’t break her triumph that easily,” Keke said with a giggle.

    We paired up and retook our formation from the day before—Agni and Ravyn on the gigashank in front, the rest of us in a two-by-two square. The heat and unrelenting sun greeted us once more, and Madhyam slowly disappeared behind us.

    There wasn’t a hint of a breeze or a cloud in the sky. Our voices echoed off the sand with perfect clarity, which made it easier to call to one another and participate in conversations. But I would have taken even a hot wind to get the air moving. Like standing in a blow dryer.

    I never thought I’d take airplanes for granted, but here we are.

    “You’re Lara, right?” Zahra asked her riding partner.

    “That’s me!” Lara giggled. “And you smell like Lightning!”

    Zahra replied carefully, “Yes, you said that yesterday. What does that mean, exactly?”

    “Hm. Well…” Lara leaned forward and sniffed her. “Like you’ve been standing out in the rain for a few hours. Or like that sensation that happens if you rub your feet on the carpet and then touch something. You smell like that.”

    “It hasn’t rained in months. And I don’t remember the last time I’ve tried to shock someone on purpose,” Zahra chuckled.

    “It’s probably because Lightning likes you!”

    Zahra blinked. “You said that before, too. I didn’t know that lightning had feelings.”

    “Oh, yes. All of the Elements have feelings. I can only talk with three of them about it, but I can kind of understand the others. Just a little.”

    I think Zahra surprised us all with her easy follow-up question. “Is that so? Which ones do you talk to?”

    Their amicable conversation continued, and Zahra was a rapt listener, asking pointed questions when Lara gave her a chance. She told her about Earth, Water, and Wind and her frustrations and successes with them since leaving the school. This prompted questions about Venicia and Destiny—who was happy to chime in and fill in details for her sister.

    “Lara’s pretty amazing, really. I’ve never met anyone like her,” Keke murmured.

    “Yeah. Can’t say I have, either,” I mumbled in reply. “Good to see they’re already getting along.”

    “Ravyn seems happy to be away from her, too.” Keke nodded toward the head gigashank of our caravan. Ravyn was quietly whispering with Ball, offering him pets and a cookie when he chittered back.

    “Glad it worked out.”

    “Me, too.” Keke dropped her voice to a whisper. “Though it takes a lot of our entertainment away.”

    “I’m wearing off on you!” I tickled her sides, and she squirmed and squealed, her tail wrapping behind my waist.

    “It was destined to happen eventually!” She leaned her head back against my chest, blinking that hypnotic golden gaze up at me. “And I’d like some more, please.”

    I kissed the tip of her nose and wrapped my arms around her waist. “That can be arranged.”

    The day’s travels brought us to an oasis just as the sun touched the horizon. At first, I was terrified that I was seeing a mirage—like the shimmering pools of nothing they show you in movies. However, Agni quickly confirmed for all of us that we’d be camping at Timia Oasis.

    “Just leave the Encroacher critters alone,” she warned.

    Tristan and I exchanged glances. “What lives there?”

    Agni shrugged. “A buncha little ’uns. Some bugs as big as a dinner plate just lookin’ for water or grub. A few furry beasties. Lotsa things like him,” she pointed to Buttons resting comfortably on the gigashank’s head. “None of ‘em’ll hurt ya. But they will swarm ya.”

    Keke shivered. “Those are some big bugs.”

    “Maybe they’re not so bad.”

    Famous last words.

    All thoughts of waking up to a plate-sized beetle vanished when we reached the edge of the oasis. Lush green plants and tall reeds surrounded a shimmering lake of clear blue water. Towering pawm trees circled the lake, each one framed by flowering bushes and soft patches of grass. It really was like a slice of heaven in the middle of the miles and miles of dunes.

    “Wow,” Tristan marveled, taking the word right out of my mouth.

    “The water’s good to fill your canteens with, folks. Drink up, and we’ll get the tent pitched,” Agni announced, tying her and Ravyn’s gigashank to one of the pawms near the water.

    My first drink from the lake was more satisfying than any water bottle I’d ever had in my life. It was cool and sweet, unmarred by dirt or the mass amounts of leaves or grass. The view was crystal clear down to the bottom, and I spotted a few sizes of fish and one large content reptile skidding across the bottom.

    “Agni, can I fish here?” Keke called over her shoulder.

    “Yeah. That should be fine.”

    Keke grinned at me. “Dinner’s on me tonight.”

    The rest of us helped put up the tent while Keke took to her favorite pastime, pulling in one flopping fish after another. She hooked her catches on a long chain she procured from her [Cat Pack], allowing them to tangle in the water and stay fresh until it was time to cook them.

    “Keke is quite prepared at all times,” Ceres admired from afar.

    “I can’t really talk. I carry my frying pan everywhere,” Cannoli replied. She kicked a tiny hill of sand over with the toe of her shoe. I was happy to see she hadn’t turned nearly as red as the day prior.

    “And for that, we are all most thankful, Cannoli!” Ceres said.

    Cannoli beamed, her ears twitching with pride.

    Zahra and Lara had moved farther down the lake, conversation continuing to linger like they were a pair of age-old friends. You’d never know they’d just met barely a day ago.

    “Glad they’re all buddy-buddy now,” Ravyn said, watching them as they washed their faces and arms.

    “Is that a hint of envy I hear?” I teased. Well, sort of. Ravyn’s slightly narrowed eyes were a dead giveaway.

    “Pft. Me? Not in a million years, boy.” She cackled and crossed her arms. “I’m glad to have some peace and quiet!”

    Keke poked Ravyn’s side. “Mhm. And when are you going to talk to Fire?”

    “Mou ii! Not you, too!” Ravyn groaned. “I’m trapped in a Party of lunatics.”

    Cannoli trapped one of Ravyn’s arms with both of hers, hugging it to her chest. “You love us!”

    Ravyn blushed with Cannoli’s sudden hug, then tilted her hat slightly over her eyes. “Mm. Something like that.”

    “Tristan! Matt! Help me build this fire?” Agni called.

    “Coming!” Tristan called, and I nodded.

    “Fire? Now’s your chance, Ravyn!” Keke prodded.

    Ravyn grimaced and growled.

    “You never know! Fire may be an excellent companion for you to hold close,” Ceres added.

    “Matt!” Ravyn barked.

    “Sorry, have to help build a fire! You’re on your own!” I jogged away with a wave, relishing in her incredulous stare.

    With the fire built and Keke’s expert [Fishing], we all had a hand in prepping dinner. Agni and Cannoli took to the actual cooking of it while the rest of us cleaned the fish and chopped whatever they ordered us to chop. Despite the exhausting day and constant heat, even I had to admit that it felt…cozy.

    Just as we’d finished eating, Cannoli gasped and pointed between a pair of pawm trees. “Oh! Oh my goodness! Look! But slowly!”

    I turned to see what had her in such a frenzy. There, peeking its tiny yellow head between the bushes, was a rabbit. Its long ears drooped on either side of its head, and dark brown eyes looked at us curiously.

    “A bunny! It’s a real, actual bunny!” Cannoli squealed.

    “Make a wish, Cannoli!” I urged quietly.

    “R-right! Okay! Um!” She clenched her fists to her chest and scrunched her lips closed. Her breathing was rapid and uneven—she looked like she was about to burst at the seams. “Okay! I got it! You too, Matt!”

    I looked around the group. They stared back with expectant faces. Save for Keke, who was falling asleep against my arm.

    I never want this dream to end.

    Crack! A sharp snap called my attention back to where the rabbit was. Except he was gone. Replaced by a bright streak of yellow that led into the bushes—illuminating its path for a few seconds. I watched, dumbstruck until the glow finally vanished.

    Lara giggled. “Bunnies smell like Lightning, too.”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 27, 2022
    #15
  19. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 146: The Tempest

    When the morning came, a howling wind was blowing against our tent. When I sat up, the sensation of sand between my fingernails and toenails welcomed me. It was a new constant that took some getting used to, so I tried to put it out of my head. Agni and Zahra were hunched together in front of the tent’s flap. Keke sat on her knees behind them. The opening was cracked just enough so that they could see outside.

    “Morning,” I said with a casual wave. Keke turned her head, facing me with a smile.

    “Good morning, Matt,” she said in a hush.

    Everyone else was still sound asleep. I wasn’t too surprised since Keke and I had turned in pretty early. We’d taken second watch, but other than that, the night was pretty uneventful. Although my back complained from the lack of support, my mind felt rested.

    “What’s going on out there?” I asked.

    “A sandstorm,” Agni said, clicking her tongue. “Gon’ have to wait it out for now.”

    “Does this usually happen?”

    “From time to time,” she shrugged.

    “How long’s it been going on for?”

    “At least an hour,” answered Keke. She leaned backward, pulling her knees close to her chin.

    “I see.” I threw the covers off and stretched my arms above my head. Breathing out deep, I looked around, unsure what we should do next. “Should die down pretty soon then, right?”

    “Not necessarily,” said Zahra. “Sometimes, they can last for the whole day. Depends on how the wind is feeling.”

    I toyed around with the idea of waking up Lara to have her ask Wind directly, but the sound was kind of nice to hear after dealing with the breezeless, unrelenting heat for the last few days. As short as the reprieve could be, I was willing to kick back for a while and listen to the wind.

    “Wonder if we should wake up the others,” I wondered aloud.

    “Leave them be,” said Zahra. “They need their rest. Especially the boy.”

    I cocked an eyebrow. “Tristan? Why?”

    “He and—” Zahra paused, looking in Destiny’s direction. She tapped the tips of her ring and thumb fingers together in apparent thought.

    “Destiny?” I offered.

    “Yes, Destiny. Thank you. I apologize. There are a lot of names to remember, and I’m not too great in that department,” Zahra admitted.

    I shrugged. “Lot of people to remember. I get it.”

    “Those two were up late.” Zahra paused with the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “We should let them rest a while longer.”

    “Was it something bad?”

    A snicker escaped Keke’s lips. “Hardly.”

    Okay, what is it that you know that I don’t?

    Agni let the flap of the tent fall, then sat down in a cross-legged position. “Well, this might be a good time to teach ya somethin’ neat, Keke. You seem like a natural-born fisher.”

    “Oh, well, thank you,” Keke said, playing with a lock of her hair. “Teach me what exactly?”

    “Ever been sand fishin’?”

    There was a pause. “You can’t be serious.” Keke scooched closer to Agni, her eyes alit with the wonder of a child.

    “Oh, it’s true, alright.” Agni laughed. “We’ll hafta be careful with the storm an’ all, but I can take ya. Think ya can handle the sand?”

    I already knew her answer.

    Keke rose to her feet. “Handle it? I’ll master it, I promise. Please teach me.”

    I smiled. Keke was clearly trying to keep her voice down around the others. Her tail swished rapidly behind her.

    “Can I join too?” I asked.

    “You can fish?” Agni asked as she stood up.

    “Uh, not well.” I scratched the side of my neck. “Barely, I guess. But I’d still like to watch. Maybe I can learn something from it.”

    “Sure. I don’t have any issue with that. Ya both wanna make sure your faces are covered just cuz of the sand. It hurts.” Agni ventured to one corner of the tent, rummaging through her [Cat Pack]. “C’mere, Keke. You’re gon’ want to switch up your gear some.”

    Keke carried herself with quiet humility, but I could tell from the shake of her hands and how she sucked in her lips that she was struggling to contain her excitement.

    By the time they finished, not a single bit of Keke’s skin—save for her eyes—could be seen underneath all the cloth. Fabrics of beige fell upon her in layers. Along the edges of the clothing were the stitched silhouettes of fish, diamonds, and waves. Tight, brown leather covered her arms and legs, coming up to her elbows and knees. It looked extremely comfortable.

    “It’s a snug fit,” Keke remarked, opening and closing her hands.

    “Sorry about that, it’s my sister’s,” Agni said with an awkward smile. She was putting on the last pieces of her own attire as she spoke. “It might be a bit small.”

    “Not at all,” Keke said with a shake of her head. “That’s a good thing if it’s snug. I prefer that. Makes it feel like it was made for me.”

    “It looks good on you,” I said, making no effort to hide my wandering gaze. It hugged her curves and allowed my imagination to do some of the work.

    “Oh my goodness, you look magnificent, Keke!” Cannoli squealed from behind us. Her sudden clamor had my heart leaping into my throat.

    When did you wake up? Were you watching the whole time?

    Keke let out a nervous laugh. “Thanks. We’re going to do some sand fishing.”

    “Wait, really?” Cannoli’s eyes widened. “What can you catch out there?”

    “All kinds of interesting Encroachers,” said Zahra. “Some of them make great meals if you have a method to preserve them.” She glanced at Agni. “I’m assuming you have a way to do so?”

    “You betcha! No shortage of salt here!” said Agni.

    A slew of questions came to mind as they were talking. If they were sand fishing, did this mean that none of the fish were underwater, just sand? So, did that mean they breathed through the sand? Then again, I was working under the assumption that whatever they were going to pull out of the sand was actually classified as fish.

    “Are there actual fish in the sand? Like, the same kinds of gilled fish you’d pull out of water? I’ve never been to Ichi Island, so this is a new concept for me,” I asked.

    “There are,” said Zahra. “I understand that pulling fish out of the sand can sound strange if you’ve never done it.”

    “You said there’s no sand fishing from where you all came from, yeah?” Agni asked.

    Keke, Cannoli, and I shook our heads.

    “No such thing on Ni Island,” said Keke. She felt around her neck for the hood of her cloak, then pulled it over her head. “I’ve heard rumors from some other girls on my island. I thought they were making it all up—the beach is the closest thing we have to dunes, and those are a far cry from what’s out here.”

    Thank you. I’m glad for once I don’t feel like the only one who doesn’t know what’s going on.

    “There’s going to be more than fish out there. Lots of different Encroachers like to come out for the storms. The clouds cast a lot of shade, making the heat more tolerable,” said Zahra.

    “Oh, I see,” Cannoli said barely above a mumble.

    Agni reached into her [Cat Pack] and pulled out a compass. “There’s a great spot just west of here. It’ll be clear of some of the more annoyin’ roaches, too. Let’s get movin’ before the storm dies.”

    —

    My heart skipped a beat when we reached the sand fishing spot. It was a bizarre sight. We stood at the edge of a giant crevasse filled with sand rushing from east to west like a fast-flowing river. Occasionally, an Encroacher would breach the surface of the sand, soaring high into the air like a bass trying to climb a waterfall.

    “Are you sure this is safe?” I asked, swallowing. I’d seen too many movies where the heroes fell into pits of quicksand, never to return.

    “Ya ain’t fishin’, so don’t ya be worryin’ ‘bout it!” Agni screamed through the buffet of the storm.

    “This is so exciting!” yelled Keke. She stood at the edge of the crevasse, undaunted by the sweeping sand river. “So, how does this work?”

    Agni set her pack down behind her and yanked the fishing rod off the side. “First of all, ya’ll wanna make sure you keep one foot frontin’ the other!” She demonstrated the stance, her fishing rod held out in front of her. “Just like this! That way, if somethin’ snags ya or surprises ya, then ya don’t get pulled in! Got it?”

    “Got it!”

    Oh my god, it can happen. Unpleasant images of being swept away beneath the sand clouded my thoughts as Agni continued.

    “Secondly! I take it you’re aware of [Fisherman’s Sense of Danger], yeah?” Keke nodded, and Agni carried on. “Don’t hafta worry ‘bout it here! Sand fishin’ don’t have that kinda danger!”

    That didn’t seem right to me. So far, the Defiled threat didn’t seem as bad here as it did on San or Shi Island, but I had a hard time believing that a Defiled could never show up, especially in a giant river of sand.

    “Are you sure?” Keke seemed as uneasy about it as I was.

    “Yeah! Don’t worry ‘bout it. Really!” Agni confirmed.

    The entire situation made me uncomfortable, but I wasn’t in a position to argue with her. She was the native, and we were the foreigners. When in Rome, right?

    Beyond the proper stance, there wasn’t much more to sand fishing than to regular fishing. Even so, I couldn’t resist the urge to stand directly behind Keke. You know, just in case.

    The sandstorm calmed to a dull roar, enough to where we could finally talk to one another instead of screaming. The clouds still coated the sky like a spotty layer of paint, but it was noticeably cooler than the day before.

    “Matt, really. I’m fine,” Keke said.

    “I know. It’s always important to have a spotter. Take it from someone who learned the hard way.”

    Keke giggled, pecking me on the cheek from behind her veil. “You’re always so thoughtful. Thanks, Matt.”

    I rested one hand on Keke’s shoulder, watching as she and Agni pulled Encroacher after Encroacher from the sand. They wildly varied in size and shape: cubed roaches with tentacle-like tendrils, gray monstrosities with leathery skin, rainbow-scaled dwarfs that glimmered in the short bursts of sunlight. As Agni said, there was plenty to catch in there.

    An assortment of bugs and lizards emerged on the banks, crawling and slithering past us without a second look, including some that were disturbingly reminiscent of giant centipedes. I shivered, glad that they paid us no mind.

    When Keke snagged her last catch, all I could wonder was how all of this would taste later.

    Can’t wait to see what Cannoli and Agni make out of these. I glanced at the gray giant that lay at Agni’s feet. There’s no way that’ll fit in a frying pan.

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Sep 29, 2022
    #16
  20. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Side Quest: Melasia's Throne of Glass

    [​IMG]

    The high temperatures inside the throne room were stifling. Nyarlothep was experiencing an unprecedented heat wave for the first time in years—Melasia struggled to remember the last time she’d experienced such discomfort in the midst of her rule. Five years? Six?

    Two young women stood to her left and right, fanning her with the broad leaves of pawm trees freshly cut from their branches that morning. Sweat trickled down their brows and necks, mirroring Melasia’s glistening skin.

    At the edge of the dais stood her stalwart knight, Espada. Shimmering beads collected at the edge of her cropped hairline, trailing down to the hem of her tunic before disappearing into her armor. Melasia watched, entranced, imagining the taste should she catch them with her tongue. Espada’s skin called to hers, begging to be caressed and explored with careful hands.

    “Your majesty,” Helena, one of the castle’s stewards, called from the bottom step. “Mai Linh of San Island has arrived.”

    Melasia broke her stare from Espada and stood, straightening her heat-deflated posture. “Very good. Please show her in.”

    Helena bowed, then hurried across the velvet carpets to the entrance of the throne hall. Espada stood like a stone statue, her gaze never wavering from her post. Melasia wondered if the thoughts of her lover ever wandered—if Espada’s eyes ever slid to their furthest corners to capture the briefest image of her partner.

    With careful fingers, Melasia wiped away a glistening line of sweat from her forehead and reset her focus to her guest. It would not do her reputation well to be caught in a daydream. Helena guided a petite young woman across the silver carpets leading to the throne. Mai Linh’s black hair was swept back from her face, and the layers were set in thin, alternating patterns that swirled together to form the appearance of a rose. Her ears were adorned with floral jewelry, and her black dress echoed a similar motif with stitched silver petals and dark green leaves.

    “It is good to meet face to face, Mai Linh,” Melasia said as her guest approached. “I understand that much is lost through correspondence.”

    Mai Linh bowed deeply. “I appreciate you taking the time to see me, Your Majesty. Being in your presence is an honor.”

    “The honor is mine,” Melasia replied politely. “What brings you into my court, Mai Linh?”

    Mai Linh’s shoulders fell, if only slightly. A frown twitched at the corner of her lips, and her golden eyes drifted to the silver rug. Her clasped fingers warred for dominance at her waist, and her breathing sped. It didn’t take words for the queen to understand that aught was amiss.

    “Finn, the island’s man, has been confirmed deceased,” Mai Linh announced, steadying her words.

    Melasia blinked but didn’t move. When Mai Linh didn’t continue, she prompted, “The loss of an island’s man is a common occurrence, as I’m certain you’re aware.”

    Mai Linh nodded. “I have assumed the leading role at the Shulan Guild Hall, managing the finances and affairs for now. However, his protracted disappearance has set us back…significantly.”

    “You made mention of this when he first vanished one year ago. Could you please elaborate?”

    “Of course, Your Majesty.” Mai Linh smoothed her dress but still kept her gaze to the floor, as was appropriate. “Myself and the other catgirls of the Guild Hall believe that, even though Finn had effectively vanished from the public eye, the Defiled threat continued to grow. As I’m sure you’re aware, their number seems to increase in correlation to a man’s presence on the island.”

    Espada shifted in place. A tiny movement in her shoulders that Melasia was certain no one else in the court would have noticed. You have an opinion, love?

    However, Melasia simply nodded. “That is correct.”

    “Well, in addition to their normal…destructive tendencies upon our cities, many of our farms have taken a consequential amount of damage. To the point that this may affect us for—” Mai Linh paused. While Melasia waited, the Shi Island emissary took a deep breath and continued. “—For many years, Your Eminence.”

    Melasia’s heart skipped. Defiled destroying farmland was nothing new, but it had never been so severe that it impacted every island before. “In what sense?”

    “Nearly every farm producing sugar has been destroyed.” Mai Linh shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “It will take…many years to reproduce the same quality and quantity as before.”

    “San Island is our highest producing island for sugar.” Melasia swallowed against the building lump in her throat. “Surely, not all of the farms have been destroyed?”

    Whether it was the heat or the stress—maybe both—Melasia couldn’t tell. Mai Linh’s face flushed, and sweat gathered at her hairline. “All of them, Your Majesty.”

    A cold fear slithered down Melasia’s spine. Sugar was a necessity for every island, and San Island was the main island of export. What would the other islands do without it? They didn’t have an alternative to use, and many catgirls that were highly skilled in [Cooking] would lose a much-needed income. “When is the soonest we can see a reprisal, Mai Linh?”

    “Restoring the soil will take one year, perhaps two. It’s difficult to say, as most of the fertile lands were scorched by Defiled. We will need to find new plots for many of them.” Mai Linh cleared her throat and rolled her shoulders. “I believe our sugar production will resume in four years. After calculating the averages exported to other islands, well, it doesn’t look good.”

    “What do you mean?”

    “There will be a shortage for quite some time. I understand there are a handful of producers between Ni and Shi Islands, but to compensate for the amount needed between all islands and Nyarlothep—” Mai Linh trailed.

    It will take many years. Melasia realized the truth of Mai Linh’s words without her having to say them. It was a difficult situation, as many bakers, cooks, and patissiers relied on the sugar from San Island to feed their families. “I see.”

    “We will do all we can to ration what we’ve left and work with the other islands in ensuring a fair and even trade. However, we…we will need your support.”

    “You have it, Mai Linh,” Melasia assured her. “Anything I can do to aid in your time of need, please just say the word.”

    Mai Linh bowed deeply, the tension evaporating from her neck. “Thank you, Your Majesty. We will need it now more than ever.”

    “What of the Defiled? Can they be ably handled by your remaining warriors?” Melasia feared the worst—streets overrun by savage beasts murdering catgirls without prejudice.

    “I believe so, Your Eminence. Even if we lack the aid of a new man, our warriors should be sufficient to eventually thin the threat,” Mai Linh replied.

    “Excellent.” That was a small relief, knowing she wouldn’t have to send the Royal Guard to San Island to quell the threat. So that you won’t have to send Espada away, a small voice at the back of her mind taunted. She pushed it away. “We will manage the shortage of sugar together, then. Should you need aid in pushing back the Defiled, you need only call upon me. In the meantime, I pray you receive a new man to unite those who remain against the dangers.”

    “As do I,” Mai Linh whispered and bowed again. “I shall not occupy your time further.”

    “Are there any further matters that require addressing, Mai Linh?” Melasia extended a hand and tilted her head. “You’ve traveled so far; the journey from San Island to Nyarlothep is an arduous one. Please, make yourself heard.”

    Mai Linh hesitated, then shook her head. “That is all.”

    “Very well. I thank you for bringing this to my attention. I shall discuss this crisis within my council and see if there is anything further I can do to assist you.”

    “Your consideration is most appreciated.” Mai Linh bowed again. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

    The mention of a council always felt like a lie to Melasia. Yes, a small group of appointed catgirls would talk through the situation and attempt to respond in the best way possible. However, the only person she truly trusted in this world was Espada, and her assessments and opinions meant more to her than the heaps of precious metal presented to her from the four islands.

    The day convened at dusk, as it always had, and Melasia retired to her room with Espada close behind. As the Queen’s Own, it was Espada’s duty to stand as Melasia’s guard morning, noon, and night. It worked well for their unique schedule, as there was no one else Melasia wanted at her side.

    A kitchen servant closed the queen’s day with supper taken in her room before another set to bathing and dressing her for the evening. Melasia rarely took dinner in the kitchens, and her time betwixt her final meal and bath was spent pouring over missives from the heads of each island. Once she was bathed and ready to retire, she would have her time to speak with Espada.

    It was the time of night she cherished the most.

    After the final servant had excused herself, Espada was still positioned at her door, straight-backed and indomitable. Melasia tip-toed on her bare feet to Espada’s back, circling her arms around her protector’s neck and pulling her close.

    “They’re gone for the night,” Melasia purred.

    “Saoirse’s blessings for that,” Espada whispered, relaxing her posture at last. “What a day, hm?”

    “We can talk about it later.” Melasia pushed herself to her full height, kissing the back of Espada’s neck. “I’ve other thoughts that occupy me.”

    “You aren’t alone in that,” Espada growled and turned to face her.

    [​IMG]

    [Memory stored and saved for Catgirls. . .]

    Rationing sugar was far more difficult than Melasia had ever imagined. [Cooking] was the chosen profession of an alarmingly high number of catgirls, and there was no way to ration the appropriate amount of sugar to each and every one of them.

    As the months dragged on, more and more catgirls from every island requested an audience with Queen Melasia, wondering what had happened and why Nyarlothep was suddenly ‘keeping the sugar to themselves.’ While it very much wasn’t the case, rumors were stronger than speculation. Anger and unrest built throughout every city in Nyarlea, and Melasia found herself at their mercy.

    Months turned to years, her rule hard-won by inches in many cases. Espada remained at her side while the question of Melasia’s succession surfaced over and over again. She was still young enough to rule for many years, but history had shown the most prosperous queens bearing at least two daughters by her age.

    However, the thought of lying with anyone outside of Espada brought her anxiety she couldn’t put to words. They put catgirls in cells for such feelings. She put catgirls in cells for such feelings.

    These were the thoughts that plagued her when Cailu Raloquen’s name was announced in her court.

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Oct 4, 2022
    #17
  21. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Bonus Quest: Cailu's Glass Castle

    Nyarlea was a cesspit of beasts, monsters, and catgirls clawing at the seams of their thin clothing to mate with him every hour of every day.

    Cailu had tried—on more than one occasion—to imagine explaining San Island to his wife and daughter. Detailing the dirty children who sliced the pursestrings of locals and travelers alike. Sketching the rich satins and silks heaped in gratuitous amounts for casual attire while so many went to sleep hungry.

    They really have kitty ears, papa? Heiki would ask, mimicking the ears with her two tiny hands. And tails, too?

    They really do. He’d look to Fera, flash her a wry smile, and goad her. Though their evening desires aren’t nearly as ravenous as yours.

    However, the pretend conversations never progressed much further than a few sentences every time he realized he’d never see their faces again. Never feel Fera’s lips again. Or Heiki’s thin arms around his neck as he swung her in circles.

    It was a fact that wounded and emboldened him. Where he’d failed in his last world, he’d triumph in this one.

    And so he’d navigated the strange technology that referred to itself as the iPaw, searching for the best fighters in Shulan to aid him through this foreign system of [Level]s and [Experience]. After swallowing his pride and stifling his vows, he coupled with a catgirl. Once Ai, the mysterious voice within the device, made it clear that multiple impregnations would speed his progress, he turned the once-intimate act into another chore on his list. Just one more thing to do to push himself to the top.

    Everywhere he went, they treated him like a gift from their goddess. Doting on him with food, drink, and affections. At first, the errant touches and knowing smiles had made his skin crawl. Yet, after a while, something changed. The attention shifted from undesired to expected. Knowing that someone was always at his beck and call was gratifying. Powerful, even.

    In one month’s time, he’d mastered the [Fighter] Class, learning and applying the best Party compositions he could with those available. It was Isabelle, the sharp-tongued [Wizard] in his Party who first told him about their need to travel to Nyarlothep. In his studies of what few tomes were available, he knew the Queen of Nyarlea was the one who made the final decisions for each of the islands. For all its differences and oddities, a monarchy was a familiar ache in Cailu’s chest.

    After all, it was a prince who had killed him.

    Isabelle, Cailu, and their [Conjurer], Sarayi, traveled to Nyarlothep together by way of the merchant ship that docked twice a month at the Port of Meow. The ocean was filled with dangerous groups of Encroachers and a handful of Defiled that offered many lesser-prepared vessels a swift death. Neither species of monster presented more than a minor challenge to the experienced merchants with the help of Cailu’s seasoned outfit. So far, very little had.

    After they arrived, Cailu separated from his Party to train beneath a veteran [Templar]. During this time is when the first rumors of Queen Melasia reached his ears.

    “This is the first time I’ve seen a man in Nyarlothep since she ascended.”

    “She doesn’t have an heir to the throne. Maybe he’s…?”

    “What will the city do if we lose her?”

    “Maybe she’s scared?”

    His conclusion was a simple one: if the queen still needed heirs, the other island’s men were simply not competent enough to cross the sea to Nyarlothep. Cailu hadn’t been invited to the castle, but the reverence the others were treating him with seemed like an invitation all its own.

    The thought of stepping into another throne room was daunting, to say the least. Despite the encouragements of his mentor and Party to see the queen, this was much different than socializing amongst the careless girls of his island. With the memories of his first time amongst the elite fresh in his mind, he spent many of his hard-earned Bells on a finely tailored suit. One tended to act more in the role they were meant to play when their costume matched.

    Summoning the courage to make his way to the castle took more than every battle he’d experienced in Nyarlea combined. He passed a line of pillars that disappeared into the sky and was halfway up the castle steps when a delicate hand touched his shoulder.

    Cailu turned to meet a petite catgirl with hair and eyes the color of lilac. Her ivory skin seemed to shimmer in the sun, and her long, tight-fitting dress was the deep blue of dusk. Glittering gemstones dangled from her ears, throat, and wrists, and her sleeves fell in sheer, loose waves around her arms. She stepped back and clasped her hands at her hips, then bowed.

    “Please excuse me for interrupting,” she said.

    “If you’re looking for a night at the inn, you will have to wait,” Cailu snapped, the storm of anxious emotions winning over his manners.

    She shook her head, “You are here to see the queen, correct?”

    Cailu narrowed his eyes. He said nothing and waited.

    “I…believe we should speak privately before you proceed.”

    “And you are?” Rumors would do him no good. Hearsay only brought one so far in the search for truth.

    “My name is Nehalennia. Helena and I are the castle’s stewards.”

    Cailu paused, then slowly turned the rest of his body to face her. A steward generally knew the inner workings of an established monarchy more than the King and Queen themselves. If her claim of her station was true, listening to her could only benefit his stance. “Do you have proof?”

    Nehalennia bowed again. “Of course, sir. Please, follow me.”

    She led him up the stairs to the castle’s grand entrance, then took a sharp turn to the right. They followed the outer wall for a time until she stopped in front of a section that looked no different from any other. Cailu blinked when she pulled a key from a delicate chain around her neck and unlocked a door that was perfectly flush with the exterior—he wouldn’t have seen it otherwise. Once they stepped inside, the castle’s attendants darted out of their way, forging a path down the long, dim hallways of the kitchens and storage rooms. The girls bowed, greeting Nehalennia by name as she returned their pleasantries.

    They moved into a furnished hallway with velvet rugs, modest paintings, and improved lighting. Nehalennia used her key to unlock a door at the end before ushering Cailu inside. It was a welcoming bedroom with a soft bed and crackling fire. A table was set with tea for two in the corner, a wooden dresser to its immediate right.

    When she closed the door, she turned to Cailu. “Are you satisfied with my proof?”

    He nodded, folding his arms behind his back. “I believe you are who you say.”

    “Excellent. Please, have a seat.” She gestured to an empty chair at the table, then began to pour the tea. “You have my name. May I have yours?”

    “Cailu Raloquen.” The distant voice of his father echoed in his ears as he accepted the chair. Do not forget your title amongst nobles. “First of his name.”

    “Will Cailu suffice?”

    He bristled. “Yes.”

    She poured a measured splash of milk before stirring a cube of sugar into his tea.

    San Island is completely drained of sugar, and they still use it here for their tea.

    Nehalennia continued, “I understand there are many…opinions that circle the capital on our queen.”

    “There are.” Cailu accepted the cup and watched her carefully. Nehalennia’s movements were practiced and graceful. The kind of trained repetition that covered nefarious plans.

    “If I may be so bold to ask, what are your intentions with her?”

    “I wish to introduce myself.” Cailu waited for her to sip her beverage before chancing a drink of his own.

    “Oh? Is that all?”

    He set the cup back in its saucer, never taking his eyes off Nehalennia. “I understand Queen Melasia does not have an heir to the throne.”

    “That is true.” A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “And you’ve arrived to supply them?”

    “It seems only natural.” Breeding kittens of Shulan was made part of his task early on, but having heirs to the throne could secure him a direct line to the queen. Something none of the other men would lay claim to.

    “I am afraid that may not be so simple.”

    He frowned. “Why is that?”

    “There is a shared belief amongst the castle staff that Queen Melasia’s heart is…occupied.”

    Cailu furrowed his brow, clasping his hands on the table. “She’s in love?”

    “I would never speak such treason against my queen, Cailu.”

    She’s watching her words. Wise. He chose his next questions carefully. “In your service as a steward, who spends the most time in the queen’s company?”

    She drank from her cup, lilac eyes searching Cailu’s face as she did so. She waited until it was firmly placed back in her saucer before replying, “Espada. A [Crusader] of the Queen’s Own.”

    His mentor had spoken of the Royal Guard and the promoted ‘Queen’s Own.’ An elevated knight that stood at the queen’s side without reprieve. Espada’s name surfaced often. “Has Queen Melasia had opportunities for heirs in the past?”

    Nehalennia’s smile returned. “Why, yes, she has.”

    “I see.” Nehalennia’s position was a difficult one. To stake such a dangerous claim where she didn’t have proof was suicide. And if Queen Melasia wanted nothing to do with men, that created a difficult hurdle in Cailu’s plans with Nyarlea. He searched the bottom of his teacup, mentally twisting and turning the moving puzzle pieces into pleasing shapes.

    “It seems you understand my predicament,” Nehalennia murmured, her eyes glittering.

    “I do.”

    “If it would please you, Cailu.” She cleared her throat and placed her elbows on the table, resting her chin on her hands. “I may have a suggestion.”

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Oct 4, 2022
    #18
  22. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 147: Much Ado About Nothing

    By the time we returned to camp, the sandstorm had died down, and the sky was clear again. A mixed blessing if there ever was one—less sand smacking me in the face, but the sun was out in full force.

    As I watched Cannoli and Agni work on the fish, I realized I didn’t give Cannoli enough credit for how fast she learned new techniques. Especially when it came to cooking. Agni demonstrated how to properly slice the leather-skinned Encroacher into strips for drying once, and Cannoli descended onto the next fish in line as if she’d been doing it for years.

    Agni laid out sections of thin, off-white fabric that they used to wrap the thin cuts of flesh. It looked more like beef or pork than fish—the meat was way darker than any freshwater or ocean catch I’d ever seen.

    Meanwhile, Keke stripped smaller bits from their haul with her paring knife. She started with the rainbow fish, chipping away at its scales and holding them flat in her palm for me to see.

    “I saw some of these on the girls’ jewelry in Kandota. I’m guessing it’ll sell well,” she noted, sliding them into her [Cat Pack].

    “Good eye,” I replied. I turned to Agni and Cannoli. “You said we’re going to dry a lot of this meat, right?”

    “That’s right,” Agni said without looking up from her work.

    I glanced at the gigashanks, then the other girls breaking down the tent. We were supposed to leave right after they’d finished carving. I couldn’t imagine we’d lay them on the backs of the gigashanks while we traveled or somehow hold them between our mounts. “Where?”

    Agni chuckled, then pointed at the fabric. “That’ll sap the moisture from ‘em in our packs. We can lay some of ‘em out and smoke some at the next camp.”

    “Won’t that attract other Encroachers?” The smell of smoking meat could raise me from the grave. Roaches didn’t seem much different.

    “No more than our usual night cookin’, Matt. Besides, plenty of us to take ‘em on, eh?” Agni shrugged.

    “What about the threadfins?” Keke asked.

    “They don’t move at night. Anything that’ll come after us’ll be above the sand,” Agni replied.

    “We could set a trap around the perimeter of our camp. That’ll help us prepare for any hungry beasties.” Zahra came behind me, watching the girls work on the fish.

    “How would we do that?” Cannoli asked, wiping a bead of sweat trickling down her brow.

    “It’ll be a simple one—sticks, twine, and small bells. But at least a trap would let us know if they’re coming,” Zahra explained. “I have the materials for it, too.”

    I felt pretty damn stupid. It wouldn’t have been hard to set one up our previous nights in the desert to keep us safer. Judging from Agni’s facial expression, she was feeling about the same.

    “That’s a mighty fine idea there, Zahra.” Agni nodded. “We’ll do just that.”

    Once they were finished carving and everything was packed, we returned to the giant lizards and another full day in the sun. Ceres patted the protection balm on her skin as we rode, then dabbed it on the back of Cannoli’s neck beneath her hair. Not exactly how I’d imagined catgirls putting sunscreen on one another, but it was still sweet to watch.

    Each day of our journey, we all seemed to grow more used to the weather and omnipresent heat. Everyone seemed more energetic as the hours waned by, and we were all acquiring healthy tans. Bias aside, Keke wore hers best.

    Beyond the sandstorm, the day’s traveling was uneventful. Agni said we’d made good time by when the sun began to set, and she called us to a halt. Unfortunately, we didn’t have an oasis this time. There was still plenty of clear water left in our canteens, but they were the only source for miles around.

    “Um. Hey, Matt?” Cannoli’s voice surprised me as I dismounted the gigashank and turned to face her. The bright red had vanished from her cheeks, replaced by a soft bronze from the sun. It was a nice contrast to her hair.

    “What’s up?”

    She twined her fingers together and shifted from one foot to the other. Buttons appeared on her shoulder and touched his cheek to hers. “Can I keep watch with you tonight?”

    I scratched the back of my neck. Had I done something wrong? “Oh, yeah. Sure. No problem.”

    Cannoli beamed and clapped her hands. “Yay! Okay! Thank you!” Without another word, she skipped off to help build the campfire.

    Doesn’t seem like I’m in trouble.

    Keke poked my side and giggled. “She just wants to spend time with you, you know.”

    I blinked and helped her down from the enormous lizard. “Am I that easy to read?”

    “Yes. You get this look on your face when you think we’re upset with you. Like this.” Keke furrowed her brow, scrunching her mouth and nose together in a frown, then put one hand behind her neck.

    “Wait, seriously? It can’t be that bad.” I laughed.

    She relaxed and grinned. “Not all the time.”

    Twin talons suddenly latched onto my hair, kicking and twisting the strands with painful force.

    “Pitch the fucking tent, Matt! Squaawk!” Ball screamed over my head. “Squawk! Lazy Matt!”

    “Alright! I’m coming! Jesus.” I swatted him away, and Keke and I joined the others.

    The fire crackled cheerily as I picked off another thick piece of fish meat from the jerky pile. Everyone else had gone to bed, leaving Cannoli and me alone together. Surely they wouldn’t notice just one more little piece gone—

    “You’re going to get a tummy ache, Matt,” Cannoli giggled.

    “It’s just so good,” I groaned, popping the strip into my mouth. Not only did it look like beef steak, but it tasted like it, too. The seasonings Cannoli and Agni had used were to die for, and the stuff was safe to eat raw. I was never a big fan of sushi, but Ichi Island fare may change my mind.

    “It really is.” She curled her legs to her chest, and Buttons hopped from her shoulder to her knee. He stretched his tiny arms and legs forward and back, relaxing in the warmth of the fire.

    “How are you doing? With, well, everything, I guess?” It hadn’t really hit me how long it had been since just her and I sat down and had a talk. It felt like years. Counting the conversation with her and Ravyn didn’t seem fair since it was three of us there.

    She idly braided one long section of her hair and stared into the fire. “I’m okay. I think.”

    “Yeah?”

    She nodded. “My dreams can be pretty bad sometimes. All I can do is my best, though, right?” Carefully stroking Buttons’ head, she continued, “When I think about staying back on Ni Island instead of joining everyone and being in your Party, it breaks my heart.”

    “You know we want you here, too, right?”

    “Mhm. I know. It’s just something I wonder about sometimes. Like if it would be better for me. This quest to find the other men has been hard on all of us. But we’ve made so many new friends, and I’ve almost seen the whole world. I…I think my mom would be proud.”

    I didn’t know much of anything about Cannoli’s mom beyond her imprisonment, and I wasn’t sure if I should be the one confirming it for her. Instead, I carefully put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “I know all of us are proud of you.”

    She leaned her head against my chest and curled her tail around my back. “Really?”

    “You’ve saved not just our lives but the lives of girls you’ve never met. You bring light to every dark situation you find yourself in—literally and figuratively.” At that, she giggled. “I really admire you, Cannoli. You’re brave and persistent, and your cooking puts the rest of this world to shame.”

    “You’re just saying that,” she murmured.

    “You know I’m not.”

    Her ears twitched forward, then she slowly nodded. “You’re right. I know.”

    We sat in companionable silence, enjoying the cracking fire and songs of insects. It felt good to hold her petite frame against me again. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed it.

    “Were the Abalone hot springs as magical as they say?” she asked after a time.

    “They were beautiful,” I admitted. “I was, er, surprised that Tristan and I shared the same pools with everyone else.”

    “Why wouldn’t you?”

    I felt the embarrassment from the first day in Abalone returning. “Where I came from, men and catgirls would have a wall between them.”

    “Hm. That’s no fun,” Cannoli cooed.

    “Is that so?” I teased.

    Her cheeks pinked, and she hid her face in her hands. “Did I really say that out loud?”

    “You did.” I tickled her sides, and she squealed. Buttons jumped from her knee and scrambled back up to her shoulder as she fell into giggles. After I stopped, I put my arm back around her shoulders. “We’ll go to Abalone together next time. Promise.”

    “I’d love that.” Her laughing subsided, and she settled her head back against my chest. “I really am okay, Matt. As long as I have you and our friends, I can get through anything.”

    I kissed the top of her head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

    “I’m glad.” She took my hand in hers and squeezed it. “Are you okay?”

    Like her, the nightmares were pretty damn bad. Shi Island had left a lot of scars that would take more time to heal. But, through it all, we were still here. I was still here. “Yeah. I am.”

    “Good.” Her shoulders relaxed, and she looked up at me. “Will you kiss me?”

    I was happy to oblige.

    [​IMG]
     
    DoubleBlind, Oct 6, 2022
    #19
  23. DoubleBlind

    DoubleBlind Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 148: As You Like It

    It was refreshing to sit down and talk with Cannoli again. It’d been a long time since we’d done that together. Guess that was one of the benefits of being stuck out in the middle of nowhere for a few days.

    Despite how hot it was, it did have its perks. I could think and relax while the gigashank did most of the work. We didn’t have a ton to talk about, nights were mostly uneventful, and even though I was sure I’d have a hell of a tan by the time I got back to Ni Island, I have to admit I was enjoying the time afforded to me.

    Images of Keke falling over and breaking a couple bones would pop into my mind whenever she fell asleep during the ride. I’d check to ensure she was secure, and then the silence would continue.

    I had to wonder what things looked like before Magni arrived. Some food sources seemed easier to get than others, like sand fishing or picking the fruits away from oasis trees. However, that would hardly be enough for hundreds, potentially thousands of catgirls.

    Maybe my memory was failing me, but I was sure that some of the geography textbooks I read in high school described some robust plants and animals living in environments like this. It’s not like there was only a single oasis on the entirety of Ichi Island. That is, unless Magni somehow messed that up, too.

    As I continued thinking about how the island supplied its natives, Agni appeared to have noticed something in the distance and slowed the gigashanks to a walk with a single hand gesture.

    “Agni—” Tristan started.

    Agni silenced him with a finger to her lips. Zahra was also on high alert, her back straight and ears perked. Fearing something was about to happen, I nudged Keke awake.

    “Matt, what—”

    I gestured for her to remain quiet, then pointed to where Agni was.

    “Something’s up,” I whispered.

    Zahra, still riding with Lara, sped up some so that her gigashank was in the middle of our group. My grip tightened around the reins of the Encroacher, and my heart began to quicken. The looks on Agni and Zahra’s faces worried me.

    When Agni made a second gesture and the gigashanks came to a complete stop, I knew something was wrong. I drew a deep breath and freed one of my hands to grab my axe. Then, a movement caught my eye—a neat row of black beads as large as my fist nestled in the sand to my right. The seven glossy orbs sent a chill down my spine.

    Shit. Should I move or stay quiet?

    ‘Its vision is based on movement’ came to mind. Keke seemed to catch wind of the… thing as well. Her eyes glanced between me and the beads, and I gave her a quick micro-shake of my head. Agni asked us to stay quiet for a reason, and I wasn’t about to blow that apart. But shit, it felt like a bad idea to just sit here until Agni hopefully noticed it.

    “I’m gonna lead it away!” Agni suddenly blared out. I turned my head toward her and watched as she snapped on the reins of her gigashank, eliciting a yelp from Ravyn.

    “Hey! What the fuck!” yelled Ravyn.

    “Trust me!”

    I glanced back at where the beads were, suddenly realizing that they’d disappeared.

    Oh no.

    “Movement and sound is what attracts ‘em! Gotta get it above ground!” Agni’s voice was growing more distant as she rode away.

    “Fucking insane, stop! Squawwk!”

    Sweat was gathering around my palms. My mind raced at the thought of something happening to Ravyn. Every inch of my body was screaming at me to give chase and help them. Somehow, I held firm, even seeing how Ravyn was holding onto Agni for dear life.

    When Agni came to a stop, my heart skipped a beat. The ground shook, and a large brown dorsal fin broke the sand’s surface. It snaked past us as if it swam through water instead of sand, growing in speed as it approached Agni’s location.

    Damn it, man. Don’t say anything, don’t say anything. Trust her.

    When the dorsal fin was getting closer, Agni pulled something out of her [Cat Pack] and chucked it into the air. The small black object landed between them and the fin. When nothing happened, I’d had enough.

    “I can’t keep watching like this,” I said to Keke.

    “Matt, wait—” Keke started.

    Seconds later, a high-pitched ringing permeated the air. My hands snapped away from the reins to clap over my ears. A bloodcurdling roar emanated from beneath us, and as the ground shook, the Encroacher’s body came to light as it leaped out of the sand. Tens of feet of shark landed belly up on top of the earth. Or at least, the closest thing I’d seen to a shark thus far.

    Rows of black orbs lined the sides of the shark from its head to halfway down its body. Its snout was pointed and serrated, like an upgraded swordfish. Flabby folds of skin and smaller tooth-like appendages stuck out from underneath the Encroacher, wriggling in place as the shark tried to comprehend what just happened.

    “Attack!” Agni cried.

    “Don’t have to tell me twice.” Gripping the reins with my axe in hand, I hurried the gigashank into a running motion. The lizard obeyed my command, and the others soon ran alongside us.

    I watched as Ball Gag took to the air. Agni was fast approaching the shark with her scimitars.

    Great. If we can just buy Ravyn some time, maybe she can roast this thing.

    “Matt, please be careful!” Keke screamed. “If they’re anything like the sharks around Ni Island, they have powerful muscles. Get hit by its fin the wrong way, and it’ll break bones!”

    Jesus. “Okay, I’ll be careful!” I yelled back.

    Keke nodded and nocked an arrow behind her bow. “I’m ready! [Pinpoint Weakness]!”

    I nearly jumped off the gigashank by the time we arrived. As I ran toward the beast, arrows soared past me and into its hide. Cannoli, Ceres, as well as Tristan and his Party came right behind us. I kept Ravyn in my peripheral while I neared, my axe and shield at the ready.

    The thing was unlike anything we’d faced so far. This guy could’ve given the megalodon a run for its money with its size. I stopped short of running into it when it started to flop around. The ground shook with every movement it made, bringing me to one knee.

    “There’s no way I can get near this thing!” I said.

    “The heart!” Agni bellowed as she stuck one of her scimitars into the beast’s belly. It let out a roar, whipping its bottom half and grazing Agni’s side. I watched in shock as Agni rolled across the sand, one of her scimitars flying out of her hand. “Damn it! I’m fine!”

    “[Rockskin]!” Lara cried somewhere on my left. At her command, a thin layer of earth and rock covered Zahra’s features. It was a bit spooky, giving her the appearance of a statue given life.

    Zahra streaked across the sand and delivered a stabbing blow between the dorsal fin and snout. As she extracted the blade, a strange sensation swept over me. Like someone had just shocked my brain. It lasted only for a second or two, but during that time, it felt as if the world had come to a halt.

    Was that the perception that Zahra was talking about?

    Zahra struck at the shark again, pouring coconut-white blood into the sand with the gash she had created. Ravyn, Tristan, and Destiny rained fire from the sky with all assortments of bombs and blazes. Ceres rushed to the frontline alongside Zahra and me.

    “[Scorching Ring]!”

    “[Fire Ball]!”

    “[Enchant Bomb]!”

    As we fought with the top half of the shark, we began to realize we weren’t getting very far. My axe could barely puncture the Encroacher’s thick hide. It didn’t help that I had to get closer than Ceres or Zahra to do any real damage. Zahra struggled to replicate the first cut she made. Each sequential attack that came was weaker than the last. For the life of me, I couldn’t understand. Zahra didn’t seem to tire easily. There was something more to this thing—even the fires weren’t doing as much damage as they initially produced.

    “Damn it! Nothing’s getting through!” I turned to see Agni was back on the front lines. The shark whipped its head around, nearly ramming itself into me. Tiny orbs of white floated around inside the shark’s beady, black eyes. I hadn’t seen those before. What the hell were they?

    “Sir Matt!” Ceres called from my left. “Its young have arrived!”

    “Its young?” I turned on my heel to see hundreds of hand-sized dorsal fins swimming toward us. My eyes widened. “Shit.”

    “Lara!” Destiny screamed as she extracted three more bottle grenades from her [Cat Pack]. “Little ones! Under the sand!”

    “I could hear them coming! Come with me, Master Tristan!” Lara cried.

    You could hear them? In what world?

    Lara looped her elbow around Tristan’s arm and tugged him away from the mother shark and toward the horde of babies.

    “Lara! Wait! Explain!” I heard Tristan plead as his voice became increasingly distant.

    Zahra and Ceres rushed to my sides, flanking me and panting.

    “Sir Matt, we must vanquish this Encroacher immediately. Its skin strengthens,” said Ceres.

    “It’s going to keep calling them if we can’t kill the mother,” said Zahra.

    I turned to see Keke and Cannoli some distance behind me. They were safe, but they seemed at a loss for what to do. Keke had stopped firing as her arrows were barely puncturing its leathery skin. I could barely break the skin myself, let alone draw blood from it. And although the shark had many eyes for Cannoli to blind, it wasn’t as if it would do much in this situation. Considering she kept glancing toward the baby sharks, I was willing to bet she was saving it for them—just in case.

    “I’m open to ideas! Including running!” Securing our safety in the capital was priority number one for me. There was no reason to fight if we didn’t have to.

    Zahra shook her head. “We cannot outrun a Great Blight Shark. It would only be a matter of time until it devoured one of us.”

    “Then what do you suggest? We’re not getting anywhere like this. I can barely get near the damn thing without getting snapped in two.” I sighed, never taking my eye off the giant Encroacher. “How long until this thing ends up back in the sand, anyway? Can it even get back in?”

    “As long as we can keep its attention, we have a chance to stop it from going back under.” Zahra clicked her tongue, eyeing Ceres' polearm. “This is too much for our two Parties. Lara and Tristan are going to get overwhelmed. What we need are spears.” Zahra paused and then snapped her fingers, her eyes suddenly brighter. “I have an idea.”

    The shark snapped its head around to face us, and again the perception triggered. Now that I knew what it felt like, I was ready for it this time. As the shark’s mouth came around, I lurched backward and watched as Ceres dodged with me. We fell to the ground and watched in horror as Zahra was swallowed whole by the Encroacher.

    Ceres and I stumbled to our feet, panting.

    “Shit!” I continued to back up while Ceres stood before me with her polearm held outward. “We have to get her out of there! Now!”

    “I know! But we must focus on the task before us!” cried Ceres. “Rushing headlong will grant us no favors!”

    Meanwhile, baby sharks were littering the sky. Somehow, Lara had launched them into the air while Tristan and Destiny shot them down like clay pigeons. I was grateful they hadn’t seen what happened to Zahra. I was not going to break this news to him. Not this early. Not when we still had a chance to save her.

    “I’ll draw its attention so you can open it up! [Invoke Frost]!” A frosty mist wrapped around the head of her polearm before she charged back in.

    “Alright!”

    The battle maid moved with impeccable speed, thrusting her weapon into one of its many black eyes. Blood spurted out of its orifice, freezing in midair from Ceres’ spell. Afterward, she tried to extract the blade for another strike. It was to no avail. Three baby sharks leaped out of the sand on Ceres’ right.

    “Ceres, look out!” I cried.

    “[Titan of Ice]!” Ceres held one gauntleted arm up, and as the sharks collided with the crystal barrier around her skin, they fell to the ground in small blocks of ice.

    I couldn’t keep watching this. I darted back to Ceres, coughing as bits of sand lodged themselves between my eyes and teeth. Reaching from behind Ceres, I took hold of her arm and pulled. “Come on, Ceres! Pull!”

    “No, you must free Zahra!”

    “And leave you defenseless like this? I don’t think so!”

    With our combined strength, the polearm came free. Moments later, a flash of light and a volley of arrows followed. The shark roared in frustration as Ceres and I fell backward on top of each other. The Great Blight turned and snapped its meaty jaws at us, nearing inch by inch. We continuously clamored over each other until the beast just… stopped. Nothing else had changed. It was still relatively unharmed save for a few of its eyes. But I could no longer hear it breathing.

    Ceres sat behind me, wearing a confused expression. “Has it perished? I do not understand.” It sounded more rhetoric than pointed.

    “Uhhh.” I tilted my head and squinted my eyes. “The hell?”

    And then a disturbing sound reached my ears. It sounded like bone or flesh tearing apart. That sort of sound you’d get when you ripped a piece of raw pork off the bone. The memory of the Defiled twins resurfaced, and I rose to my feet, the sweat around my body suddenly colder. As the shark’s body shook more violently, the grip around my axe tightened, and my teeth clenched.

    A gasp escaped my lips when I saw the point of a katana protrude from the Encroacher’s skin. The blade slowly moved to one side, widening the cut and making the most disturbing, gut-wrenching sound I’d heard in a while. After a sizeable wound was made, Zahra’s head poked through, along with her sword arm.

    “Zahra!” I slipped my axe between my belt and rushed to her, Ceres close behind. When I got there, the smell was indescribable. I clapped a hand over my mouth and slowed my breathing as I felt bile rising and burning my throat. Zahra reached out with her spare hand. I held my breath and took hold. She barely moved when I pulled. “Holy shit, I can’t move you for anything. Ceres?”

    Ceres flinched when she approached but didn’t complain. “Yes, Sir Matt.”

    “Let’s leverage our weight. One leg against the shark, and we’ll pull on three. Sound good?”

    “Of course.” Ceres set her polearm on the ground and took the opposite side of Zahra’s arm.

    “Alright. One, two, three!”

    The Encroacher squelched as we worked Zahra out of the shark’s body. White, sticky gunk covered her from head to toe. It looked as if she’d fallen into a vat of white frosting.

    Too bad it smells nothing like it.

    “Well, then,” Zahra said with a half-laugh. “That was something.”

    Matt has gained: 48 XP!
    Keke has gained: 54 XP!
    Cannoli has gained: 19 XP!
    Ravyn has gained: 57 XP!
    Ceres has gained: 63 XP!

    Ravyn is now: Base Level 13!

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    DoubleBlind, Oct 13, 2022
    #20
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