"What the hell is she?!"
Wilmarina's palm slammed onto the table separating her and the four Mamono seated across from her. The long, dark brown wooden table trembled from the impact. Her eyes were wide and her tail whipped furiously behind her. To her left stood Eva Mystiv, the Dark Strategist standing with a quill and scroll for note-taking. She kept scanning the scroll in her hands, her eyes alert for any signs of deception from the Mamono they were interrogating. To Wilmarina's right stood the White Lilim Druella, her back against the wall of the guest room they were using as an impromptu interrogation chamber. She leaned ab eyes closed, arms crossed under her breasts, legs crossed, head hung low, and wings clipped together in front of her.
The sheer pressure emanating from all three women was immense. Eva exuded a natural pressure to her presence as the strongest Dark Strategist. Though not extraordinary, she could make seasoned Heroes hesitate with just a glance, and bring weaker ones to their knees without lifting a finger. Though she didn't apply it to Mamono if she could help it, as doing so would cause them to become much more willing to speak with her about whatever she wished to speak of. Which would get int he way of natural conversation.
However, she was nothing compared to Wilmarina and Druella. The former already had the same passive "charisma" that Heroes like her possessed. A strange aura that afflicted all who stayed in the same room with them. A power that evoked envy and admiration from those around them. It was a quality that all Heroes shared that allowed them to stand out among their peers. To be picked out from the crowd as someone who was blessed by the Chief God. In regular Heroes, this was a potent ability. In a prodigy like Wilmarina, it could make an entire barracks of soldiers stop what they were doing to gaze at her. And now that she had become a succubus? If she were to step onto the battlefield, there was little doubt that everyone who saw her would drop to their knees in awe at the sight of her.
Yet even Wilmarina's aura could hardly be compared to Druella's. As a daughter of the Demon Lord, Druella's aura didn't just affect humans; it influenced Mamono as well. A unique trait of the White Lilim's mutation, her mere presence was sufficient to evoke supplication from Mamono. A single encounter was all it took to make them eager to please her. To make her happy. To do whatever she asked of them, all so that she would allow them to revel in her presence. So powerful was this aura, that it could trigger mutations in other Mamono. Fransica's transformation into a Queen Roper would not have occurred if Druella hadn't been the one to corrupt her. Similarly, Merse's evolution into an Echidna instead of a Naga could also be attributed to Druella's influence.
Anyone, whether human or Mamono, who was forced into the same room as these women would fold immediately. They would instantly divulge every secret they held deep within. Either because they couldn't stand Eva's scrutinizing gaze, Wilmarina's sheer charisma would win them over, or they would wish to please the White Lilim at any cost.
Yet, the four Abyssal Creatures sitting before them remained unbowed.
A Mindflayer sat in the middle of their formation. Her purple body shuddered from some internal action, yet she retained a look of pure innocence on her face. Her lips curled into a small smile, enhancing the image of someone who knew something but wasn't telling anyone about it. Her bright orange eyes stared straight ahead, as if she wasn't truly looking at Wilmarina but past her at something else. Her voice fluctuated between being as calm as a stream and as sultry as a succubus as she spoke, "Lady Wilmarina, while I can understand that you are upset, I'm afraid I don't know exactly who you mean."
"You know exactly who I'm talking about! That 'Hunter' that you all kowtowed to when she exited the castle!" Wilmarina said the word "Hunter" as if an awful taste had entered her mouth.
"Ah, yes. The Hunter. Lady Cynthia Albion, I believe her name was. If that is the case, then I believe you already know 'what' she is. You said it yourself. She's a Hunter," the Mindflayer's expression remained unchanged as she responded to the Fallen Maiden.
"You know that's not what I meant," Wilmarina's eyes narrowed at the Mindflayer, "I meant, what is she? Because she's certainly not human."
The Mindflayer tilted her head to the side in confusion and asked, "Now, why would you assume that?"
"A normal human would never be able to make that many Mamono bow to them by simply walking outside. Let alone Shoggoths, Night Gaunts, Mindflayers, and Atlach-Nachas all at once!" Wilmarina's eyes moved from the Mindflayer to the three other Mamono standing behind her.
The Mindflayer straightened her head. She tapped a finger against her cheek as another shudder ran through her body. She hummed in thought before saying, "Is that so? I'd like to think that I'd bow to a human under the right circumstances. What about you three?"
She turned around to look at the three other Abyssal Mamono. To her left stood the Atlach-Nacha, yet the only indication of her identity were the four spider legs that grew from her back. Unlike most of her kind, the chitin of her legs wasn't dark purple or black. Instead, it was a bright white with pink highlights around the tips of the legs. Her plump body was covered by a pure white nun's habit. Her white and pink hair cascaded from the top of her head to her shoulders. Her eyes, a sharp pink color, seemed to glow when viewed from certain angles. Her hands were held together in front of her as she answered with a calm voice, "I think I'd consider it, if the human were worthy. Or my dear husband. At least, when he's not being forgetful of my needs."
If anyone noticed the hint of disdain that crept into her tone at the end of her sentence, none of them mentioned it. Instead, their focus shifted to the figure standing just behind the Mindflayer. A Shoggoth that looked just like most of her kind, except she seemed to have taken cues from the supposed "rivals" of the Shoggoths. Her form had shifted to resemble a Kikimora, complete with floppy dog ears and a lengthy tail protruding above her rear. However, it was evident that these alterations were merely her shifting her body. Especially when one saw the bright yellow eyes adorning her tail. She blinked as the attention fell upon her and put her hands together, "Um, must I really provide an answer? I believe it is obvious when I would decide to bow before a human, is it not?"
The last Mamono everyone turned to was the Night Gaunt. Other than the Mindflayer, this Mamono actually looked similar to her kin. Her body was covered by a tight, black film accentuating her large assets but keeping most of her body hidden from view. The only parts visible were her bright emerald eyes, the freckles on her cheeks, and her long mint green hair. The main thing separating her from other Night Gaunts were the bright green highlights across her body. They ran from the tips of her hand-like wings to the ends of her feet. It gave the appearance of a slime that had nearly perfected its shape-shifting. As everyone's eyes turned to the Night Gaunt, it answered in the only way that its kin tended to.
It shrugged.
The Mindflayer turned back to Wilmarina with a smile and said, "Well, there's your answer."
Wilmarina frowned, stood up straight, and backed away from the table. Eva stepped forward to replace her and looked up from her scroll to ask the four, "What about the titles you gave her? Showing deference to a worthy human is one thing. But you called the Hunter 'Lady Of The Moon, Mistress of the Tranquil Dream, Companion Of She Who Soothes Those From Beyond The Veil.' Those are not titles that are usually associated with humans. I don't even think any Heroes have been given those titles."
"That is true," the Shoggoth said while pressing her index fingers together, "But, ah, well, she isn't exactly a Hero. As we've been saying, she's a Hunter.
Eva narrowed her eyes and asked, "Okay, then what is the difference between a Hunter and a Hero.
"Is it not obvious? Heroes are compassionate, merciful, and innocent. And sometimes extremely dense when it comes to other people's feelings, but that's neither here nor there," the Atlach-Nacha's disdain was more evident in her tone now. Her serene expression had transformed into an irritated frown as she elaborated, "But, as you have seen, a Hunter doesn't necessarily possess only those characteristics. A Hunter is far more complex in regards to how they act towards others.
"This is because you need to meet specific criteria to be a Hero. But anyone can be a Hunter," the Mindflayer added to her ally's explanation.
Eva wrote down what the Mamono said while keeping her eyes on them. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "I see. So, a Mamono could be a Hunter?"
"Why, yes. What do you suppose Koga is?" the Mindflayer's smile grew wider.
"I would not call him a Mamono. He feels more like a monster from before Lilith's time," Eva and Wilmarina shivered at the thought of the old monsters. When she regained her composure, she continued, "However, you assert that despite her being a Hunter, she is still human, correct?"
"Not necessarily. There is one similarity between Heroes and Hunters; you need to be something before you become one. As what you were before forms the basis for what you will become. And that remains true for the rest of a person's natural lifespan," the Mindflayer continued.
"So, you're saying that she is human?" Eva asked again.
The Night Gaunt answered this time...by shrugging again.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Uh, well, Eva, do you consider Heroes to be human? Or Heroes that have become Mamono, such as Lady Wilmarina?" the Shoggoth asked while looking over at the woman in question.
Eva didn't hesitate to respond, "Of course. It has been proven that there is very little difference between Incubi, Dark Heroes, and the Heroes of the Order. They're all just different paths that lead to the same place."
"Then there is your answer," the Mindflayer said with a smile, "That is essentially how Hunters work."
Eva, realizing that they were going in circles, groaned and shook her head before backing away from the table. She looked over at Wilmarina with frustration and said, "I'm not getting much out of this. Most of my notes keep going back to the notion that the Hunter is a human. But everything we've seen of her contradicts that idea.
"I know how you feel," Wilmarina groaned as she face-palmed, "The time I'm wasting here could be spent with my Elt. Will you four just tell us what we want to know already?!"
"I mean, we are. It's just that you're the ones who aren't realizing the truth of what we're saying. Like a certain man I know who left me here while he got to stay outside the room," the Atlach-Nacha huffed, crossing her arms and pouting.
The Shoggoth held up her hands to try to placate the girl, "Now, now, Izzy. That's just the venom talking. We'll get you back to Ivan, and you'll be right as rain."
Before any of the conversations could continue, Druella began to move. All in attendance went silent as the White Lilim pushed herself off the wall and moved to the table. There was no mirth in her expression as she stared at the four Abyssal Mamono. Her lips stayed in a thin line as she spoke with no emotion in her voice, "What about her powers? Or the way the Goddesses have reacted to her? Or what she was able to do to Koga and Matilda? If these are all simply facets of her being a human and a Hunter, then how are there not more of her out there? I'd imagine that something that could make a human this powerful would be more widespread."
In spite of the White Lilim's questioning, the Abyssal Mamono remained as calm as ever. The Mindflayer spoke up, "Pardon me for sounding rude, Lady Lilim, but you did hear my previous conversation with Eva, correct? We established that Hunters are little different from Heroes. Therefore, it stands to reason that their powers are the result of the manipulation of Mana. As for why there aren't more Hunters, well, that is because they are not created by a God. But by a separate process. One that is not widely known."
Druella's frown deepened, "I am willing to accept your answer to my last question, but not to my prior ones. After all, from everything we have seen and been told, Cynthia has no Mana. She does not create Mana, she does not absorb Mana, and none of the attacks we've seen her use have relied on the use of Mana. If any of them did, then she would've been corrupted long before now. The second she stepped into our Demon Realm, even."
Druella pushed off the table and walked around to the other side. The Shoggoth, Izzy, and Night Gaunt all stepped back as she approached. The Lilim's gaze was fixed on the Mindflayer, leaning over her to meet the Abyssal Mamono's eyes. Her voice was low as she spoke, "And no matter what you say, you can't convince me that the power she used to summon a vortex out of her palm, absorb all of Eva's Demon Boxes, and obliterate the Mana in the throne room, is simply manipulation of Mana. So, tell me, Mindflayer; Is Cynthia Albion a human? And if she is, how is she able to do the things she does?
Spirit Energy pulsed out of Druella. It quickly covered the room in a flash of pale white light. Izzy hugged herself with her spider legs, the Shoggoth took another step back from the White Lilim, and the Night Gaunt had to resist the urge to fly away. Wilmarina and Eva both shivered as the White Lilim's power washed over them. Wilmarina felt like she needed to either leave the room or get down on one knee before Druella. Eva tightened her grip on her scroll, her eyes trembling under the immense pressure emanating from Druella.
Yet, despite how everyone else was shying away from the Lilim's power, the Mindflayer remained completely calm. Her smile never wavered as she matched Druella's glare with a gentle stare. After a few moments of being under Druella's glare, she finally answered, "Again, apologies, Lady Lilim. But I am afraid that the answer is still the same. Cynthia Albion can do what she does because she's a Hunter. Hunters, like Heroes, are little different than humans. They simply represent another path in life a human can take. Thus, Cynthia Albion is a human. Am I wrong?"
Silence fell upon the entire room. Druella's gaze never left the Mindflayer's face. Neither seemed willing to back down for the longest time. Then, after what felt like hours, Druella stood up straight. She didn't look convinced in the slightest, but her eyes made it clear she knew what was going on. She waved her hand toward the door and said, "Fine then. Thank you for your time; you may all go now. Please tell your husbands I said hello. I may be paying them a visit later."
"We look forward to it, Lady Lilim," the Mindflayer stood up and bowed to Druella. She did the same to Wilmarina and Eva as the other Abyssal Mamono copied her. Then all four exited the room with the door gently shutting behind them. Druella watched them go, staring at the door they went through.
She spoke without taking her eyes off the door, "Eva, what do you think?"
"They're clearly hiding something. They wouldn't give such circular answers if they weren't," she rolled up her scroll and sighed, "The one thing I can't say is why. It would be one thing if only one of those types of Mamono acted this way. That I could figure out. The Shoggoths would see Albion as a master of some kind, or the Mindflayers would probably want to pick her brain for her memories and such. Four different species? All at the same time? All running cover for a woman they don't even know, and has killed who knows how many Mamono and husbands? It doesn't make any sense."
"What I'm worried about is what she could mean for my Elt. Merse has said she's going to go speak with her, see if she can find some common ground. And Elt wants to go with her. He seems to have become interested in that Hunter for some reason," Wilmarina crosses her arms and pouts, "I'm fine with it. As long as he remembers to come back to me. But if this is how the Abyssal Mamono are acting...I'm beginning to think that perhaps Fransica is right."
"What do you mean?" Eva asked the Hero.
"After the meeting, she has become increasingly insistent that Druella comply with the Hunter's requests. To call off the attack on Pran, make it clear she wants nothing to do with Cynthia anymore, and to allow the woman leave. Because, according to her, she's too dangerous to keep here. She thinks that if she stays something really bad is going to happen. Before, I thought she was just being paranoid. But after seeing the Abyssal Mamono react like that...I think she may be correct.
Eva frowned but slowly nodded in agreement, "I think so, too. We've already lost a significant number of our Dullahans, putting a dent in our battle capability. One that can't be easily fixed as doing so requires more women to be turned. While we're working on that, it's a slow process. Even so, if it was just Albion and her two companions, we still stand a good chance at defeating her. However, if the Abyssal Mamono are as willing to defend her in battle as they are in an interrogation, then we might be at a disadvantage. It would be prudent to start considering letting Cynthia go."
"No."
That one word made Eva and Wilmarina's conversation come to a screeching halt. They both turned to Druella, who still had her eyes on the door. Eva asked her what she meant, and Druella looked down at her right palm. She thought back to the meeting they had with the Hunter. At the table outside, where she had her first extended conversation with Cynthia Albion. And the moment she kept coming back to was what the Huntress had said before Koga and Vermut had clashed.
When she held up the strawberry she had carved a happy face into.
"This certainly looks happier now, doesn't it?"
Druella had tried to explain that wasn't their intention, but Cynthia's words gave her pause. They did alter people's souls. It was the quickest way to get them to monsterize. Change the soul first, then the mind and body would quickly follow. And it wasn't that they were changing their emotions, they were simply bringing their true feelings out. But if that were true, why did Koga harbor so much hatred towards Mamono and his former self? If his feelings as Kogero were genuine, why didn't he want to revert to that state? He might have been an exception, but how many others were like him? How many hadn't truly had their innermost feelings exposed? How many were simply-
She banished those thoughts, replacing them with a fiery determination in her heart. She curled her hand into a fist as she spoke, "We will keep Cynthia Albion here. Let Merse do as she will. I will begin preparing things to show the Huntress around Lescatie. To show her...that she's wrong. That what we do...isn't bad. That we are helping. We just have to help her see that."
Eva and Wilmarina could say nothing. They simply stared at Druella's back, trying to contemplate what she meant.
----------------------------------------
"Ah~. That's sooooo much better~," Izzy groaned in pleasure as she sunk into her husband's reproductive pouch. The tentacles within the pouch near the bottom of his cephalon writhed as they pulled the white-clad woman into their slimy embrace. She shuddered while her husband began to walk alongside the other Abyssal Mamono. She used one hand to caress her husband's body, "I missed you sooo much, Ivan. It feels good to be with you again."
"I told you," the Shoggoth said as she walked with the Atlach-Nacha. Her hands were folded in front of her as she looked over at the fellow Abyssals, "And you all did very well. Though Druella likely knows that we are hiding the truth from her."
"Indeed, but that doesn't matter, Azera," the Mindflayer played with some of her hair as she spoke, "The White Lilim isn't willing to do anything too drastic to discover the truth. If she were, we wouldn't have been allowed to leave that room until we told her what she wanted to hear."
The Night Gaunt flapped her wings in agreement. She hovered above the party with her eyes locked on the hallway ahead of them.
The Shoggoth, Azera, frowned and put her hands together, "I suppose, Hasti. I simply hope that it doesn't drive her to such extreme measures. Ideally, she will see all the signs and leave the Good Hunter alone."
"Oh no, no, no. That won't happen, Azera. The Lilim is too proud. And that's exactly what we want. Because those are the correct conditions needed to finally 'awaken' the Dreaming One."
Hasti's words caused a sudden shift in the atmosphere. One that the Mindflayer and Atlach-Nacha paid little mind to. Izzy giggled as she spoke, "Ah, yes. That's right. My masters and I are waiting for that day with bated breath. I do hope to be able to see it when it comes—the day when the world returns to its rightful masters."
Azera and the Night Gaunt paused, falling behind the other two Abyssal Mamono. Hasti and Izzy stopped walking but kept their backs to the Shoggoth and Night Gaunt. Neither side moved for what felt like hours. Then Hasti spoke up, her voice no longer carrying the sultry tone, "Did you not know, Azera?"
"I assumed you were jesting," Azera's voice carried a deep, rumbling tenor, "A foolish joke made in the heat of the moment. Am I to assume you were not?"
"Why would I ever joke about such a thing?" Hasti didn't sound concerned at all, "It is an important step after all."
"In a plan of yours, no doubt?"
"No. No. No. Dear, Azera. It is not a plan of mine. It is not my plan-"
Hasti and Izzy turned to face the Shoggoth and Night Gaunt...
...and their eyes were no longer singular irises.
Multiple eyes resided within their pupils. Various colors danced within their eye sockets: vibrant reds, sickly yellows, deep blues, grassy greens, pale whites, and some that defied standard convention. They swirled and writhed as the two Mamono spoke in unison...but their voices were no longer their own. They did not speak with the voices of Hasti and Izzy.
But with the voices of They Who Slept Below The Waves.
"-it is our Masters' plan. To awaken our slumbering kin. To remind her of her true nature. For once she awakens, she will realize what she truly is. And what one believes they are, is what one will become. She will become her truest self; The Lady Of The Paleblood Moon. Her waking screams will resonate across the world, and the reverberations will finally break our chains!"
The two Mam-no. Not Mamono. The Servants of the Abyssal Ones raised their hands to the sky as they spoke, "The day we have been waiting for is finally upon us! When the Dream Awakens, she will bring our Advent! This world will be ours once again! And none will be able to stop us! It is a joyous thing, is it not?"
The Servants looked down to watch for their kin's reactions. Azera and the Night Gaunt remained silent. Their heads were bowed, keeping their eyes hidden in shadow. The air was heavy with tension as the two Mamono stayed as motionless and silent as a grave. Then Azera spoke, "Firstly, I would like to clarify something for all of you. Something that you should be aware of."
"Oh? What is that?"
Azera and the Night Gaunt lifted their faces...to reveal the same eyes that the Servants had on their faces. All the eyes on Azera's body had turned into swirling pools of irises. They left her tail, arms, and legs to converge on her stomach. With a sickening squelch, they fused into one massive eye that reached up to her cleavage. As the eye focused on the Servants, a multitude of voices spoke from Azera's mouth, "We did not discover a way to speak through our Servants for this purpose. We simply wished to engage with the outside world and speak with our cousin. Not plot our emancipation from our jail."
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
The Servants appeared unfazed. They stared ahead at their fellow Abyssal Ones and showed no reaction whatsoever.
"And secondly," the voices seemed to get more serious as they spoke, "We hope you understand that by taking this course of action, it puts you at direct odds with the rest of us."
"Why is that? Don't you wish to be free?"
"Yes. We do."
"Then why stand against us?"
"Because we know that our cousin is enjoying a pleasant dream right now. We also know what happens when you wake a dreamer."
With that, the Shoggoth and Night Gaunt turned around to walk away from the other two. The Mindflayer and Atlach-Nacha simply laughed with the voices of a thousand Abyssal Ones before turning and walking away as well.
----------------------------------------
The Huntress sneezed.
Matilda looked up at Selina and tilted her head, "Are you alright, Good Hunter?"
"Yes, Matilda," Selina sniffed and pulled down her bandana to rub at her nose, "I am alright. Though, I am a bit confused. After I became a Hunter, illness stopped being a concern. So, I don't understand how I could need to sneeze."
"There is a chance that someone is talking about you," Koga said while adjusting his hold on Nobu's reins. The horse shook its head as it trotted alongside the three of them. Koga turned to directly address Selina, "I remember there being a saying that you sneeze when others talk about you behind your back. Perhaps that's what's happening here."
"Maybe. Though now I wish I had brought a handkerchief for times like this," almost as soon as Selina said that, five separate frilly white cloths were presented to her from above. Each was held in a long, black tendril that came from a different Shoggoth nearby. Selina looked around at the impromptu offerings and gingerly took the closest one in her hand, "Th-Thank you."
"You are very welcome," five voices said in unison as the tendrils returned to their owners. Which were five of the ten Shoggoths forming a perimeter around the Huntress' party. The Abyssal Mamono, dressed in maid outfits, moved as a unit, maintaining an easy pace with Selina's party. They were a peculiar sight as they moved through the streets of Lescatie. A mass of slime-like Shoggoths nonchalantly moving in unison without a care in the world. The strangeness was accentuated whenever a wagon or carriage approached. Any Shoggoth in the street would swiftly glide to the sidewalk to join their companions, while the others adjusted to accommodate the new additions. The Mamono around them would pause to wave or gaze at the group, and the Shoggoths would reciprocate as if nothing was wrong. So close together were they, that one could hardly even see the three individuals in the middle of their formation.
Selina wiped her face as she surveyed the entourage she had acquired since leaving the castle. While the other Mamono had departed shortly after they had left, the Shoggoths stayed behind, insisting on accompanying Selina. She neatly folded the handkerchief, adjusted her bandana, and stashed the cloth in one of her pockets. Turning to Matilda, she inquired, "Is there any particular reason why we have suddenly gained this entourage?"
The Living Doll frowned and shook her head, "Apologies, Good Hunter. But I'm afraid that even I am confused. This behavior is not common among the Shoggoths. And I can't think of why they would do something like this."
"Why, the answer is simple," one of the Shoggoths exited the formation to get closer to the Huntress' group. She bowed her head as she spoke, "We are here to guide you all to your abode. The White Lilim was kind enough to prepare lodgings prior to your arrival. We have taken it upon ourselves to bring you to them."
Matilda's eyes widened in shock, "You have? But wouldn't Druella have prepared a guide for us?"
"She did. But we insisted on being the ones to lead you on your first day here. Your original guide is waiting at your abode for our arrival," the Shoggoth said with a knowing smile.
Matilda looked at Selina and shook her head to indicate that this was not normal. Selina frowned and then addressed the Shoggoth, "Would I be correct in assuming that this is not something you normally do?
"It is not. But you are no ordinary guest. And we wish to ensure that your stay here is a wonderful one. So, we wanted the opportunity to inform you that we will be at your service throughout your stay here."
"We?" Selina raised an eyebrow.
"We Shoggoths, the Mindflayers, the Atlach-Nachas, and the Night Gaunts," the Shoggoth put her hands together and bowed her head to Selina, "All of us will heed your call. You only need to give it, and we will answer."
Selina frowned, "And what would you wish in return for this service?"
The Shoggoth placed a hand over her mouth and giggled, "Why, Good Hunter, we Mamono live to serve others. The act of serving someone else is a reward in and of itself. We will all be content with simply making your stay here a welcome one. Now, please excuse me. I need to switch places with my sister at the front of the formation."
The Shoggoth melted back into the crowd of Mamono around them. Selina's frown remained as she looked down at Matilda, "Was any of what she said something you expected from her?"
Matilda shook her head with her brows furrowed in contemplation, "No, not at all. Shoggoths do enjoy serving others, but that's usually their husband or 'Master,' as they tend to call them. I have never heard of one being willing to serve someone who isn't her husband so faithfully."
She put a hand on her chin and hummed, "But what really confuses me is what she said about the other Abyssal Mamono. It's one thing for the Shoggoths to wish to serve. But Mindflayers, Atlach-Nachas, and Night Gaunts? None of them would do so. Least of all the Mindflayers. They'd be more likely to focus on finding young women to violate with their tentacles, and turn into more Mindflayers or maddened sex slaves. Or finding a husband to turn into their undergarments."
"...Are you joking about the last part?" Selina sincerely hoped she was.
Unfortunately, Matilda shook her head and looked as serious as ever, "No, I'm not. Mindflayers turn their husbands into smaller squid creatures and attach them to their womanhood. They essentially spend the rest of their lives reproducing with the Mindflayer. Sometimes they turn back into humans for more 'traditional' lovemaking, but it's not the norm."
Selina felt her shoulders slump. She pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head,"Are...Are all the 'Abyssal Mamono' like this?"
Matilda shrugged, "Most. The spiders you saw on the rooftops before? Those aren't the bodies of the Mamono. Those are their husbands. Any man infected by the venom of an Atlach-Nacha will be compelled to mate with her. At which point, his body will change into that giant spider body you saw. The place where the woman were sitting were their breeding pouches. All those tentacles act as reproductive organs that-"
"I have heard enough. Thank you, Matilda," Selina found herself shaking her head and sighing at the information. After a few moments, though, she paused and looked up at the Shoggoths around her, "Wait...Abyssal Mamono? Is that what they call Mamono made by...them."
Selina spat the word "them" out like it was an undercooked steak. Matilda nodded once more, "Indeed. Abyssal Mamono are those created by, or have some connection to, the Abyssal Ones. Creatures that live deep under the ocean in the...well...the Abyss. They are trapped there by ancient oaths, kept in their prison by the Goddess of the Sea, Poseidon. Though saying they are imprisoned is a misnomer. They have been changed by the Demon Lord's Mana and have effectively become Mamono. Though rumors abound that they still retain some of their original selves, much like the dragons."
"And they have said they will assist you should you call for their aid," Koga suggests as his lips curl into a slight smile, "We have only just arrived, and already we have a large group of allies behind us."
"I wouldn't call them allies," Selina shook her head as her eyes narrowed, "If the Abyssal Ones are anything like the Great Ones I know, they are not to be trusted. Ever."
Neither Koga nor Matilda responded to Selina's statement. Both simply went silent as they continued to follow the Shoggoths through the streets. Eventually, the blob of Mamono around them finally stopped in front of a large three-story building. The building had six windows that ran vertically along the left and right sides of the dark wooden walls. Thick green bushes grew in front of the lowest two windows, each adorned with six violet flowers. The path leading up to the building was paved with polished cobblestones that ended at two thick steps. The landing matched the wood of the walls, while the door was a polished red that contrasted with the rest of the building.
The Shoggoths parted to allow Selina's party a path toward the door. They bowed in unison while waving for the three to move on. After exchanging knowing glances, Selina, Koga, and Matilda all made their way toward the door. Koga turned to Nobu and whispered, "Nobu, could you please go behind the building? I shall come to take you for a ride once we are settled in."
Nobu snorted, then shook his mane out. Smiling, Koga released the reins, and his horse trotted around the right side of the building to the back. As the rest of their party made it to the steps, the entrance to the building opened, and another Mamono stepped outside. This Mamono wore a wide-brimmed hat similar to the Musketeers they had met when they first arrived. Her outfit was just as extravagant as Selina had come to expect from Mamono. Her midriff was exposed for all to see, with her bountiful chest only covered by a black bra. She wore a coat over her shoulders, not bothering to put her black-gloved arms into the sleeves. A large black belt looped around her waist, while her legs were covered by tight-fitting black pants. Black high-heeled boots covered her feet, and a spaded tail wrapped around her left thigh. Her face was soft with a button nose, piercing green eyes, and sharp pointed ears. Blonde hair fell around her face and out from under her hat. However, the main thing that drew Selina's eye was the long, dark musket slung across the Mamono's back. The weapon was as long as the ones used by the residents of Yharnam, with a glowing purple crystal embedded where the cartridge would go. The Mamono also had a broadsword strapped to her waist, something Selina respected. Having an extra weapon in case someone got close to you was a good idea. Though that was where any respect she could give to the Mamono ended.
However, as Selina and her party made their way up the steps, a shout split the air.
"YOU!"
It was soon followed by the sound of magic flying through the air. Selina whirled around to see a bolt of crackling energy flying straight towards her. She made to block the attack with her hand, but Koga was already in motion. He swiftly positioned himself in front of Selina, one hand on his blade and the other on his scabbard. As the attack came within range, his sword flashed out. In a matter of seconds, the attack was intercepted and neutralized. Koga's sword was sheathed again by the time the sliced attack fizzled into the air.
Standing across from the Huntress, having forced her way through the crowd of Mamono and Shoggoths, was a succubus with four wings and slightly tanned skin. Her white hair was a mess that hung around her face in clumps underneath her twin ram horns. She glared at Selina, her palm outstretched. Magical power still crackled between her fingertips as her eyes shot death at Selina.
Selina recognized her instantly.
"You," the Huntress frowned, "You're the succubus we captured at Vinvers. How did you escape custody?"
"My name is Jillea!" the succubus shouted while waving her arm in the air with indignation, "And as if I'd tell you! I knew I should've done something back in Vinvers. Used my freedom to come after you and stop you before you got out of the city. But I let myself be convinced that it would be better to leave it alone. That I could come here and everything would be better. But now look! Can you even fathom how many husbands turned to dust because of you?! How many widows you've made?! And you have the gall to come here and walk around like you own the place?! I don't care what Druella says, I'm not standing by and letting this happen! This ends here and now!"
With a battle cry, Jillea flared her wings and charged toward the Huntress. Her eyes blazed with anger as she moved toward her target...only for her vision to be blocked by a sudden wall of tentacles. Jillea's screams were cut off as a tide of black tendrils shot from the surrounding Shoggoths. Her eyes went wide as the tendrils wrapped themselves around her body. They completely covered her thighs, forced her arms behind her back, and slithered over and under her breasts. She opened her mouth to protest, but one of the tendrils shoved itself tip-first into her mouth to silence her.
The three Shoggoths that captured her stepped forward to surround her. The ones to her left and right had their arms turned into slimy black tendrils that kept her arms restrained. The third one walked up behind her, using only one arms to keep Jillea silent. She leaned in until her mouth was right next to Jillea's ear. Her voice remained calm despite the circumstances, "Apologies, Jillea. But we cannot allow you to harm the Good Hunter. We ask that you leave this place and refrain from bothering the Good Hunter for the rest of her stay here. If you disagree, then we may need to take more drastic measures."
The Shoggoth opened her mouth and let her long tongue slither its way out. Jillea's eyes widened as the tongue, dripping with saliva, moved across her naked shoulder and toward her ear. She tried to move her head away but was unable to do anything as it got closer to her ear.
"That is enough!" Selina's sudden outburst made the Shoggoths freeze in place. All three turned their heads toward the Huntress in unison. Selina had one hand outstretched as she stared at the current situation. A crowd had formed to watch the spectacle unfold while the musket-wielding Mamono behind them was completely flabbergasted at what was happening. Matilda was shaking her head while pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. Koga was still ready in case things came to blows. After a few moments of tense silence, Selina took a calming breath and spoke, "That...is enough. There is no need to do any of that. Simply restrain her arms. Please."
"As you wish," the Shoggoths spoke as they unwrapped their tendrils from around Jillea's body. The tentacle in her mouth exited with a "Pop" and Jillea took a grateful deep breath. She still glared daggers at Selina, even as the Shoggoths let go of her legs and body.
Selina started to walk toward the Succubus but stopped when Koga held up his hand. He stepped back until he was standing beside Selina. He leaned in, and whispered something into her ear. Selina raised an eyebrow and said, "What? You don't have to do that, Koga. I can handle-"
"Good Hunter, and I mean no offense when I say this, but you have no time to worry about things that are beneath you like this. Please, allow me to take care of this in your stead," he bowed his head to Selina, not wavering in the slightest.
Selina frowned and was silent for a few moments. Then, with a sigh, she nodded, "Very well. If this is what you wish to do. Go ahead."
Thanking the Huntress, Koga walked down the path to the captive Jillea. The Succubus briefly stopped her struggling to stare at the approaching Ochimusha. Koga stopped a few feet away from her and knelt to be at eye level with her. As her cheeks turned red from his intense gaze, Koga spoke to her, "So, you wish to face the Good Hunter for the sake of revenge, is that correct?"
"Y-Yes," Jillea said, confused about where Koga was going with this.
Koga nodded, then stood up straight. He turned his gaze to the crowd of Mamono gathered around them and shouted, "And I would assume that there are many others like her in this city. Others who wish to seek vengeance for those who lost their lives due to the Good Hunter's actions. Who wish to witness her downfall and see her repent for her perceived sins. Then allow me to make this clear here and now."
Koga pulled his scabbard out of the loop around his waist. He held it up for all to see, his eyes blazing with conviction, "My name is Koga. I am Cynthia Albion's blade. If any of you wish to face her, you must first defeat me in single combat!"
----------------------------------------
"And if you all need anything, just give me a call~," the musket-wielding Mamono, Jane, said as she opened the door leading into the main room of Selina's new abode. Said room had three large sofas in the middle, all placed on red satin rugs. A glass table stood in the center of the room between the sofas, with a chessboard and pieces already set up. A stairwell leading to the next floor was built into the leftmost wall. Matilda sat down quickly on one of the sofas, while Koga walked around the perimeter of the room, his eyes scanning for anything out of the ordinary.
Selina turned to Jane and shook her head, "That won't be necessary. We can handle ourselves from here on out."
"You sure?" Jane pouted while putting her hands on her hips, "Cause if you're new to Lescatie, then you're going to need a guide. And you can't get any better than me! I know this place like the back of my hand. Oh, there's this great body painting place that-"
Selina held up her hand to stop the Mamono as she walked into the room. She put her other hand on the door and forced a smile, "As I said, that is alright. We will be fine. Though, if you wish to be of service, please keep watch for Merse Dascaros. She should be coming by at some point today to speak with me about something. Good day to you, Jane."
Selina closed the door on the Mamono before she could argue. She turned around, pressed her back against the door, then let out a long sigh, "Finally. Some time to relax."
"I'm not surprised that you are stressed, Good Hunter," Koga said while looking out the window. He frowned, then pulled the dark curtains closed, blocking out the light from outside, "We are in a den of vipers. Dealing with so many Mamono at once couldn't have been easy."
Selina walked over to the nearest sofa and sat down, leaning against the back as she did so. She took her hat off and lifted a hand to her hair, saying, "You are not wrong, Koga. Truly, I am simply happy to have some time to gather my thoughts and prepare a schedule for the rest of the day."
Selina pulled a lock of hair away from her face and frowned. She took a knife from one of her pockets and swiftly cut the hair in two. She repeated this process for a few more moments, gathering the cut pieces together and placing them in a pile next to her. Koga walked over to the remaining open sofa and sat down. Selina gathered up the pile of hair and handed it to him. He took it and, without hesitation, ignited his palm, burning the hair away. Matilda looked up from the table and spoke, "A sound plan. And something that we all should be doing. But first, I think we should address the elephant in the room. Koga, why did you effectively put a target on your back for any Mamono who is seeking revenge against the Good Hunter?"
Both Selina and Matilda eyed Koga as they waited for his response. Koga crossed his arms and lowered his head, saying, "Is it not obvious? To ensure that the Good Hunter can operate freely without being interrupted while we are in this dreadful city."
"Koga, I can handle myself. There is no need for you to put yourself at undue risk for my sake," Selina explained with a shake of her head.
Koga wasn't deterred. He leaned forward and continued, "Pardon my insolence, Good Hunter, but I fervently disagree. We are to stay here for at least five days. You are more than a visitor in this city. You are an infamous warrior who has done what no other has done before; caused significant damage to the Mamono. The White Lilim herself wants to meet with you. The so-called Gods heeded your advice. All of that comes with the attention of many. But we do not have time to address all of their concerns. If you were to face off against every single Mamono who wanted vengeance for the deaths of their husbands, you would be fighting a different Mamono all day, every day."
He tapped a finger against the table as he continued, "That will take time. Time you could be using to accomplish more substantial tasks. Giving the bracelet to Sasha Fullmoon. Attempting to convince some of the Maidens to come to our side. Finding out where they are manufacturing their firearms. All things you can't do if you're busy fighting those seeking revenge. Thus, it would be better for me to face them myself."
"But how can you be sure they'll keep their word?" Selina said with a shrug, "Wouldn't they bypass you and try to attack me anyway?"
"Perhaps, if you didn't have the Lilim's attention. You are her guest here, after all. Should a Mamono be seen attacking you using underhand tactics after I, your retainer, established specific terms of engagement, it will reflect poorly upon her and all the Mamono here. Something I'm certain she'd like to avoid if her plan is to prove that they are not as evil as we say they are," Koga explained with confidence.
Selina stayed silent as she considered Koga's words. After a few moments, she sighed and shook her head, "I suppose you are correct. Then, please, just be careful. We all know precisely what they will want from you if they manage to defeat you."
"That is why I will not lose. Besides, battling so many Mamono will be good training and a way to test my new abilities," Koga's lips curled into a smug smile.
Matilda giggled at Koga's confidence, "I never imagined that you would give so much thought to this. You've impressed me yet again, Jacob."
Koga flinched as Matilda said that name. He lowered his head, his shoulders slumping, his expression shifting to a contemplative frown. Matilda looked mortified and quickly shook her head, saying, "I'm sorry! Is it still too soon for me to-"
"No, no, no. It is fine, Matilda. You did nothing wrong," Koga shook his head after interrupting the Living Doll. He scoffed, "If anything, I should be upset with myself. It is my true name, after all. I should not react with such sadness upon hearing it. But I..."
"Still find it hard to accept? As it brings up memories of your past life?" Selina ventured, and Koga nodded in agreement. Selina smiled at Koga, "It is alright. You are handling it rather well, considering the circumstances that led you to remember your past."
A weight seemed to lift off Koga's shoulders. He thanked Selina for her kind words and lifted his head back up. Thankful that the awkwardness had passed, Matilda spoke again, "Speaking of, I'm still trying to wrap my head around that entire encounter you had. How did you manage to injure a Goddess?"
Koga shrugged, "I slashed her with my blade. There is little else to it."
"But it shouldn't be that simple. Gods aren't gods because they can easily be hurt like that."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that. I faced many so-called gods during my time in Yharnam. While it took more than a single swing of a blade, they all succumbed to sufficient physical trauma," Selina pointed out, "And isn't the head of the Pantheon still recovering from a wound inflicted by the Demon Lord and her husband?"
Matilda shrugged, "Both true. Though I can't imagine that Koga has the same ability to defeat divinities as you do, Good Hunter. Perhaps his immense rage at the Goddess is what allowed him to harm her? Mamono are able to empower themselves with their emotions to accomplish impossible deeds."
"If that is true, then I shall be sure to cultivate such power. Not just my rage, but all of my emotions. Only then will I be able to accomplish my ultimate goal: putting my brothers to rest."
"Ah yes, Your Brotherhood," Matilda looked at Koga with a hint of pity in her eyes, "I am sorry about what happened to them. Do you believe they are still alive?"
"No. Not truly. Their bodies remain on this earth, but their spirits are trapped like mine was. Caught in a prison created by the Mamono. Forced to walk the earth alongside those who they now call their 'wives'. Ignorant of how everything we worked for had been trampled by those fiends," Koga's eyes blazed with determination as he spoke. He lifted his head until he was looking at the ceiling, "I cannot allow that. I must find them. Find their bodies and free their spirits. To do that, I must return to my homeland."
"And you may do so whenever you wish," Selina's eyes were filled with understanding, "You have my blessing and, should you request it, my sword as well."
"The offer is appreciated, Good Hunter. But I decline. This is something I will do on my own. But not until this business with Druella is settled. Until then, you have my blade," Koga bowed his head to Selina.
Smiling, Matilda clapped her hands together, "Okay, then! With that out of the way, let's get back to the original matter at hand: our plans going forward. I suggest we all take a moment to clarify what we're going to do while we're in Lescatie. We should try to achieve our goals as effectively as we can and regroup every night to touch base and review our progress. It will also be an opportunity for Koga and I to cleanse any corrupted mana within us. Does that sound good?"
Koga nodded, grunting as he adjusted himself in his seat. Selina spoke next, "That seems like a sound plan. Would you like to go first, Matilda?"
"Of course!" Matilda stood up on the sofa and cleared her throat. Then she placed her hands behind her back before speaking, "I shall be going to the headquarters of the Dark Ice Flower. There I will meet with Eva Mystiv and begin my training under her. I will learn all I can about how their magic interacts with my soul, whether or not I can use Mamono magic without falling to corruption, and if anything I learn can be used to our advantage when the time comes. Would you please go next, Good Hunter?"
"I shall," Selina stood up and spoke clearly, "I will meet with Merse Dascaros today. She has planned this meeting, thus I am unsure how long it will take. But once we are done, I will bring the bracelet I was given to Sasha Fullmoon. If I still have some time before night falls, I will stop by the local library and see if I may check out some books that may be of use to us."
"Ah!" Matilda snapped her fingers, "If you're going to do that, then I have a suggestion: Find copies of the Monster Girl Encyclopedia."
"Monster Girl Encyclopedia?" Koga and Selina said in unison, their eyebrows rising in confusion.
"They are a series of books written by a man known only as 'The Wandering Scholar.' He was once part of the Order, but he ran afoul of their laws due to his current profession: wandering the lands and documenting the different aspects of the various Mamono species in the world. He meticulously notes everything about them - their habitats, feeding habits, methods of reproduction, and the type of men they tend to gravitate toward. And while Lescatie has only recently become a Demon Realm, I have no doubt that either he or one of his followers has already begun documenting the unique features of this place. Their work would greatly benefit our current and future endeavors."
"Wait," Koga stood up from his seat with a frown, "Is this information readily available for the public to obtain?"
"Among Mamono lands? Yes."
"Why only those places? Wouldn't the Order find such text extremely valuable?"
Matilda frowned as well, "Koga, you are overestimating the Order. They have officially labeled the Wandering Scholar a heretic and his writings as heretical material. They do not allow the publishing or distribution of his books anywhere in Order territory. Simply being in possession of one of the texts is grounds for execution in many places under their influence."
Koga's frown deepened, "And yet the vile Mamono allow something that so openly describes their habits and weaknesses?"
"The Mamono allow it because they see it as free advertisement. They believe that if a man were to read the Encyclopedia, he'd be more likely to seek out Mamono. Meaning he'd likely get caught and turned into a husband. It doesn't help that some of the volumes have had spells placed on them. Any human who reads it through to the end will get a face full of Mamono Mana. Men will be compelled to seek out the nearest Mamono to have sex with, while women will be turned into Mamono on the spot. In the face of that, is it any wonder the Order hasn't been able to make use of the Encyclopedia in any significant manner?" Matilda shrugged before turning back to Selina.
The Huntress hummed, "I see. I will be sure to keep an eye out for those books then. And you, Koga?"
After calming himself down, Koga raised his scabbard and said, "I have a duel with that Succubus from today to go to. Once she has been dealt with, I will take Nobu and go for a ride around the city. Get a feel for our environment. Just in case we have to fight through it later. If I receive any more challengers today, I will face them without fear."
"As you say. Do keep in mind that if you ever need to have your corruption cleared, do not hesitate to find me. I promise I will take the time to assist you. That goes for you as well, Matilda."
Matilda saluted Selina, then hopped off the sofa. She climbed onto the table in the middle of the room, skillfully avoiding the chess set, and extended her hand towards Selina and Koga. With a smile, she looked between the two and said, "Then it is agreed. Let us formalize it and wish each other good fortune."
Koga nodded and placed his hand over Matilda's. Selina followed suit, her hand resting on top of the pile.
They all shared determined glances, silently promising that they would meet again tonight.
And just as they removed their hands from the pile, a knock came from the door. Jane shouted through the closed door, "Excuse me! Cynthia Albion? Merse is here. She's waiting for you outside the building!"
"I will be right out," Selina said as she got her hat and placed it back on her head. She walked to the door and glanced over her shoulder at Koga and Matilda. Waving goodbye, she opened the door and headed out to her meeting.
Once the door was closed, Koga looked over at Matilda and asked, Matilda, "So, Matilda. I still have some time before my duel. Is there anything I could assist you with?"
"Why, yes, there is actually," Matilda said while holding up her right hand. She extended her index and middle fingers while turning her head towards the window, "I would like to place a few wards around the building before we leave."
"Ah. Anything particular?"
"The usual. Alarms in case someone tries to break in while we're gone. Tracking glyphs so we can track anyone who comes in here down if we have to. A glyph that will activate an effect similar to the Augur of Ebrietas as a trap for intruders. And a glyph to keep the room smelling fresh and clean whenever we return."
"...What is an Augur of Ebrietas?"
"Don't worry about it."