I got to work after hugging them for a few more minutes. I herded them outside and began washing them off in the stream. They were covered in the gunk from being born. After cleaning them all I laid down in the clearing in front of our cave and told them they could play around.

I made sure to keep them close to the cave entrance as I watched over the surrounding area. It was nice to watch them play. Although it seems strange to have so much energy right after being born.

Also why haven't they talked yet? I remember Diana was pretty much independent like an hour after she was born. Although I kinda prefer this. It feels less like child soldiers and more like children. Maybe because my kids were just instantly born into conflict before?

Oh well, I’ll make sure these kids get to play and chill as long as possible. It is my duty as a parent! I smiled triumphantly and used my tail to stop Tom from jumping down into the valley below.

I couldn’t stop smiling as over the course of an hour each of the kids, one by one got tired and came over to me to rest. I picked them all up and placed them at the sleeping spot. I curled up around them and was instantly reminded why I loved my kids.

We woke up a few hours later and they all instantly wanted to play again. However I told them to play within the cave as I had something I had to do. They seemed a bit sad but Marlow quickly began leading them through a game of pretend. From what I could tell Marlow, Chester and Charlie were soldiers from one side and James, Tom and Tim were soldiers on the other team.

They drew out territory lines and the fight was on. The war started with a brief skirmish in the north west between Tim and Charlie. Tom quickly ran into help, opening up the southern portion of the border. Marlow took advantage of this and together with Chester launched a blitzkrieg strike against James in the reserves.

Jame’s was defeated but so was Charlie. Tim and Tom turned away from the border and launched a counter strike against the force of Marlow and Chester. Charlie and James sat on the sidelines, playing around with a rock.

I was amazed by how creative they were but had to tear myself away. I walked out into the clearing and began ripping trees from the ground and placing them down. It took me a bit more than an hour to create the rudimentary wall. It wouldn't stop anything big but honestly I just needed to keep anything from sneaking in.

After creating the skeleton of a structure I began using the large mounds of dirt and rock I had from digging the caves. The trees were completely covered in dirt forming a large dirt wall around me and my kids. I was able to hop over it but my kids couldn’t even look over it.

Of course I would allow them to explore the valley with me soon, no reason to coop a kid up. But I also didn’t want them to get attacked while they were so small. I’m sure they’ll have to fight when they’re older, that's how this world works. But at the very least I can give them a few weeks of bliss and happiness without them having to worry about threats.

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Just as I was about to return to my kids in the cave I heard a clicking sound coming from outside the wall. I peeked out and saw over sixty Stone ants. They did have a very hard caprace so I still wonder why they’re called that. But who gives a fuck about that? They’re trying to get to my kids! Unacceptable!

I hopped over the wall and slammed my two front legs on top of one, instantly crushing it. I stood up as tall as possible and yelled. “Come at me underprivileged peasants! I’m gonna use your corpses as compost!”

The ants all clacked their mandiables at once before rushing me. I bit down on the closest ant and speared another with my tail as I spat out the one I had chewed on and yelled. “Why do you guys taste so gross? Why can’t you taste good like the goblins?”

I began ripping and tearing while doing my best to dodge any attacks launched at me. Unfortunately I am not very good at dodging. I slowly accumulated more and more cuts on my legs until finally there were only ten ants left. However because of the amount of wounds I had gotten on my legs I was barely able to walk as the ants surrounded me.

I collapsed to the ground and watched as the ants swarmed in. I speared two of them with my tail before they managed to reach me. It would be a fight of attrition after this. I bit the ant near my head and began stabbing the rest of the ants as they continued to rip large chunks out of my side and back.

After another minute I managed to kill all of the ants but I was unable to stand up. Sometimes this form just feels too damn clunky. And not having access to all four legs hurts me as well. I sighed as I tried to stand up. Nothing moved, my legs didn’t seem to respond anymore. With nothing else to do I checked my notifications and smirked. At least the ants were useful to level up.

You have killed a level 10 Stone Ant Worker x 79

You have leveled up. You are now a level 32 Mud Skink War Queen

You have leveled up. You are now a level 33 Mud Skink War Queen

You have leveled up. You are now a level 34 Mud Skink War Queen

It took me an hour to be able to stand up. I limped over the dirt wall and stumbled into the sleeping area. My kids instantly rushed around me, concerned as I waved them off and collapsed onto a bed of dried grass and moss.

After repeatedly telling them I was fine they hesitantly resumed playing. They were still playing theri war game and it appeared that it was the same war. They patrolled their borders which had almost completely changed since the beginning of their game.

Before Marlow’s team had controlled almost the entirety of the cave except for the sleeping area. Now it seemed like he had pushed back to the point that he now had less territory than Jame’s did. This confused me as Marlow was almost three times the size of James.

However after watching one of Marlow’s play fights with Tim the reason Marlow’s team was losing became incredibly clear. He was too gentle. He refused to make use of his paralyzing bite and seemed to focus on just hugging his siblings. This worked fine against Tim and Tom for the most part but James had already noticed and began to exploit it.

Whenever James wrestled with Marlow he would always try to stay behind him, confusing the big guy. Honestly it’s a miracle Marlow’s team hasn’t already lost. Over two hours of play fighting and the victor was decided. Marlow was defeated and after sulking for a bit he immediately joined the new game.

I was happy the hatchlings already seemed to be developing personalities. Marlow seemed like a big softie who was trying to take care of his siblings. James was aggressive and always seemed angry. Tim and Tom were a bit aloof compared to their brothers. They didn’t spend as much time playing and seemed to be the reason they didn't instantly win the war. Charlie and Chester were hot heads who were also kinda dumb. I frequently saw them run into walls.

I cried the entire time while watching them play. I haven't felt this happy in such a long time. Even while I was leaking blood and barely able to stand. My reason for existence was affirmed every time one of my kids curled up next to me to take a nap. I love my kids.