Chapter 13
Unmasked
Boner shook the black metal gate. “Come on! You assholes!” He looked like he was about to murder someone. People avoided his group. His party members looked like they wanted nothing to do with him.
He was like a male Karen trying to speak to the manager because the dilldo they bought was stuck in their asshole.
That’s what you get when you decide to use water as lube. Now Boner’s gonna have to run to the hospital for an insertion.
Reminds me of that time Alice’s brother Mikey bought that urethra plug dilator. He shoved it into his pee hole without any lube and got it stuck. The guy didn’t even use water just jammed it in bone dry. Makes my phantom dick hurt just thinking about it.
Shade reached into her inventory and pulled out a pocket watch. It opened with a *click*
“It’s about to be nine. I don’t think the offer was serious.” She looked tired and hadn’t changed out of the clothes she wore last night. Even her ears and tail looked droopy. I couldn't help but notice how oily her face and fur was. I wonder how soft her tail is when clean?
Rosy chimed in with her optimistic humor. “Maybe….. maybe their rooster fell asleep…… y-you know… cause roosters work like alarms in the morning.” The joke fell on deaf ears and the timid lady fell back into her shell. She was hugging Austin from behind protecting him from the cold air. Austin was zoned out as usual.
The kid acted like he was AFK (away from keyboard) most of the time. It was kind of creepy. Like he’d been lobotomized at some point. Maybe his wiring wasn’t hooked up all the way. Either that or we were all in high tech immersion pods and his internet connection was shit.
Can’t imagine what that would look like on his end. His FPS (frames per second) would be disgusting. Yeah, fuck that. Not with these realistic graphics. It would drive me crazy.
23 popped back into reality. Despite what he thought the guy was visible from a mile away. He was basically the equivalent of a guy sneaking around in a ghilli suit.
“I didn’t see any activity. It’s kind of hard to make anything out from this side of the gate.” His dexterity was to low for his stealth to be effective……. On me that is.
Boner sighed. “Useless as always king.” Boner suddenly jumped yelping in pain. “What the hell! Who did that!” Boner turned left and right looking for the source of his discomfort.
Everyone else stared at him questioningly. “What! Did no one see that?! Something just stabbed me!” The big oaf reached for his ass but didn’t feel any blood. He turned his attention to 23 glaring at him. “It was you wasn’t it!”
23 once confused now looked frightened. “What! I have no idea—ah!” 23 jumped crying in pain. “What the fuck was that! Something just poked me!” he looked around not seeing anything.
Boner only seemed to become more pissed. “I call bullshit! Your just trying to get out of it by making yourself the victim!” Boner cracked his knuckles ready to pummel 23…. Again.
23 kept looking around frantically. “Use your head man! How could I possibly do it if I’m standing right here! I haven’t even drawn my knife! Something else is going on!”
Boner thought it over. “Well, you must of unlocked a new ability or something. You assassin types are sneaky that way.” The way Boner said it made him sound like a racist. Well, more like….. assassinist? Classist? Yeah, let’s go with that.
This was fun. I had no idea how successful the passive effect ghost would be. These guys with their low perception couldn’t see me at all. I thought they might be able to make out the dark blue swirls coming off of me but I guess not.
It wasn’t like I was actually stabbing them. I was only poking them lightly with the tip of my holy dagger.
Shade pinched the bridge of her nose. “Guys, could you two stop screwing around. Honestly you two should just fuck and get it over with.” She looked just about done with their antics.
Wait! Did Boner and 23 have unresolved feelings for each other! Maybe they were in a love triangle with that dead Lina lady. Wow, I had no idea. I must do everything in my power to ensure their happiness.
I snuck my way over to 23. He was still arguing with Boner. Once in position I gave him a push knocking him into Boner.
“What the hells wrong with you!” Boner shoved him aside.
23 grunted as he hit the ground. “That wasn’t me! Something pushed me!” He got back to his feet.
“Your fucking with me right?” Boner no longer looked mad. Instead he seemed curious.
These two weren’t as hostile towards each other as last night. I guess they’d made up after Boner broke 23’s jaw.
This wasn't going the way I thought it would. How do people normally fall in love? How did I fall in love? If I remember correctly. Alice broke me down over time. Maybe it’ll happen on its own.
Austin was rummaging through his menu and a moment later a flash grenade appeared in his hands. Without saying anything he pulled the pin then tossed it into the air.
I closed my eyes and heard the loud bang. Everyone else wasn't expecting that to happen and we're caught off guard.
I heard Shade say “You little shit!” I stand corrected. She and Austin were the only ones smart enough to close their eyes. My stealth was broken and I was now visible to everyone. Well, mostly everyone.
“What's going on are we under attack” cried Rosy. She was smart enough to hold onto Austin. Unlike the other two idiots who were trying to feel out their surroundings.
“My eyes! What the hell Austin!” Boner was struggling to find his brother. He was like a blind folded kid looking for a piñata.
“Dude your yelling in my ear!” Boner had yelled directly into 23s ear causing him actual damage.
His hands were now on 23’s face trying to make out its features. I had no idea why he was holding 23’s face. Didn’t he hear his voice?
I hope he doesn’t break his neck out of frustration. Full potions could only do so much and I wasn’t really looking forward to testing their limits.
The jig was up and it was time to do damage control. “Sorry. I wasn’t expecting a flash grenade to go off like that. I was just having a little fun is all.” I managed to look all flustered while exuding my boosted charm.
Shade had been reaching for her riffle but released it sighing. “You know what. Where’s your mom? Your in big trouble.” Mom? Not that Shadow was my mom but if she did find out I might actually be in trouble. Wait, what am I saying. These guys tried to kidnap me. They deserve worse.
I decided to be honest. “My mom died one night when she mysteriously fell down the stairs.” Hopefully that would make it so awkward she would stop talking about the pranks I pulled on them. Well, pranks, murder attempts. Potato, Potahto.
Shade had a look of horror on her face. It looked like she wanted to say something but held herself back. So…. My plan worked.
Best way to deal with strangers is to stare deeply into there eyes until there as uncomfortable as you are.
“Who is that?! Is that the not-kid from yesterday?” Boner had his fingers in 23’s mouth. While 23 was trying to escape the Spartans clutches.
Their eyes were all white and blurred. Like they had there irises scrubbed. I lifted my hand and used cleanse on each of them as an after thought I used it on Shade and Austin to clean them up. One by one there eyes regained their color.
All the dirt and grease was vaporized in an instant and the group looked cleaner than ever. Even Shade’s tail looked extra fluffy.
Boner finally realized he wasn’t holding an attacker and pushed 23 onto the floor wiping off his slobber covered hands on his pants. “Grate it’s you again.”
Realization came over the assassins face. “It was you! You were the one stabbing us.” he pointed his black gloved finger at me.
I looked left then right and finally back at him. “Me?” I pointed a finger at myself then tilted my head in confusion. My charm hit everyone in waves, but 23 didn’t fall for it. His anger was blinding him.
“Don't give me that cutesy crap! You said so yourself!” 23 wasn’t in the mood for my antics.
It didn’t look like I was getting away with this one. “Okay, okay sorry. It was me. I wanted to try out my new gear. It makes me basically invisible for low level players. When I realized you guys couldn’t see me I just had to mess with you.” No one seemed to find it amusing. Off to a grate start.
Don’t friends mess with each other all the time? Maybe we weren’t there yet. Oh man, but I told Shadow I was bringing friends over! When she finds out she’ll think I’m a loser!
I heard a growl then looked towards Shade. Was she trying to intimidate me? Her growl was better than Shadow’s.
She became all flustered. “S-Sorry! I haven’t….. eaten yet…... None of us have.” Wait, wait. So that sound? Was that her stomach?
“Oh, I thought you were actually growling at me!” I started laughing.
“It’s not that funny squirt. She tried to chew on me while she slept.” Boner was still rubbing his sore ass from when I poked him.
Shade grew even more flustered only for her to pull herself together and glare at the blonde giant. Her stomach growled once more as if it wanted her to eat him.
I decided to keep their attention on me before they started fighting each other again. “Sorry. Her growl took me by surprise is all.” I scratched my head. “Well, why don’t you guys follow me and we’ll get you all fed.” I made my way over to the gate and it opened automatically.
Boner looked annoyed at the gate but followed anyway. Everyone else joined him. The socialists were amazed by the property. Not because of its structures but because of its size.
“Your telling me you guys own all of this” said Shade. She looked full of energy all of a sudden. Maybe she was like Shadow and her wolf instincts were coming in. She probably felt like running around the property but was holding back.
“Not exactly. It’s owned by the guild. No one really owns the guild. At least not fully.” That was how I started to see everything.
The guild is like a company. Everyone has a few shares in it. I have the responsibility but I don't own the money from the taxes or even the buildings currently set up. I could edit the buildings but that would be with tax money so technically I didn't really own anything.
“So do we get to live here and get access to sweet new gear!” 23 was slobbering at the idea.
I shook my head. “I don’t know yet. Let’s talk first and we’ll see what kind of jobs we have for you guys. There’s a lot of things that need to be taken care of and I need to know what you guys are best suited for.” My words didn’t sit well with these guys.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
“You want us to work?” said 23. Shade quickly put her hand over his mouth.
“Don’t listen to him. We’ll be glad to work as long as we don’t have to fight monsters.” She sounded kind of scared. Like she was in the middle of a job interview.
23 broke free. “No way! She has a shit ton of NPCs. Make them do the work.” This guy.
I stopped walking and turned my attention to the wannabe ninja. “So you want me to enslave the NPCs and force them to work for you.” They all went stiff.
“If you want slaves then you can just leave.” Already a fully powered fire ball flared to life behind me. I could see the fear in their faces. Even 23’s face — that was covered in a face mask — showed so much dread. Most likely he was getting flashbacks of last night.
Boner ran in front of them with his arms open. “No! No slaves. That would be bad. Just because we have powers doesn’t make us God’s.” Who knew the giant had a heart, and here I thought he was just an angry asshole.
He seemed to speak with some kind of experience. I wonder what really happened to these guys. Everyone else had a look on their face like Boner had just dug up their dead dog.
The fire ball fizzled out and I sighed. “Sorry. I’ve had some trouble with people treating NPCs like there not real people. If you can’t see them as people then please leave my country. I like you guys but I wont let you hurt my citizens.” I could see remorse on their faces. Something I said had resonated with them.
Boner lightly smacking 23 on the back of his head. “Don’t worry about that. We are all well aware how real they are. After all, Lina was one of them.” His words caused a chill to permeate my body. What a shitty world we live in.
“Okay.” I turned and continued walking. They followed. Once inside the castle I lead them to the dining hall. That’s where we ran into Shadow.
She was waiting. “Well, and here I thought Master had run off on one of her silly adventures.” She stood in the door way to the kitchen. She had a large plate of pancakes ready.
I rushed over to help her. “I didn’t mean to worry you. Everything is fine. These are the socialists. I know I’m not supposed to invite people to join our guild and I haven’t actually accepted them. But I’m sure there’s something they can do.” I held the plate of pancakes in my hands and walked them over to the table.
Shadow didn't look happy about the idea of them joining the raiders but she didn't say anything. For starters these guys were total noobs. There was also the fact that our guild was a little split at the moment so we couldn't have the usual meeting over new members joining.
I didn't really need their approval to add new members. As guild leader I could add as many people as I wanted. Still they should all get a say. It’s not like I was gonna make them full members.
I could restrict what they could do in the guild. I could even make it so they didn't earn any money from taxes. Basically, if these guys did get accepted I’d put them down as grunts.
The others were just standing there unsure of what to do. “Well, it’s not every day Master brings home friends. Have a seat where ever you like. There’s plenty of pancakes and coffee. If you don’t like coffee I can get you orange juice or apple juice.” Shadow’s smile brightened up the room. She did have a kind warmth to her.
Shade took the lead. “Thank you for the hospitality. We appreciate it. My names Sapphire. Things have not gone well for us and this is the first kindness we’ve been shown so you’ll have to forgive us if we come off as….. animals.” She sounded so nervous.
What was all that. Where did the tuff battle hardened wolf girl go. Was this that thing Alice told me about. The mutual respect your supposed to give to strangers. That is up until they do something to piss you off.
Boner put his hand over Shades mouth. “No one’s buying that load of crap Sapphire.” Even Boner knew how fake her words were. “Don’t let the name tag fool you. My names actually Ryan.” Everyone in his party shook their heads.
“No way his name is Boner. Mine however is Kyle. I’m both the assassin and leader of the group.” 23 flipped his knife in the air catching it behind his back. Boner looked irritated but didn't act out seeing as he thought Shadow might be in charge.
It was like the group was ignoring me because they thought they were talking with my manager. It’s kind of dumb when you realize Shadow kept calling me master.
I couldn’t help but feel like 23 was trying to hit on Shadow. There was no way I’d let that happen. She is my cat girl.
I reached into my inventory and drew out my holy dagger. With the flick of my wrist I chucked it at 23. The blade struck him in the leg going about two inches deep. “Oops. My bad 23. Looks like my hand slipped.” I forgot to clean it after poking them in their butts. Did that mean he was gonna die to infection?
23 tried to remain cool. All while sweating bullets and letting out a slightly muffled puppy-like whimper. It was funny to watch. Even his party members seemed to enjoy that.
“Master! Don’t throw knifes at people!” She ran over and pulled the knife out. 23 let out a pained grunt. Blood started to pool around the wound and drip down his pants. “Your not getting this back until you learn to behave!” She put the dagger in her inventory and I murmured out a grumpy “fuck.”
She quickly turned to me. “language!” Man her hearing is really good. I felt very embarrassed at the moment. These guys thought of me as a badass. What were they gonna think when Shadow belittled me like that.
She pulled out a small potion and handed it to 23. He thanked her and took sips of the glowing concoction.
Shade’s eyes seem to perk up. A smirk possessing her face. She approached Shadow. It seemed like Rosy was ready to introduce herself but Shade had butted in. “So your like Aku’s mom right?” Was she about to tell on me?
Shadow smiled warmly. “Oh, I wish. She’s not actually mine, or a child. Aku is a married thirty-nine year old man.” The room fell silent.
Just like that the illusion was broken and everyone eyed me with disgust. I felt like that weird guy they caught running around the park in nothing but a trench coat exposing himself to old ladies. My anxiety seemed to skyrocket.
It’s not like I was doing it for nefarious reasons. I acted like Aku because it helped cope with my anxiety. As long as I pretend to be someone else I wont lose myself to raw emotions. Now that the illusion was broken. I had nothing to protect me from their gazes. What should I do!
As if a switch had been flicked I started talking like Rosy. “Y-yeah…. she’s right.” Averting my eyes I shifted my weight back and forth causing my dress to sway. “ Um…. My real name is Isaac. I was never expecting to be stuck in this body…. so you don’t have to look at me like that.” My heart started racing.
I glanced around the room avoiding everyone entirely. This felt so awful. I wanted to run and hide. “A-Also, Shadow…. it’s not cool to out people like that.” I crossed my arms glaring at her. Focus on anger that always helps.
She smiled. “It’s not cool to catfish guys online either.” That was true, however….
“I never pretended to be a girl online nor have I ever tried to catfish anyone. Its just an avatar.” I don’t remember people mistaking me for a girl.
Most people that played as girls were usually guys. It was common knowledge. Shade and rosy didn't seem like dudes. Maybe that statistic is wrong or they just happen to be girls.
Now that I think about it there was that one guy that called me his waifu. I don’t mind if you want to make Aku your waifu just keep me out of it.
The dude used to buy me all kinds of cosmetic gear. It really creeped me out. He started sending me a bunch of lewd messages about what he wanted to do to me.
I sold the gear and completely blocked the guy. He wouldn’t leave me alone even though I told him I was a guy.
“So instead of catfishing online you decided to do it in the new world?” Shade looked like she wanted to shoot me. I knew that face it’s the same one from last night. At least she was being herself.
My anxiety was getting worse. It started to over power my short burst of anger. “W-Well….” Think about what you want to say before you say it.
I let out a breath trying to calm myself. “At what point did I catfish anyone. First of all. Aku is a little kid. And second of all I’m married. I in no way have been actively looking for a partner. Why you would think that is beyond my understanding.” I hope the conversation ends there. I cant handle it.
Shadow came over to my side and adjusted my ribbon a bit. I guess in all the moving around it became crooked.
I couldn’t take it anymore! I was about to kill everyone just to keep there eyes off me! If I had Snowball I would be fine but this is to much!
I clung to Shadow's side hiding my face. She sighed and gently stroked my head. “Your back to that state huh? It’s alright.” She stroked my head and everyone seem to be quiet for once. What I did was strange yes but it was all I could do. Without any protections I was useless.
Shadow looked to everyone else. “Sorry… Master is very shy. She’s afraid of people. From what I understand she pretends to be Aku as a way to cope with crippling social anxiety. At least that’s what she told me.”
When did I….. that’s right. Last night.
She clapped her hands together and said “Well, this has all been very eventful, so how about you all sit and we can get this little meet up going. Master behave for once and go fetch Luca.” Even after she outs me she goes and treats me like a kid.
The black cloud in my head was stirring and turning. Twisting and burning. It seemed like Shadow was trying to give me a minute to clear my head.
I nodded and headed off to find our Shadowmancer. She was probably in her room. That reminds me I need to get Snowball from her. With Snowball I’ll be able to continue talking with them.
I skipped along the halls at blinding speed. I had to practice more if I wanted to implement it into combat. It also helped exercise my anxiousness. The trip didn't take long. Before I knew it I was standing in front of Luca’s room.
I tried to work through my emotions like before, but it was a jumbled mess. It would probably take to long so I gave up and knocked on the door. I heard Luca on the other side. “Come in!”
Turning the nob I stepped inside only to find our mage holding up different outfits up to her body.
“Your not ready yet?” It wasn’t that hard to put on some clothes.
She rolled her eyes irritating me. “Not everyone can just throw on clothes like you chief.” Was she serious. I don’t just throw on clothes.
“What do you mean! Don't I look cute?” That was never something I thought I'd ever say, and I wish it had never left my mouth. Don’t make it weird Isaac. Pretend like it’s normal and roll with it. As long as she doesn’t sense weakness you’ll be fine.
Lucky for me Luca didn't question it. “Yeah you look great. I just can't decide.” She picked up a denim skirt. Then traded it for some puffy shorts.
I made my way over and looked through the clothes scattered across the room. I found a long sleeved gray thread bear sweater. It was slim fitting. Then picked out some black shorts. I also picked out some black and white striped stockings.
I presented them to her and she eyed them in contemplation. “This is actually cute. I can wear the sweater like a dress almost. I'll need an undershirt but this'll work. Thanks master.” She smiled cheerfully.
In a flash of light she equipped the clothes. The shorts were hidden under the sweater. She looked really cute but she was missing something.
“Do you have any hats?” She nodded and pointed to a few sitting on her bed.
I walked over and immediately spotted a big puffy white hat. It almost looked like a trucker hat but was made of actual fabric. It was soft and puffy. Almost like a blimp but stylish and cozy.
I handed it to her and she slipped it on. Her cowlick was now hidden, but It looked good on her. “Not bad. What about shoes?” she turned to me.
I looked around the room and found some flats. She delightedly slipped into them. “Why are you so good at this.”
I bowed. “I’m a man of culture.” She giggled.
“Chief your a weirdo.” She wasn't wrong.
It was time I got what I came for. “So…. where’s Snowball?” I looked around the room but didn't see her.
“In my inventory.” She turned to look at herself in the mirror.
I moved to her side. “Can I have her back?”
Luca mulled it over before responding with “No way. You gave it to me.” I almost threw a fit but decided to ask why she was keeping my favorite plushy. I didn’t get the chance.
“Besides chief. Your not a mage anymore. I can get more use out of your spell medium than you. Imagine casting a double bind on someone. It’s stackable so it’d last twice as long.” There seemed to be a light show going off in her eyes. Her mind filled with possibilities.
The plushy was special gear that wasn't available anymore. I’d gotten it from an old quest. Basically you had to save a little girl from kidnappers. The girl is so grateful to be saved that she gives you her favorite toy.
There was a bunch of different kinds of plushies you could get from the quest but I sold most of them over the years. I really wish I’d kept them. I think there worth more now than back then. Snowball was actually the first plushy I got from that quest.
Keep it together Isaac. Don't start crying now. She has a point. She can get more use out of it. Remember your gonna get a badass sword.
That didn’t seem to help the upwelling of emotions from deep inside me. Swords aren’t fluffy after all. Lately It feels like I was constantly fighting with a child. It’s pretty exhausting.
She reached into her inventory and pulled out Snowball. “Isn’t it cute. I love it. I think I’ll name it Evan after my boyfriend.” She hugged it.
Shit, she just had to do that. I almost had it under control. There was no way I could stay quite anymore. “No! That’s wrong! Snowball is a girl not a boy! You can’t have her she’s mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!” I tried to reach for her but Luca held her up in the air.
Tears started to spill. I lightly pounded my small fists on her stomach. “Please, you can't.” I cried rubbing my eyes in defeat. I let out the loudest tantrum I could manage. “Waaah! I hate you, I hate you! You’re the worst!” I fell to the floor kicking and screaming. Well there I go. This one was even worser than the one about candy.
“Are you really crying?” She handed me Snowball. I hugged the plushy to my chest. My tantrum devolved into soft crying. “It’s alright. You can keep her okay. I didn't know she was so important to you. Don't worry, no one is taking her from you.” She gently patted my head. I felt the need to lash out at her but finally managed to hold it back.
I did something strange again. Crap. This is getting out of hand. If I don’t get a handle on my personality soon I….. honestly I have no idea what will happen.
Regaining control of myself I quieted down. “Sorry… Sometimes it’s like there’s someone else in the driver seat….. Have you ever felt like you weren’t in control of your body…. maybe even your mind.” She gave me that same “is this person crazy” look I always got.
Dam I really hate that look. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. Why did I open my big mouth. What if they try to lock me up in some insane asylum. It wasn’t normal. Be normal. Be someone normal.
Luca looked deep in thought. She seemed to be stroking a none existing beard. “Well, I don’t know about all that, but I have felt different since coming here. A lot of things that bothered me in the old world no longer bother me here.”
She looked like she was trying to remember something. “I used to like sweets. To the point that I’d always have chocolate in the fridge. I still like them but I don’t feel the need to buy any. It’s like things have become more…… dull. Things don’t seem to have as much of an impact on me anymore.”
That sounded almost like…. “You’re an adult. That’s why. I always thought that dull feeling came with learning about the harsh realities of life. Maybe it’s your brain developing all at once. If that’s the case then I got the brain chemistry of a kid.” Which might explain why I act in strange ways sometimes…... probably.
Luca put her hand on my shoulder. “It’s alright. Your not the only odd ball. I caught Shadow curled up in front of the fire place this morning. She was purring. If you ask me she’s the one that’s really crazy.” Using her index finger she drew a circle over her right temple and rolled her eyes around in her skull.
It got a laugh out of me. “Crazy cat lady!” She nodded in agreement.
The thing was. My personality was a little different but I knew there was something else pulling my strings. Shadow seemed to be acting out on instinct. Luca was slightly more mature. But me?…. I’m not sure.