{[Leaders carry the wounds of every mistake they make, every life they lose becomes a scar that cuts deep into their soul.]}
“So, how was it?" Gio and Wong asked Alex the obvious question. Ashner drove the mini-van towards their destination. They had used their money to buy a van to transport the gold. It didn't have any markings on it, and its windows were too dark to gaze inside it. They always made it a point to drive at night, not that they ever ran into people in the radiated sections.
Once they exited the hazard zones, Ashner would cleanse everyone and everything from radiation.
A transport ship scooped the van and dropped another van off for the group.
“One of them kept forcing me to call her mistress," Alex admitted. "It didn't feel right since I already have a master."
"Which one?" Gio asked eagerly. Wong was pretending not to be interested, but everyone deduced that he was invested in the story.
“The short Asian one.”
"That has to be Mikan from Yuugure Inc." Gio googled her and showed the group her picture.
“Yes, that’s her.”
“I’m so jealous. But all five of them at once is ridiculous.” Gio put his phone away. “Not to mention Ashner pimped you out for money.”
“I picked the most beautiful women for him.” Ashner didn’t deny Gio’s claim.
“I’m happy to serve him any way I can.” Alex smiled. “Those girls tried to get me to join their companies, but I refused.”
“That power is no joke. Hey, will it work if you use it on a girl with the intention of making her fall for a guy of your choosing?"
“No, it only works on me. But I have to admit, your world has lots of odd customs."
“Like what?” Gio teased.
"I wasn't aware having hot candle wax dripped on your body was something arousing to the women of this world." Alex's eyes became deeper, like he had just survived a battle. "And this thing they did… I don't understand why they would name it after a salad… And nothing was tossed."
Gio and Wong laughed so hard that their sides started hurting.
“And that’s where we end this conversation.” Ashner stepped in.
"I take it back. That's not something I would enjoy." Gio admitted.
The van drove deep into the radiated wastes. They passed over metal bridges, miles of trees, and abandoned homes and businesses.
“The trees." Luna studied the outside world. "Most of them are dead, but the ones that are hanging on, they're speaking gibberish, and they're in constant pain…"
“That’s interesting.” Wong raised his eyebrow. “And none of the dead trees are rotting away because the radiation killed most of the bugs in this area. And sometimes wild animals cross into the forest. They also end up sick and dying."
“What caused this?" Risa asked. As she did, the van drove over a large bridge that oversaw the city. Now, out of the forest terrain and with the sun to their backs, the group laid eyes on a crater that stretched out a few hundred feet. And the devastation it caused in all directions. The mountains had shielded most of the city from the blast, but it was useless against the radiation.
"A nuke landed right there… Luckily, it missed the center of the city, so most of the buildings are still standing," Ashner commented as they passed the bridge and stopped at a superstore. Ashner and the group parked their car in the parking lot.
"Where are we?" Risa asked as the three men led the way into a place that they only recalled as children.
“A superstore.” Wong motioned for them to follow. “These used to be normal before the war. But now, even the floating cities struggle to recreate this.”
As soon as they walked in, a robot greeted them. The inside of the building was still intact. Most of the lights were lit, and the floor was clean and polished. The machines still operated even with no customers.
The group studied the walls of the store. It was filled with personal pictures of soldiers who died and were honored before the bombs fell. And the infamous 'All hands on Deck.' posters were scattered near the bathrooms, video games, and toy sections.
The group skipped past the fresh food section since it had rotten away to nothing but stains. They studied some of the canned food but determined it was better not to risk eating it since they'd been on the shelves for eight years. Eventually, they found MRE's that were packaged, and against their repulsive nature to avoid the food, the group took it all. Then, they stopped by the cleaning supplies.
Alex made his way towards Ashner. “Master, why did you make me the CEO?”
“Because you were the obvious choice," Ashner replied without skipping a beat. He was taking all the soap on the shelves.
“I don't trust those women. They're vultures and powerful, but that's exactly why we need their help… You'll be there to keep them under control… Sex is your greatest weapon, so make sure they never do anything to piss you or me off."
Gio screamed and returned with mangas in hand. Wong rolled his eyes as he loaded up hand sanitizers in his cart.
“I don’t expect the details of your world to remain a secret forever…” Ashner smiled. “I chose you for two reasons. First, your power to seduce. I saw it firsthand. So, if the secret is to get out, you can manipulate the women into keeping their mouths shut with your power. Second, illusions. As long as you're in their company, you can trick the minds of their people. And you can figure out if someone has it out for us before they strike… You're essentially built for this job… And you wanted an easy life… Do your job right, and you'll have it easier than any of us here…"
“Master…” Alex wagged his tail. “Thank you.”
“Master.” Luna’s eyes were sharp. “What about the arrangement you made with my people?”
“I haven't forgotten them. In fact, that's why we're here." Ashner handed Alex a mop.
"By the Luminous Goddess." Alex spun the object in his hands, amazed at its surreal design and sheer perfection… "Your world does create the most amazing things… This is a broom of the highest quality… What is it made of?"
“It’s made of graphene, so it won’t rust… And you’re holding a cheap broom.”
Alex focused on the aisle. "In our world, this broom would go for five… No, maybe seven or eight gold pieces…" Alex dug through random items and grabbed a plunger, utterly oblivious to what it was. He presumed it was some kind of weapon. Wong lectured him, and at the same time, Gio stuck Wong's side with another one.
“Idiots." Ashner shook his head. Off in the distance, Luna was gathering clothes. She pawed the fabric and smiled as she put them all in her cart. The group was using all the carts to load up. The robots had taken all the ones in the parking lots and left them inside the store.
Risa kept to Ashner's side. Often stopping to study oddities such as earrings and key chains.
“Master.” Risa held her sword. “Does this place have draki oil? It’s for my sword. I want to keep it properly maintained.”
“My world doesn’t have anything called draki.”
“Risa nodded. But her gaze was distant and even a little sad.
“What’s wrong?”
“You chose Alex to run your company… I feel like I don't have any true worth to you… Your world is peaceful, so my sword isn't needed…"
“This world is anything but peaceful… I did notice that sword isn’t suited for you… So I’ll make sure to get you a better one, a weapon that suits your style of fighting.”
XP:90 > XP:235
The menu popped up, catching Ashner off guard.
“What’s wrong?” Risa readied her sword.
“I just got XP… Are the elves killing monsters?”
Risa holstered her sword. Her eyes were conflicted, and she almost seemed a little jealous.
“I can stay behind and kill monsters if you want. If I can’t serve you in this world, I’ll serve you in the other one. Your XP is what gives us power, right? So allow me to provide.”
“No," Ashner replied quickly.
“Why not?" Risa retaliated, forgetting her place.
“Because.” Ashner sighed… “I can hear you weeping at night…”
Risa's face flustered. When she recalled her dead friends and family and what she did to Naomie’s clan, it always made her cry… The cat-girl didn't want to bother anyone, so she only cried in the middle of the night… But Ashner was a light sleeper.
“I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry.” Ashner tapped her shoulder. “Take all the time you need to heal… And keep taking care of the munchkin for me.”
“As you command.”
*******
“This is worth more gold than we gave you.” The queen evaluated everything the group had brought back. From clothes, medicine, cleaning and cooking utensils, bed covers, notepads with pencils, and even toys for the children. “You’ve exceeded my expectations.”
Ashner shook his head. “Truthfully, this was the best we could muster with our current situation.” Ashner removed all the radiation from the items in the White Room, and then he took the carts into the kingdom.
“It won't do us much good in the long run," Luna added. She was standing behind Ari.
“It still grants us time." Ari smiled. "Your mother would’ve been proud."
Luna’s eyes widened, and she rushed away, deeper into the castle.
“Why is she upset?” Asked Ashner.
“She hates being compared to her mother because, in time, she might end up taking her position."
“What position is that?” Ashner asked the demi-cow. One of her ears lifted up at his question.
“She’s the daughter of the previous elven queen.”
“She's a princess?" Ashner scratched his head, but this explained her personality and the fact that she wasn't as fit as most elves. Not to mention, her beauty was exceptional, even more so than the already gorgeous elves.
“Yes, but elves don't pass a throne down from parent to child as my clan does… Instead, they collectively decide who is fit to lead… That person then becomes king or queen… But since they're long-lived, the position is expected to be permanent… Unfortunately, Luna's mother was killed by wandering wyverns… And she refuses to take up the mantel her mother had… Even though her people agree that she's fit to lead."
“Even if she’s my slave?”
“I forget that you’re her owner… Can’t you order her to take responsibility?”
“No.”
“And that's precisely why you're a good Master," Ari smirked. "Luna has her own struggles, and she may not be queen in title, but she does perform queenly duties… I think she got tired of it and was hoping someone else did her job… But then you came along… You saved her, and a part of her heart shifted… She became the princess who the warrior saved… A classic tale in my world."
“My world has similar stories.”
“Heroes don't change much, regardless of worlds." Ari giggled.
“Luna wants me to bring all of her and your people into my world… It’s just not possible.”
“The Dead God’s power is worrying her.”
“Alex told me about him… The more souls he devours, the stronger he becomes."
"Yes, his strength manifests in monsters. So, eradicating his essence weakens him. At one time, all the demi's and humans lived side by side. We were fighting and destroying the spawns of the Dead God. It was a desperate time, one where we struggled just to survive. It's not that much different from now, except we feared monsters, not each other."
“I’m sorry.”
“For what? Your forefathers have nothing to do with this world. Don't waste your apologies on the problems caused by others… If this world unites and faces the real threat, we can keep the Dead God fragmented… I believe this world will unite again… Luna doesn't… She wants to run away while I want to fight." Ari lowered her head. “But if we should fail… I would be most grateful if you took the young and weak into your world. As long as the demi's survive, we can return to this world once more and claim it as ours…"
In the distance, Gio was playing with children. Demi-cow's and elves. Gio gave them cheap toys, from soccer balls to action figures. No matter where he went, the children followed him.
“Do demi’s have cities?” Ashner asked.
"Not anymore… At one time, the north was filled with them… Now, we're only a fraction of what we once were. Where does this curiosity come from?"
“I desire gold, but I don’t want to trade with the humans of this world… I haven’t met a single decent one here… So I was hoping I could trade with demi’s.”
“I would proceed with caution. You're still a human. Venturing north is almost a guaranteed death sentence."
“I can't seem to help the right people in this world," Ashner admitted.
"You've helped us, and we are eternally grateful." The queen bowed. "Your doctor has healed my sick, and Gio is beloved by most of my people… Then again, there’s you. Ashner… The elves call you ‘The Broken.’”
“Why that name?”
"Elves are sensitive to feelings of depression and guilt. It lingers like the aura of death… And it not only follows you but seeps out of your very soul… The amount of pain you carry would easily overwhelm and kill an elf… So to them, you're broken… Granted, your friends also carry pain, a lot of it…"
“I don’t know if that’s a compliment or an insult.”
“I cannot say either…” The queen bit her nail. “I wish I could’ve seen the world before slavery became commonplace… A world filled with ambition and love… Maybe one day demi’s will create a new city…”
“Maybe… As always, if it’s possible, I’ll help you.”
*******
Ashner needed to clear his head. He explored the ruins of the old kingdom, it was just outside of the castle. Some demi's gave him glares so he decided to take a walk. He discovered oddities like stone toys or books protected by magic. In a way this was how Ashner relaxed.
He was deep in the ruined city, passing half-destroyed water fountains and stone homes with small two-tailed animals that were similar to squirrels, except they had extremely large whiskers.
Ashner sat against a fountain, sipping on his camel-back. The fountain was partly crumbled, and the homes around were no better. Ashner pulled out some crackers and munched on one.
A branch snapping caught his attention. Ashner's hand instinctively went to his sidearm.
A short girl reached for one of the animals from one of the homes. Her red eyes landed on Ashner. She was living in one of the destroyed buildings. And she wasn't a demi Ashner had ever laid eyes on. She had wings, black wings.
The girl quickly dashed away.
Ashner jogged towards her. She was barefoot and a little shorter than Risa.
“Wait!" Ashner yelled as the girl dashed through the open wounds the house had accumulated over the years. She clasped her wings to move through some parts. "Why are you running?"
The girl flew into the air. She wore a thin black dress, and her red hair flowed against the wind. Her eyes locked on Ashner as he accepted that he wasn't going to catch her.
She’s gorgeous… Like a doll…
Ashner reached into his backpack and pulled out some MRE crackers. He opened one and left some extras in a little pile for her.
I don’t blame her for not trusting me… But maybe she’ll warm up to me if I give her a gift.
The winged demi stayed still until Ashner stepped away. He left, and she landed next to the food.
I wonder what her story is? I’ll come around again…
*******
Gio walked into the queen's chambers. He had gone back and forth in her room and the throne room so many times the demi’s were used to it. The queen's guards were no longer cautious around Gio. Out of the three, he was the only one who truly went out of his way to befriend every demi he met.
Wong was too busy with his work to exchange pleasantries, but whenever girls asked him out. He often blew them off, and on occasion, he cursed at them. He was cold, but the demi's kept chasing him. And Ashner kept to himself for the most part. His aura made him a pariah in Eden. Ironically, the C-R on his hands made him one on Earth.
Gio was armed with several laptop batteries since he hadn't figured out how to bring electricity into this world. He had to compromise.
Ari wore a nightgown that stretched around her wide hips and large chest. The guys hadn't bothered buying the demi's fancy bras and panties. They weren't being rude.
They were just guys.
The dark hair and purple eyes of the queen were surreal to Gio. Her ears pointed back, and her voice was both mature and seductive. Gio had walked in wearing his pajamas, a comfortable shirt with "NANI?" written on it, and Gundam Wing pants. Ari didn't admit it, but she adored it when he wore thinner clothes. It always made his muscles pop… All demi-cows were attracted to strong physical bodies… Ari was one of those women.
“You enter a queen's chambers so casually. Last time we talked, you promised to bring an offering."
"Your Highness," Gio bowed and opened up his backpack. Bringing out cheddar popcorn, pop tarts, and chocolates he had convinced Alex to acquire while he was 'learning' to become a CEO. "Will these suffice?"
Ari had no clue what any of that was. She simply nodded and slid on her bed, giving Gio room to sit next to her. They had finished Gio's favorite series, so he brought a few new programs. They were external memory cards that replaced dvd's. But they were rare since most of them were destroyed in the war.
“This Re Zero brought a debate among my people." The Queen admitted. "I have told them the story orally, and they are very divided over the two love interests… Rem, and Emilia."
Gio giggled, “So it begins."
“I understand the desire to chase a woman that you fancy, as any man should… But when a woman confesses her undying love to you, with such dedication and unshaken resolve… Why would any man reject that? That girl shows the qualities of a proper woman… Going so far as staying by his side after her rejection."
“You seem to like one more than the other.”
"Well, of course… Not that I don't see the other girls point of view. I, too, am burdened by the struggles of royal politics. Duty and kingdom come first… Even so… Since childhood, I have adored love stories… Love is rare and fleeting. When you find it, enjoy every moment of it… Or it'll pass by, and you'll be left alone in your sorrow…"
“So… You’re a fan of the maid?”
"But of course! Any proper lady would choose her, which is why I'm left baffled that some of my subjects side with the other love interest… Those heretics!"
Gio rolled on the bed, giggling.
“What did you call this entertainment again?”
“I call it culture.”
“Ashner brought my people home. Wong cared for my sick. And you bring light to my kin.”
Gio tilted his head. That statement caught him off guard. "Light?"
"Yes, dear Gio." The queen smiled delightfully. "This war has killed many of my kin, but not by blade, arrow, or mana… But by our own sadness, a sorrow so deep, our tears can only suppress it so much… You three are gifts from the Luminous God…"
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Gio giggled and leaned back, pressing his shoulders against the pillows on the queen's bed. He had personally brought them to her, and she adored them. "I always assumed I was the most worthless of us all… Ashner sets a path for us. Wong keeps us healthy, and me… Honestly, I'm just along for the ride."
"A world without laughter… Without light… Without dreams… Becomes colder than ice and darker than a night without stars to guide us…" Ari nudged her head on Gio's arm. She was making him blush. Her shirt did nothing to cover up the weight and shape of her chest. Easily double-G’s, maybe larger. Her hourglass figure only made her more seductive. But it wasn't just her body. "That isn't a world worth living in… You showed us a light that eased our depression…"
Their eyes met. Gio's brown and Ari's purple eyes. Their pupils dilated, and their hearts raced.
“I…” The Queen spoke. “Want to try that thing you called chocolate.”
Gio smiled. “As you wish.”
*******
Ashner found Wong cleaning his medical supplies. Even if he didn't use them all, he was tenacious when it came to keeping them sterilized.
“You're leering." He commented.
“I'm sorry," he stepped closer to his friend. Luna was sitting down in front of Wong. Her eyes met Ashner's. She gave him an embarrassed glare. "What's the verdict with the locals?"
"This isn't like our old war where one glance at the locals, and we get a general idea, like tuberculosis, AIDs, or malaria. Now, we're dealing with a whole bunch of new species. Demi-cows are relatively the same as us, and the elves are slightly different.”
“Explain.”
"Well, they have an abnormal amount of white blood cells, and their bodies don't seem to dispose of their older cells, blood or otherwise. Instead, they seem to rejuvenate every cell in their body. Kind of like the Turritopis dohrnii.”
“Lay off the Latin, please.”
"It was also known as the immortal jellyfish. They were essentially able to live forever, but they could still be killed. However, when it comes to elves, that's a whole other field, one that I have no experience with. But from what I gathered, their bodies fend off illnesses better than humans, which makes this whole endeavor much more confusing… Since most of her citizens are sick."
"It's sadness." Luna butted in. "When despair overtakes our lives, we become sick and die."
"Curious." Wong tapped his notebook. "So that's the secret to your long life. An overly powerful immune system that relies heavily on your mental state. Even in our world, multiple studies have shown that keeping a positive attitude and a happy lifestyle does play a huge factor in human health… Of course, I can be wrong, but I believe that might be a big reason your kind live for so long."
"Luna." An elf stood by the door. She had long blonde hair. As soon as her eyes met Wong's, he glared at her. Luna stood and went with her friend.
"It's almost time for her anniversary." The elf spoke… “A few of us are going into the forest to find the flowers we need."
"I'll go with you," Luna spoke and glanced at Ashner, almost like she was asking for permission.
“You can do whatever you want.”
Luna and the elf left.
"You've always been a bit sexist," Ashner commented. Wong sighed and kept working. Categorizing blood samples and writing in his notes, he wanted certain medicines and equipment.
"I'm not a bit of a sexist. I am a sexist." Wong added. "You know full well that I hate women."
“You seem to treat Luna and Risa as equals.”
"That's because they're women you respect." Wong studied his friend. "And they haven't belittled you or Gio once... But if it were up to me, I'd prefer that they flat-out avoid me… Kind of how most women avoid you…"
“That's not a compliment, Wong."
“It is… I'm aware of how attractive I am… I've had several magazines scout me to model for them from two-thirds of the floating cities, and I've lost count of how many women have thrown themselves at me or snuck into my house or office naked to try to seduce me."
“Have you fucked them?”
“Yes.” Wong spat, almost disgusted with himself. "I'm straight, and like you, I also want to fuck. But after I have my way, I block them and drop them… Some days, I've considered pouring the acid Ensley used on you, on myself… Maybe that'll keep them away."
“You don't want that," Ashner warned his friend. "My face hurts all the time. And when the blisters pop, it's like getting punched in the face."
“I’d rather deal with that than women.”
“I never asked you this… But why do you hate women so much?"
Wong stopped moving his hands and paused for a second before speaking. "Time and time again, I trusted them, and they disappointed me and stole from me… But in exchange, I learned I can never trust any of them… Even Risa and Luna, the only reason I tolerate them is because they're your slaves."
“You didn’t answer my question…” Ashner kept pushing. “What made you hate all women?”
“Her…” Wong struggled to talk. “Her name was Savannah… She… You know what? Fuck you, and get out of my office.”
I pushed too much.
"Alright." Ashner stepped away. "You know everything about me… In time, I'll learn everything about you… Regardless, I'm on your side."
Wong nodded as Ashner shut the door to his make-shift office.
*******
After giving the demi's their supplies, the group fell asleep in the kingdom.
One Slave has Died.
Sixteen Slaves Remain.
The menu had woken up Ashner. He was covered in a thin blanket. The words cut him deep like a sharp knife inching closer and closer to his heart.
“What happened? Menu, show me who died."
The menu spun, showing a name.
Aria has Died.
Aria, she was one of the elves that I saved from the rapists.
“How did she die?” Ashner launched himself out of bed, quickly putting on his gear and a red mask.
The menu didn’t reply.
“Fuck!” Ashner grabbed his M4 carbine, locked and loaded it. At the same time, he put on his gear. “Are we under attack?”
The warrior rushed deeper into the castle.
We're not under attack. It's too quiet. So what's going on?
XP:235 > XP:245
My XP just rose… Are those girls fighting monsters?
"Wong! Gio!" Ashner rushed past several castle rooms. Most of them were run down and had crumbled, but where they kept their sick, stocked their food and weapons were near the queen's chambers. That's where Wong and Gio were.
Both fully armored up, they were talking to the Queen. Around Ari were two royal guards sporting full body armor, a handful of handmaidens, and several citizens. Gio had taken it upon himself to cook for the Queen and her people. He drew a crowd larger than he anticipated.
“What’s wrong?” Asked Ari.
"One of my slaves just died. Where are your people?"
Ari raised her eyebrow. "They're right here, and no one is permitted to go past the forest. Monsters also avoid it."
“No, one of them died.”
XP:245 > XP:270
It happened again.
“I just gained XP. The elves are fighting and killing.”
Ari debated it for a few seconds, then glanced at her handmaidens. "Bring all the elves with the slave crests." Immediately, the women rushed deeper into the castle.
“Ashner?” Alex was sitting down among the demi-cows and elves. Even among them, the girls flocked to him. To his side sat Risa. She was helping herself to some elven bread.
“Where’s Luna?”
Nobody answered.
“What's today?" Ari studied her subjects, and then she recalled something. "Today is the elven queen's tenth death anniversary… The elves must be looking for white-feathered flowers."
“What are those flowers?”
“Elven burial flowers that bloom in the Timber forest." Ari tilted her head, confused. “It’s unlikely, but maybe humans ventured into the forest. If she means to go after those flowers, then she must be leading an expedition."
As she finished her sentence, two of her handmaidens returned.
“Luna’s quarters are empty. She left with ten of our kin.”
“Did she at least take warriors with her?”
“Just two, the rest were volunteers…”
“This could be troubling.” Ari dug her nails into her palms. “Ezazle, gather our soldiers. We're going after them."
The guard next to her nodded.
“Wait!” Wong butted in, “Your people are in no condition to venture outside these walls. Most of them are still recovering. Going after them is unwise.”
“What do you suggest, doctor?”
Wong glanced back at Ashner, waiting for him to make the decision.
"We'll go after them." Ashner was double-checking his gear.
"No." Ezazle puffed up his chest, and he inhaled deeply. His horns and eyes were ready to fight. "We can't trust outsiders for something like this."
“Then your people will die.” Ashner retaliated casually.
“Arrogant human.” The demi-bull flared his nostrils. “We’ve survived just fine without you.”
"I saved your people, and we've been tending to them since we arrived. Don't argue with me. Just obey.”
The demi-bull sized up Ashner, reaching for his blade.
He wasn't the only one. Warrior elves and demi-cows readied themselves to fight.
The SAW machine gun fired into the air, stopping all aggression from both sides.
Gio casually lowered his weapon. All eyes were on him.
"Ashner, I know you're stressed out, but stop being a dick…" Gio lectured. "And calm down, Ezazle… I'm going with them."
The demi-bull relaxed, but his face was the very picture of worry and doubt. "Gio… You're the only one of the three I truly trust… Why should we stay?"
Gio smiled. "Because Ashner and Wong are the smartest men I know. If they go, we'll save your people."
The demi’s backed off, aware they were still licking their wounds from years of rationing their food and water.
The Queen smirked and admired Gio a little more.
Gio inhaled slowly. “Ashner, what’s the plan?”
“Alex, can you track her down?”
Alex shook his head. “I don’t have the racial trait to find her.” Alex put his tail between his legs. Fully expecting to get yelled at.
The menu popped up.
Track Scent – Level 0
“Buy a level.”
XP:270 > XP:245
Track Scent – Level 0 > 1
“Can you find her?" Ashner studied Alex, who sensed his new power.
Alex inhaled through his nose, focusing on Luna’s personal aroma… Once he found it, he nodded. “I can track her.”
"Good… Wong, Gio, and I will act as the spearhead, Risa. You'll protect Alex and, if possible, provide us support."
The cat-girl stood up and readied herself.
"We need to hurry." Ashner's voice was commanding and firm but also held some level of concern.
*******
The group rushed through the Timor Forest. Even in full gear, Gio, Ashner, and Wong were able to keep a fast pace. Alex was the only one who would slow down.
The demi-dog stopped and turned his head quickly. His eyes dropped. “Blood.” Ashner and Wong stopped, around a field of white flowers with peddles as long as feathers lay three elven bodies. The flowers were covered in blood.
Wong didn't bother checking for a pulse. "Their bodies were ripped to shreds. This is the work of monsters."
“Not just that." Gio studied the footprints. "It looks like dog prints, but they burned the Earth.
"Hell-hounds." Alex’s ears rose.
“What are those?” Asked Ashner.
"Nasty creatures. Fast, and they have fangs that can easily bend steel. They're also capable of casting fire magic. My clan fought them from time to time… They like to surround their prey and chase them into their dungeon. That’s where they devour them.”
“That explains the humanoid footprints." Gio pointed. "The remaining elves fled that way."
The group continued forward, double-timing it.
XP:245 > XP:275
*******
“Princess!” The elf’s hand reached for Luna, his body covered in blood and burns. “Please, live!”
Hell-hounds jumped on him, devouring his flesh with teeth as sharp as talons. Luna glanced away as he screamed, the flowers in his hands scattered to the wind and mixed with blood.
They had been chased into a cave and Luna’s people had managed to lift her onto a make-shift ledge sticking out of the limestone. Finding a good place to stand her ground, she can only witness her people below die. Dozens of hounds circled her. Each black with red eyes, their exposed ribs held a beating heart which pulsed red flames as their hearts raced.
“They set a trap for us… They were waiting for us to pick the flowers…" Luna's body shook. Somewhere in the battle, she had lost her dagger. Littered on the cave's floor lay the bodies of her friends.
The hounds jumped towards her, slipping on the limestone and tumbling below her. Each time they hopped, their claws dug into the wall, leaving deep scars in the stone. The others were eating her friends alive. Their screams echoed in the cave.
Luna’s tears ran down her face. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry…" Luna's jaw shook as the hounds fired their fire at her. She pushed against the wall of the cave. The fire passed by her. Enough for her to sense its heat, but not enough to harm her.
Her leg throbbed. A hound had managed to bite her ankle, taking some of her flesh. It was by sheer adrenaline and her people sacrificing themselves for her that she had managed to climb to her position.
Time slowed down for her. The monsters kept reaching for their prey, but in all the madness, Luna's mind took her to happier days... When she was a little girl. Luna's father came to her mind. He would always pick her up and carry her piggyback style. Often rushing through the forest with her, his green hair, scent, and the hardness of his muscles gave her younger self endless comfort.
"Father…" He was also one of the first to lead an expedition against the humans that rebelled when the slave crest were starting to enslave all demi's. Humanity had finally started fighting back, so he led thousands of elves against them. "You told me… You would never leave me… You lied…"
The hounds barked and growled from below.
"You died… Mother couldn't handle the sorrow it brought her, and she followed you, leaving the elves without royalty… You left us behind. I was alone for so long… Cold… Sad… I needed you…"
The hounds below roared. And the last of her friends passed into the afterglow.
Her mind returned to a woman, an elf warrior. Someone who Luna adored… She shook her head. The past was gone, and this was her reality. The hounds became impatient, and they all howled and barked, drowning out Luna's thoughts.
“SHUT UP!” Her hands came to her head and wrapped around her green hair. "Just shut up… I don't want this… I never did… I want to go home… I wanna be warm… I want to be safe…"
The hounds jumped towards her, digging their claws into the wall, then jumped again, adapting to their environment. They would never let their prey go.
Luna took in the sight. These monsters had no mercy. They only wanted to kill to appease the Dead God. Mindless and lost in madness.
“And now I get to die… The Dead God will devour me after all… I never told anyone, but every moment I’m here… I’m afraid… That’s why I’m so desperate to escape… I’m powerless against humanity… And I'm even more powerless against monsters… That's why I want us all to run away… To a new world… Together…”
Her body shook as the hounds below leaped towards her. They were almost on top of her.
“Their world as dead… But at the same time, it was full of life… For the first time in my existence, I wasn’t afraid… I wanted to bring that serenity to everyone…”
A hound's claw gripped the ledge Luna was on. She stood and pushed her body against the limestone wall.
The hell-hound brought itself up. It slowly walked towards the girl, elven blood dripping off its razor-sharp teeth.
“I’m not ready to let go of that happiness.”
“RISA, TAKE IT DOWN!” Ashner’s voice echoed through the cave.
In a flash, Risa's sword dug deep into the hell-hound's heart. It howled and turned to black smoke, then dropped a few coins.
“GIO FIRE LEFT TO RIGHT, WONG RIGHT TO LEFT, ALEX REAR SECURITY, KILL THEM ALL!”
Below, the roar of thunder radiated across the cave. Risa and Luna were above the battle. They both glanced down and witnessed the one-sided slaughter.
Luna's eyes widened. She had appraised that Ashner was a capable fighter on his own, but three humans fighting with those types of weapons coordinated and in sync... It was ridiculous. She rationalized that those three were capable of eradicating her people in minutes if they wanted to.
XP:275 > XP:780
"CLEAR!" Ashner reloaded his carbine. To his side, Gio was reloading his SAW while Wong aimed his weapon into the cave. They were each wearing night-vision goggles and fighting to catch their breath.
That’s more XP than I should’ve gotten… Wait, I get XP when Wong and Gio kill monsters?
"They're magnificent," Luna admitted.
“Luna.” Risa studied the elf. Luna immediately submitted and bowed. "Are you the only one alive?"
“Yes.”
"That's unfortunate." Risa’s eyes soften, recalling her fallen tribe. She reached her hand out to the elf. "Wipe your tears… We're taking you home.”
Luna obeyed and grabbed Risa’s arm. The cat-girl used her power to bring them both down.
The three humans gave a sigh of relief when they gawked at her. The guys were pissed that they didn’t make it in time for the other elves.
"Are you wounded?" Wong asked, and Luna nodded.
“Thank God, I thought we lost you.” Gio smiled happily.
"You're safe now," Ashner reassured.
These were the last words she expected. “You really came to rescue me?” Luna asked, fighting her tears.
The three gave her a confused gaze. Gio tilted his head, and Ashner raised one eyebrow.
“Of course, you’re one of us.” Ashner grabbed her shoulder. "No matter what happens or what situation you find yourself in. You won't get left behind. No one gets left behind on our watch."
Luna's heart sparkled with an unfamiliar warmth… For a second, the image of her father returned to her. She shook it off.
“Ashner!” Alex screamed from his rear security position. “We have a problem!”
From the cave entrance, dozens upon dozens of hell-hounds entered. New prey had stumbled into their domain... They rushed the group.
Gio, Wong, and Alex engaged. Gunning down the hounds.
Luna's heart dropped. The gunfire must have drawn them all back into the cave.
"ASHNER!" Gio screamed between his bursts. "IF THIS KEEPS UP, WE'RE GOING TO RUN OUT OF AMMO!"
"IT'S A PINCER ATTACK!" Wong focused his shots. Even with overwhelming firepower, they were terribly outnumbered.
XP:780 > XP:1150
Ashner reached for his chest, grabbed a grenade, and tossed it. "FLASH GRENADE OUT! COVER YOUR EYES!"
The grenade lit up the room, blinding all of the hounds. "We're out of options! Everyone, deeper into the cave, we're destroying the heart of the dungeon!" Ashner gave his orders.
The group unloaded a few rounds, eradicating the front row of hell-hounds.
"Wong, ready the next flash. Toss it when the hounds recover!"
“Understood!”
Gio and Alex unloaded a few more rounds into the hounds, who were dazed from the flash grenade. Ashner grabbed Luna, he picked her up piggyback style. Despite her robust body, she was very light. Ashner's hands wrapped around her thighs and held her tightly as he rushed forward.
Risa pushed ahead, cutting down stray hounds. Behind him, another flash blinded their enemies. And gunfire continued.
XP:1150 > XP:1600
“Which way to the heart of the dungeon?” Wong asked as he tossed a spent magazine and reloaded a new one.
“That way!” Luna pointed ahead. “I can sense the hearts mana!”
"Push forward and watch your corners!" Ashner didn't have a gun in hand. Luna was his priority. As much as the elf despised humanity, something about Ashner brought a fond memory to her mind. The same comfort that her father gave her. For a second, her heart fluttered.
"LAST FLASH!" Wong tossed it, blinding the large group of hell-hounds. Everyone was running red on ammo.
The group entered a large room through a tight opening in the cave, unlike the lake where the giant slime was. This one was similar to an auditorium, with large pillars that served as guides towards the heart of the cave.
XP:1600 > XP:1850
“Where’s the heart!” Wong urged.
"That way." Luna pointed ahead. In the center of the auditorium slept a massive hell-hound. It was easily five times larger than the ones behind them, with tusks coming out of its mouth and metal protecting its head, eyes, and limbs.
"That's a Dire hell-hound." Risa managed between her breaths. "We can't kill that…"
She's scared. I won't have her face it in that case.
"We don't have a choice. Once the heart dies, then all the monsters in this dungeon die with it…" Ashner handed Luna to Risa. Both the girls were petrified, but the Dire was sleeping. "Gio, Wong, Alex. Use that corridor as a death funnel. If they start to overwhelm you, retreat… I’ll kill the Dire hound.”
“Have you gone mad?” Luna’s eyes widened.
Gio fell prone and pushed the butt-stock of the light machine gun against his shoulder. He had fired it so much it was already starting to bruise. Wong took a knee next to Gio and handed Alex his remaining handgun magazines.
“End it quickly!” Gio unloaded his rounds as the hounds rushed towards them like a horde of angry ants.
XP:1850 > XP:2200
“Risa, protect Luna.” Ashner sprinted towards the Dire hell-hound.
Passing by dozens of seats made of stone, Ashner fired a few rounds at some stray hell-hounds. These had small horns on their heads. He caught that they dropped more than just gold.
The commotion made the Dire open its glowing red eyes.
Ashner dashed between the stone seats and used one to prone his weapon. He forced himself to take relaxed breaths. As he exhaled, he pulled the trigger, nailing its heart.
The Dire roared, a scream so powerful the auditorium crumbled. His NODs cracked. Ashner pushed them aside. The fire from the pillars gave enough light anyway.
Inhaling deeply, the Dire created flames between its teeth. Then it exhaled. Ashner took cover behind the stone seats, which quickly crumbled under the heat of its attack.
When the flames ceased, Ashner rushed towards another section of the auditorium, using the stone seats as cover.
If its core is anything like the slime's, it's going to take several 5.56 rounds to destroy. Slow and steady, I can kill it.
The Dire leaped towards Ashner, destroying the stone seats and steps with its armored claws.
Ashner nearly avoided a lethal blow by sliding to his side. As he tumbled, he unloaded a barrage of bullets. A handful of them struck the Dire’s heart.
The monster roared in pain. It lifted its armored paw and swiped down, destroying more seats, and launched Ashner away from the cover of the stones. He tumbled and rolled on the cold concrete.
Despite the pain and the blood going down his arm from the make-shift shrapnel, the monster had created. Ashner focused his aim again, firing at its heart. The rounds nailed their target.
You’re big, but that only makes you a bigger target, and that heart of yours is too easy to hit.
Red flames wrapped around its heart, and from its exposed stomach, five hell-hounds with horns emerged, each one rushed towards Ashner, surrounding him.
Fuck!
A sword found its way between the ribs of one of the hell-hounds. It yelped and turned to smoke. It was Risa.
She pulled her sword out and struck down another hound. Ashner took this chance to shoot down the remaining small fry.
XP:2200 > XP:2750
Ashner reached for his last magazine. In the distance, the gunfire of the SAW died out. Gio's weapon had ran dry.
We’re spread too thin. I have to kill it right now.
The Dire inhaled.
Once more, gathering flames between its teeth.
Perfect, while it does that, it can't attack with its claws.
"Risa, distract it!" Ashner reached for his chest.
Risa used her power, dashing straight toward the Dire's heart. She was almost as fast as a bullet. Her sword connected with the monster’s heart and shattered. Her eyes widened when she registered that she lost her only weapon. The heart started cracking with spiderweb-like fractures.
The Dire's eyes met hers. She used her power and dashed far away from its line of sight. It was just the moment Ashner needed.
He rushed towards the Dire, tossing two grenades. They got stuck in between its ribs. The Dire stalked him as he slid behind some stone seats that still remained intact. Then, the grenades exploded.
The hell-hound roared. Its flames became light tinder's. Ashner at the very least delayed it’s flames.
The auditorium shook from the grenades.
Is it over?
The Dire’s claws destroyed the seats next to Ashner.
It’s still alive?
A burst of light flashed brightly. At the furthest end of the auditorium, Limping, Luna had made her way to them and used her power, blinding the hell-hound's leader.
The monster lunged towards Ashner, mindlessly trying to bite him. Ashner dodged and rolled underneath the Dire. Its heart was directly above him. He switched his weapon from single fire to burst and held the trigger.
Fragments of the Dire's heart shattered around Ashner. Its body fell on top of him, due to it’s exposed chest, it didn’t crush him. It died and slowly turned to black mist, and then gold rained so much that Ashner had to dig his way out of the pile.
XP:2750 > XP:3300
“Master!" Luna pointed towards the auditorium's center, where a crystal emerged from the ground. "Kill it!"
Ashner aimed at the heart and pulled the trigger. The heart exploded, leaving behind black blood.
XP:3300 > XP:5300
Dungeon Cleared!
The menu showed a pixilated, dire hell-hound howling, dying, and turning into gold.
Silver Key Obtained!
2 White Room XP Earned!
Immediately after the dungeon boss died, all the hell-hounds turned to black mist and died, leaving gold coins in their place.
Ashner fell on his ass, exhausted from the battle. Risa walked up to him, showing him her shattered sword. Luna limped towards him, keeping a faint smile on her cheeks.
"FUCK YEAH!" Gio's loud voice echoed across the dungeon. "WHO'S THE BOSS! I'M THE BOSS! WHERE'S THE FINAL FANTASY TEN VICTORY SONG WHEN YOU NEED IT!"
Gio sang it loudly.
Luna stopped next to Ashner. She was tolerating the pain in her ankle. The elf didn't have enough words to thank him. Before she said anything. Ashner spoke first. "Let's get you home."
*******
Ashner carried the elf back home. The group was almost black on ammo, but they had survived, so they were all in high spirits.
The queen waited for her friend. Once their eyes met, Ari rushed towards Luna and hugged her tightly.
“I was so worried!” She gasped. “What happened.”
"Hell-hounds." Luna started telling Ari everything. All the while, Ashner and the guys slumped down on elven seats.
“Is it just me, or was it easier to move and fight like that when we were younger?” Wong asked the two.
“I think you're just rusty," Gio smirked. "If anything, I feel stronger than ever."
“We got lucky.” Ashner rubbed the back of his head.
“Nah," Gio smirked. "You made the right call, and we came out alive… That reminded me of the days we spent together in the war."
Ashner dabbled with the silver key the menu gave him.
“What’s that?” Gio stretched his neck to get a better view.
“It's a silver key. The XP system gave it to me. So far, I have two of them."
“Is that like the key for the White Room?”
“No, it’s different. Menu, show me what this is.”
The menu popped up.
Silver Key
“It just says silver key. The menu isn’t helping.”
“Let me see it.” Gio reached for it and dabbled with it. “Nothing’s happening.”
“Maybe it opens a treasure chest," Wong suggested as he stood up. The other two lifted their tired bodies up, too. "That fight has my adrenaline racing… I need, I need a woman."
“Don’t you hate women?” Gio raised his eyebrow.
“Hating them doesn’t mean I don’t want to sleep with them… I also need a bath…” Wong sniffed his clothes.
“How can you get laid if you’re a complete jerk to most women?” Gio asked.
“Simple.” Wong stepped away from his friends. “I’m hot, and to most girls, having an attitude problem with them is a turn on… I’ve yet to fathom why.”
Wong scoped the elves and demi-cows around them. One caught his eye. She was one he rejected three times.
“I’m envious.” Gio sighed heavily.
“Don’t be… Just because I get some benefits only means I have to deal with the backlash of the worst women… Especially when they confuse lust with love… Then they react like teenagers and throw tantrums, spread lies about me, or try to get pregnant to entrap me… I've even had a few lie about being pregnant to keep me around… I'm a doctor, so it's easier for me to figure out the truth, and they always scream and moan like children when I catch them in a lie… It's exhausting…”
“You poor thing.” Gio mocked with an overly sarcastic tone.
“If I could cut my sexual desires out of my life, then I would in a heartbeat." Wong was honest about his lust. "Excuse me, guys."
Wong stepped toward a beautiful elf. She wasn't as skinny as most of the elves, but she was nowhere near as busty as Luna. Her face was heart-shaped, and both Gio and Ashner were willing to give anything to see her naked.
“Take a bath with me.” Wong put his intentions out there bluntly. “We can make love after.”
Ashner and Gio’s mouths dropped.
“No way in hell will that work.” Gio crossed his arms.
The elven woman's ears dropped, and her face lit up. "Of course!" She just about jumped for joy. There was a skinnier elf next to her. She glanced down, obviously disappointed she wasn’t chosen.
“You can come too." Wong half-heartedly suggested as he took one by the arm. The second elf took a few seconds to build her courage, and then she ran after them.
“What… The… Fuck…” Gio groaned. “How come the only one of us who doesn’t care about falling in love is the one that always gets laid? It’s like he’s living life on easy mode, with a threesome DLC expansion… It’s gotta be his high cheekbones… Or that gorgeous hair… Or maybe his sexy voice…”
“Careful, you might fall for him too.”
"Oh, come on, we're both a little in love with him." Gio teased.
“No homo.”
“ALL OF THE HOMO!” Gio smiled brightly.
Ashner shook his head.
Wong will never grasp the struggles Gio and I face. But I've never had to deal with the problems he has… So yeah, I'm jealous, but I'm glad I don't have to deal with his problems… But he still gets laid… Fuck that, I'd rather deal with his problems than never get laid…
Ashner put the key on the same necklace chain as his gold one.
"I want to shower, too," Ashner admitted and went his way. The elves had bathrooms and small baths that about a dozen people could use at once. Similar to how the Romans used to bathe.
Ashner asked Ari to keep everyone out for a while. She agreed but was more interested in their stories. Luna, Risa, and Alex happily explained the battle to her.
Ashner removed his armor and carried casual clothes and a towel into the bathing room. He smirked. Crystal rocks glowed and mildly replaced modern electricity. It was dim but not dark. Ashner removed the bandage that Wong put on his arm and sat in the water, wearing nothing but his mask.
"I wonder if I would become arrogant if I had that many women chasing me?" Ashner removed his mask. He had a mirror, so he studied his face. Even after years of living with the deformities, he was still disgusted with himself. Some blisters were starting to form.
I’m going to pop them before they start to hurt.
Footsteps echoed outside of the room. Ashner paid no mind to it and started cleaning his body. The elves left flower petals in the water. It served as a body wash, and the faint redolence of flowers lingered in the air.
A gasp caught Ashner's attention. He turned, and a naked elf stood in front of him. She dropped a woven basket with clothes.
“MONSTER!” She screamed and reached for a dagger in the basket.
Shit, my mask!
Ashner grabbed the mask quickly and put it on. Once he turned back to the elf to prove he wasn't a monster, she fell to her knees and vomited.
Awww, damn it… Not again…