I looked at Celine to see her reaction.

...She's also passed out. Great! Just snuggle together cozily. It's not like there are any monsters creeping around or anything.

Sigh, what sin did I commit to having been sent here, in this confusing place, in a confusing situation with a confused mind...

Reassuringly, Fake's still giving off that dangerous aura, which's several times more effective than my intimidation skill. This is enough of a deterrence to drive away weaker monsters, but what if stronger one passes by and takes advantage of the situation?

My mind almost exploded from anxiousness in the following hours. Though everyone's recovery was much greater than back on earth, it would still take me a couple of days to fully recover. As for Fake, just like every aspect of him, his regeneration was also astonishing, at least much faster than mine. His bleeding debuff disappeared as his open wounds began clotting. The poisoned debuff was still on him but didn't seem to be doing much.

After what seemed like an eternity, Celine woke up. She blushed upon realizing Fake was on top of her and freed herself. She breathed in and out with her hand on chest and calmed down. I gave a small squeak to grab her attention.

'Mister bat...poor mister bat...I'm sorry, it's my fault...' She ran up to me and picked me up, while gently lifting my injured wing.

Poor I indeed, but shouldn't you be worrying about something more urgent now? I gave a squeak, which she obviously didn't understand.

'You shouldn't have gone off on your own.' Fake's somewhat angry voice came from behind us. Celine turned around with me in her hands.

Fake was sitting up, facing us, with head hung low. I suppose he's recovered to some extent.

Celine answered him with silence and cold gaze. He appeared angry at first but calmed down and pointed his finger at me.

'What's that thing?'

''Mister bat saved my life. Don't you dare touch him, else I will hate you.' Celine's tone was ice cold, like always, when speaking with him. I screeched twice in agreement and activated my intimidation on him.

Silence fell between the two.

Fake stared at me peculiarly.

'I see...' He hung his head low again, and said nothing else.

'Why are you so obsessed with me?' Celine asked while patting my head, probably to calm her nerves. I was also distressed as facing Fake wasn't less dangerous than facing that giant snake from before.

'Would you believe me if I said it was love at first sight?' Fake laughed bitterly.

'This is not how you treat someone you love!' Celine was quick to answer.

'I know, I just...I was afraid you would leave me, I mean, why would anyone ever want to be with me?' After a long silence, Fake spoke with trembling voice.

Dude, what's his problem?

The way he treats Celine, it's obvious he's madly in love with her, but his actions are wrong. Forcing yourself on someone you like isn't the right way. Love needs development, time and nurturing. I think Fake has some mental problems with his possessive obsession and maniacal attitude.

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Think, think, didn't I always believe I was very smart? If I can grasp the enemy's mentality, it's possible to control him.

...

Oh yeah, there were these types of people back on earth too. In earlier societies, patriarchy was always more popular than matriarchy. Basically, men believed to be superior to the opposite gender, and in reverse, women were considered inferior. This resulted in uneven rights distribution between the two.

This was the reason the cries for 'gender equality' sprouted. However, deep-rooted rules and traditions don't so easily change. This resulted in some men having fucked up beliefs, one of the more popular ones being that a woman has to be forever faithful to a man she had a first time with, otherwise the society would look at her with disdain.

Men, on the other hand, thought that after taking girl's first time, even if the girl wouldn't like them, they would still be with him. They didn't consider the other side's feelings, because subconsciously they felt superior. In the end, this resulted in the duo creating a family, where there was no love and the couple had an invalid relationship.

The way Fake treated Celine, it's obvious he really cares for her, so why such an approach? Is it because he appeared in this lawless place and felt he could do anything he wanted? Unlikely.

...

I get it. He lacks confidence. He thinks by going the 'orthodox' way he won't accomplish his desires. Partially, I can empathize with him. Inferiority complex can be that destructive, but this doesn't right his wrongs. Also, his obsession is too strong. He might, no, he will never give up on Celine.

So what's the right way to go here? It's simple. All he needs is acceptance and comfort and he will be a good boy for a while, but this creates more problems, he will grow more attached and obsessed and someday he's going to demand more, but until then, Celine will be safe. The problem is, how do I tell her that? Most likely if she shoves a cold shoulder at him, Fake will use force and follow the original route, while the acceptance approach will soften him.

'Do you hate me?' Fake asked in a low voice.

'I do.' Celine answered without hesitation.

Shit!

'Even if I saved your life?'

'...I still do.'

'Is there any chance you will ever forgive me?' Fake's voice got even lower.

Jesus, Celine you idiot! Leave him some leeway, read the mood! Oh shit! Oh shit!

'...There is.'

Oh fu...wait, did she just...haha, yes! I don't know what's gotten in your small head Celine, but these words have saved you! Good job!

Fake lifted his head, astonishment written all over his pale face.

'...How?'

Haha, everything's going well, just don't tell him to kill yourself. Any answer will do, as long as it gives him a bit of hope.

Celine? Why aren't you answering? Our insecure boy's getting impatient here and he might do some nasty shit if you leave him hanging, you know?

Celine strode at his direction slowly. My heart drummed in nervousness. What was she going to do? I admire her courage though, she has some 'balls' to confront this beast.

Celine looked down at Fake, who was sitting up. The two was very close to each other.

She slowly lifted her feet...and stepped on his crotch. Celine?! What the fuck are you doing?

'Become my slave!' She said with a sadistic smile.

...

...

Fuck me! I should have known, should have fucking known, that a lolita wearing gothic dress ain't your average loli. Great job, Celine! I'm not sure whether you are faking it or not, but you are doing great so far! Or are you? Hmm, depends on insecure guy's reaction.

Fake looked at her domineering face with completely dumbstruck expression, then his face twitched.

'Ha, haha, hahahahahahahahahaha~' He rolled on the ground and started laughing uncontrollably...

'Alright, I will be your slave, but with one secret condition.' He said with a happy grin after getting up. His eyes also glowed with faint crimson glimmer, giving him a crazy look.

'State.' Celine 'granted the permission' shortly.

'Haha, I shall belong only to you, that is natural, but...you shall also only belong to me!' Fake said with a wide grin and trembling hands, probably out of excitement.

'Deal, but don't forget who's the master!' Celine answered in a cold tone.

'Hahahahaha, naturally.' Fake seemed really happy.

...

I really didn't expect for things to end up like that.

Celine! You have my deep admiration for taming this animal, I hereby give you a title of Beast Master, hahaha~

Only, it depends on your capability, whether you can really tame this beast or not. It needs to be reminded of its place occasionally.

Everything's good that ends well, but their trouble doesn't end here.

This goddamn cave is devoid of anything that can be considered edible and the structure is seemingly endless, makes me wonder whether we can ever reach the surface or not. Just which coldhearted bastard threw us in such desolate place?!

It's still unknown how we even got here, how the anomaly of Fake possessing my body and me being a bat happened, where is this place, how do we get out of here and...

I silently looked at the laughing Fake.

Who really is he?