David clung to the side of his old apartment building, talons sinking into the weathered brick as he peered through the broken window. The opening seemed to have shrunk since his dramatic exit all those nights ago, or maybe he'd just gotten bigger. Either way, it was going to be a tight squeeze.
"Well," he muttered to himself, "here goes nothing. Try not to impale yourself on the glass, genius."
With a grunt of effort, David wriggled his way through the window frame, wings tucked tight against his body. He slithered unceremoniously onto the floor, landing with a soft clatter of claws. Behind him, the Cuddlebugs poured in like a furry flood, their tiny forms having no trouble with the narrow entrance.
As David picked himself up, dusting off his wings, he took in the sorry state of his old room. The place looked like it had been through a war, then a hurricane, and then decided to host a mold convention for good measure.
"Damn," he muttered, ears twitching at the damp echo. "And I thought my housekeeping was bad before."
The Cuddlebugs scattered, exploring every nook and cranny with unbridled curiosity. David padded over to his old computer desk, brushing away a layer of soggy leaves before tapping idly at the keyboard. The keys stuck with a pitiful crunch.
"Well, there goes my high score," he quipped to no one in particular.
A scuffling noise caught his attention, and he turned to see two Cuddlebugs locked in a tug-of-war over his old cell phone. For a split second, he felt a surge of protectiveness, but it faded as quickly as it came.
"Knock yourselves out, guys," he chuckled. "Just don't come crying to me when you can't get past the login screen."
Turning his attention to the blocked door, David narrowed his eyes in concentration. With a flex of his Wildsoul, he spat a corrosive glob of saliva at the obstacle. The door hissed and bubbled, weakening under the assault of the vapor that quickly formed.
"Open sesame," David growled, before driving his talons through the compromised wood. It splintered like wet cardboard, chunks clattering to the floor in a shower of moldy debris.
Hopping over the remnants of the door and a small mountain of ceiling rubble, David found himself in the hallway leading to his living room. He glanced back at the ruins of his bathroom, now nothing more than a cave of fallen plaster and broken pipes.
"So much for getting that security deposit back," he joked to Captain, shaking his head. The summon cocked it's head curiously, looking around for whatever he'd been talking about.
The living room, by contrast, was a time capsule of his old life. His ratty couch, the coffee table he'd rescued from the curb complete with the remnants of a "FREE" sign, even the ancient TV stand – all exactly as he'd left them.
But it wasn't the furniture that drew David's attention. His gaze fixed on a collection of picture frames perched atop the TV stand. Most were ruined beyond recognition, victims of time and the elements. But one – the largest – had somehow survived relatively intact.
David padded closer, his breath catching in his throat as he studied the image. There, frozen in time, were his parents – his dad, a bear of a man with a fiery red beard, caught mid-laugh. Next to him, his mom, petite and curly-haired, doubled over in hysterics. And in the background, the telltale splash of David's less-than-graceful exit from a dock.
"Oh, Grandpa," David chuckled, his voice thick with emotion. "You always did have perfect timing with that camera."
He reached out, gently touching the warped frame with the tip of his wing. The memory washed over him – the cool lake water, the smell of pine trees, the sound of his family's laughter. For a moment, he was that gangly teenager again, sputtering and flailing in the water while his parents howled with mirth.
"Miss you guys," he whispered, his monstrous features softening into a bittersweet smile. He sat there for a long time, burning the image into his mind as the Cuddlebugs ransacked the rest of the old apartment while he was idle.
"I'll be here if you guys get dropped into all this soon, don't worry. Dad, I know you were probably halfway up a mountain somewhere, but I promise I'll check on Mom for you...you'll be fine anyway, right?" David spoke quietly to the faded photograph. His ears slowly migrating out to the sides as his anxiety flared. "If anyone can make it as a monster in the wild, it'd be you."
Yeah...he'd be fine. The man basically lives outside anyway. We used to joke he was half Sasquatch.
The moment was broken by a chirp from Captain, clearly sensing David's melancholy. David blinked, coming back to the present – to a world of monsters and mayhem, of Overseers and impending doom.
"Yeah, yeah, I hear you," he said, giving the concerned Cuddlebug a gentle pat. "No time for trips down memory lane, right? We've got a Wave to prepare for."
As David turned away from the photo, his mind drifted to the preparations of the past two days. Woodland had been a hive of activity, its denizens working tirelessly to fortify their home. The walls now bristled with improvised spikes – a grotesque mix of rebar, broken shards of glass, and what looked suspiciously like oversized thorns from some mutant plant.
Esmeralda's caravan had arrived without major incident, though David still wasn't sure about Herold's decision to let them camp on the training field. Still, if it helped them hit that magic "population variable" for Safe Zone status, who was he to argue?
The thought of Herold brought a smirk to David's face. The mental image of the colossal beetle trying to communicate with the diminutive Esmeralda was pure comedy gold. He could almost hear the tiny woman's shrill voice bouncing off Herold's carapace.
"Bet he needed a repeater to yell what she was saying to him" David chuckled to himself.
His mind wandered to Claire, and the knot of worry in his gut tightened. She'd been acting... off. Spending most of her time with Herold, engaged in hushed conversations that fell silent whenever David approached. He had his suspicions, but...
"She'll tell me when she's ready," he muttered, trying to convince himself as much as anyone else. "Not like I've been Mr. Transparent lately, anyway."
With a sigh, David gave the photo one last longing look before turning away. He had a job to do, a community to protect, and only hours left before Wave 2 crashed down upon them all. He fought the urge to take it with him, after all, where would he put it that it wouldn't degrade even faster? Still, he'd been set on getting one last look at it, and was pleasantly surprised to find it relatively intact.
"Alright, fuzzballs," he called to the Cuddlebugs. "Field trip's over. Time to go save, and or, destroy the world I guess."
As David made his way back to the window, his furry entourage in tow, he couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to get weird.
Squeezing back through the window, he couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Here he was, sneaking out of his old apartment like a teenager past curfew.
"Come on, fuzzballs," he called to the Cuddlebugs. "Time to fly. Try not to fall behind, or I'm not coming back for stragglers."
Launching himself into the air, David spread his wings wide, catching an updraft that carried him high above the ruined cityscape. As he soared, a thought struck him like a bolt of lightning.
"Holy shit," he muttered, banking slightly to avoid a half-collapsed skyscraper. "If I'd flown just a little to the left that first night..."
The realization hit him hard. He would have ended up closer to Woodland, probably ending up as fish food in the river. And Claire...
"She'd have been all alone," David growled, a protective surge rising in his chest. "Probably would've been fine, knowing her, but still..."
The flight back to Woodland was mercifully short, and David soon glided in for a landing near the Burrow. The training field had been transformed into an impromptu campground, with Esmeralda's caravan set up in a peculiar formation.
David's eyes narrowed as he studied the arrangement. Two loose rings of various monsters surrounded the massive tortoise bearing Esmeralda's tent. It was clearly defensive, with the larger, more intimidating creatures forming an outer perimeter while smaller, presumably support-focused individuals huddled closer to the center.
"Not bad," David mused, grudgingly impressed. "Guess traveling salespeople learn a thing or two about security."
With only a short time before the mysterious System Event by his estimation, David's nervousness was reaching a fever pitch. He fired off an Echolocation pulse down the Burrow, confirming that Claire was once again holed up with Herold.
For a brief moment, David considered sneaking down to eavesdrop. The temptation was strong, but...
"Nah," he sighed, shaking his head. "That's a dick move, even for me."
Instead, he turned his attention back to the caravan, hoping to distract himself from his mounting anxiety. His gaze fell on Kozlov, deep in animated conversation with the many-eyed, many-eared anteater creature – the caravan's coordinator, if David remembered correctly.
Catching Kozlov's eye, David received a tiny nod of acknowledgment. He returned the gesture, wishing he'd had more time to pick the bear's brain over the past couple of days. But Wave 2 preparations had kept everyone running ragged.
David stretched his wings, working out some of the tension that had built up during his flight. A ripple of alarm spread through the nearby crowd, but it was noticeably muted compared to the near-panic of his first day back.
"Guess they're getting used to Nightmare on Sesame Street over here," David chuckled to himself.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
His amusement was short-lived as he spotted Leo chatting with none other than Azanah. David's eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling in his throat as he glared at the electric weasel.
On the one wing, she was just securing every advantage. On the other, shady as fuck. Long story short? Trust level: zero.
After what felt like an eternity of death-glaring, Azanah finally noticed David's hostile attention. She visibly wilted under his gaze, shrinking down as if trying to disappear into her own fur.
Realizing he might have overdone it, David offered a slow, awkward wave. If anything, this seemed to make Azanah even more uncomfortable.
Leo shot David a look that clearly said 'knock it off,' to which David could only shrug and nod before turning away.
For the next fifteen minutes, David wandered aimlessly around the grounds, his anxiety ratcheting up with each passing moment. Just when he thought he might explode from the tension, a jaunty jingle played in his ears.
David felt... something. A fundamental shift in the very fabric of reality, imperceptible to his normal senses but crystal clear to his Wildsoul.
It was as if a gentle wind that had always been blowing in the background of his mind had suddenly... stopped.
"Well, shit," David breathed, his fur standing on end. "Here we go."
As David's fur stood on end, a new System announcement materialized before his eyes:
***SYSTEM ADMIN COMMUNIQUE***
Greetings, Earth Inhabitants!
Wave 1 is officially concluded. We extend our deepest gratitude for your participation in this unprecedented Integration event.
As previously announced, Wave 1 Participants will receive rewards based on their performance at the onset of Wave 2. These rewards will be distributed upon the official commencement of the Second Wave.
We are pleased to announce the commencement of the Convergence Nexus Event. This voluntary but highly encouraged System Event will begin momentarily and last for precisely one hour.
During this time, rifts will open across the world. These rifts represent a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and resource acquisition. Other System-integrated worlds will gain limited access to Earth through these portals.
We strongly advise caution when approaching these rifts. While violence may not be necessary, we encourage you to defend yourselves vigorously if the need arises. This event is designed to foster understanding and cooperation between different realms within the System, but your safety remains paramount.
Prepare yourselves for an unprecedented mingling of populations. This process is an integral part of System integration and will provide invaluable experience for all involved.
May your encounters be enlightening and your adaptations swift.
Warm regards,
***System Overseer Ω***
–1:00:00–
–59:59–
–59:58–
The message faded, leaving behind a stunned silence that lasted approximately three seconds before all hell broke loose.
"What the actual fuck?" David sputtered, his wings flaring in shock. "Other System worlds? How many are there? How big is this clusterfuck?"
Around him, the denizens of Woodland erupted into a cacophony of panic and confusion. Shrieks, roars, and a symphony of inhuman noises filled the air as the implications of the announcement sank in.
But amid the chaos, voices of authority cut through the din like knives. Ezra's thunderous bellow echoed across the field, while Kozlov's gruff commands rallied the Hunting Team. The many-eyed anteater coordinator was already organizing the caravan's defenses, and even Dallas was buzzing orders to a group of smaller creatures.
"Alright, you overgrown fur balls!" Ezra roared, his massive form commanding attention. "This isn't a drill! I want eyes on every inch of our perimeter. If so much as a goddamn fairy farts in our direction, I want to know about it!"
Kozlov's voice carried over the din, gruff and authoritative. "Hunting Team, form up! We're splitting into strike teams. Be ready to move at a moment's notice. And for the love of all that's holy, don't shoot first and ask questions later. We don't need an interdimensional incident on our hands!"
The anteater coordinator's many eyes swiveled in all directions as it barked orders. "Caravan, defensive formation delta! Support in the center, heavy hitters on the outside. And someone wake up Esmeralda – if there's profit to be made from this madness, she'll want in on it!"
Dallas, to David's surprise, was taking charge of a group of smaller, lethal looking agile creatures. "Alright, you pint-sized terrors," he buzzed, "we're on reconnaissance. Spread out, stay hidden, and if you see anything that doesn't belong on this godforsaken rock, you haul ass back here and report. Got it?"
David's head spun as he tried to process the flurry of activity around him. His Cuddlebugs, sensing his distress, huddled closer, their tiny forms bristling with protective energy.
"Oh no," David growled, fixing them with a stern glare. "Don't even think about it. The last thing we need is you fuzzy gremlins picking a fight with whatever comes through those rifts."
A gentle nudge at his side made David jump. He turned to find Leo, the elk-man's crystalline antlers catching the fading sunlight.
"David," Leo said, his musical voice tinged with urgency, "we need you and Claire. Where is she?"
The mention of Claire snapped David out of his stupor. "Shit, she's still with Herold. I'll get her."
Without waiting for a response, David launched himself into the air, wings pumping furiously as he made a beeline for the Burrow's entrance. As he landed, he nearly collided with a group of rodent-like creatures scurrying out of the tunnel.
"Watch it!" David snapped, more out of nervousness than anger. "Sorry," he added quickly, seeing their terrified expressions.
Shaking his head, David plunged into the tunnel, his Echolocation painting a vivid picture of the twisting passages ahead. He found Claire and Herold exactly where he'd left them, their massive forms filling the cavernous chamber.
"Guys!" David called out, skidding to a halt. "We've got a situation. The System's gone and-"
"We know," Claire rumbled, her voice surprisingly calm. "We heard the announcement."
Herold's antennae twitched, a gesture David had come to associate with deep thought. "Most fascinating," the colossal beetle mused. "It seems our Integration is but one piece of a much larger puzzle."
David blinked, taken aback by their composed reactions. "Okay, great. You're caught up. But shouldn't we, I don't know, be doing something?"
Claire's reptilian features softened into what passed for a smile. "We are, bat-boy. Herold's been preparing for something like this."
"Indeed," Herold agreed, his cultured voice incongruous with his monstrous form. "I've had my suspicions that our situation was not... unique. This merely confirms it."
David's jaw dropped, his fangs gleaming in the dim light. "You knew? How? Why didn't you say anything?"
Herold's mandibles clicked in together in a chuckle. "My boy, when you've lived as long as I have, you learn to read between the lines. The System's language, its very structure – it all hinted at a larger framework."
"Okay, fine," David conceded, his wings rustling with impatience. "But what do we do now? There's chaos up there, and rifts could open any minute!"
Claire rose to her full height, her massive form dwarfed by Herold. "We adapt," she said simply. "Just like we've been doing since this whole mess started."
As if on cue, a distant rumble shook the cavern, sending tiny pebbles skittering across the floor.
"I believe," Herold said, his voice laden with anticipation, "that is our cue to join the others aboveground."
David nodded, a grim smile spreading across his monstrous features. "Well then," he quipped, "shall we go greet our new interdimensional neighbors? I'll bring the welcome wagon if you bring the cosmic horror."
With that, the unlikely trio made their way towards the surface, ready to face whatever fresh madness the System had in store for them. As they emerged into the fading daylight, David couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something far bigger than they could imagine.
"Alright, universe," he muttered under his breath, "show us what you've got."
As David emerged from the Burrow, followed closely by Claire and Herold, the scene before them was one of organized chaos. People of all shapes and sizes were converging on the park entrance, their movements a blur of fur, scales, and wings.
Suddenly, a thunderous trumpeting sound split the air, an alarm that sent shivers down David's spine. Before he could react, Dallas shot past him, wings thrumming like a muffled chainsaw as he rocketed towards the commotion.
David exchanged a quick glance with Claire, no words needed. In an instant, he was airborne, Wildsoul surging through his wings as he gave chase. The whipcrack of displaced air marked his departure, Cuddlebugs trailing behind in a loose V formation.
Catching up to Dallas was child's play, David's straight-line speed unmatched.
"Rift?" he shouted over the wind.
"That's my guess!" Dallas called back, his multifaceted eyes fixed ahead.
As they reached the gates, David's breath caught in his throat. There, hovering in midair, was an enormous circle of light. Its surface rippled and shifted, a perfect match for the Rainbow Goo that had changed their lives forever. The power emanating from it was palpable, sending waves through David's Wildsoul like bass at a rock concert.
David executed a combat landing that left people shouting and scattering out of his way, barely slowing as he skidded across the decrepit concrete with a hiss of talons on stone. Without missing a beat, he unleashed an Empowered Siren's Call.
The melody that escaped his jaws was a paradox made sound. It was savage and primal, a battle cry that spoke of tooth and claw, yet tinged with an undercurrent of curiosity, a siren song of discovery. It rolled over the gathered defenders like a tide, filling them with renewed vigor.
Dallas shot him a quick look as he landed with helicopter-like precision, but understanding dawned as the melody's effects washed over him.
The rift itself was a sight to behold. It hung in the air like a tear in reality, its edges shimmering with an otherworldly light. The surface roiled and churned, a maelstrom of color that defied description. Flecks of gold and silver danced across its surface, creating patterns that hurt the eyes to follow.
As more defenders arrived, they quickly arranged themselves into formation, lines shifting to accommodate newcomers. All eyes were fixed on the rift as its center began to resolve.
Images flashed by in rapid succession
Gilded marble towers against a desert sky.
Figures retreating into crimson-draped darkness of a cavernous stone cathedral.
A grove of towering trees surrounding a rune-carved stone, bathed in teal light.
Finally, the scene stabilized. A massive stone square dominated the view, dotted with gilded metal circles inlaid with gleaming gemstones that held back the snow blanketing the ground. In the background, enormous walls protected buildings of impossible craftsmanship, carved directly into a looming mountain face.
A gust of icy wind blew through the portal, bringing with it a flurry of snow and the crisp scent of winter. David's fur stood on end, his senses overwhelmed by the sudden shift in temperature and smell.
As the image wavered in and out of focus, David's heart raced. The portal began to bulge and ripple, and figures emerged.
A thickly accented voice called out, "Fear not! We're here to rescue you from the Worldenders! We've brought ye arms and armor, King Manus pledges the full might of-"
For a moment, David thought they were dealing with miniature bears. Then his eyes adjusted, taking in the details. These were people – short, stocky, and built like tanks. Each stood about 4 and half feet tall, clad in meticulously crafted armor and sporting beards that would make a lumberjack weep with envy.
As the newcomers' eyes adjusted to the light, they took in the monstrous army before them. With a thunderous roar, they formed up into a wall of shields and spears, moving with practiced precision.
David felt a surge of energy, not quite Wildsoul but eerily similar, from within the wall of metal. Without thinking, he leapt to the front of the group, wings flaring wide. The display shattered the newcomers' concentration, whatever they had been attempting fizzling out.
In the sudden silence, David grinned. "Welcome to Woodland! I'm totally on board with being saved from the Worldenders. Got any beer? I know a giant panther who'd kill for a drink, and I could use one myself."
The silence that followed was deafening. David struck a pose, tapping his medallion. "See? This proves I'm peaceful." He knew they wouldn't get the reference, but hey, worth a shot.
Slowly, the shields lowered. The dwarves – for that's what they clearly were – looked utterly baffled, as if someone had pulled the rug out from under their entire worldview.
One of them, a grizzled veteran by the looks of him, stepped forward slowly. "Ye have a name, creature?"
"David," he replied cheerfully. "Nice to meet you."
The dwarf's brow furrowed. "Are... are you in charge here?"
David shook his head, gesturing over his shoulder to where Herold was approaching at a stately, nonthreatening pace. "He is."
The dwarves' eyes widened in horror as they took in Herold's colossal form. The lead dwarf let out what sounded like a seriously blasphemous curse, rubbing his face in awe as he lowered his weapon.
"By Turon's shaven beard," he muttered, "what in the nine hells have they done to ye?"