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Semi-Sequel to Paragon Prince. |
| [Introduction]
It's been several decades since Sam Royal slew Echidna and restored peace to the world. Having passed on, his heirs have continued to rule the kingdom, bringing prosperity and a new golden age to the land. But as with all things in life, it cannot last forever. A new threat has awakened, and a new hero of humanity is needed. Who better to answer that call than Sam Royal's own blood? I would greatly appreciate it if anyone who wishes to join in the story would contact me. The more the merrier, as they say! Also, I suggest reading the first story, if you haven't already, as there are likely to be references to past events and characters from the original. Link here: https://www.writing.com/main/campfires/item_id/2284072-The-Paragon-Prince |
Chapter I: The New Menace The kingdom once ruled by the legendary hero known as Sam Royal had enjoyed decades of peace since the savior of humanity's passing. Currently, his eldest son King Gorman sits upon the throne, alongside his wife, Queen Talia. Together they have brought prosperity to the land, uniting its people of all races, human or otherwise. Of course, that's not to say there still aren't some groups that consider themselves superior to humans. But they are but a small fraction of the populace, thankfully. The current monarch's heir is a young princess known as Tiabon, or just Tia, as she prefers. She's also not like your average princess. She was raised riding horses, practicing archery and mastering whatever weapon she could from the time she could walk. Her parents didn't really understand why, but she insisted she learn all she could about combat, survival and the like. She claimed it was to honor her grandfather's memory, and even though they saw little point in it, her parents obliged her wish and hired the best trainers in the land. Despite her rugged and tomboyish nature, Tia was desired by many suitors the world over. Even though she had rejected all of them so far, one such suitor was sure he could make her his bride by sundown that day, only to be horribly crushed within ten minutes of meeting her. That would be Prince Wilhelm, heir to the throne of a neighboring kingdom who had hoped to forge an alliance by engaging their respective heirs. Wilhelm was pretty much your typical spoiled rich boy, and when Tia refused him, he was royally pissed, to say the least, no pun intended. "How dare she say no to me!?" He ranted as he strutted along the beach, having stopped there to try and clear his mind of the rage and humiliation. "She has no idea who-" He suddenly stopped as he saw something sticking out of the sand. It looked to be an ornate bottle, made of red and black glass. Curious, Wilhelm picked it up and pulled out the stopper. Immediately, black smoke billowed out from inside the bottle, taking a humanoid shape. Before him stood a large, imposing figure with coal black skin and glowing fiery red eyes. The figure stretched and cracked its neck loudly. "You have no idea how cramped it is in there." It said before bowing low. "Greetings, master. I am Malajinn, genie of the bottle. As gratitude for freeing me, I shall grant you any wish you desire." A genie! Wilhelm had heard stories of such beings, but didn't think they were real! But he'd also heard how genies were notoriously tricky and manipulative. "Any wish I desire, huh? Is there a limit to how many I can make?" "Oh, no, master. I was trapped in that bottle for a very long time. As such is my gratitude, I shall grant you any number of wishes until the day you die." "Really?! Hmmm..... In that case, my first wish is to be immortal, so that I may have you as my servant forever!" "As you wish, master." Wilhelm grinned wickedly. With an all powerful genie at his side, he could have Tia as his wife whether she liked it or not! He could absorb her kingdom into his! Hell, he could rule the entire world! But his fantasies were cut short, as the instant the genie snapped his gingers, Wilhelm's body burst into flames, and before long he was reduced to a pile of ash. Malajinn chuckled to himself. Mortals were so predictable. When the Prince wished to be immortal, that's exactly what he got, for all of two seconds. Too bad vampires burn up in the sunlight, or he would have gotten to enjoy his eternal life a lot longer. Now with his master dead and his obligation fulfilled, Malajinn was free to do as he pleased. "Now then, let's see how this world has changed in the last few millennia." |
| Thunk! An arrow impacted into the center of a wooden target. "Good one, Tia," said a voice. "My turn." Thunk! Another arrow impacted the center of a target next to the first. "That's a good one, Ming," said Tia. She looked at the tiger-like Rakshasa standing nearby. They had been friends for a long time. Ming was a Swiftpaws, one of those that had helped out her Grandfather, so long ago. "As it is, I think that we should aim for another reason - a prize." Ming grinned, her sharp teeth all visible. "Alright. I'm interested. What's the wager?" "If I win, I want you wearing one of those dresses, while you do one of those dances," said Tia. "Well, if you want me to do that, If I win, I want you to do something," said Ming. "What's that?" Tia asked. "I want to be able to taste you," the tigress said. "The whole you." "What? You mean like swallow me?" Tia asked. Ming nodded. "I've been curious about how you'd taste for a long time." She looked back at the targets. "Still, if you don't want to do that, I could figure out a different wager." |
| Tia had known Ming practically since the two of them were babies. She knew she could trust her, and she wouldn't do her harm. "Okay, you're on!" Ming grinned as she set up a new target, and fired her arrow into it dead center. "Looks like you're my snack tonight." She teased. "Don't be so sure." Tia replied before firing her shot, splitting Ming's arrow straight down the middle. The two friends smirked at each other as if to say "Now what?" "Just to be fair, how about we both get our prize?" Tia suggested. Ming nodded "Fine with me. I'll see you later tonight, then." The both of them went their separate ways for now, and Tia went to the stables to mount her favorite steed. She felt like taking a ride through the country. Her parents insisted she take bodyguards, despite her protests, but she relented for their sake. As she rode along the shore, she came across a man in rags and who looked to be skin and bones. "Please, miss...." He pleaded "Have mercy on a poor old wretch?" "Oh you poor man! You must be starving! Come with me, I'll take you to the palace. Nobody goes hungry in my kingdom." The beggar, who was of course the genie in disguise, though to himself as they rode back to the palace, "Oh, so it's her kingdom, is it? Not for long, my dear." |
| Among the guards escorting Princess Tiabon was a werewolf of the Snapjaw line, who had added the prior king in battle. As he looked at the stranger, he made a decision. They soon came to where the path split off in various directions. "North-West path today," he said. "North-East is faster," the princess said. "Faster and predictable, and we've used it a lot these past few days," the werewolf said. "I wouldn't be surprised if those watching for a chance to kidnap you have taken notice, and set up an ambush to do so." "I suppose you have a point, Garth," the princess said. "Also, depending on how hungry this wanderer is, the inn on this road has better food and rooms than the one on the North-East route anyways," said Garth. "I see," said Princess Tia. "Food might be useful to have first." Tia had finally caught on to why Garth decided to change the route. The one that ran the inn on this path could read minds. That, and the snake monsters that ran the place were rather loyal. |
| Upon arriving at the inn, Tia was greeted by the nagas that made up the staff of the establishment, each of them bowing as she dismounted her horse and led the beggar inside. "Your highness! You humble us with your presence in our quaint little inn. If we had known you were coming, we'd have prepared our finest food and drink for you!" "Please, there's no need for such fanfare!" Tia said, "However, I will take you up on your offer of food and drink for this poor soul. Found him wandering the shoreline, probably looking for fish to feed himself. Bring him whatever he asks for. I'll cover his bill." The beggar bowed and kissed Tia's hand. "You are most generous, your highness. I can't thank you enough for your kindness." Tia smiled back at the beggar. "Nonsense, I'm the future queen of this land. It is my duty to care for my subjects, no matter who they are. Now order whatever you like, you look as though you haven't eaten in weeks!" She didn't need to tell him twice. As he sat at a table, a server brought him a large mug of beer and some bread to start. Before long, he had several plates in front of him that held food only moments before. |
| As the wanderer ate, the owner of the place watched them. There was indeed something about this traveler. "His mind is blocked to me," he muttered. "Is he dangerous?" his son asked. "Yes," the owner said. "But the question is; To whom?" "What do you plan to do?" the son asked. "Ask him how his travels have been, if he's encountered any bandits or renegades, news of any cities he's been through," the innkeeper said. "Just the usual gossip that an innkeeper needs to know of, just in case someone plans to go the way this person came from." "So, what do you want me to do?" the son asked. "If this person proves to be an actual threat, and not merely a traveler that can handle themselves on the road, you must warn the princess and the rest of the royal family," the innkeeper said. "Such is our duty." Some hours later, Tia was watching as Ming put on her dancing dress. "Alright," she said. "Your part of the deal." Ming chuckled. "I can't wait for yours. My belly hungers for you." "My fun first, then yours," said Tia. |
| It was then a young albino Naga by the name of Riker brought both Tia and Ming more to drink. Only, to slightly blush at seeing Princess Tia as he held feeling for her, only to dismiss them due to his position as a server of the Inn. "He-Hey Tia, Ming. Brought you t-two your refills and snacks." |
| (Just a quick note, Wolfkingdom, Tia and Ming are back at the palace at this point, not the inn. We could say Riker is a servant at the palace instead.) "Thank you, Riker. That will be all." Riker quickly slithered back the way he had come, trying to hide the blush on his face. Tia sat back in a lounge chair and motioned for Ming to begin the show. Meanwhile, back at the inn, the stranger that Tia had brought finally finished his meal. Malaijnn didn't really need to eat, but he liked to indulge himself when he could. If nothing else, humans have certainly improved their cooking skills since my imprisonment, he thought. The innkeeper's son came up to the table. "I trust everything was satisfactory?" The beggar nodded. "Oh yes, everything was delicious. Tell me, is there anything I can do to repay the hosts for such a splendid meal?" The boy replied, "Don't worry, the princess said she'd pay the bill." "Even so, I think it is only proper that I do something to return your kindness. Is there nothing you wish for? Nothing at all that you want?" The boy thought it over for a moment. "Well, there is one thing. My father owns this place, you see.But he doesn't give me very much responsibility with helping around the inn. I wish for the opportunity ti prove I can run this place too, show him I can handle it." "And I'm sure you shall get that chance." The stranger said with an odd, knowing smirk, before standing up and going to leave. "Before I go, which way is the palace? I wish to thank the princess for her kindness personally." The boy gave him directions to the palace, and the stranger left, smiling to himself. Come tomorrow, the innkeeper would be dead from a heart attack in his sleep, and his son would have the opportunity he craved. The chance to prove himself a capable owner of the inn. As to whether he would succeed, well, that was up to him. |
| As the innkeeper slithered through the inn, his left elbow shot out in pain, and hit several items. As he rubbed the joint, the naga looked at what he'd hit - a small berry bush, split down the middle, the crack coated in charcoal, making it look burnt, and some chopsticks had fallen, standing upright, stuck in the floorboards. However, there was also a golden coin nearby, with several strands of cat hair stuck to it by something sticky. "I see," he said. The Sight was a Blessing, and a Curse. The innkeeper's son slithered into the room. "Is something the matter father? I heard a noise." The innkeeper looked at his son. "A lightning storm is heading our way. It will cause a fire, burning the inn." "What do you want me to do?" the young naga asked. "Awake the rest of the staff, and the guests, tell them all to pack their things, and they are to head South," the innkeeper said. "That is the safest path away from the storm." "I noticed that you didn't mention us in there," the young naga said. The innkeeper got out some items. "Once you have done as you are told, I will be using magic to send you directly to the palace. Warn them, especially the Princess, of the storm - it will be a bad one." "What about you, father?" the young naga asked. "There's something you're not telling me." "Yes," the innkeeper said. "I have Seen my Fate, and I will not fight it. I will not live to see the sun rise." "Father!" the young naga exclaimed in shock. "Son, a kingdom is like an inn," said the innkeeper. "Without people, both are nothing. Your duty to them is important - Warn our Guests, and Warn the Kingdom." The young naga slithered away. Soon, the guests and other employees were heading South, and the Innkeeper had sent his son to the palace by magic. "My turn." The innkeeper muttered a spell, and soon, he appeared before Malaijnn, with a tea set. Malaijnn looked at him. "Interesting. A party trick though." "For you, perhaps, but for me, it's almost my last trick," the innkeeper said. "Please, have some tea with me. It would be rude for you to refuse." Malaijnn chuckled. "So, you figured out what I am," he said, sitting across from the naga. "It's too late for you though." "For me, yes," said the innkeeper said, as he offered a cup of tea. "But, until then, you are my Guest, and I am your Host. To leave now would bring bad luck to you. Tea?" Malaijnn accepted the cup, and sipped it. "Mmm, delicious. Almost a shame to kill you. It won't stop me though, and you cannot prevent me from destroying the kingdom." "Kingdoms are like inns," the innkeeper said. "They can be rebuilt when destroyed, so long as one is willing to put in the work, brick by brick, stone by stone, board by board, nail by nail, one step at a time." |
| At the palace, Riker was busy going around the outer walls delivering food and drink to the guards posted in designated area's for the night watch. Yet, as he walked, he soon spots a strange ring on the floor and picked it up to be inspected. "Gold band, the gem is a ruby by the looks of it..." It was then he heard a strange voice in his head. '~Finder of my ring, wear it to free me, so I may serve as your guide~' "GAH!" Dropping the ring, he quickly moved back. "Wh-Who said that?! Was that you Ming?! You know I hate your tricks!" It was then his tail rubbed the gem by accident, causing the area to fill with a pink lavender mist as a figure arose from the ring as a young female grey bat dressed as a belly dancer from the times of the Arabian knights. "Fear not, for this is no trick, my master." |
| Back with Tia and Ming, the princess sat back and enjoyed the show as Ming performed her dance, gracefully moving all across the chamber like flowing water. When she finished, Tia applauded as Ming took a bow. "Beautiful!" Tia said, "Better than the most graceful of ballerinas." "Thank you, highness," Ming said with a grin. "Now, it's time for my prize." But before she could claim said prize, there was a knock at the door. "Princess?" came the voice of one of the guards, "There's a visitor at the front gates for you. Something about them wanting to thank you for what you did for them this afternoon?" Tia chuckled. "It must be that beggar from the inn. Tell him I'll be right there." She turned to Ming, who had a look of mild disappointment on her face. "Don't worry, I'll be right back, then you can see how I taste for as long as you wish." Ming smiled. "I'll hold you to that." Meanwhile, the innkeeper stood as his omen had come true. Lightning hadstruck the inn, which was currently ablaze. Rather than be angry or sad, he had a look of calm across his face. He knew his son would rebuild the inn and that he had inadvertently caused his demise. But he did not place any blame upon his son. He supposed he himself was partly responsible, for not allowing his son more freedom in the business. But it mattered little now. What was done was done, and nothing could stop it. He felt it coming on now. The heart attack that would claim his life. As he did, he could hear a low tune being whistled in the air and steadily growing louder. As he collapsed to the ground, he saw a figure emerging from the shadows on the edge of the burning inn. It was a white werewolf in a black cloak. Instead of fear, the innkeeper felt a sense of peace as his vision grew dark. The wolf knelt beside him and said, "It's alright. It will be over shortly." Then he was gone. Tia met the beggar outside the castle walls. "Your highness. So glad you could see me." Tia smiled, "You didn't have to do this, you know. I told you, I'm happy to help my subjects." "Neither did you have to buy my meal, but you did anyway." He looked over in the direction of the palace. "Quite a sight, isn't it? Must be wonderful to live there." Tia sighed. "It is, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities. Perhaps a little too much." The beggar looked intrigued. "Are you saying you don't like being royalty?" "Maybe a little bit. I mean, sure, it's a luxurious life, but so many rules for everything. Not to mention everybody relying on you to solve their problems. Between you and me, sometimes I wish my family and I were just regular people." At this, an evil smile spread across the beggar's face. "Wish granted." Before she could comprehend what was happening, everything went black for Tia. When she awoke, she was lying on a straw bed, dressed in commoner's clothes. "Tia." Called her mother, "Time to get up! We need to go into the market today, so hurry up and get ready!" "Coming, mother." Just another normal day on her family's farm. As it had been her whole life. |
| There was a wrongness in the air. Ming could feel it, as she patrolled through the marketplace. Thieves, or at least human ones, generally avoided areas that monsters were hired to protect. It was a good place for humans, at least those smart enough to follow the rules. They tended not to be seen as food, at least, those that followed the rules. However, the tigress felt a wrongness in the air. She couldn't place her claws on it though. Then, she saw her. It was a young woman, a farmer by the looks. Ming felt something, but what, she didn't know. It was as if she knew the woman, and not as just a face in the crowd. Ming wanted to know how she knew her. Talking to her in a normal manner was out of the question. Still, there were ways. She walked up to the farm girl and grabbed her by the shoulders. The woman turned her head, saw her, and was about to say something when Ming pulled out a gold coin - easily a week's pay for the average commoner. It had the farm girl's attention "If you want this, and more, I will be in the alley over there in ten minutes," Ming said, pointing to a shadowy area, that hid what folks did back there. "I need someone to scratch some itches, so to speak, and something tells me that you are the sort that can help me with them." The farm girl's eyes then looked at her, and there seemed to be a state of confusion, as if she knew her, but didn't know how. "As I said," said Ming, before the farm girl could say anything. "Alley in ten minutes, to help me scratch some itches, if you want this money." She then resumed her patrol. |
| Around the same time, Ruler was tending to a stall dressed as a blacksmith, selling tools and crates. Only, he had a ring on his left index that glowed a calm red as a voice was soon heard in his mind. 'Hm, seems a wish was made... Master, do you feel different?' Looking around, Riker soon took notice of a tiger woman speaking to a farm girl. Yet, he seemed to feel as if he knew them. "I think so, but what happened?" |
| Tia was wary of the tigeress's offer. She knew better than to trust the word of a monster in this world, but at the same time, she was also intrigued. The Rakasha hadn't specified exactly what "itches" she wanted scratched, but Tia could take a pretty good guess. Still, most wouldn't offer to pay humans for such a service and simply force them to do it instead. She figured the tiger must be serious if she was willing to pay, and waited in the alleyway as she had said. |
| Ming soon walked into the alley, and saw the human, waiting. "Follow," she said. She kept walking. The human, carefully, followed. Soon, they were around a corner, where there was, among other things, a tub with warm water, a mattress, towels, personal cleaning supplies, stools, and a bench. "Got to appreciate Zeffier's thoughtfulness for those looking for some personal back-alley services," Ming said, placing a few coins into a container. "That skunk has things set up for anyone." She began to remove her outfit, watching in a mirror as the human looked at her. She watched the human's eyes. They seemed to react as if knowing her. "You'd better take your clothes off. That way, if someone sees something, they'll see the usual expected things." "I know those stripes," the farmer said, as she began to remove her clothes. "I also know your face, and not as a person in the crowd. How?" "I do not know," Ming said, as she dropped her outfit. She recognized the human's body. "What's your name?" "Tia," the farmer said, dropping her own outfit. "I'm just a farmer." "Ever see me at a Public Bathhouse, or even at a river?" Ming asked, turning to look at the human. "Not that I can recall," said Tia. "And yet, you feel very familiar." "I have that very same feeling," said Ming. "I'm Ming by the way." "So, what now?" Tia asked. Ming sat on a stool, and lifted her right foot. "You can rub my feet." "Rub your feet?" Tia asked. "I've been walking around the marketplace all day, and my feet are tired from it, so a good massage would do them some good, and in return, I'll do your shoulders," said Ming. "You look like you could use one anyways." Tia looked at the tigress's feet. "I might be able to do your feet, but folks might wonder why you'd be doing my shoulders." Ming grinned. "You let me worry about that," she said. "After all, you'll be sitting on the bench just in front, your back to me." Tia nodded, nervously. She then sat on the bench. Ming placed her leg on Tia's lap, and the human got to work, rubbing her feet. The tigress leaned forward and whispered, "If I danced for you, would you let me taste you, the whole you?" "You've already danced for - wait, what?" Tia began to speak, only to stop, and looked at Ming. "Why did you say that? Why did I say what I did?" "Because it felt right," said Ming. "My heart knows you, and yours knows me, even if our minds do not remember." "Must of been a past life or something," said Tia. "Or something," said Ming. "Do you feel as if you can trust me with your life?" Tia nodded. Ming smiled. "That's a good start," she said. "I don't know what we were, but, if you're willing, I wouldn't mind finding out what we were, or what we could be." |
| Around sunset, Riker was back in his forge, counting up his earnings from selling his wares. It was then a young anthromorphic echidna girl dressed in pink arabian clothing walked up behind him before setting a cup of water infront of him. "Drink up master, need to stay hydrated." Sighing, Riker turned to her, only to relax again. "You never did tell me your name, or how how I even became your master. Mind explaining?" Giggling, the echidna girl soon bowed to him. "My apologize. My name is Echina. Many years ago, I was sealed within the ruby ring you now wear master. How you acquired it though, I cannot say..." Looking to him, she smiled. "As the master of my ring, you have a unlimited amount of wishes. But, I cannot grant for the dead to be returned, for others to fall in love with you, or kill another genie." Thinking, Riker soon thought about something she said. "Wait, aren't genies suppose to grant only three wishes?" Giggling, Echina soon spoofed from her spot, only to return into existence, now sitting in his lap. "That rule are ment for the genies residing in a lamp, which limits there power to three wishes per master. But, as I reside within a ring, my power shall last till you wish me away~." Blushing, Riker soon began to want to drink that cup of water she brought him. |
| Meanwhile, the palace, and the kingdomas a whole, was occupied by someone else entirely. MAlajinn sat upon the throne, ruling over the land and his new subjects with an iron fist. HE was not like your typical, garden-variety genie. He was a true genie, having never been bound to an item originally, up until his imprisonment. Which meant that for centuries, he roamed free doing whatever he damn well pleased! None of these petty rules that bound lesser genies; if a mortal displeased him, he could do whatever he felt was a fitting punishment for them. Perhaps he would turn them into an insect of some sort. Or maybe teleport them to the bottom of the ocean. The possibilities were endless, as was his creativity. Right now, he was thinking of that princess who had essentially given him this job by unwittingly trading her life as royalty for that of a peasant. He chuckled to himself. She honestly seemed like a decent young lady, and wasn't bad looking either. Perhaps he should have made her part of his harem instead... |
| There was a strange whistle, one that sent a chill down Malajinn's spine. He turned, and found, sitting at the head of his dining table, was a white wolf in a black robe. "You're lucky you didn't take that route," the wolf said. "She would have killed you. The line of Sam Royal doesn't give up very easily. Retreat from a lost battle, perhaps, but, they find a way." "How did you get here?" Malajinn asked. "I haven't killed anyone here in this timeline, Death." Death chuckled, as he sliced off a portion of eel. He then ate it, enjoying the flavor. "Caught, and killed, by the palace eel pond," he said. "Same with the rest of the meat." He then pointed at other palace-raised creatures that were on the table. "I'm there for every death, even that of fish and livestock." Malahinn grunted in annoyance. "Guess I forgot about that little quirk of yours." "All life is precious," said Death. "I just try to give them some comfort in those final moments." "So, what are you going to do? Kill me?" Malajinn asked. Death grinned. "No, but I will be there in that moment," he said. "I have the memories of multiple timelines. I spent decades with Sam Royal, and I will say this - he would have killed you without breaking a sweat." He picked up a glass of wine, and sipped it. "Mmm, good batch." He looked back at Malajinn. "She may not remember being a Princess, but, as I know from experience - you can drop a diamond into a pile of fresh dung, but a good washing will clean it right up." At that moment, Tia was in the tub, getting washed by Ming. "I'm sort of surprised that you want me to take a bath before you swallow me," the farmer said. "I don't much like the taste of dirt and dung," the tigress said. "Still, on the plus side, if you change your mind before I swallow you, no one will know exactly what we did." "But, other than I massaging your feet, and you my shoulders, we haven't done anything," said Tia. "Yes, and anyone with a nose that saw us enter would wonder what we did, unless you've taken a bath," said Ming. "You take a bath, they won't wonder why you don't smell more strongly of me." "Oh, okay," said Tia. "But, since we just met, and I don't like forcing others to do things needlessly, I won't shove your face into my sex, or ass, unless you are into that sort of thing and want me to," said Ming. "Same thing with swallowing you - if you say no when the bath is done, I'll simply just give you a big hug, help get you dried off, and dressed. That would transfer enough of my scent to you that folks will know that we did something, but won't ask what." "Alright," said Tia. "By the way, you are rather beautiful under that dust," said Ming. |
| Looking into Tia's eyes, Ming began to feels lost in them. Leaning close to her, Ming began to smile. "Tell me, what's your last name? I would love to know the full name of who I shall be enjoy tasting~" Blushing from how close Ming was, Tia began to furiously blush from seeing Ming's beauty up close. "My last name, it's Royal." |
| That's when it all came rushing back to Ming, how they had known each other since childhood, trained together, road horses together, all of it. "I remember!" She exclaimed, startling Tia. "It's all clear now! You were the princess, and I was your best friend! Our families had worked together to guard the kingdom for generations! We trained endlessly together in combat and archery, everything we might need should another threat arise!" "What are you talking about?" Tia asked, beyond confused. "I was never a princess. My family has always been commoners." "But you're not! I don't know how, but something must have happened to alter all reality, erasing your royal lineage! Your grandfather, what was his name?" "He was called Sam, but I never knew him. He died before I was born." "Then your grandfather was Sam Royal, the legendary hero?" "No. He was a farmer, as all my family have been." "Maybe in this reality, but in the correct one, he was the savior of the kingdom and of humanity. He slew a terrible threat to your kind's very existence, and you have his blood in your veins at this very moment!" Tia couldn't believe what Ming was saying."How do you know any of this is true? Where's your proof?" Ming hesitated, trying to think of a way to get Tia to understand. Then she figured, if telling her full name restored Ming's memory, maybe the same would work on Tia. "My name is Ming Swiftpaws. Ring any bells?" |
| Ming watched as Tia's eyes widen, as if in shock. "Ming?" The human asked. She looked around. "What happened? Last thing I remember before all this was that I had another visitor, and then -" She gestured. "This happened." She looked back at Ming, and hugged her. "I'm glad we're back together." Ming wrapped her arms around the human. "As am I." They looked into each other's eyes. Tia looked down, noticing that she was naked, and wet. "So, what now?" Ming grinned. "As I recall, we were about to do the second aspect of our wager - I get to taste you, the whole you." Tia chuckled nervously. "Right." Ming chuckle, the tigress looking her treat over. "Now, there's two questions to be answered before anything else - Feet-first or head-first, and Belly-up or Belly-down?" |
| Back at Rikers forge, he was busy working on a new blade design that he always wanted to try. "CLANG" Standing over hot metal that he folded two hundred times, he was busy hammering away to form the shape he desired. One fit for a warrior if they wish to purchase one day. "CLANG" Upon inspection, he used tongs to pick his blade up before quenching it in oil, being careful of the fire that burst forth from it upon impact. "Almost ready." Upon bringing it out and cleaning it, he smiled as he knew his work will soon be worth it. Yet, a thought of a idea came to him. "Echina, is it possible for you to enchant items?" Giggling, said genie floated around. "Of course I can, all you would need is to wish it. Yet, I must ask, why do all this work, when I could just magic your idea into reality?" Chuckling, Riker set the blade on the table to finnish cooling. "I do this work so I know my efforts can help others. Wishing it may make it easier, yes..." Turning to Echona, Riker only smiled. "But doing the work myself makes me truly happy when I see customers buy my goods, and see them return for more." |
| Tia decided she may as well let Ming have her the traditional way, head first and belly down. Ming gently gasped her friend by the shoulders and enveloped Tia's head with her mouth, her tongue savoring Tia's flavor as she slowly forced more of her best friend's body into her throat. After a short while, Ming sat against the alleyway wall, a satisfied smile on her face as her belly had more than quadrupled in size. "Everything okay in there?" She asked. "I'm alright." Came Tia's voice. "So how was I?" "Delicious!" Ming said, "We should do this more often when we get the chance. In the meantime, mind giving me a rub while you're in there?" Ming began to purr as Tia rubbed her belly from the inside. "So, how long do you plan on keeping me in here?" Tia asked after a few minutes. "As I recall, you promised I could taste you as long as I wished. So it might be a while." Was Ming's reply. Ming took deep breaths for the duration of Tia's stay inside her belly, so she had a supply of fresh air. "After this is over, what do we do next?" Ming asked, "Well, finding out how all reality was altered for us would be a good start." Tia said. |
| "You mentioned another guest besides myself," said Ming. "Do you know who it was?" "I don't remember," said Tia. "Hmm, that is annoying," said Ming. That was when something crawled over the tigress's tail. She looked, and her eyes narrowed in anger. "Stinking rat!" She grabbed and threw a dagger, pinning the creature to the dirt, killing it instantly. "What happened?" Tia asked. "Stupid rat ran over my tail," said Ming. "It's dead though. Fit to be some other creature's dinner." "You should be careful," said Tia. "Grandfather used to say that some being would visit him whenever someone, or something, was just about to die, and not just when he had to fight monsters." "What do you mean by that?" Ming asked. "Well...." That was when an eerie whistle was heard, sending a chill down the tigress's spine. She looked, and saw a black-hooded white wolf holding up a translucent version of the rat. "Hello," the wolf said. "Mind letting Tia out? I've been wanting to talk to her for a while." Ming grabbed her sword. "I won't let you take her!" The wolf chuckled. "She's fine, as are you," he said. "It's neither of your times, yet. Besides, I know of whom you are after, and whom can be trusted to assist you." "Why would you help us?" Ming asked. "I'm what you might call a friend of the family," the wolf said. "I'm Death. Now, let her out." Ming gulped. "Tia?" "He's the being I mentioned," said Tia. Ming walked over to the mattress, and began the process of bringing Tia up. Soon enough, the human was outside of the tigress, covered in stomach bile. With some help from Ming, she got into the tub, and began washing, Ming assisting her. Both were watching the white wolf. Death sat on the bench with a chuckle. "Been a while since I've seen you, Tia, or at least paid you more than a strictly professional visit." "I saw you when my grandfather died," said Tia. "Mother said that I was imagining things." Death chuckled. "I'm not usually welcome at a funeral. Still, even I had to pay my respects to his mortal remains, even though, technically, he and I tend to chat about the things he did." A slight grin came to the wolf's lips. "What sort of things?" Tia asked. "Was there a woman involved?" "To be honest, there was a number of them, and, in all seriousness, his quest was far more complicated than merely hunting down and slaying Echidna," said Death. "Time travel was involved. He'd been flung far into the future. Well, he inspired people - human and monster alike. It took years, decades even. He made plenty of allies, even befriending those who originally saw him as an enemy. The aided him in that final battle, knowing that his victory would cost them their lives, if he managed to make it back to the past. However, he did so, and now, because of him, they will have a chance, chance to live free, with humans not being seen as pets, livestock, or wild game, and thus not on the menu as often. Or, rather, that's how it should have been." "So, what happened?" Ming asked. "Malajinn happened," said Death. He looked at Tia. "You made a wish while talking to them - that you and your family were just regular people. This is the result of that wish. It might not seem as bad as what Echidna had done, but that's because he's being smart about it. He knows that if he makes too many enemies in too short a time, he'll have trouble. After all, hit the right triggers, and folks will remember, just as you have done." "So, what do we do?" Tia asked. "Seek out those you knew, and help them to remember," said Death. He stood up, and looked at Ming. "By the way, while swallowing air can potentially prolong her stay, I wouldn't recommend having her in your stomach for more than thirty minutes at a time, and never when tired, hungry, or injured - trust me on that, especially on the last one." "Personal experience?" Ming asked. Death nodded. "I'm there for every death," he said. "I'll be seeing you two later." He then began to walk away, fading as he did so, making that eerie whistle. |
| Shivering, Ming grasped her right arm, trying to calm her nerves as her fur stood up all over. "Tia, remind me not to piss him off..." Chuckling, Tia only scratched her cheek. "Yeah, not a good idea to mess with Death himself... Hehehe..." |
| After getting Tia redressed, the pair stepped out of the alley. "So, how exactly do we find people we knew before?" Ming asked, and Tia shrugged. "Look around for familiar faces, I guess." "Do you see anybody in the crowd?" Tia looked around, seeing humans and monsters of all kinds, but none she recognized. Until she spotted a naga blacksmith across the way, busily hammering at a piece of metal. "Hmmm, there's something about that blacksmith. I can't place it, but I feel as though I know him." "Well then, let's go introduce ourselves." Back at the palace, Malajinn was thinking about what Death had said before. The line of Sam Royal always finds a way. But surely, with the princess's memories of her former life erased, how could she pose a threat to him? Even if she did remember, he was an all-powerful genie, and she was a mere human. How could she possibly even harm, let alone actually slay him? He pushed the thought from his mind. He was being paranoid. No mortal could pose a threat to the likes of him, no matter how skilled they may be. Right now, he would enjoy ruling the kingdom of the former princess. Maybe consider expanding his dominion to other lands while he was at it... |
| "Still, perhaps I should have her eliminated, just in case," he said. "Let's see - Wanted, Dead or Alive. Crime - Theft of Valuables. Reward - 500 gold coins. Payable upon Proof of Capture or Death. No Questions Asked. Yes - that sounds believable enough, without a lot of folks asking too many questions." Garth Snapjaw was at an eating establishment. The werewolf was something of a mercenary, and a bounty hunter. He watched the notice board. Nothing caught his attention. Most were too low, or had done crimes he wasn't worried about, like petty theft, and a bunch were humans. He enjoyed the meat stew - it was beef. He had nothing against eating human meat, even enjoyed it on occasion, but he felt that too much of it on a regular basis wasn't good. After all, he enjoyed the company of humans, and didn't like those who slept with a human during the night, with the intention of having them for breakfast in the morning. Then, a new notice appeared. A human woman was the target, the notice having an image of her. She was wanted for theft, 500 gold, Dead or Alive, Payable upon proof of Capture or Death. It was the image that caught the werewolf's attention. The outfit said Peasant Farmer. But, those eyes. There was something about them that Garth couldn't place, and yet, felt familiar. "I think I know this one," he muttered, as he walked up to the board. "Probably someone you used in an alleyway, boss," said a lizardman that walked over as well. "Just saw her over at the marketplace with some Rakshasa female heading into that alley behind that place run by that skunk fella. 500 for stealing? Must of robbed a client of something valuable." "That's not how I know her," said Garth. There was something in his memories, but what, he couldn't remember. "Well, there's a few folks I've spotted looking at this thing on the other boards, like that ogre over there," the lizard said. Garth looked at the ogre in question, who was heading towards the market. "There's three hundred on him for assault and destruction of property," he said. "I think he's worth more than some client complaining about a piece of missing jewelry." "So, what do you want to do?" the lizard asked. "I'm going to follow him while you get the others," said Garth. "The moment he tries something to this farm girl, we rush him, and capture him. As for the farm girl, we'll leave her be, for now." "So, you're going to pass up an easy five hundred in favor of a tougher three?" the lizard asked. "Something about it doesn't smell right," said Garth. "Besides, I don't care much for wealthy folks with a petty grudge against some whore that was probably cheated of what was their fair pay anyways." |
Chapter 2: The Hunt for a Royal Begins At Riker's Forge, both Ming and Tia entered into Riker's shop, being awed at all the tools for farming and building, weapons, and silverware that decorated the shop. Yet, as they looked around and browsed, they never seen Echina poof into existance behind the counter. "Hello, and welcome to Riker's Forge. Can I help you with anything? Maybe a special order?" Upon hearing a voice, both Tia and Ming look to her, wondering if she had a connection to who they wished to speak to, yet felt uneasy as to where she may of came from. |
| "We'd like to speak to the owner of this shop," Tia said. "May I ask why?" Echina inquired. "Let's just say we have an important message for him," Ming interjected, cutting straight to the point. Echina eyed the pair suspiciously before relenting and calling out, "Master Riker, you have visitors!" |
| Riker slithered out. "How my I help - " he stopped, and stared at the pair. "You?" Then, his eyes widened, as Tia and Ming heard some rather heavy footsteps behind them. A large hand placed itself on Tia's shoulder. "500 gold," the owner of the hand said. "All mine." Ming shot Tia a look, a look that said, "Don't move." She then turned to look at the speaker, a rather large ogre. "Let her go," she said. "She's mine." "Just because your stink is on her, doesn't make her yours," the ogre said. "It's not like you got a hold on her, or even a rope binding her up. Someone placed 500 gold on her head for stealing, Dead or Alive. No questions asked. So, be a good kitty, and I won't rip her head off." "And there's three hundred on yours for assault and destruction of property," said another voice. The ogre turned his body. "Well, Garth Snapjaw. Heard of you. What makes you think that you can take me?" "Only the latest in mobile artillery," said Garth, as he instinctively pointed. The ogre looked. Outside of the shop was a centaur pulling a cart. In the cart was a goblin operating a ballista, which was aimed at the ogre's head. "You only got one shot," the ogre said. "Wanna bet?" the goblin asked. "Got six more all set up." The ogre looked at Garth. "Another time." They began to walk away, in a hurry. After a while, a lizardperson entered the shop. "He's gone, but I think he'll be back with friends of his." "Buys us enough time," said Garth, as he walked up to the human. "Who are you, and why do I feel like I know you?" Tia looked at him, her eyes widening. "Because you were one of my bodyguards, Garth Snapjaw," she said. "I'm Tiabon Royal." Garth's eyes widened. "Princess?" He then looked at Ming. "I know you too - Ming Swiftpaw. We've been friends ever since we were cubs." Ming's eyes widened. "Yes, we have." "Boss, what's going on?" the lizardperson asked. "Tell me that you know what's going on, for I don't understand," said Garth. |
| "That makes two of us..." Coming up to the group, Riker had a bit of a confused look. "I'm Riker Nabala. Smithy and owner of this shop, and this is Echima, my... um..." Giggling, Echima poofed herself next to Riker before glomping him from behind. "I'm a genie, Riker's to be exact as he wears my ring." |
| "If you're a genie, can you undo Malajinn's spell and restore the world to the way it was before?" Tia asked, and Echima frowned. "I'm afraid not. His power is far beyond mine. I'm still what you might call an amateur genie. Not a lot of experience with granting wishes, having only had a few masters before Riker." Ming sighed in frustration. "Should've known it wouldn't be that easy. Still, there must be some way..." Just then, Tia had an idea. "Perhaps my grandfather's old sword could be of some help." "But wasn't it buried with him?" Ming asked, and Tia nodded. "Yes. But at least we already know where it is. Which means our next stop is Sam Royal's tomb." But when they made it to where the tomb would be located, there was nothing there. "Of course." Tia said, "Because history has been rewritten, my grandfather was never buried in his grand tomb. Which means he was never the hero he was in the proper timeline, and probably never had the sword at all." She facepalmed herself. Why didn't she figure that out before? "So, now what do we do?" Riker asked. |
| "How did Sam originally get the sword?" Echima asked. Tia thought. "He got it from his father. Something about a bolt of lightning." There was a certain eerie whistle. "What's that sound?" Garth asked, going for his sword. "An ally," said Tia. "Or, at least something close to one." Death appeared at the base of a tree, looking up into the branches. Noise was coming from higher up. "Snake found a bird's nest with hatchlings. Parents are fighting back though. Something among them will die, and I'll be collecting their soul." "You know about my grandfather's sword," said Tia. Death nodded. "I'm well acquainted with that blade," he said. "Gave me plenty of business in Echidna's timeline. Less-so in the corrected one." "Do you have it, or know where it is?" Tia asked. "If I did, I'd test you to see if you were ready to use it," said Death. "That sword doesn't exist - the Gods created it to destroy Echidna and those like her." "How to we stop Malajinn then?" Tia asked. "The good news is, I can create a sword that can do the job, but, it requires a willing sacrifice to make it work," said Death. "And no, you can't just find someone that's fatally injured or terminally ill - for the sword would require a strong-willed spirit. One that knows that they will be fighting to protect the innocent. In fact, I know of only one, and it's rather fitting actually." "Who?" Tia asked. "You," Death said, as he pulled out a short sword from his robe. "I stab you with this, and your spirit will enhance it to the point that it will be almost on par with your grandfather's blade." "If you need life to enhance that blade, take mine," said Ming as she got in front of Tia. "Commendable, and yours would be acceptable, but if I don't select the right person, who is willing to die to protect those innocent that suffer, the blade would be too weak to harm Malajinn," said Death. "Ming, he's right," said Tia. "You're willing to die to protect me." She walked in front of the tigress, and looked her in the eyes. "I'm willing to die to protect everyone." She gave her a kiss. She then turned, and looked at Death. "I'm ready." The wolf nodded. "I'll mitigate the pain as much as possible." He walked up to Tia, and stabbed her in the side, the blade going through her. Tia looked at the injury. "Um, as annoying at this feels, that's not going to kill me." Death grinned. "Never said that you had to die," he said. "You just had to be willing." He then looked at the handle of the blade, which was glowing. "Hmm. Interesting. Now, this part will hurt." He yanked the sword out. The scream was rather loud indeed, as Tia collapsed to the ground, trying to cover the bleeding wounds. The blade was bathed in Holy Fire. It was now a longsword. Death looked at the blade, and looked at Tia's injuries, which were healing up rather nicely. "Your grandfather's blade acted in a similar manner. It couldn't harm those whose intentions were good, even helping to heal non-fatal injuries." He chuckled. "Your grandfather reacted in a similar manner when I had to test his worthiness to get his blade back. At least I didn't pin you to something and leave you having to chit-chat with a prior victim. The pain should subside in a while." "And then?" Tia asked, looking at Death. Death looked at her, and then up at the tree. Something fell. It was a snake. It was dead, torn to pieces. He took out a scythe, and swung. He bent down, and picked up the snake's spirit. "You have a price on your head, as did your grandfather. Make him proud." |
| It was then Riker stepped forward, inspecting the blade. "Remarkable. This blade looks to be similar to one's I read about from many years gone. Yet..." Looking at it calmly, he seen that it seemed to vibrate at a high frequency. Testing it, her plucked a blade of grass, gently running it across the sharp end, watching it be cut clean through. "It seems to be alive at the same time, vibrating at a high frequency." |
| "Even with this sword, we alone won't be able to defeat Malajinn," Ming said. "We'll need to gather allies. A lot of them." "So what you're saying is, we'll need an army." Tia summed up. "Exactly." "Well, we already have another genie on our side. So that's a good start. But who else can help us?" They all looked towards Death, who sadly shook his head. "Unfortunately, I can't directly aid you. I only did so with your grandfather because of his unique circumstances." "Having our history rewritten doesn't count as unique circumstances?" Ming asked a bit sarcastically. "What Echidna did disrupted the entire balance between life and death. That's why I was allowed to help Sam. Malajinn is more cunning. He's not letting humans be sold and eaten en masse or hunted for sport. Humans may be second-rate citizens in this timeline, but at least they're not being butchered needlessly." "Isn't there anything you can do?" Tia asked. "Unlike Echidna, Malajinn has only taken over this specific kingdom, and not the entire planet. I suggest you start by seeking the help of neighboring kingdoms. Convince them to join your cause." |
| "So, what's this about a price upon my head?" Tia asked. "That ogre said that I stole something and that I was worth five hundred gold as a result." "That might be my fault," said Death. "He was thinking about making you part of his haram, and I told him that he'd end up dead if he did that. I guess he wants to make sure that's unlikely to happen." It was at that moment that Tia groaned in pain, and not from where Death had stabbed her. "What's wrong?" Ming asked. "Something in my stomach," said Tia. "Eat something off?" Garth asked. "I don't think so," said Tia. "Back away," said Death. The wolf looked Tia over, his eyes focused on her belly. "Well, got to give him some credit. A diamond. Slightly too big to pass through, or regurgitate easily, without a whole lot of extra pain. Guess he took my comment about a diamond covered in dung literally. It would justify a bounty on your head." "How?" Tia asked. "Magic," said Death. "He can't bring you to him, but he can send things to, and, in this case, inside of you." "So, does anyone know of a good purgative?" Ming asked. "None that wouldn't debilitate her for a few days," said Garth. The werewolf looked at Echima. "Can you magic it out of her?" |
| Thinking, Echima looked to Riker who seemed to think the same thing as she nodded. Taking a clothe out, he gently held it spread out in his hand. "In advance, Tia, sorry about this... Echima, I wish for the diamond to appear in my hand safely." Giggling, Echima raised a hand as magic surrounded it. "So you have wished it, so it shall be, my master." Confused, Tia only started to question what he ment till she suddenly felted bloated, as if air was filling her belly before feeling it come up her throught. Opening her mouth, pink mist flooded out till a full diamond was in Riker's hand, leaving Tia coughing from a dry throught. Covering the gem, Riker handed it to Garth before handing Tia a canteen of fresh water. "Unpleasant, yet effective, right?" |
| Taking a long swig, Tia was glad to have that unpleasant experience over with. "Now that that's out of the way, we'll need a plan to reach the neighboring kingdoms undetected. No doubt the borders will be under heavy guard. And some of them may need more convincing than others." "What do you mean?" Ming asked. "Some of our neighbors hold a grudge against us for one reason or another. Be it jealousy or for some perceived offense " "We'll worry about that when we get to them." Garth said. "For now, I know how to get past the border guards. Follow me." |
| "So, how are we going to get past the border guards?" Ming asked. Garth chuckled. "As a reasonably successful sword for hire, and bounty hunter, I have plenty of money to smooth over anyone that deals in paperwork." "What if they don't want money?" Tia asked. "What if they want a different sort of payment?" "I wouldn't worry about that," said the goblin. They then opened up a hidden hatch on the cart, and pulled out the sort of outfit a lesser noble might wear, followed by that of a servant. "One noble tigress Lady and her lowly human Handmaiden coming right up." "And there's our way over the border," said Garth. "We are taking the tigress Lady to her husband-to-be, while accompanied by her personal human servant, a job for which we are being well-paid for. It even justifies the false bottom if it's found, as many roads have bandits on them." |
| Thinking a bit, Riker began to think up something. "Tia, Garth, Ming. I know I wasn't much help as a butler in the past, but please, allow me to come along as both your blacksmith, and as a seller of goods." Giggling, Echima glomped him from behind, makng sure to squish her bussom into his back, making him blush. "Yeah! We could be your info gatherers from inside places!" In a proof of pink smoke, Echima was now dressed in a full body fishnet leotard, purple tube top and skirt, toe-less boots, fingerless gloves and for some reason was wielding a giant hammer that weighs 2-tons. "We could be your ninjas of the night." It was then Riker flicked her forehead, making her poor back to normal. "Or just be a merchant in need of goods from other kingdoms." Rubbing her forehead, Echima cried crocodile tears. "Ruin my fun... Owie..." |
| When Malajinn took over, he used his magic to erect a great wall all around the border of the kingdom, with only certain spots allowing for entry or exit. One guard, a minotaur in charge of the north gate, saw a group approaching. "Halt!" The travelers stopped and he looked them over. "What is your business?" "Just escorting a noble to her wedding." Garth said calmly. The minotaur looked at Ming and Tia. "What's with the human?' "She's her lady's favorite servant. Never leaves homw without her." |
| The minotaur then looked at Garth. "You look familiar. Have I seen you somewhere before?" "It's possible," said Garth. "If someone doesn't hire me for Protection, I hunt down Bounties, as well as dangerous animals making trouble for travelers." The minotaur grinned, and started laughing. "Now I remember. A trio of harpy bandits. My first month on the job, and you pulled up with those three, as if they were fowl being sent to the market." Garth grinned. "Got a nice bounty on those three." "Say, have you heard about this recent thief?" the minotaur asked. "Some human whore stole a diamond worth several hundred gold, and now there's a price on her head." Garth nodded. "Yeah, and I had a nice little chat with her." "Did you claim the bounty on her already?" the minotaur asked. "500 gold is too low for me," said Garth. "Barely worth my associates' time and supplies. Now, if she'd been worth five thousand, and had done something other than what she told me she'd done, I would be inclined to bring her in." "So, what happened?" the minotaur asked. "Apparently, a Loxedonte - an elephantfolk sort - with more wealth than brains, who had a diamond piercing on his maleness, if you can believe it, decided to hire her for services, if you get my drift," said Garth. "Go on," the minotaur said, interested in the story. "Somehow, she managed to fit his maleness into her mouth, and partially down her throat, treating him real good too," Garth said. "Well, this fool decided that she wasn't treating him good enough, and told her that he wasn't going to pay her for her lousy services." "What happened?" the minotaur asked. "No whore, after being told that no pay is coming, is going to keep providing services," said Garth. "She tried to push herself away, and remove the fool's maleness from her mouth. Dumb fool didn't like this and, well, thumped her on the head with his fist. Problem is, a good chunk of his maleness, diamond included, were still in her mouth, and down her throat. Her incisors went Snip, and she instinctively swallowed to keep from choking. After that, well, I'm sure you know how it goes." "Sounds painful," said the minotaur, with a sympathetic groan. "She bit off an elephantfolk's -" "Yep, by accident, mind you," said Garth. "Like I said, fool had more money than brains. That whore knew what she's worth, and knew to stop if pay wasn't coming. The way I figure, the fool castrated himself." "And the diamond?" the minotaur asked. "The way I figure, she's earned it, legally too," said Garth. "Payment for pain and suffering." The minotaur chuckled. "Never was a fan of them that tried to cheat a good whore myself," he said. "Hard to find a good horn polisher if one cheats them, if you know what I mean." "Hard to find a good tail wagger if you do that," said Garth. He then motioned the minotaur closer. "Personally, I'm pretty certain that my client here uses her servant for more than just clothes duty." The minotaur gave a knowing grin. "I can smell that tigress's stink on that human." That was when Garth placed a number of gold coins into the minotaur's waiting hand. "To make sure that you can afford a good time, the next time you hire a whore." The minotaur stepped back, and waved them through the gate, only to stop Riker and Echima. "What about these two?" "Partial side-contract," said Garth. "Heading in the same direction, don't know how to fight too well, so I gave them a discount, in exchange for a rather nice dagger." He pulled out a jewel-encrusted dagger. "Not the most practical for an actual fight, but looks fancy enough to carry in a noble's palace without too many questions." |
| Looking at the dagger, the guard began to think as he looked to Riker. "Say, you wouldn't happen to have a blade similar to that, would you? I'd spread word with travelers that pass by here." Chuckling, Riker placed a hand into his side bag, where a similar dagger to Garth's appeared in his hand, thanks to Echima's genie magic, before pulling it out and handed it to the guard. "Of course kind sir, and any bussiness you send my way would be greatly appreciated. I left my apprentice to run my shop, a young wolf by the name of Sirus." Chuckling, the guard inspected the weapon before setting it to his side belt. "Thank you for your contribution, and gift young sir. I'll be sure to let any who nerd your goods know where your shop is, and of your apprentice. You may pass." As the minataur guard steps aside, Riker and Echima rejoin the others as they begin there journy. |
| After they had crossed the border and were out of earshot of the guard, Tia said to Garth, "Was that story with the whore and the elephant really the best you could come up with?" Garth couldn't help but chuckle. "Why? Do you think I could have made the elephant a dragon instead?" "You could've simply said I stole the diamond, you didn't need to go any farther than that!" "Sorry, but I had to make it more convincing. Don't take it personally. I know you'd never really stoop that low. So, what's our first stop?" "We're already in the kingdom of Belamor, so we might as well start here." "Will they be easy to get to join our cause?" Ming asked. "Maybe, and maybe not. They've always historically been a neutral nation, preferring to stay out of others' affairs. Unless that was changed as well, along with our reality." It would be a long trek to Belamor's capital, so the group stopped at the first village they came across at the local inn for the night. Tia and Ming shared one room, Riker and Echina another, while Garth and his band made camp outside. |
| Tia was sitting in a tub in the room, Ming washing her. "I'm not happy with the story that Garth gave about what I did," said Tia. "Saying that I was a whore and all that." "As crude and vulgar as the story was, it's an excellent way to keep the average, or, rather, any serious Bounty Hunter with a reputation, away," said Ming. "I know of Garth's reputation, or ay least this version of him. Him saying that he's not going after some whore that was cheated and assaulted by a client sends a message to other Bounty Hunters with a similar reputation - you're not worth the effort. That protects you just as effectively as killing those bounty hunters, maybe more so, as you don't have blood on your hands, blood that cries out for revenge and your head on a spear." "Okay, I guess I'll give him that," said Tia. "But still, an elephant?" Ming grinned. "Trust me - I've known of bull elephants I'd love to bite the malenesses off of," she said. "Carnivores might have a reputation for eating the flesh of others, but herbivores, they'd kill you for the fun of it." "I see," said Tia. "So, do you want some fun before supper, or do you just want to get dried off before helping to get me ready?" Ming asked. |
| Within Riker and Echima's room, Riker was busy working drawing up a few idea's for new weapons and possibly a way to enchant them. Yet, Echima herself was just stepping out of the bath, wrapped in nothing but a towel around her bussom when she walked up behind Riker and hugged him. "So, I made your apprentice a reality like you wished. But, may I ask you why are you really helping Tia?" Looking to Echima, Riker relaxed as he set his pencil down. "When I first started working in the kingdom, I messed up a lot. Simple orders always confused me, and I sometimes tripped over my own two feet in big crowds, or said something entirely embarressing. But, then Tia would always remind me that even small mistakes can reveal great idea's." Smiling, Echima kissed Riker on the cheek, surprising him slightly as he turned bright red, making her giggle. "Cute, humble, and creative. I really hit the jackpot with you, master.~" |
| Tia didn't feel particularly in the mood for Ming's idea of "fun" at the moment. So she just dried off and helped her friend with her own bath. "Don't cats usually lick themselves to get clean?" "Some do. I just prefer the feel of hot water against my fur than my tongue." |
| "Besides, most tiger-types love swimming, and many feline sorts don't mind bathing if not thrown into the water," said Ming. "I guess that makes sense," said Tia. "That being said Tia, do keep in mind what you are in this world," said Ming. "We might know the truth, same with Riker and Garth, and those with them, about you being royalty, but, in this world, you're just a farmer, and anyplace else, if it doesn't look like you belong to someone, in one manner of speaking or another, someone stronger than you will try to make you theirs. So if doing some embarrassing things, like licking my feet, is deemed necessary to keep folks from looking at you, you'd better do so without complaints." Tia looked at her. "Seriously? Lick your feet?" "That's rather tame compared to some things I've seen, even as a blade for hire, in this world," said Ming. "I remember escorting this dragoness, and she liked to eat this berry paste on her meals, one that made her breath just stink really bad, and belch a lot, and she'd make her servants clean her teeth, all while belching at them. If a servant complained, well, let's just say that her belches were nothing compared to her farts." "Ew!" Tia said, disgusted. "Although, sometimes, the relationships are rather wholesome, if strange," said Ming. "There was another dragoness, who would walk on her servants, only, these servants honestly seemed to like her stepping on them, always moving after she lifted her feet, so that all she stepped on was them. No mind-control stuff or anything of the sort going on, beyond a potion or two to keep them from being crushed to death. I was wondering why they did that, then I found out that she had rather sensitive soles, which never got the toughness the average sole, let alone a dragon's sole, gets, being easy to injure, and these servants, being about her age at the time, suggested that she walk on them, to protect her feet. Well, even with treatment, her soles never got tougher, and her servants, even now, lay themselves before her feet, seeing it as an honor to be able to protect them for her." "That does sound strange," said Tia. "But, at the same time, commendable." Ming nodded. "She's one I have in mind that we should meet," the tigress said. |
| "Well, before we do that, we need to see the ruler of Belanor first." The next morning, the group made their way to the capital of the country. Once they arrived, they passed multiple criers announcing the previous king's passing and the coronation of the new king. "Damn. Now what do we do?" Ming asked. "We'll just have to negotiate with the prince then," Tia said. "I'm sure it won't make much of a difference." The good news was that Belanor was a more human-friendly kingdom than Malajinn's. The bad news, though, was that the soon-to-be king was none other than Tia's former would-be suitor, Wilhelm. (Remember, because Malajinn rewrote the timeline, Wilhelm was never incinerated. So in this reality, he's still alive.) As they entered the palace and Tia saw Wilhelm, she couldn't help but let out a groan. "Oh no." She whispered, "Not him." "What do you want?" Wilhelm asked rather rudely. "Can't you see I am extremely busy? I have my father's funeral to attend, and my coronation to plan. I have no time for commoners right now!" "My name is Tia Royal," Tia said, cutting straight to the point. Wilhelm's eyes widened as his memory suddenly returned as well. "You! You rejected me! What are you even doing here?" "We seek to ally against Malajinn, who has usurped my kingdom and rewritten history itself. We will need the help of you and your armies to do so." "Normally, I would have you imprisoned for having gone mad, telling such a crazy story," Wilhelm said. "But I remember what actually happened. If I help you, what's in it for me personally?" "You're going to be king of your own country! What more could you possibly want?" Ming asked exasperatedly. Wilhelm smiled wickedly. "Very simple. In exchange for my help, Princess Tiabon must agree to become my queen." |
| Tia looked at Wilhelm. She then looked at Ming, and grinned. "Ming, can your stomach hold someone his size?" she asked. "It can," the tigress said, as she looked at the guards, who were starting to, cautiously, cover the prince. "And you'd better say what you're thinking of before you get us in trouble." "Anyone seeking to be my husband, be they of Royal, Noble, or even Common, birth, better be as brave as I am, and be willing to spend time in the stomach of a monster of my choosing," Tia said, as she held Ming's shoulder. "I will say this, I know of hers to be reasonably comfortable." She looked at Wilhelm. "So, you got the guts to spend a bit of time in her guts? After all, from what I've heard, my grandfather spent plenty of time in the guts of trustworthy monsters." There was a certain whistle, as Death appeared. "And I can personally vouch for that." The white wolf looked at Wilhelm. "Hmm, interesting. I collected you in the last timeline - you had been turned into a vampire in full sun, and it looks like you remember that fate. Don't make any foolish mistakes this time around." He held out a hand, and the spirit of the dead king showed up. "Hello, Your Majesty. Now, normally, after someone passes on, I'd just take them and go. But, I wonder if you got any final words for your son? Perhaps to tell him to not act like a foolish idiot like he was in his last life." |
| At the sight of his fathers spirit was when Wilhelm began to sweat, only to be noticed by Garth and Ming. Making them wonder what he was scared of. As the dead king turned to Wilhelm, the face of disappointment was seen. "If you truly wish to be king, you must first show your people your bravery to hold there troubles upon your shoulders, and be willing to face your fears of death." Upon these words, Wilhelms mind continued to replay his death as a vampire, making his fear grow upon remembering Tia's deal. Yet, he slowly reached for his dagger that he held at his side. |
| "I wouldn't if I were you." Tia said in a warning tone. "Whatever you're planning to do with that, it won't end well for you." Wilhelm hesitated. "Isn't there any alternative to marry you? Anything at all?" Tia had a devious idea just then. "How about this? You and me in a duel, no weapons, only skill. If you win, I'll marry you when Malajinn has been dealt with. If I win, you help us with no questions asked, and Ming gets to swallow you anyway." Wilhelm smirked. How much trouble could a pampered princess give him in a fight? "Alright then, I accept." The ghost of the former king looked at his son sternly. "Remember, son, you are of royal blood. You must keep whatever oath you make." "I know. But that means she does too." Tia handed her sword to Ming and prepared herself. "You want to fight right here?" Wilhelm said, surprised. "Very well." Throwing his dagger aside, he got into a combat stance. "Ming, will you be the referee?"Tia asked. Ming smiled and stepped forward. "Alright, ground rules. No low blows, or otherwise underhanded moves. That goes for both of you." |
| "Well, this is going to be fun," Death said, as he grabbed a table, and a chair, and loaded it with food and drink. "That being said, here's some info that you two might want to think on." He looked at the Prince. "Wilhelm - in both timelines, you were a hunter, a decent one to be fair, but you had helpers to handle any dangerous game that you didn't kill cleanly. Likewise, your combat training - anyone that sparred with you had to be very careful to not hurt you too badly." He then at Tia. "By contrast," he continued. "Tia, in this timeline, she was a farmer, dealing with pigs, sheep, cattle, other livestock, needing to fend off wolves, bears, and savage creatures by herself, mostly, and in the rightful timeline, she's wrestled monsters since she was a child - granted, they were monsters her age, who were told to be careful, but as anyone knows, monsters tend to be stronger, faster, hard to beat - got to a point that, even when the monsters were allowed to use their actual strength and such, she could wrestle them to a draw sixty percent of the time, and outright win fifteen percent of the time. Of course, she still lost twenty-five percent of the time, but she was getting better. Then, there was her actual training - again, her sparing partners tended to be monsters, and again, it got to the point that the monsters were allowed to fight her with all they had, and while she still lost a quarter of the time, she did fight them to a draw seventy percent of the time, even winning the rest. Now, while I won't say that dealing with livestock compares to fighting monsters, in a one on one fight, a farmer tends to out muscle a spoiled prince, especially a farmer that remembers wrestling monsters for fun." He looked back at Wilhelm. "Besides, this world is a result of your doing," the white wolf said. "I was there when you freed him, made your wish, and became extra crispy, all because Tia had told you 'No'. Also, since you're dead in the proper timeline, regardless of winning or losing this duel, you're going to have to deal with me, and I don't accept bribes or pleas that readily. You'll have to convince me that you deserve this second chance, and to allow it to continue." |
| Wilhelm gulped nervously. Tia on the other hand, was furious when she heard Death's words. "You mean this whole thing is your fault!?" She was extremely tempted to forget the rules of their match, grab her sword and behead Wilhelm right then and there. "Calm down, Tia."Ming said, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder."His fault or not, we still need him to fix this mess." Taking a deep breath, Tia calmed herself and resumed her stance. "Alright, let's get this over with." Wilhelm thought he could take the princess by surprise, and charged head long towards her. But Tia expected such a thing from him and was unfazed. They grappled each other and tried to force the other down on their knees. Wilhelm was shocked to find that despite her skinny, lithe frame, Tia was surprisingly strong, and gave him more trouble than he had expected. Tia thought of giving the prince a good hard knee to the crotch for the trouble he'd caused. But if she did that, she'd forfeit the match. Watching Ming swallow him whole once she won would have to suffice. |
| "You're doing good, Tia," Death said. "Just remember this - your body, while decently strong, isn't as strong as your rightful one." "I'll keep that in mind," Tia said, as she tried to find a good position. "But you need to remember why you don't have that body," said Death. "You made a wish, a wish that your family had been regular people." "I remember," said Tia. "So keep in mind that while Wilhelm freed Malajinn, you created this alternative timeline," said Death. "I didn't know that I was talking to a genie," said Tia, as she finally caused Wilhelm to lose his footing. "Maybe, but you're still responsible for creating it," said Death. "Oh, and make a guess as to who is still technically alive because of it." Tia looked at him. "Tell me you're joking." "Not about her," said Death. "Thankfully, she was severely weakened to the point that she has yet to wake up, but, if she did...." The white wolf shuddered. "You're afraid?" Tia asked. Death nodded. "Could we defeat her, as we are?" Tia asked. "Yes," said Death. "But, even weakened, she's still more powerful than Malajinn is, if barely. If they teamed up, or absorbed the other's power..... just as bad if not worse than what your grandfather had to deal with." He looked at Tia. "You up for that?" With a burst of strength, Tia managed to pin Wilhelm's arms, keeping him from getting up, as he struggled to find leverage. "I think so." Death blinked. "If nothing else, you're very focused on your goal. That might give you the chance you need." He walked over. "This contest is done. Tiabon Royal is the winner." Tia let go, stood up, and stepped back from Wilhelm. "I'm not done," said Wilhelm, as he stood up. He stepped towards Tia, only for Death to grab him. "Let go of me." "Take your clothes off," said Death. "How dare you say that?" said Wilhelm. "I claimed your soul in the rightful timeline, meaning that if all goes right, you're dead anyways, unless you can convince me that allowing you to live will be better for the future," said Death. "At the moment, I see a spoiled brat that was beaten by someone who was distracted by rather terrible news, who bested you despite it, which I find surprising, because you were distracted by personal fear of what you'd done, which was simply cause your own demise." Death then looked at Ming. "Might as well remove your clothes." The tigress nodded, and began to undress. Death looked back at Wilhelm. "I'll give you a choice - her belly or mine. You enter her belly willingly, it shows that you're a man of your word. However, if I swallow you, you'll see all the suffering you've caused because of your foolishness, and folks will know you to be a coward." |
| Between the two options, Wilhelm began to sweat. The weight of what he help cause upon his shoulders feel heavy till he slumped to the floor. "I... I... I admit defeat, and I will do as we agreed upon." |
| "Very wise." Said Death, "Maybe there's some hope for you after all." While Wilhelm wasn't looking, Tia whispered to Ming, "As you eat him, could you chew on him a bit? Just to soften him up?" Ming ginned. "Gladly." |
| However, when Ming and Tia looked back at Wilhelm, who had taken their clothes off by now, they noticed Death staring at them. "A piece of advice," the wolf said, as if speaking to the Prince, but really to them. "Always be respectful of all you encounter, even enemies you meet in battle. After all, karma has a habit of biting you in the ass, sometimes literally. I would know." "Okay, scratch making it painful, and settle for making it uncomfortable," Ming muttered. Tia nodded in agreement. Death grinned, and gave them a wink. "Well, I'm off. See you around." He then vanished, making the whistling sound. Wilhelm shuddered, and walked up to them. "Tell me we won't be seeing him soon." "So long as nothing is about to die," said Tia. "Thing is, some of use can't live off of plant matter, so he might show up around mealtime," said Ming. |
| "Speaking of which," Ming gave Wilhelm a wicked smile, "It's time to uphold your end of your deal with Tia." Wilhelm sighed. He knew he wasn't going to enjoy this. "How long must I stay in her stomach?" "No less than thirty minutes." Tia stated. "Complain or make it difficult for Ming, and it'll be longer." "Fine. Let's get this over with." |
| Ming looked Wilhelm over, noting how much bigger he was than Tia, in terms of height, weight, width, and thickness. The Prince was big, for a human. Still, Ming had eaten bigger - there was a wild boar she'd eaten on a dare once on a Big Meal day, one she and Tia had hunted down by themselves in the true timeline. The meal had been delicious, and the belly rubs had been wonderful, although, the tigress would have to admit that the other things that had happened as a result had been annoying - not easy shedding that much extra weight, along with some other issues, that caused her to not want to eat it much afterwards. It explained why, in this timeline, she'd given pork and other pig meats some rather odd looks - phantom memories had caused her to think twice before accepting them, especially if there were no other options. Still, it wasn't like Wilhelm was going to be in her belly for long - he wouldn't be adding to her hips, waist, butt, and other things, for a while, hopefully. She looked at a food merchant. "Do you got any fish sauces, or something similar?" she asked. "The Prince might need some to help him slip past my lips and down my throat." The merchant chuckled nervously. "I might have something along those lines, but it's expensive. Wealthier monsters love using it for Big Meals, and even the average wealthy person enjoys having it to flavor their meals." "That's alright," said Ming. "The Prince can afford it to make his deal with us easier for him." With a groan, Wilhelm nodded. "I'll pay for it." A bottle was brought out. Ming dipped a claw into the sauce, and tasted it. A grin came to her lips. "Oh, I'm going to enjoy swallowing him." "Mind if I try some?" Tia asked. Ming passed the bottle over, and Tia had a drop of it. "Mmmm, Ming, I don't know who to be more jealous of," she said. "You for being able to enjoy more of it, or him being covered in it as you swallow him." "I take it that you approve of it," said Ming. "If I die, and you're there with this stuff, cover me in it before you eat my body," said Tia. Ming grinned. "Let's hope that isn't too soon." She looked at Wilhelm. "Mind covering him with it, as if you were rubbing him with body oil? I'm sure that would embarrass him." "Not a problem," said Tia, as she walked over with the bottle. "Let's get started." |
| Gaining a heavy blush, Wilhelm slumped in defeat as he surrendered himself to his fate. ~¤~ Within town, Riker and Echima were both busy selling wares he created, or buying supplies to use for the trip. It was then a elderly female Echidna woman stepped up to him. "Exscuse me young man, but can you spare some food for a hungry begger?" Hearing her, he looked to Echima who nodded as she went to the back as he turned back to the old echidna woman. "Please, have a seat ma'am. My name is Rike, and the one who exited was my partner, Echima. She'll be back shortly. May I have your name please?" Chuckling, the aged echidna woman moved to a seat, sitting down as her bones creaked and popped slightly. "I thank you for your kindness Sir Riker. My name, young merchant, is Anadina. I was once a priestess to a goddess who you may not know of about." |
| After covering Wilhelm in the sauce, Ming began the process of devouring him, slowly sliding him down her throat. She tried to make it as unpleasant as she could without harming him, as her muscles constricted and pressed against his body, the heat from her breath and innards sweltering as she savored his taste. When she was finished, Tia looked at a nearby sundial to time how long he would be inside Ming's guts. Tia tapped on Ming's belly. "Having fun in there?" "Oh yeah, the time of my life!" Came Wilhelm's sarcastic response. "Just let me know after thirty minutes are up." "Don't worry, we will. Afterwards, we can discuss how you and your armies can help us in our quest." |
| Meanwhile, Malajinn found himself staring at a chessboard on his personal dinning table. He looked the one on the other side of it - Death. The white wolf had a smirk on his lips, as he ate some of the fish that had been prepared for a light meal. "That's supposed to be mine," the evil jinn said. "All things that live, are claimed by me in the end," Death said. He gestured to the set-up board. "Black or white? Makes no difference to me." Malajinn sat down, and snapped his fingers, adjusting the board. "White." He made the first move. Death moved his piece. "The Royal Alliance has been started," he said. "Seems that Wilhelm, once he gets over his ego issue, will have a bit of a score to settle with you, and he has motivation to do right by Tia." "What do you mean?" Malajinn asked, moving a piece. "Pompous olf couldn't harm me anyways, hence why I allowed him to exist in this timeline." "True, but them that come into contact with her are starting to remember, just as she has," said Death, making another move. "She also has a blade on par with her grandfather's. None with evil in their heart can stand against it. Not even you." Malajinn growled, as he moved. "We'll see about that," he said. "I could get her!" Death's eyes narrowed, a glimpse of anger showing. "Do that, and I'll do much more than just play games with you," he said. "Jinn can die after all." "At a cost though," said Malajinn. "This power can't just go away. It needs a vassal-vessel, or vessel-vassal, as it were. From Jinn to Jinn." "That can be arranged," said Death. |
| Tia was tempted to let Wilhelm stew inside Ming a few minutes more, but time was up, and she had given her word. "Okay Ming, you can let him out now." Ming regurgitated Wilhelm's naked and bile covered, but otherwise unharmed body. "Remember, you promised to help us when we go against Malajinn if I beat you." Tia reminded him as he wiped himself off. "Yeah, yeah, I know. My armies will aid you when the time comes. Now if you'll excuse me, I need a serious bath before my coronation ceremony." Ming smiled at Tia as Wilhelm trudged off toward the royal bath house. "Well, that went better than expected. I thought for sure her would shirk on your deal." "Me too. But I guess he's not that much of a lout. Now that we have an army on our side, we should head across the sea to Atlatea. They have the best navy in the world, and are sure to come in handy against Malajinn. Problem is, they weren't exactly on friendly terms with us in the old timeline." "Maybe they won't remember that, though, and will be more willing to join us." "Let's hope so. Right now, we need to procure a ship." Unbeknownst to our heroine's, perched on a nearby windowsill was a sparrow, who had seen and heard everything that just transpired. As the party headed to the docks, it flew as fast as it could back to Malajinn's palace. Reaching the throne room, the sparrow shapeshifted into a more human form to inform it's master of the plot against him. "So, Belamor intends to go to war with me, do they?" Malajinn mused, "Then it's a war they shall have. Send out the other spies, and keep an eye on the princess and her companions. As for Belamor...A meteor strike on their capital should take care of this problem before it begins." |
| Malajinn walked to the window, looked in the direction of Belamor, and was about to summon the meteor when he heard something. He spun around, just in time to see an anaconda-sized King Cobra coil up around his spy, who seemed to be rather surprised themselves, and sink its venom-filled fangs into them. Its eyes seemed to watch the jinn, as the spy died. Then, the snake began to consume its meal, head-first. "How did that thing get here?" Malajinn asked. That was when he heard the whistle. "Thought that you'd leave me be after the chess game was over," he muttered. "Where there is death, I am there," the white wolf said, taking form. He looked at the still-eating snake. "The problem with taking the form of a bird is this - to a snake, you smell like lunch, and if the snake's big enough, you become said lunch." He held out his hand, and an energy ball came to him. Malajinn looked at the feeding snake. "Is that thing your doing?" Death grinned wickedly. "You might say that I know a few snake gods that owe me a few favors. The whole restarting the timeline the first time around. Then again, all gods owe me a few favors for that one. Thing is, they remember all timelines, and they prefer that the Royals remained in charge." "Is that thing going to stick around?" Malajinn asked, as the snake finished its meal. Death chuckled, walked over, and touched the snake. It turned into a staff, the size of a walking stick, with plenty of carvings that made it look like a snake, right down to the color. It then vanished. "Where did you send it?" Malajinn asked. Death grinned. "Now, that would be telling," he said. "However, I will say this - try to commit genocide again, and your spy's fate will be pleasant by comparison, compared to what I'll do to you." "You cannot kill me," said the jinn. "True," said Death. "But, as you well know, you'd be surprised at what you can live through - to the point that you might wish your own self out of existence." He chuckled. "After all, I can make you mentally experience that spy's demise, for starters. The mind is a terrible thing to break, even for one as powerful as you." Malajinn tried to gulp in fear, but his throat was dry. Death chuckled, and held up a glass of wine, and passed one to the jinn. "A drink, to your health." He downed the contents of the glass. "Good vintage." At Tia's location, the rebel royal was having her meal with her friends when the staff appeared before them with a note. Tia picked up the note, and heard that eerie whistle. She looked around, but saw no sign of the white wolf. She then looked at the note. "I can't protect you all the time," the note said. "However, a wooden snake can be just as deadly as a real one." "A gift from that wolf?" Ming asked, concern in her eyes. "Seems like it," said Tia. "Something tells me that refusing it would be a bad idea." She picked it up. "Skillful work for sure." Ming chuckled as she looked it over. "Indeed. Why, it even looks like it ate recently - see that bulge. Just above it, you can place your hand, and it won't slide down so easily." "And this texture makes for a good grip to," said Tia. "I wonder what it can do." |
| After helping the old begger woman and wished his goods to a pocket dimension for safe storage, Riker and Echima were both walking to meet with the group. All the while curious of the map he had in his hand. ~EARLIER~ After the elderly echidna, Anadina, finnished her meal, she pulled out a map leading somewhere. "For letting me have this meal, I wish for you to take this. It shall lead you to who may aid you one day. But be warned, she shall help only if you give something special in return." Taking the map, he became curious of what it contained. But, upon looking to Anadina, to both his and Echima's surprise, she was nowhere to be seen. ~PRESENT~ "The temple of Echidna... I thought it was only a mythe..." Upon seeing Tia and the others, he rolled up the map and ran up to them. |
Chapter 3: Across the Sea "Guys!" Riker said as he approached the party. "I think we should head to the location on this map next!" Tia looked at the map and gasped. "Where did you get this?" "From a customer. Said it could lead us to someone that could help." "You do realize it leads to the Temple of Echidna, right? Don't you know the stories? She's the one Tia's grandfather spent decades fighting. The one who enslaved all humanity before!" Said Ming. "But she's dead, isn't she?" Riker said. "Maybe whoever is at the temple can aid us. Whoever it is, it couldn't be Echidna herself." Ming and Tia looked at each other, mentally debating on whether they should tell Riker what Death had said about Echidna having been resurrected by the rewriting of the timeline. "We'll worry about that later." Tia finally said, "Right now, we need to find a ship to get us to Atlantea." They headed to the nearest dock and searched for an available ship. Riker however, elected to stay behind. "Nagas don't do so well at sea." He said "Me and Echima will wait for you back at the Capital." They eventually were able to secure passage, but all they could find was a decrepit old schooner with torn sails and looked like it could sink at any moment. "Is this really the best we could do?" Tia said. "The captain is the only one here headed to Atlantea, and we don't have enough gold to bribe anyone else to change course." Ming sighed. The group reluctantly stepped aboard and began their trek across the ocean. Meanwhile, one of Malajinn's spies was watching from off shore, communicating to his master with a magical crystal orb. "They're headed across the ocean. Perhaps a well placed storm should dissuade them." Malajinn grinned. "I was just thinking the same thing." Within minutes, what was a calm and clear day on the sea turned to a raging hurricane. the ship was tossed about like a toy in a bathtub, the waves knocking the entire party overboard. Tia woke up on a sandbar in the middle of a vast expanse of ocean, with no other land or people in sight. "Okay, Tia. Stay calm, and remember your training." She said to herself, trying to keep her cool. Except her training never covered this exact scenario. She was about to begin to panic, when she saw a tiny shape in the distance. It must be a ship!, she thought, and began shouting and making as much commotion as she could to get its attention. Good news was, the ship noticed her and sailed towards the sandbar to investigate. Bad news, however, was it was a pirate ship. The next thing Tia knew, she was in shackles and rags, stripped of her weapons and headed to who knows what fate? Would they sell her into slavery? Or perhaps keep her for their own use? Tia sat in a cell of the ship's brig, chained to the wall. She struggled against her bonds, but it was no use. Just then, two pirates came down from above deck, stinking of alcohol. "Just caught this one today." One of them, a human said to his companion, a minotaur. "Aye, she looks ,like a sweet lass. What do ye say we give her a go?" "Don't have to ask me twice!" Tia tried to fight back, but her wrists and ankles were bonded to the wall. "Please, don't!" She pleaded. "Sorry, lassy. But we've been at sea for months, and a man has needs. I promise, I'll be gentle." As they began feeling her up, Tia cried out for help, for anybody to intervene! Before things could go any farther, however, somebody actually came to Tia's rescue. The captain of the ship, in fact. |
| "What's all the screaming about?" came a bellow. "Can't I catch a nap without someone screwing something up?" A dragon entered the brig, and looked at the two crewmen. "What are you two doing?" The minotaur gulped. "Just having some fun is all." "With each other, or with this castaway I heard we picked up?" the dragon asked. The dragon looked past them, at Tia. Tia looked at them. The dragon's eyes widened, and then became angry. "Alright, who had her chained up?" "She was armed," the human said. "We thought that she might be of a rival crew, or worse, part of a Navy." "Even if she were, you're supposed to bring her to me first," the dragon said. "Now, unchain and bathe her, and once she's found something decent to wear, and is properly clothed, bring her to my quarters, where I'll be waiting to inspect her." The dragon then left. At this, the two crew members looked at each other. If nothing else, they knew one thing - the captain's word was Law. Also, everyone else had heard by now - there was no escaping this task. A while later, a cleaned and dressed Tia was brought inside the captain's quarters, where a table was laden with food and drink. The captain looked at the crewmen. "Leave us." The crewmen backed away, in a hurry. The dragon gestured to the table. "Eat and drink you fill, Princess Taibon." "How do you know that?" Tia asked. "Because I remember swearing an oath to your grandfather when I became a captain in his navy," the dragon said. "How this came to be, and how I lost it, I remember not. I thought it was just a dream, until I saw you. I remember having a fleet of ships at my command, but now, maybe a handful of other captains will follow my lead." He turned away. "Forgive me for not noticing you sooner. You should have been brought to me, regardless of who you were." "You're Admiral Zhou Lung," Tia said, with a gasp. "I remember you. I remember being on a ship with you, and my grandfather, when I was a child. You let me steer the ship." The dragon chuckled. "A good memory." He looked at her. "You have his eyes. That was how I knew. Even after my history was altered to that of this reality, I remembered those eyes." "So, what now?" Tia asked. "Now, you eat and drink, and then we'll see about locating your prior vessel," said Zhou. "After that, we shall see." |
| Tia was brought the best food the ship had available. Which admittedly still wasn't very good, but the best they had nonetheless. "Sorry about the food." Zhou said as she ate in his cabin. "I know you must be accustomed to far better." "Not in this reality". Tia chuckled, "I'm just a commoner here. Even so, I appreciate it regardless. I just hope we find the others soon. If they even survived the storm." Her voice turned to a worried tone. |
| "I wouldn't worry too much," said Zhou. "This area has plenty of inhabited islands, ones that are populated with reasonable folks, taverns that have plenty of food and drinks, stores that sell plenty of goods, places where one can sleep at and won't get robbed too badly, and places where one can hire folks to -" the dragon paused, realizing what he was about to say. "Well, let's just say that those two fools would need a better excuse to allow them to keep breathing, if they had indeed done something to you, even if you weren't the Princess." "I'm not a Princess though," said Tia. "Not in this reality." "Even so, we'll arrive at a decent port in the morning, and we've only been out to sea like three days," said Zhou. "That, and the Quartermaster gives the crew plenty of money for food, drink, personal purchases, a bed for the night, and plenty to hire the services of a, um, bed companion." "What would you have done to them?" Tia asked. "Let's put it this way, as you are, in good health, and relatively untouched, I could easily get like a month or so worth of supplies for the ship's crew, if I had decided to sell you as a slave, maybe more if it was proven that you were a virgin, perhaps three months worth," said Zhou. "If someone had decided to have their way with you, and had gotten rough with you, I'd be lucky to get a couple of weeks worth of supplies for selling you, and that would require some rather skillful negotiating, and since pickings have been kinda slim lately, I'd be rather annoyed at that." "You'd of sold me into slavery?" Tia asked. "Unless you've got some useful skills, like doctoring, cooking, carpentry, sail-mending, or are one heck of a fighter, or are playing me plenty of money, I can't afford to have a useless passenger on my ship," said Zhou. "Still, most that I sell slaves to are reasonable sorts - prove you're worth the money, you tend to get back your freedom in a couple of years." "So, what would you have done to those two?" Tia asked. "I would have sold them into slavery too, and not to someone that might go easy on them, like I would have with you," said Zhou. "Crew that would ruin useful or valuable goods don't stay onboard a ship very long afterwards." "I see," said Tia. "Still, it would be useful to remove temptation from most of them," said Zhou. "Best way to do that, get my scent on you." "In what way?" Mia asked. "Just give me a hug, and I'll gently hold you to me, for a minute or so," said Zhou. "Transfers enough of my scent to you that the crew will know that you are under my protection, and unless they wish to be sold into slavery, they will leave you be, unless you present a clear and present danger to the safety of the ship and crew." "I see," said Tia. "It's not too different from what Ming did when I met up with her in this reality." "A Swiftpaw, right?" Zhou asked. "Good family. They have quite the reputation as sellclaws." "And Garth Snapjaw," said Tia. "Another family of sellclaws," said Zhou. "I was smart enough to avoid ships protected by either of their families. To have at least one of each, well, only a fool would go against them, and mother didn't raise me to be a fool." The dragon looked out a window. "Looks like something on the horizen, a ship at any rate," he said. "It might be your friends. That, or trouble." |
| Tia grabbed a nearby telescope and looked out the cabin window, hoping to see the schooner they had hired. It looked to be so, but the boat was barely staying together, ready to fall apart at any moment. "Looks like they survived, by someone miracle. We need to pick them up." Zhou nodded. "Of course. I'll order my crew to head that way at once." |
| As they sailed closer, Zhou began to grin. "Well, this will be interesting." "What is it?" Tia asked. "I know that vessel, and I know its captain," the dragon said, looking at Tia. "If that ship is honestly in danger of sinking, I'm just an ordinary lizard." "What do you mean?" Tia asked. "That ship was all we could afford." "It might look like a rotten tub of wormfood, and slower than a slug, but if not for your friends all but forcing it to seem that way, yon vessel would outrun us by now," said Zhou. "They are smugglers - gems, spice, valuable cloths, people even - pay them enough, they can slip it past anyone." "Then why did they pretend to be so slow, and willing to accept what we'd give them?" Tia asked. "Simple, they were probably going to drug your food and drink, and when you were helpless, they'd take everything you had, and sell you to them that would ruin you, and, most importantly, they'd sell you to them that wouldn't let you earn back your freedom," said Zhou. "I might sell folks into slavery on occasion, but I make sure that they have a chance to regain their freedom." "Still, it looks like junk," said Tia. "It's an illusion," said Zhou. "That captain has two or three wizards on board that maintain it when needed, and they have been maintaining it for a while, which is good for us." "Why?" Tia asked. "Magic drains energy, no matter how little. Maintain a spell for hours on end, you get tired." said Zhou. "It's like carrying what seems to be a comfortable weight initially, but after a day or so without rest, it becomes more than you want to carry." He looked back at the other ship. "On the plus side, no fireballs to worry about. Thunderhoof!" A centaur came over. "Yes Captain?" "All sails, and make sure that the crew is ready for boarding, either to do so, or defend against it," said Zhou. "Grappling lines?" "Two teams in the fore, two in the aft, two in the mid, but wait for my order before throwing," said Zhou. "I want it clear - we won't start a fight, but we will defend ourselves if need be." "What if my friends think that you are an enemy?" Tia asked. "Stay near me," said Zhou. "Their lookout has spotted us by now, and unless I miss my guess, your friends will be watching us and - ah, yes, I see them, or at least a female rakshasa that looks like a member of the Swiftpaw family and a male werewolf that looks like one of the Snapjaw line. Looks like they are chatting and, well, looks like they got some of their mercenary band to bring out a ballista, and point it right at us, or, rather, me." "So, what are you going to do?" Tia asked. "Something simple, yet symbolic," Zhou said. He stepped back. "Step in front of me, and, more importantly, face me." Tia got in front of him, and looked at him. Then, much to her surprise, Zhou lowered his body, until his whole front lay on the deck, as if being submissive to her. "Look back towards your friends," the dragon said. Tia looked back towards the other ship. "I don't see anything." "True, but I do, and, more importantly, so do they," said Zhou. "Gesture for me to rise." Tia made a gesture, from some sort of muscle memory. Zhou got back to a more normal posture. "That should do." Tia realized what just happened. "Wait, you just had me tell them that you are -" "At your service, Princess Tiabon," said Zhou. "Should prevent any accidents on their part. The smugglers though, that's a different matter." "So, what do you think will happen?" Tia asked. "Well, as I've said, I know that ship's captain, and it's no secret about what I am," said Zhou. "However, if we make no obvious hostile moves, he'll be forced to keep up his charade of being helpless, at least in front of your friends, who are, by all accounts, folks you don't want to make enemies of needlessly. We'll pull up alongside of him, and offer to escort him to port, in exchange for a nice portion of his cargo." "And if the captain drops the charade and attacks my friends?" Tia asked. "Then he's a dead fool," said Zhou. "As I've said, Swiftpaws and Snapjaws have a reputation, one that a fool with a death wish would disregard. Whatever else I might say about that particular captain, he's not that much of a fool. Still, if I'm wrong about him being that kind of a fool, I'll order my men to help your friends, and then claim ship, cargo, and crew, as well as the fool, as prizes, although if your friends want compensation, they can have first dibs." "So, besides the regular trade goods, what else do you think he has?" Tia asked. "Gems, spices, weapons, a few other things he doesn't want to pay taxes on, one or two hidden passengers trying to flee the area, and some things that are illegal in most reputable ports," said Zhou. "Then there's the enchanted objects - get a few of the right ones, you can buy an extra ship or two, and hire a full crew, and supply them with provisions and such, and now you've expanded the operation, where you have five or more being honest trade vessels, that the Navy doesn't bother searching after the first few times, and you have one or two that smuggle things, and won't be searched because the Navy believes that you run an honest operation." "Sounds like you've done it before," said Tia. "Had to get my sea legs, and wings, somehow," said Zhou. "I was just a crew member back then, on what I thought was an honest trade ship, and then, well, things happened." "Like what?" Tia asked. "Well, even smugglers get attacked by pirates, if you fail to pay them protection, and my employer failed to pay their fee, but, I put up quite the fight, and well, things happened," said Zhou. "I won't get into the details of what happened after that, other than I jumped ship when I found out what was really going on, especially since I was cheated on my promised pay, but especially once I realized what they were doing, and while I won't tell you what it was, there are some lines I don't cross, even now." "And how did you become a pirate?" Tia asked. "Funny enough, the pirate ship docked in that same port, and some of the crew recognized me in the crowd of folks in a tavern," said Zhou. "Though found out where I was staying, and well, let's just say that when I woke up, the captain was in my room with a job offer. They had come alone, no guards, or weapons, and, well, that made me listen to their offer. I took the job, and never really looked back." "So, how do you know this smuggler?" Tia asked. "I thought that we were shipmates once," said Zhou. "Then, I found out what he was." He looked at Tia. "He was a member of that particular ship's crew, and was in on what was going on. He runs a similar operation now." "What does he do?" Tia asked. "Being sold as a sex slave to a brothel, where you were used every hour, by multiple partners, who were very rough, would be a pleasant fate by comparison," said Zhou. |
| Tia knew better than to press the issue any further, and instead focused on reuniting with her friends. The two ships cautiously approached each other, until they were within speaking range. "Tia!" Ming cried as she saw her old friend was alive and unharmed."Thank the gods you're okay!" She jumped aboard Zhou's vessel and ran to her, embracing Tia in a tight hug. "Likewise, Ming. How did you survive the storm?" "We were knocked overboard like you, but the ship managed to rescue us. You on the other hand, must have been caught in a riptide, and I was afraid we'd lost you." "Well, I would have been, if not for Captain Zhou. Though a couple of his crew tried to take advantage of me." "WHAT!? Who was it!? I'll hang them by their guts from the mast if they did anything to you!" "Calm down, Ming! Zhou stopped them before anything went too far. I'd be stranded in the middle of the sea still if he hadn't come along." |
| Tia then carefully listened. "That being said, it would be a good idea if Garth and the rest of our group traveled on Zhou's ship the rest of the way," she said, her voice low. "Otherwise, we might end up wishing we'd be hearing the whistling of a certain wolf we know." "What do you mean?" Ming asked. "Let's just say that the captain of that ship isn't as honest as he claims to be," said Tia. "In fact, he's not just a smuggler, or a slaver even." "What does he do?" Ming asked. She then looked at Zhou. She recognized him. "Admiral Zhou?" "In another lifetime, perhaps," said Zhou. "As for what that one does, have you heard the stories about how monsters were originally created, and not just Echidna making them with magic. The true stories." Ming's eyes widened. "You don't mean?" Zhou nodded. "Oh, yes." He looked at Tia, before looking back at Ming. "Would you want that fate for your friend?" Tia looked at Zhou, before looking back at Ming. "What is he talking about?" Ming gulped, and looked at her friend. "Ever wonder why monsters like myself can have children with humans?" "I've occasionally wondered," said Tia. "Because the first monsters were created by breeding male animals with human females, as well as the other way around," said Ming. "Echidna used her magic to make the process more reliable, and added in more desirable, to her, abilities, like magic, enhanced strength, and our ability to swallow large meals." Tia's eyes widened at this. "Be careful of what you plan to do," said Zhou. "There's more than a few he pays off to look the other way, and others he pays to make sure he isn't bothered. He also knows to pay them properly." |
| "I don't know if it's a good idea to deal with this supposed merchant ourselves, our just let him think we don't know his secret." Tia said after a long pause. "But regardless, we won't be sailing with him any longer. Zhou can take us the rest of the way to Atlantea. Right?" Zhou shook his head. "Not quite. As a known pirate, I'm not exactly welcome at the more honest ports. If someone should recognize me, my ship or my crew, it will mean a lot of trouble and likely bloodshed." "So what do we do, then?" Ming asked. |
| "Well, good news is, I know of a smuggler that owes me a favor or three," said Zhou. "Why would this smuggler help us?" Tia asked. "He keeps losing to me in games of chance, and you might say that I all but own his ship," said Zhou. "I let him captain it because a ship can't have two captains, as it were. That, and if I got something valuable that needs to be sold, he knows the right folks - I just have to threaten his life to keep him from using it as a wager in a game of chance with others." "Seriously?" Ming asked. "In all the games I've played with him, even with other players, to say nothing about the ones I've watched him play that I wasn't part of, I've only seen him not outright lose, like once, and that was because one of the other players was rigging the game anyways," said Zhou. "We didn't take too kindly to that person cheating." "What happened to the cheater?" Tia asked. "Us and the others that had been cheated tied him to a post, and took turns chopping off body parts, until the fella was just a head on a torso, and it was my favorite loser's turn," said Zhou. "He said that he was going to cut off the guy's head. He swung his sword, and caught it on the post, almost nicking the guy's neck. He tried it the other way - just barely missed. Then, he tried again, and shaved the top of the guy's head instead. We decided to let the cheat live as a warning to other potential cheaters." "What about your friend?" Ming asked. "Let's just say that the cheat had a number of valuable items that my friend was able to sell for a tidy profit," said Zhou. "He told me that he was glad that the thought to cheat never came across his mind." |
| Back in the kingdom of Belamor, Wilhelm was busy in the market, getting his troops together and organized when he saw somebody that Tia and Ming told him of, and decided to go over to what looked like a store with a fully stocked forge beside it with a white Naga hammering away on a block of iron. Walking up, he knocked on a wooden post that lined the outside wall. "Excuse me, aren't you Tia's old royal butler, Riker? Never expected alike nervous weakling like you to be a blacksmith."nervous Walking over to a table, he was about to snag a ruby when suddenly a snake take that wrapped around a daggers hilt had a blade close to WilheWilhemllms neck. "Says the one who was beaten by Tia." As Wilhelm moved away from the table, Riker lowered the blade till, with practice ease, shethed it in a spare holster on his belt. "Now then, what can I do for you King Wilhelm?" |
| Back with the group, the had just finished reuniting aboard Zhou's ship, leaving the would-be merchant and his crew behind. "So, who is this friend who owes you favors, anyway?" Ming asked the captain. "They call him Larry Luckless, on account of his inability to win at games of chance. Some say he was cursed by a sea nymph after he tried getting a bit too fresh with said nymph for her taste, if you get my meaning. Not sure if that part's true or just gossip." "Where can we find him?" "My guess would be he'll most likely be on Nossar, at the tavern getting drunk and blowing what money he has on gambling in a vain hope he might actually win." "What's Nossar?" "Pirate haven. Last free port on the sea, some call it. When we get there, you and Tia stay close to me. And don't bring any valuables along, unless you want to risk losing them while your back is turned." "How will we recognize this Larry fellow?" "He's a rat, so he shouldn't be too hard to spot." "You mean he's an informant for the navy?" "No. I mean he's a literal rat, no bigger than the average person's foot." |
| "No wonder he couldn't chop off the cheat's head," said Ming. "Trust me, his size wasn't the reason," said Zhou. "He was standing on my hand, and we were close enough for the sword to hit. Also, if you're wondering if strength was a factor, I once saw him grab a sledgehammer, and throw it at an enemy ship's mast, snapping said mast in two." "Seriously?" Tia asked. "Yeah," said Zhou. "Also, he's Very Lucky when it comes to the ladies. There's this lady Captain, a human named Bonny Reed - don't ever make her an enemy by the way - who always turned down any other Captain's offer to share a bed with her. Larry though, climbed up on the counter and, bold as brass, asked if he could share her bed. At first, she was like, 'No.' I thought nothing of it - went back to my own meal and drink. Well, not even ten minutes later, there she was, walking towards her ship, Larry on her shoulder, both of them just chatting away, as if she had never turned him down in the first place. Come morning, they both came in, clearly having had a very good night, enjoyed breakfast, joined a game of knucklebones, which he lost, like usual, and when the game was over, he kissed her on the lips, and asked if her bed would be available later. It was." "Seriously?" Ming asked. "Crazy part was that Bonny wasn't the only female in that bed, both then and later - First, Second, and Third, who were a rabbit, a skunk, and a vixen, respectively - were all in it with them," said Zhou. "Somehow, he kept these four ladies, who were not to be messed with, satisfied. Then, there's the other women - he gets around." "So, how are you going to stop him from doing something foolish?" Tia asked. "Simple really," said Zhou. "I'll tell him that I'll sink his ship, with him on it, if he enters your room and shares the bed with you. Works with valuable objects, and I see your safety as pretty valuable." "But, other than that, you trust him?" Ming asked. "Trust him enough, and sometimes that's all one has," said Zhou. |
| It was around midday when Zhou's ship made it into the port of Nossar. After the ship docked and the group departed the ship, with Zhou leading the way, the group were soon passing by pirates and smugglers of all kinds. It was then they reached what looked to be a run down Walloon with a name proudly decorated upon a sign of the three story building. "Everyone, welcome to the us"L.H.S.", or the "Lucky Hand Salloon" to us. Be sure to keep what you brought close, and your weapons closer." |
| Stepping inside the tavern, the trio saw pretty much exactly what they had expected. A rundown pub that reeked of brine and alcohol, with tables here and there, occupied by various scoundrels gambling or otherwise discussing their latest plunder. At one such table, they saw who they had been looking for. Zhou wasn't kidding, Larry Luckless was an actual rat. Well, a rat-man, at least. He was no bigger than ten to twelve inches in height, currently sitting atop a table playing cards with a group of other outlaws. The trio approached Larry from behind without him noticing until Zhou spoke. "Hello, Larry." "Shhh! Not now, Zhou! I'm finally about to win a game!" Zhou rolled his eyes. "That'll be the day." "No, really! I got a full house right now!" This was immediately followed by everyone else at the table announcing that they folded from the game. "DAMN IT!" Larry turned to face Zhou. "If you hadn't shown up, I'd have finally won something!" "It's your own fault for announcing your hand out loud. Now, I'm here to cash in a favor." Larry sighed . "Fine. I do owe you, after all. What's the cargo?" "These two right here, plus their party. They need to get to Atlanea." Larry smiled a little. "Well, you lot are in luck! I just happen to be heading there soon myself." Suddenly, his eyes bulged in fear as he looked behind the group. "Oh no! She's here!" Before they could react, Larry dove straight into the nearest hiding place. Which just happened to be down Ming's shirt. "HEY!" "Shhh! Just don't tell her I'm here!" They turned to see an imposing woman around seven feet tall and dressed in what was little more than a golden bikini and tiara and carrying a spear enter the tavern. "I am Kilamanda, princess of the Amazons. By that authority, I demand to know where the one known as Larry Luckless is! I know he's on this island!" "Take me upstairs . Just be discreet about it." Larry whispered from within Ming's bosom. The group made their way upstairs to a private room, whee Ming reached down her shirt and grabbed Larry before tossing him on a nearby bed. "How dare you do that to me!" She hissed, "I ought to skin you alive for that!" "Please forgive me, lass. I had to hide somewhere, and you were the closest thing available. Although, I must admit, you have quite the splendid pair of tits." Ming raised her fist, but Tia stopped her from swinging. "Control yourself, Ming. We need his help, remember?" As Tia calmed her friend, Zhou asked "So, care to explain why the princess of the Amazons is hunting you?" "Long story short, she's my wife. " At this, everyone's jaws dropped. Zhou especially was in disbelief. "You, of all people, are married?" "Well, only technically. In her culture, they don't believe in formal ceremonies like weddings. Once a couple goes to bed together, they're bonded for life. Which is something I really wish I knew beforehand." "Yeah, especially since she literally has the words "kill a man" in her name." Zhou said smugly. "Don't remind me. Now, if your friends want my help, they'll have to get me past her and to my ship somehow." Larry said, "And no offense, but the tigress is not to carry me. Something tells me she'd sooner eat me than let me hide in her shirt again." |
| "I wonder what she'd do to you," said Zhou. "Well, she'd take me to her home, and, well, I'd have to do the duties of a husband - provide food for the family, protect them from being harmed by them that would do the family harm, make sure that the kids were looked after, and so on," said Larry. "That's not too bad," said Ming. "Every husband does that." "Yeah, so, why are you really complaining?" Zhou asked. "Is she against you sleeping around with other women?" "Actually, she doesn't mind that part, too much, as she enjoys female lovers," said Larry. "She wants me to get an Honest Job, stop smuggling, and, worst of all, stop gambling." Zhou grinned, and chuckled. "You know what, I might just take you to her - and claim your ship." "No, don't take The Big Cheese," said Larry. "It's a family heirloom, rightfully stolen from the guy that stole it from my father, who stole it from that other guy's uncle, who had stolen it from my grandfather, who had stolen it from the other guy's father." "And last I checked, Kilamanda is that fella's daughter," said Zhou. "A real family heirloom. Oh, and she knows that you stole that ship from her father." "Well, he stole it from my father and -" "You already told the story," said Zhou. "Also, I've already had a chat with her in the last port - she told me about you and her, and I told her about how you owe me. That being said, do you know what her real issue is?" "What?" Larry asked. "That you don't have the decency to take her with you," said Zhou. "She'd be a lot happier traveling with you, so that she wouldn't worry about you so much." "Seriously?" Larry asked. "Yes, and, in fact, it would be a good idea if you just talked to her," said Zhou. "It's bad enough running from the navy and bounty hunters, but running from the wife..... hard to defend you without a good reason." |
| Thinking over Zhou's words, and knowing his reputation, Larry breathed heavily. "Fine, I'll talk to her. But if she tries to kill me, I'm heading to safer waters. Favors or not! Got it?!" Chuckling, Zhou patted Larry, to his dismay and annoyance, on the head. "Fine. Now go talk to the misses. My friends really need ya." |
| Larry reluctantly allowed Tia to carry him back downstairs to his wife. "Here I am, honey." Kilamanda scowled down at her diminutive husband. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you in weeks! No doubt you were wasting your money on gambling again." "You're right. I was. Truth be told, I was kind of trying to avoid you." "But why?" "I guess I didn't want to be tied down to one place. I'm a sailor, we go where the sea wills us. Maybe not a completely honest sailor, but a sailor nonetheless." Kilamanda held Larry in her palm. "I've been so worried, not knowing if you were even still alive. But I appreciate you being honest with me." "Zhou tells me you wish I would bring you along on my voyages. Is that what you really want?" Kilamanda nodded. "You know it'll take time to get accustomed to life on the sea, right?" Larry asked, and Kilamanda chuckled. "I've dealt with far worse than rolling waves and sea sickness in my life. I can handle it." Larry turned to face Zhou and his companions. "Alright, you two meet us at my ship in fifteen minutes. I'll get you to Atlantea by tomorrow." As Larry and his Amazonian wife left the tavern, Ming let out a small growl. "I still can't believe he just jumped down my shirt like that." "He didn't try anything funny while he was in there, did he?" Tia asked. "I think I felt him give my breast a squeeze or two as we went upstairs. In which case, I plan on getting back at him one way or another before we reach Atlantea." Zhou chuckled. "Just don't kill him. He still owes me some more favors after this." |
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