"Are these eggs painted?" Asked Angela enthusiastically. her golden eyes seeming to take in the products in its entirety.
"Yep. Ah don't worry the paint doesn't harm them." he said quickly. His weary smile show'd that some others may have caused trouble due to this fact before.
"Which one would you like?" Asked Don expectantly. His arms gestured to the heated rack of painted eggs. Each one was beautifully painted and honestly it was hard to choose; after giving it some thought I went for one that was painted completely red and had detailed white wings drawn on it; the wings seemed to wrap around it as if it were hugging itself; a tiny yellow crown was painted askew on it's peak. somehow I resonated with its art work and it felt somewhat nostalgic seeing such a deep red color.
"This one." I said happily. It wasn't the smallest or the biggest egg; but it was a rather good size. I cradled it affectionately.
"How plain." Said Ophelia in a slightly mocking tone. I knew nobles loved lavish things but that was still inexcusably rude. I glared at her, making it a point that she saw my distaste.
"I think it's kinda cute" Said Katherine as she pet the Egg. I could feel its warmth radiating through its shell and that large missing piece of me seemed to shrink just little.
"We should get a portable incubator as well. we don't know what kind of egg this is." I said looking at the seller for confirmation on that. He nodded back and replied.
"We have some monster incubators over there. That's the fun part about this gacha; Nobody including myself knows what these eggs will become. the eggs were given to the painters then sent here specially. It's the first time we are doing painted gacha eggs here. " He smiled and went over to wait at the front counter.
I picked a nice matching incubator; It came with a magic stone and an over the shoulder strap. Don took both to the front counter too be priced and gave them back too me. I placed the egg into the incubator and stared at it excitedly.
"It won't hatch right away no matter how to long you stare at it." Said Don who sounded amused. I looked up at him wistfully and sighed.
"You're right." We walked around some more looking at the shops. I found myself daydreaming about all the ways I could use my new skills to help my future battle companion. I didn't know where this sudden drive came from but for whatever reason I wanted to be the best partner this little thing will ever have. it was like a bond had formed between use and it wasn't even born yet. I hugged the container closer. Don Said that I could use him to practice more advanced spells. Soon I would learn to enhance attacks and boost a person's speed. and I now have a book that could teach me more about healing spells. By the time this little thing hatches I hope I will be ready for anything we could possibly face in the future.
A day before the Grand Sacrifice.
"Master this portal..." I stepped through the large abnormal portal and found a small army of monsters and Mages on the other side.
"It has been 2 days my friends and now everyone is here. Rest and fast yourselves; For tomorrow will be a festival of carnage, blood, and screams." Amos hadn't said much but what he did say was enough to stir the hearts of these beasts. The mages stood torn while the various monsters hailed him and yelled in impatience and joy. I looked on at the human mages with sympathy. we would go to war with such a small number and yet it isn't us we were worried about.
There were few Tents pitched considering our numbers, it seemed many monsters were content to sleep out in the open. I had only realized it then but I hadn't actually associated with any other kinds of monsters outside of lizardman and technically Vampires. These big bulky beasts were new to me yet I didn't feel out of place. Suddenly startled I made a beeline for the largest purple tent that housed my master.
"Why so serious?" said Master playfully. Jara sat on the ground next to him with her head in his lap. It was almost like she was a pet the way he rested his hand on her head. I took in a deep breath before replying.
"I- It's the monsters Master, I'm surprised I am so calm." How was I going to explain this complicated feeling to him when I didn't understand it myself.
"Of course you feel at home here. You should have the Heathen title by now. " said Jara, tearing herself away from Master's side. She placed her arms on my shoulders bringing her face way too close to mine for comfort.
"You've been taking orders from Amos for months and hanging around the servants and slaves of a monster. " I looked at her confused. In some countries even when people talked and spent time with vampires they never got the heathen title.
"Vampires aren't considered monsters in some countries so.." I tried to say, But Jara chided me.
"You don't just have to be born a monster to be considered one dear. the way you act and effect the world around you is far more telling than any combination of genetics." she said as her lips bloomed into a bone chilling smile. She was right, you could come from the most pure and pleasant of background and still be a piece of crap.
"I suppose that's true." I said; resigned to my fate. But she didn't move away instead she got closer, she licked her lips and suddenly I found myself unable to look away. The scent of something pleasant filled my nostrils and I inhaled it almost on instinct.
"Jara I need her awake and very much alive for tomorrow." Said Master to a now giggling Jara. she receded back to his side with a moan.
"You are so stingy Amos." she whined; Pulling at his pant leg and giving him the saddest eyes I'd ever seen. Master rolled his eyes and swatted at her hands annoyedly. It dawned on me that if it was anyone else who acted like that, they would surely be dead 10x over by now. A strange jealousy Hit at my core and I found myself looking at anything but them.
"Aren't you tired?" Said Master who suddenly addressed me. I stood at attention at once.
"No... Well yes; but I am to serve master until he dismisses me for the day." I was to be Master's personal servant for this expedition; and I was determined to prove my worth. Master stared at me for a moment. His piercing gaze froze me in place; I felt a strange pull again before Master said.
"Go and rest; now." The command was simple but the level of authority and sudden effect his words had on me was almost crippling. I felt exhausted. I stumbled for a moment as I tried to bow; After I said my goodbyes I went to my own tent and slept the deepest sleep I had ever had.
Back at the tent.
"You seem fond of her." Said Jara in that same sickeningly sweet tone. She ran her hand up my leg, then positioned herself in front of me so she could fondle the clasp that held my pants closed. I wasn't fond of Gail in the least bit, but she was the most useful and by default of me having her soul; the most trustworthy person under my command.
"Don't be silly, she is a tool, and nothing more than a tool." I said swatting her hands away. Jara pouted and crossed her arms.
"Then why didn't you let me bite her? And why did you send her away?!" She was getting into hysterics and I had half a mind to throw her outside. But I explained nonetheless.
"I sent her away because I need her in top condition for her evolution, so you can't drink from her. Lastly…" I grabbed Jara by the jaw and pulled her face close to mine. I Squeezed her cheeks causing her to wince in pain.
"Gail is a valuable tool. I don't like sharing my things; especially the ones I worked so hard to cultivate. Do it again and I will kill you. " I let go of her and she looked at me with a hurt expression.
"You didn't have to go so far…" She said in a meek voice. her gaze was down casted, and her shoulders shook slightly. This crazy bitch; did she really think I would fall for this? I pinched my temple with a sigh before saying;
"Quit the act already, I don't have the patience." it was a cold and detached voice; but as if a switch was flipped that same maniacal grin showed on her face; before a soft smile took its place. Yep I couldn't begin to understand Jara but there was one thing I was sure of, the bitch was a complete maniac.