Chereads / The Vulgar Dynasty / Chapter 25 - Cultbuster pt.2(2/2): ...where Angels fear to tread.

Chapter 25 - Cultbuster pt.2(2/2): ...where Angels fear to tread.

Dian's Perspective

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I thought this lizard was much more talkative. He was always trading words with that demonkin, but he's said barely anything this whole journey. He's only asked for my condition after the whole 'spine chill' issue. Is he just that woman's dog? Actually I'll humor this idea. I stop, turn, and yell at him. "Speak!" He kind of just let's out a scared yelp. Like I actually just kicked a dog. Did I verbally just kick a dog? Now I actually do feel kind of bad about it, but not enough to apologize.

"U-uh... Ahhhh..." He sputters trying to find something to say. His lack of communication is actually starting to irritate me.

"Can you say anything? Or do you only talk to the demon woman? If we are in trouble are you able to warn me? Back me up?" I press my questioning assault into him. It may seem mean, but in the chance of a life or death situation I want to know if I can rely on my allies. Often not, which is why I work solo.

He actually falls backwards into the grass just off the path. Am I really that intimidating? Lizardfolk are cold-blooded, unfeeling creatures, yet this one acts like a child who's candy I just stole, and parents I just stabbed. Usually it's my name the stikes fear, not my face or attitude. So what gives?

Wait, is he having a panic attack?

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Mordeki's Perspective

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I am a very strange individual. For one I am a Lizardfolk... with emotions; something we don't normally have. I can feel things like love, hate, joy, sadness, pleasure... fear. A spell was cast on me when I was just hatched that made me this way. I never knew my proper parents, as I was raised by a very abusive woman. She was the Talvadi court mage at the time, and was tasked with raising an apprentice. I guess 'how' was up to interpretation. Did I become one of the absolute best wizards in the Talvadi Kingdom? Yes. Was I abused, tortured, and traumatized every step of the way? That was also the case.

Now I suffer from Venustraphobia. The fear of women. No amount of magic, nor herbal remedies, nor the passing of time has helped with this condition. The one and only exception to this rule would be my Queen. The only one to treat me like a friend in my trying times, as she became my one and only solace. That Dian woman looks way too much like "Her". I wanted to avoid as much contact with her as possible, but I was halted every step of the way.

Then she started shouting at me. It brought upon painful memories. Ones I had long sense burried only to resurface in that moment. It felt like ancient wounds had just reopened with every sense of safety and control bleeding from my body. The whips. The chains. The branding iron. Why does she have to look so much like "Her"? Why must she sound like "Her" too? I try to tell her to stop, but the air in my lungs won't move. I can't breath, as my vision is fading. I don't want to be here. Please stop shouting. The clouds are black.

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Dian's Perspective

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Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck! Dammit! He's supposed to be one of the Legendary Heroes, so why is he so mentally fragile? I put a sleeping spell on him real quick to cancel out his attack. Fuck, my lip is still bleeding. I hate having to use my own blood! He's damn heavy too! I'm barely able to put him on my back as I rush us into town. It's starting to rain.

I'm getting constant looks from passersby. I'm use to it though. Everyone would stop and gawk back home too. This place is no different. Is it because I'm a tall elf? Maybe you want to know what's under the mask, huh? Then again is could be the massive blue-green lizard dressed like a wizard on my back. That Demonkin is really going to have some explaining to do on why her pet is so broken.

I would try to ask for directions to the nearest inn, but people always run and hide on my approach. I'm just going to assume this place is no different just to spare my disappointment. The rain is really starting to fall heavy when I spot what seems to be a militia barracks. We have the writ of passage so we're allowed to stay in these places if need be.

I put the lizard down and check my pockets... "Dammit Reggie!" I can't help but to exclaim out loud. He has the writ! I can't stay in this place even if I wanted too. I drag the lizard under a nearby shop's awning. He's getting covered in mud but I don't really care at this point. He's way too heavy. The sleeping spell I cast on him should be wearing off by now. Gods this conversation is going to be a pain. I've got to put a nice voice on and apologize. I hate doing that.

The lizardfolk stirs awake. He looks dazed in exhausted. I turn to face away from him, but speak loud enough to not be overpowered by the rain. "Hey, are you okay?" I try to sound sincere, but I can still hear the annoyance in my own voice. "Listen, I'm sorry for shouting at you. I'm just stressed with this whole ordeal and I shouldn't have taken it out on you." That's only half true. I'm more worried about my butler than myself, or anyone else for that matter. I give him a moment when I feel a hand on my shoulder. "Thank you..." His voice is soft and sad.

"What?" I ask surprised. Just what kind of lizard is he? He acts way too different.

"I... accept... y-your apology." He stutters a bit. I can still hear the fear in his voice. "I too apologise... You remind me of a terrible person from my pass, and I shouldn't be treating you like her." Did HE just apologize to ME? "Look, there's a tavern over there. Let's get out of the rain." He leaves me behind.

I'm dumbstruck. I actually can't process this. The fuck just happen?! I've never heard a Lizardfolk apologize in my 300+ years. That's not a thing that just happens! They don't 'feel'! So why does this one? Now I'm confused, and when I'm confused I get pissed off. I angrily trudge through the mud towards the tavern. Getting a room in the tavern was a red blur. The only thing I remember is snapping a chair in my room in half then going to bed. My lip is still bleeding.