{[Sons and daughters must carry the sins of their parents, but they also carry their accomplishments and legacy.]}
Ashner opened his eyes.
XP:9,650 > XP:10,150
It appears some of the demi's went out hunting late in the night.
Ashner stood out of his bed and got ready for the day. He had brought a bed from his world and preferred to sleep in Eden. As he was getting ready, putting his clothes on. He glanced at his menu. Everyone was 'Safe,' a power well spent.
The menu shook as Ashner put a green mask on.
New Gotcha, Spin?
Sure, spin.
The menu shook and circled around Ashner. As it did, it turned gold for a second, and little stars and fireworks emerged from it.
Legendary Pull!
(Legendary) Earth Walker
Level Max – 10,000XP – Any location you've used as a doorway to Eden while on Earth is now saved. You can enter and exit through them at your discretion. Note. This only applies to locations on Earth, not Eden.
Holy shit, now this is phenomenal. I can go to the factory or even to one of the floating cities. This is seriously O.P.
"Fuck, it's so expensive." Ashner focused on the price and how much he had collected. "Fuck me… It's too good to let it go… Buy."
XP:10,150 > XP:150
"That one hurt." Ashner rubbed the back of his head. "But this menu gives and takes however it wants."
Ashner stepped into the main hallway. Ari had set his, Gio's, and Wong's rooms close to the throne room. Ashner had spent the last week translating the old books left behind. He had a laptop to type down everything and had Risa or Luna flip the pages for him.
"I need to leave this room." Ashner stepped out with Luna following him. She was graceful in everything she did. To how she walked and talked. A true princess down to her core.
"Is something the matter?" Luna tilted her body towards Ashner, and as she did, her ample chest shook. She did it on purpose.
Ashner glanced up at her eyes. They both grasped where his eyes were. "I'm just tired of being in that room. I want to see how everyone is doing."
"Of course." Luna led the way. Risa was in the White Room with Naomie, so for the time being, Luna had Ashner all to herself.
The atmosphere changed since the demi-bunnies joined Sanctuary. Ashner glanced at the demi's as he passed them.
Some of them keep their distance. It's like they're afraid of me… And others…
Ashner span on his left foot and turned towards a hallway. Someone hid behind a large pillar. Her white ears with black spots weren't hidden.
They're flat-out stalking me.
Ashner shrugged it off. He made his way towards the farm the bunnies had made. In a week, they had managed to nurture and fully grow potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, peas, squash, and corn. Ashner smiled as they passed by them.
The chickens had grown in number. Often skittering when someone got too close. They preferred the company of demi-cows. But they were wary of everyone else. Sure enough, chicken was becoming a part of everyone's diet.
A handful of water trucks were lined up near the farms, along with worker droids. Items that cost Ashner an arm and a leg, but in exchange, the food they created was a trump card. Regardless of what world he traded in, everyone needs food.
Alex typed a few commands into a computer. It was one of the worker droids that doubled as a hovering forklift. Ashner crept up behind him.
"What are you up to?" Alex's ears and tail jumped up.
"Ashner." Alex shook his head. "How are you so quiet?"
Ashner shrugged.
"Well, I'm taking that batch of food." Ashner studied it. It was massive, boxes on top of boxes. Filled with meat, vegetables, and even fish. "This much won't be a problem, right?"
"Take as much as you need."
"I'll just need to set a time to meet up with them." Alex sighed. "Hopefully, the food doesn't spoil in the time it takes to move everything from the factory to the floating city."
Ashner smiled.
"Let me tell you about my new power."
*******
Wong inspected a red herb a demi-bull child presented him. "What did you say this does?"
"If you rub it against a cut, it makes the pain go away." The little boy answered.
"That might be useful." Wong studied its leaves. They were red with a hint of yellow and had orange spots.
"I was told that you buy them." The boy hesitated.
"I do." Wong reached for a makeshift treasure chest and opened it. The boy's eyes lit up. It was filled with a treasure that he savored. "Pick whichever candy you want."
The boy grabbed a soft green one and ran off with a smile.
Wong put the chest back in its place. He had a habit of keeping everything neat and organized.
Boarder-lining OCD.
"If only you were that kind to everyone." A bunny had snuck into his office. She sat on one of his tables, fiddling with one of his medical books.
"What do you want, Violet?"
"I'm here to give you something." She had shoved a handful of herbs in her bag. The bunny girl gave them to Wong.
"What do these do?"
Violet had a hard time staring into Wong's eyes. They had sex almost every night, but they barely exchanged words, only moans… This was her way of breaking out of that funk.
"They help us if we have stomach problems. They grow around lesser dungeons." Wong glanced at Violet's arm. It had a fresh cut.
He grabbed her arm, which made her eyes widen.
"If you don't tend to your wounds, the chances of infection are high." Violet's ears dropped, and she moved her head away from Wong. "Never mind, you don't need a lecture… Just be careful."
Wong grabbed a clean rag and started cleaning her wound. While he worked, he never showed hate. If anything, it was pure determination. His goal was to make others healthy, and he was good at his job.
"If only…" Wong knelt down and started applying an ointment to her wound. Violet smiled, she loved this side of Wong. "If only you always showed me this kindness…"
"Violet." Wong finished up. "I'm going to make this very clear. I have issues with women… I just don't trust women, not in my world and not in yours… Don't blame yourself for my problems… Cause that rubs me the wrong way…"
"You can talk to me… I will always be on your side."
Wong recalled Lucy. She had said something similar.
Wong finished and stood up. His eyes weren't angry. They were cautious. "No… Some things must never be told…"
"I don't understand…" Violet caressed her wounded arm. "Have I not earned your trust?"
"No one that I love knows my pain… It's my duty to keep it locked away…" Wong returned to his work. He turned his back to Violet and packed the new herbs in zip-lock bags. "It's mine, and mine alone."
Violet's hands wrapped behind Wong, her chest pressed against his back, and her head nuzzled his shoulders.
Wong gritted his teeth. His heart and his mind fought over his desires.
"I don't know what you went through… But I understand what it's like to be afraid… Before you found me… I was terrified, pretending to be a strong and capable leader… Whenever you're ready… I'll be here…"
She broke away and walked out, leaving Wong with his conflicted emotions.
*******
Gio stood proudly. He had spent his money on luxuries that Sanctuary desperately needed. Ari inspected the items he had brought. Her servants wore them. Some were demi-cows, others elves, and even some demi-bunnies. Warriors that Violet had given to protect Ari as a show of good faith.
"Hummm." Ari tilted her head. "I don't dislike it."
"Yes!" Gio jumped with his fist in the air. "Oh, you have no idea how hard it was to get these made."
"What are they called?" Ari asked with her hand on her hip.
"French maid outfits." Gio smiled proudly. "These are the clothes maids and warriors wear in my world, but only ones that serve high society."
The demi's wore them well. Gio had gone out of his way to get different variations and designs. Some were far sexier than others. Some had short skirts that puffed out like a pillow, and others were long dresses that went below the knees. Some showed excess skin around their chests and hips. At the same time, others were modest.
Truly a divine sight for all.
"What do you think of them?" Ari asked her guard and servants.
"It's easy to move around in." One of them replied. She spun, and the helms of her dress curled with her. "They're fun to wear, and they're cute too."
Ari turned towards a demi-bunny.
"I have no complaints." She wore one that had its arms exposed and showed a bit of cleavage. "It's flexible, so if the worst happens, say, a monster attack, I won't be hindered."
"I enjoy this design." An elf bowed. Her dress was wholly modest and tight around her slim waist. "I feel like I'm a step below royalty."
"See." Gio gestured towards her servants with an open palm. "They love it."
"I'll allow it."
As soon as she did, Gio's eyes lit up. He smiled brightly, and his large muscles flexed with each movement. As much as Ari tried to avoid it, her eyes were drawn to his arms, chest, and smile.
"I also have something for you." Gio gave a rebellious smile.
This made Ari's ears drop.
Gio reached into a bag and pulled out a maid outfit. One fitted for a woman with a thick figure.
"Oh, no, no, no." Ari shook her hands and her head. "These are clothes for servants. I shouldn't be wearing it."
"Oh, it's cute that you think you have an option." Gio put the dress on a bed and turned his back. "Ladies, please ensure the queen doesn't get a big head by looking down on anyone who wears a maid outfit… The best way to ensure that… Is to make her walk a mile in your shoes… Or, in this case… Your clothes."
The demi's eyes lit up, and they all gave out devious smiles.
Then, in unison, they all marched towards Ari.
"Wait, wait, wait, let's talk about this." The girls kept their pace. "That outfit, though it's cute, it's not something that's suitable for me. And if I dare say, if I wear that, I'll feel…"
The girls stopped at an arm's length from Ari and let her finish her sentence.
"Embarrassed." Ari's face blushed, and she cocooned her arms into herself. Her cute nature sent the girls into a frenzy, and they grabbed the queen and stripped her of her royal garb then and there.
"Wait! Stop! Ow! Don't tear the fabric! And that's not a ribbon. That's my tail!" Gio exhaled on his nail and polished it on his shirt. He kept his back against the girls, refusing to take a peek. "I am a Queen! Ow! Why is this part so tight? That tickles, stop!"
The girls showed no mercy.
"Lord Gio." The maid addressed the man who had brought them gifts. "She is ready for your inspection."
Gio turned his head slowly, and then his body followed.
Ari's face was red from cheeks to ears. Her purple eyes partly mixed with her skin instead of sticking out due to the difference in contrast, making her warmer in Gio's eyes. She wore a long skirt that covered her tail. The maid outfit had a white apron with flower designs stitched into it, with a black dress under it, a dress that held Ari's chest neatly. But it was impossible to hide the size of her bust. Even her hips expanded the dress.
Gio glanced down. She had a sleeveless top, white gloves, and a ribbon that wrapped around her wrists. His eyes went lower to her black knee-high socks and glossy black shoes.
Gio's heart raced. A thick maid, one that moved his soul. His head became a bit lightheaded, but he smiled brightly.
"You're perfect."
"I…" Ari's face only got redder. "I must go!"
Ari grabbed her dress, lifted it up a little, and ran out of her dressing room. All the maids took a second to collect themselves from the scene they had just witnessed. One by one, they all started laughing.
The maids bowed at Gio, and he stepped outside. Ari had locked herself away in her room. But eventually, she'll pop her head out again.
"I love this world," Gio spoke to himself. "I've thought about what I really want to do for some time now… Ashner is building a society. He's doing everything he can to ensure we not only survive, but we thrive…."
Gio glanced deeper into the castle. It was late at night, and the locals had made it very clear that Gio was their favorite human. They often gave him gifts, and he returned the favor, but he wanted to bring something more into Eden. Something that'll spark not just joy but passion and culture.
"Wong wants to recreate plants and animals. His goal is to save both worlds in his way… As for me… I know I don't have the skills and insight they do… Let them focus on the hard stuff… I just want to have fun and bring joy to everyone around here… So I'll scavenge the world… I'll bring what I enjoy most into Eden… And I won't rest until every demi is as obsessed as I am."
Gio smiled devilishly.
"I won't rest until every demi in Eden becomes a weeb."
An evil laugh echoed in the kingdom that night.
*******
XP:150 > XP:1,825
It went up again. These demi's are really putting their all into their work.
Ashner was getting the Stryker ready. Enough time had passed, and the three were confident that the locals wouldn't starve. They even packed more than just MREs. Vegetables, eggs, and even some meat.
The demi-bunnies grew vegetables to maturity in a matter of days, but when it came to fruits. They struggled, but they grew fast nonetheless. Some expected Ashner to be mad, but he accepted it with a shrug.
Ashner cleaned the solar panels on top of the armored vehicle and glanced at the ruins of the city. Sure enough, white bunny ears with black dots were popping out of a broken home.
I think she's just curious…
"You don't have to come." Wong's tone was harsh. "Theirs no guarantee that we'll find dwarfs."
"It doesn't matter." Violet retaliated. "There is only one demi that's strong enough to beat me in speed and skill in this kingdom."
Risa pointed at herself with one eyebrow raised.
"Yes, you." Violet glanced at her and then at Wong. But she indirectly made Risa smile.
"You are powerful," Ashner admitted. "If you fought soldiers from my world, you'd cut through them easily."
"My power has weaknesses," Risa spoke with a big goofy smirk. "But I've never been called powerful before… Had you met my brother… His power far exceeded mine."
Risa's smile faded slowly. She hadn't reminisced about him in a while.
"I had a big brother too." Ashner stepped away from the Stryker. "He died fighting in the war… He was better than me at everything… He was stronger, smarter, and extremely handsome… You might've fallen for him…"
"I don't know about that." Risa glanced down and to her left. "I look for more than just a handsome face."
Arms wrapped around Risa, Luna had successfully cuddled her from behind. Risa's face burned red. She was caught off guard. "And what exactly do you look for?" Luna teased as she put her head on Risa's shoulder.
Ashner had observed Luna try to cuddle and pin Risa from time to time, but the cat-girl was always faster. But not this time. Now that they were so close, Ashner admired them. Risa had a youthful gaze and a slim and fit body. And Luna had a motherly smile, a robust body, and a slim waist. Any man would fight and kill just to get a chance to kiss them.
"I…" Risa tried getting out of Luna's lock. She pouted and then glared at Luna. Risa was fast, but she relied on her wind magic. When it came to physical strength, Luna overpowered her easily. "I like men who are strong but also willing to help those who can't help themselves… A leader who you follow out of respect."
"Oh?" Luna cuddled her face on Risa's cheek. This admittedly made the cat girl giggle. "You're adorable. I also saw you reject that demi-bull the other day."
"You saw that?" Risa's ears shot up. Her eyes landed on Ashner, then back at Luna. "I don't know him, and I'm not really interested in having kittens any time soon."
"Oh?" Luna gave an unscrupulous smile. Her lips almost became catlike. "Is that why?"
"Shut up!" Risa shook, but Luna held on to her tightly. "What about you? What kind of man do you want?"
"Man?" Luna glanced up at the sky. "I prefer women, someone like you."
Risa blushed.
"But when it comes to men… I love men who use violence to destroy the darkness in our world… Strong warriors whose very sight makes evil men shiver in fear… If he's a little sensitive and a bit touchy with my body, all the better."
I haven't thought about it, but these two might want to get married one day… It'll suck saying goodbye to them, but just because they have slave crests doesn't give me the right to make them mine beyond their desires. I have to think about their feelings.
"I'm sure you two will find your dream guy one day."
Both Risa and Luna gave Ashner the coldest and deadest thousand-mile stare he'd ever witnessed. He took a step back.
Did I piss them off? Is it taboo to wish them good luck with dating? This world has some odd customs.
Risa wiggled her way out of Luna's arms. But Luna tackled her, and the two tumbled on the grass. Risa laughed, and Luna pinned her. As she did, Risa wiggled her feet under Luna.
"Big boobed snake!" Risa mocked.
"Hiss all you want." Luna held her head up proud. "I finally caught you."
"Noooo," Risa whined.
Ashner shook his head and returned to PMCS'ing his truck. This time, tightening straps that held food and ammo in place.
"Ashner." Alex popped his head in. His neck had hickies. It wasn't a secret that Alex had what the group called 'Little Brother Rizz.' "There's some people here asking for you."
Ashner walked towards the front of the truck. Where a handful of demi's stood, some were nervous, and others smiled when they met his eyes. Some he recognized.
The slaves Ashner accepted so they could protect Alex on Earth, Saki, and a handful of demi's.
"Hello, Master." Twila bowed gracefully. Her hair was up. Her face was bright, and her smile was genuine. "We're here to see you off on your journey."
"Okay." Ashner glanced at the rest of the demi's. "Why are so many of you here?"
"We have a proposition for you." Twila glanced at Risa and Luna, who were both wrestling on the ground. A part of her wondered why Ashner kept them in his company, but even she refused to deny that both of them were beauties. Twila was just as gorgeous, but she held an air of grace and maturity while the other two played in the grass.
"Let me hear it." Ashner glanced at Risa and Luna, who both immediately behaved themselves. Alex tilted his head at the demi's.
Twila caressed her chest. Her crest was blue, like all of Ashner's slaves. A color that shifted the meaning of the seal. Freedom if Ashner perishes. The ultimate act of kindness. Twila loved the color so much she wore blue earrings to highlight it.
"I learned about your power, how it requires souls to bind to you. Through their merits and your own, your power grows." Twila extended her hand to Ashner. "Your power gives mana to the mana-less, it molds power out of our reach into reality… And all it costs is our loyalty… From my understanding, you have twenty slaves."
"You've done your research." Ashner glanced at one of the demi's. It was Saki. Now he grasped why she was following him around. "I have twenty slaves. Gio and Wong's kills also give me XP, but they're from my world. Anyone from this world has to be my slave for my power to work on them."
"More slaves, more power." Saki stepped up and smiled. She carried a white war hammer and wore a green top that exposed her slim stomach. "We're all here to offer ourselves to you… As slaves… To be of use to you in whatever you wish."
"I don't know." Ashner glanced around. "I know that your intentions are good, but I've heard the rumors demi's say about me and about my slaves. The only reason I accepted five to protect Alex was duly out of necessity for his safety. Accepting to become my slave means you will have to deal with harassment."
"Listen to them," Luna advised. She stepped next to Ashner. "Her offer is enticing, but you're hesitating because you've been stigmatized. And you don't want to share that pain with anyone else."
"Luna, they'll purposely put their lives in danger for my sake." Ashner studied his friend. A woman Ashner was comfortable sharing his problems and decisions with. "Plus… I'm tired of being seen as a slaver…"
Luna put her hand on Ashner's shoulder. "Take their offer, grow your power, and give it back to the ones you find worthy. In time, your stigma will fade, and Sanctuary will view you as its source of power."
Ashner rubbed his palms.
The soldier debated it for a few seconds. As he did, Saki lowered her head. She considered herself childish for judging Luna. Ashner confided in her and asked for her opinion on the struggles he faced. She had a position Saki envied. The bunny girl dug her fingers into her palms. She burned with envy and awe for Luna.
The bunny had more wisdom than most demi's she ran into. She, like Luna, used her words and wit to move others. Saki's imagination sparked. In her mind, she imagined herself advising Ashner in an office similar to a king's throne room. He'd sit with a proud smile, and she'd be on her knees, serving him, savoring him.
Saki's mouth watered, and her inspiration to write sparked in her eyes.
"Alright…" Ashner trusted Luna's foresight. "But…"
Violet walked towards her girls from behind the Stryker. She was angry, and her followers held their heads high, even if they trembled. "It takes some nerve to seek another master in front of me." The demi-bunnies accepted that they would follow Ashner or die at the hands of Violet.
"Speak freely." Violet's tone was demanding. "Why do you seek to serve Ashner?"
"He led us in battle," Saki spoke first. Violet's body was starting to fill up due to the excess food, but Saki was healthier. "You kept us alive, I don't deny that… But when it comes to battle, you're stronger fighting alone instead of leading an army."
Violet glanced at Ashner. "If you compare me to Ashner, it's no comparison. He made the right calls and has far more experience than I do… That's why I won't fault any of my girls who wish to follow him… In fact, it puts me at ease knowing that the bunnies will protect him."
Violet walked towards Ashner, and Alex stood next to him.
"If you want them, they're yours… But they rejected me, so if you reject them, they'll have to leave Sanctuary." Violet tilted her head towards Alex. "Plus, that one there mentioned that he needs more manpower in your world's factory."
"Master." Alex glanced up at Ashner. "Please give them a chance, allow me to guide them, and I promise I can make us more money."
Ashner debated it for a few seconds, and then he nodded. "I trust you, so I'll allow you to choose whoever you want." Alex's face lit up, and his tail wagged.
Twila gritted her teeth. The trust Ashner had in Alex was something she desired. She dreamed of the day when Ashner gave her orders, and she happily and diligently followed them. Ashner viewed Alex as his most trusted aid. Twila burned with jealousy… But in time, she'll raise her position… Alex was skilled, but he was still a man, and from the time Saki stalked, I mean, followed Ashner indiscreetly. She was certain Ashner was straight. Her duty to serve held no limits.
"Okay, I'll accept your offer." Ashner's words made most of the demi's in front of him smile. They had gone as far as to paint the slave crests on their bodies. "I promise I will not force any of you to do anything against your will. None of you will die if I die… And lastly, my power is costly. Simply killing one monster won't be enough to grant significant power to anyone… So impress me, but most of all, don't die… Prioritize your lives over my power."
The demi's nodded.
The first in line was Saki. She had painted hers on her stomach, below her belly button. Ashner studied it for a second. "I thought all slave crests were on chests."
"No." Saki's white ears wiggled. "It can be applied anywhere. But humans prefer the chest since it's easier to see in public, and if they put them in an arm or leg, and a demi cuts them off, they break free from the crest at the cost of a limb."
"I see." Ashner used his dagger and cut his finger. Then he pressed it against Saki's stomach. As he did, she winched and half closed one of her eyes. The magic seal worked.
Ashner went on to the next and the next.
60 Total Slaves.
The menu showed their names. There were so many Ashner had to scroll through their names.
Elves, demi-cows, demi-bulls and bunnies… I didn't expect this, but most of them are warriors. If they bring up my XP, it'll be beneficial.
"Ashner!" Ari walked towards them, her royal guards behind her. Gio's eyes lit up. "Gio, Wong!"
The queen caught them before they took off. As she spoke to the group, Alex started talking to the demi's, and he chose who he wanted going with him and who stayed behind to grind for XP.
"Is there any way you can keep that beautiful bathing room in Sanctuary?" Her eyes lit up brightly, like two stars. Gio had to glance away. She was just too cute.
"I can't leave the main entrance here." Ashner debated it. "I'm sorry, I only have the one key."
No, I have the silver keys.
Ashner reached into one of his pouches on his body armor. He pulled out a single silver key. "I wonder."
Ashner walked to the closest destroyed home. He stepped in it as Ari and the group followed him.
"What are you doing?" Wong asked as he studied the old room. It might've once been a dance hall or maybe a war room. Either way, it was one of the larger abandoned homes. It was in ruins, and wooden chairs and tables rotted and crumbled into themselves.
"I have three silver keys." Ashner showed Wong. Then he reached for one on his chest. His gold one. "It's different from my main one, but I haven't figured out how they work, but maybe, just maybe…"
Ashner tapped the silver key in a half-destroyed door inside the ruined building.
Secondary Entrance Unlocked!
The door shifted and formed into a beautiful dark chocolate color, and its designs shifted into bubbles and water drops. As it formed, the silver key disappeared.
Once the door finished forming, Ashner opened it. Inside was the massive bathroom. Accessible to everyone now. But it had one big difference. It didn't allow the group to enter the rest of the White Room.
"This will solve our water problem." Ari ran her hands through the bath water. "If we can take the water from here."
"It won't work." Ashner glanced at the queen. "Water, soap, shampoo, towels. This room doesn't allow anyone to take anything out with it. It's the same as the training room."
"What is the training room?" Ari asked. She had never explored the White Room.
"It's a room to help improve a warrior's combat skills. But it lacks weapons... From my understanding, any weapon left in that room, should you desire it, will become a part of it, and it won't break or damage, but in return, it can't be taken out of said room… Sadly, I don't have many weapons there to train with."
"My people have weapons," Ari smirked. "Ask, and you shall receive."
"I appreciate it." Ashner glanced at the massive bath and then stepped out. "But it's unwise to disarm your people until we have a secure way of creating our own weapons."
"That's why you're heading to the dwarfs?" Ari and the group observed as the door closed behind them. But it didn't disappear. It stood in place.
"Yes, we'll need them to repair the damage this kingdom has suffered over the years and to build weapons and armor." Ashner grasped he was going to ask a lot, but Sanctuary needed builders and repairers.
"Do you have any more silver keys?" Wong asked.
"Just two, but I think saving it for our garage is better."
"Oh yes, our garage with no cars." Gio teased with a smile.
"We'll get cars, motorcycles, military vehicles…" Ashner smiled at his friends. "We'll create a mobile force and teach our allies how to use them…"
"You plan on bringing more of your armored mounts?" Ari's eyes widened. "And you plan on teaching us how to use them?"
"Yes, this will benefit us too." Wong smiled. "We'll have scouts out in the world, so we'll get a heads up if slavers or monsters head our way, not to mention we can map out any dungeons we find. We'll share the information with your people, and we won't have another hell-hound incident occur again…"
"Your efforts will save many lives." Ari smiled. "You three are a blessing."
"We're just helping each other." Ashner played with a gold coin between his fingers.
The morning was still early, and Alex finished up picking his workers. He chose ten.
"Ashner." Alex was ready to do his job. "I have my assistants ready."
Ashner glanced at the people he chose. It was the five Ashner picked months ago, along with five new elves.
"Ready?"
The demi's nodded.
Menu, buy everything they need to enter Earth.
XP:1,825 > XP:125
Alex and his group waved goodbye to Ashner. They entered the White Room through the Stryker's hatch. Ashner sent them to the factory to smelt the gold. Alex had learned how to drive, and he had memorized the drive back into the city where he'd get picked up.
Twila nodded at Saki, who had stayed behind. She winked back at Twila. They each had a goal to achieve.
But admittedly, Ashner was a little nervous for him, like a parent peering at their child getting on a school bus for the first time.
"There he goes." Gio almost cried. "He's on his own. I wonder if he'll be okay?"
"He's more than likely going to bang all his assistants." Wong sighed.
Alex and Ashner pouted. They both grasped how true it was. Alex was living the harem king lifestyle they both wanted.
"Ready to go?" Wong jumped in the driver's seat.
Ashner took his usual seat, and Luna and Risa sat at his sides. And Gio took the gunner's seat.
Violet took Twila's seat.
*******
The Stryker drove across the mysterious new world for the next few days. The group stopped occasionally just to enjoy the sunsets or admire the odd flowers and animals.
When they passed the colorful flower field, the terrain shifted. Carnivorous plants hunted monsters and animals alike. Most of the plants were bundled together like yarn with oversized mouths. Near the base of its body lay hundreds of gold coins.
None of them wanted to risk their lives for them, so they left the treasure behind.
After five days, they arrived. Luna smiled brightly, excited to see the entrance of the cave. "It hasn't changed."
The group stepped out and studied the cave's entrance. It curved like the moon and had a yellow metal decorating the massive entry.
"But," Luna's ears dropped. "No guards."
The hatch dropped, and the six walked towards it. The cave was carved directly into a mountain. The remains of stone stairs that had cracked over the years were barely visible over the grass that had overtaken it.
"We might be walking into a dungeon." Wong readied his M4. Gio carried a new SAW that was painted green with odd designs. "That's Frost's weapon, right?"
The guys bought all the storage units their former company used. Some of them had guns and ammo. No one had claimed them since most of the soldier's in their company were orphans whose options were to fight and die or starve and die. Even so, they treasured the lives of their fallen friends.
"Yeah, I bought his storage unit. He hoarded several weapons… But this is the one he used." Gio was proud to use his friend's SAW. "It's strange that this thing is hundreds of years old, and they are still in use today."
"It's hard to beat the efficiency and power of a bullet." Wong glanced back at Violet. She brushed on her ears. "Humanity has created plasma and electric weapons, but they're not as useful or light as these ones."
"Those weapons, do they use mana?" Violet asked.
"No, it's technology," Gio explained. "None of us, excluding Ashner, can use magic."
"I wasn't aware." Violet held the group in a new light. She had gained her position and strength due to her mana.
The group entered the cave. Large mushrooms glowed a dim purple, giving them enough light to keep moving.
"Have you guys ever watched Lord of the Rings?" Gio asked as they ventured into the cave. The group turned on their NODs.
"That movie is old," Ashner answered. "Really old."
"We have elves, and now if we find dwarfs, it's like we're living in a fantasy."
"Fantasy?" Violet lifted her eyebrow.
"Oh, well to you girls… It's normal, so our world will technically be a fantasy to you." Gio scratched his head. "Oh man, this really messes with our sense of reality and fiction."
"Can you focus?" Wong lectured. He took the right side, and Gio took the left. Ashner took point, and the girls walked behind them.
The cave had ruined statues of dragons, monsters with wings, and even some that were similar to dinosaurs.
The cave turned into a catacomb of rooms, each abandoned with random oddities like buckets and wooden furniture.
In the distance, voices screamed to one another.
At least it's not monsters.
"Every dwarf in this cave now knows we're here."
Ashner groaned. "Here we go." Ashner and the group held their weapons, ready to fight.
Footsteps rushed towards the group in multiple directions. The echoing of the cave confused their ears. Ashner readied his assault rifle, and Gio readied his SAW. "If things get bad, then everyone retreats… Luna, you're in charge of driving the Stryker… Violet and Risa keep everyone safe until we're out of the cave… But under no circumstances are any of you allowed to die."
The footsteps continued echoing. Hundreds of them. Until they all suddenly stopped.
Where are they?
The outlines of dwarfs circled them from the empty catacombs. They had them cornered in every direction.
They're dwarfs… If they specialize in mining… Then, I should've planned for them to have a way to surround potential intruders… I underestimated them and instead thought that they had abandoned this part of the cave.
The tallest of them was about four and a half feet tall. They were all heavily armored with battle axes and war hammers. On top of that, they were adorned with heavy steel that served as their battle armor. Something thick enough to reflect small arms fire.
If we fight, we won't survive against so many of them…
"Humans and demi's fighting side by side?" One of them spoke. His voice echoed, and oddly enough, he had a thick accent.
"We're not here to fight. We're here to talk and maybe trade." Ashner kept the sight of his weapon on the largest dwarf. "If you refuse, we'll walk away, and nobody has to die."
"Trade?" The dwarf appeared to scratch his beard. "What do you have to offer us?"
"Fruit, meat, shelter… You don't have to live in this cave…"
"It's unwise to insult our home." The dwarf warned.
"This mountain is a fraction of what it used to be," Luna spoke this time. She stepped closer to Ashner, where a glowing mushroom outlined her face. "The gems that lit the entrance are gone, the royal guards with helmets as heavy as war hammers no longer protect these walls… Where are the shouts of happiness your kind were known for? Where is the endless mead and the constant aroma of meat and melted ore?"
Luna…
"I first entered this cave as a child… Our kind never got along, but the beauty you had in this cave was crafted purely of sweat and the dexterity of your fingers… In contrast, my people, elves, created our homes through the help of our fae and mana… We were always at odds, but we once stood side by side against monsters… We came here to ask for that again before all of us end up food for the Dead God."
The dwarfs glanced at each other.
"You look just like her…" The dwarf stepped forward. Mushrooms showed his red beard and brown eyes. He lowered his battle axe. "Are you Relana? No, you're not her… Luna?"
The dwarf stepped forward. He was almost identical to the stories from Earth, except he was slimmer than Ashner imagined. He had a red beard and tired eyes.
"You recognize me?" Luna's eyes lit up.
"Yes, we were both children when you graced us several hundred years ago." The dwarf smiled. "You were the young lady who loved putting flowers in her mouth."
"I…" Luna glanced at Ashner. "Yes, that was me… It's good to see you, Rolo."
"How is Relana?"
"She walks the Eternal Forest… And your father?"
"Devoured… When I found his husk. I destroyed it in a rage… He took some of our best warriors but was slaughtered in a dungeon…"
"We're the last of the two royal lines." Luna held her head low.
"Ahi, but we're alive… Your chest holds the crest." Rolo glared at Ashner and readied his axe. His followers mimicked him. "It's blue?"
Ashner and his group readied their guns.
"Yes, but Ashner is my dear friend. He saved me and forced a slaver to bind my soul to his. Please don't harm him."
"If you say so." Rolo lowered his weapon.
"Weapons down." Ashner gave his order. Gio complied immediately. Risa and Violet took a few seconds, and then they lowered their weapons. They were heavily outmatched.
The dwarfs made way for the one who spoke. Rolo's face illuminated as he got closer to Ashner. He had a well-groomed red beard.
"My name is Rolo. I'm the King of the Dwarfs…" He studied Ashner and Gio. "Is the war over?"
"Far from it." Luna sighed. Humans are still a threat to our kind and the Dead God's power increases by the day. "These three humans are my friends. Without them, the high elves, demi-cows, and demi-bunnies would've met their end."
"Ah, from what I've heard, the sand elves, ice dwarfs, and demi-panthers were all eradicated…"
"Yes." Luna lamented the loss of life. "But I still hold out hope for survivors."
Rolo studied the group and then sighed.
"Follow me… Long has it been since our halls received guests… As tradition holds, we need to have a feast…"
"We couldn't impose. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but your body, you've gotten thinner." Luna studied the other dwarfs. Rolo was in better physical shape than the rest.
"Nonsense… You're in our home… And you must honor our traditions… At least do it for the sake of our parents."
"If you insist." Luna walked behind Rolo, and the group followed.
That elf is excellent when it comes to these kinds of things… I'm glad I brought Luna along.
The group followed the dwarfs. The tension had died down, but they were still on guard.
Rolo focused on Ashner and perceived he was leading the group. "Human with the mask, what is your name?"
"Ashner…"
"Odd name, but humans have always been weird to us… Where have you been living?"
"Outside in the ruins of a kingdom hidden away in plain sight."
"Living on the outside? It's a delightful delusion… But if we're caught by mankind, it's a life of chains for us."
"I won't allow that." Ashner studied the dwarf. "Anyone under my protection will not live a life of misery."
"You say that, but you still hold the chains to several demi's… So excuse me for being hesitant."
"I understand," Ashner admitted.
*******
The inside of the mine was lived in. Cold, but the air was easy to breathe. Ashner studied the residents. They were all pale and short, and some were slim and lacked muscle.
The dwarven women were completely different. They didn't have beards. If anything, they were similar to humans, except they were tiny, and all of them were about four feet tall.
How much food can they gather this deep inside a cave?
"It's a legal loli paradise." Gio snickered.
"Please don't go there." Wong sighed.
"Each man worships their favorite body type…" Gio shrugged. "But thick is my religion."
"Sometimes I question why we're friends."
"Because I'm the best you'll ever find… I don't think you've ever mentioned who your anime waifu is to me."
"That's a secret."
"Spoil-sport."
Ashner sighed and sipped on his Camelbak.
The cave widened into a large cavern, with a light running river curving across the cave.
Interesting.
A few hundred homes were scattered near the river, and they had even managed to harvest and grow some type of mushroom and dark blue carrots with leaves that were similar to spider webs.
Locals eyed the group and even whispered among each other.
Rolo led the group into a section of the cave that was obviously carved into. It had a round table with seats carved in wood.
Rolo sat down first. He whispered to his men, and they paced off to follow his orders.
The group sat down.
"I have one question for you, Ashner. Why stray away from the war your people are winning and instead side with demi's?"
"I'm from another world. The war and mindset of the humans in Eden completely differ from ours."
"That's preposterous." The King scoffed. "Take this conversation seriously."
"Lord Rolo." Luna ran her finger against the table. It was a little dusty and obviously hadn't been used in some time. "Ashner speaks the truth. Three humans from another world entered ours… Don't degrade his status, either… He may not have royal blood, but he has earned his merits… So much so that some demi's have asked to become his slaves, for both power and to prevent them from being enslaved by another human."
"What has he done?"
"He saved my life and the lives of my sisters, brought demi's food and medicine, he even went as far as bringing animals from his world that reproduce quickly and give us eggs and meat."
Rolo wasn't convinced.
"He saved the demi-bunnies." Violet continued. "Monsters caged us, and he led my people to victory. Ashner even slayed the dungeon's boss… And as you can tell, I don't have a slave crest… And I will stand by Ashner's side."
The dwarf ruffled his beard.
"He also saved the souls of the last black neku tribe." Risa interrupted, speaking with her hands clasped against her back. "He ensured the Dead God didn't devour them… Even if I am the last of my kind, he took me in and has given me a purpose to continue living."
"Has he now?" Rolo evaluated Ashner with curiosity. But he had to take their word since so many vouched for him. "It's rare for demi's to praise humans in this age… Very well, what are you proposing?"
"Come with us, help us rebuild the remnants of a kingdom long destroyed." Ashner hadn't digested everything he had done up until now. Luna smiled proudly on his behalf. "We have plenty of food. Water is still an issue, but we're managing."
"The food is tainted. It's tainted everywhere. I can sense it in the earth and stone." Rolo gritted his teeth. "In due time, all vegetation will die out… It's due to the Dead God and his power returning to him."
"We're using my world's vegetables. Believe it or not, the Dead God can't influence them… So the food will be different, but it's edible, and your people will have more variety than just mushrooms."
The Lord pulled his beard. "Can you provide us with different variations of meat?"
"Meat? Why meat?"
"Because it's delicious…" Rolo almost came off insulted. "Can you bring variations of animals from your world that we can raise?"
Luna and Risa raised their eyebrows. They also desired that too.
"It's possible… Cows, goats, pigs… I can't guarantee it, but with enough influence and money, I might be able to bring some into this world… They tend to give birth quicker and more often… So meat won't be an issue if things play out fine…"
Rolo debated it for a few seconds. "I need something from you all before I make that decision."
"Do you need us to clear a dungeon?" Ashner tilted his head. "Or perhaps you want us to kill wandering slavers that have gotten too close to your home, or maybe you want us to kill wyverns?"
"What?" Rolo's eyes widened. "Nothing of the sort. What have you lot gone through?"
The group stayed quiet.
Rolo sighed as a barrel was placed in front of him.
"I don't want you to risk your lives to prove yourselves to me… I may be king, but it was forced on me before my time due to my father's death… If anything, I want allies, and I want to better the lives of my people… So I'll accept it on the condition that you prove your value to me in another way."
Rolo opened the barrel, and the aroma of mead filled the room. Around him, his guard's mouths watered.
"We must uphold our traditions… So choose your warriors… And let's drink until we tumble."
Drinks were handed to the entire group. Rolo raised his glass first. "To the future!"
"To the future!" The group echoed.
Ashner sipped on the drink.
This isn't half bad.
"Dwarven mead." Violet savored the drink. "I only heard rumors of its flavor… It's an honor to taste it."
Luna exhaled slowly, and Risa struggled to drink hers.
"Down it quickly!" Rolo ordered.
Everyone obeyed and drank at a faster pace. Wong ended up coughing, which earned him some laughter from the group.
"Choose a warrior to face off against me," Rolo demanded.
"Allow me." Risa sat directly in front of him. Rolo poured them both a drink, and they downed it quickly.
Then came the second cup.
And the third.
Damn, Risa can drink.
"Are you okay, Risa?" Ashner asked the demi-cat girl.
"Yes…" Her tone gave away that she was already buzzing. "I can take on anyone."
Risa's face fell limp on the table. She slid off her chair and landed on her side, knocking over some chairs in the process.
I take it back.
"The first warrior has fallen!" Rolo exclaimed and his men cheered.
Lightweight.
"I'm next," Gio smirked proudly. "Bring it on!"
Nobody grasped how much time passed without the sun, but they enjoyed themselves.
Risa woke up after an hour or two. Luna had placed her head on her lap since the entire room was made of stone and wood.
"Elves have no tolerance." Rolo slurred his words as Luna took a shot with him. Then, he focused on Ashner. "Does your world have alcohol?"
Ashner stood up. As he did, the world spun a little.
I'm feeling it.
He made his way towards a door and tapped his key on it. Then, he stumbled and emerged with a dark bottle. Ashner poured the dark liquid into the dwarf's cup.
"What is this?" He lifted his cup and whiffed it.
"It's called Hennessy. Consider it one of many options of alcohol my world has."
Rolo took a sip and smiled. "That's delightful!"
Ashner smiled under his mask. He was enjoying himself with his friends. A part of him recalled the soldiers in his unit. He never had the chance to drink with them. He had accepted that they were gone. He was glad he got to live. Maybe his friends were in heaven, or perhaps the Eternal Forest, and maybe, just maybe, they were watching over him.
"I've had enough to drink…" Ashner spoke to the dwarf who had brought them alcohol. "Where can we sleep?"
A short dwarf paced ahead of the group and showed them to their rooms. As Ashner expected, it was just a blanket over a stone foundation with thick blankets over it.
Ashner removed his armor, and he lay on top of it, with his body warm from the alcohol. Ashner put his back against the stone bed. Risa lay to his left and Luna to his right.
"What are you two doing?"
"Master." Risa dug her head on Ashner's rib. "Can I stay with you tonight?"
"I don't feel so good." Luna's head was spinning. "Let me recover here."
They're wasted.
"That's a bad idea. I'm drunk, and if you two sleep next to me, who's to say I won't try something?"
Risa smirked proudly. "Any order you give me… I will follow." She cuddled him tightly and glared at Luna, who was enjoying the show.
"I won't lose to you." Risa declared to the blonde.
Lose what?
Luna leaned over Ashner, pressing her chest into his face. The elf got face-to-face with Risa. The demi-cat stood her ground. "Risa… This shouldn't be a competition…"
Luna jerked forward, grabbing Risa's chin. She slowly leaned the cat girl directly above Ashner and forced a kiss on her.
To Ashner's surprise, Risa submitted and let Luna have her way… After the kiss, Luna pulled back slowly, leaving a spit line connecting both their tongues.
That was sexy.
Risa's body grew hot, and her lower parts became wetter. A new sensation and desire sparked, something the girl wasn't aware of herself.
A lust for women.
She glared at Luna, who had dominated her so easily.
Luna spoke calmly. "You view me as someone to overcome, but have you considered that maybe Ashner would prefer us kissing instead of fighting?" Luna leaned back and pointed at Ashner's pants. To his left side, his erection was clearly visible.
THAT BRAT!
Risa shook. She studied Ashner and Luna. Conflicted with the development that unfolded, and confused with her body and why she was so turned on. "I… I…" She used her wind magic to try to escape out the front door, but instead, she bumped into the wall and flew back, falling on her back and knocking herself out.
Luna laughed loudly. "She only acts tough. That girl feels valued when someone she respects tells her what to do… But when it comes to her sexual desires, she submits quickly. Risa doesn't understand why her body acts that way, but I find it fun teasing her."
"That was cruel."
"Was it?" Luna licked her lips and straddled Ashner. Ashner's heart raced. Luna's lips were pink, and the weight of her body excited him. Luna smiled devilishly and rubbed his dick over his pants. "Then is this cruel too?"
This sensation… Her fingers… Her smile… She's fucking with me the way she does with Risa.
"You can dominate Risa…" Ashner half moaned with his words. "But if you try that with me… You won't be in control for long…"
She smiled. "Then put me in my place." Luna lifted Ashner's mask up just enough for his lips to show. Sure enough, they were deformed from the acid, and some teeth were visible. Even so, Luna kissed him.
Their lips locked for a few seconds. They both allowed the alcohol to dictate their actions.
An odd aftertaste followed, the sweet saliva of two women and the bitterness of alcohol.
Ashner's heart raced, and he sensed his lower half tingling while she caressed him.
That was my first kiss… And by someone so beautiful… I can die happy now…
Luna leaned back up, her hips grinding against Ashner. She rubbed her lower half against Ashner's hard member. Her eyes lit up, and her lust ignited.
She desired women, but on rare occasions, a man scratched an itch women didn't… Her head was light, her nipples hardened, and her heart raced… Then her stomach turned.
"Oh… No…" Luna turned to her side and threw up on the stone bed.
Again? Seriously? And there goes my boner.
Ashner helped her to the river. He held her hair back as she vomited out the alcohol.
And they spent their night there, next to the running water. A beautiful elf who can't handle mead and a deformed man whose blue balls could paint the sky. Even so, the two cherished that night.
*******
Gio crashed out next to Rolo, Wong placed a blanket over him and walked to the room the dwarfs had given him. When he walked in, Violet was on top of one of the wooden chairs. Sitting on it backward.
"Why are you here?" Wong asked. He was drunk, but he wasn't angry.
"I just…" Violet had some mead in her hand. She took a quick drink for courage. "I need to know something…"
"Ask away."
"Do you hate me?"
"No, I already told you… I'm the one at fault here…" Wong put his gun on the counter and removed his body armor. "Why do you want to dig into my past?"
"Because I want to understand you." Violet put the cup down and made her way towards Wong. She demanded answers, and Wong was drunk enough to push his doubts aside.
"Once I tell you, you'll never look at me the same way again… You'll push me away…"
"Then you'll get what you want." Violet glanced up at Wong. Her body was hot with the alcohol, and admittedly, she wanted to rip his clothes off, but having sex at night just to be ignored during the day was exhausting to her. She wanted to break the habit.
Wong grabbed her mead and drank from it. He took a few seconds to debate if he should tell her, but the determination in Violet's purple eyes was enough to foresee that she wasn't leaving without answers.
Against his better judgment and instincts, Wong opened up for the first time in years.
"I was an orphan, and as a child, a woman took me in… At first, she gave me everything… A home, education, love…" Wong rubbed his face. The alcohol was giving him the courage to speak his mind, but even so, his legs shook, and his voice broke. "She was the only one I relied on. She challenged me to be the best version of myself, and I did it happily… Until…"
Violet leaned towards Wong.
"Until she snuck into my bed, used her hands, her mouth, her pussy… Every part of me was for her pleasure… Before I knew what sex was, she forced it on me." Wong sipped on Violet's drink, and his black hair covered his eyes. He refused to let Violet glance at his face at that moment. "She did it for years and years… I don't remember hating it. Instead, I was confused… And when I finally realized the damage she caused, I looked for help… My ex-girlfriend, my friends, professionals… Everyone I trusted… They all turned me away, nobody believed me… And the ones that did, they told me that I was lucky that she raped me… And as twisted as this sounds, some days I believed it."
Violet's ears dropped. This wasn't what she expected.
"The irony is she warned me. She told me nobody would believe me, and she was right… Once I realized I was alone, I became angry… More angry than I imagined was possible… That anger made me comprehend that I needed to run, and my world was in the middle of its biggest war… So I stole things from her. In my head, I called it 'payment for my sexual services,' and I joined the war effort. Thanks to the aptitude for learning that she drilled into me, I became a combat medic. In fact, I was one of the best… I figured she wouldn't find me if I was in a war zone… But I don't think she ever tried. She cut her losses, and I was in a new hell… But at least I had more control in a warzone than in that mansion…"
Violet took her drink back and sipped on it.
"But I didn't realize it then, what she did to me molded me… It made me hate women… Because I've experienced the worst of them… It also shifted my mindset when it comes to sex… She took the control I had when I was in my most intimate state… So now, when I fuck someone, I have to be in control… I have to control everything… Because the moment I lose it, I'm reminded of her… And I can't have that… Even years after, she still haunts me…"
The air in the stone room soured. Violet's eyes were on her cup.
Wong didn't want to stick around. Violet was no different than the people he told the truth to. He stood up.
"Don't go…" Violet glanced up at Wong, her eyes watering with tears. "You finally told me why… I always assumed you hated me… But this is more than I imagined…"
"I don't expect you to know how to handle this." Wong glanced at her. "Most women can't handle something like this. Instead, they run and find another man that they can pretend isn't broken. Because women are pathetic and weak creatures."
"No! Not me!" Violet shook her head. "I won't run… Let me be your pillar."
"What?"
Violet stood up and put her cup on the stone table. "Use me however you want."
This wasn't a reaction Wong ever predicted, not from anyone. Especially Violet.
"If you need to release your rage, if you need to dominate me, if you need to fuck me in a way that eases your pain… Then do it…" Violet took her top off, exposing herself to Wong. She leaned forward, pressing her bare chest against him. "You're the one I want… A treasure from another world, your eyes enchant everything, your lips drip honey… If your trauma is like the bees that protect their home, then I'll endure every sting… I'll embrace the pain… If that's what it takes to stand by your side, I'll do it… I'll become a woman you're proud of… So I accept what happened to you. I accept that it made you who you are… And I accept anything you do to me…"
"You're the first…" Wong's eyes watered. "Finally… Someone believes me…"
Wong took his shirt off, then pinned the bunny against the stone bed. She smiled, and Wong undid her pants, and together, they became one. Melded body and soul, her moans were louder than usual, and Wong's thrusts were harder and faster.
This time, they didn't treat each other as just a sexual outlet.
"Don't you dare cry. If you accept my past, then you'll have to adapt to the pain and pleasure." Wong warned Violet, who in turn replied with moans.
"I accept." She moaned as she held herself against the bed, angling herself for more pleasure. "I accept, please, give me more… Give me everything you have…"
Since that night, the group went a few weeks without drinking alcohol.