Within the Cave
James sat by the injured Oni, glancing at her the Oni's face was a striking mix of feminine and masculine traits, with a broad jaw that made her look strong and confident. Her skin was a deep, earthy brown, like rich soil, and her cheeks and forehead were marked with tattoos that seemed to tell stories of her past victories and battles as her eyes began to flutter open. She turned her head weakly, her gaze moving across the group sitting nearby. Her golden eyes studied Elena, Emma, and Sophia briefly, but then her gaze settled on James. A confused expression crossed her face as she looked at him with curiosity and suspicion.
James noticed the Oni's gaze lingering on him, her eyes filled with confusion as she studied his face. For a moment, he felt a strange sense of unease, but he decided to brush it off. He shifted forward slightly, trying to appear calm despite the nervous energy bubbling inside him.
"Hey," he said softly, his voice careful and steady. "Are you okay? Can you understand me?"
His words hung in the air, his tone gentle as he tried to connect with her. He wasn't sure if she would respond or even comprehend what he was saying, but he hoped his intentions came through in his voice.
The Oni's brow tightened, her expression wary as she muttered something in a language James didn't recognize. Her voice was sharp, almost defensive, as if she was trying to protect herself even in her weakened state.
James frowned, realizing they couldn't understand each other. The language barrier was like an invisible wall between them. He let out a small sigh and tried again, this time raising his hands slowly, palms facing outward in a universal gesture of peace.
"I… I don't mean any harm." he said carefully, his voice soft and steady "We just want to help you."
He pointed gently to her injury, then to the herbs he had gathered, hoping she would understand that his intentions were good. Even though her expression didn't soften completely, her eyes flickered with what James thought might be curiosity or maybe cautious trust.
The Oni spoke again, her voice sharper this time, and her expression more irritated. James could feel the tension growing, and it made him uneasy. He tried to catch any hint of meaning in her words, but nothing made sense.
"I don't think she understands me," James said, his shoulders slumping as he glanced back at the others. There was a hint of frustration in his voice, and he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of the moment. "I'm not getting through to her at all."
He looked between Elena, Emma, and Sophia, hoping one of them might have an idea.
Suddenly, Elena stepped forward, her face calm but confident. She took a deep breath and spoke in a steady, clear voice. To James's surprise, the words that came out were in the same strange language as the injured Oni's.
Her tone was firm yet gentle, like she was both reassuring and taking control of the situation. The injured Oni's eyes widened slightly in surprise as she heard Elena's words. Her tense shoulders seemed to relax just a little, and she gave a small nod, showing that she understood.
James watched, amazed, as the two seemed to connect. It was the first real sign of progress, and he couldn't help but feel a spark of hope.
James blinked in surprise and turned to Elena. "Wait, you can speak her language?" His voice was full of shock. He couldn't believe it.
Elena nodded, looking calm but amused by his reaction "It's not exactly English, but I understand a lot of it." she said softly "It's a mix of gestures and sounds. I've learned it over time It's really different from what we know."
James opened his mouth, ready to ask more, but stopped himself. He was still trying to figure it out. He never expected Elena to be able to talk like that.
Elena gave a small shrug, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I guess I can," she said, her voice steady but confident. "It's kind of strange, James. It's like the words were already in my mind, like I've always known them. I didn't really have to think about it...it just felt natural."
Her eyes met his, her smile still there, as if the whole thing made perfect sense to her, even if it seemed odd to him. James could tell she wasn't trying to show off, just explaining how it felt for her.
Emma crossed her arms and gave a playful smirk. "Guess being an Oni has its advantages," she said, her tone light but with a hint of pride. "This feels like more than just a change, it's like we've unlocked something new."
Sophia chuckled softly, crossing her arms as she looked down at James with an amused grin "You're out of the loop on this one, James. Don't feel bad." she teased, her tone playful. Then, leaning slightly toward him, she added with a confident smile, "I'm sure you'll find a way, nothing's impossible."
James glanced up at her, feeling a mix of amusement and determination. He let out a small sigh, then nodded with a faint smile "You're right." he said, his voice steady "I'll figure it out. I always do."
James sighed, leaning on the cave wall for awhile and started to sit down, watching as Elena talked to the Oni. He waited patiently, letting the quiet of the cave settle around him. The conversation between them went on for a while, and with every word Elena spoke, the air in the cave seemed to relax a little more. The tension that had been there before slowly faded away.
Finally, the Oni closed her eyes again, her breathing steady as she rested It was like the weight of the moment had lifted, and for the first time in a while, there was calm.
James turned to Elena, his eyes full of curiosity "So, what did she say?" he asked, his voice eager to know. He leaned in slightly, hoping for some kind of explanation. He wanted to understand what had just happened, what the Oni had said, and why everything felt so different now.
Elena sat down next to James, her face serious. "She told me there's an Oni tribe not far from here," she began, her voice steady. "She was attacked by slave hunters while she was out hunting for food. She managed to escape and lose them, but they're not far away from here. Still, she's worried they might come back."
She paused for a moment, her gaze focused as she remembered the conversation. It was clear the Oni was still on edge, even if the immediate danger had passed for now.
James nodded, his face serious as he thought it over "Then we'll go to the tribe." he said firmly "It sounds like the best place to start."
His voice was calm but determined, showing he had already made up his mind. James glanced at Elena, waiting to see if she agrees.
Emma and Sophia both nodded in agreement, but Elena's next words made James stop and think "There's something you need to know." she said slowly "The Oni natives don't trust outsiders. They'll only let us stay if their chief allows it."
Her voice was calm, but James could tell she was serious. He looked at her, realizing this might not be as simple as he thought.
James glanced between the three of them, seeing the concern in their faces. He sighed heavily "It doesn't matter. We have to go. We can't just wander the forest forever."
Elena smiled faintly "Alright. But stay on your toes."
45 minutes later
The injured Oni, now somewhat recovered, spoke softly to Elena, Emma, and Sophia. They exchanged a few words in the Oni tongue, and the three women laughed lightly, easing the tension. Then, the Oni turned to James. Elena introduced him, acting as a mediator between the two. James extended his hand hesitantly, and the Oni grasped it firmly in a gesture of mutual respect smiling at him, he looked up into her golden eyes, as she was tall as Elena, Emma, and Sophia.
Through Elena's translation, James learned the Oni's name was Alisa. She explained that the tribe was hidden deep within the Jade Forest, one of the largest forests in this world. She also requested her knife back, her tone firm but not threatening.
James glanced at Elena for confirmation. She nodded and he handed the knife to Alisa, who sheathed it behind her back "Thank you." she murmured, her voice softer now as it was her most treasured possession.
Walking through the Jade forest
As they walked through the forest, Alisa led the way carefully, keeping the group away from places where slave hunters might be hiding.
At one point, they saw human footprints in the muddy ground. Alisa's face grew serious, and her eyes narrowed. She leaned closer to Elena and whispered something. Elena nodded, her face tense, and quickly told the group "Stay quiet and move fast."
Everyone followed her lead, their steps quiet as they hurried forward, hoping to avoid any danger.
Oni Tribe
Finally, they reached the Oni tribe, as they approached female Oni guards patrolled the outskirts, their sharp eyes fixed on the group as they came closer. The guards were dressed in worn-out leather armor that looked like it had been patched together many times. The pieces didn't fit them well, some too loose and others too tight, as if the armor had been handed down or scavenged. Their weapons were old and scratched and some didn't even have weapons, but they held them tightly, their stances alert and ready.
When they saw Alisa, their tense expressions softened. They stepped aside, allowing her to pass without question. Their eyes briefly flicked to the group she was leading, but they didn't stop her or say a word, trusting her judgment.
The tribe looked like it had seen better days as the group passed the Oni natives. The huts were simple and worn down, some looking like they might fall apart. The Oni natives wore clothes made from animal skins, and many of them looked thin and tired. Their faces showed both curiosity and sadness as they stared at the strangers walking into their home.
James felt a wave of sadness as he looked around the tribe. "This place…" he said softly, shaking his head.
As James looked around, he noticed something odd. There were no males just females. His curiosity grew as he wondered where all the men had gone. Even the children were female. Elena, Emma, and Sophia also noticed this and exchanged puzzled looks, wondering the same thing. It was an unusual sight that raised many questions, but no one said anything right away.
When Alisa returned to them again, she beckoned them inside. "The chief will see you," Elena translated.
The Oni Queen's hut
The hut was dim, with just enough light to see clearly. At the center, there was a large wooden throne, and sitting on it was the Oni queen. She was a strong figure, with muscular arms and legs covered in battle scars. Her hair was black and tied back, keeping it out of her face as she sat on the throne, she had green eyes and full lips that were curved slightly. Even though she looked powerful, there was a certain grace to her. She seemed both fierce and beautiful, a perfect balance of strength and elegance. She wore leather armor that fitted her curvy strong body really well, the armor looked tough, making her look even more powerful.
The queen spoke, her voice commanding yet calm looking at them with her green sharp and piercing eyes as Elena translated her words for James "She wants to know why we're here."
James stepped forward, his voice steady but respectful as he bowed slightly toward the queen "Greetings, your majesty. I'm James, and these are my friends, Elena, Emma and Sophia. We're travelers" he said, then paused before continuing "We were attacked by a dangerous wild animal in the forest and barely escaped, right now we're in need of a place to rest. May we please stay here?" his words were clear and polite, showing respect and a genuine request for help.
Elena translated James's words and the queen listened carefully, after a long silence she nodded "You may stay." she said through Elena. "But know this, you are guests here. Respect our ways, or you will not be welcome." her voice was firm, making it clear they needed to follow the rules of the tribe.
As James prepared to leave the queen's hut, he bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady but sincere. "We're grateful for your kindness and will do our best to honor your hospitality."
The others followed his lead, bowing their heads in unison. Each of them murmured their thanks, their voices soft and respectful. With that, they turned and followed James out of the hut, leaving the queen seated on her throne, her sharp gaze watching them until they were gone.
The queen's sharp eyes lingered on the Elena, Emma and Sophia as they exited the hut, her green eyes lingering on their departing figures. As they made their way to the sturdy hut at the outskirts of the tribe, she couldn't help but watch Elena, Emma, and Sophia with a glint of curiosity who left last following James. Their confidence and the way they carried themselves had caught her attention. Her gaze was particularly drawn to their ample backsides, which swayed gently as they walked and the way their full chest bounced gently with each step. The queen's eyes narrowed slightly, and she licked her full lips in a subtle, perverted manner. It was a look that spoke of a hidden desire, a craving to claim and conquer. She felt a thrill of power as she allowed her eyes to roam over them, but she quickly schooled her expression, knowing better than to let her true feelings show to those around her. For now, she would bide her time, watching and waiting for the right moment to make her move.
The Oni Tribe
As they followed Alisa, she led them to a sturdy hut similar to the chief's, though a little smaller in size. The structure was made of thick, weathered wood with a thatched roof, giving it a strong and solid feel. The walls were reinforced with animal hides, offering protection from the elements. Inside, there was enough space for the group to sit and rest, with a few simple furnishings, a small fire pit in the center, a few animal mats on the ground, each bed was covered with animal hides and blankets, both made from the same material. The hides were stretched tightly over the wooden frames, creating a simple but sturdy place to sleep. The faint smell of the wood mixed with the earthy scent of the hides, giving the room a natural, rustic feel. There was also a rough wooden shelves, their surfaces worn from years of use. Though the place wasn't comfortable, it was at least functional and secure.
Alisa turned to leave, bidding them farewell as she made her way back toward the chief's hut, her expression thoughtful. The group watched her go before settling into their new shelter. The fire crackled softly in the center, and though the hut was simple, it offered them some comfort. Each of them was aware that their journey was far from over, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead lingered in the air.