Australia.
The Place Down Under.
A continent that is more than well known, yet only a small portion of it's land has been solidly colonized and populated. At least, for humans that is. After the global announcement was made that creatures that had once thought to be figments of pure fantasy and superstition were actually real, it came little surprise that Australia was no exception either. It too had it's fair share of cryptids, monsters, and supernatural entities that had made themselves known to the world at long last. Several nations have already managed to congregate many diplomatic solutions to have these "extraspecies" be assimilated into modern society to create a better civilization, and after a short span of three years, liminals of all shapes and sizes have been successfully integrated as working, cooperative citizens to their respected countries.
However, while there are nations such as Japan or the United States that have managed to make steady progress, there are others that have struggled more with the issue, and it is Australia that has been a prime example of this unfortunate fact. Make no mistake, Australia is not facing a dire calamity, nor is it on the brink of civil war, but it is still a great issue of political debate. Most of the Australian extraspecies have resided quietly in the wild regions known as the Outback, building their own communities, living their own cultures, and this has been the case for centuries. So, it was inevitable that negotiations over the distribution of land would be a primary topic amongst the elected representatives and official politicians.
Yet this is not the story that you will be reading, but rather the story of a father, and his son.
A fair distance from the capital city of Sydney, resides a human made national park that protects the borders of the Mares Forrest, it is here where the Wombeyan Caves can be explored, and the Wollondilly River can be found. It is a quiet reserve, where only small woodland creatures reside, however, that was the case three years ago. Agents of the M.O.N. division have admitted to the public that a particular liminal lives in these woods, an extraspecies that has fought tooth and nail to retain rightful ownership of his land. Ultimately, the reserve is still operated as it always has, but has agreed to carry a very strict policy; if tourists are ever to encounter this creature, they are firmly abided to, under any circumstance, not disturb him.
However, something occurred recently, something that is only under the knowledge of the few park rangers and M.O.N. agents that have happened to notice on occasion.
It was the peak of summer, and it was high noon, as the sun scaled its highest point in the sky, and where it was at it's hottest. The humid, dry air coaxed the many variety of insects and toads to flourish and bring the forest to life with thousands of chirps, croaks, and other feral noises. Meanwhile, sitting at the shore of a small, murky pond, was a human boy, barely six years old, but full of wonder and curiosity. He was small, thin, but seemed healthy enough to the eye. His soft cheeks smeared with dirt, his fuzzy blond hair tickled his ears. His eyes were a brilliant jade green, so green it would make a crocodile blush, and had decently tanned Caucasian skin, hinting strongly that he spends a lot of time outside. He wore plain tan shorts, muddy leather boots, and a simple black tee with the letters ACDC printed across his chest in metallic illustration.
But what could a child such as this one be doing all the way out here, far from the nearest human settlement, alone in the wilderness?
Well, actually, he wasn't alone.
Just a few feet away, skulking in the shrubbery, watching the boy with bestial eyes that gleamed like liquid silver, was a beast of bizarre and terrifying appearance. The creature was large, with bulking shoulders ending in massive arms that could bench press a vehicle. It's face was like that of an angry bull dog, with a flat snout, and a massively scrunched brow, but also had a large under bite between a pair of deadly tusks, exposing a lower set of gnashing teeth capable of tearing flesh and crushing bone. Its legs were just as meaty, with large, stumpy feet that were as thick as tree trunks. Extending from its rear was a long, hulking tail that looked crocodilian, in fact, most of it's body was covered in hard, leathery, muddy green scales from head to toe, but what made it strange was that long, thick strands of hair covered portions of it's body as well, tufts of fur patted on it's shoulders, forearms, and chest. Like an obscene conglomeration of several animals into one abominable monstrosity.
Yet it was decent enough to sport a pair of ridiculously large tattered jeans and a belt to match. But that did not matter, what did, was that it had its gaze locked on this child.
The boy however, could not be bothered to sense any danger, for he was too preoccupied to watch for frogs and capture them as potential pets, or perhaps even for lunch. He was feeling a bit hungry.
The beast slowly approached the distracted child, crawling on all fours with its belly close to the ground. as it neared towards its prey, the creature gradually opened it's powerful jaws, it reared itself up and arched over the unwary child, its hulking arms spreading out, ready to pounce on him and deliver the striking blow.
The child, still ignorant of the encroaching mass behind him, does eventually notice that the ground before him seemed darker now than a moment ago. He is compelled to turn around, but before he even could attempt it, he feels his entire body being plucked from the mud, ensnared by giant, leathery claws. As he is hoisted into the air, he screams in panic...
But then starts to laugh hysterically as the tips of the claws start to gently dig into his sides tickling him relentlessly.
Following in his laughter was accompanied by the beast's own thundering mirth as it bellows playfully, "Lookeh wha' I snatched up! I tasteh lil boi! I'm gonna gobble yoo up good, I will! OMNOMNOMNOM!"
The boy cries out more, pleading between giggles, "No no no! I'm too dirty and icky!"
The beast lets out another haughty laugh, "Yer righ' bout tha' one, lil skippah!" His voice was deep, masculine, gruff, yet warm. There was both a soft and boisterous tone in his words, but he decided to be a bit more stern as he eased off his barrage of tickles and set the child on his hunky shoulder as he added, "I told ya to wai' foive minutes, Benneh."
"Oh..." The boy pretended to be surprised, "I thought you said you'd catch up in five minutes."
"Benjamin." The beast scolded him softly.
"Sorry, Dad." The boy apologizes genuinely before changing the subject as he leans over on the beast's thick tusk leisurely, "So what was it you wanted to do today?" He asks curiously.
"Well, I was think'n we could go to...the market today?" He suggested invitingly, knowing exactly how the child would react.
And to his amusement, the boy's face lit up with excitement as Ben's jaw dropped before responding eagerly, "We're gonna go to the caves!?"
"Only if ya promise ta be on ya bist behavieh." The beast smirks at him.
"Promisepromisepromisepromise!" The boy exclaims, practically shaking with joy as he climbs over to saddle on the back of the liminal's thick neck as he urges on impatiently, "Can we go now? Can we!?"
The fatherly beast chuckles softly, "Yes yes, jus' keep ya pants on, ya crazeh lil devil, bu' firs' yer in despera' need fo' a bath."
Almost as immediate as his spontaneous excitement, it melted faster than ice cream on pavement into a disdainful frown as he heard that despicable four letter word.
"Awww, but Daaaaaaaad~!" He whined pleadingly.
"Butts ah fo' sitt'n, Benneh, and yours is gonna be in the tub befo' we head ou'" The liminal replies, still retaining his amused grin as he begins to saunter back to their home through the vast trees to prepare for their trip to this mentioned market. All the while Benjamin groaning about the inevitable wash he will so intolerably undertake before doing so.
Note: This story will not be updated as consistently as Daily Life With Monster Roommates or Life of a Hunter. This story was created primarily because I felt the need to contribute something to the universe of Daily Life With a Monster that was not harem themed or romantically related.I appreciate any and all support or criticism, and that I humbly hope you enjoy this read.
With humble regards and sincere gratitude,
-Crowscythe