Chapter 10

"I really need a bath.", I mumbled in my overly grumpy morning voice.

The looks that I got from my two companions were unreadable. I figured that Risa likely had a great sense of smell to match her amazing hearing and yet had still elected to snuggle up to me at some point while I was asleep.

"I'll go check to make sure its open and ready, but you'll need to make it quick.", Risa stated with some annoyance.
"I can't believe you aren't bothered by that...smell.", I had to add.
"It's just you-it's stranger to be dealing with you smelling all clean and flowery."
"Oh…", I simply said.

Since the humbling events of the previous evening, I'd felt a bit odd. I think it was more that I really didn't know HOW to feel after that. If I hadn't felt so self-conscious it'd have been easier to realize that both Del and Risa were treating this just like any other day. I felt another stabbing reminder that they had both watched over me and my...functions for nearly a year.

"If the scent bothers you, then I shall join you.", Del added.
"Right...okay."

I was finding it hard to make eye contact with either of my two companions. This feeling was like an amplified version of the dream of being at school wearing no clothes. I'd been completely exposed in front of Del and it was really bothering me. If I even tried to fall back on pretending to be some cool and worldly traveller from another otherwhere, my companions would still know that I was just-

Interrupting my self-exploration, Del dumped a bucket of water over me.
Sputtering and spitting, I began, "When did I…?"
"You have been very distant since awakening", Del said gesturing to the small washroom in which I had inexplicably found myself.
"Does it bother you that I'm just a normal pitiful human?"
"I take exception to your use of the word 'pitiful' but your state does not otherwise bother me."
"But I just…" I began, not sure what I even wanted to say.
Somehow understanding what I wanted to say before I even said it she responded, "You are the same person now that you were yesterday-why would you be anything else?"

That was true, it wasn't like this was some life changing experience, right?. It certainly didn't rank up there with seeing a surprise futanari scene for the first time. I still wasn't quite sure why this was so upsetting to me.

"But you saw...that. I completely lost control of myself."
"That was by design. Have you forgotten that you are a biologically living being?"
"Maybe I'm a product of my culture or something. Those...things are typically done in private or with a stigma attached.", I said starting to realize how potentially ridiculous that might sound.
"If you were completely alone in the world, would it matter if you relieved yourself whenever the need arose?"
"But it isn't like that.", I added, needlessly.
"Have you considered that all living things exist at the whims of their urges?"
"Well...yeah. It's not like I'm waxing philosophic all day, though."
"You understand your urges. I would hope you have a better understanding of ours as well."
"You mean...monsters?", I said, hoping the word wasn't offensive.
Nodding, she replied, "Yes. Risa and many other monsters are fairly similar to humans or any other animal in that they absorb nutrients through food, with the added compulsion to consume spirit energy. Though somewhat more rare, myself and other undead subsist almost entirely on spirit energy."
"But aren't we supposed to rise above…?"

I began that statement when realization hit me like a freight train full of smaller, yet equally deadly, freight trains. When it really came down to it, I wasn't able to "rise above" anything.

Seeing a look of disappointment on Del's face, I corrected myself, "No...you're right. I wouldn't have gotten it without your...uh...lesson."
"What did you learn from that lesson?"
"No matter how you try to dress it up, we're all just animals really. Animals that are really good at playing make-believe."
She smiled at this, saying, "That is close enough. I am pleased that you understand."
"Does this have to do with wanting to see you smile?"
"Somewhat. My phylactery greatly calms my urges and desires normally. What you requested required an alteration."
"And that's why I needed that lesson?"
"No, you needed that lesson regardless." she said with a wicked smile, "...In my professional opinion."
"Well, now you've seen all that I am and...well...all that I'm not."
With a slight shaking of her head she responded, "I was already aware of such things, I just needed you to be aware of them."
"And...you meant what you said about doing anything I asked?"

Closing her eyes for just a moment she looked back at me and responded, "That...has been true from the moment I first saw you."
Blinking at this baffling statement, I had to ask, "Why?"
"I...can't say."
"You know that seems strange to me...how am I anything special?"
"The only answer I can offer is that I have chosen you."
"If that is your reason then...well I don't think I really needed the lesson on humility. I don't understand it, but I am truly and utterly humbled by it."

As impossible as it was to understand, she didn't have any hesitation in her proclamation. Perhaps her lesson was more a warning to not abuse that gift under pain of further...consequences. I made a vigorous mental note to use that gift sparingly.

I quickly finished washing and dressing myself while I tried to fight the worry about what was in store for us down the road. Now that Del was here, I had to talk to her about a few things, but I needed to make sure we weren't being overheard.

Heading outside I saw Risa getting the cart ready and called out to her.

"Hey, I'm going to run down to Emerald's to get that package with Del. You about ready to go?"
"Yep! Maybe 20 minutes or so, just need to settle some things with Belle. I'll just head by Emerald's place to pick you guys up."
"Righteous, see you in a bit."

Del and I began the trek to the other side of town as she seemed to cling to my arm. I found it rather silly that I looked like the protector here but I would have been completely vulnerable without Del here to defend me. Even the few looks we did get from the other townsfolk were quickly averted once they saw us.

"Del, this may sound strange, but are you like...really powerful?"
"Power is relative."
"Then, relative to the vast majority of other monsters."
"A lich is a higher class of undead. I am not physically capable, but I wield magic with some skill. My necromancy is still weak but returning, as you saw last night."
Feeling that we were now out of earshot of Risa's slimy shadow, I began, "I'm going to need your help with something involving Risa, but you can't tell her about it under any circumstances short of me...I don't know...dying or being captured."
"Understood."
"There is a slime monster following Risa, Emerald seemed to think it was a queen."
"I see, this is how her mother has been tracking her. By your statement I assume you wish to abuse that connection?"
"Uh...right. Talking in my sleep?"
"No."
"Well, if I start talking in my sleep about that, cover my mouth or something."
"Understood. How can I provide assistance?", she asked.
"I don't need anything yet, but I wanted to see if it would be possible. Does your eromancy work on monsters?"
"It does, but it is normally what you might consider 'overkill'."
"Awesome, at some point I might need you to unload your biggest eromantic spell combo onto this slime. It's always following Risa too, so…"
"Understood, I will endeavor to locate it using this."

She then reached into her mouth (still creepy) and pulled out what looked like a small bone, about the size of a knuckle bone. She then whispered to it and then set it on the ground where it sprouted tiny legs and began to crawl back towards the inn.

"Once it has located the slime I should be able to release my magic using it as a conduit."
"That's...a bit disturbing, but that sounds great. When you unleash that spell, what would happen?"
"For lack of a better description, bedlam. It truly depends on the size of the queen, but since a queen slime is several parts, all connected through a central consciousness, every single piece would go absolutely mad with a devouring lust."
"What would it actually do?"
"Any men that it already has within it would be mercilessly sucked dry of their energy. When this fails to sate the poor creature, it would lash out at any being nearby in an attempt to fill the all-consuming hunger"
"Wait, so it might actually kill people?"
"That is a possibility, but fairly low in probability. If you are concerned with the men the slime has already caught, they are almost certainly beyond rescue."
"Couldn't they be pulled free once…?"
"I reduced you to such a state for a few hours and you nearly lost your mind. Some of her prisoners could have been within her for years."
"I see…"
"I will not question your reasons, but you asked this of me because it will be important?"
"Yes, but…", I protested.
"Then just make your choice and accept the consequences."

I guess it really was that simple. Not everything works out like a modern fairy tale. I'm going to need to accept that there would be consequences. This was for someone I deeply cared about.

"You're right. I need some things in place before I need this to happen, but this is important. Thanks for knocking some sense into me."
"Understood."

With a glance off towards the northeast, I added, "There was one other thing"
"Is it regarding the church at which you've been staring?"
"Uh...yeah."
"There are two powerful monsters that call that place their home, and several others that live with them. I would strongly suggest avoiding it."
"But I saw a bunch of girls heading in there the other day, are they-"
"Monsters, the nature of which would quickly make you wish to break your oath to remain with us."
"I see. Well, then I won't mention it again."
"Good."

We arrived at at Emerald's place to see her sweeping off the dust from her doorstep with a large broom. She didn't seem overly pleased to see me, even less so to see Del, but she offered her greeting regardless.

"Good morning, I assume you are here to pick up your package?"
"Yep, also wanted to let you know that it'll be beneficial to keep stocking up on those things I mentioned, with a focus on these, if you can get them", I said gesturing to the package she handed me. "If the prices get beyond...say...10-15% over your normal rate, then stop buying and just hold. I expect that once it gets at 50-100% higher than your normal price you should probably sell it all."
"How do you know it'll get that high?", she asked.
"I don't really...just hoping it will, and wanted you to be prepared."
"I couldn't sell these things to customers at those prices, you know."
"Yep! If everything goes as planned, some of your suppliers will come by with sob stories on how they sold too much and need to buy some back. That's where you gouge."
Rolling her eyes at my excitement, "Yes, well...if any of this comes to pass, I'll be ready."
"If this doesn't work I'll personally pay back the difference."
Suddenly intrigued, she responded, "Your ass didn't get enough last time?", then she shook her head, "Just make sure Risa stays happy and we'll call it even."
Surprised myself at this turn, I asked, "That seems rather generous."
"It is. But despite your pitiful stamina and nearly non-existent physical strength, you seem mentally capable enough to know what you're doing. If you're wrong then you'll have a lot worse to deal with from her mother than from me."
"That thought had crossed my mind."
"I find that hard to believe, but be careful just the same."

Emerald then waved to Risa, approaching from behind us. I helped Del into the cart and then hopped in. We waved the small village within the Elysian Valley goodbye for now as we headed up out of the valley towards the southeast and our destination.

"It'll probably be two days at least until we reach another town. Just sit tight and we'll be there before you know it."
"She seems to be in a much better mood today", I whispered to Del, not entirely convinced that Risa wouldn't hear me anyway.
"I imagine that she has a substantial lunch planned."
"Uh...you mean…?"
"I'd suggest getting some rest.", Del responded quietly as she pushed herself tightly against me.
"So then what are you doing?", I asked as she seductively ran her hands across my skin.
"I am helping to increase the concentration of spiritual energy."
"So you're just going to tease me for the next several hours?"
"I am."
"And if I asked you to stop?"
"I would stop."
"Then would you...mmmf", I managed to get out before my mouth was held closed again by her disembodied skeletal hands.
"I believe it was you that suggested that we behave as a team. I appreciate your willingness to make this sacrifice for her benefit."

Looking over I saw Risa's ears standing straight up, close to the top of her head. I had come to learn this meant she was wearing a large smile. "Well, I guess if they were in on this together", I thought, "Maybe they're both sold on this little partnership of mine."

"Joe?"
"Mmm?"
"You've become aroused."
"Mmm."

I really hoped, however, that Del wasn't giving Risa tips on how to better torment me. As I pondered that little fragment of nightmare, Del turned my chin slightly in Risa's direction and nodded. As I looked more closely I saw the tickling instrument of agony stowed in the cart near our food. With my ability to scream kept from me again, I quickly turned back to Del and pleaded to her with my eyes.

"You seem distressed, love. You shouldn't keep your fears bottled up." she said as she continued to run her hands across my body.

I knew if I tried to stop her she'd have me pinned down completely so I just tried to think of benign things to fight what I knew to be her irresistible touch. And so, for three hours, Del did everything in her power to bring me as close to the edge as possible without ever daring to push me over it. Each time she pulled back I felt my frustration grow, but there was no way I was going to lay down for another round of tickle torture. So I hatched a daring plan.

"This seems like a good spot.", Risa said, pulling us off the road up to a small hill adorned with a single cypress tree.

I could make out a thick treeline closer to the mountains about 400 meters from where we stopped. I knew this was a bad idea, but what choice did I really have? There was no way I was going to just lay back and take another round of that soul-rending agony.

Del hopped out of the cart from her normal spot on my lap and offered her hand to help me down. At that moment I saw my chance and took it. I placed my foot on the edge of the cart and then leapt for all I was worth, landing in a roll and then bounding up into an all-out sprint towards the treeline. Maybe if I could hide for a few hours they'd have forgotten about the whole tickling thing. Yeah, it sounded brilliant in my head.

I'd always been a pretty fast sprinter, able to clear the 100m in just over 12 seconds. It actually felt good to have the wind whipping through my hair as my stride widened and I put some distance between myself and my companions. It was somewhat more difficult to run with an erection, but that slowed me down only slightly. What really killed my forward momentum, however, was the powerful downward force of a leaping raccoon-dog girl landing on my shoulders.

"Oooh! You are just the sweetest! How did you know I liked to chase my prey down?"
Realizing that somehow the skeletal hands had fallen away, I was still only able to gasp as the force from her tackle drove my body, lead by my face, into a skidding crash on the soft ground. The crash left Risa sitting on my shoulders with her feet on the ground beside my head.

Coughing up a mouthful of dirt, I managed to respond, "Oh, you know me…"
Running her soft tail under my shirt, she began to tickle me saying, "You'd better be honest or-"
I didn't even let her finish, "Please! I'll do absolutely anything if you just don't tickle me."
"Anything?"
"Yes, anything!"
"Well", she said as she helped me to my feet, "I'll determine the rules of our game based on how far away you can get before I catch you."
"Did Del…?"
"You've got exactly 3 seconds to start running" she said with a wicked smile, made more sinister by her eyes, seemingly bloodshot with lust.

I didn't give it a second thought as I ran as fast as I could for my three second head-start. I then heard her bare feet tear into the tall grass as she bounded after me like a damn cheetah. The only way to avoid her tackle was to dodge, so after I heard her quick footsteps stop, I took a diving leap of faith to my right to see her sail over where I had just been standing.

If it were possible, her eyes turned even more ferocious and her smile widened as I tried to regain my footing. I managed to turn slightly to get two more steps away from her before her small frame bowled me over from the side. With some degree of sadness I then saw my new set of clothing thrown into the grass in a series of ragged pieces along with all of the dignity I'd recovered from the night before.

I made a mental warning to myself about ever trying to even attempt to run in the future while Risa let out an almost feral growl as she claimed me.

Quickly rolling me onto my back, Risa mounted me without warning or pretense. My feelings of fear were completely and immediately overwhelmed by her almost burning heat. The look in her eyes was one of absolute hunger as she thrust down at me with almost reckless abandon.

Just as before, her strong vaginal muscles gripped me as she moved up only to release in a shivering frenzy as she descended upon me again. I couldn't have endured for more than a few minutes before I felt the familiar tingle spread from my midsection over my entire body.

"I'm…" was all I could utter before she caught my lips in hers.

As the sensation overwhelmed me, my back arched as my body began its torrential release. All of the teasing I had endured all morning coupled with her relentless movements set my entire body to shaking as my semen poured into her in thick jets.

Feeling the first kiss of my seed upon the cusp of her womb, she bit down upon my lower lip, tempering the blinding pleasure with pain. I tasted a hint of my own blood as she released me from her jaws. She did not, however, slow her movements in any way.

The haze in her vision cleared a bit as her instincts were partially sated. The cruel wickedness left her smile as she reached down to hold my face in her hands. Even as the painful sensitivity washed over me, she simply smiled at me as if to beg that I endure it.

Her soft tail began to skillfully tease at my chest as she switched to a circular motion above me, saying through heavy breaths, "I don't know how Del convinced you to run, but this won't be over until one of us passes out." I could only moan in response as she continued, "And if you have the misfortune to pass out on me, our game will continue the moment you wake back up." She then forced me to another easy climax by squeezing my abused cock with her powerfully gripping inner muscles.

"I...you're going...to kill me.", I choked out in the valley before the rise to my next inevitable orgiastic release.
"No, love, no. I'm going to bury my scent so deeply on you that neither you nor any other woman will ever be able to wash it away.", she said between gasping breaths.
"There's no…oh god…", I said as she suddenly forced herself down on me, grabbing me above my midsection with both arms to force us together as I let fly another torrent of my seed.
"This is what you wanted.", she began again as her pace slowed somewhat. "This is what you promised.", she continued as she slowly leaned back, pulling me almost into a sitting position, increasing the pressure on me while she did so.

I didn't know if this would lessen my punishment, but even through the non-stop wave of pleasure that continued to tear through me as she continued to ride me, I wrapped my arms around her back and pulled her close to me. Her firm but petite breasts slid across my chest as she moved, aided by the sheen of sweat that had run across both of us. I slid my right hand down her smooth back to rest at the base of her tail and gently held it in the space between my thumb and forefinger as my left hand found purchase at the nape of her neck.

Biting through another impossible-seeming climax I whispered, "This...is exactly what I wanted", as I squeezed at the base of her tail. I felt the satisfying shake of her body in response to my lucky guess at this sensitive area as the ecstasy washed over her. Her shuddering only made the experience more harrowing for me as she went into almost spastic jerking motions. Her overpowering scent actually made me dizzy as my unsated lust began to grow again.

"This is...oh god…" I began, as I started trying to force myself more deeply into her as my every nerve began to tingle. "My...promise", I hissed through gritted teeth as her second climax began and she carried me over the edge again with her, my issue spilling forth to paint her in my color.

With that, the sensations became too much for me and the dark edges of the world rushed into meet my perception and I fainted. I felt her merciful hand on the back of my head lowering me gently to the ground as I passed into the dark. The last thing I heard before I faded completely was Risa's soft voice, "Don't worry love, I'll be here when you wake up."

It may have been a minute or an hour, but true to her word, the moment my eyes fluttered open she kissed me and began again.

"Welcome back, love. Think you can win this round?", she punctuated the question by squeezing me until my erection had returned to fullness.
"Ohhh...fuck…", I moaned through this lewd awakening.
"That was the plan. Glad we're on the same page"

It was nearly nightfall before Risa's stamina finally gave out and I awoke a final time to her light body draped over mine. I was used to waking up sore the day after heavy activity, but I was already hearing the screaming protestations of my muscles in just laying here attempting to breathe normally.

I could see the dying light of the sun giving way to the pinpoints of unfamiliar starlight. The chirping of crickets and other alien insects filled my ears along with the sighing coos that Risa made with every exhalation of breath. Still overwhelming my senses, however, was her powerful scent that threatened to bring me back to full arousal.

"Damn it", I thought out loud, if she woke up like this she might start again and I wasn't sure my body could handle another round.
"Is something the matter?", I heard Del's quiet voice to my left.

Looking over, I unintentionally jumped in fright as I saw Del's violet eyes, now glowing in the dark, peering at us from within the tall grass like a stalking predatory cat.

"Have you been watching us the whole time?"
"Yes, with the exception of the third time you fainted during which I repaired your clothing."
Fighting exhaustion just from speaking, I continued, "And that doesn't bother you?"
"Should it?"
"Well...no?", I offered.
"Is that an answer or another question?"
Not willing to risk another potential lesson from Del right now, I corrected myself, "No, you shouldn't be bothered."
"I know."
"Then why did you ask?"
"I find your responses amusing."
"What is amusing about my responses?"
"You continue to fight against your body's demand that you simply become a slave to the pleasures with which we both torment you."
"You're just trying to break me? To drive me insane?"
"Most certainly. Why do you resist so strongly when it would be so much easier to just let go?"

I really had to think on that one. It would be so much easier to just let go, to shelve my mind forever and live only for the urges of my body. I couldn't admit it out loud, but it was my nearly unassailable pride that kept me going like this. Even if I was (certainly) deluding myself, I had to believe that I was something more-something better-something different than anyone in this world had ever seen, even if that belief was utter fantasy. Wasn't that one of the cardinal rules of being an otherworldly traveler in a new land?

Thinking more deeply on it, I also wanted more than just physical pleasure from them. I'd always had an absurdly high-tuned sex drive, and at some point in my life, sex became nearly meaningless. The only things that mattered in a relationship were love and trust, with the former requiring the latter. That was what I wanted from the two of them.

Placing a small kiss on Risa's cheek, I motioned Del over towards me. Once she was within reach, I grabbed her hand to pull her down to me and placed a similar kiss upon her.

"If I had already given up, that kiss I just gave you wouldn't mean anything.", I said as I released her hand and smiled.
"Joe…"
"Yes, Del?" I said as I slowly began to wedge myself to a sitting position trying not to disturb Risa, still clinging to me tightly.
"I must now make every effort to drive your wits from you."
"Go easy on the eromancy, but aside from that...try your hardest-if I fall apart then..."
Her voice sounded pinched as she responded, "Why ask me to do such a thing?"

Getting a firm hold of Risa, I slowly rose to my feet on wobbly legs and put my left arm under the crook of her knees. God, I was tired. Even with Risa's body barely cresting 40 kilograms, carrying her was the most exhausting thing I could ever remember doing.

Finally on steady footing, I answered back, "I have something important to say to both of you. Each day I persevere, those kisses will mean more. Your bag of tricks has to run out eventually, and if I manage to get through it...That important thing will mean that much more, right?"

I thought I heard a sniffle from her before she answered, "You know I won't hold back."
"You'd only be cheating yourself if you did."
"Please don't come undone."

I didn't answer Del's last statement as I carefully made my way back towards the wagon. Looking down at Risa to make certain I hadn't disturbed her, I saw her staring directly at me.

"Shit, how much of that did you hear?", I asked as I continued to move along at my glacier-like pace.
"Everything after you said 'damn it'."
"Awesome. Totally awesome. Well then, everything I said to her goes for you too."
"You...you're serious?"
"If I'm going to break, I'd rather it be sooner than later. And hey, even if I lose, I still win, right?", I said giving her my crooked, winning smile.
She wrapped her arm around my neck to make my job of carrying her slightly easier as she wrapped her fluffy tail around my waist, saying, "I...ah...please. Please don't fall apart on us."
"Gah, you women are so demanding."

I finally laid Risa down on a tuft of grass near her cart and promptly collapsed, finally gasping for breath. Even if I did lose myself completely, I had this moment to remember. Memorizing every scent, every sound, every twinkling point of starlight, and the caress of every dew-covered blade of grass upon my exhausted muscles, I marked this as my 'save point'. An almost inviolable memory location.

I let a dozen different songs run through my head, internalizing the lyrics and tying them to other memories. I thought of a dozen different epic movie quotes, and wove their memory into other experiences with friends and laughter. I remembered the most emotional scenes I'd ever seen in any game or anime, binding this moment to the scenes that made me weep. I ran through this process in my head over and over, just as I did when there was something I never wanted to forget. If any of those mnemonic triggers came up, I'd be drawn back to this place-this memory-and to the one and likely only moment I'd ever feel like a real hero.

Laying on the cool grass, I saw two sets of eyes peer down at me and then to each other. A moment later Del and Risa joined me on the ground, Risa snuggling up against my right side and then pulling my arm across her shoulder, Del settling on my left side with her head laid gently over my heart.