Disclaimer: Sign broken. See chapter 1 for disclaimer.

This chapter contains suggestive content.

Chapter 11: The Humiliations

That was not me! Gig thought.

He sounded a lot like you. Ari thought back. If he wasn't you, then why are you as freaked out as I am?

That's…okay, fine, that was me hundreds of years ago. Happy now?

Hundreds of years? Then this can't be my memory! I wasn't alive back then!

You weren't, but someone was. Still, this doesn't make any sense. Kid, what are you?

This was confusing for both Ari and Gig, but Ari especially. At least Gig had some knowledge of these dreams. Ari, on the other hand, was still in the dark. He put his head in his hands and thought, Gig, what is going on? These are just dreams…right?

There was no response.

Gig?

Ari focused his mind on getting Gig's attention. Instead of an answer, he heard snippets of sentences.

…zombie guy…this is just like…but he only had two…why can't I remember…?

Gig!

What?

You know something again.

Huh…looks like you can hear some of my private thoughts now. Guess that means we're getting closer, heheheh…

Ari was getting frustrated with Gig. He was still hiding things, and it seemed like he wasn't going to enlighten him anytime soon. He snapped, Why are you keeping secrets from me?!

Whoa, didn't expect you to snap like that. Kid, I'm just as frustrated as you. I'm trying to make sense of all this, but when it does, it still doesn't, dammit!

Just tell me what you know.

I'll tell you when it becomes painfully obvious. I'm going back to sleep.

Ari plopped his head back on his pillow. He really needed answers, but as of right now, he needed the rest even more. He hoped that the next dream would clear things up.

The next day, the group spent most of the morning searching for the statue that the Former Chairman Evil King had mentioned. Ari didn't have any additional dreams that night, and Gig had not spoken since their talk. He assumed that the spirit was still lost in thought and he decided to leave him be.

They eventually found a tall statue tucked away in a rocky nook. The statue itself looked like a cloaked human (Kisling speculated that it might represent an ancient deity long forgotten by humanity). There was a rectangular shaped hole below its neck.

"That must be where we need to put the miniature statue." Rosalyn noted.

Princess Marlene took out the statue and looked up at the hole. She frowned and said, "It's a bit high for me to reach."

Stan emerged and asked, "Is that what the problem is? Hand it over, carrot top. I'll put it up there."

"Why would I trust you with this?"

"You think I'm going to destroy it or something? Idiot! There's an Evil King past here! Why would I destroy the thing that would take us to him?!"

"He's right." Ari agreed.

The princess sighed and said, "Fine."

Stan snatched the statue out of the princess's hands. He stretched up to the hole in the statue and placed the miniature statue inside it. A large portion of the big statue slid inwards and off to the side, creating an open doorway.

"Well, what do you know," Rosalyn said, "you aren't as useless as I thought, Stan."

"I'm not useless!" Stand stretched back down.

"If that's the case, then why don't you help us fight the ghosts more often?"

"It is hardly worth my time to exterminate lower class beings. That's what you slaves are for."

"Come on." Ari said before another argument could start up. "The way's open, so let's go."

"Well said, Servant Ari." The princess smiled.

Everyone filed through the doorway. Just as the Former Chairman Evil King had said, there was a tunnel. Contrary to what the map said, though, there were lit torches on both sides of the walls, making the place visible for safe crossing. The group started their walk down the long corridor.

Dozens of ghosts were quick to appear and surround everyone.

"But of course!" Rosalyn was exasperated.

"Go on now," the princess told everyone, "get rid of these pests!"

Thanks to the ghosts, it took everyone much longer to get through the tunnel. When they reached the end, they were dismayed to find that there was nothing there. No door, no treasure, nothing. It was a dead end.

"Are you kidding me?!" Stan was furious.

"Hold on." Kisling said. "There might be a hidden doorway."

"I hope there is." Rosalyn said.

"Servant Ari, search for a way through." The princess commanded.

Ari stepped forward and scanned the wall to see if anything was out of place. He saw that there was a small, perfectly circular hole off to the side. He walked up to it and carefully stuck his finger in it, hoping there wasn't something like a spider in there. He pushed something that felt like a button.

Just like with the statue, part of the wall slid back and off to the side. Light flooded into the corridor. Through the doorway, everyone could see a vast expanse of white. Cold wind and bits of snow flew into the corridor.

"Well done, Ari." The princess smiled at him.

"Now let's see what's out there." Rosalyn said.

Everyone stepped outside. It was snowing outside, with cold wind blowing in everyone's faces. The transition from the warm plains to the wintery wilderness was startling for everyone.

"Snow?" Ari asked.

"It is very strange!" Kisling said, shivering. "It's almost as if we've jumped from one end of the world to the other!"

Rosalyn also shivered and said, "The map said that there would be an Evil King waiting for us, but there's nothing here!"

"I-I d-d-don't r-really c-c-care for the c-cold!" The princess's teeth chattered.

Stan emerged and shouted, "You! I sense you nearby! Come out and show yourself!"

"Stan?" Rosalyn asked. "Who are you talking-?"

"You don't order me to come out!" A voice shouted back. "I'll come out on my own!"

Something jumped down from above and landed in front of the group. It was a creature that looked like it was half bull, half human. It wore a green striped shirt, black pants, and an ear-splitting grin.

Holy crap! You scared the hell out of me!

The bull laughed and said, "I am a terror from hell possessing the ultimate fighting technique! The exciting executioner, the wild danger, I am Big Bull the Bulldozer!"

"Wow." Ari couldn't help but admire his energy.

"Stan," Kisling said, "you said you could sense him. Does this mean that this creature is an Evil King?"

"He is." Stan said. "This meathead isn't even trying to hide my power!"

"Ha ha! You are correct!" Big Bull said. "I am also known as 'Big Bull Evil King'! It was worthwhile waiting for you here! I challenge you all to a fight!"

"Now?" Rosalyn asked.

"That's fine by me!" Stan said. "Bring it, you overinflated husk!"

"Wait a minute! Wait a minute!" The Big Bull Evil King suddenly said.

"What's wrong, lummox? Lost your fire? Has the grim reality of facing the awesome fury of the mighty Stan brought fear into your stout heart?"

"Ha ha! Don't be so hasty to get in the ring! This venue is boring. My goal is to find strong contenders and fight them, but not here. We need to meet in a place that's more manly!"

"Manly"? Just how many steroids did you take?

"Beat feet for the prize fight arena for Evil Kings, the 'Big Tree Hole' in Tenel Forest! Catch me if you can!"

He ran past the group with incredible speed, knocking Ari down along the way. Before anyone could blink, the Evil King was already gone. Ari got to his feet and joined everyone in staring at the tunnel where the bull had run through.

"Another freak." Rosalyn sighed.

"Yes," Kisling said, "it's obvious by his looks that this Big Bull Evil King is another hybrid, thus far holding up my theory that-."

"Can you hold off on your theories until we get out of this horrid cold?" The princess asked. She turned around and spotted a wooden building up ahead. She said, "There's a lodge over there. Let's stop there and warm up."

The group thought this was a good idea, so they made their way to the building. The inside was spacious, but only had three people. There was a large fireplace with a lit fire that warmed the entire room. Everyone let out a relieved sigh as soon they were out of the cold.

One of the people, a large man, walked up to the group and said, "Welcome to the Pos Pos Lodge and Hot Springs. How can I help you weary travelers?"

"Hot springs?" The princess let out a delighted gasp. "I must try this out!"

"Excellent. That will be three hundred sukel a person."

"Three hundred each?" Rosalyn's jaw dropped.

"Don't worry," the princess said, "I can pay for myself. The rest of you, however, must pay from your own pockets. I cannot treat you all the time." She fished out her money and paid the man.

"The women's division is through that door. Towels can be found inside."

The princess made her way to the door. Rosalyn took out her share of money and, handing it to the innkeeper, told him, "I want to go, too."

After paying him, she ran for the door, calling out, "Wait for me!"

"As nice as these hot springs sound," Kisling said, "I believe I will pass."

The innkeeper turned to Ari and asked, "What about you?"

Hell yes!

Ari thought it was a good idea, so he also paid the man. The innkeeper said, "The men's division is that door over there, and kid," he frowned, "don't get any ideas."

"Ideas?" Ari asked.

"You know, like sneaking into the women's division. I'll be watching."

Ari nodded slowly and went through the door.

He found himself in a room with lockers, benches, shower stalls, and hung towels. Beyond that room was the actual hot spring. Ari set his sword down and sat on one of the benches. Though he had bathed before with Gig inside him, he still felt nervous about removing his clothes.

Not again. Gig mentally sighed. Kid, we've already been through this. There's no one else around and I don't care how you look without your clothes on.

Easy for you to say. Ari lowered his head.

I want to relax as much as you do, so just get this over with.

Ari gulped. He tried to reassure himself. He and Gig were both male, so it shouldn't be an issue. He took a deep breath and quickly stripped himself of his clothing. Trying not to look at himself, he went over to one of the shower stalls and rinsed himself off. Afterwards, he took a towel and went to the spring.

Setting the towel off to the side, he slowly slid himself into the water. It was really hot, and it took him a minute for him to settle in. He sighed. After fighting many ghosts and being out in the cold, the hot water felt really good.

Damn that feels nice! Gig thought.

Ari nodded his head and leaned back. This, he thought, was one of the good things about this adventure. There were many tiring battles, but going to new places and experiencing things like this made the whole trip worthwhile.

You know, kid, Gig thought, you really need to get over this anxiety of yours.

Don't bring that up. Ari groaned.

At least you're not as bad as Revya about this. She would keep her eyes shut whenever she bathed so she wouldn't let me see her.

I can understand why.

I told her I could care less about her equipment, but she wouldn't have it.

Ari now thought about what kind of person this Revya was. He only saw her once in the dream, and it seemed like she and Gig were on pretty good terms. He also wondered what it was like for Gig…he shrugged the thought out of his head.

I know what you were thinking. Gig thought. You were wondering what it was like for me to be in a woman's body?

Ari blushed and shook his head furiously. Gig's laugher echoed in his mind.

I knew it. You can't hide your thoughts from me, soulmate. If you really want to know…

Ari shook his head again and climbed out of the spring. He did his best to push that stray thought out of his mind. He dried himself off while trying to block Gig's thoughts of how much of a pain in the ass it was to be trapped in the body of a woman. As he was putting his clothes back on, he heard a pair of screams.

"How dare you?!" He heard Princess Marlene screech.

"You stupid, perverted-!" He heard Rosalyn's angry voice yell.

Ari grabbed his sword and ran out of the room. Without really thinking, he ran through the door to the women's division to see what the matter was. He saw that Kisling was also in the room, as well as the girls, who were wearing nothing but towels around them. Stan, who was back in pink, was also present.

Rosalyn and Princess Marlene stared at the men in the room. The princess let out a horrified scream while Rosalyn shouted, "Get out! Get out!"

"What happened?" Ari asked.

"We heard you two screaming." Kisling joined in.

Rosalyn grabbed her folded parasol and ran at them. She repeatedly whacked them with it, shouting, "Just get out, you perverts!"

Ari and Kisling ran out of the room. The door slammed hard behind them. The innkeeper approached them and "tsk tsk"ed at them. The other two people were staring at them, their expressions puzzled. From the women's division, they could hear more shouting.

"Now look what you've caused!" Rosalyn shouted angrily. "I told you not to come out, you idiot, idiot Evil King! I'm going to kill you ten times over for this!"

"I shall execute him first," the princess said, "then you can kill him twenty times over!"

"Just what happened in there?" The innkeeper asked the group.

"I have absolutely no clue!" Kisling said. "However, they were screaming before we barged in to help; you were witness to that!"

"Yes…"

Stan came out while they were…? Ari didn't finish that thought. Why?

Think about it, kid. Gig thought. You got two girls bathing in a hot spring. Who wouldn't want to see that?

Ari mentally cringed at the thought.

Kid…there's something wrong with you.

Rosalyn and the princess came out of the door, now fully clothed. Rosalyn, however, was still carrying her parasol folded, allowing everyone to see her pink shadow. The princess glared at Kisling and Ari and told them, "You are to forget what happened."

"We are truly sorry for barging in like that," Kisling said, "but when we heard you screaming, we thought you were in trouble."

"I was never in any trouble. Hero Rosalyn was at my side the whole time."

"Still, what had happened in there?"

Stan did not emerge, but he did say, "My plan to humiliate these women worked! I knew you humans get embarrassed over one another's nakedness, but their reactions-!"

"Shut up!" Rosalyn snapped. She said to Kisling, "Professor, just forget what happened."

"I cannot possibly see how I can-."

Without warning, Rosalyn punched Kisling across his jaw, knocking him to the floor. The innkeeper took a step back and pleaded, "No violence in here, please."

"Let us go." The princess said.

Kisling got up and rubbed his jaw. Without another word from anyone, the group left the lodge.

The traveling party stopped at Madril again for lunch. After lunch, Rosalyn took out the Map O' Evil Kings to see exactly where the Big Bull Evil King had run off to. Like with the previous Evil King, the writing on the legend had changed. It now read: "Land of Departure, to the south is a great tree with a hollow. Impatiently, the one awaits his promised match."

"Remind me who gave you this map?" Princess Marlene asked.

"It was the ringleader from the traveling circus." Rosalyn said. "He wouldn't say anything about the maps, but he was giving them away like flyers."

"He was also able to recognize me as an Evil King." Stan's voice said.

Since they had left the lodge, Rosalyn had kept her parasol folded, denying Stan his normal color. He still spoke, but he would not come out for fear of embarrassment. Ari knew this strange form of punishment was related to what had happened at the lodge. Of course, this came at the cost of Rosalyn's own embarrassment, as people now took notice of her pink shadow. Even now, people would take a glance at her shadow when they got the chance.

"Maybe the ringleader is an Evil King?" Ari thought out loud.

"No, I couldn't sense any of my power in that pudgy man."

"And from what you described," Kisling said, "he sounds like a normal human."

"And that matters…why?" Rosalyn asked.

"If I may, I would like to finally speak of my theory without any interruptions."

"You may speak." The princess said.

Just keep it in English.

"Yes," Stan agreed, "no scientific babble out of you!"

"Very well!" Kisling nodded. "First, I will explain hybrids, for those of you who don't know.

"People call these things 'monsters', because they are neither ghost nor human. I, on the other hand, call them 'hybrids' because they share characteristics of both ghosts and humans! They all speak the human language and most of them have the physical structure of a human. At the same time, they show traits of the transformations the ghosts take when they attack. Hybrids come in all forms, from very monstrous to very human! No one knows how they came to be, but they have been appearing for the past seventeen years!"

"Hmm," the princess said thoughtfully, "I have heard of these 'monsters' before. Heroes are called to kill them for various reasons."

"I have heard of that, too." Rosalyn said. "If you look at all the Evil Kings we've met so far, they all seem like monsters. Well, except for the Chairman Evil King."

"Yes, the chairman seemed very human!" Kisling said. "However, we have all seen that he did not bleed when Ari had dealt a fatal blow to him. One thing that all hybrids have in common is that they have no blood, and they are harder to kill than humans and ghosts. Scientists have yet to secure a hybrid and perform exploratory surgeries or autopsies, so we don't know what keeps a hybrid alive. I personally think they have invisible ectoplasm inside them, just like ghosts, which would make for an-!"

Ari interrupted, "What does this have to do with the Evil Kings?"

"Thank you, Ari." The princess said.

"The Evil Kings, yes!" Kisling nodded again. "Miss Rosalyn described the Sewer Evil King as a giant talking rat. We have seen the oddity that was the Bubble Evil King and we saw that the Chairman Evil King did not bleed. Now we have come across the Big Bull Evil King, a creature that is both bull and human. My theory is that all of these Evil Kings are hybrids, but I do not know why that is the case!"

"Hold on!" Stan spoke up. "I am not one of these hybrid things you keep talking about!"

"So what are you, aside from being a stupid, egotistical shadow?" Rosalyn asked.

"I am something of a higher class than everything on this planet!"

So you're saying you're a god?

"Yes, that sounds appropriate. All will bow and cower before my magnificence!"

Shadow, I'm a Master of Death. I have killed gods before, and I can tell you right now that you are not a god.

"If you're so powerful, then why are you trapped in the body of my second slave?"

"Hypocrite." Ari muttered.

"What was that?!"

"Just look who's talking." Rosalyn said. "If you're so powerful, they why were you sealed in that bottle?"

"You really don't know? This is the kind of thing that should be in the legends your grannies recite! Hundreds of years ago, my previous incarnation, the Great Evil King Gohma, destroyed half of the world! However, he was defeated by Hero Hopkins, and here I am now, trapped in the shadow of someone who might not even be a woman!"

"Excuse me?!"

"Didn't you see how small your-?"

Rosalyn stood up and slammed her hands on the table, shouting, "I told you to shut up about that!"

Everyone in the restaurant turned to stare at her. Seeing that she was the center of attention, she ran out of the building. The rest of the group paid for the meal and went after her. They glanced around and saw that Rosalyn had boarded the elevated vertical structure. As she ascended, everyone could hear her arguing with Stan, who had now emerged.

"This is really bothersome." The princess sighed. She looked at Ari and told him, "Summon her back, please."

Ari nodded. With a thought, Rosalyn had magically reappeared next to the group. Not noticing the sudden teleportation, she continued to yell at Stan.

"…does not mean that I'm a man! I just exercise a lot!"

She now noticed where she was. She sighed, "Damn. I almost forgot about that power."

"Hero Rosalyn," the princess said, "we really must be looking for the Evil King now. Let us not waste any more time."

Rosalyn closed her eyes and took deep breaths to calm herself down. She said, "You are right, your Highness. The sooner we take out these Evil Kings, the sooner I can kill this jerk."

"And the sooner I can kill you!" Stan said.

"And the sooner I can move on to other scientific studies!" Kisling joined in.

"And the sooner we can complete our journey." The princess said.

Ari felt compelled to join in, but he really didn't know what he would say. He had originally joined Rosalyn in hopes of finding a way to get rid of Gig, but all they've been doing is vanquishing Evil Kings. He was doing this to help her out, but what about afterwards? He still had yet to find something or someone that could help him.

What's the rush, kid? Gig thought. You don't like our partnership?

Partner? Ari thought back. You're the one who wants to destroy everything.

Just whatever pisses me off. After that, I'm leaving this strange world of yours. I have a promise to keep.

Promise?

Yeah, a promise. None of your business.

"Ari!" He heard Rosalyn call out.

He lifted his head and saw that everyone else was leaving without him. He ran to catch up with the others. They were about to fight their fourth Evil King, and he had to be ready for it.

Next time, the group takes on the Big Bull Evil King.

Note: The hot springs in the lodge is based off the hot springs in Japan. I have never actually been to one of those places before, though, but I hope to one day.