Hey everyone, Poke'boy24 with the next chapter of Struggles of a Halfling, I've decided to change the title since my OC Weslyn is part Human, part Anodite, and part something else which will be revealed in bits as the Story progress.
So last chapter we've met the whole Ranger team who'll also have their own Chapter detailing some of their pasts as well their characters but first here are their Basic-information and please don't complain about the Age since Monsters and Demons have longer life-spans so they look younger than they really are.
Also remember that Monsters and Demons are completely different Species as one can use Magic while the other can't as this is a Mixture of Series that I have some knowledge about like Yugioh, Skylanders, etc. so some characters from those Series might be making some appearances in the future.
Also, before anyone asks, and yes the Measurements are in Cm this time as I've done some research as well took height and body-type into consideration.
Frisk: M
Species: Insectoid Demon (Dragonfly)
Height: 4ft8inches
Voice: Windcharger from Transformers G1
Role: Director
Magic type: Beast-keeping and Elemental (Fire and Wind)
Abilities: Physical-enhancements and Natural-weaponry
Nessica: F
Species: Lamia (Naga)
Height: 7ft (19ft adding 12ft tail)
Measurements: 126B-(G-cup)-70W-90H
Voice: Android 18 from Dragon Ball
Role: Head-medic
Abilities: Natural-weaponry
Huffer: M
Species: Humanoid (Warlock)
Height: 5ft6inches
Voice: Huffer from Transformers G1
Role: Field-ranger
Magic type: Beast-keeping
Abilities: Elixir-making and Spell-casting
Bushwhack: M
Species: Humanoid (Tree-elf)
Height: 5ft6inches
Voice: himself from Skylanders
Role: Field-ranger
Magic type: Natural (Life)
Abilities: Weapon-combat and Plant-manipulation
Ramster: M
Species: Demi-human (Satyr)
Height: 5ft10inches
Voice: Stan from Dog with a Blog
Role: Field-ranger
Abilities: Physical-enhancements and Natural-weaponry
Lillie: F
Species: Sahuagin (Kappa)
Height: 5ft2inches
Measurements: ?
Voice: Megan from Young Justice
Role: Assistant-medic
Magic type: Healing
Abilities: Physical-enhancements
Echo: F
Species: Demi-human (Harpy/Witch Halfling)
Height: 5ft3inches
Measurements: 81B-(D-cup)-64W-75H
Voice: Harpist from Bakugan
Role: Field-ranger
Magic type: Beast-keeping and Elemental (Wind)
Abilities: Physical-enhancements and Natural-weaponry
Trench: M
Species: Beast Demon (Aardvark)
Height: 6ft3inches
Voice: Bulkhead from Transformers Prime
Role: Field-ranger
Magic type: Construction and Elemental (Earth)
Abilities: Physical-enhancements and Natural-weaponry
Stings: M
Species: Insectoid Demon (Wasp)
Height: 5ft2inches
Voice: ?
Role: Field-ranger
Magic type: Elemental (Lightning)
Abilities: Physical-enhancements and Natural-weaponry
Gardenia: F
Species: Humanoid (Witch)
Height: 5ft4inches
Measurements: 90B-(Double-D-cup)-65W-82H
Voice: Poison Ivy from Batman: The Animated Series
Role: Field-ranger
Magic type: Plant
Abilities: Spell-casting
And that's the info of our Rangers folks so with no further delay let get on with the Story!
Remember I DON'T own Monster Girls, Skylanders, Owl House, or ANY other Series beside my OCs or any Songs that might appear as they belong to their Original Artists/Bands as well the Record-labels who sponsor them.
/ / / / /
Laying in one of the Infirmary beds was the little Girl the Group rescued from the Carnivorous-plant as both Nessica and Lillie were treating the Child's injuries as well cleaning the slight burns she received from the digestive acid.
"In all our yearsss of treating Human Rift-victimsss, Ssshe'sss the youngessst I've treated ssso far." The Naga hissed while wrapping the Human's small body with Bandages when the Kappa finished healing the injured areas with her Mystical-healing Palm technique.
"I know what you mean Ms. Nessica, though it's quite rare to see a Child instead of an Adult who has been unfortunate enough to be pulled into our Realm." The Aquatic Demoness said before tears seeped from her eyes as she finished with her full dynastic of the child's body. "Though I'm sadden by the fact that Humans call us Monsters when some of us would never inflict this much damage to a Child." She added since many of the Humans they tried to help in the past would either throw things or yell at them to stay away to even taking out a Weapon to try and kill them or fleeing only to get killed or eaten few moments later.
Flexing her hood in anger Nessica clenched her fists while her body rattled with rage. "If I ever sssee thisss Child'sss Family I'm going to HHHSSSSSSS! ! !~" she furiously hissed baring her fangs since Frisk informed them about the Girl's physical abuse before asking to also help with her internal injuries.
Once hearing from the Director about what he noticed so far as well the Child's upbringing caused the two Medics to react in very different ways due to their Maternal instincts as the Naga was furious that the Parent would bluntly treat their own flesh and blood like that and even allow others to treat her the same way while the Kappa was deeply sadden that the Girl was force to grow up sad and alone while also being greatly despised and mistreated by those who were supposes to help nurture the child, not stunt their growth.
Treating the last of the injuries as well dressing her in a White Nightgown, Lillie placed the covers over the sleeping child before making sure she's tucked in nice and snug. "Now only thing left to do is let her rest. Now let go meet with the others about what we'll going to do with her now." She said getting the Head-medic to nod before both walked/slithered out of the Infirmary and closing the doors so that the child could sleep peacefully.
Have they stayed another moment, they would've noticed the Halfling's body being enveloped by a light veil of Energy as she slowly started to levitate upward.
/ / /
Within a few moments everyone was gathered in the Base's lobby, even Bushwhack and Ramster who were now redressed in their Uniforms with the former consisting of Cargo-vest over a Forest-green T-shirt and Pants along with his Acorn-style Helmet with two-prong Antlers attached as it helps keep his mane of Leave-like hair in back while the latter was wearing just an opened Vest along with a Bandana around his neck and a Hat on his head.
Seeing that the entire team was now here, Frisk cleared his throat before speaking. "Okay everyone, I think most of you know why I've called this emergency meeting." He started since he, Tantula, Gardina, Nessica, and Lillie already know but everyone else was mostly in the loop while Echo and Stings have a good idea on what this is about.
"Did another Hiker get lost? Seriously what's the point of leaving Signs if nobody is even going to follow them?" Huffer questioned out loud since just during the recent Summer season they've rescued some Kids who were stuck on the side of a Cliff, a Couple who fell into a vein in the boarded-up Mine, a Family that sweep by a Storm, and finally some Hikers/Animal-watchers that stepped to close to some of the Animals territorial Nesting/Mating grounds.
Sm-AAACK! ! !~
"OOW!~" the Warlock released a painful yelp as he was smacked upside the head by the tail of an irritated Nessica as both of them leered at the other as he rubbed his head to ease the pain while giving her a look that said 'What the Titan was that for?!' before hearing the Dragonfly-demon buzz his wings getting their attention again while a few snickered from the interaction between those two.
Waiting for everyone to get it out of their systems, the Director continued. "As I was trying to say that earlier today while me and Tantula were out recording the migrating Herds of Torikes, she found someone, a young Human Child." He simply stated causing the ones who didn't know to gasp in shock.
/ / /Chapter 4: Human, or Halfling/ / /
"Sorry Frisk but a WHAT!? !? !?" Trench voiced out standing up since the Aardvark-demon thought he might have heard him wrong since that surprise Forest-fire this morning.
"A child, as in a HUMAN CHILD!?" Ramster exclaimed in disbelieve since the age-range for Human Rift-victims from the past were from Early-20s to Late-60s so to hear that a Child not even over the age of Ten was very concerning since those Humans were full grown Adults yet they never lasted less than a day.
Stepping forward, Tantula decided to explain more about her findings. "Yes, she's a Human but that's not everything." She started before speaking again. "Earlier today while I was helping Frisk record the number of Torike Herds, we discovered that one of the Mothers had lost her baby. Soon we've began searching only to get caught in the start of a Forest-fire-" she started only to be interrupted.
"Tell us about it, Trees set ablaze and Animals stampeding for their life. Not that this isn't a typical morning for us anyway since some of us also have the burns to prove it." Huffer stated raising his bandaged arm as well motioning towards the Tree-elf and Satyr whose bodies were mostly bandaged from the fire. "Not to mention rounding up all those Animals wasn't quite a picnic either!" he added with a light chuckle since seeing Echo being pelted by that Lisark was pretty funny.
Sm-ACK-SMACK! ! !~
"OOW! ! !" he cried out as he was once again smacked this time in the face by the Harpy's wing as she was glaring at him with her cheeks puffed as well an irritated blush on her face while crossing her feathered arms in front of her since she didn't know that Lisark would've ram into her from behind and knocking her face-first into some mud made from the Water and Extinguish-spells they've used before sending a sharp glare towards the others who snickered from amusement.
Giving them her blank stare, the Spider-witch continued. "As I was saying, while searching for the miss Baby as well extinguishing the flames in my way I came upon the Child before securing her with a low-power Binding-spell." She began with several of them nodding since the strength of a Spell depends on how strong the Caster is and given her history, the Amazon-sorceress is pretty strong from years of training and experience. "But that's not what got my attention because while I was scolding her about her being in the Forest during a Fire, I also brought up her Parents and when I did something I never thought would ever happen." She paused taking a breath before speaking. "She managed to disburse my Binding-spell as well admitting to starting the fire." She revealed causing some to gasp in disbelieve.
"Wait, wait, wait, are you saying that this Kid, this Human kid, managed to break out from your hold?" Echo question while also using finger gestures getting the Woman to nod. "Pww~ HAHAHAHAHA~ I think you might be losing your touch there Grandma, Hehehehahaha!~" she loudly laughed falling back in her seat causing those close to her to cover their ears as well step away a few feet since her laughing was screeching a bit before the Spider-witch, irritated by that age comment, traced a Spell-circle causing Duct-tape to cover the Halfling's mouth before struggling to get it off.
Seeing one of their youngest members gagged, Frisk gave Tantula a stern look that said 'Remove it now' before rolling her eyes as she undid her Spell which removed the Duct-tape from the Harpy's mouth as she gasps for air.
"Bzzt-bzzt-bzzt, Bzzt Bzzt-bzzt Bzzt Bzzt Bzzt-bzzt-bzzt." Stings buzzed reminding Tantula that it was impossible for Humans to even disrupt or cast a Spell without an Item or Totem and from searching the Kid's clothes she defiantly doesn't have one.
"That would be true but remember the Fire had traces of Magical-energy within it meaning that it was cast instead of naturally made." Frisk spoke up reminding them that, as a Dragonfly-demon, Fire-magic was his natural expertise.
"Okay so, hypothetically speaking that she did cause the Fire, how and/or why would she cast it to begin with?" Gardenia asked since the Fire done some serious damage that could have been much worse if they haven't stopped it time.
Crossing her arms, Tantula spoke. "Maybe because there was a Kamakiriman after her." She simply added since the Girl looked terrified when it appeared not to mention the heavy burn marks on the Monster's face which she noticed after it tried to snag them.
Hearing her say the name of one of the top Forest Predators caused everyone to gasp in shock since they've been dealing with those Monsters a lot. "Male or Female?" Bushwhack asked since they need to know if they should evacuate the Town encase this was a serious matter.
"Male." She simply said getting everyone to release a breath of relief since among some Species of Insect Monsters the Females are always bigger than the Males, much MUCH bigger.
"Whoa, first the Forest-fire, then an encounter with a Kamakiriman, and now just being rescued from a Man-eating Plant all in the same day? I'm surprised the Child isn't mentally distressed." Lillie stated with deep concern since these sorts of things could really have an impact on her life.
Before anyone could say another word, a loud crash was heard drawing all their attention.
"That came from the Infirmary." Gardenia said with worry in her voice as her maternal instinct rise to the surface as they headed to check on the sleeping child.
/ / /
Entering the Infirmary were Frisk, Tantula, Gardenia, and Lillie since the Director of the Rangers told everyone else to stay in the hallway since they don't want to crowd the Girl or feel threated/intimidated by their larger members appearances.
"Kid, are you okay?" Frisk asked as they looked around to see some of the Beds and Shelves knocked over as well some Medical equipment and supplies scattered all over the floor but no sign of the Human. "Everybody, be on full alert." He commanded before activating his Scope-vision to help find some clues on the kid's whereabouts.
As the group of four searched the room, they never noticed the small illuminating figure crawling against the ceiling.
/ / /
(Unknown P.o.V.)
Pain, that was what we've always felt our entire lives as it was all we know and will ever know since the very beginning.
Day in and Day out our lives where just filled to the brim of Physical, Mental, and Emotional torment.
I've wasted our life trying to slaughter the decaying cesspool that have plagued what was once our former Home but no amount of cleansing will ever undo the stains of oppression left by the so called 'Heroes' who refused to give us as well as others the closure we've needed for all the pain we've endured.
After all, terrible People deserve punishments just as fitting…
/ / /
(Normal P.o.V.)
The four continued to look for the Girl before hearing a very disturbing sound…
Click~click~crack~click~pop~crack~
…hearing the sound of bones clicking they all looked upward towards the ceiling to see the cause of the sound…
"EEEEEESSSSSSSSsssssss! ! !~"
…before hearing a hollow-sounding hissing screech as something dropped down and started attacking them!
"What is this Creature?! ?! ?!" Lillie exclaimed as the Creature pounced onto her knocking her onto her back as she was struggling to keep it from trying to bite and claw her!
"I think that's the Child!" Tantula exclaimed before casting another Binding-spell, this time slightly stronger, as she pulled the Human off of the Kappa-medic before restraining her to the floor as the group took a look before the Amazonian noticed some slight differences with her appearance.
First her skin-tone seems paler as well having dark crack-like lines extending around her eyes, which were now surrounded by Abyss-black rings, were no longer the usual faded Greyish-green but are now Eerie-pink with a slit-pupil as they also seem to be glaze over as they looked void of rational thinking as she continued hissing and snarling showing that her teeth has lengthen as well becoming slightly sharp and jagged while also flexing her bound hands showing the same crack-like lines reaching her fingers which were slightly glowing as her nails seem to have also become sharp.
Taking a closer look at the Child's glazed eyes, Frisk quickly turned towards the Glasses wearing Sorceress. "Gardenia, calm her down with some Aromatherapy." he commanded just before the Child's body began radiating an eerie magical aura.
Their little whispers, love me, love me~
That's all I ask for, love me, love me~
"EEEE-EEEOOOOOOOOOWWW! ! !~" she screeched before her body left out a violent pulse quickly knocking everyone back as well disrupting the Binding-spell. "AAAA-AAAAOOOWWWSSSSS! ! !~" she then hissed dangerously looking with wide pulsing eyes before leaping towards Tantula.
They battered their tiny fists to feel something~
Wondered what it's like to touch, and feel something~
Seeing the Human, she'd found coming at her the four-armed Witch quickly kicked her away only for the child, with unbelievable agility, landed back on her feet while scratching her claws against the floor.
Monster, how should I feel?~
Creatures lie here, looking through the window~
"AAAA-AAAAOOOWWWSSSSS! ! !~" Weslyn screeched again flexing her claws before dashing to strike only for the Spider-witch to quickly grab and pin her against the wall using her lower-arm pinning her wrists down while using one of her upper-arms to keep her head back as she struggled to get free all the while hissing and snapping.
Those nights they caged her, bruised and broke her~
Violet wrists and then her ankles, Silent pain~
Then they slowly saw their nightmares were their dreams~
Using her free hand, Tantula drew her Dagger before glaring deep into the child's eyes. "I don't know what you are Human, but this behavior stops now!" she sternly demanded as she held her Dagger close to the Girl's face, the blade showing the child's eyes through a reflection while she continues to struggle to get out of her strong grip.
Monster, how should I feel?~
Creatures lie here, looking through the window~
Pushing himself back up, Frisk saw that Tantula had the child at blade point. "Tantula stop! The Human is clearly a Halfling and is likely having a Panic-attack!" he stated having seen this plenty of times. "Remember when you mentioned that the child may have been abused? Well, the signs are all there with the aggressive hostility towards strangers, the nervous fear in her eyes, and even the defensive body language." He added while explaining the things he'd noticed since his Scope-vision was still activated allowing him to see the telltale signs up close.
Time will, hear their voices!~
I'm a Glass-child, I am all their regrets!~
Turning her eyes back towards the Child, Tantula slowly began to notice that, while her eyes were void of emotions, they also held deep fear as well pain as she noticed that the Halfling's breathing began to hitch while her eyes began leaking tears of blood before suddenly started thrashing as well acting violent again!
Monster, how should I feel?~
Creatures lie here, looking through the window~
Stabbing her Dagger close to the Girl's head the Amazon quickly bind the child with her back against her chest by using her upper-arms to hold her arms while her lower-arms held her legs. "Gardenia, where's that Aromatherapy!" she sternly asked as the smaller Witch grabbed the vial of Greenish-white powder.
Hurrying up to her feet, the Brunette uncorked the vial before tracing a Spell-circle. "Blank mind, and peaceful snore~ Relax this one with Sleeping-spore!~" she chanted twirling her finger around the vial drawing in some Powder before flicking her finger casting her Spell as a puff of spores shrouded the struggling Halfling's head.
Click~click~pop~crack~snap~pop~click~
"Cleeee~eeeaaaa~aawww~…" After inhaling the Sleep-powder, the child's body slowly ceased struggling as the sounds of bones and joints popping were heard as her appearance began turning back to normal while her eyes returned to their natural Greyish-green color before slumping back to unconsciousness as the only thing that could now be heard was her steady breathing as she was asleep again.
Seeing that the Human was back to sleep everyone released a sigh of relief just as Nessica entered to ask what all of that ruckus was about. "What happened? We've felt a very ssstrong pulssse of Mana that knocked some of us down." She informed getting everyone to exit the Infirmary to see the others were either on the floor or blasted through a weak wall.
"Frisk, this old Base can't keep standing in this sort of condition." Trench stated while pulling himself out of a collapsed wall before picking up a piece showing that the wood was cracked as well dry-rotted. "I like DIY-ing as much as the next person, but we can't keep making the repairs ourselves by using substitute materials." He added as the Leader of the Rangers crossed his arms in thought knowing that the team's Construction expert had a solid point.
"I know Trench, but every financial request I've made to the Coven office never came back with a reply." Frisk said while shaking his head since the Base had been falling apart for the last few years now but some reason the financial request to keep this historical building up to code weren't making any headway. "You'd think since this Outpost was built during the Chaos-war the Coven would like to keep some History alive for future generations." He stated since many Cadets and Students would sometimes visit this Base for some History lesson as well personal guidance that won't spark a possible Career for them to choose.
"Still, what was the cause of that Pulse?" Ramster asked having just pulled his horns from another wall leaving a small but very noticeable hole while trying to remove a piece that was still stuck.
"Yeah, that pulse felt strangely powerful yet weak at the same time?" Huffer questioned getting some of the others to nod since the Demons and Magic-users could felt just how raw and untamed the pulse was.
"That was because the pulse came from the Child." Tantula simply stated getting those who weren't in the Infirmary to widen their eyes as they stared at the sleeping Human within her arms. "Which means that she's a Halfling." She added while thinking that this may have explained her abuse and disownment while everyone else had different reactions since Halflings were greatly despised by both Monster/Demon-kind and Humanity and for various reasons too.
To many Monster and Demon Species, Halflings are considered a disgrace upon the Purebloods feeling that interbreeding with another Species soils their proud heritage and the offspring of said interbreeding are considered inferior to purebreds since they don't inherit all of that Species strength and are forced to endure life of hardship, more so with those who are more Prideful with the Offspring being either forced into labor or sold into Slavery at a young age or birth.
But with Humans, Halflings are considered Abominations and Freaks of Nature that they're constantly ostracized and are treated with Fear and/or Disgust before eventually being locked up and/or killed since very few ever live long enough to reach Adulthood.
Either way, Halflings are treated to cruel lives of isolation and loneliness while being abused throughout their lives by Family and/or Community as some were either abused by either one or both of the Parents while others were forced or separated from their Parent and are either locked away to be killed, experimented on, or turned into emotionless weapons for War.
"So, if she's a Halfling and is capable of wielding Mana, then which other Specie makes up the rest of her Biological makeup?" Huffer asked getting everyone else to also think about it since many Demons as well few Monster Species are able to wield Magic which also goes by different Names depending on where they're from as Mana, being Life-energy, can sometimes also be revered to as Chakra, Chi, Aura and so on.
"Well, the only way to check would be to take a Blood sample but this Child's blood is currently unsuitable as well her entire body still in the process of recovery." Lillie stated as she glanced towards the sleeping child. "But I can schedule a checkup with my old classmate whose working as the Town's Doctor." She suggested since treating the Girl's injuries she could tell that she hadn't had any proper Medical examinations.
"Good idea Lillie, and be sure to call and yet them know that they'll be having an appointment by the end of the Month." Frisk said receiving a nod from the Kappa who went to contact her old Classmate to arrange the appointment. "Now onto another important concern, who will take this Child in since we can't let her stay in any Orphanage or Group-homes." He stated since he knew that many Demons and Monsters would enjoy torturing her just for being Human since a lot of them hold deep hatred and grudges against the entire Human Species for killing their Friends and Families as well taking over or destroying their homes since they would either beat her, kill her, eat her or even worst rape her just out of spite.
"Well count me out since my Apartment is built only for one." Huffer quickly stated before continuing. "Plus, that cranky old Lady in my building been trying to make the Landlord ban Children." He added while crossing his arms and shaking his head since that Lady is a major pain in all the inhabitant's sides.
"What about Trench? He got a pretty decent pad." Echo suggested jabbing her talon thumb towards the Aardvark Demon.
"Except it's not my place remember the Owners are only allowing me to stay since I'm their Groundskeeper and with the Seasons changing, they're going to be home more often so I won't have much time for the Kid." Trench argued getting the ones who've known him longer to nod in understanding. "Besides, why can't she stay with you?" he questioned giving the Harpist a slight leer since she was quick to put him up on the spot like that.
"Can't since my Parents don't even have time for an extra mouth to feed since they need me to help watch my twelve younger siblings as well my five Baby-sisters which are close to hatching by the way." Echo resorted with a glare while putting her hands on her hips since Harpies are among the many Monster Species that are very fertile when it comes to reproduction so a Family that size was going to need every available hands they could possibly spare.
"And we can't have her stay with Nessica, Lillie, Stings, or Ramster since their homes isn't really safe enough." Bushwhack added since one live in a Cave, another in a River, and the final two in either a Tree or Forest-den where they would sometimes have to deal with Wild Predators and rowdy Neighbors. "And she can't stay with me since my House is being fumigated for Termites." The Tree-elf added so he's also out as possible caretaker.
"Well why not leave her with me?" Gardenia voiced stepping forward. "Think about it, my home is within the safety of the Town's walls, and I'm a Mother meaning I have the skillset needed to take care of her as well a Daughter near her age to help keep her company." She explained showing some very good points.
"You do make a solid argument Gardenia, but I have to deny the request." Frisk said with a straight tone shocking everyone.
"Bzzt-bzzt-bzzt-bzzt Bzzt-bzzt!" Stings buzzed looking towards his fellow Insectoid Demon while motioning to the Brunette Witch agreeing that she would be the best choice to take care of the Halfling.
"Believe me old friend I agree that while Gardenia is the one most qualify for the task, I can't due to obvious reasons." The Ranger Director stated before explaining upon seeing some of their confused expressions. "Clearly this Child suffered not just Physical abuse, but also Mental and Emotional as well since gathering from what Tantula had told me before her Family had basically disowned her and we all know the reasons for said disownment right?" he questioned getting a lot of mental gears to turn.
"Well yeah, some form of Disownment as well Abandonment would be from not living up to the Family's expectations, especially when said expectations are either too high or basically impossible to reach." Bushwhack said since many Bigwigs or Royals would disown the Heir/Heiress of their birthright if they don't have the basic requirements to become the next Head of the Family.
"And others are when the Families don't approve of either their Sexuality or the one's they've chosen as a Mate without their approval." Ramster added since his Great-grandfather once told him that during the War of Hades, some of the Amazon Warriors have developed an attraction, not just Strength but gentian feelings as well, towards some of the Monsters that they were branded as Traitors and the Monsters were to be hunted and killed before a Dimensional rift brought them here where they could begin a new life with each other. "However, that's very unlikely given how young this Child is." He added glancing at the Girl.
"And finally, there's the one caused by constant Neglect meaning that the Parents have been favoring some Children over the others which could really stunt their Social skills as well as Confidence and Self-esteem which would eventually lead to either Suicide or running away since they felt that their lives have no meaning or purpose." Huffer finished as they were now starting to see where their Leader was getting at.
"Exactly as I'm well aware of you having the proper skillset to raise a Child, I don't think it would be wise to leave in your care." The Dragonfly Demon stated looking towards Gardenia before looking back towards the Halfling. "This Child had endured years of Isolation and Neglect one Family that if we put her in another, who's to say things would be different." He added before starting to explain the logic behind his decision. "Like you said yourself Gardenia, you have a Daughter who's also very young as she barely gets to see you enough as it is so bringing this Girl into your home might cause some unsettling developments with your Daughter being younger therefore needing more attention while this Halfling may also see it as favoritism and would probably react the same from how her Family treated her." He explained before following up with a plan of his own. "What we need to do is simply ease the Child into a nurturing environment with a minimum amount of people so that she doesn't feel overwhelmed or crowded." He stated since this would be like helping an Animal meaning that this process will have to be taken slow to build trust so that they would feel more at ease.
"But how are we going to do that sssince a lot of usss have Familiesss or live by ourssselvesss assswell?" Nessica asked since she would hunt down this Girl's Parents and inject them with vast amount of Venom if they even get sucked here through a Dimensional rift.
"Well since this Kid had basically been isolated her whole life, we could try leaving her with someone with an average sized home that also had a minimum number of Residents living within but who are you going to find someone like that on such short notice." Tantula said out loud before feeling the child scrumming within her arms as she glazed downward to see her curling her small body against her enormous chest while letting out a few soft scared whimpers.
Seeing this caused an idea to spark within the Director's head. "I think we've just found our Volunteer." He said crossing his four arms getting the Spider-witch's attention.
"Well, I sure feel bad for the poor sap whose get stuck with this Kid." She said with a smirk as she could already tell that this Halfling was going to be a handful before noticing that all eyes were on her that her smirk quickly dropped. "No, nonono, NO! You cannot be serious?!" she questioned sternly before hearing the other Halfling in the room snicker.
"Like the Humans say Granny, 'Finder's keepers' but look on the blight side of this since you've finally had a Kid of your own since no Man wants to date a MFFFMFHHH! ! !~" Echo started before getting her mouth completely covered by Magical-webbing before collapsing to her knees sweating heavily as the Black/Aquamarine haired Woman glared harshly at her while also directing as mass amount of Killer-intent causing the Harpy to whimper submissively.
"I-I-I don't think Tula would be the best choice Sir." Gardenia stuttered feeling the effects of the Amazonian Sorceress's Killer-intent as him and some of the others were breathing and/or sweating heavily while Frisk, Stings, Nessica, and Trench were slightly affected since they have more experience in both detecting and unleashing Killer-intent.
"I-I agree since Tantula isn't exactly the 'Nurturing' type since she's busy as a Mercenary." Ramster added since the Four-armed Witch's line of work would keep her away for certain periods of time.
"Yes, but remember when she's not out doing a Job, she's here in the Town's Market selling her homemade Elixirs and Medicines along with her knitted Scarfs and Vests meaning she'll mostly be here to fill in the Motherly role." Frisk countered mentioning the Spider-witch's other source of income whenever there's a slow Mission Day. "Plus, she also has her roommate Blasko who could help keep an eye on her since he can fill the role of an older Sibling." He added since many young Children need a positive Role-model to look up to.
Groaning as well rolling her eyes, Tantula finally agreed. "Fine, I'll watch the Kid but I'm not going to like this." She grunted since the life of a Mercenary as well owning a small business-stand means having no time for distractions. "Anything else I need to know about raising a Kid besides feeding and cleaning up after them?" she asked since she doesn't have much experience raising a Child since it couldn't be that different from raising a Pet, right?
"Yes, since not only will you be raising her you'll also be teaching as well." The Dragonfly Demon simply stated since this Halfling isn't only going to need a Mother, but also a Mentor as well to teach her how to control her abilities as well as master them. 'And judging by that Pulse of Mana, this Child has only barely scratched the surface of what she's truly capable of.' He added mentally having felt this Halfling's Mana which was strong yet also vile meaning that her Energy is slightly corrupted so it was a good thing Lillie is scheduling a check-up for this kid.
"You can't be serious." Tantula stated with a deadpanned tone and expression since raising this Child was one thing, but teaching her as well?
"Bzzt-bzzt-bzzt-bzzt" the Wasp Demon buzzed with motioning a hand towards her before motioning towards the Girl in her arms.
"Stings right Tantula, you have been saying lately that you might need an Apprentice to help you out. So why not make the Kid your Apprentice as well since this would… how the Humans say it… 'Crushing two Birds with a single Boulder' or something." Ramster said while scratching his horns at the end while thinking if he'd used the right expression or not.
Releasing another groan in annoyance, the Amazon sighed. "Fine I'll take her as my Apprentice. But you all are also going to help me since I can't take her with me to Town with those Royal Guards patrolling every few days." She stated since being a Mercenary also means having a Bounty on your head and there are always a few who would be more than happy to cash it for themselves.
/ / /
After the situation had been settled, Tantula was standing out on the deck with her cheeks flushed with annoyance and slight embarrassment. "Do I really have to wear this thing?!" she groaned as she was now wearing a Baby-harness, which was too small given her height and size making it feel very snug around her waist, while trying to bite back the gasps of pleasure since the sleeping Halfling was snuggling against her under-boobs as the flush on her face deepen.
"Would you prefer that the Child falls during flight?" Gardenia sarcastically said crossing her arms since the larger Woman doesn't know how to fly with a sleeping child onboard. "Anyway, here's the Bag that the Child had since we can't have anything with the scent of Human here encase the Coven or Guards decide to throw another surprise Inspection as well as the Clothes she was wearing." She stated handing the larger Witch the Duffel-bag while also packing in the Shirt, Overalls, and Socks the Halfling was wearing when they rescued her as they are now clean and freshly folded.
"We would have also packed the Kid's other Boot if Ramster here didn't eat it." Huffer said irritated while jabbing a thumb towards the Satyr who let out a slight belch since the other footwear was destroyed by the Plant's acid.
Strapping the Bag onto her back, Tantula activated her Staff before getting ready to head home to relax as well think about this whole ordeal. "Still, I'm not too sure about this whole 'Mother' thing, but I have enough pride to help this Kid reach her possible potential." She said knowing that teaching young Witches, Warlocks, Wizards, and Demon on how to control their Magic can be tricky, more so with Halflings, but still the Amazon spirit in her will happily thrive at the challenge before taking off towards home.
Finally managing to tear the webbing off of her face, Echo took in a few breathes while hissing in pain since the webbing left her face very Red. "Enjoy your Miracle-baby Grandma, maybe having a Child with you might help your dat- AAUGHH! ! !" she started before screeching as she was blasted and bind against the outside wall with more Magical-webbing, this time stronger, as the Spider-witch flew off with a child against her chest and a tick-mark on her forehead.
/ / / / /
Finally done!
Sorry about the wait but as I said before the Holidays are always busy this time of year plus my Family's Dog had Gland-removal surgery so I had to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't try to mess with the stitches have any accidents since he's 14 years old now.
Hope this help make up for the lack of updates and I also have a Poll on my Profile so please vote if you haven't yet, please do and have a happy and safe Holiday and I'll see you all next year!