CHAPTER 8:

GABIRU

Several days passed, and despite the threat of an Orc army hanging over their heads, life in the village was still fairly good. Indeed, Harry was warming to the Kijin, but particularly Shuna. Maybe it was because she was about his age, though she also had the kindest disposition of the Kijin. Not that the others weren't: Hakurou, for all his stern nature, treated Harry kindly himself, and Shion got along well with most people. Benimaru was a bit guarded around Harry at times, especially where his sister was concerned, but he wasn't antagonistic, thankfully. Souei was more aloof and cold, while Kurobei tended to be on decent terms with everyone for the most part.

Admittedly, Harry had little in common with Shuna, aside from the fact that they were teenaged magic users. Harry grew up in middle class suburbia, where the Dursleys' pretensions of upward mobility masked their true crassness, and sadly, a certain amount of that crassness had rubbed off on Harry. Shuna was the closest thing the Ogres had had to a princess, with her father (and that of Benimaru) being the ruler of their village. Harry was a human being, or a human-Majin hybrid now, while Shuna was a Kijin, formerly an Ogre. Harry was interested in flying and Quidditch, both of which were not really available here, while Shuna was interested in textiles and developing her magic. Harry came from modern England, while Shuna's culture was closer to Japan shortly after the Warring States era, when Europeans were novel to them.

But Harry had to admit, learning about the Ogre society was interesting enough. And telling Shuna about the technology of Earth was interesting. And there were the discussions of their magic.

Shuna's Unique Skill allowed her to, in time, learn many of the spells from Earth Harry demonstrated to her. Harry's Blue Magic Unique Skill, on the other hand, allowed him to use any spell used on him. But they had their pros and cons. Harry could learn a spell used on him instantly, even if it was done as low power as possible, but mastering it to its full potential was another matter entirely. Shuna, on the other hand, needed time to learn the spell and experiment with it, even with Analysis, but once she did, she could master it quickly, as Analysis could allow her to comprehend a spell completely. Shuna also had more raw magical power than Harry, albeit by dint of being a monster, while Harry, as a human-Majin hybrid, lacked her power and reserves, though in time, he could potentially equal or surpass her.

Shuna also began to help soothe Harry's loathing of his magic, and his self-loathing. It helped that she taught him new spells. Thanks to Shuna's help, Harry had learned some barrier techniques and healing magic. He was actually grateful for those: he needed more support magic, he felt, with Rimuru having taught him through Blue Magic a number of offensive spells. In addition, many of Rimuru's own abilities were things he couldn't teach Harry easily, as they involved transforming Rimuru, or else risked killing Harry, even with Rimuru dialling the power back as much as possible. And Great Sage helped Rimuru comprehend and master spells with contemptuous ease.

Eventually, Rimuru fronted up to the Kijin about his Otherworlder status as well. The Kijin took it fairly well, with Hakurou in particular curious about the original homeland of his grandfather. It also explained Harry's fairly casual relationship with Rimuru. While technically they were adopted father and son, their relationship was closer to friends, or maybe a cool uncle with a troubled nephew.

However, the shadow of the Orc army still hung over them all. And the Kijin had some interesting insights on the matter…

"Orc Lord?"

Shuna nodded, as they sat outside Garm's workshop, drinking tea. "Hakurou and my brother have been discussing the matter of how the Orcs became so organised and lethal. While their equipment may have come from Gelmud or his backers, their lethality may come from being led by an Orc Lord. Contrary to how many humans or other species think of Orcs, they're actually generally a peaceable people for the most part."

"So, nothing like Lord of the Rings, then," Harry mused. "Except, now, I feel like the army of Rohan at Helm's Deep, waiting for the Orc army."

"Hmm. I would love to read that book, one of these days," Shuna said. "But real Orcs aren't truly belligerent unless provoked or desperate. Yet, when Souei sent one of his clones to our village, nothing was left, nothing remotely edible. Crops, stored food…corpses. Orcs are extreme omnivores, true, but unless they were desperate, even they would be loath to resort to cannibalism. Though there have been rumours of a drought and a famine in territories inhabited by the Orcs."

Harry grimaced. "Still, eating corpses? Lovely. But what does that have to do with the army being led by an Orc Lord?"

"Well, there's two types of Orc evolution, according to Hakurou," Shuna said, holding up two fingers. "An Orc King is a powerful being, true, but a relatively benign one. However, an Orc Lord has a disturbing Unique Skill: Starvation. He, and those under him, are afflicted with a ravenous hunger that cannot be appeased…and those they consume will give them certain attributes and even more power. Say, for example, they ate a Lizardman. They would gain increased agility and perhaps an ability to move through wetlands more easily. That may be how that vanguard of the army was strong enough to wipe out my village. Hopefully, as Kijin, we are more powerful than they are now, but the truth of the matter is, there is a large army of Orcs, possibly headed by an Orc Lord. It's a scary thought."

"Too right, it is," Harry muttered. "Here's hoping we're enough to stop it if that's the case. And there's also Gelmud and whoever is behind him. When you met him, he wasn't particularly strong himself, was he?"

"Not much more than the average Majin. By this point, you'd probably equal if not surpass him, at a rough estimate. I could be wrong, though."

"So…he's either an ambitious little bugger, or he's got someone backing him. And if one of them is a Demon Lord…well, that's not good."

"Hmm. Well, we'll just have to hope we're ready. Hakurou's training should help the Hobgoblins and Lord Rimuru."

Harry laughed incredulously. "Training? He's toying with them, and yet he still beats the crap out of them. I'd hate to see what he's like when he's serious. Hell, I'm surprised poor Gobta hasn't given up."

Shuna giggled. "He's funny."

That was one way of describing Gobta. He was one of the Goblins whose appearance didn't change that much on becoming a Hobgoblin. True, he had become stronger, and if Gobta had an undeniable virtue, it was his determination and energy.

At that moment, Shion walked along, cradling Rimuru in his Slime form underneath her bust. Harry knew that the Slime would be enjoying this. "Ah, Lady Shuna, and Harry," Shion said with a beatific smile. "I was taking Lord Rimuru to enjoy some lunch. Would you like to join us?"

Harry didn't fail to see Shuna's smile become a touch fixed. "Umm…Shion…did you cook the meal yourself?" she asked.

"Why, of course I did! Gobuichi said it wasn't necessary, but practise makes perfect! Do you have a problem with this?"

Shuna fixed her with a look. "Need I mention the Nabemono incident?"

"Shuna, don't bring up ancient history," Shion said, her tone somewhat sharp.

"It was a month before the Orcs attacked our village, Shion. Half of those who ate it gained the Poison Resistance Skill, the chefs had to be treated for smoke inhalation, and Benimaru had to use his abilities to destroy the leftovers before they ate me!"

Shion chuckled a little forcedly. "Don't listen to her, Lord Rimuru, she's just jealous that I'm carrying you around. Well, you can get your boyfriend to cook for you if you're going to be such an epicure. Come along, Lord Rimuru."

As they left, Rimuru looking worried, Shuna sighed. "Shion has a good heart, but…she literally cannot cook to save her life, and she won't listen to any notion that what she does is wrong. Don't worry, Lord Rimuru isn't in any real danger…I hope."

"…Maybe we could use her cooking as a weapon against the Orcs?" Harry asked. "Also, boyfriend? We've only known each other for what, a week?"

"Shion was just being rude," Shuna said. "Though…you don't mind…how I look, right?"

Harry looked at her, even as she blushed. "…Uhh, no. You're pretty cute, horns or not. I just don't want to incur your wrath, let alone that of the protective big brother or the others."

"Oh! That's a relief!" Shuna said, smiling. "Sorry, it's just we don't have the best track record with humans. And while you've been a bit grumpy and angsty, you've also been quite kind, indulging my curiosity and trying to teach me about your world and your magic. But…we're friends, right?"

"…Why do you need to ask that, Shuna? I don't have many friends. But I think of you as a friend."

Shuna chuckled. "Oh, thank goodness! Sorry, but as you know…well, I didn't have many friends due to my station and my seclusion. And they were all murdered by the Orcs. And not just my friends. One of the last things my brother and I witnessed as we fled was my father being cut down by the Orcs. Even now, I'm feeling a little numb to it all. Perhaps soon, I will be able to grieve properly. But…I'm glad I have made new friends, including you, Harry."

"I wish you could have met mine. Especially Hermione," Harry said. "You two would get along like a house on fire."

"Hmm. Maybe one day, I will meet them…"

It was not long afterwards that Rimuru sent Harry a message by Thought Communication. An envoy from the Lizardmen had been spotted, and they were to meet with him. Shuna went back to her work, but Harry joined Rimuru, Shion, Benimaru, Hakurou and Rigurd at the entrance to the village. Harry looked at Rimuru. You survived Shion's cooking?

Had Gobta take one for the team. Don't worry, he'll be fine, Rimuru said. Now, just keep in mind, we need to be civil. This is an official envoy, after all, and the Lizardmen could need help to deal with the Orc army.

Okay, got it, I'll try to be polite, Harry responded. Though if he pisses me off, I'm gonna prank his sorry arse into Falmuth.

Duly noted, Rimuru replied dryly.

Unfortunately, the Lizardman envoy seemed set to make an entrance. His comrades thumped the ground with their spears in a beat to announce his arrival, before the Lizardman, astride a larger lizard that was presumably a steed like a horse, leapt off with a flourish, and began announcing himself. "Greetings to all of you, my fellow monsters! I am Gabiru, son of the chieftain of the Lizardmen, and I have come to tell you that you have the great honour of being conscripted to serve under my banner!"

He struck a pose…and a couple of Lizardmen flanked him with polished shields that reflected light onto him like spotlights, while the other Lizardmen applauded loudly. Everyone who wasn't a Lizardman just stared at him in sheer shock at his audacity. Merlin, it's like Gilderoy Lockhart all over again, Harry thought to himself.

As Rimuru squirmed partly in anger, and partly in distress at Shion squeezing him in her own annoyance, Rigurd stepped forward. "Umm, Gabiru, was it? I must confess, your…offer was quite sudden, but…"

"It shouldn't be that much of a surprise," Gabiru said, a little snootily, now reminding Harry a little too much of Draco Malfoy for his liking. "Surely you've already heard tales of the Orc army rampaging through the Forest of Jura? I thought you would leap at the chance to join forces, for I will do what I can to protect you. I, Gabiru, will ensure you poor souls have little to fear from the Orcs! Surely, you can tell that I am strong, far eclipsing…every…" He trailed off as he finally took in those in front of him. "Huh. Excuse me a moment, I wish to confer with my aides."

Harry caught snatches of the conversation, where they were wondering where the Goblins were. Rimuru said, quietly, "Well, an alliance with the Lizardmen doesn't seem too bad. But are they all like Gabiru here? He seems…well…not the sharpest tool in the shed, if you get my drift."

Eventually, Gabiru broke away from his little huddle with his lackies, and said, "I'm under the impression that some amongst you have tamed Direwolves. Bring them here forthwith. Such a worthy feat means I would be glad to make them an advisor."

"Okay, umm, I'm the one who tamed the Direwolves, you know," Rimuru said. "Well, more to the point, I befriended them."

Gabiru scoffed. "You? A lowly Slime? If this is a joke, it's in pretty poor taste. Show me the proof of your words."

Rimuru, can I teach this wanker a lesson? I don't think he's very interested in proper diplomacy. Don't worry, I won't actually hurt him unless I have to, Harry said. Unless a bruised dignity counts.

After a moment, Rimuru said, Well, not yet, but call him out on his crap. This guy's getting on my nerves.

Out loud, Harry said, "You're not very good at being diplomatic, are you? You waltz up to this village, demand its inhabitants join your army with little incentive other than vague promises of protection…and when Rimuru Tempest, the leader of this village, tells you the truth, you call him a liar?"

"I am sure you are unaccustomed to speaking with your betters, human, but Slimes are not noted for their power or their intelligence. That this one can speak is unusual, I will concede, but what proof is there that he has tamed Direwolves?"

Rimuru sighed, while Harry gritted his teeth at Gabiru's words. Ranga soon leapt from Rimuru's shadow. "Ranga? This guy wanted to meet with you. Hear him out for a bit."

Ranga huffed, and then glared at them. "Well? My master has asked me to treat with you," he said. "Speak."

"…An alpha of the Direwolves? Ah, so magnificent! I am Gabiru, the greatest warrior of the Lizardmen. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am a Named Lizardman. I ask of you, leave this unworthy Slime, and join me instead."

"You damnable reptile…you continue to mock my master?"

"But this so-called 'master' has deceived you somehow!" Gabiru protested. "I will use my great power to win your allegiance! Who, then, will take me on?"

Harry smirked, stepping forward. "I will."

Careful, Harry, Hakurou said via Thought Communication. He may be a braggart, but he has received some combat training given his stance, and Lizardmen are never to be underestimated.

I don't underestimate him, Harry said. He just doesn't know me or my magic. Plus, I'll scare him a little beforehand.

Gabiru looked at Harry. "This human?" he scoffed. "This is your champion? Even if this isn't a fight to the death, which I do not intend to make it, you are overly confident."

"Hello Pot, my name is Kettle," Harry snarked. "You're black." He held up a hand, and let it dissolve partially into the Obscurus transformation, before giving a grin filled with more teeth than good cheer. "And guess what? I'm the scariest monster in this village," he leered.

Uhh, Harry, you're kinda overdoing it with the edgy chuunibyou stuff, Rimuru said.

I'm just letting him know how badly he screwed up, Harry retorted.

Gabiru, to his credit, regained his bluster quickly, readying a spear. "A rather powerful bluff, and it would have worked on anyone else but I, Gabiru!"

Harry chuckled. "Well, it was a bluff. But not wholly."

Gabiru scoffed. "And you are fighting unarmed? I hope you have a good healer ready. Here I come!"

As Gabiru lunged, Harry Apparated to behind him, and sent the Lizardman sprawling to the ground with a Body-Bind. "Gotcha," he said. A Levitation Charm sent him into the air, and Harry removed the Body-Bind.

"Hey, what gives?! Let me down from here!" Gabiru demanded.

"…Very poor choice of words, Gabiru. Much like everything that came out of your mouth," Harry said, before letting Gabiru drop to the ground…only to halt him just as he was within a foot of the ground, Gabiru emitting a very girly scream. "So, let me tell you something: I'm actually the weakest of those present, and yet, I beat you. That so-called weak Slime there is far stronger than not only myself, but everyone else present. If the Lizardmen want an alliance, then your leader, your father if you weren't bragging, should send someone more polite and diplomatic than you. Rimuru is still willing to help you guys stop the Orcs, don't worry about that, but you are a very poor envoy. Now, go back to your people, and have your chief send another envoy, please."

With that, Harry set the Lizardman gently back on his feet and then undid the spell. He staggered a little, glaring at Harry, before he turned his back on them. "Come along, friends! It seems we will have no help here, and after I let him get the drop on me too! Just wait till my father hears about this!"

As the group of Lizardmen left with their tails between their legs, Harry looked to Rimuru. "Please tell me I didn't blow it?"

"Honestly, I think you were pretty restrained," Rimuru said. "I wanted to tell him to piss off, and Benimaru wanted to do more than spank them. But you did say for them to send another envoy. Hopefully, they'll be better. But just to be sure…Souei?"

Souei appeared. "Lord Rimuru. One of my clones is en route to Lake Sisu as we speak, to the dwelling of the largest of the Lizardmen settlements. I'll keep in contact with the clone. Once the clone is present, I will see if they share that one's folly."

"God, I hope they're nothing like that idiot," Harry said. "He was like the mutant offspring of Draco Malfoy and Gilderoy Lockhart."

"…No relation to Tifa Lockhart, I hope," Rimuru joked weakly. "Anyway, good initiative, Souei. Don't forget to be diplomatic. Let's see if we can suss anything further out from Souei's reconnaissance…"

CHAPTER 8 ANNOTATIONS:

Some more development of Harry/Shuna, and, of course, Gabiru. Seriously, even with character development and the fact that, for all his ego, he does actually care about his people, I want to throttle the bastard. I like how he's given a foppish, camp personality though, as it helps cut a bit of the annoyance down.

I also had Harry face Gabiru rather than Gobta because, well, Gobta annoys me, and while it's awesome to see Gobta beat Gabiru, I think Harry needs a chance to show his mettle. I reckon even pre-Azkaban Harry could have beaten Gabiru.

Review-answering time! Sultan Asil Arslan: It's a bit difficult to determine. On paper, Harry's relationship with Rimuru is father and son, but it's closer to a sibling relationship in fact, so Veldora's relationship with Harry is still a little murky.

Romeperson: Maybe, but Harry's presence has helped Rimuru be more open, though Great Sage, like Rimuru's past life, is only known to his top lieutenants.

Sparda B-312: Oi, don't diss the Threaded Cane! True, I used the Axe more throughout my initial playthrough of Bloodborne, because 'Spin to Win!' is real, but you can't deny its style, grace, and coolness. And Serafina Fairway's suggestion of using it as a medium for spells is interesting, especially if he can make the spells emerge from the end of the whip while it's moving. Difficult to do, but it could add some unpredictability to his attacks. Plus, hello, Indiana Jones was good with a whip…

LoamyCoffee: Benimaru wants to give Harry such a talk, but he also wants Shuna to be happy. Thankfully, Hakurou knew how to be more diplomatic about it.

No numbered annotations this time.