The night sky was littered in fumes, though the ever bright moon and luminescent stars shone their light through and onto the world below, exposing a molten crash site in the dead center of the darkened landscape. Flames ate away at the trees that surrounded, though connecting leaves and bark were cut off from the rest of the forest to reduce the spread of the fires, done so by the group of men tending to their wounded visitor.
In the beautifully furnished home of Milton, sitting further from the forest but having more space than the other shelter, three men (including the owner of said home) sat trying to apply bandages to their burned friend.
"How on earth do you hold no reaction to this?" Asked Milton, confused over Dolbere's incredible pain tolerance.
"Ye learn to accept that losing a limb 'er two isn't all bad." He replied with a toothy grin. "Besides, flames are nothin' to a feller like me. It's really fuse chicken ye 'ought to worry 'bout!"
"Of course..." Milton replied, mixed between feeling confused and worried.
"Now Dolbere, would you mind telling us about how you brought the underworld to us?" Andrew asked.
With another grin, he opened his mouth and revealed the secret to his explosive performance. He spoke of the experimental dynamite stick he had used, of the abandoned mines, his race against molten rivers, and his launch into orbit to top it off. Every word had drawn the men's attention closer, questions relating to how the dwarf had survived racing through each of their minds with no answers to provide an explanation.
Andrew had leaned in his chair to better read the story tellers lips to ensure what he heard was true, Milton had relaxed in his but still listened with earnest, and Duke was like a child that barely sat still in his chair, eager to get his hands on such a device. At the mention of mining mixed with explosions, he felt his calling to befriend Dolbere, no matter what danger he may pose to the group. Having such tools at his disposal was an opportunity that wasn't to be passed up, as well as the vast systems that would no doubt provide easier access throughout the wonderous and confusing mines.
He finished the story with a hearty laugh, recognizing the shine in Duke's eyes.
"Yes, and while what you say may be true, how do we know for sure you are a dwarf and not some zombie disguised as one? Surviving an event like that seems too crazy. After all, the lava may have erupted from some tectonic movement, or the earth's need to release pressure in the form of lava piss." Duke inquired, proposing words even Andrew thought were too big for him, while simultaneously receiving glares questioning his stupidity.
Andrew and Milton facepalmed, the former speaking up. "Duke, just look at hi-"
"Bahaha! I see where ye comin' from ya sly skeptic!" Dolbere laughed and reached into his patch, pulling out a surprisingly unsinged red stick of dynamite.
"Look here. Take one of these and light 'em up in a cavern. It'll be a rising sun with the light and heat from this stick 'o mine! On the house!" He handed Duke one of his normal sticks of dynamite, grinning as Duke stared with an eager intensity.
"I believe with your track record, it may be safer to confiscate any and ALL explosives on your person." Duke said with a mischievous smile.
"Harr harr, yer lucky just gettin' one. Otherwise I'd best be playing with a torn limb of yers." Dolbere sarcastically laughed back, not giving in to Duke's desires.
Duke snapped his fingers in defeat.
Milton sighed and Andrew rubbed his temple.
"What do you say of staying here on the surface for the night, Dolbere? Of course, so long as you don't burn the anything else to the ground?" Andrew suggested.
The man in question rubbed his chin in thought, brushing his flame orange beard as his eyes wandered around the home.
"Hmm, alrighty boyo! Ye got a spare room perhaps? Fire proof maybe?"
Milton was alerted.
Duke chuckled. "As the builder of the home, I can safely say that this is in fact fire proof, wood be damned! However, no bombs. I just made this place and it's up to Milton to decide your fate anyway."
The dwarf turned to his senior, his wide grin fading to a small expression of what seemed to be sincerity.
Milton raised a brow, unsure of what the dwarf might do or say next.
Dolbere took a few steps forward, placing his calloused hand on Milton's shoulder. Confused, Milton reflexively stepped back before Dolbere pulled another of his red sticks out of nowhere.
"What do ye say, good sirs?" He asked with a grin.
Milton, obviously confused, was just offered a weapon of great destruction as payment for spending the night in his NEW home.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"...Um, I don't need anything, thank you. You can stay here, though I ask that your explosives be confiscated, or at least placed somewhere secure."
"HAHA! I'll make sure to keep 'em beside me bed, just in case some pesky salamanders survived them flames back there." He replied.
The group exchanged looks of confusion as Dolbere began to scout out a room to reside in, while simultaneously juggling some bombs without a second thought.
Duke let out a yawn, causing a domino effect as Andrew and Milton followed shortly after, the day having drained them of their energy from finding new friends to building things and exploding more. They bid their goodnights, and Duke guided Andrew back to their home, ironically.
"Heh, seems like a cool dude right?" Duke spoke.
"Honestly, I'm more surprised you aren't worried of your newest creation being blown to bits."
"Ah it'll be fine. He holds plenty of experience with explosives. I mean, he blasted out from the underground didn't he?"
"Not sure if you should use that to support your argument." Andrew retorted.
"Hmm, guess not."
Not long after, they arrived at home without facing much trouble, only the occasional zombie in search for a much needed brain, which was swiftly dismantled by both men. Entering their home, Duke relieved himself of his weapons and supplies by placing them into his mess of a chest, it having no organization. On the other side of the room, Andrew began sketching his map of the world once more, increasing detail and adding lava where it would be visible.
Night passed on, the two soon heading to their dirt beds with Duke wishing he'd collected enough cobwebs for proper furniture and Andrew having dozed off quickly. The fires from the crash site died down as the lava cooled, promising less destruction. However, creatures still burned upon touching the molten rivers.
Morning came, and Duke woke up at his usual early hours, the suns light barely reaching over the still darkened forest. His home was not much to look at, he realized that now, but even so, he felt some form of nostalgia for making something in the span of a day. Even remembering the far superior home of Milton and Dolbere couldn't ruin his joy, so he set out to his mine to get more materials, both for expanding the home and to craft actual beds.
Having been underground for some time, he realized his supply of torches began to run low, and his inventory was filling up with all sorts of new items to toy with. Healing potions also proved to be a huge help with this, as his experimenting with his new yoyo, the name Rally inscribed onto the side of it, led to many bruises that were self caused and from letting enemies get too close. Quickly, he learned the mechanics of new weapons to their fullest potential and let it out on the unfortunate cursed souls that happened to pass him.
Apart from that, he still kept his original goals in mind, having stripped any and all abandoned structures of their paintings, chandeliers, and other aesthetically pleasing materials he may come to use later. As well, strange statues earned their place in his inventory, him having the idea to create a museum of some sort.
His mining continued forth with haste as his excitement grew, running and forgetting the need to mark his path as he kept his last torch held for as long as possible, wanting to find at least a few more chests before heading back up. It was likely almost noon by now, he thought.
In his ventures, he had already found another life crystal, which he absorbed, as well as another accessory he'd want to ask Andrew about once he resurfaces. Something that would fit on his wrist, it was a small red band with a miniature heart on the front of it, an inscription on it reading "Band of Regeneration".
He already found it to be useful, as small cuts and bruises healed almost instantly, though larger ones still took a considerable amount of time.
His thirst for treasure grew further, his running through the caverns becoming frantic as his eyes darted around, searching small crevices and narrow pathways that may hide loot from his grasp. Such joy he felt from mining, the feeling of discovering new ores and feeling their textures in his hand, fighting some monsters that yearned to take his loot only to meet their demise. He enjoyed it all.
Until he saw it.
Or her, rather.
Stopping on a stone platform, a short elevation above water below, his torch revealed a figure hiding in the corner behind a weathered gold chest, it's pale skin and messy long hair being its biggest distinctive features. Immediately, Duke felt something was off. All he could see of her was the side of her head and her arm, though the single torch he held hid any other distinctive features.
He took out his platforms and built his way over to her side of the cave, a somewhat long distance that encouraged him to not think of the all consuming lake below.
Having reached the last block, he kept his torch out and slowly approached, caution keeping him from charging forth and inviting her to the surface.
"Oi, you alright?" He asked, receiving no response.
He continued. "I'm a friend, not a foe. Unless you plan to stab me in the face with a shiv. Then I'm blind." He smiled a stupid smile.
"..."
"..."
His attempt at a joke left him standing like an idiot, the smile on his face drooping to a stale expression. Still, she did not move.
"Alright, not into jokes." He surmised. "Allow me to introduce myself. Name's Duke, and I have traveled down here in search of treasures to better build and expand my current mess of a home, also hoping to strengthen my armor. Long and hard was my journey, but having come across another person seems to make this a venture to remember."
More like I need that chest, but another friend wouldn't hurt either.
"What might you say?" He finished with a grandeur bow, expecting a reply of some sort. However, all that came was low growl that earned his attention, which may have also saved his life.
Raising his head, he was now face to claws as the figure reached to gouge his eyes out, him raising his sword to block the attack and push it back.
"OI! That's no way to greet a friend!"
Now having a better look at it, the creature appeared to have the features of a woman, its hourglass figure completely contrasting the bloodlust radiating off from it. Nearly entirely was she covered in guts and gore, fresh blood oozing from her healing hands and more that dripped from her fang filled mouth, the dry remains of her victims clinging to her clawed feet. Her gleaming red eyes mixed with her eternal snarl showed she was in no mood for jokes, opting instead to feast on her next victim.
It was nearly enough to make him gag.
"Miss, I recommend seeing a doctor, but I have a bookworm who may have some knowledge on medic-"
He jumped to the side from her sudden charge, her claws just barely missing his neck. He stumbled to regain his balance, but she knew no weakness. She charged with her claws primed to chop and mutilate, jumping a great height into the air and landing with a clash, her claws meeting his sword.
This time, she yanked down with a growl and broke the sword in two, Duke jumping back in surprise.
He looked down at his sword, finding nothing but a broken blade.
Not good!
Surface
Surely the surface would start off smoother, right?
BOOOM!
Not really.
Andrew had woken up not ten minutes after Duke had left when he heard - and felt - a mighty explosion off in the not too far distance. He had thought something might happen, given their newest resident was an explosive obsessed dwarf, so the night before he slept he had prepared a fail safe.
Going to his chest in haste, he retrieved a bucket and some lesser healing potions that were tied with a cloth. Inked onto it were the words In case of fireworks.
Bursting through the door, he ran by a pond and scooped up water in the bucket, doing his best not to spill any as he ran in the direction of Milton's home.
Barely a night and he pulls this?!
Arriving at the scene, the house was entirely intact.
Andrew, understandably, was terrified and confused. On the front lawn, however, was a soot-covered Milton coughing up black smoke right next to Dolbere, who was smacking his back in an attempt to help.
He turned to look back at the house to ensure that the bucket wasn't needed, then headed to the ashy men who just noticed his presence.
Dolbere was the first to notice him, though he continued his attempt to help the poor merchant. "Ah, Andrew! How are ya feelin' lad?"
"Uh, fine I would say." He replied, handing the bucket of water and a healing potion to Milton, who gratefully accepted them. "Care to explain why you're both covered in ash?"
"Makeshift alarm clocks be yer answer, lad! Underground we used 'em to rise and mine, openin' new areas to blow through by the time mornin' come. I always carry some smaller ones in me pockets, but seein' as ta how yesterday left us all exhausted, I left 'em in there where they nearly tore a hole into me side!"
Milton staggered up, having finished his portions and now feeling slightly better. "Cough, I was having a smoke of my pipe out on the porch when I heard him combust. Unfortunately, I failed to take into account the fumes mixing with my smoke, and was blown onto the lawn without a second thought."
Though understanding the story, albeit still slightly confused, Andrew nodded his head and walked to their house, recalling Dolbere's mentioning of it still standing.
"And nothing broke or was destroyed?" He questioned.
"That be right lad! This home be as tough as the ones we dwarves can make!"
"... May I look around inside?" He asked Milton.
"Of course, but I'd be careful around the hallway at the end, who knows what kind of traps this dwarf might've laid about." He joked, Dolbere laughing with him.
Good to know they're resistant. Gonna have to ask Duke to make Dolbere his own home, blast proof and all.
He went up the porch stairs and opened the front door, finding a surprisingly clean and not blown to bits living room. The right side of the home had the living room, as well as a chimney with simple table and chairs for drinking and chatting. Paintings were also hung up, Andrew remembered having found them the same night they met Milton, during their underground exploration.
Looking to his left, the Merchants shop sat behind a counter top, his wares on racks and shelves with their prices printed onto wooden boards, neatly.
Hmm, he seems to have woken early to set this up.
Past the shop and further down was a small opening to a hallway, leading directly to an ash-covered door that was straight across from the entrance to the home. Connected to the hallway was a stairway that led to the second floor, likely where Milton resided.
He walked to Durim's door, wary of any misplaced bombs, and opened it to find his suspicions proven true.
Before him was a rather large room with trinkets and tools strewn all over tables, dismantled bombs laying on the far side of the room with a few perfected ones sitting closer to the door, to the left next to a bed. Nothing was destroyed, however, and only ash was splayed at the entrance.
How did he do it?...
Leaving the room he headed through the front door and into the lawn, finding Dolbere attempting to attract a bunny with those dynamite sticks again while Milton awaited for Andrews return.
Andrew spoke first. "To my amazement, everything seems to be fine. There doesn't seem to be any signs of an explosion having occurred apart from the ash, and even so nothing from your shop or the paintings on the fireplace seem to have fallen over."
"Ah, that's a relief. But that how is that possible?"
"I wish I could answer that." Andrew replied. I'll try asking Duke if he did anything funny when he resurfaces.
He and Milton soon joined Dolbere out in the grass, but both deciding to continue Andrew's training away from the dwarves bombs, beginning with basic stretches with warm up exercises afterwards. It was important to understand ones physique so the training methods and fighting styles may be furnished to suit their needs, and Andrew was no exception. He was a head taller than Milton, who was around Dukes height. His frame showed muscle, but not much more than what one may get from practicing with a bow. His greater reach and height was better complimented by using distance based fighting styles, such as weapon mastery with shuriken's and using more kicks to provide most of the power in a fight. The bow was suited better for long range, but he would train using it in close combat.
As such, his training involved more muscle growth and endurance enhancing exercises, revolving around constant running throughout the forest while dodging projectiles dropped from the trees planted by Milton, and repetitions of body-weight exercises that focused his lower body, while keeping the upper body fit with bow practice and makeshift weight lifting. Milton had managed to concur this from their first training session alone, reading what Andrew was strong and lacking in. Andrew took note of this as well, though he was still not prepared for the exercises he was subjected to.
The sun continued its path overhead, its heat beginning to simmer down as the mentor and student returned from their ventures, finding Dolbere to be asleep on the grass with a few bunnies snuggled around him, they sleeping as well.
"Heh, you'd think the smell of ash and gunpowder would drive them away." Andrew joked.
Milton laughed, now prodding at his student. "It's surprising, yes, but roses and carrots don't exactly radiate from you."
It was Andrew's turn to laugh, nodding in agreement as they continued walking to the house, until Milton pulled him aside off to another direction.
"After training, it is important to unwind and relax so as to not overload ones body." Milton said.
They continued their pace until they reached a pond located a short distance behind the house, Milton pulling out two wood fishing rods and handing Andrew some worms.
"As you were shooting down apples and boards, I took it upon myself to search for the perfect extracurricular that would relax the mind and body."
Andrew looked at the rod, then back at the worms in his hand, unsure if he was disgusted or hungry.
Wai- Hungry?!
"Once roasted, they are a delicacy." Milton mused.
Andrew gagged. Well, I guess we do eat raw mushrooms.
Walking over to the edge of the pond, Milton took it upon himself to teach the young man the ways of fishing, showing him how to properly hook bait up to the line, keep tension when winding the throw, and when to release the line for the greatest distance. After a few tries, both men managed to sink their lines further into the pond where most of the fish seemed to school around, some showing interest in the bobbing worms for a second meal.
Lines were snapped and repaired with fish continuing to fall for the bait as time passed on, Dolbere coming by to show off his furry friends with a bright smile and hanging around for a bit, bringing up some conversation over effective fishing methods which were just using explosives to expose the fish better.
"That would do nothing but create a massive hole in the ground and char all the fish." Andrew commented, unsure of why Dolbere seemed to resort to explosives for even the smallest of things.
Milton spoke up. "As well, it'd be difficult to find another past time like fishing if this is the only pond nearby."
They all laughed as Dolbere began to realize other conventional methods for explosives, only to be discouraged after being told the "safety issues" and other warnings that come along with them, he being confused as to why they were necessary.
Can they not survive bomb blasts?
Then he thought back to earlier in the day, how Milton had an explosive surprise and received some slight injuries.
Ah, makes sense.
He laughed to himself, taking a rod from Milton and joining the two in their fun, though he enjoyed his bunnies more than the actual fishing itself. This was fine by the other men, as the bait was starting to run out.
Their fishing ended soon after their bait expired, which was before the stars made their way out of the sky and the sun bid its farewell. It was then they decided to head home, each not wanting to bathe in blood and gore if it could be avoided. They'd leave that fun to Duke.
Walking back, Andrew realized he hadn't seen him all day, which wouldn't have been too surprising if he had at least left a note saying where he'd gone off to. However, him leaving without warning left Andrew to voice his concern to his companions.
"Can't say I have, especially not after dusting off all the soot in the morning." Milton replied, reminding Andrew of how the day started.
"Aye, he may be down in the mine." Dolbere inferred. "Those beautiful caverns are what make a dwarf such as myself feel so great! Perhaps the lad took a nap!"
Andrew sighed, shaking his head in confusion. "No, I wouldn't think so. The caverns are home to many enemies that are itching to peel the flesh off any travelers, and Duke isn't exempt from this. Wouldn't make sense for him to just nap all of a sudden."
He'd have to worry about this later, he concluded, deciding to head home before night consumed the land.
They bid each other goodnight, heading into their homes as Andrew walked to his deep in thought.
Well, it's not like he can keep track of time down there, not unless he found another ruined home with a grandfather clock. Maybe he hadn't even gone mining, going instead for further exploration in the forest. No, that doesn't make sense either. I would've went along to map out the terrain.
He rubbed his head, feeling a headache coming on, then he sighed. Meh, I'll just wait for him back home.
Nothing much seemed to happen between the period of sunset and moonrise, as there were no creatures to hunt them, and all the birds, bunnies, and bugs had long gone to sleep.
Even so, Andrew had come across an entirely unnerving sight painted on his front door.
There was blood.
And a lot of it too.
Caverns
"WOOAHH-"
THUD
BOOF
"..pant...pant..."
Duke laid on the ground gasping for air, his entire being aching with pain and covered in bruises as his assaulter crouched back down for another charge. They, on the other hand, were feeling fine. Well, as fine as one cursed with eternal rage can be.
Dammit, I am NOT telling Andrew about this.
This was entirely unexpected to Duke. His attacker was a Nymph, unbeknownst to him. It held power that far outclassed any other enemy to cross him, able to throw him beyond his platforms and into the tough cavern wall behind him, he unceremoniously landing flat on his face. He knew laying still would bring him actual doom, but something about the cold floor seemed to call him into a nice nap.
"Ugh, like I have time for that."
Struggling to his feet, he downed a quick healing potion before throwing it to the side, locking eyes with his opponent.
She charged at him with a screech, lunging forward with her claws protruding from their sockets as her upper jaw pushed out of her mouth, serrated fangs primed for flesh.
Waiting till the last second, Duke jumped to the side with a grenade left in his place, pin pulled with its intended target mere inches from it.
Duke sprinted off as the grenade blew, fragmented shards flying off in all directions with many implanting themselves into the Nymph. The explosion itself was enough to tear into her already cracked skin, the force throwing her off opposite of where Duke stood.
Immediately upon seeing his success, he bolted down across the platforms and to the chest that once hid the Nymph, ripping all of its contents out without a second thought and ran deeper into the mines.
The Nymph managed to get back to her feet just in time to see his chosen direction to flee, her yearn for his corpse at her feet reaching its peak, now releasing a sharp screech and charging after her prey.
Crapcrapcrapcrapcrap!
Frantic running was chased by an undeniable lust for blood, but Duke simply knew to not slow down. Salamanders, skeletons, and all others were pushed aside by the Terrarian, only to then be brutally slaughtered by his ruthless hunter. Of course, he being lost in his thoughts meant he had no idea he had more than one thing to be afraid of, leaving all others to the mercy of the Nymph.
Alright let's see, there's a crazed woman on my tail and I dropped my last torch near the chest, I can barely see where I'm going but can tell I'm dropping deeper into the earth, and she is DETERMINED to have my head on a platter. Even with my yoyo, I can't fight what I can't see!
His frantic running only increased in pace the further down he went, but this didn't stop his frenzied predator. Her cursed nature granted abilities far greater strength that surpassed Duke's by leaps and bounds, and he had no clue as to why she wanted him this badly.
She was really just hungry.
There is NO way I'm on her menu tonight! Ah! Maybe she'd want mushr-
"WoooOOAH-"
SPLASH
A quick blind descent into the darkness found Duke submerging himself underwater, unable to take a breath before falling into a short shock from the cold splash.
Cold. Really cold!
Such a change in his environment and temperature resulted in frantic thrashing, Duke soon realizing he carried too much weight to be able to swim properly. Unfortunately, there was a loud splash further ahead of him.
She was there.
Ah.
Shit.
Keeping as still as he could, he eyed where his chaser splashed into, using the ripples to determine how far she was from him and whether she knew his location or not.
Alright, she seems to be pretty far, but I still need to surface for breath.
Going through his inventory, he saw what resembled bubbles slowly popping, while his breath seemed to shorten simultaneously.
Oh cool! That's my oxygen!
Blublublub...
Wha-
He turned to his right, then caught a fist to the face.
With enough force to shatter stone, Duke shot through the water and crashed onto the ground above, landing onto a mess of now broken pots, some holding torches that shone light in the darkness of the cave.
"pant, I'm so, pant, done with this." He was breathless and in pain, not wanting to open his eyes after hearing the surface of the water break.
"Alright, pant, no more playin'."
Now he was tired, wet, hurting, and hungry.
What a good day this was. He mentally complained.
Her crimson glowing eyes showed that same merciless stare, but the torches showed bits and pieces of flesh dangling off her left side from where his grenade struck her.
"Ah, it did work." He was happy.
She ran at him with peak killing intent.
"That makes me kinda happy."
She jumped at him.
He dodged.
And slammed his Rally into her ribcage, a sickening crack being heard all throughout the vast caverns.
She hissed in pain as she slammed into the ground, Duke retracting his yoyo and downing another healing potion, now being able to properly charge at her with his weapon primed.
She was all too quick, however, managing to recover before his yoyo struck and jumping out of its path, now charging straight for her wide open target.
Gotcha.
Feigning surprise, Duke waited for the Nymph to close the distance between them, she not noticing the grin he wore before he jumped aside again, exposing another pin-pulled grenade.
YES!
She threw it to him.
NO!-
It blew, Duke launching into the wall behind him. The Nymph eyed him, satisfied with her recognizing the trap.
He lay on the ground after slamming into the wall, blood streaming down the side of his face and through his side. The shrapnel shredded his armor to near nothing, his entire side exposed to the eyes of the hungered Nymph before him.
"cough cough, that hurt."
He couldn't move, couldn't breath properly, and wished he couldn't see. For now, he was a bloodied mess, but unlike his attacker, he was nearly succumbing to his gruesome injuries.
What a way to die.
Any attempt to move was met with a searing pain that shot through his body, but he managed to sit upright to face his killer.
She held no remorse in her eyes, nor did she seem to have a change of heart. She was still hungry. And he was nearly dead.
Tch, like hell. If I die, I'll die with her blood on my hands!
He could feel the regeneration band kick in, but something greater stirred within him. He wasn't quite sure as to what it was, but it got his bleeding to slow enough to where he could stand on his good leg and stare death in the eyes.
"Is that all you've got?" He snarked.
She snarled, beginning her final attack with a powerful leap into the air. Reacting out of instinct, Duke threw his last healing potion straight at her, it shattering as the liquid soaked them both, he jumping under her.
One crumpled as they landed, while the other slammed into the ground due their velocity.
Painfully, Duke pushed himself up with his arms and turned his body over, getting a view of the Nymph.
It hissed and squirmed in pain, clawing at the ground around it as the potion sizzled against its bloodied skin. Duke slowly stood to his feet, watching the monster carefully.
Not a fan of healing potions.
His adrenaline began to leave his system, he calming down as his eyes were trained on its movements. It didn't take long for them to slow, then stop altogether.
...
...
Why?
Maybe it was because it looked like a human, or it could be that it nearly cost his life to put it down. Whatever the case, he didn't know what it was nor why he felt this way, as if he'd done some irreversible action that could've been easily avoided.
Hah, whatever. There's no point in contemplating what's been done.
He turned back to the smashed pots, his sweet tooth for loot wanting to steer his mind away from the events that took place. In the smashed clay, he found some coins, mana potions that he wished were healing instead, plentiful amounts of rope, and what he assumed to be another potion, this one being light blue in color.
Reading its description, he found it was a Recall potion that he could use to teleport back home.
Heh, thank you pots.
Grabbing his bearings, he held the potion up to his lips to drink, before turning back to the Nymph, a slight frown coming to his face.
Uugghhh, so be it.
It was something he couldn't understand, some feeling of remorse for something that tried so hard to kill him, but for whatever reason, he walked to its still body. He wasn't on guard though, certain that he could escape now that he had the recall potion, in case it still lived. And exactly what he thought, was what he found.
What the...
Something he hadn't expected was the change in its features, most notably was its skin tone. All signs of bleeding had stopped as the once pale skin changed to a slightly lighter color. Its claws crumbled slowly, with its fangs doing the same. The hair seemed to soften and change to another shade, but he couldn't tell to what as it curled around itself.
Duke said nothing, but reached down to check its pulse.
He found nothing, as well as no signs of any breathing.
Maybe this was you in the past? Then there others before me. Ugh, now's not the time for that.
He couldn't tell if he was relieved to release the woman from her curse, or pained that he had to be the one to do it. Whatever happened, happened.
So he pulled out some dirt and surrounded her in it, creating a makeshift grave for her. In place of a tombstone, he placed a daybloom directly above her head.
"Rest in peace."
Then he drank the recall, heading home.
A/N: HAHAHA, I'M SO SORRY.
Right, let me just start off with an apology. See, I'm not quite sure what happened or why I dropped off the grid, but never did I intend to make it seem like this story was dropped out of nowhere. However, as I started writing more of this chapter, I realized the L that I overlooked, and so I sprinkled the seeds of some future references in here. This has to be my favorite chapter I've written so far, and my longest without a doubt. Your reviews were my greatest motivator for this, so for that I sincerely thank you! As well, I thank everyone else that has stuck to my story and stayed around, even with my very poor upload schedule.
- Thanks again for the review, Nanomemes! Really great to hear my story is enjoyable from another author of their own great series!
- Thanks mildflower for the review! I tried to make Duke a balance between comedic and chaos, so I'm glad to see I'm doing something right!
Thanks again everyone for reading!
Stay tuned for the next chapter!
