AN: Here is the next chapter! Thank you for waiting patiently!
Nice looonggg one two! Think it's the biggest I ever written. Go me!
This is mostly for describing Genko's emotions throughout the ordeal, just to establish some character for her. But, I kinda such a drama, so eh.
GUEST: The answer is that Gauvain, will definitely be making appearances throughout the story.
Cybranify: No I haven't forgotten this fic, it just takes me awhile to update it sometimes. I'm not abandoning this anytime soon!
Najee: Glad you understand where I'm coming from. Also thank you! I'm ecstatic that you are enjoying the story, here's a nice long chapter for you!
Welp, that's it for reviews, Let's get on with the story shall we?
Chapter 9
...
"A-Alice!?" I stuttered. Amber pools locked with my icy blue as the Monster Lord looked at me over her shoulder.
"Genko. It's been a while." She answered.
"W-What are you doing here!?" I exclaimed, rolling my eyes over her distinctly human body, instead of her normal form. 'Haven't seen that in awhile'
"Well, I was minding my business, until I came across someone," She gestured over to Gauvain. "bullying one of cute subordinates, and what kind of leader would I be if I didn't stick up for my subjects." Alice finished nonchalantly.
I blushed a bit at the cute comment.
"Now then, you over there" She addressed Gauvain.
"What?" He spat out, obviously irritated at the interruption. Alice gave him an indifferent look.
"I'll give you two options, leave right now, and I'll let you go peacefully, stay and I'll end you. Decide." She calmly stated.
"What!? Are you insane! Why are you aiding the monsters!" He yelled confused.
'Huh... He thinks she's human.' Well it is a very good disguise, If you didn't know her personally, it would fool you.
Alice felt no need to correct him on his assumption of her being human. "That matters not, now don't make me repeat myself. I'm only letting you go because you were technically defending yourself from my...disobedient," She shot a look in my direction and I winced. "subjects, who will be receiving punishment for their actions."
I gulped inwardly at that. 'I deserve it anyway..'
"However, that is none of your concern, boy. I won't ask again, Leave. Now." Alice's amber eyes flashed with a predatory glint, her pupils becoming slitted and more serpentine.
Gauvain looked completely nervous under the glare, recognizing the dangerous under tone. He gulped and nodded shakily before looking over at me, giving me a heated glare.
"This isn't over... You will pay for your crimes."
With that, he threw something akin to a smoke bomb on the roof, obscuring my vision. When it cleared, the monster hunter was nowhere to be seen.
"Hmph, creative little human isn't he?" Alice mused, raising a delicate eyebrow at the spot where Gauvain was previously.
"Now then," She turned around and faced me, crossing her arms as she gave me a flat look.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
'Shit!'
"I uh, w-well y-you see-" I tried to come up with an answer, fumbling with my words, until Alice raised a black gloved hand, effectively silencing me.
"You know what, I don't want care. You and that dumb dragon, are ruining everything! How am I supposed to taste the Ama-Ama Dango now!?"
...
Huh?
"Wha-?"
"Thanks to you two idiots the villagers are too scared to come out of their homes! Who's gonna make me my Dango, if everyones too busy being scared shitless to even go outside!?"
'Is she serious!?'
"Food? That's why your angry?" I asked exasperated.
"Why else would I be?" She looked at me like it was the most obvious answer in the world.
"We're attacking a village!" I rambled without thinking. "We are violating your only order as monster lord! You should be more concerned!"
"You think I don't now that? Your insubordination will be dealt with later, right now I my priority is Dango and you two are preventing that. Understand?"
'Thinking with her stomach, typical Alice.'
I sighed.
"Yes, Alice-sama..."
"Good. Now let's stop Granberia from killing that idiot," Alice turned towards away from me,"It be a shame if he died this early..." she mumbled under her breath.
"If who died?" I tilted my head to the side, confused.
"Nothing, just come with me." Alice looked a little flustered as she leaped onto a roof, then another roof, continuing towards the plaza
I shrugged and followed after her.
...
...
"DEMON DECAPITATION!"
When we arrived at the plaza, I was shocked to see a little lavender headed boy of all people going up against Granberia, executing a cursed sword technique no less! Could this be the idiot Alice was referring to earlier!?
"What? That move!?" Granberia sure looked surprised as well even when she dodged it fairly easily. It was pretty sloppy, but the fact that he managed to do it at all was impressive. At such a young age too!
The boy looked mortified that she avoided his attack so smoothly.
"N-no way!"
Granberia was staring intently at the boy as she rested Ares on her shoulder.
"Where did you learn that?" She asked.
"Wha-?" The boy seemed to be caught off guard by the question.
"Your swordsmanship is far to sloppy and inexperienced for you to have come up with that move on your own. Plus, it's a monster's technique, it is very peculiar for a human to know it." Granberia narrowed her eyes at the frightened boy. "I'll ask you again, Who. Taught. You. That. Move."
The kid looked conflicted, if the emotions that crossed his face were any indication. He seemed be struggling against revealing his teachers identity. But I am curious where he learned it.
'Wait... '
I looked over to a certain Monster Lord, watching the proceedings with crossed arms. She had stopped moving towards the two fighting, when the technique was called out and has been watching the boy with a critical eye ever since.
'Naw... Alice wouldn't do something that nice.' Not to say she isn't nice, but random acts of kindness are not Alice's forte. Especially not towards some random kid. Unless he somehow managed to bribe her with food... But even then, he would be hard pressed to get her to- oh who am I kidding! Unless it's morally wrong, -and I mean by Alice's standards, giving her something good to eat will at least convince her help in someway, whether it be directly or indirectly... I probably shouldn't be
thinking so lowly of our Monster Lord, but when you've basically grew up together you find it hard to perceive her as such.
While I was pondering, The boy got a hold of his emotions and looked up at Granberia, unwavering determination alight in his crystal blue eyes. The Heavenly Knight rose an eyebrow at this.
"I won't tell you!" He declared.
Granberia stared at the boy for a long moment before chuckling.
"You have guts, I'll give you that."
"Huh!?" The boy was surprised by the knight's sudden laughter.
"You've certainly been more entertaining than these pathetic guards," She gestured to the heaps of unconscious men scattered about the plaza. "Even though your swordplay is horrid."
"Hey!" The boy looked offended.
Granberia continued to laugh at the boy's cry of offense before slipping her weapon off her shoulder and gripping it tightly with her hand. She closed her eyes and continued.
"It makes me even more curious to who your teacher is, considering they taught you an attack like that before fixing your crappy grasp of the fundamentals."
'Ouch...' I winced inwardly. Granberia can be rather blunt.
The kid looked depressed at her words. His head was lowered, and a air of gloom settled around him. Alice, on the other hand, was in a delightful mood, smirking at the boys downtrodden face.
I sweatdropped. 'What's the relationship between these two?'
"That being said, regardless of whether your willing or not, I will get the information out of you." Granberia opened her eyes and fixed the child with a serious glare.
"I-I won't tell you!" The boy cried out in defiance.
Granberia's eyes narrowed.
"Is that so? Then..."
"Hu- AHGHH!"
Before the boy could even blink, The dragon knight landed a devastating blow upon the his small frame, nearly killing the poor lad.
'Ooohh... That's gotta hurt...' I winced again, outwardly this time.
I should know, no ones been hit by Granberia more than me!
...Why am I taking pride in that?
"Augh..." The boy kneeled over, obviously in pain from the attack.
"I held back my attack to make sure you didn't die." Granberia commented as she crossed her arms, glancing at kneeling boy impassively. Damn she could be cold if she wants to. "Well? Are you ready to talk now?"
"Au... gugh..." The boy coughed out, his body immobile from the attack he received. However, despite the immense pain he is no doubt experiencing, there is no hesitation in his eyes. The determined glint is still there in his unyielding expression.
...I'm honestly amazed. He knows that he is no match for Granberia, but he doesn't give up. Even with no chance of winning and what little skill he has, he still defies her. I know he's scared, the shaking of his body gives it away, but he still fights on. Regardless of his fear, age, or the large skill gap, his eyes hold strength in their blue depths.
"Even... With that... I still won't tell you.."
Wow...
I found myself watching the boy with my mouth slightly open. He should be teetering on the brink of death right now, yet he still doesn't give in...
'He's either extremely brave, or stupid... probably both'
To be honest, I'm jealous. If I were in his position, I don't think I could persevere like he is. I don't have the courage to... Gauvain called me out on my cowardice once already... But...
Granberia stared at the boy and sighed. "Is that so? I don't like using my blade on the weak... but..." I couldn't help but find myself disagreeing with her. The kid is strong. Maybe not physically, but he is in will and spirit.
Granberia raised her blade, prepared to strike at the boy, and before I knew it, before I even registered what I was doing, I had flashed forward, aiming both of my katana at the Heavenly Knight.
"!?" She blocked it of course, her instincts as amazing as ever, but was astonished at the sudden attack. Her eyes widened as she registered who had attacked her out of nowhere.
"Genko!?"
...
Luka's POV
At least I'll die a warrior's death...
I I closed my eyes braced myself, preparing for Granberia's attack.
It never came.
Instead, I was greeted by the sound of metal clanging and the surprised shout of a Heavenly Knight.
"Genko!?"
"What?" I mumbled opening my eyes to see a girl with long raven colored hair, clashing her blades
against Granberia's. If that wasn't enough she also had black fox ears atop her head and a large fluffy tail of the same color.
'She's a monster!?' Why is a monster helping me out? It's not unwelcome, but it's not exactly common! Plus Granberia seems to know her.
The girl flipped backwards in an impressive display of agility, landing in a crouch in front of me.
"You okay?" She asked me, looking over my body with icy pale blue eyes. They were so... Bright.
"Y-Yeah... I uh just hurt... a lot." I dumbly replied. 'What the heck is wrong with me!? She probably thinks I'm stupid now!'
The girl found my response amusing if her smirk was any indication.
"You don't say?" She giggled. "Well that's understandable, Sensei can really pack a punch! I swear she doesn't know her own strength sometimes."
'Sensei?'
"Genko. What do you think your doing?"
The girl, or Genko That's her name I think, stood up and faced Granberia. Her face was set in a thin line, but also seemed a little melancholy.
"Sorry sensei... But I can't go along with thus plan any longer." She spoke, obviously uncomfortable under the gaze of-
Hold on!
"Your her student!?" I yelled in disbelief. That's insane! "Why are you helping me then!?"
"...Weren't you on the brink of death a minute ago? You certainly got a lot of energy for someone almost got killed." The fox-eared girl deadpanned.
"He does... Maybe I should have hit him harder." NO you should not! You'd kill me otherwise! "Anyway he does make a good point, why are you standing against me?"
"Because I realized something... What we are doing is wrong! There is no good in attacking a human village, for our goals. We're hurting innocent people! Plus were directly violating the Monster Lord's orders!" Genko expressed her feelings on the subject, and I found myself gaping at her.
Wow... She actually seems like a good person!
"... What brought this on? You didn't seem to care about any of those things earlier, hell you even suggested a more efficient way to take over the city. What made you change your mind all of a sudden?"
Ah, so she isn't as good as I thought. Now I'm curious. Why did she change her mind?
"I... I've had time to think about it, and I realized that this," She gestured to the empty city, and piles of defeated soldiers. "Isn't something I want to be apart of! And neither should you! That is why, I going to stop you, even if it means fighting you!" Genko declared, pointing her two katana at Granberia.
She... she sounds like a hero... At the very least someone seeing the errors of their ways! If there are more monsters like her, than coexistence between humans and monsters will be a lot easier!
The Heavenly Knight watched her with narrowed eyes throughout her explanation. Her amber orbs roamed over the girl, as if searching for something before smirking.
"You're serious aren't you?" Granberia asked.
At the girls nod, A grin broke out over her face. I was a little surprised, I expected her to be angry, but she just looked excited.
"Very well then!" The Fire Knight laughed, before picking up her giant sword, red hot flames bursting to life along the blade, making the whole area increase in temperature from the intense heat radiating off the blade. Granberia pointed the deadly weapon at Genko, and her grin became a little more bloodthirsty.
"If you want to stop me, then you'll have to defeat me! I'm in a bad mood from fighting all these weaklings, you better provide me with some entertainment!" She roared, a complete shift from the cool persona she held before.
'Whoa... She was so impassive before, now look at her..." I guess she's all fired up huh?
"Hai Sensei! We never fought when I wasn't using that crap sword since the first time, you'll see how much I improved since you took me in!" Genko replied with just as much enthusiasm. She also seemed a little nervous? Her blades began to glow softly in a blue light matching her eyes.
The area around the two became tense, the mood shifting to accommodate the promise of battle between the two. I couldn't help but find myself anticipating the fight too. The fox verses the dragon! Who will win!?
The two tightened their grips on their respective weapons, ready to pounce forwar-
"How long are you two going to keep being idiots?" That voice!?
"!?"
A certain silvered haired companion of mine, walked into the plaza.
"A... Alice?" I asked confused, what is she doing here? She usually disappears every time a monsters around.
"Y-You!"
"Oh... I forgot that you were here. Sorry."
Granberia was petrified momentarily at the sight of Alice, while Genko looked to the side sheepishly.
'They know Alice?'
When Granberia slowly sinked to one knee, I went slack-jawed.
"Eh...? Ehhhhhh...!?"
Why would such a powerful swordswoman be kneeling before Alice of all people!? What the hell is going on here!?
Alice, however, looked as if thus was nothing but a common occurrence. She crossed her arms and stared down at the kneeling Heavenly Knight.
"Granberia... What do you think your doing? Who ordered you to attack the city?"
"I decided it myself. To get rid of those annoying heroes, I-"
"Go away, you annoyance." Alice cut Granberia off with a rude command. Is she crazy!? Does she know who she's talking to!? I know Alice is pretty strong, but that's a Heavenly Knight she's talking to like that!
"B... But! If I leave now, even more Heroes will show up-"
"I told you to go away. If you keep going berserk then how am I going to eat the Ama-Ama Dango? That goes for you two Genko didn't we have this conversation earlier?"
She still thinking about her stomach?! At a time like this?!
I think Genko was having similar thoughts considering that blank expression on her face.
"If you want something like that, just let me take over the city first-" Granberia tried to reason with Alice, but she was not having it.
"And how can I sightsee with such an unsightly event going on? Idiot." Alice looked down condescendingly at the kneeling knight.
"Having to repeat myself three times... Is that how you show your loyalty? I told you to go away." Her tone held no argument as she dismissed Granberia.
"... At once. If it is your will." Granberia resigned.
"Then if you'll excuse me... Genko let's go, we need to have words."
The girl in question looked more than a little nervous at that, sweating bullets and looking like she wanted to bolt.
"No. Genko will be staying with me. I have to speak with her." Alice stated, momentarily locking gazes with the girl.
"...fine..." Granberia sighed with disappointment. She looked at the black-haired girl as well before speaking. "Next time I see you we will pick this up. Keep up your training... you'll need it."
Genko gulped audibly, nodding her head rapidly. "H-Hai S-Sensei! I-I look forward to it!" I can't say I can find any truth in that statement.
Regardless, Granberia nodded at the girls reply, and by some magic, She vanishes, withdrawing from the city.
"I... I did it!" 'Not really, Alice and that girl did most of the work.
"Haagggh..." I suddenly felt exhausted, and collapsed on the ground. I guess my adrenaline wore out... Every thing hurts... A lot...
...
...
Genko's POV
'Holy Shit! I can't believe I just did that!' I am so not looking forward to seeing Granberia again! She's going to kill me! ... Well probably... She'll beat me up at the very least.
"Haaggh..."
I looked over to see the purple haired kid collapse on the ground. I'm surprised he was still standing with those injuries.
"You alright?" I asked him.
"Y-Yeah... Kinda... It hurts... a lot..." He whined a little pitifully.
I snorted. "Still? Well pain does have a tendency to do that. "I replied sarcastically. I don't think Granberia was aiming to be fatal... then again, If I didn't stop her last attack... Who knows what would have happened.
"I-Is It over? Is the monster gone?" A man curiously called out.
'Shit! I've got to get out of here! If the citizens see me it's over!' I did help Granberia attack the city. Those guards I knocked out might be up by know too...
I locked eyes with Alice, and she nodded her head, signaling that she talk with me later. I nodded back, and quickly leaped onto the nearest roof, dashing away from the plaza.
'I wonder what she want's to talk about?' My ears twitched as I was running, barely picking up Alice's voice over the roar of the celebrating citizens.
"I don't really care. Where can I find the Sutherland Inn?"
"The Sutherland Inn, huh? Guess I'll get my answer there.
...
...
"Where is it, Where is it, Where the fuck is it?" I muttered under my breath, while leaping across the roofs of Illiasburg. The moon's silvery glow illuminating the city. Since Alice wanted to speak with me, I was not allowed to leave the city. And since some of the guards and citizens could recognize me as one of the attackers, I wasn't allowed to be seen. So, I've spent the whole day hiding away from them. Sounds easy considering it's such a big city, with plenty of places to hide right?
Wrong.
There is also a lot of people inhabiting this city, that now it's layout way better than I do. Still, it should be easy for someone with capable of achieving feats only monsters are able to right?
Wrong. Again.
See, at first I figured with so many people, I'd be able to blend in easily with the crowd. But considering my clothes aren't exactly native, Kitsune robes, and the fact that I have two ears on the top of my head, and a fluffy tail on my rump. (can't exactly hide these things... I think?)
Maybe there's some magic something that can hide my monster parts. There probably is, but I suck at all things magical, (I can only do basic stuff) so that's not an option.
Anyway, one of the guards I knocked out managed to point me out of the crowd and told his buddies, so I spent the whole day running away from a squadron of soldiers. Even then, with someone as fast as me, outmaneuvering a group of soldiers shouldn't be problem right?
Well yes, actually. I was able to outrun them pretty easily, but keep in mind they live here. They know this city like the back of their hands, and are persistent.
I've had to knockout more of them, when they managed to lead into a dead end. This happened multiple times.
So, after dealing with those stressful activities, I now have to find the Inn Alice wanted me to meet her at. One. Inn. Out of thousands of buildings.
Yeah, I'm a little frustrated.
"AGGH! This place us too fucking big!" I yelled in agitation. It really is. It is said that Illiasburg is the largest city on the continent. And After running around this place for hours, I'd have to agree.
"All these freaking streets and buildings! Why!? I swear to the monster lord herself If I see one more fucking intersection! To hell with being guilty! I'll this fucker to the ground!" Not really, but I can get rather violent when I'm angry.
"Fucking hell!"
And I curse... A lot. Boy am I glad Tamamo can't hear me or I'd be in soo much trouble.
"Piece of shit city!... Huh?"I paused in my rant seeing two people talking in the streets below.
'Crap did they hear me!? I gotta hide!' I looked around the roof I was currently on for somewhere to avoid detection. I spotted a chimney, and was quick to duck behind it.
I curiously peeked down towards the streets to see a scantily clad, very well endowed, blonde woman, and a man talking.
"Hey honey, how would you like to have some fun?" The woman purred.
I blinked. 'Huh? Is she...'
"Well... I really shouldn't..." The man nervously replied.
"Is that...?" He looks like the younger guard from before... No... He is the guard from before! The snake pervert! Oh my Lord! He's being hit on by a hooker! I could barely restrain my laughter at the situation.
"Oh come on babe!" The woman pressed her body up against guard. "I'm make sure you have a good time! What do you say...?" She whispered huskily in his ear. The guard blushed heavily at the close proximity.
"I-I-I..." The guard stuttered, obviously uncomfortable with the situation. However, he couldn't stop his eyes from wondering.
Strangely enough, I couldn't find any lust in his eyes.
The woman seemed to notice his interest and pushed her modest chest against his side, enveloping his arm.
"Hehe... See something you like?" She winked seductively.
The young guard continued to stare at woman unflinchingly, red-faced all the while, until something akin to disappointment flashed in his eyes.
"No scales..." He murmured to himself, barely audible. So quiet that the woman didn't hear him.
I, on the other hand...
"Pfffttt!"
I couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing, making the two look in my direction.
"Huh!? Y-You're!" The younger guard noticed me and I mentally swore.
'Damn it... Oh well It's too late, and I could knock him out if I need to'
With those thoughts in mind, I stepped out of my hiding place into the open.
"You're that fox-girl from before!" The young man exclaimed, while the hooker looked on confused.
I gave the man a wink, and smirked down at him. "Sup, Snake lover? How's it going? Bang any reptiles lately?"
He blushed, remembering his spiel from earlier.
"R-reptiles!? Y-You fuck animals!?" The prostitute looked at the guard in horror. Hearing this, the man was quick to defend himself.
"WHAT!? NO! Don't listen to her!" He yelled indignation.
My smirked widened. 'Oh this'll be fun.' I think I just found the perfect way to relieve some stress.
"Oh really? That blush on your face says otherwise. And I remember earlier you gave a rather riveting account of an erotic experience with a snake. Quite the eye-opener."
The man looked absolutely mortified. I relished in his expression.
The woman's eyes widened and she looked over at man in disgust.
"That's sick! I'm sorry but I'm not into beastiality!" She turned and began to walk away. The young man hurried after the woman and put a hand on her shoulder.
"P-Please you got it all wrong! I- GUAH!" His pleas were cut short by the heel connecting with his privates. He slowly sunk to the ground, holding his damaged goods.
I cringed. 'Ouch...'
"Don't touch me you perv!" The woman spat before stalking off. How ironic, a prostitute calling someone else a pervert.
I hopped down from the roof and landed next to the wounded young man.
"...You okay there, Snake lover?" I asked the twitching young male, feeling a little guilty. I wasn't expecting him to shot up and point a finger in my direction.
"NO! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!
AND MY NAMES NOT SNAKE LOVER!" He shouted angrily.
"No Snake lover?" I asked.
"NO!"
"How about Lamia luster?" I trolled.
"WHA- NO!" He denied, though he was blushing again.
"Shed-skin licker?"
"HELL NO!"
"Snake Pulverizer?"
"That actually sounds pretty cool..."
"You right it is to cool... how about Forked-tongue taster?"
"NO!
"The Reptilian Booty Hunter?"
"NO! DAMN IT!" He was out of breath at this point. "Haa... Stop this already...!" he panted.
"What's your name then?" I asked with pure curiosity.
"Huh?" He looked surprised that I asked him that.
"Well, if you tell me your name, I'll refer to you as such. Unless, you like my nicknames?" I gave him a sly smile.
"NO!" He was quick to shoot down. "Please call me by my name." He begged.
I giggled. His reactions are too funny.
"Okay! So tell me your name already!"
He sighed and answered."It's Siegfried. Siegfried Calibur.
"... Seriously?"
"Yeah, what's wrong with it?" He asked defensively.
'That's pretty badass...'
"N-Nothing! It's just a intresting name is all, I wasn't expecting it!" I was quick to console. I actually felt bad for calling him something so insulting.
"You sound like my brother." He sighed.
"What's your brother's name?"
"Cervantes."
"..."
"Your brothers name is Cervantes. Cervantes Calibur. " I stared at him.
"Y-Yeah." He looked unnerved under my gaze.
"And you're Siegfried Calibur."
He nodded, not quite seeing what I'm getting at.
"Your parents must have loved you two." I commented.
"W-What makes you say that?"
"Because those are the most badass names I've ever heard in my life." I replied truthfully. "I'm sorry for calling you anything but." I bowed my head in apology.
When I rose my head, he was staring at me incredulously. I matched his gaze unblinkingly, conveying how serious I was about the statement.
"..."
"..."
"...pfft!" He doubled over holding his sides. "Hahaha!"
I couldn't stop the chuckle bubbling at my lips either. Laughters contagious after all.
"Oh my god! If my brother met you he would cry of joy!" He spoke between laughs.
"Why's that?" I tilted my head, the occasional giggle coming out of my mouth.
"B-Because he always brags about his name, always bringing it up in a conversation, but everyone usually ignores it, not praise it's awesomeness."
"What can I say? I call it like I see it." I shrugged.
"I see that." Siegfried mused. "But... I don't deserve that praise..."
I tilted my head at that.
Siegfried smiled sadly.
"After all, I'm a faliure..." Whoa... That's quite a mood change.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
He was silent, looking down at the ground. I never really noticed until now, but he has surprisingly long hair for a guy. The golden locks frame his face, obscuring it from view. It fell past his shaking shoulders- Wait! Is he crying!?
The gravel below his head was being pelted from the occasional drip of wetness falling from his face. Once again, my body moved and before I knew it I was by Siegfried side, gently resting a hand on his vibrating shoulder.
"Siegfried, what are you talking about? Why are you crying?" I asked softly.
He didn't respond for a long while, just continued to silently cry.
"I-I was fired today..." That was the first thing the blonde said after a while. "The guard captain said it was because of my unsatisfactory performance during the monster attack." He sniffed.
Oh... Oh... That's kinda my fault isn't it? Now I really feel bad.
"He said I was a coward! That if it weren't for some courages boy, the city would've been ransacked by monsters! That my absence during the attack was do to my cowardice, despite being knocked out for the whole ordeal. " I winced.
"Uh... I'm sorry I- never thought.."
I tried to formulate an apology, but he cut me off with a wave of his hand.
"No. It's not your fault, because even if I wasn't knocked out I would've ran." The blond admitted.
Huh?
"I... When I saw you and your friend, I was terrified. Especially your friend." He sniffed.
"Well... Anyone would be terrified by a pissed off Granberia, even me, and I've known her far longer than you!" I tried to console him.
"I remember you looking more along the lines of aroused than anything else." Siegfried snorted, earning a glare from me.
"Want me to hurt you?" I raised a fist, and he quickly put his hands up placatingly.
"Thought so. Anyway, big whoop, you were scared of the drastically powerful dragon knight, pounding your fellow guardsmen to dust. I'm sure anyone would react the same in the situation."
I really don't understand how that's being a coward. Sure, maybe he didn't bravely charge in to save his comrade, but that doesn't make him weak.
"Maybe... But it wasn't seeing the bastard getting beat up that made me fearful. Even before that, when I first laid eyes on you two I was afraid." He admitted, looking down again.
I sighed mentally. 'How did I end up playing counselor'
"Look, Siegfried. What you did was recognize a threat. Your fear shows that you have enough common sense to not rushing in when you have no chance of winning." I told him firmly.
"But that's cowardly-" He began, but I was quick to cut him off.
"What, so charging in blindly is couragous and brave? No. It's stupid and suicidal. Just because you don't hop at the possibility of danger doesn't make you a coward."
"But I could've done something! I just sat there shaking in my boots!" The blonde haired man berated himself. I took a good look at the man, studying his features. He looked so small, with his trembling, tears leaking from his misty blue eyes, slightly red from the flood of emotions pouring through them. I watched him surprised that he was taking this so hard. Then I realized something.
"You... You blame yourself for the attack..." I whispered.
"Ha! Of course I do! I love this Illiasburg! But I was helpless to protect it! All because I couldn't bring myself to do something, anything besides succumbing to fear!" He broke down into sobs once again.
His confession hit me like a brick.
'Oh... Lord...'
I feel horrible... I never thought my actions could affect someone like this. I feel like trash... Of course invading a city would effect the people living in it... But I didn't understand until now how deeply it could.
I grit my teeth as I lowered my head in shame.
I'm such a hypocrite! I wanted to stop people from doing this exact same thing! But here I am acting like those people that I hate... Like that woman...
Damn it... That asshole was right...
...
Flashback
"Gauvain Conn, at your service," "And you, monster scum?"
My eye twitched wildly at the insult. "Who the hell are you calling scum you bastard!" I growled out.
"Why you of course," he chirped, then his eyes darkened. "Only scum would attack a innocent village."
Flashback end.
I am scum. Horrible scum. He has every right to be striking me down, but he doesn't... Why?
"Why...?" I muttered, quietly lowering my head.
"...Why what...?" He replied shakily.
"Why are you speaking to me?"
"Huh?" He sounded confused.
I snapped my head up at him and glared at him through my now tear filled eyes.
"I'm the reason your feeling the way you are! I attacked your home and threatened it's citizens! You have every right to strike me down yet you don't, Why!?" I yelled at him. I seriously wouldn't even dodge at this point.
Siegfried was terribly startled at my outburst. He looked over me wearily before smiling at me sadly.
"I told you... I'm a coward. If your even half as good as your friend, I won't have a chance..."
"..."
I didn't speak for a long while. He was right, the only reason I approached him in the first place was because I was confident in my ability to incapacitate him if necessary.
"Plus, I'm not really a vengeful person... If you actually killed somebody, I'd might be, But from what I heard there were no fatal injuries for anyone. Then again I'm not even sure I could do it then..."
My hair shadowed my face as I angled my head towards the ground. Hehe... He doesn't even...
... I have to do something...
I looked up at him, catching his gaze.
"You know... I also think of myself as a coward..."
"What?" He was surprised...
I took a deep breath, preparing myself mentally for what I'm about to do...
"When I was a kid, I lived in a small village in the mountains. I lived there with my mother, and we stayed in the local temple together..." I smiled at the memory.
"The temple was huge, the biggest building in the whole village! And had a long flight of steps. leading to it's courtyard, which was equally as big. It loomed over the village, but it was by no means oppressive. It was a shrine to our queen after all, and everyone came daily to offer prayers. It was always lively. Everyone that lived in the village was like family. All tightly knit, and looking after each other."
"That... that sounds nice." He gave a small smile and I returned it with one of my own.
"It was! I was surrounded by friends and loved ones. Never did a day go by when I wasn't happy. Especially when I was with my mother." My smile widened. "She was the greatest. So pretty and gentle, with a smile that would instantly ease your worries. Strong too! She was a great warrior in her time, a master with a naginata, and her abilities didn't wane with age. Definitely was someone you didn't want to mess with!"
"...You said 'was' does that mean..." He spoke softly.
"Ah, caught on I see? Well, that's the next part of the story." I took another deep breath. "One day after spending a whole day playing with my friends in the village, I made my way up the stairs, it was quite the challenge with my little body, exhausted from a day full of shenanigans, but it was well worth the sight at the top."
"What did you see?" Siegfried asked. He was quite enraptured in the story by this point.
"My mother. She was practicing with he naginata. It's was the most beautiful and deadly thing I'd ever seen. The way the setting sun illuminated her form, capturing each graceful movement she made with perfect clarity, as she killed imaginary opponents with each stroke. It was amazing." The scene is deeply ingrained in my memory, as is every moment with her. I think she's the reason, I ended up liking woman in the first place.
Siegfried sweatdropped at my description. "You a... really loved her didn't you?"
"More than anything in the world..." My eyes darkened. "That's why when she was killed in front me, I was devastated."
"What..!?" He looked shocked.
"I-I Won't go into any details..." It's far too painful. "But I did nothing but watch as that... demon, murdered my mother. I wanted to help, to do anything besides sit there, but I couldn't, and ended up staring in horror as my mother was killed. After that, the demon..." Violated me... "Threw me down the flight of steps, knocking me unconscious. When I came to, my village was burned to the ground with corpses everywhere." I repressed the urge to vomit, just thinking of the sight.
I had threw up, and fainted after seeing that. When I woke up, Tamamo had found me.
"Ever since then, I've always blamed myself for letting it happen... For just watching as everything I loved was taken from me! I considered myself a coward like you do, except I am far more vengeful." I finished grimly.
'I won't rest until that woman is dead.' I told Tamamo that I wouldn't let revenge dictate my life, and I won't. But I'll sure as hell see to it that woman is dead.
"I-I'm sorry... I had no idea..." Siegfried stammered out a hasty apology.
I waved him off.
"Don't worry about it. It was because of my own incompetence that I lost them, her. Just watching it happen, I'm the real coward."
My eyes drifted towards the ground.
"No! Don't say that!"
I jumped slightly when Siegfried grasped both my shoulders and looked me dead in the eye.
"Your not a coward! You were just a kid! There was nothing you could do! It's not your fault! Don't blame yourself for things beyond your control!" He preached passionately.
I'm quite touched that he's trying to console me, but he's the one getting counseled here not me.
I gave him a flat look.
"It's not your fault either."
"What?" That certainly caught him off guard.
I continued, pressing the advantage.
"You should follow your own advice. Stop blaming yourself for things out of your control!"
"B-But that's differe-" I cut him off.
"Oh really? How exactly? We both blame ourselves for failing to protect our homes an-" He cut me off this time.
"You were a kid! I'm a grown man! I should've been able to do something! But I couldn't because I'm weak!" Siegfried was panting by the end of his rant.
"Then get stronger."
"Huh?" He looked so confused. I smiled gently.
"A person very important to me told me that once, while I was wallowing in self-pity. When you fail, just get better next time so you can succeed." I smiled at the thought of my second mother figure.
"So, you couldn't protect Illiasburg this time, just get stronger so that you can protect it in the future."
The blonde's eyes lit up as he realized what I was getting at. Then they dimmed a little." But I was fired... I'm no longer a guard..."
I crossed my arms. "So what? You need it to be in your job description to protect your home? I thought you loved this place?" I egged him on.
"I Do! But-"
"But nothing! You don't need to be a guard to keep this place safe! Fuck the soldiers! Become your own guardian!" That sounded right... right?
I think so, if how the mans eyes brightened.
"Y-You're right I don't need to be part of the guardsmen to protect the city! I'll do it my way!" He declared, a fire lighting his eyes.
"That's the spirit!... Huh!?" My ears twitched.
"Here is where the all that shouting was coming from earlier!"
'Shit!' I cursed inwardly as I saw a platoon of guards heading in our direction. 'Gotta hide! Gotta hide!'
"Quick over here!" A voice brought me out of my panicking thoughts.
I looked towards the sound of the voice to find Siegfried next to an open barrel, signaling for me to get in. "In here!" Not the most ideal, but I'll take it!
I quickly made my way over and tucked my self in the barrel. Well more liked stuffed, my tail kept getting in the way!
"Hurry up!"
"I'm trying! I'm trying!"
'All most there!'
"Crap! They're here!"
"Wait! I almost got it-"
"No time!" And with that he slammed down the top of the barrel... On my tail.
"Mmmrghhh!" I bit my lip harshly to prevent the scream that nearly escaped my mouth.
'Motherfuc- that fucking hurts!'
"What's going on here?" I heard a voice ask through my haze of pain.
"Uh, nothing sir! Just on a midnight stroll!" I heard Siegfried nervously reply.
"Hmm? And what's with the barrel? There's something sticking out of it?"
I felt a hand grab my tail, ruffly handling the appendage. I resisted letting out the vulpine growl growing in my throat, and forced my body to still completely.
"What is this? It's all furry!" I heard the guard proclaim.
"Oh, I-It's uh, a-animal skins! I skinned them myself sir!"
'Nice Save!'
"Huh... Well this is some pretty crappy quality, you ought to hunt some different animals. Was is this mutt?"
'Oh no he did not! This son of a bitch!' My tail is amazing!
"It's um, fox actually." Siegfried corrected.
"Really? Some shitty fox."
S-shitty!? You wouldn't know high quality fluff from your mom's overgrown bush! You prick! How dare he insult my tail! That's a kitsune's pride and joy!
"Anyway carry on. Enjoy your night."
"Thank you! Goodnight sir!"
I heard the guards steps become fainter in the distance, before Siegfried lifted the top of the barrel relieving the pressure from my tail.
"You okay?" He asked after helping me out.
"I will after I finished kicking a certain guards teeth in." I muttered, glaring in the direction the bastard went.
"Hehehe... Please don't hurt anyone." The blonde laughed, his cerulean eyes shining with mirth.
"Fine... I better go before more show up. Remember what I said okay?" I turned to leave.
"W-Wait what are you doing here anyway? Your not planning something are you?" Well it took him long enough to ask.
"Meeting a friend." At his suspicious glance, I elaborated.
"Don't worry, I'm not doing anything that'll danger Illiasburg. ...I'm done performing unsavory actions."
The former guard relaxed.
"That's good, also what is your name? I keep referring to you as fox chick in my head." He chuckled.
I blinked, realizing I didn't tell him my name. "It's Genko." I told him.
"Genko, huh? Thank you. For cheering me up." He grinned at me sincerely. "If it wasn't for you, I'd still be in a slump of depression . How can I ever repay you?"
I blushed at the heartfelt gratitude.
"Uh your welcome, but, uh, you don't to do anything!" Honestly, I did this because I was kinda directly responsible for his worries, I was not expecting any payment!
Siegfried was not having any of it.
"Nonsense! You helped me immensely, I couldn't let you go off without giving you anything in return!"
Aw... come on! I don't need anything! I have to hurry and see Ali- wait!
"Do you know the way to the Sutherland Inn?"
"Oh, that place? It's one of the biggest and oldest buildings in town! Expensive as heck though... I can tell you where it is."
Great! Now I don't have to get lost again!
"Thank you!"
...
...
Directions received, I made my to to Inn via rooftops again, it's quicker that way. I thought back to my conversation with Siegfried.
"I wasn't expecting my entertainment, to turn into drama. I even ended up telling him my past!" Seriously! Only a handful of people know it, and I just told it to a stranger!
However, I don't regret doing so. He needed to hear it, to bond with someone who has been in a similar situation. And I... needed it too... More than I'd like to admit.
When I arrived at the establishment known as the Sutherland Inn, I was in awe at the grandiose building.
"This place is gigantic...!" I murmured, keeping my voice down. Didn't want to attract anymore attention now do we?
'I wonder how much it cost to stay here?'
I looked at the sign that says 'Inn rates'...
"2,400,000 million!?" These prices are insane! Who the hell could afford that!? Alice is staying here!?
I noticed the lights are still on, despite it being rather late.
I cautiously went over to the entrance and peered into the window. The was a great fine polished wooden desk in the middle of the lavish room that I assumed was the front desk of the establishment. Behind the desk, was a older woman, with brown hair and eyes and a rather sturdy build. She was by no means fat, but definitely had some meat on her bones. Strong, is what I would say. I assumed her to be the owner, from the confident air she kept about herself. She seemed to be working on something, probably some last minute work or something.
"Great... How am I going to get in..." I mumbled. I can't exactly just walk right in. I need a plan...
It was then a second person came to into the room. It was a girl around my age, with brown hair that fell to her middle back, and bright hazel eyes that radiated joy and innocence. She had on a simple white dress shirt, tucked in to a long blue skirt, that went to her knees. She also had quite the cute face, youthful and full of life, and peach colored skin that looked oh-so smooth and soft...
"..."
I found myself staring at her a great deal longer then I probably should've. Particularly her rather perky chest and plump little rump.
"Damn, she's cute..." I commented with a dazed expression, my eyes following her every movement. She cane up to the desk and began chatting with the older woman. I pressed my ear against the glass and listened to the conversation.
"Mother! I finished cleaning the first two floors!" Mother? So she's the innkeepers daughter...
"Good job Amy dear!" So her names Amy... "All that's left is the third floor with the hero's room right? That purple haired boy and his companion are certainly an entertaining duo."
'Purple-haired? Could she be talking about the kid from earlier today?' He had a companion? Hell, he could afford to stay here!?
'How deep was that kids pocket!?'
"And his friend seemed to take a real liking to the Ama-ama Dango as well, I'd never seen someone eat so much!" Ah... That has to be Alice... But why is she staying with the kid?
"They were pretty funny!" Alice giggled. I adored that sound...
"That they were! Anyway, that's enough for today, you go ahead in turn in okay? I'll deal with the rest." The mother smiled at her daughter.
"No! It's fine!" The girl protested.
"You have enough to deal with! I'll finish the third floor, you just worry about your work. Honestly you try to do to much mother it's okay to rely on me sometimes." The girl puffed out her cheeks.
I blushed at the cute expression.
'This girl is adorable... I want her... Wait no! Stop it Genko! Now is not the time!' I think my monster instincts are beginning to take over. I haven't done anything remotely sexual in months... Not that I really need to, but my inner monster is screaming for some action.
I took a deep breath, and exhaled. "Easy Genko. Calm down... I know where Alice is on the third floor, I could just scale the building and jump in through a window or something.
"Okay, okay, You can do the floor, just make sure to go to bed afterwords." The innkeeper sighed in exasperation, but couldn't hide the warm smile on her face.
"Yes Mother!" The brown-haired angel, beamed a dazzling smile, that melted my heart, and I was quick to leave before I did something I regret.
I went away form the window, and took several steps back from the entrance. Then I ran forward and jumped, vaulting onto one ledge, then the next, jiggling every window along the way. Eventually, I found one that was unlocked and slipped in, landing in a dark room with no tenants.
"Infiltration successful!" I chuckled to myself, before slipping out the door into the hallways of the Sutherland Inn.
"Whoa..." I looked around in wonder. "This place kicks the castle's butt, in terms of personality." The hallway had polished marble tile floors covered by a high quality scarlet rug. Paintings of various images were hung in frames along the wall, placed to create perfect symmetry in the space. It even has indoor plants! In golden pots!
"This place is amazing!" I exclaimed while ambling down the hallways. I noticed the lack of stairs in sight, at least not leading upwards, so I must be on the third floor.
"Now... Where is Alice's room?" I spoke to myself, eying the multiple doors spread across the hall.
"Hmm?" One room, had the lights still on.
"Maybe she's in there..." I made my way towards the door. As I was reaching for the doorknob, I began hearing some strange noises coming from the room.
"What's that?" I tilted my head in curiosity, before seeing that the door was cracked open slightly. I looked in, and saw...
"Hora! Hora! Is that all you can take? Pathetic, and you call yourself a hero."
"Ah...!"
My jaw dropped at what I was seeing.
"T-Their m- what!?" I struggled to form a sentence. I sat there red-faced, trying to comprehend what I was seeing.
'WTF!? He's like twelve!' I was beyond shocked. I mean, whether your a human or a monster, walking in on your childhood friend jerking off a minor is not normal. She was even using her tentacle fingers!
'I never took Alice for a pedophile... '
Despite how ridiculously awkward the situation is, I couldn't look away, I couldn't stop my self from getting aroused. My thighs rubbed together uncomfortably as I took in the scene.
"Hora... What's the matter? Your twitching so much. The great savior of Illiasburg can't handle my fingers? How disappointing." Alice berated the squirming boy, taking great pleasure in his flushed face.
She speed up her movements, jerking him with fervor, a mocking smirk adorning her features.
"Ahhh...!" The kid gasped from the intense pleasure.
"Go ahead. Cum. Give me your seed."
"Ahhh...! I'm coming!" The boy moaned, releasing his spunk into Alice's awaiting hands.
I licked my lips at the sight of it. Due to being only half-monster, and my own preferences, I have no need, or desire to seek out semen from a human. However, The part of me that is monster, is practically drooling at the sight of it. There is a reason why it's considered the favorite treat of a monster, and seeing it in person, I couldn't agree more. The scent is tantalizingly delicious, and If it tastes even half like smells...
"Oh...Lord..."
I felt something dribbling between down my leg, and gulped.
"U-Um miss? What are you doing here? Are you lost?"
A voice called out from behind me and my body stiffened. I slowly turned my head and found myself facing the confused and adorable face of Amy.
"Oh... No..."
'Not her! Not now! This scene, the scent, months of being pent up... I can't take it!' I panicked inside my thoughts, not realizing I was staring at her. Concern flooded her features, as walked up to me and put her hand on my forehead.
"Oh my! Your burning up! Are you alright!?" She asked, regarding me with those big doe eyes of hers.
Snap!
Something in me broke at that instant. It was too much to resist.
The only thing I recall after that moment were my eyes dilating in lust, my lips capturing hers, and the sweet moans of an angel.
END
Good lord that was long! Enjoy it because I'm not sure it's going to happen again any time soon' I changes a couple things from the original game, as well as the Granberia encounter just to fit my beeds a bit better. Also cookies for whoever can guest the refernce to a certain fighting game franchise.
Whelp, until next time! Remeber to read, follow, favorite, or review!
NooBooGT, out!