Trigger Warning: Typical stuff, but there is some non-consensual drug use late in the chapter.
The Mind Spins Out and Crashes into a Wall
November 25, 13,012
It happened.
Krista had an epiphany.
This… cat form…
No matter how strange it was, how disfigured or incomplete, it was her.
This form was still her. Just as much her as the other form. And while visually different, there was no true difference in who she was. There was only a need for adaptation, but no need to think she wasn't who she was before.
Honestly, she wasn't sure why it took this long for her to understand such a simple concept.
Sure, it'd been a hard pill to swallow that there were more races aside from Human. That she likely was not Human. And while she'd felt rather 'meh' about being a cat, something obviously had been sitting at the back of her mind.
Not accepting the form as her own.
Not accepting the form as better than a burden.
But it wasn't a burden.
An inconvenience at the moment? Yes. Without a doubt. Because being unable to properly communicate bothered her more than anything else.
But Gods help her. She felt so bloody enlightened.
So suddenly at ease.
She whipped about on the horse to express her relief and epiphany when the cramp hit her. The muscles in her back seizing painfully. Feeling like a too-wound spring. So with a careful grasp on the Hunter's knee, she turned forward once more. Shifting this way and that in an attempt to pull out of it.
It was getting worse.
Pulling until she could barely take little gasping breaths that rasped and squeaked in her throat.
The horse stopped in its tracks as D dismounted and circled around to her front. "What's wrong?"
It was happening all over again. Feeling like she was dying and no way to tell him. No way to ask for help or say what she needed.
She reached for him just as her sternum collapsed. Ribs sinking into place and squeezing her lungs with a sickening crack. And the ensuing screech she released was enough to send the creatures occupying the neighboring trees running for the hills.
Her skin felt aflame. The furred flesh dripping in large clumps off her frame.
She wanted to die.
She'd forgotten how painful the first change had been, but she didn't think it'd been this bad. Nor did she think her skin should be sloughing off, but that didn't seem to dissuade it.
Perhaps it wasn't her true skin, but Gods help her. It felt like it was. Her arms quaking and jerking as she attempted to hold herself together.
Melting.
Disintegrating.
She didn't know what to do, and she squeezed her eyes shut.
Terrified.
Hurting.
Truly believing for a moment that she was on the precipice of death.
And D?
He was there. Filling her vision with a calming little rumble.
…
When had he pulled her from the saddle?
Another long blink.
Why did the pain now seem like little more than a passing dream?
With a groan, she pushed herself up. Startled to find that she was very naked. Bundled up in the Hunter's worn coat. Tucked away in a small little hole.
She looked about the area. Spotting D sitting not too far away as he carefully repaired her armor as best as it could be.
It was odd.
She'd been in that feline form for so long that she didn't realize how different everything looked. How grateful she'd be to just see skin.
How touched she'd be to see the Hunter once again fixing her mess.
The leather had certainly seen better days. Between being stabbed and shot, it looked rather pathetic. And while still comfortable, it barely served any purpose. But he must've understood its worth (in some way) to Krista, as he was taking the time to repair the straps that had become strained by the size of her previous form.
She cupped her face in her hands and rubbed. Fingers quickly working through her blessedly full head of hair. 'Bloody Hell. What a mess.'
"Finally awake?"
She didn't look up. Merely croaking out, "How long?" And Gods, did it hurt.
Had she screamed herself raw?
"Not too long," the Hunter replied. "Only a few hours."
"…Erembour?"
"He's out hunting for y'all," said Hand.
Her stomach rolled. "…'s nice, but I don' think I can handle it."
"You'll need to replenish—"
"D, I really don't think I can right now!" she interrupted.
He leveled a calm stare at her. Minutely surprised by her outburst, but not terribly so considering she looked a bit nauseated. However, he did find it odd.
Anytime he'd observed a shift to and fro, the members of the tribe had been voracious. Devouring anything high in nutrients. And just when she needed it most, the thought of eating was literally upsetting her stomach.
Concerning.
He set the armor to one side and fully faced her. "Would you be willing to eat if it was cooked?"
She looked even more off-put than before.
"In your other form?"
A considering look, but still a firm negative.
"The blood?"
Here, her face paled considerably.
Not because it was unappetizing.
Without a word, she laid back down in the little dug-out spot he'd buried her in.
"You can't avoid what you don't like, kid."
"The Hell I can't…" she muttered petulantly. Pulling the coat tighter about her bare body.
After a long stretch of silence (and plenty of frustrated shuffling on her part), she pushed out of her hole and plopped down at D's side. "So… why am I nakey?"
"You have underwear on."
"Yes, but if you're gonna put undies on me, why not just put a shirt on me too?"
"I didn't anticipate you waking before I was finished."
"Fair enough." She leaned in to carefully watch as he worked. Wondering if she'd ever be able to do half the things the Hunter could. Thinking that she was being a bit ungrateful. "Well, thank you for fixing my armor. For as little protection as it gives. And thank you for putting underwear on me?"
She felt a tad weird. Because him putting underwear on her meant he saw her no-no square. Both of them.
Her face flushed.
But… then again, he'd seen her no-no squares plenty by this point. Hadn't he?
She pressed a hand to her side. Then to her sternum. Thinking on their first encounter. Then about the bathroom.
That's right.
Krista still found that night a bit foggy, but she could recall him briefly looking over her southern no-no square.
It didn't bother her as much as she thought it might. In fact… she couldn't say it bothered her at all. As D hadn't done anything to warrant her concern. And anything he'd done that crossed the line (for her) had quickly been rectified.
True, D wasn't a doctor. But again… she'd not had reason to distrust him.
As for everything else Miss Haldwyn told her?
She'd like to stay with him indefinitely. Forever.
'But we don't have forever, do we?'
She loved him?
'Is my love for D the love Miss Haldwyn meant?'
It wasn't like she could ask her.
Maybe it didn't matter much.
Maybe it made all the difference in the world.
Aside from the headache she was giving herself, she found she still didn't mind.
Well… she did mind that she was thinking herself in circles.
"Hey, D?" A light hum in response. "Really. Thank you. For everything."
He looked up at her. Brow cocked. "Something on your mind?"
"Lots. Probably too much."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Krista smiled grimly. Appreciating the offer. Ultimately deciding she still wasn't ready to talk about some things. Because if she didn't talk about it, she could avoid it for a while longer.
Probably not very healthy to do. But it was being done.
"Y'know, it was Miss Haldwyn that actually gave me my armor and dagger thingies." Daggers currently housed in a saddlebag. "I told her I was gonna leave to find help. And I guess she knew I wasn't gonna listen to anything she said."
Here, she paused to laugh dryly. Idly digging her fingers into the flesh of her arm. "I don't know if she already had it or bought it used, but she threw it into my lap and told me to be safe the week before I left. And I put off leaving. Hoping things would get better. And then gave myself a limit once I realized it was only getting worse."
They could both see the empty desks in their minds. The warnings from the teacher (who D now knew to be Miss Haldwyn).
"The daggers? She gave those to me when I first expressed the desire to go out and cut wood. I hadn't seen a reason for it at the time. That area was always creepily quiet. And she always held on to them for me once I got back.
"But when I left, she passed everything over and helped me sneak out in the back of a caravan cart. I hopped out once they turned east. I turned southwest. Immediately got fudged up by the giant sand puppy. And the rest you already know."
There was a long silence as Krista finished. Stretching out at D's side with a huff. Barely covered by the coat, but unable to care. But infinitely thankful that D was listening.
Not in the way she listened, but in his own way.
"Do you think she knew we wouldn't see each other again? Or that those not-dead dead guys wanted me?"
"It's a possibility," he replied as he continued his work.
Another beat of quiet. And in the meekest voice, she asked, "Do you think they found out she helped me out? And that's why they killed her like that?"
To this, he did not answer.
Of course, he didn't need to.
They both knew the answer without it being said.
When Erembour popped up and dropped his hunt in her lap, Krista nearly vomited. Swallowing down the bile with a choked-out 'thank you'. And even though she knew it wouldn't help, she cooked it.
Impossibly, she felt even more disgusted than before and gagged harder than she felt was warranted.
So, there she sat. Upset and famished. Unable to watch, much less listen to, Erembour devour the animal.
But she wholeheartedly refused to just slurp up an animal's blood. The idea disgusted her, but not to the point of nausea.
She thought to dig into her stash of pickles.
Another churn and gag.
"No! I love pickles!" she wailed, clenching her belly. "Don't take this away from me!"
But her stomach absolutely rejected the idea.
"You bastard! Let me eat my damn pickles!"
No.
"Cheese!"
No.
"Jerky!"
No~
Oh, Gods save D.
He was about to witness the ugliest tantrum to date from the girl. And all over a damn pickle.
"I'm fixin' to eat dirt, you picky bastard!"
Silence from her stomach.
"Why? Why have you forsaken me?"
There was nothing more to be done.
She would just pout.
Pout as naked as a picked bird in a very comfy coat.
That smelled more like D than the open road.
Krista sniffed and buried her nose in the fabric before declaring with a muffled shout, "You smell nice!"
"So you've said."
Her nose scrunched before she muttered, "Oh yeah. I did say that."
But thinking on what the smell reminded her of still hurt. Along with being a comfort.
To her side, Erembour crunched on a femur and eyed her warily. As if waiting for her to start screaming and shifting. Or begin vomiting.
Whichever came first.
"You can quit looking at me like that, Erembour."
"… I wouldn't look at you like that if you would quit your shit."
"So says the Demon determined to smell like raw sewage."
"Death!" he barked, slinging the hollow bone at her forehead. And when it bounced off with a dull thunk, he snickered and snorted. Snout tucked beneath a large paw.
Thus, he never saw Krista leap to her feet. Dwarfed by the Hunter's coat but wholly prepared to leap onto the Demon's back.
She would have as well.
If only D hadn't snatched up the back of his coat and halted her advance with a soft tug. Even if she did run in place for a solid five seconds.
"No roughhousing until you've eaten."
Harder the Demon snorted. Muzzle wide as he hacked and wheezed.
And Krista went back to her childish pouting. Refusing to relinquish her claim on the coat even once she was handed her armor.
November 26, 13,012
It was still dark when Krista crept into the Hunter's space. More than she'd already been. Fingers feathering across his forearm.
"Yes?"
She swallowed thickly, and could feel her skin go clammy as she quietly asked, "Say I wanted to entertain the idea of… drinking blood."
The Hunter shifted from his resting position, eyes gleaming in the dim light as he listened.
"Can I try one of your… supplements?"
Silence.
"Maybe? Never mind?" With a nervous chuckle, she started backing away. Ready to abandon the question altogether because she still refused to hunt down a living animal and drain it dry. Despite the hunger that'd effectively woken her.
However, perhaps D was merely taken aback by the request because he quickly halted her retreat with a raised hand. "Are you certain?"
"Unless you're willin' to donate."
The man in black watched as Krista recoiled as if struck. Eyes pinched closed and left arm held close to her body. But she did not acknowledge the voice. Eventually returning his stare with eyes that were not nearly green enough.
After a moment, he reached for a tin mug and filled it with water from the canteen. Briefly heating it with the lamp before dropping one of the vermillion capsules into its churning waters. Another moment later and he was passing it to the girl patiently waiting.
She did not appear very enthused.
In fact, the longer she stared at the concoction, the more her eyes narrowed and her nose wrinkled.
"Dammit… I wanted this," she muttered venomously.
Down the liquid went with plenty of grimacing and urpy faces.
"Gods dammit!"
Now, he observed her as she rinsed out the cup and drank down the watery remnants. Throwing it into the saddlebag with a snarl.
"Quit making me want shit, tummy!"
The hunger was not abating. And she wasn't about to do as she wanted.
Especially not when her stomach felt as though it was attempting to flee her body.
Plus, she didn't feel like making a mess of her pretty teal shirt.
"D?"
He glanced up from the path they were traversing and halted the steed. Inclining his head.
"I hate to be a hindrance, but my stomach is very unhappy. Can we stop in a minute?"
"Of course."
They'd been traveling for little over an hour, but he could see in her face just how miserable she was. And despite the feeding, her eyes were pitifully dull. Nearly greyed out.
Worse than they'd been before.
At the end of the path, Krista hunched over. Quietly gasping as she clutched at her stomach. She felt nauseated (big surprise there), but not enough to warrant asking for space.
But she did feel very much like a burden.
Overdramatic shift into kitty form that delayed their travels? Check.
Needing to have clothes specially made which ultimately delayed their journey? Check.
Getting absolutely fucked up or sick every few minutes? Uh-check!
"Sorry I keep putting a damper on our travels," she murmured towards D. "I think I'm more trouble than I'm worth."
"You're not."
"Kind of you to say, even though you're lying!"
The Hunter crouched before her, face unreadable as Hand groaned, "Sure, you could eat through less medical supplies!"
"Thank you."
D looked precariously close to an out-of-character eyeroll, but still said nothing. Instead, he pressed his hands to Krista's stomach. Gently kneading with his thumbs. "You're a bit bloated."
"But why?!" She agitatedly shook her hand at the pouch containing his supplements. Hissing, "It's just dried blood! What the Hell can even upset my stomach?!"
"Intolerance." He briefly ran his knuckles across her forehead. "There is more than simply dehydrated plasma in the capsules. Nutritional supplements and the like."
"It still shouldn't bother me! Not with all the crap I've eaten!"
"And yet, it must be."
With an obnoxiously loud groan, Krista slumped against the nearest tree. "I will kill and eat! Not grab and suck!"
Hand snickered. "I bet guys would love if you'd grab and – hurgh!"
D clenched his left hand into a fist. Possibly tighter than needed. But he'd not have the creature corrupting her. Not in such a crass manner. "We will need to find some source of nutrition for you."
"I know." Now, she sighed heavily. Eyes watering as her frustration built.
Frustrated with the situation.
Frustrated with herself.
Wishing she could simply go back to devouring raw meat and viscera because it made more sense than just blood.
Could she just will her stomach into accepting the dried capsules? Into accepting whatever was in it that was upsetting it?
'Is my life falling apart?'
'Nah. You're just bein' a little bitch.'
She did not reply. Warily looking back to D.
'You're not gonna be able to ignore me forever.'
The Hell she couldn't.
'I'm here to stay. And if I have my way, you'll be put in the backseat.'
A prisoner to her own body.
She was already halfway there.
'You don't deserve what you have.'
This was something she knew well.
'You aren't worth his time.'
Probably not.
'Givin' up would just be easier.'
Maybe so.
A sense of victory that wasn't her own swelled within her. But it was quickly drowned out by her surge of determination. Because as easy as it would be to roll over and let Rhea have her way, she wasn't quite ready to give up.
Not yet.
Krista scrubbed at her eyes. Telling herself that things would get better.
Perhaps they would get worse first.
But all things had to get better in the end.
The edge leading into the valley, while still being fairly hilly, was indeed a more enjoyable trek.
The land was pretty (and terribly overgrown) with a spattering of redwoods that reached for the heavens. And while it was a very peaceful area, she felt rather unsettled.
As it was, it was middle of the night.
Total silence, as nothing wanted to be within the vicinity of the Hunter's aura.
But she couldn't sleep. Her mind would not allow it.
In fact, her mind would let her do little more than wallow in self-pity and worry about things not in her control.
Slowly, she eyed D as he 'slept' against the tree. Tamping down her spiking anxiety.
'Just go to sleep and you'll stop thinking.'
Her eyes closed.
Darkness.
"Don't worry, dear. If you'll relax, this won't be so bad."
Her eyes snapped open. And she was able to still feel the phantom fingers wound through her hair. Too tight.
Perhaps, had her hair been shorter, she could have pulled free.
But then again, she wasn't sure why she was seeing scenes of that nature every time she closed her eyes. Not when the remembrance bothered her, but at the same time, she didn't feel particularly troubled.
What a strange thing.
She honestly felt more troubled by her interactions with Rhea. But something had to have stuck with her if she was having these issues.
Or… perhaps Rhea was somehow forcing the thoughts to the surface.
…
Nah…
Quietly, she told herself to quit thinking about what happened. Idly continuing to run her fingers through her hair as she cast D another sidelong glance. Catching his gaze and wondering if she'd somehow woken him.
'Heart.'
That would make the most sense. If her heart was racing, he might be able to hear the uptick. And even though they were both awake, she wanted to wait until morning to bother him.
Sleep didn't come.
Once the world was dyed in the soft hues of twilight, Krista was on her feet. Stomach cramping and growling. Attempting to gnaw a hole in itself as she dusted herself off and waddled into the Hunter's space.
He was just starting to rise when she held out a slim hand. "What is it?"
"This is probably gonna sound silly, but I want to know if you can and will cut my hair."
"I can."
"It might not be too pretty, but he can do it!" Hand teased.
To this, D said nothing. He dipped a hand into the nearest saddlebag and pulled out a leaf-shaped knife, gesturing for her to sit. "What engendered this decision?"
"Remember when I cut my hair in the middle of the night and woke you up with my screaming?"
He hummed out a soft yes as she sat before the stump and stripped off her shirt and cloak.
"Well, I kinda wanted it short. Wanted something easier to manage. And I kinda want that now. But I also kinda want… less grabbable hair."
Ah.
He took his seat at her back. Brushing out the long tresses with his fingers. Knowing now that this was likely the cause of her distress throughout the night.
"I don't necessarily want it shaved off. But less for someone to tangle their fingers in. Please."
And as he continued to work loose the tangles, she feathered her fingertips across the scar left behind on her face. A scar that was beginning to fade, but would likely never leave.
He didn't bring any of it up. Merely continued his combing and allowed Krista to lean into his touch. Teasing the wavy locks of crimson hair in an attempt to see just how curly it would become without the weight on it.
"Before you ask, I'm just gonna trust your judgement on this one. I don't know how short I want it."
Well, here was to hoping he didn't disappoint.
He angled the blade and began cutting away the long strands. Painting the ground crimson as he worked.
Could he recreate some of the shorter styles he'd seen in the tribe? Or would it be wiser to stick to something a bit more… poofy?
Hmm… best stick to what was simple. When they visited the tribe, she was free to decide if she'd like such a cut. For now, he cut until her gentle curls could frame her jaw. No more than chin length. Just long enough for her to tie back if she desired to do so.
To the side, Erembour muttered a soft 'cute'. Because once done, she looked a bit more childlike.
Maybe it would help keep her out of the minds of men.
… most men.
However, Krista was overjoyed with the cut. Using the horse's shiny plating as a makeshift mirror before leaping at him with a shrill squeal and many thanks. Clinging to his neck as if he'd presented her with an expensive gift rather than an acceptable haircut.
And gently, oh so gently, as she squished her face to his sternum and nuzzled him with a happy little trill, he patted her back with one hand.
Idly wondering how they'd come to this.
November 30, 13,012
In the valley sprawled a thriving city. Teeming with people and plants of all types.
Well protected despite its lack of walls.
Relying entirely upon the stability of a weather controller and a few at-the-ready barriers.
But it was bright and pretty (if not a bit congested) in Krista's eyes as they entered the outskirts. A far cry from the dingy browns and plain woods of Puregon. And even the last town they'd come from.
The horse looked more than happy to shuffle into the town stables. Prancing and hopping as he was corralled into the stall. And Erembour hunkered down within the man's coat. Content to keep up the ruse that he did not exist.
D passed the boy tending the stalls, possibly no older than fifteen, a handful of coins. Quietly inquiring about the location of an inn.
"Well… which one ya want, Mister?" the boy asked in turn. Sweeping the mop of chocolate colored hair out of his equally brown eyes. "We've got a few."
"Which would you recommend?"
He looked them up and down. Rubbing his nose after a moment before declaring with a broad smile, "I think the one that's five blocks south, then two east."
"Thank you."
"No problem, Mister!"
The Hunter led the way out of the stables while Krista essentially rubbernecked. Not-so-subtly staring at the teenager as they left. And only once they were outside and down the street a bit, not surrounded by possible eavesdroppers, the girl spoke.
"He wasn't Human."
"He wasn't."
"Another Dhampir?"
"I believe so."
As they walked, he could see the confusion written on her face. The wonderment.
"I think he's the first one I've ever seen and could tell."
He hefted the saddle and bags higher onto his shoulder. "What made you aware?"
Silence, and after a long moment, she shrugged. "Smell? This… weird prickly sensation on the back of my head?"
Their destination was coming into view. A multi-storied building that was just as pretty as the rest of the city. Surrounded by shops that she didn't know the purpose of. And people from all walks of life.
Her skin felt electrified. And she was beginning to think there was a reason the boy suggested this particular inn.
Opening the door to the inn, Krista lost her breath. Momentarily assaulted by the different smells. Different senses. Chest too tight as her mind attempted to make sense of what she was receiving.
And at the center of it all?
Blood.
With a gasp, she dipped under D's arm and back into the street. Scared to go in.
Scared to stay outside.
But her hunger had reared its ugly little head so quickly and so violently, she wasn't sure what more to do. Hearing D warn her that if she didn't eat, she'd lose herself to her hunger.
And here she was.
Cowering outside a tavern like a child.
Starving.
Because she childishly refused to drain the life from an animal.
'Please go back to liking raw meat, picky belly. Please.'
No~
"Your friend Human, Hunter?"
D did not answer as he paid for their room. Signing his simple name on the log as the man eyed him for far longer than necessary.
"Don't get me wrong," the innkeeper started. "Anyone of any creed is welcome here, but you know that every race has its bad eggs. With the way your friend just ran out at the sight of us, some might not take too kindly to that."
"I highly doubt her reaction was to anyone in here."
"How can you be certain?"
The very topic of their conversation suddenly sprang up at the Hunter's side. Breathing a bit too heavily as she held the man's previously worn scarf to her face. When she'd grabbed it (or come in for that matter) was a mystery to him.
"Feeling better?" D asked.
In response, her nose scrunched. And she let out a slow, hissing breath. "Depends on if this smell is gonna follow us upstairs."
The innkeeper glanced about. Eyeing the scattered Beastfolk as he wondered just how brazen the girl could be. But he'd be damned if this random Human would be allowed to walk in and start shitting all over his regulars!
"Now see here." He leaned across the bar and bared his teeth at Krista. Momentarily rethinking his decision to confront her when the Hunter's aura spiked in warning. Ultimately, he ignored it. "I won't stand for you walking in here and speaking lowly of my customers!" he hissed.
Krista recoiled. Perplexed. "What are you talking about?"
"You ran out as soon as you saw us. You're sneering over the smell. And I'm willing to let any race stay, but not if they're going to degrade my people!"
Silence.
Gingerly, as if afraid to anger the man by simply moving, Krista turned her head to D. "D? Did I do something wrong?"
"No."
"The Hell she didn't!"
Now, the Hunter's eyes narrowed upon the man. "Krista."
"Yeah?"
"Explain to our host what exactly is bothering you."
With a speed that surprised the man, Krista snapped an arm around and pointed at a table occupied by a few different people. A couple of Dhampirs. A Shifter. And a Fishman. And just when he felt his cheeks flush with renewed anger, she blurted out, "The blood."
The wind was suddenly out of his sails. "You're bothered by the blood."
"The smell," she affirmed. "My hunger's been a bit out of control. And I wasn't expecting to smell so much of it. So, I'm really hoping that once we're in our room, I won't smell it."
His dark cheeks warmed. And he felt like he'd made quite the ass of himself.
Their future meals were being compensated. And half the price of their room was reimbursed.
As Krista flopped down on the bed, she wondered if she needed to monitor her words a bit more closely. Or if people needed to assume less.
However, she was more thankful for the lack of smells permeating the room. Thankful that it merely smelled like clean linens and soft-scented flowers.
It was nice.
D disappeared into the bathroom.
She'd declined the offer to go first (despite how utterly wonderful a bath or shower sounded). Needing a moment to simply be. And gather her strength to bathe Erembour. Unless he was willing to bathe himself.
"Erembour?"
"… yeah?"
"Do I need to scrub off your sewage smell, or are you willing to do it yourself?"
The Demon released an affronted yowl and leapt onto the bed. Slapping at her with his large paws while making the most enraged dog noises she'd ever heard. Tongue out and bared teeth chomping at the air.
She could only wheeze and shove at his muzzle. Praying to the Gods that be that he wasn't about to eat her face off.
The Demon opted to bathe himself. Sashaying into the waiting room before changing with a pop and waving out the cracked door at her with a black-as-pitch hand. Practically taunting her.
To her side, D settled on the bed. "Are you willing to try the food here?"
"Hmm… maybe."
Without another word, he tipped her head until she looked at him. Staring into the pitifully grey eyes. "You're troubled."
"Always."
He was quiet. Patient. Using his silence as an invitation for her to talk.
It worked. And it was appreciated.
"I think I'm being too sensitive. Like everything is affecting me more than it should."
"Feeling overwhelmed isn't wrong."
"Maybe not, but I'm crying over food. Crying over dreams. Crying over everything in my head. And I hate it. And it all seems so small and petty because I'm so bloody hungry, but I refuse to eat! Like some child!"
He could see the tears building now. Streaking across the bridge of her nose and down her cheek. "I don't believe your feelings are unjustified." When her lips parted (no doubt with a rebuttal poised on the tip of her tongue), he held up his hand.
"For at least ten years of your life, you've eaten like a Human. And suddenly, you are denied this. Your favorite foods no longer an option."
"My pickles…" she breathed.
"And now, you must eat things you've been raised to never ingest."
"This isn't helping…"
They stared at each other for a moment in silence.
"But I do understand and appreciate what you're saying…" She patted her belly. Looking a tad brighter as she said, "It's a big change. And there's no saying it'll be this way forever. I just feel childish for feeling like this. Petty, because there are people who've suffered more than my sorry self. Who've had to eat like this their entire lives."
This he could understand.
"And if I'm not upset over eating, I'm bothered by my dreams. And if I'm not upset over my dreams, I'm bothered by every other little inconvenience." Her speech was speeding up. Eyes wide and imploring. "And I think everything is just compounding into a big mess in my head and it's making me think too much about things I think I'm over and things I pray will never happen and no matter how hard I try to stop the thinking my brain just goes back to the beginning and my brain gets sad!"
Well… that was certainly a bit of insight into her mind and why she'd been so troubled.
"Kid," said Hand. "Once the hound comes out, I think you should take a very long bath. Maybe with bubbles."
That's exactly what she did.
She dropped into the water and practically melted. Dipping below the mountain of bubbles that had formed. Becoming one with the bubbles.
'I am the bubble.'
Strange how she felt better already.
'Don't relax too much.'
Krista lurched and gasped. Unintentionally sucking in a lungful of her bubbly water. And when she sat up, hacking and sputtering, the voice was silent.
Playing dirty.
And all those anxieties came flooding back. Swarming her mind like angry hornets.
"Fuck this noise."
And down below the water she went. Hoping to drown her troubles for just a bit longer.
From across the tavern, Krista watched as D spoke to the innkeeper. The man staring at the Hunter as if he couldn't comprehend what was being asked of him. And she ran her fingertips through the Demon's fur as they waited. Wondering.
When he came back to the table, Krista (voice muffled by his scarf) was quick to ask. "What were you talking to him about?"
"I was listening to rumors and news. Inquiring about his current stock."
"Anything?"
"There are rumors that a town to the south was ravaged. But no solid proof." He crossed his arms and legs. "It might be worth looking into."
"Sounds… fun. How far south?"
"Quite a ways. Likely a few weeks travel." At her nod, he moved on to the next topic. "As for his stock, he only has powdered supplements."
Her head dropped to the table with a hollow thud. "I'm willing to try anything to get rid of this hunger. I will suffer with stomach pains."
"It's not worth it, kid." Hand looked up at her from under the edge of the table. Beady eyes narrowed and lips turned down. "By the time your body recovers, you'll have used up whatever you managed to absorb."
"Well… shit."
The sounds of the busy tavern filled their moment of quiet.
"But maybe if I drink more!"
"No," D answered. "It will make you sick."
"I've got to try something!"
Krista hovered over the toilet and released the most pitiful moan. "Why did you let me do that?"
"You were warned."
"I know! But I had hoped the severity would stay the same."
"That's not how bodies work."
This was something she knew now.
Blood.
It would be a recurring theme, it seemed.
She didn't like it. Fingers digging into her arms.
It was spreading across the worn wood.
Staining everything it touched.
Sinking between the boards.
But what was the source?
Her eyes rolled upwards.
Fingers. Dark and slim. Limp.
Up.
Slender arms. Marred by gashes to the bone.
Up…
Face twisted and disfigured.
But eyes untouched.
A clear night sky contained.
A pale woman kneeled down into her field of view. Her nails sinking into the soft flesh surrounding the man's eyes.
"Show me their position, love."
What was left of the man's mouth gaped. A gurgling rasp filling the room.
"If you can't find him, find the girl. Wherever she is, he will be close by."
Silence.
Soft popping.
"Good job, love."
And then, her fingers pushed in. Digging out the silent man's eyes.
Krista snapped away. Staring at the room.
Horrified.
So many bodies.
All in the same state as the first.
But all retaining their eyes.
Eyes that were hazy. Burned from the inside and glassed over.
"It took a few too many failures than I would like. But we have them in our sights."
A decidedly wicked smile curved her painted lips.
"I can't wait to try my luck on the Hunter."
December 01, 13,012
Krista lurched away from D and his warmth with a startled gasp. Tipping over the edge of the bed. Squealing and flailing until she flopped against the floor. And even quicker, she was on her feet. Pouncing on the Hunter with a frantic noise.
"Yes?" he calmly asked. Watching, amused, as she slapped at his chest and ordered him to move.
"Bitches be crazy and we gotta go!"
Slowly, too slowly, he rose from the bed.
It was still dark out. World quiet.
"What did you dream?"
She spewed out the basic details as she struggled to pull her pants on. Not thinking that anything she said was less than true.
It'd been too vivid. Too real.
And only when D caught her by the shoulders did she slow down. Staring up at the man. Terrified. And in those dim eyes, he could see just how the dream affected her.
Much the same as the Puregon dream did. And if that was the case, they would leave as soon as they had their supplies.
Perhaps they could find her something to eat.
The city was blessedly friendly to the Non-Humans. The shops they'd seen and visited (briefly thanks to Krista's decision to drink all the supplements) catered almost exclusively to supernatural races. Selling supplements. Substitutes. Vegetarian. Vegan.
It was honestly amazing.
Krista was almost sad they couldn't stay.
But she knew they needed to leave.
While in the shop D had chosen to refill his capsule supply, she found herself asking others why the town was so inclusive. How their city worked.
Simply? The town was rebuilt by Non-Humans. Traded well with neighboring Humans. And slowly, both came to live side-by-side. They had their own districts for travelers to easily find what they needed, but neither was banned from the other.
They obviously had their bad eggs. Nothing was perfect. But they were happy. Protected. And made sure very few were left wanting at the end of the day.
"You could always stay," said the woman sorting capsules. Her pale hands gloved. "We could use the help. Always need guards."
"Perhaps someday."
She thinks that even D agreed.
In the end, they left the city without anything she could for certain eat. There had been a few people to offer to feed her. However…
She just couldn't do it. And she was confident that they would figure something out for her.
At least D had himself stocked.
After the offers, she could maybe see why D did not take from people. Not unless it was perhaps a dire situation.
It was scary.
So many things ran through her mind as someone heard them asking around and came over. Arm proffered.
It was tempting. So very tempting.
But there had been a pit that formed in her stomach. Telling her that there might not be any going back from such a thing.
And… she didn't want to feel guilty or judge herself.
Or have D judge her.
It was… still frustrating.
D could see her frustrations. Could feel how conflicted she was. Worried.
He didn't blame her for how she felt.
But he was sure she wouldn't be pleased with what he would say later.
December 12, 13,012
He was correct.
She was far from pleased. In fact, she was downright pissed. Spitting and squawking as she stared at the creature in her hands.
"You need to eat."
"I've gone longer!"
"Yes, and now it's catching up with you."
"What do you mean?!"
He guided her over to the stream.
It was calm. Clear.
Reflective.
Staring back at her was a woman she hardly recognized. Cheeks gaunt and eyes sunken. Hair dull and brittle in appearance.
Of course, she'd been ingesting the occasional capsule. Some D thought to have her try while still in that town. But, as he was sure they would, they all had the same effect. And in the end, any nutrients she was provided were quickly burned up.
The creature in her arms squirmed restlessly as she stood. Frozen.
"It'd be a shame if your end came from lack of nutrition after all you've been through."
The vision before her blurred, and she sniffled pitifully. "You sayin' you like me?"
And she cast him the most cat-ate-the-canary smile he'd seen to date. Her tears detracting very little from the expression. "Eat," he commanded softly.
Her grin brightened. Even as she ugly cried and wrapped her hands about the animal's neck and head.
Crack!
Unable to bring herself to waste the blood, Krista did not skin the creature before attempting to bite it. Because skinning would mean loss of blood. Cooling of blood.
And her first bite attempt proved to be rather pathetic.
"D, I don't know how I'm supposed to do this."
Crouched before her, he merely tapped at his sharper-than-average canines.
Her confusion was almost a tangible object hanging in the air. "And if I don't have sharp teefs?"
"Bite really hard."
She let out a sharp bark of laughter before trying just that. Her jaw locking up before damage could be done.
"In life, most things, if not all things, are driven by intent. Influenced by intent."
"So, I need to tell myself I'm gonna do it? And believe it?"
He nodded. And just as he was about to ask if she wanted some privacy, he saw her determination flare. The flash of fangs.
And then she was squealing and holding a hand to her mouth. "What the Hell?!"
"It's no different from what happened after Fieri was shot."
"Bullshit!" she exclaimed as she rubbed her face. "My me was already hurting so much that I didn't feel that! Nor did I know it happened at all!"
"Well, use them while you can, kid. Fuck around too long and you'll be back at square one," Hand advised.
Krista looked downright horrified at the thought.
She was going to have a hairy tongue for days.
For. Days.
After she'd drained the creature's blood, she skinned it and forced herself to eat some of its flesh and innards. Because Erembour had devoured his own catch and wasn't hungry. And she absolutely refused to waste an egregious amount.
She only felt like gagging a few times before deciding that she would eat it.
For some reason, eating came a bit easier after that.
That was something she would need to keep in mind from then on.
It was all about intent.
If everything was about intent, why couldn't she figure out how to change into a cat?
Granted, she wasn't sure she wanted to. It'd been so painful. Shifting to and from (even if she couldn't recall shifting back to her Human self). However, it'd still be nice to know.
For future reference, of course.
But it wasn't working.
Not even a little bit.
'I am the cat!'
Nothing.
Nothing aside from her blood pressure rising. So, she was sure she looked constipated.
"Erembour!"
His head snapped up from the ground. Fur flattened on the side of his face he'd been laying on. Tongue poking out. "… hur?"
"How do you change?"
He gave a slow, lazy blink before grunting and shrugging. "… fuck if I know."
"Well you've gotta have some idea!"
Down his head went. "Nope…"
Just as D was walking back into the camp, Krista rounded on him. Finger pointed almost threateningly. "D! I need advice!"
The man did not look up as he set down his catch and succinctly murmured, "I cannot shift, so no. I cannot tell you."
"Dammit!"
D could see her strength returning. Could see the life filling her as she continued to drink and eat. Crimson curls healthy and bouncy as she pranced about ahead of the horse.
Overall, he didn't think she'd ever looked this well-off.
Her skin had darkened. More closely resembling Mahisuta's from her memory. But still pale in its own way.
And her eyes. They were so terribly vibrant.
He was pleased to see her look so well.
It was just too bad that it caused her more worry.
He understood.
The healthier Krista was, the healthier Rhea would become.
And thus, she had more sleepless nights. Nights with her staring blankly at the eastern horizon. Nights with her pressed against his side. Bundled up in her cloak with Erembour.
With any luck, he might be able to help her with her anxieties by training her body and her mind. Preparing her for the fight they could both feel brewing.
It was only a matter of time.
For the moment, they needed to prepare for what they would find in the town.
It rose before them. Too dark for the early morning hour. Too quiet.
At such an hour, typically the farmers and ranchers would be out and about. Tending to their fields and animals with many a yawn and plenty of coffee and tea. Bundled up to fight off the chill.
Instead? Nothing.
No lanterns dotting the land. No guards posted on its outskirts.
And for Krista, it looked like Puregon. A stark reminder that things could go sideways in places and ways no one ever expects.
It was almost like walking into a nightmare.
Deeper into the town they trekked.
Nothing.
The town was barely 2 miles long. And every inch of it was devoid of life.
Krista didn't want to stay any longer. But without complaint, she followed him into the open houses.
Dead women.
Dead children.
The occasional man.
Rather, some of them were little more than educated guesses. They were so decayed that it was hard to tell. And Krista stared at each one. Choking back her terror and disgust until all that remained was a deep sadness and rage.
But even in the local store and tavern, there was no sign of the remaining populace.
They were just… gone.
"They've been taken elsewhere."
They didn't like it. Not one bit.
"… dark forces at work with this one," Erembour remarked as he prowled the streets in a form as large as the horse. Very unsettled and on the offensive.
"Anything you recognize?" asked D.
"… no." And that possibly disturbed him more.
Perhaps he shouldn't have decided to tag along with this lot. As nice as the girl was, she was a danger magnet. Yes, he had fun with her. Thought she was rather endearing. But when he came to the surface, drama was one thing he'd been hoping to escape.
Yet, here he was. Smack dab in the middle of it with these travelers.
"… I'm beginning to think it's a hazard being around you."
"You're free to leave as you will."
Unconsciously, his eyes flickered over to the girl treading silently along to gauge her reaction. Subtly taking in her worryingly blank features. The tense draw of her lips and shoulders.
What she thought shouldn't affect him. Shouldn't bother him.
But it did.
Even with the Hunter, he wondered how he would feel if he left.
"… perhaps another time."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her shoulders relax just the slightest bit.
What they thought shouldn't affect him.
Perhaps coming above was a mistake in itself.
They had no leads, and thus, they continued on their path. And the towns along their path were just as terrifyingly devoid of life. And only one contained the scene Krista had seen in her dream.
In all of their minds (save Erembour's) they could hear Riedikke laughing that everything requires a blood sacrifice.
It was worrying. Even for the Hunter, because he had no way of knowing if the two were related or just how far the killing would go. Instead, he started preparing Krista for what might come. Sparring with her daily and telling her where she could improve.
And over the next week and a half, she did improve. Not grandly, but it was still something he was pleased to see.
December 27, 13,012 - Evening
They finally wandered across a town that was not empty. Beautifully populated if not dreadfully brown. But the group welcomed the sight. Happy to see that not every town would be a graveyard.
In fact, aside from the drab coloring, the town was fairly lively. People milling about and shouting at one another. Children screeching and skittering from one end of town to the other.
It was pleasant.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, they pushed into the local tavern. Through the wall of acrid smoke and into a booth that allowed D line of sight to the door and stairs. And then Krista was left with the Demon.
Something that was becoming a bit of a routine.
She didn't mind snagging a room. But she knew that she was not near as proficient as D in gathering information. Nor was she good at catching what patrons were saying. Not when she was too busy salivating over the pending shower (even if she'd taken a bath in a stream earlier that day).
Once she had her water and a steak ordered for Erembour, she felt a chill crawl up her spine. The unpleasant kind that makes one want to flee for the hills.
She looked about the room.
Nothing.
Her fingers pressed against Erembour's side.
In the end, she need not say anything. "… something's here," he grumbled. And with a sharp grunt, he nosed further into her cloak.
She felt so bloody protected.
Once D was back with little news, the Demon crawled into his hand and warned the Hunter, who calmly stated that he was well aware. He was not the type to shy from confrontation, but he did not necessarily wish to invite it.
There likely wasn't much choice. Whoever had their eyes on them would probably attempt to catch them unawares. And if they could feign such a thing, it would be their adversary in such a position.
Under his breath, D said as much to his companions, and they agreed that it was a sound idea.
They continued without much deviation. Krista eating a few bites of the steak with Erembour just to keep up the ruse.
"Hello, dear. My name is Bella."
Krista jerked at the syrupy voice and turned to stare at the stranger. Eyes wide.
It was the voice.
The one from her dream.
And dear Gods, the woman was beautiful.
She'd never seen much more than her hands in the dream. But now, here in the tavern, she could see everything. Full, cherry-red lips that gently curved into a smile. Round eyes that looked like swirling pools of clear blue water.
The woman leaned over the table, ebony hair spilling over her shoulder.
Krista felt like she was falling. World shifting about her as she stared into the woman's eyes and whispered her name back.
If asked, she might do anything this woman requested.
Without thinking, she grasped blindly for D's hand. Feeling like she was drowning as the woman asked her for a drink. "I already have a drink, thank you."
"Oh, come now. Live a little!" she sang. "You don't seem to be the Dhampir's mate, so why not entertain me for a bit?"
That word: mate.
Strange.
"I don't know how to entertain. Not unless you want me to do a handstand."
Now, her lips dipped down just the slightest bit. "Oh, you poor dear. You've never been on a date!" She stood and held out a hand. Waiting expectantly as she said, "Come with me for a bit! It won't hurt for you to live a little."
Krista could feel the pull of her words. Her panic flaring just a bit. Wondering why D was not intervening. And just as quickly, it was tamped down. Falling to the wayside as that soft rumble filled her. So soft. It was more vibration than sound.
While the woman didn't appear to hear or feel it, Krista could. Her hand momentarily feeling as if a breeze passed over it.
She appreciated the small gesture more than he could ever imagine.
With such a small thing, she felt calm. Unafraid. Trusting D when she looked to him for guidance and he gestured for her to follow.
With any luck, the woman would feel nothing was amiss.
Carefully, Krista slipped her small hand into the woman's.
It immediately felt wrong.
Features lifted by a small smile she didn't quite feel, she followed the taller woman across to the bar. Unsure of what she should do (besides admire her tight black dress and heels), but willing to help in any way she could.
"What's your poison, love?"
Krista nearly choked on her own spit as she pulled herself into a stool. Momentarily thinking she was legit about to die before her brain suggested that she might be speaking of beverages. "Um… water."
"Don't drink?" She sounded genuinely surprised.
"Smells bad, so no."
"Maybe you simply haven't found the right drink?"
"Maybe," she agreed.
Without another word, Bella ordered them both a drink and leaned on the bar. Turned just enough to look at Krista with a charming smile. "Perhaps a nice drink in your belly will relax you a bit."
"I'm not sure. Do I look tense?"
"Oh, very!" Bella leaned in, brows drawn in concern. "You look like you've not slept well in a few days. And forgive me for poking my nose where it doesn't belong, but I figure a good time would do you well."
"Well… thank you."
A drink was sat before her. A pretty pink color. Swirling and glimmering and looking more like a decoration than anything else.
Of course, she could smell the alcohol from where she was. And… something else.
She feigned a small sip. Allowing the liquid to wash over her tongue and back into the glass.
"What do you think?"
All she could taste was the alcohol and that something else.
"Nice," she lied with a smile. "But I can't help but wonder why you chose me when there are so many other people in the tavern."
"As I said, you looked in need of a good time." Here, she gave Krista a rather peculiar smile. "Good looks never hurt anything either."
Honestly, Krista didn't know what to say to that. So instead, she turned her head away with a smile. Because smiles were safe, right?
Whatever the case, it worked.
Bella's smile brightened as she stood. Hands running down her front a bit too slowly as she smoothed her dress. "You finish up your drink while I freshen up in the restroom. Then, we'll really have some fun."
Krista pressed the edge of the glass to her lips as she watched Bella walk away. Feigning another sip when the bartender looked her over. Because for once, she was thinking logically. Knowing that if something was in the drink, tainting it, the man who'd made it would have been watching.
D was suddenly at the other end of the bar. Calling for the man's attention.
And blessedly, there was a spittoon at her side.
She'd never felt so good with wasting something in her life. But she left just the barest amount to 'drink' under his watchful gaze.
When Bella came back, she seemed more than pleased to see the glass near empty. But this time, Krista could not feign drinking. Not when she was watching so closely.
Up went the glass and down went the poison as Bella immediately asked, "Have you ever been with a female before?"
She tried not to choke. "Well, I've been with lots of girls. I lived in an orphanage."
The way the woman's face twisted made Krista wonder if she answered incorrectly.
"You've never been on a date, and yet you've been with a number of girls?"
"Yeah, but I don't see what the two have to do with each other."
Understanding dawned on Bella's face. "Oh!" And a laugh that was sweet and quiet fled her lips. "Oh, you sweet thing! That's not at all what I meant!"
Krista had no idea what she meant then. Unable to hide the confusion from her face as the woman continued to giggle. When she eventually calmed, she gently grabbed up Krista's hand and leaned in.
More confusion. Slow realization. And just before their lips could meet, Krista whipped her head to one side. Restraining her instinct to scrub at her cheek when Bella pressed her sugary kiss there.
"Aw, shy type, huh?" she cooed. Sweet smelling breath wafting across her flesh. "Don't you fret, love. We'll take it slow, and I'll show you a wonderful new world."
Her heart pounded in her chest. Too fast and too hard. And she felt… icky. Panicked.
Dirty.
Her mind immediately went to places she'd rather not revisit.
'Why?'
"Nervous? Just look into my eyes and know that all will be okay."
Krista did. Eyes finding hers. Falling into those turbulent waters.
Nothing happened.
"Come, love."
She didn't want to. But she did. Trailing after Bella, pale faced and anxiety riddled. Hand in hand.
Up the stairs, down the hall, and to the door at the end. And in her eyes, it didn't look anything like the rest of the doors. It was beginning to look like a portal to Hell.
A death sentence.
Inside the room, it was rather plain. Pristine.
Not at all resembling how it felt.
Bella circled around her and ushered her in. Shutting the door with her foot before guiding her to the bed. Sitting Krista on the edge.
Why did she feel trapped despite how open the room was?
And…
"Why is the floor moving?"
"Oh, don't worry about that, love. It's probably just the alcohol giving you a bit of a buzz."
Krista scrunched her nose. Felt decidedly ill. And… good Gods. What was she even doing here?
A hand suddenly pressed against her sternum. And Krista jerked at the touch.
Soft.
Warm.
Pleasant.
Something she wanted more of.
Not from her.
"Just look into my eyes and know that all is well."
Why was she so warm?
Where the hell was D?
Her fingers pressed against Bella's chest as the woman straddled her hips. Intending to push her back.
Too weak.
Too warm.
Breath too fast and too heavy.
Wanting more of her soft touch as her fingers feathered across her cheeks and down her neck.
…
No.
Not her.
Krista's hand snapped up and clasped about Bella's throat. Squeezing without the force she wished for (something Bella seemed to greatly enjoy).
…
When had Bella disrobed to her underwear?
And when had she laid down and allowed her shirt to come off?
Why was time slipping away?
"That's right, love. Just relax."
'Fuck you.'
Bella pulled back. Pretty eyes wide in alarm. "What was that, love?"
Had she said that aloud?
Well, best say it again for those in the back.
"Fuck you!"
The woman's eyes narrowed dangerously. Those beautiful things darkening like a stormy sea. "Do you need a lesson on bedroom etiquette?"
That powerful fury washed over Krista. Flooded her limbs and cleared her mind. Her skin bristling and darkening. Bones cracking as she pushed back against Bella.
And now, Bella looked worried. Angry. "You've been influenced this entire time! You've been mine! What's changed?!"
"I'm not yours!" she snarled, face aching. Teeth hurting as they shifted. But for just a moment, she welcomed the pain. And while she understood that anger was not a good means-to-an-end, she needed it now.
Needed the strength it pumped into her as she tightened her grasp on the woman's throat and tossed her to the floor.
Despite that surge of strength, however, she still found herself struggling to coordinate her limbs. Momentarily flopping back against the bed before she could roll over and shakily push herself onto all fours.
"My Gods! What the fuck?!"
An understandable reaction to seeing a previously small woman start swelling in size with many a bone pop.
And then, she spotted the one person in the world that she did want. Aura dark and turbulent. Coat spattered with blood. Blade drawn.
A beautiful sight to behold.
Bella looked over her shoulder at the Hunter and paled in horror. Whispering, almost to herself, "But she isn't your mate…" Then louder, "I had her!"
D released a small puff of air as he moved to Krista. Laying his hand over her head. "Perhaps you were able to influence her sexuality, but you never 'had' her."
"That's impossible!" Bella lurched to her feet, unbothered by her lack of dress as she threw out a hand and argued, "Once I charm someone, they are mine until I say they aren't! And the only times that doesn't apply is when their will is too strong, they have a mate, or their sexuality does not include me!"
"Perhaps you underestimated her strength." Bella looked so terribly angry at the Hunter. And he moved closer to her. Cornering her. "I assume you were the one behind the ghost towns?"
She didn't answer. Eyes flickering between the advancing man in black and the girl looking more bestial than Human. The girl still struggling to stand, but she didn't look any less threatening.
She had a fairly simple job.
Why was she now looking at the end of her life?
"What would you take in turn for my life?"
"Answers."
"I'll tell you anything you want."
The tip of his sword came to rest on the carpeted floor. No longer presenting imminent danger, but not completely ruling out the possibility. "Who hired you?"
"The Council, but I've never seen them. I don't know who they are. They had a third party reach out and contact me."
She looked so sincere in her answer.
"What were your orders?"
"To use my abilities on the girl, if possible, and take out the Dhampir Hunter." She laughed darkly and pushed back her hair. "Neither worked out in my favor."
"To achieve your task, you emptied a few of the neighboring towns of those you could charm to amass a small army. Is that correct?"
"Not all of them came here. Some were shipped off to the south."
"And those you charm," D started, advancing once more. "If you release them, can they return to their former lives?"
"Unfortunately, no. Their only true release at this stage is death. Otherwise, they are but puppets."
"I see." Now, D had the unfortunate privilege of deciding if she was lying or being truthful. Whether her death would cause more problems, or possibly restore the people still 'alive'. "Release them."
"As you wish," she murmured. "Although it won't do any good."
After a moment, the distant sounds of fighting ceased. All was quiet. And Erembour could be heard plodding up the stairs. Paws landing heavily. Moving until his frame filled the door and all that could be seen was the glow of six violet eyes.
"I did not account for a Demon in your party."
She sounded so dumbfounded. And Krista started laughing. Hysterically. Wheezing as she snarked in a voice that was too rough, "Guess there's a lot you didn't know, huh."
"So it would seem."
"You knew enough to drug her."
Leaden silence as Erembour turned and treaded back down the hall.
"I… did," she answered haltingly. "However, she is no worse for wear."
D towered above her. Voice dark and low as he finally said, "You intended to rape her."
"Yes, well… Sometimes a tantric ritual is in order to replenish my energy. Even if rushed."
From the bed, Krista murmured, "Have beds always been like marshmallows? I can't get up."
"Krista, close your eyes."
"Okay."
And as she sank into the bed, D hilted his blade in the woman's chest. Watching as her mouth gaped, eyes wide in surprise.
"I thought you would… let me live."
"I merely asked for answers. For the lives you ended, so too must yours."
Blood painted her lips. But still, she smiled. Greying skin withering and crumbling from her shrinking frame. Her beauty and stolen youth literally disintegrating. "Tell me, Dhampir. How many lives has that blade of yours ended?"
"It doesn't matter," Krista groaned. "Not when you compare innocents to fiends… like you."
"Hmm… Touché."
And she was gone. Little more than a pile of ash at the Hunter's feet.
He turned after taking a moment to wipe off his sword and gather the shirt that lie discarded on the floor. Helping Krista to her feet. Glad he'd managed to arrive before much could be done.
It was reckless to send her in alone.
He regretted that decision.
But she'd fought. Forcing on a partial shift with her rage.
He normally wouldn't condone such a thing, but in this case, considering the fact that she didn't yet know how to bring about a more natural transformation, he felt a small spark of… pride?
She used what she knew would work in a shitty situation and he couldn't blame her.
His poor decision had landed her there.
"You did well."
She looked up at him and smiled as best she could. Practically glowing from the small bit of praise.
"I apologize for letting this happen."
"Heeeeyyy…" Her head sagged before snapping back up. "I kinda agreed to go with it. So… I don't blame you."
"It does not excuse your current state."
"Fair enough." She allowed him to usher her into a nearby room. Happy and at ease. "But you did look very nice when you popped up. Very… protective."
A sweet musk wrapped around them. And while D recognized it as arousal, he knew that she wasn't in her right mind. Recognized that it wasn't Rhea influencing this. And almost couldn't wait for the drug to work its way through her system.
He'd dipped his finger into her near-empty glass before all Hell broke loose to identify what had been put into it. And the only thing that kept him from being affected in the same way was his higher tolerance and metabolism.
But he was able to tell from the short rush that it was engineered specifically to affect people of the supernatural persuasion.
As he settled her on the bed, he noted that she was reverting. Grimacing. But otherwise, she seemed far from bothered by the pain. Her eyes trailing over him. And when he stood to leave, she snatched up his coat and tugged.
"Where're you goin'?"
He set her shirt at her side. Carefully patting her clingy hand. "There's quite the mess in the bar and out on the streets."
"Really?"
He hummed a soft affirmation. "Not everyone in the town was under her influence. I'd like to see if those that were could recover with her death."
"Can't I come?" Despite the lack of emotion he displayed, she could see the uncertainty in his eyes. "Please? I don't wanna be alone."
How could he say no?