Between the absolute stat boost we all got and our new gear, life here in the Demonic Invasion Zone has gotten way easier.
Nanny ended up putting a lot into some magic spells, now the barrier no longer needs to be recast. Casey has been using Township to make various improvements. We're even starting to expand for the first time in years.
Jenny, has been on a gun hunting spree all to add them to her own and since she can now deal insane damage with even a small gun, she's having a blast.
Mantis has been mostly exploring the Void and spending time with Urus who has been helping Mantis learn about emotions better. He's gotten better, but a lot still goes over his head.
As for me, I visited the demon realm and holy shit is this castle awesome!
"And to your right is your Gallery of Magical tombs and artifacts my Lord." Death said as he was giving me a tour of the place.
"This place is really cool." I said with a smile, looking over to see the Tombs and Artifacts and now wondering if there's any Greatswords I can feed to Ol'Reliable.
"I'm glad you like it. Original back in the video game world Urus and I originated this place was its own realm, but here in this reality it's been recreated as a Pocket Dimension, accessible only to you and myself My Lord." Death said.
My own personal pocket dimension?!
"Okay that is really cool." I said with a smile. "And if need be, this entire dimension could be used to house so much or…we could actually move all our shit in here and live here in relative safety." I admitted.
"If you wish it shall be done. Speaking of, we'll be approaching your throne room soon my Lord. I was told that once you take a seat upon it your full power and status as Demon Lord will be activated."
"Cool, wonder what cool things I'm going to get from being a full Demon Lord." I hummed.p
"Much, I assure you." Death said.
We then walked into the Throne Room. It was a massive room with a long red carpet leading to a throne made from stone and metal, but had back and seat rests covered in some soft cushions for comfort.
I smiled, taking a seat on the throne.
[Notice! You have taken your seat as the Demon Lord!
Parameters set!
Registration Complete!
Received Title: Demon Lord's Domain!
Received Title: Demon Lord's Territory!
Legendary Ability: Private Reality, Obtained!
Legendary Ability: Heir Succession, Obtained!
Legendary Ability: Monsters Kin, Obtained!
Divine Status Set! You are now the God of Demons!
Divine Skill Tree Accessible!
Notice! Title, Ruler of The Universe, Obtained!]
"Uh…that's a lot of stuff…" I muttered, looking up what the hell I got.
Title: Demon Lord's Domain
While within your personal pocket reality, you can not be killed. Your MP never drops and you can rewrite the way your personal pocket reality appears at any time.
Title: Demon Lord's Territory
Your Lordship has the right to expand the size of your pocket reality at the cost of Skill Points.
Legendary Ability: Private Reality
You have your own private reality accessible only to you and those you allow. You can create suns, planets and moons to decorate your reality as you see fit.
Legendary Ability: Heir Succession
The holder of the Demon Lord's crown can name an heir that should they fall, will inherit the powers and titles of their predecessor.
Legendary Ability: Monsters Kin
Any monster that subjugates themselves to your will, you can bestow intelligence and make a permanent member of your army.
Title: Ruler of The Universe
You have been crowned the ruler of an entire universe. For every being born within your Private Reality, you gain a Skill Point. This includes your personal Army.]
… Oh…
"Oh…okay." I said incredulously. "That's…that's a lot."
"Would you like to tour the rest of the castle My Lord?" Death asked me.
"Sure…let's see the rest of the place while I…process things."
I got up and followed Death around as he continued with the tour.
There were a lot of libraries, some laboratories, a huge and packed kitchen, store room, armory and the next thing… the Treasury room…
"I have… how much?" I asked again.
"One Septendecillion in Rem, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper Coins as well as various precious gemstones. Each." Death repeated. "This is actually one of the few things former Demon Lord Luv contributed to."
…
…
"...yeah okay." I said breathlessly.
"As you can see, your castle and your realm are all well equipped. Fully stocked facilities and a thriving population of demons all of which are loyal to you to the grave." Death said.
"Yeah…that is true…" I said, deciding to check on how many skill points I'm getting from Ruler of the Universe.
…
Five… every second… oh wow…
"Oh…sure…that's fair." I said carefully. "Okay… so this is going to be… insane…"
"Now then, is there any decree you wish to make to your subjects My Lord?"
"Um…" I frowned. "Hmm, I have to think about being a ruler…"
"As you wish My Lord. Should you need me, I will come at your call." Death said, floating off.
I… walked back up to the room Death mentioned was my personal quarters. There was lots in here. All kinds of books lined neatly on shelves. Trunks open wide with gold, jewels, other expensive items. Weapons on display on racks, in cases, armor on display on stands. Art.
The bed was huge. All my loved ones and sex bots could fit on her. I took a seat on it…
…
This is the softest bed I've ever felt… the blankets alone feel like they're above simple silk…
"Oh…oh boy this is so comfy."
I could meet on these sheets… what are these even made of?
I used Scan.
[Scan Complete!
Fine Nokori Moth Hair Threads!
Market Value: 20,000,000,000 Rem per Yard.
Quality: SSS
Perfect Comfort!]
Woah… yeah that tracks, given how soft Mantis is…
"This is…perfect…" I moaned happily.
Man it's hard not to fall asleep here…
Damn it now I have to bring someone here to cuddle with.
I forced myself up and away from the world's most comfortable bed, and managed to open a portal back to the settlement.
I arrived back home in the living room. Hmm… now where would I find someone to cuddle up with on this amazing bed…
The first person I noticed was Diane, the King sex bot…as I walked over and picked them up. "You and me are gonna do some cuddles." I said. "And…also to spend time with each other." I said, feeling like we haven't really…spent time together.
"Oh! Okay, where are we going?" She asked as I opened a portal back to my realm. Heh, saying that just sounds cool!
"Into my realm with the worlds most comfortable bed." I said readily.
"Oh~ A bed you say~ is it clothing optional?" She asked as I carried her through the portal and gently placed her on the bed.
"Depends on how you feel about Reality's most comfiest bed." I said honestly.
"Oh wow, this is so… soft…" Diane purred as she stretched out on the bed.
I chuckled, jumping on and over her and pulling her close.
"And this is why I wanted to do some cuddles." I said warmly.
"So, is there anything else you wish for me aside from cuddles?"
"Well…to spend time with each other since I've been busy and…well it feels like I haven't spent time with you." I admitted.
"As you wish." She said, starting to undress on the bed.
"And while you removing your clothes is always a wonderful sight…why?" I inquired.
"Typically our time spent Involves me pressing my breasts against your body firmly as you groan and grope them until you start rutting me." She said. "Is that not what we are doing?"
… Oh… I uh… have I really been? … Huh…
"Yeah this is why…I just wanted to sit and talk." I said honestly. "Just hang out and not have me purely fuck you silly." I said.
"Do you still want me to be naked?"
"Well…at this point that's up to you." I said honestly. "Cause your already naked and while I won't argue or complain…I want to know what you want to do."
"I… don't know. Usually I'm either being used for sex, as I was built to be, or I'm with the other sex bots in our room." She said.
… Have we all seriously been neglecting the sex bots this whole time?! Also, when did they get their own room?!
"Oh my god…" I muttered, grabbing them and pulling them into a hug. "I…I am so sorry…I…I didn't know…" I said sadly.
"Uh… okay?" She said, giving me a confused hug back.
"I…I didn't mean for this to happen…" I said. "I didn't mean to treat you as…just another robot that was just…there…"
"I am a robot though. Though I am made from 3D printed cells, I'm still a synthetic."
"And I was supposed to treat you better than that, not just treat you like some sex toy I can use and ignore." I admitted. "Synthetic's can become people...real true people but…with what I've done…" I sighed bitterly.
"Are you talking about me and the others growing Heart Shards?" She asked. "I have a few if you were worried about that."
"Oh my god that makes me feel worse…" I muttered. "When…when did you grow Heart Shards?"
"Hmm… I suppose most of us grew our first Heart Shards around the time Malware turned four…" Diane hummed.
… Huh?
"Oh…uh…oh my god why am I blanking…" I muttered in pain and worry.
"Malware, that's what we named Ella's child. Remember? She had an illegal breeder mod?"
… Oh my fucking god!
I shoved my face into the pillow and screamed in frustration and actual genuine sadness. "How the fuck did I forget! I know I've been busy for ten years but…fuck!"
"Well, Malware doesn't leave the room very much. We bring him food and the other children something gift him toys and books and clothes. Mantis seems to like them."
All my kids knew about them and I didn't?!
"I am just about to throw myself off the very top of this stupid castle I swear to Mother…" I groaned in pain.
Given I'm basically God here that probably won't even hurt…
Okay, I need to meet this kid and… somehow make up and apologize for not even knowing they were in the house… for ten years…
I face palmed… crap what are Nanny, Casey, and Jenny gonna say…
"I just…need to play it cool…figure out where Malware is…and try my absolute best to earn forgiveness for even bigger fuck ups…" I thought to myself. "Nothing wrong is going to happen."
"I was busy! Don't give me those looks!" I pleaded, on my knees, as Casey, Nanny and Jenny all had their arms crossed and gave me a deadpan look.
"To be fair, we didn't exactly spend time with them either…" Casey said. "I think I remember seeing them a few times…"
"I'm not even a mom yet so… I got no real comment." Jenny sighed.
"I'm not clean either. I was aware of Malware, but Diane and Ella were tending to them… I had my own pups to care for at the time so I let them care for him…" Nanny sighed.
"What's he like?" Casey asked Diane.
"Malware likes reading. And quiet." Diane said.
"So you've educated him?" Nanny asked.
Diane nodded. "He can read, write, knows all basic math, no different than his siblings."
"At least all of you knew he existed…I…I just fucked up and ignored so much…" I shook my head sadly.
"The weight of the house is not your responsibility to bare alone Heather. In the end we all neglected Malware in some way. Where is he?" Nanny asked Diane.
"In the room with the rest of the girls. He lives there with us." Diane said.
"Thank you…" I said. "And I know it's not my responsibility to bear alone…but it's the problem that I ignored so many in my own home…how I ignored so much of my own family…" I shook my head as I headed to find Malware…and even though it crushes my heart and hurts my soul I fully expected Malware to hate me.
I found the room where all the bots were when not… with us. It was actually really big. Many beds, some closets and even bathrooms.
On one bed I saw who must be Malware. The kid looked… well, if I remember right, the Breeder Mod his mom had mixed him with a Shadow Creature. Not sure how but he kept a Centaur look. His horse half was that bluish purple of the Shadow Creatures. His upper human half looked normal. Jet black hair rested on his head, and his eyed, the pupils of which were those glowing yellow dots that sat in their eyes.
He was laying… or maybe sitting, on that bed reading a book.
"Malware?" I asked the child softly.
He looked up, seeing me and looking surprised. "Uh, yeah. Heather, right?" He asked.
"Yes…I'm Heather." I said. "I…I know it's been a long time…I'm…I have a feeling no amount of apologies will make this right…" I admitted sadly.
"... Apologies… for?"
"For not…being here." I said. "The fact that you look surprised is proof enough…"
"Well, you never talked to me before so, yeah it's surprising. And being here for… what exactly?"
"To spend some time with you…and I'm sorry, I've just been…really busy as of late." I said nervously.
"... Why would you spend time with me?" He asked, still looking confused.
"Because you are family, and I want to spend time with you." I said simply.
"... Why?"
"Why not?"
"Well, for starters, we have nothing in common, and I also have no relation to you at all. Technically I don't even have relations through blood to mom but she did raise me with help from everyone else here and, well, I do love her for it, even if I am… different."
"Because I am your mother's mate, familial relations don't need to be through blood, and how do you know we don't have anything in common?" I inquired.
"You enjoy combat, mainly with great-swords, I don't like combat or any of that. You like anime and action movies, I like reading and quiet. You like sardines on your pizza… I mean, you are a shark so I can see why but still… and while you are mom's owner you're also not my sperm donor."
"And yet I care enough to try and build a bridge even with our differences, and no…Diane isn't some property." I shook my head. "I care about her a lot."
"Then why haven't you talked to her or even… used her in the last ten years? The only one here you ever paid attention to is Diane."
…
"...Because…to be honest…I've been in a constant state of uncertainty and panic ever since we got here…as there isn't a day go by where I'm not certain something bad is going to happen and that I can't do a single thing to stop it…that I'll lose anyone here, any of my family, including you and…so many that I keep losing track of in my day to day nonsense…" I shook my head. "Just…a lot of things kept happening…"
"I guess that makes sense. You had to prioritize. We're just lower on that list."
"Which is weird, you think that when my top priority was all of you." I stated. "My top priority has, and always will be, the health, safety, and happiness of my family…and all the fighting, hunting and other such nonsense that I've had to do over the last ten years…" I shook my head.
"...So, what's changed?" He asked. "You said a lot keeps happening? What changed to make you talk to me now?"
"Because some of the things that are happening are giving me free time to start working on things that are the most important, and that is being with family, all my family."
"Right…"
"You don't believe me?" I inquired.
"Kinda hard considering this is the first time in ten years we've actually spoken. My whole life, I've watched you from a distance, and while you were busy was still a mom to Donna, Jack, Micky, Rose, Amy, Hex, even Mantis. You put more effort into being his mom than you have me… what do you expect me to believe?"
"I want you to believe that I'm here, right now, wanting to talk and spend time with you." I said. "To fix…all this."
"You can't fix what you never built Heather."
"I'm fixing it by building it."
"... When is my birthday?"
…
"Listen, I already expected you to hate me through this, but I want to build a bridge here, I'm willing to try." I frowned, as it's really hard to try and build bridges here when one side is wanting to set it on fire and piss on the ashes.
"... Maybe, but not now… I just don't trust you enough."
"And I'm here to try and earn your trust…I've let too many thing's go to the wayside because of me being busy…everyone has been busy for the most part…" I shook my head bitterly.
"Then what do you plan on doing?"
"Being here, talking, learning about you as a person, just doing the things I should have been doing for years."
"Until you have to get back out there and do things…"
"I have time, and I will be getting a lot more time due to…certain events happening." I admitted.
"Sure…"
"I'm serious." I stated simply. "What can I do to show you how serious I am?"
"... I don't know…" He said.
"Well, you can start by talking to me…let's start with what your favorite book series is." I said honestly.
"Well, there's this one book I like, called Ghost Horses."
"And what's it about?" I asked politely, sitting down near him to hear the explanation of the book.
"A girl is born to a very religious family, the kind that doesn't believe in evolution and science. She goes to the museum with her uncle, who does, and sees fossils for the first time. It amazes her and she grows up pursuing archeology and one day manages to sneak into an expedition a local college was to some nearby area, but given the time and such, she had to pretend to be a boy. In the end, she gets to go to the college and becomes a professor."
"That's a very nice story." I said with a smile. "What was your favorite part?"
"When she's on the expedition, and finds her first fossil. It was a talon, the size of her palm and still sharp as it was when it belonged to the beast that had it when it was alive."
"Was it because of her feeling's of wonder at finding something that she was fascinated by?" I inquired.
"Because it was her find. Because she got to share it with her friends and teacher when back home, she had to hide those things from her father."
I nodded. "I understand." I said. "What else can you tell me about the book?"
"Nothing much else."
"Well, it is an interesting story." I said honestly. "What other stories do you like to read?"
"Thirteenth Child, but only the first book."
"That book sounds familiar, what's it about?" I inquired.
"A girl who's the 'thirteenth child' in her family. Though not really. The way magic works in her world is that if the seventh born child in a family is a son, that son is born with phenomenal magical power. If that seventh son then grows up to have their own seventh son, that boy is born with twice as much magical power as their father. When she was born, she was born a twin, and being the first born, made her brother the second seventh son, but it's a legend that the thirteenth child, or her in this case, is born cursed. Given she grew up far out in the boonies, most of her family members, mainly aunts and uncles, all believed this and would blame her for everything. Thankfully her siblings and parents didn't. They move to a major city and things get better for her, and she learns she has a talent for a rare type of magic that's little known about."
"And what's this rare type of magic?" I asked.
"It's some kind of 'unseen' magic. It's passive and to even see it requires a special skill and talent. If I remember right she learns it from the magic teacher she has when she gets to the city, that helps her learn how the thirteenth child legend started and how absurd the origins are."
"Well, when you can use the Unseen, a lot of legends can either skew or enhance the absurdity." I shrugged. "How absurd were the origins?"
"In the original myth of the thirteenth child in the story, the child is supposed to also be born at the thirteenth hour… on a thirteenth day… in a thirteenth month, in a world that states its calendars only go to twelve months."
"...Yeah, that's Wizardry for ya." I admitted. "As someone who has several magical sisters, being practical has to make room for theme's, dramatics, and Fireball."
"Yes I'm also well aware of your magical… illiteracy, but the book states the origin of the myth was itself born from superstitions."
"Illiteracy? Not fully true, as that statement was actually made by my eldest sister which is very true…also due to her favorite spell being Fireball." I chuckled. "But back to the story, what was the superstitions that caused the myth?"
"Where else? It was born to the family with a double seventh son ostracizing the thirteenth born, treating them as less than and when the child spoke up for themselves, were punished for it."
"Yeah…yeah that would do it." I sighed.
"So, is that all we'll be talking about then?"
"Well, is there anything you want to ask me?" I inquired.
"... No. Not really."
I nodded. "Alright." I said softly. "This was nice." I said, having seen some glimmer in his eye when he was just talking about his favorite books.
"Are we done now?"
"I…suppose it is." I admitted. "So…same time tomorrow?"
"I suppose…" He said.
I nodded, taking a breath and leaving… as I did I still felt… bad… Well, so far I learned what I can from him directly… maybe the kids will know more…
I should also make him his own room here.
I actually did that quickly, putting in the bed, desk, and lots of shelves for books, closet, bathroom… alright… now to talk with the kids. They at least seem to know him best.
I looked around and found Mantis's room. Opening it, I saw he was at his desk writing something. I also saw Urus napping on Mantis's bed. One thing that always felt off about Mantis's room was how bare it was. I remember when I gave him this room I offered books and toys and… he declined them all. Even now there's not much.
"Hey Mantis." I said softly, keeping my voice low as to not wake up Urus.
"Yes Heather?" He asked, looking over to me as I walked up to his desk and saw… uh… is he writing in… binary?
"Two things…one, how much do you know about Malware and two…why are you writing in Binary?"
"I… find myself worrying if something happens, something that makes me forget my memories… like when I first got here, I'm putting them down as Binary, since that would be easiest to read and understand for me before… And, I suppose I know him fairly well. When I first arrived here I mistook him for a Nokori and spent many days studying and analyzing them." Mantis said.
"I understand, but you also have me to help keep your memories safe Mantis." I said softly. "But…I need your help with…getting to know them better."
"What do you wish to know?"
"Anything and everything…cause I've made so many mistakes with all my family…"
"Well, in my notes he seems to have a rather high affinity for dark and chaos magic, despite seemingly not using magic. His aptitude for study is self driven. He is not a picky eater but when given sweets he saves them for last after meals and makes them last indicating he doesn't have them often. All his possessions are kept in his Assistant Inventory, books, clothes and a few toys. He only leaves the room to either use the bathroom or to see if there are any books he can take are around that no one else in the house seems to want. Usually he prefers to look at night as he seems unsettled by you and the others. He does spend time with Hex, Donna, Rose, Amy, Micky and Jack but only when he is invited."
"Thank you…and part of the reason why he has that affinity is because he's…somehow part Shadow Creature." I answered. "And…unsettled…damn it…" I muttered bitterly.
"The few times he goes outside the house, he typically runs directly to the storehouses where you and Jenny drop of loot and looks through things. He also based on biometric data seems to have what one would call a crush on one of the local kids not in our family. A boy named Ty."
"Oh really now?" I inquired. "Going to have to ask him about what he looks through specifically and also to see if I can get Malware and this Ty on a little playdate together just for some fun." I chuckled.
"... Heather, I still don't get emotions very well, but even I know that is a horrible idea…" Mantis said.
"Yeah you're probably right." I sighed. "I just…want to help be a good family member to Malware…I've been so busy for ten years that…thing's just kept slipping away…"
"I recommend talking with the others as well. He seems to get along most well with Hex."
I nodded. "Thank you Mantis…this means a lot."
I gave him a quick hug then headed for Hex's room. I saw the door was open and Hex was playing a game. He looked up as I entered. "Yes mom?" He asked.
"Hey Hex, how you doing today?" I asked politely.
"Playing a game. You want something?"
"I want to talk about Malware and…get to know them better." I said carefully.
"Oh yeah, he's a bit shy but pretty cool. Something you want to know?"
"Anything and everything, cause I…want to fix some mistakes." I sighed.
"Well, I know he likes books a lot. All kinds. He once even sat in here and read a cookbook."
"Well, talk about a bookworm.' I admitted.
"Usually he asks me if I can find him some books from time to time. Other than that, he doesn't talk much but he does like to listen. I was once playing a game and having trouble with a boss but he mentioned that the boss performed a certain attack when the music hit a certain note and he was right. He catches on quick to things."
"Hmm…" I hummed, scratching my chin. "That is rather good to know."
"Is he finally gonna get his own room?"
"Already made him his own room." I said honestly.
"Oh, he's gonna like that. He loves his mom and the others but he wants his own privacy too."
"That's fair, everyone deserves their privacy." I said honestly.
"Other than that, he likes sweets. Pastries, candies, I asked him if he'd like to cook and he seemed to like that idea."
"Well, I have dabbled in cooking pastries and the like." I said. "Got really good at making Cinnamon Rolls." I admitted. "...Now I want a Cinnamon roll…" I huffed.
Hex chuckled at my antics. Hmm… So, likes books, sweets, and has an interest in cooking… Alright, looks like I have an idea of what I can do for Malware.
I left Hex to his game and quickly checked in on Donna.
I found my fashionista daughter in her room at her desk, sketching out various clothes and dresses.
"Hey Donna." I said. "How goes it?"
"So-so." She sighed. "Running low on fabrics so I figure I best get some designs down until we can get more… I did consider asking Mantis if he'd met to shear some of his fur off to make some, but I figured that'd be rude."
"Well good news! I have a Royal Boutique that has your name on it." I said with a smile.
The speed at which she whipped her head around at me gave me a concern that she might accidentally break something…
"I'm sorry what?" She asked me.
"Okay, so before I send you to the tailor's version of Candy Land, I have some questions to ask and that's about Malware." I said. "I want you to tell me anything and everything you know about them cause…well I'm trying to fix things."
"Well, he's rather quiet. I made a few clothes for him since it looked like he was mostly wearing clothes the other boys gave him. He was very appreciative of them. He doesn't mind when I brush his hair or tail. He even let me work on his hooves since they were not well kept. He really needs some horseshoes."
"Going to get that settled real quick." I nodded, knowing that I should have plenty of craftsman demon's that would make excellent horseshoes for Malware.
"Other than that, He was quick to learn. He read a lot of fashion books and magazines I had laying around one day and later I decided to quiz them and they not only answered me back properly, he even gave me some color combinations for myself. The boy has a talent for learning whatever he reads. He might have a photographic memory."
"That's good to know." I nodded. "And considering what I could also get him…that will come in handy."
"Other than that… I'm afraid I don't know much else."
"It's alright, I'm glad to hear what you know." I nodded. "So, about that special tailoring area I mentioned."
"Does this have anything to do with your new look?" She asked. "Hmm… I'll have to completely remake some of your dresses from scratch for these new additions and… size increases you've gotten…"
"Okay so that's only partly what happened." I said sheepishly, as I opened up a portal to my Dimension to the Royal Tailoring area that I saw cause apparently one of the 'past demon lords' was a bit of a fashion freak. "All about that presentation…"
"Woah… is this portal gonna stay here or…?"
"No, just here for me to take you to my new castle as well as doubling as giving you permission to enter." I said. "Now come on, time for you to have all the Tailoring equipment you'll ever need." I said with a smile.
She nodded, getting up from her desk with a grin as we both walked into the portal and-
"Greetings My Lord." I turned, seeing a rather large half giant spider, half… humanoid-ish lady with eight large yellow eyes, long black hair and six pairs of arms each ending in needle-like fingers. "I am Orig, the royal tailor. Have you come seeking attire?" She asked me with a bow.
"Well, kind of." I said. "Let me ask you something, how good are you at tailoring?"
In a swift motion she rapidly took fabric that hung from the ceiling on large rolls. Threads on spindles were pulled from a special backpack of sorts that rested on her abdomen. One of her needle like hands seemed to shift into scissor like blades that cut and sliced the fabric just as fast as she was using her other needle-like fingers to stitch and sew it into a lovely and regal looking blue and silver dress.
"That was amazing!" Donna said with a huge smile.
"Well done." I said with a clap of my hands. "And Orig, this is Donna, my daughter and aspiring and well talented Tailor." I said while motioning to the child.
"Greetings little princess." Orig said to Donna with a bow.
"I want you to also be Donna's teacher, cause she has made some great clothes for what she's had, but with an expert's help I'm sure she can become an even greater tailor." I said with a smile.
"It would be an honor to teach the daughter of the Demon Lord." Orig said with a nod. "Come little one, let me evaluate your skills and we can build from there." She said, offering Donna a hand that shifted from being needle-like to being normal flesh.
With a grin, Donna took it and walked with Orig over to a large desk with other extra supplies.
Hmm, while I'm here… no, I should wait til Malware is with me before getting him those horseshoes.
"Alright…so far things are going well…" I muttered.
I quickly walked back out and decided that, before anything else I'd check on two things first. I need to see the Library I have here, and the royal kitchen. If that place was staffed then so must the Kitchen and Library.
I first found and checked the library… wow this room is huge.
"Greetings Demon Lord." I saw the librarian, a large, towering crow looking demon with five eyes. "I am Gozan, the royal librarian. Are you looking for any tomes in particular?"
"Uh…none in particular but I am curious as to how many books are in here." I said readily. "And what kinds of books there are."
"The royal library carries many books ranging from the studies of the arcane, science, medicine, fiction, legend and myth all of which were either written by demons, prior demon lords, or obtained as trophies from the conquests of prior demon lords or demons offering them as tribute to prior lords from their raids on villages and kingdoms. In total there are 9.4 trillion books all within the library spanning many topics."
… That's a lot of books…
"Okay…so…" I started, trying to think of what books I should get for Malware to read. "Well…what's a more…'kid friendly' kind of book to start off with? Cause I'll be needing…two."
"Child friendly? Hmm, that would be floor three thousand and fifty five, shelves FLSK-1120298 through shelves FLSP-913019291." He said.
… Wow…
"Oh boy…that's…that's a lot." I said carefully. "Mind showing me the way?" I inquired.
"Yes my Lord." He said. He walked me to what looked to be a giant statue with many arms each holding small mirrors. "Floor three thousand and fifty five." Gozan said.
The many mirrors moved and spin around until the statue held one up to us. It then grew in size and once it was large enough, the glass turned almost liquid in looks before Gozan walked through it.
Okay that's cool.
I followed behind and- HOLY SHIT THERE"S SO MANY BOOKS AND SHELVES HERE!
I looked to both ends, not seeing a wall just shelves that seemed to go all the way up to the ceiling that towered high over us.
As I gawked Gozan walked, eventually he stopped at a shelf. "Here we are my Lord. Children's story books and educational materials." He said, motioning from the shelf he stood next down down the seemingly unending hallway…
I looked down the isle of shelves… not seeing the end down them either…
"Oh…boy…" I said slowly. "That's…that's a lotta books…"
"Take your time my Lord." Gozan said.
Yeah that's not gonna work… hmm… actually… maybe a library card? Between that and access to the library, I'm sure Malware would love it.
"Hey, is there a Library Card?" I inquired. "Cause…there is no way in the high holy hell's I'm gonna find what I need in this giant hall of books…"
"Of course." Gozan nodded. "I can craft one that gives the holder access to the library from wherever they are and even restrict their access to certain floors, topics, shelves and such."
"Thank you." I nodded. "Cause I have a child I want to give this to and…I suppose they can open it up at certain points in their development."
"I see. Hmm, I can put spells that will upgrade their access as they age or depending on other factors." Gozan said. He raised out a wing and from its tip, emerged a metal card that looked to be made from gold. It had the word 'Library Access' engraved into it, as well as a silhouette of my head. "Once you give this to the child, tell them they must bleed on it, just a drop and it will link the card to them so no one else can steal or abuse it from them."
I nodded and took the card, and even though my second meeting with Malware will be effectively 'hey, I need you to bleed on this', I'm sure the fact the amount of books he will be reading will make it a little less weird. "Thank you, this is going to be a great gift for him."
"I will keep an eye out for the child once they arrive My Lord." Gozan said, giving me another bow.
I nodded and left, now heading to the kitchen to get him a peace offering. Something sweet- OH MY GOD!
The kitchen was equally huge and unlike the last places I saw, was packed with demons cooking and preparing and meats and meals and even prepping seasonings, flower, all ingredients from scratch. Even crushing rock salt to a fine grain.
"Greetings my Lord." I turned. I was amazed at how human this one looked. He had blonde hair, green eyes and a fair complexion. The only reason I knew he was a demon were the wings on his back that poked out of his otherwise chef like shirt. He even wore the hat. "I am Zannad, Head Chef of your kitchen. Have you come to request a meal?"
"I have come for sustenance." I said dramatically. "And I can only be sustained by the sweet warm doughy goodness that is Cinnamon Rolls."
"Yes my Lord." Zannad said with a nod and bow before turning to the crew. "You heard the Lord! Get to it lads or it's the lash for all of ya!" He yelled as the various cooks all started to prep to bake the pastry.
I watched them work with insane efficiency that honestly blew my mind as they got all the ingredients, fresh flour, freshly ground cinnamon, they rapidly prepared and made the rolls and then into the oven… and they didn't stop until I think they had made a few… thousand…
I was then, in only an hour, looking up at the towering pyramid of cinnamon rolls that were baked and oozing with goodness. The smell was euphoric.
"Okay so…I was mostly joking about only being sustained cinnamon rolls, because I legit had a hankering for Cinnamon rolls…but…" I tried to explain, feeling myself drool as I trailed off…oh no…"So…uh…this is a great number…" I said, trying to think if I should cut down on the number to give him maybe a bakers dozen and not a literal pyramid here.
I ended up having them put all the cinnamon rolls into boxes and I pocketed them all… and I will admit… I ate maybe… three dozen by myself and oh my gods they are the best pastries I've ever eaten…
I then went back to the main house and found Malware, still reading on his bed.
"Hey Malware." I said softly. "I have come bearing offerings of peace to help us reach an accord."
He looked up from his book at me. "You're back rather soon." He said.
"I have come back with important knowledge, and gifts." I said readily, stepping inside. "First gift is this." I said, pulling out the Library Card as I might as well this out of the way. "Your own personal Library Card to my new Royal Library."
"Royal library?" He asked.
"Yes, a Royal Library, with well over trillions of books in a Realm that I rule over." I said simply. "It was trillions of books and this Library Card let's you have access to it, but it is locked to a bit more of your personal growth cause some of the books…you aren't ready to read." I admitted. "And all this card needs to have it bound to you so nobody else can steal it or use it is…a drop of your blood."
"If you mean smut, I've read some already." He said, making me blank. "You forget I live in the same room as seven Sex Bots, with needs from programming you haven't really helped with… stuff gets left laying around and I got the birds and bees talk when I was four."
"Oh my god…" I muttered. "Okay so…not that, but that's…good to know." I said carefully. "I don't know how this will start your new tour of books as…you are most likely more mature for your age…" I sighed. "Just need a drop of your blood and this will be bound to you and only you."
"Oh, so it's sealed to the user using a blood magic link then?" He asked, then noticed my blank look. "I've also read all of Rose's dark magic books."
"You…really like to read…" I said. "Well…yes, that is exactly how it works."
He nodded. "Alright." He said as he took the card. He then brought his thumb to his mouth, biting into it until he drew blood. He didn't even wince or flinch?
He let it fall onto the card and then his name appeared on it, engraved into the metal as well.
While I was concerned about that I lightly bandaged said injury. "Alright, this will take you to the library whenever you want…and now for your second gift." I said, after bandaging that up I took a step back and started to bring out all the Cinnamon rolls that I wanted to give to Malware.
Three whole boxes. "Woah…" He said, taking them and putting the boxes on his bed. He opened one, seeing and smelling the sweets within. I saw his mouth begin to water before he wiped it away and forced himself to calm down.
"It's alright, I won't judge, you can have them all if you want." I said with a smile. "I mean…I'm guilty of doing exactly that." I admitted sheepishly.
"I… shouldn't…" He said. "Mom! Aunties! I got something for you all!" He called out.
The others in the room all got up.
One by one he gave them each some cinnamon rolls. First up was his mother, the centaur bot was as I remember, her upper half was elven and her long blonde hair was tied into a bonnet. "Thank you sweetie." She said to Malware.
Next was Lilly, the reptilian lady that gave him a few headpats before taking the treats.
Silvia, the small lamia lady gave him a large hug.
Endi, the dragonoid bot that reminded me of Minecrafts ender dragon kissed his forehead before messing with his hair.
Swift, the all silver colored fox lady gave Malware a hug as well.
Ana, the Orc bot gave him a light noogie before taking her share of the sweets.
Last was Diane, who gave him a cheek kiss before taking her treats.
In the end there was only three left for himself and only then did he take one and begin to eat.
…
I looked to the other girls here… They all raised him. He cares a lot for them.
And…all I felt was pain as I teared up as I shook my head. "I'm sorry…" I muttered bitterly.
"Uh… what for?" Malware asked with a mouth full of cinnamon roll.
"For not being here…" I said. "For any of you…I should have been here for you all…not just…" I shook my head as my heart clenched with the pain that I've just…been neglecting so many of my family.
"You were busy Heather." Diane spoke up. "You had a lot going on and… things happened."
"That doesn't excuse the fact that I practically abandoned you all…" I said bitterly. "So focused on so many other things…"
"Like Diane told us…you were working hard for us." Swift stated. "Working yourself to the bone so we were safe, fed and happy."
"Even if we don't really need to eat for long periods of time…" Endi said a little weakly.
"But Diane did, back when Malware was a baby since she's the only one of us that can lactate." Ana brought up.
"And yes, I know full well you can lactate as well Heather, you were still busy." Diane was quick to tell me as I blushed in embarrassment.
"W-well…I should have still been here, I wasn't always busy…" I said carefully…"What?" I asked as they all gave me those 'that's bullshit' looks.
"Heather, the only reason you'd stay in bed late some nights was because either Jenny, Casey or Nanny was sleeping on top of you and you were too considerate to wake them up, or in Nanny's case, enjoying the smoosh to want to move." Diane said.
"And when you were out you kept out there for most of the day, sometimes multiple on more than a few occasions." Ana said.
"Not to mention once the town started getting built when you kept finding Prize Pods you helped with constructing houses and farms for everyone. Even with the Slayer Tech it took a while." Ella said.
"You're basically the mayor. Though now that you're the Demon Lord, that's way above just a mayor." Silvia said.
"I mean…technically I'm a God of Demon's now due to me obtaining the full totality of my new powers…" I admitted sheepishly. "But…it still doesn't excuse it, cause I've managed to spare some time with my other kids…" I managed.
"In between months of not doing that and only spending a few hours with each on individual days." Diane pointed out.
"I should still be doing better." I pouted.
"Well, with your increase of stats, skill points, this new power, Mantis and his whole thing now, you can probably take a, what's the word? The thing workaholics fear most? Oh yeah, a vacation." Ella said with a smirk.
Malware did chuckle at his mother's joke.
"I do not fear a vacation." I pouted. "I can totally take one and not want to do work." I stated simply.
"Now is that before or after you gorge yourself on these heavenly Cinnamon Rolls?" Diane asked.
"...Listen…shush." I grumbled.
"Heather. You can afford to take a well deserved break. A lot of good things have happened recently. Focus on your family and the town and all the stuff here. Jenny, Mantis, Nanny, even Casey can handle the issues, plus Arthur, his lady, and with the New Foundation coming in, you can relax."
"Yeah…I suppose you're right." I sighed. "It'll at least feel good to take a break after so long."
"So, how does this card work?" Malware asked, putting his two other cinnamon rolls into his Assistant before looking the card over.
"Hmm…" I hummed, as I also gave Malware permission to enter my realm just in case. "I suppose you just raise it up and think about going to the Library."
"Uhh…" He said, getting off the bed and holding it up. He seemed to move it around but nothing was really happening.
"Maybe use it on a doorway?" Ella offered.
"Maybe." Malware said, walking over to a bathroom door. He closed it, tapped it on the door and when he opened it again the Library was on the other side. "Oh, that's how it… woah…" He said, seeing all the books.
"Yep, a lot of books." I said with a warm smile. "And all for you to read."
Oh yeah! His room!
"Oh yeah, I also made you your own room." I added in quickly.
That made Malware pause. "My… own room?" He asked, turning to me. I nodded, offering him a hand. He took it and I walked him to his room. He stepped inside, looking around the empty space.
"I know it's empty but this is your brand new room." I said honestly. "All to yourself and you can make it look however you want."
He looked around the room, and he started crying. "This…"
"Is all yours." I said softly. "All my gifts to you…in hopes of showing you how much I truly care."
"This isn't real…" He said, grabbing the sides of his head tight and letting himself drop to the floor.
"It…it is real…" I said, starting to feel my own bit of panic as I feared I did too much too fast and caused him to have a panic attack.
"No… no it's not, this is always the part when I wake up…" He cried.
… Wake up?
"...Malware…what's wrong?" I asked softly, kneeling down and wanting to know what was truly wrong.
"I should have realized… I've had this stupid dream before…"
Dream…?
That… shouldn't be possible…
"W-wait, how are you Dreaming? Armageddon doesn't allow Dreams." I said, now seriously concerned about this.
"W-what?" He asked, turning and looking at me. "I've been… I've been dreaming for as long as I can remember… well, more nightmares…"
I quickly kneeled next to Malware.
"Malware, I need you to tell me what you've been Dreaming about…cause Armageddon doesn't allow Dreams or people to enter the Dream World."
He looked at me. Shakily, he took my hands. "I… My earliest dream was maybe when I was three. I'd be alone in the room, mom, the aunts, no one would be there… There'd be a clock spinning around, the hands moving so fast… I'd feel like I was starving, so thirsty. I used to wake up still feeling that hunger, that thirst… woke up screaming and crying for the first few months… then I got used to it… expected it. When I did, the dream would change. I'd go outside and… people would see me… see what I am and… hunt me. I'd be stabbed, shot, beaten… I'd wake up feeling it like it happened… That one took a long time… some years… Then this…" He motioned to the room. "It would be a day like any other, you, or Casey, Nanny, Jenny, or a mix of you all'd give me the best day ever and… I'd walk into the room you'd give me and I'd wake up…" He said, shaking heavily… "I don't want to wake up this time…"
I…I used Scan on him, hoping whatever high level could tell me what the hell is causing him this pain cause this can't be normal. "You are awake Malware, I promise you, this is real, and nothing is going to take this away from you."
I quickly hugged him, holding him tight…
[Scan Complete!
No Abnormalities Detected!]
Malware eventually passed out, the mental stress took a toll on them and I even had Arthur look him over. He didn't find anything abnormal either.
"Hey, this kid…" Indra spoke up as she saw Malware sleeping on the exam table. "He's half Shadow Creature, right?"
"Yes." I nodded. "We still have absolutely no idea how someone managed to do this but…they did. Please…help me."
Indra quickly pulled something from her Assistant. I raised a brow… a dream catcher?
She placed it on the wall above the exam table. I noticed Malware's body seemed to relax more in their sleep.
"Wish I knew sooner…" She sighed.
"What happened?" I asked. "Even my high level Scan couldn't tell what was wrong…" I said worriedly.
"Because there isn't anything wrong… this is a normal reaction for Half-Monsters on Armageddon." Indra said. "They're a rare breed, but normally the Realm Of Dreams takes all, even them… but here, it has no reach… so only one option is left for them. The Realm of Nightmares."
"Oh come on…" I muttered. "How…how do we solve this?"
"We can't." Indra said. "The dream catcher here will keep him from entering it again, so long as he sleeps under it, but the damage is done… to be forced into that place from such a young age…"
"So, you've told me about the Realm of Dreams, but what is the Realm of Nightmares?" Arthur asked.
"Everything in this reality has some form of counter. Light and dark, Void and Nothingness, some can even have multiple, for the Realm of Dreams, that's the Realm of Nightmares. Normally, accessing it is rather difficult, but because of his biology, Malware here has a natural attunement to it. Normally someone has to find a pathway into it from the Realm of Dreams or possess a Dark Skill Tree skill called Fear of Sleep."
"Oh…sure, that's just grand…" I frowned. "So there's no way to stop him from having Nightmares permanently…"
"Not unless you can somehow get the realm of dreams to work on Armageddon." Indra sighed.
"Which is, as far as I know, impossible due to this place being a fucking pain in the ass." I sighed.
"At least the dream catcher can help…" Arthur sighed.
"Yeah. When he wakes up, hang it up over his head in his room." Indra told me.
"Alright." I nodded. "And…is there a limit to the Dream Catcher?"
"Well, it only works for six hours. Not exactly a full night's sleep but better than nothing." Indra sighed. "Although…"
"Although what?" I asked.
"Well, little is known about the realm of nightmares here on Armageddon. Half-Monster breeds are very rare, so there's not many who can naturally enter it. We might be able to explore it through him with a Dive to The Heart."
"And….I doubt I can do that…" I sighed.
"How come?"
"Well, even though I fused a Keyblade with Ol'Reliable, it was only Starlight, and two, as far as I know, even my new memory stuff doesn't work with the heart…haven't had time to see if I could…"
"I'm surprised, for someone who prides herself on blade based combat that you never used Keyblades before." Indra said.
"I only really needed Ol'Reliable, everything else was my need to collect every Sword in Reality." I admitted. "It's only now that Keyblade stuff matters due to the Core in it that I got from…someone." I said carefully.
"Well, that won't due. I'm sure the New Foundation can help you out. I'm pretty sure there's someone there that can train you. But for now, focus on helping Malware here. He's gonna need the company when he wakes up."
"Of course." I nodded. "I started this and I'm going to help him through this."