User blog:ExdeathsBagel/The crossroads WWYD by Spazerz

WWYD by Spazerz: http://monstergirlencyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Thread:707398

I stare at each of the three paths, weighing my options. I am a soldier of the Mizore kingdom, transporting maps between it and our former enemies, the Jora kingdom. After a war we had come to an uneasy truce, our ambassadors, knowing this devised a method to firmly secure peace at least for now. By trading detailed maps of each of our kingdoms, one would be stupid for attacking the other, as even if they switch a few bases around we’d still have a detailed eye in the sky so to speak.

I had just got back from the Jora kingdom after giving them our maps and making sure their detailed copies were a true match to their kingdom, and was taking a few days hike back home as opposed to the single day sailing at sea. I get sea sick easily, so the sea path as out of the question. I know my captain would be pissed, but I’d rather spend a day mucking out stables than a day vomiting out my soul at sea.

The good thing about trading maps of this detail was that the kingdom and its surrounding terrain was incredibly easy to navigate, as such I checked it often to make sure I was heading in the right direction. I guess that took the rainforest out of the question then, if these maps got wet and smudged I’d probably be executed. That just left one path, the mountainous path.

The maps I was transporting also detailed the native mamonos in the region, most would normally assimilate with our kingdoms or form alliances with their clans, but some mamono species choose to remain native. Each path had at least two to watch out for, inked in red.

In the mountainous path there the Manticore and the Oomukades. I had heard of Manticores, they were arguably one of the most dangerous mamonos near our kingdom. Ravenous beast with an appetite for men, a few of our bravest and strongest soldiers go to slay the beasts if they take too many of our men, only to never return. But Oomukades? There was next to nothing on them, other than they are found in mountainous regions and live in caves.

It’s not like I was going in unarmed of course. Granted I had to travel light, so aside from the satchel carry the maps, my leather armor, and my backpack with food and water and other survivable essentials, all I had was my straight sword and knife. To be honest, I think I would rather face whatever an Oomukades was than stare down a Manticore with that.

Taking a deep breath and trying to swallow my fear, I began my journey up the mountain. It was honestly a very peaceful ascent, and a very beautiful one. Trees still dotted the landscape, but every now and then a clearing would emerge and I would be treating to a gorgeous view on the landscape beneath me. It was at one of these clearings that I would pitch my tent for the night. By the fire light I checked one of the maps, confident I’d be back home by tomorrow night.

I rose up early the next day, though unsure of the sun’s position given the overcast. Packing away my tent I headed to a nearby lake not only to refill my canteens, but also to shave. Pulling out my knife I splashed some water on my face and began doing so. A lot of the other men in my squad would always make fun of me for this habit, but I take pride in looking clean regardless of how long I had been out on patrols as opposed to my squad mates looking like barbarians.

Yet as the water settled I began regretting that decision as I saw an image take familiar shape from behind my reflection. It’s strange how when you shave you only focus on that one part of your body and everything else blanks out, and how I wish that wasn’t the case.

Standing right behind me, with a ravenous grin and malice in their eyes, was a Manticore.

“Dolling yourself up for me?” She said in a teasing whisper. I felt something wet hit my shoulder and through the reflection I saw it was her tail, dripping a clear, sickeningly sweet smelling liquid onto me.

I was frozen in fear, I didn’t even flinch as she put her paws on my shoulders. I just stared at out reflection. Her mouth was right next to my ear.

“You look so cute terrified, you know that? But I’d really appreciate if you weren’t so stiff, well, in the wrong place I mean.”

A rain drop broke me out of this spell, raindrops were causing the water to ripple in the lake. Shit. If I didn’t book it and find shelter the maps would be ruined. I leaned forward, placing my hands in the cold lake, one grabbing a pile of mud.

“Got some feeling back? Good. Now why don’t you come with me so-”

I threw the pile of mud over my shoulder, I heard her cry out in surprise and release her grip, hoping the mud hit her in the face. I got up, clinging the satchel to my side and ran as fast as I could. I didn’t choose any specific direction, I was just trying anything to get her away from me.

<p class="MsoNormal">The rain was coming down in buckets. I needed to find shelter fast. Behind me I heard what sounded like beating wings and the tree tops above me began to shake. Fuck, she’s above me now.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re mine!” I heard a shout from above me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Grabbing the tree trunk I was next to I pivoted myself around, hearing a loud thump and a curse from my Manticore pursuer. I began running up a steep incline, water causing the path to be slippery, but I hoped it would slower her down. The trees were too close for her wing span, and her paws had a hard time gripping the trees, causing her to slip and fall and filling the air with more swearing.

<p class="MsoNormal">As if my luck couldn’t have gotten any better, at the top of this hill was a collection of cave entrances. I ran into one without thinking, noting that the cave was surprisingly warm. As I headed deeper within to hide from the Manticore, the sounds of rain, wind, and thunder faded, as does the light. Soon, I’m surrounded by darkness, but instead of silence, I heard sobbing and mutterings.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Another man, why another man? Mandy’s just gonna take him and brag and show him off to me like the others. I just want one. Please God just give me one.” The voice sounded like it belonged to a woman.

<p class="MsoNormal">The sobbing continued, growing louder. I hesitantly took a step forward, only to bump into something. The sobbing stopped.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Who’s there? Mandy, is that you?” The voice suddenly asked. What sounded like thunder boomed through the cave only to stop in front of me. I flinched as I felt cold, wet hands touch my face.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re not Mandy. Are you the man lost?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I paused for a moment, “I don’t know of anyone men in these parts. I was travelling through from the Jora kingdom.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh, so you are him. Are you not lost?” The woman still had her hands on my face, but in the darkness I couldn’t see her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Not really, I was on my way back to my own kingdom, just waiting for the rain to subside. Do you need any help ma-”

<p class="MsoNormal">Lightning struck just outside the cave, lighting up its interior and providing me a brief glimpse of my company, I wish it hadn’t. In front of me was a woman, but she had a large centipede lower half. The flash of light was brief, I couldn’t make out details but was grateful I hadn’t.

<p class="MsoNormal">I stumbled back with a shout, falling down. The centipede woman began to sob.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Just go. Go be with Mandy. Maybe she’s right. If I just wasn’t some hideous Oomukade I’d have a better chance at getting a man.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I quickly got up and composed myself. I could’ve ran out to another cave then and there, but I decided to instead try and comfort her. In that brief flash, when I saw her face, I could’ve sworn I saw something familiar.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hey, it’s not your fault. I’m sorry. I just wasn’t prepared for…what you were. So, you’re an Oomukade?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Her sobs calmed down, “Yes, I am an Oomukade, a beast so hideous it must stick to caves. It’s very sight poisons all that see it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s not true, I was just surprised.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“If you got a better glimpse of me, you’d be scared.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I won’t be.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She wordlessly took my hand in hers, her hand cold and clammy, and led me to the mouth of the cave where I could see. She stepped into the light, or all that she could fit, and faced me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her large centipede half first caught my eyes, it was purplish in color and snaked around the cave. Following it with my eyes, I finally saw her human half. The colors of her black and purple robe were faded, and the robe itself was in tatters. Her skin was pale, her body looking somewhat emaciated, and her black hair long was unkempt and straggly. But what took me aback the most was her face. I was right with how I noted how it looked familiar.

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked defeated, like she had mostly given up and the spark within her was about to fade. It was an expression I wore long ago. I immediately felt for her, and that I needed to comfort her. To show her that she wasn’t alone.

<p class="MsoNormal">A sudden stomping sound echoed from outside the cave, the Oomukade quickly turned to face the cave entrance, the end of her centipede half got in front of me and raised itself, covering me.

<p class="MsoNormal">I recognized the voice that spoke from the entrance, it was the Manticore, Mandy as she was apparently called.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yo Sue, have you seen the man wandering these mountains anywhere?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue remained silent for a moment, “No.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Mandy caught on to her hesitation, I heard Sue yelp and the Centipede half jerked forward. “You better not being lying. If you are I’ll make you even more hideous than you already are!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“The-the man did come into this cave.” I held my breath, “but he ran out as he saw me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Mandy paused for a moment, “So I did hear something. Shit, he couldn’t have gone far.” I heard Mandy run off.

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue let down her centipede end, looking down.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you Sue, you saved my life.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“It was nothing. Now go, there are other caves you can hide in.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why do you want me to go?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t!” She shouted before taking a deep breath, “I don’t want you to go, but you will. I’m a monster after all.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No you’re not,” I say as I walk up to her. I hold my hand out and she pauses for a moment before taking it, “You just need held, and I want to give it you. I know how your feeling, that loneliness, self-hatred, it’s hard to get out of isn’t it?”

<p class="MsoNormal">She begin to shake, “Y-yeah. I’m sorry for all this crying, I’m so weak.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No you’re not. I don’t know how long you’ve been here, but surviving this long under that asshole’s scrutiny takes strength. I want to help you find that strength, to use and live.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Her eyes it up, and a slight smile formed on her face, “I- I’d like that. Where do we start?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Let’s get you something to eat first.” I reach into my backpack and pulled out some bread. “It’s not much, had to travel light and all. Please, eat all that you can. You look like you haven’t eaten in days.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Weeks.” She says as she takes the bread. I stare at her in shock and she explains, “My species can live for weeks without food, I’m not too bad right now, but this really helps.” She wolves down to bread, and I could tell she wants more, so I gave her more and before I knew it, I was out of food.

<p class="MsoNormal">I intended to avoid bringing notice to this, but she caught on when I reached into my backpack and found nothing, much to my own surprise.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Did I….did I just eat all your food?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, but its okay-”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No it’s not! Dammit, I’m so fat and stupid and-”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sue, you’re neither of those things.” I say calmly and sternly. “You were just hungry. It’s okay, I’ll go out and find some food for me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m sorry.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s alright. Can I just ask you to do something? Watch my satchel okay? Make sure no one takes it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue nodded and I walked out of the cave, the rain lightening up slightly. I didn’t go out far, just finding a few berries and fruits I knew weren’t poisonous. I didn’t want to stay out long however, constantly paranoid Mandy would catch me, and despite my short venture I came back into the cave soaked.

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue was sitting near the entrance, her centipede half wrapped around the satchel.

<p class="MsoNormal">“All you found were fruits and berries?” She asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, did you want some?” I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked down with a guilty expression, “No. I ate so much of your food already, you probably won’t be able to sustain yourself on those anyway.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sue, look at me.” She slowly raised her gaze to me, expecting a scolding, but I gave her a light smile. “I’m skin and bone. I’ll be fine with this. Trust me, this armor makes me look fat.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue chuckled before going silent. “Can I do something for you though? As thanks?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“For what?” I say, mouthful of berries.

<p class="MsoNormal">“For being so kind to me, and for helping me.” She moved closer to me and placed my head in her hands. “You’re soaked to the bone. Come with me and we’ll warm you up.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I followed her deeper into the cave, unsure as to how she would do so until my mind jumped to an answer. The one thing monster girls loved doing to men before either marrying them or eating them. I was worried how I could turn Sue down without upsetting her.

<p class="MsoNormal">As we went deeper and my heart began to pound faster, we came into a large part of the cave where there was a hole in the ceiling, light and rain filtering through. Up against the wall was a pile of wood. Sue moved the wood close the hole, careful to not get it wet and started a fire.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Come here. Don’t worry, the smoke will filter up through the hole.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I was surprised that this was what she meant, but my thoughts turned back to before as she put a hand on my armor.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You should get out of that too so it can dry.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I-I don’t have any other clothes.” I say, a blush spreading over my cheeks.

<p class="MsoNormal">She blushed too, “Oh, t-that’s okay. I’m not like Manticores, I won’t jump you. Honestly. I just don’t want you to catch a cold.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I began taking off the armor, only to see that my shirt underneath was also soaked, as was my pants. I had to strip to my boxers to start feeling warm while laying my clothes and armor close to the fire, Sue’s face was beet red by the point. We both shuffled close to the fire for warmth, and I felt Sue place a hand on my shoulder before quickly taking it off.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sorry.” She said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s okay, you can leave it there.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She smiled and put her hand back on my shoulder. A few moments of silenced passed between us.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, what’s your name?” Sue asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thomas.” I replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, Thomas, what are you doing up here?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Just transporting maps between the Jora kingdom and Mizore kingdom, my home.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue’s eyes went wide, “I’m from Jora.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Then what are doing out here?” I asked, before mentally slapping myself as the answer came to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue looked into the flames, “Jora’s recent king had expelled many mamonos types from his land, Oomukades being one of them.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Right, should’ve known. We went to Jora in the first place not only because of territory disputes, but because of the apparent cruel treatment of mamonos. Our mamono population let its voice be heard, not hard considering most of our army is made up of Centaurs.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You know a lot about it, are you some sort of soldier?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yep, didn’t much action though. I’m grateful for that though to be honest, I don’t think I could bring it on myself to hurt anyone.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I know how you feel.” Sue looked back into the fire. “Up here I found Mandy, thought she was a friend but it’s clear she just sees me as a punching bag. We both keep watch for men who come up here, and she’s normally the first to get to them, always bragging about her ‘new catch’.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well, why not come with me? I don’t know about Oomukades, but Mizore is very welcoming to most mamonos.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue’s eyes lit up, “You’d take me with you?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Of course, you’re a friend. Once the rain lets up we can-”

<p class="MsoNormal">A sudden whooshing sound echoed though the cave and the fire flickered, at first I worried it went out but that was replaced by a stronger fear when I looked at it. Sitting at the other end of the fire was Mandy, with the same grin and malicious in her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sup love birds. Room for one more?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Mandy-”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sue, sweet Sue. What are you doing with this man? I thought you said you saw him ran out when I asked you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue remained silent.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You lied to me, didn’t you? Sue, you know I don’t like liars and are looking for a decent lay too but-”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No, I’m not like that.” Sue suddenly said.

<p class="MsoNormal">Mandy tilted her head, “Like what?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m not just looking for a lay, I want a man to stick with. Unlike you, I don’t see men as just edible dildos!” Sue’s voice dripped with venom, but Mandy remained calm.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ooh, someone got feisty all the sudden.” Mandy turned to me, “He didn’t give you false hope did he? What did he say ‘it’s what’s on the inside that counts,’ ‘I love you for who you are’? If he could see inside you he’d see a monster.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“He said neither, he said ‘I understand you.’ He connected with me. He knows I’m not a monster. That I am Sue, an Oomukade! You’re the monster here! Have you ever really talked to a man, or do just fuck and eat them?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“My, my, an invertebrate with a spine.” Mandy suddenly lunged forward and slashed Sue’s face, “Shut your mouth you elongated spider bitch! If it weren’t for me you would’ve had to turn back to Jora and got slaughtered.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Enough!” I shout. “Let us go, we don’t want any trouble.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Mary turned and began walking slowly towards me, “Let you go? Sweetie I haven’t had a decent meal or a good fuck in a week! Like Hell am I letting you go. And look at you, already down to your underwear, were you two getting ready to-”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue swung her centipede half at Mary, knocking her against the wall. Sue charged but Mary got up and two grappled with each other, each trying to overpower the other. Mary was stronger, if only because Sue was weaker for having not eaten much in so long.

<p class="MsoNormal">Mary grinned as it was clear that she was winning, her tail wrapping around Sue’s throat. “You’re so fucking dead. You shouldn’t have fucked with me, if you just handed the man over you would’ve been fine. But think of it this way, the world we be with one less monster.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I wasn’t about to stand back while Sue was threatened, near the fire was my sword and knife. I would’ve gone for the sword but the knife was closer and it looked like Sue was losing strength fast. I charged at Mandy, thrusting the knife, but Mandy noticed and twisted herself so Sue was in the way.

<p class="MsoNormal">I couldn’t stop myself, but instead Sue raised her centipede half to block the knife, it broke off her hard exoskeleton. Sue was growing weak however, she was bent back at an amazing angle, and Mandy was leaning over her and glaring at me face to face.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Once she’s out of the way you’re next. Don’t worry, I’ll give you the most satisfying fuck you’ve ever-”

<p class="MsoNormal">I slashed the broken knife across her face, leaving a jagged cut over the bridge of her nose. She got off Sue leapt back.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You fucking asshole!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue swung her centipede half forward, wrapping Mandy around it. Mandy began struggling, her thrashing turning more and more desperate as it was clear she was beginning to suffocate.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sue, let her go. I think she gets the message.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No. Thomas, you’ve taught me so much, but now I want to teach you something. You don’t like hurting people, and neither do I. But I’m sure they taught you in the army that sometimes hurting is necessary, and even sometimes killing is.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sue…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’ve heard what Mandy’s been saying, she kills and eats people Thomas. I’ll be fine, the horrors I witnessed at Jora have made me tougher than I look.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“W-wait, I’m sorry.” Mandy weakly said, “Please, let me go. If you do I won’t bother you ever again, please don’t kill me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue gave Mandy and empty stare, “No. You’ll kill and eat any men that comes here like you’ve been doing. And any other mamono will just become your stress toy. I’m giving the world one less monster.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I couldn’t bring myself to watch anymore, I turn and ran to the entrance of the cave and threw up. A minute later, I heard the familiar scurrying sound, and out of the darkness came Sue holding my clothes.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are you okay?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah. I threw up too though. But…but even with how awful it felt, I think it was the right thing.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re probably right. Some of the knights that did see action say something similar. I hope I never have to go through with that, and I’m sorry you had to.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue gave me a light smile, “Hey, I’m the one who’s supposed to apologize all the time. And if you do, I know how you’d feel. You could come talk to me anytime. About anything.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled, “Likewise. Come on, let’s go home.”

<p class="MsoNormal">We stepped out, the rain stopped and sunlight shone from above. Despite all that happened I still made it back to the kingdom by midnight. As expected the captain was pissed, but after telling him what happened he decided that after mucking the stables the next day I’d have the next few days off.

<p class="MsoNormal">Sue was accepted surprisingly quickly by friends and family. Her appearance was a little intimidating at first but they quickly lightened up to her. She moved in with me since she arrived and we’ve become much closer than friends.