Board Thread:What Would You Do?/@comment-28718853-20180802204932/@comment-35674737-20180803064231

My eyes caught sight of the giant Ushii-Oni. Oh no, no, no, no! Okay me, think... Think... I took a look outside, I knew I was on the third floor.. I could jump, but getting swept away by a Harpy would be a possibility.

I looked through the hole, already men were preferring death than whatever awaited them from these monster. I didn't want to see, but I knew some were lucky enough to not get caught by a Harpy from the fall, but I couldn't bring myself to end it there. I was going to need to escape...

I sprinted from the door, and already the inmates were screaming. Some huddled and terrified, some yelling for me to release them. The cacophany of noise was a disgusting mixture of calamity. I didn't like it one bit, trying to plan I more or less relied on instinct. Unless... The idea was stupid, but it might work, if I release them, I could use them all as meat shields and have more of a buffer to not get caught. The idea was sickening the more I thought about it... But it could work.

Looking down near the entrance I saw it. The guard there was trying to keep the other wing of inmates together. Him trying to assemble them for evacuation was fruitless though, they just didn't listen and barreled through him, trampling the poor guard and knocking him to the ground. To keep from having the same fate I pushed myself up against one of the cell walls and I brunted the force as they all rushed passed me like a current.

Now's my chance! I darted to the fallen guard and rolled him over. Yes! The plan was coming together perfectly. I tore the keys from the lanyard and while I didn't do a good cost-benefit analysis on how long it would take to open all the doors, I assumed it was quick enough to still have some stragglers left to use as bait.

As I freed each prisoner, they all gave me thanks

"You saved me man, I'll get you a beer after this!"

"You're a life saver! I'll let the boss-man know about you!"

"Thank you so much! I-I don't want to be caught by them! Once we get out of here I'll have your back the rest of my life!"

There's one person though... He was nothing but a boy... I let him free and slammed the door open. "Get on it kid! Move!" He didn't move. I felt some semblance of... Empathy? That was a new feeling, I lost that long ago after I killed my first man. Taking him with me though would be a liability... Fuck it.

I yanked him out of there, terror was slathered on his face as he had tears and snot run down his face. This was unbecoming of me! How could a kid like this be here? Maybe I was getting too soft? I followed in the rear as I tugged the snotrag with me, he was tripping yet he always got to his feet.

The crowd was going to funnel out of the front door. I counted the floor numbers after we got to them.

Two...

The second story was the same as the last, but this time as we looked in the cells, some of the beasts have already broke in into the walls of individual cells from the outside, moonlight filtered in as hands and talons grabbed at them, those inside the cells were screaming for dear mercy. They screamed with screeches of agony mixed in. The monsters tore them through the holes like a ravenous beast wanting its meal.

I looked behind me to check up on the child, he was no less for wear and the tears have dried. Good, at least I don't have to worry about him attracting the monsters to me. I finally let go and he kept a steady pace with me, I saw him huffing. This is probably the first time he had to run for his life I had some satisfaction at that, to see someone reach a new low. Sucks to be me though, that satisfaction died when we hit the first floor.

One...

The doors for the cells were all open and me and the boy were on the final stretch. No more fooling around, we were going to see the gates of Hell and we're going to go right through it. No holds barred.

I felt a gurgling, I couldn't be hungry! Except this felt different... I felt nervous, this was an old feeling. There's no damn way I could be feeling this! My body wanted to lock up and stop running, turn the other way, and find escape somewhere else.

I stopped and I pushed myself to the side and let the flow of the men brush past me. Looking to my left I saw the boy, poor kid is really pushing himself. I grabbed clenched my my burly fist on his hand and kept an iron tight grip on him. I wanted to keep him alive.

I gave a nod and a slight smile, some kind of encouragement so he doesn't chicken out, and we charged with the rest of the prisoners. The large wave of men had forced us to a near crawl, such a large amount of people trying to fit through—what looked large—wooden double doors had bottlenecked us. That's okay though; that just gave me more time to think.

I ran through as many scenarios as possible, and all of them seemed too... Too possible? I was doubting myself that we could get through this, but I know we can. Maybe it was the screams of those who were unlucky to be caught by the creatures that were throwing me off.

I felt my heart race as we made it closer, and closer. I caught glimpses of the shadowy figures snatching men and taking off. We were in a suicide march and survival was next to nil, but there's no way... I always have a way out. My hand clasped tighter his tighter, he whimpered.

I say without turning to him. "Don't worry, we'll get out of here" I attempt a reassuring voice, though I'm sure it was of no use as the screams began to grow louder...

/-/

We right at the doors... and I when someone said they saw pure terror, I finally felt it. Pure terror... I kept the boys arm as I saw the first monster to come for me: A Jinko.

Her claw shot towards me, a wild and wicked face was plastered on her. I dodge, her hand instead grazing past the scalp of the boy and latched onto the prisoner behind him. I yanked him with me and I darted right. I was expecting I was going to get away scott free until she bellowed. "Get those two!"

I yanked the kid to me and I hoisted him under my arm and I sprinted for dear life. I heard the stamping of feet behind me. A straight shot away was a pier, but no boat—we needed to swim.

I heard a new voice. Another monster, I couldn't tell what she was, but it leaked venomous intent as she hissed. "Ssss.... Where're are you going?"

I could feel her gaining on me, my footsteps were heavy as adrenline pumped through me, powering me like a machine as I pushed my body harder and harder. My shoes made a thick thunk sound as I ran across the wooden pier. Bullets of sweat ran profusely down my face as I could feel her snag the boy, only to lose grip of him again. As I came to the edge though, I knew we were on the last leg. I dived and the world went silent.

Rushing water filled my ears as the sounds of cannon fire, and blood-curdling screams were muddled and became only slight vibrations. Barely a second had passed before I was thrust back to the surface by my own Buoyancy. Gasping for air, I choked out. "Hang onto my back!"

I could feel his arms wrap around me as I began to paddle, water splashed and I saw the shoreline. I could only feel joy, we practically survived the impossible. After some careful—and throwing some bodies into the meat grinder—I was able to finally make the grandest escape that any escape artist has ever done...

I felt myself at ease, the drumming of cannons was no longer a roar, but a slight thump in the distance, and the screams were all drowned out by the splashes my hands made as I swam. We were close, we were going to survive. That's until I felt a hand grasp my ankle.

I was pulled under, my energy drained and my body weak, I could hear the boy's scream before we were pulled under. I looked down to see the culprit. Fluffy snake like body, dark skin. A Bunyip had me, and I was in her territory.

My entire body felt weak, using my free leg, I wildly stomped in her direction, she deftly dodged until I struck my foot on the side of her furry hand clasped around my ankle. Putting as much force into it as possible, I slide my foot down, the rubber sole caught much of her fur and gave a painful tug. The first sign of my retaliation she rubbed her hand, seemingly no damage done and swam away.

I floated back up the surface, coughing up water. I swiveled my head around. "You alright?" I asked the boy. No answer...

"H-hey! Don't screw around! Answer me!"

Again, no answer...

I heard a slight cough and his voice so tiny weak reply. "Y-yes..."

"Good." I continued to swim, and as we reached the shore I practically dragged myself onto it. Land! Finally! It was over, the terror and suffering was over. I turned to look at the tower, the giant Ushii-Onii was now breaking the tower apart, picking men out of the large stone fortress.

The Order prided themselves over how well defended that Tower was, and seeing it picked apart and dismantled was a terrifying sight. I looked to the youngen—his arms was wrapped around himself. Drenched, cold and shivering he was practically begging to some kind of warmth. I patted him on the shoulder. Out of it all, he was somehow able to get out of this mess too.

"You did good..." I didn't really know what to say.

"Congratulations, you were a little bitch this entire time but you survived!"

That didn't seem really—appropriate to say to a kid who just about became monster grub, or whatever the hell they do to you. "It takes a special someone to go through all that and not get caught. Let's go,"

He was small... Extremely small. He looked to be about nine, and as he trailed behind me, I caught momentary glimpses of the gloominess on his face. I tried to think of a way to make him better, but all the ideas that came to mind would just do absolutely nothing. Our clothes were still a prisoners jumpsuit. If we went to a town, they would recognize us instantly—especially me.

We skulked through the forest, I was tired, and I saw the kid practically dragging himself... Maybe—maybe I could carry him? "Hey hop on my back, I'll carry you again until we can find a spot to rest for tonight.

The look on his face said he was more than happy to oblige. His legs wrapped around my waist as I piggy back carried him. I only knew how tired he was when I felt his breathing become heavier though, he practically was knocked out, and seeing the moon high in the air, I knew I needed to get sleep too. Time to setup camp for tonight

/-/

I woke up in a bed, or something like it. It was soft, warm, and most importantly safe. I heard the pelting of rain and the drumming of thunder.

"Hey! Are they awake yet?" Someone called. It was a woman's voice, and her voice was... Gruff, somewhat scratchy—and it had a hint of bitchiness.

"Now, now, please don't rush them. He's extremely sore, and the boy is sick. If they need more rest then let them have it." Her voice on the other hand... It was more like a comforting nurse. Reassuring, soft and sweet. Something like a caramel candy.

Opening my eyes, I saw a blonde haired woman. Her hair was tied into a pony tail, and she dressed like an Elf, except, where's the elf ears? I tried to look closer, but in all honesty the bed was super soft. I could just relax there all day.

"Cyprus, if you're just going to stand there and gawk, at least help take care of them. Check, the child and see if he needs to have his cloth wet again."

"Fine..." She huffed. Wow! What an asshole. Hearing bare feet pad across the floor, I actually at least now know where the kiddo was but...

"Don't forget the man too..."

I could practically imagine the asshole's reaction—rolling her eyes, and scoffing mentally at her. I'm pretty sure. As she came over to me, all I saw was nothing more than a blob, she was tanned for sure, and her hair color was weird. Kinda like... White—almost? Her hair was tied up but she still had bangs... At least, I think those are bangs—it could be just her entire head or something. It was probably better to just close my eyes again.

"Hey, Lowry, the guy's awake." She spoke surprisingly deadpan.

"Really now? That's good to know. Please get that towel from the rack. It should be pretty hot, place it under his back. The heat should soothe his muscles." The girl—Lowry I think it was, added with a threatening tone. "And don't hurt him any more than he is now. When I picked him up he was writhing in pain."

I felt a callused, but obviously womanly hand "gingerly" lift me up and place the compress on my back. Gingerly was a strong word though, it was better to be described as lack-of-care. I reacted slightly to the heat, but my body grew accustomed to it quickly. It spread throughout my body and I felt the strain in my back have some relief. My legs still were stiff and sore, but this much is nice.

Minutes passed before I even decided to open my eyes again. I wanted to greet the woman—ahem—women who took care of me. If she was willing to pick up two random prisoners, even if I am a horrible person, I find it to be fitting for me to repay her. I scanned around and the first thing I saw made me go slack-jaw

A centaur.... An Amazoness....

My eyes narrowed at them, but Lowry was quick to react. "Now now. Calm down, I can see why you would be afraid. Your tower was attacked by the more... Hungry... Bunch of Mamano." Her hooves clopped as she made her way to me, her soft and slender fingers were a sharp contrast to Cyprus' as her hand cupped my chin. I could see it though, the soft sweet exterior was chipping away to show a sour center. Her smile showed a faint hint of a disgusting lust.

The Amazoness stepped up. "We saw the whole thing. Your escape and the fight with the Bunyip. She's a local here, and you're lucky that we decided to take you in instead of waking up to her. Even for a Mamano she's a bit crazy."

That's nice and all, but the boy... He's pale. I didn't like that, I felt a slight wrench in my stomach as he struggled to sit still, even while he rested. I turn back to the two monsters and ask " What do you want?"

Lowry tried to speak but Cyprus beat her to it. "Lowry wants you to breed her. I'll keep the boy." She was deadpan, as if somehow this was just normal to her. I even saw the faint smile on her lips.

Pure disgust emanated from my lips... I've killed, and I've done worse, but a child... Not even the most vilest of criminals would touch a child. "That child can't be any only than nine or ten! He's barely even old enough to be able to pop a boner, and you're thinking about just taking him away and raping him!?"

Cyprus spat back. "Any erection is enough to please me."

I felt it, anger, my body yearned for blood, as if instinct took over, I throated out a response. "I'll fucking destroy you."

She scoffed. "Your opinion doesn't matter human."

Pure and unbridled rage was seeping from my fingertips. I rose slowly. My hulking body rippled with strength as I towered over her. I was undressed down to complete nudity. The soft words in my mind whispered seductively for blood lust. The soft, ever floating words bounced off the thin glass walls of my psyche. A hairline crack grew as more words bounced, the crack grew larger and larger as the voices consumed any kind of thought I could posess.

The sounds of the world grew muffled as my mind was goading me to do it. I wanted to, I felt it, not out of selfish pleasure, but to do what was right. My deranged eyes looked towards the boy. I watched as he tossed and turned, he was suffering. I couldn't kill in front of him. I simply couldn't.

As the world was nothing more than muffled noise, I forced my instinct down, like battering a wild beast into submission I was going to leave and take the boy with me. Walking towards the fireplace where our jumpsuits were left to dry, I lifted mine up and saw how it was mottled with mud and dirt.

I dressed myself, feeling the anger simply pour. I could see them yelling, them shouting at me. Shaking the boy awake I tossed him his clothes. Even now their voices grew louder, maybe I was coming to my senses... I looked back at the two creatures. No. They're just screaming louder now.

I told the boy to get dressed, or at least I thought I did and I watched his lethargic form raise himself. I began to dress the boy, he was nervous for me to see him in the nude, but looking away and giving him at least an ounce of privacy, I could feel the trust and respect he emanated to me. Slipping on his shoes, I clasped his hand tightly into mine as we walked towards the door.

Before I turned the knob, I heard the monsters' voices yell at the top of their lungs, the glass walls of my psyche are within their breaking point, and that's when I saw it. The Amazoness pointed her blade at me, that's when I felt the glass begin to chip and fall. I turned away and as soon as I opened the door, a moment of clarity filled my mind.

The voices to kill were gone, all that was left was the morning light penetrating the clouds. The morning song birds began to sing as we left the house. The rain left a dew that glistened beautifully in the sunlight. I looked back again I saw them. Their threats were a bluff.

I clasped the child's hand tighter. He was sickly, pale and weak, and for the first time, I felt something that wasn't some required obligation, I felt a pit in my stomach every time I saw him. He was someone I cared for, this small child made me feel it for the first time. I would fight to the ends of the earth for him, I would do whatever it takes for him to live happily...

This child... He is my son.