User blog:Videogamehunter820/Wormhole Ch.8

This was meant to be a filler chapter to a next milestone, but it kinda got out of hand.

Still enjoy and comment.

—–

It had been almost a week since me and Veina's little "out-of-Order" day at the fair. Since that night when Veina opened up to me, I mean "opened" in a different way you pervs, she had gone back to her usual self; shamelessly flirting with me, fawning over every detail of my life, twisting anything I said into an enticing innuendo, giving me a striptease to go along with my dinner, you know, the proper order of the day. As devil-may-care as ever, how appropriate. Thank God. That other lovey-dovey stuff she laid on me that night was perplexing to the point of creeping me out.

Yeah, I've definitely been in this world too long.

Even so, I couldn't forget the emotional distress I'd seen in her. Nor could I forget her unrelenting love for me that she preached so passionately. This woman, who was the epitome of seduction, had explained that everything she had belonged to yours truly. Arousal and suspicion were battling for supremacy over my mind.

And of course there was the memory of... well, how thrilling it was to cuddle with her all night. The extraordinary vibes she flaunted were not lost upon me. The smoothness of her skin, her sleek hair, that sweet addicting scent, and the softness of her body's lush features all leaving quite an impact on me, more so than the already strong stimulation from other mamono who had put the moves on me. She's got that carnal charm in spades. But that's beside the point. I remembered the things she said, too!

The next time I was at the exchange in Dewcliff, I decided to probe Jacob for some insight. His eight-legged wife happened to be accompanying him up front at the time. Promotions: advertise with the biggest, breast-iest lady you can find, and they will come.

He told me how they both met. I had to navigate through a lot of cutesy filler between them but long story short, he was once a follower of the Order. His whole life, he took their word as gospel. One day, the pretty stranger he'd been eyeing during his days as a trader suddenly sprouted eight magically hidden legs and gushed all over him. Like any guy with a mamono, he was scared stiff... carry the 1. The whole "love business" from her thing took off and one faithful night later, also a painful night if what I'd heard about a Jurougumo's kinky side was true, he confessed his undying love for her as well. Next thing you know, 1 plus 0 equals baby.

Of course, it still smelled of brainwashing to me. Yeah, yeah my snarky side was still beating that dead horse, but the goddamn thing keeps twitching on the ground. These kinds of reservations are the only reason I held out this long against Veina's temptations. But again, Jacob acted like an everyday guy. No zombie eyes or voice, and no chains holding him in place. Even though he didn't have much to offer her in terms of power or wealth, that didn't stop her from saving his ass when he had been held up by some bandits. She had given them a taste of her "night face" during day-time. Ouch. From his descriptions of her ass kicking skills, I got a pretty good idea of what Jacob must be getting every night, though in a more affectionate, albeit BDSM, kind of way. Since then, she now stays with Jacob everywhere he goes. She even gave him an early curfew. Ha.

I had to be honest, all of this fell in line with what Veina had been telling me about mamono right from the beginning. They're all just so overzealously affectionate; in extremely conventional and unconventional ways. Devoted love bordering on the fucking sociopathic obsession. Like a porno of the film "Misery"

Snarkiness be damned, maybe I had to bury that slanderous dead horse I'd been kicking for so long. Even though I still didn't completely accept everything I was fed, Jacob and Veina both had swayed my outlook on mamono a bit. I used to just think of them as scheming, slut-bags who only thought of men superficially as playthings to satisfy the desires imposed on them by the Demon Lord. And to a degree, I still believed that. They definitely adored their gift-wrapped hypersexuality. Relished it, thrived in it. And more power to them because honestly, I couldn't blame them for showing it off. They do that really well. The whole "that's what she said" thing was not a joke in this world. But despite my misgivings, I just had to accept the fact that, for them, love and lust were one and the same. Some mamono have to experiment with different guys in hopes of falling for them while others just fall in love with the first person that they seduced, trapped, attacked, raped, or just railroaded into being their own personal sausage grinder. The latter scenario was much more common. But when they did fall for someone, there was nothing that could possibly make them happier. All they ever thought about was their beloved human and what naturally followed was all the emotions that come with those kind of thoughts. And with that bad pun staining your mind, let me tell you, I still don't know if that's incredibly generous or incredibly selfish on their part. Think about it. Before all the mamono became supermodel-sex hounds, all their bestial instincts made them hunger for human flesh. Today, they still hunger for human flesh... just in a much more interesting way. And boy did their natures as monsters amplify this fact. Their lust was great enough to eclipse all of my horniest friends back on Earth combined. The only difference was that these girls actually stayed loyal to that one special person... unlike all of my horniest friends back on Earth.

That's the scenario I guess I'll go with. That hook has been dangling in front of me for so annoyingly long, so I suppose I'll bite.

Now, when it comes down to this spirit energy stuff that they get from men's... well you know, I was still hesitant. The life energy in a guy's man juice was filled with the essence mamono thrived on. So lust came to them like hunger does to humans; that laid some shade onto how much love was actually involved here. According to stories back on Earth, fictional as they may have been, a Succubus didn't go for happy endings. They lure a guy in, literally, and then suck out his life force which leaves him a dried, empty husk. The night of his life, funny. So why would things be any different here? Hey, I didn't get my charming apathy by being careless.

In their defense, I figured that with the amount of whoopee that these porn stars wanted, there would be far less guys around than I was seeing. Hell they even turned guys into Incubi instead of out-right killing them. Either that, or they sucked the life out of these dudes slower than a Rally's menu sucks the life out of a fat-ass homebody. That would make them the most ineffective killers I'd ever seen. So I say fuck it. Damn, bad joke again. Maybe Veina wasn't pulling my leg. This spirit energy could be how they keep up their vitality and keep their boobs big and all that other stuff she said. I suppose I'll take her word for it and just call it intuition. That is until the day that a guy's dried up skin blows past me like a tumbleweed. Then there's going to be another furious hurricane blowing in her direction.

Fine. So these mamono weren't all like the Natasha Henstridge alien from the film "Species". I'll treat them like everyone else. But that's no big accomplishment. I can barely stand my own race, so I'm not doing mamono any favors with my manners, or lack there of. They might have been sexier than a human could ever be with an equally overwhelming lust, but they could be just as shitty as humans can.

That note brings me to the Demon Lord, the one who created all these girls. She and her motives are a big piece of this whole puzzle. Well, the jury was still out on her. Sure, I could tolerate mamono better, but I wasn't going to put any faith in her as a ruler. I didn't agree with her values and that wasn't changing anytime soon. Trepidation can be a hard thing to kill so the jury better hold on to that noose.

True to my word, I showed Veina around my lab. She was quite enthusiastic despite not knowing what any of my shit was. I bet she would have cleaned out my gift shop if I had one. Shit, she was downright lusty in her excitement. My workshop and my tools only served to fuel her filthy imagination. I've never heard someone make up a sexual fantasy about a JT-1416 circuit switcher before, but hey, color me impressed. She deserves a medal for that one. But I think she was mostly turned on by the fact that her "lover" was divulging in her more than ever before. Wasn't that sweet of that poor sap?

Despite her depravity, I gave her the basics as to what technology was all about. Since my gadgets were so unusual to her, she found it difficult to believe that it had nothing to do with magic. Regardless of my immunity to magic, she believed me a regular Gandalf. But I assured her that the only magical thing about me was the elixirs I'd won through gambling. Though I conveniently left out the part where I tangled with various rapists in the ghetto towns to acquire them. Wouldn't want her blood-red eyes to turn green with jealousy and send her into Maximum Carnage mode, would we? Conveniently, she didn't question where I got them from. Saves me from having to pull a quick lie out of my ass. As for my weaponry, I gave her a simple demonstration as to what each of my weapons did as well as a sneak peak of some new, wonderful toys that I'd been cooking up. Though some projects, I kept secret. Gotta maintain some of my mystique.

Trying to work with her in the lab proved to be way too distracting. Sure, every mechanic has a dirty calendar in his shop but when the actual girl from the calendar is sprawled out over a table while undressing you with her imagination, it's impossible to focus on your work like a professional. So I informed her that I needed to be alone and away from distractions; in my usual, subtle, and respectful way, of course.

But enough of my... not-romance and back to business. I decided to cash in my favor with that Hornet Queen. I didn't have any one particular item in mind, but that was even better as it allowed me to window-shop with an infinite credit card, if you know what I mean. But even with that kind of free rein, there were only two shops that I was going to find anything useful. One being the armory, headed by an Automaton and a Cyclops as the lovely blacksmiths. The second place being a magic brewery right next store to the armory, run by a busty Dark Mage. No, not the same Dark Mage that I had run into months ago. She may have still been in rehab from our last encounter for all I knew. Thank God, because I didn't even want to chance the possibility that she may recognize me.

Most of the potions the Dark Mage had were pleasure potions. And what a variety she had available. I could have picked out fetish potions like beverages from a restaurant menu. They sure wouldn't check a customer's age in this place. On top that, there were a bunch of seduction and romance potions. It's easy to see where the Mage's priorities lie. But I was planning on raiding an enemy, not raiding the 'dark forests' of mamono.

If my hunch was right, then magic wouldn't work on Skarliks either. Wish I could've turned them into little kids with a bunch of loli potions and give them all wedgies. Damn.

The good news was that the Dark Mage did have some more, combat-focused potions. The bad news was that she didn't have that many. In addition to bruisers, the city's defenses consisted of mamono who wielded their own magic or simply bought the ingredients to make their own potions. No much demand for anything other than stimulants for nighttime activity. Sure these combat potions could hold me over for a few battles but I wasn't exactly walking away with a surplus of goodies. That sucked but beggars can't be choosers. So I walked out with a small collection of tricks in a bottle. Fire, ice, dark essence, illusion, and several other consumables to add to my arsenal.

I also claimed a good amount of ingredients from various mamono. A scale or bit of fur or anything that basically represented the girl's gimmick, so to speak. Even though I didn't know the first thing about the physiology of these girls, that wasn't going to stop me from trying to harness the powers of some of the more ferocious types. The spicier the better. I might even blow up my lab in the process. Fingers crossed.

In the armory, the Automaton and Cyclops blacksmiths had stuff more along my lines. Whether it was a bit of metal scrap or a stolen Order weapon, I had free reign of their shop. Cue my best cartoonishly evil laugh.

I naturally wanted to claim every weapon they had and could have, but I was dissuaded from the notion of leaving the city without armaments. Bleeding hearts, but fair enough. I could at least take all of the lesser weapons. They may have not been combat savvy, they could be stripped down for parts. Lots of others looked to be in great shape, so I took only a handful of them so as not to be greedy. I believe in being ready in case I run out of ammo. I also claimed a fairly well-preserved set of armor. It wasn't as workable or tactical as my armor but you never know when a creative idea will hit you. The smaller weapons ranged from a dagger to a mini catapult of sorts. I could probably find some kind of use for this stuff in my experiments. Like maybe giving them a few upgrades. Hmmm...

What was really interesting to me were some spare parts the girls claimed were taken from the Order. They weren't particularly interesting, but they seemed like they belonged to some kind of device. In this medieval-like period, these felt out of place because they almost seemed like something from my world; not just some bits of stone or wood slapped together with mud and left to dry. Maybe the Order wasn't as dumb as I thought. If they had more of this kind of stuff in their possession, then perhaps I might raid more than just some Skarliks. Maybe Santa Claus does visit this dimension after all. Spreading joy and happiness to all the ho, ho, ho's.

In that regard, I might actually be looking forward to meeting up with the Order again. I haven't interrogated anyone since my last squad captain ordered me to help him find out who wrote "PUSS IN BOOTS" on his tent while he was sleeping. Yeah, I was his right hand man through the investigation. I was also the culprit. Ha!

Thanks to my new perspective on these monster chicks, I figured that the Hornet Queen actually was eternally grateful like she said. So being the opportunistic schmuck that I was, I convinced her to give me a permanent tab in the blacksmith's shop as well as the brewery. A tab that only she would have the privilege of paying. Awesome. Now if I needed a little extra hands for some skilled craftsmanship or a chemist for some hocus pocus, Electric Boogaloo crap, I knew where to go. I may just assemble my own personal Manhattan Project.

Oh and I also made a little agreement with the Queen in which these gals helped me with no questions asked about my business.

I'll definitely treasure that little perk from her.

—–

I'd spent the last couple of days repairing my armor and experimenting with some new gadgets thanks to the toys I got from the ever-grateful Hornet queen. Tedious work but also necessary for my survival. And kind of fun, to be honest.

I walked through the door to my apartment like a bread-earner after a long day at work, Inside I felt the urge to shout out "Honey, I'm home" as I entered. Despite me not viewing Veina as an intruder like I had previously, I shuttered at the thought of having one of the Demon Lord's subordinates as a wife. Or even worse, children.

"You here, Veina?" I called out.

I could hear a commotion coming from the bathroom.

"Just a second, my love" she called back with the unease clear in her voice.

What the hell was that all about? This calls for a little snooping.

I peeked around the corner of the bathroom door, just enough so Veina couldn't see me. The Demoness was fixed on the mirror. From what I could tell, she appeared provocative in the most maddening of ways, like she always did. Aside from her disguised form, I couldn't remember a time that Veina wasn't the postergirl for the most carnal of sins. Ready to hand a guy a jackhammer to shatter God's sixth commandment, then use said jackhammer on her. It was always enough to get me lingering on her too long.

Unless that bump to the head had come back for an encore, or she appeared to be... looking herself over in a frantic effort to try, try and make herself more presentable. Her clawed fingers ran through her shining hair to straighten it, as if it was ever capable of being knotted. She inspected herself as she stuck her smoldering round ass out, giving her a sleek, playboy-like demeanor from her dipping back down to her bodacious rump. She gave a quick rub down to her large breasts which bounced pleasingly at her ministrations. Her red claws caressed up and down the contours of her glorious waist. The last bit of prepping involved her brushing the non-existent dust off various parts of her body as well as shaking off her wings. Her tail assisted in the dusting.

Are you fucking kidding me? She thinks she needs improvement? My mind was boggled to no end at how someone could always be so unstoppably arousing no matter the circumstances. But this turn of events takes the title. I took Veina for a lot of things, but being vain enough to think that her sensual body needed to be tampered with? That wasn't one of them. Is she loony? Every single inch of this demoness was perfectly honed to please a male in one form or another. In that sense, Veina had no best feature. They all were her best features. But regardless of what I thought, the focused look in her eyes told me that she was hell-bent on finding something to improve. I could have lobotomized myself with a buzzsaw and realized that Veina's figure was the living embodiment of sexual perfection. It was like trying to polish a diamond into something even more extravagant, it couldn't fucking be done. All she had to do was stroll into a monk temple, armed with some yoga exercises, and the joint would have been converted into a triple-X stripclub overnight. Hell, she may have already done something like that, and even got Stan Lee as the DJ. But was she really that vain or just overly generous with how I saw her? Probably both. Granted, I was a guy, so what did I know about grace and glamour? Even so, I just couldn't wrap my head around the notion of her being even the slightest bit self-conscious about... that!

Though I remembered when she said that nothing she offered was too good for me. Obviously my snide remarks hadn't changed her mind. Did she really love me so much that she wanted to ensure that I received two-hundred percent from her every time I saw her? And to give any less than everything she had to offer would be a sin in her eyes? So much that she had to fix what wasn't broken? I'd never seen anyone that dedicated before, especially over someone like me. It was really quite flattering. The notion filled me with a feeling of importance, like my well-being suddenly had a much heavier price on it. I was compelled to tell her that she didn't need to hassle so much.

But on the other hand, the whole thing was actually pretty hilarious the more I thought about it. To be in this kind of position of power was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I chuckled quietly as I made my way back to the couch.

Maybe it wasn't insecurities on her part. I'd seen that look on her face whenever I confirmed her lure as a female. Shit, she needed reassurance as much as Superman needs a gym membership. But that gleam in her eye exposed how much she loved toying with my lust. Well two could play at that game.

Call me an opportunist.

After Veina left her vanity mirror, she went to the kitchen and returned with dinner. As she approached, her sultry, seductive expression had returned to her face with a vengeance, accompanied by that captivating strut of hers.

How about some live entertainment with my dinner?

"So Veina... you have a hard day?" I asked, letting my brevity be known.

"My day was lovely. Even more so now that you're back home, my love" she complemented as she bent over to set my plate down. Her boobs practically crashing me in the face. There was no sign of faltering in her lusty mood.

"Oh, okay. I was just wondering since you looked a little run down"

That got her. Her beautiful blue face nearly paled into a dull grey. I could see her fighting so hard to keep her lusty expression from melting into perplexity. She almost dropped her plate of food. Notice how I held my tongue until she put my food down?

"Really?" said Veina, her voice cracking slightly.

Hehehe. Being an asshole can be fun. Let her worry about something for a change. I know, how could I be so cruel? Well she wanted me to dick around with her.

—–

During dinner, she had put her insecurities to rest. That was abundantly clear by the fucking Broadway musical she put on as we ate. Granted, it was normal for Veina to imagine me in her mouth rather than the food but tonight she was exceptionally spirited. Blissfully moaning and groaning non-stop at each bite with her body alluringly stretching in ways that I don't think a regular body could or should do. Naturally, she wanted to flaunt how she "improved" herself. And we haven't even got to dessert yet.

I paid no attention to her as I ate. At least I tried not to. Delicious as always; she definitely knew her way around the kitchen. The food was great but I'd much rather be feasting on- Stop right there! What are you doing you fuck-brained voyeur? Think with your other head.

In an effort to flush out her mind games, I played some music on my I-PRO. Now you think a collection of music from movies, video games, classical, pop culture, and every kind of band under the sun would be jarring to someone who has only heard old school type of music. You know, actual instruments. Not the more artificial and electrical style of my world. Oddly enough, the major shift in musical style didn't bother her one bit; in fact, she liked it. Silently bobbing her head, and tapping her claws to the rhythm. Her shimmering eyes and smile spoke louder than words. I wouldn't have believed it but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. With Veina's life of thrill-seeking debauchery, my energetic music was probably spurring on her romantically dick-crazy mind into even more wild thoughts.

Unless it was all a fraud and she was just trying to impress the 'cool' kid. Either way, I'll just drown her out with some Metallica.

After dinner was finished, I silently relaxed into the couch and propped my feet up on the table. This would be just another evening of Veina showing off the landing lights directed to the bundle of joy between her legs. More witty banter between me and a vagina with a Hellspawn attached to it.

She placed her plate down and turned her amorous attention to me. "How shall we amuse ourselves, my love? I can be very entertaining..." Her tail rose in my general direction, probably enticing me to rub a few of them out like her first night in my apartment. Her legs opened, Sharon Stone style. "...if you so desire"

Clear for landing.

Amusing myself in another way wasn't such a bad idea. After tirelessly working on anti-Skarlik plans for so long, I felt like I was nearing a burnout. Evenings were spend worrying myself to sleep while avoiding Veina's advances. But now, I felt like opening up. Just not as much as she wanted. I needed one of those evenings where nothing happens and you amuse yourself with the little things. Not a vacation, just a 'no fucks to give' kind of hangout, and I truly meant that in every sense. I could just chill for the evening with Veina, right? I'd have to dodge a barrage of aphrodisiac-laced bullets but if I keep my cool, everything would stay cool.

"You don't happen to know where to get fifty-two Trumparts and a pair of Mimics, do you?" I asked. It was my best chance to play some solitaire, since I figured Veina wouldn't be satisfied coughing up something as boring as a normal deck of cards.

"Oh my. You have something fancy in mind, my love?" she retorted with a lewd lick of her lips and a bawdy grin.

"Forget it" I said after realizing how stupid it would be to gamble with the Devil. Or at least one of his PR agents.

Veina giggled and said "So that just leaves you and me. How can a man and a woman amuse each other for hours and hours?" If her ruby eyes had laser capabilities, they would have gone full Predator and painted me as their target. A sexual Predator in this case.

With my biggest sigh to date I replied "Veina, how many times do I have to tell you? Just because we slept one night in each other's arms, that doesn't make us a lovers"

The more that sentence came out of my mouth, the less sense it made.

"As many times that I have to remind you that we belong to one another, my love. I haven't forgotten that night when I slept soundly in the arms of a courageously sexy man like you. It was an exhilarating experience"

"You're forgetting that we didn't do it. Nothing has been sealed as far as I'm concerned"

"All in good time. The raw masculinity in you that night has only made me hunger for more. Why, just thinking of that faithful moment when we do consummate our love is already making me feel... wet" she purred lustfully. A blissful gasp escaped her lips as she touched her cunt.

Isn't it great that I don't get a say in any of this?

"That was a one night deal. Just to calm you down so I could get some sleep"

"That doesn't make my words to you any less sincere. Your words and feelings that night were also true. I could feel it. Or do you doubt my sense for those kinds of emotions?"

Shit-balls. She remembered that night very vividly. I did say some silly things, didn't I? Seeing Veina's eyes filled with that burning allure and desperation had brought it out of me. Focused on me and me alone. And I was actually touched by her protectiveness. Only a little touched mind you but it was a new experience for me. One that I have to say it was fairly enjoyable. At least I thought it at the time. I knew it, but I wish Veina didn't know it.

"Listen, hot pocket. Let's just do something traditional tonight, huh? Like normal people"

"But to all mamono, the best and most natural kind of amusement is the intimate time spent with their husband" she said matter-of-factly. "What could possibly be better than that? The most forbidden of pleasures"

"I know, I know. All the kissing and mushy stuff. Well let's take a stab at something else! Like taking turns simply asking each other questions" I insisted in a testy voice. Though I wasn't as angry as one would have thought, it just came out of habit. Honestly, I had been nicer to her since that night. It took away a couple of dick levels in my XP bar. Damn, it took me years to build those up.

"Anything for you, my love" she snickered. "So, how did you amuse yourself whenever you were bored back on your world?"

Okay, off to a decent start. Just gotta lay off the Rule 34 stuff.

"Depended on my mood. Generally, I played video games when I was bored"

"Video? What is that?"

"Okay, here's the vanilla version of it: it's a little screen that we watch things on. Think of it like a magic box. And in that box, you can show little theater productions right there in your own home. And sometimes, we can control these productions with a little tool in our hands. Sometimes we even interact with this theater production around us, even though it's not real. We call it, virtual reality"

Veina pondered for a moment. "Hmmm, sounds like an illusion spell. But you've informed me that there is no magic on your world"

"It's not magic. It's made from technology which is real"

"You just said that this 'video' is not real"

"It's not really real"

"Then how can you interact with it if it's not real and there are no such things as illusion spells?"

"No it's really there. It's just, uhh, it, uhm..." Aw shit. I can tell where this is going; down to the town of one thousand questions and no roads out. I shouldn't have picked a topic that was so technical. Nice choice, you nimrod.

"Perhaps I should ask another question, my love?" Veina interjected, probably sensing the conflict in my fumbling words. Good save, girl.

"Go for it, she-devil"

"Okay (ahem). What kind of clothes do women wear in your world?"

"Mmmm, depends on the girl. Most girls I knew just wore jeans and blouse or T-shirt. Nothing special. I didn't make too many classy friends"

"What kinds of extravagant clothing do women wear?"

Oh, so that's the direction she wants to take our conversation.

"Women sometimes wear these shorts that don't even go past their ass-crack. Their top is only a strip of cloth that barely covers the bottom of the chest; let's them show off the goods. Their boots are a sleek black leather that takes a good hour to slip into and another hour to take off". Sure it was cliched, but I just said the first sleazy thing I could think of.

"What about more... alluring wardrobes? The kind that can heat man's blood to the point of madness" she asked with a child-like innocence in her voice. Ironic, since her smirk was as immoral as ever.

Yep, she want's to play.

"Curious, huh? Well they wear a variety of kinky shit. Leather, rubber, spandex, yoga pants, and other 'casual' attire. But when they're looking for some more eye-popping advertisements, they wear soft, lacy bikini-like variations made from some barely stitched together fabric. Look kind of like frosting on a cake or something. The sweetest frosting of all"

"Really?" she cooed. I could see the grinding going on in her head, and I do mean grinding.

In all honesty, what I told her must have been tame by her standards. But it nevertheless had her hooked. So why don't I reel her in...?

"That's not even the best part. Their full get-up is a thick-plated armor with a heavy winter coat knitted onto it. The sleeves on this armor reach well past their hands and drag along the ground. They wear half of a barrel as a skirt, covering up their ass and thighs. Boy, that barrel makes it awkward to walk around, especially with the burlap sacks that are tied together on their feet. But that's part of the fun them for them. They also sport a large, shoulder-wide brimmed hat on their head with their faces painted white and red. Oh and they wear these goggles made out of cheese. It's also tradition to carry a big bag of sour cream" I said with my bawdiness in full swing. "We call it a 'Meme Dream'"

There was so much tongue in my cheek, you could stick ice cubes onto my face and call me Jackass Frost.

"My, my, my. Is it getting hot in here or is it just you, my love?" she lulled while fanning herself with her tail.

"Neither. It's just you and your teen fantasies" I sassed her. Figures she was turned on by that ridiculous bullshit I just shat out. I couldn't repeat it back to her even if I tried so even I was left confused.

"I have to say, your world sounds intriguing. I'd love to visit there"

"Cool your jets, girl. Don't go chartering a flight to my world. It's not as great as you think"

"Any place with that kind of sensual imagination will undoubtedly be a most satisfying land to explore. It sounds like sex is revered in your world"

"That's not true. Well okay it kind of is, but it's not revered like you lube-ready gals". After all, sex sells.

Veina laughed pompously. "Certainly not. No human could ever hope to match the passion of a mamono. No matter how adorably they may try"

Now that's what I call sexual competition.

"Yeah, yeah I know. You see sex as the holy grail, but in my world, it's treated more like a day-old can of beer. Cheap to get, and quick to forget"

"So it's traded between male and female so easily? With no Order to obstruct it?"

"Yes and no. We still have marriages and all but most people just do it for fun. Get some kicks for a night or two and move on before things escalate to a ring or a balled-up fist. We're really loyal that way. But you're treated as a piece of shit person for it, at least by decent folks. Other shitheads will look at you like a celebrity; take that for what it's worth. I'm guilty of it but, personally, I kind of agree with those decent folks out there. I mean, it's pretty fucking animalistic to do something like that"

And when I thought about it, lots of these girls were part animal, so go figure. Eat, sleep, fuck, remember?

"Well, sex without love can be enjoyable, but maybe we could change everyone's outlook on it, hmm? Maybe we could make them treat sex differently. More deeply. Show them all the joys that true devoted love can provide" she said deviously. Corrupt people with perverted manipulation? And she wonders why I can't stand the Demon Lord.

"How old did you say you were?"

"One-hundred and twenty seven years old"

"Gee, you don't look a day over one hundred and sixteen" I joked.

"Oh you flatter me so"

Man, if STDs were a thing in this world, she would probably flaunt them like a valedictorian flaunts their overcompensating list of accomplishments. Fucking glory-hounds.

"Yeah? Well it's my turn to ask a question". I know that I technically just asked her a question about her age but fuck it, I want another one. "Tell me, when you went off to fight the Order and left me with all the children in Gamberton, how did you fight? What kind of weapons or martial arts skills do you Demons have?"

I mean, I know they probably flashed their tits at the opposition during the initial charge but I wanted to know the next attack phase. If there was a next attack phase.

"Interesting question. We Demons have an abundance of magic at our disposal. However most of our magic is used for seduction and pleasure rather than combat. Some Demons don't even engage in direct combat. But for those of us who do, we have sufficient spells and tricks to battle against our foes. We also possess more devastating powers passed on to us by the Lilim we trained under. However, that is for emergencies. We prefer to use our defeated foes as suitor husbands for our 'unattached' forces rather than kill them. Lethal force is not our first choice"

So, more or less, they leave the choice up to them: a forced and possibly vicious matrimony or death. How merciful of them.

"And what cute, little, saintly Lilim did you happen to train under?" I said with a smile snooty enough for a fashion designer.

I guess we've abandoned taking turns asking questions. It was Veina's AMA now.

She beamed a shrewd smile back at me. Her eyebrows playfully bounced a few times.

"Mmmhmm, I thought so" I sneered. I could see Druella's handiwork all over her. "Besides the fireworks, what else can you do?"

"Well, in addition to magic, we are trained in hand-to-hand combat as well. Generally, we conjure our own specialized sword for such cases"

"Ah-ha. You're a 'hands on' kind of fighter, aren't you?"

"Yes. I can do wondrous things with my hands" she flirted with me while seductively admiring her red-claws. "In fact, you'll find that every part of my body is... serviceable"

'Oh the possibilities', I thought to myself.

"Very funny. You don't happen to have your little pig-sticker in your cloud storage, do you?" I was curious as to how phallic it would look.

"Very well" she said as she held out her hand. In a quick flash of purple light, a long elaborately decorated rapier appeared in her hands; phallically named so score one for me. It was abundantly clear who forged it. The detailed patterns and crests on the handle and blade matched Veina's wardrobe and tattoos quite accurately, both in design and color. Personalized to say the least. And here I just wrote my name on a gun and told everyone "Hands off"

"Not bad. Not bad at all" I commented.

"It's demon realm steel" she boasted with a quick, prideful swing of her blade.

"So? Does that mean it was discounted or something?"

"Demon steel works differently than regular steel, my love. It still acts as a conventional sword, but in a far less violent way than dealing conventional damage. Its magical properties allow us to drain an opponent's strength from their bodies without inflicting any physical damage; not even a drop of blood. We can also power our weapon with our own magic, giving it the ability to inject an enemy with instant pleasure upon contact. It allows us to drown the opponent's will to fight with sexual satisfaction. It's really quite effective"

"So basically, it's one big-ass sedative and stimulant all in one. Stick them and wait until they decide to give in to you"

"Correct"

"Then strip them of their armor, then their clothes, then their bachelorhood"

"Correct, again" she chuckled insidiously.

Damn right I'm correct. But wait. If they use their blades to "heat things up", does that mean that they... use it on themselves? Aw, nasty. Here's some advice: clean you damn gear.

"However, this is my business rapier. I have a different sword for more... personal matters"

"'Personal matters'? When is driving a sword into someone not personal?"

"When, say, an enemy threatens someone very important to me. That is not a time when I feel very merciful" she cautioned with a foreboding dip in her voice. Her grin slightly intensified. Unlike her lips, her eyes narrowed to slits yet somehow seemed to glow an even sharper red than before. She emphasized her feelings by slowly tightening her grip on her weapon.

Ah-heh. Makes me sort of glad that I've been nicer to her lately.

"Big deal. Anyone can swing around a blade and call themselves Zorro. But how good are you with it?" I said, hinting that her arrogance was just for show.

"Is a demonstration in order?"

"As a matter of fact, it is. Don't go away" I said. My excitement for entertainment got the better of me as I hopped over the couch and raced for the kitchen. Moments later, I returned with five links of bologna. "I'd say you're the one who's full of bologna, so how about you prove me wrong by turning it into some cold-cuts, huh?" I challenged her with a smug tone.

"Very well, my love" she complied while calmly getting to her feet. "Give it to me... hehe"

Challenge accepted.

We stood across the room from each other; her in an elegant fencing stance and me standing there like a cocky, wise-ass at a cornhole competition. But these weenies weren't going into holes, nor my wiener if I could help it.

I broke up the five bologna links and tossed one at her. In a flash, almost quicker than the eye could see, her blade swished through the air. I barely could tell what had happened but I knew it must have. Veina's smug smile stood triumphant over three individual slices of meat plopped lying on the floor at her feet. Bruce Lee level speed.

Well alright. I guess this little devil has done some practicing with her pitchfork.

"Mediocre. How about adding some flair into these next ones?" I said, secretly impressed by her first act.

"Of course" she said while ogling me. It was clear she was focused on the sixth wiener. Arousing? No, I was more scared. When someone as not-so-innocent looking as Veina is slicing up suggestively shaped meat with a sword while sizing you up like a piece of beef, you kind of want to invest in a restraining order.

Maybe this game wasn't such a good idea after all.

The next three links of bologna weren't subject to any more luck than the first link. One she sliced crisscross, the second she sliced in half long-ways, and the third she cored like an apple.

Down to the last phallic stunt-double. How will she circumcise it? Will she end this with a bang?

I tossed it with plenty of spin on it, just to try and screw her up. Fat chance of that. With her grace and precision, Veina simply impaled the chunk on the tip of her sword and then brought it up to her face. After giving it some suggestive sniffs, she began to sensually entertain the long meat with oral zest. Slowly her tongue dragged along it's base down to its tip before latching her lips onto it with a loud moan. While erotically sucking and torturing the poor thing, she played to the crowd, which in this case was me. God, that lusty twinkle in her eyes. Her coy smile grew bigger as she noticed how mesmerized I was by her little loving tribute to Oscar Mayer.

End with a bang? Fuck that. She blew it out of the water. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little turned on by that.

Finally her performance came to an end as sucked in a breath and held her lips tight to the bologna. Several seconds later, she released her liplock and lifted her head back. With her eyes closed, gulped hard. Afterwards, a heavy moan escaped her grinning face as her satisfaction was pronounced loud and clear. I knew that she hadn't actually swallowed any bologna, but the most minimum imagination could pick up on her message.

I slit my eyes at her display. I knew damn well what she was trying to do but it affected me regardless of the fact. Veina said nothing but arrogantly turned her back to me and sat back down on the couch. Without me even noticing, she had replaced the bologna in her hand with a cloth which she proceeded to wipe her blade with. My God, she was stunning and as sure as diarrhea comes after Taco Bell, she knew it.

My thoughts were interrupted by my tracking device going off in my belt holster. I retrieved it to see what was up. A signal just went off about thirty miles in an area South of Vallick which I was not familiar with. Goddammit. Another portal opened up, sooner than I expected. Which meant that yours truly had another mess that needed to be cleaned up. I felt like I just got my body pieced back together, now I had to go bust it up again.

"Is something wrong, my love" said Veina. I wasn't exactly doing a great job hiding my agitation.

"Uhh... no. Just a reminder of a prior engagement tomorrow" I answered her, partially lying through my teeth.

Veina finished with her sword and poofed it away. She then relaxed while knowingly presenting herself at the same time.

"Come sit here, my love" she said as she patted the spot next to her with an inviting grin.

My brain was busy going over the tools that I should pack for my upcoming trip. Like a good supply of body bags and my last will and testament. Nevertheless, I acquiesced the request as I wandered over and sat next to her, completely ignoring the fact that there was still chunks of bologna lying on the floor which began to stink up my apartment. One might know that we were playing with wieners. But maybe that's what Veina was hoping for.

"During my duties today, I managed to acquire something special for you, my love" she purred with anticipation. In her hand appeared a group of grapes. "They're not too easy to come by"

Grapes? Sure, I could go for some grapes.

"Thanks" I absent-mindedly said as I reached out for the grapes, my mind in too much of a haze to give a more creative show of gratitude.

But instead of handing them over, Veina pulled them back saying, "If you would allow me, I'd like to treat them to you myself. One... by... one"

Uh-oh, better get back into the moment.

"You mean you want to toss them into my mouth?"

I tossed wieners at a nymphomaniac so doesn't it make sense that she tosses grapes at a sour-puss?

"Quite amusing but we've been apart for too long. If you'd lay your head down on my lap, I'll do the rest" she beckoned as she anxiously held her knees together.

Lap?

"What do you have in mind?" I said, suspicious as to what flavor of "pie" she was serving for dessert. Pussy jokes; fun for the whole family.

"Shhh. Just relax yourself, my love. Ease the burden on your mind" she assured with a loving smile. "Just... release"

Okay that last word was said with a little too much emphasis to not be dirty.

Well, I could use a minute to collect my thoughts. And I did really like grapes. So, why not?

Spreading out onto the couch, my head came to rest on the top of her blue thighs like a pillow. Fitting, since they were definitely soft enough for it. I looked up at her radiant joy beaming down at me as she plucked a grape and tenderly placed it into my mouth, caressing my lower lip like the little tease she was.

During my dessert, I felt like Julius Caesar with that hooker, Cleopatra; being fed one grape at a time like the royal pain in the ass he was. Just get a Hakutaku to paint a portrait of us. Call it "A Fool and His Demon: Grape Escape"

It was sometimes hard to see Veina's face when I looked up. Her generous breasts were like two mountains with her cleavage being a valley for us to peek at each other through. Who doesn't love a little game of peek-a-boob, right fellas? Monster rack for a monstergirl. Her mammaries would also occasionally rub against my face. Bullshit on the thought of that being accidental. In addition to being so close to Veina's ol' love nest, there was no way to stop myself from hardening up. Et tu, little Johnny?

Even though Veina's continuous spoiling had made me feeling like shiftless, freeloading loser, I will say that I was thoroughly enjoying the chance to relax like a pompous ruler. Naturally, her thighs were comfortable as fuck and her sweet fragrance mixed well with the fruity atmosphere. Deep down, and despite my stickler attitude, I enjoyed seeing Veina's warmer side again. She seemed to only be willing to show that side of her to me.

Hold the phone! Did I just say that I enjoyed being with Veina? Uhh, yeah... I guess I do. I mean, besides the obvious thing to like about her, I enjoyed her company. Needless to say, this wasn't bad at all. There, I admit it. Now all I had to do was not choke on the damn grapes and ruin the mood.

"Tell me what's on your mind, my love" she said after she dropped another grape into my mouth. I found that even when she felt compassionate or even troubled, Veina's voice was always luscious and captivating. Sultry by default, for my listening pleasure.

After chewing and swallowing the grape, I responded.

"You know, I'm fine sitting in silence"

"I want you to relax. Not just physically, but mentally. You should blow off some steam and get anything off your chest that's vexing you. It's good to free yourself from those kinds of frustrations and inner tensions. Let them... come out"

Anything that was vexing me? Well there was one big thing that was vexing me on a regular basis, but I'll leave that one out. And don't think I didn't notice her particular choice of words again.

Usually when one person says to another to blow off some steam, they're usually insinuating that they should get laid. Veina was more than willing to oblige me on that suggestion. She was just dying to blow off my steam.

I found it alarming how easily Veina could turn me on. Even more so since my outlook on mamono had become a little less distrustful. She obviously could tell whenever I was aroused by her supernatural femininity, so there was no point in denying it to her. I wondered to myself why I didn't just enjoy the ride that Veina wanted to take me on. It would be the most amazing fucking thing I've ever experienced between the sheets, wouldn't it? And probably outside the sheets as well. I mean, her carnal heat alone was disturbingly arousing. My rocket was ready to fire, so why don't I just do her once... or twice... or ten times and be done with it?

Then I remembered why. Because it wouldn't just be done. It's what comes after the deed that worries me. Too many scenarios from which there was no turning back. I didn't want to connect, in more ways than one, if you get my drift. I didn't belong in this world and I wouldn't trick myself into thinking that I do. As far as I knew, I was wrong; there were deeper things than simply one night stands with mamono. Sex was the ultimate commitment to them. If I did give in, Veina would never leave me. That would mean more pain, more emotions, more tears, and yadda, yadda, yadda. I can't worry about those kinds of things because they would only distract me. I had to stay focused on getting back home at all costs while handling the Skarliks. So forget it, you idiot. Ignore her vibes and don't knot up your priorities! If I leave, it doesn't matter. If I die, it doesn't matter. And I want it to stay that way. My conscience has enough weighing on it already.

Nor do I want to have to worry about any side effects of her demonic energy. My humanity might be at risk.

Besides the inner conflict to cock-block myself, it actually wasn't a bad idea to let some things out. Ease some of the burden on my mind so I was in the best state of mind for my fight tomorrow. So I opted to take my spot on the psychiatrist's couch. Plus, how many psychiatrists treat you free of charge and reward you for telling the truth? Though I suspect Veina would want compensation in a different way. Maybe even "cumpensation"

With a heavy sigh, I began.

"What's to let out? I'm an alien from another dimension and some other more dangerous aliens came along with me. I salvage whatever I can for weapons because those other aliens have to be stopped before the carnage begins. Just to fuck up things even more, I'm surrounded by vicious monsters-turned-nymphomaniacal activists all led by a power-hungry and overly ambitious leader. And on top of everything, I'm homesick. I haven't had any ice cream in almost a year"

If I live to my seventies, maybe I'll look back on this and laugh.

She began lovingly caressing my hair with one hand. She held the grapes with her tail as she plucked and fed them to me with her other hand. Softly, she spoke. "I'm so sorry you miss your home, my love. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you"

"Yep. It's difficult, alright. In fact, I'd say it's downright brutal. I mean, I have no idea what else could come through those portals or if I'll be able to stop it. They could have an entire armory and platoon at their disposal for all I know. So yeah, tackling them alone with only these weapons is just a little nerve-racking for my taste"

Though if I did beat heavily armed enemies like them, it would be one hell of a payday for my repertoire. Like beating a boss in a video game who's more than twice your power level. Jackpot.

"You won't have to do it alone. I will be by your side to help you"

"Veina, don't put yourself out like that. It's my problem. My concern"

"You are my concern. Everything about you is my concern. I want to know what you did today. I want to know any turmoil going on within you. I want to know what your tastes are; everything. I wish to be involved in every single detail in your life, Jason. Through our love, we will overcome all of this. And in the process, we will become one with each other. I will give you all of the relief and comfort you'll ever desire. I shall always be at your side to aid you through your endeavors" she begged, eyes brimming with compassion.

I folded my arms and turned away, letting out a stubborn sigh.

"You still don't trust me, do you?" she asked disheartened.

"It's not that, exactly. It's just..."

"It's what?"

"It's...uh... I don't have an answer right now, okay? But when I do, you'll be the first to know. For now, let's not worry about it" I said trying to pacify her. No, I didn't plan on telling her about the new portal opening.

We both remained silent for several seconds as Veina fed me more grapes. Her hand lovingly traveled from my right temple down my chin and up to my left temple like a chin-strap. She then nudged my head back toward her so were were looking eye to eye again. Inbetween her large breasts of course.

"You don't have to be alone anymore. I want you to trust me. Mamono never lie about their feelings toward our lovers" she comforted me, slightly above a whisper.

Except for the mental manipulation, that might be true. But old habits die hard.

"I'll let you play with my firearms when I'm sure you won't shoot me" I said with the distrust evident in my voice again. Even if she wasn't an expert on firearms, I doubt her aim was as bad as Greedo's was in the Special Edition of Star Wars.

See what I mean by old habits?

She ignored my sourness, and plucked another grape.

"So what made you an outcast?" she questioned.

"What do you mean?"

"Isn't it very obvious? You're not one for reverence, especially in the face of someone much more powerful than yourself. I've seen that first-hand. Your instincts are paranoid, stubborn, and confrontational. So you can be rather difficult at times, my love. Yet... I sense a nobleness deep within you; a moral conviction. Quite the intriguing mix, if I dare say. Such opposite attributes in the same being. Therefore, I'm curious to know what made you the way you are?"

The direct approach, like I've come to expect from Veina. Props to her.

"What can I say? Life can be a bigger bitch than the Demon Lord, herself. Reality is tough where I come from" I sulked.

"Is that why you're such a rebel?"

"Well I've never made a conscious effort of being a rebel, and I never considered myself that. In fact the term 'rebel' is way too juvenile for my taste. Only pretentious hipsters desperate for attention call themselves a 'rebel'. If I ever woke up and found myself acting like a rebel, I'd have to kick my own ass. I'd take 'rogue' over that. But I'm just a cynical realist with a big, snidey mouth. And being a cynical realist with a big, snidey mouth makes you accept most things and people with a grain of salt. Especially those with power"

"Yes, it's fairly clear that you have a problem with authority"

"I guess you're right. I mean, they're usually the ones that fuck over people the most. Either that, or they're just too goddamn incompetent to be a good leader. Take your pick. It just comes with having power. And too much of it could mean that there's no turning back. The very definition of a corporate ass-hat"

That chip has been on my shoulder for so long it could be mistaken for a brain-sucking tumor.

"And you think you could do better as a leader?"

"Me? Oh that's a laugh" I scoffed. "You think I want that kind of responsibility? You're looking at the guy who can't even keep his own house clean; much less be a role model for anyone. I'm too busy with keeping my own ass off of the figurative and literal chopping block to lead other people to fortune and glory. So no. I don't plan on being any kind if a leader. I've made too many mistakes to have that kind of ambition"

"Was it one of those mistakes that had you stumble into our world? Would you care to talk about it?" she asked, a hopeful smile growing on her face.

"No. I don't" I grumbled.

That was one mistake I hadn't been lucky enough to get beaten out of my memory by the Order. Oh well. They'll be other beatings to have that done. In the meantime, I was planning on keeping that baggage packed away inside me.

She lowered herself to me with her breasts pressing against the side of my head. Their marshmallow-like pliability molding against me. Her clawed hands cupped my chin and forehead. She wasn't upset by my grumpiness, more enchanted.

"Whatever the case, I'm eternally grateful that you did come to our world. I was beginning to think that I would never find my significant other. But now, my yearning heart shall never go unfulfilled again. You have given me the ultimate gift of love and so much more, Jason. I'm simply elated to have you all for my own. In fact, just having you so close to my womanhood right now is so very exciting. I may just end up cu-" she said, eyes glazed over with lust.

"Don't push it, cream pie" I asserted. Man, you couldn't calm down this woman's libido with a fire hose long enough to turn the Earth into a giant rubber band ball.

But my words had fallen on deaf ears; deaf, pointy, blue ears.

"Together, we will make all our wildest fantasies a reality. Whatever pleasure you envision in your mind and more, is now yours to partake in. And I vow this to you. When we do finally seal our love, I promise to do my absolute best to make it as glorious for you as it will be for me. I have a lifetime of passions to share with you but I'm sure you'll be quite satisfied" she giggled in a mixture that I can only describe as deep love and pent-up lust. Probably more pent-up lust. "That is the greatest gift I have to offer to the one I love most; eternal euphoria" she said, now with more love.

Oh goodie. Maybe she'll get the Wicked Witch of the West and the Green M&M to wrestle each other in a pit of Ecto-Jello. If she did, I wouldn't be turned on; I'd just laugh my ass off.

Jokes aside, I cursed her loving... -ness, or whatever you call it. Sure, I'd grown more comfortable around her, but I was still me after all. Still a sneering son of a bitch. Yet it never ceased to amaze me how she could be so loving and patient with me no matter how much of my hallmark cynicism I threw at her. Whenever she gave me that twinkle in those beautiful eyes, it threw off my hardened exterior. The power in them was beaming with the most devotion I think I'd ever seen. How's a guy suppose to react to that? My mind was already overflowed with serious concerns, and the last thing I needed was a gorgeous girl like her clouding my head with the wildest thoughts you can imagine. A fella could get completely lost in someone like her and never return. I just had to fight it. Think baseball!

But as she looked down, ready to plant a long time coming kiss on me, I felt something clink in my echo-chamber of a heart. I didn't know what it was, but I had the urge to say something.

"Veina, I... I think... I..." I stuttered.

"Yes?" she said anxiously.

"W-would... would you..."

"Would I what, my love?"

"... make me a bologna sandwich?" Wait, a bologna sandwich!? That's what came up from the bottom of my heart? I wasn't even hungry. I might have had a feeling there before I aborted. Dumbass.

She lifted her head back up, slightly disappointed.

"You're an odd one. Sexy, but odd. Oh very well, my love" she said as she sat me up and left for the kitchen. Right after scooping up some slices of bologna from the floor.

Did I actually feel something deeper for her? What else could I possibly have had the urge to tell her right now? How should I feel about a radical like her? Is that a deal breaker or could it work? How do I weigh my options in a situation like this? All these complex feelings were starting to piss me off. Shit, it's so much easier just being cynical toward life. I'm not good at handling these kinds of complex emotions and snarkiness makes everything clear. It hurts my caveman brain to think about so let's switch to business matters.

Tomorrow, I had a portal to investigate. And possibly some Skarliks to fight. That was where my priorities started and ended. Getting a good night's sleep and going out there to kick some ass. Simple.

But I sure wasn't going to tell Veina about any of this. I knew that after that battle in Gamberton, she would insist on coming with me. Fuck that. Even though I knew she could fight, I didn't want her involved. This was my job and mine alone. No need for her to put herself in harm's way for my sake. I'll handle this myself. Nor did I need another burden to carry. She's got too involved as it is, which is partially my fault. So I'll skip on having my own personal Pepe Le Pew; horny as hell and can't take a hint. This way, it's easier to handle.

Denial can be ugly.

I'll just have to sneak away tomorrow without her knowing. Any bruises that I get, I'll just have to make something up. Bar room brawl; that'll work. Alright, that is the plan. But for now, I have a bologna sandwich to eat... on a full stomach.

Let's get ready for a belly-ache.

—–

The next day, on my way to the portal site, I couldn't stop shaming myself internally. This whole situation was stupid and dangerous, and here I was going to handle it on my own. But I put myself in this predicament. Veina had proved to be more than capable of handling herself in a fight. And she was definitely willing to stand by my side through it all. But in the end, that didn't stop me from using my ever-improving poker face to lie straight to her face as I left that morning. Well, I was two-thirds lying. I really did have business to attend to; it just wasn't about trading in Dewcliff. But I did feel like a heel for fibbing. Well, this heel was probably going to get the boot as punishment. It seemed fitting.

I was as determined to keep her out of my war as much she was determined to be a part of it. Maybe it was pride, maybe it was distrust on my part. But deep down I think it was something else; something that was eating away at my insides like belly full of piranhas. An ugly truth that I chose to run away from instead of confronting. It was best not to face it, at least at moment. Because I did know that it wasn't smart to inevitably complicate my situation with the war between the Order and the Demon Lord. So now wasn't the time to sort out some of my inner and outer demons. I was nearing the portal site. It was time to forget about Veina and go to work.

I parked my cart in a hidden alcove just beyond the hill where the site was. It was a lightly forested area below some overlooking mountains, isolated miles away from the nearest town. No help but also no distractions.

Loading up my gear and ammo, I was as ready as I'd ever be. Before I left my man-cave, I packed some of my untested prototypes weapons into the cart. Sure I may have been over-preparing, but remember: "When you need it and don't have it, you sing a different tune". True words from the legend Burt Gummer.

Even so, I left the prototypes and excessive artillery in the cart. I wanted to scope out the area for Skarliks before engaging anything. So I had to be able to activate my "run-like-hell" mode if I needed to, so I packed lighter for now.

Besides my guns, I kept an ax and dagger on me. Could be useful for close encounters.

Peeking over the hill, a shiver ran down my spine. 'Fuck, I hate being right, sometimes' I thought to myself. There were Skarliks. Much more than I hoped for. From what I could tell, there were probably around twenty-five, give or take. They were also pretty well armed and clad in combat armor. If I had to guess, I'd say that my guns should be able to penetrate their defenses. I hope. This must have been a combat unit. Not a platoon but it was still enough to reinforce my pessimism.

I figured they were still setting up a perimeter and regrouping from their little trip through the portal. I hope the wormhole hangover had hit these bastards hard and if I was lucky, they were still feeling the side effects from it.

Their camp setup had the works; tents, turret guns, a few vehicles, portable and makeshift dugouts, some computer terminals, and an unpleasantly quiet atmosphere among them. They possibly had a tank in the corner. This wasn't going to be easy.

I moved closer down the hill to get a look at an energy beacon that I picked up with my visor's scan. I suspected it might be a power source, like a generator, in a nearby tent that I had to check out. Upon peeking my head through the back, I found a big shiny, and probably new, generator running smooth as silk. Good ol' instincts. Oh what I wouldn't give to bring that baby back to my lab. I don't know how I would haul the goddamn thing all the way home but details, details.

First, I had to exterminate this little infestation before I could have it. Backing out of the tent, I began formulating a plan as I started out of the camp. But a distant shout around back of me caught my attention. Motherfucker. A hidden guard up on the hill had spotted me and was signaling to the others of an intruder. Maybe a bear had wandered into camp? Yeah, right. Yours truly was the only son of a bitch out of place here.

Change of plans, if there was even a plan to change. Time for some stand up improv. I wasn't going to give them a chance to group into a flanking position, so I raced like a bat out of hell up to the closest turret gun. Shooting the guard dead before he could turn his weapon on me, I assumed his duty as the turret guard. And guess what my first task was going to be?

Let's rock.