User blog:ExdeathsBagel/The Thief (WWYD by Billythehillbilly)

WWYD by Billythehillbilly: http://monstergirlencyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Thread:836847

The cool night air hits me as I approach the mansion at the edge of town, a mansion owned by a rather wealthy Arachne family. My body shakes, not due to a sudden chill breeze, but the sheer excitement of what’s to come. According to a few townsfolk, the mother Arachne had come to town to not only drop off her silk to clients, but to also buy a rather illustrious gem for reasons no one knew. Some said it was to improve her own wardrobe, and I chuckled at the thought. The mother had already woven enough beautiful jewels in her attire that it might as well be armor, or so the rumors go.

My lack of knowledge of this town and its inhabitants has been rather troublesome, but that did not matter now that I had found my mark. Being a thief, I could not stay in one town for long, lest I get found out and hanged, and I would rather keep my streak as another unknown thief whom manage to rob nobles unaware.

My gain is not to take this gem for myself, I have no use for such trinkets, not to mention any thief worth their salt would be quick to pawn off their score to whatever black-market be willing. I simply desired the rush and the gold of my target, the rush to weave tales to my fellows and the gold for myself and those less fortunate then I. That was, after all, how I began thieving; beckoned by the tales and gold given by my mentor.

I waited until the full moon was covered by the clouds to quickly make my ascent up the wall to an open window on the side of the house, scrambling at every loose brick or foliage I could grasp, before climbing to the windowsill and peering in, finding only muffled voices and a glimmer of light at the far end of the room. Landing, I see the glimmer is from a room in front of a door slightly ajar. I slowly make my way up to it and peak out, hearing a rather heated conversation.

It is the Arachne mother and what I assume are her three daughters, one of which draws my fullest attention. She is the spitting image of her mother, with waist length white hair and a dark blue spider body beneath that of a beautiful women. But it is not her physical attributes that entrance me, but rather that which is placed on the collar of her ivory green corset. The gem, sparkling a reddish glow in the light of the hallway.

“She is my favorite and best daughter!” The mother yelled at the two other daughters while pointing to the daughter with the gem. “She has caught a man and you two are unable to do so!”

While the black-haired daughter flinched under her mother’s voice, the blonde-one was not as frightened, and was quick to shoot back.

“Easy for her to reel in a man when she’s dressed like a whore!”

A torrent of shouts followed, yet that was not caught my ears. Like the one missed note of a player in an orchestra, I instead caught something rather unexpected, and it was right behind me. I turned sharply, the light from the hall aiding me to see that this was a bedroom, though in the place of a bed a hammock made of webbing was constructed. In fact, webs seemed to decorate the room. Yet that was not what made me jump, but rather it was a man, stuck to one such web with his eyes and mouth covered, only being able to make muffled noises.

“Enough!” A voice outside shouted, it was the favored daughter’s. The mother had since left, and while the blonde one was still standing her ground, the black haired one was against the wall, shaking as tears were falling down her face.

The favored one then turned to the door I was hiding behind, I only managed to slip away from the gap just in time.

“Now, I’m going to have husband time.” The favored one said.

My heart began to race as my eyes darted around the room, I found a nearby door and was quick to dash in, thankfully it was a rather spacious closet, filled with clothes with very impressive jewels, though not as much as the one on her corset. It was clear that this daughter was very much beloved by her mother. I consider taking them, but did not want to draw attention to myself as through the slight peek between the doors showed her scurrying in.

Much to my curiosity, she let a match, but as she raised to a nearby strand of webbing, I closed the quickly in a panic. A whooshing sound filled the air, leaving me only with the sound of her voice. Fortunately, she seemed to be travelling away from me, and to her unfortunate ‘husband’ on the wall.

“Well dear, how do you like you’re new living quarters?” I heard her ask.

“I-it’s Racheal, right?” I heard the young man ask shakily.

<p class="MsoNormal">The daughter, Racheal, hummed in acknowledgment.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Okay, well, uh, Racheal, this mansion is very beautiful, and I would love to live in it, but-”

<p class="MsoNormal">Racheal let out a chuckle, “Oh my silly hubby, I wasn’t referring to the entire mansion. I meant here, in this room. This is where you’ll be living now.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Wait, wha-”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Although if you’re a good boy I might let you out to have a walk with me. But enough talk, let’s make our first night a night to remember.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The man’s scream was muffled by the Arachne presumably gagging him again, before I heard the sound of scuttling and the hammock creaking as pressure was put on it. I waited. What followed was giggling, soon followed by panted breath, until finally moans could be easily heard. I cautiously peered out.

<p class="MsoNormal">Thin strands of webbing were lit near the ceiling, yet produced no smoke and the fire was very calm, as if the webs themselves were made of the flames. Such webbing produced an ample amount of light in the room, and showed me a scene of the favored Arachne in sheer ecstasy. The hammock bounced with such intensity I was surprised it did not fall off the wall, and while I could not see the man, Racheal seemed to be embracing him as if for dear life.

<p class="MsoNormal">Fluid dripped from beneath her figure through the hammock and formed a small puddle on the floor, as if her moans weren’t indication enough that she was enjoying herself. As for the man, I could not say, for even if he was I doubt he had the lungs this Arachne had. Any lesser man would’ve stayed and enjoyed the show, but I fixed my gaze on the true prize, the gem, still in the collar of the corset which was now wrinkled on the floor. Perhaps Racheal didn’t care as much for this gift as her mother thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">That’s fine, I was more than eager to take it off her hands. I lacked the necessary tool to remove the gem, not that it was really a concern, and the corset would make a fine profit as well. As I reached for it, a faint glimmer of light stopped my hand just shy of contact. It was a strand of webbing. In the light I traced its path up to Racheal, it apparently ended somewhere in her long white hair.

<p class="MsoNormal">Very clever. Knowing Arachne thread, this would be tough to cut, not to mention that might get her attention anyway. I weighed my options, and I decided that there could be other trinkets in this house worth taking in the meantime. Racheal’s incessant love making provided me with more than enough cover to sneak out of the room, despite the door’s squeaky protest.

<p class="MsoNormal">I step out into the hallway, noticing the same lighting method as in Racheal’s room, but the lights were a bit dimmer, though it still lacked shadows for me to hide in. Given how wide the hallways were, and house massive this mansion was in general, it was clearly built for an Arachne family, which not only made it feel like I was crouched in an open field, but also gave me little places to hide. Still, I was not too worried, it was very late and night and these Arachnes had to sleep at some point.

<p class="MsoNormal">If there was a silver lining to this, it was that the floor was carpeted, making my movements across the hallway virtually soundless. Going down the hallway, I noticed a few rather plain looking doors, and cautiously peering within I only saw food storages and one of which was a washroom, though nothing yet of interest. I had now reached a part where the hallway diverged, peering over the corner I saw a set of stairs leading down. If I were to continue forward, I would meet a rather impressive set of double doors. Undoubtedly, this was the mother’s room. Assuming she had a husband much like her beloved daughter, I expected to her to be following Racheal’s example, but I heard nothing, not even the faintest hint of snoring. And yet surely this mother had a husband of her own, otherwise she wouldn’t have those three daughters.

<p class="MsoNormal">A chill ran down my spine as my mind raced, and I prompted to quickly and quietly make my way down the stairs. Granted, such a feat was rather difficult. Befitting an Arachne’s spindly legs, the steps were many but the treads were all but non-existent. I had to cling to the railing and swiftly move down on the tips of my toes to make it to the bottom, much to the calming of my racing heart.

<p class="MsoNormal">Yet it only began racing again. This main floor was also rather dim, but even in the web-lights I could see the glitter of ornate pottery and other such treasures decorating the house. I had only wished I could’ve brought a bigger pack to take magnificent painting or two, the only treasures I ever contemplated keeping in a personal collection, foolish as that would be.

<p class="MsoNormal">Sudden whispering froze me mid-plunder, it appeared to coming down a hallway to the living room. I could’ve simply left the house then and there, or found a place to hide and wait for an opportunity to get that gem, but something compelled me to investigate. As I approached, my mind recoiled, this wouldn’t be the first time I heard whispers from the homes I plundered, but I never paid them any curiosity, for it was never worth the risk. So what was compelling me to seek out the source of this-no these hushed voices?

<p class="MsoNormal">The whispers came from a closed door, light shining from underneath told me its inhabitants were very much awake as opposed to the lust-lost Racheal and the whom I prayed was simply sleeping mother. These two voices must be from the other daughters. I strained my ears.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s okay Cissnei, we’ll save up enough money and leave this dump.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t know how much longer I can bear living under their thumbs, Midna. It’s one thing to have a shitty step-sister, but ever since we came of age, Abagail has always- wait, did you hear that?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I froze, had I somehow made a noise? Were they somehow able to pick up on my very breathing? My legs tensed as silence fell and the very air seemed to freeze in anticipation. Whatever the next noise was, if my gut did not agree with it, I told myself to bolt. While fleeing an Arachne’s home would be no easy feat, I had plenty of hiding spots in the town down the road, and if I could make it those, I could be confident in my safety.

<p class="MsoNormal">Yet the following sounds were not ones I was braced for. Instead, they were a familiar creaking noise and a sigh from inside the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I can’t believe we can hear her from here. Is she just trying to rub it in?” The voice I identified as Cissnei asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Maybe, but don’t worry about it. We’ll leave this place soon and find men of our own.” Midna said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How can you be so confident?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt something tighten around my back leg. Before I could even react the door suddenly swung and I was pulled in. As it swiftly closed behind me I found myself hanging upside down with the two Arachne’s staring at me. While the blonde one, Cissnei, looked shocked, the black haired one, Midna, has a small smile on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Because I knew there was one right outside your room.” Midna said proudly as she held up her hand. From the light I could see a small thread wrapped around her middle finger, “Tripped this when you walked outside Racheal’s room.” She then held up her ring finger, “And you tripped this when you were just outside Cissnei’s room.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei looks closely at me, “Well, you definitely aren’t the man that Racheal has snared.” The sounds of Racheal’s love making could still be heard, “I doubt that poor guy’s even conscious anymore.” Cissnei said, annoyed.

<p class="MsoNormal">I tried to hide my fear of the situation. Out of all the times I’ve been caught, while in some cases just barely managing to escape, I knew if I kept my wits a way out would present itself. If anything, the top priority for me would to keep my face hidden. I’ll take being raped by an Arachne over having my face known by the local guards. I did my best to calm myself.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You okay? Relax, we aren’t going to hurt you,” Cissnei said. “Though I am curious as to what you’re hiding behind that mask.” She says as she reaches for my face mask.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t touch me.” I say, doing my best to sound intimidating despite the circumstances.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei glares at me, “Chill, Robin Hood. You know we could’ve just raped you the moment Midna trapped you in here, right?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ll take being raped than you knowing who I am.” I shot back.

<p class="MsoNormal">“That can be arranged.” Cissnei says as she begins to approach.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Cissnei, stop. You’re better than that.” Midna says.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei stops, her rage filled expression suddenly softens, though she still looks irritated at me. I suddenly feel myself gently being lowered to the ground. I quickly set myself back up, but before I can open the door to escape, Cissnei leans on.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What Cissnei said is true, we don’t want to hurt you.” Midna says.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Then what do you want?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna looks to Cissnei, then back to me. “To be honest, just to chat.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I look to her quizzically.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I mean it. Given who are family is, most men are terrified of us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Most men around here terrified of Arachnes in general.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well that’s thanks to our asshole ‘mother’ trying to keep the old ways alive.” Cissnei said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Cissnei! Don’t talk about her like that!” Midna hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why not?! She doesn’t love us anyway! Ever since we became women it’s been ‘capture men this’, ‘you’re too gentle that’!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“She’s still our mother!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hardly! She just raped our dads, granted we can’t call them that because they left before we were even born!” Cissnei shrieked as tears streamed down her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">The room suddenly went quiet, at first I was grateful, but then I heard skittering from above. Spindly legs tapped against the carpeted floor at such speed and strength that they sounded furious. Cissnei and Midna paled, and before I could react, the thread quickly wrapped around my legs before pulling me up. Midna put a finger to her lips as she quickly spooled a thread around her ring finger, rising me up just above the door way.

<p class="MsoNormal">While the skittering stopped just outside the door, there was no pause as the door was swung open. I was just above the frame of the door and remained completely still.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Will you two shut the fuck up?! I’m trying to sleep!” Racheal yelled.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah? Well we were too, but you were too noisy. You don’t see us coming up there and telling you to keep it down!” Cissnei shouts back.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’d have done that and I would’ve messed your face up so bad no man would want you.” Racheal says, her tone filled with anger despite speaking softly.

<p class="MsoNormal">From my vantage point, Cissnei remained undeterred, andwith a smirk let out some choice words of her own. “You would have? Well, that’s fine. Even with a clawed up face I know I’d still keep a man longer than you. How long until this one runs away, Racheal, a few days, a week? Then your mother will just buy you another fancy garment and the cycle will start anew.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The skittering drawing closer should’ve frightened me, but what caused me to use every ounce of strength to not shake wasn’t that, but the downright animalistic breath Racheal was doing. It was a hideous mix of panting and hyper ventilating, and I could feel the air around me grow heavy with rage. Against my better judgment, perhaps from the damned curiosity that brought me here, I slowly titled me head up, stopping only when I saw strands of white hair just in front of my eyes. Some even brushed against them, and I took everything I had not to squirm in discomfort. My savior came in the form of Midna’s voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Cissnei, Racheal, that’s enough.” She said rather calmly, but I could hear a certain authority in her voice. “We will chat about this tomorrow, understand? No need to have arguments in the dead of night, unless either of you want to upset mother?”

<p class="MsoNormal">From her voice, I could tell any anger Racheal had immediately vanished, “Y-yeah, right. Tomorrow morning we’ll talk about this. G-goodnight,” she said as she quickly stepped out of the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei paused, as if she was going to say something snarky, but a look from Midna told her not to, so instead, through gritted teeth she muttered, “Goodnight,” and closed the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">We all waited until the sounds of skittering ceased to let me back down.

<p class="MsoNormal">“She listened to you?” I said to Midna in shock.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well of course, she is a momma’s girl after all.” Claire said in disgust.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Plus, she has too. I am the eldest daughter after all.” Midna says with a certain spark of pride.

<p class="MsoNormal">My eyes grow wide, “Wait, you’re the eldest? I thought she was since she looks like her mother.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna chuckled, “Nope, believe it or not, she’s actually the youngest. Mom just loves her the best because they look so much alike. Cissnei and I take after our fathers.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Guess that explains why Abagail hates us so much.” Cissnei mutters.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Cissnei, mom doesn’t hate us, she just thinks we aren’t capable enough.” Midna says, but suddenly grows quiet, “But yeah, it kind of sucks with how she treats us, or how she doesn’t approve of our more…gentle ways of finding men.”

<p class="MsoNormal">A moment of silence passes between us.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Man, I can’t believe we’re opening up to a man who broke into our house.” Claire says with a chuckle.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Beats having them scared away,” Midna says. “By the way, where are you heading afterwards?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I shrug, “Any town but here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">While I decided to hide the fact that I took some trinkets from this home, Cissnie was quick to make such an assumption, “You know you don’t really have to. Most people around here hate Abagail and wouldn’t mind taking her trinkets off your hands for a price.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I have yet to steal anything from around here.” I say, not knowing why choose to lie despite seeing Midna and Cissnei obviously believing otherwise. Call it an old habit.

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna rolls her eyes while Cissnei giggles and comes closer, “Oh, I see. I was wrong to call you Robin Hood, no you’re a different type of thief aren’t you?” She skitters close to me, her voice so soothing and hypnotic that I don’t realize I’m pressing me against a wall.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, you’re no man interested in trinkets at all.” She presses herself against me, her eyes burning into mine “The treasure you seek if far more valuable than gold.” I feel her hot breath as she whispers into my ear, “And I would be more than willing to give you all the treasure I have.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The sudden tightening of threads snap me out of my trance, and before I know I’m hanging upside down once more, but this time I see her holding my pack. And more shocking, I feel cool air hit my face and my hair hangs free. My eyes widen; she removed my hood and face mask.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei lets out a triumphant laugh, “I did it, Midna! I did it!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna quickly shushes her, but I could see a proud smile spread across her lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei calms down ever so slightly, “Right, well whatever, let Racheal come in and see I caught a man. And I didn’t just show him my boobs or dress like a slut, I actually played to his piggish desires!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hey, I’m not a pig!” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s right!” Cissnei says as she cups my face, “You’re a handsome pig.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna chuckles as she takes my pack from Cissnei and opens it, “Don’t take it the wrong way, all men are pigs after all. Some are just better at hiding it then others.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah and from the looks of it you got the outer shell of a prude, but if it all it takes is a few sweet nothings in the ear, you’re laughably easy to break.” Cissnei say proudly. “In fact,” she blows in my ear and laughs, “man, you’re read as a tomato just from ''that? ''Have you even laid with a woman, or a mamono?” Cissnei laughs as she gently rocks my web trap.

<p class="MsoNormal">While I felt horribly embarrassed, my eyes were glued to Midna, who was pulling out the small trinkets I had stolen prior to being dragged in here. As she set them down, she looked up to, then back to my loot.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Small pottery, a few jewels, some silverware, all of it wrapped so delicately that it would hardly make a sound as you moved. You’re good. So what’s a skilled thief like you doing with small game like this?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I would’ve responded had it not been for Cissnei’s playing, constant groping and rocking, all giggling at my various responses.

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna sighs, “Cissnei, let him down, I have some questions for him. He’s a man not a toy. You’re really acting like Racheal now.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei is quick to let me down and free from my bindings, but look she’s giving me is downright predatory, “Right, right. Naughty little thief. Once we’re done with the interrogation I’ll be more than happy to instill some punishment.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna’s eyes narrow, “Cissnei, you’re starting to sound like our mother.” Her tone was just as authoritative as it was when she was talking down Racheal. “Remember, you’re better than the old ways.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei’s predatory look vanishes as she shakes her head, “I was? Dammit, why did that happen?” She looks to me, “My bad human, don’t know what came over me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Knowing how long it’s been since either of us have had any action, I’d say it was the pheromones of a man. You were pretty close to him when you triggered your trap, after all.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei shudders in disgust, “Ugh, to be driven by instinct is hideous. It really puts the monster in monster girl you know, human? It’s the reason many species have trouble maintaining relationships with society. Take Racheal for example, she’s practically all instinct and knows it; just yammers on and on about the sex she has in disgusting detail. And at breakfast no less! You try eating when your relative is blabbering on about all the intimate details about the night before, and your mom is just sitting there encouraging it and-”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Back to the question at hand.” Midna interrupts holding her hand out, “But first, what is your name?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh yeah, come to think of it, we’ve spent all this time talking to you and don’t even know your name. Some house guest we are.” Cissnei says with a chuckle.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna nods, “Well, Thomas, what’s a thief as skilled as you doing with such easy pickings like these?” She asks motioning to the trinkets spread out on her carpet.

<p class="MsoNormal">“They aren’t what I was after. I wanted the jewel on the corset Racheal was wearing.”

<p class="MsoNormal">A devilish smile grows on Cissnei’s face, “Oh, hell yes! I’m glad I just didn’t have my way with you, hu-Thomas. Let’s take our shitty sis down a peg!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna did not look as enthusiastic, if anything, her expression was sour. “Is that really why you’re here? Just to take bring our sister down?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh come on, Midna! She has countless corsets just like that one! Abagail just makes her a new one every few weeks to reel in a man and she just stuffs it in her closet when it does. I doubt she’ll miss it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Besides, I’m not here for the corset to upset Racheal, I’m going to sell it on the blackmarket and give that money to my fellows and others less fortunate.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal">“See Midna? He’s a goody-two shoes like you!” Cissnei says as she wraps an arm around me and pulls me close.

<p class="MsoNormal">I struggle to get out of Cissnei’s grasp. I note her rather peculiar gaze on me and I break free, but turn to Midna in curiosity. “Goody-two shoes?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yep! Minda here can be a total doormat when it comes to men, or women, or mamonos. Heck, she’s a total doormat when it comes to anybody!” Cissnei says before laughing.

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna suddenly moves and grabs Missnei by the arms, pinning her to the wall. Cissnei stares in shock, her peculiar gaze and malicious tone just prior vanish. “M-Midna?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna simply stares deeply into Cissnei’s eyes, and I feel an urge to defuse the situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Being kind isn’t being a doormat. I admire that you’re so forgiving towards your sister and mother, Midna.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna and Cissnei turn to me in shock.

<p class="MsoNormal">I force a sad smile, “I was once a goody-two shoes too, you know? Came from a well off family, but losing everything has really whittled that down as I’ve gotten by.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna lets her hand slide off Cissnei’s, “Do you think if…given the chance…you’d be willing to build that back up?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I shrug, “If you’re saying you’ve got a better option than taking that corset, I’m all ears. I should count my blessing that this compromise hasn’t ruined me after all.”

<p class="MsoNormal">A light smile forms on Midna’s face, “Well, I’m sure I can produce some silk that can help us get by. Cissnei, would you be willing to help us with that?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei remained silent, her eyes strangely vacant as her gaze was pointed towards the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Cissnei?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei suddenly snaps out of it, “Oh, silk right? Yeah I’m down!” She giggles as she moves close to me, “Do you know how we Arachnes produce silk, Thomas?” She asks in a rather sultry tone.

<p class="MsoNormal">Midna is quick to get in between us and usher us to the door, her expression was rather strained, as if in uncomfortable anticipation. And when we step out in the hallway, I know why. She must’ve have somehow sensed it, mamono are mysterious creatures after all, for in the hallway, slightly shadowed by the dimming web lights, was undoubtedly the missing mother Abagail.

<p class="MsoNormal">A sickening grin spread on her face as she approached.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Mom! I thought you were out hunting.” Midna says in surprise as she steps in between me and her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t play dumb with me, Midna. You know full well I’ve been out here for a while. I know your mind is just as sharp as your nose.” Abagail says as she pulls out an open vial of somewhat milky liquid. “I was indeed hunting, though milking might be a more accurate term, and I’ve managed quite the bounty.”

<p class="MsoNormal">With a flick of her other wrist, I have no time to react as I see another vial thrown at me. The cheap glass shattering impact is mostly painless, but even I could smell the concoction that is now on my chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Mom…” Midna says with a shaking voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My dear Midna, you are a patient woman, but what’s the point of constructing a web if you’re going to let all your flies go? You need lust. You need to be like your dear sister Cissnei.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I slowly turn to see Cissnei a few feet back. Her body was shaking, her face was flushed, and she was drooling ever so slightly. Those same predatory eyes as earlier were trained on me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“After all, if you hesitate, other spiders might steal your precious prey away.” Abagail says with a grin.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei charges, but Midna quickly moves between me and her. “Cissnei! Don’t do this! Remember, being driven by instincts is disgusting.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s most certainly not, it’s invigorating! Cissnei, it’s time for you to take your true first step to womanhood! Take this wonderful fly that wandered into your parlor.” Abagail says.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei’s gaze flicks between me and Midna.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Do this, and I will finally consider you my daughter.” Abagail says softly.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cissnei pushes Midna aside and charges, I brace for impact and shut my eyes. Only to feel nothing, but hear struggling. Slowly opening them, I see threads on across her arms, leading back to Midna’s hands.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Cissnei, I’m sorry for putting my hands on you earlier. But I hope when you snap out of this, you’ll understand.” With a few flicks of Midna’s wrist, Cissnei’s arms are bound behind her and she’s hoisted above.

<p class="MsoNormal">Abagail claps slowly, “Well done, Midna, being the eldest, it would make sense you’re also the wisest. You’ve even trained yourself to be resistant towards men’s pheromones.” Her smile grows, “You’re so…what do the civvies call it? ‘Vanilla’? Yes I think that’s it. If it wasn’t for your gentle heart, you’d be the pride of the Lydias family.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt a thread wrap around one my shoes, and knew what was about to happen.

<p class="MsoNormal">“But alas, that heart needs to harden before that can happen. Harden and be replaced by pure lust, the type that will bring other great Arachnes into the world.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The moment I felt the tug on my shoes and slipped my foot out of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Run!” I yell to Midna, not that it was necessary, she was already bolting to the window on the other end of the hallway.

<p class="MsoNormal">Abagail laughed as I felt another thread wrap around my other shoe, and just and before I slipped that one free and continued my bolt to Midna, who turned to face me in shock.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thomas, watch out-”

<p class="MsoNormal">I tripped a thread and felt it wrap around me. I knew cutting it would be fruitless, and in desperation, loosened my pants and wriggled myself free. I met the floor nearly head first and disorientated. In my blurred vision, I saw Abagail’s massive, intimidating figure over me, and giving me a very toothy grin.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eager to get started already, new hubby?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt a thread wrap around my wrist and pull me towards Midna, the window open behind her and into freedom. A sudden tugging from my shirt made me shed that too, leading to annoyed growl from Abagail. As I reached Midna, she practically leapt out the window, and in a last ditch effort, I felt something tear my briefs from me.

<p class="MsoNormal">By some miracle, despite the horrible cold against my exposed body, aching head, and undoubtedly strange looks from on lookers as we skittered through town, I managed to direct her to one of my safe houses. No other fellow thieves were there, rather thankfully for the sake of my pride given my current state, but even more so that beds and medical supplies were easy to find.

<p class="MsoNormal">As I was placed on a bed and given a blanket to cover myself, I lit the nearby lamp for some light. Warmth and candle light filled the room, it was almost…romantic. I suddenly realized Midna was giving me a rather queer expression, but before I could react, she pounced.

<p class="MsoNormal">Holding me close and tight, the bed rocked. Sobs emanated from her as she began to cry, and I held her close. There was no carnal intimacy, only an emotional one as we opened ourselves up to one another. The next day was initially rather awkward, but I told Midna I was still interested in turning a new leaf, and we soon left to another, distant town, setting up a silk trading industry and not only forging our place there, but also in each other’s hearts.

<p class="MsoNormal">Indeed, there was a secret to how Arachne’s made their silk, one Midna rather coyly explained to me one night, and one I was happy to oblige, much to her joy. We carved our way to a prosperity that, while not a grand as Midna’s previous standing, was very much like my own. I couldn’t help but cry tears of joy when that happened. Things became even better when we received a rather unexpected customer one day. An Arachne with short blonde hair, with a rather happy looking man draped under one arm.