User blog:JeielYozama/Tale Of The Mark Maker - Ryla

''Hey minna-san! Jeiel Yozama here! I'm baaaaack!''

''Yepsiree! Inactivity in my blog for almost two months.. now that's a bummer for me. I know I've disappointed a  few readers of my stories out there, so for that I apologize whole-heartedly. I lost myself in the problems of college life. But now, as I have the time to stretch out and relax, time to make me move and reimagine!''

''Now, to start off back to the writing biz, I went off with making a new story, so I could re- exercise my skills. To be honest, I was planning to pass this on the Butter-T Artbook contest last time, but I failed miserably. I hope you guys will enjoy it! Sore ja!''





“He’s mine, you sad excuse for a reptile!”

“Shut up and crawl back to your den, scale-skin!”

“Hey, that’s supposed to be my line, bog-hag!”



I don’t know what I should consider at this point: Making a run for it, or solving this pointless spat over me. Either way, I won’t make it out alive.

I mean, lookie here. A newly-hailed champion and hero sent to slay the Demon Lord ends up hopelessly lost in the middle of nowhere, and after mindlessly wandering in unfamiliar territory for days, gets caught in a debacle between two deadly femme fatales.

Yep, that’s me, Marden Bale. At your service.

Before I do try to decide, let me start off on how I got into this mess…



4:00 PM

The sun hung low above the sky as I trudged along a mountain pass lined with dense foliage and shrubbery. I was careful not to lose an eye on the road. Ravines are all over the place, and one misstep merits me a one-way ticket to the Underworld. If there ever is one.

<p class="MsoNormal">Current disposition: Hot. Humid. Hungry. Wet. Tired.

<p class="MsoNormal">In other words, I’m worse-for-wear.

<p class="MsoNormal">I was at the point of dropping my claymore. Swinging it for days on end just to make sure not a single Mamono pries on my manhood pretty much killed my determination to fulfill my mission as fast as possible. Beads of sweat rolled down and pooled below my feet, turning into mud while my feet skidded over the stained earth. The wind would blow every once in a while, welcoming me with a cool blast of air, but then the sun would shine and ruin the moment, its unforgiving light burning across my skin, seeping into my armor.

<p class="MsoNormal">Despite my hapless situation, I struggled to keep watch. Basic hero rule: Never, ever, let your guard down. If I were to drop my vigilance any time soon, a Mamono will take notice of me and attack, and by then everything will be over. My career. My life. My virginity.

<p class="MsoNormal">(Wait, I’m missing the point)

<p class="MsoNormal">I checked my wrist time-dial. 30 minutes had already passed.

<p class="MsoNormal">I propped myself up with my weapon stuck on the ground and routinely looked around. Scanned my left. Then my right. Nothing in plain sight.

<p class="MsoNormal">Below my feet?

<p class="MsoNormal">Still fine.

<p class="MsoNormal">The sky?

<p class="MsoNormal">Just one winged shadow.

<p class="MsoNormal">..

<p class="MsoNormal">..

<p class="MsoNormal">A winged shadow?!!

<p class="MsoNormal">I suddenly realized something was hovering above me, like a vulture closing in on a corpse. A shadow large enough to block my view of the open sky. Only one word echoed in my head: Mamono.

<p class="MsoNormal">I hastily plucked my claymore out and made a dagger- point stance, eyes narrowed at the encircling figure. The air vibrated in an irregular pace as it flapped its wings. I squinted to get a better look. It had stocky legs and a pair of what looked like horns. I swore at the thought my magic reserves aren’t cut out to fight this thing, whatever it is.

<p class="MsoNormal">Harpy? No, too skinny. Can’t be a Gandharva or a Succubus, either.

<p class="MsoNormal">Instead of making an open dive towards me, the Mamono descended, and as it did clouds of dust and dirt rose and blotted out the sun. I held my breath and knew my luck has finally run out.

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh sh*t.

<p class="MsoNormal">A pair of moss-hued, semicircular horns. Overlapping emerald scales from the tips of her vicious talons, her clawed feet to her bat-like, reptilian wings. Hair as blue as the clear afternoon sky. Irises in a shade of a violent red. Fangs jutting out of her scarlet lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">A Dragon.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">In my days of being  a hero, I’ve bested Slimes, Sahuagins, Salamanders, Demons, and Kunoichis, but never have I ever encountered a Dragon, the mightiest of Mamonos.

<p class="MsoNormal">I steadied my battle stance. Her reptilian pupils narrowed towards my hulking figure.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You… are Marden Bale, the Mark Maker..” She began in a voice as cold as a blizzard-bombarded winter’s night. She gave me a steely glare. “Am I not mistaken.. human?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Huh.” I huffed, casting away a strand of hair off my eyes. “My title seems to be gaining popularity fast.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Indeed.. you are the one they have been whispering throughout the Glade.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ooh, I’m famous. Maybe I should flaunt a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh really? What do they say of me? A hero who cuts down any Mamono standing in his way to fulfill his obligation of slaying the Demon Lord?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“A total jerk and an idiot who shows no respect for Mamonos nor for women whatsoever.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“…”

<p class="MsoNormal">That made me flip.

<p class="MsoNormal">“WHAT THE HECK IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“It means,” She said with her hands folded beneath her huge mounds, “that you’re a real piece of work who needs to be taught a lesson.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Who the heck spread THAT RUMOR?” I have no idea what she is talking about.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Doesn’t matter. I will be punishing you for your acts once and for all, Mark Maker.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I gritted my teeth, hiding my shortness of breath. “And I suppose you’re going to make sure I get what I deserve?’

<p class="MsoNormal">“Naturally. I will personally guarantee it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Dragon extended her menacing claws, as if giving an emphasis to her threat. I held my ground. “Show me, Mark Maker. Show me the powers of a Hero. Unless, you wish to concede defeat.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“M-Me? C-C-Con-c-cede?” I burst into laughter to feign confidence (but in reality I wanted to run for my dear life). “I’ll fight. I’ll fight ‘till there’s still a bone left in this body of mine!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Dragon smiled. However, the smile turned upside-down when she sniffed the air and stared hard and long at my face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">“What?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You are tired.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Wh-wh-whut?” I raised an eyebrow haughtily. She noticed that pretty quick.

<p class="MsoNormal">Wait, I shouldn’t be agreeing. My pride’s on the line!

<p class="MsoNormal">“It appears your magic source and your strength are completely drained. If I were to continue, you might lose your life. I cannot battle you in this condition. I will not allow it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“HUH?! Since when did you Dragons become so caring?” I pointed my claymore at her. I tried to look great, but I’d say it isn’t working out since my arm was trembling under the weight of the weapon.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are you trying to say my kinsmen are heartless monsters?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Maybe, maybe I am.. What do you think, Dragon-chan?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Dragon suddenly turned red. “D-Dragon-CHAN? I HAVE A NAME, STUPID!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Her yell made me jerk, loosening my grip on the weapon at hand. Gravity overcame me and I dropped the sword flat on my toes. Pain came rushing in on my foot.

<p class="MsoNormal">“YEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I yelped at the sudden, aching feeling. Coincidentally, a stone poking out of the earth snagged my other foot and I tripped, my face landing smack-dab on a boulder face.

<p class="MsoNormal">There was a stifled giggle. Hers. “What do you think you’re doing.. Marden Bale? Trying to get my attention through.. ridiculous antics? You’re sorely mistaken. I am not a sucker for humour.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m not making you laugh, Mamono! I’m preparing to fi – WAACK!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The next thing I knew, the ground sank below my feet and sent me plummeting down a hole. (Holy smokes, where did this HOLE come from?!)

<p class="MsoNormal">“OH, FOR THE LOVE OF THE ARES!!” I groaned as I tried to climb up. The rock I grabbed onto dislodged from its spot and a couple more dropped on top of me. Bump after bump swelled on the center of my head.

<p class="MsoNormal">As expected, she didn’t spare me the mercy of NOT laughing. The humiliation.

<p class="MsoNormal">“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!” Even with her mouth covered, she just couldn’t stop. “You really do deserve the title ‘Mark Maker’, Marden Bale!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“AND I THOUGHT YOU’RE NOT A SUCKER FOR HUMOUR?!?!?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">By now her sniggering had really got me pissed. I leaped out of the hole in a single bound, steaming mad.

<p class="MsoNormal">“STOP LAUGHING AND FIGHT ME, DARN YOU!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Dragon sighed as if I were a hopeless case, then turned  to ascend.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No. I shall bide my time until you are fully recuperated. Adieu.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“MINOTAUR-CRAP! DON’T YOU IGNORE ME!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I charged. However, I forgot to stop and made a terrible mistake: I tackled her in mid-flight. Caught completely by surprise, she spun wildly and her wing-spike latched onto my shoulder-plate, dragging me along with her. The two of us lost our footing and fell. Down a chasm, which I had no idea how deep it’d be.

<p class="MsoNormal">Fear gripped me from head to toe. I screamed, both for my life and to vent my frustration.

<p class="MsoNormal">Why am I such a screw-up?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Darkness blotted out my vision of the sun as I lost consciousness.

<p class="MsoNormal">



<p class="MsoNormal">Uhh…

<p class="MsoNormal">I realized I was flat on my back against the ground. My eyes fluttered open. Everything was pitch-black. I could hear a low hum emanating from every direction. It was cold and clammy, and for some unknown reason, I was sweating hard.

<p class="MsoNormal">What the heck? I must be at the bottom of the ravine.

<p class="MsoNormal">Well... I’m lucky I ain’t earning that ticket.

<p class="MsoNormal">I bolted up and knocked my forehead on a jutting rock above me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“ACK!” My strained voice bounced on the walls. I must be in a cave or something.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hello?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I flinched at the sound of someone else in the same place as I am. A woman’s. She seemed lonely. Desperate.

<p class="MsoNormal">At the very least, I’m thankful I’m not alone, but.. how can a woman end up here?

<p class="MsoNormal">Now’s not the time, stupid. She might need help.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Is someone there?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Y-Yes! Are you alright?!” I replied as I scrambled to my feet, touching the air in front to avoid any more rocks on the way. “Did you end up here by accident too?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes.. Some idiot made a jump on me, but I’m otherwise, fine. You.. sound hurt.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m alright, miss. Where… where are you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh wait, let me get us a light.”

<p class="MsoNormal">It took me a second to realize the entire area lit up with the sudden burst of live flames. I yelped and, thanks to my hero reflexes, ducked out of the way. Fire touched conveniently-placed torches on the walls and set them ablaze. At once, the cavern filled with light.

<p class="MsoNormal">I sprung from my hiding place, fuming. “HEY! YOU COULD’VE KI-“

<p class="MsoNormal">The newly-lit place helped me see PERFECTLY well. Instead of seeing the girl with the sweet voice, the only one around was the Dragon. Bewildered and shocked at the sight of me, her hair was an absolute mess, like a nasty case of bedhead, and dirt and grime stuck on her scaly hide. Plus, one of her wings was in a bad shape.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Mamono went red in fury upon spotting me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“YOU!!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“YOU!!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“YOU’RE THAT GIRL?” “WELL, SORRY TO GET YOUR HOPES UP, BUSTER!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“HAH! YOU’RE RIGHT TO APOLOGIZE ANYWAY! YOU’RE THE CAUSE OF ALL THIS!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“WHAT?! SAYS THE HERO WHO BROKE MY WING!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’M SORRY, YOU WERE IGNORING ME! WHERE’S THE SENSE OF HONOR IN THAT?!?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I TOLD YOU, I DON’T WANT TO FIGHT ANYONE WHO’S AT THE POINT OF DYING!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“OH!!! I NEVER HEARD THAT REASON!! SO YOU’RE SAYING I AIN’T EVEN WORTH YOUR TIME?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“YOU’RE WRONG!! WHY DO HEROES HAVE TO BE SUCH IDIOTS??!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">A few more insults passed, and we found ourselves gasping for air, glaring daggers at each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Stop breathing too hard, Dragon. You’ll take in all the oxygen for yourself.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“How about you die first, moron? Then you won’t have to complain.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I could imagine a huge arrowhead labeled ‘MORON’ fired deep into my skull.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Now I’m a moron? I’m being honest, Dragon-chan.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“THIS AGAIN?! I told you I have a name! It’s Ryla!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Wow. Her name sounds surprisingly normal for someone barbaric.

<p class="MsoNormal">(Technically, she isn’t barbaric, but I’ll be quiet now)

<p class="MsoNormal">“Fine, Ryla it is.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She blushed. “It’s not something you have to agree on, stupid.” And she sat, feet sprawled on the cavern floor and hands splayed on her side. I followed suit. I was deadbeat exhausted, and I don’t think she’s pulling off anything else, given that she’s broken a wing and all.

<p class="MsoNormal">Now that the area was illuminated, I realized it wasn’t just a cavern. It was a cave grown entirely out of crystals. Save for the floor made of shining rock, the entire place had various minerals growing from every angle reflecting the blaze of the torch-fire with little effort. Quartz hung dangerously from the ceiling like icicles. Huge ores of emerald, ruby and sapphire stuck together as massive columns similar to stalagmites.

<p class="MsoNormal">I froze in awe at the natural wonder. Me and Ryla must be the first beings down here to see it. I wonder.. if others happened to find this place, this would’ve made anyone rich.

<p class="MsoNormal">I glanced at her and saw she wasn’t interested. She was hunkered on her little corner, knees bent while biting her thumb. She must be in pain. Her wing-tip looked severely bent, and the skin that stretched from the ends of her wing bones were crinkled, as if they were rolled up for swatting Devil Bugs away.

<p class="MsoNormal">I could clearly see three exits behind her, but I have no clue which is the legit way out from my spot. I’m too drained to find out right now. I was more hung-up on her problem.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Is it really that bad?” I asked absent-mindedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla folded her wings around herself all of the sudden, hiding her face. “No! It is most certainly not! I mean, being stuck with you is kind of bad, but – “

<p class="MsoNormal">“Nut-head. I meant your wing. And I could see it real better now that it’s up front.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“H-huh?” Ryla began to panic. Her eyes were evidently in swirls. “I-I-I am not a n-nut-head!! W-wait, y-y-you saw?! I-I-I“

<p class="MsoNormal">“Stop fidgeting. The pain’ll get worse, y’know. Injuries like that shouldn’t be moved.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I stood and dusted my pants momentarily.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Stay there.” I said as I approached her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“WHaT?!” She panicked, and this time her face turned bright red. “I-I don’t need your help! Stay back!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Eh?? What gives? I’m just going to help-- OOF!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I kneeled at the tail whap she flung on my stomach. Had I not been primed for situations like this, I would’ve been thrown away a few feet. Still, the blow was enough to push me back a little. Imagine a pile of bricks stacked on a bag and whacked at the spot below your shins. Then multiplied by five. A normal guy could’ve died. Thankfully, it’s just me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“S-Stay right where you are! Pervert! Lecher! Beast!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“H-H-Hey, why are you labeling me a pervert?! I haven’t done anything, sheesh..” I said as I clutched my throbbing gut and drew nearer. Seriously. She isn’t listening to a word I say. She's on the verge of tears.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Wh-wh-what are you- planning?? Are you going to take advantage o-of me, now that I’m defenceless?? Men like you are the worst!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What do you mean, men like me?”

<p class="MsoNormal">My response caused her to flinch. I kneeled beside her and inspected the damage. Yep. Nothing the family medicine can’t fix. I hurriedly uncapped a small glass bottle from my sling bag. Whitish-green fluid poured out into my vacant palm, and I rubbed it against the other. “Don’t your parents teach you not to judge a book by its cover?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla fell silent and offered me her injured wing.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t even think about doing anything funny.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Right.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I tugged her wing close and rubbed the liquid at it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla’s face erupted in red. She screamed, not of pain but of delight. Her breathing sagged in an erotic manner and her arms and legs quivered uneasily. I kept a tight lip as her formerly vacant expression went awash in lascivious thoughts and went to work, averting my eyes from her sensual expression.

<p class="MsoNormal">Arousal. The common effect of tempered Slime juice on skin. I wasn’t planning on telling her right off the bat. She might just flip me over once she finds out.

<p class="MsoNormal">I quietly went on with the task, telling myself I’m a healer on duty (I’m used to this reaction, anyway. I’ve healed a lot of people with this stuff, and earned a right amount of beatings afterwards). Hands wet in Slime juice ran down her membrane, tracing intricate symbols at the affected area. With every stroke, Ryla whimpered and stifled moan after moan coming out of her throat.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Wh-wha-at i-is this?? AHH~!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“This’ll only be a minute. Bear with me Ryla. “

<p class="MsoNormal">She couldn’t. She grabbed my arm and pulled it towards her, smothering it between her breasts. I was mortified, but I couldn’t let her see me react. A wet moan left her lips and she squeezed the arm even tighter.

<p class="MsoNormal">“A-AAGGHH~!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“OW OW OW OW OW!!! “

<p class="MsoNormal">“Uh…. S-sorry..” She loosened her hold. “Please… not so… hard… AHHH~!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Just.. a bit.. more..” I reassured her. Her voice was starting to get to me, and it was more on the carnal manner.

<p class="MsoNormal">As soon as I finished my work, both of us were sweating and panting hard. I made several hand weaves and muttered a chant. In response, the symbol of a spiral sun I traced on her wing glowed green, and small balls of energy radiated outward from her injury. Good. It’s starting to heal.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You can let go now.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla gawked at the magic enchantment, then at me. She must’ve been under the impression this was a silly dream. “Healing magic?” She stretched her wing and stared hard at what I just accomplished. She blushed in embarrassment and looked away.

<p class="MsoNormal">I nodded. “Sorry about that. The arousing feeling is definitely my fault.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t understand you.” She turned gazing at me. Her pupils had the look of wonder. “We’re enemies, and you’re helping me. Is this not against your credo, or something similar to that?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“My credo doesn’t state I can ignore a girl who has a handicap.” I rested my back on a stalagmite, hands placed behind my head. “I know you’re a Mamono and all, but if I do so much as forget how to treat women right, it’s a sign of weakness.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla inched near me. “Tell me. Am I supposed to owe you a favour after this charitable act?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Fight me once we leave the cavern, and that’s that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“EH?? You—do not wish for me to serve you? To pay you with --  my body??”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Seriously? What kind of Hero does that? I won’t stoop that low just to arouse myself.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla’s head tilted. “You… aren’t what I think you are, are you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Depends.” I replied. “What I do know is… all you’ve heard about me is a lie. “

<p class="MsoNormal">I gazed at the cavern ceiling and sighed at the idea of telling her my life story.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My village is the poorest in the Kingdom. We thrived on crops that grew on earth, and sold metalworks to travellers. It was simple, and that was what made it what it was. Every year, we had to survive the harsh climate, the usual assault of brigands and pillagers, and Mamonos who take men with them. To us, it was a blessing that the Chief God chose the next Hero among my kin. Problem was, they didn’t expect it was me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I was the runt of the litter. People used to call me ‘Marden Mishap’ because whenever I’m around, I trip and make a scene. I end up an embarrassment to everybody all the time, so when I was prophesized to be a Hero, there were sort of mixed feelings about my case. Some of my relative I was better off screwing up elsewhere than at the village. Others were afraid I’d make even worse damage than I was at home. I wanted to prove them wrong. So I trained. Day and night, I honed my powers in order to make myself a worthy champion. That was when I became the Mark Maker.

<p class="MsoNormal">“The first time I met a Mamono in combat, it didn’t turn out so well. I was nervous, embarrassed if you will, that I was facing a Ghoul. You would say she’s a Mamono, but she appeared like a half-naked lady to me. I fought her, but then I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t land a deathblow, even though I fought to defend myself. Towards the end of our battle, old habits made a comeback. I tripped and unwittingly brought her down with me. I realized I had my face stuck on her privates, and she slapped me. She shrieked how I made her look like an idiot when I didn’t want her at all and left seething mad. After that, my fighting days just became worse.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I battled the worst Mamonos imaginable as days went on. I knew I was holding up well because I could clearly see myself fending them off with ease, but every single time, I would make a mistake, trip and raise their ire, and they would leave in a huff after they beat me up. Soon enough, I noticed even women, NORMAL human women, were beginning to avoid. I guess, it’s from that rumour you’ve heard about. So there. “

<p class="MsoNormal">“You… only seek to prove yourself. That was why.. you didn’t want me to…”

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked back at her direction. “When I swore to the heavens I’d defeat the Demon Lord, I never wanted to back down from that promise. The mission is what keeps me in motion. Yet… here I am, and I can’t even end a single Mamono without being an embarrassment. Pfft. What a joke.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I stood and checked on her wing again. The symbol faded, and the orbs of energy dissipated.

<p class="MsoNormal">“There. All better.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla’s pupils zoned on the sight of her perfectly-sound wings. There was shock and awe painted on her face. She stretched them out and flapped them twice, causing a gust to billow inside the cave.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You were able to do..this much.. when.. you’re already weakened ?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hah.. You could tell…..”

<p class="MsoNormal">And at once, I dropped on the solid floor, hearing her call me by my name before my world was lost in black.

<p class="MsoNormal">



<p class="MsoNormal">I woke up, feeling the wind brushing hard against my cheek. Against my hands and toes. Stinging my eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">That sounds a bit extreme. What the heck is —

<p class="MsoNormal">I open my eyes and realize that I’m dangling forty feet in mid-air, inky darkness below and the dawn sky shining above the ravine. Insincts kick in and I shriek, the girl in me shattering my manly vestige. “HOLY ARES! GET ME DOWNN!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Pipe down, Mard. We’re getting out.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The voice that seemed somewhat infuriated and sniggering calmed me down. “R-Ryla?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You seem better than before." Ryla beamed at me coyly. "Here I was considering we’d duel once we leave this chasm. But I seriously doubt if you’re a man with that screech of yours. Are you sure you’re a guy?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“HEY! Who in the right mind would bring a guy in the air when he’s out cold? You get the picture!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Alright. Give me a minute. You complain like my father.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla pulled me close to her chest and buried my head between her mounds. It felt like being in a pile of pillows, except these weren’t the pillows I’d like to sleep on.

<p class="MsoNormal">“C-C-AN’T BREATHE!!” I was tapping her arm rapidly, as if this were a submission match. Ryla giggled and relaxed her grip. “What’s the big idea?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryla smiled at me. A normal, girlish smile that made me flush scarlet. “I like you, Marden.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Y-Y—YOU WHAAAAAAAT??!”  Her words felt like lightning sending a jolt up my spine.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Do you wish for me to repeat that?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No, no, no, no! This isn’t the time to make a confession, SHEESH!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Please, Marden. I feel much better in opening up when I’m in the air.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I went mum and let her talk.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My father was a Hero. A man above the rest. He met my mother, and quietly left his kin as I was born afterward. He told me that many Heroes think idealistically, that their purpose of fighting is for the people, for the masses, for the human race. When he… passed away, he told me that if I were to look for a man, it didn’t necessarily had to be a Hero. He wanted me to find someone who was empty as much as I do, something a Mamono like me can be a shoulder and shoulder on to. I believed in him. And… I think you’re that person he wanted me to find.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I laughed, much to her surprise. “Is something funny?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re empty? And I thought you’re a sturdy wall with boobs.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“P-PERVERT!” Oh crud, she just might let go of me out of sheer embarrassment.

<p class="MsoNormal">“WHOAAAHH! I was KIDDING! Don’t you DROP ME!!! I’LL DIE!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m…. serious here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked up, and we met each other’s gaze. “So what is empty with you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“M-m-my womb...”

<p class="MsoNormal">“P-PARDON?!” Okay, that was a deadly answer.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I… want a child. Is that too much to ask, Marden?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“SeRIOUSLY? You ask me that in MID-AIR? We haven’t even settled our duel yet!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“How about we make a deal then? If I lose, you can have your way with me. But IF I win, you are mine.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yours? HAH! As if I’d ever lose to you, Ryla!”

<p class="MsoNormal">As I looked at her, eyes illuminated by the brilliance of the night sky, I had already lost myself in its depth. Our figures danced in the twilight’s embrace, and I knew then, that I’ve been defeated by something worse than death: A Mamono's charm.

<p class="MsoNormal">But…. the tale's just about to get started.

<p class="MsoNormal">.. because I never expected that down below, someone else had its eyes set on me…. Someone even scalier….

<p class="MsoNormal">(Second Update soon!)