User blog:JeielYozama/The House of Gaunts-- The Girl Who Lived With Me

''Ohaiyo minna, sorry for being quite inactive for a while. It's been a brain-rackin'time for me, being in college and all that, but somehow, I've squeezed enough time to cook up a creative story, based on one of the newest additions of the Mamono family: Kobold-san! (MamonoQuest readers, gomene, writer's block's gotten a hold of me as of the moment, so be patient) ''

Anyway, here's a story on Jared Shale, and how a Mamono ended on his doorstep... (It's the first of its storyline.. wait soon 4 more!)

The eerie glow of summer fireflies lit the darkness that shrouded the quaint village that is Canis Mons. On the porch of a beat-down shack conveniently tucked amidst massive clumps of water reeds and cattails, sat a man whose back was slumped against an aged rocking chair. Gazing silently at the prevalent gloom, he made a grumbling noise and bit his lip, as if waiting for something to happen. He rocked his seat into motion and pulled a pipe from the pocket of his ripped jeans. A lighted match met the tip of the item, and with a whiff, he sent puffs of smoke out into the night.

A patter of footsteps approached him from behind, casting a shadow on where he was. “Honey? Are you alright?”

Her tone sounded anxious.

“Hmm?”

“You look tense.”

“Who, me?” He raised his head to ogle at the newcomer. He dumped the singed remains of what was in the pipe into the water and sighed. “I... guess so. I’m kind of thinking of some things.”

“Like?”

“Oh, this and that..”

The girl’s arms embraced him, and he immediately felt warmth:  something he could never experience anywhere else.

“What specifically?”

For a while, there was nothing he could think of.

Right there and then, nostalgia had found its way in his thoughts.

He turned to her. Smiled.

“The day we met.”





<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Ten years ago. That was how long it’d been.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">I was just a wee child, during those times. In those days, we lived on the far end of the continent, at a quiet stretch of land teeming with human settlements named Aiam, place of solitude for those under the light of the Holy Order. Precocious, my parents would proudly state about me, but overly mischievous. An innocent, sweet-looking pratt who loved to giggle and pull people’s ears. The way I perceived things in the most nonsensical manner available proved I was oblivious.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Oblivious to the fact people avoided my supposed ‘pro-Mamono’ family.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">That none of the kids my age wanted to befriend me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">That the reason why I was being bullied was because I was labeled a born ‘heretic’.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">I never paid heed to that kind of detail. All I ever cared was having fun and nothing else. I was one of those adventurous sorts of troublemakers; always coming up with new ideas on how to cause mayhem. To the young ‘me’, there was but one credo: Life’s better spent on pranks and games.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Then again, if you’re raised in a household with a mother constantly worrying about you and a father incessantly bugging you on how’d your day go, it’s a pain to be the only son. For one thing, you’re their main thrust of concern. The slightest sight of me sporting a huge black eyesore sets them into a frenzy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Who in the name of God DID THIS TO YOU?” They’d scream in revolt. I reply with a stupid grin. Shaking their heads, they pat me, tear-stricken and riddled with guilt, and that’s as far as they could do.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">As time went on, I guessed overprotectiveness got to them. They started caging me like a prisoner. I was literally locked inside the house and warned not to leave. Unfortunately for them, words aren’t enough to make me heel. I’d sneak out through the window, and despite the constant mockery and rejection I received from the neighborhood kids, I played. Usually, on my own.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">My reason was petty enough. I was lonely. I wanted attention. And as far as I’m concerned, no matter how much I wait, I’ll never get a younger sibling to boss around, to teach stuff, or to confide to.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Then came a particular Sunday afternoon. Inside my tiny room, I piled building blocks on top of each other, imagining I was a master architect. I was in the process of naming one of my castles, when a barking sound on the porch made me jump. Snapped me out of concentration.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Huh?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">That sounded like.. a dog.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Childish instincts told me Father had bought me a puppy for a playmate. I was filled with glee. I always wanted a pet. In my excitement, my teeny tower toppled down and scattered piece by piece on the floor. It didn’t matter. I rushed to the doorway, anticipating the supposed ‘present’ with open arms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">However, my running skidded to a stop.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Something was sitting at the door, and it wasn’t just a dog.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">‘It’ turned out to be a girl, that little as I was, made my jaw drop.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">She was probably, the cutest Mamono my childish eyes had laid upon. Patches of frumpy golden fur covered her neck and chest, and more swathed her arms and legs. Her hands and feet were not of a person’s, but of a dog’s. A pair of drooping, lopsided ears poked from her flowing, dandelion-colored hair, and a tail wagged eagerly at the sight of me. Her eyes, dyed in meringue, widened at once. I had only managed to say ‘Whoa’ before she tackled me head-on and licked my cheek. I yelped as I fell on the floor, and then pleaded with a chuckle, “Stop! Hey! It tickles!!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Seconds later, I heard Father yelling an order.

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">The dog-girl halted at the mere mention of her name, ears twitching slightly, then stood at attention on all fours, still gazing at me fondly. Father was removing his oil-encrusted boots as he entered through the door, and as usual, he had a cheeky grin on his face as if he struck a goldmine, much like me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">I tugged his shirt, soiled in sweat and grime, and pointed at Eri. “Pa, who is she? She’s not a puppy, is she?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Well... that’s partly true..” He mused scratching his head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“RONALD!”  Mother yelled. She had really good ears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“I’m kidding, I’m kidding..”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">He clamped his hands on my shoulders and made me face him. I gulped. The belief of being interrogated for breaking Ms. Ravina’s Zipangu-crafted vase two days ago gave me the shivers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Father must’ve seen me growing restless, because he slapped me hard on the back. “Straighten up, son, I’m not going to scold you.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Oh... Oh-kay.” On the back of my head, I was thanking the Chief God.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Father gestured me towards her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Jared, this is Eri Cayna. Eri,  my son, Jared. Starting today, she will be moving in as a part of this family, so I want you two to be friends, and I want you to teach her common human knowledge, Jared.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“HAAH?” I said, somewhat miffed. ”Isn’t that too big a chore, Pa? I dunno.. “

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Oh, it’ll be fine. Just show her the ropes.” He whispered, giving me a wink. “Eri’s your age, you know. Isn’t she a beauty?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">I stared long and hard at the non-human girl in front of me. Her petite body reminded me of a puppy’s, but there was something else that drew me into staring. She licked the back end of her paw, scratched her ear, followed her wagging tail and chased it in circles until she fell on her back. Spotting me looking at her made her smile and she snuggled at my feet. I distinctively remember turning red.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Umm... Nice to meet you.. Eri.” I gingerly reached out my hand. She tilted her head, as if wondering what to do next, then she licked my open palm. I laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“That’s not how you do it.” I led her paw into shaking it. “There.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">And for the first time since she arrived, I heard her voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Nice to.. meet you.. Master.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">As night approached, I found myself unable to sleep. Questions popping into mind were driving me nuts. How did Father end up with Eri? Why should I be the one to handle her? Why of all the families here, did she end up with ours? What if everyone else found out? What would the neighbors think?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">The more I asked, the more I begged for answers.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">I stood and rubbed my eyes awake. Eri was curled up in a ball at her bed set up next to mine, so I tiptoed my way to the kitchen, hoping for a glass of water. Passing by the hall, I saw the light on my parent’s room turned on. I glanced at the clock. Something tells me they’re still up for a reason.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">I pressed my ear against the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">They were talking about someone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Ronald. I’m worried about Jared. We’ve gotten him involved in our mess far enough.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Shh... Selene, keep it down. You’ll wake them both up. You know how sharp a Kobold’s hearing is.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Oh, so that’s what Eri is?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">I muffled my husky breathing, determined to hear more.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“But... whisking her away from that place, that was risky already... and now you’re letting Jared keep an eye on her?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“In turn, she will protect Jared. Remember that. Don’t worry too much.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“We had to do it anyway. After the former head of the Order passed on, Eri had nowhere to go. Even though Kobolds are permitted to live with humans in these parts, some of the Church members can’t be trusted. I overheard a few saying the mere tolerance of one defiles the sacred belief of the Order, so it’d only be a matter of time before they’d think of a plan to dispose of her.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“How cruel... and you said Eri’s parents were discovered ‘missing-in-action’ during the civil war?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Yes. “

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">My feet shuffled nervously.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">“Now, we’re the only family she’s got.”

<p class="MsoNormal">And now he tells me. Well, not in the face, but you get the picture.

<p class="MsoNormal">I was struck by guilt. I never knew she was knee-deep in trouble like this, let alone her being more ‘lonely’ than I was. I guess, the idea was to keep it a secret from the both of us, thinking we’d be too young to understand.

<p class="MsoNormal">I wiped my teary eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Wait.. Am I crying for her? No... It can’t be. Sleep must be getting a hold on me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“M-Master?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The sudden feel of fur brushing against my naked skin caused me to yelp. Eri was crouched beneath my feet, her ears slightly pricked and her tail stiffened in alarm.

<p class="MsoNormal">“SHH!” I held a finger over my lip.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Shush?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I slapped my face with a groan, only to hear somebody nearing the door this time.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Who’s THERE?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Father.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Quick!” I whispered, pulling her close in a hurry. We caught sight of a closetful of cleaning tools down by the hall and snuck inside.

<p class="MsoNormal">Perfect timing. Footsteps wandered out to check the kitchen.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Not. A. Sound.” I warned.

<p class="MsoNormal">I suddenly realized I’d done a careless mistake. I never anticipated our ‘hiding-place’ was this small. There was hardly enough room for two kids our size, so we were face-to-face inside that little space, a gaping inch of separation between us.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a blush, she nodded in agreement, and I kept my mouth shut.

<p class="MsoNormal">I admit. For a while, I thought the world had stopped. Save for the scuffling outside our hiding place, I could hear my breathing in line with hers. My hands were cold and sweaty. I had never looked at any girl this close, and every detail of her little face was right in front of me. A funny feeling made my throat tingle. A few more steps, and Father clambered back to bed, closing the door with a gradual thud.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Phew.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I had to make a sound.

<p class="MsoNormal">I backed up-- and my weight pushed the closet door open. I yanked her arm by mistake, and the two of us crashed onto the floor, the equipment falling with a clatter, and a tide of dust choking us in our wake.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Uhh...” I staggered back. “ ERI! Are you al“

<p class="MsoNormal">Strike two for my careless mistakes.

<p class="MsoNormal">I was down on the floor, and something soft cushioned my fall. Turns out it was Eri, but that wasn’t the worst off. My arms were outstretched on both ends on top of her as she lay solidly against her back. Afraid she would lash out once she comes around, I locked my eyes shut for the inevitable, but nothing happened.

<p class="MsoNormal">Did she pass out?

<p class="MsoNormal">I peeked. She wasn’t moving in the slightest. She was gazing straight at me, her hands held close to her chest. Her fur bristled like the ends of a hairbrush, an act I thought dogs did out of fear. I was at a loss for words. Unable to react, I stared back at her. My arms began to wobble. Even in the darkness foreshadowed by the moonlight, her reaction was lit across her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">She wasn’t scared, or shocked. She was nervous.

<p class="MsoNormal">A dumb thing pervaded me. Call me weird, but it was the only sentence that kept screaming in my head.

<p class="MsoNormal">''.. She’s actually.. kinda cute.''

<p class="MsoNormal">The moment was cut off by a thundering holler.

<p class="MsoNormal">“JARED!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Father was standing right in front of us, and from the way his eyebrows met his wrinkled forehead, he was ‘kindly-explain-this-to-me’ sort of furious.

<p class="MsoNormal">“GAH!” I finally came to my senses. As I rehearsed it, I bowed like a Sandskript believer (Pharaoh-worshippers of the desert region), my head ducking in between my knees. “S-Sorry Pa!!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What in the name of Ares are you still up for? And with Eri?? What were you two doing inside the closet?” He was giving me and Eri a stern glare. “I thought I told you both to sleep half an hour ago!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I-uh-uh—“ I strained to think of a lame excuse. I’ve always had excuses to get out of a predicament, and now I had nothing in mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">Crud. I’m officially toast.

<p class="MsoNormal">“He was cleaning his teeth.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I flinched, and looked at Eri. She was at full attention, as if awaiting orders. There wasn’t a hint of laughter or reaction that would gave away her lie. It’s as if she was dead serious with him.

<p class="MsoNormal">I corrected, “You mean brushing.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Brushing! I meant brushing!” She said, smiling. Father’s eyebrows raised in protest. He was still unconvinced.

<p class="MsoNormal">“And how did you end up in there?” He pointed at the open closet.

<p class="MsoNormal">I stepped in. “Umm..we were looking for something to prop the widow open in our room, but we got trapped inside by mistake. It was really musty in there.” I added for good measure.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hmm.. Are you sure you’re not making that up, dear Eri? Jared?” He stressed the mentioning of my name. I swallowed and tried not to let him see that.

<p class="MsoNormal">“A-Absolutely!”  A hand of mine covered Eri’s mouth before she could add another life-threatening word. “Would we ever lie to you, Pa?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Not if it’s you involved.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Aww, come on, Pa!”

<p class="MsoNormal">It seemed our tag team had won him over, as he finally scratched his head and ushered us to our rooms.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Fine. Go to bed, will you?” He ordered while picking up the fallen tools back in place.

<p class="MsoNormal">Giving each other a wink, we silently slunk to bed, giggling at the feat we pulled off. I tugged the bed covers over me like a small dome and coaxed a fidgety Eri inside.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thanks, partner.” I nudged her on the shoulder and patted her head. Her tail wagged excitedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Huh? Are you not my master?” She asked all of a sudden.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Dummy. Don’t call me that. It’s embarrassing. “

<p class="MsoNormal">“Then...”

<p class="MsoNormal">I led her paw to my chest. ” Jared. Just Jared. And I’ll call you Eri. Will that do?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“ B-but.. I don’t think...it’s appropriate... ~KYA!” I plonked her smack on the head.

<p class="MsoNormal">“In my sense, it’s better off we call each other like that.” I straightened up. “I’m not your master, alright? I’m like, you’re best buddy. We’re equals. So, is that fine, Eri?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri looked like she was about to scream when I said her name. She was edgy for but a second, then she quipped, “Y-Yes.. Master.. Jared.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“That again??”

<p class="MsoNormal">I gave a heaving sigh.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh... never mind. Suit yourself.” I grinned and rubbed her ears, and at once she wagged her tail again.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">From that night onwards, things became pretty close for me and my ‘best buddy’. In fact, too close. But I didn't care. I was never happier.

<p class="MsoNormal">I did what Father told me, as a matter of fact. I instructed Eri on common human 'stuff', simple lessons on how to act normal, but it just wouldn't cut it. A few seconds later, she would revert back into being a playful puppy, brushing her fur against me, fetching one of my slippers clamped in her teeth, begging me to rub her belly (which I would do with my head turned away, face flushed all scarlet), and worse, tackling me until I'd tumble down on the floor, with her hugging me affectionately.

<p class="MsoNormal">I couldn't find it in my heart to stay mad. Most of the time, I let her do what she wanted, and at the very least, she never let me do things solo. She was really supportive of everything I did, cheering me on whenever I tried to do something idiotic. Afterwards, we'd end up laughing at our foolish notions.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">One thing did worry me: the thought of her leaving the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Master Jared?" She happened to ask once. It was 3 years after our first meeting, and we were casually laying on the main room, looking at how the aquarium fishes swam in their gloomy haven.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Jared." I noted.

<p class="MsoNormal">"J-Jared.." She strained to say it without her usual label. "What's out there?"

<p class="MsoNormal">I tensed.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Uh... Nothing. Just boring stuff."

<p class="MsoNormal">Her ears pricked. "Really?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yeah... Don't mind it, Eri. I mean, it's more fun to play here with me, right?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"But... it smells rather odd.."

<p class="MsoNormal">Her nose twitched, picking up something only she could describe.".. Like so many orders mixing together.."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh, that!!" I made a rather stupid excuse. Man, I never wanted to lie on her."It's because I haven't taken a bath yet! Waitasec..." I sped to the bathroom.

<p class="MsoNormal">"H-huh??" She tugged my collar. "W-wait!! I should be joining you too!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"GAH!! Don't even think about IT!!" I screamed, and she giggled at my flushed face.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">To be honest, I wasn't just worried. I was afraid of what might happen.

<p class="MsoNormal">Of how my friends will react when they see Eri come out of the house. Of what they might tell their parents. Of what their parents might do to Father and Mother. Of what the Order'll do if they find we had a Mamono in the village.

<p class="MsoNormal">But mostly, i was starting to fear what they'd do to Eri..

<p class="MsoNormal">That little fear of mine was killing me, i just know it. Pins and needles stung me whenever it came to mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">However, I had grown too much careless.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">It was one humid afternoon,three days before my 14th birthday. I fanned myself like crazy, the windows open to let in passing wind, while Eri sat beside me, catching the draft.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Geez, someone better invent an instant fanning machine or something! This heat is driving me crazy!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"That's rather sudden for you to say, Master Jared." Eri said, scratching the spot behind her ears. I gave her a face that screamed 'Really now?'

<p class="MsoNormal">"What do you know? You're Mamono, so it doesn't bother you that much, right?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes it does."She grinned in a mischievous way. She was beginning to do that a lot nowadays, and it seriously made me nervous. "In fact, I feel rather hot, Master Jared. Would you care to bathe me?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Here we go again with that stuff..."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Why wouldn't you, Master Jared?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Please..it's just Jared. Do I need to spell it out to ya? I'm a boy, you're a girl, and---

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm HOME!"

<p class="MsoNormal">Ma's voice distracted her off topic. Good.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri suddendly looked at where Mother's words trailed from. Her nose raised, sniffing the air. That was weird. I shuffled to my feet and left her where she paused.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hey Ma! I-"

<p class="MsoNormal">A blurry figure whizzed past me and knocked me down.I managed to see it speed off to the hallway.

<p class="MsoNormal">"ERI!!" There was a crash, amidst my mother's holler.

<p class="MsoNormal">I cursed and pulled myself up. I found Mother on the floor, the goods she bought from the local market spilled all over. She was quavering,pointing at the end of the hall. I couldn't blame her anymore.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eri had left. Out through the open door.

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<p class="MsoNormal">''Liked the story? The next's bound to get more interesting.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''--- Updates up soon! ---''

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